"Never Let You Go" by Chevy Stevens BOOK REVIEW

“Never Let You Go” by Chevy Stevens

Published by St. Martin’s Press

Finished 3/29/17  -  5/5 stars

This is the book that finally got me out of my reading slump!  It also had me up way past my normal “lights out” so that I could read just a few more pages.  And truly, the last 50-75 pages are best read all in one sitting if possible.   You will not want to put it down.

This is the story of Lindsey and her teenage daughter, Sophie.  When Sophie was just a young girl, Lindsey took her and went into hiding from her controlling, alcoholic, verbally (and sometimes physically) abusive husband.  Skip ahead about 10 years and suddenly there are signs that someone is stalking her.  Could her husband have found them?  As you read along, you will begin to question everyone in their lives….who is the true culprit?  Is it even just one person putting them through this stress or a few?  You will change your mind multiple times as you read along.

Although I’ve had other books by Chevy Stevens on my “to read” list for a long time, this the first one I have actually read.  It will NOT be my last.  She is definitely an author I want to read more from.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this fabulous page turner in return for an honest review.  Loved it!

"Ill Will" by Dan Chaon - BOOK REVIEW

"Ill WIll" by Dan Chaon
Published by Random House

Finished 3/23/17  -  2/5 stars

I struggled through this book.  The storyline had promise, but I didn’t enjoy the writing.  At times it seemed to just ramble, other times it was confusing, and there were a few times I was just frustrated with it – especially with the dialog.  This was quite a surprise to me because I had heard good things about this author so was excited to finally read one of his books.

This novel is centered on a family massacre in the past as well as a series of murders in the present day.  There are various potential scenarios regarding the past murders that I don’t feel are ever fully proven but then you are provided with an answer to the present day murders, and truly it wasn’t a surprise.  I feel like the book just didn’t live up to its potential regarding the story itself.  It was a good idea, but lacked the writing to make it work well and the ending just left too many questions unanswered. 

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.  I’m sure it’s not what you wanted to hear, but the agreement is for me to be honest so I’ve had to do just that

"Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" - BOOK REVIEW

"Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" by Kathleen Rooney
Published by St. Martin's Press


Finished 3/7/17  -  3/5 stars.


It took me a month to finish this book - that says a lot.  Part of the delay was simply due to being in a reading slump but, truly, the book itself just didn't have what it takes to pull me back in either.  If it weren't for knowing that I was in a slump, I probably would have only given the book only a 2 rather than a 3.  Cute stories within the story itself, but just nothing truly peeking my interest.  Sorry, but I just can't recommend this one.