10.5.2024 - The Trials of Lila Dalton

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Dreamscape Media for gifting me. both a digital and audio ARC of this debut book by L.J. Shepherd, wonderfully narrated by Ella Lynch.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Lila Dalton has no memory, yet finds herself in the courtroom as a trial lawyer defending a terrorist.  She doesn't know who she is, what she's doing, or the reason behind anything. Somehow, enough memory kicks in that she's able to participate in the trial.  Without knowing anything about her past, how can she trust anyone around her?

This was such an intriguing plot, but it's a complex story and requires some concentration on the reader's part.  It goes down lots of conspiracy theory paths, courtroom drama, threats about her missing daughter, all wrapped up in Lila's confused brain.  To be honest, my brain was a bit confused at the end as well.  But it's a solid debut novel and I'll be looking for more from this author!

10.4.2024 - Keep

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and House of Anansi Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Jenny Haysom.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

Home stagers Eleanor and Jacob are hired to clear out the home of Harriet, an elderly poet who has been diagnosed with dementia and whose son is planning to move her to a facility.  They are overwhelmed at the amount of work to be done in a very short period of time, and both their own lives are in disarray as well.  

 

I adored this book – from the cover to the characters and to the words of wisdom running throughout.  It’s a story of things – how the things that we surround ourselves with can take on more meaning than they should. It’s the people and community around us that are important.  It’s also about memory and how our things reflect those moments in our lives that hold such meaning for us.  These characters are wonderful, and they felt like friends as I was reading.  I raced through this book and was sorry when it was over.  I’m thinking the universe is talking to me through this book as well as a friend who is doing Swedish Death Cleaning.  I need to listen!  Highly recommended – wonderful book and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

10.3.2024 - Her Sweet Revenge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Sarah Bonner.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 2018, Helena is successful and married to Edward.  However, she has to deal with his family issues, especially with his mother.  She begins receiving notes threatening to reveal her secrets.  Four years later, Helena's friend, Thea, begins investigating her murder, determined to prove that it was murder and not an accident.  Then she begins receiving notes too.

Told in different timelines and from different POV, this is a twisty tale of domestic suspense.  I liked how the author split the book into separate parts, each told in a different POV so that you gathered more depth into the characters.  There was quite a bit to keep up with and you'll love to hate some of these characters - especially Helena's mother-in-law!   Kept me intrigued to the end!

10.3.2024 - The Truth You Told

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a favorite, Brianna Labuskes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny lost his wife, Shay, to the serial killer he had been hunting for five years.  Nathaniel Conrad - known as the Alphabet Man for tattooing codes onto his victims - is now on death row.  But he's now saying he didn't kill Shay.  FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks he's telling the truth, because there are inconsistencies in his coded letters to authorities.  But time is running out for the two to figure it out, since Conrad is days away from execution.

I love this series!  It's such a smart police procedural, with forensic linguistic info that is fascinating.  You can definitely read this as a stand alone, but starting with the first, The Lies You Wrote, will give you Raisa's back story.  This book gives more insight to both Callum's and Raisa's pasts, giving these characters even more depth.  This is a tense, gripping, thriller that had me guessing until the final reveal and I just loved the ride!  Becoming one of my favorites series and I can't wait for more!

10.1.2024 - Most Requested Copycat Recipes

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful cookbook by Favorite Family Recipes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

I love cookbooks and can happily sit for hours looking at the pictures, drooling over descriptions, and deciding what recipes I want to make.  If that sounds like you too, you need this cookbook!  I love trying recipes that people have created to taste like those special restaurant treats.  This one has so many that I want to try - from Nothing Bundt Cakes to Cheesecake Factory to treats from Disneyland.  There are beautiful pictures and easily understood step-by-step directions.  Wonderful!

10.1.2024 - The Mistletoe Mystery

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this Molly the Maid novella by Nita Prose.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Molly Gray has always loved the holidays spent with her Gran.  This year, her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, wants the holidays to be perfect for them.  But rumors are swirling at the Regency Grand Hotel where they both work, causing Molly to question who she can trust.

I love Molly the Maid and this was indeed a lovely Christmas gift!  Interspersed with Gran's life advice (which we all need to heed), are special holiday magical moments.  This is a book I could easily read every year, similar to the Christmas story by O. Henry.  While there's a touch of mystery, readers will know what's going on before Molly does, which just adds to the fun of seeing her reaction.  These books are a must read!