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Kate Bradley Mystery #3
The Good Stranger
From the bestselling author of Good Sam—now a Netflix feature film—comes another Kate Bradley story about the nature of generosity and finding unexpected connections with strangers.
TV reporter Kate Bradley arrives in Manhattan ready to take on a challenging new position as a national news correspondent. When a massive power outage plunges New York City into darkness, the disaster she expected to cover takes an unexpected turn. Someone is leaving thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city, and the only clue to the giver’s identity is the occasional note from “A Stranger.”
Together with handsome TV series host Scott Jameson, Kate must make sense of these random generous acts, which quickly escalate in scale and capture the attention of viewers across the country. In early-morning stakeouts and late-night surveillance, they crisscross the city hunting down leads, but the elusive Stranger is always one step ahead.
Menacing letters and videos addressed to Kate threaten to derail the investigation, but she’s determined to uncover the identity of the benefactor. The closer Kate gets to the truth, the more clearly she sees that even the smallest act of generosity can bring about powerful change. And it just may take her own selfless act of kindness to solve the feel-good mystery of the year.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
477 people are currently reading
5701 people want to read
About the author
Dete Meserve
8 books741 followersDete Meserve is a best-selling novelist and an award-winning creator and producer of films and television series.
She wrote the screenplay adaptation of her debut novel, Good Sam, and produced it as a feature film for Netflix. (Watch today!)
Inspired by a question posed to readers—"What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past?—" her fifth novel, The Memory Collectors, explores the universal desire to revisit pivotal moments in our lives, whether to reconnect with a loved one, undo a painful mistake, or relive a joyous memory. In this suspenseful and emotional journey, four strangers step back into their pasts only to find themselves trapped in time. A shocking twist forces them to unravel hidden connections between them—uncovering secrets that change everything.
She wrote the screenplay adaptation of her debut novel, Good Sam, and produced it as a feature film for Netflix. (Watch today!)
Inspired by a question posed to readers—"What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past?—" her fifth novel, The Memory Collectors, explores the universal desire to revisit pivotal moments in our lives, whether to reconnect with a loved one, undo a painful mistake, or relive a joyous memory. In this suspenseful and emotional journey, four strangers step back into their pasts only to find themselves trapped in time. A shocking twist forces them to unravel hidden connections between them—uncovering secrets that change everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
June 5, 2020
The Good Stranger is the first book I’ve read from author Dete Meserve, though I have her others on my TBR shelf. Even though this is part of a series, I read it as a standalone.
Kate Bradley is a TV reporter newly hired to a news correspondent position in Manhattan. A power outage leaves the city in darkness, and Kate plans to cover it, only to find a more intriguing angle; someone is leaving anonymous gifts signed, “A Stranger,” throughout the city.
Kate has to find a way to explain these random gifts and also draw in viewers. Scott Jameson, a series host, helps her stakeout the city on the hunt for the gift giver.
Oh, how heartwarming is the message behind this mystery? Especially right now? I adored Kate’s story and her investment in finding the gift giver. I loved how she reported on the good things happening and the impact of these acts of kindness, big and small. This is a different sort of mystery, and I loved that!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Kate Bradley is a TV reporter newly hired to a news correspondent position in Manhattan. A power outage leaves the city in darkness, and Kate plans to cover it, only to find a more intriguing angle; someone is leaving anonymous gifts signed, “A Stranger,” throughout the city.
Kate has to find a way to explain these random gifts and also draw in viewers. Scott Jameson, a series host, helps her stakeout the city on the hunt for the gift giver.
Oh, how heartwarming is the message behind this mystery? Especially right now? I adored Kate’s story and her investment in finding the gift giver. I loved how she reported on the good things happening and the impact of these acts of kindness, big and small. This is a different sort of mystery, and I loved that!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 29, 2020
5 Stars!
Talk about a BINGE read! I read this entire novel in less than 24 hours and I only put it down to get some sleep. This is nothing like what I thought it'd be but everything I needed.
Kate has just moved to NYC and is in a brand new city by herself. She's gotten a dream job at a well known news outlet and is ready to push forward in her career. She also happens to be the daughter of a senator but took the job on the terms should would NOT report on politics. As soon as Kate moves, her boyfriend she thought was forever breaks up with her and NYC shuts down due to a massive power outage. Only bad things come with disaster, right? Wrong!
Amazing things start to happen. A "stranger" around the city starts to do random acts of good and kindness. People's debt is paid off, gift cards are given, etc. No rhyme or reason but this "stranger" seems to know what people need and continue to do good deeds. Kate dives into this investigation, even without the blessings of her new bosses, but the "stranger" keeps sending her messages to tell her to stop. Kate is determined to find out who the stranger is and wants to find out why. Kate finds out that there is good that can come out of bad situations.
I loved this book so much. With everything going on in our world (COVID pandemic), this was a real bright spot in my reading life. I think that I've always been on the side of good things lead to more good things and bad things tend to lead to more bad things. However this book has the opposite take and it really made me think. Do we only expect good things to happen to us when we do good things? Or can we still do good things for others even when things are going horribly wrong in our lives? This story proves the latter and how amazing people can truly be.
The author did a great job keeping this book going at a fast pace and a page turner but with a strong impact on the reader. The story also folds in a soft love story after what Kate thought was forever and also a family acceptance story. These were small plot lines but I feel like they were important for Kate's journey of acceptance in all aspects of her life.
This book may be #3 in a series but it can easily be read on it's own. I will definitely be going back and reading the others but will highly recommend this one as a must read. It may be labeled a mystery - which it is - but it really is a feel good story, especially in today's world.
Thank you to Suzy approved tours, Lake Union and Netgalley for my copy of this book! Download your copy now!
Talk about a BINGE read! I read this entire novel in less than 24 hours and I only put it down to get some sleep. This is nothing like what I thought it'd be but everything I needed.
In the long silence, I felt my own heart crack open. Tears welled in my eyes. Suddenly our separateness, our aloneness, faded away, and I felt connected to her, fused with her in a way that at once seemed strange and undeniable.
Kate has just moved to NYC and is in a brand new city by herself. She's gotten a dream job at a well known news outlet and is ready to push forward in her career. She also happens to be the daughter of a senator but took the job on the terms should would NOT report on politics. As soon as Kate moves, her boyfriend she thought was forever breaks up with her and NYC shuts down due to a massive power outage. Only bad things come with disaster, right? Wrong!
Amazing things start to happen. A "stranger" around the city starts to do random acts of good and kindness. People's debt is paid off, gift cards are given, etc. No rhyme or reason but this "stranger" seems to know what people need and continue to do good deeds. Kate dives into this investigation, even without the blessings of her new bosses, but the "stranger" keeps sending her messages to tell her to stop. Kate is determined to find out who the stranger is and wants to find out why. Kate finds out that there is good that can come out of bad situations.
I loved this book so much. With everything going on in our world (COVID pandemic), this was a real bright spot in my reading life. I think that I've always been on the side of good things lead to more good things and bad things tend to lead to more bad things. However this book has the opposite take and it really made me think. Do we only expect good things to happen to us when we do good things? Or can we still do good things for others even when things are going horribly wrong in our lives? This story proves the latter and how amazing people can truly be.
The author did a great job keeping this book going at a fast pace and a page turner but with a strong impact on the reader. The story also folds in a soft love story after what Kate thought was forever and also a family acceptance story. These were small plot lines but I feel like they were important for Kate's journey of acceptance in all aspects of her life.
This book may be #3 in a series but it can easily be read on it's own. I will definitely be going back and reading the others but will highly recommend this one as a must read. It may be labeled a mystery - which it is - but it really is a feel good story, especially in today's world.
Thank you to Suzy approved tours, Lake Union and Netgalley for my copy of this book! Download your copy now!
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars.
Boy, we could all use a book like this right now!!
Kate Bradley is a television news reporter who has moved from LA to NYC for a gig at a national news channel. She has uprooted her life, and after a few days she’s not sure she made the right decision. She doesn’t feel at home in the city, and feels it’s harsh and cold.
One night after a massive blackout hits, Kate expects the story she’ll be covering is about the panic, the looting, the destruction that came afterward. But instead there seems to be a massive wave of generosity sweeping the city. Anonymous people are paying for strangers’ medical bills, sending gifts of clothing and food to homeless people, leaving gift cards on all cars in a parking lot, etc.
Who is behind this movement of good deeds? Is it a marketing gimmick for a company? Are people being set up? Kate teams up with a handsome program host to try and find the mysterious people responsible, chasing down every lead and leaving no stone unturned.
But someone doesn’t want Kate to find out the truth, and they send menacing letters and get closer and closer to her. As she deals with her own personal issues while trying to trace this path of kindness, she realizes that the connections it is fostering may be more important than the deeds themselves.
The Good Stranger was such a unique mystery—how often is someone trying to track someone down for doing something good? But beyond that, what a terrific concept this book was based on. In this chaotic time, we all could use some kindness, couldn’t we?
Although this is the third book featuring Kate Bradley, I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything having not read the previous books. But Dete Meserve did such a great job I’ll definitely go back and read the other two!!
I was honored to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, Dete Meserve, and Lake Union Publishing for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Boy, we could all use a book like this right now!!
Kate Bradley is a television news reporter who has moved from LA to NYC for a gig at a national news channel. She has uprooted her life, and after a few days she’s not sure she made the right decision. She doesn’t feel at home in the city, and feels it’s harsh and cold.
One night after a massive blackout hits, Kate expects the story she’ll be covering is about the panic, the looting, the destruction that came afterward. But instead there seems to be a massive wave of generosity sweeping the city. Anonymous people are paying for strangers’ medical bills, sending gifts of clothing and food to homeless people, leaving gift cards on all cars in a parking lot, etc.
Who is behind this movement of good deeds? Is it a marketing gimmick for a company? Are people being set up? Kate teams up with a handsome program host to try and find the mysterious people responsible, chasing down every lead and leaving no stone unturned.
But someone doesn’t want Kate to find out the truth, and they send menacing letters and get closer and closer to her. As she deals with her own personal issues while trying to trace this path of kindness, she realizes that the connections it is fostering may be more important than the deeds themselves.
The Good Stranger was such a unique mystery—how often is someone trying to track someone down for doing something good? But beyond that, what a terrific concept this book was based on. In this chaotic time, we all could use some kindness, couldn’t we?
Although this is the third book featuring Kate Bradley, I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything having not read the previous books. But Dete Meserve did such a great job I’ll definitely go back and read the other two!!
I was honored to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours, Dete Meserve, and Lake Union Publishing for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
February 24, 2020
Just finished an ARC of Dete Meserve's upcoming new release, The Good Stranger. Once again, Dete hits it out of the park with a story of kindness that inspires all us to do better. Reporter Kate Bradley is on the job again as she unravels the complex mysteries that may lead to tracking down the person or people responsible for turning NYC upside down. As balloons, flowers and gift cards begin to show up all through the city, the negative reactions of people fighting over the gift cards are picked up by the news media and threaten to spoil the intended goodness. Kate is undaunted in her pursuit of the truth. Intrigue, surprising twists and more than one sweet love story make this a compelling read!
February 3, 2020
There has never been a better time for a book like this. Even as we mouth virtues of kindness and generosity, the news is filled with more division and strife than ever. That's why a story that illuminates good deeds - especially on behalf of strangers - is the ideal remedy for today's headlines. In her third book of the Kate Bradley series (though easily a standalone), Meserve expands her hallmark mission of putting goodness in the world, but adds a fresh take, and an even deeper one: what happens when four mysterious people spread goodness around New York City with no apparent motive? Meserve's take on the mystery genre is both uplifting and compelling and not to be missed.
March 22, 2020
Dete Meserve gives us a feel good story at a time when we may need it most in The Good Stranger, a Kate Bradley Mystery. Kate Bradley leaves the comfort of Southern California for a new position at AMC, American News Channel in Manhattan to report on crime and justice stories in the city. Much to her vexation, her new boss has her covering politics, not the crime and justice stories she was lured by and promised upon her hiring. Because her father is a famous US senator, Kate is assigned to work on the Homeland Security bill that's currently at a standstill in Congress.
Frustrated with her assignment, losing her boyfriend Eric, and finding NY not all she hoped it would be, Kate starts to feel disillusioned and questions her career move. That’s until magical things begin to happen in and around Manhattan. Purple and white balloons start to appear everywhere. Along with the mysterious appearance of balloons, random acts of kindness are beginning to happen too. Gift cards on windshields, rent and hospital bills paid, flowers and free meals are just a few of the generous offerings that are secretly bestowed to some folks in the city. Kate’s instinct as a reporter tells her there’s a unique story here and together with Scott Jameson, ANC host of Wonders of the World, the pair decide to investigate and find who is responsible for all the philanthropic acts in Manhattan.
As the investigation continues and time goes on, Kate and Scott seem to have more questions than answers. And to make matters worse someone is sending ominous letters to Kate to throw her off the trail. With time running out, Kate and Scott give it one last try to find the mysterious benefactor that seems to have transformed the lives of so many residents in Manhattan including Kate’s.
The Good Stranger is a feel good story that shows how random acts of kindness can have an effect on people and compel them to pay it forward. This book has a heartfelt story-line and wonderful, well developed characters every reader will enjoy with enough mystery to keep them turning the pages. It’s a book that will make readers smile and be satisfied they took the time to delve into it’s story. A great book just in time for spring and summer reading.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of The Good Stranger, A Kate Bradley Mystery by Dete Meserve. “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own”.
Frustrated with her assignment, losing her boyfriend Eric, and finding NY not all she hoped it would be, Kate starts to feel disillusioned and questions her career move. That’s until magical things begin to happen in and around Manhattan. Purple and white balloons start to appear everywhere. Along with the mysterious appearance of balloons, random acts of kindness are beginning to happen too. Gift cards on windshields, rent and hospital bills paid, flowers and free meals are just a few of the generous offerings that are secretly bestowed to some folks in the city. Kate’s instinct as a reporter tells her there’s a unique story here and together with Scott Jameson, ANC host of Wonders of the World, the pair decide to investigate and find who is responsible for all the philanthropic acts in Manhattan.
As the investigation continues and time goes on, Kate and Scott seem to have more questions than answers. And to make matters worse someone is sending ominous letters to Kate to throw her off the trail. With time running out, Kate and Scott give it one last try to find the mysterious benefactor that seems to have transformed the lives of so many residents in Manhattan including Kate’s.
The Good Stranger is a feel good story that shows how random acts of kindness can have an effect on people and compel them to pay it forward. This book has a heartfelt story-line and wonderful, well developed characters every reader will enjoy with enough mystery to keep them turning the pages. It’s a book that will make readers smile and be satisfied they took the time to delve into it’s story. A great book just in time for spring and summer reading.
I want to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of The Good Stranger, A Kate Bradley Mystery by Dete Meserve. “Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own”.
May 2, 2020
Kudos to Dete Meserve, author of "The Good Stranger" for writing such an intriguing, memorable, entertaining, suspenseful, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are fiction, women's fiction, mystery, and suspense. The timeline of the story is in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her dramatic and colorful cast of characters as mostly kind, friendly, and likable. Some of the characters are complex and complicated.
Kate Bradley is now in New York City and is a national news correspondent. There are stories of strangers leaving mysterious gifts to others. Kate and her co-anchor Scott Jameson, try to investigate what is going on. Kate starts getting threats when she starts investigating. Things seem to get more dangerous.
During our trying and difficult crisis, Dete Meserve has written a wonderful book that is a reminder that all acts of Kindness are special. Kindness is contagious. I appreciate that the author vividly describes how strangers and people can make a difference in our world. I highly recommend this thought-provoking story and eagerly await the next book in the series.
Kate Bradley is now in New York City and is a national news correspondent. There are stories of strangers leaving mysterious gifts to others. Kate and her co-anchor Scott Jameson, try to investigate what is going on. Kate starts getting threats when she starts investigating. Things seem to get more dangerous.
During our trying and difficult crisis, Dete Meserve has written a wonderful book that is a reminder that all acts of Kindness are special. Kindness is contagious. I appreciate that the author vividly describes how strangers and people can make a difference in our world. I highly recommend this thought-provoking story and eagerly await the next book in the series.
February 27, 2020
This was such an amazing page turner, I was up until almost 2am! The Good Stranger, has become one of my top favorite books and one that I’ll always feel a connection too, that wants me to share more kindness in the world. This book is an unimaginably amazing, inspiring and life changing, that’s gives hope of humanity to spread kindness. I look forward to the other books that go along with this book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are of my own.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are of my own.
March 15, 2020
This book was meant to be written and meant to be released at this time. With the Coronavirus, we are hearing so many negative things. People are afraid and people are focusing on the fear and forgetting to think about there are positive things going on. This book is a reminder that an individual, or a few or many can make a difference in someone's life.
Kate was a journalist who moved from California to Manhattan, New York. When she arrived the people weren't friendly, she got knocked to the ground and she wasn't liking it much. Then purple balloons, gift cards, purple flowers started appearing. It was random acts of kindness. People started to soften, they got to know their neighbors, and Kate wanted to cover the story. She did and as time went on she was being threatened because the 4 people who started this, didn't want to be found. When you read the book you will find out why.
Kate still continues to cover the story and find out who the 4 are. When she finds them and hears their stories, she makes the decision to tell the story but not to reveal who they are. They could be someone you meet on the street, a cab driver, a coworker, it could be anyone. What was important was for people to take a leap. Not a leap of faith but leap into doing something knowing it could go either way. Do it anyway and they did, As the people of not only Manhatten but all over started seeing the kindness to strangers, making connections to a stranger, they wanted to do something nice for someone. Not for recognition but because they could see what was happening, how it made strangers feel when they connected, how it made someone feel by sometimes a simple act of kindness. It let people know someone cared, someone thought they were special and it created a spark that led to more sparks.
Just before reading this book, I was one of those that it seemed hard to find something positive. People were hoarding toilet paper, emptying store shelves and not thinking of anyone but themselves. I read the book yesterday and started looking around, and what could I then see. Some of the people who had bought an excessive amount of stuff was now offering it to someone who needed it free. This is a book that I hope sells out over and over because with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram we are losing our connections to others. The media seems to want to barrage us with the worst of what is going on. Like Kate's bosses said when they offered her, her own show, they wanted her to take the worst of what the media was saying and spotlight the positive things that are coming from it. I would love to live in a world like that and I think this book will be a reminder of what life can be like and we carry on the leap. Take a chance and it could go either way, some will see the negative and some will see the positive. But this book is a great start to changing not only our life but maybe have a positive impact on others.
I received an ARC from Dete Meserve and NetGalley. This was a book that came into my life when I needed it most. It is my honest opinion that I really do hope that this book sells out over and over and people put into practice what they are reading. To help that, when the book is released I am going to buy copies and leave them in different places so someone who might need this book will find it just like I did when I needed it most.
Kate was a journalist who moved from California to Manhattan, New York. When she arrived the people weren't friendly, she got knocked to the ground and she wasn't liking it much. Then purple balloons, gift cards, purple flowers started appearing. It was random acts of kindness. People started to soften, they got to know their neighbors, and Kate wanted to cover the story. She did and as time went on she was being threatened because the 4 people who started this, didn't want to be found. When you read the book you will find out why.
Kate still continues to cover the story and find out who the 4 are. When she finds them and hears their stories, she makes the decision to tell the story but not to reveal who they are. They could be someone you meet on the street, a cab driver, a coworker, it could be anyone. What was important was for people to take a leap. Not a leap of faith but leap into doing something knowing it could go either way. Do it anyway and they did, As the people of not only Manhatten but all over started seeing the kindness to strangers, making connections to a stranger, they wanted to do something nice for someone. Not for recognition but because they could see what was happening, how it made strangers feel when they connected, how it made someone feel by sometimes a simple act of kindness. It let people know someone cared, someone thought they were special and it created a spark that led to more sparks.
Just before reading this book, I was one of those that it seemed hard to find something positive. People were hoarding toilet paper, emptying store shelves and not thinking of anyone but themselves. I read the book yesterday and started looking around, and what could I then see. Some of the people who had bought an excessive amount of stuff was now offering it to someone who needed it free. This is a book that I hope sells out over and over because with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram we are losing our connections to others. The media seems to want to barrage us with the worst of what is going on. Like Kate's bosses said when they offered her, her own show, they wanted her to take the worst of what the media was saying and spotlight the positive things that are coming from it. I would love to live in a world like that and I think this book will be a reminder of what life can be like and we carry on the leap. Take a chance and it could go either way, some will see the negative and some will see the positive. But this book is a great start to changing not only our life but maybe have a positive impact on others.
I received an ARC from Dete Meserve and NetGalley. This was a book that came into my life when I needed it most. It is my honest opinion that I really do hope that this book sells out over and over and people put into practice what they are reading. To help that, when the book is released I am going to buy copies and leave them in different places so someone who might need this book will find it just like I did when I needed it most.
July 30, 2020
Looking at them, I realised there wasn't an altruism gene that some were born with and others weren't. These three were proof that we all had it in us, waiting for the right experience to spark it into action.
'Kindness is not some kind of exchange: I'll help you, but then you have to help someone else. And maybe I'll be rewarded for my kindness. That's not how it works.'
Kate Bradley, a TV news reporter has moved from L.A. to New York to take up a position at ANC, a leading national news network. Initially, she feels lost and alone in the new city, more so when her long time fire fighter boyfriend Eric back in L.A. decides to end their relationship. Things don't look promising for her and she questions her decision to uproot her life completely until one night when a major blackout occurs. At first, Kate thinks she will be covering the usual coverage of looting and violence that normally occurs during such an incident but it turns out to be the exact opposite.
It all starts out with a massive bunch of purple and white balloons and flowers being left across the city for people. This is followed by people finding random gift cards being left on their cars, their bills & rents being paid, homeless people getting gifted clothes, etc. A sudden wave of goodness and generosity seems to have spread across the city and its effects are clearly shown in the positive way the people react to it. Kate is intrigued and wants to leave no stone unturned to find out the who and why aspects behind this movement, even when she begins to receive notes and messages basically telling her to stop her pursuit. As she continues with her search, she realises that the feeling of goodwill and being connected that this movement has generated amongst the people in general is more far reaching than she could have imagined--it even touches her personal life for the better.
This was a different kind of of mystery. Here we find the protagonist trying to uncover the identity of a mysterious person or a group of people who is spreading goodness and kindness instead of violence. And really, wouldn't we all love to one day wake up and be a recipient of this level of generosity & kindness?? When we look at the current scenario of things happening in the world, a bit of kindness is dearly and direly needed.
This is the 3rd book in the Kate Bradley series but I had no problem reading it as a standalone. The first book in the series has already been made into a Netflix movie.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author Dete Meserve for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating:3.5 ⭐
This book was published on 19th May, 2020.
'Kindness is not some kind of exchange: I'll help you, but then you have to help someone else. And maybe I'll be rewarded for my kindness. That's not how it works.'
Kate Bradley, a TV news reporter has moved from L.A. to New York to take up a position at ANC, a leading national news network. Initially, she feels lost and alone in the new city, more so when her long time fire fighter boyfriend Eric back in L.A. decides to end their relationship. Things don't look promising for her and she questions her decision to uproot her life completely until one night when a major blackout occurs. At first, Kate thinks she will be covering the usual coverage of looting and violence that normally occurs during such an incident but it turns out to be the exact opposite.
It all starts out with a massive bunch of purple and white balloons and flowers being left across the city for people. This is followed by people finding random gift cards being left on their cars, their bills & rents being paid, homeless people getting gifted clothes, etc. A sudden wave of goodness and generosity seems to have spread across the city and its effects are clearly shown in the positive way the people react to it. Kate is intrigued and wants to leave no stone unturned to find out the who and why aspects behind this movement, even when she begins to receive notes and messages basically telling her to stop her pursuit. As she continues with her search, she realises that the feeling of goodwill and being connected that this movement has generated amongst the people in general is more far reaching than she could have imagined--it even touches her personal life for the better.
This was a different kind of of mystery. Here we find the protagonist trying to uncover the identity of a mysterious person or a group of people who is spreading goodness and kindness instead of violence. And really, wouldn't we all love to one day wake up and be a recipient of this level of generosity & kindness?? When we look at the current scenario of things happening in the world, a bit of kindness is dearly and direly needed.
This is the 3rd book in the Kate Bradley series but I had no problem reading it as a standalone. The first book in the series has already been made into a Netflix movie.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Lake Union Publishing and the author Dete Meserve for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating:3.5 ⭐
This book was published on 19th May, 2020.
April 20, 2020
I wrote The Good Stranger at a time of tremendous change in my life. My house had just burned in a horrific fire and while my family was living out of hotel rooms, I was interviewing directors and cast for 'Good Sam,' the Netflix Original Film based on my first novel.
“Kate never does find a Good Samaritan,” one of the directors said as part of his proposed approach to the film. I wondered what he meant. Of course Kate finds good people, I thought. His observation stayed with me and I began to realize its meaning. Without giving away any spoilers, in Good Sam and Perfectly Good Crime—the first two books in this series—Kate investigates people doing good things for others, and uncovers the reasons why they helped specific people.
I began to think about the concept of a Good Samaritan. Perhaps he/she is someone who helps complete strangers, without knowing who they are or judging their needs or their worthiness. Could people like that actually exist, or is a Good Samaritan in the fantasy realm of superheroes? That question became the catalyst for The Good Stranger.
A few weeks after the fire, I left for Montreal to produce Good Sam with no idea that my life would become a proving ground for this idea. The first weeks were bewildering, with long hours and exhaustion caused in part by the rigors of production and writing the screenplay but also dealing with the aftermath of the fire. But as I made my way through the long days on set, I realized that the smallest kindness from others had the ability to transform my experience. And, perhaps more importantly, when I reached out to help others—complete strangers—I was lifted even more. Those experiences stayed with me as I wrote the novel with the idea: what if after a crisis, someone left thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city? Would these generous acts show us that kindness to others can help us overcome everything?
I hope this story will give you light, hope, and yes, a few surprising twists (it's a mystery after all!), a heady romance, and a very satisfying ending.
The Good Stranger can be read as a standalone but I'm hoping you'll love it enough that you'll rush out to read Good Sam and Perfectly Good Crime as well.
“Kate never does find a Good Samaritan,” one of the directors said as part of his proposed approach to the film. I wondered what he meant. Of course Kate finds good people, I thought. His observation stayed with me and I began to realize its meaning. Without giving away any spoilers, in Good Sam and Perfectly Good Crime—the first two books in this series—Kate investigates people doing good things for others, and uncovers the reasons why they helped specific people.
I began to think about the concept of a Good Samaritan. Perhaps he/she is someone who helps complete strangers, without knowing who they are or judging their needs or their worthiness. Could people like that actually exist, or is a Good Samaritan in the fantasy realm of superheroes? That question became the catalyst for The Good Stranger.
A few weeks after the fire, I left for Montreal to produce Good Sam with no idea that my life would become a proving ground for this idea. The first weeks were bewildering, with long hours and exhaustion caused in part by the rigors of production and writing the screenplay but also dealing with the aftermath of the fire. But as I made my way through the long days on set, I realized that the smallest kindness from others had the ability to transform my experience. And, perhaps more importantly, when I reached out to help others—complete strangers—I was lifted even more. Those experiences stayed with me as I wrote the novel with the idea: what if after a crisis, someone left thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city? Would these generous acts show us that kindness to others can help us overcome everything?
I hope this story will give you light, hope, and yes, a few surprising twists (it's a mystery after all!), a heady romance, and a very satisfying ending.
The Good Stranger can be read as a standalone but I'm hoping you'll love it enough that you'll rush out to read Good Sam and Perfectly Good Crime as well.
April 10, 2020
The Good Stranger is a wonderful book ,especially for our time. Kate, a news reporter, comes to New York City to work with a new publication. After a few missteps and getting to know "how we do it in New York" she starts to roam the streets looking for something new. What Kate finds is a person or persons who are doing many good deeds to and for people they don't know. The giving begins to snowball and starts to effect others to do good things, from strangers to strangers. This a good story, uplifting, about giving not asking for anything in return and the great feeling it is to take care of a stranger.#NetGalley#LakeUnionPublishing# TheGoodStranger
June 24, 2020
I think everyone can agree the year 2020 has been rough, and a lot of people have been going through tough times for even longer. So when a goodreads friend wrote an enthusiastic review over this book I knew that I had get it. I have to state here there are thousands of books that I really want to read and I agonize over each book that I buy... I do not usually buy a book right after reading one review. I wait and see what others say and wait for months or even years (according to my wish list).
This story gave me all I hoped to get in a book. I loved being able to delve into a world that the "good story" was the most important, and the mystery "why" made for a wonderfully satisfying end of this book, a book that was able to put me into another place than 2020.
Very much recommended.
Oh, by the way, I am planning on reading the rest of Dete Meserve's books...
This story gave me all I hoped to get in a book. I loved being able to delve into a world that the "good story" was the most important, and the mystery "why" made for a wonderfully satisfying end of this book, a book that was able to put me into another place than 2020.
Very much recommended.
Oh, by the way, I am planning on reading the rest of Dete Meserve's books...
February 28, 2020
Kindness----
"It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others."
Carol Burnett
I love that quote. It fits so well with this book.
Dete Meserve's books make me feel good. They are about kindness and doing good things. They are about how there are more "good" people in the world than "bad". The Good Stranger is a book that takes all these elements and are written into a story that just made me smile reading it. This is the third book in the Kate Bradley Mystery series but it's easily picked up to be read as a stand-alone.
Kate Bradley has landed the job of her dreams. She's moving up from being a local news correspondent to a national news correspondent. Along with that, tho, she has to say goodbye to friends and all the things she's comfortable with. She has to move from L.A. to Manhattan where everyone seems wrapped into themselves and oblivious to anyone around them. No one seems to notice or care about anyone around them. The change is difficult but Kate is up for the challenge. Then an unexpected event happens when there's a city wide power outage. Mysteriously after the power is restored, a stranger is leaving gifts for random people around the city. This intrigues Kate and with her investigative skills, she's determined to find out who the person/people behind the unconditional giving and the reason why. This "stranger" is changing the lives of a whole city with random acts of kindness. How and why? What if those random kindnesses are passed on from one person to the next? "This isn't just about giving. They're connecting strangers."
I love the character of Kate Bradley. She's so likable and easy to want to search for clues and answers as to who the mysterious "good stranger" is with her. I turned the pages seeking those answers, too. She also has a personal life that I connected with and felt the things she was going through. She's compassionate, determined, and not afraid to go after what she wants and believes in. She finds out things about herself as she discovers more and more about the goodness and kindness behind this stranger. The supporting cast of characters are all touched by the events and that causes changes of hearts. "Could it be that the biggest problems could be solved by the smallest gestures, person to person?"
Reading this book brought these thoughts into my mind....smiles are contagious. Even a smile can change someone's day.
Kindness is the gift that keeps on giving. Like the ripples from a pebble in a body of water, kindness can ripple out from one little act of being kind and touch many more people than we know if we just be nice and pass it on.
I want to thank Dete Meserve for the ARC copy and great honor of reading The Good Stranger. I have read her previous books and each one of them have made my heart happy. I joyfully and gratefully thank her. I recommend this book for an uplifting read that gives us hope in all good things. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
"It's also selfish because it makes you feel good when you help others. I've been helped by acts of kindness from strangers. That's why we're here, after all, to help others."
Carol Burnett
I love that quote. It fits so well with this book.
Dete Meserve's books make me feel good. They are about kindness and doing good things. They are about how there are more "good" people in the world than "bad". The Good Stranger is a book that takes all these elements and are written into a story that just made me smile reading it. This is the third book in the Kate Bradley Mystery series but it's easily picked up to be read as a stand-alone.
Kate Bradley has landed the job of her dreams. She's moving up from being a local news correspondent to a national news correspondent. Along with that, tho, she has to say goodbye to friends and all the things she's comfortable with. She has to move from L.A. to Manhattan where everyone seems wrapped into themselves and oblivious to anyone around them. No one seems to notice or care about anyone around them. The change is difficult but Kate is up for the challenge. Then an unexpected event happens when there's a city wide power outage. Mysteriously after the power is restored, a stranger is leaving gifts for random people around the city. This intrigues Kate and with her investigative skills, she's determined to find out who the person/people behind the unconditional giving and the reason why. This "stranger" is changing the lives of a whole city with random acts of kindness. How and why? What if those random kindnesses are passed on from one person to the next? "This isn't just about giving. They're connecting strangers."
I love the character of Kate Bradley. She's so likable and easy to want to search for clues and answers as to who the mysterious "good stranger" is with her. I turned the pages seeking those answers, too. She also has a personal life that I connected with and felt the things she was going through. She's compassionate, determined, and not afraid to go after what she wants and believes in. She finds out things about herself as she discovers more and more about the goodness and kindness behind this stranger. The supporting cast of characters are all touched by the events and that causes changes of hearts. "Could it be that the biggest problems could be solved by the smallest gestures, person to person?"
Reading this book brought these thoughts into my mind....smiles are contagious. Even a smile can change someone's day.
Kindness is the gift that keeps on giving. Like the ripples from a pebble in a body of water, kindness can ripple out from one little act of being kind and touch many more people than we know if we just be nice and pass it on.
I want to thank Dete Meserve for the ARC copy and great honor of reading The Good Stranger. I have read her previous books and each one of them have made my heart happy. I joyfully and gratefully thank her. I recommend this book for an uplifting read that gives us hope in all good things. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.
February 23, 2020
Rating: 2.5 🔪
Author: Dete Meserve
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: 19th May 2020
(Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free early copy!)
Synopsis:
From the bestselling author of Good Sam—now a Netflix feature film—comes another Kate Bradley story about the nature of generosity and finding unexpected connections with strangers.
TV reporter Kate Bradley arrives in Manhattan ready to take on a challenging new position as a national news correspondent. When a massive power outage plunges New York City into darkness, the disaster she expected to cover takes an unexpected turn. Someone is leaving thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city, and the only clue to the giver’s identity is the occasional note from “A Stranger.”
Together with handsome TV series host Scott Jameson, Kate must make sense of these random generous acts, which quickly escalate in scale and capture the attention of viewers across the country. In early-morning stakeouts and late-night surveillance, they crisscross the city hunting down leads, but the elusive Stranger is always one step ahead.
Menacing letters and videos addressed to Kate threaten to derail the investigation, but she’s determined to uncover the identity of the benefactor. The closer Kate gets to the truth, the more clearly she sees that even the smallest act of generosity can bring about powerful change. And it just may take her own selfless act of kindness to solve the feel-good mystery of the year.
My Thoughts:
I went into this book expecting quite a lot due to the hype around Dete Meserve’ Good Sam. I knew it would be a much lighter crime fiction than I usually go for but I was hoping to find myself a lovely light and easygoing read that was cosy crime, like an Agatha Christie but modern. At first, this was the case. The story seemed interesting despite there being no decreeable crime that early on, Kate Bradley seemed like a feisty and fun character and I was eager to know what was going to happen. Unfortunately, once something did happen the book quickly became a dull husk of the crime genre.
I think my fault here was expecting some kind of gritty crime fiction with a splash of romance as the central plot prehaps… or at least a murder mystery or something. I didn’t expect it to be quite as… light, for lack of a better word. Light yes, but not this light, not feather-light by any means. So it unfortunately became a chore to read very quickly. I wanted to try out romantic suspense and instead found a fluffy light fiction posing as a crime novel via it being centred on a news journalist and labelled “mystery”. It’s good at what it is, perhaps even interesting if that’s your kind of thing but it certainly fell short of what I was expecting.
With this one I’d say steer clear if your a crime thriller junkie, it’s not what you’re after really, but for those wanting some light and easy reading that’s a lot less crime and a lot more “women’s fiction” then give it a try, you may like it much better than I did.
Author: Dete Meserve
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: 19th May 2020
(Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free early copy!)
Synopsis:
From the bestselling author of Good Sam—now a Netflix feature film—comes another Kate Bradley story about the nature of generosity and finding unexpected connections with strangers.
TV reporter Kate Bradley arrives in Manhattan ready to take on a challenging new position as a national news correspondent. When a massive power outage plunges New York City into darkness, the disaster she expected to cover takes an unexpected turn. Someone is leaving thousands of mysterious gifts throughout the city, and the only clue to the giver’s identity is the occasional note from “A Stranger.”
Together with handsome TV series host Scott Jameson, Kate must make sense of these random generous acts, which quickly escalate in scale and capture the attention of viewers across the country. In early-morning stakeouts and late-night surveillance, they crisscross the city hunting down leads, but the elusive Stranger is always one step ahead.
Menacing letters and videos addressed to Kate threaten to derail the investigation, but she’s determined to uncover the identity of the benefactor. The closer Kate gets to the truth, the more clearly she sees that even the smallest act of generosity can bring about powerful change. And it just may take her own selfless act of kindness to solve the feel-good mystery of the year.
My Thoughts:
I went into this book expecting quite a lot due to the hype around Dete Meserve’ Good Sam. I knew it would be a much lighter crime fiction than I usually go for but I was hoping to find myself a lovely light and easygoing read that was cosy crime, like an Agatha Christie but modern. At first, this was the case. The story seemed interesting despite there being no decreeable crime that early on, Kate Bradley seemed like a feisty and fun character and I was eager to know what was going to happen. Unfortunately, once something did happen the book quickly became a dull husk of the crime genre.
I think my fault here was expecting some kind of gritty crime fiction with a splash of romance as the central plot prehaps… or at least a murder mystery or something. I didn’t expect it to be quite as… light, for lack of a better word. Light yes, but not this light, not feather-light by any means. So it unfortunately became a chore to read very quickly. I wanted to try out romantic suspense and instead found a fluffy light fiction posing as a crime novel via it being centred on a news journalist and labelled “mystery”. It’s good at what it is, perhaps even interesting if that’s your kind of thing but it certainly fell short of what I was expecting.
With this one I’d say steer clear if your a crime thriller junkie, it’s not what you’re after really, but for those wanting some light and easy reading that’s a lot less crime and a lot more “women’s fiction” then give it a try, you may like it much better than I did.
July 19, 2020
Random acts of kindness has always intrigued me. A story based on strangers getting together in NYC for bringing kindness and charity to strangers' lives, evoked warmth in my heart and a journalist investigating to know the truth.
My second book by the author, the writing brought out the feels. The entire book had a feel good vibe which was so needed in these times of stress.
A lovely heart warming read.
My second book by the author, the writing brought out the feels. The entire book had a feel good vibe which was so needed in these times of stress.
A lovely heart warming read.
January 29, 2022
A Happy Book
May be a tad Y/A.
May be a tad Y/A.
May 19, 2020
A perfect book, for our current situation.Reading it, took my mind away from all the sadness and tragedies we are seeing in our daily lives. A real “feel good”story.
Dete Meserve really nailed it in this one! Kate Bradley leaves her comfortable life and great news journalist job in LA, and heads to Manhattan, an unfamiliar city, where she sublets a friend’s apartment and starts a job at a new network. But, disappointed when she’s expected to focus on political news, due to her connection with her Senator father, she’s not sure this is going to work out.
Then amazing things start happening in the city, with balloons, flowers and good deeds, and she is in her element, taking on a partner that has a popular following, with his adventure series.
This story has everything, mystery, adventure, human interest, romance and the connections people make by caring and helping others. It’s just needed, when we see what’s happening in today’s NYC. This gave me the hope that we can return to our lives and maybe see more the good that we have been missing. I loved it!
My thanks to #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing and to #DeteMeserve for the ARC All opinions are my own.
Dete Meserve really nailed it in this one! Kate Bradley leaves her comfortable life and great news journalist job in LA, and heads to Manhattan, an unfamiliar city, where she sublets a friend’s apartment and starts a job at a new network. But, disappointed when she’s expected to focus on political news, due to her connection with her Senator father, she’s not sure this is going to work out.
Then amazing things start happening in the city, with balloons, flowers and good deeds, and she is in her element, taking on a partner that has a popular following, with his adventure series.
This story has everything, mystery, adventure, human interest, romance and the connections people make by caring and helping others. It’s just needed, when we see what’s happening in today’s NYC. This gave me the hope that we can return to our lives and maybe see more the good that we have been missing. I loved it!
My thanks to #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing and to #DeteMeserve for the ARC All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2020
A modern day sort of Robin Hood story. No one is robbing the rich to give to the poor, but someone is giving to the needy - and not just money but tokens of appreciation from bunches of flowers, to prepaid coffees, restaurant meals, even rental payments for those who are desperately trying to make ends meet.
Kate is the newest journalist in town. Her background as being a Senator's daughter does not help her in her career. The channel is coercing her to cover political news whereas her interest lies elsewhere. Kate has to uncover this story so that she can keep the lead on this one, and maintain readers interest and most importantly ensure that her boss is happy (he is not upto now).
When Kate gets threatening mail and videos asking her to stop the pursuit of uncovering who is gifting all this to the poor, she is even more determined to get to the source and particularly to find out the story behind it all.
Trying to get to grips with living in New York for the first time, getting over a break up with her boyfriend Kate is befriended by Scott a host of another show and together they team up to try to sort this riddle.
An interesting premise (which will be nice to be duplicated) and a romance in the budding made this an enjoyable read.
Kate is the newest journalist in town. Her background as being a Senator's daughter does not help her in her career. The channel is coercing her to cover political news whereas her interest lies elsewhere. Kate has to uncover this story so that she can keep the lead on this one, and maintain readers interest and most importantly ensure that her boss is happy (he is not upto now).
When Kate gets threatening mail and videos asking her to stop the pursuit of uncovering who is gifting all this to the poor, she is even more determined to get to the source and particularly to find out the story behind it all.
Trying to get to grips with living in New York for the first time, getting over a break up with her boyfriend Kate is befriended by Scott a host of another show and together they team up to try to sort this riddle.
An interesting premise (which will be nice to be duplicated) and a romance in the budding made this an enjoyable read.
April 17, 2020
I love Dete Meserve's books. Her writing is wonderful and are always uplifting, heartfelt and truly always keep me wanting more. The Characters are well thought out and true to life and the plot,as well as the writing, flows wonderfully.
A very quick read and a book you won't want to put down! This is the 3rd book of a series. 5 stars
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
A very quick read and a book you won't want to put down! This is the 3rd book of a series. 5 stars
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2020
“The Good Stranger” (A Kate Bradley Mystery Book 3) by Dete Meserve.
What a fabulous novel. Such a feel good and heartwarming read that is neither sappy or feminine. It is engaging and enthralling in so many ways: from the characters, the story line, the realism and the wonderment of “what if,” especially in these very divided and often angry environments so many live in right now.
What started as one shared ride between four strangers turns into something that eventually connects and brings so many together in so many different ways, from so many different backgrounds, for a variety of different reasons. It isn’t a social experiment, or a puzzle to solve (for all except a few), or paying back an expected debt. It is bigger and broader than that. It’s purpose is so much bigger than what was originally intended. And the pay it forward attitude from many others extends the purpose and joy that four individuals have started to bring to one city in New York. Take a leap and see what happens if you follow the practice of these “secret four.”
A must read for all, as are the two previous reads in this series.
Rating: 4.9
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fabulous novel. Such a feel good and heartwarming read that is neither sappy or feminine. It is engaging and enthralling in so many ways: from the characters, the story line, the realism and the wonderment of “what if,” especially in these very divided and often angry environments so many live in right now.
What started as one shared ride between four strangers turns into something that eventually connects and brings so many together in so many different ways, from so many different backgrounds, for a variety of different reasons. It isn’t a social experiment, or a puzzle to solve (for all except a few), or paying back an expected debt. It is bigger and broader than that. It’s purpose is so much bigger than what was originally intended. And the pay it forward attitude from many others extends the purpose and joy that four individuals have started to bring to one city in New York. Take a leap and see what happens if you follow the practice of these “secret four.”
A must read for all, as are the two previous reads in this series.
Rating: 4.9
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 30, 2020
A required book to read now!
Reporter, Kate Bradley is in NYC working as a national news correspondent.
When a power outage occurs one evening, Kate learns that someone is leaving surprises for random people.
It's balloons,gift cards, or payoffs of loans.
Kate is determined to solve this mystery and it becomes her mission.
Yet, she is also receiving some scary notes that concerns Kate. Who is this person or persons and why are they doing these amazing good things for people? Should she continue to search for answers or is she in danger?
This is just a perfect story for anytime and especially these current times.
The whole world needs hope and encouragement. As one note in the novel said: "We are all connected."
I love Dete Meserve's books. They are uplifting, heartfelt and truly always keep me wanting more!
Reporter, Kate Bradley is in NYC working as a national news correspondent.
When a power outage occurs one evening, Kate learns that someone is leaving surprises for random people.
It's balloons,gift cards, or payoffs of loans.
Kate is determined to solve this mystery and it becomes her mission.
Yet, she is also receiving some scary notes that concerns Kate. Who is this person or persons and why are they doing these amazing good things for people? Should she continue to search for answers or is she in danger?
This is just a perfect story for anytime and especially these current times.
The whole world needs hope and encouragement. As one note in the novel said: "We are all connected."
I love Dete Meserve's books. They are uplifting, heartfelt and truly always keep me wanting more!
May 26, 2020
A fast read and a wonderful feel good story that warms your heart ... perfect for a Covid-19 pick-me-up!
May 5, 2020
Since I have never read one of Dete Meserve's books before I didn't realize that this is actually the 3rd book in the Kate Bradley series. It is about Kate who is a reporter who's father happens to be a politician. Kate moves back to New York City where someone is doing good things like giving out gift cards and leaving small presents. But this somebody wants to stay secret. Kate can't let it go and wants to find out who is behind all this.
Like most of the others I just can say that this is a real feel-good story and a very enjoyable read!
Thanks #netgalley #Lake Union Publishing #Dete Meserve for this ARC
Like most of the others I just can say that this is a real feel-good story and a very enjoyable read!
Thanks #netgalley #Lake Union Publishing #Dete Meserve for this ARC
April 20, 2020
Kate is a reporter, and has just moved from A to New York to start at a new job with ANC. Shortly after arriving, a wave of acts of kindness spread across the city. Gift cards are being left on people's car, flowers on doorsteps, some people are finding their debts are being paid off for them, and no-one knows who are behind the acts of kindness. Kate is desperate to find out and cover the story for her station.
I started reading this not realising that here are two previous Kate Bradley books, but nevertheless this reads well as a standalone novel, although I will go and seek out the previous books in the series now. I really enjoyed this, and it reminded me of our current situation where the sense of community is being reawakened with people looking out for each other again, and is a stark reminder that being kind is so important and can mean so so much to the person on the receiving end.
I started reading this not realising that here are two previous Kate Bradley books, but nevertheless this reads well as a standalone novel, although I will go and seek out the previous books in the series now. I really enjoyed this, and it reminded me of our current situation where the sense of community is being reawakened with people looking out for each other again, and is a stark reminder that being kind is so important and can mean so so much to the person on the receiving end.
April 16, 2020
A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is not my usual genre, I’m more of a crime/thriller reader however this story intrigued me. I absolutely loved it, truly one of the best books I have read. I am extremely pleased and grateful to both for opening up my mind to something totally different.
This is not my usual genre, I’m more of a crime/thriller reader however this story intrigued me. I absolutely loved it, truly one of the best books I have read. I am extremely pleased and grateful to both for opening up my mind to something totally different.
April 15, 2020
i enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing i didn't like about the book. i would gladly reread it again. i would recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers. i like the story the way it was told.
May 18, 2020
Dete Meserve has done it again! She has created another world that is full of good people doing amazing, wonderful, and kind things for others—just what we need to see in these times. I love The Good Sam series and this latest installment is just as uplifting as the previous two books.
The Good Stranger takes us to New York, where Kate is starting a new career and a new life. As she starts to cover her first story, unusual things start to happen in the city—people are getting gifts from strangers. Being the great reporter she is, Kate jumps into the story, trying to find out who's behind all of this generosity and kindness.
I absolutely love reading Dete's books and I always feel good after reading one of them. They are always so positive and heartwarming, perfect examples of how we should all lead our lives. The Good Stranger is full of life lessons—you never know what someone else is going through, a little kindness goes along way, and it doesn't cost anything to be kind and friendly to others. Her stories make me think about my actions and make me want to be a better person.
I highly recommend The Good Stranger as well as the whole Good Sam series. All of them are such uplifting, positive stories that will inspire you to do good.
The Good Stranger takes us to New York, where Kate is starting a new career and a new life. As she starts to cover her first story, unusual things start to happen in the city—people are getting gifts from strangers. Being the great reporter she is, Kate jumps into the story, trying to find out who's behind all of this generosity and kindness.
I absolutely love reading Dete's books and I always feel good after reading one of them. They are always so positive and heartwarming, perfect examples of how we should all lead our lives. The Good Stranger is full of life lessons—you never know what someone else is going through, a little kindness goes along way, and it doesn't cost anything to be kind and friendly to others. Her stories make me think about my actions and make me want to be a better person.
I highly recommend The Good Stranger as well as the whole Good Sam series. All of them are such uplifting, positive stories that will inspire you to do good.
July 16, 2020
Kate Bradly who is a TV reporter, has recently arrived in Manhattan to start her new job in a national TV. This is the time when she gets to know about anonymous generosity going around town and she partners up with her Co- Host to find out who these anonymous people are.
This is a well-crafted and uplifting story, that’s focusing on giving and caring without expecting anything in return. The author has described Manhattan and media outlet environment vividly. I found the main character Kate Bradley a very amiable and sweet person, her role in this story was flawlessly developed. This is a book of hope and I think it’s the best time to read it as we are all going through difficult times. We all need hope and kindness during this difficult time and The Good Stranger fulfills these needs in an elegant way.
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This is a well-crafted and uplifting story, that’s focusing on giving and caring without expecting anything in return. The author has described Manhattan and media outlet environment vividly. I found the main character Kate Bradley a very amiable and sweet person, her role in this story was flawlessly developed. This is a book of hope and I think it’s the best time to read it as we are all going through difficult times. We all need hope and kindness during this difficult time and The Good Stranger fulfills these needs in an elegant way.
Blog
Amazon
February 11, 2020
What the world needs now is more Kate Bradley! While part of a series, The Good Stranger reads as a standalone. The story of Kate, recently transplanted from LA to NYC, begins with her finding her footing after a breakup and starting a new job in NYC news.
There she's called into action when four mysterious strangers begin sharing good deeds across the city. It's Kate's job to expose the mysterious donors all while dealing with her father's new girlfriend and a budding relationship with one of her co-workers.
I loved this line: Connecting with others is not transactional. It starts with understanding that everybody is struggling....and we all have the power to help.
Meserve touches upon the ways in which we can benefit from kindness by first taking note of those around us, and then giving, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Such a feel good story!
There she's called into action when four mysterious strangers begin sharing good deeds across the city. It's Kate's job to expose the mysterious donors all while dealing with her father's new girlfriend and a budding relationship with one of her co-workers.
I loved this line: Connecting with others is not transactional. It starts with understanding that everybody is struggling....and we all have the power to help.
Meserve touches upon the ways in which we can benefit from kindness by first taking note of those around us, and then giving, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Such a feel good story!
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