Lies Between Us by Ronnie Turner

Three different story lines are being told in alternating chapters. You know they must tie into to each other but you are not quite sure how. The tie in was brilliant and I am pretty convinced you will not figure out the connection until it happens.

John Graham is living a good life, he is a best selling author and his wife Jules is a successful gallery owner. They are expecting their second child. Then their 6 year old Bonnie goes missing from their home. It quickly becomes clear that this was a well executed abduction and it is personal. Whoever has her is trying to mentally torture John. Indicating they know him from his past and they have watched him for years. What do they want from John and why are they so angry?

Maisie Green is an ICU nurse that is caring for her patient Tim that has been beaten so badly he may not pull through. His wife Heidi  is at his bedside everyday, as is his friend Watson. Except something is very odd and Maisie can't shake the feeling that things aren't quite right with this family.

Miller is defiantly the most intriguing character in my opinion. His story is based in the past, recounting his childhood. We get a look into his innermost thoughts and good god they are scary! Turner managed to do what a good thriller author does. She literally creeped me out and gave me chills reading Miller's chapters. "Sweet girl, funny girl, dead girl." Chilling words and trust me that is just the tip of the iceberg.

I was so excited to get an ARC of this book especially since it is a debut novel for Ronnie Turner. She did not disappoint! She definitely has a handle on how to keep you guessing all the way until the end. You know that somehow these three stories that seemed unrelated at first would tie in and they sure did. You just have not a clue as to how and when. If you want to literally feel chills go down your spine, spend a little time in Miller's mind. I look forward to reading more from Ronnie Turner. It is hard to believe this is her debut novel.

Thank you so much to Ronnie Turner, HQ Digital and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review!

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier

Wow! Just wow! I have had this book on my TBR pile for quite some time. I was so sure I would love it. You always worry that the book will not live up to your expectations when you put it that high on a pedestal. Not to worry, this one was what I had anticipated and it even exceeded how good I thought it would be.

Georgina Shaw has two best friends in high school, Angela Wong and Kaiser Brody. They do everything together until Georgina (Geo) acquires a new boyfriend. A much older bad boy named Calvin James.

Flash forward 14 years and Georgina is being charged, along with Calvin with the murder of Angela Wong. What happened that night that Angela went missing? How did things go so wrong? Calvin slips Geo a note during her trial that says you're welcome. What? Is Calvin protecting Geo from something? Is there more to this story than meets the eye?  Georgina does her prison time and gets released with another chance at life. While Calvin James in on the run. Several murders happen around the time of Geo's release from prison. Is Calvin sending her a message? Or is it a copycat murderer?

The Birthday by Carol Wyer

 

You drop your child off at a birthday party for 5-6 year olds. There are 20 children in all. You never expect when you go back to pick up your child, that one is missing. The one missing is yours.

Ava Sawyer goes missing in 2015 from her friend Harriet's birthday party. Ava tends to be a emotional child that likes to sulk off when not given her way. Unfortunately this time she never comes back. Two long years go by with no other occurrences in this sleepy little town. Until Ava's body is found, then suddenly it is like the killer is awoken. Murder after murder happens, can DI Natalie Ward crack the case in time to stop the killings?

The facts: All are girls, all were at that birthday party, all go to Uptown Primary School and have attended Little Stars Dance Academy. That results in a lot of suspects.

Get to know S.R. Masters the author of The Killer You Know

U.S. Cover

Meet S.R. Masters

Recently I had the opportunity to chat with S.R. Masters about his suspense filled debut novel The Killer You Know. I personally have read it and I can tell you it is a unique, twisty spun tale that held my interest right from the start. I am looking forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next! So sit down and let's get to know S.R. Masters.

Tell us about your debut novel, The Killer You Know.

Well it's just come out on ebook through Redhook and is due in paperback in May 2019.  The story starts with an adult reunion of some childhood friends, one of whom doesn't show up. He just happens to be the same unusual guy that joked he'd grow up to be a serial killer...So while talking about the old days, the group look online for some of the crimes he said he'd commit and find very recent matches eerily similar to what he described. They then start to worry he's playing some sort of sinister game with them, one that harks back to their time as kids in the small village of Blythe. 

Are there any parts or characters of this book that were influenced by your real life experiences growing up?

Oh, undoubtedly. I grew up during the 90's in a small village not unlike Blythe, and just like the gang in the book I would pass the time listening to music, reading books, watching films and making up silly games. Fortunately my own gang of friends didn't have the same peculiar chemistry as the gang in my book, and not only did we manage to refrain from murder, we are still good friends to this day. 

The Proposal by S.E. Lynes

Definition of psychological thriller:  The Proposal by S.E. Lynes

Holy book hangover! I stayed up until 5 am reading this book, telling myself just one more chapter. It was so worth it.

Pippa Gates is newly divorced, a teacher and has published her first book, that failed miserably. She tends to have a very impulsive, self destructive personality. Always setting herself up for possible failure, living a bit on the wild side. Pippa is distraught that her publisher is demanding a rough draft of her second book by tonight. She has not even a clue as to what she is going to write about. Then the doorbell rings...

Ryan Marks is selling cleaning products door to door. Pippa is aware that most of these guys are ex convicts. This doesn't deter Pippa from inviting him in, sharing a bottle of wine and food with him. Asking him for his life story. Then Pippa gains herself a stalker. I almost think Pippa on some subconscious level enjoys being stalked. Let's see what you think.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

 

I know you have all heard the hype about this book. Well believe the hype, it is really that good.

The very first chapter opens with Alicia Berenson standing in her living room covered in blood. There is blood on the walls and the floors and all over her. She is standing in front of a chair that her husband is sitting in, with his face blown off. He has been shot 5 times in the face at close range. His wrists and ankles bound with wire. Alicia is bleeding from both wrists that have been slashed. How is that for an opening? I bet that would get your attention. Well it sure got mine.

Alicia was 33 yrs old at the time and a rising star as a painter. Her husband Gabriel was a 44 year old photographer who was well sought out. He had just returned home late from a photo shoot. Why did Alicia do it? Nobody knows, but there is no other suspect, her prints were all over everything. The thing is...she never spoke a word. For 6 long years after her husband was murdered, she kept silent. Is Alicia capable of this violence? Why is she silent? Everyone has long given up on her. Until the new psychotherapist rolls onto the scene.

Theo Faber is the new psychotherapist hired by The Grove, the facility Alicia is in. Can he break her silence? Can he win her over? Everyone tells him to forget it, that she is a lost cause. Is she silent out of guilt or is she covering for someone else? Or has she simply lost her mind?

This book blew my mind. Watch out 2019 The Silent Patient is coming. It literally left me speechless, no pun intended. I really can't say much more because I don't want to spoil it for anyone. Just know I gasped and said "WHAT?!!!" I never saw it coming. I am going to bet you won't either. Will we ever hear Alicia speak again? If so, what could she possibly have to say?

This is a MUST read in my opinion. It was absolutely a phenomenal unique read! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!

Thank you so much Alex Michaelides, Orion Books and Poppy Stimpson for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

The Sunshine Blogger Award

The Sunshine Blogger Award

I am so honored to be nominated for The Sunshine Blogger award by Norma and Brenda    https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com.  These two ladies put their heart and soul into the blogging community. Between their Traveling Sisters posts and reviews they have also organized a Traveling Friends. A lot of time and effort is put into this by them. As a new blogger they have been so supportive of myself and others. Check out their blog if you have not done so! Thank you so much for the nomination! 

THE RULES:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you by linking their blog.
• Answer the questions
• Nominate 11 blogs with 11 questions
• List the rules as well as display the Sunshine Award Logo on your post.

Here are my answers from the questions from Norma and Brenda @twosisterslostinacoulee.com

What cheers you up?
 My two dogs with their unconditional love! 

Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once? 
One book at a time! I really like to immerse myself in the one book I am reading.

How do you prepare for your next read?  Do you go in completely blind/read just the blurb/read reviews/read everything you can and research the heck out of a book? 
 First I read the blurb on the book. Then I jump over to Goodreads and hope someone has posted something. I usually try to pay close attention to the reviewers I have come to know tend to have the same taste in books as myself. Then I plunge in and hope for the best!

Mountains or the beach? 
Well I used to be a beach person. I grew up in Hawaii so that would explain that. Although I am ready for fall. No more beach weather please!

If you had to be trapped in a TV show or a book for a month, which show or book would you choose?
 Ok well this sounds cheesy and materialistic. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I would like to live in Lisa Vanderpumps house with all her dogs, horses, swans, etc. Of yes and of course her closet!

Describe to me your dream vacation or best vacation. 
 My best vacation so far was to London. It was years ago but I loved it! So much to see and do. I enjoyed all the historical sites.

List five words that best describes you. 
 Wife, dog mom ( I am going to make that one word) nurse, bookworm, perfectionist.

What famous person do people tell you that you most resemble? 
Well I have not been told anyone much but I have been told this twice. First off, not true I don't look like either one.  I wish though! I have been told Shanna Moakler, whom I had no idea who she was at the time. She is Travis Barker's ex wife. The other person I have been told is Pam Anderson, which is way out in left field. These people need to get their eye appointment scheduled that have told me that because neither are even close. 

What is your favourite book genre and book that you have read in that genre?
My favorite book genre by far is suspense/thriller type books. I love domestic type thrillers. It is so hard to pick a favorite! My last two favorites were Lying in Wait and Jane Doe.

What is your least favourite book genre?

 Romance! By far, I just can't do it.

What is your favourite thing to spend money on?
 Books and clothes!

My Nominations

@marablaise           Magdalena

@booksbejewled     Jewels 

@BooksKatherine  Katherine 

@melisabookblog    Melisa

@BeritnBooks           Berit

@kellywellread          Kelly

@rowingwabbit          Sandy

@PhDiva                        Mackenzie

@yearsofreading         Clare

@Mistimoobooks         Misti

@DressedToRead         Holly

My Questions for Me to You

1. What is your favorite book or books this year so far?
2. Who is your favorite author or authors? I know it is hard to pick just one!
3. Cats, dogs, both or neither?
4.  What is a fun fact we don't know about you?
5. Do you prefer coffee or tea?
6. What is your favorite book genre?
7. What is your favorite season?
8. If you could travel to anywhere in the world where would that be?
9. Why did you start blogging?
10. What makes you smile?
11. What is your favorite comfort food?