9.30.2024 - Cougar Point

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Detective Megan Carpenter series by a favorite, Gregg Olsen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own -  4.5 stars!

Victoria Marsh disappears from her family's exclusive resort in Cougar Point, Washington, just when she was on the verge of telling her daughter some news.  Although not officially in their jurisdiction, detectives Megan and Ronnie race to the scene, because this one is personal - Victoria is Ronnie's mother.  Could someone in the family be involved?  Does it relate to another case in Ohio?  Time is ticking to find the answers and local law enforcement aren't completely on board with their involvement.

I really like this police procedural series.  Olsen is a master at true crime stories, so the dialogue and storyline feel ripped out of the headlines.  Plus, the characters are great - Megan never fails to make me smile, as we gain access to not only what she says, but what she's thinking as well.  The working and personal relationship between Megan and Ronnie continues to develop and get stronger.  This storyline involved questionable family, multiple crimes, and law enforcement hurdles to make another great book!

9.28.2024 - Bad Liar

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Tami Hoag.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Detective Nick Fourcade is investigating the death of a man dumped at the end of a deserted country road, unrecognizable because he was shot in the face.  His only lead takes him to the family of hometown hero Marc Mercier, who didn't return home from a hunting trip.  His wife, Detective Annie Broussard is back on the job after suffering an attack on her last case, and meets with B'Lynn Fontenot, a mother desperate to find her son, Robbie, who is a recovering drug addict.  The local police have no interest since he is an adult, and an addict to boot.  Could either of these men be the murder victim?  

This was a wonderful police procedural/murder mystery.  I love Hoag's writing but did miss the first two books in this series.  Never worry thought, there is enough back story to read perfectly as a stand alone.  The writing was so atmospheric, set in the swamps and small towns in Louisaana, where everyone knows all your secrets, and you can't escape what people think.  It deals with the darker side of human emotions - jealousy, shame, abuse, addiction - but the characters feel real because of all that emotion.  Nick and Annie make great detectives and an even better team.  I couldn't put this one down!

9.27.2024 - A Reason to See You Again

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins Ecco for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Jami Attenberg.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

The Cohen family women – mom Frieda, daughters Nancy and Shelly – are dealing with the death of their husband and father, Rudy, and things begin changing quickly.  Shelly leaves as soon as she can for the West Coast and the new world of technology.  Nancy gets married early to a traveling salesman, who’s gone more than he’s home, leaving her with their daughter, Jess.  Frieda heads for a new life in Miami.  But running away doesn’t solve anything, and we follow along with these women over the coming decades. 

I loved the way this book was written, starting in the early 1970s, and progressing slowly over the next 40 years, as each chapter gives us a peek into all their lives from one of their POV. There are even bits of the future interspersed in there, giving us hints as to what is to come. From their viewpoints, we see them navigate all the changes of the times, from motherhood to the workplace, the start of the tech, self-help and Me-Too movements, but always focused on their relationships with each other, themselves, and others.  Would be an interesting book club pick!

9.26.2024 - The Lightning Bottles

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Marissa Stapley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Jane and Elijah met when they were teenagers, communicating through the very basic internet available.  Neither were happy and they connected immediately.  When they finally met in person, it was magical on all levels - personal and then professional, as Jane wrote sons that Elijah sang.  They got the big break they were dreaming of and became famous.  But fame comes at a steep price.  Elijah disappears, presumed dead, and Jane becomes hated around the world.  She retreats to the solitude of Germany, only to be discovered by a teenage neighbor who claims to have proof that Elijah is still alive.

I loved this book!  If you liked Daisy Jones and the Six, this is the perfect book for you.  Taking place in the 1990s, when internet was in its infancy, and the Seattle grunge scene was taking over the airways, it's nostalgic in all the best ways.  Told in the present as the neighbor, Hen, convinces Jane to go on an investigative trip, with flashbacks to Jane and Elijah's story.  It definitely shows the dark side of the music business, as well as the prevalent drug culture and addiction battles.  The characters are the best part though - I connected with them right away, felt their angst and struggles, and rooted for them throughout the book.  This is a must read!

9.25.2024 - The Wedding Night

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of this psychological thriller by Clare Boyd.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Amy and her teenage daughter, Tess, move into Summerfield House with Amy's boyfriend, William, and his teenage son, Hal.  They all couldn't be happier until Amy starts hearing stories about the house and rumors about her husband from a neighbor, Olivia.  Amy goes snooping in the house and discovers photos of a baby and a girl names Sophie, that she believes William may be involved with.  Then Tess and Hal get caught up in a scandal with another teen, Rory.  

This is kind of a slow-burn novel but it definitely ramps to the climax on Amy and William's wedding date.  I liked the two different storylines of the parents and the teenagers.  Plus, it's told from different POV, including an unknown voice.  Everyone is keeping secrets, trying to fit in, and yet protect each other.  Another intriguing mystery from Clare Boyd!

9.25.2024 - A Mom Like That

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dundurn Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this heartbreaking memoir by Aaisha Alvi.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Aaisha thought early motherhood would be happy, but it was anything but.  She had scary, delusional thoughts about her and her baby.  Then when she suffered a miscarriage during her second pregnancy, her psychosis returned.  This time, it was much, much worse.

While this was a difficult book to read, I can only imagine how difficult it was to write.  As far as we have come, mental health issues are still seen as shameful, to be hidden, and not prioritized or recognized when patients try to seek help.  Postpartum issues can range from the baby blues to full blown psychosis, and this book should be a must read for all pregnant women - not to scare them, but to educate them and their families as to any troubling signs.  I did feel the book was a bit repetitive, especially stating how women of color are especially vulnerable, but it was gripping.  Kudos to Aaisha's support group as well!

9.25.2024 - The Hitchcock Hotel

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Stephanie Wrobel, and including me on the blog tour to celebrate its publication.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Alfred Smettle is a huge Hitchcock fan.  He's also the founder, owner, and manager of The Hitchcock Hotel, a Victorian house in the White Mountains dedicated to Hitchcock and his films.  To celebrate the hotel's first anniversary, he invites his former best friends from their college film club for a reunion.  He hasn't spoken to any of them in 16 years, since an event in their senior year broke them apart.   But no Hitchcock film is without a body.

I'm a big fan of Stephanie Wrobel - have you read Darling Rose Gold?  While I am not a Hitchcock movie buff, I appreciate the few I've seen and love the locked-room mystery genre.  There are multiple mysteries here - what exactly happened to the group of friends in their senior year?  And who is dead and by whose hand?  This one kept me guessing until the end, because everyone is keeping secrets and no one is really very likable.  The setting was creepy, complete with an aviary full of crows.  It's a wonderful homage to Hitchcock and an even better mystery!  

9.24.2024 - I Think We've Been Here Before

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Suzy Krause – 4.5 stars rounded up!

In the same week, Marlen and Hilda’s family receives two big pieces of news.  Marlen has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.  And a cosmic blast is set to destroy the world within months.  The upcoming Christmas will be their last.  

This was a magical book that will have you quickly turning the pages to figure out exactly what is going on.  Things seem familiar to these characters that shouldn’t be familiar, characters hold onto whatever hope they can, and everyone figures out just exactly what is important.  The characters are wonderful and relatable, and I felt for all of them as they each coped with the impending apocalypse.   It’s about family, friends, community, and some magical realism.  I loved it!

9.24.2024 - Every Moment Since

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Muse and Harper Collins Focus for gifting me both a digital and ARC of the new novel by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, with the audio narrated by a wonderful cast.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

Meet the Malcor family – dad Danny, mom Tabitha, TJ the older brother, and Davy the younger brother.  This book begins on a summer night in 1985 – the parents anxious for a night away, TJ anxious to go out with his friends, and Davy wanting to tag along.  But nothing will ever be the same after that night because Davy doesn’t come home.  

 

This book slowly draws you in and makes you feel like part of this family going through decades of trauma. Told from multiple POV in different timelines, the reader gets to feel what a tragedy like this does to a family and community.  It’s beautifully written, and my heart was in my throat so much of the time.  The small-town setting was perfect, because families and lives were intertwined.  It’s a wonderful family drama on dealing with grief, as well as a taut mystery to find out what happened with Davy.  Highly recommended – the audiobook was done by a full cast and was perfection!

9.22.2024 - The Story Collector

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Evie Woods – 4 stars!

 

Sarah’s life in NY is falling apart and as she prepares to board a plane to Boston to be with her sister, she suddenly changes her mind and heads to Ireland.  She finds herself in a quaint village and comes across a diary written by Anna, a local young farm girl, over 100 years ago.  Anna had agreed to help an American visitor translate fairy stories from Irish to English, but soon found herself wrapped up in her own tale of fairies and danger. 

 

I really enjoyed The Lost Bookshop by this author, and this book was just as charming and full of magical realism.  The two timelines work together seamlessly, with both women trying to find their way out of grief and pain.  

 

 

9.21.2024 - Margo's Got Money Troubles

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Rufi Thorpe – 4.5 stars!

Margo is the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, and neither provided a stable upbringing.  Margo knew she would have to rely on herself, so she enrolls at the local junior college, although without a set goal.  After a brief affair with her English professor, she becomes pregnant and decides to keep the baby.  Now at the age of 20, she’s alone with a baby, unemployed, and about to lose her apartment.  When her estranged dad, Jinx, shows up and asks to move in with her, she agrees if he will help with childcare.  But she needs a plan to make money – fast.  She comes across OnlyFans and sets up an account on a whim, only to start making it a success.  But could it come at too steep a price?

 

This is such an endearing, hilarious, and insightful coming-of-age story.  It’s a joy to watch Margo begin to own her story and take charge of her life.  It’s definitely a look into classism and how quickly a house of cards can come tumbling down, even with the best of intentions.  Because I’m behind on my reading backlist, I snagged the audiobook from the library and Harper Audio.  The narration by Elle Fanning was fabulous, and she and Nicole Kidman are set to star in an adaptation by Apple TV.  But always remember to read the book first!

9.20.2024

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful sequel to The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz, with the audio perfectly narrated by the wonderful Julia Whelan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars rounded up! 

After the death of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, Anna Williams-Bonner has calmed the waters about his possible plagiarism. Then she writes her own novel, The Afterword, which starts to receive much success.  But then she begins to receive excerpts of a novel that should not exist.  Someone knows too much.

 

I loved The Plot and this book is just as fabulous.  Jean Hanff Korelitz is a master at giving us twisted but realistic characters and spreading breadcrumbs throughout the book.  Just like The Plot, this is so creative and will have you chasing your tail!  Anna is definitely not likable but, just like a train wreck, you won’t be able to look away.  It’s been a while since I read The Plot and I’m sure it would be even better to read these two back to back, but the author gives enough information to enjoy it as a standalone as well.  Julia Whelan made the audiobook a masterpiece, as she always does, and I enjoyed being able to switch between the two formats.  I also loved the names of the chapters being sequels, with a helpful list in the back of the book.  More creativity points!  A must read!

 

9.20.2024 - When We Flew Away

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Alice Hoffman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Geared toward middle grades but a must-read for any age, this is a look at Anne Frank's life before the events written about in her diary.  Here, we get a glimpse into Anne's world and that of her family, as the impact of being a Jew in the Netherlands at this time hits them.  We see Anne and her sister, Margot, go through so many forced changes, as their parents seek only to keep them safe.  Anne's spunkiness and eternal optimism shine through as she continues to dream of a different life, but basically just to be able to grow up.

Knowing how the true story ends, this book can't be anything but heartbreaking, but it does shine a light into the "before."  Hoffman is such a wonderful writer and this book is no exception.   Highly recommended.

9.16.2024 - True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and She Writes Press for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of this amazing book of essays by Cindy Eastman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Cindy and her husband took her father into their home to care for him.  And life as they knew it was forever changed.  This book goes through the before, during, and after stages of being a full-time caregiver in your home and doesn't sugarcoat anything.

I cannot begin to express how much this book meant to me and I will keep it by my bedside and reread it often.  I am living this life right now, as my husband and I brought my then 88-year-old mother to live with us.  While I am grateful that she is in a place where she is cared for, to say this has been anything but completely disruptive of our lives would be false.  For all the people who tell you that it is a blessing and how lucky you are to have this time with your mom, they have no clue how hard it is.  She has been here 3 years and except for a one-month stay in a respite facility when I had to have major surgery, my husband and I haven't had one minute of alone time, an afternoon or evening away, or a good night's sleep since she arrived.  While it is stressful if you have a relative in a facility, it is nothing like having them in your house 24/7.  This book goes through all the feelings - from resentment to guilt to anger to love - and does it in such a relatable, humorous way.  I could go on and on but suffice it to say that if you are living this life, you need this book.  I feel like I need the author on speed dial. 

9.16.2024 - Bear

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Hogarth for gifting me a digital ARC of this fairy-tale like story by Julia Phillips.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Elena and Sam are two sisters living on San Juan Island off the coast of Washington.  They are just barely surviving financially, with Sam working concessions on the ferry and Elena waitressing, to help keep their family going.  Their mother has lung cancer from chemicals inhaled after years of doing other people’s nails.  Sam dreams of the day when they can eventually sell their family home and escape the small town with her sister.  But everything changes when a bear appears in the area.  

 

I loved this wonderfully written, atmospheric story of these two sisters and their encounter with the bear.  You feel for both sisters, trying to do the right thing for their mother, and still hold on to their dreams and some semblance of a life.  They had a tough childhood experience with a boyfriend of their mom’s that scarred them but tightened their bond.  But Elena is keeping secrets from Sam and their differing reactions to the bear only make things worse.  It’s very atmospheric and tense and I was gripped to the very last page.

9.15.2024 - The Night We Lost Him

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster/Simon Element/Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me both a physical and audio ARC of the new book by a favorite, Laura Dave.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Liam Noone was a complicated man, especially when it came to relationships.  He had 3 ex-wives and 3 children.  While he did his best to be there for his kids, he kept his various families separate, so that Nora really didn't know her younger twin brothers who worked with their dad as a hotel magnate.  His life ended with a fall to his death from his beloved cliffside cottage.  It is ruled accidental, but Nora and her brother, Sam, think otherwise.  They begin to investigate.

Don't go into this thinking it's a thriller like Dave's last book, The Last Thing He Told Me, made into a gripping TV series.  This one is a strong character-driven family novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Told in alternating timelines between present and Liam's past, it's suspenseful but mostly a family and personal drama.  You could feel the longing for relationships that weren't fulfilled, the grief that runs through the whole book, and the fear of giving ourselves completely to another.  This book reminded me of her previous book, Eight Hundred Grapes, in all the best ways - an exploration of family and relationships.  

9.13.2024 - I Dreamed of Falling

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this mystery by Julia Dahl, with the audio perfectly narrated by Jennifer Blom and Shahjehan Khan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars.

A young couple – Roman and Ashley – live with his mother who helps with their young son Mason.  They struggle with money, and both had difficult upbringings.  When Ashley is found dead, Roman realizes that he didn’t really know her.  He starts looking into what could have happened and what Ashley was hiding.

 

I’ve seen mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed this story.  It takes place in a small town in the Hudson Valley, where everyone knows everything and it’s hard to make changes.  Roman had bigger dreams but is now working for a tiny local newspaper, mostly reporting on local events.  Ashley wants to build her yoga practice, but Covid fears make that difficult.  Roman’s mother, Tara, is very attached to young Mason, trying to make up for her own failings.  So while no one is completely likeable, they are relatable and you can feel their struggles while trying to do better.  The audiobook kept me interested until the last page!

 

9.12.2024 - Tell Me Everything

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by one of my favorites, Elizabeth Strout, and Oprah's latest Book Club Pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Elizabeth Strout returns us once again to Crosby, Maine, and reunites us with the beloved characters from past novels - Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, the Burgess brothers, William and more.  A crime has happened in the small town, and lawyer Bob Burgess has become involved in the murder investigation.  Bob is also deeply immersed in a friendship with Lucy, as has Lucy with Olive as she shares her stories from the retirement home.  

It is truly a glorious day when Strout gifts the world with another book.  These are some of my very favorite characters, and I fell in love with them all over again.  This book explores the meaning of someone's life and all the unrecorded lives of people.  It's in the sharing of all those stories that allow those lives to carry on as well as add meaning to our own lives.  This book explores some heavy subjects - abuse, suicide, alcoholism, depression, family turmoil - but it's not a sad or depressing book.  Those things happen in life but Strout shows us once again that life is hopeful, bright, and better shared with friends.  Can I wish for more stories from this group?  Very highly recommended - I treasured it!

9.11.2024 - The Examiner

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest mystery by a huge favorite, Janice Hallett.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Gela Nathaniel, head of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course, must find six students from all walks of life across the UK for her new master’s program before the university cuts her funding. The students are nothing but trouble from day one.  These students must collaborate for a final project - an art installation for a local cloud-based solutions company.  But just who can you trust?

Janice Hallett is the master of mysteries told in epistolary style - this one through emails, text messages, and student essays.  I love this style of writing when done right - and Hallett does it right.  She deftly led you down one path, only to circle back, and lead you down another until you weren't sure exactly what was happening.  With a relatively small cast of characters, there was no confusion there, although no one's motives were without question.  I also appreciated the dark academic feel and appreciated the nod to lack of respect for art instruction.  As with all of Hallett's books, this is a must read!

9.11.2024 - Bitter is the Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me an audio ARC of this creepy tale by Mina Hardy.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Tamar Glass escaped her very dysfunctional relationship with her mom as soon as she was able.  Now she’s back in her hometown and is forced to bring her mother, Ruth, into her home when she was kicked out of her nursing home.  But then strange things start happening in the house, all making Tamar relive her childhood experiences.  

 

While not really a horror novel, this one was completely creepy to me in all the good ways.  You were never sure whose story you could trust.  Tamar was trying desperately to do the right things for her mom, even when she had such a tumultuous relationship with her in the past.  I also really loved the Judaism thread throughout the book.  Great read – but maybe keep the lights on!

 

9.10.2024 - Here One Moment

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite author, Liane Moriarty.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

It’s supposed to be an ordinary, short flight.  But there’s a delay and the passengers are getting anxious.  But that’s just the beginning.  Because one person on the flight starts telling the passengers how and when they will die.  The passengers are frightened but most are disbelieving.  Then a few months later, one passenger on the flight dies exactly as the woman had predicted.  Then two more.  

 

This story pulled me in from the very beginning.  I loved the way it was written, starting with the author lulling us into feeling like we were watching all the passengers on the plane, describing everything.  Then the chapters are split between learning the “death lady,” Cherry’s backstory, as well as focusing on a handful of passengers and how they were affected by the prediction.  It’s a long book, but I couldn’t put it down.  I felt anxious, scared, hopeful, and just loved how all the pieces of the many puzzles started falling into place.  It makes you think about what you would do if you knew how much time you had left.  Moriarty has done it again – a must-read book that will have you thinking about fate and destiny.

9.10.2024 - Death at the Sanatorium

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller by Ragnar Jonasson, wonderfully narrated by Sam Woolf.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

In 1983, at a former sanatorium in Iceland, now a hospital ward, nurse Yrsa is found murdered.  Detective Hulda Hermansdottir and her boss, Sverrir, are sent to investigate her death.  Less than a week after the murder, the chief physician is also found dead from a fall from a balcony; later ruled as a suicide.  He was presumed to have commited the murder as well and the case was closed.  Almost 30 years later, Helgi Reykdal, a young police officer, has been studying criminology in the UK, but returns to Iceland when offered a job – the job from which Detective Hermannsdottir is about to retire.  Helgi is writing his thesis on the sanatorium murders and begins his investigation.

The story goes back and forth between these two timelines and with different POV.  The atmosphere is dark and the story spools out mostly as interviews, so it’s a bit slow.  It’s a nod to Agatha Christie’s novels (be sure to read the author’s note at the end), and the building tension and many suspects follow suit.  A good old-fashioned murder mystery!

9.10.2024 - Not the Killing Kind

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut thriller by Maria Kelson, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Cynthia Ferrell..  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

Boots is a Latina single mom to 18-year-old Jaral, whom she adopted 6 years ago.  She runs a school that helps undocumented people in her politically divided town in Northern California.  Boots’ world is turned upside down when Jaral is arrested for the murder of one of her former students.  Plus, the school board is trying to get rid of her for some of her unpopular actions.  Just how far will Boots go to protect her child?

This was a good thriller that will make you think about very relevant topics.  But at the heart of it, it’s about what one mother will do for her child.  Even when that child has been keeping secrets.  Boots puts herself in very dangerous positions to save Jaral and others.  Full of action, some of it over the top, but intriguing.  The audiobook narration was wonderful!

9.10.2024 - The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins William Morrow for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of this amazing debut book by Anna Johnston.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

Frederick Fife is in his 80s, broke, lonely, and just about to be homeless.  But Fred’s luck changes when he takes the place of grumpy Bernard at the local nursing home, through a bizarre case of mistaken identity.  Now, he’s being sheltered, has meals and medical care and, most importantly, friends.  Denise is a caregiver at the nursing home, and her life is falling apart as well.  Her marriage is failing, and her daughter has health issues.  Denise becomes suspicious of the change in Bernard’s personality.  Will she reveal the  truth?

 

This book was amazing.  I could not put it down nor could I love Fred any more.  The entire cast of characters is wonderful – full of relatable people with flaws just trying to do what’s right.  This story will pull at your heartstrings in so many different ways.  I felt so bad for the people in the nursing home dealing with dementia and other health issues, but the caring people made all the difference.  This book is a must read – it’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, smart, and will have you thinking about grief, forgiveness, and second chances.  Plus, there’s a twist that shook me! Highly recommended and just an astonishing debut novel!  

9.4.2024 - Amish Pies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for gifting me a beautiful digital ARC of this wonderful cookbook by Laura Anne Lapp.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

The Amish people are known for their simple, yet amazing food and dessert.  I was thrilled to get a copy of this book focusing on pies, since I both love to bake and eat them!  The recipes are simply written, each with an accompanying picture, and require no special ingredients or techniques.  I have bookmarked so many that I can't wait to try.  Also a shoutout to the photographer - in keeping with the Amish simplicity, the pictures aren't overly styled and look like they were taken at the kitchen table.  This is a must have cookbook!

9.4.2024 - Natural Selection

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for gifting me a digital ARC of this short story by the one-and-only Elin Hilderbrand.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Sophia and her boyfriend, JP, are headed for a getaway to the Galápagos Islands when JP receives a call that he must return home immediately.  JP had been married before and has 3 children with whom he is still very involved.  JP insists that Sophia go on the trip alone.  Now she's alone on a trip meant for couples and must decide who she wants and where she should be.

Elin has once again written a story with compelling characters, in situations that make them and the reader think.  Plus, it takes place in a beautiful setting with amazing descriptions of nature.  The other characters on the cruise with Sophia are fully fleshed out, even in this short story.  You can picture everyone!  A good story of finding yourself.

9.4.2024 - The Trap

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in this amazing series by Ava Glass.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

British spy Emma Makepeace is back!  She's now headed to Scotland for the global G7 Summit when her team is tipped off about a possible assassination by the Russians - they just don't know who the target is.  She has one week to figure it all out.  She must get close to Nick, a wealthy Russian with a British passport who The Agency believes has valuable information about the target.  She must also work with a local police officer, Kate Mackenzie, to help her navigate through Edinburgh.  

This is one of my favorite series, full of action and adventure.  Emma is tough, smart, determined, and a complete bad ass!  This book shines a little more light into Emma's vulnerabilities as she tackles her past as well as how far she can ethically go in her pursuit of knowledge.  Plus, there's a leak of confidential information leading Emma and her team to wonder who they can trust.  Definitely works as a stand alone, but start with the beginning for full enjoyment of this amazing series!  Can't wait for more!

9.2.2024 - The Truth About the Accident

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Nicole Trope that sat on my TBR shelf for way too long!  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 twisty stars!

A hit-and-run accident leaves a man in the hospital in a coma.  It happened on a rainy night and the police have not been able to find the car that hit him.  But there are suspects, including his wife.  What really happened?

Go into this one as blind as possible because nothing is as it seems!  Just who is the victim and who are the other women involved?   We get multiple POV to tell this story, and your allegiances will change as you read.  Nicole Trope always writes a well-crafted, domestic suspense story and this one is no exception.  I loved the short chapters that kept me glued to the twisty end!

9.2.2024 - The Night Guest

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this creepy novella by Hildur Knútsdóttir, absolutely perfectly narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up because I just couldn't stop listening!

Iðunn is in yet another doctor's office. She knows her constant fatigue is a sign that something's not right, but practitioners dismiss her symptoms and blood tests haven't revealed any cause.  Everyone tells her to eat better, get more sleep, exercise more but nothing helps.  One night, Iðunn falls asleep with her new step-counting watch on, and wakes up to find she’s walked over 40,000 steps in the night.  Just what is happening when she's asleep?

I was pulled into this book right away.  A woman goes to the doctor with symptoms, only to be dismissed.  After just going through something very similar, I could definitely relate to her, as most women probably can.  I also loved the way this story was written.  Some chapters only had a few words or one sentence.  It just kept pulling me further and further in.  If you want a book with an ending tied up neatly with a bow, this is not your book.  But I thought the ending just added to the creepiness of the book, the unreliable narrator, and just felt right.  The narrator was perfect and added to the overall mystery of the book.  I loved it!

9.1.2024 - Meet the Parents

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by a favorite, Emily Shiner.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Gina meets Owen, a successful doctor, at the hospital where she works.  They soon fall in love and are anxious to make a life together.  But first, she must meet his parents.  Mother Marta lives and breathes for Owen and she's not happy that Gina has come into his life.  Father Grant is creepy.  Their home is beautiful, but set in a very remote location in the woods.  And everyone has secrets.

Oh my goodness.  Emily Shiner has done it again.  She's crafted a twisty thriller where everyone has ulterior motives and secrets.  Gina had a traumatic childhood and she is determined to get revenge.  But Owen's parents are hiding their own motives for not wanting Gina in their family.  These characters are mostly unlikeable, creepy, and the house and setting amplify that.  I couldn't put this one down and the epilogue blew me away!  Don't miss this one!

9.1.2024 - All the Missing Girls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Linda Hurtado Bond.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Mari is determined to get into Cuba to find her missing sister, whom she fears is under control of their mother's murderer.  Along with her cameraman and a detective, they enter the country illegally in the dead of night, with the clock ticking on how long they can stay.  They soon realize that they are being watched and may not make it out alive.

While you can certainly read this as a stand alone, All the Broken Girls is a great book that I would recommend reading first.  In that book, Mari is on the hunt for her mother's killer.  In this book, she is still hunting for him, but now she fears her sister may be in big trouble as well.  Just as in the first, the author's real life anchor job makes Mari's story more real, and I loved the Cuban plot line once again.  This one definitely has a creepy, scary vibe to it, as Mari realizes that her sister is not the only missing girl.  The reality might be one of the creepiest things I've read, but there's also a touch of romance.  It ended on a cliffhanger so I can't wait for the next book!

9.1.2024 - Talking to Strangers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Fiona Barton, he second in the Detective Elise King series, and including me in the blog tour for this book.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Detective Elise King is in recovery from her cancer and still coping with that trauma, as well as with persistent brain fog.  But Ronnie, her coworker, continues to have her back.  They are now dealing with the murder of Karen Simmons on Valentine's Day.  Karen was a big user of dating apps, and Elise is wondering if she was killed by someone she met online.  Kiki, a single mother trying to survive as a journalist, wants to get the scoop on Karen's murder to help her career and is willing to venture into unsafe territory to investigate.

I loved the first book in this series, Local Gone Missing, and was so happy to reunite with Elise and Ronnie.  This book delves into a lot of relevant and serious subjects, such as the dangers of online dating and social media, family trauma, and abuse.  There are quite a few threads and characters here, but it was helpful to have the character names at the beginning of each chapter to keep everything straight in my mind.  The story is told from the POVs of Elise, Kiki, and Annie, a woman whose son was murdered in the same woods that Karen was found.  These storylines all intersect perfectly and I couldn't put this book down!  Fingers crossed for another chapter in this great series.