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graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Black Rabbit Hall in Books

Feb 15, 2019

Black Rabbit Hall

Eve Chase | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

I liked the book, but I didn't love it. Told in alternating voices and time-lines, first-person for Amber in the late 60's and third-person for Lorna circa 2000. Amber's voice definitely had the edge as Lorna's felt more distant, probably due to being in third-person, so her story didn't have much of a punch for me. Also, her connection to Black Rabbit Hall felt too pat, too obvious, and not surprising in the least. One thing, as silly as it might seem, that bothered me was the casual mention of texts and wi-fi. Easy to overlook in this day and age, but they just weren't common in the late nineties/early aughts. Otherwise, it was an easy, if predictable read.

Kudos

Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Bluffing is Murder in Books

Mar 9, 2018

While out for a run, Lauren finds the body of Charles Heard, a man she had publically argued with the previous day. Is local politics involved in his death? Or is something else in play?

The mystery in this one could have been stronger, but I did still enjoy the book. The plot was always moving forward, and the characters are great. Watching the growth between the books makes it even more interesting.

NOTE: I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
SECOND NOTE: Tace Baker is actually a pen name for Edith Maxwell and no relation to me.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/11/book-review-bluffing-is-murder-by-tace.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.

Kudos

Kristin (149 KP) rated Making Wishes in Books

Dec 7, 2018

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Elloree is a wife and a mother to two darling boys. However, she feels like something's still missing. That something jumps out at her one day in the form of her old boss Mark calling her up, asking her to come back to Wishes, the company they helped build up together. She's an artist, and her designs will help push the company to new heights; however, her husband is not too keen on the idea of her going back to work. Eventually, she makes up her mind to dive back into Wishes, spending more and more time there as she does so. This leaves Tom, her husband, to pick up the slack at home, but instead HE works even more, until their family starts to pull apart around them. Will they be able to pick up the pieces, or will they continue down this path of destruction, one step at a time?

I rather enjoyed this book, as it's something that I'm sure happens every day, all around the world: Family dynamics are tested based on outside influences, such as going back to work after being a stay-at-home parent. It's incredibly easy to identify with at least one character in the book, whether it's Elloree, the one trying to get back her passion for doing something she loves; Tom, who's trying to keep his family the way he's become used to; or the children, who just don't understand why Mommy isn't around all the time anymore. I found myself invested in the story and the characters almost from the start, especially as time progressed and the family unit became less cohesive. I was eager to see what would become of them, but also a little afraid for them, especially the boys, as they seemed to be having a difficult time of it. Understandable and relatable feelings and emotions were definitely at the forefront, and I could easily see myself as a bystander, watching and waiting for the inevitable outcome.

I would definitely like to read more from this author, and I will certainly be on the lookout for any new works by her.

5 stars