As Featured on FreshFiction.com - Jen's Jewels - Jennifer Vido's Reviews of Current Literature, Fiction and Non-Fiction Book Reviews

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Notorious
by Michele Martinez
"Melanie Vargas takes on her most dangerous case!"
Posted February 4, 2008

Melanie Vargas is preparing for her most high-profile case yet. As a federal prosecutor, she leaves no stone unturned and uses her gut instincts to put men like the soon-to-be-tried notorious rapper, Atari Briggs, behind bars where he belongs. It just so happens that his defense

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Betrayal
by John Lescroart
"Lescroart scores a direct hit!"
Posted February 15, 2008

San Francisco defense attorney Dismas Hardy has a job to do. When asked to close out the cases of a recently disappeared fellow attorney named Charlie Bowen, Dismas quickly discovers that he may have taken on more than he can possibly handle. From an alleged suicide to a possible military

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Deep Dish
by Mary Kay Andrews
"The secret ingredient for romance!"
Posted February 26, 2008

Gina Foxton is a firecracker not only on screen, but also in her personal life. Her parents and sister, Lisa, can attest to that! Being the host of a regional cooking show on Georgia Public Television, Gina whips up authentic Southern cooking with a twist. She only uses natural, homegrown

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Firefly Lane
by Kristin Hannah
"And the greatest of these is friendship..."
Posted February 14, 2008

If it weren't for friendship, growing up for any child would be twice as hard. Sharing your dreams, your secret desires, and your hopes of the future take on a new life when whispered between two souls who promise love and friendship until their dying day. Tullulah Rose Hart

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Oblivious
by Cyndia Depre
"Appearances may be deceiving, especially when it comes to murder!"
Posted February 26, 2008

The only child of a wealthy couple, Olivia Chatham has her namesake hometown wrapped around her little finger, and rightfully so! Sweet, kind, and downright gracious, Livvy has the knack for spreading joy by anonymously doing good deeds to those less fortunate than herself. Of course, everyone knows she's

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The Sound of Language
by Amulya Malladi
"Two strangers...One language...Forever changed."
Posted January 13, 2008

Raihana knows one thing for sure. To survive in the brutal world in which we live, one must put aside childhood dreams and face the reality of what lies ahead. This is the lesson she has learned while biding her time in a refugee camp in North Western Pakistan. When

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The Secret Between Us
by Barbara Delinsky
"Some secrets just shouldn't be kept."
Posted January 13, 2008

Being a single working mom has its difficulties, but Dr. Deborah Monroe has managed to survive without too much fanfare. Her marriage may not have been perfect, but the product of their love created two beautiful children who make her existence worthwhile. Living in her hometown has its advantages as

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Preaching to the Corpse
by Roberta Isleib
"A clergyman's job is never done!"
Posted January 10, 2008

The Shoreline Congregational Church is in quite the uproar. Without any notice, their assistant pastor has made a hasty exit leaving behind unanswered questions and no plausible explanation to validate his sudden departure. In the meantime, the committee in charge of hiring his replacement is busy arguing over who would

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Sweetheart Deal
by Claire Matturro
"Who says you can't go home?"
Posted January 10, 2008

Lilly Cleary might just be one of the savviest lawyers in Sarasota, Florida, but presumably she's no match for the little town of Bugfest, Georgia. If truth be told, the reason for her success may very well lie in the fact that Sarasota lacks the one element that sends

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Kids Are Americans Too
by Bill O'Reilly, Charles Flowers
"The ultimate guide for every school-age child."
Posted November 18, 2007

Known for his pull-no-punches hardcore conservative rhetoric, Bill O'Reilly has made a name for himself in the world of politics through his popular news show, The O'Reilly Factor, as well as in his bestselling books. In 2005, The O'Reilly Factor for Kids, his first book.

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Accessory to Murder
by Elaine Viets
"Who knew that fashion could be so deadly...."
Posted October 23, 2007

Josie Marcus, the infamous mystery shopper and part-time unofficial sleuth, is back again for more action and this time she finds herself wrapped up in a peculiar twist of fashion, so to speak, that leaves her quite befuddled. When Halley Hardwicke, designer of luxury and fashion- forward scarves, winds

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The Christmas Pearl
by Dorothea Benton Frank
"The essential gem for the holidays!"
Posted October 23, 2007

There's just something to be said for family. As the old adage so accurately states...you can't live with them and certainly can't live without them. What to do? What to do? That perfectly sums up Theodora's dilemma this holiday season. The ruling matriarch of a Read more...
Your Coffin or Mine?
by Kimberly Raye

"A sexy vampire's latest spin on dating."

Posted September 18, 2007
Countess Lilliana Arrabella Guinevere du Marchette is not your typical woman. Sure, she's a primo matchmaker and owner of the Dead End Dating Service and of course a slave to fashion, but isn't every five-hundred-year-old born vampire? What else is there for a knock-out Read more...

How Starbucks Saved My Life
by Michael Gates Gill

"The truth behind the coffee."

Posted August 22, 2007
Michael Gates Gill lived a life of sheer luxury. A high- powered executive at an exclusive Ad Agency in New York City that catered to the likes of Lee Iacocca, Michael lived a dream life that only few could ever hope to achieve. With an Ivy League education and a Read more...
The End of The Alphabet
by Cs Richardson

"Such simple letters that spell the true meaning of love."

Posted August 6, 2007
Ambrose Zephyr lives a simple life with the woman he loves, his endearing wife Zappora Ashkenazi, better known as Zipper. Although they have chosen not to have any children, their lives are so complete due to their flourishing careers in London that they want for nothing. From their daily routines Read more...
The Rest of Her Life
by Laura Moriarty

"Within a blink of an eye, an innocent life is lost forever."

Posted August 22, 2007
Nothing is sweeter than taste of freedom especially when you are a high school graduate embarking on what is sure to be the beginning of rest of your life. For Kara Churchill, her future has never looked brighter. As she teeters on the cusp of adulthood with her family enthusiastically Read more...
The Bright Side of Disaster
by Katherine Center

"Babies, bubbles, and boyfriends....Oh! My!"

Posted August 22, 2007
Falling in love, getting married, and giving birth to a bundle of joy. Isn't that what every girl dreams of? For Jenny Harris, that is the perfect plan...or so she thought. Why then is she pregnant and wondering if her fiancé is really going to make it to Read more...
Left Bank
by Kate Muir

"Ça, c'est bon!"

Posted August 22, 2007
Oliver and Madison Malin are the "IT" couple living a luxurious life in none other than the City of Lights. He, a well sought-after philosopher, and she, a beautiful and chic actress, are what screen writers only dream of putting up on the big screen. Fortunately for them, theirs Read more...
Still Summer
by Jacquelyn Mitchard

"And the greatest of these is friendship....."

Posted August 6, 2007
There is nothing sweeter than the sound of the voice of a true friend. Olivia, Tracy, Janis, and Holly know these words to be true. Together, they conquered the halls of catholic school, known to all as the Godmothers, and caroused and dreamed while holding each other's hands. Usually Read more...
Pieces of My Sister's Life
by Elizabeth Joy Arnold

"Joined by blood, torn apart by lust."

Posted July 10, 2007
Twins. How does one describe the bond that only they share? From their first breath until their dying day, these separate beings mesh their souls and share their hearts in a secret language that only they can decipher. For Kerry and Eve Barnard, there is no one else. Abandoned by Read more...
The Virgin of Small Plains
by Nancy Pickard

"A spell-bounding tale full of lust, greed, and revenge."

Posted June 27, 2007
Abby Reynolds is your typical teenage girl living in a rural community in the tiny town of Small Plains, Kansas. In love with the judge's son, Mitch Newquist, Abby has hopes of one day getting married and starting her own family using her parent's example of a good Read more...
Life's a Beach
by Claire Cook

"The perfect companion for a lazy summer day."

Posted May 15, 2007
Ginger Walsh is busy. Whether it involves taking care of her sister's children or trying to keep up with her eccentric dad who is always on the move, her days are quite filled. The only problem is that her life is completely chaotic. At forty-one, she thought by Read more...
The Last Blue Mile
by Kim Ponders

"The flight one dares to take determines the rest of life's journey."

Posted June 23, 2007
One of the most defining moments in a young woman's life is the day she finally leaves home and enters college. As she embarks on her journey to become independent and self- sufficient with her morals and life lessons neatly tucked away ready to be revealed when called upon Read more...
Somebody is Going to Die If Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch That Bouquet
by Gayden Metcalfe, Charlotte Hays

"Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what Southern Brides are made of......"

Posted March 20, 2007
Since the day she was born, every Southern mother starts planning the most important day of her daughter's life....her wedding day. Whether she strikes it rich and marries the crème de la crème of the social ladder or she is forced to settle for the not Read more...
Hopeless Romantic's Handbook
by Gemma Townley

"A hilarious spin on finding Mr. Right...."

Posted April 30, 2007
Taking life one day at a time, Kate Hetherington is patiently waiting for her knight in shining armor to magically appear and sweep her off her feet so that she can finally live the life she has always dreamed of having. Chocolates and roses are the two mainstays in Kate Read more...
Whitethorn Woods
by Maeve Binchy

"Maeve Binchy at her best."

Posted March 20, 2007
Nestled in the tiny town of Rossmore in the middle of the Whitethorn Woods in Ireland is St. Ann's well. From near and far, those looking for answers to their prayers come to pay homage to the saint in hopes of having their requests granted. When the talk of Read more...
Cover-Up
by Michele Martinez

"Martinez strikes gold with her third Melanie Vargas novel."

Posted March 15, 2007
Melanie Vargas' life is turning around. Her divorce is final, her career is heading in the right direction, and her love life seems to be moving at an appropriate speed when she is handed a pivotal case that just may determine her future as a federal prosecutor for the U Read more...
The Liar's Diary
by Patry Francis

"The secret everyone wants to know."

Posted March 15, 2007
Two friends thrown together in an unusual set of circumstances, Ali Mather and Jeanne Cross find themselves paying the price for living a life full of lies. Together, they find solace in the tranquility of their relationship which turns out to be the only stable part of their turbulent lives Read more...
The Sex on the Beach Book Club
by Jennifer Apodaca

"The book club where membership definitely has its privileges!"

Posted December 17, 2006
Holly Hillbay is anxiously awaiting the next meeting of a not-so-conventional book club. Named after a tantalizing cocktail, Holly thinks there must be some reason this group has chosen such a racy name and she certainly has every intention of finding out why. Hired to catch an unfaithful Read more...
High Heels are Murder
by Elaine Viets

"Shopping, Sex, and Shoes. What's not to like?"

Posted January 7, 2007
Josie Marcus is at it again. Being a mystery shopper has lots of perks, like designer dresses and high-end shoes, but for Josie, it somehow also includes murder. When on assignment shopping in a classy shoe store, Josie stumbles upon a top salesman who has more than just selling Read more...
Jamie's Italy
by Jamie Oliver

"Italian cuisine made simple and delicious!"

Posted October 20, 2006
Jamie Oliver, best known for his cooking show Naked Chef on the Food Network, once again brings simplicity into the world of authentic cuisine with his new cookbook, JAMIE'S ITALY. While traveling the bucolic landscape of Italy, Jamie stops along the way sampling the finest dishes that make Italian Read more...

The Big Shuffle
by Laura Pedersen

"Laura Pedersen deals another ace!"

Posted December 2, 2006
Hallie Palmer has had her share of bad luck, but more times than not, she manages to rise to the occasion and remain intact. When her Dad suddenly dies and her mother winds up needing some mental help to cope with his passing, Hallie finds herself rushing home from college Read more...
@ Home for the Holidays
by Meredith Efken

"A little bit of sugar and a lot of spice together make a group of women that are naughty and nice!"

Posted December 2, 2006
Chestnuts roasting by an open fire is not the scene found in the homes of these Christian desperate housewives who are gearing up for the hectic holiday season. From cheating spouses to infertility, these women leave no stone unturned as they try to keep their heads above water while throwing Read more...
The Marriage Diaries
by Rebecca Campbell

"The best kept secret for a lifetime of happiness!"

Posted October 15, 2006
Celeste has the job that every girl interested in the fashion world envies, buying clothes with other people's money. Draped in the latest fashions without batting an eye at the price tag, Celeste thrives on the adrenalin she feels pumping through her veins as day to day she determines Read more...
Love You, Mean It
by Patricia Carrington, Julia Collins, Claudia Gerbasi, Ann Haynes

"An emotional journey of love, loss, and life lessons."

Posted August 4, 2006
As with any friendship, each partner fulfills a certain need. Whether she is the one to make you laugh or maybe during the hard times, the one who enables you to see the light at the end of the tunnel, no two friends are the same. For these four strangers Read more...
My Baby, My Bride
by Tina Leonard

"A showdown of lust and love!"

Posted September 4, 2006
Liberty Wentworth knows how to work a man with a simple bat of an eyelash mixed with the mesmerizing sound of her sugary southern drawl. Unfortunately, it looks like she has finally met her match in Duke Forrester. Leaving him at the altar was not this beauty queen's finest Read more...
Secrets and Sacrifices
by Diane M. Wylie

"A romantic journey to the Civil War!"

Posted October 26, 2006
Charlie Garrett is not your typical soldier in the Confederate Army. A sharpshooter in the Twenty-Fifth Virginia Infantry with a will of steel, no enemy is too fierce for this soldier to conquer. Quick, loyal, and determined to win, Charlie is the epitome of what an excellent soldier should Read more...
All the Numbers
by Judy Merrill Larsen

"An emotional journey of heartache and redemption."

Posted July 11, 2006
It is said that once a woman becomes a mother, her heart no longer belongs to herself. As her child takes his first steps, she knows that he is on his way to becoming his own man. As surely as the sun will set, his childhood will be all but Read more...
Marriage by Design
by Lynn Michaels

"A stitch of mystery and a bolt of love!"

Posted August 4, 2006
Every bride-to-be living in Kansas City, Missouri knows the name of Lucien Savard. He is the mastermind behind the sophisticated design boutique of Savard Creations. Built from the ground up, Lucien's empire is highly successful and his wedding gowns are desired by many. His one major character Read more...
Cross My Heart
by Carly Phillips

"Carly Phillips at her best!"

Posted August 4, 2006
Living the life of luxury and privilege is all Lilly Dumont can remember of her pristine childhood before her parents were tragically killed and her life turned upside down. Forced to live with her abusive and self-serving uncle, Lilly finds herself thrown into foster care leaving behind her memories Read more...
Cover of Night
by Linda Howard

"Fast-paced, engrossing and worth the read!"

Posted August 4, 2006
A devoted husband with precious twin boys who fill her every waking hour with purpose and contentment, Cate Nightingale lives a perfect life. Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, all is lost. Her husband tragically dies and Cate is now left to pick up the pieces of a fairy Read more...
Carolina Isle
by Jude Deveraux

"The perfect companion for a day at the beach!"

Posted May 31, 2006
The thought of switching identities, even if for just a brief moment, is such a tempting proposition. Seeing the world through someone else's eyes enables the least suspecting soul to be caught off guard and if lucky, one can discover his or her most sacred secrets. When cousins Ariel Read more...
London is the Best City in America
by Laura Dave

"A family affair!"

Posted April 19, 2006
Walking away from any relationship takes a brave soul, no matter what the reasons behind the departure may be. Whether or not the right choice has been made, life must go on, but the constant self-doubt always seems to linger. Emmy Everett knows that her fiancé, Matt, is just Read more...
Bed Rest
by Sarah Bilston

"A survival guide for moms-to-be!"

Posted April 1, 2006
One of the most exhilarating times in a woman's life is the moment she discovers that she is having a baby. Nothing can prepare her for the emotions that she will feel for this tiny being whom in nine months will envelop her whole existence. Layettes are purchased and Read more...
The Debutante Divorcee
by Plum Sykes

"Be careful what you wish for because it may come true!"

Posted June 14, 2006
The first lesson learned directly from birth for a debutante is that every occasion is befitting a celebration. Whether it's a wedding, or perhaps even a divorce, a debutante maximizes her potential by inviting the right people with the best connections in hope to score the coveted write-up Read more...
Prisoner of Memory
by Denise Hamilton

"Prisoner of Memory is a sentence well served."

Posted March 23, 2006
When a not-so-plum assignment about roaming mountain lions lands her smack in the middle of an unexpected murder case, newspaper reporter Eve Diamond finds herself embroiled in a mess involving the KGB, the Russian Mafia, and the FBI. Trying to further her career and land her story on Read more...
Green 61
by Cody Fowler Davis

"Legal thrillers' newest star!"

Posted June 12, 2006
Practicing law and making a difference in the world has always been Anderson Parker's lifetime dream. As with any profession, he knows he has to pay his dues to get to the top, but once he gets there, he has plans of setting the legal world on fire. Unfortunately Read more...
Magic Hour
by Kristin Hannah

"Kristin Hannah's finest hour."

Posted February 3, 2006
From the deep, dark woods on a crisp October day appears a little girl who takes a small, Northwest town on a journey that changes their lives forever. Mute and wolf-like, this helpless child finds herself caught in a web of emotional turmoil as she struggles to stay alive Read more...
The Mommy Quest
by Lori Handeland

"Looking for love and finding the one!"

Posted May 1, 2006
If there is one name everyone knows in Gainesville, Illinois it has to be Luchetti. The infamous Luchetti boys are known for their good looks and wild living and Dean Luchetti is no exception. Unlike his brothers, he does not have much luck with school or women, at least the Read more...
Rattled
by Debra Galant

"A Jersey girl's kind of book!"

Posted April 1, 2006
Heather Peters has an agenda. She wants it all and frankly she doesn't care what she has to do to get it. Classroom mom...check! Fashion diva....check! There really isn't much that she can not do or at least, pay someone else to do. In her warped Read more...