By Olivia Worley
** Publication Date 29 October 2024 **
​4 stars

A lot of girls dream of being debutantes. Very few have that chance. In New Orleans, the Krewes are private clubs. These private social clubs are very active in Mardi Gras and Carnival events, and they sponsor debutante balls. Some girls are born to be debs, and some dread the idea. 


Lily is the queen of the debutante ball for her parent’s krewe. Last year’s queen tragically died shortly after the ball. Lily is a good girl though. Nothing like that expected of her. But events at the ball lead to Lily’s disappearance. Three of her ‘maids’ are going to try to figure out what happened to Lily, and possibly how Margot, last year’s queen, died as well.


Along the way they’re going to encounter some pretty seedy elements in the krewe. Things they never could have imagined were actually going on. Secret societies, dark elements in their own parent’s lives. Things as a teenage girl you just would rather not know.


While these teens think they’re invincible, there are some who want to keep secrets buried. And these three debs are making that next to impossible, putting their own lives in danger.


Great novel. So much darkness, which hopefully doesn’t infiltrate all the Krewes of New Orleans. A lot of history too. Really enjoyed this trip into the high society of that culture. 

By Olivia Blacke
** Publication Date 29 October 2024 **
​4 stars



What would you do if you suddenly realized you were living with a ghost? Would you call someone to exorcise the ghost, or befriend it?  Ruby has always been fascinated by ghosts, so when she realizes the woman who killed herself in Ruby’s apartment is still hanging around, Ruby decides to make the ghost comfortable.


Cordelia supposedly committed suicide in the bathroom of this very apartment. A bottle of Jack Daniels and some pills, and she took a permanent sleep. Until she woke up to realize that she was truly dead. When Ruby moves in, Cordelia decides to stick around. When Ruby and Cordelia’s neighbor Jake also turns up dead, something is truly fishy.


Together Cordelia and Ruby are going to solve a crime. 


With not much more than a magnetic poetry set to communicate with, they form quite the pair and seek out a murderer. Often with more comical results than not. This is a great mystery, but with such a sense of humor.


Apparently there will be more mysteries to solve for Cordy & Ruby, which makes me ever so happy. I think this is a truly fun novel. Easy to read. Can’t wait for book two.

By Delilah S. Dawson
** Publication Date 22 October 2024 **
4.5 stars


Holy ****. I am still in shock and shaking over this incredible novel. Part thriller, suspense, and horror, it is a tough one to put down. 


Sarah has escaped an abusive relationship and is headed where her ex can’t find her. Tranquil Falls. It’s an artists’ retreat hidden in the south, with no connection to the outside world. No wifi. No cable. No phone service. Just an old abandoned hotel and some artist cabins.


Only this ends up being anything but tranquil. Sarah uncovers a secret grave. Her studio partner is a loud, offensive misogynist. Then she starts having some really creepy dreams. Dreams that don’t feel like dreams, but more like an alternate reality. 


When the goth photographer befriends her, Sarah finally feels like maybe she can get through the next three months in this place. But Sarah’s dreams start getting stranger, and weird things start happening around the campus. Suddenly Sarah isn’t so sure she wants to stay in this place.


Truly an epic, frightening story about ghosts and spirits and alternate realities. I honestly could not wait to finish this novel to know how things would turn out for Sarah. Delilah Dawson has one freaking incredible mind to have come up with this wickedly scary story. Do not read if you’re prone to nightmares, because this is one from start to finish.

By Josh Silver
** Publication Date 22 October 2024 **
​4.5 stars

Being a teenager is both awesome and horrifying at the same time. You’re trying to figure out who you are, as well as trying to navigate what you’re going to be. You’re not fully formed. In many cases you want to be liked. You want to fit in. The teenage years are hard.


So when Seb finds himself accepted into a new program to try to make teenagers more self-reliant, his family is thrilled. Seb has always been kind of a loner. While his sister Lily is popular and a good student, Seb lives in a world of his own making. He’s just not like other teens.


HappyHead is supposed to turn things around for Seb. His group of two females and two males has him paired with an over-zealous student named Eleanor. Finn, a strong, confident male who typifies the outcast, a goth. And Ash, just your run of the mill teenage girl.While Eleanor has her eyes on Seb, Seb has his eyes on Finn. 


They are led through challenges, or assessments as they are called. Some are cruel. All are going to test them for everything they’ve got. Also determine their standing in the pack of teenagers. As the days progress, things at HappyHead get stranger and more dangerous. Until their thirteen days are up, but are they?


Fantastically maniacal novel about bending others to your will. Finding your own voice. Working the system. Josh Silver wrote an incredible novel that will keep you turning pages late into the night. 

By Debbie Macomber
** Publication Date 15 October 2024 **
4 stars
​

How can you not be a fan of Debbie Macomber’s books? They combine all the best of life and love. This book is no exception. It is a lovely Christmas novel about finding yourself while finding love.


Hailey has always had a love for music. As a high school band teacher, she’s gotten away from writing her own music, even if she has sold a few jingles for commercials. When her ex-boyfriend reappears out of the blue, Hailey realizes that her music may have gotten away from her due to him. He discouraged her, and since, she’s not felt she’s good enough to write music.


So when he worms his way into the family Christmas, Hailey decides to head the opposite direction to her friend’s family cabin for a little time to herself and her guitar. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a handsome man and fall in love with a little town called Podunk. 


Grab a cup of tea, a cozy spot, and hunker in to enjoy this holiday novel. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite times of year for a little romance. This one will make you smile.