The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony

All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…

That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookstore, Elliott’s passion and gift was recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookstore into high-rise condos.

But others won’t give up the bookstore without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookstore, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to the everyday heroes who run bookstores.

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: September 13th 2022

 by Park Row

3.5/5 stars

This was an interesting book to read, I pretty well went in blind, given the title I knew this bookish bookworm needed to not just read it but have a copy on my shelf.

Told from a number of different POV‘s showcased four individuals dealing with grief in a unique mannerism, then throw in the sale of this beloved bookstore and mayhem ensues.

Things started slowly for me with this quirky bunch, it took a bit to adjust to the banter, one liners and 5th pov.  But once I got my groove I enjoyed this read, finishing the last 40% in one afternoon.  The dialogue was unique, witty but at times a bit much. There were lots of great book recommendations scattered throughout, which I loved. Relationship issues/communication plays center stage, whether between mother/daughters, sister/sister and even scattered throughout the neighborhood.

The Book Haters' Book Club is a heartwarming story with a carefully plotted story. It was unique with its twists scattered throughout. Though a season of grief, it is also a time of self discovery, romance and taking a stand. 

I like that this takes place in present day with absolutely no reference to the pandemic at all.

My thanks to HarperCollins Canada and Park Road books for a print ark in exchange for a honest review

The Truth About Ben and June by Alex Kiester

A heartfelt debut that explores the complexity of a modern-day marriage when a new mother vanishes one morning and her husband must retrace events of their recent past to bring her home.

Love isn’t something that happens to you; it’s something you must choose every day.

From the moment Ben and June met in a hospital waiting room on New Year’s Eve, their love has seemed fated. Looking back at all the tiny, unlikely decisions that brought them together, it was easy to believe their relationship was special. But now, after several years of marriage, June is struggling as a new mom. At times, she wonders about the life she didn’t choose—what might have been if she hadn’t given up the lead role in a famous ballet to start a family. Feeling like a bad mom and more alone than ever, she writes to her deceased mother, hoping for a sign of what she should do next.

One morning, Ben wakes to the sound of his baby and quickly realizes that June is gone, along with her suitcase. As Ben attempts to piece together June’s disappearance, her new friends mention things he knows nothing about—a mysterious petition, June’s falling-out with another mom, her strange fixation on a Greek myth. The more Ben uncovers about June, the more he realizes how little he actually knows her. And now the only way to bring June home is to understand why she left.

Told through alternating perspectives of husband and wife, The Truth About Ben and June is a witty and wise page-turner about life’s many crossroads and a heartfelt reminder that we create our own destiny.

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication June 28, 2022 

by Park Row

3/5

The Truth About Ben and June is a thought-provoking story that explores issues that are real and sometimes overlooked.

Told from Ben’s POV and also from letters June wrote to her deceased mother. June talks a lot about the Greek tragedy Medea (I’m not a big fan of Greek mythology but this kind of worked here). New parents Ben and June are an interesting couple and while I struggled to connect with Ben I did feel for June, both before and after the birth of their son. Her struggles were vividly expressed in her letters and I could feel her pain.

The Truth About Ben and June is a story of relationships, whether between husband and wife, mother and daughter, and between friends. This last relationship I struggled with and can’t quite figure out why.

The book started out strong with the mysterious disappearance but slowed down, though my interest was there as I was genuinely curious as to what happened. A good debut that would make a good book club read for a variety of discusses. The ending was okay somewhat convenient and though I didn’t connect (or like) Ben or Kirsten that might have affected my thoughts

My thanks to Park Row Books and Harper Collins Canada for a print ARC (in exchange for a honest review.)  The Truth About Ben and June can be found in book stores next week.

My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle

Bestselling author of DEAR WIFE and THE MARRIAGE LIE, Kimberly Belle returns with her most heart-pounding thriler to date, as a masked home invader reveals the cracks in a marriage.

Everyone is about to know what her husband isn’t telling her…

Jade and Cam Lasky are by all accounts a happily married couple with two adorable kids, a spacious home and a rapidly growing restaurant business. But their world is tipped upside down when Jade is confronted by a masked home invader. As Cam scrambles to gather the ransom money, Jade starts to wonder if they’re as financially secure as their lifestyle suggests, and what other secrets her husband is keeping from her.

Cam may be a good father, a celebrity chef and a darling husband, but there’s another side he’s kept hidden from Jade that has put their family in danger. Unbeknownst to Cam and Jade, the home invader has been watching them and is about to turn their family secrets into a public scandal.

With riveting twists and a breakneck pace, My Darling Husband is an utterly compelling thriller that once again showcases Kimberly Belle's exceptional talent for domestic suspense.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Expected publication December 28, 2021

by Park Row

3.5/5 stars

Kimberly Belle's new book releases Dec 28th.  Again she has delivered a domestic rollercoaster ride of a story.

Taking place over a matter of hours most of the story takes place inside the home of Jade and Cam.  Told from both POV was necessary to get the full story.

My Darling Husband is fast paced in the sense of timing, I however found it dragged a little just because I struggled to connect  with the story.  Knowing some of the background didn't really endear me to Cam nor Jade which in turn, of course did not help.  The story itself was interesting enough but suffice to say this isn't one of my favourite Bell books.  I appreciated the ending but I didn't feel the suspense that was promised.

That being said with all the 4/5 star reviews out there it could just be me.  You judge.  My favourite Kimberly Belle books are The Ones We Trust, The Marriage Lie and Three Days Missing (read that one in a day).

My thanks to Harlequin (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Review: The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica

Sadie and Will Foust have only just moved their family from bustling Chicago to small-town Maine when their neighbor, Morgan Baines, is found dead in her home. The murder rocks their tiny coastal island, but no one is more shaken than Sadie, who is terrified by the thought of a killer in her very own backyard.

But it’s not just Morgan’s death that has Sadie on edge. It’s their eerie old home, with its decrepit decor and creepy attic, which they inherited from Will’s sister after she died unexpectedly. It’s Will’s disturbed teenage niece Imogen, with her dark and threatening presence. And it’s the troubling past that continues to wear at the seams of their family.

As the eyes of suspicion turn toward the new family in town, Sadie is drawn deeper into the mystery of Morgan’s death. But Sadie must be careful, for the more she discovers about Mrs. Baines, the more she begins to realize just how much she has to lose if the truth ever comes to light.

Kindle, 405 pages

Expected publication: February 18th, 2020

by Park Row

**** 1/2

So the lovey Laurie (aka TheBakingBookworm - click on link for her blog) and I did our first Buddy Read - what fun! We started on Monday planning to read 20% a day and finish on Friday. Monday we read 19%, Tuesday we got to 51% and Wednesday we both decided we couldn’t wait till Friday and basically planned to stay up late to read, it was time get all these puzzle pieces put together. We chatted, we questioned this and that and shared our theories. It was a blast!

The Other Mrs is atmospheric with its setting on a little island 3 miles off the coast of Maine. There is an old house with its dark history, a teen who resents the intrusion then add a little murder and it’s the perfect recipe for the mayhem that follows.

I’m a new Mary Kubica reader and actually went into this book blind. I didn't know what to expect and loved this experience. Told from 3 different POVs, with distinct voices, I found myself immersed in their stories. Some characters I would have liked to hear more from and others I wasn’t crazy about (which always adds that extra oomph).

As for the story, well that was some ride. It was fast-paced, full of twists and turns to keep me on my toes. Just when I thought I had things figured out, wham comes another clue to mess with my brain.

Definitely a book I will recommend and if you think you won’t have time to read it, you will because once you start it’s hard to put down.

My thanks to Park Row Books for a digital ARC (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.