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Book Reviews
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Books You’re on the Fence About - 2024
Here is my 3.09 rounded to 3 stars review of Prepared For Rage by Dana Stabenow/review/show...
International Suspense / Terrorism
Coast Guard Series, but can read as Standalone
Good characterization
Somewhat predictable
Pacing didn't work for me
Epilogue is tell versus show
Operation: Happy by Jenni L. Walsh
A middle grade historical fiction based on a memoir. Contains some traumatic incidents that might be too much for sensitive children. A good option, otherwise.
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The Neon Rain - James Lee Burke (Louisianna)
Dave Robicheaux series - Book #1
Genera: Mystery & Suspense
3�
Review: /review/show...
(The rest of the series is much better...but this one isn't bad and gives the reader background.
Goyhood: A Novel by Reuven Fenton
This didn't work much for me, but I still think it will work for the right reader.
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Flying Solo � Linda Holmes � 3***
This was a fun rom-com / mystery / heist caper! Laurie comes back to her Maine hometown to clear out her great-aunt Dot’s home. When she finds a wooden duck decoy in a cedar chest, she can’t help but wonder why Dot would keep such an item. Her efforts to solve the mystery of Dot’s past lead to a con job, a heist, and a counter-con job. And she begins to rethink her “I’m a loner� philosophy as she reconnects with her friends from high school.
LINK to my full review
The Keeper of the Irish Secret (Magnolia Manor #1)
by Susanne O'Leary
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Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead
by Jenny Hollander
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Here is my 3.41 rounded to 3 stars review of Hand Of Evil by J.A. Jance:/review/show...
Mystery / Crime Novel
Won in a 4/30 ŷ Giveaway
My least favorite of her 3 series that I have read
Mysteries were interesting, but the pacing was slow.
The book should have trigger warnings listed.
Here is my 3.45 rounded to 3 stars review of The Interrogation by Ethan Jones/review/show...
Short Story Prequel to the series
Good characterization
Great World-building and Atmosphere
Heavy on the action and violence
The Ending that Wasn't
The Christie Affair � Nina de Gramont � 3.5***
On December 3, 1926, Agatha Christie drove away from her home after an argument with her husband. She would be missing for eleven days. This is a novel about marriage, about motherhood, about love, about grief, about how society punishes those who fail to follow the rules, about forgiveness and justice. De Gramont took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting, and at first, I was unhappy, but eventually the two parallel stories merge in a fashion that fascinated me.
LINK to my full review
Royal Blood � Rhys Bowen � 3***
Book number four in the delightful Lady Georgiana Ranoch series of cozy mysteries takes us out of London and to a remote castle in the mountains of Romania for a royal wedding. I like this series. Georgie manages to get herself caught up in all sorts of intrigues. This episode in her life was a little over-the-top, though Georgie, of course, keeps her head and manages to help solve the case. She’s certainly resourceful! An entertaining quick read.
LINK to my full review
Into Love And Out Again � Elinor Lipman � 3.5***
This is a collection of short stories set in New York City. As the title implies, the focus is on love � falling in love, attraction, heartbreak, excitement, intimacy, falling out of love. This was Lipman’s debut work. I’ve become a fan of hers in the last few years and decided to go back and read some of her earlier works. She writes with wit and tenderness and eyes wide open to her characters� flaws and gifts.
LINK to my full review
The House in the Water by Victoria Darke
Great setting, dull characters, great historical research, dull(ish) plot.
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Lies Make Perfect
by Ellie Banks
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The Granddaughter's Irish Secret (Magnolia Manor #2)
by Susanne O'Leary
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Both 3 1/2 stars
[Bluejay] - Megan Stockton
Genera: Horror
5�
Review: /review/show...
I loved the book...but then...I'm a bit weird:) I would only recommend this if you REALLY love horror and have a VERY STRONG STOMACH.
The Fortunes of Jaded Women � Carolyn Hyunh � 3***
Mai’s ancestor was cursed by a Vietnamese witch: the women would birth only daughters, never a son. Oh, what a tangled web of melodrama! In general, this is about family � especially an extended family whose members are always in each other’s business. They meddle, fight, make-up, mourn, and celebrate. Ultimately, they come together as a family, rising in unison, ready to conquer the world.
LINK to my full review
This Time Will Be Different � Misa Sigiura � 3.5***
This is a charming YA novel about family, social justice, friendship and loyalty. There’s also a little romance thrown in. CJ is a pretty mature teen. Although she frequently doubts herself, she usually follows her inner compass and makes solid decisions. Of course, this is a young adult novel, so there is bound to be some of the drama typical in teen life � prom-posals, mean girls, cliques, attractions based strictly on looks, best friends who maybe aren’t anymore.
LINK to my full review
Dirty Deed - Gianni Holmes
Daddies Broken Boys Series Book #1
Genera: M/M Romance/Daddy/boy
3.5�
Review:/review/show...
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom was kinda disappointing, especially from the author who had a book topped my rankings.
Here's my non-spoiler review:
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The Once and Future Witches - Alix Harrow - (Massachusetts)
Genera: Fantasy/Witchcraft
3�
Review: /review/show...
Random Spider (on a hiatus?) wrote: "The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom was kinda disappointing, especially from the author who had a book topped..."
Great review. He was one of my mother's favorites. I have only read a couple of his books, but he will always have a special place in my heart for the time and kindness he showed my 92- year- old mother at a book signing several years ago.
Random Spider (on a hiatus?) wrote: "The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom was kinda disappointing, especially from the author who had a book topped..."
It was disappointing to me as well. I still can't figure out what he was trying to do with this work.
Carol wrote: "Random Spider (on a hiatus?) wrote: "The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom was kinda disappointing, especially ..."
OMG so sweet
Rosh (is rushing to catch up after the break!) wrote: "Random Spider (on a hiatus?) wrote: "The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom was kinda disappointing, especially ..."
Good to know I'm not alone here XD
3* for
I had hopes for this one but was once again disappointed with Sager's writing.
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Rebel � Beverly Jenkins � 3***
This bodice ripper is set in New Orleans during the reconstruction period after the Civil War. It's a typical romance with heaving bosoms, knees made weak by kisses, demure women and strong men who are talented and generous lovers. The action is fast, even if the plot is fairly predictable.
LINK to my full review
I feel a little duped by Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham
. Not quite the behind the scenes political novel I was expecting. My three rated review:/review/show...
Embroidered Worlds: Fantastic Fiction from Ukraine and the Diaspora by various writers.
Might work better for those who like hardcore SFF.
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Mrs Jeffries On the Ball � Emily Brightwell � 3***
Book number five in the Victorian Mystery series starring Inspector Gerald Witherspoon and his very capable housekeeper, Mrs Jeffries. Victorian London is certainly a hotbed of crime but Mrs Jeffries and her staff are more than up to the task of ferreting out the information to make the Inspector look good when he solves the murder.
LINK to my full review
The Afterlife of Mal Caldera by Nadi Reed Perez
Great title and cover. Weird story! But might work for the right reader.
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before � Jenny Han � 3***
This is a lovely coming-of-age novel featuring a trio of sisters, of which Lara Jean is the middle sister. Among the issues dealt with are sibling rivalry, teen crushes, sex, social media (and bullying), and conflicting feelings � whether for your sister or your boyfriend. I really liked Lara Jean. She mostly has her act together, but she is only sixteen. Still, she’s a good kid; she’s smart, talented, loyal, principled, and determined. And she has an open heart that is ready to learn about love and what it really means.
LINK to my full review
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
A mixed bag for me, though it does work as a light read.
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Bride by Ali Hazelwood was meh. Some fun stuff within, but overall an underwhelming book.
Here's my non-spoiler review:
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Friends Sharing Book Love
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Better Left Unsent
by Lia Louis
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A Cyclist's Guide to Crime & Croissants (Cyclist's Guide Mysteries Book 1)
by Ann Claire
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3 1/2 stars each