Tag: book review

This Chick Read: Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins by Katarina Bivald

Henny just had the most wonderful weekend with the man she’s always been in love with…until she gets hit by a car walking back to the Pine Creek Motel where she works. Henny’s untimely death doesn’t end with her following the light into heaven, instead Henny finds herself still among her friends and family and feels that there must be a reason that she hasn’t passed to the other side.

As she watches her friends lives go on she travels around town and see’s Proposition 9, a proposal for a law against LGBTQ’s in Oregon is fought again, 15 years after it’s inception. Through Henny’s flashbacks we re-live the original opposition and also the day her friend Mackenzie revealed she was gay. The parallels to what is happening in her town today are apparent but the difference is in how her group of friends deal with that opposition today. Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins is a look inside a small community while they are grieving, loving, fighting for a cause, and finally moving on from their grief.

Bivald pits Henny’s diverse group of friends against the ultra conservative Baptist community who are trying to convince their town that evil things are going on at the rundown motel. It’s run by homosexuals and their guests are the town rejects (and Henny’s dad), gasp! As we get to know these people we see how banding together against a common enemy helps them deal with their grief for Henny. I loved the diverse cast of characters and how Bivald showed that despite people’s differences on the outside, inside they have the same depth of feeling.

If I had one criticism it would be that I felt Henny’s personal story was left a little unresolved. That’s it. I can’t say anymore because I’m afraid I’ll give the story away. I will say that this story touched me and made me jealous of the wonderful friendships portrayed in this novel and I cried quite a few times. So, keep some tissues close at hand!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase!* Welcome to the Pine Away Motel and Cabins

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

It’s Monday what are you reading? (1/6/2020)

After nearly two weeks off I am heading back to work today so this is a rather bittersweet Monday. However, I just finished a good book last night and will be starting a new one this afternoon, which turns that bittersweet into, well, semi-sweet at least. Lol. This post originated over on Book Date , so thanks for the idea and letting me join in the discussion!

JUST FINISHED

First Sentence Read: “My funeral begins in an hour.”

NEXT UP!

First Sentence Read: “Rosie Vega: a department store shopper’s worst nightmare.”

What book are you starting your week with?

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads8 Comments

This Chicks Sunday Commentary: My Favorite Emotions of 2019

If I had to choose a few words to describe my reading choices for 2019 I would say ‘genre swapping, exploratory, entertaining, and emotional’. I really tried to get off the safe path I felt I was striding down and tried to explore some genre’s that I’ve enjoyed in the past but didn’t necessarily read that frequently. Don’t get me wrong, I still read my favorite authors and had my go to’s that I knew would bring me pleasure, but I tried to get outside my little reading box. Just a smidge. So, in looking at all the books I read in 2019, not just the books I reviewed, I found it was really hard to choose a top 10. Instead I’m going to rank them by the emotions they made me feel.

THE UGLY CRIER

What I say about the book now: All I can remember is trying to read this book at night while my husband was sleeping and blowing my nose over and over again. It was sooo emotional and so good!

What I said then: “Take my word for it. Get this novel. Don’t read the synopsis, just pick it up and take yourself on a journey. It will be heart breaking and yes, you’ll ugly cry, but it will also remind you what love is all about. That’s why we read romance novels, right?”

Click this link to purchase!* Full Tilt (Volume 1)

IN LOVE…WITH A BAD GUY?

What I say about the book now: I think it’s very apropos that I started this book on Valentine’s Day. I was curious because Hugh D’Ambray was the ultimate bad guy in Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series and they were going to turn him into a hero? I loved Hugh so much by the end of this book, he was such a bad ass alpha, yet had a very tiny gooey center that made me melt.

What I said then: “Hugh has always been a rough bastard, and he does not change in this novel. He’s still a bad ass. However, Ilona Andrews has made him human and that humanity gives him a new emotion, regret. Once you start to regret things your heart and mind are open to other new emotions. Now, don’t get me wrong, Hugh is still one bad hombre, but he’s now a bad hombre with a conscience.”

Click this link to purchase!* Iron and Magic: (The Iron Covenant Book 1) (Volume 1)

JOYOUSLY ENTERTAINING

What I say about the books now: This series takes place in London on the West End stage. I loved the setting and the characters were flawed, fun, and touched my heart. I had never heard of Lucy Parker but she’s now one of my go to author’s for a lighthearted sure to be good romance.

What I said then:

ACT LIKE IT- “This could easily have played out like a cheesy Hallmark Channel romance movie, and I’m not really sure why it didn’t strike that chord with me. Maybe it was their fun dialog, the villain to root against in Lainie’s previous boyfriend (who is also a star in their play), or Richard’s lone wolf persona. I do really like that Alpha male attitude!”

PRETTY FACE- “Growing up in Southern California, I love the London West End playhouse setting and the fact that these are also slow burn romances. The build up from enemies to friends to lovers has you gripping your book until your fingers hurt, the tension only unwinding when the characters deliver their HEA. Yeah, Lucy Parker is a new favorite and I will be recommending this book and series to everyone I know. Consider yourself recommended. :)”

Click these links to purchase!* Act Like It (London Celebrities) and Pretty Face (London Celebrities Book 2)

I DID NOT DNF… BUT MAN, I WANTED TO!

What I say about the book now: I think I’ve wiped it from my memory, but I do remember thinking it was all gloom and doom. There wasn’t anything light in this novel at all. I need a little light to lead me out of the gloom!

What I said then: “I am a huge fan of urban fantasy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, etc. and I went into this with my eyes wide open, hoping for the best. If there had been a few more kernels of light or humor I think my feelings would have been different. I will say that I do believe every book has it’s reader and I just wasn’t a good fit for The Ghost Hunter’s Daughter.”

Click this link to purchase!* The Ghost Hunter’s Daughter

DREAMING OF BEING A ROCK STAR

What I say about the book now: Every little girl wants to grow up to be a rock star and whereas I never wanted to do all of the drugs et. al. this book took me back to that childhood fantasy. I listened to the audiobook and it was fabulously voiced by a huge cast. One of my top 10 books for sure this year.

What I said then: “If you loved the movie Almost Famous, I think you will enjoy Daisy Jones and the Six. Listening to it was like listening to an ensemble cast from a movie. I can’t name all of the narrators, but believe me when I say they did a hell of a job and I can’t imagine not listening to it again and again.”

Click this link to purchase!* Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel

I LAUGHED TIL I CRIED

What I say about the books now: Sometimes you just can’t pick one! I hadn’t read a book by Christina Lauren in a few years and I’ll say I was very pleasantly surprised. I remember loving the main character because she was flawed and outrageous. This book was a lot of fun to read. Rock Bottom Girl was a complete surprise. I only picked it up because of the soccer ball on the cover. I laughed through this whole book! It was also fun, irreverent and gave me great joy. Two of my favorite books of the year because I laughed so much.

What I said then:

The Unhoneymooners- “If you are looking for a fast, fun, vacation bound book then you must give The Unhoneymooners a try out. If your own vacation is lacking that sizzle and spark -this novel will fire you right up! Plus give you a good laugh as well.”

Rock Bottom Girl- “Marley was the type of heroine who doesn’t believe in herself but at the same time manages to rise to every occasion albeit sometimes accidentally. Her hijinks had me laughing out loud and reaching for the tissues. Not because I was crying from the emotion but because I was laughing so hard my eyes were streaming.”

Click this link to purchase!* The Unhoneymooners and Rock Bottom Girl: A Small Town Romantic Comedy

FINDING MY INNER DETECTIVE

What I am saying about the books now: One of the genre’s that I found myself turning to this year, in audiobooks, were historical mysteries. I re-discovered the Sebastian St. Cyr series, which the above book is the first. I’ve listened to 7 of them this year and love the narration by Davina Porter, but also the great mysteries and depth of characters portrayed in these novels. I have not been reviewing them, except this first one but recommend them to anyone who loves that genre. They are really, really good.

What I said then: “I love historical mysteries and What Angels Fear was an excellent one. The pacing wasn’t slow as some are and the story held a lot of action sequences that moved the plot along quickly. Sometimes while listening to a novel I get frustrated and wish to speed it along, but this was a novel that I relished and enjoyed as the author C. S. Harris and the narrator, Davina Porter, portrayed it.”

Click this link to purchase!* By C.S. Harris – What Angels Fear: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery, Book 1 (9.3.2006)

HORROR-FIED

What I say about the book now: I loved the Urban Fantasy/Gothic Horror feel to this novel. The plot was totally unique and I’m interested to see where she goes with this series.

What I said then: “Set in current time, but with elements of the magical and supernatural, Ninth House is unlike other novels in that it merges the real with fantasy so seamlessly.”

Click this link to purchase!* Ninth House (Alex Stern)

It’s not a Top 10 but if a book enlists an emotion, even if it’s dislike, it deserves to be noted! If you have read any of these books I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy New Year and happy reading!

Deb

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase a book through any of the above links I’ll receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads2 Comments

This Chick Read: The Secret Chapter (Invisible Library #6) by Genevieve Cogman

When the library calls on Irene and Kai to find a book that will help save a world they take on the adventure despite their new roles as Ambassadors. In order to obtain their book they must join a ragtag group in a museum heist. Once that heist is completed the book will be theirs. Of course, not all is as it appears!

The Secret Chapter was a rollicking good time. It had the great heist and humor of Ocean’s Eleven and the fantasy adventure a la Lord of the Rings. Although thank goodness, no Orc’s. Irene and Kai’s relationship has advanced into partner status, but Irene’s experiences bring her into the role of leader. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and how dragon culture and fae storylines are becoming even more intertwined as the series goes forward.

The wonderfully named Mr. Nemo is the ultimate bad guy. His name brought to mind two sea themed movies, Finding Nemo and Capt. Nemo of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, so not surprisingly his hideout is an island and his hitmen an ocean full of sharks.

I like Irene and Kai’s more even status as newly appointed Ambassadors, but I do still get the feeling that Irene is the brains and Kai the beauty and brawn. This is the sixth book in the series so it will be really interesting to see if and how their relationship progresses. Will future books still be about their adventures or will they start to have more relationship meat. Truthfully, I wish for both. I want them to continue their adventures but I think if their relationship doesn’t move into deeper feelings that I may start to tire of book after book of adventures. We’ll see! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest.

Click this link to purchase!* The Secret Chapter (The Invisible Library series)

Copyright 2020 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I will receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

A New Year’s Wish

With the exception of a few reading goals I didn’t really go into 2019 with any resolutions, but as this year is ending I realized that I made a few changes in my life that have made my life better and so I do feel like I have accomplished a few goals this year.

As far as my reading goals, last year I lowered my Goodreads goal to 170 because I wanted to take pressure off of myself and allow more time to read novels for pleasure rather than to review. I didn’t take into account that my audio book listening would actually tick up this year so I ended up over 200 books read for the year. I did re-read a LOT of books though. Most of those being audiobooks because I find my mind wandering while listening and if I’m listening to a book I’ve read already I can jump right back into the story.

The other goal I set at the beginning of the year and did really well at was to lower my reviews to 2x per week. This tied into lowering the number of books I’d read in a year. I felt like I read a lot more for pleasure.

Heading into the New Year, I don’t really have any new reading goals except to read a few more mysteries and general fiction novels than I usually do. I started reading different genre’s this year and I’m really enjoying finding some new authors to read so I’m going to continue to explore.

Regardless of whether you like to set goals or just fly by the seat of your pants, I hope that your 2020 is everything you want it to be.

Happy New Year!

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads6 Comments

This Chick Read: Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Meg’s gained some acclaim from her hand lettering skills. She’s developed planners, calendars, and wedding invitations that are both beautiful and whimsical. However, when Reid Sutherland shows up at her door claiming she’d hidden a secret message in his wedding invitation stating his wedding was a “mistake” she’s got a little explaining to do. Thus begins the story of Meg and Reid. A young woman who uses letters to portray emotions and characteristics and a young man who is a mathematical genius seeing formula’s in numbers. Their communication is intricate, their budding friendship hesitant, and their emotions fierce. This is a love story unlike any other and that difference made it unputdownable.

Meg is a young woman who looks like she’s got it all going for her. She’s worked hard to make her business grow but all of her personal relationships are a mess. When Reid walks through her door, she doesn’t want any more secrets or polite exchanges, she decides to give him the truth and that truth creates a bond between she and Reid. Meg uses lettering as a descriptor of emotions. She hears people speak in type fonts and exclamations are pointy and sharp. Her inner dialog was fascinating and her attraction to Reid hung on every quirk of his mouth.

Reid was more of a dark horse. Quiet, formidable, and living in a world ruled by numbers. He see’s things in black and white until he starts enjoying NYC through Meg’s eyes. Just as she lived for that quirk of his lips, he also lived for every strand of her hair that connected the two of them together. Underneath their growing friendship were personality quirks that explained their frailties and flaws. Background stories that were heartbreaking and secret tells that hinted at future plot reveals. Each written word of Love Lettering kept me reading, each time Meg thought “swoonshes” made me turn the page.

I do believe that when you find a book to read that hits all of your sweet spots it can be for many reasons. I was in the right mood. This was the right genre. I could identify with one or both of the characters. Whatever the reason, Love Lettering was that book for me. I read well into the night last night, then picked it up to finish with my coffee this morning. Love Lettering was IT for me in Sans Serif, all slashes and exclamation points. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase!* Love Lettering

Copyright 2019 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- I receive a small stipend if you purchase through the above link.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

It’s Monday, what are you reading? (12/30/19)

The Monday after a holiday is always hard, but not when you’ve got a great book to read! This post originated over on Book Date , so thanks for the idea and letting me join in the discussion!

JUST FINISHED

First sentence read: “The night I became the youngest person- and the only female ever- to win the Austin Fire Department’s Valor Award, I got propositioned by my partner.”

Click this link to purchase!* Things You Save in a Fire: A Novel

JUST STARTED

First sentence read: “For the first three years, it’s fun being a pro football player’s girlfriend.”

Click this link to purchase!*Intercepted (Playbook, The)

As you can see, the holidays (and my vacation) have gotten me into a romance reading mood! Both of the above books are perfect vacation reads and I’m really enjoying all of this free time to get to some of the books on my TBR.

I hope your Monday is off to a great start and you are reading a fabulous new book! Don’t keep me in suspense, what are you reading?

Deb

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads5 Comments

This Chick Read: And Dangerous to Know (Rosalind Thorne Mystery #3) by Darcie Wilde

Rosalind Thorne, due to the error’s of her father, finds herself in an unusual circumstance, managing her own household and making due with “gifts” from the ladies of the ton whom she has helped. Her livelihood is trust and she can’t afford her good name to be smudged, taking that income away. When Lady Melbourne needs help solving the disappearance of some personal letters she agree’s to help track them down but it seems she hasn’t been told the entire story. These letters are connected to a woman’s murder on the estate’s property and Rosalind once again finds herself embroiled in a more serious investigation.

It’s been almost two years since the previous novel in this series but I easily fell back into these characters and remembered why my instinct was to add this one to the top of my TBR. The era of 18th century England is a fascinating one and this series gives us a different viewpoint of what it’s like to live that we haven’t seen in other novels, tv shows or movies. What happens to young women whose families fall on unfortunate circumstances? Well, worse things than what’s happened to Rosalind and her friend Alice, definitely, but having to “work” for a living while retaining your social status? Interesting and quite hard to navigate as Darcie Wilde portrays so well in her character Rosalind Thorne. I’ll admit that the social intricacies are as interesting to me as the actual mystery Rosalind is trying to solve, but in And Dangerous to Know that mystery is actually quite well done.

As Rosalind is investigating the disappearing letters and murder of a young woman she is also figuring out her feelings for her two beau’s. One a dashing Duke from her past life and the other a Bow Street Runner who is closer to the life she is now living. I think this novel brings us closer to a resolution to that storyline, but only just slightly. We are closer to seeing what’s going on in Rosalind’s mind and heart though. The next novel should reveal quite a bit more, or at least I hope so!

If you love historical mysteries as much as I but you haven’t read the first two novels in this series then please start at the beginning. Part of the fascination is getting to know these characters and I think you need to do that by reading the books in sequential order. The pace will help you immerse yourself in their world and sets the mood for Rosalind’s investigation. I can’t wait for the next novel, but since it took a while for this novel to be written I probably need to dial down my anticipation, just slightly. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest!

Click this link to purchase!* And Dangerous to Know (Rosalind Thorne Mystery Book 3)

Copyright The Reading Chick 2019 All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- If you purchase this book through the above link, I will receive a small stipend.

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads1 Comment

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

This tree looked smaller on the lot, I swear!

No matter where you are or what holiday you celebrate I wish you the very best day. If you are celebrating by yourself this holiday season -may your neighbors be friendly, your streaming service be filled with holiday movies, and your bookshelves and kindles be filled with a bounty of stories to read.

Love to you all!

Merry Christmas!

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads

This Chick Read: Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards #1) by Sarah MacLean

Lady Henrietta Sedley has declared her twenty-ninth year the Year of Hattie. She has a plan for her own renaissance from old maid spinster/virgin to deflowered business woman, in charge of running her father’s shipping business. When she finds a beautiful man tied up in her carriage, the Year of Hattie starts to go awry. Well, with the exception of the deflowering plan. that seems to be right on track. Unfortunately, after finding Beast in her carriage his revenge plan gets set in motion and when it butts heads with the Year of Hattie? Well, a new plan needs to be made.

I have never read a Sarah Maclean historical romance, but this one definitely got put on my radar by a bunch of book reviewers who raved, with good reason about how different these characters were and how refreshing that change made to the story. Hattie is a modern woman in every way except the time she’s living in. In today’s world she’d have been the President of the boardroom. Smart, witty, and able to out think the men working around her. She was also a healthy size. As with the women of today, she was aware that her size and intelligence made her unattractive to men of her time. Her fortune made her more attractive, but her father’s dukedom was not inherited but “gifted” for good services and dies when he does. So the “Lady” in her title is more a courtesy than an actuality.

“Beast” or Whit, as he’s really named, is an actual son of a Duke, albeit one born on the wrong side of the bed. After a traumatic childhood living on the streets, he and his brother “Devil”, from the first novel, have created their own kingdom in Covent Garden, the slums of London. When he finds himself tied up in Hattie’s carriage he must find revenge upon the person who put him there and he thinks Hattie will lead him to that person. This begins their game of cat and mouse, and as that game plays out their attraction to each other hampers each others plans but it’s their wit and intelligence that seals their fates.

I can’t finish this review without mentioning Hattie’s friend Nora. She’s the daughter of a Duke, likes to where men’s clothing and is the sidekick and sometimes instigator of Hattie’s adventures. There is a hinted at romance between she and Whit’s female Man at Arms. I loved that this queer romance was introduced and hope that they get their own story or novella. She’s a hoot and I think her story would be fascinating!

I love a good historical romance, especially one that veers away from established trope’s for this genre. Hattie is someone that a woman in any age can identify. She has self doubts about her looks and struggles to excel based upon her own skills and not her feminine genitalia. Unfortunately it takes a special man to overlook the more’s of the time they live in. Whit is just that man and their story is told in a riveting way in Brazen and the Beast. By the way, I didn’t read the first novel before picking this one up and whereas I’m going to go get it immediately, I didn’t miss out on any key plot lines without having read that novel first. Fear not! Read on historical lovers!

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Opinions around the Blogosphere

“As with all of the Sarah MacLean books I’ve read, this one gets stunning marks from me. Whit and Hattie are wondrous. I love their world. ” Snark and Squee

“I really enjoyed their banter and there are some very sexy scenes between them. Hattie managed to accomplish all her goals in the end, bravo for her. She did it all with class and sass!” Past Midnight

Click this link to purchase!* Brazen and the Beast: The Bareknuckle Bastards Book II

Copyright 2019 Deborah Kehoe The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate

On By deborahkehoeIn A Hot Chick Who Reads