Category Archives: Gallery Books

April 22, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott

Title: Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery
Length: 351 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

This “captivating thriller full of twists and surprises” (Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author)—about what happens when the death of a husband and father isn’t the tragedy everyone believes—is perfect for fans of the Netflix original series Dead to Me.

Emma Walsh has finally worked up the courage to confront her husband James about his drinking—his alcoholic rages, his blackouts, and the fear his behavior has created for her and their two kids. But James never shows up to meet her as planned, and all her righteous words go unsaid. And unsaid they remain, because the next time Emma sees James, his body lies crumpled amidst the wreckage of his flashy car, which has been smashed to its final resting place halfway through the back wall of their suburban house’s roomy garage.

In the aftermath of the fatal crash, Emma and her teenage children begin to embrace life without James’s looming, volcanic presence. Buoyed by the support of her two closest friends, she struggles to deal with her grief, complicated by the knowledge that her husband’s legacy as an upstanding business owner and family man shines only because so many people, for so long, were so willing to keep his secrets—secrets that twist into new and unexpected shapes as the mysterious details of his last day of life begin to come to light.

A sinister and suspenseful domestic thriller, lauded as “stylish” by Publishers Weekly and “delicious” by Booklist, Wish You Were Gone will keep you guessing “until not just the last page, but the last paragraph” (Chandler Baker, New York Times bestselling author)

Review:

Wish You Were Gone by Kieran Scott is an engrossing domestic mystery.

Emma Walsh is absolutely furious when her husband James does not show up to the restaurant for dinner. She is planning to hand over divorce papers to her alcoholic, abusive husband but after waiting for him, she returns home. She is a little surprised when he does not answer any of her texts but she is unconcerned enough to go to bed before he returns home. Emma is awakened in the middle of the night by what turns out to be her drunken husband crashing his car into their garage. Although the police are satisfied his death is just a tragic accident, Emma is not so sure after discovering some little things that do not add up. But that leaves her wondering who would have reason to kill James?

Emma can barely remember when her marriage was happy. James is drastically different from the kind-hearted man she married and she knows it is time to end the marriage. When Emma finds the first thing that is not consistent with James’ typical behavior, she turns to her best friends, Gray Garrison and Lizzie Larken. Gray’s husband Darnell is James’ business partner and Emma has been close to Lizzie for several years. In between attempting to uncover the truth about what happened to James, Emma tries to be there as much as possible for her teenagers, Hunter and Kelsey.

The deeper Emma digs into her husband’s life, the more the realizes she does not him as well as she thinks. She begins to suspect he was having an affair but trying to figure out who the “other woman” is turns out to be somewhat tricky. Emma also discovers shocking information about James’ future plans and she begins to harbor a few suspicions about someone close to their family. She is also becoming concerned about Hunter and Kelsey who turn out be keeping a few secrets of their own.

Wish You Were Gone is a fast-paced mystery with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are multi-faceted and easy to like. The storyline is well-developed with chapters that alternate between various points of view. With the suspense building with every chapter, Kieran Scott brings this clever domestic mystery to a jaw-dropping and thoroughly shocking conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Gallery Books, Kieran Scott, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Wish You Were Gone

February 28, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner

Title: Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Domestic Mystery
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

“A twisty, fast-paced” (The Sunday Times, London) debut thriller, as electrifying as the #1 New York Times bestseller The Girl on the Train, about impending motherhood, unreliable friendship, and the high price of keeping secrets.

In this “gloriously tangled game of cat and mouse that kept the twists coming until the very last moment” (Ruth Ware, #1 New York Times bestselling author), Helen’s idyllic life—handsome architect husband, gorgeous Victorian house, and cherished baby on the way—begins to change the day she attends her first prenatal class.

There, she meets Rachel, an unpredictable single mother-to-be who doesn’t seem very maternal: she smokes, drinks, and professes little interest in parenthood. Still, Helen is drawn to her. Maybe Rachel just needs a friend. And to be honest, Helen’s a bit lonely herself. At least Rachel is fun to be with. She makes Helen laugh, invites her confidences, and distracts her from her fears.

But her increasingly erratic behavior is unsettling. And Helen’s not the only one who’s noticed. Her friends and family begin to suspect that her strange new friend may be linked to their shared history in unexpected ways. When Rachel threatens to expose a past crime that could destroy all of their lives, it becomes clear that there are more than a few secrets laying beneath the broad-leaved trees and warm lamplight of Greenwich Park.

Review:

Greenwich Park by Katherine Faulkner is an exceptionally compelling domestic mystery.

Helen Thorpe is on maternity leave for a high-risk pregnancy when she meets Rachel in pre-natal class. Helen is following all of the pregnancy advice so she is a little shocked that Rachel drinks and smokes during her pregnancy. But Helen is  lonely since her husband Daniel is working long hours and she overlooks her new friend’s flaws. At loose ends with little to occupy her, Helen runs into Rachel frequently. Growing a little weary of the young woman’s irritating behavior, Helen would like to distance herself from her. Instead, Rachel becomes even further enmeshed into her family’s life.

Helen is bit awkward and finds it difficult to make friends. She and Daniel met during college and their best friends are her brother Rory and his wife Serena. Helen is a little irritated that Daniel is not home very much so she puts up with Rachel’s exasperating behavior. Even when she is ready to break off their friendship, she finds it impossible to refuse Rachel during her time of need.

Helen is a bit nosy and she is perplexed by an unexpected discovery. As she tries to parse the meaning, she is easily distracted. Helen also easily experiences self-doubt that sometimes clouds her thinking. As her due date grows nearer, she tries to ignore her feeling that things feel off. Will Helen trust her instincts when everything begins to spiral out of control?

Greenwich Park is a captivating domestic mystery with an ingenious storyline. The characters are well-drawn with intriguing backstories. The settings are well-detailed and spring vividly to life. The plot is well-executed with chapters that alternate between three distinct points of view. With the tension ratcheting up with each chapter, Katherine Faulkner brings this thrilling mystery to a jaw-dropping, twist-filled conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Domestic Mystery, Gallery Books, Greenwich Park, Katherine Faulkner, Rated B+, Review

November 20, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray

Title: A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shephard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Three
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Amish
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In this endearing Christmas tale, a bookmobile librarian knows just the novel to help an Amish bachelor woo his next-door neighbor in the latest installment of the “charming” (Carla Laureano, RITA Award–winning author of Five Days in Skye) Berlin Bookmobile series.

A solitary sort, forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim spends his time hard at work in his wood shop. But as the days get long, he realizes just how lonely he’s become. When his longtime crush, Sadie Mast, a widow and mother of three, asks him to help her build a room in their barn for her son Cale, Atle can’t say no. Eager to pursue Sadie at last, he turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller for courting advice. More than happy to help, Sarah Anne decides the best way to learn about love is through books—romance novels to be precise.

Between completing holiday orders for her flourishing food business, helping Cale navigate a dramatic new relationship with his boss’s daughter, and coming to terms with the trauma her late husband had inflicted upon her and her children—not to mention Atle showing up at her door with flowers—Sadie is in over her head. Though Atle’s efforts are initially clumsy and his declarations a bit awkward, Sadie can’t help but be charmed by him. He’s patient and kind…and at times even seems to know far more about romance than he’s let on.

Another delightful romance about the “transformative powers of love, hope, and faith” (Publishers Weekly), A Christmas Courtship is the perfect holiday read.

Review:

A Christmas Courtship by Shelley Shepherd Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Berlin Bookmobile series, it can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the previous books as well.

Forty-two-year-old Atle Petersheim is a bachelor who is interested in getting married. He finds assistance in an unlikely place when he asks bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne for advice. Atle has long been interested in Sadie Mast and he would like to court her. However, Atle finds himself tongue-tied in her presence.  Will spending more time together as he works on a Christmas present for her oldest son Cale provide them the opportunity to get to know each other better?

Sadie’s baking business is really taking off so she is finally able to afford some extras. She feels guilty for relying on Cale to help with the family finances so she wants to surprise him with a room of his own as a  Christmas gift. She has always liked Atle and she is enjoying having him around the house. The more time she is in his in company, the more she appreciates his quiet strength. But have she and her children fully come to terms with the trauma they endured while her husband was still alive?

Cale works full-time on Hope Overholt’s family farm. He is quite charmed by Hope but he is reluctant to take their relationship any further than friendship. Cale makes a decision that inadvertently results in the chance to work with Atle. Will he and Hope finally be able to officially begin courting?

A Christmas Courtship is a heartfelt romance of healing and love. Sadie and Atle are wonderfully drawn characters with relatable strengths and all too human foibles. Sadie’s children are delightfully imperfect and a great help to their mamm. The storyline is endearing and quite engaging. Shelley Shepherd Gray brings this sweet romance to an uplifting and gratifying conclusion. A wonderful addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series that old and new readers are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under A Christmas Courtship, Amish, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray

October 26, 2021 · 12:02 am

Review: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Title: Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Peachtree Bluff Series Book Four
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the newest installment of New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey’​s Peachtree Bluff series, three generations of the Murphy women must come together when a hurricane threatens to destroy their hometown—and the holiday season in the process.

When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.

Review:

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a warm and inviting holiday novel that is full delightful family traditions. Although this installment is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, it can be read as a standalone.

The Murphy family is very close even though two of matriarch Ansley’s daughters live out of state. Caroline lives in New York and this year is difficult for her because she and husband James are divorcing. While Caroline has no regrets about ending her marriage, their teenage daughter Vivi is angry about the divorce. Concerned for her daughter, she hopes the holidays with the extended family will prove to be just what they need to reset their troubled relationship. Youngest daughter Emerson, her boyfriend Kyle and their young daughter Carter live in California. Emerson has followed her dream of becoming an actress and she is surprised at how much the trip home alters her viewpoint on her future. Sloane lives in her childhood family home with her husband Adam and their two young children. She is not thrilled with an idea of Adam’s but she knows how important compromise is to marriage. Adding to the tension are the increasingly worrisome hurricane warnings. Will the “hurricane of the century” ruin the holiday traditions that are near and dear to Ansley’s heart?

The happy family reunion is slightly marred by Vivi’s attitude toward Caroline. Ansley well remembers just how difficult Caroline’s teen years were so everyone is understanding of the tense moments between mother and daughter. When the Thanksgiving celebration is over, everyone but Ansley, her husband Jack and Vivi head for New York to enjoy the fun holiday activities Caroline has lined up for them.  Ansley, Jack and Vivi are finishing up last minute hurricane preparations when Vivi’s anger gets the best of her. With the powerful hurricane moving ever closer, will Ansley and Jack bring Vivi safely home before it makes landfall?

Christmas in Peachtree Bluff is a heartwarming novel of family, love and new beginnings. The characters are richly developed which makes them quite appealing. Peachtree Bluff is a lovely town that is close-knit with a storied past. The storyline is engaging and well-executed. In between the family drama and terrifying hurricane, there is also time for unexpected romance. Kristy Woodson Harvey brings this family centric novel to a wonderful conclusion that is uplifting and quite touching.

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Filed under Christmas in Peachtree Bluff, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Rated B, Review, Women's Fiction

August 2, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Sweetest Days by John Hough

Title: The Sweetest Days by John Hough
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

This “gorgeous and heartbreaking” (Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author) portrait of marriage explores the long union of a middle-aged couple as they grapple with secrets, illness, and loyalty from the author of the “original, profound novel” (Lee Smith, author of On Agate Hill) Seen the Glory.

Pete and Jackie were high school sweethearts. Everyone expected them to marry immediately but an explosive incident tore them apart before graduation. It took years for the two to heal and finally come back together. Now, decades later, they face an uncertain future with their only child out on her own and alarming news about Jackie’s health.

Determined to stay positive, the two travel to their Cape hometown for a book signing of Pete’s debut novel. But when a disastrous encounter in the bookstore with an old classmate brings their long relationship to the breaking point, they are forced to examine their marriage and explore their deepest feelings.

A “riveting exploration of the challenges and complexities of a long, loving marriage” (Stephen McCauley, author of My Ex-Life), The Sweetest Days is a rich, vivid, and enthralling look at the roads taken and not taken in love and life.

Review:

The Sweetest Days by John Hough is a reflective novel about a long-married couple facing a health crisis.

Jackie and Pete Hatch are long married, high-school sweethearts who return to their hometown for a few days. Pete’s first novel has just been published and he is doing some publicity at a local bookstore. Their visit is a bit of a disaster as Pete finally reveals the long-held secret that lead to their break-up when they were still teenagers. Jackie does not handle the revelation well and she makes a decision that she quickly comes to regret.

Jackie and Pete are not very likable characters. Jackie is, of course, worried about her health diagnosis. She is unhappy with a very negative attitude that she does not temper. As Pete looks back on the event that ended their relationship, readers learn the truth about his thoughts on their wedding day. This flashback is long-winded and does not paint him in the best light.  After this walk down memory lane, Jackie needs time alone as she comes to terms with his secret. Filled with remorse after her impulsive mistake, what will happen to Jackie and Pete’s marriage?

The Sweetest Days is an unevenly paced novel about forgiveness and redemption. The characters are not easy to like since they both seem a little self-absorbed. The flashbacks take the reader through Jacki and Pete’s high school romance, separation, and eventually, their reunion that culminates in their marriage. The best part of the novel comes occurs very late in the book as John Hough brings Jackie and Pete’s story to a realistic conclusion.

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Filed under Contemporary, Gallery Books, John Hough, Rated C, Review, The Sweetest Days, Women's Fiction

June 3, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray
Berlin Bookmobile Series Book Two
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the second installment of the “enjoyable and charming” (USA TODAY) Shelley Shepard Gray’s delightful Berlin Bookmobile series, librarian Sarah Anne Miller returns to Berlin to help a childless Amish couple form the family they’ve always prayed for.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich have been trying for a baby for several years, but the Lord hasn’t seen fit to bless them. Though Calvin claims he’s content with their childless state, Miriam knows he’s not, and when he starts spending more time off their farm, she worries he’s found someone else. But just as she finds herself at her lowest point, she discovers the ultimate surprise. Unable to confide in anyone who might tell Calvin—out of fear she’ll disappoint him with another miscarriage—Miriam turns to bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller—and any books she may have on pregnancy and childbirth.

Calvin has been keeping a secret from his wife, but it’s not another woman. It’s a little boy. One afternoon when visiting Sarah Anne’s bookmobile, he meets Miles, a ten-year-old living with a foster family down the road. But after spending more time with the boy, Calvin learns that his foster family has no plans to adopt him. Calvin feels a connection with Miles and yearns to give the boy a home, but he’s afraid to tell Miriam, knowing she’s devastated they can’t have children of their own.

As weeks pass and Sarah Anne learns that Miles has nearly given up hope of ever finding a real home, she knows it’s time to intervene. It’s going to take some fancy footwork and a whole lot of prayer, but she knows she can help make this struggling couple into a happy family of four.

Review:

An Amish Surprise by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming Amish romance. This latest release in the Berlin Bookmobile series can be read as a standalone. But I highly recommend the entire series.

Miriam and Calvin Gingerich are happily married but they long for children. Miriam experiences varied emotions over her infertility. She feels guilty and saddened for their pregnancy losses and her inability to conceive. But it is not until Calvin begins spending time away from home that she notices they are not as close as they used to be. Miriam’s identity has become entangled with motherhood and she wonders if Calvin’s love for her is diminishing. She realizes he is being a bit evasive about his whereabouts and Miriam cannot help but become concerned for their marriage.

Calvin loves to read and he enjoys browsing through the selections on the bookmobile when it is in town. But during his latest visit, bookmobile librarian Sarah Anne Miller is a little overwhelmed by Ruth Schmidt’s rowdy triplets. Ruth is also accompanied by her three foster children. Calvin assists Sarah Anne by reading the children’s story and he finds himself to drawn to one of Ruth’s foster children, ten-year-old Miles.  Calvin is open to adoption but Miriam becomes very upset when he brings up the topic. Calvin spends more and more time with Miles on his own, but he is not certain how his wife will react to meeting him.

Sarah Anne is in her early sixties and the bookmobile is her second career. She is a widow who was not blessed with children. She loves interacting with everyone who visit the bookmobile. Sarah Anne is very observant and she finagled the meeting between Calvin and Miles. She is tentatively involved with Pete Cannon but Sarah Anne is uncertain about the future of their fledgling relationship.

An Amish Surprise is a charming romance with endearing characters and interesting story arcs. Miriam and Calvin are a wonderful couple who are struggling with their childlessness. Will Calvin convince Miriam to meet Miles and consider adding him to their family? What impact will Miriam’s surprise news have on Calvin’s suggestion about Miles? What will happen with Sarah Anne and Pete’s budding romance? Shelley Shepard Gray will delight readers with the answers to these pressing questions. Old and new fans are going to love this marvelous addition to the Berlin Bookmobile series.

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Filed under Amish, An Amish Surprise, Berlin Bookmobile Series, Contemporary, Gallery Books, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Shelley Shepard Gray