Later by Stephen King

Stephen King is one of those authors I have always read. I was reading his books before I should of and scaring myself half to death when I was in single digits but that didn't stop me from cracking open book after book. I am addicted to his mind thrilling novels and would love to live just a day in his mind to see how he thinks!

Later follows, Jamie Conklin. Jamie sees dead people but not like that kid in The Sixth Sense! He can also talk to them. His mom knows his secret but asked him to keep it under wraps. His "gift" can be traumatizing or harmless and sometimes he can use the information to help others but it could cost him. 

Later takes place in NYC and is only 248 pages! It's a one day read, two tops! It moves at a fast pace and a wee bit frightening! The twist ending his a plus! This is one King book you will want to read, it's a bit thriller, a bit horror with  a mix of  detective work! 

Can we also talk about the cover? I love it! Reminds me of older book covers by King. 

The Comeback by Ella Berman

Up and coming Hollywood Star, Grace Turner was at the height of her career but then she disappeared. She has spent the last year  hiding away from the public eye. She's returned to her parents home and is dealing with the demons from her past. She is learning to survive and dig herself out the spiral of self-destruction she was on but then she is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to Able York, the man who helped her rise to fame and she is faced with confronting her past.

The story is told in short chapters with flashbacks. The flashbacks help the story unfold and add depths of emotion to an already emotionally charged read. 

Able York, made Grace Turner into a star but his intentions were not pure. He groomed her and she had no one to protect her and prevent her childhood from being stolen from Able but she's ready to take the power back he stole from her and rebuild her career. 

Expect a lot of intense relationships, abuse (kudos to Berman but not being explicit in the details) and to be invested in this read. While I enjoyed the read it had moments that were slow and connecting to the character of Grace was at some times difficult. 

Girl A by Abigail Dean

 Girl A, is NOT an easy read. It has a large cast of characters and every relationship is more complex than the other. This is a look into the long term effects of child abuse and could be triggering for some readers.

Lex and her six siblings were tortured both physically and psychologically for years until she escaped. It's been 15 years and she still struggles with what happened in the House of Horrors. Her mother has died in prison and let Lex as executor of her will resulting in Lex having to reconnect with some of her siblings and reopening old wounds.

The story is told in present day, mixed in with childhood memories of what happened in her abusive childhood. 

The book jumps around quite a bit and Lex is not a likable character. The story is tragic but I had to push through it to finish it.