4.29.2024 - The Library of Borrowed Hearts

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the.latest book by Lucy Gilmore, and perfectly narrated by the cast of Leanne Woodward, Aven Shore, Joe Jameson, and Bob Ball.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Chloe Sampson had to abandon her dreams to take care of her siblings when their mom abandoned them.  Now she's working at the library instead of being an actual librarian since she didn't complete her degree.  She's at her wit's end trying to do it all - work, take care of her three siblings, figure out how to make her money stretch.  In the library basement, she finds an old book destined to be trashed that she recognizes has some value and takes it home with her.  Then she discovers that there appears to be correspondence written in the margins between young lovers, and she figures out that one of the parties might be her grumpy next-door neighbor.  She begins to investigate. 

I love books about books; add in a strong family and I'm sold.  You will find yourself rooting for so many characters in this book.  I started reading it, but switched over to the audiobook and the cast of narrators was excellent.  Told in many POV, they all did a great job portraying these many characters.  The story goes back in time as we learn about the love story between the couple writing in the book.  While I wish Chloe could have obtained the book in a bit more legal circumstances (maybe at a library book sale?) and writing in library books makes for a great story but let's hope people aren't really doing that!, it's fiction so we'll overlook all that!  There are so many messages here wrapped up in a great story - family loyalty and obligation, different kinds of love and connections, and remembering that everyone has a story.

4.28.2024 - Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this fun book by Catherine Mack (AKA Catherine McKenzie) and narrated by Elizabeth Evans.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Best-selling author Eleanor Dash is just trying to survive her book tour in Italy in the hottest month.   Her other main goal is to kill off the main character of her books, Connor Smith.  They have a real-life history as well, very much complicating her life, and he's along for the ride on the book tour..  But then Connor is convinced that someone is trying to kill him and enlists Eleanor's help.  Is life imitating art?

This was so much fun and it's apparently going to be a series, so count me in.  I enjoyed the way it was written - Eleanor "talks" to the reader, filling us in on her thoughts and ideas, giving us hints and clues, and even spoilers.   She's funny, with that dark snarky humor that's my favorite.  There were references to other books as well as the way readers rate books, some of which will make you laugh out loud or even possibly recognize yourself.  Plus, there are footnotes - a lot of footnotes!  I had both the audio and digital versions and in the audio, the footnotes are read as they occur; in the book, they are at the end of each chapter.  I preferred the audio version so ended up listening to it exclusively.  The narrator did great female voices, but the males didn't quite sound like male.  But no matter, this is just a fun story with a mystery I didn't solve.  

4.27.2024 - Within Arm's Reach

 

Many thanks to Random House Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Ann Napolitano.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

The story of three generations of a large Irish Catholic family in New Jersey, the story revolves around the matriarch, Catharine, her children, and grandchildren, focusing more on her eldest living daughter, Kelly, her husband, Louis, and their two daughters, Gracie and Lila.  Catharine has suffered many losses and as she nears the end of her life, she sees how loss, grief, and lack of communication have caused trickle-down effects throughout her family.

After the well-deserved success of Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, this is a re-release of her first book, drawing on her own family stories.  This story is told in alternating POV from the main family characters and we see how they struggle in various ways.  Louis is grieving the loss of an employee for whom he feels responsible, and pulls away from Kelly and their marriage.  Their two grown daughters have yet to find their way and now Gracie is pregnant and alone, while Lila is second-guessing her medical residency path.  I was pulled into this family's stories, and liked how there was a spiritual element of past generations running throughout.  It's definitely a nod to how important communication is for relationships, but also imperative for second chances.  Great read!

4.25.2024 - One Liar Left

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the second in the Detective Freya Sinclair series by Emily Shiner.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Two women are found murdered in the forest, with their throats slit and their tongues cut out.  It's the same MO as in the past - is the Fawn Lake Killer back?  This is the case that has haunted Detective Freya Sinclair because she was never able to solve it and the killer seems to be taunting Freya because another victim is found in her backyard.  Freya is determined to stop him this time.

This was another good police procedural and I enjoyed spending time with Freya, Candy, and Brad as they investigated this crime.  Esther is another good character - she took in Freya after her parents went to jail.  I'm hoping there is another book in this series, because I'm anxious to learn more about the story of Frey's parents.  This is a well-written police procedural and the suspense was high throughout.  Great series!

4.25.2024 - Days of Wonder

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by the wonderful Caroline Leavitt.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ella and Jude were teenagers in desperate love for the first time in their young lives.  While Ella's mother, Helen, is supportive of their relationship and treats Jude like one of her own, Jude's father, a powerful judge, is opposed.  When Ella is accused of the attempted murder of the judge, her world comes crashing down.  She discovers she's pregnant in jail and Jude is nowhere to be found.  When she is released, she wants nothing more than to be reunited with the daughter she gave up.

I absolutely loved this book.  It is beautifully written, gripping, tense, and will make you feel all the feelings.  It covers love in so many aspects - that all consuming angst of first love, the love of friends and family, the special mother/daughter bond, and eventually mature love.  It's about second chances and being able to trust others with your secrets.  These characters felt real and I was so invested in their stories.  This is my new favorite book from Leavitt - must read!

4.23.2024 - A Game of Lies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by an absolute favorite, Clare Mackintosh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Let the games begin - on a Welsh mountaintop, seven hopefuls are competing to win a reality show.  However, the game isn't what any of them expected when they signed on.  Each of them are threatened with not only being eliminated but having their darkest secrets exposed live on air.  What will they do to keep those secrets hidden?  When one of the contestants goes missing, DC Morgan is called in to investigate.

I love everything Mackintosh writes and this one was no exception.  This is the second in a series featuring DC Morgan, her former partner, Leo, and of course, Dave the dog.  While you should definitely read The Last Party, this book could easily be read as a stand alone.  You can cut the tension in this book with a knife - not only between the contestants and crew, but between Ffion and Leo as well.  There are plenty of suspects and you'll be questioning everyone along with the detectives.  Dave is a wonderful character (dogs are characters, right?) and adds some humor and levity to the book.  Loved it - anxious for more in this series please!

4.23.2024 - Three Drowned Girls

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the first in a new series by a favorite, Emily Shiner, wonderfully narrated by Amelia Sciandra.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Detective Freya Sinclair is back in her hometown and not getting a warm welcome from its residents.  Unbeknownst to Freya, her parents were serial killers and she initially accused the wrong person, so many won't forgive her.  Minutes after returning to the police force, a young girl is pulled from the river. Before she can barely begin to investigate, another girl goes missing.  Just what is going on in the town?

I really enjoyed this police procedural.  Freya is a strong character, with a past that still haunts her, but Esther, who raised her is still a strong force in her life.  We don't learn too many details about her past, and I'm assuming those will unfold in the next book.  There were plenty of good characters - I liked both Candy and Brad, who work with Freya.  While the subject matter of missing and murdered young girls is definitely dark, it was not overly graphic.  Onto #2!

4.23.2024 - Tree Table Book

 

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Clarion Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by an icon, Lois Lowry, author of The Giver and many more.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 shining stars!

Sophie doesn't quite fit in with the other girls in her elementary glass, but her one favorite place is spending time with her elderly neighbor, another Sophie.  But lately, the elder Sophie is demonstrating some memory issues, and young Sophie overhears her parents talk about her son coming to take her for an evaluation with a possible move to an assisted living facility.  Young Sophie is determined to not let that happen.  She studies the cognitive tests that Sophie will likely be faced with, and starts practicing with her.  The one she struggles most with is remembering three words for a given amount of time - young Sophie uses Tree, Table, Book.  But those three simple words open up stories for both Sophies.

Oh my goodness, this book is beyond wonderful.  So many of us can relate to young Sophie - just not quite fitting in with the others, preferring to read instead of play.  And we can all relate to watching elderly people struggle with the effects of aging.  This book, in Lowry's trademark beautiful writing, gently shows us the value of friendship, of pausing and listening to the stories others have to share.  This is an absolute must read for all ages - highly recommended!

4.20.2024 - A Calamity of Souls

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by the wonderful David Baldacci.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's 1968 in southern Virginia, when a Black man, Jerome Washington, is charged with killing the elderly wealthy white couple he works for.  Jack Lee is a white lawyer who decides to represent Jerome, but fears that his legal skills may not be good enough to overcome all the odds stacked against his client.  Enter Desiree DuBose, a Black lawyer from Chicago, who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She enters into a partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Will they be able to prevent Jerome from going to the electric chair?  

This is such a powerful book.  Jack's speech after the trial is well worth the price of the book alone, and are words that each of us needs to really think about.  Because while some things have changed from the horrible racial division in this book, many have not, and we all need to step up.  Baldacci has once again created characters that make you feel about them and their experiences, which allow those bigger issues of power, racism and discrimination to feel so very personal.  I also loved that these characters had recognizable flaws that made them feel more human.  The courtroom scenes were gripping and wonderfully written.  Highly recommended!

4.20.2024 - The Last Guest House

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Caroline Mitchell.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

DI Alex McKenna, her partner, Matt, and her young son, George, head to the Isle of Skye for the weekend.  Matt's plans for a romantic weekend to see the aurora borealis soon turns into a nightmare when they discover that their hotel has double booked.  They check into the only hotel with rooms available nearby - The Loch House.  With a very sordid past and reputation, things feel wrong from the beginning when the proprietors take away their phones and present them with a list of rules.  Then the snow comes and they are trapped.

I really liked the way this story played out - we hear from multiple POV as well as transcripts from a true crime podcast.  As the plot proceeded, the podcast filled in the back stories in a way that felt very natural.  There were many creepy characters, as well as the creepy house itself, that left me chilled.  You won't know who you can trust.  Add a storm to a locked-room mystery and you have yourselves a great read!  Another winner by Caroline Mitchell!

4.17.2024 - You Know What You Did

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by KT Nguyen - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Annie has worked hard to keep her childhood trauma and resulting issues at bay.  But when her elderly mother dies suddenly, things seem to spiral out of control.  Annie finds herself in the middle of investigations into crimes where Annie doesn't remember details - or does she?  Is she having dreams or memories?

This is a wonderful book with a very unreliable narrator that will have you questioning everything as well.  It's a look into the refugee experience, childhood trauma, mental illness, and the bonds between mother and daughter.  Told mostly in the present, we go back in time to Annie's childhood experiences that have shaped her life and relationships.  I didn't see all those twists and turns coming - especially the very end!  Great read - kept me glued to the pages!

4.16.2024 - Between Two Trailers

  

Many thanks to NetGalley and Convergent Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing memoir by J. Dana Trent.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Born to drug-addicted, mentally ill parents in rural Indiana, Dana was a preschooler when her father (the King) got her involved in dealing drugs.  Her mother, the Lady, expected Dana to be her keeper.  The only normalcy she got was with her extended family for brief respites.  Otherwise, it was a poor, chaotic, mentally abusive childhood.  Even in childhood, the emotional stranglehold her mother held on her kept her from living a more normal life.  Yet, despite all those odds, she became a college professor and minister.

I am always in awe of people who are able, through their own personal strength, to rise out of such horrible childhoods to become stable, healthy, productive adults.  So many people waste the many opportunities they are handed, while others have to fight and scrabble.  Dana's parents no doubt loved her, but between their own bad childhoods, poverty, and mental illness, they were definitely not equipped to raise a child.  Eye opening memoir for sure and many wishes to Dana and Fred for a very happy life!

4.14.2024 - Darling Girls

 

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 an absolute favorite, Sally Hepworth, with the audio perfectly narrated by Jessica Clarke.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Twenty-five years ago, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, became as close as sisters when they shared a foster home called Wild Meadows, run by Miss Fairchild.  Now, they are both shocked to receive a call from detectives that human bones were discovered buried under Wild Meadows.  Who do the bones belong to?  And did the girls have anything to do with whatever happened?

Told in the POV from each of the women, in both past and present timeframes, as well as from an unknown person talking with a psychologist, Dr. Warren.  I was immediately drawn into each woman's story, and both timelines were intriguing.  Hepworth is a master at creating characters that are realistic, strong, intelligent, and funny.  While the subject matter of childhood abuse is never an easy one, you will still find yourself laughing out loud at many points along the way.   This book showcases how childhood trauma spreads so deeply into a person's character, yet also presents us with strong characters who are always there for each other.  Another must read by Hepworth!

4.13.2024 - While We Were Burning

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Sara Koffi.  All opinions expressed are my own - 4 stars!

Elizabeth's picture perfect life in an exclusive Memphis suburb starts to unravel when she finds her friend's dead body.  As she starts spiraling, her husband convinces her to hire a personal assistant.  Enter Brianna, who instead of keeping Elizabeth away from obsessing about the death, helps her investigate.  Because Brianna has motives of her own.

This was a well-written, gripping story of a toxic friendship with themes of classism, racism, mental illness.  Straight out of the headlines, this suburban thriller blurs the line between victim and hero.  While neither of the characters are likable, theirs is an emotional story, and the author lets you see both sides.  I can't wait to read more from this author!

4.11.2024 - Everything is a Little Broken

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and High Bridge Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this thought-provoking book by Rebecca Sugar, wonderfully narrated by Sarah Welborn - 4 stars!

One family dealing with life's realities - illness and aging - and all coping in different ways.  Patriarch Matt is recovering from surgery and has severe physical issues stemming from a long ago spinal cord injury.  His childhood nanny, Mae, has always been a huge part of their family and she is dying, though still happy and hopeful.  Matt's daughter, Mira, is the one who puts her life on hold to help her parents through this part of their lives, and dreads the inevitable phone calls, while her brother is very checked out of the situation.

This book will touch anyone who is going through similar issues and I totally related.  It's not easy to watch those you love suffer.  It's hard not to be resentful of siblings who don't help.  And faith?  Faith keeps you going.  I thought this book was honest, realistic, and hopeful.

4.10.2024 - The Limits

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Alfred A. Knopf Borzoi Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Nell Freudenberger - 4.5 stars!

Taking place in both Tathiti and NYC during the first year of Covid, we meet Nathalie, a French biologist obsessed with saving coral reefs; her ex-husband, Stephen, a cardiologist in NYC; and their precocious teenaged daughter, Pia.   Nathalie sends Pia to NYC to live with Stephen and his new wife, Kate, ostensibly to attend her old (better) school.  When Covid hits, Pia and Kate find themselves alone and resentful of each other, especially now that Kate is pregnant.  Kate is a NYC public schoolteacher, and we then meet one of her students, Athyna, caring for her nephew almost full time and trying to finish her senior year remotely and apply for college.  

One of the biggest challenges of Covid was the forced isolation.  This book really takes you back to that time and highlights society's innate need for social interactions, while also showing our shared connections and hope.  Conversely, Covid also highlighted our class differences - those who could afford to escape big cities, pay tutors in pods, who had insurance and those who didn't have childcare, safe jobs, or homes.  This story is told with those themes strongly running throughout, as well as all the family dramas.  I thought the writing in this book was wonderful, although I definitely had to use my Kindle translation feature a lot!  

4.8.2024 - The Gathering

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, CJ Tudor - 5 stars!

Detective Barbara Atkins, a specialist in vampyr killings, is sent to a small town in the mountains of Alaska to determine the cause of the slaying of a teenager. in town, found with his throat ripped and his blood drained.  The townspeople know that it is the work of a member of the Colony, a community of vampires living in an abandoned mine settlement in the woods.  If it is proven to be the cause, Detective Atkins can authorize a cull.  But she's not convinced.  She brings in a former sheriff to help her investigate, since he investigated a similar murder years ago and knows the Colony well.  But the pair are in deeper trouble than they anticipated.  Who exactly are they hunting?

I love Tudor's books but I think this is my favorite - and do I dare hope that this might be a series featuring Detective Atkins?  This was such a tense,  chilling, atmospheric read  but really never delved into too much gore, which is perfect in my book.  It was a small town atmosphere, with mob mentality - while this book focused on vampyres, the lessons are easily adaptable to any group persecuted for any reason.  Atkins' character was so realistic - she was a bit overweight, not quite fit, yet her sharp mind made for a smart police procedural.  The ending was perfect - highly recommended!  

4.6.2024

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this beautifully-written book by Fiona Williams, perfectly narrated by Ben Allen, Lee Braithwaite, and Jessica Hayles - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Just like their house in the English countryside is made of broken bricks, so is the family of Tess and Richard.  They have "rainbow twins" - one appearing White and the other Black.  Tess longs for the city life in London, where she wasn't the only Black person, while Richard thrives in the outdoors.  Told over 4 seasons, we hear from each family member.

This is such a wonderfully, atmospheric story with beautiful writing - you'll be able to see the birds and the crops, taste the food, feel the weather.  But where the story shines is in its character building - each member tells the story from their viewpoint, letting the reader figure things out, and seeing if they will be able to come together and move forward.  You'll feel Tess' isolation and her yearning to be among more familiar people and setting; you'll see Richard step back inside himself, trying to figure out how to process; and how each of the boys, different in temperament and appearance, navigate all that's around them.  Took me a bit to resettle after the twist, but it was so well done.  The ending was perfect - hopeful.  High recommended!

4.5.2024 - A Better World

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Sarah Langan - 5 stars!

The world is tumbling into chaos and the Farmer-Bown family doesn't know how they will survive after Russell loses his job at the EPA.  But then they are offered a unique opportunity - a chance to live in a company town where the air and water are clean and the streets are safe.  So Linda and Russell, along with their twin teenagers, Hip and Josie, move to Plymouth Valley.  But from the start, the family doesn't seem to fit in and they are getting hazed by the other town residents.  Once Linda is invited to join a group run by powerful women, everything changes.  Suddenly, they are fitting in and feel confident that they will get the golden ticket, allowing them to stay in the community.  Until Linda realizes that something is very, very wrong.

I was a huge fan of Langan's previous novel, Good Neighbors. and this one is similar in that it takes real world issues and extrapolates them into a dystopian future that will scare you in its reality!  The writing kept me glued to the pages - you could feel the tension from all sides and you just knew things weren't going to end well.  Those rituals and festivals were so creepy!  The family was trying to do what was best, but at what cost?  Plus, this book really explored the relationships between the family members - Linda and Russell were set in their marital patterns, building resentments but not solving anything.  While Josie flourished back in the real world and Hip didn't fit in, the tables turned in Plymouth Valley.  Sticking to your belief systems in a world that promotes strict rules to get by is a tough road indeed.  This author is a must read for me!

4.4.2024 - The Rush

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut thriller by Michelle Prak, the audio wonderfully narrated by Jodie Harris - 4.5 stars!

Four strangers set out on a road trip across Australia.  Hayley and her boyfriend, Scott, are on a break from university and found two other people to share the expenses of the trip.  But they are still strangers.  Andrea and Matt own and work at a remote pub, where Quinn also works.  When a storm comes, they must prepare with sandbagging, and Matt is called away to help a neighbor, leaving Andrea alone with their young son.  Quinn is on the road when she spots a body - and stops to help. 

This story takes place over 48 hours, going back and forth in time, from multiple viewpoints.  This author nails the atmospheric tension of the desolate landscape and impending storm, coupled with the fears that all women alone face.  I was terrified for all of them!  Each different storyline will have you on the edge of your seat, and the ending was perfect.  Fabulous debut - can't wait to read more from this author!

4.3.2024 - The North Line

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Matt Riordan - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Adam is a college student, an athlete, never quite feeling like he fit in.  But one big mistake lands him in serious trouble - he lost his scholarship and needs to earn $26,000 to finish his last year of school.  Through an acquaintance, he gets a job with an Alaskan fishing crew and he learns what he's really made of.  A strike among the fishing crews ignites a whole different powder keg.  

Wow - if you would have told me that a book about fishing would be this tense and gripping, I wouldn't have believed it!  This is why people watch reality shows such as Deadliest Cast.  It sure puts a different definition on the word "work" so that the rest of us can buy our frozen seafood neatly shrink-wrapped into individual portions without too much thought about where it came from or who made it possible.  This is gritty, realistic (Riordan did this work and it shows), and your heart will be in your throat.  Amazing debut!

4.1.2024 - Young Rich Widows

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of this wild ride of a thriller by Vanessa Lillie; Layne Fargo; Cate Holahan; Kimberly Belle - 4 stars!  I also realized it was available free on Audible, so after reading most of it digitally, I switched to the audio - and the voices made it even better!

In 1985, four partners of a prominent law firm die in a mysterious plane crash outside NYC.  Back in Provincetown RI, their widows have to come together to figure out what happened as well as save their own lives and inheritances.  The women are very different - Justine, a former model and now mother; Camille, a trophy wife; Krystle, looking out for her sons to take over the firm; and Meredith, a stripper secretly involved with the only female partner.

This was loads of fun - the women couldn't be more different but they are forced to work together to save themselves and each other.  There are laugh out loud moments, snarky comments, and an over the top plot - who can resist?  You'll be rooting for these women - and there's going to be a sequel, so sign me up!

4.1.2024 - The Other Side of Disappearing

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for gifting me a digital ARC by a new-to-me author, Kate Clayborn - 4 stars!

Jess has spent the last 10 years raising her younger half-sister after their mother took off once again and never returned.  Only 18, Jess had to put her life on hold to become mom to Tegan.  Now as Tegan prepares to go off to college, she discovers that Jess has had some clues into her mother's disappearance that she kept secret; namely, that the man their mom ran off with was an infamous con man and subject of a true crime podcast.  When the podcast host and producer show up at their door with a proposition, Jess is not in, but she will also not let Tegan go on her own.  So the four set out on a road trip, following postcards sent by their mom, to discover the truths.

I love a good road trip story and this was a good mystery and romance as well.  But it's really a discovery of what happens when someone disappears from your life?  Can you easily let them go, especially when it's a parent?  It's learning to trust yourself and your feelings, and let those you love do the same.  You will absolutely fall in love with Adam as he falls in love with Jess, wanting only to never hurt her.  Of course, that's not reality either.  I felt for both sisters as their relationship went through changes.  A great read!