Every bit as good as I was hoping it would be! ~Sheila
In August of 1975, a Camp counselor awakens to find one of her campers missing. Barbara Van Laar is not just any camper, she is the daughter of the Summer Camp Owners and also the sister of the boy who went missing from his very camp over a decade ago.
As the police are called in, and Counselors, Campers, Camp Staff, as well as Family Members are questioned… a tale begins to unfold like no other of betrayal and deceit, long-time grudges, and long-hidden secrets.
I don’t often get to sit and really READ READ. Like – a qty of time. This was a treat for me with days of RV travel and nothing but time while on the road I read this in two days. I loved this book and had no trouble picking it up and reading it for hours. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the tale told by so many different narrators – usually I do not like a lot of different characters to keep track of but in this case, they were well-developed and easy to follow the narration changes as pieces of the story unfolded from what happened then – to what was happening now.
Kudos also for the timeline that was being focussed on between 1950 – Fall 1975 was at the start of each chart with the timing of that chapter highlighted. I thought that was brilliant and I have never seen this done in such a way before.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend digging into a great campfire tale.
Rated: 5 out of 5 Read Author Before: No Read Author Again: I would! Where Read: In the RV traveling between Minnesota and Tennessee (finished in Tennessee)
Millie thought she had found the answer to her prayers when Nina Winchester said, “Welcome to the family – and please, call me Nina.”
After time in prison, Millie is just trying to get on her feet and the job cleaning and a little light cooking for the Winchesters seems to be just the ticket to setting herself back on track. Sure the house is an absolute mess, and their daughter Cecelia is awful, yet Millie is up for the challenge. It doesn’t help that Mr. Winchester is kind and well.. easy on the eyes.
Yet as days turn into weeks, Millie senses something is very very wrong. Nina, or Mrs. Winchester as she has told Millie more than once since her date of hire that they are not friends so not to call her Nina, seems to be… well… a little crazy. She tells Millie to do something and then screams at her that she never said that. She talks down to her every chance she has and often threatens to fire her. Millie knows she is so lucky that she has the job with her record and just needs to keep saving but it gets harder and harder – and the creepy attic bedroom she stays in with the lock outside the door is a bit much…
Do they not understand what she is capable of?
Somehow… in all the books I have read by McFadden, I missed this one, the one, by all accounts it seems, made Frieda McFadden an author to keep an eye on. It was Jenny who does my hair who mentioned it a few months ago and with all the other books I was reading it didn’t stick to add it to my list. Then, this past week Jenny asked if I had read it as she is now reading the third book, The Housemaid Is Watching. Well… I knew I was behind so got right on it!
The Housemaid is definitely good. As mentioned before, I am finding this pattern with me and the McFadden books. At some point – something usually makes me mad or feels like she is being too predictable – yet, I have discovered that IMO, she does this intentionally. I believe McFadden loves to throw the reader off – loves to make them think “Oh Frieda, really? That’s a little obvy isn’t it?” And then – she slams on the breaks – puts you in a tailspin and suddenly the book is upside down… what you thought was true was nothing but a bucket of red herrings and in the end…. Your hair is mussed, you are smoking a cigarette (you don’t smoke..) and you have a goofy look on your face. Yeah… it be like that.
The Housemaid, in all of its glory, has rightfully earned the reputation of readers suddenly taking a closer look at what McFadeen is doing and she continues to create Psychological Thrillers that amaze. I was once again taken in and better for it. The Housemaid, while not perfect, is a book to add to your TBR list – and soon.
I’m already digging into The Housemaid’s Secret….book two.
Rated: 5 out of 5 Read Authro Before: Yes Read Author Again: I already am 🙂 Where Read: I listen to this on audio at home while cleaning and puzzling… its Minnesota winter after all
Nora Davis knows to keep her eyes open and alert to her surroundings. She learned this lesson as a child when she watched her parents be incarcerated for kidnapping and killing women of a certain age and look. Raised by her Grandmother, Nora, 26 years later, now a surgeon, keeps mostly to herself, living alone – well, unless you count the stray cat. Which she doesn’t… not yet. Her father remains in prison and will for the rest of his life. And thankfully, no one knows- not friends, not co-workers, about her past or her connection to the “Handyman”, the serial killer who removed his victim’s hands. At least, she thought no one knew.
When two young women turn up dead with their hands severed AND they just happen to both be women who were Nora’s patients. The Police are knocking on Nora’s door and the similarities between what happened then – and what is happening now are just too great. Is it a copycat killer looking for the notoriety of the famous Serial Killer the Handyman? Or is it something even more sinister?
It’s no secret that I am a McFadden fan. I was so excited to see a new book had been published and could not wait to be fully engaged in what new creation she has come up with – and for the most part… she did not disappoint. My only time peeve (and it is a small one) – was the repeating of the description of the women victims too often (like… make a drinking game out of how often it said often)… I get that it was making a point and a connection to the victims of the past to those in the present as well as Nora noticing similar traits in her acquaintances which, in her mind, meant they could be potential targets for whoever was doing the killing…. but – it weighed on me as it was mentioned too frequently. Other than the peeve, McFadden got me again. When you think you know that they know that you know and… well…. you are completely wrong – that’s a McFadden. The way it all wrapped up left me impressed again and of course… wanting more.
New to McFadden? If you like a good psychological thriller – take your pick:
When Phoebe Stone arrives at the Grand Cornwall Inn she is alone and she is without luggage… but she has a plan. Always dreamed of coming to this Inn with her husband – instead, she is alone, mourning the husband she lost to another woman, dressed in a gorgeous green dress and gold heels with a plan to splurge on herself and then end it all. What she doesn’t expect is to find that the entire hotel is rented out to a large wedding party, and as soon as she enters the lobby she is mistaken for one of the guests. While in the elevator with the soon to be Bride Lila, Pheobe, and Lila strike up a conversation and an unlikely friendship between the floors as Lila shares fear and truths she can not share with the friends and family in the Inn, and Pheobe shares her plan to end it all.
In a twist, both women can help one another in ways neither expects.
It was the title that got me. Working in the wedding industry I was curious – the cover was almost a pass (being honest – I am kind of a cover snob) however once read, the cover is actually spot on – it gives insight into the book all the while being a little playful as well and that is really the same as the book. It was a fun witty read and moved along at a nice pace as you find yourself among the crazy attendees of the wedding, the not-happy bride, an engaging groom, and more. It was absolutely what Phoebe needed and honestly, a pleasure to read.
In a nutshell – fun, witty, laugh-out-loud moments.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Read Author Before: No Read author Again: Yes I would Where read: At home
Meg loves her gig as an undercover gal at the local casino apprehending cheaters. She has a habit of pushing a little too far and putting herself in danger more than she should. Hooked on pain pills from a serious scare the previous year, Meg doesn’t deal with reality very well including building friendships, connections, and certainly not a love relationship.
Meg’s famous sister Haley also struggles with addictions and while in Rehab, is found dead. When Meg reads the details of Haley’s death, Meg called bull shit. They may not have been the closest of sisters, but Meg feels strongly that something is not right. So strongly in fact, that she goes undercover and has herself admitted to the same Rehad to do some internal recon. Digging into a much more sinister scenario than even Meg could have imagined, and living through it remains to be seen.
This was our January read for the Bookies Book Club. While the start of the book detailing Meg’s life was interesting – once we enter the rehab and start digging in it gets a little too far-fetched (IMO). It was engaging enough to keep me going to see what would happen but felt like it too a long long time to get there and when I did.. it fell flat.
Fun fact – 7 of the 16 of the Bookies were on the Cruise we took in January 2025. We gathered together on what would have been our Book Club Night (on the 14th) and made a live video of our thoughts on this book to put on our private Bookies Facebook page. It worked! 😀
Rating: 3 out of 5 Read author Before: Not that I am aware of Read Author Again: Maybe Where Read: Started in Brainerd, finished on our Cruise
It was a great twisty time spent in the halls of Ashby House! ~Sheila
Ruby McTavish has definitely lived an interesting and full life. She is the victim and the survivor of kidnapping as a child, and as an adult, she has been widowed 4 times and is the owner of Ashby House, her family’s estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Ruby never had children with any of her husbands, however, she did adopt a boy she named Camden who would be her sole heir. As Camden grows into a young man, there are many things he doesn’t approve of that his mother, as well as the extended McTavish, does. When Camden separates himself from the family as well as his full inheritance as Ruby’s only heir, he has no intention of ever returning to the Ashby House. Instead, he becomes a teacher in a small town in Colorado, where he meets Jules, also with a messy family past, who becomes his wife.
Ten years later, Ruby has long since passed away, and with the passing of his Uncle, Cam finds that he has to clean up some loose ties with the family and begrudgingly plans a trip back to the home and the people he closed the door to all those years ago. Jules is excited to see the magnificent home she has only seen in photos and what she has read online, but Cam has fears of what may be revealed to his wife when he reenters his past. But Cam is not the only one with secrets… secrets can come from any unsuspecting direction – even from the grave.
It’s been a while since I have read a truly can-not-put-down book and I am excited to share that I launched into 2025 with this one. Not the first book I said I would be reading (mainly because this one is paperback and easier to travel with on a plane).
This book grabbed me right from the start which is such a plus for me. The storyline was interesting and engaging, even the chapter transfers of narrator between Cam, Jules, and Ruby flowed so well that I never lost who was speaking or tried to recall what was going on when it came back to their story.
I am impressed with the book – the twists and turns made sense and I loved how many surprises there were along the way that fell right into line with the story. That sort of writing does not always work but it did here – and it worked well. HIGHLY Recommended.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Read Author Before: Yes – years ago! Hex Hall (I actually did not connect this was the same author until I looked to see if I had read here before!) Read this author again: Absolutely Where read: Started in Brainerd MN, read while traveling to Florida and on a Cruise into Cazamel, finished in Miami.
Hey all! Happy New Year! If you are wondering where the First Book post is… here it is 😀 I have had a quiet morning of reflection and COFFEE… gone are the days of my staying up past midnight to have this post in your in boxes by 6 am… I’m as devoted as ever… just not as insane about it lol.
I usually make you search for my book choice within the pics… oh I am in there, but I thought this year starting this post off with not only my book choice – but also my word of the year choice : JOY
Again – I hope to review more… get back into a rhythm here which also means writing more…. and learning how to find that balance.
With no further ado… below you will find the First Books of 2025. What a fun selection! Among these book selections, you will also find some authors – keep your eyes out for: Cary Griffith Kaira Rouda Joshilyn Jackson Heather Gudenkauf Lorna Landvik
Fun Facts – very few duplications this year! That actually excites me! While in the past years there may have a been a hot tile that several selected – I love the diversity of what you will see below. I love that first book, as well as all books you choose, are a personal preference. Books/genres speak differently to us at different times in our lives. We have everything here from some heavy hitters, comfort reads, education, historical, non fiction, memoirs, fun, heart-wrenching, a little spooky, a little romantic and MORE! We played participants!
AND – below the pics the book titles (if I was able to read them :D) and links to the books so you too can learn about them and maybe select them for future reads this year. If I missed anyone please let me know and I will post an update tomorrow. There is usually an add-on after I post and with all the ways the pics are sent between texts, emails, and Facebook messages… it is quite possible I missed something.
Every year there are a few people that are head slapping right now going “DOH! I totally forgot to send mine in!” No worries – other years there have been a few that come in later and I add them and repost tomorrow so feel free to send 🙂 Thanks all – this is a project that helps me through the New Year and brings a smile to my face as I see the selections and learn about books that were not on my list to read but now are. (I added quite a few to my TBR this year by putting together this post. Happiest of New Year and Happy Reading! Sheila
Yikes – I like to come in a little later each year.., but hopefully -most of you know the drill and know it is coming!
What Is First Book? First Book is the first book you pick up going into the New Year. For as long as I can remember, I have made a big deal out of the first book I read each year….sometimes, it is one I have been coveting but not had time for, other times it is an old favorite I decided to revisit. Really – it’s up to you!
What is a favorite part of all of this – is that when you share what your first book will be – I create a collage of the book pics (preferably with you in the pic too – its more personable) and on January 1st = I post the collage of all the books being read first as well as a list of the titles and of course – a mention of the book(s) that were most often selected.
It’s fun to be a part of this movement and the book responses from you come from all over the world!
So – how to participate? It’s easy:
1) Choose your book
2) Send me the pic of you with the book You have many choices of how to send.
A little different from the books I have read by Chamberlain, but in good good ways. ~Sheila
1964. Elle has a strong passion for civil rights and against her parent’s wishes, and leaving her boyfriend behind, she joins in the fight in North Carolina. There, she meets a group of young activists such as herself, including a young African American boy who steals Elle’s heart as they enter into a taboo relationship.
2020. Kayla, recently widowed, and her young daughter, move into what was supposed to be her husband and her dream home. When strange things begin to happen in the home, Kayla learns of the property’s shocking past including night meetings of the KKK right in the very woods behind her home.
As Elle becomes more invested in her new life, and Kayla tries to find her balance in this new world… both stories intertwine in ways one would not imagine.
I started reading Chamberlain in 2014… I was in Florida, and I was working with bees… its a crazy time in my life, but I recall this easily as I spent A LOT of time with those bees, and while doing so from dawn to dusk I listened to audiobooks… Chamberlain in particular fell in love with her storytelling skills. Fast forward – she has not lost her touch and reaching for one of her books again left me at first in awe of how different this one was – it was the first I read by her that she brought up a political theme but once again – she pulled it off. Engrossing, and educational – another recommendation from me.
Daphne and Peter and Petra and Miles were all such good friends. Daphe and Petra loved that they could all hang out together.. such a great way to do life with both her best friend and her boyfriend.
Until the day came that Peter confessed that he was in love with Petra. As Daphne’s world crashes down, she finds solace with the one person who can fully understand this level of betrayal – Miles, Petra’s ex. Petra suddenly with no place to live becomes roommates with Miles where they mainly avoid one another, as Daphne is more of the closed off by the book type of person and Miles is anything but.
Until one day, over a few too many drinks while ex-bashing… they come up with a plan. What if they pretend to be a couple? Posting photos on social media of the two of them together sharing great moments is enough to get the rumor mill rolling…
after all – it’s just a big joke, right?
I liked this one! I have lived this one (a bit…) Emily Henry’s writing was light, easy to read, and honestly believable. I enjoyed the characters of Daphne and Miles who you get to know a lot more that Petra and Peter.
This is a great light read for vacation, beachin’, or a lazy weekend on the patio.
Book Journey 