My first John Hart novel and One of My Favorite Reads of the Year. What took me so long?!
This book has it all! It’s Character-Driven Fiction, with nonMy first John Hart novel and One of My Favorite Reads of the Year. What took me so long?!
This book has it all! It’s Character-Driven Fiction, with non-stop action, and pulse pounding suspense.
When Adam Chase arrives back in his hometown in Rowan County, North Carolina after a long absence, he knows that nothing good will come of his return, and yet, he can’t stay away. Acquitted of murder five years ago, he is no longer welcome in Rowan County, not by his family or any of the town folk.
In the last five years, a lot has gone on in Rowan County, and people are angry. Many at his family, many at Adam personally.
His return sparks an uprising. Assault, secrets, even murder.
Everything Adam holds dear is at stake, including his family, and his friends. How far will a man go to take care of his own?
A gripping character-driven mystery/suspense that had me glued to the pages from the very first.John Hart won an Edgar Award for this novel (his first) and I can see why. It was absolutely phenomenal! I am now reading The Last Child and can’t wait to read the rest of his backlist.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is MY Feel Good Book of the Year!
This is also the best Audiobook Narration I have EVER encountered. Daniel Henning, your narration entranced me!
Oh, how I loved this incredibly, heartfelt, bewitching, and entertaining story. If you are desperately in need of a book to capture your heart and your imagination, look no further!
Linus Baker is a Case Worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Each day is spent doing his best to care for the children at government-sanctioned orphanages, which he is solely responsible for. It’s a daunting task, though Linus is the most caring, conscientious Case Worker the Department has ever had. Once his demeanor and work ethic are noticed by Extremely Upper Management, he is given a top-secret assignment. To travel to an orphanage at Marsyas Island and report back about the very unusual children who reside there. It’s his job to get to know the children and figure out if they are dangerous, and what should happen to the orphanage.
As soon as Linus steps foot in “The House of the Cerulean Sea” he notices how different it is and instantly feels at peace. Thereafter, the island and its inhabitants, including the children, Zoe, the Island Sprite, and their caretaker, Arthur Parnassus, change him. The children are unlike any you have ever met. There’s Talia, the Gnome; Phee, the Sprite; Theodore, the Wyvern; Chauncey, an Unidentifiable Green blob with tentacles; Sal, a Were-Pomeranian; and Lucy (aka Lucifer) known as the Antichrist.
Extraordinarily gifted in their own ways and in need of education and structure, in the end, Talia, Phee, Theodore, Chauncey, Sal, and Lucy simply wanted and needed to be loved and taken care of. Luckily for them, they receive all of the above at “The House in the Cerulean Sea.”
Amazing, charming, funny, endearing, and sweet, these children grabbed hold of my heart and did not let go. Thankfully, they had the same effect on Linus Baker. Lucy, Sal, and Talia: I Heart You! Tears fell many a time listening to this truly captivating, fantastical, and lyrical book!
A novel about acceptance, family, love, prejudice, racism - this novel is extremely prevalent for our current climate, and yet, it also showed, what acceptance, approval, attention, friendship, love, and family can do.
An extraordinary, heartfelt novel that filled me with love, hope, and understanding and left me smiling with happy tears, streaming down my face.
Yet another Favorite Novel of the year, which will appear on my Goodreads Best-of-List for 2021.
Thank you to T.J. Klune for writing such an incredible novel and for capturing my heart in the process.
Mad Props to Daniel Henning for his brilliant narration - your ability to create a myriad of completely distinct, different “voices'' and change your inflection, and intonation, required skill that leaves me in bewildered awe. Fingers crossed that you win the Audie Award for this! It is wholly deserved.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram....more
I am verklempt. Having now read The Winners twice in the last few months, I am overcome.
First and foremost, I am and always have been astounded by I am verklempt. Having now read The Winners twice in the last few months, I am overcome.
First and foremost, I am and always have been astounded by how incredibly well Fredrick Backman understands people, family, friendships, relationships, human emotions, human nature, tragedy, and loss and can fictionalize life through his characters so brilliantly. How he innately understands human nature so intimately and can make me feel it through every fiber of my being such that I am left crying hysterically like a puddle on the floor.
What he shows and describes so well are the realities of marriage. The good and bad, the immense love and the intense anger. How all of it is wrapped up together and sometimes you can’t tell one from the other.
The deep and abiding love for family and friends and how heartbreaking and heartwarming both can be at the same time.
The choices we make, and the decisions that are made for us, some of which are little, some big, all of which have ramifications. Some of which are huge, and entirely unknown until they are too late.
The trials and tribulations we all go through. Some of which we have to go through alone and some of which you can’t survive without those to get you through.
How sometimes you will protect those you love above all else, no matter the consequence.
How sometimes you have to realize that though you might have differences, they don’t have to drive you apart.
How sometimes, spending time with your friends and family is all there is and sometimes, laughing, joking, smiling and playing hockey is all that matters. What else is there besides friendship, two towns, two nets, two teams, everyone gets a stick? Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
The characters I love most in this novel (and the entire trilogy) are the ones that make me feel every single one of these emotions (and more).
They broke my heart and yet I love them desperately.
To Benji, Bobo, Ana, Ann Katrin, Ramona, Teemu, Sune, Alicia, Peter, Kira, Maya, Leo, Zackell, Hannah, Johnny & Tess:
I Stand Tall, If You Stand Tall.
To Benji Ovich - I love you with my whole heart and more.
**
So glad I got to re-read this with you Kaceey. Glad you loved this series too.
***
Oh, My Heart. Do I still have one? I’m not exactly sure. It has been wrenched out of my chest more than once reading the Beartown trilogy by Fredrik Backman and it happened once again reading The Winners, the last book in this series. To know this story is over is devastating. The only consolation I have is knowing that I can go back and re-read these books over and over again and re-visit the characters whenever I want. The Winners is a brilliant end to this series and I loved every minute.
Admittedly, while reading this novel, laughter, tears, and hysterical crying ensued.
Though I read this book as soon as I got my hands on a copy, putting my thoughts down “on paper” has taken quite some time.
I love so much about the characters and the storyline, that it’s hard to get it all out, and frankly, I don’t want to give anything away.
So what can I say? This is a story about two towns, two nets, two teams, everyone gets a stick, us against you. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
But you know that already, and there’s more, of course.
There’s dysfunction, family, friendship, love, loss, tragedy, human nature, the human spirit, grave mistakes, apologies, fists flying, and tears, lots of tears. Many wept by me.
* So with that out of the way, let me talk about what I love most. Hands down, it’s the characters.
First, last and always:
Benji Ovich: I love you. I just freaking love you and think of you every single day (and yes, I know that you are a fictional character). I love the fact that you have the biggest heart on the planet. That you, Benji, love with every fiber of your being, often to your detriment. That you are the most loyal of friends, and that you love your sisters desperately and would do anything for them. That you love Beartown, its residents, and Ramona so very much. Your struggles have torn me apart, and yet you, you persevere. Just like Beartown.
Bobo: What an amazing son and brother you are! Ann-Katrin raised you so well and would be very proud. Your ability to make people laugh is one of your best traits. As soon as you pose a question to your friends, I admit to smiling, then laughing out loud, and then immediately crying like a fool. There is just something so special about you, your ability to make light of dark times and your ability to make people laugh. You’re the best friend and son anyone could ask for!
Ana: Oh Ana. You do beat all girl! You’re wild, you say the darndest things, and sometimes, frankly, you do the darndest things, but your heart - it has always been in the right place.
Ramona: My oh my. I adore your snark, your wisdom, and your loyalty for everything you hold dear. Your love for Holger, Peter, Teemu, the Bearskin Pub, and of course Hockey (who could forget Hockey?) brought tears to my eyes more than once.
Teemu: Your love and loyalty for those you keep close, including Ramona, Vidar, the Pack, and Beartown were crystal clear. While I didn’t always approve of your tactics, I truly appreciate you and how much you love those around you.
Sune: Oh how lucky Peter, Alicia, and Beartown have been. You're a gift.
Alicia: Small, but mighty, I love your perseverance and your heart. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
* I love all of you and so many other characters more than I can begin to exclaim (in case it wasn’t obvious), and will miss you all very much.
While I loved The Winners, and am truly amazed at what Fredrik Backman accomplished, I wish it wasn’t over. These characters are near and dear to my heart and always will be.
To Fredrik Backman, thank you for writing these incredible novels and sharing so much of yourself with us.
Huge thanks to Ariele Friedman at Atria for the e-arc via NetGalley. Thanks also to Goodreads for the galley....more
In a quiet picturesque community on Long Island, new residents from Brooklyn move in. As soon as they arrive, it’s immediately clear to the current residents of ‘Maple Street’ that the Wilde’s simply don’t fit in. Gertie is a former Pageant Queen and her husband Arlo, is a has-been Rock Star and a former junkie. Sadly, their kids, Julia and Larry aren’t exactly ‘Maple Street’ material either.
The neighborhood is ruled by Rhea Schroeder, a master manipulator, who is adored by everyone and just happens to be the Wilde’s next-door neighbor. At first, Rhea appears to be their friend, little does Gertie know, however, that Rhea is not who she seems. Shortly thereafter, she turns on her new friends. Unfortunately for the Wildes, Rhea is a very persuasive woman and she convinces everyone in the neighborhood to turn against them as well.
While this is happening, an unfortunate incident occurs in the community. A sinkhole opens up and it swallows one of its residents. Once that happens, things go from bad to worse.
Thereafter the Wildes are brutalized and victimized by everyone in the neighborhood all because of Rhea Schroeder, one woman who wields all of the power.
A tale that takes place in the future and for which a reporter interviews the residents of Maple Street after the fact. Upon being interviewed, the residents questioned what was true and what was not.
Trying to sum up how I felt after reading “Good Neighbors” by Sarah Langan is virtually impossible. Frankly, at first, I was stunned and I had no words. I read this with my book buddy Kaceey and we found it to be wholly original. Wild and crazy, it had some quite interesting, and funny passages. Then this novel started to take a darker turn, which was unexpected, and then it became something else entirely. Something wholly astounding, devastating, and heartbreaking. To say that it broke me doesn’t quite cover it.
Even though this book wrecked me, I must say that this is one of the most brilliant books I have ever read. In my opinion, this entire novel represents a much bigger picture. An allegory if you will. I won’t spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it but what I will say is that it took me an entire day to come to that conclusion and when it struck me, I was dumbfounded.
If this book is not on your TBR, it should be. It is an incredible story and it is a MUST READ.
Sarah Langan, I applaud you for this brilliant novel and cannot wait to see what you come up with next. This is my first 5-star read of 2021 and it is also the first book that will appear on my Goodreads best-of list for 2021 as well.
As I mentioned, this was a buddy read with Kaceey - I’m so glad we shared this read together, I’m not sure I could have read this one alone.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books and Sarah Langan for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter on 1.17.21. Excerpt posted on Insta....more
Opal Pruitt is Seventeen, soon to be Eighteen in the Summer of 1936. On the cusp of adulthood, Opal has never kept company or been the victim of violence, but she’s about to experience both.
Living in a neighborhood called “Colored Town” in Parsons, Georgia, racism, and segregation run rampant. No one is safe from the KKK, not even kind, hard-working, well-respected families who keep to themselves.
Opal and her Granny keep house for Miss Peggy, who treats them like family or close to. The work makes Opal and her granny proud and provides a stable income to boot. For Opal, having the love and support of her granny and the rest of her family is almost enough. The only other thing she wants is to marry a good honest man. Though her granny isn’t quite ready for Opal to do so, she begins keeping company with a young man from Colored Town who has big dreams and a huge heart.
When tragedy strikes, everything is torn asunder. Families, friendships, and relationships are destroyed.
Teardrops fell.
Truth is, big, fat tears, rolled steadily down this girl’s cheeks.
What can I say? My love for “When Stars Rain Down” by Angela Jackson-Brown knows no bounds. The writing, the characters, and the storyline gripped me from the first sentence and didn’t let go till the last. My heart still aches for the characters in this novel and I think it will for a while.
The writing here is lovely, lyrical, and poetic. “When Stars Rain Down” broke my heart and yet, I loved it desperately. It will most assuredly appear on my Goodreads best-of-list for 2021. For me, the character development is the backbone of this story as I adored the characters of Granny and Opal. Though this novel contains a difficult subject matter, it is brilliantly done and I highly recommend this powerhouse of a novel to lovers of character-driven literary fiction and historical fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson, and Angela Jackson-Brown for the arc.
When it comes to literary fiction, if I’m being frank, the dirtier it is, the better it is. By that I mean, I like it complicated, messy and at times, really difficult, because in my opinion, that is real life.
Lucky for me, “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore certainly fit that bill and then some.
Long Bright River is a novel about dysfunction, layered on top of even more dysfunction - just how I like it.
Sisters, Mickey and Kacey couldn’t be more different. Growing up on the outskirts of Philly where drugs run rampant, both sisters took very different paths. Mickey became a cop, Kacey became an addict, and then some. Kacey’s life is not pretty, though she never purported it to be. What it is, is ugly, hard and wholly prevalent. Mickey took a different path, and is now a single mother, working a demanding job, always worried that Kacey won’t last another day.
While patrolling Kensington, where Mickey resides, bodies of female victims start piling up. Someone is on the hunt and Mickey appears to be the only one to spot a pattern. Unfortunately, Mickey also realizes that her sister Kacey has been missing from the streets for over a month.
All Mickey knows is that Kacey’s situation could be perilous. Intense desperation, utter despair, and a driving need to find her sister, lead Mickey on a hazardous goose chase.
A gritty, character-driven novel that leaves it all out on the table.
A buddy read/listen with Kaceey that was sitting in our queues for way too long. So glad we finally got to it. For me, this was a top read for 2020!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Riverhead Books for the arc. Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Oh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertainiOh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertaining book? “Goodnight Beautiful” includes a thrilling plot, newlyweds, therapy sessions and a highly intriguing main character whose sanity one can’t help but question. The ride is way bumpier than you might expect and it’ll make you question everything and I mean everything.
This mystery/suspense deals with a variety of themes including: Marriage; Secrets; Lies; Therapy; Obsession; Deceit; Abduction; Mental Illness and Sociopathy.
Then there is a nod to Stephen King’s “Misery.”
Can I just say Heck Ya!?!
I know you guys want more details but you’re not going to get them from me.
My advice: Go into this novel completely blind. The payoff is worth it.
The only thing I’ll say is that when you’re reading the book and that “Aha” moment comes, it’s a freaking doozy.
What more can I tell you? “Goodnight Beautiful” displays the art of misdirection beautifully. Aimee Molloy got me and she got me good. This novel is a psychological thriller that is highly captivating, compelling, wild and unpredictable and it is sure to top the list of best thrillers of the year. This was another thrilling buddy listen with Ms. Kaceey! The audiobook gave us LOTs to discuss.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for the arc and Libro.fm and Harper Audio for the alc.
MatchYourDna.Com? This immediately got my back up. I mean I am a HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS person by nature. I had myTotally Addictive. Like. I. Can’t. Even.
MatchYourDna.Com? This immediately got my back up. I mean I am a HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS person by nature. I had my doubts about this early on. I mean.. a DNA test that will determine who you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? My first thought? AS IF!
Something was in fact up, and I was in fact right to be suspicious and the people I was suspicious of? Yep! I had them pegged from the beginning, but I didn’t guess right.
Way to bring it yet again John Marrs!
“The One” is a brilliantly plotted character driven mystery suspense that will grab you by the horns and won’t let go. All characters' stories are utterly compelling, with my favorite being Nick and his match, Alexander (swoon!), with a close second to Christopher and his match Amy. Can you say woah?!
If only all books were this good!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook. Kudos to Clare Corbett, Vicky Hall, Simon Bubb, Jot Davies and Sophie Aldred for their stellar narration.
Laughing through the tears! Hilarious, Snarky, Sexy, Sarcastic and Sweet!
This m/m Rom-Com has it all: Witty banter, hilarity and seriously sweet situLaughing through the tears! Hilarious, Snarky, Sexy, Sarcastic and Sweet!
This m/m Rom-Com has it all: Witty banter, hilarity and seriously sweet situations that capture the heart.
Bravo Alexis Hall! “Boyfriend Material” made me laugh so hard I cried and admit to snorting hysterically.
This brilliantly plotted romantic comedy completely drew me in with its flawed characters and an ingenious storyline. The characters of Luc and Oliver kept me intrigued throughout and always kept me wishing, hoping, laughing and smiling.
I went into this blindly and suggest that everyone do the same as the payoff here is huge. This is only my second m/m rom-com (the first being “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston, which I also loved).
“Boyfriend Material” is the best Rom-Com I’ve encountered this year and that’s saying something considering that I read quite a few of them.
Listening to this novel now, during difficult times, put a smile on my face, made me laugh uncontrollably and made my abs hurt throughout and that my friends made me one extremely happy girl. “Boyfriend Material” will most certainly be on my best of list for 2020. If you’re like me and you haven’t read that many m/m rom-coms, I hope you’ll give this one the chance it deserves simply because it’s worth it.
A huge thank you to Dreamscape Media, LLC and Libro.fm, Joe Jameson (the stellar narrator) and Alexis Hall for the alc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.26.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
Many tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a hMany tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a heavy heart and it got oh so much heavier. It was however necessary. There is so much to learn and I thank Ms. Morrison for opening my tear-filled eyes.
This novel explores racism, poverty, assault, and so much more. It is a heart-wrenching story about Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl living in Lorain, Ohio in 1941, who desperately wants to be beautiful. Even her schoolmates Freida and Claudia, whose lives aren’t exactly easy, would describe Pecola as ugly.
For these African American girls, who are given white dolls, with blond hair and blue eyes, beauty is skewed. Pecola would do anything to have “The Bluest Eye”, to be seen as beautiful. To be loved. For Pecola Breedlove, kind, sweet, lonely, innocent Pecola, recognizes far more than she should at her young age. For Frieda and Claudia, their innocence is slowly taken away bit by bit.
Family, friends, relatives, acquaintances. During this time and place. No one had any idea how their actions were taken. No one stopped to think before they took action. Hate is spewed upon those who did not deserve it. Children. Young girls. Innocents. Simply because of the color of their skin.
So many passages in this novel hit home. They gave me pause.., and they made tears runneth over.
“Long hours she sat looking in the mirror, trying to discover the secret of the ugliness, the ugliness that made her ignored or despised at school, by teachers and classmates alike.”
“And something more. The total absence of human recognition—the glazed separateness. She does not know what keeps his glance suspended.”
“She has seen it lurking in the eyes of all white people. So. The distaste must be for her, her blackness.”
“All of our waste which we dumped on her and which she absorbed. And all of our beauty, which was hers first and which she gave to us. All of us—all who knew her—felt so wholesome after we cleaned ourselves on her. We were so beautiful when we stood astride her ugliness. Her simplicity decorated us, her guilt sanctified us, her pain made us glow with health, her awkwardness made us think we had a sense of humor. Her inarticulateness made us believe we were eloquent. Her poverty kept us generous. Even her waking dreams we used—to silence our own nightmares. And she let us, and thereby deserved our contempt. We honed our egos on her, padded our characters with her frailty, and yawned in the fantasy of our strength”
“The Bluest Eye” is a character driven novel that will leave you with a heavy heart. I recommend this for a book club and it includes difficult subject matters. . To the “Pecola’s” and Breonna’s of this world. I am so very sorry. I vow to keep reading and educating myself so that I can do better.
Thank you to Toni Morrison for this incredible novel.
Published on Goodreads and Instagram on 6.13.20....more
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfor5 Heartwarming Stars!
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfort and peace and makes you feel completely content. A book you just want to curl up with. (My cat, in fact, did exactly that!)
For me, that book was “My Kind of People” by Lisa Duffy. As soon as I started reading it, a calmness enveloped me, almost like the warmth of a cozy blanket on a cold snowy day.
“My Kind of People” centers around a community: family, friends and neighbors, who live on Ichabod Island in New England. People whose lives who’ve been torn apart by tragedy and secrets.
First, there’s Sky, whose life is in shambles after her parents are killed tragically. Though life has dealt Sky the worst possible cards in the deck, somehow, Sky is able to believe. Then there’s Leo, Sky’s Legal Guardian. Kind, intuitive, sweet Leo who simply wants to make everything ok, for Sky and for his husband Xavier. If only it were that easy. Maggie, Leo and Sky’s next door neighbor, has recently had a few struggles of her own. Marital troubles - which Maggie’s best friend Agnes seems happy to fixate on. Tsk, tsk. Then we have Joe, neighbor to both Leo and Maggie, who has troubles of his own, though he is always there for everyone in their time of need.
“My Kind of People” is a character driven novel which includes a stellar cast. Each character is multifaceted and full of heart and incredible depth. I loved the characters of Sky, Leo, Maggie, Joe and Frankie (Sky’s best friend) and felt completely engulfed in the storyline from the get go. I could say that it’s because I grew up in New England and could imagine myself in the picturesque town, though in truth it’s entirely due to Lisa Duffy’s writing style and her brilliant characterizations.
Even before I started this book I had a feeling. I mean, how could I not? The title itself made me think the book would be pretty darn special. “My Kind of People” - what’s not to like? When I meet someone, I can tell almost immediately, if they are “My Kind of People” so I was pretty sure this was my kind of book! That said, last year when I had read Lisa Duffy’s “This is Home” and I felt much the same way. That book made it on to my Goodreads Best of List for 2019 and this book struck a chord with me early on and from that point, I knew that this book was just as special and would appear on this year’s Best of List. For those of you who wonder if you should read this, the answer is a resounding yes! It will fill your heart with peace and love and give you that warmth that you so desperately need.
Thank you so much to Lisa Duffy for filling that Void.
Thank you to Maudee Genao at Atria Books for the Galley, NetGalley for the e-arc.
Happy Publication Day!
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley on 5.12.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
Let’s hear it for the Best Bromance Book of the Bunch: “Crazy Stupid Bromance!”
This novel is filled with hysterical laughter, friendship, love and loLet’s hear it for the Best Bromance Book of the Bunch: “Crazy Stupid Bromance!”
This novel is filled with hysterical laughter, friendship, love and lots of swoonworthy moments sure to make you smile. What makes “Crazy Stupid Bromance” better than its predecessors “The Bromance Book Club” and “Undercover Bromance” is that it feels like real life and is a book you can totally immerse yourself in.
Here we have Alexis Carlisle, owner of the ToeBeans cafe whose life has taken quite the turn since we last saw her in “Undercover Bromance” and gorgeous, geeky Noah who Alexis met as a result of that time in her life. The best of friends, these two exchange witty banter every single day.
When that spark finally ignites, all bets are off!
The chemistry between these two is OFF the FREAKING CHARTS much to the dismay of Alexis’ cat Beefcake who loves torturing Noah (which admittedly made the cat lover in me laugh quite wickedly!). Way to go Beefcake!!
Then there is The Bromance Book Club! Baaawaaahh!!! Thank you for making my day guys! Cue the Laughter and the Tears which literally STREAMED down my Face! You guys Frakking Rock!
What more can I say?! This Bromance book will make even doubters hope and believe. For this is what it’s all about in my opinion: A friendship that turns into romance.
An absolutely fabulous buddy read with Ms. Kaceey! Thank you for sharing in the laughter Kaceey.
A huge thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and Lyssa Kay Adams for making me laugh and smile at a time when I need to look towards the light.
It has been eleven years since Jack McEvoy has been seen ‘round these parts. As a reporter, he has a knack for getting himself into trouble. This timeIt has been eleven years since Jack McEvoy has been seen ‘round these parts. As a reporter, he has a knack for getting himself into trouble. This time is no different.
Now he’s working for “Fair Warning,” a non-profit consumer protection news website for a man named Myron Levin. Myron is kind and fair and always goes to bat for his team and the story. Jack hasn’t changed a bit, he still loves his job more than anything and can’t help but sink his teeth in once he finds a story he believes in.
When a woman named Tina Portrero is murdered who Jack had a one night stand with a year prior, Jack, of course, investigates. Turns out the story casts a much wider net than murder. Technology. Cyberstalking. DNA Testing. Genetics. Profiling.
Tina’s death was not the first - each encountering the same manner of death, each having had DNA testing before their deaths.
In this instance, Jack can’t go it alone. Enter Rachel Walling. Yes, that Rachel Walling. Former FBI Agent and Ex-Girlfriend of Jack McEvoy. Talk about complications! Having them back together again was chicken soup for this girl’s soul!
“Fair Warning” by Michael Connelly is masterfully written. It is a thrilling, high stakes novel that will keep you completely engaged throughout. This is the 3rd Jack McEvoy novel by Michael Connelly, The Poet and The Scarecrow, being the other two. Although it has been a few years since I last read The Scarecrow I quickly fell right back into the world of Jack McEvoy and felt right at home. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for another novel (even though I love my Harry Bosch and miss him a lot!).
Thank you to my local bookstore for my copy of this novel.
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever! (If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must 5 Fanfreakingtastic Stars!!!
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever! (If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must get your hands on it!).
“Happiness” has absolutely everything you could ever possibly want in a novel. Heart, soul, emotion (lots and lots of emotion, cue the tears) witty banter (cue the hysterical laughter!) phenomenal writing and characters you can’t help but love.
The characters I’m referring to? They will steal your heart, just like they stole mine.
Thirty-two year old Helen Carpenter has been divorced for a year. You’d think she’d be over it by now, if only it were that easy. Hoping to find a way, and find herself in the process, Helen enrolls in a Wilderness Survival Course.
Jake is best friends with Helen’s younger brother Duncan. For as long as he could remember he’s had a crush on one woman. That woman is Helen. The fact that he’s ten years younger has never bothered him in the least. Needing to prove something to himself, Jake, too has enrolled in the same survival course as Helen.
Let the sparks (laughter and tears) fly! Oh how I love these two characters together! Hello friendship, chemistry, romance, and witty banter! Yes please and thank you!
What more can I tell you? What ensues here is nothing short of magical. A woman who discovers that she can harness her own power, find the strength she needs to survive anything and realize that everyday, she can find something to be grateful for. (The list is endless).
Be Still My Heart.
“Happiness for Beginners” gave me a lot to think about and cherish. Having read all of Katherine Center’s novels (including her latest novel “What You Wish For” - featuring Duncan - Helen’s younger brother), I can now say that this is my favorite Katherine Center novel (and that’s saying something considering that I loved “Things You Save in a Fire” and “How to Walk Away”). There is just something about this storyline, the incredible message and the amazing characters, (whose romance I loved to pieces) that just got me.
If this novel wasn’t on your radar before, I hope it will be now, as this is a MUST-READ. It will make you smile and laugh and will give you reasons to feel thankful, even during the darkest of times.
This was an incredible buddy read with Kaceey. Thank you for sharing this with me Kaceey! I love that we both love Katherine Center’s novels so much!
Posted on Goodreads on 4.5.20. Excerpt posted on Insta....more
My Heart is Bursting with Love for this Incredibly Well Written, Insightful Novel.
Over the last few years, I h5 Extremely Emotional, Heartfelt Stars!
My Heart is Bursting with Love for this Incredibly Well Written, Insightful Novel.
Over the last few years, I had seen several incredible reviews for this book and I knew that I wanted to read it. A year ago, I bought the book but I just hadn’t gotten around to it. You know how it goes, there is never enough time! At the beginning of this year however, I decided that I must make time for books I wanted to read (arcs can wait a little while! Shh!). “This is How it Always Is” was one of the first on my list. Even though I owned the book, I reserved the audiobook at my library because I’ve been taking long walks on the weekends and voila!
There were so many moments upon listening to this family where my heart ached and tears formed. Rosie and Penn, parents to four boys, always wanting a girl and never having one, decide to try one last time and then, have yet another boy. Claude. Gorgeous, sweet, kind, special Claude. Claude, who at 5 years old, tells his family that he wants to wear a dress, and wear barrettes in his hair and be a girl when he grows up. Claude, who at 5 years old decides that he wants to change his name to Poppy.
Parents Rosie and Penn grapple with how to support and accept their child who has different wants and needs than their other children. What do you do when one child needs more than the others? Can you sacrifice more for one than you do for the others? How can you determine what is fair? Every aspect of what is fair and what is right is explored with sheer perfection.
For me, what brought it all home is the character development in this novel, which is stellar. I was immediately drawn in and completely captivated by Rosie and Penn and by Claude/Poppy and all her/his/their siblings.
“This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel is a novel that deserves to be cherished and savored. It is wholly important and I am so glad that I listened to it. There is such love between this family that I am in awe of how this novel was written. Even in moments of despair, there is light.
A huge thank you to Jan B and Liz for your stellar reviews and bringing this novel to my attention!
Thank you to Laurie Frankel for writing this incredibly important novel! Thank you also to BookOutlet for my copy and to my local library for loaning me the stellar audiobook.
Living. It means something different to everyone, whether it’s about drugs, money, hard wo5 Incredible Stars
Dark, Troubling and Suspenseful Grit Lit!
Living. It means something different to everyone, whether it’s about drugs, money, hard work, family, love or loss.
In McFalls County, Georgia, living ain’t easy. Never has been, never will be.
It’s about desperate times and desperate measures. Every once in a while a man comes along looking to make things right. That’s where Dane Kirby, an Investigator with the George Bureau of Investigation, comes in. When a murder happens on Bull Mountain, Kirby is the man Sheriff Darby Ellis calls when all hell breaks loose. (Ellis was the former Deputy under Clayton Burroughs, whose legend still lingers over Bull Mountain.)
Coinciding with the murder in Georgia, is the suspicious and brutal murder of a man in a Florida hotel room who has ties to McFalls County and a place called “Hard Cash Valley.” Kirby is soon paired with FBI Agent Roselita Velasquez to solve that crime and find the only person who might be able to help.
Dane Kirby is a man with a checkered past.
Haunted, troubled, and extremely vulnerable, Dane Kirby’s character pulled at me. Just thinking about the person he is, his anguish and his deep dark past, I couldn’t help but be all in as soon as I turned the first page of Brian Panovich’s “Hard Cash Valley.”
Having read Brian Panovich’s prior novels “Bull Mountain” and “Like Lions” - I would describe this novel as having more heart. You all know that I am a “softie” when it comes to novels that I love. I get “teary” at times and there was a point where this one got me. It has its moments where it's a bit dark and ominous, (it’s Grit Lit after all!) yet it isn’t quite as violent as Brian Panovich’s other novels (at least not in my opinion). That aside, I love the atmosphere, the setting and the character development and can’t wait to see what Brian Panovich comes out with next. “Hard Cash Valley” is the first Grit Lit of the year to make my Goodreads Best of List for 2020.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey - which I was extremely excited to share with her. It was her first Brian Panovich! I can happily report that she loved it.
A Huge Thank You goes out to Joe Brosnan at Minotaur Books for the Galley. I could not wait to get my hands on a copy of this book and he obliged. Thank you also to Brian Panovich, you do not disappoint.
“Losing Hope” is the story of “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover told from Dean Holder’s perspective.. and yet4 Stars
“Swoonworthy, Heartbreaking and Lovely”
“Losing Hope” is the story of “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover told from Dean Holder’s perspective.. and yet it is oh so much more. I said earlier (in my review of “Hopeless”) Holder is swoonworthy did I not? Romantic, kind and considerate - he’s the most incredible brother, boyfriend and friend. If this guy was the real deal well, I’d hunt him down already! Baawaahh!!! (Of course I don’t mean it.. I’m more than twice his age but one can pretend.. lol.)
Anyhow, this novel, should not be missed!! If you loved “Hopeless” - this truly rounds out Holder’s story and just makes you love him more so please check it out.
My First 5 Star Read of the 2020! Oh What a Brilliant Read! Thank you to my Goodreads Friend Angela, for putting this on5 Fabulous & Wondrous Stars!
My First 5 Star Read of the 2020! Oh What a Brilliant Read! Thank you to my Goodreads Friend Angela, for putting this on her Best of Goodreads list for 2019 and reminding me that I needed to read it!
Cussy Mary Carter is an employee of the Pack Horse Librarian Project, delivering books to the people of Kentucky by horse. She is also the last female of the Blue People ancestry, in Troublesome Creek, Kentucky.
Everyone calls her Bluet, for the color of her skin.
Let me just say that Cussy Mary stole my heart. She is endearing, sassy and oh so smart. Never given a fair shake, treated kindly or knowing what it’s like to have a friend, somehow, Cussy Mary wakes up every day and is basically a happy person. She is extremely kind, gracious and selfless and goes out of her way to give to others, when frankly she and her Pa have very little. If only everyone could be as wonderful and forgiving as Cussy Mary.
Even after being subjected to medical experiments because of her race, Cussy Mary takes it in stride, which I don’t think anyone else would ever do.
Though this novel focused on a few extremely difficult subjects such as discrimination and prejudice, I am astounded at what the author, Kim Michelle Richardson was able to accomplish. This story, all of the characters, the history that was included in this novel, was all intertwined in such a way that completely stole my heart. I fell in love with Cussy Mary and am so glad that I read this novel. It will most definitely be on my Goodreads Best of List for 2020!
If you know me, you know that I hardly ever research the topics broached in the novels that I read, but this novel intrigued me and immediately took me to google. As it turns out, the Blue Fugates or Blue People of Kentucky, settled in Hazard Kentucky in the 1800’s, eventually settling in Troublesome Creek in the 20th Century. Hematologist Madison Cawein III did in fact use Methylene Blue to treat some Blue Fugate family members and it did reduce their coloring. He published his research in the Archives of Family Medicine in 1964. There is currently one last living descendant of the Blue Fugates or Blue People of Kentucky: Benjamin Stacy, born in 1975 (he’s only a year younger than me!). The Pack Horse Librarian Project took place in the Appalachian Mountains between 1935 and 1943, serving 100,000 people and 155 schools among 30 libraries. Librarians were called, “Book Women,” “Book Ladies,” and “Packsaddle Librarians.”
If you are looking for a brilliant character study with a fabulous story to boot, based on real characters, I implore you to read this brilliant piece of fiction.
A huge thank you again to my friend Angela for putting this on her Best of List for 2019. I absolutely LOVED it.
Thank you also to my local library for lending me a copy and to Kim Michelle Richardson for writing an astounding novel!
There’s a Serial Killer on the loose in the City of Los Angeles and this time, he’s targeting Families and that means, no one4.5 Heart Stopping Stars!
There’s a Serial Killer on the loose in the City of Los Angeles and this time, he’s targeting Families and that means, no one is safe.
When FBI Behavioral Analyst Caitlin Hendrix and the rest of the team arrive from the Bureau to join forces with the LAPD to find the man aptly named the “Midnight Man” no stone is left unturned. Unfortunately, more bodies are pile up night after night, and finding the man responsible, seems like an impossibility, until the team deciphers the clues left behind.
This assignment becomes personal for Caitlin in more ways than one, ways that both harm and terrify her. In order to find the “Midnight Man,” Caitlin must face her past and conquer it, neither of which will be easy.
“The Dark Corners of the Night” by Meg Gardiner is a mystery / suspense that made my heart leap out of my darn throat. The suspense in this book is ratcheted up in a way that kept me up till all hours of the night to finish this brilliantly plotted novel. My breath caught and my stomach was in knots during oh so many moments and yet, I loved every minute of it. I love the character of Caitlin and feel like I really understand how her mind works and that speaks volumes about the writing in “The Dark Corners of the Night.”
Having read “UNSUB” and having loved it, and having liked “Into the Black Nowhere”, I can say that “The Dark Corners of the Night” is almost as good as “UNSUB.” For me, “Into the Black Nowhere” was a little more gruesome than I’d like, which turned me off a bit. I highly recommend this book for fans of the UNSUB novels, as well as for fans of mystery / suspense and serial novels.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Blackstone Publishing and Meg Gardiner for the arc.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 1.18.20....more
*Updated 11/8/20* Buddy Listen with Kaceey! I'm so grateful that I got to share my love for this book with my book buddy and am so glad that Kaceey lo*Updated 11/8/20* Buddy Listen with Kaceey! I'm so grateful that I got to share my love for this book with my book buddy and am so glad that Kaceey loved this book as much as I did.
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5 Powerful Stars
“Anxious People” is a thought provoking, heart-wrenching, comical novel that leaves you in wonderment. It’s Fredrik Backman at his best. At its heart, this book deals with human connection and the impact people have on each other. It showcases Mr. Backman’s talent in an entirely new way and it is another reminder as to why he is one of my favorite authors.
Fredrik Backman is an author who has an innate ability to capture the human spirit, get under his characters’ skins and relay his characters thoughts and feelings in a way that makes us feel as if we know them, as if we are friends with them and at times, as if we are them.
“Anxious People” is different from Backman’s other novels, there are no quirky curmudgeons like Ove or Britt-Marie and there are no Benji’s. This story features a Bank Robber, a Hostage Situation, a Real Estate Agent and an entire cast of other extremely complicated characters. This is a character driven novel and it delves into the trials and tribulations of each individual whose lives are affected by the situation that they are in. I had no idea what I was in for when I dived in - what I will say is that each and every character will steal your heart. It’s that thing called human connection.
Within just a few minutes of reading this, tears pricked my eyes and I knew from that moment on that this book was special. It is wild and crazy and unlike anything you’ve ever read. At times you will be exasperated and yet you will keep reading. One minute you will be laughing and the next you will be in tears. For me, it happened and happened often.
Once again, Fredrik Backman does something special here and I’m so very grateful for it.
“Anxious People” is a must read and will most certainly be on my Goodreads Best of List for 2020. This novel reminded me that everything I do can potentially impact others and therefore, I must think before I act. It also reminded me how important human connection is and how grateful I am for the relationships I have built with all of you. Though times are difficult right now, I am thankful that we have each other. I wish you all good health, peace and safety. Namaste.
A huge thank you to Ms. Ariele Friedman at Atria Books and NetGalley for the arc. Thank you also to Fredrik Backman for continuing to write such incredible words. You inspire me.
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