Book Review - Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

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Christine wakes up every morning confused because she cannot remember who she is. She cannot remember how old she is, where she is or what happened to her the day before. She is unable to make new memories and relies on her husband, Ben to help fill in the blanks. Ben explains their life together on a daily basis. Ben tells Christine she lost her ability to form due to a traumatic accident.

Christine has a doctor she meets up with that is helping her regain her lost memories. She is keeping her visits with the doctor a secret from her husband. With the encouragement of her doctor, Christine decides to keep a journal to jot her thoughts and memories. However, one day she opens the journal to see "Don't trust Ben" on the front page. Her entire world is thrown into disarray. Who can Christine trust? Is Ben telling her the complete truth?

The novel was an interesting read once, it started picking up towards the end. The writing was very fluid and easy to read. However, it did take a bit of patience as the book was very repetitive in the beginning until Christine starts remembering more about her past life. There were a few aspects of the novel that made me wonder why didn't anyone follow up on anything. For example, her friend keeping in touch when Christine needed her the most. Even when Christine saw "Don't trust Ben", she never questioned or wondered why she wrote it. The ending had a few twists but, it felt rushed. Like everything was rushed to become to tie up perfectly in the end with one cliffhanger. Overall, it was suspenseful read but, it fell flat a few pages in.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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Delsie loves storms, rainy weather, and tracking the weather. However, lately, there seems to be a storm brewing in her life. She has lived with her Grammy her entire life but, lately, she wishes she had a "regular family". And her best friend recently became friends with someone else. Delsie feels left out because she no longer fits in.

Ronan recently moved to live with his father at Cape Cod. He struggles to fit in and feels like an outcast. When he tries to make friends, he feels like his questionable past follows him around.  When he meets Delsie, he feels a connection with her. Together, the duo navigates their feelings on being abandoned and what they have lost but, also what they have gained.

When I first started reading the novel, a few times I was wondered (sometimes, out loud) how could kids be so silly and inconsiderate. And then I realized I know quite a few adults that say things and don't realize how hurtful their comments can be (myself included).  Some parts of the story reminded me of my own experiences with "best friends" that all of sudden decide your friendship is no longer cool or wanted.  Overall, it was an interesting book and I can't wait to read more books by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Description

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.

     Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.

Author Bios

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is the author of New York Times bestseller Fish in a Treeand Bank Street Best Book One for the Murphys. She's a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.

Book Review - The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

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Sophia Barrett is a trained counselor who helps patients deal with their burdens. After taking time off because of a tragic accident, Sophia returns to work. However, when she meets a patient who has similar troubles as her, Sophia realizes she hasn't dealt with her loss. Deciding she needs some space and time to heal, she heads to Cornwall, England to heal. She moves into an apartment above a charming bookstore where is she surrounded by her favorite thing: books.  Will Sophia be able to heal from her past trauma? 

Ginny Rose is the bookstore owner and she is desperate to save her husband's dream business. She can't even ask her husband for help as he decided to take a break from their marriage. She is trying to keep her husband's dream alive but, she feels that she is missing something in her life. But, with an unexpected friendship emerges between her and Sophia; Ginny is hopeful that together with her brother-in-law, William,  they can save her bookstore. Will Sophia be able to save her bookstore and find herself in the process?

While organizing the bookstore's rare book inventory, Sophia finds a notebook containing journal entry from Emily Fairfax. Emily was a governess who lives in Cornwall more than 150 years ago.  Emily has a secret dream of being an author and she writes about her secret crush on her childhood friend, Edward. However, Edward is above her class and their union would be frowned upon.

Sophia is drawn and feels connected to Emily's story. Curious to learn more about Emily, Sophia enlists William and Ginny to research Emily's past. Together, Ginny realizes that she wants to save the bookstore on her accord and not because she thinks it would save her marriage. Sophia finds a new purpose and a way to heal during her journey with Ginny and William.

I thought the novel had an enjoyable but, predictable story. The author's idea of combining three different points of views of the women added an extra dimension to the story. It allowed the readers to understand and feel for each character. I enjoyed seeing two strong females helping each other heal and move on. However, if you are expecting a novel with secrets, suspense, and thrills, you would be better off reading another book.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Beast Rider by Tony Johnston and Marí de Rhoads

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 Manuel is just twelve years old when he leaves his small town in Mexico. He travels across the US border, on a train to join his older brother in Los Angeles. Becoming a "beast rider" is dangerous but, Manuel faces other perils even if he manages to survive the jump on the train. 

The first time he is on the train, he is robbed then beaten and arrested by the Mexican police. Manuel doesn't allow his first defeat to deter him. He is attacked by an infamous Mexican gang and they leave him for dead. When he was about to lose hope, the villagers help restore his spirits and health. He leaves again for his journey and finally arrives in LA to be with his brother. He is excited that he is back but, then realizes he feels something is missing.

I thought the novel was an interesting read. However, I have conflicting feelings about this novel. While I thought it was brave that  Manuel risked everything to be with his brother. But, when he finally is reunited to his brother, he realizes that isn't what the heart wants. It's an interesting premise about what the heart and the mind wants. Although, I feel like Manuel risked and lost a lot before he learned what he really wants. I personally hoped Manuel would have found out what defined him before he lost his innocence.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Night Before by Wendy Walker

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Laura Lochner doesn't have much luck in the love department. She has a habit of choosing the wrong men and falling too fast and hard for them. After her last relationship ended, she left her prestigious high paying Wall Street job to move into her sister's home in Connecticut. Although Laura is still haunted by her previous failed relationships, she is determined she will find love again online.

Rosie Ferro has spent most of her life worrying about her sister, Laura. She has been dealing with Laura's emotional rollercoaster since they were children. When Laura returns unexpectedly, Rosie questions Laura's return given her past. Her shadow of doubt grows when Laura leaves for her blind date one night and doesn't return home the following morning. Rosie begins to fear the worst and Laura left no information about the man she planned to meet. As Rosie begins her search for Laura, she is worried about what this mysterious man might have done to her sister but, also what Rosie might have done to him.

I found the novel to have an interesting premise as Laura wasn't portrayed as a damsel in distress. I thought that the novel had a good amount of suspense but, I felt like it didn't have many unexpected twists. Overall, it was a fun and great read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**  

Book Review - The Treasure of Granzella Ranch by Joan Bannan

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The Granzella family ranch has been in the family for four generation. Recently, the ranch has been struggling financially. Sherre Granzella is professionally known as "The Fixer". She hopes to return the farm to its former glory. She is happy to be surrounded by friends and family after her marriage failed. Surrounded by loved ones, she tries to formulate a plan to help save the family farm. Will she succeed?

The novel was a fun cozy read. The story was a bit predictable but, it was still a good read. The characters were relatable but, I found myself annoyed a bit with Sherre's character. When reading this novel, I was going through a similar romantic situation, and I know how hard it is to let go but. I was very disappointed when she went back to him. I felt like she is supposed to be a strong female lead but, they make her look weak. Overall, it is a good read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Death Never Sleeps by E.J. Simon + Giveaway

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Alex and Michael Nicholas were never really close. They both had different career paths, life goals, and even personalities. However, when Alex was murdered, Michael decides to help run Alex's business. Micheal works with his cousin, Fat, and Skinny Lester to help keep Alex's business afloat.  Shortly afterward, he runs into a few complications that might cost him his life.

I wasn't sure what to expect when the book was listed as a "technological thriller". I honestly thought it was going to be a killer program running loose. However, jokes aside, the novel had an interesting concept and idea. While the book was interesting, it was a bit slow for me. I found myself impatiently waiting to find out more and what will happen. Overall, a good read but, a bit slow.

Book Details:

Book Title: Death Never Sleeps by E.J. Simon
Series: Michael Nicholas Book 1
Category: Adult Fiction, 291 pages
Genre: Thriller & Suspense., Technothriller
Publisher: Endeavour Media (UK)
Release date: July 2017
Content Rating: PG-13 + M (contains f-words, religious profanities and crude language)

Book Description:

Where does life end, and death begin?

Brothers, Alex and Michael, weren’t particularly close in terms of their careers in their later years. But when Alex is murdered, Michael finds it necessary to keep Alex’s business running, at least for the foreseeable future.

With very little knowledge about what Alex actually did for a living, little does he envisage the level of complication this entails. Working closely with his cousins, Fat and Skinny Lester, Michael starts to get a sense of what needs doing … in whatever way Alex would have dealt with things.

But, when Alex’s current wife, and his two ex-wives, surface and start to dish out demands, Michael finds himself going deeper and deeper into Alex’s personal space. All his ex-wives knew there was money left hidden … but only Alex knew of its exact location.

When Russell, an old friend of Michael’s, and Alex’s most trusted person, offers to help Michael find the money, Michael feels he can start closing up on Alex’s loose ends and move on with his own, increasingly complicated life.

Until … Russell is brutally murdered …

Someone else is after Alex’s money … and it’s not a friendly person.

But is Alex really dead? Or is he as dead as he has prepared himself to be?

Michael is beyond confused … is he imaging the conversations he’s having with Alex? But Alex was shot dead in his own restaurant, one filled with policemen. Surely, Alex is dead?

Whichever way Michael tries to rationalize things in his head, Alex’s support is beyond what he needs. Finding himself face to face with a crook, Sharkey, one who has no qualms about killing people, one Alex was in debt to, Michael takes on Alex’s advice … dead or not!

As the number of deaths rise, Michael and his wife, Samantha, are left on their toes. Would they ever feel safe again? Is anyone safe? And how far did Alex go with his new venture?

Buy the Book:

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Meet the Author:

E. J. Simon is the author of three commercial fiction thrillers, Death Never Sleeps, Death Logs In and Death Logs Out. He has just completed his fourth manuscript, Death in the Cloud.
He is a member of the Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers of America and the North Carolina Writer’s Network. He holds an M.A. in Corporate & Political Communications from Fairfield University and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. He lives with his family in Cary, North Carolina in the United States. For more information, visit his website: www.ejsimon.com.

Connect with E.J.: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

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Book Review - Phoebe's Light (Nantucket Legacy #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher + Giveaway

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Phoebe Starbuck always follows her fickle father in his latest get rich scheme. However, on her latest birthday, she decided that she will do what she wants and that is to marry the illustrious Captain Phineas Foulger and to sail away with him on his latest adventure. Her father not trusting the intentions of the Captain gives her daughter a journal from her great grandmother, Mary and companion for her. Phoebe, however, has little use for both at first, but when she realizes the life at the sea is nothing that she expected she comes to rely on the gifts her father gave her. While reading her great grandmother's journal she comes across a secret that affects everyone on the ship. What is the secret that Mary is keeping? Will Phoebe be able to find happiness while living on the ship?

The novel had an interesting premise about a woman who is traveled the sea with her husband in search of majestic whales. While they were some slow parts to the story, I still felt that the story was interesting especially the historical aspects. I appreciated how detailed the author was and for including a dictionary to help with words used during that time frame. A fun read and I can't wait to read the next installation of this series.

**Disclosure - I receive a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna’s Crossing, The Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series, The Bishop’s Family series, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.

Giveaway

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