The Husband She Couldn’t Forget by Christine Rimmer is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
Marvelous!
Ever wish you could have a do over? WeThe Husband She Couldn’t Forget by Christine Rimmer is a 2019 Harlequin Special Edition publication.
Marvelous!
Ever wish you could have a do over? Well, Aly Santangelo and Connor Bravo are given a chance to do just that- start over from scratch. Will they learn from their mistakes or make the same ones all over again?
As Aly drives home to care for her mother in the last months of her later in life pregnancy, she has a terrifying car crash. Physically, she’s fine, but when she comes to, she starts asking for her husband, which is natural enough…. Except Aly and Connor Bravo are divorced- and have been for the past seven years! Unable to convince Aly that she is divorced now, her family reluctantly sends for Connor, to confirm the truth.
Once Aly and Connor meet again, and he explains to her why they divorced, she’s hurt and angry, but is still convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt they still love each other. Despite her memory loss, Aly decides to see if her instincts are right. They may still love each other, but can they resolve the issues that drove them apart in the first place?
Memory loss is frustrating for all concerned, but what if it afforded you a second chance, one that your pride, hurt, anger, and the passage of time probably would have kept you from even considering under ordinary circumstances?
Aly seizes the day, not knowing how it will all turn out, or if she will ever remember the way she felt when Connor bailed on her seven years ago. This is certainly a thought-provoking premise! Aly knew she and Connor loved each other, she knew he had lied, had been a selfish jerk, but she couldn’t really remember the pain she felt when they broke up. How will she really feel when or if her memory returns?
It was lovely watching Aly and Connor fall in love all over again, but of course, there is a shadow hanging over their rekindled romance. However, a twist neither of them saw coming might be just the catalyst they need to heal the still open wounds between them.
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I enjoyed Connor and Aly’s story very much. Not only do we see them fall in love, we see other relationships heal, as the characters grow and mature, refusing to squander the second chance they’ve been given. I loved the way the couple decided to fight for each other and the work they put into making up for lost time and adding a lifetime of new memories to their long awaited HEA!!!
The Awakening of Miss Henley by Julia Justiss is a 2019 Harlequin Historical publication.
Marvelous!
Emma had resigned herself to spinsterhood- quite The Awakening of Miss Henley by Julia Justiss is a 2019 Harlequin Historical publication.
Marvelous!
Emma had resigned herself to spinsterhood- quite deliberately. She plans to sabotage her fifth and final ‘season’ so that she may find a place of her own and proceed to do the work she feels passionate about. There is only one hitch in her plans- Lord Theo.
Theo is a notorious rake under pressure to finally settle down. He plans to skirt matrimony for as long a humanly possible. But he never toys with virginal young ladies- yet Miss Emma Henley is a temptation he’s finding hard to resist.
As the couple continues to engage in witty verbal exchanges, they slowly relax into friendship territory. But the chemistry between them in undeniable. Because neither party is willing to marry, Emma believes there is no harm in enjoying a dalliance with Theo. She doesn’t have much to lose and is sure she can survive a scandal. But how will Theo react if he knew her true feelings for him?
I loved Emma and Theo’s story! The banter between the couple is wildly entertaining and I loved the way Emma kept catching Theo off guard. The relationships develop perfectly, and it was a joy to see love blossom between two people who thought true love wasn't in the cards for them. Each gave the other a piece of themselves that had been missing, a desire they had buried, and completed one another perfectly.
This a such a wonderful love story. It’s mature, but sexy, smart, emotional, with well-drawn characters, and I truly enjoyed the artistic backdrop. The beautiful happily ever after for a well deserving couple, is the cherry on top
Melmoth by Sarah Perry is a 2018 Serpent’s Tale publication.
I have not read ‘The Essex Serpent’ so I had no preset expectations for this book. The maMelmoth by Sarah Perry is a 2018 Serpent’s Tale publication.
I have not read ‘The Essex Serpent’ so I had no preset expectations for this book. The main draw for me was the advertised Gothic tone. The book delivers on that front, in spades! The folklore is exquisitely utilized in this crackling good tale of horror and suspense.
Melmoth is a legendary figure said to have witnessed Christ’s resurrection, but then later denied the truth of what she saw. As such, she is now doomed to wander the earth in eternal loneliness, witnessing the dark deeds of humanity. Misery loves company, so Melmoth offers her hand to those at the crux of their darkest moments of despair, imploring them to join her.
Helen Franklin, is an unassuming woman in her forties, working as a translator in Prague. Suddenly, her friend, Karel, hands her a manuscript describing encounters with Melmoth the Witness. The he suddenly disappears, and Helen begins to feel as though she’s being watched.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that our humble Helen Franklin is hiding a dark secret as she finds herself drawn into the fantastical tales of lore contained in the manuscript.
Oh, my goodness! What a deep, heavy, atmospheric story!! This book is supposed to be based, at least in part, on the 1820 Irish Gothic novel ‘Melmoth the Wanderer’ written by Charles Maturin. I am only slightly familiar with the premise of that book, so obviously, it is not necessary to have read it in order to enjoy this book- although I am very interested in reading it someday.
This is the type of story I can get lost in. It is a very creepy story that continually kept my nerves on edge. The setting and scenery couldn’t have been created a better atmosphere. The spine-tingling horror is delicious, but there is also an exploration of profound topics. The story is about seeing, witnessing and about accountability and redemption, with a conclusion that will knock your socks off.
The writing is superb, capping off this finely layered deliciously chilling story!!
Calculated Sabotage by K.T. Lee is a 2018 Vertical Line Publishing, LLC publication.
Riveting and Tense!
CIA agent Quinn King lost her partner under suCalculated Sabotage by K.T. Lee is a 2018 Vertical Line Publishing, LLC publication.
Riveting and Tense!
CIA agent Quinn King lost her partner under suspicious circumstances. She fights to be a part of the investigative team despite her emotional investment in the case. Her sleuthing leads her to Innovative Rocket Technologies, but if she hopes to infiltrate IRT, she will need backup.
Enter Cam Mitchell, who is sent in to watch Quinn’s back. It becomes clear early on that someone had sabotaged a failed rocket launch and now someone is trying to cover it up. Calling in additional troops to help them uncover the conspiracy, the FBI sends in the elite team of Parker, Ree and Mike.
Together they work to uncover a motive behind the sabotage, putting themselves in grave danger…
This third installment of the ‘Calculated’ series brings the two biggest investigative agencies together, for a terrifying, race against time thrill ride. The mood of the novel is in keeping with the two previous installments, with the intrigue is as important as the suspense. The pacing is still quite brisk, but this story relies a little less on action this time around, and allows the plot to develop more as a whodunit.
It is always nice to see the relationship development between the two agencies as well as the romantic entanglements- both old and new.
While I agree that each of the books in the series can be read as a stand-alone there was a continuum thread running alongside the main storyline that those who did not read the previous installment may not fully grasp, so I do suggest reading the series in order for optimum enjoyment.
I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series due out in November of 2019! ...more
Calculated Contagion by K.T. Lee is a 2017 publication.
Brisk, suspenseful adventure-
Cam Mitchell is sent by the CIA to observe a group of armed men wCalculated Contagion by K.T. Lee is a 2017 publication.
Brisk, suspenseful adventure-
Cam Mitchell is sent by the CIA to observe a group of armed men who have congregated in a rural area of Romania. Their activities have raised some red flags, and Mitchell’s job is to observe their movements. However, he quickly discovers they are holding a woman hostage, so he makes an executive decision, rescuing Dani Christensen, a top vaccine researcher. The question is, what was the motive behind her kidnapping? Simple ransom or something far more sinister?
Dani’s vaccine research could garner her the respect she has worked so hard to achieve. However, after Cam’s dramatic rescue, Dani finds herself wondering if it was her area of expertise that lead to her kidnapping. Not only that, her kidnappers have followed her back to the states…
The premise of this book is the stuff nightmares are made of! A terrifying thought, indeed. The non-stop action propels the story along at a brisk pace. The only downside to this strategy is that it leaves little room for deep character development. However, the surprise plot developments balances things out, and is really meant to be the main attraction, I think.
That said, readers will enjoy the banter between Cam and Dani and enjoy touching base with recurring characters from book one. *This book can be read as a stand alone.
Overall, this second installment in the ‘Calculated’ series builds upon the momentum established in the first book quite nicely. Now- on to book three!!...more
Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
A little flat- but still a light, entertaining read
I loved the first booLove on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne is a 2019 Gallery Books publication.
A little flat- but still a light, entertaining read
I loved the first book in this trilogy and have been looking forward to reading this second installment. I was slightly surprised that Claire’s story was sandwiched in the middle. I thought Claire, the one who was legally married to the scoundrel that brought these women together, deserved the strongest feature, and as such, she’d have the starring role in the finale. Shows how much I know.
After discovering her deceased husband was a serial philanderer, Claire is trying to move on with her life. Despite knowing her husband was a cheat, she’s having a hard time letting go of her feelings for him. Also complicating her ability to move forward is her secret vow to never fall in love again. However, determined to step outside her comfort zone, Claire decides to shake things up in her life. For starters, she decides to renovate her Brownstone- and not necessarily in a low-key, traditional manner.
Enter Scott Turner, the contractor Claire wants to hire to help with the remodel. For Scott, redoing Claire’s home is small potatoes compared to his usual jobs. Because of that, he initially planned to pass on the job, thinking it beneath him, and not worth the bother of dealing with the rich, spoiled, ‘princess’ type, he presumes Claire to be.
But the Brownstone instantly calls to him so, despite getting off to a rocky start with Claire, it’s a job he can’t refuse.
Despite their differences, Claire finds Scott easy to confide in and before he knows what has hit him, he gets sucked into Claire’s plan to enjoy the pleasurable benefits of romance without the emotional connections that could lead to heartache.
Although Scott cheers Claire on, seeing her going out with other men, casual though it may be, is driving him crazy!!
This is a nice, easy to read contemporary romance, with a light tone all throughout. Yet, I had hoped for a story with a bit more emotional depth for Claire. This book, unfortunately, is a little bland and all too predictable.
Not to over analyze a book intended to be fun and humorous, but in my opinion, casual hookups replacing traditional dating, romance and relationships have become a very repetitive storyline that crops up entirely too often in contemporary romance. For me, it has become a boring, unimaginative plot element that I have a hard time relating to.
That said, the chemistry between Claire and Scott has some sizzle, and I enjoyed their banter. Character growth saves the story from being pure fluff, and despite its predictability, it might be the right book for you if concentrating on heavy topics sounds too depressing right now.
I loved the super cute ending, and I did close the book with a smile on my face, which is something to be grateful for.
I’m still looking forward to Audrey’s story and am hoping the trilogy closes on a high note. So, despite feeling a little let down by this one, it is still a mood lifter and was an enjoyable enough read, overall.
Death by Jack-O'-Lantern by Alexis Morgan is a 2019 Kensington Books publication.
Snowberry Creek is gearing up for the annual Halloween festival and Death by Jack-O'-Lantern by Alexis Morgan is a 2019 Kensington Books publication.
Snowberry Creek is gearing up for the annual Halloween festival and Abby McCree, the committee queen, is busy with the preparations. When she heads out to pick up an order of pumpkins from the least popular guy in town, Ronald Minter, she discovers his body in a corn maze with a knife in his back.
Abby gets sucked deeper into the investigation when her tenant, Tripp, volunteers her for yet another planning committee, a fundraiser for his veteran’s group. As it turns out, one Tripp’s buddy's, a homeless vet, named Kevin, has become suspect number one. Knowing Kevin is innocent, Abby sets out to find out who the real killer is.
I’m in a cozy mystery mood and in the mood for Halloween themed novels, too, which made this book an obvious choice. Although it is the second book in this new series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone, so if you are looking for a fall/Halloween mystery, just dive right in. But, if you are like me, you’ll want to go back and read the first installment and continue with the series from here.
While the characters are in the early stages of their developments, I can see a lot of potential and room for growth. The most intriguing character, for me, was Tripp. The mystery is very solid, with several likely suspects to keep one guessing. Abby’s amateur sleuthing is on the practical side, thankfully, avoiding any insult to my intelligence. I also liked her faithful dog companion, Zeke, as he plays a big role in the story and melted my heart more than once.
Overall, this book is very nice Halloween or fall themed novel, with a solid mystery that kept me guessing to the end, plus I found a new cozy series to follow!
Christmas in Winter Valley is a 2019 HQN Books publication.
It may be cold and snowy in Ransom Canyon, but the holiday spirit is warm, filled with secChristmas in Winter Valley is a 2019 HQN Books publication.
It may be cold and snowy in Ransom Canyon, but the holiday spirit is warm, filled with second chances and new beginnings!
Griff Holloway has left his brothers, Elliott and Cooper, in charge of running the family ranch while he and his wife, Sunlan, are away from home. However, Elliott is left holding the bag, when Cooper hears that a group of Sunlan’s cousins are coming for a visit and hightails it out of there to spend some alone time at a remote cabin in Winter Valley.
However, Cooper finds his secluded cabin is occupied by an orphaned boy named, Tatum, while Elliott is unexpectedly forced to face his painful past.
Meanwhile, a new hire at the ranch and a former rodeo star, Tye, is looking to discover something about his heritage, but soon finds himself attracted to Dani, the ranch’s down to earth cook.
This book features a group of heartwarming stories, which bring people together just in time for the Christmas holidays. Each romance is touching and sweet, and of course, Tatum’s story certainly pulls on the old heartstrings.
While I enjoyed getting to know all the couples, I must confess I enjoyed Tye and Dani’s story the most. I really appreciate the mature characters who prove it’s never too late to find true love.
By using alternating chapters, instead of individual vignettes, the author allows the reader more time to connect with the characters and gives each story equal strength. Thankfully, the holiday theme is not overdone, but one can still feel the spirit of the season, which will make this book a nice addition to your holiday reading- or a nice gift for someone on your Christmas list.
Overall, this a lovely, clean holiday themed novel, with a little something for all contemporary romance lovers!
The Wolf Wants in by Laura McHugh is a 2019 Spiegel & Grau publication.
Engrossing and densely atmospheric!
Sadie Keller can’t reconcile her brother’sThe Wolf Wants in by Laura McHugh is a 2019 Spiegel & Grau publication.
Engrossing and densely atmospheric!
Sadie Keller can’t reconcile her brother’s untimely death with his official cause of death.
Determined to find answers, Sadie is met by one brick wall after another, especially when she tries to confront her brother’s widow.
Meanwhile, young Henley Pettit dreams of leaving Blackwater, Kansas before she winds up like the rest of her family. As Sadie Keller presses for details about her brother’s death, and the search for a young girl who has gone missing intensifies, Henley knows her window of opportunity for escape is rapidly closing.
Sadie and Henley may soon discover they are connected to one another, in ways they never thought possible, as explosive secrets boil hot and the threat of danger hangs over them in a tense, heavy shroud.
Laura McHugh knows how to create a tense atmosphere, while putting the reader right there in the thick of all the drama. The Opioid crisis provides another level of bleakness to the melancholy mood of the story. A mixture of grief, frustration, suspicion, secrets, lies, and politics, are all factors in the desperate search for a missing child, which also exacerbates Sadie’s stress and sense of urgency in finding out the truth about her brother.
The story is dark, and gloomy with very little relief. However, this tone is what makes the story so effective, what creates that emotional intensity that keeps one riveted to the pages, unable or unwilling the put the book down for any length of time. The threads are woven together expertly, drawing everything together for the stunning conclusion.
Although the novel is maybe a little oppressive, it is a well-executed crime drama packed with bittersweet surprises and emotions.
Echoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories by Ellen Datlow is a 2019 a Gallery / Saga Press publication.
Halloween is just around the corner and of cEchoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories by Ellen Datlow is a 2019 a Gallery / Saga Press publication.
Halloween is just around the corner and of course it’s this time of the year when I usually find myself in the mood for a good old- fashioned ghost story. Yet, a good ghost story is hard to find sometimes. So, when I found this anthology in my cloud library, I checked it out on the spot.
I was even more excited by the introduction, in which famed anthology editor, Ellen Datlow, commiserated with those of us who are often disappointed by ‘ghost story’ compilations, which later turn out to be a catchall for anything that might fall into the realm of horror or the paranormal, but aren't exactly what one would call an authentic ghost story.
So, I eagerly dived in, only to find that once again, a fair amount of these short stories, aren’t ghost stories, as I might define them. However, nearly all of them are weird tales or atmospheric mind-benders.
I am not familiar with all the participating authors, but regular readers of horror novels might be.
Paul Trembly gets the ball rolling, but other familiar names like Alice Hoffman and Joyce Carol Oates also contribute solid stories to this collection.
“Must be This Tall to Ride” by Seanan McGuire is one of the shortest stories included but is one of the best. Something about carnivals are always spooky!
The July Girls felt like more of a traditional ghost tale- which are my favorites, if I’m being honest. I also enjoyed “The Other Woman” by Alice Hoffman.
As with many anthologies, especially compilations as large as this one, there are a few stories that left me scratching my head in confusion, or seemed to end too abruptly. However, most are contemporary, imaginative, and several were truly eerie, providing the chills and thrills a good ghost story should.
If you are looking for a few supernatural flavored stories that you haven’t read or heard a thousand times before, this collection of original stories is one you’ll want to add to your Halloween reading list!!
Ghost Stories: Classic Tales of Horror and Suspense by Leslie Klinger and Lisa Morton is a 2019 Pegasus Books publication.
This is a small collection Ghost Stories: Classic Tales of Horror and Suspense by Leslie Klinger and Lisa Morton is a 2019 Pegasus Books publication.
This is a small collection of classic ghost stories written by some very recognizable influences, such as Dickens, Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Wilkie Collins, and Charlotte Riddell just to name a few. Some of the stories have been passed around for ages and are well known, while others are far more obscure.
The most interesting tidbit, to me, is that ghost stories were commonly told at Christmas, not Halloween as they are today.
The best part of this collection is that they are centered around spirits and legends. The title, however, suggests the book is filled with horror stories, but while ghost stories are a part of that genre, these are not horror stories written in the vein in which people have become accustomed. Perhaps they were considered such back in the 1800’s- early 1900s, though.
Because some readers might feel a little mislead- although I don’t know why they would, because the title clearly states these are GHOST stories- these tales were right up my ally. I like ghost stories over horror stories any day, and am often very upset when a collection of stories is labeled as ghost stories but are in fact horror stories. So, maybe the publishers need to learn how to label these stories appropriately so people are not confused or disappointed.
I had not read most of the stories included in the collection and was pleased to see such well known names included, but I have to confess, I was taken aback by the lack of quality of writing in some of the stories, especially from a collection featuring this many heavy hitters- or maybe it's just a difference it style than I'm used to. Still, I was happy to discover this collection and recommend it to fans of classic ghost stories and tales of the supernatural. It’s worth a look for no other reason than to read these mostly forgotten tales written by such great literary greats.
Vanity Fair’s Women on Women is a 2019 Penguin Press publication.
Fascinating women, fascinating lives!
This is a strong collection of profiles of the Vanity Fair’s Women on Women is a 2019 Penguin Press publication.
Fascinating women, fascinating lives!
This is a strong collection of profiles of the women who appeared in Vanity Fair Magazine over the years. All were influential in their way, some were controversial, all are interesting and unique!
I’ve been a long-time subscriber to Vanity Fair and today it is the only magazine I still take. While I may have read some of these profiles over the years, there were many that were before my time- such as Emily Post. I was most surprised by the profile on Barbara Bush. Matronly grandmother? I think not!!
Others profiled included several other first ladies, including Michelle Obama, and the royals- Grace Kelly, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth. Actresses and musicians from Tina Turner to Meryl Streep and important feminist icons like Gloria Steinem. From Cher to Lady Gaga, the book covers roughly four decades.
The book also includes articles examining two of the most prominent feminist issues of today- The #MeToo movement and the Silicon Valley Boy’s Club.
The book also serves as a profile of the magazine itself, showing the various ways the publication as evolved and changed and the influence it has had on society from a feminine standpoint.
Overall, this a very interesting compilation of profiles and articles. It is a short book, an easy read, and is a book one can put down and pick back up easily, read between other books, or while sitting in waiting rooms, or on your lunch break. But, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down!!
Great history, strong women, thoughtful, eye-opening articles-all reminding me of why I continue to support this publication! Thank you, Vanity Fair!
A stunning portrait of the troubled, restless soul behind the big, brash, larger than life persona that was Janis Joplin-
Holly George-Warren is a seasA stunning portrait of the troubled, restless soul behind the big, brash, larger than life persona that was Janis Joplin-
Holly George-Warren is a seasoned music biographer, but this is the first book I’ve read of hers. Even with all her experience, the author chose to write about a person who was incredibly complex, conflicted, driven, unconventional and tormented. I would think that writing a biography over Janis would be a daunting task and more than a little intimidating. However, the author seemed meant for this task, and has managed to do what few biographers are able to achieve- capturing Janis’s spirit and essence, giving the reader an intimate look at the person behind the persona, stripping away the veneer that she notoriously hid behind, to get a raw, harrowing look at the real Janis Joplin.
By now you know that when I read a biography, I demand organization, and prefer a chronological format. We can go ahead and check those boxes and move on. The research is impeccable, and the cooperation the author received by those who were closest to Janis, included her surviving family, made the book feel very personal and authentic.
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I have read one other book about Janis, way back in the late seventies or early eighties, which was shocking to me back then. I have not read any other biographies, although I have learned there are at least two that are reputable, one of which was written by Laura Joplin, Janis’s sister.
Remembering the naked pain I felt at times when hearing Janis sing, then learning that she did indeed experience some pretty rough times, and knowing she suffered from some kind of powerful, insatiable need for something she couldn’t quite get a grip on, I passed on reading other books about Janis, because I just didn’t know if I was up to the emotional drain her life story might have on me.
Yet, I found myself jumping at the chance to read and review this book and although Janis’ life is one defined by an inability to settle, a healthy self-destructive streak, and loads of angst and tragedy, I felt a real connection to time and place, and truly feel I have a much better understanding of Janis. Listening to Summertime and hearing that haunting, raspy voice again, still sends a shiver down my spine.
Janis’s live performances were so raw, she seemed to absorb the music, and through that expression, released an inner pain that was palpable. She was electrifying, and man, oh man, could she sing the blues!
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One can’t argue with her incredible soul and the power she exhibited. She was so cool- a woman who was the star of the show, with an all male band. She was a trailblazer, savvy, and hardworking, and had a huge impact on music, influencing many rock stars, both male and female for many years to come.
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But, turn off the stage persona and an entirely different side of Janis emerges, and despite her larger than life presence on the stage, this is the part of Janis that sticks with me. The private anguish, the conflicting parts of herself, the sacrifices she made for non-conformity, and the price she ultimately paid for the career she labored for, and her unconventionality. She died without the love and stability of a long-term healthy romantic relationship, without a family of her own, and without the full approval or acceptance from her parents, which she desperately craved. She died alone in a hotel room in October of 1970, from an accidental heroin overdose.
Biographies are often hit or miss, but folks, this is one of the good ones. The author worked on this book for four years and her respectfulness to Janis, her family, her friends, her music and her legacy is apparent. This book is sobering, and thought - provoking, and of course very sad.
I just wish Janis knew how much she was loved, and what an incredible legacy she left behind, and I hope that she is now enveloped by the peace and love she found so elusive in life…
Texas Entertainers: Lone Stars in Profile by Bartee Haile is a 2019 History Press publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim withouTexas Entertainers: Lone Stars in Profile by Bartee Haile is a 2019 History Press publication.
I checked this book out of the library on a whim without really investigating it first. Texas is the native state for lots and lot of entertainers, from movies, television, comedy, music and books. This book, however, only profiles entertainers from a bygone era who have since passed away.
For someone completely unfamiliar with entertainers from the distant past and who might be genuinely surprised to learn they were from the Lone Star State, this book might be of interest.
However, for those who are hoping to see information on stars from more recent decades, or who are still living, this book probably won’t be of much interest.
If you are from Texas, and are over thirty years of age, you will probably already know most of the names listed here, and the very, very brief summary of their lives is nothing one can’t find on Wikipedia.
Personally, there were only one or two names on the list I was unfamiliar with, and those were from the silent movie era, and because of that, I was already familiar with the basic history provided in this book. So, this book was not one I found especially informative or helpful.
It did make me wish for a book with a more up to date listing of Texas Entertainers, offering more comprehensive information about the entertainers. Maybe someday someone will take this book to another level, making a book that will appeal to a younger, broader audience.
The House That Alice Built by Chris Penhall is a 2019 Ruby Fiction publication.
A lovely tale full of inspiration and warmth!
After Alice’s boyfriend,The House That Alice Built by Chris Penhall is a 2019 Ruby Fiction publication.
A lovely tale full of inspiration and warmth!
After Alice’s boyfriend, Adam, leaves her to take a personal sabbatical, she is left with the sole responsibility of paying for the home they bought together. Alice loves the house and has worked hard to make it a home. Meanwhile, her spontaneous best friend, Kathy, keeps pressuring Alice to forget Adam and come visit her in Portugal. Alice always demurs, but when her ordered life is suddenly upended, she impulsively changes her mind and accepts her friend’s invitation.
This fateful decision will have a long- lasting effect on Alice as she faces down her issues with Adam and learns to live in the moment, for the first time in her life.
The setting for this novel is perfect and creates just the right atmosphere for Alice while she works out what she needs to do with her life. I enjoyed watching Alice blossom and become bolder and stronger, learning to let go and find the courage to move forward and make changes when needed.
The secondary story involving her friend Kathy gives us another couple to root for and Alice’s pet sitting duties added another level of zaniness, keeping things light and fun. I just wish I could get my hands on some of that famous tea!!
Overall, this is a sweet, feel good story perfect for anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Jessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea by Kirsty Ferry is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A darling story full of heart and hope!
Jessie's life is books- liJessie’s Little Bookshop by the Sea by Kirsty Ferry is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A darling story full of heart and hope!
Jessie's life is books- literally. She reads books and sells them in her little bookshop in Staithes, Yorkshire. But, Jessie is thrown for a loop when Miles Fareham and his son Elijah arrive to stay at the holiday apartment above the shop.
First, she had an awkward run in with the father and son before they arrived at the shop, and second, Jessie is not too keen on children. However, she and Michael attempt to make the best of the situation. Before long Jessie finds herself forming an attachment to the lonely, guilt -ridden single father, and utterly charmed by his adorable son. But can Michael let go of his painful past to make a fresh start for himself and Elijah.
This is another charming story in the Tempest Sisters series. (All the books in the series can easily be read as standalones.)
While there is an occasional melancholy tone to the story, the clouds slowly lift, and Jessie learns to relax around Elijah and takes great strides toward emotional maturity. Michael is carrying around a lot of heavy baggage and his story is a little bittersweet. Elijah seemed a step ahead of his father sometimes, able to see what the adults couldn’t. The encouragement Michael and Jessie give Elijah to enjoy reading is also a nice touch! The connection and chemistry between Jessie and Michael give them both a chance at a fuller, more rewarding life- if only they have the courage to grab it!
Kirsty Ferry has become a favorite author of mine over this past year, especially. Her stories are always right up my alley, whether they are time slip romances or stories like this one that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. This is another sweet and touching story full of hope, love, and…. Books!!
The Slender Man- by Anonymous is a 2018 Harper Voyager publication.
The Slender Man, as most people know, is an internet generated supernatural meme, The Slender Man- by Anonymous is a 2018 Harper Voyager publication.
The Slender Man, as most people know, is an internet generated supernatural meme, which took on a life of its own back in 2009.
This story is based on that legend. Because I was only vaguely aware of the mythology surrounding the Slender Man, I decided to read this book because of another book I had queued up, which was allegedly influenced by the SM. So, I thought it might be a good idea to learn more of the basics surround the original SM sensation.
This story is centered around high school student, Matt, and his good friend, Lauren. Matt is having horrendous nightmares, so graphic and disturbing his parents put him in therapy. But, when Lauren goes missing, Matt’s nightmares become more intense and more frequent. Meanwhile, it is widely speculated that Matt might have played a role in Lauren’s disappearance. But Matt has a terrible idea he knows where his friend is, and it is up to him to save her.
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This story uses several creative means in which to relay the story, such as police interviews, recordings, and Whatsapp conversations, for example. Ordinarily, I have mixed feelings about this approach, finding it more of a distraction than anything else. However, because this story got its start on the internet to begin with, and because it certainly appeals to the young adult audience, the format is fitting, and even effective to some extent. However, despite its unconventional style, the story is easy to follow and because of the unique setup, it is a super- fast read. Although Matt’s nightmares are lurid and vivid, the book lacks consistent atmosphere. However, the conclusion certainly was climactic and very unsettling.
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Overall, this is a short horror story that would fit nicely into your Halloween reading list. It is thoroughly innovative and is definitely a contemporary tale that has all the makings of a future classic.
Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian is a 2014 publication.
A very good mystery with a unique premise!
Historian Jaya Jones is happy to be back at work after Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian is a 2014 publication.
A very good mystery with a unique premise!
Historian Jaya Jones is happy to be back at work after having garnered a bit of notoriety for herself after discovering a jeweled artifact. The press coverage puts a bit of a damper on her love life as well.
But, once more Jaya finds herself sucked into a treasure hunt, when a lawyer approaches her asking her to help him locate some papers that belonged to one of her ancestors, a man who died in the San Francisco earthquake trying to save his friend. As it turns out, this legend about her famed relative might not be true after all. To protect her family’s reputation and maybe even her life, Jaya follows a crude treasure map to San Francisco to India searching for a long lost, but very valuable treasure.
A bit of the author’s own personal history serves as a basis for this rich and detailed mystery. The locations, the dialogue, the characterizations are all well- crafted. Adventure, intrigue, a touch of magic and sprinkling of humor, this second installment in the Jaya Jones series capitalized on the momentum from the first book quite well. This is a unique setup for modern cozies, which is always good to see, and I love this author’s vivid imagination.
Anyone who enjoys mysteries will want to check into this series. It is clean, well- written, fun, entertaining and interesting! I’m going to do my version of 'binge reading' for the other books in this series, so I can catch up quick. I'm looking forward to catching up on all the installments and can’t wait to see what Jaya gets up to next.
Conde Nast: The Man and His Empire- A Biography by Susan Ronald is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
It is hard to believe this is the first biogConde Nast: The Man and His Empire- A Biography by Susan Ronald is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.
It is hard to believe this is the first biography written about Conde Nast in over thirty years. I think many people may only associate his name with a brand and are either unaware of his history or have forgotten it was his hard work and foresight that influenced society within the pages of his magazine, both in the US and abroad, beginning in 1909, when he bought Vogue.
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This is a comprehensive biography of Conde Nast and his vision, his influence on and his place in society. I found most of this history quite fascinating, especially as I am a huge fan of Vanity Fair magazine. The behind the scenes politics is pretty juicy stuff- sort of gossipy, if you will, and was all news to me, since it all took place way before my time.
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Nast’s formidable competition was Randolph Hearst and the two warred it out for many years, with Conde holding his own quite nicely- until he hit a snag during the depression.
As engrossing as some of the power struggles, and clever business techniques could be, sections of the book were a bit dry and it was hard not to zone out or resist the urge to skim. The writing is thorough, maybe a bit too much, on occasion, but the author’s research stands out. While Conde Nast endured many personal and professional ups and downs, he is mostly portrayed in a positive light and author takes a soft approach with his life story.
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This is an interesting biography which includes some little known, or thought of history, about the publishing business, and the way it evolved over time. Nast was smart, a hard worker, and didn’t abuse his wealth or power, but also made colossal missteps and suffered numerous health issues throughout his life.
If you are interested in publishing, history, or business, you might find this book intriguing. If you are a fan of Vogue or Vanity Fair- in particular- the influence and impressions Conde and his publications had on fashions and society, you will find this book of interest as well.
Although it is occasionally dry, the writing style keeps the pacing moving at a quick pace for a biography. I found it easy to read, despite so many names and events to keep track of.
Overall, the book is informative, interesting, and a compelling biography of Conde Nast- a visionary in the world of publishing. ...more
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