Cute little bonus story at the end of wild river #4!

I'm giving this book a 2.5 and rounding up to 3 for the sake of Goodreads.

***Warning: harsh review ahead..........***

If I didn't have to read this for an assignment I would have DNF'D THIS BOOK SO HARD.

First of all, the style of this book..... Why are there no quotation marks? That's not even a style choice, it's just annoying AF for the reader! I couldn't even make it to chapter 2. I used an audible credit to get the audiobook so I could at least listen to the story without being stressed by the horrendous "stylistic" choice.

Secondly, why is this book labeled as a thriller? A mystery? WHERE? I am so confused at why anyone would categorize this as such. Yes, there are murders that take place in this book. And YES, they are unsolved. That is the extent of the mystery. It sure as hell was not thrilling by any means. This book read more as a boring historical fiction.

Third point: these characters are all so unlikable. George Clare is a repugnant man who makes terrible choices and hurts everyone he encounters one way or another. Catherine Clare is a wimpy pushover who can't stand up for herself. I understand this book was set in the 1970's and I'm sure there weren't as many resources out there to help single mothers. But oh my god George put up so many red flags!! Catherine was just trying to be a good mom but UGH I just wanted to shake her and tell her to get out! Franny was a little spot of joy throughout this story. I loved how it went full circle and she got to revisit the farmhouse as an adult.

Fourth and last point: why was there even a mention of ghosts in this book? There are so many amazing paranormal books out there, that this one just really fell flat. I'm not even an author and I kept imagining better scenarios than what I was reading. Other than a chill in the room and one instance that seemed like Ella was there with Catherine.... I see no reason why there was any indication that this is a ghost story. There was no Ghost-Ella out there helping Catherine, just a weird vibe in the house.

I feel the need to apologize after writing such a scathing review but honestly, this book was so odd and mundane. I'm not sure why I'm so bothered by it.

This book was so well done! The stories were outrageous and unbelievable. Some of them made me so frustrated. But the entire time, I couldn't help but appreciate Amber's sense of humor and delivery of these hard to swallow stories. Calling racists turds or raggedy really added some extra sparkle to this book.

I really enjoyed the audiobook, and I can tell Amber and Lacey would be such a hoot to hang out with. They are both amazing storytellers! Love love loved this book!

Wow! I could not put this book down. I read it in less than 24 hours!!!! It was such a whirlwind I just could not fathom what would happen next!!! This book was creepy, suspenseful and full of mystery.

Bravo!!

This book was pretty boring until about halfway. As a nonreligious person I found it hard to pay attention and connect with this story. There was excitement and mystery towards the end that made it worth it.

I read this for the 52 Book Club's Reading Challenge 2021 prompt: winner of the national book award (any year)

I have no idea why this book was written. I didn't connect to any of the characters. I couldn't follow the plot and overall I would have DNF'D if it hadn't fit a prompt I needed to fill. If you asked me to summarize this book for you, seconds after finishing it, I wouldn't be able to. Very meandering story.

Not my favorite Sager novel..... I can't quite put my finger on it, but I just didn't love this one. Unreliable narrator, dual timelines. The ending was good. That's about it.

This book was fineeeeeee. It's very well written. I just think maybe it's not my thing.

Read for 52 Book Club's Reading Challenge prompt: Set before the 17th century

Eve and Jacob are so dang charming!!! I loved their story, I loved the setting being a B&B, and I loved the dialogue in this book!

This book was a breath of fresh air and I'm so glad the series ended on a high note! The Brown sisters were all so witty and charming, I can't decide who I like the most!!

Thank you Talia Hibbert for writing books with regular people! With plus sized people, different ethnicities, neurodiversity, and different illnesses/walks of life. Absolutely adore your writing!!

I really enjoyed this one! Evie and Caleb had a great relationship as friends and it was delight to read as it turned into more. I can't imagine being as school smart as them