Book Review - City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita

 

City Under One Roof by Iris Yamashita is about a detective who travels to a remote city in Alaska after a severed hand and foot is discovered. Amy, a local teenager, discovers  the washed up limbs on the shore of her small town of Point Mettier, Alaska. Cara Kennedy is a detective from Anchorage but she decides to investigate the case. Cara has her own motives for wanting to investigate the case, even if it means visiting the isolated place that can only be accessed by a tunnel. 

As Cara is claustrophobic, the environment really affects her and she can’t wait to finish her investigation and leave. However, a blizzard causes the tunnel to close for the foreseeable future. Cara is stuck among the 205 residents who all live in the same high rise building. The residents are acting oddly and they don’t trust outsiders. They try to protect their own and look out for each other.

 

She teams up with Point Mettier police officer Joe Barkowski to investigate the crime. Things take a turn for the worse, when a local drug gang from a nearby native village descends on the residents. Cara is caught in the middle and doesn’t know if she can trust the residents as she investigates. There are two things she does know: everyone is hiding something, and someone is willing to kill to keep the secrets hidden. 

 

I thought the book was a fast paced and interesting read. The book was narrated by three different female characters: Amy, a local resident who discovered the body; Cara, the detective ; and Lonnie, a young woman with anxiety and eccentric behaviors who also resides in Point Mettier.  The characters were interesting and all flawed but they would stop at nothing to protect themselves and their loved ones. I like that the book was narrated by each character because it gave us a wider view of the broader story than we would have gotten if we just read the story from Cara’s point of view.

 

The story spent a lot of time fleshing out each character and introducing a lot of different story lines. At times, it was hard keeping track of the different character and story arcs. I felt that the book ended with a lot of questions that were left unanswered. I believe that the author is planning for a sequel, otherwise, the ending is very disappointing. The author did leave a hook and opening for the readers to guess where the sequel might be about but I wish that a few of the questions were answered in this book too.

Book Review - The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

 

Gabe and Pippa has bought their dream home in a small coastal town. Their house is right near a cliff. The cliff is infamous for people who go there to kill themselves. Gabe is famous for talking people off the ledge until one day, he fails and someone falls to their death. When it is discovered that Gabe knew the victim, Pippa questions how much she really knows Gabe.

The book started off interesting and it kept me hook until the half way point. The constant point of view switching became boring and dull because there was barely any movement to the story. I felt like the story dragged and dragged with nothing keeping the readers hooked. I can't say that I really liked any of the characters and I found Pippa annoying. She kept sticking up for Gabe when it was hard to see what he bought to the table other than him being good looking and charismatic. While this book was a bit disappointing, I will still continue reading other books by the author.

Book Review - Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

 

Mexico City is filled with vampires and drug lords who are all fighting for piece of the drug trade. Domingo is a teenager who is living on the streets collecting trash and trying to survive the heavily policed streets. When Domingo meets Alt, an Aztec vampire, he becomes mesmerized by her.

Atl is on the run from another enemy vampire clan who is relentless in their pursuit of her. She is desperate to find a way to escape and has no interest in Domingo who is intent on follow her. Against her better judgment, she finds herself warming up to Domingo. As bodies start to pile up, does Atl and Domingo stand a chance?

The book was filled with lush details and the author did a great job at world building in the novel. However, the story line fell flat. At times, I felt there was barely any story and it was very boring until the very end. I can't say that I really cared for Atl and Domingo and had a hard time connecting with them. I enjoyed reading about the different types of vampires and the excellent world building but, everything else was poorly executed. 

Book Review - Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

Daisy is a young girl coming of age while living in L.A. in the late sixties. She is sneaking into clubs, doing drugs, and sleeping with rock stars. She finds the sex and drugs to be thrilling but, she really wants to sing. When Daisy turns twenty, she gets noticed for her voice along with her untamed beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Around the same time Daisy is getting her big break, a band led by Billy Dunne called The Six, has also started becoming popular. While on their first tour, Billy's girlfriend, Camila, finds out she is pregnant and Billy is unable to deal with the pressures of fatherhood and fame. Billy finds himself struggling and goes off on the deep end.

When Daisy and Billy crosses paths everyone can see that there is charged energy between the two of them. Their producer realizes that together they will achieve success that will help them climb the charts and become rock legends.

I heard many good things about  this novel and I am familiar with the author. I thought the book was an okay read. While the narration told as a documentary style was interesting, it got boring after awhile. I felt like there was barely any story and sometimes, there was too many people to keep track of. I had a hard time relating or caring for any of the characters. I did like the twist at the end but, I am not sure I would read another book if it was done this way again.

Book Review - Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey

 

Hazel Greenlee works as a transcriber at the Black Harbor police department. Every night she hears gruesome secrets from detectives as she transcribes their notes. Black Harbor is Wisconsin's prolific crime city and it ensures that Hazel will always have work. Hazel is an aspiring writer and believes its her only ticket out of the city. Her plan becomes derailed when her neighbor confesses to hiding the body of an overdose victim in a dumpster.

The police believe the death is related to a notorious drug dealer called Candy Man. Hazel finds herself entranced by the case, especially, the lead detective, Nikolai Kole. She decides to help Kole as she finds herself captivated by him and she can gain information for her book.Will Kole and Hazel be able to find Candy Man before it's too late?

The novel started off good and started rapidly becoming a dull read.The novel billed itself as a mystery but, I felt like it took a backseat to Kole and Hazel's relationship. The mystery behind Candy Man seemed to solve itself while Kole and Hazel spent more time with each other. I can't say that I actually like any of the characters especially, Hazel. She comes across information that made Kole seem like a killer and she didn't even care. She still continued to pursue a romantic relationship with him. I also felt that the author was very heavy on the description and there wasn't really much of a story. The author spends paragraphs to describe things but, only a few sentences is dedicated to moving the story along.

Book Review - The Secrets of Lily Graves by Sarah Strohmeyer

 

Lily Graves comes from a long line of morticians. She knows that everyone keeps buried secrets. When senior class president Erin Donohue turns up dead, Lily believes its her job to uncover the truth. Erin is a pillar of the community and known for her ethnics. However, Lily has a crush on Erin's ex-boyfriend, Matt, which complicates matters and makes them both suspects. As Lily's world comes crushing down, she will have to figure out who she can trust before the killer strikes again.

I had picked up this book on a whim and I should have read reviews before getting it. The book is geared towards young adults and I feel like it's a romance novel with some mystery components to it. The plot was very predictable and I was able to guess the direction of the novel fairly quickly. I felt that story moved along very slowly and some of the character interactions felt forced.  I think the title of the book is very misleading because even after reading the book, I still don't know any of Lily's secrets. The novel might be a good read for young readers who want a book with a light mystery with a heavy high school romance theme.

Book Review - Shadow Girl by Gerry Schmitt

 

Leland Odin is rich and has made his fortune off of a home shopping network. However, his money can't help him save his life. Leland is on the donor list for a transplant and he loses all hope when the helicopter carrying his donor heart is shot out of the sky.

The two pilots from the helicopter are dead and many are injured. Afton Tangler is a family liaison officer with the Minneapolis Police Department and has been called on to assist. She and her partner, Max, will investigate family members, business associates of Leland and anyone else who may hold a grudge against him. As the team looks into the clues, someone sneaks into the hospital to finish off Leland. It seems Leland has crossed the wrong person and she will stop at nothing to get her revenge. Will the duo be able to stop her before they get caught in her cross hairs?

This was my first book by the author and it seems like it could be read as a standalone. However, I felt like there were some character and story nuances I may have missed. I found the book to be a boring read. The characters were dull and the story barely held my attention. The book was lackluster and had no excitement or surprise twists.

Book Review - Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia

 

In Minnesota, there are hundreds of miles of glacial lakes and forests that are known as the Boundary Waters. Ten years ago, a man and his son went into the wilderness to camp and was never heard from again. People and search teams searched desperately for the pair because their campsite looks like it was ravaged by a bear. 

Everyone assumed that they were dead until a decade later, the son, Lucas, returns. He was found ransacking an outfitter store during the middle of the night. When the police arrived, Lucas became violent and uncommunicative. He was sent to a psychiatric facility to help him. 

Maya Stark is an assistant language therapist that is assigned to help Lucas. Maya tries to help Lucas answer what happened to his father and the last ten years of his life. Maya was abandoned by her mother at a young age. As she tries to help Lucas, her own secrets start to bubble up to the surface. She finds herself drawn to Lucas and she is willing to risk everything to reunite him with his father.

I found the novel to be an interesting and entertaining read. I found some parts of the novel to be unbelievable and predictable. I thought that the novel progressed very slowly during some parts with Maya and Lucas. I liked the backstory of Sarah and Josiah and enjoyed reading his narration. Personally, I didn't understand his need to be outside all the time but, I felt his story was poignant. I am a bit torn over the ending. The ending wrapped everything up neatly but, I felt like I needed something more.

Book Review - Formula for a Perfect Life by Christy Hayes + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

College student Kayla Cummings is a hopeless romantic. She has dreams of the perfect life with husband and kids. However, her dreams are dashed after finding out she is pregnant from a one-night stand with her secret crush. Kayla is devasted and unsure of what she needs to do. She turns to her best friends and roommates for advice. The only thing she does know for certain is that she will need to tell the father.

Ben Strickland's future has been written in stone by his parents. He has zero margins for error. He needs to get a decent score on the LSAT since failed the first time. Ben is struggling to juggle his upcoming finals along with his demanding girlfriend Darcy. However, when Kayla shows up on his doorstep claiming to be pregnant, Ben's control on his life begins to further spin out of control.

Ben and Kayla have to work together to figure out how they are going to handle their unplanned pregnancy. Will the be able to forget past hurts and buried secrets to forge a new path together?

The novel is a cozy romantic read. It was a predictable read as there weren't many unexpected surprised or deep dark secrets. There was the usage of adult language that at times felt like a bit much. However, I have been in relationships and heard of stories of women being referred to that way. So, it was a bit realistic. The book would be a good read for fans of cozy heartwarming romantic reads.

**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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

 

Formula for a Perfect Life By Christy Hayes

  

Christian New Adult Contemporary Romance 

Paperback & ebook, 323 Pages

 March 30th 2020

Two practical strangers. One fateful night. Two pink lines.

College senior and obsessive romantic Kayla Cummings' dreams of a storybook life are spun off course by an unplanned pregnancy after a one-night stand with her secret crush. Devastated, Kayla turns to her roommates and best friends for advice. No matter what she decides, no matter how deeply embarrassed, she has to tell the father.

Ben Strickland’s future is written in stone—as long as he gets a decent score on the Law School Admission Test. Feeling pressure from all sides, Ben struggles to juggle his upcoming finals, another shot at the LSAT, and his needy girlfriend Darcy. When the girl he spent a memorable night with weeks ago shows up at his doorstep pregnant, his already chaotic life spins out of control.

With the clock ticking, decisions to make, and a boatload of people to disappoint, Ben and Kayla embark on a journey neither anticipated—a journey where falling in love might be the biggest surprise of all. But when old hurts and buried secrets pose a greater threat to their future than impending parenthood, will Ben and Kayla go their separate ways or forge a new path to happy ever after?

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About the Author

Christy Hayes lives outside Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and dogs. Christy writes Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance, Christian Romance, and Women's Fiction. When not writing, she’s reading, walking dogs, or stalking her college-aged kids on social media.

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Book Review - Such a Perfect Wife by Kate White

Photo Credit - Amazon

Shannon Blaine sets off her a morning jog near her home in Lake George, NY, one sunny day during late September. Shannon runs the same rural road every day but, this day she never returns home.  Bailey Weggins is a true-crime writer and reporter. She receives an assignment from the website Crime Beat and heads north to report on the young mother's disappearance. While searching for leads, Bailey receives a call from the murderer that leads to a shocking discovery. As Bailey starts to dig deeper into the case, she realizes everyone has secrets but, how far will someone keep theirs?

I thought the novel was easy to read and kept me hooked until the ending. I wasn't a fan of the ending and thought it felt like rushed especially, with the suspense build-up. The middle of the novel had a bit of fluff and it picked up towards the end. This was my first book by the author and I look forward to reading more.

 **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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

Photo Credit - Amazon

Serving as a decoy Condesa, an Illustrian royal is all Ximena knows. She lost everything, including her family when Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts to gain control of La Ciudad from the Illustrians. Ximena's revenge is fueled by the grief of losing her loved ones. She decides to use her rage to seek vengeance against Atoc utilizing her rare ability to make thread from the moonlight.

When Atoc demands Condesa's hand in marriage, Ximena goes in place of the real Condesa, in hopes to find a way to end the war. She decides to become a spy and try to locate Atoc's deadly weapon for her cause to return the rightful Condesa to the throne. However, when she spends time with the inhabitants of the court, her mission becomes complicated. 

I thought the novel had an interesting premise and I enjoyed Ximena's ability. At first, I thought weaving moonlight was silly but, as the novel progressed I thought it was pretty cool.  I thought the novel was an enjoyable read but, the first half of the novel was very boring and slow.  I am interested in reading more books in the series (hopefully!).

**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 - A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe

Photo Credit - Amazon

**May Contain Spoilers**

In the year 1933, Jessie Lesage is an American woman traveling to Vietnam to start a new life with her and her husband. She and her French husband Victor, who is an heir to the Michelin rubber fortune, is certain that their new life will be full of promise and fortune. While the rest of the world is facing an economic downturn, the Michelins believe Indochine can improve their financial standing.

The Michelin plantations near Saigon have been plagued by scandals but, Jessie believes the plantations are the key to the family's success. She convinces her husband to move to Vietnam to secure their future along with ensuring her secrets in America stay buried in the past.

Jessie has trouble settling in Vietnam but, when she crosses path with the exuberant Marcelle de Fabry, Jessie's life will never be the same. Marcelle descends on Jessie's world like a whirlwind and becomes a guide to Jessie. However, beneath Marcelle's glamorous exterior she is hiding a deep secret. She wants to put the colony back into the hands of the people including, the Michelin plantations.

I was expecting this novel to be so much more but, instead, I found it to be very boring. I couldn't bond for any of the characters. The author paints Victor and Jessie has the heroes and is saving the colony. However, the plantation prosecutes and tortures people who spread the word of Communism. Jessie only gave money to the sister of one of her servants only after much prodding and complaining that the sister shouldn't be in her home. The author tries to weave Jessie's past life as a sad story of poverty and being abandoned but, it feels like she uses that as an excuse for her behavior. Her motivation to move the family to Vietnam was from her need for self-preservation but, she ends up putting her family in the crosshairs of Marcelle. Overall, the novel was interesting in the beginning but, then went all downhill towards the middle of the novel.

 **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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Cassie Everson had so many bad dates that she became an expert at escaping them. She has a plan that allows her to escape her date easily. After years of meeting men who try to woo her with the wrong intentions, Cassie is ready to give up hope on having a husband and children.

Firefighter Jett Bentley is content being alone but, when Cassie's online dating profile catches his eye, he remembers her from their high school days. Cassie Everson was the popular girl that Jett had a crush on for years. Hoping to reconnect, Jett sends Cassie a message and invites her on a first date.

After a series of events, Cassie and Jett go on their first date. Surprisingly, they both have a great time and can't wait to see each other. However, fate drops three children on each of them to take care of. They both decide to do the mature thing and hide the kids from each other while they sort out their feelings for each other. Will Jett and Cassie be able to work out their feelings for each other?

The novel was a fun and cute read. I like that even though Cassie was jaded, she still tried to open up her heart to love. I felt like there could have been a bit more character development between the two characters. The novel billed itself as a romantic comedy but, it felt more like a novel about two separate people adopting children and learning to care about others than themselves. Overall, I like the idea of family being people who you choose and not only the ones you are born into.

**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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Dating Charade
By Melissa Ferguson
Contemporary Romance, Christian
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

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About the Author

Melissa Ferguson is an adjunct professor for Bible and religion at King University. She lives in the charming town of Bristol, Tennessee, with her husband, twin toddlers, and baby girl. She used to have hobbies like running and backpacking the Appalachian Trail outside her door. Now her hobbies include admiring the Appalachian Trail out her minivan window while singing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" en route to the library.

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Book Review - The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) by Janet W. Ferguson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Rivers Sullivan has both visible and invisible scars, such as the bullet wound from the attack that killed her fiancé. After losing her faith in humanity, she decides to travel to  St. Simons Island to see the cottage and art gallery she inherited from her late fiancé. When Rivers discovers that recovering addicts are running her gallery, she is forced to confront her feelings from the attack.

After the devastating drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days and nights trying to redeem himself for his past mistakes. He spends his counseling and coaching people who are looking for help and he searches for others who are caught in the quickly rising tides of St. Simmons.  When Cooper rescues Rivers from the tides and delivers her to his grandmother's cottage; he knows his life will be changed forever.

While their tragic circumstances bring Cooper and Rivers closer, they fight their growing feelings for each other. Cooper has been sober for years but, Rivers has a tough time trusting her heart to a recovering addict. He knows a relationship with Rivers will rip the fragile bond he has with his family. Will Rivers and Cooper be able to get over their insecurities and take a chance on themselves and each other?

The novel was an inspirational read about people who are trying to conquer their struggles. It gives a realistic view of people who struggle when their faith is broken. I found the mystery a bit predictable but, overall the novel was 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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Art of Rivers (Coastal Hearts #3) By Janet W. Ferguson Christian 

Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 299 Pages June 30th 2019 by Southern Sun Press LLC

​Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing.

After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated.

Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository Also available through KindleUnlimited.

About the Author

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

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One winner will receive a $10 Chick-fil-A gift card and signed copies of the first two books in the series, Magnolia Storms and Falling for Grace US only Ends November 6, 2019

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Book Spotlight - As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl

Photo Credit - Amazon

In one impulsive moment the summer before they leave for college, overachievers Scarlett and David plunge into an irresistible swirl of romance, particle physics, and questionable decisions.

Scarlett and David have known each other all their lives in small-town Graceville, Colorado, where David is just another mountain in the background, until, one day, he is suddenly so much more than part of the landscape. Magnetic, spontaneous, David is a gravitational force. And Scarlett, pragmatic, wry, eye on the future, welcomes the whirlwind he brings even as she resists it.

Moving between the present and the past, this is the story of a seemingly grounded girl who's pulled into a lightning-strike romance with an electric-charged boy, and the enormity of the aftermath. Smart, bold, and unconventionally romantic, Shana Youngdahl's debut explores grief, guilt, and reconciling who you think you need to be with the person you've been all along. It's an aching, transporting reminder that between the past that shapes us and the unknowable future, we have only the present to forgive ourselves and forge ahead.

  **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 - Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

Photo Credit - Amazon

Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash fled her home in the middle of the night with her young daughter. She left her abusive husband, Andrew and is trying to start over with her daughter.  Lindsey has own business and seems to finally have her life under control. Until Andrew was released from prison and he tries to worm his way back into his ex-wife and daughters' lives. Lindsey feels like she is being followed and someone is watching her. Her boyfriend was threatened and her home was broken into. She believes Andrew is behind the taunts. However, he claims he is a changed man.

The novel was fast-paced with many twists. A few were predictable but, still added enough suspense to let readers guessing until the end. Although, I was expecting a bit more from the ending as there were a "few things" I thought would lead to more.   It wasn't a bad read but, I was just expecting something more and different.

**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 Furies by Katie Lowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

Violet is nervous on her first day at the all-girls Elm Hollow Academy boarding school. It's her second chance to have a fresh start in the midst of a family tragedy.  Desperate to fit in, Violet finds herself joining a group of girls who are considered outsiders. She soon finds herself in an advanced study group with the other girls, leads by her mysterious art teacher, Annabel.

The group studies mythology and Greek and Celtic legends but, also the school's own gruesome history.  Annabel tries to teach the girls that class is about learning history and mythology and not about magic. However, this doesn't stop the girls from trying to get their hands on some spells. 

Together, they try to harness the power of magic for themselves. They find themselves wrapped up in power they never had before. When a violent incident occurs, Violet finds herself feeling defenseless. When her friends' actions take a turn for the darker, Violet finds herself conflicted.

I thought this novel was going to be about a group of girls who were using magic to get their way. Instead, I am not sure what this novel is. I have a few mixed feelings about it and I am still not entirely sure if I enjoyed the novel. I was reminded of Emma Cline's "The Girls" (which I was also in-between with). I didn't really feel like the book came together in a cohesive and enjoyable way for me. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and thought they didn't really face any consequences. While I didn't really love this novel, I am open to reading other 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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Last Day by Domenica Ruta

Photo Credit - Amazon

Once a year on May 28, all of humanity gather to celebrate the day of the planet's demise. People party and act as it is the last day they are alive. Sarah is a bookish wunderkind who is looking for love. She felt that she has always been asexual but, she finds herself attracted to an older man, Kurt. Sarah and Kurt met last year during her parents' Last Day BBQ. Kurt is a tattoo artist who is trying to make amends to a family he destroyed years ago.

Karen consistently gets in trouble. She was abused at a young age and suffers from an eating disorder. After getting into trouble again, she decides to abandon her current life and search for her long lost adoptive brother. Her friend, Rosette left the Jehovah's Witness and follows a new pastor who has different opinions about the Last Day. Rosette tries to help Karen as she believes it will her atone for her past sins. When Karen calls Rosette for help, she takes Karen to the church in hopes that it will help her.

Three astronauts on the International Space Station are witnessing the Last Day spectacle in Space. Bear, an American astronaut along with Russian astronaut, Svec, and a Japanese space tourist, Yui contemplate their lives during the Last Day festivities.  Together they band together and share stories of their native customs for the Last Day.

At first, I thought this was going to be an interesting read. Then, I was quite confused by some of the behaviors of the characters especially when they tried changing their behaviors. After I read more about each character I understood their motives. The book depicts how one person's actions have an effect on other people lives. I found that to be an interesting concept that something trivial to you can mean the world to someone else. Overall, the book was thought-provoking but, I am not sure if it was my cup of tea.

*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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Photo Credit - Amazon

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 Memory House by Rachel Hauck

Photo Credit - Amazon

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.**