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Adw555
Calgary Public Library
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Three Days Missing, BookA Novel

by Belle, Kimberly
Book - 2018
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 07, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ School field trip gone horribly wrong... PLOT SUMMARY: Against her better judgement, Kat has allowed her young son Ethan to attend an overnight field trip with his class. A brilliant, yet socially awkward child, Ethan struggles to make friends, and Kat can’t help but worry about how he will handle this time away, and how he will be treated by the other children. But suddenly Kat is plunged into a nightmare worse than she ever imagined when her son Ethan goes missing...and no one can find him. As the days drag on, there seems to be very little information to go on, and Kat despairs that she will ever see Ethan again. Added to this is the POV of Stef, mother of another boy in Ethan’s class. She is also married to the mayor who is seeking re-election, and does not want a scandal to taint his chances. What is going on? How are these two women linked? And will they be able to find Ethan? PROS: Fast paced, riveting and thoroughly entertaining. CONS: A tad predictable, but still good!!! YES or NO: It’s a YES from me! I had a great time reading this one!!! 4 Stars

The Wife and the Widow, Book

by White, Christian
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 07, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dual narratives drive a story with a great deal of depth... PLOT SUMMARY: Kate’s husband John has been on a work trip for the past two weeks. She and their daughter Mia miss him terribly and can’t wait to see him, but when they go to the airport to surprise him, he’s not there. Unable to contact him, she connects with his work colleagues...and receives more questions than answers. Where is John? Abby lives with her husband Ray, and two teenage children on Belport Island. Ray is not himself lately, but Abby’s trying not to worry. Until she receives the news that changes her comfortable life forever. What has been happening on her beloved island? And just how are these two women connected? PROS: Fast paced with a descriptive setting and a few great twists! CONS: The sequence of events was a bit difficult to follow in places... YES or NO: It’s a YES for this one! I truly enjoyed it! 4 Stars

Whisper Network, BookA Novel

by Baker, Chandler
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 07, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Scandals, lies, secrets, double standards, double crossing - Whisper Network has it all! PLOT SUMMARY: Sloane, Grace and Ardie are all successful lawyers in the male dominated world of corporations. Double standards are everywhere and sexual harassment is a very real worry for most if not all the women working at Truviv. Enter Ames: boss, co-worker, friend, enemy?? The terrain is difficult to navigate, but having each other’s backs makes it bearable...until the CEO dies, a fourth woman enters the group, and everything they thought they knew is in doubt. Who is telling the truth? Who is lying? What sins have been committed? Who has something to hide? Who doesn’t?? When someone ends up dead, the truth will come out and it will be painful for everyone involved. PROS: Wow...a sharp commentary on women in the workplace, the barriers they face, the hurdles they must jump, the comments they must bite back so as not to appear hysterical or emotional in this male dominated world. It’s intense and more than a little depressing/frustrating. Add a murder mystery and you have a seriously great book. CONS: The writing style was a bit all over the place, but I grew to love it. YES or NO: Definitely a YES for me - as a woman, this one is a must read. Whisper Network isn’t afraid to tackle anything: mother guilt, business/romantic relationships, friendships, sexual assault, ambition, bullying, workplace inequality...it’s all here and more. It’s an important novel disguised as chick lit and I think many people would benefit from reading it. 5 Stars

The Arrangement, BookA Novel

by Harding, Robyn
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 07, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ Just how far would you go to pay your bills? PLOT SUMMARY: Natalie is an art student living in NYC. With no family support Natalie struggles to pay her bills, and after losing her job and having tuition and rent due imminently, Natalie begins to panic. So when Ava, a fellow art student who seems to have it all, advises her on how to become a sugar baby, Natalie decides to give it a try. But all is not perfect in the world of sugar babies (who would have guessed). Having a sugar daddy (gross) pay all your bills in exchange for, well you know what, is not exactly a dream situation. Jealousy, obsession, violence, and careless disregard for feelings all play a part in this complete descent into chaos. PROS: An excellent beginning with a confession and a plea for help...I was invested right away and wanted to see how this character ended up in so much trouble. CONS: I thought this would be a much faster read than it was. I struggled to connect with either Natalie or Gabe as they were both quite awful in different ways. YES or NO: For me, it’s a MAYBE - it’s harmless fun, but could use a bit more character development. 3 Stars

A Stranger on the Beach, BookA Novel

by Campbell, Michele
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 07, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Who can you believe when both people are convinced they are telling the truth?? PLOT SUMMARY: Caroline is devastated. She is certain her husband of twenty years, Jason, is having an affair. If it’s not an affair, then why is he acting so strange? Why did he advise her to divorce him, and then drain their accounts of money? Confused and in pain, she heads to the local bar and picks up a handsome young bartender. Revenge was temporarily great...until it wasn’t. The bartender, Aidan, becomes obsessed with Caroline and she’s terrified about what she has invited into her life. Is it possible she just made everything worse? But is all as it seems? Alternating chapters from Caroline and Aidan’s perspectives only serve to complicate matters until no one is sure where the truth lies, or who is telling it. PROS: Fast paced, electric and FULL of surprises! CONS: Sort of frustrating actually to read one chapter, only to have it totally contradicted. I just wanted to shout - what is going on???? YES or NO: It’s a YES for sure - a book that delivers this type of reaction deserves to be read. 4 Stars

The Grace Year, Book

by Liggett, Kim
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Survive the year...if you can... PLOT SUMMARY: Tiernay has reached the age of her Grace Year, a time when sixteen year old girls come into their magic, and must leave the village for the safety of those around them. What goes on when they leave is never talked about, but somewhat shockingly, not everyone comes back alive. The lucky ones who do return have wounds they never speak of and all are changed forever. When they return they are either married or sent off to a life of hard labour. And all these decisions are made by the men... Strong willed Tiernay has always chafed at being told what to do. She questions the traditions, their explanations, and whether any of it is even true. This kind of thinking can be dangerous, especially for girls. But what other dangers will she encounter in this momentous year? Will she be one of the survivors? Or will fate lead her down a path that is much darker than she could have ever imagined... PROS: Compelling plot, strong characters, unexpected allies, an awesome setting and unique challenges combine for an unforgettable read. CONS: What’s up with the ending?? I’m not sure if I read it right...in fact I hope I’m wrong about what I think happened. YES or NO: It’s a YES - it may be Young Adult, but there’s nothing immature about the themes present in The Grace Year. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4 Stars

All the Flowers in Paris, BookA Novel

by Jio, Sarah
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ Historical/present day drama... PLOT SUMMARY: Present day Caroline, and 1943 Celine are both facing different challenges. For Caroline, a biking accident has left her with amnesia. She is struggling to remember who she is, but determined to absorb all the positive experiences currently coming her way. Perhaps she doesn’t really want to remember at all, if those memories are sure to bring back the pain that seems to have been part of her life... In 1943, widower Celine is desperate to protect her daughter Cosi and her endearing father in German occupied Paris. But this will prove to be very difficult when her father’s Jewish heritage is revealed to the Nazis. What horrors will this family face? Are they strong enough to survive? And just what ties these two women together? PROS: All the Flowers in Paris has strong female characters and a beautiful yet haunting setting. CONS: I’ve been a long time fan of Sarah Jio’s books - I usually find them to be comforting, consistent, easy sort of reads. I really struggled with this one however - perhaps a stronger element to combine the two stories was needed, in order for them to flow better. YES or NO: This one is a MAYBE - if you’re into quiet, WWII stories, you’ll enjoy it. 3 Stars

I Spy, BookA Novel

by Kendal, Claire
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great spy thriller from an unexpected author! PLOT SUMMARY: For as long as she can remember, Holly has wanted to work for MI5 as a spy. She comes close to achieving her dreams, only to be rejected at the last interview. She has every right to be disappointed, but what else has happened in her life to make her so fearful? Why has she left her surrogate family behind and taken on an alias? Who is she running from, and why? Alongside this narrative, we see Holly from the past. Through her alternate career as a hospital ward clerk, she meets and falls in love with successful doctor Zac. All seems to be going splendidly here, but is this a good match? What goes wrong in Holly’s life that leads her to her present situation? PROS: My goodness I really enjoyed this book! I was so curious as to what had happened, and what would happen in the end!! There is a great deal of suspense and anticipation in each section of Holly’s life! CONS: Twisting and diverging timelines makes the sequence of events somewhat difficult to track - it’s not too bad though!!! YES or NO: Definitely a YES - I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. Bear in mind I am simply fascinated by the existence of spies and the covert work they do on behalf of their countries - I can’t get enough of these types of stories! 4 Stars

The Last House Guest, BookA Novel

by Miranda, Megan
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A mystery you’ll have fun trying to solve! PLOT SUMMARY: Avery has been dealt some tough blows in her life. An orphan in her teens, she careens towards self destruction and angrily pushes away anyone who loves her. That is until she meets Sadie Loman, a rich outsider in their town who decides to make Avery her personal project. They become the best of friends, until the summer her body is found at the base of the cliffs, dead through an apparent suicide. But Avery just cannot believe that Sadie, so full of life and energy, would have taken her own life. Wouldn’t she have seen the signs? And if it wasn’t suicide then who had reason to kill her? Or is this all just Avery’s overactive, angry imagination taking over?? PROS: I really liked the characters in this one - broken yet strong Avery, and Sadie’s character, formed in flashbacks, was very compelling as well. The plot was fast paced and the setting of Littleport was one I’d love to see for myself, if it truly exists! The ending isn’t impossible to figure out, which made it fun to read along and guess. CONS: There is nothing wrong with this book - it’s quite a good mystery!! While there’s nothing particularly new or groundbreaking about the mystery, it has a solid, well drawn out plot - I try to judge each book as if it’s the first thriller I’ve read, that way I don’t mark authors down due to my own dissatisfaction with the genre. For me, mixing up genres always helps, that way I don’t overdose on one and become sick of it! YES or NO: It’s a YES - as far as I’m concerned, Megan Miranda’s writing just keeps getting better and better! 4 Stars

Lock Every Door, BookA Novel

by Sager, Riley
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ When something seems too good to be true, it probably is! PLOT SUMMARY: Jules is seriously down on her luck. Company restructuring = no job. Cheating live-in boyfriend = heartbreak and nowhere to live. Dead parents = no safety net. Jules needs her luck to change, and she needs it to change quickly. So when she finds a small, almost hidden ad looking for an apartment sitter, she figures it might be the answer to her prayers. But is it? The more Jules finds out about the mysterious Bartholomew apartment building, the darker things become. And when fellow apartment sitter and new friend Ingrid suddenly disappears, Jules has no choice but to try to find her...regardless of how spooky things become. Just what is going on in this decadently gorgeous old building? Why does death and scandal seem to surround this place? Is history repeating itself? And what will Jules’ investigation reveal? PROS: Well I didn’t expect that ending! In spite of that, the plot actually made a lot of sense and I wasn’t scratching my head over unlikely details and random plot twists that seem to occupy the pages in a lot of novels these days. I thought it was great! I also liked the way the timeline moved from present day to the recent past in order to accentuate the suspense. CONS: It’s a typical thriller/suspense novel...if you’re into those you’ll like it, if you’re not then you won’t! Simple as that! YES or NO: It’s a YES - since I’m in the category of thriller lovers, it’s safe to say I enjoyed it! 4 Stars

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, BookA Novel

by Waxman, Abbi
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A book about an introvert who loves to read - sign me up!! PLOT SUMMARY: Nina loves her job at the bookstore, her weekly book club meetings , her trivia team, her cat and most especially her alone time. In order to keep her anxiety in check, Nina loves to plan, plan and plan some more. So when she finds out the father she never knew existed is now dead, and she has a large extended family who is quite interested in meeting her, well it’s quite a lot to take in. Added to the mix is Tom, the handsome member of a rival trivia team, who is very appealing to Nina and actually seems quite smitten with her. If only she could get over herself, she just might have a chance at real happiness. But the more we get to know Nina, the more we realize that’s a very big “if”. PROS: Lovely, heartwarming and just easy! CONS: Requires absolutely no thought and I was totally in the mood for it! Not much in the way of a plot, but fun characters and situations made it difficult to put down. YES or NO: Definitely a YES - this book is filled with light hearted, sweet characters and I laughed out loud more than a couple of times. Delightful! 5 Stars

Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts, BookAn Adventure : A Novel

by Racculia, Kate
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 27, 2020

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Utterly unique and thoroughly entertaining... PLOT SUMMARY: Tuesday Mooney is an independent, fulfilled woman who doesn’t need anything other than her work and her trivia nights. She’s all good, right? Right? Pushing people away has become like second nature to Tuesday, that is until best friend Dex, next door neighbour Dorry and mysterious stranger Archie enter her life and push her completely out of her comfort zone. When Vincent Pryce dies, leaving a cryptic opportunity in his will, Tuesday is caught up in the excitement and challenge like never before. Will she be the one to solve this mystery? Will this offbeat, goth loving gal learn to open her heart and truly let others in? And just who is pulling the strings in this game - and can they be trusted? What exactly is awaiting all these would-be treasure hunters at the end? PROS: What is this book? Is it a comedy? A mystery? A romance? A ghost story? It’s all of these things and more. In Tuesday Mooney, we meet a character who is independent yet vulnerable, practical yet romantic, haunted yet full of life. The scavenger hunt/game premise was a great plot device to expose our heroine to many characters/friends/adversaries, and to move the story along to its’ conclusion. CONS: The title screams Young Adult/Middle-Grade, but the content is adult, so that is a bit confusing. Also I felt there were some important bits at the end that were not tied up to my satisfaction. Finally...is there such a thing as too much plot????? Is that a thing??? If so, this book may be teetering on the edge of having a bit too much going on! YES or NO: Overall it’s a YES - unique, original subject matter with an author who is truly grateful to be published - her humble, grateful attitude (as seen in the acknowledgements) is refreshingly welcome, as is this quirky, well written novel. If you’re looking for something a little different, this might be the one for you! 4 Stars

The Night Visitors, BookA Novel

by Goodman, Carol
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 18, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ A winter’s storm wreaks havoc in this mystery/drama... PLOT SUMMARY: Alice and Oren are on the run, and through a twist of fate, they run straight into the arms of Mattie. A support worker for domestic abuse victims, Mattie bends the rules when she invites Alice and Oren into her own home. Will she regret this decision? What truths will Mattie discover before the night is over? Can these three people begin to heal from the emotional damage caused by their painful pasts? Or will they rue the day they ever met? PROS: Lots of twists and turns make it very unlikely that you will guess the ending on this one. CONS: Actually, I found this one a little boring. I usually adore Carol Goodman, so it could be that the subject matter was just not to my taste??? Her novels are usually based around universities or boarding schools in some way, and they seem to support a better storyline than the one featured here. YES or NO: It’s a MAYBE - Carol Goodman is a very accomplished author, but she certainly has better offerings - one I really enjoyed was The Lake of Dead Languages. 3 Stars

The Butterfly Girl, BookA Novel Featuring Naomi Cottle

by Denfeld, Rene
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Oct 25, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely brilliant! PLOT SUMMARY: Naomi, the child finder, is back. This time she is on a mission to find her sister, who has been missing for almost 20 years, ever since Naomi escaped from imprisonment as a child and promised to go back for her. Well, she’s still trying. Alongside this difficult investigation, is Celia, a street kid who has had so many terrible breaks it’s hard to imagine she’s still standing. During the course of Naomi’s quest to find her sister, Celia and her imaginary butterflies prove to Naomi that hope is never lost and caring for others is why we are on this earth. PROS: Is there an author you read that seems to speak directly to you? Where you love every sentence they write and just wish there were more of them? Rene Denfeld is that author for me... Sometimes I will read a line several times, marvelling at its’ beauty and profoundness. Her gorgeous prose contrasts with the stark brutality of her subject matter and the end result is truly amazing. Have I raved enough??? CONS: What I’m most afraid of is that I don’t have the words to express just how special, how heartbreaking, how hopeful this book really is. It is incredibly difficult subject matter to read about, so please be aware of that. YES or NO: Oh my goodness - it’s a YES!!! It’s important, it’s sad, it’s horrifying, it’s beautiful, it’s full of love. If you’re at all interested, don’t start with this one, The Child Finder is the first in this series and I would highly recommend reading it first! 5 Stars

Jane Doe, BookA Novel

by Stone, Victoria Helen
Book - 2018
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 18, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A true page turner... Jane is not someone you want to get on the wrong side of...but Steven unknowingly finds himself in her path. Seamlessly insinuating herself into his life as the perfect girlfriend, Steven has no idea the lengths she will go to in order to make things right... As Jane’s plan develops, we begin to get an inkling of just how much damage she wishes to inflict, and why… But will she develop a conscience? Is the punishment deserved? Will she walk away unscathed, or will she also be brought down by her actions? Does she even care? PROS: Short but utterly spellbinding! Sociopath Jane was one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of encountering in a long while. I’m just glad I’m not on her bad side!! CONS: The villains were a bit one dimensional...who cares...it only makes you love Jane all the more! YES or NO: YES YES YES - it’s a dramatic, vindictive, unapologetic, revenge filled ride! I loved it! 5 Stars

An Anonymous Girl, BookA Novel

by Hendricks, Greer
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 18, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Who can be trusted??? When Jess lies her way into a research project on ethics and morals, she believes she is doing the right thing. $500 for two hours work will go a long way towards paying off some of her sister’s medical expenses. As a freelance makeup artist, she doesn’t make a great deal of money, so the project seems to be a gift from above. There’s no downside to this deception, right? Right? The more deeply Jess becomes involved with the mysterious Dr. Shields, the more Jess worries...is she being judged? Are her morals socially acceptable after all? Or will this study reveal more than Jess wishes to share? And when Dr. Shield’s motivations are finally made clear, just what will Jess stand to lose?? PROS: Good storyline with a likeable and relatable main character. CONS: The format was a bit annoying for me...the first person paragraphs were a bit confusing/off putting for me, and for that reason I found it difficult to become fully absorbed in this story. YES or NO: It’s a YES, but I liked the first book from these authors much better - The Wife Between Us. Still, this one is a solid psychological thriller that devotees of the genre will surely enjoy. 4 Stars

Good Morning, Midnight, BookA Novel

by Brooks-Dalton, Lily
Book - 2016
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 18, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A world in turmoil... Augustine is stranded on a desolate Arctic outpost, somehow with a child in his care. Normally, isolation is the preferred state for scientist Augustine, whose first love has always been space rather than anything happening around him on Earth. But now he is worried. Has he lived a life he can be proud of? Why are radio waves silent? What is happening in the outside world? And at 78 years of age, what will happen to the child if he dies? Sully is returning from a mission to Jupiter with five other astronauts when communication with Mission Control suddenly goes silent. What is happening on Earth??? What will be waiting for these astronauts when they finally arrive home after being gone for so long? In the end, were the decisions made the best ones? Or will these two drastically different people be left with only regret over the choices they made? PROS: Great story, fantastic locations; a space shuttle and a scientific outpost, and characters with a great deal of depth. Also, I adore the cover on this one!!! CONS: Not crazy about the ending, and it sort of felt like two different stories juxtaposed against one another, with no real link between the two. YES or NO: It’s a YES - despite my reservations from above, I really enjoyed Good Morning, Midnight and would recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi, or just a well written drama. 4 Stars

The Wildling Sisters, BookA Novel

by Chase, Eve
Book - 2017
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 13, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An enthralling and mysterious story! Jessie and her new family are in need of a change of space...years earlier, the Wilde sisters were also in need of a change - Applecote Manor was the answer for them all. A charming house in the heart of the Cotswolds - could this home be the setting for a new start, or will it just bring trouble for all those who dwell within it? A mysterious disappearance, a deceased mother, sibling rivalry, a newly blended family...all this in a setting that is utterly perfect. Pros: From the description, I thought this might be a bit fluffy...but it really isn’t! This book is well written, descriptive, and has a compelling story line...I loved it! Cons: I can’t think of a single one... Absolutely worth reading...fans of Kate Morton will love it! 5 stars

The Missing Years, BookA Novel

by Elliott, Lexie
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 13, 2019

Comment:

I loved this one! Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dream inheritance...or unwanted burden? It’s too close to call! Ailsa has inherited a large family home from her recently deceased mother. Despite her regret over her mother’s death, this home called the Manse is a welcome windfall and a chance to start over? Right??? Nah...of course it comes with strings attached...specifically, she is only a half owner. The other half belongs to her father who she has not seen in twenty seven years. Not since she lived in the Manse as a child and he disappeared from her life without a trace... Temporarily moving to the Manse with her half sister Carrie seemed like a good idea at the time...but when things start going bump in the night, Ailsa wonders if there is more to the Manse than she first thought. Animals avoid it like the plague, doors open and shut on their own, and it always feels as though someone is watching. Is it truly haunted? Or is someone terrorizing her? If so, who? And what would they have to gain? PROS: Oooh...I do love a fantastic setting in a book...and the Manse in Scotland was awesome! I loved The Missing Years from the very first page. Family drama, enthralling mystery, spookiness - this book has it all. I also thought the excerpts between chapters were extremely well done, and added an extra dimension to the story. CONS: Nothing too earth shattering here, but very enjoyable nonetheless. YES or NO: It’s a definite YES - easy to read, well written, with lots of drama - I loved it! 5 Stars

Stone Mothers, BookA Novel

by Kelly, Erin
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 13, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ Two can keep a secret when one of us dead...so what happens when there are three people involved??? Nothing good! Marianne has returned to Nusstead to help care for her sick mother. Her sister Colette has shouldered this burden on her own for quite some time, and so Marianne has taken a leave of absence from her job in order to contribute. Her husband surprised her with an apartment at the Park Royal Manor complex...nice except that it’s on the grounds of a former insane asylum and also just happens to be the scene of a memory better left forgotten. Sounds cozy! As actions, decisions, memories and people from Marianne’s past come back to haunt her, she realizes she must finally put the events of a long ago night behind her...once and for all. But at what cost?? And what actually happened that night? PROS: Stone Mothers is separated into three sections: 40+ year old Marianne, 17 year old Marianne and Jesse, and then the perspective of another character altogether. While I enjoyed the third section, the first two took a little bit more effort to get through. CONS: Perhaps the characters were poorly introduced because I had no clue who anyone was for a really long time in this book...meant for some confusing chapters at the beginning. Once I got the hang of who everyone was, the story flowed much better. It’s still quite slow moving so be warned! YES or NO: It’s a MAYBE - I normally adore anything by Erin Kelly - The Burning Air is one of my all time favorites. This one however, takes a lot of patience and I felt it was less captivating than her usual efforts. 3 Stars

Little Darlings, BookA Novel

by Golding, Melanie
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Sep 13, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ You’ll never look at childbirth, fairy tales or postpartum the same! Lauren is exhausted...after a difficult birth to twins, she’s struggling to cope. Still healing physically from childbirth, she’s naturally finding caring for twins to be quite difficult. Her husband, while loving, is not exactly hands on, so that doesn’t help things. Her first night in the hospital is unnerving when an unkempt woman enters her room and asks to switch one of the twin babies with one of her own...and if Lauren says no, the woman will take them both. Was this a dream?? Or did it actually happen? If so, why won’t anyone believe her? DI Jo Harper is the police officer investigating the case. It’s obvious that Lauren is terrified, but is there more to this situation than just exhaustion? Is there any enemy lurking in the darkness? Are the babies safe? PROS: Exceptional writing, a fast paced plot and excellent character development...I felt the trauma of the birth, and remembered just how difficult those early days can be! The folklore excerpts really add a special layer of mystery to this one. CONS: Little Darlings has some fairy tale/fantasy elements; while I loved this departure from a typical psychological thriller story line, others may not be so inclined. YES or NO: It’s a definite YES from me; chilling, unexpected and amazing!!! It's one of my favourites of the year! 5 Stars

I Know Who You Are, BookA Novel

by Feeney, Alice
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added May 21, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alice Feeney is the master of illusion...the Houdini of fiction! Aimee is on the verge of success in her acting career...her latest film might just be the one to propel her onto the A List. Her personal life, however, is in shambles...her husband is missing and the police are treating her more like a suspect than a concerned wife. Is she being framed? Or did she actually have something to do with his disappearance...professional actresses can be very difficult to read... As the police investigation gathers steam, Aimee has to stay on the sidelines watching as her personal and professional reputations are torn to shreds. Who would do this to her? What could their motive possibly be? Alongside grown up Aimee, we also learn about a young girl that trusts the wrong person and lives to regret it...but just what do these two story lines have in common? PROS: You will have absolutely no idea about the ending...I will be incredibly impressed if you can guess it! CONS: I Know Who You Are seemed to drag a bit for me in places...and there was one thing in particular that was quite far fetched...but it’s fiction after all - as long as you go in with an open mind it will be fine!!! YES or NO: It’s a somewhat hesitant YES - I absolutely loved Feeney’s debut novel Sometimes I Lie, so I had high hopes for this one...it wasn’t quite as good, but I’m still a fan!! 4 Stars

Wolfhunter River, BookA Stillhouse Lake Thriller

by Caine, Rachel
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added May 21, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gwen is back!!! Gwen, Lanny, Connor and Sam have been through hell...but they are still together and their pasts are behind them...right??? Of course not...despite a court of law finding her innocent of aiding her serial killer husband, the jury of public opinion has not been quite so kind to Gwen. The verdict? She has gotten away with murder while the families of the victims are still suffering. When a stranger unexpectedly calls, Gwen finds herself deeply involved in helping her...at least it’s a bit of a rest from her own problems! Helping this woman leads the family to the small town of Wolfhunter. The more time spent in Wolfhunter however, the more it becomes obvious that corruption is seeping from its’ very pores. Is Gwen up to this task? Can she and Sam find a way forward together? Or will Gwen’s past ever truly go away?? PROS: Gwen is a fierce main character. Her scenes, while dramatic, are always believable. CONS: Quite a bit of filler here...the action doesn’t really get going until over halfway through Wolfhunter River. Necessary to set the scene for a new series which seems to be in the works…but not exactly riveting. YES or NO: It’s a YES - if you’ve read the two previous novels in this series then you can’t miss this one. Very important not to start here though...Stillhouse Lake and Killman Creek are prequels that should be read first. 4 Stars

Miracle Creek, BookA Novel

by Kim, Angie
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added May 21, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional courtroom drama... A terrible accident has occurred and two people are dead. Young Henry, and another woman were burned to death when an experimental medical device exploded. On trial for their deaths is none other than Henry’s mother Elizabeth. Is she guilty? Henry was autistic, but did Elizabeth really want to be free of her responsibilities this badly? Or did something else happen that night? Pak and Young Yoo are first generation Americans who came from Korea in hopes of a better life for their daughter, Mary. HBOT, or the Miracle Submarine, was supposed to be their vehicle to success...and then the explosion happens and their hopes and dreams come crashing down around them. As details in the courtroom testimonies emerge, we learn more about each person who was there that day, and what part they played in the events that occurred. We quickly learn that everyone has secrets...but who is holding on to the biggest secret of them all? PROS: Oh my, this is one amazing book...not just a courtroom drama, it explores the lives of many characters facing challenges - medical, cultural, societal...and it’s fair to say that Elizabeth completely broke my heart... CONS: Miracle Creek is beautifully written and amazingly well organized, but it does take a bit more effort to read than most of the books I choose...if you stick with it, you’ll see that it was worth it! YES or NO: Of course it’s an absolute YES - Miracle Creek serves as a reminder to slow down and take the time to appreciate those around you...because what is life without your loved ones? Unbearable... 5 Stars

Saving Meghan, BookA Novel

by Palmer, Daniel
Book - 2019
Adw555's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added May 21, 2019

Comment:

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐ Twisty medical mystery! Meghan is sick with a mysterious ailment...doctors are unable to identify what is causing her symptoms to occur. Rather than getting better as time goes by, she seems to be getting worse. Meghan’s mother Becky is absolutely devoted to finding out why her daughter is so sick; nothing but the best doctors will do, and there’s very little she won’t do to ensure her daughter receives the proper care. Meghan’s father Carl has grown weary of the constant rounds of doctors and tests and begins to wonder if there’s something more to Meghan’s illness... When a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is suggested...meaning that Meghan is purposely being made ill by her mother in order to gain attention, everything these parents thought they knew is thrown out the window...what is really going on with Meghan? Surely she can be saved...but from what? Or who? PROS: Saving Meghan will certainly keep you guessing! CONS: SLOW!!!! Super slow, like really sloooooow in the beginning. Since I’m not passionate about medical mysteries, I found it kind of excruciating...but then the second half picks up, and I had no idea what the ending was going to be! YES or NO: It’s a YES if you are into medical mysteries, but it’s a NO if you aren’t. In my opinion, there is definitely more of a focus on the medical rather than the thriller...just something to be aware of! 3 Stars
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