Book Review – Page 8 – Book Journey

The Co Worker by Frieda McFadden

Published on April 5, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)3 Comments

Enjoyably twisted…. just the way I like them. ~Sheila

Dawn Schiff is high level functioning autistic (IMO). She does her job well. She is beyond punctual. She has a love of turtles. She notices things others wish she wouldn’t. She struggles with friendships of any kind.

When the day comes that Dawn does not arrive at work with no phone call stating she is ill… co worker Natalie Farrell is quick to notice and find it odd. As clues begin to fall into place – a startling realization does as well… Dawn has met with foul play – and there are more than a few clues that point right at Natalie and its up to Natalie to clear her name – if she can.

This is my second book I have read by McFadden. Honestly, I read it right after my first book by her (The Teacher) which I read for book club and wanted a more well rounded idea of who McFadden is as an author, rather than basing my opinion on one book.

I believe, while the writing style is similar and I get a real sense of her style of twists and turns, I like this one a bit more than the previous one. Perhaps the subject matter was a little more user-friendly… and of course, my personal opinion. The Co-Worker was a good read with plenty of happenings and twists to keep me guessing until the end. Definitely a lighter mystery, it never felt dark or made me think too hard or struggle to keep track of the main characters.

Enjoyable? yes
Size? About perfect – on audio I like a good 7 to 11-hour commitment unless I know I am in for a real treat and then I am happy to go longer. Book size – standard.

Recommended? McFadden feels like an author everyone should give a try. I have seen a lot of positive thoughts on her books from fellow readers.

The Teacher by Freida MCFADDEN

Published on April 3, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)Leave a comment

Addie is returning to high school with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Last year, she was part of a student/teacher scandal that resulted in the teacher losing his job. Addie swears she did nothing wrong, however teenagers can be fickle and her once friends now eye her suspiciously and other than making trouble for her, have nothing to do with her.

Eve and Nate are both teachers at this high school. She is a math teacher and he works with poetry. Both have her Addie in their classes – Eve suspiciously keeps an eye on this troubled girl knowing she was the cause of her fellow teacher losing his job, Nate on the other hand, finds Addie to be full of compassion and hurt – all things that make for a good writer.

But can Addie be trusted? What really happened? And if happened once… couldn’t it happen again?

This was my first McFadden book. I was excited to read this as I have seen excellent reviews on this author through trusted fellow reviewers and friends. When our book club nominated this for our April read I was excited to put my vote on this choice.

After reading a series of heavier books, this came as a welcomed easier read. I listened to this on audio and enjoyed the narration by Leslie Howard and Danny Montooth, they flowed well with the story line, so well, that when they switch you do not event notice as it is all part of the story.

I enjoyed the book – although if you read it, you might find that a strange choice of words – but you know what I mean. I did feel that there was a point that was leading to a big plot discovery that I felt this was all going to be a ploy by the author to get us to think one way and shock us with another. Admittedly, I was a little disappointed when instead, it was not a ploy and felt a little like the easy route.

Final over all thoughts – the book did not disappoint. There are twists and turns that keep you turning the page because no matter how you feel about this book, you do want to know how it all comes together…. and that my friends does give me the “WHOA…” I was looking for.

Overall rating by me… a solid 3 (average). I will read her again as I am now curious as what else she brings to the table. There are some elements I plan to bring to the Book Club discussion and food. ;P

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Published on March 3, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)4 Comments

If you think word of mouth doesn’t work – think again. The rave reviews everywhere I looked caused me to pick up this book and give it a try. I am so glad I did. What an adventure! ~Sheila

Martha Ballard is a midwife and a healer. One day in Maine, Martha is requested to come and examine a body of a man found frozen in the river. Martha knows this man well as he had been documented in her well kept daily journal as a suspect in a rape. But it is 1789, and Martha’s documentation needs a lot more to make this accusation ring true.

As fingers are pointed and stories told of what not only happened to cause the body to be found in the river, but details of incidents in the days prior to the death that can bring a number of things to light.
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The heart of this story really falls into Martha’s incredibly detailed documentation of her whereabouts and visitors – it is a rare for a women of this day and age to read or write and Martha has the ability to do both.

The book was just as engaging as others in my circles were saying it was. As the details come to light I found myself reaching for this one every chance I had to inch my way towards the truth – and when it does come out, its so worth the wait.

None Of This Is true by Lisa Jewell

Published on February 21, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

An adventure of twists and turns and rights and lefts… never knowing what is going to happen next – but in a good way. A very good way. ~ Sheila

Popular Podcaster, Alix Summers meets Josie Fair while out celebrating her birthday. Turns out, it is Josie’s birthday too. A few days later, the two women find each other again and Alix in intrigued by this mysterious woman who showed up with a matching birthday. Josie, who has been listening to Alix’s podcasts feels she would be a great subject to be interviewed as she has an interesting life story. Intrigues, Alix agrees – calling the podcast, “Birthday Twins” and sharing with her fans the story of how she and Josie met.

As the two women dig into the podcasts, Alix finds that not only is Josie’s retelling of her life story interesting – it is down right shocking. Married to a much older man when Josie was only 16, Alix finds herself thinking of words like – pedophile, groomer, and rapist – and truly begins to worry about Josie.

As the two women create some sort of friendship, the unthinkable happens to Josie and the only place she feels she can turn is to Alix… and Alix, dealing with her own troubles in her marriage, feels that she has no choice…. not knowing – this would be the beginning of the end and her podcast was about to be introduced to a new and darker theme. Darker than anyone seen coming.

My gosh it has been a long time since I have read Lisa Jewell and after reading (well listening to) this, I wonder what has taken me so long to return to this incredible author. The story line held me, and while at first the breaks in the narration by the podcast felt odd… the style of reading grew on me and actually ended with me thinking if was pretty brilliant to put the audio version together this way.

I actually really enjoyed this dark read and feel those who enjoy a good twisted story would find this one interesting. I use the word dark in my description as topics of child rape/neglect, as well as abuse are themed throughout the book.

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

Published on February 18, 2024February 20, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

If a book could be saved by narration, Will Wheaton would be the one to do. Sadly, not even Will could save this book for me. ~Sheila

Charlie was stuck. A divorced, substitute teacher, living in a house that belonged to his recently deceased dad because he can not afford other options, with a cat that honestly – followed him home one day, and in Charlie’s opinion – the cat just decided this was home.

When a rich and eccentric uncle passes away that Charlie barely knows – he is surprised to find that this uncle has a plan for him that includes an interesting inheritance. But all inheritances… are not awesome and Charlie finds himself in a strange world he never knew existed in a leadership role he could have never made up in his wildest dreams.

Full disclosure – I chose this book because I noticed that Will Wheaton was the narrator. And to continue with this line of honesty, I was intrigued in the beginning as it had the essence of Ready Player One (also narrated by Will Wheaton). It started with a guy down on his luck and about as low as one could go… and then… a crazy guy dies who has more money than he knew what to do with and said loser… er, protagonist, has the opportunity to change his life, and of course the amazing Will Wheaton narrating in the way that has made me a mega fan of his work.

Sadly – the similarities end there. The book gets weird. There are smart-talking cats and mega Villains, and as mentioned – reading other reviews, I am clearly one of the few who didn’t laugh out loud or feel this was brilliant.
That’s ok – they can not all be winners. If you have read this one I would love to hear other opinions. I only finished this because of the narrator.

Beneath the Surface by Kaira Rouda

Published on February 15, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

-Had a bit of trouble putting this one down… way to go Kaira! ~Sheila

An invite to be aboard a grand yacht.

A weekend like no other.

Dress code: Yacht Fabulous

What could possibly go wrong?

Richard Kingsley is about to make some big decisions. Life has been good, he has made his fortune through his company, has had 5 wives, and now , with Serena his 5th wife, has purchased an incredible yacht with all the bells and whistles (far bigger than his brothers) and has invited his adult children and spouses aboard to talk about the future.

The thing is, none of the siblings know the others are coming. With no love lost between the two brothers, John and Ted, are both hoping the person to take the helm of the company will be them. They both need this for separate reasons… when half sister Sibley shows up in extraordinary fashion, Richard is delighted to see the sparks fly between his children… after all, he does enjoy competion.

Of course, there is always something lurking beneath the surface….

Honestly – WOW. I love a book that grabs you right from the start and Beneath The Surface did just that. I loved the invite in the front of the book inviting us all aboard the Splendid Seas for the weekend. I really felt as though I had joined this family as secrets rolled around the waves, jealousy, competition and truths surface. I enjoyed the chapters named after who was thinking and plotting – honestly I hated to step away from the book and could not wait to see what would happen and how we would get there.

Kaira Rouda has never disappointed me, every book I have read of hers has been a WOW and its always exciting to see what she will do next. It was fun to finish this book on a ferry to Key West… surrounded by water, turning page after page and leaving me with an audible “Whoa”.

Also reviewed:

Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda

The Next Wife by Kaira Rouda

Heaven and Earth by Nora Roberts

Published on January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)1 Comment

“The Second Book in the Trilogy, while not my favorite of the three, you definitely need this story to get from the beginning – to the end… ~Sheila

Ripley loves to keep her life simple. She has her morning run, coffee stop, and job as a Deputy of Three Sisters Island. With a glass of wine at night (or two…) life was all bundled up neatly and that was the way you like it.

Toss in that a geeky – yet hot – guy is staying on the island looking for the magical history and secrets that the island holds… Ripley is putting her off her lunch.

Yet fight as she may, some facts are just that and they cannot be changed. While Ripley is strongly against all the magical hoopty-do (my word) and her so-called part in – she will never turn her back on family – or a friend… and in there, lies the rub.

Out of the three books in this trilogy, Heaven and Earth is my least favorite. While Nel, book one, comes in to the story all destroyed from life and looking for a quiet existence, and I enjoy reading of her rebound and strength as she finds who she really is and where she is meant to be; Mia (book three) is all strong and assure of who she is and what she wants (honestly one of my all time favorite non fictions characters), Ripley falls somewhere in the middle. For me, I think it is the EXTRA romance in this particular book – I have never been a romance reader. Its also a bit more technical when Mac enters the series, looking to discover the magic of the island with his gadgets and reading and spreadsheets.

While I may grumble….. you still very much need this book as it links the sisters in ways that they need to for what is to come. As the three sisters learn how their posers work – and more importantly how they work together.

For a January re-read, this series is a comfort reading. The characters are like old friends and if Three Sisters did exist – with that book store and upstairs cafe with a magical twist…in another life I may have very well called such a place…. home.

Presenting The First Books of 2024

Published on January 1, 2024January 2, 2024 by Sheila (Book Journey)29 Comments

Thank you to everyone who sent in a picture for First Book! For such a tipsy turny event this year, I am thrilled to see all the First Books! Below the Photos you will find the book list. While perusing through these great ready – be on the look out for authors – Heather Gudenkauf, Randy Sue Meyers, Lorna Landvik, Cary Griffith, Jill Hannah Anderson, and Fiona Davis who shared the book they are starting the New Year as well.
If you find me… you will see I went old school. There is something about the New year that makes me want to re-read an old favorite that brings back the warm fuzzies I had when I first read it. Books… make memories…
I hope your year is filled with great reads and amazing adventures.

Happy 2024.
~Sheila

First Book of 2024 – The 11th Annual!

Published on December 17, 2023 by Sheila (Book Journey)19 Comments

It’s Happening! I am excited to announce that this is the 11th Year of The First Book Event! If you put “First Book” in the search on this page you can bring up the years and years of fun posts and pictures of people all over the world with their first book of the year that they are planning to read or are reading into the New Year! It’s a great way to get ideas on what is being read and what to add to your own To Be Read list!

So what is First Book? First Book is the first book you plan on reading in the New Year. It can be a long-coveted read you have not had time for, a guilty pleasure read like a re-read of a favorite… really it can be anything – it is…after all…YOUR First Book.

Make it AWESOME.

Once you have picked what it will be -email/ Facebook message/ text me a picture of you with the book (send it to sdechantal@gmail.com). This adds to the excitement of the First Book. You have between now and December 31st to send in your choice. On January 1st I will post all the pics in a collage format of all of you around the world that are doing First Book. I do hope you will join me – friends, family, fellow book lovers, a friend of a friend of a friend… you there in the corner looking at this crazy site for the first time – you as well. I enjoy putting this together every year and seeing all the great books and pics come in really makes my heart smile.

Here are just a few of the over 100 books that came in last year: