Same As It Ever Was Review

 Same As It Ever Was

By: Claire Lombardo

5/5 Stars

I don't cry when reading books.  In fact, I can count on one hand the number of times that a book has been so evocative that it has brought me to tears or made me laugh out loud.  But, this book, is one of those books.  It made me smile, it made me cry, it made me deeply feel.  I know this sounds dramatic, and even with the risk of sounding totally insane, I'm going to declare that this book changed me.  It swam deep into my soul, found my open wounds, and somehow dug them deeper while bandaging them up, all at the same time.  

Claire Lombardo is my new favorite author.  I adored her first novel, "The Most Fun We Ever Had", and I didn't think this one could compare.  And it shouldn't be compared to her first because they're so different... it would be like comparing apples to oranges.  But I digress.  As I was saying, Lombardo is a brilliant and extremely talented writer.  She's humble too; I don't think she even halfway understands how gifted she is.  She somehow is able to write about experiences she hasn't even been through, and she writes about them in the most genuine, relatable, believable way.  She puts into words the things that I've never been able to put into words... and that takes true mastery of craft.  Lombardo should be praised for her ability to capture so many of the fleeting and difficult-to-define feelings that come with motherhood, family, and the curse/blessing of growing older.  

This book is a bit of a slow-burn in that there isn't one big climactic moment.  It's not a typical page-turner or a book that is going to keep you on your toes.  But it's not supposed to be.  Instead of wondering how this book ends, you'll find yourself contemplating your own story, your own existence, your own family patterns and dynamic.  You'll consider the ways you treat people, and the relationships that you have in your life.  You'll wonder how others perceive you and you might even be inspired to be just a little bit more fair and open-minded.  Like i said earlier, you'll be wholly changed after reading this book.  Your soul will feel more tender and vulnerable but so understood and content.

The last five pages of this book are the best written pages of any book I've read, ever.  If I had a frame large enough to include the last 10 paragraphs of this book I'd print them off and plaster them on my walls.  Or maybe I wouldn't, because who wants to feel such deep emotions every time they look at a quote on their wall?

I cannot praise this book enough.  It's grippingly beautiful and even though I received a digital copy of this novel in exchange for a review, I bought it in hardcover so I can forever have it on my shelves (when it isn't loaned out to someone with the hearty promise that their life will be changed upon reading it).  I am so grateful to Lombardo for taking the time to write such a meaningful novel; one that will make thousands of readers feel seen.

So, thank you Claire Lombardo.  We, your fans, cannot wait for your next release.  Please don't take too long.

*A massive thanks to netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review one of my new favorite novels.*

Run Review

 Run

By: Blake Crouch

5/5 Stars

Wow wow wow wow.  Stephen King's "The Stand" meets "The Last of Us" makes for a phenomenal body of work.  I have enjoyed all the books I've read by Crouch but this one probably had me more captivated than any of his novels.  

Not only is the subject matter and storyline riveting, but the writing itself is masterful.  His writing reminded me a lot of Stephen King's writing, which I think is the ultimate compliment I can bestow upon an author.

I loved this book.  I started it at 8:30pm one evening as I crawled into bed after a long day... and then I never stopped reading it.  I read this book until the wee hours of the morning.  So, future reader, you have been warned.  Do not start this book until you have your schedule cleared for the day so that you can read it all in one sitting, if you so desire (which you will desire.)

This book is a 10/10 for me and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know.  Y'all better buy a copy as soon as you can because I'm going to buy them all out to send to family and friends.  

Oh, and I've seen some 4-star reviews that dealt out the 4-star rating only because of "trigger warnings" as Crouch paints a gruesome picture of some of the deaths/action scenes.  But to those reviews I say, "duh."  Since when has an apocalyptic novel NOT contained imagery that isn't haunting?  I'm a mom and I don't love reading aforementioned scenes but they're necessary to set the plot and to make your mind understand the true nature of what's taking place.  So, yes... trigger warning for anyone who doesn't like graphic portrayals of what takes place in apocalyptic novels... but then again, you probs shouldn't read an apocalyptic novel if you're that triggered.

Thank you so much to the author and to netgalley for allowing me to read and review such a riveting novel.  I loved it.

One Perfect Couple Review

 One Perfect Couple

By: Ruth Ware

5/5 Stars

This is the best thriller I have read in a long time.  I am currently reading 2 other books - one from my all-time favorite author, Stephen King, and another for a book club I'm a part of.  This book should have been on the back burner... but it wasn't, because the second I started it, I couldn't put it down.  I found myself getting short-tempered with my children for asking totally reasonable requests because it was so hard to step away from this storyline for even a few minutes.  I devoured this book in one day, and I would do it all over again if I could.  You know how sometimes you find yourself really engrossed in a thriller, only to get to the end feeling a little underwhelmed and unsatisfied?  This is not the case with this book as every part of the story is so captivating.  From the characters to the storyline to the setting... I absolutely loved it.  I also love that Ware didn't seem to try too hard with twists or with trying to include some unrealistic turn, just to elicit some jaw-drops.  It was perfectly shocking, captivating, and unique... the way all thrillers should be crafted.

Ware's legacy precedes her.  I know a lot of people love her novels.  And while I can't say that I've read all of her works, I think I can confidently assume that this will always remain my favorite of hers.  I don't know how it could be beat.  It isn't often that this mom of 2 shirks all responsibilities for the day in order to consume a book in one sitting.  It's just that good.

*Thank you to netgalley and this author for allowing me to read and review such a remarkable novel.*

The Midnight Feast Review

 The Midnight Feast

By: Lucy Foley

3/5 Stars

I'll start by saying that I do think most people will enjoy this novel.  I think my opinion is definitely in the minority.  While this book wasn't my favorite, I didn't hate it.  I just didn't connect with the characters.  This book is told from the point of view of multiple people, and I didn't feel particularly close to any of them.  In fact, it took me awhile to get the male characters straight; I kept mixing them up and confusing who was who.  I found myself setting the book down and having a hard time coming back to it.  The plot wasn't interesting to me, and I wasn't blown away by any twists or by the ending.  But, as I said earlier, I know people love Lucy Foley and I think her fans will thoroughly enjoy this novel.  It just wasn't for me.  

*I'd like to give a big thank you to the author and to netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.*

A Talent for Murder Review

 5/5 Stars

Peter Swanson knows how to write a thriller.  It's almost impossible to predict his plots because they're so unique and because he isn't like other writers.  There are times while reading his books where I'm genuinely shocked by something.  That doesn't happen a lot to me when I read thrillers.  This book had me hooked from the first chapter.  It is told from multiple POVs and characters, and I never tired of any of the characters (which is rare...).  This book is a little dark and detailed at times but that just makes it seem more real and personal.  I'm glad characters from previous Swanson books play a part in this one because these specific characters have earned my affection.  I have become a big fan of Peter Swanson and I'll be recommending this book to all my friends and family members who love to read.  And I'll be looking forward to the next Swanson book to be released.  He never misses.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review such a captivating novel.

Seven Summers Review

Seven Summers by Paige Toon

1/5 stars 

I have adored Paige Toon since I was 13 years old (that's a whopping 17 years) and I have never met a book of hers I didn't like... that is, until this one came along.  I don't know what it was about this book, but it just didn't read like the typical Paige Toon (in my opinon).  If I didn't know any better I would speculate that a ghost writer wrote it for her.  Because alllllll the rest of her novels are 5/5 star reads for me.  And this one was barely a 1/5 stars because I almost "DNF"ed it.  The only redeeming part of this book was the ending.  I thought the epilogue was gripping and sweet, but the epilogue is also only about 15 pages or so.  The rest of the book just didn't do it for me, and I'm so sorry about that.  I absolutely hate writing a negative review for Ms. Toon because she's one of my very favorite authors.  But I have to be honest about this book and my feelings towards it.  So please, instead of picking this one up, pick up Lucy in the Sky or Pictures of Lily or *literally* any of her other books.  Please please please!  You won't regret diving into her world.

*Thank you to netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review this novel.*

The Women Review

The Women 

By: Kristin Hannah

5/5 Stars

This book is one of the best books I have ever read in my life.  I haven't read any other Kristin Hannah novels but her reputation sure precedes her so I had high expectations for this book.  Well,  I can report that every expectation was met and I was still blown away by how phenomenal this book was.  Her writing 100% deserves all the love and hype it gets.  I am so in awe of authors who write historical fiction books, or really any book that requires a great deal of research to write.  Because these authors not only have to have the ability to construct a good story, but they also have to know their facts.  So I was extremely impressed with Kristin Hannah and this book.  I went into this book totally blind to the subject, and once I began reading I realized how ignorant I was to the subject.  This book is about the women who were there in Vietnam during the war.  It is a gripping, captivating read that will have you thinking about things and places and events in history that you've never thought of before.  I had a paradigm shift while reading this book and I"m grateful for the insights it brought me.

I loved the characters in this book.  I realize more and more that I'm easily annoyed by female protagonists in books.  But I adored Francis, the main character in this book, and I loved her friends as well.  I was dying to figure out what happened and where everyone ended up, but I also didn't want to read too fast and sacrifice being able to savor the story.  

I think everyone needs to read this book.  Dare I say I think this book should be considered as one that schools require students to read?  It covers such important parts in American history that are usually not discussed.  I had no idea women played such an important role in war, and I'm now going to be diving down rabbit holes to learn more about the women that aren't talked about enough.

I really can't say enough good things about this book or author.  I am now officially on the Kristin Hannah train and I probably will be forever.  I don't know how her other books can beat this one, as I already know this book will have a lasting affect on me, but I'm excited to read them.

Thank you, Kristin Hannah, for the years of research and for all the effort you put into constructing this masterpiece.  It was time well-spent for this book is one of the best I will ever read.

*A huge thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to review and advanced copy of this book.  I loved it.*