Book Review: The Girl in the Mirror by Rose Carlyle Release Date 10/20/2020

5 Stars for The Girl in the Mirror by @rosecarlyle100! If you're looking for a book with a twist, look no further! The end of the book was like the grand finale of a fireworks show! I thought the twists were over, I thought I had everything figured out and then, BAM even MORE twists. I could hardly keep up and loved it. 

The last 50 pages in particular were amazing for me as a reader and I could not put it down. This is the debut novel for @rosecarlyle100 and I'm expecting more great books from her in the future the way this one seemed so effortlessly to unfold on the pages. 

I think this one would also make a great movie. I wonder if Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are available. Did anyone else have them in mind the entire book as the twin characters? 

#5stars #heirmoney #deceit #lies #twinthriller #couldnotputitdown #pageturner #quickread #sendmebooks #bookreview #bookfluencer #readgoodbooks

Book Review: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

 

5 Stars for Hillbilly Elegy by J.D.Vance. 

I am limited unfortunately to the # characters on my instagram review. So, I'll consolidate my review by trying to leave all of the personal ways this book affected me out of the review. 

I am not a hillbilly. But, my ancestors were sharecroppers in NC. Their crops were tobacco and moonshine. I come from a long line of badassery. And, I try to remind myself of that when I feel defeated, underestimated, or not good enough. I remind myself that I am from a long line of people who have done really hard things, lost a lot, and have often been too ashamed to discuss any of it with the likes of me. 

My mother was not a drug addict and my father was not an alcoholic. But, I recall what it was like to have to walk to the barn to use the bathroom. I remember the tub that I used to get bathed in that was moved into the kitchen because we were in a house with no plumbing. I remember how we gathered in 1 room in the back of the house to stay warm because we only had a woodstove in 1 room for heat. I'm white but not a stranger to poverty. 

I love this book. And the vivid imagery and descriptions J.D uses. His Mamaw felt like home to me. And, it's amazing how words and memories can do that to us, isn't it? This book was heavy. But, isn't that where the power is? 

Dare I say, our country needs a leader like J.D. Vance. An overcomer. Someone who knows what it feels like to scrape by only by the edge of his teeth and the kindness of those who saw something special in him. This is not a political message. It's a 5 Star review from a white girl who grew up with challenges, and because of the grit and persistence of my family, and countless teachers, mentors, and application approvers along the way, is reviewing a book that I read for FUN. 

I could write an essay response to Hillbilly Elegy. It was personal, it was uplifting, and is going to sit with me for a bit. I try to take a break from my thrillers and mysteries from time to time to sit with a powerful work of nonfiction. This was one of those. 

#5stars #bookreview #addittothelist #nonfiction #hillbilly #hillbillyelegy #overcome #grittybook #5starmemoir #roots #wings #mamaw #readgoodbooks #stretchyourmind #empathy #compassion #poignantread #greatbook 

Book Review: The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom Released in 2010

5 Stars for The Kitchen House by @kathleengrissom. This book left me speechless and wide-eyed. Many reviews compared this book to The Help. I'd say, I only partially agree with that due to the underlying themes of slavery, racism, poverty, deceit, and they social injustices they share. 

This book, having been set in the late 1700s/early 1800s was thrilling, heart-wrenching, and in my opinion, a MUST READ. It really pulled me in and I was enamored with the characters and on edge for so many of them throughout the entire book. 

A plantation, slaves, a captain, family secrets, sacrifices, and unfaltering love will have you scratching your head and wondering why no one you know has been talking about this book. 

I loved it, @kathleengrissom. My copy will proudly remain on my shelf with my other cherished books for my children for when they are old enough to appreciate such a powerful and thought-provoking treasure.

#mustread #5stars #bookreviews #booksaboutracism #booksaboutslavery #eyeopeningread #thekitchenhouse #amazingwriter #lovedoes #family #unforgettableread #quickread #couldnotputdown #treasuredbook #shouldberequiredreading #speechlessafterfinishing 

Book Review: Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand Release Date 10/6/2020

 
5 stars for Elin's final installment of her Paradise Series. Lucky for me, I was late to the Paradise party so it shortened my waiting time significantly. I'm not sure how others waited as long as they did between the releases of her 3 books. 

The characters will always stay with me, I was so happy to join them in St. John's for book 3 and felt like they were waiting for me to return so they could finish the story with me. 

5 stars for the setting (oh, the SETTING) and the characters- I'm still #teamcash. And, 5 stars for a heavy plot with suspense, surprise, and at times nothing short of chaos on the island. 

Troubles in Paradise is a great book to end the summer on, as we transition to the long-sleeve, pale skin, beanie-wearing weather. I highly recommend all 3 of the trilogy for a good mental vacation. I promise you will feel the St. John sunshine on page 1.

Also, this book pairs well with a strong rum punch. I loved how you wrapped this one up just so, @elinhilderbrand!

#5stars #bookreview #troublesinparadise #elinhilderbrand #islandlife #booksanddrinks #summerbooks #book3 #sendmethebooks #sendmetostjohn #teamcash #greatbook #botm #readallthree 

Book Review: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline

 5 Stars for The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline! This was my second book by Christina Baker Kline. It's no coincidence that I loved The Exiles by her. I found myself underlining a lot, as I often do when I read phrases or parts that stick out to me and are truly well written. I find Christina Baker Kline has an ability to create characters and settings that allow you to step away for moments in your real life. When you return to her pages, it's like you never left. 

The Exiles was a pretty dark book, the settings were dark and it was metaphorically dark. I was moved by the strength of the characters and their perseverance, courage, and strength through extraordinarily hard times. The grit of the characters, and their commitment to one another was moving. 

If you're looking for something a little bit different that will suck you right in, this one is for you. It isn't a a thriller, but I'd say there are definite scenes packed full of suspense. @bakerkline creates women in her books that we all need to know and be influenced by. 

#5stars #womenconvicts #prisoners #grit #bookreview #readnext #addtobooklist #powerfulwomen #readgoodbooks #sendmebooks #bookedlife #booknerd #theexiles