6.30.2020 - Florence Adler Swims Forever

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Rachel Beanland for the opportunity to read and review her debut novel.  5 glowing stars for a fabulous read - I loved it!

Based on a true story from the author's own family history, and set in Atlantic City in 1934, the story opens with the drowning death of Florence Adler, a strong swimmer whose goal was to swim the English Channel.  Florence's parents, Joseph and Esther, are devastated but also trying to protect their older daughter, Fannie, who is in the hospital on bedrest with a complicated pregnancy after losing a child born too early.  They decide to keep Florence's death a secret from her sister which requires a monumental effort, especially from Fannie's daughter, Gussie.  Told in alternating chapters from all the characters in the book, we learn all about their thoughts and secrets.

This story is all about what we will do for those we love and how a family can rise from a tragedy.  But it's a fascinating look into how Jewish people were treated as they tried to come to the US to escape Hitler's persecution as well as a look into Jewish traditions, especially concerning the death rites.  And how incubators were first used - I had certainly never heard that story before!

This is a definite must read - I got lost in the beautiful writing and was transported back in time.  Highly recommended!  I sure hope Rachel Beanland has more stories to share with us!

6.29.2020 - Left for Dead

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Caroline Mitchell for the opportunity to read and review the latest in the Amy Winter series.  Sadly, I didn't read the first two in this series; I will definitely go back and get caught up after reading and loving this book!  4.5 stars for an intriguing police procedural written by a former police detective so she knows her stuff!

Amy Winter is shopping with her sister when she notices a mannequin in a store window is actually a deceased person.  How creepy is that?  It gets creepier when they discover a heart carved into her chest, just like a body that was found decades ago and never solved.  Upon investigating, Amy discovers a connection to a Sugar Babes website that offers a girlfriend experience to men (even more creepy).  Throughout the investigation, Amy's personal life is also spooling out in the public as her biological mother/serial killer gets a new trial.

I was riveted to this story as Amy races to nail down the killer before he kills again.  If I had read the first two books in the series, Amy's family background story would have been even more intriguing but it was still a great plot line in this book.  I loved the character of Amy - how she fought against her biological history to make sure that she caught the bad guys, whatever that involved.

6.27.2020 - Outsider

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Linda Castillo for the opportunity to read and review book #12 in this wonderful mystery/police procedural series set in Amish Country, Ohio.  As always from this author, a 5 star read for me!

This book finds Chief Kate Burkholder face to face with an old friend from her past.  Gina was the first friend Kate met when she left her Amish family.  Gina set Kate on the path to join her in becoming police officers, and they worked together on the Columbus Police Department.  However, Gina now swept up into things that left Kate uncomfortable and the friends haven't spoken since.  When an Amish family takes Gina in after an accident, Kate is forced into making a decision whether or not she can trust her old friend and her tales of police corruption.

I loved finding out more of the backstory of Kate and how she became a police officer.  We also get more of a glimpse into typical Amish family life, as Kate and Gina stay with Adam and his children.  But I am always thrilled for the opportunity to delve back into this world and these characters.  Highly recommended that you read this entire series!

6.25.2020 - Hurry Home

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Roz Nay for the opportunity to read and review this book - wow!  My head is literally still spinning after finishing this book!  5 stars for a twisty, twisty read that is riveting, heartbreaking, scary and just so good!

Alex is living the perfect life in Colorado.  She has a wonderful boyfriend, Chase, a fabulous apartment, and she is the top worker in the local Child Protective Services office.  Her boss knows that she will always put the child's needs first.  But Alex's perfect life is upended when her sister, Ruth, shows up at her door pregnant, scared and alone.  Ruth was always the troublemaker at home and left Alex alone when she left home.

That's enough of the storyline - you really need to go into this book as blind as possible.  With chapters flipping between the points of view of both Alex and Ruth, you won't be able to stop turning the pages.  Fabulous read and highly recommended!

6.24.2020 - The Dilemma

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and B.A. Paris for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel.  While her previous books have been thrillers, this is a slower-paced family drama but it is in no way less impactful.

Adam and Livia started their married life young and pregnant with first Josh and then Marnie so they never had the big white wedding that Livia had always dreamed of.  Instead, she changed that dream to be a blow-out 40th birthday party for herself.  100 people are coming but Marnie is in Hong Kong studying and won't make it back for the party.  Livia is keeping a secret from Adam and is glad that Marnie won't be there.  Adam wants the party to be perfect for Livia so when he gets potentially devastating news, he keeps that secret from Livia.  Once the secrets are revealed, will the marriage survive?

The story is told from the viewpoints of both Adam and Livia, so we are privy to the secrets as well as the reasons behind their decisions not to divulge them to each other.  This is a gripping, tense read because B.A. Paris is a master at making you feel these characters' emotions and the inner turmoil they both experience.  A great read!

6.24.2020 - Everyone Knows How Much I Love You

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Kyle McCarthy for the opportunity to read and review her debut novel.  3.5 stars rounded up for a literary look into toxic, obsessive friendships.

Rose and Lacie were friends since elementary school when they were both a bit of outcasts.  But Rose was the smart, shy one and Lacie the more popular, social friend.  And so the jealousy began.  An incident in high school caused the friends to become estranged until a meeting in NYC more than a decade later restarts their friendship.  But Rose not only wants to be Lacie's be all friend but she wants to BE Lacie.  Rose is writing a book about their friendship and she needs to get inside Lacie's head more to finish it.

This was an intriguing look into this topic of toxic friendships.  I also enjoyed Rose's job as an elite tutor for SAT/college essay prep.  Reminiscent of the recent college entrance scandal, it's amazing to me how wealthy people try to manipulate every part of their child's life.  Rose is not a likable character which made some of this book difficult to read although it was well written.   It was a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.

6.22.2020 - The Request

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and David Bell for the opportunity to read and review his latest thriller - another intriguing 4.5 star read by this author!

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive as the old saying goes.  And no one in this book is being truthful!  An accident during college changed many lives forever.  Friends Ryan and Blake were involved with another student in a drunk-driving accident that killed one girl and permanently disabled another.  But they weren't being truthful about who was driving.  Now, Blake comes to Ryan with one request - he needs to break into an ex's house to retrieve some letters Blake wrote telling the truth about that night.  When Ryan grudgingly goes to the house and uses the alarm code Blake provides, he finds the girl dead.  And so it begins.

I love the way he writes in short chapters so I'm always pushing to read just one more before I have to put the book down.  Even though the book is over 400 pages, you're turning the pages so quickly that time flies.  Lots of twists and turns in this one and I dare you to figure them all out!

6.20.2020 - All the Broken People

Many thanks to NetGalley, GP Putnam's Sons, and Leah Konen for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful thriller - 5 stars for a book I couldn't put down!  Plus, extra points because it takes place in beautiful Upstate NY where I live (I'm closer to John's cabin).

Lucy flees Brooklyn with her dog, Dusty, to get away from an abusive boyfriend.  She doesn't even tell her best friend where she's going.  She ends up in Woodstock, NY, and rents a small home to hide away.  Her first day there she meets her new neighbors, Vera and John, and they instantly become close.  Turns out, Vera and John need to do some escaping of their own so they hatch a plan to fake John's death so they can all start over.  Only things never turn out quite as expected, do they?  Now the lies are backfiring and John really turns up dead.  Lucy doesn't know who is after her or who she can trust.

This novel will keep you guessing until the last page and you will thoroughly enjoy the ride!  This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last.  In fact, fingers crossed that she's busy writing right now!  Highly recommended for a twisty thrill ride!

6.19.2020 - The Girl from Widow Hills

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and Megan Miranda for the opportunity to read and review her latest thriller - another 5 star read from this must-read author.

When Arden was 6 years old, she was sleepwalking and got swept away by a flash flood into a storm sewer and was lost for 3 days.  The media circus ensued when she was found by a passerby, so much so that her mom moved her to Ohio where she changed her name to Olivia and tried to start fresh.  Twenty years later and now living in the woods of North Carolina, Olivia is surprised to receive a box of her estranged mom's belongings and to learn of her death.  Now Olivia is sleepwalking again and comes across the dead body of someone from her past in her yard.  Is Olivia being watched again?

This is a slow-moving book that builds to a fabulous ending.  The book is told from Olivia's viewpoint but has alternating chapters of press from the incident so long ago.  I never could figure out who I thought was the villain in the story; Miranda's writing will have you questioning everyone.  A gripping tale of media's portrayal of events, victims' rights to privacy, and childhood trauma.  Fabulous read!

6.17.2020 - Head Over Heels

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Hannah Orenstein for the opportunity to read this wonderful book - 4.5 stars rounded up!

This is the story of Avery who was on the verge of competing in the Olympics for gymnastics when she had a career-ending injury.  From there, her life spiraled downward.  All she had known was gymnastics and that was gone.  After a breakup with her boyfriend in CA, she returned home and moved back into her childhood bedroom.  A chance at coaching another future Olympian at her old gym gave Avery a new start.  Then a scandal broke in the gymnastic world with consequences for all involved and threatens Avery's new relationship as well.

My reading preference usually tends a bit darker, but I'm all about a good story - and this is a good story.  Hannah Orenstein is obviously familiar with the gymnastics scene and touches on the abuses the girls put their bodies and minds through to compete at a high level.  But this book also talks about abuse on an even worse basis (the Larry Nassar scandal).  Friendship and forgiveness are also great themes in this book - how to put old grievances behind and move forward together.  You'll find yourself rooting for all these characters!  But it also has serious tones and is motivational and inspirational.  Bravo to all involved!

6.16.2020 - Nothing Can Hurt You

Thanks to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing, and Nicola Maye Goldberg for the opportunity to read and review this book - 4 stars for an intriguing look into how the murder of a college student affects so many lives.

Supposedly based on a true story although no information was presented about that case, this is the story of the murder of Sara by her boyfriend, Blake.  Blake was a schizophrenic and was ruled temporarily insane when he committed the murder.  We hear from many voices, all with ties back to either Sara or Blake, and how this death and these two people affected their lives.

This book was told in a rather unusual manner.  There was no delineation between each of the stories; they all flowed together so it sometimes took awhile to figure out who the next voice was and how they related to the story.  Thank goodness for my Kindle search feature because I used it many times to try and remember what role a certain person played.

This was a haunting tale.  Not a thriller or mystery - you knew right away who killed Sara.  Not true crime but each story felt very real.  There was also the theme throughout the book of crimes committed against women by men.

6.15.2020 - The Swap

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gallery/Scout Press, and Robyn Harding for the opportunity to read and review her latest book - 4.5 stars for a book I couldn't put down!

Brian and Jamie are desperate for a baby but struggling to conceive.  Jamie, who runs a gift store, meets Freya, a rich instagram influencer who has moved to the Pacific Northwest with her husband, who left professional hockey after a violent incident.  Freya comes into the store so that Jamie can sell the pottery she makes and the two become fast friends.  Then there is the night that changed everything - after partaking in some drugs, Freya convinces the couples to swap partners for the night.  Meanwhile, someone else is obsessed with Freya - Swallow (or Low as she likes to be called) is a gangly teenager who has never fit in.  Raised in a sexually-progressive home, Low is desperate for someone to love her.  But things don't go according to plan for Low either.

This is just a thrill ride of a book, told from the points of view of all involved which let you into the feelings of each of the characters..  While the subject matter is complex and controversial and not all the characters likable, in Robyn Harding's skilled hands it becomes a book of obsession, social media issues, self-esteem issues and much more.  Plus that ending!

6.14.2020 - 28 Summers

So many thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Company, and Elin Hilderbrand for the opportunity to read, review and tell everyone about her latest novel.  You know when you pick up a Hilderbrand book that you will get a wonderful escape read set on Nantucket Island.  But this book was so much more.

Inspired by the movie Same Time, Next Year, this is the story of Mallory and Jake.  Mallory was barely making it in NYC when she got the news that her Aunt Greta left her some money and her Nantucket cottage.  Without a look back, Mallory moved and started her new life.  When her brother, Cooper, wanted to have his bachelor party at her cottage, Mallory welcomed him and his friends, including Jake, who Mallory had always had a crush on.  From that moment on, things were never the same for the two of them.  Their lives were complicated but they decided to live out their love for a long weekend every year, no matter what.

There is so much I loved about this book - I loved the preface to each chapter being what was happening that year in the world.  Many are instantly recognizable; some I had to look up which added to the fun and remembering.  I loved the mention of popular books and movie woven into the chapters.  I loved that the point of view went from person to person and even included an anonymous narrator looking in.  This book was so touching and uniquely-written that I was so sorry when I finished it.  Grab your tissues but do not miss this book when it publishes on June 16th!  Very highly recommended for a nostalgic, touching read.

6.12.2020 - Empty

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Susan Burton for the opportunity to read and review her memoir about her eating disorder.

Susan takes us on her journey to wellness, from a fairly-typical childhood, to parents divorcing and moving from Michigan to Colorado, where the need to reinvent herself began in her early teens.  She loved the empty feeling that starving herself brought on; later, her switch to binge eating brought out self-loathing and a desire to do better the next day.  Through all her internal struggles, Susan achieved much; however, she could never reveal her secrets to anyone and therefore continued to be "less than."

This is such a brave and powerful book.  In the days of social media, I can't imagine raising a teenage girl.  It's hard enough as an adult to see the images projected that cause us to question our own self-image.  And food is the one addiction that you can't get away from.  We have to eat to live; therein, lies the problem.  There probably isn't a woman alive who can't relate to these struggles of the number on the scale being equal to how we feel about ourselves.

Thank you to Susan for speaking out.  Hopefully, someone will be where you were and find your book that will speak to them and their struggles.

6.9.2020 - The Half Sister

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Sandie Jones for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel.  While her first two novels were both 5 star reads for me, I'm going with 4 stars for this one - still a good read but not quite as enthralling as those!

Sisters Lauren and Kate go to their mom's house without fail every week, bringing along their families.  But since their dad died, tensions between the sisters are high.  Lauren and her mom have always been close while Kate was closest to their dad.  During one dinner, a young woman comes knocking at the door saying she is their half sister, based on a DNA test she took.  While Lauren believes her, Kate is appalled at the thought of her dad having an affair.  But everyone is keeping secrets and those secrets are set to destroy their lives.

I loved the short chapters with the sisters' points of view and the plot line with the popular DNA testing was interesting - who knows what skeletons will turn up!

6.8.2020 - Who Did You Tell?

Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Lesley Kara for the opportunity to read and review her new book.  I was a huge fan of her debut novel, The Rumor, and this was another hard to put down read.  4.5 stars.

Astrid is back at home living with her mom after going to rehab for alcoholism.  She's struggling with no job, not a great relationship with her mom, and dealing with plenty of issues dealing with her ex-boyfriend, Simon.  Things are starting to look up for Astrid - she's attending AA meetings, she meets a new guy, Josh, who seems perfect, and she's starting to feel hopeful about her life.  But it's all those secrets and the lies she tells to cover them up.  And now someone seems to be stalking her and threatening her fragile new life.  Only her and Simon know their secret - she didn't tell so who did he tell?

I guessed and then second-guessed how all this would turn out and was still surprised in the end!  Great read - this is definitely a must-read author for me!

6.7.2020 - Stranger in the Lake

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row Books, and Kimberly Belle for the opportunity to read and review her latest mystery - 4.5 stars for a great read!  This is a must-read author for me and this book shows why!

Charlotte is from the wrong side of town.  Raised by a drug-addicted mom and forced to raise her baby brother, Chet, Charlotte has tried hard to move on from her past.  When she falls in love with rich architect, Paul, she has to face talk in the town that she is a gold digger and only wants Paul for his money.  Meanwhile, Paul is no stranger to being talked about - his first wife was found drowned under their dock and many in the town still think he got away with murder.  But when Charlotte finds a stranger's body found drowned under that same dock, not even she can say it's just coincidence.  Paul has always held things back from Charlotte but now he's not the only one lying.  The story is also told in flashbacks to 1999 on a fateful night Paul spent with his two best friends, Micah and Jax.  Just what happened that night?

Don't miss this one!

6.5.2020 - Always the Last to Know

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Kristan Higgins for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - loved it!  4.5 stars for a great look into what makes a family.

John and Barb have been married 50 years but they have grown distant and Barb is preparing to ask John for a divorce.  Then he has a stroke.  While he's in the hospital, Barb discovers he's been keeping secrets.  They have two girls - Juliet and Sadie.  Juliet is the golden child and clearly her mom's favorite.  She's a famous architect, married to Oliver who adores her, and the mother of two daughters.  But Juliet feels like she's failing on all fronts.  Sadie is an artist living in NYC and definitely her dad's favorite.  She's working as an art teacher to pay the bills while trying to break into the art world.  The family comes together to help take care of John and all those feelings come out to play!

I just enjoyed losing myself in these characters.  As always with Kristan Higgins' books, she is great at making us see whole characters - ones that have flaws and strengths.  Plus, there are lots of life lessons in here as to what constitutes a family and how we need to stay true to ourselves in the process.

6.3.2020 - The Choice

Many thanks to NetGalley, GP Putnam's Sons, and Gillian McAllister for the opportunity to read this fantastic book - 5 stars for such a creatively-written story that I could not put down.

Joanna is with her best friend, Laura, for a night out at a local pub.  They're having a good time but there's that guy who just won't leave Joanna alone and it turns from annoying to scary.  The friends decide to leave and head different directions out of the pub.  Still shaken, Joanna hears footsteps following her and they keep following her.  She looks down behind her and sees the man wearing the same shoes as the guy from the pub - as he gets next to her, she pushes him, and he falls down a flight of stairs.  And she has to make The Choice.  Does she leave and pretend it didn't happen?  Or does she call for help?  From that decision point, the book is then divided into two chapters with completely different storylines - Reveal and Conceal.

I just loved the way this book was written and how easily I was able to slip into each life version stemming from The Choice.  Shows how one split second decision can affect our entire lives and of all those around us.  Highly recommended!  Can't wait to read her next book!

6.2.2020 - Remain Silent

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House, and Susie Steiner for the opportunity to read and review her latest thriller.  This is book 3 in the wonderful Detective Manon Bradshaw series and another 5 star read!

Manon is going through lots in her personal life - dealing with the pains of middle age, a relationship turned a bit stale, a teenager and an active toddler, let alone her job which has been working on cold cases.  This is the definition of trying to have it all and feeling less than successful on all fronts.  When Manon discovers a dead body in the park while with her small child, she is put in charge of the case.  While at first glance the death appears to be by suicide, a closer look seems to lead to murder and takes Manon on a wild ride of investigating anti-immigration factions as well as slave traffickers.

I love Manon - she is completely real, says what she thinks, even when that tends to get her in trouble.  She is loyal to a fault and cares deeply about her family and friends.

6.1.2020 - The Lies that Bind

Thanks to NetGalley, Random House/Ballantine Books, and Emily Giffin for the opportunity to read and review her latest book.  She is typically a must-read author for me but this one didn't quite do it for me.  3 stars.

Cecily is living and working in NYC in 2001.  She just broke up with her boyfriend, Matthew, because he couldn't commit, she feels like she should never have left her family in the Midwest, and she doesn't like her job as a reporter for a small paper.  She decides to go to a nearby bar and randomly meets Grant with whom she feels an instant connection.  But Grant is dealing with his twin brother's fatal illness and their relationship is put on hold - until he shows up at her apartment on 9/10/01 and leaves for work in the Twin Towers that fateful morning.  When she sees a missing poster with his picture, she discovers that Grant hadn't been truthful to her.

I don't want to ruin this book for anyone who may want to read it so that's enough of the plot!  But to me, the characters weren't likable nor their behavior believable, the 9/11 plot line felt disrespectful, and the ending way too hard to believe.