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In keeping with the reading spirit that I have been enjoying extremely for the past few months, I am back today sharing a few more of my recent reads here today.
Many though have asked me how I do find the time to read and admit that I read in the early morning before my gang awakens or later in the evening after my girls have gone to bed.
Plus, I recently was introduced to Net Galley, which is a site where you can sign up for to read books that haven’t yet been released but will be shortly for FREE–all you need to do is review them once you have finished them. Another perk of being a blogger and honestly think it might be one of my favorites to date!
On Net Galley, you can either request books and wait to be approved or denied OR some books are actually available to read immediately, as well.
Honestly, I am in love with this site as I am getting to read up and coming hits even before they have hit Amazon or other booksellers that I would have read anyways, but have had to pay for out of pocket.
All of the books here today, I did indeed receive for FREE from Net Galley for my fair and honest review.
So totally winning here and still let’s get started to see the books, I have read so far since I last left off here.
Hidden Bodies – Caroline Kepnes
From start to finish, I honestly just couldn’t put down the sequel to Caroline Kepnes, You, with Hidden Bodies. As others have shared, Joe Goldberg truly is a character and force to be reckoned with in my last books review. Just as with “You”, “Hidden Bodies” was a psychological thriller that was just so hard to put down.
Joe is once again back and this time out he leaves his beloved NYC behind to find richer and greener pastures in sunny, yet dramatic Los Angeles, CA, because he now tracking down his latest lover, who dared to steal from him and then run off halfway across the country.
Along the way, Joe finds a new, much wealthier love. Trust me, when I say Joe’s mind is anything but dull and since this story (just as the original) is told in 1st person, we once again get a front row seat to his horrific, yet somehow charming, witty self all over again. Sounds crazy, but somehow the more you read, the more you end up liking and even weirdly rooting for him.
So in the end, this sequel honestly didn’t disappoint and am left with hope that this isn’t by any means the end and that there will still be more to come in this twisted, yet highly entertaining tale.
Try Not To Breathe – Holly Seddon
As I was originally reading the description was hopeful that Try Not To Breathe would indeed live up to the comparison to The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl and even The Husband’s Secret, which I truly enjoyed all and was left on the edge of my seat to see how they would turn out.
The story goes back and forth between the different character’s point of views with us getting to know all, including Amy Stevenson, who in 1995 disappeared walking home from school and was found days later in a coma. Even though Amy has been a vegetative state for 15 years, she still has brain activity and we get to see this even more so as the story unfolds and are treated to her thoughts while in this supposed state.
It is at this point, that Alex Dale, who is a reporter becomes involved with Amy and is trying to bring her justice for what did indeed occur to her, but the problem is Alex is an alcoholic, who lost not only her marriage, but career and credibility, as well.
Still, through it all, I just couldn’t help, but hope that Alex would succeed and help bring whoever did harm Amy way back when to justice once and for all.
Well, I am happy to report that Try Not To Breathe definitely lived up to the earlier hype I mentioned and more. A suspenseful thriller, which truly found me dying to know, “Who dun nit” and the payoff in the end was quite rewarding. Would highly recommend and definitely a contender for best new mystery thriller for 2016.
No One Knows – J.T. Ellison
No One Knows was also compared to the likes of The Girl on the Train and The Husband’s Secret. So of course, I was definitely intrigued here, because I am once again a big fan of mystery and thrillers.
As I began to read and delve into the plot line at hand, I definitely was treated to many twists and turns as all is not what it would appear with the disappearance of Audrey’s husband, Josh Hamilton, who as the book begins was declared dead after having been missing for 5 years.
Audrey actually became the prime suspect in what appeared to be Josh’s murder by the local police, but she ended up getting off. But still Josh’s body was never found and now with his declaration of death by his own mother comes a big heft life insurance payment, which he took out only a week before he did indeed go missing.
So, Josh is legally declared dead and that should be that. However, his own mother is distraught and seeking solace in a bottle, while his wife is seemingly also broken up with his death, but somehow being in disbelieve. Yet, Audrey begins a new romance with a man that she feels reminds of her late husband.
But all is definitely not as it appears and just when it seems like we may know what happened and who is to blame, trust me that isn’t the case.
Also some parts, I did guess, but others, especially the ending were a total surprise to me. Also, I can’t lie the storyline dragged a bit for me, but again the ending was worth holding out for and satisfying enough for me.
Keep Me Posted – Liza Beasley
This was actually the first book that I found on Net Galley and was actually available to read immediately, but I will admit it was a bit slow going with the setup of the two sisters or the main characters, Cassie and Sid Sunday, who decide one Christmas Eve to become each other’s pen pals and write old fashioned letters that would be mailed through the post office to each other.
But as the story continued on, I was hooked and read this one in less than two days time as it was highly relatable for someone like myself, who does write for a living online. See, I loved the concept that not only was this story set locally in NYC, but that the concept of blogging was a big part of this story with Cassie scanning in all of her and her sister’s letter to subsequently house them on a private blog.
But Cassie never dreamed that a server crash by her hosting company would make all her letters go public for all on the internet to read both sisters dramatic admissions and deepest darkest secrets, too.
Without giving too much away though, will say I highly recommend as I did very much enjoy this one and loved the sisterly bond, as well as how I felt like I slowly became a part of their story and was truly rooting for both girls by the end of this one.
The Girls – Emma Cline
Another Net Galley read for me. This one is set in the late 1960s. The Girls finds Evie Boyd dealing with her parents recent divorce and the loss of friendship with her long time best friend, Connie.
With all the change and upheaval in her life, she was prime for being seduced into the
inner circle of a cult that is loosely based on that of the infamous Charles Mason. See when she meets and subsequently get involved with a group of girl followers, including Suzanne (think Sharon Tate) who immediately captivates her from the get go, Evie is brought into their inner circle.
Not only does this story delve into this highly controversial time in history, but also gives the reader some critical insight as to why a young, naive girl would have indeed gotten involved in a cult-like environment.
A bit slow going at first, but the details and plot line make up for that along the way and would definitely recommend to all to read.
Lilac Girls – Martha Hall Kelly
From the description that I first read when learned of Martha Hall Kelly’s first novel, I knew I needed to read as I usually do am a fan of historical fiction, especially those that are set during WWII. I couldn’t have been more right about this and would liken it to that of The Nightingale (which one honestly one of my favorite reads of all-time), but has the added layer of sisterly bonds, as well as friendship spanning across the continents plus is actually loosely based on real-life people that lived during this era. We also get to see the story unfold through the eyes of three very complex, but different women.
As this book begins, it is pre-WWII United States, but eventually spans the years during the war and even afterwards. First up is Caroline Ferriday, who worked for the American French consulate and was a huge help during and even years after the German occupation of France, as well as with so-called rabbits of the Ravensbrück German concentration camps.
We also get the an inside look into the Ravensbrück camp with the sisters Kasia and Zuzanna Kuzmerick, as well as the infamous Ravensbrück camp doctor, Herta Oberheuser. Katia is a Polish teen that lands herself, as well as her family in the death camp for working for the Polish resistance against the war.
Herta is a German doctor, who took an oath to heal others, but then takes on the position of a doctor at Ravensbrück camp that we slowly, but surely see become a true living monster that actually hurts, maims and even kills her so-called patients.
These women’s lives slowly intersect with their stories themselves gripping, captivating and also just a brutally honest portrayal of what life was like during this time as for what really happened in the concentration camps. I would highly recommend this book, as well, to all.
Burying the Honeysuckle Girls – Emily Carpenter
For this one, I have to admit once again, that I truly am an avid reader of the mystery genre. So, when I read the description and the review on Goodreads, I was more than mildly intrigued about what Althea would find on her quest for answers behind the death of her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well.
I can honestly say that I wasn’t disappointed in the least and was kept on the edge of my seat by all the twists and turns in this book right up until the end, which was in my humble estimation a huge pay-off. So, for what it is worth, I would highly recommend this one to all who is looking for a good mystery to solve. And by the way, this one was available to read immediately and truly was a gem amongst the books available to read without having to even request from the publisher.
Well, as spring is indeed upon the horizon now, I hope you can get some much needed spring in your reading step now. And promise to be back soon with more of my Goodreads soon.
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Allie says
Janine, would you believe I have not heard of any of these books? I’m a NetGalley member too, and love the site. Some of these sound scary – but Lilac Girls has me intrigued.
Janine says
Allie, you need to read Lilac Girls. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down and reminded me of The Nightingale, which I think has become one of my more recent favorites. I am now a Net Galley addict btw and definitely am not sure how I didn’t know about it sooner.
Meredith says
I LOVE THAT YOU ARE SUCH A READER! I just finished Hidden Bodies last night, and was eyeing up Lilac Girls on Goodreads this morning. And I’m totally joining Net Galley–thanks for this tip and all the great recommendations, friend!
Janine says
Yay for joining Net Galley and trust me you are not going to be disappointed and probably get as addicted to it as I am now!! 🙂
Stacey says
What fun titles! Can’t wait to check them out!!
Janine says
Thanks Stacey and hope you also get to read few, too 🙂
Bev says
So many good books to read! I will be referring back to this 🙂
Janine says
Thanks Bev and hope you get to read a few now, too 🙂
Meredith Spidel says
I LOVED your list! And totally joining NetGalley now!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Yay for NetGalley and think you are going to love it!!! 🙂
Seana Turner says
It is fun to get an early “glimpse” of books, isn’t it? My daughter did this for awhile (she reads a ton.) I’ll take note of your favorites here on my “books to read” list!
Janine says
So much fun and honestly hope you do get to read a few on my list now soon, Seana 🙂
Dara says
Many of these sound great! I did not know there was a sequel to You, I will have to check that one out for sure!
Janine says
Thanks Dara and the sequel just came out at the end of February. Totally would recommend, because it is just as creepy, but addictive as the first!
Lauren Baker Cormier says
Ooh, I never know what books to read, so this is great!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Aw, so glad this will help with books to read and trust me I am always own the lookout here, too 🙂
Christine Callister Walker says
Wow! I’m so excited about this. I’m always looking for good things to read. Thank you so much for sharing!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
My pleasure and honestly love that NetGalley offers so many wonderful reads for FREE 🙂
Bill says
Heading out the door for my other job. Just wanted to wish you a great Wednesday. Spring has arrived here…seventy beautiful degrees.
Janine says
Aw, send some of that 70 degree weather east now, as we are 40 and chilly today. at least the wind died down. Have a wonderful Wednesday once again, Bill!! 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I am always amazing at how much you read. Reading definitely helps to relax me and take my mind off of a bad day or situation. These books all look great.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Diane
Janine says
Happy to suggest and honestly reading is just such a huge stress reliever and relaxes me at night that I would be lost without it 😉
Alison Tedford says
Ooh! Great tips!
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Alison 😉
Jessica McNeill Azar says
I am intrigued by SEVERAL of these… and now I can’t wait to go join up with NetGalley
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Yay and hope you join NetGalley now, too Jessica 😉
Tamara says
Even with the slow going, Keep Me Posted sounds like a perfect read for me, for many reasons!
Janine says
You will love Keep Me Posted and if you read let me know what you think!! 🙂
Celeste Erlach says
A few of these will definitely be next in line for me. Right now I’m in the middle of All the Light We Cannot See.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I have yet to read that, but have three on my Net Galley account to read and one on hold at my library. So, I will hopefully get to it sooner or later still 🙂
Tamara Woods says
I just received You in the mail, I didn’t realize there was a followup. Fantastic! Great reading list.
Janine says
Thanks Tamara and think you are going to enjoy, “You” and hope you get to read the sequel, too when you finish with “You”, too!
T.A. Woods says
I keep meaning to sign up for NetGalley. I really should get to it.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I hope you do and trust me there are so many awesome books there just for the asking 😉
Marilyn says
Thanks for the book list. I love to read. I am now reading “Killing Reagan”. It is a fast read. Looking forward to future recommendations from you.
Marilyn
Janine says
My pleasure and promise to share more as I read soon still 🙂
Nellie says
Thank you so much for posting these!! I’ve really began to start reading again and this is perfect. I really enjoyed Me Before you btw! I think you recommended that one for me 🙂
Janine says
I loved Me Before You and also the sequel, After You. Just always so happy to share what I have been reading with you, Nellie 😉
Jessie, FlusteredMom says
Hmmm…where should I start… Which was your favorite?
Janine says
Definitely some great choices and not going to lie really hard to pick as so many here were amazing reads all on their own and depends on what you are looking for as in which genre even. I have thrillers/mystery, chick lit (beach type reads) or even historical fiction, too.
Rabia @TheLiebers says
I was reading this in one tab with the library catalog open in the other! I’m really anxious for some good reads, Janine! Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Aw, this made me day and so happy I could share some good reads with you, Rabia 😉
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
Oh those are all great selections. I’m back in the blogging world after taking some time off with Madison having pneumonia and these are books that I could totally read on my downtime. I’m a big fan of mysteries and that Hidden Bodies is perfect for me. BTW I’ve never heard of Net Galley but since you love to read you might want to check out Book Look Bloggers as well, it’s almost the same kind of thing.
Janine says
Glad to have you back and will have to look into Book Look Bloggers now, too 😉
Kristi Campbell says
Ok out of all of your descriptions I think Burying the Honeysuckle Girls sounds the most intriguing and I’m going to download it now. I, too, only read after my son is in bed or before he wakes up in the morning which sometimes, when I’m not writing, surprises me with how much time it is. Or, how much time it isn’t, depending on the day!
Janine says
I hope you love Burying The Honeysuckle Girls as much as I did and I know the amount of reading I do sometimes here shocks me, too!! 🙂
Jen says
Pinned! I am so excited to look into Net Gallery! Thank you for sharing all of this 🙂 I love finding new books!
Janine says
My pleasure and hope you enjoy Net Galley as much as I have been now 😉
April G says
I’m finally getting to reading YOU and loving it. I just wish I had more time. When do you have time to do all of this reading? I have Hidden Bodies on my nightstand planning to start as soon as I finish YOU. I’ll be checking out your Goodreads list when I’m done with both of these.
Janine says
April, I read a lot after the girls go to sleep or while I am waiting for them to fall off (especially my younger, who takes forever some nights falling off). I cannot wait for you to finish both now and you need to let me know what you thin when you do 🙂
lisacng @ expandng.com says
I’m into the mystery genre now, so putting all of those recs on my list! Try Robert Dugoni: My Sister’s Grave and Her Final Breathe. So good!
Janine says
Adding all of those, too. Thank you, Lisa as I can never get enough of a good mystery either!!
Kenya G. Johnson says
Wow, all of these sound great to me. If I were going to take away just one right now it would be Try not to Breathe. You wrote excellent reviews for everything. Who dun it’s are probably my favorite genre and I love it when I am SO off though I tried my hardest to figure it out. I figured it out just ONE time in my reading lifetime and I was very disappointed even though the book was good.
Janine says
Yes I totally recommend, Try Not To Breathe as I definitely didn’t guess the who dun it at all, because I agree nothing is worse than that. Still I think mystery books are slowly, but surely becoming my favorite genre now, as well.
Dana says
Loved Try Not to Breathe, and I’m listening to Hidden Bodies right now. I love Net Galley too, although it’s hard to find time to read many of those books in between the ones that are already on my list!
Janine says
Dana, I know and literally stopped reading other books on my list as I kept finding so many I wanted to read and got approved for on Net Galley in the last month or so.