Book Reviews 2020: Cozy Mysteries

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

I know, it's been a LONG time since I've posted book reviews on here. I said I was going to try and be better about it in 2020, so here we go. So far this year, I've listened to three cozy mystery audiobooks, so I'm putting them all in one post. I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries so you will see more reviews of them in the future. I won't go back and post book reviews from late 2017-2019, but you can check out ALL my book reviews on Goodreads. (Click here to see my past Goodreads reviews.)

Murder at Blackburn Hall by Sara Rosett

Format: Audiobook (Audible)

I am LOVING this series! I enjoyed the first book (Murder at Archly Manor) and I think I might have enjoyed the second one even more. I love the main character, Olive, and am enjoying seeing her character grow from the first book. She seems more sure of herself in this book and is not afraid to do what she has to in order to find a solution to an issue.

I'm interested to see what will happen with Jasper, I feel a hint of something "more" in their relationship. I hope to have more of his character development in the next book!

The author's writing is so good you can actually imagine that you are in England in the 1920s. The description of the setting and clothing makes you feel like you are there. At the end of the audiobook, the author explains how she came up with the story idea and what kind of research went into it. I can't wait to see what Olive's next adventure will be! Spoiler alert: I just started listening to the audiobook for book 3 today.

The Body in the Attic by Judi Lynn

Format: Audiobook (Chirpbooks)

I'm a big fan of cozy mysteries so when I saw this one, I had to check it out. House-flipping. Murder. Family Drama. Mystery. Oh my.

I thought the mystery storyline was well written- it had me guessing until the end. Although I felt the mystery plot was more of a "sub plot". The rest of it isn't bad, it just felt like I was reading a normal fiction novel with a little mystery sprinkled in. I like the characters though- they are well developed and thought out. This is the first book in a series so I hope to see some of the supporting characters have bigger roles in the next one.

I don't mind romance in mystery novels, but I feel this one was a little bit of an overkill and took away from the mystery too much. Even with all of that, I enjoyed it and will check out the next one in the series. This is an easy read for a lazy Saturday afternoon (or in my case, an easy listen).


Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass

Format: Audiobook (Chirpbooks)

Okay, I'll admit, the plot description sounded a little cheesy: With the help of her rescue cat, Eddie, librarian Minnie Hamilton is driving a bookmobile based in resort town of Chilson, Michigan. But she better keep both hands on the wheel, because it's going to be a bumpy ride. 

BUT, this turned out to be a super cute cozy mystery. I was hooked from the moment I started listening to it. The main characters are charming and likeable. Even the minor characters have an endearing element to them.

This is the first book that I've read by the author and I really like her writing style. The plot was well thought out and there were enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until almost the end. This is another book that is a perfect weekend or vacation read. I listened to a good portion of it while out training for a half-marathon. I look forward to checking out Minnie and Eddie's next adventure!

Book Reviews 2017: Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? A friend gave me this book because Audrey is my favorite actress of all time and I adore the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. I've read Truman Capote's book, so I knew his Holly Golightly and the Holly Golightly of the movie were NOT the same. I also knew about all the other differences between the book and the movie. I did find some of the history about the creation of the book and the making of the movie fascinating. It was interesting to see who else they wanted to star in the movie.

Also (I don't think this is really a "spoiler" so I don't think I need to warn you), I was a little sad to hear that Audrey didn't really care for George Peppard (he wasn't a popular person on set with really anyone). It was interesting to hear how the movie could have been so different. The author talked about scenes that were cut or re-written. I wish the alternate ending was somewhere on film (the author said no one knows for sure if the film survived from the cutting room floor). Although in my opinion, I like the actual ending of the movie better. No, I won't tell you what the alternate ending was going to be, you have to read the book. :) 

I didn't realize that Audrey had as many miscarriages as she did. He doesn't go too much into detail about Audrey's personal life (sadly), but he does provide tidbits here and there. He did write a little bit about her slightly troubled marriage to Mel Ferrer.

At the end the author talks about why he wrote the book. Why do people love this movie? It got me wondering why I love it- my answer is because of Audrey. I don't think the movie would have worked with anyone else. Is it the best love story out there? No, not at all. But no matter what, I will always find time to watch it when I'm wanting to have an Audrey marathon.

Oh, at the end of the book after all of the author's notes and references, he talks about his personal conversation with actress Patricia Neal- well worth the read. She seems like she was a hoot! :)

I finished this book on September 15, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: I'm Watching You

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

I'm Watching You by Mary Burton

This was the first book I've read by Mary Burton and I will definitely be checking out her other books. I really enjoyed this novel- I felt the mystery and suspense were well written. I actually lost sleep because I got to the point where I couldn't stop reading and I had to see how it ended. 

I kept changing my mind who I thought the killer would be, which to me is the sign of a good mystery novel. Now, there were some unresolved issues in the plot (minor issues, just me being nit-picky) and I hope that the characters appear in another novel so we can see what happens to them. There were also some minor characters that I hope get their own story in another novel.

The author does a great job with character development and keeping the story interesting- I can't wait to read another one of her novels. 

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 13, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

Book Reviews 2017: A Night in With Marilyn Monroe

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

A Night in With Marilyn Monroe by Lucy Holliday

I am enjoying this series but I think I liked A Night in With Audrey Hepburn a little bit more than this one. Libby seemed a little too whiny in this novel and it just didn't have the same charm as the first one. Also as much as I like Ollie, even he was annoying me in this book. Come on Ollie, man up!

Regardless, I still like the author's writing style and even though I didn't like this book as much as the first one, the author kept me interested in the story.

We do get to know some of the other characters a little better in this novel, which was nice. And despite their flaws, I do like the characters and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. As a fan of classic movies, I love the concept of this series! 

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 11 so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

Book Reviews 2017: Hidden Things

** All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Hidden Things by Andrea Boehshaar

I have no clue how this book ended up on my bookshelf. I don't remember buying it and I can't find a friend who admits that they loaned it to me.  Regardless how it ended up on my bookshelf, I'm glad it did. Evidently this is the second book in a series so I need to go and find book one. 

This was a heart-warming book to read. Yes, parts of it were kind of over the top "Focus on the Family" sugar-coated, but I would rather read that than some stuff printed in other books. It would be a good book for a book club (especially a book club with church members).

I feel the author did a great job with her writing. It kept me interested in the story. The book shows a woman who discovers that just because she's been in church her whole life doesn't mean she has all of life's answers (boy- I can relate to that!) 

It also shows that you have to rely on God even when your heart and mind are telling you something else. I see some other reviews complaining about unanswered questions but there is a book three so hopefully those questions will be answered. I do like how not everything was wrapped up perfectly in a bow at the end- that's not always how life goes. I look forward to the next book.

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 6, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

Book Reviews 2017: Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann by Evelyn Mann

This is one of those books that you don't just read, you feel it. I started following Samuel's Facebook page back in February, which is how I first discovered this book, and I'm so glad I ordered a copy. 

I love how Evelyn takes us through everything that happened from the beginning of her pregnancy with Samuel through until after he was born. You can feel the emotions through her words and I'll admit that I cried more than once- her words are that powerful.

I admire Evelyn and her husband Ralph so much for their faith and determination not to give up on their son, even though they were being told otherwise by medical professionals. Their love for each other and Samuel is so strong and you can see that while reading this book. I am so glad that they share Samuel's story with all of us.

I don't say this too often but I would put this on a "must read" list. I honestly think it would touch the heart of anyone. I also highly recommend following Samuel's Facebook page as well (click here). I have to say, Samuel has a smile that will turn any bad day around. I will be having the worst day but his smile can make that bad day go away. I always look forward to new photos and videos of the little Mann. :)

Photos property of Evelyn Mann and have been used with written permission

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 3, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!!

Book Reviews 2017: Finding Gobi

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

I have been following Dion and Gobi's story online since the beginning, so I knew how the story would turn out but I still felt all the emotions while reading Dion's very detailed adventures of finding Gobi, losing Gobi, then finding her again. 

I enjoyed getting to know Dion a little better. I enjoyed hearing his stories of when he was younger. He had to overcome a lot throughout his life. I also loved hearing more about his relationship with his wife. I'm glad she is willing to share Dion with another female. :) Gobi found a great family for her fur-ever home!

Even if you aren't a dog lover, I think you would appreciate this story of determination and love (from both Gobi and Dion). 

I highly recommend keeping up with Dion and Gobi- you can follow their Facebook page here. 

Book summary:

I finished this book on August 20, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: More YA Book Reviews

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Lock and Mori by Heather W. Petty

Despite only a three star rating, I felt this book was an entertaining read, it just didn't have what it needed to bump it to four stars. I believe it could have been so much more. 

The book is a modern version of Sherlock Holmes where he and James "Mori" Moriarty are teenagers and friends. I feel there are more Sherlock themed books nowadays. Probably thanks to the popularity of the TV show. Anyways, Mori is a girl in this book, by the way- she goes by Mori because she doesn't like her birth name of James. 

The writing isn't bad, but there were parts that seemed a little slow and unnecessary, but it didn't totally ruin the book for me. The mystery part was interesting, but even in a YA novel, I feel it could have gone deeper. It seemed too simple and almost an insult to any young adult reading it, they could handle more depth in their mystery. I did like the main characters though and will try out the next book in the series. I look forward to their next adventure (and most likely, mystery).

Even When You Lie To Me by Jessica Alcott

I didn't love this book, but I also didn't hate it. It was an easy read, I pretty much read it in two days. It seems the whole teacher/student taboo attraction/love/lust is a popular story line in YA fiction these days. I don't know where all these good looking teachers were when I as in high school, but they definitely were not at my school. 

I feel this story had a lot of potential, but then it got too cliche. The main character lacks self-esteem and feels she is ugly. Side note: I know teenagers can be over-dramatic and I get that when reading YA, but OMG- this girl was "woe is me" every time she opened her mouth. Her BFF is beautiful and gets all the guys (because of course). Her mother, who was the beautiful, popular Homecoming Queen when she was younger, is unsympathetic and constantly trying to change her daughter (instead of accepting her individuality). And the father just seems to be walked over by his whole family (grow a pair, dude).

As you can imagine, there are "adult themes" talked about in this book, but the descriptions don't get too graphic.

I know this is the author's first book. I feel her writing potential is there so I would try another book if she publishes a new one.

I finished these books July 10 and July 20, respectively, so they go towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: Not In the Script

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Not In The Script by Amy Finnegan

I'm such a sucker for teen drama (whether it be books or TV shows). It's the part of me that refuses to grow up, and I refuse to be ashamed about it. I'm not even sure what caused me to pick this book up at the library but the description of the novel had me sold and I checked it out. I read it in less than a day (well, I started it on a Saturday night and finished it Sunday afternoon).

The writing style was well done. Normally books that use the first person writing style for more than one character bothers me, but the author did it in such a way that it flowed perfectly. Yes, it's a teen drama- so ignore the comments that complain about the petty things the characters did or were bothered by. HELLO THEY ARE TEENAGERS- TEENAGERS CAN BE PETTY! But the teen angst wasn't overdone either (because that can get tiresome). It was a realistic amount of teen angst (if that makes sense).

I loved the characters of Emma and Jake. I think deep down everyone at one time wishes they were famous and lived a glamorous lifestyle. We get to see that through Emma's eyes (and we get to see how a new person to acting sees Hollywood through Jake's eyes). I liked that none of the characters were "perfect". They all had some kind of flaw.

I noticed the lack of foul language and "intimate details", which was refreshing for a teen novel. Nowadays it seems a lot of them are cluttered with sex and harsh language. It's nice to know I can recommend a romance book to a teenager that isn't full of bad words and sex. Call me a prude, I don't even care. Lol.

I kinda hope we see these characters again, perhaps older and maybe in a different setting. I would be interested to see where life takes them.

Book summary:

I finished this book on July 2, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: The Unseen

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

The Unseen by Heather Graham

This was one of the earlier books in the Krewe of Hunters series and I have to say, I really enjoyed the earlier books more than the recent ones in the series. This book seemed to draw me in more than the newer ones. There seemed to be more plot depth, a few of the recent ones have been all over the place. 

Since I've read the series out of order, I recognized characters- Jackson Crow, Logan Raintree, and Tyler Montague. I'm a Texas history nerd, so I enjoyed that this one took place in San Antonio and that the author threw in some Texas history facts. Nit picky: when the author was describing the Riverwalk in San Antonio, I felt she made it seem like it was a real river and not a man-made tourist area. But that doesn't take away from the story. That's just me being snobby. :)

I liked the characters Logan and Kelsey, I felt they worked well together. If this series continues, I hope the author gets back some of that early book magic!

Book summary:

I finished this book on July 1, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: Playing For Pizza

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Playing For Pizza by John Grisham

I've read a good number of John Grisham books and have liked most of them, but I just wasn't a fan of this one. I love football (and anything to do with Italy), but this book just didn't do anything for me. 

It took me four months to read it. I finally forced myself to finish it just because I was determined to just get through it.

The concept of the story was a good idea, but I felt he spent too much time going into details over EVERY SINGLE football game. Again, I like football, and I don't mind reading a recap of a real game, but I didn't feel it was needed for this novel. He could have spent more time on character development and the plot. He also spent so much time going over the food and culture of Italy, I felt like I was reading a tourist guidebook of Italy. Again, not something so terrible if that is what I wanted to read, but I wanted a fiction novel, not Italy Tourism 101.

Unless you are just strongly devoted to John Grisham, I would recommend just skipping this one and pick up one of his legal thrillers. 

Book summary:

I finished this book on June 27, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: The Woman In Cabin 10

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

This was the first book I've read by this author- and I can't wait to read others. I like her writing style and I was hooked from the moment I started reading. It kept me entertained and guessing throughout the whole book (I suspected everyone at some point).  

Lo Blacklock is a travel journalist on assignment to review a new cruise line and gets to spend a week on an all-expenses paid cruise (can I please have that job?) It's a small cruise ship so there aren't that many guests on board. As she is getting ready for dinner the first night, she realizes she forgot to pack mascara so she goes to the cabin next door to ask if she can borrow some (first of all- ew, I wouldn't borrow my friend's mascara, much less a stranger's, but that's just me.) The woman next door ends up giving her a tube of mascara, insisting that Lo just keep it. While lying in bed later that night, Lo hears a commotion from the cabin next door and then a sound like someone jumping (or being thrown) overboard. (Randomness: When I went on my cruise earlier this year, I had an unrealistic fear of falling overboard.) When she mentions her concern for the woman in that cabin, she finds out that no one was staying there, and that no one has a clue who this mystery guest could be. Just when she thinks she might have imagined the woman, she remembers the tube of mascara the woman gave her. That tube of mascara is the only proof she has that the woman existed. 

I don't want to go into much more detail because I don't want to give anything away, but this is definitely a good, suspenseful book. I highly recommend it if you are a fan of thrillers and suspense. 

I finished this book on June 8, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge. :)

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: Catching Up On Book Reviews

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

I read earlier this year but never got around to posting my reviews. These were read BEFORE I started my 40 books by 40, so they don't count against my list.

The Cursed by Heather Graham

Once again- Luke Daniels made this book so enjoyable. He makes each character come to life. I will sing his praises in each review I do on a book he has narrated. 

I liked this book more than the most recent ones I've read from the series (I'm reading them out of order). I enjoyed the ghost story and mystery portion a lot. I like Dallas and Hannah together, although for once I would like the romance to actually take time to blossom and people not fall in love in a matter of weeks, but that's just me being nit-picky. And this isn't a spoiler. You can tell from their first meeting they will end up together, it's not that big of a surprise.

I won't ruin it by saying what happened, but I didn't like the epilogue of the book. I would have preferred another ending but it didn't ruin the book for me. As always, I look forward to reading another book by Ms. Graham.

Book summary:

Darkest Journey by Heather Graham

I'm giving this a generous 2.5 stars (and mainly because I love Heather Graham and can't bring myself to give anything she writes anything lower). I'll start with the positive: I liked the main characters of Charlie and Ethan. I like how they at least had a past together, so their romance wasn't as off the wall as some of the relationships in the other books in this series. Usually the romance part of these stories bothers me, but I was actually okay with these two as a couple. 

I'm a history nerd and I usually enjoy the historical tidbits that Heather Graham throws into her stories, but this one didn't do much for me. I couldn't get into it mainly because I think the plot didn't flow as well as it has in her other books. And the scene where everyone was giving a speech about safe sex and STDs reminded me of those horrible movies we had to watch in school. It sounded too "textbook". People don't talk like that. 

I saw in a few other reviews that people noticed grammatical errors and typos. Since I listened to the audio book, I can't comment on that. BUT, Luke Daniels did a fantastic job narrating this one (so if you are interested at all, I highly recommend listening to it). As much as I've enjoyed the Krewe of Hunters series, I'm sad to say that I think it might be time for it to come to an end if this is how they are going to be. The past few that I've read (well, listened to) just haven't been the same as the earlier ones in the series. 

Book summary:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I went back and forth wondering if I wanted to give this 3 stars or 4 so I decided on a 3.5. The ending is the one thing making me debate my star rating (no spoilers about it). This is a book that as you are reading it, you can't put it down. That happened to me. I read over half of it on a plane ride from TX to PA. 

I liked the characters, even the horrible, mean ones. The character development was fantastic. I've seen it described as Mean Girls meets Groundhog's Day, and in a way it is. It was an interesting story line. 

As far as YA fiction goes, it's a very good read. I definitely knew people like the characters in the book. I can't honestly say that I personally related to any of them (I wasn't a "mean girl" and I wasn't really picked on by mean girls). I would recommend this one.

Book summary:

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

I really enjoyed this book- so much that I read it in a day. I liked the characters because none of them were "perfect". It seems in so many books the main characters are always overly attractive and have the perfect life. These characters seemed real. Were some annoying? Yes, but annoying people exist in real life. We all have annoying people in our lives (even if we love them dearly, they may be annoying at times). 

I enjoyed the story line- I'm always fascinated with "time travel" type stories. This made me think who I would want to talk to if I had a phone that called the past. This was the first book I've read by this author but I plan to check some others out soon.

Book summary:

XOXO!