Book Review: "Where Are The Children Now" By Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

 

It's Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke at their finest and it's definetely worth the journey in the 2nd of this magnificent series.

Where Are the Children Now dives into the relationship between the past, the present, and the future in this new work that will raise every follicle upward.

Riley is the step daughter that's gone missing from this toxic family situation. Claims about drugged up coffeee begins to take shape.
Charlie is Riley's dad as her mother has died at the falls...or did she? Is Linda still alive?

Riley was never adopted so there's that but it's also an emotional tug that sends us into turmoil over the fact of why she's never been adopted. Wasn't she loved enough? Was another play in hand here?
Nancy Harmon is a central character to the shenanigans playing out. Convicted of murder of two kids when Mike and Melissa go missing from the 2nd marriage. Is there a connection of missing siblings?

WTH?

Ok, before we get too excited there's something going on with Charlie and or Rachel Miller...and I'm not a betting gal but I'm sure there's more to this story...

Look, there's an accomplice to murder acting all innocent. There's also a crooked friend or two that may be out to do harm.
Watch your back on this one.

A perfect storm!

Thank you Bibliotheca (Cloud Library) for this audio e-read.

Book Review: "You Are Stronger Thank You" Think By Joel Osteen

 

Joel Osteen has been my go to guy when I need to replenish my soul. He's always been someone I've admired for his quick with and hearty sermons that tug at the heart strings.

In this newest piece he discusses quite redundantly all the reasons to think so shall you become and how being bold and going beyond your own self limitations can be your key to success.
Don't just wish for it but stand firm in faith and be ready to accept God's grace and his favors bestowed upon you is the ultimate message.

While you might feel that your in a tail spin at the moment, digging but coming up empty, the notion that you'll not whether the storm is garbage. You must stay in faith to receive God's grace. Don't limit yourself and think you're not worthy or that somehow you can't go through the fire and return unscaved.

Your trials and meant to get you to a higher level and belief in yourself. It's meant not to burn you but to learn you. It's meant to build stronger and reach higher while using the stones tossed as stepping stones to greatness.

Those pulling you down are doing so out of jealousy. They know your light shines bright. They know you have God's favor within you if you just stay the course and believe in yourself.

Loved the powerful messages and biblical lines but the redundancy is what began to turn me off.

Thank you to Osterhout Free Library for this hardcover. Please frequent your local libraries and show 'em some love.

Book Review: "The Power of Thank You" By Joyce Meyer

 It seems so simple really...The power of Thank you? Yet, more often than not we find ourselves going through life without meaning and finding that to give you receive.

Why is it that it becomes so common to ignore the plight of others and raise a glass to ourselves?

When have we turned a blind eye for compassion, empathy, love of our fellow brothers and sisters in need?

What is behind the meaning of the mere words, "Thank you" and how can they save a lost soul or someone struggling with life's turmoils?

All this and more is behind this newest novel by Joyce Meyer.
You always will find me with some type of religious work in hand and Joyce and Joel are my two favorites for good reason.

They bring you back to your core being, who God intended us to be, and why God wants us to fulfill our lives at the exact time he has procured.

I enjoyed this reading but felt it could use more energy as it fell a little flat for me. It was short, sweet, and to the point but felt it needed some spice.

Thank you to Osterhout Free Library for this hard cover copy.

Please frequent your local libraries in support.

Book Review: "Be Joyful" By Joyce Meyer

 

Be Joyful is exactly what it claims to be ....find your happiness, follow God's word, help your fellow brother and sister.

Find the goodness in everything and proclaim the gratitude like Thanksgiving Day.

Never forget how blessed you truly are for each new day upon each new rising that gives an abundance of blessings.

Don't lose sight of who God intended you to be and how standing in faith and being ever present is how you move forward.

Don't just ask for prayer but be mindful.

Having read this book in its entirety a couple of lines stood out:
Our misery is the devil's greatest joy.

If you live to give instead of to get, you will always have plenty and joy to go with it.

Book Review: "Deep Tide" By Laura Griffin

Deep Tide had all the feels and in the end it seemed apparent that someone may have to go out with the tide...

This new piece by Griffin began with an interesting mystery with a coffee shop murder but who on earth would want to kill a coffee shop worker?

The idea that everyone is suspect begins to unravel when we learn that there's a specific individual who is masquerading behind his falsehoods and has been linked to 3 previous crimes so far...
If this is true, how on Earth did this person get overlooked in a career meant to protect and serve?
As Leyla and Sean heat up things the miles between them extend and at one point it's called off in the romance department.

Second chances?

Welp, yes and you know sloppy seconds ain't the way to go for us strong feminine women.
Folks, when you hear this, "Lets go back to bed" at the end...Ya, know this gal ain't too thrilled.
Ladies, elevate! We are more than body parts. Come on now!

That ending just was too lame duck for me and the rest of the storyline was good but nothing that really tickled my fancy.

Thank you to Laura Griffin, the publisher, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Other Mother" By Miranda Rijks

When Florrie goes missing the world stops to gather its thoughts and process the pain hidden among the crevices of the system that was flawed around her.

This exciting new thriller by Miranda is everything you'd hope for and more. It has so much energy, so many great and notable characters, with a storyline that comes at you with pure vigor that's unmatched.

I enjoyed reading this novel because it deals with every parents worst nightmare coming true. The reality of this drama is that someone's child - a young impressionable young girl- a daughter and friend has vanished.
However, someone also knows the truth about the whereabouts of this young lad and someone is about to experience a fire and fury like no other when the wrath of justice comes calling.

Sure, we have the back and forth saga between friends, family, and even foe but we also have the finger pointers, the nay-sayers, the wanna be's who know the truth.

Never assume you have all the facts until the facts are upon the table is my best advice. As this one changes hands and the last hand to hold may be the worst of them all.

Thank you to Miranda for this exciting new thriller as well as her team for getting this ARC into my hands.
The Secret Book Sleuth highly recommends this newest creation!

Book Review: "Gone Tonight" By Sarah Pekkanen

 

Sarah Pekkanen has just moved the goal posts again...WOW! What a moving thriller we have with Gone Tonight!

Look, I'll put it to you gently this ain't no play time fun that ends with a mediocre closing that won't pull you to your knees and make you beg for help. This is the book that is a must read for 2023 and beyond for those who love excitement, thrills, chills, and heck -SPILLS! YIKES...

It all begins innocently enough with a mother daughter duo who moved around a lot during their younger years. Ruth (mom) was always on the go and seemlessly always with something up her sleeve. Yes, say that again?!

Well, folks Catherine begins to piece the puzzle together and when she realizes that her mom isn't who she thought she becomes anxious to uncover the mystery behind the events that have been shaping both their lives.

Simultaneously, the missing spokes on the wheel are also addressed and with a luster that shines brighter than the sharpest diamond in the box.

Holy smokes this one blew me off my seat and nearly out of my pants..I kid you not!
Just when you think you've experienced everything in this genre of thrillers/mysteries you uncover a whole new level that's jaw dropping especially with regards to the past lives of some of these characters not limited to but including the family, friends, and yes, even the dates that Catherine had endured. Yes, Ethan I see you and raise the glass to you. My word!

Speak of the devil ---what is this about high school, coach, and carrying on without saying a word?....
Ok, I digress--look, someone killed the coach. Someone knows the story behind the story. Someone may just get away with murder. Who you might ask is quite explorative, exhaustive, but oh, so damn good!
You know sometimes they say those raised in two person households have a better chance in life. However, what if one or both parents is severly limited in their ability to parent? Can we not just go there and address that because Catherine needs us.

So, sorry to those who lost their lives but you know it's all in the name of fun in love and war or was that till death do us part, or perhaps it was see ya later alligator....

OUCH! That was splendid! The entire storyline was rough, tough, and full of angst with plenty of thrills to blend this cocktail mixer together.

I loved that ending with all the frills and wouldn't want it served up any other way.
Great read by one of the best- Sarah Pekkanen!

Thank you to the team for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

The Secret Book Sleuth highly recommends this gem!