A History of Insanity and the Asylum: Not of Sound Mind by Juliana CummingsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Pen & Sword via NetGalley.
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Thursday, December 29, 2022
Review: A History of Insanity and the Asylum: Not of Sound Mind
A History of Insanity and the Asylum: Not of Sound Mind by Juliana CummingsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Pen & Sword via NetGalley.
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Review: Little Rumours
Little Rumours by Bryony PearceMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received a copy of this book from HarperCollins via Edelweiss+.
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Review: All the Dark Places
All the Dark Places by Terri ParlatoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Edelweiss+.
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Review: One Last Secret
One Last Secret by Adele ParksMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing via NetGalley.
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Monday, October 17, 2022
Review: The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris
The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy WoodMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via Edelweiss+
Paris, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear. Everything except his last beacon of hope: his beloved bookshop, La Page Cachée.
But when a young woman and her child knock on his door one night and beg for refuge, he knows his only option is to risk it all once more to save a life…
Modern day: Juliette and her husband have finally made it to France on the romantic getaway of her dreams—but as the days pass, all she discovers is quite how far they’ve grown apart. She’s craving a new adventure, so when she happens across a tiny, abandoned shop with a for-sale sign in the window, it feels fated.
Just like with most of these duel time World War II books, I was vastly more interested in the actual World War II story time than I was with the modern day narrative. The hope in a hopeless situation really got me with this particular book.
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Sunday, October 16, 2022
ARC Review: Cradles of the Reich y Jennifer Coburn
Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer CoburnMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
Set in Heim Hochland, a Nazi breeding home in Bavaria, this novel explores the intertwined fates of three women during World War II. Gundi, a pregnant university student and secret member of the resistance; Hilde, an enthusiastic supporter of the Nazi cause, thrilled to bear an official's child; and Irma, a nurse seeking to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy. As members of the Lebensborn Society, these women face tremendous risks and sacrifices. Inspired by real historical events, the story delves into the clandestine operations of these maternity homes, where babies deemed "racially fit" were taken from their mothers to be raised in the new Germany. Amidst the darkness, the novel highlights the power of connections and the resilience of women, showcasing their capacity for heroism in the most challenging of times.
This is a must-read for fans of Kate Quinn and little-known World War II stories. The different perspectives of the women at the Lebensborn Society was fascinating to read about. The stark contrast between Gundi and Hilde was a great balance. While the ending, in my opinion, left a bit to be desired, the majority of the book was well-written and engaging.
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Review: The New Couple
The New Couple by Alison JamesMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Sunday, September 25, 2022
Review: My Husband’s Secret
My Husband’s Secret by L.G. DavisMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Monday, September 12, 2022
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Review: Who's Lying Now
Who's Lying Now by Susan LewisMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received a copy of the book from Harper 360 via NetGalley.
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Review: The Beach Party
The Beach Party by Amy SheppardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Sunday, August 28, 2022
Review: The Librarian Spy
The Librarian Spy by Madeline MartinMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Harper Collins via Edelweiss+.
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Review: The Italian Ballerina
The Italian Ballerina by Kristy CambronMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley.
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Thursday, August 18, 2022
ARC Review: The Couple at Causeway Cottage by Diane Jeffrey
The Couple at Causeway Cottage by Diane JeffreyMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
Kat and Mark seek a fresh start on a secluded island, hoping to build the family they've always desired. However, their seemingly idyllic new life quickly reveals cracks in their marriage. Trust issues arise as Mark continues to communicate with his ex-wife, while Kat hides a questionable friendship. Unbeknownst to each other, they both harbor a powerful secret from the past that threatens to disrupt their fragile relationship.
The beginning of this book started out really enticing. It did keep me on the edge of my seat most of the time. I felt that the ending really fell flat from the build-up of the first part of the story.
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Saturday, August 13, 2022
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Review: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa UngerMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from HarperCollins via Edelweiss+
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Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Review: The Cabin in the Woods by Sarah Alderson - ARC
The Cabin in the Woods by Sarah AldersonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley.
In a cabin in a wood, A woman by the window stood. Glancing out, she thought she heard. Footsteps, whistling, something stirred. Hiding here, she fears the night, for what’s done in the dark will come to light.
While this book was a fast-paced read and gripping for the most part I also found parts to be rather dull. This is a typical 'nice' husband story coupled with the rich person's ability to get away with pretty much anything they want. A rags-to-riches, life is not fair motif.
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Monday, June 6, 2022
Review: The Girl With No Name
The Girl With No Name by Reine AndrieuMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Hodder & Stoughton via NetGalley.
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Review: The School for German Brides
The School for German Brides by Aimie K. RunyanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from William Morrow and Custom House via NetGalley.
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Review: A Girl During the War
A Girl During the War by Anita AbrielMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley.
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Monday, May 16, 2022
Review: Death at the Dinner Party
Death at the Dinner Party by Emma DaviesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Review: A Book Of Murder by Victoria Dowd - ARC
A Book Of Murder by Victoria DowdMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
The Smart women wangle an invite to crime-fiction powerhouse Anthony Lovell’s latest book launch, a weekend-long bash at his private island home. They’re ready for an evening of wining, dining, and hobnobbing with the literati. But the trouble is never far behind where the Smart women are concerned. Late that night, Ursula is awakened by blood-curdling screams. Anthony’s been poisoned. By the same rare — and potentially deadly — fugu fillet that was the highlight of the evening feast. One of the guests is a murderer. But who? As the courtroom drama unfolds, and the Smart women are called in as witnesses, Ursula’s convinced there’s more to this murder than meets the eye.
I was so excited about this book when I read the description. I was like 'Oh my god, this will be a fantastic Agatha Cristie-esque book' but sadly the excitement fell short for me. I had a hard time making it through the first few chapters. I thought this book was a snoozer from the start and I could never fully get into the story.
I was so excited about this book when I read the description. I was like 'Oh my god, this will be a fantastic Agatha Cristie-esque book' but sadly the excitement fell short for me. I had a hard time making it through the first few chapters. I thought this book was a snoozer from the start and I could never fully get into the story.
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Review: The Daughters
The Daughters by Julia CrouchMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Review: The Bridesmaids by Victoria Jenkins
The Bridesmaids by Victoria JenkinsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.
Holly is getting married, but not before a celebration weekend with her closest friends. After a night of arguments, a body is found floating in the swimming pool of their secluded cottage. Holly must face up to the truth – one of her bridesmaids is a killer, but which one?
I did end up enjoying this book from a whodunit standpoint. I was able to guess a lot of the supposed 'twists' but it did not make the book any less pleasurable for me to read. The ending threw me a bit, but not because of whose body it was but by the humdrum nature of the ending . . . it was strange.
I did end up enjoying this book from a whodunit standpoint. I was able to guess a lot of the supposed 'twists' but it did not make the book any less pleasurable for me to read. The ending threw me a bit, but not because of whose body it was but by the humdrum nature of the ending . . . it was strange.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Review: The Perfect Family
The Perfect Family by Lorna DounaevaMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Inkubator Books via NetGalley.
Victoria has the perfect life. And she’ll do whatever it takes to keep it. For Victoria, image is everything. And on the surface, she has it all - a big house, a successful husband and two beautiful children. But behind the scenes, things are very different. Because Victoria and her husband have a dark secret and she lives in terror of it being discovered, of her perfect facade being shattered forever.
Under massive stress, but still desperately trying to keep up appearances, this is a family that is falling apart. Husband Kit is unable to work. Teenage daughter Anna grows ever more rebellious. And nine-year-old Joey seems increasingly different from other kids. Victoria realizes she has to act now or she will lose everything. And that’s when she has to ask herself - how far is she willing to go, how much is she willing to do, to preserve her perfect family? The answer is beyond shocking and will plunge them all into a nightmare from which they may never wake.
I was very intrigued about how this book started off but really what was that ending? I liked getting each of the different perspectives from Victoria, Anna, and Richie and the way that each was processing the stress of what was going on around them. I thought the beginning of the book was very good and definitely pulled me in as a reader.
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Review: The Perfect Family
The Perfect Family by Lorna DounaevaMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Inkubator Books via NetGalley.
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Review: The Caretaker by Emily Shiner - ARC
The Caretaker by Emily ShinerMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley.
Newlyweds Amy and Tim move into their dream home, anxious to put their rocky past behind them and make a fresh start. But the rambling fixer-upper and its surrounding gardens need more work than they expected, so they decide to hire a live-in caretaker. Paul seems to be the perfect candidate. But he has an ulterior motive – taking the job is just one part of the deadly revenge plan he’s been hatching for years. Soon, Amy starts to notice strange things happening around the house. Tim dismisses her concerns, and tension between the couple starts to build. As the rift between them grows ever wider, Paul sets the final phase of his horrifying plan in motion. Now Amy and Tim are in a fight for survival - and their dream home has become a nightmare from which they may never escape.
What was that??? This book was creepy to the max. The weird revenge vibes morphing into the stalkerish element did not necessarily make for enjoyable reading. I guess Shiner did a great job because I was very put off by the characters.
What was that??? This book was creepy to the max. The weird revenge vibes morphing into the stalkerish element did not necessarily make for enjoyable reading. I guess Shiner did a great job because I was very put off by the characters.
Review: Good Neighbours
Good Neighbours by Mary GrandMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
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Thursday, January 27, 2022
Review: The Killer in the Snow
The Killer in the Snow by Alex PineMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Note: I received a copy of this book from Avon (HarperCollins) via Edelweiss+.
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