The moment Lillie’s marriage falls apart, she can’t help but be shocked. After all, she thought her marriage was perfeHighly Relatable and Emotional!
The moment Lillie’s marriage falls apart, she can’t help but be shocked. After all, she thought her marriage was perfect, then her husband took up with a much younger woman. Lillie, of course, plots just a teeny, tiny bit of revenge. To say that she had me laughing (and crying) is an understatement!
Out of the Clear Blue Sky is about marriage, divorce, empty-nesters and moving on. A novel that will give you all the feels, I adored this novel and found it fairly relatable even though I’m not a mother myself.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey that we both really liked.
A huge thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc via NetGalley.
Alice Hoffman, you have surpassed my wildest expectations!
With The Book of Magic, the fourth book in the magic series, Ms. Hoffman has accomplished what I consider to be an impossible feat. Writing a final installment, that is, in my opinion, better than all prior books in the series.
I adored The Rules of Magic and Magic Lessons and frankly didn’t think any book could surpass those, yet The Book of Magic did exactly that. Bravo Ms. Hoffman, Bravo!
Weaving together all prior books, here we have the final book in the Practical Magic series, with Aunts Jet and Franny Owens, Uncle Vincent, Sally and Gillian, and Sally’s children, Kylie and Antonia.
Troubling times are ahead for the Owens family, though this should not come as a surprise. The curse that Maria Owens bestowed upon this family still hovers.
When Jet Owens hears the knocking of the deathwatch beetle, she knows her time is drawing to a close and that a lot of work must be done before she draws her last breath.
The Rules of Magic of course, still apply here “Do as you will but harm no one, What you will give will be returned to you threefold” and of course, no falling in love. The issue is of course, that Sally Owens has raised her children as if magic does not exist, thus they know nothing of the curse until it strikes. For Kylie Owens, this spells disaster.
What happens next, is well, pure magic.
Almost from the start, chills ran down my spine and made my pulse quicken at the predicament the Owens family found themselves in. Racing against time, Franny, Sally, Gillian, and Vincent desperately try to save Kylie and destroy the curse once and for all.
Written from the heart, The Book of Magic is character-driven fiction, magical realism and literary fiction all rolled into one.
The Book of Magic is filled with LOVE. Fierce, wicked, and pure. Love is what defines the Owens family and it will prevail.
This is a novel that will most definitely be on my Goodreads best-of-list for 2021.
To Alice Hoffman, thank you for sharing the Owens family with us for all of these years. To Hannah, Maria, Faith, Jet, Franny, Vincent, Sally, Gillian, Kylie, and Antonia Owens: You are loved, Always.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Edelweiss, and NetGalley for the arc.
Published on NetGalley, Edelweiss, Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook....more
I read this with Kaceey - no surprise there.. and as we got into it, I told her that the plot felt a lot like one of Charlie Donlea’s earlier novels: Don’t Believe It. I recounted the plot of that one to her (it didn’t ring a bell - turns out she had read it when it first appeared on NetGalley years ago, while it was the last book of his I’d read, a few months ago now. Hence why I remembered it so well and while there are some differences, the plot is quite similar - see my review for that book here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). I, therefore admittedly, didn’t quite love this one and found it to be somewhat tired and overdone. Shocking? Not shocking.
Had the plot not felt familiar, would I have loved this? I asked myself that time and again…. (as often plots regurgitated by authors and I obviously do like some of them as I am an avid reader) but I think the answer is still a hard no. There were way too many things going on for me to honestly care and as Kaceey astutely pointed out there was a TON of repetition, which got kind of boring. The last thing of course was the surprise ending, which came out of left freaking field. Like WTH!?!?
So for me, that is all. Have I recounted the plot of the book here? No. Simply because you don’t need me to. There are lots of other reviews out there that already do that. The end result is that I didn’t dislike this one, I just didn’t love it.
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Kensington Publishing Company, RB Media and NetGalley for the alc and arc.
Family: So Evil, So Twisted, and well, So Darn Wicked.
“The Wicked Sister” has been on my Edelweiss back list for YEARS, unfortunately, you know how it goes - sometimes, books just fall to the wayside. Well, folks, I finally got to it (thanks to a little help from my local library and their audiobook selection.. lol) and I’m glad I did. I loved this author’s prior book “The Marsh King’s Daughter” and still remember the details and had a feeling I’d like this one as well, and I was right.
The Location: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Present Day: Rachel was eleven years old when her parents died in a murder/suicide. Since that time Rachel has been living in a mental health facility voluntarily, believing that she murdered her parents. When she decides to check herself out, fifteen years later, she discovers that she was wrong.
The Past: Jenny escapes her hometown with her husband and their young daughter Diana after a tragic incident occurs leaving a toddler dead. Their destination is their family’s hunting cabin in the woods. Both Jenny and her husband are hoping for a simpler life, and looking for a way to make things better for Diana, who isn’t like other children. When Jenny gets pregnant with another child a few years later, complications ensue.
The day comes when Rachel, Diana’s sister, confronts her past, and let’s just say that it’s not pretty.
“All Will Become Known” warns the Raven…
Taut, suspenseful, harrowing, “The Wicked Sister” was a well-done mystery and a fabulous audiobook, with great narrators.
I will admit that there were certain parts of this novel that I felt were extremely far-fetched and had me rolling my eyes a tad. That said, for the most part, I enjoyed this suspenseful novel and would recommend it to fans of mystery/suspense.
This was a buddy listen with Kaceey that we both enjoyed.
Thank you to Edelweiss, GP. Putnam’s Sons, Penguin Publishing Group for the arc, and my local library for the audiobook.
Oh So Funny, Sweet and Romantic, “In Case You Missed It” Hits All the Right Notes.
After failing to make it big in DC, Ros hightails it back home to LOh So Funny, Sweet and Romantic, “In Case You Missed It” Hits All the Right Notes.
After failing to make it big in DC, Ros hightails it back home to London and her parent’s house. Little does she know that they’ve renovated the shed in their backyard just for her. How sweet it’s not!
Now that Ros is back, she reconnects with old friends, and thanks to a little phone blip that sent a mass text to “all contacts” in her phone with an “I’m back message,” she also reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Patrick who broke her heart. Sounds perfect right?
What Ros finally realizes however, is that sometimes you can’t rekindle what you had, you have to move forward. Luckily for her, she has her several old friends and someone kind of great waiting in the wings.
“In Case You Missed It” by Lindsey Kelk is a super sweet, funny, lighthearted rom-com that was exactly what I needed in these crazy stressful times.
Another sweet buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins, and Lindsey Kelk for the arc.
When it comes to literary fiction, if I’m being frank, the dirtier it is, the better it is. By that I mean, I like it complicated, messy and at times, really difficult, because in my opinion, that is real life.
Lucky for me, “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore certainly fit that bill and then some.
Long Bright River is a novel about dysfunction, layered on top of even more dysfunction - just how I like it.
Sisters, Mickey and Kacey couldn’t be more different. Growing up on the outskirts of Philly where drugs run rampant, both sisters took very different paths. Mickey became a cop, Kacey became an addict, and then some. Kacey’s life is not pretty, though she never purported it to be. What it is, is ugly, hard and wholly prevalent. Mickey took a different path, and is now a single mother, working a demanding job, always worried that Kacey won’t last another day.
While patrolling Kensington, where Mickey resides, bodies of female victims start piling up. Someone is on the hunt and Mickey appears to be the only one to spot a pattern. Unfortunately, Mickey also realizes that her sister Kacey has been missing from the streets for over a month.
All Mickey knows is that Kacey’s situation could be perilous. Intense desperation, utter despair, and a driving need to find her sister, lead Mickey on a hazardous goose chase.
A gritty, character-driven novel that leaves it all out on the table.
A buddy read/listen with Kaceey that was sitting in our queues for way too long. So glad we finally got to it. For me, this was a top read for 2020!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Riverhead Books for the arc. Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Frankie Elkins is a troubled middle aged woman, who is on the run from her life. She is a recovering alcoholic who finds missing persons. It’s just something she has been doing for the last ten years of her life.
In “Before She Disappeared” Frankie finds herself in Boston, searching for teenager Angelique Badeau who went missing from her High School eleven months prior.
Though she has no experience or training, somehow, Frankie has a way about her, an ability to make people trust her and get information that the police do not. In addition, she thinks of avenues to explore that the police don’t even consider.
Frankie is a complex character, whose backstory is somewhat compelling. She is kind and strong, yet tormented by her past.
While this book starts out as suspenseful and intriguing, it required this reader to suspend disbelief at Frankie’s ability to solve crimes, given her lack of training. I also found the romance that was brewing between Frankie and the Detective to be a bit rushed. Furthermore, I didn’t buy into Frankie’s background as the reasons for her needing to make things right and thought the novel felt “forced.”
What makes this story enjoyable however, is the writing. It is extremely solid and the character development, as always is very well done.
As a huge fan of Lisa Gardner, the DD Warren and Flora Dane series, unfortunately, this standalone novel didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I therefore hope that the author returns to her tried and true for her next go round.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Dutton, and Lisa Gardner for the arc.
“Confessions on the 7:45” is dangerous, delectable and absolutely wild!
Sometimes a seemingly innocent conversation is anything but.
Such is the case “Confessions on the 7:45” is dangerous, delectable and absolutely wild!
Sometimes a seemingly innocent conversation is anything but.
Such is the case for Selena, upon sitting down next to Martha, a young woman on the train, who appears to be lost in thought, and struggling with her own issues. When Martha divulges a secret (an affair with her boss), Selena does the same (her husband’s affair with their nanny).
What made you think you could trust a mere stranger? Tsk, tsk, Selena!
From that point on, Selena’s life unravels faster than a spool of thread.
Chilling, thrilling and oh so intriguing, “Confessions on the 7:45” is brilliantly plotted. Told from several POVs, this is one captivating tale! A character driven mystery suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end.
This mystery/suspense is also one of Lisa Unger’s best thrillers to date and is reminiscent of her earlier novels! 4.25 Stars!
A fantastic buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins - Park Row, and Lisa Unger for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Edelweiss on 11.15.20....more
Oh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertainiOh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertaining book? “Goodnight Beautiful” includes a thrilling plot, newlyweds, therapy sessions and a highly intriguing main character whose sanity one can’t help but question. The ride is way bumpier than you might expect and it’ll make you question everything and I mean everything.
This mystery/suspense deals with a variety of themes including: Marriage; Secrets; Lies; Therapy; Obsession; Deceit; Abduction; Mental Illness and Sociopathy.
Then there is a nod to Stephen King’s “Misery.”
Can I just say Heck Ya!?!
I know you guys want more details but you’re not going to get them from me.
My advice: Go into this novel completely blind. The payoff is worth it.
The only thing I’ll say is that when you’re reading the book and that “Aha” moment comes, it’s a freaking doozy.
What more can I tell you? “Goodnight Beautiful” displays the art of misdirection beautifully. Aimee Molloy got me and she got me good. This novel is a psychological thriller that is highly captivating, compelling, wild and unpredictable and it is sure to top the list of best thrillers of the year. This was another thrilling buddy listen with Ms. Kaceey! The audiobook gave us LOTs to discuss.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for the arc and Libro.fm and Harper Audio for the alc.
There’s even a book entitled “House of Horrors” recounting the Holt family’s experience living there for 3 wBaneberry Hall: It is said to be Haunted.
There’s even a book entitled “House of Horrors” recounting the Holt family’s experience living there for 3 weeks before fleeing into the night, twenty-five years ago.
Baneberry has been vacant ever since. Until now.
Maggie Holt, who was a little girl at the time, has decided to return to restore Baneberry Hall to its former glory.
The question of course is whether or not the house is safe for Maggie to return to.
Silly question.. Right?!
Riley Sager’s “Home Before Dark” included sinister undertones and yet, I never felt chilled to the bone, nor did the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. In my case, I needed a little scare factor than Riley Sager delivered. That being said, I enjoyed how the book was written, which included chapters from the “House of Horrors” interspersed with Maggie’s life in the present day as she attempted to face her past and Baneberry Hall.
This is now the fourth book that I’ve read by Riley Sager and I will say that while my favorite book of his remains “Final Girls” - I truly enjoyed “Home Before Dark” and thought it was much better than either “The Last Time I Lied” or “Lock Every Door.” 3.5 Stars.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing and Riley Sager for the arc.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.7.20. ...more
What can I say: knowing what I do about Connecticut Law, the premise of this novel simply didn't ring true almost from the get go and I, tNo. Just No.
What can I say: knowing what I do about Connecticut Law, the premise of this novel simply didn't ring true almost from the get go and I, therefore was rolling my eyes almost immediately. Then I got to the end and my frustration grew and I thought: "Oh No, You Didn't!" however, Liv Constantine did.
All I can say is that I am not a fan of far-fetched plots. If you are, this book might be just what you're looking for.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey, which definitely gave us a lot to talk about.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins and Liv Constantine for the arc.
Mickey Haller never thought in a million years that he’d have to defend himself. That day, however, has arrived.
When Mickey Haller is stopped during Mickey Haller never thought in a million years that he’d have to defend himself. That day, however, has arrived.
When Mickey Haller is stopped during what appears to be a routine traffic stop, he initially thinks nothing of it, until a search of his trunk reveals the dead body of one of Haller’s former clients inside.
The next thing Haller knows, he’s in prison garb and awaiting a speedy trial. Fortunately for Haller, he has an entire team on his side including two ex-wives and his half-brother and retired Police Detective, Harry Bosch. Now he just has to prove “The Law of Innocence,” meaning that in order to prove that he didn’t do it, he has to prove who did.
The court battle ensues with Haller, his law partner, Jennifer, and his ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, on his side against the prosecution which has it out for him from the get-go. The arguments are brilliantly plotted, and the action is wholly compelling.
For those who love courtroom thrillers, "The Law of Innocence" delivers!
What I loved most, besides the appearance of Harry Bosch, was how the predicament Haller was put in changed his persona. Haller is known for being big, brash, and larger than life. He is a showman in the courtroom: he often throws in a lot of antics and they tend to work to his advantage. Here, because he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit, he understands the perspective of the clients he has represented all his life. That turn of events shows a softer, more humane side of him and it made me like him more as a character. I have never quite liked Mickey Haller and yet the way he was portrayed in this novel endeared him to me. I loved seeing him interact with his ex-wife Maggie and have high hopes for the two of them.
For me, the characters truly brought this novel home. I have read every single book Michael Connelly has ever written (having started in the late 90’s) and I feel like I know the characters really well and think of them as friends. (Can I just say that the reappearance of Maggie McPherson was something else?!)
What I also really appreciated about this novel is the fact that it is the first one I’ve read that includes Covid-19 in the storyline. Michael Connelly incorporated the virus in a very realistic way, which I must give him kudos for. I hope that other authors will follow suit.
A huge thank you goes out to Edelweiss, Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, and Michael Connelly for the arc of this book which will be published on November 10, 2020.
*Review originally published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine on 10.2.20. Also published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.4.20...more
Vanessa Yu has a gift. One which has ruled her life and one, which she has fought against her whole life. Vanessa is a clairvoyant. She can read fortuVanessa Yu has a gift. One which has ruled her life and one, which she has fought against her whole life. Vanessa is a clairvoyant. She can read fortunes at the bottom of one’s teacups and once she sees the future she is unable to hold in her prediction.
Sadly, this has caused Vanessa much strife as she often sees pain and despair instead of happiness and light. The only thing that Vanessa wants in life is to find love and because of her gift, it alludes her. Vanessa therefore, would do anything to get rid of her gift and yet, it is her destiny.
Vanessa’s Aunt Evelyn is also a clairvoyant who lives in Paris. Evelyn has accepted this gift and because of that, she learned to control it and it is up to her to teach Vanessa to do the same.
“Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop” is the second book I’ve read by Roselle Kim, the first being “Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck & Fortune” - which I absolutely adored. Sadly, “Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop” didn’t quite hold the same magic for me. While it had many storylines running through it, I felt that it lacked a true focus. In addition, none of the characters truly made me care about what was going on in their lives. I am however only one reviewer, thus I suggest reading other reviews as this may be a case of my being the wrong reader for this novel. Having loved Roselle Kim’s first book, I will definitely be on the lookout for her next novel and hope it will rekindle the magic of “Natalie Tan.”
Another buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 9.27.20 ...more
Love. It’s never easy, is it? It is in fact, extremely complicated.
From the outside, Emily’s life appears to be quite simple. She is a Psychologist,Love. It’s never easy, is it? It is in fact, extremely complicated.
From the outside, Emily’s life appears to be quite simple. She is a Psychologist, married to Ezra, a Pediatric Oncologist. Their love makes her feel wholly special. While she likes her job and feels like she is good at it, oftentimes she feels like it becomes harder and harder to help people. Ezra loves and is consumed by his job. When he loses a patient it destroys him. Both Emily and Ezra want one thing and one thing only. To become parents.
One day while listening to the radio, Emily hears a song and she recognizes the voice instantly. It’s him. Her first love: Rob. As for the song on the radio? It’s about her. The one that got away. Her heart catches, her throat constricts and every memory the two shared comes rushing back.
Of course Emily can’t help but search the internet for “him” and when she does, her past becomes her present.
Turbulent, tumultuous, and full of crazy emotions, this book will make you examine love and what’s meant to be. “Everything After” is compelling and captivating and full of heart.
A huge thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Jill Santopolo for the arc.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 8.23.20....more
A Heart Stopping Thriller that Kept me Glued to My Seat!
When you hear the name Rachel Krall, it’s instantly recognizable. She is known for her PodcasA Heart Stopping Thriller that Kept me Glued to My Seat!
When you hear the name Rachel Krall, it’s instantly recognizable. She is known for her Podcast “Guilty or Not Guilty” which is now in it’s 3rd Season and which will be its most controversial yet - focusing on the topic of sexual assault in the small town of Neapolis. Rachel is going to cover a rape trial as it unfolds. It’s he said, she said and it’s going to be a doozy.
To make matters even more dicey, while in town, Rachel begins receiving anonymous letters from someone claiming to be the sister of a girl who died 25 years prior. The sister, Hannah believes her sister Jenny was murdered though the official cause of death was drowning.
Rachel investigates both cases, chasing down angles wherever they may lead.
Can she find the truth before it’s too late?
Speaking from my experience as a former paralegal for 24 years, when it comes to the law, it is often the case that the attorney who puts forth the better argument wins, regardless of whose side the law is on. It was therefore thrilling to see how the lawsuit in this novel played out (no spoilers) - as it always is in legal thrillers. I found the characterizations to be brilliantly plotted, Rachel Krall’s podcast to deliver, the testimony in the courtroom to keep me engaged and Hannah’s letters quite gripping.
In short, “The Night Swim” by Megan Goldin expertly delved into extremely sensitive topics. Furthermore, this book was an intriguing pulse pounding thriller that took the bull by the horns and came out swinging. Bravo!
This was an excellent buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, Edelweiss and Megan Goldin for the arc.
Dark, Devastating, Disturbing and Utterly Heartbreaking.
“My Dark Vanessa” is a novel that I went into with trepidation. It is ominous, unsettling and Dark, Devastating, Disturbing and Utterly Heartbreaking.
“My Dark Vanessa” is a novel that I went into with trepidation. It is ominous, unsettling and completely consuming. At times I read it with my hands covering my eyes, shaking my head and yet, I continued on.
This novel is not for the faint of heart and is extremely disturbing. It centers around fifteen year old Vanessa Wye, who attends boarding school in New England and is sexually abused by her forty-two year old English Teacher, Mr. Strane. For Vanessa, this relationship is her first and only. She believes it to be love, though, Mr. Strane manipulates her throughout the entirety of their relationship which lasts for years (well after she is kicked out of boarding school). Seventeen years after her initial assault, Strane is accused of sexually abusing other female students. Of course Vanessa doesn’t believe it to be true.
This novel is filled with angst, assault, confusion, deceit, false love, lies and manipulation. The writing is dark and deliberate. It is also quite well done. Vanessa is portrayed with extreme care. My heart broke for her time and again and yet all I could think throughout the course of reading this novel was that Strane “brainwashed” her and all I wanted to do was help her. Though I realize that this novel was fiction, I know that this happens each and every day and my heart is with those who experience it. My wish for the Vanessa’s of this world is that they speak up and get help.
I read this novel with my book buddy Kaceey and I am so grateful that we had each other through this devastating read. It is not the type of book either of us would normally ever read and yet, both of us found the story to be compelling, terrifying and thought-provoking. Thanks for being by my side during this one Kaceey. I loved discussing this one with you even though it was difficult for both of us.
Thank you to HarperCollins - William Morrow, Edelweiss and Kate Elizabeth Russell for the arc.
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