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Thank you Harper Perennial and L.C. Shaw for the opportunity to read this book!
The Silent Conspiracy by L.C. Shaw is the second book in the Jack Logan Series. Jack Logan and his wife Taylor are settling into life as parents to Evan. They adore their family unit and everything seems to be going perfectly until a series of murder-suicides attracts Jacks’ attention. As an investigative journalist, something does not feel write. Taylor is looking into an insurance company and how they treat those who they insure. On top of all that, Evan begins to act out of the ordinary. As they try to piece together all the puzzles, they realize they are in more danger than they thought possible.
Before I get into my review, I must say this. I would have probably enjoyed this book a lot more if I had read the first book. To me, this book should not be read as a standalone novel. So many of the issues I have in this book, stem from not knowing what happened in the first book.
So this is a unique thriller. Or should I say mystery? To me, it did not feel like a thriller. There was a twist but it wasn’t shocking. What makes it unique is the religious mysticism or lore behind the evil villain. Yeah, there is no other way to describe him. He is a typical evil villain looking for ancient coins from the betrayal of Jesus that drives people mad. If that is the kind of mystery you are into, then this book is for you! The religious aspect was so over-the-top that I thought that this was religious fiction. I think I was hoping for something more realistic, like a serial killer, rather than this evil man trying to destroy the world with ancient coins.
There is a lot of background that would have been helpful in reading this book. Many random characters pop in and then disappear and there is not really any arc conclusion to them. They are just there. Once again, this probably stems from not reading the first book. (I feel like I have to restate this because they were problematic to me but for those who read the first book, it most likely makes so much more sense.)
Here are the two issues that bothered me the most. First of all, the dialogue. Man. It is so stilted and unrealistic. There isn’t any chemistry or emotional depth between any of the characters. The second is the ending. It ends on a massive cliffhanger. I don’t mind cliffhangers normally, but I would prefer the main story arc to wrap up. This book ends practically mid-scene. I thought I was missing a few pages because I thought there is no way it could end there.
However, it was a decent mystery. It had a unique mystic flair. Those who are more religious would appreciate the religious themes. And I think that this book is definitely written for those who finished the first book. I went back and forth on my rating but I decided on 3 out of 5 stars. This book comes out on September 15th, so if you are a fan of the Jack Logan Series, it is time to pre-order!
The Silent Conspiracy by L.C. Shaw is the second book in the Jack Logan Series. Jack Logan and his wife Taylor are settling into life as parents to Evan. They adore their family unit and everything seems to be going perfectly until a series of murder-suicides attracts Jacks’ attention. As an investigative journalist, something does not feel write. Taylor is looking into an insurance company and how they treat those who they insure. On top of all that, Evan begins to act out of the ordinary. As they try to piece together all the puzzles, they realize they are in more danger than they thought possible.
Before I get into my review, I must say this. I would have probably enjoyed this book a lot more if I had read the first book. To me, this book should not be read as a standalone novel. So many of the issues I have in this book, stem from not knowing what happened in the first book.
So this is a unique thriller. Or should I say mystery? To me, it did not feel like a thriller. There was a twist but it wasn’t shocking. What makes it unique is the religious mysticism or lore behind the evil villain. Yeah, there is no other way to describe him. He is a typical evil villain looking for ancient coins from the betrayal of Jesus that drives people mad. If that is the kind of mystery you are into, then this book is for you! The religious aspect was so over-the-top that I thought that this was religious fiction. I think I was hoping for something more realistic, like a serial killer, rather than this evil man trying to destroy the world with ancient coins.
There is a lot of background that would have been helpful in reading this book. Many random characters pop in and then disappear and there is not really any arc conclusion to them. They are just there. Once again, this probably stems from not reading the first book. (I feel like I have to restate this because they were problematic to me but for those who read the first book, it most likely makes so much more sense.)
Here are the two issues that bothered me the most. First of all, the dialogue. Man. It is so stilted and unrealistic. There isn’t any chemistry or emotional depth between any of the characters. The second is the ending. It ends on a massive cliffhanger. I don’t mind cliffhangers normally, but I would prefer the main story arc to wrap up. This book ends practically mid-scene. I thought I was missing a few pages because I thought there is no way it could end there.
However, it was a decent mystery. It had a unique mystic flair. Those who are more religious would appreciate the religious themes. And I think that this book is definitely written for those who finished the first book. I went back and forth on my rating but I decided on 3 out of 5 stars. This book comes out on September 15th, so if you are a fan of the Jack Logan Series, it is time to pre-order!
Thank you, Harper Perennial and Patty Dann for the opportunity to read this book!
First of all, just look at this cover! It is just stunning. Upon seeing the cover of The Wright Sister by Patty Dunn I could not wait to dive in! Everyone knows about the famous Wright Brothers who are credited with flying the first airplane. Orville and Wilbur were incredibly close to their sister, Katharine. This book begins in 1927 when Katharine is 52 years old. She marries for the first time to Harry Haskell, upon learning of the engagement, Orville refuses to speak to Katharine. The book is structured in diary entries and letters to Orville. The diary entries discuss her day to day activities, including her relationship with her husband. But the letters also feel like a diary as well. She is desperate to speak to her brother again and fills him in about her life and reminisces about the past.
I liked this book. I liked it but did not love it. I feel like it just skims the surface on an incredibly fascinating woman in history and it often shifted its focus to Harry and Orville. Sorry, I don’t care about Harry and there are so many books and fictional accounts of the Wright brothers. I wish the story would have gone into their trip to Europe where she became a huge celebrity! Her brothers were notoriously shy but she stole the spotlight. Then there is all her work as a suffragette! This book mentions it a handful of times but doesn’t nearly do her justice.
However, I did love the layout of the book. I love the idea of diary entries and letters. The author did a great job of getting the readers in her head. It is a quick read, but the ending packs an emotional punch. Again, the attention is brought to Orville. I love history and felt that I learned a lot from this book and many other history buffs will enjoy it too as a quick afternoon read. This is not a detailed fictional account. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars because while it is good, it could have done Katharine justice.
First of all, just look at this cover! It is just stunning. Upon seeing the cover of The Wright Sister by Patty Dunn I could not wait to dive in! Everyone knows about the famous Wright Brothers who are credited with flying the first airplane. Orville and Wilbur were incredibly close to their sister, Katharine. This book begins in 1927 when Katharine is 52 years old. She marries for the first time to Harry Haskell, upon learning of the engagement, Orville refuses to speak to Katharine. The book is structured in diary entries and letters to Orville. The diary entries discuss her day to day activities, including her relationship with her husband. But the letters also feel like a diary as well. She is desperate to speak to her brother again and fills him in about her life and reminisces about the past.
I liked this book. I liked it but did not love it. I feel like it just skims the surface on an incredibly fascinating woman in history and it often shifted its focus to Harry and Orville. Sorry, I don’t care about Harry and there are so many books and fictional accounts of the Wright brothers. I wish the story would have gone into their trip to Europe where she became a huge celebrity! Her brothers were notoriously shy but she stole the spotlight. Then there is all her work as a suffragette! This book mentions it a handful of times but doesn’t nearly do her justice.
However, I did love the layout of the book. I love the idea of diary entries and letters. The author did a great job of getting the readers in her head. It is a quick read, but the ending packs an emotional punch. Again, the attention is brought to Orville. I love history and felt that I learned a lot from this book and many other history buffs will enjoy it too as a quick afternoon read. This is not a detailed fictional account. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars because while it is good, it could have done Katharine justice.
Thank you NetGalley, Clare Marchant, and Avon books for the opportunity to read this book!
I love Tudor history. Who doesn’t? It is such an intriguing time period to study. The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant is a dual timeline that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and also the year 2019. In 2019, Amber is staying with her Grandfather at his old home called Saffron Hall. She is archiving his massive book collection, even though the real reason she is there is to try to deal with her grief. While there she discovers an old prayer book that belonged to a woman named Eleanor from 500 years before. This book links their lives together in more ways than one. In 1538, Eleanor’s father dies and she is married off to a merchant by her cousin. She takes with her saffron crocus bulbs gifted to her from the local monks. While her husband rises is favor at the court of King Henry VIII, Eleanor makes a successful saffron crop that increases their favor. But if anyone knows anything about Henry VIII, his favor never lasts forever.
Yes. Yes. Yes. When I think of a Tudor historical fiction…this is what I want. We have enough books where the sole focus is on Henry VIII. His infamous wives have been done to death. (No pun intended.) I do love Tudor history, but a few years ago, the publishing industry was absolutely saturated with Tudor historical fiction and quite honestly, I got a little burnt out. This is coming from someone who studied Tudor history in London. But this book renewed my love for the period genre. The dual timeline is very well-done. The stories flow together and are intricately entwined. Then there is the added mystery. In 1538, readers are learning about Eleanor’s life. In 2019, we are working with Amber to solve Eleanor’s mystery. I love it when the timelines play off of each other perfectly.
Then there are the characters. Both deal with grief, and even though 500 years separates them, they can still relate to one another. TRIGGER WARNING. This book does go into detail about miscarriage and stillbirth and the grief process. Having gone through that process myself, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the despair and depression.
If I had one complaint…I would have liked an epilogue. BUT I did enjoy the whole novel. The book releases TOMORROW, August 6th! So go check it out! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!
I love Tudor history. Who doesn’t? It is such an intriguing time period to study. The Secrets of Saffron Hall by Clare Marchant is a dual timeline that takes place during the reign of Henry VIII and also the year 2019. In 2019, Amber is staying with her Grandfather at his old home called Saffron Hall. She is archiving his massive book collection, even though the real reason she is there is to try to deal with her grief. While there she discovers an old prayer book that belonged to a woman named Eleanor from 500 years before. This book links their lives together in more ways than one. In 1538, Eleanor’s father dies and she is married off to a merchant by her cousin. She takes with her saffron crocus bulbs gifted to her from the local monks. While her husband rises is favor at the court of King Henry VIII, Eleanor makes a successful saffron crop that increases their favor. But if anyone knows anything about Henry VIII, his favor never lasts forever.
Yes. Yes. Yes. When I think of a Tudor historical fiction…this is what I want. We have enough books where the sole focus is on Henry VIII. His infamous wives have been done to death. (No pun intended.) I do love Tudor history, but a few years ago, the publishing industry was absolutely saturated with Tudor historical fiction and quite honestly, I got a little burnt out. This is coming from someone who studied Tudor history in London. But this book renewed my love for the period genre. The dual timeline is very well-done. The stories flow together and are intricately entwined. Then there is the added mystery. In 1538, readers are learning about Eleanor’s life. In 2019, we are working with Amber to solve Eleanor’s mystery. I love it when the timelines play off of each other perfectly.
Then there are the characters. Both deal with grief, and even though 500 years separates them, they can still relate to one another. TRIGGER WARNING. This book does go into detail about miscarriage and stillbirth and the grief process. Having gone through that process myself, I thought the author did a great job of capturing the despair and depression.
If I had one complaint…I would have liked an epilogue. BUT I did enjoy the whole novel. The book releases TOMORROW, August 6th! So go check it out! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me!
Thank you, Alice Feeney, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
I will never forget the shock I felt when I listened to Alice Feeney’s debut novel, Sometimes I Lie. I also enjoyed her second novel, I Know Who You Are. So needless to say I was overjoyed when I received a copy of His and Hers, Alice Feeney’s third thriller. There are three sides to this story. His, Hers, and the truth. Anna Andrews is a BBC presenter and it is her dream job. Her job has become her life after her separation from her husband, Jack Harper after the loss of their child. Jack Harper is a detective with the police in a small village. His and Anna’s worlds collide again with the death of a former acquaintance. Jack’s involvement with the deceased puts him on edge as suspicion surrounds him. However, Anna knows the victim as well, and the past is a dark corner she doesn’t want to think about, but it will soon come to light.
Sweet Jesus, I love Alice Feeney’s work! This book is a dark and complex puzzle that just gets more complicated after every page. There was a point where the audiobook had about 45 minutes left but the plot seemed to be complete…I should have known better. This is not a book you will forget! I have never been able to predict Alice Feeney’s endings which is HUGE for me. Nothing turns me off more than a predictable ending but this book kept me on my toes the entire time. At first, I was unsure. The suspense was building up but I needed a twist…I guess that is why they say, “be careful what you wish for!”
I love the characters. They are all flawed and have dark and complex histories which just adds to the unpredictable nature of the book. I must mention some triggers for those who may listen or read this book: rape, bullying, and drug abuse. This book is dark. I am not over-exaggerating. So if you are unfamiliar with Alice Feeney’s work, tread carefully.
Now, for the narrators. I will listen to anything that Stephanie Racine narrates. She has nailed every book that I have listened to. Then there is Richard Armitage. I could listen to him read absolutely anything. If this book gets made into a movie or show, he better be cast! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me! It will hit shelves today!! So check it out!
I will never forget the shock I felt when I listened to Alice Feeney’s debut novel, Sometimes I Lie. I also enjoyed her second novel, I Know Who You Are. So needless to say I was overjoyed when I received a copy of His and Hers, Alice Feeney’s third thriller. There are three sides to this story. His, Hers, and the truth. Anna Andrews is a BBC presenter and it is her dream job. Her job has become her life after her separation from her husband, Jack Harper after the loss of their child. Jack Harper is a detective with the police in a small village. His and Anna’s worlds collide again with the death of a former acquaintance. Jack’s involvement with the deceased puts him on edge as suspicion surrounds him. However, Anna knows the victim as well, and the past is a dark corner she doesn’t want to think about, but it will soon come to light.
Sweet Jesus, I love Alice Feeney’s work! This book is a dark and complex puzzle that just gets more complicated after every page. There was a point where the audiobook had about 45 minutes left but the plot seemed to be complete…I should have known better. This is not a book you will forget! I have never been able to predict Alice Feeney’s endings which is HUGE for me. Nothing turns me off more than a predictable ending but this book kept me on my toes the entire time. At first, I was unsure. The suspense was building up but I needed a twist…I guess that is why they say, “be careful what you wish for!”
I love the characters. They are all flawed and have dark and complex histories which just adds to the unpredictable nature of the book. I must mention some triggers for those who may listen or read this book: rape, bullying, and drug abuse. This book is dark. I am not over-exaggerating. So if you are unfamiliar with Alice Feeney’s work, tread carefully.
Now, for the narrators. I will listen to anything that Stephanie Racine narrates. She has nailed every book that I have listened to. Then there is Richard Armitage. I could listen to him read absolutely anything. If this book gets made into a movie or show, he better be cast! This book gets 5 out of 5 stars from me! It will hit shelves today!! So check it out!
Thank you Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and Julia Heaberlin for the opportunity to read this book!
I have been in need of a good thriller, so I was so excited to pick up We are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin. A small town in Texas is haunted by the disappearance of Trumanell Branson and her father. No one really knows what happened, but many blamed Trumanell’s brother, Wyatt though it could never be proven. Years later, the story divides into three points of view. First, Wyatt is scarred by his sisters’ disappearance and probable death. However, one day he stumbles upon a young girl in a field, and she is missing an eye. Then there is Odette, her father was a police officer and she follows in his footsteps. She discovers the girl that Wyatt found and knows the town will erupt if they find out. Their relationship history makes her desperate to protect him. Then there is Angel, the young girl Wyatt found. She doesn’t talk and she is quite a mystery. All their paths intertwine and seem to connect to that dark night of Trumanell’s disappearance years before.
Boy, that summary does not do this story justice. This is a very complex thriller with multiple points-of-view. Wyatt is an unstable point-of-view which adds to the unpredictability of the story. Odette is a female police officer who lost her leg in a tragic accident the night Trumanell went missing. Her point-of-view describes the difficulty of being disabled and the strength it took to accept herself as a whole person. However, missing her leg ables her to connect with Angel who lost her eye. Angel is a young girl and won’t talk. However, Odette makes a lasting impression on her, which inspires her to solve a crime years later.
One thing about this story is that it is unpredictable. I was not prepared for the twist that happened halfway through the book! I wish I could go into more detail but that would mean some major spoilers. Because of the multiple points-of-view, there is a lot of rehashing information, which slows down the pace just a bit. However, the characters are great, my favorite is Angel because her development is what really brings the story together and solves the mystery. Although, my favorite aspect is how the author shines a light on what it is like to lose a physical piece of yourself. It is not a common theme in novels and I appreciate this insight.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! This book will be published on August 11th and you will not want to miss out!!
I have been in need of a good thriller, so I was so excited to pick up We are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin. A small town in Texas is haunted by the disappearance of Trumanell Branson and her father. No one really knows what happened, but many blamed Trumanell’s brother, Wyatt though it could never be proven. Years later, the story divides into three points of view. First, Wyatt is scarred by his sisters’ disappearance and probable death. However, one day he stumbles upon a young girl in a field, and she is missing an eye. Then there is Odette, her father was a police officer and she follows in his footsteps. She discovers the girl that Wyatt found and knows the town will erupt if they find out. Their relationship history makes her desperate to protect him. Then there is Angel, the young girl Wyatt found. She doesn’t talk and she is quite a mystery. All their paths intertwine and seem to connect to that dark night of Trumanell’s disappearance years before.
Boy, that summary does not do this story justice. This is a very complex thriller with multiple points-of-view. Wyatt is an unstable point-of-view which adds to the unpredictability of the story. Odette is a female police officer who lost her leg in a tragic accident the night Trumanell went missing. Her point-of-view describes the difficulty of being disabled and the strength it took to accept herself as a whole person. However, missing her leg ables her to connect with Angel who lost her eye. Angel is a young girl and won’t talk. However, Odette makes a lasting impression on her, which inspires her to solve a crime years later.
One thing about this story is that it is unpredictable. I was not prepared for the twist that happened halfway through the book! I wish I could go into more detail but that would mean some major spoilers. Because of the multiple points-of-view, there is a lot of rehashing information, which slows down the pace just a bit. However, the characters are great, my favorite is Angel because her development is what really brings the story together and solves the mystery. Although, my favorite aspect is how the author shines a light on what it is like to lose a physical piece of yourself. It is not a common theme in novels and I appreciate this insight.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! This book will be published on August 11th and you will not want to miss out!!
This is the first book in my Arthurian Legend book stack. I read The Sword in the Stone by TH White when I was younger, but it was one of those, children abridged versions. I love Arthurian Legend so I figured this is a must-read. Wart, also known as Arthur is a young boy. He lives with his foster father, Sir Ector, and foster brother, Kay. One day, Wart gets lost in the woods and stumbles upon Merlyn and his owl, Archimedes. Merlyn decides to come back with Wart to become his tutor. However, Merlyn is not a normal tutor, he is a wizard which makes for some interesting lessons.
AHHHHH! This is an awful way to kick off my summer reading list. I HATED this book. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Wart and Merlyn and the few little Arthurian details. HOWEVER, this book is filled with racism. There were so many problematic scenes that I almost couldn’t finish it. It was like HP Lovecraft all over again. There are racial slurs and little sayings that insinuate that slaves were happy. It was difficult to read. It took away from the magic of the bones of the story–which should be about Wart’s coming-of-age. There were also other political points that weighed down the story. JUST GIVE ME WART PULLING THE SWORD FROM THE STONE AND BECOMING KING ARTHUR. I guess I will just have to settle with the Disney movie. (One of my favorites.)
However, I hated this book so much that I will not continue with the rest of the Once and Future King Series. I think I am going to pick up the Arthurian Romances and Legends next and maybe a couple of the nonfiction reads that talk about the historical connections of the story. I have a few other books left…so hopefully they don’t let me down. 1 out of 5 stars.
AHHHHH! This is an awful way to kick off my summer reading list. I HATED this book. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Wart and Merlyn and the few little Arthurian details. HOWEVER, this book is filled with racism. There were so many problematic scenes that I almost couldn’t finish it. It was like HP Lovecraft all over again. There are racial slurs and little sayings that insinuate that slaves were happy. It was difficult to read. It took away from the magic of the bones of the story–which should be about Wart’s coming-of-age. There were also other political points that weighed down the story. JUST GIVE ME WART PULLING THE SWORD FROM THE STONE AND BECOMING KING ARTHUR. I guess I will just have to settle with the Disney movie. (One of my favorites.)
However, I hated this book so much that I will not continue with the rest of the Once and Future King Series. I think I am going to pick up the Arthurian Romances and Legends next and maybe a couple of the nonfiction reads that talk about the historical connections of the story. I have a few other books left…so hopefully they don’t let me down. 1 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Megan Miranda, and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read this book!
The Girl From Widow Hills is the first book that I have read by author Megan Miranda. I have seen so many of her other books floating around on Bookstagram so I had to check out her latest book, which publishes on June 23rd, 2020! This book introduces Olivia Maynor, she works in a hospital. She has friends but for the most part, she lives alone and keeps to herself. She has a reason, she is keeping a secret that she does not want anyone finding out. She is also known as Arden Olivia Maynor. When she was 6 years-old she vanished, only to be found 3 days later in a storm drain. Her story took the country by storm. She was stalked and constantly under scrutiny. So she forged a new identity. One night she wakes up after sleepwalking, to find herself tripping over a dead body. She has no defensive wounds, so she couldn’t have possibly killed him? Only her past can give her the answers she is searching for…
I love thrillers. But it is difficult to find one that I truly love. Because I have read so many it is difficult to not be able to predict the storyline. In this book, I loved the characters and I LOVE how it is only from Olivia’s point-of-view, except for the few flashbacks. Most thrillers nowadays have multiple points-of-view and the story gets muddled trying to tie everything together. But this novel focuses on Olivia and her perspective. I love Olivia. I understood her reasoning for keeping to herself and her fierce dedication to survival. In fact, I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I thought they all played a significant role throughout and played off of each other really well.
However, the story was so slow. Besides finding the dead body and the ending, not a whole lot happens. I don’t want to give too much information because the ending actually surprised me. It had a very gutsy ending and I was shocked—which is not easy to do. However, there were too many moments that could have been wrapped up a bit quicker to keep the pace moving. While reading this book I was in a FitBit competition and read this book while I walked around the house. If I wasn’t walking and reading I may have been tempted to fall asleep.
Like I said before, there are a lot of aspects that I did enjoy about this book, enough to make me eager to pick up another one of her books! Which one should I read next? Anyway, this book gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
The Girl From Widow Hills is the first book that I have read by author Megan Miranda. I have seen so many of her other books floating around on Bookstagram so I had to check out her latest book, which publishes on June 23rd, 2020! This book introduces Olivia Maynor, she works in a hospital. She has friends but for the most part, she lives alone and keeps to herself. She has a reason, she is keeping a secret that she does not want anyone finding out. She is also known as Arden Olivia Maynor. When she was 6 years-old she vanished, only to be found 3 days later in a storm drain. Her story took the country by storm. She was stalked and constantly under scrutiny. So she forged a new identity. One night she wakes up after sleepwalking, to find herself tripping over a dead body. She has no defensive wounds, so she couldn’t have possibly killed him? Only her past can give her the answers she is searching for…
I love thrillers. But it is difficult to find one that I truly love. Because I have read so many it is difficult to not be able to predict the storyline. In this book, I loved the characters and I LOVE how it is only from Olivia’s point-of-view, except for the few flashbacks. Most thrillers nowadays have multiple points-of-view and the story gets muddled trying to tie everything together. But this novel focuses on Olivia and her perspective. I love Olivia. I understood her reasoning for keeping to herself and her fierce dedication to survival. In fact, I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I thought they all played a significant role throughout and played off of each other really well.
However, the story was so slow. Besides finding the dead body and the ending, not a whole lot happens. I don’t want to give too much information because the ending actually surprised me. It had a very gutsy ending and I was shocked—which is not easy to do. However, there were too many moments that could have been wrapped up a bit quicker to keep the pace moving. While reading this book I was in a FitBit competition and read this book while I walked around the house. If I wasn’t walking and reading I may have been tempted to fall asleep.
Like I said before, there are a lot of aspects that I did enjoy about this book, enough to make me eager to pick up another one of her books! Which one should I read next? Anyway, this book gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
Thank you NetGalley, Catherine Adel West, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this book!
Saving Ruby King is a poignant debut novel by Catherine Adel West. It is difficult to decide where to begin with this story, I could never do it justice in a brief synopsis. So let’s start with Alice King. Alice King is married to Lebanon King and they have a daughter named Ruby. Lebanon is abusive to both mother and daughter. Alice does her best to keep it under wraps, meanwhile, her daughter’s anger grows. Ruby is also best friends with Layla Potter, the daughter of Pastor Jackson Potter. Pastor Jackson and Lebanon’s past are deeply intertwined in ways no one can expect. When a murder occurs, Ruby is in danger and Layla will stop at nothing to help her. Secrets are discovered that have affected these families for generations.
“Forever and to the end. That’s what they say instead of I love you.”
SAVING RUBY KING
This book is a MUST read! It is emotional and feels deeply personal for the author. Yes, there is mystery but it is about friendship, faith, and family. I was hooked from the very beginning. There are multiple points of view crossing over timelines but that didn’t bother me. I felt that it flowed beautifully and shifted timelines in just the right moment. One of the points of view is the church. Not a person or persons, but a building. I felt that this aspect is so unique and quite powerful. The building is a witness, specifically to some of the events that will change the lives of generations.
The family relationships are extremely complex in this story. There is love. There is hate. There is misunderstanding. I want to dive into these complexities, but that would reveal so many spoilers. My favorite aspect is the friendships. Loyalty and doing anything for a friend shines in this story. Ruby is troubled, but Layla will not leave her side. Their friendship made me cry more than once. But the loyalty in friendships span generations as well…but again, spoilers. So I shall refrain.
The author goes into the racial divide in Chicago. The hardships that the Black community face are very real and she describes it so vividly. You just really need to read this book for yourself. I loved every aspect of this book. It is thought-provoking and deeply emotional. I will now eagerly await her next book. 5 perfect stars for Saving Ruby King.
Saving Ruby King is a poignant debut novel by Catherine Adel West. It is difficult to decide where to begin with this story, I could never do it justice in a brief synopsis. So let’s start with Alice King. Alice King is married to Lebanon King and they have a daughter named Ruby. Lebanon is abusive to both mother and daughter. Alice does her best to keep it under wraps, meanwhile, her daughter’s anger grows. Ruby is also best friends with Layla Potter, the daughter of Pastor Jackson Potter. Pastor Jackson and Lebanon’s past are deeply intertwined in ways no one can expect. When a murder occurs, Ruby is in danger and Layla will stop at nothing to help her. Secrets are discovered that have affected these families for generations.
“Forever and to the end. That’s what they say instead of I love you.”
SAVING RUBY KING
This book is a MUST read! It is emotional and feels deeply personal for the author. Yes, there is mystery but it is about friendship, faith, and family. I was hooked from the very beginning. There are multiple points of view crossing over timelines but that didn’t bother me. I felt that it flowed beautifully and shifted timelines in just the right moment. One of the points of view is the church. Not a person or persons, but a building. I felt that this aspect is so unique and quite powerful. The building is a witness, specifically to some of the events that will change the lives of generations.
The family relationships are extremely complex in this story. There is love. There is hate. There is misunderstanding. I want to dive into these complexities, but that would reveal so many spoilers. My favorite aspect is the friendships. Loyalty and doing anything for a friend shines in this story. Ruby is troubled, but Layla will not leave her side. Their friendship made me cry more than once. But the loyalty in friendships span generations as well…but again, spoilers. So I shall refrain.
The author goes into the racial divide in Chicago. The hardships that the Black community face are very real and she describes it so vividly. You just really need to read this book for yourself. I loved every aspect of this book. It is thought-provoking and deeply emotional. I will now eagerly await her next book. 5 perfect stars for Saving Ruby King.
I received this book from Harper Perennial, thank you for the opportunity to read it.
Have You Seen Me? by Kate White is my first book by this author. It is a novel of suspense. Ally Linden walks into her office and is told that she hasn’t worked there in five years. After a visit to the hospital, she discovers that she can’t remember the last two days. She wonders if her dissociated state is possibly linked to the body of a little girl that she discovered when she was nine. But then again, she and her husband had a fight and are growing farther apart. She is desperate for answers and hires a private investigator to help her find out where she was for two days. She has the feeling that she is being watched and realizes she may be in more danger than she thought.
I love suspense novels. So I was immediately intrigued. This book starts off very strong and I enjoyed Ally as the main character. She is scared, yet shows determination to find out what is hidden in those missing days, whether she is the victim…or a possible suspect. I enjoyed how suspicions lie with any of the characters. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger which caused me to keep turning the pages.
However, at the same time…I wanted more. The suspense was nice but I wanted more to happen, not just maybe’s. Everything that is discovered is “maybe this, maybe that.” I wanted something more concrete to occur, which would have upped the suspense even more. Then there is the ending. It felt anti-climatic. So rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Have You Seen Me? by Kate White is my first book by this author. It is a novel of suspense. Ally Linden walks into her office and is told that she hasn’t worked there in five years. After a visit to the hospital, she discovers that she can’t remember the last two days. She wonders if her dissociated state is possibly linked to the body of a little girl that she discovered when she was nine. But then again, she and her husband had a fight and are growing farther apart. She is desperate for answers and hires a private investigator to help her find out where she was for two days. She has the feeling that she is being watched and realizes she may be in more danger than she thought.
I love suspense novels. So I was immediately intrigued. This book starts off very strong and I enjoyed Ally as the main character. She is scared, yet shows determination to find out what is hidden in those missing days, whether she is the victim…or a possible suspect. I enjoyed how suspicions lie with any of the characters. Each chapter ends with a cliffhanger which caused me to keep turning the pages.
However, at the same time…I wanted more. The suspense was nice but I wanted more to happen, not just maybe’s. Everything that is discovered is “maybe this, maybe that.” I wanted something more concrete to occur, which would have upped the suspense even more. Then there is the ending. It felt anti-climatic. So rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
I received this book from Harper Perennial, thank you for the opportunity to read this book!
I listened to Columbine by Dave Cullen a couple of months ago and it was difficult. I received Parkland by Dave Cullen and it sat on my shelf for a bit because I was not ready to read it after Columbine. Parkland is very different from Columbine. Columbine details the events and the shooters, whereas, Parkland doesn’t mention the shooter by name and only chronicles the events after the Parkland shooting. The students are tired of “thoughts and prayers.” They want action. And despite being kids, they amplified their voice to bring on a movement for change.
This book. This book is extremely emotional. It is a book for our time. The United States had 434 mass shootings in 2019. For these kids. Enough is Enough. My own children are very familiar with active shooter drills. I will never forget the day he came home in Kindergarten talking about it. It has become the norm. Gun violence is completely normal in our society. David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez, Cameron Kasky, and many others decided to do something about it. They had interview after interview, they organized a march (March For Our Lives), they called out their senators, and received death threats and were attacked by the NRA.
Dave Cullen shadows these kids as they speak out and I feel that this book needs to be read by everyone and read in highschools. It is amazing how these kids are making such a difference and they are only just beginning. I also appreciate that the shooter’s name has been left out of the narrative and gave the spotlight to those who are trying to make change. This is a quick read but to process all the emotion and information, it will take more time than one would think. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I listened to Columbine by Dave Cullen a couple of months ago and it was difficult. I received Parkland by Dave Cullen and it sat on my shelf for a bit because I was not ready to read it after Columbine. Parkland is very different from Columbine. Columbine details the events and the shooters, whereas, Parkland doesn’t mention the shooter by name and only chronicles the events after the Parkland shooting. The students are tired of “thoughts and prayers.” They want action. And despite being kids, they amplified their voice to bring on a movement for change.
This book. This book is extremely emotional. It is a book for our time. The United States had 434 mass shootings in 2019. For these kids. Enough is Enough. My own children are very familiar with active shooter drills. I will never forget the day he came home in Kindergarten talking about it. It has become the norm. Gun violence is completely normal in our society. David Hogg, Emma Gonzalez, Cameron Kasky, and many others decided to do something about it. They had interview after interview, they organized a march (March For Our Lives), they called out their senators, and received death threats and were attacked by the NRA.
Dave Cullen shadows these kids as they speak out and I feel that this book needs to be read by everyone and read in highschools. It is amazing how these kids are making such a difference and they are only just beginning. I also appreciate that the shooter’s name has been left out of the narrative and gave the spotlight to those who are trying to make change. This is a quick read but to process all the emotion and information, it will take more time than one would think. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.