Never Turn Back by Christopher Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Never Turn Back is about a family tragedy that forever changes Ethan’s life, but just when he thinks he’s put the past behind him, a hot new love interest turns his world upside down. Favorite moments of mine include the shady Irish uncle with possible mafia ties and the fun and heartfelt relationship Ethan has with his sister, Susannah. There are many instances when I laughed out loud when reading the clever dialogue between this colorful cast of characters. Animal lovers will also be relieved to learn that, no, the dog doesn’t die. With plenty of action and suspense, this book is a quick read that packs a punch. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy of this book. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews
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What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars An incredible debut, this book is a superb piece of nostalgia that transported me to my own childhood summer. Unfortunately, that was where most of the similarities ended because I would love to have my own family mystery to unravel. The back and forth between the two sisters’ point-of-view, in addition to the paranormal aspect, gave this book a fun twist that I hadn’t expected nor seen since reading The Lovely Bones. With innumerable moments of nail-biting suspense, it was difficult to put this book down. Character’s and their dialogue are so expertly crafted, you come to love or hate them with an abrupt intensity. The best part of this book was that you never knew what was going to happen, despite your best theories, and it was refreshingly unconventional in its conclusion. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced copy. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews
At the Edge of the Haight by Katherine Seligman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars The summer of love is long gone but some people hope to prolong the “glory days”, some are searching for something, some are hiding, and some are just hoping to make it another day. This honest look at life on the streets details the daily routines of seeking shelter, food, money, and purpose. Follow Maddy while she navigates Golden Gate Park, investigating a crime that just won’t let her alone, and battles a past that simultaneously haunts her and keeps her going when times are tough. Reading this elicited feelings of frustration regarding the state of things; the lack of help and the unwillingness to receive help when offered. The general attitudes of law enforcement and people towards homeless, and the attitudes of the homeless towards law enforcement and other people. Spotlighting the many issues that those who do not have permanent housing face while not glossing over the many reasons why. I am thankful for the honest perspective I received by reading this book. Thanks to @algonquinbooks and @kr.seligman for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. View all my reviews
Gabby Oaks: The Sheriff of Sierra West by Joe Field
My rating: 3 of 5 stars A fun, futuristic western with a six-shooter totin’ heroine who jumps ravines in her ATV and busts drug rings. Gabby is a likable sheriff with a heart of gold and an incredible shot who is thrown into a tricky situation trying to save her beloved Sierra West from black tar being slung by her wicked cousin. While the story is entertaining and the characters well fleshed-out, it reads like a made-for-TV movie with B-list actors and a cheesy script. The dialogue is rarely natural and can sound very Hallmark, and the situations are very unbelievable. Even though it is clearly set in the future, or an alternate world, many concepts were hard to swallow. A cannon that shoots snakes screams Sharknado. Regardless, if you’re looking for a good, light read that will give you an occasional chuckle and a lot of smiles, you will find it with this book. View all my reviews
The Dar Lumbre Chronicles by Don Johnston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars A curious interpretation of the future where Starbucks is an essential business, “meat” is grown, Amazon delivers pizza via drone, and vegetables grown in soil are a sought-out commodity. This Crichton-esque, sci-fi novel is an interesting mix of current events and politics that would suggest not much will have changed 100 years in the future. While it can get a bit technical at times, the story and the humorous look into the future of businesses is enough to carry you through the end. The characters make this an enjoyable and relatable experience, and the cliffhanger leaves you wanting more. View all my reviews 9/23/2020 0 Comments Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book was a much needed respite after having to read multiple boring nonfiction texts. I haven’t read a page-turner like this in awhile and it was completely different than anything I’ve ever read. The pace was absolutely perfect, each chapter ending with the push to read more. The honest feelings felt by each character were a refreshing change of pace, having dealt with my fair share of grief, the guilt and coping mechanisms described were very relatable. Surprising twists and turns kept me theorizing about the outcome until the very end, and amidst a trend of unresolved finales, I was pleasantly surprised. As a relatively new reader to Wendy Walker, I have been more than pleased with what I’ve read and she has found a fan in me. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for allowing me to read an advanced copy. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews
Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars More of these stories are needed and Weiden has a new fan for life. Already written in my go-to genre, I was intrigued early on with his in-depth, no holds barred, inside look at life on a reservation. Having grown up around and frequently visiting a reservation of one of the tribes mentioned in this book, I have seen firsthand a lot of what he is writing about, but I’m still shocked from descriptions regarding laws, justice, and politics. Thankfully, he includes more reading at the end of the book, and upon finishing, I was looking up those titles at the library. Stories revolving around drugs and alcohol always hit in a personal way, resonating with my own personal experiences with friends and family. This is a story I have lived and watched play out multiple times, and Virgil’s vigilantism is the kind of action I could only fantasize about playing out. Despite the murky legalities of a man for hire, the scenes play out with a clear moral code, but with enough brutality that leaves you feeling uncomfortable, thus humanizing the experience. It is fun reading the spot-on descriptions of Denver, the only other state I’ve lived aside from my home in Washington State. I have traveled the same streets mentioned in the book, the infamous Colfax, I worked at a Starbucks on Federal, I lived so close to the dog food factory that I could smell it in my living room depending which way the wind blew, and of course, Casa Bonita and their memorable sopapillas. Further enriching this novel are the everyday Lakota words and phrases peppered throughout the entire story. Many are explained, but some I still googled to get a better understanding and context. Ceremonies and customs still performed to this day are described with a reverence lending to the sacredness of these practices. The commitment and loyalty to the tribe is stirring and beautiful. Everything about this novel is exquisite and well executed and I’m anxious to see more from Mr. Weiden. Thank you to Harper Collins for an advanced copy. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews 8/11/2020 0 Comments The Last to Know by Jo Furniss
The Last to Know by Jo Furniss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars The best kind of mysteries are ones that are centered around a large, spooky house, possibly haunted by ghosts, but definitely haunted by the past. Enter the newest thriller, The Last to Know by Jo Furniss. Not only is there a house set on medieval property, there are local legends and lore, family secrets, old-fashioned detective work, investigative journalism, and so much more. Jo weaves a marvelous drama, from the histories of an infamous family in a small town to the perilous beginnings of a romantic relationship set in a war-torn country, you’ll travel the world within these 318 pages. Throughout all of this, you’re witness to the formidable and intricate bond between mother and son, father and daughter, parent and child. Numerous surprises and revelations at every turn make this novel a page-turner that you will not want to put down. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for my copy. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews
Near-Life Experience by Emma G. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars Fans of Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens and the Percy Jackson series will enjoy this creative tale recounting the daily life of Death and a human that throws a wrench in his routine. Many familiar characters pop up in this story, such as Roman and Greek gods, and more lesser known deities from around the world, but all of them bring something interesting to the table. The human characters are relatable and real, artfully created and equally important to the storyline. I enjoyed the banter between characters, human or otherwise, the different situations they fall into, and the subsequent pragmatic resolutions. You will not regret diving into the crazy world constructed by Emma G. Rose. This book was a real treat and I’m thankful to the author for the gifted copy. The opinions are my own. View all my reviews
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
A truly scary story is one that doesn’t leave you, even after you’ve put down the book. You dwell on it, mull it over, everyday objects remind you of it, you find yourself losing track of your thoughts, only to find them thinking about the story and its haunting imagery. On multiple occasions, when I was reading, I was brutally startled to the present, screaming out loud as someone walked into my bedroom or said my name. Spooky storyline aside, this book is rich with Native heritage, where past and present collide. Sweats with traditional drumming over a loudspeaker. Hunting and gathering in trucks with the spirits of the elders whispering the legends of the elk. Woven throughout the plot are traditions and storytelling, tales and rituals passed down for generations, explanations and ideas with cultural and paranormal origins. For the best reading experience, I recommend inhaling parts two and three in one (or two consecutive) sittings, in the middle of the forest, next to a roaring bonfire. Don’t forget your cooler of ice cold beer. I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. View all my reviews |
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