Book Review - A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lizzie Kitsakis is working late when she gets a call from an old friend. Lizzie knows long grueling hours are standard at elite law firms like where she is working, but she has her reasons for wanting to stay late. Until recently, she was working as a federal prosecutor which was her dream job. She had everything she wanted. She had her dream job and her devoted husband, Sam. That was until everything started to fall apart. Maybe the cracks in her life were already there but, Lizzie has been in denial for so long, she doesn't even know what's true anymore.

Lizzie barely keeps afloat with her marital problems and managing her new job.  The last thing she needs is another distraction. She receives a call from Zach Grayson, an old friend who is an inmate at Rikers. He is desperate for her help. His wife, Amanda has been found dead at the bottom of their stairs in their home. Zach is the primary suspect in her murder and he needs all the help he can get. As Lizzie begins to investigate, she realizes everyone is protecting their secrets and nothing is what it seems. Will Lizzie be able to help solve Amanda's murder? Will she be able to save her marriage?

The book is a fast-paced thriller with a few twists. A few of the twists are a bit predictable with enough clues to help you piece it together. The author leaves you wondering, what exactly constitutes a good marriage? We read about several different couples and their different dynamics. I devoured this novel in a few days and it was enjoyable to read. If you are a fan of crime thrillers or courtroom dramas, you will appreciate this book. I can't wait for 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 Review - Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson + Giveaway

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Savannah Darcy Rose is a gifted ballerina. She is known as "Sparrow" to her friends and family. Sparrow has a lot of secrets that she keeps from her loved ones.  She was taught at a young age to keep secrets for her late mother.  However, after a brutal attack from her perfect boyfriend, Sparrow must find the courage to confront her past.

As a person who has been in an abusive relationship, I thought I would have enjoyed this novel. I find that I hated it and I couldn't relate to the main character at all. I liked that each of the characters had nicknames until it became overwhelming. I felt like some of the dialogue between the characters didn't feel authentic or real.

The novel skips from Sparrow and Tristan's first date to Sparrow being terrified of him. I feel like this doesn't give us a chance to see the "good guy" that Tristan is. Was their relationship strong in the beginning or was Tristan always violent? The reason I am asking is that I have a hard time understanding "why" Sparrow insists Tristan is a good guy when all we see is his abusive behavior towards her. Sparrow mentions that he treats her good by "apologizing and buying her things". However, I don't feel that Sparrow and her family needs money as her father is a criminal defense attorney and uses a Montblanc pen. I am wondering if there is an emotional need that Tristan was filling for her.

I wish there was more details given about Sparrow and her mother's death. The author hovers around the incident without going into detail. Another issue I had with the book was that Sparrow observed that she wished her father knew she was in pain and would protect her. However, whenever her friends or family observed Sparrow and her relationship she would get defensive. This wasn't the book for me and I couldn't finish reading it around the 70% page mark.

**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 INFORMATION

Sparrow

by Mary Cecilia Jackson
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: March 17th 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Synopsis:

In the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, a devastating but hopeful YA debut about a ballerina who finds the courage to confront the abuse that haunts her past and threatens her future.

There are two kinds of people on the planet. Hunters and prey

I thought I would be safe after my mother died. I thought I could stop searching for new places to hide. But you can’t escape what you are, what you’ve always been.

javascript:void(0);My name is Savannah Darcy Rose.

And I am still prey.

Though Savannah Rose―Sparrow to her friends and family―is a gifted ballerina, her real talent is keeping secrets. Schooled in silence by her long-dead mother, Sparrow has always believed that her lifelong creed―“I’m not the kind of girl who tells”―will make her just like everyone else: Normal. Happy. Safe. But in the aftermath of a brutal assault by her seemingly perfect boyfriend Tristan, Sparrow must finally find the courage to confront the ghosts of her past, or lose herself forever….

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33004248-sparrow

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39Xb2yN

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sparrow-mary-cecilia-jackson/1131253775

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/lookup?isbn=9781250771292

Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Sparrow-Mary-Cecilia-Jackson-Andrew-Eiden-Rachel-L-Jacobs/9781250263506

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/sparrow-17

Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Cecilia_Jackson_Sparrow

BOOK AUTHOR

Mary Cecilia Jackson has worked as a middle school teacher, an adjunct instructor of college freshmen, a technical writer and editor, a speechwriter, a museum docent, and a development officer for central Virginia's PBS and NPR stations. Her first novel, Sparrow, was an honor recipient of the SCBWI Sue Alexander Award and a young-adult finalist in the Writers' League of Texas manuscript contest. She lives with her architect husband, William, in Western North Carolina and Hawaii, where they have a farm and five ridiculously adorable goats.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: https://www.marycjackson.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16090834.Mary_Cecilia_Jackson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marycjackson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mceciliajackson/

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/02/tour-schedule-sparrow-by-mary-cecilia.html

We will be updating this link daily.

GIVEAWAY

Prize: Win a copy of SPARROW by Mary Cecilia Jackson (US/CAN Only)

Starts: 17^th March 2020

Ends: 31^st March 2020

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86476/?

 

Book Review - One Little Lie by Colleen Coble + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Jane Hardy is promoted to the new Chief of police in Pelican Harbor, Alabama after her father's sudden retirement. Jane barely has time to catch her breath when her father is arrested for theft and implicated in a murder. As Jane begins to investigate the wave of crime, she realizes that someone is after her family and they will stop at nothing to make sure that she and her father pay.

Jane and her father left a cult fifteen years ago but, Jane still searches for her mother who refused to leave with them. Reid Bechtol is a well-known investigating journalist who produces documentaries. His latest project is covering Jane's career. Jane is the first female Chief and she doesn't want to be the subject of his documentaries but, the committee who appointed her loves the idea.  Jane finds herself leaning on Reid but, Reid is trying to keep distance between them because of a secret. Will Jane be able to find out the truth while they work together to help prove her father's innocence?

 I have read a few of the author's books and enjoyed them. While the novel is the first book in the series, I felt like there were portions of the story that could have been more detailed. The plot was predictable but, had a few surprises. While I did enjoy the book, I felt like a lot was going on and felt like I was getting pummeled with details. For example, the part where seemingly out of nowhere Jane goes off to search for her mother during the middle of a murder investigation. I believe the author is trying to build the story for the next book but, I would have preferred if the book stayed more focused.

**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

One Little Lie
(Pelican Harbor #1)
By Colleen Coble
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 352 Pages
March 3rd 2020 by Thomas Nelson

It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.

Jane Hardy is appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor, Alabama, after her father retires, but there's no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane quickly realizes she's facing someone out to destroy the only family she has.

After escaping with her father from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother—who refused to leave—ever since. Could someone from that horrible past have found them?

Reid Bechtol is well-known for his documentaries, and his latest project involves covering Jane's career. Jane has little interest in the attention, but the committee who appointed her loves the idea of the publicity.

Jane finds herself depending on Reid's calm manner as he follows her around filming, and they begin working together to clear her father. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross—especially once her father’s lie catches up with him.

Praise for the Book

“Colleen Coble always raises the notch on romantic suspense, and One Little Lie is my favorite yet! The story took me on a wild and wonderful ride.” —Diann Mills, bestselling author

"Colleen Coble once again proves she is at the pinnacle of Christian romantic suspense. Filled with characters you'll come to love, faith lost and found, and scenes that will have you holding your breath, Jane Hardy's story deftly follows the complex and tangled web that can be woven by one little lie.' —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | Christianbook | TNZFiction

About the Author

Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, Twilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of Strands of Truth by Colleen Coble (US only)

Ends March 25, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review - Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger

Photo Credit - Amazon

FBI Agent Nell Flynn hasn't been home to visit her father in over ten years.  She and her father, Homicide Detective Martin Flynn never had much of a relationship since, her mother's death. Her childhood home always brings memories of the brutal murder of her mother, Marisol. 

Nell returns home after her father was killed in a motorcycle accident. After spreading her father's ashes and closing his estate, her father's partner Detective Lee mentions the case he was working on before his death. Lee requests Nell to help him investigate the murders of the two young women. As Nell and Lee work the case together, Nell becomes convinced that the prime suspect might be her father and his police friends are helping him cover his tracks. Nell also begins to doubt her father's innocence in her mother's murder. Will Nell be able to uncover the truth about her family's past and the murders? 

I thought the novel was an interesting read. A few things left unsolved but, a majority of the mysteries were solved. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed, like a flurry of activity while the rest of the story was moving at a solid pace.  The plot was a bit predictable but, there were still a few exciting pieces. This was my second book by the author and while, I liked this book better, I won't actively go out of my way to read more of her books.

 **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 - Never Tell by Lisa Gardner

Photo Credit - Amazon

Someone shot a man three times in his home office but, his computer has been shot twelve times. When the police arrive, his pregnant wife is holding the gun. When D.D. Warren arrives on the scene, she recognizes the woman as Evie Carter. D.D. worked a case many years ago when Evie's father was accidentally killed by his daughter.  Warren feels that there are too many coincidental deaths that occur near Evie Carter.

When Flora Danes see the new report of Conrad Carter's murder, she remembers him from when she was kidnapped. Her captor, Jacob knew and met Conrad while Flora was his hostage. Flora is overcome with guilt for not trying to find out more about Jacob's victims. Flora decides to work with D.D. to help figure out the truth behind Conrad's death. As Flora and D.D. work on the case, they discover some people will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

I thought the novel was a suspenseful read and showed how far someone would go protect the ones they love. I have read other books by Lisa Gardner and usually love them. However, this book left me wanting more. I felt like the story drag towards the middle and did nothing to build the story. I left like D.D. Warren took a backseat in investigating the case until the very end when she realizes who is behind the murder.

 **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 Poison Thread by Laura Purcell

Photo Credit - Amazon

Two young women who are complete opposites of each other, find their lives intertwined. Ruth Butterham is a poor seamstress awaiting trial for murder. Dorothea Truelove is a wealthy socialite with an interest in phrenology. Following her mother's footsteps, Dorothea volunteers at the Oakgate Prison where she meets Ruth. Dorothea believes that the shape of a person's skull can help predict a person's traits and personalities including, the ability for murder. 

Ruth maintains that she can kill someone with just a needle and thread. Ruth believes she has a supernatural power that transfers to her stitches. As Ruth begins to tell her tale of betrayal and bitterness, will Dorothea be able to trust Ruth's story?

I thought the novel had an interesting premise and was an enjoyable read. However, I felt like the writing was choppy and hard to follow during some parts of the story. I also felt like that the story was drawn out and the ending was a bit rushed and out of place. I wish the story was a bit more developed and the author spent more time building out the ending. Since I enjoyed the premise of the story, I would be open to reading more books from 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 - The Runaway Princess by Johan Troïanowski

Photo credit - Amazon

Princess Robin has a knack for wandering away from her castle into her whirlwind adventures.  Robin doesn't act like other princesses who stay at home and follow the rules. Instead, she wants to go on adventures involving monsters, magical creatures, and pirates. Where will Robin go to next for her great adventure?

The graphic novel was a fun and entertaining read. I love the puzzles that were included in the book. I love that each adventure is whimsical and unpredictable. It's the perfect graphic novel for any middle grader.

 **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 How and the Why by Cynthia Hand + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Cassandra McMurtrey has everything she could want. Her parents are kind and generous and she wouldn't trade them for anything. However, Cass is adopted and she has questions about who she is. She wants to know more about herself that her adoptive parents can't answer no matter how much they love her. 

Eighteen years ago, a sixteen-year-old girl becomes pregnant. She decides to give her daughter up for adoption and writes her unborn daughter a series of letters. The novel alternates between the expectant mother and Cass searching for answers.

I thought the novel to be a cute read. I am not adopted but, I have considered adoption and the novels give insight on how a child might feel about being adopted. For example, Cass and her best friend, Nyla has conflicting views on finding their birth parent.  I enjoyed reading the interactions with Cass and her friends. I love the supportive relationship Cass has with her friends and family. The author did a good job portraying that love and support can come from anywhere.

**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.**

Imprint: HarperTeen (November 5, 2019)
On Sale: 11/05/2019
Pages: 464
List Price: 17.99 USD Age: 13+
ISBN: 9780062693167
ISBN 10: 0062693166

Praise for THE HOW & THE WHY

“The novel’s great strength is the emotional depth of its characters and the complexity of their relationships. A heartfelt and hopeful story about coming of age as an adoptee.” ―School Library Journal

“Hand explores adoption’s multiple dimensions with great insight and sensitivity. Inclusive and illustrative: an engaging lesson in timeless family values.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Cynthia Hand is the master of pulling at your heartstrings. The How & the Why tells both sides of an adoption story with love, compassion, and care. You’ll be reaching for your tissue box with this one -- if you can stop turning pages long enough, that is.” ―Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of Letters to the Lost

“Beautifully rendered and superbly shaped. Hand has crafted an absorbing novel that focuses on family, friendship, teen pregnancy, adoption, personal choices, and serious health issues. Give this exquisite novel to readers seeking an emotionally intricate story.” ―Booklist (starred review)

A poignant exploration of family and the ties that bind, perfect for fans of Far From the Tree, from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand.

Today Melly had us writing letters to our babies…

Cassandra McMurtrey has the best parents a girl could ask for. They’ve given Cass a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. She has everything she needs—except maybe the one thing she wants. Like, to know who she is. Where she came from. Questions her adoptive parents can’t answer, no matter how much they love her.

But eighteen years ago, someone wrote Cass a series of letters. And they may just hold the answers Cass has been searching for.

Alternating between Cass’s search for answers and letters from the pregnant teen who gave her up for adoption, this voice-driven narrative is the perfect read for fans of Nina LaCour and Jandy Nelson.

You can purchase The How & the Why at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Cynthia Hand

Cynthia Hand is the New York Times bestselling author of several books for teens, including the UNEARTHLY trilogy, THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE, MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE (with fellow authors Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows), THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE, and the upcoming novel THE HOW AND THE WHY (Fall 2019). Before turning to writing for young adults, she studied literary fiction and earned both an M.F.A. and a Ph.D. in fiction writing. She currently resides in Boise, Idaho, with a husband who's addicted to typewriters, two kids, two cats, one crazy dog, and a entourage of imaginary friends.

        

WEEK ONE

NOVEMBER 4th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 5th TUESDAY Life Within the Pages REVIEW

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

NOVEMBER 6th WEDNESDAY Book Queen Reviews REVIEW

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

NOVEMBER 7th THURSDAY Booknerdchelcie REVIEW

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 

NOVEMBER 8th FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

WEEK TWO

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY Kait Plus Books REVIEW

NOVEMBER 11th MONDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 12th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 

NOVEMBER 13th WEDNESDAY Lenissahh Reads REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Random Bookish Banter REVIEW

NOVEMBER 14th THURSDAY Little Bookish Thoughts REVIEW & INTERVIEW

NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

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Book Review - The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict

Photo Credit - Amazon

Kimber Hannon comes home from vacation to find out someone is living in her house. She has no idea who this stranger is but, he tells the police that he has permission to live there. He even has the paperwork to prove that belongs in her home. However, Kimber knows that she didn't invite this stranger into her home. 

The stranger knows secrets from Kimber's past and wants everyone to know Kimber's secrets. Kimber is afraid if the truth is revealed that she will lose everything she worked for. Kimber realizes that the stranger doesn't just want her house but, everything she has. Will Kimber be able to figure out who the stranger is?

The novel has an interesting premise and I was very excited to read it. For a stranger to take over someone's home; that is very twisted and intimate. However, while I like the idea of the novel, I felt like the story progressed very slowly. And, I honestly hated Kimber as a person. I found myself hoping that she suffers more than she did. I feel like she is the type of person who is self-centered and only cares about herself but, judges others on their actions.  After reading about Kimber's history and personality, I was surprised there weren't more people who wanted to see her suffer.

 **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.**