Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

THE HIGH TIDE CLUB by Mary Kay Andrews

May 8, 2018

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I’m posting the synopsis from the publisher and then I’ll discuss, so read on…

From the publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Weekenders comes a delightful new novel about new love, old secrets, and the kind of friendship that transcends generations.

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons attorney Brooke Trappnell to her 20,000 acre barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never actually met her. Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter, but why enlist Brooke and not the prestigious Atlanta law firm she has used for years? Brooke travels to Shellhaven and meets the cagey Josephine, whose home is a crumbling pink mansion at the edge of the turquoise sea.

Over the course of a few meetings, Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, dark secrets, betrayal, and a long-unsolved murder. She is hiring Brooke for two reasons: first, to protect her island from those who would despoil her land, and second, to help her make amends with the heirs of the women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club―so named because of their youthful skinny dipping escapades―Millie, Ruth, and Varina. To fulfill a dying woman’s wishes, Brooke must find Josephine’s friends’ descendants and bringing them together on Talisa for a reunion of women who’ve actually never met. But in doing so, Brooke unleashes the makings of a scandal that could make someone rich beyond their wildest dreams…or cause them to be in the crosshairs of a murderer….

The High Tide Club is Mary Kay Andrews at her Queen of the Beach Reads best: a story shrouded in mystery, Spanish moss, verandah cocktails, 1940s dinner dances, love lost, and possibly…love found.

I really enjoyed this book but it was not what I expected; this is not the typical Mary Kay Andrews beach read, but rather something much more complex as you can see from the synopsis. I did miss the quirky Southern charm and humor that is the hallmark of her books, but appreciated the depth of the story.

The different storylines and different time periods made for a most compelling read, and I really liked the mystery that was at the heart of the novel and never saw the ending coming. All in all, another wonderful read from one of my favorite authors.

That said, I do have one small critique and it is a personal one. There is a minor character in this book who is a librarian, and she totally abuses her position and betrays the privacy of one of her patrons. Privacy is an issue that librarians take very seriously so if you will indulge me, I’d like to share a bit from the American Library Association:

The right to privacy – the right to read, consider, and develop ideas and beliefs free from observation or unwanted surveillance by the government or others – is the bedrock foundation for intellectual freedom…Privacy is essential to free inquiry in the library because it enables library users to select, access, and consider information and ideas without fear of embarrassment, judgment, punishment, or ostracism…

Libraries, librarians, and library workers have an ethical obligation, expressed in the ALA Code of Ethics, to preserve users’ right to privacy and prevent any unauthorized use or disclosure of users’ personally identifiable information or the data associated with their use of the library’s resources. This requires libraries and all those who work in libraries to maintain an environment that is respectful and protective of the library user’s privacy.

I was not happy with the librarian character’s complete lack of ethics and sadly, it pulled me out of the story as I was yelling at my Kindle. Yes, I know it’s fiction and the author can make her characters do anything she wants, but I felt disrespected and frankly, librarians are disrespected enough! I expect more from authors, especially one like Mary Kay who is so beloved by librarians – including this one. Rant over. Buy the book!

5/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE HIGH TIDE CLUB by Mary Kay Andrews. St. Martin’s Press (May 8, 2018). ISBN 978-1250126061. 480p.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Paula McLain

May 7, 2018

Paula McLain (author of LOVE AND RUIN) | What I’m Reading

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The bestselling author of The Paris Wife returns to the subject of Ernest Hemingway in a novel about his passionate, stormy marriage to Martha Gellhorn—a fiercely independent, ambitious young woman who would become one of the greatest war correspondents of the twentieth century.

In 1937, twenty-eight-year-old Martha Gellhorn travels alone to Madrid to report on the atrocities of the Spanish Civil War and becomes drawn to the stories of ordinary people caught in the devastating conflict. It’s the adventure she’s been looking for and her chance to prove herself a worthy journalist in a field dominated by men. But she also finds herself unexpectedly—and uncontrollably—falling in love with Hemingway, a man on his way to becoming a legend.

In the shadow of the impending Second World War, and set against the turbulent backdrops of Madrid and Cuba, Martha and Ernest’s relationship and their professional careers ignite. But when Ernest publishes the biggest literary success of his career, For Whom the Bell Tolls, they are no longer equals, and Martha must make a choice: surrender to the confining demands of being a famous man’s wife or risk losing Ernest by forging a path as her own woman and writer. It is a dilemma that could force her to break his heart, and hers.

Heralded by Ann Patchett as “the new star of historical fiction,” Paula McLain brings Gellhorn’s story richly to life and captures her as a heroine for the ages: a woman who will risk absolutely everything to find her own voice.

Advance praise for Love and Ruin

“Wonderfully evocative . . . [Paula] McLain’s fans will not be disappointed; this is historical fiction at its best, and today’s female readers will be encouraged by Martha, who refuses to be silenced or limited in a time that was harshly repressive for women.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“McLain has perfected her dramatic and lyrical approach to biographical fiction, lacing Marty’s ardent inner life into electrifying descriptions of place and action. . . . McLain’s fast-moving, richly insightful, heart-wrenching, and sumptuously written tale pays exhilarating homage to its truly exceptional and significant inspiration.”—Booklist (starred review)

“If you loved McLain’s 2011 blockbuster The Paris Wife, you’re sure to adore her new novel, which is just as good, if not better.”—AARP

“Romance, infidelity, war—Paula McLain’s powerhouse novel has it all.”—Glamour

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RESET by Brian Andrews

May 5, 2018

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Reset is a well done science fiction novel, but one with a message that the author wishes to convey to his readers. Based on scientifically based geological evidence unearthed by experts in the fields there have been five extinctions of life on earth down through the eons. They have been caused by natural events such as comets, fire etc. Is there a sixth extinction in the near future?

The novel begins with army sergeant Michael Pitcher discovering an object in Afghanistan while he is on patrol. After interacting with it he finds that it possesses unusual powers. He also suffers a traumatic seizure and is sent back to the states for evaluation and treatment. At the same time the object: a cube is packed and sent to authorities in the U.S. for determination of what it is and what are the powers it contains.

Sergeant Pitcher is released from the hospital and sent home to recuperate in company of his wife Josie. But Josie discovers that her beloved husband is a very changed man from the one that was deployed to Afghanistan. He is coldly withdrawn from her and soon empties out their bank accounts and disappears.

Enter CIA agent Dean Ninemeyer, who is investigating the disappearance of Pitcher and coincidentally a group of scientists that were involved with him. It falls on Josie Pitcher and Dean to begin searching out answers to what is going on. What they find, and how they go about it provides the meat and bones of Reset and guarantees an interesting story for it’s readers.

As an afterward, Andrews does freely bring out his opinion that mankind itself will bring about the sixth extinction talked about in the book. He cites the failure to pay attention to what he claims is the very real menace of global warming, the explosive growth of human population and the frequent disappearance of other than human species.

5/18 Paul Lane

RESET by Brian Andrews. Thomas & Mercer (April 24, 2018). ISBN 978-1503954267. 382p.

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ACTS OF VANISHING by Fredrik T. Olsson

May 3, 2018

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Olsson presents a novel based upon the next stage of enemies of the human race. This is AI (Artificial Intelligence) the existence of foes that started out by being made by mankind, evolved their own persona and began attacking their creators believing that humans were their own worse enemies.

The events begin in Stockholm, Sweden just prior to Christmas with a sudden citywide blackout: television, radio, phones, internet and all electric lights wink out throwing the area into chaos. In the city room of a silenced major newspaper, Christina Sandberg tries to piece together the reason for the blackout and has the eerie feeling that her ex- husband William is somehow involved. On his part William who is a cyber security expert and professional code breaker had received an e-mail just prior to the blackout occurring with very specific instructions to be followed. The military police, aware of this correspondence take him into custody before he can act on the contents of the email.

We follow William, as he becomes free and begins tracking the blackout, and subsequent attacks on many nuclear plants around the world trying to find the cause of these disruptions and take action to thwart them.

Explanations of what is going on are well delineated by the author and while the novel could be categorized as science fiction, current events and discoveries do make it a near term possibility. Why is William thought of by authorities as the cause of the attacks and sought by police and military is a fair question to broach.? Will he be able to determine what is happening, why, and fix the problem? Olsson is very conversant about the area he postulates and immediately grabs the reader’s attention supplying clues and bringing his audience to accepting the events of a very engrossing novel with central characters acting as they certainly would under the circumstances. Be prepared for some missed sleep when reading the book.

5/18 Paul Lane

ACTS OF VANISHING by Fredrik T. Olsson. Little, Brown and Company (April 24, 2018). ISBN 978-0316335027. 464p.

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SOMEONE TO CARE by Mary Balogh

May 2, 2018

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A Westcott Novel, Book 4

Just when I was truly starting to think that there are more young, handsome Dukes in England than shells on the beach, Mary Balogh pulls a fast one on me. I don’t think I’ve ever read a historical romance about people in their forties. Yes, middle aged people who are lusty! Want companionship! Have fun! Until it all comes crashing down on them.

Viola Kingsley was stripped of her title, Countess of Riverdale, when it turns out their was a bit of bigamy going on. The family is lovely though, and they all stick together, but she is tired of it all and wants to escape, by herself, for just a little while.

Marcel Lamarr is shocked to see the countess all by herself at an inn. He has been widowed for many years, and has the well earned reputation of being a terrific womanizer. He always had a crust on Viola, so he is determined to try and have a fling with her now that appears to be somewhat vulnerable.

Lamarr’s plan works, and he suggests they rendezvous at a house he owns in the country. They have a lovely time, but both are falling in love and refuse to recognize it. Until their children show up, worried and now upset to find them alone like this. Lamarr announces their engagement, which mollifies everyone but Viola, because even at this age, true love can not be conquered without a lot of trouble.

Another terrific read from Balogh. Her fans will love it, as will new readers.

5/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

SOMEONE TO CARE by Mary Balogh. Berkley (May 1, 2018). ISBN 978-0399586088. 384p.

Kindle

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LOVE GAME by Maggie Wells

May 2, 2018

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Love Games, Book 1

I usually enjoy contemporary romances that involve sports, and this book really takes it to the next level. Usually these types of books revolve around a pro athlete and their athleticism. Occasionally the female protagonist is also an athlete, or a trainer or a physical therapist, but here our heroine, Kate Snyder, is a former Olympian and the winningest women’s college basketball coach, and she rules the school. Until they hire a new football coach for their last place football team.

Danny McMillan is a former pro quarterback who was fired from his Division 1 college coaching position for a number of infractions, including having an affair with a student. True, she was a grad student and certainly of age, but that was just the icing on the cake. He was made an example of, and it rankles. He takes the job but there’s a morals clause in his contract.

Kate is pissed because the new football coach is being paid way more than she is but her contract is coming up for renewal and she knows the latest national championship means she’ll be able to get the big money. But she decides to hate the new coach anyway. Danny is shocked to find he is strongly attracted to Coach Snyder, she’s not his usual type but he can’t help himself. The university wants to play up their animosity and they oblige, until their feelings for one another threaten both their jobs.

This was a really fun read with a bit of sex thrown in here and there. But it’s the terrific characters that drive this story and it’s a good one. Seeing a strong woman come out on top makes me happy.

5/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

LOVE GAME by Maggie Wells. Sourcebooks Casablanca (February 6, 2018). ISBN 978-1492651499. 384p.

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Win the May ’18 bookshelf of signed thrillers!

May 1, 2018

Welcome to the May bookshelf of signed thrillers! Lots of terrific books to win this month. More books may be added throughout the month, so check back often.

To enter, go to the Win Books page.

Best of luck!

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THE SIXTH DAY by Catherine Coulter & J.T. Ellison: A Brit in the FBI, Book 5. When several major political figures who are linked to sophisticated drone assassinations die under mysterious circumstances, the Covert Eyes team follows leads to a wealthy cybersecurity genius and descendant of Vlad the Impaler who is desperate to unlock the secret of curing his severely ill twin brother’s blood disorder.

OVERKILL by Ted Bell: When his young son is dramatically abducted from a burning ski tram in the Swiss Alps at the same time Russian leader Vladimir Putin escapes an attack on his presidential jet and goes missing, Alex Hawke recruits a group of elite soldiers and hostage experts for a rescue mission that is complicated by Putin’s plans for a triumphant return to Moscow.

WICKED RIVER by Jenny Milchman: As newlyweds Natalie and Doug Larson attempt to get away from it all on a backcountry honeymoon in the isolated Adirondack forest, a man stalks them from the shadows, threatening everything they hold dear.

BLACKOUT by Alex Segura: The new book in Alex Segura’s Pete Fernandez series, in which a cold case brings Pete back home, where he ends up in the crosshairs of a fanatical and dangerous cult leader, threatening his newfound sobriety and his life as well.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS by R.G. Belsky: Belsky introduces Clare Carlson, a journalist who became an overnight media superstar and won a Pulitzer with her coverage of the disappearance of eleven-year-old Lucy Devlin. Now, new evidence, new victims, and new suspects plunge Clare back into this sensational story—challenging every fiber of her ethical code and forcing her to confront dangerous elements and long-hidden truths from her own past.

A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE by Mariah Fredericks: A highly skilled ladies’ maid working among in the upper echelons of 1910 New York society uses her insider knowledge of her entitled employer’s family to investigate the class-driven case of her mistress’ brutally murdered playboy fiancé.

FORSAKEN by Michael McBride: When scientists at a research station in Antarctica awaken a strange and ancient organism that they are unable to control, a half-human hybrid that is still evolving is unleashed on the world and has the hunger and power to wipe out the human race.

You can win autographed copies of these books! If you are new to the site, each month I run a contest in conjunction with the International Thriller Writers organization. We put together a list of books from debut authors to bestsellers, so you can win some of your favorites and find some new favorites.

What makes this contest really special is that all of the books (except eBooks) are signed by the author! Books with multiple authors will be signed by at least one of the authors.

Penguin Random House books for giveaway were provided by the publisher. #PRHpartner

Don’t forget, if you subscribe to the newsletter or follow this blog, you get an extra entry into every contest you enter. Check out the Win Books page for more information on all these books and how to enter this month’s contest.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

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DARK TERRITORY by Leo J. Maloney

April 29, 2018

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Maloney has written several books with Dan Morgan as the principal character. Dan is a member of an ultra elite group dedicated to finding and eradicating enemies of the United States.

In a previous novel, Dan’s daughter Alex joins the group much against the will of her father. Her desire is to become one of the best operators belonging to the organization and it is with this in mind that the novel opens with Alex in Russia. Her task is to take out a sadistic North Korean officer.

Succeeding with her mission she boards the Trans Siberian railway, the longest railroad in the world and her designated means of escaping Russia. Not surprising, instead of a long restful ride she encounters a fiendish plot and the people planning it on the train.

A Russian scientist has been kidnapped, along with his daughter, and is being forced to use an invention of his to either destroy Washington or Moscow or both. The daughter is being held as a means of forcing her father to comply with the demands of the terrorists. Alex figures out what is happening and enters into the fray in order to stop the destruction before it begins.

Dan learns that his daughter is on the train and may be in danger. He gets his organization to fly him over to the scene of the action. Needless to say, Maloney gives us an ultra fast thriller with the scene shifting back and forth among the protagonists and causing the reader to become caught up in the events. The book is typical of a Dan Morgan thriller, keeping the reader glued to the action and certainly awaiting the next novel in the series. A well done and satisfying read.

Kindle single only.

4/18 Paul Lane

DARK TERRITORY by Leo J. Maloney. Lyrical Underground (April 24, 2018). ASIN B074DHCNML.

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THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewell

April 29, 2018

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Laurel Mack had the worse thing that can occur to a parent happen to her ten years earlier. Her perfect daughter Ellie, her youngest, disappeared suddenly. Laurel and her husband Paul went through every attempt to find her: the police, ads, word of mouth, and looking around their area. When Ellie didn’t appear, the event devastated both parents and drove them apart.

The hardest hit for the couple was when the police ceased their efforts with the verdict that Ellie had run away. This decision broke any semblance of a bond between the couple with the result that Paul left Laurel.

Seven years after the breakup, Laurel meets a man while having coffee. After so much time alone Laurel makes the decision that she needs companionship in her life and enters into a romance with Floyd. The relationship proceeds normally until it is time for Laurel to meet her new boyfriend’s family. The surprise is Floyd’s daughter Poppy. The girl bears an uncanny resemblance to Ellie and awakens memories and reactions for Laurel that were buried deeply.

Jewell has written a fascinating novel touching on the psychological reactions and motivations of the principal characters in the book. There is first and foremost those of Laurel, then of course Ellie. In addition there is a tutor that had been working with Ellie just prior to her disappearance. Memories are dredged up and once again the question of what happened is examined. The resolution of the question: what happened to Ellie and those involved with her is a masterpiece of psychological narrative and marks Lisa Jewell as quite adept at the genre. An all nighter and one allowing the reader to begin awaiting Jewell’s next book.

4/18 Paul Lane

THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewell. Atria Books (April 17, 2018). ISBN 978-1501154645. 368p.

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THE PERFECT DUCHESS by Erica Taylor

April 28, 2018

The Macalisters, Book 2

Lady Clara Masson badly wants to attend the Mcallister birthday ball. Her brother is her guardian, and he has been spreading vicious rumors about her ever since her twin sister jilted the Duke at the altar and disappeared. The ton enjoys nothing more than good gossip, so Lady Clara hasn’t been receiving many invitations. But off to the ball she goes, where she rekindles her friendship with Andrew, the jilted Duke of Bradstone.

When her reputation is further compromised, Andrew feels obligated to offer for her. Although they both have feelings for one another, neither is willing to believe it until circumstances force them to find their happily ever after.

This is a good Regency romance, witty with a bit of sensuality as well, and a very enjoyable read.

4/18 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE PERFECT DUCHESS by Erica Taylor. Amberjack Publishing (April 17, 2018). ISBN 978-1944995577. 392p.

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