Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney - 5 Stars

 Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts--paper, cotton, pottery, tin--and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.

************

I devoured this book! It was so good! It was a fast read and really kept me wanting more. Stayed up too late 2 nights in a row to get it finished. I love the idea that the author gave the characters the last name of Wright, when everything was "wrong". It's the 2nd book by Feeney that I've read and I've loved both of them.

Kittenfish by Brenda Lowder - 3.75 Stars

  Catfish - [cat·fish;ˈkatˌfiSH] noun – a person using social media to create a false identity, especially to engage in deceptive online romances

- Kittenfish - [ˈkit-nˌfiSH] noun – a person using social media to create a false identity, especially to engage in deceptive online romances, but since she’s not a bad person and is only doing it because someone did something really bad to her and he deserves all this and more, then it’s kittenfishing. Barely fishing at all. Not reprehensible like catfishing but fully, defensibly, a court of law would uphold it, deserved by the guy getting kittenfished

When Marissa Ryan’s fiancé dumps her the night before her wedding, Marissa decides to get even. Not with her ex-fiancé—who’s obviously a hapless pawn—but with her greatest nemesis, Tarek Oliver. He’s the bane of her existence, the scourge of her city, the pee in the dating pool—and the very man who used both hands to shove her fiancé out of her life.

Marissa is determined that Tarek—the slick player who claims to have no feelings—will discover what it is to truly love and then suffer the blistering pain of loss. She’ll tear the love of Tarek’s life away from him just like he did to her. She just needs to create his true love first.

~~~~~~~~~

This was a quick, fun read. It's an enemies to lovers story and for the most part, the characters are enjoyable. I did find that there were several things that were repeated in the book (worded differently, though). Sometimes it was feeling a bit redundant. 

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda - 3 1/2 Stars

 "Kate Nelson had it all. A flourishing company founded with her husband, John; a happy marriage; and a daughter, Ashlyn. The picture-perfect family. Until John left for another woman. Tish is half his age. Ambitious. She’s cultivated a friendship with Ashlyn. Tish believes she’s won.

She’s wrong.

Tish Nelson has it all. Youth, influence, a life of luxury, and a new husband. But the truth is, there’s a lot of baggage. Namely, his first wife—and suspicions of his infidelity. After all, that’s how she got John. Maybe it’s time for a romantic getaway, far from his vindictive ex. If Kate plans on getting John back, Tish is one step ahead of her.

She thinks.

But what happens next is something neither Kate nor Tish saw coming. As best-laid plans come undone, there’s no telling what a woman will do in the name of love—and revenge."

~~~~~~~~~

Overall, this was a pretty good read. I figured out the twist about 3/4 of the way through the book, though. I was honestly expecting the ending to be a bit more shocking, but it wasn't. That part let me down. But it was a fast read. 

Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey - 3 Stars

 Inspired by a terrifying true story from the author’s hometown, a heart-pounding novel of suspense about a small Minnesota community where nothing is as quiet—or as safe—as it seems.

Cassie McDowell’s life in 1980s Minnesota seems perfectly wholesome. She lives on a farm, loves school, and has a crush on the nicest boy in class. Yes, there are her parents’ strange parties and their parade of deviant guests, but she’s grown accustomed to them.

All that changes when someone comes hunting in Lilydale.

One by one, local boys go missing. One by one, they return changed—violent, moody, and withdrawn. What happened to them becomes the stuff of shocking rumors. The accusations of who’s responsible grow just as wild, and dangerous town secrets start to surface. Then Cassie’s own sister undergoes the dark change. If she is to survive, Cassie must find her way in an adult world where every sin is justified, and only the truth is unforgivable.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I ended up being really disappointed in this book. It was interesting enough that I was able to push through and finish it, but the ending was such a disappointment. I kept reading because I was expecting something shocking, but never got that. And to top it off, the epilogue wasn't even in the book. You have to go to the author's website to read it. And guess what? It's just as disappointing as the ending of the actual book. 

Mystery Maid by Hazel Smith - 4 Stars

 "A posh hotel, guests with secrets to hide and a mysterious dead body.

Ivy Stone is excited to begin her first day as a maid at London’s Hotel LaFontaine, but from the moment she arrives, nothing goes as planned. She insults a guest, is snubbed by the other maids, and finds a dead body, all before lunch.

With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.

While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.

In a race against time, Ivy must unmask the true culprit and save her friends before it’s too late."

~~~~~~~~

This was a quick, fun read. I like that the characters were diverse and entertaining. 

Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent - 4 Stars

"Jessilyn Lassiter no longer has to convince people she’s not a child. Having just turned 19 in the summer of 1938, her love for Luke Talley has never been more real. And Luke is finally beginning to care for her in the way she’s always dreamed of. But their budding romance is interrupted when Tal Pritchett—a young, black doctor—comes to Calloway, stealing the heart of Jessilyn’s best friend, Gemma, and stirring up the racial prejudice that has been simmering just beneath the town’s surface. The tension starts to bubble over when Jessie’s elderly neighbor Miss Cleta becomes the first white townsperson to accept Tal’s treatment. And when a young black man is lynched, Calloway is brought to its knees once again as Jessilyn realizes that her anger can make her heart as full of hate as the klan members who have terrorized her town and her family."

~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoyed the (mostly) last book in this series. It was a bit more religious than what I normally read, which was a bit off putting, but I still enjoyed it. It's been a while since I read the others, but this one also seemed a bit dramatic. 

Behind Closed Door by B.A. Paris - 4 Stars

 "Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He’s a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You’re hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers the phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what’s really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed."

~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoyed this one, but was so disappointed in the ending. It literally felt like the author went off to cook dinner and forgot to finish the book! It had been a solid 5 star rating until the ending. 

Don't Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino - 5 Stars

 "When Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi’s son in front of the whole congregation, her parents ship her off to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. If anyone can save their daughter’s reputation, it’s Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker. Either that or Marilyn can kiss college goodbye.

To Marilyn’s surprise, Ada’s not the humorless septuagenarian her mother described. Not with that platinum-blonde hair, Hermès scarf, and Cadillac convertible. She’s sharp, straight-talking, takes her job very seriously, and abides by her own rules…mostly. As the summer unfolds, Ada and Marilyn head for the Jersey shore, where Marilyn helps Ada scope out eligible matches—for anyone but Marilyn, that is.

Because if there’s one thing Marilyn’s learned from Ada, it’s that she doesn’t have to settle. With the school year quickly approaching and her father threatening to disinherit her, Marilyn must make her choice for her future: return to the comfortable life she knows or embrace a risky, unknown path on her own."

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I enjoyed the storyline throughout this book. When I could manage to not get distracted and actually sit down and read, it was a fast read. The chapters weren't too long, which was a bonus since the last one I read had super long chapters, which I hate.

I was a good 95% done with the book and had given it a solid 4 stars. Then I got to the last chapter and OH MY GOODNESS! So, the one twist I sort of felt throughout the book, but the bomb that was dropped at the very end was TOTALLY unexpected. The end was so emotional compared to the rest of the book. The author really left the outcome of the major twist up to your imagination, though. I was a little distraught at not knowing 100% of the truth about the ending, but that last twist is what bumped it up to a 5 star rating for me. 

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook by Ellen Marie Wiseman - 4 Stars

 "Sage Winters always knew her sister was a little different even though they were identical twins. They loved the same things and shared a deep understanding, but Rosemary—awake to every emotion, easily moved to joy or tears—seemed to need more protection from the world.

Six years after Rosemary's death from pneumonia, Sage, now sixteen, still misses her deeply. Their mother perished in a car crash, and Sage's stepfather, Alan, resents being burdened by a responsibility he never wanted. Yet despite living as near strangers in their Staten Island apartment, Sage is stunned to discover that Alan has kept a shocking secret: Rosemary didn't die. She was committed to Willowbrook State School and has lingered there until just a few days ago, when she went missing.

Sage knows little about Willowbrook. It's always been a place shrouded by rumor and mystery. A place local parents threaten to send misbehaving kids. With no idea what to expect, Sage secretly sets out for Willowbrook, determined to find Rosemary. What she learns, once she steps through its doors and is mistakenly believed to be her sister, will change her life in ways she never could imagined..."

**********

I really enjoyed reading about Willowbrook. Being a psych major, things/places like this fascinate me. I'm not sure what I was expecting for the duration of the book, but it went from a historical fiction to more of a suspense story. I was expecting a twist at the end, but there wasn't one. This is what deducted a star for me.

The Asylum Confessions by Jack Steen - 3 Stars

 "They arrive alive. They always leave dead.

But first, they give me their confessions.

My name is Jack Steen, and for those who arrive on my 'death' ward at the Asylum, I'm the last face many will see before they die. I am the night nurse at an Asylum for the Criminally Insane, and most of my patients know me as their Angel of Death. I know them as mass murderers, rapists, and serial killers - among other things.

Here's what happens: they come on my floor, they give me their deathbed confession, and I help to make their death less painful. There's a catch, though: I want the real story, the one they haven't told anyone else.

The majority of these killers are expert manipulators. They could be playing their final game with me by messing with my head.

Now, maybe they're messing with yours too.

Inside this book are 4 DeathBed Confessions:

Patient 1024 has an interesting 'appetite'.

Patient 974 is the Ken to his Barbie, and he would do anything to keep her happy.

Patient 871 is a Nanny, but not one you want watching your kids.

Patient 1203 is the sweetest, broken soul you'll ever meet but her confession is a hard read."

~~~~~~~~~~

So, this book really intrigued me, especially being so close to Halloween. I love horror movies and thought this would be a good read. Also, having a psych degree, things like asylums interest me. 

Turned out it was just 'ok'. It wasn't nearly as gruesome as the synopsis made it sound. It was horribly written, too. The editor did a really bad job, as well. Grammar mistakes, punctuation mistakes....

I knew about half way through the 2nd story that I wouldn't be continuing the series. 

The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman - 4 Stars

 "When Anna Bradshaw wakes up in a hospital bed in London, she remembers nothing, not even her loving husband, Stephen. The doctors say her amnesia is to be expected, but Anna feels cut adrift from her entire life.

In Bristol, Livvy Nicholson is newly married to Dominic and eager to get back to work after six months’ maternity leave. But when Dominic’s estranged mother appears, making a series of unnerving claims, Livvy is sucked into a version of herself she doesn’t recognise.

A hundred miles apart, both women feel trapped and disorientated, and their stories are about to collide. Can they uncover the secret that connects them and reconstruct their fractured lives?"

So I FINALLY finished this one late last night. I will say that I really enjoyed the twist and actually didn't figure it out. The last 20% of the book had me pushing through and I didn't care that it was after midnight. LOL! But with that said, it was SUCH a slow burn for me. It took me 30% to get into it and I almost gave up a couple of times. This is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.

Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich - 5 Stars

 "New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum knows better than to mess with family. But when powerful mobster Salvatore “Uncle Sunny” Sunucchi goes on the lam in Trenton, it’s up to Stephanie to find him. Uncle Sunny is charged with murder for running over a guy (twice), and nobody wants to turn him in—not his poker buddies, not his bimbo girlfriend, not his two right-hand men, Shorty and Moe. Even Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, has skin in the game, because—just Stephanie’s luck—the godfather is his actual godfather. And while Morelli understands that the law is the law, his old-world grandmother, Bella, is doing everything she can to throw Stephanie off the trail.

It’s not just Uncle Sunny giving Stephanie the run-around. Security specialist Ranger needs her help to solve the bizarre death of a top client’s mother, a woman who happened to play bingo with Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur. Before Stephanie knows it, she’s working side by side with Ranger and Grandma at the senior center, trying to catch a killer on the loose—and the bingo balls are not rolling in their favor.

With bullet holes in her car, henchmen on her tail, and a giraffe named Kevin running wild in the streets of Trenton, Stephanie will have to up her game for the ultimate takedown."

I thought this was one of the better Stephanie Plum books. You know it's going to be funny when it starts off with a giraffe running down the middle of the street while Lula is trying to buy a knockoff of an expensive handbag. 

The Inmate by Freida McFadden - 4 Stars

 "There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men’s maximum-security prison:

1) Treat all prisoners with respect.

2) Never reveal any personal information.

3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates.

But none of the staff at the prison knows Brooke has already broken the rules. Nobody knows about her intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the penitentiary’s most notorious and dangerous inmates.

And they certainly don’t know that Shane was Brooke’s high school sweetheart—the star quarterback who is now spending the rest of his life in prison for a series of grisly murders. Or that Brooke's testimony was what put him there.

But Shane knows. And he will never forget."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I've seen a lot of people reading this author's books, so I thought I'd give one a try. 

The book pulled me in from the beginning and was a really quick read. Not too far in I started trying to guess the outcome. My mind was all over the place. For a bit I was like, maybe it's this, then for a bit, maybe it's that. I actually did not guess the plot twist, which was good. With this type of book, you can pretty much expect a plot twist at the end. What really got me was the really unexpected twist in the epilogue. Sometimes I don't read these because they really don't add a lot to the story, but something told me to read this one and I'm glad I did. It was a short epilogue, but added a bit more whoa to the story. I'll probably give another one of hers a try. 

The Life She Wanted by Anita Abriel - 3 Stars

 "New York in the 1920s—a time when fortunes are made and a woman’s dreams are challenged against all odds in a sweeping historical novel by the international bestselling author of The Light After the War.

1926, Hyde Park, New York. Born to modest means but befriended by the wealthy, aspiring dress designer Pandora Carmichael has been surrounded by privilege yet never at home in it. That hasn’t stopped her from dreaming—of a romance in a rarified world that could also give her the status and resources to start a business of her own. When she’s introduced to a charismatic Princeton student, Pandora’s future begins to fall into place.

Marriage provides Pandora with a devoted husband, comfortable love, and the prominence and affluence to open a boutique. It’s a fantasy realized, until scandal and tragedy upend Pandora’s life and she flees Hyde Park with a heart-wrenching secret. As the Depression looms, Pandora must rethink everything she’s ever wanted.

From sprawling Gilded Age mansions in New York to the seedy underbelly of Greenwich Village and the stunning ocean vistas of the French Riviera, Pandora’s escape is a journey of self-discovery, adventure, true love, and ambition. There are new dreams to be had, and Pandora is betting on herself to make them come true."

This one started out pretty good. I was curious to see how it was going to play out. There was one minor twist in the middle of the book, but I figured that out before it happened. The rest of the book just flopped for me. I was hoping for some big shocker, but it never happened. 

Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem by Laurie Notaro - 5 Stars

 In the latest book from Laurie Notaro, she gives a hilarious insight to being a middle aged woman. Each chapter is a different topic and I swear I could relate to almost all of them. This book had me laughing so much! I've loved most of her other books as well, but this one was just so relatable since I'm almost 48. If you love to laugh, I highly recommend this one. 

Sweet Water by Cara Reinard - 4 Stars

"What did her son do in the woods last night? Does a mother really want to know? It’s what Sarah Ellsworth dreamed of. Marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Martin. Living in a historic mansion in Pennsylvania’s most exclusive borough. And Finn, a teenage son with so much promise. Until…A call for help in the middle of the night leads Sarah and Martin to the woods, where they find Finn, injured, dazed, and weeping near his girlfriend’s dead body. Convinced he’s innocent, Sarah and Martin agree to protect their son at any cost and not report the crime. But there are things Sarah finds hard to a cover-up by Martin’s family that’s so unnervingly cold-blooded. Finn’s lies to the authorities are too comfortable, too proficient, not to arouse her suspicions. Even the secrets of the old house she lives in seem to be connected to the incident. As each troubling event unfolds, Sarah must decide how far she’ll go to save her perfect life."

I enjoyed the storyline of this book and most of it kept me guessing. It did take a bit to pick up, but at least it wasn't so slow in the beginning to where I didn't want to finish it. The last half was pretty intense, though. I was slightly disappointed in the ending, though. But overall it was a good read. The author really doesn't seem to have anything else that interests me, though. 

One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose - 4 Stars

 "Meet the women of Buckhead—a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships.

Shannon was once the queen bee of Buckhead. But she’s been unceremoniously dumped by Bryce, her politician husband. When Bryce replaces her with a much younger woman, Shannon sets out to take revenge …

Crystal has stepped into Shannon’s old shoes. A young, innocent Texan girl, she simply has no idea what she’s up against …

Olivia has waited years to take Shannon’s crown as the unofficial queen of Buckhead. Finally, her moment has come. But to take her rightful place, she will need to use every backstabbing, manipulative, underhand trick in the book …

Jenny owns Glow, the most exclusive salon in town. Jenny knows all her clients’ secrets and darkest desires. But will she ever tell?

Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead—and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly."

~~~~~~~~~~

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. The story is told from the different view points of the female characters and were actually easy to keep straight as to who was who. I had fun reading the cattiness of the women and laughing at some of their ridiculous behavior. The ending felt really rushed, though. But over all it was a good book.

The Reunion by Kiersten Modglin - 4 Stars

 "Hotel Lilith holds terrible memories for Cait Du Bois.

The darkest night of her life happened within its walls.

Once, she vowed never to return to the place that reminds her of the horror she experienced. But when the hotel is chosen as the location for her high school reunion, Cait finds herself unable to resist the appeal of showing off her new life to the people who once made her existence miserable.

Cait is no stranger to being noticed in public, especially as a bestselling author with an enthusiastic fan base, but back at Hotel Lilith, she was once recognized for a completely different reason. With all eyes on her as she returns to the town she’s spent years running from, Cait finds it increasingly difficult to discern between her fans and foes.

Haunted by the memory of a night that torments her, she resolves to put the past behind her and move on.

No one knows the truth about what happened back then.

At least, that’s what she’s always believed.

Shortly after her arrival, strange things begin to occur. A mysterious package, strange calls, and frightening text messages seem to be just the beginning of the nightmare about to unfold.

Someone is determined to bring the truth to light. If they succeed, the life Cait has built based on secrets could come crashing down around her. And, if they want her to pay for what she’s done, her lies may be the least of her concerns.

Someone’s out for blood."

This was a pretty good read. It had a decent twist at the end. It was the type of book that you expect a twist anyways, but I actually didn't have any clue what the twist was going to be. I was thinking one thing and it was another, which was a nice surprise. 

The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon - 4 Stars

 "Aidan Thomas is a hard-working family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing for her life. 

When Aidan’s wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to move. Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. But Rachel is a fighter and survivor, and recognizes Cecilia might just be the lifeline she has waited for all these years. As Rachel tests the boundaries of her new living situation, she begins to form a tenuous connection with Cecilia. And when Emily, a local restaurant owner, develops a crush on the handsome widower, she finds herself drawn into Rachel and Cecilia’s orbit, coming dangerously close to discovering Aidan’s secret.

Told through the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant explores the psychological impact of Aidan’s crimes on the women in his life—and the bonds between those women that give them the strength to fight back."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really enjoyed this one. It was a really fast paced read and kept me hanging on to almost every word. It was a different perspective of a serial killer. The last 15% had me speed reading through to see what was going to happen. If you like thrillers, this is a must read. 

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis - 5 Stars

 "When she arrives at the famed Barbizon Hotel in 1952, secretarial school enrollment in hand, Darby McLaughlin is everything her modeling agency hall mates aren't: plain, self-conscious, homesick, and utterly convinced she doesn't belong—a notion the models do nothing to disabuse. Yet when Darby befriends Esme, a Barbizon maid, she's introduced to an entirely new side of New York City: seedy downtown jazz clubs where the music is as addictive as the heroin that's used there, the startling sounds of bebop, and even the possibility of romance.

Over half a century later, the Barbizon's gone condo and most of its long-ago guests are forgotten. But rumors of Darby's involvement in a deadly skirmish with a hotel maid back in 1952 haunt the halls of the building as surely as the melancholy music that floats from the elderly woman's rent-controlled apartment. It's a combination too intoxicating for journalist Rose Lewin, Darby's upstairs neighbor, to resist—not to mention the perfect distraction from her own imploding personal life. Yet as Rose's obsession deepens, the ethics of her investigation become increasingly murky, and neither woman will remain unchanged when the shocking truth is finally revealed."

I loved this book. It was so interesting to read about women's lives in the 1950's. I love NYC, where this book is set, so that was lots of fun to read about that time in the city. The story is told between the past and present, between Rose in 2016 and Darby in 1952. I really want to read some more of her work now. 

Gone Too Far by Natalie Richards - 3 Stars

 "Piper Woods can't wait to graduate and leave high school—and all its annoying cliques—behind. But when she finds a mysterious notebook filled with the sins of her fellow students, Piper is suddenly drowning in their secrets.

And she's not the only one who knows them. An anonymous text invites Piper to choose to punish the cheater, the bully, or the shoplifter. The popular kids with their dirty little secrets. With one text, Piper can make them pay.

But the truth can be dangerous…"

This was a YA novel, but I guess with a title like Gone Too Far I was expecting a bit more from it. It was a fast read, but didn't really pull me in like I was hoping. It was good enough to keep me reading, but I'm not sure if I'll try anything else by this author. 

1996 by Kirsty McManus - 4 Stars

 "When food blogger Anna Matthews takes a vitamin supplement that thrusts her back in time to 1996—and into her sixteen year old body—she is naturally a little shocked. But after a hasty re-assimilation, she decides to take advantage of this amazing second chance to view her teenage years from a more mature perspective.

But with the effectiveness of each dose only lasting twelve hours, and any new actions initiated in the past having no effect on the future, Anna wonders whether taking it again would serve any purpose.

Of course, curiosity gets the better of her, and she soon becomes addicted to travelling back in time to relive what she originally believed to be some of her best memories.

Knowing that her husband grew up in the same area—and with him unwilling to talk about the past—Anna decides to track him down in 1996. But an unexpected discovery forces her to make a heartbreaking decision that will change both her and her husband’s future forever."

This was such a cute story and a quick read, too, which was nice. It was fun getting to see Anna relive her younger years back in 1996. Anna's character is a few years younger than me, so I was actually able to relate to a lot of the story. The whole idea was just so much fun. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. 

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson - 4 stars

 "1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives."

I really enjoyed this book. It was sad, even heart wrenching at times, but still a really good story. It's told between alternating prospectives of the 2 main characters. It's an interesting insight into racism in the 1950's (and slightly before). I loved how the 2 stories came together at the end, and was surprised that characters for her other book, The Yellow Wife were mentioned in this one. I am interested in reading that one to see how it plays into The House of Eve.

The Darkest Flower by Kristin Wright - 3 Stars

 "Attempted murder? Inexplicable accident? Either way, a PTA mom struggled for her life in an elementary school cafeteria, poisoned by wolfsbane. Now all eyes are on the accused, the victim, and a woman hired to look deeper.

Ambitious defense attorney and single mother Allison Barton is anxious to escape the shadow of the low-down dog of a marquee partner carrying their renowned Virginia law firm. A win for her high-profile new client will give Allison the career she deserves. And PTA president Kira Grant certainly appears innocent—except for the toxic bloom in her backyard and perhaps a bit of a malicious streak. But no one said the innocent had to be likable—or entirely honest. Besides, with an image as carefully cultivated as her garden, Kira would be insane to risk everything on something as outrageous as the attempted murder of one of her closest friends.

What about those in Kira’s orbit, a sunny suburb of moms behaving badly? What do they really know about Kira? What does Kira know about them? For Allison, the answers are getting darker every day."

While the synopsis of this book sounded really good, I actually found it a bit lacking. It was really easy to read and flowed really well. When I actually sat down to read, I found myself getting through it quickly. I was expecting more suspense and maybe some sort of shocking twist that just wasn't there. 

The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy - 4 Stars

 "Blood and power bind three generations of women in the Ozark Mountains. So does an evil that’s followed them across the decades.

1931. Gracelynn Doherty lives peacefully on Tin Mountain, helping her adoptive granny work her cures. Despite whispers that the women are witches, the superstitious locals still seek them out, whether they suffer from arthritis or a broken heart. But when evangelist Josiah Bellflower comes to town touting miracle healing, full bellies, and prosperity, his revivals soon hold Tin Mountain in thrall—and Granny in abject fear.

Granny recognizes Josiah. Fifty years ago, in a dark and desperate moment, she made a terrible promise. Now Josiah, an enemy, has returned to collect his due.

As Granny sickens and the drought-ridden countryside falls under a curse, Gracelynn must choose: flee Tin Mountain and the only family she knows or confront the vengeful preacher whose unholy mission is to destroy her."

~~~~~~~~~

I'll admit it took me several chapters to get the characters straight, since this is told in alternating viewpoints. It was a little slow starting, but finally picked up about half way through. I almost gave up about 1/3 way into it, but I'm glad that I pushed through. It ended up being a pretty good story. 

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben - 4 Stars

Basic synopsis: Guy gets convicted of murdering his 3 year old son. 5 years later, guy is shown photo of what appears to be the son he was convicted of killing. Guy escapes prison and is on the hunt for the now 8 year old boy.

My synopsis is basically the whole plot of the book. LOL! It was a fairly fast paced read. Things started coming together, and I did figure out some of what was going on ahead of it being revealed in the book. I really like Coben's books, and this one didn't disappoint either.  

Husbands and Other Sharp Objects by Marilyn Simon Rothstein - 3 Stars

 "After a lifetime of marriage, Marcy Hammer is ready to get herself unhitched—just as everyone else in her life is looking for a commitment. Her new boyfriend, Jon, wants to get serious, and her soon-to-be ex-husband, Harvey, is desperate to get back together. When her headstrong daughter announces a secret engagement to Harvey’s attorney, Marcy finds herself planning her daughter’s wedding as she plans her own divorce. Now with two huge events on the horizon, the indomitable Marcy soon realizes that there’s nothing like a wedding to bring out the worst in everybody. From petty skirmishes over an ever-growing guest list to awkward confrontations with her sticky-fingered new in-laws, pulling off the wedding is going to be a challenge; seeing her divorce through is going to be a trial. And trying to make everyone happy might prove to be impossible—because in the end, Marcy alone must make a choice between something old and something new."

I was really disappointed in this one. It was a light, fairly quick read, but was really lacking in the humor department. The author was really trying, but just wasn't puling off the funny. I think there were maybe 2 lines in the whole book that I laughed at. 

Spare by Prince Harry - 4 Stars

 I think by this point, the book is pretty much self explanatory; the memoir of Prince Harry. So, here are my thoughts on the book (which may not go in chronological order).

The book starts with the death of Princess Diana. This brought back a lot of memories for me, as I was living in England at that time. It was quite an experience. And having just lost my father in January, it stirred up emotions, but luckily I was able to hold it together. I felt really bad for the way that Harry felt about the whole situation.

I did feel that the time he spent in the military was over covered. Basically, it took up too much of my time. I'm happy that he served his country through military service and not just as a royal, but this part of the book went on and on for me. 

As for his relationship with Meghan, I feel that it seems a bit rushed. I didn't follow it in real life that closely, but the book made it seem like they met, briefly dated, then married, all in a short period of time. I honestly didn't pay attention to the time line in the book to see how long they were together before getting married.

Some of the things that Meghan "claimed" to not know was a bit over the top to me. She seemed to not really know anything about Harry and the royal family. Not sure how true this was, but some of it was hard to believe that she didn't know. And as for the paparazzi, I'm not sure how used to it she was since she was an actress before meeting Harry, but I do think the paps went to the extreme with her as they did with Diana. 

I did find myself Googling a lot of things, though, mostly to see what they looked like. I looked up the Eton uniforms to see how "stiff" they looked and last night I googled Frogmore Cottage. There were a few other things that I wasn't familiar with that had me running to Google, too.

Overall, I thought it was a pretty interesting book. I don't really know how much is true or exaggerated since there are always 2 sides to a story. But I did like it and it made me miss England. 

Verity by Colleen Hoover - 4 Stars

 "Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Man, this was one crazy book! I knew it was a controversial book, but wanted to give it a shot anyways. It did not disappoint. I will say that this was a book that is not for the faint of heart. There were a lot of parts that had my jaw dropping. It also contained a lot of sex scenes, which is why I gave it just 4 stars. I felt that the sex part was overdone and the story would have been just as good with it scaled back some. The end really leaves you going, what did I just read.

The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White - 5 Stars

 "Kit Darling is a maid with a snooping problem. She’s the “invisible girl,” compelled to poke into her wealthy clients’ closely guarded lives. It’s a harmless hobby until Kit sees something she can’t unsee in the home of her brand-new clients: a secret so dark it could destroy the privileged couple expecting their first child. This makes Kit dangerous to the couple. In turn, it makes the couple—who might kill to keep their secret—dangerous to Kit.

When homicide cop Mallory Van Alst is called to a scene at a luxury waterfront home known as the Glass House, she’s confronted with evidence of a violent attack so bloody it’s improbable the victim is alive. But there’s no body. The homeowners are gone. And their maid is missing. The only witness is the elderly woman next door, who woke to screams in the night. The neighbor was also the last person to see Kit Darling alive.

As Mal begins to uncover the secret that has sent the lives of everyone involved on a devious and inescapable collision course, she realizes that nothing is quite as it seems. And no one escapes their past."

Boy, this book had more twists and turns than a ball of yarn. It had me hooked from the beginning. It constantly had me turning the page wanting to know who did what and what was going to happen next. And just when I'd think I had figured out the storyline, the author went and changed directions again. It was crazy, but in a good way! 

Words on Candy Hearts by Augusta Reilly - 4 Stars

 "“There are two kinds of men,” Mom said. “Rich bastards and poor bastards. Neither will give a crap about your brains or personality, so go for the one with the money.”

Beautiful PhD student Clara Zapata has never subscribed to the theory that the only thing men care about is looks, but after getting dumped by her fiancé for gaining weight, she’s starting to think her gold-digging mother is on to something. If men are going to treat her like a trophy, why shouldn’t she treat them like a credit card?

“There are two kinds of women,” Dad said. “Pretty bitches and ugly bitches. They’ll both be more interested in the divorce settlement than the marriage, so go for the hottie.”

All heir-in-waiting Ian Dunning has ever wanted was the love of a good woman. But after being seduced and abandoned by yet another gold digger, he’s beginning to lose hope of ever finding real love. If all women will ever want him for is his money, why shouldn’t he just chase after the ones with the biggest boobs and the fewest brain cells?

What happens when this cynical son of a billionaire gets stuck on a disastrous road trip with the jaded daughter of a gold digger? Will Ian and Clara follow in their parents’ footsteps, or will they find true love?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was the first book I've read since my dad passed away. It was the perfect book to start off with, even if it did take me nearly 6 weeks to read it. It was literally laugh out loud funny. There were times I almost had tears running down my face.

There was an emotional part about 3/4 of the way through that I had to push myself through, but managed ok. The comedy at the end kind of tapered off (which is why I bumped it down to 4 stars), but over all I really enjoyed the book.

Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien - 4 Stars

 Lana Lee never thought she would end up working at her parent's noodle shop, but after a nasty break up and walking out on her job, she finds herself waiting tables. She's the gossip of the Asian plaza until the owner, Mr. Feng shows up dead in his office after eating shrimp dumplings and having an allergic reaction; a reaction that everyone was aware of. 

Soon, the whole restaurant is suspect. Lana decides to clear not only her name, but the name of those close to her. 

This was a cute cozy mystery. It's the first one in the series. It started out really good, but I found myself pushing through the last 20%. I kind of wanted to give it 3 1/2 stars, but I rounded up. Wasn't sure if it was the book, or everything I've had going on lately. But I will check out the next in the series because I did like the characters. 

2023 Alphabet Soup Challenge

 2023 Alphabet Soup Challenge

A- The Asylum Confessions by Jack Steen

B- Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

C- Catching Moondrops by Jennifer Erin Valent

D- Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien

E- Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem by Laurie Notaro

F- The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman

G- Gone Too Far by Natalie Richards

H- Husbands and Other Sharp Objects by Marilyn Simon Rothstein

I- I Will Find You by Harlan Coben 

J-

K-Kittenfish by Brenda Lowder

L- The Life She Wanted by Anita Abriel

M- The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White

N-

O- One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose

P-

Q-The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michellon

R- The Reunion by Kiersten Modglin

S-Spare by Prince Harry

T- Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

U- Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey 

V- Verity by Colleen Hoover

W-Words on Candy Hearts by Augusta Reilly

X-

Y-

Z-