Review: The Night Child by Anna Quinn

Nora Brown teaches high school English and lives a quiet life in Seattle with her husband and six-year-old daughter. But one November day, moments after dismissing her class, a girl's face appears above the students' desks -- ''a wild numinous face with startling blue eyes, a face floating on top of shapeless drapes of purples and blues where arms and legs should have been. Terror rushes through Nora's body -- the kind of raw terror you feel when there's no way out, when every cell in your body, your entire body, is on fire -- when you think you might die.''

Twenty-four hours later, while on Thanksgiving vacation, the face appears again. Shaken and unsteady, Nora meets with neurologists and eventually, a psychiatrist. As the story progresses, a terrible secret is discovered -- a secret that pushes Nora toward an even deeper psychological breakdown.

This breathtaking debut novel examines the impact of traumatic childhood experiences and the fragile line between past and present. Exquisitely nuanced and profoundly intimate, The Night Child is a story of resilience, hope, and the capacity of the mind, body, and spirit to save itself despite all odds.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Blackstone 

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

The Night Child was about a woman who's personal and professional life were on shaky ground and she began to see a face. After exploring different medical routes she ended up in front of a psychiatrist. It was at this point that the story started to get interesting.

Without saying too much I will say that things from Nora's past began to emerge. Things that Nora had blocked out and couldn't remember. A journey of self discovery and a haunting look at her past pushed her to the edge. The Night Child showcased her journey to overcome the terrors of her past and her journey of strength and healing.

As difficult as the subject matter was, I felt that as the reader that I needed more of Nora's story from her childhood when the trauma occurred. In order to fully comprehend the emotional scars that it had on her, I needed more from her childhood. I don't necessarily mean the trauma itself but the family dynamic, the relationships between them in the good times as well as the bad. The story focused primarily on the discovery and healing process versus the story that brought her to the point she was at when she was introduced to us. I guess I felt that the back story was too fleeting and glazed over to give it the impact that was really needed for Nora's journey. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that it wasn't horrible and that her scars weren't warranted. I'm saying that I found the book moved too quickly and the discoveries of her past would have had more of an impact if the reader got a bit more of her back story.

There were some great moments in this book and I enjoyed Nora's journey however I didn't particularly like Nora or any of the characters in this book. None of them were overly likeable. I also struggled with something that Nora was going to do at the end of the book before the twist? Cliffhanger? or whatever it was that happened at the end. The ending felt unfinished and I'm not sure if that was intentional and meant to infer that Nora's struggled would never be finished or if it was a way to set up a sequel. Whichever it was left me feeling like I wasn't finished the book and not necessarily in a good way.

About the Author

Anna Quinn is a writer, teacher, and the owner of The Writers’ Workshoppe and Imprint Bookstore in Port Townsend, WA. She has thirty years of experience teaching and leading writing workshops across the country. Anna’s first novel, “The Night Child”, published by Blackstone will be released Jan. 30th, 2018

Connect with Anna

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Review: My Last Love Story by Falguni Kothari

Promise me you'll learn to cuss, learn to love again. Live again. Promise me you won't give up on each other.

Simi Desai is thirty years old and her husband is dying of cancer. He has two last wishes in his final months: first, that she'll have his baby so that a piece of him lives on, and second, that she'll reconcile with her old flame, who just happens to be their mutual best friend. And so over the course of their last summer together, Simi's husband plans a series of big and small adventures for this unlikely trio, designed to help them say goodbye to each other and prove to Simi that it's okay to move on without him--and even find love again. 

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Expected publication: February 1st 2018 by Graydon House



Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

I finished this book a while ago and I've been trying to figure out how I feel about it ever since. I'm conflicted with My Last Love Story and I'm not sure if I can adequately explain my reasons why.

At the centre of this book were Simi, Nirvaan and Zayaan. Simi was married to Nirvaan who was dying of cancer. Nirvaan and Zayaan were best friends since childhood. The three of them were inseparable during their teen years and Simi and Zayaan were in a relationship at that time. Now the three of them live together in the same beach house while trying to carry out Nirvaan's wish list. Did I mention that Nirvaan also wanted Simi to have his baby and was pushing his wife and best friend together? Yes ladies and gentlemen, the most unusual love triangle to date.

What I enjoyed most about this story was their time as teenagers when they were still in India. This was an extremely important part of the story in order for the present day to make sense but it was fleeting. I didn't feel like enough time was spent with the back story to give the present day the depth that it really needed in order to make it as emotional as I think it was intended to be.

I truly enjoyed Nirvaan and Zayaan but I struggled to connect with Simi at times. She had such anger towards Zayaan and I was never very clear on why. Was it because he looked like his brother? Was she angry because she still desired him? Was it because her husband seemed to want them together? Was it because he was helping Nirvaan with his dying wishes? I was never quite sure and he was nothing but kind to her and  most importantly they were friends.

There were some things that bothered me towards the end of the book that I can't explain without giving some of the story away so I won't. I'll just say that I struggled with some of the events that happened. I don't necessarily disapprove of the events so much as the timing of these events. It felt cheapened and a little tactless.

Over all this story made me think a lot. It had moments that I enjoyed thoroughly and moments that I'm not sure I'll ever understand. For that I can at least say it was memorable and would make for some great book club conversations.

About the Author

Falguni Kothari is the author of unconventional love stories and kick-ass fantasy tales. Her four novels, most recently MY LAST LOVE STORY, are all flavored by her South Asian heritage and expat experiences. An award-winning Indian Classical, Latin and Ballroom dancer, she currently spikes her endorphin levels with Zumba. She resides in New York with her family and pooch.

Connect with Falguni

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Review: The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.
Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

Paperback, 520 pages

Published June 6th 2017 by William Morrow Paperbacks

Terri's Thoughts

Those who follow my blog and read my reviews know that without question my favorite genre is historical fiction.  In particular, if I can find a good wartime story to pull at my heartstrings I am a happy girl.  While this story did not necessarily pull the heartstrings for me, it did encompass the rest and really made me think.

I won't spend too much time regurgitating the story as I can see that it has pretty much been covered when I was researching to see if this book was a good match for me.  I don't normally read other reviews until after I finish a story so I do not go in with expectations but for some reason it did and for once I am glad I did.  What I saw in a few of the reviews was people saying they did not like the character of Eve.

Are you even kidding me right now?

I don't think the reader is supposed to like Eve.  It is kind of the premise of the whole story.  I can't explain it fully without spoilers but to me the whole purpose of the story is the journey that cause Eve to become the person she is on 1947.  Let me tell you it is easy to judge sitting in our cushy homes reading the story on our expensive devices but I am perfectly willing to admit in her shoes I would be the exact same or worse.  I have seen people become bitter and jaded over a lot less than what she went through.

Charlie's story was not really as captivating however I looked at her story as the vehicle in which we learned all of Eves story.  I liked how her journey from the first to the last pages made her a completely different and independent person.  I must admit that I was relieved when she finally stop seeing her cousin in the crowds.

Missing from this story is the epic love story that tends to come hand in hand with these types of stories.  That is ok.  I feel like the story was more to tell of the female spy network, and story namesake, The Alice Network and that there was already enough to tell without complicating it with another layer.  I admit that I plead ignorance to know if any of this is based off of any actual true historical events whether loosely or not or how much research was involved.  I imagine that things like this did go on during the war and I must admit that I would not have a quarter of the courage of the ladies in this book.

I apologize if this review does not make any sense to those who have not read the story.  For those who have, I think I may have gotten my point across.  All I can say is that although I think I am late to the party with picking up this book, fans of historical fiction who have not yet been introduced to this story should pick it up now and read it.

About the Author

Kate Quinn is a native of southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written seven historical novels, including the New York Times bestseller "The Alice Network," the Empress of Rome Saga, and the Borgia Chronicle. All have been translated into multiple languages.

Kate and her husband now live in San Diego with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia, and her interests include opera, action movies, cooking, and the Boston Red Sox.

Website

Review: Kiss Me, Sweetheart (Something Borrowed #2) by Codi Gary

The bridesmaids and groomsmen for hire at Sweetheart, California’s Something Borrowed have the cure for celebrity wedding headaches. But even a job that’s strictly business can lead to the
real thing . . .
 
RULE #2: DON’T UPSTAGE THE BRIDE AND GROOM
 
Rylie Templeton had big dreams, until she quit culinary school to take care of her father and signed on with Something Borrowed. Suddenly years have gone by and she’s still a bridesmaid-for-hire, with her idea to open a gourmet bakery on the back burner. Scoring a high-profile wedding could help turn her life around, if only she didn’t have to share the spotlight with her coworker, the insufferable—and undeniably gorgeous—Dustin Kent.

Instructed to make it work, Rylie plunges into the wedding festivities with Dustin by her side. If only she could convince him to turn his spectacular charm on someone else! But the enigmatic, reformed playboy has his own ideas about romance, and they all include Rylie. As the nuptials get closer, Rylie realizes that Dustin’s wooing is actually working, and that the two of them might make a good team in more ways than one . .

Kindle Edition, 210 pages

Expected publication: February 13th 2018 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

This is the second in the Something Borrowed series.  Although I have read the whole series thus far, no need to worry if you did not read the first installment.  This can be read as a stand alone.  That being said, I would recommend starting the series at the beginning as it is a fun series and you do get the introduction to both Rylie and Dustin in the first book.

There really are no surprises with this story, it really is just pure light and fun entertainment.  The chemistry between the characters is evident from the get go and the reader knows that it will not take long for the temperature to rise on said chemistry.  Given the fact that this story is 210 pages, it really does not take long at all.

It also doesn't take the reader very long to see past the playboy persona of Dustin to see who he really is.  I think it is every (single) girls fantasy to be able to win over a player and change his ways.  This is probably why so many woman date frogs in hopes that they meet their prince.  Too bad it works out in fiction way more often than reality!  I digress....however it really is heartwarming to see the transition within Dustin all because of Rylie.

That is all I am going to say about this story.  If you are looking for a romance that is on the shorter side, has some witty banter, and is entertaining, this is a good choice for you.

About the Author

(From her Goodreads profile)

From the time I could put a Disney Book cassette into my little stereo,and read along, books have held a fantastic distraction. When I was eleven, I decided I wanted to be one of those magical people that brought stories to life. Devouring a book a day sometimes, my first romance novel stuck with me. I've always been a sucker for a happy ending (and the great romantic gesture)and that's what I try to put into my stories. I am so honored to be a part of Avon, and am so excited to have my own dreams coming true.

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Review: Buried Truth (Siren Cove #1) by Jannine Gallant

isit Siren Cove, Oregon, for gorgeous beaches, miles of hiking, delightful small-town shops--and a dark side none of its residents could have possibly imagined . . .

Leah Grayson has lived in Siren Cove all her life. It's where she buried a time capsule with her fifth-grade class. Where she spent an unforgettable night on the beach with her first love. Where she married then divorced her rotten ex.

But there's something ugly going on in her pretty little town. When Leah organizes a reunion for her fifth-grade classmates to open their time capsule, they discover a roll of film no one remembers saving. Afterward, strange incidents begin happening. Warnings. Accidents. Random acts of vandalism.

Luckily, her first love is back in town, too. Ryan Alexander has made it big with a wildly popular social media startup, but he's still the same sweet, cynical man she fell for all those years ago. And the chemistry they felt as teenagers is as strong as ever.

A nostalgic fling turns deadly when someone is convinced Leah has the key to secrets long buried. With no way to know whom they can trust, Leah and Ryan will have to seek out the answers themselves . . .

Paperback

Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Lyrical Press, Inc

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

I have read quite a bit of Gallant's work so I did not hesitate to try this story.  It delivered exactly as expectations would of a romantic suspense.  A little heavier on the romance and a little lighter on the suspense.

I liked how the reader is pretty much given the short list of who the possible "bad guys" are and tries to decipher it from there.  While the amount of close calls and near death experiences Leah experienced could be described as far fetched, I was still along for the ride.

It is evident in Gallants work that she is a huge fan of nature and the outdoors as a lot of this story takes place there.  It almost made me want to be a rock climber like Ryan, ok maybe not, but I will take the nice hiking trails minus the creepy stone.

I have two pieces of constructive criticism. 

The first is the reader reads about Leah's upturned lips a couple too many times.  I don't know why but every time it came up I visualized her lips bigger and bigger until they were the fish lips that are all over social media.

The second one may just be me.  I had a hard time reconciling Leah the character with her description.  I was stuck on the fact that she had hair to her butt.  I can't say I know or have known anyone with hair that long at that age demographic.  I am laughing at how petty it is but it really bothered me.  So this one is my issue.

Overall, I would tell readers to set your expectations.  This story is a romantic suspense and therefore is a little on the lighter side than say a thriller novel would be.  If you go in knowing what to expect, you will have a good time with this story.

About the Author

Write what you know. I've taken this advice to heart, creating characters from small towns and plots that unfold in the great outdoors. I grew up in a tiny Northern California town and currently live in beautiful Lake Tahoe with my husband and two daughters. When I'm not busy writing, I hike or snowshoe in the woods around my home. Whether I'm writing contemporary, historical or romantic suspense, I bring the beauty of nature to my stories.

Website

Review: Fake Wife by Stacey Lynn

This marriage is strictly business... until the temptation gets way too real.

Corbin: I loved my grandma, but I don’t need her money. All I care about is keeping the house—the only place that’s ever felt like home. That, and screwing over my dad, who wants to turn the property into a mall. There’s only one catch: To receive my inheritance, I have to get married within six months. Me, the guy who’s never dated a girl for more than six minutes. Now I need to find a woman I can trust. So when I’m rear-ended by a Prius, I figure it’s a sign that I’m supposed to meet gorgeous, down-to-earth Teagan Monroe.

Teagan: First I lose my job. Then I come home and find out—in the most graphic way possible . . . yeah, that way—that my boyfriend is a cheating jerk. And then I speed off and nearly kill Portland’s sexiest bachelor. Corbin Lane should be pissed. Instead, he offers me more money than I’ve ever seen in my life to marry him and live together in a mansion for two years. No sex. No feelings. Just cash—enough to make all my dreams come true. Then we go and break all our rules . . . and I realize I’m falling in love with my fake fiancé.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 219 pages

Published January 9th 2018 by Loveswept
Series: Crazy Love #1

Genre: Romance/Contemporary Romance

Kristine's Thoughts:

** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**

Fake Wife was the story of Corbin and Teagan. When Corbin's beloved Grandmother passed away she willed him her property that was near and dear to him on the condition that he get married. This was a problem for a man without a steady girlfriend. Teagan lost her job and her long term boyfriend on the same day she rear ended Corbin's car. It was almost like it was fate.

This is a story line that has been done a million times before so my expectations weren't high for Fake Wife. However, I have read all of Stacey Lynn's Fireside series and adored it so I was excited to see what the first book in this new series offered.

I have to admit to seriously liking this book. It had the two things that I always require in this genre of book in order to thoroughly enjoy it. What is that you might ask? It would be chemistry and anticipation. Lynn was bang on with the two. She perfectly captured the chemistry between the two characters but gave the reader enough anticipation to really give you the feels.As with most things in life, anticipation is half the fun and sexy time in a book is just sex unless there is a build up of chemistry and lust to make it steamy. On top of that, both characters were really likeable. Both were respectful of each other and were genuinely good people. It was easy to route for the two of them.

I look forward to following the rest of this series to see what other kinds of crazy situations Stacey Lynn comes up with.

  

About the Author

Stacey Lynn is a simple girl raised in the Midwest. Over the long, frigid winters, she would read every book she could get her hands on, from John Grisham and Danielle Steel to Ann M. Martin and C. S. Lewis. She began writing poems and short stories long before she reached high school, and now, as a wife and mother to four children, she finds solace from the craziness of her life by creating steamy, sexy stories. After publishing her first book, what began as a hobby has now turned into an unending passion.

  

Connect with Stacey

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Review: Golden Opportunity (Romance By Design #3) by Virginia Taylor

They grew up together yet worlds apart. But a wealthy young man and a classy young woman find that some bonds can’t be broken . . .

The only thing Marigold Reynolds and billionaire Hagen Allbrook ever had in common was their attraction. Marigold made sure that never went anywhere by cutting ties with him six years ago. Now, however, she needs a job—and Hagen’s design assistant desperately needs someone to fill in for her at his family’s construction firm. Trusting that time has dimmed the electricity between them, Marigold accepts. But as she undertakes his challenging renovation of her own ancestors’ home, it’s soon clear she’s mistaken.

A year after his wife’s death, Hagen is coming to terms with the past. He’s as drawn to Marigold as ever, but as they finally cross long-held boundaries, a misunderstanding, and Marigold’s belief that she can never measure up to his perfect wife, threatens to tear them apart once more. Hagen’s only chance of winning her back is to reveal the truth about his marriage. And perhaps then Marigold will reveal a heartfelt secret of her own .

ebook, 200 pages

Expected publication: January 30th 2018 by Lyrical Shine

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher vis Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

Although this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.  Considering this is the third installment and I had only read one of the two that came before it, there was zero impact to this story.  To be honest, I am not even sure which characters were present in the other story and which ones were not.  It didn't matter.

This story follows the standard formula one would expect in this genre.  There is the push and pull of attraction, the denial, and ultimately giving in.  Mix in some drama caused by a shared past and emotional baggage and voila you have a story.

This story did exactly what I expected it to.  It entertained me in the sense that it did not pretend to solve or even address the worlds issues.  This was exactly what I was looking for.  While it may not end up on the top of book club picks, it provided me with a pleasant way to pass the time.

On a side note, it was funny to read about a car crash that was caused by a kangaroo.  Coming from a geographical region that does not have these animals I did a double take when I read it.  It is not something I hear about often although I am sure it can happen frequently.  I guess it would be the equivalent of hitting a deer where I am from!

About the Author

Virginia is a full time writer who used to be a nurse/midwife, a scenic painter and designer, a renovator of heritage houses, and still is an avid gardener. She is also a bad driver, an unenthusiastic cook and a reader of all things bookish.

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