The Maid

 

“The Maid” by Nita Prose

Published by Balantine Books (release date it 1/4/22)

Finished 12/17/21 – 4/5 stars

I fell in love with Molly from page 1.  She is a hotel maid who takes her job very seriously, taking utmost pride in her work. Cleanliness and proper etiquette are essential to her way of life.  It’s never mentioned, but I believe she’s probably on the autism spectrum, although highly functional.  As the reader, you know what is really going on around her but through her innocence and rose colored glasses, Molly sees nothing but the best in people.  It’s her trust in others that puts her in troubling situations, although she doesn’t see it.  Not until she finds one of the hotel’s guests dead in their room and her quirky behavior makes her one of the prime suspects.  Now she’ll have to figure out who her true friends are and who she can trust to try and clear her name. 

This book is a quick and enjoyable read that I definitely recommend.  Although there is a mystery to be solved, I wouldn’t consider it a mystery novel.  Molly is probably the only one not to see what is going on right under her nose.  But since it’s narrated by her, it’s a mystery to her. So, I recommend it as a good book, just not a good mystery.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Balantine Books for an advanced copy to read and review.  Please note the above are my own unbiased, personal opinions.

Once There Were Wolves

 

“Once There Were Wolves” by Charlotte McConaghy

Published by Flatiron Books

Finished 12/9/21 – 3/5 stars

 

My favorite parts of this book were all related to the wolves.  The descriptions of the animals and scenery were beautiful and well written.  And the storyline in general of reintroducing the wolves into Scottland brings hope for their conservation and environment.  If only it were true.  Maybe one day they will follow the United States’ lead and welcome them back.

The storyline involving the humans was good, just not my favorite parts of the book.  I loved the bond the sisters had even though some of the time it was a little over the top.  Maybe that’s because they’re twins.  Most of the story was fairly predictable, however, the ending did have a couple twists thrown in that I didn’t see coming.  Those were definitely done well but as enjoyable as the ending was, the book in its entirety is still just an average book for me. 

I know many people give this book a higher rating so my opinion is not the norm.  Give it a try and decide for yourself how good of a book it is.

Wish You Were Here

 

“Wish You Were Here” by Jodi Picoult

Published by Random House

Finished 11/23/21 – 4/5 stars

 

Jodi Picoult for another win!  I thoroughly enjoyed this one and, as always, learned a little too – about art.  Art appreciation is not my cup of tea, but it plays a part in this book and I actually found myself fully interested in learning it.  This is also the first book I’ve read in which COVID plays a part in the storyline, a pretty big part.  I felt it was done well, without taking over the story.  Even though there was sickness, death, and quarantine issues throughout, there was also romance and self-reflection to balance it out.  I definitely recommend this one – it would make a great gift for a reader while celebrating the holidays.

 Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of the book to read and review.  These are my honest, personal opinions.

What Could Be Saved

 

“What Could Be Saved” by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz

Published by Washington Square Press

Finished 11/05/21 – 4/5 stars    

 

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads and am so glad I did.  It’s the story of an American family that has a child go missing while living in Bangkok in 1972.  In 2019, one of the daughters receives a shocking telephone call telling her that her brother is still alive.  The novel switches back and forth between the present and the past, telling the story of what happened, revealing long kept secrets, and keeping your curiosity alive until the very end.  There is drama, mystery, and even a little romance blended together into a great read.

 

This is the 3rd book this author has published but the first one I’ve read.  It won’t be my last though.  Based on my enjoyment of this story, I’ll be putting the other two on my to read list.

Oh William!

“Oh William!” by Elizabeth Strout

Published by Random House

Finished 10/24 – 3/5 stars

Well, at least I’m consistent with my ratings of the books in this series.  I looked back and I gave both “My Name is Lucy Barton” and “Anything is Possible” 3 stars as well.  Granted, you don’t have to have read those books to enjoy this one.  It probably gives you more insight into the characters and their relationships but it’s been 4 years since I read the other 2 books so I don’t think I pulled much from my memory.  However, it didn’t go by me when Ms. Strout gave a shout out to the Burgess brothers from another book of hers and I read that one about 8 years ago (that was a 4 star read).

This story is about Lucy and her ex-husband William whom she has remained friends with over the years.  After taking one of those genetic tests, William finds out that he has a sister that he never knew existed.  He is recently separated and Lucy is widowed so she decides to be his needed support and join him on his journey to find out more about his past.  There is no romance on this journey, just a true friendship.  Although not written in a diary format, it has that feel because Lucy is telling the story and while doing so, she is also reflecting on her past.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this novel so that I might share my honest opinion – I enjoyed it and recommend it to others.

All the Children are Home

 

“All the Children are Home” by Patry Francis

Published by Harper Perennial

Finished 10/11/21 – 4/5 stars

 

Lots of dysfunctional characters, but what else would you expect when the main setting is a foster home.  Obviously, each child comes with a troubling past but even the foster mom has her own personal demons to contend with.  I wouldn’t change a thing about any of them though.  As a family put together by chance, they share a loving bond and come to greatly rely on each other.

The story is told from different perspectives to allow you to get to know and understand each character better.  Each chapter’s heading tells you which point of view you are about to have so there is no confusion.  The ending does leave you wanting more but I don’t think a sequel is needed.  You can leave the ending to your imagination as to how each character’s life ends up.

Don't You Cry

 

“Don’t You Cry” by Mary Kubica

Published by MIRA Books

Finished 9/9/21 – 3/5 stars

Whereas I’m giving the book 3/5 stars I would give the concept 5/5 stars. It’s a mystery revolving around a young woman who goes missing from her apartment and her roommate who decides to play detective on her own.  There are a few twists and turns during the story with it all becoming clear in the last 50 pages.  Until then you are given small clues and insights to try and solve the mystery but I’m betting you won’t get it 100% right. 

Side note – I think it a good screenwriter could turn it into a decent movie.