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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Thank you, Random House, for the gifted copy of All That is Mine I Carry With Me
{partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: โโโ.5
{partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 3.7.2023
Star Rating: โโโ.5
โIn small letters, now a little blurry, it read Omnia mea mecum porto, Latin for โAll that is mine I carry with me.โ
First, I can say, without a doubt, that Dan Larkin (the husband) is a complete scum bag. Iโve seen a few reviews where people said they teetered back on forth on believing he didnโt kill his wife, Jane, or thinking he absolutely did. I never changed my feelings. Dan was a horrible human being and deserved way more than he got.
All That is Mine I Carry with Me (ATIMICWM) is divided into four โbooks" and, in my opinion, it's important to recognize them as books (not parts), as each new section truly felt like I picked up a different book. The formats and perspectives are all different. It's a unique concept, but unfortunately, the structure didnโt do much for me.
Books 2 and 4 were, by far, my favorite. Book 2 had me completely captivated as it added such a unique perspective to the book, and it was one that I didnโt anticipate having a chance to hear. While the end of book 1 left me a little bored, book 2 brought me right back into the story. The only criticism I have is there are no quotation marks from that point on (you know how I feel about this).
Then we head into Book 3, and suddenly, Iโm starting to doubt what I read in Book 2 as the truth. Was it just a made-up piece of fiction, or was it the truth behind the story? Will we ever really know? It added the perfect air of mystery to ATIMICWM.
๐ Ideal book for a book club
โจ Unique book structure
๐ฏ Character development
๐คฏ Book 2 was my favorite
โ rape and graphic death
I recommend reading All That is Mine I Carry With Me if you enjoy a slow-burn mystery and outstanding character development.
_
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thank you, Tor Books & Libro.FM for the gifted copy of A House with Good Bones
Genre: Horror
Trope: Southern Gothic
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 3.28.20023
Star Rating: โโโโ
Genre: Horror
Trope: Southern Gothic
Format: ๐ง
Audiobook Narration: โโโโ
Pub Date: 3.28.20023
Star Rating: โโโโ
"Strange, the powers you find sometimes in a garden at the end of the road."
A House with Good Bones is my first from T. Kingfisher, and I was so impressed with the author's way of working. I was hooked on this book from the start and found myself quickly mesmerized by Kingfisher's talent for mixing horror and humor. The addition of humor to the horror genre is new for me, but it fits as it helped keep the story from becoming too grotesque.
I was hooked from the beginning of the book, but around the last 20%, A House of Good Bones lost me a bit. The plot seemed to go off the deep end, and it lost me. Though, I often feel this way about the horror genre. The genre as a whole might not be for me; I enjoy the build-up and some of the mystery or thriller, but when it comes down to the addition of the horror element, I'm out.
I listened to A House with Good Bones on audio as I received an ALC of the book from Libro. FM. Mary Robinette Kowal did a marvelous job with all the different voices except one. For some reason, the voice used for one of the characters, Phil, had me cringing. I couldn't get past it. Otherwise, it was a great audiobook narration!
๐ณ Humor meets horror
๐๐ผ Author's writing style
๐ฏ The MC, Sam
๐จ Ended too quickly
I recommend reading A House with Good Bones if you enjoyed reading The Change or Mexican Gothic.
-
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emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
Hello Beautiful ๐ค
Thank you, The Dial Press, for the gifted copy of Hello Beautiful {partner}
Genre: Literary Fiction
Trope: Multi-generational family drama
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 3.14.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Thank you, The Dial Press, for the gifted copy of Hello Beautiful {partner}
Genre: Literary Fiction
Trope: Multi-generational family drama
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 3.14.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
"We're all interconnected, and when you see that, you see how beautiful life is."
I live for books like Hello Beautiful. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times - there is something so captivating about a book following a character(s) throughout their life. It puts everything into perspective and is a gentle reminder that "this too shall pass." The good shall pass, and the bad. It's all about moving forward and growing.
Ann Napolitano wrote this book as an ode to Little Women and did an outstanding job. While Hello Beautiful (and Little Women, for that matter) is not a quick read, it is worth every moment. Throughout Hello Beautiful, we see the good, bad, and everything in between with the Padavano family - as a reader, you get to know these characters as you'd know your own siblings. It's heartbreaking, inspirational, and full of such unconditional love.
I love the author's last book, Dear Edward, but there is something extraordinary about Hello Beautiful. I can see it becoming an instant classic.
๐ฅน Deeply emotional
๐ A modern retelling of a classic
๐ฃ๏ธ Multiple perspectives
๐ Character-driven
Hello, Beautiful is Oprah's Book Club's 100th book, and it was such a well-deserved accolade. If you love a multi-generational family drama, I recommend adding this book to your reading list!
_
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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy and audiobook of The Eden Test {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 4.25.2023
Star Rating: โ
Genre: Mystery
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 4.25.2023
Star Rating: โ
"Yes, she knows about the affairs. Of course, she knows. She's not stupid."
Good grief, this book was just not for me. I can't remember a time that I truly detested a character more than I did Craig. His internal monologue was cringey, disturbing, and just downright disgusting. He is a serial cheater who thinks he is God's gift to this world (and women).
I'm sure the author, Adam Sternbergh, created Craig's character and likely had a conclusion planned that *might* make the whole thing worth it. But I couldn't continue reading/listening to this book. I live for audiobooks, they've often gotten me through books I couldn't physically read, but the Eden Test had me doing everything but pressing play. I made it to the 56% mark and said goodbye. When authorโs create characters like Craig, itโs important (for me at least) that there be some redeeming quality to the story. I need some glimmer of hope but, unfortunately, that didnโt exist with The Eden Test.
I'm sure there will be people out there who enjoy this one because, again, I think the ending probably has some karmic retribution for good ol' Craig, but this was not my cup of tea.
I recommend reading The Eden Test if you enjoy truly heinous male MCs who likely get what they deserve.
_
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mysterious
fast-paced
Beach Read Alert ๐จ || You'll want to throw this one in your bag this summer!
Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Deep Tide {partner}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 4.25.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ.5
Laura Griffin's books have become such an essential read for me. There's just something about the combination of romance and suspense + police procedural that keeps ๐๐ผ me ๐๐ผhooked. I usually read on my Kindle before bed, but I won't let myself read Griffin's books before bed, or I will never sleep.
A few reviewers mentioned that they didn't love the female MC, Leyla. While I can see their points, her perspective is fresh for the series, and I didn't mind her. With some of Griffin's female MCs, I have been frustrated with their complete disrespect for following the rules, but Leyla didn't have that type of personality.
Usually, Griffin writes her books with some reasonably heavy romance mixed within the pages, but with Deep Tide, that wasn't the case. There was romance, I promise. But, she focused more on the police procedural aspect of the story (which worked for me). I loved reading along as the different characters tried to solve what had happened to the victim.
My only real complaint about Deep Tide is that the ending felt rushed, while the book's pacing was perfect. There wasn't a proper "epilogue," and I needed to know what happened to the bad guys ๐
๐ Could be read as a standalone
๐ต๐ฝโโ๏ธ More suspense than romance
๐๐ผ Well paced
๐ Police procedural
๐ Small beachside town
I recommend reading Deep Tide if you enjoy a little suspense with a side of romance during your summer reading!
_
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Thank you, Berkley Publishing, for the gifted copy of Deep Tide {partner}
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: ๐
Pub Date: 4.25.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ.5
Laura Griffin's books have become such an essential read for me. There's just something about the combination of romance and suspense + police procedural that keeps ๐๐ผ me ๐๐ผhooked. I usually read on my Kindle before bed, but I won't let myself read Griffin's books before bed, or I will never sleep.
A few reviewers mentioned that they didn't love the female MC, Leyla. While I can see their points, her perspective is fresh for the series, and I didn't mind her. With some of Griffin's female MCs, I have been frustrated with their complete disrespect for following the rules, but Leyla didn't have that type of personality.
Usually, Griffin writes her books with some reasonably heavy romance mixed within the pages, but with Deep Tide, that wasn't the case. There was romance, I promise. But, she focused more on the police procedural aspect of the story (which worked for me). I loved reading along as the different characters tried to solve what had happened to the victim.
My only real complaint about Deep Tide is that the ending felt rushed, while the book's pacing was perfect. There wasn't a proper "epilogue," and I needed to know what happened to the bad guys ๐
๐ Could be read as a standalone
๐ต๐ฝโโ๏ธ More suspense than romance
๐๐ผ Well paced
๐ Police procedural
๐ Small beachside town
I recommend reading Deep Tide if you enjoy a little suspense with a side of romance during your summer reading!
_
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emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Love of My Life
Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 3.1.2022
Star Rating: โโโโ
Genre: Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 3.1.2022
Star Rating: โโโโ
"I don't know anything other than that it's only when something's damaged beyond repair that we realize how beautiful it was."
Love of My Life had a cast of characters that each brought raw and honest emotion to the story. They made it impossible not to be impacted by the book in some way. I rarely love all the characters in a story, but there was something so unique about the characters in Love of My Life. They each had their burdens, and their reactions all seemed justified.
While I don't want to go into details as it contains spoilers, I do want to say that Rosie Walsh navigated some tough topics throughout the book and did so in a respectful manner with a writing style that propelled you forward.
There was a lot to unpack as Love of My Life is about forgiveness and second chances. It was insightful, raw, and oddly refreshing. I will be recommending it to others! (PS. I highly recommend the audiobook)
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adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
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:
N/A
Review: Dragonfly in Amber
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 7.1.1992
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 7.1.1992
Star Rating: โโโโโ
โI talk to you as I talk to my own soul."
After finishing Outlander last year, I knew I wanted to pick up the second book, Dragonfly in Amber, but I needed a little motivation. The book is over 800 pages, and the audiobook is just shy of 39 hours ๐ณ But I buddy read this with a friend, and I am so glad I decided to continue with my Outlander adventure.
Diana Gabaldon is one of the most incredible writers I have ever encountered. Her attention to detail is one of a kind, and I canโt imagine the amount of research that goes into just one of her books. She has this incredible way of transporting me back in time and bringing everything to life. Itโs not always easy to read (violence), but I will always appreciate what she puts into her books.
The start of Dragonfly in Amber made me stop and ensure I was starting with the right book because we were in the 1960s with Claire and Brianna. But no signs of Jamie anywhere. But, then we were back with him and reading 18th century Scotland. This addition of the present day was an excellent addition to the story as it hinted at what was to come for Claire.
I finished Dragonfly in Amber in just under ten days and am already itching to start Voyager.
__
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challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Review: Finding Me
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date:
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date:
Star Rating: โโโโโ
โForgiveness is giving up all hope of a different past.โ
Iโve been a fan of Viola Davis for years, and, if Iโm being sincere, I never looked into her upbringing and background. But, after several people recommended her memoir, Finding Me, I decided to pick it up.
One of my favorite ways to read a non-fiction/memoir novel is by listening - primarily if the author narrates it; there is something so intimate about the listening experience. While listening to Finding Me, I often forgot that I was listening to an audiobook and not sitting directly across from Viola Davis herself. I couldโve listened to her all day and not gotten tired of hearing her voice as she led me through the stories of her life.
But let me be honest, Finding Me is not an easy read. At all. Itโs full of cruelty and sadness that I have no idea how Davis managed to pull herself up and make the life she did. I had to take a break around the 50% mark and listen to something more uplifting.
๐ช๐ผPowerful
๐ณ Brutal + honest
๐กShows the disparities in the entertainment industry
๐Her beautiful love story
โ Sexual abuse, child abuse, domestic abuse, graphic animal abuse/death, alcohol/drug abuse
I recommend reading Finding Me if youโre looking for a reminder to not take the small things so seriously.
-----
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of None of This is True {partner}
Genre: Thriller
Trope: Psychological Thriller
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 8.8.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Say hello to my new favorite Lisa Jewell book - it was a proper psychological thriller, and I will be raving about it to all my friends. It will make a perfect book for a book club!
I tried my hardest to draw out reading None of This is True, but I couldnโt do it because I HAD to know what in the heck was going on with Josie. There was something about this entire book that had me uneasy. It was perfectly paced without a single dull moment. I continuously felt like I was holding my breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I had countless moments of feeling like I needed to pick my jaw up off the floor with one juicy (and disturbing) reveal after another. It felt like page after page of scenes that were shocking, uncomfortable, and downright sad, and when I thought I would find a lull in the story, the next startling thing happened.
I know there will be readers who donโt love the ending (I wonโt go into details) because itโs not a conclusion I would typically like. But, for None of This is True, I thought the ending fit the book perfectly.
๐ณ A story that will stay with you
๐ฅ Podcast meet documentary
๐คฏ That ending
๐ฏ A true psychological thriller
๐ Will make a great book club discussion
๐๐ผ Perfectly paced
๐คฉ New favorite
None of This is True cemented why Lisa Jewell is an auto-buy author for me. Her storytelling abilities are unmatched, and I am counting the days until she publishes her next book.
_
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Genre: Thriller
Trope: Psychological Thriller
Format: ๐ง๐
Pub Date: 8.8.2023
Star Rating: โโโโโ
Say hello to my new favorite Lisa Jewell book - it was a proper psychological thriller, and I will be raving about it to all my friends. It will make a perfect book for a book club!
I tried my hardest to draw out reading None of This is True, but I couldnโt do it because I HAD to know what in the heck was going on with Josie. There was something about this entire book that had me uneasy. It was perfectly paced without a single dull moment. I continuously felt like I was holding my breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop.
I had countless moments of feeling like I needed to pick my jaw up off the floor with one juicy (and disturbing) reveal after another. It felt like page after page of scenes that were shocking, uncomfortable, and downright sad, and when I thought I would find a lull in the story, the next startling thing happened.
I know there will be readers who donโt love the ending (I wonโt go into details) because itโs not a conclusion I would typically like. But, for None of This is True, I thought the ending fit the book perfectly.
๐ณ A story that will stay with you
๐ฅ Podcast meet documentary
๐คฏ That ending
๐ฏ A true psychological thriller
๐ Will make a great book club discussion
๐๐ผ Perfectly paced
๐คฉ New favorite
None of This is True cemented why Lisa Jewell is an auto-buy author for me. Her storytelling abilities are unmatched, and I am counting the days until she publishes her next book.
_
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookend.diner/
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adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Writing Retreat {partner}
Genre: Thriller
Trope: Locked Room
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 2.21.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ
Genre: Thriller
Trope: Locked Room
Format: ๐ง
Pub Date: 2.21.2023
Star Rating: โโโโ
"That was the way of the world: if you were a woman, then you had a job to do, and that was to pretend to love everyone else walking all over your body, leaving imprints on your face. You were supposed to crave it, to beg for more."
I was in the mood to deep clean my house, so I downloaded the audiobook and got swept up in The Writing Retreat's craziness (and it was c-r-a-z-y). I devoured the book in one day, and while I'm not 100% what I read, I know I didn't hate it.
The pacing for The Writing Retreat was spot on until the last 10% - the ending was a little drug out. But, everything leading up to that point was ๐๐ผ Just when I thought I had the book's direction figured out, it would change course and take off running. It was such an unpredictable read that I didn't understand what was happening until the moment was over.
๐คฉ Epic debut
๐ณ Complex female relationships
๐ Book within a book
๐ช๐ผ Final girl + locked room vibe
๐ฅ Action-packed
๐คฏ Unpredictable plot (seriously, don't even try)
I'm amazed that this is a debut novel, and I genuinely can't wait to see what Julia Bartz writes next! I recommend reading The Writing Retreat if you enjoyed reading Nine Perfect Strangers or The Family Game.
_
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