One Moment by Becky Hunter

Scarlett & Evie aren't just best friends. They are roommates and each others rock. Their friendship started in childhood and has spanned many decades. Evie's tragic MS diagnosis has left her angry but the untimely death of Scarlett leaves her devastated.

A good deed results in Scarlett's early demise. Scarlett and Evie had an argument the morning of the fatal accident which results in Evie feeling all that more sad. What Evie doesn't know is that Scarlett's body is dead but not her spirit. 

Scarlett is able to "see" the aftermath of her death and how it is affecting others and to cheer on as Evie finds her place in a world without her. The story is told in dual narratives and has flashback scenes. One Moment in an incredibly emotional and unique reading experience.

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

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

Billie West & Cassie Barnwell are child hood friends. They are bound by childhood secrets.  They were once inseparable but adulthood has caused them to drift apart. They have different life styles and groups of friends. Billie desperately wants to rekindle the bonds of their friendship however Cassie wants to put the past behind them. 

Cassie throws a party to celebrate her birthday and at this party her infant daughter goes missing. Cassie finds herself needing Billie despite her daughter being returned. They pick up where they left off but something is amiss. 

Bye, Baby explores toxic friendships and the emotions associated when friendships grow apart and new friends enter the picture. The story is told from both Billie and Cassie's point of view and via different timelines giving you insight into their friendship and who they are as individuals. 

Bye, Baby is an intense read and character driven. 

Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear

Five Bad Deeds is told in multiple points of view. It is about Ellen. Ellen holds many titles, mom, wife, sister, friend and teacher. Ellen is busy! She's raising a teen daughter and two toddlers. She's navigating her relationship with others and renovating her home. Her life is chaotic but it's about to get a whole lot more complex because she gets an anonymous note that has her in a total state of confusing and fear.

The letter is threatening and Ellen fears that her secret is about to be exposed. A secret that could destroy her life.  This book has quite a cast of characters but they each have their own unique voice so you won't find yourself mixing them up. There are many twists and turns which makes this read worth your time. 

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

 

Izzy and Nate have a long complicated history. They both though the chapter in their relationship was closed but a new chapter opens up when Izzy finds self under the Nate's protection. 

Izzy and Nate meet on a plane but when that plane crashed (and they survived) they become entwined in one another lives. Nate makes the military his life and Izzy finds herself working in politics. Their story is told over ten years. 

Yarros knows emotions and her writing makes you feel them. I went into this book thinking I might like it but I ended up loving it. 

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

 

Eve Hatch's life is turned upside down by an unplanned pregnancy. Her best friend Will is distancing herself but her older brother Shep steps in and helps Eve navigate her new course in life. This doesn't mean that Willa isn't a good friend because she is - she's just having a difficult time dealing with Eve's pregnancy because she wants a baby and is struggling to get pregnant. 

Eve's one night stand seems like an good guy but will Ethan's on again off again girlfriend make their co-parenting impossible. 

The friendships and relationships are genuine. The characters are likable and you find yourself cheering for everyone. This is a fast enjoyable read. 

Six Truths and a Life | By Ream Shukairy

Expected Publication Date: March 12, 2024

A Fourth of July bonfire party ends with an explosion and 6 muslin teens behind bars. A person is dead, a few others injured and the six stand accused of terrorism. The six teens are essentially strangers yet each of them carry their own secrets. 

Each teen claims innocence however the police continue to question them over and over again. Will they turn against one another? In response to the six being accused of this heinous crime protests erupt making this political case all that much more true to real life. 

Six Truths and a Life starts off with a bang and then slowly starts to go flat. I found myself skimming page and only slowing down to read passages that caught my attention. I almost DNF'd this book several times put pushed through as the story and message behind it was important and something that continues to happen. 

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