I was so excited to receive a copy of this book, as Robyn Harding is one of my go-to authors. I liked the short chapters and thought everything was inI was so excited to receive a copy of this book, as Robyn Harding is one of my go-to authors. I liked the short chapters and thought everything was interesting. However, I found the book to be a bit juvenile, for lack of a better word. The characters were extremely annoying and made terrible decisions. It felt more like a debut novel to me. I did, however, enjoy the “book within a book” and found that story to be more entertaining. Still looking forward to Harding’s next book. 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I was excited and curious to receive this physical ARC in the mail. The synopsis sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t like the wrI was excited and curious to receive this physical ARC in the mail. The synopsis sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t like the writing and found the whole thing to be incredibly cheesy. Everything and everyone were unrealistic. There is also a scene of senseless animal harm in chapter 34…although I do give props to the publisher for pointing it out in the letter that came with my ARC. Overall, I found this to be just plain silly. ...more
An unexpectedly sweet and savory story that I really enjoyed.
WWII is raging as bombs are blasting London in 1940. Beatrix is a young girl in London whAn unexpectedly sweet and savory story that I really enjoyed.
WWII is raging as bombs are blasting London in 1940. Beatrix is a young girl in London whose parents send her to America for her safety…until the war is over.
Bea is scared and angry, but quickly falls in sync with her Boston family, the Gregorys. Over the next few years, she is considered part of the family, and she considers them her family too.
Once the war is over, Bea, having changed in many ways, is sent back to London. Over the years, she can’t let go of her second family and forges on a path to navigate between her two families.
I was hesitant to pick this one up, as I’m not keen on war books. However, I had no need to worry. The war is mentioned and we see glimpses of it throughout, but it’s not the main plot point. I absolutely loved Bea, and it was a treat reading about her growth, both physically and mentally. I also really enjoyed how all of the characters kind of intersected in one way or another.
This is a quiet novel, beautifully written, and one that I didn’t want to end.
The ARC I received not only came with a recipe for Mrs. G’s famous Blueberry Muffins, but also came beautifully wrapped like a parcel. I wish I would’ve known what was inside so I could’ve taken a picture of the package before tearing it open.
Thank you to Celadon Books for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 3/21/23....more
In the small and stale town of Durton, the residents think they know everything about everyone…but they are clearly mistaken when a 12-year old girl nIn the small and stale town of Durton, the residents think they know everything about everyone…but they are clearly mistaken when a 12-year old girl named Esther goes missing.
Esther’s best friend, Ronnie, is eager to find her. So is Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels, Esther and Ronni’s school friend, Lewis, and most of the rest of the town. What could’ve possibly happened to her?
This is a bleak, slow burn of a drama. I can see how it may not be for everyone, but I was hooked and wanted to know what happened to Esther. The characters are interesting - some dark, some broken - and everyone could potentially have something to hide. Little nuggets of information are given throughout the book, but you’ll need to be patient as there is a lot of background to the foks of Durton.
The writing is excellent, and although I don’t really think this is a mystery in the literal sense, it’s still compelling and does a nice job of answering all of the reader’s questions by the end.
Thank you to Flatiron Books for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 8/2/22. ...more
This is the third book I’ve read from Cate Holahan, and it is the best!
Imani Banks lives with her husband and children in a rich Brooklyn neighborhooThis is the third book I’ve read from Cate Holahan, and it is the best!
Imani Banks lives with her husband and children in a rich Brooklyn neighborhood. Her best friend, Melissa’s, husband is found brutally murdered one morning. Melissa is nowhere to be found. This quickly makes the news as Melissa’s husband was a famous movie director.
Meanwhile, Imani’s husband, Philip, is having financial trouble as the owner and chef of a famous restaurant that’s been hit hard by the pandemic. His best server, Tonya Sayre, has just been evicted and he invites her and her daughter to stay with him and Imani.
Imani doesn’t get a good vibe from Tonya, and can’t help but wonder if she ties into the disappearance of Melissa and the murder of her husband.
This is a fun thriller with interesting characters, multiple POVs that push you to keep reading, and some unexpected surprises along the way. I was hooked, and enjoyed it all the way to its satisfying conclusion. The book takes place right in the middle of the pandemic, but it didn’t bother me. I found it interesting, and highly recommend if that won’t bother you either.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 8/23/22. ...more
A young couple, Harry and Sasha, and their dog, Dash, move from a bustling city to open land in rural Idaho. They have found their dream home, and areA young couple, Harry and Sasha, and their dog, Dash, move from a bustling city to open land in rural Idaho. They have found their dream home, and are in the works of fixing it up when they find out there’s a curse on the land. Each season, an evil spirit will haunt the couple. The haunting changes per season, and repeats annually. Each season is more dangerous than the last. DUN-DUN-DUN!
Overall, I enjoyed this one despite the annoying characters. Dash the golden retriever was the real standout. There were moments of tension, and I suppose I may have felt unnerved if I had read this in the dark in the middle of nowhere. However, there was some animal harm and hunting I didn’t care for (luckily, Dash was spared). The ending also left much to be desired and wrapped things up too abruptly.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 7/26/22....more
I think Burntcoat is about a woman named Edith who is a sculptor somewhere in London. She meets“When this is done it will all be over.”
Thank Goodness!
I think Burntcoat is about a woman named Edith who is a sculptor somewhere in London. She meets a man named Halit, and they become lovers. Then, a terrifying pandemic hits that causes them to stay together during lockdown. They are mostly confined to her house, named Burntcoat. They have sex, the world goes crazy, and things get gross.
There you have it.
I don’t mean to be blasé. All of the world has been dealing with a similar pandemic for the past 2 years. This fictional pandemic isn’t COVID, but it very well could be. An important topic even if it’s too early for some readers.
However, this book is kind of a mess. The timeline is not linear, and confusion was magnified as we bounced back and forth and all over the place…from past to present to future. Also, the book is gratuitously dirty. I don’t mind spice in my romantic comedies, but this is neither romantic, nor comedic, nor hot. The fluid/liquid verbiage is disgusting and grotesque.
This is basically a novella, coming in at 208 pages. Yet, so much is confusing and unnecessary to the central storyline.
I will say I enjoyed the chapters that dealt with Edith and her mom. On top of that, the final 20% is extremely well written and haunting…describing what I can only imagine is the worst of the worst of symptoms. That’s the strong part, and I wish that had been the main focus. I would have appreciated something a bit more cohesive, but can give some positive credit for this if I take a step back and reflect.
2.5 stars
Thank you to Custom House for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
Dava Shastri is a billionaire matriarch. She invites her children and their partners to her private island home for Christmas. What they don’t know isDava Shastri is a billionaire matriarch. She invites her children and their partners to her private island home for Christmas. What they don’t know is that she is dying of Cancer. However, they soon find out when news of her death breaks…before she actually dies.
Dava has purposely arranged for this to happen so she can read the obituaries and tributes from all those who loved and looked up to her due to her philanthropic work over the years. Imagine her frustration when her “death” actually reveals secrets she thought would never come to light. Now the whole world is speculating…including Dava’s children.
Dava tries her best to right wrongs and be open and honest with her children, but given that she doesn’t have a lot of time…can she sort everything out?
This is an interesting domestic/historical fiction drama that hits its peak discussing Dava and her multicultural family, who are all completely different from one another. There are many different angles represented here, which readers will most likely appreciate.
However, this is mostly missing the emotional punch I expected. Dava and her family are pretty darn unlikable. They are also unrelatable as most of us aren’t billionaires and don’t have the luxuries that these folks spend a good amount of time bragging about. Eventually, Dava grew on me as I started to understand what was going on in her head throughout her life, but it felt like a case of too little, too late. I really didn’t care for the rest of the family even though I suspect us readers were supposed to. The synopsis also mentions humor, but I really didn’t find anything funny while reading this. Instead, it’s mostly depressing. We already know things aren’t going to end happily, so what joy is there to look forward to?
Overall, I still enjoyed this enough to finish, and I thought the writing was exquisite. I just wish it had a tad bit more oomph!
Side note: The “current” chapters take place in 2044, but I don’t quite know why. I don’t see how anything in the story would’ve been affected by setting it in current times. Just found that a bit interesting.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a finished copy in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
What if you could erase a painful memory from your brain? What if you had a once in a lifetime chance to recover that memory?
In Jo Harkin’s speculativWhat if you could erase a painful memory from your brain? What if you had a once in a lifetime chance to recover that memory?
In Jo Harkin’s speculative fiction debut, those questions are explored.
Nepenthe is a company where you can go to have a memory/event permanently removed from your brain. You’ve seen something tragic and want to forget it? They can help you. You did something terrible and want to forget it? They can help you. You had your heart broken and want to forget it? They can help you.
There are two types of clients: self-informed (the client knows that they had a memory erased, but don’t know the specific details of said memory) and self-confidential (the client won’t even remember coming to the clinic to have the procedure. The memory and everything surrounding its deletion will be gone).
Noor works for the memory clinic, and is very aware of some of their clientele receiving traces - little snippets of the memories they were never supposed to regain. Nepenthe has no choice but to reach out to numerous clients to let them know they once had a memory removal…and have an opportunity to reclaim the memory if he/she sees fit.
The POVs rotate with Noor, as well as four clients who have the chance to have their memory restored. But which damage is worse? The loss of details? Or regaining knowledge of the details they initially wanted to forget?
Tell Me An Ending is a thought-provoking story that quietly captivated me as I got to know the characters and their backgrounds. It’s fascinating and heartbreaking, suspenseful and thoughtful. Morality comes into play, and it’s interesting to think if a company like this is actually beneficial or not. After reading this, I imagine it could (and would) go both ways.
Some POVs were more interesting and intense than others, but I still wanted to know what was going on in all of them. There were also a few moments that dragged on for reasons I couldn’t pinpoint (After all, the version I read is 525 pages and feels heavier than The Bible). However, I wouldn’t let that deter you if this sounds interesting. It really was, and for the most part, I flew through the pages as each chapter ended with a thread that I just HAD to pull!
I have a feeling this one will stay on my mind for quite awhile, seeing as I won’t be requesting a memory removal for reading it.
Sincere thank you to Hutchinson Heinemann for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available in the U.S. UK Publishing Date: 5/12/22.
Dark Tourism - tourism directed to places that are identified with death and suffering.
It sounds macabre and yet fascinating…and unfortunately, it’s uDark Tourism - tourism directed to places that are identified with death and suffering.
It sounds macabre and yet fascinating…and unfortunately, it’s under-utilized in this book.
Hanna is very distanced from her family. She doesn’t really keep in touch with her dad, stepmom, or younger sister, Sasha.
However, one day she’s browsing a website devoted to dark tourism, and sees her family home on the main page, promoted as the site of a murder.
The police don’t find any evidence of a crime, but they don’t find the family either. The house has been abandoned.
Hanna begins a desperate search to find them, but will have to confront her past to do it.
This was a so-so read. I found it interesting for the most part. However, there are dual timelines and POVs, and I really didn’t care for the ones revolving around Hanna’s younger sister, Sasha. Hanna’s POV is much tighter and riveting. There are some revelations, but nothing earth-shattering or particularly memorable. The book is also way too long, and gets repetitive in both story and dialogue. I also found it a bit cheesy.
I would’ve enjoyed it more if the story was a bit darker and delved deeper into the dark tourism element. I probably won’t remember this one in a few months from now, but it was entertaining enough to finish it.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 5/3/22.
A relevant, pertinent collection of stories that packs an emotional punch!
Bannekar Terrace is a low-income high-rise in Harlem. The residents are struA relevant, pertinent collection of stories that packs an emotional punch!
Bannekar Terrace is a low-income high-rise in Harlem. The residents are struggling, not only because of their everyday worries, but also because gentrification is on the horizon and they might be forced out of the place they’ve called home for life.
This is a collection of eight stories that connect in various ways. We hear from a waitress and young mother who is doing her best to make ends meet, a paraprofessional educator whose stress never seems to end, a young man who acknowledges his lack of ambition and wants to make a change, as well as other tenants.
This is the debut novel of Sidik Fofana, although three of his stories have appeared in other publications. His writing is exquisite and powerful. I cared deeply about the tenants, and couldn’t get enough. That’s no small achievement, considering the book has eight stories and runs just over 200 pages. Fofana hooked me with each perspective. He paints a scene that is realistic, emotional, and intimate. The characters each speak in their own distinct way, and that adds to the authenticity and flow.
I expect this is a book that many will be talking about closer to publication date..and after. I’m looking forward to reading more of Fofana’s work, and highly recommend this one.
Thank you to Scribner for providing a physical ARC, as well as a digital ARC through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 8/16/22.
They meet and fall in love quickly, and embark on a trip to a secluded house in the winter.
Three daysSteven is a professor. Ellie is a grad student.
They meet and fall in love quickly, and embark on a trip to a secluded house in the winter.
Three days of rest, relaxation, and lovemaking.
At least, that’s what one of them thinks the trip is about.
One of them has an agenda.
Neither of them will not come out unscathed.
This is described as a locked room mystery. Um, okay.
There’s only two people in it, and I knew EXACTLY where it was heading at all times, so no mystery there.
I couldn’t root for either character because I didn’t like them.
The book was too long, with an annoying but inevitable denouement.
I really struggled with my rating because of the above. However…
The writing is exquisite, and the atmosphere is vibrant.
The author delves unflinchingly into sexual assault.
Even though I didn’t love it, I appreciate what the author Laure Van Rensburg was writing about. It’s an important topic, and should be discussed and dissected.
The author’s note is amazing…sharing the inspiration for the book in the #MeToo era. Also included are pertinent links for those in the UK, as well as a call to action to others.
Overall, this is a powerful and pertinent storyline that needs to be told. But as a piece of fiction, I was underwhelmed and disengaged.
2.5 stars.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The latest unique offering from the author of The Last House on Needless Street is about a woman named Rob, married with two chiHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
The latest unique offering from the author of The Last House on Needless Street is about a woman named Rob, married with two children. The family is quite dysfunctional, which quickly becomes evident. When Rob fears that her older daughter, Callie, might not be the sweet princess she hoped she’d be, she decides to take matters into her own hands.
Rob and Callie take a trip to Sundial, the desert home that Rob grew up in. Sundial has a dark and disturbing history…one that Rob was hoping never to revisit. Now she’ll have to face her past if she wants her family to have a future.
I can’t say too much about the plot. I didn’t love it. I didn’t hate it. I didn’t find it as clever as Needless Street. I didn’t feel that brilliant level of bamboozlement that I hoped for, and I found it to be rather slow-paced until the climax. If I can be frank, there are also some awkward and pointless “book within a book” chapters that probably could’ve been left out.
And yet, the prose is rich and unique…and I did have a desire to soldier on. I thought this would be 2 stars at best, but the last 15% is exceptionally solid! I enjoyed the direction the story went in, and there was a delicious reveal and some sneaky bits and bobs that kept me plowing through to the end.
Overall, a bit of a mixed bag. I’m glad to have read it…but I am an outlier as I didn’t find it absolutely brilliant and exciting. Many reviewers have been blown away by this one, so make sure to check out their fab reviews!
TW: Reader beware that a large part of the plot has to do with dogs and other animals in an unpleasant fashion. Interestingly enough, while it is difficult to read, I was able to disassociate myself from feeling truly bothered by it (for the most part). I think that’s because this story can feel so “out there” at times, making it easier not to view it through an emotional lens. Therefore, I wasn’t affected by it as much as I normally would be. With that being said, I wouldn’t have picked this one up if I knew more about that aspect of the plot.
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Visit Sundial (or don’t) on 3/1/22.
Just a few ways to describe Notes on an Execution by the uber-talented Danya Kukafka.
The story stHAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Powerful. Emotional. Haunting.
Just a few ways to describe Notes on an Execution by the uber-talented Danya Kukafka.
The story starts with 12 hours to go until Ansel Parker’s execution. He has killed four women, but never thought it would have come to this. He always thought he’d be able to explain himself.
This story isn’t just about another serial killer and his perspective. It’s about the women he has come into contact with...those who knew him.
Lavender was very young when she gave birth to Ansel. Living in desperate and unsafe conditions, she goes to the extreme to try and ensure her family is kept safe.
Hazel and Jenny are twins, and Jenny eventually marries Ansel. Hazel has seen the happy facade fall from Ansel’s face at the blink of an eye.
Saffy is the detective who has been keeping track of Ansel for years. Not many people know that they’ve crossed paths many moons ago.
Through these perspectives, we learn more about Ansel and his life before and after becoming a murderer. We also learn about these strong, powerful women who will all come to terms with what they know of him in different ways.
Everything about this book is mesmerizing. It’s intense and powerful. It’s dark, but written in such beautiful prose that makes it easy to get lost in the grip of the plot and the rich characters. It’s a thought-provoking read that doesn’t shy away from toughness, but has a gentle and caring way of displaying it.
The author’s note at the beginning sets the tone, as Kukafka explains what made her write this brilliant novel. In her own words:
“I am tired of seeing Ted Bundy’s face. This is a book for the women who survive.”
Though we do get Ansel’s POV, it is a wonderful balance that goes way beyond the typical serial killer novel. I hope, and truly believe, this book will be a huge success.
4.5 stars
TW: Harm to animals. The worst parts are off the page. While I don’t enjoy it, I can understand why it’s included in the case of this book.
Thank you to William Morrow for a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 1/25/22.
Carrie and Becca are sisters, but their relationship is a little different than most siblings. You see, Carrie wants the regular kind of life. Work, bCarrie and Becca are sisters, but their relationship is a little different than most siblings. You see, Carrie wants the regular kind of life. Work, boyfriend, home ownership. Becca, on the other hand, likes to kill.
In fact, she’s a serial killer, and has killed 13 people...so far. She’s gone to extremes to get Carrie involved in helping her hide bodies...blackmailing her and making her complicit. Becca absolutely loves life, and loves ending the lives of those who cross her.
However, their small town is rocked when 13 bodies are discovered in the woods...and these are NOT the people Becca killed. There’s another serial killer on the loose...who likes to cut off his victims’ feet....more
I’d like to buy this book a one-way ticket to a beautiful retreat called "The Recycling Bin".
Maeve is a dancer with two children and a dark history iI’d like to buy this book a one-way ticket to a beautiful retreat called "The Recycling Bin".
Maeve is a dancer with two children and a dark history involving her abusive ex-husband, who’s now dead. She goes on an “artist retreat” at an isolated mountain lodge surrounded by snow. There, she meets other folks looking for artistic inspiration.
After what feels like hours and hours of reading, an avalanche traps the guests from the main road. Then, after a ton of bickering and whatnot, one of them is found dead. The remaining “artists” have to decide if they should stay in the lodge and try to tough it out until they get rescued, or make their way through piles upon piles of snow and try to get help. Either way, more deaths will occur.
The motive of the killer is a real treat...NOT. It’s so ridiculous and out of left field. I wanted to roll my eyes, but it was too much effort. The characters are annoying. There is no backstory to anyone besides Maeve, and even that is brief and without substance.
I’m sorry to say that I was almost bored to tears...and 40-page chapters didn’t help (‼️). I think the only “chilling” thing about it is the fact that I finished it. I don’t know what I was thinking. ...more
Eva Mercy is a single mom to 12-year old Audre, and also the author of an erotic witch/vampire series called Cursed. She’s usua5-star stunner alert!!!
Eva Mercy is a single mom to 12-year old Audre, and also the author of an erotic witch/vampire series called Cursed. She’s usually good about keeping everything in control, but loses all sense of calm when she sees author Shane Hall at a Black author panel that Eva is a part of. You see, she knows Shane from 15 years ago. They spent 7 days together during their high school years, and that was that.
Eva has never gotten over him, and Shane has never gotten over Eva. Over the next seven days, they will have the chance to reconnect. Eva is hoping for closure, but the attraction between them is even stronger now as adults. Eva has a lot of things going on in her life and also deals with an invisible disease. Shane is only a couple years into sobriety and is still battling his demons.
After 7 days, could there be a chance to rekindle what they had and move on together from the past?
I loved EVERYTHING about this gem! The chemistry between Eva and Shane is OFF THE CHARTS! I felt electricity in the air every time I read a scene with them in the vicinity of each other. While there is a scene or two with serious steam, it doesn’t overpower the book, and still allows for deeper aspects.
What I also love is that even though this is technically a rom-com with legit LOL moments, it has a large amount of depth. These characters are broken...incredibly damaged. What brought Eva and Shane together 15 years ago is dark, and neither of them have been successful in complete healing.
All of the characters are so well-written and fully dimensional. I loved all of them, including Audre, Eva’s daughter. She’s precocious, extremely smart, hilariously astute, and well rounded.
In addition, the book also tackles invisible disabilities, which is an important topic as you never really know what someone might be going through. Eva has lived her life with severe, debilitating migraines. Other moving and important topics include alcohol/drug addiction and the beast that is the book publishing world.
Tia Williams has written the perfect book in my opinion. This is one that I had a hard time putting down. I didn’t want it to end, and was sad when I got to the last page. I wanted more of these wonderful characters, and can only hope there might be a sequel at some point. Either way, I am excited to read Williams’s other books, as I am now a huge fan.
Sincere thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sending me a finished physical copy to review. Now available wherever books are sold.
P.S. I absolutely adored the mention of what might be my favorite Mariah Carey album (Charmbracelet), but TW: There is also a snarky comment made about her later on (that I may have or have may not secretly laughed at ...more
Three couples. A trip to Portugal for a destination wedding. A gorgeous villa overlooking a scenic and violent ocean. Everything will go smoothly likeThree couples. A trip to Portugal for a destination wedding. A gorgeous villa overlooking a scenic and violent ocean. Everything will go smoothly like they always do in this scenario...right?
Rachel and Jack, and their friends Noah and Paige, are not looking forward to the wedding of Jack’s brother, Will, and his future wife, Ali. For one thing, none of them see to really care for Ali...and can’t understand what Will sees in her.
As events lead up to the big day, tension fills the air as Rachel thinks Jack is acting a bit funny, Noah brings up his own history with Rachel, and Ali seems to rub everyone the wrong way and put them on edge.
Revelations come to light that will test everyone’s patience, friendships, and relationships. Not everyone will return to their everyday lives unscathed.
This is more of a domestic drama with a touch of suspense than a thriller. I knew that going in, but it might help others to set expectations.
While I really enjoy Sandy Jones’s writing, The Guilt Trip feels longer than it needs to be as the first half is mostly Rachel and Paige talking back and forth about Ali and the other characters. It’s repetitive and gets old quickly. However, I was engaged enough to want to know what was going to happen, and flew through the book.
While there is absolutely nothing new that blew my mind, I quite enjoyed the direction it went in towards the end that showed another side to some of the characters and their motivations...revelations that would’ve come to light much sooner if everyone took a step back from jumping to conclusions. You know what they say when you assume...
The ending itself lost me as it went into confusing OTT territory that didn’t sync well, finishing with a “twist” that had a significance I didn’t really understand.
Overall, it’s a decent read that has its moments, but surely not one that will stay with me for very long.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for sending me a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication date: 8/3/21.
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