Karen C. Whalen | Updates

Market in the Park, Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. Sunset Beach, NC, 9 to 1

Karen C. Whalen — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Every Thursday through September 24 I will be at the Market in the Park. My booth will be set up right on the Intracoastal Waterway—and I'll be ready to visit and sign copies of my latest works. Hope to see you there!

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Holiday Market in the Park, Sunset Beach Town Park, 206 Sunset Blvd., Sunset Beach, NC, 10-2

Karen C. Whalen — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wander, explore, and enjoy the magic of the season at the park on the Intracoastal Waterway. Swing by my booth. I’ll be there with copies of all my books. Signed books make great gifts!

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Review of…Queen of Starlight by Molly M. Hammond

Karen C. Whalen — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In the second installment of the Starlight Series, author Hammond expands an already wildly imaginative universe, uniting elves and wizards in a desperate, heroic alliance against the shadow creatures called Entanglements which were sent by the malevolent Hex. The fate of two worlds, elves and wizards, hangs in the balance as Luma grows into her role as the Queen of Starlight. Book two is packed with complex characters, pulse-pounding battles, and rich, spellbinding lore. The second installment is just as fantastic as the first, and I'm eagerly hoping for a third book!

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/gopAN

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Review of…Running Wild by Lisa Morgan

Karen C. Whalen — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Kara is going through a hard time with her parent’s recent divorce. A wild stallion named Bruno faces a problem of his own having been cast out of his herd as he reached maturity. When a hurricane tears through Shackleford Banks in North Carolina, the lives of the broken girl and the displaced horse cross paths. Kara and Bruno must decide if they are strong enough to mend one another—and if, together, they can finally find a way to accept their new circumstances, and even flourish. A beautifully written story for young horse lovers from an award winning author of equestrian fiction.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/uRBa6

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Review of…Wishes by N. Christine Samuelson

Karen C. Whalen — Sat, 6 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For Callie Ward, the world has become defined by a series of soul-crushing tragedies. Just as she begins to believe she will never get over the grief, she receives a box of wishes from her late grandfather whom she lovingly called Pops. Inside is a collection of wishes, a roadmap designed to send Callie on a quest for self-discovery and closure. Join Callie as she traverses the winding road to healing. If you’re looking for a romance that cuts deeper and heals stronger than the rest, this is the journey you’ve been waiting for.

Here is the link: https://shorturl.at/luI0i

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Review of…Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech

Karen C. Whalen — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I downloaded this book on Kindle after reading a recommendation in Magnolia magazine. It was published in 1998, but I hadn’t read it before. A young teen girl, Zinny, and middle child in a large family that has suffered some tragedies, strives to distinguish herself by clearing a trail near a fictional town in Kentucky. It is a story of quiet resilience and the blooming of a young spirit determined to leave a mark, making this a heartwarming, soul-deep journey. Whether you are ten or a hundred, you will find a piece of your own heart tucked away in Zinny’s trail—a testament to the power of purpose, family, and moving forward.

Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chasing+redbird&crid=1IL152RI0VC14&sprefix=chasing+red%2Caps%2C157&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_ci_hl-bn-left_1_11_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker

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Review of…Return to Sender by Craig Johnson

Karen C. Whalen — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Craig Johnson is one of my favorite contemporary authors, but…I haven’t liked any of his recent books. In fact, it’s been quite a few years since I’ve enjoyed them. I read some reviews of Return to Sender and noticed that many readers agree with me, even when they gave the book a 3 or 4 star review. What they like are the characters, not the story, and I agree. What else I didn’t like: the Russian plot line that continued from the prior book. That transfers the series into a serial. I had no interest in the Russian story and basically skipped over those parts. For one thing, I couldn’t remember the threads of that plot line, having read the prior book a long time ago. Since the characters are what readers like, too bad Henry Standing Bear and Vic made such brief appearances, which has been the case in all the recent books.

Latest in a series (or serial) of disappointments

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/GoeVG

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Review of...The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Karen C. Whalen — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Having read the first three of the Hunger Games years ago, when I thought the series was only going to be a trilogy, I picked up this prequel about President Snow’s past. How could Collins make a villain an interesting and likeable person, one a reader can root for? She’s more than able to do it. Explaining his complex motivations and the reasoning (even though horribly misplaced) behind the origin of the games, Collins provides twists and surprises, and wraps it all up so well– this book does not disappoint.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/tsgvT

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Review of…Cruising to Death by KJ Sweeney

Karen C. Whalen — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Helena is a counselor and welcome volunteer for cruise ships that dock in her home city, Port Chalmers, New Zealand. When a passenger vanishes into thin air, Helena finds herself involved in a mystery that defies logic: How did he slip past the ship’s ironclad security? Once his body is found, additional questions arise. Were his family members involved in his disappearance? What—or who—drew him to the port city in the first place? The return of her grown sons, Jamie and Adam, the latter of whom is dealing with a dilemma of his own, complicate Helena’s plans. The port city is charming with descriptions that make you want to hop on a cruise and visit yourself.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/vtJpE

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Review of…Ragged in the Rain by Brian Anderson

Karen C. Whalen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ragged in the Rain is book five in the Lyle Dahms mystery series. Dahms and his good friend Stephen Edgerton travel from Minneapolis to Seattle to find Edgerton’s sister who has vanished into a world of addiction and homelessness. Dahms and Edgerton also face eviction from their long-time Minneapolis boardinghouse as gentrification claims their neighborhood. Against the backdrop of the Public Market and other Seattle landmarks, Dahms navigates the heartbreak of displacement—both the threat of his own and the reality of the homeless people Edgerton encounters while volunteering at a local food kitchen. As Dahms and Edgerton's friendship is pushed to a breaking point, Dahms discovers that the search for the missing woman is only the beginning of a much more dangerous puzzle. This outstanding novel balances social themes with more than one mystery, making it a must-read addition to an already stellar series.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/QwMhx

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Review of… A Winter's Disgrace by Kathleen Buckley

Karen C. Whalen — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This novel is set in the Georgian era in England. Harassed by his parents to secure a new wife, widower Cyprian Law, Earl of Basildon, is desperate to escape. Rosamund Fortescue, cast out by a callous husband who left her with nothing but an annulled marriage, is navigating the wreckage of her own life. When their paths collide, Cyprian’s simple act of chivalry—escorting her to the safety of her godmother’s London home—is the start of an unlikely friendship. As Rosamund fights to carve out a living as a lady’s companion amidst danger and threats, she and the Earl discover that they might be able to protect and love one another. If you like historical fiction, damsels in distress, and heroic nobility, you’ll love A Winter’s Disgrace.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/alMMq

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Andromache's Story: What Really Happened in Troy by Nancy MacCreery

Karen C. Whalen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Andromache's Story is a retelling of the Greek mythology. Helen was the most beautiful woman in the world, causing the ten-year Trojan War that ended with the Trojan Horse being brought into the city of Troy, causing its collapse. The perspective is from Andromache, Andromache being the wife of Hector, the heir to the Trojan throne. There are quite a few twists to the story that are not found in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey! It’s entertaining, told in modern day language…and who knows? Maybe it really happened that way! If you’re looking for a timeless classic that’s fun to read, this is your book!

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/JEx70

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Review of…The Resurrection by Hanna Park

Karen C. Whalen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

If you are looking for a fantasy with faeries, princesses, magic, shape shifters, purpose, and suspense, this is it. Calla Sweet, known as Rioghain in another realm, trades places with the kidnapped Ciaran to join her sisters. She seeks to uncover the secret of her mother, The Princess of the Dead, and the circumstances of her birth. In the meantime, Colm, the Celtic, is trying to obtain her return from the faerie realm and save her from a mad scientist who recognizes her special gifts. Will Calla/Rioghain become the greatest seer in all of eternity? Or will she escape from the fairie realm and return to Colm, the one she loves? An epic story for fantasy lovers!

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/kmarm

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Review of… The Twenty One Year Contract by L. B. Griffin

Karen C. Whalen — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An historical fiction starting in 1959 in England tells the tale of adoption, family tragedy, corruption, and young, independent girls making their own way in the world. Surprise twists tie two families together. As the years unfurl and the stakes rise even higher, prepare for an unforgettable saga where the truth is finally revealed. You will want to keep turning the pages as the years fly by. A must read.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/o8bm0

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Review of…Falling for my Showmance by Wendy Rich Stetson

Karen C. Whalen — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Emmie Austin—better known to her fans as Parker Austin—finds herself ousted from the very play she helped write. Seeking refuge from the wreckage of her Broadway dreams, she retreats to her hometown, taking on a children’s community theater production as a favor to her brother, the mayor. Between a series of unexplained mishaps that have everyone whispering about ghosts and sabotage, Emmie is fighting to keep the play on track. To make matters more complicated, she’s reunited with Boone Price, her high school "showmance" heartthrob and the father of one of her cast members. As the chemistry between them reignites and her affection for the children grows, Emmie must decide if wants to return to New York or stay home with the man she loves. I loved the characters, the hometown, the romance…a totally enjoyable read!

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/z2aeW

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A review of...The River Runs Silent by Kathryn Beck

Karen C. Whalen — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dev Hutchins, a former detective turned private investigator, finds her past and present colliding when her ex-boyfriend, Congressman Jack Everett, agrees to hire her to investigate the murder of his sister, Sydney. A philanthropist known for her work in disaster relief and homelessness, Sydney was also a friend to Dev, making the case deeply personal. As Dev and Jack uncover Sydney’s hidden life, the case is complicated by Jack’s powerful, wealthy father. Simultaneously, Dev must navigate the emotional wreckage of her own upbringing—a childhood spent in the foster system burdened by a volatile mother. Written with a sharp, evocative voice reminiscent of classic, hard-boiled noir, the narrative weaves together complex family dynamics and the consequences of past mistakes. It is a gripping, atmospheric read that I highly recommend.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/iFWHa

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Review of...Peg, Unhinged by Teri M. Brown

Karen C. Whalen — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m a big fan of Teri M. Brown, and when I received an opportunity to get an advanced copy of Peg, Unhinged I couldn’t wait to get started reading it. All her books are outstanding, but I believe this is my favorite. In this book, Peg is slammed headfirst into a perfect storm of marital collapse, career calamities, crumbling finances, and the relentless tide of the “big M” (menopause). In her frantic, half‑prayer‑half‑complaint conversations with the Divine—similar to Margaret’s in Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret—Peg fluctuates between disastrous missteps and soul‑searching epiphanies. You’ll find yourself laughing, gasping, and ultimately cheering for Peg’s journey toward growth, redemption, and self‑acceptance.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/mgW51

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Review of...On A Break In Charm City by Pamela Kyel

Karen C. Whalen — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

When Laci Duvall, a military crime investigator, gets the nudge from her supervisor that she needs to take a break from work, she makes an effort to see Baltimore’s famed “Charm City” landmarks. However, an old friend asks for help in finding his missing brother, which she is all too eager to do, turning a simple vacation into a side‑splitting, cozy‑mystery adventure. This book has all the characters we love from the last two in the series.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/vGdKS

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A review of..Angela’s Babies by Sheryl Y. Kennedy

Karen C. Whalen — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Angela’s Babies is a true story written by a mother who fostered, then adopted, one of nine siblings from a home with mental illness, neglect, and violence. The book opens with a reunion of siblings when one of them, an adult by this time, is in Intensive Care on the brink of her final breath. The brothers and sisters—now scattered across cities, careers, and families of their own—must set aside decades of pain to face impossible choices together. Reminiscences of their childhoods and God’s part in getting them all through the trauma bring the past into the future. It’s a swift, heart-wrenching read that pulls you in, refuses to let go, and compels you to explore the consequences of childhood trauma. A must-read not only for anyone working with families in need, but also for everyone who wants to make a difference.

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/SNvdY

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Review of...Baseball & Snowfall: A Holiday Rom Com (The Three Waves Trilogy Book 3) by Kathryn Beck

Karen C. Whalen — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Laney Montgomery hopes a temporary veterinary gig in her family’s small Texas town will heal her heart after a painful breakup—only to discover that her brothers have drafted her into another, far more chaotic league. By day she’s stitching up a stubborn calf, but by night she’s a reluctant coach of the rival town’s baseball team of seven‑year‑olds with slick dance routines as much as with double‑plays. You’ll be cheering for a romance that hits base runs and heals animals as well as broken hearts.

A combo of baseball, animals, and romance

Here's the link: https://shorturl.at/7OJ38

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