All Reviews by Kristy McCaffrey
(Note: I've included an Amazon link for each book but many are also available on other platforms such as Nook, iBooks and Kobo, as well as print.)
Fluency
by
Jennifer Foehner Wells
For 60 years, NASA has been watching a derelict alien spacecraft
drifting in the asteroid belt near Mars. When a mission is finally ready to
make first contact, Dr. Jane Holloway—a linguist—is recruited to join the team
of pilots, engineers and a doctor. When they finally reach the ship, labeled
the Target, they find it deserted except for an entity that can communicate
telepathically. Jane is the only one open to such contact and the crew soon
becomes suspicious of her mental health. Dr. Alan Bergen, however, does believe
her and attempts to aid her in understanding what happened to the race of beings
on the spacecraft that were lost in a catastrophic incident. This is a
fast-paced story filled with just enough science to satisfy the diehard sci-fi
fans alongside a compelling romance between Jane and Bergen. I couldn’t put it
down!
* * * *
The Comanchero's Bride
by
Kaye Spencer
Elizabeth White, heiress to a sizable fortune, is living in
the wilds of Texas. Her family hopes to make her miserable enough to return
home and marry the man they’ve chosen. Instead, Elizabeth finds a life with
purpose and also meets the man of her heart, an ex-outlaw named Mingo Valderas.
They soon become separated and she finds herself in Denver society with Grayson
Beal, the detestable man she was supposed to wed. He won’t let her go—her
family ties, social standing, and money will all but ensure his bid for the
presidency. When Elizabeth flees Colorado to be with Mingo, they must make
their way to Mexico staying as hidden as possible. This requires traversing
ancient trails frequented by the Comanchero, men who live on the outside of the
law. And Mingo is just such a man.
This tale has a strong heroine with a good heart and a hero
determined to redeem himself for the woman he loves. Their love story will
leave you longing for a happy ending. Beal is a richly-drawn and despicable
villain, the historical details are superb, and the writing flawless. Ms.
Spencer has outdone herself once again. If you’re looking for a gritty western
with romance and valor, don’t miss this one!
* * * *
Tempt Fortune
by
Hebby Roman
In this historical romance, Angelina Herrera has fled Cuba
to Key West in the hopes of forging an independent life free of a man’s
dictates. Her plan is to build a cigar factory and support herself. Financial
circumstances, however, force her into marriage with the enigmatic Alejandro
Estava. Carrying scars from a fire that killed his wife and child, he is
unrecognizable to Angelina and hides the fact that they had known one another
many years prior. That he has long loved her only fuels his efforts to protect
her from an alliance with an unscrupulous man. As a counterpoint to their
romance, the story also showcases Angelina’s new friend, Destiny, and her
courtship with Nathan Rodgers, a Navy captain.
Ms. Roman has written a lush and evocative tale, weaving in
Cuban culture and history along with the early days of Key West society. Both
heroes are swoon-worthy, the heroines are spunky and stubborn, and the love
scenes steamy. It’s everything a romance should be and more. A wonderful read!
Amazon - Tempt Fortune
* * * *
Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch
by
Jacquie Rogers
If you enjoy westerns and humor, then this is the book for
you. Honey Beaulieu is full of grit, determination and sass—I guarantee you’ll
fall in love with her. Growing up in a whorehouse owned by her mama, Honey is
determined to not pursue the same line of work. Fortunately, her pa makes a
living hunting bounties, and Honey shows a particular knack for it. She lands a
job as Fry Pan Gulch’s deputy marshal, much to the chagrin of the men around
her. You’ll cheer her on as she sets out to prove she has what it takes. When she
meets handsome U.S. deputy marshal Sam Lancaster, a stubborn mule and a pickle
barrel will have you laughing out loud. Ms. Rogers is one of the best western
writers out there today and this book proves her talent once again. I
thoroughly enjoyed it!
Amazon - Hot Work in Fry Pan Gulch
* * * *
Home Fires
by
Kirsten Lynn
With the Civil War ended, Cord Matthews heads to Montana
Territory to begin anew. Believing his one and only true love is dead, he
starts over but is never free from the heartbreak. Unbeknownst to him, Olivia
Bartlett has survived, and through a twist of fate they find one another. While
they both are determined to pick up their relationship from where it ended,
they experience the usual growing pains of any couple learning to love and live
together. When an unresolved issue from their past finds them, they must fight
to see it through.
This tale is richly imagined, and Cord and Olivia are both
headstrong and desperate for one another. Ms. Lynn has crafted a gripping
romance on the western frontier. I highly recommend.
* * * *
No Greater Glory
by
Cindy Nord
This wonderful Civil War romance will have you turning the
pages deep into the night. Widowed plantation owner Emaline McDaniels must
contend with the sudden appearance of a bevy of Union soldiers determined to
use her property as a stopover as they move south. Colonel Reece Cutteridge—commanding
and resolute—finds himself falling under Emaline’s spell despite every effort
otherwise. Against the backdrop of heartbreaking atrocities, they come together
in a blaze of passion and need. Ms. Nord handles the details of the time period
with ease, but it’s the tension and love between Emaline and Reece that will
leave the most lasting impression. I truly enjoyed this book.
* * * *
The 5th
Wave
by
Rick Yancey
After seeing the movie, I was hooked so I picked up the
second book to learn what happens to all these great characters. After one
chapter, however, I knew I’d need to read the first book. And I’m so glad I
did! The adage is true here—the book is far better than the movie—but I’m
stunned at the depth in the novel that was eliminated in translating it to the
screen. So do yourself a favor and read this. I found the characters of Cassie,
Evan and Ben engaging and compelling as they navigate the world after an alien
invasion. With each successive wave, the enemy eliminates more and more humans,
and the question, of course, is: What will be the 5
th wave? The
answer is quite clever and horrifying at the same time. I couldn't put this one down.
* * * *
Walking the Gobi: A
1,600-Mile Trek Across A Desert Of Hope And Despair
by
Helen Thayer
Ms. Thayer and her husband walked across the Gobi Desert,
which sits on the border of Mongolia and China. This is all the more audacious
because they’re both in their 60’s and 70’s. They plan and practice for the
trek and are by no means unexperienced at a trip like this. But the unexpected
does arise and Thayer shares these incidents with candor. I thoroughly enjoyed
this book, feeling as if I’d made the journey with them. I’ll always think of their
two camels—Tom and Jerry—with fondness.
* * * *
Look What The Wind
Blew In
by
Ann Charles
In this romantic mystery, Dr. Angelica Garcia is searching
ancient Mayan ruins looking for evidence to vindicate her mother’s reputation,
who is deceased. By her side is her eagle-eyed father and a dedicated crew.
When photojournalist Quint Parker arrives under the pretense of writing a story
about the dig site, Angelica finds herself both suspicious and reluctantly
attracted to the handsome reporter. Throw in an ex-husband trying to win her
back and a Mayan curse creating paranoia and fear among her workers, and
Angelica has her hands full. This story has it all—suspense, steamy romance,
and an intriguing mystery involving the Maya culture. I couldn’t put it down!
Another winner by Ann Charles.
* * * *
Race To Tibet
by
Sophie Schiller
In 1889, French explorer Gabriel Bonvalot set out to reach
Tibet. At that time, no European had ever set foot in Lhasa. He was determined
to enter the well-guarded city and meet the Dalai Lama himself. To gain the
funds to go, he’s forced to bring along Prince Henri d’Orléans, a pretender to the
French throne and a scandalous playboy. Joining them in a large caravan is
Camille Dancourt, a young French woman searching for her husband who
disappeared in Tibet and was never heard from again.
Ms. Schiller has taken historical fact and woven an exciting
adventure story around it. Traversing through Russia and the Tian Shan and
Atlyn Tagh Mountains, the expedition is plagued by harsh weather, altitude
sickness, hostile Tibetans, and Chinese Mandarins who control all travel within
the region. While Bonvalot’s ideals are lofty, he’s forced into thievery and
violence to survive. It’s a harrowing journey, and there’s no doubt these early
explorers were hardy souls. Prince Henri and Camille are not, but watching them
grow and adapt throughout the trek adds a counterpoint to Bonvalot. There is
also a side story involving a Buddhist princess that offers insight into the
culture of Tibet. Today, we take for granted that westerners may enter the
Himalaya region easily, but without men like Bonvalot this might never have
come to be. It’s a fascinating tale of determination chasing after mythology. I
won’t spoil the story by telling you whether Bonvalot reaches his destination
or not, but rather I encourage you to immerse yourself in this thrilling
adventure into another land and time.
* * * *
Father of the Bride
by
Marcy Waldenville
A wonderfully romantic read about wedding planner Kate
Whitney and her ex-husband’s lawyer, Alex Blessing. When Kate must plan Amanda
Blessing’s wedding—Alex’s daughter—she’s thrown together with a man she had
learned to despise for taking everything from her in her divorce. To Alex’s
confusion, he can’t remember Kate although he’s certain they’ve met. Their
growing attraction will have you turning the pages until the end. A
heartwarming love story with just the right amount of sexy.
* * * *
My Mozart
by
Juliet Waldron
This is the first book I’ve read about Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart and it held me captivated from the start. Told from the perspective of
Nanina Gottlieb, who first meets Mozart as a young girl, the story follows her
childhood adoration of the musical genius to her passionate love for a man who
will forever break her heart. Mozart is 18 years her senior, married, a
womanizer and an alcoholic. But all these facts fall to the wayside to Gottlieb’s
worship of the man. Rich with historic detail of 18th century Vienna
and intricate aspects of Mozart’s famous compositions, it’s easy to fall under
the same spell as Gottlieb. She knows loving Mozart will ultimately ruin her
but she can’t stop her feelings. An accomplished singer, dancer and actress,
she makes a living often reserved for unreputable women. Mozart dies when she
is 17 and soon after she discovers she is pregnant. She comes to learn of at
least two other illegitimate children Mozart had left behind. That the famous
maestro didn’t love her exclusively causes deep pain, but until the end of her
life she cannot hate him. It’s a heartbreaking tale. While certain parts of the
story are no doubt fiction, it’s a testament to Waldron that there are no
stumbling blocks in the presentation. An amazing book by a talented author.
* * * *
Alaina Claiborne: A
British Agent Novel
by
MK McClintock
Alaina Claiborne is a strong-willed and likeable heroine,
growing up in the English countryside with her aunt and uncle after witnessing
the murder of her parents and a family friend when she was young. The details
of that event, however, have been buried in her mind. When she meets her new
neighbor, Tristan Sheffield, the attraction is immediate. Tristan is the
British Agent of the title and is in search of the man who not only killed his
father but also possibly Alaina’s parents as well. As the mystery unfolds in
London and Virginia, Alaina’s memory slowly surfaces. She and Tristan marry
under the pretense of protecting her but it soon becomes a true relationship.
Alaina Claiborne is filled with rich historical detail, a
handsome and dashing hero, additional dashing fellow agents who will no doubt
appear in future books, and a heroine with a sense of humor (she’s kidnapped no
less than three times). An engaging tale filled with romance and intrigue!
* * * *
A Dip In The Ocean:
Rowing Solo Across The Indian
by
Sarah Outen
A wonderful account of Sarah’s solo trek to row the Indian
Ocean. She succeeded, becoming the first woman to do so, along with being the
youngest. Her prose is immediate and invites you to be right along with her,
from the decision to do it in the first place to the deep grief over the sudden
loss of her father before the journey begins. You’ll feel as if you rowed the
entire thing with her. I appreciated her focus on details—what her daily
routine was like, how much she loved seeing the albatrosses that passed by, and
her inability to ration her chocolate. You can’t help but admire her tenacity.
