337 by M. Jonathan Lee

 

Summary

337 follows the life of Samuel Darte whose mother vanished when he was in his teens. It was his brother, Tom who found her wedding ring on the kitchen table along with the note. While their father pays the price of his mother’s disappearance, Sam learns that his long-estranged Gramma is living out her last days in a nursing home nearby. Keen to learn about what really happened that day and realizing the importance of how little time there is, he visits her to finally get the truth. Soon it’ll be too late and the family secrets will be lost forever. Reduced to ashes. But in a story like this, nothing is as it seems.

My Thoughts

Before I even review the story itself, I must comment on the physical book.  This book is wonderfully done!  This hardcover book is double ended. One side is a bright yellow with a door.  It looks cheery and inviting.  The other is a darker blue with a door and seems gloomy and more mysterious.  You can start on either side, it will take you to the same ending.  Very clever!

Now on to my thoughts on the actual story.  Like the other books I have read by this author, I really enjoyed this one!  From the moment I started reading I was sucked in!  I had such a hard time putting it down (and probably neglected things that I should have actually been doing).

I loved the suspense and mystery and the ending, Oh. My. Word.

You are left hanging by the ending but it feels complete nonetheless!  Such great writing!  I absolutely loved it!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Other Mrs. Samson by Ralph Webster

 

Summary

Surviving two wars, sharing one husband, searching for answers...

A hidden compartment in a black lacquer cabinet left in an attic reveals the secrets of two incredible women: Hilda, born and raised in one of the wealthiest Jewish families in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and Katie, whose early life in Germany is marked by tragedy and death. Their lives are forever entwined by their love of the same man, the brilliant and compassionate Dr. Josef Samson.

From the earliest, rough-and-tumble days of San Francisco, through the devastation of the Great War in Berlin and the terrors of Vichy France, and then to a new yet uncertain life in New York City, their stories span the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century. In the end, one of these women will complete the life of the other and make a startling discovery about the husband they share.

My Thoughts

This book, this book, this book.... I am a bit at a loss for words!  I loved it, then I didn't, then I did again.  I can say that I definitely never hated it!  Ever!  It captured me from the beginning and, while there were times I did get somewhat... not quite bored but not extremely taken in (is there a word for that?!), I fell in love with this story.

I have to say, Hilda was my favorite.  I loved her!  Her end in the story left me brokenhearted and so unsatisfied!  And, while I did like Katie, I desperately wanted more of Hilda.

The twist at the end had me reeling!  I was not expecting that at all and, honestly, could have done without it.  It disappointed me.  I do still love this book, I just hated to be disappointed in the character so much!

I highly recommend this book and will probably be reading it again before too long!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

As the Stars Fall: A Book For Dog Lovers by Steve N. Lee

 

Summary

A desperate dog. A scarred girl. A bond nothing can break.

When a young girl suffering with her own tragedy comes across an injured young dog, she can’t resist helping him. Both having braved the worst the world had to throw at them, the pair quickly form an unbreakable bond. They picture their future as an endless stream of adventures filled with love, laughter, and good times.

But life has one last cruel trick to play…

At one moment heart-warming, the next heart-breaking, this is the story of a desperate dog’s roller coaster journey to be the one thing every good dog dreams of being – a best friend. Through a touching tale, As The Stars Fall explores how compassion can make us whole again and friendship can heal even the most broken of hearts.

For animal lovers, pet owners, and anyone who has ever had a four-legged best friend, especially those who enjoy dog stories and animal novels such as:

A Dog’s Purpose
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Marley and Me
The One and Only Ivan

If you crave a story of love and loss, of compassion and belonging, of friendship that knows no bounds, you need to read As The Stars Fall.

My Thoughts

My heart can't handle books like this!  I am very much an animal lover so to read a book such as this, it is great and terrible at the same time.

This is the story of a dog.  It's his story through his eyes.  Kai sure went through a lot in his little life and, though this may be fiction, it wrecked me.  If you are expecting a light, fun read this isn't the book for you.  It is wonderfully written but very heavy.

I am both glad and sad that I read this book!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.