The Bookshop Sisterhood.

 

★★★★

Thank you to publisher, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

After years of hard work, four best friends—Celeste, Yasmeen, Toni and Leslie—are finally on the verge of opening the bookstore of their dreams. A place where their community can find solace with an intriguing new read, a comforting beverage and book-loving friends. 

But before they can cut the ribbon, their worlds are upended.
Toni receives devastating news just months before her wedding, while Celeste’s struggling marriage threatens to collapse completely. Leslie learns a shocking secret about her family, and a lotto ticket changes Yasmeen’s life—but not for the better. 

As the bookstore’s grand opening fast approaches, the four women must lean on each other now more than ever to navigate their grief and uncertainty. And together, they’ll learn that sometimes, even life’s most unexpected plot twists can lead to beautiful new beginnings. 

 

🌷

 

 A heartwarming story about friendships. 

Friendships and books are two of my favorite things. It was one of the reasons that drew my attention to this story. As a book lover, how could you not be interested in reading a book about four best friends who want to open their own bookstore? I expected an easy read about friends who bonded over their love of books. It did start off like way. I didn't expect the level of drama that each of the friends experienced throughout the novel. I prefer reading books with drama because there is always something unexpected that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. I don't mind drama; but I felt that this novel had a little too much drama. More than half of the novel was loaded with drama. None of the friends appeared to get a break; as soon as they got over one issue, another one occurred, making it difficult to keep up at times. Despite this, I enjoyed reading each of the friends' experiences and their bond, and I kept turning the pages to see how it would end for them, if the friends would ever open their bookstore. 

I enjoyed reading various perspectives; it helped me get to know each of the friends better. Celeste, Yasmeen, Toni, and Leslie seemed like friends to me after only a few pages of reading the novel. Despite their busy schedules, they were always there for each other when they needed it. However, there were times when I felt their connection was toxic based on their acts, and I worried if one of them would finally have had enough, bringing an end to their friendship. I enjoyed how each of the feelings were portrayed; it made me feel as if I was experiencing everything they were. The character growth was fantastic for each of the characters; at the end of the novel, they appeared to be completely different people. Part of me didn't want to turn the last page because it meant saying goodbye to them. I was curious to see what would happen to them afterward. 

I felt that the end was rushed. It did not seem reasonable to me. Even though they all had so much going on, they were tough and persevered; I admired how powerful they were presented. Throughout the novel, I felt myself rooting for them, hoping things would improve for them. I got the impression that if they had each other, they would get through it together. If you love books about books, friendship with drama, I would check this book out!

The Book Club Hotel.

 

 

★★★★

 4.5 ★

 

 

With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season. 

But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life's ups and downs. But Hattie can see they're also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter? 

 

🌷

 
This book triggered a wide range of emotions. I can't even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now. All I know is that I can't get this book off my mind. I was seeking for another festive book to read for the holidays, as December is a month when I read holiday novels. I'm delighted I decided to read The Book Club Hotel , which ended up being one of my favorite Christmas reads this year. I liked how it focused on friendship, family, and hope rather than just romance, as many holiday books do. Novels about friendships are one of my favorite novels to read, possibly because they remind me of a couple of my best friends, but they usually leave me with a pleasant feeling, especially when they are about strong friendships. I enjoy reading about Anna, Erica, and Claudia's friendship with one another, as well as their bond with Hattie. 

Through the years, I read multiple books about different friendships. However, there was something about Erica, Claudia and Anna’s friendship that I couldn’t get enough of their stories, and there was part of me that didn’t want for their stories to come to end. I enjoyed reading the book from the perspectives of Anna, Erica, Claudia, and Hattie, and by the midst of it, I felt like they had all become my friends. I wanted to give them all a big hug. I admired how they were always there for one another and seemed to know exactly what to say. They helped Hattie when she got into trouble, even though they barely knew her. Each of them reminded me of a handful of my closest friends, which made me miss them because they don't live nearby. That bond will last for a lifetime. 

The Book Club Hotel was so genuine, and the emotions were conveyed so vividly, that I could sense each character's emotions. The title was what drew my interest. I'm in a virtual Book Club, so the title drew my attention right away. The cover has a warm, mysterious, and festive vibe to it. I feel the cover alone could capture any book lover's interest. Maple Sugar Inn sounded amazing and made me wish it was a real place where I could organize my own book club. It's the ideal gateway away from any troubles. I did think that there were few slow parts and there were parts that felt a bit too rushed. In in general, I was unable to put this book down. I'm thankful it was a holiday, so I had more time to read the book. This was my first boob by Sarah Morgan, and I'm excited to see what other adventures she takes us on!

Murder In The Ranks.

 

 

★★★★

 Thank you to publisher, Crooked Lane Books for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

 

 4.5 ★

 

Algiers, North Africa, 1943.
After her abusive German husband left her for dead and took their daughter with him behind enemy lines, Dottie Lincoln learned that it’s better to be a trained soldier rather than a victim. As a newly minted squad leader in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, she spends her days moving men and materials to the front and her nights attending mandatory dances to boost the morale of the men. Despite the grueling nature of her job, she has found a sanctuary amongst the women in the Army. When Ruth, a member of her squad, is murdered, she’s devastated and determined to get to the bottom of the murder. 

Dottie’s company is the first group of American women assigned to a combat theater and with Ruth’s death the entire operation is being questioned. Determined to do everything she can to help win the war, bring justice to her friend, and hopefully reunite with her daughter, Dottie must rise to the occasion before the killer strikes again. But when her past comes back to haunt her, Dottie must prove she’s not a German spy and put a stop to a deadly conspiracy that threatens the entire American war effort. 

 

🌷

 

 
There is a lot to say about this book. Murder In The Ranks contains two of my favorite genres: historical fiction and mystery. This is not a book you'll want to put down; each page draws you deeper into the plot. I am sure that if I did not have to study, I would finish it faster. I was captivated into Dottie's story within the first few pages; I thought it started slowly, but once Ruth was discovered dead, there wasn't a dull moment after that. Murder In The Ranks was one of those stories that had me guessing until almost the end of the book, and just when I thought I figured out what occurred, there was another twist that made me reevaluate all of my assumptions. You can't help but love and root for Dottie throughout the book. Even though others seemed unconcerned about Ruth's death, I admired how she persevered until she discovered the truth. Like Dottie, I wanted to know the truth about Ruth's murder and the motive for it. 

I had never heard of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps until reading this book. I learned a lot just from reading this book. I basically discovered how different it was back then, how women were perceived and managed. The men clearly did not believe that the women belonged there. That got me angry; they may not have done as much as the guys, but they still did a lot. I thought that section of the story was incredibly realistic. I enjoyed the author's comment at the end of the book, which provided more background information on the Women's Auxiliary Corps. I was so engrossed in it that I did my own research after finishing the book. This was the kind of historical fiction that I adore. 

The cover itself drew my attention first. The book's cover alone gives it a mysterious aspect, which piqued my interest, so I read the blurb right away. I'm very glad I got the opportunity to read this book. When you're not reading the book, you're thinking about it and wondering how it'll end. I like the character development throughout the book, particularly Dottie's. I definitely suggest this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction and mysteries. I can't wait to read the remainder of the author's works.