Here it is already the end of another month. Where does the time go? I have been busy as usual reading some wonderful books for the month of November of 2025. Here are the 7 books I read and reviewed for November. I might have read even more if I didn’t have a few WIP. But I always seemed to have a WIP! That fact never stops me! I hope you enjoy reading these reviews.
I love sharing my eclectic reads in this Jemsbooks Segment, Books Read in the Month. I hope you will get a chance to look over these books soon. Thank you for your kind support of my work and that of my fellow authors.

If you are an avid reader, as I am, please review the books you love on Amazon or wherever you purchased them for others to enjoy your reviews. Reviews are one way for readers to know about an exceptional book. We indie authors love to receive reviews and appreciate the efforts of readers to do them. Once again, I thank you for your kind support of me and my books and for supporting my fellow authors too.
When I wrote these reviews I rated them on Amazon, Goodreads and sometimes Barnes & Noble. I did not include the ratings here though. It is best to share my thoughts with you about how I felt about the book without the rating. Ratings can be deceiving at times.
We all feel differently about books. Sometimes we love them, sometimes we like them and still other times we may dislike a book. Some other books are so memorable they take your breath away! While still others are sweet, sensitive, and enjoyable reads that we soon will forget. But all these books I have reviewed were lovely reads as you can see from my reviews. I hope you enjoy my reviews and that they will help you to decide what will be your next read.
Christmas in Newfoundland is the third book in this series of holiday books that share Christmas traditions for the families in the author’s Winston Windflower series.
It is full of all the precious times that the family of Windflower and his friends and their families celebrate at this special time of year. The author shared the different customs that these characters continue to celebrate each Christmas such as cutting down a tree to decorate, baking special pies, cookies and other sweets, inviting friends to join in the celebration and even going from house to house in costumes called mummering.
This is a book that takes the reader back in time to their own holiday celebrations and the love of family and friends and also by sharing good times with those who are less fortunate. It is a heartfelt and warm feeling to read this book and the others in this series. I felt as if I was with the characters and celebrating too.
The author’s warmth and caring manner is deeply seated in his community and the characters in his books. It is most evident in the way he writes his stories with these beloved characters that are so real and unforgettable. I love his books and Winston Windflower’s character.
I highly recommend all Mike Martin’s books to those who enjoy reading books with heartwarming stories.
Last Seen is a thriller that keeps you guessing from the first chapter to the last. It is a story that had one shocking revelation after another as some surprising evidence is uncovered by the main protagonist, Halley James, who searches for the truth about her mother’s death and her sister’s disappearance. Halley’s life is falling apart beginning with her marriage, and the loss of her job. She puts everything on hold until she can solve the mystery of why her father lied to her about her mother and sister.
After reading the first chapter, I was not sure where this story was going but it slowly came full circle in a surprising way. A memorable story!
Hello Goodbye, the continuing saga of Kay Bratt’s Hart Ridge Series, is full of problems for the Gray sisters’ as the eldest sister, Taylor, tries to solve a crime that has left three children homeless and at the same time deal with the demons of her past that continue to plague her until resolution. There are many issues that keep coming up for the sisters and many surprises as Taylor is on the job solving the latest murder while trying to keep her family intact through it all.
There is always something happening in this series to keep the reader interested and wholly invested in the sisters’ welfare. Taylor deals with an unexpected announcement about her fiancé that she must come to terms with as well as Sam. I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what Taylor will have to tackle next.
A memorable series full of interesting characters that drive the stories forward.
The Bourne Vendetta is a non-stop thriller with plenty of violence and bloodshed for the main protagonist, Jason Bourne. Espionage is the main theme as Bourne must stop those from trying to undermine others, who are in high places, with evidence that is implanted in some files.
Some familiar characters, who are in previous books, return to cause havoc for Bourne as well as some romantic interest that brings more issues than he expected or even imagined.
This is not my usual choice of genre but I gave it a try. I purchased this book for my husband. It was a little too violent for me.
Secrets of Hawthorne Manor is a creepy but fun book for middle-graders that will keep them engaged and turning pages eagerly to discover what happens next.
This haunted house seems to have a life of its own, with its creaky steps, framed pictures of descendants with eyes that follow the kids around, ghosts that appear out of thin air, and many secrets that are buried within its walls.
These brave kids don’t give up as they search for the secrets that Hawthorne Manor keeps hidden. Will they be able to find them and escape unscathed from the ghostly watchers?
An entertaining read for kids! This adult enjoyed it too!
Mountain Laurel Christmas is a sweet and touching short story of a man who finds himself. Cole Knight aka Norbert Angus Anderson is a famous country western singing star who discovers that he is lonely and unhappy even though he could afford to buy anything he desired.
What he was missing was a family. He had been separated from his family since he was a teenager. He had turned to drink to hide his unhappiness and try to drown his feelings.
Would finding his family and get reunited with them help him find himself? A touching and heartfelt short story that I did not want to end.
The Housewarming is a psychological mystery that kept me wondering who done it! The characters were varied and intriguing, each having their own problems and issues whichthey needed to conquer.
The four friends thought they really knew each other well but there are some surprises that surface to make the reader think that nothing they say or do is true about each other. There was definitely one of them keeping secrets.
The ending was a surprise and quite unexpected since there were many probable suspects to consider in the disappearance of the one girl. This was an interesting read and first novel for this author.
Thank you so much for stopping by to read this post and for your continued support. Please keep coming back for there is always something brewing at JemsBooks! Please keep those reviews coming for us authors! We will love you for your efforts to help spread word about our books!
Blessings & Hugs! Stay Safe, Stay Well and God Bless!
READING GIVES YOU WINGS TO FLY! SOAR WITH JEMSBOOKS ALL YEAR THROUGH! HAPPY READING!
Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina
Award-Winning Author
Jemsbooks for All Ages!
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You found time to read some wonderful books. I love reading Christmas themed books at this time of the year. xo
Thank you, Darlene. Yes, it’s the season for these kinds of books. I like them too. I will have to write one someday. 😘
Hi Janice, a lovely selection of books. My husband likes Robert Ludlum but I’m also not a huge fan. It’s great to see Jan’s delightful short story featured here. I enjoyed it too.
Thank you, Robbie! I agree, I don’t always like the same books as my husband. I don’t give them a try once in a while though.
Yes, I’ve also tried hubby’s books when I don’t have anything else.
Thank you, Robbie!
What a nice mix of books. I love Jan Sikes!
Thank you, Noelle! I enjoyed them all!
Awww, you just made me smile, Noelle!
Great!
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts on Mountain Laurel Christmas, Janice!! I am truly honored and so thrilled that you enjoyed the story!! Merry Christmas!
You are welcome, Jan. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!