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ClareR (6230 KP) rated Favourite Daughter in Books
Nov 23, 2025
Favourite Daughter by Morgan Dick, narrated by Heather Kosik and Susanna Fournier was funny in a dark way. Two estranged sisters are thrown together after the death of their father. Mickey, 33, an alcoholic Kindergarten teacher, hasn’t seen her father for 26 years, and is left his substantial estate – but there are conditions. Arlo (short for Charlotte) is her half-sister and a psychologist, and the sisters have never met. They’re both in for some surprises in the weeks ahead, that’s for sure. This is one of those books where you catch yourself letting out a (rather unladylike) snort of laughter, and then double-checking yourself: because should you really be laughing at what you’ve just laughed at? Well, life is based on ridiculous things, isn’t it? If you didn’t laugh, you’d probably cry or go mad! I really enjoyed this, Arlo and Mickey were really interesting characters who developed and grew up over the course of the novel.
We’re back with Rocky and her family - this time at home. It’s two years after their Cape Cod holiday, and things have changed. Rocky and Nick’s son, Jamie now lives in New York; Rocky’s widowed father has moved in; Willa, their daughter, has moved back home after finishing college.
Rocky has become obsessed with the death of a young man from Jamie’s school year - as if she hasn’t enough to deal with, with her own increasingly perplexing medical issues (and I thank the NHS that our system is nothing like Rocky’s experiences!).
I love Catherine Newmans’s witty, clever, heartfelt writing. One minute I’m laughing along, the next moment I’m empathising with her and reminiscing about her (my) children when they were small - and feeling as emotional as she does! Ahh, menopausal motherhood!
This book just seemed to finish far too quickly for me - I enjoyed everything about it.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own!
Rocky has become obsessed with the death of a young man from Jamie’s school year - as if she hasn’t enough to deal with, with her own increasingly perplexing medical issues (and I thank the NHS that our system is nothing like Rocky’s experiences!).
I love Catherine Newmans’s witty, clever, heartfelt writing. One minute I’m laughing along, the next moment I’m empathising with her and reminiscing about her (my) children when they were small - and feeling as emotional as she does! Ahh, menopausal motherhood!
This book just seemed to finish far too quickly for me - I enjoyed everything about it.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own!
The Rest of our Lives
8.0
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What's left when your kids grow up and leave home? When Tom Layward's wife had an affair he...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2570 KP) rated Silent as the Grave in Books
Mar 13, 2025
Mayhem Behind the Scenes of Silent Pictures
When Molly visits her friends Ryan O’ Hara on the set of an early silent movie, her adopted daughter Bridie winds up getting discovered and cast in the lead. So Molly starts spending time on the set herself, where she sees some suspicious accidents. But when one hits very close to home, Molly starts investigating. Can she find proof of sabotage before someone dies?
I’ve always appreciated that this series has given us glimpses into many different worlds of 1900’s New York City. As a fan of movies, this setting was very fun. Having said that, the pacing was really off here, which was disappointing. The climax is satisfying, however. I enjoy spending time with the characters, although some growth would be nice. I did feel transported to the time period as I read. Fans of the series will appreciate time with the characters even if this isn’t the strongest book in the series.
I’ve always appreciated that this series has given us glimpses into many different worlds of 1900’s New York City. As a fan of movies, this setting was very fun. Having said that, the pacing was really off here, which was disappointing. The climax is satisfying, however. I enjoy spending time with the characters, although some growth would be nice. I did feel transported to the time period as I read. Fans of the series will appreciate time with the characters even if this isn’t the strongest book in the series.
Tangled in Water
Book
1932. Natalia is 16 and a bootlegger's daughter, playing the mermaid mascot on a rundown paddlewheel...
Historical Fiction Prohibition
ClareR (6230 KP) rated The Sunshine Man in Books
Nov 23, 2025
The Sunshine Man is set in two timelines: 1989 and 1971.
In 1989, Bridie prepares to find and shoot the man, Jimmy Maguire, that murdered her sister upon his release from prison. She follows him as he’s picked up from the prison gates by his daughter, and as she drives him to old haunts and to visit his family.
In 1971, Jimmy and Providence are good friends. Jimmy and his family are outcasts, undesirables, always in trouble with the police. Providence can see beyond this with Jimmy.
This is such a sad story of family in all its guises (good and bad), revenge and redemption.
The Sunshine Man is a slow burn, but I found it worthwhile. I really got to know the characters, whether I really wanted to or not. Some were distinctly unpleasant people, but the motivations for their actions, whilst not excusable, were explained. I certainly won’t be forgetting this book in a hurry.
In 1989, Bridie prepares to find and shoot the man, Jimmy Maguire, that murdered her sister upon his release from prison. She follows him as he’s picked up from the prison gates by his daughter, and as she drives him to old haunts and to visit his family.
In 1971, Jimmy and Providence are good friends. Jimmy and his family are outcasts, undesirables, always in trouble with the police. Providence can see beyond this with Jimmy.
This is such a sad story of family in all its guises (good and bad), revenge and redemption.
The Sunshine Man is a slow burn, but I found it worthwhile. I really got to know the characters, whether I really wanted to or not. Some were distinctly unpleasant people, but the motivations for their actions, whilst not excusable, were explained. I certainly won’t be forgetting this book in a hurry.
Knits, Knots, and Knives
8.0
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It will take the Ninth Street Knitters all the sleuthing skills they have to untangle the threads of...
Em & Me by Beth Morrey was another lucky choice on The Pigeonhole! I loved this story about a young, single mum, Delphine, who cares for both her daughter and her father.
Since the death of her mother when she was a young teenager, Delphine has had to care for her father who has been in the depths of grief and depression. Delphine is in survival mode, working two jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
And then the doors begin to open for her. She rediscovers her voice - both spoken and singing. Delphine realises that she wants more, but she has a secret that she’s trying to keep from everyone - including herself.
This is a story of second chances, self-belief, family and friends (both equally as important to Delphine). A thoroughly feel good novel - and we all need one of those from time to time, don’t we!
Many thanks to Beth Morrey for reading along with us and commenting along on the Pigeonhole.
Since the death of her mother when she was a young teenager, Delphine has had to care for her father who has been in the depths of grief and depression. Delphine is in survival mode, working two jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
And then the doors begin to open for her. She rediscovers her voice - both spoken and singing. Delphine realises that she wants more, but she has a secret that she’s trying to keep from everyone - including herself.
This is a story of second chances, self-belief, family and friends (both equally as important to Delphine). A thoroughly feel good novel - and we all need one of those from time to time, don’t we!
Many thanks to Beth Morrey for reading along with us and commenting along on the Pigeonhole.
Sticks and Stones (The Wish Makers #1)
10.0
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Everyone has a dark side. Mandy’s just moved in with her. The last time Mandy Matteo broke a...
Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated A Landscape of Lies (2011) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
After a fairly violent opening to the film, A Landscape of Lies tells the story of Jacob who is inflicted with PTSD after spending his time in the Gulf war, as he tries to adjust to being back in the UK and is helped along by his former commanding officer, Hilt.
But after Hilt is murdered by a serial killer, Jacob’s reality comes crashing down, Jacob decides that the only thing that he can now do is find out who the killer was and to help bring closure for Louise, Hilt’s widow, after the murder. Jacob then goes head to head with DCI Lane and his partners Sergeant Egan and DC Carter as he tries to discover the killer his life starts to mix with the suspects, such as East End villain and property tycoon Brannigan Woods, Marcus Clancy a workaholic who has put a strain on his marriage to his wife Claire, who is also cheating on him, and their rebellious daughter, Hannah.
But after Hilt is murdered by a serial killer, Jacob’s reality comes crashing down, Jacob decides that the only thing that he can now do is find out who the killer was and to help bring closure for Louise, Hilt’s widow, after the murder. Jacob then goes head to head with DCI Lane and his partners Sergeant Egan and DC Carter as he tries to discover the killer his life starts to mix with the suspects, such as East End villain and property tycoon Brannigan Woods, Marcus Clancy a workaholic who has put a strain on his marriage to his wife Claire, who is also cheating on him, and their rebellious daughter, Hannah.