12.29.2018 - She Lies in Wait

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Gytha Lodge for the opportunity to read the first in what I hope will be a great series of police procedures/mysteries.

In 1983, six friends go into the woods for a night of partying and camping out but only five are left by morning.  The missing, Aurora, the youngest of the group and the 14-year-old sister of one of the campers, was excited to be a part of the group, even when she knew she didn't quite fit in.  It was a night of drinking, drugs, sex, friendship, and jealousy - none of which Aurora had experience with.  When Aurora was discovered missing, there was a fruitless search and she was presumed dead.

Thirty years later, her body is discovered and DCI Jonah Sheens is in charge of the case.  He went to school with the group and had met Aurora.  Now he goes back to those group of friends to try and discover the truth of what happened that night.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - while I never got real vested into the friends' characters, I really liked Sheens and his new detective, Hanson, and enjoyed going along for the ride on their investigation.  The book is told in alternating timelines - from the 80s to the present - so we get to hear Aurora's voice which was an integral part of the story.

I can't wait to read the next in this series!

12.24.2018 - An Anonymous Girl

 thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekhanen for the opportunity to read and review their latest thriller - loved it!  I also liked their first book, The Wife Between Us.  This one also definitely deserves all the hype it is getting - don't miss it!

Jessica is just scraping by working as a make-up artist and trying to help her parents with the expenses of raising Jessica's sister who is disabled.  She sneaks into an ethics and morality study, hoping to make a few extra dollars.  The questions grab Jessica from the beginning and her answers grab the attention of the psychologist running the study, Dr Shields.  Soon Dr Shields offers more money for more testing and Jessica finds herself questioning who she can trust.  The story is told in alternating chapters between Jessica and Dr Shields, allowing us a glimpse into both sides of the story.

Enough said - this is a great ride and will keep you glued to the pages.  5 stars - highly recommended!

12.19.2018 - Just After Midnight

 thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - wonderful as always.  I'm just a sucker for her books!

Faith (perfect name of course) runs away from her husband and is controlling ways.  She takes refuge at her parents' California beach house while she decides what to do with her life.  One day on the beach, she encounters a 14-year-old named Sarah.  Sarah is with her grandmother and they are running away from problems of their own - Sarah's mother just died and her father sold off her beloved horse, Midnight.  Constance (another great name) is trying to get custody of Sarah but for now they are hiding out from Sarah's father.  Suddenly, Faith is forced to take Faith with Constance's blessing and stay out of sight.  They end up going to the stable area where Midnight has been sold and helping the horse's transition.

The world of dressage horses was certainly new to me but the main focus of this novel, like all of this author's, is the relationship between all these people.  As I read this book, I kept thinking to myself - how would I act in this situation?  Would I say those perfect words?  No.  But it's wonderful to read those perfect words and see everything come together in the end.

12.16.2018 - The Woman Who Kept Everything

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Jane Gilley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Gloria is a hoarder.  After the deaths of her foster mother and her husband, she started accumulating collections and couldn't bear to get rid of any of them.  Her son, Cleg, is neglectful and controlling, adding to her issues.  When Gloria burns herself, Cleg puts her in a nursing home for a period of time while he clears the house.  At the nursing home, she realizes that the way she has been living isn't living.  Her long-time friend, Tilsbury, who her son has tried to banish from her life, takes her on an adventure to a nearby town.  That makes her realize that she needs to really start living again.

While hoarding issues can't be fixed as easily as they are in this book, I felt that there were lots of good discussion issues in the debut novel.  The role of the elderly in society is getting pushed away, so many times by family members.  It's easier to put them away and move on with life than deal with the issues.  There were many social implications in this book as well, trying to help the marginalized.

But as Gloria goes through her transformation, she's a joy to behold and I enjoyed going through her adventures with her.

12.13.2018 - The Testament of Harold's Wife

Thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Lynne Hugo for the opportunity to read this book - really enjoyed it and love that cover!

Louisa lives on a farm in Indiana with her chickens and cat to keep her company.  She's trying to figure out how to exist after the death of her beloved grandson, Cody, who was hit by a drunk driver, and her husband, Harold, after that.  Her son, Gary, has turned to Jesus as a way of trying to cope and his relationship with his mom is fragile.  Louisa resents having his cult religion pressed upon her; Gary is worried for her safety and afraid of losing her too.

Louisa finally decides to pick up Harold's cause - to get revenge on the man who killed Cody and basically got away with it, as well as the sheriff who didn't help.  So she hatches The Plan.  Of course, no plan goes off perfectly and this one is no different.

I loved listening to Louisa's story - it's written as though she is talking to you.  She's feisty, opinionated and loves her animals.

12.9.2018 - Watching You

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Lisa Jewell for the opportunity to read and review her latest thriller - another great book from one of my favorite authors!  4.5 stars for a engrossing read that was hard to put down!

The book opens with a murder - but we don't know who the victim is - and interspersed in the book are police interview transcripts.  In a well-to-do neighborhood in England, neighbors tend to look out for each other but in this case, maybe a bit too much.  Everyone seems to be watching and it's hard to keep all those secrets private.

The characters are many - there is the handsome headmaster, Tom Fitzwilliam, who seems to draw women to him; his wife, Nicola, and son, Freddie.  Freddie dreams of being a spy and keeps track of the neighborhood with his camera.  There's Joey Mullen, newly married and moved back from the islands to live with her brother, Jack, and his wife, Rebecca.  Joey soon develops on infatuation with Tom.  Jenna is a student at the school Tom heads and is increasingly uncomfortable with some of his actions.  Jenna's mom has a mental illness and is convinced that people are spying on her.  What secrets do all these people have?

A fast-paced thriller - highly recommended!

12.7.2018 - For Better or Worse

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin/Mira Books, and Margo Hunt for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I totally enjoyed it!  Due to the subject matter (child molestation and murder), you'd never think it would tend towards the light side of reading but it does, so much that it's comical in certain instances.

On their first date, Will and Nat had a discussion about how to get away with murder.  Just classic bantering from two law school students.  Fast forward in time and we find Will and Nat married with an 11-year-old son.  Both are attorneys and Nat is a criminal defense attorney.  The knowledge of what happens to young victims on the stand comes to play when things turn personal.  Can they really get away with murder?  Will their marriage survive?

Lots going on here but this was a really good read for me and the ending was quite interesting.

12.4.2018 - Book Love

Many thanks to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing and Debbie Tung for the opportunity to read and review this book - I loved it!

A graphic novel all about the love of books - what could be better?  I felt like I was talking with someone who understood, who got me, who was a kindred spirit in our love of books.  I laughed, I related - I loved this book!  Even though I read so much on my Kindle now, there is still nothing like a "real" book.  Even though I read this electronically, I have already pre-ordered the "real" book - every book lover will want this book.

Too bad it didn't publish before Christmas because it would be perfect for all book lovers on your list.  However, it will be my New Year's gift to myself!

Happy Reading!

12.4.2018 - Once Upon a River

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Diane Setterfield for the opportunity to read her latest work - it is an absolutely gorgeous novel.  I loved The Thirteen Tale and this book will captivate your heart as that one did.

On the banks of the Thames River in a distance era, there are small inns where storytelling is an art and the stories are passed down through the generations.  A new story is told on a dark winter's night when a half-dead stranger bursts into The Swan carrying what at first glance appeared to be a puppet but was actually a young girl who appeared dead.  But then she later came back to life yet didn't speak, adding to the mystery.  And who was the young girl?  Was she the kidnapped daughter of the Vaughn's?  The granddaughter of a local farmer?  Or someone else?

This tale of mystery and the supernatural, the folklore and the science all is told in such a beautiful fashion.  You will literally be transported back in time.  This is a rather long book but I didn't want it to end!

On sale today - don't miss it!

11.29.2018 - Into the Night

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Sarah Bailey for the opportunity to read and review her latest work.  This is the follow up to The Dark Lake, which I absolutely loved, and this one comes in as a very solid read.  4.5 stars.

We are once again in Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock's world but now she has moved to Melbourne and working for the police force there.  Still bruised and aching from leaving her life behind, she is dealing with being the new person on the force, dealing with a new partner, and battling demons in her down time.

She is investigating the murder of a homeless man when she is suddenly thrust into the limelight of investigating the murder of a very famous young actor on the city streets while filming an action movie.  There are hundreds of people around, all in zombie costumes, making finding the killer almost impossible.  All of the suspects are unreliable and Gemma is feeling the pressure.

Great read - highly recommended!  Definitely could stand alone but always best to read the first in a series.  I'm now anxiously awaiting the next book in this series - please don't let us wait too long to find out what happens next!

11.27.2018 - The Mansion

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Ezekiel Boone for the opportunity to read his latest thriller.  As a fan of this Hatching series, I really liked this one too!

Billy and Shawn were university friends when they holed up for 2 years in an abandoned cottage on the property of Shawn's relatives with the crumbling mansion, supposedly haunted, hulking over them.  They came up with what became Eagle Logic and were working on an even bigger project - an AI/personal assistant they called Nellie - when their personal and work relationship came to a grounding halt.  Billy left with Shawn's girlfriend, Emily, and slowly started a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol.  Shawn, meanwhile, turned Eagle Logic into a multi-billion dollar venture.  As Billy's status becomes dire, Shawn approaches him with the opportunity of a lifetime - to help fix Nellie and become rich again in the process.  What could go wrong?

Stay tuned - this is a fun/creepy ride all the way to the end.  You'll never look at your Alexa/Google Home device the same way again!

11.22.2018 - Before We Were Strangers

Many thanks to NetGalley, Mira Books, and Brenda Novak for the opportunity to read and review this book - a great, twisty tale that was hard to put down!

Sloane has been estranged from her dad and brother since she left home 10 years ago.  Something happened when Sloane was only 5 years old between her parents and her mom went missing afterwards.  Sloane has always blamed her dad for the disappearance and her brother took his dad's side.   When she decides to come back to the small town in Texas where she grew up, she is determined to find out answers to her mom's disappearance at all costs.  Once home, she reconnects with her former best friend and ex-boyfriend - both who are still trying to cope with her abandonment of them so long ago.

Enough said - this is a fun ride and the least said better.  I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this one!

11.19.2018 - The Adults

 thanks to NetGalley, Random House and Caroline Hulse for the opportunity to read this book.  While your holiday family gatherings may not turn out like the one in this book, you can bet that there will be drama.  Grab this book and hide in the corner from your family reading it.  I was just in the mood for this book - I liked the dry wit, the snakiness, the truth of it all.

Matt and Claire are the divorced parents of Scarlett.  They decide to spend Christmas together at Happy Forest to make good memories for Scarlett.  However, they also bring along their new partners, Claire's boyfriend Patrick and Matt's girlfriend Alex.  Oh, and Scarlett has an imaginary giant rabbit, Posey.  What could possibly go wrong?  Plenty - the book opens up with Alex making a 911 call that someone has been shot.

I also liked the way the author interspersed Happy Forest brochure pages and police interviews along with all the different points of view to tell this story. Lots of fun!

11.16.2018 - An Inconvenience Gone

Thanks to NetGalley, WildBlue Press, and Diane Marger Moore for the opportunity to read this book.  3.5 stars

This is the true story, written by the prosecutor, of Michelle Jones, a young mother on trial for killing her 4-year-old son.  These stories are always horrifying but what was so surprising to me was the differing verdicts between this case and the eerily-similar case of Casey Anthony.  While race wasn't presented as an issue in this story, which took place in Indianapolis, with a young, black single mother as opposed to Casey Anthony, a pretty white girl.  Meanwhile, both children are dead.

The author did a good job walking you through the entire trial - I learned quite a bit about the judicial system.

11.13.2018 - A Ladder to the Sky

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hogarth Books and John Boyne for the opportunity to read and review his latest work.  Wow - 4.5 stars for this one!  I didn't read his big buzz book last year, The Heart's Invsible Furies, but I think I need to put it on my to-read list.  However, at first, I wasn't sure about this book - be prepared for unlikeable characters and talk of gay sex.  But as I got into it, I couldn't put it down.

Maurice Swift is a handsome young man who wants to be a writer; unfortunately, he doesn't have the natural ability and doesn't have the imagination to come up with his own stories.  Working as a waiter in Germany, he meets an older, celebrated novelist, Erich Aukermann, who quickly becomes obsessed with the young man.  When Erich divulges his past to Maurice, Maurice knows he found the story he can write.  He does and it becomes a hit, although there are consequences for Erich.  But now Maurice is on the hunt for more stories and ideas that he can use - so up he climbs the ladder of ambition, leaving others in his shadow.

The writing is wonderful and this is a true character study of a psychopath who will let nothing stop him from the success he feels is rightly is.  This one deserves the buzz it's getting.

11.10.2018 - What We Owe

Many thanks to NetGalley, Mariner Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this powerful debut book - 4.5 stars!

Nahid and her boyfriend, Masood, are 18 year olds starting out at university with bright futures.  But they join the revolution to overthrow the Shah's regime.  It's all exciting and clandestine, until the night that Nahid brings her younger sister along to a huge demonstration.  Then nothing will ever be right.  The young couple are scared for their lives and flee to Sweden.

Now 55 and newly diagnosed with cancer, Nahid is angry, lonely, mean to those around her, full of regrets and feeling like no one can understand what she's been through, and why she feels like she doesn't belong anywhere  Not always likable, Nahid's story will pull at your emotions.

Highly recommended!

11.10.2018 - Everything We Give

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Kerry Lonsdale for the opportunity to read and review the final installment of this series - it was so nice to delve back into these characters' world again.  You definitely want to read the first two books - Everything We Keep and Everything We Left Behind. - to get the full impact.  In fact, I wish I would have gone back and read them again to remember all the details.

This final book focuses more on Ian, happily married to Aimee and father to Caty.  But he still struggles with his past - and this book brings that all into focus.  He's estranged from his dad and doesn't know where his mom is, plus he holds an incredible amount of guilt because he feels responsible for the breakup of the family.  Ian finally gets his dream assignment - to shoot pictures for National Geographic - but a clue to his mom's location may put that as well as his family in jeopardy.

A great series - part mystery, suspense, family drama - highly enjoyable!

11.7.2018 - Night of Miracles

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House and Elizabeth Berg for the opportunity to read and review her latest book.  This is the sequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv - if you haven't read that one, grab it first.  You will totally love it and it will make Night of Miracles even better.

Taking place in the small town of Mason, Missouri, you will meet a delightful cast of characters.  Lucille, now living in Arthur's old house, is elderly but has the energy of a much-younger woman.  She has started teaching baking lessons to people in town, helping them create beautiful desserts.  Iris came to Mason from Boston, living with hurt and regret, and is hired by Lucille to help create a website and help with the classes - even though she is not a baker.  Lucille also helps the new people living in her former house next door when a crisis comes into their lives.

This is just a charming, feel good story about how the things we do for each other can make an impact in so many lives.  I fell in love with these characters and I miss them already!

11.4.2018 - The Retreat

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Mark Edwards for the opportunity to read this thriller - definitely will keep you glued to the pages!  4.5 stars for a book that was hard to put down - very typical of Edwards' books.  If you're not familiar with this author, what are you waiting for?

Julia lost her husband in a tragic drowning accident and her young daughter, Lily, was presumed dead although Julia doesn't believe it.  Two years later, Julia opens up a writer's retreat in their home to help pay bills. Lucas is a horror writer, trying to write his next book after his first was a hit.  He also is trying to recover from a tragic loss.  Along with the other writers at the retreat, strange things start happening.  Lucas becomes obsessed with investigating what's happening and whether they are related to Lily's disappearance.

I kept changing my mind on how this book was going to turn out and I was still surprised at the ending!  Great read!

11.1.2018 - The Perfect Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Shalini Boland for the opportunity to read and review her latest thriller - a great 4.5 star read! 

Gemma has the perfect family - handsome, personal trainer husband, Robert, and two adorable, sweet girls.  She also has her own business that requires her to work long, late hours and she feels pressured on all sides between home and work.  But suddenly things begin to happen that make her question her ability to do it all.  When her mother-in-law, Diane, steps in with the perfect live-in nanny/tutor for the older daughter, Gemma caves in and allows Sadie to move in.

Enough said.  This is a fast-paced book that will keep you reading until you turn the final pages.  Great read!

10.29.2018 - The Coordinates of Loss

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read her latest work - have the Kleenex ready while you soak up this book.

Rachel and James Croft are living in paradise - a beautiful home in Bermuda that they share with their 7-year-old, Oscar.  Life is perfect.  Until they go out onto their boat and wake up in the morning to find Oscar gone and presumed dead.  Rachel loses herself in grief and can't share it even with James.  Their housekeeper/nanny, Cee Cee, provides healing words and actions as they navigate this road.

A wonderful book and teaches much about the power of grief and how to live through it. 

10.27.2018 - Closer

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and KL Slater for the opportunity to read and review her latest thriller - another great one!  4.5 stars for this easy to read, hard to put down book.

Emma and Shaun's marriage isn't working out but they are both committed to keeping life stable for their 10-year-old daughter, Maisie.  They develop a plan to keep their lives separate yet live in the same house, developing schedules. split time with Maisie and do household chores.  It's all fine until Shaun falls in love with Joanne, Emma's boss, and mother to 10-year-old, Piper.  Suddenly, Maisie drastically changes and Emma is concerned.  But is Emma paranoid and falling back into issues she had stemming from a work incident years ago? 

The ending will surprise you and won't tie everything up in a neat bow.  Great read!

10.25.2018 - Alaskan Holiday

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Debbie Macomber for the opportunity to read her latest work.  As with all her books, this is a sweet tale and enjoyable read.

While waiting for her dream job as a chef in Seattle, Josie takes a job cooking at a lodge in a very remote Alaskan town.  She enjoys the town and people more than she thought she would, especially Jack, a sort of father figure who loves Josie's cooking, and Palmer, a quiet swordmaker who falls quickly in love with Josie.  When Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter, she is devastated that she may lose her job opportunity but still conflicted about her feelings for Palmer.

Just a quick, enjoyable read from the master of these type stories - descriptions of the hearty souls who live in remote Alaska are pretty amazing too!

10.24.2018 - The Rain Watcher

 

Thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Tatiana de Rosnay for the opportunity to read and review her latest book.  Tatiana de Rosnay is a wonderful writer - Sarah's Key is one of my all time favorite books - so I was very excited to read her latest.  4 stars for a good read!

The Malegarde family (father Paul, mother Lauren, son Linden, and daughter Tilia) have made plans to meet in Paris for a celebration of Paul's 70th birthday as well as the parents' anniversary.  Unfortunately, their trip coincides with the Seine River flooding to unprecedented levels.  Each of the family members has a secret that they have held close.  When Paul suffers a stroke and Lauren gets pneumonia, the family is faced with their demons.  Told entirely from photographer Linden's point of view.

The descriptions of the weather, the flooding and the devastation are amazing - you will feel like you are there.  I just never felt quite as connected to the characters as I wanted to. 

10.21.2018 - One Day in December

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crown, and Josie Silver for the opportunity to read and review this book - 5 glowing stars, addictive read!

My taste generally runs to the psychological thriller genre so when I started this book, I thought I was in for 400 pages of fluff.  Not that there's anything wrong with fluff - sometimes you need it to clear your mind from all the other dark stuff!  But I couldn't have been more wrong about this book - I loved it.  This is the book that will bring to mind your favorite Christmas movies - the ones that just make you feel good and that you feel vested in.

Laurie had a tough day - her job situation was rather bleak and life after university wasn't turning out quite as planned.  She was on the bus home when she glanced out the window and magic struck.  A man was waiting for a bus, reading a book, and they both shared a glance.  But what a glance - can you fall in love instantly?  As fate would have it, they didn't connect that day and Laurie spent the next year looking for "bus boy" with no success.  Until the party when her best friend in the world introduces Laurie to her new boyfriend, Jack, who of course is "bus boy."  The story of the next ten years is told in the viewpoints of both Jack and Laurie, giving us a back stage look into their lives.

Silver's story grips you and you won't be able to put this book down until you get to the end to see how it all works out.  I loved the characters, the writing, this book!

10.19.2018 - The Library Book

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon Schuster, and Susan Orlean for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book - anyone who grew up in libraries and loves books will treasure this book!

At its base, this book is about the Los Angeles Public Library and the fire that threatened to consume it in 1986 as well as the story of the main suspect in the fire.  But it goes far beyond that - we learn not only the history for the LA Library but of libraries in general, here and around the world.  While we learn about the fire and its devastation on the library itself, we also learn about the people who made the library what it is and those who continue that tradition into the current day.  We learn what libraries mean to nations, communities, the homeless, and how libraries remain relevant in this internet age.

But most of all, this is a love story of books and what they mean to us.  It will bring back childhood memories of being taken to the library and taking your children to the library.  My dad is gone now, but some of my fondest memories where when he would take me to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base library where we would sit for hours reading and researching.  Pre-google days, if I had a question he couldn't answer he would say, "Let's go to the library." 

5 glowing stars to this book - don't miss it!

10.16.2018 - Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row and Gretchen Anthony for the opportunity to read and review this book - I loved it!  4.5 stars for a very entertaining read - hard to believe it is a debut novel!

Every year, Violet starts out her holiday letter with Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners.  And what letters they are!  She's already started writing this year's letter as she is in the process of planning a big retirement party for her husband, Edward.  However, at the party, a secret is announced about Cerise, their daughter, that literally fells Violet.  Violet has always been in control - of her family, her volunteer events at church, even her friends.  She tries desperately to delve into Cerise's secrets and keep that control. 

Meanwhile, Violet's neighbor and her husband, Eldris and Richard, who are parents to Kyle, Cerise's best friend, are having difficulties too.  Richard has lost his corporate job and is now disappearing for stretches without telling Eldris.  And Kyle's charity seems to be getting him in trouble with the Feds.

This is a hilarious book - I laughed at the hilarious antics Violet took with her family.  But it all boils down to the fact that every family is dysfunctional in their own way - you just have to figure it all out with love.  A thoroughly fun read - kudos to all involved in this debut novel!

10.14.2018 - The Craftsman

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and Sharon Bolton for the opportunity to read and review this book.  I've never read any of Bolton's books before but this definitely won't be my last.  4.5 creepy stars for this read!

The book opens in 1999, as Assistant Commissioner Florence Lovelady comes back to town to attend the funeral of a convicted murderer, Larry Glassbrook.  Florence has ties with this man who was a master craftsman at building caskets and coffins and was convicted of burying teenagers alive.

The next part of the book takes us back to the summer of 1969, when Florence lived with the Glassbrook family while she worked as a police constable fresh out of university.  Florence is part of the team investigating the disappearance of the teenagers.  It's a different time, and Florence struggles with the sexism of the department and community and is desperate to fit it and be accepted for her skills as an investigator.

Back in 1999, Florence and her son go back to the Glassbrook home after the funeral and make a startling discovery - one that is a bit too close to home.

This was a perfect Halloween season read because it is full of witches and ghosts - wonderfully creepy and hard to put down!

10.11.2018 - The Warning

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Kathryn Croft for the opportunity to read her latest thriller - 5 stars!  I couldn't put it down and had no clue how it was going to all turn out!

Zoe and her husband, Jake, have survived the unthinkable - the loss of their teenage son, Ethan, and his friend, Josh, in a drowning accident.  While their marriage is still a bit shaky and Jake's relationship with their older son, Harley, is not the best, they moved to a new town and are moving forward with their lives.  Until Zoe receives an email stating that her son's death may not have been an accident.  Zoe then becomes obsessed with looking into Ethan's death above what Jake is comfortable with and the police are doing in their investigation.

Enough said - this is a wild ride and I could not put down this book.  It went places I never would have dreamed and you'll never be able to figure out all the twists!  Highly recommended - another winner by Kathryn Croft!

10.8.2018 - Our Little Lies

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Sue Watson for the opportunity to read and review this book - I really enjoyed this one!  I have never read any of Watson's books before, but apparently this is her first venture into the psychological thriller genre and it was quite successful! 

Marianne is living her dream - she had a traumatic childhood and was raised in foster homes but now she is married to a handsome, successful surgeon with 3 children.  Everything seems perfect but of course it's not.  Marianne struggles with some mental health issues and Simon is very controlling.  Simon starts talking about a new surgeon, Caroline, and Marianne can tell that this is someone Simon is involved with.  Or is it all in her imagination? 

There are so many twists and turns in this book that the less said the better.  At first, I was so irritated with Marianne but you learn so much about her as the book goes on.  And the twist at the end took me completely by surprise!

10.7.2018 - The Lies We Told

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley and Camilla Way for the opportunity to read and review this thriller - 5 stars for a great read that I couldn't put down!

This book is told mostly from two different voices in two different timelines.  In the past, Beth is a mother struggling to love and connect with her daughter, Hannah.  Hannah expresses no emotion and seems happy when she inflicts hurt or pain on others.  In the present, Clara is happily living with her boyfriend, Luke, when he doesn't come home one night and no one can find him.  Her search leads her to discover more about Luke and his family than she was aware.

Both story lines are compelling and the collision of them will cause you to put life on hold while you navigate all the various twists and turns.  Highly recommended for a great read!

10.5.2018 - In Her Shadow

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Mark Edwards for the opportunity to read and review his latest thriller - does not disappoint!  4.5 stars!

As I started reading this book, I thought how appropriate to read a ghost story as we head into the Halloween season.  Then this book took twists and turns right out of today's headlines to make it even more  relevant.

Jessica and Will are busy raising their two children.  Jessica is still mourning the loss of her older sister, Izzy, five years previously.  Izzy's death was ruled an accident but the sisters' mom was never convinced of that.  Then Olivia, Jessica's 5-year-old daughter, starts channeling Izzy and somehow knows things that only Izzy could know.  Is Izzy working through Olivia somehow to avenge her death?

This one was hard to put down and there are so many twists and turns that will have you questioning everyone.  A great read!

10.3.2018 - Virgil Wander

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grove Press, and Leif Enger for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.  I love a book filled with quirky characters - add to that a small town charm and beautiful writing and you have this book.  5 stars for a great read!

Virgil owns an old theater in a dying town in Minnesota on the shores of Lake Superior, which is where he found himself one night after his car crashed through the guard rails in a snowstorm.  Luckily someone was there to pull him out and he survived, with some reduced memory and language skills.  But he awakens to a slightly different version of himself.  He opens his heart and mind to those who want to help him and who he, in turn, helps.

The best part of this book is the writing and the feeling we get turning back in time to those small towns that have moved past their glory days but for the people who still inhabit them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - bravo!

10.1.2018 - Under My Skin

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and Lisa Unger for the opportunity to read this book.  Be forewarned - this is a complicated, twisty tale that will leave you questioning what is reality and what is a dream - and you'll be taking that ride along with the main character, Poppy.  But it's definitely a ride worth taking!

Poppy is grieving the murder of her husband, Jack, whose killer has never been found.  To add to the puzzle, after Jack's funeral, Poppy disappeared for a couple of days resulting in a mental breakdown.  Even with the help of a therapist, she can't recall any events of that time period.  She is medicating with way too many pills and alcohol to try and dull the pain but is experiencing vivid dreams and nightmares, along with hallucinations.  Are they the result of the medications, are they flashbacks or just dreams?  Poppy's best friend, Layla and her husband, Mac, try and help her through this crisis as does her therapist and the detective on Jack's case.  But Poppy can't seem to lay low and puts herself in compromising situations.

Very addictive - had trouble putting this one down!  Another great book by Lisa Unger.

9.29.2018 - The Dream Daughter

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Diane Chamberlain for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - a good one!

This is one of those books that the less said the better and I don't want to ruin the reading experience for anyone else.  The premise of the book is that it is 1970 and Carly is newly widowed when her husband is killed in Vietnam.  She then finds out she is pregnant and that the baby has a fatal heart defect.  Her brother-in-law, Hunter, comes up with a way to save the baby but one that requires Carly to take a leap of faith, both literally and figuratively.

It comes down to what we would do to better the lives of those we love and what motherhood really means.  This book also requires that leap of faith when reading but it is certainly worth it.  A great read!

9.26.2018 - A Spark of Light

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Jodi Picoult for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel.

This book takes place over one day at an abortion clinic in Mississippi as a desperate father bursts through the doors and starts shooting, taking all of the people inside hostage. The hostage negotiator soon learns his 15-year-old daughter is inside, along with his older sister.

This is a wonderful book of characters. The book goes back in time and gives the reader background into each of the people inside as well as Hugh. I also loved the story behind the title.

As always, Jodi Picoult takes a controversial issue and makes you see all sides of it. While it may not change anyone's opinions on the subject, it may open our hearts to understand others' stories and opinions too.

9.24.2018 - The Ancient Nine

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Ian Smith for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a mystery that involves so-called final clubs at Harvard University and takes place in 1988. Spenser Collins was raised by a single mother in Chicago so is the least likely prospect to be "punched" by the Delphic Club - given an invitation to join the process of possibly being picked to be a member of this exclusive club. Dalton is the son of Harvard legends and is Spenser's opposite but the two become close friends. Dalton's aged uncle belonged to the Delphics and Dalton believes he is a member of the Ancient Nine - an ultra-secret group of the club in charge of all its secrets.

This is a good mystery as the two friends investigate all the secrets. I enjoyed less the portrayal of women in this book - naked women as prizes for winning a contest? The beginning of the book said it was based on real events so I would have loved to know more about that.

9.15.2018 - Boomer1

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Daniel Torday for the opportunity to read and review this timely book.  3.5 stars.

This book centers on the generational divide between millennials and boomers and is told in 3 different voices.  Cassie is a younger millennial who left her Ohio family, changed her name, and reinvented herself in NYC.  She gets hired at an emerging internet content firm.  She's a bassist in a band and is in an on/off relationship with Natalie as well as Mark.  Mark is a bit older - in his early 30s - also a musician.  He works as a journalist but eventually loses that job.  His relationship with Cassie also ends and he winds up living in the basement of his parent's house.  Mark starts a revolution online blaming the boomer generation for all that is wrong - they have all the jobs that should be going to the millennials, they are materialistic, on and on.  Julia is Mark's mom - she was a rebellious musician in her youth and is not sure how she wound up being a suburban wife and mother.

I loved the thought-provoking elements in this book.  Being a boomer myself and having 2 millennial children, there was a lot to ponder.  However, none of the characters were especially likeable and the book felt a bit slow and plodding at points.  Still an interesting read.

9.11.2018 - Button Man

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Andrew Gross for the opportunity to read his latest book.  If you aren't familiar with Andrew Gross' work - you need to be!  His books are always wonderful and typically teach you some part of history that really stays with you.

This book takes us back to the Depression and the garment industry in NYC, where the mobs disguise themselves as union people and own the companies.  Three brothers - Sol, Harry and Morris - have to earn a living when their father dies to help their mom take care of the rest of the kids.  Sol is the bright one who wants a career as an accountant.  Harry has struggled since a childhood accident where he feels at fault and ends up with the wrong crowd.  Morris is the tough one - he talks himself into a job in a garment factory at the age of 12 and works his way up to own the company.  As fights with the union mobs increase, the brothers become at odds with each other.

A suspenseful, rich book that is based on Gross' family history - don't miss it!

9.10.2018 - Rising Out of Hatred

Thanks to NetGalley, Doubleday, and Eli Saslow for the opportunity to read this most-timely book about racism.

A Pulitzer Prize winning journalist writes about Derek Brown, the son of Don Brown who started Stormfront, the internet community that promoted white nationalism, and the godson of David Duke, a KKK Grand Wizard.  Raised by radical parents and home-schooled basically on his own, Derek was groomed to be the face of the white nationalism movement going into the future.  He started his own radio show and was involved in politics while still in his teens.  When he started college at the New College of Florida, he was suddenly thrust into a very liberal, intelligent, diverse community of people.  He hid his past, continuing in secret to broadcast his radio program while starting relationships with Jewish and immigrant people.  Once he was "outed," the college community was intensely divided into those who hated him and those who urged a different approach - talking to him and trying to understand his beliefs.  Derek's eyes were opened by people who were exceedingly patient with him until he had to make a personal decision that would put him at odds with his entire family.

This book is a beacon of hope in today's increasingly hate-filled society.  By sitting down calmly with people from different backgrounds and with different beliefs, we can impact change. 

Highly recommended - would be great high school/college required reading.

9.7.2018 - Lies

Thanks so much to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and TM Logan for the opportunity to read this great book!  4.5 stars!  I really enjoyed the cat-and-mouse game, made all the more prevalent with today's social media thrown into the mix.

Joe and Melanie (Mel) are happily married with a small son, William.  Joe is a teacher and does the lion's share of work raising William, while Mel has the more high-powered job.  Joe is taking William home from school one day when William spots "Mommy's car" and wants to follow her.  They find her at a hotel and when Joe briefly leaves William in the car to investigate, finds Mel and a family friend, Ben, arguing in the lobby.  Mel slips away and when Joe confronts Ben in the parking lot, a fight ensues, leaving Ben on the ground, bleeding and unconscious - or worse?  Just then, William has an asthma attack and Joe makes the decision to rush home for his inhaler.  When he returns to the scene of the crime, as they say, Ben is gone.  And so it begins.

In typical psychological thriller fashion, you will question everyone in this book to see where all the lies come into play.  A good read - and scary social media thoughts too!

9.5.2018 - When the Lights Go Out

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and Mary Kubica for the opportunity to read her latest thriller.  I'm a big fan of Kubica's writing and this one - for the most part - didn't disappoint. 

Told in the voices of Eden in 1996 and Jessie in present time, Jessie is struggling to start a new life after the death of her mom and years spent taking care of her.  When Jessie tries to enroll in a community college to fulfill her mom's wish that she move on with her life, she finds that her social security number shows her as being deceased.  In fact, it shows her as being a deceased 3 year old child.  Jessie has horrid insomnia and hasn't slept in days - she starts imagining things and people in her home and on the streets.

Meanwhile, twenty years earlier, Eden and her husband Aaron are starting their lives with a new home on the lake and are anxious to have children.  But Eden struggles with infertility and it's causing a rift in her life and marriage.

I couldn't put this down but I'll admit that the ending was disappointing and had me reeling!  Go into this one blind, without reading the reviews (except mine maybe!).  Kubica's beautiful writing kept me glued to the pages.

9.3.2018 - A Key to Treehouse Living

 

Thanks to NetGalley, Tin House Books, and Elliot Reed for the opportunity to read this most unusual debut novel.  I love quirky and unusual books and this one fit the bill perfectly - I've definitely never read a story told in this format before.

William is an orphan, being raised by his uncle in name only - he is basically raising himself.  He tells his story by way of a glossary of words - Absence, Lonely - starting with A and going through the alphabet, giving us a glimpse of the story of his life and the lessons he has learned along the way.

A sweet coming-of-age book - William will tug at your heartstrings!  This is definitely an author to look for in the future.

9.2.2018 - Sold on a Monday

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Kristina McMorris for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

Set in the Great Depression, an ambitious young reporter, Ellis, is on another society page assignment when he happens upon two young children sitting outside a home holding a sign that read, "2 Children for Sale."  He snapped a picture for his personal collection before leaving.  A secretary at the paper, Lily, finds the picture in the darkroom, she slips it to her boss who then wants a story written.  When someone accidentally ruins the negative, Ellis is forced to go back to the area to take another one.  He ends up having to "recreate" the scene to get the shot.  When the picture and article are published, it brings much attention to both the children and Ellis.  The long-range implications of this decision change both Ellis and Lily and their lives.  Both are also dealing with their own family issues and are faced with trying to right a wrong out of this situation.

An excellent read with such a sad situation at its core - what will we do to insure a better life for our children? - and one that too many faced in such desperate times.

8.29.2018 - The Waiting Room

Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Emily Bleeker for the opportunity to read her latest novel - another great one!  4.5 stars!

Just a short synopsis because this is one of those books that even though you may think you know what will happen, you really don't.  And you want to go into it knowing as little as possible to get the full enjoyment out of it!

Veronica is struggling with postpartum depression after a crash left her baby alive but not her husband.  Her mom moves in to help her take care of her baby because grief and depression have left her unable to even touch Sophie.  Veronica feels like she is slowly returning to normal life when her mom convinces her to talk to a new therapist and she meets a few potential friends in the waiting room.  And then someone kidnaps her baby.

Clear your calendar because you'll definitely want to finish this book once you start it!  This would be a good book club read because of all the potential talking points - grief, mental illness, postpartum depression.

8.28.2018 - Tear Me Apart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, MIRA Books, and JT Ellison for the opportunity to read her latest book - 5 glowing stars amazing!

Mindy is a skiing phenom on the verge of the Olympics when a fall and a broken leg land her in the hospital.  The doctors soon discover that what Mindy and her family brushed off as symptoms of training were really leukemia.  When blood tests are done to find a familial match for a transplant that could save her life, her parents and aunt all  come up as not related to her.  This opens up a very twisty can of worms - who is lying?  What would parents do for their child?

I don't want to give anything away but this is definitely a must read.  Don't fail to read the author's note at the end too - a heartfelt note.  As someone who has lost someone and could have a semicolon tattoo, strong words and feelings to end this book.  Bravo!

8.25.2018 - The Other Woman

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Sandie Jones for the opportunity to read this deliciously creepy debut novel - 5 stars!  I can't wait to read more from this author.

Emily meets Adam they fall happily in love.  Everything seems perfect - until she meets Pammie, his mother.  Pammie seems hellbent on destroying any chance of happiness the two have, exploits Adam's neediness for his mother, and never misses an opportunity for a snarky comment.  Adam seems oblivious to his mother's treatment of Emily which only threatens their bond further.

Enough said - you need to just read this book.  The ending will leave you speechless!  Highly recommended - I couldn't put it down and loved this book!

8.22.2018 - Not Her Daughter

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Griffins, and Rea Frey for the opportunity to read this gripping novel - loved it and 5 glowing stars!

Sarah is a successful owner of a start-up company that makes educational play kits for children around the world.  She's recently broken up with her boyfriend and is struggling.  She has a chance meeting with a family at the airport and witnesses the mom being verbally and physically abusive to a little girl, Emma.

Amy is Emma's mom who has never quite connected with Emma the way she did with her youngest child.  Amy is full of anger, in a bad marriage, and struggling with all her decisions.

When Sarah has another chance sighting of Emma and witnesses a dramatic event, she takes steps to make sure Emma is in a safe environment.

I couldn't put this book down and loved the way it was written - divided into alternating chapters between Sarah and Amy in before and during sections.  What does it mean to be a mom?  Is home always your safe place?

8.19.2018 - The Weight of Silence

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Gregg Olsen for the opportunity to read this book - loved it!  This is the sequel to The Sound of Rain and while it would still be an enjoyable read, it was much more enjoyable reading them together.

In this sequel, Nicole Foster is making a new life in her hometown, raising her niece, looking after her father, and again working as a police officer.  On a sweltering day, a father discovers he has left his baby in a locked car all day.  As Nicole and her partner investigate, they must determine if it was accidental or something unforgivable. 

Nicole's past comes back to haunt her new fragile life.  What lengths will she go to to protect all that she holds dear?

These were a great pair of books - highly recommended.

8.13.2018 - Feared

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Lisa Scottoline for the opportunity to read the latest installment of her Rosato & DiNunzio series - another winner!  I may be biased because, as I've said before, I would read Scottoline's shopping lists - I'm sure they would be entertaining because she's such a great writer.

This latest book finds lawyer partners Bennie Rosato and Mary DiNunzio (who is now 7 months pregnant) being sued on a reverse discrimination charge because they didn't hire male attorneys who applied for a job.  Their single male attorney gives the lawsuit more teeth when he is found to have said that he sometimes feels out of place and may not have the same opportunity for advancement.  When he resigns, the press have a field day.  To make matters worse, the lawyer filing the lawsuit is Mary's bitter adversary, Nick Machiavelli, who appears to want to shutter their firm.  However, the case soon becomes deadly and Rosato and DiNunzio are on the fight to find a killer while saving their firm.

It's wonderful to lose hours with these characters again.  This could definitely be a stand-alone novel but all of the characters become so much fuller with the background gathered by reading the previous books.  Highly recommended!

8.10.2018 - Good Luck With That

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Books, and Kristan Higgins for the opportunity to read and review her latest book - emotional, thought-provoking, wonderful!

This is a story torn from today's world of fat shaming and body image issues.  But it's also a story about friendship and family and how we take care of ourselves.

Emerson, Marley and Georgia meet as teenagers at a weight-loss camp where they finally find like souls in each other.  They make a list of things they will do when they are skinny.  Fast forward to when they are all in their mid-30s.  Marley and Georgia have remained best friends and while they try to stay in touch with Emerson, who lives out of state, they don't see her as much as they would like.  Until they get a call that Emerson is dying.  She leaves her friends an envelope to be opened after she dies which sets them on a path to become better versions of themselves.  Each of the characters has a back story that led them to their struggles with food, of course, and dealing with those issues is even harder. 

Highly recommended - these characters feel authentic and their struggles real.  We all have struggles to deal with - not all related to food - but these characters find a way to move forward by holding on to what really counts.  I loved the stories of the preschoolers in Georgia's class too!