Pam
I want to thank Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Treasure Hunter's Club. All opinions presented here are my own.
The Treasure Hunter's Club grabbed my attention because of the stories it's being compared to. What stories? Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and The Goonies. One is a favorite book from last year, and the other is an all-time favorite movie. Do those comparisons hold water? I have to say, kind of. I won't go into more detail because I don't want to ruin the story for you.
This story is rich with a large cast of characters and is narrated through multiple timelines. The original story told in captivating flashbacks, begins in the 1920s. The central part of the story unfolds in the current timeline, 2023-2024. With multiple generations involved, the story is brought to life through various voices, keeping you engaged.
The Treasure Hunter's Club is a real page-turner. You'll find it nearly impossible to put it down, as you're constantly on the edge of your seat, eager to discover if anyone will uncover the long-lost treasure.
What age group is this book intended for? It's a great question. Dandy, the driving force of the book, is a teen. Peter is 40, and Cass is in her late 20s. Several of the other characters are in their 80s. This diverse age range ensures that anyone who enjoys mysteries and treasure hunting will find something to love in this book.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. All opinions presented here are my own.
Reading The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is like drinking tea while wrapped up in your favorite blanket. Or you are spending time with your beloved grandparent. It's also a reminder that you can't control everything and don't always know what someone else is doing.
Augusta is approaching a milestone birthday when we first meet her. She's forced to face reality and has to finally retire. Then, she's a teenager grieving over the loss of her mother. Her journey is one that many of us can relate to, making her story all the more compelling.
Each chapter begins with a clear timeline, guiding us through Augusta's life. In the 1980s, she was a woman dedicated to her family and a career in helping others, yet she struggled to accept love from anyone outside her family, particularly men. In the 1920s, she was a girl navigating grief and adolescence. These timelines vividly illustrate how Augusta's experiences shaped her character.
A few chapters focus on Irving in the 1920s and 1980s. This gives us the chance to see his side of the story and understand his actions and regrets.
Ultimately, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern delves deep into the human experience, touching the reader's heart and soul. It's a story that resonates and lingers long after the final page is turned. For this profound experience, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. I eagerly await more literary gems from Lynda Cohen Loigman.
I want to thank St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Can't Help Falling in Love. All opinions presented here are my own.
Can't Help Falling in Love is the first book I've read by Sophie Sullivan, but I doubt it will be the last. The writing is easy to follow, and the descriptions of the settings are wonderfully descriptive but not so over the top that they're unbelievable. The cast of characters is a varied group.
A romance is not a book one often expects to find character growth. Okay, maybe there is some character growth in romances. But in Can't Help Falling in Love, there is quite a bit of growth and maturing from several characters. Lexi is stuck in her feelings of failure because her life wasn't where she wanted it to be after hitting several bumps. Gwen is grieving and isolating herself from the world. Even Will is afraid to stand up to his family and tell them how he feels. As the book progresses, those three start having their moments of growth and clarity.
Can't Help Falling in Love is a breath of fresh air in the world of romance novels. It's a compelling read, proving a romance can be steam-free and still captivate readers. While the book does feature some passionate kissing, it's the emotional connections and personal development that take center stage. The scene where Will and Lexi share a bathtub perfectly shows how the book adds a touch of romance without crossing any boundaries.
Can't Help Falling in Love is a book that will make you want to cheer for the characters. Who doesn't want to see a twentysomething struggling with self-confidence and constantly feeling like they don't have their life in order? Who doesn't want to see that person gain that self-confidence? I know I've felt like the world is out to get me, and everyone else is doing better. Trust me, you'll root for the characters and their relationship.
I want to thank Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Death at the Sanatorium. All opinions presented here are my own.
CW/TW: murder, mutilation, death, illness, alcohol abuse, domestic violence
Death at the Sanatorium is as immersive a read as one can expect from a mystery. You're thrown into the middle of a mystery from the first page. No, it's not the one at the book's center, but it's still a stressful mystery. You could say Jónasson slams his foot on the gas and barely lets up. When he does, it's enough to let you catch your breath before he slams it down again.
Death at the Sanatorium skillfully weaves three timelines and multiple POVs. Each chapter is titled with the year and the character we are with, making it easy to follow. The timelines, set roughly 30 years apart: 1953, 1983, and 2012, are seamlessly integrated, ensuring you're never overwhelmed.
From my research on Death at the Sanatorium, it appears to be the end of a series and possibly the beginning of another. But don't worry if you aren't familiar with the series because Jónasson ensures you won't feel like you're missing anything. The book is a standalone masterpiece, welcoming both new and returning readers.
Death at the Sanatorium is the second of Jónasson's books that I've had the pleasure of reading, and it certainly won't be the last. His writing style, often compared to Agatha Christie and other Golden Age mystery writers, is a delight for any mystery lover. If you enjoy Christie's work, you'll also appreciate Jónasson's.
I want to thank Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Time to Rise. All opinions presented here are my own.
The synopsis for Time to Rise neglects to mention that this story is set around the Christmas season. While that isn't a killer for me, it was a surprise. Thankfully, the way the story is told, the season is a minor character. Yes, it's set in a bakery at Christmas time, so there's plenty of discussion of seasonal treats. There's also a discussion of the decorations. But Christmas isn't a main character. Does that make sense?
Most of the story is set in a current timeline, but a few chapters hop back to 1945. Initially, those chapters feel out of place and need to be clarified. But the more you read, the more you understand that addition to the story. The time jumps happen every 3-5 chapters and are always labeled so the reader knows what happens.
There are a few toxic relationships in the book. One is between Henrik and his father, Haase. He always seems to be trying to one-up his children. Why would a parent do that? The other relationship issue involves the executive producer of the show.
Who would I recommend read Time to Rise? Do you enjoy opposites-attract romances? Or ones that are enemies to lovers? What about a book whose primary setting is a reality TV show? Or a book featuring a bakery? If you say yes to one of these, you should give Time to Rise the time of day.
3.5 rounded up to 4
I questioned whether this book was a romance or a mystery when I started reading it. It was close to 30% of the way in before the mystery showed up. Like seriously? Several of the early chapters could have been cut out with no problems.
As I listened to the audiobook, I also had an issue with the narrator and where her emphasis was on some words.
Doubt I'll continue with the series.
I want to thank Tor Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Night Guest. All opinions presented here are my own.
I requested this novel purely because the author is from Iceland. Yes, I know it's not the best reason to request a book, but this time, it paid off! The synopsis also made me curious, especially as a woman who feels like waking up more tired than when going to bed.
The majority of the story is told through Iðunn's inner monologue. There are only a handful of characters in the novel, with minimal dialogue.
This novel has been classified as a horror. While some elements reflect horror, The Night Guest could also be considered a mystery.
My biggest complaint with The Night Guest is the ending. I won't spoil the book by explaining my issues with it. I may have screamed in frustration when I realized I had reached the end.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, a book that you won't want to put down and may even make you start reading again after reaching the end, look no further than The Night Guest.
I want to thank Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death. All opinions presented here are my own.
A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death is a fantastic addition to the Baker Street Mystery series from Valerie Burns. While this is part of a cozy mystery series, this one leans a bit more into the romance side of things. Yes, there are a couple of murders, but a couple of romances are being cooked up. (Sorry for the pun, but I couldn't help myself!)
This is one of the few cozy mystery series I recommend starting with the first one and reading them in order. If you don't, you may not understand some of the interactions between characters. And you will also find yourself with spoilers for the earlier books. But don't worry, this is only book three, so you aren't too far behind!
While I knew who was behind everything, I wasn't 100% sure about their motives. But the more you learn about them, the more you understand their motive.
Another thing I didn't like about this book was the fact it felt like it was the end of the series. Please tell me that we are getting more about Maddy and Baby! And what about Baby and Daisy? Don't they deserve their happy ending?
Do you enjoy reading books set in small towns? What about books that feature food, especially baked goods? Or nods to classic literary detectives? Then you should read the A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death! Or better yet, just read all of the Baker Street Mysteries! I, for one, can't wait to return to New Bison soon.
I want to thank Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop. All opinions presented here are my own.
Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop is the perfect blend of cozy mystery and Halloween!
Elyan Hollow is a town that was used to film an iconic Halloween movie. The movie has such a huge fanbase that people come from all over to see the filming sites. What's a town to do when that happens? They lean into it and celebrate what has made them famous. Several businesses in town have Halloween-themed names, and there's a month-long Halloween festival. The new Spooky Season Literary Festival kicks off this year's Halloween festival.
Elyan Hollow is a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else. Bailey lives in the house her mom grew up in and runs the bookshop that her grandfather first opened. Several of her friends are either people she went to school with or people who watched her grow up. It's that kind of small town!
My biggest issue with the book, even if it does help drive the mystery, is the depth and seriousness of family secrets. Bailey and her grandfather are keeping a secret from her uncle. And Liz, Bailey's mom, has kept a secret from Bailey her whole life. One of the family secrets is revealed in the book, but there are still a few aspects of the family dynamic I'm not a fan of.
If you are a fan of movies like Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown, you probably would love to visit the towns where they were filmed—a town much like Elyan Hollow. While waiting to take that trip, why not give Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop a read?