Lilac Girls

When I first started this book, I thought it would live up to some of the not so positive reviews. As I got further into the book, it was not so. It is told from the 3 different points of view, 3 very different, 2 of which were real women. I found this to be a good thing as you can see also for 3 different ages of 3 different women. I will admit, when we are first introduced to Caroline, I thought her to be a bit boring and just another socialite. This was not so. She is very much a part of the story and needed to be included.

The war puts is in different places, and I found it heartbreaking what one human can do to another. One of the places we are placed is, Ravensbruck concentration camp exclusively for women. It is here I went thru several emotions. Sad, mad, horror, grief, disbelief and the loss of sympathy. I never heard of the Ravensbruck Rabbits till this book, I did not know if this was true so I looked it up. I learned not only were they true but there were more then first read about. Of course if I had waited I would have known that later on in the book.

Some reviews said there was a lack of growth in the characters nor was Caroline needed in the plot, again not true, I am not gonna say all of them "grew" but if you did not see the growth then you may not have understood the book, I saw the growth, of the characters. War changed people but being in a concentration camp probably changed people in a more altering way and growth came in a way no one could understand. If you think about it, think of being tortured daily for years, starving, praying to wake up the next day or to die. Years of sole crushing torture and loss. It's amazing when these camps were liberated, the people did not have help needed physiologically to help deal with the it. So they had to do the best the could to heal, as the characters in the book.

All that said, I could not put this book down, I had to finish it. I had to know what happened. I thought it to be a really good book. The author's notes say 2 of the 3 people were real and the third is based on another. The author's note did answer a couple of questions that were not in the story. I do recommend this book and the author's notes.

5/5

In the Dark Dark Wood

I have been busy but was finally able to read today. What a disappointment. I was excited to find and read this book, had many good reviews. 

First of all it was pretty slow to being in with. Then there are things done at this hen do I disagree with had me less then thrilled. Our heroine doesn’t want to participate, but does anyways. Then when thing finally get moving, it’s pretty predictable. You have to wonder about this heroine, she just seems not so bright or able to stand up for herself. Then the ending, really ?? Has she learned nothing throughout this book ?? Not my favorite at all but wasn’t my worst either.

3/5

The Last Time I lied

3.5 stars rounded up.


The story was easy enough to read, and actually had me wondering what could she have possibly lied about that was so bad. When it’s revealed I didn’t it was all that bad, but at her age, it made some sense. The action after and the ‘secret’ was revealed, I think they could dine more with that.  Finding the spot and more revealing of secrets I liked. The ending, I think made the book. I enjoyed the read and  really liked the ending. Worth the read.

The Woman in the Window

I liked this one, loved the references to the movie Vertigo, and many other classics, which I know and like/loved. I also loved she uses a Nikon camera. I am Nikon girl myself. There were many things I liked about this book, but there were a few moments you're like you can't do that, or pointing out things that were not right. I do this with movies to and it drives my family nuts. Like taking pictures thru a window. Not an easy thing to do, especially if the windows are not clean and at that focal length. Yes, I am a photographer. What bothered me the most was the wine and medications, but then she redeems herself and you understand so much more about Anna. I felt a range of emotions while reading this book, which is good, I was mad, I laughed, and I questioned. I figured out the villain and still the book was a good read, had a couple of twists and turns that made the book enjoyable.

The Couple Next Door

Wow, a definite page turner. Had me guessing til the very end. Kept me interested the whole way thru. Interesting characters and intriguing plot. Enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more by this author.

4/5

The Silent Patient

 I should note I have read and watched many mystery stories like this. This is a book I enjoyed reading, not a hard read, but kept me interested the whole time. I especially liked the different point of views offered, from Alicia's point of view and from those the Doctor interviewed. I also liked the twist at towards end, but I saw it coming. Never the less I enjoyed it. I loved how the Greek Tragedy, Alcestis was weaved into the story with Alicia's.  I did not like the way every time the couple went to bed together it was "we had sex." There are very few people I know that would write that every single time. The author could have changed that up a bit since it was found in the diary of a female. The ending was interesting. 

I say overall it was a good read and had a few moments of pure curiosity,  and ah hah moments. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. 

4/5

Pop Goes the Weasel

I liked this book. Liked the return off some of the characters from the first book as well as those we love to hate. Should have caught on to who done it but didn’t. The character development of Helen Grace was good. You see a side of her that is normally hidden. This is one series I will continue to read.

4/5