Review: Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything

Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything by Kristin Bair O'Keeffe
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not going to be a long review -I really don't have a lot to say about this book. Actually, I do have a lot to say, but I don't want to give the whole book away!

I had to actually force myself through the first 2/3 of this book. I really disliked the narrative and the characters. The trope/s drove me crazy also! But the last third or so really kept me captive. I was really rooting for Agatha to get her sh*t together, and as much as I disliked the secondary and tertiary characters -it was nice to see them grow also.

All in all, it was a quick read that would have made a great beach read.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

View all my reviews

The Big Tow:An Unlikely Romance by Ann McMan

 

The Big Tow: An Unlikely Romance
by 

Ann McMan (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 20, 2020  

it was ok

bookshelves: 2020, dianne-s-2020, galleys-arcs

This was a sweet lesbian love story with more cons than there were pro's I'm sorry to say.

This is not the author's first foray into fiction, but it felt like it.

I think what bothered me the most about this book is its resemblance to the Janet Evanovich "Stephanie Plum" series. This was the biggest 'con' and turn-off for me. For instance: Stephanie loses a good job that she disliked and falls into a position that makes her look like a fool (initially) bounty hunter. Nick (Vera) the same thing except that she is a repo woman. Stephanie gets a partner. So does Nick. In both books, one partner is white, one is black or mixed race. In both books, they all suck at their jobs but get them done. Both books have irritating bosses. Both books rely heavily on race. Both deal with relationships on the job with their partners. Both books, well one series more than the other, deal with a mystery. I can keep going showing the similarities, but I won't.


Pro:
1) Sweet love

2) good mystery-when it gets around to it.

3) Good build-up to the sex scenes.

4) No steam whatsoever. Except for kissing, sex was kept 'off-screen.' I put this in both the pro and the con column. It depends on what you are looking for in a romance.

Con:

1) A lawyer not figuring out that something illegal was going on??? This led me to realize that these were very unrealistic characters.

2) No steam whatsoever. Except for kissing, sex was kept 'off-screen.'

3) Unlikeable characters.

4) Not funny humor.

5) Slow moving story.

I don't know -it's really up to you, the reader/ lover of author Ann McMan. I can't really make up your mind unless finding out that I thought it was a bit mind-numbing makes you choose?

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

  

My Last Duchess (The Wildes of Lindow Castle, #0.5)
by 

Eloisa James (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 19, 2020  

it was amazing

bookshelves: 2020, dianne-s-2020, galleys-arcs, to-recommend

This book is the prequel of the Wildes of Lidow Castle. Can it be read as a standalone? Most definitely, as this is how I read it. I have read some of Ms. James' books but haven't read any in this particular series. I loved this prequel so much that I will be buying and reading all the others in this series.

This was a fresh and delightful look at how widows and widowers of a particular station interact, deal with their sexuality, and fall in love. This book has a wonderful, emotional, and comedic storyline and is perfectly steamy without going overboard.

I can't wait to get my hands on the other books in The Wildes of Lindow Castle!

*ARC supplied by publisher and author.

SYNOPSIS:  "New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Wildes series with a prequel about the Wilde children's parents, Hugo, Duke of Lindow, and Ophelia, Lady Astley.

Every Duke needs a Duchess...

Hugo Wilde, the Duke of Lindow, has a drafty castle, eight naughty children—and no wife. Ophelia, Lady Astley, has a fine house, one well-behaved daughter—and no husband.

Hugo takes one look at Ophelia and loses his heart, but she doesn’t want more children or a castle. She takes one look at him and heads for her carriage.

Desperate to find a duchess, Hugo identifies an appropriate lady to woo. Yet when he meets Ophelia again, the duke realizes that he will marry her, or no one.

Now he faces the greatest challenge of his life.

He must convince Ophelia that their blazing sensuality, his exquisite castle, and his eight charming children add up to a match made in heaven.

When duke finds his duchess, can he win her heart?

A Wildes series prequel about the Wilde children’s parents, Hugo, Duke of Lindow, and Ophelia, Lady Astley. "

 

The Once and Future Witches
by 

Alix E. Harrow (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 16, 2020  

really liked it

bookshelves: 2020, galleys-arcs, netgalley, over-hyped

I finished this book yesterday, and I just had to digest what I read. This will be the perfect read for those who like witch stories, someone looking for a great Halloween read, and those who want women's rights stories. As far as I'm concerned, that is more of what this book is about. Women being treated as second class citizens and the fight for our rights.

The story is quite engaging in parts; a real page-turner. But then, at times, it devolved into an overly wordy page filler.

There are a couple of issues I had with this tale, and those are the usage of modern-day slang during the late 1800s and the fact that I didn't get enough back story. I was never able to figure out just what the sister's father did to them -was he also a witch, or was he a child abuser, pedophile. I felt like I missed some chapters or that I was just stupid for not understanding what was evident to everyone else that read this book.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author. My thanks to both.

SYNOPSIS: "In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters--James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna--join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote-and perhaps not even to live-the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be."

Sisters of War by Lana Kortchik

 

Sisters of War
by 

Lana Kortchik (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 12, 2020 

it was ok

bookshelves: galleys-arcs, re-pub, netgalley, never-read-again, over-hyped

The positive reviews that this book got have me a bit confused. It was one of the most depressing books about war that I have ever read. That means it was certainly one of the most realistic portrayals of war I have ever read. Kudos to the author on that aspect.

However, the love story and the Disney-esque endings to the different threads of the story were absurd and the relationships between the sisters didn't really ring true.

This is a re-print and at .99 cents (Amazon on Kindle) price makes this a bargain just to read the descriptions of what life was like in Kiev (Kyiv) during this time.

*ARC supplied by the publisher.

DESCRIPTION:*The USA Today bestseller!*

'A powerful and hard-hitting novel' – Deborah Swift

A dark shadow is about to fall over the golden cupolas of Kiev…

As the Red Army retreats in the face of Hitler’s relentless advance across Eastern Europe, the lives of sisters Natasha and Lisa are about to change forever.

While Lisa’s plans to marry her childhood sweetheart turn to tragedy under the occupation, Natasha grows close to Mark, a Hungarian soldier, enlisted against all his principles on the side of the Nazis.

But as Natasha fights for the survival of the friends and family she loves, the war threatens to tear them apart.

The Story of Us is a powerful tale of love, loss, and the power of hope set in Kiev during the Second World War, perfect for fans of Kate Furnivall, Pam Jenoff, and V. S. Alexander.

What readers are saying about The Story of Us:
‘A really brilliant read’

‘Excellent research and a fascinating story’

‘Great story, definitely worth reading’

‘I was really drawn into the story and finished it in a few sittings, and would recommend it heartily’

‘Brilliant story, from the start to finish just couldn't put it down. Such a good author’

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

 

Love Your Life
by 

Sophie Kinsella (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 09, 2020  

did not like it

bookshelves: 2020, galleys-arcs, netgalley, over-hyped

The premise of this book sounds interesting. It sounds like it should be an excellent relaxing pop-corn read, something that you breeze through quickly. Not for me. I was wondering why when I was reading this that my stomach was burning and in knots, I had a stress headache, and I felt depressed -now that I've finished this ARC, I know why.

It is said that a person's brain reaches its adult growth stage at 25. Now I don't know if that is true or not, but with these two characters, I would have to say that information is totally false. I have never seen two so-called adults act like they were still 13 but with sex. I could not stand flaky, insipid Ava, or stick up the butt, closed off Matt.

The premise ended up being preposterous and unbelievable. How could anyone fall in love in less than a week, plus do it without knowing not one thing about the other? Not even their real name?

I'm sorry, I know this book is getting fantastic reviews, but I just don't buy the HEA in this book.

*ARC received from the publisher.

SYNOPSIS: "From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Owe You One, an utterly delightful novel about a woman who ditches her dating app for a writer's retreat in Italy--only to find that real love comes with its own filters

Call Ava romantic, but she thinks love should be found in the real world, not on apps that filter men by height, job, or astrological sign. She believes in feelings, not algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app debacle, she decides to put love on hold and escapes to a remote writers' retreat in coastal Italy. She's determined to finish writing the novel she's been fantasizing about, even though it means leaving her close-knit group of friends and her precious dog, Harold, behind.

At the retreat, she's not allowed to use her real name or reveal any personal information. When the neighboring martial arts retreat is canceled and a few of its attendees join their small writing community, Ava, now going by "Aria," meets "Dutch," a man who seems too good to be true. The two embark on a baggage-free, whirlwind love affair, cliff-jumping into gem-colored Mediterranean waters and exploring the splendor of the Italian coast. Things seem to be perfect for Aria and Dutch.

But then their real identities--Ava and Matt--must return to London. As their fantasy starts to fade, they discover just how different their personal worlds are. From food choices to annoying habits to sauna etiquette . . . are they compatible in anything? And then there's the prickly situation with Matt's ex-girlfriend, who isn't too eager to let him go. As one mishap follows another, it seems while they love each other, they just can't love each other's lives. Can they reconcile their differences to find one life together?"

The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop by Fannie Flagg

 

The Wonder Boy of Whistle Stop
by 

Fannie Flagg

Dianne's review

Sep 08, 2020  

it was amazing

bookshelves: galleys-arcs, 2020, arc-i-puchased, netgalley, to-recommend

Oh my! I adored this book just as much as I loved the first one - "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe". For those readers who loved the first book, you definitely need to pre-order this one. It is written in the same manner as the first book with short chapters and the story going back and forth in time. I found it very easy to read.

Unfortunately, we do lose a few of our beloved characters, but that is expected when the dualogy starts at the beginning of the 19th century!

This book centralizes on Buddy, his daughter Ruthie and Evelyn and how their lives growing up has affected them. However, there is a surprise toward the end just waiting for you!

This sentence may be a tad spoilerish, but I'm going to let you know that none of our main characters die! Thank-goodness. Life is good in Whistle Stop. I hope to see you soon at the Whistle Stop Cafe, and I hope we can share a plate of fried green tomatoes!

**ARC supplied by the publisher and the author. Many thanks for that, and for trusting me to write an unbiased review!

 

Immortal Angel (Argeneau #31)
by 

Lynsay Sands (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's review

Sep 08, 2020 t

really liked it

bookshelves: 2020, dianne-s-2020, galleys-arcs

I've loved this author and all of her different series since she first came to my attention years ago, so I was delighted to receive this book as an ARC.

Even though there are 30 books ahead of this one, you really don't need to read them all to get into this one. But I suggest that if you like this one, do read the whole series to see how the author has developed her series over time.

This was a great book with well-developed characters, plotlines, and a shocking twist at the end. I do so love strong women characters that aren't afraid to show a bit of softness.

This book really did it for me, and that means the next chance I get, I'm going to be re-reading it as well as the rest of the series.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author for an unbiased review.

The White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha

 

The White Coat Diaries
by 

Madi Sinha

Dianne's s review

Sep 03, 2020  

it was amazing

bookshelves: 2020, books-with-aut-or-fan-issues, galleys-arcs, netgalley, re-read

4.5 stars rounded up.

I can not think of the words to describe my love of this book. This book is going on my re-read shelf and may even make it onto my comfort read shelf! These books are the ones I re-read when life is kicking you in the face, and you need something that will help you destress.

At first glance, this sem to be a typical coming of age novel. For a while, it even seemed as if it was going to be a typical romance. However, it is much more than that. At first glance, the protagonist appears to be your typical ethnic caricature, but she develops into so much more than that. Norah really grows into a woman of worth. Her ride is a bumpy one. For a while, I lost a little of my faith in Norah as a good person. The author soon clears the air, and you finally see Norah as what she could have been all along if circumstances had been different.

I hope that this author thinks about writing a sequel to this book and that Norah might get a happily ever after.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

SYNOPSIS:"Grey’s Anatomy meets Scrubs in this brilliant debut novel about a young doctor’s struggle to survive residency, love, and life.

Having spent the last twenty-something years with her nose in a textbook, brilliant and driven Norah Kapadia has just landed the medical residency of her dreams. But after a disastrous first day, she's ready to quit. Disgruntled patients, sleep deprivation, and her duty to be the "perfect Indian daughter" have her questioning her future as a doctor.

Enter chief resident Ethan Cantor. He's everything Norah aspires to be: respected by the attendings, calm during emergencies, and charismatic with the patients. As he morphs from Norah’s mentor to something more, it seems her luck is finally changing.

When a fatal medical mistake is made, pulling Norah into a cover-up, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to protect the secret. What if “doing no harm” means risking her career and the future for which she’s worked so hard?"

Older (A Younger Novel) by Pamela Redmond Satran

  

Older (A Younger Novel)

by 

Pamela Redmond Satran (Goodreads Author)

Dianne's  review

Sep 02, 2020  · 

really liked it

bookshelves: 2020, dianne-s-2020, galleys-arcs

I was worried that I was missing out on something by not reading Younger first, but I didn't have to worry since this book essentially told the entire story of that book. So just in case you were wondering if you should read Younger first, don't! Jump right in. But I must say that out of pure curiosity and liking this author's style, I am going to be reading that book next!

Because of what I had read about this book, I had thought that I was going to get an insightful look into someone close to me in age, their friends, and their relationships. What I got was more or less a cast of unlikeable character's going through teenage problems, attitudes, and issues with a few adult problems thrown in.

I can't say this was a bad book; I actually enjoyed it and found it slightly amusing. Perhaps it would be more entertaining to someone younger, who hasn't reached their fifties yet.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

SYNOPSIS:In the hotly anticipated sequel to the beloved Younger—now a hit TV series from the creator of Sex and the City starring Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff—Liza Miller is torn between two cities and two hearts when her bestselling novel is picked up by a major television network.

New York or Los Angeles? Romance or commitment? Younger…or older?

Liza Miller never dreamed that anyone would be interested in her life, let alone buy a book about it. But everything changes when, on the eve of her fiftieth birthday, she publishes a thinly veiled novel about a woman posing as a millennial called Younger—which her old friend Kelsey wants to turn into a TV show.

Liza is off to Los Angeles to help Kelsey write the pilot. But that means leaving behind her on-again off-again boyfriend Josh, her pregnant daughter, and her best friend Maggie. Can Liza find happiness in her new adventure if it means leaving everyone she loves?

Yet as Liza is swept up in the heady world of Hollywood, she finds herself thinking less and less of her life back home in New York. And when she meets Hugo Fielding—the devastatingly handsome and incredibly flirtatious Brit playing her boss on the show—she toes the line between having a crush and falling in love.

Torn between New York and Los Angeles, a familiar love and a risky one, an established career and a shot at stardom, Liza must decide if it’s too late to go to the ball...and if she even wants to. From the author of the beloved Younger, this is an endearing, hilarious, and relatable tale of second chances and new beginnings that proves: the best thing about getting Older is that you finally get to be yourself.