tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26906701545204241192024-03-19T01:47:22.491-07:00Books & ReviewsBooks & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.comBlogger1439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-71025191104106920772024-03-03T21:46:00.000-08:002024-03-11T21:43:45.092-07:00Six Truths and a Life | By Ream Shukairy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFd2IvAYl_xHCPh6HoYet7QIvGpKle7An8v6QLGGQ2kvtp6QSticvwS48umCPVFGjocZh6tvtG9g_nJYpMPc_OZBXTGjjItJiKAOsnG2I-lL_pCAliFdxrTjFr9hoKA3Gj8FiKFLvTKZqxVExl0uRhur5VJY_VcsQ5pZzIp-AzhyphenhyphenZjpi2CHlcQyHKD2sK/s2560/six%20thruths%20and%20a%20life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1707" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFd2IvAYl_xHCPh6HoYet7QIvGpKle7An8v6QLGGQ2kvtp6QSticvwS48umCPVFGjocZh6tvtG9g_nJYpMPc_OZBXTGjjItJiKAOsnG2I-lL_pCAliFdxrTjFr9hoKA3Gj8FiKFLvTKZqxVExl0uRhur5VJY_VcsQ5pZzIp-AzhyphenhyphenZjpi2CHlcQyHKD2sK/s320/six%20thruths%20and%20a%20life.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Expected Publication Date: March 12, 2024</div><br /><p></p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><div><br /></div>* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-30743993108987853102024-02-24T21:09:00.000-08:002024-03-11T21:09:43.849-07:00If Only I Had Told Her | By Laura Nowlin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHa8kgttXCKhunaVYFKiPwyK0qCpFo-E36etsN7pOIl4UF2nBDa2tXFjv5JThf2xbearTjX_aj16nOtgF3H5ZnLtNoQHknBI8iDTUpNCe0AC86TFxK0IZ8qk4lCyxEO5Te5za5PBcxvfEJln6nUObCc4Jw7OxF1AgR1y8G-3sTVLRrjafmCcYLo4dI4Ub/s750/ifonlyihadtoldher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHa8kgttXCKhunaVYFKiPwyK0qCpFo-E36etsN7pOIl4UF2nBDa2tXFjv5JThf2xbearTjX_aj16nOtgF3H5ZnLtNoQHknBI8iDTUpNCe0AC86TFxK0IZ8qk4lCyxEO5Te5za5PBcxvfEJln6nUObCc4Jw7OxF1AgR1y8G-3sTVLRrjafmCcYLo4dI4Ub/s320/ifonlyihadtoldher.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> If Only I Had Told Her is the companion novel to If He Had Been with Me. You MUST read If He Had Been with me first! <p></p><p>This story is told from the perspective of Finn and other characters including Jack (Finns best friend and Autumn). While I enjoyed the other characters insights I wish that Finn's story has been expanded further. </p><p>Be prepared to be wrecked by this book and fall in love with Finn. You will find more compassion for Autumn but still be left wanting more. You will also be left to question your past and your own If Only I Had Told ...<br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-44935057163615893102024-02-21T18:35:00.000-08:002024-03-11T20:47:07.850-07:00If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69zyeAlY8TlnUdBoj9XBSsbmV0n_HVbKSWuJyWahE1tqQfix6fsTEHkkq0EB4v7YnmXZbOGnkl8mrL-4of8aEqxvLTydXiiUvhSdu2OoK49UCsEp4PkaaXIy2ucfbXKEcOJvhWZmYVezGIDMRyMj1AmmL595MqpJdwmFdlDwsaVzxukflHpcYbRH0FcAq/s640/if%20he%20had%20been%20with%20me.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69zyeAlY8TlnUdBoj9XBSsbmV0n_HVbKSWuJyWahE1tqQfix6fsTEHkkq0EB4v7YnmXZbOGnkl8mrL-4of8aEqxvLTydXiiUvhSdu2OoK49UCsEp4PkaaXIy2ucfbXKEcOJvhWZmYVezGIDMRyMj1AmmL595MqpJdwmFdlDwsaVzxukflHpcYbRH0FcAq/s320/if%20he%20had%20been%20with%20me.webp" width="320" /></a></div>Autumn and Finn have know each other their entire lives. They are neighbors and their mothers are best friends. Autumn and Finn were once best friends but middle school changed that. They started hanging out with different groups of friends and having lives completely different that once another's. Despite this Autumn has always longed for her friendship with Finn and their story is told in flashbacks. <p></p><p>If He Had Been with Me is a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Be prepared to read this in on sitting. The emotions are raw and I was able to insert myself into the role of Autumn and re-experience aspects of my youth. Autumn is not always likable character and her tiaras drove me absolutely insane but it doesn't take away from the story.</p><p>I do like that the book starts with the end and gives you what built up to it. It's a different way to tell a story and Nowlin has managed to do it successfully</p><br />. <p></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-18434078166370965872024-02-17T19:24:00.000-08:002024-03-08T21:45:04.319-08:00The Last Love Note | By Emma Grey<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1zbP3P76fbH67K9XLVpk4no_Hptz0GX5xeN3thwTYsCjzJotPzcUF69ojaTbJolEroJzywATN2RwxVb4A56phPvoUxApHbSS9Hn-pFTxBfMHGF6pB52I1fnsHgFllC-o_RfZDW-zya3xC5bRbKsJBBjY31LdnUBdSQAqMmxI4KRgY4z-nOvgxOso-Hlk/s400/thelastlovenote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1zbP3P76fbH67K9XLVpk4no_Hptz0GX5xeN3thwTYsCjzJotPzcUF69ojaTbJolEroJzywATN2RwxVb4A56phPvoUxApHbSS9Hn-pFTxBfMHGF6pB52I1fnsHgFllC-o_RfZDW-zya3xC5bRbKsJBBjY31LdnUBdSQAqMmxI4KRgY4z-nOvgxOso-Hlk/s320/thelastlovenote.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>It has been two years since Kate lost her husband. His death was incredibly sad and tragic. Kate has been juggling life as a single mother, working and grieving for her husband. Kate's friends and her boss have been a great source of support for her but while stranded on a work trip with her boss, Kate is forced to reexamine her life. <p></p><p>Be prepared for an emotional ride. Grey captures the essence of grief in a beautiful yet true manner. I might have even ugly cried. The character development is exceptional and the relationship between the characters are realistic. </p>This is a fast read about love, lost love and finding the courage to continue on. <br /><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-3347252678561493842024-02-15T20:11:00.000-08:002024-02-25T19:00:09.150-08:00The Cell | By Stephen King<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_jVFN28bidM45qrARnESuRvhm7rq84Xbv0wz1m_yZYD8RKFTLZgdBqPKckwnqihKzr1LSz8loUBTxie8msbdSVceB8g4reWeIiueMNlQTEPElbetFj8g3YVFY3iGyJnSp7OV_ctOUhJ6QzzMfFPrFI8geBntDclOGFAX-5HcTaoHOvgYZUK60iKltEDz/s500/The%20Cell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="274" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_jVFN28bidM45qrARnESuRvhm7rq84Xbv0wz1m_yZYD8RKFTLZgdBqPKckwnqihKzr1LSz8loUBTxie8msbdSVceB8g4reWeIiueMNlQTEPElbetFj8g3YVFY3iGyJnSp7OV_ctOUhJ6QzzMfFPrFI8geBntDclOGFAX-5HcTaoHOvgYZUK60iKltEDz/s320/The%20Cell.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>Clay Riddle is visiting Boston. He just landed a deal that will be life changing. His graphic artist talents are finally being recognized. This deal might just mean he can quite his day job teaching and work on what he is passionate about. His art. <p></p><p>He is on his way to his meeting when chaos irrupts. People start to violently attack one another. Technology in the form of a cell phone is weaponized and starts the apocalypse. Clay teams up with other survivors as they make their way on foot to Maine to find out of Clay's family has survived. </p><p>They must travel at night and sleep during the day. Daylight belongs to the non-humans.</p><p>The Cell is a hefty book. It starts with a bang and keeps a steady pace. It's not as good at The Stand but worth the read especially if <br />you like apocalyptic books. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-6079317222051329502024-02-10T19:28:00.000-08:002024-02-17T20:05:46.185-08:00Hate Mail | by Donna Marchetti<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZliBTAzZHMxRXi2QMdym4KFkBc54bL-4U6M68irMMkxwHLSWJaTv_MWYFx3u7h8zVqIxXIid5GIB3kKyfiM1FlOHCEx7X5oarvLQaDiPb1DtQDUHuf6IREzEfr_QcEmIRvGwkt1z8yTOZAodAhE_AzTxJUZvaWK9ixt8dCuwMvkzyJSFiMzX6Az8PB6Yv/s2327/Hate.%20Mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2327" data-original-width="1524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZliBTAzZHMxRXi2QMdym4KFkBc54bL-4U6M68irMMkxwHLSWJaTv_MWYFx3u7h8zVqIxXIid5GIB3kKyfiM1FlOHCEx7X5oarvLQaDiPb1DtQDUHuf6IREzEfr_QcEmIRvGwkt1z8yTOZAodAhE_AzTxJUZvaWK9ixt8dCuwMvkzyJSFiMzX6Az8PB6Yv/s320/Hate.%20Mail.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Expected Publication Date: March 14, 2024</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Naomi and Luca have known one another since 5th grade when they became pen pals. They have exchanged letters over the years well into their adulthood. Then the letters stopped. It's been two years since Naomi has heard from Luca that is until she receives a letter at work. Naomi immediately knows the letter is from Luca but there is no return address. Resulting in Naomi making it her mission to find Luca especially since he continues to send her letters and she is unable to respond. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>However like all good love stories another character makes their entrance complicating things. They chemistry is through the roof!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hate Mail is told via the point of view of each character giving you great insight into what they think and feel. The letters are hilariously and quirky. This is such a fun and easy romcom to read. If you need a light read this is a perfect book for you. Their is a high level of predictability but that doesn't take away form the book. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><p></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-89955369202272695042024-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:002024-02-16T20:27:13.317-08:00Kill Factor | by Ben Oliver<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ovRGuZu-NB2hfLoeCZMjmmduRZOCoblbW8sXfpeuASLUO-4HqgQ0z34U-F9cc7geSkiEPlHuhF0Ns4dbJAh6uoakhAXyDWz_dlUsgR_jXTHqFlOeltx4-MTn_RxePqOM-ZGbmulhOjdr7xjPGyD7qO2vSCprzdPlf2NV6WSK7JVCCD_kI55igEIaiWvB/s499/Kill%20Factor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ovRGuZu-NB2hfLoeCZMjmmduRZOCoblbW8sXfpeuASLUO-4HqgQ0z34U-F9cc7geSkiEPlHuhF0Ns4dbJAh6uoakhAXyDWz_dlUsgR_jXTHqFlOeltx4-MTn_RxePqOM-ZGbmulhOjdr7xjPGyD7qO2vSCprzdPlf2NV6WSK7JVCCD_kI55igEIaiWvB/s320/Kill%20Factor.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Expected Publication Date: April 16. 2024</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p>Emerson Ness has committed a crime. She has been offered an opportunity to participate in a reality game. If she wins the game. She wins her freedom. If she loses she will be imprisoned for life without any contact from the outside worlds or others. Emerson and 49 other contestants join the game. Playing the games (5 in total) along with creating content for social media and getting upvotes can is going to prove to be more difficult than any of the contestants every imagined.</p><p>The contestants must journey to an circular island and are forced to play games that are cruel and unusual. Bonds between gamers will form but this sinister game can only have one winner and sometimes winning is losing. </p><p>The character development is amazing. Each character is distinct and you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat especially as the stakes increase. </p><p> Kill Factor is reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Maze Runner and a few Black Mirror episodes. If that genre is your jam you'll love Kill Factor. </p><p>* I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-60317455857152189802024-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:002024-02-16T13:04:20.386-08:00The Book of Doors | by Gareth Brown<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifqGaq8XsjksDT5VNjx2QNTT9-sDcjiJB4lgBVLYHT41Sx2sjysxM-hYKOk-Oc7IK_YyU3V8Wcf8Lf-3KjGzIsFjRIKfOPiXd-8ACuaMzp8VASdsbIprRD6m0qTv9vNtiMVGfHXHhCS28QxiQfvh-EHtba9kvHrqiltFDurGNpYNzU-NmsSJY5SGX8lZa/s500/BofD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifqGaq8XsjksDT5VNjx2QNTT9-sDcjiJB4lgBVLYHT41Sx2sjysxM-hYKOk-Oc7IK_YyU3V8Wcf8Lf-3KjGzIsFjRIKfOPiXd-8ACuaMzp8VASdsbIprRD6m0qTv9vNtiMVGfHXHhCS28QxiQfvh-EHtba9kvHrqiltFDurGNpYNzU-NmsSJY5SGX8lZa/s320/BofD.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Expected Publication Date: Feb 13 2024</span></b></p><p>I am not usually a fan of books that deal with fantasy. Imagine my surprise when I not only took a chance on this book but ended up loving it!</p><p>Cassie Andrews it a bookseller. She works at a book shop in New York. A customer who she had become friendly gifts her The Book of Doors but this is no ordinary book. The Book of Doors is full of squiggles and drawings that make no sense but under all of that lays a power. A power that can harbor danger. A power that can be used for good or evil. </p><p>Cassie along with her bestfriend and roommate discover the power of the Book of Doors. It allows them to transport from one area to another. During her travels she meets Drummond Fox. Drummond is the librarian - the keeper of the books. Drummond warns Cassie and tells her about other books similar to hers that exist. The books are all unique and have their own power. An evil woman is in search of books and has a need to collect them all and become more powerful. She is feared. Cassie joins Drummond in an effort to discover the mystery and the power behind the books and protect the book of doors. </p><p>The Book of Doors if full of twists and turns. It is beautifully written which is impressive as this is a debut novel. </p><p><br /></p><p>* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-51828518062144124952024-01-30T09:51:00.000-08:002024-02-01T09:52:11.868-08:00The Many Lives of Mama Love | Book by Lara Love Hardin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxte6kjz9fLmOla2nTBjFh1VSKwhpfF8hvYoIn_7e0YhyxitFjfDYk26BkD_5RshWsShXOSiqX2I4uw7gLYxc5BMPxrDhgnNID8A8Fd0GiuGVXvNgcU2RW4lxZSNNk0_bBFgkb_8TjtbVTiN98u6ECTeq0Dr8LKPy9DYhOxOwxDAcaOTd0dkr89LiBxX0J/s2125/mama%20love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxte6kjz9fLmOla2nTBjFh1VSKwhpfF8hvYoIn_7e0YhyxitFjfDYk26BkD_5RshWsShXOSiqX2I4uw7gLYxc5BMPxrDhgnNID8A8Fd0GiuGVXvNgcU2RW4lxZSNNk0_bBFgkb_8TjtbVTiN98u6ECTeq0Dr8LKPy9DYhOxOwxDAcaOTd0dkr89LiBxX0J/s320/mama%20love.jpg" width="211" /></a></div> Lara Love Hardin went from soccer mom who had it all to an opioid addict who lost it all. Her memoir accounts her life before, during and after her time in prison. Her life before and during prison is much more interesting then her life after prison. <br /><p></p><p>She did her time and made a difference in the lives of others prisoners and helped them. Which is absolutely amazing. I could have done without the celebrity meeting however the book is engaging and if you enjoy reading memoirs of learning about the judical system this book is for you. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-64940272512710440642024-01-26T14:09:00.000-08:002024-02-01T09:33:20.693-08:00Five Years From Now by Paige Toon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMoCaKCweXHS0hd-3Ge7Bg0Z9N6I5qI0AO2zHPVo_jtRpE9M3ebG9fWTncfeA_hOPMOLL239hpcEEBlTAlBe1WfSRY6yROhvRAE8CfqqHHvsRFDYTlJOP0qu8klwOjSa4oFYsX-DKR5e7yn6QRppjNiRTrPqab3x5LFIT85lCeb3JAagcuxzQ6o_ccjVN/s346/5yearsfromnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMoCaKCweXHS0hd-3Ge7Bg0Z9N6I5qI0AO2zHPVo_jtRpE9M3ebG9fWTncfeA_hOPMOLL239hpcEEBlTAlBe1WfSRY6yROhvRAE8CfqqHHvsRFDYTlJOP0qu8klwOjSa4oFYsX-DKR5e7yn6QRppjNiRTrPqab3x5LFIT85lCeb3JAagcuxzQ6o_ccjVN/s320/5yearsfromnow.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><p></p><p>Nell and Van's parents are in love. Nell's mom is dead and Van's father isn't in his life. When their parents make a life together Nell and Van are young children. They quickly form a close bond but tragedy separates them. Five years later as teens the reunite briefly and their bond is stronger than ever mixed in with romantic feelings however this is to be short lived as they have to go their separate ways once again. </p><p>Over the next decades Nell and Van reunite and depart each time more difficult than the last. Their reunions are short lived but beautiful. Their lifetime friendship helps them tackle difficulties in life They fall in and out of relationships but their heart always belongs to one another. <br /></p><p>Toon's writing pulls you into this this beautiful and heartbreaking story about different types of love, friendship and the decisions we make in life and how they set out our path.</p><p>This was a rather fast read and had my emotions all over the place. Five Years From Now is a memorable story. </p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-75245111545299411512024-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:002024-01-31T14:14:57.094-08:00Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGELWN3l2ItVrmwAC6qoL5kGxnqnM078gHp2QGD8E_RCeA6IF0liAV4Is1NLkS4E43d2k7kGw5rZDOTzVUwnmo9aSH7TpqJd7P7bPEHegmutHNO3W9pY8d91JWNQtu7mf1VIa3VcGx3vpkGMhQh5jcEDfuL7JdoWUm8UNwLvInE-YnUzfX5n9FptvvMtv/s400/27%20minutes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGELWN3l2ItVrmwAC6qoL5kGxnqnM078gHp2QGD8E_RCeA6IF0liAV4Is1NLkS4E43d2k7kGw5rZDOTzVUwnmo9aSH7TpqJd7P7bPEHegmutHNO3W9pY8d91JWNQtu7mf1VIa3VcGx3vpkGMhQh5jcEDfuL7JdoWUm8UNwLvInE-YnUzfX5n9FptvvMtv/s320/27%20minutes.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> <span style="font-size: medium;"> Expected Publication Date: January 30, 2023</span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Phoebe Dean died nearly ten years ago. She was pretty and popular. She was in a car accident with her brother and two others. The small town of West Wilmer has always wondered why it took Grant Dean, Phoebe's brother 27 minutes to call for help. </span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The upcoming memorial for Phoebe has the town talking and asking questions. The truth of what happened that night lays amongst the survivors. They each have their own secret about that night.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The story is told from the point of view of four different characters. We learn how the tragedy affected each of them and the burden they carry. The reader gets to learn about who the characters were before and after the accident allowing you to see the personality shift and the impact of keeping dark secrets. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Twenty-Seven Minutes is a fast paced read that is character driven. There is quite a bit of suspense and the reveal is quite shocking. The characters feel real and only one of my theories was correct. Making this a debut novel that just from past to present an excellent read. I look forward to what Ashely Tate will put out in the future. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">** I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. </span></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-82999656879814402522024-01-20T16:30:00.000-08:002024-01-30T14:07:29.124-08:00Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom by Gypsy-Rose Blanchard , Melissa Moore , Michele Matrisciani<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTHOOF8BIYo9MlNmvKAWSC2lxC84EyewoOxm-tN6mG9PKolcuzfLUlFBR7Se_hLu5X2AGcH0kFC6BbYqOY8oeQCO6oj4PjHASPLKldOR-1PDM_zIMvNkFemIOQX4GUK7FqrknXisYo2GUldfl7UlVvN8oEfswaTVy6WPOfegQP8Hztn9MIcJDHdAI9jJl/s2700/Released.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTHOOF8BIYo9MlNmvKAWSC2lxC84EyewoOxm-tN6mG9PKolcuzfLUlFBR7Se_hLu5X2AGcH0kFC6BbYqOY8oeQCO6oj4PjHASPLKldOR-1PDM_zIMvNkFemIOQX4GUK7FqrknXisYo2GUldfl7UlVvN8oEfswaTVy6WPOfegQP8Hztn9MIcJDHdAI9jJl/s320/Released.png" width="213" /></a></div>Gypsy-Rose Blanchard is well known in the true crime community and likely outside of it. She along with her boyfriend murdered her mother. Gypsy suffered for decades under the care of her mother as she claimed Gypsy had one illness after another. Dee Dee, Gypsy's mother is believed to have had Munchausen syndrome by proxy. <p></p><p>This book has interviews with Gypsy that took place during her incarnation along with some personal drawings and her reflections on her past, present and future. </p><p>This book is basically transcripts from phone conversations with Gypsy. There isn't really anything new in it. She blames Nick (the boyfriend) for everything and takes little to no responsibility for her actions. She makes prison life sound like a social outing and brags about her romantic relationships. </p><p>I think this is a money grab book and I'd skip it and wait until the memoir comes out. Hopefully it will be much better than this disappointment. </p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-1305189022774309142024-01-19T13:46:00.000-08:002024-01-30T13:49:58.628-08:00Ski Weekend by Rektok Ross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbX48FRUQl3HmV86V_PgssqBeYpBYfgoF3iVlTWCWcplPX37WPI4kYrexwu2B1KIOPm6-5-yCWA20rxc2PyHd2OTLGRtWp7HVjhnWPM7lJH9i1mYQWfwDPxdPLksJWa09CA-URlRT-MZgkU9v8FVFfLpuywP2RtQ5q_Dw94PMzucdEUFq9iwZV1CQ6kRu/s2471/SKi%20Weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2471" data-original-width="1661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbX48FRUQl3HmV86V_PgssqBeYpBYfgoF3iVlTWCWcplPX37WPI4kYrexwu2B1KIOPm6-5-yCWA20rxc2PyHd2OTLGRtWp7HVjhnWPM7lJH9i1mYQWfwDPxdPLksJWa09CA-URlRT-MZgkU9v8FVFfLpuywP2RtQ5q_Dw94PMzucdEUFq9iwZV1CQ6kRu/s320/SKi%20Weekend.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p>Six teens (and a dog) embark on a ski weekend. They will be driving to their destination. Sam our narrator is dreading the trip but feels obligated to go and keep watch on her injury prone brother and his best friend. They along with 3 other students pile into an SUV and head out on their way but the weather has other plans.</p><p>A crash into a snowbank changes their lives. They are stranded. There is no cell phone coverage and the snow is coming down harder. They have limited food and water supplies. Temps dip further down and it doesn't appear that they will be rescued any time soon. The groups decide they need to rescue themselves but while out on their mission Sam ends up getting injured and returns to the SUV. As supplies dwindle and Sam gets sicker, the situation becomes more dire and they group needs to make one life changing decision after another. </p><p>Ross has written a novel that pulls you into the story. You can almost feel the bitter cold and the anxiety the surrounds the group. Each character is written in a unique manner. Ski Weekend is full of suspense making this survivalist thriller a must read. </p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-78441260720125796792024-01-17T13:46:00.000-08:002024-01-30T11:31:47.587-08:00The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ob-xK_ia42JXRiOUgc20opwolU_OZjarPzXRo0jHhp_-jOPeG2h_LGbaG1fv55UnHPvsVdnWCCq28m3MsRQz-RkIlWiLl0Agj2ruejwmFkYV7qLbSKx6eBO57ul0jE7V2R6hjOK6O4VoGDiIgtmwH1Kggx8EtlCPPLsOkqUDnWNHLFjcUc9aNADI8Xm/s400/TheMatzahBall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_ob-xK_ia42JXRiOUgc20opwolU_OZjarPzXRo0jHhp_-jOPeG2h_LGbaG1fv55UnHPvsVdnWCCq28m3MsRQz-RkIlWiLl0Agj2ruejwmFkYV7qLbSKx6eBO57ul0jE7V2R6hjOK6O4VoGDiIgtmwH1Kggx8EtlCPPLsOkqUDnWNHLFjcUc9aNADI8Xm/s320/TheMatzahBall.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />The Matzah Ball is a cute rom-com. Rachel Rubenstein Goldblatt has two secrets. One is that she suffers from a illness that makes it impossible for her to live a "normal" life and the second is she writes Christmas romance novels. Her writing is a secret because she is the daughter of a famous Rabbi. <p></p><p>Writing Christmas romance novels is what makes it possible for Rachel to work around her illness and live a comfortable life but this could all change when her publisher tells her she needs to write a Hanukah Romance novel rather than a Christmas one in order to keep her on as an author. </p><p>Rachel is less than thrilled with this prospect. She loves the romance of Christmas and doesn't find anything romantic about Hanukah but things are about to change. Rachel discovers there is going to be a Matzah Ball and she wants a ticket to the event to help her write her novel. This proves to be a bit more difficult especially when she finds out Jacob Greenberg her archenemy is the host. She strikes a deal with Jacob and hilarity ensues. Along the way Jacob and Rachel get to know one another as adults and discover that their past is riddled with misunderstandings. </p><p>The Matzah Ball is an excellent read. It make me laugh, sigh and cheer for the characters. </p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-86406162779944483712024-01-15T13:44:00.000-08:002024-01-30T11:06:12.038-08:00Mercury by Amy Jo Burns<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPA6DoBrC3NskKlN2YRh7jgPEflze3Z3zHyqpIL84x_5FcudSXBkne7XD6warhQaXUbblv_NGw28SnS15ePTxu7R2_xmfsR6xF5sxC1s-s60Ujayq_ZzHx1Kqo3Ym1p-AZ9HcBt54-OnEOG0cRLiTcWkM2POg_ak1DD5hOJA1od77qpEqnxSIrU-rdnjM/s1142/Mercury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPA6DoBrC3NskKlN2YRh7jgPEflze3Z3zHyqpIL84x_5FcudSXBkne7XD6warhQaXUbblv_NGw28SnS15ePTxu7R2_xmfsR6xF5sxC1s-s60Ujayq_ZzHx1Kqo3Ym1p-AZ9HcBt54-OnEOG0cRLiTcWkM2POg_ak1DD5hOJA1od77qpEqnxSIrU-rdnjM/s320/Mercury.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I have a confession. I judge books by their cover. I do NOT like the cover of this book however I took a chance on reading this book (mainly because I was given a copy of it) and I am glad I did. </p><p>Marly West is only 17 years old when she moves to Mercury, Pennsylvania. Being the new girl in a small town quickly draws the attention of others. She finds herself sitting at the Joseph's family dinner table after meeting Baylor Joseph but she soon finds herself in the arms of his brother Waylon. </p><p>Marly ends up pregnant and marrying Waylon. She interests herself into the Joseph family roofing business and into the family. Family secrets and family drama quickly becomes a main character in this story as does the body found in the church attic. </p><p>The character relationships are complex and deep and sometimes your left wondering if Marly is with the right Jospeh brother. This dysfunctional family and murder make for an interesting read that will keep you turning the pages in order to discover what becomes of this family. </p><p><br /></p><p>* I received a copy of this e-book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. </p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-696107655520312592024-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:002024-01-20T20:36:45.507-08:00Sever (The Chemical Garden, #3) by Lauren DeStefano<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcjpfvWFadQkmhWRvZATT6_IETVUiHY_cmcw_QYSm1_wPaR5gVxaroM9dd9Phsct2bj0B1uZrsqORj3SayrS1I7XF_uWKNwU1valJUVnMC7WYH1VHzYH-evPhyphenhyphenydpqlr4Fceuh8gKjO7SpaKuMeH4VylVuxw7oEQVvt-64CONfJVKzivv6I22Wk9_OQsV/s475/Sever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcjpfvWFadQkmhWRvZATT6_IETVUiHY_cmcw_QYSm1_wPaR5gVxaroM9dd9Phsct2bj0B1uZrsqORj3SayrS1I7XF_uWKNwU1valJUVnMC7WYH1VHzYH-evPhyphenhyphenydpqlr4Fceuh8gKjO7SpaKuMeH4VylVuxw7oEQVvt-64CONfJVKzivv6I22Wk9_OQsV/s320/Sever.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Sever is the final installment of the Chemical Garden Trilogy. I last read it in March of 2013. It is bit frightening how much of it I had forgotten. I had to run to my blog to see if I had indeed read it as I was starting to question if I had since so much of it seemed foreign to me. <p></p><p>Sever is a perfect ending to this series. Characters grow substantially. Backstories are explored giving readers a deeper understanding of characters. New characters and old characters make an appearance. Your opinion on characters might change (it did for me). The virus is explained and the ending while rushed is fitting and left me wanting more. Maybe a novella will happen? <br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-79979873959616989042024-01-05T18:46:00.000-08:002024-01-20T14:01:50.353-08:00Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM1Ovkc1DP0n_olIi6yHZhb0v8eo7UblrgndVVidcbiMFOxCNumj1ijPaZ69RX9f93aZudOj9q_nSAuvmLtsZRq9WIVRQRPScMvv_QS0Pw418kxiwgfT9Uk7p5lOalKN2nMj7b6HSh49pukvi5rZc0fiiha9SH5JwR8HZ8t6RUhZ2LcC4XGFC-GhWwPYc/s2100/BYW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEM1Ovkc1DP0n_olIi6yHZhb0v8eo7UblrgndVVidcbiMFOxCNumj1ijPaZ69RX9f93aZudOj9q_nSAuvmLtsZRq9WIVRQRPScMvv_QS0Pw418kxiwgfT9Uk7p5lOalKN2nMj7b6HSh49pukvi5rZc0fiiha9SH5JwR8HZ8t6RUhZ2LcC4XGFC-GhWwPYc/s320/BYW.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> It's 1978 and a serial killer is on the lose in the pacific northwest. A group of young women at University of Florida in Tallahassee are about to become victims of brutality as a killer enters into a sorority with the intention to take lives. The sorority president Pamela catches a glimpse of the killer and finds the bodies of her friends. <p></p><p>On the other side of the county in Seattle, Tina befriends Ruth. The<br />y quickly form a tight friendship and then Ruth goes missing. Tina makes it her mission to find out what happened to her beloved friend and when she finds out about the violence that took place in Florida she heads out there convinced it's the same murdered.</p><p>This book is over 400 hundred pages long and let me tell you - you feel every single page of it. It really drags. It's difficult to relate to the characters and often the voices are so similar it's hard to determine who is "talking". </p><p>I usually enjoy books of the true crime nature or thrillers but this one was a struggle for me complete. I found myself skimming pages and just hoping to get to the conclusion. This was NOT a book for me. Usually I DNF books such as these but I pushed myself and it took over month to read. </p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-89060329223444312142024-01-03T18:45:00.000-08:002024-01-12T18:22:30.730-08:00Swarm by Jennifer D. Lyle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCkHct65I7VvRGAQ4E06FOJQM4g_CWZyPqCqLzo-m68EpMncgSAr0nbqcYepNKY1eZ16kVl7Q7sMEZOx0clKPdrlGAgJd8feYIysn_Ocq6dMsTsUiuAouTPqwaMJIDnZ6Ygy_xUxsHFb_4EesFR8kyKq8FWTiAS78xAd7eciT_F1zBGfcETEIggh-QLWV/s400/:swarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCkHct65I7VvRGAQ4E06FOJQM4g_CWZyPqCqLzo-m68EpMncgSAr0nbqcYepNKY1eZ16kVl7Q7sMEZOx0clKPdrlGAgJd8feYIysn_Ocq6dMsTsUiuAouTPqwaMJIDnZ6Ygy_xUxsHFb_4EesFR8kyKq8FWTiAS78xAd7eciT_F1zBGfcETEIggh-QLWV/s320/:swarm.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> Shur is in her high school class when she notices an abnormally large butterfly. Her classmates also take notice and soon their phones are buzzing with emergency alerts. They've been told to take cover. Shur her two brothers and their two friends<br /> make their way to Shur's home to shelter in place. <p></p><p>They have seen the creatures attack and know that being outside could mean death. Shur organizes food, candlelights and necessities to make sure they have supplies to last as long as possible. The butterflies start to multiple making them all that more dangerous but it's not the only danger the group has to look out for. </p><p>Shur has anxiety and as someone who suffers from anxiety, Lyle nailed what it's like to be a person with anxiety. The concept is unique and but I wish it had been explored in more depth. Swarm is a little on the young side and would be perfect for middle school readers who enjoy sci-fi.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-79778071387765188992023-12-18T08:56:00.000-08:002024-01-12T18:00:02.146-08:00Better Than the Movies by Lynn PainterLiz is only 17 years ago. She is a hopeless romantic. She loves nothing more than watching older romcoms and when Michael her long lost love returns back to her <br />hometown she suddenly wants to make a romcom of her own come true. She enlist's the help of childhood nemesis in an attempt to make the love story between her and Michael a reality.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LBwD4PAvs7B0EOVVZHLiqhtoV5IVqZJkkhsbd17qKpWkA1VM4kYlUOJcuu84Ey0l8ytSBKAi2qjF6yD2cAxbqjhwRpG4aL-Yvc_ylFFaMckonisNQldGEbDbvIjRlKf_PEp7HiKzpoRVqHEe94-P2Xyaku_6toS8XoeUJ1W6qZydUARo56S2zow1r2lm/s2114/Better%20than%20the%20movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LBwD4PAvs7B0EOVVZHLiqhtoV5IVqZJkkhsbd17qKpWkA1VM4kYlUOJcuu84Ey0l8ytSBKAi2qjF6yD2cAxbqjhwRpG4aL-Yvc_ylFFaMckonisNQldGEbDbvIjRlKf_PEp7HiKzpoRVqHEe94-P2Xyaku_6toS8XoeUJ1W6qZydUARo56S2zow1r2lm/s320/Better%20than%20the%20movies.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The plan results in Wes and Liz spending time with one which means they get to know each other on a different level. Michael see's Liz as the young girl he know growing up posing a challenge when it comes to getting him to see Liz as a romantic partner and invite her to prom.</div><div><br /></div><div>Better Than the Movies is a easy and cute read. All the characters are likable making you cheer them all on. Painter writes books that make you want to read just one more chapter and then another and ....</div><div><br /></div>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-3923247605711917402023-12-16T08:55:00.000-08:002024-01-07T19:35:33.696-08:00Perfect Little Lives by Amber Brown<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW73JgujBcJti6zn_Zos39kwKV-AhCLhtaN64-DfoakvAx4weRjlbXtu26WlellMau6-4835ijKP58SU9vULYY0FjT2m4lCb0_SoXLg5otrIll8JlaxuGi3ecBFURjPJK9u5RQlK0GVHTDGBr5HHZQmtv47lQK5r9GXAzJJNc-tV_1Nz0wcpZ5yNH9mzlF/s400/Pretty%20Little%20Lives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW73JgujBcJti6zn_Zos39kwKV-AhCLhtaN64-DfoakvAx4weRjlbXtu26WlellMau6-4835ijKP58SU9vULYY0FjT2m4lCb0_SoXLg5otrIll8JlaxuGi3ecBFURjPJK9u5RQlK0GVHTDGBr5HHZQmtv47lQK5r9GXAzJJNc-tV_1Nz0wcpZ5yNH9mzlF/s320/Pretty%20Little%20Lives.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> Simone's life was turned upside down when her mother was murdered and her father was found guilty of her murder. This resulted in a massive life change for Simone. She was uprooted from living with both parents in a wealthy neighborhood to barely making ends met. Amongst all of these tragic events she also lost her best friend Hunter. Hunter and Simone formed a strong bond over the years as neighbors and when they run into one another - they are giving a second chance to rekindle their friendship. A friendship that might lead to helping her free her father, who has maintaining his innocence.<p></p><p><br />Simone has a true crime documentarian breathing down her neck. The documentary is about her mothers murder and father's conviction. She's up against time as the release of it could hurt her fathers case. Simone is carrying a lot of her plate including her job and boyfriend. </p><p>Perfect Little Lives is a character driven book however it took me a bit to get past the initial start of the book as it was a bit more than I anticipated. This book has romance, true crime and triller all rolled into one however it wasn't executed very well and sometimes felt unreal. </p><p>Overall the read was decent and the story itself was very interesting. Simone is an unlikable character more often then not but you still cheer for her and want the best outcome for her. </p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-59677891263858641282023-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:002024-01-07T18:43:28.376-08:00Betting on You by Lynn Painter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3L93biISZqVAV9dh9RZtkww7HRT9bfkyxsg2Ps3WAobAvqEFfpYpIeXOA6ojbK5v1iSDrepW3D6ZnWxvy4ISa_k6OTC4atLxvchr_NVMh_svnOk5s4g7g7YlvOpfdUwkXG3JrOmH5jPEfFfZphEJq42uPLY4PZy17qq7N4uWr-mwkz8rPjBeMynzZEw3/s2114/Betting%20on%20You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3L93biISZqVAV9dh9RZtkww7HRT9bfkyxsg2Ps3WAobAvqEFfpYpIeXOA6ojbK5v1iSDrepW3D6ZnWxvy4ISa_k6OTC4atLxvchr_NVMh_svnOk5s4g7g7YlvOpfdUwkXG3JrOmH5jPEfFfZphEJq42uPLY4PZy17qq7N4uWr-mwkz8rPjBeMynzZEw3/s320/Betting%20on%20You.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Bailey and Charlie met over a year ago at an airport. They had a bit of a disagreement and much to the frustration of Bailey she found herself as Charlie sitting next to one another on the long flight. They exchanged some information about themselves and then departed. The banter between them iswitty and entertaining. <br /><p></p><p>One year later when starting a job at a waterpark, Bailey discovers that Charlie is also working there! Charlie and Bailey form a friendship of sorts, make a bet and then "fake date". Both of them like one another but don't know how to put aside their stubborn streaks and admit it to themselves and each other. </p><p>Bailey and Charlie are fun characters and Betting on You has a lot of popular culture references. This is the perfect read if you need to relax and take a break from life. Easy, fast and enjoyable. </p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-111238677206071072023-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:002023-12-29T15:21:22.809-08:00Evermore (The Immortals, #1) by Alyson Noel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZWZWZi9LwZY1Lh-HE2PfLO9tIHDbquiZS-tKm2f26-Eef-DkvHaS0Hxy_UH1MS72hTUucoK6ygiBXLUE6FeAeFdoyR5QRi_emlyw1M11d8GC_LbzuicSzg5H1zqqzyXPmSwFMp8v52wHLhCSHLiE9cLy_kcO7U6ZiiF4M7t8TcYV2c_kDIgaxr-VGSvz/s451/Evermore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZWZWZi9LwZY1Lh-HE2PfLO9tIHDbquiZS-tKm2f26-Eef-DkvHaS0Hxy_UH1MS72hTUucoK6ygiBXLUE6FeAeFdoyR5QRi_emlyw1M11d8GC_LbzuicSzg5H1zqqzyXPmSwFMp8v52wHLhCSHLiE9cLy_kcO7U6ZiiF4M7t8TcYV2c_kDIgaxr-VGSvz/s320/Evermore.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ever Bloom is living with her aunt. She was the sole survivor of a car accident in which she lost her parents, little sister and dog. Ever keeps to herself because ever since the accident she can see people's auras, hear their thoughts and touching them reveals their life story to her. </p><p>In an attempt to subdue the constant noise Ever distances herself but things change when she meets Damen. Being around Damen silences the noise. As she grows closer to Damen she discovers more about both of them and it's intriguing. </p><p>Noel creates a magical world full of well developed characters. The loss of loved ones creates an emotional punch adding realism to the story. There are a few cliched moments but it just made me enjoy this romantic and entertaining story more. </p><p>I read this book many many years ago and was surprised by how much I had forgotten which likely made it all that more enjoyable. </p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-60244662488733154632023-12-06T09:00:00.000-08:002023-12-06T09:00:58.463-08:00Fever | by Lauren DeStefano<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6nGE-TrhqD20K9QUwhoyDjZSTaO1_mQEZZEF2HTf34tj7ZZ2c0kojSKt0nr7-wYQXBVnfYuB2MWfkvs4OUUE963Ja-RhICVAHEw6c34PmQLntqDbQasH6R3S3bmzj13X0dpxX7eQZ7gs6qGMWLCTSft6pf7MNQeU40nymkNEZgHQ4jAjfS2ht7WplaFv/s475/Fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6nGE-TrhqD20K9QUwhoyDjZSTaO1_mQEZZEF2HTf34tj7ZZ2c0kojSKt0nr7-wYQXBVnfYuB2MWfkvs4OUUE963Ja-RhICVAHEw6c34PmQLntqDbQasH6R3S3bmzj13X0dpxX7eQZ7gs6qGMWLCTSft6pf7MNQeU40nymkNEZgHQ4jAjfS2ht7WplaFv/s320/Fever.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Fever is the second installment in The Chemical Garden Series. I absolutely love the first novel, Wither but Fever was as struggle to read. It takes more than half way through the novel for things to pick up and for the book to get mildly interesting. This book most definitely suffers from the dreaded second book syndrome.<p></p><p>Fever picks up right where Wither ended. Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion and are on the run. They find themselves as new care takers or young Maddie making their journey into freedom all that more challenging. Rhine and Gabriel find themselves in a less then stellar situation that puts them into further danger. A situation they need to get out of as they are being held captive of a Madame.</p><p>The book continues to drag as characters develop but pick up when there are revelations. Things get really interesting when we learn more about the virus and the other characters. If, I remember correctly this is done as a build up for the 3rd installment of the series. </p><p>I feel that this book needs to be read in order to get important background information and build characters. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-39341923798961614052023-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:002023-12-06T08:40:40.673-08:00This Spells Love | by Kate Robb<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_6vu1XD5tLh6Zg4olJWGIhu5S_cUjeNbEDBtuGkiLIL9u-u2g1eS4QIZqzGG76WB3xHMmajDoKv7tUCOArBcGR-QUYCc4y9oqO-ttHLatbZANlZX6cmOwKPWFkJV8zY_EsYIemIMfcnxM99VgqetRoINI_PgHplesnL0KFC24VdWrE20b-wFct-WIOg5/s400/This%20spells%20love.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_6vu1XD5tLh6Zg4olJWGIhu5S_cUjeNbEDBtuGkiLIL9u-u2g1eS4QIZqzGG76WB3xHMmajDoKv7tUCOArBcGR-QUYCc4y9oqO-ttHLatbZANlZX6cmOwKPWFkJV8zY_EsYIemIMfcnxM99VgqetRoINI_PgHplesnL0KFC24VdWrE20b-wFct-WIOg5/s320/This%20spells%20love.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Expected Publication Date: December 5, 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Spells Love is about alternative realities. Initially, I was a bit concerned about reading books back to back in which time travel takes place however I didn't mix up story lines or characters. This year I've managed to read quite a bit of books on time travel and have found it to be entertaining and fun. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Spells Love revolves around Gemma. Gemma is only 28 years old. Her boyfriend broke up with her and she is devastated. Gemma gets together with her aunt and sister. Drinks are drunk and intoxication takes place. Gemma, her aunt and sister cast a love- cleaning spell. The spell is meant to erase her ex from her memory. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next day Gemma wakes up only to discover the spell has worked! The spell has changed her life in major ways - one of the most important and difficult change is that her best friend Dax is know a stranger to her. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Gemmas life has changed for the better in some ways but navigating her new reality comes with challenges.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The characters are well developed and interesting. I was able to connect with both Gemma and Dax. They are the type of characters you wish were real and you can be friends with. Sit back and enjoy this fun and entertaining read. <br /><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2690670154520424119.post-86663054445891051842023-11-27T09:22:00.000-08:002023-12-05T21:30:39.304-08:00The Second Chance Year by Melissa Wiesner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiVUH7ZMEXDLotRRdqmxRBF0S6trbfv8lTsMwT58q3Of6Le9t52mHGlugwOnabRerYYZoJ7rZEjtmmvUdUDG1FrvzPJYOXT4jA9GYZWRn445Ye2snG1LDDLgSco-QcpI5vThFiHFgPQBFnR76zkiIog5d2EDPxUsZo26yLyCv4rg84CYkA0BV2IFh7gUo/s500/The%202nd%20Change%20Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiVUH7ZMEXDLotRRdqmxRBF0S6trbfv8lTsMwT58q3Of6Le9t52mHGlugwOnabRerYYZoJ7rZEjtmmvUdUDG1FrvzPJYOXT4jA9GYZWRn445Ye2snG1LDDLgSco-QcpI5vThFiHFgPQBFnR76zkiIog5d2EDPxUsZo26yLyCv4rg84CYkA0BV2IFh7gUo/s320/The%202nd%20Change%20Year.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Expected Publication Date: December 5, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadie's had a hell of a year. In an instant she lost her job, her boyfriend and her apartment. Her brother's best friend has been kind enough to let her live with him. She's lost and takes a chance on making a wish. A wish that will allow her to repeat her very bad year. Much to Sadie's surprise she wakes up on Jan 1st with an opportunity to repeat the year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Things initially seem perfect but as the days and weeks pass on Sadie is able to the major ramifications of wish. Not only has her life changed but so has that of others. You'll fall in love with some of the characters and this rom-com story. The Second Change Year has well developed characters and fantastic side characters making this book extra charming. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">*** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Books & Reviewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09093066021891298959noreply@blogger.com0