Review: The Sound of Broken Glass (Audio)

Summary: In the past . . . 

On a blisteringly hot August afternoon in Crystal Palace, once home to the tragically destroyed Great Exhibition, a solitary thirteen-year-old boy meets his next-door neighbor, a recently widowed young teacher hoping to make a new start in the tight-knit South London community. Drawn together by loneliness, the unlikely pair forms a deep connection that ends in a shattering act of betrayal. 

In the present . . . 

On a cold January morning in London, Detective Inspector Gemma James is back on the job now that her husband, Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid, is at home to care for their three-year-old foster daughter. Assigned to lead a Murder Investigation Team in South London, she's assisted by her trusted colleague, newly promoted Detective Sergeant Melody Talbot. Their first case: a crime scene at a seedy hotel in Crystal Palace. The victim: a well-respected barrister, found naked, trussed, and apparently strangled. Is it an unsavory accident or murder? In either case, he was not alone, and Gemma's team must find his companion—a search that takes them into unexpected corners and forces them to contemplate unsettling truths about the weaknesses and passions that lead to murder. Ultimately, they will begin to question everything they think they know about their world and those they trust most. -- Harper Audio

Not quite a year ago, I listened to NO MARK UPON HER by Deborah Crombie -- my review. While I normally like to start mystery series at the beginning, I had heard wonderful things about this author and figured I needed to start "now or never." Fortunately, I had no issues following the characters or the storyline; however, I did find that I enjoyed the novel so much that I wanted to go back and read the first thirteen in the series.

It's probably no surprise that I didn't find the time to go back and start the series from the beginning.. but I promised myself that I'd read all of the new books. So it was with much excitement that I loaded THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS on my iPhone and recently listened to it during my morning workouts. Ms. Crombie has done it again! THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS was an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing for the entire story.

THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS picks up shortly after NO MARK UPON HER left off. However, this novel works as a stand-alone; and Ms. Crombie fills the reader in on all the pertinent past events. The story goes back and forth between the past when a young boy becomes friends with his widowed neighbor and the present when two related murders occur. The reader knows these events are all related, but the question is, "How?"

The first victim is a lawyer who is found in a questionable hotel. He is naked and tied up, and the detectives initially wonder if it is a murder or something that went wrong during a sexual encounter. Detective Inspector Gemma James and her coworker Melody Talbot start digging into who could have been in the hotel room with the lawyer. Then, another barrister is found dead in a similar fashion; and they police detectives must find a common clue between the two victims. As they search for the murderer, they discover a few potential suspects; however, the truth lies in  past even that is much more complex than they ever could have imagined.

I thought Ms. Crombie did a wonderful job of setting up this mystery and gradually revealing clues to the reader. Personally, I enjoyed "investigating" the case with Gemma and Melody; and I liked all of the twists and turns of the mystery. I didn't figure out the culprit until near the end of the story -- basically when the people I thought were involved were ruled out as suspects; however, I do think many readers will be able to figure out the mystery pretty early on. Looking back, I'm a little embarrassed that I wasn't more astute!

In addition the the mystery, I also really appreciated the characters in the novel. Not only were the people involved in the murder pretty interesting, but I also liked the detectives involved, namely Gemma and Melody. Gemma is back from her time away from the job, and I liked seeing her female approach to crime solving. Of course, even though her husband Duncan is on leave, he still managed to assist Gemma in her investigation. However, it was Melody that I really found intriguing in this novel. Melody becomes romantically involved with one of the suspects, and I thought her attempt to balance her professional and personal life was precarious to say the least. I'm extremely curious to see what the next steps are for all of these characters in future books in the series.

Probably the best thing to me about THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS was how it examined the good and bad sides of human nature. I loved how the author delved into motivations and actions of the characters, and demonstrated the effects of the past on the present. There really was some insightful social commentary about bullying, deceit, and class divisions.

I listened to the audio version of THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS and I thought it was an excellent products. Once again, Gerard Doyle read the story and I thought he did an outstanding job. I loved his variety of accents and I've come to equate him with Deborah Crombie novels.

THE SOUND OF BROKEN GLASS would make a fantastic book club selection if you are looking for a mystery. Naturally, I was impressed by the mystery, but the real beauty of these novels lie in the characters and their motivations. As a result, there is plenty to discuss as you can clearly see in the reading guide. Some of the themes you might want to explore include revenge, love, obligation, work vs. family life, sacrifice, class structure, forgiveness, and redemption.

I definitely consider myself a fan of Ms. Crombie's and I am anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series. I'd like to say that I'll go back and read the first thirteen books, but who am I kidding?

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.  

Kid Konnection: National Poetry Month

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you two poetry picture books in honor of National Poetry Month.

Summary: Under the desert’s cracked and barren skin, spadefoot toads are waiting for rain. In the endless black of the deepest caves, blind fish find their way. Even in the frozen hearts of glaciers, ice worms by the billion flourish. In this fascinating look at fourteen animals who defy the odds by thriving in Earth’s most dangerous places, renowned poet Marilyn Singer and celebrated artist Ed Young show that of all the miracles of life, it is life’s persistence that astounds the most. -- Chronicle Books

A STRANGE PLACE TO CALL HOME: THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS HABITATS & THE ANIMALS THAT CALL THEM HOME by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Ed Young is a fantastic book to introduce children to poetry. This gorgeous book features different types of poetry as a way to teach children about a  a variety of animal habitats.

Booking Son and I read this book and I was surprised by how much he enjoyed it. I think the variety of poems kept him interested. Plus, he liked that the animals and habitats that were presented had some pretty interesting characteristics.

As a mom, I can't recommend this book enough because it makes learning fun. In fact, it would be ideal for classrooms. I learned a great deal about some very unique animals and their homes, and I also learned about different forms of poetry. In addition, the illustrations created by Ed Young, a Caldecott medalist, were positively beautiful!

One of my favorite parts of this book was the Endnotes section. Additional information about each of the animals and their natural habitats was provided (in non-poetry text), and the various types of poetry forms were explained as well. The book also references a website that further explains the poetry forms and suggests that kids try to write their own poems! So cute!

A STRANGE PLACE TO CALL HOME is an entertaining picture book that also teaches children about animals and poetry. Highly recommended.

Summary: In the best-selling tradition of This is New York and My New York, this delightful book-length poem spreads the wonder and joy that is New York, as told through the words of its children. As part of an unprecedented series of workshops, New York City public school students were challenged to write about what it was like to live, learn, and play in New York City. The poems were collected and edited into this book. Their words provide readers of all ages an honest, kid’s-eye view of the melting pot of cultures, ideas, and excitement found within the five boroughs of New York City. Masha D’yans’s beautiful illustrations complement the vivid descriptions of taking a taxi through Manhattan or a subway up to the "boogie-down" Bronx, the salty seas of Staten Island, passing the family-owned stores that form the backbone of Queens, walking through Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens, and so much more. Lyrical, heartfelt, and bursting with imagination, A Poem as Big as New York City proves that a poem can be as vast and exciting as the greatest city in the world. -- Universe/Rizzoli

A POEM AS BIG AS NEW YORK CITY: LITTLE KIDS WRITE ABOUT THE BIG APPLE is another terrific poetry picture book. Basically, it's a collaborative poem that New York City public school students wrote as part of a series of 75 workshops held throughout the five boroughs. They were asked to write about what it's like to live, learn and play in The Big Apple. These poems were edited by Teachers and Writers Collaborative and the book was illustrated by Masha D'yans. The foreword was written by Walter Dean Myers.

A POEM AS BIG AS NEW YORK CITY is a gorgeous book. I absolutely adore the poem and, while I've never lived in NYC, I have a feeling that these kids captured the essence of the city perfectly. I appreciated the references to taxis, the skyline, the baseball stadium, the subway, the Statue of Liberty, and much more! I also loved how it featured the various cultures and ideas of New York's citizens. It really is a book that should make New Yorkers proud.

A must-read for New Yorkers or anyone who wants to celebrate the brilliance of our young people!

Thanks to the publisher for providing review copies of these books. And a big thanks to Serena at Savvy Verse & Wit for coordinating this tour!

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too! 

Review: Farewell, Dorothy Parker

Summary: What if inspiration came to visit...and wouldn't leave?

When it comes to movie reviews, critic Violet Epps is a powerhouse voice. But that's only because she's learned to channel her literary hero, Dorothy Parker, the most celebrated and scathing wit of the 20th century.

If only Violet could summon that kind of courage in her personal life.

Determined to defeat her social anxiety, Violet visits the Algonquin Hotel to pull strength from the hallowed dining room, where Dorothy Parker and so many other famous writers of the 1920s traded barbs. But she gets more than she bargained for when Dorothy Parker's feisty spirit rematerializes from an ancient guestbook and hitches a ride onto her life.

Violet is shocked and thrilled to be face-to-face with her idol, but when the gin-swilling writer takes up residence in her home and grows pricklier and more outspoken by the day, the timid movie critic is pushed to her limit. With her job threatened, her new relationship in tatters, and the custody fight for her orphaned niece in jeopardy, Violet is forced to face her fears ...and she makes sure Mrs. Parker does the same.

Wickedly funny and surprisingly poignant, Farewell, Dorothy Parker perfectly re-imagines one of America's most iconic voices in a captivating and unforgettable tale. -- Putnam

A few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to read something for fun, so I headed down to the basement and grabbed FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER by Ellen Meister from my stack of books. When I read the description, I thought it might be smart chick lit; and that's pretty much how I'd summarize it after reading the novel too. FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER was an entertaining read, but it also had some substance.

FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER tells the story of Violet, a famous movie critic who is known for her smart and sassy opinions. However in real life, Violet is pretty much the opposite. She doesn't act like a confident woman especially when it comes to her relationships, and she doesn't even have the courage to tell her loser boyfriend what she thinks of him.

Violet decides to meet him at the Algonquin Hotel -- the meeting place of her idol Dorothy Parker and other famous writers -- to finally break the news to him. Once again, Violet finds that her courage is lacking and she is unable to way what she really thinks... until Dorothy Parker's ghost magically appears from the hotel's guestbook.

Ms. Parker ends up returning home with Violet and begins "educating" Violet with her scathing wit and outspokenness. The question is, "Can Ms. Parker's ghost give Violet the confidence and tools she needs in her personal life to deal with her mooching boyfriend, her career problems, and even the custody fight for her niece?"

Overall, I thought FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER was a cute read. It was funny and sweet, but it also touched upon some serious issues. I think what I appreciated the most about this novel was how much I "learned" about Dorothy Parker. I knew very little about her prior to picking up this book except for a few of her famous sayings, and I liked how the author showed another side to Ms. Parker... while also featuring her trademark wit.

It was apparent to me that Ms. Meister thoroughly researched Ms. Parker and the time period in which she lived. She even included some information about Dorothy Parker in her Author's Notes at the end of the novel. However, what really impressed me was how well she seemed to capture Ms. Parker's voice and personality. I couldn't help but laugh at Ms. Parker's strong opinions and insight into Violet's life.

I also really enjoyed Violet's character... most of the time! My heart did go out to her, especially after I learned what she'd been through, but I definitely wanted her to get more of a spine when it came to her personal life. It was heartwarming to see how Violet evolved, with the help of Dorothy Parker's spirit, and how she eventually gained her own voice.

FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER would make for a very fun book club discussion. It might even be fun to read some of Ms. Parker's works to complement the novel. There is a reading guide available with nine questions. Some of the themes you might want to explore include social anxiety, self-confidence, mentoring relationships, and grief.

If you are looking for a cute book that also has some substance, then I recommend giving FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER a try.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Life After Life

Summary: What if you could live again and again, until you got it right? On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, lets out a lusty wail, and embarks upon a life that will be, to say the least, unusual. For as she grows, she also dies, repeatedly, in a variety of ways, while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war. Does Ursula's apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny?

Wildly inventive, darkly comic, startlingly poignant--this is Kate Atkinson at her absolute best. -- Little, Brown

I've been sitting here for over an hour procrastinating on writing my review for LIFE AFTER LIFE by Kate Atkinson. One of the reasons is because I have read so many wonderful reviews for this novel and I know mine won't compare. However, the main reason that I haven't wanted to write my review is because LIFE AFTER LIFE just blew me away. I absolutely, positively loved this novel... and I know I won't be able to express my appreciation of this book in any sort of coherent manner!

Before I try to summarize this novel, I have to warn you that I'm having a difficult time gathering what my thoughts. The publisher's summary is good and probably much better than I could ever write, but it only touches the surface of what this novel is about. At its simplest, LIFE AFTER LIFE tells the story of Ursula Todd, a British woman who was born on a snowy evening in 1910 and immediately died. However, she is also born on that same night and lives! Throughout the course of the next 500 plus pages, Ursula continues to die in a variety of ways; and yet she continually has the opportunity to relive her life -- and thus make different choices. These actions take Ursula on very different paths that ultimately affect her and her loved ones.

Unless you're living under a rock, you've read a review or two for LIFE AFTER LIFE. I really can't add anything that hasn't already been said, but I can say that I thought it was brilliant! The premise of this story is pretty darn original (I'm still wondering how in the world the author came up with it), but it's Ms. Atkinson's writing that made this novel outstanding. I have been a big fan of Ms. Atkinson's for some years now, but what she accomplished in LIFE AFTER LIFE is an entirely new level to me! I honestly can't remember the last time a novel made me think this much.

LIFE AFTER LIFE was so good that I didn't want it to end -- and that almost never happens to me when reading a book this size. However, I have to admit that I did have some issues at the beginning of the novel. It took me awhile to understand what was going on. I mean, I understood that she was dying and being reborn with different results, but I was a little outside of my comfort zone with what was happening to Ursula. (Plus it was a little depressing to know that she was just going to keep on dying!) I think I tried to make too much sense of something that didn't really make sense (at least in my "world"), and once I just "let go," I was able to truly appreciate the story. (Having said that, if I start thinking about it again, I have some questions that weren't actually answered, but I chose not to dwell on this minor issue!)

Rather, I have decided to focus on the many things in LIFE AFTER LIFE that stood out to me. I've already mentioned that Ms. Atkinson's writing is phenomenal. I adored the story, the way she presented the story, the character development, the humor, the drama, and so much more (truly, I could go on and on), but I also loved that this book incorporated so much of World War II history into it. I had a feeling from the first few pages that the entire story might culminate with WWII, but I had absolutely no idea how much a role it would play in Ursula's life (or lives.) I was extremely impressed with Ms. Atkinson's descriptions of the war and especially the bombings, but I also liked how she showed how much it affected the individuals who were dealing with war in their day-to-day lives.

It's been two days since I've finished this novel and I'm still reeling from it. I can't stop thinking about the many messages and themes in this story -- LIFE AFTER LIFE is just one of those novels that begs to be discussed. (Obviously, I'm going to say that it's a great selection for book clubs!) I think there are many incidents in this novel that can be interpreted differently depending on the reader, and that always makes for an interesting discussion. However, the book also explore so many universal themes about life including loss, rebirth, choices, regrets, and second chances.

The longer I let LIFE AFTER LIFE percolate in my brain, the more I find that it truly affected me like only a great book can. I have been thinking about choices and how they ultimately affect us, but I've also been thinking about how our choices can affect others -- whether they know it or not -- even after we are gone. I don't particularly like looking back at the past because I can't really change things (and my life is pretty darn good the way it is), but LIFE AFTER LIFE has made me think about how an event (even an especially small one) could have changed life as I know it. And of course, these reflections hold true not only for me personally but also for major world events.

Another thing that LIFE AFTER LIFE has made me consider is how much do we affect our lives -- through choices -- and how much do our lives affect us -- through fate. I realize that there is a balance between the two, but Ursula's life experiences made me question how much I can really control in my life. And that's a little scary considering that I'm a bit of a control freak. Similarly, I had to question how much of Ursula's decisions were because of her inner personality traits. Or, were the events that she experienced (in her various lives) a bigger factor in her future actions?

There are a few more things that I'm still toying around with, but I think I'll just recommend that you read this novel and see how it affects you! I have a feeling that every reader will take away some different from this story!

As I read back over this review, I realize that I hardly did justice to LIFE AFTER LIFE. However, I do hope that I was able to share with you my excitement for this book... and the potential it has to make every reader ponder their own life!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Unplug & Read - Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle

There is no doubt that my kids and I read every single day. But unfortunately, we also watch a lot of television, play at lot of video games, and spend an incredible amount of time on the computer. I'm embarrassed to admit how addicted we are to our "screens," but I have a feeling that we aren't alone with this problem.

And that's why I love being part of Random House Children's Books' Unplug & Read Tour! Screen Free Week is taking place April 29th through May 5th which is only 26 days away! To celebrate, I am reviewing a fantastic new picture book that will be available next week from an award winning author and illustrator.

Summary: Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood, and no one captures the emotional ups and downs of the experience better than Chris Raschka, who won the 2012 Caldecott Medal for A Ball for Daisy. In this simple yet emotionally rich "guide," a father takes his daughter through all the steps in the process—from choosing the perfect bicycle to that triumphant first successful ride. Using very few words and lots of expressive pictures, here is a picture book that not only shows kids how to learn to ride, but captures what it feels like to fall . . . get up . . . fall again . . . and finally "by luck, grace, and determination" ride a bicycle! -- Schwartz & Wade

EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE written and illustrated by Chris Raschka is an absolutely delightful children's book for kids... and adults. Kids will love this insider's look at what it takes to ride a bike, and parents will be touched when reading about this important childhood milestone.

EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE is the story of a father teaching his young daughter how to ride a bicycle. It starts with picking out the perfect bike and follows the process until the little girl is riding the bike on her own. Of course, it isn't always easy, and there are a few bumps and bruises along the way.

I thought this picture book was adorable for so many reasons; however, it was the little messages in the story that really captured my heart. For example, the father is extremely encouraging. He starts by having his daughter watch other riders so she will see that, "They all learned how." He then builds her confidence with the step-by-step training wheel process but admits along the way that it can be "a bit scary." And finally, after the little girl falls, the dad is there to hug her and offer even more encouragement and "to try it again, and again, and again...."

I have to say that when the little girl took off on her own, I had a little lump in my throat. While my husband was the one to teach our kids to ride their bikes, I was out there with my camera trying to capture ever single moment of the adventure! For parents, having their child learn to ride a bicycle is such a huge milestone. It just screams, "Our baby is growing up!"

Between the wonderful illustrations and the encouraging messages in EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE, I just loved it. But don't just take it from me. This picture book has already received starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews. When you see it it for yourself, you'll have no problem understanding why!

EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE is a precious picture book and should be part of every family's home library!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Here's a little bit more about Screen Free Week:

Imagine going about your day without the trappings of screen media: no phones, computers, tablets, televisions. Preschoolers today spend as much as 4.1 to 4.6 hours per day on one screen or another. Including multi-tasking, children 8 to 18 spend 7.5 hours per day with screens. This Spring, Random House Children’s Books is issuing a challenge: UNPLUG & READ during Screen Free Week April 29 – May 5.

Inspired by Dan Yaccarino’s Doug Unplugged (On sale February 12, 2013) about a robot who discovers that the real world trumps the virtual, we are launching Random House Unplugs: A Screen Free Week promotion.  We are committed to supporting teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents in their efforts to encourage children to UNPLUG & READ during Screen Free Week from April 29 – May 5.

Screen Free Week is the annual celebration from the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) that encourages turning off screens and turning on life.  CCFC’s Screen Free Week is a creative response to growing public health concerns about the unprecedented time children spend with entertainment screen media—television, computers, video games, and smart phones. Studies show that Preschoolers spend as much as 4.1 to 4.6 hours per day using screen media. Including multi-tasking, children 8 to 18 spend 7.5 hours per day with screens. Unplugging for one week provides an opportunity to reset media habits, establishing a healthy, sustainable tradition of media consumption in households and schools.

You can follow the Unplug & Read Tour on Random House Children's Books Facebook page!

Review: And Then I Found You

Summary: Kate Vaughan is no stranger to tough choices.

She’s made them before. Now it’s time to do it again.

Kate has a secret, something tucked away in her past. And she’s getting on with her life.  Her business is thriving. She has a strong relationship with her family, and a devoted boyfriend whom she wants to love with all her heart. If Kate had ever made a list, Rowan would fill the imagined boxes of a perfect mate. But she wants more than the perfect on paper relationship; she wants a real and imperfect love. That's why, when Kate discovers the small velvet box hidden in Rowan's drawer, she panics.

It always happens this way. Just when Kate thinks she can love, just when she believes she can conquer the fear, she’s filled with dread. And she wants more than anything to make this feeling go away. But how? 

When the mistakes have been made and the running is over, it’s time to face the truth. Kate knows this. She understands that a woman can never undo what can never be undone. Yet, for the first time in her life she also knows that she won’t fully love until she confronts those from her past. It’s time to act. 

Can she do it? Can she travel to the place where it all began, to the one who shares her secret? Can the lost ever become found? 

And Then I Found You gives new life to the phrase “inspired by a true story.” By traveling back to a painful time in her own family’s history, the author explores the limits of courage, and the price of a selfless act. -- St. Martin's Press

The She Reads network selected AND THEN I FOUND YOU by Patti Callahan Henry as its April pick. Once again, I'm not entirely sure that I would have read this book on my own since it isn't exactly my normal reading fare. While I do enjoy women's fiction, I was worried that it would be too much of a romance/love story for me. However, a big part of me was drawn to the story because it was based on a true story about the author's sister.

AND THEN I FOUND YOU tells the story of Kate, a woman who seemingly has it all. She owns her own business and is in a serious relationship with Rowan, a good guy who truly loves Kate. However, when Kate discovers a ring box in Rowan's drawer, she begins to question if she's ready to commit. It becomes obvious to Kate that she needs some closure from some events in her past before she can happily move on.

So Kate decides to track down her first love Jack -- the man she fell in love with as a young teen. And more importantly, the father of the child she gave up for adoption. Kate and Jack had been having a few difficulties in their relationship when they were living apart, but had a one night stand and Kate ended up getting pregnant. In the months following their encounter, Jack married the woman he'd been seeing; and Kate felt it best to give up her daughter to a family with both a mother and a father.

When Kate finds Jack, her old feelings definitely come rushing back to her; and though she's determined to move forward with Rowan, her heart isn't cooperating. In the meantime, Kate's daughter decides that she wants to meet her birth mother; and she ends up finding Kate on Facebook. Kate experiences a huge range of emotions and is forced to make some tough decision about her future. And she also learns that you can't ever let go of your past.

As I'm sure you can tell from the brief description of AND THEN I FOUND YOU, this novel deals with some very serious issues and it has its fair share of ups and downs. You can't help but feel for Kate, Jack and their daughter; however, I'm not entirely sure that I loved this novel. There are parts of it that I thought were very well done, and then there were some parts that didn't work as well for me. I have no doubt that I am in the minority with this opinion though. I have a feeling that most people with love this touching story.

One thing that made this book special to me was that it was inspired by real life events in the author's life. Like Kate, Ms. Henry's sister actually gave up a child for adoption only to be reunited with her twenty years later. In a strange twist, Ms. Henry's niece actually found her on Facebook and requested to be friends. The family could hardly believe their luck when they realized this girl had the same birthday as the child who had been given up for adoption. They always say that real life is stranger than fiction, and I think Ms. Henry had to base a novel on this experience!

Another aspect of the story that I really appreciated was how it addressed a woman's choice to give her child up for adoption. I truly believe that it's an extremely generous gift to both the child and the family who receives the child; and I loved how the novel explored the sacrifice that is involved in such a difficult choice. Even though it appeared that Kate had moved on with her life, not a day went by when she didn't think about her child and wonder how she was doing. I believe that the author's portrayal of Kate and her feelings was extremely accurate.

I also liked how AND THEN I FOUND YOU explored the effect of adoption on families. And by that I mean the family of the birth mother as well as the family who adopts a child. Not only was Kate still reeling from her decision, but Kate's entire family was affected by not getting to know their grandchild or niece. In addition, the family who adopted Kate's daughter had to deal with their daughter wanting to find her birth mother. I can only imagine the fear and insecurities they had in letting their child meet her birth parents.

While I appreciated just about everything having to do with the adoption parts of AND THEN I FOUND YOU, I did have an issue with some aspects of Kate's personal life. I could totally understand her difficulties in letting go of her daughter, but I was frustrated at times with her fixation on Jack. I guess I'm not a romantic because I actually got angry with how she treated Rowan. I thought she was unfair to him and even rude when she didn't contact him, and I guess I felt he deserved more than that. Not that Rowan handled the situation perfectly, mind you, but Kate did keep some pretty huge secrets from him.

Because AND THEN I FOUND YOU deals with so many serious topics, it would be an interesting book club selection. There is a reading guide with fifteen thought-provoking questions that might help stimulate discussion, although I think it would be pretty easy to find topics to discuss on your own. Some of the themes you might want to explore include adoption, love, secrets, forgiveness, redemption, families, closure, and second chances. One thing I'd love to learn in a discussion of this novel is whether any other readers felt the same way about Kate as I did.

There is no doubt that AND THEN I FOUND YOU is an amazing story -- even more so because it's based on real-life events. Recommend to fans of women's fiction and book clubs.

Thanks to the publisher, Wunderkind PR, and She Reads for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Six Years

Summary: Six years have passed since Jake Sanders watched Natalie, the love of his life, marry another man. Six years of hiding a broken heart by throwing himself into his career as a college professor. Six years of keeping his promise to leave Natalie alone, and six years of tortured dreams of her life with her new husband, Todd.

But six years haven’t come close to extinguishing his feelings, and when Jake comes across Todd’s obituary, he can’t keep himself away from the funeral. There he gets the glimpse of Todd’s wife he’s hoping for…but she is not Natalie. Whoever the mourning widow is, she’s been married to Todd for almost two decades, and with that fact everything Jake thought he knew about the best time of his life—a time he has never gotten over—is turned completely inside out.

As Jake searches for the truth, his picture-perfect memories of Natalie begin to unravel. Mutual friends of the couple either can’t be found, or don’t remember Jake. No one has seen Natalie in years. Jake’s search for the woman who broke his heart, who lied to him, soon puts his very life at risk as it dawns on him that the man he has become may be based on a carefully constructed fiction.

Harlan Coben once again delivers a shocking page-turner that deftly explores the power of past love, and the secrets and lies that such love can hide. -- Dutton

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've never read an adult Harlan Coben book. I've read two of his YA mystery novels which I really enjoyed, and that's probably why I felt the need to read his newest novel SIX YEARS. There was just something about the writing that made the books so easy to read. Plus, I loved the mystery aspects of the stories.

Now that I've finally read a grown-up Coben book, I have to say that I was extremely impressed. SIX YEARS was so good for so many reason! In fact, I think I'm officially a fan... and I might even be a big one. I want to go back and read all of his novels!

SIX YEARS is quite the mystery/thriller. Six years ago, Jake and Natalie seemed to be perfect for each other, at least according to Jake. However, Natalie mysteriously dumped Jake and married another man. Jake has never fully recovered from the breakup, but he's done his best to move on.

When Jake stumbles upon an obituary for Natalie's husband, all of his feelings for Natalie come rushing back. He is so intrigued that he attends the funeral and discovers that this man's widow isn't Natalie at all. Rather she's a woman who's been married to this man for twenty years and even has children with him. Needless to say, Jake is extremely confused!

Jake begins delving into his past and is determined to find Natalie. Through his investigation, he quickly learns that his relationship was nothing like it seemed. He can't find Natalie, and furthermore, he can't find anyone that even remembers Natalie. It's apparent to Jake that something isn't quite right, and Jake isn't sure who or what to believe as his search for the truth takes him to some very dangerous places.

SIX YEARS was certainly a page-turner! It was an extremely fast paced story that was highly entertaining, and I was so intrigued by the mystery. Like Jake, I wasn't quite sure what to believe; and I definitely began having doubts about everyone Jake encountered... including Jake himself. I honestly had no idea where the story was going to go and I was extremely surprised by all of the twists. SIX YEARS encompassed everything I expect from a psychological thriller!

But SIX YEARS also offered so much more than just a quality mystery. It actually had some decent character development, particularly as it applied to Jake. Jake was a pretty complex character who was challenged by not only his recollection of his past, but also by the loss of his true love. I thought his voice was so genuine (and funny!), and I couldn't help but really like him. Of course, it didn't hurt that I imagined him as being Hugh Jackman, since Mr. Jackman was recently cast as Jake for the movie!

I guess it's no surprise that I highly recommend SIX YEARS to fans of mysteries. I just loved this book and can't wait to read more from Mr. Coben.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.