The Testaments

Stars 5/5

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

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

WOW! This second book to The Handmaid's Tale is phenomenal to say the very least. Margaret Atwood has created this whole world and this book goes into how it all came to be. I am not going to go into the story much as to not spoil it but it starts fifteen years after the last book left off. I know this book is on the short list for the Booker Prize and I have to say I would definitely vote for this book. This book follows so many different lives and finally exposes the secrets. I highly recommend this book as well as Handmaid's Tale. This book made it to my 2019 Favorites List. 

The Polar Express

Stars 5/5

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

This is definitely not the first time I have read this book but the kids wanted me to read this to them today and so I am just now adding it to my read list. The story is so magical and is always a beautiful book to read during the holiday season. The book follows a young boy who catches the train to the north pole to see Santa. I highly recommend this book and think it is a wonderful gift to give with a special silver bell.

The River At Night

Stars 5/5

The River At Night by Erica Ferencik

WOW! I just loved this book! This would make an awesome film. The story follows four friends as they go on a guided white rafting trip. I don't want to go into the story as to not spoil it but let me just say that after the accident on the water, the four women find themselves lost in Maine's wilderness. As they are trying to survive the cold, wild animals, bugs and injuries they stumble upon a camp that is not only creepy but deadly. I highly recommend this book! Perfect for Autumn/Halloween!

The Mother's Mistake

Stars 5/5

The Mother's Mistake by Ruth Heald

WoW! No spoilers here but OMG what an ending! So unique and creative. I just loved this book. Claire is a new Mom and suffering from depression so her and husband move to the country for a break from the city. Claire finds that being closer to her husband's Mom is not the greatest idea. She finds things moved in her house and her husband believes she is drinking again and someone believes she doesn't deserve her daughter. This story is packed with twists and turns. I highly recommend it.

Someone We Know

Stars 5/5

Someone We Know by Shari Lapena

WOW! What a twisty mystery! I just loved it. The story opens with a car being drug out of the lake and a dead body found in the trunk, a teenage boy that likes to break into houses just to hack computers for fun, and a community of adults discovering who is sleeping with who. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it especially during the Autumn season. This is an amazing "who done it?".

The Stranger Inside

Stars 5/5

The Stranger Inside by Lisa Unger

Wow! This is one twisty mystery! I really enjoyed it! Very creative and unique. The book follows Rain, a new mother that is being pulled back to the past after a murder. When Rain was twelve, her two friends, Tess and Hank, were abducted and Rain got away. Tess was murdered and Hank broke free. The man responsible was released from prison and someone killed him. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. 

The Rules Of Magic

Stars 5/5

The Rules Of Magic by Alice Hoffman

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

This is the prequel to the book Practical Magic and OMG I just loved it. The story goes into the Owens past more and the story of the Aunt's (from Practical Magic) life. The book begins with Franny and Jet and their lives at home with their Mother and Father and their rules. No walking in moonlight, no red shoes, never wear black, no cats, no crows, no candles and no books. And most importantly, never fall in love. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. It is an amazing read during the Autumn/Halloween season and this book made it to my 2019 Favorites List.

The Flatshare

Stars 5/5

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

I read this book for the #ContemporaryAThon and really enjoyed it. The story is so unique and creative. The book follows the two main characters, Tiffy and Leon. Leon is a nurse for a hospice unit who is looking for a room mate to share his apartment with when he is not there. Tiffy, a woman in need of an inexpensive place to live, moves in. Tiffy and Leon have never met as the apartment showing was done by Leon's girlfriend and so their friendship begins with a post it! I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Swipe Right For Murder

Stars 4/5

Swipe Right For Murder by Derek Milman

I read this book in the #ContemporaryAThon and really enjoyed it. This story was so unique and creative. The book follows Aidan, a young guy staying in a New York hotel, that is trying to hook up with another guy for sex and when he does he wakes up to a dead body next to him. This is only the beginning in a "cat and mouse" game of who to trust and who not to trust as he is running for his life. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.

Meet Cute

Stars 4/5

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting

I read this book for the #ContemporaryAThon and really enjoyed it. The story follows Kailyn, an attorney, that just ran into her life long crush. Daxton, a child star actor and now attorney that went to college with Kailyn, is in her office asking for advice after the devastating loss of his parents. Kailyn is assigned by the court to represent Daxton's sister, as she is still a minor, and finds herself spending lots of time with them both. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but there is definitely some steamy sex scenes in this one. I recommend it to all who love a hot sexy read.

Hello Girls

Stars 5/5

Hello Girls by Brittany Cavallaro & Emily Henry

I read this book for the #ContemporaryAThon and just loved it! The story follows Winona and Lucille, two girls with very different backgrounds and families but brought together by physical abuse. They become fast friends and make a plan to get out. This is their story of how the endure the abuse and lies and their journey of finding themselves. I really enjoyed this story and would love to revisit this world again. Two very strong female characters! I highly recommend this book.

The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill

Stars 4/5

The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

I always love books with books in the story! I read this book for the #ContemporaryAThon and really enjoyed it. The story follows Nina, a young woman who works in a book store and is the only child to a single mom who she never sees often due to her mom's career. Nina finds out that her father, of which she never knew about, suddenly dies and leaves her something in his will. That is how she ends up meeting all of her huge family. Of course there is a love interest, as Nina is smitten with Tom, a man on the opposing trivia team. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.

The Cactus

Stars 5/5

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

This book I chose to read during the #ContemporaryAThon and I am so glad I did. I just loved this book. I am really fond of English (UK) contemporaries and enjoyed the creative and unique details of this story. The book follows Susan, a 45 year old woman, never married and has perfect control over her life until she gets pregnant. She finds out her Mother has just died and she finds out that her brother has been given the right to live at the family home as long as he needs, stopping the sale of the house and Susan's benefits in which she was going to use to help with the baby. There definitely is an odd love interest but I don't want to go into the story more. I highly recommend this book. 

Suicide Notes

Stars 5/5

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford

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

I chose this book to read during the #ContemporaryAThon and OMG I am so very glad I did. This book, not only addresses very serious issues but it was also so funny that I actually spit out my tea while reading "Wee Wee Wee" LOL! I have suffered from depression for most of my life and really loved the dark humor. The book follows Jeff, a 15 year old, that wakes up in the psychiatric ward of the local hospital. He finds out that he is there for 45 days in which he must come to admit and face why he tried to commit suicide. During group therapy he meets and befriends others that are also at the hospital dealing with their own issues. I do not want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Before The Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3)

Stars 5/5

Before The Devil Breaks You (The Diviners #3) by Libba Bray

This is the third book in The Diviners series and OMG! What an ending! I seriously need the next book! In this book, it continues to follow the Diviners as they are working on their powers as ghosts are appearing everywhere. Evie is back and drags everyone to the Ward's Island Asylum so she can talk to a patient and while there the find out that the hospital is sitting on thousands bodies in mass graves. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but OMG I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Lair Of Dreams (The Diviners #2)

Stars 5/5

Lair Of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray

This is the second book in The Diviners series and this book made me want to scream! Don't worry I am not going to spoil things and of course this is still a 5 star book but Evie, America's Sweetheart Seer, makes me mad. Evie has left to live the party life as the dark is approaching and more bodies are turning up dead. Henry has found another dream walker, Ling a disabled girl from China Town, and they can walk in each others dreams. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. I binged read all three books in the series in two days!

The Diviners

Stars 5/5

The Diviners by Libba Bray

This book was spooky and I really loved it. The story follows Evie, a young girl from Ohio that is sent to stay with her Uncle in New York after accusing a young man in town of getting a woman pregnant. Evie has the gift of sight. In New York, there are a string of murders and due to their horrible nature Evie's Uncle is called in to help with the investigation and Evie is right there to help. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil things but I highly recommend this book especially during the Autumn/Halloween season.

Curtain: Poirot's Last Case (Hercule Poirot #42)

Stars 5/5

Curtain: Poirot's Last Case (Hercule Poirot #42) by Agatha Christie

This is the 42nd and the final book in the Hercule Poirot series and I have to say that this book brought on the tears. I will say that this case is one of my favorites in it's twists and turns but it is also the most emotional. I don't want to go into this story as to not spoil it but bring the tissues! I highly recommend this book as well as the series and I must say that this isn't my first reading of the set and I am sure it won't be my last.

The Capture Of Cerberus & The Incident Of The Dog's Ball

Stars 5/5

The Capture Of Cerberus & The Incident Of The Dog's Ball by Agatha Christie

Two Rediscovered Short Stories

This the the two short stories found hidden among papers in 1975 after Agatha Christie's death. Two lost stories of the Hercule Poirot mysteries. I do wonder why they were never published. Maybe Agatha never liked them or they in fact got lost. Either way, I really enjoyed them and am so glad I got to read them. Of course, they follow both follow Hercule Poirot on a case of "who done it". I highly recommend this short story book as well as the series.

Poirot's Early Cases (Hercule Poirot #41)

Stars 5/5

Poirot's Early Cases (Hercule Poirot #41) by Agatha Christie

This is the 41st book in the Hercule Poirot series and I just loved it. This is a short story anthology of Poirot's early cases. Eighteen wonderful cases that are a quick solve for the great Hercule Poirot. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. Honestly, I recommend all of Agatha Christie's work. She will always be the Queen of Mystery.

Murder Of Crows (The Others #2)

Stars 5/5

Murder Of Crows (The Others #2) by Anne Bishop

This is the second book in The Others series and I really enjoyed it. The story continues to follow Meg and now she is having visions of death for the Crow Guard and how humans are killing them. The courtyard is also preparing to find where the Cassandra Sangue girls are being held and kill the owner. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book as well as the series. I do plan on continuing on with the next book.

The Complete Tales

Stars 5/5

The Complete Tales by Beatrix Potter

This is a most wonderful book to read and the illustrations are beautiful. The book includes 23 tales written by Beatrix Potter and I honestly loved them all. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages and it is an amazing read during the Spring and Autumn.

Safe With Me

Stars 5/5

Safe With Me by K. L. Slater

This book is creepy to say the very least! The main character, Anna, freaked me out! After I finished this book, I kept thinking that I am so glad I do not know anyone like her. The story follows Anna, a woman who grew up in a very abusive home and even spent some time in a hospital, now she works as a Postie (mail carrier) and just witnessed a car accident involving a young man, Liam, who was on a motor bike. As she is helping Liam until the ambulance arrives, she realizes that she knows the driver of the other car and she hates her. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it if you want to get totally creeped out!

The Murder House

Stars 5/5

The Murder House by James Patterson, David Ellis

WoW! What a twisty turns mystery! I just loved it. The story follows Jenna, a former NYC police detective that returns to her home town and is hired by her uncle to their small town police station. Jenna is plagued with nightmares regarding a house in town called "The Murder House" due to it's history and now torture murders are occurring and she is on the case. Jenna must try to hunt down the killer while dealing with the red tape of her job. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it!

Elephants Can Remember (Hercule Poirot #40)

Stars 5/5

Elephants Can Remember (Hercule Poirot #40) by Agatha Christie

This is the 40th book in the Hercule Poirot series and I just loved it. The story is more of a cold case for Hercule to solve hence the title. This is a case of a man and wife shot only a few weeks after the wife's identical twin sister falls from the cliff. Hercule is on the case to find out just what happened 13 years ago. I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

The One

Stars 5/5

The One by John Marrs

WOW! This book is so very creative and unique. I just loved it. The story is about a DNA test that will match you to your soul mate and has never been wrong. This follows different characters and what became of their lives after taking the test and what became of their current relationships. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

From Here To Eternity

Stars 5/5

From Here To Eternity by Caitlin Doughty

I really enjoyed this book by Caitlin Doughty and I am a follower of hers on YouTube. This is a book of the authors travels and how she learns about not only the  cultural differences of dealing with the dead and burial but how different cultures mourn a family members passing.  This is a very interesting book and I highly recommend it.

The Passengers

Stars 5/5

The Passengers by John Marrs

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

WOW! This book was amazing to say the very least and that is why it made it to my 2019 Favorites List. So many twists and turns! Very creative and unique. I just loved it. The story is about eight people who enter their self driving cars to learn that they do not control their vehicle because it has been hacked. The hacker publicly announces his plan to kill them but will spare one, the one with the most votes online and with the jurors. I don't want to go more into the story as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs?

Stars 5/5

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty

I am a huge fan of Caitlin Doughty on YouTube and knew I had to read her books. This book answers odd questions about death and the answers always have a twisted humor from the author that makes this book an awesome read. I highly recommend this book especially around the Autumn/Halloween season. There is nothing better than a pumpkin spice latte and a book about death.

All The Pretty Lies

Stars 5/5

All The Pretty Lies by Marin Montgomery

WOW! What a twisty mystery! I really loved it. This is one that you never know the "who done it" until the very end. A cheating husband, a wife in love with another man and a murdered mistress. You can't get any better than that for a suspenseful mystery. I don't want to go more into the story as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. I just love this authors books.

The Nanny

Stars 4/5

The Nanny by Gilly MacMillan

So many twists and turns in this mystery, I really enjoyed it. This is one of those books that brings out so many emotions in the reader. One minute you love the character and then you start to hate them. The story follows Jocelyn, a woman that has returned to her childhood home with her daughter after being gone for thirty years. Not long after her arrival home, she discovers human remains on the property and thus starts the mystery of who they belong to. At first, everyone believes that the remains belongs to Hannah, the nanny that mysteriously disappeared one night while Jocelyn was young, but it can not be because Hannah has just showed up at the door alive. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Backwoods Asylum (Lost Shifters #1)

Stars 5/5

Backwoods Asylum (Lost Shifters #1) by Megan Derr

This is a short story and I really enjoyed it. The story follows Skylar, a snake shape shifter, that finds two abandoned wolf pups on his land. These wolf pups are from a local pack of wolf shape shifters and there are a lot of people wondering how and why Skylar has them. There is a M/M romance and I really wish this book would of lasted longer. I highly recommend it. A very unique story.

Tunnel Of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2)

Stars 5/5

Tunnel Of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2) by Victoria Schwab

WOW! I loved this story YAY! This is the second book in the Cassidy Blake series and I hope it continues on. I really enjoy this world and the unique characters. The story continues to follow Cassidy as her, her family and best friend Jacob head to Paris, France to film footage for her parent's tv show. There she finds a very angry poltergeist and must figure out a way to solve the mystery. I don't want to go more into the story as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book as well as the series.

Capturing The Devil (Stalking Jack The Ripper #4)

Stars 5/5

Capturing The Devil (Stalking Jack The Ripper #4) by Kerri Maniscalco

WoW! What an amazing story and tearful ending to a wonderfully creative and unique series. I really enjoyed this series and will miss this world but I can't wait to read upcoming new worlds from this author. The book continues to follow Audrey Rose and Thomas as they are preparing for their wedding when something happens that puts everything on hold. They whisk off to Chicago with info that similar murders to the Jack the Ripper case are occurring there and they are back to the investigation. I do not want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend the book as well as the series.

Fix Her Up (Hot & Hammered #1)

Stars 5/5

Fix Her Up (Hot & Hammered #1) by Tessa Bailey

Holy Moly! This book is full of hot sexy interludes! The story follows Georgie Castle, a woman who runs her own business of entertaining children as a clown instead of being a part of her family's well known renovation business. Georgie has loved Travis since she was young and now that Travis is back in town, she decides to get close to him. Travis, an injured professional baseball star and well known womanizer, has noticed that Georgie is not a kid anymore and finds himself lusting for her. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it if you love a steamy sexy book.

Written In Red (The Others #1)

Stars 5/5

Written In Red (The Others #1) by Anne Bishop

OMG! This book was amazing! I must admit that I didn't know if I would enjoy this but it had me hooked after the first minute of reading. What an awesome world and the characters are so very interesting. The book follows Meg who stumbles in out of the snow almost frozen to Lakeside Courtyard, an area owned by the others. She inquires about the job of human liaison and is hesitantly  hired by the leader, Simon, a shape-shifter. Meg is a cassandra sangue or blood prophet, one who is cut and blood drawn to see the future, and is on the run as she escaped her owner and abuser. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it and I will be continuing on in the series.

Cruel Beauty

Stars 5/5

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

WoW! What a beautiful book! I just loved this story and can not wait to read the next in the series! The book follows Nyx, a girl that since her birth has been betrothed to the Evil King. Nyx has been training her whole life to kill the Evil King to remove the curse put upon her people and revenge her Mother's death. But the Evil King, Ignifex, is not what she thought he would be. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Echo North

Stars 5/5

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer

WoW! This is an amazing book! So unique and creative! I just loved it! It kinda was a cross re-telling of Beauty and The Beast and Narnia with so much more. The book follows Echo, a young girl that came across a wolf in a trap. As she tried to free him, she was attacked and her face scarred for life. When her Father never returned home from the city, Echo sets out to find him and when she does she is given the ultimatum to save her Father and come live with the wolf for a year or let him die. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

And Then There Were None

Stars 5/5

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This is definitely not my first time reading this book nor will it be my last. I really love Agatha Christie books and this one is one of my favorites (notice how I said "one of my favorites" that is because I have too many of hers to count). The story is about ten people invited to come to a famous luxury island, all for different reasons but with one thing in mind, Murder. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it as well as all of this author's books.

The Grownup

Stars 4/5

The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

This is a short story that is not only creepy but leaves you wondering at the end. The book follows a woman that goes from having a job of helping men masturbate to being a psychic. One day she is approached by a woman needing her psychic services at her house so she goes to the woman's home and things are not what they seem. In fact, you really have no clue what is truth and what are lies. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. 

Dracula

Stars 5/5

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Of course, this is not my first time reading Dracula but I wanted to re-visit this world and so when one of my book clubs suggested this book, I was so happy! The story follows Jonathan Harker as he visits Dracula and helps him find a home in London. Mysterious things start to happen and many fall ill with strange markings on their necks. I enjoyed the writing style and how the book is set up as letters going back and forth to the characters. This is definitely a "Must Read" especially around the Autumn/Halloween season. I have to say that one of my favorite quotes that still makes me laugh is found in Chapter 12.... "You go wake those maids. Flick them in the face with a wet towel, and flick them hard. Make them get heat and fire and a warm bath." LOL!

Well Met

Stars 5/5

Well Met by Jen DeLuca

What a fun read! Wow! I just loved this story. The book follows Emily who just lost her job, her long time boyfriend left her after using her for years to get himself through law school and now her older sister was in a car accident and needs help. Emily packs up and relocates. She finds that being with her sister and her niece is just want she needed. So to help out more, she signs up for the Summer Renaissance Fair with her niece and it is there she meets Simon. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it especially if you like sexy pirates.

Her Silent Cry (Detective Josie Quinn #6)

Stars 5/5

Her Silent Cry (Detective Josie Quinn #6) by Lisa Regan

This is the sixth book in the Detective Josie Quinn series and I just love this world. The book continues to follow Josie as she stumbles on the case of a missing child. While at the park, Josie finds that 7 year old Lucy is missing from the carousel ride as her mother was right there. Josie starts her investigation but some things are not as the seem. I don't want to go into the story as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this series.

The Doll Factory

Stars 5/5

The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal

What an amazing book of mysterious curiosities. I really loved it. I love the oddness of characters.  The book follows Iris, a woman who takes a modeling job on the premise that the artist, Louis, teaches her to paint. The story also follows Silas, a taxidermist and loner who is obsessed with Iris. Silas is a creepy man who loves everything abnormal and finds Iris's collar bone fascinating. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Mama Tingo (She Was)

Stars 4/5

Mama Tingo (She Was) by Raynelda A. Calderon

Illustrated by Marli Renee

I always love to read books about strong women throughout history and I am so glad I got to read this short but educational book about Mama Tingo. The illustrations were wonderful.  Mama Tingo lived in the Dominican Republic and stood up for not only her family but farmers everywhere that were being run off the land. This book touches briefly into her life and the changes her death brought. I definitely recommend this book. 

You've Been Werewolfed

Stars 4/5

You've Been Werewolfed by Tom McLaughlin

This is a really cute book but if you do not want your child to read the word "Hell" this may not be an appropriate book for you. I thought it was fun and silly. I laughed out loud a few times while reading it. The book follows Tyler, a young girl that is sent off to camp. She brings along her newest invention the Hologramaphone 3000 but it has lots of bugs and ends up turning her best friend into a werewolf. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it and parents should read this first to make a decision if appropriate.

My Jasper June

Stars 4/5

My Jasper June by Laurel Snyder

This was a very heart touching book that talks about some hard issues including abuse, neglect, depression, grief and even death but it is definitely worth the read. The story follows Leah, a young girl who recently lost her brother and is not only trying to cope with her own issues regarding his death but a mom and dad that are devastated mentally. Leah finds out that she will not be going to camp this summer and so she tries to fill her day with things to do until she meets Jasper, a young girl that is new in town. They soon become fast friends but both girls are plagued with things from the past. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day

Stars 5/5

Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day by Winifred Watson

This is one of those classics that I believe is a "Must Read". The story follows Miss Pettigrew, a middle aged woman that lives a simple life as a governess and nanny. One day, she is sent the address of a new employer and that is when her world changes forever. I loved this book. It is a story of friendship, love and finding your inner movie star. I can't recommend it enough.

House Of Salt And Sorrows

Stars 5/5

House Of Salt And Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

WoW! What a wonderful haunting tale. I just loved it. The story follows Annaleigh, one of the twelve sisters of Highmoor Manor. Rumor says that the family is cursed and always in a state of mourning one after another who dies. The book holds a magical mystery to be solved, beautiful gowns and glittering balls to dance and ghosts plaguing the manor. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I will say that this is a chilling book to read during the Autumn/Halloween season. I highly recommend it.

Girl In The Rearview Mirror

Stars 3/5

Girl In The Rearview Mirror by Kelsey Rae Dimberg

I honestly liked this story. It was unique and creative. I even found myself wondering what happened next.  The story follows Finn, a young lady hired by a wealthy and political family, to be the nanny of their only daughter. You will be amazed by what lengths some people will go to, to further themselves and prevent a scandal. I don't want to go into the book more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.