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April was filled with mystery and romance. From figuring out who-done-it to yearning for a second chance, I enjoyed each and every book. Here is everything I read in April.
AJ dreams of becoming a writer for SNL. Her love of improv stems from her obsession with the cult classic Astronauticals. Until she can get out of this small town in Massachusetts, and start her life at NYU, she will have to settle for working at the video store. What she didn’t expect was for Noah Drew to walk in the door. Part of the Drew acting dynasty, now AJ must work next to him. As time goes on they form a cosmetic bond like no other. That is until Noah ups and leaves without a word or a trace. We follow the two over the course of 13 years as they weave in and out of each other’s lives. Until they are forced to confront what happened all those years ago.
5 stars
Review
This was one of the best books I have ever read! The way Emma Brodie writes, you can’t help but deeply feel every emotion. I felt the anger, the sadness, and the love between AJ and Noah. It had me sobbing in certain parts and kicking my legs up in others. The way there were so many ups and downs, I really did not know how this was going to end. But I loved the way it did. This book really does live up to the hype it is currently getting. Both devastating and beautiful. this is a book I will forever think about.
For the first time in Aria’s life she feels safe and settled. She loves her job at the book store, has a decent apartment in NYC, and she is dating Jasper, whom she is really starting to fall for. On the evening of Valentine’s Day, Jasper surprises Aria with tickets to an exclusive after dark tour of the Daedalus Library. Notorious for its archival collections, grandiose architecture, and of course, known for being haunted. While this sort of thing is right up Aria’s alley, there are secrets she is not ready to reveal from her past. Secrets that involve the library and a dead body. Upon entering, they are surprised to find five other guests who were invited. As they venture into the library, they become trapped, unable to escape. Oh, and there is a murderer amongst them.
5 stars
Review
This was a fun thriller to read. The kind that keeps you on your toes. second guessing your thoughts and opinions, turning the page to find out what horror might happen next. I am not one for gore and horror, but I thought this book did the right amount of both. It made you a little uneasy with what goes bump in the night, while still delivering stories where you become fond of each character. I really had no idea how this was all going to play out. The moment I guessed who was behind all of it, something happens that changes the course of things. The storyline was clever and intriguing. The library itself was more than a main character; it sounded absolutely stunning in the architecture, the detailing, the eeriness of it all.
Elsie is 81 years old, grumpy, and likes to keep to herself. The only person who she truly warms up to is her best friend Daisy. The only person on the street who knows that Elsie is actually Mabel. Mad Mabel. The youngest person who has ever been convicted of murder in Australia. Elsie has spent her whole life burying the secrets of her past. Unfortunately, Joan, her nosy neighbor, has it out for her, the little 7 year old across the street, Persephone, won’t leave her alone, and the cops are circling around. We follow along as the story goes back and forth between Mabel as a kid, and Elsie as an elderly lady. Is she the murderous child that everyone thinks she is. Is she really Mad Mabel? Or is she Elsie, someone who is finally ready to tell her truth.
4.5 stars
Review
I did enjoy this book but it wasn’t something that I just had to pick up and read. However, once I was, I couldn’t stop turning the page to see what happens next. I was torn between loving Mabel and not liking her, but I think that was the point. And most likely the reason why I wasn’t always eager to pick up the book. She is a product of everything that has happened to her (which is devastating) in her life that created a hard shell. Towards the end, however, oh how my heart ached for her. I really enjoyed how it all played out, and was so shocked about some of the revelations at the end. I thought every storyline was creative and worked so well woven together.
Lucy has spent every summer of her life at her grandmother’s beautiful home in Harbour Island. This summer, however, it’s a little different. After the passing of her grandmother, Lucy has now inherited the beloved house. She wants this summer to be about finding her way, figuring out the house and what’s next in her career. What she didn’t plan on was for her ex-boyfriend, Jack, to also be in town. Staying at his parent’s house two-doors down. That relationship is ancient history, and has been over for a long time. Another unexpected twist of the summer, Lucy meets a very handsome, fun-loving guy named Noah. New to the island, Lucy is enjoying making new memories, while trying to forget the ones that stop her in her tracks. Lucy navigates extravagant parties, nights out with her best friends, finishing her paintings for the upcoming art show, and being torn between a new love and an old one.
5 stars
Review
I couldn’t read this fast enough! I couldn’t get enough of Jack and Lucy, Noah and Lucy. It was all so swoon worthy. I also really enjoyed her friends- I want to be their friend! What I loved most about the book is learning about Harbour Island. A place I have never been, but now can’t wait to visit. It sounds like heaven with the pink sandy beaches and clear turquoise water. The delicious bakeries, and gorgeous houses. Anyway, the love-triangle storyline was having me continuously turning the page. The glamour of the parties and the crowd had me wishing I could see everyone’s outfits, and to also attend. It’s a summer of figuring out who you are, and letting the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.