Living Dead in Dallas (Sookie Stackhouse, #2) by Charlaine Harris

Poor Sookie Stackhouse. She can't seem to find a break. Her coworker has been murdered and no one other than her seems to care. She's then attacked by a creature called a maenad and in order to recover and avoid death vampires help her out. This results in her  making a deal with the vamps. 

Her first assignment is to interview humans and find a missing vampire. This leads Sookie to The Fellowship (a scary christian cult) and things get worse before they get better. 

We learn more about Eric and Bill in this fast paced book. This is an entertaining read and I liked it more than 2nd time around. 

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman

Incidents Around the House is the spookiest novel I have read this year. I don't spook easily but creepy kids freak me out. Bela is only 8 years old and their is a entity that asks her " Can I go inside your heart"? Bela calls her other mommy. 

Other mommy is getting restless and others are starting to see her. It's obvious other mommy wants Bela. Other mommy used to hide in the closet but now she's out and about and things are aren't look so great for Bela and her family.

Told via the point of view of Bela you get to experience all the things grownups think kids don't see or hear. Kids know more than we give them credit for and Bela shows us this. Malerman captures the fear that kids experience. 

This book is over 400 pages long but don't let that scare you because time flys when you read it. 

The Tryout (The Tryout #1) by Christina Soontornvat

The Tryout is a graphic novel for ages 9-11. It's short and sweet.  The illustrations are well done and fun.

It follows our main character Christina and her best friend Megan and their quest to join the cheerleading squad. They are in middle school and want to fit in. They think being part of the squad will result in them being accepted by their peers. It follows them as they learn routines and compete.

This book is also about friendship and acceptance. It's a fun read that is age appropriate and made me laugh. 

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart

 

Expected Publication Date: November 19, 2024

Jessa is know as the "perfect" girl but being perfect has its downfalls and Jessa is at her breaking point. Jessa's parents are going out of town and she begs to have a few friends over. She's anxious about being alone as a few girls have gone missing is nearby towns. Her parents break their own rules and allow her to invite her friends over.  Kellan, Alexis and Tiny join Jessa for a sleep over but things quickly get out of control. A few uninvited guests show up, the power goes out and a game of Truth and Dare turns into a game of life or death.

The story is told in alternating points of views and flashbacks. It's predictable in an an enjoyable way. Be prepared to be engaged and entertained.

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

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

 

Clementine had a close relationship with her Aunt. They traveled the world together and enjoyed one another's company. When her Aunt passed she left Clementine her apartment. The apartment is magical. It can move seven years into the past and future or so her Aunt said. Clementine has countless memories in the apartment and she's about to make a lot more.

Clementine returns to her aunts apartment and a handsome stranger is there. A stranger who lives 7 years in the past. Clementine and Iwan form a quick friendship and romance but soon his gone. Clementine must resume her life in present day and that includes finding current day Iwan and seeing if this timeline is their every after.

The Seven Year Slip is witty and full of beautiful relationships. The characters are well developed and Iwan is charming, passionate and the ideal man. This is a fast  paced read about self discovery and living in the moment.

The Boyfriend | by Freida McFadden

Sydney Shaw lives in New York and after years of unsuccessful dating she has finally found the "perfect man". He is handsome, charming and perfect or at least it seems that way until she discovers a few inconsistencies in what he has told her. 

Sydney is  being stalked by a bad date and there is a string of unsolved murders. One that happened in her building! 

When you put all of these together it makes for one excellent read. McFadden tells this story in dual point of views and the twist and turns keep you on edge.

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel

 

Expected Publication Date January 7,  2025

The Secret Lives of Candy Hearts is a short and entertaining graphic novel.

It's about the relationships we have and our own internal thoughts and struggles.

I found that I was able to relate to it. This is a unique, fun and sometimes  crude (in a hilarious way!) read. I got quite a few real laugh out loud moments and helped turned my not so good day into a better one.

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

Dearest by Jacquie Walters

 

Flora's husband is deployed and she just gave birth to their first child. Flora is sleep deprived, exhausted and struggling to navigate this new world. Peculiar things start to happen and Flora isn't sure if she is losing her mind or if something more sinister is happening. 

Flora is desperate and lonely which leads to her reaching out to her estranged mother. Her mother surprises her by showing up at her door. Flora is conflicted but finds that the help her mother is providing is a much needed relief but things are getting stranger. Flora's childhood imaginary friend Zephie has made a reappearance. Things are getting spookier and Flora is having intrusive thoughts.

Expect a high creep factory in this psychological thriller. Set aside time because one you start reading it you won't want to stop until the book concludes. 

Open Minded by Chloe Seager

 

Expected Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Holly's boyfriend wants an open relationship. Fliss's boyfriend wants to close theirs and become monogamous. Holly and Fliss's lives intersect in the ladies room of a restaurant. They form a fast friendship and help one another navigate these new changes in their lives. 

Both women find themselves struggling with these changes which results in you becoming very invested in the characters. You want them both to be happy. The character development is well done and so is the friendship.  I feel as though these women could easily be found in my friend group. 

Open minded is a light read that covers a subject some might find controversial. It just might give new perspective and open your mind to the lives of those who are different than yours. 

I enjoyed this read and think you will too!

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

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

I had to revisit this book again because I enjoyed it so much in the past. I decided to listen to it via audiobook and it was done in a very engaging and entertaining manner. I recommend either reading or listening to this book. I

If you are not familiar with this book it is about a reporter named Monique who is chosen by Evelyn Hugo a Hollywood icon to tell and write her life story. At first Monique is hesitant but the more she learns about Evelyn the deeper her connection becomes. Evelyn Hugo has had an interesting life and seven husbands! Evelyn's life is filled with tragedy, love, friendship and secrets but one of these secrets could be the undoing of her legacy. 

I want to see this book on the big screen and you will too!

Frontera by Julio Anta

Frontera is a beautiful graphic novel that follows teenage Mateo as he makes his way back to the United States from Mexico. It's a dangerous journey especially when one is ill prepared a situation Mateo finds himself in as he attempts to survive the trek cross the Sonoran Desert to Phoenix, Arizona to be with his grandmother.

Mateo is up against Border Patrol, lack of water and food, unbearable heat and wild animals. Mateo is lost which is most likely a death sentence but a ghost named Guillermo appears to him and acts as his guide. On his journey Mateo learns about Guillermos past but will Mateo find his way out of the desert of will he find himself as a future guide to other migrants,