Last Reads of the Year

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

Synopsis - The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect lie.
Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of antidepressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.
It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?

Thoughts - Ugh.. I hated this book. So many vile characters. And the problem is I am pretty sure such people, such parents actually exist. Such narcissism.. I did finish it because I thought someone would have some redeeming quality..  some twist will happen to change my mind. And while yes there were a few good twists it in no way made it book worthy of reading. Sorry.

The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James

Synopsis - The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before. Upstate NY, 1982. Every small town like Fell, New York, has a place like the Sun Down Motel. Some customers are from out of town, passing through on their way to someplace better. Some are locals, trying to hide their secrets. Viv Delaney works as the night clerk to pay for her move to New York City. But something isn't right at the Sun Down, and before long she's determined to uncover all of the secrets hidden.

Thoughts - This is my second book my Ms. St. James. It was a solid book just like Broken Girls, her other book I read. But it was not a compulsive read. I love that she focuses on women in her stories and there was a nice little twist in the end. It was a good read.

In the Clearing by J P Pomare

Synopsis - Four days to go
Amy has only ever known life in the Clearing, amidst her brothers and sisters--until a newcomer, a younger girl, joins the "family" and offers a glimpse of the outside world.
Three days to go
Freya is going to great lengths to seem like an "everyday mum," even as she maintains her isolated lifestyle, hoping to protect her young son and her dog.
Two days to go
When news breaks of a missing girl--a child the same age as Freya's son, Billy--Amy and Freya find themselves headed for a shocking collision.
One day to go.

Thoughts - I really enjoyed this one. There was a twist in the middle that I didn't see coming. The book focused on the power and inner workings of a cult and was definitely very interesting. A good page turner. 

The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

Synopsis - Persephone May has been alone her entire life. Abandoned as an infant and dragged through the foster care system, she wants nothing more than to belong somewhere. To someone. However, Persephone is as strange as she is lonely. Unexplainable things happen when she’s around—changes in weather, inanimate objects taking flight—and those who seek to bring her into their family quickly cast her out. To cope, she never gets attached, never makes friends. And she certainly never dates. Working odd jobs and always keeping her suitcases half-packed, Persephone is used to moving around, leaving one town for another when curiosity over her eccentric behavior inevitably draws unwanted attention.
After an accidental and very public display of power, Persephone knows it’s time to move on once again. It’s lucky, then, when she receives an email from the one friend she’s managed to keep, inviting her to the elusive Wile Isle. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. However, upon arrival, Persephone quickly discovers that Wile is no ordinary island. In fact, it just might hold the very things she’s been searching for her entire life.
Answers. Family. Home.
And some things she did not want. Like 100-year-old curses and an even older family feud. With the clock running out, love might be the magic that saves them all.

Thoughts - So I am on the fence about this one. It was full of magic, was creative and so beautifully written. But I felt like it was maybe too wordy. I listened to this one and the narrators did a great job. The ending was also problematic for me.. it was not satisfying... so much so that now that I am here writing this review I am having trouble even remembering the details. Ms. Crutcher has another witchy book coming out soon and I may still give it a try. Let's see.

Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy

Synopsis - Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…
When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.
Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.
As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.

Thoughts - I liked this one. Had a Rebecca vibe. A good feisty female character. 

I am currently reading Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios - it's a YA about an abusive relationship. 

And my TBR pile for 2023 hasn't gotten any shorter than last year.. in fact I think It might have grown. This year I read a total of 28 books which is one more than last year so yay!

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