

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten: Book Review
Tessa Nilsson was a wildly popular true crime podcaster until one bad decision changed everything. When she’s invited to a bachelorette party on the same island that was the scene of a tragedy ten years ago, Tessa hopes to redeem herself by uncovering the truth. Set in Sweden, this novel flips between the two timelines in alternating chapters. I especially liked the remote setting and have to say that I never guessed the ending. I also appreciated the raw reality described in the aftermath of Tessa’s life-altering quest for answers.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Love on Tour by Lee Adams: Book Review
Ever wonder what it’s like to be on tour with a major recording artist? This book’s got you covered. Christine, running late for a music awards show, does a face plant in front of Austin, a rising star in country music. Which leads to him inviting her to be his date for the evening. Soon Christine is joining the tour bus to help Austin find his next hit song…and falling in love with the tour manager! I loved all of the insider details into life on tour and also the fact that our heroine’s love interest was actually the manager and not the mega star. And who knew that it is actually someone’s job to help singers pick the songs they’re going to record? (It’s called being a song plugger). A fun read for country music fans.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When We Go Missing by April Henry: Book Review
Willow is desperate to save the animals and the organization she loves. Dare is determined to show her he’s changed. The creative duo of Willow and Dare face off against a chilling and realistically portrayed serial killer who preys on the ignored and overlooked. When We Go Missing is an unforgettable story from a master of the genre. Henry seamless weaves together three storylines into a compelling narrative that packs a punch. Short chapters and a quick pace. Not to be missed!
The Quiet Unraveling of Eve Ellaway: Book Review
Twins, kidnapping, a mom who’s lost touch with reality – this book is packed with edge-of-your-seat drama. Melanie Hooyenga’s latest novel has high school senior Eve forced to play the role of her long disappeared twin sister Gen in order to keep their mom from completely falling apart. You’ll struggle to catch your breath as you race through this story, desperate to find out if Gen is still alive or if Eve will spend the rest of her mom’s life pretending that she is. Hang on for a wild and shocking ride! Thanks to Net Galley and the author for an advanced copy of this novel.
We are the Beasts: Book Review
As a French teacher, I was super stoked to read an advanced copy of We are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis. Like the French TV series Murder In, this book has an intriguing tie-in to a real-life legend from 18th century France. Full of rich descriptions, the dialogue of this Y.A. novel feels modern and accessible. Themes of sisterhood and women’s empowerment intertwine to make this mystery resonate with today’s readers.
An Irish Summer by Alexandra Paige: Book Review
Living and working in Ireland for the summer is the stuff dreams are made of…just not Chelsea’s. When she unexpectedly loses her job in Boston, her choices are moving back in with Mom and Dad or packing her bags for a summer job at a hostel in Galway, Ireland. Chelsea reluctantly choses Ireland, determined not to fall in love with the country or anyone in it. But that’s before she meets Colin, bartender and tour guide extraordinaire.
This novel was filled with rich descriptions of the Irish countryside served with a side of fairy stories and Irish brogue. I enjoyed seeing Chelsea express her creativity in her new job at the hostel (although some of her ideas seemed more suited to a hotel or resort setting). I was a bit disappointed by the ending, but all in all this was a sweet story.
A fun pick for those who have studied abroad, backpacked through Europe, or ever dreamed of doing so.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher (Avon and Harper Voyager) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams: Book Review
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
Second grade teacher Emily Walker is horrified to learn that her arch nemesis Jack Bennett has broken up with his fiancé and moved back to her hometown of Rome, Kentucky. Not only does Jack return to his teaching position at her elementary school, he also moves into the house next door.
Emily and Jack’s sparring is laugh-out-loud funny and Jack is everything a girl could want in a guy: handsome, charming, and secretly a best-selling author. Emily is beloved by everyone in her hometown, devoted to her siblings, and keenly observant, especially when it relates to uncovering Jack’s secrets.
With the exception of one hard-to-believe scene, this book was a delight. The characters were well-developed and I didn’t want the story to end.
Refreshingly unique and clever, this book belongs on every rom-com lover’s beg, borrow, or steal list.
Now I have to go back and read the other books in the When in Rome series!
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher (Random House Publishing Group: Ballantine/Dell) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Good Boy by Stella Hayward: Book Review
When thirty-year-old Genie’s grandmother tells her she has one wish to use before midnight, she doesn’t take it seriously. But after hugging her golden retriever Rory goodnight and thinking that he’d make a great human, she wakes the next morning to find a naked (and exceptionally good-looking) man in Rory’s dog bed. Fortunately, Genie does not fall in love with Rory (though plenty of other women find him attractive). The human Rory does make an excellent listener and matchmaker, but longs to return to dog form. As the days go by, Rory begins to lose his heightened dog senses and Genie must embrace her family heritage if she’s ever to make things right again. I did find it a bit odd how quickly Genie, her friends, and family accepted that the human Rory really was her dog. This made it easier to focus on the important parts of the story arc, but led the tale (pun-intended) in a bit of a different direction than I was expecting.
A light-hearted romance for dog-loving fans of Netflix’s Hot Frosty.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher (Avon and Harper Voyager) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Thriller readers take note: Danielle Valentine’s TWO SIDES TO EVERY MURDER will be out on June 25, 2024! I read an advance copy of this young adult novel through NetGalley. This fast-paced mystery/thriller features two female protagonists: Olivia, who’s searching for the identity of her biological dad and Reagan, whose mom was the only suspect in three murders that took place years ago at Camp Lost Lake. Now that Camp Lost Lake is reopening, both teens are drawn to the location in hopes of finding answers. Arrows fly and the chase is on as the killer will do anything to keep the truth from coming out. While I had an idea of the killer’s identity as I read, there were many layers to unravel, which kept me hooked. The end includes a double twist (which I didn’t guess at all) and an unusual wrap-up.
Stay Dead: Review of April Henry’s upcoming YA thriller
Milan’s mom is a senator. Her dad was too, before he was killed in a car accident. When Milan gets kicked out of her boarding school, her mom comes to pick her up in the family plane. But on the way home, the plane crashes. Stranded in the snow, Milan must fight to survive while keeping one step ahead of a dangerous killer. This young adult thriller with a touch of romance is a fast-paced gem told from multiple viewpoints (Milan, a hit-woman, and a victim of a man-made environmental disaster). I loved the tie-in to the Wizard of Oz and have to admit that I didn’t guess where the data critical to unraveling this mystery was hiding. The villains in this story are multi-faceted and at times surprising. Be prepared to stay up late reading just one more chapter! Stay Dead releases May 28, 2024. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.
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