The Last Bookshop in London

 

4/5
A book for book lovers set in WWII London during the Blitz.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, with some touching moments. The book lover in me enjoyed it even more.

The characters were likable and some even unique. The author did an excellent job of writing the true bookworm. “Just one more chapter” “Falling into the book” two quotes that are easily noted and often said by book lovers everywhere.

Her writing was easy to read and enjoyable. At times it was obvious that things were not realistic but still she wove the story well.

As most know I am not big on romantic novels. There is not much romance but just enough to make it a feel good ending.

I will read more from this author.

Hour of the Witch

4/5
Let me start by saying this is again a book that is not for everybody. The font for me was not the greatest. The story is long, and very slow at times. Definitely not a thriller. More of a mystery if I had to describe it. I also warn you if abuse is a trigger for you that is in this story.

I did like this story. I was angry at times and wanted to reach into the story and slap some men. Mary tries to divorce her husband for cruelty but during those times it wasn’t so easy. It is ok for a husband to discipline his wife. His word is more credible then hers.

Then she is on trial for being a witch. While there is more evidence that proves to be someone else, even suggesting her husband Thomas. Of course a man can not be a witch. She must be lying.

I also actually learned a little history. Quakers, in this time era where not welcomed but punished instead. Truly this is a sad thing as well.

How she handles these troubling times is where we see her strength and compassion. Many times she had the opportunity to get even, but chooses the path of right over wrong. It also shows her who her true friends are.

Even tho the ending seemed a little rushed I liked it. Mary’s strength and intelligence is what helps her through everything. Her faith she does question but the answer is a bit different then you’d expect.

I really enjoyed this story and found it hard to put down. I had to know. It was slow in some parts. The language was not a problem for me. I would recommend this book with the warning the abuse and of its pace. I will never look or think of the fork the same way again.

Little Secrets

4/5
Another good read from Jennifer Hillier. Think I may even like this one better then jar of hearts.

This is a thriller couple of twists that were unexpected. Still thinking on that. Just goes to show we don’t always know those we think we do. Secrets are something most people have, but rarely show.

The story moves at a good pace. It kept me interested and had me guessing. I could not imagine losing your child and going through all that pain, and guilt.

I did not like all the GD words. Didn’t think they were necessary. Beyond that I would definitely recommend this book. Will be looking for more of hers.

Points for Haunting of Hill House and The Vanishing

Goodnight from London

4/5
3.5 rounded up.
Nice easy story. Not a lot happens but still interesting. Good characters that are likable. The whole story of the Blitz told from a viewpoint of an American reporter. Was expecting a little more excitement but was ok with out it.

Some romance, a little friendship and a lot of nice easy reading.

Every Last Fear

4/5
was drawn in at the very beginning of this book. I did like this one.

The story is a simple yet complicated one. Did he or didn't he do it ?? Is he innocent or is his family full of wishful thinking ?? Had me guessing and thinking the whole way thru. Just when you think you knew the person, they were shown in a different light.

The book had a good pace, not to fast and not to slow, it kept moving and what told from everyone's point of view so you could see the whole picture as it develops. The characters were likable and some were diverse. I could understand how they felt being under the shadow of the brother Danny. There was a time are two you saw the characters were not perfect and some tried to redeem themselves.

The story it's self could have to just about anyone. Girl is murdered at a high school party. Who killed her and why ?? Then there is the family of the the accused that is dead all but one. Why ?? What happened ?? Are the cases related ??

I definitely recommend this one, nice read, with a twist or two.

When the Stars go Dark

3/5
Again, I am against the grain.
This book was good but not great, was not a thriller. I was a mystery that took place years ago. when I started reading this book, it was not right away clear. It becomes clear later on. Interestingly, I do remember some of this from the real life she took from.

I liked the characters, they seemed realistic and some where more of the hippie set. I could see these characters and their actions or words. The Setting was good, actually a little different and I did have to look up Fort Bragg. I thought there was only one. I was wrong, there is a Fort Bragg in Cali.

I think, it may have been a bit much. I understand the need to explore Anna's background but it seemed most of it was not relevant, some with some of the other characters.

If your looking for an edge of the seat thriller this is not it, this is more of a mellow slower moving mystery. I do admit I did not pick the right person, but it wasn't like it was centered on a set of suspects, it was more of a catching the killer from the news we don't know who it is, nor do you know if they are local vs traveling based on the info given.

Like a said it was not a bad. It is a good story, not great but good. I just don't see all the hype for it.

The Photographer

3/5

Oh boy, what do I say ?? I was hoping this would be a better book then it was. It was not all together bad, but failed to live up to my expectations.
A photographer, a good song used as a name, making of a good book. A lot of the photography stuff was actually pretty much on point. I prefer Nikon over Canon, not that is mattered that much. A lot of my photography friends shoot Canon.

 Loved the song Delta Dawn, one of the favorites when traveling. Yes, sung by Tanya Tucker In her earlier career.

The story really didn’t have a lot of excitement. It’s more of a slow paced, with a few moments that you question. No huge plot twist. Slow and steady. For the most part I was kept interested.

Was an ok book but nothing to write home about.

Also, when writing or taking, about people with hearing loss, the term “hearing impaired” is not the right term to use. It’s implies that we are broken, in need of being fixed. Not the case. We are proud of our culture and don't see ourselves as needed to be fixed or broken. Use; deaf of HoH.

The Plot

4/5
When I finished this book, I was very angry, talking red hot angry. So I decided to wait and cool off before writing this review. No, I did not throw the book.

The beginning, it took me a lot to stay interested in the first part. Seemed like not a lot was going on and very wordy. I decided to stick it out and finish the book seeing so many positive reviews. I do tend to be an odd reader when it comes to those pesky reviews that are not my same opinions. The second thing, I knew who it was as soon at the character was introduced into the book. Which lead to more parts I thought could have been done differently.

As an artist, or person that is creative, I found that Jacob Finch Bonner to be correct on the fact you can not copyright a plot and many people do use the same plot often. Just look at the thrillers most have the same plot. I don't think he so much stole the story as it was more of a coincidence. So when our bad guy states he stole the story, he in fact did not. Oh I know this is probably a part of what makes the story what it is. Yes, he read the few pages but changed everything and never knew what happened. The beginning, or ending, just some in the middle. As with photography, photographers can have the same idea and even similar images of this idea. You can't copyright the idea, but you can copyright the image. Same can be said here.

As I said the ending left me very angry, why would Jacob just so willing take the pills given to him, especially not knowing what they were ?? Yes, the soup was spiked with Valium but that does not change who you are, and what would you do. Jacob after receiving all those notes and letters, decided to actually do some investigating, granted it took some time but he finally does it. After all that investigating, knowing all he knows, he just takes the pills and does nothing, this bothers me. On top the fact this murderer has now just gotten away with their fifth murder and no one questions it. The guy is Jewish, and it doesn't seem like something he would do. But no one doubts it.

All that aside, I thought it was still a good book. I loved the story in the story, we get to see what happened thru two sets of storytelling. The story is a good one, both of them. You can see and understand more of why things went the way it did, even tho parents actually usually love their kids.

I was back and forth on the likability of the characters. Sometimes I liked them, sometimes not. The exception of course is bad guy. I was of the you gotta a lot of nerve, just wait, most of the time. I liked meeting those along the way of his investigating, especially those in South.

It all boils down to this, the author wanted to evoke emotions, and she did. She told a story that got a reaction. No matter it was bad or good. As much as I did not like the ending, I was pulling for the underdog here. Will I read another one of her books ?? Yes. It was a good book, kept me interested, especially when Jacob started investigating. When we see the whole picture, and realize there is more too it then what Jacob Finch Bonnor wrote.