8.31.2024 - The Summer of Love and Death

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and CamCat Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Ford Family Mystery series by Marcy McCreary.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Detective Susan Ford has a new partner, Jack Tomelli, who she's trying to get used to when they are called to a crime scene at a local summer theater.  There they find the director gruesomely murdered.  When Susan describes the way the victim was left at the scene to her dad, retired detective Will Ford, he recognizes the work of a serial killer from a case he worked in 1969.  When the old case files are discovered, memories of that time come back.  Now they must all work together before the killer strikes again.

I'm a big fan of this series and it keeps getting better!  I love the relationship between Susan and her dad, and her dad's dedication to his job, retired or not.  The story unspools through both timelines - from Woodstock in 1969, to present day - and both are captivating.  There's a long list of suspects here and I was clueless until the end.  I love a good police procedural and this one is that plus much more.  While it works as a standalone, read the first two because they're so good!  Hoping for more to come!

8.28.2024 - Till Death Do Us Part

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Ten years ago, June and Josh were married soon after meeting, only for him to drown on their honeymoon.  His body was never found and June was not convinced it was an accident.  But today, she is engaged to Kyle, living in Brooklyn, and she owns a natural wine bar.  She's ready for a new chapter in her life.  But then she sees Josh.  Is it a hallucination from her grief or did he never really die?  When she starts delving further, she is in for some huge surprises.

I really got lost in this book.  The setting in Napa Valley and the wine talk helped, and I loved the descriptions of the wine-making process that started each part.  The story unfolds from the POV of June in the present and Bev, Josh's mother, in the past.  I got involved in both storylines and hated to switch, only to get very involved in the other.  I felt for the characters and I never saw the twists coming; there are lots of secrets here.  Great read!

8.28.2024 - Red River Road

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Anna Downes and perfectly narrated by Maddy Withington.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Katy is looking for her sister, Phoebe.  A year ago, Phoebe vanished without a trace while on a solo van life trip along the coast of Western Australia.  Using Phoebe's social media as a map, Katy retraces her steps, looking for clues.  She meets Beth, who is on the run, and realizes that Beth may help her find the truth.  

Whew - this is a great thriller but be patient with it, because all is not what is seems!  Told from the POV of Katy, Beth, and Wyatt, along with social media posts, Downes leads you down a twisty path.  A look into the dark side of solo female travel, you won't know who you can trust or believe.  It's creepy, especially Wyatt's story, and will leave you guessing for sure.  Loved the Australian setting!

8.24.2024 - A Well-Trained Wife

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Tia Levings.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Tia Levings was raised in fundamental religion and things got worse when she married young.  Her husband was involved in the Quiverfull movement and required her to be submissive and submit to his discipline and isolation.  She kept secret the abuse by her husband until she realized the damage she was doing to her children.

While this book involves fundamental Christian Patriarchy, it basically boils down to an abusive man finding excuses for his behavior.  Tia's early background instilled in her the belief that what happened was God's plan for her, and she tried to go along with her husband's actions.  Plus, divorce was not an option in her mind or in her church.  This is a well-written memoir that shows Tia's strength in getting away to save herself and her children.  It's easy for others to say she should have left earlier, but that's usually from people who haven't been through such situations.  This is an important book; if just one abused woman (whether because of religion or not) reads this book and is able to make an escape plan, it's a huge success.

8.24.2024 - You Will Never Be Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Jesse Q. Sutanto.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Influencer Meredith Lee took Aspen Palmer under her wing and taught her how to become successful in the momfluence world.  But the student quickly surpassed the teacher and then Aspen no longer seemed to have time for Meredith.  So Meredith began quietly stalking Aspen and then sabotaged her calendar, so that all of a sudden, Aspen's world became out of control.  When Meredith goes missing, Aspen's world is again turned upside down.

This was just an entertaining thriller that kept me guessing until the end.  Social media definitely has its dark side, and this book showcased what people will do to become powerful and rich influencers.  Friendships, marriages, and parenthood all took a backseat to maintaining millions of followers.  I liked the alternating POV of both Aspen and Meredith, neither likable, but so much fun to follow.  Pack this one along in your beach bag - there's still time before summer ends!

8.21.2024 - Ladykiller

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut book by Katherine Wood.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Gia and Abby have been best friends since they were young.  Gia was a heiress, and her family basically saved Abby by financially supporting her through school.  Years later, the two friends had an argument over Gia's sudden marriage.  Then Gia goes missing and Abby and Benny, Gia's brother try to find her.  Arriving at her Greece home, they find a manuscript Gia wrote that seems to mirror real life.  Will they find her in time?  And will their shared past secret come to light?

I really liked this atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing.  Both Gia and Abby share a secret from their past and Abby starts to receive threatening messages.  You'll question a lot of people's motives and be suspicious of everyone.  I liked the way the story progressed from Abby's viewpoints and Gia's manuscript.  The ending was a bit too open ended for me, leaving much for the reader to figure out themselves.  Great debut and will be looking for more from this author!

8.21.2024 - By Any Other Name

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC by one of my all-time favorite authors, Jodi Picoult.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Two women, centuries apart, forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.  In 1581, Emilia Bassano, has no voice in her life.  But as Lord Chamberlain's mistress, she finds a way to bring her writing to the stage in secret.  In the present, playwright Melina Green is inspired by the life of Emilia, her ancestor, and writes a new play.  Will Melina also have to hide her work to have a chance to see it performed?

I've been a huge fan of Picoult and always rush to read anything she writes.  While this is a different book from her, it is no less wonderfully written and meticulously researched.  Told in alternating timelines and POV from both Emilia and Melina, we see how different things are but how some things remain the same.  I got caught up in how women's lives were in Emilia's time and how women were forced into lives with absolutely no control.  It's been a theory for a while that William Shakespeare was not the sole author of his works, and indeed what role he did play in them.  This book explored that theory and made it all extremely plausible.  I did sometimes feel that the book went on a bit too long, stressing the patriarchy/feminist angles, although valid for sure.  Be sure to read the author's note!

8.20.2024 - Onlookers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Scribner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this collection of short stories by Ann Beattie.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

This is a collection of short stories set in Charlottesville, VA, during the early days of Covid.  There are some connected characters but all describe unrest.  There's the actual incident that happened in 2017 with the car attack on protestors, and the controversy of the Confederate statues. Then there's all the unrest and change that resulted from Covid on city residents, which is certainly relatable.   The writing is wonderful but I never felt completely engrossed in the stories, probably mostly due to the fact that I'm not always a fan of short stories.  

8.19.2024 - Men Have Called Her Crazy

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Anna Marie Tendler.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

In early 2021, popular artist Anna Marie Tendler checked herself into a psychiatric hospital following a year of crippling anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Over two weeks, she underwent myriad psychological tests, participated in numerous therapy sessions, connected with fellow patients and experienced profound breakthroughs.  

Okay, reviewing this book makes me feel old, which I am, because I was not aware of the author nor all the gossip revolving around her and her breakup to John Mulaney, someone else I never heard of.  I wanted to read this book because I am interested in mental health journeys, having an ex who died by suicide.  I thought parts of this book were enlightening - such as her stay in the facility and the help provided there and afterwards, especially in the difficult times of Covid.  But it also felt like a lot of rich person complaining - and I'm not referencing her mental health issues.  But she hates men, yet is able to live the life she does because of them, and blaming men for all the problems in the world isn't fair either.  Sure, patriarchy is real and ingrained and much of her talk about how women are viewed when reacting to men's bad behavior was spot on.  There were times when I wanted to tell her that the rest of the female population deals with this, but we also have jobs, family, and real world money struggles.  While her mental health issues were relatable and I was sorry for her, she did have the advantage of being able to afford treatment, afford freezing her eggs and replacing expensive meds - things that most of us could never do.  

8.18.2024 - The In Crowd

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Charlotte Vassell, the second in the wonderful DI Caius Beauchamp series.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Detective Inspector Caius Beauchamp finds himself in charge of two cold cases.  The first comes into play when a men's rowing team discovers a body floating in the Thames.  Years before, the chief executive of a clothing manufacturer walked away with a multi-million dollar corporate retirement fund and disappeared.  Then, as Caius is at the theater, someone dies just a few seats away.  Over 20 years ago, Eliza Chapel disappeared from a girls boarding school.  As Caius, along with associates Matt and Amy, investigate these missing persons cases, he finds himself in the middle of a political mess as well as a personal one.

I was so very happy to read this book after The Other Half, which I loved, because Caius is an amazing, quirky character and Vassell writes such intriguing mysteries with fabulous characters and dialogue.  These mysteries are complex, but funny and twisty, and I'm already anxious for more!  I love the relationship between Caius and his associates, as they both poke fun and look out for each other.  Plus, we are introduced to Calliope (Calli), a milliner he meets at the theater. who is dealing with her own drama.  While this can easily be read as a standalone, don't hesitate to read The Other Half first, because they are that good!  

8.16.2024 - It Had To Be You

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest collaboration between Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Laurie Moran works on a podcast that investigates cold cases where someone has been living under suspicion.  This chapter involves a 10-year-old murder where identical twins were suspected, but never charged, with their parents' murder.  The twins have been estranged ever since, each blaming the other, and their younger sister is desperate to clear their names.  

I am a long-time fan of Mary Higgins Clark and it's wonderful that Alafair Burke has continued her legacy of writing such good mysteries.  This one was no exception - the idea that one or both of identical twins could have committed murder is intriguing.  But the family, ripped apart by the murders, was destroyed even more by the suspicions.  There were plenty of suspects here and I was surprised as always by the ending.  Bravo!

8.15.2024 - The Second Mrs. Strom

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Kaira Rouda, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Nick Landrum and Laurence Bouvard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Cecelia and Paul are in Paris celebrating their first wedding anniversary.  But they both have secrets, and suddenly Paul isn't sure why Cecelia is acting so differently.  

I think the synopsis of this book gives too much away, so go into this one as blind as possible,  And for even more enjoyment, be sure to read Best Day Ever, still one of my top favorite books ever, and the first book in this series (I'm just hoping there will be more!).  Because Paul is back, richer than ever, married to a younger woman who is giving him a run for his money.  This is a twisty thriller and just a fun cat-and-mouse book, made better by the audio narration.  Perfect escape read for the summer!

8.14.2024 - The Snap

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Elizabeth Staple.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Poppy Benjamin is working her dream job as Media Relations Director of Syracuse's NFL team, the Bobcats.  But nothing came easy for her as a woman in a man's world.  Ever since she started as an intern, she's worked long hours, given up relationships and family events, and dodged inappropriate advances.  She has a group of five female friends also working in the sports field that allow for support.  They've dubbed themselves the WAGS (and it's not Wives and Girlfriends).  But when the Bobcats legendary coach is found dead, the WAGS members all receive threatening notes.  Who knows about their group and their secrets?

I loved this book!  It's a fascinating peek inside the NFL world from an author who's been there. It's a look at how difficult it is for a woman to make it in this male-dominated world, and just how important female friendships can be.  It also shows how dangerous it can be to ignore or excuse situations in the workplace that make us uncomfortable.  There are two timelines - the year when Poppy began her career as an intern with the Bobcats to now, 15 years later, when Red is dead.  It's a twisty mystery as to how Red died and who is sending the WAGS the notes, threatening to expose their secrets.  Fabulous debut - and Go Browns!

8.14.2024 - Dear Hanna

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the sequel to Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Hanna is all grown up now, but how far removed is she from that young girl who tried to kill her own mother?  She's now married to an older man and stepmother to Joelle, a teenager.  Hanna has found ways to curtail her dark thoughts - purposefully hurting a few patients here and there in her job as a phlebotomist, both she rationalizes that she only does it to those who deserve it.  She also writes letters to her younger brother, Goose.  But when Joelle surprises everyone with a big announcement, it sets off Hanna in even more disturbing ways.

 I really enjoyed Baby Teeth (and Mothered even more!), but this can easily be read as a stand alone.  I loved the creepy feeling, the dark humor, and the episolatory technique of reading the correspondence between her and Goose.  I also appreciated how dark and twisted Hanna's thoughts and actions were, but nothing veered towards the gruesome.  Sign me up for whatever creepy story Zoje Stage comes up with next! 

8.13.2024 - I Need You to Read This

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster/Atria Books for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of the sophomore book by Jessa Maxwell, author of The Golden Spoon.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Alex moved to NYC for a fresh start away from past trauma.  She's working as a copywriter for a pharmaceutical company when she learns that her childhood hero, Francis Keen, was murdered.  Francis wrote a famous advice column, Dear Constance, and her death was a huge shock to Alex and all her readers.  When Alex sees an advertisement searching for her replacement, she applies and gets the job.  But she begins receiving strange letters and starts questioning what really happened to Francis and even if her boss was involved.  She soon finds herself ensconced in the mystery.

This was a very clever mystery and I loved the premise and structure of this novel.  We follow Alex as she begins her new job, insecure about  following in her hero's footsteps, and feeling overwhelmed about the sheer number of letters accumulated since Francis' death..  We also read letters written to Constance from a young woman going through an abusive situation.  There are a lot of great characters too, from Alex's friends at the diner, to a new possible love interest.  No spoilers - read and enjoy the journey!

8.12.2024 - All the Way Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and the author, Joanna Schaffhausen, for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of the latest installment of one of my favorite series feauturing Detective Annalisa Vega.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Is there such a thing as a good sociopath?  Detective Annalisa Vega has quit the Chicago Police Department and become a private investigator.  Her first client is a professor who is writing a book saying that exact thing, featuring local star neurosurgeon Dr Craig Canning as her subject.  But before her book is published, Mara needs to ensure that Craig really is a good sociopath.  Because a young woman in his apartment building, Vicki,  mysteriously fell to her death and she fears he could have something to do with it.  So begins Annalisa's  investigation that may have dire consequences to her and her family.

I am a huge fan of this series and was so excited to dive into the latest chapter.  It can easily work as a standalone, but it's too good not to start at the beginning!  Annalisa is now remarried to Nick, whose daughter, Cassidy, has just come into their lives.  There's a lot going on here, from Annalisa's investigation into Vicki's death, to trying to find the biological mother of one of Cassidy's friends and the cat belonging to Vicki's neighbor, Ruth.  But in Schaffhausen's skilled hands, it all works perfectly.  You'll be questioning what really happened, and I would never have guessed that ending.  Plus, the discussion of sociopaths is fascinating.  Full of intriguing characters (I loved Ruth!), this book left me anxious to read more in this series.  

8.12.2024 - Worst Case Scenario

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Little Brown & Company, and Hachette Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by TJ Newman, with the audiobook narrated by Joe Morton.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

When a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, which becomes ground zero for a catastrophic national crisis with global implications.  The International Nuclear Event Scale tracks nuclear disasters. It has seven levels. Level 7 is a Major Accident, with only two on record: Fukushima and Chernobyl. There has never been a Level 8. Until now.

Wow - TJ Newman has done it again!  This book was gripping from beginning to end, tension ratcheting up throughout.  We get to see how this event affects the people in town - power plant employees, teachers, firefighters.  Each chapter leaves us with a cliffhanger from a different vantage point, and my heart was pounding the entire time.  This book showcases how people step up when they need to, becoming heroes for the rest of us.  I loved being able to go between both book formats so I didn't have to put this one down, and the audio was fabulous with sound effects making it even more chilling.,  As with all TJ Newman's books, this is a must read!

8.11.2024 - The Break-up Pact

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press/St Martin's Griffin, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest romance by Emma Lord, with the audio wonderfully narrated by Natalie Naudus.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

June and Levi were best friends as teenagers—until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop in homage to her sister, and Levi is living in New York, working at a job he hates while failing to be a novelist like he dreams.  They've barely spoken for years, but after both experiencing public, humiliating break-ups with their exes, they decide to make a pact to fuel the internet fire that they are a couple.  The pretend dating begins, with the hope of reviving the tea shop in the process.   

This is Emma Lord's venture into more adult romance, although I loved The Getaway List geared more YA.  The Break-up Pact a light, humourous, second chance romance but with undertones of dealing with unresolved grief.  I liked the best friends when younger theme, with that spark still bright after growing up.  There's a lot of social media influencing here - probably more than small town people would gather, but it's part of the fun.  And the scones - loved the names!  

8.8.2024 - Hum

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster/Simon Element/Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this fascinating book by Helen Phillips.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

May has a job "teaching" AI to be more intelligent.  But when her goal is accomplished and AI is smarter than humans, she loses her job.  As the breadwinner of her family, consisting of husband, Jem, and children, Lu and Sy, she undertakes a procedure for to earn money that requires surgery to change her face so that it can't be recognized by surveillance cameras.  After getting caught up on bills, May decides to splurge on a 3-day trip to the Botanical Garden, a refuge where forests, streams, and animals flourish - but only for those who can afford it. Wanting an immersive experience, she insists that everyone leave their phones and devices at home.  But when there is an issue, May has to trust a hum to help her.

I tore through this book.  It's thought-provoking on a near-future basis as well as our current culture.  With AI being so prevalent now, it's not a big stretch to think that Hums could be part of our future.  With climate changes and resultant devastation to our forests from wildfires, losing access to nature is certainly feasible.  We are already living in a more virtual world than a real one, proven by our addiction to our devices.  The best family experiences already go only to those who can afford them (think skipping lines at DisneyWorld).   This book looks at motherhood in the midst of all that, and how one incident can change everything we hold to be true.  The writing was wonderful and I'll be thinking about May for a while.

8.8.2024 - Four Weekends and a Funeral

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam, GP Putnam Sons, for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut romance by Ellie Palmer.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Allison is at her ex-boyfriend, Sam's, funeral when she learns that he didn't tell his family they broke up.  Sam's sister begs Allison to keep up the ruse that they were still involved for the sake of her grieving parents.  Then she meets Sam's best friend, Adam, when they are tasked to go through Sam's stuff together and clear out his house.  Things suddenly become more complicated.

I thought this was a fabulous debut.  I'm not always a big romance fan, but certain authors make their works a must read for me.  Ellie Palmer is going to be one of those authors.  This is a sweet, funny, romance novel with underlying depth.  Allison has the BRCA gene (as does the author) and that journey is portrayed so well here; not maudlin, but hopeful and positive.  As an aside, I also took turns listening to the audiobook, narrated by the fabulous Karissa Vacker, who is on her breast cancer journey.  My hats off to both these strong women for telling their stories.  Highly recommended!

8.8.2024 - The Bookstore Wedding

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Once Upon A Bookshop short story series by Alice Hoffman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Isabel is finally back home on Brinkley's Island, Maine, reunited with her sister, Sophie, and her niece, Violet, as well as her childhood love, Johnny Lenox, and working at the family bookstore.  But every time Isabel and Johnny set the date for their wedding, something happens at the last minute.  Is their love meant to be?

I adore Alice Hoffman's writing and really like this short story series.  Do yourself a favor and start with the first one - they're easily read in a sitting and that way you get the full experience.  I want to live on this island and go to this bookstore and bakery.  The names of the pastries are so fun!  But it's the relationships that take center stage here.  Can't wait for book #3!

8.6.2024 - In Every Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Rea Frey, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ben and Harper are on their honeymoon when they learn he has cancer.  Ben's final wish is that he wants Harper to find a new husband before he dies.  Harper doesn't want to entertain the notion.  But when a journalist comes to interview Ben when his idea is made public, it is Liam at the door.  Liam, who Harper spent a magical week with 10 years ago, and never saw again.  Those unresolved feelings come bubbling up.  What if she would have ended up with Liam?  

I love Rea Frey's looks into the "what if."  We all wonder what would happen if we would have taken a different path in our lives.  This book adds a dose of magical realism into that thought when Harper does a Stand in Your Power full moon ritual to manifest her dreams.  Suddenly, she's getting a look into what might have been.  There's a lot of feelings in here, from love and second chances, to grief and moving on, to being confident in your dreams.  I liked the peek into the art world, especially with the high schoolers.  Rea Frey creates magical books that I love spending time with!

8.6.2024 - The Chamber

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Will Dean, who can do no wrong in my book.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Six experienced deep sea saturation divers are locked inside a hyperbaric chamber.  They know all the dangers and take all the precautions necessary to survive.  Then one of them is found dead.  With four days of decompression left before the locked hatch can be opened, the group must now question each other.  Will any of them survive?

I cannot imagine the research that had to go into this book, because it was a total immersion (pun intended) experience.  It also brings up the fact that we are totally unaware and so unappreciative of all those people who do horrible jobs so that we can go along blissfully unaware in our own lives.  If you like a locked-room mystery, this is for you.  It's so tense and the countdown is on to see what is happening to these divers.  I was shocked at the first twist and a little confused at the end, but that was all part of the fun.  This is a don't miss read - highly recommended!

8.5.2024 - House of Glass

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Sarah Pekkanen, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Laura Benanti.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ian and Beth Barclay are going through a divorce and their young daughter, Rose, is caught in the middle as they each fight for sole custody.  They are all living in the same house, along with Ian's mother.  But the divorce and custody aren't the only issues the family is facing.  Rose's nanny, Tina, recently fell (or was pushed?) from an upper window to her death, witnessed by Rose who now suffers from traumatic mutism.  Stella is hired to be Rose's best interest attorney, responsible for deciding who should get custody.  Stella herself had a traumatic childhood and feels like she is the perfect person to advocate for Rose.

I loved this one!  I found myself suspicious and questioning everyone's motives.  It was chilling, creepy, and kept me turning the pages and listening to the audiobook whenever I couldn't read it.  Just why was all the glass removed from the house?  Why is Rose collecting sharp objects?  What really happened to Tina?  Stella's backstory is another mystery as to what really happened to her mom.  All these questions and plot lines are perfectly laid out and the ending very satisfying.  I really enjoyed learning more about the role of a BIA - what a responsibility.  Another great book by this author!

8.5.2024 - The Bookshop Sisterhood

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing MIRA Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Michelle Lindo-Rice.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Celeste, Yasmeen, Toni and Leslie are the best of friends.  They are finally close to achieving their dream of opening a bookstore together when each of the friends finds their personal lives blowing up.  Will their friendship be strong enough to sustain them?

I love books about books and bookstores!  This one delves mostly into the lives of these four friends and the personal issues each face.  There's a lot of issues too - infertility, adultery, money issues, and more - and sometimes things get a bit confusing, but basically we can all relate to life interfering with our plans.  A good read about the importance of friendship!

8.4.2024 - Look in the Mirror

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Catherine Steadman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Nina, a college professor, is grieving the loss of her father when she discovers that he left her property in the British Virgin Islands - a home she knew nothing about.  The house is completely state-of-the-art and Nina has trouble understanding how her father could afford it.  Was he hiding something?  Maria, a medical student who dropped out to earn money as a nanny for wealthy parents, is assigned to watch children at a home but the family never shows up.  She is told to relax and is given only one rule - don't go into the basement.  

How are these two stories connected?  Told from both their POV, along with that of an electrician assigned to maintain the house, this book will keep you on your toes.  Yes, it's over-the-top but I couldn't put it down.  It's creepy, suspenseful, tense, atmospheric and will have you holding your breath and keeping you guessing until the very end.  Go into it as blind as possible so that you can experience it just like the subjects!  Another great thriller by Catherine Steadman!

8.4.2024 - Slow Dance

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Rainbow Rowell, an August pick of Reese's Book Club!  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Shiloh and Cary were the best of friends in high school.  Everyone thought they would get together as a couple, but they never crossed the friends line.  Fourteen years later, Shiloh is divorced with two young kids, back living with her mom; Cary is still in the Navy.  They meet again at a friend's wedding, but has too much changed between them?

This was a wonderful story of two kids who fell in love too young, before they knew enough to realize it.  Now as adults, they both feel lost, but can they get back to where they started?  I loved the banter here - you really felt part of this story.  Shiloh's kids were the best and added needed light moments to the book.  It's the story of just how important communication is between people, and second chances.  Told in dual timelines between high school and now, we see how their story plays out.  To me, the few more graphic sex scenes didn't fit with the rest of the story and could easily have been left out.  But the rest was sparkly!

8.2.2024 - We Burn Daylight

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of this thought-provoking book by Bret Anthony Johnston.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

A fictionalized account of the Waco cult standoff, this story is told from the POV of two teenagers, Jaye and Roy, in 1993, and from podcast transcripts in 2024.  Jaye's mother was a believer of Perry, also known as The Lamb, and Jaye followed her to Waco.  Roy is the son of the local sheriff, struggling with his brother's deployment to Iraq, and becomes enamored with Jaye.  The teenagers are smarter than many of the adults, and realize that Perry's intentions aren't good and something needs to be done.  The story is suspenseful and you will be rooting for Jaye and Roy, as well as fearful for the way the standoff between Perry's followers and the Federal Government will end up.  Fascinating look at cults, wonderfully written, suspenseful, and a novel that is both a love story and a tragedy.  

8.1.2024 - The Woman Who Lied

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for gifting me a digital ARC of the new psychological thriller by Claire Douglas.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Emilia lives with her husband, their young son, and a teenager from her first marriage.  While she's an average mom, she's also a bestselling author of the Miranda Moody detective series.  Her latest book has been a struggle for her, but she's finally done and turned it in for reviews.  But then an incident happens that mimics the plot of one of her novels.  Then it happens again.  

This story spools out and includes a book in a book format, which sometimes works for me and sometimes doesn't.  It did here.  I was engrossed with this book, and felt for Emilia as her life started spinning out of her control, and she didn't know who she could trust.  There are a lot of characters in here that look untrustworthy too, plus Emilia has secrets of her own.  The truth will keep you guessing until the final twist.  A great novel of domestic suspense that will keep you glued to the pages!