#ellemarr

Although I always seem to think I’m going to have a ton of time for reading over the holidays, that never seems to happen…ever!  This year was no exception:  Even after I added an audiobook from the Libby online library, I still fell short of my goal. No matter though—the goal is a nice number that I put out there, but it’s the reading that actually matters.  It looks like I read 60 books, and I can’t think of any that I thought were actually “bad,” so that’s definitely a win!

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The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

Gabe and Pippa have moved their family to a little cottage right on the cliff, overseeing a beautiful view of the sea.  Unfortunately, they’ve come to realize it’s a location where some choose to end their lives by jumping.  Gabe has become a bit of a local hero though, since he’s been able to talk so many away from taking this leap---except one night after dinner, a woman both Gabe and Pippa know, comes to jump.  Or did she? Interesting story, although I expected a bit more.  More drama, more suspense, more motive.  Maybe on the next one!

3 Stars

Special Note:  Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Gone Again by Minka Kent  

Celia disappears on her 40th birthday, during which time we get to learn about her history growing up with a very strict and religious family, her younger sisters, and how Celia comes into the life she’s happily living prior to her disappearance. This was an easy read, with enough suspense to keep me turning the pages, although not one of my favorites from this author.  Maybe a little more insight into the sisters growing up, as well as the night Celia goes missing, might’ve been helpful when circling back to the ending.

3 Stars

Special Note:  Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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The Family Bones by Elle Marr

Olivia is close to finishing her grad school dissertation in psychology, which is a bit of a headscratcher for many since she comes from a multi-generational family notorious for their crimes, especially murder.  When Olivia I invited to her family’s weekend reunion in a remote hunting lodge, she decides what better opportunity will she get to interview subjects on the “nurture v. nature” topic for her thesis.  Mixed in with the POV of a true-crime podcaster, looking into a cold case from 20yrs prior, there’s enough suspense to keep these pages turning for sure.  I wasn’t as happy with the ending as I had hoped, but still a good book, nonetheless.

3 Stars