My first John Hart novel and One of My Favorite Reads of the Year. What took me so long?!
This book has it all! It’s Character-Driven Fiction, with nonMy first John Hart novel and One of My Favorite Reads of the Year. What took me so long?!
This book has it all! It’s Character-Driven Fiction, with non-stop action, and pulse pounding suspense.
When Adam Chase arrives back in his hometown in Rowan County, North Carolina after a long absence, he knows that nothing good will come of his return, and yet, he can’t stay away. Acquitted of murder five years ago, he is no longer welcome in Rowan County, not by his family or any of the town folk.
In the last five years, a lot has gone on in Rowan County, and people are angry. Many at his family, many at Adam personally.
His return sparks an uprising. Assault, secrets, even murder.
Everything Adam holds dear is at stake, including his family, and his friends. How far will a man go to take care of his own?
A gripping character-driven mystery/suspense that had me glued to the pages from the very first.John Hart won an Edgar Award for this novel (his first) and I can see why. It was absolutely phenomenal! I am now reading The Last Child and can’t wait to read the rest of his backlist.
Is it possible to fall in love just a little? That is the question and Josie Silver (and Kaceey) have the answer.
In One Night on the Island, anything is possible.
Cleo is the writer of a British dating column who goes to Salvation Island in search of answers and to marry herself. Yep, you heard that right. She plans to “self-couple.” Unlucky in love and about to turn the big 30, she has decided to take matters into her own hands and make a pledge to herself.
Cleo however, ends up finding oh so much more after meeting Mack, the American she meets while traveling to Salvation Island, who ends up sharing not just her cabin, but also her bed!
Sweet, fun, and utterly magical, these two might just make you fall in Micro-love. That is if you’re a believer.
Although I really enjoyed this novel, I didn’t quite love it as much as Josie Silver’s other novels.
I will admit that the idea of self-coupling didn’t quite appeal to me at the time (something I discussed with Kaceey at length (as a single woman myself)) until I took a little vacation to Coronado Island a few weeks ago and happened upon the most gorgeous hotel ever. Upon seeing it, I immediately texted Kaceey and said that it was so pretty I imagined that everyone would want to get married there and that I'd even go so far as to marry myself there too! At that exact moment, I burst out laughing realizing exactly what I said, as did Kaceey. Bravo Ms Silver, Bravo!
A fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the arc.
Have you ever felt deeply connected to an author, as if the two of you were simpatico?
That is how I feel about my “relationship” (lol) with Elizabeth Strout - I feel as though we are connected, and as though when reading her books, she is speaking directly to me. (As if that were even remotely possible...one can hope, however!).
When I began reading “Oh William” - I will admit to feeling as though Elizabeth Strout was just talking (to me - lol) about her life, even though I knew she had written this book in the character of “Lucy Barton” and about Lucy’s first husband William. Soon, however, I was swept away, by Lucy, her children, and of course, by William.
Lucy Barton unpacks a lot here: from her unresolved feelings for her parents and specifically her mother; to what happened in her marriage to William, and their children; and his current marriage.
Lucy Barton is a character who, through the last 3 novels, you can’t help but like, through trials and tribulations, Lucy perseveres. She is kind, hard-working, and honest. Far from perfect, Lucy does her best and that is something I think we can all strive for. To know her, frankly, is to love her.
As an aside, at the beginning of this book, Lucy Barton had an encounter with Pam Carlson, ex-wife of Bob Burgess, of “The Burgess Boys” - another novel by Ms. Strout - which just happens to be one of my favorite novels by Elizabeth Strout, after the Olive Kitteridge series. I adore Bobby Burgess, perhaps because I recognize a kindred spirit. So, Ms. Strout, if you read this and if you take requests, I would love it if you would consider writing another book about Bob Burgess, whose story broke my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Elizabeth Strout for the arc.
Published on Goodreads, Instagram, and Twitter....more
I am verklempt. Having now read The Winners twice in the last few months, I am overcome.
First and foremost, I am and always have been astounded by I am verklempt. Having now read The Winners twice in the last few months, I am overcome.
First and foremost, I am and always have been astounded by how incredibly well Fredrick Backman understands people, family, friendships, relationships, human emotions, human nature, tragedy, and loss and can fictionalize life through his characters so brilliantly. How he innately understands human nature so intimately and can make me feel it through every fiber of my being such that I am left crying hysterically like a puddle on the floor.
What he shows and describes so well are the realities of marriage. The good and bad, the immense love and the intense anger. How all of it is wrapped up together and sometimes you can’t tell one from the other.
The deep and abiding love for family and friends and how heartbreaking and heartwarming both can be at the same time.
The choices we make, and the decisions that are made for us, some of which are little, some big, all of which have ramifications. Some of which are huge, and entirely unknown until they are too late.
The trials and tribulations we all go through. Some of which we have to go through alone and some of which you can’t survive without those to get you through.
How sometimes you will protect those you love above all else, no matter the consequence.
How sometimes you have to realize that though you might have differences, they don’t have to drive you apart.
How sometimes, spending time with your friends and family is all there is and sometimes, laughing, joking, smiling and playing hockey is all that matters. What else is there besides friendship, two towns, two nets, two teams, everyone gets a stick? Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
The characters I love most in this novel (and the entire trilogy) are the ones that make me feel every single one of these emotions (and more).
They broke my heart and yet I love them desperately.
To Benji, Bobo, Ana, Ann Katrin, Ramona, Teemu, Sune, Alicia, Peter, Kira, Maya, Leo, Zackell, Hannah, Johnny & Tess:
I Stand Tall, If You Stand Tall.
To Benji Ovich - I love you with my whole heart and more.
**
So glad I got to re-read this with you Kaceey. Glad you loved this series too.
***
Oh, My Heart. Do I still have one? I’m not exactly sure. It has been wrenched out of my chest more than once reading the Beartown trilogy by Fredrik Backman and it happened once again reading The Winners, the last book in this series. To know this story is over is devastating. The only consolation I have is knowing that I can go back and re-read these books over and over again and re-visit the characters whenever I want. The Winners is a brilliant end to this series and I loved every minute.
Admittedly, while reading this novel, laughter, tears, and hysterical crying ensued.
Though I read this book as soon as I got my hands on a copy, putting my thoughts down “on paper” has taken quite some time.
I love so much about the characters and the storyline, that it’s hard to get it all out, and frankly, I don’t want to give anything away.
So what can I say? This is a story about two towns, two nets, two teams, everyone gets a stick, us against you. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
But you know that already, and there’s more, of course.
There’s dysfunction, family, friendship, love, loss, tragedy, human nature, the human spirit, grave mistakes, apologies, fists flying, and tears, lots of tears. Many wept by me.
* So with that out of the way, let me talk about what I love most. Hands down, it’s the characters.
First, last and always:
Benji Ovich: I love you. I just freaking love you and think of you every single day (and yes, I know that you are a fictional character). I love the fact that you have the biggest heart on the planet. That you, Benji, love with every fiber of your being, often to your detriment. That you are the most loyal of friends, and that you love your sisters desperately and would do anything for them. That you love Beartown, its residents, and Ramona so very much. Your struggles have torn me apart, and yet you, you persevere. Just like Beartown.
Bobo: What an amazing son and brother you are! Ann-Katrin raised you so well and would be very proud. Your ability to make people laugh is one of your best traits. As soon as you pose a question to your friends, I admit to smiling, then laughing out loud, and then immediately crying like a fool. There is just something so special about you, your ability to make light of dark times and your ability to make people laugh. You’re the best friend and son anyone could ask for!
Ana: Oh Ana. You do beat all girl! You’re wild, you say the darndest things, and sometimes, frankly, you do the darndest things, but your heart - it has always been in the right place.
Ramona: My oh my. I adore your snark, your wisdom, and your loyalty for everything you hold dear. Your love for Holger, Peter, Teemu, the Bearskin Pub, and of course Hockey (who could forget Hockey?) brought tears to my eyes more than once.
Teemu: Your love and loyalty for those you keep close, including Ramona, Vidar, the Pack, and Beartown were crystal clear. While I didn’t always approve of your tactics, I truly appreciate you and how much you love those around you.
Sune: Oh how lucky Peter, Alicia, and Beartown have been. You're a gift.
Alicia: Small, but mighty, I love your perseverance and your heart. Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.
* I love all of you and so many other characters more than I can begin to exclaim (in case it wasn’t obvious), and will miss you all very much.
While I loved The Winners, and am truly amazed at what Fredrik Backman accomplished, I wish it wasn’t over. These characters are near and dear to my heart and always will be.
To Fredrik Backman, thank you for writing these incredible novels and sharing so much of yourself with us.
Huge thanks to Ariele Friedman at Atria for the e-arc via NetGalley. Thanks also to Goodreads for the galley....more
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thiHeart Stopping and Completely Thrilling!
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thick of it. This time, helping a man whose cousin was murdered and whose family has completely turned against him. A man named Max Merriweather who is now on someone’s hit list for unknown reasons.
Evan would like nothing more to just walk away from it all and yet, it is not in him. He is a man who lives by a code.
“Into the Fire” started off on a bit of a depressing note, with Evan feeling lost and alone. Being the person that I am, loving Evan the way that I do, I wanted to dive into the book and comfort him and tell him that everything would be alright. That being said, Evan is a survivor and triumphs over all.
This novel was pulse pounding, highly emotional and it put me through the absolute ringer. Reading this series, I sometimes wonder how on earth I pull through! What I loved most about this book was Evan’s interaction with Joey Morales. Joey is a fantastic addition to this series and I love the witty banter between these two. If you’re looking for a series that will entertain and make you feel alive, the Orphan X series is definitely it!
“Into the Fire” was another fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of this book (and series). I have loved it so much that I went out and bought the entire series!
Mickey Haller never thought in a million years that he’d have to defend himself. That day, however, has arrived.
When Mickey Haller is stopped during Mickey Haller never thought in a million years that he’d have to defend himself. That day, however, has arrived.
When Mickey Haller is stopped during what appears to be a routine traffic stop, he initially thinks nothing of it, until a search of his trunk reveals the dead body of one of Haller’s former clients inside.
The next thing Haller knows, he’s in prison garb and awaiting a speedy trial. Fortunately for Haller, he has an entire team on his side including two ex-wives and his half-brother and retired Police Detective, Harry Bosch. Now he just has to prove “The Law of Innocence,” meaning that in order to prove that he didn’t do it, he has to prove who did.
The court battle ensues with Haller, his law partner, Jennifer, and his ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, on his side against the prosecution which has it out for him from the get-go. The arguments are brilliantly plotted, and the action is wholly compelling.
For those who love courtroom thrillers, "The Law of Innocence" delivers!
What I loved most, besides the appearance of Harry Bosch, was how the predicament Haller was put in changed his persona. Haller is known for being big, brash, and larger than life. He is a showman in the courtroom: he often throws in a lot of antics and they tend to work to his advantage. Here, because he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit, he understands the perspective of the clients he has represented all his life. That turn of events shows a softer, more humane side of him and it made me like him more as a character. I have never quite liked Mickey Haller and yet the way he was portrayed in this novel endeared him to me. I loved seeing him interact with his ex-wife Maggie and have high hopes for the two of them.
For me, the characters truly brought this novel home. I have read every single book Michael Connelly has ever written (having started in the late 90’s) and I feel like I know the characters really well and think of them as friends. (Can I just say that the reappearance of Maggie McPherson was something else?!)
What I also really appreciated about this novel is the fact that it is the first one I’ve read that includes Covid-19 in the storyline. Michael Connelly incorporated the virus in a very realistic way, which I must give him kudos for. I hope that other authors will follow suit.
A huge thank you goes out to Edelweiss, Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, and Michael Connelly for the arc of this book which will be published on November 10, 2020.
*Review originally published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine on 10.2.20. Also published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.4.20...more
Holla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtainingHolla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtaining a package and that package is more precious than Evan could ever dream. Turns out it’s Joey, a teenage girl who failed out of the program that Evan escaped from long ago. Now it’s up to him to save her and himself from Orphan Y, also known as Charles Van Sciver, who has been tasked with wiping out all other orphans.
Of course, Evan and Joey have their work cut out for them. If they’re going to defeat Orphan Y, they have to learn to trust each other first.
Are you excited yet? Is your heart pounding in your throat? It should be! This installment hit all the right notes. It was thrilling, pulse pounding, sentimental and sweet.
I simply adored the character of Joey Morales and loved that she brought out a softer side of Evan Smoak. I loved the idea of the student becoming the teacher and hope that this storyline continues to develop.
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey. We both loved this addition to the series and can’t wait to continue the journey with Evan Smoak.
MatchYourDna.Com? This immediately got my back up. I mean I am a HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS person by nature. I had myTotally Addictive. Like. I. Can’t. Even.
MatchYourDna.Com? This immediately got my back up. I mean I am a HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS person by nature. I had my doubts about this early on. I mean.. a DNA test that will determine who you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? My first thought? AS IF!
Something was in fact up, and I was in fact right to be suspicious and the people I was suspicious of? Yep! I had them pegged from the beginning, but I didn’t guess right.
Way to bring it yet again John Marrs!
“The One” is a brilliantly plotted character driven mystery suspense that will grab you by the horns and won’t let go. All characters' stories are utterly compelling, with my favorite being Nick and his match, Alexander (swoon!), with a close second to Christopher and his match Amy. Can you say woah?!
If only all books were this good!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook. Kudos to Clare Corbett, Vicky Hall, Simon Bubb, Jot Davies and Sophie Aldred for their stellar narration.
A Thrill Ride a Minute, “Orphan X” will make your heart beat faster than taking a spin on your Peloton!
Evan SmoakCaptivating, Controlled, Compelling.
A Thrill Ride a Minute, “Orphan X” will make your heart beat faster than taking a spin on your Peloton!
Evan Smoak is “The Nowhere Man.” He’s a myth - no one knows who he is though everyone is looking for him. Once an undercover government agent, he went underground ages ago putting his unique skills to good use, helping those who can’t help themselves.
After helping someone he only asks one thing, that they pass his number onto someone else in need.
Unfortunately for Evan, when he agrees to take on his latest case, he has no idea how dangerous it is or what the ramifications will be.
Evan Smoak is an extraordinary man. Always in control, regardless of the situation. Living by a code that cannot be broken. A man who chooses to help those in need instead of hurting them.
Needless to say, “Orphan X” surpassed all of my expectations. Wild, crazy, thrilling and wholly satisfying. My heart was in my throat for much of the novel. I was captivated and wholly intrigued.
Can I just say that I LOVE Evan Smoak?! I am sure I’m not alone in saying that either! I even loved his adoration for imported vodka and admit to googling each one out of sheer curiosity. (Lol.)
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series with her to find out what happens next.
After having read “Olive Kitteridge,” I quickly decided to snap up every book by the esteemed Elizabeth Strout that I could. There is something about After having read “Olive Kitteridge,” I quickly decided to snap up every book by the esteemed Elizabeth Strout that I could. There is something about Elizabeth Strout's writing that I adore. Her ability to understand and delve into the human psyche, dysfunction and family is truly insightful. Her writing style is brilliant, beautiful, masterful - yet sometimes sad and devastatingly honest. Having just finished “My Name Is Lucy Barton” I knew that I needed to read the next book in the series, “Anything is Possible” - which contains vignettes about individuals whose lives are connected to Lucy Barton, most of whom live in Amgash, Illinois or thereabouts.
The vignettes are about individuals whose lives are anything but easy. Who struggle day in day out bound together in one way or another. Different aspects of their lives are shown with grace, compassion, humility and sincerity. There is compassion, bravery, depravity, grace, kindness, morality, shame, sorrow and so much more in these stories, which only highlights the mastery in Ms. Strout’s writing.
My favorite vignettes are:
“The Sign”: involving Tommy, the school janitor and Pete (Lucy’s brother), when Tommy helps Pete through tough times, “Sister”: involving Pete, Lucy and Vicky (their sister) who reunite after many years apart to face their past and “The Gift”: involving Abel, (Lucy’s cousin) who has a cathartic moment at the theatre in Chicago.
To say that I adored this novel, the writing and the narration (done by the stellar Kimberly Farr) is an understatement. Elizabeth Strout has now become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me the audiobook.
Many tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a hMany tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a heavy heart and it got oh so much heavier. It was however necessary. There is so much to learn and I thank Ms. Morrison for opening my tear-filled eyes.
This novel explores racism, poverty, assault, and so much more. It is a heart-wrenching story about Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl living in Lorain, Ohio in 1941, who desperately wants to be beautiful. Even her schoolmates Freida and Claudia, whose lives aren’t exactly easy, would describe Pecola as ugly.
For these African American girls, who are given white dolls, with blond hair and blue eyes, beauty is skewed. Pecola would do anything to have “The Bluest Eye”, to be seen as beautiful. To be loved. For Pecola Breedlove, kind, sweet, lonely, innocent Pecola, recognizes far more than she should at her young age. For Frieda and Claudia, their innocence is slowly taken away bit by bit.
Family, friends, relatives, acquaintances. During this time and place. No one had any idea how their actions were taken. No one stopped to think before they took action. Hate is spewed upon those who did not deserve it. Children. Young girls. Innocents. Simply because of the color of their skin.
So many passages in this novel hit home. They gave me pause.., and they made tears runneth over.
“Long hours she sat looking in the mirror, trying to discover the secret of the ugliness, the ugliness that made her ignored or despised at school, by teachers and classmates alike.”
“And something more. The total absence of human recognition—the glazed separateness. She does not know what keeps his glance suspended.”
“She has seen it lurking in the eyes of all white people. So. The distaste must be for her, her blackness.”
“All of our waste which we dumped on her and which she absorbed. And all of our beauty, which was hers first and which she gave to us. All of us—all who knew her—felt so wholesome after we cleaned ourselves on her. We were so beautiful when we stood astride her ugliness. Her simplicity decorated us, her guilt sanctified us, her pain made us glow with health, her awkwardness made us think we had a sense of humor. Her inarticulateness made us believe we were eloquent. Her poverty kept us generous. Even her waking dreams we used—to silence our own nightmares. And she let us, and thereby deserved our contempt. We honed our egos on her, padded our characters with her frailty, and yawned in the fantasy of our strength”
“The Bluest Eye” is a character driven novel that will leave you with a heavy heart. I recommend this for a book club and it includes difficult subject matters. . To the “Pecola’s” and Breonna’s of this world. I am so very sorry. I vow to keep reading and educating myself so that I can do better.
Thank you to Toni Morrison for this incredible novel.
Published on Goodreads and Instagram on 6.13.20....more
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfor5 Heartwarming Stars!
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfort and peace and makes you feel completely content. A book you just want to curl up with. (My cat, in fact, did exactly that!)
For me, that book was “My Kind of People” by Lisa Duffy. As soon as I started reading it, a calmness enveloped me, almost like the warmth of a cozy blanket on a cold snowy day.
“My Kind of People” centers around a community: family, friends and neighbors, who live on Ichabod Island in New England. People whose lives who’ve been torn apart by tragedy and secrets.
First, there’s Sky, whose life is in shambles after her parents are killed tragically. Though life has dealt Sky the worst possible cards in the deck, somehow, Sky is able to believe. Then there’s Leo, Sky’s Legal Guardian. Kind, intuitive, sweet Leo who simply wants to make everything ok, for Sky and for his husband Xavier. If only it were that easy. Maggie, Leo and Sky’s next door neighbor, has recently had a few struggles of her own. Marital troubles - which Maggie’s best friend Agnes seems happy to fixate on. Tsk, tsk. Then we have Joe, neighbor to both Leo and Maggie, who has troubles of his own, though he is always there for everyone in their time of need.
“My Kind of People” is a character driven novel which includes a stellar cast. Each character is multifaceted and full of heart and incredible depth. I loved the characters of Sky, Leo, Maggie, Joe and Frankie (Sky’s best friend) and felt completely engulfed in the storyline from the get go. I could say that it’s because I grew up in New England and could imagine myself in the picturesque town, though in truth it’s entirely due to Lisa Duffy’s writing style and her brilliant characterizations.
Even before I started this book I had a feeling. I mean, how could I not? The title itself made me think the book would be pretty darn special. “My Kind of People” - what’s not to like? When I meet someone, I can tell almost immediately, if they are “My Kind of People” so I was pretty sure this was my kind of book! That said, last year when I had read Lisa Duffy’s “This is Home” and I felt much the same way. That book made it on to my Goodreads Best of List for 2019 and this book struck a chord with me early on and from that point, I knew that this book was just as special and would appear on this year’s Best of List. For those of you who wonder if you should read this, the answer is a resounding yes! It will fill your heart with peace and love and give you that warmth that you so desperately need.
Thank you so much to Lisa Duffy for filling that Void.
Thank you to Maudee Genao at Atria Books for the Galley, NetGalley for the e-arc.
Happy Publication Day!
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley on 5.12.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
“The Searcher”: A novel you feel in deep recesses of your bones, kind of like changes in the weather.
“The Searcher” is a character driven novel, firs“The Searcher”: A novel you feel in deep recesses of your bones, kind of like changes in the weather.
“The Searcher” is a character driven novel, first and foremost. The characters are brilliantly plotted, and written to absolute perfection. They are rich, dynamic, difficult and stubborn. Having undergone life’s trials and tribulations, they are strong, resilient and unrelenting. Some are good, kind and hard working, others not so much. In this novel, the characters are what drew me into the story immediately.
This novel is a slow burn wherein the story builds and builds. Then there are the gorgeous descriptions of the vivid landscape, the weather (yes, the weather), home remodeling, and of course, the characters, always the characters. Let’s not forget the element of suspense and the unofficial investigation that ensues involving two unforgettable characters and the relationship that evolves between them.
Cal Hooper is a former Detective with the Chicago PD who moves to Ardnakelty, a small town in West Ireland to start over. His plans from here on out are to fix up his new home, fish, hunt, rest and relax.
When thirteen year old Trey begins terrorizing his homestead, Cal realizes that Trey has an ulterior motive. Several months ago, Trey’s older brother Brendan went missing and no one in the village has done anything about it. Now that Cal has arrived in town, Trey wants Cal's help in finding out what happened.
Cal is driven, hard working, funny, kind, intuitive and smart. Trey is assertive, attentive, inquisitive, scared, sweet, poverty-stricken and wise. More than anything, Trey wants to find his brother and he knows that Cal is his best bet. At first, Cal agrees to investigate, simply because Trey won’t let up and then it becomes clear that there may in fact be something to Trey’s story. The camaraderie that develops between the two is sheer brilliance. Cal becomes a friend, and perhaps a father figure to Trey and it is the relationship between them that makes this novel wholly special.
The investigation into what happened to Trey’s brother, while a huge part of this story, took second place for me. The armchair detective in me realized at the outset what happened to Brendan and who was responsible, though it in no way took away from my enjoyment of this book. I loved the characterizations, the development of all of the characters’ relationships and the investigation that took place. I felt every ounce of this story and I savored it.
In short, I adored “The Searcher” for exactly what it was: a character driven plot which included a suspenseful storyline.
Tana French is a prolific author and remains one of my favorites. I love her writing style and I am a huge fan of her characters. Someday, I would love to see her return to the Dublin Murder series and the characters of a) Rob Ryan (I need to see what has happened to his character after all of this time!) and b) Stephen Moran (who I still have a huge crush on (even though I’m twice his age)).
For those of you who love brilliantly plotted character driven suspense novels, read Tana French, I promise you will be rewarded.
Maria Owens is a woman whose legend has been well known to those of us who loved “Practical 5 Magical Stars.
“Always Love Someone Who Loves You Back”
Maria Owens is a woman whose legend has been well known to those of us who loved “Practical Magic” and “The Rules of Magic.” In Alice Hoffman’s new novel “Magic Lessons,” - we finally learn of her story.
The matriarch of the Owens family, Maria is familiar with the “Unnamed Arts.” Her life’s path will take her from England, all the way to Salem, Massachusetts in the time of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600’s.
Maria is a friend, a teacher and a lover and she does her best to bestow knowledge and kindness unto others. Once however, full of anger and spite, she is unable to help herself and she unleashes a venomous curse.
It is then that she remembers the rules of magic. Rules that her mother Hannah instilled into her:
“Do as you will, but harm no one What you will give will be returned to you threefold”
For it is true you see as there are no take backs.
Chills ran down my spine, as I had no idea what Ms. Hoffman had in store. Shocked me, she did! This will not terrify or scare you, that I can promise. You will however, be wholly unprepared.
“Magic Lessons” is so different in comparison to both “Practical Magic” and “The Rules of Magic,” so dark and ominous, perhaps due to the time period in which it takes place, and the feel of it, as well as the writing style. That being said, I truly enjoyed this novel and found it to be a brilliant prequel to both of the sequels. I can only hope that Alice Hoffman keeps writing more novels in this series as I love reading about the Owens family. For those of you who love reading about Magic and the Owen’s family, you will not be disappointed by this addition to the series!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss, Simon & Schuster and Alice Hoffman for the arc.
It has been eleven years since Jack McEvoy has been seen ‘round these parts. As a reporter, he has a knack for getting himself into trouble. This timeIt has been eleven years since Jack McEvoy has been seen ‘round these parts. As a reporter, he has a knack for getting himself into trouble. This time is no different.
Now he’s working for “Fair Warning,” a non-profit consumer protection news website for a man named Myron Levin. Myron is kind and fair and always goes to bat for his team and the story. Jack hasn’t changed a bit, he still loves his job more than anything and can’t help but sink his teeth in once he finds a story he believes in.
When a woman named Tina Portrero is murdered who Jack had a one night stand with a year prior, Jack, of course, investigates. Turns out the story casts a much wider net than murder. Technology. Cyberstalking. DNA Testing. Genetics. Profiling.
Tina’s death was not the first - each encountering the same manner of death, each having had DNA testing before their deaths.
In this instance, Jack can’t go it alone. Enter Rachel Walling. Yes, that Rachel Walling. Former FBI Agent and Ex-Girlfriend of Jack McEvoy. Talk about complications! Having them back together again was chicken soup for this girl’s soul!
“Fair Warning” by Michael Connelly is masterfully written. It is a thrilling, high stakes novel that will keep you completely engaged throughout. This is the 3rd Jack McEvoy novel by Michael Connelly, The Poet and The Scarecrow, being the other two. Although it has been a few years since I last read The Scarecrow I quickly fell right back into the world of Jack McEvoy and felt right at home. I hope I don’t have to wait too long for another novel (even though I love my Harry Bosch and miss him a lot!).
Thank you to my local bookstore for my copy of this novel.
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever! (If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must 5 Fanfreakingtastic Stars!!!
“Happiness for Beginners” is the Best Katherine Center Novel Ever! (If you haven’t read this one yet, trust me - you must get your hands on it!).
“Happiness” has absolutely everything you could ever possibly want in a novel. Heart, soul, emotion (lots and lots of emotion, cue the tears) witty banter (cue the hysterical laughter!) phenomenal writing and characters you can’t help but love.
The characters I’m referring to? They will steal your heart, just like they stole mine.
Thirty-two year old Helen Carpenter has been divorced for a year. You’d think she’d be over it by now, if only it were that easy. Hoping to find a way, and find herself in the process, Helen enrolls in a Wilderness Survival Course.
Jake is best friends with Helen’s younger brother Duncan. For as long as he could remember he’s had a crush on one woman. That woman is Helen. The fact that he’s ten years younger has never bothered him in the least. Needing to prove something to himself, Jake, too has enrolled in the same survival course as Helen.
Let the sparks (laughter and tears) fly! Oh how I love these two characters together! Hello friendship, chemistry, romance, and witty banter! Yes please and thank you!
What more can I tell you? What ensues here is nothing short of magical. A woman who discovers that she can harness her own power, find the strength she needs to survive anything and realize that everyday, she can find something to be grateful for. (The list is endless).
Be Still My Heart.
“Happiness for Beginners” gave me a lot to think about and cherish. Having read all of Katherine Center’s novels (including her latest novel “What You Wish For” - featuring Duncan - Helen’s younger brother), I can now say that this is my favorite Katherine Center novel (and that’s saying something considering that I loved “Things You Save in a Fire” and “How to Walk Away”). There is just something about this storyline, the incredible message and the amazing characters, (whose romance I loved to pieces) that just got me.
If this novel wasn’t on your radar before, I hope it will be now, as this is a MUST-READ. It will make you smile and laugh and will give you reasons to feel thankful, even during the darkest of times.
This was an incredible buddy read with Kaceey. Thank you for sharing this with me Kaceey! I love that we both love Katherine Center’s novels so much!
Posted on Goodreads on 4.5.20. Excerpt posted on Insta....more
Living. It means something different to everyone, whether it’s about drugs, money, hard wo5 Incredible Stars
Dark, Troubling and Suspenseful Grit Lit!
Living. It means something different to everyone, whether it’s about drugs, money, hard work, family, love or loss.
In McFalls County, Georgia, living ain’t easy. Never has been, never will be.
It’s about desperate times and desperate measures. Every once in a while a man comes along looking to make things right. That’s where Dane Kirby, an Investigator with the George Bureau of Investigation, comes in. When a murder happens on Bull Mountain, Kirby is the man Sheriff Darby Ellis calls when all hell breaks loose. (Ellis was the former Deputy under Clayton Burroughs, whose legend still lingers over Bull Mountain.)
Coinciding with the murder in Georgia, is the suspicious and brutal murder of a man in a Florida hotel room who has ties to McFalls County and a place called “Hard Cash Valley.” Kirby is soon paired with FBI Agent Roselita Velasquez to solve that crime and find the only person who might be able to help.
Dane Kirby is a man with a checkered past.
Haunted, troubled, and extremely vulnerable, Dane Kirby’s character pulled at me. Just thinking about the person he is, his anguish and his deep dark past, I couldn’t help but be all in as soon as I turned the first page of Brian Panovich’s “Hard Cash Valley.”
Having read Brian Panovich’s prior novels “Bull Mountain” and “Like Lions” - I would describe this novel as having more heart. You all know that I am a “softie” when it comes to novels that I love. I get “teary” at times and there was a point where this one got me. It has its moments where it's a bit dark and ominous, (it’s Grit Lit after all!) yet it isn’t quite as violent as Brian Panovich’s other novels (at least not in my opinion). That aside, I love the atmosphere, the setting and the character development and can’t wait to see what Brian Panovich comes out with next. “Hard Cash Valley” is the first Grit Lit of the year to make my Goodreads Best of List for 2020.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey - which I was extremely excited to share with her. It was her first Brian Panovich! I can happily report that she loved it.
A Huge Thank You goes out to Joe Brosnan at Minotaur Books for the Galley. I could not wait to get my hands on a copy of this book and he obliged. Thank you also to Brian Panovich, you do not disappoint.
Re-Read, Why? You got it because it's almost November 9.. and this is Oh So Good!
**
5 You Got Me Stars!
COHO is a Goddess! Yes I said it. This novel hasRe-Read, Why? You got it because it's almost November 9.. and this is Oh So Good!
**
5 You Got Me Stars!
COHO is a Goddess! Yes I said it. This novel has made it onto my Goodreads Best of List for 2020 (and is the second book in January 2020 to do so. How about them apples?!)
Wowza! Can I just say it here and now? Fallon and Ben’s story blew me away. Like it freaking Blew ME Away! First, you think you know the premise.. and you think you know what’s going to happen and you have absolutely NO idea! None.
Fallon and Ben meet randomly on November 9th when Ben pretends to be Fallon’s boyfriend. While eating lunch by himself, Ben overhears Fallon’s father lambasting her while they are having lunch together. Ever the night and shining armor, Ben comes to her rescue by pretending to be Fallon’s boyfriend. Thereafter, the two have lunch together after her father angrily rushes off. Fallon and Ben then hang out for the rest of day and evening, as a few hours later, Fallon will be moving to New York City. The two both feel it, “chemistry” and both know, “THIS” is it. Then, they make a vow, to meet once a year for five (5) years on the same day, November 9th.
Ben, an aspiring novelist agrees to write their story, which he will complete, in five years to the day.
Cue ALL THE FEELS.
Neither have any contact throughout the year, and just have to hope, the other shows up each year and that they both feel the same way.
Does “November 9” have a Happy Ending? Is there such a thing?
Fallon, whose life has been anything but and for whom “November 9” has had horrible memories, finally has something to look forward to on that fateful day. Ben’s life is not exactly an open book - if only he can learn to confide in Fallon. The caveat to all of this is that life of course, isn’t always fair, as both Ben and Fallon know all too well.
“November 9” by Colleen Hoover is a novel that I was wholly unprepared for. I loved the characters of Fallon and Ben. Sweet, unassuming and totally endearing. I thought I knew what was going to happen and then, WHEN IT HAPPENED, when THAT moment happened (those of you who’ve read this TOTALLY know what I’m talking about) I almost fell apart. CoHo continues to surprise and delight and this both delighted me to no end and made me sob uncontrollably.
I highly recommend this to everyone.. but especially to my book buddy Kaceey (please listen to this one soon Kaceey!).
Thank you to my local library for lending me the audiobook.
There are moments in a Gal’s existence that are life changing. Those moments happened for me when I become a CoHo Fan. S5 Hopeful Life Changing Stars!
There are moments in a Gal’s existence that are life changing. Those moments happened for me when I become a CoHo Fan. So I am going to admit something here.. which some of you may have an inkling about. I am not exactly a believer in true love, soul mates or happily ever afters. I was married once and well, I thought I had my fairytale. Turns out I didn’t.. Turns out I was living anything but. That said, I’ve never been a schmoopy kind of gal. I’m just not all that romantic. I know, I know, some of you might be a little shocked about that since for these last 14 -16 months or so, my book buddy Kaceey and I have been reading a lot of rom coms and women’s fiction… and well, sometimes, a book or two gets me going there for a bit. Then I discovered CoHo.. and her books are different. Ranging from a variety of different topics and involving characters from all walks of life, at different stages of life, somehow, she just got me. When her books involve characters in their most formidable teenage years, for some reasons, they strike a chord and that is when I become Hopeful ...when I remember a time when I did in fact believe.
Oddly enough, “Hopeless” struck more than one chord with me. It is real, true and difficult and so darn right in every way that matters. After all, as we all know, no one ever said that life was easy, or fair.
“Not everyone gets a happily ever after. Life is real and sometimes it's ugly and you just have to learn how to cope.”
This novel brings you right back to High School and makes you remember the best of times and the worst of times. That raw heartache, the pain and the euphoria of firsts. First looks. First smiles. First time you held hands. First kisses.. and well, so much more ….(if, of course you went there, lol..)
Sky has never known what it means to be a “normal” teenager. Home schooled since she was a child, living in a home without electronics and with no access to a phone or the internet, her only link to the “outside” is her best friend Six, who is planning to do a semester abroad. Now that Sky has convinced her mother to allow her to go to public school for her Senior Year of High School, Sky will finally feel what it’s like to be like everyone else. If only there weren’t rumors surrounding her before she steps foot into High School for the first time.
Dean Holder is known as the bad boy. Suspended from school at the beginning of his Junior Year, Holder hasn’t been seen for an entire year.. till he has a run in with Sky and sparks fly. There is chemistry and then there is Chemistry. One look at her and Holder could swear he’s seen a ghost. Whatever it is, he knows that he has to see her again.
If only life was easy. What happens next. Yet life is always filled with surprises.
You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have, The Facts of Life. - Gloria Loring
“Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover is both schmoopy and swoonworthy. If you haven’t read it yet, your heart will soar and it will be torn in two. Once twice, a thousand times over. Holder is that guy you wish you’d dated in High School. If some of you dated a guy like him, all I can say is: Lucky!
This is a novel that will most certainly appear on my Goodreads Best of List for 2020. This is the second CoHo book that is making the list so far! How about them apples?!?