The Stranger

The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First and foremost, I have to say that the characters in the story were incredibly complex and well-developed. I was completely engrossed in getting to know Tibby and Walker’s characters and their backstories. However, the villain’s story was downright creepy and sent shivers down my spine every time the protagonist’s monologue came in. Despite this, the way the characters were developed throughout the novel was excellent.

Secondly, the author did a fantastic job of keeping me guessing about the identity of the perpetrator. I was on edge the entire time, and the reveal of the villain’s identity was incredibly satisfying. The plot was well-crafted, with the perfect pace and number of characters.

As I read through the novel, I couldn’t help but notice that several aspects of the story seemed to resemble Hitchcock’s film scenarios. While this was both a good and bad thing, it did make me feel a bit uncertain about how I felt about the book as a whole. There were moments when I found myself getting bored with the plot and questioning if it was worth continuing, but then the story would take an unexpected turn, and I would find myself completely engrossed once again.

However, while the book did have some similarities to other stories I’ve read before, the final plot twists were truly satisfying and made up for any feelings of deja vu. Overall, I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy suspenseful and thrilling stories.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy.



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Darling Girls

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sally Hepworth has crafted a masterpiece with her latest novel, “Darling Girls.” The book delves into the lives of children in foster care, and the unique experience they share with one particular character. The story is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The story centers around the girls, but the real main character of the novel is a vicious foster mother. She deftly navigates the complicated foster care system, using it to her advantage for personal gain. Hepworth’s writing is so vivid and descriptive that I felt I was with the characters, experiencing every moment of their lives.

The three main characters are beautifully portrayed, each with a distinct personality and backstory. The author’s ability to bring these characters to life is truly remarkable. I was especially impressed with how she showed the power of friendship and the unbreakable bond that can form between people from vastly different backgrounds.

The novel’s different timelines and the unveiling of secrets throughout add to the intrigue and suspense. I was captivated by every twist and turn, and the ending left me both satisfied and wanting more.

In conclusion, “Darling Girls” is an outstanding novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read. I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of the book and allowing me to experience this incredible story.



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The Clock Struck Murder

The Clock Struck Murder by Betty Webb

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I recently had the pleasure of reading a captivating novel set in the enchanting city of Paris during the roaring 20s. From the outset, it was clear that the author had a deep love and understanding of the city, which made for a fantastic backdrop to a thrilling story.

Although I hadn’t read the first book in the series, I was able to jump right into the story, thanks to the author’s skillful weaving of Zoe’s backstory into the narrative. I enjoyed the mystery elements of the story, which kept me intrigued throughout. And the characters were well-drawn and engaging, making me care about what happened to them.

However, I did find that the pacing of the novel was a bit slow, which detracted slightly from my enjoyment. Nonetheless, the plot was strong and kept me engaged until the end. I particularly appreciated Zoe’s passion for helping struggling artists, which added a layer of depth to her character.

As a lover of all things Parisian, I would have liked to have seen more of the city and its environs in the novel. Nonetheless, the glimpses of life in Paris in the Roaring 20s were well done, and I appreciated the historical context.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for an engaging mystery set in the City of Light. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of this wonderful novel.



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The Baby

The Baby by A.J. McDine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This captivating story completely engrossed me. It reminded me of “The Girl on the Train” with its thrilling plot and complex characters. The main character’s struggle with alcohol addiction leads her to a peculiar situation where she finds herself with a baby. But this is no ordinary baby. It’s the baby she has been yearning for, for many years. The story takes an exciting turn when her husband appears and uniquely takes on this unusual situation. The characters’ interactions are so well crafted that the story takes off with many phenomenal twists, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

I was drawn in by the vividly portrayed location, the secrets, and the twists and turns. The ending brought much-needed closure to the characters, and I felt the novel had gone full circle, arriving at the perfect ending. I would recommend this novel to my fellow mystery readers. It’s a fast-paced read, ideal for a cozy night with a glass of wine.

I am grateful to Netgalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of the novel, which allowed me to immerse myself in this brilliant story.



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Mother of the Bride

Mother of the Bride by Samantha Hayes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“Mother of the Bride” was an entertaining book, albeit with some flaws. While the storyline was moderately engaging, the main character, Lizzy, left much to be desired. Her lackluster personality and, oftentimes, nonsensical decisions made it difficult to connect with her. Despite being presented with obvious facts, Lizzy repeatedly ignored or excused them, which was quite bewildering.

Furthermore, the mother of the bride was portrayed as having a unique and quirky personality, which made her an interesting character. However, it was rather peculiar that she suddenly transformed into a lucid and normal individual towards the end of the book. Although the thrilling aspect of the story was well-executed, the character development could have been more consistent and believable.

Despite this, the story itself was decently crafted. However, what truly captured my attention was the novel’s finale. The final twist was utterly unexpected, and it was the perfect way to conclude the story. I was left with a sense of awe and admiration for the author’s clever storytelling.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for free.



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The Queen: Her Life

The Queen: Her Life by Andrew Morton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an absolute gem that delves into the life of Queen Elizabeth, the longest-serving monarch in English history. It offers an exquisite portrayal of her reign, full of magnificent and, at times, challenging moments.

As an avid reader of English royalty, I have always been captivated by the lives of Queen Victoria, her daughter-in-law Queen Alexandra, and, more recently, Queen Elizabeth II. However, this book has exceeded my expectations by featuring some amazing information on Queen Elizabeth’s early years, particularly her service as a machine mechanic during WWII, which provided her with a fantastic opportunity to help her country during wartime.

Furthermore, what makes Queen Elizabeth’s character so fascinating is not only the fact that she became a head of state at a young age, but also her remarkable ability to reign over her country and family. Despite living her life in the public eye, with constant criticism, she has managed to face the challenges with admirable grace and dignity.

This book also illuminates her children’s relationships, providing intriguing and enlightening insight into their lives. Overall, it is an excellent read, with all the known details and some hidden details that were kept from public eyes and ears. It is a fast-paced, wonderfully written book that is sure to captivate anyone interested in the life of this remarkable monarch.



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A Woman Makes a Plan

A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success by Maye Musk

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After reading the book, I’m left with mixed feelings. On one hand, Maye Musk’s life story and the challenges she faced are truly remarkable and inspiring. She has had to overcome significant obstacles, and her perseverance and determination are commendable.

However, while reading the book, I couldn’t help but notice that some details seemed misleading or missing altogether. This made me question the accuracy of the biography part of the novel. Unfortunately, I found that some specific facts stated in the book did not match what Maye’s children had shared in multiple interviews, which were also confirmed by her relatives and friends. Despite this, I still admire Maye’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

One aspect of the book that stood out to me was Maye’s passion for nutrition and lifelong dedication to this field. She thoughtfully explained her journey, highlighting the challenges she faced and her successes along the way. This part of the book was truly inspiring and well-written.

Overall, while the book has its inspiring moments, I found that it lacked a good structure. Nevertheless, I remain intrigued and look forward to reading her first published book.



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The Teacher’s Secret

The Teacher’s Secret by Lauren North

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book’s plot was intricate, and it consisted of numerous characters, each with their own set of secrets that were partially revealed as the story progressed. The complexity of the plot made it somewhat challenging to follow the novel. However, the ending was satisfying, as it provided a resolution to the story, exposed the main character’s secrets, and clarified the purpose of the novel.

Despite the challenges experienced while reading, the book was definitely worth reading. It was a well-written novel that kept me engaged throughout. However, I felt that the plot could have been shorter, and some of the secondary characters and their roles could have been omitted, as they added more complexity to the story without contributing significantly to the plot.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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Falling in Line

Falling in Line by Kasey Stockton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“Falling In Line” is a captivating novel that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The book is a perfect romance that explores the theme of second chances and the importance of owning up to our mistakes. The author has done an excellent job of crafting a well-structured plot with great character development. Each character has a unique personality, and their interactions with each other are both heartwarming and humorous.

The book’s pacing is fast, making it effortless and delightful. After reading a string of intense thrillers and historical dramas, this book provided me with a much-needed break and a refreshing change.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most about the novel was the charming bookshop that served as the backdrop for the story. It was delightful to see how the characters’ lives revolved around it.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of this remarkable book.



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I Let Her In

I Let Her In by Maria Frankland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I Let Her In” is an intriguing and unsettling tale that explores the theme of revenge and justice, offering a captivating blend of mystery and thriller genres. At times, I found myself fascinated by the story but also unsettled by its dark and creepy atmosphere. The characters in the novel were complex and well-developed, and I appreciated the different perspectives from which the story was told. Despite the fact that the identity of the villain was clear from the beginning, the plot remained engaging and kept me hooked until the very end.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the novel was the plot’s pacing. It was fitting, neither too slow nor too fast, and kept me on the edge of my seat. The story held my attention from start to finish, and the ending was rough and graphic, leaving a deep impression. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel, as it is both thought-provoking and thrilling.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank NetGalley for providing me with a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Berlin Letters

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This extraordinary novel tells the story that begins and ends on the day when the Berlin Wall is erected and subsequently demolished. It traces the life journey of a family torn apart by political differences across three generations and their experiences during the tumultuous history on both sides of the wall. However, the story takes a thrilling twist when Luisa, the protagonist, uncovers her family’s secret.

The author’s focus on the characters’ lives when the Berlin Wall separated Berlin and the surrounding countries into two worlds is a brilliant concept. Luisa’s family’s lives underwent a radical change on both occasions, and it is captivating to witness their journey through such turbulent times. The novel vividly highlights two crucial historical events. Even though it is a work of fiction, it impeccably captures the lives of many Germans during those significant moments in history.

The characters’ bravery is commendable, and the novel’s rapid yet detailed pace keeps you engaged throughout. It is a beautiful piece of historical fiction that is a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre. It inspires readers to research further and refresh their knowledge of the history of “the Iron Curtain.”



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The Secrets Next Door

The Secrets Next Door by Sally Royer-Derr

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Secrets Next Door” is a gripping novel that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as it explores the themes of love, betrayal, and healing.

The heart of the story lies in the two main characters, Talia and Tabitha, who are twins but couldn’t be more different. Talia is outgoing, confident, and carefree, while Tabitha is introverted, anxious, and cautious. Despite their opposing personalities, they share a close bond that begins to unravel when a new neighbour enters the picture.

As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey of discovery as the twins’ deepest secrets are revealed. Each twin has kept secrets from the other, and this leads to a growing rift between them. The story explores how the twins’ relationship is affected by their differing perspectives on life, possessions, and self-worth.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy for readers to follow the plot. The ending is satisfying and brings closure to the story while leaving room for the reader’s imagination to wander. I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced and free copy of this enthralling novel.



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