Roses of May by Dot Hutchinson
I was hoping for this sequel to be a continuation of The Butterfly Garden, and it really wasn't. Inara and Bliss did make several appearances, but they weren't the main characters. I did think the plot was interesting, just not quite as good as the first story. It took me quite a bit longer than usual to get into the book. I will be definitely be finishing the trilogy, though, when the last book comes out!
Until I Met Her by Natalie Barelli
(c/o NetGalley)
Most of this book felt more like a drama than a thriller to me, but it was still good. I didn't really like Emma or Beatrice (or any of the minor characters), which would normally ruin the book for me, but it actually made for an interesting read. My only complaint is I didn't know there would be a sequel until I finished reading it (it still doesn't say it on GoodReads). I like to be prepared for that, so I don't wonder why all the loose ends aren't tied up. That said, even though I will read the sequel, I do think this book works as a stand-alone novel.
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
(c/o NetGalley)
This book was a little hot and cold for me. There were several places where it felt like it dragged, but overall, it was an interesting read. I was hoping for a bit of a stronger ending, but I don't regret reading it.
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
(c/o NetGalley)
This was a quick, interesting historical fiction centered around Andrew Carnegie and his mother's maid. Although the maid is a fictional character, the book was still a good way to learn more about Andrew Carnegie.
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
(c/o NetGalley)
I enjoyed this book of identical twins who have spent years not speaking to each other. It was a little slower than I expected at times, but it did pick up and turned out to be a good read at the end.
Next of Kin by James Tucker
(c/o NetGalley)
I was surprised by how much I liked this book! It was a fast-paced thriller that kept me guessing. You really feel for Ben, who loses his whole family in one night and is then hunted by the killer. This was a great first novel, and I am interested in reading more books in this new detective series!
When We Were Worthy by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
(c/o NetGalley)
This was a beautiful, powerful read of the aftermath of a car accident that left three high school cheerleaders from a small town dead. It rotates between four characters-one of the girls's moms, the mother of the son also involved in the accident, a cheerleader who should have been in the car, and a teacher. Though the story is heartbreaking, it also focuses on the craziness of the rumor mill in a small town. This is my second Marybeth Mayhew Whalen book, and I'll definitely be reading more!
Favorite reads in September: Carnegie's Maid, Next of Kin, and When We Were Worthy
I'm definitely adding When We Were Worthy and Next of Kin to my list! They both sound like great books. I just recently got Anatomy of a Scandal from Netgalley, so I'll make sure to remember that it's a little slow at times. I'm glad that Chris is on the mend and that you and the baby didn't catch what we had! It's the worst getting sick!
ReplyDeleteWhen we were Worthy sounds like a book I'd totally pick up.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear Chris is feeling better and you managed not to get sick. I haven't really read very much the past few months but I have When We Were Worthy on my iPad, so reading your review makes me excited to pick it up at some point. Carnegie's Maid isn't something I'd typically go for, but something about it is drawing me in!
ReplyDeleteOoooh I need to add Carnegie's Maid to my list! So sorry Chris was sick, but so glad you didn't catch it! Hope he continues to feel better <3
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Chris but thankful you and the baby didn't get affected. Doesn't sound like a fun sickness to have. 78 books for the year is impressive and I'm intrigued with a couple on your list since I haven't read any of them. xo Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis
ReplyDeleteOh no! Poor Chris! That is absolutely awful! When We Were Worthy sounds really interesting! Adding it to my list. The Identicals is already on there!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you and the baby didn't get sick! I really enjoyed Roses of May, actually a bit more than I liked Butterfly Garden, even though Garden is the better book. The Girl Power of Roses of May got me through a down time so I reread bits of it whenever I need the lift. :D You made me break my new rule to not request any new netgalley books since I just requested Next of Kin. I can't help myself. I'm a sucker for a good thriller!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of When We Were Worthy right now. It's much better than I thought it would be and also better than the other book by this author that I read last year.
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to read some Marybeth Mayhew Whalen books someday - have heard nothing but good things! Sorry to hear Chris was so sick but happy to hear that you seem to have dodged it!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's good you avoided getting sick. That's just the worst! I haven't heard of Next of Kin but I think I should go check it out. It seems like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
oh my gosh, poor Chris! hope he is better now and hope you and the baby are safe from it. i was so excited when i requested the roses of may but i've heard not great things so i keep putting it off. didn't know there would be a third. i've never read a book by Elin Hilderbrand but i have a bunch on my list. i'll add that one too. Next of Kin sounds terrifying, adding it. i think i requested When We Were Worthy from netgalley, or it is on my TBR. i really enjoyed her other book i read.
ReplyDeletethink I have some of these already in my TBR but I'll be adding some more. Next of Kin and When We were Worthy both sound good to me.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same about The Roses of May but will definitely finish out the trilogy.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check out When We Were Worthy.
Next of Kin sounds like my kind of read. Love a good suspense book. I also added When We Were Worthy to my to read list.
ReplyDeleteWe were Worthy sounds really interesting!! I'm adding it to my list!
ReplyDeleteWhen We Were Worthy sounds so good! Adding it to my Goodreads list now!
ReplyDeleteGlad you didn't get sick. Being sick while pregnant is miserable!
I'm interested in The Roses of May but if it were a continuation of the first one, I'd be more interested. I added Next of Kin to my list!
ReplyDeleteNext of Kin seems like a book I'd enjoy
ReplyDeleteOoh... When We Were Worthy has me most definitely intrigued.
ReplyDeletePS Glad you were able to fend off the virus!
Ooh, several of these sound intriguing!
ReplyDeleteI need to start reading more thrillers by male authors LOL! I felt the same way about the Identicals and I'm glad your husband is feeling better! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteNext of Kin sounds really interesting. I've heard great things about When We Were Worthy. Adding it to my Goodreads right now!
ReplyDeleteGlad you have been enjoying your reads, and glad that Chris is on the mend and you guys did not get his icky cold! :) Focusing on quality over quantity can be hard sometimes, but when you're in that mindset ... run with it! Enjoy it! :) XO - Alexandra
ReplyDeleteSimply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
When We Were Worthy sounds super interesting. Since I'm from a small (football) town books like that always make my ears perk up. I'm definitely adding Carnegie's Maid to my TBR list! I can't wait to read that; it sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI am SO out of touch. How did I miss the announcement that you were having a baby boy?!?! Hearty congratulations to you and Chris. Sending you love from afar.
ReplyDeleteAdded When We Were Worthy
The Identicals is on my list (has been for a while). I haven't read any Hilerbrand books. Hopefully I get to it next month for my read your shelves challenge.
ReplyDelete