Summary: West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Now, in present day, nineteen-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara's farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister, Fawn. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that suddenly proves perilous when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished without a trace. Searching for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea's diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked deeper into the mystery of Sara's fate, she discovers that she's not the only person who's desperately looking for someone that they've lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself. - Doubleday
For a few years now, I've been reading very positive reviews about books by Jennifer McMahon. I can't really say why it took me this long to read one of her novels; however, I finally did pick up her latest book THE WINTER PEOPLE. I knew it was supposed to be a literary thriller, but I admit I was a little surprised that this book was such a "ghost story." I tend to stay away from books like this. Not because I never enjoy a story with supernatural elements. I just rarely go out of my way to read them.
Having said that, I am really glad that I decided to read THE WINTER PEOPLE. It was a little outside of my comfort zone; however, I ended up really appreciating Ms. McMahon's writing style as well as the story. And I am actually looking forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
THE WINTER PEOPLE takes place in West Hall, Vermont, and moves back and forth between the present and the early 1900s. West Hall has an interesting past, but is probably best known for the unusual death of Sara Shea who was found death just a few months after the death of her young daughter.
Fast forward about 100 years to Ruthie who lives in Sara's old farmhouse with her mother and sister. Ruthie's mother Alice decided to bring the girls up close to nature with little outside interference. That means no computer, Internet access, television, etc. When Alice goes missing one morning, Ruthie decides to look into matters on her own. Her investigation leads her to an old diary written by Sara, and she finds that her present day story has many close ties to Sara's.
THE WINTER PEOPLE is an intriguing mystery and I thoroughly enjoyed it... despite having my initial doubts. I think the main reason I found this book to be so entertaining, though, wasn't the story. Rather it was Ms. McMahon's writing. I was so impressed with how she transitioned back and forth between Sara and Ruthie's stories, and I love how they tied together. In many books, I find that I care much more about one of the plot lines or characters than the other; however, in this novel, I felt both stories were very solid.
Another really strong aspect of this book was the character development. I especially thought Sara and Ruthie were incredibly well drawn characters and seemed very real to me. While I definitely didn't agree with all of their actions or motives, I found them to be convincing characters. Furthermore, I thought about them a great deal as I read this novel and I even continued after I finished it That's always a sign to me of a good book!
Ms. McMahon did a great job of creating suspense. I very much appreciated the pacing of the book and how the stories escalated as the book neared its ending. I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that I felt scared as I read THE WINTER PEOPLE, but I did think the story and some of its characters were a little creepy! In addition, I enjoyed how the novel had some pretty neat twists and turns; and I never felt as if I were bored with either of the stories.
Overall, I enjoyed THE WINTER PEOPLE and I especially liked "discovering" a new-to-me author in Jennifer McMahon. Recommended for fans of ghost stories and literary thrillers.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you some cute new picture books from Schwartz & Wade.
Summary: Princess Baby is back in this sturdy board book featuring a sparkly cover -- perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! It's bedtime, but Princess Baby isn't sleepy. "Time for bed," her parents call. "But I need one more minute, please," Princess Baby replies, again and again and again. After all, there is so much a princess baby needs to do. Pj's need to be put on, toys need to be put away, the perfect book needs to be chosen, and her beloved subjects need to brush their teeth! It's a very busy time in Princess Baby's room. Young readers will want to climb into their own beds when our pint-sized heroine finally pulls up the covers and goes "night night." -- Schwartz & Wade
When my kids were much younger, they loved books by Karen Katz. I agreed with them and it saddened me when they outgrew those adorable books. I guess, over the years, Ms. Katz has been busy at work writing more precious books, and she created a character called Princess Baby. Her latest board book features this Princess Baby and is titled PRINCESS BABY, NIGHT-NIGHT.
I just loved this book -- from the glitter crown and shoes on the cover to the sweet illustrations. Parents and toddlers alike will find Princess Baby's bedtime routine all too familiar. There is always one more thing that Princess Baby has to do before bed like wash her face, brush her teeth, clean up, and take a sip of water. And don't forget, she has to get all of her stuffed animals ready too.
Highly recommended as a cute bedtime story for parents and kids alike!
Summary: Written by a ten-time Emmy Award winner and former head writer for Sesame Street, here's a story that will resonate with every dog-loving child out there. Harry wants wants wants a dog, and, instead of getting one, his parents try to placate him with a pet that's decidedly less interesting—a lizard. So Harry takes matters into his own hands and places his X-35 Infra-Rocket Imagination Helmet on his head, and soon something—with paws! a tail! a wet nose!—pops into the world. Sure, nobody else can see the dog named Waffle, but that doesn't matter to Harry. But what happens when a real dog comes into his life? Catrow's signature loose drawings and Berger's humorous text bring the bond between a boy and his dog exuberantly to life. -- Schwartz & Wade
DREAM DOG by Lou Berger and David Catrow is perfect for those young readers who want a pet. Harry wants to get a new dog, but his dad is allergic to them. Instead, they get him a lizard that changes colors but isn't the same as a dog as far as Harry is concerned. Harry decides to use is X-35 Infra-Rocket Imagination Helmet to create his very own dog named Waffle... albeit one that only Harry can see. Then one day, his dad does get him his very own dog; and Harry tries to make Waffle and his "real" dog get along. Can Harry reconcile his two special pets?
DREAM DOG is a very cute book and perfect for dog lovers. Any kid (or adult) who has ever yearned for a pet is certain to relate to Harry. I loved Harry's passion for dogs and his ability to create his very own pet to keep him company!
While I enjoyed this story a great deal, I think the illustrations were what made it extra-special for me. I loved the whimsical watercolor drawings and especially the illustrator's use of color. In addition, the pictures were silly and did a great job of incorporating the humor of Harry's story.
A sure-fire hit for dog lovers!
Summary: The ingenious author of 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore and a brilliant illustrator and production designer of the Coraline movie have created a hilarious, touching picture book perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible. -- Schwartz & Wade
SPARKY! by Jenny Offill and Chris Appelhans just might be my new favorite picture book. In fact, it's one that I would love to read to a child over and over again!
When a young girl asks her mom for a pet, she's told it has to be one that doesn't need to be walked or bathed or fed. The ever-resourceful young girl heads to the library for help, and she discovers the perfect pet -- a sloth, the laziest animal in the world. Sparky sleeps a lot -- two entire days before the girl ever saw him wake up, and she attempts to play with him and teach him some tricks. Needless to say, she doesn't have a lot of luck!
SPARKY! is positively adorable! I loved this book and thought Sparky and his owner were too darn cute. The young narrator does her best to make Sparky into a "normal" pet even though he's rather lazy. She even tries to have a show to feature his talents.
The illustrations are terrific too! I loved the watercolor drawing and thought they were the perfect complement to this story. I especially liked the ones of Sparky. He is sure to win over animal-lovers and even those readers who might be reluctant to fall for a sloth!
A very cute book about a very cute sloth!
Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Summary: As teenagers in the seventies, Tully Hart and Kate Mularky were inseparable. Tully, with her make-up and her halter tops, was the coolest girl in school. Kate, with her glasses and her high water jeans, was the geeky outsider. But chance and circumstance brought them together and through the decades they were devoted to each other. This was the story of Tully and Kate which began on a quiet street called Firefly Lane. Best friends forever. But sometimes stories end, and we have to find a way to begin again. Now, years later, Tully is a woman trying to deal with the loss of her best friend. She wants to fulfill her promise to Kate—to be there for Kate’s children, but it’s a promise she has no idea how to carry out. What does brash, lonely, ambitious Tully know about being part of a family? Kate's daughter, sixteen-year-old Marah Ryan, is as lost in her grief as Tully is...until she falls in love with a young man who makes her smile again and leads her into his dangerous, shadowy world. Tully's mother, Dorothy Hart, is an unstable woman who abandoned her child too many times in the past and ultimately broke her heart. Now, when Tully is in danger of losing everything and is more vulnerable and alone than she’s been since she put those rough childhood years behind her, Dorothy returns once more, desperate for another chance to be a good mother. But can she be trusted this time? To help her daughter, Dorothy must face her darkest fears and reveal the terrible secret in her past—only then can she become the mother her wounded daughter needs.
In Fly Away, tragedy will bring these three women together and set them on a poignant, powerful journey of redemption. Each has lost her way and they will need each other—and maybe a miracle—to transform their lives… -- St. Martin's Griffin
I remember when many bloggers were reading (and raving about) FIREFLY LANE by Kristin Hannah. For whatever reason, despite having a copy of this book, I never got around to reading it. That's really unfortunate because I know I would like this story about two long-time best friends.
Fast forward to this week when the sequel to FIREFLY LANE was released. It's called FLY AWAY and I decided that I didn't want to miss this one even though I never read the first book that featured these characters. So I sat down a few days ago and started this novel. Little did I know how caught up I'd be in the story and the characters' lives.
While FIREFLY LANE focuses on the friendship of Kate and Tully, FLY AWAY shows what happened to Kate's loved ones after her death. Basically, Kate's husband, best friend, and daughter are all struggling with the loss. Kate was the glue that held everything together, and each one of them is having a hard time moving forward without her.
Kate's husband is doing his best to raise their three children, but he's desperately missing the love of his life and her ability to handle the kids. Tully is an absolute mess. She walked out on her hugely popular day-time talk show and is abusing a variety of substances. And poor Marah, Kate's teenage daughter, has run away with a questionable character and has little to no contact with her family.
Needless to say, the majority of FLY AWAY is sad and deeply troubling; however, I do think this novel does an amazing job of exploring grief and loss. Over and over again, my heart broke for so many of the characters. At one point in this novel, I actually wondered if anything good was going to happen to any of these characters! Thankfully, the ending was what I wanted (and needed!), and the messages that I took from this novel were so powerful.
My mind is still reeling from this novel and the actions of the characters. Marah was the character that brought me the most pain because she just seemed so young and lost with a mother. As a mother to a teenage daughter, I think her story resonated with me the most because I could see how a young girl would feel guilty and even try to hurt herself when faced with such a huge loss.
However, it was Tully's character that will probably stick with me the most. Tully was truly lost without Kate -- so much so that she couldn't even function. While I appreciated seeing how much she was affected by Kate's death, I also liked how the author delved into some other issues that Tully had in her personal life. Tully was not one for serious relationships and had never found true love. Part of the reason for this was that Tully was still dealing with abandonment issues from her childhood -- she never knew her father and her mother was an addict who wanted little to do with her.
One of my favorite themes of this novel was the concept that we all can have second chances. In the case of every character, each one learned that it's never too date for a do-over. This was especially true for Tully's mother Dorothy. Dorothy realized that she was a horrible mother to Tully, and by the end of this novel, she was able to finally prove her love to Tully. It just warmed my heart!
While I didn't read FIREFLY LANE, it certainly wasn't necessary to appreciate FLY AWAY. I felt as the author gave enough of the background information about the characters to bring me up-to-date. Having said that, I do think I might have enjoyed this novel even more had I known all of the background of the characters. I think I'd love seeing the ups and downs of Kate and Tully's friendship and how they came together again when Kate was dying.
I'm sure it's no surprise that FLY AWAY would make an outstanding book club selection. There is a reading guide with twelve thought-provoking questions included in the back of the book. In addition, there is an interview with the author that I found extremely insightful along with some interesting tidbits about the characters and some fun ideas to enhance your book club meeting. Some of the themes you might want to explore include grief, loss, parent/child relationships, forgiveness, friendships, love, addiction, abuse, second chances, and redemption.
I enjoyed FLY AWAY a great deal and now I want to read FIREFLY LANE to learn more about these likable characters. Highly recommended for fans of women's fiction.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
Summary: From Jane Green, the New York Times bestselling author of such beloved novels as Jemima J, The Beach House, Another Piece of My Heart, comes an enthralling and emotional story about how much we really understand the temptations that can threaten even the most idyllic of relationships…. Gabby and Elliott have been happily married for eighteen years. They have two teenaged daughters. They have built a life together. Forty-three year old Gabby is the last person to have an affair. She can’t relate to the way her friends desperately try to cling to the beauty and allure of their younger years…And yet, she too knows her youth is quickly slipping away. She could never imagine how good it would feel to have a handsome younger man show interest in her—until the night it happens. Matt makes Gabby feel sparkling, fascinating, alive—something she hasn't felt in years. What begins as a long-distance friendship soon develops into an emotional affair as Gabby discovers her limits and boundaries are not where she expects them to be. Intoxicated, Gabby has no choice but to step ever deeper into the allure of attraction and attention, never foreseeing the life-changing consequences that lie ahead. If she makes one wrong move she could lose everything—and find out what really matters most. A heartfelt and complex story, Tempting Fate will have readers gripped until they reach the very last page, and thinking about the characters long after they put the book down. -- St. Martin's Press Just late week, I reviewedJane Green's latest novel TEMPTING FATE. I enjoyed the book despite having some pretty major issues with the main character, and I certainly think the book will generate a lot of intense feelings from its readers. As a result, it truly is an ideal book club selection! To celebrate the official release of TEMPTING FATE, I have a copy of the novel to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before Monday, April 7th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!
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Summary: It's a profile, like all the others on the online dating site. But as NYPD Detective Kat Donovan focuses on the accompanying picture, she feels her whole world explode, as emotions she’s ignored for decades come crashing down on her. Staring back at her is her ex-fiancé Jeff, the man who shattered her heart—and who she hasn’t seen in 18 years. Kat feels a spark, wondering if this might be the moment when past tragedies recede and a new world opens up to her. But when she reaches out to the man in the profile, her reawakened hope quickly darkens into suspicion and then terror as an unspeakable conspiracy comes to light, in which monsters prey upon the most vulnerable. As the body count mounts and Kat's hope for a second chance with Jeff grows more and more elusive, she is consumed by an investigation that challenges her feelings about everyone she ever loved—her former fiancé, her mother, and even her father, whose cruel murder so long ago has never been fully explained. With lives on the line, including her own, Kat must venture deeper into the darkness than she ever has before, and discover if she has the strength to survive what she finds there. -- Dutton
I was a little late to the game, but in the past few years, I've started reading novels by Harlan Coben. I now know what all of the fuss was about. He's just a fantastic suspense writer and really knows how to write a page-turner. His latest novel, which is received some terrific reviews including a starred one from Publishers Weekly is titled MISSING YOU; and I couldn't put down this book!
MISSING YOU tells the story of NYPD detective Kat Donovan, a woman who has never fully recovered from the murder of her father and then the subsequent loss of her fiancé. It's been 18 years and Kat has never been able to manage a serious relationship with another man.
Thinking she needs some help, Kat's best friend decides to sign her up for an on-line dating site. One evening, as Kat is scrolling through hundreds of profiles, her ex-fiance's picture pops up on the screen; and Kat decides to reach out to him. His response is disappointing to say the least!
Meanwhile, a young man comes to Kat and asks for her help in finding his "missing" mother. Kat decides to help him, even though the case technically doesn't fall in under her jurisdiction, and soon discovers a complex and very scary conspiracy that seems to point back to the very same dating site that she has recently joined.
Quite honestly, I don't feel as if my description of MISSING YOU is very good. I hit the highlights; however, this story is much more complicated and involved that I conveyed in jut a few sentences. It is full of plot twists, as Kat tries to solve a current case as well as the mystery surrounding her father; however, it also has well developed characters and action-packed scenes that will keep you on the edge-of-your seat.
I recently heard Mr. Coben interviewed on a morning talk show and he stated that he likes to write books that people can't put down. I'm paraphrasing here, but he said something like he wants his readers to plan on reading 10 or 15 minutes before bed and find themselves still turning pages at 4:00 in the morning. Well Mr. Coben... you certainly succeeded with this reader!
I absolutely devoured MISSING YOU and it really encompassed everything I love about thrillers. It had a suspenseful story along with some very intriguing mysteries, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! However, I also loved Kat's complex character. She certainly faced some pretty major tragedies in her past, and I enjoyed seeing the fallout almost 18 years later. In addition, I loved how she trusted her instinct even when all of the signs were telling her to give up and quit.
There were quite a few things about MISSING YOU that really brought it to the next level for me. First of all, I enjoyed that one of the plot lines centered around an on-line dating site. I have known people that have had a lot of luck (and even found happiness) using these sites, but I admit I'm a little leery of them. I loved that this book played on my fears, and it seemed like such a relevant issue for a thriller.
I also really liked how this novel played with my mind. I admit I was partial to Kat and, as a result, I tended to believe her instincts and want her to be right... all of the time. However, I loved that this story was so much more complex than that! I was fooled along with Kat and when the truth was eventually revealed, I admit that I was pretty surprised. Not entirely shocked, mind you, because I did have some suspicions of my own, but still satisfied nonetheless.
Overall, MISSING YOU is a great thriller. Highly recommended!!!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a very helpful book for tween girls.
Summary: Discovery Girls’ Guide to Growing Up gives girls reliable facts, clear explanations, and helpful tips about what’s going on inside their bodies and what to expect next… all written in a fun and easy-to-understand way. She’ll also learn how to handle her emotions, have strong self-esteem, and love her body so she’ll be confident, empowered, and ready for all the challenges of puberty. With less wondering and worrying about what’s happening to her body, she’ll have more time to enjoy the changes. Thanks to tens of thousands of girls who were brave enough to share their stories about pimples, periods, bras, body image, emotions, and more in this book, your special girl will know she is not alone. -- Discovery Girls
A few years ago, Booking Daughter was a huge fan of anything Discovery Girls. She anxiously awaited the arrival of the magazine, and she also loved the wide variety of books that offered advice for dealing with many of the issues she faced in her tween years.
Fortunately, Booking Daughter is a few years past needing this book -- we survived the tween years and the major hormones! However, it is still recent enough for me to remember how difficult a time it was for her... and us. There are so many changes occurring within such a short time period, and they aren't always fun. It's hard growing up and this book helps girls understand that what's happening to them is normal!
What I love about GROWING UP is that the information is extremely useful in so many ways. Not only does this book discuss everything from puberty, to buying bras, to dealing with periods, to handling the emotional ups and downs, but it presents the material in an easy-to-understand way. While it does provide all of the "necessary" information that young girls need, it also provides real-life stories and advice from actual tween girls. I think that "hearing" something from real girls makes it just that much more special.
While GROWING UP deals with many delicate subject matters, it does so in such a fun way. I realize it might sound strange to describe some of these difficult changes as fun; however, this book really is fun to read. There are a variety of ways this book presents information including color photos, cartoon drawings, actual quotations from real girls, charts, graphs, and more. The book also uses a variety of fonts and colors to make it more appealing to tweens!
As a mom, I can't even begin to tell you how great this book is -- I wish I had had this book a few years ago! While reading GROWING UP, I was surprised by how much I didn't tell my daughter -- poor thing. GROWING UP presents things I never even though to mention to her. In addition, it discusses many topics that are rather difficult to just bring up... both for parents and daughters.
DISCOVERY GIRLS GUIDE TO GROWING UP is a wonderful resource for tweens and it is a must-have for every young girl. Highly recommended!
Thanks to Discovery Girls for providing a review copy of this book.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Giveaway alert: I have a copy of GROWING UP to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before April 4th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select an notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!
Summary: From Jane Green, the New York Times bestselling author of such beloved novels as Jemima J, The Beach House, Another Piece of My Heart, comes an enthralling and emotional story about how much we really understand the temptations that can threaten even the most idyllic of relationships…. Gabby and Elliott have been happily married for eighteen years. They have two teenaged daughters. They have built a life together. Forty-three year old Gabby is the last person to have an affair. She can’t relate to the way her friends desperately try to cling to the beauty and allure of their younger years…And yet, she too knows her youth is quickly slipping away. She could never imagine how good it would feel to have a handsome younger man show interest in her—until the night it happens. Matt makes Gabby feel sparkling, fascinating, alive—something she hasn't felt in years. What begins as a long-distance friendship soon develops into an emotional affair as Gabby discovers her limits and boundaries are not where she expects them to be. Intoxicated, Gabby has no choice but to step ever deeper into the allure of attraction and attention, never foreseeing the life-changing consequences that lie ahead. If she makes one wrong move she could lose everything—and find out what really matters most. A heartfelt and complex story, Tempting Fate will have readers gripped until they reach the very last page, and thinking about the characters long after they put the book down. -- St. Martin's Press
If Jane Green writes a novel, then it's pretty much a sure thing that I'm going to read it. In fact, looking back through the list of novels at the front of this book, I think I've read everything she's written. I am always guaranteed to enjoy her books; however, some are definitely better in my opinion than others. Her latest is titled TEMPTING FATE and, while I did like it, I'm not sure it's going to go down as one of my top five.
TEMPTING FATE tells the story of Gabby, a 43 year old woman who has been married for 18 years to Elliott and the mother of two teenage girls. She thinks she's happily married, and for the most part, she is; however, she feels like she might want one more child. Unfortunately, Elliott doesn't feel the same way and decides unilaterally to have a vasectomy.
One evening, Gabby goes to a local bar for a girls' night out; and a gorgeous (and much younger) man named Matt starts flirting with her. What starts out innocently enough soon becomes an almost obsession for Gabby. She feels more confident about herself and loves that she is desired. While she's certain that she will never cheat on Elliott, she finds herself thinking about Matt constantly and even dreaming about a tryst with him.
One weekend when Elliott and the girls are away, she agrees to meet with Matt at her house. Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what happens. After this one-time indiscretion, Gabby is more certain than ever that she wants to end things with Matt and focus on her husband and family. However, life throws Gabby a major curve ball and her life is forever changed as a result of this one-time stand.
If I'm being entirely honest, I had very mixed emotions about TEMPTING FATE. On one hand, it was very readable and I finished it in less than two days. (Given my current rate of reading, that's pretty impressive.) I also liked how it had complex characters and delved into some interesting issues. On the other hand, I did find the story rather predictable -- even the ending; and I had a hard time feeling any sympathy for Gabby.
On the surface, Gabby's character is a lot like me. She's married to a great man and everyone thinks their marriage is strong. She is a mother to two children who, as they grow older, are needing her less and less -- or at least that's how Gabby sees it. She's also middle-aged and discovering that her best days -- appearance-wise, are behind her. While she does have some hobbies, she is wondering what the next stage of her life will be. I actually related a lot to Gabby for these reasons.
BUT... and this is a big one. She became obsessed with a younger man and put everything in her life in jeopardy just because it made her feel better about herself. Not only did she almost ruin her own life, but she took down the three people she loved the most along with her just because she liked the attention. I was furious with her and had a hard time liking her and forgiving her throughout the course of this novel. I get that she had some built-up resentment towards her husband, but he truly loved her... and appreciated her. She could have had a much worse life!
Once I got past not really liking (or relating) to Gabby, I did enjoy the novel. I thought the author did a good job with character development, and her portrayal of the mid-life crisis for women (and men!) was very real. I actually found myself really liking many of the characters in this story including Gabby's best friend (to whom I could relate to quite a bit), Elliott, and even Gabby's mom; and I thought their interactions with Gabby were very interesting.
TEMPTING FATE would make a fantastic book club selection. Given how riled out I got with Gabby for sacrificing everything for a quick one-night stand, it's obvious that this story will evoke many strong opinions. Given that my book club is full of women about Gabby's age, I'd love to hear their take on her story! (I have a feeling that I will be the most critical and less sympathetic.) I wasn't able to find a formal discussion guide, but I don't think one is necessary to have a good discussion. Some of the themes you might want to explore include love, marriage, adultery, commitment, secrets, forgiveness, parent/child relationships, parenting, self-confidence, insecurities, friendship, and many more!
Overall, I liked TEMPTING FATE but I think my strong feelings towards Gabby kept me from loving this novel. Having said that, any book that can make me think and feel like this one is a good one! Recommended for fans of Jane Green as well as readers who enjoy women's fiction.
Thanks to Sarah Hall Productions for providing a review copy of this novel.
Summary: Sam Dryden, retired special forces, lives a quiet life in a small town on the coast of Southern California. While out on a run in the middle of the night, a young girl runs into him on the seaside boardwalk. Barefoot and terrified, she’s running from a group of heavily armed men with one clear goal—to kill the fleeing child. After Dryden helps her evade her pursuers, he learns that the eleven year old, for as long as she can remember, has been kept in a secret prison by forces within the government. But she doesn’t know much beyond her own name, Rachel. She only remembers the past two months of her life—and that she has a skill that makes her very dangerous to these men and the hidden men in charge. Dryden, who lost his wife and young daughter in an accident five years ago, agrees to help her try to unravel her own past and make sense of it, to protect her from the people who are moving heaven and earth to find them both. Although Dryden is only one man, he’s a man with the extraordinary skills and experience—as a Ranger, a Delta, and five years doing off-the-book black ops with an elite team. But, as he slowly begins to discover, the highly trained paramilitary forces on their heels is the only part of the danger they must face. Will Rachel’s own unremembered past be the most deadly of them all? -- Macmillan Audio
I tend to listen to audios during my daily workouts; and as a result, I am drawn to fast-paced mysteries or thrillers. When I read the description for the new novel RUNNER by Patrick Lee, I thought it sounded exactly what I needed to keep workouts moving. It didn't hurt that this book has already received a starred review from Library Journal in addition to blurbs from best-selling authors Lee Childs and Nelson DeMille.
RUNNER is about Sam Dryden, a man who is running along the boardwalk one night when a young girl named Rachel bumps smack dab into him. Rachel is obviously scared for her life and is running from a group of armed men. Dryden is pretty sure that these men are trying to kill her, so he helps her escape from them. See... in his past, Dryden was special forces -- a Ranger, a Delta, and even part of a secret black ops elite team -- so he knew a thing or two about dealing with men like this.
Once the coast is (kind of) clear, Rachel starts talking to Dryden. She tells him that she only remembers the past two months and that she was kept in a secret prison by the government because she has a remarkable skill that they want to keep hidden.
Dryden's past is also rather complex. He lost his wife and daughter in an accident about five years ago, and he's never been quite the same. When he discovers that Rachel needs his help, it gives him something to focus on. Dryden knows that he can use his skills to help save Rachel's young life, but he soon discovers that his life is in danger too.
I have to admit that THE RUNNER is probably a book more geared towards my dad than me; however, I did appreciate it. While I enjoy suspense novels and thrillers, I don't normally read such action-packed ones. However, there were many terrific things about this book starting with its I very unique premise. The story did have some far-fetched concepts (notice I'm not giving specifics because I don't want to spoil anything about this book), but I thought the author did a good job of making the story convincing.
One thing that I especially enjoyed was the character of Sam Dryden. It's a good thing because THE RUNNER is the first book in a series starring the former special operative Dryden! I loved his coolness and how knowledgeable he was about fighting so many armed men, and I also liked that he had a softer side. It's apparent that he's very affected by some things that happened in his past, and I hope the future novels give readers more insight into Sam's personal character.
As far as thrillers go, RUNNER was very fast-paced and action-packed. It truly was a quick listen and the story never dragged. Basically, there were many twists and turns and surprises along the way; and the reader (or at least this one) was definitely kept guessing about how everything would play out. In addition, I was impressed with the author's ability to include some high-tech machines as well as state-of-the art technology into the story.
The audio version of RUNNER was read by Raúl Esparza. You might know him from Law & Order: SVU. In addition, he is a f our-time Tony-nominated actor, singer, and voice artist noted for his award-winning performances in Broadway Shows. I thought he did an excellent job with the narration of this novel, and his voice and inflections were perfect for this fast-paced thriller. You can listen to a clip of him reading THE RUNNER here.
I think the RUNNER is a great start to a new series and fans of high-tech thrillers will love it!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audiobook.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a cute middle grade read with some important messages.
Summary: I did a mean thing. A very mean thing. I HATE that I did it. But I did.
This is worse than carrot juice on a cupcake or a wasp on my pillow or a dress that’s too tight at the neck. In the third installment from the team who created Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and Like Bug Juice on a Burger, Eleanor’s relationship with her best friend, Pearl, experiences its first growing pains. When a glamorous new student transfers to school, at first Eleanor’s excited about the possibility of a new friend. But when Pearl is assigned to be the new girl’s buddy, Eleanor fears she can’t compete. To make matters worse, Eleanor’s been chosen for the lead role in the springtime musical, which means she has to sing a solo in front of the entire school! From overcoming stage fright to having a secret crush, young readers will relate to Eleanor as she navigates the bittersweet waters of growing up. -- Amulet Books
Over the past few years, I've found that I really enjoy Julie Sternberg's middle grade novels. Her first novel about Eleanor and her adventures was called LIKE PICKLE JUICE ON A COOKIE, and the second book which chronicled Eleanor's trip to camp was titled LIKE BUG JUICE ON A BURGER -- you can read my reviews here and here. Well, Eleanor is back in LIKE CARROT JUICE ON A CUPCAKE, and this time she learns a thing or two about friendship.
In LIKE CARROT JUICE ON A CUPCAKE, Eleanor discovers that her friendship with best friend Pearl is being tested when a new girl transfers to school. Eleanor is eager about developing a new friendship with the girl; however, when Pearl is assigned to be her buddy, Eleanor feels like Pearl wants to be with the new girl more than Eleanor. To make things even more complicated, Eleanor is the lead in the school musical -- which requires a solo! -- and she's terrified of performing in front of people.
Fans of this series will definitely be glad that Eleanor is back with more interesting adventures. Eleanor is a delightful character and I love seeing her grow up through this series. Each and every book shows Eleanor facing a different challenge, and they also show how she deals with these obstacles while learning some valuable lessons along the way.
Eleanor is a really funny character; and her storytelling abilities and insights into life are quite entertaining. The book is written in Eleanor's first person narrative, and I just think her voice is terrific. She's such a realistic young girl -- and totally honest -- and you can't help but love her as she navigates her way through friendship problems and self-confidence issues.
As a mom, I adore these books! Not only do I love Eleanor, but I like how these stories show Eleanor in realistic situations. What kid doesn't experience grief, loneliness, homesickness, friendship woes, and insecurities? I think young readers will definitely be able to relate to Eleanor, and I hope they can incorporate what Eleanor learned about her life in their own daily situations.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how cute the illustrations by Matthew Cordell are. They are many of his adorable pencil drawings scattered throughout the book. Not only are they entertaining in their own right, but they help break up the text for younger (and more reluctant) readers. In addition, the text of the book is written in verse which means less words per page! I think LIKE CARROT JUICE ON A CUPCAKE and all of the books in this series are wonderful books which help early readers to transition to chapter books.
Once again, Julie Sternberg has written a winner in LIKE CARROT JUICE ON A CUPCAKE! Parents and kids alike are sure to love this very fun book that's part of a fantastic series! Highly recommended.
Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Summary: Two modern-day women unravel a family secret by following a trail of letters left by a Civil War prostitute, telling of shame, survival and the discovery of love.
When Shelley Fraser Mickle's debut novel appeared in 1989, it was said of her main character, "You are about to meet one of the most appealing young ladies in recent American fiction." Now, in The Occupation of Eliza Goode, Mickle gives voice to a woman's story rarely heard. Born into a New Orleans' parlor house in the mid 1800s and sold to be a courtesan on her seventeenth birthday, Eliza Goode flees her arranged future at the outbreak of the Civil War. In an ironic twist on the Underground Railroad, she is a white girl passed up through Mississippi's plantations from one slave quarters to another until she emerges at the Confederates' Camp Corinth to be swept along to the battle of Manassas. Along the way, she meets Bennett McFerrin and his wife, Rissa, whose love story represents that of many couples when wives followed their husbands to war. Using guile and her extraordinary beauty, Eliza transforms herself from camp-follower prostitute to laundress, nurse, and caregiver to Rissa when Bennett is taken prisoner by Ulysses S. Grant at the Battle of Fort Donelson in Clarksville, Tennessee. There, in union-occupied Clarksville, Eliza's final transformation frees her from her past. But in this meticulously researched novel, Eliza's story is more than a tale of war, transcendence, and hardship. It is a story told in modern times by Susan Masters, a novelist in Boston, whose cousin, Hadley, finds Eliza's letters in an attic and implores Susan to write Eliza's story to answer questions she seeks for her own life. Hadley has a shameful secret of her own—a past, about which she cannot even bring herself to speak. Set in the first summer of the Iraq war and three years after 9/11, this is not your usual Civil War novel. This story says much about how we became who we are, and who we might have become, had the Civil War not saved us as a nation. -- Koehlerbooks
It seems like it's been awhile since I've read a historical fiction book. I used to devour them, but now I find it's rare that one appeals to me. However, when I read the description for THE OCCUPATION OF ELIZA GOODE by Shelley Fraser Mickle, I thought it sounded intriguing. Add to that, the starred Publisher's Weekly review, and it sounded like a winner to me.
THE OCCUPATION OF ELIZA GOODE tells the story of Eliza Goode, a young woman who grew up in a bordello in New Orleans in the mid 1800s. She is promised to a wealthy man on her seventeenth birthday, but rather than spend the rest of her life with him, she flees at the same time that the Civil War is beginning. Eliza travels through the South running from this man while also passing through slave quarters and military camps. She works many interesting jobs and meets many interesting people along the way. She also uses every bit of intelligence and instinct she has to survive.
There is no doubt that Eliza's story is fascinating. The author did a meticulous job of researching this time period and she effectively incorporated what she learned into this novel. I am a fan of stories that take place before, during and after the Civil War; and this book presented so much interesting history about what was occurring in the South as well as the living conditions at the military camps.
However, what really made this story unique is how the author chose to tell Eliza's story. The novel actually moves back and forward between Eliza's story and two cousins, Susan and Hadley, who live in present day. When Hadley discovers a stack of letters, she decides to share them with her cousin Susan who is a novelist. She asks Susan to make sense of Eliza's story and provide answers to Hadley's questions.
Naturally much of this novel was Eliza's letters, but there was also a story behind the letters that Susan created -- or filled in with her research and imagination. I admit that I think this presentation style was extremely creative, but I also found that it didn't always work for me. It did take me awhile to get used to the jumping back and forth, and I think I almost wanted more of Eliza's actual voice... if that makes any sense.
There was quite a bit going on with this novel. Not only was it Eliza's story, with Susan's interpretation of it, but there was also an underlying subplot about Hadley, the cousin who discovered the letters. Hadley was a mess when she initially met with Susan, and it only got worse. It was obvious that Hadley had some major issues that she was trying to resolve, and she was looking to Susan's story to help her.
THE OCCUPATION OF ELIZA GOODE would make an interesting book club selection. Eliza's story is extremely interesting, but there is also enough about the characters and their actions which is discussion worthy. Some topics you might want to explore include love, forgiveness, redemption, hope, second chances, guilt, and secrets.
I recommend THE OCCUPATION OF ELIZA GOODE to fans of historical fiction, especially books set around the Civil War.
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
Recently I received a Snugg iPhone 5C Pouch Case in Baby Blue Leather for review. You might remember that I'm a fan of Snugg products --- you can read my review for an iPad case here. In fact, our entire family loves Snugg products. My husband liked my case so much that he ordered one (in black, not pink or course!) for himself.
I usually use snap on cases for my phones, so a leather pouch case is very different for me. I was worried that it might take some getting used to because I can't see my screen at all times. However, I found that it didn't really matter. As I was putting my very cute salmon colored phone into the case, Booking Daughter decided that this case was perfect for her phone and she had to have it!
So basically, I got to use this case for a few minutes; however, it was long enough to assess a few things about the product. First of all, I think it's a great protector for the iPhone. I am pretty confident that if I dropped my phone, I wouldn't have an issue with the phone breaking. The phone is kept securely in place and can only be removed with the help of the tab on the top of the case. When you pull the tab, it tugs on an elastic strip inside the case and raises the phone so you can access it. No matter how hard I shook the case, I couldn't get the phone to fall out!
In addition, I love that this leather pouch case is so cute. It comes in twelve fantastic colors for the iPhone 5C as well as many other smartphones. The baby blue looks great with both of our phones, but the hot pink and red are adorable too. Naturally, the black and brown are perfect for men or if you want a more sophisticated look for your case.
Check out this video to get a better idea of the functionality of the Snugg iPhone leather pouch:
I highly recommend Snugg Products. They are both fashionable and functional! Make sure you check out the Snugg Promise -- this company really stands behind their products.
Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a fun and educational book about some pesky plants.
Summary: Weeds are wonderful! Persistent, exuberant…these plants have personalities, and this nonfiction picture book puts them on colorful display! From bright yellow dandelions popping through cracks in sidewalks to purple loosestrife growing rampant along roadways, weeds offer unexpected splashes of color and life to the least likely of places. With lovely language and a sly sense of humor, this beautiful picture book celebrates the tenacious temperaments of these pesky plants and is sure to have little ones chanting, “Way to go, weeds!” - Beach Lane Books
Similar to the books I featured last week for Kid Konnection, WEEDS FIND A WAY, written by Cindy Jenson-Elliott and pictures by Carolyn Fisher, provides a fun way for children to learn about science. This gorgeous picture book features many different types of weeds and all of the places these plants can pop up!
The first things that stood out to me about WEEDS FIND A WAY are the illustrations. They are absolutely gorgeous and definitely make me see weeds in a new light. Each page is full of colorful pictures, one more beautiful than the next; and there is coordinating font that moves across the pages in different angles.
I especially like the tone of this book. No parent appreciates weeds, right? Well, WEEDS FIND A WAY might make you change your mind. The text is both lyrical and fun and there is even some humor thrown in.
Finally, I liked that the last few pages of WEEDS FIND A WAY showcased the different types of weeds pictured in this book. There are small drawing and descriptions of each type of week. They even include the Latin name! I think kids and parents alike can learn a thing or two about these plants, and I'm sure many readers will want to go back and match up the little weed pictures to the pages where they appear in the book.
WEEDS FIND A WAY is adorable and just might make you rethink everything you've ever thought about weeds!
Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!
Summary: Distraught that her academic career has stalled, Alba is walking through her hometown of Cambridge, England, when she finds herself in front of a house she’s never seen before, 11 Hope Street. A beautiful older woman named Peggy greets her and invites her to stay, on the house’s usual conditions: she has ninety-nine nights to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in. She soon discovers that this is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who, after receiving the assistance they needed, hung around to help newcomers—literally, in talking portraits on the wall. As she escapes into this new world, Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds—and maybe even save her life. Filled with a colorful and unforgettable cast of literary figures, The House at the End of Hope Street is a charming, whimsical novel of hope and feminine wisdom that is sure to appeal to fans of Jasper Fforde and especially Sarah Addison Allen. -- Penguin
Last year, I read a book that was a little outside my comfort zone. It was called THE HOUSE AT THE END OF HOPE STREETby Menna Van Praag. This novel definitely had it's fair share of magic which doesn't always work for me, but it was, most of all, a book about hope. I just loved so many of the messages and how it made me feel! You can read my review here.
To celebrate the paperback release of THE HOUSE AT THE END OF HOPE STREET, I have a copy to share with one lucky reader courtesy of the publisher. To enter, just fill out the form below before March 20th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!
Summary: In the past. . .home to the tragically destroyed Great Exhibition, a solitary thirteen-year-old boy meets his next-door neighbor, a recently widowed young teacher hoping to make a new start in the tight-knit South London community. Drawn together by loneliness, the unlikely pair forms a deep connection that ends in a shattering act of betrayal. In the present. . .On a cold January morning in London, Detective Inspector Gemma James is back on the job while her husband, Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, is at home caring for their three-year-old foster daughter. Assigned to lead a Murder Investigation Team in South London, she's assisted by her trusted colleague, newly promoted Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot. Their first case: a crime scene at a seedy hotel in Crystal Palace. The victim: a well-respected barrister, found naked, trussed, and apparently strangled. Is it an unsavory accident or murder? In either case, he was not alone, and Gemma's team must find his companion—a search that takes them into unexpected corners and forces them to contemplate unsettling truths about the weaknesses and passions that lead to murder. Ultimately, they will question everything they think they know about their world and those they trust most. -- William Morrow
It's been almost a year since I listened to THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS by Deborah Crombie, but I still have vivid memories of this terrific mystery. You can read my review here. I've only "read" two of the books in this series; however, I immediately became a fan. Ms. Crombie is a wonderful writer who definitely knows how to weave a mystery.
I am excited to announce that the paperback version of THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS is now available. That's great news to me because it's now more accessible for book clubs. This literary mystery is an ideal selection for groups, and there's already a reading guide to stimulate your discussion.
To celebrate the paperback release, I have a copy of THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS to share with one lucky reader, courtesy of the publisher. To enter, just fill out the form below before March 19th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck.
Summary: Gone Girl meets Gossip Girl in Tatiana Boncompagni’s SOCIAL DEATH, a breathless thriller about the murder of a beautiful socialite and the scandalous secret she dies trying to reveal. Money and fame can conceal all manner of deceit, but only for so long. When veteran news producer Clyde Shaw is called to the scene of a grisly murder on the Upper East Side, she thinks it’s just another high-profile crime, the kind she’s built her high-powered career on—except the murder victim is Olivia Kravis, the daughter of Clyde’s boss, billionaire media mogul Charles Kravis, and Clyde’s best friend since childhood. As a high-stakes network ratings war begins, Clyde’s own privileged yet troubled past comes back to haunt her, and she’s forced to choose between finding her best friend’s killer and losing everything—her job, her reputation, even her life. Long-guarded secrets. Millions at stake. And only Clyde holds the key to unlocking the truth. -- Tudor City Press
As most of you know, I love mysteries. So when I read the description for SOCIAL DEATH by Tatiana Boncompagni, I was most definitely interested. I liked that the main character was a news producer and I hoped to get some insight into that career, while at the same time, being challenged by a good whodunnit. SOCIAL DEATH didn't disappoint.
SOCIAL DEATH is a mystery featuring news producer Clyde Shaw. Clyde rushes to the scene of a murder on the Upper East Side only to discover that it's her long-time best friend, socialite Olivia Kravis, who is dead. To make things even mode complicated, Olivia is also the daughter of Clyde's boss, network owner and billionaire Charles Kravis.
Clyde is certain she can work on this murder for the network without letting her personal feelings get in the way; however, she quickly learns that it's a more difficult balancing act than she ever knew. As Clyde tries to do her job and thereby increase ratings for the network, she also decides to start her own investigation into Olivia's death. What she learns about her friend and her own past puts her in danger and threatens to unravel everything she's ever thought about her own life!
I enjoyed SOCIAL DEATH quite a bit. I liked the mystery as well as the characters, and I do think I got a unique glimpse into life at a major news network. The book was a quick read and did manage to keep me guessing. In addition, I was entertained by some of the lighter (and zanier) moments of the novel.
One of the things that managed to make SOCIAL DEATH so enjoyable was the character of Clyde Shaw. Clyde was extremely interesting to me and I couldn't help but like her -- even though she did have quite a few issues. Clyde certainly was carrying some heavy baggage from her past; however, with the help of Olivia, she had turned the corner and straightened out her life (for the most part!) With the loss of Olivia, as well as uncovering some secrets about her past, Clyde was definitely on the brink of self-destruction for much of this novel.
The story was told in Clyde's voice and I loved this choice by the author. Ms. Boncompagni managed to capture Clyde's personality from the first few pages, and I especially enjoyed her insight into the mystery itself and her personal failures. In addition, Clyde was very honest... at times brutally honest, and I appreciated her truthfulness about her struggles. Clyde is a complex character and one that has the potential to be very interesting as she moves forward in her career.
The mystery itself was pretty well done. There were lots of secrets revealed and more than a few twists. I really didn't spend much time trying to figure out the clues. Rather, I just let myself enjoy the story. I was satisfied with the resolution of the crime, and I was even impressed with how the author followed up with how Clyde was affected by knowing the truth.
If I'm being entirely honest, I kind of had an issue with the last few sentences of the novel. I don't want to give too much away, but there is a major shocker revealed that pretty much guarantees another Clyde Shaw novel. In one way, I liked being a little surprised, but I almost felt manipulated. (Does that make sense?) Having said that, I like the mystery that she threw out there and I look forward to seeing Clyde use her journalism skills to solve another crime.
Overall, I enjoyed SOCIAL DEATH and recommend it to fans of light mysteries with female protagonists.
Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.
Giveaway alert: I have a copy of SOCIAL DEATH and a Votre Vu lipstick to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before March 18th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!
To mark the release of SOCIAL DEATH, beauty company Votre Vu has created a red lipstick referencing the book’s title, setting, and graphic cover image. Votre Vu’s newest shade of lipstick—which will be released along with the book in March 2013 in limited edition packaging—is an incredibly wearable red that captures the book’s drama and sophistication. “Red lips have always been a symbol intrigue, glamour and seduction. In a nutshell, that is exactly what Social Death is about, and why I think this is such a perfect partnership,” says Boncompagni.
Summary:Elisabeth Elo’s debut novel introduces Pirio Kasparov, a Boston-bred tough-talking girl with an acerbic wit and a moral compass that points due north. When the fishing boat Pirio is on is rammed by a freighter, she finds herself abandoned in the North Atlantic. Somehow, she survives nearly four hours in the water before being rescued by the Coast Guard. But the boat’s owner and her professional fisherman friend, Ned, is not so lucky. Compelled to look after Noah, the son of the late Ned and her alcoholic prep school friend, Thomasina, Pirio can’t shake the lurking suspicion that the boat’s sinking—and Ned’s death—was no accident. It’s a suspicion seconded by her deeply cynical, autocratic Russian father, who tells her that nothing is ever what it seems. Then the navy reaches out to her to participate in research on human survival in dangerously cold temperatures. With the help of a curious journalist named Russell Parnell, Pirio begins unraveling a lethal plot involving the glacial whaling grounds off Baffin Island. In a narrow inlet in the arctic tundra, Pirio confronts her ultimate challenge: to trust herself. A gripping literary thriller, North of Boston combines the atmospheric chills of Jussi Adler-Olsen with the gritty mystery of Laura Lippman. And Pirio Kasparov is a gutsy, compellingly damaged heroine with many adventures ahead. -- Pamela Dorman
I probably shouldn't admit this, but when I picked up NORTH OF BOSTON by Elisabeth Elo, I thought it was historical fiction. Looking back, I have no idea why -- I mean the cover certainly doesn't convey that! Whatever the reason, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this novel is a literary thriller; and I do love a good literary thriller.
NORTH OF BOSTON tells the story of Pirio Kasparo, a young woman from Boston who recently was the sole survivor of a fishing boat crash. What is even more amazing is that she managed to make it almost four hours in the freezing North Atlantic -- but that's another story! Her best friend's ex Ned, the owner of the boat, was lost and sea and presumed dead.
At first Pirio believes the crash was accidental; however, as she begins to reflect on the event she's not entirely sure. Pirio then starts her own investigation in the "accident" after her father convinces her that nothing is ever what it seems, and she teams up with Russell Parnell, an investigative journalist who has some ideas of his own about what happened. Pirio's investigation puts her into some very dangerous situations, but she's determined to find out why someone would want Ned dead.
I mentioned that I love quality literary thrillers and NORTH OF BOSTON certainly fit the bill. I loved this book from the well drawn characters, to the intriguing mystery, to the action-packed sequences. This novel really had it all and it will most-likely go down as one of my favorite books of 2014!
I find it hard to believe that NORTH OF BOSTON is Ms. Elo's debut novel because it is so polished. I truly was blown away by her writing style as well as her ability to create a memorable character in Pirio. This woman really knows to how tell a story and pull her readers in. I haven't been reading much lately, but I admit that I couldn't put down this novel.
Part of the reason I was so caught up in this book was how the story was told. The novel was narrated by Pirio and I absolutely loved her voice. I'm having a hard time articulating my thoughts about why this first person narrative was different than other novels, and I think it's because Pirio's voice was so real and honest. However, it also had a rawness to it that just made it so intense.
Another thing I enjoyed about this book was the character of Pirio. She is a piece-of-work -- both courageous and smart, but at the same time almost stupid! (You'll see what I mean if you read this book!) While I loved how persistent and heroic she was as she tried to uncover what happened to Ned, I also liked that her character was so flawed. She had a lot of baggage from her upbringing (major daddy issues!) and she wasn't exactly good girlfriend material; however, I loved seeing how her past made her into the person she is now. In addition, I really liked seeing how much she evolved/matured throughout the course of the story.
Finally, another great aspect of this novel was the mystery behind the boating accident. I was seriously drawn into Pirio's quest to uncover the truth, and I loved all of the twists and turns that were presented throughout the almost 400 pages. Truth be told, I never thought I'd be all that interested in a subplot of the fishing industry; however, Ms. Elo managed to make even this topic fascinating to me.
NORTH OF BOSTON would make an excellent book club book. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a formal discussion guide, but I don't think one is necessary for discussion. Pirio and the secondary characters are all fascinating and flawed, and I think their actions and motivations could be discussed for quite awhile. In addition, there are some interesting themes in this story including loss, grief, parent/child relationships, loyalty, honestly, second chances, forgiveness and redemption.
Overall, I loved NORTH OF BOSTON! I highly recommend it to fans of literary thrillers!
Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.
Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.
Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you some gorgeous and educational new books from Dawn Publications.
Summary: A tiny baby sea turtle scrambles across the sandy beach and into the sea. Floating far out in the ocean, Kiki is becoming a gentle giant. She swims to shallower water where a rainbow of corals puts on a show. Kiki adopts the busy coral reef as her new home and discovers fish of all sizes and lots of surprises! There’s lots of teamwork going on too, including a gang of tangs that clean up the algae growing on her shell. But something calls her back to the beach . . . and the cycle of life continues. In the back matter Malnor offers a concise beginner’s guide to sea turtles and coral reefs, plus a variety of “teaching treasures” for further learning. -- Dawn Publications
ON KIKI'S REEF by Carol L. Malnor is a beautiful look at the life of a sea turtle. The book begins when Kiki, a green sea turtle, hatches from an egg and follows her as she grows up to be an adult sea turtle. Reader gets to see Kiki as she meets different animals who live with her in the coral reef.
I absolutely loved ON KIKI'S REEF. Not only is it beautifully illustrated in bright watercolors by Trina L. Hunner, but it is also very educational... like all of Dawn Publication's books. Kids and parents alike can learn about the life of a sea turtle as well as wonder of coral reefs. This picture book introduces some commonly known creatures like octopus, sharks, and different types of fish, but it also shows the symbiotic relationships between the sea turtles and other creatures that exist in the coral reef.
Another great feature of this book is what appears in the last few pages -- kind of an educational supplement to Kiki's story. There are more detailed descriptions of a sea turtle's life along with some interesting information about the other creatures in the book. In addition, there is a map of the world showing where coral reefs exist.
Summary: A curious young mouse boldly ventures into the meadow for the first time. There he is given a crash course on life—from creatures both friendly and not so friendly. He witnesses a caterpillar becoming a chrysalis. He marvels that fireflies can glow. Thoughtful encounters with a turtle and a rabbit help prepare him for danger. Science and story blend seamlessly in this entertaining coming of age tale. But do animals talk and help each other? Thoughtful back matter explores the phenomenon of animal altruism and what we are learning of animal communication, and delves deeper into the lives of meadow mice and the wonders of a meadow. -- Dawn Publications
THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW written and illustrated by Chad Wallace is another fantastic book in Dawn Publications' spring line-up. In this wonderful picture book, a little mouse heads out in the meadow on his own for the first time. He immediately encounters a variety of animals, both nice and not-so-nice, and learns a great deal about them and how to survive in nature.
Once again, I was blown away by this book. The artwork is amazing and that alone makes this book special. However, the story itself really makes this book a worthwhile addition to your child's library. Not only is this book an entertaining coming-of-age tale for the small mouse, but it's also extremely educational to the reader.
The little mouse meets a variety of animals including a caterpillar, an owl, a snake, fireflies, and much more; and he learns about the incredible things they can do. In rhyming text, the author gives an introduction into the roles of plants and animals in a meadow and how they all interact with each other.
As is the case with the other books I reviewed by Dawn Publication, the last few pages of this book are extremely valuable to the child whose curiosity is piqued with the mouse's story. There are additional details about how animals communicate with each other as well as the ecosystem of a meadow.
And now for the really cool thing about THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW! There is a free pop-up app that brings the 2D pages of the beautiful book to life! The images in the book will "pop-up" in 3D on the screen of your movie device.
Summary: Under the algae that carpets the swamp, near the duck who paddles in ooze, close to the turtle who takes a snooze . . . hides a gator! Still as a log, only his watchful eyes can be seen. But when gator moves, he really moves! What happens to the duck, the turtle, the egret, the deer, and the many other critters of the swamp when gator makes his move? Children will search for the gator and get a glimpse of real life in a swamp. Back material offers insight into this unique habitat and each of the featured animals. Berkes offers tips on how to engage young children actively in the topic, and Baird—who lives in Texas and has gators in her back yard—offers insights into how she created the images digitally. -- Dawn Publications
THE SWAMP WHERE GATOR HIDES by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Roberta Baird is another cute book that will teach kids a thing or two! In this picture book, children discover that an algae-covered swamp that looks quiet actually has lots going on. Namely, an alligator is living below the surface just waiting to get his next meal!
This book is actually good for preschool and elementary age kids. The text has repeating verses which make it fun to read, and little ones know what to expect except for the next line. In addition, they will have fun trying to find the alligator's prying eyes. Older children will appreciate this book because it teaches them about real life in a swamp and predatory relationships.
As a parent, I especially enjoyed the last few pages where the author gives the reader additional information about the swamp and its inhabitants. They also give some ideas for fun activities as well as descriptions for how the digital illustrations were created.
ON KIKI'S REEF, THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW, and THE SWAMP WHERE GATOR HIDES are all fantastic books! I love how they all go to the next level in teaching kids about our world! If you still want more, then check out the downloadable activity page for educators. There you will find additional activities and ideas for all of Dawn Publications' books.
Highly recommended!!!
Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books.
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