randombookswithmj's reviews
517 reviews

 What a journey Broken Country was! From the very first page, I was immersed, and when I had 20 pages left, I was convinced the story was wrapping up... but nope! Hall threw in some twists that left me reeling until the very last word. 

This book isn't Where the Crawdads Sing, but if you loved that, you’re going to devour Broken Country. It’s got that same pull—a deep connection to the land, the people, and the raw, messy truths of life. But while Where the Crawdads Sing is more of a solitary journey, this one delves into the intricate layers of life, love, loyalty, and integrity, with all the mistakes and accidents that make up a life. The characters? They’re complicated in the best possible way, real and flawed, which makes them even more relatable. 

Unputdownable is an understatement; once you dive in, you’ll find it nearly impossible to detach yourself from the pages! 

Would I recommend this book? Yes! Broken Country could very well be my book of the year (and it’s only February!). I’m already thinking of who to recommend it to—and yes, this is a book I’ll be gifting in the future.  If you’re looking for a gripping, emotional, and beautifully complex read, look no further. Highly recommend! 

@simonschusterca sent me an arc of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. 

 As a long-time admirer of Palm Springs, largely inspired by my cherished memories of reading "P.S. I Love You" by Barbara Conklin over 40 years ago, I was eager to explore The Snowbirds—especially as I embrace the empty nester phase of my life. However, despite its stunning setting, I found myself somewhat disappointed. The characters, in their attempts to navigate personal challenges, lacked the depth I had hoped for, making it difficult to fully connect with their journeys. 

That said, Clancy’s writing still offers poignant moments of reflection that capture the complexities of this transitional life stage. The tranquil yet layered backdrop of Palm Springs enhances the narrative, providing an atmosphere that some readers might truly appreciate. While the plot development was sluggish at times and could have benefitted from more engaging twists, there are subtle nuances in the storyline that mirror the messy realities of adulthood. The relatable theme of searching for purpose as an empty nester may resonate with many, even if the characters themselves don’t always evoke empathy.  

Would I recommend this book? Probably not. Although it had the potential to resonate with me, it ultimately fell short. 

@stmartinspress and @netgalley provide the advanced earc of this novel for me to read and review. 

 

I had the privilege of reading Susanna Kearsley’s upcoming novel, The King’s Messenger, and WOW—her writing style once again swept me into a world I didn’t want to leave. 

Set in 1613, during the reign of King James VI of Scotland and I of England, the story is a masterful blend of historical intrigue, loyalty, and the struggles of doing what’s right despite the consequences. The relationships between the characters are deep and beautifully written. Kearsley has an incredible talent for creating true gentlemen and women who are caught in the complexity of what they truly desire, and what they believe they should desire. 

 I was especially drawn to the subtle yet compelling revenge aspect of the story—though it’s not the primary focus, it adds an edge to the plot that kept me turning pages. 

 If you’re a fan of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon or historical fiction by Philippa Gregory, this one is definitely for you! 

The King’s Messenger releases in March—don’t miss out on this fantastic new release from @simonschuster.ca who provide me with an advanced copy of the book.! 

 

When I first picked up All the Water in the World, it started off slow, but as the story progressed, I found myself completely hooked! The way Caffall explores how water, something we depend on for life, can simultaneously be both a needed refreshment and a curse, really left an impression on me. Water in this novel is not just a symbol of life—it can be dangerous and poisonous, adding an intriguing layer to the plot.  

What really took me by surprise was discovering that the book is a coming-of-age story. It beautifully highlights how the world around us can change so drastically, but the growth of individuals and relationships remains central. 👩‍👧‍👦

Set in an apocalyptic world where climate change is advancing faster than we ever imagined, the novel paints a bleak picture of a future shaped by our own actions. The real danger here isn’t the water—it’s humanity’s disregard for nature and each other. Yet, amidst the devastation, there’s a thread of hope that keeps the narrative grounded. 

This is a climate fiction book, and Caffall delivers not only a gripping storyline but also excellent character development. The bonds between characters, especially the importance of family and found family, really stood out for me. It’s a powerful reminder that people are what make a home, no matter how chaotic the world becomes.  

The themes of the novel are painfully realistic—climate change, survival, and human connections—but the actual plot felt a bit far-fetched at times. While I appreciated the depth of the story, there were moments when the events didn’t quite ring true for me. But even so, it’s a thought-provoking read!  

Would I recommend this book? Yes! If you enjoy novels about a dystopian world, coming of age, and climate change I would recommend it. 

 

What Happened to the McCray's by Tracey Lange, wow, what an emotional journey! 

The character development in this book is excellent. Lange really knows how to create complex, relatable characters that you root for, even when their lives are falling apart. The way she weaves their backstories and motivations is incredible, and you can't help but get attached to them. As the plot unravels, you are constantly wondering what exactly did happened to the McCray family. It kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Lange’s writing just keeps getting better and better. Her ability to capture the struggles of broken people, the complexities of family dynamics, and the rawness of human emotions is unmatched. She is truly a master of writing about life's messiness. 

At its core, this book is about life’s complications and how we learn to deal with them. It’s about forgiveness—of others and ourselves—and about never giving up on the people we care about. A beautiful reminder of hope. 🌈

 As many of you know, I’m a sucker for books that leave subtle references to past book and Lange does this once again in this book. Lange also hits on one of my other loves, books that I can travel with! Potsdam, NY isn’t far from me, maybe it’s time for a road trip! Plus a booksgram meet up with some upstate New Yorkers!

Would I recommend this book? Yes! If you enjoy family drama, excellent character development, or a story about real life, this is for you. You’ll find yourself drawn into the lives of the McCray family and their journey of healing and self-discovery. 

Thank you to @celadonbooks and @netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. Also to @tracey_lange for writing such great stories about families. 

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia is a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from the very first page! This book is a rollercoaster of suspense and intrigue, and once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop. The twists and turns kept me on my toes, and by the time I reached the halfway point, I was thinking, “Where could this story possibly go?” But Garcia pulled a masterstroke, taking the plot down an unexpected path that left me gasping. 

One of the most impressive aspects of Garcia’s writing is how well she handles egomaniacs and narcissistic characters. The story is full of them, and each one is deliciously flawed, making them feel almost larger-than-life. These characters were compelling and, in some cases, downright insufferable—but that’s what made them so interesting! 

The plot itself is unique, and Garcia's take on the genre felt fresh. However, as with many thrillers, the story is more plot-driven than character-driven. While I’m usually a fan of well-rounded, dynamic characters, I can understand that for thrillers, the focus is more on the suspenseful narrative, so it’s not a huge deal. 

That said, there were some editing issues that could have been polished for better believability and these could have been caught with a more careful eye. As well, few plot points felt a bit farfetched. Still, this didn't detract from the experience. 

Would I recommend this book? Yes! It is true to the genre and it is a unique story line. I’m already looking forward to Garcia’s next work! 

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the digital arc copy and the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Haruki Murakami's The City and Its Uncertain Walls is one of those novels that I’m still trying to resolve; two weeks later. I’m still unsure how I feel about it, but there's no denying that it’s a fascinating experience. The writing is, as always, impeccable. Murakami’s prose draws you into a world that feels dreamlike and uncertain, where nothing is fully explained, and everything is open to interpretation. 

One of the aspects I enjoyed the most was how Murakami never named his characters. The protagonist is simply "I", and the others are described through their roles or pronouns. It creates a sense of detachment, as if we're seeing them through an unclear lens, which perfectly complements the surreal and mysterious tone of the story. 

The narrative itself leaves you guessing: What is real? What’s imagined? Is it about life, death, a parallel timeline, or something entirely different? The lines between reality and illusion blur to the point where you can never be sure if you’re in reality or some altered mental state. This ambiguity is summed up perfectly in a quote (page 189): “I had a sense of a twist warping, ever so slightly, space and time. The feeling of two things mixing together, as if part of a boundary had collapsed, become vague, with something else mixed in here and there, with reality.”

As for Murakami’s portrayal of women, I’m still unsure if I find it captivating or unsettling. There’s an eerie quality to how he writes female characters that I can’t fully reconcile with. Maybe it’s the way they often seem to exist as ethereal beings rather than fully realized people. That said, I can’t deny that the characters are intriguing, if a bit hard to grasp. 

Would I recommend this book? Truthfully, I’m not sure. Ultimately, I did enjoy the book. Its enigmatic nature makes it hard to rate definitively, and my feelings may evolve with time as I reflect on it. If you're looking for something that will challenge your perception and leave you questioning reality, this would be a great choice. It would make excellent selection for a book club, as the themes of ambiguity and the search for meaning would surely spark some fascinating discussions. 

Thank you to @penguinrandomca and @doubledayca for the arc copy and the opportunity to read and review this novel.

 Three Days in June by Anne Tyler is a charming, heartwarming novella that left me with such a lovely feeling inside. The story centers around a woman on a journey to live her best life, and it’s just a beautifully simple and insightful tale.

Despite the story’s brevity, the two main characters are wonderfully developed, each with their unique perspectives on life. It’s fascinating to see how two people can view the world so differently and yet at one point have been married. The way Tyler explores how time can change someone's view on life is so well-done—such a reminder that growth and understanding happen when we least expect it.

I also love how the theme of “three days” keeps coming back throughout the novella. It’s like a subtle thread that ties the story together, making it even more impactful.

Would I recommend this novella? Yes! It is a quiet and reflective read that offers a gentle but profound look at life and personal change. If you’re looking for a cozy, meaningful read with well-rounded characters and thoughtful insights, this one is for you!

Thank you to @penginrandomca and @doubledayca for the opportunity to read and review this amazing novel.