Who me? Reading a Western? This is a Sandra Dallas novel, so yes, I am...
In 1863, when their mother dies, Haidie Richards, 14, and her younger brotherWho me? Reading a Western? This is a Sandra Dallas novel, so yes, I am...
In 1863, when their mother dies, Haidie Richards, 14, and her younger brother, Boots, 10, live in an orphanage, but not for long. They soon escape and plan to head from Smoak, IL, to the Colorado Territory. They're in search of their father, Manley, who left four years ago with a severe case of gold fever and high hopes of striking it rich.
Boots and Haidie, disguised as a boy, gain passage with folks traveling to the Western Territory and learn hard and fast lessons along the way. Once they arrive in Colorado, their lessons are far from over...
Tough Luck is a story I enjoyed with a compelling storyline, wonderful characters, and simple descriptive writing that immerses you in the timeline of the 1860s and the culture of the West. I love Haidie, our main character, who held the weight of this story on her tiny shoulders. Dallas made a wise choice by placing the first-person narration of this story in the hands of this brave character. She is a little spitfire!
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, who recounts the story flawlessly in an accentuated voice appropriate for the timeline and delivers the perfect first-person voice for Haidie. The result is an entertaining listening experience.
This was not the first Sandra Dallas novel I have read. I read her second novel, The Persian Pickle Club, five years ago and loved it. I must admit, though, I fell in love with that beautiful, colorful cover first. Take a look for yourself and see if you agree.
Tough Luck was enjoyable to read and listen to, and just as I said when I finished The Persian Pickle Club, I need to read more from this talented author!
4.25â�
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Sandra Dallas for a DRC and an ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. Publication date: 4/29/25!...more
The Sirens is the story of two sets of sisters, centuries apart, mysteriously linked by the wonder of dreams and thHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 4/1/25!!!
The Sirens is the story of two sets of sisters, centuries apart, mysteriously linked by the wonder of dreams and the allure of the sea.
In 2019, the primary setting is on the coast of New South Wales, Australia, where two sisters, Lucy and Jess, are searching for answers from the past...
In 1800, the secondary setting is on a convict ship traveling from Ireland to Australia, where twin sisters Mary and Eliza begin to notice unexplainable changes to their bodies as they get further and further out to sea...
The Sirens is a genre blend of Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, and Mystery, and Hart takes it up a notch by sprinkling in a fair amount of Family Drama to tie everything together. Similar in format to her impressive debut novel, Weyward, this has a contemporary timeline intertwined with timelines from the past. And like her previous book, I cannot take my eyes off the gorgeous cover.
I love how this author's storytelling builds with intricate details and emotions given to the characters. You clearly understand the depth of the research effort to create this intense story. An unexpected twist dropping at 70% was a pleasant surprise, and I flew through the remainder of the book.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook was read by Barrie Kreinik, one of my favorite narrators. She recounts the story flawlessly, switching from English to Australian accents as necessary. Her gender voicing was also discernible, making this a pleasurable listening experience.
The Sirens, Emilia Hart's sophomore novel, does not disappoint, and I will patiently await her next book!
4.5â�
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Emilia Hart for a DRC and an ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series!
Finlay has never seen eyHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 3/4/25!!!
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano is Book #5 in the Finlay Donovan Series!
Finlay has never seen eye to eye with her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, a busybody who keeps snooping around and peering across the street into Finlay's business. Now, the tables are turned, and she may need some help from Finlay.
A dead body was found in Mrs. Haggerty's backyard. She has been cleared of any charges, but her house remains a crime scene. Since Finlay's house is directly across the street, Mrs. H. makes herself at home, moving into Finlay's bedroom, where she has a clear view of her house.
Then, Finlay hears the familiar name of a new suspect in the case, which triggers her immediate interest in the investigation...
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, like all previous books, picks up where the last book left off. I was on the fence about continuing this series, as I felt it had lost its original appeal. I wanted more Finlay and Vero, less wackiness, and fewer one-dimensional characters. This one delivers all that and a deeper dive into Finlay and Nick's developing relationship.
Mrs. Haggerty is quite the character and one of the best parts of this story. Come to find out there's more to her than meets the eye. I hope we see more of her in the future.
This was an immersion read; the audiobook is narrated by Angela Dawe, whose voicing of Finlay and Vero is so familiar to me that I can read the ebook alone and still hear their voices in my head. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I continue to be impressed by Ms. Dawe's talent.
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave ends in another cliffhanger, meaning another book is in the works. I'm excited for book #6 and more of Finlay and Vero's shenanigans!
4.5â�
Thank you to St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio, and Elle Cosimano for the DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review....more
The Seven O'Clock Club is the story of four strangers suffering a loss they can't get past on their own, brought together for a new type of grief therThe Seven O'Clock Club is the story of four strangers suffering a loss they can't get past on their own, brought together for a new type of grief therapy:
Victoria - 41, lawyer; acerbic and openly cynical. Freya - 31, interior designer; appears sickly and disoriented. Mischa - 20, Insurance CSA; lonely and confused. Culum -29, rock artist; cocky, and craving booze and drugs.
Once a week, group sessions occur at 7:00 PM. led by Genevieve, the group facilitator, who poses questions to be answered by each participant in a round-robin style.
The group slowly melded, interacted, and became comfortable with one another. This is when Genevieve threw the group a curve...
The Seven O'Clock Club had a slow start, but not in a bad way. Getting to know the characters and the storyline takes a minute, and Ireland took the right time. The storyline is creative, the writing has a simple, easy flow, and both kept me flipping the pages.
That leaves the characters my favorite part of this story. All five were interesting, but I liked Victoria and Cullum best. This story wouldn't be as enjoyable as it is without either one. They are both unlikable at first, and then something changes all that. Are you curious yet?
The story lost a little of its magic toward the end, the last 15%, when it became too predictable. That's just me, though, and it is magical realism. So who's looking, right?
Lastly, I want to share why I chose to read this book. I have been struggling with grief for almost two years now from my sister's passing. I am working through it with help, including friends and family, but it becomes overwhelming sometimes and surfaces when I least expect it. My takeaway from this book is you are never alone in your feelings, and talking to others and sharing your story is genuinely beneficial.
The Seven O'Clock Club is an impressive debut novel, and I look forward to more from this talented author!
4.25â�
Thank you to Berkley and Amelia Ireland for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. Publication date: 4/15/25...more
I cannot tell a lie! This adorable cover drew me in...
Cat's People is a story about a black cat stray bringing fivHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 4/1/25!!!
I cannot tell a lie! This adorable cover drew me in...
Cat's People is a story about a black cat stray bringing five struggling and lonely strangers together in a Brooklyn neighborhood: * ±·Ãº°ù¾±²¹ - a barista who feeds stray cats * Collin - an author with writers block * Lily - a high school grad looking for her half-sister * Omar - a mailman looking for a change * Bong - a bodega owner grieving his late wife
Perhaps black cats can bring good luck, too......more
Broken Country is set in a small farming village in the Dorset couHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 3/4/25!!!
Beautiful. Addictive. Heartbreaking. Hopeful...
Broken Country is set in a small farming village in the Dorset countryside in Southwestern England, where Gabriel Wolfe and Beth fell in love during the summer of 1955. He was her first love, and he broke her heart.
Beth marries Frank, a local sheep farmer. Gabriel marries an American.
In 1968, after divorcing his wife, Gabriel returns to the village with his son, Leo, who reminds Beth of her son Bobby, who died not long ago. Beth is drawn into Gabriel and Leo's lives, not realizing it will trigger events that will change their lives and families, and impact the entire village community...
Broken Country is as much a family story as a love story, and it quickly piqued my interest and stole my heart. Although it is told from the perspective of Beth, the protagonist, it uses a third-person limited point of view. The story is told through her eyes but not directly in her voice. It has a quiet yet distant and reflective feel, with simple writing and short chapters that make the pages flip as quickly as a thriller. The characters were fully fleshed out, making investing in their journey and engaging with the story simple.
This evocative and heartbreaking story is layered with two timelines and themes of love, loss, and the consequences of choices made. Long-held secrets will unfold, tragic events will take place, and the less you know going in, the better your experience will be.
Broken Country is the best book I've read this year. This is Clare Leslie Hall's U.S. debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from her. I love Literary Fiction, and this book is an example of why. I highly recommend it!
5â�
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Clare Leslie Hall for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review....more
If you've read Marianne Cronin's debut novel The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot then you know this author writes touching stories about intergeIf you've read Marianne Cronin's debut novel The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot then you know this author writes touching stories about intergenerational friendship.
In Eddie Winston is Looking for Love, Eddie is a nonagenarian with a caring nature and magnetic personality who volunteers his days at The Heart Trust Charity Shop sorting through bits and pieces from loved ones who have passed, donated by those who remain.
Bella Williams is one of those who remains. She is 24 years old and deeply distraught after her boyfriend's death. She meets Eddie at the charity shop as she drops off a box of Jake's items she can't bear to keep.
An unexpected friendship develops between Eddie and Bella driven by their need to help each other. He wants to help her through her grief for Jake and she wants to help him find something he's never had, a first kiss...
What stands out to me the most in Eddie Winston is Looking for Love is the unconditional love that develops in Eddie's and Bella's relationship. They talk together, listen to each other, and share their deepest secrets without risk. They've built an intergenerational friendship based on respect, trust, and selflessness. Their focus always remains on the other person.
What a wonderful main character Cronin has created in Eddie Winston, who has a deep history to tell that pushes the story forward through the past and present timelines. He's kind, a hopeless romantic, and I'm already missing the days and nights I spent with this dear, sweet character.
Eddie Wilson is Looking for Love is a story about friendship, resilience, and kindness sprinkled with humor, sadness, and joy. I'm forever a fan of the short chapters that make the pages turn quickly. With one teeny niggle, I felt the story ended a little abruptly and I wanted a tiny bit more of Eddie. Can you blame me?
4.5â�
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Marianne Cronin for the DRC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
It has been nearly ten years since Lucy's decision at the end of The Light We Lost. Now, she is making another decision—an impulsive one...
After lookIt has been nearly ten years since Lucy's decision at the end of The Light We Lost. Now, she is making another decision—an impulsive one...
After looking through a box of Gabe's photographs, Lucy finds a small slip of paper with an address in Rome. Why did he keep this scrap of paper? And why was he in Italy?
Without a second thought, Lucy books a flight from New York City to Rome, not knowing what awaits her when she lands. Or how much her life will change afterward...
The Love We Found feels more family-centric, the characters more mature and settled, and I loved it more. Ten years can make a difference in how one views almost everything, and I found that to be true here with these characters.
A lot of life has happened since the end of The Light We Lost, and Lucy once again speaks to the reader in a first-person narrative, recounting her experiences. Lucy is a beautifully drawn character with strength, empathy, and resilience. She carries the emotional weight of her family on her shoulders. Rarely considering her own needs.
This sequel is packed with prominent themes of hidden truths, family dynamics, confronting the past, and embracing the future. I felt more emotionally connected to the story and its characters this time and cried happy tears more than once.
The Love We Found is an almost perfect sequel to the first book. Be sure to read the first book before you dive into this one to get the full impact of Santopolo's beautiful series.
4.5â�
Thank you to Shelf Awareness Sweepstakes, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Jill Santopolo for the DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
Two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, are on the same plane, sitting in the same row, but have never met.
Their circumstances are very different. StephaniTwo women, Stephanie and Jasmine, are on the same plane, sitting in the same row, but have never met.
Their circumstances are very different. Stephanie is traveling to a business meeting; Jasmine is escaping from an abusive relationship.
Days later, both women begin texting friends about the same man. The texts become increasingly strange and concerning. Then Stephanie and Jasmine disappear...
The Business Trip is a story I was drawn into immediately and found seriously addictive until Part Three, which began to slow down and feel repetitive, often quoting the same dialogue from previous chapters. I did enjoy the author's creative storyline and the balance of likable and unlikable characters, but I wanted to know more about them. Perhaps giving the characters more depth of backstory would have been better than using so many pages to explain what happened.
I never stopped reading and remained curious about the final denouement. I understand how thrillers can feel over the top, and I am okay with that in this story. What I was looking for and didn't find were reasons why I should root for characters I didn't feel a connection to. For me, the characters are the most essential part of every story.
An immersion read, the audiobook has an entire cast of narrators recounting each character's first-person narrative. It was well done!
The Business Trip is a story I liked, and Jessie Garcia is a creative storyteller and author to watch!
3.25â�
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Jessie Garcia for a DRC and an ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
"Our Wives Under the Sea" by Julia Armfield is a story about love, grief, and loss!
Miri's marine biologist wife, Leah, is finally coming home after si"Our Wives Under the Sea" by Julia Armfield is a story about love, grief, and loss!
Miri's marine biologist wife, Leah, is finally coming home after six months at sea. A submariner exploratory mission that should have taken three weeks, ends in a mysterious disaster without meaningful communication from the 'Centre' for months. Miri still has questions that remain unanswered by Leah's employer.
Miri and Leah live together in the same flat but in different spaces now. Miri eats alone in the kitchen and sleeps alone in the spare bedroom. Leah spends a great deal of time locked in the bathroom running water from both taps. She doesn't eat but craves copious amounts of salted water.
Miri notices the differences in Leah. She sees Leah doing these alarmingly odd things and how her body is physically changing. Leah seems to be fading away. Is Miri different now, too?
I will say, and I'm sure about this, I have not ever read anything quite like this book before. It's beautifully written, oddly slow, a bit repetitive, thoughtful, and deeply sad. It's the kind of book that causes you to dig deep within and continue to think about it for a long time afterwards.
The alternating chapters tell the story via the first-person voices of both Miri and Leah. The story travels back into the memories of their relationship, with snippets of what happens under the sea, mingled with the current timeline once Leah is back home.
I read the digital copy and listened to the audiobook choosing to switch back and forth between the two short formats. The audiobook has two narrators, Annabel Baldwin & Robyn Holdaway, who give a unique voice to each of the main characters. I believe this is what gives listening a more emotional experience. With the digital copy, the visual experience of reading the printed word is an experience I will always find comforting!
I enjoy reading books that are different and this creative and beautifully written debut novel hits that mark for me. It's a story that I continue to think about and dissect over and over again. Like Leah, it keeps changing. It's that kind of story for me. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, Dreamscape Media and Julia Armfield for a free ARC and ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review....more
The Dream Hotel is set in the near-future where the lines between technology, security, and liberty are blurred...
Sara Hussein was detained by the RisThe Dream Hotel is set in the near-future where the lines between technology, security, and liberty are blurred...
Sara Hussein was detained by the Risk Assessment Administration at LAX when returning home from a business trip in London. The RAA officer tells Sara that, using data from her dreams, the algorithm flagged her as a potential threat, specifically to her husband. For his safety, Sara must remain under observation at a retention center for twenty-one days.
After spending months in the retention center with other dreamers, all of whom are women trying to prove their innocence, Sara wonders if she will ever be free...
The Dream Hotel is a speculative fiction novel, and like most dystopian stories, this book is disturbing. It is thought-provoking and shocking enough that I couldn't stop thinking about it. With the jump in direction our technology is headed, this is a cautionary tale that feels frighteningly real.
This is also a character study of Sara, who is present or referenced in every chapter. Her plethora of emotions resonated with me, and I feel confident I would emulate her behavior under the same circumstances. Lalami's evocative writing leads you to believe that what is happening to Sara could easily happen to you. As an emotional reader, this book was an intense experience.
This was an immersion read with the gifted DRC and the Audible audiobook narrated mainly by Frankie Corzo, who recounts the story and whose voicing skills effectively capture the diversity of the characters. Barton Caplan's narration is limited to the reading of various reports and communications.
The Dream Hotel is an all-too-real and frightening glimpse into what the future of technology could hold. Key themes of predicted behavior versus fact, reality versus uncertainty, and unchecked monitoring versus personal privacy are explored. It's a perspective I enjoyed reading that nearly caused my brain to explode!
4.5â�
Thank you to Pantheon Books and Laila Lalami for the DRC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
The Book of George by Kate Greathead is a Character Study of Millennial Masculinity!
When I began this immersion read, I thought I'd made a horrible mThe Book of George by Kate Greathead is a Character Study of Millennial Masculinity!
When I began this immersion read, I thought I'd made a horrible mistake by requesting The Book of George. Seriously. I even set it aside for two months deciding if I wanted to pick it up again. Eventually, I did and you might say, George began to grow on me.
George is quite a character and you may recognize him. He's good-looking, smart, witty, and has great potential but he's his own worst enemy. He has tons of opportunities but motivation has never found a home in his life. He's happy one minute, sullen the next, snarky, makes snide remarks, pushes those closest to him away and if anyone knows what a mess he is, it's George. And, he's the first one to admit it...
So why did I enjoy the heck out of this story?
I love the satirical side of this characterization. Let's face it, George is not a star but you can't help rooting for him. For some crazy reason, you care about him. He's that relative, friend, or co-worker who does something eye-rolling or off-putting that you explain away by saying, "Oh, that's just George, being George!" Right?!
Do you recognize George now?
The best of my immersion read was the audiobook and the excellent narration of Blair Baker. She hit all the right notes in all the right places and she nailed the voice of George. I think it's also worth mentioning that this is a book about a man named George written and narrated by women. They brought George to life in a way that made him feel familiar to me.
I enjoyed The Book of George much more than I thought I would when I began and I know this won't be a book for everyone. After all, George is an acquired taste. For me with its satiric humor and ridiculous George moments, it was just what I needed! 4.25â�
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co., Macmillan Audio, and Kate Greathead for a DRC and an ALC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
1) The ability to annoy each other 2) A pile of garbage that keeps growing 3) A frying pan 4) Red wine, video games, anThe Answer Is No is about:
1) The ability to annoy each other 2) A pile of garbage that keeps growing 3) A frying pan 4) Red wine, video games, and Pad Thai with peanuts 5) Lucas, our MC...who only wants to be left alone with the three items in bullet point #4
This is a 68-page novelette and/or 1H 59M audiobook written by Fredrik Backman in his indisputably witty satiric style and odd mix of characters who talk in his head until he puts them on paper.
These characters were a crazy mix of insanity I didn't know I needed and I'm delighted they arrived.
For animal lovers like me, there's a kitty in the story, too. I thought you'd like to know.
Now...I will patiently wait for Backman's next group of characters to arrive!
4.25â�
Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and Fredrik Backman for the DRC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ...more
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