reecaspieces

Overview

A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK 

“Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is an unforgettable story of love, loss, and the choices that shape our lives…but it’s also a masterfully crafted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Seriously, that ending?! I did not see it coming.” —Reese Witherspoon 

“Stirring and mysterious…fires directly at the human heart and hits the mark.” —Delia Owens, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing

A love triangle unearths dangerous, deadly secrets from the past in this thrilling tale perfect for fans of The Paper Palace and Where the Crawdads Sing.

“The farmer is dead. He is dead, and all anyone wants to know is who killed him.”

Beth and her gentle, kind husband Frank are happily married, but their relationship relies on the past staying buried. But when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son, who died in a tragic accident.

As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.

A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.

Review

As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel’s life, tensions around the village rise and dangerous secrets and jealousies from the past resurface, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.

I think my whole issue with this book is Beth. I am not usually too judgmental of characters, but I HATED the way she treated her husband, Frank. He did not deserve what he got. Which is probably why this book is getting so many five stars. It is emotional, it is tricky and it is full of secrets!

What makes this whole book is the ending. And it does have quite a bit to wade through to get there. But, it is worth it. There is a twist, and yes, I figured it out but then changed my mind. And it gives you another reason to love Frank!

Need a novel which will make you mad, sad, and curious all in the same paragraph…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

From New York Times bestseller and Edgar-Award nominee Elle Cosimano, comes Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave—the hugely anticipated next installment in the fan-favorite Finlay Donovan series.

Finlay Donovan may have skeletons in her closet . . . but at least there’s not a body in her backyard.

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

Finlay and Vero have no interest in getting involved in another murder case—or sacrificing either of their bedrooms. After all, they’ve dealt with enough murders over the last four months to last a lifetime and they both would much rather share their beds with someone else.

When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?

Review

Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. At first a suspect, Mrs. Haggerty is cleared by the police, but her house remains an active crime scene. She has nowhere to go . . . except Finlay’s house, right across the street.

I read this book on an airplane and y’all…I tried my hardest to keep my laughter contained. And I was not too successful!!

As usual, Finlay is a hot mess! Add in Mrs Haggerty and you have a team that just might get their happy little butts into hot water. But Vero takes no prisoners. She is probably my favorite character. Talk about some one-liners…Vero is full of them..SASSY is an understatement!

This is part of a series. It is not necessary that you read them in order…but I would read them!

Need a fun, quick read to brighten your day…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

From the New York Times–bestselling author of We Were the Lucky Ones, an unforgettable story of hardship and hope, courage and resilience, that follows one young woman’s journey through war-torn Italy

1940, Emilia Romagna. Lili and Esti have been best friends since meeting at the University of Ferrara; when Esti’s son Theo is born, they become as close as sisters. There is a war being fought across borders, and in Italy, Mussolini’s Racial Laws have deemed Lili and Esti descendants of an ‘inferior’ Jewish race, but life somehow goes on—until Germany invades northern Italy, and the friends find themselves in occupied territory.

Esti, older and fiercely self-assured, convinces Lili to flee first to a villa in the countryside to help hide a group of young war orphans, then to a convent in Florence, where they pose as nuns and forge false identification papers for the Underground. When disaster strikes at the convent, a critically wounded Esti asks Lili to take a much bigger step: To go on the run with Theo. Protect him while Esti can’t.

Terrified to travel on her own, Lili sets out on an epic journey south toward Allied territory, through Nazi-occupied villages and bombed-out cities, doing everything she can to keep Theo safe.

A remarkable tale of friendship, motherhood, and survival, One Good Thing is a tender reminder that love for another person, even amidst darkness and uncertainty, can be reason to keep going.

Review

Esti and Lili are best friends. When the Nazis invade Italy, both of these ladies are in terrible danger, along with Theo, Esti’s son. Esti ends up getting taken and she begs Lili to take Theo and escape. Lili takes Theo and does her best to keep him safe.

I loved Lili. She is strong and intelligent. And believe me, she needs both to travel the way she travels and survive.

There was one thing that didn’t sit right with me, and this is minor. But it is something I noticed. When Lili and Theo are on their LONG trek from Assisi to Rome, 118 miles, ON FOOT, Theo only has one melt down. There is no way a child of 3 did not cry and scream every day. Heck, as an adult, I would have been crying and screaming. And yes, Lili complained some about her feet and other difficulties but I just felt that this part of the story was missing the desperation of the characters. Like I said, minor but noticeable.

Believe me, there are quite a few desperate areas in this book which take the reader on all kinds of emotional journeys. I was terrified, sad, mad and happy all in the same chapter in this book. The author really created an emotional tale you will not soon forget.

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

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

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Overview

Based on the true story of a famous trial, this novel is Law and Order: 1800, as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr investigate the shocking murder of a young woman who everyone—and no one—seemed to know.

At the start of a new century, a shocking murder transfixes Manhattan, forcing bitter rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr to work together to save a man from the gallows. 

Just before Christmas 1799, Elma Sands slips out of her Quaker cousin’s boarding house—and doesn’t come home. Has she eloped? Run away? No one knows—until her body appears in the Manhattan Well.

Her family insists they know who killed her. Handbills circulate around the city accusing a carpenter named Levi Weeks of seducing and murdering Elma. 

But privately, quietly, Levi’s wealthy brother calls in a special favor….

Aaron Burr’s legal practice can’t finance both his expensive tastes and his ambition to win the 1800 New York elections. To defend Levi Weeks is a double win: a hefty fee plus a chance to grab headlines.

Alexander Hamilton has his own political aspirations; he isn’t going to let Burr monopolize the public’s attention. If Burr is defending Levi Weeks, then Hamilton will too. As the trial and the election draw near, Burr and Hamilton race against time to save a man’s life—and destroy each other.

Part murder mystery, part thriller, part true crime, The Girl From Greenwich Street revisits a dark corner of history—with a surprising twist ending that reveals the true story of the woman at the center of the tale.

Review

At the start of a new century, a shocking murder transfixes Manhattan, forcing bitter rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr to work together to save a man from the gallows. 

The historical research is outstanding. And I loved reading about Hamilton and Burr. This is also a versatile read as well. It is part mystery, historical fiction and true crime. This is why I kept reading. I really wanted to see how it turned out.

There is a lot that I enjoyed about this book. I loved the history and the great atmosphere of New York during this time periodof 1800. But the story itself moved very slow for me. It is just a bit too wordy, with long chapters and lots of dialog.

My favorite by this author is Band of Sisters. Still, hands down the favorite!

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

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Overview

Ali Rubin has a reputation for spontaneity. Like that time she made a drunken bet in London that led to matching tattoos with a stranger. Her joie de vivre is one of her best qualities; she lives every day to the fullest and follows her dreams wherever they take her. And now, they’re taking her from her career as a chef in New York City back home to Baltimore, where she’s interning as a wedding planner.

Despite the occasional fantasy about her British tattoo twin, Ali never expected to see Graham again. So no one is more surprised than she is when he turns up in Baltimore, ordering a latte at her favorite cafe. When they reconnect during an enchanting evening together, Ali can’t help but wonder if Graham might be someone special.

At the same time, she’s desperate to succeed in her new career and prove that she isn’t the family flake. When she gets a job planning a high profile wedding at a historic hotel, it seems like things are finally falling into place. That is, until Graham turns out to be the groom.

Graham’s family owns the once-grand, now struggling Black-Eyed Susan, and he’s returned to Baltimore to help his grandmother get it back on its feet. He’s certain that hosting a wedding at the hotel is just the publicity boost it needs. Ali’s boss agrees, and promises Ali a full-time gig if the affair goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Ali and Graham can’t seem to ignore their rekindled chemistry, especially when it’s revealed that Graham and his fiancée are planning a marriage of convenience. Still, staying away from each other is the best thing they can do, since giving in to their growing feelings might cost them everything.

Because when it comes to love, all bets are off.

Review

I enjoyed the premise of the book. Graham and Ali met years ago and actually got matching tattoos from a drunken bet. Then years later, they accidentally meet at a coffee shop and it turns both of their worlds upside down.

Graham is trying to save his grandmother’s hotel and Ali has changed careers and is now a wedding planner…to Graham’s wedding. Needless to say, this puts a big kink in their attraction.

I enjoyed Graham and Ali. However, it does take quite a bit of time for these two to get together. I also felt the story could have been much shorter. Like I said…it was a bit slow getting these two together. But, it is an enjoyable, fun read.

This is three and a half stars rounded up.

Need a cute romcom with fun characters…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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Overview

Newly-minted child psychologist Mina has little experience. In a field where the first people called are experts, she’s been unable to get her feet wet. Instead she aimlessly spends her days stuck in the stifling heat wave sweeping across Britain, and anxiously contemplating her upcoming marriage to careful, precise researcher Oscar. The only reprieve from her small, close world is attending the local bereavement group to mourn her brother’s death from years ago. That is, until she meets journalist Sam Hunter at the grief group one day. And he has a proposition for her.

Alice Webber is a thirteen year old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

But instead of improving, Alice’s behavior becomes increasingly inexplicable and intense. The town of Banathel has a deep history of superstition and witchcraft. They believe there is evil in the world. They believe there are ways of…dealing with it. And they don’t expect outsiders to understand.

As Mina races to uncover the truth behind Alice’s condition, the dark cracks of Banathel begin to show. Mina is desperate to understand how deep their sinister traditions go–and how her own past may be the biggest threat of all.

Review

Alice Webber is a thirteen year old girl who claims she’s being haunted by a witch. Living with her family in their crowded home in the remote village of Banathel, Alice’s symptoms are increasingly disturbing, and money is tight. Taking this job will give Mina some experience; Sam will get the scoop of a lifetime; and Alice will get better, Mina is sure of it.

I know this book is getting a lot of hype. I did finish it, but, I can’t say that I enjoyed it much. I really found some of these decisions by the parents a little dumb. I just wanted to slap them silly. If the child is seeing something in the chimney when she sleeps…let her sleep in a different room. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. Maybe it is just how my brain works. It just kind of drove me insane.

This did start out really strong and this is probably why I finished it. I kept expecting it to get better. But honestly, it just kept getting weirder and a bit disjointed.

Now, just because I thought this way does not mean you will. Read this for yourself and let me know your thoughts!

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

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Overview

An immersive historical drama about a young mother who starts a new life with her son in New York after faking their deaths on the Titanic—the U.S. debut of acclaimed British novelist Frances Quinn.

“A compelling examination of the cost of dreams, delusions of the heart, and the unbreakable bond of mother and child.”—Shana Abé, author of The Second Mrs. Astor

Sometimes it takes a disaster to change your life.

Marrying above your social class can come with unexpected consequences, as Elinor Coombes discovers when she is swept into a fairy-tale marriage with the son of English aristocrats. But she realizes too late that it was the appeal of her father’s hard-earned wealth rather than her own pretty face that attracted her new husband and his family. Ground down by rigid social rules that include her being allowed to see her nanny-raised infant son for only moments each day, Elinor faces a lonely future. But a present from her father—tickets for the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, a luxurious new ocean liner—offers a welcome escape from the cold, controlling atmosphere of her husband’s ancestral home, and some precious time with her little son, Teddy.

After the ship goes down, Elinor grasps at the chance to take Teddy and start a new life in America: They can disappear completely if they are listed among the dead. After stealing another woman’s identity, a now penniless Elinor must put that terrible night behind her and learn to survive in a brash new world that couldn’t be more different from her own. And when a face from the past appears, she must risk everything to keep her secret—and her son.

An absorbing historical drama set between the hidebound traditions of the English aristocracy and the opportunities of a bustling young city, The Lost Passenger is a gripping and dramatic story about grabbing your chances with both hands, and being brave enough to find out who you really are.

Review

Elinor is a wealthy young lady but she is not from the British aristocracy. So, she is swept off her feet and she marries above her station. But, it doesn’t take her long to realize her marriage is not what it seems. Her father offers to take her and her family on the Titanic. After the ship goes down, Elinor grasps at the chance to take Teddy, her son, and start a new life in America: They can disappear completely if they are listed among the dead.

Elinor is a character that, at first, breaks your heart. But then she grabs her chance and nothing can stop her. She is someone I rallied behind and rooted for all the way through. And believe me, she has some struggles. But her intelligence and her love for her son keep her going forward.

This was very close to a five star read for me. It is captivating and intense. The only issue I had with this tale is that I predicted everything that happened. And no, I am not going to tell you…you need to read this for yourself. The story is just a bit predictable. But this book is still a super good read!

Need a dramatic tale with a strong woman character…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Overview

An astonishing historical novel of one woman’s dangerous journey through World War II Germany and her life-changing friendship with a young woman decades later—from the #1 international bestselling author of Looking for Jane

“A fascinating and moving story of courage, sacrifice, and friendship.”—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

Northern England, 2010. After a tragic accident upends her life, Kate Mercer leaves London to work at an old guest house near the Scottish border, where she hopes to find a fresh start and heal from her loss. When she arrives, she begins to unravel the truth about her past, but discovers that the mysterious elderly proprietor is harboring secrets of her own.

Berlin, 1938. Audrey James is weeks away from graduating from a prestigious music school in Berlin, where she’s been living with her best friend, Ilse Kaplan. As war looms, Ilse’s family disappears and high-ranking Nazi officers confiscate the house. In desperation, Audrey becomes their housekeeper while Ilse is forced into hiding in the attic. When a shocking turn of events embroils Audrey in the anti-Hitler movement, she must decide what matters most: protecting those she loves, or sacrificing everything for the greater good.

Inspired by true stories of courageous women and the German resistance during World War II, The Secret History of Audrey James is a captivating novel about the unbreakable bonds of friendship, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the healing that comes from human connection.

Review

I enjoyed this novel. It is full of secrets, drama and unique situations.

Kate is struggling to come to terms with her parents’ deaths and the loss of her marriage. She decides to take a job in a guest house. Her parents actually stayed in this guest house on their honeymoon. She hopes to discover a few tidbits about their lives. But instead, she discovers Audrey.

Audrey is a unique character. She at first comes across crass and brusque. But she soon discovers she likes Kate. These two develop a bond and then Audrey begins tell Kate her life story.

As most of y’all know, I love a book with secrets and this is a story you don’t want to miss. And yes it has a secret or two or three. And the way it unfolds will keep you captivated from start to finish.

Need a novel about friendship, sacrifices and love…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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