Welcome to the first of the author updates this week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.
The first author today is USA Bestselling author Jacquie Biggar with a review for Sunset Beach (Blue Haven Book 2)
About the book
An explosive secret threatens the peace and tranquility of Sweetheart Cove
Single father Trace Michaels hands are full coping with a rebellious teenage daughter, troublesome ex-wife, and campaigning for the mayor’s election. He doesn’t have time to get distracted by an old flame from his past– one he’s never forgotten.
When an unknown source leaks surprising news that could damage his career, Trace turns to the one person he trusts for the truth.
Single mother Mona Samuels knows how difficult it can be to raise a daughter. She empathizes with Trace, but when he comes to her for advice she’s conflicted. They say the truth will set you free, but unburying the past could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to build.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Trace and Mona are both single parents with teenage daughters and history that goes back to their dating years in high school. Trace made the mistake of cheating on Mona with Sally, now his ex-wife. In a small town, paths cross and gossip flies. When Mona decides to run for Mayor against Trace, life becomes even more complicated, especially as these two struggle to navigate underlying feelings for each other.
This is a sweet romance with engaging characters set in a charming town. Of special mention, Trace and Mona’s daughters, Bailey and Amber, provide a secondary plot line that shines every bit as brightly as the first. The ending is superb, providing the perfect HEA you’d expect from a story like this. A winner all the way around!
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
A selection of of other books by Jacquie Biggar
Read all the reviews and buy the books : Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Jacquie : Goodreads
Connect to Jacquie via her website: Jacquie Biggar
The next author is Mae Clair for her recently released mystery with a touch of humour… In Search of McDoogal
About the book
In search of something ugly…
All Brady Conrad wants to do is earn a few merit points with his artist girlfriend, so he volunteers to cover her gallery when she leaves town. What should be an easy day of sales goes belly up when he mistakenly sells a cherished painting.
With the clock ticking toward Vanessa’s return, Brady has less than a day to track McDoogal down. He coerces his friend Declan to tag along for moral support. How difficult can it be for an investigator and the director of a renowned institute to find a single painting in a town the size of a postage stamp?
Neither Brady nor Declan counted on a suspicious sheriff, rival baseball teams with a longstanding grudge, or a clueless kid trying to win his girlfriend with all the wrong gifts.
McDoogal is smack in the middle. But Brady’s biggest dilemma isn’t the disastrous hunt. It’s confessing to Vanessa her painting is the ugliest thing he’s ever seen
One of the recent reviews for the book.
Mae Clair’s In search of McDoogal (2020) is fun, quick paced, and clever. It’s not long so I barely started before I felt like it ended too soon. Brady Conrad thinks he has something special with his girlfriend of six weeks, Vanessa, like she could be The One. So he offers to help her out during an emergency, run a sale at her art gallery while she’s taking care of personal business. It all goes well–he does end up selling a lot–but also sells a painting she wanted to keep. How hard can it be to get it back? Brady knows the man’s first name, where he lives, and that his van is bright orange (who else drives an orange van?). He’s about to find out even with that treasure trove of information, it can be nearly impossible.
I’ve read lots of Mae’s prior books and always loved them for their careful plotting and well-developed characters. Despite this one’s brevity, she again does a good job of developing her story with snappy dialogue, a mix of love and action, and a believable plot (I mean, anyone could make the mistake that landed Brandon in hot water). This is an entirely entertaining story I recommend to those who have experience with something so simple going so wrong.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And:Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Mae Clair
Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
And on: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Mae: Goodreads
Connect to Mae via her Blog/Website: Mae Clair
The final author is Audrey Driscoll with a recent review for her action adventure, She Who Comes Forth
About the book
October 1962. The developing nuclear missile crisis in Cuba is of no concern to Francesca “France” Leighton. Recently turned 21, France travels from her home in Providence to a job at an archaeological dig in Luxor, Egypt. She takes with her two legacies—an emerald ring from the grandfather she never knew, and an antique cello from his friend, a man she loved like a grandfather.
The dig disappoints. France is relegated to sorting chunks of stone, the dig’s director makes unwanted advances; rivalries and mistrust are everywhere. And it’s too darn hot. Tasked with playing her cello at a gathering of archaeologists, France meets the enigmatic and fascinating nuclear physicist Adam Dexter. She’s smitten, especially when he promises to show her the secrets of Egypt, including a hitherto undiscovered tomb.
One of the recent reviews for the book
The backdrop here is that in the 1960s, France accepts a gig in Egypt to work at an archaeological dig site. She admits to the reader that she has zero applicable experience, and… it’s revealed early on that the man who hired her may have done so for, well, dubious reasons. (One detail I do not recall is whether she had any experience/education that was even tangentially applicable.)
When she arrives at the dig house and it’s revealed that she doesn’t really belong, the people in charge empathize with the long journey she’s taken from the Providence, Rhode Island, and go out of their way to find a place for her. Sorting rocks is kind of a bummer job, but she makes the best of it with good cheer and an upbeat attitude (mostly). Once she settles into her minor role, she’s asked to play her cello (alongside a violinist and violist) at an investors’ event, and it’s clear even then that the music gig is more about the people in charge finding a suitable place for her than anything else.
(In case you were wondering: yes, it is in fact weird that she packed up and brought her cello to Egypt. But there is a good reason for it!)
The whole book is an exercise in subtlety. I mean, honestly, when you consider that the first third of the book centers around France preparing for a semi-formal event where she’s going to play some Beethoven, it’s remarkable that the author is able to make everything so engaging. Thanks to a colorful cast of characters and France’s narration, the book thrives on these mild story beats.
The ending takes some unexpected but satisfying turns. There are a lot of supernatural elements at play here, also subtle, which seem so out of place (in a good way!) sometimes that they’re genuinely creepy when they occur. I’m sorely tempted to lay out some examples, but I don’t want to spoil anything — read it!
Most books have a slump in the pacing somewhere, and this book is no exception, but the slump here is brief. The majority of the book is so crystal clear about what’s going on that chapters 10 and 11 kinda dragged. They were fuzzy and unclear, like someone recalling an alien abduction while under regressive hypnotherapy. Not bad by any stretch, but I was glad to make it to chapter 12.
I recommend this book to just about anyone. Whether you’re into Egypt, the supernatural, music, the 1960s, or conversations with inanimate objects (*wink*), you’ll have an excellent time. Great characters, great cast, and a great, subtle plot in the background.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
A selection of other books by Audrey Driscoll
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
Read more reviews and follow Audrey on: Goodreads
Connect to Audrey via her website: Audrey Driscoll
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books under your arm. thanks Sally.
Good collection, Sally!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Jacqui x
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are all wonderful books by great authors. I have Audrey’s book and a few of Mae’s and Jacquie’s.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Robbie.. have a good Monday. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Sally, for including me in this post with Jacquie and Mae. Good company, good books!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Pleasure Audrey and enjoy your week. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m delighted to be included as well, Audrey. Happy day!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Congratulations to all the authors and good luck! Thanks, Sally, for the recommendations and updates!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Olga..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful group of authors, Sally – congratulations to everyone on these great reviews. Toni x
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Toni..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like a fun collection of books and authors, Sally. I have all of Mae’s and especially enjoyed the humour in McDoogal. The cover on Sunset Beach is lovely. I’ll have to check out all of these. Thanks for sharing. Hugs xx 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Glad to have tempted you Harmony and thanks for the added recommendation for Mae’s book..hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Harmony. Thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts. They are much appreciated, And I totally agree about Jacquie’s book. I throughly loved it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve read Mae’s book and have Jacquie’s on my radar. Great reviews.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for adding your thoughts, Joan. I’m so delighted you’ve enjoyed my work!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m a huge fan of your first two authors. Nice to see them here. I haven’t read Jacquie’s latest (though I have no doubt it’s amazing) but I have read Mae’s and I love it. It’s such a fun story; just what the world needs right now.
And now I have a third author to look into. Thanks, Sally. Best wishes to all the authors.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing such lovely thoughts, Staci. I so appreciate the support, and am thrilled you enjoyed McDoogal! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can vouch for McDoogal, and it was wonderful. Great length for me right now. Read it in a single afternoon.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Craig for adding your recommendation.. I am three quarters through Viral Blues at the moment and will review on Saturday.. Enjoy the week. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for taking a chance on it. Hope you’re having fun with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am, cannot look any of my hats in the eye now.. they are on a shelf in my spare room and terrified to wear them out…x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed it, Craig. That has me doing a happy dance 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out what’s new at the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore with author updates from Jacquie Biggar, Mae Claire, and Audrey Driscoll
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for sharing the updates Don..
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t wait for the Weekly Round Up to stop by for this group! Some super sounding books and authors here today, Sally, and I can vouch for Mae Clair’s In Search of McDoogal, too. I absolutely loved it. It’s the perfect short read, too, for those times when you are too busy to start something epic. Full of fun from start to finish, with a super relationship developed between Brady and his friend, Declan. I highly recommend it!
Looking forward to checking out both Jacquie’s and Audrey’s books too. Thanks for sharing these! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Marcia and adding your thoughts about Mae’s book.. always great to have recommendations.. and thanks for dropping by, you are always welcome..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
I so appreciate that wonderful comment, Marcia. I am thrilled you enjoyed the silly humor and the buddy relationship I wove into In Search of McDoogal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some amazing books here!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Six good ones (Three authors, Three reviewers), Sally
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree.thanks John..hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent choices, Sally! I just love Audrey’s smile. Her eyes twinkle. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Jan and yes they do…hugs xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for including me with these wonderful authors, Sally- I’m thrilled!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pleasure Jacquie..hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
Sally Cronin highlights a wonderful review for my book, Sunset Beach, as well as some from amazing authors Mae Clair and Audrey Driscoll.
Thank you, Sally!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Delighted to share Jacquie..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for another great collection, Sally!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Michael..hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-))
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing another great group of authors. Everyone seems to be busy releasing their new books. Sally, it’s your promotions that keep us all with a smile. HUGS
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Chuck..glad to hear..hugsx
LikeLike
Fab reviews. Congrats ladies! ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Debby..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a huge fan of Mae’s work and am eager to read this one. Great reviews all round, and I’m looking forward to checking out both Jacquie’s and Audrey’s books too. Great post, Sally.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Soooz.. glad you enjoyed and happy reading..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Soooz, I am honored to be included with these other wonderful authors. Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope you enjoy In Search of McDoogal.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It sounds like a read that will make me laugh.
Laughter always enriches my life. I’m looking forward to curling up with it this coming weekend.😍
LikeLiked by 2 people
What terrific additions to your shelves, Sally. McDoogal sounds like my idea of fun, and with Mae behind the pen I know it’s beautifully written.
I have plenty of sun and sandy dirt… I could fill up the bathtub and pretend I’m at the beach! Because Jacquie’s book really appeals to me too. Oh yes… need to get both of these.
Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great Teagan.. and don’t forget your bucket and spade and a cocktail for the beach..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Teagan. I am thrilled to hear you may enjoy McDoogal. And I can thoroughly vouch for Jacquie’s wonderful book. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, I am doubly honored today! My review of Jacquie Biggar’s wonderful story, Sunset Beach, shows, up, plus a spotlight on my own story In Search of McDoogal. Thank you so much, Sally. And congrats to all of the authors featured here. Lovely!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks again for reading my work and penning one of your awesome reviews!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Delighted to share Mae.. enjoy the rest of the week.. hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastic group of authors to feature, Sally – and I know all of them, lol! I haven’t read this new release of Mae’s yet – it’s waiting for me, but I can certainly vouch for her other books. I’ve also seen some rave reviews for Jacquie’s and Audrey’s novels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Teri and for adding your recommendation for Mae’s books… happy reading..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Three authors that I thoroughly enjoy, Sally. Congrats to all three on the wonderful reviews. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Diana..hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – 17th – 23rd May 2020 – Rainbow Fairies, Sound of Music, Books, Guests and Funnies | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine