Images from Goodreads
[37] The Hand on the Wall (Truly Devious #3) by Maureen Johnson
YA Mystery, recommendation from Mica (review of of Truly Devious #1 is here and #2 is here)
Synopsis: In the final book in the series, Stevie works to determine if the three deaths on and near campus were accidents or intentional murders, and considers sharing that she’s solved the 1936 kidnapping/murder case. But while she’s pondering all that, there’s another accident on campus, and a blizzard is approaching so all the students are evacuated. Stevie and a few hide and stay behind, and she continues to work both cases.
Review: I enjoyed the third and final book more than the second one, yay! The pacing was right and it was a quick, easy read. I was glad to see things resolved, and mostly tied up at the end. This is the first mystery type book/series I’ve read, and they’re not my favorite genre, but I’d like to try another mystery some day.
Recommend? Yes, the entire series
[38] If You Must Know by Jamie Beck
Fiction / Family Life, Amazon First Reads June 2020 pick
Synopsis: Amanda Foster is a ruler follower and people pleaser, and her sister Erin Turner follows more of a “live in the moment and listen to your heart” lifestyle. They’ve never gotten along or trusted each other, but as they both deal with a lie that affects the entire family, their relationship must change.
Review: Ugh, I’m not sure how I feel about this book. I picked it as my Amazon First Reads pick for June because it was a family drama and I usually love that genre, but this book was heavy and the “drama” made me feel uncomfortable (and was somewhat hard to believe). The characters seemed childish, naive, and immature, and I hated the Mom character – especially how she treated Erin, whoa. I say all that, and yet, I yearned to see how it ended. Ha. It entertained me but made me feel blah, which is not what I’m looking for right now.
Recommend? Gah, no?
[39] This is Not How It Ends by Rochelle B. Weinstein
Fiction / Contemporary Women, saw advertised on Kindle Unlimited
Synopsis: Charlotte and Phillip’s relationship felt perfect when she was teaching in Kansas City – that kept her busy and fulfilled while Phillip traveled so much for work. But after Charlotte quits her job and they move to the Florida Keys and Phillip is gone just as much, she feels the distance more than ever before. A chance encounter with Ben, a single dad who is able to be there for her, makes Charlotte question what she really wants in a relationship.
Review: Ha, my synopsis makes this book sound like a love triangle, which it is, but it’s much more than that… that I don’t want to get in to so I don’t give it away. This book and the previous one both featured characters who had a parent leave them as a child (books 34-36 did too – what is up with this unintentional trend?), and in this book, a lot of Charlotte’s emotions and struggles come from that – shame, trust, knowing what you want in life, and whether it’s worth fighting for are all big themes. I found the sometimes flowery language a bit annoying, but overall liked the story, especially the parts in Kansas City in the beginning since I am familiar with the area (and the author apparently is too – her descriptions were so spot on!).
Recommend? Yes!
