Susy > Recent Status Updates

The author is trying R E A L L Y hard to tell a tale of romance, fantasy, heist, found family, et al. There is a lot going on and frankly, it’s not being done that well.

I’ve been slowly getting through this audiobook. It’s not so much the story, more the fact that I’m not a huge audiobook reader

So far so good. I am quite captivated by McConaghy’s writing. It has a sparseness to it that fits the story well.

Falling to a 4 star because I’m getting a bit bored and we don’t want that.

So far, so good. The FMC, Odessa, is not too limpid or stupid, so yeah for that. The MMC (?) is The Guardian and he smirks a lot. Like, a lot. There are scary monsters, secrets and a journey, and so far I’m fairly entertained.

Ha! Is it possible that I will end July with a … 5 star read?!!!! (Well, ok, maybe not 5 but gosh this is a fun read so far)

Huh. Okay. So far so good. All I can say at this time is CHOSE THE BEAR!

So help me God, if this turns into a “Wicker Man” situation I will throw this book out the window

So help me god, if this turns into a “mysterious identical twin” thing I’m gonna lose my lunch

Okay, I guess. My brain keeps trying to figure out the twist and that can be a bit annoying. That’s the thing about thrillers, you keep on trying to figure the twist before the Big Reveal, so that you can say “Ha! See! I saw that coming a mile away! Not so clever, are you Author!” I’m a bad reader.

This is my first S. A. Cosby book and shame on me for sleeping on this for so long. This story has me on tenterhooks. Do I have thoughts about where and how this whole story will end? Yes, and they’re very bleak but given this story so far, can you blame me?

Huh. So far, so pretty good. I am always freaked out by Puritans, religious zealots, confining communities, etc. and this story hits all those marks. But the “horror” or evil entity in this story is just as confused as I am!

So far, so slightly boring. We are given A LOT of exposition. If there is a surprise twist at the end, then I have a theory. Im not going to completely divulge what that theory is but here’s a pretty significant hint: (possible spoiler ahead) I see dead people.

I’m not normally a romance girly but this one has me HOOKED! The heroine is not a complete dishrag/doormat and the hero is not completely superficial. And there is a fairly compelling plot line. Who knew?!

Oooohhhh, creepy! And me likey! Now, are some of the characters modeled after those in the movie “Ghost Ship”? Yes but that doesn’t bother me.

So far, so grim. Coates does a nice job communicating anxiety and despair!

Eve’s floating ever closer to that “TSTL” point. Not a fan

Not a spoiler because it’s the title but a family has appeared on Eve’s doorstep. No Eve herself seems to be a nervously Nellie and as we all know, beware of strangers. But Eve seems to be afraid or cautious about EVERYTHING.

DNFing this one. One thing that I’ve come to appreciate is writing, clear, concise writing. Sadly, this book does not have that basic requirement. The writing is simplistic at best.

Huh. So I’ve been reading a lot of Allison Montclair,s series Sparks and Bainbridge. Now that series is set in London immediately after WW2 and this series seems to be set mid to late 19th century, both time settings interest me. However it’s the writing style which sets these two series waaay apart. Montclair is a far better writer, period.

I am all a’flutter!! Another Simone St. James book!! Happy early Xmas to me! This is a story about a cute, scrappy newlywed couple who, on the way to their motel, come across a hurt and haunted young woman. Not too much of a spoiler to say that the young woman dies and the couple are being looked at for the murder. But what else is going on in this town? Can’t wait to find out!!

Ok, it’s a bit “ya” ish but I’m in. The story of a hard knock country girl, a ravished young man and a haunted house (or is it the gateway to Hell?) all coming together under perilous circumstances. Yup. I’m in.

DNF. Sorry but this is just too much for me. I don’t think I’m a long haul fantasy girlie.

Sadly a DNF. Ok here’s the thing. I’m an impatient gal. And if I am not hooked by characters/plot/writing etc, I’m gonna give the book a pass.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so naturally I wanted, and expected, to enjoy the next book. Eh. I’m not altogether happy with the cute lil plot devise (magical perfume?!) to get the H interested and hot for the heroine. Nope. I’ll pass, thanks.

I didn’t think that I’d have to deal with theological and philosophical questions of evil. 🤔