Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

When you're in school, you learn about brave people that did unique things.  Sometimes when you become an adult you learn bad things about those same people.  Poor Amelia Earhart, experts think she may have landed on a deserted island, one that has crabs that eat you...literally.  How terrifying is that? That feeling of being on an island bothers me.  Now I don't mean areas like parts of the Outer Banks of NC.  Some parts of OBX are actual islands, but they are connected by bridges.  What about when the bridges wash out in a hurricane or worse yet, an island out in the middle of the ocean where a bridge to mainland is a faraway dream.  Now that is the stuff of nightmares.   Who knows what could happen there.

I recently read Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins.  Rachel also wrote The Wife Upstairs, which I enjoyed, and The Ex Hex under that name Erin Sterling, also fun.  Reckless Girls is about six people than end up on an adventure on a deserted island.  Meroe Island with its legends of murder, mystery, shipwrecks and cannibalism, sits out in the Pacific...all alone...surrounded by nothing but water.  When things start to go awry with the six new friends there is no one to call for help, no authorities to turn to.  When secrets are discovered and mistakes made, they can't be buried by the busyness of life.  It's an island, there is no "busy".  And when you discover people are truly evil...there is no escape. 

This book was an interesting read.  It's like when you are reading about someone underwater, and you find yourself holding your breath.  In this case, reading about people on an island makes me want to stay away from the water forever. While I found some of the characters a bit gullible initially, I found them surprising when the mayhem began. Some of their actions were predictable and others a great twist. Totally fun yet creepy, this story will leave you unwilling to get closer to the water than the freezer section at the grocery store to buy your kids fish sticks.  

If you have a devilish sense of humor, this would make a great gift for your friend to take on their cruise.

All I Want by Darcey Bell

Hello everyone.  I hope you're safe and warm.

So today, ladies and gents I want to talk to you about a horror story.  A truly scary topic, you may want your children to leave the room.  Ready, wait, are you seated?  Okay.., house prices.  Oh yes, I dared, I "went there".  Now that I have it out in the open, I feel so much better.  House prices in the United States have gone absolutely berserk!  Now, for selling my house, I, of course, welcome a high house price.  But how dare other house sellers want me to pay ridiculous prices for what amounts to a two-car garage.  Not even living over the "gay-raage" Sabrina style.  I'm talking almost $800,000 for less than 2,000 square feet, in some cases just two bedrooms.  And you house lovers please enlighten me about the current trend of NO DINING ROOM?  What numskull thought that was a good idea?  Don't people know I've got my grandparents china that is begging to be used.  No matter how you dress it up, fine, heirloom china and silver just doesn't work when you're eating in the kitchen, where dirty dishes abound, and the ice maker rumbles...there is no decorum.  Our old house days are done (after our current), but a Victorian house always has a stunning dining room.  Yup, they sure could make 'em back then and for less than a gazillion dollars too.

I recently read All I Want by Darcey Bell.  She is the author of A Simple Favor, which I read and enjoyed.  This time the story is about Emma and Ben.  They live in NYC, where Ben produces Broadway shows and Emma is pregnant with their first child.  Ben finds a great house at a cheap price (picture me rolling my eyes with jealousy).  The house is an old elaborate Victorian in the Catskills, it has a sorted past due to its large size.  Ben and the realtor convince Emma that this would be a great place to raise their child.  The purchase is made, a restoration contractor is hired.  Everything seems to be going as planned until Ben starts spending more time on his new show in the city and odd things start happening to Emma, now alone at their mansion.

This quick hit book of just over two hundred and fifty pages, is fun.  While it doesn't feature things jumping out at you, it definitely has the reader waiting for what's around each corner.  I thought I had it figured out, but on the very last page there is another twist and I discover I was wrong. I love when the author fools me.

If you want Shakespeare or a slasher movie....I mean book...this isn't for you.  If you want a quick hit of spooky, gotcha fun, this fits the bill.  Just the thing to keep you occupied during that next snowstorm.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Hello everyone.  I hope you enjoyed some nice holiday time.

I often tease my family here...hey, who wouldn't?  Especially if you met them, believe me, there is a lot to joke.  In fact, when we were at our first appointment for premarital counseling all those years ago, the minister asked what hubby and I saw as one of our major issues.  I said, "He thinks he's funnier."  My husband jumped in insisting that, in fact, he was the more humorous between us.  We had a lighthearted argument about it in front of the woman to marry us.  After that session she pronounced us ready to wed, even telling my mother we "would be fine" for the future. That was decades ago, and I don't know about us being "fine", but I will tell you that my husband still draws breath (for the time being), so I guess that is something.  

Seriously, my husband is a keeper.  He is strong but tender, unbelievably sweet yet equally annoying, he is way too smart when he wants to be.  Yep, he is one of the kind of men that I adore, those that are completely secure in their manhood.  They can go buy lipstick and lumber, carry heavy furniture one minute and cradle a tiny puppy the next. The kind of man that knows your pain or joy by just looking in your eyes.  I chose wisely.  Some do not.

I recently read The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.  This is the story of Caroline, whose marriage is crumbling.  She escapes to London for a break, while there Caroline discovers an old bottle from a centuries old apothecary.  Since she is interested in history, she becomes determined to find the source of the unusual glass relic.  This story is also told from back when the apothecary is still operating.  It holds many secrets, including that its mission is to sell poison for women to use against their deserving husbands.

This clever story is a joy to read.   It is hard to put down as betrayal and mystery abounds.   As the present day and past stories start to mirror each other, you'll find yourself desperate to get to the finish, not wanting the storytelling to stop but to discover answers.  The end, both surprising and satisfying, left me wanting more. This sweeping tale is a pleasure and not to be missed.

How about The Lost Tavern next?  No, no, The Lost Bookstore!

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

Hello everyone. I hope you are enjoying your day.

I try and stay light-hearted here.  Reading books and writing an often too long paragraph about some family thing that somehow ties into the story, isn't really rocket science.  Let's call it what is...a self-indulgent way to justify buying more books. Yes, I know you're shocked that I admit it but hey it's working for me. Today, though, I want to be a bit more serious for a minute.  It's the holidays and lots of people are by themselves, more because of the pandemic.  Please know that you are not alone.  For us, illness counts are climbing rapidly in our state, so we are hanging out at home.  I haven't been able to see my family in person for years. That's okay if it keeps everyone safe, that is what is important.  We haven't even put up any decorations yet.  We usually have SIX Christmas trees and a house full of people but not now.  It's hard to get in the spirit of things when the world is upside down.  Heck, the roast we usually serve now costs almost two hundred dollars.  So, if you're sitting in an apartment somewhere, maybe sad, please know that you are not alone.  Even though I am married things aren't the same.  The news may show crowded airports and large family gathering, but many of us are not willing to take that chance.  Again, you aren't alone.  If you're feeling down, maybe you don't have to do the whole holiday "thing" but have a cup of hot chocolate and watch a seasonal favorite, for me it would be Charlie Brown Christmas, even though it makes me think of my mom and I cry every time.  Or perhaps a good old movie, like Gaslight.  Yes, it's not just a political term but comes from a real movie.  I annoy hubby by imitating Claude Raines saying "Oh Paula" with my fake French accent for days after seeing it.  Or here is a "novel" idea, you could read that book you've always wanted to get to but keep putting off.  Get it...novel idea?  

I recently read The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox.  This is the story of twins (yes, again) who are each a cooking wiz.  Charlie bakes and is a judge on a tv cooking competition show.  Sister Cass runs the family bakery back home.  While taking a break from filming Charlie is hit on the head when a rack of pans falls over.  Her concussion causes her to lose her sense of taste and smell.  How can she continue her job like that?  She can't, so the twins switch places. Of course, they don't tell anyone.  Not only do they each have trouble blending into their new temporary lives, but each meets a man that seems to be their perfect match.  Now what?  

This is a cute, quick hit, Christmas romance.  It's easy reading that is an absolute requirement if you are a baker or lover to cooking competition shows, it mentions some by name.  In addition, there is holiday cheer aplenty with small town quaintness and lots of snow.  My only suggestion, don't read on an empty stomach.

The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle

Hello everyone.  I hope you're doing well.

When I was little, really little, like two years old, I remember my parents telling me that there were going to be siblings.  Doctors first told my mother she was having twins, so my parents purchased two of everything they would need.  Along comes delivery and surprise...there is a third baby.  It was completely natural and an oddity in those days.  (Please insert a sarcastic statement about my sisters being odd here, I'm trying to be nice, so Santa won't bring me coal.) I recall the day the local newspaper came to take pictures of the triplets, I got to be in the photo standing behind them presenting them with my arms like some sort of possessed Vanna White. I still have the newspaper article that goes with the photo where they ask my dad if he planned for any more children he responds "negative". So very Dad, who worked on some of the country's biggest secrets, yet flunked his computer class so badly they begged him to go back to a legal pad and pencil. Anyway, yes, I have a point that relates to the book, hold your horses.  My parents wanted a boy and got me and triplet girls.  My dad would tell people he would try to get to the bathroom mirror, but it was a blur of mascara wands.  Poor guy.

I recently read The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle.  This is the story of a set of twins, whose wealthy, miserable father dies.  He wills his money and assets to the girl who gets married and has the first baby.  The twins Iris and Summer are very different personalities but are otherwise identical.  When Summer and her husband are having problems halfway across the world and need help sailing the family's boat home, Iris dutifully jumps in to help.  She tries to maintain a positive attitude even after discovering Summer is pregnant and will inherit everything.  But as you would expect with a thriller, trouble ensues.  

I loved the idea of this book.  So many thrillers take place in neighborhoods, one of those "I didn't know my neighbor was a serial killer" things.  This takes the action to a wealthy family and out onto the open sea.  It was really interesting seeing the differences exposed between the twins. The story moves quickly and is a pleasant read.  I liked this book, but I didn't love it.  Would I buy and read it again?  Yes.  However, if you are a long-time thriller or mystery reader you will guess the ending very early on.  In addition, there aren't many twists and those that there are seem predictable.  If you don't read these types of books a lot, you'll likely be shocked and love this book.  Since this is Rose Carlyle's first book, I look forward to many more from her.

My dad probably cheered when we moved out of the house, finally getting the mirror to himself.

The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

'Tis that time of year again.  Time to make construction paper chains, string popcorn (avoiding the bloody pieces) and get yelled at for not putting tinsel on one annoyingly staticy piece at a time.  Okay, so nobody does that anymore.  Now it's just pop up trees that come in two pieces and are fully lit.  For you youngsters who have only known pre-done trees, I'm telling you that you have not fully enjoyed any holiday season until you have successfully untangled a huge wad of c-9 bulbs.  The satisfaction of getting to the end of the last string of lights, well that's just a holiday tradition and practically a gift in itself.  Did you buy that?  I keep telling myself that when I have to untangle lights that I just stuffed into a box the season before.  It's also not Christmas until one of the aforementioned c-9 bulbs, that get to about nine thousand degrees, brands you with that shape merely for brushing up against the tree.  First, to start off the season of joy, I usually read a Christmas book...I know, you're shocked.

I recently read The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews.  This is the story of a newly divorced woman, Ivy, who buys a house in a new town for a complete change.  Having only seen it online, when she arrives to take possession of the property Ivy is disappointed as it doesn't look like the photos.  In fact, it looks like it may take a fair amount of work to make it a home.  While clearing out some of the previous owner's belongings she finds a beautiful Santa suit with a note in the pocket.  The note is from a little girl, written years ago.  Ivy becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to the little girl.  

This story is lovely, it's sweet, romantic, charming, and oh so Christmasy.  At barely over two hundred pages, you'll be surprised how much story the author has packed into this book.  It's a fast read that will not rob you of your decorating, baking or wrapping time but enhance it.  Not only will it melt your grinchiness, but it would make a great gift....perhaps for a Thanksgiving hostess who likes to read.

Our Trespasses by Michael Cordell

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

I often mention my sisters, I can't help it, they have been and are a huge part of my life.  But, no matter what I do, the relationship I have with them will never be what they have with each other.  They are triplets.  They have the normal sibling attachment, but there is something else...something different.  I would say it's abnormal, they would say "abbie-normal" from Young Frankenstein and then tell me I was full of bunk.  Seriously, there is a connection between them that I will never share.  Every once in a while I'll get a phone call saying they had an uneasy feeling about the other, as if someone was in trouble, and after clearing each other they check on me (gee thanks). One time my husband decided to buy a lottery ticket for the whole family, having each person give a number.  Despite living up to five hundred miles apart, they gave the same number. I've always thought this unusual link between them was a gift, now I'm not so sure.

I recently read Our Trespasses by Michael Cordell.  This is the story of two adult male twins who have shared a special connection and what happens when one of the twins dies yet the connection remains.  Such an interesting question and given my family history, I was intrigued.  This book is fiction but I'm telling you that while not to the extent portrayed in this book, the link is real.  Our Trespasses is being sold as a paranormal thriller.  I would completely agree with that and add perhaps it has a toe dipping into horror

I loved this book.  Not only did I love it, but it might be one of my all time favorites.  While the story had me engrossed it was the least this book has to offer.  The writing is wonderful.  I hate when stories tell you instead of show you, or run on about a topic, or repeat something but Michael Cordell does none of that.  He has a story to tell and he blasts through it from beginning to end.  He doesn't waste one second of the readers time, very appreciated.  In addition, the descriptions are so rich that the author transports you into the story with ease, all without being too wordy.  What I've seen done occasionally in movies but never really done well in a book is when the tension and fear is kept below the surface.  You know it's there, lurking, waiting patiently to appear but the anticipation of what is to come is kept brilliantly at bay.  When "things" happen, the story remains controlled and not over the top, making it all the creepier and really driving the story.  Mr. Cordell has sold several screenplays and I can see why.  Anything he writes, in any form, I want to see.

This book is 193 pages, yet packs more into it than many 500 page bestsellers.  Michael Cordell is an expert storyteller and if you are a lover of books you certainly don't want to miss Our Trespasses.  This is a perfect example of how all books should be written!

To buy the book, learn more about the author and publisher:

Our Trespasses: A Paranormal Thriller - Kindle edition by Cordell, Michael. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Michael Cordell – Novelist/Screenwriter (michaeljcordell.com)

TCK Publishing - Independent Fiction and Nonfiction Book Publisher