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An engrossing family story full of secrets, love, grief, trauma and murder!
This family drama really captured my attention and had me feeling invested in the Brennan siblings. The story unfolds through various perspectives and I felt the transitions were fabulous. Each subsequent chapter picks up where the previous one left off, but from a new characters’s POV. It was such a great way to get more info and see things from the other character’s vantage point. It made it really easy to follow on audio too!
From the outside, the Brennan’s look like they have it all. But as we quickly to see, things are definitely not as picture perfect as they seem. This family has lots of secrets that they have kept from each other which has caused a rift. Thankfully, in crisis the siblings come together. I loved how everything had to fall apart, secrets had to become known and truths laid bare for them to strengthen and work their issues.
I genuinely loved this family. There were some heartbreaking moments but in the end this book shows how strong family bonds can be (including found family) and how messy life can get. It was about finding your way back to the ones you love, despite having lost your way. The authentic family feel, the love and warmth in this novel made me wish I could spend more time with the Brennans. I miss them already, in all their gloriously messy, imperfectness! Such a strong debut from Tracey Lange. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
This family drama really captured my attention and had me feeling invested in the Brennan siblings. The story unfolds through various perspectives and I felt the transitions were fabulous. Each subsequent chapter picks up where the previous one left off, but from a new characters’s POV. It was such a great way to get more info and see things from the other character’s vantage point. It made it really easy to follow on audio too!
From the outside, the Brennan’s look like they have it all. But as we quickly to see, things are definitely not as picture perfect as they seem. This family has lots of secrets that they have kept from each other which has caused a rift. Thankfully, in crisis the siblings come together. I loved how everything had to fall apart, secrets had to become known and truths laid bare for them to strengthen and work their issues.
I genuinely loved this family. There were some heartbreaking moments but in the end this book shows how strong family bonds can be (including found family) and how messy life can get. It was about finding your way back to the ones you love, despite having lost your way. The authentic family feel, the love and warmth in this novel made me wish I could spend more time with the Brennans. I miss them already, in all their gloriously messy, imperfectness! Such a strong debut from Tracey Lange. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
A slow burn suspense involving a claustrophobic town filled with secrets, debauchery and prejudice!
This town made me so angry - it was filled with bigotry and festering secrets. I was seriously wondering why any one would want to live in this town. It was like a cesspool of corruption, dirt and sleaze. Told in multiple POVs, we unravel what really happened to 17 year old Abigail after she goes missing during a party in the woods. Her best friend, Emma is determined to find out what happened to her. The investigation leads to her uncovering secret after secret in her community. The truths revealed were sad and heartbreaking at times.
I enjoyed the Now and Then timelines but the changes in viewpoints and time jumps were a bit chaotic and hard to keep straight at times. Still, I definitely enjoy when stories unfold like this - making me feel like I am part of the story, versus being told what happened. This was a haunting debut by Anna Bailey and I look forward to more from her in the future.
This town made me so angry - it was filled with bigotry and festering secrets. I was seriously wondering why any one would want to live in this town. It was like a cesspool of corruption, dirt and sleaze. Told in multiple POVs, we unravel what really happened to 17 year old Abigail after she goes missing during a party in the woods. Her best friend, Emma is determined to find out what happened to her. The investigation leads to her uncovering secret after secret in her community. The truths revealed were sad and heartbreaking at times.
I enjoyed the Now and Then timelines but the changes in viewpoints and time jumps were a bit chaotic and hard to keep straight at times. Still, I definitely enjoy when stories unfold like this - making me feel like I am part of the story, versus being told what happened. This was a haunting debut by Anna Bailey and I look forward to more from her in the future.
Blackout
Angie Thomas, Dhonielle Clayton, Ashley Woodfolk, Nic Stone, Nicola Yoon, Tiffany D. Jackson
Six interconnected romance stories about diverse teens written by beloved YA authors taking place during a NYC blackout in a summer heat wave.
I loved this collection of short stories - it was pure magic! I listed to this on audio and it was so well done! Highly recommend the audiobook.
I loved how we got to see these separate stories which were all written by some of my favorite YA authors (Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon) woven together by a common thread through Tiffany D. Jackson’s story, “The Long Walk,” which is divided into five separate parts and serves as an anchor for the other stories in the book.
Each story focuses on a different type of relationship—exes reuniting under surprising circumstances, two strangers meeting for the first time, best friends harboring a long time crush on each other, casual acquaintances realizing they want to be something more. Characters from each story connect to those in another, in some way. The format worked well to bridge these different short stories into one larger, cohesive picture.
I don't read short stories often but this one was definitely a winner for me. It was sweet, entertaining and written in collaboration by some amazing authors. Definitely recommend it to my fellow YA fans!
I loved this collection of short stories - it was pure magic! I listed to this on audio and it was so well done! Highly recommend the audiobook.
I loved how we got to see these separate stories which were all written by some of my favorite YA authors (Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon) woven together by a common thread through Tiffany D. Jackson’s story, “The Long Walk,” which is divided into five separate parts and serves as an anchor for the other stories in the book.
Each story focuses on a different type of relationship—exes reuniting under surprising circumstances, two strangers meeting for the first time, best friends harboring a long time crush on each other, casual acquaintances realizing they want to be something more. Characters from each story connect to those in another, in some way. The format worked well to bridge these different short stories into one larger, cohesive picture.
I don't read short stories often but this one was definitely a winner for me. It was sweet, entertaining and written in collaboration by some amazing authors. Definitely recommend it to my fellow YA fans!
4 stars for this tantalizing, indulgent mystery that was so much more addictive than watching a reality show or soap opera!
The Perfect Couple is set in Nantucket, amidst the no expense spared paradise of sand, sun, beautiful wealthy people, privilege, secrets, lies and of course murder. To say I could not resist this book would be an understatement. I literally had to force myself to put it down and I eagerly picked it up any chance I got.
Benji and Celeste are set to be married until the bride finds her best friend and maid-of-honor, Merritt's body floating in the water. What follows is the unraveling of so much juicy deceit and so many secrets that you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough. With so many characters and so many secrets you can't help but suspect everyone! Hilderbrand did an amazing job unfolding this whodunnit. I will admit that I had suspicions about what happened but I did not have all the logistics worked out. I was very satisfied with the ending and pleased that I did not have it all figured out.
This is by far my favorite Hilderbrand to date and one that will be difficult for her to beat in my mind!
The Perfect Couple is set in Nantucket, amidst the no expense spared paradise of sand, sun, beautiful wealthy people, privilege, secrets, lies and of course murder. To say I could not resist this book would be an understatement. I literally had to force myself to put it down and I eagerly picked it up any chance I got.
Benji and Celeste are set to be married until the bride finds her best friend and maid-of-honor, Merritt's body floating in the water. What follows is the unraveling of so much juicy deceit and so many secrets that you will not be able to turn the pages fast enough. With so many characters and so many secrets you can't help but suspect everyone! Hilderbrand did an amazing job unfolding this whodunnit. I will admit that I had suspicions about what happened but I did not have all the logistics worked out. I was very satisfied with the ending and pleased that I did not have it all figured out.
This is by far my favorite Hilderbrand to date and one that will be difficult for her to beat in my mind!
