The Wrong Sister

The Wrong Sister  by T.E. Woods

ISBN: 978-1496712745

Publish Date: February 27th 2018 

Read Date: 05/29/2018 - 05/30/2018

Everyone has a doppelganger somewhere in the world. Isn't that the saying? What would you do if you saw yours, on a street, in your hometown. 

Told in a series of present day and flashbacks, Wisconsinite Tess Kinciad stumbles across her doppelganger. Tess Kincaid lives a quiet, single life in Madison Wisconsin. She works at the local library, and she takes care of her alcoholic father, something she had done since her mother left them when she was a teenager.

 Tess was mindlessly driving home one evening, when she sees a woman who looks like her coming out of a local hotel.  Nothing thinking much of it, Tess continues the drive home. Later, she begins to think about the woman she saw, and she finds herself in the hotel for a quick stop to use the restroom.  While in the restroom, the woman she saw exits a stall and they both stare in amazement at the mirror. It's like looking in the mirror, except they are looking at each other.  

The woman introduces herself as Mimi. The women take a seat on the patio of the hotel and begin talking, seated on the outdoor patio. Mimi becomes instantly invested in Tess. Due to the amount of the things they have in common,their looks, they share a birthday, their mannerisms, Mimi becomes convinced they are long lost twins. Tess isn't buying it.  Believing they were separated at birth, Mimi begins sharing stories of her childhood. Tess remained hesitant to share the details of her mother and father. 

Mimi, in Wisconsin for a job interview, worms her way into Tess' life.  Mimi tries her hardest to convince Tess to believe as she does, but Tess pulls away.  Mimi begins to impersonate Tess at work, and even in town to people she knows. Eventually, tired of the pressure and the uncertainty of Mimi,  Tess tries to push Mimi out of her life. Once again, almost right on cue, Mimi shows up again. This time she comes baring a DNA test.  The results are shocking, and confusing.

Tess finally gives in to Mimis encouragement and agrees to investigate the women's life and separation. What they discovers is more than Tess can bear. They discover affairs and secrets that would change Tess forever.

Tess finds herself in the depths of a Wisconsin police interrogation room being questioned about a body that was found in a local marsh.  While being questioned by Sally and Andy, Tess rediscovers secrets she has had locked away since her younger days. 

Will the secrets of Tess' parent and her childhood catch up to them? Will the police reveal who the killer is?

It's Always the Husband

It's Always the Husband by Michelle Campbell 

ISBN:  978-1595547163

Publish Date: May 1st 2018

Read Date: 05/23/2018 - 05/27/2018

This book is written in 2 parts. During college and after college.

This is the story of 3 friends, Jenny, Kate and Aubrey. Kate is the beautiful rich girl, Jenny the smart determined girl and Aubrey the mousey timid girl. Jenny, Kate and Aubrey met when they became roommates their first year at the Ivy League, Carlisle College. As different as they all are, they soon became inseparable. If you found one of the girls, you found the other two.

Being on her own for the first time, Aubrey looks up to Kate for everything. She feels that she is lucky to be allowed into Kates circle of wealth and connections. Jenny being the "local" girl, knows all the good hangouts and secret spots.

One of those secret spots is the boat launch near the bridge at the river.

Kate and her current boyfriend, Lucas, (who just happened to be Jennys ex also) had just had a huge fight at Scheckys, a local burger joint. The two of them left the diner and went to the boat launch to continue their fight. Once Lucas decided to break off his relationship with Kate, she became enraged and began to attack Lucas. Somehow during the fight, Lucas lost his footing and went into the icy cold river, falling to his death. Both Jenny and Aubrey know what really happened that night, but they aren't telling.

Fast forward years later, the girls have graduated college, gotten married and become successful in their lives. Aubrey married a doctor and now owns a Yoga studio. Jenny married another local boy and is now the Mayor of their little college town. Kate married Griff, another wealthy boy she knew growing up.

It is Kate's 40th birthday, and a resident out walking her dog found her body washed up from the river.

During the investigation all of the secrets the girls have harbored all of these years, as well as their recent ones are brought to light. Will they find the true killer of Kate?



**** THERE IS MENTIONS OF SEX AND VIOLENCE ******

Fireproof

Fireproof by Eric Wilson

ISBN:  978-1595547163

Publish Date:  September 1ST 2008

Read Date: 05/22/2018 - 05/23/2018

Marriage is a complicated thing. It requires constant work and patience. How far would you go to make a failing marriage work? Would you be willing to turn to faith?

Firefighter Caleb and his Hospital Public Relations person wife, Catherine, has been married for 7 years. The marriage has become increasingly hostile and now, Catherine wants out. Caleb isn't ready to give up yet.

After an explosive argument, Catherine tells Caleb that she wants out, she just wants out.

Caleb talks to his firefighter co- workers and his father about his failing marriage, looking for advice and wisdom. Catherine talks to her female coworkers and begins to notice, and be noticed by a new young doctor, Gavin, at the hospital she works at.

During the talks with Calebs father, he is asked to hold of the divorce for 40 days and to try a Love Dare that saved his marriage to Calebs mother. 

This love dare requires Caleb to do 1 thing a day for 40 days to show his love his for his wife. 

Hesitant at first, and doing barely enough to get by Caleb begins the love dare. Al the while, Catherine slips slowly away from Caleb and towards Gavin. Catherine does notice the slight change in caleb and that he is being nicer to her. however, her friends convince her that he is just buttering her up to make the divorce easier. 

Going through the motions of the day by day exercises, Caleb prepares a nice dinner for Catherine in the hopes this will begin to get her back. Catherine comes home, finds the nicely set table and a nicely dressed Caleb awaiting her. Catherine, having no interest in this tells Caleb that She no longer loves him. 

Ready to give up, Caleb talks to his father again who convinces him to press on. Caleb presses on finds not only his faith but a new found love for Catherine. This leaves him even less willing to give her up. 

The fight for his marriage continues. 

While it is a love story, it is also a heavily religious read.

WHEN

When by Victoria Laurie

ISBN:  978-1484700082
 
Publish Date:  January 13th 2015

Read Date: 05/21/2018 - 05/22/2018

 If you could look at someone and see the date they would die, what lengths would you go to save them.

For Maddie, that is life. Maddie has a gift, she can see the dates someone is going to die just by looking at them. She sees their numbers, small black numbers just hanging over their foreheads. She can read it on someones forehead in person, on tv and even in a picture. She has been able to see them since she was a small child. She knows this much, because she saw her fathers number. As she grew up, Maddie began to keep a notebook with all of the death dates she saw in it, she believed this help her to cope with her "gift".

Maddies father, a police officer, was gunned down on the date she had predicted as a small child. Her fathers death had sent her mother into a alcohol fueled depression, causing her to lose her nursing job, and the families income.

As a teenager to help out with the lack of income from her mother, Maddie began charging customers to read their death date. One of the customers has asked Maddie to read the death date of her young daughter, currently in the hospital battling cancer, but instead what catches maddies attention is the looming upcoming date of another child, a male, in the photograph the customer brought. Maddie made the choice to advise her customer of what she had seen. This naturally upset the customer, who stormed out and left.

As predicted on the date Maddie had given her customer, the young male disappeared. After a search returned the boys remains, the FBI began their investigation . With the date connection that maddie had given the murdered boys mother, Maddie was rocketed to the front line of suspects.

During the boys investigation, another teenager goes missing, this one a popular cheerleader from a town over. Maddie had also seen the cheerleaders death date. She had also been correct. She had also tried to warn the cheerleader. This lead to another investigation with Maddie front and center once again. Only this time, she had her best friend, Stubby, with her. Stubby knew what Maddie could see, he also knew the death date of the cheerleader because Stubby had a crush on her.

During the investigation of Stubby, the FBI agents found damning evidence to point to Stubby leading to his arrest.

Following Stubbys arrest, maddies secret makes it way out. The FBI seems to be intent on putting the murders on Maddie and Stubby.

The remaining chapters reveal who is at fault for the murders and the connection to Maddie. Not much can be further explained without spoilers.

Its a great read, at just over 320 pages it is also a fairly quick read !!!!!

Appropriate for teen readers also.

I'll Be Gone in the Dark

I'll Be Gone in the Dark  by Michelle McNamara

ISBN:  978-0062319807
 
Publish Date:  February 27th 2018

Read Date: 05/16/2018 - 05/21/2018

  This particular assailant was given multiple monikers throughout his criminal terrorizing career, The East Area Rapist (EAR), the Original Night Stalker (ONS), then eventually the Golden State Killer (GSK). At the time of the publication of this book, this was still considered a cold case, it is only recently that an arrest has been made.

The Golden State Killer, now believed to be former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo, terrorized southern California for more than 10 years beginning in the 1970s. Targeting couples, GSK would stalk, watching his chosen victim for lengths at a time, and even intimidate with hang up phone calls leading up to his attack. The intense writing gives off the feeling that you are reading novelized case files. You are provided interesting details in how DNA and Profiling came about, and how cold and ongoing cases are improved because of them. You will read conversations had by officials who actually worked the cases in real time, as well as witness details and suspect descriptions.

This book, by Michelle McNamara, is a deep insight delving both into Michelle and the multiple case details.

Michelle dives deep into why she is attracted to the hunt for unsolved cold cases, as well as her personal history. Creating an intersecting Memoir and true crime novel.

Given the nature of the crimes committed throughout the book, there are graphic detailed crime scenes, no crime scene pictures are present. You are provided with maps, and victim pictures, personalizing the crimes.

Tragically, Michelle passed away during the writing of this book, putting the completion in the hands of her collaborators.

The book has a beautifully written forward by Author Gillian Flynn and an afterward by Michelles husband, Actor Patton Oswalt.

Jar of Hearts

Jar Of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

ISBN:  978-1250154194
 
Publish Date:  June 12th 2018

Read Date: 05/10/2018 - 05/15/2018

Thank You To Jennifer Hillier and Minotaur Books for an advanced readers copy for review.

Jar of Hearts was a fast paced, rough at times read. The story line kept me engaged and interested throughout the book.

Now, what you really want to know..

Imagine you're 16. Can you remember it? Georgina can remember being 16, the memory of it won't leave her. When Georgina (Geo) was 16, her best friend Angela disappeared. Gone without a trace. Geo remembers that last night she saw Angela, they along with their friend Kai went to a party together. They drank, they laughed, they had fun, they went to Geo's boyfriend, Calvin, apartment. They didn't know that their life would be changing forever.

It's now 14 years later. Everything seems to be going well for everyone involved, they have moved on with their lives. Geo, now engaged, is a successful up and comer in her pharmaceutical profession, and Kai has gone on to become a Seattle PD Detective. Angela on the other hand is still missing. Kai is called out to Geos childhood home where skeletal remains have been located behind the property. These remains are identified as Angelas, and the case is reopened. Angelas remains, dismembered and dumped in a shallow grave, reminds Kai of a serial killer still hiding in the midst. Kai believes Angela may have been an early victim of Calvin James, the serial killer on Seattle PDs radar, and Geos high school boyfriend.

After 14 years of knowing what happened to her friend, both Calvin and Geo have been arrested and are awaiting to stand trial. She tries desperately to keep her secrets hidden. Geo is sentenced to 5 years, for her part in everything. Calvin is sentenced to life, multiple times. Shortly before Geo is released Calvin escapes prison, once again leaving death in his wake. With more remains showing up, and the deaths appearing more violent than before, it seems Calvin is back to make his mark. Now, there are women and children being found murdered, disposed of just shy of where Angela was laid to rest for 14 years. Both children bearing a heart drawn on their chest with the words "SEE ME" written inside.

Will Kai and Geo see what the killer is trying to say before it is too late? Will Geo have all of her secrets, some still hidden, revealed?


******* The book has details of rape and murder, may not be suitable for all readers.******** 

Posted all of the older reviews !!!

Large Book Review dump!

I have brought over all of my reviews from Goodreads.

So far there is 27! In doing this I realized that I was putting them in an incorrect date order, for this I apologize.

This is the only time I will post large amounts of Book reviews at once.  The reviews to follow will be placed in the order I read them, with the most recent review being the most recent posting.

The Hate List

The Hate List by Jennifer Brown 


ISBN 13: 978-0316041447
 
Publish Date: September 1st 2009 

Read Date: 03/23/2018 - 03/27/2018 

Hate List by Jennifer Brown takes you through the eyes of Valerie.  

Valerie and her boyfriend Nick are juniors in High School. They are crazy about each other, but have more enemies and bullies than their decent amount of friends.  They spend alot of their time deciding who to put in the "Hate Book".  Their hate book list ranges from classmates that have bullied them, teachers that annoy them and general things they just don't like, such as homework.  Valerie thought the book was just a joke, a way to vent out frustrations. On May 2nd, Valerie learned that Nick felt differently about the list. 

May 2nd started like any other day for Valerie and the rest of her classmates. On the school bus, Valerie was bullied by her usual foe which caused her to break her mp3 player.  Once at school, Valerie tells  Nick what happened on the bus and to he tells her he will "handle it".


Little did Valerie know, handling it meant revenge shooting.  At first Valerie couldn't figure out what was going on, once she did she didn't recognize that Nick was using the Hate list as his victim guide. Once all the events registered with Valerie, she decided she had to stop Nick.


In the process of stopping Nick, Valerie is shot in the leg in turn, accidentally saving a classmate, Jessica. Valerie had not intended to save Jessica because she was one of the classmates who has made life hell for Valerie and Nick.


valerie kept to herself over the summer, recovering from her leg injury and staying out of sight from classmates who hated, and blamed her, and seeing a therapist to help her. Dr. Heiler, the therapist convinced Val to return to school for her senior year.


Valerie returns to school, to find a mixture of hated, fear and support from her classmates and school staff.  The rest of the book takes you through the school year and how Val and the rest of the students learn to cope with the violence that occurred the previous year and make it through to graduation.


It is a hard read, as books about school shootings are expected to be. However I was not disappointed. 

The Wife Between Us

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen


ISBN 13: 978-1250130921
 
Publish Date:  January 9th 2018

Read Date: 12/31/2017 - 01/03/2018


Thank you to St Martins press for an advance readers copy of The Wife Between us. I received this book in a giveaway and my honest review is not required.

This is my second review of this book. My first was just over halfway through. My thoughts remained unchanged.
Through to the end it was hard to put down. From the beginning i am drawn into Vanessa - the Jilted, obsessive, stalker-ish ex-wife who is out to create drama and find a way to put an end to Richards impending wedding.
When you think you have it figured out, you don't. Greer and Sarah broadside you with a twist.

It's far more than a fiction about an affair. It's the story of Vanessa, Nellie, Emma and Richard that takes you through wedding preparations, family violence, mental illness and revenge. Through the twists and turns you will learn how all the characters are connected, and not in ways you are expecting.

The only cons i found was the ending left something to be desired.. While it tied up a not so loose end you learned throughout the chapters, it left questions unanswered and brought back a character seemingly forgotten about and did not seem to fit into the story line.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the giveaway offer for this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Alice Network

 The Alice Network by Kate Quinn


ISBN 13: 978-0062654199

Publish Date: June 6th 2017

Read Date: 01/26/2018 - 01/31/2018 


The Alice Network is 2 different stories that tell the story of and intertwine 2 people, Eve and Charlie. Based in both 1915 and 1945 you are taken through the tale of Eve and how she came to be an integral part of the network of women spy's aptly named The Alice Network because of their lead spy, Alice. And also brought to the story of the revenge Eve seeks 30 years later in 1945.

you will also read the tale of Charlie, a teen-aged unwed pregnant woman, Originally set to 'take care of' the little problem that is her pregnancy, detours and comes across Eve.

The story line itself is fantastic. So why only 3 stars? I personally, found it to be very slow moving with a lot of added, unnecessary parts. I didn't start getting into until around 100 pages in. 129, if you want to be more precise.

overall a great story and a good read.

Everything We Keep (Everything series #2)

 Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale 


ISBN 13: 978-1503935310 

Publish Date: August 1st 2016

Read Date: 01/05/2018 - 01/07/2018

great read... you just have to give it a chance....

Aimee and James were, are, childhood sweethearts. inseparable from the day they met. They grew up together, they fell in love. They had only romantically known each other. Aimee encourages James' pursuit of painting, James' family forced him into the family business. Years pass, James and Aimee weather it all..

James and Aimee become engaged, plan a wedding, until 2 weeks before the wedding James must head off to Cancun Mexico for a client. This strikes Aimee as strange, given his position in the family business, but kisses him goodbye. Their wedding day has arrived.. but there will be no wedding. A funeral is taking place instead. James' funeral.

Aimee is left in a spiraling downfall by a flighty psychic who stops her outside of the funeral to inform her that James is alive. The flighty woman sporadically tries to contact Aimee only now leaving clues to prove that he is alive. Aimee wants to believe her despite all the people in her circle telling her not to. Finally, a clue comes that Aimee just can't let go of.

Months pass and Aimee is begrudgingly moving on with her life, but James still lingers, she still hears his voice, feels his touch. She has now met photographer Ian, and seems to be falling for him, and him her, but the thoughts of the last clue given to her haunt her. So she packs up and heads to Mexico, the last place James was seen alive and the location of the clue provided to her.

Ian, worried for her safety and in need of photographs for his next exhibit follow her to Mexico. As Aimee and Ian grow closer, she locates who she believes to be James. In the days following meeting the man she believes is her dead fiancee, all the secrets come out.

Secrets that Aimee must learn to either accept or run away from. She returns home to California, but does she return alone? Does she return to Ian? Does the flighty psychic reappear? Does one of their families know more than they are revealing? Do the secrets continue?

You have to read to find out. .....

****** I will admit that i had a very hard time getting into this book at first. I almost gave up on it, but decided to give it one more chapter. I am so glad I did, i was glued. Now the search is on for "Everything We Left Behind" , book 2 in the series.. ********

This Is Where it Ends

 This Is Where It Ends  by Marieke Nijkamp


ISBN 13:  978-1492622468
 
Publish Date: January 5th 2016

Read Date: 03/08/2018 - 03/09/2018
 
This book has a sensitive subject matter.

The layout makes it seems hard to read, it's broken down into short bursts of story-line, that don't always merge together.

The story takes you through 4 students, a school shooting and their connection to the former student who is the shooter.

Each student tells their story in short 2-3 minute story bursts including present day time and flashbacks.

The novel itself takes place in just under 1 hour, so the violence in the book comes quickly and hits you strongly. it's an amazing story.

With the current social climate, it's a heart wrenching read.

As far as where it hits in age appropriateness, I would be more than willing to allow my teenagers (13/16) to read this book.

Before I fall

 Before I Fall  by Lauren Oliver

ISBN 13: 978-0061726811
 
Read Date: 01/16/2018 - 01/18/2018

Publish Date: October 25th 2010/first published March 2nd 2010

For Samantha Kingston high school life is great. Part of the popular crowd, boyfriend every girl swoons over, and the ability to be mean to others and get away with it. Including the constant harassment of the school 'outcast', Juliet Sykes.

This all catches up to Sam when she is forced to relive the same day 'cupid day' over and over for a week. Each day ending with the same result, Juliet Sykes I'll herself. Sam goes through each day figuring out what needs to change to get her out of this time loop. She finally realizes she must save Juliet, and tries to a couple times.

Sam finally realizes that she must sacrifice herself to save Juliet and end the time loop. 

Delirium

 Delirium  by Lauren Oliver 

 ISBN 13: 978-0061726835

Read Date:

Publish Date: February 7th 2012/ First published February 3rd 2011

Love is a disease. A curable disease. One everyone hits 18 years old in the United States they must be cured from the Love Disease. Lena is months out from her cure date, she's ready and excited. She knows first hand what the disease does to you. Lena watched her mother die because of the disease and multiple cure attempts that did not work.

With just under 3 months to go until her cure, she meets Alex. Alex is from the "wilds", hiding in plain sight, posing as a cured.

Lena is left with the biggest decision of her life. Should she take the risk of falling for Alex and becoming one of the diseased, or should she stay her course and become a cured and get matched with her future husband. 

If I Stay

 If I Stay by Gayle Forman 

ISBN 13: 978-0525421030
 
Read Date: 02/18/2018 - 02/18/2018

Publish Date: April 2nd 2009

17 year old Mia, a stellar Cello player, is bound for Julliard. She has a rock star boyfriend that she loves, great friends and a family she adores.

On a February morning, Mias life is changed forever. Mia and her family are in a car accident, killing both of her parents and her little brother.

The entire story is told from the point of view of a ghostly Mia. Watching her friends and family cycle in and out of her hospital room, and flashes of memories from Mias past. Mia has to decide if she is going to let go and be with her family in death or hang on and stay, and live a life without her family.

I gave a 3 star rating because while the story line is good and the book its self is well written, there is more to be desired in the story. It all feels a little flat.

Where She Went

 Where She Went by Gayle Forman

ISBN 13: 978-0525422945
 
Read Date: 02/19/2018 –  02/18/2018

Publish Date: April 5th 2011

Where She Went is the follow up to If I stay. To fully understand this book, If I Stay must be read.

Where She Went begins 3 years following Mias accident. Adam and Mia have long broken up and gone on with their respective lives. Mia, having made a full recovery and have graduated from Julliard is now playing at Carnegie Hall. Adam, now a member of Shooting Star, the famous band and dating Bryn, a beautiful famous actress..

Adam sees a poster for Mias concert at Carnegie and decides to pop into the back and listen. Being as famous as Adam now is ,word spreads around the Hall that Adam is in attendance. Mia sends an employee to request Adams presence backstage.

From the point of view of Adam, you are taken through his reuniting with Mia, the thoughts and feelings of seeing her and being her her again. And most of all the explanation and apology Adam has been longing for. An entire night of awkwardness and feelings that lead up to the re-connection of Adam and Mia.

Given 4 stars because i felt the writing was better in this book than the first. Good series. 

All The Breaking Waves

All the Breaking Waves by Kerry Lonsdale

 ISBN 13:  978- 1503941830 

Read Date: 01/08/2018 - 01/10/2018

Publish Date: December 6th 2016

Molly and Cassie are special, special powers kind of special. Cassie is just learning hers, while Molly has hers locked away inside.

When Cassie has a premonition about children at her school and they come true, Molly decided it is time to visit her grandmother to get away from the gossip and fears of the town she is in.

When Cassie has a premonition about Mollys death, she vows to her daughter to keep them both safe. They arrive at her grandmothers house and Molly runs into people from her past. Old friends and old loves. Her big love, Owen.

One harrowing day on the beach, Molly believes that her premonition is fulfilled and she survived it, and decries to spend the rest of her life living and accepting her powers. Unknown to Molly, it was just the beginning.

Molly meets her death and finds what she needs to forgive herself in the process.

If i revealed anymore spoilers would flow... 

Everything We Left Behind (Everything series #1)

Everything We Left Behind  by Kerry Lonsdale

ISBN 13: 978-1477823972

Read Date: 01/07/2018 - 01/08/2018

Publish Date:  July 4th 2017 


To understand this book, you must read 'EVERYTHING WE KEEP' first. It lays out the story line you will follow in Everything we Left Behind.

I enjoyed this book, although not quite as much as the first. Everything we Left Behind is told from the James/ Carlos point of view, and primarily in journal entries. The journal entries, while dated for pretext, are hard to follow as they jump around from date to date and place to place. However, once you fully understand the flow of the entries, it does make more sense.

I was not drawn to the "action" as much in this one as I previously was, as the majority of the book revolved around Carlos returning to James and James learning to accept who he is/was.

During the timeline of the book you learn that Carlos' sister-in-law is in love with him, and him her.. which i will be honest... just doesn't do anything for me. And there is alot more sex this time around...

More Donato family secrets are revealed, again, one of those leaving more of a sour taste than interest. There is more "pretending to be something i am not, and knowing more than I let on" happenings at play here, which became predictable.

I gave 4 stars because the series as a whole is good. The story is good. As much as I enjoyed hearing the story from the POV of James/ Carlos, i felt that the organization could have been better.

I look forward to the 3rd installment later this year. I look forward to the 3rd installment later this year. 

The Lovely bones

 The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

ISBN 13: 978-0316166683
 
Read Date: 02/13/2018 - 02/15/2018

Publish Date: September 1st 2006 / First published in 2002

It's not often that I use the term 'beautifully written'. It requires a lot of requirements to be met, and most books only meet a few.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is a beautifully written, hauntingly sad story about a murdered 14 year old girl, Susie.

Susie was murdered in a cornfield that lays between her school and her house. Susie is the narrator throughout the book, taking you through her rape and murder, detailed but not detailed enough to be horrifically gruesome, and her journey through heaven.
Susie tells you the story of her friends, her family, her murderer and the investigation from an outsiders point of view. She watches, trying to make contact, show them she is there and to lead them to proof of her still uncaught murderer.
It is mildly graphic as far as the subject matter goes. There is sex and rape, murder and lust.

The writer brings each character to the heart of the book. There are no small players, everyone has a place and a reason.

it's a great read. 

The Gift

 The Gift  by Kate Anslinger

ISBN 13: 978- 1541291218

Read Date: 02/04/2018 - 2/06/2018

Publish Date: January 3rd 2017

Thank you to Goodreads and Kate Anslinger for my free copy of The Gift. My copy of this book was won in a Goodreads giveaway and my honest review is not required.

***** some spoilers - beware *****

Grace McKenna is a 36 year old Police Detective in Bridgeton, Massachusetts, married to her job and her dog Brody. Grace also has a gift. By looking into the eyes of a person, she is able to see flashes of images of their victims. Grace learned about her gift at an early age and was pressed by her mother to become a police officer to use her gifts for good.

Grace is assigned to the missing persons case of Mackenzie Waterford, a teenage perfectionist with a history of running away. Grace takes you through her investigation and her visions she sees along the way. During the investigation, Grace learns that the teenaged perfectionist is hiding a number of dark secrets.

The gift brings you, loose paranormal gifts, murder, affairs and new romances. It was hard to put down and when it was finished I was left wanting more.

My only dislikes;
1: The beginning takes some time to build up to interesting activity, it is very descriptive and character driven which works in the story line, but could be cut shorter with the same effect.

2: The ending. I understand Grace sees something in a familiar face as well as his vehicle, but its left at that. It could leave the possibility open for a sequel to the book pushing off with this new found image flash. However, if that option is not explored then the book simply ends flatly with no explanation.

The Couple Next Door

 The Couple Next Door  by Shari Lapena

ISBN 13: 978-0735221086
 
Read Date: 04/06/2018 - 04/06/2018

Publish Date:  August 23rd 2016

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is your typical "who done it" thriller/ mystery.. except it's not.

While at a neighbors party Anne and Marcos infant daughter Cora is taken from her crib and has vanished. Anne and Marco had set up a babysitter however, she cancelled at the last minute. So they decided to still attend the party, bringing over the video baby monitor to keep an eye on little Cora, as well as pop next door to their house every 30 minutes to check on the infant.

Both Anne and Marco had done a decent amount of drinking that night and decided to return home shortly after 1 AM. To their horror the front door was left ajar and Cora was missing from her crib. The frantic parents call the police and the investigation has begun. The detectives first instinct is that either Anne or Marco has murdered or accidentally killed little Cora and they are covering for each other. The detective is convinced that the parents are at fault, and he keeps true to his conviction.

Shortly into the investigation, secrets begin coming out from all angles. Anne has a violent history. Marco is in need of fast cash. Even Anne's parents fall victim of unearthed secrets.

There are a lot of twists and turns, some you see coming and some you don't. In the end does Cora make it home, are the secrets revealed things that the young couple can get past?

If you are looking for fast paced thrills with murder, affairs, secrets and lies. This could be the book for you. 

The DeLuca Furlough Brides

The DeLuca Furlough Brides  by Alan Simon 

ISBN 13: 978-0999466513
 
Read Date: 01/15/2018 -  01/16/2018

Publish Date:  November 8th 2017 

Great read!!

The story is set in World War II. You are placed into the lives of Elizabeth, Angela and Carmela all three sisters in law, fresh out of high school and all three swiftly married before their sweethearts are sent of to fight in the war. Throughout the book you follow the three women through the fears that their new husbands may not return, injuries, affairs, miscarriages , deaths and general family fall outs.

The three women have a common bond not only because they are sisters in law, but because they understand what each others are going through with their respective husbands. 

Everything Everything

 Everything Everything  by Nicola Yoon 

ISBN 13: 978-0553496642
 
Read Date: 01/24/2018 - 01/25/2018

Publish Date: September 1st 2015




Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon is what appears to be your typical The Fault in Our Star or A Walk to Remember stories.

A teenage girl, Maddie, grows up stuck safely in her house requiring constant care and supervision, never experiencing the outside world beyond what she finds on the internet. the simple task of going outside could kill her.

Just after her 18th birthday she begins a secret electronic relationship/friendship with her new neighbor Olly.

as the relationship/friendship grows, Maddie becomes more and more desperate to see the world as Olly does, so she decides that she and Olly runaway to Hawaii. Whilst on her trip to Hawaii, Maddie becomes wildly I'll and dies, well almost. her heart does stop.

But it starts again.

Maddie returns home so her mother can nurse her back to health. after her return home, Maddie gets a follow up message from her doctor in Hawaii, concerned that Maddie isn't as sick as she believes herself to be.

this set Maddie on a spiral to find to the truth.

******Spoilers Ahead********

Maddie finds out that she's never been sick, her mom was just afraid of losing her after the death or Maddie's brother and father. so Maddie has spent 17 years as a semi- healthy prisoner to Mom's false diagnosis.

Every Day

 Every Day  by David Levithan 

ISBN 13: 978-0307931887
 
Read Date: 03/08/2018 - 03/10/2018

Publish Date: August 28th 2012

Every day, A, wakes up as someone else. Each day he lives the life of a boy, a girl, an athlete, a nerd, a transgender person, a straight person, a gay person. A has been like this his entire life, he doesn't know what he is or how he does what he does.

He tries his best to not change the course of the day of the life he is inhabiting. That is, until he inhabits Justin. Justin is flaky and mean to his girlfriend, Rhiannon, so A decides to give her a good day. In the process of this day A falls in love with her. He doesn't understand what makes her different, or so special to him that it changes everything for him. A even reveals to Rhiannon, what he does.

A begins making mistakes in his body hopping, and leaves his email address available to Nathan to find. Nathan is under the impression that he has been possessed by the devil, and begins creating news stories attempting to out him.

A begins communicating with Nathan and, in doing so, learns that he may not be the only one who has this specific gift.

Positive

 Positive  by Paige Rawl 

ISBN 13:  978- 0062342539
 
Read Date: 03/21/2018- 03/21/2018

Publish Date: August 26th 2014

Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl is a blistering reminder of just how mean kids can be and how hard it is to be a kid.

HIV positive since birth, Paige Rawl never thought she was different from other kids she went to school with. She noticed the differences in how often she was out for a doctors appointment or how much medication she has to take compared to those her own age. However, she never saw herself as being different. Until she told her best friend she was HIV positive.

Shortly after, hours really, the bullying began. It started small, a little whisper here or a snarky remark there, but soon unfolded into writing on the walls and rumors. As all children are instructed to do, she went to her school administration for help. While in the confines of the school offices, she was told just to tell them " no, i don't have HIV/AIDS". Still,she refused to lie.

Eventually she had to leave her school and become home-schooled. She found herself suicidal and in the care of a facility. Through the help of the facility she got better, returned home and went to high school.

Paige eventually found herself at a camp for kids diagnosed with or affected by HIV/AIDs. There she was able to find her voice, find where she truly could be her wonderful self and not defined by her diagnosis.

Throughout a large of the book, you are taken through the lawsuit brought on by her mother against the school that failed to protect her.

Its not a long read, about 225 pages on an eBook, but it was a fantastic and sobering insight of growing up with a disease you can not control, and the bullying that affects most of the children and teens today. 

Tale Half Told

 Tale Half Told by Margaret Traynor and Killarney Traynor

 ISBN 13:  978-1973965831

Read Date: 02/06/2018 - 02/07/2018

Publish Date: July 31st 2017

Thank you to readingdeals.com, Killarney Traynor and Margaret Traynor. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Its Christmas 1971 and Michael Wright has an obsession with his business owned River House, the location of a holiday murder - suicide 25 years prior in 1946. While on a December 23rd trip to a family home with his wife Susan and two of their friends, brother and sister Johnny and Linda, Michael finds himself diverting from the original planned route to stop at the notorious River House. On the cusp of a suspected bad winter storm, Michaels wife and his friends are not keen on the idea of stopping their plans to visit a boarded up vacant and reportedly haunted home, they go along for the ride.

Once they arrive at the home, they find a way inside and begin to look around. Soon after they begin hearing, seeing and feeling things that do not make sense for an vacant home. After urging from the group, Michael decides it may be in their better interest to get back on the road and get ahead of the storm. The storm or forces of the house have different plans in store for them.

While trying to leave, they are involved in a vehicle accident, totaling the car and forcing the foursome to seek refuge in River House. Resigned to their fate, the group attempts to make the best of it and hunkers down to wait out the storm, until either morning or help arrives.

Once semi-settled inside the home, the foursome continues to hear giggling, footfalls and Christmas music. The strange noises only get louder and more prevalent, placing the group in a battle of wits against their own sanity.

Three of the four group members are possessed during their stay. Susan was possessed by Helene the murdered homeowner. Johnny was possessed by Charlie, Helenes husband and accused murderer. Linda was possessed by an unknown force, turning her into a party go-er from 1946.

It takes a while but the foursome figures out that the wreck was no accident and they are pulled to the house for a reason. They are being possessed to find out the truth of the murder - suicide.

I Can Only Imagine

 I Can Only Imagine  by Bart Millard

ISBN 13:  978-0785216735
 
Read Date: 04/12/2018 - 04/18/2018

Publish Date: February 13th 2018 / First Published on May 30th 2005

The song, I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe has a forever place in my heart. it was one of my mom's favorite songs and it was one of the first choices to use in her memorial video.

Memoirs and Biographies are the most difficult for me to review. I'm commenting on more than just a book, it's someone's life.

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard is a sad, but uplifting read about how this beautiful song by the same name came into existence.

Bart walks you through his childhood, which like many isn't entirely pleasant, onto adult years and what shaped him and MercyMe into what it is today. He reveals where the band name came from, as well as the history of the beloved song. throughout the book you feel what he has gone through and may even relate to it.

the journey of how this song came into existence is beautiful, the meaning behind it even more so.
being somewhat of a 'non-believer', I didn't crack open this book for the scripture or spiritual significance of it. However, it was noticed and not in a bad way.

it's hard for me, believing the way I particularly do (someone who was raised in the church but stepped away by choice because of events that made everything questionable) to read a faith and spiritually based book and take the same things out of it that my Christian counterparts would. Surprisingly though, I did not walk away empty handed, so to speak.

I understand the faith Bart has, and k also understand the spiritual struggles he faces throughout the book. I am also thankful that he was able to present us with a beautiful piece of music, that even I can completely enjoy. 💙 

Another Day

 Another Day by David Levithan

ISBN 13: 978-0385756204

Read Date: 03/10/2018 - 03/17/2018

Publish Date: August 25th 2015

I tried, I honestly really tried. I made it to page 238 and the end of chapter 21.

If you have read Every Day by Davis Levithan, you have pretty much read Another Day. The story line is basically the same only told by Rhiannon.

I kept reading hoping for the story line to change, but that part never came.

While if you have not read Every Day, Another day would be good as a stand alone as you would not understand the repetitiveness.

Small Great Things

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

ISBN 13: 978-0345544957

Read Date: 03/17/2018 - 03/20/2018.

Publish Date: October 11th 2016

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult was a great read, albeit a massively difficult read.

This book was my literary introduction to Jodi Picoult. I was not disappointed.

Small Great Things is the intertwined story of 3 main people. Ruth, Turk and Kennedy. There are 2 things you need to know; First, Ruth is black. Second Turk is a White Supremacist. Ruth is a labor and Delivery nurse who is assigned to the after care of Turks newborn son Davis. Turk demands that Ruth be removed from his childs care and not be allowed access to the baby. The lead nurse, Ruths boss, allows the request. Rightfully upset by the new order, Ruth is removed from the care of Davis and re-assigned to another family. Following a routine circumcision, Davis is left under Ruths supervision due to an emergency in the L/D ward, when the childs condition deteriorates. Ruth is left with a choice. Obey the familys and her bosses orders and leave the child alone or follow her nurses oath and do what she can to aide the failing child.

Despite all efforts to help the ailing child, he does not survive. Entombed with grief, Turk blames Ruth for the death of his son and sets out to sue her personally for Murder.

You are taken through the trial prep, the trial and left with an outcome that you both expected and didn't. You are left with learning who changes and what changes them. While there is a large racial undertone to the entire story live, it is addressed both tastefully and head-on.

The book is fantastically written and while difficult to read, i did not want it to end.

It is not very often I add a vivid personal note to my reviews. However, I feel that in this case it is deserved. Given the current climate of racial tensions, this book was a head read, as well as a slap in the face. It takes you through what is felt on both sides. The constant fight of a minority to survive and be seen as who they are and what they can do rather than their skin color. As well as the things people say and do when faced with racism, fighting to convince everyone you don't see color, or that telling someone else " my best friend is * insert any race here * .. It makes you look hard at yourself, your thoughts and those around you. I've learned a few things about myself from reading this, both good and bad. I'm grateful for those lesson, as I don't know if I would have had to face them in another circumstance.

Reading this book made me uncomfortable, but i think that was partially the point.

So thank you Jodi Picoult, for putting this out into the world. 

You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost)

You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by Felicia Day

ISBN-13:  978-1476785653

Read Dates: 03/27/2018 - 03/31/2018

Publish Date:  August 11th 2015

I'll start by saying this. Memoirs are my favorite genre to read, but my least favorite to review. They are more difficult because you are reviewing more than just a writing style, prose, or verbiage. You are remarking on their life, and that is a hard thing to do correctly and honestly and walk away with a sliver of dignity and hope that the subject of the memior can handle the good and the bad of what you've said.

now, since that part is over with. let's begin.

I've actually had the immense honor of meeting Felicia Day at Wizard World Austin as a photographer for her panel. She is by all rights an amazing and accomplished human being. I don't often geek out during photography jobs, but I had a geek out moment before meeting her. No Lie, rapid excited heart beat and everything.

since discovering the Guild, I've been fascinated by her. How she so flawlessly fits in everywhere. She makes everything she does look like the part was made for her, and in that case it was. Felicia made me realize that being a girl who was into nerd stuff and games was not only okay, but encouraged. She made me be proud of my 'group nerd' title. So from all that I am, Thank You for that!!

In her memoir she takes you way back to itty bitty Felicia and how she came about to be home schooled, and moved around. She brought forward what it's like to be the different smart kid, and how she embraced it and made it her 'thing', rather than her crutch.

she takes you through college and the emphasis music had on her life.

then for what most everyone was waiting for you are wonderfully taken into how The Guild came to life. the sacrifices made and how it was such a piece of her she shared with the world and what it took to get there. Now, it may sound awfully boring to hear how a YouTube self published series came to life, but she presents it all with humor and charisma.

for many reasons this book will be one that has a permanent residence on my bookshelf, instead of being shared with coworkers.

1. it's signed by the queen nerd herself *squeal*
2. she's an amazing and INSPIRING woman and her book is filled with reminders of how to be that yourself.

Thank You Felicia Day for your book, and everything that you have endured for girls to have a carved place in the gaming world.

we <3 you.

Sometimes I Lie

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney

ISBN-13: 978-1250144843

Read Dates: 04/19/2018 - 04/27/2018

Publish Date:  March 23rd 2017

Thank you to Macmillin , Flat Iron Publishers and Alice Feeney for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

When it comes to Amber Reynolds there are 3 things you should know.
1. I’m in a coma.
2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore.
3. Sometimes I lie.

Amber was in a terrible accident, one she doesn't remember and it has put her in a coma. She believes her husband has done something to cause her accident and harm her, she is just unable to prove it. She also believes there is something going on between her sister and her husband. Her marriage is falling apart, she isn't entirely happy with her job or her friends.

Amber is unable to move, but can hear and smell everything going on around her. She wants to speak to those who come to visit, she wants to let them know how she feels, what she thinks.

Amber does wake up (not a huge spoiler), and begins piecing things back together so that it all makes sense. "Things" being the accident, and how she came to find herself in the hospital to begin with.

The chapters bounce back and forth from present day to past diary entries. It is done in a way that you can easily follow it and not get confused.

I have given 3 stars not because the book was bad, it was well written and orchestrated fantastically. However the big "twist" at the end wasn't a huge reveal for me. It left me more annoyed than thrilled.

I do recommend the book to other readers.

Bring Me Back

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris  

ISBN-13: 978-0008268947

Read dates: 05/01/2018 - 05/10/2018

Publish Date: June 19th 2018

Thank You to St. Martin's press for an advance reader copy of Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris. I have received my advance reader copy in return for my honest review.

While on Holiday (vacation for Americans) Finn and his girlfriend Layla stop at a service station. Finn leaves Layla behind in the car while he goes to use the facilities. When he returns, he finds Layla missing. The biggest clue left behind to rationalize Layla's abduction was a tiny Russian nesting doll, one she keep with her as a security blanket, one that belonged to her sister, Ellen. The one token Layla wouldn't leave behind.

Naturally, since Finn was the last to see Layla, alive or other wise, he was both the best lead and the main suspect, but his story checked out.

Its been 10 years since that night in France. Coming to terms with Layla's disappearance and presumed death, Finn moved on with his life even getting engaged to Ellen. Who, if you remember, is Layla's sister.

Ellen and Layla had a childhood story involving little Russian nesting dolls. Supposedly, the smallest of Ellen's nesting dolls disappeared and Ellen blamed Layla, assuming she had stolen it. Ellen had always covered that tiny Russian doll and wished for it's return. Very few people new about the significance of the tiny Russian doll , in fact it was only Layla, Ellen, Finn and Finn's friend Harry. this will be important later

Closing in on just mere month prior to the wedding of Finn and Ellen, Finn is told by a friend that his former neighbor, and elderly man had thought he spotted Layla at his old address. Then Ellen also thinks she caught a glimpse of Layla while on a day trip. Then slowly, one by one the tiny Russian dolls begin to appear. Finn believes it has to be Harry, or his ex girlfriend Ruby, out to mess with him. It can't possibly be Layla, not after all these years. But, he does know that the Russian doll is the key.

Finn believes someone is messing with him, angry about his upcoming marriage to missing Layla's sister.

One dau, Finn gets an email, then another ,then another and slowly he begins to believe that Layla is alive after all.

Finn doesn't tells Ellen of the Russian dolls, or the emails, not yet. he wants to find out on his own if Layla is alive, and what she wants.

The emails begin releasing details that only Layla would know, then tells him to meet her, 'he would know where'. He arrives at what he believes is the destination, only to find it empty, no Layla in sight.

The emails keep coming, getting more and more cryptic and violent. Finally, another email comes asking Finn to meet once again.

He goes, assuming he's going to find Layla, still no Layla. Only this time, Ellen has gone missing as well.

Has Layla returned and abducted Ellen to stop their wedding and have a chance at Finn? Has Ellen discovered Layla's return and followed her because she is her sister?

the Answer is something far more sinister.

Hello and Welcome!

 Hello and Welcome to my blog page.

I love to read, and I love to review what I have read.

My reviews can be found on Goodreads and with each specific book on Amazon.

I am lucky enough to obtain advance reader copies (ARC) of unreleased books from publishers to read and review. I also LOVE half price books.. I am almost certain my near weekly trips keep them in business :0).

I look forward to having you along the reading journey with me, and hope that at least one of my reviews catches your eye and inspires to you read the book.

This blog will primarily feature book reviews. These reviews are my thoughts alone, they are not coerced or altered based on the origin, the author, the genre of the book. Questions are always welcomed and I will answer to my best ability without providing spoilers.  If spoilers are to be found in my reviews, there will always be a warning so you know when to stop reading!!!