Suspensefully addictive and entertaining. This thriller will keep you guessing until the end!
Lowen Ashleigh is hired to complete a book series for popSuspensefully addictive and entertaining. This thriller will keep you guessing until the end!
Lowen Ashleigh is hired to complete a book series for popular author Verity Crawford who cannot continue writing due to a life-changing injury.
She temporarily stays into the Crawfords' home to research Verity's notes and files. What Lowen does not expect is to find a hidden manuscript revealing terrifying secrets.
This story is a departure from Hoover's previous books. Instead of mesmerizing romance we find horror, intrigue, and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and hope she continues exploring this genre.
Overall, I loved it and recommend it to readers of thrillers, mysteries and contemporary fiction....more
This book was nominated on the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards’ Nonfiction category and seeing it listed there was enough reason for me to pick it up andThis book was nominated on the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards’ Nonfiction category and seeing it listed there was enough reason for me to pick it up and read it.
I didn’t know who Jimmy O. Yang was but my husband saw the cover of the audiobook and told me he was Jian Yang from HBO’s Silicon Valley, he seemed overly excited that I was reading this book since that is one of his favorite shows.
The author describes his experience emigrating from Hong Kong and into America as well as his career as a comedian and actor. I enjoy reading about the immigrants’ experience, every one of them is unique and yet carry a similar sense of wonder and wisdom. I relate to it and value the perspective of other people who have gone through it.
I did not care for the description of college parties, trips to Tijuana, drug taking, etc., but I read on because there were other sections that were very interesting such as the relationship with his father.
Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to fans of the TV show Silicon Valley and readers of nonfiction....more
A captivating story of love, survival, and resilience.
It's 1974 and the Allbright family is moving to Alaska to start a new, quiet life. Soon they leA captivating story of love, survival, and resilience.
It's 1974 and the Allbright family is moving to Alaska to start a new, quiet life. Soon they learn that although beautiful, their new home is also a dangerous place.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Alaska, the nature, animals, seasons, and strong sense of community. There were some sections where I questioned the characters' decisions and other times I wanted more development of certain people in the book. I can't go into more details to avoid spoilers.
Overall, it wasn't a perfect book but I enjoyed most of the story and recommend it to readers of travel and contemporary fiction....more
This was an engaging and entertaining novel. I saw it listed on the GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS Best Fiction list and picked it up. I didn't even read theThis was an engaging and entertaining novel. I saw it listed on the GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS Best Fiction list and picked it up. I didn't even read the description and went into it blind.
Lyla attends a private school on a scholarship, her world is upturned when a compromising photograph of her is wildly circulated. The story is told in the alternating points of view of Lyla, Tom (Lyla's father) and Nina (the mother of the student that spread the photo).
The novel takes place (mostly) in Nashville and it deals with relevant issues such as social media, privacy in the informational age, privilege, and prejudice. I was drawn in from the start and I'm glad I picked it up.
This is the second novel I read from this author, I didn't care for the one I read years ago but I loved this novel. I'm glad my previous experience did not deter me from picking this up.
I highly recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction. ...more
I picked up this book because it was listed as a must-read book by someone I respect and whose tastes are similar to mine. I went to it completely bliI picked up this book because it was listed as a must-read book by someone I respect and whose tastes are similar to mine. I went to it completely blind and when the author mentioned Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling in the opening chapter I knew I was going to like it.
“The mark of a wild heart is living out the paradox of love in our lives. It’s the ability to be tough and tender, excited and scared, brave and afraid—all in the same moment. It’s showing up in our vulnerability and our courage, being both fierce and kind.”
The book examines the meaning of belonging, what does it mean? How do you achieve it? Should you seek it? It also explores other topics such as solitude, pain, love, and community. The author is a social scientist who shares with us her experiences and insights.
I'm glad I picked up this title. If you want to learn more about the author Brené Brown you can watch her TED Talk video"The Power of Vulnerability".
~~~EDIT: forgot to mention I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author, I like it when authors read their own books. Also, there is a HUGE Harry Potter spoiler (book 6)(view spoiler)[[image] (hide spoiler)].
It was ok with me because I've already read the series but I want to warn other readers in case you haven't yet (BTW, what are you waiting for to read it?). That spoiler section really moved me, it touched me and brought tears to my eyes, really loved it....more
This was a light-hearted rom-com. Millie and her four male colleagues (and friends) need to find dates for a work event, so they sign up to a dating wThis was a light-hearted rom-com. Millie and her four male colleagues (and friends) need to find dates for a work event, so they sign up to a dating website. When Millie creates a profile under a different name and and uses a mysterious photo, she gets matched with her best friend Reid.
When Millie and Reid start communicating through the dating website they click immediately and have the best conversations but Reid has no idea he’s been chatting with Millie.
Outside the website, they’re attracted to each other but factors are preventing these two from throwing themselves into a relationship.
I liked the humorous dialogue in the book, there’s some back and forth banter that’s entertaining. My favorite sections were the group texts, excellent dynamic. This book would make a great, fun, movie adaptation.
Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to readers of romantic and contemporary fiction.
Received ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
* I read this book with the Traveling Sisters. Our discussions made my experience more enriching and interesting* ...more
This is a story about identity, friendship, and the effects of sudden fame. The last being a common event in this age of information and social media.This is a story about identity, friendship, and the effects of sudden fame. The last being a common event in this age of information and social media.
April, the main character, suddenly becomes internationally-famous when a video she made with a friend goes viral. We follow her through her journey.
I picked up the book because I've enjoyed John Green's books in the past, specially TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN and THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. The author of this book is his brother so I imagined I'd see John's influence in his work.
Even though the premise was interesting I was not captivated by the novel and found myself skimming some sections.
Overall, it was ok, I would still recommend it to those who enjoy sci-fi, YA, NA, and contemporary fiction....more
I learned about FRENCH EXIT through Buzz Books (Publishers Lunch). If you are not familiar with them, Buzz Books issues monthly publications where theI learned about FRENCH EXIT through Buzz Books (Publishers Lunch). If you are not familiar with them, Buzz Books issues monthly publications where they list by category most books coming out that month, and also include a list of book excerpts from the list.
I read the first chapter and was drawn by the writing and sharp dialogue. After living a comfortable and wealthy lifestyle, Frances Price and her son, Malcolm, find themselves completely broke and without a home.
Thanks to Frances’ lifelong friend, Joan, they will be able to move into her Paris apartment and avoid homelessness. Along with their cat, Small Frank, they embark on a transatlantic ship and head to their new residence.
What follows is a humorous and amusing journey. I loved the dialogue, witticisms, and absurd scenes. The beginning was strong but I felt by the end the story had lost a bit of its footing. Still, the strength of the novel lies in its characters.
Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction....more
What a wonderful book for readers! I related to every single page!
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These are illustrations about the author’s love of books. It depicts anythingWhat a wonderful book for readers! I related to every single page!
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These are illustrations about the author’s love of books. It depicts anything from book recommendations(Harry Potter, Maus, Little Women, Persepolis, etc) to ways to arrange books(on my bookshelf is grouped by genre and then ordered by color).
It also has suggestions on how to get out of a book slump, different types of libraries, book formats, and much more.
It was an absolute delight to read and I had a smile on every page. Highly recommend it to all book lovers.
As soon as I learned that Sarah Pinborough had published a new book, I went out of my way to secure a copy.
Last year, I read the author’s previous booAs soon as I learned that Sarah Pinborough had published a new book, I went out of my way to secure a copy.
Last year, I read the author’s previous book and highly enjoyed it. BEHIND HER EYES was had the type of ending that will leave your head spinning, for a long time. No matter how hard you try, you will never see the it coming.
CROSS HER HEART is a novel about how a woman’s life is upturned when an event brings attention about the past she has tried so hard to bury.
“Someone can do a terrible unforgivable thing, and yet you forgive them if you love them. The heart is such a strange thing.”
The plot is meticulously constructed and the author reveals it each layer carefully. There were alternating perspectives and timelines.
I enjoyed it and recommend it to readers of thrillers, mysteries, and contemporary fiction....more
These characters have left me speechless. The novel engaged me from the beginning and I loved the fastWell, crazy meets crazier and then fell in love.
These characters have left me speechless. The novel engaged me from the beginning and I loved the fast-paced plot, dark personalities, and their twisted secrets.
All I can say without getting into spoilers is what’s revealed on the synopsis, this couple has committed murder and gotten away with it. The more I read, the more captivated I felt by the story. The novel is entertaining in a very twisted sort of way.
Overall, I loved it and highly recommend it to readers of thrillers, mysteries, and contemporary fiction.
Received ARC from the publisher via Edelweiss...more
“An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.”
I picked up “An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.”
I picked up this book because I recently subscribed to Seth Godin's blog and have found his advice on business and organizational culture insightful and useful.
He published this book a few years ago about the new skills that professionals need to polish in order to stay relevant and indispensable in the informational age. The book feels like it was recently published, the information is still accurate and pertinent to most of the workplace changes occurring these days.
Although some sections were very repetitive, I still recommend this book if you're interested in business and organizational topics. I also highly recommend subscribing to his blog....more
Another excellent novel from Wendy Walker! This is going to be a very biased review because I love this author's previous novels and this one is just Another excellent novel from Wendy Walker! This is going to be a very biased review because I love this author's previous novels and this one is just as compelling.
Laura goes on a date with someone she met on a dating site, is the next day, she has not returned and that is all I'm sharing about this book! It was an addictive and twisty read. The author does a great job at creating intrigue and maintaining suspense throughout the novel.
The novel is narrated from alternating points of view and perfectly paced. What I love about this author's books is the way she integrates psychology into her stories in a way that is relatable and believable. What can be more interesting than the human psyches.
Overall, I loved it and highly recommend it to readers of thrillers, mysteries, and contemporary fiction.
Thanks to St. Martins' Press and Wendy Walker for the eARC.
* I read this book with the Traveling Sisters. Our discussions made my experience more enriching and interesting*...more
As engaging as her previous novels! Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors and I've been fortunate to enjoy almost every single book she has pubAs engaging as her previous novels! Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite authors and I've been fortunate to enjoy almost every single book she has published.
This is the story of Quinn and Graham's marriage, its ups, downs and everything in between. The novel is character driven and emotionally engaging. The timeline alternates between the present and the past and is told from the point of view of Quinn. There's love, humor, sadness, and reflection.
I first became a fan of Colleen after reading Hopeless. I just loved it. With her books it's better to go in knowing as little as possible, in my case, that's how I enjoy them best. Her male characters are so wonderful (frankly, bordering on unrealistic) that I often have a smile on my face while reading her books.
I recommend it to readers of romance and contemporary fiction. Hope she becomes a new favorite author and that you enjoy her books as much as I have....more
A harrowing novel about a twenty-six year old Parisian girl battling anorexia. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down.
It opens up wA harrowing novel about a twenty-six year old Parisian girl battling anorexia. Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down.
It opens up with Anna, the main character, as she checks into 17 Swann Street, a residence that provides treatment to women with eating disorders. The name "Anna" is not random, many sufferers refer to anorexia as "ana".
The illness, the center, and the characters are depicted in a complex and compassionate light. The author did and excellent job describing the emotional process, I felt connected and captivated by this story.
Overall, I loved this book and recommend it to readers of contemporary fiction as well as those interested in subjects dealing with mental health.
Received ARC from the publisher via Netgalley...more
“Culture is a construct reflected in all things that have the power to influence behaviors, interactions, and perception within a socially defined “Culture is a construct reflected in all things that have the power to influence behaviors, interactions, and perception within a socially defined entity or institution. Examples of what reflects culture include: norms, literal and figurative messages, artifacts, and so on”
I picked up this book because I’m interested in subjects that can help people become better professionals in the workplace. I read mostly fiction books but always try to squeeze in business and nonfiction here and there.
This book explains how DOWE (the Design of Work Experience) can help companies thrive. It is grouped by sections but the author explains how there’s no need to read them in order. I preferred to read them in order since it’s hard to keep track of read sections on ebooks.
“DOWE (pronounced [‘dü ‘w ē]) partners employees with their employers to co-create customized and meaningful work experiences that set the conditions for people and business to thrive”
I found the book to be helpful when it comes offering advice on creating a good culture in the workplace, I would’ve liked to have seen more practical examples and real-life situations and less theoretical concepts, it would’ve helped me relate to the concepts better.
Overall, it’s a helpful book for those looking for ideas on how to improve workplace culture.
Received ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review....more
A familiar yet unique story, deeply evocative, and mesmerizing. I devoured this book and enjoyed every sentence.
The story is told in my favorite form A familiar yet unique story, deeply evocative, and mesmerizing. I devoured this book and enjoyed every sentence.
The story is told in my favorite form of narration, alternating points of view and timelines. The novel begins in the days when the Cuban revolution started and travels to the present times when Marisol visits Cuba to scatter her grandmother’s ashes on the beloved land she left behind many years ago.
“We are silk and lace, and beneath them we are steel.”
The author did a great job at describing Cuba, the Cuba of “then” and the Cuba of “now”, its places, the land, I felt I was there with the characters and emotionally connected to the story from the beginning.
I hope this is the first in a series because there are many secondary characters with interesting backstories that I want to get to know, specially, Beatriz’ story.
Overall, this was an amazing book. I highly recommend it....more
A brilliantly written, beautiful, and enigmatic novel. This is the most captivating book I've read this year and I am so glad to have picked it up.
TheA brilliantly written, beautiful, and enigmatic novel. This is the most captivating book I've read this year and I am so glad to have picked it up.
The story follows Kya Clark , the "marsh girl", as she grows up on her own on the North Carolina coast. When the town's beloved Chase Andrews shows up dead, Kya becomes one of the suspects.
Although the mystery aspect of the novel is interesting, what really takes the novel to the next level is the author's prose and well-drawn character. I loved the time spent with Kya on the marsh as she observes nature and makes a life of her own. The description of the marshes' natural environment is so vivid that is almost a character itself.
A wonderful novel that stands on its own, it would make a great selection for book club discussion. I loved it and highly recommend it!
* I read this book with the Traveling Sisters. Our discussions made my experience more enriching and interesting*...more
Ruth Ware delivers again and this might be her best book to date! 🖤
This is going to be a very biased review because I love all of this author’s books.Ruth Ware delivers again and this might be her best book to date! 🖤
This is going to be a very biased review because I love all of this author’s books. Hal (or Harriet) is a tarot-card reader who receives a letter bequeathing her an inheritance. She knows she is not the person the letter is addressed to but she could definitely benefit from claiming this money.
Soon, Hal heads to the address on the letter and what she finds and who she meets is not what she expected at all!
Wow, this was an excellent novel mostly set in Trepassen, an English countryside mansion. The estate is almost a character in itself, an old, large, gothic house that holds many secrets.
The writing, story, and characters were skillfully crafted and hooked me from the first page. Overall, I loved it!!!
* I read this book with the Traveling Friends. Our discussions made my experience more enriching and interesting*...more
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