Omg my heart, what a story 💔💔💔 this one is going to stick with me for a long time. I just took a look on Amazon, and this book is available there on KOmg my heart, what a story 💔💔💔 this one is going to stick with me for a long time. I just took a look on Amazon, and this book is available there on Kindle for 99 cents right now, and I dare say that’s a 99 cents well spent. review to come.
3.5 rounded up stars because I definitely shed a tear!
This one had a slow start but really picked up pace at about the halfway point, and once it did,3.5 rounded up stars because I definitely shed a tear!
This one had a slow start but really picked up pace at about the halfway point, and once it did, I was all in. A sad, touching love story in the midst of the atrocities of World War II and a mystery to discover what really happened all those years ago.
In the Acknowledgements, the author mentioned that she drew from a true family story pulled from letters and diaries passed along the years. And if this isn’t any historical fiction fan’s dream, I don’t know what is - oh how I would love to discover an old diary of my ancestors to learn about what life was really like back then!
This one will definitely pull at your heartstrings; it even has a Kate Morton feel in its structure - there is love and mystery and several timelines and fairy tales. Recommend to readers of historical fiction.
Thank you to Will at Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s Press for sending me a copy of this book!
If you ask me one thing I want my children to be when they grow up, it is to be kind. It’s something I work on diligently with them above all else, asIf you ask me one thing I want my children to be when they grow up, it is to be kind. It’s something I work on diligently with them above all else, as I want to raise boys who are kind, respectful and loving. So far I think we’re doing a pretty good job, but when I saw this book I knew I had to read it to get more ideas!
This book gives very interesting anecdotes, studies and other information to discuss the issues of the decline in kindness in modern times, especially in American culture.
It’s not a major theme, but there are religious undertones so I thought I’d throw it out there in case it appeals to you or not.
Definitely recommend this one to parents!
Thank you to Penguin Books, Thomas Lickona and Netgalley for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review....more
A stunning look at some of the Cotswolds most gorgeous historical properties that are still standing today.
Beautiful photography illustrates the mostA stunning look at some of the Cotswolds most gorgeous historical properties that are still standing today.
Beautiful photography illustrates the most unique features within the homes, some that are original to the structure, which have been beautifully maintained and preserved over time.
A lot of love has been shown to these properties which is a credit to the previous and current owners of these homes. I am passionate about historical preservation and to think how long some of these structures have been around - it is mind boggling. A great amount of time, money and effort would have been necessary to maintain these properties throughout time.
I loved learning a bit of the history of the houses and the current residents as well.
It is my dream to visit England, and this gorgeous book was a nice glimpse into what I only hope to see in person one day!
Thank you to Netgalley, Jeremy Musson, Hugo Rittson Thomas, and Quarto Publishing Group for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
If you’re in a funk and need a little sunshine in your life, or need to be reminded that love can be beautiful, pick up a Holly Martin book.
So super If you’re in a funk and need a little sunshine in your life, or need to be reminded that love can be beautiful, pick up a Holly Martin book.
So super romantic, fun and cozy - it’s no secret here that I’m an Anglophile, and I am bound and determined to move to Seashell Cove where everything is idyllic. Really, though, at least a vacation there would be nice!
There are likable characters and a lot of laugh out loud moments, but with a healthy dose of serious situations thrown in so that it’s not too sweet. Just the right amount of sweetness to make for a satisfying read.
There are also some very steamy scenes, so heads up whether that’s your thing or not!
Thank you to Holly Martin and Bookcouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!...more
This is a domestic/psychological thriller, heavier on the domestic side which kind of threw me for a loop.
I always love a dual perspective novel, andThis is a domestic/psychological thriller, heavier on the domestic side which kind of threw me for a loop.
I always love a dual perspective novel, and this one added another dimension - the first part of the story is told from journal entries and the conversational tone of the narrative was unique.
This one just went in a different direction than I was expecting, and I think that because my expectations weren’t met, I was a bit thrown. It is difficult, as an avid reader of this genre, to be surprised and it is truly because of my personal expectations that this one didn’t head where I thought it would go. I encourage readers to try this one for themselves!
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Simon Lelic for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A completely creeptastic tale that had me jumping at the slightest sounds - warning: read with all the lights on!
This a dual timeline tale, alternatinA completely creeptastic tale that had me jumping at the slightest sounds - warning: read with all the lights on!
This a dual timeline tale, alternating between the 1800’s and 1600’s, all based around a gothic castle in England with a long, tragic history. As the story unfolds, you learn more about what has occurred to put the haunted in the house.
This is a great, spooky tale, one you’ll absolutely have to suspend disbelief, but oh how great it is once you do! It does get a little gruesome at some points which was a little outside of my comfort zone, but then again, I’m a big wimp so there’s that.
Definitely recommend to historical fiction fans who are in the mood for a good scare.
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Purcell and Penguin Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a raw, emotionally charged tale of a mother and daughter living in the midst of serial killer invasion in their small town in Cornwall.
It’s dThis is a raw, emotionally charged tale of a mother and daughter living in the midst of serial killer invasion in their small town in Cornwall.
It’s difficult to believe this one is a debut, the writing is great and the story flows. It alternates between 1956 and 50 years later - the past being more fleshed out and interesting from my perspective. There are several twists and turns along the way which keep the pace going strong and keep the pages turning quickly.
I first picked this one up due to its comparison to one of my favorite BBC dramas, Broadchurch. While I don’t really get the same vibe here, I will say it’s still an intriguing mystery.
There are so many emotions here, fueled by an undercurrent of melancholy. It’s a story of love and obsession and regret, and how one decision can affect you for the rest of your life.
There are a couple triggers in this one, without going into spoilers, the first is a highly uncomfortable love scene. If you’d like to know the other, please feel free to message me as I don’t want to spoil anything for the other readers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Powell, and Gallery Books for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
A mystery based around a 700 year old Irish castle where the secrets lie within the antiquated books of its library. A bibliophile/history buff/readerA mystery based around a 700 year old Irish castle where the secrets lie within the antiquated books of its library. A bibliophile/history buff/reader’s dream scenario.
This book has a lot going on in it, and I mean A LOT. Several different mysteries and timelines with elements of police procedural, gothic, historical fiction, murder mystery, supernatural, romance, and Irish geography, history, and folklore. Phew! But somehow the author managed to make a cohesive, flowing story while incorporating all these ideas together.
I had some minor issues with the flow of the book. While it was cohesive, the constant jumping from timeline to timeline and character to character was a bit jarring for me as a reader.
Still a very entertaining read, if gothic mysteries are your thing, I encourage you to try this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Andersen, and Ballantine Books for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a historical mystery which shows a great deal of research and thoroughness from the author. It is less of a whodunnit and more of a slow movinThis is a historical mystery which shows a great deal of research and thoroughness from the author. It is less of a whodunnit and more of a slow moving, character driven suspense. I especially enjoyed the delicious and lush imagery of the cook’s recipes and cooking and my mouth was watering the whole time I read.
I found myself to be slightly confused while reading - it reads like a sequel, but it is the first book in an upcoming series. There were certain plot points that I felt as if I’d missed or didn’t fully grasp. So I went through they whole book a bit confused, then learned in the afterword that the author had previously written a novella prequel to this story. So. For someone like me who enjoys reading series from the very beginning to understand the character development and full picture, this kind of threw me off. Not to say that it can’t be read as a stand alone, but if you feel the same as me, you may want to pick up the prequel first.
It was also frustrating not to learn the true identity of one of the main characters throughout the entire book - it ended a bit abruptly, and I feel it was a major plot point that was glossed over and would have really engaged the reader into picking up the next book in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley and Jennifer Ashley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Karen Clarke has become a fast favorite for light, humorous reads with a dash of serious topics thrown in for good measure. For someone who reads a loKaren Clarke has become a fast favorite for light, humorous reads with a dash of serious topics thrown in for good measure. For someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it’s imperative to break them up with characters who put a smile on my face and make me laugh out loud. And that is exactly what you’ll find when you pick up one of Clarke’s novels.
Cassie has returned home to Seashell Cove after being sacked from her glamorous, high stress event planning position in London. Yet everyone is under the impression that she’s taking a sabbatical before setting up her own business. The characters are real and flawed, yet have the humor and banter dialogue that make this a highly enjoyable read.
Another author whose entire back catalogue of books I’ve gone and purchased after being so impressed with her latest titles!
Thanks so much to Netgalley, Bookcouture and Karen Clarke for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - you have a forever fan!...more
A very thrilling historical mystery.This one starts slowly, like a straightforward whodunnit, but quickly evolves in something much more complex and fA very thrilling historical mystery.This one starts slowly, like a straightforward whodunnit, but quickly evolves in something much more complex and fascinating. Set in London during World War I, we have soldiers, street gangs, prostitution rings and much, much more, and it all works together well to create an intricate mystery.
There is a progressive police inspector who decides to put together a team of individuals to help solve his case, including a female lawyer and doctor which was unheard of at the time. There is much to be said here about the advancement of women in society as the war began to change their roles. As there was a lack of men, women slowly but surely began to come into positions formerly held only by men - with much disdain from certain individuals. And I love how this story put women front and center as an integral, intelligent, important part of the work.
The author uses real historical locations, events and people (the ones I didn’t recognize, I looked up to get a visual) and I learned even more about this period.
This has a similar feel to Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mystery Series that I’m always raving about - if you enjoy those books, you will enjoy this as well!
Thank you to Netgalley, Lynn Brittney and Mirror Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
This is a coming of age tale of a woman who discovers she has a long-lost, wealthy family in New York City. It is a dark, edgy, gritty story of a lifeThis is a coming of age tale of a woman who discovers she has a long-lost, wealthy family in New York City. It is a dark, edgy, gritty story of a life that has been changed tremendously by these circumstances.
I’m not going to lie, I was first drawn to this book by it’s gorgeous cover, and it is one that suits it well. I especially enjoyed reading about the places in NYC that I was familiar with, I love how it took on a life of its own and was almost a character in the story.
This book was Gossip Girl meets Sex and the City with a darker edge. It took a very unexpected left turn in the last quarter or so of the book which threw me for a loop, in a good way. I wasn’t anticipating the conclusion but it wrapped up quite well.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this cook in exchange for an honest review....more
It’s been awhile since I could refer to a book as “unputdownable” but here we are. Finally!
Every single theoAddictive, fast-paced, and mind boggling!
It’s been awhile since I could refer to a book as “unputdownable” but here we are. Finally!
Every single theory I had about where the plot was going was given to the main character as part of his ideas at a little past the halfway point, and I was stuck there with my jaw dropped thinking, well then. This author just flipped the script and threw out everything I was thinking so where are we going to go from here?!
I did figure it out at about three quarters of the way through but I didn’t even care because it was that good!!
I have a feeling this is going to be a polarizing book (like another book I’m thinking of which will remain unnamed because it could be a potential spoiler) - readers are going to either love it or not. I’m for sure on the loved it side of things!
Thanks a mil to B.A. Paris (I’m going to go buy your other books now!), St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
In my humble opinion, this book was well written but much, much too long. I feel it could have been edited down significantly - it wouldn’t have affecIn my humble opinion, this book was well written but much, much too long. I feel it could have been edited down significantly - it wouldn’t have affected plot development and would have tremendously helped with pacing.
I very much enjoyed learning about Mira’s back story and the ending was strong, but it took awhile to get there.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
I’m not afraid of the darkness, only what it hides.
That super creepy tag line is extremely appropriate for this story! I found it to be a very promisiI’m not afraid of the darkness, only what it hides.
That super creepy tag line is extremely appropriate for this story! I found it to be a very promising serial killer thriller, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite for me.
My favorite part of this book was how much I learned about the history of Guernsey Island - I didn’t know much about the Nazi occupation in World War 2 - and I also enjoyed learning about the folklore of the area.
I had a few issues with the structure of the book, for me personally, it didn’t work pacing-wise. There were one too many things going on and the way the chapters were broken down by characters unfortunately pumped the breaks a bit for me personally.
However, I feel that this is a strong story, if you enjoy serial killer thrillers, this one may be for you!
Thank you so much to Crooked Lane books for providing me with an ARC!...more
What in the everloving world did I just read and I mean this in the best possible way. Holy smokes, man, that was a firecracker of a book.
This is likWhat in the everloving world did I just read and I mean this in the best possible way. Holy smokes, man, that was a firecracker of a book.
This is like nothing I’ve ever, ever read before, but I’m having a similar reaction as to when I read Caroline Kepnes’ YOU. It’s a little something like this: I don’t know if I liked it but I can appreciate it for being something completely unique and compelling, yet dark and disturbing. In fact, I would give it a full 5 stars for sheer originality, creativity and literary merit, but would I recommend this? Not so sure.
The character of Lavinia was hugely fascinating and once again, like nothing I’ve ever seen. I could read a whole book on her life story, and would love to see her portrayed on the silver screen in a film adaptation.
I honestly had to put this one down several times because it was giving me anxiety. Which is kind of a compliment to the strength of the writing. I don’t want to get into the plot here - do me a favor, skip the synopsis, don’t read any reviews and just check it out. If you have thick skin. And are in the mood for a little darkness.
And now I need to go read something light and fluffy.
Thank you to Doubleday books and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
4.5 stars! Happy pub day to Abbi Waxman and Berkley!
I have not laughed out loud this much and this loud at a book in who knows how long. One hilarious4.5 stars! Happy pub day to Abbi Waxman and Berkley!
I have not laughed out loud this much and this loud at a book in who knows how long. One hilarious line after another. I bow down to your comedic delivery, Ms. Abbi Waxman. She has taken some serious topics and added some light to them, well done.
I found the central character of Frances to be my favorite - she was absolutely hilarious, and I kinda wish she was a real person because I would want to be her friend. This cast of characters all had their quirks and I found them all to be very real.
I’m actually sad this one is over, I’m going to miss these crazy characters - gimme more Abbi Waxman now! And lucky for me, I just found Waxman’s previous book at a used book sale last week and I jumped around a bunch of people to get my hands on that one stat.
Definitely for adult eyes only! - Rated R for language and adult situations.
This was a Traveling Sisters group read and I loved hearing everyone’s thoughts.
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley for sending me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
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