From my little corner on the web.
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Monthly Archives: December 2019
A Year in Review
2019
This is my journey in books for 2019!
I read 21,893 pages across 74 books
I open my good reads and this was what I seen. Wow that’s a lot of reading. I think next years reading challenge I need to up it. How did you do on you Goodread challenge this year? Did you meet your goal? Happy Holidays.
Saturday Review
Well here it is Saturday and time for another review, I have 3 more to do, and I am hoping to get them down by the end of the year and a few books that I would love to finish for the year, and I have a few that I have ready to start reading in 2020. Wow just thinking about 2020 is a little weird, where did 2019 go. And now for my review of…….
The instant New York Times Bestseller (January 2018)!
“A fiendishly smart cat-and-mouse thriller” —New York Times Book Review
“Buckle up, because you won’t be able to put this one down.” —Glamour
“Jaw dropping. Unforgettable. Shocking.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The best domestic suspense novel since Gone Girl.” —In Touch Weekly
When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.
Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen’s The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage – and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
Read between the lies.
- File Size:4350 KB
- Print Length:416 pages
- Publisher: Martin’s Press (January 9, 2018)
- Publication Date:January 9, 2018
You can purchase it HERE
GREER HENDRICKS is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller The Wife Between Us. Prior to becoming a novelist, she spent over two decades as an editor at Simon & Schuster. She obtained her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Allure, and Publisher’s Weekly. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children.
About Sarah Pekkanen
Sarah Pekkanen is the internationally-bestselling author of THE WIFE BETWEEN US and the upcoming AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, cowritten with Greer Hendricks.
THE WIFE BETWEEN US – an instant New York Times bestseller – is a twisty psychological tale that has been optioned for film by Amblin Entertainment. Sarah and Greer are penning the screenplay for Amblin.
AN ANONMYOUS GIRL is currently in production as a television series by eOne,with Sarah and Greer serving as executive producers.
Sarah is also the author of eight solo novels.
Please find Sarah on Facebook, Instagram and twitter @sarahpekkanen
BIO: Sarah is the mother of three boys, which explains why she wrote part of her debut novel at Chuck E. Cheese. Seriously. Sarah penned her first book, Miscellaneous Tales and Poems, at the age of 10. When publishers failed to jump upon this literary masterpiece (hey, all the poems rhymed!) Sarah followed up by sending them a sternly-worded letter on Raggedy Ann stationery. Sarah still has that letter, and carries it to New York every time she has meetings with her publisher, as a reminder that dreams do come true.
Please visit www.sarahpekkanen.com
My Review:
I am not sure how to review this book. I had to wait a couple of weeks to decide what and how I wanted to review it. The Wife Between Us is advertised as having twists that you won’t see coming. For me, this was partially true. There is a major twist around the midway point of the book that I did see coming, however, I didn’t know how the book was going to end until the final page.
The main characters
Nellie is a young woman living on a shoestring budget in an upper east side apartment with her BFF Samantha. She is about to marry the man of her dreams. Richard is handsome, rich, and so…solicitous. Always wanting to protect her and meet her every need.
There’s Vanessa. She’s seen better days. Her husband Richard left her for a younger woman, and Vanessa is having trouble accepting that. She went from living in a beautiful home and wearing designer clothes to working as a sales clerk and having to wait on the very women she once rubbed elbows with in high society. Vanessa is coping by drinking too much, and appears to be stalking her husband’s new paramour.
This is the first that I have read by these authors and I am sure it won’t be my last. This book was awesome and I had a hard time putting it down. If you want to read a book that will keep you guessing, I highly recommend this one. I am giving it 5 stars.
Happy reading everyone and I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday.
The Drop Plot Man Blog Tour
Hello and welcome to my corner on the web. I can’t believe that December is just about over and a new year will be here shortly. Happy reading everyone.
Blurb
At first glance it appears to be a straightforward shooting accident…
After ten years with the Greater Manchester Police, Detective Inspector Clare Morell thought she’d seen a lot of baffling cases; but newly assigned to deep in the heart of the West Country, she finds herself in an unfamiliar world. There are shepherds and Romanys, who speak in strange tongues; a Lord Byron lookalike army captain and a lethal killer who just might be an ETA trained hit-man. The strange lowland heath in the beat where she now works triggers an old childhood fear and there is the growing sense that her new home is not only disturbing but somehow threatening…
And then… there’s Ellis.
Buy Link
My Review
Thanks to Love Books Tours and the publishers, I was lucky enough to be an early reader of this book, and it felt like a privilege to see it evolve and become the published book it is now.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I hope to read more of #KSaunders books
I thoroughly enjoyed The Drop Pot Man, and I liked the fact that this book leaps straight in the action and had me from the beginning until the end.
Claire Morell is a wonderful protagonist. She’s complex, she’s funny, she’s warm and she’s tough. As a reader I like and respect her and was rooting for her from start to finish. However, she is not perfect – she suffers from poor judgement on occasions. (Don’t we all?), I loved how the team related to Claire.
I love how the author described descriptions of the landscape are beautifully written – in fact the landscape becomes more of a character in the story than just a location.
A very good read.
I highly recommend this book and author, for all that loves a great mystery. Awesome book.
#KeithSaunders
@LoveBooksGroup
First in Flight By: Helen Antrobus and Andrew Simcock – Book Review
About the Book
Emmeline Pankhurst stands proudly in St Peter’s Square, but she stands for so many more…
First in the Fight tells the compelling stories of the twenty women featured on the Our Emmeline statue long-list. Author Helen Antrobus brings to life the achievements of these radical Manchester women alongside beautiful illustrations by the Women in Print collective.
Be part of the legacy of the 20 Manchester women who changed the world.
DESCRIPTION
The women of Greater Manchester have long stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight for equality and social change. The unveiling of the statue of Emmeline Pankhurst in St Peter’s Square, strove to represent the contributions that Manchester women had made not only to the city, but also to the rest of the world.
Sitting alongside stunning illustrations from the ‘Women in Print’ collective, First in the Fight brings to life the stories of a range of inspiring women, from suffragettes, to botanists and mathematicians. The efforts of these pioneering women have shaped the world we live in and have helped pave the way for the voices of the next generation of women to be heard.
Buy Link
https://inostalgia.co.uk/product/first-in-the-fight-pre-order-save-5/
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Helen Antrobus
Helen Antrobus is a social history curator and historian from Salford, specialising in the lives of 20th century political women. As a public historian, she has appeared on TV programmes such as BBC One’s The One Show and Who Do You Think You Are?, Channel 5’s Edwardian Britain in Colour and BBC4’s Britain’s Lost Masterpieces as well as BBC Radio 4’s Ramblins and Great Lives.
Andrew Simcock
Andrew Simcock has been the Labour Councillor for Didsbury East on Manchester City Council since 2011. In 2014 he launched the Womanchester campaigns to erect a statue of a woman of significance to Manchester, which resulted in the installation of sculptor Hazel Reeves’ Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peters Square in Manchester City Centre. The unveiling coincided with the 100th anniversary of some women voting for the first time in a British General Election.
My Review
This is not my usual read, but I really enjoyed learning more about the history in Women’s Right
Perfect reading for anyone and everyone with an interest in the history of women’s rights in all its forms.
Thank you to Kelly at Love Books Group for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour, the promotional material and a free copy of the book. This is my honest and unbiased review. I am giving this 4 Stars.
@inostalgiauk
@LoveBooksGroup
#Thursday
Hello Thursday, its so good of you to stop by. It’s been a long week and only one more day until its Friday, I have been busy with some of my book blog tours and learning that there are more out there to come. I can say I am not ready for Christmas this year, I just finished decorating my house and sending out the Christmas cards. As for shopping I have a few gifts bought. I still have review to write and post, but I thought today I am going to this book tag. And the one I am following is from Lauren. Please see below for the link.
I am always on the hunt for great book tags, and this one is from Lauren at Lala’s Book Reviews. Thanks for sharing it!
Let’s check out what things I would rather do!
Read Only Trilogies or Standalones?
Definitely trilogies! I always need more than one book to feel completely happy!
Read Only Female or Male Authors?
I am not a fan of this question, and therefore will not be answering.
Shop at Barnes & Noble or Amazon?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting books on Amazon, and it’s where a VAST majority of my books come from.
All Books Becomes Movies or TV Shows?
TV shows! I love the CSI ones.
Read Five Pages Per Day or Five Books Per Week?
Five books per week! To be fair, sometimes I actually do this, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Be a Professional Reviewer or Author?
I’d have to go with an Author for this one. Someday I would love to write a book. I guess I better get started.
Only Read Your Top Twenty Favorite Books Over and Over or Always Read New Ones That You Haven’t Read Before?
Oooh, this is easy I love to read new books and I check to see if my favorite author is coming out with a new book, but there are time that I have read one that I read before. Despite that, I will have to go with the new reads option.
Be a Librarian or Bookseller?
A bookseller. That’s basically a librarian but you get to help books find their forever homes!
Only Read Your Favorite Genre or Every Genre except Your Favorite?
Oh, definitely only read my favorite! True Crime and Psychological thriller accounts for like 80% of what I read, so it wouldn’t be terribly difficult for me.
Only Read Physical Books or E-Books?
Physical books for sure! But I forget to return them before the due date and then I have fines to pay. So most of them are eBooks.
I tag:
Anyone who wants to join in!
Leo and The Lightning Dragons By: Gill White
Blurb
Everybody in the kingdom is supporting the brave knight Leo in his battle against his fearsome dragons. They try lots of different things to help him defeat them but eventually Leo realises that the most important thing to do is to believe in himself. This beautifully illustrated book with a poignant and uplifting rhyming story encourages children to persevere and find strength in the face of adversity, even when it seems that nothing is working. Written by Gill White for her son Leo who suffers from Ohtahara Syndrome, an extremely rare form of epilepsy, and beautifully illustrated by Fife artist Gilli B, this story has been positively received by parents of children with complex needs, by care workers and medical staff and by parents of healthy young children who love the book simply as an adventure story. All royalties from the sale of this book will go to CHAS (Children’s Hospices across Scotland).
Buy Link
- Paperback:36 pages
- Publisher:Fledgling Press (30 Jan. 2019)
About the Author
Gill White lives in Fife with her husband Andrew, son Leo and their daft ginger cat, Ollie. After graduating from university, Gill worked in financial services alongside her husband for a number of years before giving up work to care full time for their son Leo, who was born with Ohtahara Syndrome, an extremely rare form of epilepsy. When she is not looking after her son, Gill can most often be found at the beach enjoying the peace and quiet! As well as writing, she enjoys hiking and extremely amateur photography. Leo and the Lightning Dragons is her first book.
My Review:
WOW WOW What a great read. I haven’t read a Children’s books on Physical Disablities. So this is my first and I loved it.
Leo and the Lightning Dragons is an absolutely magical little rhyming story book which is so beautifully illustrated, with an extremely eye-catching cover. Leo and the Lightning Dragons is a truly wonderful picture book. It’s a visual delight, the illustrations are clear and bright in a simplistic manner but are very appealing to the eye.
I love how the Author wrote from the heart. A real message to the young readers that against all odds fight for what is important, believe in yourself. This is definitely a great book and reminder to never give up fighting. 5 stars for sure!
Thank you to Loves Books Group Tours and Publishers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour. and the following:
@FledglingPress
@leolightdragons
@LoveBooksGroup
#Tuesday Chit Chat
Happy Tuesday, where has this year gone. It’s a cloudy day here in the Sunshine state, they are calling for rain today, which we need this time of year. What’s everyone reading, reviewing? I am trying to finish up One Among Us by: Paige Dearth. So far I am loving it. I have several reviews that I would like to get posted before the end of the year. So let me get started on the first review…. And now I have 4 more to write.
The Girl in White: a chilling psychological thriller
Introducing DI Laura Kesey…
Harry Gilmore has no idea of the terrible danger he faces when he meets a beautiful girl in a local student bar. Drugged and abducted, Harry wakes up in a secure wooden compound deep in the Welsh countryside, where he is groomed by the leaders of a manipulative cult, run by the self-proclaimed new messiah, known as The Master.
When the true nature of the cult becomes apparent, Harry looks for any opportunity to escape. But as time passes he questions if the master’s extreme behaviour and teachings are the one true religion.
With Harry’s life hanging by a thread, a team of officers, led by Detective Inspector Laura Kesey, investigate his disappearance. But will they find him before it’s too late?
- File Size:5296 KB
- Print Length:202 pages
- Publisher:Bloodhound Books (September 4, 2019)
- Publication Date:September 4, 2019
You Can Purchase it HERE
Biography
John Nicholl, an ex-police officer, child protection social worker and lecturer, is the award-winning, Amazon # 1 bestselling author of 8 darkly psychological suspense thrillers.
John’s books are set in the UK and have a strong Welsh flavour. He began writing after leaving his job heading up child protection services for Carmarthenshire.
John’s English language books are published by leading independent crime and thriller publisher – Bloodhound Books.
Foreign and audiobook rights are handled by The Rights People. For enquiries please contact Hannah Whitaker hannahw@rightspeople.com
TV and Film rights are handled by Red Hammer Management.
My Review:
My Review
Wow what a wonderful read. I was in between books and thought I would look on Kindle Unlimited for something to read, and this one popped up and I started reading the Blurb about it and I liked what it said, and you guessed it I downloaded it. And started reading it and could not put it down. I had to help them find Harry and learn more about Laura Kesey.
I loved how the author made the characters stand out in this book.
This book was fascinating! The subject of cults and they dynamic inside has always intrigued me and the author does a great job of getting a first look on the inside. It baffles my mind how one person can have so much control over a group of people, literally having them due whatever he sees fit.
Great read and I am giving it 5 stars.
46% Better Than Dave By: Alastair Puddick
Info
A novel of jealousy, muddy shoes and giant barbecues.
Dave Brookman’s new next-door neighbour is ruining his life. Because in a bizarre coincidence, he’s also called Dave Brookman, he’s the same age and he even grew up in the same town. There is one big difference, though. This new Dave is vastly more successful in every way.
As Dave starts questioning everything about himself, suddenly his perfect life seems a lot less than perfect. And what starts as friendly rivalry soon turns into obsessive jealousy and crazy behaviour that could see Dave lose it all. Can he get a grip before it’s too late?
You can purchase it HERE
- File Size:476 KB
- Print Length:244 pages
- Publisher:Raven Crest Books (October 15, 2019)
- Publication Date:October 15, 2019
About Alastair Puddick
Alastair Puddick is a writer and editor who has spent the past 20 years writing for a variety of magazines and websites. His work has spanned many different paths, from jetting off to exciting cities across the world to writing about dating advice, data centres, facilities management and the exciting world of flooring. He also once wrote an agony advice column posing as Elvis Presley’s ghost.
Alastair still works as a copywriter and lives in Sussex with his wife Laura and cat George. He has written three novels: The Unexpected Vacation of George Thring, Killing Dylan and his newest book, 46% Better Than Dave.
My Review:
This is my fist book of this Author. I downloaded to my iPad, and the font was so small that I had a hard time reading it.
This book centers around Dave Bookman and his new neighbors, aptly named Dave Bookman.
There were parts that I felt dragged a bit, at times too many times for my comfort.
The writing itself was good. The story was fine. This just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Loves Books Group Tours and Publishers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour.
Bookmas 2019 Part 2
Hello!
Back with the second post of Bookmas 2019
Again, the creator of Bookmas is Hailey from Hailey in Bookland, and here is her video for today:
Let’s talk about my recent read books. And some of those still waiting to be read.
So I just finished…..
A chilling new psychological thriller from an internationally bestselling author
I was in between books, seen this listed on Kindle Unlimited, I downloaded it wow it was a great read. Review to follow shortly.
You can purchase it HERE
The instant New York Times Bestseller (January 2018)!
This was a great book, it had me questioning myself. Review to follow shortly.
You can purchase it HERE
A Mother’s Lie: A shocking psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist that will keep you up at night
WOW this was an awesome read. Kept me at the edge of my seat. I will be review this soon.
You can purchase it HERE
I heard a lot about this book and there was even a wait at my local library for it. It was good, but not what I was expecting. My over all review of this is only 3 stars. Review to follow.
You can Purchase it HERE
And I have a few that I am hoping to get finished for the month of December, but I am running out of time. Here are the two that I hope to finish.
A kidnapped girl is forced into human sex trafficking
Eleven- year-old Maggie Clarke is abducted from her loving family and thrust into the indescribably horrific and largely unknown underworld of human sex trafficking. In captivity, Maggie’s life turns into a nightmare most children couldn’t imagine. When Maggie isn’t being sold to clients, she focuses on caring for Seth, a young boy who was also abducted
With the help of Detective Rae Harker, the Clarkes’ frantically search for their daughter. Haunted by his own demons, Detective Harker vows to find Maggie–dead or alive
Years after Maggie is abducted, a strange man approaches her with a dangerous proposition and she risks everything to break free of the network of unsavory characters that control her. Not even she can know how far she will go to get even with the people who ruined her life
An unforgettable story of courage and survival, One Among Us serves as an eye-opening reminder that horrible things can happen to anyone–it’s how people deal with their circumstances that matters
**WARNING** 18+ Readers Only. Graphic content and subject matter. (This is a standalone novel)
You can purchase it HERE
Deserve to Die: A psychological thriller with a heart-stopping ending
You can purchase it HERE
One Girl and A Book 