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
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#5starread
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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
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Remember

 

“Remember:  The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting” by Lisa Genova
Published by Penguin Random House
 
I love Lisa Genova’s fictional books and was quite curious as to how her non-fiction would read – fully scientific or layman’s terms?  I was pleased to find it easy to follow and very interesting.  As a bonus, I learned a lot.  There are actual reasons as to why I forget things and ways to try to remember things.  I also now have an excuse to take naps and/or go to bed earlier to help commit information to memory.  Who doesn’t like more sleep??
 
Finished 4/8/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#Remember
#LisaGenova
#PenguinRandomHouse
#2024Reads
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The Truth About the Devlins

 

“The Truth About the Devlins” by Lisa Scottoline

Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons

 

I can always count on Lisa Scottoline’s stand-alone novels for my reading enjoyment.  They are always a 4 or 5 star read for me, which is why I’ve read so many of them.  They are normally easy to follow page-turners with likeable characters and entertaining storylines.  This one is no different – I became hooked right away.  It’s a family drama that includes troubles with addiction and its effects on both the addict and their loved ones as well as some criminal/legal issues thrown in there to keep you on your toes.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

Finished 4/5/24 – 4/5 stars

 

#thetruthaboutthedevlins

#lisascottoline

#gpputnamssons

#penguinrandomhouse

#netgalley

#2024reads

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#bookstagram

 

“What’s Mine and Yours” by Naima Coster
Published by Grand Central Publishing
 
This book started out really strong but then it turned out to just be an OK book.  Part of that might simply be my disappointment in the meat of the storyline.  I knew it would be a dual family drama but was expecting the main story to be centered around school integration via busing.  Instead, that was just a minor plot line that didn’t even come about until halfway through.  So, if you like family drama, I would recommend it because there is plenty of it.  If you want something deeper or inspirational, this isn’t it.
 
Finished 3/30/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#whatsmineandyours
#naimacoster
#grandcentralpublishing
#2024reads
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#bookstagram

Bye, Baby

“Bye, Baby” by Carola Lovering
Published by St. Martin’s Press
 
I really enjoyed this book!  It’s not a mystery because you learn in the opening chapter that Billie takes Cassie’s baby.  It is suspenseful though, as you find out about their past, how it shaped their current relationships, and wonder just how it will all turn out (which I will not give away here).  I will say, Billie and Cassie’s relationship is a toxic one – Cassie wants to be the center of attention and Billie just wants to be loved.  And neither character is really likable.  As for the storyline, I found it to be pretty far-fetched.  That doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it – it is a work of fiction, after all. 
 
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 3/12/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#ByeBaby
#CarolaLovering
#StMartinsPress
#NetGalley
#Bookstagram
#2024Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

 

Year of Yes

 

“Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
 
Whereas I consider this a 4-star read, I can see where others would rate it differently.  This is a book of making changes in your life, finding another side of you.  I think ratings will be reflective of what people get out of the reading experience.  Personally, I really enjoyed it.  I think Shonda is a powerful woman and can be an inspiration to others – find her commencement speech on YouTube for just a taste.  I wish I had the courage to have a year of yes but honestly, it scares me.  And my “yeses” wouldn’t be nearly as big as hers.
 
Finished 3/11/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#Yearof Yes
#ShondaRhimes
#SimonSchusterAudio
#2024Reads
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After Annie

“After Annie” by Anna Quindlen
Published by Random House
 
I haven’t read an Anna Quindlen book that I haven’t liked – that streak continues.  I really enjoyed this story.  There’s no action or suspense….just a lovely story of grief and the various ways people deal with it throughout the 1^st year.  When Anna dies suddenly, her husband has to figure out how to be a single dad, her children have to adjust to the loss of their mom, and her best friend has to figure out how to live her life without her rock that kept her life on the right track.  They all deal with their personal grief differently.
 
One negative I have for this book is that although in real life 2 people with the same name can be best friends without any issues, I see no need to name 2 of the main characters Annie and Annmarie.  Multiple times I had to stop myself to look back to confirm which character said something.
 
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.

Finished 3/7/24 – 4/5 stars
 
#AfterAnnie
#AnnaQuindlen
#RandomHouse
#NetGalley
#2024Reads

#LynnsBookReviews

 

The Connollys of County Down

 

“The Connellys of County Down” by Tracey Lange
Published by Celadon Books
 
This is a family drama with plenty of disfunction but mainly likable characters.  Three siblings who lost their mother and then their father abandoned them, leaving the oldest in charge.  They have their differences, but their bond is very strong.  The story starts when the youngest sister is being released from jail.  The family has to adapt to living together again and the changes it brings.  I enjoyed the majority of the story but felt there were some plot holes as well as some far-fetched situations.  Still an enjoyable read though.
 
Finished 2/29/24 – 3/5 stars
 
#TheConnellysOfCountyDown
#TraceyLange
#CeladonBooks
#BookOfTheMonth
#2045Reads
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The Boys

 

“The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family” by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
Published by William Morrow (HarperAudio)
Finished 2/20/24 – 4/5 stars
 
I was not disappointed – Ron Howard seems to be just as genuine and wholesome as he comes across on the screen and in interviews.  He must be one of the nicest people in Hollywood.  I imagine actors and crew must truly enjoy working with/for him.
 
You also learn about his parents and get to know his brother Clint, another child actor.  He’s been sober now for a number of years but you can include him in the group of child actors who have drug and alcohol abuse issues.
 
If you are a Ron Howard fan or are like me and grew up watching The Andy Griffith Show (reruns), Happy Days, and a slew of movies he’s directed, then I think you’ll enjoy listening to this audio or reading the actual book.
 
#TheBoys
#RonHoward
#ClintHoward
#WilliamMorrow
#HarperAudio
#2024Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

The Babysitter

 
“The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer” by Liza Rodman and Jennifer Jordan
Published by Atria
Finished 2/11 – 3/5 stars
 
This is a true crime non-fiction that reads like a novel.  It’s actually 2 stories in one – the story of Cape Cod’s serial killer, Tony Costa, and the story of a local girl’s dysfunctional upbringing that occasionally included Tony taking her with him to run errands (babysit).  Both were interesting storylines but, for the most part, unrelated.
 
I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes true crime or murder mysteries.  It was only a 3-star read for me, personally, but I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I’d already read a book about these killings so sometimes it felt like a “re-read”, which I don’t enjoy doing.  I have a feeling this would have been 4-star review if I hadn’t read the other book first, but I can’t rate it based on what ifs.
 
#TheBabysitter
#LizaRodman
#JenniferJordan
#AtriaBooks
#SimonandSchuster
#2024Reads

The Women

 “The Women” by Kristin Hannah

Published by St. Matin’s Press
Finished 2/5/24 – 4/5 stars
 
If I had to rate this book simply on the emotional overload I felt when I turned the last page, it would be a 5-star read.  But I can’t.  Those tears freely flowing down my face while finishing this book were not related to the story itself.  Those were completely related the love and admiration I have for my dad, a retired Air Force Lt Colonel and Vietnam vet who, thankfully, came home all in one piece, although I know it took a toll on him mentally (not that he would ever admit it).
 
As for the book, I loved the story and subject matter, bringing needed light to the fact that women did in fact serve in Vietnam, the mental toll it took on all the vets, the horrific “welcome” they received upon their return from war, the addiction and suicidal thoughts so many have endured, as well as the mixed emotions brought about by the memorial being built.  I also loved the bond the female characters had during and after the war.  Their unwavering support for one another was a show of true friendship.
 
When you read this book, please also make sure to read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments.  In this instance, I feel like they are actually meaningful and not just a blanket, required thank you included at the end of some books. 
 
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.  And thank you to Kristin Hannah for writing a story that needed to be told.
 
#TheWomen
#KristinHannah
#StMartinsPress
#NetGalley
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Dolly Parton, Songteller

 

“Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics”
By Dolly Parton with Robert K Oermann
Published by Chronical Books
Finished 1/25/24 – 4/5 stars
 
If you are thinking about picking this one up, LISTEN to it rather than read it.  It’s actually Dolly Parton telling stories of her life and the songs she’s written, with some snippets of songs thrown in there.  It’s an interview, not scripted.  I’m not sure how good the transcribed version would be without her chuckles and smiles that come through while she talks.  The audio book is wonderful though – she’s just so sweet.  I’m not a fan of country music but I do like Dolly as a person which is why I picked it up.  I think anyone would enjoy it, country fan or not.
 
#DollyPartonSongtellerMyLifeInLyrics
#DollyParton
#RobertKOermann
#ChronicalBooks
#2024Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Twenty-Seven Minutes

 “Twenty-Seven Minutes” by Ashley Tate
Published by Poisoned Pen Press
Finished 1/22/24 – 3.5/5 stars
 
This is the author’s debut novel and I’d say she did a very good job with storyline and character development (none are likable).  It is told in multiple points of view, taking place in both present day and 10 years prior, but it’s very easy to follow along because chapters are labeled and the past is in a different font.  Although I don’t think it was her intention, I did find the ending to be predictable.  Even though I was pretty sure how it was going to end, I still continued on the ride because I was enjoying it (and to make sure I was right).  Overall, I would recommend it.
 
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.
 
#TwentySevenMinutes
#AshleyTate
#PoisonedPenPress
#NetGalley
#2024Reads
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Pageboy

 

“Pageboy” by Elliot Page
Published by MacMillan Audio
Finished – 1/19/24 – 3/5 stars
 
To be fair, I think this might have been a higher star rating had I read the book rather than listen to it.  Elliot Page is just very monotone during the majority of it, and I prefer more emotion from the narrator.  With that said, I did enjoy learning about their path in finding their true self.  Becoming a trans man was not a decision he came to quickly or lightly.  It was a lifetime of discovery, step by step.  I appreciate his willingness to share his story because books like his can possibly help others understand the choices trans people make.
 
#Pageboy
#ElliotPage
#MacMillanAudio
#2024Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Idaho

 

“Idaho” by Emily Ruskovich
Published by Random House
Finished 1/15/24 – 3/5 stars
 
There is a lot going on in this book with some information not necessarily needed for the story.  It also bounces between storylines and timelines, which could be confusing at times. I did enjoy it though, even though it ends without providing answers to everything I wanted to know.  I just used my imagination to finish up a few pieces for my own closure instead.  With all that said, I would recommend this to most but not for those that struggle following books that bounce around a lot.
 
#Idaho
#EmilyRuskovich
#RandomHouse
#2024Reads
#LynnsBookReviews

Northwoods

 “Northwoods” by Amy Pease

Published by Atria

Finished 1/8/24 – 3/5 stars

 

This is the author’s debut novel. I think she did a pretty good job and has potential.  It’s a short mystery that touches on a lot of deep topics – PTSD, alcoholism, drug addiction, and big pharma.  Lots of dysfunction for a little vacation town with a police force of just 4 people.  I believe the intention was for there to be some twists/surprises along the way but as a reader of a lot of mysteries, I found them fairly predictable.  I did enjoy it though – I really liked the main character and it definitely kept my attention, pulling me along to conclusion.  I would recommend it.

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

#Northwoods

#AmyPease

#AtriaBooks

#NetGalley

#2024Reads

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The Book of Fire

 

“The Book of Fire” by Christy Lefteri
Published by Ballantine Books
Finished 1/5/24 – 5/5 stars
 
What a way to start off the new year!  I absolutely loved this beautifully written book!  The descriptive scenes and wholesome characters pull you right in.  The story centers around a tragic forest fire in Greece but is filled with hope, love, kindness, and self-reflection.  It’s definitely a “feel good” book, but not at all the sappy kind.  I highly recommend it.  I have a copy of her critically acclaimed “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” unread in my bookcase – based on how much I enjoyed this one, it will now be moving towards the top of my to read list so that review will be coming out this year as well.
 
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.
 
#TheBookofFire
#ChristyLefteri
#BallantineBooks
#NetGalley
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