Like A Love Story

Stars 5/5

Like A Love Story by Abdi Nazemian

I really loved this story. The book touches on some very hard issues dealing with AIDS and how people react and respond to people who have contracted the virus. The book is set in the 1980's which was a time when the world was learning more about the virus and it was still questionable on how to contract it and the medicine that was very hard to get due to the cost in which most insurances didn't cover. The book follows three friends that are dealing with such issues. Art, a young gay guy, that wants to stand up for gay rights but is trying to overcome obstacles with his parents. Judy, a heterosexual girl, dealing with her uncle, who is dying of the virus and Reza, an Iranian boy, who just moved to New York and is very stressful about the virus even to the point of not coming out as gay but he has fallen for Art. And let's not forget Madonna! I highly recommend this book!

The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me

Stars 5/5

The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me by Roald Dahl

It has been a very long time since I have read this book and it still makes me laugh. The book follows a young boy that has admired an old building for a long time because it was a Candy Shop. One day he finds that someone has bought the place and is remodeling it. Soon he meets the owners. A giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey. They opened up a window washing business. The story is short and sweet. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.

The Chain

Stars 5/5

The Chain by Adrian McKinty

WoW! This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat! I really enjoyed it. The book follows Rachel, a single mom that is fighting cancer. She receives a call that her daughter has been kidnapped and that she needs to not only pay the ransom but she needs to kidnap another child to keep the chain alive. The story is full of action! I wondered who was behind all of this until the very end! I highly recommend it.

The Girl In The Woods

Stars 5/5

The Girl In The Woods by Patricia MacDonald

This book was really creepy! I am so glad I stumbled across it. The story follows Blair who is called home because her sister is dying from cancer. As her sister lays dying, she tells Blair that fifteen years ago when Blair's best friend Molly was found murdered that she lied to the police and the man that has been serving time in prison is not the killer. Blair promises her sister that she will try to make things right. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. I just love creepy town stories.

The Girl In The Green Silk Gown (Ghost Road #2)

Stars 5/5

The Girl In The Green Silk Gown (Ghost Road #2) by Seanan McGuire

This the second book in the Ghost Road series and I really enjoyed this story. I hope for a third book. The book follows Rose Marshall, the hitchhiker ghost that was killed over 60 years ago by the famous Bobby Cross, who made a deal with the crossroad ghosts for eternal youth. Rose is the only one that has got away and Bobby Cross will continue to hunt her down. Rose needs to find a way to stop him but at what cost. This is a wonderful story I can not recommend it enough. Awesome read during the Halloween/Autumn season.

Technically, You Started It

Stars 5/5

Technically, You Started It by Lana Wood Johnson

Such a fun book to read! I really enjoyed this cute story. Very unique and creative. The book follows Haley, a high school girl that receives a text message from a guy in her school named Martin. Now she should know who this guy is but there are two Martins. The one that is texting her and his cousin with the same name. Martin knows who Haley is but he didn't know that she didn't know which one he is. The start up a great friendship. Chatting all the time and of course one day, they will have to meet. I don't want to go into the story more but I highly recommend this for a "Meet Cute" read.

Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake #3)

Stars 5/5

Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake #3) by Rachel Caine

This is the third book in the Stillhouse Lake series and I am loving the series. I can not wait for the next book! The story continues to follow Gwen, Sam and the kids as they are now back in Stillhouse Lake and trying to move on with their life after the horrors in Killman Creek. Gwen starts getting letters from her ex and is getting phone calls from people who would like her help. This leads them to Wolfhunter River and on a case of a kidnapped girl. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but I definitely recommend the series.

Killman Creek (Stillhouse Lake #2)

Stars 5/5

Killman Creek (Stillhouse Lake #2) by Rachel Caine

This is the second book in the Stillhouse Lake series and I have to say I loved this book more than the first and the third (yeah I am bit behind in my reviews). This story continues to follow Gwen Proctor, which is Gina Royal's new name, as she continues to hide from not only her sick ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, but is also hiding from outraged internet users who want her dead. Gwen and her new friend Sam soon find out that Melvin Royal was one of nineteen inmates who escaped prison and as she finds a safe place for her kids, her and Sam set out to find him and kill him. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Stillhouse Lake

Stars 5/5

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

This is an amazing book! I couldn't put it down! The story follows Gina Royal, housewife and mother who comes home to see a drunk driver has drove his car into her house and garage. As she pulls up the police are acting odd even to the point of pulling their gun out on her while she is in her car with her two kids. Gina gets out of her car and is lead over to the garage. There she sees her worst nightmare, a young woman skinned and hanging. Gina's husband is convicted of the murders and dubbed a serial killer as Gina is free from lack of evidence even though the public wants her and her family dead. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil things but I highly recommend it.

The Splendor Of Fear

Stars 5/5

The Splendor Of Fear by Ambrose Ibsen

OMG Creepy Awesome! I recently found this author and I have loved every book I have read from him and that includes this one. The story follows Penny and her boyfriend Jake as they are going on a camping trip for the weekend. Penny's friends believe it is a way for him to propose marriage but she is not sure. When they arrive at the campground there is no one around and the park ranger they call acts like this is an error in booking. Regardless, Jake wants to stay! An empty campground with a history of a witch killing is all I need to say. I highly recommend this book especially around the Halloween/Autumn season.

Summer Days And Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories

Stars 4/5

Summer Days And Summer Nights: Twelve Love Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

Written by:

Leigh Bardugo

Francesca Lia Block

Libba Bray

Cassandra Clarke

Brandy Colbert

Tim Federle

Stephanie Perkins

Veronica Roth

Jon Skovron

Jennifer E. Smith

I knew that this Summer I had to read this anthology of stories written about love and I am so glad I did. Of course, I liked some stories more than others but I definitely recommend this book as a Summer Time read. Amazing Authors!

Esio Trot

Stars 5/5

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

The first thing I think about when I re-read this book was how in the world did that woman not be able to notice that her beloved tortoise was not the same but it wouldn't of been a fun book if she would have. I really love this silly book. The story follows a woman who wants her little tortoise, Alfie, to grow and a neighbor man who wants the woman to notice him. A very cute but mischievous book that I highly recommend to kids of all ages. 

Dirty Beasts

Stars 5/5

Dirty Beasts by Roald Dahl

This is such a silly book about different animals and how they could be dirty beasts! I highly recommend it for kids of all ages. A really fun read.

Danny The Champion Of The World

Stars 5/5

Danny The Champion Of The World by Roald Dahl

You could go into a huge debate about "stealing/poaching" but you can't argue that this book is hilariously funny and definitely a "Must Read". I love this story. When I was young I would just daydream about living in a caravan and how fun it would be. Even now as I am older, I still flirt with the idea. The story follows and man and his son as they live in a caravan behind the filling station. One night, young Danny wakes up to find his dad is no where around. Later that night, his dad finally comes home and tells Danny where he has been and what he was doing. I don't want to go into the story more as it is such a short story but I highly recommend it to kids of all ages.

The Enormous Crocodile

Stars 5/5

The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl

It has been a long time since I have read this short story and I just love it. The book follows the Enormous Crocodile has he brags to the other animals how is going to eat the little kids. It is a fun story for kids of all ages. I highly recommend it.

The Last Chance Hotel

Stars 4/5

The Last Chance Hotel by Nicki Thornton

This is a fun book to read especially around the Halloween/Autumn season. I really enjoyed the murder mystery with a sprinkle of magic. The book follows young Seth, the kitchen boy at The Last Chance Hotel. Seth's father disappeared and left Seth to deal with the abuse of the owners and their young daughter always claiming Seth's work as her own. There was going to be a secret meeting of magicians and Seth wanted to show off his talents but things went all wrong. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (Hercule Poirot #23)

Stars 5/5

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by Agatha Christie

This is the twenty third book in the Hercule Poirot series and I just loved it as always. Agatha Christie is one of my favorite mystery writers! The book follows Poirot as he is pulled into the case of murder and it is close to home for him because the victim is his dentist and he was just at his office on the day of the murder. Lots of twists and turns. You never know who done it until the very end. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

The Woman In Black

Stars 5/5

The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

This is not the first time I have read this book nor will it be my last. I love this story and can not get enough of it. The story follows Arthur Kipps, a solicitor sent to the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow to not only represent the firm he works for but to retrieve important papers from the deceased home. At the funeral, Mr Kipps sees the woman in black for the first time but the town refuses to talk about her. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I can not recommend this book enough especially during the Halloween/Autumn season or for a spooky tale on Christmas Eve.

Dolly

Stars 5/5

Dolly by Susan Hill

I just loved this book! Honestly, this is not the first time I have read Dolly but I wanted to re-visit some classic creepy stories and I had to reread this one. The story follows Edward, a young boy that is sent to his Aunt's house for the summer. There he spends time with his cousin Leonora, a spoiled little girl. Leonora tells Edward that all she ever wanted for her birthday was a beautiful princess doll but her mother never sends her one. So Edward decides to tell his Aunt that Leonora would love a doll and so her Aunt buys her one but the doll is not what Leonora wants so she smashes the doll's face on the fireplace. Now I am not going into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it especially around the Halloween/Autumn season.

Brave Face: A Memoir

Stars 5/5

Brave Face: A Memoir by Shaun David Hutchinson

Since this author is one of my favorites, I had to read this memoir. I am not going to go into the story much because it is not my story to tell but it is a very heart felt book that brings out a lot of emotion and is powerful to the very core. A few parts of the story was extreme and I had to stop for a bit and absorb the magnitude of it all. Some of it is hard to hear but I am so glad he shared his life with us and I highly recommend this book. 

Maybe This Time

Stars 4/5

Maybe This Time by Kasie West

I really enjoy the fun reads from this author and this book is no exception. I have to say I really loved the flower inspirations. I think that made the story extra special. The book follows young Sophie who wants to leave her small town and go to New York to college and study fashion design. Sophie works at the local florist and helps out at the towns events year round when she meets Andrew Hart, the son of the new famous chef in town. Of course, sparks will fly! I don't want to go into the book more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it for a fun summer read.

Wilder Girls

Stars 4/5

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

What a unique and creative story this is! I really enjoyed it and I have to say that I hope there is another book because I would love to see what happens next. The story follows Hetty, a young girl that attends Raxter School for Girls when the Tox hit and put them in quarantine from the world. At first, the government sent lots of food and rations for them but as time went on the rations slowly deteriorated and girls are starting to die off. Hetty's friend Byatt turns up missing one day and she sets off to find regardless of the fence ban. I don't want to go into the story more but I do recommend it.  

The Twits

Stars 5/5

The Twits by Roald Dahl

It has been a very long time since I have read books by this author so I decided that I will definitely try to re-read them all. This book follows Mr and Mrs Twit and how they love to play practical jokes on each other. Mr Twit owns monkeys, the Muggle-Wumps, that he mistreats daily until one day they decide to play a practical joke on them. I love this story and highly recommend it to kids of all ages.

Transmission

Stars 5/5

Transmission by Ambrose Ibsen

Ok this book is down right creepy! I just loved it. The book follows the three main characters, college students Kenji and Dylan and retired Vietnam vet Reggie who all three decoded secret coordinates whispered in a song and in a video made ten years ago. All three of them decide to investigate and travel to the area in which lies a remote cabin. The story leads them all on a journey of twists and turns to try not only to figure out who this woman is but why she lead them to that place. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Whispering Corridors

Stars 5/5

Whispering Corridors by Ambrose Ibsen

OMG! I really loved this creepy unique story! The book follows Eric, a college student, and his friend Lydia. They decide they are going spend Halloween night at the abandoned house on Kenwood Drive. The legend says that the "Upside Down Man" killed the last residents in only three days after they moved in and that it is haunted. The reason they call this man the "Upside Down Man" is because of the way he was buried, upside down. That is all I am going to say about this book because I do not want to spoil it but I highly recommend it. It would be an awesome book to read during the Halloween/Autumn season!

The Occupant (Afterlife Investigations #3)

Stars 5/5

The Occupant (Afterlife Investigations #3) by Ambrose Ibsen

This is the third and final book in the Afterlife Investigations trilogy and I just loved it! It could of went on a few more books and I would of been right there. In this book, it continues to follow college professor Stephen Barlow and his quest to find the Occupant after releasing it out of the Asylum. His student Elizabeth and her boyfriend, Jake, are pulled back in because the Occupant has his sites on Elizabeth. I do not want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but OMG the ending made me only want more! I do hope one day for a book 4! I highly recommend this trilogy and it would be awesome to read this during the Halloween/Autumn season.

Forest (Afterlife Investigations #2)

Stars 5/5

Forest (Afterlife Investigations #2) by Ambrose Ibsen

This is the second book in the Afterlife Investigations trilogy and OMG I just loved this book! The story continues to follow college professor Stephen Barlow after they narrowly fled the Asylum with their lives. Stephen wants to continue with the investigation into Dr. Corvine's work by driving up to the remote cabin but his two students, Elizabeth and Jake, are finished. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this trilogy.

Asylum (Afterlife Investigations #1)

Stars 5/5

Asylum (Afterlife Investigations #1) by Ambrose Ibsen

OMG! I just loved this trilogy! This is the first book and it follows college professor Stephen Barlow, as he is approached by one of his students asking him to head a new paranormal club that promises a thousand extra dollars that he can't refuse. Their first field trip will be a visit to Chaythe Asylum, as it is supposed to be haunted because of a horrible killing that occurred which lead to it's closing. Now, I do not want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but OMG this book is full of awesomely creepy twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend it. 

Ghost Camera

Stars 5/5

Ghost Camera by Darcy Coates

Such a creepy camera tale! I just loved it. The story follows Jenine as she finds an old polaroid camera and takes a pic. Later, she notices a ghost in the pic but once you see a ghost you will pay the price. I don't want to go into this story more as it is a novella but I highly recommend it as well all of the books written by this author.

Mistral Bed And Breakfast

Stars 5/5

Mistral Bed And Breakfast by Darcy Coates

This is a short story that was a gift from the author and it was so creepy. The story follows a haunted hotels blogger that visits the bed and breakfast in Mistral after a follower recommends it. She finally finds the hotel and is warned to stay in her room until dark as the hotel owner paints a huge X on her door in blood. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Haunting Of Graham House

Stars 5/5

The Haunting Of Graham House by Darcy Coates

This is the short story that follows Blackwood House and it focuses on the paranormal team and their continued adventures. I don't want to go into the story because it is very short but I highly recommend it. It is a spooky one.

Life Of The Party

Stars 1/5

Life Of The Party by Olivia Gatwood

As a victim of a violent crime, I was really excited to receive this from the publishing company for an honest review. I knew right after reading the author's note that this book was not going to be for me. I finished the book and appreciate some of the thoughts expressed but others just didn't sit right with me. Just my opinion. 

House Of Secrets

Stars 5/5

House Of Secrets by Darcy Coates

Awesome Book! I highly recommend this book as well as the first! The story continues to follow Sophie and her husband as they are just finding out that what they thought they killed is not dead! So off they go to help Garrett and his daughter bring this darkness to end for good. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but it is definitely a must read! 

House Of Shadows

Stars 5/5

House Of Shadows by Darcy Coates

I know I say this all the time but I really LOVE Darcy Coates books and this book is no exception. The story is absolutely amazing. The book follows Sophie, a young lady that finds out her father's business is in peril but there is a way to correct everything. She would need to marry Mr Argenton. Sophie only met the mysterious and handsome once but she is smitten and agrees to marry him. The wedding is fast and soon she is arriving at his vast but creepy estate and it is there that things start to go bump in the night. I do not want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but it is full of adventure and twists. I highly recommend it as I do with all her books.

When We Were Lost

Stars 5/5

When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall

(note... This book made it to my 2019 Favorites List)

OMG! I just loved this book! Survival books are definitely in my top 5 genres and this book was amazing! This is the first book I have read from this author and I am so glad I did. James Patterson Presents books never let you down. The story follows a group of high school kids heading on an exotic field trip and their plane goes down in the jungle. This is their journey to survive plus lots more. This book is full of action and unique twists. I highly recommend this book. It definitely made it to my 2019 Favorites List!

Night Music

Stars 3/5

Night Music by Tara Fox Hall

This is a short story that I honestly wish would of been a bit longer. For me this story had a bit of a Sookie Stackhouse vibe for me and I really loved that series. The story follows Krys, a woman on holiday to escape from all the tragedies in her life. She is entranced every night with beautiful music until one day she meets the man behind it. I don't want to go into the story more because it is very short but I do recommend it. 

Waiting For Tom Hanks

Stars 4/5

Waiting For Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey

This was a fun book to read and it was set in my home state, Ohio. The story follows Annie, a woman obsessed with rom-coms and not only wants her life to play out like one but is writing a screen play of her best friend's life as one. After Annie's parents died she went to live with her Uncle and it is him that gets her a job on the set of a new rom-com film set close to home. It was there on the set she meets attractive actor, Drew Danforth. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend this book. I must say that the main character, Annie, acted more like seventeen year old than a twenty seven year old so this book kinda read like a YA novel for me. 

Black Acres: The Complete Collection

Stars 5/5

Black Acres: The Complete Collection by Ambrose Ibsen

WoW! What a creepy story! I just loved it! If you are into haunted houses than this is the book for you. The story follows a married couple, Kim and Julian, and how they stumble across this old fixer-upper house. It is well in their price range and are excited to move in and get out of the city life. Kim is the first to sense that something is not right but can't get her husband to see. He is in love with the house. I am not going into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it and it would be an awesome Halloween/Autumn read.

Lock Every Door

Stars 5/5

Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

WoW! I really loved this book! The story follows Jules, a woman on hard times. She left her cheating boyfriend, has no where to live and is in between jobs. Jules answers an ad for apartment sitter at the famous and wealthy Bartholomew building and gets the job but the job comes with lots of rules. The building has a dark and mysterious history and Jules soon realizes that by taking this job she may have gotten in over her head. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. If you love stories about creepy buildings and secret societies, this is the book for you.

After Dead: What Came Next (Sookie Stackhouse #13.5)

Stars 5/5

After Dead: What Came Next (Sookie Stackhouse #13.5) by Charlaine Harris

I know there is a lot of controversy about this book and how it goes into the ending and deaths of all the characters but I really liked it. I have to say that I hated some of their outcomes but I appreciate knowing what happened after the series. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. I quite enjoyed it.