The GOOD: A sweet novel about the power of love, friendship, and kindness to strangers. Lovely descriptions of the landscape and cityscape of London. The GOOD: A sweet novel about the power of love, friendship, and kindness to strangers. Lovely descriptions of the landscape and cityscape of London. I love a book with a well-written senior citizen with a great sense of humor as well, and Frank is no exception. I also love that the book is totally steeped in UK English, which is great fun for the armchair traveler.
The BAD: Libby and Dylan seem more like young 20-somethings rather than the 30-ish they're supposed to be. And the book doesn't fully escape the diversity-cramming game that publishers play these days. For some reason, non-white characters have to be specifically called out (soft racism, folks) and there is a character with Down's Syndrome who is just like any other character, with the exception of the mention of her disability. Not saying that couldn't happen, but seems a bit odd. Lastly, I think they should have stuck with the striking UK cover art; and the much more meaningful The Girl on the 88 Bus title (The Lost Ticket title is just so boring, and not as much to the point of the story.)
The CONCLUSION: Overall, it's a pleasant read that will bring a smile to your face. And just might make you reach out to that elderly friend, neighbor, or family member in your life. ...more
More contemporary fiction than suspense. There was no "chill up the spine" or rush to turn the pages.
Main characterBeautiful cover; very average book.
More contemporary fiction than suspense. There was no "chill up the spine" or rush to turn the pages.
Main character, Victoria would explain something to the reader, then change course. I think that was just bad styling, rather than wishy-washiness, as the same character was used to show both sides of a situation. That said, one often got different vibes from Tori on how she felt, in order to advance the plot. Well spelled out internal conflict would have been good, but that wasn't really evident.
On a positive note, it was nice to read a current novel that wasn't chock full of forced-in "diversity points". The characters were simply characters, without having to go into detail on physical characters or sexuality, which was nice.
**spoiler alert** An enjoyable read. Full of fake-outs that are surprising and keep you guessing. Definitely an interesting exposure of what we keep f**spoiler alert** An enjoyable read. Full of fake-outs that are surprising and keep you guessing. Definitely an interesting exposure of what we keep from others and the little lies we tell ourselves. It was nice to see personal growth in the characters, mostly with one of the bride's long-time chums, Robyn. All that said, I do feel the story description is a bit misleading as to the characters' motivations and the story arc. (It's not truly a "locked room" style mystery as implied.)...more
Interesting. Excellent Aussie-accented narrator. Don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without her narration. A little bit too hippy, earth-loviInteresting. Excellent Aussie-accented narrator. Don't think I would have enjoyed it as much without her narration. A little bit too hippy, earth-loving, humans are the ones who are the real evil kind of business. Pretty good surprise mystery wrap-up ending however....more
A fascinating page-turner. Keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Will Sam find Elli? Where did Charlotte come from? Will these formA fascinating page-turner. Keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Will Sam find Elli? Where did Charlotte come from? Will these formerly inseparable twins find their way back to each other? Well done. Highly recommend....more
Not as romantic or mysterious as one might be led to believe from the title, cover art, and/or book synopsis referencing the Bermuda Triangle.
I wouldnNot as romantic or mysterious as one might be led to believe from the title, cover art, and/or book synopsis referencing the Bermuda Triangle.
I wouldn't really call it book club fiction, though, either. More a light suspense. Perhaps contemporary fiction is best, even if the story starts out in 1990 and 1986.
A few anachronisms, as characters say things like "safe space " and "look it up", which aren't 20th century phrases. Also, the novel could use a good scrub to remove non-American terms and phrases, such as "washroom".
But, a decent read overall. Kept me entertained for a few hours. And, thankfully, for a current novel, wasn't chock full of diversity checklist items. Just characters doing their things, like they should, rather than unneeded focus on ethnicity, sexual preferences, or disabilities. This fact alone bumped this up from a 3-star to 4....more
Soaked in sadness, but filled with redemption. Feels a lot like a Kristen Hannah novel. Three generations of women repeating the mistakes of the past.Soaked in sadness, but filled with redemption. Feels a lot like a Kristen Hannah novel. Three generations of women repeating the mistakes of the past. The 1920's timeline with Adelaide was my favorite....more
Some amusing moments, but this book had ME in angst while reading it. Next please - I'll take some escapism over stories rehashing the stresses of modSome amusing moments, but this book had ME in angst while reading it. Next please - I'll take some escapism over stories rehashing the stresses of modern life... ha ha ha...more
A poignant tale with interesting allegory between the character's failing marriage and her new-found interest in "Urban Exploring".
With her marriage cA poignant tale with interesting allegory between the character's failing marriage and her new-found interest in "Urban Exploring".
With her marriage crumbling, Evangeline (also known as Eva or Evie) has high hopes that her relationship can be saved through couples counseling with her husband of six years, Mark. Eva is also bored with her job as a wedding and baby photographer and is looking for something new. With conversations with Matt being so tense, Eva leaves him out of the loop as she dives into a new type of photography that she hopes will reinvigorate her career - Urban Exploration, or UrbEx - visiting abandoned buildings and documenting the decay in a not-so-legal hobby that amps up the excitement.
The novel touches on many themes that are common in modern life - career, relationships, family, what truly makes us happy. You'll cheer for Evie to find her way through as the story winds to its conclusion (which I won't label so as not to spoil it.)
Well worth the read for fans of contemporary fiction and women's stories....more
This one felt very much like a Christmas story to me, as the bulk of the book takes place over three Christmases – the current Christmas, one a year pThis one felt very much like a Christmas story to me, as the bulk of the book takes place over three Christmases – the current Christmas, one a year prior, and then one a year. So, it would be a good one to read over the holidays – just make sure you bring your tissues as it’s a tear-jerker by the end! But, rest assured, it does have a happy ending!
Sweet, likable Romy is a people pleaser, her sister Joanna is a go-getter, and their brother Mark is a bit of a rabble rouser. But they all love to come home for a real Irish Christmas, and their mom always makes it extra special. Yet, when their mother passes away a few months after their last holiday together, it tears the family apart.
Told in two different voices – that of Romy and that of Joanna – it does get a bit confusing from time to time as it takes a minute to figure out who is “talking”. Yet, the characters have good backstory, believable personalities, and the conflicts and troubles each go through feel very authentic.
This is one that would be great for book clubs, and perhaps very meaningful (albeit sad) for anyone who has lost someone close. An uplifting story about The Beautiful Little Things that make life worth living.
A big thank you to Melissa Hill, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this review.
If you’re looking for a copy of The Beautiful Little Things, please consider buying from www.bookshop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of the book’s profits back to independent bookstores. Find it at https://bookshop.org/lists/best-ficti....
I loved this sweet story of an awkward girl who finds true love, but not where she expected. Full of heart and self-exploration, it's a great read.
A bI loved this sweet story of an awkward girl who finds true love, but not where she expected. Full of heart and self-exploration, it's a great read.
A big thank you to Lia Louis, Simon & Schuster Canada, Emily Bestler Books, and GoodReads for providing an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this review....more
A sweet, coming of age story about an awkward high school girl (weren’t we all? – ha ha) growing up in small town Scandinavia.
Recommended for young adA sweet, coming of age story about an awkward high school girl (weren’t we all? – ha ha) growing up in small town Scandinavia.
Recommended for young adults.
A big thank you to author Linni Ingemundsen as well as Incorgnito Publishing Press for providing a complimentary copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human.
To grab a copy of The Unpredictability of Being Human for yourself, head on over to www.BookShop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of each book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops. Find yours at https://bookshop.org/a/13638/97819445....
The Law of the Heart is a gripping, emotional, captivating and emotional novel – one of the best I’ve read in a long time!
Min is a tour guide in moderThe Law of the Heart is a gripping, emotional, captivating and emotional novel – one of the best I’ve read in a long time!
Min is a tour guide in modern-day, Communist North Korea and is fully committed to representing her country in its best light. A true believer in the ideals of the regime and not one to question the status quo. Theo is an award-winning roller coaster designer looking for a change. When his boss asks him to take the job in North Korea, he is reluctant to say the least, but decides to go for it.
As a punishment for allowing some foreign tourists to behave in a “disrespectful” fashion on a tour, Min and her work partner are assigned to keep strict watch over Theo’s comings and goings from his hotel to the sight of the theme park where he is designing his coaster. Min and Theo inevitably get to know each other and, much to their surprise, each find in the other someone who understands them - their hopes, their dreams, their motivations. In a land where all foreigners are suspect, this is a love affair that is not allowed. Follow along with Min and Theo as they find each other – and find themselves – in a passion that cannot come to pass.
Filled with beautiful North Korean scenery, fascinating history, intriguing roller coaster design, and a story that you just want to sink right into. Put this one on your TBR and book club list today!
Wondering where you can get a copy of The Law of the Heart? Support your indie bookshops and get your copy on https://bookshop.org/a/13638/97815420... – the online bookstore that gives 75% the book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops, contributing over $15 million since opening in 2020.
A big thank you to Boris Starling, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.
One of the few books I was pissed off that I actually read the whole thing (ha ha). I didn't love the characters, they seemed rather self-centered andOne of the few books I was pissed off that I actually read the whole thing (ha ha). I didn't love the characters, they seemed rather self-centered and needy, but was curious to see where the story was going. Then.... total 90 degree turn and somehow we're in the paranormal? WTF did I just read??...more
A sweet, madcap, contemporary novel perfect for that beach read by the pool – from Amazon’s book club imprint Lake Union Publishing.
Our heroine Lily iA sweet, madcap, contemporary novel perfect for that beach read by the pool – from Amazon’s book club imprint Lake Union Publishing.
Our heroine Lily is trying to survive the upcoming year where she is a bridesmaid in five (yes, five) weddings for friends and family in just as two-month period. Attempting to balance her job, her maid of honor/bridesmaid duties, not to mention her budget is stretching her to the breaking point. Finicky friends, family jealousies, and a cram-packed schedule push her to the point of losing it. Then there’s the groomsmen Lily slept with after one of wedding-related event parties (oops) who she’s desperately trying to avoid. Can Lily keep her sanity and survive a budding romance with a friend as well? Hop on board this crazy ride of a book and find out!
Some parts were a bit predictable, and it was a bit boggy in the first half with all of the wedding preparations (could have been peppier). But the book had an awesome theme of being brave and not scared to do what you love.
Recommended for fans of novels highlighting the craziness of the modern world in the vein of Julie Valerie’s Holly Banks Village of Primm series or Emma Gannon’s Olive, or for your next book club read.
A big thank you to debut author Sara Goodman Confino, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.
To grab a copy of For the Love of Friends for yourself, head on over to www.BookShop.org – the online bookstore that gives 75% of each book’s profit margin back to independent bookshops. Find yours at https://bookshop.org/lists/best-ficti....
Sadly, for some reason I didn't any review down for this book, and now I don't remember it. It's not because of the book, but due to something I was gSadly, for some reason I didn't any review down for this book, and now I don't remember it. It's not because of the book, but due to something I was going through at the time I read it.
I do vaguely remember the part about the voice of the GPS and how the main character made up a whole life about her. It was pretty amusing.
So... seeing as how I finished it completely, and did find at least part of it amusing, Ima gonna go ahead and award 4 stars....more