book lovers unite

BY TAYLOR JENKINS REID

“The supreme happiness of life consists in the conviction that one is loved...”

—Victor Hugo.

I just finished reading “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
If you have not read this book then you need to run to the bookstore right now. I have had this book on my to read list for years and have finally decided to read it and dare I say…it was transformative. I absolutely loved it.

The thing is you need to go in blind with no expectations. I knew nothing about this book until I read it and I was so blown away that I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
It follows the life of Evelyn Hugo a beautiful stunning and sexy hollywook sex symbol that will do anything for fame and to hold onto her fame. She is a fascinating character who is constantly seeking accpetance in a time when there was little for women above a certain age. Her biggest strength is her ability to stay in the headlines even if it means keeping her true self hidden.

Evelyn Hugo is a symbol of sacrifice and unfulfilled love but she herself is to blame for that, She thinks what she wants is fame but at the end of the day what she and we really want is love and acceptance.

An absolute gem of a book that is so highly recommended but I think everyone has already read it.

Happy Reading

#thesevenhusbandsofevelynhugo #mustread #fivestarfiction #historicalfiction #femalelead #loveislove #taylorjenkinsreid #bookreview



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BY KIMBERLY BELLE

I just finished reading “The Paris Widow” by Kimberly Belle. Thank you to NetGallley and ParkRow Books for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This book has an excellent story concept. A couple in Paris, enjoying their love, but the husband is hiding a secret and one day as his wife is waiting for his in their hotel room she hears an explosion and is shocked to discover that her husband is in the vicinity. What happened to him? All of a sudden police and others, show up telling her that her husband is not what he seems. He is actually a wanted man who has done bad things…but what is the truth? Stella (the wife) doesnt want to believe that her husband (Adam) is dead, and vows to stay in Paris until she find out the truth.
And so the exciting race to find the truth begins.. Along the way we learn that Stella herself has some pretty big secrets as she tries to keep herself safe she turns to someone that she once loved…who has secrets as well.
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What I liked about this book was the character development and the twists and turns toward the truth. They were ineresting and unique and surprising and kept me on my toes. I also liked that this book taught me about the murky artworld and also introduced me to many wonderful places I would love to visit. The characters were complicated and not only good or evil…except for two of course.

What I didn’t like about this book was the added element of life back home in the States. If found it largely uninteresting, and it didn’t really explain the motives of the characters to my satisfaction

Overall, this is a good book, filled with action and suspense and logical conclusions. A good book to read for lovers of this genre.

Happy Reading
#PARISWIDOW #KIMBERLYBELLE #MYSTERYTHRILLER #PARISACTION #THRILLER #FEMALELEADCHARACTER #NEEDTOREAD


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BY MEGAN MIRANDA

I just finished reading “Daughter of Mine” by Megan Miranda. Thanks you NetGalley and SImon ELement for an advancec copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have read many books by this author. They are always filled with unique conflicts and surprises as well as characters. You can never quite tell where the story is going and the characters often are developed in a way that makes the story mysterious and revealing. This book is no different. The mystery involves two women, married to the same man, who disappeared mysteriously. The man dies and leaves his home andits possesions to his “daugher” , the reason being a mystery. When the daugher (Hazel) returns for her fathers funeral, she is thrust into the mystery when a car mysteriously is found in the lake by her family home. Hazel is confronted with questions and is told that she can’t trust anyone and everyone seems to be hiding something, including her brothers Caden and Gage. The characters in ths story are all flawed and their flaws are reviealed throughout the book. Even though there are many characters they are all integral to the development of the story.
What I liked about this story is that the characters are human, complicated and filled with emotions and secrets, but at the base of this story is a family that is trying to stick together and protect each other…or are they? There were some surprises that I didn’t see coming at first (like who is the real bad guy…or girl). But overall I found this book to be entertaining. This book started slow but it paid off with excellent story telling and suspensful action. I really wanted to know the truth and it did not disappoint.
This is a great choice for those who like mystery, suspense, long lost love, and famil drama. A well written story with a well explained ending.
Happy Reading.

#meganmiranda #daughterofmine #mysterythriller #murdermystery #familydrama #thriller #summerreading

by Sally Hepworth

I just finished reading Darling GIrls by Sally Hepworth. Thanks to Net Galley and ST. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in return for an honesy review. Here are my thoughts.

I can honestly say that Sally Hepworth has done it again…this story is about sisters born from a different womb but connected in such a way that they are each other protectors and best advocates. The story follows these sisters from when they were fostered into the same home owned by the absolutelu awful Miss Fairchild. WHile staying with her, they are horribly mistreated until they find a way to leave.

Years later they are forced to return to the place they hated when a body is found and they need to speak to the police. There is a mystery to solve: Who is buried underneath the home of Miss Fairchile, and how are the sisters connected.

The mystery is slowly unraveled and there are many surprises along the way. What i loved about this book was the bond of the sisters which was inspriring, the imperfection of the sisters. They each harborured their own secrets and trauma, and the storytelling. I am never dissapointed with Sally Hepworth’s story telling. Her plot twists and character reveals are always delightfully surprising and this story was no different.

I loved the ending. It was….awesome. I kind of figured it out, but I was stilll surprised by it. I have learned that every character that Sally Hepworth introduces in her stories has a purpose, so I knew that in some way all the characters would have a part in solving the mystery. I also loved how they trauma of the sister’s chilhood made them resilient and strong and paved a way to happiness.

While the middle of the book is a little slow, it was worth plugging through to get to the end. I definite must read for lovers of this genre.

Happy Reading.

#darlinggirls #sallyhepworth #stmartinspress #fiction #mustreadfiction #thriller #needtoread #fivestarbook



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BY DAVID ELLIS

I just finished reading “Look Closer”, by David Ellis. A book like I have never read before and because of that I fear I am ab0ut to enter a reading slump because I dont think I am going to read a book like this in quite some time.

This book follows Simon and Vicky who are both involved with other people. One of the other people is murdered and the mystery of who the murderer is goea back and forth and up and down and keeps the reader guessing until it is finally revealed. I am not sure how the author thought this story up. He must have an incredible imagination as well as wonderful knowledge of the law. I can usually guess who the bad guy is but this book kept me changing my mind. And when I did guess correctly, I couldn’t figure out the loose ends. I will say it again…the author wrote a brilliant book.

There were so many surprises and interesting characters ALL with secrets that were slowly revealed. I loved the devotion that Simon carried for those he loved. I loved how most of these characters had a back story that made sense to the end of the story. I loved how the author tied up all the loose ends and explained everything so perfectly that I was completely astonished.

The best way to enjoy this book is to go in blind… not know anything about it because then it is so much more amazing. I could not put this book down. I read it in one day and I think it will stay with me for a long time.

I can confidently say that this is one of the best books I have read in a LONG LONG time… and I read A LOT.

Happy Reading

#LOOKCLOSER #PSYCHOLOGICALTHRILLER #MYSTERYTHRILLER #DAVIDELLIS #BOOKREVIEW #FICTION #NEEDTOREAD #FIVESTARS



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BY FREIDA MCFADDEN

I just finished reading “One by One” by Freida McFadden. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book involves three couples who leave for a one week stay in a cabin the woods. The main character Claire, is married to Noah but they hate each other. They are joined by Lindsey and her boyfriend Warner and Michelle and Jack (Noah’s. best friend). There is also a mystery narrator who seems very interesting and you know is one of the six travellers.

When the minivan breaks down on the way to their destination, the six decide to walk to the cabin because there is no cell service and they have a map as well as a compass. It is during their trek through the trails that they start to disappear and we realize that someone is after them. The story is told through the perspective of Claire and we soon realize that there are many secrets which put different characters in a shady light. Nevertheless, soon, there are only three left….what is going to happen now?

Read the book and find out. But I must warn you. It’s not heartstopping or exciting or even a little bit suspenseful. First of all, the characters are not inspiring or interesting. They serve one purpose…that is to keep the reader guessing. The twist is so out there it is not even a little bit believable, and the reason for the dissapearances is not very understandable.

The book is written such a way that the reader wants find out what happens…but mostly I just wanted the story to end. Sadly, thisis my least favourite Freida McFadden book and I have read quite a few of them. I just found it was not up to par with her others. A bit too over the top with not a lot of credibility when it came to the bad guys or their reason for what they did.
Happy Reading.

#FREIDA MCFADDEN #ONEBYONE #NETGALLEY #WOMENSFICTION #MYSTERYTHRILLER #POISONEDPENPRESS #FICTIONBOOKREVIEW



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By FREIDA MCFADDEN

I just finished. reading “The Inmate”, by Freida McFadden. Thanks to NetGalley and Poisone Pen Press for the advancec copy in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I enjoy Freida McFadden books. They are entertaining and twisty and full of suspense. The twists are always surprising and she uses a lot of red herrings. I have read alot of her books, and this one was no different. And that is not a bad thing. You always prepare yourself to be surprised.
This story is about a girl named Brooke, who helped put her boyfriend behind bars for trying to kill her. She left town abruptly after the trial because she found out she was pregnant, but she returns ten years later (with her sone) to work in the prison where her ex-boyfriend is being help. She also rekindles her friendship with Tim, her childhood friend who has always had a crush on her and was also present when she was attacked by her ex, and survived.
She is torn between believing her ex actually tried to kill her or believing that he is inonocent and someone else did. There are certainly alot of twisty events that lead the reader to believe that Shane (her ex) might actually be innocent. A LOT.
She begins a relationship with Tim and it seems to be going well until something happens. Then the book takes off at bullet speed to the finale where…the unexpected twist happens, and the whole truth is finally revealed.
This book had alot of twists and revelations and red herrings. It was entertaining and fun to speculate what was true and what wasn’t. Every character introduced had an important role to play in finding out the truth.
But there was a level of frustration that I felt with Brooks that didn’t sit well with me. As. a proffesional and a mother, I expected her to be a better judge of character and not to be so lofty. She had doubts…and then she didn’t. Make up your mind girl!
Anyway, I like the book but there was too much disctraction and the ending for me was different from what I imagined. I was told that the epilogue was what made the book unforgettable. I did think it was good…really good. Definately a final twist worth reading.
Happy Reading.

#PSYCHOLOGICALTHRILLER #NETGALLEY #BOOKREVIEW #THEINMATE #FREIDAMCFADDEN #MINDTWISTS #FICTIONREVIEW

BY LUCINDA BERRY

I just finished reading “The Perfect Child” by Lucinda Berry. I bought this book when it was suggested to me because I loved “Push” by Ashley Audrain. I knew what the book would be about but I wasnt prepared for it…no way.
The story follows a wonderfully in love couple who can’t have kids and decide to adopt a young girls who showed up mal nourished at a hospital one night. They know it will not be easy but are convinced they are up for the task. The little girl Janey is damaged, but they feel they can help her, especially the Dad (Christopher) who was infuriating at some points because he was so blinded by his love for Janey that he couldn’t see what was happening to his wife Hannah.
The story goes balistic when Hannah becomes pregnant and Janey becomes jealous. I won’t say any more other than to write that I could not put this book down. It was crazy and very disturbing but very addictive.
It was hard to read the book at times because there is such a strong attachment between parents and their children and you don’t want to believe that there are possibilities of true evil…but in this case it was riveting and so so sad. Lives are ruined and destroyed and this beautiful couple will never be the same.
I enjoyed the book so much that I gave it five stars, but it might not be for everyone. Like I said, very disturbing. But I will say that there is something about this book that made it impossible to put down, and I will be thinking about it for a long long time.
Happy Reading.

#LUCINDABERRY #FIVESTARBOOK #PSYCHOLOGICALTHRILLER #FAMILYDRAMA #THEPERFECTCHILD #NEEDTOREAD



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BY TAYLOR JENKINS REID

I just finished reading “After I Do” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Here are my thoughts
This is a book about the love story between two characters, Lauren and Ryan. They met as young college students and their story was an incredible romantic journey into adulthood where they got married young. Ryan was well loved by Lauren’s family and they seemed to have it all, even buying a house and a dog. It was awesome…until it wasn’t. The cracks in their marriage seemed small at first and then because of neglect the got progressively worse, until one day they decide they need a break from one another. They decide that they will spend one year apart…no contact…and then reassess where they are.

This story is told from Lauren’s perspective and we learn about how Ryan is doing through e-mails that Lauren finds on his computer. As the year progresses, Lauren forges a new closeness with her sister, spends more time with her family and her friends..and even meets a fellow named David who seems delightful and just what she needs. She learns that she can indeed live without Ryan in her life….but…does she want to?

This is a great story about the journey of marriage, its ups an downs, and how hard we are willing to try to make something work. At the end of the day it makes you question how hard any of us try not just in marriage but in any relationship. Do we give up too easily? Do we always try our hardest? Do we have unrealistic expectations? Do we communicate our needs and wants even when its hard?

At the end of the day it was a good way to do some self-reflection through a simple and ultimately very good book that was easy to read and easy to cheer for the two main characters. We were also introduced to Laurens family: her grandmother, her mother and her siblings…all of which gave a different perspective on what is most important in a relationship…and that is never giving up.

I enjoyed this book. It was an enjoyable read, and made me think about what I would do in that situations. Marriage is not easy, but ultimately everyone has a different idea on how to make it work. And sometimes…no matter how hard we try…its a decision we have to make for ourselves.

#TAYLORJENKINSREID #AFTERIDO #WOMEN’SFICTION # RELATIONSHIPDRAMA #FAMILYDRAMA


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BY SALLY R0YER-DERR

I just finished reading “The Secrets Next Door” by Sally Royer-Derr. Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, abd the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an hoest review. Here are my thoughts.

This book is about twin sisters, both married, who live on the same street, right next to each other. One day a mysterious woman, an author, moves into the house next door to one of the twins and she is full of mystery. The twin sisters think she is up to something, so much so that they sneak into her house to sneak around. One of the sisters, Talia, is friendlier to the stranger, but the other, Tabitha, takes an instanct dislike to her. The story follows the revelation of secrets not only of the stranger, but also of the sisters themselves and their husbands.

I liked the ending. It was good. I enjoyed seeing each character get what they deserved. I love stories about twins. Which is why I can’t understand the deception that took place. It didn’t seem realistic to me. But…I liked the ending.

This book had ALOT of description…to much. Interspersed with so much description was the slow uncovering of the mystery. The story is told through the perspective of the twins: Talia and Tabitha. Mostly Talia. Too much thinking. Not enough action. There were some red herrings, but that is to be expected. But I found myself skimming most of the pages until I got to the dialogue, and I didn’t really miss anything.

I would consider this to be a domestic thriller. It is good. If you can get through the parts of the story that are not important to the development of the plot, then the ending will make you happy. If not…then skim through it like I did. Not much more to say.

Happy Reading

#THESECRETSNEXTDOOR #STORMPUBLISHING #DOMESTICTHRILLER #TWINSISTERS #MYSTERTHRILLER #FICTION #WOMENSFICTION



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