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

Photo Credit - Amazon

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 - The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora

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Abby Graven lives a secluded life in a small town in Michigan. She was once a bright student with a promising art career. Now, she works lives at home with her parents and works at the local supermarket as a cashier. Her former best friend, Elise is a rising starlet in Hollywood. Abby is haunted by Elise's success and Abby obsessively collects photos and articles of Elise. Abby's one escape is watching movies from her favorite director, Auguste Perren. Perren is the famous founder of the creative institute called the Rhizome. Abby has a secret gift that she keeps hidden from others. She has often had premonitory dreams that help inspire her art.

During their high school reunion, Elise and Abby reunite and plan to meet up. Abby is overjoyed that Elise still considers Abby a friend and a brilliant artist. When Elise offhandedly tells Abby to visit her if she's even in LA, Abby arrives on Elise's doorstep unexpectedly.  After spending time with Elise, Abby realizes that Elise has a few flaws that she keeps hidden from the public. Being a supportive friend, Abby tries to help Elise while protecting her own secret and trying to achieve professional success. As Elise and Abby become closer, Abby realizes she only has one way of getting what she wants.

The novel was a seductive read that was very entertaining even when I was confused about certain details. However, random and insignificant behaviors came together in the end. I thought that was a creative way to infuse small details to add more layers to make a chilling and complex story. After I finished reading the book, I was still thinking about the ending. There was a lot of details left open for interpretation.  Overall, the novel did a great job showing the lengths someone will go to fulfill their dreams.

 **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 Review - The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

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Beck Holiday is still reeling eighteen years later over the death of her beloved father. She and her mother lost him during the attacks on 9/11. She can no longer remember him and lost most of her memories of him. Recently, Beck was suspended for police misconduct with a suspect. She is struggling to get her life back in order especially, with life alternating secret. She is unsure what her next steps in life should be.

When Beck receives a mysterious letter in the main alerting her of an inheritance from a woman she doesn't remember, she is confused but, takes it as a sign. She travels to the northern coast of Florida to view the house she inherited. During her stay in Florida, Beck realizes that there are some things she can't forget forever. Will the trip be able to heal her heart and restore her memories?

I have a few books from Rachel Hauck on my TBR pile. Out of the three, I decided to start with this novel first. Boy, was I sadly disappointed. The book was told from the perspective of four different people who all share a connection with the house. They all had a connection with each other. I was hardly able to build a bond or connection with any of the characters. More than 75% into the book, I lost interest in the book. There was nothing interesting going on that warranted me to waste more time reading this novel.  I think some portion of the book was poorly written and felt choppy in some parts. For example, when Beck experience a flashback of her memories and Beck believes God is speaking to her, she stumbles around into Bruno's childhood home. Then Bruno and his mother were talking about her and the incident like she can't overhear them and it's an everyday occurrence. I am not sure why, but that whole incident just felt weird to me. Overall, the storyline did not grab me enough to want to finish this novel.

 **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 - Saving Meghan by D.J. Palmer

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Becky Gerard is a devoted mother and she will do anything for her teenage daughter, Meghan. Her husband, Carl, believes Becky is obsessed with Meghan's illness and finding a cure. Meghan has been in and out of hospitals due to an unexplained illness. And Meghan's doctors have conflicting medical diagnoses. One of her doctors suspects Munchausen syndrome by proxy. There is a growing rift between the Gerards as they become suspicious of each other. Will Becky be able to prove that her daughter has a deadly disease before time runs out?

I thought the novel was an interesting and suspenseful read. It was a delightful combination of thriller, medical mystery, and whodunit. The small cast of characters felt human with their vulnerabilities along with how far they will go help someone they love. Some of the twists were a bit predictable but, overall it was an enjoyable read.

**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 - Foxlowe: A Novel by Eleanor Wasserberg

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Foxlowe is a crumbling old house on the moors but to Green, it is a special place. Foxlowe is the only place she knows. In Foxlowe, Green can do whatever she wants. She can run through the hallways, eat desserts whenever she wants, and be free of daily hassles.

At Foxlowe, the family shares everything. They perform special rituals to protect themselves from the Bad. Everyone is content living at Foxlowe until Blue, Green's little sister, grows up and dreams of being in the Outside. She talks about become a Leaver; one of the unmentionables.

The writing style of this book wasn't my favorite. I found it to be quite annoying and made it harder for me to enjoy the novel. I couldn't bond with Green and had a hard time understanding why she did certain things and why she showed Freya so much loyalty. The book was a bit slow and didn't have much going on. I also didn't like that there were parts of the story that they didn't explain. For example, who were Blue's parents? There were several time jumps that made the book confusing in the later parts of the novel. Overall, this book was a bit of a letdown and difficult to get into. I would recommend reading a sample before buying.

**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.**  

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Book Review - Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward

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Maddie and Ian met during a chance encounter overseas. He served as a bodyguard while Maddie was a travel writer visiting her best friend, Jo. After a few ups and downs, Maddie and Ian get married and have a son, Charlie. They are living the American dream. During a family camping trip, Maddie endured a horrifying accident leaving her badly scarred and unable to remember the accident. Maddie begins writing therapy with a therapist to help her remember and find the cause of her anxiety.

The novel alternates between the past, present, and "The Day of the Killing". The novel was a good read but towards halfway into the book, I lost interest. I found it hard to like any of the characters or empathize with them. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Overall, the book was a decent read but, the ending was a complete disappointment. I felt like the ending was rushed and confusing.

**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 - Miracle Man by William R. Leibowitz + Giveaway

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Robert James Austin was a victim of an unspeakable crime at a very young age. However, the tiny intelligent infant grows up to become a modern day superhero. Robert spends his life researching cures for various diseases.  While helping millions of people, Robert effects the bottom line of pharmaceutical companies.  Robert has to avoid greedy corporate executives along with an overzealous government official while he continues to work towards his life goals.

The novel had an interesting premise. I enjoyed the idea of a person overcoming personal obstacles to become a better person. However, the novel I felt was mundane and was too long for no reason. The book was very dull and boring. Even though the ending had a surprise twist, I honestly don't think it was worth reading this book until the end. This novel is listed as a thriller and suspense novel but, it's literally one dimensional with all the villains exposed with no mystery to be solved.

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

Book Details:

Book Title: The Miracle Man by William R. Leibowitz
Series: The Miracle Man Series Book 1
Category: Adult Fiction, 446 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Manifesto Media Group
Release date: February 2014

Content Rating: PG-13 + M (Some profane language, some use of the word 'g*ddamit', mature subjects including pandemic disease, terrorism, sex abuse, suicide)

Book Description:

REVERED REVILED REMARKABLE

The victim of an unspeakable crime, an infant rises to become a new type of superhero. Unlike any that have come before him, he is not a fanciful creation of animators, he is real.

So begins the saga of Robert James Austin, the greatest genius in human history. But where did his extraordinary intelligence come from?

As agents of corporate greed vie with rabid anti-Western radicals to destroy him, an obsessive government leader launches a bizarre covert mission to exploit his intellect. Yet Austin’s greatest fear is not of this world.

Aided by two exceptional women, one of whom will become his unlikely lover, Austin struggles against abandonment and betrayal. But the forces that oppose him are more powerful than even he can understand.

Miracle Man is the winner of a Best Thriller national award, and was named by Amazon as ONE OF THE TOP 100 NOVELS OF 2015, a TOP 10 BEST SELLING THRILLER and a TOP 10 NEW YORK TIMES/AMAZON BEST SELLER

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

William R. Leibowitz practices law internationally and prefers not spending too much time in any one place. He is a graduate of New York University and Columbia University Law School.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

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Ends 22, 2018

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Book Review - Running by Dave Milbrandt + Giveaway

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Jim Mitchelle thought he finally got his life together after a few bumps in the road. However, he is caught in the middle of an assassination plot. Jim is projected into a vacant state assembly seat. Jim doesn't want the job but, he is the best candidate they have. Together with his allies, he has to help prevent a political takedown while ensuring he keeps his job and life in the end.

I thought the novel had an interesting premise. Jim Mitchell was an egotistical journalist who let his personal ambition cost him dearly. He becomes a politician to help serve others and not himself. Upon taking this new job, he struggles with maintaining a healthy work and life balance. I like seeing how Jim was trying to manage his own personal demons. However, I didn't find this novel to be very suspenseful as the plot and murder was resolved very quickly without any plot twist. Overall, I found it to be a cozy read about politics.

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

About the Book

Book Title: Running
Author: Dave Milbrandt
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release date: May 1, 2018
An assassin’s bullet sends Jim Mitchell running. When he’ll stop is anybody’s guess.

A tragedy propels Jim into a vacant state assembly seat. The new lawmaker and his wife have a baby on the way, but that doesn’t stop the people trying to keep him from a job he never wanted in the first place. Then Jim gets involved in a plan to thwart a major terror attack that could either make him a hero or get him killed.

Political intrigue and high drama accent this tale of what it costs to find one’s purpose, and what the rewards can be when you do.

Running is the third book in the Jim Mitchell series. Previous titles include Chasing Deception and Undue Pressure.

About the Author

 

The author of Chasing Deception and Undue Pressure, Dave Milbrandt fell in love with writing in junior high and has been a storyteller ever since. A former staff writer for a daily newspaper, the Southern California native spent five years in journalism and public relations before becoming a teacher. Having worked at several area colleges, Dave has taught high school English and Social Studies classes since 2005 and fills his evenings sharing a passion for politics with his community college students. Dave and his wife, Lynn, have been married since 1997.

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dave is giving away a grand prize that includes ebooks of all three books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d33e/running-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Liv Burnham and Morgan Frost are best friends. Liv always thought she knew everything about Morgan. When a terrible accident happens, she realizes she never knew Morgan, at all.  Liv wakes up in a hospital but, everyone keeps calling her Morgan. When the bandages come off, Liv realizes she sees Morgan's face. As she continues to spend time as Morgan, she realizes that Morgan has a dark secret. Will Liv be able to help Morgan solve a long-buried murder? Why is Liv trapped in Morgan's body?

The novel was a delicious read filled with twists and intrigue. I like the idea of a soul fusing with another body. I thought the author did a good job portraying both Liz's and Morgan's personality and thoughts as two people in one body. Overall, a great beach read!

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

About the Book:

Title: LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS

Author: Ann Aguirre

Pub. Date: July 17, 2018

Publisher: Tor Teen

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD

On a hot summer night, a screech of brakes and shattering glass changes two lives forever.

Liv wakes in the hospital, confused when they call her Morgan. She assumes it’s a case of mistaken identity, yet when the bandages come off, it’s not her face in the mirror anymore. It’s her best friend Morgan’s.

Morgan always seemed to have the perfect life, yet Liv must navigate endlessly disturbing secrets of the criminal and murderous variety—and a romance that feels like a betrayal. Torn between the boy she loved as Liv and the boy she’s grown to love as Morgan, Liv still has to survive Morgan’s last request.

About Ann:

Ann Aguirre is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She likes books, emo music, and action movies. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a Kindle Oasis, US Only.

5 winners will win a finished copy of LIKE NEVER AND ALWAYS, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week Four:

7/23/2018- Under the Book Cover- Review

7/24/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader- Review

7/25/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

7/26/2018- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

7/27/2018- Two points of interest- Review