#SRC2017 Book Review: Eden by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg (audio)

Title: Eden
Author: Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg
Narrator: Marnye Young
Published: May 2017, Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg / She Writes Press
Length: 9 hours 56 minutes / 336 pages
Source: Personal copy via Audible / Netgalley via Publisher

Becca Meister Fitzpatrick—wife, mother, grandmother, and pillar of the community—is the dutiful steward of her family’s iconic summer tradition . . . until she discovers her recently deceased husband squandered their nest egg. As she struggles to accept that this is likely her last season in Long Harbor, Becca is inspired by her granddaughter’s boldness in the face of impending single-motherhood, and summons the courage to reveal a secret she was forced to bury long ago: the existence of a daughter she gave up fifty years ago. The question now is how her other daughter, Rachel—with whom Becca has always had a strained relationship—will react.

Eden is the account of the days leading up to the Fourth of July weekend, as Becca prepares to disclose her secret and her son and brothers conspire to put the estate on the market, interwoven with the century-old history of Becca’s family—her parents’ beginnings and ascent into affluence, and her mother’s own secret struggles in the grand home her father named “Eden.”

My thoughts: This is Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg's debut novel and I found myself totally invested in this family saga from start to finish. And the way the author skillfully used the house, Eden, as an anchor, was just brilliant. Oh how I would love to live at Eden - or at least visit it for a while!

The book moves back and forth in time, introducing us to a cast of characters, a group of women who are equally strong and complex. They all have their issues and it was interesting how the author used the issues of the day to help tell her story. This book spans so many decades that there are so many issues relevant to each of the pertinent time periods. Hiding diagnoses of epilepsy, sending single pregnant young girls away, keeping diagnoses of depression hidden - these were all dealt with very differently than they are today and JMB kept true to the standards of the time period she was writing in.

The book pulls you in to this multigenerational family saga, weaving back and forth with a thread that connects the two. Just as we start to find out something in the present, the story moves back to the past. There are definitely secrets here - almost everyone is hiding something - and ever so slowly these secrets come to light. This just goes to show that all families - no matter the status or the wealth - has secrets!

This book will make you think and feel. It's emotional and as you read about what these women go through...it will make you think what choices you would make were you in that position. You will also find yourself thinking about these characters when you are not reading this book - I haven't stopped thinking about them since I finished the book...these are memorable characters! The relationships that JMB has created between them are authentic and relatable. 

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what comes next from Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg!


Audio thoughts: This is the first time I've listened to Marnye Young and I thought she did a great job! There were so many characters and Marnye was able to give each one their own unique voice and personality. Her inflections and pacing were great and I will definitely be looking to see what else she has narrated.

Eden  by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg is one of  BookSparks "Summer Reads" reading selection picks. 

  

 Follow the #SRC2017 hashtag on twitter to read reviews on this book as well as reviews on the other summer books! Also, be sure to check out the BookSparks Facebook page for the #SRC2017  and other fun links. You can participate in weekly secret missions for chances to win signed copies of selected books and more! There's a new secret mission each week :)

Review: The Breakdown by B.A. Paris

Title: The Breakdown
Author: B.A. Paris
Published: July 2017, St. Martin's Press
Format: ARC Paperback, 336 pages
Source: Publisher

If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods, on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, with the woman sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm. Her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home. And she probably would only have been hurt herself if she’d stopped.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing: where she left the car, if she took her pills, the alarm code, why she ordered a pram when she doesn’t have a baby.

The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.

Or the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…

My thoughts: Last year, one of my most favorite and anticipated reads was B.A. Paris's debut novel, Behind Closed Doors. So of course I was ecstatic when I got an early copy of her second book, The Breakdown, and even had the opportunity to meet her in person during BookExpo this year at a luncheon for bloggers. 

This is another psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It just gets under your skin. But, I think it really is one of those books where the less you know about it going into it, the better. So, forgive me for being a bit vague in my review - I definitely don't want to give anything away for anyone and ruin their reading experience!

The pacing of this book is fast...it will have you flipping the pages as you try to figure out what is going on. There are a lot of factors at play here - anticipation of what you think might be going on, mistrust of just about everyone you meet, and the coming apart of our protagonist. It's exhausting - not only for her, but for you as you try to put the pieces together. You feel as if you are on a rollercoaster with all that is going on.

This book is so good - it's addictive and while you might put some of the pieces together, it's still worth the read. I loved it from start to finish and I cannot wait to see what comes next from B.A. Paris...she is definitely an author on my must-read list now!!!

Review: Last Breath by Robert Bryndza (audio)

Title: Last Breath
Author: Robert Bryndza
Series: Detective Erika Foster, #4
Narrator: Jan Cramer
Published: April 2017, Bookouture
Length: 9 hours 5 minutes
Source: Personal copy via Audible

He’s your perfect date. You’re his next victim.

When the tortured body of a young woman is found in a dumpster, her eyes swollen shut and her clothes soaked with blood, Detective Erika Foster is one of the first at the crime scene. The trouble is, this time, it’s not her case.

While she fights to secure her place on the investigation team, Erika can’t help but get involved and quickly finds a link to the unsolved murder of a woman four months earlier. Dumped in a similar location, both women have identical wounds – a fatal incision to their femoral artery.

Stalking his victims online, the killer is preying on young pretty women using a fake identity. How will Erika catch a murderer who doesn’t seem to exist?

Then another girl is abducted while waiting for a date. Erika and her team must get to her before she becomes another dead victim, and, come face to face with a terrifyingly sadistic individual.

Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Last Breath will have you on the edge of your seat, racing to the final dramatic page.

My thoughts: This is the 4th book in Robert Bryndza's Detective Erika Foster series and I absolutely love this series...it's dark and twisted and each book keeps me on my toes the entire time! Each book leaves me breathless and desperately wanting to get my hands on the next one.

One of my favorite parts of this series is the character development we get throughout, which is why I think it is so important to read this series in order! You really get to know not only Erika, but her team as well. I think Robert really shines in this area - he has gone to great lengths to build up these characters and continues to do so with each book. 

In this latest book, Erika who has been removed from the Murder Investigation Team, manages to finagle things so that she is Senior Investigating Officer on the latest murder case and is able to hand-pick her team...and obviously picks Moss, Peterson, Crane and McGorry - the usual gang! I love this - this is such an Erika move!!! 

Early on in the book, we find out who the killer is, so most of the book is actually spent watching Erika and her crazy tactics in trying to catch said killer. She is sometimes upstoppable - willing to go to any means necessary at times for results. By knowing who the killer is, we the reader are able to get inside his head - which is quite frightening.

This book is nonstop full of action and will leave you breathless so many times, especially the last quarter of the book! There are quite a few twists and turns and the tension is high throughout. It's one of my favorite series and now I am counting the days til the next book comes out...


Audio thoughts: Jan Cramer is just brilliant with this narration - she does such a great job with these voices, making these characters come alive. I love listening to her and love listening to this series! Please, please, please continue to narrate this series for as long as it goes on - to me, you are Erika Foster and the rest of the gang!!!



Books in this series: 

1. The Girl in the Ice
2. The Night Stalker
3. Dark Water 
4. Last Breath 
5. ???

#FitReaders: Weekly Check-in Jul 14

 

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About

 
I seem to have found a good routine and it is working...good workouts, good meals, and I'm feeling good - so I must be doing something right!!! We leave for our beach vacation in 3 weeks and I am really looking forward to it. I just hope the weather cooperates :)
 
 
July Goals: 

• 10K steps M-F, at least 7,500 steps on the weekend  - 5/5, 2/2
• 30 minutes of active walking every day, M-F - 5/5 (thank goodness for having to walk the dogs everyday!)
• Strength training (3/5 days) - Met
• Eat mindfully/eat enough - Yes
      

Here's how last week went:    
Jul  8:  11,373 steps
Jul  9:  10,234 steps
Jul 10:  18,808 steps (5K+ -  5 Charity Miles for Girls on the Run)   
Jul 11:  12,193 steps 
Jul 12:  16,713 steps (5K+ -  5 Charity Miles for Girls on the Run)
Jul 13:  17,749 steps (5K+ -  5 Charity Miles for Girls on the Run)
Jul 14:  14,970 steps (5K+ -  5 Charity Miles for Girls on the Run)
Total Steps: 102,040 steps

 
Audiobooks listened to last week (since I'm not much of a music fan, I listen to books while I walk):

• Started and finished The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian, narrated by Cady McClain & Grace Experience
• Started and finished The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson, narrated by Joshilyn Jackson
• Started The Good Widow by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke, narrated Dara Rosenberg

 

How did your week go? You can find this week's link-up here.
 
 
Virtual 5K /10K Tally:
     January:                               May:                             September:   
           5K  -  4                                  5K  -  5                                5K  - 
         10K  -  7                                10K  -  6                               10K  - 
     February:                             June:                            October:
           5K  -  4                                  5K  -  10                               5K  - 
         10K  -  9                                10K  -  2                              10K  -   
     March:                                  July:                             November:
           5K  -  3                                  5K  -  8                                 5K  - 
         10K  -  7                                10K  -  0                               10K  - 
     April:                                    August:                        December:
           5K  -  9                                  5K  -                                    5K  - 
         10K  -  1                                 10K  -                                  10K  -

[Review] Ivory and Bone (#1) - Julie Eshbaugh: Prehistoric Times and Romance

In IVORY AND BONE, Kol's clan is running out of women to marry when a new clan arrives and brings lots of eligible teenage girls with them.

What intrigued me: I've read very few novels set in prehistoric times.

A regular romance story

IVORY AND BONE has an incredibly sad tone. The story is told from protagonist Kol's point of view as he tells the story of how they met to his injured lover Mya to soothe her. The second person narration is actually quite pleasant and works absolutely in favor of the story. Eshbaugh writes in lush flowery prose, a little too much so for my personal taste.

While IVORY AND BONE is trying to be extremely authentic when it comes to descriptions and things the characters use to survive, it's lacking authenticity in the parts that actually matter to make it a compelling narrative. IVORY AND BONE is a deeply romanticized story of two prehistoric teens falling in love. 

The setting is great, the concept could be nice, it's certainly original but IVORY AND BONE relies too much on that. This is neither historical fantasy as it says in the blurb, nor any different than any other romance in a different setting. Even more so because I feel like the setting doesn't do the story any favors, if there were actual fantasy elements and things beyond the premise of a clan of people living in the middle of nowhere meeting another clan of people - it could be epic.  

Strives for authenticity instead of entertainment

Ultimately it's not only the lack of world building and innovation that goes beyond a cool setting that made this a disappointment. It's also the lack of action and urgency. The romance itself isn't nearly captivating enough to carry a 400-page-novel, at least it isn't for me. What makes even is worse it that the writing tries to make up for that with lengthy, unnecessary scenery descriptions, which I'm just really not a fan of.

You'll find lots of passages passively narrating how the characters walk up mountains and descriptions of the tools they use. This very much showcases what immense research Eshbaugh put into this but at the end of the day the story just doesn't entertain and I couldn't imagine picking up more books in this series. I easily and quickly lost interest in the story, which is a shame because the writing is excellent and the premise, as I said, absolutely unique and fantastic.

Rating:

★★☆☆☆

 

Overall: Do I Recommend?

IVORY AND BONE has a very unique premise and is incredibly well-researched but absolutely loses itself in striving for authenticity in the prehistoric setting instead of narrating a compelling story. If you're a romance reader I think you might still enjoy this but I found myself too easily bored by the lack of action.

Additional Info

Published: June 7th 2016

Pages: 371

Publisher: Harper Teen

Genre: Historical Fiction

ISBN: 9780062399250

Synopsis:

"A prehistoric fantasy—with allusions to Pride and Prejudice.

Hunting, gathering, and keeping his family safe—that’s the life seventeen-year-old Kol knows. Then bold, enigmatic Mya arrives from the south with her family, and Kol is captivated. He wants her to like and trust him, but any hopes of impressing her are ruined when he makes a careless—and nearly grave—mistake. However, there’s something more to Mya’s cool disdain…a history wrought with loss that comes to light when another clan arrives. With them is Lo, an enemy from Mya’s past who Mya swears has ulterior motives.

As Kol gets to know Lo, tensions between Mya and Lo escalate until violence erupts. Faced with shattering losses, Kol is forced to question every person he’s trusted. One thing is for sure: this was a war that Mya or Lo—Kol doesn’t know which—had been planning all along. "(Source: Goodreads)

Have you read novels set in prehistoric times before?

#SRC2017 Book Spotlight: A Work of Art by Micayla Lally

Title: A Work of Art
Author: Micayla Lally
Published: May 2017, She Writes Press
Format: Paperback, 256 pages
 

Letting go after her abrupt break-up with Samson is harder than Julene thought it would be, especially since her ex has wasted no time in burying himself in the local dating scene. But during an extended visit to her parents overseas, Julene rediscovers her love of art, and a burgeoning career develops. Samson, on the other hand, after trying valiantly--and unsuccessfully--to forget Julene, has settled instead on his own new career. 

When Julene returns home to Australia, a coincidental meeting leads to an emotional reunion--but her love and patience will be tested when she finds out just how busy Samson has been in her absence. Yes, they have both made mistakes they can work through and move past--but when a specter from Samson's past looms, Julene wonders: Can she trust him again?

What readers are saying: 

"Romantics should enjoy watching this feisty couple rediscover their love for each other, work through their differences, and start over again with their new baby.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A darling celebration of forgiving and the intricacies of communication, this stunning adventure is the chick lit event of the year.” —PopSugar

“An endlessly charming story about second chances, A Work of Art explores the question we’ve all asked ourselves: is true love worth a second chance?” —Redbook

" A Work of Art by Micayla Lally takes the unusual tack of beginning the story at the end of a relationship. As she paints a renewed love that rises from the ashes of the old, Lally draws two imperfect characters who are growing into the people they need to be. The question is whether their new love is strong enough to survive the mistakes of their past." —Maren Anderson, author of Fuzzy Logic and Closing the Store

"Forget Samson and Delilah, take a romp with Samson and Julene in Lally's witty, whimsical debut. A great escapist pleasure, Lally's sassy, Aussie voice shines, drawing readers in to this gem of a romance that keeps you guessing until the very end." —Jennifer Hillman-Magnuson, author of the award winning travel memoir Peanut Butter & Naan: Stories of an American Mom in the Far East

"A Work of Art is a sweet and sassy look at what happens when couples don’t communicate." —Valerie Ihsan, author of The Scent of Apple Tea

Micayla Lally’s A Work of Art is a delightful romp through modern-day Adelaide’s art world. Samson and Julene are a sexy, funny, quirky couple who struggle to discover who they are and what they really mean to each other, especially when they discover that another little person is on the way. A perfect book-club selection, it is Chick Lit at its best! Highly entertaining! —Michelle Cox, author of The Henrietta and Inspector Howard series

“A fresh and literary spin on traditional chick lit. Micayla Lally has written an engaging, thoughtful story that gives hope to anyone who has ever wished for a second chance.” —Katie Oliver, author of the Jane Austen Factor series

"Micayla’s book is a lighthearted journey that follows the intricacies of a relationship…[A Work of Art] is a playful, easy to read romance story.” —Jann Hill, watercolour and collage artist, Australia

"I was hopeful when A Work of Art appeared in the post. The cover is gorgeous and the blurb intriguing so expectations were high. In short, I wasn't disappointed. Lally makes you like her characters with her frank, engaging style, then runs you through the wringer along with them before leaving you satisfied. I can't say too much without giving away the plot but I will say that I read this book in one sitting and will definitely be revisiting it again. Fans of Liane Moriarty should love this one. I certainly did." —Georgina Penney, author of The Barbershop Girl

"Sexy and a pleasure to read, this is not your typical chick lit. A Work Of Art demonstrates how relationships can get complicated fast. This story of modern love adeptly shows us how the quirky and sympathetic characters of Samson, Julene and the triangulated Victoria navigate pregnancy, career, love, sex and family dynamics all within the vibrancy of Adelaide, Australia. Ms. Lally’s writing lends itself to our understanding of their stories – we feel deeply for each of them. The perfect book club read. I look forward to more from Ms. Lally." —Dr. Kat Van Kirk, licensed sex and marriage therapist

"An emotional, hearty debut and perfect spring read, A Work of Art will hopelessly charm every soul-searcher." —Brit + Co 


*****************************************************************************

A Work of Art  by Micayla Lally is one of  BookSparks "Summer Reads" reading selection picks. 

  

 Follow the #SRC2017 hashtag on twitter to read reviews on this book as well as reviews on the other summer books! Also, be sure to check out the BookSparks Facebook page for the #SRC2017  and other fun links. You can participate in weekly secret missions for chances to win signed copies of selected books and more! There's a new secret mission each week :)

 

 

Best Books, Sequels, Releases, Most Anticipated, EVERYTHING about My 2017 Reads | Mid-Year Book Freakout TAG

I saw this over on AJ's blog and liked it so much that I decided to do it as well! I'm definitely having a mid-year book freakout at the moment because I've barely read 50 books this year so far! 

All time low! Don't know what's happening. I gotta catch up.

#1. Best book read this year
This is very hard to say, I guess THE WOMEN IN THE WALLS by Amy Lukavics. I loved this so much that I can't stop talking about it!

#2. Best sequel this year
You guys probably know I don't do sequels, I've actually only read one so far this year and wasn't very impressed with it, WAKING GODS by Sylvain Neuvel. Ancient space robots though, yeahhhh

#3. New release I haven't read yet, but want to
DEAR MARTIN by Nic Stone. I am working on it! I'm waiting for the perfect time because this book will break my heart and I want to give it the fairest shot possible. Can't afford to not love this!

#4. Most anticipated release for second half of year
WICKED LIKE A WILDFIRE by Lana Popovic. *eye emoji* I'm waiting. I love witchy books.

#5. Biggest disappointment
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis. What happened there? I love space and I was really looking forward to loving this, but I really, really did not.

#6. Biggest Surprise
THE HOLLOW GIRL by Hillary Monahan. I am so impressed with this book. It really shouldn't have suprised me that I ended up loving this to be honest because I have such a long history of adoring witchy books, haha.

#7. Favorite new author (Debut or new to me)
Thea de Salle! I'm neckdeep in her NOLA nights series and I need more people to talk about this with, I'm dying here! If you love intersectional romance, pleaseeeeeeee


#8. Newest fictional crush
Sol DuMont from THE KING OF BOURBON STREET by Thea de Salle. Duh. My flamboyant bisexual boyfriend is everything.

#9. Newest favorite character
*looks to the floor* Sol DuMont...

#10. Book that made me cry
Mh, I don't think there was one. Still waiting on a tear-jerker.

#11. Book that made me happy
HOW TO MAKE A WISH by Ashley Herring Blake. Love me some black biracial bisexual representation.

#12. Favorite book to film adaptation
I HAVEN'T SEEN A SINGLE ONE THIS YEAR! At least none of a book that I actually read. I'm terrible at this tag.

#13. Favorite post I've done this year
I've had the honor of hosting a Q&A with an author I admire, Hannah Moskowitz, after lovingggggg her Deaf bisexual romance WILD.

• Q&A with Hannah Moskowitz: Writing Deaf Characters, Catfishing, #Ownvoices, and Wild

#14. Most beautiful book I've bought or received this year

• Physically? The German edition of LAST SEEN by Lucy Clarke is the prettiest book I've ever seen. 
• Content-wise? HOW TO MAKE A WISH by Ashley Herring Blake

#15. Book I need to read by end of the year
More like bookS.

• TASH HEARTS TOLSTOY by Kathryn Ormsbee
• THE LADY OF ROYALE STREET by Thea de Salle
• THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN by Paula Hawkins
• THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams
• THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray
• DARK VISIONS by L.J. Smith

... so many and that's only like the top six. I'm working on it.

If you decide to do the tag, please link it in the comments so I can stop by and read!

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