Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library after enjoying another book of the author's.

Okay, so I really liked this book. Could hardly get my nose out of it. Stayed up late to finish it. Still thinking about it. Can't wait to read the other books of hers that are on hold at the ebook library.

Liane Moriarty is an excellent storyteller and writer. I just wish she would stop using the F-word! Seriously! I don't know anyone who talks like that, and yes, I realize that I live in a pretty religious and conservative place. But still... even if Australia (Ms. Moriarty is Australian) accepts that word, doesn't mean you need to assume we all do. The writing is strong enough on it's own to not have to throw that word in there AT ALL. It's so annoying!

I know that problem would be a deal breaker for a lot of people and they would not read her books because of it. I usually feel that way, too. For some reason, her books draw me in enough that I am choosing to skip over the profanity to enjoy the rest of the story. I do feel a little guilt about that...

This book definitely makes use of profanity. There is also a description of the way a man sexually and verbally assaults a woman. The subject matter also involves domestic violence and a murder investigation.

The Kitchen House (Kathleen Grissom)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I didn't finish it. It was depressing and disturbing. I looked up reviews on it to see if it was worth trudging through, and found one blogger's review that assured me that it really doesn't get better. That was enough for me.

The portion I read included pedophilia, assault, cutting a body up to hide it, etc. I understand it expands those lovely topics even more as the book goes on.

What Once Was Lost (Kim Vogel Sawyer)

Why I have this book: I must have bought it when it was on sale. I've read other books by this author and liked them, so...

I didn't really like this one. I didn't feel like I got to know any of the characters very well, and the love story never really developed much. Nothing felt believable to me. I was surprised that this was her thirtieth book (I think that's what she said at the end), because it felt like a "starter book" to me.

Clean.

What Alice Forgot (Liane Moriarty)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the ebook library.

I really liked this book. I just sucked me in and kept me enthralled even when I wasn't reading it.

And I love her last name. Reminds me of Sherlock. :)

I really wish I could say this was clean, but she does use the F-word a handful of times, which is so not necessary for the story. (It's not necessary for any story. I find it very annoying.)

The (Re)Model Marriage (Maria Hoagland)

Why I have this book: I noticed this author had a new book out, so I bought it. I've enjoyed all of her books.

And I liked this one, as well. I had a hard time putting it down when I needed to go out and about. I like that the author writes about women who are in the mid-stage of life and facing challenges that can be common for that time. It works for where I am in life. Haha...

I'll keep watching for Maria's books, and I'll keep reading them. I really do like them.

Clean.

Up a Road Slowly (Irene Hunt)

Why I have this book: I don't remember! It may have been a book on sale (for Kindle) or maybe it was recommended to me. I do know my friend, L, read it and loved it, but I can't remember if she told me that when I already had it, or if that's why I bought it.

I really enjoyed this book. I don't have a lot to say about it or why I enjoyed it, but it was just one of those books that felt like a comfortable place to me. Maybe it reminded me of the kind of books I read in my young years. Maybe it reminded me a bit of Anne of Green Gables (in the "coming of age" sense). For whatever reason, it settled in nicely for me, and I'm glad I read it.

Clean.

From Here to Home (Marie Bostwick)

Why I have this book: It's a continuation of another book I read just a few weeks ago.

This book picks up about 30 years after the first one, so I'm pretty sure it finishes up the (two book) series. :) That's okay, though... it tied everything up nicely, and I enjoyed it very much.

The one thing that made me laugh... I noticed that in other books by this author, she often would write  "pulled at his nose." Like... when the character was thinking or upset or embarrassed, "he pulled at his nose." Haha.  The first time I found it odd. Then I noticed it seemed to happen with other characters in more than one book, and it happened again in this one. I guess it's a phrase I've never really heard before, and it just stood out to me and kind of felt comical. I don't know why. And it doesn't really matter, other than it's just stuck in my overthinking brain! :D

I do enjoy Marie Bostwick's books, though. I have another one on my Kindle that I haven't read yet, so I'm glad about that!

Pretty clean... there were a few swear words and one unmarried couple has sex, but it's not described at all. You just know it happened.