Oh my goodness! Just see what this non-crazy middle-class American is missing! I loved this book. I loved the fact that it was written in different tiOh my goodness! Just see what this non-crazy middle-class American is missing! I loved this book. I loved the fact that it was written in different timelines (not much of the book, but some). I loved what a *itch Arabella was-although she wouldn't see it that way. She would see it as being helpful. The father Francis...clueless, but are we really sure about that?
The backdrops, the money spent, and the people all add up to make this a hilarious read—well, not knee-slapping funny, just jaw-dropping funny. I mean, who in heaven's name would build a bazillion-dollar resort on an active volcano?
The twist at the end had me amazed. I saw some of it coming but not all of it, and it was just perfect.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Doubleday, the author Kevin Kwan, and NetGalley. Many thanks. This is an ARC that I'm going to purchase to add to my collection!
It is the perfect beach read for anyone who is looking for something fluffy but well-written and very entertaining....more
I must remind you, readers, that this book is mostly fiction. If you want more of the truth, make sure you read the notes at the end of the book. I diI must remind you, readers, that this book is mostly fiction. If you want more of the truth, make sure you read the notes at the end of the book. I did a bit of research myself, as I like to do with biographical/historical/fiction, and while I am disappointed at the one thing I found, everything else is spot on.
This was a fabulous novel. I could not for the life of me, put it down and finished it in one big gulp! Gill Paul is one of my favorite biographical/historical/fiction writers, and this novel just puts her one more notch toward my all-time favorite of this genre.
It not only showcased Jacqueline's trouble trying to get Valley of the Dolls published, but it also showed just how far women truly have gone in the publishing world of today and how bad it was for women of that era who wanted to become editors.
*This ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley. Thank you all....more
I have been reading this series since the very first book It Had to Be You and all of the rest of her books. I can see where Ms. Phillips has 3.5 ✮✮✮✮
I have been reading this series since the very first book It Had to Be You and all of the rest of her books. I can see where Ms. Phillips has grown as an author. Her books have usually been wonderful reads for me. They are both funny with serious (sometimes very serious) elements. I always come away wanting to turn right around and do a re-read.
This book seems to take off in a different direction. We don't seem to deal much with the team anymore. Rory (our female lead) is a strong and very opinionated woman who makes one mistake that I was not very happy with. (view spoiler) Things finally do get cleared up in Ms. Phillips's usual zany manner. And then tragedy strikes—a murder.
Things seem to go downhill from here; the book starts centering on sex more than any of the other essential plot lines (and there are several), like Rory starting her own artisanal chocolate business and getting her brother cleared of murder charges.
Although I'm a bit unhappy with this edition of the series, I'm not disliking it either. I think other fans will like, and perhaps even love, this book. So I think this book will be well worth the read.
It's best not to start the series with "Simply the Best"!
* This ARC was supplied by the publisher Avon Books/HarperCollins Publishers, the author, and NetGalley....more
This is a book with a lot going on. One thing I especially liked was learning about motorcycles and the women who drove them, throughout hist3.5 stars
This is a book with a lot going on. One thing I especially liked was learning about motorcycles and the women who drove them, throughout history. I was a bit of a rider in my younger days!
As I'm sure you are aware, domestic violence is a large part of the theme of this novel. Actually, there are several themes: DV, motorcycles, murder, romance, and the reuniting of three long-time friends. I didn't find this book to be as frothy, amusing, or sexy as some of this author's other series, but it was a novel that kept my interest, albeit with a lot of eye rolls.
I don't know how to explain why I wasn't TOTALLY thrilled with this book, but I did feel that it could have been just a touch better had it been shortened a bit. There was a lot of unnecessary and unfunny interplay between the friends. I can see why it might have been needed -perhaps to keep the book from being a bit too serious. It just made for a more difficult read for me.
I also am wondering if this is the start of a trilogy.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Montlake, the author MaryJanice Davidson, and NetGalley....more
I recommend this book with my whole heart. It has a bit of everything in it. As you can see from the synopsis, this is a book that should hit all the I recommend this book with my whole heart. It has a bit of everything in it. As you can see from the synopsis, this is a book that should hit all the right notes with readers who like a short novel filled with interesting characters, holiday madness, sad moments and happy moments, a bit of a mystery, and the chance at love.
I also learned a bit about Christmas tree farming and the selling of trees in New York City, which is odd since I live in an area with many tree farms, and I've never paid much attention to what it takes to work a farm like these. I love learning a little something while I read.
After several months of reading books that were unsatisfying, I hit on this gem!
Yes, it is a bit early to read a Christmas book, but it is well worth it. I will be doing a re-read later on, closer to the season.
I highly recommend this book to those who love Fannie Flagg, Dorothy Benton Frank, Anne B. Ross, and of course, this author.
*ARC supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press, Mary Kay Andrews author, and Net Galley. My thanks. #BrightLightsBigChristmas #MaryKayAndrews#StMartinsPress...more
If anyone likes Fannie Flagg or thought-provoking, light fiction -I just finished (and turned right around to read it again)The Whole Town's Talking.
WIf anyone likes Fannie Flagg or thought-provoking, light fiction -I just finished (and turned right around to read it again)The Whole Town's Talking.
What a sweet and entirely thought-provoking book. This is written in very short chapters from many different points of view and spans the time from the founding of this town in the 1880s to 2021 and the generations that come from the (Swedish and German)founding fathers. If you have read the other three books in this series, you will be very familiar with some of the characters, but it will not bore you. There really is no plot (well, two tiny mysteries, but they are more of an aside), and this is written in an almost diary-type style with no one voice any louder than any others. This is simply a novel about the founding, growth, and happiness of a town and its inhabitants.
Funny at times, sad at others. I imagine that you'll be as surprised at the ending as I was and then sent into a 'what if' mood.
But I think it's worth it - I may even read it for a third time over the weekend.
It is the perfect calming book - no chase scenes or sword fights, no great angst or lust-filled sex scenes, just quiet loves and lives lived to the fullest. Not always the best of lives, just the fullest.
READ the first two books! For those with Kindle Unlimited, they are free to borrow!
So now we know this will be a series since thHappy Publication Day!
READ the first two books! For those with Kindle Unlimited, they are free to borrow!
So now we know this will be a series since there is no true ending to this book. Yes, Ainsley Farmerson, sister of the Queen (the good one), gets her guy and has some sexy times with him. There are the fighting, blood, guts, strong women who know themselves and revel in it, laughter, and comedy that we've all come to know and love with this author.
I suggest that you also try to read: at the very least, Dragon Actually
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by G.A. Aiken or What a Dragon Should Know
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to learn a bit about Annwyl the Bloody because she is a secondary main character in this book and perhaps for some of those to come!. Also, for those with Kindle Unlimited, the first Dragon book is free!
Edited to add: these dragon books have a lot more sexy times and are quite graphic about them!
This book started a tad slow but really picked up quite soon and kept me at the edge of my chair for the rest of the book. I adored it, and for me, that is really a lot to admit. I don't adore a lot of books. This one is going on my comfort bookshelf along with the other two!
*ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Publishing Corp, the author G.A. Aiken aka Shelly Laurenston, and NetGalley....more
I don't know what to say about this fantastic debut novel, except WOW!
This is a must-read for Baby Boomers and Millenials alike. This book shows that I don't know what to say about this fantastic debut novel, except WOW!
This is a must-read for Baby Boomers and Millenials alike. This book shows that as difficult it is to be a woman with a career now, you don't have anything over the women who were cracking the doors open for you. However, this is not an easy read and may set off some triggers.
At times this book is funny; at times, it is downright tragic and almost always ends up with you, as a woman reader, being frustrated. Unfortunately, things like this are still occurring even at the mid-turn of the century.
This book takes place in the late 1950s, then moves on to the early 1960s, when women were just starting to realize their worth as more than just homemakers and mothers. Actually, a lot of this ideology started during WWII, but that is not important to this novel.
But more than a books book about the unfairness to women searching for something different; this is a love story, a mystery, and a chic-lit novel.
This was one of the most fabulous books I have read so far this year. I found myself laughing, crying, frustrated, and jumping with joy. I just wish it had been longer.
I highly recommend this book to all readers.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher, Doubleday Books, NetGalley, and the author. Many thanks....more
I have already read this book twice-once for my pleasure, and then I re-read the series (three books so far) to review this one with everything fres4
I have already read this book twice-once for my pleasure, and then I re-read the series (three books so far) to review this one with everything fresh in my mind.
This should have been a solid 4.5/5 book for me, but Verity (the female protagonist) just annoyed me in the beginning with all her "just kidding" stuff. But I did eventually warm up to her.
If you have read the first two books, you will know just how this book will go.
Bear shifter Magnus Berne meets someone unusual (in this case, it's a Squib named Verity Lane). The shifter has been depressed for a long time and thinks he will never find love.
The Squib? The same as the shifter-angsty about her future, had a difficult childhood (not as complicated as most of the others in this series, though) and sort of resents what she is. These two will eventually come together (in more ways than one!) when they are forced to investigate the murder of one of Verity's friends from a squib club she belongs to. This book will also connect with the past two books and the mystery that was started with the first book.
I loved seeing all the characters from the first two books (although I did miss Pat), the mystery was fascinating and the romance was steamy, but not porn steamy!
*I received this book as an ARC but I have already preordered another copy....more
I don't know what to say about this book, but I'll give it a whirl! However, DO NOT start this series with this book. Although it provides a lot of baI don't know what to say about this book, but I'll give it a whirl! However, DO NOT start this series with this book. Although it provides a lot of backstories, you will have lost something precious.
Astounding, riveting, violent, vicious, emotional, gratifying...I can come up with more, but why bore you?
This was one of the best books I have read in quite a while. I assume that this is the last book in the series. (yes, I know what they say about assuming things!). However, I do hope that there may be at least one more book.
All of the other books in this series have been written using just Atlee's point of view; this book is written a bit differently by using Atlee's and Mercy's voices as well as another secondary/main character. It was a bit spooky, but I quickly got into it. It was almost like getting three stories in one.
As I said, I don't know what I can say to get you to read this, but if you like Baldacci's works and have stuck with this series, then you HAVE to read this book to see how it all ends.
I liked this series so much that I went out to buy the two books I received as ARC.
*ARC provided by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author David Baldacci, and NetGalley. Thank-you....more
I highly recommend this book to anyone that really loves kick-ass women and the men who lust after them.
OKAY, WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK COMING OUT???
I cI highly recommend this book to anyone that really loves kick-ass women and the men who lust after them.
OKAY, WHEN IS THE NEXT BOOK COMING OUT???
I can't believe that I just finished this book and I want the next one. It is probably because not all of our questions are answered, so we need the next darn book...as a matter of fact, not all of our questions have been answered from the first three books! Is this some sort of evil test on behalf of the author???
The first three books in this new series have dealt with the MacKilligan sisters (there were only three until a new one showed up, and boy, oh boy, she really does have her father's screwed up genes! You'll see!).
This next part of the series will be about the Malone brothers (Siberian Tigers) and the friends of Max (one of the MacKilligan sisters). Unfortunately, we don't get to see much of the sisters' new lovers, but we do get a very healthy dose of the girls, and I loved that.
This book CAN be read as a stand-alone since it does have a goodly amount of backstory. We have a wonderful mystery, a slow-burning affair, and more with the baking for the neighborhood bears. We also learn a lot about Max's friends and teammates, and wow, they are something. I will admit that while the loves scenes are HOT-there really is only one full-length one. This book, the whole series, has more to do with mysteries and fighting than romance.
*ARC supplied by the publisher (Kensington Books), Shelley Laurenston, and NetGalley. Thank-you....more
4.5 stars rounded up. There is a bit of a cliffhanger to this book, and I'm unsure if this will be a long-running series or a trilogy. I'll have to do4.5 stars rounded up. There is a bit of a cliffhanger to this book, and I'm unsure if this will be a long-running series or a trilogy. I'll have to do a little more research on that. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more information given to the readers.
I have not read a book by Ms. Ward in several years since she decided that her books needed to go off in many different threads instead of mainly concentrating on the main characters. Still, this book sounded interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. Even though people from her other series are in this book, this can be read as a stand-alone. I can see where they will most likely combine probably at the end of this trilogy/series. I will immediately re-read this book to pick up some more of the nuances. This is definitely a book that needs to be read twice. There are so many twists and turns. And there are many red herrings and a lot of steamy sex-though that doesn't happen for quite a while-somewhere after the 50% mark. This is the perfect summer read and will inject some new fresh ideas into future books.
*** I must add that the ending of the book was a complete surprise for me.
*ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss. Thank you....more
If you know me or have ever noticed my reviews, you will notice that I very rarely give out a five-star review. That means that no matter where I've gIf you know me or have ever noticed my reviews, you will notice that I very rarely give out a five-star review. That means that no matter where I've gotten the book, I am totally honest with my opinions!
I loved, loved, loved everything about this book. If there is a romance trope or a horror trope out there MJD put it in her book. And that is what the point of this book and the others in this series are all about -tropes, cliches, etc.
I laughed at parts and got frustrated in others. I didn't figure out the who-dun-it until it was pointed out to me and I love that fact. The romance was great with only one sex scene Oofta! The fact that Ava is a pilot who saved an entire plane was just thrilling!
How MJD used these cliches and made almost everything and every one the opposite of what we've come to expect just made my day.
To tell the truth I'm getting ready to re-read this (It's going on my comfort reads shelf and I'm going to be buying my own copy!)to see if I missed anything. I admit I devoured this book quite fast and had so much fun with it!
*ARC supplied by the publisher and author. Bless their little hearts!~...more
This simple book is going to become one of my "comfort" reads -I kid you not! As a matter of fact, as soon as this book hits the shelves, it is going This simple book is going to become one of my "comfort" reads -I kid you not! As a matter of fact, as soon as this book hits the shelves, it is going to become part of my library! What a freakin' fantastic walk down memory lane this was for me.
I loved every minute of it.
This book is geared toward YA as a historical (I think), but it is perfect for anyone who became a teen in the late 80's early 90's. Or even better, for older adults looking for the ideal quick break and a walk into the past.
This book, while humorous for the most part, does hit on some sensitive issues (divorce, friendships, virginity, and self-actualization).
*ARC supplied by the publisher and the author....more
Oh my! I adored this book just as much as I loved the first one - "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe". For those readers who loved the firOh my! I adored this book just as much as I loved the first one - "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe". For those readers who loved the first book, you definitely need to pre-order this one. It is written in the same manner as the first book, with short chapters and the story going back and forth in time. I found it very easy to read.
Unfortunately, we do lose a few of our beloved characters, but that is expected when the dualogy starts at the beginning of the 19th century!
This book centralizes on Buddy, his daughter Ruthie and Evelyn, and how their lives growing up have affected them. However, there is a surprise toward the end just waiting for you!
This sentence may be a tad spoilerish, but I'm going to let you know that none of our main characters die! Thank-goodness. Life is good in Whistle Stop. I hope to see you soon at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and I hope we can share a plate of fried green tomatoes!
**ARC supplied by the publisher and the author. Many thanks for that and for trusting me to write an unbiased review!...more
4.5-----> I am going to say this twice in this review since it seems that people are going to need reminding: "I have to say though, that this book is4.5-----> I am going to say this twice in this review since it seems that people are going to need reminding: "I have to say though, that this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book."
I will update to a 'true' review just as soon as I read Danger, Sweetheart and then re-read The Love Scam. You really don't need to read Danger, Sweetheart first but I want to see if that will change my opinion of this book.
I have to say though, that this book is full of cliches and tropes and it has been done on purpose---please read the author's notes at the beginning of the book. It was a bit of a mess at first until I got into the rhythm and remembered about the trope/cliche issue of the book but it ended up being an excellent mystery with (what was to me) a shocking conclusion. I really hope that this is turned into a small series.
Oh, wait I don't have to write a "real" review LOL! Oh, wait-I already did -but I reserved the right to add to this if my re-read change anything!!!
I liked this book a lot. (added 9/28---I loved it even the second time around, so this is going on my comfort read shelf!) I didn't quite find it gut-I liked this book a lot. (added 9/28---I loved it even the second time around, so this is going on my comfort read shelf!) I didn't quite find it gut-busting funny, but I did get quite a few giggles. MaryJanice follows her tropes and long-time readers are pretty comfortable with this fact. As far as first-time readers of MJD...I think they are going to like this book a lot.
I do wish there had been more backstory-so we could have understood better, what was going on. It took quite a while for me to understand totally what was going on.
I also wish there had been some better editing as I found some inconsistencies. but that may be fixed before release.
I was shocked as to how much I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what next problem Rose Dennis (escaped dementia patient-- I was shocked as to how much I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what next problem Rose Dennis (escaped dementia patient---or is she really afflicted with this disease?) was going to get into or create on her own.
As other's have mentioned, you really do need to suspend disbelief for this book...I know that many women of a certain age can do wonderful things but this is a woman who has been ill and drugged and...well I won't get into some of my issues or rather, Roses issues since they would be spoilers!!!
I did not figure out who was behind all of this and was quite surprised; unlike other reviewers. It was a joy to me to see someone of this age, and her grand-daughter working together to uncover what was going on.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys deep mysteries, action, and books that make you really think.
This is not going to be a great review---I'm just too happy with this book to be able to express my feeling distinctly!!! As a matter of fact, even thThis is not going to be a great review---I'm just too happy with this book to be able to express my feeling distinctly!!! As a matter of fact, even though I got this as an ARC I am going to be buying my own copy...I also put this on my 'comfort read' shelf!
This is the type of book that you can get lost in; you can love and sometimes hate the character's, love and sometimes dislike the storylines (there are several in this book). However, ultimately you will be rooting for Nina (at least I did!).
Nina is a great character if you love books as much as most of us do-she is the consummate bookworm and even schedules reading time; she IS a tad anal about her life and when you know more about it/her you will understand why.
In this book, you will find romance, a long lost family, humor, deep belly laughs, and even tears.
I found it all with this book and I hope you do also.
I had a tiny bit of difficulty getting into this book, but once in it, I could not put it down. The author Wow! What a blend of characters and tales.
I had a tiny bit of difficulty getting into this book, but once in it, I could not put it down. The author managed to blend three separate stories and lives into one complete book without me being annoyed or feeling as if the book was more of a series of novellas. This is something other authors have a lot of trouble with.
We have Holly who considers herself as a spinster at the age of thirty who is in love with her across the street neighbor. He is just soooo wrong for her, but as their story-line unfolds you will enjoy, be unhappy, be angry and then be relieved with how this all plays out.
We have Leslie whose life is becoming more and more bizarre and has just left her husband, but I can't tell you why because this was not discussed in the synopsis and I don't want to spoil it for you. Let's just say it all works out. And that this was one of the most unusual and intriguing parts of this book and teaches us great lessons in learning to live with those we may find a tad 'different'.
Then we have the Queen Bee also known as QB (which I kept mistaking for Quarter Back!) -this is Holly and Leslie's mom. She starts out as the typical Southern Diva, but her character grows tremendously and she becomes one of the funniest and wise characters in this book.
Then there are the bee's - the honey bee's to be specific -I learned a lot about them and I found the relationship between them and Holly (the beekeeper of these hives) to be a remarkable one.
I loved this book and even though I have read this via an ARC, I will be buying my own copy AND I will also be reading more by this author.
HEA's abound and that makes me a happy camper -not much angst, (a little bit at the start) not enough to make me want to stop reading; self-reflection...well Holly does a lot of that but she finally grows to accept herself for who and what she is.
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