Book Reviews Archives

January 21, 2019January 21, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Blue Ink (Blue Mountain Series #3)

I have shared Tess Thompson’s books several times on my personal FB page and I am a huge fan of her work. I first found her through her Cliffside Bay series (which I absolutely love and highly recommend). But she has outdone herself this time. Blue Ink, the third in the author’s “Blue Mountain” series, breaks the mold of small-town romance novels.

Set in the small town of Peregrine, Idaho, this book focuses on the third Lanigan brother, Ardan, and his romance with Charlotte, the former assistant of Bliss Heywood (heroine of the 2^nd book in the series). Ardan hires Charlotte to look after his mom, Riona, as she deals with failing eyesight. That’s the set-up, and (you know me) I don’t do plot recaps.

Most of the characters we have gotten to know from the past two books, Moonstone, Sam, and of course the Heywood sisters and their husbands, make appearances. This is something Ms. Thompson does incredibly well; she keeps characters from former books around, but lets the main characters take center stage for their own stories. There is something very organic and natural about the way she works secondary characters into her plots.

The relationship that grows between Charlotte and Riona is heartwarming and produces more than a few chuckles; they are both feisty and their sparring is fun to read. But this story belongs to Charlotte and Ardan, and this is where it really shines.

The concept of soulmates is one that is often used as a throwaway, sometimes in a line or two, in romance novels. But Ms. Thompson explores the idea of people being meant for each other to a new level, as Charlotte and Ardan give in to the inevitable early on and ride the current, which is different from the usual “should we or shouldn’t we/we can’t, it’s too soon” back and forth. Their story touched me personally. Simply put, when you know…you know. Not everyone understands that.

The author adds a layer to the concept of soulmates through letters written between Riona’s mother and father. Suffice to say that said exploration is deep and meaningful, and cleverly wrapped within a mystery. Pay close attention to Charlotte and Ardan’s reactions to the letters for even more levels to the concept. Again, not going to tell you any more than that 😉

This is my favorite of the Blue Mountain series, five stars, without a doubt. But I will be honest and say you should read the first two books in the series before reading this one. It will be the best way to get the full “Blue Mountain” atmosphere, and you will appreciate the journey so much more.

(As I am still catching up on reviews, I will be posting reviews of the first two books later. It’s backwards, but hey, would you expect anything less from me?)

January 20, 2019January 20, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: 1997 (90s Flashback Series Part 2)

This was a nice sequel to 1996. It wrapped up loose ends and had a few surprises along the way. There is a very funny speed dating incident in the present (I figured that one out) and Anna returns to the 90s a few times. I didn’t much care for how the author used Ed; it seemed to be only an opportunity to get back to the 90s as his experience didn’t really seem to factor in the big picture. I also felt that the explanation of the serum was a throwaway, like it wasn’t that big of a deal (which it obviously was). All in all, the whole end seemed a little disjointed compared to the rest of this book (and the first one). That being said, it was still fun to follow Anna and Kurt to see how things ended, and I was satisfied with the ending itself. Thank you to the author and Hidden Gems for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

January 20, 2019January 20, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: 1996 (90s Flashback Series Book 1)

I really, really liked this book! In fact, the only way it could have been better is if it had been 1986 (because that is more my era). I thought the whole premise was interesting. I really liked that Anna was very self-aware and recognized how events shaped her life. I also like that she was strong and confronted her issue with Ed instead of being wishy washy and letting life just go on. If I had to nitpick anything, I would have liked to have had more vivid descriptions of 1996 when Anna was in that time – just a few more details to take that walk down memory lane. But I loved her assessment of social media and her realization that a simpler time is something to cherish. Anna has some unfinished business, so I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. Thank you to the author and Hidden Gems for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

January 20, 2019January 20, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: The Painter of Time

I really loved this book! The author was extremely knowledgeable about art and the many facets discussed throughout the novel, to the practices of the Old Masters, to the processes of restoration used at the Cloisters. It was educational, but in a very “novel” way, a fascinating way to learn art history, actually. I would have liked a little more exploration of the ties between Mackenzie and Anthony, because that was an interesting twist that could have impacted her life more. And I thought that the case her dad was working on was a throwaway that was referenced in passing but didn’t contribute to the story overall. It was interesting, however, to try to piece together Anthony’s motivations before everything was revealed. If you have even a passing interest in art, or the Medici family for that matter, I would highly recommend this book. Intriguing, informative, and very entertaining. Thank you to the author and Hidden Gems for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

January 20, 2019January 20, 2019

About Book Reviews

I made the announcement last year, but I want to remind everyone that I have joined the Amazon Associates Program. When I post a book review, I will also post the cover. The cover will be a link to Amazon. In addition, there will be a link at the bottom that will have Amazon’s current price for the book listed. Unless otherwise noted, the link will be for the Kindle version.

If you are considering purchasing the book (especially when they are 99 cents!), please consider using my link to get to Amazon to complete the purchase. You would be helping me out a whole heck of a lot, and it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

October 12, 2018October 12, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: The Wife’s Secret

If you read any psychological thriller, make sure it is this one. I know I’ve said this, or something close to it, a few times, but I guess I have just been lucky when it comes to psych thrillers lately. I had never read anything by Kerry Wilkinson, but the description of this one grabbed me, and I am so glad that I chose it. While there were parts that I almost guessed what was going on (a bad habit due to too many psych thrillers, I think), there was enough to keep me guessing. I was really impressed with the way the story was laid out: from the groom’s point of view in the present, then from differing points of view in the past. It was all layered very nicely to build the story towards the climax. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many books these days have a tagline similar to this one: “A gripping psychological thriller with a heart-stopping twist.” Some don’t live up to the hype, while others rise to the occasion and earn the tag. This book is solidly in the latter category. At first glance, it seems as if the alternating chapters of present and past, with the past coming from multiple viewpoints and at varying times, would be confusing. But the author keeps juggling everything, and does so with finesse. The method highlights the dread of knowing that everything is not as it seems, while building layers of plot that make the twists true “OMG” moments. I loved every page of this book, and upon finishing immediately downloaded other books by Kerry Wilkinson. An excellent psych thriller in a crowded market. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Tell Nobody

I usually hate coming into the series in the middle, especially if it’s a serial story where continuity is important. It’s hit or miss; sometimes an author makes a passing reference that is intriguing and makes me want to read the previous books, and sometimes an author refers to previous events so much that I don’t feel a need to read any of the others. This book, the 5th in the Lottie Parker series, fits in the former category. A really cracking crime story, set in Ireland, it weaves several perspectives into one narrative. A perfect break from rom-coms and psych thrillers. If you like crime novels, I’d start with the first one of the series, only because you’ll get better continuity of characters. Below is my Goodreads review:

Tell Nobody by Patricia Gibney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even though this was the 5th in the Detective Lottie Parker series, it was the first one I have read. Aside from a few references to previous events, it did not matter much that I was new to the series. This was a well-crafted crime thriller, with many threads weaving into one narrative. I loved the setting, and thought the author did a great job with detail. Told from different perspectives depending on the action, the narrative never got lost or jumbled. In fact, the differing voices gave credibility to the story, making it well-rounded. I found the law enforcement perspective especially interesting, because it was so similar to an American point of view; LE is universal! The author did a great job of dropping hints and revealing clues in a timely manner, so that there was always something driving the plot forward. I did feel like the first half was a little slower, as everything was being set up; but once I got halfway through, the pace really took off as more pieces started falling into place. I will definitely be going back for the first four books in the series, and will be looking for the next one! A solid 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 4, 2018October 4, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Under My Skin

I’ve been reading so many books lately, that there are times where I can’t keep them straight (sad, but true); this is especially the case when it comes to psychological thrillers. This is a genre that has exploded recently, and it sometimes seems that everyone who can type has written one. Now, I’ve read quite a few good ones, but it takes a lot to really make one stand out in a crowded field. This is that book!

The atmosphere is set when we learn that Poppy’s husband was killed just about a year prior to the action, and she hasn’t dealt with the grief very well. That’s actually quite an understatement. Poppy’s uncertainty about what her own life has become is made even more confusing by mysterious events that occur. Ultimately, the line between dreams and reality are irrevocably blurred, and Poppy needs to make some difficult decisions as to whether she is strong enough to move forward.

This book had twists and turns galore, and had high tension all throughout. A real page turner, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Below is my Goodreads review:

Under My Skin by Lisa Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good. God. This book was amazing! I could not turn the pages fast enough to get through the twists and turns of this psychological thriller. The characters are very real, even as they may not actually exist, and the plot is very well-crafted. The reader is essentially in Poppy’s shoes as she navigates her increasingly mysterious life. The author did an incredible job with tone and atmosphere, as there were times where I could literally feel Poppy’s panic as my own. The revelations that begin to clear up the mystery are well-done, and timely within the plot. I especially liked how the author kept me off balance; just when I thought I had something or someone figured out, something else would occur to make me doubt what I knew. This was extremely effective, because it mirrored Poppy’s experiences. And the “what the heck” moment that comes in every psych thriller? Yeah…didn’t see it coming at all. Incredible story, with excellent resolution. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin-Hanover Square Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Louisiana’s Way Home

I’m sorry to say that this is one case where I had seen movies based on the author’s books, but hadn’t read the books themselves. Never having read them, I wasn’t sure what to expect style-wise from this middle school-appropriate story. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were vividly described and the situations Louisiana found herself in were sometimes laugh out loud funny. I really loved Louisiana’s voice, and was glad the author wrote the story in the first person; her commentary on the events gave additional perspective that fit the story perfectly. Fans of “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “The Tale of Despereaux” will definitely like this book!

My Goodreads review follows:

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a short, easy read with a well-loved character at the center. Fans of the author’s “Raymie Nightingale” will be thrilled to see the return of Louisiana Elefante. Written in the first person, Louisiana’s voice really comes through. I can’t imagine this story being told any other way, because her voice is truly unique. Headstrong Louisiana deals with major life changes with tenacity, humor, and heart. Although not entirely easy to see on the surface, young readers will learn the message that good things come to those who wait, and that it sometimes just takes a little bit of faith in others to be able to find one’s own strengths. I would recommend reading “Raymie Nightingale” first, to get a better depth of understanding of the characters, but it isn’t necessary for understanding this book. Best for middle grades, although advanced elementary readers may enjoy it as well. Thank you to NetGalley, Candlewick Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 27, 2018September 27, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Stuck in Manistique

I was fortunate enough to be pre-approved for this book. Even though it didn’t look like something I would normally read, I’m very grateful for the “read everything you can” perspective I got from my mom. I would really have hated to miss out on this lovely book by Dennis Cuesta. It was like taking a quick vacation to a more serene place. Even though it was set in the UP of Lake Michigan, it reminded me a lot of the small towns in the Sierra Nevada where we used to spend our summers (right down to the interactions with residents that make you realize that everyone knows everyone’s business…and is okay with it). Really, a simple time in a simple place. I sincerely hope they still exist, not just in fiction.

Please note that Amazon does not have a listing for this title yet. When they do, I will post an updated link to the book. My review follows:

Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely charming book. The author’s love for the setting, the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Lake Michigan, comes through in his descriptions of the sights, the people, and even the lexicon of the area. The characters are memorable, and the plot lines are believable. Even though I guessed at a couple of the resolutions, it was still a nice ride with the characters as they reached their destinations. There were some very funny moments (nice odes to Fawlty Towers), as well as some heart-wrenching ones. All of it was written with care and attention to detail. In all of the noise of everyday life, it was very relaxing to spend some time in Manistique. I sincerely hope the author writes more stories with these characters. Thank you to NetGalley, Celestial Eyes Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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