BOOK REVIEW: Tell Nobody

Release Date: 10/03/2018
(Out Now!)

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.

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
Release Date:
10/29/2018

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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BOOK REVIEW: Meet Me in San Francisco

Meet Me in San Francisco
Releasing 9/25/18

Meet Me in San Francisco by Shana Gray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The second in the “Girls Weekend Away” series, this book is as breezy as the first one. Half girlfriend road-trip, half wonderful guy sweeps woman off of her feet, there is plenty for everyone to like. Celia is the focus of this one, and moms of all types will definitely be able to relate to her desire to re-discover herself after a divorce. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit about this book is that there was too much focus on Landon impressing Celia. These scenes came at the expense of detailing other events. I understand the author’s focus for Celia, but I would have liked to have had a little more of the girl-talk between the four friends (because the author does it well), and a little less of the inner monologues of Celia and Landon. As in the first book, the conflict is fleeting, although I do hope the author follows Celia’s story through the next two books because the storyline with the ex is interesting. The ending was also a little abrupt; it almost seemed like an afterthought. I will give the author credit for doing her research on San Francisco and the California Coast. I’m a born and raised California girl (SF Bay Area), and reading the descriptions of Northern California brought me to the beautiful parts of the state that I miss the most. Looking forward to seeing what happens with Fredi and Ava! 3.5 stars, but bumped to 4 for the nostalgia that the scenes in Monterey and Napa Valley invoked. Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing LLC, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.



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