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Raven's Bride
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In 1829, Sam Houston was the thirty-six-year-old governor of Tennessee, a “beautiful…imperious...
The Poisoned City: Flint's Water and the American Urban Tragedy
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The first full account of the Flint, Michigan, water scandal, an American tragedy, with new details,...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Wife: A Novel in Books
Oct 11, 2022
186 of 230
Book
The Wife
By Alafair Burke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
His Scandal - Her Secret
When Angela met Jason Powell while catering a dinner party in East Hampton, she assumed their romance would be a short-lived fling, like so many relationships between locals and summer visitors. To her surprise, Jason, a brilliant economics professor at NYU, had other plans, and they married the following summer. For Angela, the marriage turned out to be a chance to reboot her life. She and her son were finally able to move out of her mother’s home to Manhattan, where no one knew about her tragic past.
Six years later, thanks to a bestselling book and a growing media career, Jason has become a cultural lightning rod, placing Angela near the spotlight she worked so carefully to avoid. When a college intern makes an accusation against Jason, and another woman, Kerry Lynch, comes forward with an even more troubling allegation, their life begins to unravel. Jason insists he is innocent, and Angela believes him. But when Kerry disappears, Angela is forced to take a closer look—at both the man she married and the women she chose not to believe.
Well that was one hell of a book! From start to finish it was just brilliant. It had you questioning all the way through how far would you go to protect your family? And how much would you put up with as a wife? Even right to the end it’s not what I was expecting. It made you want to keep reading. Highly recommended!
Book
The Wife
By Alafair Burke
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
His Scandal - Her Secret
When Angela met Jason Powell while catering a dinner party in East Hampton, she assumed their romance would be a short-lived fling, like so many relationships between locals and summer visitors. To her surprise, Jason, a brilliant economics professor at NYU, had other plans, and they married the following summer. For Angela, the marriage turned out to be a chance to reboot her life. She and her son were finally able to move out of her mother’s home to Manhattan, where no one knew about her tragic past.
Six years later, thanks to a bestselling book and a growing media career, Jason has become a cultural lightning rod, placing Angela near the spotlight she worked so carefully to avoid. When a college intern makes an accusation against Jason, and another woman, Kerry Lynch, comes forward with an even more troubling allegation, their life begins to unravel. Jason insists he is innocent, and Angela believes him. But when Kerry disappears, Angela is forced to take a closer look—at both the man she married and the women she chose not to believe.
Well that was one hell of a book! From start to finish it was just brilliant. It had you questioning all the way through how far would you go to protect your family? And how much would you put up with as a wife? Even right to the end it’s not what I was expecting. It made you want to keep reading. Highly recommended!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Silver Girl in Books
May 10, 2018
Meredith DeLin has just found out that her husband has stolen billions from their friends and his business associates. Now she and her son are being investigated by the Federal Government as well, although Meredith has told them, she didn't know anything. With no where else to turn, she calls her friend Connie and asks to stay with her. Connie is on her way from Maryland to Nantucket for the summer and feels even though her relationship with Meredith hasn't been the best in the past few years, she could use the company. A series of strange events directed at Meredith, draws the two closer together as the deal with the past and make plans for their futures.
I listened to this book, so if names are spelled wrong that is why. I really enjoyed this story and could feel for the characters. I know how it feels to be friends with someone your whole life and then as adults, with marriage and kids and life, that friendship drifts apart. The fact that Connie was there for Meredith, despite their distance, physically & emotionally, speaks volumes to her character. And Meredith was there for Connie as well. Even though Connie may not have been going through a scandal like Meredith was, she still had her own demons she was facing and despite her reservations about getting involved with Meredith, she was grateful to have to her by her side for this difficult summer.
Both women learned a lot about themselves and each other during the summer they spent together. Elin Hilderbrand writes a wonderful novel about female relationships and I can't wait to read or listen to more of her books.
I listened to this book, so if names are spelled wrong that is why. I really enjoyed this story and could feel for the characters. I know how it feels to be friends with someone your whole life and then as adults, with marriage and kids and life, that friendship drifts apart. The fact that Connie was there for Meredith, despite their distance, physically & emotionally, speaks volumes to her character. And Meredith was there for Connie as well. Even though Connie may not have been going through a scandal like Meredith was, she still had her own demons she was facing and despite her reservations about getting involved with Meredith, she was grateful to have to her by her side for this difficult summer.
Both women learned a lot about themselves and each other during the summer they spent together. Elin Hilderbrand writes a wonderful novel about female relationships and I can't wait to read or listen to more of her books.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Stalking Willow (Amazing Grace, #1) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Synopsis:
Bitterness, stalking, and a neighbor to die for
What's a girl to do?
Trailed by a stalker in New York City, Willow Thomas, a young ad executive, scurries back to her small North Carolina hometown and the lake house where ten years earlier a scandal revealed her entire life had been a lie, and a seed of bitterness took root in her soul. The cocoon of safety Willow feels upon her arrival home soon unravels when she meets opposition from her family, faces the man she left behind, and the stalker reveals he is close on her heels. Can Willow learn to trust God to tear out her roots of resentment, reunite her family, ferret out a deadly stalker, and to rekindle the love she left behind?
My Thoughts: This novel grasps the reader's attention from the first sentence. Full of action and suspense the reader won't want to put it down.
Willow's family had been keeping secrets from her for years, she had a mother who didn't want her and a stalker on the loose.
The story of forgiveness, of a family that finally comes together. It's a story of how a family can overcome jealousy and bitterness toward one another.
This was an interesting story-line and full of action. I enjoyed reading this book and I have to say my favorite character had to be granny. With her faith in God, her prayers and her notes that she left behind really made the story and brought the family together.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Bitterness, stalking, and a neighbor to die for
What's a girl to do?
Trailed by a stalker in New York City, Willow Thomas, a young ad executive, scurries back to her small North Carolina hometown and the lake house where ten years earlier a scandal revealed her entire life had been a lie, and a seed of bitterness took root in her soul. The cocoon of safety Willow feels upon her arrival home soon unravels when she meets opposition from her family, faces the man she left behind, and the stalker reveals he is close on her heels. Can Willow learn to trust God to tear out her roots of resentment, reunite her family, ferret out a deadly stalker, and to rekindle the love she left behind?
My Thoughts: This novel grasps the reader's attention from the first sentence. Full of action and suspense the reader won't want to put it down.
Willow's family had been keeping secrets from her for years, she had a mother who didn't want her and a stalker on the loose.
The story of forgiveness, of a family that finally comes together. It's a story of how a family can overcome jealousy and bitterness toward one another.
This was an interesting story-line and full of action. I enjoyed reading this book and I have to say my favorite character had to be granny. With her faith in God, her prayers and her notes that she left behind really made the story and brought the family together.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Duke's Night of Sin (Seven Deadly Sins, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Wow, I immediately feel in love with this book. Out of the three novels out in this series, I felt that this was the most developed and had more plot than the other two, which actually isn't saying much. Of course, I am a huge fan of erotica, and this book started out steamy. Although, I found it completely ridiculous that she allowed Sebastian to have sex with her in the library when she did not even know who he was. Not only that, but she wouldn't allow him to pull out when he ejaculated. I highly doubt anyone can be that
empty headed. I could be wrong though.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
Isabel Smith (34 KP) rated Here We Lie in Books
Jun 24, 2018
Two Worlds Collide
Megan Mazeros and Lauren Mabrey are polar opposites. While Megan comes from a middle-class family in Kansas, Lauren hails from a wealthy Connecticut-based family. While Megan’s father slowly succumbed to mesothelioma which he referred to as the poor man’s cancer, Lauren’s father is a well-liked U.S. Senator with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. While Megan has to use her father’s life insurance money to pay for tuition and housing at Keale College (a prestigious, private, and all-girls school), Lauren is given a continual allowance that gets her through her college years with utmost ease. When they meet during their freshman year at Keale College, they unexpectedly become the best of friends. Sharing clothes, secrets, roommates, ambitions, and more, the pair goes through many ups and downs in their friendship during the following years. But one fateful night while they’re vacationing with Lauren's family on an island off the coast of Maine, something terrible happens to Megan and their friendship is irreparably damaged afterwards.
Told in an alternating first-person perspective between Megan and Lauren, Here We Lie is a powerful and relevant story about friendship, betrayal, political scandal, and abuse. I enjoyed everything about it, from the back-and-forth jumps between past and present to the incredible growth of both the main characters. The narrative is fast-paced and compelling, and the ending is beautiful and inspiring. With the rise of the #MeToo movement in the present-day world, Paula Treick DeBoard’s incredibly timely latest novel is sure to spark plenty of conversation about sexual abuse victims and perpetrators, motivation for reform and accountability, and at the very least food for thought.
Told in an alternating first-person perspective between Megan and Lauren, Here We Lie is a powerful and relevant story about friendship, betrayal, political scandal, and abuse. I enjoyed everything about it, from the back-and-forth jumps between past and present to the incredible growth of both the main characters. The narrative is fast-paced and compelling, and the ending is beautiful and inspiring. With the rise of the #MeToo movement in the present-day world, Paula Treick DeBoard’s incredibly timely latest novel is sure to spark plenty of conversation about sexual abuse victims and perpetrators, motivation for reform and accountability, and at the very least food for thought.
Alice (12 KP) rated The Suffragette Scandal (Brothers Sinister, #4) in Books
Jul 3, 2018
This is definitely the best book of the series and the only thing that disappointed was that it was the last of the series.
The Suffragette Scandal follows the story of Frederica “Free” Marshall and Edward Clark. Edward is a scoundrel of the highest order and I positively love him. His character is amazing, and he’s got flaws but he admits them – flaunts them even.
“Which of my myriad flaws is making you uneasy, Miss Marshall?” He gave her a long, slow smile. “Is it my arrogant conceit or my wicked sense of humour?”
“I’m Edward Clark. Born Edward Delacey. Now apparently, Viscount Claridge.” He shut his eyes “You can address me by my preferred title: you idiot.”
The thing with Edward is that he isn’t afraid of admitting he’s wrong about something. I like how this book was told from equal POVs and that the whole book was about winning the girl but was instead about saving the day, winning the girl and then trying to save their marriage.
∞
Free’s character was amazingly astute as well and so laid back but also very upfront – “Huzzah! Suffragettes!” – she meshes with Edward right from the beginning which was lovely, there wasn’t a massive overhaul of her principles after the marriage and in fact Edward tries to give her back her life.
The dynamic between them was amazing and Edward says the best thing about Free:
“I married her to unleash her on the world, not to keep her under wraps “
I’m pretty much just rambling about the characters because they were just that good. So well written and the relationship between them was amazing and it flowed expertly.
I’m kind of sad that the series has ended now after reading them all but they were very, very good. Highly recommended.
The Suffragette Scandal follows the story of Frederica “Free” Marshall and Edward Clark. Edward is a scoundrel of the highest order and I positively love him. His character is amazing, and he’s got flaws but he admits them – flaunts them even.
“Which of my myriad flaws is making you uneasy, Miss Marshall?” He gave her a long, slow smile. “Is it my arrogant conceit or my wicked sense of humour?”
“I’m Edward Clark. Born Edward Delacey. Now apparently, Viscount Claridge.” He shut his eyes “You can address me by my preferred title: you idiot.”
The thing with Edward is that he isn’t afraid of admitting he’s wrong about something. I like how this book was told from equal POVs and that the whole book was about winning the girl but was instead about saving the day, winning the girl and then trying to save their marriage.
∞
Free’s character was amazingly astute as well and so laid back but also very upfront – “Huzzah! Suffragettes!” – she meshes with Edward right from the beginning which was lovely, there wasn’t a massive overhaul of her principles after the marriage and in fact Edward tries to give her back her life.
The dynamic between them was amazing and Edward says the best thing about Free:
“I married her to unleash her on the world, not to keep her under wraps “
I’m pretty much just rambling about the characters because they were just that good. So well written and the relationship between them was amazing and it flowed expertly.
I’m kind of sad that the series has ended now after reading them all but they were very, very good. Highly recommended.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Brentwood's Ward (The Bow Street Runners #1) in Books
Jan 2, 2019
When your future, your life, is on the line, who would you turn to for strength?
London, 1807. Emily Payne is caught up with thoughts about the upcoming ball and securing a husband. Little does she know that the security of her future is as obtainable as the distant stars. Nicholas Brentwood, a Bow Street Officer, has been hired to protect Emily during her father’s absence. His only goal is to complete the job and receive the payment so that he can take care of his sister, Jenny. When their lives collide with murder, kidnapping and scandal, they must rely on God to save and protect them. “God’s the One in control, not you.” There have been many times in my life that I have had to remind myself of these very words. When your life begins to spin uncontrollably, you can rest assure that God will be with you every step of the way.
Brentwood’s Ward is a very unique story. Giving us a glimpse into the lives of the very first police officers. I had no knowledge of how the police came to be until I read this book. Michelle Griep has captured 1800s London in a way that I have not read before. I could not put this book down! I was on the edge of my seat (quite literally) for a good portion of the time. The depth of emotion is tangible in our leading characters. I believe that almost anyone can relate to the people in this story. For they have seen it all. “No one escapes this life without scars. Not even God.” A true reminder that everyone in this life faces trials and heartache, even God.
I received a free digital edition of Brentwood’s Ward from Barbour Publishing Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
London, 1807. Emily Payne is caught up with thoughts about the upcoming ball and securing a husband. Little does she know that the security of her future is as obtainable as the distant stars. Nicholas Brentwood, a Bow Street Officer, has been hired to protect Emily during her father’s absence. His only goal is to complete the job and receive the payment so that he can take care of his sister, Jenny. When their lives collide with murder, kidnapping and scandal, they must rely on God to save and protect them. “God’s the One in control, not you.” There have been many times in my life that I have had to remind myself of these very words. When your life begins to spin uncontrollably, you can rest assure that God will be with you every step of the way.
Brentwood’s Ward is a very unique story. Giving us a glimpse into the lives of the very first police officers. I had no knowledge of how the police came to be until I read this book. Michelle Griep has captured 1800s London in a way that I have not read before. I could not put this book down! I was on the edge of my seat (quite literally) for a good portion of the time. The depth of emotion is tangible in our leading characters. I believe that almost anyone can relate to the people in this story. For they have seen it all. “No one escapes this life without scars. Not even God.” A true reminder that everyone in this life faces trials and heartache, even God.
I received a free digital edition of Brentwood’s Ward from Barbour Publishing Inc. through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Mission Hollywood: A Red Carpet Romance in Books
Nov 4, 2019
What could possibly go wrong?
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastors daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Bens agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lilys church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastors daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesnt have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of learning to trust God in everything. It's learning to let the past go and learning to lean on God for everything. This is a charming story of how God brings two people from different walks of life together, and in the midst of it all, brings Ben back to trusting in God.
A truly wonderful romance novel with a lesson of truth in it. I found the characters to be believable and easy to identify with. The writer has done an excellent job of bringing the reader into the story and connecting with the characters. The plot is fun and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed this novel and will look forward to more from Michelle Keener.
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastors daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Bens agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lilys church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastors daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesnt have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of learning to trust God in everything. It's learning to let the past go and learning to lean on God for everything. This is a charming story of how God brings two people from different walks of life together, and in the midst of it all, brings Ben back to trusting in God.
A truly wonderful romance novel with a lesson of truth in it. I found the characters to be believable and easy to identify with. The writer has done an excellent job of bringing the reader into the story and connecting with the characters. The plot is fun and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed this novel and will look forward to more from Michelle Keener.