Daughter of Ruins has an intriguing storyline! Three women beginning life at a disadvantage and bravely struggling to accept or ho3.5 rounded up to 4.
Daughter of Ruins has an intriguing storyline! Three women beginning life at a disadvantage and bravely struggling to accept or hopefully reach beyond their situations.
I don’t know much about Greek Gods/Goddesses so it was eye opening to me. I found it interesting that both the belief in Greek mythology and the Greek Orthodox Church could blend together so easily.
Reading this book reminded me of how blessed I am to live when I do and not in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s when these women did. They had no rights and were treated as possessions. Their suffering was mainly due to being women. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’ll just say that wealth and class only had a bit to do with their misfortunes.
I liked Demitra’s a character the most. I was invested in her story and was eager to find out what her future would bring.
There were only two things that kept me from giving it 5 stars. One was that each character was super emotional. I found myself longing for their dialogue to be over. Some of this could be due to the audio narrator I was listening to. She was highly emotional and I felt she overdid the voices. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I would have read it instead of listening.
I also found some of the plot unbelievable, to me, and wanted to roll my eyes when I saw things coming that the characters should have but didn’t.
Overall, I liked the story. I found myself looking up the places and landmarks that were found in the story. There was plenty of rich history involved and now I want to learn more!
Many thanks to Yvette Manessis Corporon and HarperCollins focus/Harper Muse for the ARC vía NetGalley!!!...more
After reading Jason Rekulak’s book Hidden Pictures, I mistakenly assumed The Last One at the Wedding would have the same feel. A sort of scary, suspenAfter reading Jason Rekulak’s book Hidden Pictures, I mistakenly assumed The Last One at the Wedding would have the same feel. A sort of scary, suspense, mystery but I was wrong. Maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy this one as much but it was still an interesting read.
The beginning plot was a bit hard to believe: Frank gets a call from his daughter Maggie after a 3 year estrangement. Out of the blue invites him to her wedding. He questions nothing but jumps on board. As the story progresses Frank realizes there is something weird about the whole situation but he decides to take it at face value.
There were several twists and surprises but I felt the reveal was over the top AND kind of gross!
Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ARC via NetGalley.
We Carry The Sea in Our Hands is beautiful written and thought provoking novel.
When Abby learned, that as an infant, she was abandoned in the “ drop-We Carry The Sea in Our Hands is beautiful written and thought provoking novel.
When Abby learned, that as an infant, she was abandoned in the “ drop-box” of an orphanage in Korea, she felt a deep loss. This loss was perpetuated when she ended up in America only to be adopted, abandoned again and placed in foster care. Being alone much of the time led her to find solace in the local library where she read books that sparked her interest in science. This interest catapults her into a life of living and breathing science.
I was immediately drawn into the story by Janie Kim’s writing. Each scene was purposeful and flowed into the next. It kept me yearning to find out what would happen and how it would change Abby’s life. I really liked that because I had recently read a few books with ( in my point of view) too much needless writing. Whether it was an off subject side story or a pages of inner monologue, I found myself just wanting to get to the end.
Abby’s bond with her dear friend Iseul was all enduring and their bond made it easier for Abby to push through the hardships of life. I was awed at Abby’s ability to keep forging ahead in the field of science where she was seen as a “ lowly” female and a minority who was used to do “filler”tasks. I was excited when she got her time to shine and her brilliant intelligence could no longer be ignored.
I love that Abby’s research about life origins “ accidentally” reveals a secret in her life! The thing she loved to do ( science) would be the catalyst to peace in her life.
I don’t want to give away spoilers so I’ll only say that I was worried about not being able to understand the science in the book but Kim does a wonderful job at explaining things. Although some parts were fiction much of the scientific explanations were facts. I learned so much! It’s amazing what lives in the sea!
If you like books about strong women, perseverance during hardship and overcoming trauma, you will most likely enjoy this book! The narrator, Michelle H. Lee did an amazing job! Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and Janie Kim for the arc via NetGalley!! ...more
The Hidden Book is a story about the WW2 concentration camps. I’ve read quite a few about this subject but this one comes from a perspective that is nThe Hidden Book is a story about the WW2 concentration camps. I’ve read quite a few about this subject but this one comes from a perspective that is new to me.
It begins in the 1940’s Mauthausen concentration camp. A young boy sneaks passed SS guards to hide a book containing photos of prisoners in the camp. A Spanish POW, Mateo Baca, a photographer, has been forced to take the photos and make 5 books for Nazi leaders. He secretly makes a 6th copy hoping to give it to the Allied soldiers who are rumored to be arriving any day.
It alternates with the story of Hannah Campbell, who in 1980, at 12 years old, comes across the secret album. Her grandfather, Nico, who survived Mauthausen, brought it to Australia when he comes to visit his daughter, Roza, and her family. Roza is angry that Nico brought the book and forbids Hannah from looking at it. This begins Hannah’s lifelong journey to find out why she can’t see the photos and why her grandfather is in one of them.
I didn’t realize that the 3rd generation holocaust children were as affected by what happened to their family. To Hannah it is a double tragedy because she is not allowed to learn about her heritage or the holocaust. It causes a lot of contention between her and her mother.
When she is older and finally visits the sights she is dismayed to see tourists rushing to have their photos taken in the gas chambers, and the infirmary where the doctors did horrible experiments on prisoners. She was hoping to see more respect shown in memory of the people who suffered and lost their lives there. Most of all she wanted to find out how and why her grandfather had the book.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will just say the book has an interesting ending that I didn’t expect. The book helped me to learn about the people who helped, some who gave their lives, to bring charges against the Nazi criminals.
Thank you, William Morrow, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley! ...more
**spoiler alert** What They Said About Louisa, is exactly that. A collection of impressions and interactions from chosen people from Louisa’s life.
The**spoiler alert** What They Said About Louisa, is exactly that. A collection of impressions and interactions from chosen people from Louisa’s life.
The book begins in Spain when Louisa is sixteen. She is a black slave who has become pregnant by her master. Upon his death he grants her her freedom. But how is she to care for herself and her child? She happens to meet a white man who proposes marriage to her. He wants a helpmate to go with him to Mexico while he starts up a silver mining business. She agrees but has to leave her son behind.
The book is interesting in that Louisa is never given a voice. Everything I learned about Louisa was all from each persons bias, ignorance or brief knowledge of her. One thing that was hard for me to get used to was that each person seemed to have a similar voice. I imagine that this is because it’s the same author but it felt a bit unrealistic.
So many tragic things happened to the people in this book. I was wondering when anyone would get a break! But I guess that during the inquisition nobody is going to be let off the hook!
I have never read about this era. I was surprised at the strange rules of the Catholic Church. The fact that they set up a whole system of spies to police people and get them to report their neighbors was scary. Kind of like the communists but with sins?!
Because Louisa was black, she was ostracized in Spain. I thought it would be better in Mexico but it was just the same. Most people in the community looked upon her as a slovenly, half-breed slave. Because she was very beautiful but quiet they decided she was a tease and a whore. Poor Louisa!
I wish I could have heard Louisa’s side of the story but the book is based on paperwork from the trial of the real Louisa.
I thought the book was interesting and gave it a 3.5 rounded up.
Trigger warnings: sex, child abuse, lewd acts, racism and misogyny.
Many thanks to Erika Rummel and Dundrun press for the ARC via NetGalley!!...more
The Girl on the Boat is told from Sophie’s point of view. She is a Jewish refugee who, along with her family, fled from Germany after the terrible KriThe Girl on the Boat is told from Sophie’s point of view. She is a Jewish refugee who, along with her family, fled from Germany after the terrible Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938. This was before the annihilation of the Jewish people was a well known fact, even to many Jews themselves.
I was surprised to learn this. I hadn’t known that the Nazi’s let any of them go. Sadly, many countries sent them away, refusing to assist them due to vicious propaganda. It was on one of these boats that Sophie befriended 3 other girls. All fleeing for their lives.
I immediately liked Sophie. She has strong character and even though she’s terrified she is able to be a support to her family. Unfortunately all the girls end up separated from each other and their families. Before being spread across the globe Sophie shares a piece of an emerald with each girl, vowing to remember each other and meet again.
Sophie ends up all alone in America. Much of the story is about her struggle to survive alone with her only wish to be united with her family. She ends up receiving help from a black woman and it was this relationship that brings to light the similarities between black and Jewish racism. Something I would have never thought of.
Sophie does a lot of ruminating about how bad she feels to have the privilege of being in America while her family is suffering. She dwells on it constantly. I felt like author really wanted me to imagine how it would feel.
Sophie finally finds some stability and plans for her future and that’s where this novel ends on a cliffhanger.
One of the major plot points of the story is the conspiracy theory that the United States knew of the attack on Pearl Harbor but allowed it to happen to convince American people to support the war. I hadn’t hear of this before so it caused me to do additional research.
Overall, I liked the book and learned some new things. As for the blurb on the Goodreads page, this book reads more like Kristin Harmel rather than Kate Quinn. To me, Kate Quinn’s books are on the adult side where Kristin Harmel’s are young adult.
TW: attempted rape, racism, suicide misogyny
Many thanks to Kate Hewitt and Bookouture for the ARC via NetGalley!!...more
Right from the start, this book sucked me in and held me captivated. I couldn’t put it down.
Jules, a young, carefree, world traveler is excited to woRight from the start, this book sucked me in and held me captivated. I couldn’t put it down.
Jules, a young, carefree, world traveler is excited to work for her beloved author, Eva Marshall, at a memoir workshop in Guatemala. This is her dream job! Her parents, however, want her to finish college, so she keeps them in dark about the specifics of the job.
Rose, Jules mother is devastated when she learns her daughter has drowned in Guatemala’s Lake Aititlán. The authorities have informed her that it’s unlikely Jules’ body will be found because the lake is the deepest in Central America. Rose decides to go there and learn how this could have happened to her daughter.
The story is told from two points of view; Jules’ and Rose’s. I liked that we get to read Jules’ first person account of what happened leading up to the drowning. Her story is slowly unraveled alternating with chapters from her Mother’s investigation.
The story quickly picks up like a roller coaster and everything comes to a hair-raising ending!!
I would have given it 5 stars but the ending seemed implausible. I have so many questions! But other readers may understand it better than I did. Overall, I really liked this book and would highly recommend it!
Many thanks to Andromeda Romano-Lax and Soho Press for the ARC via NetGalley!!! ...more
So, not being into romance and after seeing great reviews I decided to read Katherine Center’s book Five glorious stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Rom-Commers!!
So, not being into romance and after seeing great reviews I decided to read Katherine Center’s book Hello Stranger. It was the first romance novel I have read in 20 years. I loved it and am slowly making my way through her books, so when I was approved for an advanced copy of Rom-Commers from NetGalley I was so excited!
Rom-Commers did not disappoint. I think it’s my favorite so far! And Patti Murin does a wonderful job narrating it.
Emma is a sweet FMC who has put her life on hold to care for her disabled father. The biggest thing she has put on hold is her dream of becoming a screen writer.
Charlie Yates is a celebrated screen writer and Emma’s idol! However, he has written a terrible romantic comedy and when his manager enlists Emma to help Charlie with it he balks. He NEVER works with other writers!! So starts the journey of two people who end up half heartedly working together.
I liked the playful banter and crazy situations they go through together. Charlie has his own problems and doesn’t share them. He just flounders along hiding them from Emma hoping to get the job done.
The ending is so sweet! And that’s how I happily expected it to be. There was just the right amount of tension between them to keep you wondering if it would really work out.
I was listening to the audiobook and was thrilled to listen to Katherine, herself, talk about why romance novels are so important to read and why they don’t deserve to be laughed at and put on a back burner. As I listened to her speak, I began to tear up. Her words resonated with me. Deep in my heart! I don’t care how silly that makes me seem. The joy that comes with finishing her book is very fulfilling. ❤️
May she have many more rom-com converts!
Many thanks to Katherine Center and Macmillian Audio for the ARC via NetGalley!
When a young woman is found dead inside a burned farmhouse, officer Vidar Jörgensson witnesses the aftermath and helps to put the suspect, Edvard ChriWhen a young woman is found dead inside a burned farmhouse, officer Vidar Jörgensson witnesses the aftermath and helps to put the suspect, Edvard Christensson, behind bars.
Edvard’s ten year old nephew, Isak, is in disbelief that his uncle could be capable of such a thing. No one was closer to Isak than his beloved uncle and with him in prison, Isak is left to cope alone. The murder has left a stain on the family and they are ostracized by the small community.
The story follows Isak’s as he navigates his path to adulthood. At the same time Vidar, whose life has also been changed by the murder, keeps a watchful eye on Isak.
I enjoyed this book. The personalities of the characters were described well. I liked learning how the police investigation went from Vidar’s point of view. Especially how much he had to go through to make sure he sent the right person to prison.
I was shocked at all that happened. I can’t say because of spoilers but the story is thrilling! Lots of suspense and hair raising moments.
This is not an over the top, unbelievable, crime thriller. This is an intense police investigation. I would say it’s closer to Ann Cleeves that a Riley Sager.
The author, Christopher Carlsson, is a professor of criminology as well as a highly admired Scandinavian crime writer. I look forward to reading all his books!
TW: sex, murder, violence, death.
Many thanks to Christopher Carlsson and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC via NetGalley!!...more
Darling Girls pulled me in immediately and I was engrossing by the wild storyline. I was interested in the backstory of the three foster girls. How diDarling Girls pulled me in immediately and I was engrossing by the wild storyline. I was interested in the backstory of the three foster girls. How did they end up in a foster home? Why didn’t they run away?
The present story about what they were currently doing in life was interesting but because the past and present were alternating chapters I found myself wanting to skip the present to learn the past.
The way Sally Hepworth created the characters as adults was interesting. I could see how their treatment as children formed their adult personalities. It’s a very sad story.
Without revealing too much, the end was absolutely crazy. I felt like I could rationalize the sad ending because of what happened but the twist made it over the top for me. I just can’t fathom anyone being so evil!!!
I gave the story 3 stars because it enticed me to keep reading but by the end it was too “ over the top”
TW: child abuse, sexual innuendos, rape, pedophilia, violence and murder. However, the rape and pedophilia are not detailed, only alluded to.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the arc via NetGalley....more
Oh my gosh, this is such a captivating book. I had no idea how fast paced and cutthroat the world of reporting is!! I love that Christina Estes was inOh my gosh, this is such a captivating book. I had no idea how fast paced and cutthroat the world of reporting is!! I love that Christina Estes was inspired to write, Off The Air, by her many years as a professional reporter. It made me feel like I was behind the scenes watching it all happen.
At the beginning of the book, when a murder is announced it seemed like Jolene, the main character would easily be the first to report the story. I was amazed at how easily the story slipped away from her. All the reporters were trying to be the first to get an interview from a witness or anyone who had a clue to who the murderer was. It was like a room full of squirrels fighting for one nut!!
Jolene is a tough character though and she relentlessly chases her story. That was one of the most interesting parts of the book, all of the different ways that Jolene would go about trying to get new information before anyone else could. She is pretty creative and daring.
Throughout the whole story I could not guess who the murderer was, and I was very surprised at the ending which is always nice.
This is a fun, quick book.
There is a content advisory in the back of the book which lists references to abandonment, ageism animal cruelty, child neglect, classism, homelessness, racism, sexism, sexual coercion, and substance abuse. They are referenced , but none in detail.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and Christina Estes for the free arc provided by NetGalley! ...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. Was it a victim who leaves a note telling everyone who to suspect if they are murdered?I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book. Was it a victim who leaves a note telling everyone who to suspect if they are murdered? Was it someone who knew they were going to be murdered and wanted to stop it before it happened? My interest was piqued!
How to Solve Your Own Murder starts in the past when, as a teen, Francis receives a foreboding future from a fortune teller. ( That’s a tongue-twister!)
From there is skips to the present as Francis’ great-niece, Annie, is summoned to her aunts house for a meeting about her future inheritance. Why would Francis want her to inherit anything? Annie has never even met Francis! Annie agrees to go and that’s when everything goes haywire.
From the moment Annie arrives at Castle knoll, it’s clear that there are several people who want part of Aunt Francis’ money.
The story goes back and forth between Francis’ 1965 diary and the present with Annie. There are a lot of creepy suspects and I kept going back and forth thinking I knew who the villain was. In the end I was totally wrong!
There are a lot of fun clues and suspenseful situations. Some are highly unbelievable but kept me reading.
Francis’ diary was like a soap-opera so that was a bit spicy and weird! She had quite the time in high school! I kept thinking, who does that?!?!
Anyway, it was a fun, suspenseful/ cozy murder mystery.
Many thanks to Kristin Perrin and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC vía NetGalley!!...more
I was very interested in the blurb for this book; A police officer concealing her identity while stranded amongst a group of neighbors and one of themI was very interested in the blurb for this book; A police officer concealing her identity while stranded amongst a group of neighbors and one of them is a murderer.
It was an intriguing read and the beginning of the story held my attention right away. G. N. Smith does a great job of introducing Fiona who is a very capable and like-able character. She is quick thinking and fact oriented. She needs to be in order to outwit the killer and prevent any further murders.
The story was easy to follow until I came to the very detailed descriptions of Fiona’s physical movements. Maybe it was because I was listening to the audio but I just couldn’t understand what was happening. I kept rewinding and trying to picture the sequences in my mind but I just couldn’t grasp them. I was lost after that because the book is quite full of detailed paragraphs of how the water and people moved in the storm. I feel like The Flood would make a great action film though!
The other thing I had a hard time with was that Fiona voices every thought she has and why. There are detailed explanations to why or why not so-and-so was the killer. This happened repeatedly with the same suspects as she wavered back and forth in her suspicions.
The ending was very abrupt. As I was waiting for the next sentence the narrator let me know if I wanted to know more I could find out in the sequel. That was kind of funny.
Something I learned that I didn’t know was what an Aga is. Because of the narrators accent I had to guess the spelling but I found out it’s a traditional Scottish stove. There are plenty Aga images on Google and I found them pretty interesting.
All in all, it was a fun read but I wish I could have understood more of what was happening.
Many thanks to Bookouture Audio and G. N. Smith for the arc via NetGalley. ...more
What an outstanding book! I loved Rita right away and was eager to hear her story. She was a Dutch child living in a Japanese prison camp on the IndonWhat an outstanding book! I loved Rita right away and was eager to hear her story. She was a Dutch child living in a Japanese prison camp on the Indonesian Island of Java during WW2. The story is mainly told from her point of view but also includes her father and mother.
The Dutch occupation of the East Indies is not something I was familiar with so it was very interesting. Rita’s family was living on Java when Holland declared war on Japan and in return the Japanese conquered Indonesia. There were many POW camps but Rita’s happened to be controlled by a sadistic commander. It was heartbreaking to read about the brutal conditions she and others endured.
The thing that struck me the most is how, at her young age, she was such a help to her mother and family. She tried hard not to complain or bring unnecessary attention to her family so that they would stay under the radar and not be in a position to be punished. What a hard thing for a child to do between the ages of 5-8!
I was saddened to learn that when the Japanese lost and the Indonesians won their country back, they wanted revenge on the Dutch by killing them. I can understand how after having their country taken over by Holland, they would be glad to finally have it back, but it was sad to imagine how scary it would be to think you are finally free from the Japanese only to have to try and get away from the Indonesians without being shot by snipers. And then, on a final trip home most of them died from illness.
Heather B. Moore wrote, Under the Java Moon, after listening to Rita tell the true story in her own words. Heather mentions what parts are facts vs fiction and includes extensive chapter notes, a selected bibliography and discussion questions as well. There is even an afterward written by Rita herself!
I am thankful I was able to read and learn about Rita, her family and many others who lived through this terrible war.
Many thanks to Heather B. Moore and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC via NetGalley!...more
The Enemy Beside Me, is a heavy read due to the retelling of monstrosities committed against the Jews by the Lithuanians. This is something I had neveThe Enemy Beside Me, is a heavy read due to the retelling of monstrosities committed against the Jews by the Lithuanians. This is something I had never heard of before and it was hard to listen to ( I read the audio version ) but it was done in a respectful way. It is fiction based on a true story.
I found Milia and Darius to be strong moral characters. Even though they came from separate backgrounds and were considered enemies they were both concerned with telling the truth. They wanted to make sure that the massacres were not forgotten and that the Lithuanian youth knew the truth about their countries’ past.
At first, not being Jewish, my thought was, why does it matter after all this time? The children had no part in what their ancestors did. But Naomi Ragen addresses this in the book. To forget what had happened was to behave as if those dear people were worthless. That they had never existed. Thrown away as trash (Which they were.) That is not to say that monstrosities weren’t committed against the non-Jewish Lithuanians as well, but to totally forget one people over another so that your country’s reputation is not blemished is appalling.
Of course, there is much more going on in the book but I don’t want to spoil anything. It is an intense, enlightening and beautiful read. Learning that people are willing to stand up for truth, no matter the consequences left me with hope in my heart.
Many thanks to Macmillian Audio and Naomi Ragen for the ARC via NetGalley!...more
What a sneaky book! Even though the blurb gives the premise away ( that Evie’s job is to secretly infiltrate a clients life with a fake persona ) therWhat a sneaky book! Even though the blurb gives the premise away ( that Evie’s job is to secretly infiltrate a clients life with a fake persona ) there were many twists that I never saw coming!
First Lie Wins keep you on your toes! The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the twists are so twisty I couldn’t keep them straight! Maybe that’s my own fault, but I couldn’t keep up and had to reread parts to make sure I understood everything!
If you like suspense and trying to figure out who the villain is you will like this book. Ashley Elston is one clever writer!
Many thanks to Penguin Group Viking, Pamela Dorman Books and Ashley Elston for the arc via NetGalley!!
This book is immensely emotional. It is about the death of a child. It’s told from two different realities. The first one takes you through the extremThis book is immensely emotional. It is about the death of a child. It’s told from two different realities. The first one takes you through the extreme grief of losing a child and the second one imagines what life would be like if that hadn’t happened.
Because this has never happened to me or anyone that I know, this was an eye-opening glimpse at the the surface of that grief, that I can never truly understand. I felt deeply for the mom and how sad it was that she felt like it was her fault!
The timeline where her child lives on, is a look at how differently we can view life when it’s taken for granted. The message I have taken from this book is to love and care for my loved ones as they are, with all their imperfections, and not to worry about the trivial things in life.
Another part of story is the romance issues the mom goes through during both timelines. She has a great need for love and physical comfort but doesn’t want to make any rash decisions.
I am glad I read this book and I am grateful for the ARC I received from Harper Muse Audiobooks via NetGalley....more
**spoiler alert** DNF Because of content. I knew this book contained OCD but not trypophobia or mysophobia, and I have both disorders.
K. T. Nguyen is**spoiler alert** DNF Because of content. I knew this book contained OCD but not trypophobia or mysophobia, and I have both disorders.
K. T. Nguyen is a fabulous writer though! She made me experience the fears just by reading her descriptions. I wish I was brave enough to finish the story. It’s riveting!
Many thanks to Penguin Group Dutton and K.T. Nguyen for the ARC via NetGalley!...more
I had never heard of the Scottish Clearances and also didn’t know about the contention between the different church denominations in 1840 Scotland. As I had never heard of the Scottish Clearances and also didn’t know about the contention between the different church denominations in 1840 Scotland. As I understand, because of the contention, John, a minister, has little money because he has few members in his church. To supplement his income he takes on the job of evicting a remaining solitary tenant, Ivar, from a landlords island. This task is made almost impossible when John has a terrible accident and additionally can’t understand Ivan’s language.
I enjoyed seeing the island through John’s eyes. The descriptions are written beautifully. I could “see” the island and “feel” the atmosphere. The descriptions of Ivar’s food and daily activities were very interesting. I was drawn in by this gentle story and couldn’t wait to find out the ending.
That’s where I had to suspend my belief. It seemed very contrived and out of character for a staunch, religious man who felt that even dancing was a sin. The addition of the wife coming to find her beloved husband and delightfully accepting the situation seemed unreal.
If it weren’t for the ending I would have given the book 5 stars but it just didn’t seem real. Especially in the 1840’s.
Many thanks to Carys Davies and Scribner for the ARC via NetGalley. ...more