5 STAR REVIEW *** AUDIOBOOK *** DARLING GIRLS by Sally Hepworth

 

 

Darling Girls follows the lives of three “sisters”—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia—brought together in a picturesque foster home belonging to Miss Fairchild. Initially, the tranquil surroundings offer a glimmer of hope for a better future, but it soon becomes apparent that their new home is anything but serene. As secrets unravel and tensions escalate, the girls know they must escape, but how? 

As adults, these three women still consider themselves sisters. They are always available to support each other in everything, especially their messed-up lives that are impacted by their past. When a body is found on Wild Meadows, Miss Fairchild’s property, the women are forced to return to Port Agatha, a trip they all dread. Now, they must confront their past traumas and navigate the treacherous dynamics of their foster family.

Hepworth masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. The reader relives the trauma as memories are recounted. The characters are richly drawn, each grappling with their demons and insecurities, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The author’s vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, immersing readers in the eerie atmosphere of the foster home and the lasting effects that are still in play in these women’s lives in the present. 

One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. Hepworth skillfully navigates themes of identity, resilience, and the search for belonging.

“Darling Girls” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful fiction. With its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting, this novel will keep readers hooked until the very end. It is a haunting tale with an unexpected ending that will linger in readers’ minds long after they turn the final page.

Jessica Clark’s skillful narration adds depth and dimension to Sally Hepworth’s compelling narrative. Through her adept storytelling and nuanced character performances, she brings each character to life, immersing listeners in the emotional complexity of their journeys. Clark’s ability to capture the essence of each character enhances the listener’s experience, drawing them deeper into the gripping tale of suspense and intrigue. I loved it!!

 

5 STARS

 

5 Star Review *** MURDER IN ROSE HILL by Victoria Thompson

 

 

At the beginning of Murder in Rose Hill, Louisa Rodgers stops by Sarah’s clinic to interview her about a story she plans to write for an infant magazine, New Century. Sarah is surprised because very few women writers were on staff at the turn of the 20th century. Louisa’s topic, also a surprise, is women’s health, focusing on the charlatans who manufacture patent medicines. Sarah shares Louisa’s concerns and cooperates, giving her information for the article. When Louisa’s father learns of her homicide, he hires Frank Malloy, through Sarah, to find the murderer. 

The mystery has many potential suspects. Even though I zeroed in on the actual killer early, I couldn’t cross off some suspects completely. I enjoyed following Sarah, Frank, and the team as they tracked down clues and finally revealed the killer. It was an incredible journey with fantastic characters. I love that we get an update on the main characters’ personal lives. They are delightful book friends that I enjoy visiting every year.

What I love about good historical authors is their ability to weave actual events seamlessly into their stories. Ms. Thompson gives us a taste of life at the turn of the twentieth century by painting a verbal picture of the haves and the have-nots during the era. It is a sad time for some women and people who are not wealthy. Their quest to achieve their goals is almost impossible.  Murder in Rose Hill is set in the fall of 1901. Behind the scenes, we learn President McKinley was shot. As vice president, Theodore Roosevelt had a good chance of moving into the presidency. Magazines are beginning to write exposés to shine a light on the corruption in the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and the mistreatment of employees.  

I have been a big fan of the Gaslight Mystery series since I read the first book. As soon as I see the release date, I put the next book on my TBR list and calendar to order immediately.  While each book works as a standalone novel, a lot of the history of the characters and their struggle to get where they are is missed. 

I can’t wait to see where Victoria Thompson will take us in the next book. 

#Netgalley #VictoriaThompson

 

 

5 Star Review - Mind Games by Nora Roberts

 

 The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

 

I loved this story.  I am a fan of small-town romantic suspense because the characters are so connected.  I am also reading Kay Hooper's Bishop series and exploring the various psychic gifs.  Thea, the heroine, and her grandmother Lucy also have psychic gifts.  The gift of sight is a fascinating component of the story.  The atmospheric elements of the story add insight and make the town and its inhabitants endearing. 

At the story's beginning, Thea Fox and her brother Rem are off to visit her grandmother for a fun summer vacation, which turns into a nightmare for these twelve and ten-year-old children.  Over the years, Thea's unique gift of sight has often been a hindrance rather than a help, and she works hard to deal with it and the fear it sometimes causes.  As the story moves forward, the characters develop beautifully.  We feel all their emotions, fears, love, and successes.  By the end of the story, we know the characters as friends. 

The family dynamics enhance the suspense, and when the love interest comes on the scene, the level of joy and trepidation increases.  It wouldn't be a respectable romantic suspense if the lovers didn't have a flair-up, which is very tense in this case.  Their disagreement is my only negative, as I thought the issues were resolved a little too quickly to be realistic, but then it is fiction. 

Reading Mind Games reminds me of the riptides in the Florida waters lately.  It pulled me in from the start and would only let me go once I reached the end.  I can't say enough how much I loved all the characters: a kind and loving heroine, support characters that add dimension to the story, a wonderfully evil bad guy, a loving and protective grandmother, and a sexy love interest.  All these elements work together perfectly to make a wonderfully enjoyable story.

#Netgalley #NoraRoberts #romanticsuspense #paranormal

5 Stars