The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

 

My thoughts

I loved this book. It kept my interest all the way to the very end. A storm is coming. Both literally and figuratively. Set in Southern Alabama. Along the coast. Right where hurricanes hit...

Three best friends. One huge secret. Actually there are more than one but one is really huge. One that changes the course of these three girls/women's lives. Breaks their friendship bond. There was a few twists that I didn't see coming that made it even better. 

Lo Bailey, who left after she was accused of murder but acquitted. Geneva Corliss, who is the now owner of an Inn, the Rosalie Inn, which has withstood all past storms. All the hurricanes. It still stands. Rosalie is the daughter of the former owners of the Rosalie Inn. Her mother is in a memory care facility. 

When a reporter, August Fletcher, comes to this small town he brings Lo Bailey with him. He is writing a book about the murder and wanted to come to where it happened. Where so many secrets are buried. 

This is a great story. All is revealed. I guessed nothing except who August might be. It held my attention and had me turning the pages as fast as possible. I wanted to know why Lo would murder the Governor of AL's son. She supposedly loved him. But did she really do it. Or was it The Storm?

Well written and the setting is great. Lots of great detail and some twists to give you a few gasps.

I read this book quickly.

Thank you St Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the arcs. 

5 stars from me. 

About

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is famous for three things: the deadly hurricanes that regularly sweep into town, the Rosalie Inn, a century-old hotel that’s survived every one of those storms, and Lo Bailey, the local girl infamously accused of the murder of her lover, political scion Landon Fitzroy, during Hurricane Marie in 1984.

When Geneva Corliss, the current owner of the Rosalie Inn, hears a writer is coming to town to research the crime that put St. Medard’s Bay on the map, she’s less interested in solving a whodunnit than in how a successful true crime book might help the struggling inn’s bottom line. But to her surprise, August Fletcher doesn’t come to St. Medard’s Bay alone. With him is none other than Lo Bailey herself. Lo says she’s returned to her hometown to clear her name once and for all, but the closer Geneva gets to both Lo and August, the more she wonders if Lo is actually back to settle old scores.

As the summer heats up and another monster storm begins twisting its way towards St. Medard’s Bay, Geneva learns that some people can be just as destructive—and as deadly—as any hurricane, and that the truth of what happened to Landon Fitzroy may not be the only secret Lo is keeping…

We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark

My thoughts

This was my first book by this author. I will read more by her but have to admit that I was disappointed in this one. It just let me down. I know most others loved it though.

This is a hard review to write. The story started out slow for me and only picked up at almost the end. Like at the seventy percent mark if not later. I liked the main character Arvelle. I did find her a bit tedious though. She took some chances that were kind of dumb. She was fighting to save her brother/brothers from a vampire. Yes this is about vampires. And other things. Arvelle has raised her brothers since the death of their mother. Seems their mother was a loser who put her addictions ahead of her children. Arvelle doesn't trust many at all. Who can blame her after all she's been through. She lost her best friends a few years prior and now needs that friends father's help. And of course he will help her. Why shouldn't he. Only she blames herself from her best friends death.

This book was a bit long and very detailed. I really got sick of hearing about Arvelle's bones, knees, back, you name it, screaming. It was just a bit over done for my taste. Maybe used as a filler? That and she just caves when she sees her old best friend/lover again, after he had left her. Not a word why or a goodbye or anything. Just gone. She has a right to be angry but she just seems to forget that and melts when she is alone with him. He sounds achingly gorgeous though. Arvelle is there to fight and her old flame is going to train her. 

No one except Leon, her best friends dad, knows that Arvelle is there to murder someone in order to save her brothers. She can't say a word. Literally she can't tell. She's a loner of sorts and pushes people away. She does however make a couple of good friends. It's a whole complex story that reminds me of maybe hunger games. Not the same but the same. If that makes sense. 

I enjoyed parts of this story don't get me wrong. It's ok but not in my top reads. It was just not a heart stopping story that pulled me in and kept me hooked. I had no problem putting it down. I was also happy when it ended but see that it is book one. I may read the next book when available because I did invest time in this one and want to know what happens to Arvelle and her family and friends. This one is filled with a lot of brutal death. It has some magic going on. A fantasy, romantasy, historical. It has a lot. 

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC and it was my BOTM choice. I also listened to the audio. It was well done. Two very good narrators. They did a great job of bringing this book to life.

3.5 stars from me. 

About

From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros.

Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray

 My thoughts

This was a debut adult novel. To me it read more like a YA. I did like it though. I was also disappointed in it somewhat. 

Medusa/Meddy was the youngest child to a couple of very selfish and uncaring fallen gods. She had two sisters who were great for the most part. The three girls were very close. Medusa was mortal while the rest of her family were immortal. When Medusa gets a chance to be a priestess she jumps at it. Athena the goddess of Athens brings her to via for a chance. Medusa puts up with a bully and handles that well. I loved how she handled it actually. I don't like bullies. She also found a best friend.

When Medusa goes back home for a visit something happens to make her life change drastically. Boy how females were treated back then. Pretty much as they are now if raped. Molested. Taken advantage of. It's all their fault. Men are men it seems in every century. Medusa is cursed with a head of snakes. It seems even females didn't take up for each other. Medusa and both of her sisters are cursed. They learn how to use this curse too. Maybe not always in a good way but what do you expect.

I enjoyed this book a lot. One thing that drove me nuts though was how often the author mentioned Medusa's "locks." I really did get sick of hearing that word. But eventually those locks were shed and she got snakes so there was that. I liked Medusa. I felt sorry for her. I loved what she did to the holy man/priest. Well played. Very well played. 

The ending was good. Brutal, but what did I expect. 

Read the Author's notes. Quite interesting.

4 stars 

Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward

 

My thoughts

I read and loved When The World Fell Silent. It was so good. I grabbed this one too with the highest of expectations....

This book is set aboard the Titanic. Two friends, Hannah and Lou, along with Hannah's husband Charles boarding. Both women have secrets. Even from each other. 

Hannah is hoping to rekindle the spark between herself and Charles. Since the loss of their first baby things have been pretty much nonexistent.. She is afraid that Charles blames her or has just fallen out of love with her. She also has something very important to say to Charles. This could be lifechanging. 

Lou is a strong woman. She marches for the betterment of women's rights. For them to not be treated so harshly. She also has a secret reason for going on this trip. Not just to spend time with her very best friend but she has a secret. Also she meets a man onboard that she falls head over heels for. Though she has always said she will never marry. Her father is forcing her to marry or be totally cut off from financial support. To a man she truly despises.

The first half of this book is a little slow. Repetitive. But also filled with information that lets you know what is going on. The second half is fast and furious. So so sad too.

This story takes you aboard the Titanic and then the rescue boat the Carpathia. How nice the passengers where on the Carpathia. And so understanding. These two women, Hannah and Lou, went through so much. But they were ever vigilant to each other. After one big hiccup that is. When Hannah found out what Lou was hiding... Oh my.

I shed so many tears reading this book. It was very good. Emotional is not the word for it. It was devastatingly sad in places. 

This book has one of the best last lines I've ever read: "I'm coming. Hold on, dearest." I left off the to and from for a reason. If you read this one you should know that line and how much it meant to these two women. Best friends. Sisters.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC. Beautiful story...

4 stars 

About

From the author of the internationally bestselling novel, WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT, comes a breathtaking tale of secrets, betrayal, and the enduring power of friendship. 

Aboard the Titanic, where opulence knows no bounds and the horizon seems limitless, two women fight for the futures they dream of, fraught with secrets that could change everything.

Hannah Martin is clinging to the hope that six days on this grand ship will heal the wounds in her marriage to Charles. Beneath her poised exterior lies a desperation to mend what was shattered and conceal a secret that could upend their lives forever.

Louisa Phillips, spirited and uncompromising, is escaping her family’s insistence on a passionless marriage. But this daring step could also sever the deepest bond in her life.

As the ‘unsinkable' ship strikes the iceberg, amidst the chaos and icy waters, lives are changed forever. In the face of impending doom, what dreams will Hannah and Lou decide are worth saving, and at what cost?

This evocative historical fiction will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, this is a poignant tale of love, choice, and survival against the odds.

Haven't Killed In Years by Amy K. Green

 My thoughts

This was truly a fun read. It was about the child of a serial killer but still enjoyable. I laughed in parts and yes cringed in others. It was a serious story in ways but also on the light side too. Hard to explain. It was just a good one for me. 

When Marin Haggerty was just nine years old she went through a lifetime of events. Her dad was a serial killer. Her mom was a bit cold and also knew what her dad was doing. Marin knew but she was a child. She had seen her dad kill. He was in many ways it seemed grooming her to follow in his footsteps. Until he got caught. With her parents in prison now, Marin was sent to a whole new life. Complete with a name change. 

Gwen Tanner is very reclusive. She goes to work. Goes to a pottery place and paints. She has very few friends. Gwen is almost thirty years old. Gwen has secrets and when body parts start showing up on her doorstep she thinks things are about to unfold. And boy are they. Gwen is in for a complete change in her life. In her friendships. In everything she thought she was keeping hidden.

You get to know these women/girls from when they were young. From a time before. There are several secondary characters to get to know but it's not hard to keep them straight. They each play a pivotal role in Gwen's life. Also in Marin's life. 

When things start coming together you get a whole new take on things. Yes this was a fun read. A serious one also. The author keeps you guessing and wanting to know more. So well written and easy to follow. I felt so bad for Marin and I truly liked Gwen. Gwen was resilient. Much more than she allowed herself to admit. 

I enjoyed reading this book. It's a page turner for sure. It's about the daughter of a serial killer and what all she goes through just to live an almost normal life after her parents are sent away.

About

No one is supposed to know harmless office worker Gwen Tanner is the vanished daughter of serial killer Abel Haggerty. But a low profile and a new name aren’t going to cut it when an obsessive new killer starts targeting her, in this lively and propulsive thriller with a standout voice.

Marin Haggerty, the daughter of a notorious serial killer, was only a child when they arrested her father. Ripped from her home and given a new identity, Marin disappeared.

Twenty years later, Gwen Tanner keeps everyone at a distance, preferring to satirize the world around her than participate in it. It’s for her safety—and theirs. But when someone starts sending body parts to her front door, the message is clear: I Know Who You Are.

To preserve her secrets, Gwen must hunt down the killer, a journey which immerses her in the twisted world of true crime fandom and makes her confront her past once and for all. Maybe she is capable of deep, human connections, but she’s not the only one keeping secrets. Will opening herself up to others help her find the killer, or remind her why it was necessary she hide her true self in the first place?

The apple never falls too far, after all.

Dark Sisters by Kristi DeMeester

 

My thoughts

I have to admit this is one of my favorite books. From the first page to the last. Yes it made me cringe in so many places and parts were pretty sickly. The thought of what was happening was truly sickening. Not just the things that were happening to some of the women inside themselves but how the so called religious men treated them. 

Three time frames. Three women. All interconnected by blood. The horrors of what happened. This book is not for the faint of heart in any way. But it's so good. I devoured it. From 1750, 1953, and 2007. The women in each time are expected to be so obedient and godly. Wifely. Motherly. To be just what their husbands want them to be. 

In 1750 there was Anna Bolton and her daughter Florence. They had to flee their home for a new place because of being accused of being witches. Florence was so angry at her mother. The land they called home began to flourish. Some others came there and they all seemed to do good. Until something happened. Then it was darkness and dread to be passed down for ages...

In 1953 you meet Mary. Mary was a descendent of Anna and Florence. Mary fell in love with the wrong person. She was married and had a child. A little girl. Her friend Vera also had secrets. The men made the rules and women had to abide them or face the consequences. 

In 2007 there is Camilla. A young lady who wants more. She has always been the obedient preacher's daughter. A good girl. Her mother was a descendent of Anna and Florence also. And of course of Mary. This era was about Camilla though. Anna's daughter. Anna was a resilient and courageous young lady. She tried to do what was right but when she reached her limit things happened.

Through this whole story there is a tree. A mighty Walnut tree....

Thank you St Martin's Press and Brilliance Audio for this ARC. Also thank you to St Martin's for the beautiful hardcopy they sent me. 

Five stars 

About

Three women. Three centuries. One legacy of fury, love, and a power that refuses to die

In this fiercely captivating novel, horror meets historical fiction when a curse bridges generations, binding the fates of three women. Anne Bolton, a healer facing persecution for witchcraft, bargains with a dark entity for protection—but the fire she unleashes will reverberate for centuries. Mary Shephard, a picture perfect wife in a suffocating community, falls for Sharon and begins a forbidden affair that could destroy them both. And Camilla Burson, the rebellious daughter of a preacher, defies conformist expectations to uncover an ancient power as her father’s flock spirals into crisis. 

Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

 

My thoughts

Another winner from one of my favorite authors. 

How do I begin. This book took me completely by surprise in many ways. A lot of people were killed writing this one. In a manner of speaking. I didn't figure it out. I didn't figure out which sister was the murderer. Maybe it was both. 

Two sisters. Both accusing the other of murdering their father. He was not just murdered, he was demolished. Shredded. Picturing the scene was gruesome indeed. Each sister called the police. Each blamed the other. Could they have been working together to get the millions that awaited them. Or was one just greedy enough to want it all for herself...

There were a few times I gasped out loud reading this book. It felt so real. The speed of the motorcycle. The rush of the wind. The plunging of an ax into a person or person's head. The howl of a dog. The opening of the doors and holding your breath until you find out who was taken out. The reason you already know. No lose ends. Tie it all up. Set up your sister. Inherit it all. You are set for life. And you have one of the best lawyers there is; Eddie Flynn. 

This book kept me turning the pages. I found it to be both heartbreaking and making me hold my breath. How can two sisters be so filled with hate. What happened to cause that. One seemed to be emotionless in so many ways. The other maybe a bit to emotional. Maybe.

Thank you Atria Books for this ARC.

4.75 stars 

About

Two sisters on trial for murder. They accuse each other. Who do you believe?

“911 what’s your emergency?”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Sofia killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

“My dad’s dead. My sister Alexandra killed him. She’s still in the house. Please send help.”

One of them is a liar and a killer.

But which one?