enjoyable Middle Grade book I read for some 2020 book challenges for book becoming a movie in 2020. I found myself growing attached to the characters enjoyable Middle Grade book I read for some 2020 book challenges for book becoming a movie in 2020. I found myself growing attached to the characters as time progressed in the book. It was possible to find redeeming aspects of the antagonists by the end of the story. There was some very clever plot twists/deeply thought out strategies. Now I am curious to watch the movie...more
While I enjoyed this book I didn't love it. In many ways it reminded me of John Knowles A Separate Peace. Similar premise of an event at a school withWhile I enjoyed this book I didn't love it. In many ways it reminded me of John Knowles A Separate Peace. Similar premise of an event at a school with a flashback story telling style. While Tartt's writing is good, it feels like it is too long at times. I had a similar reaction to Goldfinch when I read it a few years ago. Basically, I neither love nor hate the book. I'm just somewhat indifferent to it.
Be aware the book is full of drug and alcohol references so if this is not appropriate for the intended reader this may not be the best selection for them....more
Dogs Don't Lie is a cozy mystery by Lisa Shay that I was given an advanced copy for free in return for this honest review I am providing.
The story ceDogs Don't Lie is a cozy mystery by Lisa Shay that I was given an advanced copy for free in return for this honest review I am providing.
The story centers around the main character of Kallie Collins, a recently graduated veterinarian who is living in Medford, Oregon. We first meet Kallie as she is arriving at a BBQ that her mother has failed to tell her is a large gathering with a blind introduction to a nephew of a "dear" friend of her mother's. This turns out to be one of several ambushes her mother pulls trying to fix her up, leading to some comedic moments in the book. While at the BBQ she's gets a call to meet the County Sheriff for an assist at a scene.
Here she meets Ben and the events that transpire lead to her involvement in his case. Her ability to communicate with animals leads the authorities to some clues and information about the victim of a crime. Kallie, ends up fostering a corgi/terrier mix named Ariel and a calico cat, Ella. She wrangles her best friends, Sam and Gracie to help her in her side investigation. Together they uncover more suspicious and apparently unlawful activities going on in Medford.
There are several escapades traipsing through the woods and on the back roads that eventually lead to Kallie helping the authorities solve the case. They even acknowledge her involvement provided valuable information that helped them close the case. Shay does a nice job of wrapping up the story and providing the missing pieces at the end. All in all the book was a very good, fast read. I look forward to seeing if there are more installments in the series and to see if Kallie and Ben become a couple....more
False Flags was a high speed and engaging spy novel that is the 10th and final book in a series. I had not read any of the previous installments but tFalse Flags was a high speed and engaging spy novel that is the 10th and final book in a series. I had not read any of the previous installments but that did not prove to be an issue with this book The reader is introduced to Ann Sashakovich and her fiance', Jon Sommers, early in the book. We also learn out about a previous AI competition that has gone awry for Ann and her Stanford classmates that has left two AI's battling each other and trying to influence the espionage world.
The initial setup of the plot involves Ann and her classmates, Glen Sarkov, Dave Nordman, Laura Hunter, and Samantha Trout and their interactions while interviewing for jobs post college. Many of the interviews are with intelligence agencies which we find out are no strangers to many of the characters as they have family members in the business working for different nationalities.
This is actually one of the few issues I had with the book, there were often too many characters referenced and their relationships with the other characters discussed. It was hard to follow and I found myself lost and having to flip back for clarity. I wished while I was reading for a character chart, which I found at the conclusion of the book- which would have been easier to discover if I had been reading a physical book.
Overall the action and the story line were quite engaging. There were many interlinking subplots which the author tied together quite well. I appreciated the author's final chapters where Jon told what happened in the ensuing years to many of the key characters. I would like to have found out what happened further with the AI and the havoc it was attempting to reek on the world. We were left hanging on that one aspect.
All in all I can recommend this book
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy...more
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I checked the audiobook out from the library. I really enjoyed readiI was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really wasn't sure what to expect when I checked the audiobook out from the library. I really enjoyed reading Hilderbrand's descriptions of St. John as well as her storyline. The character development was well done and I appreciated seeing how the different characters interacted and reacted to a specific event they all had in common. I enjoyed how the story moved between different characters and seeing how specific scenes were perceived by each of the characters.
The mystery portion of the story was intriguing and I cannot wait to read the sequel. All in all a great book....more
This was a very engaging and enjoyable read. Milman keeps the reader guessing about who the bad guy is until the end. The Thriller with lots of twists
This was a very engaging and enjoyable read. Milman keeps the reader guessing about who the bad guy is until the end. The main character, Aidan, goes through some soul searching and growth. All in all a good enjoyable book that definitely gives pause to think about what you put out into the digital ether...more
I enjoyed this story in the latest installment of the Stone Barrington saga but I have to admit the shear number of different women he shares his bed I enjoyed this story in the latest installment of the Stone Barrington saga but I have to admit the shear number of different women he shares his bed with in a given week is getting a bit ridiculous- 1 leaves unexpectedly mid-evening and he takes another home instead, really. This story does have some good plot twists and a quick pace. On the other hand there are some plot lines that needed to be cleared up in my opinion- the wink between Betty and Vanessa is never explained for example. Also, for someone involved in the world of espionage and living in a city the size of NYC, it never raises a red flag that the antagonist keeps showing up in the same restaurants as Stone and Dino? While I enjoy the exploits of Stone and his friends I do think the series is getting a bit hurried in the release of the installments and the bit of extra time could be spent firming up plot details and lose ends. Even still, the book is an enjoyable read for a rainy/snowy afternooon....more
A very typical Stone Barrington novel, actually a little less death than normal in this one. Plenty of intrigue and plot twists. Stealth finds Stone iA very typical Stone Barrington novel, actually a little less death than normal in this one. Plenty of intrigue and plot twists. Stealth finds Stone in the UK for the entire book, no Turtle Bay house visits and minimal interaction with Joan. He does visit with Holly, Felicity, Dino, Viv and CIA director Lance Cabot. Not suprisingly, Stone ruffles some feathers and lands in the bedroom repeatedly in this current title. He meets his newest romantic partner as well as his nemesis for this installment while laid up in a military hospital following a car wreck. From there the intrigue, espionage, and plot turns commence.
I found this book to be a rather interesting read. I know several of the reviews I read prior to reading the book thought there was no point to the boI found this book to be a rather interesting read. I know several of the reviews I read prior to reading the book thought there was no point to the book, but I disagree. It was a book that caused the reader to do some self reflection. The premise of silence during their retreat lead to a natural evolution to hearing the characters inner voices without seeming out of context. I could see many aspects of myself in several of the characters. I definitely could relate to Francis' self conversation and her second guessing. I enjoyed the style of the novel where there was a timeline moving the story along, but Moriarty jumps from character to character for the perspective of the story. It made for an interesting progression of the storyline and enabled flashbacks to occur. I also appreciated the flashes forward at the end to see where the characters end up and to get a glimpse of their relationships post their visits to the spa. ...more
Very enjoyable audio book; The narrator does a great job of voice inflections and changing voices for the different personas Ruth takes on as a food cVery enjoyable audio book; The narrator does a great job of voice inflections and changing voices for the different personas Ruth takes on as a food critic as well as her family members. I found it enjoyable to hear about all the different restaurants she reviewed and the escapades she experienced. Overall it was a fun and enjoyable read, I think having lived in NYC made it more enjoyable for me than it might for some. I lived in NYC during the same time frame as the early portion of the book. I think the Audio book might have done better with moving the recipes to the end of the reading rather than intermittent in the book. It was a bit difficult to skip over them readily while listening in the car. Other than that an enjoyable read about a topic I knew little about....more
This was the second book in the Abby McCree series set in Snowberry Creek,WA. The book was a typical mystery set around the Halloween season. There weThis was the second book in the Abby McCree series set in Snowberry Creek,WA. The book was a typical mystery set around the Halloween season. There were the typical clues and false leads found in cozies. The relationship between Abby and her tenant, Tripp, continues to develop awkwardly. This book did have a bit of a thought provoking undertone about how veteran are often misunderstood and the sad realities of the suffering some of them experience due to their times on active duty. All in all an enjoyable book...more
This is the first book i have read in this series. I enjoyed the story with its numerous plot twists. Sara Winston is a well developed character. I feThis is the first book i have read in this series. I enjoyed the story with its numerous plot twists. Sara Winston is a well developed character. I felt like there was more to her than many of the cozy mystery characters. You got to see more of her thoughts and emotions than a typical cozy. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series....more
It is always enjoyable to read about Hope Early and her adventures in Jefferson, CT. I enjoy the relationships she has with the different generations It is always enjoyable to read about Hope Early and her adventures in Jefferson, CT. I enjoy the relationships she has with the different generations of characters from her older friend, Jane, to her relationship with her sister, Clare. The developing story line with her frenemy Meg and her new friendship with Kitty are always interesting to read as well. I did figure out who was the guilty party but Ms. Sennefelder did a good job of keeping the reader guessing through most of the story throwing lots of possible suspects into the mix.
The story had several twists and turns and it is always fun to read the descriptions of her blogging and food photography. The included recipes always sound yummy, even if I will probably never try them.
This book.is spooky and disarming but keeps you reading even when you're terrified of the outcome. Slimani does an amazing job at getChilling thriller
This book.is spooky and disarming but keeps you reading even when you're terrified of the outcome. Slimani does an amazing job at getting into the minds of the characters. You cannot help but have a bit of sorrow for Louise and wonder what drive her to her vicious acts. The immense impact of mothers guilt is apparent in Myrame.
While I did find the book very engaging I did come away wishing we had been given more background explanation of how Louise came to this point in life. Also a bit more closure on her relationships with Stephane and Nerve would have added to the story. even though I enjoyed the book.and found it engaging, I finished the book feeling like I had a lot of unanswered questions so that's why I didn't give it 4 stars...more
This is the first book by Pam Jenoff that I have read. I cannot wait to read the Lost Girls of Paris after reading The Orphan’s TAmazing story telling
This is the first book by Pam Jenoff that I have read. I cannot wait to read the Lost Girls of Paris after reading The Orphan’s Tale. The story is an amazing tale told during the height of WWII. It gives us a glimpse of the circus life and a perspective on how the rise of the Nazis invaded everyday life in Germany and beyond. This is a story of survival as well as sorrow. Jenoff is an amazing storyteller that keeps you wanting more I enjoyed the format of having 2 narrators and learning the story from both their perspectives. I appreciate that the storyline is given closure to the characters lives in the Epilogue. It’s nice to know what happens to everyone...more
While the main storyline involving Lindsay Boxer and Joe is a good story, it felt at times like a stretch to include the supporting friend characters.While the main storyline involving Lindsay Boxer and Joe is a good story, it felt at times like a stretch to include the supporting friend characters. Their storylines are much more ancillary this time than in previous books in the series. I did enjoy the book and finished it in a single day. It felt like the authors were stretching to make it a Women's Murder Club versus a Lindsay Boxer story. The main mystery was a good twist and turn story though as always....more
This book was an unexpected winner for me. It started out slowly- I put it down and then retried a week or so later. As I got past the beginning the sThis book was an unexpected winner for me. It started out slowly- I put it down and then retried a week or so later. As I got past the beginning the storyline seemed to pickup pace and interest. This is a story about people who are "lost" and find their ways. There are plenty of unexpected challenges and successes presented in the book. Most of all though, you come to know and enjoy the characters of the town of Dove Pond, NC. You cannot help but find your self rooting for them and hoping everything will work out for them. Karen Hawkins, writes in the style where each chapter is from a different character's perspective. The story flows in a chronological order but the different scenes and plot points are shown from one character's perspective, it is just a rotating perspective. I don't mind the style as I think it adds to the development of the characters and our relationships with them.
Note, this is not a book full of only happy scenarios, there are many sad and thought provoking moments in the book and we watch the characters struggle with life's hardships. There is a little bit of unexplained magic that helps them along the way but nothing that isn't a beautiful way of expressing faith in oneself, others and the power of people working together.
This is a great read and I am glad I pushed through my initial reluctance to give the book is well deserved effort....more
Enjoyed revisiting a childhood favorite. I had taken a college course on children’s literature that discussed the correlation between the Narnia serieEnjoyed revisiting a childhood favorite. I had taken a college course on children’s literature that discussed the correlation between the Narnia series and religion. I hadn’t read this installment in that context so this reread definitely allowed me to see those parallels. Beyond that the level of detail in the descriptions is amazing. The edition I read had some wonderful illustrations as well.
I am not sure how much I really like this book The representation of the competitive nature of the city waA bit too much of a preaching message for me
I am not sure how much I really like this book The representation of the competitive nature of the city was accurate from my experiences while studying and working in NYC. The story itself was good but I didn't care for the narration style. I didn't like the fact that much of the story is told in third person but then suddenly would switch to first person. I understand it is exposed to.be Libby telling the story that is her novel but I felt the flow just didn't work. I also grew tired of the woe is the burden of women undertone and the blatant life isn't fair became annoying. I felt as though the story story was saying I must be a dumb woman because I am willing to be a stay at home mom and even enjoy it. That somehow I'm shallow because I no longer strive for success in business, I strive for success in our family instead.
I do agree with the Author that it is annoying when men are revered for watching their children and it isn't babysitting if they are your own kids. Overall this book was not what I expected it to be . I got annoyed at the need to make a statement and found it a distraction even though it was the point of the turmoil the female characters were experiencing.
I guess the Author achieved her goal in getting me, the reader, to think about the mom from a different perspective than my own so in that sense this was a successful novel. I think in general though, I do not care to have books I read preach at me and state one perspective or another is the best. Most things in life have 2 sides and 2 perspective to consider....more
I definitely think this book got me to think about human behavior and what is defined as normal by society. Interesting observations of human behavior
I definitely think this book got me to think about human behavior and what is defined as normal by society. Marianne is a damaged girl and Connell has issues of his own. The book follows them through very influential times of growth in their lives and examined the dynamics of their relationships with themselves, each other and others. There are a one very thought provoking interactions and behaviors in the book. At times I wish the reader got more answers particularly what had happened in Marianne 's childhood. Things are alluded to but not specific stated. I would like to have known more about her father and her relationship. There are some disturbing topics covered by the book but at the same time it made me appreciate my life and family that much more. It was interesting to see how people become "damaged" in the eyes of society
Overall I liked the book. Definitely left me thinking but I would have liked a few things tied up so that's why i didn't give it a 5 star...more
Always a fun visit with the ladies of the Murder club. This shirt novella focuses on the supporting cast wEnjoyable quick checkin with the Murder club
Always a fun visit with the ladies of the Murder club. This shirt novella focuses on the supporting cast while Lindsay is off on a much needed vacation. There are several shocking twists to the story with a happy ending. Easily finished this in an afternoon...more
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