Enjoyed this one on audio! Kudos to the great narration. The writing once again is top-notch. This is a clever "ode" to the old Agatha Christie novelsEnjoyed this one on audio! Kudos to the great narration. The writing once again is top-notch. This is a clever "ode" to the old Agatha Christie novels.
The Darker family have gathered for their Nana's 80th birthday party. Nana, is a famous children's author. She has one son and an ex-daughter-in-law. Her three granddaughters are all named after flowers. Rose, Lily and Daisy ...more
Alice Feeney is one of my favourite authors so when this audio became available on Libby skip-the-line I was so happy!
This one really started off3.5 *
Alice Feeney is one of my favourite authors so when this audio became available on Libby skip-the-line I was so happy!
This one really started off good. A missing wife and a grieving husband. He's offered some time away so he can write his book on a very remote Scottish island. Then he thinks he sees her there. Is she real or is he losing his mind? The first part was quite engaging but it did seem to slow down towards the half-way mark. The twists were good if very unbelievable. The book got a little too tangled for my liking.
The audio was excellent with Richard Armitage narrating most of it. I liked it but for me not up to par with Feeney's other works. "Sometimes I lie" continues to be my favourite by her.
A short story inspired by the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States.
This is a futuristic type of story about men becoming pregnant. The t3.5*
A short story inspired by the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States.
This is a futuristic type of story about men becoming pregnant. The tables are turned in every scenario. Kind of humorous but serious at the same time. Very thought provoking and interesting no matter what side of the fence you are on. The message is excellent.
An Audible Original freebie available to subscribers. 38 mins....more
It's official! Judy can write for an adult audience! She just seems to always know how to get under the skin of her characters.
This one worked wo4.5 *
It's official! Judy can write for an adult audience! She just seems to always know how to get under the skin of her characters.
This one worked wonderfully on audio with all the snippets of different characters and their thoughts.
It was wonderful to hear Caitlin and Victoria's (Vicks') story. Two girls from different backgrounds who meet at school and then spend their childhood summers on Martha's Vineyard. I especially enjoyed the younger years part of the story because YES Judy Blume is THE QUEEN when it comes to children and adolescents!
A perfect summer story ☀️⛱️
This book was originally released in 1998 but is the August selection for the Read With Jenna Book Club....more
I read, "The Family Upstairs" quite a while ago and didn't really remember it too well. It was not one of my favourite Lisa Jewell books. As, I began
I read, "The Family Upstairs" quite a while ago and didn't really remember it too well. It was not one of my favourite Lisa Jewell books. As, I began to listen to, "The Family Remains" things came back to me. That said I don't think you really need to read the first book to enjoy the second one.
I think I enjoyed this one a touch more than the first one but to be honest this one is not a favourite either.
The audiobook entertained up to a point. Then it just became a little ludicrous for my liking. ...more
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite authors. I'm always excited when she has a new book out. I've read many of her books and she is a powerfu3.5*
Diane Chamberlain is one of my favourite authors. I'm always excited when she has a new book out. I've read many of her books and she is a powerful writer.
In saying that I was a little disappointed with the start of the book (well the first chapter starts off rather intriguing...but then I found it to run pretty slow right up until the 50% mark.) The first half of the book was a definite 3 stars for me. The second half took off and I'm grading that part a full 4 stars. Hence my rating for the full story averages out to a 3.5 stars.
It's a dual timeline that alternates between 1965 and Ellie's story and 2010 and Kayla's story. The 1965 story was the highlight for me. It involved the civil rights movement, bigotry and the Ku Klux Klan in North Carolina. It was a very emotional story that enraged and saddened me. Kayla's story tied in nicely at the end but I was not as invested in it.
For the most part I enjoyed it although IMHO this is not Diane Chamberlain at her best. With an extraordinary catalogue like hers it's understanding that she will have the occasional mediocre one. I will still read any book by her in a heartbeat.
I'd like to Kindly thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy....more
Just BRILLIANT!! Lisa Jewell is one of my most favourite authors. I think this is my favourite book of hers since she has moved into the mystery/suspeJust BRILLIANT!! Lisa Jewell is one of my most favourite authors. I think this is my favourite book of hers since she has moved into the mystery/suspense/thriller genre. Her last few books were less thrilling for me. This one kept me on the edge of my seat and had all the right components for a good ole "whodunnit" mystery.
Two teenaged parents go out for a much needed break from their young child one evening but vanish and never return home. The story is told in multiple points of view and goes back and forth in time. Lisa Jewell is known for her well developed quirky characters. I found this time around the characters were a little less quirky and more likeable.
I listened to the Audiobook narrated by the actress Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates from Downton Abbey.) She was OUTSTANDING with all the voices and made each character her own! She mesmerized me and I just could not stop listening! I highly recommend the audiobook format. You will not be disappointed!!...more
Lisa Jewell is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint! I've always enjoyed her books about dysfunctional families and family draLisa Jewell is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint! I've always enjoyed her books about dysfunctional families and family drama. Lately, she's moved into what I like to refer to as, "Neighbourhood mysteries." She writes a very alluring story in her latest novel, "Watching You," about people who live in the same neighbourhood or nearby community. They all have their own interesting story but are linked together so perfectly. Lisa Jewell develops the story slowly with few clues that has you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out the mystery.
The title of the book was accurately chosen and the cover is just perfect! I would highly recommend this book for mystery or domestic thriller fans. It is a very compelling book!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy....more
Diane Chamberlain is one of my absolute favourite authors. I was ecstatic when I was approved for this book!
This is a first for Diane Chamberlain..a dDiane Chamberlain is one of my absolute favourite authors. I was ecstatic when I was approved for this book!
This is a first for Diane Chamberlain..a different type of story but yet the same kind all in one. I don't want to give too much away. The story is fantastic! The blurb on the book was perfect. I must admit that I only skimmed it. I purposely did not want to hear too much (as I'd heard rattles throughout the book community already.) I automatically read anything by Diane Chamberlain. I'm glad I was so delightfully surprised!
The year is 1970 and Caroline (Carly) is pregnant and so very sad. She has recently lost her husband in a horrific way. She is now living with her beloved sister and brother-in-law. But something may not be right with the baby. Her brother-in-law proposes a solution. But could it be a miracle or the most ludicrous, insane thing ever?
This book is packed with a lot of deep, heartfelt emotions throughout the whole story. It's the same type of classic Diane Chamberlain but with a new twist to her story. Her writing is on par as usual. I could not put this down! I so highly recommend it!
I'd like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy....more
I first picked up this book because it's written by Karen White and I adore her books. The fact the lead character, Georgia, was an antiques china patI first picked up this book because it's written by Karen White and I adore her books. The fact the lead character, Georgia, was an antiques china patterns specialist just intrigued me more as I love old china teacups.
I must say though the story did not really pull me in. I usually enjoy a good family drama/secrets story but I found this one a little slow. Plus I did not warm to the characters very much.
Karen White is a fabulous storyteller who adds a lot of family dynamics and secrets to her stories. I just don't think this is one of her best....more
If you can believe it....I found this book on the Bargain rack of my local bookstore! I immediately recognized it as a book I had been wanting to readIf you can believe it....I found this book on the Bargain rack of my local bookstore! I immediately recognized it as a book I had been wanting to read plus I just adore Diane Chamberlain's books.
This was a complete winner and fully fledged 5 star read! I was engrossed from the first page to the last. The story of two sisters living in poverty in rural North Carolina in 1960 and the social worker who comes to their aide. It's a heartbreaking and distressing story and I certainly shed some tears especially near the end. I enjoyed the ending very much. It was perfect.
Lisa Jewell once again captivates me with her writing and storytelling. She is now shifting into the mystery/suspense/thriller genre but still continuLisa Jewell once again captivates me with her writing and storytelling. She is now shifting into the mystery/suspense/thriller genre but still continues to tell the family type stories she is known for.
Laurel's fifteen year old daughter, Ellie went missing ten years ago on the way to the library. Subsequently her whole world fell apart that day. Now ten years later she is still trying to move on from the tragedy. She meets a new man and his young daughter who bears an uncanny resemblance to her missing daughter Ellie. Laurel becomes involved in their lives and begins to question things.
Although I could figure out parts of the mystery pretty quickly (some aspects kept me guessing longer) it was a very well written story. I couldn't put the book down as I wanted to know exactly what had happened to Ellie. I enjoyed all the family dynamics which I feel is always a strong point in all of Lisa Jewell's books. I had to suspend a bit of disbelief on part of the story but it did not take away from my enjoyment at all.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for granting me the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy....more
Once in awhile I love to read a historical romance. I decided to try Lisa Kleypas because she is a well loved author in this genre. I was not disappoiOnce in awhile I love to read a historical romance. I decided to try Lisa Kleypas because she is a well loved author in this genre. I was not disappointed with her writing. This book is part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone. She writes beautifully and magically transcends you into another time! There was just enough angst, and steam and of course a happy ending! It was a delight!
I'm looking forward to reading some more of Lisa Kleypas' books....more
I always enjoy Karen White's books. Love the settings, family dynamics and the development of characters. I really enjoyed this book but just perhaps I always enjoy Karen White's books. Love the settings, family dynamics and the development of characters. I really enjoyed this book but just perhaps found it a bit "slow." However, the writing and the story of Eleanor and particularly Helena was fascinating and kept me reading....more
I really enjoy Karen White's writing style. A cute, sometimes funny, sometimes sad story set in a charming small town in Georgia. Cassie Madison left I really enjoy Karen White's writing style. A cute, sometimes funny, sometimes sad story set in a charming small town in Georgia. Cassie Madison left 15 years ago for NYC after her sister eloped with her boyfriend. She comes back to town to visit her ailing father. She begins a journey of bonding with her sister, Harriet, and her 5 children. Cassie begins to question her life. This is a story of love, family secrets, and forgiveness. A really enjoyable book!...more
This was my first Diane Chamberlain book and I loved it! It had so much of what I love in a book; the old family secrets and drama going back and fortThis was my first Diane Chamberlain book and I loved it! It had so much of what I love in a book; the old family secrets and drama going back and forth to 1962 and present day. I enjoyed reading the different characters thoughts and stories. Really refreshing not to be able to figure out the whole story until the end! Loved that much of it was set 'on the shore' in New Jersey. Great summer mystery read. I think I've just discovered another new favourite author!...more