I have come to the conclusion that I loathe writing full length reviews and since blogging is a hobby/something I do for fun, I wanted to change it up a bit. I still want to give my thoughts so what a perfect way to let you know my recent reads with a mini review added to it? Okay I hope this works out lol. Also, all my thoughts are spoiler free!
Recently I finished three books: The Simple Wild, The Broken Girls, and The Silent Patient. All amazing reads!
Title: The Simple Wild
Author: K.A. Tucker
Genre: Adult Romance
Publisher: Atria Books
Rating: 4.5 stars
Synopsis:
Calla Fletcher wasn’t even two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when Calla learns that Wren’s days may be numbered, she knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.
She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this rugged environment, Jonah—the unkempt, obnoxious, and proud Alaskan pilot who helps keep her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.
Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. Soon, she finds herself forming an unexpected bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago. It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from The Simple Wild. I hadn’t read a K.A. Tucker book in years. I heard so much high praise for this book and it deserves the hype it’s gotten. It has one of my favorite book tropes ever which is “hate to love” and that slow burn romance. The Simple Wild isn’t so much about the romance but it’s more so about a young woman, Calla Fletcher, finding herself while trying to reconnect/salvage a relationship with her father whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. And the only reason she’s even talking to him is because of a terminal illness that has overtaken his body.
This book has so much depth which is what made me thoroughly enjoy it. I cried and laughed a lot. Jonah is such a sarcastic asshole and he was mean to Calla but she did not let him win at all, she always came back with a punch. This book was definitely a page turner and it had it’s moments. The only slight tiny little problem I had with it was that I did find Calla to be a little annoying, a little too self-absorbed, and that made me roll eyes at times. Other than that I would highly recommend if you’re looking for something cute with meaning and a little laughter.
Title: The Broken Girls
Author: Simone St. James
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Berkley Books
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis:
Vermont, 1950. There’s a place for the girls whom no one wants–the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It’s called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it’s located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming–until one of them mysteriously disappears. . . .
Vermont, 2014. As much as she’s tried, journalist Fiona Sheridan cannot stop revisiting the events surrounding her older sister’s death. Twenty years ago, her body was found lying in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And though her sister’s boyfriend was tried and convicted of murder, Fiona can’t shake the suspicion that something was never right about the case.
When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during the renovations will link the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past–and a voice that won’t be silenced. . . .
ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME. OMG THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE READ BY EVERYONE RIGHT NOW!!! Okay now that I’m done screaming, let me tell you that this book had me gushing every which way. It is such a page turner and I was sucked in from the prolouge. It’s my first ever time reading a book by this author and I need to check out all of Simone St. James’s books!! I was not expecting to love this book as much as I thought I would to be completely honest. However it gave me all the feels/vibes. Dark, atmospheric, hollow, scary, mystery, ALL OF IT. Plus add Vermont and boarding schools which are my faves and we got a win here.
The characters were so well done too. And the timeline from 1950 to 2014 was on point. I was never bored with either or. Both timelines kept me interested. I didn’t find myself wishing it was more than the other. In the 1950 timeline we follow the boarding school and a group of girls, then in the 2014 timeline we follow a journalist who is still on the hunt of getting answers from her sisters death. I loved every single one of these characters and their stories. There were a few subplots/side stories but they were perfectly crafted into one another. There was also a paranormal element of it.
I had gotten a copy from the library but then I ended up buying the book because I needed this on my shelf. I cried so much while reading this book and lost sleep. The writing, the storyline, the plots were everything. Each plot/storyline had an ending. I was very satisfied that there weren’t any loose ties. Highly recommend!
Title: The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Celadon Books
Rating: 5 stars
Synopsis:
ALICIA
Alicia Berenson writes a diary as a release, an outlet – and to prove to her beloved husband that everything is fine. She can’t bear the thought of worrying Gabriel, or causing him pain.
Until, late one evening, Alicia shoots Gabriel five times and then never speaks another word.
THEO
Forensic psychotherapist Theo Faber is convinced he can successfully treat Alicia, where all others have failed. Obsessed with investigating her crime, his discoveries suggest Alicia’s silence goes far deeper than he first thought.
And if she speaks, would he want to hear the truth?
I am shocked with how great this book was for 323 pages. I finished this book in two days and the chapters were also very short! From page 1 I was intrigued. I would consider The Silent Patient a psychological thriller as well because it definitely gets your mind thinking and I even found myself rereading the last page because that plot twist WAS WILD!! I wondered if Alicia really did kill her husband and had suspected others, then I kept guessing other twists. I was doubting myself over and over again. However, I was not expecting that ending at all. I was surprised and couldn’t believe it. The characters are unlikeable and not reliable at all which added a great detail to the story. The writing of this book was amazing too. I can’t get into it because of spoilers but oof how the author wrote The Silent Patient was a great touch to the conclusion of this story. I look forward to seeing what else the author releases in the future.
And that is all! Have you read any of these books or would recommend books in these genres?
Instagram: @chicnerdreads
Twitter: @chicnerdreads
If you don’t know, I am a huge fan of the singer Alina Baraz. I love her voice and lyrics. It’s been some time since she came out with a song and the song that she happened to release literally made me cry. The lyrics are pretty much how 2019 has been to me personally. The song is titled To Me.
Title: Miracle Creek
chicnerdreads 