🏚 An intensely powerful story of survival after life in a cult. 🔥

The story is woven into Before and After the events of the fire that ultimately lead to the death and rescue of various Holy Church of the Lord's Legion cult members. Events are slowly revealed by Moonbeam. She shares what she is able to speak aloud daily in therapy sessions so her story comes out a bit disjointed but the process is authentic and works well within the story.

Moonbeam is a survivor. During her years in the Lord's Legion her father dies, her mother is banished and she is promised to the cult leader as one of his many wives. The stories she shares about her life within the compound are horrific and involve neglect and abuse - sexual, physical and mental. Life within the cult was meant to cut each member down. Members were broken and brainwashed into blindly believing and following the teaching of the cult leader, Father John. It was especially heartbreaking to read about how the women and children were treated.

You can't help but feel intense admiration for Moonbeam. It's difficult to imagine a 17 year old girl having the strength and capacity to question her life and beliefs when she has been programmed to accept them without question since she was a toddler. Will Hill did an amazing job of sharing her inner struggles. Her inner dialogue was crucial to helping us understand how conflicted she was about her life and how much she grows with the help of therapy. Her therapy sessions afford us insight into the life of the cult, its members and of course its leader.

This story was inspired by the real events of David Koresh, the Branch Davidian and the Waco siege in 1993 which is what initially drew me to it. I have always been fascinated by cults. How people so fervently believe in its teaching that they give up their lives, families and worldly possessions. How these horrific men can be seen as Messianic leaders when they are really manipulators, taking advantage of people to satisfy their own desires and achieve their personal agendas. Hill does an amazing job weaving his fictional story with honesty and sensitivity. Moonbeam and her fellow survivors are vulnerable, honest and complicated. I was grateful for the ending. After reading about so much pain and loss, it felt right to close the book with a full and hopeful heart.

Thank you to Will Hill, Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.

4 Stars for Ari & Dante - a quick, easy read centered around the coming of age friendship of two mostly loner boys. Yet, it's also the kid of story you'll want to savor slowly.

I enjoyed Ari & Dante and their friendship. I allowed myself to become a third wheel of sorts as they forged the bonds of their friendship. Dante was so sweet, loving and honest (he was my favorite character hands down!). Ari always so angry and confused yet loyal and deep in his own way was a bit more complex. It was easy to see how they balanced and complimented each other. Saenz effortlessly brings us into their world, allowing the reader to witness their friendship grow, unfold & change over time.

One of my favorite things about the book was the boys' parents - I LOVED how honest and supportive they were. It was interesting to see how in touch they were with the boys, how invested they were in them and how much genuine love there was between everyone. It warmed my heart to see such strong, accepting family relationships.

This is definitely one of those books filled with characters that will remain nestled in my heart for a long time to come.

Well, that was an unexpectedly twisted, dark read!

I have quite a few of Browne's books on my kindle, gathering cyber dust, and for that I am now filled with regret. I opened this one up not even recalling what it was about and found myself immersed in a disturbing and twisted plot that had me shaking my head and furiously turning the pages.

Nicole and Rebecca are best friends. Time and distance have kept them from seeing each other for three years. Becky was not prepared for the devastating phone call she received from Nicole's new husband informing her that she had committed suicide. Becky simply can not believe that Nicole took her own life. Knowing there is more to what happened, Becky steps into the life Nicole left behind.

What follows is a captivating psychological suspense filled story of love, friendship, betrayal, lies, deceit and a friend who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. Be prepared for some disturbing moments, twisted relationships and a whole bunch of treachery! If you're like me - you'll enjoy the roller coaster ride of emotions.

Thank you Sheryl Browne, Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book to review.

3.5 Unexpected Stars for Hunting Annabelle

It's no secret I enjoy reading about psychotic killers and aggressive, unremorseful sociopaths. Thrillers are my jam! Hunting Annabelle had all of that, along with a damaged MC that you can't help but feel some sympathy for. Yikes, did I just admit I found a sociopath endearing? Yes, I did!

I was intrigued by the premise of the book. Sean Suh is a killer. He is fighting demons daily, trying not to kill again. Then he meets Annabelle. He falls hard - there is something about her that draws him in completely. Then Annabelle is kidnapped right before his eyes. No one believes she is in danger. It's up to him to save her.

At first, Sean's quest was interesting. As he uncovers more about Annabelle's past, we see that there is a lot more lurking under her shiny exterior and things aren't always what they seem. Things seemed to drag a bit though towards the middle. I wasn't surprised by the reveal as I felt things were neatly leading in that direction. It was a bit outlandish but then again - it's fiction. I can roll with it & I did for the most part. The implausible scenario surrounding the reveal actually helped make it a little more interesting. Things had become a little stale during Sean's quest to find Annabelle.

Still, the ending really pulled the book together for me. It was different and unexpected and I wholeheartedly approve! I can actually see another book coming from this duo and I'd definitely be curious to see what they get into.

Thank you Wendy Heard, Harlequin-Mira and Netgalley for the opportunity to review an arc of this thriller.

This is such a positive book for girls! I found it well thought out and perfectly executed for its target audience - tween girls. My girls (ages 13 & 12) really enjoyed the book - especially the quizzes! It had aspects that appealed to each of their tastes. My graphic novel lover liked the quirky illustrations and comics sprinkled throughout the book. It definitely helped keep her engaged while reading. My younger daughter loved taking the quizzes then quizzing her sister to see where their similarities and differences lied with their responses.

This book opened up some wonderful dialogue between my girls as sisters and led to some great mommy-daughter chats as well. I loved its message of empowerment. I wish I had something like this growing up. It offered insightful strategies and was very timely for girls of this generation. I appreciate that it included topics such as being aware of screen time and that all elusive "online perfection". I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this (or gift it) to all the tween girls I know and love.

4.5 Poignant, Emotional & Thought-Provoking Stars for Girl Made of Stars!

This book was beautifully written. Rape, abuse, and sexuality are not easy topics. Blake did an amazing job of telling this all too important story. It was told with hope, love and healing. It doesn't sugar coat life after abuse. Yet, it was powerful in its message that victims are worth the telling. That despite a culture that often places blame on the victim they are worth believing. That there are people who will listen. That they are not simply victims - they are survivors.

This is the story of Mara. Mara is such a complex character. There was simply no way I could not adore her. She was both broken and brave, scared and strong. Mara is struggling with trauma. A secret she has kept for years that is eating away at her. It causes panic attacks, PTSD and anxiety. The silence, shame and trauma she suffered were heart wrenching to read about.

Mara is a twin. Mara & Owen are as close as twins can be. That makes it all the more complex when one of her best friends, Hannah, accuses Owen of rape. Hannah and Owen were dating. They had been sexually intimate in the past. Hannah said no, in the heat of things. Owen didn't stop. What I truly appreciated was that Blake didn't sugar coat how difficult this was for Mara. She struggled with her belief. This was her brother. How this rape affected her family, her friendships and ultimately her own truth were written with such honesty and vulnerability that it made my heart ache.

"Some parts of me are gone. Some others have come alive, woken by the need to fight, to matter, to be heard. Some parts are wary, others angry, others heartbroken. But I'm still me. I'm still moving. We all are, in some way or another."

This is YA that transcends its label. It's a book that should be read, experienced and felt by all ages and genders.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi broke me while simultaneously filling my mind, soul and heart with vast emotions all at the same time.

This book deserves all the stars for the raw emotion it made me feel. Tahereh Mafi's voice was so honest - Shirin was funny, intelligent, clever and so angry. She was the perfect narrator. My heart bled for her. Shirin's pain was so real - I wanted to hug her fiercely. The story follows Shirin as her family moves to yet another new city. She deals with daily racism, hate and degrading comments from being a Muslim teen post 9/11. I adored her fierceness, her strength and her vulnerability. Tahereh wrote from her own personal experiences, creating a truly powerful and inspirational character in Shirin. I truly loved watching her grow throughout the book. Her self awakening was beautiful.

The romance between Ocean and Shirin was impossible not to get caught up in. Could he have been any more swoon worthy? He was the perfect complement to Shirin's fierceness. His innocence, tenderness and honesty were exactly what she needed to pierce through the armor she had built up around herself. Their relationship built up slowly and I was enthralled with every angsty moment of it. It made me feel like a love-sick teenager all over again. Their's was not an easy road to love - it was bumpy, heartbreaking and painful at times. Yet, it was wholeheartedly genuine, sweet and utterly undeniable.

To say this book was a roller coaster ride of emotion would be an understatement! I laughed, I cried, I gasped out loud and I definitely cringed at some of the racism and bigotry Shirin endured. Did I mention there was breakdancing?! There is and it was a wonderful, unexpected addition for this Bronx native! A Very Large Expanse of Sea was an emotional, beautifully written story - in short it's the kind of story you know you won't soon forget.

Fatal Promises takes place a few months after the tragic ending of Dying Truth. The team is in shambles, having been separated and dispatched to other units while Kim heals. Kim was cleared to return to work but she has not completely bounced back. She is in pain, weak and a bit off her game. Can the team pull it together amidst their shared grief and the unwelcome addition of a new team member to unravel their latest case?

Emotions run high in this installment to the series as the team deals with their emotions and grief. I particularly enjoyed Kim's interactions with Ted - a therapist with insight into her childhood. I love how Marsons peels back more of Kim's layers with each new book.

This book has two parallel storylines. While Kim and her team are investigating a surgeon's murder and subsequent linked crimes, Stacey is drawn to a missing girl investigation which is not all it seems. The mysteries were dark and disturbing but what I really enjoyed was how Marsons tackled this book with heart. The team displayed anger, denial and grief over the loss of one of their own. I found myself feeling much like they did over the loss - it was like a family stricken by the loss of a loved one. They know they have to move on but the journey is difficult and emotionally wrought.

Keep doing what you're doing Angela Marsons! This series continues to get better with each installment! Can't wait to see what you have in store for Kim, Bryant, Stacey and Penn next. Whatever it might be, one thing is for sure - I'll be along for the ride!

Thank you Angela Marsons, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an arc of this book.

3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for Jessica Barry's debut thriller, Freefall, a fast paced story of one woman's will to survive and her mother's determination to find her.

Allison Carpenter and her mother Maggie are estranged. When Maggie learns that her daughter's airplane has gone down and she is presumed dead, she finds herself unable to accept it. She needs answers. Why was Alison in a private plane? What has her life been like for the last 2 years?

The story chronicles both women's journey. Allison is struggling to stay alive and make her way home. She finds herself in harsh territory without supplies, battling both the weather and other sinister forces. Maggie must face her complicated relationship with her daughter if she wants to uncover her secrets and ultimately find out what happened to Allison.

The story was entertaining and fast paced. Flashbacks reveal crucial pieces of information that kept me turning the pages in anticipation. I needed to know where everything was going! For a debut Jessica Barry did a solid job. There were some holes but nothing that really detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story. Unfortunately, some of the twists were a bit too predictable for me which kept me from rating it higher. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with an underling theme of forgiveness that I appreciated within the mother-daughter relationship.

3.5 psychopathic stars for the continuation of the War of the Royals in Killman Creek.

I was really looking forward to Killman Creek . I thoroughly enjoyed Stillhouse Lake and welcomed a 2nd story between the Royals. I might be in the minority but after reading Killman Creek, I have to admit that I enjoyed Stillhouse Lake more.

I really like Gwen as a character and while this sequel was satisfying, it also fell just a little flat for me compared to its predecessor. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't want to give spoilers but the "evidence" that raised suspicion around Gwen's innocence just bothered me. I mean come on - everyone was just so quick to believe it - even her own children! My heart broke for her and her children. They were so conflicted. Admittedly, having a dad like Melvin Royal could screw up any child.

I definitely enjoyed Melvin Royals ability to continue to be so sinister! He is truly a psychopath and makes for quite a satisfying villain/serial killer for readers. I was proud of Gina not cowering in the face of him coming for her. The mind games in this book were seriously twisted.

I was satisfied with the ending and overall I enjoyed the book. I just really liked Stillhouse Lake better.