My favorite season for snuggling in with a good book...or three.
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The Stranded by Sarah Daniels
Esther is a med-student, but instead of being at university or a hospital, her classes are on the ship she and her family live on---the same ship she’s lived her whole life on. Nik has also spent his full life on this ship, but he and his family are on the side of the rebels, the group planning to take the ship ashore and liberate all of the passengers. After the war, the ship has remained off the coast of the Federated States, but now Esther and Nik are forced to work together since Esther’s role as a do-gooder are going to try and do some good for the other side. A YA novel set in a dystopian future, the book moves fast, not always clear on why everyone has been stranded out to sea (other than perhaps a vague political threat). At times, a little difficult to follow just due to the hectic running around and the chaos of the scenes. Definitely held my interest, so I will likely read the second book, coming out next year.
Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
Alex is in a slump. She has been since the big fight with her best friend, Wren. Nothing seems to be going right: Her job, her dates, and especially her writing are all a mess. And then Alex gets the opportunity of a lifetime to attend a writing retreat for month at her favorite author’s personal estate. The only drawback is that Wren will also be attending—that, and the fact that the estate is haunted. This gothic-style book is a true page-turner, with lots of twists and turns to hold your interest. Unfortunately, a few things fall apart at the very end, but I think it’s a great indulgent read anyway.
Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Such Pretty Flowers by K. L. Cerra
Holly has been a wreck since her brother, Dane’s, suicide. When she starts spending time with Dane’s ex-girlfriend, more questions come up than answers, to the point where Holly is determined to get to know Maura better and do some investigating on her own, even if it means her own sanity and life are both in danger. Told in a gothic-style in spooky Savannah, this spooky book has a very strong start. Unfortunately, it goes off the rails a bit toward the end and we’re still left with some questions. Lots of potential here, so I’m not completely writing this one off---I couldn’t put it down, and when it was good, it was very good!
Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
