2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)
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2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)
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Showing posts with label U.S. Settings: Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Settings: Washington. Show all posts
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Evocative and Engrossing, Heiress of Nowhere Another Winner From Stacey Lee
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Eighteen years ago, a green canoe washed ashore on Orcas Island. Its only occupant was an infant. Dakon Sanders, the wealthy and eccentric shipbuilder who owns the island, took in the baby and named her Lucy. She earned her keep by working as the bachelor's housemaid. When her skill with paints became apparent, he made her his research assistant, tasking her with creating the illustrations for a book he's writing about island wildlife. As much as Lucy loves Orcas Island, especially the creatures after which it's named, she longs to leave it, to finally see what lies beyond its shores. Although it's rare in 1918 for women to go to college, she's already secretly been accepted to the University of Washington. Now all she has to do is summon the courage to inform her austere guardian that she is leaving.
Before Lucy has a chance to confront him, she discovers Dakon Sanders' detached head on the beach. The superstitious islanders see the brutal killing as a warning sign from mythical sea wolves. Lucy knows her guardian's murderer is very real. When Dakon's will is read, and she is named the new owner of his sprawling estate, she fears she's next on the killer's hit list. Can she figure out who beheaded her enigmatic guardian and why? And will those answers lead to the ones she's been pondering her whole strange life: who is Lucy Nowhere? Where does she truly belong? She must find out, before it's too late.
A new Stacey Lee novel is always cause for celebration in my book. I especially love that her newest historical YA offering, Heiress of Nowhere, is set in my native Washington State. Lee perfectly captures the moody, broody Pacific Northwest (PNW, as the cool kids call it) atmosphere, which provides an appropriately portentious backdrop for a tale that is full of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. Magical realism doesn't always work for me, but Lucy's "sea-wolf sense" actually feels possible in the world Lee has created. This dash of the supernatural works well in combination with the evocative setting, the locals' superstitions, and the whole Gothic vibe of the novel. All of these elements enhance the book's plot, which is complex and compelling, with enough twists to keep the reader glued to their seat. In fact, I whipped through Heiress of Nowhere in one day because I couldn't put it down. The fact that the killer's identity (mostly) surprised me was an added bonus.
Lucy is a sympathetic heroine, but hardly a pitiable one. She's smart, capable, loyal, compassionate, and brave. It's easy to root for her to find the answers she so desperately wants. There are two young men in the story who are vying for her attention. I find love triangles annoying anyway, but this one is especially disappointing because, in my opinion, Lucy chooses the wrong guy. Other than that, I found Heiress of Nowhere to be a satisfying, enjoyable read, another excellent example of why I love Stacey Lee's work so much.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, blood/gore, and scenes of peril
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, May 30, 2022
Is Buried in a Good Book The Best-Written Cozy I've Ever Read? Why, Yes, I Do Believe It Is.
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Tess Harrow, a popular mystery/thriller writer, is enjoying an enviable literary career. Her personal life? That's another matter entirely. Recently divorced after 15 years of marriage, she's trying to pick up the pieces while also dealing with her teenage daughter, who's been prickly since her dad's abandonment. In desperate need of a getaway where the two can unplug and reconnect, Tess whisks Gertie away to tiny Winthrop, Washington. Spending the summer at Tess' grandfather's rustic cabin in the woods should be just the thing for some much needed mother/daughter bonding and healing.
Tess and Gertie have barely stepped foot on the property when an explosion rocks the peaceful forest. While being showered with fish guts and human remains, Tess watches her dreams of a languid, relaxing summer slip through the cracks. Suddenly, she—who was written about dozens of fictional murder mysteries—is smack dab in the middle of a very real one. Although Winthrop's ruggedly handsome sheriff (who is disconcertingly similar to the made-up hero of Tess' bestselling mystery series) insists he does not need her help to solve the crime, the author can't help herself. If she wants to reclaim her summer, not to mention clear her good name, she needs to find out whodunit. And soon.
Cozy mysteries are a dime a dozen and I've read several dozen! Most of them are average reads, with mediocre writing, blah characters, improbable plots, and lots of melodrama (often to the point of ridiculousness). I usually give even my most favorite ones only about a B-. Why do I bother reading them, then? Well, because they're generally clean, fun, easy reads that don't give me nightmares! I don't expect a lot out of them, though, to be honest. I was VERY pleasantly surprised, then, by the quality of Buried in a Good Book, the first installment in a new series by Tamara Berry. It might, in fact, be the best-written cozy I've ever read.
Cozies generally have a strong sense of place and this one is no different. The little town of Winthrop comes alive in Berry's hands, providing a lively backdrop for her story. Tess and the other characters are lively, with personalities that are not only discernable but also complex. For a cozy, these story folks are quite well-developed, while still being left with plenty of room for further growth. Their dialogue feels natural, not forced. Berry's prose is the same. It flows well and sparkles with humor and wit. The plot is, of course, a *little* far-fetched. Still, there's some originality to it and it's twistier than you might expect. Also, just to warn you: the murders are a little more gruesome than your average cozy deaths, although they're not described in an overly graphic way. While I did identify the murderer before Tess did, Berry kept me guessing until about 3/4 of the way through and I still didn't see EVERYTHING coming. Needless to say, I really enjoyed Buried in a Good Book. It's engrossing, it's funny, it's entertaining, it's smile-inducing. If you're into cozies (and even if you're not), give this one a shot. It's just SO fun!
Cozies generally have a strong sense of place and this one is no different. The little town of Winthrop comes alive in Berry's hands, providing a lively backdrop for her story. Tess and the other characters are lively, with personalities that are not only discernable but also complex. For a cozy, these story folks are quite well-developed, while still being left with plenty of room for further growth. Their dialogue feels natural, not forced. Berry's prose is the same. It flows well and sparkles with humor and wit. The plot is, of course, a *little* far-fetched. Still, there's some originality to it and it's twistier than you might expect. Also, just to warn you: the murders are a little more gruesome than your average cozy deaths, although they're not described in an overly graphic way. While I did identify the murderer before Tess did, Berry kept me guessing until about 3/4 of the way through and I still didn't see EVERYTHING coming. Needless to say, I really enjoyed Buried in a Good Book. It's engrossing, it's funny, it's entertaining, it's smile-inducing. If you're into cozies (and even if you're not), give this one a shot. It's just SO fun!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of cozy mysteries by Ellie Alexander, Amanda Flower, Kylie Logan, Victoria Abbott, Vivien Chien, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence, blood/gore, and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Buried in a Good Book from the generous folks at Sourcebooks via those at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Newest "Beervaria" Cozy Not Quite As Charming As the Others
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: Although this review will not contain spoilers for The Cure for What Ales You, it may inadvertently spoil plot surprises from earlier Sloan Krause mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Beer enthusiasts flock to charming Leavenworth, Washington, every year to enjoy the town's lively Maifest celebration. Craft brewers Sloan Krause and Garrett Strong are excited to debut their new line of drinks at the festival. They're looking forward to a fun, profitable weekend.
Sloan's plans are derailed when she spots a familiar face amongst all the tourists. Marianne is the woman who could hold all the answers to Sloan's many questions about her mysterious past. Sloan needs to talk to her, but Marianne seems to be avoiding her. Why? When a local housekeeper is murdered and Marianne becomes the police's prime suspect, the brewer is even more confused. Why is Marianne in town? Does she hold the answers Sloan has been seeking for so long?
When Marianne warns Sloan that her family is in danger, Sloan goes on high alert. To protect those she loves and figure out the mystery of her past, she must use her detective skills once more to find a killer. Marianne can't be the murderer—or can she?
It's always fun to drop in on Sloan and the gang in lovely Leavenworth. The characters in this series are warm and likable, the setting is vibrant and atmospheric, and the plots are engaging and enjoyable. While the newest installment (#5), The Cure For What Ales You, isn't my favorite, it's still an entertaining read. Unlike its predecessors, this novel focuses a lot on Sloan's mysterious past, which adds a little something new to the story. The plot gets a bit melodramatic and far-fetched (not an uncommon occurrence in a cozy), true, but there was enough substance in the novel to keep me turning pages. I enjoy Alexander's light, fun cozies, so I'll keep reading this series even if this particular installment didn't enchant me quite as much as the others.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other books in the Sloan Krause series [Death On Tap; The Pint of No Return; Beyond a Reasonable Stout; and Without a Brew] as well as cozy series by Amanda Flower, Vivien Chien, Kylie Logan, etc.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs); violence; and mild sexual content (in the form of sexual harrassment)
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, February 07, 2022
Dual-Timeline Family Secrets Novel Not As Compelling As It Sounds
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Inara Erickson has always done what's expected of her in order to please her father, an intimidating and successful Seattle businessman. Now that she's out of grad school, though, Inara's not feeling very keen on starting the job she's been offered with Starbucks, especially once she learns the offer is at least partially due to her dad's influence. Instead, she wants to turn the dilapidated house she's just inherited from her aunt into a boutique hotel. It might be crazy, but she knows that with a little remodeling (okay, a lot of remodeling), she can create a calming place of retreat on beautiful Orcas Island. All Inara needs is someone who believes in her ability to make it all come true (preferably someone with a lot of cash to invest in a new hotel).
When Inara discovers a scrap of intricately-embrodiered silk hidden inside a forgotten cubbyhole at her aunt's house, she's puzzled. The fabric appears to be of Chinese origin. Inara's family has lived on Orcas Island for generations and she's never known any Asian people to reside there. How did the scrap come to be there? And why was it hidden away? Sensing an unsolved mystery, Inara begins looking into the history of the house and discovers the heartbreaking story of a young 19th Century Chinese-American woman who swam for her life in order to reach safety, only to find an uncertain future on Orcas Island. Inara feels that something awful must have happened to Lu Mei Lien, but what? And what role did her ancestors play in the woman's disappearance?
I'm always up for a novel that takes me back in time to explore intriguing historical moments, tantalizing family secrets, and the truth lurking beneath placid surfaces. If the story utilizes an always-compelling dual timeline format? All the better! The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes offers all of these elements, so I was eager to dive into the tale. While the San Juan Islands setting is atmospheric, the characters in this novel aren't nearly as vivid or colorful. They're sympathetic and likable enough that I cared what happened to them, but none of them are the kind of story people I think about after I close the book. The plot is compelling enough that I kept reading (listening, actually), but I never felt so engrossed that I couldn't have walked away from the story. Estes' prose also feels uneven, with patches of melodrama that made me roll my eyes. On the whole, then, I didn't end up loving this novel. I liked it well enough to finish it, though, and that's saying something.
Note: I listened to this book on audio. The narrator, Emily Woo Zeller, is okay. Her voices annoyed me at times, but overall, she's fine.
(Readalikes: I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Psychological Thriller Oddly Compelling and Weirdly Memorable
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher is one of those books where the less you know going into it, the better. So, I'm going to give you the publisher's plot summary instead of my own because not only is it spoiler-free, but it's also brilliantly written. Here you go:
From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller The Wives comes another twisted psychological thriller guaranteed to turn your world upside down.
Juno was wrong about Winnie Crouch.
Before moving in with the Crouch family, Juno thought Winnie and her husband, Nigel, had the perfect marriage, the perfect son—the perfect life. Only now that she’s living in their beautiful house, she sees the cracks in the crumbling facade are too deep to ignore.
Still, she isn’t one to judge. After her grim diagnosis, the retired therapist simply wants a place to live out the rest of her days in peace. But that peace is shattered the day Juno overhears a chilling conversation between Winnie and Nigel…
She shouldn’t get involved.
She really shouldn’t.
But this could be her chance to make a few things right.
Because if you thought Juno didn’t have a secret of her own, then you were wrong about her, too.
From the wickedly dark mind of bestselling author Tarryn Fisher, The Wrong Family is a taut new thriller that’s riddled with twists in all the right places.
Intriguing, yes?
| I picked this book up because the premise is just so unique and chilling. The setup is definitely the best part of The Wrong Family because the characters are all messed-up and unlikable, the mystery isn't much of one, and the plot gets a bit...wild. Still, the story kept me turning pages, even though I repeatedly asked myself, "WHY am I still reading this?" On the whole, the book is depressing and somewhat dissatisfying, although, honestly, the characters all get what they deserve. Even though I really did not love this one, I still find myself thinking about The Wrong Family, although it's been months since I read it. In fact, when my hairdresser asked me the other day if I'd read anything interesting lately, this is the book that immediately popped into my head. It's not just oddly compelling, it's also weirdly memorable. Is it crazy that a book I didn't even like all that much is so stuck in my head? I give it points for that at least. (Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. You?) Grade:  If this were a movie, it would be rated:  for language, violence, blood/gore, references to illegal drug use, and disturbing subject matter To the FTC, with love: Another library |
Wednesday, July 07, 2021
Middle-Grade Whale Tale Warm and Empowering
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Grief-stricken over the recent death of her marine biologist mother with whom she lived in Japan, 12-year-old Willa Twitchell is trying to adjust to her new normal. Now residing on an island in Washington State, she shares a loud, chaotic home with her dad, stepmom, three younger step-siblings, and a baby half-sister. The best thing about being back on Tupkuk Island is her renewed friendship with her long-time best friend Marc Mendoza, but even he is acting strangely. With her life all upside-down, Willa finds solace in the same place her mother always did: the sea.
on the sympathetic humpback. When a blue whale washes up on Tupkuk's shore, she becomes especially scared. Willa's only a small girl. How can she save the dying creature? The townspeople are talking about all kinds of inhumane solutions to get rid of its body, including blowing it up or letting it rot. Willa knows her mother would do everything in her power to save the whale; Willa intends to do the same. With Meg's help, she puts a plan into action. Will it work? And what will happen when it's time for Meg to move on with her pod? How will Willa, already wracked with sorrow, say goodbye to her friend?
Willa and the Whale, the newest middle-grade novel by husband-and-wife writing team Chad Morris and Shelly Brown, is a gentle, hopeful novel about grief, friendship, and healing. Filled with whale trivia, it teaches the reader about whales while also imparting greater life lessons. Willa is a sympathetic character, although she sometimes comes off as self-centered and victim-y. She does show growth during the course of the novel, but I still found her a little irritating. Likewise, I found the magical realism element of this book a tad annoying. It just wasn't convincing to me, which made the whole story fall a bit flat for me. Add to that the fact that there's no real plot to keep the tale focused and you can see why Willa and the Whale was a like-it-didn't-love-it read for me. I always appreciate a warm, empowering middle-grade novel; this is certainly that, even if it wasn't as satisfying as I wanted it to be.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington and Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Willa and the Whale from the generous folks at Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Hannah Backlist Book Not My Favorite, But Compelling Nonetheless
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Meredith Cooper and Nina Whitson have never understood their cold, emotionless mother. They know little about her, always having preferred the company of their warm, loving father. On his deathbed, he pleads with his grown daughters to make a last effort to break through their mother's defenses and really get to know her. Mired in grief, Anya Whitson is as impenetrable as ever. Instead of reaching out to her children for comfort, she spins them a familiar Russian fairy tale that has nothing at all to do with Anya's past ... or does it? As her story sweeps from grim, war-torn Leningrad to modern-day Alaska, unfolding shocking secrets, Meredith and Nina finally get a glimpse of what their mother has suffered and what it has meant for all of their lives. Will that understanding finally enable them to forge some kind of a relationship with one another? Or has too much damage been done to ever find reconciliation?
Because of rich, epic novels like The Nightingale and The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah has become an author I watch closely. Her backlist books haven't impressed me as much as her newer offerings, but I've still enjoyed several of them. Published a decade ago, Winter Garden offers the kind of intriguing, family-secrets premise that always grabs my attention. Its execution is a little rough, though. The characters are difficult to like, especially Anya, whose aloofness toward her children seems extreme even in light of the tragedy she experienced prior to their births. Her daughters are both self-centered people, although they do experience clarity and growth throughout the story. In addition, the novel moves at a glacial pace, without the suspense I expected to be woven through the narrative. The pacing picks up toward the end as Anya's secrets are revealed, but it does become a bit of a slog before that. I'm not much for fairy tales, so that element of the novel really didn't work for me. Still and all, I found Winter Garden compelling. It's devastating, heartbreaking, and touching. While it's far from my favorite Hannah novel, I did enjoy it for the most part.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), mild sexual content, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Winter Garden with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Saturday, September 05, 2020
Whiny Heroine + Overly Long Story = Putdownable Family Secrets Novel
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Patrick Walsh's dementia gets too debilitating for him to live alone, his children relocate him to a nursing home. Since she's on maternity leave, child psychologist Beth Evans volunteers to clean out her father's house. The place has always been spic-and-span, so she's stunned when she discovers that a padlocked room holds a chaotic mess of Patrick's paintings, papers, and assorted junk. Among the detritus, she discovers loose pages from a journal that seems to have been written by her mother. Patrick always told his kids that their mother died in a car accident when they were small. The diary entries tell a different story. Beth reads about her mother's struggles with postpartum depression—which mirror her own—as well as descriptions of a Patrick Beth doesn't recognize at all. Who are her parents, really? What was their marriage truly like? And why is Patrick hiding dark secrets from his own children?
I'm always up for a tantalizing family secrets novel, so I was intrigued by the premise of Kelly Rimmer's newest, Truths I Never Told You. While the book is definitely about secrets, they're not all that tantalizing. Plus, the plot crawls along at such a glacial pace that I struggled to stay invested in the story. While I empathized with Beth, I found her to be a difficult MC to care about. She's whiny, self-centered, and victimy—my least favorite kind of heroine. Add in about 100 pages of unnecessary text and, yeah, this novel is just ... putdownable. It took me a few days, but I did finish it. Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy it. Bummer.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, disturbing subject matter, and references to sex
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Backlist Hannah Book Just Okay
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Exhausted from years of trying to have a baby with nothing but heartbreak to show for it, Angie Malone has had enough. Enough of the miscarriages, enough of the failed adoptions, enough of the marriage that has crumbled under the strain. With divorce on the horizon, she moves back to her tiny seaside hometown of West End, Washington. Between all the drama her big, loud Italian clan cooks up and her new task of saving the family's struggling Italian restaurant, Angie should have plenty to focus on besides her crushed dreams.
When Lauren Ribido walks into Angie's life, everything changes. With her world-weary countenance and ill-fitting Salvation Army wardrobe, it's clear the 17-year-old is in need of some TLC. Especially when her alcoholic mother disappears, leaving Lauren to fend for herself. As Angie pours all the love she's been storing up for her own child into this abandoned young woman, she cautions herself against growing too attached. When Lauren announces that she's pregnant, Angie can't help the hope that flutters in her heart. She knows better than to play the "What if" game, but what if Lauren can provide the one thing Angie wants most in the world? How far will Angie go to make that happen? And what of the teenaged mother? What does she want? If their desires conflict, what does that mean for their newly-discovered closeness? What will happen as the two frightened women try to navigate their unknown futures?
I'm a big fan of Kristin Hannah's recent blockbuster novels, The Nightingale and The Great Alone. While waiting for her to produce another stunning masterpiece, I've been making my way through her backlist. I've enjoyed some of these older novels—others, not so much. The Things We Do For Love (2004) falls somewhere in the middle. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. Its premise intrigued me and I was definitely interested to see where the story would go. Unfortunately, although I sympathized with Angie, I didn't really like her. To me, she seemed self-centered, fickle, and short-sighted. This made it tough for me to side with her, while I had no problem rooting for Lauren. This, plus the fact that The Things We Do For Love seemed to ramble on longer than necessary, made the novel less enjoyable than it could have been. In the end, then, I feel a bit ambivalent about this one. Like I said before, I didn't love it, didn't hate it.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Things We Do For Love at Target with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Thought-Provoking SLAY an Intriguing, But Conflicting Tale
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
As one of only a few Black students at her Seattle charter school, 17-year-old Kiera Johnson is used to being the "authority" on things like rap music, dreadlocks, gangstas, and slavery—even if she doesn't know a thing about the subject. Unbeknownst to her classmates, or anyone really, Kiera actually is an expert on a popular Blacks-only virtual reality video game called SLAY. In fact, she's the one who created it. Longing for a protected space where she and other people like her could go to "celebrate Black excellence in all its forms," (31) she's spent the last three years designing and moderating the game. In secret. Her parents would be outraged that she's a gamer at all, let alone the maker of a controversial game. And her Black boyfriend? He'd lose it if he had any idea she used up so many hours on a time-waster like video games.
When a real-life murder occurs between two SLAY players fighting over game currency, Kiera is appalled. She's even more disturbed when her beloved creation is labeled racist and violence-inducing. As much as she longs to stand up for her game, Kiera can't risk exposing her identity. But, when push comes to shove, she's forced to take action. Will those actions unmask her as the creator of SLAY? What will happen if it does? Can Kiera defend and save her game or will her safe haven be shut down forever?
SLAY, a debut novel by Brittney Morris, asks some intriguing questions about online gaming, racism, Blackness, fitting in, and standing out. As a white woman raising an adopted bi-racial child, I found the book's exploration of Blackness particularly eye-opening and insightful. I'm not a video game fan, so that part of the novel struck me as as dull and headache-inducing as watching someone play a game. Not gonna lie, I was tempted to skip all the in-game sections. I didn't, but those scenes just didn't engage me at all. Kiera was likable (in spite of her constant self-centeredness) as were her friends (other than racist, manipulative Malcolm). The plot was compelling enough to keep me turning pages, but it contained a lot of illogical actions and weird dichotomies that drove me crazy. For instance: The recurring theme of being one's authentic self is an important one, but I couldn't understand how that works in a video game where everyone is hiding behind a false name, appearance, and a lot of times, personality. That makes no sense at all. I was also confused about why Kiera's addiction to gaming had to be a big secret. My kids brag about being gamers! I especially didn't get why it had to be kept from Kiera's parents—if they're "cool" with their underage daughter having sex with her (racist, manipulative) underage boyfriend in their house and they're not at all worried that their daughter spends endless hours cooped up in her room, are they really going to care that she's a gamer? Again, totally illogical. I could go on, but I won't. Suffice it to say, I had some big issues with the plausibility of SLAY's whole setup, which took away from my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I liked it enough to finish, but the novel
irritated me for a lot of reasons. People's opinions seem to really vary on this one—it would make for a lively book club discussion!
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, innuendo, and references to sex
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Poignant Sisters Novel a Decent Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Thirty years ago, a struggling young mother was arrested and sent to jail. She had no choice but to surrender both of her girls—4-year-old Brooke and 6-month-old Natalie—to the state. Believing they would be kept together, Jennifer Walker served her time knowing—hoping—that her daughters would have a better life without her.
Raised by an adoptive family, Natalie, now 35, is happily married with two children of her own. She runs a small catering business out of her home. Growing up in foster care took its toll on Brooke. At 39, she's a cocktail waitress whose only significant relationship is with a married man. The sisters haven't seen each other since they were separated from each other as children; until very recently, in fact, Natalie had no idea Brooke existed. Now that she does know, she can't stop herself from reaching out. After that? Natalie wants them both to seek out their birth mother. What happens when the two women finally meet? Will Brooke help Natalie find Jennifer? What will happen if they do?
Somewhere Out There by Amy Hatvany is a poignant, compelling story about two women's journeys to reacquaint themselves with each other and, ultimately, rediscover themselves. While there's nothing really original or memorable about them as characters or about their story, the novel is still engrossing. I can't say I loved it, but overall, it made for a decent read.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of Far From the Tree by Robin Benway)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, December 23, 2019
Clean and Cozy, Leavenworth Christmastime Mystery is an Easy, Enjoyable Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Beyond a Reasonable Stout, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from earlier Sloane Krause mysteries. As always, I recommend reading books in a series in order.)
Then, long-time city council member Kristopher Cooper announces his plans to make Leavenworth a dry town. Local brewers are outraged. Their businesses depend on keeping the taps open; all the merchants in town benefit from events like Oktoberfest. Kristopher has created such a brouhaha that, when he winds up dead, there's a whole list of possible killers. Some of Leavenworth's most prominent citizens are being accused, but who actually did the dirty deed? When Sloan's best frenemy asks Sloan to help prove her innocence, the brewer reluctantly steps in. Can she solve the murder? Or will she be the killer's next victim?
Before we continue, have you seen pictures of
Beyond a Reasonable Stout is the third book in Ellie Alexander's always enjoyable Sloan Krause mystery series. Although in reality, Leavenworth is a very safe town, Alexander's fictional version is always erupting in murderous deeds. I'm happy to suspend my disbelief here because I love the setting. Although Sloan's not an especially unique or memorable character, I enjoy her adventures. Beyond a Reasonable Stout is no exception. Like its predecessors, it's a fun, easy read that's predictable but still entertaining. I appreciate that the books are clean, without crass language, sex scenes, or anything gory and graphic. They're just fun reads that make me smile. You better believe I'm going to continue reading them!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander as well as other books in the Sloan Krause series, including Death on Tap and The Pint of No Return)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and violence
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Safe With Me Sad, But Hopeful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Hannah Scott's whole life changed when she conceived her daughter using an anonymous sperm donor. It changed again, twelve years later, when her little girl was struck by a car while riding her bike and killed. Donating Emily's organs didn't stop the pain of losing her, but it eased it just a bit. Now, 44-year-old Hannah throws herself into running two Seattle hair salons with her best friend. She loves her work, but sorrow and loneliness still weigh her down.
Type 2 hepatitis has taken a great toll on 16-year-old Maddie Bell. Having grown up mostly in hospitals and at home in her pajamas, Maddie's not sure she can return to a normal life. It's been a year since a girl died to give Maddie a new liver and Maddie's father is insisting that Maddie attend high school in person. After a horrific first day, Maddie's mother takes her to a local salon for a mood-boosting hair makeover. Little do they know that salon owner is the mother of Maddie's liver donor.
When Hannah discovers her strange connection to the Bell Family, she's hesitant to say anything. She can't help being fascinated by the mother/daughter, however, and the better acquainted she becomes with Olivia—Maddie's mom—the more complicated the situation becomes. Especially when Hannah finds out the devastating secret the family is keeping under wraps. Desperate to help, the grieving mother risks everything—including the newfound friendship that has come to mean the world to her—to intervene. Can the women's bond survive when all their secrets finally come to life?
The premise at the center of Safe With Me by Amy Hatvany is an intriguing one. A bit contrived maybe, but still interesting. Hannah, Maddie, and Olivia are all sympathetic characters, with realistic challenges and flaws. Their story is sad but compelling. In the end, it's also a hopeful tale. I can't say that Safe With Me blew my socks off; overall, though, I enjoyed it. I'll look for more from Hatvany.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't think of anything. Can you?)
Grade:
If this was a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Both Bitter and Sweet, Sweeping Historical Novel Tells Clean, Touching Story
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
In 1986, an extraordinary discovery in Seattle's Japantown draws a crowd of people, among them a 56-year-old Chinese-American named Henry Lee. The widower is as amazed as everyone else to discover that The Paragon Hotel, which has been shuttered for decades, has been hiding a large, dusty collection of belongings left behind during World War II when Japanese families were forced out of Seattle and into internment camps. Watching the event takes Henry back forty years, to his clandestine friendship with Keiko Okabe, a Japanese girl he met at school in 1942. Outcasts among their white classmates, the two form a strong friendship that turns into a sweet, but forbidden romance. Although they vow to meet up again after the war, Henry never hears from Keiko again. What happened to the girl he once loved? The search for Keiko will pry open Henry's most painful memories, remind him of impossible choices and sacrifices, and maybe, finally, bring him and his son together.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford's bestselling debut novel, tells a sweeping story of family, friendship, and finding what's been lost. Vivid period detail brings to life Seattle's China and Japantown in the 1940s, making the story feel immersive and authentic. The idea of abandoned family treasures left behind in a hotel to bear witness of a sad chapter in America's history is as intriguing as it is heartbreaking. I found it an irresistible premise, even if the story itself gets a little long and dull. Although the tale left me with unanswered questions, overall, I enjoyed it. It didn't blow my socks off like it has for other readers, but I liked the clean, bittersweet tale that is, ultimately, a hopeful one. I'll definitely check out more books by Ford.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner and The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for violence and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet from Amazon with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
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