Search
Search results
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
6.0
Rate It
Book
Now a Netflix original series! Unorthodox is the bestselling memoir of a young Jewish woman’s...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Her Last Holiday in Books
Sep 12, 2021
I think this is one of those ©Marmite books ... you'll either like it or not. For me, I liked it ... I didn't love it, but I was certainly entertained and fair blasted through it.
This starts off at a steady pace while the characters are introduced and gradually increases as the story develops culminating in break-neck speed. There a quite a few characters and past and present timelines so you have to keep your wits about you but this added to the suspense and tension.
The story is told from three points of view - Fran, Kate and Jenna. It took me a while to warm to Fran but the more I read, the more she grew on me. Kate - nope, not a likeable character at all but worked well for the book. Jenna - still not sure how I feel about her.
The plot is interesting - not particularly plausible but if you can't suspend reality in a fiction book, then when can you? There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and although I pretty much worked out what was going on pretty early on, it was fun seeing how it all played out.
Overall, a fun read and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
This starts off at a steady pace while the characters are introduced and gradually increases as the story develops culminating in break-neck speed. There a quite a few characters and past and present timelines so you have to keep your wits about you but this added to the suspense and tension.
The story is told from three points of view - Fran, Kate and Jenna. It took me a while to warm to Fran but the more I read, the more she grew on me. Kate - nope, not a likeable character at all but worked well for the book. Jenna - still not sure how I feel about her.
The plot is interesting - not particularly plausible but if you can't suspend reality in a fiction book, then when can you? There are plenty of suspects to keep you guessing and although I pretty much worked out what was going on pretty early on, it was fun seeing how it all played out.
Overall, a fun read and my thanks must go to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Dead in the Water in Books
Mar 28, 2022
Dead Man Floating
Maisie Mitchell has sold her restaurant and retired to Florida. She’s living in a senior’s only community, and that’s where she’s met Donna “Dot” Pinetta, a retired homicide detective from Chicago. The two are opposites in many ways, but they quickly form a friendship. They are enjoying their lives, although they begin to notice an undercurrent of tension in their community, all centered around Mason Jacobs, the young, handsome recreation director. Things come to a head when they discover his body floating in the pool one morning. Dot jumps into detective mode, with Maisie tagging along behind her. Will the two of them figure out what happened?
This book sets up a promising new series with a sub plot involving Maisie and Dot getting an RV to travel. That premise is what drew me to the book. It’s is much shorter than the books I read, and I did notice the difference. Characters and descriptions were a bit thin, and the plot felt a bit rushed. A few more pages to allow everything to breath would have been nice. But that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book. I appreciated the set up we got before the murder, introducing suspects and motives. The climax was great as well. I like Maisie and Dot, and I’m definitely planning to join them for more trips.
This book sets up a promising new series with a sub plot involving Maisie and Dot getting an RV to travel. That premise is what drew me to the book. It’s is much shorter than the books I read, and I did notice the difference. Characters and descriptions were a bit thin, and the plot felt a bit rushed. A few more pages to allow everything to breath would have been nice. But that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the book. I appreciated the set up we got before the murder, introducing suspects and motives. The climax was great as well. I like Maisie and Dot, and I’m definitely planning to join them for more trips.
Merissa (13760 KP) rated Her Druid Desire (The Amber Druid Series #1) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Love it!!! This is the first full-length novel in the Amber Druid series and is a perfect follow-on from the first Novella (Her Druid Temptation). The storyline is very well written, the plot is consistent throughout, and the characters are well-rounded and continue to develop throughout the book.
There is tension and attraction between the two main characters which also develops as the male lead tries to combine the young woman he sees in front of him with his memory of the young girl and daughter of his employee that he remembers. Nadia is a strong female lead who refuses to kowtow to Drake and has no problem with pushing his boundaries and telling him when he's wrong!
This book had me in tears (in a good way), laughing out loud and completely egging on our main two to get it together. I'm hoping that they will continue to make cameo appearances throughout the series as I would love to know how Nadia continues to develop.
Absolutely brilliant and recommended for anyone who likes Paranormal Romance.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 30, 2016
There is tension and attraction between the two main characters which also develops as the male lead tries to combine the young woman he sees in front of him with his memory of the young girl and daughter of his employee that he remembers. Nadia is a strong female lead who refuses to kowtow to Drake and has no problem with pushing his boundaries and telling him when he's wrong!
This book had me in tears (in a good way), laughing out loud and completely egging on our main two to get it together. I'm hoping that they will continue to make cameo appearances throughout the series as I would love to know how Nadia continues to develop.
Absolutely brilliant and recommended for anyone who likes Paranormal Romance.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 30, 2016
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Liar Liar [Audiobook] in Books
Jul 31, 2022
![Liar Liar [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/c45/0b28ae40-c575-4c28-89c9-4a911a2ccc45.jpg?m=1659273441)
I really quite enjoyed listening to this audiobook and as I was in my car a lot over a couple of days, was able to finish it in pretty quick time.
The plot is captivating and although it is a tad unbelievable, it's like one of those cheesy chat shows that you can't stop watching and you find yourself shouting at the tv! Well, all I can say is that it's a good job I was in my car and not on a train whilst listening to this otherwise I would have got some very strange looks!
The characters are well developed - I actually didn't like any of them very much apart from Mason, however, for this book, I'm not sure it mattered to me. The pace was quick and it's full of tension from start to finish and the gradual reveal of the "unspeakable secret" added to this.
The narrator was good however, there were times when her voice became a little stilted and robotic which was a little annoying and disappointing.
Overall, I think this works really well as an audiobook and if you like delving into the secrets and lies of a very dysfunctional family, I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Liar Liar and to share my thoughts.
The plot is captivating and although it is a tad unbelievable, it's like one of those cheesy chat shows that you can't stop watching and you find yourself shouting at the tv! Well, all I can say is that it's a good job I was in my car and not on a train whilst listening to this otherwise I would have got some very strange looks!
The characters are well developed - I actually didn't like any of them very much apart from Mason, however, for this book, I'm not sure it mattered to me. The pace was quick and it's full of tension from start to finish and the gradual reveal of the "unspeakable secret" added to this.
The narrator was good however, there were times when her voice became a little stilted and robotic which was a little annoying and disappointing.
Overall, I think this works really well as an audiobook and if you like delving into the secrets and lies of a very dysfunctional family, I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to Liar Liar and to share my thoughts.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Peril in Paris in Books
Nov 9, 2022
Murder is Fashionable
Spring of 1936 finds a pregnant Lady Georgiana Rannoch feeling a bit restless. When her husband, Darcy, suggests they go to Paris to visit Georgie’s friend, Belinda, Georgie is delighted. Belinda is there interning with Coco Chanel, and it isn’t long before Georgie finds herself roped into helping with an upcoming fashion show. Darcy, meanwhile, has a small assignment to accomplish, and asks for Georgie’s help. That request winds up putting Georgie in a very uncomfortable spot when someone winds up dead at the fashion show. Can she get out of it without sparking an international incident?
The further along this series gets, the finer the line is between the seriousness of Europe during the era and the fun tone of the series. This book walks that tension perfectly. It also starts more quickly than some of the books in the series do. Some foundation for the plot is laid before it truly takes off, and once it did, I was fully invested until we reached the logical climax. Several of the series regulars are involved, and I enjoyed getting to spend more time with them. We even see a different side of a supporting player. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing. If you haven’t met Georgie yet, I definitely recommend you fix that soon.
The further along this series gets, the finer the line is between the seriousness of Europe during the era and the fun tone of the series. This book walks that tension perfectly. It also starts more quickly than some of the books in the series do. Some foundation for the plot is laid before it truly takes off, and once it did, I was fully invested until we reached the logical climax. Several of the series regulars are involved, and I enjoyed getting to spend more time with them. We even see a different side of a supporting player. Fans of the series will enjoy this latest outing. If you haven’t met Georgie yet, I definitely recommend you fix that soon.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated Murder on the Iditarod Trail in Books
Aug 8, 2022
Race to Stop a Killer
The Iditarod Race, the 1100 miles dog sled race between Anchorage and Nome, is a hard a grueling endurance event, but it has never been deadly for humans - until now. First, someone falls asleep on his sled and winds up crashing into a tree. State trooper Alex Jensen is brought in to figure out what happened, but before he can make a complete determination, another body turns up dead. He takes the offer of help from musher Jessie Arnold willingly. But will that be enough to keep anyone else from dying?
I read this book on my recent Alaskan cruise, and I think that helped me get into the story. I found all the facts about the race and the various setting fascinating. Outside a couple of characters, I had trouble keeping everyone straight, but I really did care for Jessie and Alex. I did find some of Alex’s behavior unrealistic, but I do get the dramatic tension it was creating. The race takes over from the mystery as the main driver of the plot at times, but I got caught up in the action and the climax was a page turner. Overall, I enjoyed this one, and book two came home from my trip with me as a souvenir. Hopefully, I can get to it soon.
I read this book on my recent Alaskan cruise, and I think that helped me get into the story. I found all the facts about the race and the various setting fascinating. Outside a couple of characters, I had trouble keeping everyone straight, but I really did care for Jessie and Alex. I did find some of Alex’s behavior unrealistic, but I do get the dramatic tension it was creating. The race takes over from the mystery as the main driver of the plot at times, but I got caught up in the action and the climax was a page turner. Overall, I enjoyed this one, and book two came home from my trip with me as a souvenir. Hopefully, I can get to it soon.
I have read one of Mr Mayo's previous outings, Knife Edge, before and although I thought the middle was a bit of a miss for me, the start and end were great so it didn't put me off reading more of his work and I'm pleased it didn't, as I enjoyed this one.
Having survived the Covid pandemic and things are returning to 'normal', another illness strikes that could prove just as deadly. Kit, his daughter Rose and partner Lilly find themselves right in the centre as the new pandemic emerges and starts to spread.
There is a very strong sense of tension from the start which grows as Kit and Rose try to evade what you feel is inevitable infection whilst Lilly uncovers a possible family connection and secret Government research and dubious testing practices.
The characters are strong and are believable, the plot is current (maybe a little too current!) and the pacing is good. There is quite a bit of scientific speak which I felt was a bit too much and, I think, wasn't particularly necessary or added to the story that much.
Overall, a decent thriller which kept me engaged and my thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read Tick Tock and share my views.
Having survived the Covid pandemic and things are returning to 'normal', another illness strikes that could prove just as deadly. Kit, his daughter Rose and partner Lilly find themselves right in the centre as the new pandemic emerges and starts to spread.
There is a very strong sense of tension from the start which grows as Kit and Rose try to evade what you feel is inevitable infection whilst Lilly uncovers a possible family connection and secret Government research and dubious testing practices.
The characters are strong and are believable, the plot is current (maybe a little too current!) and the pacing is good. There is quite a bit of scientific speak which I felt was a bit too much and, I think, wasn't particularly necessary or added to the story that much.
Overall, a decent thriller which kept me engaged and my thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers and NetGalley for enabling me to read Tick Tock and share my views.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Innocent One in Books
Jan 8, 2023
I didn't realise this was a follow on from a previous book (The Guilty One) but I don't think it detracted too much from my reading enjoyment of this, the first book by Lisa Ballantyne I have read.
Eleven year old Sebastian was acquitted of murdering his friend and Daniel Hunter was his solicitor. Fast forward 10 years and Sebastian is studying at Cambridge when one of his tutors is brutally murdered. Sebastian is in the frame and he appoints Daniel as his solicitor once again.
The story focuses on Daniel, the difficulties he is experiencing with his marriage, reconciling a difficult childhood and the fallout from representing Sebastian previously as well as having to deal with the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian's innocence/guilt now.
This was a bit of a slow burn but I thought this worked quite well with this particular story especially as I hadn't read the previous one. There was definitely a growing sense of tension and unease from the start with me wondering where it was going and how it was going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Recommended to mystery thriller lovers and thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Innocent One and for introducing me to another author to look out for in the future.
Eleven year old Sebastian was acquitted of murdering his friend and Daniel Hunter was his solicitor. Fast forward 10 years and Sebastian is studying at Cambridge when one of his tutors is brutally murdered. Sebastian is in the frame and he appoints Daniel as his solicitor once again.
The story focuses on Daniel, the difficulties he is experiencing with his marriage, reconciling a difficult childhood and the fallout from representing Sebastian previously as well as having to deal with the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian's innocence/guilt now.
This was a bit of a slow burn but I thought this worked quite well with this particular story especially as I hadn't read the previous one. There was definitely a growing sense of tension and unease from the start with me wondering where it was going and how it was going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.
Recommended to mystery thriller lovers and thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Innocent One and for introducing me to another author to look out for in the future.