Review: One Way, by Jeff Lane

One Way - by Jeff Lane

Indie Author - 2012

Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

When the genres of time travel and thriller meet, you get "One Way". 

Barry and Jenny are a typical married couple.  Life isn't always easy, but they love each other, and that is what counts.  Barry is working late one night. Driving home, Barry has no idea that he has been targeted to die that night.  There is a serial killer on the loose and he has chosen Barry to be his victim that night.  At a remote gas station Barry's wife mysteriously appears.  He doesn't know how she got there or why she doesn't look quite like the Jenny he left earlier in the day, but he knows he trusts her and believes her astonishing tale. It soon becomes clear, that the killer has a hunter's instinct and now has his sights on both of them. 

Lane has created a welcome spin on the time travel genre by adding an edgy thriller aspect to the story.

Lane is an indie author, this and his other books are available on amazon.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Review: The Favorite Sister - by Jessica Knoll

The Favorite Sister - by Jessica Knoll (Audio Book)

Simon and Schuster Audio - 2018
Audio Book narrated by Ashlie Atkinson, Jenni Barber, and Aja Naomi King


My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐½

This audio book was a difficult listen for me.  First of all, I don't think I am in the target demographic for this one. I am probably too old (yes, I said it!). Second of all, I think I might have liked it better had I read it as either an e-book or print copy. The thing is, for me - at my age, I found the characters annoying.  Perhaps their whining, sarcasm, and overly mocked up impersonations of each other would have been less annoying as an internal soundtrack to reading, rather than an actual audio stream of their constant bleating, backstabbing, and scheming. I was unable to "connect" to any of the characters.

The story revolves around a group of women on a reality T.V. show about successful young women - specifically two sisters who are both on the cast. There is a lot of both real and scripted scheming, backstabbing, lying, jockeying-for-position, jealousy, and infidelity surrounding this group of women. As the show's season is coming to an end, and each of the women tries to ensure her return the following season, one of the sisters ends up murdered.

Like I said earlier, I think I am of the wrong demographic.  Also, I don't know why I chose to get into a story about a reality T.V. show when I do not like most reality T.V. shows. I get it though - all those negative characteristics that I referred to that annoyed me so, are the bread and butter of reality T.V., and as such, the writing of these characters was not off point.  As I said, I think i would have enjoyed it at least a little more had I actually read it instead of listening to the audio-book.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

May 28th - Calendar Event/Trivia - Ian Fleming's Birthday

Ian Fleming's Birthday

May 28, 1908 - August 12, 1964

 Fleming was the author of the Original James Bond character and novels, which were adapted into popular films.  James Bond - 007 is well ingrained in our popular culture, and the character has been played by several of the film industries leading men. "Bond 25" is anticipated for fall 2019 and sees Daniel Craig returning as the dapper and dignified spy.

He also wrote the well known children's book "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang: The Magical Car", among other works.

So raise your drink - "Shaken not Stirred" to Ian Fleming, "father" of James Bond.

 

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Sunday Summary: For the Week of May 20 - 26, 2018

Sunday Summary - May 20-26, 2018

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the week.

It has been another week of real world mayhem interrupting my reading time.  isn't it funny how something as simple as putting your vehicle in for repair can upturn your life so much?  Oh well, I only wish I had thought to take my FM transmitter out of my own vehicle so I could use it in the car I borrowed and at least be able to stream my audio books.  Looking forward to life getting back to normal, such as it is.

Anyways, on with the summary as brief as it may be.


Books Reviewed:

Lie to me - by J. T. Ellison (Audio Book)
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-lie-to-me-by-j-t-ellison.html

Her Pretty Face - by Robyn Harding
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-her-pretty-face-by-robyn-harding.html


Ramblings and Miscellany:

May 22nd was Sherlock Holmes day!

                                                                                                                                               

May 25 was Towel day. Unfortunately I did not get time to write a post on the subject, but I did take to twitter and facebook to honor the day with a photo (shown here).  Douglas Adams was a comedic genius.  He had a wonderfully unique and quirky sense of humor that really appeals to me. In the cover photo for this blog, the book is my copy of "The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide". I can only imagine what wonders his imagination would have bestowed upon us had he not passed away.

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

None this week.

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I am currently reading "One Way" by indie author Jeff Lane.  Listening to "The Favorite Sister" by Jessica Knoll.

On Deck titles include "The House Swap" - by Rebecca Fleet (Audio Book), Karin Slaughter's latest - "Pieces of Her" due out later this summer, and more!


Hoping you are enjoying the longer, warmer days reading something that makes you smile!

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: Her Pretty Face - by Robyn Harding

Her Pretty Face - by Robyn Harding

Simon & Schuster - Available July 10, 2018

This Advance Reading Copy provided by the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This thriller runs deep.

Frances is a struggling mother.  She is lonely and anxious to fit in socially, especially with the parents at Forrester Academy - the elite school her son Marcus attends. But it becomes seemingly impossible after Marcus commits an act that shocks the other parents, and almost sees him expelled.  Lonely and with little self esteem to see her through, Frances is struggling; until she meets Kate.

Kate is also a mother whose son Charles also attends the elite Forrester Academy.  Unlike Frances she appears strong, self confident and in control. She has little desire to align with the snobbish mothers of the school and instead strikes up a friendship with Frances. 

The women form a fast friendship and alliance with each other. Both these women have secrets from their past, but one of these women is a cold blooded murderer.   

While on the surface this book is a thriller, it runs deeper in its layers.  As the book develops, this story also examines the deep seated human desire within all of us to connect with others and what it means to not have that connection, and the damage that our own demons do to not only us, but our relationships and loved ones as well. It shows us how self forgiveness and acceptance are the keys to our own happiness. There is a certain beauty to the way the deeper layers of this story develop.  

A very enjoyable read.

 

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Review: Lie to Me - by J. T. Ellison

Lie to Me - by J. T. Ellison

Harlequin Audio - 2017
Audio Book - Narrated by Matthew Waterson, Saskia Maarleveld, Sarah Naughton, and Julie Whelan  

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐

While a good story, it lacked an indescribable something for me that would make me think of it as more than just good.

Ethan and his Wife Sutton are both successful authors. Infidelities, professional rivalry, and the death of their infant son has taken its toll on the marriage.  One day Sutton is gone, leaving behind a note note asking Ethan not to look for her. Ethan contacts police anyway saying he is concerned, but soon after that a body is found and questions are being asked.

I felt that some of the descriptions surrounding sex and sexual fantasies a little "over the top".  My personal preference is for a "less is more" approach to describing intimate scenes. To be fair though, that is a personal preference.

I didn't feel that the story was presented in an entirely unique or original way. It seemed to be filled with the echos of some of the recent bestsellers within the genre of domestic thrillers, resulting in it feeling a little underwhelming overall.  There was an extra twist at the end though, which was welcome and well played, but for me it wasn't enough to elevate the book to the next level.

The audio cast was good, and having several voices was beneficial to the audio book edition of this story. 

In the end I would say it was a good book, but not one that I see dominating conversations at coffee shops and book clubs.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Sherlock Holmes Day/Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Birthday

Happy Birthday Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Creator of Sherlock Holmes

May 22, 1859 - July 7, 1930

 Not to be confused with Sherlock Holmes' Birthday which is believed to be 6 January 1854.

Sunday Summary - May 13-19, 2018

Sunday Summary - May 13-19, 2018

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the previous week.

The real world has been a little more demanding than usual this past week.  It is at these times I really appreciate Audio Books which allow me to get some stories, even when I seem too busy to sit with a book for any amount of time.  But summer is pretty much here, and nothing beats sitting in the warm summer air enjoying a good book!

So here we go with the weekly summary!

Books Reviewed:

FATAL: A NOVEL, by John Lescroart (Audio Book)
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/book-review-fatal-novel-by-john.html

BRING ME BACK, by B. A.  Paris
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-bring-me-back-by-b-paris.html


Ramblings and Miscellany:

Ramblings: Let the summer reading begin:
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/ramblings-let-summer-reading-begin.html

Miscellany: Today I created a dedicated Instagram profile, and a facebook page for this blog. No posts as of yet, but I will be cross-posting going forward. So whatever your preferred social media platform is, you can find The Last Page Turned!


Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

THE PAPER MAGICIAN, by C. N. Holmberg
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/04/review-plastic-magician-by-charlie-n.html


BUYING TIME, by E. M. Brown
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-buying-time-by-em-brown.html


MY HUSBAND'S LIES, by Caroline England
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-my-husbands-lies-by-caroline.html

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I am currently reading an Advance Reader Copy titled HER PRETTY FACE, by Robyn Harding.

On my "To Be Read" list I have an additional four ARC's, plus more pending, and a few already released books, and of course - some audio books.

So, as icy beverages replace the hot tea, and our thoughts turn to days in the sun by pools, parks, or beaches, don't forget to bring a good book!

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: Bring Me Back - by B. A. Paris

Bring Me Back - B. A. Paris

St. Martin's Press - Available June 19, 2018

This Advance Reading Copy provided by the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of the twistiest psychological thrillers I have read yet. A white knuckle read!

Finn and Layla are a young couple on their way home from a ski vacation in France. On their way home, Layla vanishes. Finn tells the police that she vanished while he was in the restroom, he tells them where he was parked and what other people and vehicles were in the rest area - he tells them a lot. He is not entirely truthful though, and the secrets that he keeps that night will not stay buried forever.

Twelve years after Layla's disappearance, Finn finds himself engaged to Layla's sister Ellen. But now it seems that someone out there knows his secrets, and the price of keeping them may be higher than Finn could ever expect.

I loved Paris' other novels, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, and THE BREAKDOWN, but I think this might be her best one yet! This book is going to be in a lot of beach bags this summer!  

Recently Paris has confirmed that she is working on a fourth book, and I for one, could not be more excited! 


Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Ramblings: Let the Summer Reading Begin!

Today is Friday of a long weekend, and around here, this weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer! 

It seems that this past week I have not had much time to do "me" things. "Me" things are mostly reading, and sometimes baking. Sometimes life just gets in the way and there doesn't seem to be enough time and energy for all the things that need to be done, let alone the things I want to do. We have all been there! Somehow, summer always seems to be a little easier, a little more relaxed. Summertime means summer reading!

I have some exciting Advance Reading Copies on deck for the summer, (and I seem to be adding new ones as fast as I can read them) as well as some other books and AudioBooks. I am almost finished reading B.A. Paris' latest - BRING ME BACK, which I think will be right up there on the Hot Summer Reads for 2018.

I have thankfully little in the way of planned obligations for the next three days, and yet "My Weekend is All Booked".  Hope yours is too!

Happy Reading, 
Christine

Book Review: Fatal: A Novel - by John Lescroart

Fatal: A Novel - by John Lescroart

Audio Book - Narrated by Jacques Roy
Simon & Schuster Audio, 2017
(This is a stand alone novel, not associated with any of the several series written by this author).

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

A single afternoon of passion turns into an obsession far more dangerous than expected.

While attending a dinner party at a friend's place, the beautiful (and married) Kate meets charming (and married) Peter.  Unable to put Peter out of her mind, she seduces him.  Thinking that things with Peter could begin and end in one passion filled afternoon, she returns to the routine of her life.  Unfortunately, Peter does not find putting Kate out of mind and returning to his routine life as easy, and now this one time tryst, has become dangerous. 

Jacques Roy is an able narrator and performs the story well.

This story is all that it promises to be, and all that you would expect from a veteran writer like Lescroart.  Filled with lies, deception, and danger.  Easy to get into and hard to put down.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Sunday Summmary - May 6-12, 2018

Sunday Summmary - May 6 - 12, 2018

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the week.  I hope everyone is enjoying mother's day.

Books Reviewed:

Buying Time, By E.M. Brown

https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-buying-time-by-em-brown.html

The Rooster Bar, By John Grisham (Audio Book)

 https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-rooster-bar-by-john-grisham.html

The Perfect Mother, By Aimee Molloy

https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-perfect-mother-by-aimee-molloy.html

Ramblings and Miscellany:

This week, in honor of teacher's appreciation day/week,  I rambled about the teacher that taught me how to love reading!
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/ramblingscalendar-event-teacher.html

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed being Released this Week:

None to report for May 6 - 12, but several coming up soon!

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

Bring Me Back, by B.A. Paris
Her Pretty Face, by Robin Harding
One Little Lie, by Sam Carrington
and more!

Thanks for checking things out at "The Last Page Turned Book Blog" this week!

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: The Perfect Mother - by Aimee Molloy

The Perfect Mother, by Aimee Molloy

HarperCollins - May 2018

This Advance Reading Copy provided by HarperCollins First Look in exchange for an honest review.


My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"A Tale of Mayhem and Modern Motherhood".  A stunning story that will keep you up late turning pages, and hugging your children a little tighter.

The May mothers are a group of new mother's who meet twice a week to offer each other companionship and support as they navigate the early days of new motherhood.  Under a tree, eating mini-muffins, they share birth stories and offer each other advice and support.  

One day the unthinkable happens. One one of the babies goes missing.  As they all wonder what happened to that baby, one thing is certain to all of them - they did not know each other as well as they had thought. 

I think any mother could easily relate to the characters that Molloy created in this book.  They were each in their own way, perfectly imperfect. Each of them struggled with the very real stresses that come with being a new mother. It can be a little overwhelming at first and the author captured that perfectly.  It was very easy to become emotionally invested in this book.

The story was filled with twists and turns and false leads, as well as the raw emotion that accompanies motherhood in the early days, which made "The Perfect Mother" gripping and powerful book.

This book is expected to be one of the hottest reads of the summer for 2018 for good reason.  The movie rights for this book have been secured by TriStar.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Review: The Rooster Bar - By John Grisham

The Rooster Bar - By John Grisham 

Audio Book
Random House Audio 2017
Narrated by Ari Fliakos
My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another tightly spun Legal thriller by Grisham. 

Mark, Todd, and Zola are law school students. Each took easily obtained loans to pay for attending a law school, lured by the promise of landing one of the prized jobs the for-profit law school advertises will be waiting for them on completion. Suffocating under the staggering amount of loan money made easily available to them. They realize that they have been led down a path that leads in a dead end.

Trying to regain control of their lives, and some sense of justice, they end up playing a legal game their third rate law school might not have prepared them for.

Perhaps not Grisham's very best work, but a darn good legal thriller nonetheless. 

The narrator was good. Characters were individualized and easy to follow.  This book is not the greatest test of a narrator's abilities, but a good narrator is still a great asset to to a book and its listener.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/Page_Turned

Ramblings/Calendar event - Teacher Appreciation Day

Let's face it. If you are reading this, someone taught you how to read.  Since reading is my preferred past time, I will ramble on about reading - this by no means should detract from those special people who taught us math, science, history or other equally useful subjects.

I see reading as the foundation for almost all other learning.  You don't learn history by "doing", and it is probably best to read first and do later when studying science.  Even a math textbook or workbook comes with descriptions and directions that need to be read.

So, hats off to the teachers who taught us how to read.  Special kudos to those who were able to teach us how to enjoy reading!

I would like to pay tribute to the teacher who really taught me how to enjoy reading.  Without violating his privacy, I will just refer to him as Mr. C.

Mr. C was my grade 4 teacher.  He was kind, and funny and warm. Students used to wait after school so they could walk home with him if they happened to live in the same direction.  He could play guitar, he was a very skilled potter, and most importantly (to me and many others I am sure), he was an excellent narrator, animated and able to add life to the words on the page.

We had to do our "Language Arts" work.  We had spelling and writing and our own reading to do. But every day, for 10-15 minutes, he would read to us.  He read us such wonders as "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" and "Super Fudge" by Judy Blume, "Charlotte's Web by E.B. White", "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel, and more.

To this day, I think a good narrator can make a mediocre book good, and a good book great.  I listen to audio books while commuting and doing chores so that I can get more stories in my life. But what I learned most about reading that year was just how entertaining a book could be.  For that, I will always be grateful to all my teachers, but especially Mr. C, the one that taught me to enjoy reading.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: Buying Time, by E.M. Brown

Buying Time, by E.M. Brown
Rebellion Publishing - Available May 17, 2018
This Advance Reading Copy provided by Rebellion Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

"No man is Rich Enough to Buy Back His Time".  That said, I certainly do not regret time spent reading this book! In Brown's spin on time travel, he has created a scenario that we have all dreamed  of at some point...."if I had only known then what I know now".

Ed is a well known writer who has had a long string of short lived romances.  None ended well.  One day he simply disappears. Ella is a journalist who many years later, investigates his disappearance. The time line for this book is from the 80's to 2030. 

While Ella is interviewing people and looking for clues, Richie is randomly jumping back in time.  Each time he questions whether he is going insane or whether this is really happening; and if it is, when will it end?

A good read for people who enjoy time travel fiction.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Sunday Summmary - April 29 - May 5, 2018

Welcome to the Sunday Summary for the week of April 29 to May 5, 2018

Books Reviewed:

The Good Daughter, by Karin Slaughter
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-good-daughter-by-karin-slaughter.html

My Husband's Lies, by Caroline England (Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this advance Reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-my-husbands-lies-by-caroline.html

Sometimes I Lie, By Alice Feeney
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/05/review-sometimes-i-lie-by-alice-feeney.html

Ramblings and Miscellany:

My Ramblings on Books and Reading for a Better Community
https://thelastpageturnedbookblog.blogspot.ca/2018/04/ramblings-on-books-and-reading-for.html

Calendar Trivia - May 1st, Joseph Heller's Birthday

Advance Copy Books I have Reviewed that have been Released: 

None this week.

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

I am almost done reading an advance copy of  "Buying Time" by E.M. Brown.  This book is a time travel story and has a publication date of May 17, 2018.  Stay tuned for my thoughts, to be posted soon!

I have John Grisham's "The Rooster Bar" in Audio Book format, loaded on my phone for listening while driving to and from work, doing chores, etc.

I have several exciting reads on my To Be Read list, including several Advance reading copies of books that look perfect for summer reading!  So stay tuned and Happy Reading!

Christine

Review: Sometimes I Lie - By Alice Feeney

Sometimes I Lie - By Alice Feeney
Audio book
MacMillan Audio 2018
Narrated by Stephanie Racine

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

There are three things you should know about this book. 1). It is very "twisty"  2). Even when you think you know what is going on - you don't, and 3). It is difficult to put down.

The story starts with Amber who is in hospital. She is in a coma, but is aware of her surroundings.  She can hear, she can feel, but she cannot move, open her eyes, or remember how she came to be in the hospital. She does know that her relationship with her husband has been strained, and that there was another person involved with the accident that put her in the coma, but she cannot remember exactly who. As her awareness increases, she knows that  she is still in danger.  As memories slowly return, she is desperate to wake up before it is too late.

The timeline shifts from current day, to recent history, to years in the past via childhood journal entries. Shifts in timeline are very clear and easy to follow.

The narrator was talented and played all of the roles very well.

A riveting book, well worth the time.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: My Husband's Lies - by Caroline England

My Husband's Lies - by Caroline England
Digital Advance Reading Copy
Avon Books UK
Release Date: May 17, 2018

This digital Advance Reading Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐

In any group of friends there will be secrets.  This book explores how the secrets that we tell ourselves and others, big or small, twist and tangle and wind themselves around our lives and the lives of those around us.

I found the first half of the book difficult because there were so many characters all interacting with each other at once.  It made it difficult to keep the characters and relationships straight in my head. I wish that we spent a little more time with them as individuals or couples at that beginning of the book, so that we could get to know them them a little better before exploring all the interactions between them. The book does however reward you in the end.

In the second half of the book, as you start to know the characters, you see how everyone's lies twist and tangle into each others lives. There is definitely some delicate and intricate background created for this group.

Overall, I would say this is a good book.

Thank you to Avon UK and NetGalley.

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: The Good Daughter - by Karin Slaughter

The Good Daughter - by Karin Slaughter
Audiobook
Blackstone Audio Inc. 2017
Narrated by Kathleen Early

My Rating (out of 5)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An exciting and intricately woven thriller.  I hung on every word.

When "Charlie" is just 13 years old an unspeakable act of violence shatters her world and devastates her family.

Almost 30 years later, Charlie has moved on and done her best to put the evil of that day behind her. She is married, and has followed her father's footsteps by becoming a lawyer - though she tends to avoid the types of criminals her father is famous for assisting.   But that amount of evil is not prone to stay in the shadows.  When another violent incident rocks the small town she lives in - one she is there to witness first hand, the trauma and secrets of that day come rushing back.

This book grabs you early and WILL NOT LET GO until the end.  Expertly and intricately woven. layer upon layer.

The narrator was wonderful  Able to give tone to the myriad of emotions.  Her portrayal of Rusty had definite southern charm.

Happy Reading,
Christine

May 1st - Calendar Trivia

 On this day - May 1st, 1923 Joseph Heller Author of  (among other work) the Novel "Catch-22" was born.  

Still a common turn of phrase, "Catch-22" often refers to an impossibly absurd circular logic. 

Heller died in 1999.