I just finished reading "Betrayal" by Philip Margolin. Here are my thoughts. First of all, many thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanI just finished reading "Betrayal" by Philip Margolin. Here are my thoughts. First of all, many thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
This book started of with a bang. A neighbour notices movement across the street of her home and then sees police cars. A family that lives across from her has been murdered. Then we find out about the murdered family-the Finches. They are not very nice, a mother who is a lawyer for the Russian mob, a father with a gambling addiction who makes drugs on the side, a son who is a loser and sells drugs for his father, and a daughter who is very young and is a bully in her highschool.
We also learn about a young lawyer who used to be a MMA fighter, and lost a fight many years ago to a superior oponent who is now accused of killing the entire Finch family.
There are many possible suspects and the lawyer (Robin) desperately tries to save her client. In court she has to face a smart District Attorney (who she is incidentally dating and must keep secret) and she thinks she has lost the case until...SURPRISE!
This book certainly. had a lot of promise, but it became bogged down with too many characters and uneccessary detail and information. I don't care what she had for dinner (things like that). There were so many characters that they were almost cardboardish (is that a word). And what exactly was the betrayal? The description of the novel says that Robin has to defend her old nemesis, but she literally fought her once. I don't think that qualifies her as a nemesis.
The ending was satisfying...but again, everything was wrapped up too quickly. I feel like this book started well but got caught up in unecessary detail and then ended abruptly and a little too perfectly.
All in all, I did finish it because I wanted to find out who the killer was...but I can't recommend it.
I just finished reading "Watching You" by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts.
First of all, I am obsessed with Lisa Jewell right now. Every time I see I just finished reading "Watching You" by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts.
First of all, I am obsessed with Lisa Jewell right now. Every time I see one of her books in the library I immediately pick it up and read it because I know that it will be awesome...This one did not dissapoint.
I takes place on a street in a small town and includes characters who are connected but the reader doesn't know how or why and the mystery is slowly uncovered throughout the novel. There is a headmaster and his family with s slightly needy wife and a son who is on the spectrum which makes him interesting and engaging. Across the street are a brother and sister who are both married to not very nice people as it turns out. There are also two teenage girls who may or may not be involved in an innapropriate relationship with the headmaster.
The story begins with a murder and everyone is a suspect. The story is told from different perspectives and also involved an incident which happened far in the past involving the headmaster and a young woman. You know immediately that this incident is important but not sure how.
So the story slowly evolves and slowly uncovers the truth about all the main characters which is absolutely genius...so well done. This is were Lisa Jewell shines...in slowly unraveling how characters are related or connected to each other.
I liked this story because of how it was written. Well paced and an excellent mystery. The characters were compelling, complicated and full of mystery. To say not everything is as it seemed is an understatement, especially the females in this book...I won't say anymore.
There is not much I didn't like. It was readable and well written and not boring at all.
I just finished reading "The Mother-In-Law" by Sally Hepworth. Here are my thoughts. This is not a new book, but I so enjoy this author's books that whI just finished reading "The Mother-In-Law" by Sally Hepworth. Here are my thoughts. This is not a new book, but I so enjoy this author's books that when I saw this book in the library I jumped to take it out and was I glad I did.
The book begins with a death which is thought to be a murder. This means that every character in the story is a suspect and that means that the author goes back and tells the backstory of each character so that the reader has a better idea of who these characters are and how they interact with eachother.
The story revolves around the mother-in- law and the daughter-in-law and their relationship which seems fractures and typical of most relationships between mother and daughter in laws. But as the story unfolds the reader learns that nothing is as it seems.
I loved the relationship between the mother-in-law and her husband. It was full of genuine love and true feelings. I really enjoyed reading their backstory.
The kids I found unlikeable and selfish. They only carried about their inheritance and money. They were self serving and completely entitles, especially the daughter. The daugher-in-law was a mother of three who struggles and I thought all her actions were justified...I wont explain further. Suffice it to say that it was real. Towards the end of the book, the relationship with the mother-in-law was further developed and that is when the reader truly understand the mother-in-law and her intentions. She really does want the best for her spoilt entitled children. Its too bad they don't realize that...but the daughter-in-law does.
All in all, while not my favourite Sally Hepworth book, it is definately worth a read.
I just finished reading "The Vacation" by John Marrs. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the advancec copy in return for an honest reI just finished reading "The Vacation" by John Marrs. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Publishing for the advancec copy in return for an honest revew. Here are my thoughts.
First of all, John Marrs has done it again. He has written a story which in some ways is a departure from his previous works but still manages to employ techniques of his past books. He manages to create characters each with very sad and problematic pasts who converge in a hostel in Los Angeles. These characters and their backstories, which are all very interesting ans compelling, all manage to converge in a way that is authentic and enthralling. I loved all the characters and their backstories. I loved the way the book evolved with small snippets being added about the characters and clues as to how their lives would end up. I loved the twists and turns throughout the book which kept me reading hopelessly even though the sun was shining outside and I was inside. I wasn't sure how the book would end and there were parts that grossed me out, but...overall it was a big hit for me.
I have to admit though, I put my tablet down for a couple of weeks. I wasn't thoroughly on board with this book at first. I actually put the tablet down and read another John Marrs book and it was awesome. So awesome that I thought...I should go and read The Vacation and I am so glad I did. Sometimes you just need to read on a bit more before it gets super good that you can't put it down.
So , if the reader finds themselves thinking...Umm...No... KEEP READING. It gets really good the more you find out about the backstories of the characters.
All in all, an excellent book by John Marrs which is extremely well written (except for some gross parts towards the end) and has a satisfying, surprising and great ending.
I have just finished reading "Everyone Here is Lying" by Shari Lapena. Here are my thoughts. First of all, any book that I can read in one day deserveI have just finished reading "Everyone Here is Lying" by Shari Lapena. Here are my thoughts. First of all, any book that I can read in one day deserves to be praised, even though the characters in the story were a little flat and at times ridiculous, I could NOT put this book down. The story follows many families that live on the same street in a small town, and it centers around a little girl named Avery who one day goes missing, and it follows the clues to find out what happened. The problem is that, in order to save themselves and protect their own secrets, everyone in this book lies, hence the title. Avery herself, is a sociopathic liar, so we don't ever really learn the whole truth about everything that happened to Avery before she disappeared. What I liked about this story was that everyone had something to hide, and the author did an excellent job of exposing secrets one by one. She created some delicious characters (especially Avery) and some great mysteries. The men in the book were pretty awful, narcisistic characters who were looking out only for themselves, and it made it seem at time that they were the culprits. That is what was so good about this book, everyone, except for Avery's mom could have abducted Avery. Avery's mom was the character I felt for the most. I felt her pain and anguish as she was looking for answers. The police officers were also well written. There really is nothing I didn't like except for some of the characters, who were written as selfish and narcicistic, but it was necessary because they had to protect their own secrets at the expense of the truth. Avery's dad was a real piece of work...he was so awful. Oh by the way...the ending?...fantastic. I loved the last line. The truth always prevails, no matter how much we try to hide from it or cover it up. A great book and well worth the read. Happy Reading everyone...more
I just finished reading "Invisible Girl", by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts. I wasn't sure about this book when I read the cover description becausI just finished reading "Invisible Girl", by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts. I wasn't sure about this book when I read the cover description because I am not a fan of the awkward, weird, man who lives by himself and can't get a girlfriend. But I found a copy in the Public Library so I thought I would give it a try...I was not disappointed. This is a story about secrets and lies and misconceptions. A man named Owen, who is socially awkward and has never had a girlfriend, gets in trouble at the school he works at, for being innapropriate to his female students. He is put on leave and then starts diving into the world of incels (involutary celibats). In the meantime a young girls named Saffyre, who is a former patient of one of Owen's, neighbours, goes missing and all fingers are pointed at Owen. What happens next is a story told from three different perspectives: Own, Saffyre, and Cate, the wife of the man who treated Saffyre. The story presses onby revealing what happened to all characters involved from the past to the present. Much is learned and slowly revealed...and the ending is quite satisfying. I really liked this book. I honestly had trouble putting it down. It was well written, engaging, and full of interesting characters, plot twists and drama. This is what Lisa Jewell is so good at. Developing these imperfect characters who have baggage but are trying to do the right thing. There is always a bad guy or more than one...but everything is revealed in the appropriate time and the reader feels as though all questions have been answered. There was one lingering question about Cate's husband...but it was the same question that was on my mind as well. I absolutely believe any fan of Lisa Jewell will enjoy this book. She somehow manages to consistently produce excellent stories with rootable characters and satisfactory endings. Happy Reading...more
I just finished reading "The Girls in the Garden", by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts. This story takes place in a communal living are which has a coI just finished reading "The Girls in the Garden", by Lisa Jewell. Here are my thoughts. This story takes place in a communal living are which has a communal garden where children and neighbours hang out. Years previously, there had been the death of a young girl which has caused suspision among neighbours as to who was responsible. With this in mind, a new family moves in which includes two young girls Pip and Grace, who have secrets of their own (revolving around their Dad, and his misdeeds). The two girls befriend the other children in the Garden Square and there is drama which of course, revolves around a boy. The parents seem nice enough and one of the mom's, Clare, seems to lead the charge to find the honesty and truth into what it happening. The other women are a mystery and there is not alot of dimension to them. At the beginning of the story we learn that Pip finds her sister unconcscious and in a state of undress one night after a big yearly garden party. What follows is a search for what happened to young Grace and who was responsible for her hospitalization. There are alot of red herrings in this book, mostly fishy characters with a history which may involve hurting women. There is also alot of intrigue surrounding all the extra characters, what they saw, what they know etc... I liked the story of the girls, especially young Pip. I especially liked the relationship she had to her Dad. I also liked the character of Clare. She seemed to be the only one who was asking the tough questions. But my feelings towards the characters or Leo and his Dad, and also towards the other moms was and remain unresolved. In the end we find out (I think) who hurt Grace. The reason I say I think, is because, I don't really think it was. But the author leaves it (in my opinion) a mystery. I suppose that its her way of saying that secrets are secrets and meant to stay that way. I have liked all of Lisa Jewell's books. This one is not my favourite, but worth the read, as she is an excellent writer who has the ability to create strong, complicated female characters and well thought out suspense and mystery....more
I just finished reading "The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth, one of my favourite authors. Here are my thoughts. This is a story about three familiI just finished reading "The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth, one of my favourite authors. Here are my thoughts. This is a story about three families that live on the same street. They have children and their own past mistakes are haunting them in different ways. The husbands are secondary characters but important in their own way. One of the characters, Essie has a history or depression and so her mother (Barbara) helps her ALOT. When Essie befriends the new neighbour, Isabelle, things get interesting. Isabelle is single and young and has a connection to Essie that is slowly revealed througout the book. The other women have issues to deal with as well: betrayal, family roles, secrets, infidelity. For the most part, by the end of the novel, things are tied up with pretty satisfactorily. I like Sally Hepworth books because they are well written with interesting characters that all serve a purpose in the book. There are enough secrets revealed and information given throughout the book that make the reader want to keep turning the page. There was one part that made me feel icky and it had to do with the reason why Essie felt so connected to Isabelle. But, besides that, I enjoyed this book. While it is not my favourite Sally Hepworth novel, it is definately worth reading...more
I just finished reading the book "Twenty-Seven Minutes" by Ashley Tate. I chose to read this book because it was recommended by one of my favourite auI just finished reading the book "Twenty-Seven Minutes" by Ashley Tate. I chose to read this book because it was recommended by one of my favourite authors, Ashley Audrain. Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Canada for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all the title is great...Right away you feel as though something really important happened in or after 27 minutes to someone that had disastrous effects. In this case it was Phoebe... who is one of the main characters, who we find is struggling to stay alive and had an ambulance been call 27 minutes earlier, she may have survived. What a great beginnig, because I wanted to know shy her brother Grant waited so long.
In order to find out we read many different sides of the story 10 years into the future, when Pheobe's death still has implications on the lives of the people involved in a small twon where nobody minds their own business. The main characters are Pheobe's brother Grant, who is hiding some major secrets and has a hard time coping with reality, Becca who is a complete nutjob, and June, who seems to be a side character, but who is written in a way that makes her very compelling. The key to finding the truth is June's brother Wyatt, who disappeared ont he same night as Phoebe died tragically.
The story shifts from present to past, but it is easy to folllow because the font changes everytime the story reverts to the past. There are some psychological hallucinations that require alot of attention when reading because the reader is not sure if the character talking is real ora figment of someone's imagination.
There are side characters which add to the drama and help to tell the story of what really happened those ten years ago to Phoebe and Grant and Becca and Wyatt. Unfortunately, the reader finds out in the last few pages which is alright but there is not consequence to the revelation...but, mayber, that is the point of the story.
It is slightly wordy in some parts, but I truly felt the crazy of both Grant and Becca and June. They were very well written. The only problem I had was understanding why Phoebe wanted to control her brother Grant so much. It felt kind of weird...their connection. And the answer to the twent seven minutes was not what I was expecting, although it was alright.
I enjoyed this book...but I didn't love it. It was entertaining enough, but didn't really stick with me. A good summer read, is what I would call this book by Ashley Tate.
I just finished reading "What Lies Between Us" by John Marrs. A highly anticipated book that has been raved about almost everywhere I look. It is abouI just finished reading "What Lies Between Us" by John Marrs. A highly anticipated book that has been raved about almost everywhere I look. It is about a mother and a daughter who live together in their family home. It starts with an explanation that at the end of each night the daughter Nina, locks mother Maggie, in the attic and attaches her to a chain so that escape is impossible. What follows is a story told from both perspectives of how their existance came to this. There is a lot of trauma in the past told through both perspectives, and the beauty of how the book is told is that the reader doesn't know which character is the more evil or disturbed one. There is abandonment, pregnancy, adoption, murder...many thngs that happen to pull this story forward and it is told in a tight, fast-paced and twisted way that makes this book very hard to put down. I loved the characters and their back stories. It was interesting to see that thay both had faults and moments of tenderness. They were both victims of trauma in their own right and I felt compassion for both of them. Some of the plot developments were a bit over the top. How did no one figure our that Maggie was missing? How did the police not suspect anything? What about the Dad? Noone wondered or investigated what happened to him? I suppose in some parts of the story you have to suspend disbelief long enough to keep reading...because the payoff was awesome. There are so many twists and turns that I don't know which was my favourite...maybe the true story of the events that led to the Dad leaving...I don't want to give anything away so I will stop there. But not before giving a strong recommendation to read this book. I have read John Marrs before and this book has made me an even bigger fan of his. Happy Readig...more
I just finished reading "Maybe in Another Life " by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Here are my thoughts. This book is about the consequences of choices that youI just finished reading "Maybe in Another Life " by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Here are my thoughts. This book is about the consequences of choices that you make in life. A young lady, Hannah moves back to L.A. and returns to live with her best friend Gabby, who takes her to a bar where she meets her ex Ethan. Towards the end of the night, Ethan offers to take her homw. Does she choose to go home with Ethan or Gabby? This book explores what would happen as a result of whether she chose Ethan or Gabby. I loved the premise of the book. I jumped between the Gabby and the Ethan choice, and both angles were dramatic and interesting, with tough decisions and heartbreaking consequences. While we do not see which path Hannah chose, we get to follow her story into the future and see how she and who she ends up with. This book was very easy to read and in some part it was easy to skim through. The characters were all rootable, except for Mark (he's a jerk) and I really liked Henry (so sweet). The story was well written and retained my attention and interest. Some parts (like the inclusion of Hannah's family) seemed unecessary, but the rest was important to the outcome of the story. Even though I enjoyed it, I wasn't sad the the story ended. I'm not sure why, I was not as invested in this book as I normally am...maybe because I don't believe in fate or in this idea that what is meant to happen will happen. I felt a little too sugary for me...not sure if that is the right word. It is a good summer read for anyone who want to read a lighthearted interesting take on where our sometimes small decisions lead us. Happy Reading...more
I just finished reading "The Whispers" by AShley AUdrain. Here are my thoughts. First of all, you all need to read "Push" by the same author. It is faI just finished reading "The Whispers" by AShley AUdrain. Here are my thoughts. First of all, you all need to read "Push" by the same author. It is fantastic and so is "The Whispers". It is a story about the meaning of being a woman and a mother. Told through the eyes of four different women who live on same street in a well to do neighborhood. There is an accident where one child falls through a window and goes to the hospital. The mom (Whitney) goes into silence as the stays vigilant by her son's side. Whitney's best friend Blair is having issues of her own with her spouse but she is a devoted mother who does everything for her child. Rebecca is the doctor who treats Xavier in the hospital who is unable to have children and carries that pain with her everywhere she goes. Then there is Mara...the mysterious older woman who carries a painful secret of her son. I must say that I loved the back story of Mara and how she came from Portugal and made pasteis de nata and cainja for her neighbors. Being portuguese myself, I enjoyed reading that. The men in the story are background characters. This story is all about motherhood and the choices we make concerning our lives and our duties as mothers. It was riveting...fantastic...heartbreaking...and so so so good. And the last line of the book...BEST LAST LINE EVER!!!!! If you cant tell I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. It is filled with heartbreak and heartache and is so relateable. I loved every page of this book and I was so sad when it finished.. and it wasn't wrapped up in a nice bow ending...it left the reader wanting more. Which is always a good thing. Thank you AShley Audrain for another fantastic read. I cannot wait for your next book. If you are going to buy one book this summer, make it "The Whispers",by Ashley Audrain. You won't regret it. Happy reading....more
I just finished reading "The Last House Guest", by Meghan Miranda. Here are my thoughts. Sadie Loman and Avery Greer are best friends...each with theiI just finished reading "The Last House Guest", by Meghan Miranda. Here are my thoughts. Sadie Loman and Avery Greer are best friends...each with their own secrets. They spend each summer together where Sadie's family owns a slew of summer homes in a resort town and Avery is the manager of the homes. Avery works for the Loman family who are weatlhy and exert a lot of power and privilege over the small town. What they want is what they get. Anyways, at the end of each summer season Avery hosts a plus one party at one of the beach houses which everyone attends...except for Sadie who goes missing and is later found dead in the ocean... WHo did it and why? Avery is drawn into the mystery when she finds Sadie's phone one year later and she finds a journal and a suicide note which were not written by Sadie but point to a coverup. When Avery is searching for the truth she is relentlessly pursued by a police officer who seems a little too interested in her. At the end of the novel, the reall killer is revealed ...and Avery is able to move on to a better life. I like Meghan Miranda books, but there are better ones than this one. I never really connected with any of the characters in a meaningful way. I knew that Avery would figure out what really happened but I wasn't prepared for the twist at the end... It was a good one and it explained alot about the Lomans and Avery Greer. I liked the pace of the story and the twists and turns. There were a few red herrings...but that is to be expected. Overall, a good book...maybe borrow it from the library. Happy Readig...more
I just finished reading "The Only Survivors" by Megan Miranda. Here are my thoughts. This is definately a slow burn. Survivors of a horrific buscrash I just finished reading "The Only Survivors" by Megan Miranda. Here are my thoughts. This is definately a slow burn. Survivors of a horrific buscrash in highschool where everyone died except for a few, they meet every year by the ocean to support and re-connect. They aren't really friends and there are secrets that happened on the night of the crash that are slowly revealed...the biggest one being the actual cause of the crash (which is the biggest wow of the book. Another big(gish) wow is then the stalker is revealed. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. I am a big fan of this author but the characters didn't really do it for me. I thought they were all a little flat. The lead character was mildly interesting and she did have a lot of secrets as well...enough to keep reading until the end. But in some parts of the book, I found myself "skimming" through. A bit too repetitive with maybe too many characters and unecessary subplots. The ending was satisfactory though, but not the author's best work. Happy reading...more
I just finishes "The Trade Off by Sandie Jones. Thanks to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. This bI just finishes "The Trade Off by Sandie Jones. Thanks to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. This book delves into the world of news and reporting and what reporters and news outlets would do for the big headline. It is kind of scary to think that this book in any way reflects the real life of news media outlets. The story follows two reporters, Stella and Jess, one veteren (Stella) and one rookie (Jess), who work for the same newspaper. They are both under fire to report the next big story. Stella is the one who seems to be willing to compromise her own ideals and integrity to get the big headline, but Jess the rookie is reluctant to go that far. When she is tricked into doing something unseemly to snag a story, she re-evaluates her interest in new reporting and vows to expose the news paper for what it is. What she finds is that corruption goes all the way to the top, and the waters are very murkey indeed. Who is the real villain?...What is the real story?...Is it better to tell the truth or to keep it hidden? I found this story to be full in intrigue and suspense. There were two female reporters each with interesting backstories which were revealed slowly and created a suspensful finale. The ending was to be expected, the winner being the truth. It was a satisfying ending where the good people finish first, but not after great efforts and working together. What I didn't like about this story is that there were alot of characters which created some confusion as I was reading. I didn't really understand how some of the plot points were so unrealistic while others seemed realistic indeed. The ending as well was a bit over the top...but it ended with the characters getting what they deserved. What I liked was the relationship between the two femal leads and how it developed as the story went on. It was quite realistic and truthful. I liked this book. It was a quick read with some surprises and it kept me guessing until almost the end. I do like Sandie Jones as an author. I find her books very entertaining and easy to read. Although this wasn't my favourite book by this author, it is good enough to recommend to the readind audience. Happy Reading!...more
I just finished reading "The Intern" by Michele Campbell. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Gally for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest rvI just finished reading "The Intern" by Michele Campbell. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Gally for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest rview. This story follows the relationship between an intern (Madison) who is a law student, with one of her professors, Judge Kathryn Conroy. There is an immediate mystery presented involving Madison's brother who was sent to jail for drug trafficking at the hands of the Judge who is Madison's boss. Madison's brother claims innocence and Madison wants to believe him but her respect for the Judge makes it hard. When it seems as though the Judge may be compromised, Madison takes an intern position in her chamber, so that she can get to the bottom of the mystery and help her brother. Through a series of flashback chapters, we learn about Kathryn's backstory, surviving poverty and abuse, to become a Judge and the difficult decisions that came along the way. We also learn that she lost the love of her life in a horrible murder that is still unresolved. The story unfolds at a quick pace and there are continuous revelations about the Judge and Madison, which make it hard to put the book down. In the end, all questions are answered and there is a satisfyng resolution to the stories of both the main characters. What I liked about this story was that there were many steps to the revelation of the truth behind the Judge, and they were revealed at a a quick and steady pace. Never was there a lull in the story or did the book go down an unecessary path. What I didn;t like or found difficule, was that at times, it was hard to keep track of which minor character was doing what. There were ALOT of characters in this book, but they all served an important purpose, becuase the backstory of the Judge was very important to the book. I liked this book. I really hope that this is not the way the justice system works. But I am happy with the resolution of the story. When I finished reading this book I was very satisfied with the ending. Happy Reading....more
I just finished reading "You Can Truse Me" by Wendy Heard. Thank you to Random House Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy in exchange for anI just finished reading "You Can Truse Me" by Wendy Heard. Thank you to Random House Publishing and Net Galley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This is a fast paced and adventurous, sometimes hard to read, story about two friends, Summer and Leo who live life on the edge, scamming people for money so that they can survive day to day in Californie. Both women have heartbreaking backstories that make them rootable, expecially Leo. Summer scams people by picpocketing them, and Leo who is beautiful and has lots ;of sex appeal, goes after rich men with lots of money and when they fall for her, she takes off with something of theirs that she can use to cash in. Leo decides to scam a local billionaire named Michael Forrester, so she arranges an evironment for him to notice her. When he does, Michael not only invites her to a private party (with Summe3r), but after invites Leo to his private island, which Leo agrees to (because the sex is great and he seems like the perfect target) But...then Leo and Summer lose contace with each other which worries Summer so much that she arranges a trip to this mysterious island to search for Leo. What happens at the island is where the mystery begins. We find out alot about Michael and Summer and Leo and how they are all connected. There were parts of this book that were uncomfortable to read, but it does set up who these characters really are. I will say this...things are never what they seem. What I loved about this story was the genuine relationship between these two women and the lengths they will go to to protect each other. It was nice to see that their loyalty to each other never wavered. I also really liked their backstories. It made me want them to be happy and safe. What I didn't like were some of the uncomfortable scenes that took place on the island. To say anymore would be to give away too much of the story. It turns out, as the title suggest, the only person or people you can trust is yourself and your true friends. I recommend ths book because of the strong female camaraderie and love between the two main characters. I also loved the ending. I will say that every character in the end got what they deserved...including Summer and Leo. Happy Reading....more
I just finished reading "Beneath the Surface" by Kaira Rouda. Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an I just finished reading "Beneath the Surface" by Kaira Rouda. Many thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The novel centers around a very rich family which includes the patriarch, his fifth wife, and his three children: John Ted and Sibley. John is the oldest who has been faithful to his Dad his whole kife. Ted is the middle child who is handsome and. social but harbours many secrets, especially from his wife. And Sibley...well she is a hot mess. She relies on her father for money and is quite demanding and petulant in my opinion. They are invited on a three day cruise aboard their Dad (Richard) luxurious yacht, where the future of the family company will be revealed. They siblings are expecting that Richard will choose an heir to his company. All the siblings have nothing but comtempt for each other and it is clearly visible in the story. Add to the fold the much younger fifth wife Serena, and it promises to be a very eventful trip. What I liked about the story is that it was fast paced and slowly byt steadily revealed he characters, their secrets, and their true selves. Besides Sibley, who was transparent from the start, both brothers had intriguing secrets and equally intriguing relationships with their wives. But noone like each other, the Richard wasn't exactly father of the year material. I also liked that there weren't alot of extra characters. Each character served a purpose to the big reveal....and I liked who Richard chose as his heir to the family company. What I didn't like was that Blair (Ted's wife) was portrayed as weak in some cases and almost stupid to accept her husband's feeble excuses when she asked him to explain himself. I also didn't like that at the end, these spoiled rich snooty children and their Dad, really got away with very bad behaviour. There was really no actual consequences for their choices. I am under the impression that this book is the beginning of a series, so maybe it will happen in the next book....Who knows but I definately will be reading Kaira Rouda's next book if this is. a series. She had created enough compelling characters and storylines that make me want to know what happens to this spoiled rich family of entitled superficial people. Happy Reading....more
I just finished reading "The Neighbour", by Gemma Rogers. Thanks you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in return for an honest revI just finished reading "The Neighbour", by Gemma Rogers. Thanks you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in return for an honest review. I enjoyed the mystery in this book which began with a bang and continued throughout the entire book. The characters were mishievious and interesting and unique and mysterious. They added drama and intrigue to the story and we follow a mother and a daughter move to a small town in search of a new beginning and find themselves among very unwelcoming and odd strange neighbours. Shelly (the main character) starts investigating the disappearance of a previous tenant finds herself in a little bit of trouble as she has bitten off more than she can chew. Overall, this book by Gemma Rogers is a well-paced somewhat thrilling ride that is worth the read. Happy Reading....more
I just finished reading "The Good Son" by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an hoI just finished reading "The Good Son" by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This story follows the journey of a mother trying to reconect with her son who was sent to prison at a very young age for killing his young friend. The story is about the journey of the mother and the son and especially the mother's struggle to accept her son's past actions with the boy that she loves. At times it can be tormenting and the author does a good job of bringing the emotions of the mother into the heart of the reader. The mother's struggles continue as they arrive home and she feels the pull between the need to help and support her son, and the challenges faced with the way thay the people in the community continue to harrass and intimidate the son. There is no solution to reconciling both sides. This is a story of love and retribution and forgiveness and moving on. At times it seemed that the story dragged a bit and I found myself hoping for a resolution, but I did appreciate the authors effort to bring an element of humanity not just to the characters but also to the seemingly awful situation that could be real and scary. Happy Reading....more
I just finished reading "To Die For" by Lisa Gray. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. ThisI just finished reading "To Die For" by Lisa Gray. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. This novel follows the lives of a real estate company who receives a lucrative offer to find a buyer for a very expensive home in Malibu. Whoever finds a buyer will receive a 1 million dollar commission. All agents are eager to get the commision but one agent in particular, Andi, is the focus of the novel. For some reason her boss wants and expects her to find a buyer and the reader is given tiny hints throughout the novel as to why. The other agents play a supporting role and show how fierce the competition is in the housing market and what agents will do to get the ultimate prize. Andi is a likeable and mysterious character who has a back story that is slowly told throughout the novel and questions about her and her motivation are explained. The rest of the agents play supportive roles but they are, in my opinion stereotypical side characters who are not very likeable at all. There are a few interesting plot twists, but non that surprised me. The ending managed to tie all the plot lines up and revealed the big mystery to me satisfaction. I liked the police characters in the book. They provided comic relief and excitement. I didn't like the lack of depth of the side characters. I didn't find this book overwhelmingly good or bad. It was alright. Enough suspense to keep me interested, but easily forgotten. I liked the premise of the book but the execution could have been better. The characters , like I said before, were too clliche to be intersting in any way. Thanks for reading....more
I just finished reading "What the Neighbors Saw" by Melissa Adelman. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy in return for I just finished reading "What the Neighbors Saw" by Melissa Adelman. Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. This book is about a. young couple (Alexis and Sam) who move into an upscale neighborhood into a house they can't afford and are faced with the daunting task of trying to renovate their home and care for two young children. Their neighbors are all super wealthy and a bit too picture perfect...expecially Blaire and Teddy, the seemingly "perfect family". As Alexis tries to cope with a new baby and a husband who doesnlt really support her, she befriends Blair and is her suppport system when Blair's husband Teddy is murdered while jogging along the cliffside trail which is in the neighborhood. Aliexis is slowly drawn into the mystery of how and why Teddy was killed and slowlt begins to realize that all her neighbors have secrets and that nothing is as it seems. The book continues steadily along until the last fifty or so pages when all is revealed....with quite the surprises. I wish I could say I really enjoyed this book...but I didn't. The characters were all despicable and horrible people who I would never want to know. Even the main character was confusing to me. Her husband was a compete jerk to her one minute...and then the next they were laughing...It didn''t make sense.
Also, there was so much back and forth in the book, almost like the author was writing about one thing and then would take a left turn into something else...WHAT? There was alot of unimportant events or descriptions or thoughts in the ;book that I didn't really see the point of. And one major question I had throughout the book? If Sam and Alexis were in so much financial trouble that they couldn't afford really important renovations, why on earth could they afford a live-in Nanny. It didn't really make sense to me..
In order for me to really enjoy a book, I need to feel invested in the characters, but these characters were vacuous and arrogant and had no integrity. The comparisons to Desperate Housewives is a bit of a reach. There was not character in thiis book that was the voice of reason. Even the main character was self-absorbed and willing to bend the truth when it suited her.
Lastly, the nig reveal...Ewwwww. That is all I am going to say
This book is a big no for me...Maybe others will enjoy it more. Maybe I'm not the targeted audience. Happy Reading everyone. #netgalley #whattheneighborssay #mystery #femaleleadcharacter #melissaedelman...more
I just finished reading "None of This is True", by Lisa Jewell. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy in return for an honestI just finished reading "None of This is True", by Lisa Jewell. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy in return for an honest review. So this is me being honest...OHMIGOD! I LOVED this book. It was soooo good and can't even believe how the author made up this story in her head and wrote it perfectly in such a fascinating way, interweaving interesting characters with so many different quirks and issues that it was making my head spin. It is not the type of book that you can read in one sitting because there was so much to deal with and so much alarming and shocking behaviour..that I c ould only read a few chapters at a time...but I always went back because I wanted to know what would happen next. The story is about two "birthday twins", both 45, both with families. One (Josie) was married very young and has many secrets she wants to share. And the other (Alix) a young mother who has done well in life as a podcaster but has struggles as well (especially with her husband). After the two meet at a bar where they are celebrating their birthdays, Josie comes up with an idea for Alix to do a podcast about her and her journey towards changing her life. What follows is an explosive journey towards the truth and inside the mind of a clearly imbalanced woman and her quest to change her life. What I liked about the book...EVERYTHING! It was so well-written and well paced and the characters were genuine and elusive and full of mystery. I especially loved the characters of Josie's two girls. Their stories were slowly rvealed but not until the very end of the novel, which was so perfect. I also loved the character of ALix and the way her struggles as a wife and mother where written. The character of Josie left me unsettled with a sense of dread. The author created such a fascinating character that I will not soon forget. There was nothing I didn't like, except some of the things that happened to the characters, but to say anymore would be to spoil the story. All I will say is you must read this book. I think this is the best one yet by this author. Absolutely fabulous. Happy Reading!...more
I have just finished reading "Have You Seen Her" by Catherine McKenzie. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for anI have just finished reading "Have You Seen Her" by Catherine McKenzie. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Cassie Peters is escaping an abusive husband and leaves New York for the quiet of Mammoth California where she joins a Search and Rescue Team at Yosemite Park. She used to do this job 10 years prior but left when a search and rescue operation that she was involved in went wrong. Throughout the book Cassie is very guarded and private. She is tortured by her past experience and by the possibility that her husband may find her. Through her job, she meets Jada and Petal who have their own storied background with secrets of their own. The story hops between present (where Cassie has possibly killed someone) and past (where we find out how Cassie got to Mammoth and how she is dealing with being on her own). The ending brings all three women together in what seems to be a bit of a far fetched plot and sequence of events. The story also got a little political, commenting on media bias. All in all, it was a pretty good book. What I liked about it was the way the story weaved between past and present and also having the perspective of both Cassie and Petal, made the plot more interesting. I liked the characters although they were a bit flat at times. What I didn't like about the book was the far-fetched ending. Without giving too much away, I thought the big reveal at the end came out of nowhere. I felt like I had to suspend disbelief to accept who the three women were connected. I do like this author. She keeps you turning the pages...that is for sure. She created an interesting plot line and did an excellent job of establishing a beautiful setting. Happy Reading!...more
I just finished reading "Lovely Girls", by Margot Hunt. Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest rI just finished reading "Lovely Girls", by Margot Hunt. Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. First of all, I am struck by the irony of the title. The girls in this novel are not lovely in any way. They are absurdly mean and vicious, expecially the ring leader Daphne, who is absolutely despicable. The story takes place in small town Florida, when a mom (Kate) and her daughter Alex move there to get a fresh start. Alex is a senior at the local high school and right away becomes a target for the mean girls (Daphne, Shae and Callie).. Kate in turn, befriends the. moms of the girls, despite many warnings to stay away from them. What follows is a look at how mothers enable their daughters to do monstrous things and are monsters themselves. There is a murder that takes place towards the end, that begins the process of settling the conflict between Kate and Alex and the horrible mean girls and their equally horrible mothers. I thought this book was a little cartoonish at times. It is hard to believe that these girls and mothers could get away with such atrcocious behaviour, and that noone would fight back or expose them. The main characters of Alex and Kate were a little flat and not very interesting. I didn't feel compelled to wish for their happiness. I did finish the book, quite quickly in fact. It was a very easy read, and well paced. The characters all had essential roles to play in the story and it moved along quite quickly. But I just felt ...meh...about this book. I feel like this storyiine is nothing new and while it was intersting and I finished it...it didn't blow me away. Happy Reading...more
This book was a slow burn with just enough intrigue to make me want to keep reading. There are many main characters in this book and the reader wonderThis book was a slow burn with just enough intrigue to make me want to keep reading. There are many main characters in this book and the reader wonders how they are all connected. The author does a skillful job of revealing just enough so that the reader wants to keep reading. The ending was satisfying even though there were a few loose ends left unanswered but I suppose that is the mark of a good. Book. You want to know about the characters because you are interested I them. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books in this genre. I felt very satisfied in the end. ...more
I just finished reading "Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest revieI just finished reading "Dark Corners" by Megan Goldin. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. First of all, I didn't realize that this book was the second in a series featuring the main character Rachel Krall, who is a true crime podcaster. She tries to advocate for men and woman who have been unjustly put in prison for crimes that she did'nt commit. This time she is called to Florida to help solve the mystery of a soon to be released prisoner who is about to be released and who has talked about her to another young influences (Madison) who has disappeared. What follows is a series of events told in the past and in the present, includinng one section by a mystery character who is utterly evil and smells really bad (believe me when I say this is important)
Rachel decides to investigate Madison's disappearance at the same time as the FBI agent (Joe) and the two go through many hurdles and mysteries to uncover the truth which is very satisfying.
What I liked about this book was the grit and determination of Rachel Krall. She is a great character and i now wnat to read the first book in the series. I also liked the covergence of all the characters at the end. It was very well written and not confusing at all. The author did a great job of creating rootable characters who weren;t perfect but were intertesting and entertaining. I also liked the exposure of the world of influencers by the author. It was an interesting look into a world that I have no understanding of. I also loved how the main bad guy was writen: methodically and deliberately as if the author was slowly pulling the reader into his madness.
Was there a part I didn't like? I feel like some of the questions I had while reading the story weren't answered. If I say anymore then I will ruin the story, So I will end with this...
A great book that I had a hard time putting down. It was filled with mysteries and revelations that kept coming until the very end. This is the second book that I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last.
I just finished reading "Her Father's Daughter" by T.M. Dunn. Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exI just finished reading "Her Father's Daughter" by T.M. Dunn. Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is about secret lives and finding the truth, and horrible parents, and relationships between daughters and their fathers. Linda, the main character is very close to her father and they own an exterminating company. She wants to leave her dad to go to college, but before she leaves she is called to do one moe extermination at a ritzy complex in New York where she finds a woman dead. What follows is a. mystery as her Dad becomes a suspect and disappears leaving Linda with ALOT of questions...Why did her dad leave? What is he hiding? And then she finds his journal....BOOM.. The story is written from the perspective of the father and the daughter, so we know about the Father's secret life but reading about how Linda finds our is riveting and incredible. To say anymore would be to spoil the story...so I will just say...Read this book. You will not regret it. It was a pretty incredible ride and surprising and horrifying and the perfect thriller. What I liked about this story was that the characters were very imporatant to the story. There was no useless story telling..it all had a point. I liked how the story unfolded slowly, how I coldn't believe what. was reading and I was so intrigued by the father and daughter and the mother as well. I read this book very quiclkly becuase I could not stop thinking about the tragedy surrounding the realtionship between the father and the dauther. Was there anything I didn't like? Not really, It was a very satisfying read. Well written and well paced with an icredible and unique storyine. My congratulations to the author for weaving such a wonderful and horrifying story together in such a creative way. I have found a new must-read author, and I am exciited to read more books by this author. Well Done... Happy Reading!...more
I just finished reading "The Other Mistress" by Shanora Williams. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honI just finished reading "The Other Mistress" by Shanora Williams. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. In order to properly review this book you almost have to divide it into two parts...before the reveal and after...More about that later. This book is about a very successful woman, Adira, who is afraid that her husband is having an affair. She turns to his other mistress Jocelyn, to get the other woman out of the picture so she can have him to herself. As I was reading this book, I kept wondering why such a beautiful and successful woman like Adira would want to remain with a loser like Gabriel...he was unemployed, lying to her and being unfaithful. I was almost going to put the book away because I was unimpressed with Adira until...the big reveal>. Which changed my perspective on Adira and Gabriel and their relationship. In the end, everything came together perfectly, there was even a delicious finale which kept the reader guessing. What I liked about this story was that the author wrote it in a way that left the reader shocked with the big reveal. It was crafty and well written. What I didn't like was it almost took too long to get to the explanation for Adira's actions. I was almost going to put the book down. In the end I am glad I didn't. Well written characters, important relationships that played important parts in the ending of the story, and an almost perfect ending. (Gabriel was a little too perfect in my opinion). All in all, a unique story idea that created an entertaining read. Happy Reading!...more
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