What a book!! And to think that I didn’t even want to read this book, and it is now one of my all time favorites! Did the title appeal to me? No. The What a book!! And to think that I didn’t even want to read this book, and it is now one of my all time favorites! Did the title appeal to me? No. The cover? Not so much. The synopsis? Not really. But when I opened up this book, each page just took my breath away. I can’t remember the last time I read a more magical, compelling book. I felt like I personally knew each character and experienced every sliver of pain, grief, and trauma that they went through. I didn’t ever want this book to end.
This story starts off with a Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arriving in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. Of the five children, Ruthie is the youngest at only four years old. One day while sitting by a big rock near her brother Joe, she suddenly vanishes. A search went on for weeks without much help from the local authorities. Ruthie was never found. Her brother Joe was only six years old at the time, but for all his years he held out hope that she was still alive. Joe also carried around a ton of guilt as he was the last person to have seen Ruthie before she vanished.
“And besides, when a person dies, there’s a finality to it, a heaviness that comes with all endings.”
We also have the story of Norma. Norma lives a very sheltered life, with a mother and father who keep a very tight leash on her. She is well cared for, but often feels that things just aren’t quite right. Norma also has recurring dreams that her mother tells her are just nonsense. Why does she feel an emptiness inside, and will it ever go away?
While we could guess where this story was going, it didn’t matter because it was so beautifully written. A friend of mine at work gave me this book to read, and because he’s an avid reader at 90 years old (yes you read that right), I couldn’t say no. All I can say is that he picks better books than I do, and moving forward I will be asking for more book recommendations from him because this book was a total winner ...more
Can fate be fought? Can we take precautions in life to make sure we live a long and healthy life, or does the universe have plans for some of us no mat Can fate be fought? Can we take precautions in life to make sure we live a long and healthy life, or does the universe have plans for some of us no matter what? If a psychic determined your life span, and what you would die from- would you believe them?
After a flight traveling from Hobart to Sydney is delayed for 90 minutes, and passengers are already irritated and fidgety, they finally take off! That’s when a middle-aged woman gets up and starts pointing her finger at everyone and telling each passenger, including a very lovely flight attendant, when she expects they will die and what the cause will be.
After each passenger returns home from their flight they are a bit nervous (and some skeptical), about whether or not this woman’s predictions will come true. As this story progresses we learn about some of the passengers (and grow very close to a few of them), and pray that this woman is wrong about what she predicted about their life spans.
In the meantime, we find out who made these predictions for these passengers. This woman was Cherry Lockwood. Growing up, her mother was a psychic who went by the name of Madame Mae. Does Cherry possess the same psychic abilities as her mother? Or are there ways to fight fate?
Regardless of fate or psychic abilities, I absolutely loved reading about Cherry’s life and backstory. I loved Cherry’s character (maybe not from the start), and as lengthy as this book was I was sad to see it end. I shed many tears at the end of this book, and I would recommend having tissues nearby. I questioned my own life and destiny, and I think many of you will too after reading this. This is by far my favorite Liane Moriarty book. I cannot wait until this book is published so I can have a hardcover for my own personal shelves. I highly recommend this book, and hope you love it as much as I did!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Crown Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: September 10, 2024....more
I’m not going to lie- I was very hesitant to read this as the author’s previous book, “Gone Tonight” was not one of my favorites. However, Sarah PekkaI’m not going to lie- I was very hesitant to read this as the author’s previous book, “Gone Tonight” was not one of my favorites. However, Sarah Pekkanen redeemed herself with “House of Glass”, because I absolutely enjoyed everything about this book! The writing and the storyline were absolutely remarkable!
In this story we have Stella Hudson, who is appointed counsel for Rose Barclay. Rose is a nine year old girl whose parents are going through a bitter divorce, and she has also just witnessed the death of her nanny. During this traumatic time, Rose has developed traumatic mutism and she cannot speak. Stella can relate to Rose because when Stella was a young girl she witnessed the death of her mother, and then developed traumatic mutism herself.
Because Rose’s parents are divorcing, it is Stella’s job to spend time with Rose and her parents to see who would be the better parent for Rose to live with once they divorce. We have the wealthy, uptight Beth Barclay- her mother. Then there is Ian Barclay, more down to earth and not so wealthy- her father. We soon learn that Ian’s mother, Harriet has lived with the Barclay’s for several years and is witness to many events that has happened within the family.
Which brings us to the death of the nanny, Tina. Tina fell to her death through her third story bedroom window. Was she pushed? Was it an accident? Or was it suicide? And did Rose witness what really happened that night? Also why are the parents replacing all the glass in the house? Even the mirrors are being replaced…
This book had my attention from the first page all the way through until the last! I loved Stella’s character, and felt that everything and everyone else was so relatable and real. I’m so glad that I took a chance with this book, and I cannot wait to read Pekkanen’s next! I highly recommend this twisty thriller!
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: August 6, 2024. Genre~ Women’s Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers...more
Loved it!! This book was fresh, fun, and kept me turning the pages!! I needed this book! This is also Amy Tintera’s adult debut novel after writing YALoved it!! This book was fresh, fun, and kept me turning the pages!! I needed this book! This is also Amy Tintera’s adult debut novel after writing YA, and she nailed it!! I loved the short chapters, and the main character of Lucy Chase was the best I’ve read in a while- that is definitely how young adults act today (or maybe it’s just me ...more
Rebecca Serle has done it again! She has written another five-star, top favorite book of mine again. I previously read In Five Years by Serle, and to Rebecca Serle has done it again! She has written another five-star, top favorite book of mine again. I previously read In Five Years by Serle, and to this day it is still one of my all time favorite books. Expiration Dates is coming in at a close second, definitely ending the year as one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far. This book kept me on an emotional roller coaster ...more
Five Standing Ovation Stars ⭐️ for The Women by Kristin Hannah! This book took my breath away. I can honestly say that I learned more about the men anFive Standing Ovation Stars ⭐️ for The Women by Kristin Hannah! This book took my breath away. I can honestly say that I learned more about the men and women in Vietnam from this book than any other historical book that I have read. I will admit that the Vietnam War ended in 1975, when I was only two years old (I know, I just gave my age away), so growing up, I never really paid attention. Now that I am older, history interests me, and learning about the women in Vietnam took it to a whole other dimension.
Our main character in this book is Frances (Frankie) McGrath. Frankie is very close with her brother Finley, who is in the Navy and goes off to Vietnam. Her father is so very proud of Finley, as all the men in the family are “war heroes”. Frankie decides she would like to be a hero too, just like all the other men in her family. As Frankie finishes her nursing degree, she recruits herself into the Army Nurse Corps and becomes Lieutenant Frances McGrath.
As Lieutenant Frances McGrath, she is stationed in Vietnam as a surgical nurse. Frankie has two bunk mates, Ethel and Barb, who help show her the ropes and get her through some extremely rough days. As a surgical nurse, Frankie is exposed to mass casualties on a daily basis. She witnesses loss of limbs, gunshot wounds, head traumas, infections, broken bones, etc… Frankie also knows that she is the last person/girl that some of the soldiers will ever see. So Frankie takes photos with the soldiers, so their families know that their loved ones didn’t have to die alone.
Frankie returns home after after serving two years in Vietnam. Her parents are ashamed of her, local citizens spit on her, she can’t find suitable employment. And the worst part? No one believes that a woman was in Vietnam! Her rages of anger and grief are uncontrollable, and no one seems to care or understand her.
Frankie was told to just forget about everything that she witnessed, not think about it anymore, move forward with her life. But things weren’t so easy for Frankie.
I learned some interesting and rather disturbing facts about the Vietnam War in this book. I know that they are true and a part of history, but some things are still hard to process. I don’t know how anyone can live through anything like that. To all the men and women that served- I commend you and thank you for your service!
While this is a work of historical fiction, it is a book that I will not forget anytime soon. I highly recommend reading this book, and know that this book is moving into my favorite book of the year slot! While reading this book, I also recommend having tissues nearby- because trust me, you will need them. ...more
Loved this book!! In fact, I can’t remember the last time I read a book so fast! I love a book that can keep me turning the pages, and not worry aboutLoved this book!! In fact, I can’t remember the last time I read a book so fast! I love a book that can keep me turning the pages, and not worry about anything else but the book! This storyline was fast-paced, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
This story is about Ruby McTavish, a wealthy little girl who was lost in the woods near her home in North Carolina at only three years old. Ruby was found eight months later in another state and returned home. As Ruby grows up in her mansion known as the Ashby House, she often feels that some things about her aren’t quite right.
Ruby writes letters prior to her death at an elderly age, and through these letters we see what transpired during her years growing up and her four marriages. Ruby also had an adopted son named Camden, who is set to inherit all of the McTavish fortune. Camden wants nothing to do with the family money and he has stayed away from his cold and unkind family members for years. However, he gets notified by his cousin that he should come to Ashby House after the passing of his uncle, and Camden’s wife Jules thinks it would be a great idea to visit.
When Camden and Jules arrive at Ashby House, the fun really begins! This was a very dysfunctional family. I loved getting the different POV’s from Camden, Jules, and Ruby. And while getting all these different viewpoints, we can question what really makes a family?
I highly recommend this book! As I’ve mentioned before I read for entertainment and enjoyment - and that’s what this book gave me! This book also had short chapters (my favorite), which made for a quick read. Add this book to your list- you can thank me later! ...more
Can we first talk about the brilliant cover for this book?! Why are we not focused on the huge “evil eye” symbol that is front and center on the coverCan we first talk about the brilliant cover for this book?! Why are we not focused on the huge “evil eye” symbol that is front and center on the cover of this magnificent book? And how convenient that this story takes place on an island in Greece. And for those who are not aware, the Greek evil eyes are “all-seeing eyeballs”, which are supposed to ward off negative energy caused by another’s jealousy. ...more
Wow! Another winner from Ashley Audrain. I’m amazed at how brilliant this woman can write. This book is deep, dark, unsettling, and a true character sWow! Another winner from Ashley Audrain. I’m amazed at how brilliant this woman can write. This book is deep, dark, unsettling, and a true character study of how women and couples really act behind closed doors- and how some get caught out in the open. I’m still processing everything, even as I write this.
In “The Whispers” we have four main women characters. I’ll start with Blair. Blair was a bit of a neurotic, creepy weirdo. She did a very stalkerish, nasty move early on in the book that almost made me quit reading this. However unnecessary I felt that scene was, I’m thankful nothing that strange happened again. Although, I can relate to her insecurities she was dealing with.
We then have the rich and beautiful Whitney. Whitney is a powerful woman at work, but doesn’t have much of a maternal instinct. She’s thankful to have Blair living across the street to be her only friend and keep her somewhat grounded.
Mara is the elderly neighbor who nobody pays attention to, but she sees and knows everything. My heart broke for Mara. I wanted to reach through the pages and just hug her! Her story was heartbreaking.
Rebecca is the neighbor doctor, who is desperate to have children. How many attempts and failures at motherhood can she withstand?
Also, through this amazing character study we have the terrible tragedy that occurs to Whitney’s oldest son, Xavier. And what a story that was! I just can’t stop thinking about this book! If I had to pick which was my favorite between Audrain’s debut “ The Push”, and this book, I may still lean more towards “Push” but not by much. I highly recommend this book, and I cannot wait to see what this author comes up with next! I know I will be first in line to read whatever it is! (4.5 stars rounded up) ...more
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” ~ Joseph Campbell
Love, Pamela is the best memoir that I have read so far. Pamela Anderson did not h“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are” ~ Joseph Campbell
Love, Pamela is the best memoir that I have read so far. Pamela Anderson did not hold back, and told us who she really is. I feel that Pamela’s image was misconstrued tremendously by the media and tabloids. Pamela is an intelligent, beautiful woman who finally told her story. This story is mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and often impulsive (as some of her actions were).
In this memoir, we learn that Pamela is an animal rights activist (she loves animals and nature), she is involved in refugee organizations, she is an art lover who spends her time at various museums and is very familiar with artists who I’ve never even heard of. Pamela is also a book lover! Pamela has been an avid reader since she was a young girl, and this reading continues today. If she was on Goodreads, she would probably blow most of us away with her reviews and some of the works that she’s read. Pamela also grows her own garden with vegetables and fruits, and makes her own homemade vegan dishes. The greatest accomplishment is that she is/was a hands on mom to two wonderful boys through her marriage to Motley Crue drummer, Tommy Lee.
Pamela talks about her “fairy tale” romance and wedding to Tommy Lee. While they were very much in love, the paparazzi followed them and provoked them constantly. Paparazzi vans were always parked outside of their house. In protecting Pamela from aggressive fans and paparazzi, Tommy would be triggered and become violent. His violence resulted in many fines and hefty settlements that they had to pay out to those who were assaulted by their aggravating behavior. We all know of the sex tapes between this couple that were stolen, and pretty much destroyed them as a couple. Pamela’s career was ruined, as was her life and the lives of their families and friends closest to them. Her two boys were also traumatized by these tapes, as they would be teased at school. To this day, Pamela still has not watched the tapes (and neither have I).
Pamela goes on to add about her quick marriages to Kid Rock and Rick Salomon. She was always looking for the fairy tale romance that she had with Tommy Lee, but just never found it. She realized that apparently not all relationships work like that.
In addition to the many talents that Pamela has - yes we all remember her from Baywatch, and she was in Playboy several times. Pamela is also a writer. Pamela has kept journals that she wrote in everyday since she was a young girl. Because of her ability to write, she wrote this memoir all by herself- with no ghostwriter or anything. This book is emotional, raw, and amazing!!
I highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to get a better understanding of Pamela Anderson, or what it’s like to be a human being in general. In addition to this memoir, she has a documentary out on Netflix. I have only watched half of the documentary so far, and I don’t think it’s as good as the book. This book obviously goes into more detail, so I do believe you will get more from this book than you would the documentary....more
(4.5 stars). I’m conflicted as to what type of person I am after reading this story, because although our main character Ruby did some bad things (spe(4.5 stars). I’m conflicted as to what type of person I am after reading this story, because although our main character Ruby did some bad things (specifically murder), I couldn’t help but root for her. ...more
Holy Smokes!! I’m a little speechless right now after having just finished reading this book.
I will start off by saying that the title of this book, Holy Smokes!! I’m a little speechless right now after having just finished reading this book.
I will start off by saying that the title of this book, The Devil Takes You Home, intrigued me. The cover captivated me. The synopsis pulled me right in. The Devil Takes You Home is my most memorable read of 2022 thus far. And if I’m being honest, this book messed me up!
There were instances in this story that were too violent and graphic for my taste, but please do not let that steer you away from reading this story. Our main character of Mario is one that all of us can relate to (or should be able to). No matter how disturbing some of the pages are- this book is REAL. LIFE.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around what I just read and may need to come back and update this review later, but in the meantime I highly recommend reading this book!...more
Let me first start off by saying that the main reason that I even wanted to read this book was for the cover alone. I am obsessed with houses that havLet me first start off by saying that the main reason that I even wanted to read this book was for the cover alone. I am obsessed with houses that have ivy growing and covering the whole exterior of a house. I’ve always thought that ivy covered houses were so beautiful and the ivy was telling a perfect story (or rather hiding), of what goes on inside the home.
Now to the inside story of Greenwich Park… I absolutely loved it! In fact, I ended up liking it more than I thought I would (Always trust an ivy covered house!). The character development was phenomenal. I was questioning each character throughout this whole story. Once I thought I had it figured out, I was proved wrong once again! I particularly enjoyed that of Helen’s character. Helen’s pregnancy was described so perfectly, it brought me back to the days of mine.
I also loved the fact that no loose ends were left. The author did a fantastic job of tying everything up in a pretty little bow (which I love). If you live life by the motto of “Trust No One”, then you will love this book. I will be anxiously waiting for Katherine Faulkner’s next book! I definitely recommend this book to all my thriller loving fans! ...more
Well, all I can say is that if I wasn’t a true crime aficionado before reading this book, I sure am now! This book was mind blowing and loaded with toWell, all I can say is that if I wasn’t a true crime aficionado before reading this book, I sure am now! This book was mind blowing and loaded with tons of criminology, I was in true crime heaven! Now don’t get me wrong, there were still many parts that were very hard to read, pages that were very heartbreaking and emotional- but this book gave you ALL sides of what it takes to solve a cold case.
I hate to admit this, but I had never heard of Paul Holes before reading this book ...more
I’m thinking I should wait a while to write my review while I sit and gather my thoughts on this one. This book was SO different, but in a good way.
HI’m thinking I should wait a while to write my review while I sit and gather my thoughts on this one. This book was SO different, but in a good way.
Hidden Pictures has everything that I love in a suspense story. There was paranormal activity, characters who may or may not be very believable, there were twists and turns galore, and then we had creepy illustrations/pictures. Now, the added pictures were a bonus, but even if we didn’t have them this story would still be a full five stars!
I read many books and the majority are thrillers/suspense, so I’m usually pretty good at figuring things out in the story at least by the halfway mark (not to toot my own horn or anything ...more
I LOVED this book! And I love Valerie Bertinelli! Valerie, if you are reading this, can we please be BFF’s?! I laughed, I cried, I felt every human emI LOVED this book! And I love Valerie Bertinelli! Valerie, if you are reading this, can we please be BFF’s?! I laughed, I cried, I felt every human emotion possible while reading this (even hunger pains, because her recipes are mouth watering!). This woman gets it!
To be honest, I only knew of Valerie Bertinelli as Eddie Van Halen’s wife/ex wife. I didn’t even know she had a cooking show on the Food Network ...more
I LOVE this book! This was Reese Witherspoon’s book club pick for January 22’, and she nailed it with this pick. It’s going to be real hard for me to I LOVE this book! This was Reese Witherspoon’s book club pick for January 22’, and she nailed it with this pick. It’s going to be real hard for me to find a book that even comes close to the greatness of Honor.
This book was heartbreaking, infuriating, and even a bit exciting all at the same time. There is so much that goes on in the world regarding social injustices and prejudices, and I feel so oblivious just sitting around in my little bubble- almost clueless (and yet so protected and so free). My eyes have definitely been opened regarding how some countries are not as advanced as we are here in the USA - in the case of this book, India. This book was also a reminder of the different cultures, customs, and religions that others practice.
I also have to say that I loved the descriptions of all the characters. I felt I was able to visualize each person, and I knew each one’s personality- whether it was good or not. The towns and cities were described so well, I felt as if I was actually there in Mumbai.
If you only read one book this year, then please read Honor by Thrity Umrigar. I found this book to be outstanding! One of my favorites thus far....more
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