The Home for Wayward Girls by Marcia Bradley

 While other adolescent girls are listening to grunge rock or swooning over boy bands and movie stars, Loretta knows little of life beyond the Home for Wayward Girls, the secluded ranch where her parents run a program designed to “correct” teen girls’ “bad behavior.” Some new residents arrive with their moms and dads, while other are accompanied by transporters—people paid to forcibly deliver these “problem” teens—girls caught swearing, smoking, drinking, or kissing. Many are failed runaways desperate to leave their controlling and sometimes brutal homes. Few have any idea of the suffering that lies ahead.

Loretta witnesses firsthand how the adults use abusive discipline to crush these young women’s spirits and break their wills. She understands these girls’ pain and shares it. Since childhood she’s been afraid of her father, and avoids him by spending time with the residents, secretly teaching them the survival skills they’ll need in case they manage to escape. Until the day a horrifying act of violence forces her to make her own terrible choice. Terrified and with no other option, Loretta flees the ranch and hitchhikes across the country, ending up in New York. Eventually finding safety and a sympathetic community, Loretta dedicates herself to working with lost, vulnerable, and defenseless teens, determined to prevent the same thing from happening to other girls like her.

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The Home for Wayward Girls: A Novel: Bradley, Marcia: 9780063276048: Amazon.com: Books

Marcia Bradley earned her MFA from Sarah Lawrence College after receiving her BA from Antioch University Los Angeles. She was awarded a Bronx Council on the Arts/New York City Department of Cultural Affairs BRIO Award for Fiction and has been published in Two Hawks Quarterly, Hippocampus Magazine, Drunk Monkeys, Electica, the Capital Gazette, and in The Writing Disorder. A natural born wanderer, Marcia grew up in Chicago and moved to Santa Monica where she raised her daughters. She now teaches at Sarah Lawrence College and lives in the Bronx, New York.

https://marciabradley.com/

I recommend this emotional read. The are calling it historical fiction and I know a few of you don't like Historical but it is not in my mind its more women's fiction. I will say this you are gong to want to read this one.

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything by Kara Gnodde

 

With the offbeat charm of The Rosie Project and generous warmth of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, a wry, moving debut novel about a pair of unforgettable siblings and a love triangle of sorts—one with math as its beating heart.

One of Cosmopolitan's Best Books of 2023

Meet Art and Mimi Brotherton. Devoted siblings and housemates, they’re bound together by the tragic death of their parents. Mathematical genius Art relies on logic, while Mimi prefers to follow her heart.

When Mimi decides she needs more from life than dutifully tending to her brilliant brother, she asks for his help to find love. Art agrees, but on one condition: that she find her soulmate using a strict mathematical principle. Things seem promising, until Mimi meets Frank: a romantic, spontaneous stargazer who’s also a mathematician. Despite Mimi’s obvious affection for the quirky Frank, Art is wary of him from their very first encounter.

As Art's mistrust of Frank grows, so do Mimi's feelings, and the siblings' relationship is brought to a breaking point. Something about Frank doesn't quite add up, and only Art can see it . . .

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything is a tender, intelligent and uplifting novel about brothers and sisters, true love in all its forms, and how the answers to life’s biggest questions follow a logic of their own.

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The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything: A Novel: Gnodde, Kara: 9780063266018: Amazon.com: Books

Kara Gnodde (pronounced “Nodder”) grew up in Johannesburg on a diet of Dr. Seuss and no television. After working in advertising for Saatchi & Saatchi in London and living in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, she settled in the UK, where she lives with her husband and their three children. This, her debut novel, was inspired by a radio program about a math problem that could change the world.

If Were Being Honest by Cat Shook

 

When Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, dies suddenly, his grandchildren flock from across the country to the family home in Eulalia, Georgia. But when Gerry’s best friend steps up to the microphone to deliver his eulogy, the funeral turns out unlike anyone expected. The cousins, left reeling and confused, cope with their fresh grief and various private dramas. Delia, recently heartbroken, refuses to shut up about her ex. Her sister Alice, usually confident, flusters when she spots her high school sweetheart, hiding a secret that will change both of their lives. Outspoken, affable Grant is preening in the afterglow of his recent appearance on The Bachelorette and looking to reignite an old flame with the least available person in town. Meanwhile, his younger brother Red, unsure of himself and easily embarrassed, desperately searches for a place in the boisterous family.

The cousins’ eccentric parents are in tow, too, and equally lost―in love and in life. Watching over them all is Ellen, Gerry’s sweet and proper widow, who does her best to keep her composure in front of the leering small town.

Clever and completely original, If We’re Being Honest reminds you that while no one can break your heart like your family can, there’s really no one better to put you back together.

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Amazon.com: If We're Being Honest: A Novel: 9781250847546: Shook, Cat: Books

Catherine Shook graduated from the University of Georgia in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and Mass Media Arts. Born and raised in Georgia, she now lives in Manhattan. If We're Being Honest is her first novel.

Ready for your next coming of age fast read? You have found it.

Walking the Line 90 Devotions of truth and Hope Based on the faith of Johnny Cash

 

Experience God’s redeeming love through the eyes of country music legend Johnny Cash!

The Struggle is Real! But no matter who you are, no matter what you've done, no matter where you are or where you've been, you are deeply and unconditionally loved by a God who wants to forgive you, redeem you, and restore you. A God who longs to be your friend. How you live, from day to day, in the light of this truth, is up to you. Johnny called it ''walking the line.'' Each daily devotion in this 90 day devotional features new never-before-seen inspirational quotations from Johnny Cash on his faith, a powerful Scripture that guided his life, and a brief devotional thought followed by a short, guided prayer.

''All your life, you will be faced with a choice. You can choose love or hate… I choose love.'' ―Johnny Cash

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Walking the Line: 90 Devotions of Truth and Hope Based on the Faith of Johnny Cash: DaySpring, John R. Cash Revocable Trust: 9781648703256: Amazon.com: Books

DaySpring was founded in 1971 and has been in the business and ministry of Christian products and content since its inception. Each book we write and publish at DaySpring was prayerfully crafted with the reader in mind - thoughtfully written, designed, and packaged to encourage hearts with God’s promises. At DaySpring, it is our vision to see every person experience and express the life-changing message of God’s love. It is our sincere hope that through these Truth-filled books, lives will be touched and blessed.

My thoughts...

This would make a fantastic gift. Easy to read and a great companion with Bible reading. If you are busy, you can still read the short devotions each day.

Cash is such an icon, and this would be great to display as well.

I recommend this one and suggest it as a gift idea.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery

 

Beloved bestselling author Susan Mallery brings readers an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story that explores the nuances of a broken family’s complex emotions as they strive to become whole in this uplifting story of human frailty and resilience.

Finley McGowan is determined that the niece she’s raising will always feel loved and wanted. Unlike how she felt after her mom left to pursue a dream of stardom, and when the grandfather who was left to raise them abandoned her and her sister, Sloane, when they needed him most. Finley reacted to her chaotic childhood by walking the straight and narrow—nose down, work hard, follow the rules.

Sloane went the other way.

Now Sloane is back, as beautiful and as damaged as ever…and she wants a relationship with her daughter. She says she’s changed, but Finley’s heart has been burned once too often for her to trust easily. But is her reluctance to forgive really about Sloane or worry over losing what she loves the most? With the help of a man who knows all too well how messy families can be, Finley will learn there’s joy in surrendering and peace in letting go.

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The Sister Effect: A Novel: Mallery, Susan: 9781335448644: Amazon.com: Books

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!"

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, a ragdoll cat, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

My Thoughts...

I read this book the day it was delivered. I could not put it down. Family drama at its best. The sister's relationship was the main part of the storyline that was in part sad yet not perfect just like real life. I loved the ending it played out so well.
I gave this book 5 stars and I highly recommend this fast read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

 

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge

Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.

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Amazon.com: The Paris Apartment: A Novel: 9780063003064: Foley, Lucy: Books

I’m the No.1 Sunday Times and New York Tikes bestselling author of The Hunting Party, The Guest List and most recently The Paris Apartment, a murder mystery set in a beautiful but eerie apartment block in Paris. Jess arrives to stay with her brother Ben and finds him missing — from various clues in his apartment and from the suspicious behaviour of the other residents in the building she begins to suspect something deeply unpleasant has happened to him…

 

A little about me: I always knew I wanted to work with books somehow, so I studied English at university before working in a bookshop, a literary agency and then as a fiction editor at a big publishing house, during which time I realised that every book starts off as a messy first draft full of plot holes and mistakes. I thought I’d have a go at writing myself — the result of which was my first historical fiction novel, The Book of Lost and Found. I wrote two more historicals, The Invitation and Last Letter to Istanbul, before turning to the dark side and writing my first crime thriller, The Hunting Party: my first Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and Waterstones Book of the Month, set over New Year’s Eve at a remote, snowy spot in the Scottish Highlands. 

 

Next came The Guest List, a murder mystery set at a wedding on an island off the coast of Ireland, which was a Reese’s Book Club pick, a Goodreads Choice Awards winner, a Waterstones Book of the Month, and has sold over three million copies. Then came The Paris Apartment, which is a number one New York Times bestseller and Sunday Times bestseller. 

 

My books have been translated into over 40 languages and all three murder mysteries are currently being adapted for TV and film. 

 

I’ve also written a short story for the brand new Marple collection, a brand new series of short stories featuring Agatha Christie’s legendary detective Jane Marple, alongside writers such as Val McDermid, Kate Mosse, Alyssa Cole, Ruth Ware and Leigh Bardugo, out September 2022 to coincide with Christie’s birthday! 

 

I’m currently hard at work on a fourth thriller, so watch this space!

 

If you enjoy my books or want to say hi, I’d love to hear from you: I’m @lucyfoleytweets on Twitter and @lucyfoleyauthor on Instagram, or you can check out my Facebook author page www.facebook.com/lucyfoleyauthor. Hope to see you there! And if you click the yellow 'follow' button, Amazon will send you an email when I have a new release, or if there's a promotion you might be interested in. It's the best way to make sure you never miss a book!

 #TheParisApartment #TheGuestList #TheHuntingParty 

My Thoughts...                                                                                                  This was in true Foley fashion, lots of characters. I will say this was not really a Paris book it was mainly set in an apartment building which could have been anywhere. A lot was going on there are a few twists. But it was more back and forth each short chapter with the characters.   The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Mission Possible Young Readers Edition by Tim Tebow

 The New York Times bestselling author and athlete challenges young Christians to find their mission and pursue a bold, bright, fulfilling life.

Do you struggle with self-defeating thoughts? I’m too young. I’m not good at anything. Remember that dumb mistake I made last week? My life doesn’t matter.

If so, you’re not alone. The Enemy wants you to believe you’re here by accident or have nothing to offer. But that’s a lie. 

God has a special plan and purpose for your life. Through your interests, talents, and faith, you can make a positive difference in the world right where you are…right now! 

Part of the fun is discovering your mission-driven superpowers. While you can’t fix every problem, God can. With His help, you can bring light to a world that has grown dark and cold.

Having a clear impression of your unique, God-given significance provides a sense of purpose that turns an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. 

So let’s get started! It’s never too early to step into your mission-possible life.

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 Mission Possible Young Reader's Edition: Go Create a Life That Counts: Tebow, Tim, Gregory, A. J.: 9780593194072: Amazon.com: Books

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player. The four-time New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and football analyst is most passionate about his work with the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), whose mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The Tim Tebow Foundation is currently fighting for people who can’t fight for themselves in over 70 countries and counting through 4 primary ministry focuses with 16 initiatives. Tim is married to Demi-Leigh Tebow (née Nel-Peters), a speaker, influencer, entrepreneur, and Miss Universe 2017. Tim and Demi live in Jacksonville, Florida, with their three dogs, Chunk, Kobe, and Paris.

MY Thoughts..

I am planning on gifting my friends two boys a copy of this. I really was very impressed with it. This is such a positive read and great for our young ones.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.