Changeling (The Oddmire 1) by William Ritter | Blog Tour | Review

About Changeling
Magic is fading from the Wild Wood. To renew it, goblins must perform an ancient ritual involving the rarest of their kind—a newborn changeling. But when the fateful night arrives to trade
a human baby for a goblin one, the goblin Kull is briefly distracted from his task of laying the changeling in a human infant’s crib. By the time he turns back, the changeling has already perfectly mimicked the human child. Not knowing which to return to the goblin horde, he leaves both babies behind.
Tinn and Cole are raised as human twins, neither knowing what secrets may be buried deep inside one of them. When a mysterious message arrives calling the brothers to be heroes and protectors of magic, the boys must leave behind their sleepy town of Endsborough and risk their lives in the Wild Wood to discover who they truly are.

Review

Title: Changeling (The Oddmire #1)
Author: William Ritter
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Length: ~272 pages
Release: July 2019

When I was contacted about being part of the blog tour for this title, I was immediately intrigued. Twins where one child is human and the other is a goblin changeling? Sounds fascinating! Also, I had read and enjoyed the Jackaby series, so I was curious to see what Ritter's next book would be like. 

I was not disappointed.

This story has a magical forest, a witch, shapeshifters, goblins, and plenty of other magical elements. At it's core, it's a story about family and self worth and love all wrapped into an adventure.

The characters, Cole and Tenn in particular, were extremely likable. It was fun to read about their adventures and the silly things they would do and trouble they would cause. We also get to see each of them grapple with the fact that one of them (and they don't know which) is not human. The exploration of this aspect of the story is well done and turns out quite beautifully. Ritter has a way with words and his descriptions of these adventures is often beautiful.

The main thing that was a bit odd to me was the time period. I never could quite figure out when it was supposed to be set. At times it seemed almost modern and then it seemed older and it left me a little confused.

The ending has me very curious for the rest of the series. I don't know if it will continue to focus on the duo of Cole and Tenn or if we will be getting a deeper look at some of the other characters, but I'm excited to see what else there is to be explored in this magical world Ritter has introduced.

About the Author

William Ritter is an Oregon author and educator. He is the proud father of the two bravest boys in the Wild Wood, and husband to the indomitable Queen of the Deep Dark.The Oddmire is Ritter’s first series for middle-grade readers. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Jackaby series for young adult readers. Visit him online at rwillritter.wordpress.com and find him on Twitter: @Willothewords.

The Anne Books

When I was a teen, I watched the Anne of Green Gables series staring Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie and fell in love with the story. I then read the first five books in the eight book series and enjoyed all of them. For some reason, I stopped at that point and moved onto other stories.

Now, more than a decade later, I've decided to revisit this series and continue to its conclusion. I've been listening to the audiobooks and am currently listening to book four, Anne of Windy Poplars.

I am in love with this series. The writing is excellent, the characters are refreshing, and everything is vivid. I love how Montgomery is able to have time pass quickly and smoothly, without anything seeming rushed. They may lose a little steam in the later half of the series, but I appreciate that the stories follow Anne into adulthood, into her life as a wife and mother, and doesn't just end with her a happy teacher or engaged and in love. More of her life is explored and I think that can be a good thing to have sometimes, because it shows depth to the world and characters and also shows that the end of the story isn't when you've found love or earned a degree or finished a quest. That is only a step on the journey, not the end.

Have you ever revisited an old favorite or gone back to a series you didn't finish? What was it like for you?

falling in love with books

One of the things I love most about being a reader is reading a book and falling in love with it. This can happen quickly or unfold with each page I turn, the characters and story sinking into me until they feel like old friends.

My reading has slowed down a lot in the last year. My focus has shifted more toward writing and work, but that doesn't mean I'm not reading. I always have at least one book going, usually two or three. Or four or five. It really just depends.

When I started reading Song of the Abyss, I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. The first few chapters didn't quite grab my attention as much as I would like and I contemplated adding it to my DNF list. But I decided to give it a little longer and I'm glad that I did. After finishing, I immediately picked up the companion novel, Isle of Blood and Stone.


These companion novels have a rich world, interesting and well developed characters, and beautifully woven in elements of magic. I've been somewhat burned out on YA, particularly YA fantasy, for the last couple of years, but this one reminded me of all the things I have loved about the category in the past.

Song of the Abyss releases August 27, 2019, which gives you plenty of time to read Isle of Blood before it's release. With less than 1,000 ratings on goodreads, this is a highly underappreciated and underloved book. If you like YA fantasy, give this one a try. I don't think you'll regret it.

The Night Window~Dean Koontz | Review

Title: The Night Window (Jane Hawk #5)
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Length: 432 Pages
Release: May 2019

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Dean Koontz has been one of my favorite authors since I first read one of his books in 2011. I always trust him to wrap up a story well, but I will admit, I was a bit worried about this conclusion. 

Through the first four books, Jane had faced one perilous adventure after another. When they said that the Arcadian thread of the series was going to be wrapped up in book five, I wondered how he would make this work. I shouldn't have worried. This was fantastic. 

This is my favorite book of the series, wrapping things together so well that the end left me satisfied and happy. It wasn't a happy ending for everyone, but it made sense and there was hope for many. A beautiful conclusion to a beautiful series. It was disturbing at times, but mainly in how real it seemed. A decade or two ago this may have seemed farfetched, but now it almost seems inevitable. I hope that when, not if, people try to take over my mind, I fight like Jane did. 

If you have read the previous books in this series, then I think you are in for a treat with this one. If you have not--well then, now is as good a time as any to get started. 

Code of Valor~Lynette Eason | Review

Title: Code of Valor (Blue Justice #3)
Author: Lynette Eason
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 336 Pages
Release: January 2019

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Review

Code of Valor by Lynette Eason is filled with a great supporting cast of characters, with the adorably lovable St. John clan. Many of Brady’s siblings have fairly prevalent roles, including Derek, Link, Ruthie and Izzy. And at the other end of the spectrum, Eason has created a plethora of delightfully evil characters. One word of caution, she has filled this book with a large amount of sub-characters, all important to the story, so pay close attention to who’s who. Eason always does a great job of creating a plot filled with twists and turns. She always reveals just enough to keep the story moving, while withholding just enough to keep the reader in the dark. She’s also excellent at developing very real and relatable characters — Emily is a girl that so many women will relate to, one who struggles with weight and body issues, as well as a major mistake in her past. Brady has to overcome trust issues, both in himself and in others, as he must learn when people genuinely need help and when they genuinely are willing to get help.

But as always, Eason doesn’t only offer a great, intense, heart-pounding thriller, she also writes a story that offers so many amazing lessons. “Code of Valor” also reminds us that life can be fickle, while throwing us curve balls; the difficulty of overcoming shame and trauma; the effects of betrayal; and the importance of loving ourselves.

Lethal Target~Janice Cantore | Review

Title: Lethal Target (Line of Duty #2)
Author: Janice Cantore
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 386 Pages
Release: October 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Lethal Target by Janice Cantore was an amazing book!! With vivid descriptions, genuine characters, plenty of action and suspense, and a touch of romance, Lethal Target held my interest until the very end.

There is a lot going on in Lethal Target with multiple twists, turns, and surprises in store. Of course there is at least one more book in this series so I will have to be content to wait along with other readers to find out how everything works out. If you have not read any of this author’s books and are a fan of suspense novels featuring law enforcement, be sure to give Lethal Target a chance.

Mind Games~Nancy Mehl | Review

Title: Mind Games (Kaely Quinn Profiler #1)
Author: Nancy Mehl
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 336 Pages
Release: December 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

This book by Nancy Mehl is very 'mind-blowing'. So many twists and turns! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Kaely Quinn is a very complex and interesting character. Her quirks and her job make her so unique. I'm not sure I've read a book with a character that was even similar to Kaely. Noah Hunter was also interesting, but I feel like Mehl only scratched the surface of his character in this book, and I hope she'll delve deeper in the upcoming books.

The story and plot were also very unique and grabbed my interest from the beginning. The premise of Kaely's job and her methods were fascinating as well. While a little light on action, there was definitely loads of suspense, and, as I mentioned, a ton of completely unexpected twists and turns! I thought I had the villain pegged, but was shocked when his identity was revealed.While overall the story was wrapped up by the end of the book and left you feeling satisfied, there are still a lot of threads to be continued in later books.

Wait for Me~Susan May Warren | Review

Title: Wait for Me (Montana Rescue #6)
Author: Susan May Warren
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 336 Pages
Release: November 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

What an incredible conclusion to this epic series! As always, Susan May Warren packs in action, suspense, harrowing brushes with death and disaster, and quite a few twists and turns in the story to make you stay up way past your bedtime reading....and thinking, just one more page....

And the raw emotional intensity of the main characters is completely heart-wrenching and real. If you've read the previous books in the series, you've been impatiently waiting for Pete and Jess to have their story. Even if you haven't read any of the previous books, this particular book can be read as a standalone because there are many flashbacks that make up the bulk of Pete and Jess' story.

Pete is a changed man and gone are his wild ways. He's still heroic, protective to a fault, and passionate but he's completely undone and broken and wounded by Jess who has returned to her glamorous lifestyle in NYC. Jess doesn't know who she is or what she wants and feels trapped. Felipe, Jess' previous fiancé, actually plays a bigger role in the story than I thought he would and became quite likable even though he's competing against Pete for Jess. And then there are Ned and Shae. Ned is the younger version of Pete and so incredibly heroic. Shae has finally returned home to Mercy Falls, Montana not just to attend Ben and Kacey's wedding reception but also to find closure in her run from the man who killed her previous boyfriend. Each of these characters must learn to fight their fears to conquer them but also learn to ask for help from their friends, and family in conquering these fears. What a satisfying finale to an adrenaline-packed series full of rescue, grace, hope, love and joy.

In too Deep~Lynn H Blackburn | Review

Title: In too Deep (Dive Team Investigations #2)
Author: Lynn H Blackburn
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 352 Pages
Release: November 2018

I received a copy of this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

I have been eagerly waiting for this book ever since I finished the first book in the series, "Beneath the Surface". Author Lynn Blackburn has found a unique place in this genre, hitting the exact right blend of suspense, dialogue, believable characters, and romance.

Atypical wealthy person turned-police officer-and-crusader-for-justice Adam Campbell loves his career. He has also made peace with the place he holds in his uber wealthy family. In love with the brilliant Dr. Sabrina Fleming since they met two years ago, he has yet to truly share his heart. When they are reconnected to solve this mystery, Adam knows that he cannot go on working with her unless he is straightforward about how he feels.

Dr. Sabrina Fleming is so crazy smart that she sometimes misses social cues - and occasionally, doesn't even recognize her own feelings. To her surprise, Adam is not only interested, but seems quite serious. However, she is sure that she is not a good fit for him or his family. Combined with the fact that her life seems to be repeatedly in danger, Sabrina puts all her energy into solving the mystery. But is the mystery she is trying to solve the right one?

The supporting cast is interesting, and there are multiple surprises throughout the story.
This book can be read as a standalone, but your experience will be much richer if you read number one first. I recommend these books and this author!

Mark of the Raven~Morgan L Busse | Review

Title: Mark of the Raven (The Ravenwood Saga #1)
Author: Morgan L Busse
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 352 Pages
Release: November 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Review

Mark of the Raven by Morgan Busse captures the essence of light and darkness within an ingenious package of daunting expectations and ingenious characterizations. . . . . .taking its readers on a journey that leads straight to their souls. "There were no choices, her future was dark and bleak."

As heir apparent to the House of Ravenwood, Selene has just been gifted; she's now a dream walker, and according to her mother, a surprisingly powerful one. Curious about an ability that the other six regions of her kingdom thought was destroyed, she listens as Grand Lady Ragna describes the seriousness of honing her skills, for she is to be the savior of her people by . . . controlling the dreams of others to the point of death? It cannot, it must not, be true.

Grand Lord Damien from the House of Waters is convinced that the Seven Houses must unite their gifts in order to avoid an aggressive attack from the nearby Dominia Empire. When called to the House of Ravenwood for a strategy summit, he hopes to build an alliance that will bring peace, the kind of unity that his deceased father longed to establish. Fascinated by the dark beauty that resides in Rook Castle, he cannot help but wonder what kind of strength lies beneath Selene's cold veneer. . . if he only knew, he is about to find out.

"A leader can serve her people by sacrifice and love."

Burden of Proof~DiAnn Mills | Review

Title: Burden of Proof (FBI: Rapid Response #1)
Author: DiAnn Mills
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 416 Pages
Release: October 2019

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Review

Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills  was an exciting roller coaster read from the very beginning. Just my type of story! I loved all of the danger, suspense and twisted corners that the story took. I really liked both Jason and April. Both of them were strong and likable characters. I got a bit frustrated with April’s partner in the FBI and his “need to know only” behavior. Keeping your partner in the dark can lead to unnecessary danger! And that danger visited quite frequently! It kept me on the edge of my seat and my fingers quickly turning the pages! The little bit of romance between April and Jason wasn’t over-the-top or unbelievable and I found myself hoping that all would work out for them. A great book to add to your romantic/suspense shelf, I highly recommend!

Hidden Peril~Irene Hannon | Review

Title: Hidden Peril (Code of Honor #2)
Author: Irene Hannon
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 416 Pages
Release: October 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Hidden Peril keeps true to Hannon’s great writing and will keep the reader turning the page.

It’s been twenty years since Kristin Dane took a vow with her friends to do what she could to make the world a better place and she is now making that happen with her fair-trade shop. She has products from around the world and is able to bring attention to these areas and their needs by the products she sales. When people connected to her shop start dying, Kristin gets involved in the case. She begins working with Detective Luke Carter. He has just started working with the St. Louis PD and is pulled deep into the case hoping to find answers. Kristin and Luke work with the FBI in a case that spans the globe and is more complicated than any of them first believed. Together they work to stop this killer before more people die. Hidden Peril is the second book in the Code of Honor series and I loved the way this story played out. The way the story spanned the globe and brought about history and awareness to events not commonly talked about made it all the more interesting. Some authors have a way with making certain characters especially evil and Irene Hannon is one of those authors, I felt the evil and let it roll with the story in the direction it was meant to go. Nothing seemed forced and the characters meshed well together. Kristin is the type of character that is easily relatable, and you want to pull for and see her succeed.

A Secret to Die For~Lisa Harris | Review

Title: A Secret to Die For
Author: Lisa Harris
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 327 Pages
Release: September 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Another fast-paced thrilling journey from Lisa Harris! The action and suspense start from page one and don’t stop until the very end of the book. Whew! The numerous twists and turns in the plot definitely had me guessing constantly who the bad guy may be...

The book is well-written with an intriguing plot and premise, the style of writing is fluid and easy to read, the suspense is intense, and the characters are delightful.

Grace and Nate were friends back in college who have lost touch for the last decade or so. Both have emotional and psychological trauma from their pasts and have struggles trying to overcome fear, guilt, and hopelessness. Grace is a deeply feeling, vulnerable yet resourceful and brave psychologist who gets sucked into Nate’s world when one of her clients becomes a murder victim. Nate is a homicide detective, freshly released for return to duty after a bombing that killed his partner and colleagues. Nate is thorough, meticulous, protective, loyal, and tender-hearted yet tries to wall up his heart. When the two reconnect because of a homicide case, they become involved in trying to stop a nefarious scheme much bigger than they had thought but also in laying down their past fears and anxieties.

If you love romantic suspense, this book is for you. You won’t be able to put it down!

The Cost of Betrayal | Review

Title: The Cost of Betrayal
Author: Dee Henderson, Dani Pettrey, Lynette Eason
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 378 Pages
Release: September 2018

A copy of this novel was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

Unbelievable! Three truly talented authors write three novellas that are filled with suspense, thrills, faith, action and more. Each accomplished author has written many novels individually that are truly magnificent to read, so if you’re not familiar with them look up their novels and dive right in! The three novellas aren’t tied together, and they are unique and mesmerizing!

Dee Henderson’s story is titled, “Betrayed”, and I enjoyed the plot of a couple, one who works for the FBI while the other is a retired police officer who are at an auction. The couple, Paul and Ann, aren’t seeking anything in particular just enjoying being together without a crisis on their plate. Of course, that is until Ann chooses a box of miscellaneous items to hopefully set up her next painting scene. What it does though has set them on a path of discovery of a murder and the woman who supposedly was the culprit.

Dani Pettrey offers readers “Deadly Isle” where two cousins are on an island swimming towards a buoy. Tennyson and her cousin Julia have raced toward this mark for as long as “Teni” can remember. When Teni arrives, Julia is nowhere to be found. However, a storm is on the horizon and there is blood on the buoy, a lot of it but no one is around. Now, there’s a good teaser for this gripping murder mystery along with so much more to the story that readers will get to discover.

Lynette Eason brings to the audience a tale entitled, “Code of Ethics”. Like Dee and Dani, Lynette is a master of suspense and telling gripping tales. A surgeon saves the life of a detective who was shot while on duty. Ruthie goes in to check her patient only to find an intruder there trying to put something in the IV. The patient, who is a detective, is trying to leave the hospital because he knows his life is in danger. Isaac had reported a fellow officer when he caught him stealing from the evidence room. While it was the right thing to do, there are those who don’t agree with Isaac, and others who want to kill him.! All three stories are standalones and very well written. They entertain but they also bring a sense of adventure and will keep you captivated until the very end! Read, enjoy and tell others you know about this fantastic collection of three novellas!