It Ends With Us(It Ends With Us, #1)

 

 

★★★★

CONTAINS SPOILERS

Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most. 

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up — she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true. 

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place. 

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan — her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened. 

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I've been hearing about this book for years. My friends kept talking about it, and I read numerous reviews about this book. I can see what the fuss is about. It Ends With Us is a book you won't forget. I finished it this morning and still can't get the story out of my head. This book sometimes ripped my heart into a million pieces, but I found it difficult to put it down. I was curious to know what would happen, and throughout the novel, I prayed for Lily's happy ending. There were times when I tried to make Lily realize that Ryle was not the same person when she met him and that things would only get worse if she didn’t do anything. 

I despised Ryle. There were times when he was an excellent partner, but it didn't excuse his actions. I had a friend who was in an abusive relationship, and those were their only excuses, but it didn't stop them from doing it again. I had a feeling that there was something wrong with Ryle, solely based on how he acted on the roof and how angry he was when introduced in the book. Like Lily, I ignored it, especially after seeing how sweet he was with her when they first started dating. This is the first book I read when I didn’t want the couple to end up together. 

I loved Lily's letters to Ellen; they were my favorite part of the novel. There were so many emotions there, and I felt every one of them. I was curious by the book's title, It Ends With Us . As I read Lily's story, I realized why. It Ends With Us was my third novel by Coleen Hoover , and I loved the story itself, but it wasn't my favorite. Now that I've read the book, I can't wait to see the movie in August. I am also excited to read the rest of her works.

Daughter Of No Worlds (The War Of Lost Hearts,#1)

 

 

 ★★★★

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates. 

Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.
Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders. 

The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both. 

But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.
Even if it means wielding death itself. 

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 Wow. 

I don't know where even to start. It was not what I expected this book to be. I had no idea about Daughter of No Worlds until a friend in my book group suggested it. I've read numerous fantasy books throughout the years, but nothing like this one. The only thing I regret is not picking up this book earlier. So much happened in Daughter Of No Worlds , making me anticipate picking up the next book in the series, to see what will happen next. Tissaaanah's character growth was one of the best I've seen in a novel in quite some time. Despite going through so much, she remained committed to her cause. I admired her fierceness and her refusal to take no for an answer. 

The story took a while to get going. It took me a few chapters to get into the book; it dragged on at the beginning. I'm glad I gave a book a try and continued to read. Once the novel picked up, I was hooked on the story and the characters, particularly Tisaaanah and Max. My favorite scenes involved the two of them. It's not how I've always felt; at first, I disliked Tisaaanah; she appeared to irritate me. I felt sorry for her because of what had happened to her, but I disliked something about her. As the book continued, my dislike of Tisaaanah lessened, and she became one of my favorite characters. 

The characters and storyline were not the only things I enjoyed about the novel. I adore the cover; even if I hadn't been recommended, I would have read it based only on its appearance. I liked how Max and Tisaanah's relationship took time to grow, partly to their reluctance to express how they felt about each other. It felt more realistic to me that way. I am excited to see what happens between the two of them next. 

I'm happy that Daughter Of No Worlds was chosen for this month's book club pick. I suggest this to any fantasy fan. This novel will have you on the edge of your seat, and you'll be talking about it long after you've finished it.

Becoming Madam Secretary.

 

 

 ★★★★

Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference. 

When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love. 

But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House. 

Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation. 

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Becoming Madam Secretary is a book you won't forget. I've wanted to read this book since I found out Stephanie Dray is writing a new book. I would have read it sooner if my library didn’t have a long waitlist. At a book festival a few months back, I met Stephanie Dray , who had a panel discussion about Becoming Madam Secretary, so I got some information about Frances Perkins. Before that, I had no idea who Frances Perkins was or what she had accomplished. After reading the book, I felt I had learned much about her. After finishing the novel, I did my research on Frances Perkins because I couldn't stop myself from being intrigued. 

This is unlike the historical fiction I read previously, which I loved about this book. I could tell how much research went into this book. Stephanie Dray did an outstanding job. I enjoyed reading about Frances Perkins' life and felt transported to her world as I read. Frances is a strong woman who will not give up on what she believes in. I adored her friendship with Mary, who supported Frances in many things Frances accomplished and cheered her on. It could be me, but I thought she wouldn't have gone as far as she did if it wasn't for Mary since when Frances had concerns, Mary pushed her to go for it. Everyone needs a friend like Mary. 

I never anticipated Frances would appreciate Franklin Roosevelt or end up working for him. When the two of them first met. When the two of them just met, I felt she wanted nothing to do with him. Besides Frances Perkins, of all the characters, Franklin Roosevelt changed the most; it was as if he became an entirely different person. I couldn't stop reading this book, and a part of me didn't want the story to end. I suggest this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Where Butterflies Wander.

 

 

 ★★★★★

After a tragic accident claims the life of one of her children, Marie Egide is desperate to carve out a fresh start for her family. With her husband and their three surviving children, Marie travels to New Hampshire, where she plans to sell a family estate and then, just maybe, they’ll be able to heal from their grief. 

Marie’s plans are thwarted when she realizes a war veteran known by locals as “the river witch” is living in a cabin on the property, which she claims was a gift from Marie’s grandfather. If Davina refuses to move on, Marie won’t be able to either. 

The two women clash, and battle lines are drawn within Marie’s family and the town as each side fights for what they believe is right, the tension rising until it reaches its breaking point. And the choice is no longer theirs when a force bigger than them all—fate—takes control.

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 I listened to this book and am glad that I did. I liked how each of the characters had a narrator, which allowed to bring the story to life. I could imagine myself doing everything the Egide family did, and there were several times when my heart broke for them. I liked how the point of view showcased each family member, giving readers more insight into each character. My favorite characters in the book were Hannan, Penelope, and Davina. For some reason, I enjoyed hearing their point of view the most. Davina was the unique character in the book, which has always been my favorite to read about. 

Until nearly the very end of the novel, I did not like Marie. She was mourning, I know, but so was everyone else, and that didn't give her the right to mistreat Davina. That didn't stop Hannah and Pen from becoming close to Davina, though. There was something about Davina that the children instantly connected with her, except Brandon. That’s another character I didn't identify with, but I understood why he acted the way he did. 

It was a powerful, emotional book. I recommend listening to Where Butterflies Wander if you like audiobooks. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the plot and characters to life. I'm eager to read the rest of the author's novels.

The Only One Left.

 

 

★★★★

At seventeen, Lenora Hope Hung her sister with a rope
Now reduced to a schoolyard chant, the Hope family murders shocked the Maine coast one bloody night in 1929. While most people assume seventeen-year-old Lenora was responsible, the police were never able to prove it. Other than her denial after the killings, she has never spoken publicly about that night, nor has she set foot outside Hope’s End, the cliffside mansion where the massacre occurred.

 
Stabbed her father with a knife 

Took her mother’s happy life
It’s now 1983, and home-health aide Kit McDeere arrives at a decaying Hope’s End to care for Lenora after her previous nurse fled in the middle of the night. In her seventies and confined to a wheelchair, Lenora was rendered mute by a series of strokes and can only communicate with Kit by tapping out sentences on an old typewriter. One night, Lenora uses it to make a tantalizing offer—I want to tell you everything. 

 
“It wasn’t me,” Lenora said 

But she’s the only one not dead
As Kit helps Lenora write about the events leading to the Hope family massacre, it becomes clear there’s more to the tale than people know. But when new details about her predecessor’s departure come to light, Kit starts to suspect Lenora might not be telling the complete truth—and that the seemingly harmless woman in her care could be far more dangerous than she first thought. 

 

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 Haunting. 

I should have seen this coming. I've heard about Riley Sager for a while and should have read his books sooner. I am glad I checked one of his books at the library. I’m happy that The Only One Left is the book I decided to check out; I’m unsure if I can even begin explaining my thoughts on this book. The Only One Left combines everything I enjoy about thrillers and mystery novels. Like Kit, I was curious about whether Lenora murdered her family and why. Kit was brave; if I were in her situation, I wouldn’t have lasted as she did, especially if I didn’t believe Lenora was innocent. I couldn’t help but wonder about Kit’s motivation for staying and why she wanted to know the truth. Like Kit, I was intrigued by Lenora’s story and needed to know what happened that night. 

I loved the bond that Lenora formed while Kit cared for her. She wanted to know her story because part of Kit thought Lenora was innocent. There were a few twists in the book that I had anticipated ahead of time, but I didn’t see most of them coming, especially the ending. I still can’t get that ending out of my mind; it’s not something I’d ever guess. Even though I loved the ending, I felt the book took too long to get there. I spent hours reading this book and sometimes had to force myself to put it down. 

Out of all the characters in the book, Kit was my favorite. I loved how determined she was and how much she cared for Lenora even though she pretended not to; I know she did. Kit had the most character development among all characters in the book. The emotions in this book were so real; I felt as if I was going through everything myself. Now that I’ve read one of his books, I can’t wait to read the others. I am excited to see what he has in store for us next.