Not Her Daughter

Emma Townsend. Five years old. Gray eyes, brown hair. Missing since June.  Emma is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.

Sarah Walker. Successful entrepreneur. Broken-hearted. Kidnapper.  Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal. When a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her―far away from home. But if it’s to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?

Amy Townsend. Unhappy wife. Unfit mother. Unsure whether she wants her daughter back.  Amy’s life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now Emma is gone without a trace.

As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But what about Emma’s real mother, back at home?

The premise of this book instantly had me interested in reading it.  And once I began, I flew through it!  The pace was steady and never slowed down.  The book centers around 2 women, Sarah and Amy.  Sarah's character was strong and independent and I loved her for it.  It's so nice to see a successful woman portrayed in a thriller.  Amy, the mother, was frustrating, but I also had compassion for her.  I'm not making excuses for her, her actions were horrible, but motherhood was not for her.  That's part of the reason I enjoyed this book, the characters had complexities and I enjoyed watching them unfold, good or bad.  I rated this book a 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4.  My problems were at times the story was just not believable.  I didn't think a person like Sarah would act or make the decisions that she did.  So while I enjoyed the book, I did have to suspend belief.  I was also not the biggest fan of the ending, but can't really say much more than that.  It definitely hooked me and kept me engaged the whole time.  I would definitely pick up another book written by Rea Frey.   

       * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Banker's Wife

On an early morning in November, a couple boards a private plane bound for Geneva, flying into a storm. Soon after, it simply drops off the radar, and its wreckage is later uncovered in the Alps. Among the disappeared is Matthew Lerner, a banking insider at Swiss United, a powerful offshore bank. His young widow, Annabel, is left grappling with the secrets he left behind, including an encrypted laptop and a shady client list. As she begins a desperate search for answers, she determines that Matthew's death was no accident, and that she is now in the crosshairs of his powerful enemies.

Meanwhile, ambitious society journalist Marina Tourneau has finally landed at the top. Now that she's engaged to Grant Ellis, she will stop writing about powerful families and finally be a part of one. Her entry into the upper echelons of New York's social scene is more appealing than any article could ever be, but, after the death of her mentor, she agrees to dig into one more story. While looking into Swiss United, Marina uncovers information that implicates some of the most powerful men in the financial world, including some who are too close to home. The story could also be the answer to Annabel's heartbreaking search—if Marina chooses to publish it.

It's been a hot minute since I've read a thriller that wasn't classified as a domestic thriller.  I used to love these type of books and I have no idea why I never pick them up anymore, but after finishing The Banker's Wife I won't wait that long again.  This book was a really interesting setup and felt pretty true to life.  The whole scandal is based around off shore banks and what role they play.  The narrative was pretty much split between Marina and Annabel.  Often times a dual narrative can have a character you really care about and the other you are not nearly as invested in, but I was completely tied in to both of their stories and how they connected.  Sometimes there were parts that I'd have to read a couple times to understand, but for the most part the book flowed really well.  This was such a welcomed change and I started seeking out similar reads when I finished the last page.     

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Other Woman

 

Emily thinks Adam’s perfect; the man she thought she’d never meet. But lurking in the shadows is a rival; a woman who shares a deep bond with the man she loves.

Emily chose Adam, but she didn’t choose his mother Pammie. There’s nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her son, and now Emily is about to find out just how far Pammie will go to get what she wants: Emily gone forever.

The Other Woman is an addictive, fast-paced psychological thriller about the destructive relationship between Emily, her boyfriend Adam, and his manipulative mother Pammie.

 The Other Woman was exactly the type of thriller book that I love to pick up.  While I thought I had everything figured out, the whole thing snuck up on me and smacked me right in the head!  Emily, the main character, was likeable, but at times I didn't understand her decisions.  Although, after further reflection, I feel like she was just desperate to find her true love.  Adam, her fiance, was a great character because I wasn't sure if I was supposed to rot for him or not.  I wasn't sure if he was an amazing or delusional fiance.  And finally, his mom, Pammie (which, by the way, I have never been bothered too much by a character's name, but her name just rubbed me the wrong way every time I read it) was weird, borderline creepy.  This novel did not disappoint!

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Lies She Told

Liza Jones has thirty days to write the thriller that could put her back on the bestseller list. In the meantime, she’s struggling to start a family with her husband, who is distracted by the disappearance of his best friend, Nick. With stresses weighing down in both her professional and her personal life, Liza escapes into writing her latest heroine.

Beth is a new mother who suspects her husband is cheating on her while she’s home alone providing for their newborn. Angry and betrayed, Beth sets out to catch him in the act and make him pay for shattering the illusion of their perfect life. But before she realizes it, she’s tossing the body of her husband’s mistress into the river.

Then the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur. Nick’s body is dragged from the Hudson and Liza’s husband is arrested for his murder. Before her deadline is up, Liza will have to face up up to the truths about the people around her, including herself. If she doesn’t, the end of her heroine’s story could be the end of her own.

I have struggled lately to find thrillers that seem believable, hold my attention and keep me guessing, this book did all three.  It's difficult to say too much without giving anything away, but I felt totally engrossed in Liza and Beth, the main character in Liza's story.  I love when a story can really tow the line between fact and fiction and this novel did just that.  I am beyond happy that I found another great thriller to recommend!

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Address

After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.

In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her “cousin” Melinda—Camden’s biological great-granddaughter—will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in...and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island.

One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages—for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City—and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich—and often tragic—as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden—and the woman who killed him—on its head.

This is one of those stories that I wish I could read again for the first time.  I thought all of the characters had great dimension and sucked me right in.  The star of the story is of course The Dakota, which I immediately read more about as soon as I finished.  I have drove past the building before when visiting New York City, but I definitely will be making a stop next time to view the gorgeous details that were described.  Fiona Davis weaved a masterful story that kept me engaged from page one and never faltered.  I would highly recommend historical fiction fans to check it out and I will definitely be on the lookout for more titles by Fiona Davis.     

      * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

By the Book

An English professor struggling for tenure discovers that her ex-fiancé has just become the president of her college—and her new boss—in this whip-smart modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Persuasion.
 

Anne is determined to score a position on the coveted tenure track at her college. All she’s got to do is get a book deal, snag a promotion, and boom! She’s in. But then Adam Martinez—her first love and ex-fiancé—shows up as the college’s new president.
 

Anne should be able to keep herself distracted. After all, she’s got a book to write, an aging father to take care of, and a new romance developing with the college’s insanely hot writer-in-residence. But no matter where she turns, there’s Adam, as smart and sexy as ever. As the school year advances and her long-buried feelings begin to resurface, Anne begins to wonder whether she just might get a second chance at love.

I must first confess, that I have never read Jane Austen's Persuasion.  When I realized the novel was based on this well loved novel I was excited to give it a go.  But when I saw some negative reviews for this book I was nervous to pick it up.  However, maybe because I had never read Jane's original novel, I really loved this book!  I thought it was delightful and heartwarming.  The characters felt realistic and I was invested in Anne's story.  I can understand that some may not like this sort of fluffy, quick read, but for me it was pretty perfect.  If you are looking for a light, fun read I would highly recommend this book.  And because I liked it so much, I may just have to pick up Persuasion later this year. 

            * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Just Between Us

Alison, Julie, Sarah, Heather. Four friends living the suburban ideal. Their jobs are steady, their kids are healthy. They’re as beautiful as their houses. But each of them has a dirty little secret, and hidden behind the veneer of their perfect lives is a crime and a mystery that will consume them all.

Everything starts to unravel when Alison spots a nasty bruise on Heather’s wrist. She shares her suspicions with Julie and Sarah, compelling all three to investigate what looks like an increasingly violent marriage. As mysterious injuries and erratic behavior mount, Heather can no longer deny the abuse, but she refuses to leave her husband. Desperate to save her, Alison and the others dread the phone call telling them that she’s been killed. But when that call finally comes, it’s not Heather who’s dead. In a moment they’ll come to regret, the women must decide what lengths they’ll go to in order to help a friend.

Just Between Us is a thrilling glimpse into the underbelly of suburbia, where not all neighbors can be trusted, and even the closest friends keep dangerous secrets. You never really know what goes on in another person’s mind, or in their marriage.

What a ride!  I picked up this book when I was struggling a bit to find anything that kept my interest and this was exactly what I needed.  It kept me up reading at night, which few things do these days, and I would sneak in a couple pages whenever I found the chance.  The four main characters in the story were easy to relate to in many ways.  They seemed like the friends many moms have once they have children.  I have read a couple reviews that found the change in narration confusing, but I didn't have any problems.  If I forgot for a second, the page heading displayed who was narrating and I was right back on track.  I would classify this book as a domestic thriller, which I tend to love because there is character development, along with a fast-paced timeline.  If I had one complaint, it would be that I had to suspend belief for a few of the decisions/actions of the characters.  I didn't always think it was how people would behave, but in some ways that's exactly what this book is about.  I had suspicions early on about what was happening, and while I was correct, there were still enough details in the why that left me shocked.  I will be on the hunt for more novels like this is the future, it's what makes reading books so enjoyable!

          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Other Girl

Officer Miranda Rader of the Harmony, Louisiana PD is known for her honesty, integrity, and steady hand in a crisis—but that wasn’t always so. Miranda comes from the town of Jasper, a place about the size of a good spit on a hot day, and her side of the tracks was the wrong one. She’s worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and the community.

When Miranda and her partner are called to investigate the murder of one of the town’s most beloved college professors, they’re unprepared for the brutality of the scene. This murder is unlike any they’ve ever investigated, and just when Miranda thinks she’s seen the worst of it, she finds a piece of evidence that chills her to the core: a faded newspaper clipping about that terrible night fifteen years ago. The night she’d buried, along with her past and the girl she’d been back then. 

Until now that grave had stayed sealed…except for those times, in the deepest part of the night, when the nightmares came: of a crime no one believed happened and the screams of the girl they believed didn’t exist.  Then another man turns up dead, this one a retired cop. Not just any cop—the one who took her statement that night. Two murders, two very different men, two killings that on the surface had nothing in common—except Miranda.

I read this fast-paced crime novel in under 24 hours and it delivered in most ways.  Even though the novel is short, I did feel invested in the characters.  The author was really able to tell us a lot in a small amount of pages, which I am always grateful for.  I felt terrible for Miranda and just wanted to help her make everything right.  Just be warned, because their are only a few characters introduced, I had ideas throughout the book of what I thought.  I was right and wrong, which was fun to feel like I solved a piece, but was still surprised.  This was a first time read author read for me, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up more titles by Erica Spindler.      

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Before We Were Yours

Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge—until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents—but they quickly realize that the truth is much darker. At the mercy of the facility’s cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together—in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions—and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or redemption.

Based on one of America’s most notorious real-life scandals—in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country—Wingate’s riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Lisa Wingate has done it again!  Even thinking about this book brings up strong emotions.  It's hard to imagine that anything like this could have ever taken place, but it did and it makes me plain angry.  While this was a fictional account, I totally believe these events could have happened.  This book was a reminder that we have to watch out for those in this world that cannot fight for themselves.  We have to protect them and be their voice.  I couldn't get over the fact that people knew this was happening and turned a blind eye.  I understand that money drives people, but to even imagine that someone could do this to children to make a profit is unfathomable.  This story was beautiful and heartbreaking, a recipe for an amazing novel.  It needs more attention and I highly recommend you find a copy soon! 

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

 

The Girl from the Sea

 

A chilling suspense story of wounded hearts and dark secrets.

Washed up on the beach, she can’t remember who she is. She can’t even remember her name. Turns out, she has an idyllic life – friends and family eager to fill in the blanks.

But why are they lying to her? What don’t they want her to remember?

When you don't even know who you are, how do you know who to trust?

I feel conflicted about this book so my review may seem all over the place.  I thought the setup was good, maybe a little unbelievable, but that's okay.  From there the story was interesting, but was just missing something for me to really dive in.  My biggest complaint was probably the lack of character development, so I always felt a little detached.  I wanted more dimension.  While I did think the twist was interesting, it sort of made me dislike the characters even more.  However, if you like a good twist that you probably won't guess and don't care about dimensional character, I think this is a great book for you.  I have since read another title by this author and enjoyed it, so I will continue to pick up her books when I see them.

        * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

After the Lie

One little lie can make one big difference …

Lydia has the ‘right’ kind of friends, her children are at the ‘right’ kind of school and she’s married to the ‘right’ sort of man – kind, steady, reliable Mark. Her wedding business is flourishing and even though she is at loggerheads with her mother, she couldn’t ask for anything more from life.

But the truth is that Lydia has been lucky. She has been living a lie for years and Mark has no idea who he is really married to. But nothing lasts forever and the past has a funny way of catching up with the present. When the person who knows all of Lydia’s dark little secrets turns up at the school gates, his presence threatens to blow Lydia’s life apart.

What is Lydia’s terrible truth? Once the secret is out, you can’t put it back … 

I must confess, I read this book awhile ago and I'm struggling to remember much about the story, which reminds me why I gave this book only 3 stars.  In the beginning, I thought the story had a lot of potential, but as time went on, I really disliked Lydia.  I just found her character to be annoying.  She just made terrible decisions, over and over.  Then the "lie" was exposed and the book just never recovered for me after that.  Without saying too much, while I understand her hurt and frustration, I didn't think the secret justified the victim part that Lydia chose to play for the rest of her life.  I appreciated the message of the story, but I just thought it could have been so much better if Lydia felt like how I believe an actual person would respond.  

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

   

Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks

The choice of a devotional book is more personal than most. This kind of reading is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. No, with this kind of resource you’re expecting and praying for something more. You want to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul. Only God’s Word can do that.

So you need to choose wisely.

With her first devotional book, Priscilla Shirer makes your choice easy. For even though she’s written multiple best-selling books and Bible studies, including the 2016 ECPA “Christian Book of the Year” (Fervent), even though she regularly speaks to thousands at conference venues and churches around the world, even though she was the lead actress in a #1 box-office feature film (War Room) . . . It all starts for Priscilla where it all starts for you.

Alone with God. Alone with His Word. Eager to hear His voice. Prepared to humbly and obediently respond. She hopes, more than anything else, that the daily insights you receive in these pages will challenge, encourage, and strengthen you in every way.

These ninety devotions from the heart of a mom, wife, encourager, and friend will Awaken you each day with fresh insights gleaned from the Spirit of God. Ready to help you mine the treasures of Scripture and fortify you for the day ahead.

Priscilla Shirer is amazing so I knew this devotional would be the exact same.  I had just finished her Armor of God Bible study at church so I was really excited to pick this up.  I loved it, I really did.  However, the Armor of God study blew me away so I was hoping for just a bit more.  That is probably unfair because these are not meant to be meatly, long studies each day.  Even so, I would highly recommend this as a daily devotional, along with anything else Priscilla puts out there!

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

The Secret Mother

 

‘Are you my mummy?’

Tessa Markham comes home to find a little boy in her kitchen. He thinks she’s his mother. But Tessa doesn’t have any children. 

Not anymore.

She doesn’t know who the child is or how he got there.

After contacting the police, Tessa comes under suspicion for snatching the boy. She must fight to prove her innocence. But how can she convince everyone she’s not guilty when even those closest to her are questioning the truth? And when Tessa doesn’t even trust herself… 

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!  I'm a sucker for thrillers that revolve around a mother.  My heart just broke so much for Tessa I couldn't stop.  There's not a whole lot I can say, but while I understand some criticism that the twist wasn't hard to figure out, I really didn't care.  I was 100% invested with these characters.  I can't say I loved the ending, which was why this ended up being a 4-star read.  I will not hesitate to pick up a Shalini Boland book in the future!

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

When We Were Worthy

When the sound of sirens cuts through a cool fall night, the small town of Worthy, Georgia, hurtles from triumph to tragedy. Just hours before, they’d watched the Wildcats score a winning touchdown. Now, they’re faced with the deaths of three cheerleaders—their promising lives cut short in a fatal crash. And the boy in the other car—the only one to survive—is believed to be at fault. As rumors begin to fly and accusations spin, allegiances form and long-kept secrets emerge.

At the center of the whirlwind are four women, each grappling with loss, regret, shame, and lies: Marglyn, a grieving mother; Darcy, whose son had been behind the wheel; Ava, a substitute teacher with a scandalous secret; and Leah, a cheerleader who should have been in the car with her friends, but wasn’t. If the truth comes out, will it bring redemption—or will it be their downfall?

I have always been a fan of high school drama that sucks the whole town in and this book hit the mark!  This was a 5-star read for me and read very fast.  This felt very similar to Beartown by Fredrik Backman, but I liked this story better.  Marybeth Mayhew Whalen has become a favorite author of mine over the past several years and this story lived up to all the others I have read so far.  Another thing I really loved was it wasn't a long drawn out novel.  It achieved what it needed to in a shorter amount of pages than most books require.  I didn't feel like it dragged at any point.  I highly recommend this story to all types of readers.  

      
          * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Lie to Me

 

Sutton and Ethan Montclair's idyllic life is not as it appears. They seem made for each other, but the truth is ugly. Consumed by professional and personal betrayals and financial woes, the two both love and hate each other. As tensions mount, Sutton disappears, leaving behind a note saying not to look for her.

Ethan finds himself the target of vicious gossip as friends, family and the media speculate on what really happened to Sutton Montclair. As the police investigate, the lies the couple have been spinning for years quickly unravel. Is Ethan a killer? Is he being set up? Did Sutton hate him enough to kill the child she never wanted and then herself? The path to the answers is full of twists that will leave the reader breathless.

This is my second J.T. Ellison novel and it was another solid story.  It was a psychological thriller that I would rank as average among other books in the same category.  Some parts of the story were confusing and forced me to suspend belief at certain points along the way which is not a favorite book trait for me.  What I love about psychological thrillers is the ability to twist a scenario to make it crazy, but believable.  Sutton and Ethan were both characters that weren't likeable or reliable so I can't say I was really cheering anyone on.  It was enjoyable for what it was, but can't say I would highly recommend this book to others.

     * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Pieces of Happiness

When Sina, Maya, Ingrid, and Lisbeth each receive a letter in the mail posing the same question, the answer is obvious. Their old high school friend Kat--Kat the adventurer, Kat who ran away to the South Pacific as soon as they graduated--has extended the invitation of a lifetime: Come live with me on my cocoa farm in Fiji. Come spend the days eating chocolate and gabbing like teenagers once again, free from men, worries, and cold. Come grow old in paradise, together, as sisters. Who could say no?

Now in their sixties, the friends have all but resigned themselves to the cards they've been dealt. There's Sina, a single mom with financial woes; gentle Maya who feels the world slipping away from her; Ingrid, the perennial loner; Lisbeth, a woman with a seemingly picture-perfect life; and then Kat, who is recently widowed. As they adjust to their new lives together, the friends are watched over by Ateca, Kat's longtime housekeeper, who oftentimes knows the women better than they know themselves and recognizes them for what they are: like "a necklace made of shells: from the same beach but all of them different." Surrounded by an azure-blue ocean, cocoa trees, and a local culture that is fascinatingly, joyfully alien, the friends find a new purpose in starting a business making chocolate: bittersweet, succulent pieces of happiness. 

I must admit that I picked up this book because I thought the cover was gorgeous.  However, I went into this story thinking this was going to be one I fell in love with because, well CHOCOLATE! Unfortunately it didn’t quite land there for me. I’m a huge fan of books that explore the lives of older characters because I believe we can learn so much from them. However, I just didn’t know enough about them, about their friendship. It was hard to comprehend that these 4 women would come together overseas when I really knew very little about each one. I did enjoy the alternating perspectives which kept me engaged. I was also secretly hoping for a bit more chocolate to be involved. It was almost an afterthought. Sad to say this just was not the story for me.

  

* I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

 

The Wife Between Us

A novel of suspense that explores the complexities of marriage and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.
When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.
 

You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.
 

You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.
 

You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.
 

Assume nothing.

 I truly am not sure how to write a review of this book without giving anything away, which is exactly why the summary of this book is so small and tells you to assume nothing.  I suggest you take that advice: assume nothing!  The characters are unreliable and the story line is believable, which makes for an incredible story!  I am amazed at these two writers could put this together.  There were times I thought I knew what was going on, then I realized that's exactly what I was supposed to think.  However, I was wrong!  There were times when I wasn't sure what was happening, but I never felt lost.  If you enjoy a book that keeps you feeling unsettled and never want to put it down, then pick this one up!    

 * I received this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review *

As Bright As Heaven

In 1918, Philadelphia was a city teeming with promise. Even as its young men went off to fight in the Great War, there were opportunities for a fresh start on its cobblestone streets. Into this bustling town, came Pauline Bright and her husband, filled with hope that they could now give their three daughters--Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa--a chance at a better life.

But just months after they arrive, the Spanish Flu reaches the shores of America. As the pandemic claims more than twelve thousand victims in their adopted city, they find their lives left with a world that looks nothing like the one they knew. But even as they lose loved ones, they take in a baby orphaned by the disease who becomes their single source of hope. Amidst the tragedy and challenges, they learn what they cannot live without--and what they are willing to do about it.

Once it begins, I never wanted it to end! And even after the book was over I wanted more… more of their lives, more of their stories, more of their hardships, more of their heartbreaks. This is not my first Susan Meissner novel, nor will it be my last. She has quickly become an author that every title she has written has been added to my TBR.

I loved that while set in a time period that is often written about, I have never read a book that explored the Spanish Flu. And while the Flu was central to the story, it was more about the characters and how their lives were changed and affected. Hands down a wonderful read with engaging characters. They were flawed, they had heart, they had me invested in their stories equally. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!