This is a weekly meme hosted by Wandering Words, where you give the first few lines of a book to hook your readers before introducing the book.
Here are my first lines:
“I placed my thumb and forefinger on the icy flesh, spreading it taut above the breastbone as Uncle had showed me.”
Do you recognize these first lines?
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And the book is… Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1) by Kerri Maniscalco.
Goodreads synopsis:
Presented by James Patterson’s new children’s imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion…
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord’s daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father’s wishes and society’s expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle’s laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story’s shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
Have you read Stalking Jack the Ripper? What did you think of it?
Title: Christmas at the Second Chance Chocolate Shop (Rabbits Leap #3) Author: Kellie Hailes Genre: Romance Publisher: HQ Digital Source: Publisher via NetGalley Format: Ebook Release Date: November 5, 2017 Rating: ★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
’Tis the season for second chances…
Serena Hunter loves her new life in the sleepy Devonshire countryside! It’s a world away from her crazy past as the wife of American bad boy rock star, Ritchie Dangerfield.
Now she spends her days making delicious chocolate using milk from the local dairy and she finally feels that everything is back on track. That is, until her handsome ex-husband arrives in the village to win her back…
Away from the limelight, Serena gets to know Ritchie all over again and realises that maybe a second chance at love is the Christmas miracle she’d been dreaming of all along?
A perfectly festive read to curl up with this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Caroline Roberts, Cathy Bramley and Heidi Swain.
Review:
Serena Hunter has left her rockstar husband in Malibu and returned to her hometown of Rabbit’s Leap in England. She’s set up a chocolate shop, which she is proud to call her own. However, her husband, Richie, tracks her down and shows up at her door. She’s ready to celebrate Christmas at home with her parents for the first time in years, but now these plans have to change. His sudden appearance throws her off and she has to figure out if he will fit into her new life.
This was a unique holiday romance. I can’t think of any others that I’ve read where a couple has broken up and the husband tries to reconcile throughout the book. Serena and Richie’s relationship was a little awkward, because she was adamant about not being with him anymore, yet he didn’t know why she left.
I didn’t connect with the characters in this story. They all seemed to make decisions without a reason behind them, and then insist on sticking with it. For example, Serena was set on staying away from Richie, and her mom didn’t approve of Serena’s new business, even though she was glad to have her back home. I found their feelings a little confusing, so I couldn’t connect with the characters.
Even though I had some issues with this story, it definitely left me craving chocolate!
Thank you HQ Digital for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What to read next:
The Little Unicorn Gift Shop by Kellie Hailes
Other books in the series:
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises
The Big Little Festival
The Little Unicorn Gift Shop
The Little Bookshop at Herring Cove
The Little Bakery of Hopes and Dreams
Have you read Christmas at the Second Chance Chocolate Shop? What did you think of it?
TBR Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads, where you post a title from your shelf or e-reader and find out what others think about it.
My pick this week is The Silence of Bones by June Hur.
Goodreads Synopsis:
I have a mouth, but I mustn’t speak; Ears, but I mustn’t hear; Eyes, but I mustn’t see.
1800, Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned sixteen-year-old Seol is living out the ancient curse: “May you live in interesting times.” Indentured to the police bureau, she’s been tasked with assisting a well-respected young inspector with the investigation into the politically charged murder of a noblewoman.
As they delve deeper into the dead woman’s secrets, Seol forms an unlikely bond of friendship with the inspector. But her loyalty is tested when he becomes the prime suspect, and Seol may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.
But in a land where silence and obedience are valued above all else, curiosity can be deadly.
June Hur’s elegant and haunting debut The Silence of Bones is a bloody tale perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Renée Ahdieh.
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
Title: Alex and Eliza (Alex and Eliza #1) Author: Melissa de la Cruz Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers Source: Purchased Format: Hardcover Release Date: April 11, 2017 Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Their romance shaped a nation. The rest was history.
1777. Albany, New York.
As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.
Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.
Review:
Eliza Schuyler is descended from one of the most important families of the American revolution. Her and her sisters are some of the most eligible young ladies at their family’s grand ball. However, when her father receives bad news, Eliza and her sisters are placed in a dire situation. Alexander Hamilton is the mysterious assistant to George Washington. Eliza is excited to meet him at the ball, but after Alex delivers the bad news to her father, she never wants to see him again. A misunderstood note leads Alex to Eliza, and begins their famous love story.
I don’t know much about Alexander Hamilton or his wife Eliza, so I was excited to read this story to learn more about them. This was an adorable love story. It was had an “enemies to lovers” type of romance, since Eliza didn’t like Alex after finding out that he delivered the bad news to her father but then eventually fell for him. That’s one of my favourite romance tropes.
Though this was a historical story, the historical descriptions weren’t heavy. The writing style emulated that time period, but was easy to read for a modern audience. Alex and Eliza were in the midst of the Revolutionary War, but that didn’t overpower their story. It was an important part of their lives, but they were able to explore their romance as well.
This was a beautiful historical romance!
What to read next:
Love and War by Melissa de la Cruz
Jo and Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
Other books in the series:
Love and War
All for One
Have you read Alex and Eliza? What did you think of it?
This is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. In this post we highlight a book that’s highly anticipated.
The book that I’m waiting on this Wednesday is You Have a Match by Emma Lord. The expected publication date is January 12, 2021.
Goodreads Synopsis:
From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord’s You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…
When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.
But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.
When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents—especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.
The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby’s growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.
But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.
Title: An Alaskan Christmas (Wild River #1) Author: Jennifer Snow Genre: Romance Publisher: Harlequin Source: Publisher via NetGalley Format: Ebook Release Date: September 24, 2019 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
In Alaska, it’s always a white Christmas—but the sparks flying between two reunited friends could turn it red-hot…
If there’s one gift Erika Sheraton does not want for Christmas, it’s a vacation. Ordered to take time off, the workaholic surgeon reluctantly trades in her scrubs for a ski suit and heads to Wild River, Alaska. Her friend Cassie owns a tour company that offers adventures to fit every visitor. But nothing compares to the adrenaline rush Erika feels on being reunited with Cassie’s brother, Reed Reynolds.
Gone is the buttoned-up girl Reed remembers. His sister’s best friend has blossomed into a strong, skilled, confident woman. She’s exactly what his search-and-rescue team needs—and everything he didn’t know he craved. The gulf between his life in Wild River and her big-city career is wide. But it’s no match for a desire powerful enough to melt two stubborn hearts…
Review:
Erika Sheraton is a head surgeon who has never had a vacation. After some complaints at work, she’s sent on a two week vacation. She goes back to her hometown of Wild River to see her childhood best friend, Cassie. Cassie’s brother, Reed Reynolds, works as part of the search and rescue team for the mountains around Wild River. He’s surprised to see Erika has grown into a beautiful woman, but she seems like too much of a snob for him. Eventually they have to give in to the chemistry between them, but they have to wonder what will happen when Erika’s vacation ends.
Before reading this book, I didn’t know anything about search and rescue operations in Alaska. I’ve never been interested in outdoor sports and I’ve never been skiing before. I loved the intensity that this added to the story. There were some serious life and death situations that were scary to read about and imagine. I learned a lot from this story.
The romance was steamy right from the beginning. It started soon after the main characters met, so there wasn’t any waiting for the romance. The stakes were high for Erika and Reed, because they had issues with their parents that they were working through as well. I loved the romance between Erika and Reed.
This is a steamy holiday romance!
Thank you Harlequin for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What to read next:
Under an Alaskan Sky (Wild River #2) by Jennifer Snow
A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan
Other books in the series:
Under an Alaskan Sky
A Sweet Alaskan Fall
Have you read An Alaskan Christmas? What did you think of it?
Title: The Sea Gate Author: Jane Johnson Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada Source: Publisher Format: Paperback arc Release Date: November 17, 2020 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
A broken family, a house of secrets—an entrancing tale of love and courage set during the Second World War.
After Rebecca’s mother dies, she must sort through her empty flat and come to terms with her loss. As she goes through her mother’s mail, she finds a handwritten envelope. In it is a letter that will change her life forever.
Olivia, her mother’s elderly cousin, needs help to save her beloved home. Rebecca immediately goes to visit Olivia in Cornwall only to find a house full of secrets—treasures in the attic and a mysterious tunnel leading from the cellar to the sea, and Olivia, nowhere to be found.
As it turns out, the old woman is stuck in hospital with no hope of being discharged until her house is made habitable again. Rebecca sets to work restoring the home to its former glory, but as she peels back the layers of paint and grime, she uncovers even more buried secrets—secrets from a time when the Second World War was raging, when Olivia was a young woman, and when both romance and danger lurked around every corner…
A sweeping and utterly spellbinding tale of a young woman’s courage in the face of war and the lengths to which she’ll go to protect those she loves against the most unexpected of enemies.
Review:
After Rebecca’s mother dies suddenly, she finds letters from her mother’s elderly cousin, Olivia. Olivia needs help renovating her home so she can move back in after breaking her leg. While Rebecca is fixing Olivia’s home, she finds some mysterious things, including a human finger bone, which makes her curious about her cousin. When Olivia was a young woman during WWII, she fell in love and had to make some tough decisions. Rebecca slowly uncovers Olivia’s past as she fixes up her house.
This was such a powerful story about love and loss. The story opened with Rebecca losing her mother suddenly, but she discovered her distant relative, Olivia. Olivia suffered some tragic losses during the war, but she also found love.
Olivia was treated horribly during the war and later in life. She was left with strangers after her father went to fight and her mother went to London. When she saw injustices happen, she tried to fight them but wasn’t believed and earned a negative reputation. This carried on throughout her life. It was so disappointing to see a young woman treated this way, just because she was a woman.
There was some possibly triggering content in this story. There was a rape, assaults, and murder. These scenes were brief, but could be triggering to some readers.
I loved this story. I couldn’t put it down! This is a beautiful and powerful historical story.
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What to read next:
The Forgotten Home Child by Genevieve Graham
The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore
Have you read The Sea Gate? What did you think of it?
This blog meme is hosted by Book Date. It is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile!
What I just finished:
This weekend I finished The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson.
What I’m currently reading:
I’m currently reading An Alaskan Christmas by Jennifer Snow.
What I’m reading next:
Next I will be reading Christmas at the Second Chance Chocolate Shop by Kellie Hailes.
What are you guys reading this week? Have you read any of these books?
Jill's Book Blog 