Category: Book Review

THE SHEPHERD’S CALCULUS by C.S. Farrelly (Review & Giveaway)

THE SHEPHERD’S CALCULUS by C.S. Farrelly
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Published by Cavan Bridge Press
Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2017
ISBN:13 9780998749303
Pages: 272
Review Copy From: Author
Edition: eBook
My Rating: 4

**Stop by tomorrow for Q&A with C.S. Farrelly**

Synopsis

When journalist Peter Merrick is asked to write a eulogy for his mentor, Jesuit priest James Ingram, his biggest concern is doing right by the man. But when his routine research reveals disturbing ties to sexual abuse and clues to a shadowy deal trading justice for power, everything he believed about his friend is called into question. With the US presidential election looming, incumbent Arthur Wyncott is quickly losing ground among religious voters. Meanwhile, Owen Feeney, head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, is facing nearly a billion dollars in payments to victims of sex abuse. When Feeney hits on a solution to both men’s problems, it seems the stars have aligned. That is until Ally Larkin—Wyncott’s brilliant campaign aide—starts to piece together the shocking details. As the election draws closer and the stakes get higher, each choice becomes a calculation: Your faith, or your church? Your principles, or your candidate? The person you most respect, or the truth that could destroy their legacy?

When the line between right and wrong is blurred, how do you act, and whom do you save?

My Thoughts

Is there really a separation of Church and State? It’s in the Constitution but when power is abused by those in high standing, is it respected? And to what ends will those in power use it for their own personal gains? And for those that aren’t, what will they choose?

This is the first book I have read by this author and I was quite impressed with her writing style. It kept my interest throughout the entire book. The research was exceptional. The characters believable.

I will be watching for more work by Ms. Farrelly.

A very compelling and convincing read!

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for C.S. Farrelly. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Giftcard. The giveaway begins on February 1, 2018 and runs through April 2, 2018. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

BRING ME BACK by B.A. Paris (Review)

BRING ME BACK by B.A. Paris
Published by: St. Martins’s Press
Publication Date: June 19, 2018
ASIN: B077DWMPRY
Pages: 304
Review Copy From: St. Martin’s Press/NetGalley
Edition: eARC
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (via GR)

A young British couple are driving through France on holiday when they stop for gas. He runs in to pay, she stays in the car. When he returns her car door has been left open, but she’s not inside. No one ever sees her again.

Ten years later he’s engaged to be married; he’s happy, and his past is only a tiny part his life now. Until he comes home from work and finds his new wife-to-be is sitting on their sofa. She’s turning something over in her fingers, holding it up to the light. Something that would have no worth to anyone else, something only he and she would know about because his wife is the sister of his missing first love.

As more and more questions are raised, their marriage becomes strained. Has his first love somehow come back to him after all this time? Or is the person who took her playing games with his mind?

My Thoughts

After reading Ms. Paris’ previous novels, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and THE BREAKDOWN, I was anxiously waiting for BRING ME BACK to be available.

I apologize in advance as this review is going to be very vague so as not to give away any spoilers.

Twelve years ago Finn and Layla, as the synopsis states, are driving through France where they stop for gas. When he returns to the car, Layla is gone. No sign of her!! When the authorities are brought into the investigation, Finn doesn’t tell the “whole story” of what happened prior to Layla going missing. And all the years since, he can’t get her out of his mind.

He finally moves on, when Ellen, Layla’s sister enters his life. They are getting married! But when the announcement is printed in the local papers, he gets the shock of his life. He is receiving signs, emails, and even a sighting that Layla is alive. Is she really? Or is somebody playing a cruel joke because he is marrying Ellen? What happened that fateful night twelve years ago?

The story is told in Finn and Layla’s POV.

B.A. Paris does it again!!! She delivers a turn paging psychological thriller that had me turning the pages as quick as I could. I had a difficult time putting this book down!

I absolutely loved this book! A chilling read with an ending that was shocking!

If you like fast-paced psychological thrillers, I highly recommend you pick up a copy!

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

Review: WHAT LIES BELOW by Barbara Taylor Sissel

WHAT LIES BELOW by Barbara Taylor Sissel
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Published by Lake Union Publishing
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
ISBN-10: 1503950115
ISBN-13: 978-1503950115
Pages: 334
Review Copy From: Author
Edition: eARC
My Rating: 5

Synopsis (via GR)

Everyone has nightmares. One woman is living hers…

Gilly O’Connell’s nightmares aren’t just bad dreams; they’re glimpses of terrifying realities to come. Gilly has spent her entire life trying to suppress the foreboding visions. So when a dismissed premonition leads to her husband’s murder, she buries the guilt and pain of the unsolved crime in the only way she knows how—she runs from it.

Three years later, after overcoming a battle with addiction and starting over in a small Texas town, Gilly dares to believe the worst is over. That is, until another crime rips her heart open: the abduction of a three-year-old girl. Gilly knows more about it than anyone…

She’s dreaming again.

Gilly is convinced that if she tells the police she dreamed of the kidnapping before it happened, there’s no way they’ll believe her. But when she finally gets the courage to come forward with what she saw, people don’t see her as crazy—they see her as a suspect.

Now, in order to help a desperate single father save his child, Gilly must first clear her own name. But as the nightmares of the past catch up to her, Gilly’s only chance for salvation might be the dreams she’s spent so long trying to ignore.

 

My Thoughts

The majority of us have reading lists such as TBRs, Wishlists and Authors To Read list. Plus I have a list for Authors that are imperative that I read, or in other words, drop everything that I am doing and read. Barbara Taylor Sissel is on this list.

Gilly O’Connell has moved to Wyatt, TX hoping to restart her life after the trauma of losing her husband to murder, a daughter and a downward spiral of self medicating with drugs and alcohol. What makes it worse is that she had one of her “dreams” the night before of the murder but tried suppressing it. She has been living with the guilt of not acting on that “dream”. And now, a child she has gotten to know and care about, Zoe, has been abducted. And the “dreams” are starting again. This time does she act on them or are people going to look at her as a suspect?

Barbara Taylor Sissel, from the first page, draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the final word. She has an extraordinary writing style that pulls the reader into the story, and settings, where one feels like they are a bystander. An excellent example of being transported whereas this reader was so engrossed in the story that I was not cognitive of my surroundings. When I started reading WHAT LIES BELOW, I planned on reading a couple of chapters and then realized I had been reading for 5 hours and was halfway done with the book.

An exciting read! The suspense and action continuous! Riveting!

And then BANG! Picking my jaw off the ground because I didn’t see what came next. Shocking! And only as Ms. Sissel does, throws in another explosion! A dynamic powerhouse of a read!!

After reading most of her books, see below for my previous reviews, I keep thinking that I will figure it out. Not even close!!! I was blindsided by the ending!

I highly encourage you to preorder this book. And in the meantime, pick up some of her previous novels. I guarantee you will be putting her on your “drop everything and read” list!

My thoughts on her earlier novels: THE NINTH STEP, THE VOLUNTEER, EVIDENCE OF LIFE, SAFE KEEPING, CROOKED LITTLE LIES, FAULTLINES, THE LAST INNOCENT HOUR, and THE TRUTH WE BURY.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

SHADOW CRIMES by E.J. Moran (Review & Giveaway)

SHADOW CRIMES by E. J. Moran
Genre: Mystery & Detective / Historical/ Crime
Published by Tree Lane Press
Publication Date: December 2017
ISBN 13: 9780999523506
Pages: 250
Review Copy From: Author
Edition: eBook
My Rating: 4

**Stop by tomorrow for a Q&A with E.J. Moran**

Synopsis

The year is 1978, and the New York fashion industry is an orgy of glitz, glamour, and decadence. New models—especially those as beautiful as eighteen-year-old Anna McKenna—are prime targets for all kinds of predators.

Anna is already aware of the men who enjoy preying on models. She knows a woman represented by her modeling agent was found raped and murdered—but she tells herself that, tragic though it was, this is New York. Such things happen. Mickey Gallo is less sanguine about the killing, but he’s both a police detective and Anna’s protective uncle. In Anna’s mind, she doesn’t need his protection. Or so she thinks.

When one murder becomes two, Anna’s confidence is shaken, but she’s determined to accept an offer to model in Italy. There, surrounded by beauty, Anna will confront the darkest side of the fashion industry. It’s an encounter she may not survive.

My Thoughts

Seven-year-old Anna McKenna has to grow up fast after witnessing her mother pass away after being hit by a car. There was good, however, that came from this horrendous situation and that was that the unborn baby boy was saved. Two years later, their father also dies and both her brother and herself are raised by their maternal grandparents.

It’s 1978, while working in the family business, Natasha Burns, the owner of a top modeling agency discovers Anna and her exquisite beauty. Natasha persuades both Anna and her grandparents to join her modeling agency, however, they have yet to find out that models are being murdered.

This debut novel, by former international model, E.J. Moran, very much impressed me. I enjoyed everything about it. The suspense, the plot surrounding the high fashion and modeling industry and the setting of the 1970s had me turning the pages. The characters realistic. Captivating! I thought I had it all figured out but not even close!

A well written book that will have you hooked! I hope to read more by this author!

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for E. J. Moran. There will be 1 winners of one (1) Amazon.com Giftcard. The giveaway begins on February 1, 2018 and runs through March 3, 2018. Void where prohibited.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

FAMILY CHANGES and WHERE DID MY FRIEND GO? by Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D. (Review & Guest Author)

Synopsis

The world can be a violent place. Although you try to shelter your children, terrible things can happen at any moment. As a parent, you want to protect them, but this isn’t always possible. The best thing you can do for your children is make sure you are prepared to help them after a sudden death or other traumatic experience.

Where Did My Friend Go? was written by clinical psychologist and child-development specialist Azmaira H. Maker, PhD, to help adults discuss a traumatic death and bereavement with children ages three to eight years old. Children will read along as the protagonist talks about the sudden loss of a friend and asks adults important questions about dying, grief, and safety.

Dr. Maker has spent her career working with children and families. She understands how witnessing-or even simply hearing about-a violent and sudden death can leave children traumatized, frightened, and confused. Dr. Maker’s new picture book allows children to cope with their feelings and questions in a calm and nurturing context.

The book includes a guide for adults and a list of discussion questions to help children and adults talk honestly about the difficult emotions that arise after the sudden loss of a loved one. Through conversations, pictures, sculpture, playacting, and more, children can share their fears, learn how to cope, and receive appropriate reassurance about their own safety.

MY Thoughts

This book, unfortunately in today’s climate, explains losing a friend through a traumatic experience. However, I think it could also be useful as a guide to talking with a child relating to death. As adults, we sometimes, can’t understand, so how does a child?

I thought that this book would be a very useful tool for an adult to broach such a hard topic. I also thought the guide, in assisting adults, to ask the proper questions was extremely insightful.

Recommended for children 4-8 years of age.

BOOK DETAILS:

Publisher: Aspiring Families Press

Publication Date: April 14th 2017

ISBN-10: 0996194118

ISBN-13: 9780996194112

Pages: 30

PURCHASE LINKS:

 

Synopsis

“Divorce” is a big word…especially for little kids. It’s hard for young children to understand what the word means, let alone how it will impact their lives—and it’s hard for us, as grown-ups, to explain it to them in terms they can fully comprehend.

Nonetheless, when a child is involved in a family divorce or separation, it is crucial that he or she understands and embraces the changes… and this book will help you explain the transitions to your child.

Family Changes is a delightfully informative children’s book that tackles a complicated topic in compassionate, child-friendly terms. Ideal for young minds aged four through eight, it features a colorful cast of fuzzy characters led by a young bunny na­­med Zoey, who is struggling with her parents’ divorce and is riddled by important questions and feelings your child is likely to encounter.

In addition to the heartfelt story at its core, Family Changes also offers parents, therapists, teachers, and caregivers valuable information on how to ease children through this significant life change. A comprehensive note to parents and a list of essential child-focused questions are provided to guide the adult and child, and are certain to be an asset to both children and adults involved in the divorce/separation process.

MY Thoughts

Another hard topic for children to understand, and not blame themselves for, is Divorce.

The story is about a frightened bunny that is having to deal with her parent’s divorce. The fear, anxiety, where will she live, etc. that comes with a divorce.

Another excellent tool for parents to help their child during such a traumatic issue in his/her life. The author also includes a guide as to what and how to ask the hard questions.

Recommended for ages 4-8.

This book received the USA Best Book Award.

BOOK DETAILS:

Publisher: Aspiring Families Press

Publication Date: May 28, 2015

ISBN-10: 099619410X

ISBN-13: 978-0996194105

Pages: 34

PURCHASE LINKS:

 

Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D.

Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, and an expert in child development, parenting, and psychotherapy. She has been working with children, parents, and families for over twenty years and has extensive experience in hospitals, schools, clinical agencies, and nonprofit organizations. She has also taught and supervised graduate and undergraduate students in child development, child therapy, play therapy, family therapy, parent guidance, trauma, and loss, and has published several research and theoretical articles in scientific, peer-reviewed professional psychology journals. She brings a wealth of experience working with divorcing families to Family Changes, which is certain to educate, enlighten, and empower children and parents.

“I was committed to writing this book because I love children, and connecting with and helping children makes me feel alive. Sometimes, even the smallest of interventions can profoundly shift a child’s developmental path and life experiences for the better, and when this occurs, my commitment and dedication to my work is reaffirmed. I am passionate about empowering children and enabling parents to be the best parents they can be.”

Dr. Azmaira H. Maker holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College (Phi Beta Kappa), and received her doctoral training at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Dr. Maker completed her post-doctoral fellowship training at the University of Michigan Hospital, Department of Psychiatry. Her extensive experience in working with divorcing families, along with her specialized training at the Child Advocacy Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School provides her with extensive clinical skills and expert knowledge that guide the content of Family Changes.

“My draw to my work is the intense relationship and trust I have with each person, each parent, and each child. I experience individuals as unique, a kaleidoscope of characteristics, thoughts, feelings, and ways of being. I thrive on the path of hard work, discovery, insight, and growth. I often use the word ‘transformation or transfiguration’ with my clients.”

Dr. Maker currently resides in San Diego with her family and has a private practice in Del Mar. In her practice, Dr. Maker sees children, teenagers, families, and individual adults. She work with people presenting with a range of vulnerabilities and stressors, including divorce, trauma, loss (including pregnancy loss), infertility, anxiety, relationship/interpersonal struggles, depression, adoption, attachment, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and giftedness.

Connect with Azmaira H. Maker, Ph.D. at these sites:

WEBSITE

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

THE AMENDMENT KILLER by Ronald S. Barak (Review & Giveaway)

THE AMENDMENT KILLER by Ronald S. Barak
Genre: Political and Legal Thriller
Series: Brooks/Lotello Thriller, Volume 1
Published by Gander House Publishers
Publication Date: November 1, 2017
ISBN13: 9780982759097
ISBN: 0982759096
Pages: 570
Review Copy From: Author
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 5

**Stop by tomorrow for an interview with Ronald S. Barak**

Synopsis

“WE HAVE YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.”

That’s the text message Supreme Court Justice Arnold Hirschfeld receives as hearings commence in the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the fate of the 28th Amendment – enacted to criminalize abuse of power on the part of our political representatives.

In court to defend the amendment, retired U.S. District Court Judge Cyrus Brooks observes his old friend and law school classmate Hirschfeld acting strangely and dispatches veteran D.C. homicide detective Frank Lotello to find out why.

In the meantime, Hirschfeld’s precocious and feisty 11-year-old diabetic granddaughter Cassie, brutally kidnapped to control her grandfather’s swing vote upholding or invalidating the amendment, watches her insulin pump running dry and wonders which poses her greatest threat, the kidnappers or the clock. As Brooks is forced to choose between saving our nation or saving the girl.

My Thoughts

Phenomenal! Absolutely one of the best books I have read in 2017!

An author once told me that an author should hook the reader within the first 15-30 pages. But when the first few sentences start with “WE HAVE YOUR GRANDDAUGHTER. HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.”, will the next 500+ pages keep your interest?

This book was exceptionally written. The story and suspense never waivered! It was told with such realism and description that the imagery I created felt like I was watching a movie. A riveting read that had me on the edge of my seat!

If you are a John Grisham fan, then this book is for you!! Extraordinary!

In my opinion, this book would make for a blockbuster movie!

The ending! The ending had me gasping! And wanting more! I can’t wait to see what Mr. Barak has in store for the future. I just hope its soon!!!

To answer my question, did the next 500+ pages keep my interest? Hell yes! I had trouble putting this book down!

Highly, highly recommend!

Grab Your Copy of The Amendment Killer:

Hardback, Paperback, & eBookAmazon 🔗, Barnes & Noble 🔗
AudioBookAudible 🔗, Libro.fm 🔗, Nook 🔗
Plus Add it to Your Goodreads 🔗 List!
 

Don’t miss your chance to grab a copy of The Amendment Killer during these two great sales!

The Nook AudioBook 🔗 will be $9.99 February 20-26, 2018
and
The Kindle eBook 🔗 will be $1.99 February 22-28, 2018.

 

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Ronald S. Barak. There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on February 1 and runs through March 4, 2018.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

THE WIFE BETWEEN US by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (Review)

THE WIFE BETWEEN US by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Published by St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: Jan. 9, 2018
ISBN-10:1250130921
ISBN-13:978-1250130921
Pages: 352
Review Copy From: Personal Purchase
Edition: eBook
My Rating: 5+

Synopsis (via GR)


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.

Discover the next blockbuster novel of suspense, and get ready for the read of your life.

My Thoughts

OMG!!!!!!!

You probably have seen or heard the buzz for this book, believe it!! This book was mind blowing!!

I can’t even begin to describe it. Plus I don’t want to give anything away. It is probably one of the BEST books I have ever read! Heart pounding!

Recommend it? Absolutely! And read it soon!

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

BAD LITTLE GIRL by Frances Vick (Review)

BAD LITTLE GIRL by Frances Vick
Published by Bookouture
Publication Date: Feb. 22, 2017
ISBN-10: 1786811219
ISBN-13: 978-1786811219
Pages: 325
Review Copy From:Personal purchase
Edition: Kidle eBook
My Rating: 3

Synopsis via GR


‘I’m not safe – you have to help me…’

Little Lorna Bell is from a notorious family on a rundown estate. Everyone thinks she’s a nasty piece of work. The schoolchildren call her a thief. But Lorna’s hair is matted, her shoes pinch her feet and school teacher Claire Penny can’t help herself; some kids just need a bit more support, a bit more love, than the rest.

As the bond between teacher and pupil grows stronger, Claire sees Lorna’s bruises, and digs to uncover the disturbing tale behind them. Heartbroken, Claire knows she has to act. She must make Lorna safe. Just when Claire thinks she has protected Lorna, a chance encounter brings enigmatic stranger Marianne Cairns into their lives. Marianne seems generous and kind but there is something about her story that doesn’t quite add up. Why does she feel so at home, and why is Lorna suddenly so unsettled?

Claire has risked everything to save Lorna. But what can save Claire from the shocking truth?

An utterly unputdownable and darkly compelling read that will have fans of The Girl on the Train, The Sister, and Gone Girl absolutely hooked.

My Thoughts

This was the first book I have read by this author. I purchased this book back in Feb. 2017 after reading the synopsis.

I have to admit, I had a very hard time rating this book.

I was hooked within the first few pages. The story and suspense held my interest throughout the entire read. Then why was it difficult rating this book?

Claire Penny, a teacher in a primary school, suspects that little Lorna Bell is living in an abusive situation. After many attempts to have steps taken to investigate this situation by authorities, Claire takes a personal approach hoping to keep this child safe. Claire, as described in the story, appears to be a passive-aggressive individual IMO. The time frame is from the age of 6 when Claire first meets Lorna to the age of 10.

Without giving much away, for those who have this book in their TBR pile or thinking of purchasing it, I just felt that the situations in the book were unrealistic. That a child of 10 years old could be that manipulative to plan a lot of the scenarios in the book.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes, it was captivating but the story as a whole was highly unlikely.

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
DISCLAIMER

I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review.
No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.