Lately, I’ve been so busy that I forgot how enjoyable getting lost in a good book can be. This one reCompelling Psychological Thriller, Almost Perfect
Known for his infectious humor and irresistible Southern charm, Leslie invites readers into his world with stories that are as heartfelt asJoy to Read
Known for his infectious humor and irresistible Southern charm, Leslie invites readers into his world with stories that are as heartfelt as they are hilarious. Reading this book felt like sitting on a front porch, iced tea in hand, listening to a dear friend recount the wild, touching, and downright funny moments of his life. Leslie’s storytelling is infused with his signature wit, bringing to life his adventures and misadventures with an honesty that’s both endearing and relatable.
One of the most delightful aspects of this memoir is how effortlessly Leslie mixes humor with heartfelt reflections. His tales of growing up in Chattanooga, navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood, and his journey of self-acceptance are laced with laughter and wisdom. You’ll find yourself chuckling one moment and feeling a lump in your throat the next. The timing of reading this book feels bittersweet. Leslie's recent passing left a void in the hearts of fans worldwide, and diving into his stories is both a celebration of his life and a reminder of what we’ve lost. Yet, it’s comforting to have his voice preserved within these pages, bringing joy even after he’s gone.
I, too, was deeply saddened by his passing, but this book brought a smile to my face. It’s a beautiful tribute to his life, his spirit, and his unwavering ability to make people laugh. The recognition this book received is well-deserved, and I’m grateful it nudged me to pick it up. How Y'all Doing? isn’t just a memoir; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder of the importance of laughter, of embracing who you are, and of living life fully—even with all its misadventures and mischief. If you’re looking for a book that will lift your spirits and leave you grinning ear to ear, this is it.
Highly recommended for fans of Leslie Jordan, lovers of humor, and anyone needing a reminder of the joy to be found in life’s little moments.
Shaking Off the Slump: Finding Chills and Thrills with The Twisted Tree
I have been in such a slump, and it’s only the second month of the year—bu3.5/5
Shaking Off the Slump: Finding Chills and Thrills with The Twisted Tree
I have been in such a slump, and it’s only the second month of the year—but you know what? I got this. To shake things up, I joined a readathon with a goal to dive into award winners. Thank you, Kindle Unlimited, for helping me find this gem!
The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge is a moody, atmospheric read that blends Norse mythology with a chilling ghost story. The story follows Martha, a girl who gains an eerie ability to sense emotions by touching clothing after a traumatic accident. When she travels to Norway to visit her grandmother, she stumbles into a world filled with secrets, spirits, and an ancient curse.
Burge does a fantastic job of setting the scene. The icy, isolated Norwegian landscape is so vivid, I felt the chill in my bones. The infusion of Norse mythology is refreshing and adds a layer of intrigue that kept me turning the pages. The story’s blend of supernatural elements with a coming-of-age twist worked well, and I found myself genuinely invested in Martha’s journey.
However, while the book had some solid strengths, it didn’t fully pull me out of my slump. The pacing wavered at times, and certain plot points felt a bit rushed, especially toward the end. I also wanted a deeper dive into some of the supporting characters, who often felt like missed opportunities.
Overall, The Twisted Tree is an enjoyable read with a unique premise and a beautifully eerie setting. It might not have completely snapped me out of my reading funk, but it was a worthy pick for my readathon. If you’re in the mood for a story with mythological twists and a good dose of suspense, this one might just hit the spot.
I restarted The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane for a readathon, hoping it would captivate me the second time aroA Solid Read, But Lacking the Wow Factor
I restarted The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane for a readathon, hoping it would captivate me the second time around. While I did enjoy the book, I found it to be a solid, well-written story but without any standout moments that really grabbed me. The novel explores the complexities of marriage, dreams, and the small-town life of its characters with depth and realism. Keane’s writing is engaging, and she does a great job of capturing the nuances of her characters' emotions. However, despite the strong character development, the plot felt a bit predictable, and I kept waiting for a moment that would truly surprise or move me—but it never quite came. Overall, The Half Moon is a good read, especially if you appreciate character-driven stories. But for me, it lacked that extra spark to make it truly memorable.
Merged review:
A Solid Read, But Lacking the Wow Factor
I restarted The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane for a readathon, hoping it would captivate me the second time around. While I did enjoy the book, I found it to be a solid, well-written story but without any standout moments that really grabbed me. The novel explores the complexities of marriage, dreams, and the small-town life of its characters with depth and realism. Keane’s writing is engaging, and she does a great job of capturing the nuances of her characters' emotions. However, despite the strong character development, the plot felt a bit predictable, and I kept waiting for a moment that would truly surprise or move me—but it never quite came. Overall, The Half Moon is a good read, especially if you appreciate character-driven stories. But for me, it lacked that extra spark to make it truly memorable....more
Eerie and Engaging Faith Gardner was a new author for me, and I’ll admit—I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to thrillers. That said, The Mirror HouEerie and Engaging Faith Gardner was a new author for me, and I’ll admit—I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to thrillers. That said, The Mirror House Girls was an eerie, gripping read that I’d rate a solid 3.5 stars. It had the unsettling allure of a true crime documentary, with definite Manson family vibes that kept me hooked from start to finish.
What stood out the most was the dual timeline structure, which can sometimes feel overdone, but in this case, it was executed brilliantly. One timeline follows a woman being interviewed for a documentary in the present day, while the other takes us into the past—into the heart of a cult as it tightens its grip on a group of young women. The tension builds steadily, leading to a tragic mass death, leaving only one survivor: the woman now telling her story. The way these two narratives intertwined added depth and intrigue, making the story feel layered and immersive.
This book had an almost cinematic quality, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it adapted into a movie. In fact, thrillers like this seem tailor-made for the screen—full of psychological tension, eerie atmosphere, and twists that linger long after the final page. If you love dark, thought-provoking thrillers with a true crime feel, this one is definitely worth the read....more
Collins Captivates Again The frigid weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been good for one thing: curling up with a great book. And "Cross My HeaCollins Captivates Again The frigid weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been good for one thing: curling up with a great book. And "Cross My Heart" by Megan Collins was exactly that—a thrilling and thought-provoking read that I couldn’t put down. This is my third Megan Collins book, and while it didn’t quite reach the five-star heights of her previous works for me, it’s still a solid four-star read that captivated me from the very first page to the final twist.
"Cross My Heart" is a dark, twisted tale of love, loss, and obsession. The story follows Rosie Lachlan, a woman recovering from both a heart transplant and the heartbreak of being left at the altar a year earlier. As she adjusts to her new life, Rosie begins to suspect her heart donor was Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne. Compelled by this connection, Rosie reaches out to Morgan through an anonymous platform called Donor Connect, hoping to uncover more about Daphne—and herself.
What follows is a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and shocking revelations. Rosie’s need for answers pulls her deeper into Morgan’s world, where truths blur with lies, and nothing is as it seems. The novel expertly keeps readers guessing, unraveling the layers of both Rosie’s and Morgan’s lives until a jaw-dropping conclusion.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a romantic edge, "Cross My Heart" is a must-read. Megan Collins once again proves her talent for crafting gripping, emotionally charged stories that linger long after the final page....more
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been urged to read Defending Jacob. It sat on my Kindle for nearly a year before I finally A Riveting Legal Drama
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been urged to read Defending Jacob. It sat on my Kindle for nearly a year before I finally picked it up—and I couldn’t put it down. William Landay’s novel is a captivating mix of legal drama and family turmoil that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. And the ending? Absolutely unforgettable.
The story follows Andy Barber, a respected assistant district attorney in an affluent Boston suburb, whose life takes a dramatic turn when a local teenager is murdered. As Andy works the case, his own family is drawn into the investigation, threatening everything he holds dear.
I’ve intentionally kept this review vague because I think this is a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Part of the thrill lies in uncovering its twists and turns for yourself. I want to share how much I enjoyed it without spoiling anything—trust me, going into this one blind makes it even more rewarding.
Landay masterfully explores themes of parental love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about. The story also raises compelling questions about how well we really know the people closest to us and how far we’re willing to go to defend them.
What makes the book especially gripping is the way it balances the emotional weight of family relationships with the intricacies of the legal system. Landay, a former prosecutor, brings authenticity to the courtroom scenes, providing a fascinating glimpse into the strategies and tactics of both the defense and prosecution.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and suspenseful read, Defending Jacob is a must. Go in blind, and you won’t regret it. ...more
A Surprisingly Delightful Journey Through Darkness and Light
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
This revA Surprisingly Delightful Journey Through Darkness and Light
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk
This review contains discussions of mental health struggles, read at your own risk I finished this book a few days ago, but it took some time to gather my thoughts and put my feelings into words. Here’s the thing—I absolutely loved it. The experience was such a delightful surprise, especially because I didn’t expect to enjoy it at all. What a wonderful reminder to step outside of my comfort zone!
The addition of pictures, for example, was something I hadn’t anticipated loving. I’ve never been a fan of comics, anime, or graphic novels, but in this case, the illustrations added an undeniable charm that elevated the storytelling. They brought an extra layer of emotion and vibrancy to the story, making it even more engaging.
This book tackles heavy topics in a way I’ve rarely encountered. The main character’s struggles with his mental health are cloaked in sarcasm and nihilism, creating a tone that resonates throughout the entire narrative. Many stories that address this subject focus almost entirely on the protagonist’s pain, but here, while Zero’s challenges are treated with the seriousness they deserve, the narrative also weaves in compelling subplots and unforgettable characters that draw you into the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in everything else—until the story circles back to Zero’s inner turmoil, hitting you with a sobering reminder of how it all began. These moments are grounding and impactful, a stark contrast to the lighter elements, and they keep the stakes clear without overshadowing the story’s heart.
There’s a constant tension running through the book, making you wonder how long Zero can keep balancing on the edge. Living for someone else is portrayed as both beautiful and precarious, a high-wire act that could lead to redemption or ruin depending on how things unfold. The central question becomes whether Zero will find the strength to see his own value and purpose—or whether the weight of everything will prove too much.
And yet, despite these serious themes, this book is unexpectedly, effortlessly funny. The humor was such a pleasant surprise and brought a much-needed balance to the heavier moments. Zero’s wit is razor-sharp; his quips and internal commentary had me grinning constantly. But the humor isn’t just confined to him—other characters bring their own unique comedic energy. Marina, for instance, is an absolute standout. Her dynamic with Zero is a highlight of the book, full of snarky banter and bickering sibling vibes that are pure gold. Every interaction between them sparkles with chemistry and charm, creating moments that are both hilarious and heartfelt.
This book is a masterful blend of weighty, emotional storytelling and light, laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that such a balance is struck so seamlessly. I’m thrilled to know there’s a Volume 2 because I’ll be diving into it with no hesitation. This is a reading experience I’ll treasure for a long time, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next....more
Spoiler Alert: This review contains plot details that some readers might prefer to discover on their own .
So, I sTwists, Turns, and the Cancelled Crew
Spoiler Alert: This review contains plot details that some readers might prefer to discover on their own .
So, I started the year super slow, but now I’m finding my groove—and what better way to kick things off than with a gripping thriller? Thrillers always manage to pull me in, and The Note was no exception.
This mystery surrounds a group of three childhood friends—Kelsey, May, and Lauren—known as the “Cancelled Crew.� Each of them has faced public scandal in their lives, ranging from career-ending controversies to, well, a murder accusation. When they decide to take a trip to the Hamptons to escape it all, the question arises: what could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, plenty. Their getaway takes a dark turn with yet another murder, pulling May, a former prosecutor, back into the world she thought she’d left behind. This time, she’s trying to help a friend who has found themselves accused of murder—again. I did not see the ending coming. Burke’s ability to set up the final twist was absolutely brilliant. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story took a sharp and satisfying turn that left me floored.
While I did find myself raising an eyebrow at one plot point (having a witness to the crime represent the accused, which isn’t exactly realistic), the suspense and character depth more than made up for it. This book kept me hooked from start to finish.
This was a page-turner in every sense of the word. Burke’s writing is sharp and engaging, and the three women at the heart of this story were so well-drawn and fascinating that I’d love to see them return in a sequel—or even a series.
For me, this was a solid 4-star read. I’m here for more of Alafair Burke’s work and will be eagerly picking up her next book. If you’re in the mood for an easy, addictive thriller with strong characters and plenty of twists, this one is a must-read!...more
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