Coffee & Books discussion

I finished my book called The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

Finders Keepers – Stephen King – 3***
Book two in the Bill Hodges trilogy, featuring the former detective, now a PI, and his team of misfits and amateurs. King is a master crafter of the suspense genre. He keeps the reader turning pages while offering complex characters and motivations.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called Chain of Custody by Carol Ericson

I finished my book called Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

I finished my book called Finding the Edge by Debra Webb

Get Shorty – Elmore Leonard – 3***
This was just plain fun. I’d never seen the movie (starring John Travolta as Chili, and Gene Hackman as Harry), so had no real idea what to expect, other than a wild ride. And Leonard definitely delivers that.
My full review HERE

French Pressed – Cleo Coyle – 3***
This is book six in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, and I’m really enjoying them. I do think that Clare’s insistence on investigating on her own is a bit over-the-top, but it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery without an intrusive amateur sleuth. This episode really delves into foodie culture which had me salivating in places. Not a fan of the cliff-hanger ending, but that’s a pet peeve of mine. Still, I found it deliciously entertaining – a perfect “escape” read.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called Four Relentless Days by Elle James

My review for Scared to Death by Rachel Amphlett

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

My review for When She Was Good by Michael Robotham

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished my book called Trouble in a Small Town by M.J. Wilson

Rise & Shine Benedict Stone – Phaedra Patrick – 3.5***
This is a charming novel of one man’s awakening. Patrick has crafted a sort of modern fairy tale, with a cast of eccentric characters, a romantic quest, the mythology of gems, and a happy ending (of course). It was a delightful, heart-warming read.
My full review HERE

To the Bright Edge Of the World – Eowyn Ivey – 4.5****
This is a marvelous adventure story, and an engaging look at personal growth. Both these lead characters experience heartache and difficulties and yet both persevere in reaching their goals despite obstacles, naysayers and setbacks. I loved the use of diary entries and letters to tell this bifurcated story. The book is full of Native Alaskan people’s culture, traditions, and stories. There are several very strong Native characters. I love magical realism and Ivey seamlessly weaves these elements into her story.
My full review HERE

On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous.

I finished my book called Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Currently reading Maybe in Another Life by TJR. It’s so good!

The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill – Abbi Waxman – 3***
I was predisposed to like this book because it focused on a bookworm. However, while I liked Nina and the other characters, I somehow didn’t really connect to the book. Perhaps I’m just too far past that young-adult / new-adult phase in my life to really immerse myself in the angst of dating, or the romantic missteps we’ve all made in a new relationship. In any case, I still enjoyed it, as I enjoy mind candy (and candy of the edible kind as well), but it just doesn’t stay with me for long, or really satisfy my hunger.
My full review HERE

Ayesha At Last – Uzma Jalaluddin – 3.5***
I had great fun identifying Elizabeth, Darcy, Lydia, Wickham and Mr Collins in this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, featuring a Muslim couple in Toronto, Canada. Their missteps, misunderstandings, wrong conclusions, and ultimate relationship flow seamlessly from who they are and how they perceive the world. Jalaluddin shows us characters who are faithful and yet living in the modern world, and she doesn’t shy away from exploring work-place (and societal) bias.
My full review HERE

I just finished The Testaments by Margaret Atwood. I started The Yellow House today.

I finished my book called A Cold Day in Hell by Lissa Marie Redmond

5*****
Je viens de terminer (en me forçant pour ne pas lire d'une traite) L'orangeraie
Ma réaction est ici: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished Lucky's Beach yesterday and started George Washington: Man and Monument by Marcus Cunliffe, also reading Work and Rest God's Way: A Biblical Recipe for Finding Joy and Purpose in All You Do by Scott LaPierre

Pride, Prejudice And Other Flavors – Sonali Dev – 2.5**
This retelling reverses the roles of Elizabeth and Darcy. Set in modern-day San Francisco it features neurosurgeon Trisha Raje (in the Darcy role), and master chef DJ Caine (in the Elizabeth Bennet role). I did like DJ, but Trisha is just a hot mess. In general, I think the author was trying too hard. Perhaps if she had just focused on the Bollywood-movie style romance without trying to force the elements of Austen’s classic into her story this might have worked better.
My full review HERE

I am reading The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern. It is a really interesting book.

Can someone tell me how you clip the Picture of the book. I can not figure out how to do this. Thanks.

Work Song – Ivan Doig – 4****
What a charming and engaging story! Morrie Morgan has arrived in Butte, Montana just after the end of World War I. The pace is somewhat slow. As events unfold we learn about the residents of Butte. I liked Morrie’s slow, deliberate way of judging a situation. The bookworm in me loved all his literary references, but he’s no milquetoast librarian; Morrie can, and does, take care of himself. Grace is a marvelous strong woman. Doig’s skill at character building shows in the way her actions reveal her inner struggles. I need to read of this author’s works.
My full review HERE

My review for Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I finished my book called Every Dark Corner by Karen Rose

Angie I read that book called You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks

I finished my book called Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle

I finished my book called The Swap by Robyn Harding

Something Fresh – P G Wodehouse – 3***
Book One in the Blandings Castle series, featuring the elderly Lord Emsworth, his son Hon. Freddie Threepwood, and his trusty secretary, Baxter. This was a delightful romp and crime caper/comedy. Wodehouse excels are writing ridiculously plotted societal comedies that poke fun at the aristocracy and just about everyone else as well. There are unlikely disguises, attempts at hiding identities, and a variety of funny missteps along the way. Just great fun to read.
My full review HERE

I finished my book called My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing

Wasn't it great? I'm on line for her next book for awhile He Started It. You probably already know!

A Man Called Ove!