The Girl in the Garden ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." 





This novel is set in the mid-1970's at a beach front (not named in the novel). This powerful novel focuses on June, a young girl who is abandoned at a motel on the coast with her infant child, Luke. They are both eventually taken in by the motel's owner, Mabel who is trying to move on after the death of her husband. Mabel is ready to close up for the season until June and Luke change her plans. It is a very dim and dull journey for most of the characters but the novel focuses on the spirit of each character. This novel will have a long lasting impact on a reader, as it did for me. 

I thought this story was very ambitious with a lot of plot lines weaving back and fourth and in and out of each other. Melanie Wallace is a very intelligent writer, but word choice is not the only thing that can make a novel great. I found myself forced to finish this novel. Each chapter is told from a different point of view, and from different places in the beach town where June and her baby Luke have been abandoned. Sad to say, that is what threw me off the most. I just wish they would have stayed in one or two places. Melanie Wallace did make me care about each character in their own way, but I was still left with a feeling that I did not know the characters well enough to actually love them.

Despite the narration style being very slow, I would love to know what happens next with June. I would be willing to read the second book if Melanie Wallace decides to continue writing this story. 

I give this novel a 3 out of 5 stars!

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy.

1st to Die (Women's Murder Club #1) ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"You can't tell which way the train went by looking at the tracks."






San Francisco homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer begins an investigation on the gruesome "wedding murders" with the help of her best friend, Medical Examiner Claire, and her new partner Chris Raleigh. When the rookie journalist Cindy digs into the investigation, Lindsay finds herself making a connection and brings her into the loop to do some nosing around to help solve the murder. The Women's Murder Club is then later rounded out by D.A. Jill as Lindsay is supported by her friends to round up a dangerous killer. This intelligent group of ladies form a bond as they collect the clues, as well as becoming a support group for Lindsay when she is struck by the news of a possibly-fatal blood condition that may just take her out for good. On top of all the chaos, Lindsay falls in love with her new partner Chris Raleigh and tries to trust him and others along the way.

Let me begin by saying that I loved this book from start to finish, and really could not put it down once I was halfway through. It is a book that will keep you hooked and a book that will really connect you with each and every character.

This was the first book that I have ever read by James Patterson and I cannot wait to read the next books in the series. All four of the ladies in the Women's Murder Club were excellent characters, especially Lindsay. I connected with her, and was rooting for her all throughout the book. I also enjoyed the budding relationship between her and Chris Raleigh. The chapters that Lindsay narrates are combined with chapters from the killer's point of view as well. I believe that gave the book the full story as well as a twisted mystery as you went along. The best part about this mystery was that even though you essentially know who the killer is since you are getting his story, you don't actually know who he really is. I think that took me by surprise and it left me shocked at the very end of the book. I loved how Patterson made the reader think that the end of the book was approaching, but it was not. I came across a lot of "OH WAIT! THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE BOOK!" moments while reading. It was great. I honestly have never seen so many twists and turns in a book EVER. This book was well put together, and I am surprised that a male writer put together such an excellent and strong female character. I am always impressed when an author chooses the main character as the opposite sex of themselves. Bravo to James Patterson!

I am looking forward to discussing this book in my upcoming book club meeting!

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

January Book Club

Meeting Date: TBA 
Time and Where: 7:45 am in the LIBRARY! 
Please answer the discussion questions posted! 
Published by: Elizabeth A. Barnes
From Goodreads: 




"James Patterson, bestselling author of the Alex Cross novels "Along Came a Spider", "Kiss the Girls", and "Pop Goes the Weasel", offers the first of a new series dubbed the Women's Murder Club, featuring a four-woman team that occasionally works outside the system. None of the gritty darkness or frenzied is lost in 1st to Die, although the female protagonists offer an even deeper emotional context to this suspense thriller.

Inspector Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco Police Department suddenly finds herself in the middle of two horrifying situations: The first is that she's just learned she has an often fatal blood disease. The second is a double homicide case she is now heading up that involves the murder of newlyweds on their wedding night. Burdened with Chris Raleigh, a new partner reassigned from the mayor's office, Lindsay finds that she has too much to deal with and turns to her best friend, Claire, the head Medical Examiner on the case. Claire offers helpful advice and human, friendly contact amid a job filled with violence, cruelty, and fear.

Soon a fledgling newspaper reporter, Cindy, makes contact with Lindsay looking for a career-making story. Although Lindsay can't officially comment on the case, the two women form a rapport, and Cindy joins Lindsay and Claire for their weekly meeting. When a second pair of newlyweds is murdered, and later a third, the investigation leads to a prominent crime writer, Nicholas Jenks, who has a history of spousal abuse and a predilection for kinky, dangerous sex games. With the help of an understanding assistant D.A., Jill Bernhardt, Lindsay tries make a case against Jenks, who even had an affair with one of the slain women. Eventually Jill joins the Murder Club, and the four ladies share private interdepartmental information in an effort to track and stop the killer before he strikes again.

The major subplot -- Lindsay's facing up to her illness even while she learns to fall in love again -- carefully compensates for the novel's coarse scenes of brutality. Lindsay Boxer is't merely an obsessed cop trailing a maniac; she's also a terrified woman confronting the onslaught of disease. The story lines balance out to show us the true mettle of someone who puts the safety of others before her own.

Again, Patterson's skill for producing furiously paced fiction are evident as the novel breezes by rapidly. The short chapters keep the narrative leaping with increasingly taut plot elements, but there's an emotional commitment that makes our protagonist even more amiable and involving. 1st to Die is a novel that works as an intense series of character portraits that will leave the reader touched and delighted."        

The Chemist ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Laugh about it or cry about it, that's the only choice. I'd rather laugh while I can."





She used to work for  the U.S. Government but now she is on the run and cannot stay in the exact place for long. Throughout the book she prepares for the toughest fight of her life and meets a love interest that could complicate her likelihood of survival. Now, she must apply unique talents in order to survive.

I was counting down the days and so excited for Ms. Meyer's new book to be released, after reading, I have to say that I was let down. But let me make this clear, I have a lot of respect for Ms. Meyer and her choice to try something new. From reading the "Twilight" series, to jumping into "The Chemist" Ms. Meyer's writing style has appeared to have changed significantly. One change that I noticed was how Ms. Meyer started writing in third person, which threw me off because I am so used to her usual first person narrative. This book was neatly thought about. I appreciate that aspect above everything else. I could tell that Ms. Meyer spent time on this book. This book needed to have an engaging story line, as well as an emotional journey for the reader. Ms. Meyer led her readers down an emotional road in the "Twilight" series and I was excited to see and possibly experience that emotion again with a new genre. I waited for an emotional journey while reading, but it just did not happen  If Ms. Meyer decides to write another book, I am looking forward to a better story line.

When the book begins Alex (the main character) has been on the run for three years. She sleeps with a gas mask on, and takes so many precautions that she almost seems crazy to me. I was also confused through most of the book. I never knew who the narrator really was. Was it Alex? Or was it her real name? Juliana. The book never actually tells you why they switch her name around so much. Ms. Meyer only went by whatever name she was going by at the time. I also disliked, for instance, how the book was at least over 500 pages long, which is WAY TOO LONG for this type of story. The beginning of the story was also slow and boring, but throughout the book the plot became more adventurous. I did believe that the character Daniel added to the story in a good way. The suspense and thriller was also a good touch.

Overall it took me a lot of thinking on how I was going to rate this book. It was very entertaining seeing Stephenie Meyer out with a new book, but it was not a book that I could fall in love with.  

I give this book a 2 out of 5 stars.

Mad Miss Mimic ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"But which one is you? Which is the true Miss. Somerville?"





"Born into an affluent family, Leo outwardly seems like a typical daughter of English privilege in the 1870s: she lives with her wealthy married sister Christabel, and lacks for neither dresses nor trinkets. But Leo has a crippling speech impediment that makes it difficult for her to speak but curiously allows her to mimic other people's voices flawlessly. Servants and ladies alike call her "Mad Miss Mimic" behind her back... and watch as she unintentionally scares off every potential suitor. Only the impossibly handsome Mr. Thornfax seems interested in Leo... buy why? And does he have a connection to the mysterious Black Glove group that has London in its terrifying grasp? Trapped in a city under siege by terror attacks and gripped by opium fear, where doctors (including her brother-in-law) race to patent an inject able formula, Leo must search for truth in increasingly dangerous situations - but to do so, she must first find her voice."

At first, I was not sure if I was going to like Mad Miss Mimic. The writing style was odd, a bit tough to get into, and the content was slow at first. Thankfully, this was one of those novels that is slow in the beginning, but when it hits it's stride, it moves quickly.

The author, Sarah Henstra, introduces readers to Leonora Somerville, a very difficult narrator for me to grasp. Said to be called "Mad Miss Mimic", Leo often ends up dipping in and out of the novel depending on the situation that she is forced into. Leo has a stuttering disorder, but often in times of self confidence, she is able to mimic those around her. I thought it was quite fascinating because her speech was not used as a defensive mechanism. I saw it more as a manipulation tactic, which made Leo more interesting as a main character.

One thing I really loved about this novel was its historical elements. Henstra weaves all these facts and liberties into a fantastic mystery, and although the book to me was predictable at times, it never took away my enjoyment. I always loved to uncover more about Leonora and her desires to marry Francis Thornfax.

Mad Miss Mimic is a novel where the writing style is going to play a huge role in your enjoyment. I thought the story itself was very intriguing, entertaining, and mind boggling. Henstra keeps the reader guessing, and I believe that is a sign of a great novel.

I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Canada for the copy of this novel.

Book Club -- THE THIRTEENTH TALE

Book Club Discussion Questions

Please answer the questions in the comments section below. Label them with the question number.

1. Much of  the novel takes place in two grand estates-Angelfield and then Miss. Winter's. How are the house reflections of their inhabitants? 

2. As the story unfolds, we learn that Margaret and Miss.Winter are both twins. What else do they have in common? 

3. Margaret and her mother are bound by a singular loss - the death of Margaret's twin sister. How has each woman dealt with loss, and how has it affected her life? If her parents had told her the truth about her twin, would Margaret still be haunted? 

4. Books play a major role in this novel. Margaret, for example, sells books for a living. Miss.Winter writes them. Most of the important action of the story takes place in libraries. There are stories within stories, all inextricably intertwined. Discuss the various roles of books, stories, and writing in this novel.

5. Miss.Winter asks Margaret if she'd like to hear a ghost story - in fact, there seem to be several ghost stories weaving their way through. In what ways is The Thirteenth Tale a classic, Gothic novel? 

6. Miss.Winter frequently changes points of view from third to first person, from "they" to "we" to "I," in telling Margaret her story. The first time she uses "I" is the recounting of Isabelle's death and Charlie's disappearance. What did you make of  the shifting when Margaret points it out on page 204?

7. Compare and contrast Margaret, Miss.Winter, and Aurelius - the three "ghosts" of  the novel who are also each haunted by their pasts. 

8. It is a classic writer's axiom that a symbol must appear at least three times in a story so that the reader knows that you meant it as a symbol. In The Thirteenth Tale, the novel Jane Eyre appears several times. Discuss the appearances and allusions to Jane Eyre and how this novel echoes that one. 

9. The story shifts significantly after the death of Mrs. Dunne and John Digence. Adeline steps forward as intelligent, well-spoken, and confident - the "girl in the mists" emerges. Did you believe this miraculous transformation? If not, what did you suspect was really going on?

10. Dr. Clifton tells Margaret that she is "suffering from an ailment that afflicts ladies of romantic imagination" when he learns that she is an avid reader of novels such as Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and Sense and Sensibility. What do you think he means by drawing such a parallel? What other parallels exist between The Thirteenth Tale and classic nineteenth-century literature? 

11. When did you first suspect Miss.Winter's true identity? Whether you knew or not, looking back, what clues did she give to Margaret (and what clues did the Author give to you)? 

12. Margaret tells Aurelius that her mother preferred telling "weightless" stories in place of heavy ones, and that sometimes it's better "not to know." Do you agree or disagree? 

13. The title of this novel is taken from the title of Miss.Winter's first book, The Tales of Change and Desperation, a collection of twelve stories with a mysterious thirteenth left out at the last minute before publication. How is this symbolic of the novel? What is the thirteenth tale?

14. When do you think The Thirteenth Tale takes place? The narrator gives some hints, but never tells the exact date.  Which aspects of the book gave you a sense of time, and which seemed timeless? Did the question of time affect your experience with the novel? 

Questions posted from: 
http://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/13-fiction/1040-thirteenth-tale-setterfield?start=3 

The Thirteenth Tale ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Once upon a time there was a fairy godmother, but the rest of the time there was none. This story is about one of those other times."





"Sometimes when you open the door to the past, what you confront is your destiny.

Reclusive author Vida Winter, famous for her collection of twelve enchanting stories, has spent the past six decades penning a series of alternate lives for herself. Now old and ailing, she is ready to reveal the truth about her extraordinary existence and the violent and tragic past she has kept secret for so long. Calling on Margaret Lea, a young biographer troubled by her own painful history, Vida disinters her life she meant to bury for good. Margaret is mesmerized by the author's tale of gothic strangeness - featuring the beautiful and willful Isabelle, the feral twins Adeline and Emmeline, a ghost, a governess, a topiary garden and a devastating fire. Together, Margaret and Vida confront the ghosts that have haunted them while becoming, finally, transformed by the truth themselves."

Every once in a while, I have the luck to stumble upon a truly gifted author. An author who can almost do it all: like craft a spellbinding story that ultimately refuses to loosen its grip on the reader, conjure up a space and time and send the reader into another world, give birth to vivid characters that can almost leap off of the pages, or wield the written words with as much artistry as a master painter with his colors. I stumbled on such and author that is Diane Setterfield.

Let me begin by saying that I do not know what I loved most about this novel. First of all, the story was molded very well. With the use of flashbacks, Ms. Winter spun her story to young biographer Margaret Lea, but the present time also had its twists and turns as Margaret conducted her own research into Ms. Winter's life. The slipping between past and present was exciting.

Just when Ms. Winter's flashback story of her strange and disturbing childhood pulled me in, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The author would switch to present time, building my curiosity. I did not mind the change in time because the present time was just as compelling. I had very little clue to where I was being led to next at any given point, but wherever and whatever it was, I wanted to follow. I never guessed the truth of Ms. Winter's life until the author laid it out. I felt like it was a joy to be totally surprised. Even though I hate surprises most of the time.

This was a fantastic book to read for book club especially being written with an atmosphere of a different age. If you are a fan of Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, etc. you must simply read this engaging novel. It pulled me in and I felt like I was apart of the story.

I give this novel a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

1984 ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness."





"The year 1984 has come and gone, but George Orwell's prophetic, nightmarish vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever. 1984 is still the great modern classic of "negative utopia" - a startlingly original and haunting novel that creates an imaginary world that is completely convincing, from the first sentence to the last four words. No one can deny the novel's hold on the imaginations of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions - a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time."

1984 by George Orwell is about totalitarianism. The author, George Orwell, wrote this fiction book in 1949 and based it off of the totalitarian governments ran by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The main character and protagonist in the novel is 39 year old man named Winston Smith. Although Winston is a working member of the governmental party, he hates Big Brother and the whole party. Big Brother is the dictator of the totalitarian society. Big Brother and the party brainwash the "proles" who make up 85% of the population. He makes the people believe in whatever he says and he makes sure that they do not rebel. Early on in the story, Winston becomes involved with a woman named Julia who is also against the party. They both become intrigued by the brotherhood, which is a rebellious group that understands how unfair everyone is treated. George Orwell shifts the direction of the story when a man named O'Brien becomes an important character. Overall, Orwell sends a powerful message about totalitarianism and the impact it can have on a society. Although I thought this novel was a little slow throughout most of the chapters, the change of pace O'Brien adds contributes to another layer of the novel. I believe it is important that 1984 is read to show humanity what life would be like if our society was ran by a totalitarian dictator.

I give this novel a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Dead Letters ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Ahoy, Ava! Welcome home, my sweet jet-setting twin! So glad you were able to wrest yourself away from your dazzling life in the City of Light; I hope my 'death' hasn't interrupted anything too crucial."







"A missing woman leads her twin sister on a twisted scavenger hunt in this clever debut novel of suspense for readers of Luckiest Girl Alive and Reconstructing Amelia. Ava Antipova has her reasons for running away: a failing family vineyard, a romantic betrayal, a mercurial sister, an absent father, and a mother slipping into dementia. In Paris, Ava renounces her terribly practical undergraduate degree, acquires a French boyfriend and a taste for much better wine, and erases her past. Two years later, she she must return to New York. Her twin sister, Zelda, is dead. Even in a family of alcoholics, Zelda Antipova was the wild one, notorious for her mind games and destructive behavior. Stuck tending the vineyard and the girls' increasingly unstable mother, Zelda was allegedly burned alive when she passed out in the barn with a lit cigarette. But Ava finds the official explanation a little too neat. A little too Zelda. Then she receives a cryptic message - from her sister.

Just as Ava suspected, Zelda's playing one of her games. In fact, she's outdone herself, leaving a series of clues about her disappearance. With the police stuck on a red herring, Ava follows the trail laid just for her, thinking like her sister, keeping her secrets, immersing herself in Zelda's drama and her outlandish circle of friends and lovers. Along the way, Zelda forces her twin to confront their twisted history and the boy who broke Ava's heart. But why? Is Zelda trying to punish Ava for leaving? To teach her a lesson? Or is she simply trying to write her own ending?"

I will have to say that this was the first novel that I have read where the characters are outrageous, frustrating, compelling, and fascinating all in one. This novel kept me guessing, twisting, and turning right until the very end. I discovered and uncovered secrets about every single one of the characters, big and small. I really felt myself connecting with Ava, a very interesting main character. I love how Caite Dolan - Leach narrated her character so well. In the breath taking beautiful "wine country" it is crystal clear that dark secrets can lurk and destroy a so called "perfect" family. I enjoyed how Ava jumped from clue to clue discovering secrets about Zelda. I believe that when Ava was searching for Zelda, Ava actually found herself. This is a suspense novel between two twin sisters whose lives are finally brought back to each other through tragedy. You will end up getting pulled into their tragedies and their secrets. Caite Dolan - Leach's writing style was vivid, mesmerizing, and filled with detail. Her words came to life throughout the pages. I honestly cannot believe this was the very first time I had ever heard or read anything by this author. This novel will forever keep you on your toes.

I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!

All the Forever Things ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Everything about this moment is familiar. The silent communication between Mom and Dad as they shift the casket into the best position for viewing. The bereaved's sighs, me sliding the soft soles of my shoes over the carpet, and the overpowering smell of condolences that have arrived from companies with names like flowers r us."






"From growing up in the funeral home her family runs, Gabriella knows that death is a part of life and nothing is forever. Yet Bree, her best friend, has been a constant; it's always been the two of them together against the world. But when Bree starts dating a guy the worst guy from from the ultra-popular world, suddenly she doesn't have time for Gabe anymore. Now the only one at school who wants to spend time with "Graveyard Gabe" is Hartman, the new guy, but Gabe, not wanting to lose her mind over a boyfriend the way Bree has has, holds back. It takes a very strange prom night (with the family hearse instead of a limo) for Gabe to truly fall for Hartman. But when she leaves the after-prom party with him, she's not there for Bree or for the deadly accident that happens that night. Bree survives, but will she and Gabe ever be able to rebuild their friendship?"

Let me start out by saying that I have mixed feelings about this novel. I enjoyed how Gabe had a complex relationship with death - she dresses in all black and lives and works in a funeral home! This novel is good, and is unique and very engaging. But, it has many flaws for me as a reader.

Gabe's perspective had all the typical girl vibes, but without chunks of heartbreaking drama. The main character herself, was half the character I thought she would end up being. Her dialogue seems immature to me, and the author robs the character and readers on what makes her interesting.

But, I did enjoy most of the book. I really enjoyed how the author wrote about the popular kids that Bree, and throughout the book Gabe, ends up hanging out with. So many YA books rely on these popular kids and the author definitely let the reader glide into the expectation.

Even though my opinion about this novel goes back and fourth, All the Forever Things is a change of pace and is worth a read.

I give this novel a 2.5 out of 5 starts.

Special thanks to NetGalley/Albert Whitman & Company/AW Teens for the copy!

Small Great Things ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Freedom is the fragile neck of a daffodil, after the longest of winters. It's the sound of your voice, without anyone drowning you out. It's having the grace to say yes, and more important, the right to say no. At the heart of freedom, hope beats: a pulse of possibility."





"Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?"

I have only read one book by Jodi Picoult, which was "My Sisters Keeper" and I fell in love with the story. I also really enjoyed the movie. I apologize to Jodi Picoult because "My Sisters Keeper" is the only book that I have truly enjoyed. This book changed all of my thoughts about her writing ability. For me, dodging a good book is hard to do, especially when the reviews are great. Each time I would come across "Small Great Things" on either NetGalley or Goodreads the book pulled me in. My mind kept on telling me: "YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK!" I am going to be honest, I was not sure at first if I wanted to read it or even review it. But, I am so glad that I am doing so.

Jodi Picoult was given a real life game changer in this book. My review will not be too long and too specific about the story line because I do not want to spoil anything. Jodi Picoult approaches this difficult topic in such a way that the reader ends up learning something. The reader might learn about who he/she really is and how we really feel about social issues and racism. She opened my eyes to the realization that news stories could be about our families, our mother, our grandmother, and any number of our relatives/friends.

As I finished this book, I knew this story would stay with me for a long time to come. It really grasped my heart and made me learn a lot. I am very troubled about some of the things that go on in our world, and this book really made me think about what we can do to make the world a better place.

This book, I believe, will give Jodi Picoult a new level of respect between authors and readers.

I give this book a 5 OUT OF 5 stars!

The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"Happiness is living in the moment and not thinking of a future at all. It's learning new things and having adventures and solving mysteries."





"Hawthorn wasn't trying to insert herself into a missing person's investigation. Or maybe she was. But that's only because Lizzie Lovett's disappearance is the one fascinating mystery their sleepy town has ever had. Bad things don't happen to popular girls like Lizzie Lovett, and Hawthorn is convinced she'll turn up at any moment - which means the time for speculation is now.

So Hawthorn comes up with her own theory for Lizzie's disappearance. A theory way too absurd to take seriously... at first. The more Hawthorn talks, the more she believes. And what better way to collect evidence than to immerse herself in Lizzie's life? Like getting a job at the diner where Lizzie worked and hanging out with Lizzie's boyfriend. After all, it's not as if he killed her - or did he?"

From the very beginning, I fell in love with this book and it's story line. You will immediately find yourself falling in love with the main character Hawthorn. She is so beautifully realistic in how flawed she really is. She has such an enthusiasm for her beliefs and how she truly searches just to sit in. This book flowed very smoothly and kept me reading up late at night just to see what was going to happen next. The plot to this book was genius and is not something that has been too overdone, which is refreshing for many readers including myself. This book really shows what it is like to try and discover your true self. I also enjoyed Hawthorn's vivid and creative imagination. The characters all fit together perfectly and their development was incredible to read. The author, Chelsea Sedoti, threw so many brilliant concept together and made this a magnificent story filled with twists and turns. The ending, was not what I originally thought was going to happen, but it ended up fitting nicely.

4 out of 5 stars!

Special thank to NetGalley for the copy!

Teen Hyde: (High School Horror Story, #2) ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand."






"Cassidy Hyde is NOT having a good year. Her boyfriend cheated on her, killed her best friend's date during homecoming, and was then murdered in turn by a serial killer, and that's without counting the thing that no one knows about. (But Cassidy doesn't like to think about that.) The point is, anyone would be a little depressed and no one can blame for looking for a little bit of help. That's where Sunshine comes in. This new experimental drug makes Cassidy feel like everything is good and she's the golden girl once again. A little memory loss feels like a small price to pay to get her life back. And the fact that boys are once again going missing (boys who Cassidy does NOT want to remember) has NOTHING to do with anything, right?"

This book was set in a contemporary twist style of writing mixed in with Robert Louis Stevenson's Jekyll and Hyde, set in the small town of Hollow Pines, Texas, where high school is horrifying.

I am a fan of horror, but this book was beyond the state of confusing. This book was beyond the state of confusing because NetGalley did not mention that this was the second book in the series. "Teen Frankenstein" was the first book in the series. Hopefully my review for "Teen Frankenstein" will earn a better review.

I give this book a 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the copy of the book.

November Book Club

Meeting Date: Wednesday, December 14th 
Time and Where: 7:45 am in the LIBRARY! 
Please answer the discussion questions posted! 
Published By: Elizabeth Barnes 
From Goodreads: 


 

"Biographer Margaret Lea returns one night to her apartment above her father's antiquarian bookshop. On her steps she finds a letter. It is a hand-written request from one of Britain's most prolific and well-loved novelists. Vida Winter, gravely ill, wants to recount her life story before it is too late, and she wants Margaret to be the one to capture her history. The request takes Margaret by surprise - she doesn't know the author, nor had she read any of Miss. Winter's dozens of novels.

Late one night while pondering whether to accept the task of recording Miss. Winter's personal story, Margaret begins to read her father's rare copy of Miss. Winter's Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation. She is spellbound by the stories and confused when she realizes the book only contains twelve stories. Where is the thirteenth tale? Intrigued, Margaret agrees to meet Miss. Winter's account and act as her biographer.

As Vida Winter unfolds her story, she shares with Margaret the dark family secrets that she has long kept hidden as she remembers her days at Angelfield, the now burnt-out estate that was her childhood home. Margaret carefully records Miss. Winter's account and finds herself more and more deeply immersed in the strange and troubling story.

Both women will have to confront their pasts and the weight of family secrets... and the ghosts that haunt them still."

The Sky is Everywhere ~ Reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes

"My sister will die over and over again for the rest of my life. Grief is forever. It doesn't go away; it becomes a part of you, step for step, breath for breath."









The grief in this book instantly pulled me in. That is one of the things that held me to Lennie, Gram, Big, and to Toby. It was grief that hung over each of them. The author takes grief and transforms it into a realistic, and breathtaking story that will end up leaving a mark on your heart. I was instantly attached to each of the characters and mourned with them. The love story that happens to unfold will have you clinging to the book from page to page.

Somehow, the author takes a story of infinite grief and transforms it into a story of living, loving, and remembering. I found that this book was absolutely addicting and unforgettable.

I have no negative thoughts that come to mind with this story and I could not imagine this book in any other way. The Sky is Everywhere is filled with love and loss that will make you laugh, cry, and smile.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.