Nevermoor: The Trials Of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1)

Stars 5/5

Nevermoor: The Trials Of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

I have no clue why it has taken me this long to pick up this book because I loved this story and can not wait to read on in the series. The book follows Morrigan Crow, a young girl that was born on Eventide, the most unluckiest day, which means that Morrigan is a cursed child that will die at the age of twelve. Something happens to bring Eventide early and so Morrigan will die at the stroke of midnight on her eleventh birthday but just as the hunters were coming to kill her she is whisked off to another world and it is there she must pass the trials to not only become a citizen but to win a place at the city's most coveted organization, the Wundrous Society. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Malefic (House Of Souls #2)

Stars 5/5

Malefic (House Of Souls #2) by Ambrose Ibsen

This is the second book in the House of Souls duology and I just loved it. This picks up what happens after the first book and a new family has bought the house but it starting to hear and see things. So the father calls his uncle, Marcel, to asks him to come and check out the house. Marcel is an elderly man but is into ghosts and spirits so he definitely wants to come and help out. I don't want to go into the story more because I am not going to spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The House Of Long Shadows

Stars 5/5

The House Of Long Shadows by Ambrose Ibsen

Can I just say that I love this author's books! They are always so creepy and keep me on the edge of my seat. This story follows Kevin Taylor, an internet star, that does videos of him buying homes to refurbish in one month and then selling them. So he buys this old home and doesn't mind it's history of death until he finds a corpse in the walls. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but you will not be able to put this book down. I highly recommend it.

The Last

Stars 4/5

The Last by Hanna Jameson

I really enjoyed this creative and unique dystopian world. The story follows Jon, a two timing man that got caught by his wife, again, right before he traveled to Switzerland for a conference. As he is checking in the hotel, he finds out that Washington DC, New York, London and Berlin have been hit with nuclear bombs. Most people leave the hotel but Jon and a few others stay knowing there would be no planes traveling now. During the time in the hotel, Jon finds a dead child in the water tank. Who is the murderer? I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it.

My Singing Nana

Stars 5/5

My Singing Nana by Pat Mora

Illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

What a heart touching story about a family that is dealing with Alzheimer's Disease. The book follows young Billy, as they get ready for the night when all of their friends join together for a variety show. Billy is worried about his Nana as she forgets things more and more. The illustrations are bright and colorful. I loved them. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages especially if dealing with Alzheimer's. 

The Winter Ghosts

Stars 5/5

The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

I really enjoyed this unique and creative story. The book follows Freddie as he is traveling in a snow storm in 1928. His car goes off the road and he finds shelter in a tiny village of Nulle located in the French Pyrenees Mountains. He is invited to a celebration in town and it is there that he meets the beautiful Fabrissa and all is well until the next day when he is told that he never attended the celebration and there is no one in town named Fabrissa. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this ghostly tale.

The Bromance Book Club

Stars 4/5

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

First, I have to say that Thea made me want to flick her in the nose because of her attitude and the way she handled her marriage issues. The book follows Gavin, a star baseball player that is going through a separation from his wife, Thea. Gavin picks up his stuff and moves out until his friends hold an intervention by inviting him to their secret Bromance Book Club. Here the men read historical romance novels to help understand woman and what they need in a relationship. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it if you love a great romance with lots of sexy scenes.

One Day In December

Stars 5/5

One Day In December by Josie Silver

Oh I really did enjoy this book. A love conquers all story that leaves you with hope. The story follows Laurie, a woman on her way home as sees a man from the bus and believes it is love at first sight. She looks for him everywhere for a year until one night when her best friend introduces her to the love of her life, the man from the bus. I am not going into this story more as not to spoil it plus it is so full of twists and turns that you just have to read it. I highly recommend it.

Twice In A Blue Moon

Stars 5/5

Twice In A Blue Moon by Christina Lauren

Such a unique and clever romance. I just loved it. The book follows Tate, a young girl that has a rich and famous actor father, that she must live in hiding to be out of the spotlight. Her Grandmother takes her on a vacation to England when she turns 18 and it is there she meets Sam. Tate grows to trust Sam and tells him her secret but soon finds out that maybe her family was right in not trusting. The story then fast forwards fourteen years. Tate is on a set filming a movie when Sam walks back into her life. I do not want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Woman In Cabin 10

Stars 5/5

The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

WOW! I loved this story! So unique and creative! This is one of those stories you don't know what is happening until the very end. The book follows Lo, a woman that wakes to find someone inside her house robbing her. Lo is shaken but needs to continue with her work. As a journalist, of a travel magazine, she is booked on the maiden voyage of a luxury liner, Aurora. One night after drinking, she hears a big splash and she runs to the window to see a woman's hand sinking in the water. Or did she?  I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. 

The World According To Mister Rogers

Stars 5/5

The World According To Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers

When I was a little girl, I loved Mister Rogers and watched it everyday. As an adult, I still love his TV shows and so I really loved this book of his short stories. I also really enjoyed the note from his wife. After reading this short book, I feel as though I know Mister Rogers just a bit more. I highly recommend this book.

Ready Player One

Stars 5/5

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

WOW! I have no clue why I put off reading this book for so long because I loved it! The story follows Wade, a young guy who lives for gaming and finding the elusive easter egg that they famous gamer, Halliday who has just passed away, has hidden. The finder will receive the rights to his estate which includes billions of dollars and The Oasis, a virtual world of paradise. This is his adventure and struggles to find that egg before anyone else does. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I loved all the characters and highly recommend it.

A Tale Of Two Cities

Stars 5/5

A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The first time I read this book was in the 7th grade and that was the beginning of my fascination of the French Revolution and of course the Guillotine. The story tells the tale of the love for Lucie Manette and how it led them to the Paris, while in it's bloody times. This is a book that you just need to read. Dickens is a little wordy at times but this is definitely a classic. I highly recommend it.

Dasher: How A Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

Stars 5/5

Dasher: How A Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

by Matt Tavares

Beautiful illustrations and Wonderful story! I just loved this book. The story follows Dasher and her adventure to find a life under the north star. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

1984

Stars 5/5

1984 by George Orwell

Of course, this is not my first time reading this book but I wanted to revisit the word because it has been years since I last read it. The story is based on George Orwell's vision of the future, of course the year 1984 and what life will be like living through the drastic changes. The book follows Winston Smith, a man living through this new dystopian world where the government oversees every walk of existence. I highly recommend this book as it will always be a classic for me.

The House Of The Seven Gables

Stars 4/5

The House Of The Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

This is not my first time reading this book but I wanted to revisit the world because it has been years. "God will give you blood to drink" was part of the quote stated by Sarah Good as she was hanged and many years later, Nathaniel Noyes died of a problem with his throat and he did indeed choke on his own blood as he died. This story is a Must Read classic. I highly recommend it. I read this for the #Buzzwordathon

Sorcery Of Thorns

Stars 4/5

Sorcery Of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Sorcerers, demons, and libraries full of living grimoires that can change into monsters! What a creative and unique story! The book follows Elisabeth, a girl raised in the library and wants to be a warden until she is accused of a crime she didn't commit and is sent away. I loved all the characters in the book but OMG Silas!! Silas is the demon in servitude to the young sorcerer, Nathaniel. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it and hope that Silas gets his own book! 

Sanctuary

Stars 5/5

Sanctuary by V. V. James

WoW! You talk about twisted endings! This book has the best! I really enjoyed this book! The story follows different women in the town of Sanctuary. Sara, the town witch and Abigail, the town crier and instigator of madness. This is just like the Witch Trials in Salem just a modern day version. Abigail's son dies in an accident but she can not come to grips with his death especially when rumors come out that Sara's daughter Harper killed him with magic even though Harper never received the gift of magic and is not a witch. I don't want to go into this story more as to not spoil it but OMG this is a Must Read especially for Autumn/Halloween reads.

Into The Storm

Stars 4/5

Into The Storm by Melanie Moreland

I read this book as a recommendation from a friend and I really enjoyed it. I rarely read New Adult do to the sex scenes but I really enjoyed this story line. I will say though, it has it's fair share of sexual encounters. The story follows a woman that is beat up and fleeing in blizzard like conditions and she runs her car into a tree. She is rescued by the land owner, Joshua, who is a person who suffers from agoraphobia after an attack and he now rarely leaves his home. I also suffer from agoraphobia and so I can relate very well to this story. The woman is struck with amnesia and so he calls her Rabbit and yes this is a love story. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I think this book was very creative and unique. I highly recommend it.

The Winter People

Stars 5/5

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon

WOW! This book was creepy! I really enjoyed this creative and unique tale that is spun in this book. The story is told in two different eras of time. In 1908 where Sara is found skinned to death in her back yard and her husband dead from a gunshot and in present day when Ruthie wakes to find her mother is missing and during her search for her finds Sara's journal but it is missing a few pages that were her last entries before her death. Some questions shouldn't be asked and Ruthie and her sister find this out the hard way. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Girl He Used To Know

Stars 4/5

The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

This book deals with a lot of hard issues. Autism, social situations and for me the 911 New York tragedy. The story follows Annika, a woman suffering from autism. This is told from her past in college to her present life and the love of her life, Jonathan. Annika feels safe and understood when she is with Jonathan but something happens and they separate but now he is back. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I do recommend it. 

Bug Boys

Stars 5/5

Bug Boys by Laura Knetzger

I won an ARC of this book and want to thank the author and Random House for this amazing graphic novel. It will release in February of 2020. I really loved it. The story follows Rhino-B and Stag-B, two little bugs that are best friends. They go on lots of adventures and even get into a little mischief. They love to explore and find treasures in their Bug Village and where ever the treasure maps take them. I really loved the bright and colorful illustrations and highly recommend this cute graphic novel to everyone.

Inside Broadmoor: Up Close And Personal With Britain's Most Dangerous Criminals

Stars 5/5

Inside Broadmoor: Up Close And Personal With Britain's Most Dangerous Criminals

by Jonathan Levi & Emma French

I really enjoyed this book. It takes you in the famous Broadmoor Asylum in the UK and discusses not only the building and it's history but some of the infamous criminals that walked the halls. The book also talks about the new facility that the current residents will be moving to but I would love to take a midnight tour though the old Broadmoor Asylum. I think I may add that to my impossible bucket list. I highly recommend this book.

A Thanksgiving Wish

Stars 5/5

A Thanksgiving Wish by Michael J. Rosen

paintings by John Thompson

This is such a heart touching story that I recently read to the kids. The story follows young Amanda as she remembers her grandmother and how she would start at the first of the month making all the food for the dinner and memories of how her grandmother would save back wishbones for all the kids to have one for each night the spent with her before the holiday. After Amanda's grandmother, Bubbe, dies she is sad because Thanksgiving will never be the same. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book and the paintings are amazing.

The Guardians

Stars 5/5

The Guardians by John Grisham

I have to admit that this is my first book read by this author and I heard this book was wonderful and I have to agree. I really enjoyed this book. The story follows Cullen Post, an attorney that is also a minister who works for the Guardians, an non profit organization that helps innocent prisoners get released. Cullen Post works on a few hard cases even one on death row that was very close before the prisoner got a stay of execution. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

Mooncakes

Stars 5/5

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

Illustrations by Wendy Xu

What an exciting and magical graphic novel. I just loved it. The story was fun to read and the illustrations were bright and amazing. The story follows Nova, a young witch that has the most awesome job of working with her grandmothers in their bookshop. One day she hears of a white wolf in the woods and goes to investigate and finds the wolf which is really Tam, her best friend from long ago and also the love of her life. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but there are  lots of magical creatures make this book so fantastic to read. I highly recommend it.

Jailbirds: Lessons From A Women's Prison

Stars 5/5

Jailbirds: Lessons From A Women's Prison by Mim Skinner

This book is about the life inside a woman's prison in the UK. It goes into the terminology used, their lifestyle, rules and what is it like being on the inside as well as being on the out. It covers two differing perspectives of being a staff member and a prisoner. I really enjoyed all the tips and tricks given if you are ever in jail. I highly recommend it. 

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights And Dilemmas Of The Reading Life

Stars 5/5

I'd Rather Be Reading: The Delights And Dilemmas Of The Reading Life

by Anne Bogel

This book is just what the title says. A book about reading and I just loved it. I love how it says that reading is a lifestyle because that is just how I feel about it. It is an escape into different worlds that is why I will never understand how some just don't read at all. The book talks about it all. Lots of book knowledge. I highly recommend it.

The Night Stalker

Stars 5/5

The Night Stalker by Philip Carlo

This is the true crime story of Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker and his crimes. I really enjoyed how this book was set up. First with the crimes and victims. Next with his life story. Following up with his capture and court trial. Then concluding with an interview with him. I really liked how the author was sensitive with the reader as not go into the gore more than necessary which made for a very interesting read and highly recommend it to everyone who loves True Crime. 

Finding Grace

Stars 5/5

Finding Grace by K.L. Slater

I really enjoyed this book and honestly never seen that ending coming! The story is about a family with a nine year old girl named Grace, who has been begging her parents to let her walk home from her friend's house which is just around the corner. They finally agree and it is that day that Grace goes missing. This is their struggle to find Grace and wondering if their past may coming back to haunt them. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Grace Year

Stars 5/5

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

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

WoW! What an amazing book! This book definitely made it to my 2019 Favorites List! The story is set in Garner County, a place where women are second class citizens and when young girls turn 16 years old, they are sent away for a year to release all their magic so when or if they return to the town they are ready for marriage or to be sent off to the work house. Tierney, one of the girls leaving for her Grace Year, doesn't want to get married and wants to work on the farm but her Father puts a veil on her head, meaning that some man in the town requested to marry her. I don't want to go into book more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it and fingers crossed for a second book.

The Ravenmaster: My Life With The Ravens At The Tower Of London

Stars 5/5

The Ravenmaster: My Life With The Ravens At The Tower Of London

by Christopher Skaife

This was such a fun read for me. I have always been fascinated by the Tower of London and I love to absorb all the info I can about this historical landmark. The book is written so well and you can tell right away that the author loves his career and definitely loves the ravens. The story goes into the care of the ravens, the history behind them and what it takes to be a Ravenmaster. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities

Stars 5/5

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities

by Amy Stewart

I really enjoyed this A-Z book of poisonous plants and what they do to the body. I have to say that I never knew of all these plants to be poisonous so I learned a lot. It is a book well written and it was a very fast read for me. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it!

Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers

Stars 5/5

Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

I just loved this book and all it's dark humor. The book is about what happens to the body after death if donated to science. How they use the bodies to test for everything from injuries sustained in an accident to dissection. The book is written very well and reads fast. I just couldn't put this one down. I highly recommend it.

Strangers At The Gate

Stars 5/5

Strangers At The Gate by Catriona McPherson

This was a twisty mystery that I just loved. I never knew the "who done it" until the very end and I never expected it at all. The story follows Finn and Paddy, a married couple, that move to a small country town for a job change. Paddy, an attorney, was offered a partnership in a law firm and his wife, Finn, was offered the job of deacon for the local church. Finn is a bit spooked by living in the country instead of the city life she is accustomed too but is learning to deal with the things that go bump in the night up until they find Paddy's boss and wife are stabbed to death. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend this book. I just love an English mystery.

American Predator: The Hunt For The Most Meticulous Serial Killer Of The 21st Century

Stars 5/5

American Predator: The Hunt For The Most Meticulous Serial Killer Of The 21st Century

by Maureen Callahan

I really appreciate this author's work because I will be honest and say that I really don't read True Crime due to the gore but this book was amazing and very sensitive to the reader in regards to the victim's deaths. The book follows the investigation of Israel Keyes, a nationwide serial killer, and how he murdered an unknown amount of people. The book goes into the pursuit and capture, the interrogations, and the information Israel decided to share with officials. I highly recommend this book. 

Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2)

Stars 5/5

Dead Voices (Small Spaces #2) by Katherine Arden

WoW! This is the second book in the Small Spaces series and I just loved it. An amazing spooky story! I saved this book for our first snow fall because the setting in the story is a Ski Resort in a snow storm. The Ski Resort used to be an Orphanage/School and rumored to be haunted and Coco is sure she saw a ghost. Ollie, Coco and Brian are doing the best they can until Ollie's watch flashes BEWARE. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it.

The Starless Sea

Stars 5/5

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

This is probably the hardest review I have ever had to write because I believe that this story has so many meanings and differs from one to another. The writing is beautiful and whispers on the magical. The book follows Zachary, a college graduate student, that finds an authorless book in the library. He feels drawn to this book and thus his adventure begins. Magical keys, doors, drinks and dice lead him to a world he never knew existed. I don't want to go into the story more as to not spoil it but I highly recommend it. This book is not a book to fly through but a book to slowly absorb to pull from it what it means to you. Could this book be a new twisted retelling of Alice in Wonderland... Maybe.

The Lost Days Of Agatha Christie

Stars 5/5

The Lost Days Of Agatha Christie by Carole Owens

I really enjoyed this book because not only am I a huge fan of Agatha Christie but I loved how this book analyzed her psychological aspects of when she went missing and why. I don't want to go into the why so I don't spoil the book but it did shock me. I highly recommend this book to everyone especially if you are like me and a lover of mysteries.

The Five: The Untold Lives Of The Women Killed By Jack The Ripper

Stars 5/5

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

The Five: The Lives Of The Women Killed By Jack The Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold

This book is not only amazing it made it to my 2019 Favorites List. The book tells the stories of the five women murdered by Jack The Ripper and I love how it is done as not to talk about Jack but to give voices to his victims. The stories of the women's lives prove that they were not prostitutes but women who had fell on hard times and sought out comfort in alcohol. I can't even imagine living their lives with no stability at all and not knowing what tomorrow would bring. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

The World Of Lore Wicked Mortals

Stars 5/5

The World Of Lore Wicked Mortals by Aaron Mahnke

I really loved this series of books. This book tells the tales of wicked people throughout history and what became of them. I have to say that the story of woman who had rabbit babies was over the top. WoW! All of the books in the series are very quick reads because they hold your attention and you just can't put them down. I highly recommend them.

The World Of Lore Monstrous Creatures

Stars 5/5

The World Of Lore Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke

I really am enjoying this series of books. This story tells the tales of unexplained creatures sighted throughout history and I just loved it. Haunted dolls, creatures in the night, gremlins and devils. What an amazing book of stories. I highly recommend this book as well as the series. I can't wait to read the next one.

The World Of Lore Dreadful Places

Stars 5/5

The World Of Lore Dreadful Places by Aaron Mahnke

WoW! I just love books about creepy places and this book definitely fit the bill. This book goes into many different places that have a haunting past and the spirits that continue to stay. The story is very atmospheric and pulls you in as if you are really there. I highly recommend this book. I plan to continue on in this series. I did read the #3 book first. 

Dr. Mutter's Marvels

Stars 5/5

Dr. Mutter's Marvels by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The book follows the life of Dr. Thomas Mutter. The tragedy in his youth that left him without his parents through til the end of his life and all his accomplishments in between. Dr. Mutter did so much to change medicine with sterilization of instruments to helping the severely deformed patients including burn victims. Thomas Mutter was sickly most of his life and died way too early at the age of forty eight. His museum is still open to this day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I highly recommend this book. It is written so very well that I just flew through the pages. 

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Stars 5/5

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty

I just love Caitlin Doughty books! I love how she talks openly about death and funerals. This book is just that. She narrates her life and how she got into the mortuary business. She discusses the differences of commercialized funerals and more private services for deceased loved ones. I really enjoy her humor and I also love her videos on YouTube. I am a long time subscriber. I highly recommend this book as well as her other two to anyone who wants to just have a light chat about death, dying and what you would like for your funeral.

The Witches: Salem 1692

Stars 5/5

The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff

The religion that the victims of this tragedy worshiped is the religion that killed them in the end. This book was written and reads so very well but the religious ignorance of the people angers me. As I was reading the true accounts of the trials and the utter nonsense, I really started to wonder if maybe since this time our brains somehow evolved and the logic we believe is just "common sense" is something people of the witch trials never had. The books goes into so much fine detail of the accounts it is almost like you are there. I highly recommend this book.