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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Dead Woman Walking in Books
Nov 5, 2020 (Updated Nov 8, 2020)
Jessica Lane treats her sister, Isabel (known to most as Sister Mary Magdalena, as her sister has been serving in a convent for many years) to a hot air balloon ride for her 40th birthday. But things go awry when Jessica--from the balloon--sees a man murder a young woman. From the ground, he spots her face clearly. Then the balloon crashes, and there is only one survivor. The man knows she can identify him, and he won't stop until the threat to his safety is eliminated. So Jessica runs, unsure of who she can trust, or where she can go, all the while knowing that her beloved sister is dead.
Wow, what a book. I don't want to say more about the plot for risk of spoilers or ruining any of the awesome "whoa" moments you encounter while reading this one. The story flashes back and forth in time as Jessica tells us about the day of the accident and then various pieces of the past. It's a combination of suspenseful, confusing, and spellbinding that will grip you from the very beginning. You're immediately roped in as the balloon crashes and then left wondering about the sisters' past, which is only unveiled in small nuggets.
I found this book to be extremely tense. As in, my body was actually tight while reading. I was rigidly turning pages, wondering what was going to happen next and if Jessica was going to get to safety. Bolton made me suspicious of everything and everyone--I felt like our protagonist: I could trust no one.
One of the best parts of this novel is that in addition to our "Fugitive"-esque plot, we have a fascinating police case weaved in. This really keeps the book moving as the plot continues to thicken. Not only is Jessica being pursued, but we're learning more and more about the case she was researching in the years and months before the crash. In addition, the final layer is the snippets about the sisters and their tangled family past. Somehow, Bolton twists them all together nearly effortlessly. You have to be able to keep track of when everything occurs (the chapters are just marked as "XX amount of time before" the crash), but you get used to it.
I totally guessed one of the big shocking aspects of the novel early on, but I was still second guessing myself the whole time, and it didn't diminish my enjoyment of it whatsoever, plus there was still so much that completely surprised me. To the extent that I wish I had time to go back and read it again and figure out how I missed so many things! Seriously. This book made me go "wow!" multiple times. It captivated me the entire time I was reading it. There was one final twist too many for complete plausibility at the end to get 10 stars, but I still highly recommend this one. A wonderful, spellbinding thriller that cements for me how much I love Bolton's work.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
Wow, what a book. I don't want to say more about the plot for risk of spoilers or ruining any of the awesome "whoa" moments you encounter while reading this one. The story flashes back and forth in time as Jessica tells us about the day of the accident and then various pieces of the past. It's a combination of suspenseful, confusing, and spellbinding that will grip you from the very beginning. You're immediately roped in as the balloon crashes and then left wondering about the sisters' past, which is only unveiled in small nuggets.
I found this book to be extremely tense. As in, my body was actually tight while reading. I was rigidly turning pages, wondering what was going to happen next and if Jessica was going to get to safety. Bolton made me suspicious of everything and everyone--I felt like our protagonist: I could trust no one.
One of the best parts of this novel is that in addition to our "Fugitive"-esque plot, we have a fascinating police case weaved in. This really keeps the book moving as the plot continues to thicken. Not only is Jessica being pursued, but we're learning more and more about the case she was researching in the years and months before the crash. In addition, the final layer is the snippets about the sisters and their tangled family past. Somehow, Bolton twists them all together nearly effortlessly. You have to be able to keep track of when everything occurs (the chapters are just marked as "XX amount of time before" the crash), but you get used to it.
I totally guessed one of the big shocking aspects of the novel early on, but I was still second guessing myself the whole time, and it didn't diminish my enjoyment of it whatsoever, plus there was still so much that completely surprised me. To the extent that I wish I had time to go back and read it again and figure out how I missed so many things! Seriously. This book made me go "wow!" multiple times. It captivated me the entire time I was reading it. There was one final twist too many for complete plausibility at the end to get 10 stars, but I still highly recommend this one. A wonderful, spellbinding thriller that cements for me how much I love Bolton's work.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
Southern Today (21 KP) rated Gray Wolf Island in Books
Nov 6, 2017
Written by Tracey Neithercott, this book follows Ruby as she ventures out of her comfort zone to full fill her sisters dying wish – that she goes on a treasure hunt.
I really liked this book, and I didn’t think that I would. If you have ever read A Prayer for Owen Meany, this writing style reminds me of that. And I wonder if one character wasn’t inspired by that book.
This book isn’t a realism book, this is a bit whimsical in the background of the characters. One girl doesn’t sleep. Literally. Ever.
Kids, don’t try to do that. But it works for this book.
There is also death that is dealt with, and it’s done in a such a way that I think this would be a great book to analysis as a high school or college novel, but it might be a little tough for the young kids. Middle schoolers could enjoy this, but parents I would recommend reading this with your kids. Scroll to the bottom section underneath the spoilers to see why.
The writing is just beautiful, and the characters have such depth and reflect real life so much. This is a book that shows both the typical teenager, and what makes each person unique. And, I enjoy that all of the girls were a little odd. And I enjoyed the two character story telling. I guess part of the ending, but the other part did startle me. Completely.
Fans of mystery, adventure, growth, and just a good book will enjoy this novel.
I really liked this book, and I didn’t think that I would. If you have ever read A Prayer for Owen Meany, this writing style reminds me of that. And I wonder if one character wasn’t inspired by that book.
This book isn’t a realism book, this is a bit whimsical in the background of the characters. One girl doesn’t sleep. Literally. Ever.
Kids, don’t try to do that. But it works for this book.
There is also death that is dealt with, and it’s done in a such a way that I think this would be a great book to analysis as a high school or college novel, but it might be a little tough for the young kids. Middle schoolers could enjoy this, but parents I would recommend reading this with your kids. Scroll to the bottom section underneath the spoilers to see why.
The writing is just beautiful, and the characters have such depth and reflect real life so much. This is a book that shows both the typical teenager, and what makes each person unique. And, I enjoy that all of the girls were a little odd. And I enjoyed the two character story telling. I guess part of the ending, but the other part did startle me. Completely.
Fans of mystery, adventure, growth, and just a good book will enjoy this novel.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Something Dark in Books
Nov 12, 2017
An unflinching look at the Social Care system in the UK
I went to see Lemn Sissay read poems from his last book 'Gold From The Stone' last year at the Chester Literature Festival, and I've been hooked ever since. His poetry is very personal, and so I was interested to see what this would be like.
This is his story of being taken in to care and the resultant damage. It's a one man show, there's no one else on stage with him, and I think this is indicative of how his life has been lived. He has always had to be self sufficient, from the day that his Foster parents (who had parented him from birth) told him at the age of 11 that 'he' didn't love them anymore (it would be more accurate to say that they didn't love him). They didn't even say goodbye to him: his brothers and sisters didn't get to say goodbye, and he was ushered into a car with his social worker and taken to a children's home.
This illustrates how children in care are 'emancipated' at 18 and expected to cope on their own. Most of them have no family or many friends, and are left to fend for themselves. Lemn was given the information to start the search for his birth mother, which is a very interesting part of the story (which I won't divulge!)
I'm actually going to see this performed by Lemn next week (14/11/17), and I'm very much looking forward to it.
This is his story of being taken in to care and the resultant damage. It's a one man show, there's no one else on stage with him, and I think this is indicative of how his life has been lived. He has always had to be self sufficient, from the day that his Foster parents (who had parented him from birth) told him at the age of 11 that 'he' didn't love them anymore (it would be more accurate to say that they didn't love him). They didn't even say goodbye to him: his brothers and sisters didn't get to say goodbye, and he was ushered into a car with his social worker and taken to a children's home.
This illustrates how children in care are 'emancipated' at 18 and expected to cope on their own. Most of them have no family or many friends, and are left to fend for themselves. Lemn was given the information to start the search for his birth mother, which is a very interesting part of the story (which I won't divulge!)
I'm actually going to see this performed by Lemn next week (14/11/17), and I'm very much looking forward to it.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Far From the Tree in Books
May 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoy the way, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant capture the true essence of African American female relationships in their books. Far from the Tree was no exception.
Ronnie and Celeste are sisters that have never really gotten along. Odella, their mother is also not the easiest to get along with. When the three are brought together in the same house after many years of being apart, their relationships start to take on a whole new meaning. Following the death of Will, the husband and father who had always been around to love and support them, the women are forced to examine their lives and make some hard decisions in order to move forward and grow.
Celeste, married to Everett, who is a doctor, has never been satisfied with their simple lifestyle. She has always wanted more for them even though she has never had to want for anything.
Ronnie, who has been a struggling actress in New York and fools herself and her family into thinking that she has it all together and is doing great. She actually has had more addresses than acting roles.
Odella, who had run from her past for so long that when it comes rushing back at her, she is overwhelmed by it all.
Together these women learn to love themselves and one another again.
There are talks that this book may be made into a major motion picture. I would be the first in line for a ticket. I would love to see who they get to portray the characters.
Ronnie and Celeste are sisters that have never really gotten along. Odella, their mother is also not the easiest to get along with. When the three are brought together in the same house after many years of being apart, their relationships start to take on a whole new meaning. Following the death of Will, the husband and father who had always been around to love and support them, the women are forced to examine their lives and make some hard decisions in order to move forward and grow.
Celeste, married to Everett, who is a doctor, has never been satisfied with their simple lifestyle. She has always wanted more for them even though she has never had to want for anything.
Ronnie, who has been a struggling actress in New York and fools herself and her family into thinking that she has it all together and is doing great. She actually has had more addresses than acting roles.
Odella, who had run from her past for so long that when it comes rushing back at her, she is overwhelmed by it all.
Together these women learn to love themselves and one another again.
There are talks that this book may be made into a major motion picture. I would be the first in line for a ticket. I would love to see who they get to portray the characters.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated A Court of Wings and Ruin in Books
May 15, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas doesn’t quite live up to A Court of Mist and Fury, but it’s still a surprisingly fun jaunt through war-torn Prythian. Brimming with dangerous deals and unlikely allies, I actually enjoyed reading this – for the most part. It should be made clear, once again, that though Maas’s books are found in the young adult section, they contain material not suitable for some young readers.
Like sex. Lots and lots of detailed sex. The few times it popped up in the Mist and Fury, it was alright. Wings and Ruin, on the other hand, really hones in on the sexual relationship between Feyre and Rhysand. A bit too much for my taste, anyway.
Sex aside, the plot moves along at a fairly quick pace and, for the most part, kept me hooked. (As in, I legit stayed up waaay too late one night reading.) I also love that there was a bit more focus on Feyre’s sisters this time around, rather than Feyre’s own self interests. It’s nice to see her grow as a… person, I guess you could say.
Overall, this isn’t my favorite book of the bunch, but I don’t find it (or its ending, which I feel is approached with the same logic I would have used) to be near as horrid as I was told to expect. I look forward to the next in the series, as ACOTAR is, undoubtedly, a guilty pleasure of mine.
Like sex. Lots and lots of detailed sex. The few times it popped up in the Mist and Fury, it was alright. Wings and Ruin, on the other hand, really hones in on the sexual relationship between Feyre and Rhysand. A bit too much for my taste, anyway.
Sex aside, the plot moves along at a fairly quick pace and, for the most part, kept me hooked. (As in, I legit stayed up waaay too late one night reading.) I also love that there was a bit more focus on Feyre’s sisters this time around, rather than Feyre’s own self interests. It’s nice to see her grow as a… person, I guess you could say.
Overall, this isn’t my favorite book of the bunch, but I don’t find it (or its ending, which I feel is approached with the same logic I would have used) to be near as horrid as I was told to expect. I look forward to the next in the series, as ACOTAR is, undoubtedly, a guilty pleasure of mine.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Dark Path in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Merry, Sam and their baby, Connor. A perfect little family in the perfect little setting.
Sam who has the perfect little wife, Merry bakes blueberry pies, cooks well, cleans and sees to the garden.
The Mother who loves and adores her baby. Sam who wanted nothing else but to have a homely wife and a child of his own in the most idyllic of settings.
They have it all.
But is Merry all that she appears to be?
Then along comes Frank, she is a long standing friend of Merry's from her past. They used to be like sisters.
This was previously published under the name You Were Made for This.
This is a wonderful dark and twisted tale told from several different POV's.
This a dark and disturbing story which i very addictive. It digs into the relationship of the 3 main characters and all the emotions that come with this.
I found the pace to be just right for this novel and love the way the story is brought out to us.
This is a psychological domestic thriller which reminds us all that all is not what it appears to be and who can you really trust?
This maybe too dark for some to read but I think you should give this one a chance as I was totally hooked and gripped with the story.
A haunting ending to a superb well written story.
**********Many many thank to NetGalley and the publisher as well for making the ARC of this book available online.******
Sam who has the perfect little wife, Merry bakes blueberry pies, cooks well, cleans and sees to the garden.
The Mother who loves and adores her baby. Sam who wanted nothing else but to have a homely wife and a child of his own in the most idyllic of settings.
They have it all.
But is Merry all that she appears to be?
Then along comes Frank, she is a long standing friend of Merry's from her past. They used to be like sisters.
This was previously published under the name You Were Made for This.
This is a wonderful dark and twisted tale told from several different POV's.
This a dark and disturbing story which i very addictive. It digs into the relationship of the 3 main characters and all the emotions that come with this.
I found the pace to be just right for this novel and love the way the story is brought out to us.
This is a psychological domestic thriller which reminds us all that all is not what it appears to be and who can you really trust?
This maybe too dark for some to read but I think you should give this one a chance as I was totally hooked and gripped with the story.
A haunting ending to a superb well written story.
**********Many many thank to NetGalley and the publisher as well for making the ARC of this book available online.******
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Emma in the Night in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Emma in the Night is a cleverly written psychological suspense story about two sisters who disappeared from their family’s life and the mystery surrounding why only one came back – three years later.
The opening sentence explaining what a narcissist is had me hooked right from the very beginning and as I continued to read it became quickly apparent the girls came from a dysfunctional family with several problems of their own to contend with.
I found the pace a little slow at the beginning, however, it was Cass’ voice (the unreliable narrator) who kept me reading, and I am so glad I did! Does Cass know more than she is letting on? Are her actions justifiable? What would you do in the same position? These are just many questions I asked myself as I read along.
The story unravels via two points of views; Cass, the sister of the missing Emma, and the FBI forensic psychologist, Detective Abby Winters. Bit by bit Cass reveals her side of the story, whilst Abby tried to piece together every little bit of evidence and information there is in an effort to discover Emma’s whereabouts. Is she still alive? Can she be saved?
Overall, Wendy Walker weaves an entertaining mystery about two vulnerable and impressionable young girls, with well researched flair and panache.
Delve into the darker side of human experience in this thought-provoking tale of messed up childhoods, mental illness and the effect it has on family members dealing with their own demons.
The opening sentence explaining what a narcissist is had me hooked right from the very beginning and as I continued to read it became quickly apparent the girls came from a dysfunctional family with several problems of their own to contend with.
I found the pace a little slow at the beginning, however, it was Cass’ voice (the unreliable narrator) who kept me reading, and I am so glad I did! Does Cass know more than she is letting on? Are her actions justifiable? What would you do in the same position? These are just many questions I asked myself as I read along.
The story unravels via two points of views; Cass, the sister of the missing Emma, and the FBI forensic psychologist, Detective Abby Winters. Bit by bit Cass reveals her side of the story, whilst Abby tried to piece together every little bit of evidence and information there is in an effort to discover Emma’s whereabouts. Is she still alive? Can she be saved?
Overall, Wendy Walker weaves an entertaining mystery about two vulnerable and impressionable young girls, with well researched flair and panache.
Delve into the darker side of human experience in this thought-provoking tale of messed up childhoods, mental illness and the effect it has on family members dealing with their own demons.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated All of Us and Everything in Books
Feb 13, 2018
The Rockwell sisters are returning home. Now grown, Esme, Liv, and Ru grew up with their slightly eccentric mother, Augusta, on the Jersey Shore. As kids, Augusta told the girls their Dad was a spy, and the girls were never quite sure what to believe. Each sister has her own struggles. Esme's marriage is failing and her daughter, Atty, has had a major breakdown at school. Liv is doing great -- when it comes to rehab and divorce. Ru is struggling with her engagement and the contract to write her second book. When they all arrive home, they discover that Hurricane Sandy has unearthed something related to their childhood. Will it finally cause Augusta to tell them the truth about their father?
This was certainly a quirky book. At times, a little too much quirk and angst, to be honest. The whole "your father is a spy" thing seems a bit crazy at times. The girls quibble and bicker, but don't really appear to be real characters you can get behind. Neither does their supporting cast. The exception is Atty, who was quite hilarious, even if her tweeting gets out of hand (that is the point, though). The book grows on you, however, as the girls reunite at home and learn more about their past. It's all a little crazy and over the top, but if you embrace it, it's a fun, quick read, with some real emotion thrown in by the end.
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
This was certainly a quirky book. At times, a little too much quirk and angst, to be honest. The whole "your father is a spy" thing seems a bit crazy at times. The girls quibble and bicker, but don't really appear to be real characters you can get behind. Neither does their supporting cast. The exception is Atty, who was quite hilarious, even if her tweeting gets out of hand (that is the point, though). The book grows on you, however, as the girls reunite at home and learn more about their past. It's all a little crazy and over the top, but if you embrace it, it's a fun, quick read, with some real emotion thrown in by the end.
(Note: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated First Frost in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Claire and Sydney are sisters. Claire is the more practical of the two and lately, she is drowning under the weight of a blossoming candy business. Sydney runs a hair salon and worries about her teenage daughter, Bay, who seems to be drifting away from her. In addition, Sydney longs for another baby. One day, a mysterious stranger shows up in their tiny town and threatens to disrupt their lives, especially Claire's.
This was an interesting read and definitely more on the 3.5 star end. I was about halfway through when I realized there was a book that came before this one - I'll probably read that one at some time, but I was already committed to this one. The book has a mystical edge to it; supposedly, each of the Waverley women are blessed with a gift, and Claire's house - the old Waverley home - has strange powers and a mind of its own.
At first it's a little strange to add the magic to the story, but it actually works well. Claire, Sydney, and Bay are all interesting characters. I actually found myself hoping there will be a third book that focuses more on Bay, because she's a compelling person. In a way, not much happens in the story, things just sort of float along as the women wait for the "first frost" to occur, but I still found myself compulsively flipping pages, wondering what would happen next. All in all, that's a sign of a good tale. Definitely a fun little read.
This was an interesting read and definitely more on the 3.5 star end. I was about halfway through when I realized there was a book that came before this one - I'll probably read that one at some time, but I was already committed to this one. The book has a mystical edge to it; supposedly, each of the Waverley women are blessed with a gift, and Claire's house - the old Waverley home - has strange powers and a mind of its own.
At first it's a little strange to add the magic to the story, but it actually works well. Claire, Sydney, and Bay are all interesting characters. I actually found myself hoping there will be a third book that focuses more on Bay, because she's a compelling person. In a way, not much happens in the story, things just sort of float along as the women wait for the "first frost" to occur, but I still found myself compulsively flipping pages, wondering what would happen next. All in all, that's a sign of a good tale. Definitely a fun little read.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Tried and True in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Idaho Territory, 1866: The Civil War has ended, but the charade has not. Kylie Wilde and her sisters Shannon and Bailey lived as men throughout the War. And at their father's command, are now homesteading as men.
Tried & True is a gripping journey about forgiveness and finding true identity. Kylie's demanding Pa is sick with grief over the loss of his son and does not know how to take care of, or love his daughters for who they are. Powerful cattleman, Gage Coulter, would like nothing better than to reclaim Kylie's land as his own. Aaron Masterson is captivated by Kylie from the moment they meet. But Aaron wants to live a life in the mountains and Kylie longs for the civilization of the East. Attempts to scare her off her land by persons unknown, opens doors Kylie never dreamed of. Throughout her journey, her faith is tested and tried. But she stands strong and remains true to herself.
It was next to impossible for me to put this book down. I was transported to the mountains of Idaho in the height of the land rush every time I began to read. Feeling the fear, the love, the determination that Kylie felt. Very captivating. I am especially grateful to Mary Connealy for the way she is able to portray a Historical Fiction "Romance" very tastefully. I am excited to read the rest of the series!
As part of their blogger reviewer program, I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House.
Tried & True is a gripping journey about forgiveness and finding true identity. Kylie's demanding Pa is sick with grief over the loss of his son and does not know how to take care of, or love his daughters for who they are. Powerful cattleman, Gage Coulter, would like nothing better than to reclaim Kylie's land as his own. Aaron Masterson is captivated by Kylie from the moment they meet. But Aaron wants to live a life in the mountains and Kylie longs for the civilization of the East. Attempts to scare her off her land by persons unknown, opens doors Kylie never dreamed of. Throughout her journey, her faith is tested and tried. But she stands strong and remains true to herself.
It was next to impossible for me to put this book down. I was transported to the mountains of Idaho in the height of the land rush every time I began to read. Feeling the fear, the love, the determination that Kylie felt. Very captivating. I am especially grateful to Mary Connealy for the way she is able to portray a Historical Fiction "Romance" very tastefully. I am excited to read the rest of the series!
As part of their blogger reviewer program, I received a free digital copy of this book from Bethany House.