The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore(Dream Harbor,#2)

 

 

★★★★

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out. 

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help! 

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

 🌼

 
I finished Pumpkin Spice Café for my book club a month ago. It wasn't what I expected, but I did enjoy it. I was curious about The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and excited to read Hazel’s story. Since the first book's introduction, I have liked Hazel and am interested in learning more about her backstory. I heard that some liked The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore over the Pumpkin Spice Café, and I wanted to know why. The story exceeded my expectations, and I enjoyed it more than the previous book; it felt more fast-paced, so I had to put it down to study. Noah and Hazel seemed to have a stronger relationship than Jeanie and Logan. I wanted them to end up together; I didn't want their relationship to be a fling. I cheered for the couple, hoping they would discover their feelings for one another. 

I enjoyed the mystery aspect in Cinnamon Bun Bookstore and the hidden meanings in the romance novels. I liked that she approached Noah for help figuring out who was behind it. I wondered whether he agreed to help her figure it out because he was behind it all, trying to grab her attention. I felt he wanted a relationship with Hazel, not what they had, but he was concerned she didn't share his feelings. There was a lot of attraction between them, and this novel had more heated scenes. This book also had a more realistic mystery. Like Hazel, I was eager to find who was behind the mysterious notes. 

I wasn't sure about the end. The way it happened didn't seem realistic to me. I enjoyed Cinnamon Bun Store ; it could be practically a Hallmark movie if not for the passionate scenes. I'm reading The Christmas Tree Farm for my book club next month, and I can't wait to read Kira's story. I recommend reading this novel, especially if you enjoy romance and mystery.

Heir(Heir Duology,#1)

 

 

★★★★

An orphan.
An outcast.
A prince. 

And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

 
Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but it is love of her people that propels her. Until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite. 

Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she's willing to give up. 

QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.
Beloved storyteller Sabaa Tahir interweaves the lives of three young people as they grapple with power, treachery, love, and the devastating consequences of unchecked greed, on a journey that may cost them their lives―and their hearts. Literally. 

 🌼

 
Magical. 

I have read the first book in An Ember In Ashes series, but it has been a long time since I read it. I recall liking the book and being intrigued by the universe; Heir was no different, and of course, I enjoyed that it took place in the same world. I couldn't put this book down for hours, even though I knew I should be sleeping. I was captivated by Aiz, Sirisha, and Quil, and I wanted to know where their adventures would take them. I enjoyed each of the characters' stories, but Sirsha was my favorite; something about her makes you love her. I adored her connection, Quil, and he may have believed he loved someone else, but I believe Sirsha was the one he had been waiting for all along. I can't wait to see what happens next between the two. After that ending, I wish for the next book in the series to be released soon. 

Sirsha is not someone you want to mess with, which is what I liked about her character: how tough she was. She was my favorite point-of-view character in this novel. In that finale, I had a feeling that some twist was coming, but even I didn't see it coming, and now I must wait to see what happens next, which I can't seem to get out of my mind. The connection between Quil and her made me believe that something would happen when they met. I had a feeling that they were both trying to deny it. I wondered if the two of them would last, and I found myself rooting for them. 

The only thing I regret is not starting this book earlier. For An Ember In Ashes , I wish I had read the entire series because if I had, I would have had a better understanding of the world. I now must read the novels again before the next installment of the series comes out. If I'm being completely honest, I'm not sure how to feel about Aiz. Because of how complicated her character may be, she is the most difficult to read of all the characters in the novel. You can never be sure what to anticipate from her. You can't help but be intrigued by her, though. I can't wait to see what she will do next. Any fantasy reader should read this book, especially if they have read An Ember in Ashes , a story you will talk about for days.

Home Is Where The Bodies Are.

 

★★★★

 After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm’s length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn’t been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.

While going through their parent’s belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends. 

Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave. 

 🌼

 
A story you will never forget. 

I can see why this author is so popular and talked about. How had I not read her book before? I'm still trying to process my emotions while reading the book. I noticed Home Is Where The Bodies Are in Barnes & Noble, and I enjoyed how the book looked like an actual VHS tape. I recall having these as a child. However, the blood on the tape gives it an intriguing aspect. That was one of the first things that hooked me into the book. Since I have never read a book by Jeneva Rose , I decided to check the book out at the library. I’m so glad that I decided to check this book out. The plot of Home Is Where The Bodies Are was not what I had anticipated; it took unexpected turns that would have you reading until the end. 

The title itself, Home Is Where The Bodies Are , will have you picking the book up. It took some time to get into it because the first few chapters moved slowly. Things became fascinating once Michael, Nicole, and Beth began watching the tapes. Like the siblings, I was taken aback when the first audio revealed their parents discussing the disposal of the body. I can't imagine discovering something like that about my parents. Like the siblings, I try to piece together the facts and determine whether they killed someone or whether there was more to the story. I enjoyed how the story alternated between the present and the time of the incident, which gave it a more suspenseful feel. 

Home Is Where The Bodies Are , where you will try to figure out what happened until almost the end. That’s one of my favorite things about this book; I love the stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. I thought I had figured out what happened several times, but surprising turns threw my theories out the window. The ending was the most surprising of them all. If you love suspense and horror, I recommend Home Is Where The Bodies Are. Now I’m eager to check the rest of Jeneva Rose works.

Dinner For Vampires.

 

★★★★

4.5 ★

In the early 2000s, after years of hard work and determination to breakthrough as an actor, Bethany Joy Lenz was finally cast as one of the leads on the hit drama One Tree Hill. Her career was about to take off, but her personal life was slowly beginning to unravel. What none of the show’s millions of fans knew, hidden even from her costars, was her secret double life in a cult. 

An only child who often had to fend for herself and always wanted a place to belong, Lenz found the safe haven she’d been searching for in a Bible study group with other Hollywood creatives. However, the group soon morphed into something more sinister—a slowly woven web of manipulation, abuse, and fear under the guise of a church covenant called The Big House Family. Piece by piece, Lenz began to give away her autonomy, ultimately relocating to the Family’s Pacific Northwest compound, overseen by a domineering minister who would convince Lenz to marry one of his sons and steadily drained millions of her TV income without her knowledge. Family “minders” assigned to her on set, “Maoist struggle session”–inspired meetings in the basement of a filthy house, and regular counseling with “Leadership” were just part of the tactics used to keep her loyal. 

Only when she became a mother did Lenz find the courage to leave and spare her child from a similar fate. After nearly a decade (and with the unlikely help of a One Tree Hill superfan), she finally managed to escape the family’s grip and begin to heal from the deep trauma that forever altered her relationship with God and her understanding of faith. Written with powerful honesty and dark humor, Dinner for Vampires is an inspiring story about the importance of identity and understanding what you believe. 

 

 🌼

 
Haunting. 

I have read several celebrity memoirs throughout the years. I've never been as astonished while reading Dinner for Vampires. I have no words for what I read and what Bethany Joy Lenz endured in those years. Even before I started reading the book, I was surprised to learn that she had been in a cult, and I was curious to learn how she got there. Dinner For Vampires was a very emotional. Although I had never been a part of a cult, reading the memoir made me feel I had because she described what was happening. I felt her fear, sadness, and doubt. I can’t even begin to imagine what I would done if I were in her situation and endured it for as long as she had, but I understand why she had. She appeared happy on TV and during the interviews, and being in the cult was the last thing I expected. 

I'd been a big fan of One Tree Hill for years, and Haley was always one of my favorite characters, along with Joy's singing. I had no idea Paul Johansson was his closest friend out of the entire cast of the show, but I am glad he was able to support her. I never imagined Bethany wouldn't want to do One Tree Hill, but I'm pleased she did since I can't imagine anybody else playing Haley. I enjoyed reading about her acting career, and it was evident how enthusiastic she was about being an actress. I couldn’t believe that the people who called her ‘family’ didn’t even watch a single episode of her show. I was suspicious of most of them from the beginning; it’s the way that she described and what she shared I didn’t trust them. 

I despised the way they treated and dominated her. I don't think I've ever felt so angry as I did while reading those sections. The book was not always easy to read. I wondered about the title. Dinner For Vampires , but as I started reading the book, it fit exactly what Bethany went through, that her 'family' was vampires. I'm very grateful that I got an opportunity to read this book, and I'll acquire a physical copy in the future to reread it. Even if you have never seen One Tree Hill, I highly recommend this book.

Not In Love.

 

 

★★★★

CONTAINS SPOILERS 

Rue Siebert might not have it all, but she has enough: a few friends she can always count on, the financial stability she yearned for as a kid, and a successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most promising start-ups in the field of food science. Her world is stable, pleasant, and hard-fought. Until a hostile takeover and its offensively attractive front man threatens to bring it all crumbling down.
Eli Killgore and his business partners want Kline, period. Eli has his own reasons for pushing this deal through - and he's a man who gets what he wants. With one burning exception: Rue. The woman he can't stop thinking about. The woman who's off-limits to him. 

Torn between loyalty and an undeniable attraction, Rue and Eli throw caution out the lab and the boardroom windows. Their affair is secret, no-strings-attached, and has a built-in deadline: the day one of their companies will prevail. But the heart is risky business - one that plays for keeps. 

 🌼

 

 
I've heard about Ali Hazelwood for a while. Now that I've read her book, I see why she has such good ratings. . Not In Love has me going through so many emotions. I was there beside Rue and Eli, experiencing everything they were. I felt they were in trouble from the moment they met, and I questioned if they could stay away from each other. When I saw the book in the library, I wondered about the title. Not In Love is an intriguing title for a romance book, especially with that cover. Not in Love is the type of romantic story I rarely read, but I fell in love with this one. At first, I wasn't sure about Rue and Eli's relationship, but it wasn't long before I started rooting for them. 

I knew Rue's feelings for Eli had shifted before she realized it. I had a hunch she was aware of them but was in denial. Rue didn't want to like Eli because of what was happening at her job and felt like she was betraying her friend. If she didn't like him, she would not break her set of rules. There was something about Eli that made her unable to resist him. I knew that if she kept it up, no matter how guilty she felt, her friend would find out what was happening, and I had a feeling it wouldn't go well for her. Not In Love was a hard book to put down; it kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what would happen with Rue and Eli next, as well as her career. 

I was skeptical about Rue and Eli's relationship; it felt rushed and unrealistic. I thought Eli was overly fascinated with her. It didn't take long for me to see that what Eli felt wasn't obsession; it was love, though he didn't recognize it at first. Everything he did for Rue, including watching out for her and trying to protect her. If Eli hadn't acted that way, the impact on Rue might not have been as significant. In a way, they both attempted to protect each other. I believe that of all the characters in the book, Eli and Rue had the most character development; they both evolved substantially. I would highly recommend this book, especially to romance fans.

Before We Were Innocent

 

 

★★★★

4.5 ★ 

A summer in Greece for three best friends ends in the unthinkable when only two return home in this new novel from Ella Berman. . . .

  Ten years ago, after a sun-soaked summer spent in Greece, best friends Bess and Joni were cleared of having any involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death. But that didn’t stop the media from ripping apart their teenage lives like vultures. 

While the girls were never convicted, Joni, ever the opportunist, capitalized on her newfound infamy to become a motivational speaker. Bess, on the other hand, resolved to make her life as small and controlled as possible so she wouldn’t risk losing everything all over again. And it almost worked. . . .
Except now Joni is tangled up in a crime eerily similar to that one fateful night in Greece. And when she asks Bess to come back to LA to support her, Bess has a decision to make. 

Is it finally time to face up to what happened that night, exposing herself as the young woman she once was and maybe still is? And what happens if she doesn’t like what she finds? 

 

 🌼

 
Intriguing. 

A few months back, I went to Barnes and Noble with a friend and found Before We Were Innocent . The title drew my eye, followed by the cover. I love how the cover is black and white, yet the title is in color; it gives the book a mysterious appearance. When I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to get this book; it sounded like the type I enjoy reading. I was excited when Before We Were Innocent was selected as my book club's November selection. I was captivated by the book from the first page of the book. Every page and chapter kept me turning the pages, wondering what would be revealed next. Like everyone else, especially Bess, I was interested in learning the truth about what happened to Evangeline in Greece all those years ago. I wondered how she died, and I was interested in whether she had been killed and, if so, what the intent was. Throughout the book's first few chapters, I had a lot of questions. 

I was wary of Joni from the beginning. I had a feeling that there was something she wasn't telling Bess. However, I didn't understand why Bess would cover for Joni after such a long separation. I wondered if Joni knew something about Bess, which was why she was covering for her. Joni and Bess's friendship fluctuated, much like a romantic relationship. There were moments when I couldn't help but wonder how they were friends. Despite everything, Joni was there for Bess when it counted. Therefore, I had a hate/like connection with her. I had wondered if their friendship would survive the truth. 

Evangeline is another character I wasn't sure about. How she interacted with her friends looked slightly too controlling for me. I was also puzzled as to why she was acting that way. I was expecting a thriller when I picked it Before We Were Innocent , which it was in certain ways, but I thought it was more literary fiction. I had fun reading the book and talking about it in my book club's weekly meetings. I would highly recommend checking this book out.

Last Christmas In Paris.

 

 

★★★★★

August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes—as everyone does—that it will be over by Christmas, when the trio plan to celebrate the holiday among the romantic cafes of Paris. 

But as history tells us, it all happened so differently… 

Evie and Thomas experience a very different war. Frustrated by life as a privileged young lady, Evie longs to play a greater part in the conflict—but how?—and as Thomas struggles with the unimaginable realities of war he also faces personal battles back home where War Office regulations on press reporting cause trouble at his father’s newspaper business. Through their letters, Evie and Thomas share their greatest hopes and fears—and grow ever fonder from afar. Can love flourish amid the horror of the First World War, or will fate intervene? 

Christmas 1968. With failing health, Thomas returns to Paris—a cherished packet of letters in hand—determined to lay to rest the ghosts of his past. But one final letter is waiting for him…

 🌼

 

 
A heartwarming story of friendship, love, and hope. 

I had no idea what to expect from this book. This was the first book I ever read by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb , and I'm delighted that I picked to read it first. I finished it last night, and so many emotions are still running through my head. It was unlike any other historical fiction or romance story I'd ever read, but it was also one of the most beautiful. I can't get the story or characters out of my mind. Last Christmas In Paris is a story you'll remember and share with friends. That is exactly what I did, and I even recommended it to friends who love reading. I have much to say about this book, but I can only say so much without giving too much away. Last Christmas In Paris is more than just a love story; it's also about friendship, fear, and hope. 

Last Christmas In Paris is not what I expected it to be, and at first, I was unsure about the writing style. That skepticism only lasted a few pages, and I discovered I was so engaged in the novel I spent hours reading because I couldn't find a good spot to stop. I liked how the letters were between different characters, but my favorites were between Evie and Tom and Evie and Alice. I think of all the characters; the three of them were my favorites. Evie and Tom needed each other, and I believe that the letters they sent to each other helped them get through the horrific war. On the other hand, I appreciated Alice's support and the fact that she was always there for Evie when she needed counsel, regardless of the situation. 

Within the first few letters, I noticed that Tom and Evie's relationship had transformed; there was such a strong connection. Throughout the novel, I hoped and rooted for them to realize how much they cared for each other. I only prayed they'd recognize it before it was too late. I'm not sure what it was about this book, but it affected me; I'm continuing to feel all the emotions. Now I'm looking forward to reading the other books they Co-wrote together as well as their solo ones. My only regret is that I hadn't read it sooner.

The Author's Guide To Murder.

 

 

★★★

 Thank you to publisher,William Morrow for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead—under bizarre circumstances—in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in…or, possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for this literary American show-off (or Americans in general), finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists. 

The prime suspects are Kat de Noir, a slinky, sexy erotica writer; Cassie Pringle, a Southern mom of six juggling multiple cozy mystery series; and Emma Endicott, a New England blue blood and author of critically acclaimed historical fiction. The women claim to be best friends writing a book a historical novel about the castle’s lurid past and its debauched laird, who himself ended up creatively murdered. But the authors’ stories about how they know Brett Saffron Presley don’t quite line up, and the detective is getting increasingly suspicious. 

Why did the authors really come to Castle Kinloch? Is the murder of the long-ago laird somehow connected with the playboy author’s unfortunate demise? And what really happened the night of the great Kinloch ceilidh, when Brett Saffron Presley skipped the folk dancing for a rendezvous with death? 

 

 🌼

 
This was not the first novel I'd read by the three authors. I enjoyed their earlier books, The Glass Ocean and All the Ways We Say Goodbye, which they co-wrote. I have read the author's individual works as well. Lauren Willig, Karen White, and Beatriz Williams are the authors I look out for, especially in historical fiction. I was thrilled to find out that they were writing another book together. With a title like The Author's Guide To Murder , it's hard not to be drawn in. It also included three writers working on a book together. I enjoyed the book, but not in the way I expected when I initially heard about it. 

Sadly, around half of the plot was flat, unlike the other books they wrote together. It took me a few chapters to get into the plot, and I thought that nothing seemed to be occurring and that some of the information in the book was dull. I am pleased I gave a book a try because I couldn't put it down once the story started. I couldn't help but wonder whether any of them were responsible for the murder; everyone had a reason for doing so. I enjoyed reading the interviews with the three of them at the beginning of the book; they were all so different that it was difficult to believe they were friends. The mystery element of the book was my favorite part of it. 

I enjoyed that it was set in Scotland, where I wanted to travel after reading the novel. The book was a little too long and an epilogue was unnecessary. Overall, I enjoyed the story, particularly the mystery component. I am curious to see what the authors have in store for us next

Like Mother,Like Mother.

 

★★★★

Thank you to publisher,Random House Publishing/Dial Press for providing me with copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

An enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women, unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past. 

 
Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does. 

But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from? 

Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.

 

 🌼

 
Remarkable, Powerful. 

Where do I start, Like Mother, Like Mother ? This book has so many wonderful aspects, which is one of the reasons I found it so difficult to put it down. I was drawn to the story by the title, the cover, and the synopsis. I adore women's fiction, and this story well exceeded my expectations. I still can’t get the story out of my mind. Within the first few pages of the book, I was engrossed in the story, and right when I was about to put it down, something else occurred that kept me reading for several more hours. My favorite kind of books are these. Like Mother, Like Mother follows three generations of women, Zelda, Lila, and Grace, each with a distinct story to tell. 

I adored both Lila's and Grace's stories. Even though Lila was Grace's mother, I felt like I was reading two different stories since they were so different, which was one of the things I liked about this novel. One thing I saw about Grace and Lila was that they were both powerful women who would not back down once they set their minds to something. They both seemed interested in discovering what happened to Zelda, but Lila didn't understand it until it was too late. Like Lila and Grace, I wondered the truth behind Zelda's absence, and I was curious to see what Grace would uncover. 

Like Mother, Like Mother was a beautifully written story. You'll be drawn into the plot and fall in love with the characters. I turned the pages because I needed to know how it would end and if they would discover the truth about Zelda. A few parts of the book, notably the last chapter, were lengthier than they should have been. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and know it's a story I'll never forget.

The Frozen River.

 

 

★★★★

4.5 ★

A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history. 

 
Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own. 

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie. 

Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day. 

 

 🌼

 
Gripping, beautifully written, extraordinary. 

The Frozen River is a book you will not forget, no matter how hard you try. It's been a while since I finished the book, but I can't get the story out of my mind. What drew me to the book were not the reviews but the plot and the fact that it was based on a true story. What Martha Ballard did and what she had to face required far more than courage. I was completely hooked after the first few chapters! I admired Martha's bravery and determination to stand trial. It wasn’t easy for her to be there unless her husband was present. I despised how she was treated; I hated how women were treated back then. I felt for all the women during that time. I found myself praying that some justice would be achieved for the women. 

I adore mysteries and historical fiction; The Frozen River was the most original historical fiction mystery I have ever read, while it wasn't the first. I wanted to know how the man ended up in the river and why he was killed. Like Martha, I had a suspicion as to why he was killed, but I was also interested in learning who did it. There were a few people I was certain had killed him, but they turned out to be incorrect. I loved how the book kept me wondering until almost the end. The last person I thought about being involved in it was the real "murderer." I loved that I was constantly on the edge of my seat. 

Even though Martha's journal entries were occasionally difficult to read, I adored them. One of my favorite parts was the author's note at the end. I see why Frozen River received such high marks. I thought the book was too long, but overall, I couldn't put it down, and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it. Frozen River was the 3rd book that I read by Ariel Lawhon, and so far, my favorite.

The Summer We Started Over.

 

★★★★

Two sisters reconnect and pursue their dreams on the beautiful island of Nantucket, overcoming life’s challenges and finding new love, in this heartwarming and hopeful novel by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer. 

Eddie Grant is happy with her life and her work as a personal assistant to Dinah Lavender, one of the most famous and renowned romance authors in the business. But being a spectator to notoriety and glamour isn’t as fulfilling as she once thought. Thankfully, Eddie has the perfect excuse for a vacation: Her hardworking younger sister, Barrett, is opening her gift shop on Memorial Day weekend, and could use all the help she can get. 

But going home to the beautiful island of Nantucket means facing the family’s difficult past. Shortly after the death of Eddie and Barrett’s brother, their mother left them and their father made the spontaneous decision to buy a small farm. Eddie stayed there for only a year before her family’s grief threatened to consume her as well, and had been living in Manhattan ever since. Now that she is back, Eddie must face all she left behind: her father’s increased eccentricities, which has led to a house bursting at the seams with books; her sister’s resentment over Eddie’s escape; and a past love connection, one that is still undeniable and complicated, all these years later. But the Grant sisters are nothing if not resilient and capable, opening a used bookstore in their father’s abandoned barn to manage his hoarding, and navigating the discovery of a long-buried family secret that will change all of them forever. 

 

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A delightful story about family. 

At first, I wasn't sure what to think of this book; it moved slowly. Several parts of the book were repeating themselves. I am glad I decided to give the book more of a chance. I have enjoyed reading books about friendships and family for as long as I can remember, perhaps because they brought back memories of my friends and family. I adored Eddie and Barrett's friendship; they were so close and always had each other's back no matter what happened. I don't have a sister, but it reminded me of my friends, who I consider my sisters. I loved how protective they were of their father and how much they tried to help him, however gently. He's fortunate to have daughters like Eddie and Barrett. 

I disagreed with how Barrett handled her relationships, particularly with Drew. I liked him when we were first introduced to him, but then I saw him for who he was. I didn't like how he treated Barrett; honestly, I didn't think he cared about him, but I just saw her as a summer fling, or so I assumed. Through the book, I hoped Barrett would know he wasn’t the guy she should be with. Although Dinah's "stalker" plotline was unexpected, I didn't enjoy how it developed; it didn't seem realistic. 

I loved that the story was set on Nantucket. I'd read books set on Nantucket before but by a different author. Now that I've read several books on Nantucket, I want to go there myself. Eddie's concern for everyone she cared about, including Dinah, touched me deeply. Eddie is the type of person I would like to have as a friend. The Summer We Started Over was the first novel I read by Nancy Thayer , and it won't be the last. After finishing her book, I look forward to reading more of her work.

The Third Gilmore Girl.

 

★★★★

 

 

Kelly Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing. But it is probably her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy. 

Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future with The Third Gilmore Girl. She shares some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she’s learned on her journey. From her early transition from dance to drama, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to the losses and achievements she experienced—among them marching for women’s rights and losing her second husband to cancer—Bishop offers a rich, genuine celebration of her life. 

 

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Gilmore Girls was my all-time favorite show for many years. I couldn't get enough of it, and at one point, I even had every season on DVD. I had a conflicting relationship with Emily in the show due to how she treated her daughter. However, I have always respected Kelly Bishop for her outstanding performance in that role. I don't think things would have been the same if someone else had been selected. When I learned that Kelly Bishop was publishing a memoir, I listened to the audiobook as the actress narrated. Bishop brought the story to life. I'm pleased I chose to listen to it; I couldn't stop listening because I wanted to know what would happen next. 

I knew a few things about Kelly Bishop, but I had no idea she was a dancer until I listened to the book. Her career could have taken a different path without her mother's encouragement to pursue ballet. I had no idea her real name wasn't 'Kelly,' but I can understand why she changed it. I admired Bishop's commitment to her job and dance; no matter what occurred or she had been through, she never gave up on her dreams. 

Most of all, I loved her commitment to her husband, Lee. What the two of them had was pure love. I was delighted she found someone who loved and supported her. Overall, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, and Kelly narrated it, which made it much more fun. I recommend this book to any Gilmore Girls fan.

The Perfect Couple (Nantucket,#3)

 

 

★★★★★

It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer-the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate. 

But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect. 

 

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Mysterious. 

Given how long I've been reading Elin Hilderbrand books, I shouldn't be surprised. Nonetheless, practically every book she's written has surprised me. I bought The Perfect Couple long before there was talk of a TV show. I chose to read the book before seeing the show, and I'm pleased. I loved the storyline, most of the characters, and the writing style. I couldn’t stop reading. I liked how the writing was written from many characters' points of view, allowing the reader to come to know each character better. Celeste's point of view when she first met Benji intrigued me. I didn't like him immediately and thought Celeste didn't love him as much as he loved her. I wanted to know if the wedding will take place. 

Greer, the Groom's mother, was someone about whom I had skeptical thoughts. I didn't always like her and suspected she was hiding something. Sometimes, when I saw how she treated Celeste and her parents, I adored her and realized she had nothing to do with it. I kept going back and forth over her character. Meritt was another complex character, and despite her actions, she did not deserve what happened to her. I hoped that they would figure out what had happened. 

I enjoyed the mystery itself. While reading The Perfect Couple , I could envision everything and was on the edge of my seat. I thought I had discovered what had happened several times, but my theories were wrong. These are my favorite mysteries in which you don't know the answer until the end. This is the best novel I have ever read by Elin Hilderbrand, and I highly suggest it. I'm eager to see the TV series and hope it lives up to the book.

The Pumpkin Spice Café(Dream Harbor, #1)

 

 

 ★★★

3.5 ★

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. 

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. 

Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes… 

The Pumpkin Spice Café is a cozy romantic mystery for fans of Gilmore Girls, with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed! 

 

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I had no idea what to expect from this book. Even though it was a well-known book, I was unaware of it until it was chosen as the book of the month for my book club. I'm glad it did, and I'm glad I decided to try this book. It took me a few chapters to get into the plot, and Jeanie initially bothered me, mainly because of how she acted. The story lagged, and I worried whether it would end up being DNF books for me, but I continued reading, and I'm glad I did because as the story picked up, I couldn't get enough of it, and Jeanie ended up being one of my favorite characters. It’s one of those times that I am glad I kept reading. 

The Pumpkin Spice Café was a lovely story, and I believe the mystery surrounding who was messing with the Café kept me reading. Though I knew who it was before it, the truth was recovered. I enjoyed the story with Jeanie and Logan, albeit I believe their relationship progressed too quickly. The two of them met, and before you could blink, they were together, which didn't seem realistic to me. I knew how they felt about each other, but sometimes, I thought they were trying to figure out why they shouldn't be together. They were unwilling to accept that they were in love with one other. I was waiting for them to admit it, finally. I was rooting for them throughout the whole book. 

I loved how most of the town accepted Jeanie. I understand how difficult it is to move to a new city and start over. I loved how Jeanie was able to make new friends. Overall, I loved reading this book. I'm eager to read Hazel's narrative, another character I enjoyed in The Cinnamon Bun Book Store , and I'm also keen to see if Logan and Jeanie will make an appearance.

Happy Place.

 

★★★★★

 

A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends.

Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t. 

They broke up five months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends. 

Which is how they find themselves sharing a bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blissful week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most. 

Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week… in front of those who know you best? 

 

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Heart wrecking. 

Don't let the title deceive you. When I first started listening to this book, I figured based on the title that it would be a sweet, happy romantic story. I should've known. Happy Place is anything but that. There are a few happy moments throughout the novel, but not in the way that I expected. I listened to the audiobook for hours last night because I couldn't find a decent spot to stop, and I had to know what would happen to Wyn and Harriet—as well as to Parth, Kimmy, Sabrina, and Cleo. I simply couldn't get enough of their stories. Naturally, a part of me was terrified of how the story would end. The only reason it took me so long to read was because it was an audiobook, which takes longer to finish than reading a book. I'm pleased I listened to the audiobook; it brought the story to life for me. 

Julie Wheelan was one of the best narrators I've listened to. This was the second book I listened to by her, and she has quickly become one of my favorites. Wheelan captures each character and their emotions exactly as I see them, which is perhaps why I ended up crying several times while listening to this book. I especially loved how she represented Wyn and Harriet, making their interactions and relationship feel more real, and I could see it happening as I listened to the book. It was hard to not fall in love with Wyn and Harriet; at least for me. There was something unique about the two of them, and I couldn't help but root for them. There were also moments when they would frustrate me, and I wished they would finally grasp that the two of them belonged together. 

I could write about Wyn and Harriet for a whole page. Over the years, I've read about a few couples that have made me fall in love. But there's something unique about Wyn and Harriet; I can't stop thinking about them. Another great aspect of the book was the relationship between Wyn, Parth, Sabrina, Cleo, Kimmie, and Harriet. Whatever happens, they are always there for one another. It made me think and miss my best friends, who don't live close by.It is the friendship that will last for years to come.
I've read a few books by Emily Henry, but Happy Place is my favorite so far. I would recommend this book to any romance fan. I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobook; it will be an unforgettable experience!