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."

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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.