sarahsbookstack's Reviews (2.55k)

Though this book was good, it wasn't without its problems. The way some things were handled and the ending a bit too.... I'm not sure what I was supposed to believe by the end and it would make a good discussion book.

Natalie (Tully) and Rachel's father is marrying a women their age.... All while their mother suffers from dementia and is in a home.... Oh and still married to their father, Stephen!

I didn't like the whole Stephen/Heather relationship. It was based out of a horrible situation and I just don't know how some people are ok with it.

All characters have some secret they are hiding from all. The characters aren't always painted in the best light. 

I love Sally's books and I'll read anything she writes but this is probably my last favorite.

This book is truly dark as the title suggests!

TW: child porn/rape

Jane is a hard working lawyer and a woman hiding a dark past. She has VERY good reason to not divulge it. As someone who is always in the office hours earlier than everyone else, she stumbles upon one of the partners dead.
She is almost immediately cast as the murderer.

Jane's past is so tragic and it made me rage inside. Though it's fictional, this happens in the world and it disgusts, angers, and breaks my heart. I hate that everyone assumes certain things same get throughout the whole book and I'm get life all because of her looks 

This book truly shows that you don't always know what someone has gone through our is going through and that you should never make them feel like they don't deserve anything good.
 

Give me any type of school setting - high school, college, boarding and I'll love it!

This was set up so fantastically. You are always told if you are in the present or 10 years past and who is the speaker. This group of friends have so many issues to begin with and they don't always divulge them to the others. 

It was interesting in the present to see the lies, the shame, the loathing, etc from each of the friends and what they think of their friends.

Solid writing that leads to you trying to figure out "whodunit". I was sucked. I had someone else in mind. I didn't fully like the ending in relation to 2 of the characters but not enough that the ending would ruin the rest for me!

I loved Kamila! She is spunky and the life of the party. Sometimes a bit over the top but who isn't? 😂 But she is genuine, she speaks her mind even when it doesn't come out right.

Rohan 😍. I love his kind heart. He's a great friend to all. He may not always think before he speaks and it kind of gets him in trouble, especially with Kamila. But I also understand that he is loyal and won't betray trust people have in him.

I love the Bollywood theme nights that Kamila puts on. I love how much she loves dogs. She truly just wants the best for her friends. I like the growth that she had with Jana after so many years of misunderstandings from each other and the people in their lives. I like that she finally decides what she wants at the end and just pushes for it!

I really loved this book. So sweet and idyllic.

I understand the reasons that Lucy wants to go sell this bookshop she inherited to help save her family's business, but I love how it all worked out in the end.

The town of Wakeby and (most) of its residents are like a sweet dream. I love that they help Lucy grow even before she realizes it. I love the friendships made for Lucy on the little village. I love the bishop and can see it in my mind asi read able it. It's just a perfect place.

This book can be a bit confusing as there are 3 storylines and you may not see how they fit together. Plus, they aren't told in sequence so you have to piece it today as it finally comes out what happens in the end.

I didn't quite like any of the characters. It was just an ok read for me. It's very descriptive and I found myself a lot just looking at the dialogue while barely skimming the other stuff. 

I loved this second book in The Gents series.
The Gents are so fun and so admirable.

Kes "Grumpy Uncle" is a character I can relate to. He's seen as grumpy and standoffish, but he's really just introverted. He enjoys the company of others but still needs time by himself when things get overwhelming. 

Violet is a breath of fresh air for him. She has a secret that only her family knows but when she brings Kes into knowing it, he's so sweet and understanding about it. Since he's such an analytical mind, I'm so happy she confides in him. 

I love that they became friends so deeply first before falling in love but felt bad when one knows it so fast and the other is conflicted in what they feel. 

I don't read much middle grade but this was nice for what it was.

Kitty is only almost turning 11 when she loses her mother. Not long after her funeral, her dad announces they will move to New York for 6 months for his job. Kitty has to leave her friends and go to a school with boys. Plus leave get therapist that is really helping her in her grief.

This book doesn't go very deep but it could have. I guess I just wanted a little bit more. I wanted Kitty to really fight for what she wants. I felt she just kind of did what she had to do because of her age. 

This book was full of creepy/snowy atmosphere they chilled me to the bone!

First off- I have to say that this is the first book I have read of a person having this medical condition, prosopagnosia or facial blindness. I thought this lent to the creepy vibe of the book. Because the MC Eleanor has this and she witnesses her grandmother's killer running past her after the fact but can't identify this person.

Then Eleanor is contacted by her grandmother's lawyer that she has inherited a house that's she never heard of. A house with so many secrets.

It seems to be a big thing lately with a dilapidated place in a snowy wintery time/place but I love it. So full of terrific ambiance that makes you shiver and a very quick read.