
Autumn is just around the corner and I, for one, can’t wait! Already the nights are cooler, the days luxurious, laden with the aroma of ripening fruit and vegetables. This is my favorite season. I love bright orange pumpkins, crimson and chartreuse leaves, along with eagles soaring over salmon-filled streams.
The kids are settled in New Zealand now. They found a cute little house to rent only a few blocks from the beach, but it came without a fridge! Apparently, this is normal over there, lol. They also found a helper for their move… a stray cat 🙂
Edits are going well for my upcoming release, Letting Go. I can’t wait to share Renée and Izzy’s story with you!
This week I have two murder/mysteries and a journey of survival to share, so let’s get started.
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Agent Pendergast takes on a bizarre and gruesome case: in the ghost-haunted city of Savannah, Georgia, bodies are found with no blood left in their veins—sowing panic and reviving whispered tales of the infamous Savannah Vampire.
FBI Agents Pendergast and Coldmoon are baffled by a series of chilling murders in the ghost-haunted city of Savannah, Georgia.
“I refrain from thinking at the beginning of an investigation, Commander.”
Bloodless- Preston & Child
“What do you do in place of thinking?” Delaplane asked drily.
“I become a receptacle for information.”
Delaplane gave Coldmoon a pointed glance, raising her eyebrows. Coldmoon shrugged. It was just Pendergast being Pendergast.
When a victim is found without an ounce of blood left in his veins, and a Senator breathing down the FBI’s neck, Pendergast and his team, Agent Coldmoon and ward Constance Green, are tasked with finding the killer before the Senator’s planned campaign stop. Complicating matters, a ghost-hunting reality TV show is filming in the area, a journalist with revenge on his mind is stalking the film crew, and an eccentric old woman seems to hold the key to the investigation.
This is the twentieth book in an intriguing, ever-changing series, but can easily be read on its own. This story has a paranormal, sci-fi thread reminiscent of popular television programs like Quantum Leap and The Twilight Zone.
I don’t want to give too much away, other than to say hold on to your hat- this one is trippy!
The line from the blurb I chose above is the message behind this intensely personal, heart-breaking, memoir of one woman’s journey to survival.
Life is a gift. It is precious, and it’s worth fighting for. If I died, my pain went with me, but I would leave pain with my loved ones. My life is worth living.
The Winding Road- Miriam Hurdle
Cancer. One word, yet it has the power to strike a range of emotions in your breast: fear, anger, hopelessness, desperation- determination.
It’s the last one I want to focus on for this review. The author is brutally honest throughout her diagnosis and treatments, relaying her weakness, hair loss, swelling, and financial worries. But her faith never wavered, even when the medical system seemed to let her down.
Waiting was like seeing the time go by in slow motion and looking at the anxiety with a magnifying glass.
The Winding Road- Miriam Hurdle
Thanks to her strength of will, along with the support of family and friends, Miriam navigated a host of financial hurdles and received the treatment she needed. Her story is inspirational and a lesson in determination.

Amazon Link
When a call comes in of teens causing trouble in the Widow’s Island graveyard, Deputy Tessa Black doesn’t expect to find a grave robber burying a box of bones containing a missing girl from a nearby island.
With her fiancé, park ranger Logan Wilde at her side, Tessa investigates the scene and questions a growing list of suspects, but the case is further complicated by a suspect-turned-victim and a shooting endangering Tessa’s police force.
The pace is fast in what is the last novella in this engaging series. The characters are well-rounded and there’s even an unlikely pet rooster to lighten the sober topics of child abuse, dementia, and wildfire concerns.
“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
Today’s garden photo is my hydrangeas changing to fall color highlighted by one of my favorite roses, a miniature yellow climber, and the giant leaves of a fig.
Sounds like some great reads. Thanks for sharing, Jacquie.
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They’re all great choices, Jill. Thanks for stopping by!
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These all look like good reads. I have Miriam’s book on my ereader waiting for me. I’d missed the fact the P & C had a new book out in their Pendergast series. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jacquie. Have a wonderful week 💕🙂
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Both are going to keep you up at night, Harmony 🙂
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💖😁💕
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for the reblog!
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Thanks for these great recommendations, and the fantastic reviews, Jacquie! Miriam Hurdle’s “memoir” is really heart wrenching, but also a great advisory for people in the same situation she was. So, you are now having an accomodation in New Zealand, wah? Lol I am always fascinated about the desire to move of the US-Americans. Here most people are leaving their hometowns only for vacation. I think this is immanentely also showing up in the bordered mind of some. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
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Hi Michael,
It’s my daughter and grandson who made the move to NZ. She’s been accepted for a PhD program there. I’m too chicken to get on a plane, lol.
Yes, Miriam is incredibly brave, and an inspiration to anyone.
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Never say no, Jacquie! You can also go by ship and train. 😉 Best wishes to them! Let’s hope they will not return as Kiwi’s. Lol xx Michael
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Lol, I love that accent 🙂
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These all sound like wonderful stories. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. (And beautiful flower pic!)
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Thanks, Staci. The hydrangeas are beautiful at any time, but I love the softer hues of fall 🙂
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Ah, autumn. My favorite time of year. 🍁
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I can’t wait for your new release, Jacquie! I really like Preston/Child, so I’m glad to see one I haven’t read yet on your list. These all look great, though. 🙂
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Hi Kymber, it’s great to hear from you! Mae Clair hooked me on the Pendergast series, they’re so good!
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Yes! Autumn is just around the corner, and I’m ready! The cool mornings are giving us a hint that it’s coming. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these books, Jacquie. All sound like great reads.
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I bet you are happy to see the heat of summer in your rearview mirror, Jan! I complain when it gets near 25C, lol
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HI Jacquie, it is lovely to see a post from you. I am pleased you enjoy autumn. I always feel slightly down in late autumn as I know it is followed by winter and I hate cold weather. I am glad your family are settling well. No fridges here in SA either. A wonderful review of Miriam’s great book which I also appreciated. Preston and Child books always get glowing reviews and the third book also sounds good.
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Yes, winter is the downside of autumn. Thankfully, here we have mild winters with very little snow compared to the -20’s and knee-deep snow of my home province!
The absence of fridges from rentals (and home buys) seems weird. Are they expensive there?
All three of these are excellent reading choices. Thanks for stopping by, Robbie. I’m trying to get back into the swing of things 🙂
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Super reviews, Jacquie. Thank you.
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If you like police procedurals Lincoln & Child, and Melinda Leigh are excellent choices, John.
Miriam’s memoir must have been almost as hard to write as it was to endure. She is a strong lady.
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It sounds like it.
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Miriam’s book was inspirational and the other two sound like good reads! Pretty garden pic and I love autumn too 🙂
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I’m impressed Miriam remembered so much of what happened, it would have been a blur for me!
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I hate to say goodbye to summer, but I do love Autumn. I just wish the summer was longer!
I’m glad the stray cat dropped by to say hello. Maybe it will become a permanent resident down there in NZ 😊
Miriam’s memoir was excellent. It’s difficult to imagine going through such a struggle. I’m so glad her illness is behind her now.
The Wrong Bones sounds good (and I love that cover). As for Bloodless—I was gobsmacked! Especially by the ending. I can’t freaking wait for the next release! 😃
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They’ve already named the cat, lol.
Miriam’s story is so inspirational. I’m in awe of her strength of will.
Melinda Leigh writes excellent police procedural suspense. The covers for all of her books are amazing!
Gobsmacked is a good description for Bloodless- holy crap!
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I know on Bloodless, right!?!?! EESH!
I couldn’t conceive of going through what Miriam did. She is a woman of strength and faith for sure.
And I am so glad that kitty as found a home! ❤️💕
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Autumn is just the best, Jacquie. A favorite time of year for me too. Your garden seems to be loving it. – so beautiful. Thanks for the great reviews. I was riveted to Miriam’s book, and having just done the cancer journey with my husband, I found it incredibly relatable and her determination inspiring. Thanks for the two murder mystery recommendations too. Wonderful reads for when I just want to dive in and get lost. Happy Autumn, my friend. Hugs. ❤
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I’m sorry to hear about your husband, Diana. I hope he’s in remission now. Almost everyone is touched by cancer one way or another, it’s a horrible disease.
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We went with surgery ten days ago, Jacquie, and it was successful. A huge relief after almost a year of tests and scheduling. Thanks for the kind comment. ❤ ❤
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Sending healing prayers and strength to hubby ❤
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❤
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I love novels set in Savannah – bonus points if it’s something a little supernatural. What poignant quotes from Miriam’s book. A wonderful review, Jacquie.
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I’d love to visit the southern states one day. So much history, good and bad.
After reading Miriam’s story I wished I lived closer to give her a hug- she’s amazing!
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Like several others here, I’ve already enjoyed Miriam’s book. I’m glad that she decided to share her story. Of the two murder mysteries, I’d be more inclined to go with The Wrong Bones.
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Miriam’s book will be a guide to others going through the same heart-wrenching journey.
Melinda Leigh’s stories are filled with strong female protagonists and are more relatable, I think than Lincoln & Child.
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Fabulous reviews Jacquie, enjoyed Miriam’s inspiring memoir and thank you for the introduction to two new authors to me… hugsx
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I read your review of Miriam’s memoir on Bookbub and thought it summed the story up perfectly, Sally ❤
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♥♥
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Fall is my favorite as well.
They sound like good reads. Thanks for sharing, Jacquie.
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It’s the bountiful season, hard not to like that 🙂
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Preston and Childs are not my type of writer–content, not skill. I actually read most of one book thinking I would get a Lee Child story written with someone else (I was young! A immature reader). Miriam’s–a memoir everyone will be able to relate to.
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Lol, you’re allowed to have an opinion, though Pendergast is rather cool 🙂
Miriam’s story is an important one for anyone going through the cancer journey.
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Jaquie, all of these sound wonderful. Congrats to all the authors.
I enjoyed your newsy opening. It’s great to know things are off to a good start for the kids in New Zealand. Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks, Teagan. I’m greatly relieved that they are settling into their new home 🏡
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Fantastic reviews, Jacquie! I can confirm that here in Australia (and NZ) we normally move with own fridges – it’s often the most painful part of a removal. Toni x
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That’s so interesting, I wonder why?
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