Tag: books

Whistling Women and Crowing Hens by Melora Fern

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Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a powerful story about a young woman whose determination and strength will help her to never stop trying to achieve her goals. During a time (the 1920’s) when women were meant to get married and have children, one girl, with a bit of luck and a great amount of talent will decide to go on a different journey, even though her family is very against it, and become an independent adult no one will be able to stop.

Birdie Stauffer is talented. She can play the trombone and whistle songs mimicking birds while doing so. She pleads with her sister to audition for an all-female traveling musical group for the summer. With the help of another girl, Helen who plays the piano she is accepted.

Unfortunately, her sister Lydia whom she lives with refuses to allow her to go. But Lydia’s husband, Gerald finally convinces her, and she excitedly waves goodbye and jumps on the first train to meet the other members of the Quintet.

And… what a summer it will be. Exhausting, anxiety ridden, the girls not getting along and for Birdie, first love, but also horrific treatment of some of them. What will not change during this summer is Birdie’s determination to succeed and be creative. She will always root for the other girls, and they will try and protect each other when they can. Only one thing gives her pause…going back home to her sister at the end of the summer.

As her independence grows, she realizes the hold her sister has on her. But how can Birdie who loves Lydia very much make her realize she doesn’t have the same goals as her sister. She doesn’t want to settle down, get married and have children. She wants to continue pursuing her passion, which would mean leaving Lydia.

But Lydia has a different idea of what’s good for Birdie.

Whistling Women and Crowing Hens is a wonderful look at how a young woman becomes empowered and strong and learns to be her own person. Once emboldened she is finally able to decide her future no matter what that means.

Thank you #BooksForward #JacieKarneth #MeloraFern #WhistlingWomenandCrowingHens for the advanced copy.

The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz

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The Last Ferry Out is a chilling mystery with twists and turns and secrets galore. This can’t put down book is more than a thriller. It also encapsulates the relationship between two women who have just gotten engaged, but both are feeling unable to completely give themselves to their relationship for different reasons. It also deals with the death of one of them and the feelings of what could have/should have been said and the regrets that are left behind as one of them searches for answers as to what really happened to cause the death of her partner.

Isla Colel is a haven for people who are trying to escape their lives…for whatever reason. Years ago, this island was a popular resort but now is a dilapidated fishing area where you can hide out openly. No one asks questions as to where you are from or what you used to do. They understand the reason you are here, because they are here for the same reason.

So when Abby gets off the ferry to try and find out how her fiancé Eszter ended up dying here, all she sees and feels is her pain and loss. Also guilt at all the times Eszter tried to engage her while she was here only to have Abby ignore her.

As Abby begins to explore the area, she meets a group of people who actually knew Eszter. All of them have their own secrets but all Abby cares about is getting to the bottom of Eszter’s last days and how she ended up dead.

When one of these “friends” of Eszter, Brady tells Abby that he knows what happened to Eszter and will tell her the next day, she is relieved. Until he never shows up again and seems to disappear leaving her confused, angry and scared.

Abby begins to believe something dark is happening on the island but can’t put her finger on what it is. She feels as if this group of people are hiding things from her. She begins to work on her own to discover the secrets they all are keeping.

While all this is happening, through chapters by Eszter we begin to see what her life was really like and as Abby will discover, Eszter’s own secrets. Did she even really love Abby? She learns Eszter had been in danger and now realizes she too could become a victim of the island. Where does Abby go from here? Who can she trust?

The Last Ferry Out is chock full of intrigue and surprises but also delves into relationships, love and mourning. The lies on this island run very deep and the revelations at the end…no words!

Thank you #NetGalley #BallentineBooks #AndreaBartz #TheLastFerryOut for the advanced copy.

Overdue by Stephanie Perkins

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Overdue is an adorable, funny, heartwarming story about two library co-workers whose lives are both disrupted by their relationships and some personal problems which they can’t seem to resolve for themselves. It’s the tale of two lost souls who are unable to come to terms with how to move forward due to fear of what will happen. But perhaps if they can find each other that could change.

Ingrid Dahl is a librarian who has been living with her college boyfriend, Corey for over 10 years, but when her sister finally becomes engaged, they begin to see perhaps they weren’t meant for each other. So, they decide Corey will move out for a month, they will date other people, and after the 30 days, meet and discuss getting back together. What could go wrong?

Ingrid has been keeping a bit of a secret from Corey. She has had a bit of a crush on her co-worker Macon who himself has just come out of a long-term relationship. Not usually very assertive, she decides to make a move on Macon. Unfortunately, it does not go very well and now they seem to not be friends anymore, while still working together.

But Ingrid has other problems. A job is opening up at the library, a promotion, although comfortable at the job she questions if she should follow her heart and open that bookstore she’s always dreamed of just to get away from Macon, but instead she decides to go on some dating apps and see what’s out there which is not much. And when Ingrid and Corey meet after their month of separation, where they both surprisingly want another month!

It’s during this second month that Ingrid begins to see Macon for who he really is and just what his responsibilities are when he’s not at work. She begins to want to help Macon open himself up to new ideas and he begins to give Ingrid the confidence to make some life changing decisions.

But, with all this happening she still can’t convince him they should be together. Why? That is the question!

Overdue is a lovely romance about two friends who are not only afraid to take the leap to the next level of their friendship but are also scared of the risks in what they want out of life.

Thank you #SaturdayBooks #Overdue #StephaniePerkins for the advanced copy.

The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley

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The Dogs of Venice is a beautiful story about love, loss and finding yourself again. It’s a novella so it is a very quick read, even though you don’t ever want it to end. It transports you to Venice, Italy and all its beauty where dogs are allowed to run wild. It’s where one man who is mourning the loss of his marriage will meet a dog which will change his life forever. Written by the author of The Editor and The Guncle, Steven Rowley, it has his humor, charm and life lessons all bundled into an uplifting tale.

When Paul’s marriage of five years ends in a shocking divorce which he never saw coming, he becomes a shell of himself. Not really understanding what he did wrong, he decides to go on a planned Christmas trip they were both going on to Venice by himself. Although nervous as he had never done something like this, he begins the journey alone to basically spite his soon to be ex.

But when he gets there and sees the magical city in front of him, he tries to make the most of his time there. Not everything goes his way, and he feels extremely awkward. But he suddenly sees dogs roaming around the city relaxed and unharmed and enjoying themselves. He particularly discovers one dog who has a routine and confidence as he interacts with people. Paul begins looking forward to seeing him.

At one point he loses track of the dog and is unable to find him. Desperate, he looks for him. While looking he meets a few funny, quirky characters, has experiences and some uncomfortable encounters he’s not sure how to handle, but through it all he begins to find himself and a strength he never knew existed.

Rowley’s story, The Dogs of Venice, although short is pact with wisdom, strength, emotion and evolution. As for the dog? Well, you’ll just have to find out what happens!

Thank you #NetGalley #G.P.Putman’sSons #StevenRowley #TheDogsofVenice for the advanced copy.

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After Midnight Daphne du Maurier

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As I began to think about books to review for the Fall and Halloween, I came across a book I never knew existed, After Midnight. Daphne du Maurier is famous for her dark story, Rebecca, but little did I know she was also known for her short scary stories such as The Birds and Don’t Look Now, which of course have been made into films. What also drew me to the book was the fact that the great Stephen King did the forward…that alone was an incredible essay in itself. And the book did not disappoint! It was one CHILLING story after another! Who knew?

Of course, many of us have seen The Birds, but the initial story itself is riveting. The reason for the birds never explained and the eeriness of it all on paper exceptional!

But there are twelve more stories in this edition each fascinatingly scary and dark.

The Blue Lenses describes a woman who has just had eye surgery and what happens during her recovery.

The Apple Tree gave me serious goosebumps. When a man who has just lost his wife (and seems a bit happy about it) decides to take down an apple tree on his property, well, things don’t go very well.

The Breakthrough is an incredible science-fiction like story in which two scientists attempt to discover what happens to a person after death…do they still have consciousness? Of course, remember, this is a book about being scared…

My favorite is The Alibi in which a man seems to lead a double life…to what end?

The other stories I leave for you to devour and use your imagination and draw your own conclusions as to what has just happened!

Not After Midnight, and yes, that too is one of the stories, is an absolute must for anybody who loves to be terrified at things that go bump in the night!

Thank you #NetGalley #Scribner #AfterMidnight #TheLateGreatDaphneduMaurier for the advanced copy.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

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Aftertaste is an extraordinary novel which encompasses so many genres. It’s a ghost story, a love story, part science fiction but also with a mystery/suspense element. It’s also about food and loss and how sometimes the taste of something can bring up a memory of someone who has passed. It also explores how love can change a person as well as what someone in love would do for the person they love.

Kostya Duhovny’s father tragically dies when he is ten years old. It changes his life forever. His mother checks out of life and lays in bed, Kostya at his young age must fend for himself, sometimes barely eating and being constantly bullied by the other children.

One day when he goes to the local pool, he begins to get this sensation in his mouth of a particular food he and his father use to make together. He becomes aware that perhaps his father is trying to tell him something, but what? He can’t imagine.

Years go by and Kostya begins to get use to this sensation of taste. Always different, never the one he got from his father. Unable to understand why this is happening, waiting for something else to push him to what he needs to know, he continues with life and its struggles. And he truly struggles.

Until one-night years later when he is a bus boy at a bar and someone comes in, and he begins to get the taste for a particular drink. Kostya decides to make the drink and serve it to the person who has just come in. And then he knows what he is supposed to be doing with this gift. He is to reunite the dead with a person they are missing so they can have one last conversation.

Of course, needless to say this does not go over so well when he decides to start his own restaurant! When something happens to his best (and only) friend, he is devastated, but his aftertaste draws him to a girl. Someone whose sister has passed. While trying to help her, they fall in love.

But unbeknownst to either of them there are problems with this gift and the afterlife. Kostya gets himself in trouble in the present but also begins to cause havoc in life after death. Now unfortunately he is the only one who can stop this train wreck his life is on and the trajectory of the afterlife.

Aftertaste is a heartwarming tale with so much love and loss but yet beautiful in a way that cannot be described unless you read this moving, delicious story.

Published by Simon & Schuster

Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill

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Five Found Dead is quite the mystery/thriller/whodunit with bodies which keep adding up and so many suspects your head will explode! On top of that we get to ride on the Orient Express…hmm…did someone else write a book about that train? Anyway, the story is unique, enjoyable and quite surprising!

Joe Penvale a writer and his sister Meredith a lawyer are twins. They have just boarded the famous train, the Orient Express. Joe who is a famous crime story author had recently completed treatment for cancer. Joe wants to begin a new novel, and Meredith just wants to relax because she was Joe’s caretaker during his cancer journey. Also, she wants to keep an eye on him to make sure he eats and drinks well with absolutely no libations!

Less than twenty-four hours later everything will change. Something has happened in Cabin 16G which is close to their cabin. There’s blood everywhere but shockingly no body! Both Joe and Meredith had seen the previous night a man enter the cabin. But now, he is missing.

As the passengers begin to congregate to swap stories as to what could have happened, they are hit with another emergency. Some of the passengers have tested positive for some illness and they must now be quarantined!

But lucky for them there seem to be a few criminal professionals on board, i.e. retired police, crime solvers and even a criminal podcast team who are friends of Joe’s. They are asked by the train manager if they would be able to try and figure out what happened. And just as they decide to go into the missing man’s cabin, they discover the steward who was guarding the room is dead!

As another person is discovered dead…and still no sign of the guest from the room, things begin to get even crazier when the train which is headed to Paris is told it must release the train which has the quarantined passengers if they want to get into the city! But if they do this what if the killer is living among them?

With everyone seeming to have alibis, Joe and Meredith race to discover who the killer could possibly be. What they all will discover is that deception and vengeance run deep; a masterful murder plan was created, and a mind-boggling conclusion which will knock your socks off! Five Found Dead will have you wanting to race to the end of the story and the bombshell ending!

Thank you #NetGalley #PoisenedPress #SulariGentill #FiveFoundDead for the advanced copy.

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett

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Pour yourself a beer and settle into a comfy chair for another funny, entertaining mystery by the master of using social media in her written books, Janice Hallett. In her unique writing style, email, text and notes, you will begin to explore the goings on in a small town and its pub life including their exciting and competitive trivia nights. With very quirky, some humorous and some shady characters, and a sudden murder to solve, your only job if you should accept it is to enjoy the ride!

Mel and Sue Eastwood own a pub called The Case is Altered in a small town in England. They run a popular trivia game each week. Through text we soon will discover that some teams are more competitive than others. There is also a bit of cheating which is tried, but the pub owners in the area try to keep each other abreast of who the other’s need to watch out for.

As is the case with one group who come in and try and start trouble in The Case is Altered. Mel will have none of it and immediately throws them out.

It also seems there is a new group called The Shadow Nights who have been coming around and they are beating all the other quizzers by a mile. None of the pubs can figure out how they are cheating.

They come to trivia night at The Case is Altered and needless to say, win so big it makes the other quiz teams reevaluate themselves. The Shadow Nights decide they like Mel and Sue’s pub and become regulars…and weekly winners.

But a dead body changes everything.

One of the men who came into the pub that Mel threw out is found dead in the water near the pub. It looks like someone murdered him. As the police begin to investigate it is discovered that Sue and Mel use to be police detectives, (as seen through chapters which go back to a particular case, they were in charge of years ago). This is information they never wanted anyone to know about their past for reasons unknown.

Another question… why is their nephew trying to sell a documentary about Sue and Mel’s lives to Netflix?

How on earth does all this come together and solve a murder?

Are you exhausted? Well don’t be!

The Killer Question will have you hooked from the first text, keep you laughing and intrigued and startled at the explosive outcome to the story!

Thank you #NetGalley #AtriaBooks #JaniceHallett #TheKillerQuestion for the advanced copy.

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen

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The Locked Ward is a shocking, twisted thriller with continued stunning revelations and you won’t be able to figure out who the real villain could possibly be. But rest assured as the story unfolds the exciting suspenseful ending will startle you.

Georgia Cartwright is successful in her own right as a party planner. She comes from a wealthy family and is locked in a psychiatric ward. She is accused of killing her sister Annabelle. Actually, Annabelle and Georgia never really got along. You see, Georgia was adopted and her sister and mother never let her forget that fact. But kill her sister? No. Strangely the only person she is requesting to see to get her out of this mess is someone she has never met.

As the news media runs wild with this story, a woman named Amanda Ravenal who owns a bar passed on to her by her father hears about the story and doesn’t make much of it. Until she gets a call about the accused murderess and is told she needs her to come to speak with her.

Why her? She agrees to meet Georgia and what she is told will change her life and everything she ever believed. She discovers they are twins who were separated at birth. Georgia needs Amanda to help her find out who killed her sister.

Shocked, Amanda goes down the rabbit hole of Georgia Cartwright’s life. And it is a bit disturbing. She also now must reevaluate her own parents who are both dead and who never told her she was adopted let alone had a sister, a twin no less. Is Georgia trying to use her? Why did her parents not tell her any of this? What secret were they holding?

The chapters flip from Georgia to Amanda and what they are separately doing and thinking. For Georgia it’s surviving the locked ward, for Amanda it’s trying to snoop on the Cartwright family to see what she can discover.

It seems both Georgia and her parents are hiding some things. Why? And where does Amanda fit in to all this?

Who’s telling the truth? Who killed Annabelle?

The Locked Ward is not only a can’t put down psychological thriller, but a fascinating study into the habits of twins who never knew the other existed. This was such an interesting perspective and a creative, fascinating plot twist. Oh, and the astonishing ending is everything!

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin’sPress #SarahPekkanen #TheLocked Ward for the advanced copy.

If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens

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If I Stopped Haunting You is a very funny “haunting” story with romance in two different dimensions one which takes place centuries ago and the other which takes place in the present. The plot has a wonderful mystery/romance as to why a mysterious woman in white is supposedly haunting this castle. It seems our two main characters are going to find out why, even if it gets them killed!

Penelope Skinner and Neil Storm hate each other. Why? Not sure but both writers, who were at an event together when Penelope suddenly lost her temper, threw a book at Neil and then stomped away. Well imagine not only the uproar in the industry, but Penelope’s embarrassment when she realized what she had done. Not that she regretted it! Of course, since then there has been bad blood between them, and thank goodness they haven’t run into each other …until now!

Unbeknownst to the other they both signed up for a writer’s retreat at a castle in Scotland. A castle which is notorious for having a haunting by a woman. So much so, not even the caretakers will stay, and God forbid you need something…they rarely come back!

Penelope and Neil begin to see each other in a different light and to understand the pressures each is under. They start to have feelings for each other. But of course, both keep them hidden although the other writers, amusing characters in their own right, can clearly see what’s going on.

But there’s more than love in the air! There’s an angry mystical force in the castle and for some reason she has her eyes set on Penelope and Neil! Why is she picking on them? She seems to dislike them for some reason. Especially Neil whom she continually tortures.

As they discover clues to her possible identity and a horrible snowstorm descends upon the castle, and they discover well, each other, it will take everything Penelope and Neil have to come out of this alive!

If I Stopped Haunting You is an adorable funny/romance/mystery/ghost story which will make you laugh but also give you goosebumps. A very enjoyable read!

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin’sPress #ColbyWilkens #If I Stopped Haunting You for the advanced copy.