Crying in H Mart

 “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner
Published by Random House
 
I know, this is not the popular opinion, but I didn’t enjoy this one.  If you took out all the parts about food, the book would probably be half its size.  I understand that food played a part in the mother/daughter relationship, but I found it excessive.  I would have rather read more about their interactions than the ingredients in a dish or how to make it.  Sorry, I don’t recommend this one.
 
Finished 12/15/24 – 2/5 stars

Between Two Kingdoms

 
“Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted” by Suleika Jaouad
Published by Random House Audio
 
I enjoyed listening to this memoir read by the author.  First you find out about her life with symptoms that went undiagnosed, then her time fighting leukemia, and finally her quest to find out what life would hold after cancer.  There were parts I found a little self-centered, although understandable.  But there were many more parts that I found insightful and thought provoking.  Although it deals with sickness and dying (not the author), I didn’t find it depressing.  I would recommend it.
 
Side note – I had never heard of this author prior, but she became well known during her cancer fight for the articles she published in the NY Times as well a video journal she kept and published.  She’s also the wife of Jon Batiste, former band leader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
 
Finished 12/13/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#betweentwokingdoms #suleikajaouad #randomhouse #2024reads #genxreads

The Last to Vanish

 “The Last to Vanish” by Megan Miranda
Published by Marysue Rucci Books (Simon & Schuster)
 
This is my second book by Megan Miranda and I just know I’ll be reading more.  I really like her writing style.  In the last one I read (All the Missing Girls), each chapter went back a day in time, so it was essentially told backwards.  For this story, there have been multiple instances over the years of people going missing from a small tourist town in NC.  Each section of the book is focused on one event, starting with the newest one.  When looking into the most recent disappearance, they learn something about the next most recent one.  So each section may focus on just one event, but it also provides insight in to the one prior.  It continues like that until you come to the original disappearance and then all the pieces are revealed as to what happened to each person.  That description may make it sound like the book is confusing, but it’s not.  It’s just a different way to spread them out rather than focusing on all the disappearances at the same time.  I really enjoyed it.
 
I only have two negatives.  At one point one of the characters just goes “silent” for a little bit with no explanation.  It was like they were forgotten (although my brain kept asking “where is x?”) until they suddenly reappeared at just the right time.  The other is that there was a backstory thrown in at the last minute that I didn’t find necessary.  Yes, it added an extra twist to the story but to me it felt “forced” and didn’t need to be there.  It took away from the flow of the story.  But even with those two personal criticisms, I still really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
 
Finished 12/8/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#thelasttovanish #meganmiranda #marysueruccibooks #simonandschuster #2024reads #genxreads

The Housemaid is Watching

 
“The Housemaid is Watching” by Frieda McFadden
Published by Poisoned Pen Press
 
I enjoyed this one but not as much as the first two in the series.  As Frieda herself wrote on page 323 – “The third in a series usually isn’t that great”.  It was your standard Frieda McFadden book with her making the reader question everyone’s intentions, continually thinking you know exactly what will happen (some you’ll be right about, others not so much), and plenty of little twists.  Unfortunately, I thought the final twist in the epilogue was one twist too many.  There was also a section with the daughter’s point of view that I wasn’t fond of.  I liked that we had the point of view of one of the kids but it just felt “off”.  Other than those 2 sections, I really enjoyed it.
 
Finished 12/4/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thehousemaidiswatching #freidamcfadden #poisonedpenpress #genxreads #2024reads

Weyward

 
“Weyward” by Emelia Hart
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
This is 3 generations (not consecutive) of women, each told in their own point of view.  In each story, there are abusive male characters and strong female characters.  I didn’t find it to be a feel-good book, but I can see where it would be empowering for some.  I can also see where it would be triggering for some due to the abuse and pregnancy issues (to be polite).  For me, the storyline was OK but the writing was better.  It was fairly slow moving but towards the end, each story became more intense and more of a page turner.  I do recommend it; I just don’t know that it was worth all the hype it received.
 
Finished 11/29/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#weyward
#emeliahart
#stmartinspress
#bookofthemonth
#2024reads

The Truth About Alice

 “The Truth About Alice” by Jennifer Mathieu
Published by Square Fish
 
There are differences in opinions as to what ages YA books are for….some say high school and others say post high school to mid-20s.  This book is definitely written for high schoolers.  Unfortunately, it’s probably banned (ugh!!) in many locations because there is mention of teen drinking, sex, abortion, and death.  But it also speaks to the rumor mill that is high school, bullying, peer pressure, the need to fit in, and the hurt of being left out.  I feel there are plenty of teenagers that would benefit from reading this book.
 
Finished 11/17/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thetruthaboutalice
#jennifermathieu
#squarefish
#2024reads
#bookstagram

The Lake of Lost Girls

 “The Lake of Lost Girls” by Katherine Greene
Published by Crooked Lane Books
 
I definitely enjoyed this one!  This story is about the search for answers regarding 4 young ladies who went missing from their college in a small town about 24 years ago.  It’s told in dual timelines with multiple points of view, including a cold case podcast.  You’ll find yourself bouncing between multiple people that you suspect to be the abductor and won’t know for sure until the last 5-10 percent of the book.  The only issue I had was that on my Kindle it was hard to read some of the “pictures” like social media posts and a newspaper article because I couldn’t enlarge the font for those.  It definitely didn’t take away from the story, but I’d recommend the printed version because of it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 11/15/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#thelakeoflostgirls
#katherinegreene
#netgalley
#crookedlanebooks
#2024reads
#bookstagram

Like Mother, Like Mother

 

“Like Mother, Like Mother” by Susan Rieger
Published by Random House
 
This is a family drama of 3 generations of women, all dysfunctional.  I had a few issues with the stories and characters themselves but overall, it was a good book.  One odd aspect, rather than a lot of character self-reflection, other loved ones did character dissections of them.  Because of the lack of self-reflection, there was no true change from generation to generation of a certain “trait”.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Side note – I’ve been sick and just getting out of a reading slump.  Both of those might issues have affected my review.
 
Finished 11/9 – 3/5 stars
 
#likemotherlikemother
#susanrieger
#randomhouse
#netgalley
#2024reads
#bookstagram

The Great Gimmelmans

 

“The Great Gimmelmans” by Lee Matthew Goldberg

Published by Level Best Books

 

The story itself is good – I definitely enjoyed it.  It starts out with a little Schitt’s Creek vibe but then turns into a more intense version of We’re The Millers as the family drives around in their RV committing crimes after the stock market crash caused them to lose all their money.  It’s told in the point of view of the middle child – a 12-year-old boy who grows up a lot faster than any tween should have to.  There were many times I had to remind myself that he was just a young boy.  It takes place in the 80s so as a Gen Xer who went through her teens and early 20s during that time, I initially found some of the 80s references fun.  But truly, in the long run they were just too excessive and became a distraction from the story itself.  I think the book would probably have been a 4-star read (and shorter) had there been less unnecessary 80s references and song lyrics, putting more focus on the characters and storyline.  Again, I did like it….I just got annoyed by the 80s overkill.  As long as you don’t think that will bother you, I would recommend it.

 

Thank you to Lee Matthew Goldberg for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

Finished 10/6/24 – 3/5 stars

 

#thegreatgimmelmans #leematthewgoldberg #levelbestbooks #2024reads #genxreads #bookstagram

 

 

“The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
 
Although I like some of her songs, I wouldn’t call myself a fan but was very curious to hear what Britney had to say.  Obviously, the book is just one sided, but I believe the majority of what she is saying and believe she is entitled to every feeling she has.  I honestly think if she had been properly diagnosed and treated for post-partum once her 2^nd son was born, her life would have been completely different.  Instead, her family took advantage of her, didn’t get her to medical/mental assistance she needed, and mis-treated her in various ways.  Unfortunately, in too many cases the abused go back to the abusers and she’ll get wrapped up in her family’s unhealthy ways again.  I hope not though.  No one deserves to be controlled in the ways she was.    
 
Side note – I’m very glad Michelle Williams narrated it.  Britney read the intro and I could not have listened to 6 hours of her non-singing voice.
 
Finished 10/4/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thewomaninme #britneyspears #simonandschuster #audiobooks #2024reads #genxreads

The Truth About the Accident

 “The Truth About the Accident” by Nicole Trope
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
I’m honestly not 100% sure how I feel about this book.  The way it’s written is great, but I didn’t like a single character.  Not one.  It’s hard to love a book when you continually want to throw it across the room in frustration of the characters’ actions or lack thereof.  It’s the story of a hit and run of a pedestrian crossing a busy street on a rainy day in Australia.  It’s told in multiple points of view – all women with some form of relationship with the man who has been hit and now lays unconscious in a hospital room.  Throughout the book you are kept wondering if one of them was driving the car that hit him.  You do finally find out at the end just what happened, but no spoilers here.  You’ll have to read it if you really want to know.
 
Finished 9/29/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thetruthabouttheaccident #nicoletrope #grandcentralpublishing #2024reads #genxreads

Night Road

“Night Road” by Kristin Hannah
Published by St. Martin’s Griffin
 
This is my first Kristin Hannah book that isn’t historical fiction, and I loved it just as much as the others I’ve read.  I was definitely engrossed in the storyline because it actually brought tears to my eyes a few times and I don’t cry easily at books.  I’m guessing that is partly because I have 2 young adult daughters that I recently helped guide through those teen years, so it hit a little too close to home at times.  Overall, I would say it is a story of choices and consequences (both for children and parents alike), trauma and healing, friendships, and above all, family and the love that binds us.  I highly recommend this one. It may be heart wrenching at times but it is also loaded with many other emotions and feel good moments.
 
Finished 9/22/24 – 5/5 stars
 
#nightroad #kristinhannah #stmartinsgriffin #5starreads #2024reads #genxreads #bookstagram

 

The Children Act

 

“The Children Act” by Ian McEwan
Published by Anchor
 
It’s been a while since I’ve read an Ian McEwan book – I had forgotten how well he writes.  The topics within this book will truly make you think and self-reflect as to how you would handle a situation and/or how you would want it handled.  And not just a singular situation, there are multiple of them.  As a judge in England, the main character has to decide the future of some children, but she also has issues in her personal life that she must deal with as well.  Honestly, I wish it had ended differently but overall, it was a really good read and I highly recommend it.
 
Finished 9/16/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#thechildrenact #ianmcewan #anchor #2024reads #genxreads #bookstagram

Things You Save in a Fire

 

“Things You Save in a Fire” by Katherine Center
Published by St. Martin’s Griffin
 
This is a heartwarming story of finding forgiveness for yourself and others. The female lead is strong physically but weak emotionally due to traumas from her childhood 10 years ago.  This is the journey of her healing.  It’s quite predictable but since it’s not a thriller/suspense, I’m OK with it.  I think it works well as a vacation read or a palate cleanser after an intense read, when needing something light.
 
Finished 9/1/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thingsyousaveinafire @katherinecenter #stmartinsgriffin #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #genxreads

By Any Other Name

 

“By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picoult
Published by Ballantine Books / Random House
 
I’m a huge Jodi Picoult fan but was actually apprehensive to read this one.  I don’t like Shakespeare and, honestly, have a hard time reading his work.  Knowing the legitimacy of his writings was the focus of this book made me nervous but very interested as well.  I should have just trusted Jodi because I thought it was great.  I initially had a hard time getting into the storyline taking place in the 1500s but once I did, it was smooth sailing.  I actually ended up enjoying the older timeline more than the current one, which is the complete opposite of what I expected.  I definitely recommend this historical fiction whether you’re a Shakespeare fan or not.  It’s two storylines, each with a little romance and strong female leads, with his writings tying the two together.
 
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books/Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 8/28/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#byanyothername #jodipicoult #ballantinebooks #randomhouse #netgalley #2024reads #genxreads

Only Say Good Things

 “Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself” by Crystal Hefner
Published by Grand Central Publishing Audiobooks
 
It’s a life I could never imagine for myself or, God forbid, my daughters.  If people want to flaunt their bodies and/or and be photographed nude, more power to them for their self-love and confidence (if that’s why they are doing it).  But for sex to be an unpleasant job rather than an intimate moment between two people is something I don’t understand.  To have your freedom of choices taken away and live under the thumb of a powerful narcissist is something I wouldn’t do. But listening to Crystal tell her story, I completely understand how young women could be swept into it and feel that they can’t get out.  And you feel ALL the emotions, good and bad, while reading it.  This book isn’t for everyone, but personally, I appreciated her honesty and vulnerability in telling her story and hope that it helped her further heal, find her self-worth, and become a stronger woman.
 
Finished 8/23/24 – 3.5/5 stars
 
#onlysaygoodthings #crystalhefner #grandcentralpublishing #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #genxreads

City of Secrets

“City of Secrets” by P.J. Tracy
Published by Minotaur Books
 
This is the 4^th book in a series that I haven’t read.  When I was given the book, I was told it was a “standalone installment” so I accepted it.  I need to be upfront and tell you that I disagree with that and only recommend this book if you have read the other books in the series.  Whereas I thought the storyline and mystery were good, without all the backstories that were alluded to, it’s easy to feel a little lost while reading.  I also had an issue keeping all the characters straight.  I felt like everyone had at least 2 names they went by – sometimes it was just their first name, sometimes it was their last name, and other times it was a nickname.  Maybe if I’d read the other 3 books I would know the characters better to more easily go from one name to another but as a person thrown into an existing series with many characters, it was hard to keep track.  These are the issues that make it only an OK read rather than a really good read for me personally.  I’m sure others that have been following the series have much higher praise because again, the storyline and mystery were good.  It’s piqued my interest enough that I will be putting the 1^st in the series on my TBR to give the series a proper try.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 8/19/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#cityofsecrets #pjtracy #minotaurbooks #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #genxreads
 

The Way I Heard It

 “The Way I Heard It” by Mike Rowe
Published by Simon & Schuster
 
I saw Mike Rowe and knew I wanted to listen to it.  I assumed it would be a memoir and although there are many pieces of his life mixed in, I wouldn’t call it a memoir.  Instead, it is made up of lots of little stories about people that are either well known or something they’ve created or done is well known.  The fun part is that he doesn’t reveal who he’s talking about until the very end of each story so it’s like a guessing game.  Some I could figure out before it was revealed but others were a complete surprise.  Granted, if you listen to his podcast, you’ll probably know all of them because apparently, he’s pulled the stories from there and wrote them into a book.  I’m sure if you read the book yourself his wit and charm would still come through but listening to his voice on the audio book just made it even more enjoyable.  I could listen to him talk all day.
 
Finished 8/16/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thewayiheardit #mikerowe #simonandschuster #2024reads #genxreads #lynnsbookreviews

A Star for Mrs. Blake

 

“A Star for Mrs. Blake” by April Smith
Published by Alfred A Knopf (2014)
 
I enjoy historical fiction but find it extra enjoyable when I learn about something new while reading it.  I was unaware that congress funded pilgrimages of Gold Star Mothers who lost sons during WWI to visit their graves.  This is the story of one of those trips across the ocean in 1931 to see where in France their sons died and to visit the American cemetery where their sons were laid to rest.  Personally, I would have preferred more storyline of the sons themselves via a dual timeline.  It was still a good read, but this was 100% focused on the mothers.
 
Finished 8/13/24 – 3/5 stars

 #astarformrsblake #aprilsmith #alfredaknoff #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #bookstagram

What the Dead Know

 

“What the Dead Know:  Leaning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator” By Barbara Butcher
Published by Simon and Schuster Audio
 
This book might not be for everyone but if you enjoy true crime and/or watching shows like Bones and CSI, you’ll enjoy this one.  The author was an investigator in NYC’s medical examiner’s office and this is her story as to how she became an investigator, stories of certain deaths she investigated, her 9/11 experience, and the toll working in the field for over 20 years took on her mental state.  I found it quite interesting and enjoyable to listen to.
 
Personal bonus for me – both John Grisham and Patricia Cornwell are mentioned towards the end of this book.  Those are the authors of 2 books (A Time to Kill and Postmortem, respectively) that kick started my reading journey in the early 90s as a young adult. I don’t read their books as often anymore, but they definitely made a positive impact early on so it was nice to hear their names mentioned.
 
Finished 8/8/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#whatthedeadknow #barbarabutcher #simonandschuster #lynnsbookreviews #2024reads #genxreads

House of Glass

“House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
This is the 4^th book by this author that I’ve read.  The other 3 were all 4 stars but this is a definite 5 star read.  In this book, an attorney is appointed by the court to determine who should have custody of a young girl whose parents are divorcing.  What makes the decision more complex is that the girl’s nanny recently died by falling through her bedroom window – was it an accident or was she pushed, and if so, by who? That unknown will keep you apprehensive the majority of the time.  You just never know who can be trusted in each situation, so danger seems to be lurking around every corner.  It may have kept my heart rate up, but I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 8/2/24 - 5/5 stars  (publication date is 8/6/24)
 
#houseofglass #sarahpekkanen #stmartinspress #netgalley #5starreads #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #genxreads #bookstagram

 

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

 

“The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany” by Lori Nelson Spielman
Published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House
 
Over 200 years ago a curse was put on the family so that the 2^nd daughter would not find love.  Generations of the family have had 2^nd daughters unmarried and alone – is the curse real or is it a mental acceptance of fate making it so?  Three 2^nd daughters make a trip to Italy to try and break the curse once and for all.  So of course there is romance and family drama within the story.  I found it to be quite a sweet story of self-reflection, self-love, and family-love.
 
Finished 7/27/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#starcrossedsistersoftuscany #lorinelsonspielman #berkley #penguinrandomhouse #bookofthemonth #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews #genxreads #bookstagram

The Perfect Sister

 

“The Perfect Sister” by Stephanie DeCarolis
Published by Bantam Books / Random House
 
When Alex’s sister goes missing, she goes searching for her in the Hamptons.  During that search we learn about their poor dysfunctional family and meet a new rich dysfunctional family.  Not one normal, run of the mill, character in this book.  But everyone is given their own point of view chapters so that you can get to know them each better, and dislike them even more.  Well, except the sisters… they are somewhat likable characters.  The book is definitely full of twists and turns – just when you think you figured it out, something happens or is said to change your mind.  It’s all pretty far-fetched, but the author keeps you pulled along at a pretty good pace. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a good read.  And in the author’s acknowledgments there is mention of movie and TV rights so maybe there’s more to come.
 
Thank you to NetGalley, Bantam Books, and Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 7/17/24 – 3/4 stars
 
#theperfectsister #stephaniedecarolis #bantambooks #randomhouse #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

The Guncle

 
“The Guncle” by Steven Rowley
Published by Putnam
 
I picked this up for a funny beach read but it was so much more than that.  Yes, I laughed…often.  But I also cried a couple times.  It’s a wonderful mix of emotions.  And the characters are absolutely fabulous – I liked every one of them for different reasons with GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) being my favorite.  Every child should have a GUP to spend the summer with when they need a break from reality.
 
Finished 7/11/24 – 5/5 stars
 
#theguncle #stevenrowley #putnam #5starreads #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

The Bookseller's Secret

 
“The Bookseller’s Secret” by Michelle Gable
Published by Graydon House
 
This is historical fiction told in two different timelines - the 1940s and present-day England (with a little time in the USA thrown in there).  The 40s follows the life of author Nancy Mitford and the present day follows the life of a fictional author researching Mitford.  I thought both storylines were good, however, it felt like Ms. Gable tried to throw in too many unnecessary facts regarding minor characters and sometimes even Mitford.  I found them somewhat distracting at times, taking away from the story.  Overall, it was a good read though.
 
Finished 7/10/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thebooksellerssecret #michellegable #graydonhouse #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

The Coworker

 

“The Coworker” by Freida McFadden
Published by Sourcebooks
 
This is my 4^th book by this author, and I think it’s my least favorite.  I didn’t predict the main twist but once that was out in the open, I guessed most of the rest.  Overall, I didn’t find it very believable and I completely hated the ending.  Up until then, I thought it was a pretty good read though.
 
Finished 7/8/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#thecoworker #friedamcfadden #sourcebooks #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

A Good Neighborhood

 

“A Good Neighborhood” by Therese Anne Fowler
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
A good novel will have you feeling some type of emotion.  This one just made me so angry!  I knew from the beginning something bad was going to happen, I just didn’t know what.  I knew fairly early on that I didn’t like the stepfather, I just didn’t realize how much that would be true.  I also knew I wasn’t a big fan of the teen-age daughter, and yep, she made me angry too.  And once I saw the end coming, I had tears forming in my eyes.  And not just because I was sad…. but because I was so mad.  If reading this book doesn’t make you angry and want to scream, there’s something terribly wrong with you because this is NOT a feel-good kind of book…. but I recommend it anyway.
 
Finished 7/7/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#agoodneighborhood #thereseannefowler #stmartinspress #bookofthemonth #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

The Lost Story

 

“The Lost Story” by Meg Shaffer
Published by Ballantine Books
 
This book was out of my comfort zone because I don’t read fantasy and not much YA, which I feel like this is (although characters are older most of the time).  But when it was described to be like Narnia, with humans in a fantasy world, I thought I’d give it a try.  I’m really glad a did – I read it in less than 24 hours!  The story itself was great but it also has “storyteller” chapters with a narrator like a fairytale and some of those chapters made me chuckle out loud – such fun!  It’s not like books I normally recommend and don’t know that it’s everyone’s cup of tea, but I hope everyone will give it a try and let it bring out their inner child’s imagination.  And bonus, there’s a recipe for an apple cake at the back that sounds delicious.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 7/5/24 – 4/5 stars (publication date 7/16/24)
 
#theloststory #megshaffer #ballantinebooks #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Dirt Creek

 

“Dirt Creek” by Hayley Scrivenor
Published by Flatiron Books
 
This is a sad and heartbreaking novel, but I truly enjoyed it anyway.  The story takes place in a small rural town in Australia where a young girl has gone missing.  From the first chapter you know she died but you then go back a few days prior to when she doesn’t return home from school and follow the investigation.  It’s told from multiple points of view, one being the collective “we”, representing the town’s children as a whole.  Reading those chapters took a little getting used to because initially I was trying to figure out who the “we” specifically was, which was distracting from the story.  Once I stopped trying to assign those chapters to an actual person it was fine.  Overall, I think it was a really good book that I recommend others read.  Just know, there isn’t anything uplifting – it’s not a “feel good” book.
 
This is the author’s debut novel. I just learned she has another one coming out at the end of this month that I’ve now added to my ever growing TBR list.
 
Finished 7/4 – 4/5 stars
 
#dirtcreek #hayleyscrivenor #flatironbooks #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Ladykiller

“Ladykiller” by Katherine Wood
Published by Bantam / Random House
 
There are pieces of this book I didn’t enjoy but plenty of pieces I did.  The book is told in two related storylines – one being chapters of Gia’s memoir taking place a few months prior and the other being Abby’s present storyline.  Eventually the two timelines meet.  I much preferred Abby’s chapters but looking back now, I think it might have been planned that the reader wouldn’t enjoy Gia’s memoir as much.  Afterall, she was the less likable and relatable character. And her personality definitely came through in her writings. 
 
Overall, considering this is the author’s debut novel, I think she did very well and I can see promise in her future books.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam/Random House for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 6/29/24 – 3.5/5 stars (publication date is 7/9)
 
#ladykiller #katherinewood #bantamdell #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews
 

The Country of the Blind

“The Country of the Blind: a Memoir at the End of Sight” by Andrew Leland
Published by Penguin Audio
 
This memoir covers the authors journey towards losing his vision, the rights granted to blind citizens, and the services and tools available to the blind.  Majority of the time I found it quite interesting but at times it felt like I was listening to an infomercial.
 
Finished 6/27/24 – 3/5 stars
#andrewleland #countryoftheblind #penguinaudio #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

 

"The Last Flight"

 

“The Last Flight” by Julie Clark
Published by Sourcebooks
 
This book will have you hooked from page 1, and you won’t want to put it down.  I’m sure many people read it in one sitting because it’s not long (<300 pages) and so fast paced.  It’s written in alternating points of view – 7 months leading up to the plane crash and post crash, with plenty of suspense in both.  The only reason it’s not a 5-star read for me is because I’m more of a realistic fiction reader and this was a little too far fetched for me at times.  Still a great read and I can easily see how it’s a 5-star read for others though.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Finished 6/24/24 – 4/5 stars

#thelastflight #julieclark #sourcebooks #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

American Dirt

 

“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins
Published by Holt Paperback (Macmillan Publishing Group)
 
While reading this book I had many flashbacks to reading “Enrique’s Journey”, the true story of a young boy’s journey from Honduras to the United States.  Based on that book, I think “American Dirt” got a lot right regarding the dangers of riding the trains through Mexico.  I do think that part of the book was a little long and felt repetitive at times though.  I also felt some of it to come across a little political, mainly when it came to discussing the boarder wall.  It was originally published in 2020 so I can understand why.  Overall, it was a good story – I just enjoyed the beginning and the end better than the middle.
 
Finished 6/20/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#americandirt #jeaninecummins #holtpaperbacks #macmillanpublishinggroup #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Ordinary Grace

 

“Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger
Published by Atria
 
This is the third stand-alone novel written by William Kent Krueger that I’ve read and all three have been outstanding.  I absolutely love his writing - the characters, settings, storylines, all of it.  I would say he’s now on the short list of authors in which I’ll add their books to my TBR as soon as I hear of a new one coming.
 
This book is a coming-of-age story that takes place in a small town during the summer of 1961.  “It was a summer in which death, in visitation, assumed many forms.  Accident.  Nature. Suicide.  Murder.”  And yet, with all that death, it’s not a depressing book.  I think part of the reason why is because you are reading the story from the point of view of a 13-year-old boy.  His innocence, and that of his brother, keeps it lighter.  There is a religious aspect to it as well because his father is a preacher, but I didn’t find it to be too “preachy”.  I highly recommend this one.
 
Finished 6/12/24 – 5/5 stars
 
#ordinarygrace #williamkentkrueger #atria #simonandschuster #5starreads #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Love & Treasure

 

“Love & Treasure” by Ayelet Waldman

Published by Alfred A Knopf

 

This is three stories in one, obviously all linked.  The first one was good, the second one was good but a little preachy, and then the third I ended up speed reading through because I really didn’t enjoy it.  I think if the author had just stuck with the first two storylines, it would have been a much better book.

 

Finished 6/9/24 – 2/5 stars

The Inmate

 
“The Inmate” by Freida McFadden
Published by Poisoned Pen Press
 
Freida McFadden got me again!  I changed my mind a few times during this one but did not get it 100% correct.  Obviously, I can’t say which aspects of the story I guessed correctly because it would ruin it.  Just know I recommend it and if you have the time, you can read it in one sitting – it’s quick and short.
 
Finished 5/26/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#theinmate #freidamcfadden #poisonedpenpress #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

The Last Time I Saw Paris

 
“The Last Time I Saw Paris” by Lynn Sheene
Published by Berkley Books
 
This is a great rainy day read or a lazy vacation day read.  Just cuddle up and get taken away to Paris.  Granted, it was during WW II so not all romance, great food, and beautiful scenery.  But there are a number of characters to love and some to dislike as well.  Unfortunately, there were parts of the storyline I just didn’t enjoy as much, especially the last page.  Overall, it was a good book though and I would recommend it.
 
Finished 5/25/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#lynnsheene #berkleybooks #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews
 

Moloka'i

 

“Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert
Published by St Martin’s Press
 
I absolutely LOVED this historical fiction – it is the first book in a long time to have me reading with tears running down my cheeks as I finished it.  That is how engrossed in the story I was.  I also learned so much about Hawaii’s past and the Hawaiian culture.
 
This story takes place over a span of 79 years, centered around the life of a young girl sent to be quarantined in a leper community on one of the islands in Hawaii.  It is assumed that people are simply sent there to die but the way the community comes together to support each other through life’s challenges (and endings) is so heartwarming.  They become one another’s new ‘ohana (family).
 
Finished 5/24/24 – 5/5 stars
 
#Molokai #alanbrennert #stmartinspress #5starreads #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

 

“The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes
Published by Pamela Dorman Books (Viking)
 
I received this book almost 5 years ago so didn’t remember what it was about when I finally picked it to read.  I was so excited to find out early on that I would be reading about a traveling library in rural Kentucky!  And with it written by Jojo Moyes, I knew I would enjoy it.  And I did.  The setting is beautiful and the strong female characters are greatly entertaining, to say the least.  The main reason I couldn’t give it a 5 is because the final chapter is a little too sappy with its individual closer for all.  Overall though, it was a great read and I recommend it.
 
Finished 5/21/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#thegiverofstars #jojomoyes #pameladormanbooks #vikingbooks #bookofthemonth #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Leave Me

 

“Leave Me” by Gayle Forman
Published by Algonquin Books
 
When you hear “overworked and underappreciated” most people think of it as related to a job but it can definitely be said about parenthood as well.  I know I felt that way at times as a mother of two, but I would have never dreamed of walking away from my kids.  Husband yes (and did), but never my girls.  But that’s exactly what this main character does.  After suffering a heart attack at a young age, she finds herself needing to run away to heal herself – physically, mentally, and emotionally. 
 
I really enjoyed how the author told this story.  She could have easily turned this into a male bashing kind of chick-lit, but didn’t.  She took the high road and made it more about the inner healing of the female character than the events that sent her running.
 
Finished 5/18/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#leaveme #gayleforman #algonquinbooks #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

If You Would Have Told Me

 

“If You Would Have Told Me” by John Stamos
Published by MacMillian Audio
 
I greatly enjoyed listening to John Stamos read to me.  Afterall, I was one of those teenagers watching General Hospital with a poster of him on my bedroom wall.  Who didn’t love “Blackie”?  I didn’t watch much Full House when it originally came out, but I did watch it with my own kids when they were growing up.  Who didn’t love “Uncle Jessie”?  It was fun going down memory lane listening to this book.
 
Side note – if you are getting ready to marry your own Disney princess, John has the perfect wedding vows to use for inspiration to write your own.
 
Finished 5/7/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#ifyouwouldhavetoldme #johnstamos #macmillianaudio #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

Miss Morgan's Book Brigage

 

“Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade” by Janet Skeslien Charles
Published by Atria Books
 
I love historical fiction because I always learn something new while enjoying my favorite hobby.  Not only did I not know about these women keeping libraries and reading alive during the rebuilding of France after WWI, neither did the author until she was researching to write “The Paris Library” (a 5-star read for me).  I’m glad their story is getting out, even if it is fictionalized. I loved the characters and storyline but overall, the book fell flat for me.  I think there needed to be more depth to it.  I still recommend it, it’s just not as good as her other book.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 5/5/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#missmorgansbookbrigade #janetskesliencharles #atriabooks #simonandschuster #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

You Know What You Did

“You Know What You Did” by K.T. Nguyen
Published by Dutton
 
This is a psychological thriller, who-done-it kind of book so I really can’t say much in way of the storyline, but I will say the outcome is not what I was expecting.  Unfortunately, I found it a little confusing at times.  I would say this is best read when you have longer time spans to read vs reading 15 minutes here and there.  Overall, I think this was a good story, especially knowing it’s the author’s debut book.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
Finished 4/28/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#youknowwhatyoudid #ktnguyen #dutton #netgalley #2024reads #lynnsbookreviews

All We Were Promised

 “All We Were Promised” by Ashton Lattimore
Published by Ballantine Books

 First let me just say that I cannot believe this is the author’s debut novel.  Hats off to her – fabulous job!  I absolutely loved the three strong, female lead characters as well as a couple of the male characters.  Their passion for trying to make a difference to bring an end to slavery and help those enslaved was absolutely inspiring.  The only negative I have is that the spoken words don’t always match the characters’ education level – a prime example would be a speech made at the end that was much more sophisticated and well-spoken than it should have been for that particular character.  I still loved the book though.

Please make sure to read the author's note at the back.  There are a good number of historical facts and people built into the story that I didn’t realize until reading her notes.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books (Random House) for the complimentary copy of this e-book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 Finished 4/19/24 – 5/5 stars!!
 
#allwewerepromised
#ashtonlattimore
#ballantinebooks
#randomhouse
#netgalley
#5starread
#2024bookreviews
#lynnsbookreviews

I Am Malala

“I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai
Published by Hachette Audio
 
The strength, passion, bravery, and determination this young girl has is truly inspirational.  She knew speaking up and continuing her education could get her killed by the Taliban, yet she did it anyway.  Her compassion for others continued after the assassination attempt, as she was more concerned for how her family would be affected financially than for her own wellbeing.  And after all she went through, she continues her activism today for the right for all boys and girls to be educated.  She definitely deserved the honor of winning the Nobel Peace Prize and I’m very glad her acceptance speech was included at the end of the book.  There is no telling the difference this young lady will make in the world. 
 
If you are in need of a little inspiration….read or listen to this book.
 
Finished 4/16/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#iammalala
#malalayousafzai
#hatchetteaudio
#2024reads
#lynnsbookreviews