Shelley's Book Nook

Four Stars For My Mother, Munchausen's and Me by Helen Naylor ☆☆☆☆ .ePUB, 306 pages Expected Publication:  25 November 2021 By Thread Books I wanted to read this book because I find Munchausen's and NPD so very interesting. I honestly think my own mother is borderline NPD and that's why this story fascinated me so much. Kudos to Helen Naylor for being brave enough to bare her soul and tell her personal story. I don't think I would have the guts to do that. This story felt personal because the author digs deep, she doesn't hold back and the writing style made it feel like she was speaking directly to me.  I devoured this book in a couple sittings as I was captivated right from the beginning...I and learned something as well...I am amazed when books can do all that. I also felt a lot of different things while reading this. I felt so bad for Helen, especially her younger self. BUT her mother too should have some empathy, mental health wasn't looked at the same back

All The Stars For A Little Hope by Ethan Joella @JoellaWriting ☆☆☆☆☆ .ePUB, 220 pages Expected Publication:  16 November 2021 By Scribner I really liked this book a lot. I loved how all the stories are linked together, everyone is from the same town in Connecticut, they all know each other and are associated in many ways. Ethan Joella is a truly masterful writer who is in complete control of his prose. He avoids clichés and sentimentality, completely drawing us in to the world inhabited by his cast of ordinary characters whose trials, tribulations, triumphs, disasters and ups & downs form the experiences of regular people. I adored this book, very insightful. I love a book that gets inside its characters' heads, with internal dialogue. Makes you realise that even with people we know, we don't really know them at all. What an amazing debut! Ethan Joella writes about ordinary life (and death) in such an extraordinary way. All. The. Stars. With many thanks to NetGalley, Ethan

Four Stars For Chouette by Claire Oshetsky ☆☆☆☆ .ePUB, 205 pages Expected Publication:  16 November 2021 By Ecco Your father wants to fix you, and I want us to love you as you are. This book is not for everyone. I am not sure if I am smart enough to know what exactly what this book is, what it means or what it is trying to say. It is an allegory I suppose and there are many themes throughout. Instead of trying to guess I am just going to give my take on it. Yes Chouette is about motherhood, mental health, family and marriage. I took the fact that Charlotte/Chouette is an owl baby to mean she is differently abled as the rest of her family are dog people. One thing I will say, this book was so absorbing, I couldn't put it down. It made me feel so many things, the writing was beautiful and I cared about Tiny and Chouette so much. I felt Tiny's pain, love and confusion about her beloved baby. I felt her hurt when her husband ignores her. Claire Oshetsky writes a brillia

All The Stars For For The Summer by Camille Harte ☆☆☆☆☆ .ePUB, 328 pages Expected Publication:  11 September 2021 By: Camille Harte, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles This was such a lovely read. It starts with almost 12 year old Cat in 1984 when she meets just turned 12 years old Will at her father's marina. We watch their friendship grow to various depths every summer from 1984 to 1999. I loved the pop culture references for every year as I am only five years older than the main characters. This is a book of many genres coming of age, young adult and romance to name but a few. I loved how Camille Harte was able to voice an adolescent girl as well as a boy so easily and I loved how each chapter was a different summer by year...I also found the way the author chronicled the year the chapter was titled by what was going on then, it was a really interesting and enjoyable way to start each chapter off. The writing really put you in the story and there

All The Stars For The Way We Weren't by Phoebe Fox ☆☆☆☆☆ .ePUB, 319 pages Expected Publication:  09 Nov 2021 By: Berkley Publishing Group It was time to look forward, not backward.  Sometimes you had to let go of some things to discover others. What a delightful book about an unexpected friendship. Endearing, whimsical and humourous this book ticked all the boxes for me. I just loved this story so much, these characters stole my heart, even the secondary ones, and the plot sucked me in right away. I felt for Marcie and Jessie, especially as I was very young when I had my first child (17). Making life changing decisions is never easy, making them alone is harder. I love quirky books and this also had a wonderful setting on the shore, in Florida and really felt like I was there. The book cover is brilliantly beautiful and so is the inside. This is my first read by Phoebe Fox but it won't be my last. All. The. Stars. With many thanks to NetGalley, Phoebe Fox and Berkley Publishing

My rating: 4 of 5 stars This book isn't just a story, it is an experience. Science fiction isn't my favourite genre but I loved this book SO much. I requested it from NetGalley after hearing such wonderful things about on Twitter. When I looked it up and saw it took place during the Edwardian period I HAD to have it. Believe the hype, it is not only magical but deadly and very romantic. A Marvellous Light is a marvelous book and I can't wait to read the next one. That says a lot as I am not usually a series reader either! With many thanks to NetGalley, Freya Marske and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom for the giving of the ARC. #NetGalley View all my reviews

My rating: 3 of 5 stars I love books with creepy, atmospheric, gothic houses and this has that in spades. Right from the beginning Jan is spooked by something in the woods. Is it animal, vegetable or human? Well you'll have to read the book to find out. There are two plotlines going on here and the second one was kind of disturbing but in a good way, it reminded me of the old V.C. Andrews books back in the day and I loved those. The only problem I had with this book was the fact that I had basically figured everything out pretty early on. I enjoyed the story and the writing and I kept on reading to see if I was right, it was entertaining enough to make me want to finish it, so that's saying something. I would read more from this author, this is my first by Lisa Stone but I'd check out her other books for sure. This was perfect for a fall evening read, right before Halloween. I would like to take a moment to appreciate the beautiful cover as well. It fits perfect with the s

My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is the second book I've read by this author and I liked it so much more than the first. It starts off as a slow burn but in a very good way. I loved the two timelines of past and present, there are many characters in this book and the author did a wonderful job of making each one stand out. I loved that the ending surprised me and it was a very good one, family drama is my jam and this one is amazing in that many of the towns secrets are also revealed throughout. There is so much to love about this book...Murder, teenage pregnancy, family hiding truths and don't forget the mystery of it all. I loved being taken back in time and I really enjoyed how Juniper tried to be a better mother, even if it is years too late. I got sucked into these characters lives and was invested in the outcome because the plotline sucked me right in. The story is intricate and multi-layered and the narrative is perfect...this is a very intelligently written novel and I high

The Wild Girls by Phoebe Morgan My rating: 4 of 5 stars Another wild ride (see what I did there?) from Phoebe Morgan. Such an atmospheric tale, the story sweeps you away, and I felt like I was right there in Botswana while reading this book. The characters were kick ass strong women and I loved that, there was a feeling of secrecy throughout and it took awhile to finally reveal what's really going on, that made the book very suspenseful and had me flipping pages. This is exactly the type of thriller I am always looking for psychological, a great setting, lots of tension and it surprised me. I really love the cover as well, this is the kind of book I would buy even though I've read it, it would make a beautiful addition to any bookshelf. With many thanks to NetGalley, Phoebe Morgan and William Morrow and Custom House for the giving of the ARC. View all my reviews

The Story of Our Secrets by Shari Low My rating: 5 of 5 stars 4.5 Stars This is my second book by Shari Low and both times she made me cry...she managed to pull at my heartstrings...but I also found a few laughs along the way. How is she able to write such poignant stories that make me feel so many emotions at once? I loved spending time with these characters, they were like real life. friends/family...Some were shits, some had the best of intentions and some were just for giggles. I really wanted to hang out with them, go for a pint and some Chinese food. This is a simply beautiful book and I loved the writing so much, it makes you have all the feels and sucks you right into these characters lives. I have more of Ms. Low's book on my backlist. I definitely have to bump them up my huge to read pile. With many thanks to NetGalley, Shari Low and Boldwood Books for the giving of the ARC. View all my reviews

The Chalet by Catherine Cooper My rating: 4 of 5 stars We have three timelines here, 1998, 2018 & 2020 and I LOVE dual timelines so having three....eeeekkkk. This book was very fast paced, I mean skiing in French Alps...what could go wrong amirite? I loved the snowy, wintery atmosphere in both timelines, there was a lot of tension in this plot and the suspense was killing me the whole time...I mean we start off with a guy going missing on the slopes! There is a lot of marital discord, brother against brother, business partners not getting along...add in some postpartum depression and we have a dysfunction stew and I loved it. I so enjoyed how the author was able to surprise me and how everything tied together in the end making a satisfying, cohesive conclusion. At just 243 pages this was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I understand this is the author's debut novel and Ms. Cooper has another book due out in January of next year...I for one cannot wait to get

My rating: 3.5 Stars A book about books and a girl who loves books? Yes please! Who could not love a premise like this? I loved the realistic characters and I felt for Nora, she captured my heart. I was really cheering a romance on for her but alas, it was not meant to be I guess. I appreciated that the author handled the mental health issues with sensitivity and care, who of us has not need to dig deep and make a hard decision based on what is best for us. It was very brave of the author to put working for a publishing house in a bad light and we all know this is fiction! Even though the book started off a bit slow for me it was a great way to spend a cozy Sunday afternoon and I found it very entertaining. With many thanks to NetGalley, Shauna Robinson and Sourcebooks Landmark for the giving of the ARC. View all my reviews

Hello, Transcriber by Hannah Morrissey My rating: 3 of 5 stars I liked this book enough but it started off a little slow and I had a hard time getting into it. I did love the unique premise as I don't think I have ever read a book with a transcriber as a character before. Hazel was the type of character I loved to hate, I felt for her in some ways as it seemed her job defined her as she had a crumbling marriage and suffers from depression. I like when books can focus on mental health in a non judgy yet real way...It happens to the best of us. Hannah Morrissey writes with great characterization and I was able to feel things about them. I did not like the romantic side of the story though, it wasn't needed, this book worked well as a simple crime story and an adult, school-girl crushing over a detective took something away from the story in my opinion. Overall a fairly decent read and I see great things in future for this author. With many thanks to NetGalley, Hannah Morrissey

The Girl in the Maze by Cathy Hayward My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book so much! We start in 1937 with Betty and end in 2019 with Emma...BUT there are lots of points of view and timelines along the way. I know it sounds confusing BUT Cathy Hayward seamlessly entwines everything beautifully. The writing style makes you feel like you are reading a diary of these three generation of women and in some parts you are reading letters. I enjoyed the earlier years more than the current ones, but that's just my personal preference of time and place. This was a really sad book for the most part but there is also a lot of hope and even some joy for the future. Not every character was likable but you are given reasons why and it is heartbreaking. Cathy Hayward manages to write about hardhiting subject matter with a delicate hand and writes about mother daughter relationships with insight. This is a wonderful debut and I can't wait to see what Ms. Hayward comes up with next. All.

The Stolen Sisters by Louise Jensen My rating: 5 of 5 stars 4.5 Stars Oh wow, what a book! This is my fourth read by this author and I have loved every single one. In this one we have three sisters who were kidnapped twenty years ago and all three blame themselves for what happened. Carly was thirteen at the time and twins Leah and Marie were only eight. Each deals with the aftermath in their own way but all three are suffering. The story is told in now and then chapters from the sisters point of view and we also have Leah's husband, George, chime in with his own chapters. There were so many surprises in this book and none of them did I see coming. I liked how the author dealt with the mental health issues with sensitivity, and there was a new one I enjoyed learning about. The plot sucked me right in and wouldn't let me go, I just had to find out what was going on...not only with the sisters but with George as well. I literally couldn't put this book down and read it in

The Impossible Truths of Love by Hannah Beckerman My rating: 5 of 5 stars Nell's dad, Bill is dying of cancer, on his death bed he says to her "You need to now that I have always loved you even though you were never really mine to love." Unfortunately Nell's mother, Annie has early on-set dementia and cannot answer Nell's many questions about her father's statement. This beautiful story is told in two time lines of Now and Then and the book is from Nell and Annie's point of view. The then chapters were so heartbreakingly sad and what poor poor Annie went through all those years ago. The writing was so real I truly felt Annie's pain. The now chapters had me cheering Nell on to find out the truth about her background. I didn't like Nell's sisters very much, they were bitches to be honest. I read this story in one sitting, it had my emotions all over the place and I liked that it touched on some major issues with heart. I highly recommend this

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks My rating: 5 of 5 stars 4.5 Stars The velvety, expensive wine, attractive decor, and friendly conversation can’t mask the truth: ugly, explosive secrets are swirling around inside this room. There is a lot going on in this book and I liked it. It made for a lot of red herrings and never knowing who to trust. The gist of it is Marissa and Matthew start marriage counseling with disgraced therapist Avery. Marissa reveals she had an affair and there starts the ten step process Avery sets the couple on. Avery is also a whistleblower and called the FDA on a pharmaceutical company a client worked for, they know it was she and they are after her to name the client who told her. The story is told from the point of view of both Avery and Marissa. Neither of these women were particularly likeable but I liked reading about them. There were many twists in the book and the writing and plot were riveting. I could not put this book down and read it in a day.

A More Perfect Union by Tammye Huf My rating: 5 of 5 stars It is 1848 at The Jubilee Plantation and slave Sarah arrives to take care of six year old Thomas. Maple is in charge of the Kitchen and the Lady of the house, she also happens to be her half sister. Henry is from County Cork, Ireland...he made to America running from the potato famine and arrives in Virginia as a blacksmith working on Jubilee Plantation. The minute he lays eyes on Sarah it is love, for her it takes a bit more time. I loved this book so much. Southern Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and I just couldn't get enough of this tale. It's part history, part romance and part biography....but 100% wonderful. We get all three points of view in this novel and I liked that about it, it goes from 1848 to 1850 so there is a lot going on and I never wanted it to end. I am hoping there may be a book two in the works as I would like to know what happens to Henry and Sarah in their future. The author based thi

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain My rating: 5 of 5 stars In 2010 Kyla is an architect in North carolina who recently lost her husband, Jackson while he was building their dream home. She is raising her almost four year old daughter, Rainie with her father's help. One day a woman named Ann Smith walks into her office giving her a warning about moving into her new home and leaves with an ominous message about killing someone. In 1965 Ellie is a university student in North Carolina with a boyfriend named Reed when she decides to join SCOPE (Summer Community Organization and Political Education) to get people of colour to register to vote. These two lives are inextricably entwined and as we read on we find out exactly how much Kayla and Ellie are really part of each other's history. I so love southern historical fiction but this one seemed really important even for today's concerns and what the GOP is doing to voting rights. This book raises a lot of questio

Boy Underground by Catherine Ryan Hyde My rating: 5 of 5 stars Oh this book! Catherine Ryan Hyde never disappoints. This one is about 15 year old Steven hiding his best friend, Nick who happens to be the young man he loves (boy) in an old root cellar (underground) on his father's farm. His other friend, Olly is off in the Pacific to fight in WWII and the fourth of the friends, Suki is at an internment camp for the Japanese. As usual Catherine Ryan Hyde writes a thought provoking story that pulls at the heartstrings. I loved these boys and felt heartsick when they were sad and I was delighted when they were happy. This book is so beautifully written and is so very emotional on many fronts. It also deals with many issues such as coming out, racism and prejudice because of social class to name a few. The romance part of this book really had me hoping that Nick and steven would end up together. You'll have to read this to find out if they do. This book is so emotional it really

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult My rating: 5 of 5 stars Oh where do I begin with this perfectly beautiful book!? It was everything I want in a novel. Diana goes on a trip alone to the Galápagos Islands, to avoid losing the money she and her boyfriend spent on the vacation of a lifetime. Finn stays home in New York just as covid hits because he is a doctor and is needed at the hospital. He thinks Diana will be out of harms way while there. The trip gets off to a rocky start, first Diana's luggage is lost, there is no wifi, cell phone connections are almost non-existent and the entire island is going into lockdown. Luckily Diana meets Abdula, her son Gabriel and her granddaughter Beatriz. They help her with food, shelter, companionship and how to navigate the island. One day she and Gabriel go snorkeling and Diana believes she is going to drown...that's where the real story begins. This book read like non-fiction which is understandable seeing as Ms. Picoult based it on a m

Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout My rating: 5 of 5 stars It's so easy to see why Elizabeth Strout has won or been nominated for so many literary awards. Her writing style of the ordinary is not only extraordinary but perfection. I believe I would rate her grocery list five stars, that's how much I enjoy her writing. I felt like I was at a coffee shop sitting down and sharing stories with my good friend, Lucy Barton, while I was reading this amazing book...Lucy and I are best buds now. How can a book that is a mere 245 pages make one feel so much? I really can't do this novel justice in my review, but I will say...All. The. Stars. With many thanks to NetGalley, Elizabeth Strout and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business for the giving of the ARC. View all my reviews

The Room in the Attic by Louise Douglas My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is my sixth book by Louise Douglas and it is obvious that I am a fan. I have enjoyed every single book but this one is by far my favourite of all. I love Louise Douglas ' writing style, she tells a story with feeling and sets up the setting perfectly, in two timelines no less. She also has an ability to write such interesting characters that her tales are both plot and character driven. I loved that this book is told in 1903 and 1993. In 1903 we read from Nurse Emma's point of view and in 1993 it is from student Lewis' point of view. This was such a unique premise mixing mystery with a gothic ghost story. This is a perfect read for autumn and Halloween. (view spoiler) [It kind of remind me of the movie The Others (hide spoiler) ] With many thanks to NetGalley, Louise Douglas and Boldwood Books for the giving of the ARC. View all my reviews