The First Ladies

“The First Ladies” by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Published by Berkley

Finished 11/20/23 – 3/5 stars

 

I went into this knowing nothing about Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune but came out with nothing but respect for them both.  I know this book is historical fiction, but the efforts these women made towards equal rights and ending racism are non-fiction.  Yes, President Roosevelt was the one to actually put the bills and policies in place and made the crucial appointments to offices, but these women are the ones who should be given credit as well.  Now, with regards to the book itself…..it was just OK.  I would have preferred more storyline.  Once we got to know the ladies in the 1^st half of the book, we no longer got much “story”.  The 2^nd half almost read like just a timeline of meetings and accomplishments.  It no longer felt personal.  I do recommend it though because I feel like it’s a part of history we should all know more about.

 

I won this book via a Goodreads contest.  Thank you to Goodreads and Berkley for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

#TheFirstLadies

#MarieBenedict

#VictoriaChristopherMurray

#Berkley

#Goodreads

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

 

The Perfect Marriage

 

“The Perfect Marriage” by Jeneva Rose
Published by Bloodhound Books
Finished 11/11/23 – 5/5 stars
 
Fantastic debut novel!!  Written with alternating points of view, giving different insights into what may have happened. I wouldn’t say there are twist and turns, but there are lots of little nuggets thrown in that keep you second guessing how it’s going to turn out.  I changed my mind multiple times throughout the story as to who was responsible for the murder.  My only negative would be that I disagree with the description of Gainesville, VA – it’s really not the small town it’s made out to be and Prince William County is quite large.  Easy enough to get passed and truly enjoy the storyline though.  I definitely recommend this one and look forward to more books by this author. 
 
#ThePerfectMarriage
#JenevaRose
#BloodhoundBooks
#5StarReads
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Day

“Day” by Michael Cunningham
Published by Random House
Finished 11/5/23 – 2/5 stars

 
Let me be completely honest, I only finished this book because it was so short (275 pages) and I had free time.  I thought it fell flat and just wasn’t for me.  I went into it knowing Michael Cunningham is one to “over-write” a story based on The Hours (3 stars for me) but thought the idea of the story taking place on the same day in NYC for 3 years could be interesting so wanted to give it a try.  4/5/19 took up about half the book, introducing the characters (all dysfunctional); 4/5/20 was about a quarter of the book yet barely touched on the pandemic even though the world was in chaos at point; and then 4/5/21 was the last quarter.  One of the ways I think it went wrong was that there were too many character’s points of view for such a short book, covering so little time.  I think if there were less characters and more storyline for those characters, it would have been better.
 
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.
 
#Day
#MichaelCunningham
#RandomHouse
#NetGalley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Porcelain Maker

 

“The Porcelain Maker” by Sarah Freethy
Published by St. Martin’s Press
Finished 11/2/23 – 3/5 stars
 
For an author’s debut novel, I think she did well.  As a person who reads a lot of historical fiction during the time of WWII, I came away expecting more.  The storyline was original and enjoyable, but I think more character depth would have made it better, especially for Clara and Lotte.  Overall, I do recommend it and look forward to reading more by Ms. Freethy.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy of this book – coming out 11/7.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
#ThePorcelainMaker
#SarahFreethy
#StMartinsPress
#NetGalley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Housemaid's Secret

“The Housemaid’s Secret” by Freida McFadden
Published by Bookouture
Finished 10/24/23 – 4/5 stars
 
When I finished “The Housemaid” I was surprised to hear there was a sequel because I wasn’t sure how the storyline could continue.  I just had to go get it so that I could find out (and because I enjoyed the first one so much).  I can tell you….it did not disappoint.  Based on the first book, I knew there would be twists so I was able to guess some but definitely not all.  She still managed to surprise me with another phycological thriller.  And apparently, she’s planning on doing it again with a 3^rd book this spring.  I’m sure I’ll be reading that one as well.
 
#TheHousemaidsSecret
#FreidaMcFadden
#Bookouture
#LynnsBookReviews
#2023Reads

 

 “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King
Published by Gallery Books
Finished 10/7/23 – 4/5 stars
 
I haven’t read many of Stephen King’s books but every time I do, I really enjoy it.  This one is no exception. It isn’t a mystery but there’s plenty of suspense, just not any horror.  Which is fine with me because that’s not my normal type of book (or movie). This book had a great storyline with well developed characters, with a variety of personalities.  I’m looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
 
#MrMercedes
#StephenKing
#GalleryBooks
#2023Books
#LynnsBookReviews

Every Fifteen Minutes

 

“Every Fifteen Minutes” by Lisa Scottoline
Published by St Martin’s Griffin
Finished 9/23/23 – 4/5 stars
 
Another good stand-alone book from Lisa Scottoline.  This one is centered around a psychiatrist, his family, friends, and patients.  It also has a mystery thrown in there, which I had guessed completely wrong.  Bonus points when the author can fool me.  If you like a good page turner mystery, you’ll enjoy this one too.
 
#EveryFifteenMiinutes
#LisaScottoline
#StMartinsGriffin
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Outside Boy

 

“The Outside Boy” by Jeanine Cummins
Published by Berkley Books
Finished 9/17/23 – 5/5 stars
 
I came across this book at my library’s book sale – the cover and title caught my eye and then I read the back and figured I’d buy it and give it a try.  I’m so very glad I did because it was an absolutely beautiful read.  It takes place in 1959 Ireland and is told in the point of view of an 11-year-old “traveller” (gypsy).  The relationships the author builds between him and his family, friends, and even animals have you invested in this young boy’s life and his quest for answers about his past.  It’s one of those rare books that has me give a deep sigh once the final page is read.  One of those “that was just wonderful” closing sighs to a fabulous story.  I highly recommend it.
 
#TheOutsideBoy
#Jeanine Cummins
#BerkleyBooks
#5StarReads
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The River We Remember

 

“The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger
Published by Atria Books
Finished 9/8/24 – 5/5 stars
 
I loved “This Tender Land” so I was excited to hear William Kent Krueger had a new book coming out.  He did not disappoint – I definitely enjoyed this one just as much.  He has a great talent for telling a story with plenty of character development and descriptive scenes while weaving in a little history at the same time.  There are many storylines that piqued my interest and characters that held a place in my heart so I never found my mind wandering while reading.  That says a lot for me – highly recommend it.
 
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.
 
#TheRiverWeRemember
#WilliamKentKrueger
#AtriaBooks
#NetGalley
#5StarReads
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Housemaid

 

“The Housemaid” by Feida McFadden
Published by Grand Central Publishing
Finished 8/29/23 – 4/5 stars
 
This is one of those books that will keep you up past your bedtime.  It’s quite the page turner, with very short chapters so you continually tell yourself “just one more chapter” and then the next thing you know, it’s midnight.  Makes for a quick read but tired mornings.  I definitely recommend it though.
 
#TheHousemaid
#FreidaMcFadden
#GrandCentralPublishing
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Storyteller

 "The Storyteller" by Dave Grohl
Published by Harper Audio (I normally don't review audiobooks but have decided to start)
Finished 8/25/23

This memoir is aptly titled because Dave Grohl is a great storyteller.  And you don’t need to be a Nirvana or Foo Fighters fan to enjoy it.  It’s full of stories of his upbringing, love of music, and love of musicians who helped shape his life.  A bonus for me were his stories of growing up in Northern Virginia because we are the same age and grew up in the same county.  Leaves me wondering if we were ever in the same place at the same time…..probably not, but you never know.  Either way, I loved the book and listening to him tell me all about his life so far.

Side note – I don’t know about the physical book but if you listen to the audio, continue past the credits to hear one last story.  I’m not sure why it wasn’t included in the main part of the book but it’s there at the very end.

#TheStoryteller
#DaveGrohl
#HarperAudio
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Magpie Murders

 

“Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz
Published by Harper Perennial
Finished 8/23/23 – 4/5 stars
 
As a fan of murder mysteries, I truly enjoyed this one.  One of the main characters is a book editor so there is a mystery book within a mystery book.  Plus, there is insight into the writing of books like the naming of characters and places as well as hints to finding important clues.  It added a little extra enjoyment while trying to figure it out.  If you enjoy a good, old fashioned, tech-free mystery, I recommend picking this one up.
 
#MagpieMurders
#AnthonyHorowitz
#HarperPerennial
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Local Woman Missing

 

“Local Woman Missing” by Mary Kubica
Published by Park Row Books
Finished 8/13/23 – 4/5 stars
 
I greatly enjoyed this one and stayed up way too late to finish it.  Obviously, from the title, you know it’s about a woman who has gone missing but there’s more.  Shortly after the first woman goes missing, another woman and her young daughter also go missing.  All from the same neighborhood.  Are all these disappearances related?  I won’t say.  But I can tell you I enjoyed how it was written.  Some chapters are current time and others are 11 years prior when they all went missing.  For extra insight, it is told in 4 different points of view to help you try to piece it all together.  It’s not confusing though because the title of each chapter tells you who it is and when it is taking place – very easy to follow along.  I definitely recommend this one.
 
#LocalWomanMissing
#MaryKubica
#ParkRowBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

 

“California Golden” by Melanie Benjamin
Published by Random House
Finished 8/8/23 – 3/5 stars
 
Another good historical fiction from Melanie Benjamin.  I didn’t find it to be nearly as good as “The Children’s Blizzard” (5 star read), but I did enjoy it.  It starts off pretty slow and at times I felt like there were historical “events” thrown in unnecessarily, but overall, it was a good story and I learned a little about surfing.  And if you enjoy books about dysfunctional people and/or families, this one is for you.  It is full of them.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and provide an honest review. (Finished just in time for publication day today)
 
#CaliforniaGolden
#MelanieBenjamin
#RandomHouse
#NetGalley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Vanishing Half

 

“The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett
Published by Riverhead Books
Finished 7/31/23 – 3/5 stars
 
I wanted to really love this book, but it just fell a little flat for me.  Racism plays a huge part in this book, sometimes thought provoking, other times it felt like it could be offensive to people of color. The storyline was interesting, but truly not a page turner and I didn’t love any of characters.  Overall, it was just OK.  Apparently, my opinion is not the norm though because it has received plenty of good reviews over the last couple years.
 
#TheVanishingHalf
#BritBennett
#RiverheadBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Gone Tonight

 

“Gone Tonight” by Sarah Pekkaren
Published by St. Martin’s Press
Finished 7/22/23 – 4/5 stars
 
All Ruth ever told her daughter, Catherine, of her past was that she left home as a teenager when pregnant with her, never contacting her family again.  But when Ruth starts showing signs of Alzhimers, Catherine decides now is the time to secretly dig into her mother’s past.  What she finds makes her wonder if she ever really knew her mother at all.  Sometimes it’s best to let the past lay burried in the past.
 
I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written in alternating points of view.  Many chapters would end wanting you to read “just one more chapter”.  You really won’t want to put it down, especially the second half.  The only issue I have is that one small part of the storyline is very similar to another book/movie.  One of the characters does call out the fact that they’d seen it in a movie before but as someone who has seen that movie a couple times, it felt very unoriginal.
 
This book comes out 8/1.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and provide an honest review.  I really enjoyed it.
 
#GoneTonight
#SarahPekkaren
#StMartinsPress
#NetGalley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

 
“The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane” by Lisa See
Published by Scribner
Finished 7/18/23 – 3/5 stars
 
I really enjoyed the story and learning about the mountain tribes in China with their traditions and way of life.  What I didn’t enjoy is all the specifics regarding tea.  There were multiple times where I found myself skimming through paragraphs because there were just too many tea facts that I had no desire to learn.  I understand that some of it was important to the story, but only to a certain extent.  I also wish the story would have continued a little longer rather than the abrupt way it ended.  Other than that, I think it was a good book….just not as good as some of her other ones.
 
#TheTeaGirlofHummingbirdLane
#LisaSee
#Scribner
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Alice Network

 
“The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn
Published by William Morrow
Finished 7/8/23 – 4/5 stars
 
If you read this book, and I sincerely hope that you do, you must also read the author’s notes afterward to find out just how much truth this historical fiction is based on.  I’ve now read two books centered on the female spy networks during WWI and WWII (this one being the best) and am very intrigued.  I need to find a non-fiction written in English to enjoy and find out more.  These women truly put their lives on the line every day, making strides to defeat the Germans.  I’m glad their stories are being told, even through works of fiction.
 
#TheAliceNetwork
#KateQuinn
#WilliamMorrow
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Lying Game

 

“The Lying Game” by Ruth Ware
Published by Scout Press
Finished 7/6/23 – 4/5 stars
 
Another good one from Ruth Ware!  It will keep you guessing up until the end.  You won’t necessarily like all the characters because some are kind of toxic, but you’ll enjoy the story.  I found that it does leave you with some unanswered questions about the past, but that’s OK.  You don’t always need a story to be fully buttoned up because sometimes that will just ruin and ending.
 
#TheLyingGame
#RuthWare
#ScoutPress
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Born a Crime

 

“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah
Published by Spiegel & Grau
Finished 7/4/23 – 3/5 stars
 
Although I’ve never watched a full episode of his Talk show, I’ve watched many clips on YouTube of the show and his behind-the-scenes pieces.  Through those I became a fan of him as a person.  One of my favorite things about this book is that it never touches on his current fame.  There is no bragging about his current lifestyle or accomplishments.  The stories are all about his life growing up in South Africa and the obstacles he had to either over come or simply live with.  He truly didn’t have a group he fully belonged to whether due to race, language, or class.  He was an outcast in many ways but found his way to success. 
 
Although I highly recommend it, the reason this is just a 3 star book for me is because I thought it was a little repetitive at times and that it bounced around a lot.  I just feel like the stories could have been pieced together differently for a better flow.
 
#BornACrime
#TrevorNoah
#Spiegel&Grau
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Lost Girls of Paris

 

“The Lost Girls of Paris” by Pam Jenoff
Published by Park Row Books
Finished 7/2/23 – 3/5 stars
 
This is a historical fiction about female secret agents tasked with getting communications in and out of France during WWII.  I think the concept of the story was great, but I found the actual storyline lacking.  I would have preferred more about the women and what they had to overcome and less about Grace (a woman in NY in 1946) and Eleanor (the leader of the women).  Actually, it could have completely eliminated the Grace storyline, keeping it in 1944, and I think I would have enjoyed it more.  Don’t get me wrong…. I did enjoy it.  I just think it could have been better.
 
#TheLostGirlsofParis
#PamJenoff
#ParkRowBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Broken Girls

 “The Broken Girls” by Simone St. James

Published by Berkley
Finished 6/28/23 – 3/5 Stars

This novel has alternating storylines – one of a girl who went missing from a boarding school in 1950 and one of a young woman in 2014 who is looking into her sister’s murder from 20 years prior. Both take place in the same small town in Vermont and include a ghost to add a little flair to the stories.  This is the 2^nd book I’ve read by this author, and I must admit, I liked the other one more.  I did enjoy it but it’s just not as suspenseful or intriguing as the other one.
 
#TheBrokenGirls
#SimoneStJames
#Berkley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Quiet Tenant

 

“The Quiet Tenant” by Clemence Michallon
Published by Knopf Publishing Group
Finished 6/17/23 – 4/5 stars
 
This book comes out in just a few days and my guess is that the rights to a movie or mini-series will be purchased by the end of the year.  It’s a short, page-turning, suspense novel that you won’t want to put down.  There are multiple points of view including the serial killer, his daughter, girlfriend, and the girl he’s held on to for the past 5 years (the quiet tenant).  The chapters are all labeled but it’s also pretty easy to determine on your own whose chapter it is.  You won’t get confused but you might find yourself internally yelling at a character periodically – like “no”, “don’t do that”, “hurry up”, “pay attention”, or “what were you thinking?”  Now, some might say it’s not very realistic but knowing the world today, I completely believe it could happen.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Publishing for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and provide an honest review.
 
#TheQuientTenant
#ClemenceMichallon
#KnopfPublishing
#NetGalley
#5StarReads
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Speak of the Devil

 

“Speak of the Devil” by Rose Wilding
Published by Minotaur Books
Finished 6/12/23 – 2.5/5 stars
 
The idea behind the book is good – multiple women find themselves in a room with the severed head of a man they all had a negative past with.  Any one of them could be the killer.  It then proceeds to tell you the back story of all these women and their connection to the deceased.  The issue I had was that I feel like there were just too many to keep them all straight the way it was presented to the reader.  Granted, if you have time to read it for longer stretches of time than I did, maybe it would be less confusing as to who’s who.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and provide an honest review.
 
#SpeakoftheDevil
#RoseWilding
#MinotaurBooks
#NetGalley
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

All Boys Aren't Blue

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M Johnson
Published by Penguin Books
Finished 6/3 – 3/5 stars
 
I’m so glad this memoir was written as a YA book.  Sadly, not all schools will allow it on their library shelves, but thankfully there are still plenty of public libraries and bookstores that will.  Not all children are represented in YA books, especially not those in the LGBTQIAP community.  This book can help give those struggling to find themselves a true story, showing that they are far from alone in that struggle.  Proving that there are plenty of people that will accept you for who you are once you find the strength to tell them.
 
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for about a year.  I figured Pride Month was a good time to finally read it and I’m very glad I did.  It gave me a better insight into both the Black and LGBTQIAP communities.
 
#AllBoysArentBlue
#GeorgeMJohnson
#PenguinBooks
#YoungAdult
#LGBTQIAP
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

 

Four Treasures of the Sky

 

“Four Treasures of the Sky” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang
Published by Flatiron Books
Finished 6/2/23 – 4/5 stars
 
This book won the Goodreads Choice Award for Historical Fiction last year, which is how I found it.  I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t heard more about it or why it hasn’t received more attention.  It may be a debut novel, but it doesn’t read as one.  You will fall in love with the main character and want to protect her through all the situations she encounters while trying to find her way back home to China where she had been kidnapped from as a child. The story is heartwarming at times and heartbreaking at others.  I definitely recommend it.
 
Side note – this book does have a pet peeve of mine……no quotation marks!  Drives me crazy but I was still able to fully enjoy it.
 
#FourTreasuresoftheSky
#JennyTinghuiZhang
#FlatironBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Seed Keeper

 

“The Seed Keeper” by Diane Wilson

Published by Milkweed Editions

Finished 5/29 – 4/5 stars

 

I truly enjoyed this historical fiction surrounding Native American heritage and culture, spanning multiple generations. Due to our different upbringings and surroundings, occasionally I had to remind myself that the main character, Rosie, was only about 10 years older than me because it felt like it was taking place much earlier in time.  The book was very well written with the only real negative being that it was a little too political at times.  They were brief instances and necessary for the storyline though, so it didn’t take too much away from the overall feel of the book.  I highly recommend it.

 

#TheSeedKeeper

#DianeWilson

#MilkweedEditions

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

 

The New Mother

 “The New Mother” by Nora Murphy

Published by Minotaur Books

 

Finished 5/24 – 4/5 stars

 

This book is almost like 2 books in one.  The first half is very focused on the main character’s undiagnosed post-partum depression after having her first baby.  As a reader (and mother), I could see through her thoughts, feelings, and actions to assume she probably had it. Those closest to her didn’t see it though and just thought she was overtired from having a fussy baby.  I fear that happens too often in real life.  The second half turns into a page turning thriller.  It’s not a mystery because the reader knows exactly what is happening before it even happens, but the suspense is with regards to whether or not the truth will come out before the lies are set in stone.  I thought it was very well done and definitely recommend it.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for gifting me with an advanced copy to read and review (Publication date – 5/30/23).  And thank you to the author for shining a light on post-partum depression.  Too many women suffer in silence, afraid to ask for help.

 

#TheNewMother

#NoraMurphy

#MinotaurBooks

#NetGalley

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

The Winter Guest

 

“The Winter Guest” by Pam Jenoff
Published by Park Row Books
Finished 5/21/23 – 3.5/5 stars
 
I definitely enjoyed this one but found it a little too predictable and the ending seemed rushed.  When you see you only have about 40 pages left to read but a lot of storyline still to wrap up….there will either be a sequel or a rushed ending.  This has the rushed ending.  It’s still a good story, I just wish Ruth’s storyline continued further before jumping ahead to 2013.
 
This obviously won’t be the same for everyone but with my Polish background, there were a few words that would just warm my heart when I read them.  It’s not often you find Polish words in a book written by an American, but it was nice to find Babcia, pieogi, Wigilia, Oplatek, and the mention of waiting for the 1^st star to arrive before eating Christmas Eve. My family will understand.
 
#TheWinterGuest
#PamJenoff
#ParkRowBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Not a Happy Family

 

“Not a Happy Family” by Shari Lapena

Published by Penguin Books

 

Finished 5/15/23 – 4/5 stars

 

Not only is this family not happy, they are extremely dysfunctional.  The book opens with the murder of a couple in their home within a rich community.  It then becomes a quirky “who done it” involving many family members with probable cause and none with a solid alibi.  There is no love or trust in one another but there is a lot of finger-pointing as their relationships seem to just unravel over the next couple weeks.  There aren’t a lot of twists and turns but you’ll probably change your mind a few times as to who you think the murderer is and if you are like me, you’ll be wrong when the killer is revealed.

 

The book is a very quick read with short chapters, making it easy to find good stopping points.  It does bounce around a lot between many unlikable characters but it’s not hard to follow.  And even though I guessed the wrong killer, I still recommend it.

 

#NotaHappyFamily

#ShariLapena

#PenguinBooks

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

The Book of Lost Names

 “The Book of Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel
Published by Gallery Books

Finished 5/9 – 4.5/5 stars

 

I thought this was going to be a 5 star read until I reached the end.  The story itself was great, the character development was really good, and it was overall well written.  There were plenty of horrific aspects of the holocaust but this story focuses more on shining a light on some of the good people were able to do for one another to try to survive it. I truly loved reading it but there were 2 aspects of the storyline in which I didn’t like the closure given – 1 would have been ok, but 2 was too much (you’ll understand once you read it). I also felt that the storyline of the book itself needed to be drawn out a little more to come full circle, showing the benefits of it being found.  Those are more personal preferences but they’re the reason it’s not quite a 5 star read for me.  I highly recommend it though.    

 

#TheBookofLostNames

#KristinHarmel

#GalleryBooks

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

Since We Fell

 “Since We Fell” by Dennis Lehane
Published by HarperCollins

 Finished 5/5/23 – 4/5 stars

 

What a roller coaster ride!!  It starts out a little slow but then there are so many ups and downs and twists and turns, you truly never know what is going to happen next.  Definitely my kind of book.  Even with that said, I just couldn’t give it 5 stars.  At times I felt like it was a little too far-fetched plus there were some holes that needed filling but overall, great story.  I just wish it had one more chapter, although that might have led to a sappy ending and nobody wants that.  I’ll just finish it my head and give it the ending I want it to have. 

 

Although I’ve watched (and LOVED) Mystic River, I had never read any of Dennis Lehane’s books prior.  Now I think I’ll have to go in and add some to my TBR list.

 

#SinceWeFell

#DennisLehane

#HarperCollins

#2023Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

The Orphan Collector

 “The Orphan Collector” by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Published by Kensington Books

Finished 4/28/23 – 4/5 stars
 
This book takes place during the Spanish flu in 1919 and early 1920s.  It was written pre-COVID but at times had the feel of the recent pandemic – a public event causing an outbreak, the wearing of masks, the fear of leaving your home, and the fear of letting others into your home.  While reading I actually stopped to find out when it was published to see if the author was influenced by COVID, she wasn’t. 
 
Although heartbreaking at times, I really enjoyed this story.  The main character is just a young girl, but her strength and determination are fierce.  Through all the roadblocks thrown at her, you’re constantly hopeful that she’ll find the happy ending she so deserves.
 
#TheOrphanCollector
#EllenMarieWiseman
#KensingtonBooks
#2023Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Last Thing He Told Me

“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
Published by Simon & Schuster
Finished 4/16 – 5/5 stars
 
I’m kicking myself for letting this book sit in my bookcase for 2 years.  Why did I wait?  It was so good that I read it over a weekend.  It’s not a suspenseful book, but it’s still a page turner that keeps you guessing.  And now I can’t wait to watch the show.
 
Not only is the story itself really good, the way it’s written is too.  Majority of the chapters are present time but then there are “flashback” chapters mixed in as well that are going in a reverse timeline.  For example, the first one might be from like 3 days prior and then by the end it was like 2 years prior.  Another thing I enjoyed was that the chapters had titles rather than just numbers.  Sometimes it’s the little things that help make an impression.
 
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Hang the Moon

 

“Hang the Moon” by Jeannette Walls
Published by Scribner
Finished 4/14/23 – 4/5 Stars

What’s not to love about a book taking place in the mountains of Virginia with a very strong female lead?  And as a bonus, it’s written by Jeannette Walls.  I knew I wanted to read it as soon as I heard about it.  And I’m very glad I did.

 The men of the Kincaid family have essentially run Claiborne County for generations.  Not quite in a mafia style, but pretty similar.  The Duke’s daughter, Sallie, is coming of age in the time of prohibition, when moonshine running is becoming more dangerous (and more profitable).  She may be old enough but the last thing she wants is to get married and have children.  What she really wants to do is work in the family business.  She’ll have to prove herself as capable first because females don’t normally have a role to play in this business.

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