June - Reads and Reviews!
- Claire O'Sullivan
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22
Catching up on the reads!
The first book for the month is "Not Boyfriend Material: A Brother's Best Friend Romantic Comedy" by USA Today bestselling, Becky Monson. Let's guess, ROMCOM, right? And it was clean, fun, very trope-ish but a perfect June read.
Take poor Lucy. She doesn't have a losing streak in romance because, well, when you're a busy ER nurse, life isn't 'Grey's Anatomy' and the docs walking the halls are usually the wrong kinda guy for a steady romance. Plus, she does NOT want a romance -- with anyone. She's in a rut and her best friend has a bright idea, all right. A challenge for the New Year.
Enter Graham. Now, he is a doctor. He roams the halls of the same small hospital. He and Lucy have been childhood friends (more like her brother's best friend) for years -- until mysteriously, they weren't. He and Lucy have the perfect professional relationship. Perfect. Until it's not.
Both are holding onto their secrets and texting their "penpals" to get advice on how to be friends. Things don't work as planned ...
I read Gina Holder's ARC copy of Gina Holder's "The Puzzle Within." Wow. It's a 'what every reader wants' - a unique view, something unexpected. As someone said, 'the GPS was set to one destination and ended up in another.' This is a unique twist on a romantic suspense with action at every turn, and it is complex. I was so intrigued, I'd stop at every clue and try to figure some important portion out. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. I loved how it progressed with two protagonists working together to solve not one, but two murders. This sequel will continue into the next, and the next, and I am looking forward to a new favorite author's work.
Another ARC I read was Murdered by the Blooms,' by Jodi Casstevens-Short. Jillian's up to no good again (er, good, but you know. No good, good) playing amateur sleuth when things happen to her flower shop, Blossoms & Blooms. Then an unexpected suicide (not) and a new, unusual woman about, and a newly-widowed woman. Things continue to escalate and cryptic notes continue to show up -- she has to figure out (to the chagrin of the police in the small town) of course. It's a whimsical and fun read with a touch of sadness to those poor victims!
T.E. Bradford is a master at short stories, and "Reality's Needle" is no exception. In an apocalyptic future, Sol, once addicted to Reality, realizes his daughter has downloaded the same program that nearly killed him. A race against time sets in motion a reality she's never seen, and one he never wanted to leave. I dare say it's a frightening thing that in 3 short years from this publication, we are almost there.
I hope you all enjoy these great reads!
A short word about two books: Silk & Slippers, a Whiskey River Mystery, book 3, won the Eric Hoffer Award, da Vinci Eye Award. I may have mentioned this before. And it was recently reviewed in Robin Densmore Fuson's quarterly review:
Also, I received the Christlit Award (which everyone on God's good green earth has heard already) for my genre. Yes, readers, I am about to do it. Brace yourselves because, well, y'all know me.
And a plug from Christlit's CEO:
If you're in search of a literary getaway that will whisk you off your feet, then Shanghai Road, part of Claire O'Sullivan's Whiskey River Mysteries, is just the read you need!
The gripping quality of this book showcases the author's extraordinary talent, pulling you in, right from the opening line to the conclusion. The characters are so well-developed and genuine that every predicament they face feels strikingly authentic. O'Sullivan's writing draws you into their lives, allowing you to feel their emotional highs and lows. I found the plot to be exceptional, as it consistently keeps you intrigued, preserving the excitement of revelation all the way through. The light romance introduces a lovely aspect, raising the emotional stakes without overshadowing the central storyline. Additionally, the shifting perspectives among characters provide a multifaceted view of the unfolding events, allowing readers to engage with the story on a deeper level and fostering a sense of connection with each character's unique experiences.
Another thing I truly enjoyed about this narrative is the understated yet impactful presence of faith. The consistent thread of trusting in God enriches the story without feeling forced, illustrating how He guides us through trials and impacts our decision-making.
By the time I finished reading, I found myself wanting more from this gifted author, as Shanghai Road creates a memorable impact that stays with you even after you close the book!
- Louise Jane, CEO The Christlit Book Awards
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