ChaosHappinessBookMama

This book - emotional rollercoaster. Amazing writing. One of the best memoirs I have read. Ever.  As a survivor of child abuse including sexual abuse, oh this book hit all the feels. Reading saved me as well - books, thirst for knowledge and good grades in school as a means to freedom.  This book is a love letter - not only to her younger self but to her grandmother.  Breathtakingly gorgeous and emotional.   Danielle recounts her first 18 years as a forty something adult. Her mother's return to her mother's house with Danielle's older brother, pregnant belly. Danielle's life consisted of her grandmother's house for the first few years,  until her mother moved them into an apartment. Later she begins dating Luke - the man of violence and abuse.  Until finally at the age of 10, Danielle is dumped at her grandmother's; a temporary solution that became long term, granting Danielle the love, stability and safety she desperately needed.  The love, laughter, sadness, 

Congratulations to Angela - what a great book in a new genre!  The best of Angela's writing is her realistic characters. She knows how to make them relatable - like ourselves,  people we all know.  Cher fans a secret love for her boss' boss. They have limited exchanges- but Cher is convinced he is the man for her. His character, strength allowing him to make hard decisions.  Then he becomes her boss.  Sarah has spent five years in an extra marital affair, as the woman on the side.  Their relationship burns hot after five years but Sara wants more. Then she opens her door to find him moving in - he left his wife.  Deb is sick of struggling of her future mother-in-law.  She never fails to pass up a backhanded compliment. And now she is taking over planning Deb's wedding.  Criticizing her dream dress - Deb can't take the rejection anymore.   Through it all, these women support and love each other. Providing laughter, kindess and encouragement,  these women will conquer all

Congratulations to Angela - what a great book in a new genre!  The best of Angela's writing is her realistic characters. She knows how to make them relatable - like ourselves,  people we all know.  Cher fans a secret love for her boss' boss. They have limited exchanges- but Cher is convinced he is the man for her. His character, strength allowing him to make hard decisions.  Then he becomes her boss.  Sarah has spent five years in an extra marital affair, as the woman on the side.  Their relationship burns hot after five years but Sara wants more. Then she opens her door to find him moving in - he left his wife.  Deb is sick of struggling of her future mother-in-law.  She never fails to pass up a backhanded compliment. And now she is taking over planning Deb's wedding.  Criticizing her dream dress - Deb can't take the rejection anymore.   Through it all, these women support and love each other. Providing laughter, kindess and encouragement,  these women will conquer all

Great debut - can't wait for the next one!  Afia states in the Acknowledgements this story could have taken place in present day as not much has changed for minorities.  She chose the 1920s to connect with her history - Afia does an amazing job bringing Prohibition and the Roaring 20s to life.  At the age of 16, Louise is abducted from a sidewalk,  simply walking home.  When she wakes, Louise finds herself chained, along with several other young Black girls.  With severe determination,  Louise not only frees herself, but also fellow captives.  She becomes known as the Harlem Hero. Ten years later, someone is abducting vulnerable young Black girls, killing them and leaving them displayed. In exchange for forgiveness of an altercation,  Louise agrees to help lead Detective Gilbert solve the case.   Louise interviews family members, friends of the killed girls, desperate to save those left.  Gritty noir crime novel featuring a strong Black woman. The story pulled me in; I loved Louise

A killer calls Nadine to his hunting ground - he wants to play.  Nadine and her team are assinged to the Huntsman case. A gruesome killer leaves bodies displayed - torture and horrifying death.  Nadine works to put together a profile,  struggling with Skogen - the FBI agent in charge doesn't take Nadine seriously.   Great plot, love the characters and Nadine's growth. Especially their family tie together- the support and encouragement,  not to mention the animals.  

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read in a day - the writing sucked me in.  Hope goes through her mail to find an envelope shoved through her slot - no return address, no stamp.  Inside is a delicate newsclip - an infant stolen from a mother's car. Hope wonders why it's in her mail when she notices the baby's ear - the top is missing. Just like hers.  Her mother denies it all. But Hope can't let it rest.  With the help of her bestie, Stephen, Hope begins an adventure of intrigue.   Loved the characters.  Excellent build up to the end - though predictable,  enjoyable. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ An island helps a young woman cope with the loss of her husband - beautiful display of humanity and love.  Piper and Tom have been together for seven years - through childhood to adulthood. Tom goes out on his boat and doesn't return.   Piper closes herself up in her house- only to come out for breakfast for her and Tom.  Shocked,  Frick Island supports her - no one tells her Tom is dead; they even greet Tom as Piper walks by.  Anders is sent to the small island to cover the annual cake walk. It's a miserable experience- Anders vows to never return.  Until he receives a mysterious email telling Anders he missed the real story.   After exploring the island and trying to talk to people about climate change,  Anders discovers the town's devotion to Piper.   He begins a podcast about this woman's grief.  A beautifully written story about grief,  acceptance and change. Highly recommend.  

⭐⭐⭐⭐ A man wakes on the beach- no memories.  He sees a trailer with Maine plates - goes in and passes out.   Lily wakes up- no word from her boyfriend Jack. He fails to show for their plans. After a year and a half of dating, Lily knows something is wrong. She finds his truck at the beach - but no sign of Jack.  The man wakes in Maine, a phone number running through his mind. He dials it. And so it begins.  Maya, Jack's stepsister takes him home, determined to help Jack recover his memories.   What I loved best - Maya's craziness isn't held back. That ending had me gasping out loud.  Fast paced. Excellent characters.  Predictable but holy crap. Read it. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Annie is a single mom to two year old precocious Nora. As a school psychologist, Annie experiences tremendous pressure from parents - pushing her over the edge, Annie quits.  She's been losing a lot of sleep, not just from Nora kicking her head at 3 am.  Annie feels like she's losing it - lack of sleep causing her to become obsessed about minor details - something I have experienced many times as a single mom to my own intense toddler.  Rowan is an Instagram star- she has spent years building her brand,  with the help of her agent. But Rowan can't stop obsessing over all the negative comments.  Alcohol and drug abuse certainly don't help. Rowan desperately wants to be smart, to be more than an image. More like her PhD candidate friend, Annabella.  When Annabella dies in the ER, Michael and Ciara are assigned the suspicious death.   Fast paced,  excellent writing, intriguing characters suck you in.  Great read.  

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Matthew and Charlie have been together for 6 years - raising Matthew's nephew,  now 14 yo.  Rachel wants revenge - she tracks him down, rents a flat on the outskirt of his neighborhood.  Rachel strolls down streets, around shops. Until they meet.  Matthew welcomes Rachel into their lives- and his book club. Charlie guesses a hidden agenda - but no one believes him.  Excellent plot and writing.  Realistic relationships and issues. Great read. 

⭐⭐⭐ Delta Dawn quickly becomes obsessed with the family who hires her to photograph their daughter's birthday.   There is no confusion or slow build - Delta is clearly unhinged, desperately searching to make a lasting connection.   She offers to babysit Natalie after the birthday party, taking advantage of the opportunity.  She pokes around, takes pictures of the house.  Begins to envision ownership. Delta builds a quick friendship with Amelia,  playing upon Amelia's self obsession.  She befriends Natalie- providing much needed attention and support.   Chilling. Unhinged.  Cringe moments. The plot could use some polish.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bea received her Time Capsule letter from a grade school teacher- it seems to be sending her messages.  Like reconnecting with her best friend Bea rarely talks to.  Bea convinces her other best friend and business partner,  Katrina, to visit Stephanie.  They find her depressed,  self loathing and heartbroken.  Stephanie's one again and off again boyfriend announced his engagement- to another woman.  Katrina and Bea drag Stephanie out of her gloom.  Thanks to a case at work,  Bea finally has a reason and motivation to go to Ireland- the granddaughter and daughter of Irish immigrants.  She can finally meet her mother's estranged family  - Bea's mother died when she was a toddler.   The girls jump on a plan and embrace their adventure.   Family. Bravery. Love. Forgiveness.  This story sucks you in.  The positive female friendships of both Bea and her mother were the best part. Non judgemental,  encouraging and loving support - the heartbeat of the story. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐ This book is so unique.  I want to tell you all about it - but it gives much away. The details of the girl in the walls are slowly shared- cherished tokens.  I will tell you this young girl's parents died in a car accident.  She pulled herself out just before the car exploded. Placed in foster care while out of state relatives are contacted,  the girl escapes out the window and walks to her family's precious house. After many happy years, her parents sold the house - the girl in the walls never felt the new house was home.  There just wasn't enough time.  The girl in the walls shuffles around,  builds a routine and just exists in the shadows.  Though it may be difficult for others to grasp, I totally get this. Grief can just shut you down. At the age of 10 or 11, I can't imagine how much more devastating, how debilitating the loss.  Creepy.  Tragic. Interesting read. 

 Good Morning!  Today is my day for the book tour of Dial A for Aunties!  What happens when you mix 1 (accidental) murder with 2 thousand wedding guests, and then toss in a possible curse on 3 generations of an immigrant Chinese-Indonesian family? You get 4 meddling Asian aunties coming to the rescue! This was a great, fun read! Rom com with strong women and family ties, a young woman searching for her purpose and a second chance romance. I loved it - grab your copy today! #bookblog #DialAforAunties #bookblitz (author photo to Michael Hart)