2.5 Stars rounded up. The Holiday Home is a domestic thriller about two families that travel to Scotland for a weekend getaway where secrets and lies 2.5 Stars rounded up. The Holiday Home is a domestic thriller about two families that travel to Scotland for a weekend getaway where secrets and lies are exposed that will change their lives forever.
I wouldn’t consider this book a thriller considering you are reminded several times that something really bad is going to happen so it’s not a surprise when it does. The main characters where also pretty unlikable.
It was still an entertaining story, but I was glad when I was finished. This is my first Daniel Hurst read. I’ve heard good things about this author, but this book didn’t quite do it for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review....more
I wanted to enjoy this book. I thought I would enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The audio excerpt (teaser) made it sound likI wanted to enjoy this book. I thought I would enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. The audio excerpt (teaser) made it sound like it would be a great domestic thriller. Instead, The Mistress Next Door by Lesley Sanderson is full of unlikeable characters with a brittle storyline that is slow and sometimes boring. I didn’t care who did what or who was involved. I just wanted it to end. I don’t think I would have finished the book if it weren’t an ARC. I listened to the audiobook. I found to production quality to be well done and Eilidh Beaton’s performance to be solid. Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review. ...more
If you are looking for a light, easy read and enjoy fun cozy mysteries, this book is for you.
Chloe is a pastry chef that moves back to3.75 rounded up
If you are looking for a light, easy read and enjoy fun cozy mysteries, this book is for you.
Chloe is a pastry chef that moves back to her small town in California after her Grandmother’s cancer diagnosis. Leaving Paris was more bitter than sweet after a humiliating review from a food critic and a messy breakup. Needless to say, Chloe has a lot on her mind. While it feels good to be close to her family, re-establishing her small-town roots becomes more than she bargained for with the murder of a town bully and starting a new business—a cannabis café. And, of course, some amateur sleuthing is in order when Chloe is not creating her delectable treats. Will she find the murderer before the police do, or will the killer find HER?! ;)
I listened to the audiobook and thought it was well-produced, edited, and mastered. I enjoyed Chelsea Stephens’s overall performance and would give her another listen. Perhaps book 2?
I appreciated a couple of things about this story and the author’s choices that I wanted to share…
I love how well the cannabis café was seamlessly woven into the story, which I think helps normalize the use of cannabis to assist with medical care. That isn’t something I have seen before, and I found it refreshing.
Also, one of the things we learn about Chloe early in the story is that she didn’t have the most stable start to her childhood. She never knew who her father was, and her “mother” abandoned her as a small child because “being a Mom wasn’t for her.” There are many ways this family dynamic could have been written, and we are all familiar with the often-told absentee father story. We all (or a lot of us) look for a piece of ourselves or things we can relate to in the characters and stories we read, which is different for everyone. I want to thank the author for writing something I found relatable. Even if it’s crappy childhood trauma, it makes you feel a little alone, and that’s not a bad thing.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and Tantor Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook for an unbiased review....more
The Suspect by Kathryn Croft is a domestic thriller that follows the story of two women twenty years apart. Lori—a young mother and the events that leThe Suspect by Kathryn Croft is a domestic thriller that follows the story of two women twenty years apart. Lori—a young mother and the events that lead up to her tragic murder. And Jess—Lori’s daughter now grown is suddenly approached by the man she believes murdered her mother.
Nathaniel France was convicted in the court of public opinion (the police didn’t have enough evidence) and is now seeking out Jess to proclaim his innocence. Who is lying? Who is telling the truth? What really happened to Lori and who can Jess trust? All will be revealed! Or will it??
The story immediately drew me in and I was invested, which I love! I found the middle to be a bit slow and repetitive, but it’s worth getting through for the ending. As an avid thriller reader, I predicted the big twist, but the author’s heart-wrenchingly dramatic telling was just as enjoyable as if it were a surprise. That said, I DESPISED the epilogue. I am not a reader in search of a HEA nor do I need every story to be wrapped up in a big red bow at the end, but seriously?! THAT?!?! You’ve got to be kidding me???? Clearly, I’m invested, lol.
The audiobook production was outstanding. I found the editing and mastering to be crisp, clean, and seamless. I do think this particular story would have benefited from two narrators given the dual povs, however, that is in no way a criticism of Tamsin Kennard’s narration, which was excellent and I look forward to enjoying her work again in the future.
A HUGE thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for an advanced copy of the audiobook for an unbiased review! 3.75 stars rounded up. ...more
I enjoyed this book so much. I wish I could read it again for the 1st time. Funny, Relatable and delightful. This was my first book by this author andI enjoyed this book so much. I wish I could read it again for the 1st time. Funny, Relatable and delightful. This was my first book by this author and will not be my last. Top notch narration by Marin Ireland. She’s incredible!! ...more
I did exactly what the author tells you not to do and I zipped through the book because I wanted the general info before doing any sor2.5 rounded up.
I did exactly what the author tells you not to do and I zipped through the book because I wanted the general info before doing any sort of deep dive. Basically, is this right for me? There are some good points, but this is in no way groundbreaking information. This is written by a privileged white woman complaining about the historical financial power of middle-aged white men and how to overcome!!!! I think there is potential in this book that could help some woman, but is missing the mark on helping all women from all backgrounds. I would have liked to have seen it be more inclusive. “Personal finance is personal” is something the author says several times throughout the book. This is a decent start to a much larger conversation. ...more