Here I am on outlier Island! Most of my friends loved this book so I encourage you to read a variety of reviews. I was really anticipating this read aHere I am on outlier Island! Most of my friends loved this book so I encourage you to read a variety of reviews. I was really anticipating this read and I love Hitchcock's movies so I was all in!
The premise is good. Alfred Smettle (yes he was named after THE guy!) has bought a creepy hotel that looks like the Bates Motel from Psycho and has filled it with memorabilia. His Mother was a great Hitchcock film buff and Alfred grew up watching all the movies with her. He too soon became fascinated with the famous director. Now, it's his hotel's First Anniversary and he's invited five of his closest college friends to come and stay for a special weekend. The thing is something happened between them long ago and they really have not spoken for sixteen years. It will soon become clear as to why Alfred has gathered them all together.
The first half of this book was really dull for me. It just went back to their college years and told their stories. Nothing grabbed me. No one is particularly a good person so there is no one to root for here. It got a little better at the half way mark as the mystery picked up. I did enjoy all the mentions of various Hitchcock films and some quotes. I was surprised with the culprit and I did like the ending.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different characters and time settings.
In present day Minnesota, Cassandra and her cousin Maria want to learn more about their family who originated from Italy. Cassandra decides to travel to the tiny town of Santo Stefano to rediscover her roots. There she meets and befriends some of the townspeople. They are a friendly bunch and they begin to help her find out more about her ancestors. Meanwhile, the book also goes back in time and tells the story of her (great-great), and (great)-grandmother. Perhaps the townspeople of old were not as friendly!
I really enjoyed the Italian setting. The town and atmosphere was vividly described - as was the delicious food! The story was told at just the right pace and kept my interest all throughout. It's sprinkled with a tiny bit of "old world" magic that's just perfect for this time of year ...more
Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once again Inspector Sebastian Bell from Scotland Yard is trying to crack the case. A man is found hanging off of Traitor's Gate on a meat hook. He is also missing his tongue! Bell will call upon his new friend (and love interest) Nurse Gemma Tate for some help.
The writing is wonderful. The atmosphere and Victorian era is vividly depicted. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. There were many characters being investigated and I did not guess the perpetrator. Sebastian and Gemma are getting closer romantically. I can't wait to read Book #3!
Published on June 24, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
The story and writing is divine! This captivated me from beginning to end.
This is the story of the Soffer fWow! Now this is how I love my Historicals!
The story and writing is divine! This captivated me from beginning to end.
This is the story of the Soffer family that focuses on the eldest daughter, Malaka "Minnie." "Home is where your people are."
On January 17, 1920 prohibition began in the United States. That is the day Minnie and her mother and brother stepped onto Ellis Island in New York. Minnie's father was awaiting his family's arrival from Ukraine. This was to be a new start for the family. A new life filled with hopes and dreams and with some reservations.
The Soffer's are a Jewish family that settle in the lower East side of New York City. They are struggling to survive but have the love of family and their community on their side. The father makes a decision that will impact the family and especially Minnie for years to come.
This story is set from the 1920's to mid 1930's. An era that fascinates me. It's about the grittier side of that time when mobsters and speakeasies ruled the town. A story about doing what it takes to survive even if it's not what you really want to do. This definitely pulled at the heartstrings ❤️...more
I've decided to read some legal thrillers to commemorate my daughter recently being, "Called to the Bar."☺️ This is my first one.⚖️
This is a debu3.5 *
I've decided to read some legal thrillers to commemorate my daughter recently being, "Called to the Bar."☺️ This is my first one.⚖️
This is a debut novel and I think the writer is promising. It was a good debut. My enjoyment shifted from 3-3.5 stars throughout. This premise definitely caught my eye.
"Trials aren't about the truth. They're about what you can and can't prove."
Essentially what this one is all about. I don't want to give too much away as I enjoyed just reading it and finding out things along the way. It definitely went in a different direction then I thought it would. This is a book that some may like and others won't. It will rub some people the wrong way. I thought it was a clever and unique take that played with your mind.
Lila Dalton is in a courtroom. Where, she cannot tell you. She cannot remember anything about her past or this trial she is apparently involved in. All she can figure out is that he's a mass murderer. She doesn't even remember that she's a lawyer but she seems to know and understand the court proceedings. Now all eyes are on her. Can she muddle her way through it? It seems like her very life could depend upon it!
The writing kept me engaged but it is a complicated plot with lots of legal jargon. It does challenge you to think about the justice system. If you can suspend your disbelief in parts I think you will enjoy the story (and ending!) Also just love the cover!
Available August 27, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
What a great story! Impressive writing! I enjoyed my first Jenny Lecoat novel a lot. The story takes place on one of the British Channel Islands,4.5 *
What a great story! Impressive writing! I enjoyed my first Jenny Lecoat novel a lot. The story takes place on one of the British Channel Islands, Jersey Island- which was occupied for 5 years by the Nazis in WW II. Just after the liberation of Jersey there is much joy amongst the locals but that joy is also mixed with anger.
Jean lives with her mother. Her father Philip Parris was jailed and taken away by the Nazis to a Camp after someone "snitched" on him for having a radio. Hazel and her father lived in the flat above Philip Parris's Ironmongery. Hazel is accused of being the one to tattle on Jean's father. The stories alternate between Jean and Hazel and soon their lives will intertwine.
Both girl's stories are sad. With the backdrop of a troubled island this only added more emotion to the story. I liked that this was a little different than the WW II books that I usually read as it took place just after the war. There were 12 chapters and they were long but I liked that there was an epilogue that tied everything up nicely. The author's notes were interesting to read as this story was inspired partly by her own family's war experience.
Available from July 2, 2024 and onwards
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
This had such a great premise and an ode (of sorts) to Agatha Christie's classic, "Murder on the Orient Express" that I knew I wanted to read it This had such a great premise and an ode (of sorts) to Agatha Christie's classic, "Murder on the Orient Express" that I knew I wanted to read it ...more
Firstly, I must acknowledge that eye-catching cover and title! This is my first Wendy Francis book and I enjoyed it.
It's a tale of three sisters.3.5 *
Firstly, I must acknowledge that eye-catching cover and title! This is my first Wendy Francis book and I enjoyed it.
It's a tale of three sisters. Shelby, Kate and Bree. As children they spent their summers on the shores of Cape Cod in a small town called Hull. Shelby is now divorced and is a real estate agent. She lives there year round with her teenaged son. Kate is married to a lawyer and has a three year old daughter. They live an extravagant life and have purchased a seasonal home in Hull. Bree has recently suffered a break-up and is a struggling artist who lives in Boston. The sisters are all struggling with some issues and the week before Memorial Day Kate and her daughter flee to their seaside home. Her sister Bree follows her there where they meet up with their other sister Shelby. Each of the chapters focus on the sisters. They begin a week before Memorial Day and lead up to a Memorial Day party on Saturday night.
However the opening chapter jumps to Memorial Day where there is a body found in the ocean. We get snippets of that day throughout the book. These chapters focus on Robin, who is a police officer.
I think this format at first was confusing hence a half star takeaway. I did however enjoy each of the chapters about the sisters. I liked when they would reminisce about their parents and especially their mother who always seemed to have words of wisdom for them. There's a mystery about the Memorial Day weekend and a surprising twist. It's a good story about sisterly love.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
Since I read, "Dear Emma Blue" by this author I've been hooked. That is my absolute favourite one of hers. I've also enjoyed, "The key to my heart" anSince I read, "Dear Emma Blue" by this author I've been hooked. That is my absolute favourite one of hers. I've also enjoyed, "The key to my heart" and "Eight perfect hours." This premise sounded very interesting.
Millie's e-mail draft folder at work is like a therapeutic diary that she keeps all her private thoughts in. She writes e-mails to people with things she'd "like" to say but never would say. They are her private true thoughts and one day a glitch happens at work and all her e-mails have been sent out. Yes, those ones in her draft folder that she never wanted anyone to see! Wow, now that's a promising premise!
I really was invested in finding out what did actually happen with the e-mails. That kept me reading. There were some funny and cute moments with her love interest Jack but for the most part I didn't feel a strong love connection and emotion with these characters. I also found the pacing was a bit too slow for my liking. For me this one was not up to par with her other books but I'd certainly read another Lia Louis book again.
This was a buddy read with my dear friend Darla. I really enjoyed discussing the book with her. Please be sure to check out her wonderful review. Did we feel the same way? Have a look to find out.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Atria books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
Madeline Martin has written a very compelling story! I like how she incorporated some true historical events and happenings throughout the novel. BravMadeline Martin has written a very compelling story! I like how she incorporated some true historical events and happenings throughout the novel. Bravo to the great research!
The story literally begins with a bang! A young Emma is caught in a bookstore fire that ends in tragedy for her family. Some years later she is living in Nottingham and is now a widow with a 7 year old daughter and Britain is on the brink of war. This essentially is a story about a single mother trying to keep her child safe during WW II.
I enjoyed reading about the Boots Chemist Lending Library that Emma begins to work at. I did not know anything about this Lending Library that was a sort of up-scale place usually on the top floor of a Boots Chemist/Pharmacy. It differed from a normal library as it was a paid subscription service for more up-to-date books. Britain had what was called a, "Marriage Bar" that barred married or widowed women to work in most places. So, Emma had to say she was single to get the job (although her supervisor knew the truth.)
The story touches on many events during this era. Dunkirk, children's evacuation to the countryside to keep them safe, the Mass Observation by the public of recording their thoughts and actions down, and the SS Benares ship carrying children to safety in Canada being struck by a German u-boat and killing almost all of them.
I like how this book promoted the love of reading especially with Emma and her daughter Olivia. Books brought them closer together. It's always wonderful to read about how comforting books were to people during wartime. This one was a bit predictable but very enjoyable. Don't miss the author's note at the end of the book.
This was a buddy read with Darlin' Darla. Once again I loved discussing the book with her! Please check out her review for her perspective.
Published September 10, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Readers Copy....more
Vi Keeland usually writes steamy Romance Novels. This is her first Thriller and what a great effort! I was engaged all throughout the story!
Meredith iVi Keeland usually writes steamy Romance Novels. This is her first Thriller and what a great effort! I was engaged all throughout the story!
Meredith is dealing with a horrific situation. She's a psychiatrist who begins to obsess over a man. One day that same man walks into her office and declares he's her new patient. I don't want to give too much away. This one is very twisty, twisted and crazy! Although parts of it were a little too vulgar for my taste.
A fast-paced thriller that will keep you reading to find out what happens next. Great writing!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Atria Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
Another NetGalley book that sat on my shelf for far too long!
This is an engrossing WW II story about two people who meet and fall in love in such a hoAnother NetGalley book that sat on my shelf for far too long!
This is an engrossing WW II story about two people who meet and fall in love in such a horrendous time.
Ruby lives in the small village of Bartonford near Devon. She works for the local newspaper and lives with her Father. The Americans have descended upon the town and have set-up a camp to prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Sam, is a young American soldier from the South. He's running away from a terrible life. Ruby, is told by her father to stay away from the Americans. Two people from different walks of life yet they fall in love in such tragic circumstances. Can their love survive?
I was fully invested in this book from start to finish. The particular chapters on the D-Day invasion had me holding my breath. I'll gladly read another Emma Pass book! Great storytelling!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Head of Zeus (Aria) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy....more
This was a unique type of family story and I enjoyed it. Lots of family drama with some light hearted comedy thrown in. Classic Friedland.
The stor3.5*
This was a unique type of family story and I enjoyed it. Lots of family drama with some light hearted comedy thrown in. Classic Friedland.
The story is about 4 grown siblings whose Mother has recently passed. Their Father informs them that he's going to sell the family vacation home at The Jersey Shore as he's moving to Florida. While at the shore cleaning out the home 3/4 of the siblings buy a Powerball ticket and lo and behold they win ...more
Really enjoyed my first Sue Fortin book! She certainly kept me guessing!
Siobhan is married with a teenaged daughter and living in England. She and herReally enjoyed my first Sue Fortin book! She certainly kept me guessing!
Siobhan is married with a teenaged daughter and living in England. She and her husband are originally from Ireland and visit from time to time. On one fateful visit back Siobhan is having drinks with her two sisters, Kathleen and Corin at the local pub. A verbal disagreement erupts among the sisters and on that same night Kathleen goes missing. The police finally rule that Kathleen has just run away from her life (leaving behind a husband and teenaged son.) Six months later Siobhan is now back at home in England. She receives a mysterious call about her sister's purse being found and returns to Ireland with her daughter to try to piece together what really happened to Kathleen.
I really enjoyed the Irish setting ☘️ and family dynamics. This story has many facets to it and I more or less went in blind. I'd suggest not to read too many reviews that might reveal too much about it. I liked the fact that I could not piece together exactly what happened and loved the way it was revealed in the story. I'll be on the lookout for more Sue Fortin books!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
WOW! A 5 Star Plus! Hats off to the exquisite writing and research by Kate Thompson. This will definitely be a top favourite of the year for me!
I enjoWOW! A 5 Star Plus! Hats off to the exquisite writing and research by Kate Thompson. This will definitely be a top favourite of the year for me!
I enjoyed Kate Thompson's last book, "The Little Wartime Library" (and loved the quick mention of those characters in this book) but I loved this one even more!
Essentially about a friendship and the hardships of war. This story is about the German occupation of the Channel Islands in the British Isles and focuses on the island of Jersey. Grace and Bea are the best of friends and live in Jersey and the Germans have just taken occupation of the country. Grace is a librarian and Bea is a postmistress. It follows their friendship and lives throughout the war. Grace begins to hide banned books and distributes them to local islanders while Bea begins to intercept letters from local spies "snitching" on the Islanders to the Germans.
This story is captivating from the very first page all the way to the last. It's filled with pain and loss but also hopes and dreams. The author's notes are a must read! There is a lot of extra research and information provided and my favourite part was finding out that some of the characters were real life people.
If you are a wartime historical fiction fan this one is not to be missed!!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
This is my first time reading this author. Her writing is good and that premise was intriguing.
Jade, is flying to Spain. She may or may not have just This is my first time reading this author. Her writing is good and that premise was intriguing.
Jade, is flying to Spain. She may or may not have just won the lottery. She's hoping to have a great time on vacation and she's brought along her trusty new book, "How to live like a Millionaire." She meets a guy on the flight. He may or may not just be her dream man. He whisks her away to his luxurious villa and there she meets the housekeeper, Marta.
The story is told through Jade and Marta's point of view. I found Jade's story to be a little too drawn out. Once Marta's POV began I did enjoy this one a little more. It does have some twists and turns and a surprising ending. I did not much like the characters so that may have had an impact on my enjoyment of this.
It's a slow build but still a pretty entertaining one. I'd read something else by this author again.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy....more
This is my first Kerry Clare book. Once I noticed she's a Canadian (Toronto based) author I quickly requested this and was very excited to read it This is my first Kerry Clare book. Once I noticed she's a Canadian (Toronto based) author I quickly requested this and was very excited to read it ...more
I enjoyed this one! I liked the writing style and the idea of the podcasts incorporated into the story. This one kept me flipping the pages because I I enjoyed this one! I liked the writing style and the idea of the podcasts incorporated into the story. This one kept me flipping the pages because I couldn't figure out just what really happened.
Five years ago there was a murder in the small town of Plumpton, Texas. Lucy Chase has never been charged for her best friend, Savannah's (Savvy's) murder. But she was there and later found covered in her blood. The only thing is she can't remember a single thing! Five years later she's moved to L.A. to get away from all the accusations but has come home for the week to attend her Grandmother's 80th Birthday Party. Also podcaster, Ben Owens comes to town and features Lucy and the murder for his new podcast. Together can they figure out just what happened on that fateful night 5 years ago?
This one kept me invested. There are a lot of shady people in town and I did not particularly like Lucy's parents. Lucy's Grandmother was refreshingly different and added some fun into this otherwise dark story.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Celadon Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
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