Welcome to this week’s Book Talk!
My reading week was a bit of a mixed bag but overall enjoyable.
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick: 4.5 stars. Returning home might provide a new beginning for a goal-oriented book editor. The setting leaps off the pages throughout this heartwarming story. The characters are endearing and the storyline tugs at the heartstrings. The story within the story is incredibly captivating. The characters grow throughout this marvelous novel and the conclusion is truly delightful.
The Wife Before by Shanora Williams: 4 stars. A whirlwind romance culminates in a quick marriage and move to rural Colorado. Insatiable curiousity about her new husband’s former wife leads to startling mystery and unavoidable suspicions. The characters are three-dimensional but not all of them are easy to like. The setting adds plenty of chills to this clever mystery. The conclusion is shocking and well-executed.
Washed Up Former Child Star Ryan Lee by Lisa Henry & J.A.Rock: 3.5 stars. Ooof. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this novel’s release and reading it was a bit of a let-down. Unfolding from Ryan Lee’s first person perspective gives readers an up close and personal view of his addictions. Almost at rock bottom, he has NO incentive to give sobriety a try. That is until a reunion with his former castmates from their successful TV show brings him face to face with the first boy who kissed him. Not everyone in Ryan’s life is good for him but will he find reason to take the steps needed for sobriety? This angsty, slightly repetitive story comes to a happy for now conclusion that is uplifting.
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay: 3.5 stars. A slow-burn mystery about a family left grappling for years after their mom/wife vanishes without a trace. Written from multiple points of view, this intriguing novel moves at a slow pace and delves into the unexplained disappearance of Jane Larkin. Despite the discovery of her skeletonized remains two decades later, will the family ever uncover the truth about what happened to her? A twist-filled conclusion might just provide an answer to this haunting question.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager: 4.5 stars. With a heavy gothic vibe and a cliffside mansion setting, this brilliant mystery keeps pages turning at a fast clip. The cast of characters is quite colorful and vibrantly developed. The storyline is engaging with plenty of suspense and tension. The conclusion is full of unexpected twists, turns and breathless excitement. Loved it!
Now it’s your turn. What have you been reading lately? Join the discussion by commenting below!
