Book Review - Saving Meghan by D.J. Palmer

Photo Credit - Amazon

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 - The Address: A Novel by Fiona Davis

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After a failed sewing apprenticeship and consistently disappointing her mother, Sara Smythe has worked her way up to the head housekeeper at a posh London hotel. When an accident occurs, Sara crosses path with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house, the Dakota. Grateful for her help, Theo offers Sara a job as a manager of the Dakota.  Excited about the opportunity to start over and filled with possibility, Sara decides to take the position as the manager of the building. Sara loves that Theo understands her like no one else but, Theo is a married man with three young children.

Bailey Camden is fresh out of rehab and she is eager to start over. She is homeless, jobless and without a penny to her name. Baily is desperate for any opportunity to help showcase her decorating skills. Her grandfather was the ward of Theo Camden but, without the genetic match, Bailey won't be able to get a  part of the Camden's estate. Her cousin, Melinda is Camden's biological great-granddaughter who will inherit everything. When Melinda offers Bailey the job to renovate her lavish Dokata apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance to prove herself. However, the pair has different views on the renovation of the apartment. Melinda wants to make the apartment more modern, while Bailey wants to keep the historic charm.

 

Sara and Bailey lived over a hundred years apart but, both are tempted and struggle again the excess of their world. Sara struggled with the opulent world ruled by the rich while Bailey struggled with free-flowing drinks and drugs. They both take refuge at the Dakota to find peace.  When Bailey finds a chest with secrets from the past, she realizes everything she thought she knew about her family might be wrong.

I found the book to be an entertaining and easy to read. I love the details about the Dakota and the historic details.  While the book was a good read, I found the story to be a bit predictable. This would be an ideal book for readers who like historical fiction but, not for readers who want to be in suspense.

**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 - Watching You by Lisa Jewell

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Joey returns home after working aboard for four years to live with her brother and sister-in-law. She and her new husband is adjusting to their new life together.  However, Joey finds herself drawn to the married man next door. He is the headmaster at the local school, who is almost double her age. While Joey's attraction to the next door neighbor grows, she starts to realize something is not quite right with the family next door.

I have read another book by Lisa Jewell and enjoyed her work. However, I found this book to be very predictable. I thought some of the characters to be a bit creepy and stalkerish. I am guessing it leads to the idea that even small towns have questionable characters. Overall, a good read but, I wish there was a bit more going on.

**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 - The Truth About Martians by Melissa Savage + Giveaway

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Mylo Affinito believes that he missing essential parts, such as bravery, muscles, and facial hair. When there is a rumor of aliens crash landing near their home in Roswell, New  Mexico; Mylo and his friends set out to discover more about the Martians.  Mylo never believed in aliens but, when he starts hearing a voice pleading for help, he decides to follow his heart. Together with his friends, they set out on an epic adventure to investigate the crash and find out who is calling for help. However, what they discover, might change their lives forever. 

 This book gave me all the feels. It was a great and interesting read from start to finish. All of the characters were flawed but, trying to become better and do better. However, when someone they care about needs help, they put aside their feelings and fears to help. Overall,  I found it to be an enjoyable 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.**

About the Book:

Title: THE TRUTH ABOUT MARTIANS

Author: Melissa Savage

Pub. Date: October 2, 2018

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

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

A boy and his best friends set out to discover the aliens who crash-landed next to their Roswell, New Mexico, farm in this charming novel packed with adventure and heart, perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin's The Thing About Jellyfish and Jennifer L. Holm's The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Mylo never really believed in Martians, unless they had a starring role in one of his comic books. But then a flying saucer crash-lands next to his Roswell, New Mexico, ranch, and he starts to hear voices--like someone is asking for his help.

With his best friend Dibs and crush Gracie by his side, and his Cracker Jack superhero membership card, a slingshot, and a small American flag--for peace--in tow, Mylo sets out on an epic adventure to investigate the crash and find the Martians. But he and his friends end up discovering more about the universe than they ever could have imagined.

About Melissa: 

Melissa D. Savage’s first book, The Lost Pony, premiered in her second grade classroom, winning high praise from critics such as her mom. Although the book was hand written and self-illustrated in Crayola Crayons, it was this experience that began her love of writing and to this day she still believes was one of her best works. Melissa continued to create stories growing up, writing different adventures for friends to read and later completed a Master’s Degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University in Minnesota. She was privileged to be able to receive guidance from amazing authors, educators, and fellow writers who shared their wisdom, experience, and support. Most recently, Melissa’s debut book, Lemons has been recognized by the American Booksellers Association on their Independent Booksellers’ debut picks of the season list, Indies Introduce Winter/Spring 2017.  Additionally, Bigfoot, Tobin & Me (The UK/Commonwealth version of Lemons published by Chicken House Books) has been recognized as Children’s Book of the Month with WHSmith.

Melissa is a writer and a child and family therapist. She has worked with families struggling with issues of abuse, trauma and loss/bereavement. She believes that expressing oneself through writing can be a very healing process when struggling with difficulties in life.  In addition it can be a vehicle in which to honor, celebrate and continue to share the spirits of the special people who have left us too soon. Melissa lives in Minneapolis with her family. You can follow her on Twitter at @melissadsavage.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE TRUTH ABOUT MARTIANS, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2829/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

11/5/2018- The Desert Bibliophile- Review

11/6/2018- Good Choice Reading- Excerpt

11/7/2018- Jaime's World- Excerpt

11/8/2018- Parajunkee- Excerpt

11/9/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review

Book Review - The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

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Aiden Bishop is tasked with preventing Evelyn Hardcastle from being murdered at 11:00 pm. However, if he fails the day will restart and Evelyn will die again. Aiden must race against the clock and name the killer if, he wishes to escape. As he wakes up in a body of a different guest every day, he learns each host has a different personality and motive. Will Aiden be able to find out the killer within the eight days?

The novel had a very interesting premise. I like that the novel had elements of sci-fi, thriller, and mystery all wrapped in one interesting book.  While the book was a good and suspenseful read, I had a hard time keeping track of some of the minor details especially, when the future was altered. However, the book is definitely a fun read and I look forward to reading 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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Peculiar Possum by Tracey Hecht and Tracey Hecht

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Tobin, Bismark, and Dawn are all nocturnal animals. They love to look for pomelos to eat at night. However,  while searching for their beloved pomelos, they encounter strange sounds and smells in the valley. Shortly after, an unfamiliar animal appears which causes Bismark to become upset.  He finds their new friend to be very peculiar.

The easy to read chapter book shows the characters learning acceptance, being different, being yourself, and the importance of sharing. The book was easy for children to follow along. As well, as being able to read a few lines by themselves. I appreciated that the book contains fun facts about the animals along with a glossy of peculiar words in different languages. A great wholesome and educational book for children.

 

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

Book Review - Neck and Neck by Elise Parsley + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

At the zoo, Leopold the giraffe is king. Everyone adores the gentle giant. He fills visitors with excitement and wonder. In return, he is feed yummy snacks. However, one day, giraffe-shaped balloon tries to overtake Leopold's territory and snacks. How far will Leopold go to prevent his spotlight from being stolen?

The picture book was a fun and delightful read. The story shows how when can compete to win affection (for this story) just by doing the right thing. The storyline at first was a bit hard to decipher at first, especially to young tots I read the story too. However, they liked the drawings and silly antics Leopold did. 

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

NECK & NECK

Title: NECK & NECK 

Author: Elise Parsley

Pub. Date: June 5, 2018

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

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

In the first stand-alone picture book from the creator of the bestselling Magnolia Says DON'T! books, a giraffe's self-esteem is tested during a hilarious confrontation between unlikely look-alikes!

Everybody loves Leopold the giraffe. He inspires awe and wonder. His adoring fans gaze and cheer. Best of all, they feed him lots of deeeelicious snacks! But, one day, a shiny, bobble-headed new rival comes in and ruins everything...a giraffe-shaped balloon! Just how far will Leopold go to prove that he's the hero of the zoo? Readers learn that actions speak far louder than looks in this laugh-out-loud face-off from Elise Parsley--the New York Times bestselling creator of If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, Don't!

About Elise:

Elise Parsley studied drawing and creative writing at Minnesota State University Moorhead. During college, Elise also volunteered over 1800 hours promoting literacy through an AmeriCorps academic enrichment program. Now she promotes literacy through writing and illustrating children’s books.

Elise is the Illustrator Coordinator for the Dakotas Region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She spends a lot of her time telling aspiring writers and illustrators to join the SCBWI and get involved with a local critique group or two. Elise and her family live in Beresford, SD.

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of NECK & NECK, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba2758/?

Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

6/11/2018- Little Red Reads- Review

6/12/2018- Ginger Mom and the Kindle Quest- Review

6/13/2018- Peaceful Oblivion- Review

6/14/2018- Wonder Struck- Review

6/15/2018- Two points of interest- Review