I'm so sorry but I cannot read any more of this book. I am 76% through and nothing of interest has happened and I do not see this improving. I had hopI'm so sorry but I cannot read any more of this book. I am 76% through and nothing of interest has happened and I do not see this improving. I had hoped for more with the magic and family genre's but no, it's just not working for me. The plot is all over the place and it seems to be going nowhere. Unfortunately this story is just not for me. My apologies to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for not finishing. Thank you anyway. 2 stars....more
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
The Lake House Children is a suspenseful, murder mystery, slightly paranormal story of a family dealing with a tragic accident and its aftermath. ThreThe Lake House Children is a suspenseful, murder mystery, slightly paranormal story of a family dealing with a tragic accident and its aftermath. Three sisters have inherited their fathers lake house where one of the sisters (Bea) son Zach tragically drowned several years ago. Kates young son Jack has just begun to talk but his insistence that he was already born as someone else has Kate and her husband perplexed. When they discover that Jack thinks he is the reincarnation of Zach, their drowned nephew they don't know what to do but hide the knowledge from family members as long as possible. This was really an interesting premise and I enjoyed the guessing back and forth of is Jack telling the truth or being coached by someone. The author did a great job of making us question of whether reincarnation is a real thing and working it in to the mystery aspect of the story. I really enjoyed this novel. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent 4.5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Select | Storm Publishing for a chance to listen/read to an ARC audio version of this book....more
Hannah and her partner and daughter have moved into a beautiful gated community where Hannah can finely feel safe. Safe from her past, a past her partHannah and her partner and daughter have moved into a beautiful gated community where Hannah can finely feel safe. Safe from her past, a past her partner knows nothing about. But soon she is recognized by a neighbor, a retired police officer and strange things begin to happen. When the neighbor is found dead Hannah is suspected and then her whole world begins to unravel in a most frightening way. The secrets Hannah has fashioned her life on are now out. This is a really fun surprising thriller that I could not stop listening to. If you like thick twisty plots that keep you guessing this domestic thriller is for you. The audio version was excellent with great narration. Highly recommended. 5 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley Nd Dreamscape Select | Storm Publishing for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this audio book. 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
Rachel is desperate to have a baby with her narcissistic, philandering husband Phil. When the opportunity arises for her to adopt an unwanted child inRachel is desperate to have a baby with her narcissistic, philandering husband Phil. When the opportunity arises for her to adopt an unwanted child in the U.K. she hops on a plane and flys to London. Unfortunately the adoption falls through, but life has other plans for Rachel and she must pivot her expectations and adapt. She has to learn to trust in fate. I enjoyed The Space Between Secrets by Sherri Langer, it's funny and heart wrenching at the same time. However the whole premise of the story was just not believable to me, Rachels predicament was way out there on the reality scale. Granted this is a story written to entertain but it just did not ring true for me. 3 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....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
This is my second book read by the author Michelle Dunne and she does have a way with her twisted female main characters. She can get very dark. What This is my second book read by the author Michelle Dunne and she does have a way with her twisted female main characters. She can get very dark. What did I think of this book? Hmmm, it was sometimes confusing and definitely complicated. It all came together in the end but I did feel a bit lost throughout the telling. It is a twisty tale and if you like psychological thrillers you might very well enjoy this one. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent. Great accent. 3 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Select | Storm Publishing for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this book....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 had me hooked from the beginning and I finished the audio version in one rapt sitting. Anna and Lily have been best friends forever living aThis book had me hooked from the beginning and I finished the audio version in one rapt sitting. Anna and Lily have been best friends forever living across the street from each other in a quaint quiet neighborhood. They share many secrets spoken and unspoken. When Anna finds Lily's father, the beloved town doctor murdered in his bed accusations abound and the police don't know where to turn. Who would have malice against the loved and revered old man who took care of the towns inhabitants. This is when secrets begin to come to the surface and nothing is as it really seems between the two families who live across the street. The story has many twists I did not see coming and I enjoyed that aspect of the novel. The narrator of the audio book was excellent. Recommended for fun for mystery fans. 4 stars. Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture Audio for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own....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 book was a very fun read. Rosaline or Rosie as she is called, is the daughter of the famed romantic couple Romeo and Juliet Montague (no, they diThis book was a very fun read. Rosaline or Rosie as she is called, is the daughter of the famed romantic couple Romeo and Juliet Montague (no, they did not die in a tomb after all). Rosie is approaching old spinsterhood at the ripe old age of twenty and has wriggled out of every marital engagement her parent have planned for her. Rosie is spunky, smart, spirited and good at math, not exactly wifely material and is dead set against an arranged marriage. That is until she falls in love at first sight with the handsome Lysander. The two declare their love but can never really seem to get to their first kiss. Something always gets in the way be it murder, poison or all other kinds of distractions. This book was a joy to listen to as an audio book. The narrator defined Rosie's voice perfectly. And when Rosie finally does get that first kiss from her one true love her story takes another unanticipated turn. Highly recommended for fun. 4 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and RB Media | Recorded Books for a chance to read/listen to an ARC version of this audio book. All opinions are my own....more
Katie Young has been dreading the day she would become an empty nester with her daughter going off to college. But when she is offered a new dream jobKatie Young has been dreading the day she would become an empty nester with her daughter going off to college. But when she is offered a new dream job in Florida and meets a new 'dream' man at the same time she decides to take the leap for both, unfortunately without doing her homework beforehand. As her new marriage begins to crumble and the dream job turns sour, Covid-19 hits and things just get worse for Katie. And then her mother dies. It's bad. She returns home to her mothers house in a quaint little town on the Potomac river called Occoquan. Katie and her brother had idyllic childhoods there on the river and she is comforted to be there working out her grief for the loss of her mother, her unscrupulous husband and her job. She rekindles friendships with her 'bonfire babe' friends and takes time to spend as much time as she can on the water and surrounding property. This is a wonderful second beginning for Katie and when she meets a local environmentalist her heart begins to heal and she is able to open her heart to love again. This was a lovely story and I can tell it came deep from the authors heart the way she described the scenery and local flora and fauna. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend this book to others. My only issue with the story is a personal one of having Christianity integrated into it. I felt it was completely unnecessary and detracted from the story. Again, that's just me. 4.5 stars....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
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