April 2021’s books were so so. I don’t necessarily think that there were any stand outs, but I did read a couple of fun thrillers so there’s that.
The Rise of Magicks, Nora Roberts. I finished the last book in the Year One Trilogy this month and while it was better than the second book, I still think the first book in the trilogy was best, and the most memorable. I honestly don’t remember a whole lot of details of this book. But I assume the series came to a satisfactory conclusion so there’s that. 3/5 stars
Firekeeper’s Daughter, Angeline Boulley. Man, I really wanted to like this book. The cover is gorgeous! And the subject matter isn’t something I’m overly familiar with. Ultimately this one ended up as a DNF because I just didn’t want to pick it up. I may be in the minority though. I just found the book really tedious.
Such a Quiet Place, Megan Miranda. I haven’t been the biggest fan of Miranda’s previous books, and I went into this one with super low expectations. But this story about the perfect neighborhood was well written and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend, especially if you live in a neighborhood where you just KNOW that people don’t exactly live in the manner in which they present themselves.
Do No Harm, Christina McDonald. This is the third novel I’ve read of hers and my least favorite. I just wasn’t a huge fan of the plot line. I felt as though it could have used a hefty editing job. It didn’t have likable characters. It could have been a lot better. If you want to try a book by this author, pick up either of her other two. 2/5
Eight Perfect Murders, Peter Swanson. Swanson by far is my favorite thriller writer and this book is no exception. I enjoyed reading this homage to classic mysteries. Lots of red herrings thrown in as well as a mostly likable main character led to a pretty quick read. My only problem was the ultimate reveal.. I didn’t buy it. But I’m not the writer so there’s that. 4/5 stars.
The Stepsisters, Susan Mallery. When it comes to contemporary woman’s fiction I would like to think of myself as discerning, but honestly I just want a readable story with likable characters. Susan Mallery’s books always fit these criteria so they’re always enjoyable. I’d read more stories about the characters from this one. 3.5/5 stars
The Life Below (The Final Six, #2) Alexandra Monir. This book is suffering from a sophomore slump. It was not nearly as compelling as the first book in the series but it is not so poorly written that I would skip the next. But I don’t really like books about traveling towards a destination. Just get there already. 3/5 stars
The Unhoneymooners, Christina Lauren. This is a cute novel that was pretty predictable. It was cute though. Not much to say about this one. Drew Barrymore would have been great in the lead if she was a decade younger. 3/5 stars
All in all a so-so reading month. But that’s ok. Not everything is going to blow me away. I’m ready for an amazing read though. Got any recommendations? I’d love an amazing novel that I can’t put down.