Thursday, December 16, 2021

Phantom Plague: How Tuberculosis Shaped History by Vidya Krishnan

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 I really enjoyed this book. It's fascinating how mankind's understanding of pathogens and disease has evolved throughout history. I had not known much about tuberculosis beyond the basics. The stories of TB patients were very disheartening. This book was incredibly well researched and informative.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

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Wow, this was such a whirlwind of a read! The characters were very relatable and their extremely compelling. There were no parts of this story which felt like they dragged on.  The twists left me breathless.  This was such a good book!

Thursday, November 25, 2021

The Last House On the Street by Diane Chamberlain

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 What a beautiful, poignant and heartbreaking read! I loved how this book shifted between narrators and time periods. The setting really came alive thanks to the author's wonderfully descriptive prose. I felt drawn to both main characters and I really enjoyed how their friendship developed. The ending came together well and didn't feel rushed.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi Demeester

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  I really enjoyed the creepy atmosphere of this book but I found that it took too long to explain what was actually happening. I like how the story was told from the dual perspectives of mother and daughter.  I feel disappointed after reading this book.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle

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 Wow, this was such a tense and exciting read! I like how the narrative switched back and forth between the armed intruder,  Cam and Jade because it was interesting to see how their perspectives differed. Jade is such a likable character because of her protectiveness towards her children and her tenacity. This is a book which was impossible to put down.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino

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  What an excellent read! I always enjoy novels which are told from multiple perspectives. It was shocking to read how the four main characters were treated while working as assistants. I found it exciting to read about the creation of a blog where women could anonymously share their experiences of mistreatment at work. I couldn't put this book down and I loved the ending.

Monday, November 8, 2021

Open Road: A Midlife Memoir Of Travel Through The National Parks by TW Neal

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 This was such a wonderful read which I enjoyed immensely! The descriptions of the places visited by the author and her husband were so vivid that I felt like I was traveling along with them. Mike Neal, the author's husband, photos at the beginning of each chapter were breath taking! Thank you for sharing your journey with your readers!

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Need To Know by Karen Cleveland

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 Wow, this book was such a roller coaster ride from start to finish! Wow, that ending was shocking! This book will grab you right from the start and will not let go.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

The Secret Next Door by Rebecca Taylor

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Wow, what a thrilling read!  I couldn't get enough of this book! The Enclave seems like the perfect place to live until one begins to discover all the secrets, drama and conflict which lie beneath its glossy surface.  I had no idea what would happen next which was all part of the fun. 

Thursday, October 14, 2021

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

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 What a delightful read! The author expertly transports the reader into the world of elite ballet.  Paris and St. Petersburg came alive to me while I was reading this novel.   I really appreciated the epilogue because it allowed a glimpse into what was next for Delphine, Margaux and Lindsay.

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Fan Club by Erin Mayer

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 Wow, what a roller coaster ride of book! The narrator undergoes an extensive transformation the more time she spends with the cult like Ivies. She loses touch with reality and any sense of personal identity. This is the dark side of obsessive hero worship in the internet age.  The ending leaves no question as to the final outcome.

Chain of Gold ( The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare

 Chain of Gold (The Last Hours Book 1) by [Cassandra Clare]

 I loved the time period in which this story is set because of the fashion, the salons, the galas and the balls! Cassandra Clare is very adept at painting a colorful picture with her words. This novel had the proper mix of action, comedy, darkness and drama. I look forward to reading other books in this series!

Sunday, October 3, 2021

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao

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  I adored this beautifully poignant story. The author is exceptional good at tugging at the heartstrings.  The strong connection between Julie and Sam is felt throughout the novel. This story will linger with me.

Monday, September 27, 2021

Salvation (Amelia Doss Book # 3) by Audrey Brice and Andre Gonzalez

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 Wow, what an exciting  conclusion to this excellent trilogy!!  I couldn't wait to turn the page to find out what was going to happen. I loved how Amelia Doss became even more menacing in book 3! I was on the edge of my seat during the last chapter!  Well done Andre Gonzalez and Audrey Brice! I would look forward to further collaborations between the both of you.

Sunday, September 19, 2021

On The Way To Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury, and Forgiveness by Lorena Junco Margain

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 It was heartbreaking to read of the hardship the author experienced after surgery in which her surgeon removed her healthy  adrenal gland.  Junco Margain was able to find a specialized surgeon who was able to remove her adrenal tumor while sparing what remained of her adrenal gland. It was inspiring to read how as she slowly adjusted to life post surgery, she was able to forgive the first surgeon. 

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Followed Away ( Book 3 Of The Exalls Attacks) by Andre Gonzalez

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  I enjoyed every moment of this of action packed novel! A  group of survivors working together in a changed world allowed the emotional scenes to resonate more strongly. Kyle's resilience and strength make him an admirable character. Thank you Andre Gonzalez for taking your readers along the winding road of Kyle's journey throughout this excellent series.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Nanny Dearest by Flora Collins

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 Wow, what an emotional and engaging read!  I really loved how it was told from dual points of view while alternating between past and present. I strongly empathized with Sue. Annie's behavior and thought processes were so disturbing that I felt repelled by her.  The ending really shocked me.

Monday, September 6, 2021

They Are Watching You: A Horror Thriler Bundle by Christopher Coleman

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 I really loved both stories in this book! The first story contained science fiction elements which I loved! I really enjoy stories where an event occurs and the survivors have to learn to deal with the aftermath. The descriptions in this story were very disturbing. The second second story was more unnerving because of the behavior of an insane main character.  The twist at the end took me by surprise.

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Breathing Lessons: A Doctor's Guide To Lung Health by MeiLan K. Han, MD

 

 A fascinating look at how the lungs work, lung disorders, treatments, and the importance of lung health. I loved that this book was written by a pulmonologist who offered insight into how pulmonologists go about diagnosing their patients. As an asthmatic I especially appreciated the steps one can take in order to preserve lung health. This book was very accessible to the average person so I never felt bogged down by medical jargon. This book was very well done.

Sunday, August 22, 2021

Nightfall (Amelia Doss Book #2) by Audrey Brice and Andre Gonzalez

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I loved this book and couldn't put it down!  I love how this novel built upon the Amelia Doss mythology from book 1!  I found Amelia Doss even more terrifying in this book because she is so smart, manipulative and malicious. The ending was very satisfying. I'm eager to read book 3 in this wonderful series!

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Parting Shot (Promise Falls #4) by Linwood Barclay

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 Wow, what excellent read! I loved how the book started as two separate stories which gradually became interwoven. There were quite a few twists which were fun to read. This book could be read as a standalone despite it being fourth in a series. I definitely want to read the other books in this exciting series!

Monday, August 16, 2021

Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch

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What an excellent read! I loved everything about this story from the characters, the plot, the setting, and the twists. Reading this novel really made me think about the importance of memory and how it helps to create one's identity. This book was very well done.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Posession by Michaelbrent Collings

 

I admit this was a very intense read with many parts which made me shudder and cringe.  The novel was written in such a way to better emphasize the reality of the overall theme. I liked that the story focused more on law enforcement trying to end the hostage situation instead of only on Teacher's "lessons." The author's note at the end of the book really helped me understand the true scope of the novel. This book is not for the faint of heart.