Don't go into this thinking it's a fast-paced thriller or you'll be disappointed. It's definitely more of a family drama/mystery with a more sedate paDon't go into this thinking it's a fast-paced thriller or you'll be disappointed. It's definitely more of a family drama/mystery with a more sedate pace. I enjoyed it, especially for the feeling it gave me. I enjoyed the lovely little Central CA coastal bungalow where Liam Samuel Noone spends most of his time, and the beautiful hotels that he has designed over his career. The views of the Pacific Ocean, and the quirky NYC neighborhoods. It also gets into some of the truths about love and life, grief and why people do the things they do. The twist and the ending did surprise me, and I was satisfied with the way it all turned out. I look forward to Laura Dave's next novel, as I've enjoyed everything that I've read by her. Thanks to Netgalley and Simon Element for the advance digital copy!...more
This was an easy-to-read, slow-burn mystery/thriller. I was intrigued by the premise, although the execution was a bit lacking for me. I never really This was an easy-to-read, slow-burn mystery/thriller. I was intrigued by the premise, although the execution was a bit lacking for me. I never really felt connected with the characters, and the two main storylines didn't come together as I thought they might. There was also quite a bit of foreshadowing, so I knew who was involved from early on, and kept reading to see how it would all end. I enjoyed being immersed into the NYC newspaper world, and some of the side characters were intriguing. I'll definitely continuing reading the author's upcoming books, even though this one wasn't a home run for me. Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for the advance digital copy!...more
What an amazing story! This was my first by Tia Williams, but it certainly won't be my last. This is a lush, magical novel, with parts set in present-What an amazing story! This was my first by Tia Williams, but it certainly won't be my last. This is a lush, magical novel, with parts set in present-day Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance. It's an ode to NYC, love and romance, and creativity in all its forms. With wonderful supporting characters and beautiful scenery, this is a work of art. Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance digital copy!...more
This charming story is a Hallmark Christmas movie waiting to happen. It has all the ingredients ~ woman moves from her childhood home in the country tThis charming story is a Hallmark Christmas movie waiting to happen. It has all the ingredients ~ woman moves from her childhood home in the country to the city, unique profession (selling Christmas trees on a NYC street corner), grumpy old man, villains trying to drive them out of business, romance, and found family, and I loved every minute of it! It's very sweet and heartwarming and is the perfect gateway to the holiday season. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance digital copy!...more
I absolutely loved this story of women and family and culture. Told mostly in 2008 with flashbacks to 1996 (the year that Ruthy disappeared), the noveI absolutely loved this story of women and family and culture. Told mostly in 2008 with flashbacks to 1996 (the year that Ruthy disappeared), the novel looks at the lives of these women in a Puerto Rican family living in Staten Island, and the 13-year-old daughter who went missing one afternoon. While the synopsis makes it sound fairly plot-driven (they see a woman on a raunchy reality TV show whom they are certain is Ruthy and go to find out), it's very much a character-driven story, as we learn about their lives and what made them who they are today. It's raw and emotional, and I went from laughing out loud to crying at the end. (Note: if you are offended by f-bombs and other language, this may not be the book for you). I loved the strength the women have shown in one situation after another in their lives, and how they stick together to continue on. I'm looking forward to what Claire Jimenez writes next! Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance digital copy....more