If ever a book was begging to be made into a movie The Accidental Beauty Queen is it! It was an absolutely adorable read and would be more than ideal If ever a book was begging to be made into a movie The Accidental Beauty Queen is it! It was an absolutely adorable read and would be more than ideal as a rom com movie, it was perfection in my eyes and I’m so glad I read it before making my best of the year lists because this will definitely be on it!
This uses quite a few classic and well loved tropes that we’ve all seen before, but somehow Wilson manages to breathe fresh life into the story in such a charming way. Identical twins switch places, of course it goes horrible wrong along the way, but it was just so damn cute I didn’t even care that I knew exactly how it would end early on. That alone speaks highly of the authors talent, I was totally into this one hardcore, from beginning to end and truly enjoyed every single page of this beauty. Highly recommended for rom com fans, it’s a must read and I guarantee you’ll finish with a smile on your face!
The Accidental Beauty Queen in three words: Sparkly, Funny and Light....more
Do you like dark, twisted and seriously messed up books? What about books that are fresh and like nothing you’ve ever read before? How about books thaDo you like dark, twisted and seriously messed up books? What about books that are fresh and like nothing you’ve ever read before? How about books that literally make you say WTF a thousand times? Friends, if you answered yes to any of these questions this book is for you!
The premise for this is amazing, you have Seth the insomniac who just wants someone to talk to, enter Hadley who needs someone to just listen and then finally the person who is watching…Creepy? Yes!! But so much more than just creepy, it’s provocative and edgy as well. It totally pushes the boundaries in the best possible way, I think dysfunctional is the best word for it, but even then, it doesn’t truly convey just how seriously screwed up this one is. Seriously, I felt dirty just reading it but I just could not stop, it was the very definition of gripping.
This not the book for a fragile reader, it’s bold and does not shy away from sex and graphic descriptions of violence, but if that doesn’t bother you this is a must read. I’ve never read anything quite like, it’s truly original and Carver completely blew me away. Some of the twists were so deranged I was shocked, but also in complete awe, this will most definitely be on my list of best books of 2018! (And this was book 267 for me so it really is a standout!)
Good Samaritans in three words: Edgy, Provocative and Twisted....more
I know I’ve said it before, but when an author takes a chance and writes outside of their usual genre and takes some risks to do I am always so impres I know I’ve said it before, but when an author takes a chance and writes outside of their usual genre and takes some risks to do I am always so impressed. It must be scary and nerve wracking especially if you’re already a super successful writer like CoHo, but damn this woman can write one hell of a thriller, it was amazing you guys! Verity uses one of my favorite techniques, there’s a book within a book and when this is done right, it can be so intriguing and it was executed to perfection here. The main story follows Lowen as she attempts to begin writing the rest of the books in a successful authors series. She’s staying at Verity’s house and using her office and that’s where she finds a manuscript, the book inside the book. These chapters were my favorite part and if you’ve read this, you know that may say something about me 😜 BUT they were just really compelling and I felt like it propelled the book forward in such a killer way. CoHo went dark here, I mean super dark. I know some of her romances have dealt with some heavy issues but this was some next level shit. If you like disturbing, nasty thrillers this will be right up your alley! I’m so impressed by this, I really hope Hoover continues to walk on the dark side, because that ending!! Holy cow, it was so strong, a head spinning whirlwind and I love that everyone who reads it will interpret it a bit differently. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it that tells you anything, a must read for thriller fans! Verity in three words: Disturbing, Slick and Mind-blowing....more
I’m just going to start this off by saying that if you’re a fan of the genre I’m calling this a must read. Go ahead and move it to the very top of youI’m just going to start this off by saying that if you’re a fan of the genre I’m calling this a must read. Go ahead and move it to the very top of your TBR because this has every single element needed in a psychological thriller to satisfy fans, it was consuming, addictive, sharply written and had more plot twists than a cheap garden hose. It was SO good you guys!!
This is told via alternate points of view and also two timelines. One is Clara whose boyfriend goes missing and the other is from someone unknown. The unknown narrator was my favorite, there was something totally captivating about her story, it’s one of those where you know bad stuff is about to go down and you’re on pins and needles waiting for it. Intense stuff and while I enjoyed those chapters the most the current storyline was engaging as well.
Obviously I knew that the two timelines would cross paths eventually but when they did and thus begins a relentless onslaught of reveals that left me stunned. They just kept coming, and they weren’t there just for the sake of there being twists, they were important to the plot and were so intricately handled. It’s just such a fantastic, entertaining read, comes highly recommended by me!
The Lies We Told in three words: Devious, Stunning and Captivating....more
I have a confession to make. This was my first DC book. (Hangs head in shame) Why is that an embarrassing confession you ask? Well, because this book I have a confession to make. This was my first DC book. (Hangs head in shame) Why is that an embarrassing confession you ask? Well, because this book was so honest to god amazing that I cannot believe I haven’t read one of her books before. I am still blown away and absolutely reeling after finishing this one, I don’t even know how to review it because I can’t do this beautiful book justice.
I don’t even want to tell you any more than what the blurb does because I went into this completely blind and I’m so glad I did. Actually, I’m sure I read the blurb months ago, but I’m glad I forgot because this was the best kind of surprise and one that swept me away and had me absorbed fully and completely. Chamberlain’s writing is magical and evocative, this is about a mother’s love and just how far one would go to help their child. It’s about family, selflessness, love, loss, heartbreak and just messy, beautiful, wonderful life. It’s gorgeous you guys, I don’t even know how else to explain it.
The characterization was outstanding, I fell head over heels in love with just about every single one of them but mostly with the main narrators, Carly and Hunter. They got under my skin and into my heart and I swear I’ll never forget them and their amazing stories. This one crosses every genre, you’ll be scared and filled with dread, you’ll laugh, you’ll be sad and if you’re like me, you’ll even cry. I can’t say enough good things, read the book. Favorite read of the whole year for me and generally I have a really hard time even picking twenty favorites so that says it all.
The Dream Daughter in three words: Breathtaking, Exquisite and Poignant.
I found a new favorite author to stalk! Ok two, because Christina Lauren is actually a writing duo, and I’m so serious when I say I’m obsessed with thI found a new favorite author to stalk! Ok two, because Christina Lauren is actually a writing duo, and I’m so serious when I say I’m obsessed with this book. I’m ordering their backlist and devouring them first chance I have. If someone doesn’t make this into a rom com movie it’s a big mistake. HUGE. Because this was one of the most witty, cute, charming and hilarious books I’ve read in ages.
This is told from both Josh and Hazel’s point of view and while Josh is my new book boyfriend (you guys I usually don’t even do the whole book BF thing, I broke my own rule for him, swoon worthy fictional man) I’m totally in love with Hazel as well. She is a quirky, big hearted and incredibly endearing woman and he is basically her polar opposite. The best part of their pairing was that Josh just gets Hazel, he doesn’t get embarrassed when she’s the only one dancing like a maniac at a concert, in fact he embraces her exactly as she is and I just seriously can’t get enough of that attitude. This world needs more of that type of acceptance and total lack of judgement.
The friends to lovers trope is one of my favorites, I love the mounting tension and heightened chemistry that is evident between two people claiming to be just friends when clearly they are so much more than friends. Christina Lauren blends the perfect combination of sweet, sexy and funny and I loved watching Josh and Hazel fall in love. And that final chapter? Don’t know if I’ve ever read anything more perfect in my life, turned me into a total mush ball. Must read for romance fans!!
Josh and Hazel in three words: Spicy, Adorable and Endearing....more
So as soon as I was approved for this one I immediately abandoned my other reads and dove right in. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was one of my veSo as soon as I was approved for this one I immediately abandoned my other reads and dove right in. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was one of my very favorite books last year so I knew I had to read this one right away. I had promised myself that I would wait to share my thoughts publicly until, oh I don’t know maybe the same calendar year the book is being released hahahaha but I can’t wait any longer, because you guys. This is an epic, phenomenal read that I will never forget. I’m scared to even try and write a review because no way can I do it justice but I have to try. Here goes!
The structure of this was amazing, it’s composed of oral interviews with the members of Daisy Jones and the Six and those people closest to them, so you have a large cast of characters to love. And I loved many of them. The band is clearly fictional but TJR has the uncanny ability to create these fake celebrities that feel so very real and authentic that you find yourself thinking, wait did I actually miss a huge band in the seventies called DJATS? She’s that good, I don’t know how she does it but she’s genius. Why are these characters so memorable? Because they’re so well developed, they’re larger than life and they just feel real. On top of outstanding characterization the story itself is a thing of beauty. It’s fun, wild, totally rock and roll but it’s also poignant, touching and incredibly moving. It is absolutely everything and it is a story for everyone.
If you’re a music fan in general, but especially if you loved (or still do!) music from Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, etc this is a must read. TJR captures that era beautifully and will make you want to listen to it as a background while you’re reading. Once again this read like an epic saga of a group of people’s lives, an intimate inside look behind the scenes of band and I could not get enough of it. Also, Reese Witherspoon is making a TV show and I cannot wait! If you loved Evelyn you’ll adore this one as well, if you haven’t read Evelyn go catch up while we wait for it to come out and basically if you like reading in general just do yourself a favor and pre order it now. You’re welcome.
Daisy Jones and the Six in three words: Epic, Innovative and Moving.
Fiona Davis was one of the first HF authors I read and enjoyed, I loved both The Dollhouse and The Address and have been super excited about The MasteFiona Davis was one of the first HF authors I read and enjoyed, I loved both The Dollhouse and The Address and have been super excited about The Masterpiece. Davis has honed a keen ability to write dazzling stories about NYC, she really brings the city to life and truly sweeps you away to a different time and place.
This is told via a dual narrative flipping from the 1920s where Clara is a young artist trying to break in to a world where men rule and then Virginia in the 1970s as she also faces obstacles in a male dominated society. I adored both of these strong, female characters, even being fifty years apart they faced many of the same issues and had similar struggles and were both so brave and determined. Though their narratives both seemed connected in a loose manner I never guessed just how cleverly Davis would weave their tales together.
The rich and vibrant history of Grand Central Terminal was absolutely fascinating to me, I had no idea that at one time it was almost torn down! Besides the interesting bits of history you have some romance and even a mystery, a little bit of everything for everyone. HF will love this one and if you’re new to the genre Davis is a great author to start with, she’s fabulous!
The Masterpiece in the words: Dazzling, Captivating and Impassioned.
Wow. To say I was blown away, satisfied and completely engrossed in this one would be a huge understatement, this book totally consumed me. The blurb Wow. To say I was blown away, satisfied and completely engrossed in this one would be a huge understatement, this book totally consumed me. The blurb is enticing enough but trust me my friends, it does not even come close to conveying just what a twisty, wild ride Somebody’s Daughter is. I know I say this every summer when Mr. Bell releases a new novel, but I’m saying it again anyway, this is my favorite of his books to date and his best yet.
Bell is the master of taking ordinary people and thrusting them into outrageous yet wholly believable situations. Michael is happily married to Angela, so when Erica shows up unexpectedly one night and drops a bomb, he’s shook. The revelation is the first of countless shocking announcements, I swear this one was so surprising I truly never knew what would happen next.
The pacing of this was relentless, short chapters, tons of mini cliffhangers and a super intense plot that made this unputdownable. I could go on and on about how much I loved this one, but I’ll end by urging you to read this, it’s outstanding.
Somebody’s Daughter in three words: Shocking, Compulsive and Quick....more
Do you ever read a book by a new to you author and then immediately run to see if they have any other books because you liked their style that much? TDo you ever read a book by a new to you author and then immediately run to see if they have any other books because you liked their style that much? That’s exactly what happened the minute I finished Jar of Hearts and I was excited to see Hillier has several older books for me to add to my never ending TBR. There was something about her writing style that drew me in within a few pages of starting this and my interest never waned for one minute.
This was absolutely perfectly paced, there were no dull moments or times where I wanted things to speed up a little, I was on the edge of my seat so many times waiting to see what would happen next. It alternates between Geo and Kaiser and is broken into five parts and the ending of each one was exciting and opened the door for another delicious twist. There were many shocking moments and I only figured one surprise out just before it revealed, but overall this was fantastically well plotted and extremely exciting.
The less you know the better for this one, but I will say I’m not sure if I’ve ever struggled with how I feel about a character more than I did with Geo. One minute I hated her and thought she was a horrible human being and then the next I would be jolted by the sympathy I was feeling towards her. To me, that’s always the sign of a gifted writer, bringing out unexpected emotions in me, (especially in a thriller!) is an appreciated bonus and not something I take note of lightly.
Jar of Hearts in three words: Intricate, Exciting and Gripping.
My immediate thought after finishing this was, now THAT is how you write a psychological thriller! I’m blown away that this is a debut, Cowie’s writinMy immediate thought after finishing this was, now THAT is how you write a psychological thriller! I’m blown away that this is a debut, Cowie’s writing is polished and sharp and she plotted one hell of a story, if this is how she begins her career as an author I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
This follows two sisters, Anna and Cara and flips between the late nineties and 2016. The girls were in high school in 1997 and were both in a tragic accident that killed Cara’s boyfriend. Anna’s life went down the drain afterwards, she spent time in prison and developed an alcohol addiction while Cara moved on and has a picture perfect life with her husband and daughter. Two very different outcomes and both women were interesting and complex.
The events leading up to the accident are slowly revealed in alternating chapters as you begin to piece together what really happened. Let me tell you, I thought I knew what happened and I was way off, this had a good reveal, a twist if you wanna call it that but it’s not a book that’s solely dependent on a shocking twist but instead was awesome all the way through. If you can’t tell, I loved this one and highly recommend it to thriller fans!
I really have no business reading books that aren’t even out until next year (I may be drowning in ARCs) but when a copy of An Anonymous Girl arrived I really have no business reading books that aren’t even out until next year (I may be drowning in ARCs) but when a copy of An Anonymous Girl arrived in my mailbox I dropped everything else and started reading it immediately. Last fall when I read The Wife Between Us I was totally blown away and I haven’t really stopped raving about it ever since. As excited as I was about this book I had that apprehension that I tend to get before reading a highly anticipated book. I kept wondering if Hendricks and Pekkanen could possibly top TWBU and if so, how? You guys, they can and they did!
This one should come with a warning label: Do not start this unless you have enough time and commitment to read in one breathless sitting. That’s really the only way to read it, once you start and then have to stop (because life) you’ll be irritated and desperate to get back to it, so fair warning.
I really don’t even want to get into the plot details at all, the blurb gives you the perfect amount of information and is intriguing enough on it’s own, but I will tell you why I loved this one just as much as Wife. For starters, it had that same addictive writing style that urges you to keep reading just a few more pages, that feeling you get when a really awesome book just grips you. You know how sometimes you’re so absorbed by a book that when something from the outside world interrupts you it takes you a few seconds to snap back to reality? This is that kind of book. Another thing that made this one fantastic is that instead of being a series of shocking twists and turns like Wife was it doesn’t solely depend on crazy revelations but instead is compromised of several smaller twists that still surprise you but almost catch you even more off guard because there’s a subtlety to them. It’s like a sneak attack, but in a very good way, an unexpected bonus that slaps you upside the head and makes you think, what in the hell is really going on here?
My final thoughts? Pre order this bad boy and prepare to be consumed, you won’t regret it and Hendricks and Pekkanen prove they are a force to be reckoned with.
An Anonymous Girl in three words: Obsessive, Riveting and Cunning.
I have to say that so far the summer books I’ve had the pleasure of reading have really been outstanding, I think there’s always a small group of amazI have to say that so far the summer books I’ve had the pleasure of reading have really been outstanding, I think there’s always a small group of amazing books released each summer but this year I feel like the stakes have been raised, and Weisberger took things to a whole new level with this one. If you’re a fan of The Devil Wears Prada (and seriously, who isn’t?!) you’ll gobble this one up. If you’re new to this series you’ll still love it, it’s not necessary to have read the previous books but they’re all fun so you should.
You have three points of view here; Emily, Karolina and Miriam. All three are polar opposites but fun and entertaining in their own right. Emily will always be my favorite, her biting, acerbic wit is legendary and her pop culture references are on point. This book is uber hip and up to the minute AND it’s funny as hell. It’s scandalous, emotional, hilarious and compulsive, I can’t think of the last time I had so much fun with a book.
Grab this one and head to a pool with a cocktail and be prepared to devour it in one sitting, theglitz will dazzle you and the drama will shock you and make you laugh, the ideal light read for summer is here!
When Life Gives You Luluemons in three words: Delicious, Scandalous and Witty.
Oh boy, I don’t even know if I can discuss the details of this one because I’m still an emotional wreck (yes, a crime novel has me shattered, I’ll getOh boy, I don’t even know if I can discuss the details of this one because I’m still an emotional wreck (yes, a crime novel has me shattered, I’ll get to that later) so I’m going to try something I’ve only ever done once before, and that is with my review of The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter. I’m going to tell you why Angie Marsons is at the very top of her game and all the reasons why this series should be on your immediate TBR.
She always comes up with fresh, unique premises that pull you in instantly and don’t let you go.
This time around Kim and team are working a case in an elite private school and they’re dealing with the type of people that are not used to having their perfect little lives disrupted, even for a murder. The possibility of a child killer simultaneously sends chills up my spine and makes me want to learn more, the psychology behind this type of thing is endlessly fascinating. She also always rips stories straight from the headlines, here she dives into hazing and brutal initiations, a dark and dangerous side to an otherwise glitzy, privileged world.
Her characterization is phenomenal.
Is there a more badass fictional detective around than Kim Stone?! I can’t think of one, and I also can’t think of another character that I feel like I know quite as well as I do her. Marsons has more than peeled back the layers of Kim by this point, this is book eight after all, but as much as I feel like I know her, there are always new revelations that only serve to make me like her even more than I already did. The epilogue of this had some disclosures that gave even more insight into the woman she is and she is incredible. It’s not just Kim who is so well drawn, the rest of her team is just as fully formed, if I take a break from reading one of these books I always think that I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bryant come walking past me in my hallway. These people are larger than life and wonderfully authentic.
Her plotting is fastidious and seriously impressive.
I think any avid reader of crime fiction is tired of gimmicky twists that feel like they’re thrown in just for the sake of saying there’s a heart stopping twist. While Marsons is no stranger to said heart stopping twist, they are purposeful and extremely well thought out, nothing is added for shock value, they add real value to an already fantastic plot. Don’t get me wrong, she has the ability to make me gasp in surprise (and I was definitely biting my nails in the end) but her books are not dependent on a crazy turn, they stand strongly on their own merit.
Her writing and pacing is top notch.
Crime thrillers for the most part should be fast paced, right? Yeah slow burns can be fun, but excitement is key and no one does short, snappy chapters better than Marsons. She’s the queen of the one more chapter read because most are just a few pages and it is SO easy to get sucked in and talk yourself into just a few more pages. She also cleverly ends many chapters on mini cliffhangers so HOW can you just stop reading?! You just can’t.
She evokes emotions in the reader that are not commonly associated with crime fiction.
Karin Slaughter is one of the only other authors who has made me cry while reading a thriller, until now. I am not a weepy sort of person, books don’t effect me that way in general but this one? This one absolutely broke me. I honestly am fearful of saying anymore, but this prompted a strong emotional reaction that I won’t forget.
I’ll stop here because I’m verging on spoiler territory, but I hope I’ve encouraged you to give this series a try. If you’re one of the millions of people who are already a fan of it, then just let me assure you that you are SO in for a treat, this is Marsons best book yet and when you finish I would love to discuss THAT ENDING!!!
Dying Truth in three words: Exciting, Brilliant and Riveting....more
If you’re one of the millions of people who loved Serial or Making a Murderer then you have got to read this book! It will also appeal to fans of trueIf you’re one of the millions of people who loved Serial or Making a Murderer then you have got to read this book! It will also appeal to fans of true crime as well as fans of engaging, sharply written thrillers that leave you breathless in the end. I’m basically telling you that this book is for everyone.
Much as like Donlea’s last book, The Girl Who Was Taken, this is told via a unique perspective that breathes fresh life into the genre. Sidney is a producer and seeing the ins and outs of how a television show is made was really cool and something new for me. She doesn’t have the easy connections a police officer has at their fingertips, girlfriend has to seriously hustle to investigate and I loved her determination and grit. She is only in search of the truth, she doesn’t know if Grace is guilty or innocent, but there’s enough questionable material to pique her curiosity. Besides Sidney you visit several other points of view but I feel like revealing who is kind of spoilery, so I’ll just say that they were the type of viewpoints that make you go, YASSS, I’ve been dying to see things from this angle. If you read TGWWT then you get the added bonus of seeing a character from there as well, always so fun!
This book has such a detailed, well thought out and researched plot, from the laws and regulations of St. Lucia, to courtroom processes and all the way to pathology labs and then back again to the production offices where Sidney works, every single aspect was meticulously written and compelling to boot. Twisty doesn’t even come close to accurately describe the roller coaster ride that reading this book took me on, then Donlea delivers a few final killer twists and an explosive finale that knocked my socks off. This book is just as binge worthy as Serial but ten times more satisfying, my hat is off to Mr. Donlea, this is one of the best mysteries I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Don’t Believe It in three words: Mutilayered, Skillful and Gripping.
Ready for another must read book to add to your summer reading list? I’m assuming you said yes, so good, now let me me tell you all the ways I loved tReady for another must read book to add to your summer reading list? I’m assuming you said yes, so good, now let me me tell you all the ways I loved this one. There are many, I will try not to bore you.
Life is hard, we can agree to that and I’m assuming (yes, again) that every single one of us has been through some extremely tough times. We all have struggles, some are short lived and sometimes they’re life changing, but we all have them. This book makes you think about those difficult times and I think offers up a beautiful, alternate perspective as to how to keep going when things are bleak. Margaret experiences one of those tragedies that is life changing and she doesn’t want her life to change. She doesn’t want to start over again in a totally different way than what she envisioned, but she’s given no choice. I fell in head over heels in love with Margaret. Not because she’s perfect, because she’s not. Not because she’s an inspiring character, although she is, but she certainly isn’t always positive. I fell in love with her because Center forced me to. You cannot read this book and not fall under her spell, she is raw, vulnerable and shattered. She is also brave, strong and awe inspiring in equal measures and I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for a character harder than I did for Margaret. She is unforgettable.
Center’s writing style is both extremely evocative and sharply funny. There is a whole lotta ironic humor here and there is also some truly heartbreaking scenes that made me cry. There’s romance as well and I got serious Jojo Moyes vibes, it was that good. I already loved every single page and then Center gave me the most beautiful, hopeful, heart achingly sorrowful and uplifting epilogue, I swear I melted into a puddle of mush. Just read this book, it is a true gem.
How to Walk Away in three words: Beautiful, Sincere and Powerful....more
Ahhh I loved this book SO much, it seriously surprised me by just how much I enjoyed it and I don’t even know why. I’ve had Small Admissions sitting oAhhh I loved this book SO much, it seriously surprised me by just how much I enjoyed it and I don’t even know why. I’ve had Small Admissions sitting on my bookshelf for over a year and now I’m so frustrated with myself for not reading it sooner. Amy Poeppel nailed every single aspect of this book, and I wholeheartedly did not want it to end!
Allison is my new fictional BFF, I could not get enough of her from the moment I read the first chapter. She’s gutsy, witty, caring and a little crazy but she’s real. She has three kids and they were so honestly depicted as well, I mean what teenager today doesn’t curse inappropriately at the worst possible time? Or what young boy doesn’t develop a fascination with the female anatomy at some point? #Truth Carter is the mega pop star that Allison finds herself working for and though they’re an unlikely duo, I loved Allison’s tactics in dealing with him. He’s a pompous, self absorbed jerk, a womanizing party animal, (Think Justin Bieber, maybe even worse) and she treated him no differently than one of her own kids, and this made for some hilarious moments and fantastic scenes.
I love reading books about celebrities (real or fictional) and Poeppel gave me the best of both worlds by including both. The behind the scenes look at Broadway was everything, admittedly I know absolutely nothing about the backstage life of a play but everything she created rang true, it was super authentic and believable to me. So much so in fact that I had to stop myself from checking to see how much tickets are to see Limelight.
I can’t say enough good things about this book, it really had it all for me. I wondered if I would be disappointed by the ending but Poeppel kept things real and there wasn’t some unrealistic, happy ever after conclusion, which was awesome because that wouldn’t have worked well here and the way she handled things was perfection.
I don’t read historical fiction all that often, you guys know I stick to my thrillers with a rom com or some women’s fiction thrown in for some varietI don’t read historical fiction all that often, you guys know I stick to my thrillers with a rom com or some women’s fiction thrown in for some variety, but every time I do switch to a historical novel I wonder why I don’t read more of them?! The Way of Beauty was such a gorgeous book in every single way, it was so amazing that I’m going to be reading DiMaio’s other books ASAP.
The first half is set in the 1900’s and told from Vera’s perspective beginning when she’s just five years old and it follows her up until her early twenties. Much of her story revolves around the suffrage movement and while I had a basic grasp of what went on, this book definitely taught me more and it was fascinating. These women were warriors in lipstick, such strong and inspiring people, it was fantastic to read about this movement in detail. The second half follows Vera’s daughter, Alice beginning in the 1940’s so you still get to check in with Vera which was cool. I absolutely adored both of these women and DiMaio created such beautiful and heartbreaking stories for both of them. They were both incredibly well drawn, I felt like I knew both of their hopes, dreams and fears and I wanted what was best for them in the end.
The setting of NYC was so vividly imagined, I’m telling you guys DiMaio is an amazingly detailed writer and the style was part romantic, a dreamy type of wonder and part crisp, cool containment, it worked so well for me. There is some epic romance as well, swoon worthy stuff, but not the cheesy type, the kind that makes you sigh in contentment. This one broke my heart in it’s beauty one minute and made me ecstatically happy the next, if you’re a fan of HF this is a must read!
The Way of Beauty in three words: Moving, Tender and Compassionate.
You may remember that around this time last year I was raving about the first book in this series, Block 46 so to say Keeper was one of my most anticiYou may remember that around this time last year I was raving about the first book in this series, Block 46 so to say Keeper was one of my most anticipated reads of 2018 is a massive understatement. Gustawsson is an incredibly talented author who has taken crime fiction to an entirely new and fascinating place and I loved Keeper just as much (maybe even a little bit more) than Block 46.
Many authors attempt dual timelines and some manage to pull it off but there is NO ONE around that does it so seamlessly as Gustawsson does. Within these different periods of time there were several different subplots that were all intense and intriguing and once again, I struggled to figure out exactly how they would merge together. They seem mostly unrelated, but oh no they’re actually meticulously detailed and connected in the most mind blowing ways, it is seriously impressive. I’m always in awe of good writers, but she takes things to a whole new level of genius.
There’s only so much I can say to try and covey just how amazing this book is so I’ll just finish up by saying if you’re looking for a fresh, bold crime fiction read, look no further. But read both book one and book two, it’s well worth it!
Keeper in three words: Unflinching, Intelligent and Dark....more
I swear every woman on the planet should read this book you guys. I don’t know of a single woman who hasn’t struggled with her weight or dealt with boI swear every woman on the planet should read this book you guys. I don’t know of a single woman who hasn’t struggled with her weight or dealt with body image issues or struggled with low self esteem. Higgins captures all of the feelings and emotions that coexist alongside these complicated feelings women have about themselves perfectly and she does it with humor and grace as well.
This is told from all three friends perspectives, Marley and Georgia in present day and then Emerson in a series of heartbreaking journal entries that truly brought me to tears. These women are like so many others, their weight is always at the forefront of their thoughts and it has an effect on every single aspect of their lives, they were painfully relatable on so many levels that I wouldn’t hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend this one to any woman I know personally.
While this was a very emotional read it was also funny and poignant and unabashedly honest in the way women perceive themselves and other woman. While we can be our own harshest critics we can also be super quick to judge other women even as we struggle with our own body image issues which is so profoundly sad but also the God’s honest truth.
Marley and Georgia stole my heart completely and totally and made me yearn for friends just like the two of them. Their friendship was beautiful and inspiring and also raw and vulnerable, they’ve been friends through the bad and the good and know they each have a safe place to land in the others arms. While many of the issues covered here are heavy and sometimes dark this was a truly uplifting and hopeful read that will make you feel less alone in your insecurities and doubtful moments. Highly recommended read from one of my all time favorite authors, Higgins hit it out of the park with this one!
(Quick P. S. I’ve seen this book getting slammed for fat shaming and I just want to say that it doesn’t at all, I found it to be the opposite so if you’re hesitant because if that it’s not even true.)
Good Luck With That in three words: Vulnerable, Emotional and Relevant.
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