This is my first book by author Emiko Jean and I was impressed! The novel was a gripping page turner about a timely topic of a young teenage girl goneThis is my first book by author Emiko Jean and I was impressed! The novel was a gripping page turner about a timely topic of a young teenage girl gone missing and her sudden return. I was engrossed in the story line with the multi viewpoint of the victim and the detective assigned to her case. I thought the author did a great job of writing about a sensitive subject with respect and understanding. I enjoyed all the plot twists and jaw dropping moments. It is a must read for mystery suspenseful enthusiasts!
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher Simon and Schuster books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book....more
This was my first book by author Joy Callaway and I enjoyed the story from start to finish. I loved this historical fiction love story about purpose aThis was my first book by author Joy Callaway and I enjoyed the story from start to finish. I loved this historical fiction love story about purpose and worth. I learned all about the construction of the real life Grove Park Inn. Joy did a thorough job of researching that time in history. The setting took place in Asheville, North Carolina and the description of the mountains and animal life helped the story come alive for me. Lastly, I appreciated the author note at the end of the book. Be sure to pick this one up if you enjoy reading historical fiction mixed with family drama, secrets and finding love.
I received an advanced physical copy from author Joy Callaway. Thank you so much for the opportunity to preview this book for an honest review! ...more
This is my first book by author Wanda Morris and I highly enjoyed it. The description of the coastal setting was a highlight for me. This 4.25 rating…
This is my first book by author Wanda Morris and I highly enjoyed it. The description of the coastal setting was a highlight for me. This story was based on a premise about property ownership and how someone can con and be deceptive in stealing your rights to your land. I appreciated the authors note and learned tremendously about a topic that I didn’t know a lot about. I love when a story is thought provoking and has me researching about themes in the novel. I highly recommend this book if you like coastal settings, supernatural elements, and an intriguing murder mystery.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher William Morrow books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
The cover of the book first captured my interest. It is gorgeous and I kept looking back at it! I loved this beautiful debut historical fiction novel The cover of the book first captured my interest. It is gorgeous and I kept looking back at it! I loved this beautiful debut historical fiction novel told through a dual timeline about war, love, family and their secrets. I enjoyed the intergenerational relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. The story was heartbreaking, however, full of determination and hope. The ending left me satisfied and the acknowledgment by the author was a special treat to read!
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher Harper books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
I was immediately intrigued when I read that The Widow Spy was based on a real life female detective in the Pinkerton Agency. A female who worked outsI was immediately intrigued when I read that The Widow Spy was based on a real life female detective in the Pinkerton Agency. A female who worked outside the home during the late 1800s was rare and even more so to be employed as a detective. This riveting story took place during the Civil War and the author did a wonderful job of developing her characters. Recommend this one if you enjoy strong female characters, historical fiction, and a bit of suspense.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher Atria books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller about a missing girl named Nina. I love reading true crime stories whether they are fiction or nonfiction.4.5 stars
I enjoyed this fast paced thriller about a missing girl named Nina. I love reading true crime stories whether they are fiction or nonfiction. I thought the author Dervla McTiernan did a wonderful job of writing a propulsive plot and describing feelings and thoughts for both sides of the families involved in this missing person case. This book is full of tense moments and will have you on the edge of your seat guessing what happened to Nina.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher William Morrow books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book.
I appreciate when I learn something new while reading a book. I knew nothing about the whole Jane secret organization that fought for women’s reproducI appreciate when I learn something new while reading a book. I knew nothing about the whole Jane secret organization that fought for women’s reproductive rights during the 1970s. This story was written with multiple POVs that gave readers a glimpse into three women’s lives that interacted with each other but also experienced their own personal struggles with motherhood and balancing careers. Author Kerri Maher created a very thought provoking and powerful story about women who braved a controversial decision pre Roe vs. Wade.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher Berkley books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
This debut novel blew me away. I am not a huge fan of climate fiction but this one is brilliant and thought provoking. I enjoyed the story told in mulThis debut novel blew me away. I am not a huge fan of climate fiction but this one is brilliant and thought provoking. I enjoyed the story told in multiple POVs. The author did a fantastic job of describing the setting and I kept looking at the cover trying to picture the world he was describing. It also had plenty of action scenes and a mystery element that kept me engaged. I look forward to reading future books by this author....more
Mother Daughter Murder Night is an impressive debut novel. I enjoyed the setting the author chose for the story, it resonates with our fami4.25 rating
Mother Daughter Murder Night is an impressive debut novel. I enjoyed the setting the author chose for the story, it resonates with our family such as, nature, wildlife, conservation and kayaking. I loved the strong women characters portrayed in the book, especially the relationship between mother, daughter and granddaughter. The author acknowledges that the story came about because of her own mother and her cancer diagnosis…what a beautiful tribute to her. Read this is you like murder mysteries, family secrets, strong female relationships and a bit of humor, sass and amateur sleuths.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher William Morrow books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. Also a Reese book club pick! ...more
The Bones of the Story is a twisty murder mystery told using a dual timeline. The murder occurs on an elite college campus during a winter Rating: 3.5
The Bones of the Story is a twisty murder mystery told using a dual timeline. The murder occurs on an elite college campus during a winter storm. I enjoyed the setting and the way the author describes this dark, cold secret society campus where no one is safe. I was reminded of The Maidens while reading this book. I’m never good at guessing the plot twists but definitely had fun trying to figure out the identity of the college campus killer.
Amazon book description: It’s been twenty-five years since the shocking disappearance of a female student and the distinguished Creative Writing professor who died while searching for her. The Briarwood College community has never forgotten the double tragedy. Now, the college President is bringing together faculty, donors, and alumni to honor the victims from all those years ago. When an alumna dies in a shockingly similar way to the story she wrote, and then another succumbs to a similar fate, they realize someone has decided at long last to avenge the crimes of the past. Will the secret of what they did twenty-five years ago be revealed? Will any of them be alive at the end of the weekend to find out?
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher William Morrow Books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
Banyan Moon is a fantastic debut novel about a generational Vietnamese family told by multiple POVs. This book was beautifully written, full of wisdom Banyan Moon is a fantastic debut novel about a generational Vietnamese family told by multiple POVs. This book was beautifully written, full of wisdom, history, family drama, mother/daughter relationships, grief, buried secrets and more.
Amazon book description: When Ann Tran gets the call that her fiercely beloved grandmother, Minh, has passed away, her life is already at a crossroads. In the years since she’s last seen Minh, Ann has built a seemingly perfect life—a beautiful lake house, a charming professor boyfriend, and invites to elegant parties that bubble over with champagne and good taste—but it all crumbles with one positive pregnancy test. With both her relationship and carefully planned future now in question, Ann returns home to Florida to face her estranged mother, Huơng.
Author Thao Thai weaves a beautiful mother/daughter story…that made me reflect on my own relationships with my late grandmother, mother and three daughters. I also enjoyed learning about the intricacies of the Banyan Tree conducting my own research wanting to learn more. The cover is absolutely amazing and I love how Thao Thai says the branches represent the tangled lives of the family. I look forward to reading future books by Thao.
I received an advanced electronic (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community Early Reads Program. Thank you to Cindy Burnett and publisher Mariner Books. I appreciated the opportunity to preview this book....more
I enjoyed this debut novel by Leigh Abramson who wrote a character driven story about a book within a book. There were definitely some unlikeable charI enjoyed this debut novel by Leigh Abramson who wrote a character driven story about a book within a book. There were definitely some unlikeable characters mixed with family drama and family secrets. This story even brought tears to my eyes.
As an only child, Isabelle Manning’s dream is to be an aspiring writer just like her father, renowned and award winning author Ward Manning. Unfortunately Isabelle, who is about to turn thirty-five, is yet to publish her first novel. One day Isabelle discovers a shocking tangle of family secrets that upends everything she thought about her parents, her gilded childhood and her own stalled writing career. At what cost, will Isabelle go to protect the legacy of her family?
Read this if you enjoy: Books about books Family drama Family secrets Second chances
I received an electronic advanced reader (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, publisher Atria Books and Netgalley. I appreciate the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
Growing up, Estée Lauder was a household name. My late grandmother bought and used her beauty products faithfully. So, I jumped at the chance to read Growing up, Estée Lauder was a household name. My late grandmother bought and used her beauty products faithfully. So, I jumped at the chance to read Renee Rosen’s latest book, Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl, which is loosely based on Estée Lauder’s life. The author did a fantastic job of researching Lauder’s life and weaving true parts of her life into an entertaining fiction novel.
Amazon book description: It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm.
This was a captivating story told about Estée Lauder and her journey to become a well known and highly successful household name in all things beauty. I enjoyed this story that was filled with drama, betrayal, ambition, friendship and redemption.
I received an electronic advanced reader (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, publisher Berkley and Netgalley. I appreciate the opportunity to preview this book....more
This story was an amazing historical account of two wars that shaped two nations where Americans were involved. I learned so much about the human spirThis story was an amazing historical account of two wars that shaped two nations where Americans were involved. I learned so much about the human spirit to survive despite atrocious conditions, the strength and kindness of nurses, and the ability to fight for what is right.
“The history of the world is driven by blunders and misapprehensions - and actions that seemed good at the time”.
From New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Willig: coming of age story with a dual timeline and a single heroine - a bold and adventurous young woman who finds herself caught up in two very different wars on both sides of the Atlantic.
Author Lauren Willig does an outstanding job on writing such a well researched story. It opened my eyes to two overlooked world conflicts where many American lives were forever changed. Read this book if you enjoy stories filled with friendship, a bit of romance and interesting historical accounts.
I received an electronic advanced reader (eARC) copy from thoughtsfromapage Patreon community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, publisher Harper Collins and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
This is the first novel I have read by Colleen Oakley and I adored it!! It was funny, adventurous and filled with a few surprise plot twists. The stor
This is the first novel I have read by Colleen Oakley and I adored it!! It was funny, adventurous and filled with a few surprise plot twists. The story is a 21st century version of the wildly popular movie Thelma and Louise and has themes of female relationships, unlikely friendships, a bit of romance, and second chances.
Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby needs a place to live. Preferably one where she can continue sitting around in sweatpants and playing video games nineteen hours a day. Since she has no money, her options are limited, so when an opportunity to work as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman falls into her lap, she takes it. Thus begins the story of a not-to-be-underestimated elderly woman and an aimless young woman who—if they can outrun the mistakes of their past—might just have the greatest adventure of their lives.
This book was filled with lovable characters to include, Louise, an 80 year old grandmother who in many ways reminded me of my late grandmother, feisty and tell you how it is kind of person who at the end of the day was a kind and caring person who enjoyed helping people.
Read this if you love: Female friendships Road trips Multigenerational characters Lighthearted stories Plot twist
I received an electronic advanced reader (eARC) copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon Community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, publisher Berkley and Netgalley. I appreciate the opportunity to preview this book. ...more
The Sweet Spot was a funny laugh out loud story that had major family drama, some romance and even mean girl behavior.
This book had a great cast of chThe Sweet Spot was a funny laugh out loud story that had major family drama, some romance and even mean girl behavior.
This book had a great cast of characters whose lives intersected with one another throughout the story…In the heart of Greenwich Village, three women form an accidental sorority when a baby—belonging to exactly none of them—lands on their collective doorstep.
When one of the women’s ex follows his lover across the country, leaving their squalling baby behind, the three women rise to the occasion in order to forgive, to forget, to Ferberize, and to track down the wayward parents. But can their little village find a way toward the happily ever afters they all desire? Welcome to The Sweet Spot.
I enjoyed this lighthearted story that made me smile, laugh, frown and even cry hoping for the perfect ending. The author did a great job of keeping me engaged and cheering for all the characters.
I received an electronic advanced reader copy from @thoughtsfromapage Patreon community. Thank you to Cindy Burnett, @atriabooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to preview this charming story!...more