1.30.2021 - The Unwilling

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the fabulous new book by John Hart - 5 stars for a book that you will not be able to put down!

Set in North Carolina during the Vietnam War, the French family has lost so much to the war.  The oldest son, Robert, was killed; middle son, Jason, was injured and came home with a dishonorable discharge, an addict and is fresh out of prison.  Youngest son, Gibby, 18 years old, has had to deal with the changes in his family from all this fallout.  His mom is terrified to lose him, so keeps him in a bubble to protect him, not wanting him to interact with Jason.  Dad is a homicide detective trying to keep his wife steady and what's left of his family together.  When Gibby and Jason sneak away for a brother's day along with two women, things start to really go wrong.  One of the women ends up dead and Jason is wanted for her murder.  Gibby has seen too much so when the second girl goes missing, Gibby is also under suspicion.  But Gibby is bound to prove that Jason is innocent and undertakes a plan that puts him in mortal danger.  

This book checks off every genre and emotion.  With John Hart's beautiful writing, this is a book about the long-reaching effects of war, relationships between family and friends, a coming of age story, all tied up with such a suspenseful mystery - you will literally not be able to stop reading.  It's a disturbing, violent, gritty read with characters so completely fleshed out that you will feel their emotions.  But we also see other sides to the characters as they take care of each other.  I loved the writing style - the point of view changed from person to person, letting us know what all the players were thinking and feeling.  Buckle up for this one - highly recommended!

1.29.2021 - This Close to Okay

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Leesa Cross-Smith - 4.5 stars!

On a rainy night, therapist Tallie Clark is driving home from work when she spots a man on the bridge getting ready to jump.  She quickly pulls over and convinces him to come down and go for a cup of coffee with her.  And that begins their weekend.  Tallie brings him home and they spend the weekend together, supporting each other.  Tallie is still reeling from failed IVF and her subsequent divorce and doesn't tell Emmett that she is a therapist, afraid to destroy the tenuous connection they share.  But Emmett has many secrets of his own.

While Tallie bringing home a complete stranger and entrusting him instantly might be a stretch, I loved this book.  Alternating points of view between Tallie and Emmett let us know what each is feeling as they grow closer over the weekend.  I also loved the little bits of narration in the mix as well.  While suicide is definitely a trigger warning for readers, ultimately this book is about love, friendship, forgiveness, and hope.  It shows the importance each of us has on the other.  As Clarence said, "Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"   Lots of life lessons here wrapped up in a wonderful story!

1.28.2021 - The Four Winds

 Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me the latest novel by Kristin Hannah.  Another 5 star work that will leave you reeling.

It's the 1930s in the Texas Panhandle.  Elsa was a sickly child and never lived up to her parents' expectations of beauty first and foremost.  When she had even the remote chance of someone thinking she was special, she took it, only to find herself pregnant and cast out of her family.  Into that loss entered Tony and Rosa, her in-laws, who eventually came to be more than family.  She entered a farming life with her husband, Rafe, and her parents, joined soon by her children, Loreda and Ant.  But nature can be cruel and the devastating droughts and the dust storms soon made life inhabitable.  There was nothing left but to move to California where supposedly jobs were plentiful and a new life awaited.  The reality was much different.  Elsa wanted no hand outs but soon discovered that her family was not welcome and completely shunned by the locals.  Forced to work as a slave and be forever indebted to the company man left no room for hope.  However, for her children, Elsa always did the right thing and was the incredibly strong force for making a better life for her children.

Another absolutely wonderful book by Kristin Hannah.  This is a book that will leave you gasping.  It's hard to read the struggles that previous generations endured.  It's hard to imagine ever having the resiliency and hope where no hope exists that they endured.  While it is unbelievable to read about how Americans treated other Americans, when you read the newspaper headlines today, you worry about how much things have really changed.  Everyone should read this book and take stock of all that we are blessed with now.  Of course, during this pandemic, so many people are sick, dying and losing all that is dear to them.  But for so many of us, we should think long and hard the next time we have the thought of complaining about having to stay home with all our creature comforts or to wear a simple face mask when we walk outside.  

Highly recommended!

1.25.2021 - Girls With Bright Futures

Many thanks to NetGalley and especially to Sourcebooks Landmark for granting my wish to receive a digital ARC of this fabulous debut novel by the writing team of Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman - 5 stars!  

It's early decision college application time for seniors at Seattle's exclusive Elliott Bay Academy.  Stanford University is the only school at the top of three girls' lists, well, really the only school acceptable to their moms.  When EBA notifies the parents that Stanford can only accept one more student, the fight is on.  Tech giant Alicia is a graduate of Stanford and has put her considerable wealth into ensuring that spot belongs to her daughter Brooke.  Brooke, however, is more of an average student.  Kelly and her family don't quite have the money that many of the EBA families have but her and her husband are both alums.  Kelly has devoted her life into being a super volunteer at EBA and spends what money the family does have on tutoring and prepping daughter Krissie.  Krissie is only made more anxious by her mom's pressure.  Then there is Maren, who works as the personal assistant to Alicia and owes her entire livelihood to her.  She lives in a house that Alicia owns and Alicia pays for the very expensive EBA tuition.  Her daughter, Winnie, is an outstanding scholar who has dreamed of following in Alicia's footsteps and attending Stanford.  Let the battles begin!

This is such a fabulous book - I couldn't put it down.  And it's the perfect example of life imitating art - the authors' note says that the book was in editing when the real world college admission scandal broke out.  The book is told in alternating chapters from the moms' point of view.  While we all want what's best for our children, this book takes it to that next level and it's a sad commentary but written in a dark comedy/suspense style that will keep you glued to the pages. 

Pre-order this book now so that you have it when it goes on sale next week!  I can't wait to read more from this talented duo!

1.24.2021 - Lone Stars

 

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Justin Deabler - 4.5 stars for a great debut!

This story traces Julian Warner's life as well as the generations before him as he becomes a parent and thinks about what legacy he will impart on his child.  We see the struggles of each generation - as immigrants hiding their true origins, a promising PhD candidate forced out of her dreams because she was a woman, and a gay teenager desperate for escape from his small town.  As we see the generations pass, the author imparts the pertinent historical events happening at the same time giving more glimpses into how such events shape us.

I really enjoyed this book.  Some people may pass it by because of its LGBTQ+ classification, this book is so much more than that.  It's a family saga seeped in history and well worth a read.  I loved Lacy's character and her desire to do whatever she could to see that her son succeed.  It's also a story of regret and grief.  A great debut novel - looking forward to more from this author!

1.23.2021 - Land of Big Numbers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut story collection by Te-Ping Chen - 5 stars!

These short stories are beautifully written, each different but all exploring Chinese culture, government, history and people's desire to move forward in their lives.  Some are full of magical realism, some are more stark, but all speak of human desire and resilience.  We learn of the culture and beauty of China as well as how Chinese people incorporate into American lives.  

I read these stories one at a time, pausing in between.  I had so many favorites - Land of Big Numbers, New Fruit and Gubeikou Spirit were probably at the top.  Each story feels complete in thought yet leaves you wanting to know more.  These characters will stick with you and the poetic writing leaves me anxiously awaiting more from this author!

1.21.2021 - Milk Fed

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Melissa Broder.  3 stars with lots of trigger warnings about eating disorders.

Rachel is a young, lapsed Jew with an eating disorder who constantly seeks out mother figures to fill a void.  From an early age, Rachel's mother promoted calorie counting and thinness as a goal.  Rachel's therapist suggests a 90-day detox from communicating with her mother in order to help her heal.    At her favorite frozen yogurt shop, Rachel meets Miriam, an Orthodox Jew who loves to eat and loves to feed people, including Rachel.  Rachel loves who she becomes when she is with Miriam, throwing calorie counting aside and embracing a new relationship with food and her body.  The two enter into a secret relationship together because Miriam's family would disown her otherwise.  

I will preface this review by stating that I'm sure I'm not the target audience for this book.  There were parts of this book I loved - Rachel is very relatable to so many women who count calories eaten and expended, who tie their weight to their self-esteem.  I loved seeing the progression of Rachel, growing into a healthy relationship with food and her body as well as in her relationships with those around her.  What I didn't love so much were the repetitive dream sequences and very erotic sex scenes.  

1.20.2021 - Hadley & Grace

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Suzanne Redfearn - 5 stars and a must read!

Hadley is desperate to escape her abusive marriage to Frank.  When an opportunity arises, she takes Mattie and Skipper and heads out, with a stop first at her husband's business for some cash.  Meanwhile, Grace, an employee  of Frank's, is desperate to escape her own past.  With baby Miles, she heads to her workplace to get what's due her.  When they two meet, a wild ride begins for this unexpected grouping as they seek freedom.

Thelma and Louise move over - a story with so much heart and fabulous characters, Hadley and Grace will have you cheering, laughing, crying and hopeful, many times all at once.  This is a fun, fast-paced story of two women who will do whatever they need to in order to protect their family.  You will love these strong women who have to learn to trust each other in order to survive.  With the exception of Frank, you will fall in love with these characters - especially Skipper, whose character is based on a real person, Skipper Carrillo.  This is a must read!

1.18.2021 - His Hidden Wife

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Wendy Clarke - 4 stars for a twisty psychological thriller!

Maya lives alone with her behavioral therapist father, Stephen, at the top of a cliff - the same cliff where her mother died from a fall when Maya was 6 years old.  Maya feels responsible to make sure Stephen is taken care of so she gives up her dream of becoming a doctor to stay home, working as an aide at a nursing home instead.  But when Stephen brings home a woman for the first time and she looks remarkably like Maya's mother, Maya begins to wonder what really happened that night so many years ago.  She knows Stephen is keeping secrets but what are they?  

In alternating chapters, we hear from Teresa, a therapist in Stephen's practice who has secretly been in love with him for years.  Teresa has her own issues - an abusive marriage, an out-of-control son, and a mother slipping into dementia.  

This was a solid read that kept you guessing as to what all the secrets were that everyone was hiding.  The story was well written and really put you into the atmosphere where the remote, cliffside setting added to the suspense.  It was also an interesting look into behavior therapy as it pertains to memory.

1.16.2021 - Good Neighbors

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this fabulous book by Sarah Langan - 5 stars for a creepy look into suburbia.

The Wilde family has never quite fit into the Maple Street neighborhood of Long Island.  Mom, Gertie, is a former beauty queen who never feels like she fits in; dad, Arlo, is a former rocker with the tattoos to prove it; daughter Julia is a strong teenager who has recently been hurt by the in crowd; son Larry is just different.  Gertie felt she found a friend in neighbor, Rhea, who is the queen of the neighborhood but a late-night talk changes all that.  Then one evening, a sinkhole opens up in the neighborhood park and nothing is the same.  One girl is missing, the neighborhood is covered with underground muck, and accusations start flying.

This is a hyped up example of the damage caused by neighborhood gossip and innuendo, resulting in a mob mentality of craziness.  All of the adults in this book behave badly; some of the children give a glimmer of hope.  Certainly should give pause to anyone even thinking about starting or spreading a rumor!  This is a beautifully written book.  Set in the future, with interspersed chapters from news media reports that give glimpses of what happened in the neighborhood that July.  You will not be able to turn the pages fast enough to see how it all plays out.  I loved this book!

1.15.2021 - If I Disappear

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Eliza Jane Brazier - 4 stars for a twisty mystery based on our fascination with true crime podcasts.

Sera's life has gone off the rails - she lost her baby, she got divorced, can't keep a minimum wage job for long.  She becomes obsessed with a podcast that revolves around missing girls.  When Rachel, the podcast host, drops out of sight, Sera is convinced that she is missing and it's up to her to find Rachel.  She heads out to Rachel's home - a very remote family ranch.  She manages to get a job working with the horses and doing cleaning for Rachel's parents and tries to investigate Rachel's disappearance.  But she discovers that Rachel isn't the first girl to disappear from this area and that no one can be trusted.

A twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the end, even while I figured some things out.  There is a full cast of interesting/weird/creepy characters that combined with the remote atmosphere equals a suspenseful quick read!  

1.14.2021 - Where Madness Lies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing/Top Hat Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this historical fiction novel based on true events by Sylvia True - 4.5 stars for a disturbing look into our past.

This story is of one family's generational experience with mental issue.  In Germany in the 1930s, we learn about Inga and her sister, Rigmor, who suffers from depressive psychosis.  Inga is passionate about reading and exploring various treatments and diagnoses that could possibly help Rigmor.  That leads her to Arnold, a psychologist who is willing to step in and treat Rigmor, while also becoming a close friend.  In Boston in the 1980s, Inga's granddaughter, Sabine, is also suffering a similar diagnosis and is hospitalized in an institution, away from her baby daughter.  Inga has been keeping so many things secret that now threaten Sabine's future.  

The horrors of Hitler's racism never seem to have a bottom.  I had no clue that experiments were performed on mentally ill or depressed people in that era were the precursor to gas chambers.  Forced sterilizations are not in the too-distant past of the US either.  While mental illness treatment has come a long way, there is still much stigma involved.  Certainly the characters in this book suffered that stigma, being put down and threatened with losing their children because of seeking treatment.  

This book is wonderfully written and is based on the author's true family experiences.  You will be drawn into this story of strong women in a time of unbelievable horrors.  It's also a cautionary tale about family secrets serving no one.  Let's hope that bringing these stories to light helps prevent the atrocities of the past.

1.12.2021 - Shiver

Many thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam's Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut thriller by Allie Reynolds.  Wow - 5 stars for a book that I couldn't put down!

Milla arrives at LeRocher, a ski resort in the French Alps, cautiously excited about seeing the group of friends again that she competed with 10 years ago.  A lot happened to the group then and Milla is still keeping secret about her role in those events.  When the group assembles in the resort and takes part in an icebreaker game, they realize that they are all holding secrets.  At the center of those secrets is Saskia, who vanished 10 years ago and has just been declared dead.  The group has lost their cellphones and there is no one else around at the resort.  So who can they trust?  Definitely not each other.

This book is written with alternate chapters taking place 10 years ago and in the present time.  It's hard to believe this is a debut novel - each chapter ends with a sort of cliffhanger storyline that you are desperate to get back to.  Just like all the characters in the story, you will question each one and wonder who is responsible for what.  Add to that the stark frigid atmosphere of being in the French Alps at a deserted resort during a winter snowstorm and you will not be able to put this book down!  Highly recommended - I can't wait to read more from this author!

1.10.2021 - The Night Lake

Many thanks to NetGalley and Counterpoint Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Liz Tichenor - 5 stars for a devastatingly beautiful glimpse into the personal loss of Tichenor's 40-day-old baby boy.

Liz and Jesse Tichenor were settling into their life in Lake Tahoe, with Jesse running a religious camp and Liz an Episcopalian priest, dividing her duties between the camp and a church in Reno.  Liz's mother's  death by suicide after long-time alcoholism issues was still a gaping hole that she was dealing with. They were parents of 2-year-old Alice and newborn Fritz.  When Fritz inexplicably died in the middle of the night, their world collapsed.  This is the story of how Liz found her way through her grief with her faith, her friends and family, and running.

This book is raw and real.  I'm not sure I've ever read such a intimate look into someone's grief and how she dealt with it on a daily basis.  Liz had to not only deal with her and her husband's grief but had to explain to Alice what happened to Fritz.  And how could she stand in front of her congregation and speak of hope and positivity when her world had caved in?  There were so many touching moments in this book - Liz is remarkably blessed with a community of friends who were there for her in such a close and personal way.  I loved the baby shower idea with the handwritten notes and how friends opened their hearts and homes for Liz and Jesse and helped them process their grief together.  I loved the spirituality in this book and the visions Liz had that helped her move forward.  Ultimately, this is a story of hope in moving forward into a new normal.  This is a difficult read but it's also beautifully written - I couldn't put it down.

1.8.2021 - Faye, Faraway

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Helen Fisher - 5 stars for a thoughtful, faith-filled look into our relationships and connection with the past.

Faye is happy in her life - she has a fulfilling job working with the blind, she is married to Eddie, who is studying to be a vicar, and the mother of two young girls.  She is also still mourning the loss of her mom when she was very young.  Although she was happily adopted by an older couple, details about her mom and her death were kept away from her.  One day, Faye finds a picture of her and her mom in a storage box when something amazing happens - she is transported back to the past a year before her mother died.  They are able to connect as adults and Faye is thrilled.  Until she goes back to the present and realizes that she can't tell Eddie or anyone else about what happened.  She is desperate to go back and spend more time with her mom yet afraid to do anything to alter her present life.

This book is written as if Faye is talking to you, the reader.  I loved that connection - it pulled me in and took me along for the ride.  I loved how strong Eddie's faith is and how he believed in his path without question.  That faith spills out all over this book and these characters and their relationships to each other.  There is not an unlikeable character in this book!  There is so much wisdom here about reconciling our past and coming to terms with our grief, never veering into the preachy but just so heartfelt.  Highly recommended and looking forward to more from this author in the future!

1.4.2021 - What's Worth Keeping

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this touching book by Kaya McLaren - 4.5 stars!

The day Amy found out she had cancer, she also found out that her husband was contemplating divorce.  Nine months later, Amy has undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and a subsequent hysterectomy.  She is understandably lost, scared and reevaluating her entire life.  Husband Paul is dealing with his own trauma after being one of the police officers on the scene of the Oklahoma Federal Building bombing.  Their daughter, Carly, always tried to do the right things and had her path planned out.  Amy's cancer changed her as well and she started acting out.  Paul takes Carly to Amy's great aunt's house who runs a horse ranch to spend the summer away from her friends to hopefully straighten her out.  Meanwhile, Amy seeks solace in nature, having grown up visiting the national parks and monuments with her dad and sister.  

Told in alternating viewpoints of each of these three family members, this is a very moving, real story about how trauma affects everyone in a family.  It's also about facing and moving forward from trauma in real, positive ways.  The author herself had breast cancer and you feel the true emotions come through Amy's experiences.  You also feel her strength and resolve.  It's also a love letter to our country's national parks and monuments.

1.2.2021 - Before the Ruins

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for gifting me a digital ARC of this gothic-type suspense novel by Victoria Gosling.  3.5 stars.

Twenty years ago, a group of four friends at the end of childhood and just starting to go their separate ways into a future, spend time at an old abandoned mansion.  Rumors are that a valuable diamond necklace disappeared years ago and was hidden on the property by a man who was then found dead.  The group gets a fake necklace and take turns hiding/finding it, always egging each other on to riskier stunts.  Andy (short for Andrea) had a bad childhood and Peter always looked out for her.  When newcomer David comes into the mix that summer, both of them vie for his attention.  One of the group won't survive the game.  In the present day, Peter goes missing and Andy tries to find him.  They have grown apart since that summer and Andy finds herself squarely confronted with the past as she looks for him.

I loved the premise of this book - a coming of age story taking place in an old Gothic mansion with the present day results of all that happened there.  I thought the writing was quite beautiful but the story seemed somewhat confusing between the time jumps.  It's a slow read, very character driven, but I was just never able to fully engage with it.