This was a very fun read, and sure there is a little tragedy thrown in towards the end but overall it was a joy to read. It's about a mother and daughThis was a very fun read, and sure there is a little tragedy thrown in towards the end but overall it was a joy to read. It's about a mother and daughter who are so very different in personality and temperament that they don't know what to do with each other. Posey, the mother figure is shallow and conniving but I still liked her because she was so self unaware that she was funny. Calle Jane, Posey's daughter is the polar opposite of her mother and has to learn to stand up for herself to realize her own happiness. I loved that the story is based in the south, I love good southern fiction. I highly recommend this delightful and heart felt story by Elizabeth Bass Parman. 5 solid stars....more
This was a very fun read. Vicky Sterling is just one recruit away from hitting her goal in her MLM (multi-level marketing) Puremetics business. But whThis was a very fun read. Vicky Sterling is just one recruit away from hitting her goal in her MLM (multi-level marketing) Puremetics business. But when her recruit target - Anna Price is befriended by the OWLS, (an underground activist group of old ladies) Anna is talked into becoming a mole to infiltrate Vicky's Purmetics group and bring down what is in a reality pyramid scheme. The head of Puremetics, Christian White is as sleazy as they come and has hurt many women with his ponzi schemes in the past. The OWLS are out to get him any way they can. The fact that these women were mostly Mormon and very devout threw an extra layer into the mix. Mormon pyramid schemes, who would have thought! I really liked the way that all the characters grew in one way or another and became more inclusive and open minded by the end. There is a lot of humor and heart to this book, really a lot of fun. The author Robin Strong narrated the audio version of the book I listened to and she did a wonderful job. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Strong Stories, LLC for a chance to listen to an audio version of this entertaining novel. All opinions are my own....more
This story is so emotionally charged and is beautifully written, it had me enthralled from the first page. It is the story of family, second chances, This story is so emotionally charged and is beautifully written, it had me enthralled from the first page. It is the story of family, second chances, love, forgiveness, regret and so much more. Can one ever truly forgive oneself for an unspeakable act? This story explores this question and in the process helps it's characters heal deep, deep wounds. The writing is gorgeous and takes the reader on a long winding journey which fully satisfies at the end. A beautiful piece of work. The cover art is perfect. Highly recommended. 5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Dutton for chance to read and critique an ARC version of this novel. All opinions are my own....more
The Fabled Earth is a work of complex literary fiction. The writing is moody, etherial and deeply layered. The descriptions of the Cumberland landscapThe Fabled Earth is a work of complex literary fiction. The writing is moody, etherial and deeply layered. The descriptions of the Cumberland landscape are mesmerizing. This is a story of past and present, forgiveness, redemption and finding ones self. I recommend this book for lovers of literary fiction and expressive writing. 4 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to read an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own....more
When newlyweds Harper and Ben discover Ben has terminal pancreatic cancer they must take stock of their lives and love for each other. Ben hatches a pWhen newlyweds Harper and Ben discover Ben has terminal pancreatic cancer they must take stock of their lives and love for each other. Ben hatches a plan to find Harper a new husband before he passes so that she will be taken care of. Harper is not thrilled and fights the idea tooth and nail, she loves the husband she has already. But when a journalist arrives at their door to interview Ben and his plan to find his replacement Harper is shocked to find Liam, the only other man she ever loved is the journalist that will write the story. So begins this 'What If' reality tale about second chances for love, being true to yourself, following ones dream and trusting ones instincts. Harper has always run away from conflict out of fear, but this time she must stay for love. I loved the bits of magical realism throughout the story. It was fun, refreshing, unpredictable and added depth to this romance. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was excellent.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to listen to an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own 5 stars....more
Living in the village of Great Diddling, Berit Gardner is a well known author suffering from writers block. When an explosion murders one of the villaLiving in the village of Great Diddling, Berit Gardner is a well known author suffering from writers block. When an explosion murders one of the villages leading citizens she is drawn like a moth to a flame to discover who-dun-it. This happenstance must surely help cure her writers block and Berit jumps in feet first. Filled with a cast of funny quirky folk Berit cannot but help herself from interviewing the villagers, drawing conclusions and putting her nose in the case despite the request of the local police to keep out of it and let them do their job. This was a fun cozy read that I enjoyed. I especially liked that is a book about books. 3 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen/read an ARC audio version of this book....more
If I could sum this book up in one sentence I would say it is the story of all humanity, the strong connection of the human animal bond and nature. ItIf I could sum this book up in one sentence I would say it is the story of all humanity, the strong connection of the human animal bond and nature. It is a very long book but well written and an enjoyable story. It is the prequel to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and if you enjoyed that you will likely enjoy this one as well. The story touches on many aspects of the human condition, friendship, trust, love, hope, fear, betrayal, philosophy - it's all there in spades. It follows young John Sawtelle and his newlywed wife Mary and two friends who strike out to build their own personal utopia - Relaxalot, on a isolated farm in Wisconsin and how they deal with life, how they interact with each other and how the famous Sawtelle Dogs came into being. This book has just about everything one needs to create its own unique world, even a little paranormal magic thrown in for good measure. I very much enjoyed the narration of the audio book version I listened to, the narrator was amazing. I highly recommend this book for fans of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and for those who enjoy a deep and engrossing family saga. 5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for a chance to listen/read an ARC copy of this fine novel....more
I don't usually go for the ghost story type genre but this book really hooked me, scared me a little and delivered a very satisfying end. Lily and herI don't usually go for the ghost story type genre but this book really hooked me, scared me a little and delivered a very satisfying end. Lily and her husband Jack buy a dilapidated old mansion with the intention of renovating it and hopefully starting their family there. Right away things start to go wrong. Ceilings crumble, strange sounds and cold icy breezes whoosh by Lily's ankles and she begins to think perhaps the house might be haunted. As she researches the houses history she discovers the towns occupants have nicknamed their house 'The Murder House' because of a double murder suicide that occurred there over fifty years ago. The more Lily delves into the past the more she feels a strong connection to the house and cannot entertain the idea of selling even though they truly cannot afford it. If you like spooky, ghostly stories with a murder mystery thrown in for good measure this book is for you. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was very good. Highly recommended for spooky fun.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen to an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own....more
I'm not really sure if I really enjoyed this book, probably because of the subject matter of becoming a pop star ins the 1090's early 2000's but I didI'm not really sure if I really enjoyed this book, probably because of the subject matter of becoming a pop star ins the 1090's early 2000's but I did find it interesting and well written. It is a coming of age story above all and that is what I did like. Amber Young is an ambitious young teen when she is spotted by a talent agent and begins her first steps to becoming an international pop star. The competition is fierce and Amber is plagued by insecurities in her talent as a singer and dancer. But as she matures, experiences love and develops deep friendships with other performers she comes in contact with she comes in to her own. It takes years, but Amber arrives on the other end as a successful star and worthy person. If you like pop culture and pop music this might book might be of great interest to you. Recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to read/listen to an ARC of this audio book....more
This book was a delightful surprise for me. Lenny Marks is an odd duck. She is a thirty seven year old elementary school teacher with little to no socThis book was a delightful surprise for me. Lenny Marks is an odd duck. She is a thirty seven year old elementary school teacher with little to no social life, social skills or even friends. As the story unfolds we learn why Lenny is this way and how she got to where she is today. Lenny had a terrible thing happen to her in childhood and has repressed her memory of it in order to survive in an inhospitable world. I really liked her character and her story which is told with humor and honesty. I don't want to say too much about the story line and give it away but I truly enjoyed this book and think others will too. It is an unusual story that kept me guessing and fully satisfied me at the end. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to listen/read and ARC version of this audio book. My opinions are my own....more
This is my first book by the author T. Kingfisher and it won't be my last!. The story is full of magic and sorcery, humor and adventure and I just ateThis is my first book by the author T. Kingfisher and it won't be my last!. The story is full of magic and sorcery, humor and adventure and I just ate it up. I was not expecting to like it so much as the synopsis really did not give it credit. Cordelia's evil mother who happens to be a sorceress has gone hunting for a new husband, a rich one. She drags her fourteen year old daughter Cordelia to a squires country manor in order to ensnare him and secure his fortune for herself. Cordelia meets several people at the manor and becomes friendly with Hester, the squires sister. When Hester finds out that Cordelia is deathly afraid of her mother she steps forward and takes her under her wing becoming more of a mother figure to Cordelia than her actual mother. A lot happens in this story and I found it absolutely compelling and could not listen/read it fast enough. I especially liked the budding 'mature' romance between Richard and Hester showing us that you can never be too old for love. The two narrators were quite good and I enjoyed their voices. You do not have to be a fan of fantasy to enjoy this story and I believe it has something for everyone. Highly recommended for fun. 5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to listen/red and ARC copy of this audio book. My opinions are entirely my own....more
As much as I enjoyed the premise of this book and the characters I found it confusing with the non linear timeline and the jumps in time between past As much as I enjoyed the premise of this book and the characters I found it confusing with the non linear timeline and the jumps in time between past and present. I listened to the audio version of this book and if the narrator had prefaced each chapter with the year in question it would have helped me out quite a bit. I think the story is lyrically written and somewhat tragic, so a plus for that. The two interconnected stories of past and present come together in the end beautifully and I was completely satisfied. This is a work of literary fiction that makes the reader really think. Recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen/read an ARC audio version of this book....more
I very much enjoyed this novel of historical fiction The Seaforth Heiress by Elizabeth Hutchinson and did not realize till the end that it was based oI very much enjoyed this novel of historical fiction The Seaforth Heiress by Elizabeth Hutchinson and did not realize till the end that it was based on an actual person, Mary Mackenzie. Mary was born into a fairly wealthy Scottish family of privilege in the late 1700's. They own an ancestral home Seaforth manor or Brahan Castle. There is one thing that Mary's family has been aware of and tried to ignore over the Iast generations, that there is a curse on her family that they will die out and the Seaforth legacy will be no more, and they will lose the family estate. Mary mainly poo-poos the curse but as her life continues some of it does become true and she begins to question her views. When her family is stationed to Barbados she witnesses some horrible treatment of slaves which will haunt her her entire life. Mary eventually marries and travels with her husband to India where she witnesses more mistreatment of lesser class people, and again this colors her impression of humanity. I enjoyed the colorful descriptions of both Barbados, India and of course the Scottish highlands. The regency period in which Mary lived in was rather stifling for women, however Mary was able to carve out a niche of independence for herself. When she loses her first husband she becomes a thirty four year old heiress, the Clan Mackenzie Chief and is finally able to come into her own with no need to ask for permission for her freedom from anyone. She definitely was one of the first feminists of her era. I highly recommend this work of well written historical fiction, it was a pleasure to read and very informative, which I appreciate. 5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
In 1978 two sisters, Gem and Garnet Stone went on a wild road trip ostensibly to see the Grand Canyon. In truth they never made it that far but had a In 1978 two sisters, Gem and Garnet Stone went on a wild road trip ostensibly to see the Grand Canyon. In truth they never made it that far but had a blast with many adventures the week they were traveling. Gem fell in love and Garnet embraced her true free spirit. When they returned home to aid their overbearing manipulative 'dying' mother they never told the truth of their adventure to anyone, especially their mother. Forward to 1998 where Gems 'perfect' marriage arranged by her mother is dead, her daughters are out of control and her mother is still trying to control her life. Garnet has fortunately escaped her mothers southern guilt mind control and come into her own. But at a family function the twenty year ago infamous road trip takes front and center of the conversation and all hell breaks loose. Fortunately in a good way. Garnet finally and literally takes control of her life and even though there might be hell to pay she is willing to go that full and final mile. I really, really enjoyed this novel. The road trip adventure was a hoot to read and had me laughing out loud several times. The characters were interesting and fun, even the nasty ones. I rooted for Gem and Garnet the whole way from beginning to end. Highly recommended for a fun and clever read. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Librarything and the author Linda Hughes for a chance to read an ARC version of this book....more
Nice Work, Nora November covers many aspects of the human experience with love, grace, patience and a liberal dash of humor. Throw in a side of buddinNice Work, Nora November covers many aspects of the human experience with love, grace, patience and a liberal dash of humor. Throw in a side of budding romance and you've got a great combination to create a really fun and feel good novel. Our main character Nora cannot seem to hit her stride in life. She is a lawyer in her fathers law firm, but secretly loathes the work. She has never had the courage to stand up to her family and their plans for her life and career. And then the unthinkable happens. Nora dies. She dies and comes back to life after a near death experience. She is now a completely different person with a reverse bucket list under her belt and she is determined to see it through come hell or high water. And it is hell trying to get through to her family about who she really is and what she really wants. But Nora, despite the obstacles thrown in her way perseveres and finds her true self with the help of an octogenarian thespian group and a few new gardening friends. This story touches on some heavy topics such as mental health, alcoholism, dysfunctional family dynamics and the like. The author did a fantastic job addressing these issues and moving us through them with Nora as our guide. I really enjoyed this novel and can highly recommend it. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for a chance to read/ listen to an ARC copy of this wonderful book....more
If you can suspend your belief in natural physics and trust that love can be found in other realms that one can return to night after night then this If you can suspend your belief in natural physics and trust that love can be found in other realms that one can return to night after night then this book is for you. Fiona Abry is a CEO of a famous Swiss watch company. She keeps herself busy, busy, busy for a reason, she has been hurt and abandoned by important people in her life and keeping a full calendar helps her not dwell on her inner pain. One day she is gifted a famous pocket watch made by the founder of the Abry watch company. It is supposed to be able to help its bearer to dream of their greatest desire when the watch is set. All Fiona really wants is to love and be loved and has not been lucky in that area of her life so far. So one night she takes a chance and sets the watch, goes to sleep and... to her great surprise wakes up in an alternate reality on a tropical island where she is married with two children! As she returns to this island to dream each night with the help of the watch, she begins to open her heart and fall in love with her 'husband' Aaron McCormick. But is the dream world real, are Aaron and her children and the islanders real. Fiona will have to learn to really trust and this is an important component of what she must learn so she can find true love and happiness. I enjoyed this magical novel very much. I really had to let my imagination take flight so the story could work for me and accept that magical realism can actually exist. A very fun read, recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Swift & Lewis Publishing, LLC | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for a chance to listen/read an ARC copy of this audio book....more
I am a huge fan of Lianne Moriarty and her latest novel does not disappoint, it may be even her best one yet. Cherry Lockwood, the middle aged daughteI am a huge fan of Lianne Moriarty and her latest novel does not disappoint, it may be even her best one yet. Cherry Lockwood, the middle aged daughter of a fortune teller boards a plane. In the middle of the flight she stands up and begins to pace the cabin pointing at each passenger telling them of what they will die of and at what age. Many laugh it off, many are horrified and frightened, after all is this crazy woman a psychic with special abilities? They all disembark and go their own ways. However a few days later one of Cherry's predictions comes true, and then another, and another. The people she has made predictions about are desperate for answers and each begins to change and modify their lives in order to avoid an untimely death, just in case it's true. What I love about Moriarty's writing is that she infuses humor and humanity into all her characters and treats them like friends she truly cares about. She makes me care about all of them as well. This book explores a lot of concepts, life, death, karma and the human experience. I just loved it, couldn't put it down and can't recommend it highly enough. Supremely entertaining. Thank you Ms, Moriarty for another excellent story. 5 solid stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Crown Publishing for a chance to read an ARC of this compelling story....more
Helen Reid is only 59 years old when she discovers she is dying of ovarian cancer and does not have long to live. She begins to get her affairs in ordHelen Reid is only 59 years old when she discovers she is dying of ovarian cancer and does not have long to live. She begins to get her affairs in order and also begins to right a terrible wrong she has been shouldering guiltily over many years. This is a story of self introspection and love of family. I found it quite touching and made me think about my own frail humanity and the love that I have for my own family. A very sweet novel. Recommended. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for a chance to listen/read an ARC of this audio book....more
This was a very fun mystery involving a group of friends who all have one year old babies and dogs. They had solved a murder a year ago when they wereThis was a very fun mystery involving a group of friends who all have one year old babies and dogs. They had solved a murder a year ago when they were all expecting and in this story they are about to do it again. The dialog is witty, funny, sometimes snarky and full of chutzpah, I laughed out loud several times. The murder mystery itself is full of twists and turns and moves quickly which I enjoyed. The characters Alice, Poppy, Alisa, Hen and Helen the super dog are all a lot of fun and I enjoyed going on this journey with them. I liked the references to contemporary media and popular characters as well. A very fun and enjoyable read. 4 stars.
Many thanks to net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read/ listen to an ARC audio version of this book....more
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