The Other People

C.J. Tudor has become one of my favorite authors.  She really manages to give me the creeps when reading her stories.  Just so you all don't think that's an insult, I believe that is her point so it's all good fun!

In this one, Gabe is driving home when he sees a car in front of him with a lot of bumper stickers on it.  It sure is standing out because of all the stickers and because Gabe is stuck in traffic, he is compelled to stare at it.  All of a sudden, he sees his daughter pop in front of the back window of this car!  What is going on?  Why would his daughter be in a strange vehicle and not home where she should be at that time of day? He immediately starts honking his horn and flashing his lights. The car takes off and Gabe gives chase, losing the car.  He pulls over in a panic to call home only to find more heartbreak is happening at his house. What ensues after is a years long quest to find out what happened to his daughter.  Gabe is not buying what he is told by police or family.

 Meanwhile, we are introduced to Fran and Alice.  Alice has disturbing visions that lead her to lapse into a unconscious state.  Fran and Alice are on the run but we don't know why yet.  
We are also introduced to Katie and her sister, Lou.  Lou is barely scraping by and Katie questions her life decisions.  However, Katie relies on Lou to help with childcare. Katie meets Gabe in the diner where she works and while we don't know why or how all these people and their stories are going to intersect, it's a fun time reading and heading to the place where we find out. 

I really wanted to see how all of the characters would intersect and what the deal was with Alice's "spells".  Of course I also wanted to know what was going on with Gabe's daughter. 

C.J. Tudor takes you on a wild, twisty, ride as usual with a splash of other worldly goodness.   It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it.   Releases January 2020. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.  All opinions are my own. 

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

I was so happy to receive a copy of this from Waterbrook! I absolutely loved the first book about these characters, The Christmas Remedy.  Read my blog about The Christmas Remedy here: Christmas Remedy Blog.

In this story, we see that Holly is still working for Greene's Pharmacy. Holly is granted special permission by her bishop to continue working and pursuing extra education while planning her wedding.  She worries that after she's married, her new husband's bishop (in another district) will forbid her from working because Amish women don't usually work outside the home. 

Meanwhile, her sister, Ivy, is planning to leave her Amish roots to start a party planning business.  She feels that she wants more out of life than milking cows on her family farm and being held to the restrictions of her Amish world.  However, she struggles with the heartbreak she knows will bring her mom and sister. 

Also, we meet brother and sister Arlan and Magda.  Magda is in a very difficult situation and has absolutely no support from her family.  Arlan has always had a special bond with Magda and he is determined to help her.  They meet up with Holly and Ivy's family when an accident happens in front of Greene's pharmacy.  But was it an accident?  Maybe it was the work of God?  I say that because Holly and Ivy and their mom provide compassion and help when that didn't seem to be in the cards for Arlan and Magda. Could divine intervention have put the brother and sister right where they belong? 

This book, at least to me, has taught the importance of trusting and having faith in God ESPECIALLY when things don't seem to be going your way and in times of trouble.  Also in my two cents, these characters seem so real to me and I would LOVE to be able to visit Greene's.  The pharmacy and atmosphere are described so well that I could just really envision it. Oh, and that cover!!! I just think it's beautiful.   I enjoyed spending time with the characters and visiting their little town.   In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing them in a third book.  Hint, hint?  

So, get this book and get in the Christmas spirit early!  You'll really enjoy it!  Thank you to Waterbrook for the copy.  No review was required and all opinions are my own. 

Amish Christmas Bakery by Amy Clipston, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Kelly Irvin

Merry Christmas, everyone!  Okay, I might be a little early, but I guarantee if you read these stories, you will feel like celebrating early! 

This book contains four stories: Cookies and Cheer by Amy Clipston,  Loaves of Love by Beth Wiseman, Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller and Cakes and Kisses by Kelly Irvin.  

In Cookies and Cheer, Alyssa is looking forward to Christmas.  Working in a bakery with her sister is very enjoyable for Alyssa and she's excited to be planning another festive window display for the bake shop.  Everyone else is looking forward to Alyssa's Christmas display.  She did such a good job on the Thanksgiving one so people are excited to see what design she comes up with.

Meanwhile, the very handsome Kyle Smoker is showing interest in Alyssa and she couldn't be happier.  She can't believe her good fortune and is looking forward to the Christmas season.  With Kyle's help, a beautiful window for the bakery is designed. However, will it bring more that Alyssa can handle?  Will the holiday be ruined? Find out in Cookies and Cheer. 
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In Loaves of Love, Katie and Henry have been friends all their lives.  They have a special bond and even share the same birthday. Katie has hoped for years that Henry will ask her out and take their friendship to the next level.  But, Henry has been too nervous to ever ask her out.  When he finally gets up the nerve, will he be too late?  Katie seems to be getting involved with David. David lives in a more modern Amish community and attempts to get Katie to see that his way of life is easier. 

Katie IS busy running her family's bakery during the holiday and has more on her plate than usual, so maybe David's ways DO make things simpler.  Is David right for her?  Henry's sister seems to think Henry be able to find love with the lovely Clara. Will this help him push his feelings for Katie away?  Read Loaves of Love to cheer for your favorite couples!
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Melting Hearts by Kathleen Fuller is all about Mattie who travels to another town to help her Aunt Carolyn with her bakery during the Christmas rush.  However, her uncle is building an extension onto the bakery and asks Peter to help.  Mattie harbors bad feelings to Peter because he used to date her friend Lizzy and "broke her heart." Maybe the whole truth hasn't been told and Mattie and Peter can uncover a way to work side by side by side.
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Cakes and Kisses is by Kelly Irvin and features a man named Ambrose who has some difficulties. But Martha doesn't see him that way.  She sees a kind, loving, helpful man and despises the way some treat him.  Ambrose is actually more loved than he realizes, by Martha and his close friends and family.  He needs to find a way to overcome his insecurities and look around before he misses out. On top of that, a cousin comes to take over half the farm where Ambrose lives and works with his aunt. Will Ambrose overcome his challenges and find Christmas joy? Take a relaxing break with Cakes and Kisses and discover for yourself. 

I thoroughly enjoyed these four short stories in this collection.  All the authors really make their characters become real and pop off the page.  The only thing for was that all four stories involved bakeries and a LOT of talk of Christmas treats and that just made me hungry!  I am just joking but I think they did such a wonderful job with describing the bakeries, the treats, the Christmas season and the real reason for the holiday. If you love Christmas like me, you'll love diving into these stories early to get ready for Christmas! 

The Whisper Man by Alex North

This book is about Tom Kennedy and his son, Jake who are reeling from the loss of wife and mother Rebecca. They move to a new town for a fresh start, but find more than they bargained for.  Tom is already concerned about Jake's imaginary friend and now it seems as if their new home may have more of a history than most.  And, the town also has a history that isn't one to boast about.  A serial killer killed several children decades earlier.  How does this all tie in?  Well, I won't spoil anything, but it does. 

The first part of the book dragged for me and then about 20 percent in, I think it took off like a juggernaut.  I finally found myself looking forward to getting back to it. There's so much more to it than just Tom and Jake's story.  It involves not only the past of the town, but also the story of one of the police officers who can't let the the case of the murdered children go. When new crimes start happening, that same detective  comes aboard to assist. 

Once the book took off, I really enjoyed it and it gave me some definite heebie jeebies!  The only thing I didn't like was the end.  I really did NOT like the last page.  I thought it was too much over the top. All in all, though a great read and one I think will do well. 

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an advance copy.  All opinions are my own and no review was required. 

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

Can we all first just stop and admire this cover!?  I just love it! Coming June 18th, is Karen Barnett's new novel, Ever Faithful, the third book in the National Parks Series.

Elsie is a worker in Yellowstone National Park where her father is a park ranger.  Elsie enjoys her job in the park, but she also wants to branch out and further her education.  She dreams of a life as a teacher and wants to make a difference in peoples' lives. However, she struggles with a tragedy that that she suffered as a child and can't seem to move on, especially when her cousin shows up to work in the park and dredges up their history.  However, she always finds the beauty in the park and is very grateful for the relationships she shares with her two best friends, Mary and Rose. 

Nate Webber is part of President Roosevelt's CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), giving a hand up to certain men who are given jobs and education in the parks.  Nate is a natural born leader but hasn't received a formal education.  He struggles with certain things regarding learning and he feels ashamed but is looking forward to the new opportunity.  

Teddy Vaughn is a proud park ranger and has his eyes set on Elsie.  It seems to be fate that they are thrown together what with their shared history in Yellowstone.  He feels like he's on top of the world with his position and feels that marrying Elsie is a given.  There's no way she would turn him down, right?

Other things happen in the book and I don't want to give too much away! 
You do not need to read the other two to know what's going on in the third.  They are total stand alone stories but I really enjoyed the other two as well.  

I have said in other blogs that I absolutely love when something in a story is true and makes me look more into what is being discussed.  The CCC was in fact a real program that provided jobs during a the Great Depression.  I had never heard of it before.  Some young men felt that the pay wasn't worth it while others saw it as a great chance to improve their lives and learn. Here's a picture of a group of young men who took part in the program: 

I could easily imagine the characters in the book being in this picture.  If you want to learn more about the CCC click here: CCC Program

I really enjoyed this book! It was one of those great, sweeping stories.  It drew me in right away and I think it is just perfect for your summer reading! Get yours June 18th! Thank you so much to WaterBrook and Ms. Barnett for the great read. 

The Farmer's Bride by Kathleen Fuller

Martha has a problem.  She knows she should be thinking about finding a husband and she's ready for that, but she feels pressured from the young men in her community.  She wants to find her match on her own terms, but things seem to keep getting in her way.  

Seth is also not ready to find a spouse.  He is more interested in his wood carving that he's trying to perfect to maybe go into business.  He is also dealing with some family issues that I won't go into.  I don't want to give too much away.  He's just in a place in his life where he doesn't have time nor or the desire to settle down. 

A new family arrives in town to start an inn.  Loren, Delilah (Loren's mom), Nina (Loren's daughter) and Levi (Loren's son) all live together and start working on the business and building a new life in Birch Creek.  Delilah immediately wants to set up Nina and Levi with possible spouses.  Delilah thinks Nina should start a relationship with Seth and that Martha might be good match for Martha.  But, Martha isn't ready to be attached to Levi and Nina isn't ready to be hooked up with Seth.  So, Martha and Seth hatch a plan.  If they can just put the idea out there that they are interested in each other, even though they aren't, it may just keep everyone off their backs.  What could go wrong?

 So great when you get a book and find out it's part of a series.  Am I right? The Farmer's Bride is the second book after The Teacher's Bride.  Now, you don't have to read the first one, but, personally, I recommend it.  I enjoyed seeing appearances by characters in this book that I knew from the first.  

I enjoyed this book so much.  I loved the story, the dialogue, the characters and the writing style. And look at that gorgeous cover!  Honestly, I think it would be a great movie.  Comes out June 4th. Get your copy then! Thank you so much to the author! 

The Perfect Son by Lauren North

Tess wakes up in a hospital with a stab wound and has no idea how she got there.  She remembers that it happened on her son, Jamie's birthday and now she doesn't know where he is.  Even worse, she remembers that her husband is dead, killed in a tragic plane crash several weeks prior.  

The story takes the reader back to a little more than a month before Jamie's birthday and alternates between that time and the current time in the hospital, leading up to the actual birthday.  

While I thought the premise was good and the way the story was told was original, I was a little let down by the ending. Well, let me re-phrase that.  The whole idea was good and creative but without giving too much away, I think the ending would have packed a little more punch IF the author hadn't portrayed the main character the way she did with such severity. She ended up getting on my nerves a little.

Overall, I think this book will do well.  It was previously released in the U.K. as The Perfect Betrayal. Releases here August 2019. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the copy.  No review was required. All opinions are my own.

The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere

Hello! 
The Artful Match is now out by the very talented Jennifer Delamere.  This is book three in the series, but you can easily read it as it a stand alone.  The series is about three sisters: Rosalyn, Julia and Cara.  One book for one sister.  I haven't read the first one yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed the second one so I was excited to read this one.  

Cara is down on her luck after she leaves her current employment (I won't spill why) and travels to London to stay with her sister.  She is shocked to find that Julia is out of town (again not telling why -haha) and just as she decides to go to Rosalyn, she meets up with Langham.  Langham is an aspiring artist with a very different background than Cara.  Langham learns that Cara's dream is to become and artist and he takes her under his wing.  

Cara is drawn into an artist's world as well as into Langham's along with his brother a very rich earl, Henry and his ward, Amelia.  I don't want to give too much away so let's just say that the story is about Cara making her way in the world with new friends and new opportunities.  There is also a side plot about Cara's family that just adds to this wonderful story. 

I know I am a little late as this story came out last month, but let me tell you I just loved the second one and I loved this one, too.  Miss Delamere writes so well and I always think the characters are brilliantly developed.  When I read, I personally don't like a lot of description because I am imagining the scene in my head anyway.  However, this author gives the perfect amount of description and really transports the reader into the story and the time.  I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book.  If you love Christian fiction, get this book.  It's fantastic. 

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House.  No review was required and all opinions were my own.  Thank you to Bethany House for this opportunity! 

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn

Hello all! 

Do you all remember the Christy series from awhile back? I have heard all about the books a lot of times, but  I will admit that I did not read them, but I know how popular they are.  This is the first book in a new series that features Christy all grown up.

Christy has a side appearance because this book is really about Emily and her new found friends Christy, Tess, Sierra, and Jennalyn.  Emily, her husband, Trevor and their daughter Audra have moved from the east coast to sunny California to start a new chapter in their life together. Emily and her small family used to live with Trevor and his family.  Trevor got an opportunity to take over a family member's car dealership and they jumped on the chance to start again and stand on their own. 

It proves to be more difficult that originally thought.  They struggle financially and with other issues.  I won't go into Emily's biggest struggle, but for her it is heartbreaking and hard for her to move on.  

Emily meets Jennalyn and is drawn into a small group of women who meet for some relaxation and good times but also to have some meaningful conversations about their lives and to build their faith in God.  

As the story went on I really started connecting with some of the struggles the women were facing.  Don't we all face something in our lives?  Sometimes,  it seems hard to move on from that dark place.  

Recently, I have found myself in several situations where I feel it's very hard to move on, but also in those times I feel the need to strengthen my faith as well and this is what these women are doing.  They are purposefully making choices to think, speak, feel and DO better all with the help of each other and their faith. 

I recommend this book.  It's a very good read of family, friends, the connection we make with others, struggle, and faith. It is also about the conscious choices we make in how we treat each other. You can make it out of that dark place with the right people and God.  

Book releases late May 2019.  Thank you so much to WaterBrook and Ms. Gunn. 

How Not To Die Alone by Richard Roper

Hello all!
Courtesy of Netgalley, I got to read this book and let me tell you! Well, wait. 

Set in the U.K., Andrew works for a government council that deals with people who pass away that seem to have nobody in their lives.  The council's job is to look around the person's home to see if they can find next of kin or some kind of funds to have a simple burial.  Sounds like a dreary job, but Andrew takes it to the next level. If the deceased seems to have nobody in their life, Andrew takes the time to attend the small church service offered. He feels that it is the least he could do. 

However, in the book, you know something bad has happened to Andrew, but we don't know what it is right away.  Andrew spends his days at work and lonely nights living in a drab apartment.  The only thing that keeps him going is his love for model trains and the online forum where he feels he can talk to his online "friends." Andrew also has a secret.  I am not giving anything away here, it's in the description of the book, but Andrew's loneliness has driven him to create a fake family for the sake of his co-workers.  

He weaves tales of his wife, Diane and two children.  He feels this is going along fine until the boss wants each employee to hold a dinner party at their respective homes. Well, I knew the secret was going to come out but couldn't wait to find out how. 

Also another wrench in the works is new hire at the job, Peggy.  Peggy is married (really she is!) with children and has her own issues.  Both Peggy and Andrew strike up a friendship that proves to be beneficial to both parties. 

I couldn't wait to find out how Andrew's secret was going to come out, how it would affect his very rigid constructed life and also how it would affect his real friendship with Peggy. The author did a phenomenal job with the development of these characters, from Andrew to Peggy to their horrible co-workers (ha!), they all seemed real to me.  

i found  this book very touching and it made me smile and even laugh in some parts. In all honesty, the way Andrew's friends rally around him in the hour of his need had me teary eyed. What a well rounded, thoughtful, engrossing story.  I think a lot of people will enjoy it. Thank you so much to Netgalley and to the publisher!

 Coming May 28, 2019!  

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels

Detroit, Michigan.  Elizabeth Balsam is a reporter aiming for her big scoop.  However, life has other plans.  A man who has pictures from the historic Detroit riots approaches Elizabeth saying he wants to get them back to the original owner, Nora.  Nora is actually Elizabeth's great aunt that she doesn't know. After Elizabeth's big story falls apart, she ventures out to the countryside to Nora's home and begins to learn about the past as well as her own history. But, in addition to THAT, the story goes back even further to Nora's ancestor, Mary Balsam who is struggling keeping her homestead going while her husband off fighting a war that eventually frees the slaves. So, really this is kind of three stories in one: Elizabeth's, Nora and William's and Mary and Nathaniel's. 

I can honestly say I was riveted by all three of these women's stories and thought the author really did an excellent job of tying them all together. Some of the descriptions of the riots and the times about the slavery were disturbing and some of the struggles with Mary and Nora were heartbreaking,  but in a way that made me think. 

This was a very different type of story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I am looking forward to the author's next book. 

The Woman I Was Before by Kerry Fisher

This was a very good story about Sally, Kate and Gisela and their families. They all live in a new development and life seems good. After all, it always is on Facebook and Instagram, right? Kate is holding onto a long time secret, Gisela is struggling with her family dynamics and Sally and her husband, Chris can't agree on major decisions in life. You would never know it from their social media posts. Actually in Kate's situation, her LACK of social media presence raises flags and as the story progressed, the reader is shown that she is hiding from something. 

The book was very creative in how it would describe Gisela's and Sally's photos on social media. It also shows how people try to show a happy,  perfect life online. It made me wonder is it because we feel we have to, or are we jealous of the other posts we see?  Next time you may feel bad about someone's perfect looking life, just remember things aren't always as they seem. Everyone has issues. 

I finished the book very quickly as I really wanted to know what was happening with each woman and how their respective situations would turn out. I thought the book was very well written and creative in the way it was told. However, I wish publishers would stop using the word "twist." I  get excited thinking something is going to jump out at me - something I didn't expect.  Did the women have secrets? Yep. Was it interesting? Absolutely. But, there was no "twist." 

I have read one of the author's other books and I enjoyed that a lot as well. In my opinion , she writes in a very engaging manner. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! I enjoyed it! Releases in March 2019!

The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor

WHAT THE WHAT!?! Okay, I'm sorry. Let me calm down (lol). I mean this in a good way, so bear with me. 

There is a book on my list of books I have read in this life that "scared" me and that was a book I read many, many years ago called Hellfire by John Saul. I remember reading that and glancing around me while reading as if something was going to jump out at me. 

Well, here is book number two on my list. I don't even know where to begin. First, I have to admit that this is usually not my typical genre, but I read Tudor's first book, The Chalk Man and really enjoyed that. So, I was excited to see she had another book coming out. Secondly, I enjoy a LOT of books but only a few stick with me. I have mentioned in my other blogs that when I read I am automatically imagining what I am reading. I've always done it. I don't do it on purpose, it just happens, and while reading this, I felt like I was "seeing" a well done horror movie. Also, once again, a few times, I glanced around the room in unease while reading. 

This story centers around the disappearance of Joe's sister Annie when they were young. The slogan on the book says, "The worst day of his life wasn't when his sister went missing. It was the day she came back." WELL, to me that didn't mean what I thought it was going to. Plus, the book is about a lot more. Childhood memories, regrets, secrets, addictions, trying to make amends and more! 

Come on, now! What more can you want in a book? It was a lot of fun being creeped out and also flipping pages to find out what in the world was happening. I highly recommend this read even if this isn't usually your thing. It usually isn't mine and I had a great time reading it. Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy. Get yours February 5, 2019! 

Thrive in Retirement by Eric Thurman

Let me start by saying I rarely, if ever read a non-fiction or self help book. However, I am glad I read this one. 

I am an "odd" retiree. Whereas most people retire in their 60's and 70's, I semi retired at 42. I worked for local government where there was a 20 year service retirement. It was not required to retire, but conditions were bad and I got out as soon as I could. Today I am 4 years into that retirement at 46 years old. I became an independent contractor and work part time. 

I was greatly surprised at some of the information in this book. There are a lot of things that I haven't even THOUGHT about. 

The author discusses how important staying active in retirement is. He mainly focuses on three P words: purpose, pleasure and peace. 

He also addresses finances, spiritual life, working later in life, the importance of maintaining relationships and finding what works for each individual person.  Then, he shows how to apply the three p words to each area. 

Even though it might be depressing, there is even important information about end of life preparations. There are even helpful links and documents in the book to use as a guideline on what needs to be done. 

This was a good read and written in a way that is easy to understand. I highly recommend it. It is full of information that people need to know. Thank you to WaterBrook for this opportunity. 

Bethlehem by Karen Kelly

Calling all historical fiction fans! You're going to love this one! Unfortunately, unless you have an advance copy, you're going to have to wait until July.  

This is a "time slip" novel, going back and forth between generations and their trials and tribulations. 

Joanna marries into the prestigious Parrish family and has problems adapting to her new opulent surroundings after having a more humble upbringing.  She spends most of her time with her two children, her mother in law, Susannah and husband's grandmother, Helen. Joanna's husband, Frank, spends endless hours working at Bethlehem Steel.

The story switches from Joanna's new life, to Susannah's history and her life with her brother, Kit, sister India and family friends Wyatt and Chap. Wyatt and Chap are from the Collier family. Their father, Charles, Sr., works closely with Susannah's father, Hollins and the two families are forever connected both in love and in tragedy. 

 While Joanna has issues living in grandeur, and at first believes she will never connect with her mother in law or her husband's grandmother, she learns that  sometimes the people who we relate to are the ones we least expect. And,  Susannah also finds that forging a relationship with Joanna might be her saving grace. 

I loved this story. For one reason, I like historical books, especially when there are things in there that interest me enough to do a little more research. For example, there is a reference to an old time band in the book and I found out they were, in fact, a real band back in the times of Susannah's youth. 

Also, (and bear with this personal tidbit) last year, I went to a concert at the Sands Resort in Bethlehem, PA. It is situated directly next to the now defunct Bethlehem Steel Plant, mentioned numerous times in this book. While there, I found looking at the plant fascinating, but also kind of sad. It's sad seeing such a once powerful factory closed. 

When I read, I automatically imagine what I am reading. This book made it really easy to do. Also, sometimes, when I am reading something I don't enjoy so much, I look at the remainder left and I am sometimes discouraged when I see so much left when I don't think there's all that much left to say. 

However, with this one, I was shocked when I would look down at the remainder of this one and was upset when I saw I was almost finished (lol)! I wanted this story to go on longer! 

This was one of my favorites in awhile! Thank you so much to the publisher for this opportunity.  I really enjoyed it and think it will do very well! 

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

I totally loved the authors' book The Wife Between Us, so I was thrilled to get an ARC from Netgalley. Jess sneaks into a psychological study and is befriended by the doctor giving the study, Dr. Lydia Shields. Dr. Shields makes Jess feel special and then "extends" the study for Jess' cooperation in other tasks for which she is paid handsomely. Jess has problems so this seems like a dream come true at just the right time. However, what cost will Jess have to pay the more she trusts Dr. Shields? And, who IS Dr. Shields, really? I wanted to read this automatically without even reading the description on Goodreads because I so enjoyed the authors' first book, I figured this would be just as good. However, I thought it lagged in some places and quite a few times, I found myself thinking, "Who would actually THINK like this?" I just found a lot of parts to be unbelievable and while The Wife Between Us, delivered a twist to me at least, I felt this one did not. Nothing really surprised me, even though I see people on Goodreads praising the twists and turns. I am actually giving it 2.5 stars because it did keep me interested enough to finish it pretty quickly, however, while this may not have been what I was hoping for, I would still recommend it because I think people will really enjoy it! Releases TODAY January 8, 2019!  Thank you very much, to the publisher and to NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Couple on Cedar Close by Anna-Lou Weatherley

Laurie and Robert are beautiful couple, but when they move to Cedar Close (which I believe is a dead end street in British speak), it is evident something is off with Laurie. 

The story opens with a neighborhood barbecue and Laurie finds out something that she didn't want to about her husband. The whole neighborhood is then privy to their fight and what has occurred. 

Three months later, Laurie is in a grocery store planning a dinner for Robert. However, later that same day, Robert is found brutally murdered in the house. Laurie has no recollection of what happened, but she is immediately the main suspect, especially when information about their volatile relationship surfaces.

Laurie's best friend, who lives across from her, jumps into action to help her friend and we're off and thrown into a story filled with lies, deceit, affairs, psychological abuse and pathological behavior.  I won't give too much away here. 

The detective in the case, Riley, is a good character and I learned while reading this, this is his second appearance in a book by this author. He's definitely one of the good guys and you want him to get a win that he is so desperately due for. 

My two cents: 
I was very excited to read this advance copy I requested from NetGalley. I thought it sounded like it had great promise. The story was well written, fast paced and I read it very quickly. Now, there were some aspects in backstories of certain characters that unsettled me, but to each their own. Also, while this was a crime/domestic abuse story, for me (and again this is just me) there really was no big mystery.  I just felt that it was made very obvious what was going on very early, when it seemed like that wasn't the author's original intention. 

This was an entertaining enough story and I appreciate the copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Releases January this year!