Unveiled; Tamar

5/5
I really liked this one. I liked the story of Rehab, one of my favorite bible stories, but I did not know Tamar. She is not one I have studied before.

The story brings many challenges that women faced back then front and center. Tamar was a sting person who handled each challenge with grace and dignity.

Easy to read, and still a page turner.

Invisible Girl

3.5/8

This book was more then a 3 but less then a 4. Bumped up to 3 1/2 stars.

This was not a bad book but the beginning kinda dragged one. Then the perspectives timeline changes out of the blue, while some are on Valentines day another is on Christmas. This not a big deal necessarily, but if your not paying attention it can be a little confusion.

Towards the middle the book moves but still not much happens till the end. I had it all figured out and thought it was predictable. The Dr. Fours did give me the hebbie jebbies, and I did not like all of what Owen went through. On the word of the females the man lost more then he should have, felt like it was to much of a me too movement. He and only he seemed to be the target from the cops. He did however learn and grow from the experience which I did like, nothing wrong with growing and learning.

Over all the book was not bad, just a little slow in the beginning.

Our Darkest Night

5/5
Wow, this had all the feels. Happy, sad, angry. I knew there was at heart a love story. Not sure what to expect but it did definitely deliver.

It’s a powerful story about love and loss, and family. It kept turning pages and at times needed to know what happened next. It takes place it a very small town in Italy
and many other place VIA the Nazis. Some scenes I had tears in my eyes. Through it all our characters grow and change, as war does, especially this World War II

Definitely recommend this read and have tissues ready. The human spirit and hope are amazing things. The love of family is strong. This book shows us just that.

The Lost Apothecary

4/5
Let me start off by saying this is not an edge of your seat thriller mystery. It’s a mystery but It is a different kind. One about finding the past in the present. I liked it. Sometimes you just need an interesting story.
I would think it awesome to find a small vial that connects the here and now to the past. The story behind it, the people involved. And when you think it’s all done you realize it’s not. That was a pleasant moment. I also like the idea of mudlarking. Sounds intriguing and different.

What I didn’t like, she threw the vial back into the river. The one thing that connects her to the past. The one thing that made her realize her dreams, an important part of a dissertation she wants to write. I get it was supposed to be her secret, but you can keep the sect and the vial. I know I’m a sentimentalist, but really ?!? This is why it did not earn the fifth star. Also would have been nice to learn more about the secret room and items after she found them.

The Burning Girls

4/5
Another good book from this author. Really enjoy her books.
I had part of this one figured out and wanted to know more about the brother. Loved the story of the burning girls and martyrs. Unusual and interesting.

This one did have a bit of a different feel. I knew the parent phone text were not who they were based on the fact I’m a parent. Flo gave of the vibe of being a bit older.

The thing that bugged me ?? Once you break a Nikon that’s no longer being made, repairs are next to impossible. Hard to find.

Points for the Nikon tho.

Conspiracy in Belgravia

3/5

Better then the first one. Still a little drawn out but interesting. Would have liked a bit more character growth. Surprised at a few things. All together not bad.

The Yellow Bird Sings

4/5
This was a story that is quiet but speaks volumes. I am sure those who have children can understand the pain and grief.
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but it brought me to tears several times. I can never imagine the infinite pain this mother went thru. Based on a true story, I wonder did Roza really live in the woods that long without being caught ??

Shira showed her own strength in music and the yellow bird. The yellow bird stayed with her till the end of the book. That was one of the point I had tears in my eyes. After so much pain, and so much away from each other the yellow bird still showed the way.

I think this book is more about the quiet strength, and how strong someone can be even in pain. Children don't always understand the lengths a mom will go thru, just to make sure their child is safe and well.

The Keeper of Lost Things

 

4/5

.Admittedly, this is not my usual type of read. I am glad I stepped outside the box on this one. Lovely story with a great cast of characters. I really enjoyed it.

It made me laugh, it put tears in my eyes, and I smiled as I turned the last page. I really liked the little stories inside the big story. I enjoyed the characters, especially Sunshine. I also liked how it came full circle.

The concept of the book was inspiring, I don't think I will collect things I find, I have enough of my own as it is. It showed that sometimes the little things mean a lot. It can heal the broken heart and have a great story behind it, the final lost object, did a great job of connecting everyone.

The Other People

4/5

Wow, what an adventure this book turned out to be. When I finally had the chance to actually sit and read I read it in one siting. I had to know who happened next, had to know who did what. It had a little bit of everything in it. This book really delivered, after not knowing if it would live up to The Chalk Man.
I honestly thought by the name of this book I might be reading about aliens, which I do not like, never have liked alien movies or books. Talk about not judging a book by it's cover. No aliens, just a good book with a clever theme. Unusual as I like it. I did like most of the characters. I did not piece everything together and when it all came together I was, In a state of shock or disbelief, but it made sense.

I am waiting patiently for her next book. Really like how she writes, adding her to my list of growing favorite authors.

Watching You

4/5
3.5 rounded up for the backstory.
I found this book a little hard to get into. The story was good and again a story that brings bulling to the heart of the story.

There were twists and a turn or two but I saw it coming. It’s when they bring the story full circle that has you understanding better why. There was a red herring or two as well. I liked some of the characters but not all of them.
Overall it was a good book. Easy read.
Points for blue Lexus and well-met from worst witch.

The Family Upstairs

4/5
Have I mentioned I like stories that are unusual ?? This was one of them, unique, creepy, and enjoyable read.
I liked this book, I have read many from her and I think she has done a great job again. The many view points help us understand what everyone is thinking and how, when pushed we may make choices we never thought we would. Henry is the perfect example of the three sides to every story. I also was glad that the Phin - Henry storyline did not go into the romantic place. Made the story better that they did not, added to Henry's story.

there was a twist or two that was good, did not see all of that coming. interesting and enjoyable, quick read.