May turned out to be a really good book reading month, even with a few more weddings & photoshoots on my plate. I was pleasantly surprised by the books that I finished, some my picks and some sent to me by the author/publisher. I need to pick up the slack with my reading list for this month, as it’s already the 12th of the month and I think I’ve only finished 1 book, nearing the finish line for book 2. But I have some goodies sitting in the wings, waiting on me to pick them up. Kind of excited for them.
ONE. Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans
Goodreads.com Synopsis:
A poignant, romantic, and delightful new novel about a young woman who refuses to believe happy endings are real, from internationally bestselling author Harriet Evans.
In her blockbuster international bestsellers, Harriet Evans perfectly captures the complex lives of young twenty-first-century career women with an “effortlessly readable . . . comic style and loveable characters” (Marie Claire, UK).
At twenty-two, Eleanor Bee is sure about three things: she wants to move to London and become a literary superstar; she wants to be able to afford to buy a coffee and croissant every morning; and after seeing what divorce did to her parents—especially her mum—she doesn’t believe in happy endings.
Elle moves to London. She gets a job at Bluebird Books, a charmingly old-fashioned publisher. She falls out of bars, wears too-short skirts, makes lots of mistakes, and feels like she’s learning nothing and everything at the same time. And then, out of the blue, she falls in love, and that’s when she realizes just how much growing up she has to do.
Ten years on, Elle lives in New York, and you could say she has found success; certainly her life has changed in ways she could never have predicted. But no matter where you go and how much you try to run away, the past has a funny way of catching up with you. . . .
My Review: 3 out of 5 stars
I liked the overall story line, but felt that it jumped around in time, way too much. I enjoyed the characters and how they ebbed and flowed, but thought there were too many jumps through time.
Other books from Harriet Evans that I have absolutely loved: A Hopeless Romantic and The Love of Her Life
TWO. Picked Off (A Brie Hooker Mystery) by Linda Lovely
**I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are 100% my own.**
Goodreads.com Synopsis:
Udderly Kidding Dairy is hosting a campaign fundraiser for Eva’s best friend, who hopes to be South Carolina’s next governor. The candidate’s son, a pro quarterback, is flying home for the wingding. And Brie’s eager to get a close-up view of the cute tush she’s admired on TV, even though she’s reluctantly sworn off even more tempting local beefcake.
The campaign fundraiser promises to be a huge success until a pitchfork attack turns the goat farm into a crime scene—again. To protect her friends, Brie puts her sleuthing skills to work. Will she live long enough to find out who’s behind a vicious assault, a kidnapping, blackmail, and murder?
My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
I truly enjoyed the storyline of this mystery series. The characters were interesting and the story flowed. I had a hard time with all the puns and the corny names of things, which I think distracted me enough to not give this book 5 stars. But I would read the next book in the series, puns and all. I just think it could do without them.
The first book in this series: Bones to Pick (Book 1)
THREE. The Tycoon’s Revenge (Baby for the Billionaire #1) by Melody Anne
Goodreads.com Synopsis:
Jasmine Freeman’s world is about to tumble down around her and the one responsible for it is none other than her first love, Derek Titan. She hasn’t seen him in ten years, and they are both going to learn the truth of what happened back then.
Jasmine grew up wealthy and oblivious to the destruction her father caused all around him. Derek was from the wrong side of the tracks. In ten years their lives will be reversed. He is now a multi-billionaire tycoon and she works hard, but barely gets by due to her father’s unethical business practices.
Derek comes seeking revenge and instead finds out he has a half grown son and the woman he’s been angry with for so many years is not who he thought she was. They both fight against the passion they still feel for each other, but in the end it is irresistible.
Come take the journey with Derek and Jasmine as they rediscover a passion that never died and the lies that kept them apart.
My Review: 4 out of 5 stars
This book was a much needed distraction in a time period where I had just finished some heavy stuff. I think the character conflicts drove me a bit batty at times because I just wanted to shake them and say “just tell the other what really happened” but I think that’s what the author wanted. It was an easy ready for sure and I did enjoy the characters, but struggled with the conflict lasting for longer than I thought it should.
The second book in this series: The Tycoon’s Vacation
FOUR. The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
**I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions are 100% my own.**
Goodreads.com Synopsis:
A new series about a young woman whose connection to antiques takes her on a magical adventure, reminiscent of Outlander
New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter Paula Brackston returns to her trademark blend of magic and romance to launch a new series guaranteed to enchant her audience even more.
Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. So when she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more.
It’s while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century. And shortly after, she’s confronted by a ghost who reveals that this is where the antique has its origins. The ghost tasks Xanthe with putting right the injustice in its story to save an innocent girl’s life, or else it’ll cost her Flora’s.
While Xanthe fights to save her amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave.
With its rich historical detail, strong mother-daughter relationship, and picturesque English village, The Little Shop of Found Things is poised to be a strong start to this new series.
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t put this book down and I definitely didn’t want it to end. I’m curious to see if there will be another book because I can see these characters coming back on the page for at least another story. It was beautifully written, captured me from the very get-go and had me wanting more by the last word.
FIVE. Lowcountry Bookshop (Liz Talbot Mystery) by Susan M. Boyer
**I received a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author for review. All opinions are 100% my own.**
Goodreads.com Synopsis:
Lowcountry PI Liz Talbot returns to the streets of Charleston in the seventh installment of Susan M. Boyer’s USA TODAY bestselling mystery series.
Between an epic downpour and a King Tide, those historic streets are flooded—and dangerous. A late night tragic accident along the Lower Battery leads Liz Talbot straight to her next case.
Who’s the client? Well, now, therein lies the first puzzle. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, Poppy Oliver claims she’s only trying to help.
But the dent on the front of her Subaru and the victim’s injuries provoke a certain Charleston police detective’s suspicious nature. A wealthy, anonymous benefactor hires Liz and her partner Nate Andrews to prove Poppy Oliver’s innocence.
What exactly was Poppy Oliver up to? Is she a random good Samaritan who happens upon the accident scene? Or perhaps this tragedy wasn’t an accident. She just might be his abused wife’s accomplice.
Why does everyone involved in this case have a sudden burning urge for reading material, leading them to the same charming bookshop along the waterfront?
From a risqué, exclusive club in an old plantation to an upscale resale shop in the historic King Street shopping district to a downtown graveyard crawling with ghosts, Liz tracks a group of women who band together to help victims of domestic violence.
In her most challenging case yet, Liz fears she may find a killer, but justice may prove elusive.
My Review: 5 out of 5 stars
Susan M. Boyer continued the goodness in Book 7 of the Liz Talbot Mystery Series. If you haven’t picked up this series, and you love a good mystery, definitely put this on your TBR list!
Check out the other 6 books in this series: Lowcountry Boil, Lowcountry Bombshell, Lowcountry Boneyard, Lowcountry Bordello, Lowcountry Bookclub and Lowcountry Bonfire
SHOP MY MAY READS + MY OTHER BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS BY SOME OF THESE AUTHORS!
Nice collection of books. I’ve read “Bones to pick”, and it is a good one. I am waiting for the next item in this series. I’ll check out other books too which you have listed here.
Thanks for the great reviews! Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
These sound like fun reads.