My retirement is 12 days away, and life is going to change! I’m moving to Bryson City, deeper into the Great Smoky Mountains. I’m looking forward to it! Here’s a picture below:
Meanwhile, I’ve got a lot of good books to read. Here is what’s going on next week.
Monday: It’s release day for Liz Gauffreau’s poetry book, Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right,and I’ll be posting a promo tomorrow morning and a book review later in the day. Congrats, Liz!
Tuesday: I will participate in Top Ten Tuesday, time permitting.
Wednesday: My review of Gemini by Anthony Tye Rodriguez.
Friday: I’ll be participating in Book Blogger Hop, time permitting.
Saturday/Sunday: I hope to start posting Indie Weekend again.
Below are three mini-reviews, From three stars to five, in order. The reviews are short and to the point. For a book description and purchase options, you can click on each cover.
This one never came completely together for me. There is too much telling and not enough showing, which I know is common for Steel’s novels, but did not work here. A major terrorist attack on New York is mentioned but not too closely explored. Kate was the most complex character, in my opinion, and managed to elevate this book a bit.
All in all, it’s not my favorite Steel novel, but I love most of her work.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is a really clever continuation of The Secret Staircase series, as Tempest and her crew are back, creating illusions in homes and finding themselves in the middle of mysteries. When a former client is killed in their building by a booby-trapped door, Tempest is on the case, trying to exonerate her company and another surprise suspect.
Although this is part of a series, it easily stands alone as the author does a good job of catching the reader up on events. The cast of characters is fun and intriguing, and the story has plenty of twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve always been intrigued by books about The Blitz and books about libraries/book clubs. Since this is a combination of the two, I figured it was a “can’t miss.” novel. I was right. Compelling characters and true-to-life descriptions will transport you to 1940 London as you peruse a book in the underground tunnels while bombs drop overhead. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
This is a great one from Danielle Steel. Meredith White, an iconic actress, has retreated from the world after her husband’s betrayal and her son’s death. She is almost completely cut off and relies on her live-in housekeepers for companionship. Then a devastating earthquake occurs and Meredith finds herself rushing out to help her neighbors.
I really liked this one from Danielle Steel. An icon herself, she can write about a star who has that kind of fame with great understanding. She also tackles the tough subject of domestic violence in a believable way. I very much enjoyed and appreciated the theme of a recluse slowly opening up again through the act of helping others.
There are several different storylines in this book as we see into the lives of Meredith’s neighbors. We also see into the thoughts, daily lives, and motivations of her housekeepers, and we see what you can miss if you withdraw from the world.
If you want to read a romance that tackles the issues of domestic violence, self isolation, and loss, you should check this one out. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
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