Novel Nerd Blog - Book Reviews by Smitha

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW I Loved the creative writing of Jingles by D.F. Jones which is a heartwarming Christmas romance set in the charming town of HollyHaven, where the magic of the holiday season runs deep. At the heart of the town is Jingles, the beloved Christmas shop that holds the essence of the holiday spirit. However, this year, the magic is fading, and with it, the very soul of Christmas. Nick, the reluctant heir to the Claus legacy, finds himself in a race against time to restore the fading magic before Christmas is lost forever. In his search for a solution, Nick stumbles into The Cinnamon Stick, a cozy café run by Clara, a talented baker who has buried her own belief in magic and love after past betrayals. Clara has poured herself into her bakery, creating warmth and comfort for others, but she’s closed herself off from the magic of the season—and from her own heart. As Nick and Clara’s paths intertwine, a series of strange and enchanting events begin to unfold. N...

  MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Christmas Murders: A Mystery by S.F. Baumgartner is a gripping holiday thriller that follows Detective Kylie "KC" Cassidy as she navigates a high-stakes murder investigation during Christmas week. KC, struggling with a career on the line, is tasked with solving the mysterious death of a councilman before the year's end—or risk losing her job. As she digs deeper into the case, more bodies begin to pile up, each one a grim gift that leads her closer to a dark conspiracy. With time running out, KC must unravel the truth before the final countdown to New Year's Eve. Will she solve the case in time to save her career, or will this be her last Christmas? Perfect for fans of the Michael Bennett series, this fast-paced mystery is filled with twists and tension. Thanks to Netgalley and FB Publishing for an advance copy for my honest review.  BOOK DESCRIPTION A Christmas conspiracy. Multiple Murders. A dogged detective who won’t quit. Detective Kyl...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW The Last Agent in Paris by Sharon Maas is a story taking place in the setting of two countries England and France torn by a war raged by the Nazi Germans.  The majority of the novel takes place in Paris , which is under Nazi occupation from 1940 to 1944. This is an emotional World War II historical novel inspired by the true story of Noor Inayat Khan, the first female radio operator sent by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) into Nazi-occupied France. Set in 1940, the novel follows Noor, a young woman whose life is upended as Nazi forces invade France.  here, Noor is recruited by the SOE due to her proficiency in French, which makes her an ideal candidate for covert work in Nazi-occupied France.  After her family is forced to flee Paris, Noor vows to return and fight for the country she loves - France. Training as a wireless operator in England, Noor becomes an ideal candidate for a perilous undercover mission in Paris. Assigned to a ...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW  In the novel "Waking Up In Vegas", five best friends - Jess, Lisa, Olivia, Rachel and Megan sets on an unforgettable bachelorette weekend that quickly spirals into havoc and fog of confusion. Jess, the responsible planner, is ready to trade her usual careful attitude for a wild celebration in Las Vegas. With VIP passes and promises of carefree fun, she hopes to make memories that will last a lifetime before she the knot with Miles her fiancé. However, her excitement turns to horror when she wakes up in a bathtub full of ice and poker chips floating around her, her memory of the previous night completely vanished when she wakes up in Bellagio one of the most prestigious hotels in Vegas. Last night was stormed with Pulsing Lights, thumping music and flowing drinks, Here, then laughter and the overwhelming exciting bachelorette night turns to wild goose chase to figure out what had happened later for the five girls. As Jess frantically searches for ...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Terese Luikens’ memoir, A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness, is a deeply moving exploration of trauma, loss, and the path to healing. With a backdrop of an unstable childhood, marked by an emotionally absent mother and an alcoholic father, Luikens recollects her experiences with raw honesty and forwardness. The narrative is structured around the significant events of her early life, particularly the profound impact of her father's suicide when she was just thirteen. This pivotal moment serves as both a catalyst for her suffering and the beginning of her quest for understanding and forgiveness. Luikens captures the complexity of her feelings toward her family and the societal stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on these often-taboo subjects. What sets this memoir apart is Luikens’ ability to transform her pain into a message of hope. Her journey towards healing is marked by moments of introspectio...

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW Kate moved from the bustling city of Manhattan to the tranquil town of Crest Lake six years ago, seeking a quieter life and a fresh start. She had her share of worries—finding a job, adjusting to a slower pace, and navigating her relationship with Ryan Breslow, a charming photographer. Yet, she never anticipated the ground beneath her would become a literal and figurative threat. A year ago, Ryan's tragic death in a car accident left Kate reeling. Still grappling with her grief and the desire to escape the painful memories, Kate aims to sell her house and leave Crest Lake behind. However, her plans are thwarted as the house edges dangerously close to a crumbling bluff that has affected the entire lakefront community. Tensions escalate as the town debates how to address the erosion problem. The situation takes a darker turn when a contentious vote on the issue is marred by the murder of Kate's adversary on the shoreline committee. With her property n...

MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW This novel by Gosia Nealon digs deep into some great true historical events during the World War 2 which is a page turner every historical fiction readers must consider about pondering.  The story follows an Orphan girl Beata, a brilliant and determined young woman who defies the odds as the first female graduate of her university. Her ambition to join the Cipher Bureau and crack the Enigma code represents not just a personal triumph but a crucial effort to protect her country from impending doom. As the Nazis decided to attack her country Poland and when her orphanage is bombed, Beata’s mission becomes ever more perilous, and her resolve is tested in ways she could never have imagined.  It was unexpected to learn from this book that despite their best efforts, the Americans, British, and French were unable to crack the Enigma code. But one nation, desperate to keep an eye on German confidential communication, succeeded in significant ways. It was P...