7.31.2023 - Delicate Condition

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this amazing book by Danielle Valentine and wonderfully narrated by Hillary Huber - 5 stars!

Anna Alcott is an actress who wants desperately to be a mother.  She's going through grueling IVF treatments, but it seems that someone doesn't want her to get pregnant.  Appointments get switched and medicines left unrefrigerated - her husband blames her but Anna knows it's not her.  Then she suffers a miscarriage but still believes she's pregnant.  Then she believes she's being stalked.  When things ratchet up even more, Anna and her husband head to a friend's house.  But things just get weirder.

This is a tough book to classify and review - but it's just so good that you want to shout about it!  It's about motherhood and being told my men to calm down instead of believed.  It crosses genres from thriller to horror to social commentary.  It's wonderfully written and the narration just made it that much better.  A must read!

7.29.2023 - Small Town Sins

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut book by Ken Jaworowski and wonderfully narrated by Chris Ciulla; Jennifer Blom; John Pirhalla - 5 stars!

This book highlights the stories of three residents of a small Pennsylvania town.  Nathan, a factory worker and volunteer firefighter finds a bag with a substantial amount of cash during a rescue operation in a burning building. Nathan takes the money and hides it in the attic, then tries to convince his wife, Paula, a nurse at the local hospital, that they should take the money and leave.  Andy is a former addict who turned his life around when he got married and his Down's Syndrome daughter was born.  After a huge loss, he discovers evidence that a preacher is a predator and sets out to expose him.  Callie is a nurse born with a cleft lip that set her up for bullying and unkindness all her life.  She becomes close to a terminally ill teenager in her care  and risks her job to make her dying wish come true.

This is a beautifully written, haunting story that feels gritty and real.  I really liked the fact that while all these individuals lived in the same small town, the stories didn't really intertwine.  Instead, they showcase a similar narrative of poverty, greed, despair, guilt, both good and bad decisions.  Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of the three main characters, so you get to delve into each person's life.  While it's not necessarily a happy read, it's a look into how our decisions affect our lives and those of the people around us.  Fabulous debut and the audio narration was wonderful!

7.28.2023 - The Paris Agent

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Graydon House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest historical fiction novel by Kelly Rimmer - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In 1970, Charlotte is struggling with the grief of losing her mother, and her father, Noah, has been devastated.  When he decided to search for a man he said saved him during the war when he was a British SOE agent, Charlotte was shocked because she knew nothing of that part of his life.  But she was determined to help him and enlisted the aid of a professor and his researcher.

During the war, Fleur and Chloe were both recruited into the SOE and were parachuted into France.  Their short training did nothing to prepare them for what would await them.  But they soon became suspicious that one of the men they dealt with was a double agent.  

Kelly Rimmer has once again written a heartfelt, meticulously researched book that skillfully intertwines these two story and timelines into a seamless tale that is hard to put down.  You will feel for all the characters as well as their family members as so many sacrificed so much.  Be sure to read the author's note for the real-life connections.  Highly recommended!

7.26.2023 - The Possibilities

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of this intriguing look into motherhood by Yael Goldstein-Love - 4.5 stars!

Hannah has been struggling ever since her son Jack was born.  It was a traumatic birth and she keeps getting a glimpse that he didn't survive.  She begins seeing different paths her life could have taken and her marriage begins to suffer.  Then Hannah's worst nightmare happens and Jack disappears from his crib.  She must enter different realities to try and save Jack.

This is such a unique book - it ventures into different realities to explore all the conflicting thoughts of new motherhood.  Haven't all parents in those early months wondered just exactly what they did to their lives?  We follow along as Hannah is thrust into all the different feelings of the different realities with and without Jack.  It also explores how others look at new mothers with judgment and have her questioning her abilities.  All of this with wonderful writing and that sci-fi/fantasy twist.  

7.26.2023 - Prom Mom

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and Goodreads Giveaway for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of the latest thriller by Laura Lippman - 5 stars!  I'm a huge fan of Lippman's books but I think this is my favorite so far - definitely a must read!

In 1997, Amber convinced Joe to take her to the prom.  Joe was popular and a year ahead of Amber in school, who was smart but not popular.  Joe's mom hired Amber to tutor him in French and they began a secret relationship.  Prom night ends horribly, with Amber accused of killing her newborn baby in a hotel room, where Joe never bothered to check in on her, instead going off with another girl.  In 1999, Amber has reinvented herself in New Orleans, and is successful in curating art exhibits.  Circumstances bring her back to her hometown of Baltimore, and she decides to open a gallery there.  But Joe and Amber can't stay away from each other, even though Joe is happily married.

I loved this book and the slow burn, character-building tension that leads up to the ending you won't see coming.  The characters are realistic, deep, and exhibit many different sides, showing that not everything or everyone is black and white.  This book also incorporates Covid perfectly as a plot theme, putting the characters into the social and financial issues of that time while treading lightly over the deaths and political issues, showing both the similarities and differences of how people experienced that time.  A must read!

7.25.2023 - Mrs Plansky's Revenge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley , Tor Publishing Forge and MacMillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this timely and fun story by Spencer Quinn and wonderfully narrated by Petrea Burchard - 4.5 stars!

Loretta Plansky is settled into her new home in Florida, after the death of her beloved husband.  Now she fills her day playing tennis and taking care of her 98-year-old father.  In the middle of the night, she receives a phone call from who she believes is her grandson, asking for money to get him out of jail after a DWI.  So of course, she quickly gives over her bank information and password.  When she wakes in the morning, she realizes it was a scam and all her money is gone.  But she's not one to sit back and cry - she goes on a quest to get her money back.

We've all heard of these scams and feel like we would never fall prey, but the crooks are smart and everyone is probably vulnerable.  That's what makes this tale even more relatable - we can see this happening to elderly people or anyone who relaxes their rules for just a minute.  Mrs. Plansky is one of those plunky characters who won't take no for an answer, and it's a fun ride to go along with her as she tries to get her money back and help others in the process.  You'll be cheering her along!

7.24.2023 - The Other Mistress

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Dafina for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Shanora Williams - 4 stars!

Adira owns her own company and is happily married to Gabriel.  Or so she thinks.  She discovers that he is having an affair with not one but two women.  She meets one of them, Jocelyn, who partners with Adira to get rid of the other mistress, Julianna, and that's when things go very wrong.

This was an intriguing story, with flashbacks to Adira's past giving clues to her current behavior.  You'll find yourself screaming at Adira to leave Gabriel alone - she's successful, has a good support system, certainly doesn't need him.  But stick with it - that twisty ending pushed it to be a 4 star read!

7.24.2023 - The Beauty of Rain

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Jamie Beck - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Amy and her husband, Sean, are parents to Scotty, who is on the autism spectrum.  When Amy wins the lottery, their future seems much brighter as they will be able to afford those needed special services for Scotty.  They decide to take a much-needed vacation, which results in a tragic loss.  Amy struggles to move forward and eventually moves in with her sister, Kristin, and her family.  While Kristin is relieved to be able to keep an eye on Amy, her perfectionist nature and drive to do everything herself results in her feeling like a failure at work and at home.  Meanwhile, Amy has plans of her own and is trying to make Kristin see that she needs to put her family first.

At its heart, this is a story of two sisters who are coping with huge changes in their lives.  It's full of life lessons to value each day, making sure your priorities are the ones that serve you best.  It's about grief, survivor guilt, and trying to move forward.  I thought both main characters felt so real in their different struggles and I loved the close relationship they shared.  This was a new-to-me author and I loved the writing style and story.

7.22.2023 - Sex Ed

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this hilarious rom-com by Kristen Bailey, narrated by Harrie Dobby - 4.5 stars!

Mia and Ed have been best friends since they started teaching at the same school.  When Ed tells Mia his secret - he's still a virgin at 28 - Mia decides to teach him the skills he needs to win the heart of another teacher, Caitlin.  Ed is a quick study and soon is dating Caitlin.  But is he the right woman for Ed?

This was such a funny, laugh-out-loud rom-com with the perfect title.  Who cares that it was somewhat predictable - it was sweet, funny, full of lots of sex talk?  But it's also a sweet tale of friendship, loyalty, and love with relatable characters that you'll be rooting for.  I liked the narration but would have preferred a male narrator for Ed and other male characters for ease in listening.  Loved the cover too!

7.21.2023 - Forever Hold Your Peace

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by the writing duo of best friends Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke, wonderfully narrated by Nan McNamara - 4.5 stars!

When Zach and Olivia have a meet cute story on vacation, fall madly in love, and then get engaged, their parents are shocked.  They are young, barely out of college, and they all feel it's just too soon.  So when a brunch is planned for all four parents to meet with the couple, they are all secretly hoping to change the couple's minds.  But instead, the mother of the bride, June, and the mother of the groom, Amy, see each other, they realize they already know each other - they were best friends until a huge betrayal and haven't spoken in decades.  Now they are focused on who can be the worst Momzilla in wedding planning.  

This was such a cute story, perfect for fans of Father of the Bride and other similar movies.  There are long-standing domestic issues and misunderstandings all the way around, as well as past hurts to try and heal.  But this is a fun, light-hearted story of love, weddings, friendship and second chances.  

7.21.2023 - Everybody's Favorite

Many thanks to NetGalley, Book Club Girl, and Dey Street Publishers for gifting me a copy of the memoir by Lillian Stone - 4 stars!

This is a fun debut memoir, a nostalgic look at growing up in the 1990s and 2000s.  Lillian's ability to recognize her own anxieties and issues and make them relatable and funny is completely spot on.  While I am probably not the target audience for this book, I still loved all the references from this time period.  Each of the essays will touch some part of you and definitely make you laugh!  

7.21.2023 - How Can I Help You

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of this short thriller by Laura Sims - 5 stars!

Margo has been working in a small public library for two years.  No one knows that in the past she was a nurse, accused of causing patient deaths, moved, and changed her name.  She's happy now in the library until Patricia, a young woman hired to be the research librarian, shows up.  Patricia is escaping her own past - a failed novelist and a not-so-happy relationship back in Chicago.  When a library patron dies and Patricia sees something wrong, she begins investigating Margo and using her story to fuel her writing.

Told from the dual perspectives of Margo and Patricia, we get to learn of both women's inner thoughts and actions, as well as their interactions as they dance around each other.  I love when a book shows us the same scene from different views.  As a book lover, all the inner happenings in the library and book references just added to the enjoyment.  This was a twisty, fun book that I read in one sitting.  

7.19.2023 - The Space Between

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful book by Sarah Ready, and perfectly narrated by James Fouhey & Rachel F. Hirsch - 5 stars!

Andrea Leighton-Hughes and Jace Morgan have a chance meeting in Central Park.  From that moment, they know they're meant to be together forever.  Andrea is from a very wealthy family, yet feels she's unloved for herself and only useful to the family's reputation.   Jace was raised in a happy, musical family but tragedy changed everything.  Together, each feels seen for the first time.  No one else understands their love and life interfers with the fairy tale.  

I absolutely adored this title and premise - What happens in the time they aren’t together—in the space between?  This book touched all the feels, yet went beyond a typical romance to surprise me with quite a few twists.  Told from both Jace and Andy's POV, I rooted for both of them through all the ups and downs.  This is a new-to-me author, but I'll be looking for more from her!

7.19.2023 - The Wonder State

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux MCD for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Sara Flannery Murphy - 5 stars!

Five friends arrive back in Eternal Springs, Arkansas, the small town they all fled after high-school graduation.  Now 15 years later, each of them is drawn home by a cryptic, scrawled two-word You promised, as well as a burning, bleeding scar.  They are anxious to know why Brandi called them home.  But Brandi is missing and the friends are determined to find her.  But to do that, they have to revisit the strange group of houses that appear only when they are needed and the strange magic they possessed.

I really enjoyed the author's previous book, Girl One, and this one was even more intriguing.  Told in two timelines - late 1999/2000 and 2015, this is a totally immersive world to fall into.  It's part coming-of-age, part mystery, part magical realism, but full of friendship, community, second chances.  The setting in the Ozarks added to the feelings in the story of young people anxious to escape and start life somewhere else, yet that pull to home and those tight friendships is always there.  This sort of felt like a magical Nancy Drew mystery = just what you need to add to your beach bag this summer!

7.17.2023 - Cutting Teeth

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by Chandler Baker, wonderfully narrated by the author and January LaVoy - 5 stars!

Darby, Mary Beth, and Rhea are mothers, trying desperately to in some way reclaim the people they were before children.  Their children all attend Little Academy, and soon a disturbing medical condition is going around the 4-year-old group - one that is literally sucking the life out of their mothers.  Then their teacher mysteriously dies and the police begin interrogating the children and their mothers.

I adored the satirical dark humor in this book that have the children slowly draining the life out of their mothers - because who hasn't experienced that?  I love books that go behind the Pinterest page of perfect motherhood and expose the real truths, as well as what lengths mothers will go for their children.  Besides all that pitch perfect social commentary and hilarious dialogue (those police interrogations!), this is also a murder mystery.  Might not be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it!

7.16.2023 - The Block Party

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this debut thriller by Jamie Day - 5 stars!

It's the annual neighborhood block party on Alton Road and all is well.  Until there is a murder.  We then go back in time one year to discover what could possibly have led up to this murder and the identity of the victim.

I'm a sucker for neighborhood and domestic drama, getting that peek behind the closed doors of those we interact with in our community, whose lives always seem to be just a little better than our own.  This story is told from the viewpoints of Alex, who mediates for a living and does her best to fix everyone's lives; and Lettie, Alex's teenage daughter who is on the cusp of making final college decisions and leaving home, but not without some drama of her own.  There are many characters and a lot going on here, but I had no trouble keeping everyone straight.  There were plenty of secrets, plots, and gossip as well as posts on the online community page (so relatable!) to keep the story zipping along.  The ending was perfect and I loved the one-year follow up as well.  Definitely a must-read this summer!

7.14.2023 - Dead of Winter

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Darcy Coates - 5 stars!

Christa and her boyfriend are part of a tour group heading into a lodge deep in the Rocky Mountains.  But when a snowstorm sweeps in, the group takes shelter in a small abandoned cabin.  Christa and her boyfriend had ventured away from the group, and she wakes up in the cabin with the others, injured, but her boyfriend is missing.  Soon, the tour guide goes missing and is found dead.  Christa is now with a group of 8 strangers, none of whom she trusts, and one by one they are dying.

Wow - this was a heart-pounding thriller that I couldn't put down!  The abandoned cabin, the snowstorm, the strangers, the bleakness of the situation will have you turning the pages as fast as you can to figure out the locked-room mystery of who is behind the gruesome deaths.  I had no idea who the culprit was and loved feeling suspicious along with the characters.  Great book!

7.11.2023 - Thicker than Water

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital copy of the latest thriller by Megan Collins - 4.5 stars!

Julia and Sienna are best friends and sisters-in-law, with Julia married to Sienna's brother, Jason.  Because of incidents in their past, Sienna thinks Jason can do no wrong.  Although Julia was raised by a mother who preached that men can't be trusted, she and Jason have a good relationship.  Until she finds out that Jason has been keeping secrets.  Then Jason's boss is found murdered, Jason is involved in a car accident, and he's put in a medically-induced coma.  The police are investigating and soon realize that Jason is their prime suspect.  Julia is beginning to have her doubts but Sienna is adamant that Jason could be involved.  

I really liked the dynamic between the sisters-in-law, as well as the underlying message that withholding secrets and feelings is not healthy for any relationship.  Both characters felt real and understandable in their actions, at least most of them.  I was engaged throughout the book and there were plenty of twists that kept the mystery interesting.  Another great read by Megan Collins!

7.11.2023 - Hello, Stranger

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Katherine Center and wonderfully narrated by a favorite, Patti Murin - 5 stars!

Sadie is finally starting to achieve her dreams - she placed as a finalist in the North American Portrait Society competition.  But then, the next thing she knows she's lying in a hospital bed with a condition that requires brain surgery.  After that surgery, she has face blindness - she can no longer recognize the faces of anyone, which is definitely not a condition that a portrait painter needs.  It's supposed to be temporary but shows no sign of abating.  She no longer wants to leave her apartment and only does when her beloved dog, Peanut, takes ill.  She falls hard for the vet, Dr Addison, who also leaves her disappointed.  Then there's her neighbor, Joe.  And the competition deadline is approaching!

Katherine Center writes the best romance novels - ones you just want to curl up and immerse yourself in.  Which is pretty much what I did.  You will root for Sadie, cheer on her friend, Sue, and her family, and shake your head at Sadie's own family.  Center's novels give the reader a perfect combination of romance, hope, laughter, joy - I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite but sure loved this one!  I switched between the digital and audio versions but I'm a big fan of Patti Murin so ended up listening to much of it.  The face blindness aspect was very interesting too - be sure to read the author's note.

7.10.2023 - An Evil Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book in the wonderful Amish police procedural series by Linda Castillo, wonderfully narrated by Kathleen McInerney - 5 stars!

Painters Mill Chief of Police Kate Burkholder responds to a call and finds an Amish man who has been violently killed with a crossbow.  By all accounts, Aden Karn, just twenty years old, was well liked, from an upstanding Amish family, and engaged to Emily, a young Amish girl.  But as her investigation steps up, Kate discovers that people are keeping secrets that may reveal a different side to Aden.  

This is by far my favorite series - I'm always so excited to read her latest book and this is #15!  But know that if you want to read this is as a stand-alone, it would work perfectly, although they are so good you should start from the beginning!  The books are gripping, tense, and full of wonderful recurring characters.  In this book, Kate and John are on the eve of their wedding and I love the personal relationships we've followed along.  While Painters Mill is not a real location, there are enough real Ohio Amish country spots to make things feel familiar to those who lived nearby or visited.  Plus, I always appreciate the way the author includes the Pennsylvania Dutch language but translates it to English for better understanding - and Kathleen McInerney's narration was perfect.  Highly recommended!  

7.9.2023 - Ripe

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of this thought-provoking book by Sarah Rose Etter - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Cassie is trapped.  She is working what should have been her dream job at a tech firm in San Francisco, a job that she moved across country for.  But the unrealistic, unfair, and unethical expectations of her boss, as well as the unrelenting hours, have soured her but she can barely afford her life as it is.  She feels like there are two parts to her - the real and the fake versions.  Then the dichotomy in the community between the rich and all those homeless living on the street, eats at her.  She's always had what she calls her black hole shadowing her - it absorbs her depression, sadness, loneliness and it is unrelenting in its presence.

This book takes place pre-Covid, which adds just another level of stress and anxiety into Cassie's world.  She's trying so hard but everything around her is so hard.  It's a stark, honest look at our society and how it affects our personalities.  It feels so real - Cassie's fears, anxieties, troubles are all there to touch you emotionally.  I had to sit and think on this one a bit after that ending but it was worth it.  The writing is perfect - I loved the definitions and reflections. 

7.8.2023 - American Black Widow

Many thanks to NetGalley, Thread Books, and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this true crime book by Gregg Olsen and wonderfully narrated by Karen Peakes - 4 stars!

Sharon Nelson was a minister's wife, but soon embarked on an affair with a local optometrist, Perry Nelson, which ended both their marriages.  She married Perry but he soon disappears.  When his body is found and she is able to collect his life insurance, she marries firefighter Glenn Harrelson.  When he too is found dead by a gunshot in a house fire, police can't help but look at Sharon.

I love Gregg Olsen's book and this was no exception, with the caveat that I would have liked it more if it would have been in a sequential timeline.  I mostly listened to the audiotape and it took me awhile to adjust to the back and forth in time periods.  But it is always amazing how some women can get men to do their bidding, no matter what.  Another gripping true crime story from Olsen!

7.7.2023 - The Summer of Songbirds

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Gallery Books for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of the latest book by Kristy Woodson Harvey - 5 stars!

Thirty years ago, reeling after the death of her sister, June bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer camp for girls.  Her niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, when they were all Songbirds, the youngest girls at the camp.  They've been each other's support, doing the hard things for each other, ever since.  Now, the camp is failing and June is contemplating a developer's offer.  But the Songbirds can't let that happen.

This was a wonderful book, full of childhood nostalgia, best friends, first loves, and doing the right things.  While this book tackles some tough subjects, it's full of light, laughter, family, and friendship.  I loved the second chance relationships, where forgiveness is key and communication paramount.  How amazing would it be to have such close friends that you could email them your hard list and they would do those things without question?  Such strong women characters and friendship are at the heart of this book.  It feels like slipping into a big summer hug - it must be in your beach bag this summer!

7.6.2023 - The Connelly's of County Down

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookish First, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a physical and audio ARC of the sophomore book by Tracey Lange, with the audiobook beautifully narrated by a favorite, Barrie Kreinik - 5 sparkling stars!

Tara Connelly is released from prison after serving 18 months on a drug charge.  Because of her conviction, her previous dream job of teaching art to children is gone and no good prospects loom.  She moves back home with her two siblings who have issues of their own,  Eddie is a single dad struggling with traumatic brain issues from an accident; and Geraldine, the one who has always been in control but whose live is now crumbling around her.  Then there's Brian, the cop who put Tara in prison, who keeps showing up.

I absolutely loved We Are the Brennans, and Lange's new book is just as wonderful if not more so.  She has the sibling rivalry, family loyalty and drama, storyline down pat and each of the main and secondary characters feel completely fleshed out and real.  I was rooting for these siblings who had been through so much together to get all the secrets out in the open.  With alternating POV from each of the siblings and Brian, we get to learn their secrets and feel the tension and anxiety build.  I alternated listening to the audiobook and reading the physical copy - Kreinik's narration was so good that I kept finding reasons to keep listening.  This is a must read this summer and count me in on anything Lange writes in the future! 

7.5.2023 - Before She Finds Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Heather Chavez - 5 stars!

Julia Bennett has worked hard to create a good life for her daughter, Cora, even after her marriage to Cora's dad, Eric, fell apart.  They remain civil even though Eric remarried Brie.  When they take Cora to move-in day at the college where Julia also works, there is a shooting.  Only Julia's quick reactions save Cora, and she begins wondering if the attack wasn't random.  Rea was raised by her father to be an assassin, but one with only good intentions - the mantra was "Shield the innocent, kill the guilty, defend the family."  Rea's husband, Nolan, also works in the family business and Rea, newly pregnant, begins to think that Nolan has broken their rules and is keeping secrets.  Both mothers will defend their families to the end, but at what cost?

Wow - what a thrill ride from beginning to end!  This is one of those books that will have you cheering on a bad person, which kind of makes your brain hurt a little.  The alternating chapters between Julia and Rea were both compelling and I raced to the end, with all its secrets, twists and turns.  The perfect summer thriller!

7.4.2023 - Little, Crazy Children

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books Citadel for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest true crime book by James Renner - 5 stars!

In 1990 in the upscale Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights, 16-year-old Lisa Pruett is brutally murdered on the way to her boyfriend's house late at night.  Her body is discovered just feet from the boy's home.  Yet it is another boy, Kevin Young, who is eventually charged and prosecuted for the murder, even though there was no real evidence.  Renner takes the reader through the trial and beyond, as the case affects the lives of so many and the community at large.

Since I lived in another Cleveland suburb at the time of Lisa's murder, I remember reading about the case in the Plain Dealer.  But Renner shows the difference between what was reported and therefore what the casual observer believed, and what the true story was.  He looks at the police's focus on Kevin to the exclusion of others, just because he was different.  And Shaker Heights is different - well-to-do families closing rank and protecting their own.  Highly recommended for those interested in true crime!

7.3.2023 - The Woods are Waiting

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut book by Katherine Greene, a best friends writing duo, and wonderfully narrated by Angie Hickman - 4 stars!

Cheyenne is back in her hometown of Blue Cliff, Virginia, to check in on her eccentric mother, Constance.  The town of Blue Cliff has a long history of missing children from the woods and parents have come up with superstitions to keep their kids safe.  Five years ago, three children went missing and Cheyenne found one of them.  A local boy, Jasper, was charged and jailed for the crimes but released when new information surfaced.  He's back and another child has disappeared.  Cheyenne and her childhood friends are determined to discover the truth.

I love a creepy story set in the woods and this debut novel checks those boxes in spades!  The opening nursery rhyme is enough to send chills up your spine.  This was a slow burn mystery with supernatural elements and enough creepy characters to keep you guessing to the end!  Great debut and anxious to read more from this duo!

7.2.2023 - Have You Seen Her

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Catherine McKenzie - 4. 5 stars rounded up!

Cassie ran away from her life in NYC and the secrets she's holding from that life.  She ran home to Mammoth Lakes, CA, and got her old job back as a member of the Yosemite Search & Rescue Team.  But that job holds painful memories as well from something that happened a decade ago that still haunts Cassie.  At the local campsite, she meets Petal, a young woman involved with Sandy, an older woman, as well as Jada and Jim, a couple instagramming their trip in their Airstream.  When Jada and Jim go missing, everything seems to come full circle for Cassie as her past confronts her.

This was quite the thriller and I couldn't put this one down, and never saw that ending coming.  Cassie kept lots of secrets and you could feel her fear when the past reared its head in the present.  Jada and Jim's story certainly reminded me of the Gabby Petito story.  It was also fascinating to read about search and rescue teams in such wilderness areas - true heroes putting themselves at risk to help others.  Another fabulous thriller by Catherine McKenzie!  

7.1.2023 - The Exhibitionist

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the new novel by Charlotte Mendelson and narrated by Juliet Stevenson - 3.5 stars!  

The Hanrahan family has gathered in London as the patriarch, Ray, prepares for an exhibition of his art.  While once highly acclaimed, this will be his first exhibit in many years and one that he is sure will set his place in history.  His wife, Lucia, is an artist as well but Ray has always made sure she didn't shine.  His children have complicated relationships with him, and there are quite a few secrets here as well.

Ray has to have the worst personality - you can literally not gleam any redeeming qualities to him at all.  A total narcissist, he's cruel to his wife, who is dealing with breast cancer, and to his children.   While I normally enjoy  books concerning family relationships, this one was more of a struggle to get through.  It's on lots of must-read lists though, so you may have a different reading experience!

7.1.2023 - Save What's Left

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Anchor Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Elizabeth Castellano - 4 stars!

Kathleen and Tom have been married for 30 years and are living in Kansas City.  Kathleen thought all was well until Tom told her he was leaving to find himself and happiness.  So Kathleen decided to seek out her own happiness.  Her childhood friend, Josie, sent a Christmas letter every year saying how wonderful her seaside community was, and Kathleen decided she needed to be there.  She bought a small house sight unseen and moved.  But things weren't all she thought they would be - are they ever?

Okay, this is a book about Kathleen being snarky about everything and everyone.  To fill her days with purpose, she fights city hall against the monstrosity being built next door as well as other rule violations in the town.  It gets a bit repetitious, but it is so downright hilarious and spot on that it's still a fun read!  I actually made my husband read the section about aging men and their throats, because, well, it's true!  And in the end, it's a story about community, friendship, and second chances.  Will be looking for more from this author in the future.