Book Review - Blind Spot by Jo Richardson ⭐⭐⭐

Title: Blind Spot
Author: Jo Richardson
Pages: 497 (Paperback)
Genre: Fiction
Source: Book Sirens 
Format : Kindle E Book 
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

When I look for books to review, I usually take my time because there are so many to choose from and I know what I like to read. Upon reading a sample of Blind Spot I just knew that I had to read it. I must say that the story was indeed a page turner.

The author's descriptions of the characters were vivid. I imagined that I was there feeling what Tucker felt while he confronted the demons of his past. Sydney's character was very interesting because I never before thought that people could possess the kind of "gift" that she possesses.

The connection between the main characters and the passion was really alive as well. You felt their love and struggles, their journey.

Had the book been shorter though it would have been much more effective.

I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Title: Verity
Author: Colleen Hoover 
Published by: 
Pages: 324 pages 
Genre: Romantic Thriller
Format: E book
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Synopsis 

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

A standalone romantic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

My Review:

Finally I read the much talked about Verity. 

This is the type of story that will stay with me for a while. 

Verity has been on my TBR list for a while and it did not disappoint. This was my first time reading Colleen Hoover and I assure you that I will be reading more of her work in the future. 

Lowen is a writer who is a bit down on her luck, her mother died leaving her in debt, she has issues with sleep walking so of course she needs a break in life. After witnessing an accident on the street on the way to her publishers' and being helped by a kind stranger Jeremy her life takes an unexpected turn. 

Jeremy Crawford ends up being the husband of a famous author Verity Crawford who wants to hore Lowen to complete his famous wife's book series.

Verity suffered tremendous loss and was in a tragic accident which left her in a coma.  After seizing the opportunity, Lowen agreed to stay in the Crawford's household to research manuscripts and plan her writing. In doing so Lowen makes a startling discovery, Verity's autobiography.  As she reads the sordid tale in Verity's autobiography, Lowen realizes that there lies within that family secrets.

What I love about this book is that it held my interest till the very end. As Lowen read Verity's manuscript you could have felt every feeling and emotion. There were times I was angry, sad and of course horrified. The ending was surprising too. I did not expect the story to end that way.

I am glad I finally read this. 

Book review: Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: Ties that Tether
Author: Jane Igharo
Date : September 29th. 2020
Pages :336
Genres : Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Women's Fiction
Source : Libby Overdrive, Library 
Format E book
Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture even after emigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping--forcing--her to stay well within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her growing feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother who will never accept a relationship that threatens to dilute Azere's Nigerian heritage.

Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

I downloaded the Libby App recently because the library here in Trinidad and Tobago, because of the pandemic is trying to make reading more accessible because many would not be able to visit the library as we usually do. So in other words I am a newbie to this. I borrowed this book mainly as a test, not knowing what it was about and became very engrossed in the story.

Azere made a promise as a child  to her dying father that she would marry a Nigerian "Edo" man. Now an adult living in Canada Azere's mother has gone to great lengths to honor her deceased father's wishes by trying to match her with every eligible bachelor of Nigerian Heritage. Azere goes on these dates dutifully but never makes a connection with anyone. 

After one of these arranged dates goes wrong, she  meets Raphael, who is completely handsome and guess what he is not Nigerian or even Black. They connected at the bar and had a one night stand. Azere tries to put Rafael out of her mind when lo and behold he starts working at her job.

There begins a romantic adventure that keeps you turning pages.

This is definitely a must read!!!

Book Review - Camgirl Got me - Taylor By Just Bae ⭐⭐⭐

 

A nice quick read !!! ⭐⭐⭐ Ok so it is two am and I could not sleep so i decided to read this short story. I love how I am discovering new writers everyday like Just Bae. A Camgirl got me is a short story that is very erotic and definitely a page turner. Sometimes stories like these are not so well written but I was actually surprised at the style of writing. Good short story.

Book review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Pages:391
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Adult
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2021 is off to a great start for me with this book. 

This has been on my TBR for a very long time and all I can say about it is that it lived up to the hype.

Prior to reading this I heard so many rave reviews and the fact that it did not disappoint gave me peace.

Monique Grant is a young writer, working for a magazine called Vivant. Newly separated from her husband, Monique is requested for by none other than Evelyn Hugo who wants Monique to write not just a story for the magazine but her autobiography.

As Monique interviews Evelyn she is told a story about a life of intrigue and tragedy.  It was also a story about the great lengths we will go in life to protect the ones we love and for love. In my opinion this was the best part of the book.

With an ending so shocking that Monique couldn't believe it.

This story was well written. I enjoyed it completely.

Book Review: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: My Dark Vanessa
Author: Kate Elizabeth Russell
Published By: William Morrow
Pages: 373
Genre: Adult Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Dark
Source:  Library
Format: e book, .epub
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Come and be worshipped, come and be caressed, My dark Vanessa, crimson-barred, my blest, My admirable butterfly!"

This book was disturbingly good. A page turner indeed.

What a way to start 2021. 

There were parts of this story that I felt uncomfortable reading but I just could not put it down.

Vanessa Wye is a fifteen year old student of a boarding school called Browick where, upon attending meets Jacob Strane an English teacher who she becomes infatuated with. Strane also has an interest in Vanessa one that leads her down an unimaginable path of destruction for the rest of her life.

I think this book is necessary because sexual grooming is something that happens more frequently than we care to admit. Many older men and some women prey on young people that may be viewed as weak. 

This book was so well written. I love the imagery and the relevance of every single person in the book. While reading I felt everything that Vanessa was going through. At times I became emotional, angry and also felt pity for Jacob Strane.

This book gives a good example of what can happen if people don't address trauma. 

I really want people to read this book so I would say no more.

I am looking forward to reading more from this author. 

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

 

December 2020 Wrap Up

Well today is the last day of 2020. "Ole Years Day!" as we call it here in Trinidad and Tobago.

Many would say that 2020 has been an unprecedented year with the Coronavirus and all the social distancing. I actually thought that this year gave me the opportunity to embrace my love for reading and share my passion with the world through "Trini Girl Reads."

As I share what I read for the month of December, I would like to wish all persons reading this a Happy and Prosperous 2021.

DECEMBER 2020 Reads

Jihadi Bride by Alastair Luft Book Review ⭐⭐⭐

 

Title of Book: Jihadi Bride
Author: Alastair Luft
Published by: Black Rose Publishing 
Number of Pages:326
Genres: Action, Thriller
Source: Book Sirens
Format: Kindle, ARC
Trini Girl Reads Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

"....someone's freedom to do something always butted up against someone else's freedom from something."

This is the first book I have received from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.

This book was about Erik Peterson an army /war veteran who upon hearing that his daughter Arielle after having had a traumatic experience at her college, decided to join Islam and go to Syria to (what she thought) to fulfill a higher purpose and find peace. What she experienced was nothing she expected. Meanwhile her father Erick would stop at nothing to find his daughter even if it meant putting himself at risk.

I found this story really exciting and action packed and honestly this would make a very good TV series. This is my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed with the writing in this novel and the characters. I am always impressed when I can, from the description of characters picture what they look like and imagine that I am there.

What stood out was Arielle's experience upon arrival in the Middle East. It really reminded me that sometimes experiencing a traumatic experience can lead us to find comfort in things that may not necessarily be good for us.

I was excited about Mus'ab though, and felt that his character could have impacted more in the story. (I do not want to go further and spoil it).

I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Action.

Best Books of 2020 by Francica aka Trini Girl Reads

Here is a list of the best books I read in 2020.

1. Game of Thrones - George. R.R. Martin

2. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown

3. Kite Runner _ Khaled Hosseini

4. Americanah _ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

5. Girl Woman Other _ Berandine Evaristo

6. My Sister's Keeper _ Jodi Picoult

7. A Thousand Splendid Suns _ Khaled Hosseini

8.The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennet

9. The Wife Between Us _ Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

10. The Silent Patient - Alex Michealides 

Merry Christmas Everyone 🎄🎅🤶

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Book Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

THE VANISHING HALF 

FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

SYNOPSIS

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it's not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it's everything: their families, their communities, their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters' storylines intersect?

Weaving together multiple strands and generations of this family, from the Deep South to California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Brit Bennett produces a story that is at once a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person's decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51791252-the-vanishing-half

MY REVIEW

This book is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. 

I connected with this book on so many levels. As a person of color sometimes we feel as if there is a need to change who we are to be accepted. The Vignes sisters, twins, belonged to this small town called Mallard where everyone was light skinned. 

They witnessed their father being killed by a gang of white men when they were children and this I think impacted on the twins during the course of their lives. The story follows Desiree and Stella  Vignes as they grow up and take two different paths in life, with Stella trying to pass for white, while Desiree wanting to prove a point by marrying one of those {"dark men" that her mother warned were trouble. 

I felt connected to all the characters in this novel. I felt mixed emotions anger, fear, sadness especially for Stella because she felt that hiding who she was would somehow erase the hurt from her past. I think that while she lived in luxury she had the harder life than Desiree. As a person of color myself. 

I could relate to the issues of colorism that came out in the book. The writer did that creatively with the character Jude who was Desiree's daughter. I felt through the words how she lacked the confidence just like most girls who are darker skinned. Reese was important too because he had his battles to fight with being transgender but in Jude he found a mirror image. 

I read this book as an e book but I am going out to the book store and getting a physical copy for myself. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in future.

I highly recommend this book. 

I also think that it is a great book for a book club discussion.

A Dark and Secret Place by Jen Williams ⭐⭐⭐Book Review ⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

When prodigal daughter Heather Evans returns to her family home after her mother's baffling suicide, she makes an alarming discovery--stacks and stacks of carefully preserved letters from notorious serial killer Michael Reave. The "Red Wolf," as he was dubbed by the press, has been in prison for over twenty years, serving a life sentence for the gruesome and ritualistic murders of several women across the country, although he has always protested his innocence. The police have had no reason to listen, yet Heather isn't the only one to have cause to re-examine the murders. The body of a young woman has just been found, dismembered and placed inside a tree, the corpse planted with flowers. Just as the Red Wolf once did.

What did Heather's mother know? Why did she kill herself? And with the monstrous Red Wolf safely locked inside a maximum security prison, who is stalking young women now? Teaming up with DI Ben Parker, Heather hopes to get some answers for herself and for the newest victims of this depraved murderer. Yet to do that, she must speak to Michael Reave herself, and expose herself to truths she may not be ready to face. Something dark is walking in the woods, and it knows her all too well.

My Review

Three Stars - I liked this story....⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very entertaining and gripping book that is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat.

Heather, a thirty something year old journalist had no idea that her mother Colleen, who recently committed suicide had so many secrets, that is, until now. Upon returning to bury her now deceased mother Heather finds letters written by her mother to a well known serial killer Michael Reave. Intent to uncover the truth, Heather starts an investigation of her own. What she finds out is much more than she bargained for.

What I liked about this story was that it was not predictable usually in mysteries we could, about halfway into the story know what will happen but this story at least for me ended a bit unexpected.

If I had to make a criticism though, I felt that there were some parts in the middle that dragged and I would have liked more of Ben Parker especially toward the end, His character was quite good so I would have been more excited if he was more involved when Heather and Nikki went to Fiddler's Mill.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers and mysteries. I am sure you will enjoy it.

November Wrap Up!!! I only completed one book 😢

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen was the only book that I read this month but it was definitely a great read. December will be better you guys!!!!

Becoming Michelle Obama Book Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own."

A few months ago I looked at the documentary "Becoming Michelle Obama." on Netflix and I told myself that I needed to read this book before the year ends. All I can say is that I am glad I did.

This book needs to be available in my opinion in every single library especially in the United States for generations. Not only was this story an inspiration on many levels I really liked how Michelle Obama gave a detailed account of what her experience was as the first lady of the United States. In future, this could be a guide for future first ladies so they can have an idea of what to expect in that role and even how to cope with daily life in the White House.

As an educator myself, what intrigued me  was how in spite of Mrs. Obama's background that her parents still pushed the importance of education. Michelle Obama is living proof especially to the black community that an education can indeed change your life.

 One of the most impacting quotes that I took away though was when she said; "You've got to be twice as good to get half as far." That really touched me because it is our truth as people of African Descent in anything that we do in this world we always need to be the best to get that respect. It is just a fact.

The writing in this book was excellent, by reading I felt as if I was a part of the journey. Sometimes autobiographical stories like this can read like a textbook in my opinion, but "Becoming" did not give that textbook vibe in no way at all. 

I am not an American Citizen but having read this, I would have been proud to know that the country had such a family in the White House.

Great book. 

BOOK REVIEW - The Wife Between Us ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

All I have to say is WOW!!

This book was a series of unexpected twists and turns a real page turner. When I saw the name of this book I thought it was about a man having an affair or something of the sort but while elements of that was present in this book it really surprised me by being a very dramatic and action packed read. I will keep this review short because I do not want to spoil it for anyone. My advice when reading though is keep an open mind the ending is not as expected. 

There was a lesson in this novel though, not every thing that glitters is gold. Marriages that seem too good to be true sometimes aren't very good at all.

READ THIS BOOK PEOPLE!! 

Five Tips for Reading on a busy schedule.....

 

People often ask me; where do I find time to read. 

I tell them that I make time out of my sometimes hectic day to read. 

During the school term (I'm a teacher) I am often busy planning lessons and grading papers that I sometimes become so overwhelmed with work. Besides my job I am a wife and have many things to do around the house. 

While COVID has forced the closure of schools and I am now teaching at home, I recently started doing studies at the University and that has made me busier than usual because now I spend most of my day in my home office.

In spite of this I make time to read because to me reading provides an escape from my hectic lifestyle and gives me mental peace. Here are five tips to help you make time to read. I am by no means an expert I am just sharing some ideas that may help you.

Tip #1

Make a schedule

Perhaps you have a daily planner where you write down your schedule or better yet, maybe you use your computer or phone to note your plans. Within that daily planning set aside a part of your day maybe a half an hour to read. You would not believe how much reading you can get done in that short time frame.

Tip #2

Always have a book

I always have a book or my kindle with me in my hand bag or somewhere in the house nearby if I am home. If I go by my hairdresser or if I am commuting, or even if I have to wait to be attended to somewhere like at the bank. You can always see me pulling out a book or something to read.

Tip # 3

Set a reading time.

I love reading as I wake up in the morning or just before bed. Those are the times when my mind is most alert and my body is most rested. You can make a specific reading time for yourself. We spend so much time on social media on the internet maybe it would be better if we start reading.

Tip # 4 

Read in different formats.

I am a bit old fashioned when it comes to reading so I like physical books however, I noticed that when I read electronically I tend to get through a book quicker. So maybe you are intimidated with the size of a book, perhaps if you try to read on an iPad or Kindle E reader you may get through more books and read more.

Tip #5

Think of reading as something important

I believe once reading is seen as essential in your life it does not matter if you are busy, you will make time to do it.

So guys these are my tips for reading on a busy schedule. Share in the comments down below any tips you may have

Take Care!!!

BOOK REVIEW - Netgalley ARC Review Historically Inaccurate ⭐⭐

I gave this book two stars because it was just an "OK" read. I received this book from Net galley in August and last night I finally finished it. I think had I been at least 15 years younger I would have really enjoyed this book, not that I am old I just think that this story is definitely for a YA audience..

Check out my review.

First of all I would like to thank Net galley for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a coming of age story that was very entertaining and even romantic. I really connected with Soledad's character she seemed so young yet full of purpose especially having to deal with the deportation of her mother.

The History Club was also quite interesting making this an overall decent read. The only criticism I have is that I would have liked a little more action though. There were some parts in the middle where the book seemed to drag on longer than it should have. Apart from that for me it was a nice young adult novel. (less)

October 2020 Wrap Up _ Three books

October was a very busy month for me since I have to teach classes online and now I have started a Post graduate degree in addition to that. I still made time to complete three books. Not sure I will make my goal of reading fifty books this year but at least I want to get close. The point is to keep reading...

The three books I read were ;

1. Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis Benn

2. Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo

3. Historically Inaccurate 

These books were all wonderful but I must say that Girl, Woman Other was hands down one of the best books I have read in a long time. It definitely lived up to the hype.

You can see my reviews for each book on good reads. 

Book Review - Here comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis Benn ⭐⭐⭐

I am glad that after hearing several reviews about this book and author that I finally got my hands on a copy of this book to read.

I love reading stories from Caribbean authors and this book has to be one of the best I have read lately. The story is about a young woman Margot who will stop at nothing to help her sister Thandi escape the hardship of life in the ghetto in Jamaica. Margot's mother Delores also shares hope that Thandi, who wants to be an artist would become a doctor and help the family elevate. Margot sacrifices a lot to achieve success for herself and to help her sister but of course there are costs to everything.

I think that what makes this story so relatable to me is that some of the issues are indeed what happens in families that are experiencing hardships. It highlighted some social issues such as the treatment of the LBGTQ community in Jamaica, sexual tourism, rape, crime and I actually love it when a work of fiction really takes us down a realistic path such as this book did.

It was a well written story though I think the ending for me left too many gaps. All in all this was a great read. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26530351-here-comes-the-sun