Why She Left by Leah Mercer

This book is a quick read.  Just when you think you know what is going to happen there is a plot twist.  I thought the characters were likable, even the ones that are part of a not so good twist.  This book also explores what can happen long term over decision made and I really liked that aspect.  Just when you think a situation is over - surprise it is not!  This was my first Leah Mercer book and I love finding authors that I would read again.

October 2021 Read-a-thon

 Well I didn't do too great on the read-a-thon - only about 5 hours of reading, but I will just have to try to make it up this week with some extra time! :)

Dewey''s Read-a-thon October 2021 Opening Event Survey

 It is the time of the year again - one of my favorite days.  Dewey's read-a-thon.  A day to put things aside to read.  Well sort of...

Join in the fun at: https://deweysreadathon.wordpress.com/

Opening Event Survey:

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Cincinnati, OH

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Someone We Know - Shari Lapena

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? Starbucks Pumpkin Chai Latte with Pumpkin Foam (my teen girls are addicted too).  I have been trying to figure out how to make it at home because Starbucks gets pricy x3 :)

4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I have participated in many of the read-a-thons - one of my favorite days of the year!  While reading - well really listening I will be making test-tube light sabers for my daughter's play this evening (she is doing the light board) and hopefully diamond painting (my other addiction).

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? Well today is already different.  I didn't think I was going to get to participate due to a scout camping trip.  The trip was canceled late Thursday night so I am flying by the seat of my pants...no plans, no snacks, and I will be happy to get through one book.  This seems like THE weekend for everything to happen on - swim lessons, play (after play party - which I am a chaperone for - too embarrassing for Mom to attend), tomorrow is my 7 year old's birthday - WHEW!

#LetsTalkTBRs 

Only one on my list; my book club book that I think I have to have read by the first week of November:

If I get through this one I will start (audio):

I am partially through this one and would like to finish it too (e-book)

I have kindle, audible, and real book options so no worries that I will run out of anything to read!

The Guilt Trip - Sandie Jones

 This is a book that keeps you engaged and doesn't let you go.  I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery. I would have like to have known more about the characters motivations especially over the big event that happened, but that being said it kept me guessing until the end!  

I listened to this on Audio and it was easy to follow and identify the characters.  

The Dating Dare - Jayci Lee

 

I really liked the concept of this book. Tara and Seth dare each other to 4 dates. It seemed to be a safe bet since Seth was moving to Paris in a month. I liked how their story developed and it kept me engaged wondering what was coming next. I liked the way that the dare helped both of them heal from scars in previous relationships. This is a second book, but it did a great job of not having to read the first book to understand the second. I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed the narrator.

The Engagement Arrangement - Jaci Burton

I enjoyed this story.  This is a creative story about a “fake engagement” because the ex-husband was coming to a wedding the previous wife was in.  I really liked Brenna and Finn. I liked hearing the reasons the engagement happened and really liked the characters.  They were so enjoyable I was really rooting for them! 

3 Stars out of 5

Dark roads – Chevy Stevens

 

This book kept me on the edge of my seat!  I really enjoyed this intense story that was very difficult to put down.  I enjoyed the narrators and loved how there were multiple narrators that were easy to distinguish the perspectives of the characters.  Chevy Stevens does not disappoint in creating realistic and likeable characters – both main and sub-characters and villains that you love to hate. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. 

The Hotel - Pamela M. Kelley

 

This is a great clean romance.  I think it would be great for a Hallmark movie.  I loved how the story revolves around 3 Whitley’s who work at their Grandfather’s hotel.  It is a different concept to follow 3 characters and their relationships.  I thought this was an engaging story and I wanted to know more about some of the ancillary characters, so I hope there is a second book or a novella about a couple of the other characters.

I listened to this on audiobook from Netgalley.

The Husbands - Chandler Barker

 

This book grabs you and doesn’t let go.  I was intrigued to see what would happen with Nora and her husband.  I can really relate to Nora as most women with men and kids in their life can.  I thought that Nora was insightful into what qualities she liked about her husband and what she didn’t want to change.  She was protective of him.  I also felt it was very true that men in our lives taking on some of the non-paid work really makes women happy – and it doesn’t take much!  I recommend this book and enjoyed it.  It would be a great book club book as there are many topics I want to talk about with others who read the book and to discuss the choices we would make if we were in Nora’s shoes.

I listened to this book on Net Galley.

Fallen by Linda Castillo Review

 

This is my first Linda Castillo book and it is number 13 in the Kate Burkholder series.  If I realized this when I started I probably wouldn’t have started it, because I have this thing of starting the series at book #1.  That being said I went ahead and listened to the book and I am so glad I did.  I really enjoyed the book and didn’t feel like I was missing a lot by not having read the first 12 books.  I like Amish stories and loved this Amish mystery.  There were a couple of twists and turns that made you wonder who the culprit was and the ending was intense!  The book grabs you early and does not let go!

 

The audio version has an interview with Linda Castillo and the narrator of the audio book Kathleen McInerney.  This was a great list as they both discussed their process of making a story come to life.  I really enjoyed hearing about the process and would love to see both of their office/studio’s.

 

 I have now put the first 12 books on my to read list so I can spend more time with Katie Burkholder and find out more of why she is no longer Amish.   

Publish Date: 6-July; received from NetGally

One Two Three Book Review

 

I listened to this book in audio form from NetGalley.  I thought it was a little slow going at first and I debated on not finishing it, but I am so glad I did.  I really liked seeing these triplets tackle tasks together and using strengths that are not obvious to the outside looking in. One is “normal”, one has some cognitive disabilities, and one is wheelchair bound who cannot speak.  But each are smart and use their talents to the best of their abilities.  They are each a hero in their own way.  The author has an interview at the end of the audiobook, and she discussed how women heroes are inclusive where male heroes are not.  This is true and is seen in different ways through out the book and I really like this concept.  One thing to know with the audio book is the numbers indicate which sister is narrating – I did not realize this until I was several chapters in, which made the first few chapters a little of a struggle.  I really liked how people with different abilities were represented in this book. I would recommend it and look forward to reading more by this author. 

One Last Stop Review

 I got this book free on NetGalley on audio and loved it.  It is fun and quirky - very unique romance.  I loved the fun group of characters August meets in New York and her perspective on the city. This is a non-traditional romance with a very unique story. 

4 out of 5 stars

Read-a-Thon Opening Survey

 Opening Survey!

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? near Cincinnati, OH; it is chilly here today but I am hoping to escape to the patio to read outside for a bit.

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? making progress on Evergreen by Belva Plain (starting pg 68) - I am listening to Sir Philip with Love by Julia Quinn (starting section 6)

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I didn't plan anything special, but made some cheesecake dip

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!  I have 3 kids (14, 12, and 7) and have been attempting some reading on read-a-thon day for many years.  I actually got to help Dewey one year with some mini-challenges.  Typically, the spring one falls on the same weekend we are camping with the American Heritage Girls (a form of Girl Scouts) and I am a leader so have to be there.  Because of Covid the camping this year is canceled. 

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? I am just happy to read and I don't plan on staying up all night or anything because it takes too long to recover (I am old).  I just love having a day where I can make reading a priority.  

April 2021 Read-a-thon

 It is that time of the year again! Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon!  Today I am tackling Evergreen by Belva Plain in Physical copy.  This is our May book club read and I am so disappointed it is not in Audiobook form.  

Most of my books have been audiobooks because I have been diamond painting while listening to them.  And this book is massive! 900 pages, but I have taken the pressure off myself and feel like if I finish by the book club date (May 5 or 6) then great if not OK too. 

When I need a break and want to diamond paint I am To Sir Philip with love by Julia Quinn.  I am in Part 6 of 10 in this book.  I am enjoying this series, but am a little disappointed that some of the plots are very similar - but notice that is not stopping me from reading them.  This is book 5 there are 8 total.  I am weird about series - usually if I start I want to finish.  Which makes long series intimidating.  

I am terrible about planning for these and usually end up reading only one book and "try" not to cook - though this usually doesn't happen.  Listening to the book also helps when I am frustrated I have to "do life" as I can listen as I work or in the case of today take my 7 year old to a birthday party.