oceanwriter's reviews
699 reviews

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I have been a diehard Alice Feeney fan since Rock Paper Scissors. Every book of hers I’ve read has been an easy five-star read. I’m so devastated that this one missed the mark for me. 
 
A year after the strange disappearance of his wife, Abby, Grady isolates himself on a Scottish island at the suggestion of his agent. He’s hoping to start writing again and get used to a life where Abby isn’t by his side, but the island brings more confusion. He feels almost haunted and is certain that there is a woman there who looks just like his wife. 
 
And that’s pretty much it until the last 15% of the book. From there, the disjointed plot becomes downright bizarre and, frankly, convoluted. Nothing made sense and I didn’t care at all what happened to either of the main characters. Their lives up until that point had been random backstories that kind of sort of came together in the chaotic ending. It, overall, felt like I was reading a different author. 
 
Thankfully, the quality of the audiobook made up for some of the disappointment. The narrators did a wonderful job, and the small touches of sound effects added a lot to the atmosphere. 

I'm hoping this book was just a bump in the road. I am glad to see that there are some others who have enjoyed this because I know the feeling of loving Alice Fenney's stories. I still look forward to whatever comes next, albeit, with some trepidation. I was surprised by the
sexual content
in this book as I don't recall much (if any) in the other books I've read by her. I didn't care for it.
 
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for inviting me to listen to a free audiobook ARC of the book. 
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Wilderness Within by Sr. Josephine Garrett

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inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

Part meditation and part journal, Wilderness Within is a thorough guide for the Lenten season written by a Sister and mental health counselor. With several included companion pieces, this guide offers not only spiritual reading but also exercises often drawing from the field of psychology. This element in particular is what drew me to this book.

This is perhaps the most extensive Lenten guide I’ve come across so far in my life. The exercises are extremely introspective while maintaining an ultimate focus on faith, which, nowadays, can be tricky to find. I appreciate how much thought went into this book and that it includes further reading/watching with links scattered throughout. Though I’ve read the book outside of Lent, I believe this book is a great starting point for people looking to do more than give up something. I would also say it can be used as a guide for everyday spiritual journaling.

Thanks to Ave Maria Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book.
A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings by Charles Dickens

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hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think this is my third reread of A Christmas Carol but this is my first time reading an edition with other writings. I wasn't super into the others at the moment, but it was still good to branch out from what I'm familiar with. As always, I loved A Christmas Carol.
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my third reread and I love it as much as ever. 
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Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

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dark informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Living on oil-rich land, the Osage Indians had a fortune. Unfortunately, this fortune was largely monitored and limited by the government. When members of the tribe begin dying under mysterious circumstances, it calls for investigation. 
 
I found the book to be informative and I was particularly invested in the first part of the book. Once it switched to part two, I struggled to get used to the new perspective and narration which was particularly distracting while listening to the audiobook and the narrators changed. Still, I learned a lot and my heart breaks for the Osage people, not only for their losses but also for the mistreatment and conservatorship they were subjected to. 
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Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

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challenging dark informative tense fast-paced

5.0

I’ve been an avid reader of Annie Jacobsen’s books and this one stands out among them all. Though she lays out a hypothetical armageddon, there is an element of unsettling reality to it. It only takes one nation’s decision and six minutes following for life on Earth to change forever — if not completely eradicate it completely. 
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The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin

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emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Widowed and left to take care of her young daughter Olivia on her own, Emma struggles to find work. Eventually, she finds a job at a library. But the onset of war makes being a single parent even more difficult. Olivia is eventually sent to the country, but fearing she’s losing her daughter to another woman’s affections, Emma sends for her, feeling London must be safe enough from the battlefield. 
 
At the library, Emma discusses books with the patrons and coworkers as well as trying to solve the mystery of missing and misplaced books. Though she forges friendships and support systems, working in the library reminds her of harsh memories. 
 
I was far more interested in the Emma and Olivia storyline, but the library added a nice backdrop to the story. I loved the emphasis on the mother/daughter relationship and could find myself relating to Olivia’s situation in a lot of ways. This is the second book by Madeline Martin I’ve read this year and I’m really enjoying her writing. 
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Carry the Cross with Padre Pio: Daily Reflections for Lent by Susan De Bartoli

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informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

In this Lenten guide, we get a mini-biography about Padre Pio’s life as well as prayers and reflections inspired by his writings. Padre Pio is a perfect saint to call upon during the season of Lent. Even if you choose not to read in preparation for Easter (as I have), there is a lot to be gained in this reading.

If you’re unfamiliar with Padre Pio’s life, this book is a great introduction. Each day visits a time in this great saint’s life, often through the letters to his spiritual director. As a Lenten guide, it provides thoughtful meditation. I’ve read other similar guides, however, Padre Pio’s life and mystical gifts inspire a unique, and, I feel, deeper experience.

I will certainly be revisiting this during Lent.

Thanks to Ave Marie Press and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC. I have also preordered two physical copies — one for my household and another as a gift. 
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A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Blacklisted from Hollywood in the Cold War climate and suspected of consorting with Communists, Melanie has little company anymore aside from her neighbor, Elwood. Given Elwood is agoraphobic and doesn’t leave the house, Melanie finds cause for concern when she suddenly can’t find him. Because of this, Melanie forges an unexpected friendship with June, Elwood’s sister-in-law, and also Eva, a maid and immigrant with secrets of her own. 
 
I enjoyed the time and setting of this book as the novels I typically read involving Hollywood are set in the Golden Age. It was a complex era for not only Hollywood but also America. The plot itself was intriguing, too, albeit I struggled with the plausibility of it. 
 
It felt like this book was trying to explore a lot of different areas which made it a bit hectic, but it thankfully was written in a way where the reader isn’t yanked back and forth between it all. What, unfortunately, hindered my enjoyment the most is the political tension which is to be expected, of course. Had I realized (and I should have) from the synopsis, I likely would have passed on this one as much as I enjoy Susan Meissner’s writing. Absolutely a personal thing and not the fault of the book! 
 
Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book! 
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The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Though single herself, Nura Khan has been a successful matchmaker and is running the family business. That is until one dissatisfied customer starts seeking revenge. Nura’s life is in danger as well as her family’s and friends’. The mystery. 
 
Nura has been secretly in love with Azar, though he’s not expressed interest in her after years of friendship. These feelings are not helped when Azar masquerades as her fiancé for the sake of the business. The romance. 
 
I enjoyed the voice of the narration as well as being immersed into a culture I’m only moderately familiar with. As for the overall plot lines, I feel it was too crowded. There was a lot going on and I felt pretty ‘meh’ about it all. I wouldn’t personally categorize this as a full-on thriller. I think I might have enjoyed it more if there was a more solid central focus: mystery or romance. I typically enjoy the pairing, but it felt loud here from both sides. That said, I’m sure there are some people who will love this combination. 
 
Thanks to Ballentine and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book. 
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