If you do any amount of romance reading, you'll see where this book is going from a mile away. And that would normally really bo3.5 stars, rounded up
If you do any amount of romance reading, you'll see where this book is going from a mile away. And that would normally really bother me, but in this case, fortunately it wasn't that big of a deal.
Chelsea is a marriage therapist, and she's well know for her speaking engagements, books, and TED talks. The sad truth, though, is that she and her husband Austin are divorced. But Chelsea is hopeful when Austin wants them to meet, as they have stayed friends and sometimes more than friends. She is sure he is going to say that they should get back together. But that isn't what happens, and Chelsea runs out the door of the restaurant straight into the path of a cable car. Chelsea heads to their lake cabin to recuperate, and there she meets Knox and wonders if she should settle for what she thought she wanted or if there might be something better out there.
This is a familiar trope and the setup is a bit too long and involved, but overall this is a sweet, touching romance story. I liked Chelsea and the growth she experiences throughout the novel. She learns a great deal about herself personally, professionally, and relationship-wise. Her childhood trauma serves as an interesting background for her to re-examine her thoughts and actions about her family and her past.
I really liked the way things wrapped up, and the ending left me with a smile on my face. This is a fun read for the summer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
I really enjoyed this book! I do love some trivia so that was fun.
This is the story of five strangers who get together to form a team for pub quiz trI really enjoyed this book! I do love some trivia so that was fun.
This is the story of five strangers who get together to form a team for pub quiz trivia night. Donna puts out an advertisement and gathers Bryony, Harry, Jamie and Luke together to form a team. Despite an awkward beginning, they form The Red Hot Quizzy Peppers and make strides to win the grand prize in the tournament. However, each of the participants is dealing with personal issues as well, and as their lives become more intertwined, they realize that they have become more than teammates, they have become friends.
I really liked all of the various bits of trivia included with their quiz nights and in each chapter. It gave such a great backdrop for the characters to work through their issues--family, jobs, relationships, mental health, and money issues are all explored throughout the narrative. I could particularly identify with Bryony, but the cast of characters is wide so there's probably a relatable character or situation for every reader.
I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator does a fantastic job giving each character their own personality and allowed me to connect emotionally with the story. While the bits of trivia might have been overwhelming for some readers, I really enjoyed learning some different facts and it helped me to realize that each of us have our own strengths and that working as a team is a great way to go to navigate various situations.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
Really sweet book, great addition to the series. This book follows last year's The Summer Skies and we return to the small town in the Scottish HighlaReally sweet book, great addition to the series. This book follows last year's The Summer Skies and we return to the small town in the Scottish Highlands.
This time, we follow Gertie, a thirty-year-old young woman who lives with her mother and grandmother, spending her free time daydreaming and knitting as part of the town knitting (and gossip) circle. Morag is looking for a maternity replacement for her best friend who works at the airport, and they set their sights on Gertie, who works at the local grocery store. Can Gertie come out of her shell and embrace all she is meant to be?
This book took a while to gain its momentum, and I think the uneven pacing might be frustrating for some readers. I hope they do stick with it because the ending sections are filled with adventure, heartwarming situations, and exactly what readers have come to expect from Jenny Colgan's books. Gertie's endless daydreaming and making up romantic situations in her mind were my least favorite parts of the book. She seemed more like a moony teenager than a full grown adult, so I think those sections really drew me out of the story.
Overall though, I did enjoy this tale and loved how both Scotland and the people of the town are portrayed. There's so much laugh out loud humor and also very tender, sweet situations. Although this book does stand alone, if you are ever going to read Summer Skies, you should definitely read it first, because Close Knit gives a lot of spoilers about Morag and her relationship from that book.
Can't wait to see who we get to know next!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
If you haven't read this series because you think--why would I want to read a series about a sports agent? I don't eFantastic addition to the series.
If you haven't read this series because you think--why would I want to read a series about a sports agent? I don't even like sports. Think again, because this series is very entertaining and the books are great mysteries with extremely likable characters. I think that this installment in particular, although completely understandable and a great read, would not have the impact without the lead in from previous books and being invested in the characters and their connections.
There are really dramatic things that happen, as well as some levity and humor (especially with Myron's parents and their edibles) that make this book a fast paced, engaging read. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator Steven Weber (who narrates all of Coben's books) does a phenomenal job. I prefer to listen to these books because he does such an amazing job giving each character a distinct personality.
Harlan Coben is at his finest with this novel, with so much twisty action you will be shocked and surprised more than once.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Janetti's books are always a treat! I enjoy his sense of humor and this books is filled with stories about his travels and different tips and tricks. IJanetti's books are always a treat! I enjoy his sense of humor and this books is filled with stories about his travels and different tips and tricks. I read so much out loud to my husband I'm sure he was just rolling his eyes but it was just so fun I had to share. If you're looking for a lighthearted book, this will definitely be a winner. Janetti has a dryly snarky personality, he has lots of things that drive him nuts and he isn't afraid to let you know. But he also has lots of things that bring him joy, so it all balances out in the end. My particular favorite section was when his entire family went on a cruise. I'm sure many of the things that happened weren't funny to them in the slightest, but they sure were entertaining to read.
If you like to travel or even if you're just an armchair traveler (this book will give you the travel itch though, be prepared) it's sure to be an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
3.5 stars. Cute addition to the series but way too many characters and too long. Worth reading though.
This is the fourth book in the Harbinder Kaur s3.5 stars. Cute addition to the series but way too many characters and too long. Worth reading though.
This is the fourth book in the Harbinder Kaur series, and although it mostly focuses on Natalka, Benedict, and Edwin (from book 2 in the series The Postscript Murders) Harbinder does make some appearances. Although you don't necessarily need to read the story in order, you will definitely miss out on the character development so I think you should start at the beginning.
Natalka and Edwin are private investigators now, and they have been hired by the daughters of a woman who recently passed away. The daughters believe their mother Melody, an author, was killed by their stepfather. In the course of their investigation, Natalka and Edwin discover that some other authors have died, some under mysterious circumstances. As they look further, more deaths occur.
I didn't enjoy this installment of the series as much as I have the others, but that is mainly because I really like the police procedural aspects and especially Harbinder, and this book didn't really have much of either of those. There are SO MANY characters, and there were times I was lost in the shuffle of who was who and who was related to who. And although I do overall like Benedict and Edwin, Natalka is a bit bristly and frustrating for me. The constant focus on how gorgeous and beautiful and out of Benedict's league she is gets grating.
I do like this series and will continue to read more of it, but I definitely like the books that feature Harbinder front and center rather than these other characters.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
2.5 stars, rounded down. Very original concept with only fair execution
Did you like "Choose your own adventure" books as a child? I did, but...I alwa2.5 stars, rounded down. Very original concept with only fair execution
Did you like "Choose your own adventure" books as a child? I did, but...I always would keep my finger on the choice page and then go back and read the other choice(s). This is an adult take on that concept, but to me it was only partially successful. I think it would have been most successful had each choice somehow wrapped around so that all of the sections were included. As it was, there was a lot of repetition because certain things had to be presented to make the story flow.
The basic premise is that Marsh is given the opportunity to participate in a reality show where "quantum bubbling" has made it possible for her to change the course of her life at various points in order to change her life and future to be more fulfilling. As she gets more involved with the show, things begin to get stranger and more confusing, what exactly is going on?
I think this would be a great book club choice, as there are many things here that I'd love to discuss and pick apart with people. The overall idea of this story is great, but the middle got so mushy and confusing and downright weird, and then it got better and a bit more twisty, and then the ending was a huge letdown. We start with the choose your own path thing, then go away from that for a long time, and then go back for a rushed, pat, choice of endings.
I never warmed to Marsh, I never felt like she was learning or growing through all of her various iterations. I understood what was going on when she decided to redo her life and pursue law school, but then we got into a strange tangent of acting in a telenovela and wildlife photography in Iceland and she just goes along with it like it's what she wants and like it's no big deal. The book really lost me at that point.
And seriously--all Marsh could come up with as to why her marriage failed was that she said no to a threesome? Which in her redo turned out to be a foursome? That whole tangent was just ick for me and really unnecessary, it felt wedged in and bizarre to include. (When you get to the end you can generally get why it happened, but I disliked it completely)
It would have been a 1-2 star book but there is some redemption in the story arc about 75% through, but it was almost too little too late to save things. I give the author props for coming up with a unique concept, but the execution of that concept was not very good.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
Deeply engrossing and richly written book. Intriguing mystery.
This is a book you will want to take your time with, but it is so captivating you won'tDeeply engrossing and richly written book. Intriguing mystery.
This is a book you will want to take your time with, but it is so captivating you won't be able to put it down. Set in multiple timelines, the reader is transported to various events that lead up to the present day situation.
The morning of 1975, a teenage camper at a New York summer camp is missing. Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the owners of the camp, is nowhere to be found. Told from various points of view in various timelines, we get to know the events prior to the situation leading up to the present day investigation through the eyes of her counselor, Louise, her best friend and bunkmate, Tracy, the young police detective working the case, Judyta, and Barbara's mother, Alice. Each character provides different perspectives and pieces to the puzzle, which when fully assembled is a stunning and complex story.
There are so many themes explored here, but the overarching theme is that of generational wealth and privilege and the role of women within that framework. Every character is richly drawn and adds a unique perspective to the tale. I connected with many of the different characters at various times, because many of their stories are more universal that it seems on the surface.
This novel has a true sense and depiction of its time and place, the situations and the ways they play out fit the time period perfectly. This experience transports the reader back to the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s with all of its biases, prejudices, and societal rules and norms.
There are a couple of different mysteries throughout this book, and I was captivated to learn the resolutions to each of them. This is definitely a book to read and savor.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I quite literally could not put this book down yesterday, and the few times I had to (why does my family need to talk to me?) I couldn't stop thinkingI quite literally could not put this book down yesterday, and the few times I had to (why does my family need to talk to me?) I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Here is my advice: Go into this book blind, DO NOT GOOGLE this case, just let the book unfold and you will feel the shock the way it was intended.
There is No Ethan is a true crime book written by one of "Ethan's" victims. Ethan targeted intelligent, highly educated, accomplished women and drew them into his emotional web. Anna Akbari was one of those women, and in 2011, she ended up connecting with two others and together they uncovered the truth behind Ethan.
The intriguing thing about this case is that it didn't involve money, it involved emotional catfishing. This is part of what makes this story so captivating. It's more cut and dried when the catfishing involves money or other material things--you get the police involved and if and when you catch the person behind it, you are taken seriously and can possibly do something about it. When it is emotional, all bets are out the window for how it is handled. Some people don't believe you, and even if they do, they think--oh, it's just a relationship, it's not that bad. Even when you report the person to authorities, most if not all will fail to recognize the deep impact this can have on a person's life.
Akbari's thoughtful and emotional writing shines a spotlight on the glaringly abusive nature of this case. I applaud all of these women for having the courage to come forward with their stories and educate readers about different types of catfishing and abuse.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
3.5 stars rounded up Excellent addition to the series
This is a series you need to read in order, you'll be lost with the characters and backstory if y3.5 stars rounded up Excellent addition to the series
This is a series you need to read in order, you'll be lost with the characters and backstory if you don't. As the series has progressed, we have learned more and more about both Cyrus and Evie and their individual pasts and trauma. As a warning, this is a very difficult book to read at times, the graphic depictions of immigration and human trafficking are complex and harrowing.
The inciting incident in this story is the bodies of seventeen migrants wash ashore on a beach and Cyrus and Evie are witnesses. One survivor tells them that their boat was deliberately hit because they didn't pay the "ferryman." This nudges a spark of memory in Evie, and she and Cyrus go on a hunt to try to find one more piece to her past. There are people who don't want the truth uncovered and will go to any means to keep it hidden.
I feel like each book in this series gives us new insight into these characters, making them more complex and nuanced. I really like the relationship between Cyrus and Evie because it's unusual and very realistic. Although this series feels somewhat complete, there's an issue with Evie that still needs to be resolved so I really need book five for that.
Robotham is an excellent writer, giving us stories that are both realistic and compelling. If you haven't discovered this fantastic series, start with Good Girl, Bad Girl ASAP.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I love Linwood Barclay's books because they are generally filled with action. This one was no exception, the tension starts on the first page, althougI love Linwood Barclay's books because they are generally filled with action. This one was no exception, the tension starts on the first page, although there were a couple of things that gave me pause.
The general story is--teacher Richard Boyle is able to thwart an attack on the school by talking down a former student with a bomb, but the former student, Mark, is killed. However not before Mark gives a somewhat cryptic list of adults that he had intended to harm with the bomb. Another former student sees the news and contacts Richard with a blackmail demand--pay up or I will tell everyone about how you sexually abused me when I was in high school. Richard knows he didn't do it, but isn't sure what people will believe.
To me, it was glaringly obvious who the real villain was almost from the beginning, it was irritating that no one seemed to question or suspect this person. Also, I am absolutely not a fan of people who are wrongly accused of something and spend the entire book trying to defend their innocence when the reader knows for sure that they are innocent. It feels like a waste of a plot. This book spends an over abundance of time with Richard having to prove he is innocent right and left to everyone.
The action is captivating and kept me interested, but it took me a lot longer to get through this book than I normally would take with this author due to the subject matter. And the tangent about book banning was out of nowhere and just cluttered up the plot.
Overall, this is definitely not my favorite book by this author but I will be interested to see what he comes up with next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own....more
I love true crime books, and while this one was intriguing, it was slightly different than other books in the genre so I didn't like it as well as othI love true crime books, and while this one was intriguing, it was slightly different than other books in the genre so I didn't like it as well as others.
This book starts with Kim Mager, a detective on the Ashland, Ohio police force, being called in to interview a sexual assault victim who claimed to have been kidnapped. It soon becomes clear that the man they have arrested for the crime, Shawn Grate, is involved with more than just this one case, and he might actually be a serial killer. The book covers Mager's multiple interviews with Grate and her skillfully crafted rapport that allowed other victims to be discovered and Grate to be prosecuted.
The main issue I have with this book is that he is captured at the beginning. There's no investigation--they didn't even know that he or his crimes even existed until that point. It made the book more of Grate telling the investigators about his crimes and how the investigators (particularly Mager) were able to ask questions to get him to reveal information rather than a gripping investigation.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I think that helped me to get through it more than if I had been reading it on the page. It put me in the room with them rather than just reading about them. So if you're going to choose this book, the audiobook is the way to go.
Just go into your reading of this knowing that it is less about an investigation and more about how a detective goes about interviewing someone to get the best information. I feel as if Kim Mager is part psychologist, part police detective, because there are many times she has to straddle that line and understand what would motivate that person to want to tell their story and then use her skills to draw that story out.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own....more
I thought it was pretty entertaining once I could keep everyone straight.
This book is set in the same world as The One, The Passengers, The Minders, I thought it was pretty entertaining once I could keep everyone straight.
This book is set in the same world as The One, The Passengers, The Minders, and The Marriage Act. Although it's not necessary to have read those books before this one, I think it greatly enhances your reading experience (and this book has a huge nod to The Passengers at the end). This is set in a near-future society where AI enhancements are commonplace.
A group of people--mostly couples and one single parent--are selected to participate in a reality show called The Family Experiment. These parents will, over the course of nine months, parent a child through various life stages, all in the virtual realm. The prize at the end? Either a chance to keep your virtual child or receive money to fund having a child in the real world. The stakes are high, and for many of these people, it is their only opportunity to be a parent. But every one of them has secrets they hope that no one finds out...
This is a fun, quick read. As with most of Marrs' books, there is a very large cast of characters at first and it's not always easy to remember who is who (and what their secrets are). After I was able to keep them straight, my experience with the book was a good one. There are many ethical dilemmas brought to the surface that might become issues sometime in the (not-so distant) future. Such as--what "rights" does a virtual being have? Deserve?
This is a twisty book sure to please fans of Marrs and others looking for something unique and original. If you haven't read the books listed above, I suggest you do read them first even though this book stands alone. It will really give you a more enjoyable experience.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
There are some things I liked about this book, and some things I didn't. I'm settling with a middle of the road rating because of that.
This is the stoThere are some things I liked about this book, and some things I didn't. I'm settling with a middle of the road rating because of that.
This is the story of Dr. Caroline Strange, she is a psychiatrist who one day has a patient who says he is going to kill someone by starving her to death. Before she can get more information, he leaves. When Dr. Caroline is contacted by the police about a missing woman with ties to her, she wants to help the police find this mystery man who she believes kidnapped the woman. The story is told from three different perspectives: Caroline, Ellen Garcia (the missing woman), and a man named Gordon Strong (who we find out about along the way.
I didn't like any of the characters. They were all pretty awful and majorly full of themselves. Caroline most of all. And the mentions of Covid were over the top. I know this book is set in early 2021, but WHY? There was really no purpose for doing so, and I know most of us feel like it is way too soon to incorporate the topic in a book if there's not a good reason. This one felt more like Karin Slaughter's False Witness with its incessant unnecessary Covid mentions than Catherine Ryan Howard's 56 Days where it was a part of the plot.
Still, I thought the overall reveal (although it took a long long time to put all of the three perspectives together cohesively) was decent, but it was too short after such a long buildup. It's dark and intriguing, and if you can get past some extraneous tangents, the core story is good.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
I loved this book because I love this author's style of writing, and because she is at exactly the same life stage as I am so I totally and completelyI loved this book because I love this author's style of writing, and because she is at exactly the same life stage as I am so I totally and completely related to so much of it.
This novel features an empty nest couple in their mid-50s, Rocky (Rachel) and Nick, their young adult son Jamie and his girlfriend Maya, and their young adult daughter Willa. Every year they spend a week at a house on Cape Cod, and this year is no exception. This slice of life story takes place during that week and everything that happens, big and small.
I loved the title because "sandwich" encompassed so many things in this book. The delectable sounding sandwiches they made for their beach lunches, and the fact that Rocky and Nick are part of the sandwich generation where they are navigating the world with aging parents.
Nearly every single thing Rocky mused about was so applicable to my 50-something life as well. I laughed out loud so many times at how relatable many of the statements she made were--about life, aging, parenthood, marriage, menopause, grief, and so much more (see trigger warnings below if you have them). You have to go into this knowing that there are some very tough topics. It's not all laughing and joy about the curve balls of life. There's some real pain and even though I rated this 5 stars, there are a few topics that were a bit too much, too raw, and maybe even too graphic. But... on the flip side of that, I do admire the author for stepping over that line and writing her truth whether it makes others uncomfortable or not. This book felt like it came from a true, real place and I give her credit for that.
Caveat: there are some serious trigger warnings (view spoiler)[ Graphic depictions and discussions of pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and abortion (hide spoiler)]
I love a good family story, and since this one is so relatable to me, I loved it all the more. If you're caught in the sandwich of midlife, I highly recommend giving this book a try.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
This was a wild one! Let me first say that one of the quotes in the blurb says this is for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. The o3.5 stars rounded up
This was a wild one! Let me first say that one of the quotes in the blurb says this is for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six. The only reason it's even remotely similar is that both involve musicians and bands, but in this book's case, it's peripheral to the mystery/thriller aspect of the book. Daisy Jones is all about the musicians and their lives. I find no comparison between the two at all, so if you're looking for a Daisy Jones-esque book you won't find it here.
That said, this book alternates between two timelines--the past when Vienna and Madison meet during their senior year of high school and moving forward, and then the accident that is the catalyst for the rest of the story, and moving forward from that.
In high school, Vienna and Madison form a music duo with Vienna playing drums and Madison playing guitar, both of them singing. They get some recognition, but obstacles stand in their way. Moving forward they eventually move to New York and put together an all-girl band they name the Bittersweet. In a snowstorm on their way to a party, their van goes off the road and what happens next is unimaginable. Who survives?
This isn't a perfect book, there are some awkward parts with the pacing and character development, but for a thriller book this one is unique and surprising. There are a couple of very shocking turns in the story that definitely elevated the book for me. However towards the end it became incredibly over the top and a bit too predictable, but I forgive that because the twists are worth it all.
I hesitate to say too much or I'll devolve into spoiler territory, but I'll just say that this novel is overall surprising and worth reading if you like thrillers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really liked that Cole and Laila each had their own narrator, because the chapCute friends to lovers romance.
I listened to this as an audiobook and I really liked that Cole and Laila each had their own narrator, because the chapters are told from their alternating points of view. The narrators brought the story to life in a fun way.
This book follows Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, which in retrospect would have been helpful to have read to get the setup for the characters. Alas, I did not read that one, but I was not terribly lost as they are only side characters in this book.
Cole and Laila are in their 40s and have been best friends all of their lives. They have never been more than friends, but when everything in their lives is set to change, they begin to reconsider their feelings.
I did enjoy the later in life development into a relationship, but I just wondered why? I struggled a lot with the naiveté of the characters, particularly of Laila who at times made it seem like she was a clueless teenager rather than a full grown adult. I just didn't have buy in for their ages based on the way they were acting. In their late 20s maybe, but after so many years you would think they would be more siblings than all of a sudden noticing a spark.
Regardless, this is a cute story and if you enjoy pop culture references and fun banter, this book is filled with it. If you just go with the romance and don't think too hard about it, you'll enjoy the journey.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
I cruised quickly through this one as the pace was rapid and everything unfolded in an exciting way. Wa3.5 stars, rounded up. Solid mystery thriller.
I cruised quickly through this one as the pace was rapid and everything unfolded in an exciting way. Was it believable? Not at all, but it was fun for me regardless.
Stella and Adam have been married for four years and are on a combination work and pleasure trip around Europe. Adam runs a business where he purchases architectural antiques and preserves them in construction projects. Stella is a former flight attendant who can't wait to show Adam her favorite restaurant in Paris. After an amazing meal they are hurrying back to their hotel to check out to make their plane, but Adam returns to the restaurant for a forgotten item and is involved in an explosion. Stella searches, but Adam has disappeared. As she begins to talk to the authorities and search for him, secrets are uncovered, and their pasts and things they have hidden in their present begin to come to light.
I was all in for this thrilling trip around Europe and I liked Stella's pursuit of the truth. We get some flashbacks about their trip and see how things unfolded. There are some surprises, and in general this is a fun, exciting adventure of a thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats waiting to see what will happen next.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Not a bad read, just nothing super memorable. Kind of predictable, been there done that.
It's now two days since I finished and can I remember much abNot a bad read, just nothing super memorable. Kind of predictable, been there done that.
It's now two days since I finished and can I remember much about this book? Nope. I had to re-read the synopsis to remind myself what it was about.
Alex has always looked up to her older sister Madison (Maddie), and Maddie has always been there for her. Their tumultuous childhood bonded them together strongly. The one thing Maddie promised was that she would always celebrate Alex's birthday with her. However, this year, they had a falling out after their mother's death and although Maddie agreed to text Alex on her birthday, she has now ghosted her--Alex can't get in touch and Maddie won't reply. The Hamptons was the last known location she had for Maddie, so Alex travels to see if she can find her. She gets caught up in a complicated web of lies, cover-up, and possibly murder.
Except for the creative, yet WAY OTT resolution, most of this book was incredibly predictable and I saw where it was going from the beginning. I think one of the issues this book has is that there are far too many character POVs. We hop from one person to the next, from present to past to near past and it just gets jumbled together. Sometimes it was difficult for me to remember whose head I was in and had to go back to the beginning of the chapter to figure it out.
I know many people have enjoyed this one, so if you like stories featuring missing people, this one might be a winner for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
I'm not a fan of when nearly everyone in a book knows something that the reader doesn't. Little clues are dropped for quite a while until it's revealeI'm not a fan of when nearly everyone in a book knows something that the reader doesn't. Little clues are dropped for quite a while until it's revealed what happened at the senior picnic 22 years before, and I couldn't quite figure out why the reader is kept in the dark for so long. It's obvious from the beginning that people lied about what happened, but I couldn't figure out why the original story that was told to the police was kept from the reader.
This made me dislike the first part of the book, until we finally learn what happened and the characters begin to reveal what really happened that night. Basically, best friends Scarlet and Pepper covered up what happened during a car accident at the senior picnic that left two of their classmates dead. Pepper disappeared off to New York, and Scarlet eventually met and married Vince, who used to be Pepper's high school boyfriend. They have a now teenage son and a horrible marriage. But who should show up on the doorstep but 21-year-old Zoey, daughter of the recently deceased Pepper, who has some questions about the identity of her father and about what exactly happened at the senior picnic.
I know we are supposed to be shocked about what happened, but overall I was underwhelmed. I pretty much saw everything coming. I listened to this as an audiobook and if anything, it made the characters seem more annoying. Scarlet calls her son "my boy" every few pages and it was annoying and then just got weird. I felt like an editor should have cut a few of those out. Maybe I wouldn't have noticed it as much had I read the book on the page, but it was silly in the audio.
Overall I found the book predictable and kind of forgettable. There are lots of people who loved this one so read their reviews to balance mine as I'm a bit of an outlier here.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. ...more
Melissa (Trying to Catch Up)
>
Books:
Read
(4838)
Loading...
