Book Reviews

Mary Torjussen – Gone Without a Trace

June 25, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

Over the last few days, I read a book that ranks up there as one of my favorites. I can’t tell you how many nights I stayed up well after my husband fell asleep, just so I could read a few more pages. Normally I am able to figure out what is about to happen, and I like that. With this book, that wasn’t the case. I had theories, but boy was I wrong. In fact, one of the quotes about the book says, “…with a twist so sharp it will give readers whiplash,” and boy does it ever. I never saw that ending coming! Mary Torjussen, author of Gone Without a Trace, is one author I hope to read more books by!

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The Closer You Get Gone Without a Trace The Girl I Used to Be

About Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjussen

From Amazon –

Hannah Monroe’s boyfriend, Matt, is gone. His belongings have disappeared from their house. Every call she ever made to him, every text she ever sent, every photo of him and any sign of him on social media have vanished. It’s as though their last four years together never happened.

As Hannah struggles to get through the next few days, with humiliation and recriminations whirring through her head, she knows that she’ll do whatever it takes to find him again and get answers. But as soon as her search starts, she realizes she is being led into a maze of madness and obsession. Step by suspenseful step, Hannah discovers her only way out is to come face to face with the shocking truth…

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My Thoughts

I was hooked on this book from the moment I started reading it. The idea of a boyfriend or spouse disappearing without a trace, as if they never even existed, was mind boggling to me. In the beginning, I thought that possibly Hannah was crazy and this boyfriend never really existed. However, I was quickly proven wrong when she spoke with her friends about the situation. I don’t want to give anything away. Like the quote on the top of the cover, the twist in this book is epic. I truly did not see it coming. What happened at the end was not even a blip on my radar. I may have even said “oh my gosh” out loud when I realized the twist. It was that good! Definitely add this book to your reading list.

Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Unlimited

My absolute favorite thing I own is my Kindle Paperwhite. I read on that thing every single day, multiple times a day. I opted to use a Kindle Paperwhite (and also the Kindle app on my iPhone) over reading a book, because it’s so easy to throw in my purse and the charge lasts for weeks! Since I spend so much time sitting in my car waiting on kids, having my Kindle with me to read is great! Along with my Kindle, I also have a Kindle Unlimited membership. For just $9.99 a month, I have access to TONS of books. I can read as many as I want in a month! Click the link above to see the membership plans AND get your first month for free!

Other Books You May Like

I’ve read a lot of books while stuck at home. Shoot, who am I kidding…I read a lot of books, regardless if I have a governor telling me to stay home or not! A few books I’ve read recently, that I totally recommend are:

Women’s Murder Club – 20th Victim

Hunger Games Prequel

Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

What books should I add to my “must read” list? Have you read any books by Mary Torjussen?

Salvation Station by Kathryn Schleich

June 17, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

I really get excited when new (to me) authors reach out to me to read their book. What also excites me is when this new (to me) author agrees to an author interview (go read it)! Kathryn Schleich is the author of the new crime novel, Salvation Station. This page turning novel will have you on the edge of your seat, anxious to get to the end!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The author of this book provided me with an ebook for the purpose of this review*

After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology Salvation Station: A Novel Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and other Images

Salvation Station Synopsis

When committed female police captain Linda Turner, haunted by the murders of two small
children and their pastor father, becomes obsessed with solving the harrowing case, she finds
herself wrapped up in a mission to expose a fraudulent religious organization and an
unrepentant killer.

Despite her years of experience investigating homicides for the force, Captain Linda Turner
is haunted by the murders of the Hansen family. The two small children, clothed in tattered
Disney pajamas, were buried with their father, a pastor, in the flower garden behind a church
parsonage in Lincoln, Nebraska. But Mrs. Hansen is nowhere to be found—and neither is the
killer.

In St. Louis, the televangelist Ray Williams is about to lose his show—until one of his
regular attendees approaches him with an idea that will help him save it. Despite his initial
misgivings, Ray agrees to give it a try. He can’t deny his attraction to this woman, and
besides, she’d assured him the plan is just—God gave her the instructions in a dream.

Multiple story lines entwine throughout this compelling mystery, delving into the topics of
murder, religious faith, and the inherent dangers in blindly accepting faith as truth. While
Reverend Williams is swept up in his newfound success and plans for his wedding, Captain
Turner can only hope that she and her team will catch the Hansens’ cunning killer—before
more bodies surface.

About the Author

Kathryn Schleich has been a writer for thirty years. Her most recent publications include the short story “Reckless Acts,” featured in After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology, and her story “Grand Slam,” published in The Acentos Review in May 2017. She is the author of two editions of the book Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images, which evolved from her master’s thesis. Her guest posts have been featured on the Women On Writing blog, The Muffin, and she writes for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s volunteer newsletter. When she’s not writing, Schleich is likely volunteering in the education and arts communities in the Twin Cities, where she lives. Friends, family, good food, wine, and traveling are important aspects of her life. Salvation Station is her first novel. It is available for sale on on Amazon.

Connect with Kathryn Schleich on Social Media

If you are like me, you probably liked to connect with authors you like on social media. You can find Kathryn Schleich on the following social media platforms:

You can also visit her website for more information about her and the books she has for sale right now!

My Thoughts

Typically, I like stories that have multiple storylines. This novel was no different. There were many storylines intertwined throughout the book and getting invested in each one quickly, was very easy! Go ahead, read it for yourself. Find out what I mean!

Women’s Murder Club – 20th Victim

June 10, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. I have been reading his books for a very very long time. Alex Cross and the Women’s Murder Club are two of his book series that I love to read. Recently, James Patterson released another book, 20th Victim, part of his Women’s Murder Club series. I was very lucky to get a copy on my Kindle, almost right away, from the library. That literally never happens! Though, I think the library is ordering extra copies of popular books while it’s closed. Whatever the reason, I was very happy I didn’t have to wait long to read it!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Women’s Murder Club Series

What do you get when you combine a sergeant, a medical examiner, a crime reporter, and an assistant district attorney? You get the fearsome foursome that make up the Women’s Murder Club! The four each work their day jobs, but always find time to get together at their favorite restaurant to officially and unofficially talk about cases. With their unique backgrounds, the foursome have helped each other solve cases and problems that, on their own, would have taken them much longer to solve.

The 20th Victim (Women’s Murder Club (20))The 19th Christmas (Women’s Murder Club)The 18th Abduction (Women’s Murder Club (18))

About 20th Victim

From Amazon –

Three victims, three bullets, three cities. The shooters’ aim is as fearsomely precise as their target selection. When Lindsay realizes that the fallen men and women excel in a lucrative, criminal activity, she leads the charge in the manhunt for the killers. As the casualty list expands, fear and fascination with this suspicious shooting gallery galvanizes the country.
The victims were no angels, but are the shooters villains . . . or heroes?

My Thoughts

I liked this book a lot. It felt like the “old James Patterson”. If you are familiar with his books, you may know what I’m talking about. The last Women’s Murder Club book I read, as well as the last Alex Cross book I read, didn’t feel like James Patterson. One of the things I like about this series is that he switches among the various characters so we see a little about what they are doing, thinking, etc. The last book or two, didn’t really seem to have much of that. This book, however, made up for it! He also had a lot for Lindsay’s husband, Joe. Which I liked a lot. I’m hoping that is a foreshadowing into future books and give Joe a bigger part!

The nice thing about the books in this series is that you can read them out of order, if you want to. Some things may not make much sense, but James Patterson does a good job filling in a little of the backstory. So you can catch on quickly. However, I would just read them in order…but I tend to be a rule follower so that could just be me!

Other Books You May Like

Reading is something I make time for every single day. Even if I only read one page, I still read every day. I tend to read a wide variety of genres. If you follow me on Goodreads, you would notice that! While I do tend to gravitate towards psychological thrillers, especially those with serial killers, I also like to read celebrity memoirs. One I read recently by Jessica Simpson, was really interesting to me. Other books I recommend are:

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent

The Woods by Harlan Coben

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is actually the prequel to the Hunger Games series! If you read that series, and enjoyed it, you may want to read the prequel that just came out! I enjoyed it! Everything I have read by Minka Kent is excellent. Especially Stillwater Girls! On June 12th, The Woods will be a series on Netflix! I can’t wait to watch it!

What books do you recommend for me?

Hunger Games Prequel

May 27, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

When I found out that there was going to be a prequel to the Hunger Games books, I got very excited! I added the date that it was set to release to my calendar and anxiously awaited for that day to arrive. The day before, I checked my library’s online database to see if I could place a hold on the book. It didn’t show up. The next day, the day it was releasing, I checked again, and guess what?!? For the first time EVER, I got a book on the day that it released! That never happens! I then spent the next two weeks reading The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Journal (Hunger Games)Hunger Games 4-book Hardcover Box Set (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)The Hunger Games [DVD]

About The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

From Amazon –

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined – every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute…and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

My Thoughts about the Prequel to Hunger Games

First of all, I loved the Hunger Games books. I really did. When I was reading them, I remember thinking, “this is so messed up. These are kids killing each other.” However, the more I got into it, the more I really liked the books (and later the movies). As an aspiring writer myself, I was really impressed by the quality of writing, as well as the thought that went into planning all the details. Especially the small details.

When I heard that there was going to be a prequel to the Hunger Games and it was going to be written from Coriolanus Snow’s point of view, I literally couldn’t wait for it to come out. I love a good book written from the villain’s point of view! Not to mention, I was very intrigued by this character in the Hunger Games series, so to find out more about him, especially from before he became President Snow!

Did I Like It?

I really did! In the beginning I was a little bored. It wasn’t that the story was boring, but there was a TON of details. I had a feeling that if I could just get to the part where the Hunger Games began, I would like it more. And I was right. From the moment they entered the area, until the very last page, I couldn’t put the book down. In fact, I actually want to go back and reread the Hunger Games books all over again. Anyone that knows me, knows that I do not reread books. I have my list of favorite books that I love, but I don’t care to reread things. Until now!

Jessica Simpson, Open Book

May 18, 2020 by Leah Leave a Comment

I read a lot of mystery, suspense, and thriller books. Sometimes the constant serial killer story is too much for me and I need a little break. One of my favorite types of books to read are memoirs or biographies. I find it super fascinating to read about someones life. When I saw that Jessica Simpson had a book out, I will admit, my initial motivation for reading it was because I thought she was a hot mess. I had seen an interview she did with Ellen Degeneres and it was a wreck. However, when I read Open Book, I learned so much about Jessica Simpson and it was nothing like I had assumed. And this, ladies and gentleman, is why we should never assume anything!

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

Open Book Jessica Simpson Womens Plush Marshmallow Slide On House Slipper Clog with Memory Foam The Dukes of Hazzard (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

About Jessica Simpson and Open Book

From Amazon –

Jessica reveals for the first time her inner monologue and most intimate struggles. Guided by the journals she’s kept since age fifteen, and brimming with her unique humor and down-to-earth humanity, Open Book is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

This was supposed to be a very different book. Five years ago, Jessica Simpson was approached to write a motivational guide to living your best life. She walked away from the offer, and nobody understood why. The truth is that she didn’t want to lie.

Jessica couldn’t be authentic with her readers if she wasn’t fully honest with herself first.

Now America’s Sweetheart, preacher’s daughter, pop phenomenon, reality tv pioneer, and the billion-dollar fashion mogul invites readers on a remarkable journey, examining a life that blessed her with the compassion to help others, but also burdened her with an almost crippling need to please. Open Book is Jessica Simpson using her voice, heart, soul, and humor to share things she’s never shared before.

First celebrated for her voice, she became one of the most talked-about women in the world, whether for music and fashion, her relationship struggles, or as a walking blonde joke. But now, instead of being talked about, Jessica is doing the talking. Her book shares the wisdom and inspirations she’s learned and shows the real woman behind all the pop-culture cliché’s — “chicken or fish,” “Daisy Duke,” “football jinx,” “mom jeans,” “sexual napalm…” and more. Open Book is an opportunity to laugh and cry with a close friend, one that will inspire you to live your best, most authentic life, now that she is finally living hers.

My thoughts

First of all, I had no idea Jessica Simpson was as successful as she is. I remember liking some of her older songs years ago. I also remember enjoying the few episodes of Newlyweds that I saw. It was one of my first times seeing a reality tv show and I was hooked on them! Remember, I said I liked reading about a persons life…I also liked watching it too! Especially if it was vastly different from my own life.

Second of all, not only did I not know that Jessica Simpson was that successful, I also didn’t know that she made it her life’s mission to help people. I didn’t know that she felt like her ability to sing was God’s way of telling her to use her voice and ability for good. And she did. I found it fascinating to read about her times on various military bases and how greatly moved she was by meeting the troops and how much it meant to her.

And finally, I was VERY interested in the sections she wrote about the men she dated and/or married. Despite her relationship ending with her ex-husband, Nick Lachey, she really thought highly of him. And it showed by the way she wrote about him. Sure, she mentioned both of their issues in the relationship, but it doesn’t seem like she has any ill feelings. As for another man she dated, John Mayer, I learned that he is a total dog. Read it…tell me what you think of him after reading it!