Is Ava a woman who had a daughter, or one who has a daughter?
Is Ava a mother whose daughter is alive, or Is little Abi gone forever?
Someone knows theIs Ava a woman who had a daughter, or one who has a daughter?
Is Ava a mother whose daughter is alive, or Is little Abi gone forever?
Someone knows the answer to those questions but their sense of self preservation is so strong that they will keep this secret despite the obvious grief it is causing this young mother.
Her angst and heartache were so palpable.
Merged review:
Is Ava a woman who had a daughter, or one who has a daughter?
Is Ava a mother whose daughter is alive, or Is little Abi gone forever?
Someone knows the answer to those questions but their sense of self preservation is so strong that they will keep this secret despite the obvious grief it is causing this young mother.
Alex is an “old soul” trapped in the body of a depressed 25 year old.
When asked for three interests oFanciful and Farcical....in all the best ways!!
Alex is an “old soul” trapped in the body of a depressed 25 year old.
When asked for three interests on the carshare.com website, he thinks of Herbal tea, camels and American soul music. But, he can’t say that! So, he goes with Museums, traveling and literature-hoping to attract a young lady to accompany him on his trek to Brussels.
Max is age “none of your business” and enjoys mechanics, whisky and the Tour de France.
In reality, Maxine is a spry nonagenarian, who claps like a little girl when she gets excited, and who loves to make an entrance! She thinks that she has Alzheimer’s and needs to get to Brussels. Alex sounds dull, but since SHE seems to be the only one offering a Carshare to Brussels, Max accepts the offer and pays the fee.
She soon realizes that Alex isn’t a young lady, nor the “drug addict” she feared he might be, when she buckled into her seatbelt, but rather a shy lad lacking in confidence who needed to be coaxed out of his bell. (Or is it, out of his shell?) Maxine is always getting the words in common phrases confused!
You never know what might come out of her mouth, or her enormous handbag!
If you enjoyed last year’s “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman, about a bank robbery gone wrong, you will definitely want to hitch a ride on this road trip, gone awry!!
It is just as humorous and uplifting!
Merged review:
Fanciful and Farcical....in all the best ways!!
Alex is an “old soul” trapped in the body of a depressed 25 year old.
When asked for three interests on the carshare.com website, he thinks of Herbal tea, camels and American soul music. But, he can’t say that! So, he goes with Museums, traveling and literature-hoping to attract a young lady to accompany him on his trek to Brussels.
Max is age “none of your business” and enjoys mechanics, whisky and the Tour de France.
In reality, Maxine is a spry nonagenarian, who claps like a little girl when she gets excited, and who loves to make an entrance! She thinks that she has Alzheimer’s and needs to get to Brussels. Alex sounds dull, but since SHE seems to be the only one offering a Carshare to Brussels, Max accepts the offer and pays the fee.
She soon realizes that Alex isn’t a young lady, nor the “drug addict” she feared he might be, when she buckled into her seatbelt, but rather a shy lad lacking in confidence who needed to be coaxed out of his bell. (Or is it, out of his shell?) Maxine is always getting the words in common phrases confused!
You never know what might come out of her mouth, or her enormous handbag!
If you enjoyed last year’s “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman, about a bank robbery gone wrong, you will definitely want to hitch a ride on this road trip, gone awry!!
I have been waiting for the next “OVE” to love-and I just found him in Frederick Fife! An EASY 5 STARS! ⭐️
Frederick Fife lost the love of his life-hisI have been waiting for the next “OVE” to love-and I just found him in Frederick Fife! An EASY 5 STARS! ⭐️
Frederick Fife lost the love of his life-his wife Dawn-and all of their money-trying experimental treatments with the hope of beating her Cancer. And now, after months of being unable to pay his rent-he has also found himself homeless.
Perhaps it’s fate that intervenes, when he witnesses an elderly man in a wheelchair, fall while feeding seagulls, during a group outing of the Wattle River Nursing Home. He attempts to assist but the man, clearly deceased, falls into the river, and is washed away along with Frederick’s wallet.
Remarkably, he resembles this man, Bernard Greer, closely enough to pass for him-and despite his protests and explanations-the staff chalks off his ramblings as dementia and he is whisked into the wheelchair, onto the bus, and into the man’s room and pajamas.
He can’t really remember when he last had a warm meal, and the bed is so comfy-surely being Bernard for one night couldn’t hurt…
Fred soon discovers that Bernard seems to have no family left either and maybe, just maybe, he can borrow his life and have a place to live out his days? He has been so lonely, and the staff and some of the residents are already starting to feel like “found family” with each passing day.
This is a POIGNANT DEBUT which is equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. And, it had a better twist than some of the thrillers I have read this year!
If you enjoy character driven novels, which have you missing the “people” you meet, as soon as you turn the last page-this is a book for you! I needed tissues more than once!
I dare you to not fall in love with Mr. Frederick Fife! ❤️
MEET HIM TODAY! AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her3.5 ⭐️
1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her love of rare books will earn her an apprenticeship in a bookstore called “Shakespeare and Company”, the perfect training ground for a young woman who is convinced that Bronte’ wrote a second book, which is waiting to be discovered.
But, her happiness will be short lived and she will have to flee again to Dublin where she will be given an opportunity to run her own book store in a building with an extraordinary past…..for awhile.
Present Day: Martha is running from an abusive husband, and she will respond to an advert for a housekeeper, at #12, Ha’Penny Lane, placed by an eccentric former actress, who insists on being addressed as Madame Bowden. (I just adored her!)
Unexplainable things happen here but unexpectedly, it becomes the perfect refuge for Martha.
Henry is on a quest to find a book that was mentioned in a letter he found-a book that he needs to find for his PH.D research. IF he can find it hidden in a bookshop at 11 Ha’Penny Lane, he could make a name for himself and it could make his career.
He enters the shop but when he turns around, the shop has disappeared.
Buildings still stand at 10 Ha’Penny Lane and 12 Ha’Penny Lane but 11 Ha’Penny lane no longer exists. He seeks answers from Martha, the striking young woman at #12, and finds more than he bargained for.
Of course, Opaline’s story will be eventually be linked to the characters in the present day.
I am not a big fan of MAGICAL REALISM, but this time these elements of the book were actually my FAVORITE part!
The book is also labeled as HISTORICAL FICTION and it definitely reads as such-even the present day chapters read like they are taking place in the past-not the present-they lacked a contemporary feel.
Much was predictable with the exception of the magical realism elements, which is why this enchanting story earns 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down from me.
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE June 22, 2023
Thank You to One More Chapter for the invitation to read this one. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐️
1922: Opaline, flees her childhood home to escape an arranged marriage to a man she has never met. She will first find refuge in Paris, where her love of rare books will earn her an apprenticeship in a bookstore called “Shakespeare and Company”, the perfect training ground for a young woman who is convinced that Bronte’ wrote a second book, which is waiting to be discovered.
But, her happiness will be short lived and she will have to flee again to Dublin where she will be given an opportunity to run her own book store in a building with an extraordinary past…..for awhile.
Present Day: Martha is running from an abusive husband, and she will respond to an advert for a housekeeper, at #12, Ha’Penny Lane, placed by an eccentric former actress, who insists on being addressed as Madame Bowden. (I just adored her!)
Unexplainable things happen here but unexpectedly, it becomes the perfect refuge for Martha.
Henry is on a quest to find a book that was mentioned in a letter he found-a book that he needs to find for his PH.D research. IF he can find it hidden in a bookshop at 11 Ha’Penny Lane, he could make a name for himself and it could make his career.
He enters the shop but when he turns around, the shop has disappeared.
Buildings still stand at 10 Ha’Penny Lane and 12 Ha’Penny Lane but 11 Ha’Penny lane no longer exists. He seeks answers from Martha, the striking young woman at #12, and finds more than he bargained for.
Of course, Opaline’s story will be eventually be linked to the characters in the present day.
I am not a big fan of MAGICAL REALISM, but this time these elements of the book were actually my FAVORITE part!
The book is also labeled as HISTORICAL FICTION and it definitely reads as such-even the present day chapters read like they are taking place in the past-not the present-they lacked a contemporary feel.
Much was predictable with the exception of the magical realism elements, which is why this enchanting story earns 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down from me.
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to check out her amazing review!
AVAILABLE June 22, 2023
Thank You to One More Chapter for the invitation to read this one. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Author Elly Griffiths writes short stories to experiment with different voices and genres.
And, I can’t think of a better way to sample an author’s worAuthor Elly Griffiths writes short stories to experiment with different voices and genres.
And, I can’t think of a better way to sample an author’s work, than to read a collection such as this one! It’s a great way to figure out which of her many series might be a fit for you.
Will you choose the 15 book series featuring forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway and her cat Flint? Perhaps, magician Max Mephisto will capture your fancy? Or girl detective, Justice Jones?
I have only read the Harbinder Kaur books, but two of my favorite stories in this collection were “ Max Mephisto and the Disappearing Act.” which takes place in 1920’s Leeds and “Justice Jones and the Etherphone,” which introduced me to her “witty girl detective” as she investigates the ominous prediction of a fortune teller in postwar London.
Of course, I was also partial to “Flint’s Fireside Tale: A Christmas Story narrated by her cat Flint. ...more
Virginia Lane is not a Hero is NOT the light, heartwarming book that the cute book cover would have you believe.
In fact it has abou⚠️ Outlier Opinion
Virginia Lane is not a Hero is NOT the light, heartwarming book that the cute book cover would have you believe.
In fact it has about every trigger you could possibly imagine- Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Incest, Animal Cruelty, Racism, Bullying, thoughts of Suicide and Cancer-so tread carefully! ⚠️
Synopsis:
There isn’t much to do, since Virginia’s beloved husband Jed died, so she spends a lot of time looking out of her window and contemplating whether or not she has anything left to live for.
But, seeing the sweet baby next door always brings a smile to her face. Until, she begins to recognize the changes in Mum Cate, and baby Ocean that indicate that something is VERY wrong in the house next door.
She tries to talk to Cate-to convince her to leave with the baby-but Cate is convinced that her partner Steve can change…
But, finally one day, in desperation, Cate asks Virginia to take the baby away and keep her safe. And, Virginia does-finding help from strangers who become family, as they try to do what’s best for baby Ocean despite accusations of kidnapping.
This IS the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things-as the book cover promises! And, I admire that the author, a self proclaimed passionate believer in Social Justice wants to shed light on the more vulnerable members of society, and also the many animals who need rescuing…
But, for me personally, the DARK was much more prevalent than the LIGHT, and I found the book to be too depressing. DO read a sample of reviews to determine if this will be a better fit for you. ...more
I loved the author’s debut novel, “Before You Knew My Name”. It was a haunting, melancholy crime story, which despite having a Supernatural element-feI loved the author’s debut novel, “Before You Knew My Name”. It was a haunting, melancholy crime story, which despite having a Supernatural element-felt authentic-and I was hoping to feel the same way about this story.
But, despite a few highlight worthy passages, that wasn’t the case this time.
Beth Lovely was seven and a half years old when she disappeared from a children’ playground in Hoben, Connecticut. Her body was found eleven days later, and Ethan Oswald was eventually convicted of the crime.
Her friend, Ruth Ann Baker is now a 26 year old bartender, working at Sweeney’s bar in NY, who was once a student of Forensics with the dream of being a Criminal Profiler. But, her studies convinced her that Ethan Oswald probably had additional Victims. She ended up becoming obsessed with the past, and dropping out of College.
So when another little girl, Coco Wilson, goes missing from her hometown on the same day years later, it TRIGGERS her into thinking that perhaps Oswald had worked with an accomplice. The new disappearance pushes her to search for answers once again.
Well, that and the fact that she can also speak with Beth-and three other dead victims who also encourage her to do so.
Fortunately, Ruth Ann was gifted $100,000 (how convenient) so she decides to use some of the money to do some amateur sleuthing and with the money and some help from a website called “ What Happened to Her” she discovers that two of Ethan’s known Victims grew up to marry other killers.
What are the odds of that?
She will track down these women, with the pretense of wanting an interview with them for a her new Podcast. (which doesn’t exist) And, although they have moved as far as Norway and New Zealand, for anonymity, they both agree to interviews, with one even offering to host Ruth Ann in her home. (Really?)
It all came together too easily for Ruth Ann and it just didn’t ring true to me.
And, there was simply too much too keep track of and too much going on.
In “Before You Knew My Name” our Victim, “Riverside Jane” was always on our mind-but unlike in the author’s debut-I felt a DISCONNECT from the crimes this time-never feeling emotionally invested in the characters or the story’s outcome-perhaps because of its lack of authenticity.
As always, no book is for every reader-so do check out a sample of reviews to determine if this one might be a better fit for you, including DeAnn’s. Did she feel differently about this one?
Three years ago, Keera Duggan’s father, Patsy (Known around Court as The Irish Brawler) succesTWO WHISTLEBLOWERS DEAD
ONE WOMAN ACCUSED OF KILLING BOTH
Three years ago, Keera Duggan’s father, Patsy (Known around Court as The Irish Brawler) successfully defended Jenna Bernstein when she was tried for the killing of her company’s chief medical scientist, Eric Wei.
Although Jenna was found innocent in her first trial, the wunderkind CEO of PDRT (Ponce de Leon Restoraative Technologies) has since lost it all, and now she has found herself in trouble again.
But, Patsy is no longer trying cases for his family’s law firm-that task has fallen to his youngest daughter, Keera, who was once Jenna’s childhood friend. And, Keera knows that Jenna has had a mean streak since elementary school which only grew more manipulative in High School and College.
Keera knows that she will have to set aside her personal feelings towards Jenna if she is to provide her with the best defense possible.
Patsy always tried cases the way he played Chess-methodically, calculating and lethal-and his daughter is a Master Chess player who also plays the game and practices Law the same way. But, unlike her father, she isn’t going to coddle Jenna. She accepts the case but warns Jenna that it will be under her terms this time.
The story unfolds in TWO parts. The first 70% is the accusation and discovery phase of the case. (From Detectives on both sides) And, the last 30% is the trial. (the legal thriller part). Since I read Legal Thrillers for the “edge of your seat” TRIALS, I would have preferred part one to be a little bit more succinct so I could get inside the courtroom sooner, but overall, I enjoyed the second book in this series!
It can be read as a standalone as the author does a great job of filling in the blanks of what happened in book one without spoiling the details of it’s case and trial, but as always, when possible, I recommend starting at the beginning so you can get to know the characters and their relationships with each other fully. Review for “Her Deadly Game”: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is a series that I will continue with if the author writes another.
A buddy read with MarilynW and DeAnn-be sure to watch for their amazing reviews for additional thoughts!
AVAILABLE October 22, 2024
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
Completely different from the heartbreaking “In an Instant” and the comedic “”Hadley and Grace”, the latest from S. E. Redfearn, (Suzanne Redfearn) isCompletely different from the heartbreaking “In an Instant” and the comedic “”Hadley and Grace”, the latest from S. E. Redfearn, (Suzanne Redfearn) is darker than previous work, and one of the better thrillers that I have read this year!
Otis Parsons, a violent pedophile, has been released from prison, and Dick’s sister Dee is the one who helped put him behind bars. He has written Dee a letter, telling her how much he is looking forward to meeting her 11 year old son, Jesse, and now he has moved back into his family home-just two doors down.
Her brother, Dick Raynes, is a scientist who has developed a formula which is able to predict which pedophiles have the traits in common which make them most likely strike again, and the numbers are staggering.
It could be as high as 86%.
He isn’t about to let Jesse become another statistic so he does what the law is unable to do, and protects his family.
FBI agent Steve Patterson investigates crimes against sex offenders, running a department that he personally created after his own son was killed by a vigilante mother who targeted the wrong person.
Because of this, he believes that our laws are founded on the principle of “presumed innocence” allowing forgiveness for past mistakes even though these same laws also leave us vulnerable. Civilians and Cops cannot be permitted to take justice into their own hands, because if there are no checks and balances, we would become a mutinous, violent society ruled by prejudice, assumption and fear.
When he follows up on the reported death of Otis Parsons, he meets Dee-and it’s practically “love at first sight”. So, his sense of right and wrong will be challenged when his suspicions lead him straight to her brother.
It’s a conundrum-and there is no good answer, especially when he learns that for some reason, Dick didn’t just stop with Otis.
TWO GOOD MEN-with differing beliefs and one woman in common.
This is a unique, thought provoking story that I really enjoyed from beginning to end, and it’s one which may have you pondering how you would feel if you were Steve, and alternately, if you were Dick.
It was interesting to learn from the authors note at the end of the book, that this was actually the second novel she wrote, but never published and it’s original name was “Average Dick” which she now admits was a terrible name. ☺️
I am definitely recommending this one, and you can pick up a copy on October 8, 2024!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review to see if she is recommending this as well!
Thank You to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
He sends emails in the tone of a British Gentleman using ChatGPT to disguise his real identity…
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smugHe sends emails in the tone of a British Gentleman using ChatGPT to disguise his real identity…
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smuggler and he is using unsuspecting “Influencers” being protected by Maximum Impact Solutions to move his money.
Amy Wheeler is a private security officer, for Maximum Impact Solutions and she is currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. (think an older Samantha from Sex in the City or even Blanche from the Golden Girls)
It was supposed to be an EASY job.
But dead bodies and bags of money, keep showing up with Amy’s blood always found nearby. She is being set up.
Amy will have to turn to the ONLY person she feels she can trust for help-a retired cop and “sometimes” local investigator who just happens to be her father-in-law-Steve Wheeler.
Steve has recently lost his beloved wife Debbie, and he talks to her from a bench near his home, finds comfort from a stray cat named Trouble, which he recently adopted, and enjoys pints and Pub quizzes with his neighbors.
He has no desire to travel the World only one step ahead of the several would-be assassins who are tracking both Rosie and (now) Amy.
But, he loves Amy, so he won’t say no.
The result? Another fast paced, mystery filled with a new cast of likable characters and the same trademark HUMOR we have come to expect from the talented Richard Osman.
YES- he has another HIT on his hands!
I have LOVED his Thursday Murder Club series ( and am glad there will be more) but I am now ALSO looking forward to more cases for the “ We Solve Murders” agency. If you enjoyed TMC-I do believe that you will enjoy this series too!
The acknowledgments chapter at the end of the book hints at which characters will be back and I am glad to see that the hilarious and IRRESISTIBLE Rosie D’Antonio will be one of them. Hopefully we will get to know Amy’s husband Adam a bit better in the next installment.
A buddy read with Mary Beth-Did she enjoy her first by Osman?
AVAILABLE NOW!
I paired my reading with the fantastic Audible narrated by Nicola Walker. I wish to thank the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both formats!...more
Lexie was shocked to discover that she had inherited half of her father’s holiday travel company, R & L Travel -See the World through Celebration!
AftLexie was shocked to discover that she had inherited half of her father’s holiday travel company, R & L Travel -See the World through Celebration!
After all, they have hardly spoken over the last 10 years.
It is a successful niche business specializing in trips that explore the holiday traditions of cultures all over the world-something they used to do as a family each Christmas-until he left and started a new family with another woman.
The other half of the company has been left to Theo-her father’s good looking young executive. The will stipulates that the two of them must find a way to run the company together for a year AND turn a profit, before deciding whether or not to sell.
He wants to keep it. She wants to sell.
Can he change her mind in time?
I always look forward to Emily Stone’s holiday romances, but this wasn’t a favorite-Perhaps it is because the ENEMIES to LOVERS trope is a hard sell for me.
How does a person almost instantly fall in love with someone who is self admittedly usually acting like a petulant child? It’s NOT an attractive quality.
This isn’t a bad story BUT although the travel company idea sounds wonderful, and Lexie shows some personal growth by the end of the book-this just didn’t quite work as a romance for me!
The journey/anticipation wasn’t all that entertaining, I didn’t “FEEL” any chemistry between Lexie and Theo, and I WASN’T rooting for them to get together as a couple which are three MUSTS in any romance novel.
But, I am still a fan of the authors work, and will look forward to whatever she pens next!
And, what a gorgeous cover!
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her review and to see if she offers a different perspective!
Expected publication date: October 15, 2024
Thank You to Dell for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
Lark Nichols and Mikki Jensen are best friends who grew up together and now work together, on the night shift of a Travel Stop along the3.5 rounded up
Lark Nichols and Mikki Jensen are best friends who grew up together and now work together, on the night shift of a Travel Stop along the highway of their small Ohio town.
They once had big dreams of moving away but as they fast approach their 30th birthdays, they are starting to feel “stuck” despite having always lived by their only TWO rules-Say YES, and Keep your eyes open for a ride out!
So when a stranger in a BMW stops in one night for coffee, and after a brief conversation, invites Nikki to tag along with him to a wedding in Florida, she concludes that it may be her first, and last opportunity to ever see the ocean, and with a breezy “Catch You Later” she impulsively removes her apron and hops in-leaving an incredulous, and pregnant Lark behind.
Mikki never returns.
Fast forward eight years and Lark is finally moving forward. She lives with and helps care for, Mikki’s prickly grandmother Nini, while raising her daughter, Dove as a single mom. And, she has recently gotten engaged to wonderful guy, who has embraced his new “ready made” family.
But, then the STRANGER who drove away with Mikki returns to the Travel Stop asking for her.
Nobody knows what to believe as the search is reopened.
The book alternates between Lark-NOW and Mikki-THEN which shows us what happened to Mikki from the time she climbed into the car.
I LOVED this ORIGINAL premise and was RIVETED to the pages-thinking this could be a 5 star read. But, at around the midway point of the story, the pace slowed and I guess I wanted MORE from the ending.
Although it’s not a new favorite book by the author, Jessica Strawser remains a favorite author of SUSPENSE for me, and I look forward to whatever she pens next!
A buddy read with DeAnn. Will it earn all the stars from her?
AVAILABLE October 22, 2024
THANK YOU to Lake Union Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
This isn’t a book that I would have requested, but I was invited by the Publisher to read it, and I did LOVE the INTRIGUING premise so, I gave it a chThis isn’t a book that I would have requested, but I was invited by the Publisher to read it, and I did LOVE the INTRIGUING premise so, I gave it a chance-but it wasn’t for me.
OUTLIER OPINION:
Outside Los Angeles, a Lyft driver named Abbott pulls up to find a young woman sitting on a large black box. It was the type that musicians use to haul their concert gear, and this one was covered in band stickers, including one that said RADIOACTIVE.
Her name is Ether, and she offers him $200,000 cash to transport her and the box across the country, to Washington, DC. They MUST leave immediately, arrive by July 4th and leave ALL trackable devices behind.
THE RULES:
No looking inside the box. No asking what is inside of it No telling anyone where they are going until the road trip is over.
Over the course of FIVE days, MANY will find themselves in pursuit of the pair and the box, including but not limited to, a tattooed guy, a retired FBI agent, Abbott’s father and those on Social Media who get wind of this “road trip” and begin to spread their own conspiracy theories which true to life, become increasingly outrageous.
Will a thread on Reddit solve the mystery?
What IS actually in the “black box of doom”? I had a theory which was not correct, but I preferred what I was thinking to the actual ending, which to me was not only strange but very underwhelming.
The book is MORE “social commentary” than thriller and at 400 pages, it just felt WAY TOO LONG for this reader. I found myself wanting to skim days two through five!
Though not a fit for me, I’m guessing that those who regularly read the author’s work, and have a better idea of what to expect, may find this book more satisfying. Or perhaps it will work for those who enjoy participating in Social Media threads about current events or crime.
A buddy read with MarilynW and DeAnn! Watch for their reviews for additional insight!
AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
The book opens with an epigraph: “I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predestined and that we can do nothing to change it, l3.5 ⭐️
The book opens with an epigraph: “I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predestined and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road” Stephen Hawking
After a short delay, and a quick snack service-a series of call buttons will summon the flight attendants on the short Sydney-Hobart flight.
Apparently, an unremarkable woman who nobody noticed upon boarding, has stood up, and while in an almost trance-like state, has started to make her way through the cabin, predicting the “cause of death” and “age of death” for all of the passengers on board.
“FATE WON’T BE FOUGHT!”
The plane will land safely, but everyone on board will be forever changed-especially the six passengers whose predicted deaths loom in the VERY near future.
A few months later, one passenger dies exactly as the woman had predicted, and when that death is followed by another, the passengers who were on board that flight, begin to worry.-What if she is right?
The book opens with witty musings about human behavior in airports, and on airplanes, (all spot on!) as we get to know our passengers before boarding and on the flight, written in the third person POV, with alternating chapters from the first person POV of our “death lady”, Cherry.
I was initially engaged but by 25%, it started to seem more like rambling as we learned about how each of the passengers felt after the flight.
With 400 pages to go-I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue!
Which passengers would brush off the predictions as nonsense, and which passengers would try to thwart fate??
Finally, at around the 50%, mark-when the first prediction comes true, I became more invested again, as I had now grown fond of a few of the characters: particularly Allegra and her mom, Leo and Neve, and Sue and Max.
I continued reading, worried about their fate.
BUT-I found myself wanting to skim through Cherry’s chapters.
I didn’t feel like we needed to hear from her AS often as we did, nor did we need to hear AS much of her back story. Cutting SOME of these chapters would have trimmed enough of the 512 pages to offer us a quicker pace.
How much reviewers are enjoying this seems to correlate with how much Cherry’s chapters resonate. I preferred the chapters which focused on those who RECEIVED her predictions.
We learned of some surprising connections by the end of the book, and there were some satisfying and heartwarming conclusions for a few of the character ARCs, leaving me conflicted on how to rate this book.
While I LOVED how the story ultimately came together by the denouement, I cannot ignore the fact that at one point I questioned continuing on and that I felt compelled to skim read Cherry’s chapters, so 3.5 ⭐️ feels about right.
A buddy read! Was it a 5 star read for DeAnn? Be sure to watch for her review!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Crown for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. These are my candid thoughts!...more
Amy and Greg have just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary and they are expecting their first baby.
LIFE is GOOD
So when Greg fails to come home Amy and Greg have just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary and they are expecting their first baby.
LIFE is GOOD
So when Greg fails to come home from walking their dog Rusty, Amy knows he didn’t leave of his own accord, despite what the POLICE think- forcing Amy to do some sleuthing of her own.
Kirsten and Nick are “the other couple”.
They have just enjoyed a romantic weekend away but on their rainy drive home, they swerve to avoid hitting a dog-and instead accidentally kill his owner.
They SHOULD call for help – but they DON’T
Instead they decide to conceal the accident-after all nothing will bring the dead man back-but THEY have MUCH to hide and even MORE to lose.
But they underestimated the man’s widow- If Amy can’t get justice – she will settle for revenge.
But, WHO ends up on trial?
Letters from an unidentified person, in the courtroom, will keep you guessing.
This was a fun buddy read with my friend Susan, and this CLEVER book had us both revisiting earlier chapters when we realized what we had missed.
We kept swapping theories and we couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, to find out how it would all play out. (Be sure to watch for her insightful review)
It’s only my second book by the talented Diane Jeffrey-the first being “The Guilty Mother” (or The Appeal” if you are in the UK) and both have been addictive, satisfying reads!
I can’t wait to catch up on some other earlier titles!
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