Wednesday, March 30, 2022

The Love of My Life

Emma loves her husband Leo more than anything in the world. They have a beautiful daughter and have spent the past decade building a lovely marriage and home. Emma has recently gone into remission and the couple are reminded of their deep connection and gratitude for her current health. Leo is an obituary writer for the city’s newspaper and Emma is a well known marine biologist and spokesperson on BBC. He can’t seem to resist his nature of soothing his fears by writing a column for Emma hopefully to not be published for many years to come. As he quietly digs deeper Leo finds pieces of a puzzle that do not fit together. It doesn’t take long before his anxiety has him exposing horrifying emails and text messages. He begins to doubt if he knows his wife at all. When a well known actress goes missing Emma appears to have a secret and unexpected relationship with the woman’s husband, an outspoken rather brash radio host named Jeremy. The more Emma tries to explain each finding, the more twisted her lies become. The truth is nowhere in sight. A mysterious love story that could make even the most mundane details appear sinister. Unique, fast paced thriller kept me guessing until the very end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Christie Affair

On December 3, 1926 famed mystery writer Agatha Christie is told by her husband Archie that he is in love with another woman. The couple quarrels after he makes this devastating announcement and leaves to spend the weekend with his mistress, not his wife. Later that evening Agatha, devastated by the news, packs a few things and leaves their estate in her precious sports car. She is not seen or heard from again for 11 days. During this time Archie appears shocked while the household staff points fingers at him. His girlfriend quietly leaves town. The police are called as the entire country begins a massive search for the famed author, mother and wife. Was this news story fodder for her latest book release? A public relations scandal to hold onto a crumbling marriage? The Christie Affair is cleverly narrated by Nan O’Dea, Archie’s mistress. Nan has her own agenda and personal history that has been well hidden. When Nan’s backstory crosses paths with the present search party she can no longer deny her unexpected role in the Christie’s life. This fictionalized account of what could have been, might have been - of one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time is positively mesmerizing. A novel not unlike one of Agatha’s own creations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

56 Days

56 days ago Ciara and Oliver meet while waiting on line at a small grocery shop in Dublin. He admires her NASA tote bag, a quick conversation starter of rockets that leads to a walk, some coffee and invitation for a date. Ciara cannot believe her luck. She is rather shy, new to Dublin and Oliver is extremely handsome and charming. Days later Ireland is threatening official lockdown for the COVID virus. It jeopardizes their newfound friendship, something they desperately crave as pandemic restrictions of isolation continue to escalate. Very quickly, most likely too quickly, Ciara moves into Oliver’s apartment so they can work remotely and continue to get to know each other. To avoid confrontation Ciara doesn’t tell her sister or friends. Oliver appears quite content in their little bubble. He is more at ease than she has seen him since their initial meeting. Their romance blossoms but small clues Ciara can no longer ignore present themselves daily and she begins to snoop. Weeks later when a neighbor complains of a horrifying smell emanating down the hall the detectives arrive. A decomposing body is discovered in the bathroom. The apartment is wiped clean. As Oliver’s identity comes to light this perfect storm sheds new focus on a story that was buried long ago. Highly recommend this fast paced thriller, twists and turns until the bitter end.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Suite Spot

Rachel Beck is out of work, out of money and out of options. As a single mom with a sweet but useless on-off again boyfriend she is staying with her own mother but searching for a way out. When a friend of a friend hooks her up with a job opportunity at a hip new brewery hotel Rachel is torn. Lake Erie is a long way from South Florida, another world, far from anything she has ever known. Deciding that Mason, the owner, sounded decent on the phone and the fact that she has no other offers, Rachel hits the road. Feeling positive and hopeful she arrives with her little girl to a breathtaking location … with no hotel in sight. Mason didn’t mention on the phone interview that the hotel is under construction and he is desperate for help. She has nothing more to lose and dives right in. Rachel is organized and creative and it just so happens that moody Mason is extremely cute. As the two slowly become friends, the hotel vision comes alive and it is everything she ever wanted. When her ex starts some trouble it is up to Rachel to redesign her own future as well. Adorable, fun romcom with a sexy creative cast. Rachel is the sister from The Float Plan (which I loved!) but you do not have to read in order to enjoy.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One Italian Summer

Katy’s entire life has fallen apart. She has no taste for food, she cannot sleep and no longer knows if she is meant to be married to Eric. The illness and passing of her beloved mother has left her completely empty, devoid of any feelings except utter sadness. On a whim she decides to take the trip they had always dreamed of going on together - to retrace her mother’s memorable summer in Positano, Italy. When she arrives, itinerary in hand, she is immediately swept away with sunshine and memories that are not hers but those her mother described in breathtaking detail over the years. One day there is a woman at the front desk mailing a package and against everything Katy ever believed or understood, by some magical twist of fate, it is her mother Carol. Only she is 30 years old, not 60 and she is healthy and beautiful. Shocked but grateful the two become fast friends. While enjoying the idyllic surroundings and mouth watering food, Katy begins to see her mother in a new light as an independent woman who desires things she never knew about. As the days speed by too quickly Katy is desperate to figure out her own reality. I often imagine what a wonderful thing it would be if children could see that their parents have dreams and hopes - not just as parents but as people. Simply adored this armchair travel to the most beautiful setting folded between the pages of a mother-daughter love story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Woman on Fire

Jules Roth has always wanted to be a journalist. After completing graduate school she finds her way into the newspaper office of Dan Mansfield, famous investigative reporter and idol. Dan is quickly impressed with Jules’s gumption and gives her a chance to help him with a private matter he is researching for his close and very famous friend, designer Ellis Baum. They set off in search of a painting the Nazi’s stole when he was a young boy, almost 80 years ago. It is a painting featuring his mother who perished in their filthy hands. Woman on Fire by Ernst Engel is the only picture of her in existence and Ellis must have it before he leaves this world. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones desperately seeking to obtain this painting. Margaux de Laurent is beautiful, wealthy and one of the most famous gallerists in the world. She is the granddaughter of a man who hid and saved artwork from German hands, she is also a manipulating psychopath. From her powerful position it is a race to find this painting recently stolen from a Nazi heir that had been hiding priceless artwork for many years. This fast paced thriller takes us from Chicago to the hills of France and Germany. Leaving no stone unturned this small group slowly uncovers the mysterious and dangerous trail that leads them to the truth. Filled with history, art, romance and mystery - Woman on Fire will keep you guessing until the very end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

the Next Thing You Know

Nova Huston is a death doula, someone whose job it is to help an individual transition at the end of life. Ranging from emotional support, medical advocate to family mediator and more - Nova fills in whatever gaps the terminally ill patient needs. It is not an easy job to navigate but together with her boss and mentor Kelly they run a small successful practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. One day Mason Shaylor a handsome musician walks into her office. With shaky hands and apparent surgical scars, Mason is much too young to be looking at his final days. Remaining guarded and reluctant to fill out any of the necessary paperwork that new patients usually require, it is hard for Nova to figure out what Mason truly desires. As the two spend more time together, their connection and chemistry is undeniable. Nova encourages Mason to find forgiveness, acceptance and even if he cannot play guitar like he used to, his remaining days can be filled with love and even music. This beautifully written, heartbreaking and heartwarming story of family, love and trust is both hard to read and necessary. End-of-life is part of life - and very few of us understand how to approach this knowingly. Choosing to live is as important as choosing to die with dignity. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Our American Friend

Sofie Morse is a young journalist working in NYC. For the past four years she has been the newspaper’s White House correspondent. Living a dual life and traveling frequently between DC and the city - Sofie decides if President Caine wins a second election, it is time for her to move on. As much as she adores her mentor and boss Vicky, that moment has arrived. She leaves her position and receives the most surprising phone call from the White House. The aide to First Lady Lara Caine has requested a meeting. This utterly glamorous Russian woman offers Sofie the career changing opportunity of writing her biography. As the public knows very little about Lara Caine and her mysterious past, it is a job Sofie cannot refuse. They meet regularly and develop an intimate friendship. Lara confides things that have never been revealed and are certainly controversial to her husbands position. With no NDA in place, Sofie is completely baffled when months into their diligent work, Lara stops returning her calls. As this political thriller begins to unravel it becomes quite clear that everyone involved is at great risk. Clever, well written and original - this novel is loosely based on you-know-who and filled with a fast paced game of espionage that will keep you on the edge of your seat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

A Dance in Donegal

Having never traveled outside of Boston, Moira Doherty spent her entire life listening to her mother’s endearing stories of home in Ireland. In the summer of 1920 her mother passes and Moira is left all alone with only one hope. Before her mother’s death she applied for Moira to become the schoolteacher in the small village of Ballyman where she was raised. Terrified of starting a new life in a faraway land, Moira leans on her faith and courage to make the long difficult journey. She has completed all her teaching certificates, loves working with children and has dreamed of visiting the land where her ancestors were born. Upon her arrival, Moira discovers an unfamiliar superstitious culture, not always welcoming to newcomers. Slowly making friends and getting settled, an Irishman named Sean comes to thatch the roof of her cottage. Immediately struck by his warm and handsome smile, Sean becomes her greatest supporter as she struggles to fit in. When whispers float around town it can no longer be denied that something in her mother’s past caused her to leave in a hurry. Moira cannot move forward with her own dreams until she uncovers the secrets of the past. This brave young woman who has traveled a long way leans into her faith to find her true calling. Sweet, thoughtful, simple story bringing every detail of Ireland’s magnificent landscape, food and language to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lucky Leap Day

When aspiring screenwriter Cara Kennedy arrives in Ireland her luggage is lost, it’s pouring rain and she is unexpectedly alone after being dumped by her no-good boyfriend. Her uber driver Finn takes pity on her by giving a quick tour of the city and the sweater off his back. Not only is he sweet and kind but his sexy brogue has Cara melting into puddles on the back seat. Imagining she will never see him again, Cara enjoys a bit of friendly flirting as Finn directs her to the best sites to see during her quick 3 day trip. Finally having a much needed break from her demanding Los Angeles job, Cara squeezes in as much on her list as possible. On the very last day Finn is once again her tour guide. Coincidence or fate? Cara will never know but on this lucky Leap Day and one too many whiskeys she finds herself on a plane home with her new husband, Finn. Since the fifth century, it is Irish tradition that only on Leap Day women can propose marriage to men. Too drunk to remember the details, she hurry back for a career changing meeting while introducing Finn to California living. With the luck of the Irish, her handsome hunk gets discovered and their worlds are turned upside down. Filled with delightful characters, this fast paced light-hearted romance will have you dreaming of a ticket to Dublin! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️