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Never Let You Go
Never Let You Go
Chevy Stevens | 2017 | Mystery, Thriller
10
8.3 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lindsey and Sophie are mother and daughter. They live together in Dogswood Bay. Sophie is in here senior year in high school and Lindsey owns her own cleaning company. When Lindsey finds out that her ex-husband, Andrew is about to be released from prison after 10 years, she goes on the alert. He was very abusive and manipulative towards Lindsey, but Sophie wants her dad to be a part of her life. When things start to happen that can only be explained by Andrews controlling behavior, the pair try to hide from him in any way they can. Will they be able to stay away from him, or will he try to hurt Lindsey again?

First of all thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the ability to read this book before it is released. Another book that had me on the edge of my seat and at the end, my heart was beating out of my chest, I was so excited to figure out what was going to happen next. Lindsey is a character that you can see as the lady next door or one of your friends. Trying to rebuild her life after being in an abusive relationship and trying to build a life for her young daughter to look up to. When she finds out that her ex is not only being released from prison after 10 years, but that he will also be moving to the same town, she is instantly on high alert. How can she keep herself and her daughter safe? Not sure of who to turn to and who to trust, she may see things in a clouded light.

I really felt for Lindsey and I could feel her fear. You are really drawn into this story and you want to help Lindsey and Sophie get out of their tough circumstances. I have read nearly all of Chevy Stevens books and I have not been disappointed by one yet. This book had a twist that you could see coming, but the culprit was hard to figure out. A few times, I thought I knew what was going to happen and I was shocked by the final outcome. This is a book you will not want to put down and will not want to read if you have a bad heart. Loved it!!!
  
Trick or Murder? (Sophie Sayers Village Mystery #2)
Trick or Murder? (Sophie Sayers Village Mystery #2)
Debbie Young | 2020 | Mystery
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonist in this story was Sophie, and the whole book is told from her perspective. The blurb above describes this story quite accurately, but it is a little bit deceiving as well. I really wanted to connect with Sophie or any other character, but unfortunately, I couldn’t. I liked the village setting and tight community sense of this book, however, I think that the characters were not fully developed and some of them were pretty dull. I really enjoyed that Sophie worked in the bookshop, I liked reading about its daily operation and how it survives in a little community.

I would describe the narrative of this book as cute. There are some events happening, but I am used to “heavier” books. I missed the twists, turns, and unexpected surprises, 70% of the book kind of plodded along, until something interesting happened, and the mysterious part had no investigation at all. Before reading this book, I knew little about Bonfire night, and I am happy that I was able to learn more about how it was celebrated back in the day.

The writing style was very simple, and this book can be read as stand alone. I haven’t read the first part, but I was able to understand what is going on. The chapters were pretty short and it was easy to read this novel. The ending rounded up this book pretty well, and I liked that the author gave a snippet of what is to come in the next book. So, to conclude, this is a light and easy read, filled with village spirit, romantic discoveries and a hint of mystery, and if you are into any of it, do give this book a try, and I hope you will enjoy it.
  
Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)
Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)
Rachel Hawkins | 2010 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hex Hall was funny, cute, and exciting. Sophie had a witty, slightly sarcastic interior monologue and it made it fun to read, even though the writing itself wasn’t good per se.

A very good aspect of Hex Hall was the mystery side. I had no idea who the “bad guy” was (there turned out to be more than one!) until the very end, and I had no idea what was going to happen.

My only complaint was the ending: it wasn’t very good. It left unanswered questions, and there was no closure. It just… ended. Like the ending of a chapter, it felt like there should have been at least one more paragraph. One more paragraph to make you feel like Sophie was confident and knew what she was doing, and that everything was going to turn out right. But… it ended slightly lame.

Except the ending (as in the very last two pages) Hex Hall was a light funny cute read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Content/Recommendation: Clean, some small descriptions of violence. Ages 12-18
  
IS
Irish Stewed (Ethnic Eats Mystery #1)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Former personal chef Laurel Inwood agrees to help her foster aunt Sophie run her restaurant while Sophie recovers from surgery. However, Laurel gets a shock when she discovers the upscale restaurant she’s expecting is actually a greasy spoon. She’s even more shocked when she finds a dead man in the supposedly closed kitchen. He’s an investigative reporter for the local TV station. But what is he doing there? What story got him killed?

This book starts off strongly and keeps us turning pages as we go from suspect to suspect. The climax is a tad rushed, but all the answers we need are there to tie things up. Laurel’s past as a foster child makes for an interesting main character. Occasionally, I was frustrated with her, but most of the time I liked her, and I see great potential for character growth over the course of the series. I’m already hungry for seconds.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/05/book-review-irish-stewed-by-kylie-logan.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Dalysian Hope (Dalysia #1)
Dalysian Hope (Dalysia #1)
Jamie Summer | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If you like Fantasy with an Urban twist, then this is definitely one for you. Sophie is living a 'normal' life until one evening when weirdness erupts and two guys show up in her life. One may be there to help, and one may be there to hinder, but until Sophie figures out what the heck is going on, then she will be none the wiser!

This is the author's debut novel and I am already in love with her intimate and descriptive writing style. It doesn't feel like it was written for the masses, but rather just for "you" alone. This means that you are drawn right into the story and care about the characters, some more than others!

With layer upon layer woven together in a thrilling elemental story, this book will sweep you away and definitely leave you wanting more.

Oh, one thing more I need to say - TEAM REN!!!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 30, 2016
  
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018)
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! (2018)
2018 | Comedy, Musical
Cher voice showed flaws in the others actors singing (0 more)
So so version
Whilst i enjoyed the first Mamma Mia filn a great deal. This film seem to be discombobled, epsically between Donna life and Sophie life today. The transition between the two seem to in my option lack something. Where the first film is a feel good okay the actor can sing but not to a incredible degree bringing in cher who is a power house of a voice just highlighted that half the others aren't the greatest of singers.