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jkjoy_books's reviews
1615 reviews
Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
4.0
The story is set in a rural Georgia town with a Concerned Parents Committee, which determines to ban books the town’s children should not read. The plot revolves around a town busybody, Lula Dean, who sets up a little free-lending library with some wholesome books, and one of the town’s youth switches the books to the ‘banned’ books and keeps the original jackets so no one can know. As chaos ensues, the entire town is left divided. However, a group of teenagers and a few adults come together to expose Lulu and save their community from despair.
Miller narrates each story from various POVs and still does an admirable job in making their names and stories different enough for you to pick up on as you read.
As a town unites to fight for their right to read against the objections of one individual who gets annoyed at something trivial, Miller’s no-holds-barred style flourishes. The book is funny and eye-opening at the same time; therefore, I felt it was a good read.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Hide and Be by Gary L. Stuart
4.5
Stuart’s legal thriller takes an intriguing turn when a case of mistaken identity leads to a sinister revelation. Martin Cheshire is accused of killing his identical twin brother, Arthur. But before the trial proceeds, the authorities must establish Martin’s true identity and confirm that he’s not posing as his deceased brother, as he asserts.
I was hooked when I read the first page of the book of the Dr. Lisbeth Socorro series, Hide And Be. The plot is intriguing and exciting. I couldn’t stop reading. I am looking forward to the next book of the series. This psychological thriller has many unexpected twists and turns that kept me in suspense the entire time. It was the short read that I longed for as a fan of thrillers and I just absolutely loved it. I was gripped by the unexpected twists and turns in the plot, and I read on, eager to know what would come next. Doctor Socorro was in situations of danger and intrigue that were so captivating that I wanted to know the end. As a thriller fan, it was the perfect short read, and I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommend!
Magnolia House by Kathryn Trattner, Kathryn Trattner
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Kathryn Tanner is a scene master, and her setting pops into her pages. The talent is in the living house itself, in Magnolia House, and one of its manifestations is the magnolia-covered plantation house in the center of the book that is a character. Tanner submerges the readers in Back of Beyond, Louisiana's Gothic ambiance, delivering a haunting, nervously-paced narrative. Within Magnolia House, Tanner has crafted an unnerving Southern Gothic story skillfully portraying the setting. I was completely absorbed in this book and didn't want it to finish. It is a truly captivating read that shouldn't be missed.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for allowing me to read and review this book.
Deeper Than the Dead by Debra Webb
4.0
“Deeper Than the Dead” is focused on disgraced ex-cop Vera Boyett and her inner conflict of keeping secret family stories while trying to solve the mystery of human remains found in a cave on her family property.
This ingeniously written mystery keeps the reader in constant suspense until the end. Every time I was sure I had solved the murder mystery, there would be another twist, and my clean theory would go. At the climax, I had gone through many different suspects, which made the big reveal all the more surprising.
The author expertly weaves a complex net of doubt and curiosity that makes you itch with a desire to know more and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great who dun it.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore
4.0
The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a sweet story that unites two solitary hearts through the love for books and surprising finds in the margins. When protagonist Chloe Sampson finds a rare 1960s book at the flea market, she cannot care for her three younger siblings. Curious about the notes between two young lovers written in the margins, she discovers one of them is possibly her cranky neighbor, Jasper Holmes.
This sends Chloe on a mission to discover the names of lovers who wrote in the margins of library books more than half a century ago. What became of these two unfortunate lovers? And what does it concern her lonely, miserable neighbor? In addition, as Chloe continues the literary scavenger hunt, she also keeps befriending Jasper, who turns out to have a deeper personality than one would think.
This delightful, funny, and touching tale connects the unlikeliest people through a shared love for books. The marginalia mystery gives the story so much energy; while trying to connect with Jasper, it is full of heart. Therefore, Chloe discovers that some love stories start in places she never imagined. Humorously and emotionally, Gilmore tells a romantic tale that transcends generations to show the book’s ability to unite people far apart and heal. The Library of Borrowed Hearts is a book that every reader will relate to.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Death is in the Details by Heather Sunseri
4.5
In “Death is in the Details,” Sunseri crafts a gripping suspense thriller that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. The story follows Faith Day, a forensic photographer who cannot escape the memories of witnessing her mother’s brutal murder years earlier. Faith’s past collides with her present in frightening ways when the man convicted of the crime is inexplicably released from prison.
Soon, a series of arson fires break out in Faith’s small town that eerily echoes her mother’s killing. As the arsonist leaves personal totems in Faith’s own home, it becomes apparent she is intrinsically tied to the new murders. FBI agent Luke Justice is hot on the trail of this serial killer who uses fire to cover up other crimes. Luke senses that Faith holds vital clues to the cracking of the case, given the parallels to her past trauma. However, Faith’s harrowing memories have left deep emotional scars, making her reluctant to reopen the old wounds.
The book’s strength lies in the complex characterization of Faith and Luke. Both are haunted by the elements of their past, which humanizes them and makes their growing partnership throughout the investigation entirely believable and compelling. The arson investigation is expertly plotted with many clever twists surprising the reader. Red herrings and potential suspects abound, so the final reveal of the murderer’s identity lands with a very satisfying shock.
For fans of suspense writers like Lisa Gardner and Laura Griffin, Sunseri delivers a page-turner full of psychological tension and just enough romance simmering under the surface between the two lead characters. Faith’s childhood trauma makes her realistic and very sympathetic, even as her memories may be the only thing that can stop this diabolical criminal before more bodies pile up. I highly recommend this book!
The Split by S.E. Lynes
5.0
This suspenseful story opens on a happy marriage anniversary celebration between a husband and wife. However, the following day, the wife receives a shocking photo message from a friend depicting her husband walking hand-in-hand with another woman and also being physically intimate. When confronted, the husband evasively claims, "It's not what you think," refusing to explain.
As the story progresses, tensions escalate. The wife senses she's being watched and that her husband is acting like a stranger, making her feel she can no longer trust him. She desperately wants to uncover the truth behind the many photos and who sent them. There's a glimmer of hope that the husband is telling the truth, but the damage to their relationship may be beyond repair.
The mystery deepens around whether the wife truly knows her husband at all. As the secrets unravel, there's suspense about whether the final revelations will redeem or destroy their family.
This book has all the hallmarks of a taut psychological thriller. It plays upon relatable marital fears around betrayal and dishonesty. The alternation between the plot twists that affirm or challenge the husband's guilt will keep the readers guessing. Fans of domestic dramas and suspense thrillers will likely find this a quick, addictive read. The stakes feel intensely personal, as the wife and the children's safety prevails in the balance.
Overall, this psychological thriller will keep you guessing with its many unexpected twists and turns. The compelling mystery that Lynes has adeptly crafted will have you rapidly turning the pages to uncover the shocking conclusion. Fans of the thriller genre will find this book impossible to put down. With the story building to an explosive, jaw-dropping climax, this is a must-read page-turner bound to thrill the reader. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
As the story progresses, tensions escalate. The wife senses she's being watched and that her husband is acting like a stranger, making her feel she can no longer trust him. She desperately wants to uncover the truth behind the many photos and who sent them. There's a glimmer of hope that the husband is telling the truth, but the damage to their relationship may be beyond repair.
The mystery deepens around whether the wife truly knows her husband at all. As the secrets unravel, there's suspense about whether the final revelations will redeem or destroy their family.
This book has all the hallmarks of a taut psychological thriller. It plays upon relatable marital fears around betrayal and dishonesty. The alternation between the plot twists that affirm or challenge the husband's guilt will keep the readers guessing. Fans of domestic dramas and suspense thrillers will likely find this a quick, addictive read. The stakes feel intensely personal, as the wife and the children's safety prevails in the balance.
Overall, this psychological thriller will keep you guessing with its many unexpected twists and turns. The compelling mystery that Lynes has adeptly crafted will have you rapidly turning the pages to uncover the shocking conclusion. Fans of the thriller genre will find this book impossible to put down. With the story building to an explosive, jaw-dropping climax, this is a must-read page-turner bound to thrill the reader. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
The Bakery on the Cove by Eliza Ester
3.5
The Bakery on the Cove is a predictable yet pleasant read about two middle-aged individuals finding an unexpected connection. Jeannie is recovering from a nasty divorce and opening a bakery in her hometown, while her love interest is the stereotypical strong, silent type who works at the local sawmill.
As expected, there are many hints of attraction and a budding relationship between the two wounded lead characters. The imagery of the small beach town in Maine adds to the coziness, but the setting must be deeply explored. There also seems to be some drama with a surprise visitor from one of their pasts.
While the book hits all the expected notes of a romance about later-in-life love, the characters sound relatively two-dimensional. Their backstories, though traumatic, are very vague and lack emotional resonance. The central relationship unfolds in the standard will-they-won’t-they fashion without many compelling twists.
Ultimately, while The Bakery on the Cove offers precisely what the readers would anticipate – heartwarming comfort food without much substance – those seeking rich characterization or an absorbing storyline may want to look elsewhere.
The Widow Bride by Carey Baldwin
4.5
After the death of her brother Philip from cancer, Rosalyn feels a sense of responsibility to look after her sister-in-law Melanie, who mourns the loss. To make Melanie happy, she persuades her husband, Ashton, to set up his friend Blake with Melanie. At first, the couple is shown as very happy, and they run away together after a passionate love affair. On the other hand, as Rosalyn notices the alarming alterations in Melanie’s behavior, she seems frightened and withdrawn, and Blake becomes a controlling husband.
The author masterfully weaves all the storylines together, which makes the plot full of suspense and mysteriousness. When I thought I had a good grip on the plot, two giant plot twists at the end knocked me over.
I could not put this book down. The story’s intricate, believable characters and unpredictability had me from the first page. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Good Christian Girls by Elizabeth Bradshaw
3.0
Lacey Heller goes to a Christian summer camp for girls, and she is sure that this camp will be boring because nothing interesting ever happens there. Jo Delgado is sent to the camp under duress after a mysterious incident that turns her expectations upside down. The first problem between Lacey and Jo is differences in understanding – Lacey wants to be a good girl and princess and hates science, but Jo is interested in science. However, they begin to develop a relationship as they realize they both have problems with who they should be.
This is a classic story of coming-of-age where familiar clichés are presented when opposites attract and form unlikely friendships. The characters of Lacey and Jo offer readers a chance to interrogate the themes of identity, expectations, and being oneself. However, the story and character development should be so attractive that readers must read it. The writing style is barely an art but rather a craft.
For readers looking for a light and easy-to-read book, this novel will satisfy them; however, for those interested in a more profound reflection on coming-of-age issues, this book will not be sufficient. In the end, the book deals with known ground in a rather ordinary way.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.