Daughter by Jane Shemilt

Title: Daughter
Author: Jane Shemilt
Pages: 390
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Contemporary
Book Description: 
Jenny is a successful family doctor, the mother of three great teenagers, married to a celebrated neurosurgeon.

But when her youngest child, fifteen-year-old Naomi, doesn’t come home after her school play, Jenny’s seemingly ideal life begins to crumble. The authorities launch a nationwide search with no success. Naomi has vanished, and her family is broken.

As the months pass, the worst-case scenarios—kidnapping, murder—seem less plausible. The trail has gone cold. Yet for a desperate Jenny, the search has barely begun. More than a year after her daughter’s disappearance, she’s still digging for answers—and what she finds disturbs her. Everyone she’s trusted, everyone she thought she knew, has been keeping secrets, especially Naomi. Piecing together the traces her daughter left behind, Jenny discovers a very different Naomi from the girl she thought she’d raised.

Get it here | Good reads

My Opinion:
This genre is one of my favourite types to read so I was really inclined to read it. Then when I saw the quote from Tess Gerritsen at the bottom I had to buy it because I love Tess' crime novels! I have to say this was a great read and it definitely did what it set out to do.

I was constantly intrigued when reading Daughter. The beginning was straight to the event and quite fast paced. I remember there was a small section in the middle that was a bit slow as things were being described and explained but that's irrelevant because a really unexpected twist occurred afterward! I ended up reading this into early hours of the morning to finish it and the ending was sad but unexpected! I have so many unanswered questions; It was frustrating to end it so ambiguously but it was so good at the same time and I definitely think there's room for a sequel here...

The main thing I liked about this novel was the writing style. You get a clear sense of the mother's feelings (as it's written in her point of view) and there's a strong connection between her and her daughter. I can feel the heartache and panic and curiosity the mother is going through and that was a really personal touch that I enjoyed.

I also liked how it switched tense. This happened very often at the beginning but they gaps between got longer as the story line expanded. I think this worked very well as it incorporated past and present occurrences.

Altogether I would definitely recommend this novel. It includes suspense, mystery and heartache (I may or may not have teared up a little at the end....) An all round great book with accuracy and deals with real-life issues. It's perfect for those who love unexpected twists and tension!

Rating ★★★★★

5 out of 5 stars

Next book I'm going to review:
Maus I; A Survivors Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
Author: Mark Haddon
Pages: 226 
Genre: Mystery
Book Description: 
Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow.

Although gifted with a superbly logical brain, for fifteen-year-old Christopher everyday interactions and admonishments have little meaning. He lives on patterns, rules, and a diagram kept in his pocket. Then one day, a neighbor's dog, Wellington, is killed and his carefully constructive universe is threatened. Christopher sets out to solve the murder in the style of his favorite (logical) detective, Sherlock Holmes. 

Get it here | Good reads 

My Opinion:
I read this book a couple of years ago for school and decided to re-read it. And let me tell you, I regret nothing. This book is just as amazing as it was the first time!

The main thing I love about this book is that it's written by a 15 year old with Aspergers. This is really unusual and allows us to see exactly how he's feeling from a first person narrative. I really enjoyed this because it gives us more of an insight into how a teenage living with this disorder goes through life and their struggles.

Secondly, I really liked the structure. The chapters weren't in a normal, chronological order, they were actually in order of prime numbers e.g 2,3,5,7 etc. I thought with was a really creative touch and it linked nicely to the narrator. There were also little black and white pictures distributed throughout the chapters which helped explain things. This touch along with the chapter style made the idea that this was written by a 15 year old more realistic and unique.

The plot was really well written and I was constantly intrigued. For a long time I was really curious to who killed Wellington and then other twists and turns began to reveal themselves I was constantly reading on to find out what happened! There were many important messages weaved in the pages of this book, for instance, lying.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and definitely recommend it to those of all ages. There's something in it for everyone whether its mystery, facts or adventure. I'll certainly be looking out for more books by this author!


Favourite Quotes:

And it shows that intuition can sometimes get things wrong. And intuition is what most people use in life to make decisions. But logic can help you work out the right answer

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I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them

~~~~

Sometimes we get sad about things and we don't like to tell other people that we are sad about them. We like to keep it a secret. Or sometimes, we are sad but we really don't know why we are sad, so we say we aren't sad but we really are

~~~~

Metaphors are lies

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I tuned it halfway between two stations so that all I could hear was white noise and I turned the volume up really loud and I held it against my ear and the sound filled my head and it hurt so that I couldn't feel any other sort of hurt

~~~~

Lots of things are mysteries. But that doesn't mean there isn't an answer to them. It's just that scientists haven't found the answer yet

Rating ★★★★★

5 out of 5 stars

Next book I'm going to review:
Daughter by Jane Shemilt

The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Title: The Shock of the Fall
Author: Nathan Filer
Pages: 307
Genre: Contemporary, Mental Health, Young Adult
Book Description: 
‘I’ll tell you what happened because it will be a good way to introduce my brother. His name’s Simon. I think you’re going to like him. I really do. But in a couple of pages he’ll be dead. And he was never the same after that.’

Get it here | Good reads

As it is still February, I guess you could class this as a read for Swoonuary. It isn't a romance novel but it is contemporary so I guess it sort of counts... 



My Opinion: 
This book was phenomenal. It was emotional and mysterious and unexpected and I'm so sad to have finished it because it was so good.

When I first picked this book up, and flicked through it in the store, I noticed little pictures and changes in the font. This was an unusual touch which intrigued me but after reading the novel I think it fits perfectly with the narrator and makes everything more believable and creative.

I think Matthew was such an amazing character. He was an unreliable narrator which meant the story was written in chronological order. This can be confusing but the author managed to make this clear when switching time periods. Matthew was an amazing character and I really felt like I connected with his past and his feelings.

The plot was also really well-written. There were all these flashbacks that hinted at the revelation at the end but nothing could have prepared me for what happened. With the beginning so intriguing, I was desperate to find out what led to this. It was unexpected and everything I had read before clicked into place and made sense.

I could go on and talk about this book for hours but that would be a very long review and I'd probably end up spoiling it so this seems like a good place to stop. I definitely recommend this book to everyone and anyone. It was nothing like I expected it to be (in a good way) and I'll certainly be re-reading it in the future!

Favourite Quotes: 

Reading is a bit like hallucinating

~~~~

I decided each name on each spine was the person who the book had been written for, rather than who had written it. I decided everyone in the world had a book with their name on, and if I searched hard enough I'd eventually find mine

~~~~

What I did at the memorial, was listen.
To the laughter and the tears, and to the quiet stillness that followed

~~~~

Inside my head is a jigsaw made of trillions and trillions and trillions of atoms. It might take a while

 Rating ★★★★★

5 out of 5 stars

Next book I'm going to review:
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon

Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven | Swoonuary

Title: Bad Romeo

Author: Leisa Rayven

Pages: 417

Genre: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Book Description:

When Cassie Taylor met Ethan Holt at acting school, sparks flew. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy about campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing, Cassie and Ethan's romance seemed destined. Until he broke her heart and betrayed her trust. Now the A-list heartthrob is back in her life and turning her world around. One touch at a time. 

Cast as romantic leads once again, they're forced to confront raw memories of the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their secret college affair. But they'll also discover that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks

Get it here | Good reads

My Opinion:

This style book isn't one I would normally pick up so I'm really glad I got a chance to read it with the Bookish Groupies! You can check out their thoughts of the novel on their blogs :)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast and intriguing and involved some very unexpected twists. I really liked the ending and I was constantly reading on to find out what happened next!

My favourite technique used was the flashbacks. They can be a little confusing sometimes and at first I disliked it but the author clearly labelled the time zone and the characters location so it was clear what period we were in and as I read on I came to enjoy this more. This worked really well and is a unique technique.

I thought the characters were really well written. Even though he was a bit of a jerk, I loved Ethan! He was mysterious and dangerous and very very hot :*

Overall I thought this book was amazing and would definitely re-read it. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys 'steamy' romances or just general New Adult books. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series, hopefully also with the Bookish Groupies!

Favourite Quotes: 

Sometimes people put up walls, not only to keep people out, but also to see who cares enough to tear them down

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Without passion, life is meaningless

~~~~

You terrify me. But not enough to make me think you won’t be worth it

~~~~

Just moving. Like most of our time together, we’re treading water. Trying not to drown

Rating ★★★★ 
 4 out of 5 stars

Next book I'm going to review:
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher | Swoonuary

Title: Never Never
Author: Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
Pages: 140
Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Book Description:
Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen. 
Complete strangers since this morning. 
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget. 

Get it here | Good reads

My Opinion:
This is the second book that I'm read for Swoonuary! (For more detail check out my post here) I'm so happy I decided to read this book because it was amazing!

I read this in a couple of hours because it's very short. I was intrigued and curious and the author did a very good way of keeping that up straight from the beginning.

Silas and Charlie were both really well written and it was great to be part of their journey in discovering who they were at the same time as they were.  I loved their relationship and finding out about their contrasting home lives was interesting and unique.
There were some very unexpected twists and turns in the story line that I really enjoyed. As we're discovering the characters, I found myself discovering their past lives and the mystery was slowly revealed. The ending was even more unexpected and I wish it hadn't ended so soon because I still have so many unanswered questions; I hope a sequel is brought out soon!

Altogether I found this book very enjoyable. It was a quick read and I highly recommend it. There's something in it for everyone, whether you like romance of mysteries, this book has got it. The plot was intriguing and the characters were nothing like I thought they'd be (in a good way!) I just hope a sequel is brought out soon because the ending has just left me mind blown:)

Favourite Quotes:

Her eyes are like two open books and I suddenly want to devour every page

~~~~

I may not remember anything about her, but I would bet her smile was my favorite part of her

~~~~

She's lost in thought. I'm lost in her

 Rating ★★★★★ 

 5 out of 5 stars 

 Next book I'm going to co-review for Swoonuary:
Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green | Swoonuary

Title: An Abundance of Katherines
Author: John Green
Pages: 213
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Contemporary
Book Description:
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type happens to be girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact.

On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun--but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself. 

Get it here | Good reads

My Opinion:
This is my first book that I'm reading for Swoonuary! (For more detail check out my post here) It was exactly what I expected it to be: romantic and humorous, a typical John Green novel!

The main thing I enjoyed about this book was that it was funny. It was a lighthearted novel that's a great read in time for Valentines Day if you're not looking for anything soppy or cringe-worthy.
The characters were all amazing. John Green showed me a new side to teenage boys in an accurate way and I felt like I knew the characters because they were so real.

I really enjoyed the ending. I think Colin's story about all the Katherines was great for closure and I found myself happy that it was involved, as I was quite intrigued to see what went wrong with those other 19 girls!

I thought the footnotes were a unique touch. At first it took me a while to get used to them but as I continued reading I found myself learning new random facts and really enjoying their feature.

The only thing I disliked about this book is that it was quite predictable. I could easily guess what was going to happen and, after reading all of John Green's other novels, I didn't enjoy this one as much, although it was still very good.

Altogether I would definitely recommend it. It's a funny and immature story with great morals and messages, perfect for this romantic holiday!


Favourite Quotes:

Books are the ultimate Dumpees: put them down and they'll wait for you forever; pay attention to them and they always love you back

~~~~

It was the kind of dark your eyes never adjust to

~~~~

You can never love people as much as you miss them

~~~~

What is the point of being alive if you don't at least try to do something remarkable?” 

Rating ★★★★

4 out of 5 stars

Next book I'm going to review for Swoonuary:

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher 

Swoonuary | Valentines Event | Bookish Groupies

So this February we bring to you, our first annual event,  Swoonuary! For this month we've decided to read both romance and contemporary novels in line for Valentines day.

All month long we've decided to read both romance and contemporary novels. 

There are no rules for this event! It's all about celebrating the holiday with other bloggers in the community!

All we ask is that you read at least one romance/contemporary novel for the month if you're participating. Of course you can read more than one but we all know you have other obligations so read however many books you want. When posting about Swoonuary, make sure to link back to one or all of us: Jennie, Mallory, Ang, Blessie, & Tika.
There's no challenge or pressure, we just want everyone to have fun! So if this sounds like something you want to be a part of, let us know! We already have a few bloggers on board. so whether it's a steamy, sexy read, or a book that has you so heart broken you're eating your favorite icecream, join the Bookish Groupies as we get ready for Valentines Day! 

For this month I'm going to try and read:

1) An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

2) Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven [READ ALONG]

3) Never Never by Colleen Hoover

If I manage to get onto a fourth book...
4) Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

To see what the other girls are reading, check out their blogs below:

Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

Tika @ fANGIRL confessions

Mallory @ Mallory Books



If you're participating, don't forget to add your name to the linky below! Spread the love by following other participants blogs or commenting on their posts. Oh & don't forget to have fun ladies!