THE USUAL SILENCE 
Jenny Milchman @jennymilchman 


Thank you, #partner @booksforwardpr #thomasandmercer and the author for including me on this tour and my #gifted copy. 

This is a thriller with multiple viewpoints, several timelines, and three core stories. I love multiple POV and timelines so I enjoyed it, but if these are not your comfort area be prepared to take notes. 
I enjoyed this one. It was full of red herrings and twists that kept me guessing till the end. I was most interested in the PoV of the mother with the child with autism but liked all of them. 
This is a perfect spooky szn book because they are in a rural area with woods surrounding them and no cell service (all of my worst nightmares😹) 
The Usual Silence is available now! 

HANNAH: THE SOLDIER DIARIES (Part 1) 
Steve Wallis

Thank you Books Forward and the author for my gifted copy. 

This was a very cool audiobook experience. Not only is there narration and background sound but there are songs to complement each chapter. The songs help to understand the story more much like musical theater. 
Hannah’s story is one of joy, love, angst, heartbreak, and sadness. She and Jack make the very most out of their four weeks together. 
The ending seems like a cliffhanger (hence part 1) but if you listen carefully it’s not. 
I’m anxiously awaiting part 2. 
This is a quick listen, check it out. 
Out now. 

IN THE AIR TONIGHT 
Marie Force 

Thanks #Partners Kate Rock, Blue Box Press, and the author for my #gifted copy. 

This is my first book by Marie Force even though she’s written more than 100 books, but it won’t be my last. This fast paced emotionally charged romantic suspense focuses on two friends who both witness a heinous crime. They both stay silent until 14 years later when one of them decides she must speak up. This sets in motion a chain of events that will affect their lives. 

I read this one in one sitting because it had such a hold on me. I look forward to reading more by this author. 

BRIGHT EYES 
Bridey Thelen-Heidel @brighteyesauthor 
Out now!

Thank you #Partners @booksforwardpr @shewritespress and the author for the #gifted copy. 

If you’ve been around a while, you know how much I love memoir. Bridey’s story is one I am grateful to have read and happy to add to my collection. I do not rate memoir but I wholeheartedly recommend this one. 
(If you’ve have triggers, please check before reading. This is difficult material, but I believe it should be read.) 

Bridey’s life was not an easy one. She was raised in an abusive household with rampant drug use and the adults in the home were often manipulative and domineering. However, Bridey was able to share her story in a way that gives hope and inspiration. The wording and pov are strong and at times I felt I was in the room with her. And don’t be mistaken, there is a very happy ending to this story. 

Like many, Bridey found hope in music, particularly Duran Duran. (Mine was Depeche Mode.) Music is a great outlet and I loved how this was interspersed through her story. 

As someone who was raised in a trauma filled home, not unlike Bridey’s, I am thankful this landing in my hands. It was difficult at times because it brought back memories but it needs to be shared. Children raised in these environments often create environments like them. To know better is to do better. As a former teacher I taught many kids like this and my knowledge often made me able to connect with my students. This is likely why Bridey, a teacher herself, has been named teacher of the year multiple times. I hope you’ll read this and if this wasn’t your life, at least you’ll have empathy for those whose lives are impacted. 

WISH I WERE HERE
Melissa Wiesner @melissawiesnerauthor 

Thank you to the author for including me in her traveling arc team and also to @readforeverpub for my #gifted arc. 

Thoughts: 
I love, love, loved this book!! We need more MMC’s like Luca in the world! Such a dream and so caring. Catherine was not as easy to love but I think that was the intent. We def see growth in her. The elderly neighbors were so awesome! I’d love to live in this building. 
Being part of the traveling arc team was so much fun! Seeing everyone’s comments and tabs definitely enhanced the reading experience. 
This is my second book I’ve read by Melissa and she’s got a fan for life! 

🌫️THE OTHERS🌫️
Evette Davis @evettedavis.author 

Thanks , Partners @booksforwardpr and the author for the #gifted copy and amazing #swag box. 


What worked- Vampires, witches, fairies, and demons (oh my)! This one was a little slow to start but once I got into it I could not stop. Literally. I stayed up til 4am because I couldn’t put it down. 
I loved all the characters but as a vampire girlie I really loved William and his family’s story. 
Maybe it’s because I live in New Orleans, where we bury our dead above ground so they’re never quite settled or because of the turbulent background and those from the past have something to say but I’ve always thought there were Others here (and I’m hoping they end up here further in the story). So I was really intrigued by this unique storyline. 
What didn’t work- Athough Olivia is a political consultant, I didn’t expect it to get so political. It fully aligned with how I think but at some points I felt it was a little too much. If you’re a fan of West Wing you’ll love it.