Audio Book Review: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: August 14, 2018

Publisher: Putnam

Source: Personal Copy/Audio Book

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. She's barefoot and wild; unfit for polite society. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark.  But Kya is not what they say. Abandoned at age ten, she has survived on her own in the marsh that she calls home. A born naturalist with just one day of school, she takes life lessons from the land, learning from the false signals of fireflies the real way of this world. But while she could have lived in solitude forever, the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. Drawn to two young men from town, who are each intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world--until the unthinkable happens."

Kya grew up on the marsh in North Carolina in the 1950s and one day her mom leaves and doesn't come back.  Kya is left with her drunk of a father and her siblings who are older and are slowly leaving one by one.  As time goes on, Kya finds herself alone out on the marshes and having to fend for herself.  The one constant in her life is her beautiful surrounding of the North Carolina marsh.  Instead of spending her days at school, Kya finds herself studying the birds, the tides, and her other aspects of nature.  Time continues on and she befriends Tate Walker who teaches her to read, but once he goes off to college she finds herself alone again.  The narration alternates with a 1969 with murder investigation.  Someone has died out on the marsh and we find out it is Chase Andrews.  He was the town's golden child and star quarterback.  Readers slowly find out that Kya somehow had a relationship with Chase at one point and during the investigations many hands are pointing to Kya, the "crazy" mash girl and wild child.  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens has surprisingly many aspects to it that somehow work. There's romance, a coming-of-age tale, a survival story, and even a murder mystery that kept me completely entertained.

Kya is the type of character that your heart immediately goes out to in Where the Crawdads Sing.  She is abandoned not once, but twice and is living alone out on the marsh.  How could your heart not break for her? She makes the best of her situation by finding solace in nature and learning about her world.  She collects shells, feathers, and other things to entertain herself. Slowly she branches out socially to both Tate and Chase, but their stories are complicated.  

The murder mystery aspect of Where the Crawdads Sing definitely left me on the edge of my seat along with the events that ensue including the trail. Readers just want things to go simply for Kya for once, especially since she survived her atrocious childhood, but the death of Chase Andrews really complicates things.  

What stood out to me was Owens's descriptions of nature, the birds, the tides, the sun, and the other marsh animals in Where the Crawdads Sing. I found out that Owens wrote many non-fiction books on this very topic as she is a scientist, so it was very apparent that this is where she truly shines. She brought the marsh to life for me and really painted quite a beautiful picture with her memorable descriptions.

I'm glad I listened to this audio book as it was very well done. The narrator was Cassandra Campbell and she brought Kya's accent and the eloquent descriptions of nature to life.  

Where the Crawdads Sing is a fantastic debut and especially perfect for readers that appreciate nature and a coastal setting.  Have you read this book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Book Review: One Day in December by Josie Silver

Pages: 416

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 16, 2018

Publisher: Broadway

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Two people. Ten chances. One unforgettable love story.  Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away.  Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.  What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness."

It's a snowy day in December and Laurie is taking the bus home through the bustling city streets of London.  While peering out the bus window, she sees a man at the bus stop and she locks eyes with him.  She immediately feels butterflies and an undeniable connection to him.  Does he feel it to? She isn't sure, but she knows he doesn't look away.  She should have gotten off the bus, but alas, it drove away quickly taking her with it.  She spent years looking for her bus guy.  She'd be at a crowded pub in London, her eyes would always search for him, but a few years went by and she never saw him again.  She always wondered what if. What if she got off that bus and actually talked to him? What if he was the one? What if true love at first sight actually exists and isn't just reserved for Disney movies and Romeo and Juliet? Instead she finds him when she least expects it. Her best friend, Sarah, introduces her boyfriend to Laurie at a Christmas party.  Guess who Sarah's boyfriend is? Bus guy.  His name is Jack and he is still perfect.  Cue the awkward situation, especially as Laurie tries to figure out if Jack remembers seeing her at the bus stop a few years ago.  But even if he does, she could never steal him away from Sarah; after all, Sarah is pretty much the perfect girlfriend not to mention her best friend.  Laurie finally moves on, but readers can't help wondering if they will ever have their happy ending.  Josie Silver's One Day in December is like sitting down on the sofa with your favorite blanket and a hot cup of tea. It's heartwarming, it's romantic, it's heartbreaking and it's the perfect holiday/wintertime read.  

Oh, Laurie. She is almost like a Jane Austen heroine in One Day in December. She's tragically flawed and she's totally got her head in the clouds when it comes to love...but how could readers not enjoy her? I really wanted to believe in her love at first site scenario, but the skeptic in me kept wondering if Jack actually felt it too. I mean it seems pretty far fetched that he would remember her from that brief, but special moment. Or maybe Laurie just conjured it up in her mind. Nonetheless, the fact that he is dating Sarah makes it extremely challenging not to mention awkward for all involved.  As the years go by, Laurie tries to move on and while we think maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for her to be happy, we can't help but wonder.....what about Jack? He seems to always be in the back of her mind and their story takes many wrong terms in order to get to that final destination. 

Jack isn't my usual swoon-worthy love interest, but I still really liked in him One Day in December. Like Laurie, he is flawed and makes horrendous decisions, but I couldn't help liking him.  I was rooting for him from the beginning.  I loved how he had Laurie's back through many difficult situations and their friendship spanned many years.  I won't say much more, because I don't want to give it away, but I thoroughly enjoyed their complex story.

If you love Bridget Jones and Love Actually, then you will adore this novel. I am SO glad I read it around the holidays, because it's the perfect feel-good read to snuggle up with and get lost in.  This novel had me feeling all the emotions, so I definitely recommend you curl up with One Day in December this winter.  It ended up being one of my favorites for 2018. 

Blog Tour: The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

Pages: 384

Genre: Middle Grade

Pub. Date: October 23, 2018

Publisher: Random House 

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The Christmasaurus is a story about a boy named William Trundle, and a dinosaur, the Christmasaurus. It's about how they meet one Christmas Eve and have a magical adventure. It's about friendship and families, sleigh bells and Santa, singing elves and flying reindeer, music and magic. It's about discovering your heart's true desire, and learning that the impossible might just be possible."

William Trundle is a ten year old dinosaur fanatic.  He absolutely loves them; in fact, it's the one thing that truly brings him joy and it's the one thing he really wants for Christmas even though he knows dinosaurs are extinct.  William leads a normal life with his dad, who loves all things Christmas, but William is a little bit different than the other kids. He is confined to a wheelchair due to an accident when he was a young child.  So oftentimes at school, he gets bullied by Brenda Payne, the meanest girl in school.  Meanwhile at the North Pole, Santa's elves find an egg from long ago that just so happens to be a dinosaur egg and it hatches! Santa knows about William's dinosaur wishes and creates an amazing dinosaur toy that looks just like the dinosaur that hatched at the North Pole.  While packing up the sleigh, the real dinosaur jumps aboard and the rest that ensues is a grand adventure for William and the dinosaur.  The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher is an adorable Christmas story, especially for children that love all things dinosaurs as well as feel-good holiday tales.  

William is the type of character that you root for from the beginning in The Christmasaurus.  Williams back story is a sad one, but his relationship with his dad is great and definitely makes up for some of the heartache he endured.  He and his dad make a great team and it was heartwarming to see as oftentimes relationship with parents, at least in many middle grade novels, are not so great.  Also, I hated how Brenda Payne was mean to William; it broke my heart, but as the story unfolds, the readers find out why Brenda acts the way she does. 

The Christmasaurus is such a fun Christmas adventure! I read this story aloud to my son (another dinosaur fanatic) and he absolutely loved it.  Between all the fun Christmas aspects of the story and the focus on dinosaurs, he was in heaven.  Plus, there is an antagonist that my son loved to hate.  

The author, Tom Fletcher, is a song-writer and that really shows through in The Christmasaurus Santa's elves spoke with a lot of rhyming and singing. The "songs" that were included in the story were delightful and a lot of fun.  Some of the elves' jokes made my son laugh-out-loud. 

If you are looking for a heartwarming tale to share with your child this holiday season, check out The Christmasaurus.  It is filled with dinosaurs, friendship, forgiveness, and a major does of holiday magic.  

Book Review: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Pages: 304

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: August 21, 2018

Publisher: Minotaur

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "A deliciously disturbing, compulsively readable debut domestic suspense--prepare to meet The Other Woman: there’s nothing she won’t do to keep you away from her son ...  Emily thinks Adam’s perfect; the man she thought she’d never meet. But lurking in the shadows is a rival; a woman who shares a deep bond with the man she loves.  Emily chose Adam, but she didn’t choose his mother Pammie. There’s nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her son, and now Emily is about to find out just how far Pammie will go to get what she wants: Emily gone forever.  The Other Woman is an addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller about the destructive relationship between Emily, her boyfriend Adam, and his manipulative mother Pammie."

Emily meets Adam in a London bar, and since that moment they have been inseparable.  They are planning their wedding and all seems perfect that is until his mother, Pammie, steps into the scene.  At first, she just makes snide comments to Emily, which only makes it more awkward, because Adam never picks up on them.  He just thinks his mother is the greatest and doesn't do anything wrong.  Then the comments become a bit more aggressive and then she starts undermining Emily in every manner.  She makes everything about herself, but does so in such a way that Adam would never pick up on it and if Emily complains, she is made to look cruel and, well, crazy.  Obviously, this puts a damper on her relationship with Adam, so what is a girl to do?  The Other Woman by Sandie Jones is an edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller that left me anxious, but wanting more.

Emily is the type of character that you want to shake like a rag doll in The Other Woman. I liked her and I felt bad for her regarding what she was going through with Pammie, but why.put.up.with.this?  I mean Adam is nice, but he is he truly worth all of this torment and unnecessary drama? I mean he barely notices his mother's shenanigans and dotes on her like she is the Queen of England. It's exhausting and Emily can't compete with the motherly guilt that Pammie spews.  Adam's family would have had me running for the hills, but I guess this is what makes for an entertaining story.

Planning a wedding is stressful enough, but the events that ensue in The Other Woman are freaking insane. I couldn't believe some of the crap that Pammie pulls and gets away with!  It really is psychological warfare and she steps up her game by becoming more and more aggressive.  Cue all the drama! There are some twists that took me by surprise, so that was also very unexpected and fun!

I can see why Reese Witherspoon would endorse this novel as her November pick, because it has everything readers like to make it an edge-of-your-seat tale. There's drama, romance, secrets, and a mother-in-law that is every bit of nightmare.  I was cringing the entire time, but I had to know how it would end up for Emily. If you are looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you entertained, check out The Other Woman. What a ride!

Book Review: The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Pub. Date: October 2, 2018

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "London, 1938. The effervescent "It girl" of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy moves in rarified circles, rubbing satin-covered elbows with some of the 20th century's most powerful figures. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Rose, the antics of her older brothers, Jack and Joe, and the erratic behavior of her sister Rosemary, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire  But their love is forbidden, as Kick's devout Catholic family and Billy's staunchly Protestant one would never approve their match. When war breaks like a tidal wave across her world, Billy is ripped from her arms as the Kennedys are forced to return to the States. Kick gets work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England, where she will have to decide where her true loyalties lie—with family or with love . . ."

The Kennedy family lives in London now thanks to Joe Kennedy's job as ambassador. After being presented to the Queen, Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy is now in the same social circles as some of London's elite.  That night she is celebrating her debut and she meets Billy Harrington, the future Duke of Devonshire.  He is certainly smitten with her and as she starts to develop feelings for him, she realizes that things are more than a bit complicated.  The Kennedys are very serious Catholics and his family is Protestant, not to mention they are also an aristocratic British family.  How would this ever truly work?  As time goes on and World War II breaks out, Billy joins the military and Kick heads back to the states. With oceans separating them along with their family's strict rules, do they really stand a chance? Kerri Maher's debut, The Kennedy Debutante, will excite fans of the Kennedys as well as fans of Downton Abbey and historical fiction.

I knew a bit about Kick through other novels I read about the Kennedys, but The Kennedy Debutante truly brought her to life.  I always found her to be fascinating, especially since she rubbed elbows with the British aristocracy and took London by storm.  It was like being in the world of Downton Abbey with its fancy dinners, grand estates, beautiful country homes, and of course the aristocracy, but it had that American Kennedy flair, too.  Kick was the best of both worlds.

I have always found the Kennedys to be the most fascinating American family, so The Kennedy Debutante was right up my alley.  I could tell that Maher researched Kick and her experiences in London very well and the other Kennedy family members felt very authentic.  Kick's life story, along with the a lot of the Kennedys, is perfect for fiction, because their lives were, well, stranger than fiction and I mean this in the best way possible. They are a larger than life family and I think Maher captured this well.

I do wish Maher made me feel more of a connection to Kick. Oftentimes, I didn't feel a genuine connection, but once things started to progress with Billy a bit more, I did care more about her.  I really wanted things to work out for them, but there were a ton of road blocks.  One particular road block, being religion. It seems ridiculous as they are both Christians and their religions are so very similar, but I guess for the time period as well as for the Kennedy family that not being Catholic was a deal breaker.  Then there was the war, which was the ultimate road block. I liked learning more about Billy's roll in the war as well as Kick and her plans for helping out. It was heartbreaking and romantic at the same time. I think the war truly put things in perspective for them. Kick didn't just stay in America where it was safe.  Her story was equally fascinating.

The other events that happen to the Kennedys along the way are just as mind-blowing as the main conflicts in The Kennedy Debutante. I mean you can't make this stuff up. I won't give too much away if you aren't well-versed in the Kennedy family, but it was truly unbelievable.  My heart goes out to Rose Kennedy, the matriarch, as she had many difficult challenges thrown in her path despite her cushy upbringing.

The Kennedy Debutante will definitely be a hit if you love the Kennedys and perhaps wanted to learn more about the charismatic Kick Kennedy.  Be forewarned, that a Kennedy story never truly ends happily, so be ready for some major bumps in the road.  This story will have you googling the real Kick Kennedy to just confirm various events in her life that will leave you with your mouth gaping and completely astonished.

Book Review: The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: October 2, 2018

Publisher: Graydon House

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "New Oldbury, 1821   In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia, and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall. The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.  All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

The Montrose family was once a well-respected family from Boston.  The year is 1821 and there's a scandal, which means they are pretty much banned from all reputable society.  So, the family departs Boston for the country to start over at a country estate, Willow Hall.  Her father has made an investment at the local mill and hopefully he, his wife, and three daughters can start fresh unless the gossip follows them.  This comes at a bad time for middle daughter, Lydia, though. Her engagement has been broken due to her older sister's scandal and now both older daughters look like they are doomed to be spinsters.  That is until their father's new business partner, John Barrett, enters the scene along with his friend.  Lydia knows that her older and more beautiful sister, Catherine, will probably steal the spotlight, but she can't help but start to feel things for Mr. Barrett. Meanwhile, strange things start happening at Willow Hall. Lydia hears voices, sees ghosts, and her youngest sister, Emeline, starts acting strangely. The more she learns about the history behind Willow Hall, the more she is worried.  The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox is a haunting debut for readers who enjoy a spooky and supernatural tale, but can't handle too much horror.

Lydia is a character that I was instantly rooting for in The Witch of Willow Hall. She is in her older sister's shadow and has resigned to this fact. Catherine, her older sister, is the type of overbearing and extremely egocentric character that I just couldn't stand. I wanted Lydia to stand up for herself, but she truly lacked confidence and was always reminding the reader that Catherine is prettier than her, more charming than her, etc.   It was also irritating to have Lydia let Catherine control her, because obviously she didn't have her best interest in mind.  Then there's the younger sister Emeline, whom Lydia is very close with.  However, since moving to Willow Hall, Emeline has been acting strangely from time to time.  Ultimately, this concerns Lydia, but what about their parents? Shouldn't they be concerned?

Speaking of Mr. and Mrs. Montrose, they needed to be more developed in The Witch of Willow Hall. Lydia's mother is an absent mother and that I found frustrating. I wanted her to watch Emeline more closely and actually parent her daughters, but she was often distressed. I do wish Fox developed some of the minor characters a bit more, because at times I wanted them to be more fleshed out and understand their back story.

When Lydia meets John Barrett, things change for her completely in The Witch of Willow Hall. She forgets the horrific scandal in Boston and actually tries to come out of her shell, but of course, Catherine is there to botch things up from time to time. Lydia and John's relationship reminded me a bit of a relationship out of an Austen novel. There's a slow burn, some miscommunication, but fireworks eventually.  I was definitely rooting for this couple from the get-go.

Fox writes The Witch of Willow Hall with a lot of atmosphere and I enjoyed the Gothic vibe to the story.  I really can't handle any books that are considered horror, so this was a nice "spooky" read to satisfy my desire to read a timely fall tale.  There's ghosts, an old house filled with secrets, tragedy, spooky voices, and supernatural events...the quintessential fall read!  I am so glad I picked up this debut as it ended up being the perfect companion to a hot drink, a warm fire, and a cool Autumn night.

Book Review: Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

Pages: 348

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 5, 2018

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple in this taut psychological thriller debut--for readers of Ruth Ware, Paula Hawkins, and Shari Lapena.  f you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?   Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .  Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?  Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .  Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?  Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman's enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we're tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves."

Mark and Erin are planning to get married and go on a luxurious honeymoon.  Despite Mark's financial woes, they are taking a trip of a lifetime to Bora Bora.  It's a magical vacation (even when there's heavy rain!) that is until Mark convinces Erin to go scuba diving.  While scuba diving in an area off the beaten path, they find something in the water that changes both of their lives irrevocably.  They seem like a normal couple, but after their honeymoon, things are never the same.  Catherine Steadman's Something in the Water is the perfect thriller for a day at the beach or a rainy Saturday afternoon. The book had me guessing until the end and it made me think about what I would do in the same tempting situation.

Erin and Mark seemed like your average couple and very much in love in Something in the Water. Erin is an interesting character that is working on a documentary about people in prison.  We learn about it and it doesn't seem important at first, but it is.  Then there's Mark. I did feel badly for Mark when he lost his job as an investment banker and then consequently their plans change for the upcoming marriage due to the decreased cash flow. The one area they didn't want to cut back on was the honeymoon in Bora Bora. So, despite the current state of their finances, they head off for a gorgeous and romantic vacation. As I mentioned, things take a turn for the worse when they go scuba diving though and find something.  I don't want to go into the details too much, but whoa. It really made me think about what I would do in the same situation.

The opening of Something in the Water made me do a completely 360. The story opens with Erin digging a grave. I won't say whose grave or why or even when, but that really sucked me in. Then the story flashes back to previous events, but in the back of the my' mind I kept wondering how something could go so spectacularly wrong?

Something in the Water felt like a James Bond novel that was light enough for vacation, but thrilling enough to keep me on the edge of my seat.  I definitely have my eye on Downton Abbey actress, Catherine Steadman, as she is a debut author, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Book Review: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: January 30, 2018

Publisher: Berkley
Source: Publisher for review

My Rating:  3.5 out of 5 stars 

Goodreads says, " A groomsman and his last-minute guest are about to discover if a fake date can go the distance in a fun and flirty debut novel.  Agreeing to go to a wedding with a guy she gets stuck with in an elevator is something Alexa Monroe wouldn't normally do. But there's something about Drew Nichols that's too hard to resist.  On the eve of his ex's wedding festivities, Drew is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate for a fake girlfriend... After Alexa and Drew have more fun than they ever thought possible, Drew has to fly back to Los Angeles and his job as a pediatric surgeon, and Alexa heads home to Berkeley, where she's the mayor's chief of staff. Too bad they can't stop thinking about the other...   They're just two high-powered professionals on a collision course toward the long distance dating disaster of the century--or closing the gap between what they think they need and what they truly want..."

Alexa is a successful female who works for the mayor and while on her way to visit her sister, she ends up stuck in the elevator. Except she isn't alone. She's "stuck" with a hot doctor who just so happens to not only be single, but also be attending a wedding in San Francisco.  While stuck in the elevator, Alexa and Drew actually hit it off and sparks fly.  Somehow Drew convinces Alexa to be his date at this wedding since his previous bailed on him.  This isn't just any wedding though. This is the wedding of his ex-girlfriend and it would really stink if he showed up without a date. Alexa accepts, because what does she have to lose? This leads to a whole fake relationship that turns into something more plot line, but what separates this novel from the usual frothy and overly saccharine plot lines is the fact that it's a pretty real portrayal of a relationship and the big question that hangs over a couples head. Does the couple want to take the next steps and make it an official relationship?  If you like romance novels that will have you blushing and are like your favorite rom-com, then definitely give The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory one a try.

I really liked Alexa from the beginning. She's a successful confidant woman who is witty, charming, and funny. Her relationship with Drew, in the beginning, is just a physical one, but I liked how once they got to know each other better, they developed real feelings for one another.  Drew is sort of a "perfect" guy. He's a good looking pediatric surgeon who is somehow still single.  Like I said, he needs a date for his ex-girlfriend's wedding and spontaneously asks Alexa to go with him.  It was a lot of fun going along for their "fake relationship" ride at the wedding and even after the wedding as they still continued to see each other, but ultimately, the question remains.  To quote Old Dominion, "Are we written in the stars, baby, or are we written in the sand?" Meaning where does their relationship stand? Is it a real one? Can they actually share their true feelings or has this whole thing been a facade?

I rolled my eyes a few times reading The Wedding Date as so many circumstances seemed a little too good to be true, but the novel had some depth. It wasn't just your usual romance. It deals with interracial relationships as well as true relationship issues. I thought that Guillory portrayed the complexities of a new relationship very accurately. But that isn't to say it wasn't romantic. I mean this book got pretty racy and quickly. I wasn't completely expecting it and I didn't mind, but be forewarned, especially if that isn't your thing. 

I think The Wedding Date will appeal to romance fans the most, especially if you are looking for a rom-com type of novel with some depth.  This would be great spring break reading for sure! 

Book Review: This Love Story Will Self-Destruct by Leslie Cohen

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: January 23, 2018

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "This is the classic tale of boy meets girl: Girl…goes home with someone else.  Meet Eve. She’s a dreamer, a feeler, a careening well of sensitivities who can’t quite keep her feet on the ground, or steer clear of trouble. She’s a laugher, a crier, a quirky and quick-witted bleeding-heart-worrier.  Meet Ben. He’s an engineer, an expert at leveling floors who likes order, structure, and straight lines. He doesn’t opine, he doesn’t ruminate, he doesn’t simmer until he boils over. So naturally, when the two first cross paths, sparks don’t exactly fly. But then they meet again. And again. And then, finally, they find themselves with a deep yet fragile connection that will change the course of their relationship—possibly forever. Follow Eve and Ben as they navigate their twenties on a winding journey through first jobs, first dates, and first breakups; through first reunions, first betrayals and, maybe, first love. This is When Harry Met Sally reimagined; a charming tale told from two unapologetically original points of view. With an acerbic edge and heartwarming humor, debut novelist Leslie Cohen takes us on a tour of what life looks like when it doesn’t go according to plan, and explores the complexity, chaos, and comedy in finding a relationship built to last."

Eve Porter has been through a lot. Her mother died tragically and her father left her and her sister when they were young.  Due to this, she spends a lot of time worrying and observing things in order to protect herself.  She dates a lot of toxic people and when she meets Ben, she assumes he is too nice, too boring, and far too perfect for her taste.  But as the years go by, she runs into Ben again as they share some of the same college friends and there's definitely something there.  Can Eve let herself date a "normal" guy? Can she allow herself to be happy? This novel is very reminiscent of When Harry Met Sally, which is one of my favorite movies, so I thoroughly enjoyed This Love Story Will Self-Destruct by Leslie Cohen.

Eve felt like such a real character to me in This Love Story Will Self-Destruct. Her issues were all real and easy to relate to. I know so many people that self-sabotage, so I think that her story will be resonate with many. I didn't always agree with Eve's choices and she frustrated me at times with her ability to self-destruct, but I was rooting for her. I wanted her to have her happy ending.

Her friendship turned relationship with Ben was so well done in This Love Story Will Self-Destruct.  I loved every aspect of it.  As I said, if you adore When Harry Met Sally, you'll appreciate their relationship even more so.  I loved how it was rooted in friendship and it felt so real. Ben is such a good guy and some of their discussions had me laughing out loud. The issues that they deal with - college friends, crazy family members, past relationships, betrayals, first jobs.... it all felt very real, especially when trying to navigate the confusing times of your twenties.

Leslie Cohen is definitely a debut author that's definitely on my radar. I really enjoyed her writing style and her ability to bring New York City to life in addition to such memorable characters. This Love Story Will Self-Destruct will definitely make my "Best of 2018" list at the end of the year. I loved it!

Book Review: The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Pages: 448

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: January 2, 2018

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "What did she see? It’s been ten long months since Anna Fox last left her home. Ten months during which she has haunted the rooms of her old New York house like a ghost, lost in her memories, too terrified to step outside. Anna’s lifeline to the real world is her window, where she sits day after day, watching her neighbours. When the Russells move in, Anna is instantly drawn to them. A picture-perfect family of three, they are an echo of the life that was once hers. But one evening, a frenzied scream rips across the silence, and Anna witnesses something no one was supposed to see. Now she must do everything she can to uncover the truth about what really happened. But even if she does, will anyone believe her? And can she even trust herself?

Dr. Anna Fox used to be a well-respected child psychologist, but now she is home bound and suffering from agoraphobia. She spends her days helping others online who suffer from the same issues, all while drinking too much wine, popping too many pills, watching old movies, and spying on her neighbors.  Her townhouse faces her neighbors' houses, so she is given a front-row seat to just about everyone's business.  To complicate matters further, her husband and daughter have moved out, but we aren't sure why. Anna wasn't always this way though. This is all thanks to an accident she had and slowly readers learn more about why her husband has moved out and what exactly happened to her.  Slowly we put together the pieces of the puzzle all while learning more and more about her neighbors. One day Anna spies on her neighbors, hears a blood-curdling scream and witnesses what she believes is a major crime at her new neighbors, the Russells.  But who is going to believe her, especially with the amount of alcohol she drinks? A.J Finn's debut, The Woman in the Window, is an edge of of your seat read that is reminiscent of some of the other psychological thrillers I've read int the past, but nonetheless, it's an entertaining ride.

I wanted to like Anna, I did, but she is such a hot mess in The Woman in the Window. She's the quintessential unreliable narrator that we often see in psychological thrillers. You know the type....self-medicating, drinking too much, bored, suffering from some type of post-traumatic stress, and has a mess of a life. Can we even believe her version of reality? Should we? Although she annoyed the heck out of me with her pill-popping and excessive drinking, I was still really interested in her. What happened to her to make her not leave her house for months, suffer panic attacks when she tries, and pretty much become one of her patients? I really wanted to understand what she went through and why not only her life fell apart, but her marriage too.

The Woman in the Window felt really, really familiar in that it possesses some of the same qualities that Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train had, but I didn't let that bother me too much. Once I got past some of the similarities, I was able to just enjoy the thrilling ride.  The thing that sets The Woman in the Window apart from the others is its Hitchcock/film noir vibe. Anna is a classic film buff who likes the old thrillers and is watching and referring to them constantly, so the book took on that kind of vibe also, which I really enjoyed. Plus, there is a plot twist that I didn't see coming, so that was an unexpected surprise. I also didn't expect so much action during the second half of the novel. It definitely held my interest and kept me guessing.

From what I hear, The Woman in the Window has already sold the screen rights and plans to turn it into a movie are underway. While I don't think it's as compelling as Gone Girl, I still think as far as psychological thrillers go, it was decent and entertaining. If you love curling up with a thriller in the winter, definitely give this one a try.