On the way home one rainy evening Cass witnessed a horrific crime. But it will take her a long time to realize what exactly she has seen and how it will affect her future and her close relationships.
I was not impressed with the plot at first, it seemed too simple and ordinary. But the more I read into the novel, the more it lured me into its spider web of drama, lies, and unconventional relationships. I always loved the author and her style of writing. Her plot twists are intriguing and unpredictable. The Breakdown is a thrilling read, took me two days to finish it. Brilliant story, and a phenomenal rollercoaster ride. Bravo B.A.Paris, you did it again.
With the upcoming divorce, her scheming husband manages to take everything away from her: friends, respect, and her beloved home. And he manages to get himself on the FBI’s wanted list. As a cherry on top Alyssa decides to befriend Bree, a young girl she meets at the hotel bar who shows signs of domestic abuse.
Great thriller. Loved Alyssa’s storyline and her ability to keep it cool at the most stressful time. Bree’s story from the very start smells fishy. And her unnatural attachment to Alyssa tells the reader that she has some hidden motives. Overall, the book is very entertaining. There is not a dull moment in Alyssa’s life. Loved all the characters and fun plot twists. Definitely recommend this novel to my fellow thriller lovers.
A young and naive Charity Royall meets a charming city boy Lucius Harney. As their romance strikes up rumors in town, her legal guardian is trying to save the girl’s reputation. But stubborn Charity follows her heart, and it leads her to a devastating ending of the summer romance.
Edith Wharton has written another beautifully heart-rending romance. The alluring setting of the novel, dashing characters, and melancholic ending touched my heart, and days after the read, the story is still on my mind. The novel is bittersweet, the writing is beautiful, and the story has a natural, easy flow. I am simply in love with the writing of Edith Wharton.
With the divorce behind her, Lily is finally ready to give herself another chance to be happy. Her relationship with Atlas had easily picked up from where it was left off years prior. But Ryle is not ready to let his family go.
It Ends With Us has left me in tears. The story touched my heart and soul, and when the sequel of the novel came out, I had to read it to complete Lily’s happily ever after. But, I was left disappointed. From the very first pages, we knew that Lily and Atlas will end up together, however, the road that led there was uneventful and dry. By the middle of the book, their constant love confessions began to sound like a broken record. Less is more! The twist with the new relative that popped up in Atlas’s life was very interesting. But basically, that was it. The ongoing drama with Ryle was simply annoying and melodramatic. Overall, it was a cute ending to Atlas and Lily’s love story.
The busy Christmas season at the family store keeps Wesley away from his long-time girlfriend. Liesl and Wesley have been going steady for years, and she expects the young man to finally ask for her hand in marriage. This holiday season has surprising life-changing events waiting for the young couple.
Christmas at the Amish Market is a short and heartwarming story of finding true love during the most magical time of the year. Written in true Hallmark fashion – sweet and clean with a slow-burn romance. I love that the reader gets to see things through the eyes of all four main characters. That made the book really balanced.
Thank you, NetGalley and Shelley Shepard Gray for a free and advanced copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.
Houses remember… Villa Rosato is the perfect jewel waiting for another person and their story.
Past – In the summer of 1974, a group of five comes to Villa Rosato for a fun summer holiday. By the end of the summer, two members of the group are dead, and two others become worldwide famous. However, the days the group has spent in the villa under the Italian sun remain a mystery.
Present – Emily, a murder mystery writer, receives an invitation from her childhood friend and famous self-help author Chess to join her for a summer holiday in the Italian Villa Aestas. After a year of a pure personal nightmare, Emily finds a hard time returning to her writing. While looking for inspiration, she discovers a diary of the woman that stayed in the house in the summer of 1974.
I’ve been a fan of Rachel Hawkins for a few years, and the author never fails to lure me into a spider web of her phenomenal thrillers. Although, The Villa is less suspenseful than her previous novels, nevertheless, I found it fascinating. Great characters and a setting that adds a dark mysterious vibe to the novel. The dual timeline and the tragic stories of the two heroines kept me captivated from the very first pages. Overall, it is a great read, with an unexpected twist at the very end.
Lexi and Trevor have been friends since their nappy age. Throughout the years there were two false attempts at romance, both initiated by Trevor. However, the possibility that their romance can destroy their close friendship has kept the two in a friend zone. Their recent effort to date other people just made them realize the love they have for each other. But the hardest part is to cross the friend line.
Friendshipped is a cute romance. Lexi and Trevor’s friendship was unique. Although I loved their bond, I felt that Trevor was the only person who made multiple attempts to shift their friendship into romance, while all Lexi had ever done was drool over her hot best friend. Overall, it’s a fine romance, with great writing, and an idea of the plot, and I absolutely enjoyed the sarcastic dialogue between the characters. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies and corky romances – this novel is for you.
Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.
To gather people together in the midst of the war and get their midst of the gruesome reality, the town’s librarian creates a book club. Within a few short months, the book club turns its attendees into a close-knit group of trustworthy, reliable, and loving friends.
The Blackout Book Club is a beautiful, heartwarming story. A group of people from different social circles bonds together over the love of reading. Although the time of the novel takes place in the middle of WWII, our characters are placed in the safety of the little town of Maine. One of my favorite parts of the novel was the club members’ discussions of the books they have read in their club. During my reading, I wanted to be a part of their wonderful group. If you’re in a search of a feel-good novel – this book is for you. Wonderful writing, a great fast pace plot. This book will leave you with a feeling of hope and joy.
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced and free copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.
Colbie decides to take a trip with her three best friends on the one-year anniversary of her fiance’s passing. The trip started with a mysterious letter, written by her late boyfriend. The getaway, which was supposed to heal and nourish Colbie’s grief, revealed deep dark secrets of the man she once vowed to love for the rest of her life.
If You’re Reading This is a great suspense story, however, I have expected more. Kiersten Modglin’s style is like no other, the finales of her previous books have left me with my jaw hanging. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy this read, in the end, I simply didn’t feel amazed by the final twists of the story. Overall, it was a fast-paced read with a thrilling storyline.
Said that – I am looking forward to all future novels by this amazing author.
Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel.
The post-war publishing world meets Jacob Happelmen with a new challenge. Ever clever writer is able to write himself into a new and quite successful career. But the road he took to get there and the relationships he has made to help him reach the rise of his career are under thorough investigation. And once the famous author is about to get famously punished.
Phenomenal fast pace novel full of clever characters and a gripping plot. Jacob is by far my absolute favorite character, his witty humor and never-ending sarcasm made this novel even more entertaining. I am absolutely amazed by how much I’ve enjoyed this story. Great writing style and I can’t wait to read more of Loren D. Estleman’s novels. This may be my new favorite historical fiction read.
Thank you, NetGalley for a free and advanced copy of the novel in the exchange for my honest review.
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.
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.
Alina's Reading Corner 