BLOG TOUR: The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary

 I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary. I received an advanced electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Beth O'Leary for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: The Road Trip

Author: Beth O'Leary

Published by: Berkley

Released: June 1, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads    Amazon

 

Synopsis: Two exes reach a new level of awkward when forced to take a road trip together in this endearing and humorous novel by the author of the international bestseller The Flatshare. 

What if the end of the road is just the beginning? 

Four years ago, Dylan and Addie fell in love under the Provence sun. Wealthy Oxford student Dylan was staying at his friend Cherry's enormous French villa; wild child Addie was spending her summer as the on-site caretaker. Two years ago, their relationship officially ended. They haven't spoken since.

Today, Dylan's and Addie's lives collide again. It's the day before Cherry's wedding, and Addie and Dylan crash cars at the start of the journey there. The car Dylan was driving is wrecked, and the wedding is in rural Scotland--he'll never get there on time by public transport.

So, along with Dylan's best friend, Addie's sister, and a random guy on Facebook who needed a ride, they squeeze into a space-challenged Mini and set off across Britain. Cramped into the same space, Dylan and Addie are forced to confront the choices they made that tore them apart--and ask themselves whether that final decision was the right one after all. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: *Chef's Kiss* What a fun read. It was just what my mind was searching for. This is a great book to just get lost in, a story to just enjoy. I am a fan.

I love road trips and it makes it even better when it's two exes being forced to travel together. The tension, the awkwardness, and then the eventual realization that they are perfect for each other. I really liked being stuck with Dylan and Addie. There was so much going on in that car ride, it was great.

It was a lot of fun reading this. There was so much past and history between the characters. There was a lot going on.

I just really enjoyed myself reading this story. I'm definitely going to have to read Beth O'Leary's backlist. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read, it's fun.

Beth O'Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. She wrote her debut novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from her job at a children's publisher. She now lives in the Hampshire countryside and writes full-time.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary. Thanks so much to Berkley and Beth O'Leary for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up and giving it a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Kelly Rimmer for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Warsaw Orphan

Author: Kelly Rimmer

Published by: Graydon House

Released: June 1, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy provided by Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home. She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors. She knows all too well about German brutality--and that it's the reason she must conceal her true identity. But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism.

Using Sara's credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls, and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve. For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress. But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara's cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm's way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever. 

From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, The Warsaw Orphan is the unforgettable story of Elzbieta and Roman's perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: Whew, this was a tough and powerful story of WW2, bringing attention to the lives of people that had to suffer through it. This period of time can be so hard to read about because we know the horrors that went on. It's very uplifting though to read stories about people that risked it all just to do right, to do what they could to help other people during such a dangerous time. Sometimes I wonder what I would do if I lived during that atrocity. Would I do what I could to help, or would I keep my head down to protect myself and family? Would I be brave enough to save people from an awful fate?

I definitely don't think I could have been as brave as the characters in this book. It's shameful to say, and I guess I don't really know because I didn't live it, but I don't have the same honor as Elzbieta Rabinek.

This book showed such love and friendship between Elzbieta and Roman. It really did touch my heart.

This book was so emotional. It deals with such an awful time of human history. You really feel all the tough choices and decisions these characters had to deal with. It's hard to read from an emotional standpoint, but it tells such a powerful story.

Kelly Rimmer did a great job writing this one. It hit me in all the feels. I'd definitely recommend picking it up if you're looking for a powerful story about normal people living through a Nazi Occupation. It's a tough read, but it's important.

Kelly Rimmer is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret Daughter and The Things We Cannot Say. Her books have sold more than one million copies, and have been translated into more than 20 languages worldwide. Kelly lives in rural Australia with her family and fantastically naughty dogs, Sully and Basil.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Kelly Rimmer for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend picking this one up and giving it a read.

BLOG TOUR: Wild Love (Forever Adirondacks #1) by Lauren Accardo

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Wild Love, the first book in the Forever Adirondacks series by Lauren Accardo. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Lauren Accardo for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: Wild Love (Forever Adirondacks #1)

Author: Lauren Accardo

Published by: Berkley

Released: May 25, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: A down-on-her-luck city girl searches for new purpose among the shelves of a failing bookstore in the quaint town of Pine Ridge, New York--until a forbidden love tempts her to go off-book.  

When life sets fire to your happily ever after, you ditch your cheating boyfriend, trade in the city life for the off-the-grid seclusion of your mother's bookstore in the mountains...and try to resist your attraction to the brooding town mechanic you accidentally got into a fender bender with outside the local bar. Sydney Walsh might be falling head over heels for the romance novels she's stocking up to rebuild The Loving Page, but she has no delusions about actually starring in one. That chapter has closed.

Beneath Sam Kirkland's gruff mountain-man exterior lies a gentle heart and a burning desire for the woman he knows he can't have. He's made promises that anchor him to the past, making romance off-limits. And he accepted that--until Sydney came crashing into his life.

Sam can't do a relationship right now. Sydney doesn't have the wherewithal to believe in one. But when you meet the right person, the wrong circumstances don't matter. Even when the world seems to be doing its best to keep them apart, their real, one-of-a-kind love is worth fighting for. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I knew I was going to have a good time with this book as soon as I read the synopsis. It had so many buzz words for me: a bookstore, a quaint, small town, and a brooding mechanic! The synopsis did not steer me wrong. I had such a sweet time with this one. It's a great debut. I can't wait to see what Lauren Accardo does next.

Sydney is dealing with a broken heart, which is why she's escaped to this small town to help her mother. She's not ready for love again, which is part of what makes this romance so satisfying. It's a slow burn. I love a good slow burn.

I also love any book that features books, so I really enjoyed how Sydney was working in bookstore, especially one that features romance novels. Not only did I like the bookstore setting, but I also loved the small town setting. Small towns are always filled with quirky kind of characters and they just make a story that much more fun.

I also liked or love interest, Sam Kirkland. I knew I was going to like him as soon as I saw brooding town mechanic. Sometimes, you just know.

I'm a fan of Wild Love. I thought it was really cute, really sweet. It was exactly what I wanted. I'd definitely recommend giving it a read. I'm gonna be on the lookout for Lauren Accardo's next book.

Lauren Accardo writes steamy contemporary romance featuring strong women and the men who love them. Originally from Western New York, Lauren now lives in Queens with her stand-up-comic husband. She loves karaoke, cake, and the Adirondack Mountains, where her debut novel, Wild Love, takes place.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Wild Love by Lauren Accardo. Thanks so much to Berkley and Lauren Accardo for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a grab off the shelf and read. It's a great debut.

Reading Right Now! (298)

 What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

The Project by Courtney Summers -- A book that I've been looking forward to for the longest time! I read and loved Sadie, so my hopes for The Project were pretty high. I'm almost 250 pages in and I don't know how to feel. This one isn't the gut punch that Sadie was. It's almost like I'm watching an episode of Dateline and Keith Morrison is sitting there interviewing these people, saying, "And then what happened?" The story is pretty crazy, but I don't get that visceral, shocking feel from it. It's like, hmmm interesting. Do you know what I mean? It's not Sadie. I know I keep saying that, but that's what I feel.

This is about a cult run by a man named Lev. It's a religious cult. Lev feels like he has been chosen by God to save and lead the redeemed. His people go out into the communities and are redeemed by doing good work. Personally, I would have run the other way as soon as he said God chose him and the only way to be saved was through him (Lev). I'm not here for the false prophets.

Anyway, our story centers around two sisters, Lo and Bea. Their parents are killed in an automobile accident and Lo is seriously injured. Bea doesn't know what to do, and that's where she first meets Lev. Once Bea meets Lev, Lo never sees her sister again. Lo recovers from the accident, but it was touch and go, they thought she might die. She's left with a very noticeable scar on her face and a longing for her sister, who has been swallowed up by the project. Lo gets a job with a magazine publication (I think) and decides to make her writing debut by investigating Lev, The Project, and hopefully finding her sister.

It's an interesting story, but it is not as exciting as the story Summers wrote before with Sadie. I'm also not a fan of politics being brought up a couple times, I just find it annoying because not every reader has the same political view as the author. The writing is good. I'm also unsure of why this is YA. This could have easily been sold as an adult book. Lo is 19 maybe. There are some sexual situations that are more artfully explained.

I rambled too much. I like it, but it's just not the book I thought it was going to be.

 

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon. I received an early electronic copy for honest review. Thank you to MIRA Books and Hannah Mary McKinnon for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: You Will Remember Me

Author: Hannah Mary McKinnon

Published by: MIRA Books

Released: May 25, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy provided by Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Forget the truth.

Remember the lies.
He wakes up on a deserted beach in Maryland with a gash on his head and wearing only swim trunks. He can't remember who he is. Everything--his identity, his life, his loved ones--has been replaced by a dizzying fog of uncertainty. But returning to his Maine hometown in search of the truth uncovers more questions than answers.

Lily Reid thinks she knows her boyfriend, Jack. Until he goes missing one night, and her frantic search reveals that he's been lying to her since they met, desperate to escape a dark past he'd purposely left behind.

Maya Scott has been trying to find her estranged stepbrother, Asher, since he disappeared without a trace. Having him back, missing memory and all, feels like a miracle. But with a mutual history full of devastating secrets, how far will Maya go to ensure she alone takes them to the grave? 

Shared fates intertwine in a twisty, explosive novel of suspense, where unearthing the past might just mean being buried beneath it. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was such a fun and entertaining read. If you like thrillers, I definitely think you'll like this one. I enjoyed the mystery of it all and trying to figure everything out. It does contain some recognizable thriller tropes, but it also has some surprises that I wasn't expecting.

This book was just a treat to read. It kept me turning the pages, wondering what was going to happen next. I was intrigued by all the characters and their stories. I just really liked watching it all unfold.

I liked the writing style. It was an easy story to lose myself in.

If you're a fan of thrillers, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. It's a good time.

Hannah Mary was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. After a successful career in recruitment, she quit the corporate world in favor of writing. She now lives in Oakville, Ontario, with her husband and three sons, and is delighted by her twenty-second commute. Connect with her on Facebook, on Twitter @HannahMMcKinnon, and on Instagram @HannahMaryMcKinnon. For more, visit her website at www.hannahmarymckinnon.com.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for You Will Remember Me by Hannah Mary McKinnon. Thanks so much to MIRA Books and Hannah Mary McKinnon for letting me be a part of this tour. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read, you'll be on the edge of your seat.

BLOG TOUR: How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby. I received an advanced copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Young Readers and Nicole Melleby for letting me be a part of the tour and giving me the chance to read this book.

Title: How to Become a Planet

Author: Nicole Melleby

Published by: Algonquin Young Readers

Released: May 25, 2021

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: For Pluto, summer has always started with a trip to the planetarium. It’s the launch to her favorite season, which also includes visits to the boardwalk arcade, working in her mom’s pizzeria, and her best friend Meredith’s birthday party. But this summer, none of that feels possible.

A month before the end of the school year, Pluto’s frightened mom broke down Pluto’s bedroom door. What came next were doctor’s appointments, a diagnosis of depression, and a big black hole that still sits on Pluto’s chest, making it too hard to do anything.

Pluto can’t explain to her mom why she can’t do the things she used to love. And it isn’t until Pluto’s dad threatens to make her move with him to the city—where he believes his money, in particular, could help—that Pluto becomes desperate enough to do whatever it takes to be the old Pluto again.

She develops a plan and a checklist: If she takes her medication, if she goes to the planetarium with her mom for her birthday, if she successfully finishes her summer school work with her tutor, if she goes to Meredith’s birthday party . . . if she does all the things that “normal” Pluto would do, she can stay with her mom in Jersey. But it takes a new therapist, a new tutor, and a new (and cute) friend with a checklist and plan of her own for Pluto to learn that there is no old and new Pluto. There’s just her. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a strong and important book, and I'm really glad I read it. It deals with important topics in a really meaningful way. Pluto's journey throughout this book was so emotional and impactful. I can see this story being an important one to so many readers.

Pluto has depression. She struggles with her depression. Her mother struggles with it too. It did such a great job of showcasing that struggle and how families can help each other. 

This was such a sweet story about such an important topic. I'm really glad I read it. I really liked the way that it was written. It just did a good job. 

Nicole Melleby is a born-and-bred Jersey girl with a passion for storytelling. She studied creative writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University and currently teaches creative writing and literature courses with a handful of local universities. When she’s not writing, she can be found browsing the shelves at her local comic shop or watching soap operas with a cup of tea.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby. Thanks so much to Algonquin Young Readers and Nicole Melleby for letting me be a part of the tour. You should definitely give this one a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley

 I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley. I received a free advanced copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Colleen Oakley for letting me be a part of this tour and giving me the chance to read an early copy!

 

 

 

Title: The Invisible Husband of Frick Island

Author: Colleen Oakley

Published by: Berkley

Released: May 25, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads     Amazon

 

Synopsis: Sometimes all you need is one person to really see you.  

Piper Parrish's life on Frick Island—a tiny, remote town smack in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay—is nearly perfect. Well, aside from one pesky detail: Her darling husband, Tom, is dead. When Tom's crab boat capsized and his body wasn't recovered, Piper, rocked to the core, did a most peculiar thing: carried on as if her husband was not only still alive, but right there beside her, cooking him breakfast, walking him to the docks each morning, meeting him for their standard Friday night dinner date at the One-Eyed Crab. And what were the townspeople to do but go along with their beloved widowed Piper? Anders Caldwell’s career is not going well. A young ambitious journalist, he’d rather hoped he’d be a national award-winning podcaster by now, rather than writing fluff pieces for a small town newspaper. But when he gets an assignment to travel to the remote Frick Island and cover their boring annual Cake Walk fundraiser, he stumbles upon a much more fascinating tale: an entire town pretending to see and interact with a man who does not actually exist. Determined it’s the career-making story he’s been needing for his podcast, Anders returns to the island to begin covert research and spend more time with the enigmatic Piper—but he has no idea out of all the lives he’s about to upend, it’s his that will change the most. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: That synopsis really pulled me right in. It did its job, that's for sure. The Invisible Husband of Frick Island is sweet, sad, heartwarming, hopeful, and amusing. I really enjoyed this little story of a woman who sees her dead husband and a town that goes along with her.

I loved the setting of Frick Island. I loved the quirky townspeople. I also really appreciated how they all supported Piper. There was such a sense of community and love. It had neighbors that really cared about each other and it was so nice to see that. I'm also always a sucker for small town settings in stories, so Frick was great!

I also really liked Anders journey while he was on Frick Island. He came for one thing, but he ended up with so much more then he was expecting. I liked seeing his development.

I also really enjoyed Piper. Life has dealt her a blow that she needed help dealing with. I'm glad she had the support she needed to grieve and grow.

This book was such a treat to read. I definitely enjoyed my time on Frick Island and I think everyone should visit.

 

 

 

 Colleen Oakley is the USA Today bestselling author of You Were There Too, Close Enough to Touch and Before I Go. Her books have been named best books by People, Us Weekly, Library Journal and Real Simple, and have been long-listed for the Southern Book Prize. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, four kids and the world’s biggest lapdog

 

 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley. Thanks so much to Berkley and Colleen Oakley for letting me be a part of the tour! Be on the lookout for this book and read it.