I’m such a big fan of Danny’s podcast, Everything Iconic, and I love his sense of humor! Though he mostly recaps shows on Bravo, he always adds in some memories or details of growing up during the 80s/90s and that brings me right back to my own childhood. I read his previous book and knew I had to get my hands on The Jolliest Bunch, which does not disappoint.
For many families, the holiday season is—quite frankly—unhinged. Whether that involves inappropriately improvised monologues at the children’s Christmas pageant, gifts that land someone in the emergency room, or just sitting through the emotional rollercoaster of a Hallmark movie marathon, the holidays are a chaotic and magical time. And nobody knows this better than Danny Pellegrino.
For Danny, the holidays are always accompanied by both merriment and mayhem. And like the gay Ghost of Christmas Past, he’s here to take you on a nostalgic trip through his most festive memories in a collection of stories that are heartfelt, hilarious, and (unfortunately) true.
On sale on October 24. Get it!
I can’t believe that prior to this year, I didn’t know of Freida McFadden! Now I am addicted to her books. I am slowly getting through her older books while eagerly awaiting anything new like this one, The Locked Door. I already can’t wait for her next novel!
This one was suspenseful and dark while also being creepy and nerve-wracking. And I could not put it down. Its the right combination of giving you chills without totally terrifying you like a horror novel.
Here’s the plot:
While eleven-year-old Nora Davis was up in her bedroom doing homework, she had no idea her father was killing women in the basement.
Until the day the police arrived at their front door.
Decades later, Nora’s father is spending his life behind bars, and Nora is a successful surgeon with a quiet, solitary existence. Nobody knows her father was a notorious serial killer. And she intends to keep it that way.
Then Nora discovers one of her young female patients has been murdered. In the same unique and horrific manner that her father used to kill his victims.
Somebody knows who Nora is. Somebody wants her to take the fall for this unthinkable crime. But she’s not a killer like her father. The police can’t pin anything on her.
As long as they don’t look in her basement.
Whew! What a book! This is out now.
I have enjoyed Sue Watson’s books before, but this one was on another level. I was physically unable to put it down! It was SO GOOD. It was the perfect blend of characters, setting, plot, and writing all coming together for a book that earned it (from me) four gold Goodreads stars.
Two days ago the Wilson family checked into the imposing, glass-fronted Lodge, surrounded by snow and perched perilously on the edge of a cliff looking out to a grey sea. Not everyone was looking forward to the family get-together. But mother-in-law Angela insisted the winter trip would help heal their rifts…
Danni: The new wife who feels like an imposter. She doesn’t trust anyone – even her husband. But is she trustworthy herself?
Fiona: The ex-wife who feels that all eyes are on her. She’s here for the sake of her children, but she fails to hide her seething jealousy towards her ex-husband’s new family…
Angela: The mother-in-law who can’t help but interfere. She planned the family holiday to get everyone together, but does she really want to keep the peace?
Scott: The husband torn between his ex-wife and his new wife. He says he wants to do right by his family, but he’s been telling lies to them all. Now his darkest secret is about to be revealed.
After a night of arguments, morning breaks with a single scream. Not everyone came to The Lodge play to happy families. Someone came to get revenge…
Get it now.
Another sort of new-to-me author is Valerie Keogh. I loved her book, The Trophy Wife, and that one made me look into her other novels and start reading her back list. The House Keeper is a new book, out now. Worth your time to read. I am a fan of reading a book without knowing exactly what it’s about. If I see an author I like, I happily go into it blindly and trust that the author is going to keep me engaged with the story. Such was the case with this book!
Here are the details:
An unwelcome guest? Still in shock after the tragic death of husband Richie, Cassie Macreddin hopes that her new home, historic Hindon House, is the place where she can heal her pain and hide her secrets. But Hindon House has secrets of its own… Cassie soon realises that not everyone is pleased at her arrival and that someone is actively trying to make her leave Hindon House….but who? And why? As events escalate, Cassie must fight to save her home…and maybe even her life.
Read it now!
I read this one while I was on vacation, and even though I was exhausted from my busy days, I managed to read into the night because I wanted to see how this was going to end. The Retreat by Karen King centers around a group of friends staying at a newly renovated home in the mountains. The beautiful house and land, has been turned into a wellness retreat by Eva and Jose. However, soon the retreat turns into a nightmare and they wonder, which of their friends is trying to sabotage them?
The sunlight dances on the turquoise pool as I wait for our first guests. But my blood turns to ice when I recognise one of them as an old friend and a flood of guilt and fear comes rushing back. Is she here to ruin my life for a second time?
‘It’s been so long’, Saskia says as she hugs me. I plaster the smile back on my face, my hands shaking as I usher our guests into the traditional Spanish farmhouse we’ve spent years renovating to perfection. Saskia and I had been so close, until she betrayed me.
Now I’ve started a new life here in Spain. I met José and fell in love with his deep brown eyes, and together we opened our own retreat nestled high in the mountains. But José has no idea about the real me – I know he wouldn’t be able to look me in the eye if he ever found out that I have blood on my hands.
Then I discover our beautiful water fountain stained a deep red. My heart pounds with fear because it feels like a warning. And all my worst nightmares are confirmed when I find a note in my bedroom, revealing my terrible secret.
I was with Saskia all day, so I know it can’t be her. Which means that someone else at the retreat knows the truth about me – and they’re here for revenge.
But this perfect new life means everything to me. And I’ll do anything to protect it…
Out now!
How can you not just love books by Sophie Kinsella? Relaxing with a novel by this author is such a treat, and I have never been disappointed with her stories! The Burnout is her latest and if you are a fan, you’re going to love it like I did.
Here is the plot:
Sasha has had it. She cannot bring herself to respond to another inane, “urgent” (but obviously not at all urgent) email or participate in the corporate employee joyfulness program. She hasn’t seen her friends in months. Sex? Seems like a lot of effort. Even cooking dinner takes far too much planning. Sasha has hit a wall.
Armed with good intentions to drink kale smoothies, try yoga, and find peace, she heads to the seaside resort she loved as a child. But it’s the off season, the hotel is in a dilapidated shambles, and she has to share the beach with the only other occupant: a grumpy guy named Finn, who seems as stressed as Sasha. How can she commune with nature when he’s sitting on her favorite rock, watching her? Nor can they agree on how best to alleviate their burnout (Sasha: manifesting, wild swimming; Finn: drinking whisky, getting pizza delivered to the beach).
When curious messages, seemingly addressed to Sasha and Finn, begin to appear on the beach, the two are forced to talk—about everything. How did they get so burned out? Can either of them remember something they used to love? (Answer: surfing!) And the question they try and fail to ignore: what does the energy between them—flaring even in the face of their bone-deep exhaustion—signify?
Its funny, cute, and the perfect antidote if you are feeling burnt out on suspense, thrillers, and dark twisty stories!
Out now!
