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Yearly Archives: 2026
Beyond Reasonable Doubt–amazing legal mind
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
by Robert Dugoni
Although many want to classify Beyond Reasonable Doubt as a “legal thriller,” I want to call it a novel that is a cross between a legal mystery and a police procedural. This fascinating book is very suspenseful, but won’t keep you up at night with psychological shudders. Keera Duggan worked as a prosecutor, but was forced to quit. She returned to the family law firm as a defense lawyer at just the right time. The patriarch of the family, Patsy (a.k.a. The Irish Brawler) has taken another in a series of dives into alcoholism just as a big case comes up. Fortunately, Patsy, with an excellent reputation among lawyers, has trained Keera well, first in chess and then in trial law. Unfortunately, this case is representing Jenna Bernstein, Keera’s longtime nemesis, a sociopath, and a liar par excellence.
This case gets very involved as Jenna is not the only one involved who lies. Keera has to dig deeply to get to the truth and then present her client with some hard choices.
Keera is a strong woman who realizes taking this case will help her grow and test herself. She is countered by several professionals from her past. They all respect her and wish she still worked for the state. Keera doesn’t have much time for a personal life, but she is very likable. If you like a book that includes what the characters eat at every meal (ad nauseam), then this is not the book for you. It reads like a complicated mind puzzle because Keera has to not only figure out who killed whom and why, but also how to present the information in the court for the benefit of her client. Just as difficult perhaps is sorting out the jumble of lies and the motivations for them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #2 in the Keera Duggan series, but can be read as a standalone
Publication: October 22, 2024—Thomas & Mercer
Memorable Lines:
“I found that it was defending the difficult cases that I learned the most about myself—who I was as an attorney and as a person.”
For once Jenna wouldn’t be in charge. Keera would run this show. And, maybe, a part of Keera wanted Jenna to know that while her life was once again spiraling down the toilet, Keera’s was succeeding, quite well, thank you. Ego? Sure. Retribution? No doubt.”
“My mother always said about Jenna, ‘Trouble always seems to follow that girl,’ and those of us who were around her suffered for it.”
A Choice Considered–building a railroad
A Choice Considered
by Tracie Peterson
Narrated by Jeanine Bartel
This work of historical fiction, set in the Wyoming Territory in 1868, as the railroad prepares to move further west, has strong Christian themes. The main characters try to make their choices and actions according to Christian principles. The female protagonist is Melody Doyle, a very sweet young lady devoted to her “Da.” Sadly, her father has never been the same since a railroad accident, but he insists he will move on with the railroad when the time comes. Melody doesn’t want to be separated from her dad but is tired of living in a tent and moving constantly. If she stays in Cheyenne, she could get a job and still see her father frequently through short trips.
Charlie is from a banking family, and his father sends him to Cheyenne to supervise the bank that his brother Jacob opened there. Jacob returned east due to illness leaving the bank in the hands of Jefferson who seems to resent Charlie’s arrival, especially when Charlie begins to examine the bank’s books. Charlie has a heart for education and wants to start a school. However, he does not want to disappoint his very strict father who has high banking expectations for him.
Da agrees to Melody’s staying in Cheyenne if she gets married before he leaves. Known for his gift of discernment, her father will interview and let appropriate young men take Melody on a date.
Charlie doesn’t sign up for this process because he wants the woman he marries to be his friend first.
A Choice Considered follows Melody, Charlie, and Da through the decisions they have to make in their lives, from their spiritual growth through their relationships, and in their professional lives. They all have supportive friends who pray with and for them in their journeys. The interactions of the characters are the basis for the plot and there are good events that will make the reader smile, but there is also a backdrop of impending tragedy.
The narrator of this audiobook, Jeanine Bartel, does a good job with all the voices but especially with the men. During the first part of the book, I found her voice for Melody to be a little too saccharine sweet. I think she was trying to show what a sweet person Melody is. As we moved into the story, I got used to the voice and found it more suiting to the character than I had thought.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Historical Fiction, Christian
Notes: #2 in the Heart of Cheyenne series. I had read the first and third books in the series. While I enjoyed all three books, I would have been happier reading them in sequence. Out of order, I found myself a little confused; and the third book, of necessity, had some spoilers for the second book.
Publication: July 2, 2024—Bethany House
What Does it Feel Like?–hope in the middle of pain
What Does it Feel Like?
by Sophie Kinsella
This short novel is indeed fiction, but as the author says, “it is my most autobiographical work to date.” This talented author of many very successful books describes her struggle with brain cancer. She talks about her frustrations at not being able to recall words. As a writer, words have always been her bread and butter! Post surgery, memories come and go as her brain tries to heal and her body needs to learn how to perform basic tasks like walking. Through the character Eve, Kinsella gives the reader glimpses into the continuing struggle to maintain hope and the difficulties of sharing her prognosis with her five children.
Particularly touching is her conversation with her husband about a bucket list. He is willing to take her to the ends of the earth to do something she has always wanted to do. After considering many possibilities, she decides what she really wants is not something exciting: “I just need to be around. Have fun with the children. Have fun with you. See friends. Small pleasures.” So, that is what they decide to do—normal plus. Not just enjoy marmalade, but have “posh” marmalade.
Of course, this book is raw and hard, but Kinsella also throws in some of her signature humor that helps break up the distressing severity of cancer. I recommend this generally sad book, but wisely choose your time to read it and relish Kinsella’s talents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Women’s Fiction
Notes: I can think of numerous reasons that I have not published very many book reviews recently, but I think one of them was, in the middle of family grief, I could not bring myself to read this intimate look at stage 4 cancer. That statement is not a spoiler as that is what this book is about, and the experts always say “you should write about what you know.” I was aware of the sadness that lay ahead in the reading.
Publication: October 8, 2024—Random House (Dial Press)
Memorable Lines:
Now she looks around her beloved children’s faces, wondering if they’re OK, hoping that they’re resilient, wondering as she does approximately every five minutes how much longer she has on this earth and feeling—yet again—an overpowering guilt.
The way to get through radiotherapy: pretend you are at a fancy spa….The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: do a five-hundred-meter sprint every day, eat only cabbage, meditate, and write a daily gratitude journal to your creator. I’m joking. The way to get through chemotherapy side effects: go to bed.
“I just…I just need to know you’ll be there when I die. I need to hear your voice. Your voice relaxes me. Plus, you need to tell me what to do and where to go. You know me—I haven’t got any sense of direction. I’ll end up in the wrong place.” Nick roars with laughter, rubbing his eyes.
A Truth Revealed–ambition and revenge
A Truth Revealed
By Tracie Peterson
At age twelve, Laura Evans lost her mother to consumption in 1858. Her father, Granite Evans, who became her long distance hero, immediately sent her to boarding school. After ten years apart, she finally rejoins him in Cheyenne in the Wyoming territory which was a rough area at that time. Does Laura really know the man she has put on a pedestal for so many years? Is he the gracious, generous man the townspeople admire so much? He doesn’t hide his political ambitions, but is there a limit to what he will do to become governor of the territory or even president of the U.S.?
Wilson Porter is a young minister hoping for a government appointment to work with the Indians in the area. Until treaties can be sorted out, Wilson is employed in a local furniture shop using his woodworking skills to provide a living. When his father dies unexpectedly, Wilson encourages his mother and sister to travel to Cheyenne to be closer to him. Sadly, tragedy strikes the family again in several ways. When Wilson is injured, Laura takes him into her father’s home and nurses him back to health. They come to know each other better, but they also learn about an evil side of Cheyenne.
One of the main plot threads is faith in God. Both Laura and Wilson attend church, but Granite refuses. He blames God for his wife’s death. Wilson also has some questions of faith that he has to work through. Meanwhile, Laura finds support from a group of ladies at church who meet weekly to pray and work on handicrafts.
The characters have depth, and the setting seems true to the Cheyenne area during Wyoming’s territorial days. The Christian faith is consistently woven into the story as many of the characters look to God for strength and wisdom. Life is not a smooth path as the characters endure some very difficult challenges. The author has Laura attend a women’s college in Tennessee which actually existed and added realism to the skills and knowledge Laura had that would have been unusual for a woman during that time period. The theme of evil versus good permeates the novel. I enjoyed this book and am planning to return to the series to pick up the second book in the series which focuses on Laura’s friend Melody.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
Notes: #3 in The Heart of Cheyenne series. The background is fully explained and in good order; it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. There is an overlap of characters but there are central protagonists specific to each book.
Publication: November 5, 2024—Bethany House
Memorable Lines:
Rejections from the doctors, church, and family had left Granite hard and angry, and when his beloved wife died, he vowed to make a success of himself in such a way that he could get back at those who had denied her help.
“Evil men will always do evil things, and, yes, there will be times when we suffer the effects, even as God’s beloved children. However, I still believe in His love and goodness.”
“But you know, life is a risk. Every day presents new challenges and heartache. But it also allows for happiness and good gifts. And no matter which come our way, God is there to help us through.”
Merry Murder Season–motive for murder
Merry Murder Season
by Lynn Cahoon
When Greg and Jill attend a fund raiser to support needy families at Christmas time, they never expect that the dart tournament would result in the torture death of the bar owner across the street. Money was not taken so the motive for the torment is veiled in mystery. Jill becomes involved in investigating the murder. At the same time, she tries to stay out of the conflict between Greg’s brother Jim and his fiancée Beth. Beth is a wonderful person, and Jill promises to consider her a sister even if the wedding plans blow up. Jim is insistent that Beth should be a full-time homemaker while Beth has her eyes set on a professorship when she finishes her degree.
The plot is also complicated by a motorcycle gang that attended the tournament. Dom, its leader, is interested in reforming the gang, keeping the motorcycles but dropping the drugs and rivalries. He is also dating Lille who owns the only restaurant in town and for some unknown reason despises Jill. Also popping up in this book are Jill’s surfing friend Amy and the town dispatcher and psychic Esmeralda. Jill never knows quite what to think of Esmeralda who always seems to vaguely know more about the town happenings than anyone else. Jill’s dog Emma is ever present in this story, but does not play an important role.
Another subplot is concerned with Matty, a newcomer to South Cove, who is hateful to all except Josh, the one man she wants to use in an illegal scheme. Josh has never been very likable himself, but his new wife Mandy is bringing out the best in him. Jill and others circle around him as “South Cove takes care of its own.”
Like all of Lynn Cahoon’s cozy mysteries, this one is full of action and likable characters. The setting is Thanksgiving leading into Christmas, a busy time in the tourist town. I always enjoy a visit with the characters in South Cove and Merry Murder Season is no exception.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery, Fiction
Notes: 1. #18 in the Tourist Trap Mystery Series. There are a lot of recurring characters in this series. You could read the books as standalones, but might enjoy them more if you read several to have more background.
2. Includes a recipe for Ribbon Cookies which is a variation on Pinwheel Cookies.
3. Somehow I missed posting this review back in December when I read the book and wrote the review. It is a good cozy mystery and deserves to be discovered–especially by fans of author Lynn Cahoon and those who like mysteries with a Christmas setting.
Publication: November 4, 2025—Kensington
Memorable Lines:
What do you get when you mix a gangster, a cop, a grumpy aunt, a fighting couple, and the angst of a family holiday together? I didn’t know, but I was about to find out. And I didn’t think it was a joke.
He was a people watcher and could tell who was responding to his banter, changing it up when it wasn’t working. He knew what people want most. To be seen. He saw everyone.
“I didn’t understand how we could have gotten on not only two different pages, but I think we’re in two different libraries in two different countries. Okay, he’s probably reading a magazine at a ball game and I’m in a library.”
A Wonderful Christmas Crime–focus on antiques
A Wonderful Christmas Crime
by Jacqueline Frost
Lots of tourists go to Mistletoe, Maine, for the very Christmasy atmosphere. Holly is the protagonist of this cozy mystery, and her family owns the extensive Christmas tree farm which has a small inn and invites visitors to enjoy delicious foods and drinks and play lots of indoor and outdoor games. Everything is related to Christmas with year round decorations.
Holly is married to Evan, Mistletoe’s sheriff, and his sister Libby is a private investigator. Those relationships tend to put Holly in the middle of investigations. An Antiques Roadshow comes to Mistletoe right before Christmas drawing in even more tourists than usual along with a murderer. Holly is torn between staying out of an investigation and diving in to help. In this book she has special reasons to avoid snooping, but it would be a spoiler to disclose what they are. Fortunately, the stage is set early in the book so the reader will find out right away.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #6 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. The author does relate background information on the characters, but there are a lot to keep track of.
Publication: October 21, 2025—Crooked Lane Books
Memorable Lines:
Money bought more than things. It bought safety, security, and options. A lot of people didn’t have those, and everyone needed them. Those who had them often wanted more.
“I’m learning to appreciate the present,” she said. “It goes against every fiber of my plan-ahead personality, but I am trying.”
I waited for Libby to log in. I’d forgotten my password. Not a shocker. Generally speaking, passwords made me want to chuck my phone into traffic. If she remembered hers, hallelujah.
education pathways 