Everything We Keep

Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsale

Poor Aimee!! I can only imagine her struggle to bury her fiancé on the day of her wedding. I found her emotions and challenges to be believable and difficult. I liked how this book had a bit of mystery, but also was a good love story and shows ability to face death head on. I The layers of the story unraveled bit by bit to keep the reader guessing, wondering and rooting for Aimee. I'll look for future books from author, Kerry Lonsdale!

4 stars!

The Things We Wish Were True

The Things We Wish Were True  by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and while there was no huge mystery it was obvious that things were unraveling with many different parts of the lives of these characters. I listened to this as an Audiobook and found myself happy to be stopped at red lights....which is the sign of a great book for me! I liked some characters more than others, but Caylie was my absolute favorite. This author did an amazing job of tying the different story lines together. A great book! 
4.5 Stars

Faithful

Faithful by Alice Hoffman

At times I was angry at Shelby for choices she was making and at other times I was cheering her on. This is a story about a girl dealing with an accident that permanently injured her best friend. There are so many complex relationships and characters and I enjoyed the realistic parts of the struggles of these people. I love Alice Hoffman and this book did not disappoint me. I know this isn't a story that all readers will love, but it was a well written book that portrayed real struggles and emotions of people that have been in a tragic situation.  Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
4 Stars

Finding Perfect

Finding Perfect by Elly Swartz

Wow! This middle grade book seemed so accurate and realistic and I found myself wondering how many students deal with and try to hide this on a daily basis. Told from Molly's perspective, my heart ached for her was she struggled to keep her life in order. I wanted to reach through the book and help her. Thanks to NetGally for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC of this amazing book.

5 Stars (I'd give it more if I could!)

A Gentleman in Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This book was not a quick read for me, but it was time well spent. I want to meet Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov because everyone he meets is absolutely charmed by him. I noticed that all of the stories told in the book or games played with Nina had a purpose, as they played a role towards the end of the book with Sofia and others. I love that the author was so intentional. I also loved reading the Count's thinking, and his logic to the situations he was in. Life in Russia was explained very well and at times I felt like I was in the Metropol Hotel right along with him. He was humorous and I loved his wit. A very good overall read that will appeal to many types of book readers.

4.75 Stars

Fractured

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie

I liked the premise of this book and the descriptions of Cincinnati made me feel like I lived on Pine St with the families. I liked how the mystery developed as we got to know the characters better. The struggles of the characters were explained well and I equally liked both John and Julie's perspectives. I was frustrated with things said and done by other characters but I found many things to be realistic struggles. Catherine Mckenzie wrote a great book and I will look forward to reading more of hers in the future. 
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

4 Stars

Life After Coffee

Life After Coffee by Virginia Franken

Life after Coffee is a funny and enjoyable read about the real struggles of a mother that must be away from her children for long periods of time. I found myself laughing out loud at times and completely relating to the daily struggles of moms. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of her travels, the coffee storyline, as well as her attempts to fit in with the other moms in the neighborhood. I recommend this book to moms of young children that can understand the characters struggles while enjoying a great novel. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Looking forward to future books by this author.

4.5 Stars

The Wonder

The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

This book's storyline and perspective was something I had never read before, but I enjoyed. I thought that the various religious references would bother me, since I don't like reading Christian Fiction, but I am glad they were included as they added so much to the story. The story wouldn't have had the depth without them. The story started a bit slow for me, but picked up towards the middle and by the end I couldn't put it down. I love how the characters evolved and changed as well and the various struggles taking place in the book. This book still has me thinking after I've finished it. Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Co publishing and author Emma Donoghue for the opportunity to read this great book.

4 Stars

Forever is the Worst Long Time

Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan

This book is told from James's perspective. It was nice to read a book with the male viewpoint. A previous Camille Pagán novel I read had some humor with the storyline but this one did not. I would call this book a drama. Humor wouldn't be appropriate, but although very good, I wasn't expecting a heavy storyline. The characters are well developed and their struggles are real. This is one of those books that I don't want to reveal the plot in the review, its better to read the story without knowing much about it. This was a quick read and I was rooting for the characters throughout. A great story of friendship, love, parenting and life. Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this great book.


4.5 Stars