The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

 

The Last Exchange by Charles Martin

Let’s begin with the summary: 

When MacThomas Pockets finished his last tour as part of the Scottish Special Forces, he was hired to consult for a film director to finesse some scenes that weren't working. In a twist he never saw coming, he ended up moving to LA to work as the bodyguard for movie star Maybe Joe Sue. 

It didn't take long for Pockets to realize there were two Joe Sues: The Joe Sue the public saw with her perfect life and her Hollywood husband. And the private Joe Sue: the one with the traumatic youth that no amount of pills could cover up, who desperately wanted a child of her own. 

Even after their paths diverged, he continued to track Joe Sue's life. Only a few would notice when the bottom fell out. But he did. And that's when he stepped in. 

And now, my review: 

From the beginning of this story, some elements tripped me up. One, her name: Joe. I couldn’t ignore the disconnect. Her opening conversation with a male named George left me confused. Our FMC is Joe? Not Jo? The author explains and of course there's Sue, but we don't see Joe Sue. We see Joe. Preconceived ideas of gendered names aside, that tripped me up every time.

Another element was the head-hopping. We’re in two different POVs in back-to-back paragraphs. I couldn’t get past this editorial choice. Couple those derailments with the confusing opening scene, and the book lost me. 

I’ve read this author’s work before and enjoyed at least one earlier book. But this one didn’t work for me.

Out Today! A Christmas Romance

 

 A wannabe novelist with writer's block.
A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.
And the romance they brainstorm together.

Do you ever want to revisit a book setting?

A few years ago, I wrote a book set on one of the islands west of Seattle. It’s called Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and it’s an award winner. Reader response was that folks loved the setting and a certain zany character named Auntie Mat. So of course, she had to visit my characters in my new Christmas novella on the island.

Welcome to Crystal Bay, an invented town fashioned after Winslow. It’s a quaint, touristy location, right on the water.

Here’s a little more about A Christmas Romance, my new release:

Sequel to the award-winning novel, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Peyton McKinley owns a bookshop on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Her love of reading prompts her to write novels herself. Unfortunately, a past breakup has soured her on relationships. When a literary agent wants to see her holiday romance manuscript as soon as she can finish it, writer’s block stalls her progress.

Best-selling picture book author and illustrator Eli Jaxon has relocated to Puget Sound to be nearer to his family. He's on deadline for his next Prescott the Proper Peacock edition, but worry for his niece distracts him. Past mistakes keep him closed off to dating.

When Peyton needs help with her story, previously married Eli volunteers to help her brainstorm. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance?

If you’re looking for a Christmassy getaway to a bookshop near a beach, check out this gentle tale. You’ll find writers, cinnamon candles, a beautiful bookshop, and oh so many books.

On sale for a limited time at $1.99.

E-book Deals October 9th - 13th!

In celebration of my new release coming October 10, 2023, we have three sales this week! Head over to my author page on Amazon to find the deals! 

Before 10/10/23, you can preorder A Christmas Romance, and it will auto-deliver on release day.

Each of these stand-alone books is free on Kindle Unlimited!

Here's more info for each one:

 

 A Christmas Duet: Book One in the Washington Island Christmas novella series. It's ✨free✨ this week! Previous included in the boxed set, Melodies of Christmas Love (2020), now a stand-alone ebook.

A professional cellist.
A widower pianist.
And the duet that brings them together. 

 

 Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington, is Book Two in the Washington Island Romance novel series. This award-winning story is on sale for ✨$0.99✨ this week! 

A broken therapist.
An abandoned son.
And the zany aunt who wants to see them together.
A novel of humor, healing, hope, and second chances.

 

And it's release week for this all-new novella:

A Christmas Romance: Book Two of Washington Island Christmas novella series. This is the sequel to my Bainbridge novel (above). On sale for a limited time at ✨$1.99✨.

A wannabe novelist with writer's block.
A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.
And the romance they brainstorm together.

 

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

 

Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder

I love this cover and couldn’t wait to read this book. You can find it on Kindle Unlimited and read it free there if you have a subscription. 

Here's the summary: 

The accidents are not a matter of chance. They are deliberate. As English gentleman William Kensley becomes aware of the danger at Rosenleigh Manor, he pleads for the truth of his past from the only man he can trust—until that man is murdered. 

As the secrets unfold into scandal, William’s world is tipped into destitution, leaving him penniless and alone. His only comfort is in the constant friendship and love of Isabella Gresham. If he does not have their nonsense at the seashore, their laughter, their reckless adventures, has he anything at all? 

He should have known that would be ripped from him too. When a hidden foe arises from their acquaintances and imperils Isabella’s life, William may be the only one willing to risk his life to rescue her. But even if he frees Isabella from her captors, will he still have to forsake her heart? 

Some sacrifice everything for love. Others sacrifice love for everything else. In this haunting tale of rigid social prejudices and heart-aching regrets, the greatest decision of their life will be determined in the garden of the midnights. 

And now, my thoughts: 

I wanted to love this story. Maybe it’s the fact that I read contemporaries primarily, but this book struck me as melodramatic from the early pages. I prefer a less over-the-top approach. As someone who studies story, both as craft and in authors’ works, I’ve seen a pattern of melodrama in some historicals. Overstatements that pull me out of the story. Drama for drama’s sake. Whiny characters. I’m not saying those things were exactly present here. But I could not get into this story due to some of those elements being present. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I wish the author and publisher all the best.