2.29.2024 - Bye, Baby

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Carola Lovering, perfectly narrated by Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Billie and Cassie were inseparable since they met in middle school, bonded even more tightly since they shared a traumatic event in high school.  But as they've gotten older, their paths have diverged.  Billie still misses her best friend, but Cassie moved on without looking back.  Cassie is now married to a wealthy man with a new baby, she's an instagram influencer, and has a store for wealthy shoppers.  Then Billie makes a decision that will change everything.

Best go into this one with as little information as possible for maximum enjoyment!  I always enjoy Lovering's books and this one was no exception.  Told in different timelines and from both Billie's and Cassie's POV, we learn about their relationship, their shared trauma, and they way they changed as they grew older.  I felt for Billie - she had experienced so much trauma in her life and was desperate to have her friend back, but Cassie was a different person and Billie no longer fit her image.  A page turner for sure, with themes of friendship, loyalty, trauma, motherhood, social media, and even second chances.  The audiobook narration was wonderful as well.

2.29.2024 - I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by a favorite author, Clare Mackintosh - 5 stars!

Clare and her husband lost their baby boy, Alex, at the age of 5 weeks.  His twin survived but that didn't lessen the overwhelming grief they experienced and continue to experience.  This book is inspired by a twitter post she wrote on the anniversary of Alex's death that went viral, stating 18 promises to those grieving.

We are all in various stages of grieving, especially as we get older.   While I can only imagine the pain of losing a child, grief hurts whether it is for a parent, a spouse, a friend, a pet.  This is the book that will bring you hope and give you strength.  It isn't preachy and gives you permission to go through it in whatever way works best for you.  But knowing that someone has walked the walk and come out on the other side is comforting.  It's also a guide for knowing what to do and what not to say to others.  This is a book that I will buy for myself and others.  Mackintosh's first book, I Let You Go, is still one of my all time favorite books, and I've read all her others, but this book allowed me to get a glimpse of the person behind those books., and it was a privilege.  Highly recommended and a must read for all of us!

2.28.2024 - After Annie

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the beautiful new book by an absolute favorite, Anna Quindlen - 5 stars!

Annie Brown dies suddenly in her late 30s  of a brain aneurysm, leaving behind her husband and 4 children to grieve her loss, along with Annie's best friend from childhood, Annemarie.  We follow along their path in the wake of Annie's death for the next year.  

You already know this book will be gorgeously written because it's by Anna Quindlen, but this simple book of grief is so much more in her capable hands.  Told from the POVs of Bill, eldest daughter Ali (only 13), and Annemarie, we see the family deal with Annie's loss in different ways.  Ali has to grow up too soon and takes charge of her siblings, while Bill tries to move on without really facing all of his new responsibilities.  Annemarie falls back into her dangerous addictions without Annie to keep her on track.  But what I really loved were the more subtle themes of knowing in your heart and soul what will make you happy, and then being true to that.  Letting those around us really see us and help us when we need it and stand up for us.  Sometimes friends do that more than family (contrast the nursing home resident with Bill's mom!).  This is an absolute must read - while it's sad, it's also uplifting and hopeful.  I know I will keep thinking about this family.

2.26.2024 - His Double Life

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest domestic thriller by Nicole Trope - 4 twisty stars!

Leo and Diana are married, with 10-year-old twins, Rowan and Sawyer.  Their marriage is trying for Diana - she suspects him of cheating when he goes out of town and he doesn't have much time for the boys.  But she wants to keep their marriage together.  Until one day when only one boy returns for playing at the park, and Diana receives a message that says Leo needs to tell the truth.  

Told in short chapters from multiple POV, this book will keep you surprised and second guessing everything.  As always, Trope keeps you turning the pages as fast as you can to see how it's all going to play out.  There are characters you will love to hate in this one, and that ending was quite the surprise - it will be up to you to decide if justice was served.  

2.26.2024 - Piglet

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut novel by Lottie Hazell, with the audio perfectly narrated by Rebekah Hinds - 4.5 stars!

The clock is ticking down towards Piglet's marriage to Kit.  She's happy with her life (besides maybe that childhood nickname!) - she's a cookbook editor, has great friends including Margot, her best friend since childhood, and Kit is more than she could have dreamed for.  Until he makes a confession 2 weeks before their wedding date.  Suddenly, Piglet is ravenous as she tries to navigate her new reality.

This was a darkly funny, yet poignant character study of someone trying desperately to fit into the expected molds, but at what cost?  I loved Piglet's relationship with her sister and the backstory behind their nicknames - totally endeared her to me.  Both sets of parents leave much to be desired and you can feel Piglet's angst and understand her desire to fill those empty spots.  I loved the way the story played out - the author didn't present things in black and white, but left the reader to fill in the blanks.  And all those food descriptions - amazing!  I can't wait to read more from this author!

2.24.2024 - The Last Lifeboat

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful historical fiction book by Hazel Gaynor - 5 stars!

Two women, strangers to each other, become entwined forever.  In 1940, Alice, a teacher, is determined to do her part in the war effort.  She decides to help evacuate British children overseas to keep them safe.  Lily is one of those mothers who had to make the heart wrenching decision to send her children away.  Then a German U-boat torpedos the rescue ship on its way with the children to Canada,  Only one lifeboat of people survive, but will they make it to safety? 

Inspired by a true story, and told in alternating chapters between the POV of Alice and Lily, this is a wonderfully-written, gripping tale of sacrifice, loss, hope.  I was so engrossed in each storyline - feeling bereft along with both women, one just trying to stay alive and keep others going; one mother grieving her decision and her children.  Highly recommended!

 

2.24.2024 - Quietly Hostile

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest collection of humorous essays by Samantha Irby - 4 stars!

I'm trying to catch up on my TBR list, and listening to this audiobook made me wonder why I waited so long.  Yes, I know it's crude and talks about tons of private things, but it made me laugh out loud so many times!  While I'm probably not in the target audience for this book (read, old), there is still so much relatable - and some of it may be more relatable as you are older!  Not sure I've ever heard someone be so brutally honest about herself and her bodily functions before, let alone a celebrity, so major kudos for that.  We're all human, after all, and a little humor goes a long way.

2.22.2024 - Monkey Grip

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pantheon for gifting me a digital ARC of the American debut of the 1977 book by Helen Garner, a famous Australian author - 3.5 stars!

Monkey Grip follows single mother and writer Nora as she navigates the tumultuous cityscape of Melbourne’s bohemian underground, often with her young daughter Gracie in tow. When Nora falls in love with the flighty Javo, she becomes snared in the web of his addiction. And as their tenuous relationship disintegrates, Nora struggles to ween herself off a love that feels impossible to live without.

I was a big fan of Garner's The House of Grief but this book was its polar opposite, although equally well written.  It's just that the subject matter is tough.  Written and taking place in the late 1970s, it's all about addiction and obsession, so it's constant sex and drugs amid a constant and continuing cast of characters.  My heart broke for the children in this story - they were raised amidst all this and you could feel the neglect even through the love.  

2.22.2024 - Nowhere Like Home

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Sara Shepard - 4 stars1

Lenna is struggling being a new mom.  Her husband seems more aloof, her mom is dead, and she feels alone.  When her old friend, Rhiannon, contacts her and encourages her to take a break at the female community, Halcyon, where she's living, she takes the leap and heads out.  Lenna is also desperate to clear the air with Rhiannon and talk about what caused their estrangement.  But things aren't as they appear on the surface at the compound.

Told from multiple POV, we go back in time 2 years with these characters to get the backstory of their relationship.  We also learn about Gillian, who tries to befriend both Rhiannon and Lenna with mixed results.  Her story also plays out with social media snippets.  I will always be intrigued with cult stories and this women-only group was definitely interesting, highlighting female relationships.  Social anxiety and mental illness plays a prominent role here as well, and all of the women had traumatic backstories.  This one had you suspend belief a bit but kept me flipping the pages to see how it would all play out.

2.19.2024 - The Still Point

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by a favorite, Tammy Greenwood - 5 stars!

Ever, Lindsay, and Josie have spent their lives helping their daughters, Bea, Olive, and Savvy, climb the ranks in their elite dance academy in coastal California town.  They've scrimped and sacrificed for their daughters' dreams and have still maintained a friendship, just like their daughters.  But a new instructor, Etienne Bernay, shows up with a media crew to film a documentary about preparing for this season's The Nutcracker performance, culminating with the selection of one student to receive a free scholarship to attend a prestigious ballet academy in Paris.  It changes everything and suddenly the worst comes out.

As a mother of now grown boys, I am as far away from the ballet world as possible, but once again Tammy Greenwood has created an addicting story that I just couldn't put down.  Each of the mothers has an issue they are grappling with, as are their daughters, and the tension in the book is palpable.  The story plays out from the viewpoints of the mothers, with intermittent chapters from Bea.  This story and characters feel relatable - everyone wants the best for their children and for them to achieve their dreams, but at what cost?  The author's note at the beginning says just how personal this book is, and that shows through her writing.  Highly recommended!

2.17.2024 - Hard Girls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Mulholland Books, and Hachette Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this intriguing novel by J. Robert Lennon and perfectly narrated by Amanda Troop - 4 stars!

Jane Pool is trying to live a normal, quiet life, working in admin at the local college where her father is a professor.  She's trying to keep her aging dad's life together as well as be a good mom to her daughter, despite constant criticism from her mother-in-law.  Then she gets a cryptic call from her estranged sister, Lila, who says she has info on their mother, who left them years ago.  So begins a clandestine adventure to find the truth.

This story is told from the past and present timelines.  It has a little bit of everything - family dysfunction and loyalty, coming-of-age issues, espionage, cat-and-mouse chases, with lots of family secrets thrown in the mix.  All of the Pool family members seem to be quite detached and a bit unfeeling, but I liked how the sisters were there for each other no matter what.  A good read!

2.16.2024 - Keep Your Friends Close

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, GP Putnam Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Leah Konen - 4.5 stars!

Newly separated from her wealthy husband and in the midst of a custody battle she's afraid she'll lose to his wealthy family, Mary is desperate for a friend.  When she meets Willa at a playground, she finally feels like someone sees and cares about her.  When she lets a secret fantasy slip after too many drinks on a night out and Willa ghosts her immediately afterwards, Mary just doesn't understand.  Two months later, Mary is trying to move on and build a new life for her and her son in Upstate NY.  On her first day there, she runs into Willa - but Willa is going by Annie now and pretends she doesn't know Mary.  But when Mary's husband, George, is found dead in the same little town, Mary becomes a prime suspect.  Who can she trust now?

This story drew me in right away.  I felt for Mary - she just felt like she never quite fit in with her husband's wealthy family and she finally got tired of his controlling ways.  She was a good mom - worried foremost about her son growing up watching how George treated her.  But when she gets the courage to leave, George threatens to take Alex away - and he has all the money and power on his side.  Told in the POV from both Mary and Willa, in past and present, the story is dribbled out so that you aren't sure who you can trust.  Konen has once again created the perfect thriller to shine light on women's lives.  Loved it!

2.15.2024 - The Guest

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by  B.A. Paris, with the audio perfectly narrated by Emily Joyce - 4 stars!

Iris and Gabriel are trying to get their marriage and lives back on track after Gabriel experienced the death of a young man.  When they return home from a short holiday, they discover that Laure, an old friend, has walked out on her husband, Pierre, and taken refugee at their house.  Pierre is Gabriel's closest friend but they try to be supportive of both., but Pierre isn't answering Gabriel's calls and Laure's continued presence is taking a toll.  The couple also meets a new neighbor, Hugo and Esme, and seem to click instantly but Laure seems to be taking over that relationship as well.  

Oh my goodness - that ending!  This is a must read just because that ending will throw you for a loop!  This is a bit of a slow burn, with quite a few characters (mostly unlikeable!) to keep track of, but stick with it.  It has short chapters, which I like, and I kept turning to the pages to see how it would all play out.  And it sure did!

2.14.2024 - Redwood Court

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by DéLana R. A. Dameron, a Reese's Book Club Pick - 5 stars!

This is a beautifully-written story, told mostly from the POV of Mika Tabor, the baby of this southern Black family living in Columbia, SC.  Mika has grown up listening to all the stories of her family, told mostly by her grandparents, Weesie and her beloved Teeta.  When doing a school project, she learns that Black family genealogy is different and it's those stories passed down through the generations that are so important.  This is a quiet story of family, loyalty, racism intertwined with Mika coming of age in the 1990s.  Just like in all of our lives, there are good and hard times, laughter, fellowship, and making memories to pass down.

A very powerful yet gentle book that I will keep me thinking.  Hard to believe this is a debut - can't wait to read more from this author.  Highly recommended!

2.13.2024 - The Memory of Us

Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Dani Atkins - 4.5 stars!

Amelia was found collapsed on the beach and is only alive due to two passing doctors who found her and restarted her heart.  Her sister, Lexi, races from her home in NYC to be at her side.  Amelia and Lexi are more than sisters - they are twins conceived by IVF and born 7 years apart, but they've always had that twin connection.  When Amelia wakes up, she is convinced she is married to Sam and is distraught that he's not there.  She's even able to draw a picture of him.  But Lexi and her mom know that it's not true.  However, walking on the beach later, Lexi sees a man who looks just like the picture of Sam that Amelia drew. She eventually convinces this stranger, Nick, to help her with a plan to recreate Amelia's memories.

I'm not always the biggest romance fan, but I loved this story.  It's full of magical realism, heart, loyalty, and the connection between sisters.  And while it may be a tad predictable, my heart was still fully engaged throughout and I dare anyone to not shed a few tears along the way!  I haven't read any of this author's previous works but I can definitely recommend this one!

2.13.2024 - The Fox Wife

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the new historical novel written and narrated by Yangsze Choo - 4 stars!

In 1908, Manchuria, a young woman is found frozen in the snow.  Rumors of foxes abound.  Foxes are believed to have the ability to transform themselves into beautiful humans.  Bao is a detective who can tell when people are lying and is hired to find the woman's identify.  Meanwhile, a mysterious woman enters a Chinese household where their eldest sons die before their 24th birthdays.  The last grandson is 23 - will luck change?

This is beautifully written and will transport you back in time and place.  I loved the folklore and mythology of foxes and how these stories pass on through generations.  The story goes back and forth in time with Bao's story and Snow's.  It's a story of grief and women's roles in this time period.  I love books that are narrated by the author, but there was no real distinction between the voices, which was a tad confusing to me at time.  A bit slow but beautiful.

2.11.2024 - Original Sins

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful police procedural by Erin Young, perfectly narrated by Kate Handford- 4.5 stars!

Riley Fisher is reporting for her first duty as an FBI agent in Des Moines IA.  The city is gripped with fear that a serial killer is on the loose, targeting women.  Meanwhile, there has been a threat against the governor and her family, and Riley is tasked with investigating.  But she's not sure if she can even trust her partner and she begins to be convinced that these two investigations are linked.  

This is the second in this series - how did I miss The Fields?  But no matter, this works perfectly as a stand alone, although I'm sure having more background on Riley would make this one even better.  This is a tense, well-written police procedural and I loved listening to this one.  Can't wait for more, and The Fields is a must read for me now.  

2.10.2024 - The Resort

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Recorded Books Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this thriller by Sara Ochs and perfectly narrated by the cast of Miranda Raison, Dakota Blue Richards, Joe Jameson, and Pema Monaghan - 4 stars!

Cass escapes from her troubles to a beautiful, remote island in Thailand.  She joins a group of ex-pats, called the Permanents, is a dive instructor, and just got engaged.  Life is perfect, right?  Well...besides the fact that she finds a dead body on her dive.  Soon, everyone's secrets are going to be spilled.

This was a wonderful, atmospheric novel, with a locked-room mystery feel., told from the POV of Cass and Brooke, a beautiful instagram travel influencer, on the island with secrets of her own.  I had no clue where this one was going or who could be trusted.  And that ending was a shocker!  Perfect escape read during the winter.  A debut writer that I'm looking forward to reading more from!

2.8.2024 - The Fortune Seller

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both an audio and digital ARC of the new book by Rachel Kapelke-Dale, perfectly narrated by Stephanie Cannon - 4.5 stars!

Rose Macalister has tried hard to fit in with her wealthy equestrian club peers at Yale.  Coming from a much different world than them, she's desperate to earn enough money to help out her parents, both small town veterinarians.  When she returns to Yale from a year abroad, things at the house where she lives with her EQ best friends have changed.  There's a newcomer in the group who is to room with Rosie, Annelise.  Annelise is a talented rider but also reads tarot cards and disappears to NYC periodically.  When a prank ends with deadly consequences, Rosie has to take stock of her values and loyalties.

I was a fan of the author's previous works and really enjoyed this one as well.  While I know nothing about horses, this was an interesting glimpse into that world.  More so, it was a look at classism, trying to fit in, and figuring out what's really important.  I liked the look into Rosie's world after graduation, as she tries to achieve her dreams and ends up seeing them in a totally different light.  Each chapter begins with a tarot card explanation - just enough to guide readers through the book.  

2.8.2024 - Why We Read

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Shannon Reed - 5 stars!

Written by a lifetime reader, writer, and educator, this is the perfect book for readers.  Shannon has short essays about why we read, what we read, and how it all impacts our lives.  I laughed my way through this book and I guarantee you will find a chapter or five that speak to you.  Who remembers the Pizza Hut Book It program?  While I didn't participate in it, my kids did.  And I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't always love to get books as a gift - the pressure!  Plus, there are so many books she discusses here - from Gone Girl to Shakespear.  I found myself adding more and more books to my TBR - but she included a list of every book mentioned in the back just for that reason!  Shannon's writing is so honest and funny (don't miss the footnotes!) - this is an absolute must read for book lovers!

2.7.2024 - What Feasts at Night

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Nightmare and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this novel by the one-and-only T. Kingfisher, with the audio perfectly narrated by Avi Roque - 4.5 creepy stars!

In this follow-up to the wonderful What Moves the Dead, a fabulous retelling of Poe's The House of Usher, we once again meet Alex Easton, retired soldier, his friend and groom, Angus, and horse, Hob, return to their family hunting lodge for a much-needed rest.  But upon their arrival, they discover the caretaker is dead and the lodge in shambles.  Village rumors talk of a breath-stealing creature who has taken up residence in the lodge.

It was wonderful to reunite with these characters.  While you could read this as a stand-alone, you really should read What Moves the Dead to get the backstories of the characters.  This is less horror and more creepy, spine-tingling, with a touch of Kingfisher's wit thrown in.  Interesting thoughts about PTSD and trauma as well.  Quick read and the audio narration was great!

2.6.2024 - Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut thriller by Jenny Hollander, narrated by Marisa Calin - 4 stars!

Charlie Colbert was a witness to what became known as "Scarlet Christmas," an event at her elite graduate journalism school on Christmas Eve 9 years ago, where someone died.  Charlie has changed her life and her looks since then and never spoken publicly about that night.  Mostly because she can't remember what happened but knows she lied to the police.  One of Charlie's former classmates is going to make a film about that night and wants Charlie's cooperation.  But will that blow up her world once again?

This was a strong debut thriller, with an unreliable narrator.  Told in alternating timelines of Then and Now, in addition to press snippets and therapy conversations, we learn the events of the past slowly as well as Charlie's life today.  She's engaged to Tripp, from a wealthy family, but will the relationship survive with her past coming to light?  I like stories where you aren't sure what you can believe - Charlie was likable too.  You could really feel her struggles and trauma dealing with the past.  Will be anxious to read more from this author!

2.5.2024 - Like a Mother

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by Mina Hardy, and perfectly narrated by Gail Shalan - 4 stars!

Sarah and Adam were the perfect couple, with a young daughter and baby on the way.  Then Adam died from a rare form of leukemia.  Besides being grief-stricken, things suddenly take a dark turn.  Adam's best friend and business partner, Graham, and his wife, suddenly become too interested in Sarah's children.  And the financial cushion they planned for was suddenly gone.  Then enter Candice, who claims to be Adam's mother, although Adam said she was dead.  Desperate and scared, Sarah accepts Candice's offer to live with her until she can have her baby and get settled.  

I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller.  It almost had gothic, creepy vibes with religious fanaticism in the mix as well.  There were so many secrets that Adam was keeping that Sarah can't begin to wrap her head around them.  Plus, she mistrusts everyone and their intentions.  The audio was fantastic - this is the second book I've listened to this week narrated by Gail Shalan and she does a wonderful job with all the voices.  

2.5.2024 - One Wrong Word

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Hank Phillippi Ryan, with the audio perfectly narrated by Gail Shalan - 4.5 stars!

Arden Ward is being forced out of a job she loves after an untrue accusation.  Her boss offers her one last job, intimating that future recommendations rely on her doing it.  Cordelia Bannister wants Arden to salvage her husband's reputation.  Ned Bannister was acquitted of killing a young man on a skateboard in a parking garage after drinking at a New Year's Eve party.  While he is now free, public opinion of him and his family hasn't changed.  But as Arden gets involved with the family to help them, she discovers that she isn't sure who she can trust.

Hank Phillippi Ryan has once again written a story that you will be totally engrossed in - along with Arden, you won't know who you can trust.  It was definitely a cat-and-mouse game that kept me searching for clues and hints as to the real story.  Each time I was convinced I knew what was happening, there was another twist that made me question my thinking.  These characters felt real - full of strong women characters that you will either love or hate.  Perfectly done!

2.4.2024 - Where Butterflies Wander

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Suzanne Redfearn - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The Egide family is trying to figure out how to move on after the death of one of their children, Bee.  The mother, Marie, inherited a family home in New Hampshire that they plan on selling to be able to afford a new house in a different city for a fresh start.  But you can't run away from your problems, and soon the family has new ones to deal with.  They didn't realize that a disabled war veteran, Davina, was living in an old cabin on the property.  Marie can't sell the property with Davina there and Davina says that Marie's grandfather wanted her to stay. 

I loved the way this book was written.  We hear from each family member and Davina - each chapter picks up the story and moves it forward in these different voices.  The reader gets to feel the story play out as each character experiences things in their own way, dealing with their own issues as well.  Davina is such a wonderful, strong character who has so much to teach us, while also coping with immense sorrow.  This story focuses on grief, guilt, and the really important things in life.   Another wonderful read by this author!