10.31.2023 - The Christmas Appeal

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the Christmas follow-up to The Appeal by Janice Hallett - 5 stars once again!

Two lawyers are once again tasked by their retired professor to investigate an incident involving a local community theater group, The Fairway Players, as they prepare their Christmas production of Jack & the Beanstalk to raise money for the church roof.

I absolutely adored both of these books and am anxiously hoping there will be more to come!  The story once again unfolds strictly through texts, social media posts, letters, and police transcripts - and not all in chronological order.  The lawyers and readers are tasked with figuring out what's going on.  And there's a lot going on!  New cochairs of the theater group are quite controlling and the previous people in charge definitely aren't happy.  There's plenty of gossip, shenanigans, and possibly a dead body in the mix!  So creative and fun - highly recommended!

10.31.2023 - The Berry Pickers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Catapult, and Recorded Books Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Amanda Peters, narrated by Aaliya Warbus and Jordan Waunch - 5 stars!

Every summer, a Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia travel down to Maine to pick blueberries.  One fateful summer, 4-year-old Ruthie disappears.  Her brother, Joe, was the last to see her and never gets over his guilt and angst.  In Maine, Norma grows up in a wealthy family, but her father is distant and her mother extremely over protective.  She often has dreams that feel more like memories.  

I loved this debut and felt so much for all the characters.  Told from the viewpoints of both Joe and Norma, we also learn about the Indigenous culture.  There is an overwhelming feeling of loss throughout, as well as how trauma carries forward in our lives.  But it's also hopeful, a story full of connection and found family.  I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read more from this author.

10.30.2023 - The Better Mother

Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Emily Shiner - 4.5 stars!

Zoe is happily married to Ethan and a stay-at-home mother to toddler Anna.  Life is good.  Until teenaged Micah shows up at the door, saying his mom is gone and Ethan is his dad.  Zoe wants to do the right thing so she invites Micah in and tries to make him feel part of the family.  But things just seem off.

The story spools out between the perspectives of both Zoe and Micah.  There's a tense feeling of things just not being right - Micah seems too needy, is fascinated with Anna, and is lying.  I really felt for Zoe - she tried so hard to do the right thing for Ethan, as well as for Micah and Anna.  You could feel her inner turmoil.  It's a quick, well-written read with that twist at the end that I didn't see coming!  

10.30.2023 - Five Gold Rings

Many thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Dreamscape Select for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Kristen Bailey, perfectly narrated by Harrie Dobby, and for allowing me to take part in the book tour - 5 stars!

Right before Christmas, Eve finds her boyfriend in the shower - with another woman.  So while her perfectly wrapped presents for his family sit under the tree awaiting their arrival at his big family party, Eve reacts by throwing all his things out their window.  She also finds a surprise present for her in the mix - a ring bought at the jewelry store where she works.  She flees there looking for comfort from the owners.  But the owners have their own issues - some mixups and 5 rings left to deliver before Christmas.  They enlist another coworker, Joe, who has secretly been in love with Eve, to help deliver the rings.

Even though it's almost Halloween and I should be reading scary books, it's never to early for Christmas stories, right?  Especially when they are filled with laughs, heartfelt moments, and lots of crazy situations.  You'll travel along in Joe's old Mini while the pair deliver the rings and make Christmas magic.  The characters are wonderful and you'll be rooting for all of them.  The narration was pitch perfect too - including the singing!  A must read going into Christmas from the author of the hilarious and sweet Sex Ed!

10.27.2023 - The Professor

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Lauren Nossett and wonderfully narrated by Saskia Maarleveld - 4.5 stars!

Ethan Haddock is found dead in his apartment, an apparent suicide, and everything points to a failed romance with one of his professors, Dr. Verena Sobek.  She is investigated and put on leave, pending results of the investigation, and social media is ruining what's left of her reputation.  Marlitt Kaplan, an ex-detective now a research assistant, is asked by her mother, another professor and colleague of Sobek's to investigate Ethan's death.  But Marlitt doesn't have the police force credentials to help her investigate, so she has to get creative.

This book follows Marlitt's story that started in Nossett's book The Resemblance, but it is certainly a stand alone.  I always enjoy books set in academia and this one doesn't disappoint.  Marlitt definitely makes questionable decisions in her investigation, but she has the best of intentions.  She's still missing her life on the police force, especially the relationship with her partner, Teddy.  The book was skillfully set in different POV - Marlitt, Verena and Him.  I never guessed the culprit - looking forward to more books by this author!

10.27.2023 - American Girl

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Wendy Walker - 5 stars!

Charlie is 17 years old, autistic, and desperate to leave small town Sawyer PA.  Her mom got pregnant with her in high school and has never stopped letting Charlie know that she doesn't want her to repeat that mistake.  Her stepfather has never been in her corner and now that they have 2 boys of their own, Charlie always feels left out.  So her family is the people that work with her at the sandwich shop in town.  When the shop owner, Clay Cooper, a man both feared and revered in town, is found dead, Charlie is going to keep her family safe at all costs.

Charlie is an absolutely amazing character, and I have my fingers crossed that Walker will give us an update into her life at some point!  She has developed a set of rules to live by, that keep her focused on her goals.  She has fierce loyalty to her friends, even when her own safety is at stake.  She takes the investigation of Coop's murder into her own hands, coming up with a new rule - don't trust anyone.  I've read fabulous reviews of the audiobook of this one, so I'm going to have to listen to that.  But the book is highly recommended!

10.24.2023 - Ruthless

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the third book in the wonderful Scandinavian police procedural series by Anne Mette Hancock - 5 stars!

Journalist Heloise Kaldan befriends a dying elderly man, Jan Frischof, who gives her what seems to be a deathbed confession that she just can't let go.  Her gut tells her that there is a bigger story here, but then he just as suddenly takes back what he said and warns Heloise to not look into anything for both their sakes.  Heloise begins investigating anyway, with the help of Detective Schafer, and it leads her to the possible murder and disappearance of young women.  Just how is Jan involved?  And is Heloise over her head?

This series keeps getting better.  I love the unique perspective of a journalist working with and befriending a police detective - their roles typically put them at odds, but their friendship helps them both.  Heloise is also involved with a group called Vigil, whose goal it is that no one should die alone.  The friendship that developed because of this was heartwarming, and such a noble cause.  This was tense, atmospheric, and a twisty end that I was not expecting.  You could certainly read this as a stand alone, but it's a wonderful series and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book!

10.24.2023 - The Lodge

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture & Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Sue Watson, beautifully narrated by both Alison Campbell and Tamsin Kenner, and for including me on the blog tour for this book - 5 stars!

Fiona is invited to a birthday party at a lodge in Cornwall by her mother-in-law.  Fiona is still recovering from her divorce from Scott, and his subsequent remarriage to Danni and their new daughter.  But Angela intimates that this might be the last birthday they celebrate together, so for her and the sake of their two teenagers, Fiona agrees to go.  As everyone gathers, including a chef Angela hired who is actually known to the group in other ways, snow begins to fall.  Then the police show up at the door with news that there was a hit and run and someone in their group may be guilty.  They are told they have to stay put.  Tensions mount between everyone, and then someone goes missing.

I love locked-room, atmospheric mysteries and love Sue Watson's books, so this is an absolute winner for me.  There are a lot of characters and everyone is not exactly they seem to be.  One of the best parts?  The last sentence of the novel is a question to the reader - love that!  Grab a cozy blanket, curl up in your favorite chair and don't miss this one!

10.22.2023 - Ana Turns

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Keylight Books, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this book by Lisa Gornick and wonderfully narrated by Petrea Burchard - 4.5 stars!

Today Ana turns 60.  Her mother's card stated that she had calculated how much it cost to raise Ana ($85,000); her son is going through a transition; her husband is a doctor addicted to pot since an injury; and she's been having a long-time affair with a married journalist.  We hear from all the important people in Ana's life on her birthday, filling in her past, as the evening celebration looms.

I loved the fact that this book featured a 60-year-old, still active and still figuring out her life.  Ana was consistently let down by her family, but is finally realizing that she has power over her own happiness and path in life.  While she may not have made the best choices along the way, she takes responsibility over them.  In doing so, she also lets other have responsibility over their lives and choices.  It's relatable, funny, poignant, and I loved the ending!

10.21.2023 - Dreaming of Water

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing, for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a favorite, AJ Banner - 4.5 stars!

Astrid vowed never to return to Heron Bay, WA, after the tragedy of her little sister's drowning years ago.  Reeling from her divorce and the news that her best friend is now with her ex, she also gets a call from her beloved Aunt Maude, saying that Astrid needed to come right away to look at a letter she found.  When she gets there, she finds Maude on the floor, unconscious, and police fear at attack.  Now Astrid is desperate to find the letters that Maude told her about and to try and understand why someone would hurt Maude.  And is Astrid next?

This was an intriguing mystery, forcing Astrid to confront her past and all her family secrets.  Astrid never got over feeling guilty about her sister's death and her mom didn't help.  With Maude unable to speak, Astrid is left to try and figure things out on her own.  I also thought Astrid's job of document and handwriting analyzing was fascinating.  Another great read by this author!

10.20.2023 - The Museum of Failures

I really loved Honor, Thrity Umrigar's last novel, and this was another immersive story - 5 stars!

Remy left India for school in the US, but brought with him his bad feelings about his relationship with his mother.  He entrusted her care to others and hadn't returned in years.  He finally returns to India with plans to adopt a baby from a young pregnant girl.  His mother is in the hospital and has stopped talking.  Remy tries to help his mother recover and return home.  He finds a picture in her home that he doesn't understand - and his whole world is turned upside down when his mother finally uncovers a long-held family secret.  

This was another beautifully-written story and one that underlines the thought that we never know what someone's story is, even when that someone is a family member.  Remy is forced to reevaluate his entire relationship with his parents and the sacrifices that they made in his best interest, right or wrong.  I loved how Remy's wife, who stayed behind in Columbus, OH, supported Remy by saying that he needed to come home with no regrets - a real lesson to all of us.

10.18.2023 - Absolution

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Farrar, Straus & Giroux and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest masterpiece by Alice McDermott, beautifully narrated by Jesse Vilinsky and Rachel Kenney - 5 stars!

In Saigon in 1963, two American wives meet and form a friendship of sorts.  Tricia is a newlywed, married to an engineer working for the US Navy Intelligence.  Charlene is a corporate spouse and mother of three, the obvious leader of all the American women.  She is on a mission to help relieve the horrible conditions she sees around here, collecting and distributing toys and food to hospitals, orphanages and even a leper colony.  Decades later, Charlene's daughter reaches out to Tricia, widowed and living in Washington, and the two share their experiences.  

Wow - what gorgeous writing.  I loved the epistolary manner the story was told - in the form of a long letter from Tricia to Charlene's now adult child, Rainey.  In this way, Tricia was able to emphasize the differences between now and then, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as well as talk about her past growing up in NY.  You will be transported to Vietnam early in the war and to a different era, when women were definitely second class citizens, especially in the military.  They didn't ask questions of their husbands, just packed up and moved to wherever they were sent, and even doctors chalked issues to women's emotions.  It's a look at how things were so different for different classes and peoples - parties for officers, while children begged in the streets.  Charlene wasn't always successful and was definitely controlling, but she did try to do what she could for others.  I adored the character of Dom and his wonderful big heart.  Highly recommended!

10.18.2023 - Sisters Under the Rising Sun

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest historical fiction novel by Heather Morris and wonderfully narrated by Laura Carmichael - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In the midst of WWII, English musician, Norah Chambers, places her young daughter Sally on a ship leaving Singapore, desperate to keep her safe from the Japanese army  Norah remains to care for her husband and elderly parents, knowing she may never see her child again.  Sister Nesta James, an Australian nurse, has enlisted to help Allied troops.  But as Singapore falls to the Japanese, she joins a group of people, including Norah, on a merchant ship.  Only days later, they are bombarded and the ship is sunk.  After surviving a day in the sea, Nesta and Norah reach a remote island, and are immediately captured by the Japanese and held in a POW camp.  They are starved and abused, but Norah and Nesta fight to help whoever they can.

This is another one of those heartbreaking stories that open your eyes to war atrocities, but also highlights the resiliency of people; in this case, incredibly strong women putting others first at all costs.  This is a book that is made much better by listening to the audiobook - the voice orchestra is not to be missed.  I love how these women found such a unique way to brighten all of their days and stand up for themselves.  This is powerful, especially when you read the afterword and gain further information about the real women in this story.  Highly recommended!

10.17.2023 - This House of Grief

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, for gifting me a digital ARC of this heartbreaking book by Helen Garner - 5 stars!

On Father’s Day, 2005, in Australia, separated husband Robert Farquharson was driving his three young sons back to their mom’s house when the car veered off the road and plunged into a dam. Robert survived the crash but his boys drowned.  Was it an accident due to medical reasons?  An attempted murder-suicide?  Or an act of revenge to get back at his estranged wife?  

This is the story of the trial of Robert Farquharson, told in beautiful, eloquent writing that will make you really think about trials, courtrooms, and all those caught up in such stories, which is all of us.  It's impossible not to grieve for the loss of those three little boys and the lives they could have lived.  But there are feelings for everyone involved, from the defendant and his family and friends, to the investigators, lawyers, and witnesses, and to the jurors tasked with making life-or-death decisions.  The author witnessed the entire trial and subsequent appeal, becoming for the reader a part of the story; one of many witnesses in the house of grief.  

10.16.2023 - Leave the Lights On

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this novel by Liv Andersson and perfectly narrated by Mia Barron - 3.5 stars rounded up!

From the outside, Beatrice Wicker leads a charmed life in Maine with her husband Josh.  She has dreams and plans on turning an old asylum into an artist retreat, giving others a chance and a helping hand.  But behind closed doors, Beatrice knows about her husband's other woman and son, keeping quiet to maintain her lifestyle.  But when there is an explosion at the boy's school and he is kidnapped. the secrets have to come out.  And there are lots of secrets.

This was a bit confusing to me, with the back and forth timelines.  The narrator was perfect and the story kept me listening, plus I liked the past timeline.  It's hard to say too much without revealing anything, but it was a good read.  Unfortunately, I thought the ending was too abrupt and left me scratching my head a bit.  This is my first book from this author but I'm up for her next!

10.13.2023 - The Leftover Woman

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Jean Kwok in exchange for my honest review - 5 stars!

Jasmine escaped her abusive husband and traveled to NY in hopes of finding her daughter, who was taken from her at birth.  Now she is deep in debt to the snakeheads who helped her flee, and the only job she can find is working in a strip club.  She does have a chance encounter with her best friend from China, Anthony, and begins to feel somewhat hopeful.  Rebecca is living large - she works as an editor, has a successful husband, and a daughter that they adopted from China.  But things start going very wrong for her when she tries to sign an important author.

In China, leftover women are ones that no one wanted; they are purposeless and of use to no one.  Jasmine felt like this and felt that she was not in control of any part of her life.  Rebecca questions her role in her family - she has put her career ahead of her child and left much to her nanny.  The story is told from the viewpoints of both of these women, at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, and explores identify and belonging, as well as defining motherhood and family.  It is beautifully written and I felt so engaged with both these women and their plights.  It was very atmospheric, from a small Chinese village to a Chinatown strip club to the high-powered publishing world.  Highly recommended!

10.13.2023 - One Puzzling Afternoon

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Emily Critchley in exchange for my honest review - 5 stars!

In 1951, Edie Green doesn't fit in well at school and is lonely.  Her mother has a side job that provokes criticism among the town and her mother's new boyfriend isn't always kind.  So when popular Lucy Theddle befriends Edie, she feels happy for the first time.  But Lucy has a secret that Edie doesn't feel good keeping.  Then Lucy goes missing.  In 2018, Edie is now 84 and still lives in her hometown.  She is convinced that she spots Lucy at the post office, looking just the same as she did when she disappeared.  Her family doesn't believe her because she is prone to mixing things up, but Edie is convinced that she must find out what happened to Lucy.

I absolutely loved this book!  Told in these two timelines, we get the backstory while in the present day Edie is trying to search for answers about her lost friend.  It's also a story about dementia and how Edie feels when she realizes that she is not as capable as she was, but still wanting to assert her independence with her family.  It's heartbreaking but also empowering to see Edie so desperate for answers.  Plus, it's a good mystery as to what happened to Lucy so long ago.  I couldn't put it down!

10.9.2023 - What We Could Have Been

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful book by Jess Sinclair and wonderfully narrated by a favorite, Nan McNamara - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Bluebelle Shea returns to the small Florida fishing community she used to call home with her young son, Murphy, needing to leave her husband.  But things aren't smooth upon her return either.  Her father hasn't been the same since her mother drowned, and he went to prison for her death.  Life throws her back in the orbit of her one-time best friend and first love, Enzo, whose family is feuding with her own.  The two are determined to put the past behind and understand the truth of what happened between their families.

This was a wonderfully written family saga that kept me listening every chance I got.  I wanted to find out the mystery behind the family feud, but I also liked seeing Blue's growth from a scared, abused wife to a strong woman who knows what she wants and will fight for it.  It's about second chances, family loyalty and secrets, friendship and love.  Loved the ending!

10.9.2023 - The Night House

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a big favorite, Jo Nesbo - 4.5 stars!

Richard Elauved has been sent to live with his aunt and uncle after his parents die in a house fire.  Richard is an outcast and begins bullying others at school.  A classmate, Tom, goes missing and Richard is the last to see him.  His story of Tom's disappearance is so unbelievable that no one does.  Then another classmate goes missing.  His only friend is Karen, who believes him and helps him to investigate.  Their investigation takes them to an abandoned house in the Black Mirror Wood. .

This is a definite departure from Nesbo's Harry Hole series, veering to the horror genre and maybe even YA.  But I still loved it!  It's told in three parts, and my head was spinning at the twists in each part.  It's a short, quick read and perfect for October!

10.8.2023 - A Winter in New York

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, Ballantine, Dell Books for gifting me a digital copy of the latest book by a favorite, Josie Silver - 5 stars!

Iris fled London and her ex-boyfriend and escaped to NYC.  A chef by trade, she got a job in a noodle house and met her new best friend, Bobby.  Living above the restaurant and below Bobby, life is good.  Bobby takes her to Little Italy where she spots a gelato shop that brings back memories of her mother and her time in NYC.  When she meets the owner, Gio, sparks fly but Iris is holding back secrets that threaten everything.

While my reading tends to the slightly darker side, there are some authors that are absolute must reads for me and Josie Silver is one of those.  Her romance stories have wonderful characters, relatable situations, and definitely make you feel.  This one will also have you craving gelato - should I confess that I spent some time looking up gelato machines and that there is a recipe in this book?  Pick this one up for sure - it will transport you to winter in NYC for sure!

10.7.2023 - Midnight is the Darkest Hour

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by Ashley Winstead, and perfectly narrated by Sarah Welborn - 4.5 creepy stars!

In Bottom Springs, Louisiana, librarian Ruth Cornier has always been an outsider, even in her own family.  Her father is a fire-and-brimstone preacher at Holy Fire Baptist and has controlled all of Ruth and her mother's actions.  Then there are the myths that are powerful throughout the small town, especially the story of the Low Man, said to steal into sinner's bedrooms and kill them.  When a skull is found in a swamp next to mysterious carved symbols, the town is really thrown.  But Ruth and her friend, Everett, have secrets and power of their own.

I loved this creepy, southern Gothic-feel thriller.  The males dominate the women, there is the power of a fundamentalist religious group, small-town myths and legends, violence and abuse, and everyone has secrets.  Ruth and Everett have kind of a Bonnie and Clyde feel and bears the question - when are bad things justified?  This was a tense thriller and that ending - wow!

10.6.2023 - While Idaho Slept

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by J. Reuben Appelman - 4 stars!

The heartbreaking story of the senseless murders of four Idaho college students in November 2022 was all over the news as was the nationwide search for the killer.  Thankfully, the perpetrator was caught and is awaiting trial, although he waived his right to a speedy trial and no date has been set.

I really appreciated the fact that this book focused on the lives of the four students and was not all about the killer.  The author obviously did a lot of research into their lives and their families, and also gave strong evidence against the suspect.  Like many, I am fascinated by true crime stories and this was a good one.  It might have been better to wait until a verdict was in hand, but it was a well-written look into this sad case.

10.6.2023 - Let Us Descend

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Jesmyn Ward - 4 stars!

Annis was sold south by her white master, who was also her father.  She along with her slaves had to walk from the Carolinas to New Orleans, to a sugar plantation.  Desperate for comfort, she turns to memories of her mother and the stories she told Annis of her African warrior grandmother.  As she endures unimaginable horrors along the way and once at the plantation, those stories help keep her spirit strong.

This is a gorgeously-written book and highlights the atrocities of slavery.  Every time I read a book like this or one that talks about the Holocaust, I'm embarrassed to be a member of the same human race that could treat others in these ways.  It's difficult to sit in a nice home with easy access to food and comfort, and read about people so starved and mistreated.  The only part of the book that I struggled with was a lot of the magical realism of Annis talking to her spirit ancestors, because there was a lot of that.  But even those parts are beautifully written, and show the talent of the author.  A book with much for us to learn from.

10.3.2023 - Love, Holly

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Dell Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a favorite, Emily Stone - 5 stars!

A car accident tore Holly's family apart and her sister no longer speaks to her.  She has been a part of a holiday letter-writing club where she writes to a stranger spending Christmas alone and receives a letter from someone in turn, all anonymous.  But this year, the letter Holly receives from Emma mentions a place that she knows.  She realizes she can maybe help heal this person's heart.  When she tracks down Emma's estranged grandson, Jack, she realizes it was someone she had met before.  Holly is determined to fix Emma's family, and maybe her own.

Emily Stone writes the best kind of rom-coms - full of characters you will love and root for, a believable storyline that tugs at your heart, with plenty of life lessons thrown in along the way.  I always really liked the letter writing part of the story - both the Christmas letters as well as those that Holly wrote to her sister.  This book was about second chances, forgiveness, the family we choose, and a reminder about how important communication in all forms is to relationships.  A must read at the holidays or anytime!

10.2.2023 - The Intern

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both an audio and digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Michele Campbell and wonderfully narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen - 4.5 stars!

Madison is a Harvard Law student, completely driven to be the best.  When she is offered a coveted position as an intern working for her favorite professor, Judge Kathryn Conroy, she is over the moon.  But her younger brother, Danny, has been arrested and the judge on his case is none other than Judge Conroy.  Things become chummy with Madison and Kathryn, when she invites her for dinner and then to petsit at her home when she has to go out of town.  Both women are keeping secrets - just exactly what is going on?

Told in alternate POV between both Madison and Kathryn, we see how both women have struggled to overcome their pasts.  Family loyalty, the cost of favors, and the drive for success all factor in, and it's a tense read trying to figure out all the twists and turns.  I'm a big fan of Michele Campbell's and thoroughly enjoyed this one.

10.1.2023 - Black River Orchard

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Del Rey for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Chuck Wendig - 5 creepy stars!

Set in Bucks County, PA, fall is in the air, so that means it's apple time.  Dan Paxson has found a new variety of apple, named the Ruby Slipper by his daughter, Calla.  But this is no ordinary apple.  It's addicting and changes people.  Those who haven't eaten it know that there is something wrong, but can they stop what's happening?

My first Chuck Wendig book was The Book of Accidents, which I loved and I loved this one too!  It's long, but it never felt too long because it's filled with so much - horror, suspense, Native American folklore, small town atmosphere, and enough interesting characters to keep everyone gossiping.  It's good vs evil, and so very creepy.  This is the perfect book to read this fall! 

On a personal note, I am so sad because Chuck Wendig is in my local bookstore NOW talking about this book and I would have loved to been there!  My elderly mother lives with me and I couldn't get away, but I would have loved to hear him talk about this book.

10.1.2023 - The Beginning of Everything

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Dell for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by the author of The Bookshop of Second Chances, Jackie Fraser - 4 stars!

Jess is escaping an abusive relationship and leaves with just a few belongings.  She sleeps where she can and finds a job washing dishes.  When she comes across a recently sold, empty house, she begins staying there while trying to save money for her own place.  It works great until the new owner, Gethin, walks in and finds her there, and she runs out the door leaving all her belongings behind.  But the new owner is escaping his own past, and offers to let her stay if she helps him remodel the house.  Their friendship begins but Jess is still running scared.

While the premise of this book is not quite reality (who would let a stranger stay in their home like that?), I found myself not able to put this book down.  It was a sweet story of a friendship turning into something more, both working to move on from the past.  I also liked the story of the house remodel and found myself wishing I could see pictures of this imaginary home because the author described everything so perfectly.  You'll find yourself rooting for these characters and their story!