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stephs_cozycorner's reviews
285 reviews
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
3.5
This was a fun quick read.
I loved the mystery element, but wasn’t quite sold on the romantic side of things.
I loved the mystery element, but wasn’t quite sold on the romantic side of things.
The Housemaid's Wedding by Freida McFadden
fast-paced
2.5
I was intrigued at the idea of having this little Novella between books 2 and 3 and I liked the little glimpse into Enzo and Millie’s lives.
But to be honest, we could have done without this altogether.
There really was no real plot twist. It had me going for a few chapters but then it just felt a bit repetitive.
I am glad we finally got a chapter from Enzo’s point of view and to see that side of him.
All in all, I didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it either. It was a quick read at 80 pages and I guess it’s worth reading if you’ve read the entire series.
But I think it’s time to put this one to rest now.
But to be honest, we could have done without this altogether.
There really was no real plot twist. It had me going for a few chapters but then it just felt a bit repetitive.
I am glad we finally got a chapter from Enzo’s point of view and to see that side of him.
All in all, I didn’t love it, but didn’t hate it either. It was a quick read at 80 pages and I guess it’s worth reading if you’ve read the entire series.
But I think it’s time to put this one to rest now.
The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall
5.0
Oh my word, this book was just beautiful and incredible.
I fell in love with Heather’s writing when I read Looking For Jane and she is back with this spellbinding new novel about a pianist in Berlin on the cusp of the Second World War and the choices she makes that carry through many generations.
The story is told in dual timelines which takes us from Berlin in 1939 to London in 2010.
In Berlin 1939 we meet two friends, one Jewish and one British, as they navigate a world and country that is on the cusp of war as they navigate their friendship, loyalty, secrets, and even go into hiding as Germany is taken over by Hitler and his regime.
This is where we meet our main character Audrey and where the story begins as we follow along with her fight, her heroism and her heartaches.
In London 2010 Kate is trying to move on with her life after a horrible car accident took the lives of her parents. While looking through her parents’ belongings she finds pictures from their honeymoon where they stayed at an inn that just so happens to have a job opening.
Arriving at the inn Kate and Audrey’s worlds come together and intertwine as they grow close, and Audrey confides in Kate to finally tell her story.
Audrey’s story is absolutely heart wrenching and compelling and I could not turn the pages fast enough. This is where Marshall’s writing shines. Her attention to detail and descriptions of the events that unfolded had me enraptured.
It takes a lot for a book to bring me to tears and by the end of this book I was a bawling mess (in a good way)!
Marshall has become an auto buy author for me and I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
Do not hesitate to read this book!
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
This book was wild!
McFadden really has a way of making an easy, quick, bingeable, page turning thriller that keeps your heart beating the entire time.
I really can’t say much about this book without giving anything away. I went in a bit blind and I would highly recommend doing the same.
I was so sure I had figured out the twist about 75% of the way in and then I was completely blindsided with that ending.
What a crazy twist that had me 🤯
Dare I say this book was unbecredifabulous, 😉 (IYKYK). lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Stalking, and Murder
Grave Matter by Karina Halle
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
What the heck did I just read ?!?!?
This is a gothic psychological thriller set in a secluded isolated lodge on an inlet of Vancouver Island.
The lodge is home to the Madrona Foundation, a prestigious foundation working on Alzheimer’s research.
Sidney Denik is an aspiring mycologist who goes to the island on a scholarship to work with some of the most brilliant scientists in the Madrona labs.
Stranded on the island, shrouded in fog almost daily, and with no way of communicating with the outside world, Sydney starts to question everything and everyone around her, ghosts are lurking and strange things are happening.
And Sidney can’t stop fantasizing about her professor (and doctor) on the island who she cannot trust. The romantic tension and sexual chemistry between Syndney and Kincaid was the *chefs kiss*. 🌶️🌶️🥵
The island and the lodge were characters all on their own. I had the chills and goosebumps reading and picturing this setting and the surroundings. Halle did such a fantastic job of making you feel like you were there.
I was captivated from beginning to end. It’s been a long time since I read a book in one day. That ending absolutely blindsided me, not once did I see that twist coming. 🤯
I am so thankful I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book with the ‘It’s (Most Likely) Spicy Book Club’ with @shes.booked and @novellybritt. I am looking forward to our chat.
Thank you so much @authorhalle for sending us a #gifted copy. The cover is absolutely stunning and gorgeous in person 💜🩵