Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Reviews: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

 

 

When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.

It was everything.

She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.

Full of spellbinding menace and told in Ruth Ware’s signature suspenseful style, The Turn of the Key is an unputdownable thriller from the Agatha Christie of our time. 
Audiobook, Unabridged , 352 pages
Published August 6th 2019 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four and a half stars: A creepy atmospheric tale with many startling twists and turns leading up to a shocking conclusion. 

Rowan Caine puts in her resume for a job that seems too good to be true. The position she is after is for a live in nanny in the Scottish Highlands. Rowan is enchanted by the luxurious Heatherbrae House, a restored house with smart technology and modern conveniences. The salary is generous as well. Then when Rowan lands the job, she can’t believe her good fortune. She arrives at Heartherbrae hoping to present the picture of a perfect nanny. Unfortunately, Rowan quickly finds that maintaining the facade of the perfect nanny is a tall order. Soon Rowan is left alone with three children in a house that has cameras everywhere. Then things start getting weird from malfunctioning technology, strange noises and the whispers of ghosts. The situation deteriorates rapidly, culminating with a murder and Rowan landing in jail. If Rowan didn’t commit the murder, who did?

What I Liked:

• The Turn of the Key delivers a chilling, atmospheric tale that will keep you flipping pages long past bedtime. I was hooked but this riveting read. If you love a good suspenseful thriller, this one is not to be missed. The Turn of the Key is the perfect read for the fall season. 
• The setting is outstanding. I loved the way the Heatherbrae House became integral to the story. The remote setting coupled with the smart technology was unsettling. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere with cameras always spying on you. Then when the technology begins to malfunction, the tension ramps up. The author does a tremendous job with the house. The Heatherbrae House with its sordid history and off limits garden provided the perfect backdrop. It was creepy!
• Rowan is one of those characters whom I wanted to trust, but I just couldn’t quite get fully behind her. Perhaps it is because the story opens with her desperate letter to her lawyer begging for help after she is accused of murder. She presents herself as a young woman wanting to land the perfect nanny job in order to better her life, but there is so much more to the story. I felt sympathy toward Rowan throughout, and I found myself forgiving her time and time again for her errors. Even though I was never certain whether she was a reliable narrator or not, I was always cheering for her. I liked that she was complex, and that there is much more to her than meets the eye. The author did a fantastic job with her character. 
• The story starts out tame enough, but believe me it ramps up quickly. Once Rowan is left alone at the house, things start happening. The suspense builds and builds until the tension is so thick you are hanging on by a thread. I couldn’t put it down. The final third is packed with so many stunning jaw dropping twists. I didn’t see most of them coming, right up to the final gut punch. Wow! If you like books with twists, this is one for you!
• I thought the way the story was presented was brilliant. The story is told in an epistolary format. It opens with Rowan writing her lawyer from jail, recounting all the sordid details that happened at Heatherbrae House. The author managed to execute it flawlessly. 
• The ending is shocking. Perhaps you will see it coming, but I doubt you will guess all that is in store in this thriller. Prepare for many startling secrets. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Imogen Church. Ms. Church’s narration is top notch. I particularly liked the way she voiced the “creak creak” sounds. Yikes! Definitely grab this on audiobook if you can.

And The Not So Much:

• With most thrillers, there are usually a couple of twists that leave niggles, and this one had a couple. For me once the revelations were out, I took issue with the parental attachment that two of the daughters had to their father. He was presented as constantly being absentee, so I didn’t buy the girls motivation for not wanting their dad to leave. He was gone all the time. 
• I didn’t like that the fate of one particular character was left hanging. I wanted to know what happened to that person!
• I didn’t completely buy the letter sent at the end. That person throughout the story didn’t seem to like one character, and then she sends the letter? Didn’t quite work.
• I could have done without the twist regarding the handyman, what was the point of that?

Turn of the Key was a riveting read packed full of suspense that kept me glued to the pages. I loved the atmospheric tension, the unsettling technological presence, the creepy history of the house and the stunning secrets. This was a excellent read even if I did have a couple of quibbles. It is well worth the time if you love a good thriller. Grab this one, it is perfect for the fall season!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

 

In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut. In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place. Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.Lush and richly imagined, a tale of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories awaits in Alix E. Harrow's spellbinding debut--step inside and discover its magic.
Audiobook
Published September10th 2019 by Blackstone Audiobooks  
Source: Library

 

Five stars: A mesmerizing debut novel that will stir your imagination, tickle your senses and open your mind to the possibilities of other worlds.

January Scaller has spent the majority of her life tucked away in Mr. Locke’s mansion filled with exquisite treasures and vast secrets. January’s father travels the entire world looking for unique artifacts for Mr. Locke in exchange for January’s housing. Unfortunately, this means that January seldom sees her beloved father. Then when January is seven something strange happens, January inadvertently discovers a door that leads to another world, but then the door is slammed closed, until January discovers a book ten years later. In this incredible book, January uncovers a story filled with secret doors that lead to other worlds, a love that crosses worlds, adventure and danger. The more January reads, the more her imagination is stirred. Then she discovers the startling truth, which is even more strange than the book itself. What is the secret buried in the book?

What I Liked:

• What an amazing book. It has been awhile since a book swept me away. The Ten Thousand Doors of January is not to be missed. A spectacular read! 
• I loved the complexity of January Scaller. In the opening chapters, January is introduced as a seven year old who loves books and adventure. January is bright and daring, but then there are moments when she cowers in fear. I loved that the author captured a girl who wanted adventure like the heroines in books, but then there were times when she was a coward. I especially liked the way January compared herself to the heroines she read about. As the years tick by, January begins to grow and question what she has been told. I loved watching her evolve. I especially loved her fierceness and her bravery at the end. 
• I enjoyed the story within in a story. January discovers a mysterious book in her things entitled The Ten Thousand Doors. Once she begins reading it, startling secrets about her own life come forth. This secondary story was a little confusing at first, but once I understood the connections, I loved seeing how it clicked into place. 
• I loved the magic and mystery of the ten thousand doors. The author presents the doors as a scientific study. I thought it was brilliant they way the doors were incorporated. Basically the doors were gateways into other worlds and dimensions, kind of like a fairy door. The doors would only be visible to certain people, and when they went through the door they could be anywhere. I also liked the way the author made me think about the possibilities. 
• There is a romance in this one that centers around a brief encounter, either by chance or fate. Then what follows is a lengthy period of determination and longing until the impossible becomes possible only to have it stolen away again. It was one that  makes you dream and hope. 
• The writing is stunning. The author manages to capture your senses with her rich metaphors and exquisite prose. I was enchanted by the writing. One not to be missed for those who appreciate gorgeous writing. 
• The ending was satisfying. It stops in a good spot, all the major story lines are concluded, but a door is left cracked open for the possibility of more. I truly hope the author will give us more! 

And The Not So Much:

• There was a secondary romance that was just starting to develop, but it didn’t have the chance to take root and unfurl. I wanted more development of this secondary romance. 
• Jane was an interesting character, and I was disappointed that her story line was left unfinished. 
• I was also bothered by the fact that January’s great aunt wasn’t mentioned again. I felt like this was an important part, and January did make a promise. What happened to the aunt?

The Ten Thousand Doors of January was a mesmerizing and enchanting story. I was charmed by the exquisite details and the imaginative writing. The story is packed full of magic and mystery that kept me enthralled. This is an unforgettable book not to be missed by those who love to ponder the possibilities, and for those who appreciate a fantastic story. One of my favorites of the year!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review:The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

 

The author of Other People's Houses and The Garden of Small Beginnings delivers a quirky and charming novel chronicling the life of confirmed introvert Nina Hill as she does her best to fly under everyone's radar.

Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own...shell.

The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. 

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all--or mostly all--excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?

Nina considers her options.

1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.) 

2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee). 

3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)

It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page. Audiobook, Unabridged, 10 pages
Published July 9th 2019 by Penguin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four Stars: A cute book with a quirky heroine who must deal with the fall out when her quiet, bookish life is upended.

Nina has a great life. She works in a bookstore where she gets to hang out with friends and be amongst her favorite things in life: books. Then her quiet bookish world is turned upside down when Nina learns that she is not exactly an only child anymore after her absentee father dies and leaves her as a beneficiary. Nina discovers that she has half siblings, aunts, nephews and nieces. Even worse, they live close by so she will have to come face to face with them. Then Nina is confused even further when her kick butt trivia team goes against another team and they lose. Nina can’t believe that she finds herself drawn to Tom, her trivia nemesis. How can she be attracted to a man who smells like wood and doesn’t like books? How can Nina right her bookish world?

What I Liked:

• Abbi Waxman is an author who knows how to make you laugh with her likable, quirky characters. This time Ms. Waxman brings us Nina Hill an introverted bookworm who loves to make lists in her planner, avoid people and read. If you want a laugh out loud contemporary book this is one to read. 
• I adored Nina. She is easy to understand and like, especially if you are an avid reader. Curling up with warm socks and a good book is Nina’s idea of the perfect evening, as well as mine. I could totally relate to Nina. I adored her quirks and her tendency to talk to her cat, Phil, but what I enjoyed the most was watching her grow and adapt. It was truly delightful to see Nina creep ever so slowly out of her shell and transform. She is an absolute joy!
• I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the complicated dynamics of Nina’s new family. It was hilarious to watch Nina try and learn to deal with her instant family after years of being an only child. There were instant connections, some head butting, and then in the end understanding as strangers with the same DNA learned to call one another family. 
• The romance was adorable. I loved that it started out as an attraction. Then there was lots of awkward stumbling, hilarious moments and growing and changing and then connection. It was cute!
• I adored the humor. There are so many funny moments in this one. I especially enjoyed Nina’s lists and her quirky behavior. She made me laugh. 
• If you have read Abbi Waxman’s debut novel: The Garden of Small Beginnings, I highly recommend it, you will enjoy reconnecting with the characters from that book. It was delightful encounter these fun characters again, especially Claire.
• The ending was cute and satisfying. It made me smile.

And The Not So Much:

• I was disappointed that there wasn’t a bit more exploration into Nina’s family. I enjoyed the complex relationships, and I especially liked watching Nina find her place. I just wish there were more.
• Parts of the story were completely predictable, but that didn’t cause my enthusiasm to wane. 

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is a delightful, feel good read perfect for bookworms and for those who want something light and fun. This book made me laugh. I loved the quirky characters, the list and all things bookish. If you haven’t picked up a book by Abbi Waxman, I urge you to try one. This book was a lot of fun!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Don't miss:

Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrew comes an enthralling new trilogy set in the Hidden Legacy world, where magic means power, and family bloodlines are the new currency of society…

In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.

But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.

To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart. 
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published August 27th 2019 by HarperAudio
Source: Publisher

 

Four and a half stars: More action, some romance and lots of intrigue in a favorite series. 

It has been three years since Catalina Baylor thwarted an assassin who attempted to use poison at her sister’s wedding. Now that Nevada is married, Catalina is the head of House Baylor. The grace period for House Baylor is about to run out and things could get even more difficult. The last thing House Baylor should be doing is taking on a dangerous case, but when Ruana, a poison mage, loses her mother and sister under mysterious circumstances, Catalina decides to help because Ruana was the one who helped her stop the assassin three years ago. What follows is a dangerous mystery that puts Catalina in terrible trouble. Will Catalina and House Baylor survive?

What I Liked:

• Ilona Andrews. Enough said. Read the book. I wish I could write that and be done. I will say that the Ilona Andrews duo can hardly do any wrong. There stories are fantastic, their romances sizzling, plus add in plenty of suspense, lots of actions and a few twists and turns and you have the makings for another fantastic novel.
• This book once again follows Catalina Baylor, the younger sister of Nevada. The book picks up three years after the end of its predecessor, Diamond Fire. Catalina has grown and matured. She has a better understanding of her powers and how to wield them. Catalina is now the head of House Baylor, so she is forced to make the difficult decisions. She is becoming more formidable day by day. I loved seeing her growth, and I enjoy watching her wield her siren powers. I thought I would miss Nevada’s voice, but I am finding I love Catalina just as much. 
• This book has a terrific mystery. I liked with each new lead, more treacherous revelations were around every corner. There is never a dull moment in this one. Prepare for lots of suspense and a solid mystery. 
• The romance is the slow burn type. The foundation was laid in the last book, and in this novel it takes off. I loved watching Catalina try and hide her crush/ infatuation. Even better were the jabs her family threw out at her regarding her crush. I loved seeing the two of them together, and I especially loved Alessandro’s devotion to Catalina. 
• As always, I adore the rest of the Baylor family from Grandma Frieda with all of her weapons, to Burn in the Hut of Evil as well as Arabella. I can’t get enough of the Baylor family.
• The end draws to a satisfying end, for the most part, but there is a tiny bit of a cliffhanger as well. I am more than eager for the next book after finishing this one!

And The Not So Much:

• I was disappointed in the note the romance ended on. I was left with so many questions. I need answers. 
• I said this the last time, but I will say this again, I miss Nevada and Mad Rogan. I hope they are more present in the next book, especially with Nevada’s news. 

Sapphire Flames is another thrilling and satisfying installment in the Andrews’ wildly popular Hidden Legacy Series. If you want a exciting UF series, look no further. This one has magic, mayhem, treachery, betrayals, romance and more. My only complaint was that there wasn’t more, and that the book ended with a small cliffhanger. Start at the beginning and devour this series. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read The Series:

 

Audiobook Review: Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker

 

Life is a mixed bag for Piper Calloway.
On the one hand, she’s a twenty-nine-year-old VP at her dad’s multibillion-dollar real estate development firm, and living the high single life with her two best friends in a swanky downtown penthouse. On the other hand, she’s considered a pair of sexy legs in a male-dominated world and constantly has to prove her worth. Plus, she’s stuck seeing her narcissistic ex-fiancé—a fellow VP—on the other side of her glass office wall every day. Things get exponentially more complicated for Piper when she runs into Kyle Miller—the handsome new security guard at Calloway Group Industries, and coincidentally the first love of her life. The guy she hasn’t seen or heard from since they were summer camp counsellors together. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks. The guy who apparently doesn’t even remember her name. Piper may be a high-powered businesswoman now, but she soon realizes that her schoolgirl crush is not only alive but stronger than ever, and crippling her concentration. What’s more, despite Kyle’s distant attitude, she’s convinced their reunion isn’t at all coincidental, and that his feelings for her still run deep. And she’s determined to make him admit to them, no matter the consequences. 
Audiobook, Unabridged , 320 pages
Published August 6th 2019 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Publisher

Three stars: A romance that was lacking. I never felt the thrills with this reverse Cinderella type story. 

At sixteen, Piper Calloway is rich and privileged, but she is spending her summer as a camp counselor in a small summer camp. This isn’t Piper’s idea of an ideal summer, but her mother wanted Piper to go because she thought it would look good on college applications, and Piper’s mom is a little nostalgic for the camp she once attended. Piper is hoping she will making it through the summer without dying of boredom. Then something unexpected happens. Piper catches the eye of the hottest guy at camp, and sparks fly. What follows is a whirlwind summer of romance between two teenage kids. One from the wrong side of the tracks and one from a world of wealth and privilege. Then disaster strikes and the two are parted, until they meet up again thirteen years later. At twenty nine, Piper is in place to take over her father’s company. Her path is set until the firm hires a new security guard....

What I Liked:

• Ms. Tucker is known for her dramatic romances, and this one is no exception. Think rich girl meets boy from the wrong side of the track. Sweet romance, tragedy and heartbreak follow, and then thirteen years later, their paths once again cross. If you like romances with a touch of drama, this is one to read. 
• The story moves back and forth in time from present day back to 2006 when Piper and Kyle worked as camp counselors. I was pleased to find that I was soon invested in each time line, and I found myself eager to see what was going to happen in both the past and the present. Often times, I find myself attached to one time period more than another, but that, thankfully, wasn’t the case with this book. 
• I appreciated the friendships formed between Piper and two of the girls at summer camp. At first, I didn’t think Piper was going to fit in and make friends, but surprisingly she forms bonds with two girls, and the friendships last right up until present day. I especially liked that uptight Christa turned out be a solid friend. 
• I was pleased to see the way things settled out with Piper and her ex fiancé. It was rather refreshing and nice to get a positive twist. 
• I must admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of Kyle. I struggled with his character. However, I was happy to see that I was wrong about him. I loved that he stepped up and did the right thing several times. 
• One of the highlights of the book for me was when Piper stuck it to the big wig who was trying to cut a shady deal. It’s alway nice to see a women take down a good old boy in the corporate world. 
• The end was sweet and satisfying. Things settle out and conclude on a nice, pleasant note. 

And The Not So Much:

• The romance in this one never grabbed me. I don’t know what it was, but I just never quite fell into the whole bad boy/ good girl romance. First off, it is a complete insta love situation. Second, I just didn’t think that bad boy Kyle would fall head over heels like he did, I never bought it. Third, this is petty, but I was totally grossed out by Piper making out with Kyle after he smoked, it didn’t fit her good girl personality. The romance felt like insta love, with a heaping dose of teenage hormones on top. I thought it lacked depth and emotion. It worked better as adults, but I just never was invested. 

Say You Still Love Me was a book I wanted to love, but the romance fell flat on its butt for me. I didn’t like the insta love/teenage lust aspect. It moved too fast to be believable. It worked better in present day, but not enough to salvage it. Luckily, there were other parts to enjoy such as Piper sticking it to the good old boy, the friendships and the turn around by the ex fiancé. This one doesn’t live up to the high standard Ms. Tucker has set with her previous novels, but true fans will likely enjoy it. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

 

 

Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she's seen her fair share of them, and she's excellent at dealing with other people's tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to uproot her life and move to Boston, it's an emergency of a kind Cassie never anticipated.

The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie's old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren't exactly thrilled to have a "lady" on the crew, even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the handsome rookie, who doesn't seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can't think about that. Because she doesn't fall in love. And because of the advice her old captain gave her: don't date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping...but will she jeopardize her place in a career where she's worked so hard to be taken seriously?

Katherine Center's Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt, affecting novel about life, love, and the true meaning of courage. Hardcover, 320 pages
Published August 13th 2019 by St. Martin's Press
Source: Publisher

Five stars: A book with fierce female firefighter who learns a thing or two about life, love and forgiveness. 

Cassie Hanwell has spent her life trying to forget her sixteenth birthday. That night changed everything for her when her mother left and a boy hurt her. At twenty six, Cassie is tough. She excels at her job as a firefighter, and she has built a life for herself in Texas. Everything comes crashing down when an award banquet goes horribly wrong, and Cassie’s ailing mother calls requesting her help. With no other choice, Cassie takes a job in Boston to help her mother. Unfortunately, her new firehouse is old school. Th new crew is not thrilled to have a lady on board, not to mention, the firehouse is incredibly underfunded. Cassie finds herself once again fighting to prove herself among rough and tumble men. The only drawback is the rookie. He doesn’t seem to mind Cassie, but Cassie doesn’t want to be near him as she is inexplicably drawn to him. The one thing Cassie won’t do is fall in love, especially with a fellow firefighter, not now, not ever......

What I Liked:

• Wow! I loved this book. It has so much heart. I loved that it was all about love, forgiveness and finding yourself after trauma. Cassie is one tough cookie! I loved her fierceness, her courage and her ability to never give up even under the toughest of circumstances. Read this one!
• Cassie is the heart and soul of this book. She makes it shine! It takes some time to peel away her layers and see underneath, but once you do, you will love her. I loved her tenacity and her courage. I especially loved that she was able to prove herself to the fireman time and time again, even showing them up. She is bold, she is tough, but underneath her tenacious exterior, there is a sad and broken girl underneath. My heart ached for her. I especially enjoyed seeing her growth. After a few hard life lessons, Cassie learns to open her heart and life blossoms for her. 
• One of the focal points of the story is forgiveness. There were some very heart touching scenes centered around forgiving. I was moved by one of the scenes at the end when Cassie chooses to extend an olive branch to someone who has done her wrong. She has every right to be angry at this person, but she manages to do the right thing. Loved it!
• The romance in this one is all kinds of cute. It starts out as an immediate attraction, but neither party is able to act on their feelings. What follows is the beginning of a friendship, but one person keeps pushing the other away because they are afraid. It builds and builds with lots of intensity until it bursts forth. It was so sweet. Loved how it played out. 
• I loved learning all about the inner workings of a fire station. There is so much information to absorb from how the crew works and plays, to the gear and fires. I loved the camaraderie, and how the crew looked out for one another. I was pleased to see that Cassie’s fears of being entirely outcast weren’t true. Yes, she has to fight to prove herself over and over, but she earns and gets the respect of the men she works with. I was thrilled when the gruff Captain came around. 
• The relationship between Cassie and her mother is beyond complicated, but after time, reflection and some forgiveness, the two find common ground. I liked the way they worked things out. 
• The book ends with some tears of joy and some of sadness. The author capture the highs and lows of life, and reminds the reader of the sorrow and the happiness that one encounters on this journey. I loved every moment of this one!
• Therese Plummer narrates the audiobook. I thought she handled the male voices well, and I liked her Bostonian accent. I enjoyed the audiobook. 

And The Not So Much:

• I wish that Cassie had been a little more forthcoming with her mother. I wanted desperately for her to share what she went through on her sixteenth birthday with her mother. I think it would hav brought her even more closure. 
• There is a big deal made over and over about not dating members of the crew. I thought it was a rule of the firehouse, but then I wasn’t so sure. I wanted to know if romance was a fireable offense or if it was just Cassie not wanting to live down the ridicule?

Things You Save in a Fire was a profound and heartfelt read. There was so much to love about this one. I adored the characters, I loved learning about the inner workings of a firehouse, and I especially liked that this one was all about life, love, forgiveness and finding yourself after trauma. This was a lovely read. I hope you will try it!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: There's Something About Sweetie (Dimple and Rishi #2) by Sandhya Menon

 

Ashish Patel didn’t know love could be so…sucky. After being dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up.

The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl—under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he’ll be taking his date on “fun” excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work? Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she’s also fat. To Sweetie’s traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death. Sweetie loves her parents, but she’s so tired of being told she’s lacking because she’s fat. She decides it’s time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she’ll show the world (and herself) what she’s really made of.

Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there’s an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other? 
Audiobook
Published May 14th 2019 by Simon Schuster Audio
Source: Library

 

 

 

Four and a half stars: An adorable contemporary romance that deals positively with body image. 

Ashish Patel is miserable. He’s lost his basketball mojo, and everything just feels flat since he broke up with his girlfriend. After embarrassing himself, he agrees to a something he never thought he would. He is going to let his parents set him up with a nice Indian-American girl. It did after all work out for his golden brother, Rishi. There is just one problem, the nice Indian-American girl his mother picks for him to date, can’t go out with him because her own mother thinks she is too fat. Meanwhile Sweetie Nair, is tired of her mother putting her down and insisting that she lose weight in order to be happy. Sweetie is proud of herself and her curves. She is a star on the high school track team, and she is confident and happy, until her mother reminds her of her weight. Sweetie decides to do something daring, she meets Ashish behind her parents’ backs. The two hit if off and decide to date, with Ashish’s parents’ permission. Can Sweetie prove to her mother once and for all that a curvy girl can be happy?

What I Liked:

• There’s Something About Sweetie is a charming book. It has an adorable feel good romance, terrific characters, supportive friendships and most of all it focuses on positive body image. I loved the messages in this one. It was outstanding. Every girl needs to read this because no matter our body type, we all struggle with body image. Big props to Ms. Menon for writing such an inspirational book. 
• What I loved most about this was the focus on positive body image. Sweetie is a big girl, but she doesn’t let or her curves get her down. She has proven herself time and time on the track. She is the fastest runner on the team despite her size. She is happy, and she believes in herself. I loved her confidence, especially when it came to meeting Ashish for the first time. I also appreciated her struggles, she is constantly embarrassed by her mother and others who want to put her down because of her size. After all was said and done, Sassy Sweetie did prove that curvy girls can be happy! Who hoo! Loved all the positivity! 
• One thing that I think the author absolutely got right was that she never gave out Sweetie’s size. Sweetie may have been a plus sized girl, but she was healthy and happy and that is all that matters. Size is just a number, it does not dictate who we are are or whether we are happy! 
• Alright, let’s talk about the romance. It is all kinds of adorable. I loved that it was all about the people. The two have chemistry right away, but they take their time to get to know each other. I liked how they first became supportive friends before anything blossomed. The romance takes its time to root and blossom, and I loved that. This romance has everything you love: feels and swoon worthy moments. Too cute! I thought the dates that Ashish’s parents arranged were great as well. 
• I absolutely loved the support that both Ashish and Sweetie receive from their friends and family. Both characters have a strong support circle. I loved all of their friends and how their friendships helped them through the hard times. Sweetie’s friends especially had her back, and they encouraged her to come out of her shell and shine. I also appreciated the support that both Ashish and Sweetie received from their parents. Ashish’s parents were the best. I loved the scene where Ashish’s parents make them sign a dating contract. There were some funny moments in there. Ashish’s parents always had his back. Sweetie’s parents had her back too, even if her mother went about it the wrong way. In the end, Sweetie’s mom comes through, and I loved that moment. 
• I liked learning more about the Indian-American culture. It is always exciting to get culturally diverse characters, and I think Ms. Menon does a wonderful job of bringing the reader a snippet of what life is like for American born Indian children. I loved being exposed to new cultures. 
• Even though there wasn’t much of Rishi and Dimple, it was still fun to catch up with them. If you haven’t read the companion novel featuring Ashish’s brother, Rishi, grab it! 
• The ending is perfect. It leaves you with a big goofy grin on your face. 

And The Not So Much:

• I am not going to lie, it is painful to read those scenes where Sweetie’s mother is constantly criticizing and fat shaming Sweetie. It is heartbreaking. For most of the book, the reader can’t stand Sweetie’s mother because she is downright awful. I was glad that her reasoning was explained, and I thought by the end, the author did a great job with the mother character. Yes, she is cruel, but her intentions aren’t entirely bad. 
• There was this side plot featuring Ashish’s friend, Samir. I was disappointed that this storyline was left dangling. Did Samir change his ways enough to fit in? 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Vikas Adam and Soneela Nankani. Sadly, I would not recommend the audiobook. The audio version utilizes two narrators, Soneela narrates Sweetie’s point of view, while Vikas voices Ashish. My big complaint was I thought that Vikas Adam’s female versions were absolutely terrible. They sounded like bad female impersonators. I cringed every time he did Sweetie’s voice. It was painful. I think this one is better to read. The narration was a no go for me. 
• Even thought the romance was sweet and charming, it was a little two fairy tale like, it comes across as being too good to be true, but I just went with it and enjoyed the ride. 

There’s Something About Sweetie is a book that every young teenage girl should read. This is a book with an adorable romance, strong friendships, involved parents and most of all it is about positive body image. Sweetie proves that you don’t have to be model thin to be happy and successful. Size is just a number, it doesn’t dictate what a person can do or what they can become or how happy they can be. Grab this read it and cheer for Sweetie!

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Don't miss the companion novel:

Audiobook Review: The Soul of the Sword (Shadow of the Fox #2) by Julie Kagawa

 

One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.

Now he has broken free.

Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.

Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.
Audible Audio, Unabridged Audiobook
Published June 18th 2019 by Harlequin Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Four and a half stars: Kagawa continues to spin an incredible story with detailed world building, unforgettable characters and plenty of action. 

Yumeko is torn. She knows that she must continue her quest to deliver the piece fo the ancient and powerful Dragon Scroll to the Steel Feather Temple to save the world from the Kami Dragon. Yet, she longs to pursue Tatsumi who was is now possessed by Hakaimono, the demon that used to reside in his sword. She fears that if she doesn’t get to Tatsumi soon, his soul will be lost to the demon, but on the other hand, if she doesn’t get the scroll to the temple, the world could plunge into darkness. To make matters worse, the demon, Hakaimono, has joined forces with the evil Master of Demons. Yumeko must hurry, but as always there are many dangers in her path. Will Yumeko and her companions succeed or die trying?

What I Liked:

• I was more than eager to dive back into the complex world created by Ms. Kagawa to catch up with the ragtag gang who are trying to save the world. Needless to say, this second volume didn’t disappoint. It was riveting. 
• I am still astounded by Kagawa’s outstanding world building. If you have never read anything by Julie Kagawa, you need to in order to experience her brilliant world building. This book takes you deeper into the world of Iwagoto. Prepare for more magic, demons and ghosts as well as intriguing places such as The Shadow Castle. I can’t get enough of Kagawa’s world building. 
• I loved seeing this ragtag group of misfit characters who were thrown together in book one, continue to travel and work together. I am thrilled to see them grow and transform. Yumeko especially learns to wield her fox powers with more skill. She is becoming more competent. It was exciting to see her save her companions more than once. Reika is the one tasked with trying to keep the group together and focused, she is constantly looking after Yumeko. I love her and spirit guardian Chu. Okame, the war dog, provides plenty of comedy relief along the way. He appears all gruff and tough on the outside, but he is really a softie. Finally, Daisuke, the noble, who is skilled with a sword, is the protector of the group. I like seeing him get out of his element. This little band of heroes has stolen my heart. 
• Then there is Hakaimono, the demon released from the sword. At first, I didn’t like being in his head, seeing him try and torture trapped Tatsumi, but there is so much more to Hakaimono than meets the eye. He has layers and layers. It was interesting to see new sides to both Hakiamono and Tatsumi. I can’t wait to see them evolve more in the final book. I am intrigued! 
• For those of you who like action, there is plenty of it in this one. Prepare for battles and more battles. There is rarely a quiet moment in the book!
• I was surprised by the development of another romance in the book. It was unexpected, yet brilliant. I can’t wait for more. 
• The book builds and builds to a thrilling climax before culminating into an ending of sorts. Yes, it ends on a little cliffhanger, but it wasn’t an urgent one. I am more than eager to see how it all goes down in book three. 

And The Not So Much:

• The story line is complex, and it grows even more intricate this time around. It took me awhile to immerse back into the story as it has been a year since I read book one. I was drowning early on, and I was desperate for more recap. I wish there had been just a tiny bit more recap to help me regain my footing. 
• The character, Seigetsu, and his companion Taksu are an enigma to me. I am still not sure of their purpose and I want to know more about their roles in everything. I especially want more information on how they came together and more on Taksu’s visions. 
• I missed Tatsumi in this book. His voice is buried beneath Hakaimono. I am hoping for more of him in the final book. I did like getting beneath Tatsumi’s layers a bit and learning more about what made him tick.
• For those of you who are not fans of blood and violence, stay away from this series, it can be quite gruesome at times. 

Soul of the Sword is every bit as captivating as the first book. I love the detailed world building, the complex characters and the intricate plot. Ms. Kagawa is a master story teller. If you have not yet experienced her master story telling, I urge you to check out this series. It is outstanding. Now to hang on until the release of book three!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

 

 

Nestled in the mountain shadows of Alabama lies the little town of Wicklow. It is here that Anna Kate has returned to bury her beloved Granny Zee, owner of the Blackbird Café.

It was supposed to be a quick trip to close the café and settle her grandmother’s estate, but despite her best intentions to avoid forming ties or even getting to know her father’s side of the family, Anna Kate finds herself inexplicably drawn to the quirky Southern town her mother ran away from so many years ago, and the mysterious blackbird pie everybody can’t stop talking about.

As the truth about her past slowly becomes clear, Anna Kate will need to decide if this lone blackbird will finally be able to take her broken wings and fly. 
Audio CD
Published July 16th 2019 by Macmillan Audio
Source: Library

 

Four and a half stars: A sweet book that focuses on family, forgiveness, grief, love and it has a sprinkle of magical realism. 

Anna Kate isn’t sure how she is going to handle the next couple of months in Wicklow, Alabama. Wicklow is a place that she was never allowed to visit as her mother never wanted to go back. When Anna Kate’s beloved grandma dies, she leaves her estate to Anna Kate, but there is a catch, Anna Kate must stay in Wicklow for two months. Anna Kate finds herself working in her Grandma Zee’s famous Blackbird Cafe. Working in the cafe, allows Anna Kate to get to know the townsfolk. Soon Anna Kate is drawn into helping them despite the fact that she doesn’t plan on staying. Then when her deceased father’s family reaches out to her, Anna Kate finds herself wanting to put down roots, but she made a promise to finish medical school. Will Anna Kate be able to leave Wicklow?

What I Liked:

• Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe was a healthy dose of comfort reading. This book is packed full of small town charm, lovable characters, friendship, love and a hint of magic. I loved it. 
• The book centers around two women: Anna Kate and Natalie. Anna Kate is a young woman without roots or family since her mother and grandma passed and her father died before she was born. When Anna Kate comes to Wicklow, she connects with her father’s family while learning about love, friendship and forgiveness as well as the mysterious magic that runs in her family. Then there is Natalie. She is a young woman reeling after the unexpected loss of her husband. Natalie is trying to raise her daughter, not wanting to take help from her mother as Natalie and her mother have a rocky relationship. Natalie is haunted by her husband’s death. She wonders whether it was a suicide or an accident. I enjoyed watching each of these women navigate life after death. It was heart warming to see them forge friendships as well as repairing other relationships that were damaged and broken. 
• This book has a lot of heart. I love that it focused on family and friendships as well as grief, healing and forgiveness. There was a lot to love in this little book. 
• The touches of magic were a nice added bonus. There are these little hints of magic, such as the mystery of the blackbirds and the magic behind the pies, as well as a pesky stray gray cat who pops up at the most opportune times. I loved these little snippets of magical realism. 
• There is a bit of romance in this one. I liked that the romances were not a cure all, instead they both started as positive friendships that helped open the path to healing. 
• I loved the secondary cast of characters. There are so many charming townsfolk in the town that I adored. I loved learning their back stories, and I liked seeing how they came together and helped one another. Nothing like a small town cast of characters. 
• I was especially pleased by the change in Natalie’s mother. She comes a long way, and I loved her transformation. 
• The ending is satisfying. It ends on a nice hopeful note. There are loose ends, but I was pleased with the way it closed. 
• I listened to the audiobook version. I appreciated that three narrators were utilized. I thought they did a great job with the material. 

And The Not So Much:

• Even though I loved the magical realism, I couldn’t help but wonder what was the deal with the gray cat??
• Grandma Zee seemed to be a magnetic character. I wished there was more detail on her and her life. She remained somewhat of a mystery. 
• I was a tiny bit bothered by some of the loose ends that were left dangling. It felt like there was way more story to tell. I am hopeful that perhaps a sequel might be in the works. 
• The whole story line revolving around Natalie’s husband was left undone. It bothered me a little bit that this was such a focus and that answers were never found. 
• I also wanted to know what the deal was with the cafe help. They seemed to be hiding some secrets?

Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe was a charming book. I loved that this one had a delightful small town setting with memorable characters and a touch of magic. This book has a lot of heart as well as it is about healing, overcoming grief, forgiveness, friendship and love. This was a lovely little read. Pick it up. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: DEV1AT3 (Lifelike #2) by Jay Kristoff

 

 

Lemon Fresh has seen better days.
After the climactic battle in Babel, she finds herself separated from Ezekiel and Cricket in the wastelands. Lemon’s abilities to manipulate electricity mark her as a deviate, and deadly corporate operatives are hunting her to use as a weapon in the war between BioMaas Incorporated and Daedelus Technologies. Instead, Lemon finds herself falling in with a group of fellow deviates—a band of teenagers with astonishing abilities, led by an enigmatic figure known as the Major, who may hold the secrets to Lemon’s past. Meanwhile, Cricket finds himself in possession of the puritanical Brotherhood, a religious cult set for a head-on collision with the Major and his band. Searching for Lemon, Ezekiel finds a strange ally in an old enemy, and uncovers a plot that may see him reunited with his beloved Ana. And inside Babel, a remade Eve hatches a plan to bring an end to the world. 
Audible Audio, Unabridged Audiobook
Published June 25th 2019 by Listening Library
Source: Publisher

 

Four stars: Another thrilling bang up adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 

 

After the shocking events in Babel, the ragtag group of misfits grudgingly set out, leaving a confused and angry Eve behind. In the wastelands disaster strikes. Cricket’s battery unexpectedly dies, forcing Ezekiel to head back to Babel to retrieve another one. In the meantime, Lemon is stay put, until she doesn’t. The band soon finds itself separated. Lemon after a series of events, finds herself with a group of deviate teenagers like herself. Has she finally found a place to belong? Cricket finds himself in the possession of the maniacal Brotherhood. Can he return to his friends or will he die in the arena? Meanwhile, Ezekiel takes on the most unlikely of allies in hopes of recovering both Cricket and Lemon. Along the way, Ezekiel encounters his lifelike brothers and sisters who are hellbent on their own deadly mission. Will the gang reunite and live to see another week?

What I Liked:

• Ahh.... Mr. Kristoff you continue to impress me with your astounding, action packed works. I have been a fan of Mr. Kristoff since he debuted back in 2012. His books always deliver amazing worlds, fantastic characters and lots of action as well as a few gut punches. One is never bored with a Kristoff book, and this latest book is no exception. I raced through Deviate. Now when does the next one release? Have you read anything by Jay Kristoff yet?
• I adore the characters in this series. I especially liked that the main focus of Deviate was on Lemon Fresh, the snarky, adorable and spunky sidekick from book one. In this book, Lemon ends up on her own. She exercises her powers, makes new friends and she grows. Lemon is fantastic. Cricket also grows and evolves, I enjoyed watching him learn to work around the robotic laws. Ezekiel continues to impress me as well. His loyalties have changed, even if that puts him at odds with his lifelike siblings. I love that he follows his heart. This is one heck of a cast of characters!
• Even though I didn’t love that the group got separated, I enjoyed seeing each character go out on their own and have their own adventure. The book follows each character as they try and find their way back to each other, encountering new people, enduring harrowing experiences and lots of adventure. I enjoyed each view point. 
• As I mentioned, a Jay Kristoff book is never boring. This one is action packed from the get go. Prepare for terrifying scrapes, lots of battles and non stop action. There is rarely a moment to catch your breath in this one with all that is going on and the cliffhanger chapter endings. You will stay up well past your bedtime reading this one. 
• The world building is outstanding. Kristoff dumps the reader into a post apocalyptic United States. The landscape is harsh and unforgiving. The world is populated by religious fantastic and robots. It is a tough world, which provides the perfect backdrop for this thrilling series. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Erin Spencer. She does a phenomenal job with the voices. I especially love that she nails the sass and spunk of Lemon Fresh. Definitely grab the audio if you can.

And The Not So Much:

• Argh!! A big fat cliffhanger that leaves the reader hanging on the precipice, wondering the fate of the characters. I hated it! I need the next book stat!
• I was disappointed that Eve was a background player in this one. She makes a few appearances, but the story is more about the other three. Not to mention, I am not thrilled with the path she has chosen. I really loved Eve in the first book, this one, I could have done without her. I hope she returns to her former self in the third book. 
• I have read enough of Kristoff’s books to know that he isn’t afraid to throw in a few gut punches. This one is no exception. Prepare for some shocking betrayals and a loss or two. 

Deviate was a promising sophomore novel in a widely imaginative series. I enjoyed seeing my favorite group of ragtag characters grow and evolve as they each navigated the world on their own. This one packs in plenty of action and danger so you are never bored. Watch out for the nasty cliffhanger, the next book can’t release quick enough. If you haven’t read anything by Mr. Kristoff, you are in for a treat. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

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