Review: Lovers and Liars

Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really don't know if I can give this book a star rating, but a 5-star rating seems appropriate.

As you can tell, this book is about lies; it is also about a family of 3 sisters, a mother, and the men in almost all their lives. This book had me feeling several emotions as I was reading it. I had a twisty, anxious feeling in my stomach for some parts, deep anger for other parts, and a nearly ho-hum feeling for a lot of it. But this book blended these parts well and kept me fascinated, so that I just had to finish it!

One sister - Sylvie - annoyed me with her dreaminess and longing for her long-dead husband (I know that sounds cold, but if you read this book, I think you'll see what I mean). Another sister -Emma- is keeping a HUGE secret (lie) from her husband that may destroy her family, and the last sister- Chloe- just can't seem to get her act together romantically even though she is an intelligent, sharp-witted woman.

Sylvie is getting married, and the whole family, including their estranged *itch of a mother, is going to England to a castle to see it happen. Of course, this castle happens to be Sylvie's fiance's castle!

Things go from excellent to bad to worse and then to nearly excellent again.

Everything is tied up neatly in a nice epilogue.

A perfect beach read, in my opinion. This was a fast read, told from three different views, and kept me riveted.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Ballantine Books/Random House, the author, and NetGalley. My thanks.


View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS : " Three wildly different sisters reunite for a destination wedding at an English castle in this heartfelt and rollicking novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters.

Once upon a time, the Peacock sisters were little girls who combed each other’s tangled hair. But decades of secrets have led them to separate lives—and to telling lies, to themselves and to one another.

Sylvie is getting married. Again. A librarian and widow who soothes her grief by escaping into books (and shelving them perfectly), Sylvie has caught the attention of an unlikely match: Simon Rampling, a mysterious, wealthy man from Northern England. Sylvie allows herself to imagine a life beside him—one filled with the written word, kindness, and companionship. She’s ready to love again . . . or is she?

Cleo is the golden child. A successful criminal defense lawyer with the perfect boyfriend, she is immediately suspicious of Simon. Is he really who he says he is? Cleo heads to Mumberton Castle with a case of investigative files, telling herself she will expose Simon and save her sister from more heartbreak . . . but who is she really trying to save?

Emma is living a lie. She can’t afford this fancy trip—and she definitely can’t tell her husband and sons why. She once dreamt of a line of her own perfumes. Fragrances allowed her to speak in silence. Now, that tendency for silence only worsens her situation. Will she emerge with her dignity and family intact?

When their toxic mother shows up, the sisters assume the roles they fell into to survive their childhood . . . but they just might find the courage to make new choices.

Set over a spectacularly dramatic weekend, in the grand halls of a sprawling castle estate—amidst floor-to-ceiling libraries, falconry lessons, and medieval meals—Lovers and Liars is the unforgettable story of a family’s ability to forgive and to find joy in one another once again."

Review: The Goldie Standard: A Novel

The Goldie Standard: A Novel by Simi Monheit
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a book that you may not want to judge by its cover nor by its description. I definitely did not find it "hilarious," but I did find it " unapologetically Jewish." This will be a difficult read for anyone who is born of Jews who lived through the horror of WWII. It may feel a bit more depressing, considering the troubles in the Middle East lately.

This was an intense, sometimes depressing read that was oftentimes confusing. The language on the grandmother's (Goldies) side is a deep mix of English and Hebrew, and it was difficult for a goy like me to understand. I felt like I wasn't getting the full impact of the story. However, it is perfect for those who speak the language!

The story was captivating, although I had to re-read many pages to fully grasp its direction and intent.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Sibylline Press, the author, and NetGalley.

View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS: "Maxie needs a husband according to her grandmother Goldie. But not just any husband...

Hilarious and surprising, this unapologetically Jewish story delivers a present-day take on a highly creative grandmother trying to find her Ph.D granddaughter a husband who is a doctor—with a yarmulke, of course. 

Goldie Mandell is opinionated, assertive, and stuck in an Assisted Living Facility. But even surrounded by schleppers with walkers, pictures of sunrises and fancy fish tanks, and an array of daily activities to complement the tepid tea and stale cookies on offer, her salt-free plate is full. She’s got a granddaughter to settle, an eager love interest named Harry to subdue, and precious memories of her happy marriage to fellow Holocaust survivor Mordy to draw upon. 

Maxie Jacobsen is young, brilliant, and newly single, not by choice. But she’s got her science career, a grandmother to care for, and her whole life ahead of her. When Maxie takes on the role of her grandmother’s medical advocate, she has no idea Goldie operates with the single purpose of securing Maxie with Dr. Right. Instead, Maxie is distracted by her grandmother’s unexpectedly charming long-haired, sandal-wearing, peculiarly-named driver, T-Jam Bin Naumann, definitely wrong in every way.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024"

Review: Old Girls Behaving Badly

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book wasn't as light a read as I thought it would be, and it didn't have the humor as was advertised in the blurb.

Both of these women are going through very bad times in their lives, and that is what makes this a more difficult-to-read book than I thought it would be. The mystery is a good one, and the ending has a lot of lovely twists and turns.

This book set us up for book two and a possible series. As much as I love reading about the older generation dealing with their life difficulties, I don't think I will be reading the next in this apparent series.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley.

View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS:"A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it's never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.

Something old, something new, something stolen…?

Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.

Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-three, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.

But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.

Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?"

Review: A Calamity of Souls

A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is nothing like any of the others that I have read by this author. It is a standalone that deals heavily with desegregation in the South during the late '60s. As we all know, this was a difficult time for America, especially in the southern part of the country. I find it interesting that Mr. Baldacci would publish this novel now when America is yet again having racial issues and an election is on the near horizon. But as someone else said, this is a "cause" book, and it shines as such.

It is a difficult book to read at times and not just because of the politics, bigotry, and bias - it is also difficult to read because it has been done before, although with a tad more subtlety. This book just pounds you over the head with hatred -aggressively.

It did have an interesting little twist at the end that I didn't see coming.

This book is very predictable, and I felt that the characters lacked something; some emotion, and I couldn't 'feel' for them.

For comparison, try the classic book To Kill a Mockingbird

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing | Hachette Book Group, the author, and NetGalley.






View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS: "Set in the tumultuous year of 1968 in southern Virginia, a racially-charged murder case sets a duo of white and Black lawyers against a deeply unfair system as they work to defend their wrongfully-accused Black defendants in this courtroom drama from #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Jack Lee is a white lawyer from Freeman County, Virginia, who has never done anything to push back against racism, until he decides to represent Jerome Washington, a Black man charged with brutally killing an elderly and wealthy white couple. Doubting his decision, Lee fears that his legal skills may not be enough to prevail in a case where the odds are already stacked against both him and his client. And he quickly finds himself out of his depth when he realizes that what is at stake is far greater than the outcome of a murder trial.

Desiree DuBose is a Black lawyer from Chicago who has devoted her life to furthering the causes of justice and equality for everyone. She comes to Freeman County and enters a fractious and unwieldy partnership with Lee in a legal battle against the best prosecutor in the Commonwealth. Yet DuBose is also aware that powerful outside forces are at work to blunt the victories achieved by the Civil Rights era.

Lee and DuBose could not be more dissimilar. On their own, neither one can stop the prosecution’s deliberate march towards a guilty verdict and the electric chair. But together, the pair fight for what once seemed impossible: a chance for a fair trial and true justice.

Over a decade in the writing, A Calamity of Souls breathes richly imagined and detailed life into a bygone era, taking the reader through a world that will seem both foreign and familiar."

Review: Love You, Mean It

Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Overall, this was an entertaining book. I was a little surprised to see how much the first couple of chapters were a duplicate of "While You Were Sleeping" (which reminded me of how much I liked that movie and that I should re-watch it!), but it quickly came into its own.

It was a typical enemies to lovers, to being in love book with several different monkey wrenches thrown into the mix.

I would have liked to have seen less inner dialog, extra-long descriptions of inanimate objects, and perhaps an epilogue to see how Ellie and Theo were doing in the future.

This was a very fast read, and it appealed to me quite a bit. I tend to stay away from books like this because I think they wouldn't appeal to someone my age, but if all these types of books were written with a mix of characters like this one, I would be more tempted to read more of them.

It sure is a book that I'm going to recommend!

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Dell/Random House, the author, and NetGalley.

View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS: "A playful romantic comedy featuring dueling delis, fake dating, a shockingly awesome ex, and just the right amount of amnesia.

Ellie Greco wishes she weren’t stuck in Milborough. For a few brief, shining years, she escaped her hometown to pursue her dream career—designing beautiful, elaborate costumes for theater—until her father's death five years ago called her home to run the family's decades-old deli. Yes, she loves the place, but she’d always thought she was meant for more exciting things than stocking the right tinned fish. But when Ellie hears that a local landlord is planning to rent to Mangia, the glitzy gourmet food department store, Greco's Deli's very existence is suddenly in jeopardy.

She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, scion of the property management firm about to put her out of business, but their meeting goes from bad (it’s not her fault he’s infuriating) to worse (no one expects the ceiling to literally fall in).

With Theo out cold, Ellie panics and claims to be his fiancée… and almost passes out herself when amnesia means Theo seems to actually believe her. Soon, the effects of the head injury wear off, but Theo proposes that their “engagement” stick around. If they manage to convince enough people they might both get what they an end to the Mangia deal. Ellie doesn’t trust him (after all, if Theo Taylor wants it, how can it be good for her?) but seeing no other option, reluctantly agrees.

And miraculously, the fake engagement seems to be working—even Ted, Theo’s shrewd, cold father seems convinced—that is until Sam, Theo’s ex-fiance, reappears on the scene. Not only does she see through their ruse, she proposes an arrangement of her own, forcing Ellie to decide between blossoming friendship, her family legacy, and the burgeoning romance she frankly never asked for."

Review: Patchwork Quilt Murder

Patchwork Quilt Murder by Leslie Meier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

It has been quite a while since I've read any of the Lucy Stone Mysteries. I don't know why she dropped off my radar, but after reading this book, I will have to do some heavy re-reading! I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery!

As I said, it has been a while, so I was amazed by how contemporary this book was and how twisty-turny the mystery was. The only reason I gave this book less than five stars was that I felt some of the minor issues didn't reach a full conclusion or were just swept under the carpet. It was nothing major and nothing that took me out of the story.

I believe that if you choose to start with this book, you will have no issues with not reading the preceding 29 books. I had no problems, and it's been years since I read my first Lucy book!

*ARC provided by the publisher Kensington Cozies/Kensington Books, the author Leslie Meier, and NetGalley.


#PatchworkQuiltMurder #NetGalley#KensingtonCozies#LeslieMeier

View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS:"During a heatwave in Tinker’s Cove, Maine, part-time reporter Lucy Stone becomes unseasonably entangled in handmade quilts—and a twisted case of murder . . .   When a community center opens in town, many embrace it as a space where locals of all ages can gather and create. Others view it as a waste of taxpayer dollars. The director, Darleen Busby-Platt, is no less controversial. Intense and showy, Darleen has huge plans for her new role. But Lucy believes the woman isn’t exactly as warm hearted—or qualified—as she seems. That hunch deepens when Darleen and a young employee vanish . . . and dismembered remains appear! With lots of clues and few concrete answers, Lucy rushes to connect loose ends. First there’s the disappearance of Tim Stillings, a troubled twenty-something who endured harsh treatment on the job. Next there’s Darleen herself, who made fast enemies as the highest-paid resident in Tinker’s Cove. Finally, there’s Darleen’s rich ancestry and ties to heirlooms worth either a fortune or nothing at all. The closer Lucy gets to the facts, the more she realizes that solving this murder depends on the lies. Because the truth rests somewhere between wild rumors, a trusted friend’s emotional new sewing project, and the authenticity of a mysterious three-hundred-year-old patchwork quilt. And Lucy must piece together the big picture—before she becomes part of crafty killer’s deadly design . . ."

Review: Only the Brave

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars
This is not a romance, not in the truest sense. Danielle Steel is generally known for her romances, but don't expect any in-depth romance with this novel. It is all about surviving the war. That is not to say that there is not a happy ending though.

I am of two differing minds about this book. It was a wonderful historical fiction book. I haven't read anything about WWII as intense and in-depth as this book in a long time. Some parts of this book made my stomach churn and really played on my emotions. It shows what a great writer Danielle Steel can be.

On the other hand, this book was very repetitious, sometimes even on the same page. Parts were overly dragged out, which is surprising for a book of this length.

It is worth the read if you can overlook the few flaws.

*ARC Supplied by the publisher Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, the author, and NetGalley.


View all my reviews

SYNOPSIS: "Danielle Steel is back with her universal brand of historical fiction, putting one incredible female protagonist up against the daunting landscape of WWII Germany. Offsetting the devastation and death of the conflict with the hope to keep going, this is another touching addition to the Steel literary empire.

ophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister, Theresa, and look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler’s rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly.

After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and helping however she can. Circumstances become increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia assists her sister’s daring escape from Germany, fleeing Germany with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever to help.

While working as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal oppression continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost."