The Friends We Keep by Holly Chamberlin

 Started: 7/22/2021

Finished: 7/29/2021

Year: 2007

Pages: 408

Genre: fiction

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "In her college freshman year, Sophie Holmes met Eva and John, forging the kind of deep friendship that seems destined to last forever. But time proved otherwise, and Sophie married and moved to Los Angeles. Now, two decades later, newly divorced and adrift, Sophie has returned to Boston, and instinctively reaches out to the people who once defined her world.

"Though they've stayed in the same city, Eva and John too have grown apart. Eva is an ambitious advertising executive who favors flings over relationships. John is a dedicated lawyer wondering if he's left it too late for love and marriage. Through Sophie's reappearance, their connection crackles to life once more. Just as they did long ago, the three confide their longings and secrets--until old insecurities and new betrayal threatens to shatter their bond for good."

Opinion: Predictable. One character was just awful but obviously well written in order for me to dislike the character as much as I did.  Sometimes friend reunions are just not all that they are cracked up to be.

Our House by Louise Candlish

 Started: 7/16/2021

Finished: 7/21/2021

Year: 2018

Pages: 399

Genre: Literature

Grade: C

Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "In the wake of her husband, Bram's infidelity, Fiona Lawson manages to keep her young sons' lives as stable as possible thanks to a bird's nest custody agreement. The two boys stay in the family home, while Fiona and Bram take turns living there. All seems to be going as well as possible until the terrible day Fiona arrives home-and sees another couple moving in.

"With Bram and their children missing, Fiona desperately searches for answer, uncovering a dangerous web of lies-and a betrayal so shocking it will teach her to keep her own secrets behind locked doors."

Opinion: Not a fan in how this story was told-part media interview with Fiona and part word document for Bram and then a real day account. A strange premise which makes it unique and unlike other stories about divorcing couples.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Prath

 Started: 7/14/21

Finished: 7/15/21

Year: 1971

Pages: 200

Genre: Literature

Grade: B

Reason for reading: 1001 books to read before you die, TBR pile

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: young, brilliant, beautiful, and enormously talented, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that Esther’s neurosis becomes completely understandable and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such thorough exploration of the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche - and the profound collective loneliness that modern society has yet to find a solution for - is an extraordinary accomplishment, and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic."

Opinion: One of the better 1001 books that I've read. Since my educational background is in psychology, this book takes an indepth look at the system back in the day and how people with mental illnesses were handled. Wish I could say that it has improved greatly since the 70's but I can't.

The Whole 30 Day by Day by Melissa Hartwig

 Started: 7/13/2021

Finished: 7/14/2021

Year: 2017

Pages: 206

Genre: Health & Fitness

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "The Whole30 Day by Day is the essential companion to the New York Times bestseller The Whole30; a daily handbook to keep you motivated, inspired, accountable, and engaged during your Whole30 journey. It’s like having Whole30’s own Melissa Hartwig coaching you through the Whole30 one day at a time, sharing a day-by-day timeline, personal motivation, community inspiration, habit hacks, and meal tips. Plus, each day offers guidance for self-reflection, food journaling, and tracking your non-scale victories to keep your momentum going and help you plan for the days to come.

The Whole30 Day by Day also serves as a quick-reference guide for the program: keeping the rules handy, sharing helpful resources, and walking you through the important reintroduction phase, one day at a time. You’ll carry it everywhere during the program, using it to stay accountable and motivated during the 30 days, and letting the observations and reflections you record guide your food freedom plan long after your Whole30 is over."

Opinion: The Whole 30 is a restrictive 30 day reset program-not exactly a diet or long life style change. I had heard about the program but didn't really know what it allowed/restricted. The book contains some good tips and I might look into a little bit more and give it try (mostly to get rid of the sugars in my body) and see how my body reacts to it. If I do, it won't be for a while.

The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher

 Started: 7/8/2021

Finished: 7/13/2021

Year: 2019

Pages: 381

Genre: Horror

Grade: B

Reason for reading: Goodbooks.com giveaway

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "When Mouse's dad asks her to clean out her dead grandmother's house, she says yes. after all, how bad could it be?

"Answer: pretty bad. Grandma was a hoarder, and her house is packed to the gills with useless garbage. That would be horrors enough, but there's more. Mouse stumbles across her stepgrandfather's journal, which at first seems to be the ravings of a broken mind.

"Until she encounters some of the terrifying things he described herself. Alone in the woods with her dog, Mouse has to confront a series of impossible terrors-because sometimes the things that go bump in the night are real, and they're looking for you. and if she doesn't face them head-n, she might not survive to tell the tale."

Opinion: Pretty decent horror book, especially if you have the imagination for it. I did like how everything tied in together-finding journal and how it seemed to come to life. Ending was high climax with a successful resolution.

Day Hikes in Washington State by Don J. Scarmuzzi

 Started: 7/8/2021

Finished: 7/8/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 282

Genre: Nature

Grade: A

Reason for reading: LibraryThing.com giveaway

Blurb (from back cover): "Day Hikes in Washington State offers a unique perspective for each hike, taking you to the amazing sights of the most scenic locations in the area. Author Don Scarmuzzi personally hiked every single tail to discover the greatest overlook summits, breathtaking nature views, and incredible mountain kikes around Mount Rainier, The Olympic Peninsula, the Snoqualmie Region and Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Central Cascades, Sky Valley, and the Northern Cascades."

Opinion: Well described routes, trailheads for each each. Pictures for each trail. 90 hikes in all. Will be using for reference once I get more comfortable on going hiking.

Through the Waves a Steady Path by Patrick M Garry

 Started: 7/1/2021

Finished: 7/8/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 473

Genre: mystery

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "Through the Waves a Steady Path tells the story of Elaine Connor, a former Minneapolis police officer now working as a college campus cop, and eighteen-year-old Reilly Borschardt, who appeared at Elaine's door weeks ago and now works as Elaine's assistant.

"Reilly is the daughter of Elaine's former boyfriend, whom Elaine has not seen since she gave up the lifestyle that had caused her so much regret. As part of her life reform, prompted by her closest confidante-a religiously-converted inmate at the state prison-Elaine now lives in a rundown neighborhood where she buys vacant houses to rent out to ex-cons she once arrested during her police days. But when a bomb explosion occurs at the university, Elaine is thrust back into her old life with her old police colleagues, one of whom underhandedly reminds Elaine of secrets she has tried to forget.

"Elaine's investigation of the explosion must navigate the minefields of her past life, as well as the political pressures form the university president. Contrary to initial conclusions about the bombing, Elaine begins to see connections between the bombing and the recent suicide of a professor. When a second suicide occurs, Elaine finds herself at odds with both the university and the police.

"Ejected form the official investigation, Elaine turns to Reilly and an ex-con computer hacker who lives on one of Elaine's houses. This threesome becomes embroiled in a massive cover-up involving an international smuggling scheme."

Opinion: Despite it being a long book, it read quickly. There were lots of little components that made for a good story. The characterization of Elaine and Reilly were well developed with in depth looks at both of these characters and why they do the things that they do. A more complete review will be posted on Reader Views in the near future.

Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters by Peter Vronsky

 Started: 4/25/2021

Finished: 7/1/2021

Year: 2004

Pages: 383

Genre: True Crime/Psychology

Grade: B

Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR shelf

Type: paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "In this unique book, Peter Vronsky documents the psychological , investigative, and cultural aspects of serial murder, beginning with its first recorded instance in ancient Rome through fifteenth-century France on to such notorious contemporary cases as cannibal/necrophiliac Ed Kemper, Henry Lee Lucas, Ted Bundy, and the emergence of what he classifies as the 'serial rampage killer,' such as Andrew Cunanan.

"Vronsky not only offers sound theories on what makes a serial killer but also makes concrete suggestions on how to survive an encounter with one-from recognizing verbal warning signs to physical confrontational resistance. Exhaustively researched with transcripts of interviews with killers, and featuring up-to-date information on the apprehensive and conviction of the Green River Killer and the Beltway Snipers."

Opinion: An interesting look at the history of serial killers and some of the possible psychology behind it. Some information about the FBI profiling team which I have always been interested in.  I found this pretty interesting to read.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

 Started: 6/24/21

Finished: 6/27/21

Year: 1961

Pages: 282

Genre: Literature/Classic

Grade: A

Reason for reading: reread one of my favorite childhood books

Type: paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Billy has long dreamt of owning not one but two dogs. So when he's finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own, he's ecstatic.

"Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley . But tragedy awaits these determined hunters-now friends-and in time Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair."

Opinion: Sometimes it is just fun to reread some of your favorite books from childhood-see if you still have the same appreciation. See if what you remember is still there.  As an adult, I have more questions-like how did Billy know how to train these pups to be the outstanding hunters that they were? Still an enjoyable read for me. Maybe I'll read it again in another 30 years or so.

Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore

 Started: 6/21/2021

Finished: 6/24/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 409

Genre: Mystery

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "As a police office in Table Rock, Oregon, Leah Radcliff puts her life on the line to help other every day. But at home, Leah's battling her own personal nightmare: Brad, her abusive husband, a fellow officer, celebrated hero, and beloved son of a powerful prominent family. Brad's violent outbursts and suspicious activities have left Leah physically and emotionally scarred, until one desperate action to put a stop to his abuse results in deadly consequences.

"Though public opinion seems ready to convict Leah, Officer Clint Tanner is one of the few to believe she acted in self-defense. As he works with Leah's attorney to produce the evidence they need, new truths about Brad's dark side come to light-and reveal a deep-rooted problem in Table Rock. There are some who have breached their sworn duty to serve and protect....and they'll do anything to keep their secret safe."

Opinion: A rather enjoyable mystery, romance, literature read. Kinda of something for everyone. A more complete review will be posted on Reader Views in the near future.

Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton

 Started: 6/15/2021

Finished: 6/20/2021

Year: 2005

Pages: 273

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: mass market paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Despite the fact that her aunt was an expert knitter, Kelly Flynn never picked up a pair of knitting needles she like-until she strolled into House of Lambpsun. Now, in the first in a brand new series, she learns how to knit one, purl two, and untangle the mystery behind her aunt's murder...

"Kelly Flynn would be the first to admit her life in Washington, D.C., is a little on the dull side. But coming back to Colorado for her beloved aunt's funeral wasn't the kind of excitement she was seeking. The police are convinced that her aunt Helen's death was the result of a burglary gone bad, but for the accountant in Kelly, things just aren't adding up. After all, why would her sensible, sixty-eight-year-old aunt borrow $20.000 just days before her death? With the help of the knitting regulars at House of Lambspun, Kelly's about to get a few lessons in cracking out a sumptuously colored scarf-and in luring a killer out of hiding..."

Opinion: A fun cozy however there are things that irk me.....Kelly was very forthcoming about all her issues about her aunt's murder and had no problem talking to strangers (to her) about her questions. How did she know that they weren't involved? Or where they?  That bothered me throughout the book but the solving of the mystery was a good one and I would recommend this.

Perish by L. C. Barlow

 Started: 6/12/2021

Finished: 6/14/2021

Year: 2020

Pages: 258

Genre: Horror

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: review for Readers Views

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Her name is Jack Harper. She just escaped the clutches of a cult that had held her in thrall since she was little girl.

"Now she's on a quest for justice.

"She discovers that her cult was just one cell in a global network knows as Infinitum. Armed with an array of burgeoning supernatural powers, Jack sets out to eradicate Infinitum's leadership, all while uncovering an ancient mystery that may hold the key to stopping Armageddon."

Opinion: Not as good as Pivot but definitely not as horrific-no torturing of animals. Should be interesting to read how this trilogy is summed up in the next book.

Pivot by L. C. Barlow

 Started: 6/10/2021

Finished: 6/11/2021

Year: 2019

Pages: 224

Genre: Horror

Grade: B

Reason for reading: review for Reader's View

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "His name is Cyrus. He's the leader of a mysterious cult that he holds in thrill with his dark charisma and even darker powers.

"Jack Harper is his newest convert and favored acolyte, After rescuing her from homelessness, Cyrus is teaching her all his darkest secrets-how to kill, how to steal, how to control others.

"But his greatest secret is contained in a small box that holds untold power.  Jack makes it her mission to find out what's inside the box, and in doing so sets off a supernatural bottle of wits with Cyrus. The price of failure will be her soul, while the prize for victory will be her freedom."

Opinion: If you don't like kids or animals being brutalized, then don't pick up this book. And it's more kids being brutalized than animals. It was easy to forget that the main character is a female kid because of the things that she does and witnesses. Read this for the Reader Views awards.

Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan

 Started: 6/7/2021

Finished: 6/10/2021

Year: 2013

Pages: 331

Genre: Romance/Literature

Grade: B

Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "In her comfy cottage nestled in the Derbyshire hills, Rosie Hopkins has good reason to feel a warm blush in her cheeks. With Christmas weeks away, the holiday is being ushered in with England's first glorious snowfall of the season. Her boyfriend, Stephen, is starting his new job as a teacher in the village school. Her quaint Hopkins' Sweetshop and Confectionery has been restored to its former glory, and she has a loveable mop of a new puppy named Mr. Dog. Most glorious of all, Rosie's and Stephens' relatives will finally be gathering together in Lipton for what is sure to be a merry feast.

"But when a devastating tragedy strikes at the heart of the close-knit town, plans for a cozy Christmas are suddenly in danger of melting away. It's going to take Rosie's indomitable spirit, the embrace of family and friends, and the resilient goodwill of a community to turn it all around and make this a holiday to be thankful for."

Blurb: Not a bad literature/romance novel. Despite the author stating that reading the previous book wasn't necessary, I think that I would have found it helpful. Lots of characters to keep track of who is related to who. Sweet ending.

The Body Artist by Don DeLillo

 Started: 6/6/2021

Finished: 6/6/2021

Year: 2001

Pages: 126

Genre: Literature

Grade: C

Reason for reading: 1001 books to read before you die

Type: paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "In this spare, seductive novel, he inhabits the muted world of Lauren Hartke, an artist whose work defies the limits of the body. Lauren is living in a lonely coast in a rambling rented house, where she encounters a strange, ageless, man, a man with uncanny knowledge of her own life. Together they begin a journey into the wilderness of time-time, love, and human perception."

Opinion: Another one of the 1001 list that I wonder why....why is it on this list? It felt like this was a book assigned in English class where you need to figure out theme, etc and you are left wondering how you are going to bs your way through this essay. An average short book to say the least.

Murder of a Snake in the Grass by Denise Swanson

 Started: 6/2/2021

Finished: 6/5/2021

Year: 2003

Pages: 262

Genre: Mystery

Grade: B

Reason for reading: continuing with the series, booksfree.com book

Type: mass market paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Scumble River is celebrating its bicentennial in style-with historical reenactments, bingo, a coal-tossing tournament, and a Crazy Craft race. Serving as the guest of honor is none other than the town founder's great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit turns out to be short-lived when Skye's students Frannie and Justin find him dead with a pickax protruding from his chest.

"Meanwhile Skye's deceitful ex-fiance, Luc St. Amant, has appeared out of the blue, creating turmoil in her love life. Does the real danger lie in the chance that Luc will drive away the men in Sky's life...or in the possibility that there's a menacing connection between Luc's arrival and Gabriel Scumble's murder?"

Opinion: Another good mystery read. The back and forth of Skye's romantic interests is a little tiresome but adding in the ex fiance made it entertaining. 

Murder of a Sleeping Beauty by Denise Swanson

 Started: 5/28/21

Finished: 6/1/21

Year: 2002

Pages: 263

Genre: Mystery

Grade: B

Reason for reading: continuing with the series, grabbed off TBR pile

Blurb (from back cover): "Sleeping Beauty is dead. Star of the school play, cheerleader, and beauty pageant queen, Lorelei Ingels was the most popular girl in school. But today, no one envies her. While the principal and the police are busy with the politics of this high-profile case, Skye Denison counsels kids and combs for clues...ever more convinced that high school is a truly dangerous place. Finagling her way around crazy school administrators, stupid rules, pushy parents, and teens whose slang needs decoding takes all of Skye's formidable ingenuity. And even ever-optimistic Skye knows that, in this case, finding the killer won't end this tale happily ever after...."

Opinion: Another fun mystery in this series. So glad that I was never involved in beauty pageants or trying to be the most popular kid in high school. High school was hard enough without that added pressure. The mystery isn't what it seemed to be. 

One Night Pregnancy by Lindsay Armstrong

 Started: 5/27/21

Finished: 5/28/21

Year: 2010

Pages: 186

Genre: Romance

Grade: D

Reason for reading: Bookcrossing.com book

Blurb (from back cover): "Rescued during a raging storm, sensible Bridget blushes scarlet when she finds herself seduced by a captivating stranger. How un-Bridget-like-she's mortified! But little does she know her rescue is ultrawealthy...and ultraexclusive!

"Until she reads the newspaper headlines...

"Bridget's mystery man is none other than the notorious Adam Beaumont, heir to the Beaumont empire. Now Bridget has to find the words-and the courage-to tell him he left a lasting impression!"

Opinion: Fluff....typical Harlequin fluff. Grammar wasn't great.

The Mammoth Book of The History of Murder by Colin Wilson

 Started: 2/7/21

Finished: 5/27/21

Pages: 639

Year: 2000 (this edition)

Genre: True Crime

Grade: B

Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile

Type: paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Following the original success of his history of homicide, The Mammoth Book of True Crime 2, expert author Colin Wilson has prepared this new, completely revised edition, bringing the chronicle of this most dreadful of crimes right up to the present.

"He examines the motives and methods, both of particular categories of murder and of individual and mysterious cases. Starting with the horrifying entertainments of Ancient Rome, and moving on through the centuries, he illuminates such infamous figures as Vlad the Impaler, Ivan the Terrible, Gilles de Rais, the Countess Elizabeth Bathory and the Marques de Sade, Elizabethan executions, Jacobean with hunts, the gaslit Victorian underworld of Jack the Ripper, and the gangland killings of the Jazz Age lead us up to the serial killers of the modern world, among them Fred West, Chikatilo, Milat, and Jeffrey Dahmer, gruesome cannibal killers and random 'spree' gunmen, as well as the growing phenomenon of murder with an element of the occult"

Opinion: An interesting collection of true crime stories. Some a lot of people will recognize. Some are not as well known. Interesting look at the history.

Hunting Annabelle by Wendy Heard

 Started: 5/20/21

Finished: 5/24/21

Year: 2018

Pages: 289

Genre: Fiction

Grade: B

Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "Sean Suh is done with killing. After serving three years in a psychiatric prison, he's determined to stay away from temptation. But he can't resist Annabelle-beautiful, confident, incandescent Annabelle-who alone can see past the monster to the man inside. The man he's desperately trying to be.

"Then Annabelle disappears.

"Sean is sure he's been kidnapped-he witnessed her being taken firsthand-but the police are convinced that Sean himself is at the center of this crime. And he must admit, his illness has caused him to 'lose time' before. What if there's more to what happened than he's able to remember.

"Though haunted by the fear that it might be better for Annabelle if he never finds her, Sean can't bring himself to let of her without a fight. To save her, he'll have to do more than confront his own demons...He'll have to let them loose."

Opinion: An interesting read. The ending seemed rushed and a major thing was never resolved before a big twist which is frustrating. The fact that Sean's character is Korean and repeated throughout the book was not necessary. Readers can remember that significant fact about a character. The twist made it entertaining.