Book Review: One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn

This book is set during the 1918 influenza epidemic. The story revolves around Annie and Elsie. Annie is the new girl at school. Elsie badly wants to be her best friend, but Annie doesn't like Elsie. What will happen when Elsie dies and returns as a vengeful ghost?

I usually love this author, but this book left me disappointed. The writing did not seem realistic from a historical perspective. These mean girls seemed a little modern for this time period. I didn't find the story creepy or scary. I think this book was just not my cup of tea. I am still a fan of Hahn but this is not one I would read again or give as a gift.

*Thank you to Mary Downing Hahn, NetGalley, and the publisher for granting my wish to read this book. In exchange I have given an honest review.

Book Review: The Scent of Rain by Anne Montgomery

Rose runs away from her FLDS community. Adan runs away from his foster home. What will happen when these two run into each other? Can these two strangers help save each other?

I thought that the FLDS parts were very well written. I didn't even feel that Adan was needed to advance the storyline. There was a disjointed feeling throughout the story for me. The ending felt rushed and wasn't believable.

I do respect the fact that the author is doing her best to shine a light on the misunderstood FLDS community and the abuse that goes on there. Flora Jessop is an absolutely amazing woman!

*Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Polygamist's Daughter by Anna LeBaron

This is the story of Anna LeBaron. She is the daughter of a polygamist and murderer and one of fifty children fathered by him. Anna's life was hard. She was constantly hungry, and desperate, and always on the move. You can learn many lessons from reading about Anna's life.

This is the best book I have read about living in a cult situation. Anna's situation was very different from other books I have read about polygamists. Anna's father used abuse, control, and even murder, to accomplish his agenda. Anna is able to show a great amount of sympathy and understanding throughout the book. She is obviously a very brave and a very wise woman. Anna's story is filled with hope and grace. This is a well written inspirational journey.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and e-arc of this memoir in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

This novel is set during World War II within a traveling circus. Noa is a sixteen year old who is kicked out for becoming pregnant by a Nazi.  In order to survive she joins the German circus. She must work hard to learn the flying trapeze act.

I really wanted to love this one! The ending disappointed me. I have read a lot of books about the Holocaust but no one scene has affected me as much as the scene where Noa opens the train car and finds all the babies. Noa is a survivor, a great friend, and a protector. Astrid was hard for me to like. She rubbed me the wrong way. I liked that the circus family was a true family, excluding Emmet. The ending let me down. I do not understand whyAstrid decided to keep the secret for so long. If the ending was a little different, this could have made my favorites list.

*Thank you to Pam Jenoff, Mira Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Final Girls by Riley Sager

Ten years ago Quincy was involved in a massacre. She went on vacation with five friends, but was the only one who returned. She was a "Final Girl". The "Final Girls" all suffered similar fates, being the only survivors of a massacre. Lisa was the only one left of nine sorority sisters. Sam was working her shift at an Inn and was the only one left alive. What if these final girls were to meet? What if one of them ends up dead, what will the other two do? How can Quincy help the others when she can't even remember what happened to her?

Wow!! This one is filled with twists and turns. You feel like you are riding the roller coaster while stuck watching a scary horror flick. Since Quincy doesn't remember what happened during the massacre, you learn the story at the same time she does. Learning the story this way helps to rack up the scares and surprises. I really enjoyed this story and can highly recommend it to horror and suspense fans. I cannot wait to read more by this author. I have a feeling this will be a huge summer hit!

*Thank you to Riley Sager, Dutton Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.