1.31.2024 - Twenty-Seven Minutes

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut thriller by Ashley Tate - 4 stars!

Ten years ago, three teenagers were involved in a crash and one died.  The other two, along with the town residents, are still trying to recover from the tragedy.  There's a memorial planned and a vote underway to tear down the bridge where the accident happened.  But too many questions are still floating around - mainly, what happened in the 27 minutes before the driver called the police?  

Told in both past and present timelines from multiple POV, we gradually learn all the secrets that people have been keeping.  The brother dealing with guilt over the fact that he was driving and his sister died; the secret girlfriend; the other girl in the car, along with all the town gossip swirling.  I thought this was a tense thriller that kept me guessing and I didn't see that end coming.  It was an interesting character study into grief, secrets, trauma.  I'm excited to read more from this author in the future!

1.31.2024 - Amanda Knox

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pen and Sword Publishing for granting my wish to read an ARC of this book about Amanda Knox by Helen Saxton - 4 stars!

In November 2007 the body of British student Meredith Kercher was discovered in her bedroom in Perugia, Italy. She had been brutally killed. Over the course of the next eight years one man, Rudy Guede, would be convicted of her murder and two other suspects, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, would be convicted, acquitted and convicted again for their part in the crime, before having their convictions overturned for the final time in 2015.

I'm definitely not alone with being fascinated by the Amanda Knox story.  Saxton has taken police reports, court proceedings, books and  internet chatter and has compiled them into a story.  It's fascinating that Amanda because the crux of this story, more so than the victim and the other accused.  The author was very objective and never expressed her opinions one way or the other.  What this book shows is what the author states - that no one besides the person(s) who killed Meredith really know what happened.  There are just as many arguments for Amanda's innocence as in her guilt. 

1.30.2024 - The Women

 

Many, 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 Kristin Hannah, perfectly narrated by Julia Whelan - 5 stars!

It's 1965 in sunny California, and Frances "Frankie" was raised by conservative parents to always do the right thing.  Military service was always important to their family too, with her dad having a "hero's wall" in their home.  Her brother was off to war and an off-hand comment by one of his friends that women could be heroes too spurs Frankie to enlist as an army nurse.  In the blink of an eye, she's in Vietnam and totally out of her depth.  Her two nurse friends, Barb and Ethel, keep each other going through the daily trauma.  We follow Frankie throughout the war and on her return home, where suddenly she is anything but a hero.

I could not stop listening to this audiobook once I started and was totally engrossed in Frankie's story from start to finish.  This is a visceral, emotional, thought-provoking, beautifully written and researched story.  It's certainly a testament to all the women who served in the Vietnam War who were never acknowledged or supported.  It's still so sad to think of all the veterans returning home from war who were ridiculed and hated, forced to battle their demons on their own.  I loved the special bonds forged between the women and how they were always there for each other.  For those of us growing up in those times (my dad was in Vietnam and I still have my POW bracelet), the book is full of nostalgia and transports you back to those turbulent times.  I can't stop thinking about this book - Kristin Hannah has again created a masterpiece.  Highly recommended - will be on every top 2024 book list for sure.

1.29.2024 - Everyone on This Train is a Suspect

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins and Mariner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Benjamin Stevenson - 5 glowing stars!

Ernest Cunningham, star of Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, is back!  He was invited to be part of the 50th anniversary of the Australian Mystery Writers' Society, taking place on the famous Ghan train which travels through Australia.  After the success of his first book and under contract for his second, Ernest is suffering from writers' block.  He thought maybe this trip would give him an idea, one that wasn't steeped in reality as his first was.  But then there was a murder on the train.

I adored Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and thought this one was even better!  I love how Ernest narrates the story, talking directly to the reader, encouraging us to figure things out.  However, if you can solve all these mysteries, you are a genius along with Stevenson!  But you will have so much fun along the way.  Plus, this story involves writers, and all things books.  It's perfection and highly recommended that you pick this one up as soon as possible!

1.27.2024 - My Latest Grievance

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Paperbacks, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by Elinor Lipman, wonderfully narrated by Piper Goodeve - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Frederica Hatch was born and raised in the dormitory of Dewing College, a small women's East Coast college where both of her parents teach and are dorm parents.  They've raised Frederica with benign neglect - she calls them by their first names, they talk about everything and anything, nothing is too adult.  Until Frederica learns that her father was married before, to Laura Lee, who eventually becomes a dorm mother at the school.  

I enjoyed the time period this book was set in, the mid to late 1970s.  I was in high school during that period, just like Frederica, so it was a bit nostalgic, especially remember the Blizzard of 1978.  The characters are alternately charming and exasperating, and Lipman's trademark humor comes through.

1.26.2024 - The Girl in Room 12

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Kathryn Croft - 4 stars!

Hannah knows something is wrong with her husband Max, and it's not just work issues like he says.  He's suddenly working late, being short with their daughter, Poppy.  Then she finds a hotel key card in his pocket - the same hotel where a young girl was just found murdered.  Desperate to keep her family intact but needing to know the truth, Hannah starts doing some investigating on her own, but that involves her keeping secrets from those around her.  

Another tense thriller from Croft - you can feel Hannah's angst at trying to do the right thing without blowing up her family.  There's a big cast of characters here and you won't know who you can trust - which will keep you turning the pages until it all wraps up.  Great read!

1.26.2024 - Dear Sister

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this heartbreaking true story written and narrated by Michelle Horton - 5 stars!

In 2017, Nikki Addimando shot and killed her partner and father of her two young children.  It was only afterwards that her family learned of the horrific abuses she had been living with.  Her sister, Michelle, stepped up and took in Nikki's two children and began the flight of both their lives within the legal system. 

As a former domestic abuse victim, this story felt so real and personal.  While I understand that the legal system has to have laws in place to prevent further abuses of the system, there appeared to be so much documentation and witness statements of Nikki's abuse that was just ignored.  Even people who think they understand still say - why didn't she just leave?  They don't understand the mental changes that happen when someone you love hurts you.  I just read that Nikki has been released from prison - I hope that she and her family can begin to heal.  Because her story affects so many - Michelle was wonderful to step up and be a substitute mom for Nikki's children, at the expense of her own child and career.  This is such an important story for everyone to read.

1.24.2023 - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for gifting me a copy of Janice Hallett's new book - 5 stars!

The Alperton Angels cult story is well known in London.  The self-proclaimed archangel Gabriel brainwashed a teenage girl into believing that her baby was the anti-Christ.  When the girl got away, the angels died by suicide and the mother and baby disappeared.  Eighteen years later, true crime writer Amanda Bailey is tasked to write a book about the story and needs to find the missing child, who would now be an adult.  However, her old school nemesis, Oliver Menzies, is also writing a book about the cult, and they are forced to work together.  But will they end up being part of the story?

Janice Hallett has done it again - using WhatsApp messages, transcripts, screenplays, articles to exclusively tell a story.  The reader gets to put all of these puzzle pieces together just like Amanda is doing to try and solve the mystery.  Doing transcription for my job, I especially loved Ellie Cooper and all the sidebars and humor she infused into her transcriptions and the story.  The story is a bit complex, and delves into interesting topics, but I was all in and really enjoy this type of unique storytelling.  Highly recommended!

1.24.2024 - Who to Believe

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, Recorded Books Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by Edwin Hill and perfectly narrated by Jonathan Todd Ross, Jennifer O'Donnell, Robb Moreira, Nick Walther, Laura Knight Keating, Leah Horowitz - 4.5 stars!

In small town Monreith, MA, Laurel Thibodeau is found dead in her home by her husband, Simon, who is naturally a prime suspect..  But he's certainly not the only suspect.  As a small group gathers to celebrate Alice's 40th birthday the following week, we see the chief of police, the Unitarian minister, the psychiatrist exchange theories and thoughts.  Before the night is over, someone else in the group will be dead.

This story was told in such a creative manner - we hear the story from the POV of six main characters and even the dog who sees all!  I always like hearing the same situation told from another viewpoint that will change the way I was thinking.  And this book continued to do that until the end.  Every character had secrets, motivations, and you'll be questioning all of them.  It was so helpful to have the audio narrated by a cast to help keep everything straight. This is a new-to-me author and one I'm anxious to read more from!

1.22.2024 - The Clinic

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Cate Quinn - 4 stars!

Meg works undercover at an LA casino, trying to catch cheaters.  Nursing a sore shoulder from an incident that went badly wrong, she's now taking too many oxycodone pills along with alcohol.  When she gets a report that her estranged sister, Haley, a popular singer, died by suicide at an exclusive celebrity rehab clinic, Meg decides to go in as a patient and investigate what happened.  Once there, she trusts no one and suspects everyone.

Told from the POV of Meg and Cara, the manager of the clinic, in short chapters to heighten the suspense and intrigue as Meg tries to figure out which of her fellow patients could be involved in Haley's death.  And just what kind of treatments are the patients getting?  Is there more going on behind the scene?  None of these characters are extremely likable and there are parts where you have to suspend belief, but I was all in,  I thought it was a good look into addiction and mental health issues as well. 

1.20.2024 - No One Can Know

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the new thriller by Kate Alice Marshall and narrated by the wonderful Karissa Vacker - 4.5 stars!

Emma finds out she's pregnant on the same day that she learns her husband, Nathan, lost his job and they lost money on a house downpayment.  With no other options, Emma tells Nathan about the house she co-owns with her two estranged sisters.  But going back there means going back to the house where her parents were killed and she was accused of their murder.  

Kate Alice Marshall has once again crafted a twisty thriller that will have you glued to the pages.  And the narration by Karissa Vacker was stellar as always, and just made the audio experience better.  There's a lot of secrets here, and I liked unraveling them all, especially the relationship between the sisters.  The story is told from the sisters' POV in both the past and present.  It has that small town atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone, meaning everyone thinks they know everything about you and it's hard to get away from those perceptions.  Pick this one up for sure!

1.19.2024 - Family Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Laurie Frankel, the audio perfectly narrated by a favorite, Patti Murin - 5 stars!

India Allwood is now a famous actress, having achieved her dream from childhood.  Her latest movie involves adoption, and having personal experience, she makes the mistake of telling a journalist her true feelings - that the way the movie portrays adoption isn't really accurate in so many cases.  That ignites a media frenzy, with both sides weighing in, and India's job may be in jeopardy, which is something her twins won't stand for.

Laurie Frankel has done it again - through a funny, engaging, heartwarming story, she's shown that family can look and feel very different than our traditional thoughts.  I have loved all of her books and each one makes you really think once you close the pages.  This book was told in such a unique way - we are introduced to all the characters at many different points in the past, to learn the backstories as well as the connections.  I also liked the distinction between "family" and "family family."  This book shows that adoption shouldn't always be portrayed as a poor me situation for the children, that love isn't always enough to make relationships work, and that there can never be too many people that love us.  I was so fortunate to listen to this on audiobook as well, and the conversation between the author and narrator was fabulous and enlightening.  Highly recommended!

1.18.2024 - The Getaway List

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by Emma Lord, perfectly narrated by Norma Butikofer - 4 stars!

On the day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes she went along with all her mom's plans for her that she doesn't really know herself or what she wants.  In addition, because she was all over the place with clubs and interests, she didn't apply herself to anything that made her stand out, hence a slew of college rejection letters.  Determined to do something different, she heads to NYC to meet up with her best friend, Tom, who moved to the city for his mom's career.  They decide to reenact their childhood Getaway List - all the things they wanted to do when they got old enough.  

This is just a sweet rom com, a perfect YA book, and also a love letter to NYC.  It's about coming of age but also coming to grips with who you are, what you want, and what you need to do to make that happen.  I also loved the idea of the delivery service app!

1.18.2024 - The Silence in Her Eyes

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this psychological thriller by Armando Lucas Correa - 4 stars!

Leah has been living with akinetopsia, or motion blindness, since she was a child.  She walks through the Manhattan streets using her white cane, and people assume she is blind.  But with her heightened senses, Leah sees much more than normal.  She has a quiet, contained life, with her elderly neighbors and caretaker as friends, seeing her therapist, and going to the bookstore.  That all changed when Alice moved in next door.  She hears arguments with a man and can sense Alice's fear and even smell her attacker.  Is Leah in danger as well?

This was a fascinating look into this disease and a thought-provoking look into how we perceive things in person and in photos as well.   I was invested in Leah's character from the beginning and felt her loneliness and isolation.  It's somewhat of a slow burn, with the tension increasing towards the end of the book to those final twists!  

1.16.2024 - The Fury

 

Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Alex Michaelides - 5 stars!

Let's meet our narrator, Elliot Chase, a screenwriter.  He's on a private Greek island with his best friend, former movie star, Lana Farrar.  Also there are her husband and son, a close friend, and two employees.  But Elliot will tell you this isn't quite an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery you're about to embark upon.  Someone will die though.  

I loved this book!  Just like Elliot promised, I felt like I had just pulled up a seat and was listening to him tell me a story.  He tells us the backstories of all the characters, but again in a way that felt cozy and interesting.  And interested I was - I couldn't put this one down.  Structured like a play (a Greek tragedy), It's creative, it's atmospheric (the wind off the island, called the fury), it's tense and surprising.  Bravo, Mr. Michaelides!

1.15.2024 - Come & Get It

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/GP Putnam Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Kiley Reid - 4 stars!

It's 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, has a plan.  She wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house.  Agatha Paul, is a visiting professor and writer, who offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity to earn some money, she jumps at the chance.  But she never could have envisioned the way things would turn out.  

I was a huge fan of Reid's debut - Such a Fun Age - and while this one seems to be getting mixed reviews, I personally enjoyed the slow, character-driven look into college student life.  It's about friendship, desires, wanting to fit in, all of which are so prevelant especially at this vulnerable stage of life.  I love Reid's writing and I felt the pain of some of these students.  It also looks at class and racial divides.  Can't wait to read more from this author!

1.14.2024 - Only if You're Lucky

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller by Stacy Willingham and narrated by the fabulous Karissa Vacker - quite the combination!  4 stars!

Margot is still grieving the death of her best friend, Eliza, when she heads to their dream college by herself.  Shy and quiet, she's surprised when she's befriended by Lucy, always the center of attention, to move into an off-campus house after her freshman year.  Once there, the friends quickly fit into their roles and Margot finds herself coming out of her shell.  But then a murder of one of the frat boys in the house next door rocks their world, and Lucy goes missing.

Always a fan of Willingham's books, this one is more of a slow burn, character study but definitely ramps up towards the end.  I never saw those twists coming!  It's definitely a story about friendship, loyalty, grief, wanting to fit in, especially at the vulnerable college age.  Told from Margot's POV both before and after the murder, the reader gets a glimpse into her feelings and behavior.  Karissa Vacker is always amazing and added to the book!

1.12.2024 - Don't Forget Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Rea Frey, a favorite.  If you haven't read her past books, do yourself a favor and check them out!  4.5 stars!

Ruby was hoping for a fresh start wither her husband, Tom, and daughter Lily, in a tight-knit, wealthy community.  Her husband, Tom, wanted to build their dream home there but Ruby still years for her small place in Nashville.  Recently retired, Ruby is struggling to find her place.  But soon she's living a nightmare - both Tom and Lily are missing.  When she's out rowing on the community lake, she comes across a body - a body that everyone says his Tom, but Ruby insists is not.  Soon she's being treated as a suspect in his murder.

Rea Frey's books always surprise me with their twists and this one was no exception.  Told in alternating chapters of Then and Now, complete with snippets of an online community chat thread, I loved how the story spooled out.  You were never quite sure who you could trust.  Another great book by this author!

1.10.2024 - One of the Good Guys

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Gillian Flynn Books, and Dreamscape Select for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book and even better audiobook by Araminta Hall and perfectly narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick;, Olivia Vinall, and Helen Keeley - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Cole leaves London and his failed marriage behind, and finds quiet refuge in a remote coastal town.  His neighbor, Lennie, an artist, has rented the cottage next door for much of the same reasons.  The two meet and form a friendship.  But they soon find themselves in the middle of an investigation when two young women activists against male violence disappear from the area.

This is such a thought-provoking read on many levels - women's rights, misogyny, social media, I can go on and on.  Told from the POV of Cole, his estranged wife, Mel, and Lennie, we also get mixed social media posts interjected, which are so relevant to the themes.  This is also a difficult book to review without giving anything away - and the subtle twists and turns are part of the reading experience so no spoilers from me.  I will say that the audiobook was just fantastic - at first I did a double take when there were sounds of keyboard typing, emails sent, etc., but the narration and effects really made this book come alive.  This would be a great book club selection as there is much to dissect.  

1.10.2024 - Where You End

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this literary thriller by Abbott Kahler and perfectly narrated by Megan Tusing; Samantha Desz - 4 stars!

When 22-year-old Kat Bird wakes from a coma in the hospital after an accident, she finds herself looking into her mirror image, her twin, Jude.  Jude is all that she remembers from her past, and Kat relies on Jude to try and relearn her history.  But is Jude being honest or is she hiding Kat's past from her?

Best go into this one as blind as possible to be even more surprised at all the twists and turns.  This book is told in such a creative way - we get the past from Jude and the present from Kat.  But are either of these stories reality?  A great read!

1.9.2024 - The Storm We Made

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon Element/MarySue Rucci Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut historical fiction novel by Vanessa Chan - 4.5 stars!

Set in Malaya (now Malaysia) during the years 1936-1945, we meet Cecily, her husband Gordon, and their 3 children - Jujube, Abel, and Jasmine.  In the early years, Cecily meets a man she becomes enthralled with, who is actually General Fuijwara of the Japanese army, who plays into her desire for a more exciting life by offering her a chance to help restore Malaya back to Asian occupancy instead of British.  Cecily becomes a spy, secreting information she gathers from Gordon's administrative job and getting it to Fuijwara.  Ten years later, Cecily sees the damage done by helping the Japanese.  Abel is now in a prison camp, Jasmine has to be put into the basement with her hair cut off to protect her, and Jujube takes on responsibility and guilt she shouldn't have to.  

When I learn something I didn't know before from reading a historical fiction book, it's a win.  And this book opened up my eyes to situations I had never heard about.  How sad that a country wants out of one oppressive ruler only to find itself in even worse conditions.  Cecily thought she was doing good but was taken advantage of and ended up betraying her family and country.  There are a lot of tough subjects to read about in this book, but Chan's writing makes you keep turning the pages.  Her prose is atmospheric - you can picture the deplorable conditions, feel the pain of these characters.  Will be anxious to read her next book!

1.8.2024 - The Glass Box

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for gifting me an audio ARC of the new book by J. Michael Straczynski and perfectly narrated by Stacy Gonzalez 4.5 stars rounded up!

Riley Diaz was incarcerated for participating in a civil protest and is sent to a psychiatric facility under a new government program called American Renewal Centers (ARC).  There, ARC patients are forced to do therapy, take medication, and apologize for their actions.  But Riley was born and bred to resist, and resist she does.  She refuses medication and sometimes food, all to fight against the gaslighting and inhumane treatment.  She finds a fellow patient, known as Frankenstein, fascinating, and begins to develop a bond with him.  

This was a fascinating, somewhat dystopian take on real world protests and personal rights, but done without being overtly political although it feels very realistic.  Instead, it becomes personal as we follow Riley in her stay at this facility and her determination to not cave to those in charge who are following their own agendas.  Riley is a fascinating character, as are others in the facility, and you'll find yourself rooting for them, especially Frankenstein.   This is a fast-paced thriller that I couldn't stop reading. 

1.6.2024 - The Couple's Revenge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Daniel Hurst - 4 stars!

Guy and Sara instinctively know that something is wrong with their teenage son, Jacob, when his behavior changes.  They finally get out of him that he is being bullied, and by someone who has a history of bullying.  They are desperate to fix things for Jacob, but just how far are they willing to go?

With Daniel Hurtst, you always know that you will get an intriguing, fast-paced thriller with requisite twists plus a topic that is current, relevant, and will make you think.  This time, it's bullying.  You can feel the angst of Guy and Sara as they absorb Jacob's pain and want to make things better.  As a parent, it's totally relatable.  I never saw that ending coming!

1.5.2024 -Rabbit Hole

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Soho Crime and RB Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut book by Kate Brody, the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Rebecca Quinn Robertson - 4 stars!

Ten years ago, Teddy's older sister, Angie, went missing and has never been found.,  Her family never recovered and now her father, Mark, has died by suicide.  The family didn't know it, but Mark had been involved with a Reddit community investigating Angie's disappearance and it led him down many bad roads.  Teddy now finds herself following those same roads.  She gets involved with Mickey, a young girl obsessed with Angie's case, and soon her personal and professional life are in shambles.

Don't go into this one thinking it's a true crime book that will be wrapped up neatly in the end.  It's more of a look into a family's grief after a tragedy and how everyone is affected.  I loved the title and can only imagine how easy it would be these days to go down the online rabbit holes of social media when a family member is missing.  All those theories and conspiracies from people that have no clue would drive you crazy.  I thought the writing in this debut was great - I just think readers need to know better what the book is about.  I can't wait to read more from this author.

1.3.2024 - The Book of Fire

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Christy Lefteri - 4.5 stars rounded up!

A fire races through the forest in Greece, changing everything, especially for those who lived through it.  Tasso, an artist, and Irini, a musician, live on the outskirts of the forest with their daughter, Chara.  When the fire comes, Irini and Chara flee to the see, while Tasso goes to find his father, who lives deeper in the forest.  When they finally are able to return, Irini comes across the man who started the fire and makes a decision that she will live with forever.

This is a beautifully written story, told in different timelines, with The Book of Fire used to describe the past events leading up to and after the fire, while the rest is the family coping with their present.  There are heart wrenching scenes of survival and guilt.  But there are also the kindnesses shown to the family from strangers and eventually to each other.  The author's note is important to read, so don't miss it.

1.2.2024 - Mercury

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by Amy Jo Burns, made even better with narration by Maria Liatis - 5 stars!

Marley has had a tough childhood, never staying in one place long as her mom moves around for work.  When they arrive in Mercury PA, the first thing Marley sees is the Joseph brothers up on a roof.  Soon she is at their table for dinner every night, wanting to belong.  She begins dating one brother, then becomes wife to another, almost mother to the youngest.  The father rules the business, but it is slowly failing.  Marley steps in to help, but meets resistance.  When an incident from the past raises its ugly head, does this family have what it takes to survive?

This book was wonderful.  I lost myself in this family and felt so much for Marley as she tried to be everything to everyone, without losing herself in the process.  Her best friend, Jade, is a marvel and the two women are always there for each other.  All of these characters and this family just felt real - they all had secrets they were keeping, for various reasons, but at the heart they were family, in whatever form that takes, made of imperfect people who care for each other.  I finished this a couple days ago and keep thinking about this story.  Highly recommended!

1.1.2024 - Here in Avalon

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this gorgeous book by Tara Isabella Burton - 5 stars!

Sisters Rose and Cecilia were raised in the same chaotic manner, but now in their 20s, they couldn't be more different.  Rose gave up her dreams of being an artist and is now a successful coder and has a serious boyfriend, Caleb.  Cecilia, a gifted musician, flits from one grand adventure to the next, never settling and never happy.  Rose maintains their family rent-controlled apartment  in NYC so that Cecilia always has a place to land.  When Cecilia returns from a failed marriage and seems anxious for a new start and Rose is hopeful.  But then Cecilia gets involved with a cult-like, secret, magical cabaret troupe who plucks people from unhappy lives.  Rose fears she's lost her sister for good but is determined to try and find her one last time.

This book was totally immersive to me - the writing was so gorgeous that I could picture the magical boat, the haunting songs, and fanciful characters.  It was also a love story to NYC, as the characters left clues in various places for others and the reader to discover.  I loved the sister relationship and how their childhood influenced each of them so differently.  This is a book to be savored - I kept thinking about the adventures while I was away from it.  Highly recommended!