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, laugh...

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 encour...

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 encour...

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 str...

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.