The Lost Book Of Bonn.

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher: William Morrow for providing me with an  ARC in exchange for an honest  review

 

 

RELEASE DATE: 03/19/2024.

 

 

 

Germany, 1946: Emmy Clarke is a librarian not a soldier. But that doesn’t stop the Library of Congress from sending her overseas to Germany to help the Monuments Men retrieve and catalog precious literature that was plundered by the Nazis. The Offenbach Archival Depot and its work may get less attention than returning art to its rightful owners, but for Emmy, who sees the personalized messages on the inside of the books and the notes in margins of pages, it feels just as important. On Emmy’s first day at work, she finds a poetry collection by Rainer Maria Rilke, and on the title page is a handwritten “To Annelise, my brave Edelweiss Pirate.” Emmy is instantly intrigued by the story behind the dedication and becomes determined to figure out what happened. The hunt for the rightful owner of the book leads Emmy to two sisters, a horrific betrayal, and an extraordinary protest against the Nazis that was held in Berlin at the height of the war. 

Nearly a decade earlier, hundreds of brave women gathered in the streets after their Jewish husbands were detained by the Gestapo. Through freezing rain and RAF bombings, the women faced down certain death and did what so few others dared to do under the Third Reich. They said no. Emmy grapples with her own ghosts as she begins to wonder if she’s just chasing two more. What she finds instead is a powerful story of love, forgiveness, and courage that brings light to even the darkest of postwar days. 

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Intriguing, Mysterious. 

My favorite historical fiction is set during World War II. I'm not sure what it is about that time period, but I've read several books set during World War II, and they've all captivated me. Of course, it's a plus if the story includes books; how can you not enjoy a story about books? The title and cover of The Lost Book Of Bonn piqued my interest when I discovered it on Netgalley. The cover is breathtaking, and I wonder what the woman in the picture is thinking about. After reading the book's summary, I was even more captivated by the story. I knew I'd fall in love with the story before I even began reading it. It didn't take long; I was engrossed in the story from the first page. There were a few slow parts in the story, mostly when the characters were introduced, but once it got going, I couldn't get enough, and every page left me wondering what would happen next. 

I like how the story was told in different timelines, from different points in the war. Annelise's story takes place at the beginning of the war, whereas Christina's takes place in the middle of it. Christina changed so much from the start of the war to the middle of the war that she appeared to be a completely different person. I wasn't sure about Christina when she was described through Annelise's eyes, but when I read it from Christina's perspective, it was a whole different story. I couldn't help but wonder if the two sisters would ever be reunited, and what would happen if they were. Emmy’s story on the other hand, it connects the other two stories and that’s one of my favorite’s parts in the book. I think if I was in her position, I would be curious too, and wonder what happened to them. 

The Lost Book Of Bonn is not always an easy book to read, but it's a book you'll never forget. There is more I could say about this book, but I don't want to give too much away before it comes out. This is an important book to read and a source of inspiration. I'm glad I got to read it before it was released. Now I'm looking forward to seeing what other adventures the author will take us on.

The Mystery Guest (Molly The Maid, #2)

 

 

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Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor. 

When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems? 

As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery post-haste. If there's one thing Molly knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don't stay buried forever...

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Delightful. 

After the release of the second book, I read The Maid again because I really enjoyed it. All the murder mysteries I have read over the years have not measured up to this one. I had no idea there would be a sequel to the first book, but I'm glad there was one. It makes me wonder if there might be a third book. I didn't know what to expect from The Mystery Guest , but I had a feeling that I was going to enjoy it, and I should've guessed that I would fall in love with it. It's not often that I enjoy the second book more than the first, but that's what happened with The Mystery Guests . Every page left me wanting more and wondering who killed J.D Grimethorpe and why. I, like everyone else, was curious about the big announcement. Throughout the book, I wondered if the murderer was the only one who understood the reason for the announcement. 

I loved the Before that was added to the story: when Molly first met J.D Grimthorpe. It also allowed us to get to know Molly as a child. I was curious if Molly always acted a certain way. I adored those two stories because it felt like I was reading two separate stories, and I couldn't get enough of either. I had an idea who the killer might be, but I was no closer this time. I disliked J.D Grimethorpe from the moment he met Molly; it was just the way he acted, and I was curious if he treated everyone the same way. I was curious if that was why someone decided to kill him; they'd had enough. I loved how Molly was able to piece together all of the clues, and I hope she will consider Detective Stark's offer. I couldn't get enough of this book; another one that I couldn't put down. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries.

Dreamland.

 

 

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Colby Mills once felt destined for a musical career, until tragedy grounded his aspirations. Now the head of a small family farm in North Carolina, he spontaneously takes a gig playing at a bar in St. Pete’s Beach, Florida, seeking a rare break from his duties at home. 

But when he meets Morgan Lee, his world is turned upside-down, making him wonder if the responsibilities he has shouldered need dictate his life forever. The daughter of affluent Chicago doctors, Morgan has graduated from a prestigious college music program with the ambition to move to Nashville and become a star. Romantically and musically, she and Colby complete each other in a way that neither has ever known. 

While they are falling headlong in love, Beverly is on a heart-pounding journey of another kind. Fleeing an abusive husband with her six-year-old son, she is trying to piece together a life for them in a small town far off the beaten track. With money running out and danger seemingly around every corner, she makes a desperate decision that will rewrite everything she knows to be true. 

In the course of a single unforgettable week, two young people will navigate the exhilarating heights and heartbreak of first love. Hundreds of miles away, Beverly will put her love for her young son to the test. And fate will draw all three people together in a web of life-altering connections . . . forcing each to wonder whether the dream of a better life can ever survive the weight of the past. 

 

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Since I was 17 years old, I have been reading Nicholas Sparks' books, so I shouldn't be surprised by them anymore. But every time, he manages to catch me off guard. My list of books to read has included Dreamland ever since it was released. This month's book selection for my book club was Dreamland, and I'm so happy that I've finally had a chance to read it. I had to take my time reading because I didn't want to finish it too quickly. Because Dreamland was told from both Colby and Beverley's points of view, it seemed like I was reading two separate stories. I was curious to know if there was a connection between the two stories, as his books usually have one. I couldn't help but wonder if Beverley and Colby would cross paths. Or if he manages to save Beverley in some way? The questions we couldn't help but ask during our weekly book club discussions. I adore that there was a sense of mystery included in Dreamland. 

 
The book had great perspectives from both Colby and Beverley, but I thought Colby's was easier to read and more fascinating than Beverley's. The mystery surrounding Beverley's story developed throughout the narrative, becoming even more intriguing. I questioned whether Beverley and her son would be able to get away from her husband or if he would eventually track them down. If he did find them, I couldn't imagine the consequences. I was terrified for them both and realized that I was experiencing the same anxiety as Beverely. The plot of Colton's story was lighter and more romantic in nature. Its musical element was another thing I adored about it; I always find myself drawn to books with musical elements. I could not help but wonder how the two stories would be related. 

The connection between Morgan and Colby was obvious. There didn't seem to be much development between the two of them meeting and falling in love, in my opinion, even though I could tell they fell in love quickly. I firmly think that their shared passion for music is what first drew them together. Though I was cheering for the two of them, I couldn't help but wonder if their relationship would survive. I find myself thinking about that ending nonstop. I found myself going back to read it after the first time to make sure I understood it correctly. That, I believe, is the most surprising turn of events I have ever read in any of his books. My all-time favorite romance writer is Nicholas Sparks for a reason. I can't wait to see what journey he has in store for us.

The Maid (Molly The Maid, #1)

 

 

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 CONTAINS SPOILERS

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by. 

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection. 

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late? 

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Mysterious. Intriguing. 

I'd heard about The Maid for a while and wanted to read it immediately, but I was on a hold list for several months. Although this book received mixed reviews, I decided to read it anyway. I'm glad I finally got the chance to read the book. I loved this book and couldn't get enough of the story. Of course, I was curious about who killed Mr. Black, if it was someone from the hotel, and whether Molly was protecting them. I can't imagine finding someone dead in a hotel while cleaning and being accused of a crime. I knew Molly was innocent and was only trying to assist a friend in need when she was charged with murder. I was suspicious of how she was arrested; Rodney was the person she called after getting the gun, and she was arrested shortly after for drug possession and traces on her maid's cart. I had a strong suspicion Rodney was to blame for her arrest. I suspected Rodney was up to something when he asked for her assistance assisting his friend, but I was wary of how he asked. Something was wrong with Rodney. I was hoping Molly would see Rodney for who he really was. 

I couldn't help falling in love with Molly. She has difficulty communicating with others and does not always act like others, and as a result, others appear to treat her with disrespect. I don't think that is fair to her. I admire Molly's dedication to her job; she clearly enjoys cleaning. There aren't many maids who genuinely enjoy their jobs. She does an excellent job cleaning the room, ensuring that it is sparkling clean for the next guest who stays there. When I stay in hotels, I rarely see rooms like this. I'm glad she became friends with Giselle; she needed a friend who accepted her for who she was. The two of them looked out for each other, and I believe they will be friends for many years. 

The reveal near the end of the book caught me off guard. I can understand why she did it, though. I can't think of anything I didn't enjoy about this book. If I didn't have to study and work, I would have finished it sooner. It's difficult to believe that The Maid was the author's first novel. I am confident that this will be one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

Llama Llama: Gram and Grandpa.

 

 

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It’s an exciting day for Llama Llama; he’s going to visit Gram and Grandpa Llama and spend the night! His first night away from home….and from Mama. But he makes sure to pack everything he needs. And there are so many fun things to do with Gram and Grandpa. It’s not until he gets ready for bed that he realizes that he’s forgotten something important. Fuzzy Llama! Fortunately, Grandpa Llama has a wonderful solution and soon Llama Llama is having sweet dreams.

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  I didn't know about the Llama Llama series until I started working as a teaching assistant in 2012. I adore this series! I believe this is a series that teaches children a wide range of skills. I am a substitute teacher at a private school, and I read Llama Llama gram and grandpa during circle time in PreK last week. This is one of my favorites in the series because it teaches children about so many different topics. Not only does it teach the children, but I believe it also has one of the best illustrations; it is simple for children to follow along with the story, especially if they cannot yet read. These books seem to speak directly to children; whenever I read them, they become excited.

The Shift.

 

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In a book as eye-opening as it is riveting, practicing nurse and New York Times columnist Theresa Brown invites us to experience not just a day in the life of a nurse but all the life that happens in just one day on a hospital’s cancer ward. In the span of twelve hours, lives can be lost, life-altering medical treatment decisions made, and dreams fulfilled or irrevocably stolen. In Brown’s skilled hands--as both a dedicated nurse and an insightful chronicler of events--we are given an unprecedented view into the individual struggles as well as the larger truths about medicine in this country, and by shift’s end, we have witnessed something profound about hope and healing and humanity.  

Every day, Theresa Brown holds patients' lives in her hands. On this day there are four. There is Mr. Hampton, a patient with lymphoma to whom Brown is charged with administering a powerful drug that could cure him--or kill him; Sheila, who may have been dangerously misdiagnosed; Candace, a returning patient who arrives (perhaps advisedly) with her own disinfectant wipes, cleansing rituals, and demands; and Dorothy, who after six weeks in the hospital may finally go home. Prioritizing and ministering to their needs takes the kind of skill, sensitivity, and, yes, humor that enable a nurse to be a patient’s most ardent advocate in a medical system marked by heartbreaking dysfunction as well as miraculous success. 

 

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I've always been a massive fan of medical books. I enjoy anything medical, and I have seen many medical TV shows. Perhaps was because I was considering becoming a nurse that drew me to this book. The Shift was unlike the memoirs that I usually read. This book drew me in from the beginning, and once I finished it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was curious what would happen during Theresa's next shift. I couldn't imagine what it must be like to work as an RN in a cancer unit. I believe it would be the one place I couldn't handle. I enjoyed reading about how an RN shift at the hospital goes, and I found myself identifying with Theresa, her patients, and all the emotions. 

I felt so many emotions while reading. There were parts that were difficult to read, but I couldn't put the book down. I'm not a nurse, but when I was in PTA school, I learned about some of the diseases/disorders, which made it easier for me to follow along with Theresa as she described a disease. I can't imagine dealing with three patients at once, which is why I've always thought of nurses as heroes. I loved how no matter how the patients behaved or treated her; she was always present and made them feel as at ease as possible. I know if it were me, I would never be able to get the patients off my mind. 

The Shift is not a book you'll easily forget. I simply couldn't. Now I'm curious about her other books. I would strongly recommend this to any medical fanatics out there.

The Quarry Girls.

 

 

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 CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

Minnesota, 1977. For the teens of one close-knit community, summer means late-night swimming parties at the quarry, the county fair, and venturing into the tunnels beneath the city. But for two best friends, it’s not all fun and games. 

Heather and Brenda have a secret. Something they saw in the dark. Something they can’t forget. They’ve decided to never tell a soul. But their vow is tested when their friend disappears—the second girl to vanish in a week. And yet the authorities are reluctant to investigate. 

Heather is terrified that the missing girls are connected to what she and Brenda stumbled upon that night. Desperately searching for answers on her own, she learns that no one in her community is who they seem to be. Not the police, not the boys she met at the quarry, not even her parents. But she can’t stop digging because she knows those girls are in danger.
She also knows she’s next. 

 

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Haunting. I find thrillers based on true crime fascinating. I anticipated that The Quarry Girls would be an intense story to read, but I didn't realize how much. Some parts became difficult for me to read. I ‘ve read a few thrillers through the years, but none of them as intense as this one. I had a bad feeling since Beth went missing, and after a few chapters, I began to wonder if they'd find her before it was too late. I had the impression that the police were unconcerned about her situation. It wasn't until the others went missing that they began to suspect that there was someone out there stalking the girls. However, I had the impression that they were not taking it seriously enough, and that there was something they were hiding. 

The Quarry Girls is not a light read. I felt every single description and emotion that Heather and Beth were thinking about. I thought it was unique that they included Heather and Beth's points of view in the story. Beth's point of view was the most difficult to read; at times, I felt as if I had transformed into the story, experiencing all her fear. I was beginning to wonder if she'd make it out alive. I was intrigued to see how Heather and her friends might find Beth and rescue her, and I couldn't help but wonder how their stories might intersect. 

That ending. I can't begin to express how I felt about it. The Quarry Girls was one of those books that just when you think you've figured it out, another twist makes you reconsider everything. This is the book that I wish I had read sooner than I did. I found it interesting that the author mentioned and discussed actual serial killers from that time period, making the story more realistic. I would strongly recommend this book to any thriller fan.

The Princess Of Las Vegas.

 

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 Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an  ARC in exchange for an honest  review

 

 

RELEASE DATE: 03/26/2024.

 

 

THE PRINCESS IS FAKE. THE MURDERS ARE REAL • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant and The Lioness, a Princess Diana impersonator and her estranged sister find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of money and murder in this twisting tale of organized crime, cryptocurrency, and family secrets on the Las Vegas strip. 

 

Crissy Dowling has created a world that suits her perfectly. She passes her days by the pool in a private cabana, she splurges on ice cream but never gains an ounce, and each evening, she transforms into a Princess, performing her musical cabaret inspired by the life of the late Diana Spencer. Some might find her strange or even delusional, an American speaking with a British accent, hair feathered into a style thirty years old, living and working in a casino that has become a dated trash heap. On top of that, Crissy’s daily diet of Adderall and Valium leaves her more than a little tipsy, her Senator boyfriend has gone back to his wife, and her entire career rests on resembling a dead woman. And yet, fans see her for the gifted chameleon she is, showering her with gifts, letters, and standing ovations night after night. 

 

But when Crissy’s sister, Betsy, arrives in town with a new boyfriend and a teenage daughter, and when Richie Morley, the owner of the Buckingham Palace Casino, is savagely murdered, Crissy’s carefully constructed kingdom comes crashing down all around her. A riveting tale of identity, obsession, fintech, and high-tech mobsters, The Princess of Las Vegas is an addictive, wildly original thriller from one of our most extraordinary storytellers. 

 

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 I always find historical fiction with a mystery twist fascinating, so when I came across The Princess of Las Vegas on NetGalley, I couldn't resist checking it out. What made it even more appealing was that the author is someone whose work I admire; I had previously read and loved The Flight Attendant I should have known that I would fall in love with this story. I enjoyed reading the story from both sisters' points of view, which allowed me to understand each character better. I particularly enjoyed reading about Crissy and Betsy's stories, and how they came together once, Betsy came to live in Las Vegas. Crissy's storyline grabbed my attention more than Betsy's, although Betsy's story improved once she moved to Las Vegas. I was completely engrossed in the book and couldn't put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. 

I loved reading the story that was set in Las Vegas. Since I have previously lived in Kingman, Arizona and visited Vegas a few times, I was able to easily visualize everything in my mind. The complicated history between the two sisters, Crissy, and Betsy, made me curious about Crissy's reaction to Betsy's decision to move to Las Vegas. I was also intrigued to know if the sisters could bury the hatchet and reconcile their differences. However, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened with their mother that caused Crissy to hold a grudge against her sister. I wondered if there was more to the story that had led to the conflict between the two sisters. As soon as the mysterious deaths began to occur, I became engrossed in the story and had to force myself to put the book down. 

I enjoyed reading about Betsy's 13-year-old adopted daughter, Marissa, in the book. The background information that was revealed about her between the chapters was very interesting. I also wondered if Marissa would realize what was happening before anyone else did. Though there is much more that I could say about this book, I don't want to reveal too much before it's released. I would highly recommend this book, especially to fans of historical fiction and suspense.