Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This is a wonderful book. It reminded me of "The Rosie Project". I definitely thought that Eleanor was on the spectrum until over halfway through the book. She might have been too, but when we learn about her childhood, it could be just her way of having some control over her life. Eleanor is odd, but endearing. She is also very funny, in a dry humor kind of way. I actually laughed out loud at times. I loved her attempts at becoming more "normal".

Raymond Gibbons (IT guy at her place of employment) changes her world - and I loved every second of it. Eleanor's history is heartbreaking. She is a closet alcoholic and has no support at the beginning of the story. She has no memory of past traumatic events which have shaped her life. Raymond enters her structured life and opens it up to other possibilities. While she obsesses over a new "love interest" - unknown to the love interest, Raymond becomes involved with the daughter of a man that Raymond & Eleanor help one day when he collapses in the street. This event brings Raymond & Eleanor together and soon they are meeting for lunch once a week; Eleanor is meeting Raymond's mother; Eleanor is adopting a cat that some kids lit on fire; Eleanor starts attending other social events with Raymond, just as friends. Raymond is Eleanor's very first friend. Raymond is Eleanor's only friend.

As Eleanor's world expands, she starts letting other people enter it. She also realizes that she must face her past. Raymond proves what type of man he is when he finds Eleanor in a horrible state in her apartment. Raymond's care of her at that time was incredibly heartwarming. Raymond helped Eleanor save herself from herself. He is a keeper. :) The ending is a bit open-ended, but in my heart, I know what happens. I really loved this book!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

This is the third book in the Cormoran Strike series. It's grisly and violent and disturbing. The story begins when Robin receives a woman's severed leg in the mail. I think it's interesting that as Rowling (Galbraith) gets deeper into her stories (both Harry Potter and this one), the events and characters get darker. I love the John Sanford series, and this book reminded me of that. These books are not for the faint of heart.

I enjoyed delving more into Cormoran's childhood. It gave me a better understanding of what makes him tick. Since the books only come out once a year (and I read them farther apart than that even), it's hard to remember all the details of a character's life, but I don't remember learning about the amputation of Cormoran's leg in the previous two books. I certainly didn't know there are people out there that want a part of their body removed! (I don't mean to be misleading there; Cormoran did not want his leg amputated!) Anyway, in this book we learn a little bit about Cormoran's past  - his mother, her husband, and a couple of other men that hate Cormoran due to past events. These men are central to the story: Jeff Whitaker (Cormoran's young "step-father"), Donald Laing (whom Cormoran had sent to prison) and Noel Brockbank. All three men are equally creepy. I will admit that I had a difficult time remembering the specifics of each of these men though. Whitaker was the easiest one for me to keep straight since he was married to Cormoran's mother. The other two I never could keep straight.

So, while Cormoran & Robin are trying to keep some clients, young women are dying and they are trying to investigate these men - and stay out of the way of the police. When Cormoran realizes that Robin is in danger, he tries to keep her safe as well, while not telling her he believes she is in danger. In each book, the relationship between Cormoran & Robin develops, even as her marriage to Matthew draws nearer. There is a mutual attraction and closeness between the two of them in this book that wasn't there previously. The ending is certainly mysterious. Not sure what to think of that. (It kind of reminded me of Ross & Emily's wedding in London when Ross says Rachel's name at the altar).

I know I have said this before, but I am a HUGE fan of Rowling's writing - no matter what she is writing. I am hooked on this series. I can't wait to see what happens between Cormoran & Robin - and I am wondering how they revive the business after losing all of their clients. Looking forward to picking up the next one: Lethal White.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

I am on a roll when it comes to reading excellent books. Although this book is a murder mystery, it is so much more than that. We are introduced to Kya as a very young girl. She lives in a rundown shack in the marsh on the coast of North Carolina. Her mother leaves after years of abuse by the hands of her husband, leaving behind Kya and her older siblings. It's not long before Kya's siblings all leave and it's just Kya and her father. By the time Kya turns 10 years old, her father leaves one day and never comes back. 

So, Kya raises herself in the marsh, with the help of a three wonderful people: Jumpin', his wife Mabel and a boy named Tate. My heart warms just thinking of these three! Jumpin' & Mabel find creative ways to support Kya, although Kya works hard to earn that support. Jumpin' buys the mussels that Kya spends hours digging for each morning - and he buys her "smoked fish" on consignment. Jumpin' makes sure she always has gas for her boat, while Mabel keeps her clothed. Kya does attend school for one day, but decides it's not for her, so she never goes back. She is truly a "marsh girl", which is what the town people call her. Then there is Tate, the boy who teaches her how to read - and encourages her love of all things that live in the marsh. He also gives her the tools to record her love of the marsh through drawings and words.

Kya is beautiful, both physically and spiritually. Basically, inside and out. ;) She gets lonely living by herself in her shack. She is attracted to Tate and falls in love with him. Tate has his own path he needs to follow however, and leaves to attend college. Then Kya meets - or finally gets acquainted with - Chase, the town "hunk". Kya, who misses Tate and feels betrayed by his continued absence, falls in love with Chase, despite his womanizing ways.  Kya trusts that Chase loves her and that they will be married. Then she finds out that he is engaged to someone in town. When Chase is found dead in the marsh, Kya, the "marsh girl" is an obvious suspect.

This is a story of resilience, betrayal, acceptance, forgiveness and love. Kya is a survivor, in the truest sense of the word. Everyone she loves, leaves her, and yet she finds a way to keep going. It's an incredibly heartbreaking and heartwarming story. I highly recommend it!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Oftentimes, the books I read remind me of another. This one does not! This is a unique storyline and I really loved it. Caraval is the name of an annual "performance" that you can only attend if you receive a personal invitation from Legend, the creator of Caraval. There are strict rules that you must follow if you want to be a part of Caraval, including a strict arrival time. The performance/game lasts for five nights. The "game" happens at night and the guests sleep during the day. Upon arrival, the guests can choose to simply be an observer or they can play the game.

Scarlett and Donatella (Tella) Dragna are sisters who are being raised by their cruel father on the Isle of Trisda. The sisters have heard about Caraval and Legend from their Nana. Scarlett is mesmerized by the magic surrounding Caraval and desperately wants to attend "the show". She writes to Legend annually and asks for an invitation. Then the year comes that she finds out her father has arranged a marriage for her. Scarlett sees her pending marriage as her salvation from her father, for both her and her sister. Of course that's the year that Scarlett (and her fiance) and Tella finally receive the long-awaited for invitations. Now Scarlett doesn't want to go because it's too close to her marriage. Tella insists that they go. She wants to leave their father and the Isle of Trisda no matter what the consequences are and never return. Tella sees Caraval as their salvation from their father.

Scarlett is tricked by Tella and Tella's new "friend", a sailor named Julian. Tella & Julian basically kidnap Scarlett and take her to Caraval. Upon arrival though, Tella goes missing. Scarlett won't leave without finding Tella first, so she and Julian enter "the game". It doesn't take long for Scarlett to realize that Tella's disappearance is part of the game - and all the participants are looking for Tella. The first person to find her will win the prize: one wish.

The story revolves around love - in all of its various forms. Love of power; love of self; love of a woman; love of a man; love of a sister. Love is always a powerful theme, but this book unravels the weight of love in a very unique way. AND, Caraval is the first book of a trilogy!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Any one who has read the Harry Potter series, and loved it like I did, will love this book too. Shannon Messenger has created her own world and instead of a young boy (Harry) discovering his magical talents after being "hidden away" for the first decade of his life, this time it's a young girl, Sophie. Sophie knows she is different, but she has no idea who she really is or how powerful her magical talents are. I felt sad when she had to leave her "family" though, because in this case she really loved them and they really loved her. (Even presumably her bratty sister!)

In this first book of the series, we enter a world of elves. Sophie enters a special school and works with different professors that help her develop - and discover - special talents. So again, very Harry Potter-like. There are professors that seem to support her and those that oppose her, wanting her kicked out. Tiergan is her Telepath mentor, which is kept secret from others for most of this book. Telepaths were rare and in high demand. There are also ethics involved when you are a Telepath - which Sophie learns the hard way (even after being told!) Fortunately, Sophie has several wonderful people who seem to genuinely care about her (two sets of parent-figures) as she tries to figure out who she really is (who her birth parents are) and how she fits into the big picture of her dangerously changing world.

She develops some friendships, but I'm not really sure who will be her "side-kicks" throughout the series. She has a major crush on Fitz, and he seems to be more her "equal", but she relies on Dex and his loyalty to her just as much as she relies on Fitz to help her out of dangerous situations. (Because of his own talents and the importance of his father).

By the end of the book we find out that Sophie has a severe allergy (which could easily cause her death), suppressed memories that may or may not be her own, a weakness in alchemy, the ability to find an unmapped star and a photogenic memory. After a couple of mis-starts, she finds a new "family" (Grady & Edaline) and she passes her first year of school. All in all, a wonderful start to this journey!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Reached by Ally Condie

I really loved this trilogy. I read this third book in one day, even though it's the longest of the three. It did not end the way I expected. I was expecting the big battle between the Rising and the Society. I thought "the Pilot" would be a big (shocking?) reveal. I was expecting more of a love triangle between Cassia, Ky and Xander. (There was a point in the Mockingjay that I really didn't know if Katniss would choose Peeta or Gale!) I was intrigued that it was very different than I expected.

I certainly didn't see the Plague coming! It was interesting that the Rising used the Plague to signal the beginning of the rebellion. At first I was shocked that Xander seemed excited that the two year old showed signs of the Plague. That seemed against his caring nature for sure! Then when we find out that there is a cure, it made more sense, but it's still an odd signal. The immunizations administered by Society; the modified immunizations administered by the Rising; the red, green & blue pills carried by all; the different effects these pills had on different people; the development of the Plague by Society in the first place to kill the Enemy (who was the enemy, by-the-way?) The development of the cure by Society; the suppression of the rebellion by isolating the Aberrations and Anomalies from Society; the mutation of the original Plague; why some people are immune from the mutation and some are not. I could go on and on. All of this (and so much more) are very different twists on a common theme: the pending destruction of a dystopian society.

I also thought it was interesting that the Society took creativity out of people's lives. No one knew how to print letters of the alphabet, much less write in cursive. No one knew how to dance or sing or write. Cassia's family stood firm in their beliefs, but they were different beliefs. Cassia's Great Grandmother was a Pilot; her Grandfather supported the Rising; her father supported the Society; Cassia was affected by the red pill, so she had to struggle to remember what she knew - and choose her own way. I said in my previous blog on Crossed that I thought the Rising would be just as "evil" as the Society due to an abuse of power and control. Who knew that they were one and the same! Very fascinating twist. And the end: a democratic vote!

Wendy's Rating: *****

The Graduation of Jake Moon by Barbara Park

This is a book written for 9-12 year olds, but I loved it. My 11 year old son and I read it together. Jake Moon and his mother, who live with Jake's grandfather, Skelly, find out that Skelly has Alzheimer's disease when Jake is in third grade. Skelly had taken in his daughter and her baby (Jake) after she was abandoned by Jake's father and she couldn't make it on her own. He was this wonderful, fun-loving, caring, boisterous man who made others feel good about themselves. This all changes as the Alzheimer's progresses. He has memory issues; his personality changes (he even swears, which he never did previously); he needs help with his hygiene; he says odd things; he forgets who people are; he forgets to put pants on - or underwear. Jake is responsible for "watching him" after school every day for the hour between school and when his mom gets home from work.

My son and I have lived through this experience already, when my own father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease when my son was around 5 years old. By the time he was 9, my dad had forgotten who we all were. All of the things that Jake went through in this book, we went through. At one point I cried! It's a wonderfully written true experience of how Alzheimer's changes a person - and the effect those changes have on family members. Jake struggles with the changes in Skelly. He is embarrassed by him. He resents him. But in the end, he loves him. The story ends with Jake's 8th grade graduation - and with Jake figuring out that the most important thing is his love for Skelly.

I highly recommend this book for any child whose life is affected by Alzheimer's disease. Jake is the narrator and he shows all the emotions that a pre-teen would show - and he also has a good sense of humor. I laughed. I cried. I was affected by this book because of my own personal experience of course, but it's an excellent description of this horrible disease as told through a child's eyes.

Wendy's Rating: *****

Crossed by Ally Condie

Usually the second book in a trilogy can seem like a plateau in the overall story. I don't feel that way in this trilogy (or the Hunger Games trilogy!) It wasn't what I expected though. First of all, I thought Xander would be in it! Cassia does see him briefly, but for the most part, he is a very peripheral character. The main characters in this book are Cassia, Ky, Eli and Indie. Eli is 13 years old, but the rest treat him like he is much younger. (The rest are only 17, so I don't see them as much older!) Eli reminds Cassia & Ky of her brother, Bram, so they have a special affinity towards him.

Anyway, Cassia leaves Society to go to the Outer Provinces in search of Ky. Ky, who is in the Outer Provinces tries to get back to Society in search of Cassia. Indie wants to join the Rising. Eli initially just goes along for the ride (with Ky & Vick). Each character has their secrets; each character has difficulty trusting the others. Ky actually seems to know Xander better than Cassia herself does, which was interesting. Indie kept telling Cassia & Ky that Ky is the Pilot for the Rising. I really think that Xander may be the Pilot! I was happy that we started learning more about Ky's family background - and why he is so against Society and the Rising. I feel the same way. Like in the Hunger Games, the people who lead the "rebellion" are just as corrupt in their power as the Society (Capitol). Ky suspects this corruptness; the others do not.

Even though the cave/tunnel description is only a little more than one page, I was positively claustrophobic when Cassia was entering the cave through the very small tunnel. There is no way I could have ever done that! I thought that was really well written. I still want to know if Cassia is immune to the red pill - and why she was so deeply affected by the blue pill, but she didn't die. Is that because she kept moving? Is it because she was so focused on finding Ky? Was it because Indie gave her that apple to eat? Why are Xander, Ky and Indie immune to the red pill? 

As always, I was sad about the deaths. I was shocked about Vick's demise. I did not see that coming! It will be interesting to see what Cassia's role is back in the Society. I am assuming that Xander will be a key player in book 3 (Reached). I have a lot of questions and I am looking forward to them all being answered!

Wendy's Rating: *****

Matched by Ally Condie

This book reminds me of The Giver! The perfectly controlled society; the older man who knows more than he is allowed to say; the teens who start picking up on clues that not all is what it seems; a renewed sense of purpose to break away from the "Utopian" society and move back to a society of choice. I really liked it. I love dystopian novels in general.

I wondered what the officers and officials knew at any given time. It seems to me that since most information was distributed on a "need to know" basis, many of them did not fully understand. This is probably why some of them seemed almost kind. The officer assigned to Cassia obviously implemented the "Matching experiment" by showing Cassia two faces after her Matching Ceremony and then privately talking to both Cassia and Ky about it. I'm not sure if she was testing the computer's analysis of Cassia's response or Ky's response or both. Why would she even care about Ky's response though, since he was an Aberration? So, probably it was all about Cassia. Did they keep testing her to see if she could be used for an important part of their controlled society because she was so intelligent (and a superior "sorter") or was it to determine if she would become a leader in the rebellion?

I loved how both her Grandfather and father broke the rules for the people they loved. Cassia's mother had her own way of keeping her family safe. I am happy that the love that Cassia's family have for each other is genuine. And they supported Cassia's desire to find Ky, despite the obvious danger. Xander is also awesome - and genuine. I thought it was interesting that it was mentioned two or three times that there were physical similarities between Xander and Ky. I wonder if this means something....? A connection there that we don't know about yet?

The portioned out meals; the blue, green and red tablets; the emphasis of staying healthy through exercise; the Matching Ceremonies; the Final Banquets; the poetry which connects to the story and sends Cassia messages from her Grandfather and Ky;  the love triangle (although Ky is certainly "winning" vs. Xander at this point!) I found it all fascinating. I am really enjoying this story and have already started the next book, which is also really good! ;)

Wendy's Rating: *****

The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After: Happiness, a memoir, by Heather Harpham

This is one of those books that I would have never picked up to read if it wasn't a book club selection. As often happens in this situation, I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked this book. The author is honest: "Memory is stubborn, revisionist, and fickle. Everything I'm about to tell you is subject to persuasion, bias, and desire, as much as any history is. It is singularly one-sided." 

Heather shares the story of her first-born child's serious illness with honesty, love and humor. It's interesting that the serious illness of a child can often divide parents; divide a family. The opposite happens here. Brian did not want children. He loved Heather, but still couldn't accept being a father, so Heather was on her own for most of her pregnancy and early months of Gracie's life. I actually didn't know if Brian would come around or not. I am certainly glad he did! I am sure that Brian would have eventually accepted fatherhood if Gracie was born healthy too, but in this case, she was not. And once he met his daughter, there was no turning back. I can't imagine the heartbreak that Heather must have suffered when Brian told her that he could not be a father to their newly conceived child. I think she was incredibly strong through their "Brian-induced separation".

Gracie's recovery is a miracle. I truly believe that God had a plan - and God had a hand in her recovery. Heather & Brian decide not to have another child (in hope of saving Gracie). Then they find out Heather is pregnant. They have Gabe, and his cells are a perfect match. Of course Gracie endures a lot - more than any child should ever have to - but her little brother did save her life with his cord blood. Gracie was a strong child, who beat the odds. It's an amazing story. So many childhood illnesses do not end this way. My heart broke for Rayma and Deepak when Varun died. How difficult it must be for a parent to lose their own child and still be attentive to other parents whose children survive. What a testament to the kindness of Rayma and Deepak.

Wendy's Rating: *****

Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

When I really love a book in a series - and all of the characters - I find myself reluctant to start the next book because I know some of the main characters will be different, and/or the focus will be different. Definitely the main characters were different in this book - and the focus was on the new main characters - but I loved it anyway! 

I loved the relationship between Fallon and Mallick. Mallick is a wise old man and he taught Fallon a lot. I was a little worried about his stamina at times! I was hoping that we would see him again after Fallon went back home, but I guess we have to wait until Book 3. (Hopefully). Obviously the budding love story is between Fallon and Duncan. They will make a powerful couple, to be sure. I think we just got a taste of what's to come. Fallon needs to grow up a bit before she has a full-blown love affair. ;) So, off Duncan goes to train with Mallick. That's a win-win.

Since this is the "middle book", I didn't expect Eric & Allegra to be a huge part of it. The story needs to build to the ultimate Good vs. Evil conclusion. I was actually surprised that Eric was killed! We really didn't see much of him at all. Good riddance. Since Petra was introduced as a child when she came to New Hope, I am pretty sure she was conceived after Eric had already killed Max. Petra seemed younger than Fallon. Her character was the big surprise for me in the book. She seemed so innocent. With Eric dead, that leaves Allegra & Petra to battle it out with Fallon I guess. I am sure both sides will have plenty of support when the time comes.

Fallon's focus was destroying all the nuclear weapons. She didn't want to just "disarm" them; she wanted to destroy them so that no one else could come along and re-activate them. Although it's part of her overall plan to beat the dark side with her light, I was surprised at that focus. I did think that the "battle" that reintroduced Eric & Allegra - and exposed Petra - was a little confusing. I picked up on Petra's cupcakes the same time Duncan did because of the "fruit and flowers" comment, but after that, things happened fast and furious and I wasn't sure what was going on! Even though we didn't know him that well, I did feel bad that Denzel was killed.

So, now we wait for The Rise of Magicks, due at the end of November 2019.  I hate waiting....

Wendy's Rating: *****

The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn

Loved this book! I definitely could have read it in one sitting if I had enough hours in the day for work, children AND reading! I knew I wasn't putting it down again (until the end) around 300 pages in, no matter what. The book is broken up into days. Within each day, there are chapters. Some of the chapters are present time; others are historical events. The story is fast-paced, so even though I was curious about the traumatic event that caused Anna's agoraphobia, I was caught up in the story itself as it unfolded.

When reading psychological thrillers like this, I often think about the potential "curve balls", twists and turns the story will take. There came a point in this story when I realized a significant twist was coming and I already started processing how the proceeding events changed in my mind with this new knowledge. What I couldn't figure out is what was going to happen after this revelation. Was I surprised by the end? Absolutely. One thing I loved about this well-written story is the fact that the reader knows all of the characters involved. There is not a "minor" character who is rarely referred to that ends up being a significant part of the end. Nope. In this book, the reader is introduced to everyone we need to know.

I loved the old movie (black & white) references throughout the book. I loved how movies would be playing in the background while Anna processed what was happening in her life. She lived and breathed these movies - and add that obsession to four bottles of wine.... well, it would mess up any one's line of thought! Anna's drinking made me cringe however!! I kept screaming inside my head, "Anna, put the bottle down!!" Can you say functioning alcoholic? Or, semi-functioning alcoholic?!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good ride!

Wendy's Rating: *****

I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass

This is what I call a "journey book". We read along as two sisters age - and we ponder the changes in their relationship as they go through their separate lives. One is an artist/author and the other dedicates her life to studying and saving mammals, both of sea and land. Both women are independent and opinionated, despite always having a man in their lives. As in real life, you never know what's around the corner for yourself or your family members. There were a few unexpected events in these two women's lives for sure!

I always feel bad when parents have "favorite" children. I have never understood it myself. I certainly can't believe that Louisa & Clem's mother would be so blatant about Clem being her favorite daughter! I think knowledge like that can alter a child's life forever. Although in this case, Louisa comments that it's actually a relief to them both when they overhear their mother telling a friend that Clem is her favorite. That way they could stop thinking about it and move on with their lives and relationship as sisters.

I identified more with Louisa than Clem. She just seemed to want a husband, a home, a family. It took her awhile to get there (with a few missteps and one major roadblock), but she seemed happy in the end. I understood Louisa's shock at Clem's decision to end her life. I didn't see it coming either! Why?? She had people who loved her; who respected her; a job that she loved. I totally understood why Louisa just wanted to know WHY? It would be incredibly hard to live the rest of your life wondering what Clem was thinking. It was also sad that she seemed so distant from her parents after Clem's death. And this seemed like a mutual decision. Another thing I didn't really understand. Clem's death brought her parents closer to each other, but they shut Louisa out of their lives. I would have thought the opposite would have happened.

There are sad events in this novel, but the ending is one of hope. I certainly would have preferred a different ending for those involved, but life throws us curve balls. We have to make the best of the lives we have instead of wallowing in "what could have been".

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

The opening scene of this book is Lo's home being burglarized when she is in her bedroom, awakened from hearing a noise in the house. I spent the rest of the book thinking it might be tied to what happened on the Aurora Borealis. It's an odd way to start the book in my opinion, since it has nothing to do with anything else that happens, but I guess it serves a purpose nonetheless. People question Lo's mental health because of the break-in.

I like how the author explains all the "loose ends". After we find out who the woman in cabin 10 is, for example, I had wondered why she opened the door when Lo knocked on it to borrow the mascara. If she was hiding, then why open the door? Well, it is explained later that Lo just happened to knock the "secret code", unbeknownst to her. That same knock is used later in the book when she knocks on Lo's door. I like it when author's pay attention to the details.

The news reports, emails and the Whodunnit Web Forum interspersed throughout the novel added to the suspense of what happened on the Aurora. I really liked Judah and Lo's treatment of him was frustrating to me! I am so happy that Judah didn't give up on her. She may have simply not responded to him via email/phone because she was distancing herself from him, mad at him, etc. Thankfully, he didn't believe that. I was also relieved that Ben is the one who rose the alarm when Lo "left the ship at Trondheim and didn't return". I was hoping that he was in her corner and believed what she was saying.

I had a hard time remembering who the different passengers/crew were aboard the Aurora. I certainly didn't know who Lo should be trusting and who not to trust. In the end, it all makes sense. People were true to their characters. I liked Carrie, despite her naivety. Rich men can be so persuasive when they have a goal in mind. I was obviously happy that she trusted Lo in the end.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Providence by Caroline Kepnes

There are some similarities between this book and the Twilight series - certainly not in writing style, since this is not a young adult book - but in that it's a love story where one person (Jon/Edward) deeply loves another (Chloe/Bella) but their love cannot be fully consummated because by being together physically, Jon/Edward could potentially kill Chloe/Bella because of their strong emotional feelings.

I was as puzzled by Roger Blair's letter to Jon as he was. In Roger's mind, what did he think would be the result of what he did to Jon in his medically-induced coma? What good could ever come from making sure that someone MUST live in complete isolation, with no ability to share his emotions or physical presence with another human being? We did good work down here, Jon. Did he want Jon to kill all the scumbags on earth? What about all of the innocent people he killed? Roger Blair was truly evil.

I had mixed emotions about Carrig. I wasn't sure if we were supposed to like him or hate him. Certainly when they were all in school, Carrig was an entitled jerk who was a bully. But Chloe seemed to really love him and Carrig seemed to really love her. Chloe had such a kind heart, it was hard not to give Carrig the benefit of the doubt - especially after Chloe got back together with him when they were adults. In all honesty, Carrig was pretty patient for quite awhile with Chloe's "pining after Jon". In the end though, he comes off as a horrible person, but I am not convinced that he deserved that label. I think he really loved Chloe, and he was deeply hurt that Chloe loved Jon more than him despite everything he had done for her.

I wasn't sure where Eggs was in all of this. He was hunting down Jon, but he also had the best understanding (eventually) of what Roger Blair did to Jon. I guess I thought he would be more sympathetic to his plight. In the end though, Jon was killing people and Eggs was a cop after all.

One of my favorite quotes from the novel: "Medicine is an approximate science. Loneliness is a specific monster. And love - love is just specific." I wouldn't call the ending a "happy ending". It's actually quite sad that two people like Chloe & Jon are leading their separate lives alone because of their love for each other. I was thrilled with Roger's death though! And I am glad that Eggs "caught" his serial killer, even though he didn't actually catch him. I didn't want him to lose his incredibly supportive wife!

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Wow, did I love this book! This is one of those books (like Gone Girl) that takes you on a journey that you don't know where it will end. It's difficult to determine who can be trusted and who is dangerous to be around. Whenever you think you know what is going on, ha! There will be a turn in the story that is hard to anticipate. This is also a book that is hard to blog about since any specific comment I make about a character may give a clue to what is really happening - and that would ruin the effect of the journey. Normally, I don't mind including spoilers since I am "discussing" the book, (presumably with people who have read the book), but there are some exceptions and this is one of them. Just read the book!

In general, the main characters are Nellie, Vanessa and Richard. The supporting characters are Nellie's best friend, Sam; Nellie's aunt, Charlotte; Richard's sister, Maureen. Nellie is a preschool teacher who is preparing to marry Richard, who is divorced from his first wife, Vanessa. Past troubles are inferred, including alcoholism, mental illness, infertility and mysterious incidents from their pasts that can only be speculated on as the story unfolds. The story jumps around in time, as different historical facts are uncovered. Even the reported "facts" may not be all they seem though.

This book is a page-turner and a must read! This is very well-written and cleverly plotted. I am very much looking forward to reading the next novel by these two authors.

Wendy's Rating: *****

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

This is a pre-teen to young adult novel. It delivers an important message about staying true to yourself instead of pretending to be someone that you are not, but my 11 year old seemed to miss it. I explained it to him, but he stood resolute in his own interpretation. Hopefully some of what I said will sink in one day though. ;) He does want to read the sequel (written from Stargirl's perspective rather than Leo's), so maybe that will help him understand that nonconformity is okay.

Leo is a typical teenager who attends the local High School. He has a best friend, Kevin. He is not overly popular, but he is not an outcast either. He is just an average kid. When Stargirl (real name Susan) starts attending the High School, after years of homeschooling, she causes a stir because of her uniqueness. She wears different clothing than the norm; she is kind to everyone; she sings Happy Birthday, while playing the ukulele, to each student in the cafeteria on their birthday. She also announces to Leo in public that she thinks he's cute. Leo likes Stargirl - and is certainly intrigued by her - but he has a difficult time with how different she is.

Stargirl briefly becomes accepted by her fellow classmates, mainly because she joins the cheerleading squad and people come to see her perform her "antics" during each game. Then, with an enthusiastic audience (thanks to Stargirl), their team starts winning. Of course all good things must come to an end. Stargirl not only cheered for her own team; she also cheered for the other teams. This does not sit well with anyone, so she is once again ostracized. Stargirl tries to become "normal" by dressing and acting like everyone else, which Leo really wants. This is not successful. She enters a public speaking competition - and wins first place - but no one shows up to congratulate her for her win except her best friend a couple of teachers.

Leo & Stargirl are a couple for awhile, but Leo cannot handle being "shunned" by the rest of the kids at their school. Leo actually chooses his friends over Stargirl and breaks up with her. He doesn't even take her to the school dance. Stargirl goes back to being true to herself, but her family moves after the school dance and Leo never sees her again. I was disappointed in Leo - caving to peer pressure and all. My son was disappointed in Stargirl because she stopped trying to be "normal". Goodness. That is NOT the message the book is trying to convey! This book is a great one to read with your pre-teen. It's a great way to talk about how it's okay to be "different" from everyone else.

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman

This is the second book by Carol Goodman that I have read. I really love how she writes her stories! They are considered "literary suspense" and this one certainly qualifies. There are two different stories, one set in 1893 and one in "present day" - or 100 years later. The setting for both stories is the same, on the Bosco estate.

The two stories connect and intertwine in an intriguing way. Both in 1893 and present day, a medium in involved. Of course we don't know if the mediums are fakes or really do "talk to the dead" - or something in-between. It's also difficult to determine who is genuine (character-wise) and who is a con. My tendency was to believe the feelings and dreams of Ellis Brooks, who comes to the Bosco estate to write her first novel. Ellis' mother is a medium herself, so Ellis has experience with her mother's "profession" - which she seems embarrassed by. Ellis is writing about the medium, Corinth Blackwell, who is called to Bosco by the owner of the estate in 1893, Milo Latham. Milo's wife, Aurora, cannot work through her grief after losing three of her four children from illness. Milo wants Corinth to do a seance with Aurora so she can talk to her children and let them go.

That is the main storyline, but there is so much more! We are introduced to all the people who are at Bosco in 1893 and the present. Since Aurora wanted Bosco to always be inhabited by true artists, Bosco was turned into an exclusive artist's colony, with some pretty strict "rules", for artists who are accepted after a stringent application process. So, we get to meet the Latham family and employees in 1893 and we get to meet the caretakers of Bosco and the five artists working on their particular form of art in present day. All of the characters are unique and mysterious and intriguing.

The farther I got into the book, the faster I read and the more nervous I got! It is sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspenseful. As the story unfolds and the connections are unveiled (a little bit at a time) I seriously could not put the book down. I had to read to the end, literally holding my breath for the conclusion. Even after you figure out the connections (sometimes before the characters do), you still don't know how it will end. You fear for the worst and hope for the best. Seriously, I loved this book!

Wendy's Rating: *****

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

It's interesting that (what I consider to be) the "main characters" in this series are not always present in each book. Annabeth was hardly in this book, since she was taken by the General (Titans) and held captive, along with Artemis, after Percy, Thalia and Annabeth respond to Grover's emergency call to rescue two newly discovered sibling half-bloods (Bianca & Nico). Of course rescuing Annabeth gives Percy a side-mission to the ultimate quest. Another missing character in this book was Tyson. I missed both Annabeth and Tyson, but we are introduced to more characters, including Artemis, Bianca, Nico and Zoe, a huntress. I cannot imagine Harry, Ron or Hermione missing in action for nearly a whole book in the Harry Potter series!

This book includes the mandatory monster-fighting; a visit to the gods; a revelation of another demi-god, whose father is one of the "big three" who were not allowed to have any more children. Ha!  Try to tell a god what to do - or not do, in this case! Luke is in over his head, but I don't see him going back to the "good side". Percy thinks he died, but everyone else knows better. Luke is just re-grouping.

A prophecy tells the reader what will happen in this book. Of course we don't know who it pertains to until the story unfolds. But that's part of the charm.
Five shall go west to the goddess in chains
One shall be lost in the land without rain,
The bane of Olympus shows the trail,
Campers and Hunters combined prevail,
The Titan’s curse must one withstand,
And one shall perish by a parent’s hand

I wasn't expecting Thalia to become a huntress, that's for sure. Now she is immortal. That takes Thalia out of the running for being the child (of the main prophecy) who will save or destroy the world when they turn 16. Percy is 14. Nico is 10. Percy believes that he is the child the prophecy refers to. I agree, but Percy only voices this to try to protect Nico. (Like you could change roles in a prophecy!)

Wendy's Rating: ****

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

I read this book immediately after finishing He Said She Said by Erin Kelly. Both books were hard to put down. I read The Lying Game in two sittings though. There came a point where I knew I was finishing the book, no matter how late it got. Sleep is over-rated anyway, right?

I wasn't crazy about these four 15 year old girls playing this game (the lying game) at their boarding school because I thought it was hurtful and embarrassing to others. They also smoked and drank and snuck out of their rooms at night. What's odd is that they are not your typical "juvenile delinquents". They were all at the boarding school for different reasons, and they all had very different backgrounds. It was just by chance that they became so bonded. Three of the girls had parents that loved them. Only one, Thea, was obviously dealing with some mental health issues, which resulted in her cutting and (most likely) becoming anorexic and an alcoholic. The story doesn't really go into details of Thea's life - just that she has been kicked out of a lot of schools.

These four friends spend nearly every waking moment together (and they share dorm rooms) for less than one school year before they are forced to leave. But the four of them only get together one time after they all leave the school (for Isa's mother's funeral). Then they don't see each other again for 15 years. Of course the reader doesn't know why until the story unfolds a bit at a time.

I understand that they are all highly stressed when something they did at age 15 comes back to haunt them, but I hated the way Isa treated her boyfriend (and father of her child)! He was just trying to understand what was going on with Isa; why she had changed so much after visiting her old school friends. I felt really bad for him! He was trying so hard and she treated him horribly. I didn't want Isa to go back to Kate's when Kate called her back again. Kate's home seemed creepy to me, sinking into the reach/marsh and all! I can't believe they went swimming at night in the reach!

As all good thrillers do, this one has an unexpected twist at the end. I wasn't really sure who to trust between Kate and her brother Luc. I pretty much just wanted Isa to take her baby home to Owen before one or both of them died!

I wasn't crazy about the ending. I really don't believe that lying is the best tool to use when developing and maintaining a relationship. After seeing all the damage done from their constant lying as teenagers - and then keeping a horrible secret the rest of their lives, which they all handle differently, I am not sure why they thought it was too late to tell the truth. I also don't think that people should stay with the father of their baby simply because he is a wonderful father. Seriously, Isa "lies" at the end when she tells Owen that she loves him. Again, I thought Isa made a poor decision. Lying will only cause more hurt and confusion as time goes on.

Despite not liking the ending, I really thought the book was well-written and suspenseful - with an ending I did not expect. I am definitely going to read Ruth Ware's book, The Woman in Cabin 10 now!

Wendy's Rating: ****

He Said She Said by Erin Kelly

I love books like this! As the story unfolds, you think you are getting to know the characters. And you are, at least from one perspective, but there is so much you don't know. Although Kit narrates some chapters, most of the story is told by Laura. We get to know Laura through her chapters; we get to know Kit through his chapters and Laura's interpretation of his words and actions in her chapters. We also only know Beth and Jamie through Laura's eyes (until the end).

Laura certainly made some errors in judgment - like talking to Beth in the bathroom of the courthouse and perjury in the witness box! I kept thinking that Kit was so wonderful for sticking with her despite her over-the-top anxiety and paranoia. She could not have been easy to live with! Then they go through their infertility issues, which puts a strain on any marriage. I really got sucked into the "danger of Beth" as they lived incognito and made every effort to avoid her whenever they traveled to an eclipse. Kip seemed prepared to kill Beth to protect Laura if it came down to it. Of course the reader doesn't know right away why they are hiding from Beth, which makes it all the more intriguing.

It was hard to get a read on Beth since we only get to know her through Laura's voice. I guess I believed that she was raped (based on Laura's eyewitness account), but I didn't know if she was mentally stable or not. I believed that Jamie was a rapist, but he could be very persuasive using his natural good looks and charm, so I understood what Beth was up against in court.

I love books that I have no idea how they will end! I can honestly say that I did not predict the ending of this book. The author does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing about Beth's mental stability, as well as Laura's. When Jamie's wife gets involved, peripherally through Beth, I really believe that Laura and her babies are in danger. (Which they are, just not the way predicted by me!) This is a fast-paced story, with an unexpected twist at the end. 

Wendy's Rating: ****

Once in a Blue Moon Lodge by Lorna Landvik

I have not read Patty Jane's House of Curl, the first book about this family. One of the reviews on the back cover notes that it "reads easily as a stand-alone." Well, I was really confused about who everyone was for too many pages. There are so many characters, and without having any knowledge of the first book, I initially regretted not reading it before this one. Because of that, it took me awhile to get into the story. I didn't even appreciate the author's obvious sense of humor right away, simply because I was trying to keep all the characters straight in my head. Pretty early on, I put it aside to read another book.

When I picked up this book again to "muster through the story" I was determined to invest myself in the process. Once I started, I enjoyed it very much. I figured out who most of the characters were (the three generations - and eventually four generations- of names) and managed to remember most of the time which generation they were from and who they were connected to. What really got me invested was Ione's story. Once I understood where this matriarch of the family came from - and how she got to where she was - then everything started falling into place. I also started appreciating Lorna Landvik's sense of humor.

I love the quirkiness of the characters. I appreciated Thor's kindness and how his family (including his wife Patty Jane and her "boyfriend" Clyde, who people assumed was her husband) accepted Thor for who he was and how he was a part of their family. It was wonderful to read about a family who accepted people into their family simply because a family member loved them. There were no titles like "step-father"; it was simply "dad" or "grandfather". The bloodline didn't matter. What mattered was a family connection immersed in love and acceptance.

So, after a slow start, I ended up reading it very quickly. I read whenever I had a few minutes and I wanted to keep reading. It is heartwarming, funny, sad and endearing. I loved this eccentric, quirky family. Despite several characters passing away during the book (the different stories in the book cross over decades), the remaining central family members are happy, content and love the person they are with. Yes, it's a little "tidy" at the end, but it felt comfortable like my old flannel robe on a cold, winter night. Cozy.

Wendy's Rating: ****