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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
The Book of Lost Names
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting WWII
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ββββ.5
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting WWII
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date:
Star Rating: ββββ.5
"We have to save those we canβbecause we couldn't save the people we loved."
When I think I have exhausted my ability to read novels set during World War II, I discover something that reminds me of the importance of reading books set during this time. There are thousands of stories left to tell, and unfortunately, those who survived the war are few and few between now. We need these books to remember one of the darkest moments in recent history.
The Book of Lost Names was a beautifully written novel that captured my attention from the first page and kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved that the readers were given a chance to see Eva 60 years after the war, but her future self wasn't the book's sole focus. Eva's tenacity and courage are unmatched, and I can't imagine being brave enough to do what she did.
Kristen Harmel is an exquisite writer who always brings life to every page she writes. I can't wait to read more from her!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Much Ado About You
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: π§
Pub Date: 2.2.2021
Star Rating: ββββ
"I know, the way the trees know they're rooted to the ground, that I'm rooted to you. That no matter your answer here this evening, I am yours until I'm nothing but dust in the wind. Maybe even then."
I loved Much Ado About You and could not understand why more people weren't raving about it. What wasn't to love about this feel-good romance featuring an incredibly charming farmer and his dog (who stole the show)? It was a delightful read, including themes of found family, female friendship, and finding your voice. Seriously, what is keeping people from loving this book?
Ah, yes⦠that third act break up//conflict stage of the book began, and I understood. It took such a strange and unexpected turn. I did not understand Evie's problem, and it took away from the magic of the story. Much Ado About You would have been a five-star read without the unnecessary conflict stage.
ποΈ Small town
π Bookstore setting
π₯° Swoon-worthy moments
ππΌ Third act break-up
I recommended reading Much Ado About You if you're looking for a charming romance and don't mind a bit of unnecessary drama.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel meets The Guncle
Genre: Fiction/Family Drama
Setting: 1960, Jersey Shore
Format: π§π
Pub Date:
Star Rating: βββββ
"We're a lot of scandalous women masquerading as house cats in our family."
What character/book have you recently read that's really stuck with you?
Trying to describe how much I loved Don't Forget to Write is nearly impossible. It's going to be on my top reads of 2023. It was an absolute delight to read and contained everything I look for in a book - strong female characters with a lot of sass and love to give.
I laughed out loud more times than I can count because the banter between Ada and Marilyn was genuinely perfect. Ada is someone that I not only love but would love to learn more from - I wasn't ready for the story to end because I felt like I still needed more time with her character. She has the wisdom of someone who has experienced some of life's cruelest moments and still remembers to keep moving forward.
π Jewish representation
πͺπΌ Strong female characters
πWitty banter
π₯Ή That ending
Be prepared to laugh (a lot), make a note of Ada's wisdom, and maybe (most definitely) shed a tear or two. Don't Forget to Write will be something I'll be recommending for a long time, and will go back to visit again.
--
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Genre: Fiction/Family Drama
Setting: 1960, Jersey Shore
Format: π§π
Pub Date:
Star Rating: βββββ
"We're a lot of scandalous women masquerading as house cats in our family."
What character/book have you recently read that's really stuck with you?
Trying to describe how much I loved Don't Forget to Write is nearly impossible. It's going to be on my top reads of 2023. It was an absolute delight to read and contained everything I look for in a book - strong female characters with a lot of sass and love to give.
I laughed out loud more times than I can count because the banter between Ada and Marilyn was genuinely perfect. Ada is someone that I not only love but would love to learn more from - I wasn't ready for the story to end because I felt like I still needed more time with her character. She has the wisdom of someone who has experienced some of life's cruelest moments and still remembers to keep moving forward.
π Jewish representation
πͺπΌ Strong female characters
πWitty banter
π₯Ή That ending
Be prepared to laugh (a lot), make a note of Ada's wisdom, and maybe (most definitely) shed a tear or two. Don't Forget to Write will be something I'll be recommending for a long time, and will go back to visit again.
--
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dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Three sisters, two murders, and too many secrets to count.
Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy of No One Can Know {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π
Pub Date: 1.24.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Someone is lying, but who?
I love stories with unlikable, unreliable narrators. They keep me guessing, trying to figure out who is telling a lie. One thing I love about the author of No One Can Know (and What Lies in the Woods) is that she does a fantastic job of keeping all the secrets hidden until she decides itβs time for them to be revealed. Iβm notorious for ruining books for myself, but KAB always keeps me guessing.
My only hiccup with No One Can Know is that I was slightly disappointed by the ending because it felt unorganized. It wasnβt rushed by any means, but there were too many twists/reveals, and it left me feeling overwhelmed and a tiny bit confused by what happened the night of the murders. Maybe the author intended it to be that way, but it just didnβt land for me.
π Well-paced from start to finish
βπΌ Dual timelines
π£οΈ Multiple POV
π A lot of twists at the end
π΅βπ« Unlikeable characters
I recommend reading No One Can Know if youβre looking for a book that will have you saying βone more chapterβ until the very last page.
_
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Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy of No One Can Know {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: π
Pub Date: 1.24.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Someone is lying, but who?
I love stories with unlikable, unreliable narrators. They keep me guessing, trying to figure out who is telling a lie. One thing I love about the author of No One Can Know (and What Lies in the Woods) is that she does a fantastic job of keeping all the secrets hidden until she decides itβs time for them to be revealed. Iβm notorious for ruining books for myself, but KAB always keeps me guessing.
My only hiccup with No One Can Know is that I was slightly disappointed by the ending because it felt unorganized. It wasnβt rushed by any means, but there were too many twists/reveals, and it left me feeling overwhelmed and a tiny bit confused by what happened the night of the murders. Maybe the author intended it to be that way, but it just didnβt land for me.
π Well-paced from start to finish
βπΌ Dual timelines
π£οΈ Multiple POV
π A lot of twists at the end
π΅βπ« Unlikeable characters
I recommend reading No One Can Know if youβre looking for a book that will have you saying βone more chapterβ until the very last page.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Which family member is guilty?
Thank you, Random House, for the gifted copy of A Killer in the Family {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Serial Killer
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 8.8.2023
Star Rating: βββ
βHeβd watched the ever since that first fire back in October. Followed their little team from scene to scene as they tried to unpick it all.β
Have you ever taken an Ancestry DNA (or other similar) test? I have, but luckily, I havenβt come across any potential homicidal family members.
A Killer in the Family is technically the fifth book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone (because thatβs what I did, and I didnβt feel like I missed anything). I did choose to listen to this one on audio as I was in the mood for something with a police procedural component. Unfortunately, I wouldnβt recommend listening, and Iβll explain why below.
I know police procedurals arenβt always a βpage-turner,β but I thought A Killer in the Family was the slowest of slow burns. It couldβve been much shorter if the author hadnβt opted to have so many twists toward the end of the book. It honestly gave me whiplash and left me completely confused. And this is why I donβt recommend the audiobook; maybe if I had chosen to read this one, I would have a better grasp on who was who. But it was challenging to keep everyone straight when all suspects were seemingly male and all related (or were they?).
𧬠Interesting premise
π§ Too many confusing twists
π Recommend reading
π The fifth book but can be a standalone
warning: There is a graphic death of a horse that contains details that may be disturbing.
It had the potential to be exciting, but due to the length and character confusion (likely on my part), I ended up lost in the weeds. I would definitely give this author another try and plan to read any future books in this series.
_
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Thank you, Random House, for the gifted copy of A Killer in the Family {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Serial Killer
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 8.8.2023
Star Rating: βββ
βHeβd watched the ever since that first fire back in October. Followed their little team from scene to scene as they tried to unpick it all.β
Have you ever taken an Ancestry DNA (or other similar) test? I have, but luckily, I havenβt come across any potential homicidal family members.
A Killer in the Family is technically the fifth book in this series, but it can be read as a standalone (because thatβs what I did, and I didnβt feel like I missed anything). I did choose to listen to this one on audio as I was in the mood for something with a police procedural component. Unfortunately, I wouldnβt recommend listening, and Iβll explain why below.
I know police procedurals arenβt always a βpage-turner,β but I thought A Killer in the Family was the slowest of slow burns. It couldβve been much shorter if the author hadnβt opted to have so many twists toward the end of the book. It honestly gave me whiplash and left me completely confused. And this is why I donβt recommend the audiobook; maybe if I had chosen to read this one, I would have a better grasp on who was who. But it was challenging to keep everyone straight when all suspects were seemingly male and all related (or were they?).
𧬠Interesting premise
π§ Too many confusing twists
π Recommend reading
π The fifth book but can be a standalone
warning: There is a graphic death of a horse that contains details that may be disturbing.
It had the potential to be exciting, but due to the length and character confusion (likely on my part), I ended up lost in the weeds. I would definitely give this author another try and plan to read any future books in this series.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This is the story of one womanβs dream. For a little while, it came true.
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: π§π
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 8.15.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: π§π
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 8.15.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
βIn a place where books were banned, there could be no personal freedom, no hope, and no dreams for the futureβ¦ turn someone into a reader and you the world around.β
While I wasnβt sure where the story would go, I knew it was about a young woman, her love of literature, and how one particular book saved and changed her life. The Invisible Hour is a unique mixture of romance, historical fiction, and magic - it blends three genres that I donβt often see together but love individually.
For me, the true message behind The Invisible Hour is the power of reading and all the ways that books can introduce us to different people, places, and times. I was completely captivated by Hoffmanβs writing style and was reminded why I gravitate toward her books this time of year.
β³Time travel
π«ΆπΌ Beautiful descriptions
π °οΈ Scarlet Letter
β¨ Magic of reading
The Invisible Hour is a unique story that reminded me of Somewhere in Time.
_
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adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
North Woods π³
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of North Woods by Daniel Mason {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 9.19.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of North Woods by Daniel Mason {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: ββββ
Pub Date: 9.19.2023
Star Rating: βββ.5
"I propose a new calendar: not one autumn but twelve, a hundred. The autumn, when the birches are yellow but still have their leaves; when the beeches are green but the birch leaves have fallen; when the oaks tint to the color of ripe apricots and beeches yellow; when the oaks turn to cigar brown and the beeches curl up into crispy copper rollsβ¦"
North Woods first drew my attention when I saw that it is about linking past and present through one house. I have always been fascinated by the people who have come before me, whether in my family, city, or home. When you live in a house that is nearly 100 years old, you expect some history to be between the walls. Over the years, I have had the chance to meet the former residents of my house and learn their stories. One resident, in particular, stands out to me as she passed away in our home, and I sometimes feel like she is still here, enjoying the house that made her feel protected for so many years. So, naturally, North Woods piqued my interest.
The book, as a whole, is a mixture of short stories entwined in between ballads, hymns, notes, and songs. Some of the stories were fantastic and had me invested, while others lost on me. Then, truly bizarre parts left me completely baffled as they felt disconnected from the book as a whole.
My biggest issue is that the book I hoped to read didn't show up until the book's last chapter. But, wow, was that chapter beautiful. It made me have such a grand appreciation for not only my home but the land it is built on and all the people who came before and will come after me.
π°οΈ Linking of past and present
π Slow
π³ Regeneration of the land
π Short story feeling
π₯Ή The ending
North Woods is one of those books that will be hit or miss for people but will make for a great discussion book.
_
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adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another beautiful book from William Kent Krueger π
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The River We Remember {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 1958, Minnesota
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 9.5.2023
Star Rating: ββββ.5
"You and I both know that justice isn't always about what the law dictates."
When I sit down to read Krueger's books, I never feel like I'm reading a book written in the current time/ He has such a talent for taking his readers back in time and bringing the story to life. He does this through vivid descriptions of the land, characters, and their stories. Due to his use of the third person omniscient, the reader is privy to the characters' personal thoughts in Jewel, Minnesota.
With that being said, there are a lot of characters. It took me a while to find my footing and to be able to pinpoint who was related to whom and which story paired with that character. I might've had an easier time with it had I chosen to read the book, but CJ Wilson is such an incredible audiobook narrator I couldn't not choose to listen. But, no matter the format, take your time with the book and get acquainted with all the characters.
One of my favorite aspects of this book were the poignant references to our world, land, and people. So many things struck me and reminded me that we never really own our land and that nature does not have to answer to us.
π₯ Complex characters
π Vivid descriptions
ππΌ Well paced
π³ Respect for nature
β rape, domestic abuse, war, torture
I recommend reading The River We Remember if you appreciate the complex characters and storyline from Beartown by Fredrik Backman.
_
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Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The River We Remember {partner}
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: 1958, Minnesota
Format: π§
Audiobook Narration: βββββ
Pub Date: 9.5.2023
Star Rating: ββββ.5
"You and I both know that justice isn't always about what the law dictates."
When I sit down to read Krueger's books, I never feel like I'm reading a book written in the current time/ He has such a talent for taking his readers back in time and bringing the story to life. He does this through vivid descriptions of the land, characters, and their stories. Due to his use of the third person omniscient, the reader is privy to the characters' personal thoughts in Jewel, Minnesota.
With that being said, there are a lot of characters. It took me a while to find my footing and to be able to pinpoint who was related to whom and which story paired with that character. I might've had an easier time with it had I chosen to read the book, but CJ Wilson is such an incredible audiobook narrator I couldn't not choose to listen. But, no matter the format, take your time with the book and get acquainted with all the characters.
One of my favorite aspects of this book were the poignant references to our world, land, and people. So many things struck me and reminded me that we never really own our land and that nature does not have to answer to us.
π₯ Complex characters
π Vivid descriptions
ππΌ Well paced
π³ Respect for nature
β rape, domestic abuse, war, torture
I recommend reading The River We Remember if you appreciate the complex characters and storyline from Beartown by Fredrik Backman.
_
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Rape, Torture, War
Minor: Animal cruelty
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Would you ever live in a house where someone had been murdered?
Thank you, Bantam Books, for the gifted copy of The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Murder House
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 9.26.2023
Star Rating: βββ
"Most people sweep monsters under the bed. I pull the covers back and let them crawl in."
The Stranger Upstairs is full of creepy, tense moments that had me checking behind me on my way up from the basement while listening. I loved the author's writing (debut novel, btw) as she perfectly captured the house's atmosphere and brought it to life on the pages.
However, the plot didn't work for me. I was invested in the first 70% or so, but then the story took on an almost horror/paranormal element (which I don't mind), but it didn't go with the story's core. Besides this, there were two other aspects didn't work for me - the cliche alcoholic female protagonist and the trendy influencer plot. I think the story would've been fine without the influencer plot.
π± Creepy plot
π€³πΌ Influencer angle
π» Paranormal element
π€― That ending!
βπΌ Authors note
The Stranger Upstairs is Matlin's first novel, and as I mentioned, her writing is phenomenal, so I'm looking forward to reading her next book. If you decide to read this debut, please read the author's note at the end of the story.
Thank you, Bantam Books, for the gifted copy of The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Murder House
Format: π§π
Pub Date: 9.26.2023
Star Rating: βββ
"Most people sweep monsters under the bed. I pull the covers back and let them crawl in."
The Stranger Upstairs is full of creepy, tense moments that had me checking behind me on my way up from the basement while listening. I loved the author's writing (debut novel, btw) as she perfectly captured the house's atmosphere and brought it to life on the pages.
However, the plot didn't work for me. I was invested in the first 70% or so, but then the story took on an almost horror/paranormal element (which I don't mind), but it didn't go with the story's core. Besides this, there were two other aspects didn't work for me - the cliche alcoholic female protagonist and the trendy influencer plot. I think the story would've been fine without the influencer plot.
π± Creepy plot
π€³πΌ Influencer angle
π» Paranormal element
π€― That ending!
βπΌ Authors note
The Stranger Upstairs is Matlin's first novel, and as I mentioned, her writing is phenomenal, so I'm looking forward to reading her next book. If you decide to read this debut, please read the author's note at the end of the story.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Bright Young Women π
Genre: Mystery
Trope: True Crime
Format: π
Pub Date: 9.19.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
Genre: Mystery
Trope: True Crime
Format: π
Pub Date: 9.19.2023
Star Rating: ββββ
"Things grow differently when they've been damaged, showing us how to occupy strange new ground to bloom red instead of green. We can be found brighter than before."
The author of Bright Young Women, Jessica Knoll, did an incredible job telling the story of two women whose lives were entwined because of the acts of one monster. Instead of making this BYW about 'the defendant,' Knoll makes this about the women. She was able to shine a light on how the criminal justice system lets women down time and time again by disregarding their intuition and intelligence.
While there are parallels between Bright Young Women and a well-known serial killer, the story isn't about this man but the women who had their futures taken from them. I was left with a deep appreciation for Knoll's care and concern in this novel. She gave a voice to the victims of violent crimes respectfully and truthfully.
βπΌ Dual timeline
π£οΈ Multiple POV'S
π¨ Starts off running
βοΈ Could've been just a bit shorter
π©π½ββοΈ Accurate descriptions of courtroom
β graphic description of sexual assault & murders
If you enjoyed reading The Night Swim by Megan Goldin, I recommend reading Bright Young Women.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Gore, Violence