karenika

Review: The Last Flight

The Last Flight by Julie Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this after I finished Clark’s new book coming in 2022. This book had so many rave reviews that I had to try and it did not disappoint. Another story with complex female characters. Especially Eva. I did see some of the twists coming but I still enjoyed this well-done mystery and read it all in one sitting.

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Review: Weather Girl

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Light and breezy sweet romance that also talked about mental health. I enjoyed the time I spent with this one.

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Review: Olga Dies Dreaming

Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There’s a lot going on in this book. Maybe a bit too much. This is the story of Olga, a wedding planner to the rich and powerful and her brother, a politician. Both of the characters are complex and well-built. The writing was good and there are so many relevant themes explored in this novel. Abandonment, politics, immigration, disasters, feminism/sexism, homosexuality, and so much more. I found myself connected to the book the whole time I was reading it. I liked Olga’s voice and cared about her. But I did also think it was a lot of different issues piled on top of each other in one book.

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Review: The Lies I Tell

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars.

I had never heard of Julie Clark but the plot of this story looked compelling and many, many people raved about her previous book so I decided to give it a chance and I am so glad I did.

This is the story of Meg Williams who has been on the run and a con artist for more than a decade and Kat Roberts who has been trying to find her and expose her for equally long.

Both of the women are well-developed, complex characters. As a reader, it’s hard not to root for both of them. Unlike the latest trends with unreliable narrators or drunk women, both of these women are strong, complex and flawed but real.

The pacing of the story is just right, giving you enough hints along the way but not so obvious that you want to roll your eyes.

I find it hard to find smart, engaging and enjoyable mystery novels lately and this one stands out. I highly recommend it. In fact, I loved it so much that the minute I finished it, I went back and read her previous book, which was also as good as everyone said it was!

with gratitude to Sourcebooks Landmark and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I read the first Finlay Donovan book, I adored it. I laughed and laughed and laughed. I hadn’t heard much about it so it was a wonderful surprise and when I saw the sequel coming, I knew I wanted to get my hands on it as quickly as I could.

It did not disappoint.

In this story the mystery is about a listing Finlay sees on the online forum (disguised as a mom’s forum but we all know it’s a place you go when you want to get rid of people) about someone posting to get rid of her ex-husband.

So, of course, Finlay feels compelled to figure out who wants her ex gone and she jumps with both feet in.

As with the first book, havoc ensues.

Everything about these books are funny and light and joyful. It’s not possible to laugh at the characters and to also root for them the whole time. These books are fantastic on audio and a really great read when you want something light and joyful.

I hope there will be more.

with gratitude to Macmillan Audio and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

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