The Couple In The Cabin

The Couple In The Cabin by Daniel Hurst

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Upon her arrival at home, unannounced, Grace finds her beloved husband in the arms of his young lover. In her angry state, she locks the lovers in the cabin.

Great idea of the plot, however, the writing and presentation were a bit unnatural. At times it felt forced and overstated. Great set of characters followed by a fast and smooth flow of the storyline. I look forward to Daniel Hurst’s new novels in the future.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.



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The Girl With The Yellow Star

The Girl With the Yellow Star by Natalie Meg Evans

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cornwall, England, 1943. Never in her wildest dream, Gwenna thought that she would be working alongside german POWs on her beloved family farm. But the circumstances led to the current status, and she had no choice but to accept the help. Besides the three working POWs at the far, Gwenna has another german visitor. Days prior to their arrival, a young Jewish refugee became Gwenna’s guest at the farmhouse. Gwenna is afraid of the conflict that can occur between the working german officers and the Jewish girl. But to her surprise, Lotti and Max develop a unique friendship. Living in a village that has tremendous resentment towards the German nation, the german visitors very quickly warm their way into Gwenna’s heart.

This novel takes on a different direction than all the resistance novels that I am so fond of. It came to my surprise the treatment of german POWs on the territory of England VS the opposite side. Nevertheless, it always warms my heart to read about human kindness no matter the nationality or religion. This novel shows us that love can overcome hate, new experiences would never replace memories and the world moves on.

Wonderful plot, favorable characters, and an overall uplifting novel. There are many heart-stopping situations, so naturally, the tension is palpable throughout, but it makes for a real page-turner. I recommend this novel to my fellow WWII readers as well as romance lovers. Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel, and Natalie Meg Evans for a heartwarming story.



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The Babysitter

The Babysitter by Gemma Rogers

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Her best friend’s baby has been abducted at the park during their weekly walk. She knows who took the baby. But in order to reveal the name of the abductor, she has to tell the truth.

The name of the novel reveals the master manipulator of the novel. And in all honesty, her delusional state gave me full-body chills. Overall, I did enjoy the idea of the plot and all the twists included in it. I wish the parents had more dark secrets revealed, that would absolutely add more stars and suspense to the novel.



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Jacqueline In Paris

Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



1949 Paris welcomes Jacqueline Bouvier with an authentic lifestyle, new friendships, delicious French cuisine, classes in the Sobourne, and first love. And this is not all. Her new experiences involve a visit to the concentration camp, an unpleasant encounter with soviet soldiers, and a trip thru post-war Europe.

I love the way Jackie loved Paris. I felt what she felt walking the streets of Latin quoter, crossing the Alexander Bridge, enjoying the outdoor cafes, and simply appreciating the forever chick Paris. Said that – I enjoyed Ann Mah’s version of Jackie’s year in Paris, and learned a few new and interesting details about America’s First Lady. Although I found this novel quite charming, I was disappointed with the ending. The tense build-up of the communist subject simply dissolved at the end. Throughout the novel, I assumed Jacqueline had stronger involvement in the party. Overall, it is a good, light, and entertaining read. Jacqueline in Paris is pure work of fiction based on the details of Jackie’s time in the city of lights.

Thank you Mariner Books publisher for a free copy of the novel.



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The Nurse’s Secret

The Nurse’s Secret by Liz Lawler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Sarah may be thirty-something years of age, but like a cat, she has lived multiple lives. Today she is a new wife and a beloved and well-experienced nurse. Unfortunately, her bad luck strikes again, and her husband William is found dead at their home. The main detective in charge of William’s case is Sarah’s ex-lover. On top of this, her fellow nurse assumes the role of a mother hen, and Sarah finds herself in an awkward situation.

Revenge is a word that comes to my mind when I think of this novel. The main job of the nurse is to provide comfort and support to the patient. But our nurse leaves multiple dead bodies behind her. The plot of “The Nurse’s Secret” is a combination of multiple secrets that are revealed throughout the novel. I must admit, the storyline was too busy for my liking. Too many characters with their own agenda and backstories. I did like the finale of the novel, not the typical happy-ending, but a very optimistic one. Makes me wonder if there will be a sequel to this book.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review.



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Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Catherine, our young remarkably innocent heroine finds herself in the shoes of characters from her beloved novels. She meets her prince charming, falls in love, and gets her heart broken. And all of this is taking place in the grand and hunted Northanger Abbey.

I am kicking myself for not reading this novel sooner. First, it is a short and heartwarming book. Full of a dark and cold castle, locked rooms, mysterious deaths, and chilling stories. Jane Austen’s writing is impeccable, as always, and I’ve enjoyed that atmospheric suspense that she’s been made famous for.



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The It Girl

The It Girl by Ruth Ware

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Ten years ago, Hannah found her best friend and roommate strangled on the floor of their room. Today, the man convicted of the crime has died in prison. And this event sparks new memories in Hannah’s head. The obsession with the old trauma begins. After speaking to the group of her college friends, Hannah begins to suspect that she has identified the wrong man as her friend’s murderer.

I am a long-time fan of Ruth Ware. One of her tricks is to let the reader spot the villain early in the novel, but puzzle them with the way they have performed their evil mission. Loved the plot, and absolutely enjoyed the way the events of the fatal night got untangled at the end. BUT, I just could not stand Hannah. Her constantly indecisive and whiney character irritated me to my bones. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed the novel and would recommend it to all my suspense/thriller-loving friends.



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The Lost Girl In Paris

The Lost Girl in Paris by Jina Bacarr

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Emma gets an opportunity of a lifetime – a personal invitation, by Madame De Cadieux to join her on the return trip back to Paris in the exchange for an exclusive interview.

It was Angéline’s dream one day to write the true story of her early life and her involvement in the resistance. The connection she feels with a young journalist gives her an opportunity to fulfill her dream.

But when the women sit down and begin their work, they uncover a very unique secret.

I love reading about the resistance, and the lives of the concentration camp survivors. If Emma was a real character – I would love to be her friend. Now, back to the novel. Great idea for the book, but a dull plot. I could tell from the very first pages that the two heroines are related. There was no secret it in. Tiena’s story was heartbreaking, and I do not think she fulfilled her revenge in the end. The scene that led to Angéline’s arrest was simply absurd. She gave up her mother’s bracelet, but could not give her friend’s coat away. Where’s the logic?

Am I regretting the time spent on this novel – not really. It could be better, but it is still a beautiful, light, heartwarming read. I would recommend this book to readers that begin to learn of the Nazi-occupied Paris.



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The Marriage Lie

The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Iris’s worst nightmare is upon her. A phone call informing that Will was on a plane that was crushed on the way to its destination. But there is one detail, a very important one – Will was on the way to Orlando, and the plane that crashed was en route to… Seattle. Was it a mistake or deliberate deceit? With the help of her twin brother, Iris begins to analyze her current widow status, her marriage, and her husband.

Secret life, fraud, deception – this novel has it all. At first, it seems like a simple plot, a husband who lives a double life. On some level it is true, but there is so much more. And the ending is simply plausible. Kimberly Belle puller an astonishing ploy at the very end of the novel. This is my first book by the author and I find her writing impeccable.

The Marriage Lie is a riveting, well-developed, and captivating novel. It’s fast pacing, one or two sit-read. Sip your glass of wine, lay on your favorite couch, silence your loved ones and begin to enjoy this wonderful thriller!



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Lavender House

Lavender House by Lev A.C. Rosen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Andy is invited to Lavender House to solve the mystery behind the death of the family’s matriarch. The peculiar house and its tenants come as a big surprise to him. While dealing with a recent personal life-changing event, Andy throws himself head first into the unusual case. One by one, he learns of the residents’ secrets and future plans, and nothing escape’s Andy’s witty eye. At last, he is ready to announce the fatal murderer…

The novel is written in good ole Agatha Christie style. Love the LGBT vibe of the novel. I would label this as a cozy mystery, it’s a fast and pleasant read. Andy Mills is my absolute favorite character, and hope this is the first of his many mysteries.

Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.



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The Ex Wives

The Ex Wives by Jenna Kernan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


When they met – Jackson swept Alana off her feet. A handsome husband secured a glamorous lifestyle and a bright future for her daughter – she feels as if she has hit a jackpot. But behind Jackson’s charming and generous smile, hides a manipulative and dangerous side that makes Alana question his true motives. And only a year after their lavish wedding, she is looking for a way out of her marriage. But that’s when she learns the truth…

The Ex Wives is a typical phycological thriller about a single mother living in poverty, who comes across a prince charming, who swipes her onto his dark and shiny horse and puts her into a golden cage. We all know that story. And that’s when Jenna Kernan comes in. Her main character uses multiple tactics to free herself and her daughter from the hands of her scheming husband, but she is unsuccessful. Going to the police is not an option. Jackson’s family is running the town they live in. The only way out of this horrific marriage is to expose the entire family. And everything starts with a photograph in the unmarked box.

This thriller is an addictive read. I enjoyed all twists and turns of the plot, and there were a lot of them. If you are looking for a quick suspense read – I highly recommend this novel, as it has an unexpected and twisty finale waiting for you at the end of the book. Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.



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The Man In The Brown Suit

The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Young Anne Beddingfeld has come to London in search of new advantage. And it didn’t take her a long time to find it, the opportunity literally fell in front of her on the train platform. A mystery man, dead on a platform, with a puzzling note that reads “17.1 22 Kilmorden Castle”. Our young lady wastes no time, with a collaboration with the local newspaper she begins an investigation that takes her on board a luxurious liner “Kilmorden Castle”, where she will discover decade long conspiracy.

My love for Mrs. Christie’s novels began over 20 years ago. I am having a hard time finding modern books that leave me with the same excitement as Mrs. Christie’s books. Her characters are witty, misleading, and very intriguing. It has been a while since I picked up Mrs. Christie’s novel, and I was happy to find myself in a midst of the 1920s diamond scheme. Although I enjoyed the novel, the plot was long and it took a long time to get to an interesting part. But once I got there, the twists and turns of the novel were worth the time spent on the book. Agatha Christie has the ability to involve her large cast of characters in the novel and give each and everyone a functional role.

The Man In The Brown Suit is an absorbing historical detective novel, full of fun and quick-witted personages and a fascinating diamond venture.



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