Title: Murder in the Ranks

Author: Kristi Jones

Publication Date: November 19, 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones is set in 1943 Algiers, North Africa.

Dottie Lincoln is squad leader to a group of 5 women. When one of the WAAC fall from a balcony to her death, Dottie is determined to find out what really happened. She is certain it was murder. Dottie finally convinces a Captain to take her seriously and begin an investigation with her by his side. We go on a journey to find out the truth. Suicide? Accident? Murder? What will the answer be? 

If you enjoy Historical Fiction and Mystery, I recommend Murder in the Ranks by Kristi Jones. This is a story full of secrets and cover ups.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review Murder in the Ranks.  

Title: The Sunflower House

Author: Adriana Allegri

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Quote: "You were brave. Braver than anyone I know."

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri starts out with Katrine receiving a phone call that her mama has been in an accident. When Katrine arrives at the hospital, her mama is fine, just a bit banged up. Katrine takes her mama home and while she is sleeping, Katrine starts cleaning up the closet where her mama fell. While cleaning up, she discovers a box that shocks her. Will the discovery of this box lead to answered questions that Katrine has had all her life? The contents of the box lead to Germany. Katrine cannot believe what she is seeing. Allina walks in and sees what her daughter has found. Through tears Allina tells Katrine that she will explain everything. 

We are taken back in time through a heartbreaking journey of secrets, survival, strength, love, betrayal and redemption. 

For my fellow lovers of Historical Fiction, I absolutely recommend The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri. 

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review The Sunflower House.

Title: Counting Miracles

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Contemporary

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Counting Miracles, as with all of the books written by Nicholas Sparks will get you right in the feels.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents. His mom died shortly after giving birth and he has never met his biological dad. Tanner took care of his grandmother in her final days. She left him a note telling him to find where he belongs, the name, and town where he might find his biological dad. As a former caretaker of my grandmother, this was definitely a soft spot in this story for me.

Soon after Tanner makes it to town - CRASH! This begins unique relationships between Kaitlyn, Casey, and Mitch. 

Kaitlyn is a doctor, and she makes house calls, including Jasper Johnson. He has many medical conditions that need monitoring. Casey and Mitch are Kaityln's children. 

Oh Jasper!! Jasper will steal your heart. His story is absolutely gut wrenching. Jasper will forever hold a place in my heart! 

I'm not going to say anything else, because as with all books by Nicholas Sparks, you need to just go on the journey and feel all the things. 

Nicholas Sparks is an automatic author for me. I will read anything he writes. I absolutely recommend Counting Miracles. 

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

P.S. THERE IS A WHITE DEER!!!!

Title: Ashes Never Lie (Book 2 in The Sharpe & Walker Series

Author: Lee Goldberg

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Mystery Thriller

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

We begin with arson detectives Walker Sharpe and Andrew Walker showing up on scene of a Toyota Camry burnt in the middle of an old sacred Indian ceremonial ground.

In Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg, we are once again following Walker Sharpe and Andrew Walker. We start out with a burnt Toyota Camry, but that's just the beginning. Before long, Sharpe and Walker find themselves in the middle of several fire investigations. One home finds a man's body within the ashes.

Are all of these fires related?

Will Sharpe and Walker find the arsonist turned murderer?

Ashes Never Lie is packed with sarcastic humor, as well as twists and turns at every corner.

Lee Goldberg did an excellent job with this second installment of Sharpe and Walker. This book would make a great TV series.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review Ashes Never Lie by Lee Goldberg. 

Title: Gone By Dawn

Author: H.K. Christie

Publication Date: August 27, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Quote: "The Bear was going to regret the day he messed with my family."

Gone By Dawn is book one in a new series by H.K. Christie called the Val Costa Series.

Val is an agent with the FBI and her team found her chained to a beam in a barn. She had the familiar "S" signature given to her by a serial killer with the nickname "Bear".

While Val is on leave, another girl goes missing. What happened to Scarlett Douglas? Is she another victim of "Bear"? Do Scarlett's parents know more than they are saying?

More young people start going missing and we spend most of the book trying to find out what happened and if they are still out there alive somewhere. 

Gone By Dawn is a great first book in this new series by H.K. Christie.

 

Quote: "If it's the last thing I do."

I would definitely recommend this book especially if you enjoy crime thrillers.

Thank you Net Galley and Bookoture for the opportunity to read and review Gone By Dawn by H.K. Christie.  

Title: The Best Lies

Author: David Ellis

Publication Date: July 23, 2024

Genre: Mystery Thriller

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Quote: "For the first time in my life, I can't talk my way out of something."

The Best Lies by David Ellis begins on Valentine's Day 2024, with the arrest of Leo Balanoff. Leo is being arrested for the murder of Cyrus Balik. Nobody is really upset about the fact that Cyrus has been murdered. Cyrus Balik is a very bad man - "worst of the worst."

The Best Lies is told from multiple POVs and travels between the past and the present. It's about two boys - "Leo" and "Trace" - who were taken and sold to a woman named Marilyn. They were taken by Cyrus who is a human trafficker among other things. Marilyn is a grieving widow who not only is grieving her husband, she also accidentally killed her own two sons.

Throughout the book, we uncover Leo's connection with Cyrus. Did Leo murder Cyrus? Is Leo lying? After all, Leo is a pathological liar. Leo loves and has protected Trace his entire life. Does this protection play a roll in Leo's lies? There are so many moving parts to consider. Go in blind and enjoy the ride.

I recommend The Best Lies if you like:

*Police procedurals

*Twists

*Psychological thrillers

*Strong bonds

*Secondary story lines 

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review The Best Lies by David Ellis.

Title: The Perfect Sister

Author: Stephanie DeCarolis

Publication Date: July 16, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Quote: "A watched pot never boils."

The Perfect Sister by Stephanie DeCarolis takes place in the Hamptons. Through multiple POVs, we journey to find Alex's missing sister Maddie. Maddie has stopped replying to Alex's texts after letting her know that she will not be able to see her on her birthday. This is the first time since Maddie has gone off to school that she will not be seeing her sister on her birthday. Maddie and Alex had a tough upbringing. Their mother was an alcoholic and their dad left. Through their dad's leaving and their mother's death, they vowed to always be there for each other no matter what. So, when Maddie stopped replying to messages, Alex knew something was wrong.

Quote: "Never forget how lucky you are to have a sister. Because that means that you'll never be alone in this world."

The search for Maddie lands Alex at Blackwell Manor. Blackwell Manor is home to James, Katherine, Lily, and Theo, all of which have their own point of view. Blackwell on the inside is definitely not what it appears to be on the outside. What has Alex just walked into?

Where is Maddie?

Do the Blackwells know more than they are saying?

How well to the Blackwells know each other?

Alex discovers proof that Maddie has been to Blackwells Manor. Will this proof lead her to Maddie? 

The Perfect Sister comes with a twist! It involves lies, betrayal, and a mother trying to protect her child. This was a quick read with an interesting twist. Overall, The Perfect Sister by Stephanie DeCarolis is a solid story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Perfect Sister by Stephanie DeCarolis.

Title: Her Perfect Girl

Author: Nicky Downes

Publication Date: July 12, 2024

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Your child is gone. What if you're to blame.

Her Perfect Girl by Nicky Downes is told from multiple POVs. It begins with Emma and Robert Dean's daughter Charly going missing. We find out that six-year-old Charlotte Dean has been murdered. She snuck out of her grandmother's house while her parents were at concert (gig). 

Her Perfect Girl is fast paced with really shot chapters. Multiple POVs work great in this one because each POV has an intricate part to play in the storyline. 

Quote: "He was skilled at keeping the darkness at bay."

One POV is that of the murderer. The murderer is obsessed with blonde hair, and we read over and over that he is making a wig.

Who murdered Charlotte and will there be other victims?

Does the killer get away with his crimes?

What secrets are Emma and Robert hiding?

Are Emma and Robert somehow responsible for what happened to their daughter? 

The plot of Her Perfect Girl by Nicky Downes in grieving parents. It does a good job with portraying what a grieving parent goes through. All the questions you ask that you just cannot find the answers to.

I will definitely try more books by Nicky Downes and recommend this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Her Perfect Girl by Nicky Downes. 

Title: Girl Next Door

Author: Karen King

Publication Date: July 9, 2024

Genre: Mystery 

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Girl Next Door by Karen King begins with Rachel. Rachel has somehow fallen out of her bedroom window to the pavement below. In the pages that follow, we go back in time where we meet Rachel. We continue up until the day of the fall and beyond. I will not say much else about what happens beyond that because my goodness, what a ride you need to enjoy for yourself. A lot happens within the pages of this book! I will however give you a breakdown of most of the characters. Girl Next Door is told from multiple POVs.

Vanessa - mother to Jacob and Erin; wife to Aaron

Aaron - dad to Lucas and Erin; husband to Vanessa

Amanda - mother to Lucas

Ricky - dad to Jacob

Suzy - mother to Rachel and Ben; wife to Carl

Carl - dad to Rachel and Ben; husband to Suzy

Hazel - sister to Vanessa

Amy - Rachel's best friend

Carl, Suzy, Rachel and Ben are new in the neighborhood and move next door to Aaron, Vanessa, Jacob, Lucas and Erin. 

Young Love

Blended Family

Lies

Betrayal

Quote: "I'm sticking to my story. There's too much to lose if I don't."

What really happened to Rachel? Accident? Attempted murder? Attempted suicide?

How well does Vanessa really know her husband? Is this marriage a repeat of her last one?

Are Lucas and Jacob hiding something?

Did the crush Lucas and Jacob both have on Rachel lead to the unthinkable?

These are some questions you'll be asking yourself as you journey through the pages of Girl Next Door by Karen King. Make sure you see this one to the end because that Epilogue will have you gasping.  The only problem I had is I wish it would have stayed clean all the way through. It made it to almost 90% without foul language. I would have given it five stars before that. I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Girl Next Door by Karen King.

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Title: The Day He Never Came Home

Author: Andrew DeYoung

Publication Date: July 9, 2024

Genre: Mystery Thriller

My Rating: 3 out of 5

The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung starts out with John taking his wife Regan on date to a house by the lake. When he and Regan were dating, they used to go to open houses in rich neighborhoods, knowing they could never afford this type of lifestyle. When they show up at the lake house, Regan is aggravated, thinking not this again. John proceeds to tell her that he has purchased this lake house for her. It will be in her name and everything! Regan is shocked to say the least. Where did her husband get the money for such an extravagant gift? John assures her that they can afford it because he's doing so good at work. Speaking of work, John tells Regan that he has to go into work for a little while that night. On the inside, Regan is furious. She is once again struck with the children (Philip and Etta) by herself. She doesn't say anything cross because after all, her husband has just given her the lake house of her dreams. 

When Regan wakes up the next morning, John is nowhere to be found. She messages him and gets no response. Regan figures that he's just busy at work and will respond when he has time. She goes on about her day taking care of the children. All is typical until there is a knock at the door. It's the FBI looking for John. He is wanted for fraud. Regan and the children end up going to her parent's house while the FBI do their search. Regan's mother isn't the least bit surprised by this developing FBI interest in John. 

Where is John?

Is John really who he says he is?

Does Regan know more than she lets on?

Lies

Betrayal

Deceit

Murder 

Fraud

If you like any of the above in your books, definitely give The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung a read. This was a middle of the road book for me. I feel there was unnecessary language within the pages of this one.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Day He Never Came Home by Andrew DeYoung.  

Title: Two Mothers

Author: Kathryn Croft

Publication Date: July 5, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 4.25 out of 5

In Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft, we follow two points of view - Rachel and Holly.

Rachel and Holly are mothers and best friends. Rachel lost her daughter Evie in a tragic accident. Holly's daughter Luna goes missing.

Did Rachel kidnap Luna?

Is Rachel's grief such that she would chance losing her son?

Two Mothers has so many twists and turns that you will get emotional whiplash. I will not go into too much detail because this is a book that you need to experience all the things for yourself. I definitely recommend Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft if you enjoy twists and turns, friendship drama, a web of lies, and so many interconnected parts and pieces that all come together in the end. WHEW! The journey you are about to go on if you pick up this book!!!

Content warning: child loss, mention of rape, domestic abuse

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft. 

Title: In the Blink of an Eye

Author: Kate Hewitt

Publication Date: July 1, 2024

Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Quote: "Maybe every friendship has its course to run, I reflect, no matter how long or short, how straight or twisted."

In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt is told from three points of view:

Natalie - mother of Freya

Eleanor - mother of Bella & Lizzy

Joanna - mother of Kieran

Natalie and Eleanor are best friends. As are Freya and Bella. We begin with Eleanor wanting to throw a class birthday party for Bella. However, there's one problem, she doesn't want to invite Kieran. Kieran is considered to be the troubled new kid in town. Natalie tells her that she cannot exclude one kid. Eleanor reluctantly agrees to invite Kieran.

Fast forward to the day of the birthday party. So much happens before, during, and after the party. During the party, right before the cake, tragedy strikes. Something terrible happens involving Bella, Freya and Kieran. Who's to blame?

In In the Blink of an Eye, friendships will be stretched to the limit. Marriages will be put to the test. Parents will question how well they know their children. 

Will marriages survive?

Will friendships stay intact?

Is Kieran really the monster some think he is?

What really happened at the birthday party?

Quote: "Some secrets are worth keeping."

I definitely recommend In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt. Especially, if you enjoy family drama, friendship drama, parenting struggles, and small-town drama. Also, if you like clean books with no to very little foul language, this is a good book for that. I don't recall any foul language. As a reader, I really appreciate that.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review In the Blink of an Eye by Kate Hewitt.

Title: The Taken Child

Author: Maria Frankland

Publication Date: June 25, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 3 out of 5

The Taken Child is a camping trip turned tragic. There are so many characters and points of view within the pages of this book. All of them revolve around one person . . . David.

David is a divorced teacher who has custody of his son Toby. Toby's mother Kristy, now sober, lost custody of him because of her love for the bottle.

There's also Catherine, Leonie, Jeanette, Mia - all of which are connected to David in one way or another.

The detectives come into play when there is a murder at the camp, cutting the camping trip short. During all of this, Toby goes missing. Where is Toby? Who has Toby? Did David plan this to keep Toby away from Kristy? Does David really hate Kristy that much?

As always, I don't go into much detail when it comes to thriller reviews. I really couldn't connect with any of the characters in The Taken Child. However, if you like multiple points of view and trying to connect them all together or if you need to check that box off your reading checklist, definitely give this book a go.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Taken Child by Maria Frankland.

Title:  Those We Do Not See

Author:  Angie Gallion

Publication Date:  June 11, 2024

Genre:  Fiction

My Rating:  3 out of 5

Quote:  "You can't be here."

Those We Do Not See by Angie Gallion starts out on July 8th, with a terrible car accident.  An accident Britany Adams caused.  Jason, who is married to someone else is in the car with her.  Brit has an abusive boyfriend by the name of Zack.  Brit and Jason used to date in high school and their long-distance paths lead them away from each other.  When Brit comes to her senses, she makes Jason leave the scene of the accident.  He cannot be there when she calls Zack or when the police arrive.

Meanwhile, in the other car, the driver is dying.  Dee had the day off from work.  Little did she know that on July 8th, her life would be over.  According to the police, the impact wouldn't have killed her.  However, her recalled faulty airbag did. 

From July 8th forward, Brit's life spirals out of control.  She goes from having a steady job, a home, and a boyfriend to having nothing.  We meet several people throughout the days and most of them are just absolutely no good for Brit.  We take a journey right alongside Brit through it all.

This book was a 3-star read for me mainly because of all the unnecessary foul language.  Without that, it would have easily been a 4.5.  If that does not bother you, definitely give Those We Do Not See by Angie Gallion a read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Those We Do Not See. 

Title:  Saving Rebecca

Author:  Alex Amit

Publication Date:  June 14, 2024

Genre:  Historical Fiction

My Rating:  5 out of 5

Saving Rebecca by Alex Amit starts out in 1941.  It is told through Sarah Bloch.  Sarah is trying to get out of Paris with her daughter Rebecca.  Sarah's husband has gone away to Spain on business.  He had planned for Sarah and Rebecca to join him in a month.  However, Nazi soldiers took over Paris leaving them separated. 

Will Sarah find a way to keep her daughter safe?  What lengths will she go to in order to make sure that happens?  Will she be able to defend against the Nazis who hate her and Rebecca just because they are Jews?

If you like WW2 historical fiction, then I would definitely recommend Saving Rebecca by Alex Amit.  This book had me feeling all the feels.  I'm not going to say much else because you just need to read this book and experience it for yourself.  Saving Rebecca is such an amazing story about a mother's love, hope, unity, and freedom.  Sometimes you just might find a good thing among the wreckage.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Saving Rebecca. 

Title:  Irreplaceable

Author:  Nolon King with Laure Street

Publication Date:  June 4, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating:  3 out of 5

Quote: "Her new home seemed to hold its breath, with secrets on the lip of revelation."

Irreplaceable by Nolon King begins with Will and Nina travelling to North Dakota to celebrate their recent engagement.  They have been together for six months and had fallen for one another immediately.  Little did Nina know that they were going to see Nina's dream house.  The dream house that Will had purchased - unbeknownst to Nina - as a wedding gift.  Did I mention they have only been together for six months? Engaged for only a week? What could possibly go wrong? Not to mention, a dead girlfriend that Nina is unknowingly competing with.

If you like creepy houses and domestic thrillers, then I say give Irreplaceable by Nolon King a go.

Thank you NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Title: Someplace Like Home

Author: Bobi Conn

Publication Date: May 21, 2024

Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 4 out of 5 

Quote: "A long history of sorrow led to my birth."

Someplace Like Home by Bobbi Conn is a fictionalized version of her mother's life.  It is broken up into books.

In Book One, we are introduced to the Caudill Family - Charles, Helen, and their five children Gail, Barbara, Mary, Jenny and William (Billy).  We get to see an overview of what it was like to be a Caudill growing up in Kentucky.

Quote: "So much depends on what you choose next."

In Book Two, we focus on Jenny.  Jenny represents the author's mom.  WHEW!!!  Some of Jenny's life was very hard to read.  I am not going to say much because you need to read it and feel all the feels for yourself.

Quote:  "A parent's legacy is established pretty early in their children's lives."

In Book Three, we get to focus on Charlie.  Charlie is Jenny's daughter.  Again, I'm not going to say much.  However, I will say that Charlie lived through seeing some awful things done to her mom. 

I was drawn into Someplace Like Home immediately from the beginning.  It is very well written, and I felt as if I was part of the family. It made me smile at times and boy; did it make me extremely anger at other times. If you want to get immersed into a book where you are going to feel all the things, I recommend Someplace Like Home.  I will warn you, you will have feelings. 

Quote: "We aren't bound to the past, powerful as it is." 

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Someplace Like Home.

Content warnings:  Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse, Child Loss

Title:  The Wife at the Window

Author: Cara Reinard

Publication Date:  June 17, 20024

Genre:  Psychological Thriller

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Quote: "She was never supposed to get out."

The Wife at the Window begins with Emerson Wilder standing outside a window, looking at her ex-husband's girlfriend interact with their son. 

Emerson has recently been released from a mental hospital.  Her only goal is to see her son Leo.  A tragic event resulting in the death of her second child, Thea, is what landed her in the hospital.

Is Emerson responsible for Thea's death?

The Wife at the Window follows two points of view -- Emerson and Talia

Talia is Emerson's ex-husband Shep's girlfriend.  Talia and Shep work for the same company.  Talia and Shep do not agree on Emerson having visitation with Leo.  This disagreement ultimately causes destruction in their relationship. 

What lengths will Emerson go to in order to be with her son?

What lengths will Talia go to in order to make sure that never happens?

Quote: "Our connection doesn't cease to exist just because we do."

The Wife at the Window by Cara Reinard is ultimately about a mother who just wants to be with her son, no matter what demons she has to fight in order for that to happen.  This book has a lot of interconnected parts and pieces that fit together like a puzzle.  Everyone we encounter in life is like a puzzle piece.  Be careful who you trust.  Someone just may turn out to be a ghost from the past.  The twist at the end of The Wife at the Window was definitely unexpected.  Cara Reinard did a fantastic job piecing everything together.

There is so much more to this book.  I will not spoil it for you, just know that you will enjoy this book if you're looking for a book with a twist.

There is a content note at the beginning of the book that states, "This novel depicts content that deals with child death and mental health issues."  

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Wife at the Window.

Title: If Something Happens to Me
Author: Alex Finlay
Publication Date: May 28, 2024
Genre: Thriller
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Quote: "Something's not right. The puzzle pieces are warped, disfigured."

In Philadelphia, Anthony O'Leary, teenage son of mobster Scott O'Leary is being bullied at an elite school.  What happens as a result of this leaves a town a few less in number.

Five years ago, in Kansas, Ryan Richardson and his girlfriend, Alison Lane were on a date when Ryan gets hit over the head so hard that he blacks out.  Upon waking up, Alison and her car are gone. Ryan is automatically a suspect.  With a good lawyer and lack of evidence, Ryan gets let off the hook and allowed to carry on with his life. He travels to Italy on a school trip and that's where the story of Alison begins to unfold.

Meanwhile, in Kansas, there's a new deputy by the name of Poppy McGee. Her first day on the job finds her at Suncatcher Lake while a car with two bodies are being lifted out. Once the car is processed, a handbag is found.  Inside the handbag is an envelope containing some sort of number code with the title "If Something Happens to Me" written on it. 

What does this code mean?

Where's Alison Lane?

Who do the bodies in the car belong to?

Poppy will stop at nothing to find the answers to those questions.

In If Something Happens to Me, Alex Finlay introduces us to a lot of characters. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first but trust me they are all connected. In the end, you will not be left wondering where any of them fit within the storyline.  

If you enjoy different locations, different points of view, and several interconnected characters, then, I would definitely recommend If Something Happens to Me.  Alex Finlay does a great job with pacing.  I wanted to keep reading way past my bedtime. There is a bit of language, so just be aware of that if that bothers you. 

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review If Something Happens to Me.

Title: You Me Her

Author: Sue Watson

Publication Date: June 3, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 3.75 out of 5

One Marriage.  Three People.  One Murder.

You = Tom

Me = Rachel

Her = Chloe - Maybe?

In You Me Her, we are following the lives of the Frazer family; Rachel, her husband Tom, and their 4-year-old son Sam.

Rachel's dad died and left her with a large sum of money as an inheritance. Rachel and Sam are currently staying in her hometown, while Tom is spending the inheritance money to give Rachel the home of her dreams in another town. Tom is handling all the decisions that come along with fixing up a house: tile, paint color, garden, etc.

When Rachel and Sam move into the new house, Rachel is hoping to leave tragedy behind and finally be able to get on with her life. Rachel loves the new house, but she is very concerned about all the money being spent. 

In walks Chloe, a younger, very pretty girl. She does not knock she just lets herself right in. Chloe is shocked to see that Rachel is there. Tom plays it off and says that Chloe works with the real estate agency and that's why she has keys to their house. 

Quote: "But nothing is ever quite what it seems, and storm clouds can gather quickly."

Rachel befriends Chloe and they begin to spend lots of time together. Tom does not like this at all because he has told Rachel that Chloe is very dangerous and should not be trusted. Strange things start happening at the house. Sam sees things. Rachel sees things. 

Is Tom being overdramatic?

Can Chloe be trusted?

Is Rachel going crazy?

You Me Her by Sue Watson has twists and turns aplenty. I trusted no one. There are several characters that play a role in this story. All of them - sketchy! You will not know who to believe. Sue does a good job with that. There's just something not quite right with each one of them, you just cannot put your finger on it. 

Secrets

Fear

Lies

Friendship

Betrayal

I try not to go too in depth with thriller reviews, because I think they are better gone into blind. I did enjoy You Me Her. I thought I had it figured out, but I did not. If you like domestic trillers, I would recommend putting this one on your list.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review You Me Her.

Title: The Nurse Behind the Gates

Author: Shari J. Ryan

Publication Date: May 20, 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Quote: "A rare honeybee."

The Nurse Behind the Gates by Shari J. Ryan is told from two points of view - Emilie and Danner. It also travels back and forth from now and years leading up to now.

We begin in 1942 Germany with Emilie and her husband Otto. They have been married three weeks when Otto tells Emilie that they will be quickly moving out of their current town. Emilie does not like surprises, and she is not happy about this change one bit. She has lots of questions. 

As we travel backwards in time, we get to meet Danner, Felix and Gerty. These three, along with Emilie and Otto are all best friends and live in the same neighborhood growing up. That is until the Jews begin to be asked to leave.

Quote: "No matter where we go or what challenges come, we'll always have each other."

Danner and Emilie know they love each other and want nothing more than to spend forever together. However, with Danner being a Jew, he knows this cannot possibly happen. He makes Emilie promise that she will marry Otto and he assures her that Otto will give her the life she deserves. A life that he cannot give her. 

Emilie and Otto begin working in Dachau, a concentration camp the Nazi's built to intern political protestors...or so they thought. The reality, it was a camp for medical research and Jews were used as the subjects. Imagine Emilie's shock when she walks in and finds Danner slumped over in the corner. Danner is in fact, a research subject, based on the choices he was given. 

Quote: "If you had a secret - one that could destroy your life if shared, what would you do to protect it?"

The Nurse Behind the Gates is an emotional read. I found myself so invested in the characters and I could not stop reading. I just had to know what was going to happen. Shari J. Ryan did a fantastic job with the pace, as well as giving me all the feels. Such a powerful story from beginning until the very end.

What would you do to keep someone you love safe?

Would you make deals with the enemy, if it meant keeping someone you love alive?

The Nurse Behind the Gates is a story about two boys and one girl. But it's also about so much more!

Love

War

Friendship

Trust

Hope

Choices

Family

I would definitely recommend this book is you like books that make you feel.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Nurse Behind the Gates. 

Title: The Other Passenger

Author: JE Rowney

Publish Date: May 30, 2024

Genre: Thriller

My Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Paranoia.
Jealousy.
Betrayal.
Murder.
Secrets.

Anger.

Quote: "He wished he had planned ahead but tonight was a night he hadn't expected."

In The Other Passenger by JE Rowney, we follow the journey of David and Emma. Their story is told between "now" and the hours leading up to "now." The journey starts off with a murder. However, we do not know who, what, or why.

In the "now" David is driving down a dark an isolated road in the rain. David has just experienced an unfortunate event at his work's awards ceremony. The ceremony in which David attended alone per usual. His wife Amanda just could not be bothered to support her husband, who was supposed to receive a prestigious award. David and Amanda used to be happy. That happiness has become more of just a game of cat and mouse. There had been a time when David was not a failure. 

Quote: "Perhaps she had been lucky, but the night wasn't over yet. There was a storm to get through first."

Emma has had a really tough year. She is quite troubled, to say the least. She has migraines all the time, and her life is falling apart. She still talks to her sister, Angelina, who never responds because Angeliana really isn't there anymore. Emma sets off to search for answers as to why that is. 

David and Emma are complete strangers from totally different generations. However, they are both running from something.

Along the road, David picks up a young female hitchhiker. She appears to be around the same age as his nineteen-year-old daughter, Charlotte. The girl is very focused on her phone but eventually her and David begin to talk. David is asking the typical "get to know you" questions when an alert comes across the radio. "The discovery of a women's body in a shallow grave..." 

Will David and Emma get away from what they are running from? Do they have secrets they hope will never see the light of day?

Quote: "Sometimes it's better to be two strangers in the night sharing a ride."

The Other Passenger by JE Rowney is a quick read. The pace is well written. It will keep you engaged. I do feel like the ending was abrupt and could have been a little more detailed. All in all, I would recommend this book to my fellow thriller lovers.

This book has minimal foul language, which I really appreciate.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Other Passenger.