I am always on the lookout for something new to read. I know there are many great books from the past that I have not visited; however, there is something exciting about being one of the first to read a newly-published novel. Here are five books I have read in the last several months. Hope you enjoy them!
1. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is historical fiction, set in Maine in the late 1700s. It is the story of midwife Martha Ballard, and it is based on her actual journals, which she kept over a 27-year span. These told of the lives and events in the town of Hallowell, which sits on the Kennebec River. It is here that the story begins, as the cold waters that have turned to ice entomb a man’s body in its cold embrace. Martha is called in to make observations about the cause of death, and it doesn’t take long for her to come to the conclusion that he has been hanged. But why, and by whom? The local doctor, new to town, has a differing opinion, and it is not long before the reader learns that he has his own reasons for calling it an accidental drowning. Tensions between the midwife and the physician deepen, just one of many conflicts that make this book a wonderful read. I give it my highest recommendation of FIVE STARS.
Read the full review of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon here.
2. The Vacation House by Jane Shemilt
The Vacation House by Jane Shemilt begins in 2003 Greece, where we are introduced to the have’s and the have nots. The wealthy family who owns the vacation house lives in London but comes to Paxos on occasion for a getaway. When something terrible happens during the vacation of 2003, both the workers and the owners flee, and the house is closed up. Julia, the owners’ 19-year-old daughter, was at the Greek home during this time, although she had no idea what had happened. Fast forward twenty years, and she is an accomplished woman trapped in a loveless marriage. She begins to see a therapist, who urges her to make subtle changes in her relationship with her husband, ones intended to help her take more control in their relationship. Julia follows the advice, but the results are not as she expected. The plot twists and turns, and we learn that, even decades after a crime, revenge can be had.
Read the full review of The Vacation House by Jane Shemilt here.
3. Meet the Benedettos by Katie Cotugno
Katie Cotugno’s Meet the Benedettos is a sometimes-silly and sometimes-serious romp through La-La-Land. The Benedetto family consists of a slightly-obtuse mother, a father recovering from a heart attack after a career as The Pizza King, and five daughters used to living in the lap of luxury. The trouble is, the reality show that had once funded their lifestyle has now been cancelled, and coping skills that might have helped deal with this blow were never taught. As their financial troubles deepen, each finds a different way to deal with their new circumstances. Spoiler: this story has a happy ending, as each Benedetto reaches deep inside and searches for the strength to overcome their difficulties and carry on. This is an easy, light-hearted story that shouldn’t be missed.
Read the full review of Meet the Benedettos by Katie Cotugno here.
4. The Exchange by John Grisham
John Grisham brings back one of his most beloved characters, Mitch McDeere, in his newest thriller, The Exchange. It’s set 15 years after The Firm, and Mitch is enjoying his quiet life as a lawyer in Manhattan and as husband to Abby. What begins as a complicated legal case involving the Libyan government quickly evolves into a kidnapping and the subsequent negotiations that threaten several governments around the world. The novel is fast-paced, and the twists and turns keep the pages turning. If you like a good books filled with international intrigue, don’t miss this one!
Read the full review of The Exchange by John Grisham here.
5. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston is a book filled with suspense, and I especially liked it because it grabs you from the first page. It is the story of a young woman living in a Southern town, at the beginning of a new relationship. However, all is not as it seems, and this is especially driven home when we realize that she is not going by her given name. When another woman of similar looks arrives and introduces herself using Evie‘s name, the plot thickens. The story keeps us hooked to the end, and it does not disappoint. I highly recommend this one.
Read the full review of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston here.
Thanks for reading this blog post.
What’s your favorites book? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment.
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