Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel

The Book Club Murders
by Leslie Nagel

The opening pages show the scheduled book club selections for August through December. The diversity of female mystery writers on the list was a great start for this debut of the Oakwood Mystery Series by Leslie Nagel. This was the kind of book you start and do not want to put down until you have finished. The twists and surprises kept you on edge to the very end.

I love the character development and the sexual tension between Charley, the main character and a member of the Agathas Book Club, and Marcus Trenault, an Oakwood homicide detective. Although some of the actions taken during the story seemed a bit outlandish for the typical citizen, the story was presented in a very believable manner.

My only criticism is the inclusion of text from the books read by the Agathas (members of the book club). For those who have not read the titles listed at the front of the book, it might spoil the stories. Since I have read the majority of them, it was not a problem for me, but to those who could look to this list as potential reads, it just might be too much information. However, I loved how she built the mystery around these books.

I look forward to many more books featuring Charley and Marcus.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Alibi, a division of the Random House Publishing Group, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of The Book Club Murders for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Home by Harlan Coben

Home
by Harlan Coben

As soon as I heard about the upcoming release of Home, I started watching for it on NetGalley.  I searched every day for the book to appear on the site which promotes and publicizes upcoming books. To say I was excited to see the book appear is an understatement. Having to wait another week after requesting the title was torture, but now after finishing the book, in two days, it was worth the wait.

Home is the eleventh book in the Myron Bolitar series. I hate to admit I have not read any of the other books in this series, they are now on my TBR list, but it is the truth. In all actuality this book could be a stand alone. Enough background information is shared with the reader so you don't feel like you are in the dark with the character interactions. The promotional trailer for this book builds suspense, but truly does not do the book justice. The only reason it took me two days to finish the book was because I could no longer keep my eyes open. I wanted to know what happened to Patrick and Rhys. I wanted to know how Myron and Win were able to find answers to questions that had been ten years in the making.  I love Mr. Coben's writing. He provides the reader with a wonderful story and enough suspense to keep you on your toes from the start. You won't see the what's coming in the end, and THAT is the best part.

As a side note, I love the shout outs to some of my favorite musicals throughout the book.

You too will be able to read this edge of your seat thriller on Tuesday, September 20th, when it is released. Get ready.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Dutton, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Home for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

The Couple Next Door

The Couple Next Door
by Shari Lapena

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is one of those gems you long for during a reading rut and then continue to ponder after turning the final page. Sadly I was in a reading rut this summer. I read some books, but they just didn't grab me and hold my attention like this debut suspense novel. I did not want to put this book down because of the intensity of the story line and the twists. Two BIG thumbs up to Lapena, and fingers crossed for more of her suspense in the future.

The book was released August 23, 2016.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Pamela Dorman Books, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of The Couple Next Door for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or the publisher.

House of Secrets

The House of Secrets
by Brad Meltzer and Tod Goldberg

I am a fan of Brad Meltzer. It is NOT a secret in my house. I love not only his adult books, but also his children's books. If you don't know the children's series, Ordinary People Change the World, you MUST get them. I follow Brad on Facebook, Twitter, and we have actually corresponded with him via email. I am NOT a stalker, but I will be at the same conferences where he will be speaking this summer. No worries. I have already notified him that I will be at both locations. I want to get my books signed and to meet this masterful writer in person.

As soon as Brad started sending out teaser for The House of Secrets I knew I didn't want to read any of the chapters he was releasing on Facebook. I would not be able to stand the wait for the book to be published. Thankfully I was lucky enough to get an advanced electronic copy of the book. I was immediately hooked and desperately did not want the story to end.

I have to say in the beginning I was a bit concerned about the collaboration of Brad and Tod Goldberg. To be perfectly honest I did not know Goldberg. When I looked him up, I discovered he has written five books based on the characters from the USA television series Burn Notice, as well as other books including Living Dead Girl. I now have a new author and titles to add to my ever growing To Be Read list. Their collaboration reads seamlessly, as if they were writing as one. The only criticism I have for the book is in the use of the FBI Agent's name. They go back and forth between his given name Trevor Rabkin and his nickname Rabbit. Sometimes using both in one paragraph. That was a bit confusing, but it does not hold the storyline back by any means.

If you are a fan of the Culper Ring series with Beecher White, you will enjoy Hazel Nash as the heroine. Only knowing the book had something to do with Benedict Arnold, I thought it was a new title in the Culper Ring series. It is not, however White makes a "guest appearance" in this book. I do foresee a continued partnership between Meltzer and Goldberg. I would love to see more books featuring Hazel. She is a strong character with a great deal more to share about her past and to discover with her future. I am placing my order for more "episodes" of House of Secrets please.

The House of Secrets will be released on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

**To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Grand Central Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of The House of Secrets for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors or the publisher.

Puppy Mind

Puppy Mind
written by Andrew Jordan Nance; illustrated by Jim Durk

Puppy Mind, written by Andrew Jordan Nance and illustrated by Jim Durk, makes a unique comparison of a child's mind to that of a puppy. You may say, what a weird comparison, but through the rhyming text and colorful illustrations the reader can easily follow this child's explanation and justify the comparison.

Whether because of boredom or a diagnosed attention disorder, children (and adults) can often find themselves daydreaming. Nance explains the feelings of losing time through a lack of concentration and the frustration felt by the young boy when his mind begins to wander. Through breathing exercises the boy is able to regain control over his "puppy mind".  I think this will be a useful book for parents and teachers at the beginning of the school year in helping students to focus on learning. 

Attention disorders are not a laughing matter and can be very difficult for a person to overcome. Puppy Mind is a great way to help educators and parents understand the very real symptoms faced by children who suffer from these conditions, while providing children a technical which might help them focus.

**To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Parallax Press, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company.

Summer Reading Kick-off

I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places
by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

I can't think of a better way to start my summer reading than with Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella's new book I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places! I have been friends with Lisa and Francesca for a number of years ~ I am one of their readers and according to Lisa if I'm a reader, I'm a friend! I will definitely accept that friendship.

This is their seventh compilation of essays and it is a perfect summer read for the beach or the couch. I love reading about the new products Lisa discovers, the reflections mother and daughter share, and the hilarity of being a Flying Scottoline. I will say I shed a tear a few times during this read, but for the most part I laughed. In one chapter I laughed and got a little sick all at the same time. (Once you read the book, I bet you will have the same reaction. Those who have read it will know exactly what chapter I referencing!)

If you haven't read one of these mother / daughter collaborations, I encourage you to start this summer. I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places will be released on July 12, 2016, so between now and then you have time to read the others.

• My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space
• Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog
• Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim
• Best Friends, Occasional Enemies
• Have  Nice Guilt Trip
• Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?

* To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin Press Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors or publishing company.

Coloring Through Loss & Healing

As a coloring and bibliotherapy fan, Colors of Loss and Healing: An Adult Coloring Book for Getting Through Tough Times by Dr. Deborah S. Derman, spoke to me immediately. I was moved by Dr. Derman's Introduction. The strength shown through her own loss and healing can be a source of power and inspiration for anyone dealing with a difficult situation.  Each coloring page features a word or words to provide "a blueprint toward healing and recovery". Dr. Derman asks the reader / colorer to focus on the words and reflect on the their meaning to you as you begin to heal.

The beautiful images, created by Lisa Powell Braun, are shown as full page illustrations. Based on the electronic copy I am reviewing, it looks like the back of each image is blank for personal reflections. Some pages are single images (a grouping of hot air balloons, mandala) others are more elaborate with full background patterning or borders with a focal image. They are all intricate and look like they would be very therapeutic to color. I believe this would be a great book to gift to someone who is dealing with loss or in need of help through a difficult time in their life.

*To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author, illustrator, or publishing company.