I came across this author with another one of her books through InD'tale and loved it so much I reached out to tell her, totally fangirling it up! Since that one I've had the complete and utter privilege of reading a couple more of her books- including this one. I am obsessed with her works! Without anymore ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to The Wishing Cradle by Donna Walo Clancy! (And let's be honest, how utterly gorgeous is this over?!)
Rating: 5 (Utter and total perfection. Frickin Oscar worthy!)
Heat: 1 (Totally good for you to share with your mom-in-law)
Sophie has been married to Seth Greenberg for the past six years, dealing with his severe abuse and the maltreatment from his family quietly and with an outward grace. She makes the decision she's had enough when she feels her baby move at 5 months- the longest she's ever carried a pregnancy. With her newfound determination for a better future for herself and her child, she enters into a confrontation with her mother-in-law and husband resulting in yet another miscarriage. Losing the infant that night solidified her resolve to leave and start a new life, however, she has no idea how to move forward. She has nothing. A visit from the Walkers changes her prospects significantly and makes it so neither Seth nor his family can have nothing to do with her.
Feeling refreshed, Sophie throws a dart at a map to establish the place she's going to pick up her life and sets her plan in motion to make it a reality, she just has no idea how new it will be or the growth she will experience.
This book doesn't only use all five sense but ALL the feelings as well; from despair to hope, from loss to gain, from misery to complete joy the reader experiences it all with Sophie. The very first sentence grabs, hooks, and doesn't release. Not even once the book is over! (Personally I've read it twice already!) Everything wraps up cleanly and well by the end, but that doesn't mean the characters are done whispering to the audience. It feels as though one can't get to the ending fast enough, but it's also done quicker than is wanted. One of my favourite things about this wonderful story is that it doesn't follow the "typical" romance story trope of betrayal, break up, half-hearted apology followed by them getting back together quickly with no repercussions. In this novel, Sophie has to work hard and honestly to be able to have even a hope of recuperating from a large devastation she caused. It is real, powerful, and beautiful. It forever holds a special place in my heart and I can only hope to continue to be able to read books of this incredible, amazing caliber.
If you want to read this breath-taking novel, and believe me you do, here is the link to do so: Amazon
KEEP YOUR BOOK AS HOT AS YOUR TEA!
This week I'm showing you another book that blew my mind, along similar lines as The Silent Patient which I had done a few months ago. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough- my husband even had to take it away one night so I wouldn't read past my bedtime. I was willing to risk not sleeping to read more, and that's something something I do lightly. So, without anymore fuss I present to you Lie to Me by none other than J. T. Ellison.
Rating: 4 (Not quite perfect, but so so so so so close!!!)
Whoo-hoos: 4 (Sex sure does happen, but the audience can only peek in not see the whole scene)
Sutton and Ethan seem like the perfect power couple- both quite attractive in their own right, both successful authors, and madly in love with one another. However, it comes to light that things are not what they seem when Sutton decides to leave Ethan, heading to France to start a new life for herself leaving a brief note for him to not look for her. This note is precisely what makes the police look at Ethan for her disappearance, and they believe her murder. Pressure is mounting on all sides to find Sutton, for Sutton to stay missing, for Ethan to get charged in her disappearance, for him to stay clear, for their love for each other to persevere through all of this mess. No one knows, though, that there is an insane psychopath orchestrating and manipulating the entire situation-every aspect- and they won't stop until everything ends perfectly in their mind. Sutton and Ethan must come back together to prevent their crazed stalker from making both of them disappear permanently.
This book had me saying "what the hell" during the reading more times than I ever have as a mother, and believe me, that's impressive. I was pulled into the story from the very first sentence and that grip never let up, creating a wonderfully provocative look at how choices will always catch up the person making them, how those decisions sometimes cause disastrous consequences, and how the power of trust and love in your partner can override a lot. The perspective of the narrative is unique but also disconcerting and at times uncomfortable, because it switches from third person to first person breaking the 4th wall and talking to the reader. It heightens the feeling of not knowing what is happening and it definitely makes sure all the lights are on as it's being read, though ultimately this POV shift is what made me bring down the rating a bit. The climax is completely heart-stopping and terrifying and twisty and perfect. By the time the arc arrives, the audience is aware of who the villain is, because they are told by the antagonist themselves- which is frightening in it's own right. The ending can be a bit confusing and it definitely raises it's own questions, but the author leaves it open to a sequel if they so choose. Overall, my impression is that this is an incredible, intense book and is one that must sit on the shelf of every reader who claims to love psychological thrillers. This is one to keep.
Buy it here: Lie to Me Amazon
Keep your book as hot as your tea!
This is the second book by Amy Cecil I have had the complete privilege to review and I am seriously so happy to have come across her! Truth time though...I'm not exactly sure where we crossed paths, but you'll hear no complaining from me! So without further ado I present to you Raw Honey- set to release the 14th of March. Make sure you get your copy!!
Rating: 5 solid stars (seriously though! It's fricking INCREDIBLE!)
Whoo-Hoos: 5 (A common thread for this series is needing some ICE for the heat) *chuckles to self for eternity*
After leaving rehab, Honey is attempting to run from the ghosts of her past and forge new pathways to her future. She is sure the best way to plow forward is with the aid of the Knights of Silence motorcycle club. There is one large problem facing her however-she does not know anyone at the mc. That is until Ice shows up as her personal saviour. Loyalty to the club quickly runs deeply through her, there is nothing she wouldn't do for the guys. Having Ice fall for her? Icing on the cake. Honey's heaven quickly falls around her when an unknown, hysterical woman appears capturing her man's attention. Complete hell rains down upon the club, seemingly disproportionately on Honey, but she is able to learn just how strong and tough she is and how to figure out her genuine desires for who and what she wants.
Another delicious, golden gem by Amy Cecil!! As a reader, I do hereby declare that this author must keep writing! :) The title of the book does an incredible job of subtly letting the reader know that there are raw and intense emotions coming out as the book progresses, all the while the author has written the story in such a way that the audience can experience what the characters are feeling. The growth the protagonist endures is both heart-breaking and empowering as she finally seems to settle in her own skin. This book can be read as a standalone, however to fully appreciate and understand the depth of the heroine and events throughout it is advised to read them in order. It's definitely worth it though!! Be warned! Once this story has been picked up it will be glued to the reader's hand far past the ending. It is a book which will linger, forever loved and begging to be reread always.
Buy it here: Raw Honey Amazon
Keep your book as hot as your tea!
