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The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

8/30/2018

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The Masterpiece is truly a masterful novel by Fiona Davis, who is also quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.  

This novel tells two distinctly different stories but both with ties to Grand Central Station.  One story is set in 1928 and follows the life of illustrator Clara Darden as she struggles to find her place in the New York art world.  The other story is set in 1974 as newly divorced Virginia Clay attempts to navigate life in a changing world.  Both characters are so well written and compelling that I was equally drawn into both plot lines.  I also loved how Grand Central Station almost became a character in itself.  The descriptions are so vivid that I felt as if I was taking a trip through time as the Station changed over the years.  I thoroughly enjoyed these glimpses into two very different worlds and times.  I also loved how there was a suspenseful element behind both stories and it is always an added bonus when I'm surprised with plot developments along the way.

This was a five star read for me and I highly recommend!  I received this book courtesy of Dutton Penguin Publishing Group through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  

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The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

8/15/2018

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Miranda Schuyler arrives in Winthrop Island in 1951 to attend her mother's society wedding to Hugh Fisher.  Miranda's isn't sure where she fits in to this new family her mother has made.  Isobel, Miranda's new step sister, is engaged to a wealthy member of the Island's pedigreed families, yet Isobel doesn't quite seem too happy with her predicted path in life.  Miranda finds herself volleyed back and forth between Isobel's erratic behavior and trying to navigate Island life for herself.  She finds herself falling for Joseph Vargas, the son of a fisherman and the lighthouse keeper.  However, Isobel and Joseph have a close relationship that Miranda can't quite sort out the nature of but Miranda also can't deny her feelings for Joseph.  

As those chapters unfold, the alternating chapters tell the story of Miranda returning to the Island in 1969 and that picture perfect life that was in store for Isobel, Miranda's mother and Miranda herself, didn't exactly turn out the way it was expected.  

The Summer Wives draws you in to the stories of all these women.  The mystery of what happened the summer of 1951 and how things went so terribly wrong keeps you turning the pages.  To a certain extent, it is a coming of age story and also a story of society during that time.  I enjoyed the novel and gave it a four star rating.  

I received this book courtesy of William Morrow through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  

Comment below for your chance to win a copy of The Summer Wives!  Winner must be US resident.  Winner by random draw on 8/20/18.
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Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

8/8/2018

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What can I say about this disturbing yet so engaging novel?  It isn't the feel good book of the summer but it certainly is a page turner.  It's almost like one of those things where you don't want to look, but you can't look away.  

Here is the description from Goodreads:

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.


She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

Baby Teeth really pulls you back and forth in a good way with the alternate viewpoints of Suzette and Hanna.  This book is a great read for anyone who loves a thriller/horror novel and it was a 4 star read for me.  All the characters are very well developed and the storyline definitely keeps you reading.  There are also so many things to talk about in this book that it could make a great book club pick as well.  

I received this book courtesy of St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

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