Thursday, April 18, 2019

A Hodge Podge of Reviews - What I've Been Reading #1


The Widow by Fiona Barton - I thoroughly enjoyed The Child by Barton last year and was curious how she handled this story involving what happens behind the scenes in the house and in the marriage of a man publicly suspected of the absolute worst kind of crime.  This was definitely kept me hooked and kept me guessing from start to finish.  Just what did happen to little Bella and just how much did "the widow" know.  I was relieved that while crimes against children was very front and center it wasn't graphic and was mercifully light on details.  While I didn't enjoy this read as much as The Child I really appreciate the way Fiona Barton tells a story and I'll definitely be continuing with her books.  I listened to the audio and it was fantastic which a wonderful voice actor for each POV.  Rating: Very Good



Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis -This was a reread for me and a very fun one.  It's been quite some time since I visited Lucky Harbor and it was a fun visit.  I especially enjoyed Maddie's journey to not be the mouse anymore and the growing relationship between the sisters.  Yes the romance was fun too but it was the sisters that that really sold it for me.  I listened to the audio on this one and while it didn't detract from the book I didn't feel like it really added anything for me.  This is a fun start to a fun series that never disappoints!  Rating: Good


Secret Sisters by Jayne Ann Krentz - I do love a tale of Gothic mystery - especially when it involves a crumbling estate.  Just what had the briefcase contained and why was Madeline's grandmother so desperate to hide it so long ago.  And even more importantly just who was after that information and what did they know?  This was a fun fast paced romantic suspense that while not perfect was an entertaining listen and cements Krentz as a guaranteed author for an enjoyable and suspenseful read.  Rating: Good


Always On My Mind by Belle Andre - I think I'm in the minority here.  The reviews for this one - even from bloggers I trust and usually have the same taste as - are pretty much glowing.  I had some issues with this one.  I loved Lori.  Her ability to not only see the good but find the fun in some serious hard work is endearing and I enjoyed watching her regain her confidence.  My issue was 100% with Grayson.  Grayson is a jerk.  I mean I get that there has been tragedy in his life but that doesn't give him the monopoly on hurt or betrayal.  The fact that he completely dismissed and undermined Lori's feelings when she opened up to him really set my teeth on edge.  He was mean to the point of cruel for really no reason other than he had decided not to get close to people.  Yes there was some redemption but in my opinion it was too little too late.  What kept me reading was Andre's writing which was really brought the characters to life.  While I didn't love Grayson (massive understatement) I loved the Lori and the world that Andre created enough that I won't hesitate to read more from her.  Rating: Just Okay




8 comments:

  1. I liked THE SUSPECT better than THE WIDOW, but I didn't love either of them. I haven't read any of the Krentz one sounds good and I do need to give Jill Shalvis a try. I've heard good things about her.

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  2. I didn't have good luck with Fiona Barton books but glad you have. Love Jill Shalvis though!

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  3. I enjoy the Heartbreaker Bay series, but haven't gotten around to the Lucky Harbor series yet. One of these days... And I really liked Secret Sisters. Krentz is always entertaining!

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  4. Great way to share a lot of books read and just as effective really as a longer review. I did read Simply Irresistible, interesting about the audio. I think the other one I'd be most likely to read is Secret Sisters.

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  5. Great mini-reviews, Katherine - what a very good idea for those books that you want to highlight, but simply don't have the time to write about in detail. Far more preferable than completely ignoring them... Thank you for sharing them.

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  6. Overall you seemed to do well with your picks. At least none were really dreadful!

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  7. I think I will have to read The Window. It sounds really good. I am surprised by Bella Andre's book she is usually really great. I have read a few of her books in the past. I am sorry Grayson was such a jerk.

    Mary

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  8. Ah! I keep meaning to request The Child from my local library!

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