reecaspieces

Overview

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding comes a new supernatural thriller about a young woman pet-sitting a cat with a mysterious secret, featuring more than eighty pages of illustrations.

Meet Penny Padgett, a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist in Philadelphia who agrees to pet-sit a very peculiar cat named Godfrey in her home. At first, he’s a warm and affectionate companion who follows Penny all around the house and insists on sleeping by her side every night. But soon strange things are happening: Penny is haunted by disturbing and violent nightmares. There’s a terrible insect infestation in her basement. Her cute cartoon illustrations turn dark and surreal, as if influenced by some invisible hand. And her health starts failing, as if her mind and body are under attack by a sinister, malevolent force.

Penny may be a cat person, but she’s starting to think Godfrey is no ordinary cat. . . .

Fully illustrated with more than eighty pages of original artwork, Jason Rekulak’s new novel is intensely plotted, wonderfully frightening, and wildly clever. He more than lives up to his reputation as having “a freakishly fertile imagination” (The New York Times).

Review

I don’t know what to think about this book.

Meet Penny Padgett, a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist in Philadelphia who agrees to pet-sit a very peculiar cat named Godfrey in her home. At first, he’s a warm and affectionate companion. But soon strange things are happening: Penny is haunted by violent nightmares. There’s a terrible insect infestation, her health starts failing, as if her mind and body are under attack by a sinister, malevolent force.

This story starts out like a cozy mystery….oh but it is not! It is actually gruesome in places. It is demon possession, weird house, weird dreams and just plain weird.

I enjoyed The Last One At the Wedding by this author. And I will read another of this author’s books. But this one just did not sit well with me. And the whole time I’m listening to it, I kept thinking I really don’t like this book, but yet, I could not stop listening. I had to know where this story was going.

When this review was due for me, I skipped this book because I had watched a TikTok about someone talking about the narration of this book. So I skipped it. Then I saw Macmillan audio put out a TikTok and it was Stephanie Németh-Parker narrating this book. And I absolutely love her! And she did a fantastic job! But y’all there are a lot of places where she has to meow. I don’t care who you are no adult can meow to suit me. It is just not possible. So remember this if you decide to listen to it. Be prepared…in more ways than one!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Overview

Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…

In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.

Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?

But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan – her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.

As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.

Review

I enjoyed the format of this memoir. It is a conversation! This made it feel like Judi was in the room with me.

Judi has definitely lived a unique life. She goes through her mistakes, challenges and achievements with humor and grace.

I did feel like it is a bit long but she has lived an interesting life. And I love hearing about all the actors and actresses she has encountered in her journey. Some brought back a lot of memories.

Barbara Flynn, Brendan O’Hea and Judi Dench narrate this wonderful audiobook and as I always say…it is so much better if the author narrates their own work.

Need a good memoir about a unique and talented lady…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

Succession meets The Family Stone in bestselling author Wade Rouse’s humorous and sharply observant look at a family teetering on the edge of merry mayhem.

The Chapmans do Christmas the way they do everything: impeccably, expensively, and with the unshakable belief that good lighting can conceal bad blood. Their annual Christmas card may look picture-perfect, but behind the polite smiles there’s a storm brewing. This year, at their grand lakefront cottage on Mackinac Island, a snowstorm traps generations of Chapmans—and their schemes—under one roof.

Chris Chapman is on the verge of losing everything: his father’s trust, his role at the helm of the family business, and his wife’s respect. Kat Chapman is already fed up with hosting her critical, stuck-up in-laws and their impossibly inflexible holiday traditions. Her solution? Invite her working-class parents – born and bred Islanders – for Christmas, much to the horror of the Chapmans, whose rule that “We do not share Christmas with other people” is about to be broken.

As the snow piles up, so do the grievances: their children—fiercely liberal Leah and conservative golden-boy Chip—are locked in a battle of wits, Chris’s vaguely corrupt brother Cormac and his calculating trophy wife are stirring the pot, and Kat’s mother is holding onto a secret that could upend the entire game. 

Deliciously messy and surprisingly tender, The Bluff is a feisty festive family drama about money, marriage, power, and all the things we bring to the holiday table besides the turkey.

“A heartfelt dive into the complexities of family and tradition. The Bluff captures the perfect storm that occurs when two different worlds collide during the holidays. An evocative must-read for anyone who has ever attempted the delicate dance of a family Christmas.” –Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Review

Talk about a hot mess of a family….the Chapman family will make your head spin.

The Chapmans do Christmas the way they do everything: impeccably, expensively, and with the unshakable belief that good lighting can conceal bad blood. Their annual Christmas card may look picture-perfect, but behind the polite smiles there’s a storm brewing. This year, at their grand lakefront cottage on Mackinac Island, a snowstorm traps generations of Chapmans—and their schemes—under one roof.

The Chapman family makes my family look sane…and that is saying something! 😂. Talk about judgmental, talk about mean, talk about controlling…this family takes the cake. And I enjoyed every bit of it!

There are a good many characters but they all are extraordinary in their own way. And I definitely had some favorites!

This story gives you an inside look at a scheming family with Mackinac Island at Christmas as your back drop!

The audio for this book is masterfully done. As I said before, this book has quite a lot of characters but the audio is the way to go. The voices are distinctive and just makes the whole book in my opinion.

Need a Christmas read that will make you laugh out loud… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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Overview

From award-winning author Anstey Harris comes an unforgettable story of mothers, daughters and the secrets that can pull a family apart.

Olivia has spent thirty years tending the cemetery next to her home, gently caring for the graves. Since her daughter Lizzie stopped speaking to her after a devastating accident, talking to the dead has been easier than the living.

Olivia thought there would be years ahead—time to persuade Lizzie to come home. But when she discovers her husband is dying, everything changes. Suddenly, time is very short.

For Lizzie to reunite with her parents, Olivia will have to face the truth of her choices, of the secrets she’s been hiding for years. She knows it is time. Time to bring the two halves of herself back together. But if she does, will those she loves forgive her? Or is it already too late?

An incredibly moving story that will stay in your heart, about the secrets we keep to protect those we love and how to find peace when time is running out.

Review

There is so much I loved about this book!

Olivia thought there would be years ahead, plenty of time to persuade her daughter, Lizzie, to come home. But when she discovers her husband is dying, everything changes. Suddenly, time is very short.

If you follow me at all, you know I love a book about family secrets and family drama. (Just not my family drama). And this book definitely has both.

At first, I was not a big fan of Lizzie. It felt like her reasons for not showing up for her parents just didn’t add up. But as the story goes along, you realize there is more to this than meets the eye.

And her parents! Olivia has a past you do not want to miss and when it comes out, it causes a world of trouble. Then there is Hugh. Hugh is a world famous magician and acrobat. I loved reading about this world! These two have been in love since their very first meeting. So, when Olivia’s secret comes out, it threatens more than Olivia ever expected.

The narrators are Hannah Curtis, Karen Cass. These two are amazing!

Need an emotional story which just might have a twist you did not see coming…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for honest opinion.

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Overview

They’re not detectives. They’re just two millennials with a murder to solve. A funny and wholesome mystery, perfect for fans of the Finlay Donovan series.

After discovering her boss, Garrett’s, dead body, Grace is ready to pack up her things and move back home. Until his widow, Jo, shows up and offers Grace a job as her assistant.

The catch? Jo only wants assistance with one thing: solving her husband’s murder.

Armed with Jo’s creative “crime board” and various disguises, these two millennial women might just give the police a run for their money.

After all, how hard can solving a murder really be?

Review

This is a cute one!

After discovering her boss, Garrett’s, dead body, Grace is ready to pack up her things and move back home. Until his widow, Jo, shows up and offers Grace a job as her assistant. The catch? Jo only wants assistance with one thing: solving her husband’s murder.

These two ladies tickled me, especially Grace. These ladies really create some drama to try to find out who actually killed Garrett. I found myself grinning and laughing all the way through this book. Plus, there is a really cute side character, Grace’s mom. And she has Grace’s number. 😂

I enjoyed this narrator, Stacy Gonzalez. She is a great Grace and a Jo!

Need a story to make you grin to get you through the day… THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

In the wake of the Great War, two female boxers defy society’s standards to fight for their place in the ring

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, though, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it’s up to Lucy to keep the leaking roof over their heads. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin’s former boxing club on a whim—and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Siobhan McCarthy is the niece of Robin’s late coach and a pugilist herself. She’s delighted Lucy stumbled in; it’s hard to find another woman who knows the sport. Siobhan offers her work as a cleaner—with a few bob more if Lucy trains alongside her. Tempting as the offer sounds, Lucy is skeptical, sharing the opinion of society that boxing is a sport unbecoming of a woman.

Days later, an unexpected expense leaves Lucy and her family facing eviction. Desperate, she returns to the club and reluctantly dons the gloves. As Lucy’s love for her husband’s sport is rekindled, she discovers a new joy in her own prowess, but when Siobhan asks her to spar in a public match, Lucy hesitates. Backlash will be certain and swift, risking her family’s future. How much is she willing to sacrifice to earn her place in the ring?

Inspired by true events, Flyweight is a story of the strength and resilience of two women and the lengths they’re willing to go for their families—and equality.

Review

Oh! I really enjoyed this one! Very unique!

East London, 1921: Lucy Cotter is unemployed, unskilled, and down to her last shilling. Before the Great War she never had to work, relying on her husband, Robin, to support her and their young daughter with his successful boxing career. Now, Robin is unemployed and nursing battle wounds, so it’s up to Lucy. Tired of rejection and nostalgic for better days, Lucy enters Robin’s former boxing club on a whim—and discovers that a place which once barred women is now run by one.

Well! Strong women characters and a setting of 1921 London and I am in business. This book takes you on a wild ride of strength, hardship and overcoming the challenges of life!

I love the uniqueness of Lucy and her ability to think outside the box! The only reason for the 4 star rating is I felt she was a bit whiny in spots. She is so strong but she cannot help but revert back to being afraid of what people think. Is this important…sure it is…especially in this time period. But it did feel a bit repetitive. But you cannot go wrong with this story!

The narrator, Elizabeth Knowelden, is absolutely excellent! She was truly Lucy!

Need a story that takes you on a unique journey…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Overview

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz returns with a masterful new novel that captures the astonishing bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.

Andrée takes her in as a member of the family, spreading their rations and risking everything to keep her safe. But soon the authorities close in, and both Andrée and Josie are caught in a desperate race to stay alive.

Epic in scope and based on real people and historical events, Heather Morris has written a story of breathtaking beauty, at once gripping, heartbreaking, and uplifting.

Review

In 1942, the Nazis come for a Jewish family living in the Montparnasse area of occupied Paris. In the chaos of their arrest, eleven-year-old Josephine runs to the only person she can trust: her piano teacher, Andrée Levallois, a secret French Resistance operative.

This is such a good, emotional tale. Of course it is! It is written by Heather Morris and it is set in Nazi occupied France. And that tension just keeps getting intense as this story moves along! But Josephine is truly a wonderful little girl. Her struggles and her attitude just captivate your heart.

As much as I enjoyed this tale, my favorite by this author is still Cilka’s Journey. So grab that one when you get this one! Trust me, you can not go wrong with either one!

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, is one of my favorites. And she did a great job. I am picky about a child’s voice in an audiobook. But Saskia did a great job with Josephine.

Need a story about love and survival…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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