A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

A Spark Of Light by Jodi Picoult

Release Date: October 2, 2018

Jodi Picoult is no stranger to tackling tough subjects.  This particular one deals with abortions, women and guns. It is set in a reproductive health clinic. Staff and clients are being held as hostages. Negotiator, Hugh McElroy arrives at the scene and finds out that his sister and daughter are in the clinic. This further complicates the situation and Hugh is going to do whatever it takes to make sure his daughter and sister make it out alive. 

Picoult gives the reader information on who the characters are and why they are at the center that day. Their perspectives and stories are just as important as the main characters. They were well developed and left me wanting to know more about them. I want to know more about what happens to them and their plight in life. I particularly liked the major twist. It left me wanting to know more! 

This book is a bit different from, Picoults others in that is starts with the ending. Picoult has definitely done her research and presents a well written story. This book is emotional and shows both sides of the story. It's a powerful and thought provoking read.

My only complaint was the cover of the novel. I don't care much for it and had it not been a book by Picoult, I wouldn't have given in a second glance.

* I received  a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough

Cross Her Heart pulls you in from the first page and keeps you turning page after page.
It's suspenseful  and very intense. It's full of secrets and lies that eventually find there way to the surface.

Lisa is a single mother who is raising her teenage daughter, Ava on her own. Ava tired of her mom's being overprotective hides a secret that is dangerous and proves to be a pivotal to the story line. Lisa has her own secrets and when they are revealed it's easy to understand why.

I didn't see the end coming. The story is told through multiple point of view characters and is well written. This is a chilling read that I can't recommend enough.

The Wife Before Me by Laura Elliot

A captivating read full of dark twists. This is one thriller you don't want to miss.

Elena is grieving the death of her mother, when she meets Nicholas. Nicholas is also grieving the death of his wife. Together the find solace in one another and their whirlwind romance moves at lightning speed. Elena quickly moves into Nicholas's home and things start to turn.

The story is told from the perspective of Elena and Amelia (Nicholas deceased wife) and as more and more is revealed the darker and more sinister the story and lives of both of these women becomes.

Then twist is slightly obvious but the unraveling is exciting and beyond entertaining. This is a psychological page turner that you won't want to miss out on.



* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Marriage Vacation by Pauline Brooks

I am a fan of the television series, "Younger" but not a major fan of this novel. It was very average and while I found it entertaining - I couldn't get past the self loathing, self absorbed,  incredibly selfish main character.  Her character does grow as a person and while that is redeeming it isn't enough to change the book from average to fantastic.

Kate Carmichael life seems perfect but after meeting up with old friends at a wedding and agreeing to meet a friend in Thailand she discover something is lacking. Her friend is a no show and Kate goes into a self discovery mode. She puts her life back home in the States on pause, leaving her husband she claims to love and children to carry on without her so that she can "find" herself.

Kate is privileged, spoiled and not a likable character. The writing isn't bad and got a strong reaction from me but sometimes it's hard to like a book when you loathe the character. I also didn't care much for the ending but just because I don't like it doesn't mean you will.