The Other Woman Psychological Thriller Book Club Reporter Book Review

• Author Sandie Jones knocks it-out-of-the-park, with her debut novel, The Other Woman.
• Emily Havistock is a leading recruitment consultant. She’s also a self-assured and  determined business woman.
• Emily strives to be the best at what she does. One day, while attending a business conference Emily, meets Adam Banks.
•  Adam is quite handsome and he, is much more than just his good looks. Emily and Adam are quickly drawn to each other.  And soon, Emily feels Adam might just be the right man for her. 
• As they grow closer, Emily desires to meet Adam’s mother, Pammie.
• As Adam’s relationship with Emily progresses, Pammie proceeds to launch a diabolical mission of psychological assaults on Emily!

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Megan Abbott - Die A Little - Book Review - Podcast

I loved Die A Little so much, I put it on my monthly Book Club list. I am thrilled to say that my book club members loved reading Die a Little as much as I did. 

 I am very much looking forward to reading more books written by Megan Abbott. In fact, Give Me Your Hand is next on my Megan Abbott reading list.

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Psychological Thriller Snow Creek - Book Review Podcast

 Snow Creek is a tense, psychological thriller novel. Gregg Olsen introduces us to a new character, Detective Megan Carpenter. 

Megan is a complex woman with a past. But she is also a determined sleuth who doesn’t back down. In spite of her own troubled mind, Megan won’t turn loose of this complex case until she exposes who’s innocent and who’s guilty of the violent murders.

 I totally enjoyed this gripping thriller! The suspense in this skillfully written murder mystery kept me turning the pages of Snow Creek. Lies and secrets abound and the well-drawn characters provide the reader with strangely curious and thought provoking situations.

When it comes to twists and turns, Olsen does not disappoint! Snow Creek is full of twists and turns and a bit of the macabre. 

Undoubtedly, we will be reading more about Detective Carpenter in the future. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.

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Cast Iron by Marilyn Todd pub date Oct 1, 2019

 This was my first reading of a book written by Marilyn Todd. After reading Cast Iron, I would love to go back and read the first book in this series, entitled: Snap Shot. Both Snap Shot and Cast Iron take place in England, circa 1895. 

I can say, even though Cast Iron works just fine, as a stand-alone story, I will first provide a little information from the first book, Snap Shot.

 As a young widow in London, Julia McAllister supported herself by taking risqué photographs. Unfortunately, when her models began dying, Julia was being framed for their murders. 

And here’s some info from the publisher’s book summary describing this book series as :

•  “A brilliant new Victorian mystery series you won’t want to miss!”
•  “For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Anne Perry, Elizabeth Peters and Victoria Thompson.”
•  “Julia turns from murder suspect to England’s first crime scene photographer…”

 As Cast Iron begins, we learn that Julia has apparently moved on from the problems she faced in Snap Shot, and is ready to move forward with her life. In fact, at this moment, she is ready to board a train out of town and into a new life! 

Ah! But, before you can say, “All Aboard,” Julia finds herself right smack in the middle of...


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Diane Chamberlain is the gifted writer who brings us this compelling story in her latest novel, Big Lies in a Small Town. Ms. Chamberlain expertly intertwined the characters and the lives of two young women, Anna Dale and Morgan Christopher.

I truly enjoyed reading Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain. The mystery of why Morgan was chosen to restore Anna Dale’s 1940 mural was compelling enough for me to keep right on turning those pages. And I felt like I even learned some things about art restoration processes.

The racial aspect of the story and the divisive issues related to prejudice, including prejudice against women, are handled adeptly by the author and that all works to make Big Lies in a Small Town a must-read novel. And I very much appreciate how this original storyline, presented a solid depiction of not only racial prejudice issues, but of the prejudice against women and the "Me Too" movement as well.

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The Illness Lesson by Clare Beams

The Illness Lesson is quite different from the books I have been reading of late. However, I think I knew that going in. The story begins in 1871, and takes place at the farm owned by Samuel Hood.

Samuel is a philosopher/teacher. Along with his daughter, Caroline (who is a teacher) Samuel plans to create a school for young women to teach them in the same way as boys are taught. This plan to facilitate the intellects of young women seems a commendable endeavor, especially if we consider the historical time period in which the story takes place.  

As a strange flock of red birds arrives at the farm, The Illness Lesson seems to morph into something like a transcendental journey. While Samuel views the unexpected birds as a good omen, Caroline is not so sure. 

One by one, the young women begin to develop symptoms of unknown illnesses, and Caroline, although older than her students, also began to display symptoms of a mysterious illness. 

SPOILER ALERT – Okay there are some spoiler’s in this Podcast. I have placed a very clear Spoiler Alert Warning in the podcast, so you will know when to stop listening if you don't want to hear spoilers. Then after you have read The Illness Lesson, you can come back and listen to the rest of the podcast.

 I highly commend, author, Clare Beams for the Illness Lesson. In today’s “Me Too” society, women are finally standing up and speaking out. The Illness Lesson points out how social pressure, and/or social acceptance of abhorrent behavior, can cause victims to allow personal violations. 

 My hope is that the Illness Lesson will encourage more writers to write stories covering similar important "Me Too" issues. As women (and men), we want to be sure that everyone hears and understands as much as possible about this serious and criminal subject matter.

The Illness Lesson made me angry. I hope it makes you angry too. I suppose we need to get angry in order to stop the madness. So, while the Illness Lesson has made us angry, we must use our intelligence and our humanity to affect change and to be sure the guilty are punished according to the law.

Book Review Podcast by Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay 

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Book Club Reporter Book Reviews is presented to you by me, Laura Jay. In this episode, present my book review of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, written by Gail Honeyman.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a poignant story of a thirty-year old woman. Eleanor lives a lonely life, works in a small office and is friendless. Although, we do not how it happened, one side Eleanor's face is badly scarred.

This story is heartrending and touching. At times it may you cry, yet at other times, it may make you laugh out loud. And if you have ever felt socially awkward, out of place or different from everyone else, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a great book to read.

Read the full book review and all my book reviews at BookClubReporter.com

I would like my readers and listeners to know, in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman has written an insightful and touching story. I find myself at a loss for words, to express how much I have fallen in love with Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

Oh! If you think you've heard something about this book before, that's probably because Reese Witherspoon is reported to be one of the producers of the Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine feature film.

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I Will Make You Pay is a gripping psychological thriller expertly written by author, Teresa Driscoll. This suspenseful mystery will keep you guessing. 

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Book Club Reporter, Laura Jay

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The Other Gloria Psychological-Thriller Novel

• The Other Gloria is an emotional and addictive Psychological Thriller novel written by L.A. Villafane. This outstanding novel is not only surreal, but it is a frighteningly realistic story as well. 

• In the first chapter of The Other Gloria, Gloria, is driving a car, careening down a dark highway blinded by oncoming headlights. In her confused state, Gloria sees that she is covered in blood, yet she cannot find any cuts or wounds. With a pounding pain in her head, she pulls the car over and seems to be hyperventilating. Gloria soon realizes that she has experienced another memory lapse. 

•  Gloria, a mother of two sweet daughters, has suffered through degrading instances of disgusting verbal, psychological and physical abuse at the hands of her husband, Charles. Personally, I believe there are no words to describe highly abusive people. I believe that most of them have suffered some form of abuse in their lives which manifests itself in violent behavior. Unfortunately, it’s just this type of belief that may cause some partners/spouses to be overly sympathetic and understanding of abusers in their lives. I’m not suggesting that abusers don’t deserve some understanding and sympathy. However, it is when the abused begin to make excuses for the abuser, because they love them and want to help them, that they become trapped in the situation. And that is when they, other family members and even others, may find themselves squarely in the line of danger. 

• If you are familiar with the cycle of abuse, then you know that even when the abuser becomes contrite, it won’t be long until the next abusive cycle begins. And in many situations the abuse escalates and becomes more dangerous, more injurious and even fatal. In The Other Gloria, the abuse follows just as I have described. Regrettably, Gloria has been through so many of Charles’ abusive cycles, that her inner mind has stepped in for self-protection. The author, L.A. Villafane, has skillfully depicted the cause (in this case) as well as the presentation of dissociative disorder along with its symptomatic behaviors.

•  Due to her dissociative mental disorder, Gloria is experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions and identity.  She escapes reality in ways that are involuntary, unhealthy and cause problems with functioning in everyday life. And yet, Gloria is managing to raise two children and is a loving and caring mother. But she soon begins to realize that she has no memories of certain time periods of her life. And that is where the Other Gloria begins.

•  I left out all the particulars of Gloria’s two darling daughters, her mom and dad, and Rick, a new man who came into her life. And when exactly did Rick come into Gloria’s life? Oh now, you will have to read the book to find out. 

•  The Other Gloria was an unputdownable read for me. I was impressed with the authenticity of the writing. And I highly recommend The Other Gloria to readers who enjoy realistic psy

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Meet Me in Monaco is lovingly written by the team of bestselling author, Hazel Gaynor, and historical novelist, Heather Webb. Meet Me in Monaco begins in May 1955. The London Herald has just printed a news article written by senior fashion editor, Angeline West.  All the stars are out in Cannes for the eight annual Film Festival. Hollywood’s darling, Grace Kelly, is one of the loveliest stars in Cannes this year. Each chapter of Meet Me in Monaco tells the story via the alternating points of view of Sophie Duval, James Henderson and Angeline West (via her news articles).

 Financially-strapped perfumer, Sophie Duval, is also in Cannes running the Duval perfume boutique. Following the death of her father, Sophie has worked long and hard to carry on the family perfume business.  Modern perfumes are now being produced faster and cheaper with chemical ingredients. The fragrant ingredients used to make Duval’s unique perfumes are derived from flowers  cultivated on the family-owned land. 

As a talented perfumer, Sophie insists on the continued quality of Duval perfumes.  She has learned everything she knows about making perfume from her father. However, Sophie has developed her own expertise at creating just the right scents for customers based on their personalities and interests. Sophie is a master perfumer in her own right.  

Unfortunately, with her being father gone for a number of years, times are tough for Sophie.  Duval’s company finances are a mess.  Sophie is beleaguered by the probability of losing both the land and the business.

James Henderson,  is a news photographer.  His daughter Emily lives with her mother and step-father.  James to see Emily as much as he can. On assignment, James is covering the Cannes Film Festival. During the festival, Sophie has chance meetings with both Grace Kelly and James. While working during the Cannes Film Festival, James chases Grace into Sophie Duval’s boutique. Sophie effectively thwarts James’ attempt, by hiding Grace. This bad news for James, as his job on the line. He desperately needs some good shots of Grace Kelly. James leaves the boutique with Sophie’s business card. Grace was grateful to Sophie.

James attends a news photoshoot for Miss Kelly’s “first meeting” with Prince Rainier. That day resulted in a chance meeting between Grace Kelly and James Henderson. Grace catches a whiff of a lovely scent. James hands her Sophie Duval’s perfume-scented business card.  This happening sets the tone for the rest of Meet Me in Monaco. 

Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco fall in love and become engaged. James and Sophie were able to spend only a little time to get to know each other before James returned to London. 

April 1956: The Royal Wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco! Grace would soon be known as Princess Grace of Monaco. Will Sophie be invited to the wedding? Will James Henderson be covering the wedding for the Herald? Will Grace Kelly wear a Sophie Duval fragrance at her wedding? Will James and Sophie find each other again? 

I enjoyed reading Meet Me in Monaco. I was completely caught up in the story of Sophie, James and Grace Kelly. Meet Me in Monaco was a “I can’t turn the pages fast enough” book for me! I was enthralled with Grace Kelly and amazed at how seamlessly her persona was blended her into the story.  With only words on paper, the authors painted an amazing portrait of a lovely woman with a beautiful soul, Grace Kelly.

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