Monday, March 30, 2020

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Long Bright RiverLong Bright River by Liz Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I could not put this book down, I struggled with narrator Mickey through the whole book (I do not like unreliable narrators) her internal struggle between being the smart sister, now a cop with dignity, a responsible mother to young son Thomas, was always fraught with her trauma from childhood, her feelings of insecurity at work that stopped her from being a really good cop, her need to keep silent about everything (stopped her from getting answers about her sister, Simon, the search for a killer, and partner, Truman who is on disability) and this constant pushing away of people or thoughts made her constantly a target---of despair, insecurity, and betrayal (she betrays herself over and over). The opioid struggle in Philadelphia is depicted starkly, authentically by Liz Moore, while also providing the reality of class struggle, drugs, alcohol, and the disintegration of families and society. While Mickey's sister, Kacey struggles throughout with drug addiction or being missing I found her to be bigger than life when she appeared on the pages toward the end of the book; she is a lifeline to Mickey, always sticking up for her, and always being honest with Mickey (about Simon, the Fitzpatrick & O'Brien family) whether Mickey believes her or not. I loved Mrs Mahon her landlady and Thomas her son and saw those two characters as pivotal to keeping Mickey focused and on track about her parental dignity and self worth. A compelling mystery touching on family ties, family dsintegration and the opioid crisis in Kensington (and everywhere else).

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Friday, March 27, 2020

The Bone House (Cab Bolton, #1) by Brian Freeman

The Bone House (Cab Bolton, #1)The Bone House by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great new series by Brian Freeman; I loved detective Cab Bolton with his many intimacy issues, but he was astute enough to listen to Hilary Bradley about her much maligned husband. With a murder taking place in his Florida, Cab Bolton decides to follow his suspects back to their home in an isolated Michigan town. With the town sheriff against him, Cab begins to interview and uncover a vast web of deceit, murder, and crimes. I was blown away by the ending, never saw that coming! This book had a superb, spine tingling plot, normal and broken characters, and a suspenseful story that kept me turning the pages. Going to get the next Cab Bolton on my kindle to read in this corona virus quarantine period of our lives!

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A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline

A Piece of the WorldA Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This audiobook was awesomely narrated by Polly Stone! My heart ached for Christina and her brother, Al but they loved their home, family, and each other during a life that gave her happiness, physical pain with her arms and legs, and her friendship with Betsy and Andrew Wyeth. Andy was quirky, shy, quiet but driven to paint and paint he did---he literally takes over the upper rooms of Christina and Andy's home and prodigiously paints their farm, Christina and Andy in their normal routine. I loved this foursome, Andrew Wyeth and bubbly Betsy his friendly, outspoken, kind wife and Christina and Al who the reader sees grow up with a taciturn father and cold mother, assorted brothers, relatives, and the people of their shore town in Maine. With a view of history, a small farming community, and the life and personalities of Christina and her brother, Kline moved this reader with her words, characters, history of the times, and how the beauty of art rescues Christina and her world.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Warrior's Curse (The Traitor's Game, #3) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Warrior's Curse (The Traitor's Game #3)The Warrior's Curse by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic series, and this 3rd book was heartstopping, pulse pounding and thrilling. What one thinks about the characters Kaestra, Simon, Harlyn and many others in this must read fantasy will be upended many times over in this saga but most important is Kaestra's charge to kill Lord Endrick. What happens after is many people clashing, lying, betrayals and lies. I rooted for Kaestra the whole book!

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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Hart and Soul by Lori Foster

Hart and SoulHart and Soul by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this e-novella by Lori Foster because her SBC Fighters is one of my favorite series (I love all her other series too and stand alone novels). The fighters, like Hart, care about others as well as the regimented work and strengthening they require before matches. I loved the chemistry between Lisa and Hart; their larger than life personalities and their banter with each 0ther.

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Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow GoddessMacy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the #MGBookChat this Monday 3/23/20 at 9PM EST to discuss novels in verse for middle grades, come join us! This is Shari Green's (@sharigreen) 3nd novel in verse I have read (and loved) about hearing impaired Macy McMillan who is going through a lot as 6th grade is ending. Her mom is remarrying, she is in a fight with her best friend, and she had to help her elderly next door neighbor pack up and move. Macy is feisty, happy with just her and her mom, and really doesn't need to see why things have to change. I loved how Shari Green moves Macy through loss (her fight with Olivia),a new friendship (who knew next door Iris was named after the Rainbow Goddess, Iris) and dealing with moving away once her mother gets married. Macy's growth, state of mind (and heart) were authentic, compelling; readers will relate to the wisdom she gains as she experiences truth, hope and happiness. An awesome read!

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The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner

The Eye of RaThe Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Ben Gartner for the advance reader copy, The Eye of Ra, in exchange for an honest review. Kids will dive right into the adventures of siblings, John and Sarah, as an afternoon exploration of a cave finds them time travelling to Ancient Egypt. What a shock and surprise when John and Sarah find themselves standing in sand and meeting a young boy, Zach. As they become friends with Zach and his friends, they live with Zach’s family and help with chores, cooking, and building the pyramid. Ben Gartner has thoroughly researched this exciting, thrilling novel into the building of the first pyramid as well as family life, food, and culture of Ancient Egypt. I liked seeing timid John become more comfortable and involved in many daring experiences such as the scorpions and the crocodile attack which will have 3rd and 4th grade readers turning those pages for more Ancient Egypt excitement. Nothing fazes Sarah, she is always willing to jump into new experiences. Readers will love the sibling dynamic; they were heartfelt and authentic with their solidarity and disagreements. Ben Gartner has thoroughly researched this exciting, thrilling novel into the building of the first pyramid as well as family life, food, and culture of Ancient Egypt. I can’t wait to read more adventures and mysteries by Ben Gartner, highly recommended!


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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles by Shari Green.

Root Beer Candy and Other MiraclesRoot Beer Candy and Other Miracles by Shari Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the #MGBookChat this Monday 3/23/20 at 9PM EST to discuss novels in verse for middle grades, come join us! This is Shari Green's (@sharigreen) 2nd novel in verse I have read (and loved) and the whole beauty of the sea, seashore, the townspeople , new friends, new family kept me turning the pages! Bailey and her brother are plopped with their grandmother (who they never see) on the West Coast seashore town of Felicity Bay. Her parents have been fighting for a long time and are attending a couples camp to try and rescue their family and marriage. But the longer Bailey and her brother remain in Felicity Bay, the more they love their grandmother and have hopes their parents will reconcile. I loved Bailey's friendship with Daniel, who had cystic fibrosis and her belief in the mermaid who is made of driftwood, as the symbol of making miracles happen, because Bailey is hoping for many miracles this summer. A must read, there is beauty and heartache but Bailey never gives up hope.

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Missing Mike by Shari Green

Missing MikeMissing Mike by Shari Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the #MGBookChat this Monday 3/23/20 at 9PM EST to discuss novels in verse for middle grades, come join us! This is my first Shari Green (@sharigreen) novel and I just loved it! I will be reading and reviewing her other two before the twitter chat, I can't wait! Missing Mike had all the elements I love in a book; a pet, Mike the dog, and what a personality, loved by his human, Cara, who has a larger than life personality, is devoted to Mike, and facing loss with a wildfire that has consumed her family's home and in the process of evacuating, losing Mike. There are so many wonderful quotes I gleaned from this drama- how Cara, family and friends pull together to help each other, all while dealing with overwhelming feelings of loss. A must read for all!

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From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon

From Sand and AshFrom Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a riveting audiobook read by Cassandra Campbell as she so eloquently narrates the life and love of Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco. Raised together as children, Eva is a Jew and Angelo is Roman Catholic, they play together, laugh together, despite their religious differences and family circumstances, they are very very close. When Angelo chooses the church, he makes a decision to walk away from Eva's friendship and love, but as WWII threatens the Jewish and Eva, Angelo and Eva are brought together again- both now doing everything possible to help shelter the Jews. Such a saga of family, religion, loss, and love, I could not stop listening to this haunting book!

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Thursday, March 19, 2020

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City #1) by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1)House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another winner and beginning of what looks to be another awesome series!!! I loved fierce Bryce, half Fae and human and her friends Danika and the Wolf Pack. I could not put this book down and read it in 2 days, falling in love with Bryce's world, friends and family and the tumultuous journey she and Hunt embark on to find answers and reek justice. The suspense and romance tingle, but the horror of what these characters fight for is sometimes tough against powers that will crush them; but Bryce, Hunt, her cousin, her mother and Randall create the even tougher backbone Bryce needs to vindicate her friend Danika to the world of the Fae, vampires, wolves, shifters, Angels, Wraiths, and so many other creatures making up Crescent City. A must read.

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What I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee

What I Leave BehindWhat I Leave Behind by Alison McGhee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This thin, powerful book about grief, friendship, and community was beautiful. I loved Will and how he used his grief to cope and reach out. He walks for years, gives parts of himself to friends, members of his neighborhood and figures out life and himself in his travels. I loved the illustrations, the short chapters and the characters (his boss at the dollar store, Playa, little boy playing in his yard, and Superman among others) dot Will's journey. A must read about grief and love.

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Sunday, March 15, 2020

Stalked (Jonathan Stride, #3) by Brian Freeman

Stalked (Jonathan Stride, #3)Stalked by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kudos to Brian Freeman for another spine tingling thriller in the Jonathan Stride series! I was so glad to see Maggie back but oh what secrets she will not divulge as she is accused of murder. I was so creeped out by the predator, I kept turning those pages though. Jonathan and Serena are back in Duluth, Jonathan as Lieutenant and Serena as a PI; as they investigate crimes and jobs, the suspense is unbelievable. I will be ordering the next one in the series, but I am also going to begin one of Freeman's other series books too, Bone House, a Cab Bolton series.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

The Good Daughter (The Good Daughter, #1) by Karin Slaughter

The Good Daughter (Good Daughter, #1)The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The narration was awesome by Kathleen Early in this taut first in a series by excellent mystery author, Karin Slaughter. What the Quinn family has to endure is beyond horrific, palpable, and changes their lives. This book covers 28 years in their lives, when Sam was 15 and Charlotte 13, and they are victims of a sinister crime that kills their mother, maims Sam for life, and the crimes against Charlotte are never uttered, put away in a "box" by her father, Rusty, who is a defense attorney and the reason for these crimes. OMG, what a great storyteller Slaughter is as she crafts a story that keeps you turning the pages, breaks your heart for sisters, Sam and Charlie, and has you rooting for them at the same time!

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One Of Us Us Next (One of Us is Lying, #2) by Karen McManus

One of Us Is Next (One of Us Is Lying, #2)One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the LAST sentence! I really liked the previous characters from the Bayview Four and also the new ones too. McManus knows how to write mysteries, to keep readers turning the pages. The friendships, the families, the high school drama and social media were all so realistic, heart pounding, and sinister!

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

The Somerset Sisters by Lori Foster

The Somerset Girls: A NovelThe Somerset Girls: A Novel by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance (U.S. & Canada) and HQN for the advance reader copy, The Somerset Girls by favorite romance author, Lori Foster, in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved sisters, Autumn and Ember Somerset, and their relationship in this beautiful novel of family and pets, rescue, love, and hope. I could not stop reading about these sisters, their love interests, Mike and Tash, and Sadie, Tash’s young daughter. The added plot of their rescue of abused animals, all with personalities and names resonated with all the feel goods that Lori Foster books give me. The romances of the sisters, their aging parents and their goofy relationships all combine for an awesome read; highly recommended.

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Friday, March 6, 2020

Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman

Go with the FlowGo with the Flow by Lily Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great graphic novel about friendship and dealing with female problems in High School!

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Hot Lunch by Rex Ogle

Free LunchFree Lunch by Rex Ogle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this book is a tough but necessary read as Rex tells us his life during one semester in middle school. Too many kids are living under horrific conditions; abusive parents, racism, poverty, and feelings of loss, abandonment and anger as they and Rex try to live each day in a hell that is overwhelming. Teachers, guidance counselors, teens and middle school kids MUST read this book. It is honest and sad and gripping! Highly recommended!

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The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The Alice NetworkThe Alice Network by Kate Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saskia Maarleveld's narration and performance was flawless, mesmerizing and I just did not want this story to end!!! Eve, Finn and Charlie were totally believable characters; both Eve and Charlie are thorny (Eve is a spy and Charlie in search of her cousin after WWII) but you rooted for both of them as the story progressed. Bouncing back and forth between Eve POV (1915 WWI) and Charlie POV (1947) the reader is immersed in Eve and her training as a spy. Possessing a stutter, Eve poses as a demure, unworldly Marguerite who waits tables in a restaurant that caters to the Germans during WWI and owned by a reprehensible collaborator. Fast forward to Charlie (1947) who is pregnant and in Europe with her mother to get an abortion but really looking for her cousin, Rose. I enjoyed Charlie as she grew in this novel from a girl desperate to find her cousin while still mourning the suicide of her soldier brother. Both Charlie and Eve face all kinds of discrimination but do not allow anything to stop them from their end goals. Loved everything about this book; the war, the romance, the spying; highly recommended! I am missing Eve, Charlie and Finn already!

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Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers

Hot CombHot Comb by Ebony Flowers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many thanks to Jennifer LaGarde for this wonderful graphic novel recommendation! Flowers has given a very compelling, sometimes humorous look at black girls, their hair and hair products through black and white illustrations in this realistic look at life encompassing their reality, culture, class and family.

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Spilled Blood by Brian Freeman

Spilled BloodSpilled Blood by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A stand alone novel by master thriller author, Brian Freeman takes on the hatred in two towns, the murder of a teen, gang justice, and a large corporation run by a man with no conscience. I read this gripping novel in two days, I could not put it down! I loved the pace of the novel, characters Chris and Hannah Hawk with angry daughter, Olivia who is accused of murdering another teen, Ashlynn. What follows is a psychological suspense murder mystery and so much more as the investigation ratchets up for Chris Hawk, distrusted in a town with lots of secrets, who tries to prove his daughter's innocence. Freeman's descriptions of the towns Barron and St. Croix were authentic, with insidious mysteries sliding in to terrorize him and all of the residents, a must read!

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In Waves by A. J. Dungo

In WavesIn Waves by A.J. Dungo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautiful, haunting graphic novel! Thank you to Jennifer LaGarde for this wonderful recommendation- graphic novel, memoir of love, grief, and honor. A.J. Dungo weaves his love of Kristen, who has been stricken with cancer but keeps a fierce love of life, surfing, and friends and family as the illness ravages her. Interspersed with chapters on the history of surfing narrating the heroes Duke Kahanamoku and Tom Blake, done in beige, white and black illustrations---the chapters on Kristen, her cancer, their love of surfing with friends is painted with aqua blue, white and black. Haunting, yet riveting, I loved learning about the history of surfing while being ensconced in A.J.'s life and love of Kristen, a romance at once so sad but honoring his memory of Kristen.

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Sunday, March 1, 2020

Ordinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes

Ordinary HazardsOrdinary Hazards by Nikki Grimes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nikki Grimes life encapsulated in this fierce novel in verse was awful and beautiful because her words made this book so compelling. I can't imagine the life she endured, yet she survived and this book speaks to traumatized kids and how they manage to survive and thrive because Nikki Grimes is one such person and author who brings her life to YA readers and oh what a life it was! A must read, haunting and real.

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