Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Wired For Magic By Janet Roberts-Fantasy/Suspense Thriller Review and Giveaway

 

Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts Banner

WIRED FOR MAGIC

by Janet Roberts

March 30 - April 24, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Book Synopsis:

Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts

Rowan Campbell has a stalker. Only her magic can stop him.

Her stalker's obsession goes beyond Rowan's natural beauty: he wants to control the magic she struggles to admit she possesses. More than anything, Rowan longs for normalcy. But the stalker's unlimited resources and unrelenting pursuit force her to accept that leaning into her magic is the only path to a chance to free herself. Angry and desperate, Rowan builds a plan to break free of her pursuer that requires her to come out of hiding, return home to America, and learn to use her inherited abilities. To do so, she'll enlist the help of her white hat hacker brother, Griff, and her aunt, the only living connection to her magic. Before she's ready to face her stalker, Rowan must evade capture, learn about her magical legacy, and accept that she can only prevail if she believes in herself and embraces her power.

Wired For Magic is the fast-paced story of a woman's journey to come to terms with her personal power in a battle for her life, freedom, and the chance to open a path to love.

Book Details:

Genre: Fantasy, Suspense and Thrillers, Women's Fiction
Published by: Porch Swing Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: March 31, 2026
Number of Pages: 336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780997389692 (ISBN10: 0997389699)
Book Links: Amazon | KindleUnlimited | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.**** 



My Review

"Someday you'll realize this is who you were born to be."
The title of this book was the first thing that drew me in, but once I started reading, there was no turning back. Reading 
Wired for Magic
 is like assembling a high-stakes jigsaw puzzle; as the pieces click into place, you become more and more obsessed with the story.
Rowan is running for her life, stalked by a shadow from her past. Guided by her departed mother’s warnings, she seeks out her Aunt Maya to finally master the magic she was born to wield. As she learns the weight of her incredible legacy, the stakes only get higher.
Jarod, the stalker, is relentless in his quest to take Rowan captive. The suspense of their cat-and-mouse game kept me on edge the entire time. I felt every bit of Rowan’s anxiety, constantly questioning who she could trust besides her brother Griffin and her Welsh aunt. To say I was fully invested in Rowan’s quest would be an understatement.
The multiple perspectives made the story easy to follow and gave me a deep look into everyone’s motivations. I absolutely loved the Celtic atmosphere and the non-stop tension as Rowan fought for her power, her freedom, and a chance at love. The ending was incredibly satisfying, yet I’m already desperate to return to this world.
Recommended for fans of high-stakes urban fantasy thrillers and readers who love a strong female lead discovering her power while outsmarting a relentless villain.


Read An Excerpt From WIRED FOR MAGIC:

 

 

Meet Author Janet Roberts :

Janet Roberts

Janet Roberts is a former global leader in cybersecurity education. Her books are set wholly or partially in Western PA, where her roots run deep. Her readers know to expect a female character who awakens to the discovery of her own inner strength while facing adversity. Wired For Magic (2026), her first fantasy thriller, combines a strong woman, magical realism, suspense, and elements of cybersecurity. She’s also the author of the award winning novel, What Lies We Keep (2024). A member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and Sisters in Crime, she lives in Pittsburgh and loves travel, wandering through bookstores, reading on her porch swing, and sharing a bottle of wine with friends.

Catch Up With Janet Roberts:

www.booksbyjanetroberts.com
Let’s start with coffee, Substack
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @JanetRoberts
Instagram - @janetroberts77
Threads - @janetroberts77
Pinterest - @janetroberts12
Bluesky - @janetwrites.bsky.social
Facebook - @Janet_Roberts

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Stalk This Book (Not Rowan) For A Chance To Win

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Wired For Magic by Janet Roberts | Gift Cards

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Monday, April 13, 2026

Staged Evidence: A Pen & Dagger Novel By Traci Hunter Abramson-Romantic Suspense Review



Book Synopsis

From the queen of clean romantic suspense—one terrified witness, one unsuspecting Broadway playwright, and a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.

When Tessa Seidel delivers costumes to a Manhattan television studio late at night, she expects an empty set—not a murder scene. After stumbling upon a woman’s body and nearly being attacked by a man fleeing the scene, Tessa escapes with no idea who to trust—and a fear that the killer knows who she is.

Desperate, she runs to a friend’s beach house in the Hamptons, where Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer is retreating to finish his next script. But he knows danger when he sees it and offers to shelter Tessa, even when they find out she is being accused of committing the murder.

Back in Manhattan, CIA operatives Kimber Seidel and Brandon Hale realize Tessa is being framed. But with a powerful suspect manipulating the investigation, clearing Tessa’s name won’t be easy.

If they can’t unravel the truth in time, Tessa won’t just be the prime suspect—she’ll be the next victim. 

Book Details

  • Publisher: Shadow Mountain
  • Publication date: April 7, 2026
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 304 pages
  • ISBN-10: 1639934731
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****




My Review

Traci Hunter Abramson has done it again! I’ve been absolutely loving the direction she’s taken with her writing over the last few years, and 
Staged Evidence, 
the second installment in her A Pen & Dagger series, hits the mark.
The murder mystery is packed with twists, especially as we catch up with Kimber and Brandon from book one (Novel Threat). The stakes are personal this time: Kimber’s sister, Tessa, has been framed for murder. Forced to go on the run, she finds shelter in the Hamptons with Parker Sawyer, a Broadway playwright who happens to be the nephew of Kimber’s boss.
I absolutely loved the forced proximity of their situation. Being tucked away in a beach house created this cozy, high-stakes environment where their connection could really breathe. It wasn't just "insta-love"; it felt like a natural insta-connection that grew as they learned to trust one another. Parker is incredibly protective, but I loved that Tessa was just as fiercely protective of him. One of the most creative parts was seeing how Parker used his playwriting skills to help solve the case, weaving his career directly into the plot to communicate with those on the outside.
The plot moves at a breakneck pace, and I felt so much secondary anxiety as the detectives closed in. Traci expertly scatters clues and red herrings throughout, keeping the suspense at a fever pitch until the very last act. I ended up staying up way too late just to see how it all unraveled! While you could read this as a standalone, I’d highly recommend starting with book one to get the full experience. Traci Abramson always leaves me wanting more, and now I’m just anxiously waiting for the next release.


****Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson****



Traci Hunter Abramson, a former Central Intelligence Agency officer, was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the CIA for six years until she resigned to raise her family.

Traci is a popular writing instructor and keynote speaker. She has written more than fifty best-selling novels, several of which have won awards. Traci was also honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2025 for her contribution to the writing community. She loves hearing from her readers. Learn more about her...

HERE: https://www.traciabramson.com/



~*~*~*~*Purchase Staged Evidence ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hard Cover-https://a.co/d/0h2iFNMV

Kindle-https://a.co/d/07SCjvgF


Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey By Jane Goodall with Phillip Berman-Review


 Book Synopsis

From world-renowned scientist Jane Goodall, as seen in the new National Geographic documentary Jane, comes a poignant memoir about her spiritual epiphany and an appeal for why everyone can find a reason for hope.

Dr. Jane Goodall's revolutionary study of chimpanzees in Tanzania's Gombe preserve forever altered the very, definition of humanity. Now, in a poignant and insightful memoir, Jane Goodall explores her extraordinary life and personal spiritual odyssey, with observations as profound as the knowledge she has brought back from the forest.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2000
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Revised ed.
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446676136
  • ***I purchased my own copy at a Jane Goodall exhibit.***



My Review

I purchased Reason for Hope a few years ago while visiting an exhibit about Jane Goodall. When she passed, it felt like the right moment to finally read it and learn more about such an extraordinary woman. She has always intrigued me because of her profound love for animals a passion I’ve shared my entire life. At one point, I even dreamed of becoming a wildlife biologist, zookeeper, or conservationist, which is why Jane’s work has always touched me so deeply.

Reason for Hope traces the journey of her life across many decades, taking the reader from the London Blitz to famous excavations in Africa, and eventually into the forests of Gombe to be with her beloved chimpanzees. Beyond the research, she opens up about being a woman of science who learned to embrace her spiritual side, a balance that gave her life true meaning and direction.

I was especially moved by her reflections on the meaning of life:

"Was there a guiding force in the universe, a creator of matter and thus life itself? Was there a purpose to life on planet Earth? And if so, what role were we supposed to play in the overall picture? In particular, what was my role to be?"

Looking back on her life, the impact of her work is undeniable. She was a woman of hope, dedication, and tireless optimism. At her funeral, her son, Hugo van Lawick Jr., gave a moving goodbye, remembering the quiet, wise, and loving times they had together. His words moved the world to tears as he honored her legacy—not through her fame, but through the everyday compassion she practiced for humans and animals.

Reading this book allowed me to get to know a different side of Jane Goodall. She was so much more than a researcher; she was a global activist and humanitarian. From founding the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 for community-centered conservation to launching the Roots & Shoots youth program in 1991, her reach was vast. As a UN Messenger of Peace, she never stopped advocating for the environment and animal welfare.

To end this review, I want to share her final message to the world from the Netflix series Famous Last Words. She urged us all to maintain hope and take action against climate change, reminding us that
"Every single day you live, you make a difference in the world—and you get to choose the difference that you make."
Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey is a beautiful reminder that we all play a role in conservation and animal rights. It has inspired me to continue doing my part to make the world a better place for all living things.



****Meet Author Jane Goodall****


Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, is an iconic voice for holistic, compassionate, and sustainable solutions. Through her global advocacy as an ethologist and environmentalist, she is shaping attitudes and policy on issues ranging from human rights to the climate crisis, and inspiring action through the power of hope.

Jane Goodall was born on April 3rd, 1934, in London, England. At the age of 26, Jane followed her passion for wildlife and Africa to Gombe, Tanzania. There, under the mentorship of paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey, she began her landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild. Her revelatory observation in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific landscape and forever redefined our understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals.

In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global community-led conservation, research, and animal welfare organization to advance her vision of a better future for all. In 1991, Dr. Goodall created Roots & Shoots, JGI's international youth program, now active in more than 60 countries, to develop the compassionate changemakers our world needs.

From scientist to world-renowned activist, Jane has been a leader in the community-led conservation and animal-welfare movements for decades.

She passed away in October of 2025.




~*~*~*~*Purchase Reason for Hope ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/jbK94BL

Kindle-https://a.co/d/4vhKwJM

Monday, March 30, 2026

The House Saphir By Marissa Meyer-YA Romantasy Murder Mystery Review



 

Book Synopsis

This is the tale of Bluebeard as it's never been told before--a romantasy murder mystery.

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. Though she comes from a long line of witches, the only magic she possesses is the ability to see ghosts, which is rarely as useful as one would think. She and her sister have maintained the family business, eking out a paltry living by selling bogus spells to gullible buyers and conducting tours of the infamous mansion where the first of the Saphir murders took place.

Mallory is a self-proclaimed expert on Count Bastien Saphir—otherwise known as Monsieur Le Bleu—who brutally killed three of his wives more than a century ago. But she never expected to meet Bastien's great-great grandson and heir to the Saphir estate. Armand is handsome, wealthy, and convinced that the Fontaine Sisters are as talented as they claim. The perfect mark. When he offers Mallory a large sum of money to rid his ancestral home of Le Bleu's ghost, she can’t resist. A paid vacation at Armand’s country manor? It’s practically a dream come true, never mind the ghosts of murdered wives and the monsters that are as common as household pests.

But when murder again comes to the House Saphir, Mallory finds herself at the center of the investigation—and she is almost certain the killer is mortal. If she has any hope of cashing in on the payment she was promised, she’ll have to solve the murder and banish the ghost, all while upholding the illusion of witchcraft.

But that all sounds relatively easy compared to her biggest learning to trust her heart. Especially when the person her heart wants the most might be a murderer himself.

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ FABER AND FABER
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2025
  • Genre: YA Romantasy
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ International Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0571396976
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I was so excited to dive into The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer. I’ve always loved her books, and when I saw this described as a "thrilling romantasy" that’s part ghost story and part murder mystery, I was sold. Honestly? It pretty much lived up to the hype.
The story follows Mallory Fontaine, a girl who can actually see ghosts. To keep her and her sister, AnaĂ¯s, afloat, they run fake tours and sell "haunted" trinkets. Their luck changes when Armand Saphir offers Mallory a deal: exorcise a ghost from his family’s massive estate, the ghostly murderer Monsieur Le Bleu, his great-great-grandfather, and he’ll pay their rent. What starts as a (somewhat) easy job quickly spirals into a dangerous game of murder, magic, and dark secrets.
Since this is a Bluebeard retelling and I hadn’t read the original story, the twists were all new to me. Even though Mallory is the lead, I absolutely loved Bastien’s dead wives. As ghosts, they brought so much humor to a book that gets pretty dark.
The story starts a bit slow, but the tension really ramps up once they’re trapped at the creepy House of Saphir. While I wished the romance between Mallory and Armand had a bit more spark, the real heart of the book is the fierce loyalty between the two sisters. I also loved the monster hunters, Fitcher and Constantino—they added some great levity while helping take down Bastien in the final act.
Watching Mallory finally find the power to banish Bastien to the underworld was the perfect ending. If you want a fast-paced, atmospheric mystery with heavy Gothic vibes and high stakes, you need to read this. It’s spooky, tense, and totally worth the ride.

****Meet Author Marissa Meyer****


Marissa Meyer is a fangirl at heart, with a closet full of costumes, a Harry Potter wand on her desk, and a Tuxedo Mask doll hanging from her rear view mirror. Han and Leia are still her OTP. She may or may not be a cyborg.

Marissa is also the NYT bestselling author of a number of books for teens, including The Lunar Chronicles, the Renegades Trilogy, and Heartless.

Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.marissameyer.com or follow her on social media:

Instagram: @marissameyerauthor

Pinterest: @marissameyerauthor

Facebook: @marissameyerauthor

Twitter: @marissa_meyer



~*~*~*~*Purchase The House Saphir~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/gBVHN8s

Kindle-https://a.co/d/2G62Ogq

Sunday, March 29, 2026

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins By Melanie Dickerson-Historical Christian Romance Review




 Book Synopsis

My only remaining marriage prospects were the head gardener, the vicar, and the steward. But how could I marry any of them when I was in love . . . with Lord Brookhaven?

Charlotte Robbins accepts a governess position for the Earl of Brookhaven's siblings despite rumors of the earl's severe and mysterious demeanor. As a lowly governess, Charlotte entertains thoughts of possible romance with an eligible servant until she does fall unexpectedly in love--with the pensive earl himself.

But love does not mean a match is possible, and the earl's friends warn Charlotte that if he were to fall for her, it would ruin him. Just as Charlotte resigns herself to the impossibility of her feelings, she receives news that she has inherited a fortune from a long-lost relative. Now thrust into London high society, Charlotte grapples with suitors vying for her attention, but her heart still belongs to the Earl of Brookhaven. As secrets unfold, she's no longer certain if her newfound fortune is a blessing--or if it is the very thing that threatens the love she's always longed for.

"A unique story with a richly tapestried setting that makes this Regency novel sparkle to the very end."--Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Indigo Heiress

In this captivating rags-to-riches, upstairs/downstairs historical Regency romance for fans of Jane Eyre, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson weaves a stunning tale of a mysterious fortune, forbidden love, and a brooding love interest.

Book Details

  • Publisher: ‎ Bethany House Publishers
  • Publication date: ‎ March 17, 2026
  • Genre: Historical Christian Romance
  • Language: ‎ English
  • Print length: ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10: ‎ 0764245228
  • ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. ****




My Review

The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins by Melanie Dickerson is a charming Regency romance that leans into those classic Jane Eyre vibes.
The story follows Charlotte Robbins, an orphan raised in a girls' school who longs for a family of her own. She takes a position as a governess for the broody and mysterious Earl of Brookhaven, William. Their connection is instant, starting with a midnight rooftop meeting, and I loved watching their relationship blossom on his estate. However, the vast gap in their social stations makes a future together seem impossible.
The novel is split into two distinct parts. Part One: Is my personal favorite. It focuses on Charlotte bonding with William’s siblings and the unexpected romance growing between employer and employee. Part Two: Is the "Rags to Riches" twist. Charlotte receives a mysterious fortune from an "unknown uncle," allowing her to enter society. Unbeknownst to her, William is the one who gifted her the wealth to secure her future.
The second half was a bit frustrating for me. While Charlotte deals with fortune hunters and a blackmailing villain trying to take her orphaned wards, William remains distant. Having been burned by a former fiancée, he stands by while other men court her. I really wanted to see him take a stronger stand for her hand much sooner!
While the middle dragged slightly and I craved more "on-page" romance before the finale, the characters themselves are very likable. If you enjoy a clean, faith-based Regency with a Cinderella-style transformation, The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins is a solid pick.


****Meet Author Melanie Dickerson ****


Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author of happily-ever-after romance. She believes in love, laughter, afternoon tea, and the power of story.

With a million books sold and numerous awards, including two Christy Awards, two Golden Quills, a National Readers Choice Award, Christian Retailing’s Best, and Book Buyers’ Best Awards, her books have hit #1 in her category on the New York Times bestseller list.

When she’s not writing, Melanie can be found watching While You Were Sleeping for the hundredth time, cozying up to her handsome hero husband, or shaking her head at her slightly unhinged Jack Russell terrier. She lives in the beautiful foothills of the Appalachians near Huntsville, Alabama.




~*~*~*~*Purchase The Good Fortune of Miss Robbins ~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Paperback-https://a.co/d/09Qrq9uT

Kindle-https://a.co/d/06rHmuL0