Claire is British and living in the United States as a struggling actor. Not only does she need money,4 dark, sultry stars to Believe Me! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Claire is British and living in the United States as a struggling actor. Not only does she need money, she is desperate for a green card, too.
Her ship comes in when she is hired as a decoy for a law firm of divorce lawyers. Her aim, to catch husbands cheating on tape...with her.
All seems to go as planned until the wife of one of the target’s is murdered. Claire is asked by the police to ensnare the husband in a confession for the murder. Is she prepared for this starring role?
Believe Me is both enthralling and icky for different reasons! Are the traps ethical? Does Claire cross the line? Throughout, I never knew whom to trust, including Claire.
If you enjoy darker, twisted thrillers, Believe Me should be on your radar!
Thank you to J.P. Delaney, Random House/Ballantine, and Netgalley for the ARC. Believe Me will be published on July 24, 2018!
Four Come Sail Away stars to Sailing Lessons! ⛵️ ⛵️ ⛵️ ⛵️
I am beginning to rely on this author for summer, beachy reads centered around family with lFour Come Sail Away stars to Sailing Lessons! ⛵️ ⛵️ ⛵️ ⛵️
I am beginning to rely on this author for summer, beachy reads centered around family with lots of heart. Every year, I am looking for Hannah McKinnon’s newest, and I was thrilled to be approved for an early copy of Sailing Lessons, which publishes tomorrow!
Cape Cod is the beatific setting, and Wrenn Bailey has lived there her entire life, along with her sisters, Shannon and Piper, and her mother, Lindy.
Wrenn’s father, Caleb, was absent from her life, and he would drift in and out of it like the sea. After a long period of being away, Caleb returns to Cape Cod and his daughters, now diagnosed with terminal cancer and looking for forgiveness. With three women, there are different responses to Caleb, various ways of seeking healing. I especially loved the focus on the father/daughter relationship, and the exploration of Caleb’s dynamics with each daughter.
Sailing Lessons packs an emotional punch. Keep your tissues handy. But it’s not all sadness and strife with Caleb’s return. There is plenty of hope, forgiveness, and altruistic love. If you enjoy summer reads with emotional depth, I highly recommend Sailing Lessons.
Thank you to Hannah McKinnon (I’m already looking forward to next summer’s book!), Atria/Emily Bestler Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. Sailing Lessons will be published on June 5, 2018.
Did you ever have a book you saved, even though you got a copy really, really early, because you knew it would be5 mind blowing stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Did you ever have a book you saved, even though you got a copy really, really early, because you knew it would be good? I didn’t want An Anonymous Girl to be over long before I ever started reading it. The year-long wait until another book from this dynamite duo feels longer than a year! That’s a great thing in this case; these two authors are perfection together.
The Wife Between Us by these Hendricks and Pekkanen is my favorite thriller of 2018, and An Anonymous Girl is already vying for top position for 2019! Sarah Pekkanen and Greer Hendricks have topped themselves with this smashing effort. Wow! It’s written how all thrillers should be, with page-turning, effortless writing, and characters that keep you on your toes. A villain like no other. A fallible but relatable victim. This book is remarkable. Gosh!
A few details about the story just to pique your interest…
Jessica Farris is a make-up artist living paycheck to paycheck in NYC, and money is an issue for her like it is for many people. She finds herself participating in a paid psychological study on ethics…But from the start, something doesn’t feel right with it…But then again, Jess needs the money.
The study keeps going, becoming more invasive, and eventually Jess begins interacting directly with the psychiatrist in charge of the study, Dr. Shields. Jess develops a strong amount of paranoia early on, which never wanes though she doubts herself, again, because money is an issue.
An Anonymous Girl is a story of obsession, right versus wrong, and betrayal. There are creepy characters that will make your skin crawl, a character you may champion (I know I did), and a few characters in the middle that you just can’t figure out.
The chapters are the perfect length. The writing flows perfectly in a race to the finish of the book, and the tension builds at a nice pace. I was hooked very early, and I never lost my connection to this book. The storyline is massively original, full of twists and turns, and I will never forget this dark tale of suspense, deviousness, and questioning morality.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
—- (From my teaser review in December) This was the book I read on my actual birthday earlier this week. It’s unputdownable, tense, completely original, and written with the easy flow I wish all thrillers had because it makes me flip through the pages that must faster, keeping the suspense going.
I will have my full review up in January on pub day, but until then, I have to say, The Wife Between Us by these authors is my favorite thriller of 2018, and An Anonymous Girl is already at the top of my list for 2019!...more
Pat Conroy is a favorite author of mine. I haven’t read all his books, but each I have has been one I5 stars to this beautiful tribute to Pat Conroy!
Pat Conroy is a favorite author of mine. I haven’t read all his books, but each I have has been one I’ve savored. He was bold and upfront about his challenging childhood, and his writing was influenced by that.
If I had to pick a favorite book, it would be Beach Music. I bought it for my dad as a gift because he grew up on beach music (and I did, too, thanks to him). My dad is (and was at the time) a pretty strict western reader, and within that genre has one or two authors he prefers. That said, he enjoyed Beach Music, so much so, that the copy is well-worn. After he read it, I picked it up, and I think I liked it even more than he did. The storytelling was like no other. I was whisked away to a different time and place.
Conroy mentored many other authors, even starting his own publishing imprint. The list is endless, and you can read in the synopsis just how many friends in and outside of the writing community he had. Everyone who wrote about him had a different anecdote to share, a different piece or side of him they saw. The love for him by these individuals is palpable on the pages. One could only hope to have 1/10th the impact on those around you.
Pat Conroy was known for his storytelling. He made it all seem natural and easy to leave pieces of your heart on pieces of paper. This book is a tribute to a well-loved and well-respected author. Our Prince of Scribes is beautifully written, engaging, and from the heart. I’m sure Pat Conroy would approve. This book would make an excellent gift for any fan of Conroy, fans of southern fiction, impeccable storytelling, teachers, and just about anyone. I know I’ll treasure my copy.
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invitation and to the editors for my copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is the ultimate story of revenge! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My Thoughts:
I read The Exes’ Revenge with Holly, and this is just the kind of read you want to sharThis is the ultimate story of revenge! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My Thoughts:
I read The Exes’ Revenge with Holly, and this is just the kind of read you want to share with a friend!
Also called Sticks and Stones in the UK, this one had me enthralled from the first line:
“The day of Phillip’s funeral.
I expected to feel free, unburdened, but when the curtains close around Phillip Rochester’s satin-lined coffin all I feel is indigestion.”
Phillip is an icky kind of character. Actually, he’s so abusive he is beyond ick and a total narcissist. Three women know his faults all too well: Ruby, his first ex-wife, Imogen his soon to be ex-wife #2 and mother of his only child, and Naomi, his bombshell live-in girlfriend.
Imogen thinks she is finally out of his clutches when they separate, but because they share a child, Phillip still tries to control her life. He shows up one day demanding that she move out of their house, or he’ll sue for custody of their son.
Faced with potentially losing it all, Imogen is understandably frantic. She does something impulsive and dangerous to take charge of her life, and somehow, Ruby and Naomi become involved, too.
This book is dark, but to me it’s a dark romp because it’s witty, entertaining, and wholly satisfying. No one likes Phillip, and I’m sure you won’t either. I shamefully went to the dark side with these ladies and reading about his demise was like watching a guilty pleasure movie with popcorn! A quick and engaging read, The Exes’ Revenge had me laughing out loud, and I enjoyed every bit!
Thank you to the Berkley book fairy for the physical ARC. All opinions are my own.
I first read The Diary of a Young Girl when I was around the same age she was. I remember being appalleWhat if Anne Frank had survived the Holocaust?
I first read The Diary of a Young Girl when I was around the same age she was. I remember being appalled and confused- how could humans be capable of such atrocities? This really happened? I remember deep in my heart, much like the story of Anastasia out of Russia, there was a glimmer of hope that Anne survived. I think we all wanted that, right? We could see her purpose on the pages of her writing. We could imagine a bright future, a full life. What if Anne Frank lived?
Anne Frank is now sixteen years old, and she has survived the Holocaust. Her sister and mother perished, but she is able to reunite with her father, Pim, in Amsterdam.
Anne is having a challenging time, understandably so, processing her losses and the horrors she witnessed. Pim just wants life as normal and to forget the past. To top it off, Anne’s diary, her anchor, has been lost.
Anne has many feelings to work through, including grief and heartbreak, along with trauma. Ultimately, she’s on the search for forgiveness, too.
Who would Anne be as an adult once she works through all these feelings? Would she write again?
David Gillham handles Anne’s survivor’s guilt masterfully. The writing is lyrical. This is a tribute to Anne Frank in all ways. The beautiful, full-of-heart child given a chance to survive and fulfill her dreams, answering that “what if” with sensitivity and respect. A story like this could come off as trite, but it doesn’t. It’s realistic and well-grounded. Thank you to the author for giving us Annelies.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It took me a while to finish this one. It’s amazing how many stories there are surrounding the Kennedy family, and I’ve read a few of books, includingIt took me a while to finish this one. It’s amazing how many stories there are surrounding the Kennedy family, and I’ve read a few of books, including this one.
The Summer I Met Jack is about JFK’s relationship with Alicia Darr, who some say was his one true love. What I liked is that the story is more about Alicia than it is about the affair. She was born in Poland and once worked as a housekeeper for the Kennedys. She has one of those stories that makes you wonder how you had not heard of her before.
I also learned about the Kennedys and how they pushed and pulled the family dynamics and the lives of others with their meddling in relationships.
Overall, the best parts of the story were learning about Alicia’s fascinating life, and I appreciate the research that went into the writing of this book.
4 sunshiny stars to The Cottage on Sunshine Beach!☀️☀️☀️☀️
I was so excited to return to Sandcastle Bay for Melody’s story! Holly Martin has me all-in 4 sunshiny stars to The Cottage on Sunshine Beach!☀️☀️☀️☀️
I was so excited to return to Sandcastle Bay for Melody’s story! Holly Martin has me all-in with this series!
Melody has a new cottage on Sunshine Beach in quaint, picturesque Sandcastle Bay. She lives close to her best friend, Tori, who was introduced during the first installment in the series. Melody’s life is pretty full and happy, but she finds herself missing having someone to share it with.
Enter Jamie. He and Melody work across the street from each other and are friends first, but their feelings begin to flourish. While it would not be fun to experience first-hand, the ongoing dating disasters of Melody and Jamie had me giggling at times. Through these trials, they have to decide if it’s worth it to be together, or should they remain friends.
The Cottage on Sunshine Beach is an uplifting, easy, funny, endearing, and warm-hearted read, just perfect for summer! What’s not to love? I am already excited to see who we meet in the next book! Highly recommended for rom com fans.
Thanks to Bookouture for the copy. The Cottage on Sunshine Beach publishes tomorrow/June 22, 2018!
4 Wedded Bliss stars to Love, Lies, and Wedding Cake! 🎂 🎂 🎂 🎂
I am not much of a royal watcher, but I have Royal Wedding fever! I’ve found myself obse4 Wedded Bliss stars to Love, Lies, and Wedding Cake! 🎂 🎂 🎂 🎂
I am not much of a royal watcher, but I have Royal Wedding fever! I’ve found myself obsessed with Meghan and Harry and their genuine love for each other. So, reading Love, Lies, and Wedding Cake on the heels of that experience was apropos, even if in the form of a fun and heartwarming rom com!
Faye and her Aussie boyfriend, Dan, have traveled the world together experiencing all the most romantic locations. The fun stops when Dan proposes and wants Faye to join him in Australia. Faye has a daughter and is not so sure about uprooting her life, even if Dan is her dream guy.
Love, Lies, and Wedding Cake is all about second chances and following your heart. In true rom com style, I was laughing, and I had warm fuzzies by the end. Once again, these are the best books for lifting my spirits and breaking up heavier reads.
Thank you to Sue Watson, Bookouture, and Netgalley for the ARC. Love, Lies and Wedding Cake is now available!
4 limoncello* stars to When Life Gives You Lululemons! 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
*Limoncello has little to do with this book, but I happen to love limoncello and all th4 limoncello* stars to When Life Gives You Lululemons! 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋
*Limoncello has little to do with this book, but I happen to love limoncello and all things lemon-based!
Enter Emily Charlton, a character from The Devil Wars Prada, and former first assistant to the Miranda Priestly. A successful image consultant in her own right, and set in perfectly coifed Greenwich, Connecticut, everyone is talking about the new neighbor, Emily.
However, Emily feels out of place in the ‘burbs. She’s a Hollywood kind of gal, and since her business has taken a hit of late, she needs new opportunities asap.
And now enter, Karolina Hartwell, the former face of L’Oreal on whom Emily has her sights set. Well, her sights and her hopeful bank account. Karolina has gotten into some trouble, and she needs Emily to bury it.
Add Miriam, a former prestigious lawyer from NYC, now turned stay-at-home mom, to form this triumvirate, and they join forces in figuring out how to survive in the suburbs.
This all may sound like campy thus far, but I have to mention there were some deeper issues at play here. Nothing is as it seems in Greenwich. Emily is a strong woman and a force. It’s fun to watch her do her thing.
When Life Gives You Lululemons is a smart look at women coming together when times are tough and building each other up. The snark and humor was as delicious as the limoncello I’m still craving!
Thank you to Lauren Weisberger, Simon & Schuster, and Edelweiss for the ARC. When Life Gives You Lululemons will be available on June 5, 2018.
5 healthful stars to The China Study Cookbook! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A friend of mine who talks nutrition with me regularly is all about The China Study. I h5 healthful stars to The China Study Cookbook! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A friend of mine who talks nutrition with me regularly is all about The China Study. I have been interested in learning more because it fits with how I eat (mostly- I still eat dairy, though not with every meal).
I don’t know if it’s just me, but it is much easier for me to eat healthier during the summer. It is hot, I am not as hungry, I am outside more (not eating), and fruits and vegetables are even more plentiful. When I spent some time with the China Study Cookbook recently, I knew THIS would be my cookbook of choice this summer, and I absolutely cannot wait to try out these recipes and start feeling even better again, as a result.
This way of eating is based on research, such as how a plant-based diet helps heal heart disease, eliminate obesity, and lower cancer risk. I am not going to preach a way of eating to anyone (there are so many choices and lots of research available), but I am pleased that if I choose to eat this way, research backs it up.
The author of the cookbook is the daughter of one of the co-authors of the actual China Study, and she has been living in the Dominican Republic, so many of these recipes are inspired by the local food she eats there, as well as the produce available. I happen to love these types of foods, and I can see myself making most every recipe. Not everything is spicy or inspired by the DR, though. There is plenty of variety with all my favorite ingredients. Recipes like Coconut Corn Chowder, Peanut Kale Soup, and Baked Tomatoes Stuffed with Lentils are calling my name asap.
Cookbook details: neatly organized recipe pages, beautiful color photos of every recipe, and lots of background information make this a well-rounded and well-presented cookbook. I especially enjoyed the information on how she raised her children eating a plant-based diet.
I cannot describe to you my excitement and inspiration as a result of reading this cookbook. I wish I could bottle how I feel right now and keep it with me year-round, but until then, I’ll making shopping lists and planning my meal prep for the next couple months! Seriously.
If you are a plant-based eater, you may want to check this out for more inspiration, and if you are like me, you are always looking for fresh recipes. If you are not eating plant-based, but you would like to add more plant-based meals, this is wonderful place to start.
Thank you to LeAnne Campbell, BenBella Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. The China Study Cookbook will be available on June 5, 2018!
As a fan of her writing, I have noticed Jodi Picoult’s topics have gotten more fiery as the years have 4 fiery stars to A Spark of Light! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
As a fan of her writing, I have noticed Jodi Picoult’s topics have gotten more fiery as the years have passed, and they continue to be thought-provoking.
The Center is a women’s clinic serving all their health needs. Everything changes when a man with a gun enters the building, begins shooting, and takes everyone hostage. My first questions are who is this man and why is he so distraught? I knew there would be more to his story.
Hugh McElroy is a hostage negotiator for the police. He arrives on scene and completes all the typical first steps in a grim and terrifying situation like this only to have his phone buzz with the news that his teen daughter, Wren, is one of the hostages.
Wren shares her story inside the building, while also shedding light on the other hostages, including clinic workers among others. There is Catholic Dr. Louie who believes he exercises his faith in his daily work. A nurse hero is also there. Also inside is a pro-life protestor who disguised herself as a patient that day only to find herself on the other side of the rage she herself was feeling. The characters in this novel are what make it a cut above. I felt empathy for each complex character; it was easy to with the way they were written.
The structure of the book is interesting. It goes backward through the day of the stand-off. I enjoyed it because it was different, but I had to remind myself a few times the story moves backward retracing how everyone arrives at the clinic that day.
As with all her books, it seems as if Spark of Light is meant to ignite a dialogue about an important topic to many. The storytelling is second to none, all the varied emotions are checked off, the research is firmly present, and the exploration of both sides is offered. Fans of Picoult should find much to love here.
I’m ecstatically grateful I had the opportunity to read an early of this book. Thank you to Random House/Ballantine. All opinions are my own.
Woo hoo, witchy woman...she got the moon in her eye! 🎶 🌙 🌙 🌙 🌙
It is the 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts, some two hundred years after the Salem witch Woo hoo, witchy woman...she got the moon in her eye! 🎶 🌙 🌙 🌙 🌙
It is the 1800s in Boston, Massachusetts, some two hundred years after the Salem witch trials. One member of the Montrose family is a witch, but she has no knowledge of this.
There is a scandal that causes the Montrose family to flee from Boston to New Oldbury. Their new home is the gothic, eerie, but stately Willow Hall. It holds its own secrets within its walls. Will the Montroses be able to outrun their past, or is their family destined to be outcasts?
While there is a main character witch, The Witch of Willow Hall is not chock-filled with sorcery or witchcraft, so you should know that going in. What it is instead is an exceptionally atmospheric, well-told historical drama centered on family secrets, romance, betrayal, and tragedy.
I adored Lydia and found her story interesting and engaging. This is a slower-building story where not much happens until the end of the book, and that’s ok because the story is about the people, the Gothic feel of ominous foreboding, and the richly cinematic atmosphere.
Thank you to Harlequin for the physical copy. All opinions are my own. I was fortunate to read this atmospheric book with five beautiful friends. ♥️
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader
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