Title: Do Not Disturb
Author: Freida McFadden
Rating: 3.8/5
Comments: Forreal cannot remember much about this book since I read it back in September but I did give it a 4/5 on Goodreads. From what I recall, Quinn is on the run and ends up at a motel run by a guy named Nick. Nick is very accommodating and kind- he even helps Quinn dig her car out after a snowstorm. But there is something eerie around Nick’s wife who is always watching from the window. I do remember really enjoying the twist. Def better than some of McFadden’s other books but I am giving it a lower score because if it was that good, I would remember more.
Title: Reminders of Him
Author: Colleen Hoover
Rating: 4.2/5
Comments: Read so so quickly. One of my favorites from Hoover for sure. Kenna has recently been released from prison after serving time for an accident that killed her boyfriend. Before she went away, she had a daughter who has no idea she exists. In her attempt to meet her daughter and be in her life, Kenna gets wrapped up in something that will either be an obstacle or a gateway. There really is not anyone in the story rooting for Kenna so I found myself being her biggest supporter. It’s a true love story and wonderful depiction of where determination can get you. I cannot wait to watch the movie adaptation that hits theaters next year.
Title: Swang Song (Nantucket, #4)
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Rating: 4.5/5
Comments: I LOVE this series. I love these characters. I love the setting. At this point, it feels like Chief of Police Ed Kapenash is my favorite uncle. I cannot recommend this series enough by Hilderband. This novel focuses on Chief’s impending retirement and his final case before he’s officially no longer the Chief. The Richardsons, a new couple in town, send the community into a fit of drama. They are rich, mysterious, and committed to making a mark on the island. Then bam, their $22 million mansion burns to the ground. Classic “whodunnit” and the most dramatic way to send Ed into retirement. Wow- I am so sad this is the last book in the series. Def add to your list- I would recommend for the summer!
Title: The Return of Ellie Black
Author: Emiko Jean
Rating: 4/5
Comments: I was on the Libby waitlist for this one for a LONG time and it is worth the wait! Ellie Black returns after being missing for years and Detective Chelsey Calhoun makes it her mission to solve her case. Chelsey has a sister who went missing during their childhood and she cannot help but believe the cases are connected. As Ellie opens up, Chelsey connects more dots. The plot twist is gnarly and unexpected- add to your list!
Title:The God of the Woods*
Author: Liz Moore
Rating: 5/5
Comments: OBSESSED. LOVED IT. READ IT RIGHT NOW. This is easily one of the longest books I have read and the first time I switched between real book and audiobook. It was a necessary strategy to finish before book club. But wow- I loved it and wanted to read it every second of the day. The story is about Barbara Van Laar, daughter of summer camp owners, goes missing as a camper. Her disappearance comes 14 years after her brother went missing. As the search begins, secrets are uncovered and layered plot lines are peeled back. The setting, the writing, and the characters are all incredible. Moore does such a good job of setting the scene and making the reader feel like part of the book. My one critique is that although we get several people’s point of view, we are not getting them from first person. Add to your list right this second!
Title: The Mistletoe Mystery (Molly the Maid, #2.5)
Author: Nita Prose
Rating: N/A
Comments: Short, sweet, and hard to rate. I love Molly and hearing about the evolution of her story. This is a just a quick little update to keep the narrative on track. Loved it!
Title: Before We Were Strangers
Author: Renee Carlino
Rating: 4.1/5
Comments: I wish I read this and didn’t listen to the audiobook because the man narrating for Matt does not sound sophisticated enough for the character. Anywho- the book is about a NYC “missed connection.” College sweethearts Matt and Grace lost touch after college and did not reconnect until seeing each other on the train years later. We get Matt’s perspective first and initially I was like “damn, this guy is a weenie.” But then getting Grace’s perspective, we learn how thoughtful, rugged, and motivated Matt is. It’s a classic case of a (major) misunderstanding and I really enjoyed learning the truth. Def add to your list for an easy read (emphasis on read)!
Title: First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1)
Author: B.K. Borison
Rating: 3/5
Comments: So predictable and way too long for no reason. This was a book club book and I accidentally missed book club so I did not have a chance to tell everyone how annoying Aiden was to me. Lucie’s daughter Maya calls into a love advice radio show hosted by Aiden so you know in the first two seconds what’s going to happen. Then we had to suffer through a whole novel just for our initial instincts to come true. The only reason I did not rate this lower is because I really like Lucie and I like the late night radio show premise. But Aiden gets two thumbs down for majority of the book. But will I be reading the second book in the series? Duh.
Sarcastically Callie 