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| 0857389785
| 9780857389787
| 3.83
| 827
| Aug 09, 2013
| Jan 2014
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Review to follow xxx
| Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 14, 2019
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Apr 17, 2019
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Apr 14, 2019
| Paperback
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| 1785302302
| 9781785302305
| 4.53
| 15
| unknown
| Mar 28, 2019
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Revie to follow xxx
| Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 11, 2019
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Apr 14, 2019
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Apr 11, 2019
| Paperback
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| 073522112X
| 9780735221123
| 3.61
| 42,482
| Jul 27, 2017
| Aug 15, 2017
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 305 Publisher - Penguin Books Source - bought Blurb from Goodreads In this neighborhood, danger lies close to hom Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 305 Publisher - Penguin Books Source - bought Blurb from Goodreads In this neighborhood, danger lies close to home. A domestic thriller packed full of secrets, and a twisty story that never stops—from the bestselling author of The Couple Next Door He looks at her, concerned. “How do you feel?” She wants to say, Terrified. Instead, she says, with a faint smile, “Glad to be home.” Karen and Tom Krupp are happy—they’ve got a lovely home in upstate New York, they’re practically newlyweds, and they have no kids to interrupt their comfortable life together. But one day, Tom returns home to find Karen has vanished—her car’s gone and it seems she left in a rush. She even left her purse—complete with phone and ID—behind. There's a knock on the door—the police are there to take Tom to the hospital where his wife has been admitted. She had a car accident, and lost control as she sped through the worst part of town. The accident has left Karen with a concussion and a few scrapes. Still, she’s mostly okay—except that she can’t remember what she was doing or where she was when she crashed. The cops think her memory loss is highly convenient, and they suspect she was up to no good. Karen returns home with Tom, determined to heal and move on with her life. Then she realizes something’s been moved. Something’s not quite right. Someone’s been in her house. And the police won't stop asking questions. Because in this house, everyone’s a stranger. Everyone has something they’d rather keep hidden. Something they might even kill to keep quiet. My Review She bolts out, has to get away, jumps into the car, speeds away and smashes into a pole, darkness. Oooft what an opening chapter! Karen wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the car accident, her husband Tom doesn't know what to think. It can't be his wife, she wouldn't speed, she doesn't drive recklessly. As the police get involved, Karen and Tom become strained, Karen turns more to her close friend and neighbour, Brigid. Tom isn't happy, Karen isn't happy, Brigid isn't happy - do they all have something to hide? The police are intent on uncovering what is really going on and if there are secrets - they will uncover them. Ooooh it is no secret I really enjoy Lapena's writing, ever since I read The Couple Next Door, I sank it almost in one sitting in Amsterdam. She has a way of flinging you into the action with a belting opening to the book and then a tense, slow build up, tension, secrets and truths being teased out and making you trust no one and question everything! Lapena also does shorter chapters which I love. If you work full time or run a busy house hold, or both, sometimes you don't get to sit and read lots, with wee chapters you can dip in and out. You also end up late up at night as one chapter turns into just one more and repeat. The characters aren't always likeable, sometimes you don't even know right off why but they hook you, pull you in and you just HAVE to know where it is going. I find these books capture the readers attention quickly and you struggle to put the book down, 4.5/5 for me this time. I need to see if there are others by this author I haven't read and look forward to her next! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 10, 2019
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Apr 11, 2019
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Apr 10, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1250148847
| 9781250148841
| 3.86
| 1,341
| Mar 13, 2018
| Mar 13, 2018
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liked it
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Time taken to read - as and when able over 4 days Pages - 439 Publisher - Harper Collins Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads When a murder echoing Time taken to read - as and when able over 4 days Pages - 439 Publisher - Harper Collins Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads When a murder echoing a fifteen-year-old cold case rocks the Southern town of Savannah, crime reporter Harper McClain risks everything to find the identity of this calculated killer. A city of antebellum architecture, picturesque parks, and cobblestone streets, Savannah moves at a graceful pace. But for Harper McClain, the timeless beauty and culture that distinguishes her home’s Southern heritage vanishes during the dark and dangerous nights. She wouldn’t have it any other way. Not even finding her mother brutally murdered in their home when she was twelve has made her love Savannah any less. Her mother’s killer was never found, and that unsolved murder left Harper with an obsession that drove her to become one of the best crime reporters in the state of Georgia. She spends her nights with the police, searching for criminals. Her latest investigation takes her to the scene of a homicide where the details are hauntingly familiar: a young girl being led from the scene by a detective, a female victim naked and stabbed multiple times in the kitchen, and no traces of any evidence pointing towards a suspect. Harper has seen all of this before in her own life. The similarities between the murder of Marie Whitney and her own mother’s death lead her to believe they’re both victims of the same killer. At last, she has the chance to find the murderer who’s eluded justice for fifteen years and make sure another little girl isn’t forever haunted by a senseless act of violence―even if it puts Harper in the killer’s cross-hairs… My Review Meet Harper McClain, one of the best crime reporters in the business, good relationships with the police (unheard of eh!) and nothing gets in the way of a story. We meet her when there is a shooting and quickly get the scope of her character, hard as nails and putting herself in the middle of danger for a story. When a murder of a house wife in an affluent area goes down, gold for reporters, Harper wants to low down. When she realises how much it mirrors a crime from the past, one with personal links for Harper she risks literally everything to get to the bottom of it. So, we get an insight into reporters and some of the things they say in regards to the people's stories they cover, ooft! We watch a highly professional individual go through emotional turmoil and recklessness as she stops at nothing to get answers. It is a good paced story and we have a female character who is pretty head strong, forceful but dealing with her own past, personal feelings vs the job, pushing boundaries and really crossing more than a few lines along the way. I think for book one it sets up some good foundations, we get to know her and her background. Things that matter to her, how far she is willing to go. It was interesting to read a book from the reporters perspective, the books I read are often the police or criminals, not too often I get it fro this angle. It will be interesting to see where the author takes the next book, 3/5 for me this time, this was my first dance with this author and I will be checking out the next book in the series. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 06, 2019
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Apr 10, 2019
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Apr 06, 2019
| Hardcover
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| B077Y2G3XN
| 4.50
| 60
| unknown
| Dec 04, 2017
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 260 Publisher - Self published Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads My story begins aged 3, when my mother abandon Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 260 Publisher - Self published Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads My story begins aged 3, when my mother abandoned me and left me with my brutal father to raise me. Nobody knew the secrets that went on inside that house, or the journey that I travelled on after leaving it, until now. This is the story of my survival. What do you do when no one wants you? How many people need to destroy a child until that child wants to destroy herself? What if social services always got told a different story? What would you do if you were in my position? Survival is key. My Review Think of "A Child Called It" and stories of that vein this is Amelia's story and what she endured, surviving, growing up. A little girl, abandoned by her mother, "raised" by her father and his partner, a wee girl who knows very little kindness, love, even just basic respect or an environment to thrive. This book is a wee bit different from those of the same thread, this one actually has reports, written accounts and documents from the very few people who had interactions with Amelia. For me, this is one of the most infuriating things about the book, so many opportunities for someone, anyone to help this wee girl, to spot the red flags and act. Today everyone is taught to look for warning signs, things that flag up a potential issue with a child, so many things in this book screamed out and yet still where missed. We flip between the authors voice and accounts of what happened then a document then back to the authors voice, this is how the book is presented, flipping between the two. We meet a child that has a strength evident from a very young age to survive, adapt, push through time and time again with so many horrors thrown upon her. There are so many individuals to dislike and hate for what they allowed to happen, blaming this poor child, denying kindness, love, protection even understanding. They are so horrific, shaming, blaming, hurting even down to the small flash we see from the neighbour I hated the parts she was in, actively enjoying causing distress to a bairn. Knowing these have been living people, real encounters - it just baffles the mind evil like these individuals exist. There are quite a few graphic scenes in the book, most people know picking up this type of true story that abuse will be covered. My heart was in my mouth more than once and I just wanted to reach out and protect this poor child that seemed to have no one in her corner, failed at pretty much every opportunity to catch what was going on. It is emotional, hard going, brutal, honest and one thing that comes through almost every single chapter is the strength in this wee girl who has now grown up and opened her world to readers to know her truth, her history, her story of survival. A raw and honest look into a heart wrenching account of one wee girls survival against the odds, 4.5/5 for me this time. If I ever met this author, and she was ok with it I would give her the biggest hug, God love her for surviving what she did and being brave enough to allow us into such a personal part of her life! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 05, 2019
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Apr 06, 2019
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Apr 05, 2019
| Kindle Edition
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| 1250301696
| 9781250301697
| 4.09
| 41,163
| Feb 05, 2019
| Feb 05, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - Orion Publisher - 323 Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - Orion Publisher - 323 Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him.... My Review We open with a diary entry from Alicia Berenson, started in July and we get a wee glimpse into Alicia. Just over a month later Alicia will kill her husband and not speak another word, everyone is fascinated with the case. What would make a happily married woman snap and murder her husband and why won't she speak. Years has passed and Theo Faber, Criminal psychologist is offered a job to work at the facility where Alicia is being cared for. He has always wanted to work with her, try to get her to speak, to unravel the mystery that has baffled them all but sometimes people keep secrets for a reason and Alicia has her reasons. Can Faber find a way to unlock Alicia's silence and finally get some answers? For a debut or just a book in general I think this is fantastically written. We get wee snippets from Alicia, from her diary, before the killing. As Faber trys to work with Alicia he has to get answers as she is silent and giving nothing, people are being obstructive, secrets are galore but we all want to know why. Alicia is a complex character, we know there is more underneath the surface but we only really see snaps of her, the Alicia now who doesn't speak but has snapped a few times. The Alicia from her diary who reveals a little bit more with each entry and Faber, trying to hard to work with someone who is essentially shut down. We are drip fed small bits of information as Faber digs, putting his career and reputation at risk as he pushes boundaries to try and help a woman most seem to have given up on. It is a psychological thriller, it pulls you in from the first few chapters. If you are nosey like me you are dying to see what actually happened, why is she quiet, why won't she speak you won't be able to put this one down. 4/5 for me this time, I look forward to seeing what this author puts out next, certainly a name worth watching out for. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 04, 2019
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Apr 05, 2019
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Apr 04, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 000830131X
| 9780008301316
| 4.27
| 595
| unknown
| Apr 04, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads All Anna wants is to be able to sleep. But crushi Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads All Anna wants is to be able to sleep. But crushing insomnia, terrifying night terrors and memories of that terrible night are making it impossible. If only she didn’t feel so guilty… To escape her past, Anna takes a job at a hotel on the remote Scottish island of Rum, but when seven guests join her, what started as a retreat from the world turns into a deadly nightmare. Each of the guests have a secret but one of them is lying – about who they are and why they’re on the island. There’s a murderer staying in the Bay View hotel. And they’ve set their sights on Anna. Seven strangers. Seven secrets. One deadly lie. Someone’s going to sleep and never wake up… My Review After an accident that changes her life, Anna escapes to an island in Scotland called Rum, to work in a wee hotel. Unable to sleep and sure someone had been stalking her a physically demanding job away from home is just what she needs. But someone is stalking Anna and no matter where Anna goes she will be followed.... The opening chapter grabs you from the very beginning, Anna the main character has written a letter "If you're reading this then I am no longer alive." Ooft what an opening, we see Anna in the lead up to the accident and the immediate after. Once she gets to Rum we have seven new guests, people as always have secrets but on the island we have a killer and Anna isn't safe! So the opening chapter packs a punch and then starts to build up a picture of Anna and the eerie creepy atmosphere starts. Anna has to deal with guilt, lack of sleep, overhaul of life as she knew it and once you hit the hotel you know something is coming but what and who? We visit the family of those involved in the incident that changed everything for Anna and I was like an episode of murder she wrote, that's the killer, no that one, no that one. I do enjoy a book that keeps you guessing and gives you plenty of suspects. Taylor has a knack for sucking the reader in and building up the fear and suspense, keeping a beady eye to have your AH HA moment, I suck and never work out the bad guy though. I really enjoy this authors writing and think with so many books out it is hard to offer something new, fresh and a page turner, I think Taylor nails it, 4/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 03, 2019
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Apr 04, 2019
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Apr 03, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1909490016
| 9781909490017
| 3.73
| 3,745
| Nov 07, 2012
| Nov 27, 2012
|
liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 380 Publisher - Bookouture Source - Netgalley Blurb From Goodreads For vengeance - would you trust a vampire? For justic Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 380 Publisher - Bookouture Source - Netgalley Blurb From Goodreads For vengeance - would you trust a vampire? For justice - could you betray your family? For love - are you ready to question everything you believe in? Gifted with the ability to read the shadows of ‘third species’ beings, Caitlin Parish is the Vampire Control Unit’s most powerful agent. Despite that, her mission to hunt down Kane Malloy – a master vampire – comes with a death wish. Many have tried, but few have survived. For Caitlin, tracking Kane is about more than just professional reputation. With her parents both mysteriously killed 7 years apart to the day, Caitlin knows that without Kane’s help she is next. She has four days to make a deal with the wicked, the irresistible, the treacherous Kane Malloy. The vampire who despises everything she stands for. Or die. My Review This is the first in a series, meet Caitlin, working in an agency that ties to keep the peace between humans and supernaturals. At the moment the lycanthropes (werewolves) aren't the issue it is the vampires, the Master vampire Kane Malloy. The Vampire Control unit have been after him for a long long time, many have went after him and died. Kane is brutal and his reputation proceeds him, Caitlin has studied him for years and is now going after him. It isn't just work for Caitlin, it is personal, both her parent's died horrifically and the thing that killed them will be coming for her, time is running out but Kane might just be the one to help/save her. I really liked the investigation elemtns of this one, humans trying to keep things just right with vampires, lyncathropes and other supernatural entities around. Kane is stunning and Caitlin isn't just going to have to keep her head straight to stay alive whilst she refuses to admit there is an attraction but there is and Kane feels it too. He is a womaiser and females flock to him but Caitlin won't be another notch in his post. She does need to get close to him, whilst juggling an inner battle, to keep her wits and ultimately get Kane to do what she needs. There is A LOT of sex in this book which isn't an issue but some of it graphic so a headups for those who aren't a fan of that, quite a lot of the vamp books have this inter species attraction/sexual element. I did have a bit of an issue though with her being this strong girl but swooning although fighting it but body betraying her as a reoccurring theme. To be fair even the old Dracula movies, pre sex scene stuff, the humans would go into a trance so it keeps in line with that but the agent and her past I suppose I expected/wanted more from her. I did like getting to know more about Kane, the unit itself and what it tries to do. It isn't often, be it a book or movie we get to see officials interrogating a vampire and who doesn't like originality in a book, especially as we have so many books with vampires. A good story, somewhat different in parts, sex, lies, family, monsters, curses, law enforcement and that is just for starters. There are more books in the series that I will be checking out, a good foundation book I think to kick it all off, 3/5 for me this time. This was my first time reading this author but it won't be my last as I do want to see where the books go next. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 02, 2019
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Apr 03, 2019
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Apr 02, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1473558522
| 9781473558526
| 4.44
| 565
| Apr 01, 2019
| Apr 01, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 400 Publisher - Ebury Digital Source - Netgalley Blurb from Goodreads Eight self-drive cars set on a collision course. Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 400 Publisher - Ebury Digital Source - Netgalley Blurb from Goodreads Eight self-drive cars set on a collision course. Who lives, who dies? You decide. When someone hacks into the systems of eight self-drive cars, their passengers are set on a fatal collision course. The passengers are: a TV star, a pregnant young woman, a disabled war hero, an abused wife fleeing her husband, an illegal immigrant, a husband and wife - and parents of two - who are travelling in separate vehicles and a suicidal man. Now the public have to judge who should survive but are the passengers all that they first seem? My Review A jury, carefully selected with a government official and members of the public having to take their turn to "vote" on who is at fault in car accident. Set in the not to distance future we have level five cars, they control everything and the driver can just relax, as a passenger. When one of the meetings is interrupted by a hacker who has taken control of eight of these cars and advising in two and a half hours they will die. Tempers flare, emotions are high, the public will get a say in the votes, eight seemingly innocent people's lives hang by a madman's decision, who will survive. So we hear a wee bit about the passengers, the government official is warned there will be consequences for failure to comply. The public and watching and voting, the poor people are trapped in their cars and chapter after chapter the tension is building. Just when you think you have it sussed where the book is gone the author flings a curve ball, you know nothing, only what the hacker chooses. Corruption, lack of morality, trial by public, life and death, lies, destruction, love and absolute anarchy. The tension builds up quickly and keeps you hooked, you just want to see what is coming next, who will be next, will anyone survive. The book also lets you look at the darker side of humanity, yes it is a fiction book but go onto almost any social media and look at the comments. You could easily see this being a reality and I think that is what is scary about this book, the potential. We see how dark humans can go, how fast technology is developing and how much humans rely on it, but when it goes wrong.....fantastic read. This wasn't my first by Marrs and it won't be my last 4/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Apr 2019
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Apr 02, 2019
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Apr 01, 2019
| ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 1473659663
| 9781473659667
| 4.10
| 40
| unknown
| Apr 18, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 304 Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton Source - ARC Blurb from Goodreads The second novel from Fiona Mitchell, author Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 304 Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton Source - ARC Blurb from Goodreads The second novel from Fiona Mitchell, author of the stunning The Maid's Room*** Two women. Two children. But whose is whose? When two strangers, Tess and Annie, undergo IVF at an American clinic, their embryos are mixed up and each woman gives birth to the wrong child. The women only discover the devastating error three years later. Tess wants to swap the children back; Annie doesn't. As the pair wrangle, neither of them expect what unfolds. My Review Tess and Annie have their embryos implanted after IVF in a clinic in America, Annie lives in America, Tess in England. Three years later and Tess hasn't bonded with her child, she dislikes him and can't help but stress over his behaviour, issues, trouble. Annie couldn't be more blessed, Willow is everything she wanted in a child and more, her only baby. When it comes to light Freddie can't be Tess's son she digs deeper and becomes obsessed, what is her real baby is out there and nothing will stop her trying to find out. Ooft guys I don't have any kids (I have furbabies) and I felt the emotional punch from this one. A lot of Tess's decisions, behaviour and choices really makes you question her as a human being. But it is so easy to judge someone when you don't walk in their shoes, live their lives and as the book progresses we get a bit more insight into why she is the way she is. Annie on the other hand is so different but would she be the same if she brought up the other child? How much is reactive behaviour, how much is learned? For a wee bit I felt echos of "We Need To Talk About Kevin" with some of Freddie's scenes but then is that to provoke you into thinking a certain way? If it a book that pulls you a bit through the emotive ringer, you try not to judge but scene after scene you find yourself doing just that. Then re evaluating, what would you do? I also wondered if you found yourself in that situation *touch wood* what would you do? The two families are so different in many ways, financial status and the struggles that come with each class, children, Freddie has siblings, Willow is an only child and the women could not be more different. There are so many parts to this book that will get the reader thinking/chatting/debating. This is the second book I have read by this author, I very much look forward to her next, 4/5 for me this time! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 30, 2019
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Apr 2019
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Mar 30, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| B07F9VXYFZ
| 4.73
| 282
| unknown
| Jan 10, 2019
|
liked it
|
Time taken to read - 3 days Pages - 461 Publisher - Macmillan Source - Gift Blurb from Goodreads The unstoppable Ruby Darke returns as old enemies threat Time taken to read - 3 days Pages - 461 Publisher - Macmillan Source - Gift Blurb from Goodreads The unstoppable Ruby Darke returns as old enemies threaten her family in The Edge, a gripping gangland thriller from top ten bestselling author Jessie Keane. With a mind sharper than a razor blade it was only a matter of time before Ruby Darke fought her way to the top. From humble beginnings she became the queen of London’s retail, but she didn’t get there by obeying the law. Now with her son Kit and daughter Daisy finally by her side she’s ready to start a new chapter in her life, but, unknown to all of them, enemies are circling. There aren’t many who threaten Ruby Darke and live to tell the tale. But this time, she may just have met her match. If you live on the edge, you may just die on it . . . My Review Ruby Darke and her son Kit have their finger in many pies, on the wrong side of the law, protection money, folk running for them, business is good. When someone targets their patch, their business and then takes a shot at them the family have to pull together to figure out who is after them. In between that the police are breathing down their necks, they want to solve the crimes too and if they can take down the family whilst at it, all the better. So this is book three in a trilogy and I would advice reading the previous however I read book two five years ago, don't remember too much at all and got on fine with this. The action kicks off quickly and goes from there. Ruby has an old flame who is being fingered for the trouble and could there be a spark still there? Juggling her business and family life Ruby is being pulled in all directions and the threat of harm is hanging over them. It is, as is Keane's usual, pacey, gritty, crime/gangland style although a big focus on the family side of it. We also have a hired gun on the loose so jump between the family and the killer. If you like Keane's previous books you will enjoy this. Questionable behaviour, death, murder, family, love, lies and deceit. 3.5/5 for me this time, read Keane before and will read her again. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 27, 2019
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Mar 30, 2019
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Mar 27, 2019
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 4.21
| 76
| Sep 06, 2018
| Sep 06, 2018
|
liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 248 Publisher - Corsair Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Let me tell you a story, about a man I knew, and a m Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 248 Publisher - Corsair Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Let me tell you a story, about a man I knew, and a man I know... Mr Baxter is ninety-four years old when he falls down his staircase and grudgily finds himself resident at Melrose Gardens Retirement Home. Baxter is many things - raconteur, retired music teacher, rabble-rouser, bon viveur - but 'good patient' he is not. He had every intention of living his twilight years with wine, music and revelry; not tea, telly and Tramadol. Indeed, Melrose Gardens is his worst nightmare - until he meets Gregory. At only nineteen years of age, Greg has suffered a loss so heavy that he is in danger of giving up on life before he even gets going. Determined to save the boy, Baxter decides to enlist his help on a mission to pay tribute to his long-lost love, Thomas: the man with whom he found true happiness; the man he waved off to fight in a senseless war; the man who never returned. The best man he ever knew. With Gregory in tow Baxter sets out on a spirited escape from Melrose, bound for the war graves of Northern France. As Baxter shares his memories, the boy starts to see that life need not be a matter of mere endurance; that the world is huge and beautiful; that kindness is strength; and that the only way to honour the dead, is to live. Baxter's Requiem is a glorious celebration of life, love and seizing every last second we have while we're here. My Review At ninety four years old Baxter is set in his ways, grumpy, no time for nonsense and likes what he likes. When a fall down the stairs sees him in a retirement home until he is able enough to go back to his own home he is forced amongst people and routine. He meets young Gregory, a young chap who starts work in the home, quiet, shy and a tad withdrawn. Baxter makes it his mission to break down Gregory's barriers and enlist him to help deal with something from his own past. Gregory is a sweet kid under the outward exterior, dealing with a loss and struggling to have a relationship with his father. His life is very limited and lonely, possibly what draws Baxter. Baxter is a great character, funny in a grumpy no nonsense way he has a plan and the retirement home rules nor his age will stop him. An unlikely friendship grows and both men help each other deal with things in their lives, Gregory's now and Baxter's from the past. We flip to Baxter's past, how he obtained his fortune and his one true love he never got to say goodbye to, Thomas. Called to war he never returned home and Baxter, knowing he doesn't have time to waste, wants to say goodbye. Funny, sad, poignant, friendship, past, present, overcoming barriers and a whole host of emotion for these two main characters. It is a nice read, flipping between past and present, I would have liked the book to be longer, learned more about Baxter and Gregory but they always say a good author will leave you wanting more. This was my first time reading Crow, it won't be my last, I will be looking up his other works, 3.5/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 26, 2019
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Mar 27, 2019
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Mar 26, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||||
| 0008275203
| 9780008275204
| 4.27
| 175
| Feb 07, 2019
| Apr 18, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1.5 days Pages - 400 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Arc Blurb from Goodreads Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge until a suic Time taken to read - 1.5 days Pages - 400 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Arc Blurb from Goodreads Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge until a suicide prevention counsellor stops him. A week later, Stephen is dead. Found at the bottom of a cliff, DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner are drafted in to investigate whether he jumped or whether he was pushed… As they dig deeper, more would-be suicides roll in: a woman found dead in a bath; a man violently electrocuted. But these are carefully curated deaths – nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they’ve been made out to be. Little do Callanach and Turner know how close their perpetrator is as, across Edinburgh, a violent and psychopathic killer gains more confidence with every life he takes… My Review This is book five in the Callanach and Turner crime/police detective series, if you haven't read the previous book I suggest you do first. You could get away with reading this as a standalone but you have missed so much of the history I think you would enjoy it more if you knew the back stories. So this book features suicide themes and some very brutal and graphic murders. Callanach and Turner are investigating what initially looks like suicide(s), as the body count rises they have to consider they have a soulless killer in Edinburgh who is escalating in brutality with every kill. The investigation is on and as with the previous books we also get the personal life of the detectives. Callanach has his own personal investigation ongoing which brings his career and home life together in a way that will threaten everything he has worked so hard on. I think fans of the series will be delighted we are getting some light shed on somethings left over from the previous books. Emotive, gorey, provocative, murder, suicide, police procedural, friendship, relationship, secrets and that is just some of what this book packs in. I am a Fields fan, this is a page turner and I cannot wait to see what is in store next for the characters. 4.5/5 for me this time, roll on the next. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 24, 2019
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Mar 26, 2019
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Mar 24, 2019
| Paperback
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| 1787581594
| 9781787581593
| 4.06
| 33
| unknown
| Apr 11, 2019
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - 2 days (as and when I could) Pages - 256 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review Copy Blurb from the back cover A frightened litt Time taken to read - 2 days (as and when I could) Pages - 256 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review Copy Blurb from the back cover A frightened little boy killed in 1956 cries out for his mother from the body of an eighty-one year old Alzheimer's patient. The soul of a spinster killed in a Suffragette rally wakes in the body of a new mother. An Orthodox Jew, murdered in 1922, opens the eyes of a man who just committed suicide and a teenage girl wakes to discover she's now in the body of a forty-five year old woman. They are completely alone, displaced in bodies that are not their own, and terrified. All must find immense bravery within themselves to transition into their new lives. My Review The tagline (and cover) grabbed me on this one, I have read before reincarnation books but this is something different. Each chapter the character's name and timeline is at the top, we then meet the characters, those in their original time period, the lead up to their deaths and those who "die" and are re inhabited. By the time you meet all the characters you are about half way through so I wasn't sure where the book was going to go? The author, in my opinion, has created a fresh new and frightening story, not in a horror sense but more of a OMG what if, can you imagine and what would you do, humanity rocked. Your loved one dies and then comes back, you are ecstatic but the person who has come back isn't your loved one but someone who has lived previously and now inhabits your loved ones body, can you imagine! Cacek comes at the story in many angles, the hospital/medical professionals, the people who are replaced? (I don't know what word best applies to the phenomena, travelers?), the travelers themselves and the loved ones dealing with these new people in their loved ones bodies. It looks at humanity, how ordinary people deal with having this emotional trauma flung onto them and those who have been dead and now alive again albeit in different bodies, readjusting, adapting. The timeline shift for the characters is really interesting, imagine living in the early 19oo's - women fighting for basic rights to then being flung into modern day living. Indoor plumbing, flesh on show, speaking when you want rather than when society dictates when a woman should (this is relevant to one character only). Religious beliefs, coming back into the body of someone living a life at odds with your beliefs, a child into an elderly gentleman's body who has Alzheimer's, a teen into an older woman's body with physical limitations. The book doesn't explore these themes in huge depth as it is more about the individuals but it does get the reader thinking, what if? How would you cope? As the traveler, as the family? Whilst the story itself and characters are fascinating I think the book prompts a lot of in depth thought and musing from the reader, you can't help but imagine being in that position as you read the scenes. How would you react? I didn't want to put it down to see how each situation would play out. A bit of an emotive read at parts as death, grief, suicide, murder, acceptance and loss are huge themes integral to the story. When you have so many characters and time jumps you can easily be put off in books or find it hard going, Cacek does it effortlessly and I had no problems following it, I thought it was really well done. My only complaint would have been to have more! I would have loved the book to go on and sure they say an author is doing their job if they leave the reader wanting more (not hanging, I hate that). 4/5 for me this time, this is my first dance with this author, not sure what their other books are like but I plan to check them out for sure! ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 21, 2019
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Mar 24, 2019
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Mar 21, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0995534683
| 9780995534681
| 3.55
| 51
| unknown
| Oct 17, 2018
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liked it
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Time Taken to Read - 1 day Pages - 128 Publisher - Inkandescent Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Pulped fiction just got a whole lot scarier… F Time Taken to Read - 1 day Pages - 128 Publisher - Inkandescent Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Pulped fiction just got a whole lot scarier… Few books ever become loved. Most linger on undead, their sallow pages labyrinths of old, brittle stories and screeds of forgotten knowledge. And other things besides... Paper-pale forms that rustle softly through their leaves. Ink-dark shapes swarming in shadow beneath faded type. And an invitation... Harris delights in collecting the unloved. He wonders if you'd care to to donate. A small something for the odd, pale children no-one has seen. An old book, perchance? Neat is sweet; battered is better. Broken spine or torn binding, stained or scarred - ugly doesn't matter. Not a jot. And if you’ve left a little of yourself between the pages – a receipt or ticket, a mislaid letter, a scrawled note or number — that’s just perfect. He might call on you again. Hangover Square meets Naked Lunch through the lens of a classic M. R. James ghost story. To hell and back again (and again) via Whitby, Scarborough and the Yorkshire Moors. Enjoy your Mobius-trip. My Review Told in first person narration the book dealer obtains and sells second hand books always looking for an overlooked special edition. It brings him into the path of Harris another collector of books, a dealer who isn't exactly what he seems. The narrator is taken on one of the weirdest and challenging journey's with Harris, along with the reader, not knowing what is coming and often not knowing what is happening. This is by far one of the most unique/different books I have read, I felt like I was on a bit of a trip not knowing what was happening and having to re read what I had read. There are subtle hints, subtext that if you aren't paying attention you may well miss. Craftily written this debut has an unnerving feel pretty much from the beginning, something is afoot, danger is looming you (and the narrator) just aren't sure what or where it is coming from. The writing style itself is also something I haven't came across before and I have read thousands of books. Instead of speech quotation the author has gone for Em dash (longer version of a dash) at the start of any speaking character, only at the start with a full stop really the only thing at the end of the sentence. That took me a wee bit to get used to but it made sure I paid attention to the words I was taking in, a smart trick. There is uncertainty in almost every conversation with Harris and I had so many ideas about his motivations, his actions and what was happening in a scene only to re read it and change my mind to something else. I think this would make for a great reading group choice because there are so many potential conclusions to their interactions, the character(s), the actions I think you could debate almost ever scene. Creepiness seeps through every other sentence, pushing the reader and book seller to a shocking finale, 3/5 for me this time. It will be interesting to see what Bennett creates next, I will be watching! ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 21, 2019
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Mar 21, 2019
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Mar 21, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0008223483
| 9780008223489
| 3.97
| 66
| unknown
| Mar 21, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Avon Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads For a decade, Hannah’s life has been pretty close Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Avon Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads For a decade, Hannah’s life has been pretty close to perfect – she has a great job, she’s married to Mark, and her child-free existence means she’s free as a bird. The only sadness in her life is a fall-out with her sister Diane, who hasn’t spoken to her in over ten years. But now Diane is on her doorstep – and this time, she’s got her teenage daughter Mia in tow. When Diane asks if Mia can stay with Hannah and Mark for a few days, Hannah is glad of the chance to get to know her niece. But as the days turn into weeks and Diane doesn’t return, Hannah begins to worry. Why hasn’t her sister been in touch? Diane is carrying a devastating secret that will destroy Hannah’s carefully constructed life. But how much is she willing to reveal – and when will she pick her moment? An emotional story that delves into the true meaning of family, sisterhood and secrets. Perfect for fans of Kerry Fisher and Adele Parks. My Review The book opens with a suicide so just a heads up as I know this can be a particularly upsetting theme for some people. We don't know who and immediately flip to twelve days earlier, to Hannah our main character. Hannah has finally achieved her goal, has a happy marriage to Mark, no children and happy with her lot. She hasn't heard from her twin sister, Diane, in a long time after a horrendous fight. When Diane shows up on Hannah's door with her daughter Mia she can't turn them away but can she trust her sister and let go of the past? The reader isn't privy to what caused the rift, nor what has drawn Diane to come into her sister's life, she is cagey about the details and wants to leave Mia for a few days to address the trouble in her life. When days pass and Diane still hasn't returned Hannah's husband Mark tries to get some answers but Diane has secrets that will impact on all of their lives, are they ready for it? Oh guys, depending on your own sibling/family situation will impact on how this story affects you. I haven't spoken to my sister just a bit longer than Hannah and Diane had radio silence so I appreciate how something like that can affect you. As the story unfolds and we learn more about the characters I was so angry on behalf of some of them, what a manipulative horrible human being. All their lives the siblings, twins no less, had such different experiences of growing up, Diane the wild child, mocking sensitive quiet Hannah. Diane having the one thing Hannah so desperately wanted, letting her bond and have a relationship only to sever it. Their experiences with their parents, one seemingly favoured, one never pulling their weight. With Hannah being the main character we get a much better grasp of how the family dynamics affected her, their past and her emotional state through her therapist visits (dottered throughout the book). Diane we learn of mostly through the eyes of Hannah so yes it may be a bit more biased but still! Once you absorb the whole story you feel you just got off a an emotional roller coaster, the book examines many themes and in doing so pokes at the reader, evoking personal (in my case for sure) memories and feelings. I read Robertson's debut novel and it is evident the authors writing has gone strength to strength, taking hard hitting themes and weaving them into stories/characters readers can relate to. 4/5 for me this time, I will be buying more of this author and keeping an eye out for their future work. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 19, 2019
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Mar 20, 2019
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Mar 19, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| B07GRF8S6L
| 4.17
| 2,914
| Mar 18, 2019
| Apr 04, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 384 Publisher - Penguin Source - Netgalley Blurb from Goodreads 'The phone call signalling an escalation in the Hudson Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 384 Publisher - Penguin Source - Netgalley Blurb from Goodreads 'The phone call signalling an escalation in the Hudson Adjustment Problem came at 10:18 a.m. on a Friday morning . . .' Meet Don Tillman, the genetics professor with a scientific approach to everything. But he's facing a set of human dilemmas tougher than the trickiest of equations. Right now he is in professional hot water after a lecture goes viral; his wife of 4,380 days, Rosie, is about to lose the research job she loves; and - the most serious problem of all - their eleven-year-old son, Hudson, is struggling at school. He's a smart kid, but socially awkward-not fitting in. Fortunately, Don's had a lifetime's experience of not fitting in. And he's going to share the solutions with Hudson. He'll need the help of old friends and new, lock horns with the education system, and face some big questions about himself. As well as opening the world's best cocktail bar. Big-hearted, hilarious and exuberantly life-affirming, The Rosie Result is a story of overcoming life's obstacles with a little love and a lot of overthinking. My Review This is the final book in the trilogy, if you haven't read the first two books guys please do so you have to get to know the characters back stories. So here we are, Don and Rosie are living in Australia with Hudson their ten year old son. Don is still doing things in his unique way and Hudson is quite like his father in some of his approaches, mannerisms and behaviours. The school is pushing to deal with it in their way and Don is in trouble for a very controversial approach to his teaching methods, he may well lose his job. Trying to keep on top of the chaos in his unique way we have come to love Don is not just fighting for himself but for some of the same issues he has battled his own life his son is now facing. I do love Don's character and seeing his boy going through the same challenges Don did, whilst this book still has flashes of the humour from the previous two is also has a serious theme. Autism, Aspergers and the labels society puts on people and the implications having such labels can have and impact of different areas of a persons life. Societal expectations of behaviour, pressures on individuals who are "different" and ways of treating them. It is a book that certainly makes you think, it gives you the "unique adult" and "unique child" both with society slapping labels on and what those labels can mean. When I first met Don in book one I just thought Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) as an adult, some people have loved and hated both portrayals but it certainly gets some highlight on Aspergers/Autism/spectrum's and I think that can only be a good thing. Education, a glimpse into what life can be like and a chance for those who know/live it to correct, educate, question assumptions and or ideas, preconceived prejudices, stereotypes. I don't know if it was the author's vision to take the book down that road or to create a quirky character that developed into tackling how society see's individuals who are "different". How important it is to label or how quick folk are to do so, I think the author brings the trilogy to a fab conclusion and one thing to take from these books is a person is a person, not a label, not a diagnosis, 4/5 for me this time. I will miss Don and his antics, his family but will keep the message the book, particularly the last one brought home! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 17, 2019
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Mar 18, 2019
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Mar 17, 2019
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| B079KTHD2X
| 3.92
| 359
| Oct 30, 2018
| Oct 30, 2018
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - in and out over two days Pages - 304 Publisher - Kensington Fiction Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads In the voice of an un Time taken to read - in and out over two days Pages - 304 Publisher - Kensington Fiction Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads In the voice of an unforgettable heroine, V.A. Shannon explores one of the most harrowing episodes in pioneer history—the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party—in a mesmerizing novel of resilience and survival. Mrs. Jacob Klein has a husband, children, and a warm and comfortable home in California. No one—not even her family—knows how she came to be out West thirteen years ago. Jacob, a kind and patient man, has promised not to ask. But if she were to tell her story, she would recount a tale of tragedy, mishaps, and unthinkable choices—yet also sacrifice, courage, and a powerful, unexpected love . . . 1846: On the outskirts of Cincinnati, wagons gather by the hundreds, readying to head west to California. Among the throng is a fifteen-year-old girl eager to escape her abusive family. With just a few stolen dollars to her name, she enlists as helpmate to a married couple with a young daughter. Their group stays optimistic in the face of the journey’s hazards and delays. Then comes a decision that she is powerless to prevent: Instead of following the wagon train’s established route, the Donner Party will take a shortcut over the Sierras, aiming to clear the mountains before the first snows descend. In the years since that infamous winter, other survivors have sold their accounts for notoriety and money, lurid tales often filled with half-truths or blatant, gory lies. Now, Mrs. Klein must decide whether to keep those bitter memories secret, or risk destroying the life she has endured so much to build . . . My Review 1859 we open with Mrs Klein, married, mother, living in California and living a very comfortable life. It is Christmas Eve and Mrs Klein has been given a journal, in this journal she will travel back to her teenage years and the journey away from her family on a journey that will change her life forever. Mrs Klein is a made up character, this is a historical fiction book, by creating this character the author allows us to follow the Donner Party with an intimate insider look at the ill fated journey. We flip between the harrowing journey, the trials and tribulations, stripping of social classes, the suffering and darker sides of humanity. The Donner party and that journey is apparently very well known and documented from history yet I had never heard of it, to be fair my history knowledge is pretty shocking. I also don't read a lot of historical fiction but this book, the writing has certainly sparked an interest in this genre and to look at the factual recordings what happened to the Donner party. Mrs Klein, in the "present day" gives the reader an insight into her life now, worlds apart from what she came from and that her husband has no idea of who she was. The book's central focus is on then, what lead to her running away, the journey and then the meeting of her husband and back to present day. The journey is pretty horrific, there is a lot of animal death and suffering. There is a callous attitude toward the hired hands and those deemed of a lower class. As the journey progresses, the suffering and lack of food things become so bad and the levels of depravity, selfishness and self preservation of some characters is hard to fathom. However we know from previous documented history that humans can and will do what they feel they need to to survive, even modern day human life is so little valued by some if it means they can get something they need or want. The writing is so well done, in some scenes, you can visualize exactly what is happening and absorb fully into the book. It has certainly made me want to check out more books like this! This is my first time reading this author, it won't be my last, 4/5 for me this time, not for the faint hearted though guys! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 15, 2019
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Mar 17, 2019
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Mar 15, 2019
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 140917042X
| 9781409170426
| 3.91
| 86
| Sep 11, 2018
| Nov 15, 2018
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days Pages - 304 Publisher - Orion Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads An inspector and journalist join for Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days Pages - 304 Publisher - Orion Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads An inspector and journalist join forces to uncover long-buried secrets, simmering resentments, and a chilling murder in a tiny, remote island in the English Channel. The tiny island of Sark lies isolated in the dark waters of the Channel Islands. No cars are allowed. No streetlamps light its paths. It is the world’s only Dark Sky Island. This breathtaking patch of land seems the picture of tranquility—but at its heart lies a web of murder, deceit, and hidden danger. When bones are discovered on Derrible Bay and an elderly resident is violently murdered, DCI Michael Gilbert from the nearby island of Guernsey is called in to tackle the case. With his department under fire, he needs to find the killer—and fast. Joining him is newspaper reporter Jennifer Dorey, whose father died in a mysterious drowning off the island. As Michael struggles to crack the case and Jennifer launches her own investigation, the island’s residents are left reeling and soon, their dark secrets begin to unravel threatening everything. On an island steeped in superstition, where tales of hauntings and devil craft abound, Michael and Jenny race to discover the truth in Dark Sky Island, the second tantalizing installment of Lara Dearman’s Jennifer Dorey mysteries. My Review Jennifer Dorey is a journalist who has a recent run of being on the other side of the story. Now she is heading back to the island, Sark, to cover a story - the discovery of bones in a cave. Really she is going back for personal reasons, the death of her father, Jenny has never believed it was an accident and now she has a reason for being back and doing a bit of digging. When an islander is brutally murdered Jenny will find she has maybe bitten off a bit more than she can chew as she finds the some things should remain in the past. This story has a whole host of things going on, small island doesn't want outsiders, one of their own is murdered, unresolved family issues, secrets, lies, death looming around the corner. The reader goes on the journey with Jenny, slowly unravelling the secrets of the island and uncovering bigger issues. The setting for the story, the authors creative flow, you can visualize it with ease and I so want to go visit, excluding all the issues and bad stuff obviously. There is a lot of history with this book and despite this being my first dance with this author and this being book two, I don't think I missed anything by starting with this one. I will be checking out the first story as I would like more history on the main character but got into the rhythm of this one no bother. It goes at a good pace and has a few layers to the story, atmospheric and keeps the reader on their toes as you may think you have it figured only to have another curve ball chucked at you. Enjoyed reading this author and will be looking out for their other offerings, 4/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 13, 2019
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Mar 15, 2019
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Mar 13, 2019
| Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1787581527
| 9781787581524
| 4.23
| 177
| Nov 03, 2015
| Mar 14, 2019
|
really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 288 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Aside from a quaint amusement park, the sma Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 288 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Aside from a quaint amusement park, the small town of Lakeview offers little excitement for Duane, Savannah, and their friends. They're about to endure their ten-year high school reunion when their lives are shattered by the arrival of an ancient, vengeful evil. The werewolf. The first attack leaves seven dead and four wounded. And though the beast remains on the loose and eager to spill more blood, the sleepy resort town is about to face an even greater terror. Because the four victims of the werewolf's fury are changing. They're experiencing unholy desires and unimaginable cravings. They'll prey on the innocent and the depraved. They'll settle old scores and act on their basest desires. Soon, they'll plunge the entire town into nightmare. Lakeview is about to become Wolf Land. My Review A high school reunion is never easy especially when you have abandoned the love of your life and friends for bigger and "better" things. However when everyone gets attacked by a werewolf, blood guts and fur flies. When you think things can't get any worse, the dead are counted and four survived brutal attacks then things start to get really strange. Changes are afoot, bodies are changing and Lakeview is about to have a real hairy problem! We are introduced to the key characters and learn some of the not so nice parts of their personality, the boys are not the nicest. One of them is a deviant and derogatory to woman, the other cashed out and is now back with their "tale" between their legs. Once the book really kicks in we get graphic details on the turning, gore, in your face and no details spared foe the animalistic behaviours. I haven't read a werewolf book in years and this one is pretty good to dip my toe back into the water. You get the personal aspect with the friendships, relationships, hierarchy in the group(s) so you get vested in who is who not knowing who will survive the initial slaughter. It is pacey, grips you and has different layers to the tale, an insight into those turning, how it affects them, the changes both physical and personally. The author is gifted is his trade and when you think you have the story pegged and know exactly where it is going he manages to surprise you again, well he did me! There are some shady characters so expect bad language, sex, violence, blood, guts and gore galore. Not for the faint hearted but going into it knowing it is a werewolf story you know the kind of thing to expect. This was my first dance with this author, it won't be my last 4/5 for me this time! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 11, 2019
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Mar 12, 2019
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Mar 11, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1787581365
| 9781787581364
| 3.13
| 186
| unknown
| Mar 14, 2019
|
liked it
|
Time taken to read - In and out over 4 days Pages - 288 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads You don't read the book. I Time taken to read - In and out over 4 days Pages - 288 Publisher - Flame Tree Press Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads You don't read the book. It reads you. Rumors of a deadly book have been floating around the dark corners of the deep web. A disturbing tale about a mysterious figure who preys on those who read the book and subjects them to a world of personalized terror. Jesse Wheeler--former guitarist of the heavy metal group The Rising Dead--was quick to discount the ominous folklore associated with the book. It takes more than some urban legend to frighten him. Hell, reality is scary enough. Seven years ago his greatest responsibility was the nightly guitar solo. Then one night when Jesse was blackout drunk, he accidentally injured his son, leaving him permanently disabled. Dreams of being a rock star died when he destroyed his son's future. Now he cuts radio jingles and fights to stay clean. But Jesse is wrong. The legend is real--and tonight he will become the protagonist in an elaborate scheme specifically tailored to prey on his fears and resurrect the ghosts from his past. Jesse is not the only one in danger, however. By reading the book, you have volunteered to participate in the author's deadly game, with every page drawing you closer to your own personalized nightmare. The real horror doesn't begin until you reach the end. That's when the evil comes for you. My review I need to point out this book has "a prequel" if you like but it is in website format, if I hadn't agree to the tour and read this I would have went out and bought it right away. Check it out before going any further, be warned though it will freak you out it is so well done! http://briankirkblog.com/obsideo-the-... Jesse Wheeler is tee total and the lead guitarist in a old rock band reuniting for one night and then they all disappeared. Before it Jesse had read a book, the book you are now familiar with if you clicked the link above, if not check it out, seriously. This is what happened, this is the story and warning of the book he read, the story you are now reading, you have been warned. So the concept for this book is pretty original, I read A LOT of horror and weird books and this was a first for me. Jesse is the main character and not very likable at times, he is tee total for a reason and as you read you will get some background on him, his son, his other half and why he is being tormented. It is without a doubt one of the most trippy, weird and at times freaky books I have came across. Jesse is the narrator and I got lost in some of what was happening, I think this was to add an authentic feel to what he is experiencing and taking the reader along with him. The book gave me echos of the movie Cabin in the Woods as I felt like that when I watched that, not always knowing what was going on, weirded out, creeped out and having so many questions. Add in a flash feel of The Matrix combined with the very old school "invaders" type movies it is a whole bowl of unique weirdness that will have the hair on the back of your neck standing up. The dialogue is a bit spacey too but again I think that is to give the reader a chance to absorb exactly what Jesse is going through and he is warning the reader as you go the peril you are in by reading his story. I think this is going to be a marmite book, some folk are going to just get it and devour it whilst others may struggle to appreciate what the author has created. Certainly a new angle at spooky horror and I can't wait to hear what you guys thought of it, 3/5 for me this time. This was my first dance with this author, I will keep a wee eye out for his other creations. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Mar 07, 2019
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Mar 11, 2019
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Mar 07, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1916489613
| 9781916489615
| 3.75
| 4
| unknown
| Feb 27, 2019
|
liked it
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Time taken to read - In and out over 3 days Pages - 48 Publisher - Wild Pressed Books Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Every poem in GHOSTS touc Time taken to read - In and out over 3 days Pages - 48 Publisher - Wild Pressed Books Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads Every poem in GHOSTS touches on the theme in some way, whether it be overtly as in the title poem, or more succinctly, as in Dragonfly - in which the poet explores ephemeral elements of his perception of his mother. Nick Conroy's words touch the heart of his subject matter, and the reader's emotions at the same time, involving family, identity - and potential or actual loss. This is a strong, cohesive collection of poems, containing a hard grit which meets a fluid, powerful movement of language to create waves of recognition and understanding. The topics and themes are covered honestly, and with refreshing vulnerability in the language used. In each poem there is something of a journey - involving lostness, a seeking and in the end an acceptance of the events described. Nick Conroy's paged poetry is like the written musical score of his live performance, which has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Nick is currently studying for a Master's in English at the University of Hull. Poetry has always been at the centre of his passion as a writer, and since childhood he's enjoyed spoken word. He moved to Hull in 2014, with an understanding that the city is still revered for its poets. He senses something haunting and intoxicating about Hull, and the community of writing that it holds in high regard. My Review Nineteen powerful poems packed into this tiny wee book. Each have ghost themed or mentioned in some description. Some poems are really short at just over half a page, others have verses spread across a few pages. Poetry is something I used to love as a child/teen and fell away from as an adult, I agreed to this book because of the overall theme. The cover also had a wee pull for me which was why I wanted to bookstagram it, it looked great in so many settings. I think, for me, I got the most from this by dipping in and out and soaking up one poem at a time with a break in between in. For each reader I think some of the poems will be quite deep and intense depending on how you take them. For example "Grappling with Ghosts" has likely came from the authors own person experience or situation or something that sparked that creation. Yet for me it evoked a memory from my past and made me ponder on a particular relationship I hadn't thought of in a long long time. I think that is the thing with poetry, it can be very personal, for the author producing it and for the reader consuming it. Some of the poems left no deep impression other that to smile that a young man has created something like these and others caught me off guard by evoking either an emotive response and or memories. I wasn't expecting anything like that when I picked this up, maybe it is time I went back to reading poetry again. A very different type of read for me but I did enjoy it as a break from the norm and a different kind of escapism. If you enjoy poetry or even if you don't normally read it I would say check it out and would love to hear your thoughts, 3/5 for me this time. This is my first time reading this authors works I would be interested in seeing what else he has to offer. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 07, 2019
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Mar 10, 2019
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Mar 07, 2019
| Paperback
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| B07BB5PSJF
| 4.03
| 5,588
| Oct 02, 2018
| Oct 02, 2018
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - As able over two days Pages - 432 Publisher - Harper Inspire Source - ARC Blurb from Goodreads In a most improbable friendship, she Time taken to read - As able over two days Pages - 432 Publisher - Harper Inspire Source - ARC Blurb from Goodreads In a most improbable friendship, she found love. In a world where women were silenced, she found her voice. From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy. In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice—and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had. At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all. My Review C S Lewis is a name most of us when we hear it we know who he is, the magical world and characters he created. But little do we know, well certainly not me, of his private live, the meeting of his wife Joy, a fellow writer and how their love story came to be. This is that story, take a step into the intimate run up to and progression/hurdles of how they came to be. This is Joy's story but through her life and letters we get an intimate insight into them both. Joy Davidman was a writer, poet, wife and mother in the 1950's when she started corresponding with the well known, loved and respected author C S Lewis. Disenchanted with her own writing, her religious beliefs and marriage when she gets a reply to a letter from Lewis. We follow her life in the text from the author in and around what is written to Lewis. They discuss from the mundane happenings in Joy's life to deeper thoughts in philosophy, religion and questioning of her life choices. Remember this is the 1950's so Joy is a bit of an enigma anyway, a time women where known and expected to be more than servants, purely focused on raising their family, tending their husbands need. Whilst Joy did this she also wrote, was very intelligent and vocal in her opinions and thoughts. As you get into the story of her life you can't help but be wowed at the bravery of her choices, what she would have endured for life choices then that we now take as a given. The letters and friendship between the two is something I haven't came across often in books, I felt like I was actually there, watching the developments, feeling the emotions. I have reached out to the author/publicist with some questions as it is written so well I wonder how much is fact and how much is artistic license, it is that good. I was moved at how much heart and emotion is in this book, the strength of character as Joy faces the struggles of being a good mother and wife whilst remaining true to her dream and dedication as a writer. This is not a conventional love story, far from it, this is Joy's journey and deals with so much of her life that yes Lewis is a huge part of but this book is about her. Her journey, her feelings, her inner battles, religion, philosophy and what she had to endure and overcome. Each step of the way with it is her friend across the water, her outpouring whilst back and forth pondering ideas, challenges and we get to see their relationship grow from penmanship to friendship to something more. Hopes, dreams, fears, failings, really a show of vulnerability as a human being, it was refreshing, emotive and informative. It makes me want to read more about their story and the authors themselves as well as the others who pop up in this and that particular period. 4/5 for me this time, this was my first dance with this author, it won't be my last. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 05, 2019
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Mar 07, 2019
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Mar 05, 2019
| Kindle Edition
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| B07N89QYTN
| 4.04
| 48
| Jan 31, 2019
| Jan 29, 2019
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liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 177 Publisher - AAH Publishing Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads A patchwork of lies and threads of abuse…Stit Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 177 Publisher - AAH Publishing Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads A patchwork of lies and threads of abuse…Stitched is a gruesome tale of control, fear and brutality. To the outside world, Andrew Brooke is a cop who’s obsessively committed to his job. But behind closed doors, he enforces his dominance and disciplines his wife, Emily, in the most inhumane ways. When his life begins to fall apart and his reputation becomes tarnished, he unleashes his anger and seeks revenge on those who dare to encounter him. Emily Brooke is left broken by her husband’s hand, with no means of escape. Eventually, though weak and confused, she manages to flee. But is the life she escapes to a better one? Detective Donavan has his own demons to battle following his wife’s death. Assigned a missing person’s case that leads to a series of brutal attacks, he follows the trail of a serial killer dubbed ‘The Stitcher’ - but will his own dark secrets get in the way of justice being served? Stitched perfectly demonstrates how cruel life – and people – can be. My Review Emily Brooke is beaten, broken, abused, humiliated all at the hands of her husband, officer Andrew Brooke. Emily tries to be a good wife, keep the house clean, have the food just right, predict when to talk, what to say, when to be silent but sometimes getting it right isn't enough. Emily knows her husband is a monster but can't begin to imagine just how evil Andrew can be, finding out may just kill her. From the opening chapter we get flung in at the deep end, Emily is in an abusive relationship, every kind of abuse you imagine, she suffers it. The author pulls no punches when it comes to graphic details, Emily lives it and you will read it. Stitched is not for the faint hearted, easily offended and as trigger warnings seem to be the thing just now this one will trigger for many. Brutality to a level on par with pure evil, Andrew Brooke is a nasty creation that you think you get the measure of from the opening scenes but we are just scratching the surface. The book draws you in deeper with each step into Emily's life when you think you have it figured you get another curve ball thrown. You read and get through one horror and another awaits to shock and pull the rug from under you. It is certainly a page turner (as well as a stomach churner) and pushes even the most hardened reader, abuse in almost all forms from a monster meant to protect the public. I think depending on your personal history and circumstances will depend on how this book impacts on you, the minute details that can set these abusers off is terrifying. The claustrophobic scenes have you holding your breath living through the terror with Emily as she endures each torment, the hairs on my arms are standing up just recalling some of the scenes. Elaine's previous book is dark and showing the worst of humanity, I think this book may surpass that purely because it manifests in what is supposed to be a safe environment, the marital home. A book that is bound to push buttons, emotions, split readers and keep the reader hooked page after page, 3.5/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 04, 2019
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Mar 05, 2019
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Mar 04, 2019
| Kindle Edition
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| 1409177300
| 9781409177302
| 4.19
| 462
| Feb 21, 2019
| Feb 26, 2019
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liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Orion Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Audrey's family has fallen apart. Her two grown-up da Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 368 Publisher - Orion Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads Audrey's family has fallen apart. Her two grown-up daughters, Jess and Lily, are estranged, and her two teenage granddaughters have never been allowed to meet. A secret that echoes back thirty years has splintered the family in two, but is also the one thing keeping them connected. As tensions reach breaking point, the irrevocable choice that one of them made all those years ago is about to surface. After years of secrets and silence, how can one broken family find their way back to each other? My Review The prologue opens in 1988 with an event that we, the reader, aren't too sure exactly what it is but will have a lasting impact on the family across the years. We flip to current day 2016 with Audrey, Audrey has to make huge changes to her life for health reasons and finds herself, as always, split between her two daughters, Jess and Lily. They haven't spoken in years and Audrey wants more than anything for these two to reconcile before it is too late but can you move on in the future when you haven't dealt with a past that is tearing you apart? There are no two ways about it this book is a hell of an emotive rollercoaster, it touches on so many life issues that will evoke tears from the most hardened reader. Family, secrets, lies, love, loss, grief, heartache, health issues and so much more. It is hard to mention all the themes because you run the risk of spoilers and I never do a spoiler review. I think depending on the life experiences you have had, grief and losses will absolutely impact upon how you receive this book. I hate using the word trigger but for many there will be triggers in this book, it reflects on the hardships, loss, grief and utter injustice that life sometimes hands out to folk, hence being an emotive read. I think what some will take comfort from in this story whilst others may feel too raw in their own experiences. It is testament to the authors writing skills to pen a book that can draw out different responses from so many from certain scenes. The sisters I found hard to fathom at times, more so Jess in how she behaved in view of what was going on in that particular moment. That said, as the book reveals its secrets you get a better understanding of why the characters behave the way they do. Again for me, depending on your own personal experiences will impact on how you react to some scenes and Jess I felt I could reach in and slap/shake. This comes down to my own life experiences and any writer that can get a reader to pull reality from fiction, strong emotions is doing their job and then some. This book has been so loved and I enjoyed it if enjoy is the right word to apply considering some of the content. If you aren't emotionally vulnerable going in you may well be when you finish it, a story that kicks you in the emotionals and keeps you going page after page hoping and praying for it to go the way you want it to, 3.5/5 for me this time. This was my first dance with Beckerman, it won't be my last. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 03, 2019
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Mar 04, 2019
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Mar 03, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 0345545966
| 9780345545961
| 3.59
| 14,525
| Dec 08, 2015
| Dec 08, 2015
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liked it
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Time taken to read - 3 days Pages - 752 Publisher - Bantam Source - Bought in America Blurb from Goodreads The girl who said no to death. Bibi Blair is a Time taken to read - 3 days Pages - 752 Publisher - Bantam Source - Bought in America Blurb from Goodreads The girl who said no to death. Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live. She replies, “We’ll see.” Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science. An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell. But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she? Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions. Here is an eloquent, riveting, brilliantly paced story with an exhilarating heroine and a twisting, ingenious plot filled with staggering surprises. Ashley Bell is a new milestone in literary suspense from the long-acclaimed master. My Review Bibi is a writer and doing pretty well for being in her early twenty's. When she is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer it kicks off a chain of events that changes not only her life but for that of everyone around her. Who is Ashley Bell, why is she so special and how will Bibi find and save her before it is too late? The book, for me, broke into different sections, the pre and diagnosis and then everything that kicked off after it. Dealing in the occult Bibi opens herself up to supernatural but she needs answers and when the unlikely happens Bibi knows her life is now about Ashley and keeping ahead of "the bad guys". The book covers so many themes, Bibi's boyfriend is a soldier and we flip through chapters with him undercover and no idea what is going on with Bibi. The others who are threatening of Bibi, the journey to finding Ashley and who are the killers chasing Bibi that will stop at nothing to get her. The book got a bit confusing at points for me, then would become clear then something else would be started or said and I wasn't sure where it was going. Certainly an interesting story with different tangents and supernatural spookiness, murder, family and health issues. I do like Koontz but think maybe if I got the thinner version maybe I would have enjoyed it more as some parts, to me, just seemed to have little to no bearing on the actual tale. I will read this author again but this isn't my favourite of his to be honest, 3/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 27, 2019
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Mar 02, 2019
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Feb 27, 2019
| Hardcover
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| B07LGDW7VY
| 4.46
| 24
| unknown
| Mar 07, 2019
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - 1.5 days Pages - 320 Publisher - Polygon Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads When reporter Rebecca Connolly is told of Roddie Time taken to read - 1.5 days Pages - 320 Publisher - Polygon Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads When reporter Rebecca Connolly is told of Roddie Drummond’s return to the island of Stoirm she senses a story. Fifteen years before he was charged with the murder of his lover, Mhairi. When he was found Not Proven, Roddie left the island and no one, apart from his sister, knew where he was or what he was doing. Now he has returned for his mother’s funeral – and it will spark an explosion of hatred, bitterness and violence. Defying her editor's wishes, Rebecca joins forces with local photographer Chazz Wymark to dig into the secrets surrounding Mhairi's death, and her mysterious last words of Thunder Bay, the secluded spot on the west coast of the island where, according to local lore, the souls of the dead set off into the after life. When another murder takes place, and the severe weather that gives the island its name hits, she is ideally placed to uncover the truth about what happened that night fifteen years before. My Review We open with the death of Mhairi a beautiful young girl meeting a tragic end. We flip to the "present day" fifteen years later and the guy everyone believed to have killed her is returning to the island, Stoirm. Reporter Rebecca Connolly is going to cover it, regardless of her bosses orders no to, Rebecca's dad is from the island and he would never discuss it. She has possibly an exclusive story AND a chance to figure out what was so bad about the place her father would never discuss it nor any of the family. Rebecca will learn that islands have their secrets and some people will kill to keep them! Oooooh so this is my first dance with this author, never read him before although seem him at a few book events and always heard folk talk about his work. Not only is the cover fab with my fav colour and a striking view but it is set in a Scottish island and the wee island has its secrets and land stories/myths. I LOVE stuff like that and thought I was just heading into a murder/gossip type tale. After the murder we have a slow burn with the story teasing out its details, Rebecca meets a lot of opposition for what she is trying to do, no one wants outsiders butting in and small communities have a way of dealing with their own. There are many strands to the story, the death of a beautiful young woman and the impact that has left on her family and daughter, especially in such a small place. The suspected killer returning after another death and bad things start to happen. Wee jumps in time back to the lead up to Mhairi's death and all those who lived there at the time. Like a modern day "Murder She Wrote" you get lots of information, snippets, reasons to distrust and, for me, still struggle to finger the bad guy and the why. Engaging, a good pace, characters you want to read more about and a mystery from the past, will Mhairi ever get to leave "Thunder Bay" will she ever be avenged? Will her daughter ever get closure and can Rebecca get anyone to open up about whatever was so bad her father cut himself off from the family, the island and even the sheer mention of it? Gotta read it to get the answers folks! I love when a book keeps you guessing, luring you page after page to conclusions and thinking you worked it out when no, no you really didn't. I liked the wee stories of myths and legends the islanders told and it makes me want to pick up a book on our own Scottish history, sure we have tons in our past. I also want to look these up and see if they came from anything or just a fab creation within a creation from the author. As I said this is my first dance with Skelton, it won't be my last, 4/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 25, 2019
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Feb 27, 2019
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Feb 25, 2019
| Kindle Edition
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| 4.22
| 9
| unknown
| unknown
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 221 Publisher - Indy Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads The Silver Moon Storybook is Elaine's first publish Time taken to read - < 1 day Pages - 221 Publisher - Indy Source - Review copy Blurb from Goodreads The Silver Moon Storybook is Elaine's first published work, a collection of modern fairy tales that weaves contemporary, progressive values and messages into seven magical stories. What darkness lies in the past of a little witch, cursed into the shape of a giant? As the silver moon rises, who will save a magical unicorn, imprisoned in the castle of a tyrant, or befriend an enormous clown who roams the world alone? Can a humble weaver find the courage to face a terrible monster? And what will be the fate of a powerful mermaid, at war with the world above her ocean? Join them and other enchanting characters in these haunting tales of illusion, discovery and love. An exquisitely illustrated bedtime story for young readers (and perhaps some not so young), The Silver Moon Storybook weaves progressive and modern themes into touching fables full of the magic and shadows of traditional fairy tales. My Review A collection of short stories, seven in total. The Little Witch, The Weaver, The Enormous Clown, The Changeling, The unicorn, The Strong Man and The Sea Queen. I am not going to break down each story as the risk of spoilers would be too high. However each offers something that can be enjoyed by young adults and adults alike. Protection, self preservation, friendship, love, bravery, morality, greed, selfishness, corruption, strength and life lessons wrapped in magical tales without preachy overtones. The stories reminded me of old school fairy tales with a more modern fresh feel but still encapsulating the magic we grew up with. The writing itself wraps around you and pulls you into the pages, enveloping you in the magic and vesting in the characters. I think this is testament to the authors writing abilities as I am not a huge fan of short stories because I generally find you are just getting into it and the story ends. With these I slipped into the stories with ease and didn't feel short changed or left hanging which sadly I get when reading short stories which is why I normally avoid them. Some of the stories have a wee bit of cross over which is a cute we touch, Master King does this with his books which are lengthy. A bit harder to do with short stories but Gunn managed it. I would love to hear more about these characters and see a book two of tales, this book is going to be a keeper for me. The cover is beautiful, a deep blue with silver which pops the design and writing, it looks good in the photo, far more beautiful in your hands. Throughout the book there are illustrations that you can colour in or if like me you don't want to mark your pristine copy, the author has added some to her website you can download/print to colour in. They go with the stories and every second page has at least one. A fantastic wee book and many thanks to Kelly of LoveBooksGroup for bringing it to my attention. You can check out the authors website and see the downloadable colouring illustrations at http://somethinglovely.scot. oh and the last few pages of the book, well the version I have, is lined paper for my notes which is a nice wee add on, 4.5/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 24, 2019
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Feb 25, 2019
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Feb 24, 2019
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||||
| 0008275165
| 9780008275167
| 4.52
| 1,455
| Aug 23, 2018
| Aug 23, 2018
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really liked it
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Time taken to read - 2 days (as and when able) Pages - 432 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads When silence falls, who will Time taken to read - 2 days (as and when able) Pages - 432 Publisher - Avon Books Source - Review Copy Blurb from Goodreads When silence falls, who will hear their screams? The body of a young girl is found dumped on the roadside on the outskirts of Edinburgh. When pathologists examine the remains, they make a gruesome discovery: the silhouette of a doll carved in the victim’s skin. And when a macabre ragdoll is found nestled beside an abandoned baby, DI Luc Callanch learns the killer’s horrifying game plan – cutting out dolls from the flesh of his victims. When a series of drug-users are brutally branded with the letter Z slashed into their foreheads, Luc and his partner Ava must risk both their jobs and their lives to unearth the truth. Is this the merciless work of the same assailant? As the killer’s twisted games persist, Luc knows it’s only a matter of time before he strikes again. Can they stop another victim from being silenced forever – or is it already too late? Blurb from Goodreads A young woman is found dead with horrific wounds, DI Luc Callanch and his superior Ava are on the case. When another goes missing and a horrific calling card is left by the killer, the team know they have their work cut out, this one won't stop until they have been stopped. The clock is ticking to save the girls life. If that isn't enough to keep them busy someone is attacking the city's homeless, are the cases related? Who would want to target these victims and why? The thing I like about Fields books is not only does she create a horrible "bad guy" giving the police tough cases but personally we get to know them, the officers too. If you haven't read the previous books guys really check them out. Whilst you could read this as a standalone you get much more out of the stories, particularly the personal side of the officers if you have read the previous books and got their backgrounds. Ava and Luc have this unspoken, unacknowledged attraction and now she has a promotion and he has a girlfriend it is strained. Despite this they work together, as always, to tackle those attacking Edinburgh's vulnerable and innocent people. The attacks are pretty horrific, brutal and at times stomach churning, the author pulls no punches when describing the horrors inflicted on the victims. I read horror but there are one or two things that make me wince and give me the boak, one scene ooooft lets just say not for the faint hearted. We have police procedural, investigation, murder, violence, attacks, friendship, relationships, some humour and that is just for starters. You think you know where the book is going, you don't at least once I had a gasp out loud moment! The characters, the police, I really like, Luc is such a nice guy but totally ruled by his past, Ava is complex, Lively is a loose cannon, funny at times in an unpc way and their boss, Overton oh what a bitch! A page turner, pulled in pretty much from the get go, I cannot wait for book five to see where the series goes next, 4.5/5 for me! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Feb 21, 2019
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Feb 23, 2019
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Feb 21, 2019
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1455559318
| 9781455559312
| 4.13
| 23,020
| Jul 17, 2014
| Jul 17, 2014
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liked it
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Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 480 Publisher - Forever (Grand Central Publishing) Source - Bought (Asda I think) Blurb from Goodreads Livy notices him Time taken to read - 1 day Pages - 480 Publisher - Forever (Grand Central Publishing) Source - Bought (Asda I think) Blurb from Goodreads Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He's heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she's almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she'll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M. All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment, nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He's obnoxious but well-mannered. He's a gentleman but aloof. He's passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can't deny him... or herself. M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addictive that she never knew existed -- and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he's aching inside. To have him, body and soul, she'll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses become her obsession - an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair.. My Review Livy works in a coffee shop, she has zero interest in the guys who keep hitting on her. When M comes into her life, insults her coffee making abilities and leaves a note on a napkin Livy can't stop thinking about him. Again they "bump into" each other and M makes it clear he wants Livy for one night only, pure pleasure, no strings, can she do it? So, things I liked and things I didn't about this one. I think, for me Livy seemed like two different people, at one point she isn't fussed with the opposite sex but falls, hard for this random stranger that we know nothing about. She is a bit wishy washey in the first part of the book and lets this guy literally sweep her off her feet and take her away in a car. I know I know it is a book but it annoyed me, she is so seemingly meek. The second half she gets some spark though and a bit of bite, female characters should have that and not be falling all over themselves for a guy. M is pretty mysterious and we don't get to learn about him really until the book starts to get going. Yes there is sex scenes, lots of heart fluttering and oh my moments, it is erotica so par for the course. I loved the other aspects of the book, I LOVED her wee nan, not often in the book but when she was, for me, she was a wee scene stealer. Some of the book I think you can guess where it is going but I was still shocked and didn't see some things coming. I like when a book does that for you. I will say there was a few scenes that more than echoed fifty shades and some shiny brand new. If you liked the fifty books I think you will enjoy these, the book ends leaving you wanting more, not sure how many books are in this series but I need to look up the next to see what is in store for the characters, 3.5/5 for me this time. ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 19, 2019
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Feb 20, 2019
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Feb 19, 2019
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| 3.83
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Apr 17, 2019
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Apr 14, 2019
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| 4.53
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Apr 14, 2019
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Apr 11, 2019
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| 3.61
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really liked it
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Apr 11, 2019
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Apr 10, 2019
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| 3.86
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liked it
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Apr 10, 2019
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Apr 06, 2019
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| 4.50
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really liked it
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Apr 06, 2019
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Apr 05, 2019
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| 4.09
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really liked it
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Apr 05, 2019
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Apr 04, 2019
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| 4.27
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really liked it
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Apr 04, 2019
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Apr 03, 2019
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| 3.73
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liked it
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Apr 03, 2019
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Apr 02, 2019
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| 4.44
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really liked it
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Apr 02, 2019
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Apr 01, 2019
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| 4.10
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really liked it
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Apr 2019
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Mar 30, 2019
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| 4.73
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liked it
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Mar 30, 2019
|
Mar 27, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.21
|
liked it
|
Mar 27, 2019
|
Mar 26, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.27
|
really liked it
|
Mar 26, 2019
|
Mar 24, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.06
|
really liked it
|
Mar 24, 2019
|
Mar 21, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.55
|
liked it
|
Mar 21, 2019
|
Mar 21, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.97
|
really liked it
|
Mar 20, 2019
|
Mar 19, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.17
|
really liked it
|
Mar 18, 2019
|
Mar 17, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.92
|
really liked it
|
Mar 17, 2019
|
Mar 15, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.91
|
really liked it
|
Mar 15, 2019
|
Mar 13, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.23
|
really liked it
|
Mar 12, 2019
|
Mar 11, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.13
|
liked it
|
Mar 11, 2019
|
Mar 07, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.75
|
liked it
|
Mar 10, 2019
|
Mar 07, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.03
|
really liked it
|
Mar 07, 2019
|
Mar 05, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.04
|
liked it
|
Mar 05, 2019
|
Mar 04, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.19
|
liked it
|
Mar 04, 2019
|
Mar 03, 2019
| |||||
|
| 3.59
|
liked it
|
Mar 02, 2019
|
Feb 27, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.46
|
really liked it
|
Feb 27, 2019
|
Feb 25, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.22
|
really liked it
|
Feb 25, 2019
|
Feb 24, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.52
|
really liked it
|
Feb 23, 2019
|
Feb 21, 2019
| |||||
|
| 4.13
|
liked it
|
Feb 20, 2019
|
Feb 19, 2019
|
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