The Russia Trap

The Russia Trap: How Our Shadow War with Russia Could Spiral Into Nuclear Catastrophe by George Beebe

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Russia Trap” is a great book that combines a political and economic history of Russia. This book is direct, short and up to the point guide for anyone who is not familiar with the history of Russia after the Cold War. Not only the author introduces the reader to the history of one of the largest countries in the world, but he also explains the relationship between US and Russia, or in other words – “the war behind the scene”.

This book would be a perfect present for any political or eastern European enthusiast. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas Dunne Books publisher for a free and advanced copy of the book.

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Date Night

Date Night by Samantha Hayes

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Date Night” by Samantha Hayes is a book that will suck you in from the start.

A romantic date night that supposed to improve the relationship between Libby and Sean has hit a rock bottom. However, the worst part was waiting for them at home… Although “waiting” is not the correct word. At the end of the night, the couple reports their babysitter missing.

Sasha’s disappearance is not the only issue she is dealing with, recently Libby received a note that informs her of Sean’s infidelity, and discovered a hidden secret present prepared by her husband for someone else. Due to her recent meltdown, Libby’s business starts to struggle as well. And to top all her recent problems – she becomes a person of interest in Sasha’s disappearance.

“Date Night” is an absolute page-turner. I was on the edge on my seat while reading the novel. Warning – do not believe everything you read… But do not disregard the warning signs. Sometimes, the person one trusts the most is the person they should beware of.

Million thanks to the NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced free copy of the book, and Samantha Hayes for an incredible story.

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All The Flowers In Paris

All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two women, two timelines, one apartment…

2019, sunny and warm Paris.
A terrible accident leaves Caroline without a memory. After returning from a hospital, she finds herself in a glamorous apartment in Paris… all alone. Between the flashbacks of her memory, Caroline rediscovers herself in today’s world. She uncovers the love for painting, delicious french cuisine… and french man. During one of the sleepless nights, Caroline explores her large flat only to stumble on old wartime letters hidden in one of the bedrooms.

1943, Nazi-occupied Paris.
Cecile’s world turns upside down when she sees a yellow star painted on the window of the flower shop owned by her father. To top that, she catches the eye of a tyrant German officer. There is only one way to avert the destiny that hovers over all jews in Paris – run. But her plans are discovered, and Cecile becomes a prisoner in the Nazi’s home.

All The Flowers In Paris is a bittersweet novel of two women that at some point in their lives share the same apartment on rue Cler. Their stories are heartbreaking and full of grief, but, in the end, it teaches a valuable lesson – the ability to forgive, love and be thankful for good times and bad.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion publisher for an advanced free copy of the novel, and Sarah Jio for a wonderful story.

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The Perfect Wife

The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fascinating, indefinable and stupendous are the words that come to my mind while thinking of this novel. The book lures the readers into its pages and story from chapter one and crips them there until the last page.

Tim Scott is an innovative genius in the robotic industry. After his wife’s disappearance, full of grief – Tim invests all his time and power into bringing his wife back. And he succeeds.

Abbie and Tim’s romance began shortly after her arrival in Scotts Robotics. And just as fast the two have tied the knot. Their family was extended with the same speed. However, this time the couple was hit by an obstacle – their beloved son was diagnosed with autism. This put a heavy string on the couple’s marriage. And shortly after another tragedy struck Scott’s family – Abbie’s disappearance.

Fast forward five years – we are introduced to a new, shiny and in all words “perfect” Abbie the cobot. Tim’s perfect wife is back in her full glory. But one question still remains unanswered – what has happened to “real” Abbie.

“The Perfect Wife” is an exhilarating novel, full of thrilling secrets and new innovations. I was mesmerized by a human vs robot theme. Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books Publishers for a free advanced copy of the book, and J.P. Delaney for a phenomenal story.

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The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Everything in life happens for a reason, and “The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris” is a perfect example to prove the theory.

Anna receives a phenomenal opportunity of a lifetime. Therefore Anna leaves her previous life behind in a small town in England and on her way to concur Chocolate world in the city of light and love. Upon her arrival in Paris, Anna becomes an apprentice to a very famous French confectioner Thierry, and shortly after they become close friends. During one of their walks, le famous chocolatier suffers a heart attack. This unfortunate incident plays a big role in Thierry’s life – it gives him a chance to reunite with the love of his life.

A heartwarming novel about new chances and opportunities, young love and friendship. Thank you NetGalley and Sphere Publisher for a free and advanced copy of the book.

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The Third Mrs. Durst

The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The best revenge is not to be like your enemy.

A small-town girl Marlena learned a very valid life lesson early in life – in order to have a good life one has to work hard towards their goals. And Marlena has a very specific goal. In order to achieve it, she follows the steps of a very close friend she admires the most. Marlena starts her carrier at a modeling agency, where she meets tall, dark and handsome Mr. Durst. A few years later, the couple reconnects in Germany, and soon after tied the knot.

Now, Marlena is living a Cinderella life, but only a few people are aware of a rough price she has to pay to carry the Durst name. Old saying states – it takes two to tango… and it would take a while for Michael Durst to realize that he is not the one leading the dance.

The novel is divided into three parts. The first two parts were phenomenal pageturners, however, the final part has disappointed me. I was expecting a much stronger finale. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the storyline. Thank you NetGalley and Midnight Ink publishers for an advanced free copy of the novel.

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Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald by F. Scott Fitzgerald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald” book combine survived Fitzgeralds’ letters that Scott and Zelda have exchanged from the time they have met and thru Scott’s death.

For me, as a newbie to Scott and Zelda’s love story, this book was a phenomenal information source that explained very thoroughly Fitzgeralds’ relationship and reasons that drove Scott to alcoholism and Zelda to insanity.

One thing that fascinated me the most was their dedication to each other. Even in the period of Zelda’s first breakdown, Fitzgeralds were able to sustain their alliance despite the fact they have blamed each other for their failures. It was an interesting fact to see that while apart – Fitzgeralds’ lead calmer lives, but once together – their worlds would collapse with rapid speed.

While reading Fitzgeralds’ letters – I often caught myself thinking: how different their lives would become if they would never be married, or separated once their marriage problems have begun. Would Zelda lose her sanity? Would Scott’s alcoholism be prevented?

In the end, I find Fitzgeralds’ story love story passionate and romantic. Two highly intelligent people hopelessly in love, whose remarkable personalities clash once together, but remained devoted to each other thru their best times and worst. Their story is inspirational but tragique at the same time.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced free copy of the book.

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