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The Pact
Title: The Pact
Author: Sharon Bolton
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published: 2021
Obtained: Audible
Six friends spend the summer together before embarking on their bright futures. The six of them have a secret game, however, that is dangerously risky; while they lucked out the first 5 times, they aren’t so lucky on the 6th turn. Privileged, young and self-centered, they panic. Megan, one of the six, agrees to take the blame for the accident–with a catch. Her friends soon turn their backs on her, leaving her to rot in prison. Twenty years later, she is a free woman and is out to collect on their part of the deal…and revenge.
Let me start of by saying that Sharon Bolton is one of my favorite authors. And The Pact starts off in true Bolton fashion–tense and suspenseful. I loved the premise of the story and the building tension. Of course, I also love the twists and turns Bolton writes. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, so I found myself surprised that I was so quickly engrossed in the novel. I was disappointed, however, by a few things–including the ending.
The Pact is almost like a character study that looks at how people deal with trauma and guilt in vastly different ways. Each one of these characters has flaws and ugly habits/tendencies that stem from the horrible accident they caused; this leads to the various dysfunctional ways they dealt with the aftermath. The only person I was rooting for was Megan, and that was mostly on principle. I disliked the other characters so much I wanted her to destroy them in vengeance. I was disappointed when her plan was revealed, as it was anticlimatic.
Bolton is the absolute queen of twisty thrillers. I devoured this book for it’s mounting suspense and the idea that I wasn’t sure how it was going to end. I enjoyed watching the five friends squirm as Megan always seemed to be a step ahead of them. I liked the way Bolton revealed more depth to the history of the friends. But, some of the plot devices seemed out of left field–unbelievable and disappointing. While I typically enjoy the surprising endings to Bolton’s books, they always seem to work. When I reach the end of her novels, I can look back and be mindblown that there were clues all along that I just didn’t grasp or pick up on along the way. I didn’t guess the ending to The Pact. But, in all fairness, I don’t think it made any sense. It felt cheap; I felt blindsided and cheated. There were so many other directions the story could have taken, and I was left feeling let down. Not every story can be everyone’s cup of tea and I can totally see how some people loved this novel entirely.
I am giving The Pact 3 out of 5 stars. I liked the book, but I didn’t love it. Maybe because I’ve gobbled up so many of her other books and felt consistently mind blown by the twists—I was just expecting so much more from the ending! But, as I’ve said, I can see why some readers wouldn’t have my same complaints. I paired this book with a rosé prosecco. La Marca was fitting as it made me feel like I was sitting by Tal’s lavish pool…minus the reckless joyride! It’s a perfect bubbly beverage for reading—it’s dry and crisp with hints of peach and berries. Honestly, I think I’d take the zesty prosecco over this read any day! Happy reading (and sipping)!
Rating: 3/5
Wine Pairing: La Marca rosé prosecco
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Girl, Wash Your Face
Author: Rachel Hollis
Genre: Self-Help/ Christian Literature
Published: 2018
Obtained: Target
Author and Founder/CEO of Chic Media, Rachel Hollis, uncovers the lies that women tell themselves—the lies that hold them back from their dreams and goals. With humor and honesty, she then spends each chapter sharing her personal story of how she once believed each lie and her personal strategies to overcome them.
I’m finally back! I struggled to finish books without falling asleep every five minutes during my pregnancy…and the exhaustion only grew after giving birth to my son. I have been sleep deprived and run down, but I am finally feeling myself again and ready to explore some new reads. Let me start by saying that this book is not of a genre that’s typically in my wheelhouse. However, I picked this read because I’ve heard good things about Rachel Hollis and I was genuinely curious about what nuggets of wisdom she had to offer; it also looked like a book that would be easy to pick up and set down—which was appealing as a new mom.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Girl, Wash Your Face. Often, when I have attempted self-help books or non-fiction books that read as advice, I get annoyed or bored when I sense that I can’t relate or if the author is preaching too aggressively. While I rolled my eyes here and there, I overall found the writing humorous and easy-paced. I felt that Hollis wrote with a good intention to be applicable and relatable to a variety of women. I don’t, however, think she managed to be quite as accessible as she attempted.
The book is set up so that each chapter is titled after a common lie that women tend to tell themselves; Hollis then spends that chapter debunking those myths and offering some simple advice on what helped her overcome those lies. I could relate to some idea or story in most chapters; Unfotunately, I also consistently found unrelatable aspects. I found comfort in the chapters related to parenting—being a new mom, I’ve found my life has turned into a sort of emotional rollercoaster that’s flying off the rails. Knowing that I am far from the first woman to experience these things is comforting. Hearing someone else say the words that I am often too overwhelmed to say aloud is refreshing and reassuring.
I enjoy hearing other people’s strategies to success. I like sponging up tidbits of how other people deal with and overcome hurdles. I appreciated Hollis’ way of offering insight to what worked for her without shoving it down the reader’s throat. While she was attempting to blend a concoction of understanding and encouragement, these words sometimes came off entitled and predictable.
Therefore, my criticism of this book lies in some of the cliché topics and the author’s occasional tone deaf tendencies. Some of the messages are common—for instance, the message that there’s no right way to be a mom and that it’s okay to stay home or work. And although this isn’t an original message, I didn’t necessarily hate hearing it again…it simply wasn’t anything super new or groundbreaking as a reader. Hollis borderlines on being tone deaf more than once. While I’m a big advocate of not comparing our problems, I did feel irritated with her “problems” and goals to which I just couldn’t relate. For instance, her goal to buy a designer bag—I can’t relate to dropping a grand on a hand bag and calling it the proudest moment of my life. I’m not trying to be judgmental because I can appreciate that everyone is motivated differently, but I had a hard time digesting some of what she was putting down. And, I think that irritation I felt is what holds this book back from being applicable to women everywhere; there is something to be respected in sharing one’s truth, but some of Hollis’s issues read as “first world” problems to which not everyone will relate.
I enjoyed some aspects of this book; even if overused, a range of the advice and words were inspirational. It takes courage to lay your truths on the table for anyone to read. My motivation to work on me, which had been lying dormant since my pregnancy, began to creep back towards the surface as I made my way through this book. I feel an urge to find that balance between my role as an individual and my role as a parent. Other aspects of the book, however, were out-of-touch and slightly trite. I give Girl, Wash Your Face a 2.5/5. It was an easy read and it passed the time with an upbeat feel; on the other hand, it wasn’t all it was hyped up to be.
I recommend Butter Chardonnay to sip on while you read this book. It’s flavorful, crisp and strong. Occasionally, Hollis said some things that I needed to hear and it was invigorating—much like the strong citrus and oak tones of the wine. But I also needed something potent to swallow down some of the more contradicting parts…like when she describes how poorly her husband treated her at first, but then later states they’ve been best friends since the start (friends don’t treat each other that way). I think a very specific type of reader will enjoy this book—but if you’re looking for some quick inspiration, you can probably find the same messages on a Pinterest board. I’m glad I branched out, but it wasn’t my favorite, in the end. The wine, however, is amazing and I highly recommend grabbing a bottle to enjoy chilled!
P.S. I definitely just ordered 3 bottles for my wine fridge.
Rating: 2.5/5
Wine Pairing: Butter Chardonnay 2018
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Dead Woman Walking
Title: Dead Woman Walking
Author: Sharon Bolton
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Published: 2017
Obtained: Amazon
Thirteen people go up for a hot air balloon ride near the border of Scotland and witness a man commit a murder. Only one of the thirteen individuals comes back down. Unfortunately, the murderer and the female survivor have seen each other’s faces and thus the race for survival begins. Between the detectives on the case and the murderer hunting her, who will find the witness first?
Dead Woman Walking is the third Sharon Bolton novel that I have had the pleasure to read. It did not disappoint! Although this novel bounced around quite a bit between time frames and characters, it was engaging and suspenseful. The characters were well developed and multidimensional. The plot was climactic and full of tension that makes for a great read.
The opening of this book had me tense and on the edge of my sofa. It was a little more gory than the previous books I’ve read of hers, but not overly done. After the initial terror, the action settles and gives way to flashbacks and mounting tension. True to her style, everytime I thought I had the story figured out, Bolton threw one wrench after another into the mix. I can see how the shifting between time frames could be overwhelming to a reader, but I enjoy the way Bolton keeps me on my toes.
Bolton’s character development is by far one of my favorite elements of her writing. The protagonist, the villain, the detective and even the nuns were multidimensional and well-rounded. Bolton has a way of leading the reader to make assumptions about characters and then completely turning the theories upside down. I love this about her novels. She manages to make even the most evil of characters relatable on some level.
I highly recommend Dead Woman Walking to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful thriller with unpredictable twists and turns. I had a hard time putting this one down. This was the second to last book and wine pairing I was able to indulge in before my pregnancy. That being said, I suggest sipping on Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a dark, fruity wine that isn’t overly sweet. But, I suggest sipping slowly, as it has a 13.9% alcohol content and goes down smooth which can make it difficult to muddle through the details, flashbacks and shifts in time. I gave this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars; it was a fabulous read. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book and pour yourself a glass!
Rating: 4.5/5
Wine Pairing: Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Snag a copy at Amazon
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Little Black Lies
Title: Little Black Lies
Author: Sharon Bolton
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Published: 2015
Obtained: Amazon
After another child goes missing on the Falkland Islands, Catrin finds it hard to empathize, as she’s still wrapped up in the accidental deaths of her own sons. But, as she and her ex-lover, Callum, begin to assist in the search, dark secrets begin to emerge between them and the other islanders (including her ex bestfriend, Rachel). After the third child goes missing, the characters must face the fact that it’s hard to chalk the missing kids up to coincidence. Is there a villian living among them?
Where do I begin? This is the most well-constructred mystery novel I have read to date. The characters are well-crafted and complex. The plot is both thrilling and dramatic. Sharon Bolton’s writing is rich and vivid; her ability to set a scene and build suspense is fantasic. I read this book within 48 hours and every time I had to set it down was torture.
Little Black Lies is told from the view points of three protagonists. The story begins with Catrin, a recluse woman who lost both of her children in an accident a few years back; Catrin is finding it hard to emotionally invest in the current situation of another missing child—the third missing child, in fact, since her own sons died. Catrin’s voice is dark, sad and, at times, bitter. The second part of the story is told from the viewpoint of Catrin’s ex-lover, Callum. A war veteran who struggles with PTSD, Callum’s story line is definitely more emotional than Catrin’s. The final third of the story is told through the eyes of Rachel, Catrin’s ex-bestfriend. Rachel has her own dark history and while I found it difficult to sympathize with her initially, by the end of her story I had a slightly different perspective. Each character offers a different angle at which to view the missing boys scenario, along with differing understandings of the past. Bolton provides the opportunity to perceive the plot from differnet points of view, which makes the mystery all the more difficult to figure out!
I love a good mystery. The biggest disappointment when reading a mystery is being able to predict the ending too early in the story. Black Little Lies did not lead to this situation…at all. Everytime I thought I had it figured out—BAM—another twist! This happened, literally, until the final page of the novel. I can’t remember the last time I was completely blown away (and blown off course several times) by a mystery novel. That alone should be motiviating you enough to go buy this book! The twists and turns are dizzying.
Bolton sure can set a dramatic scene. The opening scene with Catrin alone at night in the middle of the sea had me captivated from the start. It was compelling to see the actions and individualism of characters through more than one viewpoint…not to mention, she does each character’s arch great justice. Her writing is dynamic; Bolton transports the reader to the Falkland Islands and evokes the tension and, at times, hysteria of the characters. Bolton writes in such a way that the reader cannot stop thinking about the story, even after he/she sets the book down.
Seriously, I cannot think of enough fine things to say about Little Black Lies and the author, Sharon Bolton. I was struggling to find a really engaging read when this one came recommended by my best friend. I am so glad I took her up on the suggestion because it truly did not disappoint. The characters, plot and overall style was enticing and thrilling with a completely gratifying ending. I am giving Little Black Lies 5 out of 5 stars and I highly recommend it to mystery and thriller fans—or to anyone who loves a well-built, highly engrossing story. I enjoyed sipping a good red wine with this read; I suggest Hope’s End Red Blend 2016. Interestingly, I selected this wine on a whim, but it did pair surprisingly well with the hopelessness felt in the main character, Catrin; the label also uses the words “dark side” to describe the wine, which I feel pairs well with the ability Bolton exhibits to transport the reader to the bleak setting of the book. The alcohol content (13.5%) does help mullify the heavy content as the reader digests it all. If you’re looking for an excellent page-turner, I highly recommend picking up this awesome piece of fiction!
Rating: 5/5
Wine Pairing: Hope’s End Red Blend 2016
Snag a copy at Amazon
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In a Dark Dark Wood
Title: In a Dark Dark Wood
Author: Ruth Ware
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Published: 2015
Obtained: N/A (Unknown)
Nora is a hermit writer, isolated from of the outside world with the exception of her daily runs. One day, she is shocked to receive an invitation to her old friend, Clare’s, hen party. Making a pact with her other old friend, Nina, she attends the celebration reluctantly. The hen party weekend is spent in a glass house in the woods where the characters lives intertwine and Nora tries to solve why she has even been invited after all of this time. The tension builds with the weaving of past and present storylines, winding down until the time Nora will have to face the answers to her questions.
In a Dark Dark Wood was an excellent page turner! It was by far the best of Ruth Ware’s books that I have read. It wasn’t as “terrifying” as it was marketed to be, but I found it suspenseful and well-planned in regards to how much information is given to the reader at one time. It had a very similar feel to The Woman in Cabin 10 in terms of the claustrophobia and the intensity built from the feeling of missing pieces and tension between characters who are trapped in small quarters. The mysterious pasts of old friends was familiar to the one we see in The Lying Game, but distinctly better orchestrated In a Dark Dark Wood.
Initially, I had reservations about the main character, Nora. She was extremely private and isolated from the world; as a writer, she primarily worked from home and only ventured out of the house to go running. Her life is altered forever when she receives an invitation to a bachelorette party for an old friend, Clare. She hasn’t seen or spoken to Clare in years since she left school. Though confused and struggling with anxiety about attending the party, she makes a pact to attend with her other old friend, Nina. Nora came off a little obnoxious to me at first, as a girl who just can’t get over old relationships and conflicts. But by the end of the novel, I didn’t feel so critical of her.
The tension in the plot builds as the bachelorette party (or “hen” party, as Ware calls it) unfolds. The Maid of Honor is a hysterical, want-to-be twin of the bride-to-be, Clare. Clare is more complex, demonstrating both roles as a caring friend and also someone more manipulative. Tom is the only man present, a gay playwright who enjoys stirring the pot just as much as Nina. Melanie is also present, an old friend of Clare’s, and also the only mother in the bunch. The characters were fairly well developed—at least enough to carry the reader through the plot. Nora makes for an unreliable narrator in the present plot line (which intervenes with the past story line of the hen party). She has suffered some injuries during the unraveling party storyline and doesn’t have clear, trustworthy memories on which to depend. While the idea of the unreliable female narrator really bothered me in Ware’s other book, The Woman in Cabin 10, it was primarily because of the character’s clichéd reliance on alcohol. Nora, on the other hand, didn’t quite fit in this category, and I found the idea of her being unreliable due to her head injuries more believable and less annoyingly over-used. Nora initially irritated me not only because of her inability to move on from her ex, but also because of how she allowed that break-up to dictate the rest of her life. However, near the end of the book, once it’s revealed what she was really hiding, it led me to feel sorry for her with a little more compassion. Nora’s character arc moved in a way that led to me to start to like her in the second half of the book.
The structure of the novel is strong. I enjoyed how the past and present weaved together; Ware blends the plot lines nicely. I also enjoyed the slow build of tension between the characters trapped in the house. Each one seems to have their own personal drama and secrets to which the reader isn’t always privy.
This wasn’t as complex or frightening as I anticipated. It was, however, suspenseful and fun to read. I figured out the ending prior to the big reveal, but I was thrown off course a couple of times by the different actions of the characters in the timeline of events. I read this book while on a plane and it had me engrossed through its entirety. I recommend this book if you enjoy a good mystery—I don’t know if I consider it as a thriller, but it’s full of tension and suspense. It also isn’t a challenging read having only a few characters and physical settings in the story; the mystery lies in the secrets the individuals hide from each other and their puzzling motives behind various actions/decisions. I am giving this book a 3.5/5; overall, I really enjoyed reading it and it had me on the edge of my seat. It isn’t particularly inticrate and sometimes the characters are a little unbelievable or unconvincing. They move the story foward, but they don’t always add to the plot in any exciting way. I recommend Paranoia Pinot Grigio 2017 to sip while you read this novel. I selected this bottle simply because of the name and the art on the lable; I wanted to pair this read with a wine that was both crisp and light to balance out the deeper, mysterious content of the book. This pinot grigio certainly paired well with the paranoia and tension in A Dark Dark Wood.
Rating: 3.5/5
Wine: Paranoia Pinot Grigio 2017
Snag a copy at Amazon
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The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Title: The Next Person You Meet in Heaven
Author: Mitch Albom
Genre: Fiction/Psychological Fiction
Published: 2018
Obtained: Amazon
In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Albom’s prequel to this novel, we met Eddie. Eddie was an elderly war veteran who died saving a child at a pier; Albom took the reader along on Eddie’s journey to Heaven where he met five people who helped him understand his purpose in life. In the sequel, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven, we are introduced to the child Eddie saved, Annie. Annie’s life was forever changed by the accident on the pier that took Eddie’s life; after tragedy strikes again, Annie ventures to heaven to meet her own five individuals who help her find the meaning of her time on Earth. Full of emotional and profound life lessons, we learn that all lives are connected and that each life is significant.
This is the sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven—which is one of my favorite books of all time. Albom’s second installment does not disappoint. The opening of The Next Person You Meet in Heaven was much more difficult for me to get through. Eddie’s death in the first novel was horrible, but he was also an elderly man who died trying to protect a child. In this book, we read about Annie, the little girl Eddie saved at the pier. Annie is a young newlywed; as the premise of the story is about her journey through heaven, it was hard to read the opening chapters that counted down her final hours. Perhaps being near Annie’s age and also recently married, I found her storyline comparable (in some ways) to my own life and, therefore, found it more difficult to digest.
Similar to its predecessor, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven follows a similar plot with the main character, Annie, meeting five people in heaven who help her understand her purpose in life. I think what readers will find immediately intriguing is the underlying theme of the novel—that each person serves a purpose on Earth, even if we don’t understand it until after our life is over. It’s one of the great questions of the world, isn’t it? We’re constantly trying to figure out our life’s meaning…trying to determine if everything happens for a reason or if we’re all just drifting about aimlessly. As someone who was not raised religiously, I can say that The Five People You Meet in Heaven gave me hope and inspired a way of thinking about the afterlife and the time I have left in the world. The Next Person You Meet in Heaven builds upon this vision; while I find I wanted more from the story (more depth from the various characters’ teachings) I also found comfort in the lessons and tales.
Albom has a way with storytelling. The Next Person You Meet in Heaven is full of beautiful prose and moving dialogue. This novel isn’t long and didn’t take me much time to read—with the exception of having to re-fill my wine glass and tissue stash every other page. Albom weaves together not only the lives of those in this book, but those from the previous novel, as well. The idea that we are all connected is strongly rooted in this novel. Albom writes in a tactful, imaginative and beautifully simplistic way…a way that forced me, as a reader, to look into my own life with a more open and optimistic mind. As I was reading, I found myself thinking of all the time I (and those around me) have wasted holding onto grudges or being angry when it is, ultimately, so much more rewarding to let all that go. This book is a strong reminder that our lives here are short and we’re better off spending this time finding ways to be happy rather than to hold on to those things that fill us with anger, fear and doubt. Perhaps more importantly, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven serves as a reminder to hold on to those you love and to make it known how you feel as often and sincerely as possible…for we never know when our time will end.
When I was in college earning my degree in English Literature, I took a senior class that concentrated on the concept of “grace.” I was unfamiliar with this topic. As I said before, I wasn’t raised religiously one way or another, and was woefully ignorant on the subject. We read texts and wrote papers all about different theological ideas of grace. It was because of this class that I learned to expand my reading genres. As someone who can remain fairly objective when reading and talking about religious topics, I absolutely love this idea of heaven that Albom has created. Some people may say this book is corny or that it reads like a fluffy Hallmark channel film…full of lessons of love and what we can learn from heartache and tragedy. But, that makes no difference to me. His vivid storytelling brings me comfort and a sense of hope…hope for what lies ahead and comfort that my loved ones who are gone are waiting somewhere where they are at peace, full of the exhilarating and fulfilling emotions they cherished in life. Albom creates this world without agenda of cramming it down the reader’s throat, but with an air of one showing the reader a glimpse of a possible answer to one of our greatest questions: What happens after we die?
I recommend this novel (along with The Five People You Meet in Heaven) to anyone who enjoys a real tear-jerker with a feel-good message. My initial complaint was that there wasn’t enough backstory to the main character, Annie, and her husband, Paulo; but, as the story continues, Albom reveals more about their relationship and history in a poignant style. My only other criticism is that it was much too short! I wanted the book to last longer and I found myself taking more breaks between chapters to expand my reading time. On the other hand, I appreciate Albom’s ability to pack such a powerful and compelling story into such a small book. I gave this book 5/5 stars—I just can’t help it! I love it! The vivid and emotional braiding of characters and storylines was far more memorable than any flaws that may exist in the novel. I reserve my 5 star rating for books that I find stellar and impeccable, and The Next Person You Meet in Heaven fits the glove. I recommend pairing Albom’s novel with a pinot grigio; I sipped (or gulped between heavy sobs) Dark Horse Pinot Grigio while reading. I took a break from red wine for this read as I wanted something refreshing to help digest some of the more emotionally-saturated parts of the story. This wine is crisp and airy and pairs well with the delicate and peaceful feel of Albom’s heaven.
Rating: 5/5
Wine: Dark Horse Pinot Grigio
Snag your own copy: Amazon or Barnes&Noble
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A Secret History of Witches
Title: A Secret History of Witches
Author: Louisa Morgan
Genre: Fiction/Occult Fiction
Published: 2017
Obtained: Barnes & Noble
Spanning five generations, A Secret History of Witches is a tale of witchcraft that is passed down from mother to daughter through the Orchiére family. Beginning in early 19th century in Brittany, the story begins with Grandmére Ursule and her sacrifice for her lineage. Her female descendents continue practicing the craft, with the magic coming to each woman in unique ways. As the world evolves and changes, so changes each generation of witch…and so changes the craft.
I had high hopes for this novel. I selected it as my first fall read, and, quite frankly, the cover is what initially hooked me. Unfortunately, the novel did not live up to my expectations. I found the plot repetitive, a majority of the characters underwhelming and the story itself anti-climatic. Louisa Morgan has a beautiful knack for prose and the seeds of a potentially great story.
Each of the main female characters has their own story within the novel. Therefore, the reader does not experience the entire story within one realm of characters. Each of the women’s stories—Nanette, Ursule, Irene, Morwen and Veronica—seem to follow very similar patterns…at least up until the last daughter, Veronica. It’s a redundant pattern that had me disappointed—for most of these strong, powerful females continually use their magic to hook a man OR use one in order to get pregnant. With such a set up of women where the matriarchy is crucial and capable, they easily bend to the patriarchal ways. Of course, I understand that Morgan is including actual history in regards to how society ran with gender roles, but I was so hoping for something more substantial. I will say that I enjoyed Veronica’s story the most out of all the women, for she uses her craft to help fight the war and to make the world a better place. For me, Veronica is the most astounding female character in the book, for she uses her powers effectively with very little thought for herself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the plot that was repetitive, but the themes, as well. Every section reminds the reader that men are oppressive beings who hate what they fear—powerful women.
A majority of the characters were not fulfilling for me as a reader. Immediately, I was drawn to Grandmére Ursele for her strength and mystery. However, as the stories continues, the characters range from dull to frustrating to repulsive (again, with the exception of Veronica). Irene is the worst, in terms of personality. She’s manipulative, selfish and ungrateful. But, I would also argue that it is her story where the book begins to become more tolerable. Irene’s story is unique as she is so vastly different from any of the women in the Orchiére clan up to that point. Due to her repulsive personality, I was able to empathize with her daughter Morwen and the decisions she makes in regards to the craft. However, her story feels cut-short before tumbling into Veronica’s tale. I would like to note that Veronica’s book made me happy that I decided to see the novel to the end.
Morgan’s writing is beautiful in regards to the prose and the turn of phrases. She uses vivid imagery when setting the scene and nailed down personalities to a point. I was hoping for a little more of that descriptive composition when it came to the scenes involving magic…I mean, I was looking for a bewitching, whimsical book here! For me, in the end, it came off a little disenchanting. I truly believe the idea and potential were there for a phenomenal story. In the end, I think the novel’s weakness lies in the redundant cycling of the tales, themes and character choices. I enjoyed the tenderness between various characters, the love and loyalty that flowed through the generations of the women and the ferocity of Veronica’s character. I recommend this book for those that enjoy pretty prose and a hint of fantasy. Overall, I give this book 2/5 stars.
Though I was sick for the second half of the novel and primarily stuck to hot tea, I enjoyed Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon while reading the first half of A Secret History of Witches. This wine has earthy undertones of berries, coffee and toasted oak which, for me, paired well with the earthy, rustic tones of the novel. The characters are typically dabbling in potions or mixing simples that reminded me of the flavors of this wine.
Rating: 2/5
Wine: Carnivor Cabernet Sauvignon
Snag your own copy of A Secret History of Witches: Barnes & Noble or Amazon
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Pretty Girls Dancing
Title: Pretty Girls Dancing
Author: Kylie Brant
Genre: Mystery/Psychological Thriller
Published: 2018
Obtained: Amazon
Seven years ago, a young teen, Kelsey, was abducted from her hometown leaving her family nearly destroyed in the aftermath. Affected by her disappearance are her parents, both distant and battling their own struggles, and her younger sister Janie, an intelligent but anxious teen. Now, another girl has gone missing and Kelsey’s family members are all grappling in their own way to deal with the news. Mark Foster, a detective assigned to the new case of the missing girl, begins to link similarities in the cases of the two missing teens. Foster must find an effective way to approach Kelsey’s family and discover any family secrets that may help him find Whitney before it is too late.
Pretty Girls Dancing is a page-turner! I finished this book almost as fast as I can down a good glass of rosé. Told from the varying points of view of multiple characters, the mystery unfolds at a fairly decent pace. I didn’t have an inkling that the killer was a known character until the chapter before the big reveal—and there was another twist after that!
What I enjoyed about the book was that the first chapter had me hooked. I love a good opening chapter with some kind of action that pulls me right into the story; this did not fail to disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of the story being told from the viewpoints of different characters. Unfortunately, I really only enjoyed two of these characters: Whitney and Janie. Several of the characters felt undeveloped, which inevitably led to me being uninvested in them. Whitney and Janie, however, were rich in layers of personality and their chapters really pushed the story forward whereas Janie’s parents’ chapters felt stagnant.
The plot of Pretty Girls Dancing was intriguing. Serial Killer stories are ones that I find engrossing—they often offer the right amount of mystery and thriller that keeps me turning the pages. After a while, I began to wonder if the killer in this book was just some mystery person we weren’t supposed to know at all, given that there were no real clues to decipher the identity of the villian. However, right before the big reveal, I did have that, “Aha!” moment—but I will confess it was built on a pure guess, not context clues from the novel. I still have some confusion and questions regarding the wild goose chase the detectives embark upon in the final chapters of the book; there were no solutions or answers to what the suspected villains had to hide. This aspect of the story left me unsettled and unfulfilled.
I was surprised to discover that much of the narrative reveals less of the mystery and more of the grief and devastation that can come from a family member (particularly a child) being abducted. While I did not always enjoy reading from the viewpoints of certain characters, these pages did make me think about all the emotions and aftermath of something so traumatic happening to a family. Furthermore, for as gripping as the opening chapter was, I was surprised by how long it took for the story to really pick up at a suspenseful pace.
I recommend this book for a quick, fun read. I finished it in two days and had to keep plundering on until I could identify the bad guy and discover what kind of endings the author would write for Whitney and Janie. If you’re looking for a complex, perfectly-constructed thriller/mystery–then this is not it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good book (and an enjoyable read), but it had so much more potential than what Brant delivers. I recommend a strong, dry rosé to pair with it; I prefer to save my more expensive wines for more complex and riveting books. Therefore, I suggest something like Dark Horse Rosé; this wine is sweet and crisp to pair with the innocence of the girls who have been affected by the serial killer, but also dry and strong (12.5% alcohol content) to get you through both the thrilling and not-so-thrilling parts of this book.
*I could not find this wine in a bottle when I went to purchase, but it tastes just as good!*
Rating: 3.5/5
Wine: Dark Horse Rosé
Snag your own copy of Pretty Girls Dancing: Target or Barnes & Noble
Pick a book, pour a glass
