The Mistress Next Door by Lesley Sanderson @bookouture #thriller #audiobook #audiblebook #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 23, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

I know what you did. You destroyed my life. Now I’m going to take everything from you, starting with your husband. I’m your worst nightmare, and I’m closer than you think. 

Moving to Prospect Close has been everything I’d hoped for. In the city, Oliver and I barely saw each other, irritable at home and rushing around after the kids. But here, the neighbors have been so friendly and welcoming, and we’re now at barbeques and playdates every weekend, all together, as a family. It’s the type of life I always dreamed of. One that’s a million miles from…before. Not that Oliver would know anything about that.

But recently Oliver has been behaving strangely–staying out late, working weekends, and absent even when home. I don’t want to question our idyllic life, but when I find a receipt for a hotel room, including champagne, in his coat pocket, what else can I assume other than he’s cheating?

Or could it be even worse than that? What if the past isn’t just haunting me, it’s coming back to destroy me?

Because yesterday I received an anonymous note. One that changes everything. It seems that someone in Prospect Close knows my secret. Someone who’s willing to do whatever it takes to get their revenge, including stealing my husband. Unless I can find them first….

Astonishing, compelling with a jaw-dropping twist, if you love Lisa Jewell, K. L. Slater, and Jackie Kabler, you’ll love The Mistress Next Door.

Review

Tilly has gone missing. Harriet looks away for a brief second and she is gone. She is found a short time later and everyone thinks Harriet’s child just wandered off. But Harriet knows there is more. She keeps getting these strange notes threatening her with her past and her secrets.

Ok, before we get started there are just a few issues, and yes I did enjoy the book. But, I did not like the narrator’s voice for the child. Luckily the child did not speak very much. Then there is Oliver. I was not a big fan of this man on several levels. But, these are minor issues and they are MY issues. Just some thoughts that stuck with me throughout listening to this novel.

Harriet really tries to keep it together. I struggled right along with her. But she has some big secrets herself that she is not sharing. Then she discovers the receipt in Oliver’s jacket and her world starts to slowly disintegrate. Then it totally explodes and her past comes out.

I really enjoyed how this story unfolded. And I loved guessing about Harriet’s past. (And yes, I guessed most of it!). This is a pretty entertaining mystery with a big ole twist at the end!

Need a good novel with very good secrets…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson @grandcentralpub #historcialfiction #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 22, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

An uplifting and inspiring novel based on the true story of a librarian who created an underground shelter during World War II, perfect for readers of The Paris Library or The Last Bookshop in London.

London, 1944: Clara Button is no ordinary librarian. While war ravages the city above her, Clara has risked everything she holds dear to turn the Bethnal Green tube station into the country’s only underground library. Down here, a secret community thrives with thousands of bunk beds, a nursery, a café, and a theater—offering shelter, solace, and escape from the bombs that fall upon their city.

Along with her glamorous best friend and assistant Ruby Munroe, Clara ensures the library is the beating heart of life underground. But as the war drags on, the women’s determination to remain strong in the face of adversity is tested to the limits when it may come at the price of keeping those closest to them alive.

Review

The Bethnal Green tube station has become a secret community for many displaced persons. The Blitz has ravaged London and these people are just trying to survive. The library in which Clara Barton is in charge of becomes the saving grace for so many! The only underground library in London helps so many through a terrible time in their lives.

What makes this book so special is how it makes you feel. Nostalgic is just one of the many feelings I experienced. I loved thinking back to the library of my youth. And don’t think I did not turn around and add the “bodice ripper” novel from the 40’s to my wish list. Forever Amber is still in print so I am going to give it a try!

There are so many wonderful and terrifying situations in this tale. I love how the author weaves them together to create this remarkable story about a true place. Talk about well researched! I love learning something new and this book definitely introduced a new part of WWII for me!

Need a book which gives you all the feels….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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It’s One of Us by J.T. Ellison @harlequinbooks #thriller #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 21, 2023 by fredreeca

IT’S ONE OF US
JT Ellison
On Sale Date: February 21, 2023 9780778311768
Hardcover
$27.99 USD, $34.99 CAD


About the Book:


From the New York Times bestselling author comes this twisting, emotionally layered thriller about a marriage torn apart when the police arrive at an infertile couple’s door and reveal the husband’s son is the prime suspect in a murder. The perfect blend of exhilarating suspense and issue-driven book club fiction.


Everybody lies. Even the ones you think you know best of all . . .
Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park.


DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold—or how many children he has sired.


As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own?
This twisting, emotionally layered thriller explores the lies we tell to keep a marriage together–or break each other apart . . .

Review

Olivia has been trying to get pregnant for years. She loses her last IVF baby and she is basically numb. She is sick of her husband and just plain sick of everything! Then the police show up at her door with a unique case. The killer’s DNA matches her husband. But that can’t be. They don’t have children.

I love all the narrators. Not usually my thing, but the way this is organized it adds so much to the story and the intensity. Plus, the uniqueness of this tale really had me engrossed. Yes, it is a murder mystery but what makes it unique is how the murderer was identified and conceived. I mean a sperm bank and he has how many siblings? Add in the freaky twist at the end which I did not see coming and you have a captivating book!

I have been a fan of this author for a long time and this book is one of her bests!

Need a fabulous thriller which will have you completely consumed…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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


About the Author:


J.T. Ellison is the NYT and USA Today bestselling author of more than 20 novels, and the EMMY-award winning co-host of A WORD ON WORDS, Nashville’s premier literary show. With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim, prestigious awards, and has been published in 26 countries. Ellison lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens.


Social Links:


Author website: https://www.jtellison.com/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/jtellison14
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thrillerchick
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrillerchick


Buy Links:

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Its-One-Us-Novel-Suspense-ebook/dp/B09ZLGLKH9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=222QCN JW8SCPI&keywords=it%27s+one+of+us&qid=1673560699&sprefix=it%27s+one+of+us%2Caps%2C74&sr =8-1


Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/its-one-of-us-j-t-ellison/1141813790?ean=9780778311768

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/book/9780778311768


IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/buy-local/9780778311768


Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Its-One-Us/J-T-Ellison/9780778311768?id=8292090795540

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The Scorned by David Putnam @oceanviewpub #thriller #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 20, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

Ex-cop, ex-con Bruno Johnson stumbles into a criminal organization that exploits women and children—he must fight his way out and home

Bruno Johnson is hiding out from the U.S. law in Costa Rica with his pregnant wife, Marie, and the ten kids they rescued from toxic homes in South Central Los Angeles. When Marie encounters a difficult labor and delivery, their good friend Dr. Vargas rescues both her and Bruno’s infant son. So Bruno feels indebted when asked to escort his daughter Layla, a college student in Los Angeles, back home to Costa Rica.

When Bruno arrives in Los Angeles, he finds the problem with Layla is complicated and dire. Layla has fallen in with Johnny, the leader of a vast and notorious criminal empire that exploits women and children. She says she’s had his child and that he has taken the baby.

Bruno enlists the help of his old friend Karl Drago—and his dog, Waldo—to aid in his search for Layla’s baby—a baby her parents disavow. Bruno soon discovers things aren’t as they appear, but he will stop at nothing to save the innocent baby and return to his family and newborn son in Costa Rica—providing he can evade capture while on U.S. soil.

Review

Bruno is on the run from the law in the United States. He is hiding out in Costa Rica. His wife is pregnant and he is in charge of 10 kids he rescued from several terrible homes in Los Angeles. So, he is a pretty stand up guy. And when he becomes indebted to Dr. Vargas in Costa Rica for delivering his son, he does just what that doctor asks. He escorts Dr. Vargas’ daughter to Los Angeles.

This is part of a series. It is not necessary that you read the other books in this series to enjoy this one. But, I probably would have liked this book better if I knew more. I would have felt more of a connection to Bruno and his life situation.

I did love the chase though and the humor spread throughout this book! Pretty snarky in places. And the ending!! This needs to be picked up as a television series.

Need a good, action packed thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Of Manners and Murder by Anastasia Hastings @dreamscapeaudio #audiobook #audiblebook #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 17, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

1885, London, England. When Violet’s Aunt Adelia decides to abscond with her newest paramour, she leaves behind her role as the most popular Agony Aunt in London, Miss Hermione, in Violet’s hands. And of course, the first letter Violet receives is full, not of prissy pondering, but of portent: Ivy Armstrong is in need of help and fears for her life. But when Violet visits the village from which the letter was posted, she finds Ivy dead. Soon Violet discovers that when you represent the best-loved Agony Aunt in Britain, both marauding husbands and murder are par for the course.

Review

Violet has been left in charge of Miss Hermione. Miss Hermione is an advice column located in London. The very first letter she receives sends Violet on a trip to discover the problem. It tends to be more than she bargained for.

This story reminds me a great deal of Agatha Christie. It is overly dramatic in places and it is a bit predictable. Yes, I find Agatha Christie’s novels the same way. But, that does not mean it does not serve its purpose.

I did love the time period and Violet is definitely a strong, smart woman. She is also nosey enough to get herself into a spot of trouble. I also found Violet’s sister, (I have forgotten her name) an absolute riot. And the narrator played her so well. She fit this time period to a “T”.

So, need a trip down the Agatha Christie trail…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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Maureen by Rachel Joyce @randomhouse #booktwitter #bookreview

Posted on February 16, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

A touching tale about heartbreak and healing . . . If you loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fryand The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, make time to read this finale to the trilogy.”—Good Housekeeping

Ten years ago, Harold Fry set off on a six-hundred-mile walk to save a friend. But the story doesn’t end there. Now his wife, Maureen, has her own pilgrimage to make.

Only she can finish the journey her husband started.

Maureen and Harold Fry have settled into a quiet life, but when an unexpected message from the North disturbs their peaceful equilibrium, Maureen realizes that it’s now her turn to make a journey. But she is not like her affable, easygoing husband. By turns outspoken, then vulnerable, she struggles to form bonds with the people she meets—and the landscape she crosses has radically changed. Maureen has no sense of what she will find at the end of the road. All she knows is that she has to get there.

A deeply felt, lyrical, and powerful novel, Maureen explores love, loss, and how we come to terms with the past in order to understand ourselves a little better.While this book stands alone, it is also the extraordinarily moving finale to a trilogy that began with the phenomenal bestseller The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and continued in The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy. Like those beloved books, Maureen has all the power and weight of a classic.

Review

Maureen and Harold have settled into their quiet life. But, a message has turned their quiet life upside down. Now, Maureen feels the need to take a journey and settle her past.

Maureen is a bit of a cranky old woman. She does not want to depend on anyone but as she figures out, sometimes, you just can’t do it by yourself. She is also someone who is struggling with so many issues. Basically her own child’s death. This trauma has left her with so many unresolved concerns and feelings.

This story is short but very poignant. It covers so many normal life problems like growing old, grief, love and caring. It touches on many areas of everyone’s life.

I have only read one other in this series The Love Song of Queenie Hennessy and it was years ago. I vaguely remember it. But as I was reading this, the characters popped back in my memory and it was like revisiting old friends.

Need an emotional read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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The Vienna Writers Circle by J.C. Maetis #historicalfiction #booktwitter #bookreview @harlequinbooks

Posted on February 15, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

A gripping and powerful tale of resilience and courage set in Vienna on the brink of WWII, as two members of Freud’s Circle try to keep themselves and their loved ones safe as the SS closes in.

Spring, 1938: Café Mozart in the heart of Vienna is beloved by its clientele, including cousins Mathias Kraemer and Johannes Namal. The two writers are as close as brothers. They are also members of Freud’s Circle—a unique group of the famed psychiatrist’s friends and acquaintances who once gathered regularly at the bright and airy café to talk about books and ideas over coffee and pastries. But dark days are looming.

With Hitler’s annexation of Austria, Nazi edicts governing daily life become stricter and more punitive. Now Hitler has demanded that the “hidden Jews” of Vienna be tracked down, and Freud’s Circle has been targeted. The SS aims to use old group photos to identify Jewish intellectuals and subversives. With the vise tightening around them, Mathias and Johannes’s only option appears to be hiding in plain sight, using assumed names and identities to evade detection, aware that discovery would mean consignment to a camp or execution.

Faced with stark and desperate choices, Mathias, Johannes, their families and friends all find their loyalties and courage tested in unimaginable ways. But despite betrayal, heartache and imprisonment, hope remains, and with it, the determination to keep those they love alive, and Mathias and Johannes at the same time discovering that what originally condemned them—their writing—might also be their salvation.

Review

Vienna has now been annexed into Nazi Germany. This creates despair and apprehension! All the new laws really change the population’s perception. The fear and the thought process needed to get around the city changed Mathias and his family’s daily activities and actions. Every day is something they never imagined could happen in their quaint city.

I loved how the author used Freud throughout this tale. This just added to the authenticity. I also had a favorite character. I loved the policeman, Josef. He goes out of his way to help Mathias and his family on more than one occasion.

Why am I giving this 3 stars? Honestly, it is most likely me. I am definitely in a minority with my review. But, I am a bit tired of WWII. And I LOVE this time period but I have been overrun with books in this setting and I expect a certain amount of emotion to go with this type of book. I felt this book moved a bit too slow and it did not have the emotional effect I expected.

Need a different take on daily life in WWII…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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End of Story by Kylie Scott @harlequinbooks #booktwitter #bookreview #romcom

Posted on February 14, 2023 by fredreeca

END OF STORY

Author: Kylie Scott

ISBN: 9781525804793

Publication Date: February 14, 2023

Publisher: Graydon House

17.99 US | 22.99 CAN

Book Summary:

Fans of bestsellers like In Five Years will fall for this unexpected love story about a woman and her contractor who discover a divorce decree with their names on it … dated ten years in the future.

When Susie inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV-life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s (very good looking) best friend Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public break-up 6 months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have him around. But, beggars can’t be choosers and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to grudgingly accepting the single life.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars knocks down a bedroom wall and finds a divorce certificate dated ten years from now…with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real…could it? As Susie and Lars try to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But is any kind of relationship between them doomed before it’s ever begun?

Review

Susie has inherited her aunt’s house. It is a super duper fixer upper. Her contractor just happens to be her ex boyfriend’s best friend, Lars. While they are doing some demo work, a divorce degree with Susie and Lars name is discovered in the wall. But, it is dated 10 years in the future. Well…this opens a can of worms.

I adored Lars! Talk about an all around good guy…he is definitely one of them. He and Susie fit so well together. Basically because he cares, AND IT SHOWS! Susie, is a bit different. She is struggling from her past relationship and she just can’t accept that Lars is there. But, as you can guess, things start to head in that direction and it is a fun ride getting there!

The only reason for the 3 stars is the paranormal part just did not fit, in my opinion. And it is just my opinion. Read it and let me know what your thoughts are. I am always open to talk about it!

Need a cute romantic comedy with a paranormal twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

Author Bio

Kylie Scott is the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author of 19 novels including the Stage Dive series, the Dive Bar series, the Larsen Brothers series, and West Hollywood series. Her most recent release, Pause, debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages, and she has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Buy Links:

BookShop.org

Harlequin 

Barnes & Noble

Books A Million

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Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter

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The Last Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz @macmillanaudio #audiobook #audiblebook #bookreview #booktwitter

Posted on February 13, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

The audiobook features a bonus conversation between Gregg Hurwitz and #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner, author of the award-winning Detective D. D. Warren novels.

Evan Smoak returns in The Last Orphan, the latest New York Times bestselling Orphan X thriller—when everything changes and everything is at risk.

As a child, Evan Smoak was plucked out of a group home, raised and trained as an off-the-books assassin for the government as part of the Orphan program. When he broke with the program and went deep underground, he left with a lot of secrets in his head that the government would do anything to make sure never got out.

When he remade himself as The Nowhere Man, dedicated to helping the most desperate in their times of trouble, Evan found himself slowly back on the government’s radar. Having eliminated most of the Orphans in the program, the government will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat they see in Evan. But Orphan X has always been several steps ahead of his pursuers.

Until he makes one little mistake…

Now the President has him in her control and offers Evan a deal—eliminate a rich, powerful man she says is too dangerous to live and, in turn, she’ll let Evan survive. But when Evan left the Program he swore to only use his skills against those who really deserve it. Now he has to decide what’s more important—his principles or his life.

Review

Evan has slipped up, made a mistake and he has been captured. He is now back in government custody. And it comes with a price. He is offered an ultimatum. He must take out a powerful, dangerous man. The president does not care what it costs Evan. This man must go!

Evan is a conundrum. He has been from the beginning of this series. He is freaking tough and will kill at a drop of a hat. But, he has one of the softest hearts! Heck…I am more than halfway in love with him!

This story has everything you would expect from an orphan X novel….intensity, fear and definitely drama. I do not see how this has not been picked up for television or a movie!

This is one of my all time favorite series. I have read every one! But, I do prefer to listen to them. Scott Brick is one of my favorite narrators of all time. And he IS ABSOLUTELY Orphan X!

Need a fabulous thriller…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

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

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My Father’s House by Joseph O’Conner @dreamscapeaudio #audiobook #audiblebook #historicalfiction

Posted on February 11, 2023 by fredreeca

Overview

September 1943: German forces occupy Rome. Gestapo boss Obersturmbannführer Paul Hauptmann rules with terror. Hunger is widespread. Rumors fester. The war’s outcome is far from certain. 

Diplomats, refugees, and escaped Allied prisoners flee for protection into Vatican City; at one fifth of a square mile, it’s the world’s smallest state, a neutral, independent country within Rome. A small band of unlikely friends led by a courageous Irish priest is drawn into deadly danger as they seek to help those seeking refuge. A deadly high-stakes battle of wits ensues in this astonishing and unforgettable story of love, faith, and sacrifice that explores what it means to be truly human in the most extreme circumstances. 

The first book in the Rome Escape Line Trilogy, this powerful, heartbreaking literary thriller is based on the true story of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, a man who risked his life to smuggle thousands of Jews and escaped Allied prisoners out of Italy under the nose of his Nazi nemesis.

Review

Monsignor Hugh O’ Flaherty is determined to save as many people as he can. But the Nazis are on to him. He is confined to the Vatican and cannot leave without special permission. But, this does not stop him or his “choir”. They risk everything to smuggle out thousands of people right under the Nazis’ nose!

This is a bit different take on WWII. This is set at the Vatican. I have read a great many books in this time period lately, so, I enjoyed this change of scenery.

I also loved that this was based on a true person. Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty saved thousands of lives and he definitely had the Nazis number. He thwarted them at every turn. Look him up! He was an amazing man!

This book has some beautifully written areas but it also has some areas which are a bit slow. But, I loved the production. There are 9, yes you heard me, 9 narrators. Now, there were a couple of narrators in which I had to slow the speed down because of the accent. (Yes, I listen at 2x the speed!). This just made the whole thing more authentic.

Need a different take on WWII…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

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

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