
Unsettled Ground
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What if the life you have always known is taken from you in an instant? What would you do to get it...
Literary Fiction

The Crucifix Killer
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In a derelict cottage in Los Angeles National Forest, a young woman is found savagely murdered....

Lost Daughter
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Your life isn’t perfect, but you’re still happy. Your husband has stuck by you and he’s a good...

A Plague Among Us (Mimi Goldman Chautauqua Mysteries #8)
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When Al Martin, the editor of a satiric newspaper in Chautauqua, N.Y., reportedly dies of COVID-19,...
Mystery

Farm to Fabre
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When Andriana Milne-Marchetti kisses an old family friend under an apple tree, she never imagines...
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Over My Dead Blog
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Murder is just a click away for book blogger Arwen “Winnie” Lark. With review requests...

Staying Wet: A Southern Tale Told One Sip at a Time
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There is a toxic landfill in every person's mind where the unpleasant seeds of life are...
Contemporary Literary Fiction

Return to Lerici (The Invisibles #2)
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Family secrets, legacies, and the power of forgiveness – a new story by the author of The...
Women's Fiction Family Saga

Merissa (12684 KP) rated An Imperfect Truth in Books
Mar 10, 2025
The question of whether or not Lexie and Chaz will get together is never in doubt. The issue runs deeper than that, with Lexie not being completely honest with Chaz, for reasons and timing that were completely understandable. Also, Chaz does have a bit of a blind spot where certain names and companies are involved.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story, with plenty of character growth. The world-building was clear and the pacing was smooth. Definitely recommended.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 3, 2025

Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Guest Cottage in Books
Feb 13, 2018
All is well until Sophie and Trevor arrive on the island and realize they've rented the same house. The two decide to share the large house for the summer and quickly become fast friends. But are Sophie and Trevor destined to become more than friends?
I usually enjoy the occasional book like this, where the plot is predictable, but comfortable and sort of cozy. However, I just couldn't get into this one, especially the first half or so. In fact, I almost gave up, which I rarely ever do on a book. I couldn't find myself empathizing with Sophie or her predicament - she came across as a bland character, who gave you little reason to root for her. Also, while I know these books are based a bit on absurdity and implausibility, this one seemed particularly so. The fact that Sophie and Trevor so easily melded together in the house was amazing and that Sophie's older kids played so well with his younger one. Hmm. I can't imagine going on vacation and just agreeing to share my rental with another family!
The book picked up a little over halfway through, when Sophie took more control over her life and we finally found more about her back-story. Still, the book uses Sophie's piano-playing as a sort of backdrop, but it rings hollow at times, and is a little strange. I couldn't get into it - but that may just be me. I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first and it certainly went faster and was more what I was expecting. Sophie became a bit more engaging and likable.
Overall, though, if you're looking for a light and fluffy beach read, there are definitely better ones out there.
(Note: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.)