Tuesday, February 25, 2025

The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn

Tricked into a marriage that was only for the benefit of the groom because his family needed money even though they were aristocrats, Elinor finds herself looked down upon and not even allowed to raise her own son.

Elinor was very unhappy, but when her father wrote and said he had tickets on the Titanic, Elinor had some hope that the voyage would get her away from this oppressive family and its rules for a few weeks.

We all know what happened on the Titanic, but what did the voyage mean for Elinor?

Could this be the break she needed?

Could it free her from the family she married into?

See what Elinor does in this well-written, pull-you-in read that proves tragedy can bring joy at times.

You will love Elinor for her bravery, for starting over, for her ambition, and especially for moving on after a tragedy.

Do not miss this one if you love historical fiction and a strong female character.  5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own.



Monday, February 24, 2025

Showcase of The Karma Factor by Thomas Lane and a Giveaway of a Print Copy of The Karma Factor

The Karma Factor by Thomas Lane Banner

THE KARMA FACTOR

by Thomas Lane

February 10 - March 7, 2025 

Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

The Karma Factor by Thomas Lane
NYPD Detective James Early wanted out. Taking his death wish into a tenement on the Lower east side, he stepped into a hail of machine-gun fire…and waited. But the bullets never arrived. Somehow they had been “diverted” and his life saved. Now he had to find out why.

Ricochetting between the mountains of Tibet, the streets of New York City and the haunted corridors of past lives, Early attempts to track down this mystery. A devastating truth from his previous lifetime awaits him. At its core lies a pure and innocent love that led to carnage and death.

In the process of discovery, however, Early mysteriously gains access to a database of past lives (the Akashic Records), and begins to understand the submerged element that underlies the human condition—the godfather of change. Karma.

Infused with this new awareness, Early hits the streets—this time “awakened” to the deeper layers. Immediately, he is flung into the frantic hunt for an unknown assassin who has declared a private war on America and has already killed seven times.

While the combined forces of the NYPD, FBI and Interpol comb the streets looking for clues, James Early follows the twisting light.

In the end, it will come down to a wild card: The Karma Factor

Praise for The Karma Factor:

"The Karma Factor not only delivers on all its IOUs—it provides ample food for thought as to how we live our lives and our connection to the cosmos."
~ Joey Madia, Into the Outer Realms

"Demonstrating remarkable literary talent, Thomas Lane transcends the troubled police detective trope by incorporating elements of Eastern philosophy, predestination and reincarnation in this fast-paced thriller. In the tradition of The DaVinci Code and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Lane’s debut novel The Karma Factor is entertaining and thought-provoking; introducing readers to characters and concepts that are not often given center stage in Western culture…"
~ BOOKTRIB

"Tom Lane has written a powerful story of inner transformation and outer suspense and heroism that will have you turning pages, inspiring you to understand your own life within a new cosmic framework. I couldn't put it down."
~ Robert Thurman, Professor Emeritus of Tibetan Buddhism, Translator for the Dalai Lama and Author of Wisdom Is Bliss

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery, Supernatural Thriller, Visionary Fiction, Metaphysical Thriller
Published by: Waterside Productions
Publication Date: November 1, 2022
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 1958848212 (ISBN-13: 978-1958848210)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

In times of crisis, James Early often found himself listening to the background noise of the city, the churning mantra of Manhattan that drifted up from the streets below. Somehow all those harsh single notes—the honking horns, the squealing brakes—could blend together and end up sounding restful, like the wash of the sea.

But tonight, watching her put her clothes back on, the air was charged and full of static. He had his reasons, but he hated himself for causing her this moment.

Lit only by the flickering light from the fireplace, Kelli Girard stood with her back to him, pulling on her skirt. Usually, after being together, getting dressed was a graceful act, a physical celebration of her womanhood. But on this evening, her motions were clipped and terse. Right then, the world was an ugly place. On top of everything else, she broke another nail fighting with the buttons on her blouse. She spoke without looking up.

“Come on, Early. This stinks. Throw me a bone here. Say something that makes sense.” Balancing on one foot, she leaned down and slipped on a high heel. “You won’t even give me the satisfaction of a cliché. There’s no ‘other woman.’ You’re not doing the ‘you deserve better’ bit. Nothing. Just—bang! It’s over. And you can’t even tell me why?”

She stood up and smoothed down her clothes. “But I’ll tell you how it feels. Like you’ve had your little fling with the secretary. And now it’s time to toss her back into the general pool where she belongs. Cold, Early. Really cold.”

He remained silent, compulsively rubbing his forehead, pushing back a clump of grey-tinged dark hair. In truth, there was too much to say, but words would trivialize it. And it had nothing to do with her, nothing to do with anything he understood. All he knew was that his mind was finally giving way. The hostile voices and images were crowding him out. And he couldn’t access the language to describe it…

Early finally stood up. At thirty-eight years old and driven, he was still lean and muscular. A hybrid of Irish and Jewish ancestry, his thin, sculpted face seemed overwhelmed by a collection of strong irregular features. Growing up in Brooklyn and living the daily warfare of the streets had deepened and darkened the effect, giving him an intense, somewhat brooding presence. As he turned toward her, his expression remained cloaked.

“You’re making it worse. This was never about the big love. We knew that from the start. We’re friends, remember? Let’s leave it there before we regret the whole thing.”

She turned away from him, almost fiercely, then checked herself and sighed. “What’s the use? You’ve got everyone else duped. I hear the talk. By day, the great legendary cop—intuitive, ballsy. Down at the station, a James Early hunch is considered gospel. And, on top of all that, he’s a regular good guy. Nothing but hard work and ‘go team, go.’”

She squinted at him in the semidarkness. “But after hours? Well, strange things come out to play. Guy’s got a flip side. He’s doing women, liquor, God knows what else. And here’s the sad part. He’s working hard at it, but the bad boy thing doesn’t fit him. Doesn’t fit him at all.”

She paused, retrieved her earrings from the bedside table, and jammed them into her purse. “So who’s James Early? The jury’s absolutely still out.”

Early grabbed her by the shoulders. “Listen. I’m bone-tired, and I’m not right. I have nightmares, vicious ones. I wake up sweating, with no memories—just worn out. And the pressure never quits, never gives me a day off. Right now, all I want to do is go sit on a beach somewhere and forget. But I can’t. And there’s no room . . . no room for anything else until I sort it all out.”

He slackened his grip. “I can’t care if you don’t understand. I’m just asking you not to take it personally.”

His words slapped her quiet. For a moment, she stopped her barrage and actually studied him. It had only been five months ago, but no, this was not the same man she had flirted with in a Soho bar. The sharp features seemed worn down, the grey-green eyes colder, more distant. Even his skin looked paler, drawn more tightly across his cheekbones. With his guard down, her sometimes-lover did seem ten years older and running very rough.

“Hey Early, it’s the twentieth century. You feel messed up—you see somebody. There are medications that—”

“Zombies and junkies. No thanks. I’ll take my chances.” He mustered his best smile. “I just need to regroup. I’ll get through it. People do it every day.”

Kelli resumed her packing. Wadding up her negligee into a ball, she tossed it unceremoniously into her overnight bag. “I thought I got in there,” she said softly, “but I swear there’s an electric fence around you.”

He shrugged. It was true –– he avoided real intimacy. It was all about sex and liquor–– mind numbing sensation and quick routes to oblivion that had gotten hm through the nights. Now even that wasn’t working.

The flames in the fireplace had softened into embers—a steady orange sheen bathing the room. As Kelly zipped up her bag, Early slipped on his underwear and trousers, then got her coat from the closet. Taking her arm, he navigated her around the chaos on the cluttered floor. Her traditional comment about the maid’s night off went unspoken. At the door, he put his arm around her waist. His six feet towered above her diminutive frame.

“It’s better for both of us this way. I mean it.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Please take care of yourself.”

“Whatever.” She fixed her collar. “I’m not going to hold my breath, but if you need or want . . . hell, just a friend, call me.”

She leaned up against him and gave him a girlish kiss on the cheek. Turning quickly, she disappeared down the stairs into the darkness of the lower landing.

When he could no longer hear the click of her heels, he closed the door softly, then sagged against it, exhausted from his efforts. It was getting harder and harder to hold the surface together while the foundation was breaking into pieces…

He willed himself upright and into the living room, where he collapsed into the armchair in front of the fireplace. Alone now, the fire hissed and danced quietly before him.

His eyes scrutinized the small studio apartment. He was struck by its sadness, struck by the pervading sense of loneliness. The room was inhabited, yes, but not lived in. It hadn't always been that way.

When, as a rookie cop, he had first moved in, he had commanded the space. Within months, he had turned it into a bastion of discipline and masculine aesthetics: dark wood and brick and things in their rightful places. As his condition worsened, however, things unraveled. Chaos was an easy mistress. Now, from the unmade bed to a floor strewn with empty bottles, pizza boxes, and newspapers, no sense of home was being articulated. Maybe it never would again.

Early leaned over and pulled his .38 revolver from the shoulder holster on the end table. It felt like a touchstone; the weight, the cold metal in his hand oddly soothing. The cylinder spun effortlessly beneath his fingertips. Round and round. He lifted it to his ear and smiled obliquely. Chamber music.

With the heel of his hand, he brought the spinning cylinder to an abrupt halt, then unloaded a single bullet. Turning it around between his thumb and index finger, Early examined it carefully. Sexy. A jewel of death.

Rotating the chamber slowly, he emptied the rest of the ammo into his hand until all six bullets lay nestled in his palm. They were asleep now. A family. At peace in their snug metal jackets. Then, as if feeding them to a wild animal, he began to toss the bullets, one by one, into the fireplace.

“Here’s one for the sickos. One for the cop killers.”

Then two more.

“For all the scumbag lawyers, corrupt politicos. You’re the worse. You keep it all going. You’re supposed to know better.”

Without warning, the first slug hit meltdown and exploded, sending a shower of shattered brick from inside the chimney down onto the flaming logs. The second and third followed quickly as ash and smoke belched into the room.

Early’s face remained impassive as he fingered the last two shells. He isolated one.

“For all of you. Your crap. Not mine anymore.”

The next eruption came moments later, kicking out a fireball onto his carpet. A chunk of metal whizzed past his ear and tore into the wallpaper on the opposite wall.

The hallway outside filled with the sudden cacophony of rattling deadbolts sliding and doors flinging open and people yelling. Early ignored the commotion. Unaware of the silent tears on his cheek, he leaned closer to the pit of swirling sparks and ashes, the last bullet resting in the middle of his open hand.

“And this one, James Early, is for you. You and all your ghosts. You’re broken. Don’t know how to fix yourself.”

A furious knocking at his door startled him back to reality.

“Hey! Hey in there! Early, you all right?”

Disoriented, the detective looked around. Caustic smoke swirled around the room. Live coals glowed on the carpet and from the side of the armchair. He stared down at the bullet still cupped in his palm. It seemed out of focus. Surreal.

The knocking came again, this time louder.

But now the sounds were far away, in someone else’s bad movie. Placing the final bullet back into his revolver, he adjusted the chamber. When he needed it, it would be there.

Slowly and deliberately, Early got up, went to his closet, and finished dressing. His plainclothes uniform never varied: white shirt, tie, black shoes. Beneath the grey sports jacket, his revolver and holster pressed against his ribs.

Trench coat under his arm, he crawled through the window and stepped out onto the fire escape. The sudden shift was abrasive. A sharp April wind lashed at his face. A massive city roared below.

Hands gripping the railing, he leaned out into the night. All around, the inky skyline peaked and plunged. Above, the stars shone like dull silver—cold, eternal nails hammered into the night sky.

As the wail of a siren grew closer, Early descended, zigzagging his way down to Seventy-Eighth Street.

One thing was obvious. Whatever forces were conspiring, whatever madness was overtaking him, it was about to hit critical mass.

***

Excerpt from The Karma Factor by Thomas Lane. Copyright 2022 by Thomas Lane. Reproduced with permission from Thomas Lane. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Connecticut, Thomas Lane is a multi-dimensional creative drawn to spaces where art, spirit, and social justice intersect. He is the author of The Artists’ Manifesto–– a tribute to the power of the Arts, its value to a society that has forgotten the precious nature of life.

In addition to a book of poetry, screenplays and paintings, he recently recorded a CD of his songs, entitled Hotel Earth under the stage name, Trakker.

Politically active since his teens, Thomas subsequently created The Helen Hudson Foundation, a charitable organization focused on social issues –– including homelessness, racism, and the environment. He currently lives with his wife in Rhode Island.

Catch Up With Thomas Lane:


www.ThomasLane.com
Amazon Author Profile
Instagram - @thomaslane494
YouTube - @thomaslane2402
Facebook - @musicwordimage


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Mailbox Monday - 2/24/2025

  

BOOKMAIL THAT ARRIVED THIS WEEK.

WHAT ARRIVED FOR YOU?

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. 

Mailbox Monday is now hosted by Vicki!!

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On Thursday, February 20, I received:

1.  THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens, courtesy of St. Martins Early Readers and NetGalley.

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On Saturday, February 22, I received:

1.  THE FAMINE ORPHANS by Patricia Falvey, courtesy of Kensington Publishing, UpLit Reads, and NetGalley.

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It's Monday!! What Are YOU Reading? - 2/24/2025

                              http://bookdate.blogspot.com/

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I hope you had a great reading week.
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This is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at BOOK DATE!

Post the books completed, the books you are currently reading, and the books you hope to finish at some point.
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Books Completed:

THE MURDER SHOW by Matt Goldman - review will be on April 17, 2025.

My first book by this author - it held my interest.

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY by Jennifer E. Smith - review will be on April 16, 2025.

A light read, but also heartbreaking.

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CORAM HOUSE by Bailey Seybolt - review will be on April 15, 2025.

This is SO good!!  If you are a fan of mystery/thriller books, add it to your TBR.

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THE MATCHMAKER by Aisha Saeed - spotlight will be on April 9, 2025.

Wasn't grabbing me - I'll have a spotlight for the book on April 9.

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THE PAGE TURNER by Viola Shipman - spotlight will be on April 8, 2025.

Started it - very disappointed - not continuing.  I was so looking forward to reading it.  I hope it works out better for others.
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THE UNLUCKY ONES by Hannah Morrissey - review will be on April 5.

Very brutal scenes - not a favorite.

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THE UMBRELLA MAKER'S SON by Tod Lending - review is in the book's title.

Heartbreaking, but oh so good.  

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SALTWATER by Katy Hays - review will be on March 27, 2025.

This is GOOD!!  Set in Capri - Lies and Secrets!!

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THE OTHER PEOPLE by C. B. Everett - review will be on March 25, 2025.

Cleverly done, but a little too out there for me...on the verge of horror if you ask me.

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FOUR RED SWEATERS by Lucy Adlington - review will be on March 22, 2025.

Well researched - Brilliant, amazing writing with wonderful characters.

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CLAIRE, DARLING by Callie Kazumi - review will be on March 16, 2025.

Pretty good - a bit slow at first, but turns out good.

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THE FISHERMAN'S GIFT by Julia R. Kelly - review will be on March 20, 2025.

A beautiful read - a bit slow at first, but so well written for a debut.

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BEACH VIBES by Susan Mallery - review will be on March 19, 2025, 2025.

A lovely read about family and choices.

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A MAP TO PARADISE by Susan Meissner - review will be on March 18, 2025.

Well-researched with great characters, but it wasn't as engaging as her other books for me until around 40%.

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GOOD BAD MOTHER by Anya Mora - review is in the book's title.

VERY good psychological thriller!!

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BROKEN COUNTRY by Claire Leslie Hall - review will be on March 4, 2025.

Emotional and so good.

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THE YOUNGER WOMAN by Cate Ray - review will be on February 26, 2025.

A bit slow, but got intense as the book ends and things were wrapped up.

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THE SECRET HISTORY OF AUDREY JAMES by Heather Marshall - review will be on February 27, 2025.

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT - I didn't want to put it down.

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THE LOST PASSENGER by Frances Quinn - review will be on February 25, 2025.

EXCELLENT - great storyline and a lovable main character.

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TO SICILY WITY LOVE by Jennifer Probst - review is in the book's title.

LOVED IT!!  Wonderful characters and mouth-watering food.

It's #4 in the series, but you can read as a standalone.

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COME FLY WITH ME by Camille Di Maio - review is in the book's title.

A lovely read about Pan Am Airlines and the lives of the flight attendants.

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EVERY PRECIOUS AND FRAGILE THING by Barbara Davis - review is in the book's title.

A beautiful read with wonderful characters you will bond with. 

Don't miss it - another gem by Barbara Davis.

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TARTUFO by Kira Jane Buxton - review is in the book's title.

Great characters, but not a book for me.  Slow and too many characters.

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NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE by Seraphina Nova Glass - review is in the book's title.

Not a book I enjoyed even though a lot did happen.

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THE QUEENS OF CRIME by Marie Benedict - review is in the book's title.

Disappointed in this one - gorgeous cover, but not one I wanted to get back to.

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LAST TWILIGHT IN PARIS by Pam Jenoff - review is in the book's title.

Another FABULOUS Pam Jenoff book - don't miss it if you love her books and historical fiction.

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Book Currently Reading:

STRANGERS IN TIME by David Baldacci - review will be on April 19, 2025.

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Books Up Next:

THE KEEPER OF LOST ART by Laura Morelli - review will be on April 22, 2025.

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THE BOOK CLUB FOR TROUBLESOME WOMEN by Marie Bostwick - review will be on April 23.

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TOUGH LUCK by Sandra Dallas - review will be on April 29, 2025.

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SUCH A GOOD MOM by Julia Spiro - review will be on April 30, 2025.

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JULIE CHAN IS DEAD by Leann Zhang - review will be on May 1, 2025.

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THE RIVER KNOWS YOUR NAME by Kelly Mustian - review will be on May 2, 2025.

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PARENTS WEEKEND by Alex Haley - review will be on May 6, 2025.

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THE BANNED BOOKS OF BERLIN by Daisy Wood - review will be on May 12.

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THE GIRLS OF GOOD FORTUNE by Kristina McMorris - review will be on May 20, 2025.

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MARGUERITE BY THE LAKE by Mary Dixie Carter - review  will be on May 22, 2025.

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THE LAST FERRY OUT by Andrea Bartz - review will be o May 23, 2025.

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THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly - review will be on May 27, 2025.

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THE BUSYBODY BOOK CLUB by Freya Sampson - review will be on May 28, 2025.

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BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey - review will be on May 29, 2025.

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WHISPERS OF DEAD GIRLS by Marlee Bush - review will be on May 30, 2025.

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LIE LIKE THE DEVIL by Birgitte Margen - review will be on June 2, 2025.

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THE GHOSTWRITER by Julie Clark - review will be on June 5, 2025.

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THE FAMINE ORPHANS by Patricia Falvey - review will be on June 6, 2025.

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THE ENGLISH MASTERPIECE by Katherine Reay - review will be on June 10, 2025.

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SHAW CONNOLLY LIVES TO TELL Gillian French - review will be June 17, 2025.
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HAZEL SAYS NO by Jessica Berger Gross - review will be on June 18, 2025.

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LAST DANCE BEFORE DAWN by Katharine Schellman - review will be on June 19, 2025.

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BEFORE DOROTHY by Hazel Gaynor - review will be on June 20, 2025.

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PARTY OF LIARS Kelsey Cox - review will be on July 1, 2025.

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THE LAKE ESCAPE by Jamie Day - review will be on July 15, 2025.

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WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs - review will be on July 16, 2025.

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DEATH OF AN EX by Delia Pitts - review will be on July 17, 2025.

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THAT LAST CAROLINA SUMMER by Karen White - review will be on July 22, 2025.

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THE LIES THEY TOLD by Elle Marie Wiseman - review will be on July 29, 2025.

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THE LOCKED WARD by Sarah Pekkanen - review will be on August 5, 2025.

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THE WRONG SISTER by Claire Douglas - review will be on August 6, 2025.

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HIGH SEASON by Katie Bishop - review will be on August 12, 2025.

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THE WITCH'S ORCHARD by Archer Sullivan - review will be on August 13, 2025.

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JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME by Kerryn Mayne - review will be on August 19, 2025.

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ONE DARK NIGHT by Hannah Richell - review will be on August 20, 2025.

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BODIES IN THE SAND by Crystal Murphy - review will be on September 1, 2025.

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THE CABERNET CLUB by Margie Zable Fisher and Rona S. Zable - review will be on September 2, 2025.

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THE HITCHHIKERS by Chevy Stevens - review will be on October 7, 2025.

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