Book Review: The Wife App - Carolyn Mackler

 

“The Wife App” is Carolyn Mackler’s first adult novel. For a long time, I’ve jokingly told friends (male and female) that they need “a wife” when they’re overwhelmed by things related to their house/life - housekeeping, ferrying kids, cooking meals, organizing trips, dealing with aged parents, or organizing their houses. So, when I saw the summary for this book, I thought “let’s see where this goes.” This book goes into a lot of different directions. There’s the introduction to the characters, who were pretty easy to keep straight (though I’ll admit to even toward the end getting the kids mixed up). The chapters were short, which was really appreciated. I liked the idea of the app and the things discussed regarding the app (what was expected, rules, sliding scale, potential health care). I found some of the directions that the book went, however, a bit odd; I don’t mind an author “checking boxes,” but I also like when those directions are taken that they seem realistic. Also, I found a few of the sex scenes described rather crassly. While I liked the idea of this book, I cannot say that it was wonderfully executed for my taste. I’d give this book a 3.5 star rating, but I’ll round it up to 4 as it wasn’t a horrible read (I read it in about a day) and there is representation, which I think people will enjoy.

Book Review: Threshold - Kevin Barry O'Connor

 

“Threshold” is the second book in a series by Kevin Barry O’Connor. This book had credible characters with lots of action. The writing is interesting and engaging. Although I read the first book, I believe the author does a great job filling new readers to the series in as to not miss much. This book felt like it would be a very engaging TV movie. Amazon says this book will be available on 28 JUN 2023.

Book Review: Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts - Kristyn Miller

 

“Seven Rules for Breaking Hearts” is a rom-com, enemies to lovers book by Kristyn Miller. What I enjoyed about this book was that while it was about a podcast, the podcast’s role as a character decreased as the story progressed. It’s difficult to balance a podcast in a book, but I felt that Ms. Miller did a fine job. I enjoyed that this book was mainly set on Catalina, with a shout-out to the bison. I also liked some of the word play between the two main characters and that there was both “band geek” and “engineering nerd” humor bits. I felt like the beginning half set up the story a bit too much, but I did like that all that set up had parts addressed later in the book. I’d say that this was a bit of a predictable book but sometimes that’s comforting - you know what you’re going to get but it’s okay. Overall, 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 as this is the author's debut novel.

 

Book Review: Zero Days - Ruth Ware

 

Ruth Ware is an author who is hit and miss with me. Sometimes I love her books and sometimes they lie there. However, her ideas are usually rather interesting so that’s why I keep wanting to read her books. “Zero Days” is an interesting one. I knew about pen tests, though not by that name (I rather thought it was smart of an acquaintance to hire hackers to get into her website and then fix said holes; and I worked at a company that often had physical pen tests done) - so I found that part of the story really interesting. I found Jack an interesting character, though I did wonder why upon receiving an email she didn’t immediately think “this is odd” and investigate earlier than she did, but maybe that’s just me. Overall, this was a rather good fun ride - there’s a good set-up, there’s a lot of thinking, there’s a lot of super creative spy-type stuff, there’s technology, and there’s using wits. I’m not sure how I felt about the who-done-it (I figured who hadn’t done it pretty early) only because a) it seemed obvious one the story got rolling, and b) it really bothered me. That being said, I did like Jack’s sister a lot and Ms. Ware’s description of four year olds was pretty great. If you enjoy Ms. Ware’s other books, pick this one up. 

Book Review: Hotel Laguna - Nicola Harrison

 

“Hotel Laguna” is a historical fiction book by Nicola Harrison. This book takes place in one of my favorite places to visit - Laguna Beach, California. It starts off with our main character, Hazel, working for Douglas Aircraft during WWII. At the end of the war, she wants to continue to work, but is let go. She ends up in Laguna Beach and finds work as an assistant for an artist. Long story short - there’s a bit of a mystery (where is a painting), a bit of a slow romance, and Hazel’s overwhelming love for the town. I would have loved to have had an Author’s Note about how she came up with the story - and what was factual and what the author made up (for instance, was the artist based upon someone). This book is a bit predictable, but it was an enjoyable read (I read it in about 24 hours), but I didn’t mind as it was also a fun read. Additionally, I spent a bit of time online looking up paintings (Lady Hamilton at the Spinning Wheel is a real painting) and recalling the lovely coastline of Laguna Beach.

Book Review: The Lyric of Memory - Hilari T. Cohen

 

I'm really torn about this book. I loved the beginning - the set-up, the going back in time, the present, the writing, the meeting of these characters - the way music played a huge part of their lives ... and then toward the last 20% it just felt blah for me. I don't know if it was because I took a break from reading the book or if, for me, at its core I wasn't expecting a second-chance romance. The therapist wanting everyone together may be true - but it felt a bit forced (what if Tom hadn't been there, would it still have been insisted upon for back-filler?). From a strong four read for me [I still love those beginning chapters] down to a near three stars based upon the ending section. I so wanted to like this a lot more than I did. I'd read another book by Ms. Cohen - as it started off so strongly - but this isn't one I'd read again.

Book Review: A Valuable Asset - Chloe Archambault

 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from “A Valuable Asset” by Chloe Archambault. I knew it was an action thriller - and on that it delivered. Technically is the second book in the “Decoy” series, but I read it as a stand-alone and it was fine. This book is very fast paced and the book flows well. There were number of twists and turns. I did rather early on figure out “the bad person,” but that didn’t deter from my enjoyment of the overall story. I did have some issues with people’s last names being repeated seemingly randomly through the book. If you like action adventure with Russian spies, murder, mystery, and the like - this could be a book you enjoy. 3.75 stars.

Book Review: The House of Lincoln - Nancy Horan

 

 

I’ll be honest - “The House of Lincoln” by Nancy Horan wasn’t the book I was expecting it to be. Based upon the Publisher’s summary, I expected this to be about Ana and her relationship with the Lincolns. While that was there, that wasn’t the main thrust of the book. I did like the inclusion of the other characters and their situations - and how their stories related to both what was going on in Springfield and, in some ways, affecting Ana. The research Ms. Horan did is very evident and those parts I also enjoyed. But as this wasn’t the book I was expecting to read, I’m a bit disappointed. If you like historical fiction and are interested in the town of Springfield’s history, this might be a book you’d enjoy. For me this book is probably a 3.5 star read, but I rounded down due to a few factors.

Book Review: The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club - Julia Bryan Thomas

 

“The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club” is by Julia Bryan Thomas. I would call this book a “coming of age” one for four college women in the 1950s. They are all women but not what one might call “street smart.” They’re aware of how the world works, but seem resistant to forge a new (or different than expected) path. Back in the 1950s it wasn’t as accepted as today by society to be independent - to not play by the “it’s a man’s world” rules/games (just look at the TV show Mad Men). Out of all the characters I have to say that my favorite was the bookseller, Alice. She was older (and wiser) than the college women, but also saw areas of grey. She had left the life expected of her, forged on her own, and while not doing wonderfully financially was at least content with her life and her life choices. I had a difficult time, at the beginning, keeping the college women apart (except for Caroline), but as the chapters progressed it became easier to do so as storylines developed. I found the idea of classical book reading compared to present day (1950s) an interesting one. While some of the book discussions were a bit over my head as I haven’t read all the books mentioned, it is interesting to read a book knowing the history of when it was written compared to the lens of today. I don’t think this book was the book that I expected it to be, and thus it’s difficult for me to express my view of it. In some ways I applaud Ms. Thomas for writing about a time where women of certain class were as good as their husbands/families, yet Alice was proof that that role wasn’t always the one to accept, but it seemed like the college girls never seemed to acknowledge that until the epilogue. I cannot say that I enjoyed the book, but I’m glad to have read it. 3.5 stars.

Book Review: The Girls of Summer - Katie Bishop

 “The Girls of Summer” is a debut novel by Katie Bishop. Let me start by saying that this book is not a light summer beach read - it’s dark, like “My Sweet Vanessa” dark - and about as uncomfortable a subject to read. Other reviewers have summarized the story better than I can (each time I try I end up giving away twists), but suffice to say that Rachel meets Alistair, a much older man, falls in love with him and for the next 16 years is obsessed about her memories of her first love.

This story is told in two timelines - then and now. It was interesting seeing how the past unfolded for Rachel - how quickly she became besotted with not only Alistair, but also that summer lifestyle. This book really reminded me of the Epstein/Maxwell scandal and, as this book was influenced by the #metoo movement, I can understand the parallels. While I had some sympathy for Rachel as she worked through her emotions and memories, I also kept thinking “girl, get thee to a therapist!” Thank goodness for Jules being her friend, putting up with her, helping her in so many ways, and being there when Rachel needed someone.

This is a very difficult book for me to rate because the topic is so dark that I cannot say that I “enjoyed” it - especially when I cannot say that I really liked many of the characters. At times the pacing was a bit slow, though it served its purpose as some of those slow paced moments later set things up later in the book. However, unlike “My Dark Vanessa” I don’t feel like I need to re-read this one as I had some issues with Rachel’s actions and reactions (her treatment of Tom, the rekindling of her past relationship, and some of her decisions overall). This book is uncomfortable and a heavy topic, but I applaud Ms. Bishop for tackling it in a very caring manner. Four stars.

Book Review: Charm City Rocks - Matthew Norman

 

Here’s what I liked about “Charm City Rocks” by Matthew Norman - it’s a really sweet story. It’s about a really sweet guy, Billy, who just seems like one of those guys you want to be friends with - he’s happy, he’s content, he enjoys his life, he likes his friends, he has his routine, and he’s fine. He likes his kid (soon to be going off to college), he not only is able to co-parent with his ex-girlfriend but also has an okay relationship with her husband so they all can parent the kid. This book wasn’t a steamy romance - it also wasn’t about teenage first love angst - instead it was about adults trying to figure out their lives (and wants) yet also being realistic about those wants in their lives. I cannot say that I was too thrilled by the secondary characters popping in, but they did add some depth (and confusion) for the main characters to deal with - and clarify life with. Overall, this was an enjoyable story … and “you go, guy in the cardigan!” Four stars.

1 AUG Release - "The Secret Midwife" - Soraya Lane

  I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I am a huge fan of Soraya Lane's historical fiction books and she's written another fantastic book. Once this book is published, I will update this blog with my review. Coming out 1 AUGUST 2023.

Book Review: The Maid and the Socialite - Lynda Drews

 

“The Maid and the Socialite” is a non-fiction book by Lynda Drews. Per the author, originally this book was going to be about Dr. John R. Minahan, who was a celebrated Green Bay, Wisconsin doctor. He had a flourishing business and good family connections. However, as Ms. Drews dug into historical records, she found that Dr. Minahan had a dark side. He was sued by a maid and also his second wife for physical violence. How could such a celebrated doctor have managed to erase those trials? Dr. Minahan didn’t - but over time the information has been buried - and Ms. Drews has brought it back to light. I found this book very well researched - and the inclusion of photos helped. This wasn’t an enjoyable book, but any book regarding someone being lied to and, essentially, slandered by someone in power is never easy to read. This book mainly takes place in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when times were very different and women - especially married women - had few rights, even over their own money. Four stars.

Book Review: When Forever Ends - Roberta Kagan (Blood Sisters #3)

 

 “When Forever Ends” is the final book in “The Blood Sisters” trilogy by Roberta Kagan. My strong recommendation is to read these books in order. While some information is repeated for readers, especially for this final book one needs the background for the book to make sense. I think this book wrapped up things nicely for the four main characters from the first book. I did have some quibbles about minor details (how much rat poison does it take to kill someone being a huge one) and Anna is, once again, so naive and trusting that I sometimes wonder how even after everything she managed to stay that way. In some cases, this book too neatly wrapped things up, but I understand why the author chose to do so. There’s a bit of oddly repeated information in the book; it’s as if an editor hadn’t quite finished editing the book because something will be mentioned and then repeated two chapters later to remind the reader of some fact. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first two, but it was a solid read. Overall, a 3.5 star rating, bumped up to 4 stars.