When it comes to literary fiction, if I’m being frank, the dirtier it is, the better it is. By that I mean, I like it complicated, messy and at times, really difficult, because in my opinion, that is real life.
Lucky for me, “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore certainly fit that bill and then some.
Long Bright River is a novel about dysfunction, layered on top of even more dysfunction - just how I like it.
Sisters, Mickey and Kacey couldn’t be more different. Growing up on the outskirts of Philly where drugs run rampant, both sisters took very different paths. Mickey became a cop, Kacey became an addict, and then some. Kacey’s life is not pretty, though she never purported it to be. What it is, is ugly, hard and wholly prevalent. Mickey took a different path, and is now a single mother, working a demanding job, always worried that Kacey won’t last another day.
While patrolling Kensington, where Mickey resides, bodies of female victims start piling up. Someone is on the hunt and Mickey appears to be the only one to spot a pattern. Unfortunately, Mickey also realizes that her sister Kacey has been missing from the streets for over a month.
All Mickey knows is that Kacey’s situation could be perilous. Intense desperation, utter despair, and a driving need to find her sister, lead Mickey on a hazardous goose chase.
A gritty, character-driven novel that leaves it all out on the table.
A buddy read/listen with Kaceey that was sitting in our queues for way too long. So glad we finally got to it. For me, this was a top read for 2020!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Riverhead Books for the arc. Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Brilliant, Terrifying and to quote Holly Gibney: “Frakking Poopy.”
End of Watch. Yes, I’m afraid it is. It’s over. Huge Sigh. To think it took me yearBrilliant, Terrifying and to quote Holly Gibney: “Frakking Poopy.”
End of Watch. Yes, I’m afraid it is. It’s over. Huge Sigh. To think it took me years to get through this series. If only I’d listened to the audiobooks sooner (thank you to the phenomenal Will Patton for the listening experience!)
Detective Kermit Bill Hodges. I adore you. It is that simple. Kind, caring, hardworking, determined. Your friendship with Holly Gibney was pure kismet.
So here we are, with ‘Zappits’ wreaking havoc all over town, yet no one knows how or why.
Strange things are happening however in Room 217 at Kiner Memorial. While TBI patient Brady Hartsfield, (a/k/a Mr. Mercedes) appears to lie motionless in the room, looks can be deceiving.
Atmospheric, ominous, heartfelt and altogether, believable, yet unbelievable, this story intertwines mystery, fiction and a bit of science fiction quite well. A brilliant end to this series, I highly recommend this for all fans of mystery and fiction.
A huge thank you to my local library for the audiobook and to Will Patton for the stellar narration.
What happens when everything Evan Smoak thought he knew about himself and his past is torn asunder?
In “Prodigal Son,” Evan opens up, faces the truth and takes care of his own.
This time, it’s personal.
Stunning, brilliant, heart-rending and pulse pounding this suspenseful addition to the Orphan X series delivers in a way that none of the other books in the series have so far.
This book will in fact make your eyes POP and your heart stop (just for a second though, I swear..). That my friends is a promise.
A highly entertaining buddy read with Kaceey that gave us lots to discuss.
A huge thank you goes out to Martin Quinn at Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.5.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
So, I’m a nerd and I always have been (in case it wasn’t already clear to all of you). I’m pretty geeky in a myriad of ways and I’mFanFRAKKINGtastic!
So, I’m a nerd and I always have been (in case it wasn’t already clear to all of you). I’m pretty geeky in a myriad of ways and I’m proud of it. I’m now sure how, but somehow I missed the boat on reading “Ready Player One” until now (what planet have I been on exactly?!). The only good thing about that is that I only have to wait a few more weeks until the sequel “Ready Player Two” comes out. (Maybe I lucked out after all?!). So I started out reading this book and then heard that Wil Wheaton narrated the audiobook and I immediately switched. As a teenager I had a HUGE crush on Will Wheaton (thank you Stand By Me and Star Trek: The Next Generation) and so I was pretty stoked to hear he narrated the book. Can I just say that his narration was stellar?!
Now let’s get to the story!
The year is 2044: Everyone spends their time playing OASIS, an online virtual reality game where kids go to school and most in fact prefer to spend their time. OASIS was created by James Halliday - who, upon his death unleashed a contest within the OASIS, something that is hidden deep within it for everyone to find, an Egg: the person who finds it first will win the biggest prize imaginable.
Wade Owen Watts is a High School Student. His life isn’t exactly exciting, hence why all of his time is basically spent inside of the OASIS. It is here, where he finds glory as Parzival.
Thrilling, terrifying and hella fun, “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline made me nostalgic for the 80’s: video games, music, movies and more.
To say that I’m excited for the sequel is an understatement!
I highly recommend! Thank you to Ernest Cline for writing a brilliant novel and Wil Wheaton for narrating! I can’t wait to buy “Ready Player Two” and listen to Wil Wheaton’s audio narration of the sequel!
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thiHeart Stopping and Completely Thrilling!
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thick of it. This time, helping a man whose cousin was murdered and whose family has completely turned against him. A man named Max Merriweather who is now on someone’s hit list for unknown reasons.
Evan would like nothing more to just walk away from it all and yet, it is not in him. He is a man who lives by a code.
“Into the Fire” started off on a bit of a depressing note, with Evan feeling lost and alone. Being the person that I am, loving Evan the way that I do, I wanted to dive into the book and comfort him and tell him that everything would be alright. That being said, Evan is a survivor and triumphs over all.
This novel was pulse pounding, highly emotional and it put me through the absolute ringer. Reading this series, I sometimes wonder how on earth I pull through! What I loved most about this book was Evan’s interaction with Joey Morales. Joey is a fantastic addition to this series and I love the witty banter between these two. If you’re looking for a series that will entertain and make you feel alive, the Orphan X series is definitely it!
“Into the Fire” was another fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of this book (and series). I have loved it so much that I went out and bought the entire series!
Evan Smoak: You are Crazy, Brave and totally Fierce and what you have planned is InFREAKINGsane!
Dude, in “Out of the Dark,” Evan Smoak had me in fearEvan Smoak: You are Crazy, Brave and totally Fierce and what you have planned is InFREAKINGsane!
Dude, in “Out of the Dark,” Evan Smoak had me in fear for his life. (I know, I know, he puts his own life in his hands all of the time, but THIS TIME?!).. Frak. Just frak. I can’t even.
Here, the life of Evan Smoak and all other Orphans (including Joey Morales, the one whose life he saved in “Hellbent”) are on the line and it’s up to Evan to save them from the man who is out to kill them. The problem? It’s the one man in the nation who it is impossible to kill and get away with. Like freaking impossible - and yet, Evan has come up with a plan to do exactly that.
Didn’t I just say that this book was INSANE?!
Just writing this review has made my pulse start pounding thinking about the plot of this ridiculous book and yet I LOVED every second of it.
“Out of the Dark” is a brilliantly plotted (terrifying), character driven novel that made my pulse skyrocket and my heart catch in my throat.
Kaceey and I read this together (of course) and I kept texting her like “Omg, doesn’t he know he can’t get away with this? No one ever has before! This is absurd”.. In true Kaceey fashion, she just laughed and laughed at how entwined I became in the storyline and in the characters. Out of all of the series we’ve read together, this just might be my favorite. Thanks for sharing in the fun with me Kaceey!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the e-book.
When I ask myself that question, the characteristics I look for (to name a few) are Compassion, Dedication, Hard Work, Honesty, Integrity, Intellect, Manners, Mastery, Responsibility, and Reverence.
For me, Barack Obama, former President of the United States was and is the quintessential leader, he exudes integrity, and is the epitome of Presidential and grace under pressure. In addition, his dedication to the job and to the people was evident throughout his Presidency.
Though I thought I knew a lot about him prior to both reading and listening to “A Promised Land,” I learned so much more as I delved into his memoir.
I switched between physically reading the book and listening to the audiobook, to mainly listening because I found President Obama’s voice to be extremely soothing. I could listen to him speak for hours (and in fact I did, considering that the audiobook is 29 hours!).
First and foremost, I was impressed by how kind and considerate President Obama was and is. Always recalling the names of campaign staffers and their families as well as the entire White House staff. Always checking in to make sure that everyone was hanging in. Responding to letters from the American People who had questions and concerns and trying to allay their fears whenever possible.
Always checking on his family no matter what was going on and being there for dinner, whenever possible. His love for them was always ever-present.
Barack Obama’s relationships with his team (which included Axe, Plouffe, Reggie, and Ben, etc.) spoke volumes. What was evident here was the amount of admiration, appreciation, and respect everyone had for each other.
What struck me as I was reading and listening was how hard he worked to get where he is. Reading, studying, gaining advice from aides, scholars, and government officials, even going so far as to reach across party lines to ensure that he was doing the best job he possibly could for the Nation.
From what I could tell, he always went into every situation prepared.
I was truly impressed by the attention to detail given by Barack Obama in “A Promised Land” and how he was able to recall key events and quotes from years prior with such accuracy.
Based on his descriptions of trying to get the Affordable Care Act passed, addressing the financial crisis, climate change (aka saving the tigers), and terrorism, there was nary a moment where I doubted how tirelessly President Obama worked during the first years of his Presidency to deliver as much as he possibly could.
To say that I miss this man doesn’t describe my feelings. I miss his compassion, his dedication, his morality, and his responsiveness. I miss the Obamas, plain and simple.
Reading this brought me peace. Remembering the feeling of being sheltered in a storm, when someone had our best interests at heart, made me feel safe, if only for a minute. I miss that feeling immensely and I look forward with hope, to the days ahead.
Holla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtainingHolla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtaining a package and that package is more precious than Evan could ever dream. Turns out it’s Joey, a teenage girl who failed out of the program that Evan escaped from long ago. Now it’s up to him to save her and himself from Orphan Y, also known as Charles Van Sciver, who has been tasked with wiping out all other orphans.
Of course, Evan and Joey have their work cut out for them. If they’re going to defeat Orphan Y, they have to learn to trust each other first.
Are you excited yet? Is your heart pounding in your throat? It should be! This installment hit all the right notes. It was thrilling, pulse pounding, sentimental and sweet.
I simply adored the character of Joey Morales and loved that she brought out a softer side of Evan Smoak. I loved the idea of the student becoming the teacher and hope that this storyline continues to develop.
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey. We both loved this addition to the series and can’t wait to continue the journey with Evan Smoak.
Laughing through the tears! Hilarious, Snarky, Sexy, Sarcastic and Sweet!
This m/m Rom-Com has it all: Witty banter, hilarity and seriously sweet situLaughing through the tears! Hilarious, Snarky, Sexy, Sarcastic and Sweet!
This m/m Rom-Com has it all: Witty banter, hilarity and seriously sweet situations that capture the heart.
Bravo Alexis Hall! “Boyfriend Material” made me laugh so hard I cried and admit to snorting hysterically.
This brilliantly plotted romantic comedy completely drew me in with its flawed characters and an ingenious storyline. The characters of Luc and Oliver kept me intrigued throughout and always kept me wishing, hoping, laughing and smiling.
I went into this blindly and suggest that everyone do the same as the payoff here is huge. This is only my second m/m rom-com (the first being “Red, White and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston, which I also loved).
“Boyfriend Material” is the best Rom-Com I’ve encountered this year and that’s saying something considering that I read quite a few of them.
Listening to this novel now, during difficult times, put a smile on my face, made me laugh uncontrollably and made my abs hurt throughout and that my friends made me one extremely happy girl. “Boyfriend Material” will most certainly be on my best of list for 2020. If you’re like me and you haven’t read that many m/m rom-coms, I hope you’ll give this one the chance it deserves simply because it’s worth it.
A huge thank you to Dreamscape Media, LLC and Libro.fm, Joe Jameson (the stellar narrator) and Alexis Hall for the alc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.26.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
Dark, Devastating, Disturbing and Utterly Heartbreaking.
“My Dark Vanessa” is a novel that I went into with trepidation. It is ominous, unsettling and Dark, Devastating, Disturbing and Utterly Heartbreaking.
“My Dark Vanessa” is a novel that I went into with trepidation. It is ominous, unsettling and completely consuming. At times I read it with my hands covering my eyes, shaking my head and yet, I continued on.
This novel is not for the faint of heart and is extremely disturbing. It centers around fifteen year old Vanessa Wye, who attends boarding school in New England and is sexually abused by her forty-two year old English Teacher, Mr. Strane. For Vanessa, this relationship is her first and only. She believes it to be love, though, Mr. Strane manipulates her throughout the entirety of their relationship which lasts for years (well after she is kicked out of boarding school). Seventeen years after her initial assault, Strane is accused of sexually abusing other female students. Of course Vanessa doesn’t believe it to be true.
This novel is filled with angst, assault, confusion, deceit, false love, lies and manipulation. The writing is dark and deliberate. It is also quite well done. Vanessa is portrayed with extreme care. My heart broke for her time and again and yet all I could think throughout the course of reading this novel was that Strane “brainwashed” her and all I wanted to do was help her. Though I realize that this novel was fiction, I know that this happens each and every day and my heart is with those who experience it. My wish for the Vanessa’s of this world is that they speak up and get help.
I read this novel with my book buddy Kaceey and I am so grateful that we had each other through this devastating read. It is not the type of book either of us would normally ever read and yet, both of us found the story to be compelling, terrifying and thought-provoking. Thanks for being by my side during this one Kaceey. I loved discussing this one with you even though it was difficult for both of us.
Thank you to HarperCollins - William Morrow, Edelweiss and Kate Elizabeth Russell for the arc.
Just Call it Kismet! Dear Emmie Blue Hits all the Right Notes and gives you “ALL THE FEELS!
At Sixteen, Emmie Blue feels lost and alone.Happy PUB DAY!
Just Call it Kismet! Dear Emmie Blue Hits all the Right Notes and gives you “ALL THE FEELS!
At Sixteen, Emmie Blue feels lost and alone. When she releases a balloon into the sky with a note inside containing her name and email address, she never imagines that it will find its way to Lucas over 1,000 miles away. Lucas is the same age and has the same birthday as Emmie. From that moment on a friendship is born and every birthday thereafter for the next 14 years is spent together. Emmie is sure that Lucas is the one for her and that he’s going to propose. Instead, he asks her to be his “Best Woman.”
Emmie has never had it easy and now, she must put on a brave face and be there for her bestie.
What’s in store for Ms. Emmie Blue? Awh, Schucks! Trials, tribulations and a whole lotta hope. Emma’s future is written in the stars. Always has been, she just has to Believe!
A beautifully, sweet, poignant novel that stole my heart and distracted me from everything going on in the world exactly when I needed it most. There is something inherently special about the writing in this book that made me feel hopeful and happy and made me shed a few tears. I adored the characters in “Dear Emmie Blue” and am so glad that I ended up grabbing this novel when I had the chance.
I am not normally one to compare one book to another, but in some way, this book reminded me of “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” - which is one of my favorite books of all time. The character development in both is absolutely brilliant, Emmie and Eleanor both struggle with difficult pasts, both books are extremely heartfelt and make you feel for the characters with every fiber of your being. In short, if you loved “Eleanor” and haven’t read “Dear Emmie Blue” - this is a must read. In addition, if you are looking for a sweet, heart-warming read that will sweep you away and give you the “ALL THE FEELS” - this is it!
A Huge Thank You to Imani Seymour and Ariele Friedman at Atria Books, NetGalley and Lia Louis for the arc.
After having read “Olive Kitteridge,” I quickly decided to snap up every book by the esteemed Elizabeth Strout that I could. There is something about After having read “Olive Kitteridge,” I quickly decided to snap up every book by the esteemed Elizabeth Strout that I could. There is something about Elizabeth Strout's writing that I adore. Her ability to understand and delve into the human psyche, dysfunction and family is truly insightful. Her writing style is brilliant, beautiful, masterful - yet sometimes sad and devastatingly honest. Having just finished “My Name Is Lucy Barton” I knew that I needed to read the next book in the series, “Anything is Possible” - which contains vignettes about individuals whose lives are connected to Lucy Barton, most of whom live in Amgash, Illinois or thereabouts.
The vignettes are about individuals whose lives are anything but easy. Who struggle day in day out bound together in one way or another. Different aspects of their lives are shown with grace, compassion, humility and sincerity. There is compassion, bravery, depravity, grace, kindness, morality, shame, sorrow and so much more in these stories, which only highlights the mastery in Ms. Strout’s writing.
My favorite vignettes are:
“The Sign”: involving Tommy, the school janitor and Pete (Lucy’s brother), when Tommy helps Pete through tough times, “Sister”: involving Pete, Lucy and Vicky (their sister) who reunite after many years apart to face their past and “The Gift”: involving Abel, (Lucy’s cousin) who has a cathartic moment at the theatre in Chicago.
To say that I adored this novel, the writing and the narration (done by the stellar Kimberly Farr) is an understatement. Elizabeth Strout has now become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next.
Thank you to my local library for loaning me the audiobook.
Cantankerous, quirky, difficult, Olive. Somehow you have managed to win me over.
Perhaps that is because I watched the HBOOh Olive. You do beat all.
Cantankerous, quirky, difficult, Olive. Somehow you have managed to win me over.
Perhaps that is because I watched the HBO Mini-Series “Olive Kitteridge” with the estimable Frances McDormand and I saw a new side to Olive. I do, after all, adore Frances McDormand! Or perhaps it is because, in “Olive, Again,” Olive Kitteridge has grown as a person. Throughout the trials and tribulations of her life, she has become more aware of herself and the impact she has on others.
At times, Olive is still wholly unlikable, and yet she can also be kinder and softer. There are times where, instead of being completely self-centered, she puts others first, listens to their troubles and does whatever she can to help.
Olive is a fascinating character, one who I grew to appreciate and dare I say, like, after having at first disliked her immensely in “Olive Kitteridge.” That my friends is one heck of a feat and is to the author, Elizabeth Strout’s credit. To say that I was sad when this book ended is an understatement. I loved it so much more than the first novel and am so glad that I decided to read both novels.
All of the vignettes in both of these books fascinated me. I adored some of the characters and how their stories intertwined with Olive’s in one way or another. So many of the characters spoke to me. One vignette in “Olive, Again” revolved around “The Burgess Boys” - which is a name I recognized as being a novel written by the same author. The vignette spoke to me. Immediately I knew their story was one I needed to get my hands on and I did exactly that.
Elizabeth Strout is a very talented author and I highly recommend her novels to those who love character driven literary fiction.
Thank you so very much to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
Many tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a hMany tears were shed while reading “The Bluest Eye” by the great Toni Morrison. During this time of turmoil and strife, I went into this read with a heavy heart and it got oh so much heavier. It was however necessary. There is so much to learn and I thank Ms. Morrison for opening my tear-filled eyes.
This novel explores racism, poverty, assault, and so much more. It is a heart-wrenching story about Pecola Breedlove, an African American girl living in Lorain, Ohio in 1941, who desperately wants to be beautiful. Even her schoolmates Freida and Claudia, whose lives aren’t exactly easy, would describe Pecola as ugly.
For these African American girls, who are given white dolls, with blond hair and blue eyes, beauty is skewed. Pecola would do anything to have “The Bluest Eye”, to be seen as beautiful. To be loved. For Pecola Breedlove, kind, sweet, lonely, innocent Pecola, recognizes far more than she should at her young age. For Frieda and Claudia, their innocence is slowly taken away bit by bit.
Family, friends, relatives, acquaintances. During this time and place. No one had any idea how their actions were taken. No one stopped to think before they took action. Hate is spewed upon those who did not deserve it. Children. Young girls. Innocents. Simply because of the color of their skin.
So many passages in this novel hit home. They gave me pause.., and they made tears runneth over.
“Long hours she sat looking in the mirror, trying to discover the secret of the ugliness, the ugliness that made her ignored or despised at school, by teachers and classmates alike.”
“And something more. The total absence of human recognition—the glazed separateness. She does not know what keeps his glance suspended.”
“She has seen it lurking in the eyes of all white people. So. The distaste must be for her, her blackness.”
“All of our waste which we dumped on her and which she absorbed. And all of our beauty, which was hers first and which she gave to us. All of us—all who knew her—felt so wholesome after we cleaned ourselves on her. We were so beautiful when we stood astride her ugliness. Her simplicity decorated us, her guilt sanctified us, her pain made us glow with health, her awkwardness made us think we had a sense of humor. Her inarticulateness made us believe we were eloquent. Her poverty kept us generous. Even her waking dreams we used—to silence our own nightmares. And she let us, and thereby deserved our contempt. We honed our egos on her, padded our characters with her frailty, and yawned in the fantasy of our strength”
“The Bluest Eye” is a character driven novel that will leave you with a heavy heart. I recommend this for a book club and it includes difficult subject matters. . To the “Pecola’s” and Breonna’s of this world. I am so very sorry. I vow to keep reading and educating myself so that I can do better.
Thank you to Toni Morrison for this incredible novel.
Published on Goodreads and Instagram on 6.13.20....more
“The God Game”: Can I just say that My Mind Is BLOWN?!
“The God Game” is a Virtual Video Game that intertwines with Real Life. Take par5 Amazing Stars
“The God Game”: Can I just say that My Mind Is BLOWN?!
“The God Game” is a Virtual Video Game that intertwines with Real Life. Take part in the game and do well and you will get rewarded in real life, screw up and you are penalized in real life.
Win and All of Your Dreams Come True. Lose, You Die!
No Joke.
(Not a game I would ever play, though I’m happy to read about it!)
In truth, this is a game of Friendship, Family, Loyalty, Ethics and Morality. It’s simple really, then again, maybe not.
In truth, there is NOTHING simple about “The God Game.” It is brilliant, complex, compelling, entertaining, thrilling and action packed. It's Science Fiction and a Thriller rolled into one and I highly recommend it.
To Danny Tobey: Bravo! What an amazing feat, dude! P.S. Loved the nod to one of the best trilogies of all time (awesome)!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Danny Tobey for the arc.
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfor5 Heartwarming Stars!
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just happen to read a book at the exact perfect moment. It’s a book that brings you comfort and peace and makes you feel completely content. A book you just want to curl up with. (My cat, in fact, did exactly that!)
For me, that book was “My Kind of People” by Lisa Duffy. As soon as I started reading it, a calmness enveloped me, almost like the warmth of a cozy blanket on a cold snowy day.
“My Kind of People” centers around a community: family, friends and neighbors, who live on Ichabod Island in New England. People whose lives who’ve been torn apart by tragedy and secrets.
First, there’s Sky, whose life is in shambles after her parents are killed tragically. Though life has dealt Sky the worst possible cards in the deck, somehow, Sky is able to believe. Then there’s Leo, Sky’s Legal Guardian. Kind, intuitive, sweet Leo who simply wants to make everything ok, for Sky and for his husband Xavier. If only it were that easy. Maggie, Leo and Sky’s next door neighbor, has recently had a few struggles of her own. Marital troubles - which Maggie’s best friend Agnes seems happy to fixate on. Tsk, tsk. Then we have Joe, neighbor to both Leo and Maggie, who has troubles of his own, though he is always there for everyone in their time of need.
“My Kind of People” is a character driven novel which includes a stellar cast. Each character is multifaceted and full of heart and incredible depth. I loved the characters of Sky, Leo, Maggie, Joe and Frankie (Sky’s best friend) and felt completely engulfed in the storyline from the get go. I could say that it’s because I grew up in New England and could imagine myself in the picturesque town, though in truth it’s entirely due to Lisa Duffy’s writing style and her brilliant characterizations.
Even before I started this book I had a feeling. I mean, how could I not? The title itself made me think the book would be pretty darn special. “My Kind of People” - what’s not to like? When I meet someone, I can tell almost immediately, if they are “My Kind of People” so I was pretty sure this was my kind of book! That said, last year when I had read Lisa Duffy’s “This is Home” and I felt much the same way. That book made it on to my Goodreads Best of List for 2019 and this book struck a chord with me early on and from that point, I knew that this book was just as special and would appear on this year’s Best of List. For those of you who wonder if you should read this, the answer is a resounding yes! It will fill your heart with peace and love and give you that warmth that you so desperately need.
Thank you so much to Lisa Duffy for filling that Void.
Thank you to Maudee Genao at Atria Books for the Galley, NetGalley for the e-arc.
Happy Publication Day!
Published on Goodreads, Amazon and NetGalley on 5.12.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
Making a deal with the devil (aka “The Darkness”) seems impossible and yet that is exactly what Adeline Larue does.
The year is 1714. The place is France. From the moment the deal is struck, Adeline Larue’s life is changed forever.
For Addie. Never again, will she. Never again will Addie Larue be remembered. Never again will Addie Larue own anything. Never again will Addie Larue have a home.
She does however learn to survive and even thrive. Days and nights are replayed with Addie deftly changing the outcome.
Of course ‘The Darkness’ reappears intermittently wanting repayment. Haunting Addie, yet, she does not relent.
Three hundred years later in the year 2014, it happens. Someone she meets remembers her.
In this moment, astounded and astonished, Addie’s life begins anew.
A novel that takes us all through Europe (including Berlin, Paris, Florence) to New Orleans, New York, and Chicago, detailing the rich history of the times “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” is a masterpiece.
Dark, atmospheric, evocative, beautiful.
A character-driven novel with heart - it completely stole mine. Addie is a woman who is desperate to make an impact, to find love and fulfillment, and to belong. In the end, I think that’s something we all want, with Addie however, that desperation is affecting, poignant, and wholly powerful.
Upon being remembered, there is amazement, warmth, and utter joy. If you’re like me, it is felt deep in the recesses of your soul, all because of the man who remembers her. Swept up in the friendship, the romance, the sheer happiness of it.
“The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” by V.E. Schwab is a wonderful mix of fiction, historical fiction, magical realism, and romance all intertwined in the most fantastical of ways. It will most definitely appear on my Goodreads best-of list for 2020.
It is unlike any novel I have ever read and it one I will never forget. Addie Larue, I assure you, I will remember you.
Maria Owens is a woman whose legend has been well known to those of us who loved “Practical 5 Magical Stars.
“Always Love Someone Who Loves You Back”
Maria Owens is a woman whose legend has been well known to those of us who loved “Practical Magic” and “The Rules of Magic.” In Alice Hoffman’s new novel “Magic Lessons,” - we finally learn of her story.
The matriarch of the Owens family, Maria is familiar with the “Unnamed Arts.” Her life’s path will take her from England, all the way to Salem, Massachusetts in the time of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600’s.
Maria is a friend, a teacher and a lover and she does her best to bestow knowledge and kindness unto others. Once however, full of anger and spite, she is unable to help herself and she unleashes a venomous curse.
It is then that she remembers the rules of magic. Rules that her mother Hannah instilled into her:
“Do as you will, but harm no one What you will give will be returned to you threefold”
For it is true you see as there are no take backs.
Chills ran down my spine, as I had no idea what Ms. Hoffman had in store. Shocked me, she did! This will not terrify or scare you, that I can promise. You will however, be wholly unprepared.
“Magic Lessons” is so different in comparison to both “Practical Magic” and “The Rules of Magic,” so dark and ominous, perhaps due to the time period in which it takes place, and the feel of it, as well as the writing style. That being said, I truly enjoyed this novel and found it to be a brilliant prequel to both of the sequels. I can only hope that Alice Hoffman keeps writing more novels in this series as I love reading about the Owens family. For those of you who love reading about Magic and the Owen’s family, you will not be disappointed by this addition to the series!
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss, Simon & Schuster and Alice Hoffman for the arc.
“The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez, Hits All the Right Notes! Cue the Smiles, the Laughter and yes, even the Tears!
What 5 Perfect Stars!
“The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez, Hits All the Right Notes! Cue the Smiles, the Laughter and yes, even the Tears!
What a Gem this novel is. In times like this, each and every one of us needs a book that will make us break into a smile and bring on that hysterical laughter. This, my friends, is that book!
First, there is the friendship between Sloan and her bestie Kristen (from Abby Jimenez’s prior novel “The Friend Zone”). These two will have you laughing so hard, you will be snorting in no time.
Then there’s Tucker. The sweetest dog ever. His appearance in Sloan’s life happens at the absolute perfect moment. Once Sloan finds him, she has no plans to let him go. I don’t blame her one bit!
And hubba, hubba, then there’s Jason. Talk about Swoon Worthy! Wowza. Once Tucker’s owner finally comes a calling, there’s no denying the chemistry. Fun, flirty, sarcastic texts galore! Of course, that’s just the start.
“The Happy Ever After Playlist” is beautifully written, with characters you can’t help but love, dealing with real life situations. At times heartbreaking and poignant, while at other times, amusing, flirty, and filled with witty banter that will have you rolling on the floor laughing. This is a novel that is highly entertaining and is a must read! Abby Jimenez: I will be anxiously awaiting your next novel.
A fabulous buddy read/audiobook with Kaceey!
A huge thank you to Abby Jimenez (you rock!), NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and Libro.fm for the ALC.
Vega and Cap are back! This time to help uncover a sex trafficking ring.
Vega, a PI, is brought onto the case as a consultant by the SDPD, whe3 Stars
Vega and Cap are back! This time to help uncover a sex trafficking ring.
Vega, a PI, is brought onto the case as a consultant by the SDPD, when two girls are found dead. Needing a partner, she brings on Cap. Ther investigation into the girls’ murders takes on a very dangerous turn for both, yet that doesn’t stop them from doing what they know is right. Not when it’s clear that other’s lives are on the line and every second counts.
“The Janes” is a follow up to Louisa Luna’s “Two Girls Down” which also featured Cap and Vega. Admittedly I liked that novel a lot more and felt like that held more “magic.” For me, this novel went on way too long and left me wanting.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Random House - Doubleday and Louisa Luna for the arc.
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