Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 41

The Friday 56: His & Hers

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. How to participate: Grab a book, any book. Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your ereader. If you have to improvise, that is okay. Find a snippet, short and sweet. Post it, and link up on Freda’s Voice so everyone knows to visit.

This week I’m participating with: His & Hers by Alice Feeney

Blurb:

There are two sides to every story: yours and mine, ours and theirs, His & Hers. Which means someone is always lying.

When a woman is murdered in Blackdown, a quintessentially British village, newsreader Anna Andrews is reluctant to cover the case. Detective Jack Harper is suspicious of her involvement, until he becomes a suspect in his own murder investigation.

Someone isn’t telling the truth, and some secrets are worth killing to keep.

His & Hers is a twisty, smart, psychological thriller. A gripping tale of suspense, told by expertly-drawn narrators that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Friday 56 Excerpt:

I have spent a lifetime trying on new skins like new clothes, seeing which version of myself suited me best, shedding the ones that didn’t. Not everyone seems to know that personalities can be altered, until a person finds the perfect fit. I didn’t know who I was when I was younger or, if I did, I pretended not to. People often see what they want, rather than what is really there.

What do you think? Would you read this book? I read this one at the tail end of my vacation last week and couldn’t stop reading!

Can’t Wait Wednesday… Good Bad Girl

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney

Adult, Thriller

eBook, Hardcover, audiobook, 320 pages

August 29, 2023 by Flatiron Books

Blurb:

Sometimes bad things happen to good people, so good people have to do bad things.

Our Queen of Twists, bestselling author of Daisy Darker and Rock Paper Scissors Alice Feeney, returns with another thrilling mystery filled with drama and her trademark surprises.

Twenty years after a baby is stolen from a stroller, a woman is murdered in a care home. The two crimes are somehow linked, and a good bad girl may be the key to discovering the truth.

Edith may have been tricked into a nursing home, but at eighty-years-young, she’s planning her escape. Patience works there, cleaning messes and bonding with Edith, a kindred spirit. But Patience is lying to Edith about almost everything.

Edith’s own daughter, Clio, won’t speak to her. And someone new is about to knock on Clio’s door…and their intentions aren’t good.

With every reason to distrust each other, the women must solve a mystery with three suspects, two murders, and one victim. If they do, they might just find out what happened to the baby who disappeared, the mother who lost her, and the connections that bind them.

In the style of Daisy Darker and Rock Paper Scissors, Good Bad Girl is a thriller in which nobody can be trusted and the twists come fast and furious.

Why I Want to Read Good Bad Girl:

I’ve been binging Alice Feeney’s backlist for the past week and I am absolutely hooked on her books and her writing style. She’s my newest auto-buy author.

Will you be checking this one out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

Top Ten Tuesday: The First 10 Books I Randomly Grabbed from My Shelf

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: The First 10 Books I Randomly Grabbed from My Shelf

This week for TTT close your eyes and grab ten books off your shelf at random. What are they? Have you read them? What did you think of them? I loved this idea so here we go…

1. Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston

Have I read it? – Not yet! Hopefully soon!

2. A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: I enjoyed Shea’s adult debut. It’s an interesting read. I do not agree with two of the character’s decisions at the end, but other than that I gave this I think 4-4.5 stars. And I listened to it as an audiobook and definitely recommend it on audio!

3. The High Mountain Court by A.K Mulford

Have I Read It: No, I just received this one from The Bookish Box a month or so ago.

4. Fire Heart by Emma Hamm

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: I loved it! I still need to read the rest of the series and I’m hoping to binge them soon!

5. Daylight’s Curse by Tyffany Hackett

Have I Read It: Not yet!

6. Last One To Die by Cynthia Murphy

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: It was okay, not as good as The Midnight Game by this author.

7. Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: I loved it! It was such an interesting read and Tom seems like such a nice, genuine person!

8. To Free The Rising Storm by C.N. Maxwell

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: A good fantasy read, plus a doorstopper all in one

9. The Liar’s Crown by Abigail Owen

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: I loved it! I can’t wait to read the second book.

10. The Dark One by Nikki St. Crowe

Have I Read It: Yes

Thoughts: I enjoyed this one and devoured it quickly. Now I can’t remember what happened specifically in this one other than how it ended lol.

What books did you grab at random this week?

First Chapter, First Paragraph, Tuesday Intros: Rock Paper Scissors

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Socrates Book Reviews where you share the first paragraph of one of the books that you are currently reading. Each week bloggers will choose a book or books of the week (which will be one of the books that you are currently reading) and that book will take part in this book blog meme.

My book of the week is: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

First Chapter, First Paragraph:

My husband doesn’t recognize my face.

I feel him staring at me as I drive, and wonder what he sees. Nobody else looks familiar to him either, but it is still strange to think that the man I married wouldn’t be able to pick me out in a police lineup.

Blurb:

Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts–paper, cotton, pottery, tin–and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.

Rock Paper Scissors is the next exciting domestic thriller from the queen of the killer twist, New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney.

What do you think? Have you/would you read this one? I started reading this one on my flight to Charleston on the 22nd and couldn’t put it down, reading it in every spare minute during my trip!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 1 May 2023

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

Hey Bookdragons! Happy May! How many books did you read in April? What was your favorite?

What I’ve Read Recently: Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

I really enjoyed this one! I decided to read it just before I went to Charleston and although this book is set on a fictitious island by Charleston, it made me feel like I was there.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

This started the binge of Alice Feeney’s backlist that I’m currently in the middle of. I loved it and that twist at the end! Wow!

His and Hers by Alice Feeney

While I think I liked Rock Paper Scissors more, I loved this one too.

Currently Reading:Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

I’m about 65% into this one and I haven’t quite unraveled everything but these books are so bingeable! It feels like I start them and I can’t put them down!

Next Read: I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney

My last unread Alice Feeney book until Good Bad Girl releases in August. I’m so glad I gave this author a closer look after reading Daisy Darker months ago.

What books are you reading and enjoying this week? Have you read any of these?

The Sunday Post: Charleston, Twisted Ankles, and New Ink

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Charleston, Twisted Ankles, and New Ink

Hey Bookdragons! I’ve had a busy couple weeks so I’ve been on hiatus, how have you been?

From last Saturday (4/22) through Wednesday I was in Charleston. I had a great time, saw a bunch of things I hadn’t gotten to the last time I was there, ate a lot of fantastic food, and just got to relax. I almost didn’t want to come home!

One of the only down points of my trip was on Sunday morning I tripped over an uneven cobblestone in the courtyard of my hotel and twisted my ankle. It hurt so bad that day but luckily it’s down to more of a dull ache by now.

While I was in Charleston I got a tattoo to remember my trip. I love the sort of mini skyline idea I went with. What do you think?

Book Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

The Sunday Post: Charleston, Twisted Ankles, and New Ink (You Are Here)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 1 May 2023

First Chapter, First Paragraph, Tuesday Intros: Rock, Paper, Scissors

Top Ten Tuesday: The First 10 Books I Randomly Grabbed from My Shelf (I love this idea!!)

Can’t Wait Wednesday… Good Bad Girl!

What I’m Binge-Watching – 4 May 2023

The Friday 56: His & Hers

Kindle Unlimited:

Book Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

Hey Bookdragons! I’m on a hiatus this week and next as I’m leaving on vacation this weekend but first I’m popping in with a book review of my most recent read…

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel CleetonBlurb:

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

My Review:

I first heard about this book on another blog and after searching Google for details of the tragedy it’s based on I knew I had to have this book immediately. I love books about tragedies on the water.

The Cuban Heiress grabbed me immediately and I connected with both woman we see perspectives from, Elena and Catherine, right off the bat. Neither woman is what they seem and their reasons for being on the SS Morro Castle unspool a little at a time until their connection comes to light.

There is romance, a tense political climate in the background involving Cuba that is spoken of, intrigue, and a thirst for justice that made this one impossible to put down for very long.

One thing, that isn’t something I disliked per se, but I would have liked a little different perhaps is so much of this story is about the women’s lives before the SS Morro Castle, the revenge and desire for justice they seek, and what led them to being on board as well as the romance for one of the women that it feels like the tragedy – the captain dying, the ship starting on fire, the chaos and the carnage that ensued seems like it was almost rushed in the story. While I could see it unfold in my head I didn’t necessarily get absorbed enough to feel like I was there amongst the characters experiencing the horror right along with them like I did with Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan (about the steamship Pulaski disaster) for example, but I assume it is a difference in storytelling and the other plot points unfurling in the story.

Overall I did love this one and will probably check out this author’s other books. I’m also eager to read the non-fiction books the author mentions in her author’s note for people interested in reading more about the SS Morro Castle.

My Rating:

4.75 of 5 Stars, Rounded Up!

Can’t Wait Wednesday… You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

YA, Horror

eBook, Hardcover, 240 pages

June 20, 2023 by Bloomsbury

Blurb:

At Camp Mirror Lake, terror is the name of the game . . . but can you survive the night?

This heart-pounding slasher by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron is perfect for fans of Fear Street.

Charity Curtis has the summer job of her dreams, playing the “final girl” at Camp Mirror Lake. Guests pay to be scared in this full-contact terror game, as Charity and her summer crew recreate scenes from a classic slasher film, Curse of Camp Mirror Lake. The more realistic the fear, the better for business.

But the last weekend of the season, Charity’s co-workers begin disappearing. And when one ends up dead, Charity’s role as the final girl suddenly becomes all too real. If Charity and her girlfriend Bezi hope to survive the night, they’ll need figure out what this killer is after. Is there is more to the story of Mirror Lake and its dangerous past than Charity ever suspected?

Why I Want to Read You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight:

I love horror movies and books set at summer camps and with this one being like an attraction/interactive setting that appeals to me even more. It sounds like a perfect summer read!

Will you be checking this one out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

First Chapter, First Paragraph, Tuesday Intros: Carolina Moon

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Socrates Book Reviews where you share the first paragraph of one of the books that you are currently reading. Each week bloggers will choose a book or books of the week (which will be one of the books that you are currently reading) and that book will take part in this book blog meme.

My book of the week is: Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts

First Chapter, First Paragraph:

She woke in the body of a dead friend. She was eight, tall for her age, fragile of bone, delicate of feature.

Blurb:

Tory Bodeen grew up in South Carolina, in a small run-down house, where her father ruled with an iron fist and a leather belt-and where her dreams and talents had no room to flour-ish. But she had Hope, who lived in the big house just a short skip away and whose friendship allowed Tory to be something she wasn’t allowed to be at home: a child.

After young Hope’s brutal murder, unsolved to this day, Tory’s life began to fall apart. And now, as she returns to her hometown, with plans to settle in and open a stylish home-design shop, she is determined to find a measure of peace and free herself from the haunting visions of the past. As she forges a new bond with Cade Lavelle Hope’s older brother and the heir to the family fortune she isn’t sure whether the tragic loss they share will unite them or drive them apart. But she is willing to open her heart, just a little, and try.

Living so close to those unhappy memories will be more difficult and frightening than Tory could ever have expected, how-ever. Because Hope’s murderer is nearby as well..

What do you think? Have you/would you read this one? It’s a reread for me but it’s been years since I’ve read it and the movie adaptation is, of course, different in spots.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Titles with Animals In Them and/or Covers with Animals On Them

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Titles with Animals In Them and/or Covers with Animals On Them

This week’s TTT is all about books with titles with animals in them or books with animals on the cover. This one actually proved harder for me than I thought.

1. Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts2. Blood Magick by Nora Roberts3. Verity by Claire Farrell4. A Forest of Wolves by Chelsea Luna5. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo6. Bad Boy Brody by Tijan 7. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson8. The Boneless Mercies by April Genevieve Tucholke9. Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidecker10. Fifteen Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecker

Have you read any of these? Which books did you pick?