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Author: ondbookshelf

Blogging my way through my extensive to be read pile of books.

About ondbookshelf

Blogging my way through my extensive to be read pile of books.

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Published on 1 Comment on Wish You Were Here
Wish You Were Here Book Cover Wish You Were Here
Jodi Picoult
Ballantine Books
November 30, 2021
E-book
336
Publisher via NetGalley

Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track. She will be married by thirty, done having kids by thirty-five, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. She’s not engaged just yet, but she knows her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is about to propose on their romantic getaway to the Galápagos—days before her thirtieth birthday. Right on time.

But then a virus that felt worlds away has appeared in the city, and on the eve of their departure, Finn breaks the news: It’s all hands on deck at the hospital. He has to stay behind. You should still go, he assures her, since it would be a shame for all of their nonrefundable trip to go to waste. And so, reluctantly, she goes.

Almost immediately, Diana’s dream vacation goes awry. The whole island is now under quarantine, and she is stranded until the borders reopen. Completely isolated, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.

Diana finds herself examining her relationships, her choices, and herself—and wondering if when she goes home, she too will have evolved into someone completely different.

My review:

I wish it were possible to give two different ratings, because this book deserves that from me. For the writing, the research, and the gut punching emotions, I would rate it five stars all the way! For the enjoyment level I have to knock off a star, and I will explain why in broad terms as I don't want to reveal spoilers. I've seen some readers who are hesitant to pick this one up due to the overall COVID theme. While I definitely would not recommend to someone who has lost a person close to them, I loved the vivid descriptions of the work the healthcare workers were doing, and the effect on people when the world "shut down". Brilliant use of emails from Finn (a doctor in the thick of things at a NYC hospital), one in particular where he stayed with a dying patient, had me sobbing! Finn's accounts of life on the front line were definitely my favorite part of the book, and are completely compelling! The descriptions of the Galapagos Islands were lovely and made you feel as though you were there. Also some interesting side education about the art world (Diana works for Southeby's selling paintings), and the side effects on the brain of someone on a ventilator. The two niggling facets that held back my five stars were the huge twist that comes about 60% in, and a decision Diana makes at the end of the novel. The first one is a trope I absolutely hate in books, but that one I'm giving a partial pass as it leads to educational moments that were super interesting to me. The second one was a complete no go, and it made me dislike the ending (if the ending leaves you unsatisfied, that's a definite lowering on the enjoyment scale). However, that's just me, and I really feel this book deserves all the praise. I'm planning a different ending in my mind, so it's all good!

Not for those who have a close COVID loss, this is a brilliantly written account of the beginnings of the pandemic. Overall, its a love letter to the front line hospital workers, who literally deserve all our praise! A definitely must read, make up your own ending if you must 🙂

Published on Leave a comment on The Family
The Family Book Cover The Family
Naomi Krupitsky
Fiction
G.P. Putnam's Sons
November 2, 2021
Hardcover
368
Purchased

Two daughters. Two families. One inescapable fate.

Sofia Colicchio is a free spirit, a loud, untamed thing. Antonia Russo is thoughtful, ever observing the world around her. Best friends from birth, their homes share a brick wall and their fathers are part of an unspoken community that connects them all: the Family. Sunday dinners gather the Family each week to feast, discuss business, and renew the intoxicating bond borne of blood and love.

Until Antonia’s father dares to dream of a different life and goes missing soon after. His disappearance drives a whisper-thin wedge between Sofia and Antonia as they become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship. Both women are pushing against the walls of a prison made up of expectations, even as they remain bound to one another, their hearts expanding in tandem with Red Hook and Brooklyn around them. One fateful night their loyalty to each other and the Family will be tested. Only one of them can pull the trigger before it’s too late.

My review:

It's a good thing that I didn't see the comparisons between this novel and My Brilliant Friend series, or I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I was not a fan of that book, and even picked up the newest from that author which I also disliked, so obviously we are not a good fit. I can see where the comparisons come from, but I'm here to tell you that I don't think liking one (or in my case disliking) has any bearing on the other. I really enjoyed this look at the lives of two girls growing up in Brooklyn. We follow them from 1928 until 1948 from their school years through marriage and motherhood. The undercurrent flowing through the book is that both girls have families involved in the Italian mafia. I thought it was fascinating to observe that while we as readers know what the fathers are doing, the girls do not understand the ins and outs until they reach a much more mature age. There are glimpses of the dealings happening, but for the most part we follow Sofia and Antonia as they mature and their friendship takes on many different forms. This book does have plot lines to follow, but I would say for the most part it is a character study of that time and place, as well as diving into the feelings of each daughter as they go from child to mother. Also a great account of the mother/daughter relationship. I was definitely caught up in the characters lives, and was eager to see where they would end up. The ending was a bit shocking, yet satisfying, and keeping in form with the crux of the plot.

A really enjoyable story of two Italian best friends throughout two decades of their lives. A good look not only at families, but at friendship, motherhood, and the bonds to The Family.

Published on Leave a comment on All Her Little Secrets
All Her Little Secrets Book Cover All Her Little Secrets
Wanda M. Morris
Fiction
William Morrow
November 2, 2021
Advance reader copy
384
Free from publisher

Ellice Littlejohn seemingly has it all: an Ivy League law degree, a well-paying job as a corporate attorney in midtown Atlanta, great friends, and a “for fun” relationship with a rich, charming executive—her white boss, Michael.

But everything changes one cold January morning when Ellice goes to meet Michael… and finds him dead with a gunshot to his head.

And then she walks away like nothing has happened. Why? Ellice has been keeping a cache of dark secrets, including a small-town past and a kid brother who’s spent time on the other side of the law. She can’t be thrust into the spotlight—again.

But instead of grieving this tragedy, people are gossiping, the police are getting suspicious, and Ellice, the company’s lone black attorney, is promoted to replace Michael. While the opportunity is a dream-come-true, Ellice just can’t shake the feeling that something is off.

When she uncovers shady dealings inside the company, Ellice is trapped in an impossible ethical and moral dilemma. Suddenly, Ellice’s past and present lives collide as she launches into a pulse-pounding race to protect the brother she tried to save years ago and stop a conspiracy far more sinister than she could have ever imagined.

My review:

3.5 stars

First of all, I'm impressed that this is a debut author. I thought the story was very well crafted and written, and would not have thought it to be a first book. There was a lot to unpack in this one. First of all there was the race angle of the story. Ellice seems to be the "token black executive" at this huge company, and there are protestors outside the building everyday demanding more diverse employment practices. Is that the only reason she has her job? Then we have all the secrets from her past that Ellice would rather keep hidden, as well as a big one from her present, thus keeping her from reporting her boss' death. And lastly there is the plot line of the corruption within the company Ellice is working for. What exactly is going on, and who is involved? All of these concurrent storylines make for a compelling read as you try to put all the pieces together. Because of the amount of stuff going on, I did feel that you had to pay close attention in this one. Due to the fact that I didn't want to miss anything, I felt it did drag a bit in some spots where there was extraneous information that I wasn't sure was going to be useful. Then again, I tend to be really clueless when it comes to these types of multi faceted legal thrillers, so there is that to keep in mind. While most of the book takes place in present time, there are some flashbacks to Ellice's life before she became a high powered lawyer. These flashbacks tie up some of the secrets Ellice holds.

An impressive debut novel with a lot of moving plots. Lots of things to like about this one, particularly if you like legal thrillers.

Published on Leave a comment on The Collective
The Collective Book Cover The Collective
Alison Gaylin
Fiction
William Morrow
November 2, 2021
Advance reader copy
352
Free from publisher

Camille Gardner is a grieving—and angry—mother who, five years after her daughter’s death, is still obsessed with the privileged young man she believes to be responsible.

When her rash actions attract the attention of a secret group of women—the collective—Camille is drawn into a dark web where these mothers share their wildly different stories of loss as well as their desire for justice in a world where privilege denies accountability and perpetrators emerge unscathed. Fueled by mutual rage, these women orchestrate their own brand of justice through precise, anonymous, complexly plotted and perfectly executed revenge killings, with individual members completing a specific and integral task in each plan.

As Camille struggles to comprehend whether this is a role-playing exercise or terrifying reality, she must decide if these women are truly avenging angels or monsters. Becoming more deeply enmeshed in the group, Camille learns truths about the collective—and about herself—that she may not be able to survive.

My review:

Holy moly, was this one a wild and crazy ride! A well crafted, fast paced thriller that asks the question, how far would you go to seek revenge and justice for a crime against a loved one? I loved how this one unfolded in such a stealthy way. As a reader you are completely sucked into "the collective" just as the main character is. It is a thriller, so I can't reveal too much of the plot, but suffice it to say that I was mesmerized at all the moving parts that meshed together for each assignment. The author was stellar in putting these pieces all together to create such a believable narrative. The testimonies from the women that are interspersed really touched on the grief that occurs when you lose a loved one, especially when the perpetrator never has to pay their dues. It was very easy to see how the characters got sucked into the group, and interesting to see how things played out once they were there. The writing was succinct and I didn't feel that there was any point where the book dragged. It's possible that the characters could have been a bit more fleshed out, but I'm not sure that it was necessary, and that might have caused the story to slow down.

Pick this one up if you want a book that you can (and likely will) consume in a couple sittings. It's a great concept, and very well constructed and executed.

Published on Leave a comment on Small Pleasures
Small Pleasures Book Cover Small Pleasures
Clare Chambers
Fiction
Custom House
October 5, 2021
Hardcover
288
Free from publisher

1957: Jean Swinney is a feature writer on a local paper in the southeast suburbs of London. Clever but with limited career opportunities and on the brink of forty, Jean lives a dreary existence that includes caring for her demanding widowed mother, who rarely leaves the house. It’s a small life with little joy and no likelihood of escape.

That all changes when a young woman, Gretchen Tilbury, contacts the paper to claim that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. Jean seizes onto the bizarre story and sets out to discover whether Gretchen is a miracle or a fraud. But the more Jean investigates, the more her life becomes strangely (and not unpleasantly) intertwined with that of the Tilburys, including Gretchen’s gentle and thoughtful husband Howard, who mostly believes his wife, and their quirky and charming daughter Margaret, who becomes a sort of surrogate child for Jean. Gretchen, too, becomes a much-needed friend in an otherwise empty social life.

Jean cannot bring herself to discard what seems like her one chance at happiness, even as the story that she is researching starts to send dark ripples across all their lives…with unimaginable consequences.

My review:

This book first caught my eye when it was longlisted for the Women's Prize for fiction. It was already published in the UK when the list came out (that is where the prize originates, although it includes global representation). It seemed to take forever for it to get published here in the States, but I was patient, and am glad it never dropped off my radar. I really liked this one. It had a an interesting plot point, a woman writes to a newspaper claiming to have had a virgin birth. I was a bit nervous that it was going to have lots of religious connotations, but thankfully that was not the case. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Jean is the newspaper writer tasked with researching and writing the story of the virgin birth, and she was really well crafted. The daughter in question was just delightful, and I immediately fell in love with her precociousness. While I wasn't a huge fan of the romance that was included as a sub plot, it was tolerable, and led to the climactic ending that definitely had me shedding a tear or two! Since this book took place in 1957, I got some glimpses of life at that time (albeit in London). This was the year before I was born, so I was intrigued with that aspect. I thought the writing was superb, and the book was just the right length and pace. As I've mentioned, the ending, while emotional, was well constructed. Would I have liked an afterword to check up on how the characters lives progressed? I would, but I honestly think it would have made the ending no where near as impactful.

A quiet well written novel, with memorable characters, an interesting plot, and a bittersweet end. I'm excited to read more from this author.

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Published on 1 Comment on Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff Book Cover Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Fiction
Gallery Books
October 26, 2021
Advance reader copy
368
Free from publisher

When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.

How exciting is it that we got a Christmas novel about our favorite family? This is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, and while you don't have to read the previous three in order to enjoy this book, it will definitely heighten the experience. The characters are completely fleshed out in the earlier novels, but because this novel focuses a lot on Vivian (daughter of Caroline.......one of my favorite literary characters EVER), the other characters will be simple side characters if read as a stand alone. Having said that, since I have read and enjoyed all the previous novels, this one was pure joy to experience! I loved sinking back into familiar territory, with familiar and much loved characters. The fact that I live in a hurricane prone area of the country made me totally appreciate that aspect, especially the will it or won't it make landfall here (and the Jim Cantore reference made me laugh out loud!). Once again the author has given us characters who come to life on the page, and their personalities remain true throughout the entire series, which I love and appreciate so much. While I liked the sister's stories and the hurricane plot, I wasn't as big of a fan of Vivi, but I really think that's because I just can't relate to bratty teenagers in my life anymore. I think she was written very well, just wasn't as interested in her shenanigans as much as keeping up with the rest of the family and the townspeople. Speaking of townspeople, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the hilarious coffee situation the town finds itself in since Coffee Kyle has been replaced by his cousin at the shop.

Absolutely lovely holiday novel for all to read, but if you have been a reader of the Peachtree Bluff series, you are going to lap up every page of this continuation of the family saga. It felt like coming home and being wrapped up in a huge hug.

Published on Leave a comment on For Your Own Good
For Your Own Good Book Cover For Your Own Good
Samantha Downing
Fiction
Berkley
July 20, 2021
Hardcover
384
Purchased

Teddy Crutcher has won Teacher of the Year at the esteemed Belmont Academy, home to the best and brightest.

He says his wife couldn't be more proud—though no one has seen her in a while.

Teddy really can’t be bothered with the death of a school parent that’s looking more and more like murder or the student digging a little too deep into Teddy’s personal life. His main focus is on pushing these kids to their full academic potential.

All he wants is for his colleagues—and the endlessly meddlesome parents—to stay out of his way.

It's really too bad that sometimes excellence can come at such a high cost.

My review:

Oh my, this author has reeled me in again! While her last story centered on a road trip gone wrong, this one takes place in a prestigious private high school. Both of these themes are not ones that I tend to gravitate towards, but I've now decided that this author can take me anywhere she likes and I will follow along. What I loved the most about this book was that none of the characters were likable, therefore you could picture any one of them committing some nasty deeds. Since Teddy is the main protagonist in this story, let's first concentrate on him. He was everything you could want in a villain. You knew from the very beginning that he would throw anyone under the bus because he has such a high opinion of himself, he is after all FINALLY teacher of the year. His mantra is that he is doing everything for his students, for their own good. I loved the way Teddy's character was written, his rationale for his crimes was so interesting to hear about from his skewed viewpoint. Even though we know from the beginning that Teddy is a despicable person, as the story progresses it becomes clear that he isn't the only one. There are a lot of characters in this book, and we hear from the perspective of most of them in various quick chapters. This really moves the story along since it plays out as told through the eyes of all the surrounding players. There were quite a few twists and turns that were well placed. I'm not sure that the last one was quite as impactful as in the author's previous book (He Started It), but I did enjoy the ending overall. I'm still not sure why anyone was eating at the school by the end of the book, but that would be my only head scratcher as far as nit picky details are concerned.

A fast paced mystery/thriller with a dark academia vibe, this one has characters you won't soon forget. Also, you probably won't look at your Keurig coffee or a glass of milk in the same way again 🙂

Published on Leave a comment on The Hidden Child
The Hidden Child Book Cover The Hidden Child
Louise Fein
Fiction
William Morrow
October 19, 2021
Advance reader copy
480
Free from publisher

Eleanor Hamilton is happily married and mother to a beautiful four-year-old girl, Mabel. Her wealthy husband, Edward, a celebrated war hero, is a leading light in the burgeoning Eugenics movement—the very ideas that will soon be embraced by Hitler—and is increasingly important in designing education policy for Great Britain.

But when Edward and Eleanor’s otherwise perfectly healthy daughter develops debilitating epileptic seizures, their world fractures. Mabel’s shameful illness must be hidden or Edward’s life’s work will be in jeopardy and the family’s honor will be shattered.

When Eleanor discovers Edward has been keeping secrets, she calls into question everything she believed about genetic inferiority, and her previous unshakeable faith in her husband disintegrates. Alarmed, distressed, and no longer able to bear the family’s burden, she takes matters into her own hands.

Inspired by the author’s personal experience, The Hidden Child illuminates the moral and ethical issues of an era shaped by xenophobia, prejudice, fear, and well-intentioned yet flawed science. Vividly rendered, deeply affecting, and impeccably researched, Louise Fein’s new historical novel is a sweeping story and a richly drawn portrait of a family torn apart by shame, deceit, and dangerous ideals.

3.5 stars

There was a lot to like about this novel. The exploration of the eugenics movement (the idea of selective breeding to remove unwanted features from humans to create a perfect race). While eugenics did not really come to light until Hitler implemented it to create a more perfect Germany, it was used in America and Europe before that time, and this book delves into its use as part of the educational systems in London. The drama begins when Edward's daughter is found to have epilepsy (one of the undesirables in the eugenics program), so she has to be hidden away so as not to upset the life work that Edward is notable for. This creates huge tension between Edward and Eleanor, who will do anything to have her daughter back with her again. To make matters worse, Eleanor discovers some shady reporting of the test results Edward is using to back his superior race claims. Told in a back and forth version of events from Edward and Eleanor, the reader is taken along on this moral quest. As much as I loved learning about the eugenics movement, as well as the early treatment for epilepsy, I did have a couple of small issues within the story. There are a few chapter breaks thrown in that are narrated by Epilepsy that I found completely unnecessary and distracting from the ongoing story. I also felt that the arc of Edward by the end didn't fit his personality and was a little too neatly tied up to be totally believable to me. Other than those minor issues, this was a strongly written, well researched, really interesting read.

Historical fiction at its best, an immersive story that also teaches you something along the way. If you would like to read something about the eugenics movement in the US, may I suggest Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain.

Published on Leave a comment on The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway Book Cover The Lincoln Highway
Amor Towles
Fiction
Viking
October 5, 2021
Hardcover
592
Purchased

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother and head west where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future.

Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’s third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes.

My review:

Another epic tale from an author known for telling a great story! This book is a chunkster, but I think if you are enjoying the characters and writing from the get go, it won't feel that long. I did find that the story dragged down a bit in a few places, but because of my continued interest in these characters, any bumps in the reading journey were temporary. If you have read either Rules of Civility or A Gentleman in Moscow, you are already familiar with the way Towles can take you on a journey of literary excellence. It is definitely present in this book, but what I loved even more were the characters! Different chapters are narrated by the four main protagonists; Emmett, his young brother Billy, and the two stowaways Woolly and Dutchess. Throughout the ten days that make up the story, the reader learns more about each of the characters and their backstories, including how three of them came to reside at the work farm. As you can imagine, things don't always go according to travel plans, and navigating through the rough patches is a main focus keeping the plot moving forward. I have to admit that I'm not sure that I believed Billy could be quite as knowledgeable as he sometimes appeared, but I guess that just shows you how much information a reader takes in! The ending was totally satisfying (although one part was very sad), and I felt it gave great closure to the saga without tying up every loose end.

Settle in for a thoroughly entertaining read with characters you won't soon forget. Don't let the size intimidate you, the writing and characters are that good!

Published on Leave a comment on The Santa Suit
The Santa Suit Book Cover The Santa Suit
Mary Kay Andrews
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
September 28, 2021
Hardcover
224
Free from publisher

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

My review:

You can always count on MKA to deliver a fun and whimsical Christmas story (check out her Blue Christmas and Christmas Bliss, if you want some other great options). This one had all the makings of a light mystery, with a bit of romance and small town cheer thrown in. I loved the setting, characters, and holiday atmosphere. As we always get with this author, the great writing moves the story along at a steady pace. Even though I'm not one for cheesy romance, I'm a bit more forgiving when it comes to holiday stories, so I didn't even mind that aspect of this book. I loved the history behind Ivy's new (or should I say OLD) house and its owners, which we learn about as the story progresses. The fixer upper house was fun to imagine, and the towns Christmas spirit made me want to start decorating my house in October 🙂 To top it all off, there is also a cute and endearing dog in this one. The end was just a bit too convenient and tied up for my taste, but as I said before, it's a holiday book, so I'm giving it a pass.

It's like a Hallmark holiday movie wrapped up in book form. Perfect for the season! May the holiday season commence!