The Woman in the Park
Wow! The Woman in the Park feels like an episode of The Twilight Zone. As I turn the pages, I’m questioning EVERYTHING. I’m not sure what’s real. my advice, hang on & go for the ride! Things I Liked Lots of twists & turns that keep me guessing. A few red herrings along the way never hurt anyone, right? The characters have depth. Quickly, I’m invested in Sarah’s life & world. I have to know what happens to her. The Woman In The Park by Teresa Sorkin and Tullan Holmqvist is an enthralling, compulsive & quick read. I could not put it down. THE VERDICT Easily, this is a 4…
Street of Storytellers by Doug Wilhelm
If all history books were written like Streets of Storytellers by Doug Wilhelm, everyone would have a lot more knowledge. This book takes me on a journey in the Middle East. I’m easily able to connect to the characters as I’m transported halfway across the world. What’s this Book About? The history of Pakistan, Afghanistan and surrounding areas is all over the news. Streets of Storytellers by Doug Wilhelm really takes a look at the history of the area is a way that is new and intriguing to me. The book explains the relationship between the different religious & extremist groups in a way that I can better understand how…
This is Not How it Ends by Rochelle B Weinstein
This is Not How it Ends by Rochelle B Weinstein is a love story. Immediately, the narrative sucks you in. Just try to put this book down! At one point, you think Rochelle lays all her cards on the table. The story is settled & I think I’ve got it all figured out. But, This is Not How it Ends (see what I did there?) Amazing Characters Rochelle creates characters that readers are heavily invested in. Honestly, each & every character, no matter how insignificant makes you feel something. When I read a book as good as this one, I don’t even liken it to reading a story. For me,…
Bedside Manners by Heather Frimmer
Anyone who is a mother or a daughter will enjoy & connect with Bedside Manners by Heather Frimmer. I found this book to be touching, memorable, emotional & incredibly well written. Bedside Manners is a dual narrative tale that works very well. Early on, readers learn of the mother’s cancer diagnosis. Simultaneously, the daughter is trudging along through medical school & planning a wedding. As this health crisis hits home, we see how vulnerability is often easier with those removed from your personal situation. Told from the daughter & mother’s perspective, Frimmer explores what it means to be a patient & what it means to be a doctor. We see…
The Write Escape by Charish Reid
If you’re looking for a romantic tale that centers around a strong, hard-working female protagonist, look no further. The Write Escape by Charish Reid is a wonderful story about love, perseverance & following one’s heart. Also, love the fact that it is set in Ireland! Finding One’s Way At the moment, Antonia is a bit lost. Things are definitely not going her way. Without a job & without a significant other, she embarks on a journey to Ireland. I love that she’s traveling to really find her way. See, she is wanting to get back to the person she wants to be. In walks Aiden. Looks like she may be finding…
Her Secret Son by Hannah Mary McKinnon
The Secret Son by Hannah Mary McKinnon is an emotional ride & I can’t put it down. I really liked seeing the characters develop. Josh is left to care for his longtime partner (Grace’s) child. Josh goes through a huge arc of emotions: anger, grief & resentment as he tries to uncover the truth about Grace’s son, Logan. Every time he thinks he is getting closer to the truth, he just gets deeper into the secrets. We see him go on this emotional journey as his trust and love is tested. I’m rating this one 4 to 4.5 stars. You can’t help but feel empathy for Josh as you ask…
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay
Summer on Moonlight Bay by Hope Ramsay is a wonderfully written tale rich with memorable characters. A while back, I read the first book in Hope Ramsay’s Moonlight series The Cottage on Rose Lane. One thing I love about Hope is her character development is amazing. Effortlessly, Hope is able to create characters that are relatable & believable. It is incredibly easy to connect with the narratives. Honestly, I sit down to start the book & I look down & I’m a third of the way through. Hope Ramsay just sucks you in. While this is the second book in the Moonlight series, it is easily read as a standalone.…
Book Review: A Shattered Lens by Layton Green
Book Review: A Shattered Lens by Layton Green The lowdown on Goodreads Publication Date July 16th, 2019 A detective investigates the murder of a teenage golden boy that has rocked a small town–and the chief suspect is the victim’s mother. Annalise Stephens Blue is a Creekville high school student with plans to become a world-famous filmmaker. As she begins filming an exposé of the town called Night Lives, she uncovers more than she bargained for: on the very first night of filming, she stumbles upon a murder in the woods, and flees the scene steps ahead of the killer. Detective Joe “Preach” Everson is called to investigate the murder. The victim,…
Book Review: Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin
Book Review: Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin The lowdown from Goodreads Publication Date May 21st 2019 Nothing bad can happen at the Ritz; inside its gilded walls every woman looks beautiful, every man appears witty. Favored guests like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Coco Chanel, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor walk through its famous doors to be welcomed and pampered by Blanche Auzello and her husband, Claude, the hotel’s director. The Auzellos are the mistress and master of the Ritz, allowing the glamour and glitz to take their minds off their troubled marriage, and off the secrets that they keep from their guests–and each other. Until June…
Book Review: Good Man, Dalton by Karen McQuestion
Book Review: Good Man, Dalton by Karen McQuestion The lowdown from Goodreads Publication Date March 12, 2019 Greta Hansen has arrived in Manhattan to intern with the Vanderhaven Corporation, a company owned by distant and very wealthy relatives. But she soon realizes she’s actually been hired to keep watch on their capricious daughter, social media celebrity Cece. No last name required. Why bother? The entire Twitterverse already watches every fabulous move she makes. Including an unfortunate shoplifting mishap when Cece decides to go off script. It’s then that a handsome—and homeless—stranger comes to the rescue. Dalton Bishop has a secret. A man of privilege, he’s been living on the streets…