Favorite May Reads

 

May was a good reading month.

Did you have any favorites?

Books Read In May

I enjoyed all of my May reads.

I hope you had a good reading month.

Stop by tomorrow to see which ones were my favorites.

Spotlight of One More Lie by Amy LLoyd

Harper Collins is Celebrating The MAY 28 Release of:

ONE MORE LIE
by
AMY LLOYD

THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO GOOD!!

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All information in this post is courtesy of Roxanne Jones of Harper Collins.

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Internationally bestselling author Amy Lloyd's novel ONE MORE LIE (Hanover Square Press Trade Paperback Original; May 28) is a harrowing tale that begins with 10-year-old Charlotte and Sean—her best friend from the wrong side of the tracks—are found guilty of a violent crime so heinous that they are tried as adults.  

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PRAISE FOR ONE MORE LIE:

"I'm a huge fan of Amy's writing and I read One More Lie pretty much overnight. This is another incredible book from Amy.... I found it gripping, intriguing, sinister and it really had me hooked from the first page! I will definitely be recommending it to everyone!"—Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect Girlfriend

"A chilling, tragic story that feels like you're reading behind the scenes in a real criminal case."—Araminta Hall, author of Our Kind of Cruelty 

"I read it in a day. Superb. I'll be thinking of this for ages to come. An absolute masterclass in suspenseful storytelling."—Jo Spain, author of The Confession 

"Written with experience and style... a thriller, a chilling one an' all."—Annie Clarke, Frost Magazine 

"Wow! What a compulsive, chilling novel. Both Charlotte and Sean are so thoughtfully and believably drawn, I felt almost as if I was intruding on their most private of thoughts - it makes it a really sinister and yet ultimately tragic story. I will definitely be recommending it."—Phoebe Locke, author of The Tall Man

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ABOUT ONE MORE LIE:

Charlotte wants to start fresh. She wants to forget her past, forget prison, and, most of all, forget Sean. But old habits die hard. Despite the ankle monitor she must wear as part of her parole agreement and frequent visits to her therapist, she soon finds herself sliding back towards the type of behavior that sent her to prison in the first place. The further down that path she goes, however, the closer she gets to the crime that put her in prison all those years ago. And that’s the one memory she can’t face. Until, one day, Sean tracks her down.

As the story builds, Lloyd teases and hints with glimpses of Charlotte’s troubled past, culminating in a shocking conclusion that will leave readers chilled to the bone. For fans of Sometimes I Lie and Behind Her Eyes, Amy Lloyd flexes her muscles with a crime fiction novel of unyielding suspense, creeping paranoia, and dark temptation that peers into the horrors that lurk in the human mind.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Amy Lloyd studied English and creative writing at Cardiff Metropolitan University.  She won the Daily Mail First Novel Competition for her first novel, The Innocent Wife in 2016.  She lives in Cardiff, Wales, with her partner and two cats.

 Photo Credit: Alistair Heap

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This Week - 5/26 - 6/1

Can you believe it will be June already? CRAZY!!

Hope to see you this week.

There are still giveaways going on too.

Look in the GIVEAWAYS tab.

Happy Reading!!

Books by Hazel Gaynor

I have read,  reviewed, and loved A MEMORY OF VIOLETS and THE COTTINGLEY SECRET. 

Which books by Hazel Gaynor have you read?

Books With Daughter in the Title

I have read and reviewed three books on my blog with the word DAUGHTER in the title.

What “daughter” books have YOU read?

What titles can you add?

Have You Heard of This Book?

Today's featured book is:

NEWS OF THE WORLD by Paulette Jiles

Feel free to post this feature on your page or blog with a book you have read and want others to know about.

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NEWS OF THE WORLD is filled with beautiful, descriptive writing that pulls you in.   

I truly enjoyed NEWS OF THE WORLD mainly because of the characters and definitely the warmth and kindness of Captain Kidd.

If you need a quick, enjoyable, heartwarming read, NEWS OF THE WORLD fits the bill along with a history lesson. 4/5

REVIEW HERE:  https://tinyurl.com/y4kjuqb3

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

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Jane the wife, Jane the grieving mother, Jane the planner - Jane, Jane, Jane.  

It's all about her.

After her adopted daughter, Mary, died, Jane was unable to cope with life, and life went on without her, but Jane is back now and needs to be in control again.

Jane thinks she controls her therapist, and she thinks she controls everyone else especially her husband, her daughters, and Mary's biological mother.  Jane's biological daughter, Betsy, is difficult to control and is a challenge for Jane. 

Jane likes challenges, though, but only if she is the one who comes out on top.

She did find out some interesting information about Mary's biological mother that adds to her determination to get her plan into action.

Jane finds out about more and more betrayal from family members and friends as time goes on and more people to add to her list of getting even. Her husband is the one with the most offenses.

Jane also finds out some startling information about her daughter's death at the memorial service. Someone knows something and isn't telling - could that help with her plan or hinder it?

This book was difficult to put down because I wanted to see what other information would pop up about Mary, Betsy, the husband, the accident, and what Jane's plans would be after that.

THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER will keep you guessing if Mary's death was really an accident and who was responsible if it wasn't.  

THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER will also have you guessing who is really telling the truth and who is doing the lying.

Fans of domestic turmoil, secrets, mystery, unsavory characters, cheating spouses, lies, narcissistic characters, and psychological suspense will enjoy THE FAVORITE DAUGHTER.

This book will be a summer MUST read.  

It is a page-turning thriller/mystery/domestic gem. 5/5

This book was given to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Spotlight and Givewaway of Waisted by Randy Susan Meyers

Photo Source
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All information in this post is courtesy of Megan Rudloff of Simon & Schuster.

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Simon & Schuster is Celebrating The MAY 21 Release of:

WAISTED
by
RANDY SUSAN MEYERS

With a USA Giveaway!!

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A compulsively readable and ultimately poignant examination of body image, family, and friendship, Waisted features Randy Susan Meyers’s signature “engaging and sharp” (Publishers Weekly) prose and is perfect for fans of Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, Dietland by Sarai Walker, The First Wives Club by Olivia Goldsmith, and Hunger by Roxanne Gay.

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PRAISE FOR WAISTED:

"A big-hearted triumph of a novel. Meyers tackles painful truths and thorny issues while weaving a smart and engaging story about weight loss, self-acceptance and the fortifying power of female friendship."— Carolyn Parkhurst, New York Times bestselling author of Harmony and The Dogs of Babel

"Suspenseful. Witty. Warm. Wonderful. Disturbing. Thoughtful. Compelling. Riveting. Seriously important. Inspiring. It made me hungry. Then made me never want to eat again. I recognized myself. Then hated myself. Then loved myself. This is a must read for every woman who ever stepped on the scale with her eyes closed. And every woman who hasn't." — New York Times bestselling author MJ Rose

“The perfect blend of great storytelling and incisive commentary, Waisted peels back the layers of women’s feelings about their bodies, their relationships, and ultimately their self-worth. Readers will ride a tilt-a-whirl of emotions—fist pumping chief among them—as Alice and Daphne wage war on their inner demons and on the heartless filmmaker who would exploit their deepest wounds for his own gain.”— Juliette Fay, author of The Tumbling Turner Sisters 

“How far will women go to achieve the weight loss they think will bring them happiness? This incisive story of friendship and self-esteem gets at the heart of body image with the pacing of a thriller.”— Nichole Bernier, author of The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D.

"When body image goes rogue in this tense and riveting novel, three women wade into a swamp of self-destruction as they attempt to save what they love most."— E.B. Moore, author of An Unseemly Wife

"Meyers (The Widow of Wall Street, 2017, etc.) spins a compelling tale, raising critical questions about familial, social, and cultural messages about body image."— Kirkus Reviews

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ABOUT WAISTED:

How far will women go to achieve the weight loss they think will bring them happiness? In Waisted: A Novel by Randy Susan Meyers (Atria; on sale 5/21/19), Alice and Daphne are both successful working mothers, accomplished, and seemingly steady, but they harbor the same secret: an obsession with their weight that overshadows concerns about their children, husbands, work—and everything else of importance in their lives.

Daphne and Alice meet at Privation, a program that promises fast, dramatic weight loss. The catch? They must agree to always be on camera; afterward, the world will see Waisted: The Documentary.

The women soon discover that the filmmakers have trapped them in a cruel experiment. With each pound lost, they edge deeper into obsession and instability…until they decide to take matters into their own hands.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 PHOTO CREDIT:  LYNN WAYNE

RANDY SUSAN MEYERS is the bestselling author of Waisted, Accidents of Marriage, The Comfort of Lies, The Murderer’s Daughters, and The Widow of Wall Street. 

Her books have twice been finalists for the Mass Book Award and named “Must Read Books” by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. 

She lives with her husband in Boston, where she teaches writing at the Grub Street Writers’ Center.

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GIVEAWAY:

I am partnering with MEGAN RUDLOFF OF SIMON & SCHUSTER FOR THIS GIVEAWAY.

NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR THE GIVEAWAY, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG - IN THE FOLLOWERS' SECTION.

USA ONLY

May 21 - 28

Enter here

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Spotlight and Giveway of My Ex-Best Friend's Wedding by Wendy Wax

Photo Source:  TYPORAMA

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All information in this post is courtesy of Lauren Horvath of Penguin Random House.

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Celebrating The Release Of

MY EX-BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING
BY
WENDY WAX

On Sale May 14, 2019

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A deeply satisfying and heartwarming novel about three women’s lives that become entangled when a special wedding dress gets involved.  Touching on elements of friendship, family, and forgiveness, this story is one that you will not want to miss.

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Praise for the Novels of Wendy Wax:

"[A] sparkling, deeply satisfying tale."—New York Times bestselling author Karen White

"Reading Wendy Wax is like discovering a witty, wise, and wonderful new friend."—New York Times bestselling author Claire Cook

"Fans of Jane Green and Mary Alice Monroe will adore Wax's lively characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt prose."—Booklist 

“Wax’s Florida titles [the Ten Beach Road novels] are terrific for lovers of women’s fiction and family drama, especially if you enjoy a touch of suspense and romance.”—Library Journal 

"If you're a sucker for plucky women who rise to the occasion, this is for you."—USA Today 
"[Wax] writes with breezy wit and keen insight."—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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About The Book:

Once closer than sisters, Lauren and Bree have grown up and grown apart, allowing broken promises and unfulfilled dreams to destroy their friendship. 

A successful author, Lauren returns home to the Outer Banks, fiancé in tow, to claim the dress she never thought she'd wear. 

Bree, a bookstore owner, grapples with the realities of life after you marry the handsome prince. 

As the former best friends wrestle with their uncertain futures, they are both certain of one thing: some betrayals can never be forgiven. 

Now, on the eve of her daughter Lauren's wedding, Kendra struggles with a secret she's kept for far too long. She vows to make sure the dress will finally bring Lauren and Bree back together—knowing they'll need each other to survive the coming storm.

In this humorous and lively story, MY EX-BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING reveals just how tough a friendship can be when lines get crossed and what it takes to overcome the obstacles together.

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About the Author:

Wendy Wax, a former broadcaster, is the author of fifteen novel and two novellas, including Best Beach Ever, One Good Thing, Sunshine Beach, A Week at the Lake, While We Were Watching Downton Abbey, The House on Mermaid Point, Ocean Beach, and Ten Beach Road.
 

In addition to her Ten Beach Road titles, Best Beach Ever, One Good Thing, Sunshine Beach, The House on Mermaid Point, Ocean Beach, Ten Beach Road and novellas, Christmas at the Beach and A Bella Flora Christmas, she is also the author of A Week at the Lake, While We Were Watching Downton Abby, Magnolia Wednesdays, The Accidental Bestseller, Hostile Makeover, Leave it to Cleavage, Single in Suburbia, and 7 Days and 7 Nights.

The mother of two grown sons, she left the suburbs of Atlanta for an in town high-rise where she and her husband are happily downsized.  Prior to writing, Wendy worked in radio, television and film, most notably as writer, producer and host of The Home Front, which aired on PBS station across the country, and as the host of a Friday night radio show called Desperate & Dateless when she was both.

When not writing, Wendy visits with readers at bookstores and book events, reads, enjoys her and her husband’s newly empty nest and catches up with her sons on the serendipitous occasions when everyone ends up in the same place at the same time.

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Wendy loves to hear from her readers!  

You can reach her here:



Author Site: authorwendywax.com


Social: Facebook.com/AuthorWendyWax


Twitter: @Wendy_Wax

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Giveaway:

I am partnering with Lauren Horvath of Penguin Random House for this giveaway.

NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR THE GIVEAWAY, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG - IN THE FOLLOWERS' SECTION.

USA ONLY

May 20 - May27

Enter here
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Spotlight and USA and UK Giveaway of Liberty Girls by Fiona Ford

Photo Source:  TYPORAMA

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All information in this post is courtesy of Rachel Kennedy of Penguin Random House.

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 Penguin Random House is Celebrating the second novel in the compelling new Liberty Girls series.

LIBERTY GIRLS
by
FIONA FORD

With a USA and UK Giveaway!!

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Set around the iconic Carnaby Street department store at the height of the Blitz in London, this heart-warming story of friendship and courage in WWII was inspired by the real men and women who worked at Liberty during the 1940s.

During a visit to Liberty, author Fiona Ford discovered a plaque dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives during WWII. Intrigued by their potential stories, Fiona secured rare access to Liberty’s records and archives which served as inspiration for this exciting new saga series.  

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PRAISE FOR LIBERTY GIRLS:

‘A wonderful, uplifting story of friendship and courage. Characters that you can't help falling in love with! This new saga series will surely touch the hearts of saga readers everywhere’ Nancy Revell
 

‘A compelling first novel by Fiona Ford, which I promise you won't be able to put down’ Daisy Styles
 

‘A fabulous debut from an immensely talented author’ - Annie Groves

 
‘Not often do books make me shed a tear, but this one did. *****’

‘Fiona transports you straight back in time to WWII and the attention to detail is fantastic.*****’’

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ABOUT LIBERTY GIRLS:

March, 1942: new mother Alice Milward is itching to return to her job as a shop assistant at Liberty’s. Despite her husband still being missing in action, Alice is determined to give baby Arthur the best possible start. 

She soon settles back into the rhythm of life on the shop floor, and the Liberty Girls rally to help keep everything on an even keel. 

But when the American GIs start swarming into London, there are more complications to come. 

And each of the Liberty Girls has their own impossible storm to weather. 

As they each fight their battles on the home front, only their close friendship will give them the strength they need to carry on.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fiona Ford spent many years as a journalist writing for women’s weekly and monthly magazines before becoming a full time author. Fiona tirelessly combed the Westminster Archives and Liberty records for details about what life was really like working in London and Liberty during WWII, lending a true sense of authenticity to her writing.

Fiona is also the author of the A Pug Like Percy books under the pseudonym, Fiona Harrison, as well as two sagas in her own name in the Spark Girls series.

Fiona lives in Berkshire with her partner. 

Find out more about Fiona at www.fionaford.co.uk

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GIVEAWAY:

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.

Our winner is:  Linda

CONGRATS, LINDA.

I am partnering with Rachel Kennedy of Penguin Random House.

NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR THE GIVEAWAY, BUT PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG - IN THE FOLLOWERS' SECTION.

USA and UK ONLY
PRINT COPY

May 19 - May 26

Enter here

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Have You Heard Of This Book?

Today's featured book is: 

THE FUNERAL DRESS by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Feel free to post this feature on your page or blog with a book you have read and want others to know about.

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A child herself, unwed, a baby, no mother, not attending school, working at a sewing factory, an abusive father, and no place to go.  How much more could Emmalee take?

THE FUNERAL DRESS will leave you with a lingering warmth and concern for the characters as you close the cover.   Make sure THE FUNERAL DRESS is part of your "must read" list.  5/5

FULL REVIEW:  https://tinyurl.com/yxj78h5p

Books by Wendy Walker

Which ones have you read?

I have read, enjoyed, and reviewed three of her books.

ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN

EMMA IN THE NIGHT

THE NIGHT BEFORE

 

The Song Of The Jade Lily by Kirsty Manning

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Jewish families were fleeing Austria, and Romy’s family was on its way to China without her brothers Michael and Daniel.  Michael had been shot, and Daniel was taken to Dachau Concentration Camp.

China was the only country during the war that they could enter without a visa.

We meet Romy and her family as they make the journey and settle in Shanghai in 1939.

We then move to 2016 and meet Alexandra who has traveled to Australia from London because her grandfather who raised her was dying.

Being back in her childhood home was bittersweet and was heartbreaking when she had to leave her grandmother to return to her job and head to Shanghai - a place Alexandra had never been.  The only good thing about leaving was that Alexandra might find out who her mother really was and where her mother had really originated from.

I enjoyed Alexandra's search for clues and the secret Romy was keeping from her granddaughter about who her mother was as well as learning of life in Shanghai during the war.

The back and forth in time was smoothly done, and the characters were authentically portrayed.  You will fall in love with the characters and respect their strength. 

Ms. Manning’s writing flows beautifully along with the intriguing story line.

If you enjoy historical fiction, learning about another part of the world during WWII, and learning customs of the Chinese culture, you won’t want to miss reading THE SONG OF JADE LILY.

THE SONG OF JADE LILY is an enjoyable, heartbreaking, heartwarming, mesmerizing, educational read.  5/5
 
This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.