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Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me
Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me
Lily Collins | 2017 | Biography
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Unfiltered is Lily Collins’ honest, heartfelt letter to her fans, inspired by all of the times that they shared their stories with her and her desire to show that no one is alone.

A lot of her stories stem from her past relationships and how she learned from them. She discusses self-worth, battling addictions, and being strong enough to do what is best for you. It is genuine and likely resonates with a lot of people.

 Her relationships with her parents are detailed, from her best friend bond with her mother to her more distant one with her father. Personally, I relate to her stories about her mother because mine is also my best friend - despite the fact that we don’t always get along. I know, just as Lily knows, that our mothers will always be there for us no matter what.

She even includes some letters that you can use to express how you feel to someone else, tell yourself that you are worth it, or tailor to suit what you want to say.

I have always loved Lily Collins (it doesn’t hurt that she played Clary and we share a birthday) so I was highly anticipating reading this book. It’s a pretty short book, so it won’t take very long to read but it has a few really poignant moments.
  
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Sue (5 KP) rated The Coroner in Books

Aug 13, 2018  
TC
The Coroner
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Emily Hartford seems to be doing well for herself with a promising surgical career in Chicago and having been recently engaged to a third-year surgical resident. Her world is turned upside down when she receives a call telling her that her estranged medical examiner father has suffered a major heart attack and she must come home.

Upon arrival at her hometown of Freeport, which she fled over 12 years ago after the mysterious death of her mother, Emily is pulled into an investigation. With her ME father unable to assist, Sheriff Nick Larson (Em’s old high school flame) asks her help in finding out if the sudden unexplained death of a Senator’s teen daughter was an accident or murder.

This book is engaging with several different stories going on at once. The first story is the mystery of the Senator’s daughter who was an equestrian, good student, and all around loved individual. How and why was she killed? The second story is about the relationship between Emily and her father. They once were so close, but with the mysterious accident her mother suffered leaving her dead, daughter and father have a rocky relationship. The third story is of Emily and trying to find out what she really wants in life.

The is a true mystery-suspense drama with a very surprising ending.
  
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justmissash (21 KP) rated Victoria in Books

Aug 23, 2018  
Victoria
Victoria
Daisy Goodwin | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
For every girl, like myself, who once wished to be a princess or queen someday, this book is wonderful.
It starts as Alexandrina is looking towards her 18th birthday. Not to celebrate it but hoping that the present king will live long enough so she can be queen. Her mother and mothers possible lover are scheming together. They call her Drina and she hates it. She loves and wishes to be called Victoria. Her uncle, the king, finally passes after she turns 18 and she is crowned Queen. The story follows her challenges, fears, and triumphs as closely and intimately as possible. The story is honest and heartwarming and inspiring. She rises with grace and class to lead her country for a long time and surpasses the expectations of her mother and those around her. I loved the story and just how it was written. I feel like I know her now and I feel connected because of her feelings and emotions. I have not been on the threshold of becoming a queen but I do know what it feels like when others think they know best or have I'll intentions and want to release you from the chance to prove your greatness.
I received this book for free from SheSpeaks, but the opinions here are my own.
  
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justmissash (21 KP) rated Victoria in Books

Jun 23, 2019  
Victoria
Victoria
Daisy Goodwin | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
For every girl, like myself, who once wished to be a princess or queen someday, this book is wonderful.
It starts as Alexandrina is looking towards her 18th birthday. Not to celebrate it but hoping that the present king will live long enough so she can be queen. Her mother and mothers possible lover are scheming together. They call her Drina and she hates it. She loves and wishes to be called Victoria. Her uncle, the king, finally passes after she turns 18 and she is crowned Queen. The story follows her challenges, fears, and triumphs as closely and intimately as possible. The story is honest and heartwarming and inspiring. She rises with grace and class to lead her country for a long time and surpasses the expectations of her mother and those around her. I loved the story and just how it was written. I feel like I know her now and I feel connected because of her feelings and emotions. I have not been on the threshold of becoming a queen but I do know what it feels like when others think they know best or have I'll intentions and want to release you from the chance to prove your greatness.
I received this book for free from SheSpeaks, but the opinions here are my own.
  
Behind Every Lie
Behind Every Lie
Christina McDonald | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

After reading Christina McDonald's The Night Olivia Fell, I was eager to read her latest, Behind Every Lie.

Behind Every Lie has an interesting premise - how can you prove you did not do something if you cannot remember it. Eva Hansen wakes up in a hospital after being struck by lightning. She discovers her mother was murdered and Eva was found just down the street from the murder. She cannot remember what happened but the police doubt her and her convenient memory loss. What follows is a two continent race to solve the mystery before the police arrest her. Did Eva kill her mother? If not, who did?

Both of Christina McDonald's books grabbed me right at the beginning and kept me there throughout the whole story. I was worried because I rarely believe a book is 5 stars. It has to blow me away. I gave The Night Olivia Fell 5 stars. I was hoping Christina McDonald was not a "one and done" author. Behind Every Lie proves she is not. While I did not give Behind Every Lie 5 stars, it did earn a well-deserved 4 and ensured Christina McDonald is an author I will continue to read.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/27/20.