My reading has slowed a bit between travel, family activities, and just general busyness. That said, these four books I read recently were all respectively amazing, so let’s dive in!
Synopsis: True crime writer Wylie Lark doesn’t mind being snowed in at the isolated farmhouse where she’s retreated to write her new book. A cozy fire, complete silence. It would be perfect, if not for the fact that decades earlier, at this very house, two people were murdered in cold blood and a girl disappeared without a trace. As the storm worsens, Wylie finds herself trapped inside the house, haunted by the secrets contained within its walls—haunted by secrets of her own. Then she discovers a small child in the snow just outside. After bringing the child inside for warmth and safety, she begins to search for answers. But soon it becomes clear that the farmhouse isn’t as isolated as she thought, and someone is willing to do anything to find them.
Would I Recommend It: This was super suspenseful and did drop my jaw a few times, though I did figure it out about 2/3 of the way through. That said, it was a good mystery but [TW] there were some parts of abuse that were tough to get through. It was a quickish read and will scratch the itch if you want a layered and twisty thriller.
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
Synopsis: Since the day Filomena Fontana cast a curse upon her sister more than two hundred years ago, not one second-born Fontana daughter has found lasting love. Some, like second-born Emilia, the happily-single baker at her grandfather’s Brooklyn deli, claim it’s an odd coincidence. Others, like her sexy, desperate-for-love cousin Lucy, insist it’s a true hex. But both are bewildered when their great-aunt calls with an astounding proposition: If they accompany her to her homeland of Italy, Aunt Poppy vows she’ll meet the love of her life on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral on her eightieth birthday, and break the Fontana Second-Daughter Curse once and for all. Against the backdrop of wandering Venetian canals, rolling Tuscan fields, and enchanting Amalfi Coast villages, romance blooms, destinies are found, and family secrets are unearthed—secrets that could threaten the family far more than a centuries-old curse.
Would I Recommend It: This was FUN! I think it would make an amazing mini-series. It’s a longer book but I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of this family. I think this would make a great vacation read. It also makes me want to go back to Italy ASAP.
Synopsis: Ever since her journalist mother died on assignment, Marin has played it safe, refusing to set foot outside the state of Tennessee. Her wild-child younger sister, Sadie, has trotted the globe as a photographer, living off of art and adrenaline. When Sadie returns from a tough assignment abroad and looks a little worse for wear, Marin reluctantly agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the tropical island of Saba. But her lifelong fear of travel is affirmed when Sadie misses the flight, Marin’s luggage gets mixed up with another passenger’s, and an episode of turbulence sends her hurtling into the lap of Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger who stole her sister’s seat. For the first time in a long time, Marin has to step outside of her comfort zone as she explores the island with Lucas and learns what she’s been missing out on. With each breathtaking new experience, Marin gets closer to her real self, the man she’s falling for, and the heart-wrenching truth about why she’s there in the first place.
Would I Recommend It: This was another delightful sister read. This would make a fun movie, too! The relationship between the sisters was so endearing and the romantic relationships were amazing, too. This would be a great beach read, though don’t forget to pack some tissues! I cried like a baby at the end of this. It had some Firefly Lane type elements, but I won’t say more to give anything away. I highly recommend this one.
Synposis: Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea. Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is something really a lie if you believe it’s the truth?
Would I Recommend It: Oh my god. This one was mind-blowing. I still can’t fully comprehend the ending. This was a twist unlike anything I had read in a long time. This was truly great writing and I want to read more of her books. I won’t say anything more than go into this one with as little knowledge about the plot as possible. And let the chaos ensue! This is a classic example of “you think you know but you have no idea”.
| shop the post |
