In The Housemaid's Secret by Frieda McFadden, Millie needs a job in the worst way. When a very rich man offers her a job as a housekeeper, she takes it. The only thing is that she cannot open the door of the room that his wife is in. Will she open that door? What would she find? Millie has secrets of her own that better not get out. This book is really, really good with a fantastic storyline! It kept me turning pages right to the end. Must read this one! I loved it! What a great book to start off the new year. (5++ stars)
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
"The Housemaid's Secret" by Freida McFadden
In The Housemaid's Secret by Frieda McFadden, Millie needs a job in the worst way. When a very rich man offers her a job as a housekeeper, she takes it. The only thing is that she cannot open the door of the room that his wife is in. Will she open that door? What would she find? Millie has secrets of her own that better not get out. This book is really, really good with a fantastic storyline! It kept me turning pages right to the end. Must read this one! I loved it! What a great book to start off the new year. (5++ stars)
Thursday, December 28, 2023
"The Nature of Fragile Things" by Susan Meissner is Thrilling Historical Fiction
Friday, November 17, 2023
"The Intern" by Michelle Campbell is a Fantastic Legal Thriller
In The Intern by Michele Campbell, Madison gets a dream job--an intern for a well-respected lady judge. The judge likes her, and Madison feels she is on a fast track to where she wants to go. However, soon her dream job turns into a nightmare! This is a good read with good characters and an easy-to-follow storyline. It has good action too in the second half of the book. (5+ stars)
Friday, November 3, 2023
"The Only One Left" by Riley Sager is Amazing!
Saturday, February 11, 2023
"Five Survive" by Holly Jackson is so Good It's a Must Read!
In Five Survive by Holly Jackson, six friends pile into an RV for a fun weekend at a camp. They get lost in the dark and go into the woods where their RV breaks down! Just when they are about to go, someone makes sure that they are not going anywhere until they give him what he wants.
Saturday, July 17, 2021
We Both Liked "This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
"The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah is One We Both Liked a Lot!
This is a good book that made me appreciate all I have and how easy my life is compared to what people had to deal with during the Great depression. I felt the characters were real people and cared about them. This is a sad story about what love is and its importance. I couldn't help but wonder how this book would end and was satisfied with the ending. This book certainly opened my eyes and heart to the poor people who live in poverty. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction dealing with survival.
This book reminded me of The Children's Blizzard because both dealt with children trying to survive the elements, but I liked this one better because of the writing and because there is more action in it. (5 stars)
To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
"A Vow so Bold and Deadly" by Brigid Kemmerer (The End of a GREAT series!)
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Books We Loved in 2019
This video is made up of three parts: the first is books we both loved, the second is ten more that Gerard loved in addition to the first nine, and the third is ten more that Karen loved in addition to the first nine. For links to reviews of the first nine, see previous post. To find our reviews, just enter the title of the book in the search box at upper left of our blog.
Books Read in 2019 That We Both Loved and Highly Recommend
The way we review books is totally subjective. We strictly go by how much it draws us in and makes us want to get back to it. As you can see, we read different genres. The fact that we have only 9 books that we both loved out of 172 proves we have fairly different tastes when it comes to books. We don't always read the same books though, so be sure to see our other posts we do coming soon that gives you each of our individual top 10 reads besides these.
Happy Reading in the New Year!
Saturday, October 5, 2019
"The Pale-Faced Lie" by David Crow (True Story)
(Karen’s review, 5 stars)
Gerard's review 9/25/19:
The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow is the true story about his family. He had three siblings and they idolized their dad who told them stories about his World War II feats. But, there was another side to Thurston Crow, the dad. David tells the story of growing up with his dad and his mentally ill mother including plenty of action!What I enjoyed most about this book is that I really never knew what was going to happen next.
(5++ stars)
Teaser from page 8: Other days, Dad tied me to the pine tree in our front yard. He'd wrap a thick, scratchy rope around my chest and ankles and tug on it hard to make a tight know.
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Thursday, June 20, 2019
"No Exit" by Taylor Adams
(Gerard's review, 5++ Stars)
Karen's review:
No Exit by Taylor Adams is a thrilling suspense about Darby, a college girl who has been a big pain to her mother all her life. Darby gets caught in a blizzard in Colorado on her way to see her mother and make things right before she dies. When Darby stops at a rest stop, there are only four people inside—a creepy guy named Lars, a guy about her age named Ashley who was a chatter box, an older alcoholic veterinarian named Ed and his cousin, Sandi. Once Darby discovers Jay, a 9-yr-old girl locked in a cage in back of a van in the parking lot, she decides to help save the girl.
The suspense gradually builds as this book slowly moves along while the four at the rest stop wait for the snow plow to arrive in the morning. Wow, what a thriller this is! Darby comes up with plan after plan as one fails and she has to think of something else. This winds up with Darby giving the kidnapper a lot of trouble and almost getting herself killed on several occasions. I liked this book and although a couple things were really far-fetched and didn’t quite add up, I would recommend it to anyone who likes suspense. (5 stars)
Gerard's Teaser from page 22: She stepped away, leaving a handprint on the door, feeling her heartbeat pounding in her neck. An intensifying rhythm.
Karen's Teaser from page 23: Oh my God, there’s a kid outside in that van.
Locked in a cage or something.
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
"A Curse so Dark and Lonely" by Brigid Kemmerer
I really liked this book because of the interesting characters, an amazing adventure, and the humor throughout the book. Some parts even made me laugh out loud! This was a page-turner for me that I could get lost in. Harper is a very strong girl and I enjoyed her interactions with Prince Rhen and Gray, his royal guard. This was a very entertaining, fun read that did not end quite the way I had hoped, but pretty close. I highly recommend this if you want a good escape from reality for a while. Loved it! (5 stars)
Karen’s teaser from page 147: “You would dare threaten the first daughter to the King of Disi?” Without waiting for an answer, I turn to face Rhen, who’s looking at me like I’ve grown a second head.
Gerard's review 3/30/19:
In A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer, Harper and her brother do their best to take care of their mom who is very sick. One night while Harper tries to save a young girl, she is taken and discovers a magical kingdom! A young prince needs her help! Will she give it? Can she ever return home? The story is told by Harper and Prince Rhen.
I thought this was pretty good. I got involved with both of the characters early on. I liked the story with some surprises. The last part of the book is action packed! I am hoping for a book 2. This is well worth reading. I enjoyed it!
(5 stars)
Teaser from page 11: Grey grabs his sword from the chair, pulling it free from the scabbard with a fierceness I haven't seen in . . . in ages. "Have no worries, my lord. This may be the shortest season yet."
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Monday, March 18, 2019
"The Deepest Blue" by Sarah Beth Durst (Fantasy) We Both Loved This One!
I enjoyed reading this book very much, it is so good! I liked the humorous parts and the characters. The plot had twists I did not see coming at all and I was turning pages quickly eager to find out what would happen next. My emotions were all over the place with this one--amusement, sadness, joy and curiosity. This is a stand alone with a great ending! I finished reading this one in just two days and recommend to anyone who enjoys uncomplicated fantasy. (I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review--this book comes out March 19, 2019.)
(Karen's review 3/15/19, 5 stars)
Gerard's review 3/18/19:
In The Deepest Blue by Sarah Beth Durst, it starts off with Mayara's wedding day--a day to celebrate. But even before the vows are said, Mayara makes a decision that puts her future in doubt! Can she get her and her husband's plans back on track, or is their future doomed? The pacing of this book is very well done. The best thing about this book to me was the interaction between all of the characters. I really cared about what was going to happen. The ending of the book was a wild ride to say the least! Great job, Sarah! (5++ stars)
Teaser from page 73: "Because you've arrived, we all get to die that much sooner. Hurray. So happy to meet you."
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Friday, February 1, 2019
"The Dream Daughter" by Diane Chamberlain was a Big Hit for Both of Us!
Karen's review, 11-30-18:
In The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain, shortly after Carly gets news that her husband was killed in Vietnam only weeks after he left in 1970, she learn she is pregnant. Early in her pregnancy, she receives bad news that there is something wrong with her baby's heart and that it is fatal! Carly is so devastated by the news, that she is willing to do anything to save her child--including time travel to the year 2001 so she can try fetal surgery! Her brother-in-law, Hunter, who she met when she was his physical therapist was a time traveler from 2013 and talks her into giving it a try.
I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to women. It's a combination of contemporary and science fiction. I don't think men would enjoy it as much. It certainly has adventure but centers around Carly's fight to save and get to know her child, Johanna. It has touching scenes and lots of unexpected twists along the way. I was a little disappointed when it ended. It even has two dogs in it and some funny parts as well. I found it to be thought-provoking too and had trouble putting this down. I really looked forward to getting back to it!
(5 stars)
Teaser from page 25: "It doesn't matter. What matters is that during her studies, she discovered it's possible to travel forward and backward in time."
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Friday, January 18, 2019
"We, the Jury" by Robert Rotstein
Gerard’s review, 5++ stars)
Karen’s review:
We the Jury by Robert Rotstein reminded me of the play, 12 Angry Men because instead of taking us through the trial, the entire book centers upon the 8-member jury and its deliberations. I think anyone who has been called for jury duty would find this book interesting. We find out about the trial through transcripts that the jury requests read back to them. My favorite characters were the messenger/”actor”, the student, the grandma and the jury consultant who was part of this jury! I felt sorry for the judge and was surprised by the ending. I really liked the unique way this book was written. Each new chapter was really commentary by one of the many different characters. I loved it! (5 stars)
Teaser from page 22: The jurors look at each other and shake their heads. The Clergyman doesn’t look at anyone. He just keeps his head bowed, as if in prayer.
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Friday, August 24, 2018
"Nyxia Unleashed" by Scott Reintgen (We Both Loved This One)
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Karen's review:
Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen is book 2 in the Nyxia series that I am loving! This book picks up where the last one left off as Genesis 11 and 12 land on Eden. The world building is phenomenal but left me slightly confused.
I really enjoyed all the humor in this book and that the two "teams" really became one and worked together against Babel who was lying to them the entire time. I felt very bad when two of the group died. There were some surprises and twists and kept turning pages to see what was going to happen next. The thing I really didn't understand was that only one shipment of Nyxia got sent back and no one even questioned it. I thought that was odd. I was also a bit confused as to what Jacqueline Requin was doing on Eden as a queen or whatever--at least she had a lot of authority. This series is so awesome, a very interesting read that I couldn't put down. I am so disappointed that I have to wait until next year for the last book--UGH! I have so many unanswered questions! I liked this one as much as the first, if not more. I highly recommend this series.
(5 stars)
Teaser from page 20: The blood's soaking through his uniform. Azima holds a rag to the thing, trying to stop it. This isn't exactly the welcome we expected on Eden.
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
"Baby Teeth" by Zoje Stage (We Both Liked This One)
Some chapters are written from Hannah's perspective while others are from the mother's perspective which makes for a very interesting read! Hannah is manipulative, sneaky, smart, devious, mean, and mentally ill. She can talk, but refuses to do so except for when it serves her purpose of scaring her mother by things she says. Hannah is determined not to go to school because she can cause more problems for her mother at home. She has figured out that if she acts up and is bad enough, the school will kick her out and she wins!
This book kept my interest all the way through because I had to see if the mother was actually going to get killed and what was going to happen to Hannah. I didn't like Hannah because she was so mean to her mother for no reason. If you like stories about dysfunctional families, this is a wild one for you!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)
Gerard's review, 5++ stars:
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is told by Suzette, a stay-at-home mom and Hanna, her 7-yr.-old daughter! They do not get along at all; in fact, Hanna has not spoken to her mom her whole life! She acts better toward her dad, so much so that Alex does not believe his wife when she tells him how Hanna acts toward her. Can this become a happy family?
I thought this book was very good! I enjoyed Suzette and Hanna very much! I liked how the author kept adding new things one after another and hope there is a second book--job well done!
Teaser from page 7: Suzette felt her face reddening, as if her hands had moved to her throat, squeezing the life from her. "I--we--don't know what to do. We can't go on like this."
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Friday, August 3, 2018
"The Last Time I Lied" by Riley Sager--We Both Liked This Mystery
This book kept me guessing and I felt bad for Emma and the camp owner, Franny. There are lots of questions that came up as I read this: What happened to the three girls 15 years ago? Is Emma hallucinating seeing Vivian all over or could Vivian still be alive? Who is after Emma now? What happened to her current cabin mates? Is Theo telling the truth or not when he finds Emma in the woods with the girls? This book jumped from present to past throughout, but it was written well so was easy to follow. I liked it and was eager to finish to find out what actually happened.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
In The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager, Emma is a first-time camper. She gets put in a cabin with three older girls who are long-time friends. They befriend her and things are going along good until tragedy happens! Fifteen years later, Emma gets a chance to go back to this camp. She reluctantly winds up going to find out answers to what really happened on that night years ago!
I thought this book was really good! Emma is a really good character and the pacing of this book is so good, you do not know the outcome till just about the last page! This was the author's second book so I order her first one to read as well.
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!
Friday, April 13, 2018
"The Last Namsara" by Kristen Ciccarelli is GREAT!
I liked this book a lot because it was fast-paced with lots of adventure, an interesting plot including forbidden love and strong characters. I liked Shadow and Kozu, the two dragons, very much! My favorite parts of the book were when Asha and Torwin rode on the dragons. The brother/sister dynamic was interesting as well.
(Karen's review, 5 stars)
Gerard's review, 4/1/18, 5++ stars:
In The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli, Asha is the daughter of the king, but she is also the Iskari--dragon hunter. She has one more dragon to kill and only so much time to do it! If not, well Asha does not want to think about that! It will change her life forever, and not in a good way.
WOW, DID I LOVE THIS BOOK! Asha is a great character! Nothing or nobody keeps her down for long! I really enjoyed the story line and the other characters were good also! This kept me turning pages quickly! I am really looking forward to Book 2.
Teaser from page 120: "The Old One can try all he likes to stop me, but I'm going to find Kozu. And when I do, I'm going to kill him."
Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!