Review: The Writing Retreat

The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria for gifting me an early copy. Below is my honest review.

What a debut! This book had everything - intrigue, mystery, danger, a bit of supernatural storytelling, and a WHOLE LOT OF TWISTS.

As an aspiring writer myself, this one hit home pretty hard. Starting with the main character's writer's block, followed by the desire to lock myself up somewhere for a month and shut out the world to finish something, it felt like a dream. But it quickly turned into a nightmare.

Part of this story is watching it unfold, and I really don't feel right saying much more because it'll ruin the experience. Let's just say - this was one fun read, and totally worth picking up.

My only real complaint? The majority of the characters felt like teenagers instead of adults, and it felt kinda YA.

4.5 stars rounded up.

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Review: Murder at Haven's Rock

Murder at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me an advanced copy. I really enjoyed the book and decided to give my honest review, which is below.

When I heard that The Deepest of Secrets was the last Rockton book, I was devastated. I LOVE that series. LOVE. But then I found out there would be a spinoff, based off of the events of Deepest of Secrets, and I was ecstatic.

This one picks up where The Deepest of Secrets leaves off, with a brief time jump forward. The new Rockton, Haven's Rock, is almost complete, but of course, that means that it's time for murder! Casey, Eric, and the gang must work together to solve a new murder in their future new home.

This one was a tangled web of plot spaghetti, but I loved it. It wasn't predictable, and it had some great "gotcha" moments.

Definitely highly recommended, and while it explains enough that a new reader could jump in here, I'd recommend reading the Rockton books first. You'll appreciate the story more with all of the history.

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Review: The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom by Steve Berry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the gift of an advanced copy. You'll find my honest review below.

If you've followed me for a while, you know that the Cotton Malone series is one of my long time favorites. You'll also know that installment #16, The Kaiser's Web, earned a mediocre rating from me - mostly because at the end, Cotton Malone did something completely out of character in my opinion.

Last year, we received a Steve Berry novel that wasn't in the Cotton Malone series and it was fantastic.

This year, we get installment #17, The Last Kingdom. Cotton's story takes him to Germany again, like in book 16, but this one was back to form.

The Last Kingdom had twists, turns, betrayals, revelations, and the introduction of a character that I think will end up being the in the upcoming Luke Daniels spinoff with our favorite Frat Boy.

All in all, a fun romp through Bavaria. Can't wait for more Cotton (and honestly anything else from Steve Berry as well).

Four stars, definitely recommended (but read the rest of the series first!).

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Review: Responding to the Right: Brief Replies to 25 Conservative Arguments

Responding to the Right: Brief Replies to 25 Conservative Arguments by Nathan J. Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me an early copy of this book. Below is my honest review.

I requested an advanced copy of this book because I wanted some quick and easy references to respond to my family members when they start political arguments at every in person visit. And it delivered. It'll be the perfect resource in those moments where I know what I believe but need to put it in a way that they will understand and be willing to listen to.

Also, I learned a lot. :)

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