BOUND BY MURDER / BOUND BY MYSTERY / BOUND BY DISASTER by Christy Barritt, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Beach Bound Books and Beans Murder Series

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BOUND BY MURDER (Book One Review)
There's nothing like finding a skeleton in the walls of your new property to bring a renovation project to a screeching halt.

That's exactly the position that Lantern Beach newcomer Talitha Robinson finds herself in while trying to convert her newly acquired downtown property into a coffee shop and bookstore. Thankfully Mayor Mac MacArthur gets involved, using his instincts as the former police chief to assist Talitha in figuring out what to do next.

And while it seems that Mac is a bit enamored with the attractive new citizen . . . wait a minute . . . there's more to this story.

BackCover Blurb:

When widow Talitha Robinson buys an old store on the boardwalk in Lantern Beach, North Carolina, she’s in for a surprise . . . or several. She plans to renovate the space and open Beach Bound Books and Beans, but never expects to find a decades-old skeleton hidden inside one of the walls.

As word of the discovery spreads across the island, strange occurrences begin to occur around her. It soon becomes clear someone still knows something about the dead person—something they don’t want discovered.

Thankfully, former police chief and current mayor Mac MacArthur seems just as eager to unravel the mystery behind the skeletal remains as Tali. But as the two bind together to solve the case, a devastating secret is revealed.

Will their newfound friendship come unglued before they find the answers to the past? Or will their blooming relationship die like the man hidden in the wall?

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BOUND BY DISASTER (Book Two Review)
"Murder was interesting in books. But in real life? It was an entirely different story."

What if a suspicious murder victim washing up on the shores of Lantern Beach was connected to an unfinished manuscript? And what if that manuscript was the one just personally delivered to Tali Robinson? Has she already met the killer? So many questions. So few answers.

As Lantern Beach newcomer and proprietor of a yet to be finished bookstore and coffee shop, Tali Robinson once again finds herself relying on the support of mayor Mac MacArthur whose steady presence and years of experience as the former police chief make Tali all the more grateful that she agreed to just one dance.

This cozy mystery coasts to at a very clever conclusion.

BackCover Blurb:
Talitha Robinson is knee-deep in renovations as she prepares to open her new bookstore when a body washes ashore on Lantern Beach. While news of the suspicious death surges across the island, a stranger comes knocking on Tali’s door, begging her to endorse his unfinished suspense novel.

Unable to dissuade the author, Tali is left holding his manuscript in her hands. But she has no idea of the peril written on its pages.

Mac MacArthur has kept his distance from Tali since they uncovered a shocking connection about their pasts. But when someone begins to act out the murderous scenes from the book, one victim at a time, Mac’s protective instincts override his decision to stay away.

As danger escalates, Mac and Tali must manage their conflicting feelings as they work together to stop this killer . . . before the last chapter is written.

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BOUND BY MYSTERY (Book Three Review)
" . . . we have a witness who places you arguing with the victim right before she died in your store."

Impossible! Talitha Robinson had not killed anyone, especially on her own property. A recent newcomer to Lantern Beach, Tali was working hard to renovate her recent purchase into a combination bookstore and coffee shop, while living in the second floor apartment. But on the night in question, she had a house guest, a bookstore owner from a nearby island who stayed the night due to a storm that cancelled the ferry.

Former police chief and current mayor Mac MacArthur can scarcely believe that trouble has found his friend Tali all over again. His simmering attraction to the lovely woman has been put on hold (who is he kidding?) while they consider some awkward circumstances from their pasts. But as of right now, It's his civic duty to come to her aid, agreed?

An entertaining quest to find the killer who orchestrated a clever scheme to point the finger in the wrong direction. 

BackCover Blurb:
Talitha Robinson is well on her way to completing renovations for her new bookstore, Beach Bound Books and Beans, in Lantern Beach, North Carolina. But when she hosts a friendly meet-and-greet with bookstore owners from nearby islands, the progress she’s making comes to a deadly end.

Someone is backstabbed—literally—right under Tali’s nose. To make matters worse, Tali’s fingerprints are all over the murder weapon and a neighbor claims to have seen Tali commit the crime.

Mac MacArthur knows Tali isn’t the type to hurt anyone, but it doesn’t take a former police chief to figure out things don’t look good for her. The two work together to read between the lines and decipher the truth before Tali gets locked away for crimes she didn’t commit.

As more evidence stacks up, it becomes clear that someone wants to take Tali out of the story. For good.

 

*I purchased copies of these books and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

BUY ANY OF THE SERIES AT AMAZON IN DIGITAL EBOOK , PAPERBACK, or AUDIOBOOK 

 

SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE by T. I. Lowe, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“You are loved, you are cherished, and you are chosen by our Savior, and your identity is far greater than any label someone tries to place on you.”

South of Somewhere was such a good, hopeful story. I read it in record time. From the start, I rooted for Junie who had been through so much. This story had a lot of hurt and a lot of heart. A perfect struggle-to-overcome-addiction story with a happy outcome. It had a friends to more romance, witty banter, family angst and lots of great spiritual lessons. It was a peek into how different Alcoholic Anonymous meetings operated and showed how true friendships were made. A favorite character was Gilbert who was a probation officer, sobriety coach, and father figure rolled into one. But he was there for Junie with tough love, too.

This is one of the authors who writes stories that I savor, with characters that are relatable and a writing style that I have come to appreciate with each book of hers that I read.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Tyndale through NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*Beyond 5 stars and a solid faith thread 

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
When Juniper Wilder's grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she's burned a lot of bridges, ones that can't be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother's South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There's an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it's hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she's hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she's made.

-Contemporary Southern fiction for fans of Lauren K. Denton, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Victoria Benton Frank
-An inspiring and hopeful summer read featuring a sweet, opposites attract romance
-Contains inspirational themes of recovery from addiction, second chances, unexpected love, redemption, and found family
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs, recipes, and a playlist inspired by Junie's story 

Tyndale Publishing, March, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, or audiobook:

Buy SOUTH OF SOMEWHERE at Amazon, Christianbook, or Baker Book House 

 

THE TOP OF THE WORLD by Elizabeth Camden, Reviewed by Winnie #ReleaseDay

A Heartfelt Second-Chance Contemporary Romance 

(Far & Away Book 2)

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

“Was it too late for them?”

Talented author Elizabeth Camden has penned another fascinating and entertaining tale in her new book, The Top of the World. I quickly became invested in the characters and plot and didn’t want to put the book down.

Holly Fermoy and Quentin Chadwick fell in love in college, despite their vastly different backgrounds. When Holly abruptly leaves, Quentin is devastated. Twelve years later, he discovers the reason she left, and he sets out to confront her, even though it means traveling to the top of the world—a military base in northern Greenland. As Quentin and Holly reconnect and wonder if they can work through their feelings, they also try to solve a mystery involving Holly’s relative who disappeared years ago.

Realistic and engaging characters, a captivating plot, and a setting in Greenland combine for a fascinating and engrossing read. With plenty of action, suspense, some history, and a big dash of romance, this story is definitely a winner. I enjoyed the growth of the main characters as they worked through their problems and their relationship.

This is the second in the Far and Away series by Elizabeth Camden, but it can easily be real as a stand-alone book. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next story in the series. 
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

BackCover Blurb:
They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world.

Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance that once lit up her world.
Quentin Chadwick, the privileged son from a powerful political dynasty, never got over the woman who vanished from his life without explanation. When he finally uncovers the truth behind her disappearance, he follows Holly to the edge of the world to make things right.

Under the midnight sun, Holly and Quentin rediscover what once drew them together—but old wounds, buried secrets, and clashing values may tear them apart again.

The Top of the World is a sweeping, heartfelt love story about second chances, resilience, and the courage to choose love against the odds.

THREE MAGNOLIAS PRESS, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and Audiobook:

Buy THE TOP OF THE WORLD at Amazon ,

THE SCORPION THIEF by Janyre Tromp, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #ReleaseDay

 THREADS OF THE LOST MYTH SERIES

A Cold War, Myth-Infused Historical Thriller of Political Intrigue, Family Betrayal, and an Art Heist Worthy of the Silver Screen...

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“In order for life to mean something, Noura has to stand up and race toward what is right." 

Welcome to the world of the Cold War 70s and a subversive group who is trying to steal artifacts from the King Tut Exhibition slated to begin touring the USA.

Noura is in Cairo getting the exhibit ready for transport with the help of a team including Theo. She does not know who to trust when she suspects someone of setting things up to abscond with relics for nefarious reasons. Things and people are definitely not what they seem. Noura questions which side she is on and even if family could be involved. 

Lots of intrigue, manipulation, dangerous situations and a bit of romance. This was a well plotted story and I enjoyed the references to Egyptian mythology that tickled my imagination. With a climax in the midst of a hurricane in New Orleans, you couldn’t ask for a more interesting story.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Grafted Page Press via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*4 stars clean read

BackCover Blurb:
A deadly Cold War political game.

A cursed Egyptian artifact.

Two sisters: one the treasure's guardian, the other its thief.

Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, art theft, and espionage.

In Washington, Nixon's administration maneuvers to use King Tutankhamun's treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.

From the souks of Cairo to the hurricane-lashed streets of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep, and some debts can never be paid.

GRAFTED PAGE PRESS, April, 2026

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon