Break The Fall.

 

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 CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

Audrey Lee is going to the Olympics. 

 
A year ago, she could barely do a push up as she recovered from a spine surgery, one that could have paralyzed her. And now? She's made the United States' gymnastics team with her best friend, Emma, just like they both dreamed about since they were kids. She's on top of the world.
The pressure for perfection is higher than ever when horrifying news rips the team apart. Audrey is desperate to advocate for her teammate who has been hurt by the one person they trusted most--but not all the gymnasts are as supportive. 

With the team on the verge of collapse, the one bright spot in training is Leo, her new coach's ridiculously cute son. And while Audrey probably (okay, definitely) shouldn't date him until after the games, would it really be the end of the world? Balancing the tenuous relationship between her teammates with unparalleled expectations, Audrey doesn't need any more distractions. No matter what it takes, she's not going to let anyone bring them down. But with painful revelations, incredible odds, and the very real possibility of falling at every turn, will Audrey's determination be enough? 

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Oh, man. I'm still determining how I'll get this story out of my head. Break Your Fall is not a book you will put down; it is one you will continue to read. Last night, I found myself reading past my usual bedtime. I used to dislike sports books, but they have become one of my favorites. Gymnastics has always been a favorite of mine. I'd had Break The Fall on my to-read list for a few years now, and once I started reading it, I wondered why it had taken me so long. It's clear that the author did a lot of research for this book; it felt like I was there with all the girls competing in the Olympics. A part of me wanted to go back and reread it, and I probably will one day. 

I had a great time going on this adventure with Audrey, Emma, Dani, and Chelsea. I didn't have a favorite among the girls; I adored them all. Dani: I don't know how to feel about what had happened to her and what it must have been like to bear it for as long as she had. I felt something was wrong when she was kicked off the Olympic team due to a failed drug test. I didn't believe they were telling the truth about what happened. Still, I had no idea what had happened. Sierra irritated me because she assumed Dani made it all up to get back on the team. Sierra should be kicked off the team based on how she treated everyone. She didn't act like she belonged to the group. 

The Olympic competition was my favorite part of the book. I knew little about gymnastics, especially after reading memoirs by Gabby Douglas & Simone Biles . I learned much more about gymnastics during the Olympics after reading Break The Fall. I loved how Audrey, Emma, Dani, and Chelsea worked well together and supported one another. They wouldn't have gotten as far as they did if they hadn't stuck together. I felt every emotion while reading this book. There is so much more I could say about this book. 

Break The Fall is not a book you will forget—an inspiration.

American Royals (American Royals, #1)

 

 

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What if America had a royal family? 

 
When America won the Revolutionary War, its people offered General George Washington a crown. Two and a half centuries later, the House of Washington still sits on the throne.
As Princess Beatrice gets closer to becoming America's first queen regnant, the duty she has embraced her entire life suddenly feels stifling. Nobody cares about the spare except when she's breaking the rules, so Princess Samantha doesn't care much about anything, either . . . except the one boy who is distinctly off-limits to her. 

And then there's Samantha's twin, Prince Jefferson. If he'd been born a generation earlier, he would have stood first in line for the throne, but the new laws of succession make him third. Most of America adores their devastatingly handsome prince . . . but two very different girls are vying to capture his heart.

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Something about royalty fascinates me; I enjoy reading about it. This is not the first book I've read about royals, nor will it be the last. I read American Royals in 2019 but forgot to review it afterwards. Because it had been a few years, I decided to re-read the book before moving on to the other books in the series. It didn't take long for me to remember why I enjoyed the book the first time I read it. There are so many reasons why I loved this book that I don't know where to begin to describe it. I couldn't put this book down. I began reading this book yesterday morning as we began driving back from Tennessee to Maryland, and I finished it this morning. The only time I paused was when we stopped at a gas station to use the restroom. It made me glad I was on winter break and not working. American Royals is not the type of book you can put down because just when you think you've reached the end, a twist will have you turning pages again. 

I had forgotten that it was written from multiple points of view and was unsure how it would work. However, it worked out great, and I felt like I got to know each of the characters much better within a few chapters. Beatrice and Nina were my favorite characters, though Samantha won me over near the end. I can't imagine having to deal with what Princess Beatrice had to deal with; all those restrictions and not being able to choose who she married. I wanted to reach out and hug her when she found out about her father; the burden she had to bear. I hoped she'd tell someone about her father so she wouldn't have to deal with it alone, but I understood why she didn't. I admired Connor and Beatrice's connection and love, but I was concerned that it would not end well for them because Beatrice was expected to marry someone of a certain social class. I was, however, rooting for her and Connor from the start. 

Daphne. I tried to find something I liked about her, but I couldn't. I despised how far she went to get what she desired. The worst part is that when Nina approached Jefferson about it, he took her side. I hope Jefferson discovers what she has done. I don't think she even loves him; she just wants him back so she can be a princess. She's the type of character who's impossible to root for. Nina, on the other hand, did not deserve what she had to endure. Regardless of how her and Jeff's relationship ended, I hope they can find their way back to each other; they belong together. 

That ending shattered my heart into a million pieces. I can't help but wonder how that will affect everyone. How could it not? I can't wait to find out in the next book in the series.

The House On Biscayne Bay.

 

 

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*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Berkley for the ARC ,in exchange for an honest review*  

As death stalks a gothic mansion in Miami, the lives of two women intertwine as the past and present collide in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s atmospheric new novel. 

With the Great War finally behind them, thousands of civilians and business moguls alike flock to South Florida with their sights set on making a fortune. When wealthy industrialist Robert Barnes and his wife, Anna, build Marbrisa, a glamorous estate on Biscayne Bay, they become the toast of the newly burgeoning society. Anna and Robert appear to have it all, but in a town like Miami, appearances can be deceiving, and one scandal can change everything. 

Years later following the tragic death of her parents in Havana, Carmen Acosta journeys to Marbrisa, the grand home of her estranged older sister, Carolina, and her husband, Asher Wyatt. On the surface, the gilded estate looks like paradise, but Carmen quickly learns that nothing at Marbrisa is as it seems. The house has a treacherous legacy, and Carmen’s own life is soon in jeopardy . . . unless she can unravel the secrets buried beneath the mansion’s facade and stop history from repeating itself. 

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Haunting. 

This author is one of my favorites. I've been hooked on her books ever since I started reading them. You can't help but fall in love with ; Chanel Cleeton ; books. I've been anticipating ; The House On Biscayne Bay; since the author announced it on Instagram. When I saw a copy available on Netgalley, I immediately requested it. When I was approved, I was delighted. I'd read and enjoyed almost all of Cleeton's books by this point. I liked how her books differed from other historical fiction and how she mixed it with suspense. Her previous books that I had read were set in Cuba, as opposed to b> The House On Biscayne Bay, which was set in Florida. However, out of all her books that I've read, I believe this one was the most mysterious. b> The House On Biscayne Bay /b> will keep you guessing from start to finish. Just when you think you've got it figured out, another twist makes you question whether anyone is telling the truth. 

I liked how the story was told in two timelines, years apart, and how Carmen and Anna's stories intertwined. I enjoyed the atmosphere described, and I felt as if I were being transported to Marbisa and its surroundings. Cleeton has a way of making the reader feel a connection with her characters. Not long into the story, I felt as if Anna and Carmen had become my friends. It's one of the reasons I didn't want the story to end. I wouldn't want to live in that house if I knew its history. My suspicion grew after the second person drowned in the bay. Cleeton surprised me again and again. That's one of the reasons I enjoy her books so much; she always manages to keep you guessing. 

Carmen and Anna's stories were both excellent. Carmen's story seemed more intense to me than Anna's. I couldn't help but wonder who was behind it all and why. It's impossible not to be drawn into this story. I think it's my favorite of her books because of the title and cover. Even if you haven't read any of her books, those two will immediately draw you in. I'm so glad I got to read an early copy, and I have a feeling I'll be returning to it once it's released. Highly recommended, especially for suspense fans.

2045 Clementine Lane : Catherine ( 2045 Clementine Lane, #1)

 

 

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 *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher,in exchange for an honest review*  

When the body of a female homicide victim, Elizabeth York, is found in MacArthur Park, LAPD Lieutenant Aiden Flint begins his investigation at her last known address: 2045 Clementine Lane. But instead of the next of kin he’s expecting to find there, he encounters four high-end escorts: Catherine, Lyla, Juliette, and Antoinette. Despite his reluctance to become personally involved with the girls, Aiden soon finds himself navigating a personal entanglement with Catherine—the only girl without an alibi for the night of the murder. 

Thrown into a relationship she never imagined for herself, Catherine Beauchamp must choose between the woman who saved her life in the past and the man who is quickly becoming her future. But little does she know that her past is coming back to haunt her, and her future has never been more uncertain… 

 

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 I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I've always enjoyed murder mystery novels, which is what drew me to 2045 Clementine Lane: Catherine . I've read a lot of murder mysteries over the years, but none of them compared to this one. Like the majority of readers who have read the book, you are left wondering who murdered Elizabeth York and why she was murdered. Given Elizabeth's history, I also wondered if it was murder or an accidental overdose. Just when you think you've figured out what happened to her, more clues arise, forcing you to reconsider your entire theory. 

I liked how this story was written from Catherine's and Lieutenant Flint's perspectives; it allows the reader to get to know both characters. Catherine's point of view was intense at times, particularly when discussing her experiences prior to moving in with Toni and the other girls. I felt myself being transformed into Catherine's mind as I read from her point of view, feeling everything that she was. You could sense Lieutenant Flint and Catherine's attraction to each other from the moment they met, even if they tried to deny it. Catherine, I know, tried because of her profession. Even I couldn't see it working. Yet, I was hoping that they would find a way to make it work. 

I did think the ending was a little too long, as if it dragged on a little too long. I enjoyed most of the book because it was unlike any other book I had read. Each of the characters was distinctive in their own way. 2045 Clementine Lane: Catherine will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.

One Day In December.

 

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A love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don't meet the one. 

Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away. 

Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be. 

What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness. 

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This is an unlike any love story that I have read. 

I’ve been meaning to read this for long time; I’m not even sure how long it’s been on my TBR pile. This month, the book club that I belong to has choose One Day In December as our book of the month. It didn’t take long into the book where I was glad that this was the book that we had chosen. I’ve read a few books about love at first sight, but none of them compared to this one. To fall in love with someone at the bus stop, and then to search them for a year afterwards? That seemed a little too much and too fast to me; nobody falls in love that quickly. Something about the story captivated me, and it wasn’t long before I fell in love with it. 

One Day In December is story about friendship and hope as well as love. I adored Sarah and Laurie’s friendship; it reminded me so much of my best friends, the ones that I would give anything to live closer to me. Their friendship represents everything that true friendship entails. A part of me felt that Laurie should have told Sarah right aways when she recognized Jack. Another part of me suspected she was attempting to shield her best friend. I had bad feeling that Sarah would end up getting hurt in the end. If I were asked which of two were my favorite character, I wouldn’t be able to respond because I loved them both. When they got into the fight, I hoped that they would be able to put it past them. Regardless of what was going on in their lives, Sarah and Laurie were always there for one another. 

Jack. He was a complicated character, and it was difficult for me to like him at times. I didn't like how he treated others, especially after his accident, even though they were only trying to help him. He seemed to be always angry and rude. I tried to like him, but it was difficult when he acted like this. However, it was clear that there was a connection between the two of them, but it seemed like something kept getting in their way, relationships, distance. I was hoping they'd come to their senses and end up together. I liked how the story was told from the perspectives of Laurie and Jack and in different timelines, making it feel more realistic. I felt bad for Oscar because I liked him and liked how the two of them worked together. I have a feeling that if it weren't for his job or if he chose her over his job, they would still be together, or at least that's what I believe. 

The emotions expressed in this book were genuine, and I felt each one of them. I had to restrain myself from reading any further so that I didn't get too far ahead. I could go on and on about this book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance.

The River We Remember.

 

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On Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn’s murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past. 

Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn’s death threatens to expose. 

Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life, The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home. 

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I first became aware of William Kent Kreuger in 2021; when I came across his novel, This Tender Land . I fell in love with his writing, characters, and plot. I was excited when I learned that he was releasing a new book, but my library had a long waiting list. The River We Remember is unlike other book I’ve read by him; it was so much more than I expected the story to be. From beginning to end, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I wanted to keep reading to find out more about Jimmy Quinn's death, but I had to put the book down due to other obligations. You'll find yourself thinking about the book even when you're not reading it. 

Jimmy Quinn's death was covered in mystery. I didn't like Jimmy from the start of Brody's investigation into Jimmy's death. He wasn't a good guy, according to what others said about him. I couldn't help but wonder what Jimmy had done this time that someone had had enough and killed him. I had a few suspects in mind while reading the book, but Noah Bluestone wasn't one of them. I understand why he was a suspect; he worked for Jimmy. However, the main reason that others assumed he killed Jimmy was because he was Native American, and I didn't like those accusations. I was curious as to why Noah gave in so easily, without even trying to fight it. I had the impression that he knew something about Jimmy's death that he didn't want others to know. 

I have read few historical fiction mysteries in the past, but unlike this one. The River We Remember provides a unique perspective on police procedures at the time. I had the impression that I had been transformed into the story and was investigating alongside Brody. This story felt very real to me and like something that could happen in a small town. It has been a while since I have read the book, I just haven’t had chance to write the review, and yet I can’t seem to get it out of my head. One of my favorite aspects of his books are the descriptions and images that come to mind as I read them. Wonderfully written. I'm excited to see what adventure awaits us next.

The Spectacular.

 

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New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion is over the moon to have been selected to be one of the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall’s glamorous precision-dancing troupe. It’s an honor to perform in the world’s most spectacular theater, an art deco masterpiece. But with four shows a day as well as grueling rehearsals, not to mention exacting standards of perfection to live up to, Marion quickly realizes that the life of a Rockette has both extraordinary highs and devastating lows. 

Then one night a bomb explodes in the theater. It’s only the latest in a string of explosions around the city orchestrated by a person the press has nicknamed the "Big Apple Bomber." They have been terrorizing the citizens of New York for sixteen years by planting bombs in popular, crowded spaces. With the public in an uproar over the lack of any real leads after a yearslong manhunt, the police, at Marion’s urging, turn in desperation to a radical new technique: psychological profiling. 

As Marion finds herself pulled deeper into the investigation, she realizes that as much as she’s been training herself to blend in—performing in perfect unison with all the other identical Rockettes—if she hopes to catch the bomber, she’ll need to stand out and take a terrifying risk. But she may be forced to sacrifice everything she’s worked for, as well as the people she loves the most. 

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Where do I even begin? It's books like these that leave you speechless and unable to get the story out of your head. Those are my favorite kinds of books because you can always count on them to be good. I'd been reading Fiona Davis's books since 2019, so I knew it'd be good. However, the author surprised me yet again, and I became engrossed in the book to the point where I would spend my lunch break at work reading because I was curious about what would happen. I'd finish it in a few days if I wasn't working full-time and going to school full-time. Every page of this book left me wanting more. I know that it wasn’t for working full time plus full-time school, I would finish it within couple days. Every page in this book had me craving for more. I kept wondering who the "Big Apple Bomber" was. Was there a reason for the bomber's actions? The most important question of all: 'Would they ever catch the person responsible for the bombing?' The Spectacular is not the type of book where you don't wonder about the bomber's identity. 

The Spectacular is a mix of historical fiction and mystery. I felt like I learned a lot just from reading the book; I found myself picturing everything that was going on. As the bombs went off, I could feel everyone's fear, as well as Marion's frustration and anger that the police were unable to catch him. Marion was my favorite character in the book, and I admired her determination. It took a lot of courage for her to defy her father's wishes and become a Rockette. I'd never heard of Rockette before reading the book, and I had no idea how hectic their schedule was. And I know that becoming a Rockette was exactly what Marion needed, even if it didn't last as long as Marion expected. I tried to like Marion's father and understand why he acted the way he did, but I just couldn't. 

Marion's determination to find the bomber was admirable. I worried that she was going to kill herself at times, and I understood why she wanted to. Throughout the novel, I found myself hoping that Marion would make it out alive. I'm excited to see what the author has in store for us next. I would highly recommend this book for any historical fiction and mystery fans.

Code Name Butterfly.

 

 

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  *Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: Avon Books UK for the ARC ,in exchange for an honest review*  

Paris, 1941. Journalist Elodie Mitchell has found bohemian Paris a huge culture a shock compared to her hometown of Chicago – but she loves the new-found freedom she's felt walking its streets. That is until the threat of Nazi occupation starts to loom larger by the day. 

After a mysterious man invites her to a Josephine Baker show, Elodie is perplexed but dazzled by the decadence of the performance. But when Elodie is mistaken for Josephine and whisked backstage, she realizes that the star's glamorous shows have been hiding a darker, far more important movement than anyone could have possibly imagined. 

As Elodie gets embroiled in a whisper network of spies working to resist the occupation of France, she is given an assignment to go undercover as Josephine's cousin. Her mission? To gather crucial information that will protect not only the country she now calls home, but all the people within it who she has grown to love so dearly – and getting caught is not an option. 

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 What a beautifully written story.

In so many ways, this story played with my emotions. This was a fantastic book that I could talk about for days. Code Name Butterfly is one of those books that will stick with you. I just finished this book a few hours ago, but I'm still thinking about it and the characters. I'd never read anything by Embassie Susberry before, but the cover, title, and description piqued my interest, and I'm glad it did. Code Name Butterfly<holds your attention from beginning to end. Code Name Butterfly is unlike any other book I've read, and I loved how different it was from the others. Every page will make you fall more in love with the story.

The story begins slowly, with Elly meeting all of the main characters. However, once Josephine Baker enters the picture, it's difficult to leave the story. I was thinking about the book while working and sometimes while studying. If it weren't for my hectic schedule, I'd spend the entire day reading the book.I liked most of the characters, and they all changed dramatically from the beginning to the end of the book. If I had to pick two characters, it would be Elly and Josephine. I admired their friendship; it had existed since their first meeting. Whatever was going on outside, they were always there for one another until the end. I enjoyed the author's use of setting and atmosphere in the story. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that I felt like I was reading in Paris the entire time.

Josephine Baker- After finishing the book, I went online and did more research because the story had such an impact on me. I wish I'd known about her story earlier. I could go on and on about this book, but I don't want to give too much away before it comes out. I'm grateful for the opportunity to read it; it portrayed everything I love about historical fiction. I will return to this book in the future.   I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.