Review: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constatine

A mesmerizing debut psychological thriller full of delicious twists about a coolly manipulative woman who worms her way into the lives of a wealthy “golden couple” from Connecticut to achieve the privileged life she wants.

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne and her husband, Jackson—the beautiful philanthropist and the confident real estate mogul—are a golden couple straight out of a fairytale, blessed with two lovely young daughters.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn't have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrish family, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces.

With shocking turns and dark secrets that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Last Mrs. Parrish is a fresh, juicy, and utterly addictive thriller from a diabolically imaginative talent.

Publication Date: October 17, 2017
This book gripped me in a way that revitalized my love for reading. I’ve been in a book funk lately and I was anxious to get pulled into a psychological thriller that I’d have a hard time putting down. The twists were so mind-blowing and the author kept me guessing up until the very end.

The book was told in two points of view and I have to say the first half was a little bit of a struggle to get through. I really hated Amber and she got under my skin unlike any other character I’ve read before. Finishing her chapters and getting the story from Daphne’s point of view was such a relief!

I don’t want to give too much away, but this is a five-star recommendation from me! I’m floored that this is the author’s debut and can’t wait to read more.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review purposes!

Guest Review by Jessica: Everything We Lost by Valerie Geary

Summary:

Lucy Durant was only fourteen-years-old when she lost her older brother. First to his paranoid delusions as he became increasingly obsessed with UFOs and government conspiracies. Then, permanently, when he walked into the desert outside Bishop, California, and never returned.

Now on the tenth anniversary of Nolan's mysterious disappearance, Lucy is still struggling with guilt and confusion--her memories from that period are blurry and obscured by time, distance, and alcohol. Now an adult, she's stuck in a holding pattern, hiding out at her father's house, avoiding people, and doing whatever she can to keep herself from thinking about Nolan. But when a series of unsettling events leads Lucy back to Bishop, she is forced to reconcile with her estranged mother and come to terms with the tangled memories of her past to discover what really happened to her brother all those years ago.

Told in Lucy and Nolan's alternating voices, Everything We Lost is a psychological mystery exploring family, beliefs, obsessions, the nature of memory, and fear of the unknown--a haunting, compelling story that will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

Publication Date: August 22, 2017

Jessica's Review:

3.5/5 Stars

  

I was torn with this book. The blurb was really interesting and I love a good mystery, but I had a hard time getting into this book because the whole alien/UFO aspect just doesn't work for me. I had a hard time liking or caring what happened to Nolan, but I had a harder time liking Lucy which is a problem since she's the main character. The story and the details were well written, but everything with the characters bothered me, both main characters and side characters.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review purposes!

Guest Review by Jessica: Sister, Sister by Sue Fortin

From the bestselling author of The Girl Who Lied

Alice: Beautiful, kind, manipulative, liar.

Clare: Intelligent, loyal, paranoid, jealous.

Clare thinks Alice is a manipulative liar who is trying to steal her life.

Alice thinks Claire is jealous of her long-lost return and place in their family.

One of them is telling the truth. The other is a maniac. Two sisters. One truth.

Publication Date: January 6, 2017

Jessica's Review:

Sister Sister by Sue Fortin had me hooked starting with Claire being in the hospital wondering if she was crazy. Then it went on as a heartbreaking story of a family torn apart without reason. A long lost sister found, a family reunited, then lies lies and more lies! 

This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It kept me guessing with every page turn. Every time I thought I had it figured out the plot would twist and turn and have me backwards again. Up until the very last chapter I was engulfed in trying to figure out what the truth really was and who was behind all the deception. Definitely 5 stars for me!

5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review purposes!

Review: The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

A teenage misfit named Hawthorn Creely inserts herself in the investigation of missing person Lizzie Lovett, who disappeared mysteriously while camping with her boyfriend. Hawthorn doesn't mean to interfere, but she has a pretty crazy theory about what happened to Lizzie. In order to prove it, she decides to immerse herself in Lizzie's life. That includes taking her job... and her boyfriend. It's a huge risk — but it's just what Hawthorn needs to find her own place in the world.

Publication Date: January 3, 2017

Talk about an unexpected delightful book! I loved this story, even after finding out what Hawthorn’s theory was about Lizzie’s disappearance. It was a definite “jump the shark” moment, but Hawthorn was so freaking likable, the premise worked. There were some moments of heartbreaking realism that had me choking up, especially toward the end. If you love quirky YA novels, then you must pick up this book! Hands down this was a five star read for me!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy for review purposes!

Guest Post: Five-Star Book, Five-Star Book Review

The following is a guest post from Nikolas Baron on behalf of Grammarly. 

A few lines of a dust jacket impel you to read a novel or place it back on the shelf. Book reviews are even more powerful because many readers already have an interest in the featured book. Your review is the weight that tips the scales in favor of reading a book or moving on to the next possibility. Do not fight the power! A successful book review contains a titillating review and an honest critique. The following six tips demonstrate how to write a book review that is equal to its task.

Go for the Extreme!

The best selections for a book review are extreme in some feature. If the plot is pitifully slow or artfully crafted, one easily draws attention to its flaws and qualities. If the ending is predictable as a sunset or as unforeseeable as a flash flood, the readers want to know. The choice of an author is also important. A controversial author attracts more interest than an unknown scribe.

Read the Whole Shebang

Once you have selected a provocative publication, read it from cover to cover. The book jacket provides a synopsis that you can echo in your review. The introduction, or preface, contains valuable background information about the writing and the author. By reading the entire book and taking notes, you have an opportunity to note the principal themes and outstanding quotes. Your review will stand out as thorough and comprehensive.

Summarize, Don’t Plagiarize

Reading other critiques offers inspiration, but be careful not to plagiarize. The same caution applies to quoting from the work of literature. Use quotes judiciously. There is a useful plagiarism checker online. Using this device ensures that your work is viewed as original.

Spoiler Alert!

As a reviewer, your mission is to discuss the merits and the faults of the literature. To do this, briefly describe the plot. Rarely, however, does a book review contain more than 1500 words. Keep it short and simple! Also, be careful not to give away too many details of the plot. Do not reveal surprising plot twists. Read professional reviews of books to see how the experts accomplish this task.

It’s Okay to Hate When You Evaluate

Be honest. Do not be afraid to criticize. If you support your remarks with evidence from the writing, you demonstrate that your comments are not mere negativity. Some writers find this candid feedback useful to improve their next foray into writing. Your readers will respect a review that tells it like it is.

Proofread with the Shoe on the Other Foot

Think about the targeted reader base for the publication that you are evaluating. Ensure that your review appeals to the potential readers. An overly cerebral or simplistic review will turn off even the hardiest of bookworms. Remember to read the entire novel. Discern the genre and target demographic. Then, write with this reader in mind. Ask, what type of review would appeal to fiction readers? How should I present information to industry experts? Will teenagers want to read this review?

Why does a dull book deserve a grabbing review? It is your job to warn the readers! As for an amazing book, how will the readers find out its value unless your review reveals its worth? Choose among the extremes. Take time to read the entire novel to discern themes. However, leave some mystery in the plot and conclusion so that people desire to read the novels that you recommend. Be honest and speak with your heart. Write with the target demographic in mind. There is a solemn responsibility in writing book reviews. A great deal of power lies in your hands. Use your power for good and write a reliable and honest book review.

Nikolas Baron

ATOMR Tours Blog Tour for The Disappearing Girl and Giveaway

Today is the start of my ATOMR Tours blog tour for The Disappearing Girl! The following is the tour schedule, along with the Rafflecopter to win an eBook of the novel and/or a $30 Amazon Gift Card. Comment and follow the tour to take part in the contest!

Schedule

Monday, July 8, 2013:

A Dream within a Dream – Excerpt

Deep South Book Reviews – Excerpt

Donnie Darko Girl – Review

Nick's Book Blog – Excerpt

Wolfel's World of Books – Review

YA Books of Witchcraft and Wizardry – Review

Tuesday, July 9, 2013:

Peace, Love, Books – Review

Words, Pages, and Books – Review

Bound by Words – Spotlight

Wednesday, July 10, 2013:

A Diary of a Book Addict - Review

All in One Place – Review

Magic World of Books – Review

Reading Renee – Review

RoloPoloBookBlog – Review

The Busy Bibliophile - Review

Thursday, July 11, 2013:

Live Read and Breathe - Review

Friday, July 12, 2013:

Brianna Lee Book Reviews – Excerpt

Into the Night Reviews – Review

New Adult Addiction - Review

Saturday, July 13, 2013:

Book Crush – Review

Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom – Excerpt

DebDeb Reviews – Review

Faerie Tale Books – Review

Mind Reading? – Review

My Pathway to Books - Review

Vampandstuff –Promo Post

Lovin' Los Libros - Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Lily (Mystic #2) and Shelia (Mystic #3) by Jo Michaels

Summary:
Lily Conyers is a twenty-year-old who had it all going for her until a car crash left her with terrible scars, no modeling job, and an addiction to pain killers. When she meets a strange young woman named Markaza, Lily begins to re-build her life with encouragement from her new friend.

Problems arise when Lily leaves the safety of her apartment for the first time since her accident to venture back into the world she used to know. Her so-called friends shun her and her boyfriend recoils at the sight of her face. She rushes home with thoughts of suicide only to find a letter on her step from a company called WSTW; promising her a new life.

Lily packs her bags, bids Markaza goodbye, and sets off for the city. But going to New York is only the first hurdle Lily must jump. She must learn to use the power inside herself to help defeat an evil that is threatening to destroy the world. Once there, she meets a girl named Bronya and the two help one another re-build what was so negligently broken.

As Lily is boarding the plane bound for New York, Markaza boards another headed to Tennessee so she can collect the next young woman on her list: Shelia.

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Summary:
After a horrible accident takes the lives of her parents, Shelia Morgan is placed in the care of her Aunt Ivy and Uncle Melvin. For six years they work her like a slave. On her twelfth birthday, Uncle Melvin makes Shelia an offer that will destroy her life.

When she turns 19, the ugly truth about her past comes out during a therapy session, Uncle Melvin is arrested, and she's placed in the sights of everyone in town. Hurling insults, objects, and threats, the townspeople side with her uncle and call Shelia a liar. She loses her job, her boyfriend, and her freedom in one day. When a girl named Markaza shows up and tells Shelia she's part of a group of young women destined to save the world, Shelia begins to dream of a new life and true freedom from her personal demons.

She tells the jury her story and boards a plane destined for New York and her new life. Once there, she meets Bronya and Lily: Two other young women with special powers they must learn to harness in order to fight an evil that will rise on December 21, 2012, and destroy the world.

Markaza boards a plane to Atlanta to save the life of a young lady named Melody before her mind destroys her from the inside out. As Markaza fights for Melody's life, Shelia, Lily, and Bronya throw themselves into their studies and learn that even power from within can get out of control.

Publication Date: December 21, 2012

Lily and Shelia are the sequels to Bronya from the Mystic series by Jo Michaels. The premise of the series is that a group of powerful women need to band together to save the world from Armageddon. I’ve liked all of the books in the series so far and I’m curious how it will all end.

Lily: Each story in the Mystic series deals with a woman who has endured some type of tragedy. Lily’s fall from grace revolves around her becoming scarred after getting into a drunk driving accident. Her modeling career is over and she has to learn how to love this new scarred version of herself. It was touching to see her growth as a character and to witness how she comes to fully appreciate her inner beauty.

I would’ve liked more backstory on Lily. I’m interested to know what kind of person she was before the accident including more about her relationship with Wilhelm and her friendships. Overall, more character development was needed in order to lend believability to how awful her boyfriend and friends treated her after the accident. I also think that Markaza and Lily’s friendship was too instantaneous. I was surprised at how easily Lily let the girl take over her life. I felt in Bronya, the two girls got to know each other in a more natural and realistic manner.

The prose is easy to read and flows at a great pace. The descriptions were well done, especially the ones involving Markaza’s visions. The end of the book was a nice set-up for the next one and I’m eager to see what happens when all of the gifted girls come together.

Shelia: I think I enjoyed Shelia the most out of the three Mystic books. Her story was truly heartbreaking. The author didn’t shy away from writing hard to read scenes. Shelia’s interactions with her uncle turned my stomach and her behavior in response to the abuse seemed realistic.

There was also more action in the latest installment of the series. The girls finally start experimenting with their powers while Markaza has more visions of the future. I was on the edge of my seat during a particularly harrowing scene where an attempted rape occurs.

Although the books are quick reads, they are not without packing an emotional punch. Almost EVERY PERSON is awful. It makes you wonder why the girls are even bothering to save humanity if these are the kinds of people they come across.

The book deals with tough subjects, but it was refreshing to read a very pro-feminist novel. The pacing was excellent and I finished the book in only two sittings.

Ratings:

Lily: 4/5 Stars

Shelia: 4.5/5 Stars

Writers Writing Reviews

As I’m getting more requests for reviews, I’m finding myself in a bit of a conundrum. My main issue is whether or not to publish unfavorable reviews of books. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to only publish reviews on books that I can award at least three stars.

The reason for my decision is that I’m a writer too. I know how angsty writing a novel can be. You’re basically giving people a glimpse into your private inner world. To read that someone thinks your story sucks is heartbreaking. I can read fifty favorable reviews on my novel and still find myself tormented over the one that rips my book apart.

As a writer, I decided to stop obsessing so much over reviews. I know some writers who don’t read reviews at all (I’m aiming to have that kind of will-power). Reviews can get into your head too much and it’s distracting when you’re writing subsequent novels.

I’ve received recommendations from other bloggers to set up a review policy. I’ve done that and posted it under my Contact tab. The gist of my policy is that I won’t post reviews on books I don’t finish or would rate one or two stars. Genres I’ll accept include New Adult, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance. 

Review: The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Goodreads Summary:

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Publication Date: September 1, 2012

The Dark Unwinding is one of my favorite character driven novels of the year. I loved the world that Katharine’s Uncle Tully created and enjoyed the growth we saw in Katharine during her time amongst the villagers. I loved the gothic feel blended with the steampunk elements.

Katharine is pretty unlikable at the book’s start. It may turn off a few readers. However, I enjoy books that feature protagonists that undergo a change for the better. I felt her flaws made her relatable and made her interactions with the wary villagers cringe-worthy to witness.

Uncle Tully is probably one of the most memorable characters I’ve come across in a long time. I loved the author’s depiction of an autistic man during that time period. It was heart-breaking to think of how he could be sent away for his differences. Each time he interacted with his niece, I felt a little choked up.

Lane is a good romantic lead. He’s protective of Uncle Tully and he had plenty of mystery surrounding him. The romance was secondary in the novel, but there were a couple of very sweet scenes.

One of my complaints was that the mystery element of the plot was fairly predictable. A twist I didn’t see coming would’ve been a pleasant surprise. The ending was open-ended which leads me to believe a sequel is in the works.

This was a quick and intriguing read that kept me up until the wee hours to finish. I’m excited to see what else will be released in the future by this amazing debut author.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book for review!