Reading, writing, photography, the beach, lighthouses, history, unique architecture and much much more :)
Books:
Where do I start. You are going to see a pattern here - I love thrillers. My favorites would be: Jeffrey Deaver, Jonathan Kellerman, Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Jefferson Bass (is a new favorite). I also really enjoy books by Eileen Gouge, Mauve Binchy, Mary Higgins Clark, Laura Lippman and many more. SOme of my favorites which you should try, (besides mine :) are: Nora Peterson, Dorice Nelson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, Elena Bowman and I will add more when I have a few minutes to think about it :) I also really enjoy a well done true crime book. Last year I discovered Diane Fanning and I highly recommend her true crime books.
A COUPLE OF REVIEWS FOR STORMY VIEW - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Kennalyn and David Stevens are getting ready to celebrate ten years of marriage when Kennalyn is visited by the Coast Guard. David has been in a boating accident and is at the hospital in a coma. After David dies in the coma, Mrs. Stevens immediately demands a rapid funeral and insists upon a closed casket. Once again Kennalyn is faced with a manipulating mother-in-law who continues to inform her that she is not welcomed and never will be. With no where to turn, Kennalyn, and the children, little Davie and Brittany, return home to her dad’s lighthouse but the more she dwells on the loss of David, her heart tells her that something just doesn’t appear right on the surface.
Stormy View is a must read. Once I began reading, I couldn’t put this roller coaster ride down. The intensity between the mother, son and Kennalyn can be felt throughout the story as Hilda tries her utmost to erase Kennalyn from David’s life. The character of Kennalyn is strong in the way she handles the conniving, manipulative mother-in-law, who is worse than any wicked witch. Ms. Leigh pulls the reader immediately into the story. I could feel everything that the characters endured, even Hilda’s reactions each time she pointed that bony finger. This is one witch who certainly doesn’t require any broomstick for flying. Her evilness transcends through the pages. This is an incredible tale with great direction and a plot that spins a remarkable read that is absolutely visual in this page-turner. Whew, a recommended read that you don’t want to miss! Nikki Leigh incorporates a believing story with characters that ignite with incredible hope and prove that no matter how much spinning deceit revenge wishes to spin, true love and a rare romance blossoms to overcome any tornado destruction that tries to come in its path.
Reviewed by: Linda L
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/April/LindaL-StormyVi
ew.htm
Stormy View by Nikki Leigh is a wonderful story that shows how far people will go to get what they want. This story shows how a selfish person can manipulate and make everyone unhappy. It also shows how a true love will survive and conquer all obstacles. It contains some wonderful characters. Even the villains in the story are so evil that they just make everything better around them. I could go on and on with all the derogatory words to describe how I feel about David's mother, but I won't. Just trust me, she is pure evil. The history of the lighthouse is fascinating. The most development in a character would involve Captain Bart, Kennalyn's father. He was never happy having daughters instead of sons and sees them as useless, especially in carrying on the legacy of the lighthouse. It is interesting to see how his opinions change. Although the basic outline of the story was predictable there was many surprises along the way. This story is an emotionally stirring book that goes through all the stages of grief and survival. The romance is sweet and the revenge in the end is even sweeter. I find the reason behind everything was believable. In fact the whole story can be pictured as something that could actually happen. This seems to make a big impact on how you can look at this story especially as you picture the story from Kennalyn's perspective and that is easy to do through the descriptive writing of Nikki Leigh. Stormy View is sure to become a favorite of many.
Reviewer: Anita
Kennalyn is the daughter of a modest lighthouse keeper. When she meets David, son of a successful attorney, she knows the love she feels is true.
I loved the story. Loved the words, the images, the scents, the love, the despair and, I loved the second chance to love. Ms. Leigh is a wonderful, very talented new author that succeeds in taking you with her to another world.
This is a story like I love them to be. A young love strong enough to go through life's worst tempests. Ms. Leigh has a way with words that transform words in life and make her characters alive her likeable. Her work resembles a beautiful tapestry that tickles all your sense, leaving you wanting more of that sweet drug.
For any bad day you might have, for any boost you need, keep that book with you.
Reviewer Anne Chaput
http://www.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=1126
A FEW REVIEWS FOR WIDOW'S WALK ---- HISTORIC ROMANCE (FIRST BOOK IN THE MISTY COVE SERIES)
Lizbeth Sullivan looks forward to her upcoming wedding. She and William are ecstatic to be tying the knot and work vigorously together to organize the huge event. One thing that Lizbeth wants more than anything is for her father to escort her down the aisle. His duties usually take him away from home since he is a Captain of his own fishing vessel, the Misty Pride. For Lizbeth, it has been a harrowing nightmare each time her father is out at sea and a storm gale arises. On the eve of their marriage, a horrendous storm shatters mayhem on the seas that has Lizbeth on pins and needles worried about her father. She stands on the widow’s walk watching the terrible gale as she prays all the ones in the ship will be given safe passage home. William, concerned over Lizbeth, decides to stay with her not desiring to leave her alone. She seeks the reassurance that the lighthouse light will guide the men to shore safely but when the beacon of the light doesn’t shine, trepidation really sets in.
Widow's Walk is an electrifying story. I love books that are filled with tender romance and anything with lighthouses. Every beautiful detail in this poignant read is depicted brilliantly. The characters and their conversations along with the whole complete setting really enhance and make it unique. It is such a forceful read that I found myself relating to the characters in many ways. They reach out and touch down to the soul. Lizbeth is such a robust woman and with William she seems to stand even taller. I am so glad that he was an understanding man and not like some of the other citizens in that time frame. Nikki Leigh shapes a book that excels, gives hope and proves, romance is still alive. With her talent she composes a book where this reader visualized everything as if right in the middle of the storm, right down to the slashing waves. Her in-depth writing exhibits Lizbeth’s pain and joy throughout the story. She knows how to craft a masterpiece that touches not only the heart but also the soul. With a colorful well-rounded cast of secondary characters and a picturesque setting hard to forget, this reader found this book an absolute breath-taking, gratifying read. It is one that I could read again and again.
Reviewed by: Linda L
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/June/LindaL-WidowsWal
k.htm
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"Kudos to Nikki Leigh. Her historical romance, Widow's Walk, is a tour de force that captures the spirit of New England, of the sea-faring men, and the women who love them. This one is a real keeper!"—Arline Chase, author of Killraven, Spirit Series, Spirit of Earth, Spirit of Fire www.arlinechase.com
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Widow's Walk is a testimony to what we can endure and conquer if we had the right person next to us. Lizbeth was an independent woman indulged by her father. There were many people in the town who resented this and let her know. William was her perfect match. Very strong, he would not tolerate any one hurting her. Together they can handle and conquer everything life throws at them. Truly an inspiration to those of us who have handled tragedies, Widow's Walk is a must read novel. Kudos to Nikki Leigh for penning such a wonderful tale.
http://ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=1088
It is October 1841. The storm worsens and, along with Lizbeth, he is horrified to discover the lighthouse is not lit and the Misty Pride in trouble. Begging Lizbeth to stay home, William gets help and goes to the lighthouse. He finds the keeper on the floor...
The first in a series of three books, Widow’s Walk has intriguing sub plots and support characters. Nikki Leigh pens a very strong-minded heroine in Lizbeth. With excellent character portrayals, this book is one you can really sit back and relax with. It takes in quite a span of time, finishing in 1852, so the reader gets the satisfaction of seeing Lizbeth and William's realization of their dreams. If you love historicals, do not miss Widow's Walk.
Wendy - Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/WidowsWalk.html
A FEW REVIEWS FOR LILAH AND THE LOCKET - MYSTERY
Reviewed by Anne K. Edwards, New Mystery Reader
If you are a mystery fan who likes sand in their shoes and the sound of waves and the scudding of clouds just offshore, you should definitely join Kristie Connelly and her dog, Lilah, as they stroll along the beach. Of course, your walk would be interrupted when Lilah turns up a human bone.
Thus begins the hunt for the identity of the body buried beneath the sand dunes put up to protect the island fifteen years ago. And for the identity of the murderer.
The unexpected involves Kristie on a level she hadn't expected when the body is identified by a tarnished locket found buried with it. Old memories bestir themselves and form links in a chain that leads to the killer.
Could Lilah's new friend be involved? Why does she find him so irresistible? What does Kristie think of him? Why does he suddenly appear just at this time?
These and many other questions will pull you along as the tension builds. The motive for murder will take you by surprise and look out for red herrings dragged across the path.
A cleverly plotted tale by talented author Nikki Leigh that provides a pleasant and satisfying read. Enjoy. I did.
http://www.newmysteryreader.com/small_press_mystery.htm#
;lilah%20and%20the%20locket
Nikki Leigh has penned another beautifully written story. Lilah and the Locket has it all: delightful characters, a setting so real I could taste the salt in the air and an intriguing mystery that kept me captivated to the end. Even if I wasn't a fool for anything on four legs, I'd love Lilah and the Locket.
Nora Peterson
Join Kristie and her four-legged sidekick Lilah as they find new friends, unearth old betrayals, and discover the truth that’s lain beneath the sand for two decades.
Patty Lunt
Lilah and the Locket by Nikki Leigh is a captivating short mystery that will keep you reading until the end. Ms. Leigh has penned her novella in ‘first person’ and I found it extremely well-written with descriptive phrases that pulled me into the story and made me feel as though I was walking on the beach right alongside the characters. I haven’t been a fan of novels written in this style, but I believe Ms. Leigh has changed that for me. If you are looking for a little mystery based on a location rich in historical value, then Lilah and the Locket will fit the bill. The secondary characters lend color to the story, personalize the plot and make for a satisfying read. The possibility of a budding romance between Nathan and Kristie make me hopeful that there will be a continuation on the horizon. (Hint, hintJ)
Reviewed by Ginger Simpson
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