My April #bookspinbingo #tbr is ready to go! I have high hopes for next month 🤞🙏📚📖

I really wanted to like this short novel as I‘ve not had the best time with physical reading lately (killing the audiobooks though!). Unfortunately this just didn‘t do it for me. The writing was a little sloppy and there honestly wasn‘t much character development to be had. The ending was also just sort of 🤷🏼‍♀️. Good premise without much follow through. 🌟🌟

I loved this! I mean give me all the ghosts in an isolated place (like a ship) and I‘m a happy camper 😆. The first book in the series was really good too and I loved finding out what the characters have been up to. There‘s nothing overly serious here or necessarily spooky but it was a fun listen and I‘ll definitely read anything else that comes out in this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

I enjoyed this book…and I can‘t even tell you why 🤣! It‘s really weird and raw and full of grit but somehow also wholly relatable. Any mom has had that moment when you are so tired you can‘t think straight and begin questioning everything about your life. Just most of us don‘t grow hair in weird places and start thinking we become a dog at night 😳. I can‘t even properly describe this book…just read it if you want something different. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was super twisty! I didn‘t realize this was part of a series, and wish I had read the previous books first, but the author does a pretty good job of filling the new reader in on what came before. I love a solid murder mystery and this one definitely fits the bill. Excited to go back and read more in this series! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

While this was an ok mystery, there were just too many varying characters and storylines to keep up with as an audiobook. I kept getting pulled out of the story by trying to figure out what was really going on. I did read all the way to the end, however, so the overall story did hold my general attention. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great listen! A modern take on vampire lore, it drew me in and kept my attention rapt. There isn‘t a lot of mystery or shock value here - it‘s easy to connect all the pieces and figure out what‘s happening - but it was dark and emotional and very different than I was expecting. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I loved this! It‘s funny and vicious and violent and so tongue in cheek that I couldn‘t stop listening to the audiobook. The author names all the characters the funniest names - Ms. Manners, Mr. Pounds, etc - and it just felt very Dickensian. It‘s also really short and definitely could be read/listened to in a day. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was nothing like I was expecting! I thought it was going to be a motherhood gone wrong sort of story - which it was in a way - but it was so much more! There are ongoing mother/daughter issues, generational trauma, and the supernatural! Just a really twisty tale that I couldn‘t stop listening to. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I‘ve not been getting very much reading done this last week as this little love muffin has joined our family! Meet Poppy! She‘s the sweetest little chihuahua and just wants to play and snuggle all day 🥰. I can‘t wait for her to be my little reading buddy!!!

I‘ve loved Greer Macallister‘s previous novels so I had high hopes for this one. It wasn‘t bad but it definitely wasn‘t my favorite. The story is set up as our main character recounting her life with her many husbands and lovers and the many ways she transformed over the years. Told by a psychic that her 13th husband would be the death of her she recounts how she got to 13 and a “shocking” revelation about the 13th. Just ok. 🌟🌟🌟

Giving up on this one at 13%. It‘s not horrible, it‘s just meh. This is another that I might try again as an audiobook if my library gets a copy. I just need a little more to keep my attention at the moment.

I finished this last week and have been so busy I forgot to post 🤦🏼. I love this as a spinoff of the Tradd Street series (which is great) and am looking forward to more in the series! Moving to New Orleans, the perfect places for spirits and those sensitive to them, we see a young woman grappling with making her own way in the world while coming to terms with the gifts of those close to her. Definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My March #bookspinbingo is ready to go! Bring on the reading!!

This book isn‘t in the system so I‘m reviewing it here. This is the 2nd book in the Haunted series and in it we go back to when the parents of our two sisters from book 1 first went to the house and nearly lost their lives there. We learn a pretty big revelation about one of the sisters and see some truly sinister stuff happen to those staying at the hotel the parents are helping start at the house. So excited to continue this series! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Not bad for a short story but didn‘t really develop the characters enough to make me care what happened. A bunch of people in this small seaside town died during a hurricane and the survivors begin to be able to speak to them through a phone booth that hasn‘t worked in years. But are they speaking to those that are lost? Or is it something more sinister? Quick read but kind of forgettable. 🌟🌟🌟

Captivating, if complex, story with more twists than I can count! There are serial killers, multiple personalities, cults, murder, kidnapping, and more! It can be kind of hard to keep track of all of the characters but other than that it‘s thrilling and kept my listening. Creepy in the best possible way! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I tried…I REALLY tried with this one but I just couldn‘t get through it. It started out great and then became a slow slog through the indoctrination/brainwashing of a family and I just couldn‘t make it through to the other side. I might try this again as audiobook but, as a physical book, it just isn‘t keeping my attention. And I‘m trying to get better at DNF‘ing books that I‘m not really enjoying.

Ya know what…I feel seen 🤣!!

Type “Literally my character” into your Pinterest search bar and see what you get!

#literallymycharacter @TheBookHippie

Are you looking for an intriguing mix of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age teen drama? Well look no further! I was so impressed with how the author both touched my heart and disgusted me at the same time. Taking place over 24 hours, we get to see a girl on the cusp of adulthood search for her missing best friend and find something she never could have expected. So good! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I thought this was a great debut! Seeing one women‘s life through the eyes of those who influenced her, those she influenced, and her own, we are drawn along on a heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, story of love, loss, and expression. There is also a story within the story and I‘ve got to tell you, I wish I could read that book because it sounds amazing! Definitely recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Preordered this one! I could have sworn the sprayed edges were supposed to be colorful and it looks a little lackluster in person, but I‘m excited to see what the story is like inside. I love Pam Jenoff‘s writing!

This was such a good audiobook! The narrator was amazing and really brought home the horror and the heart at the center of this story. This is more than just a story about young witches, it‘s a look at the terrible way society has treated young women, pregnancy out of wedlock, and motherhood in general throughout the years. The depictions of childbirth were raw and real and just so gross! It‘s amazing a man wrote this story! Loved it! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This isn‘t in the database but it‘s a novella about a sister, brother and two of the brother‘s friends on a trip to visit the siblings‘ other sister. On the way they decide to stop at this abandoned “test town” where nuclear tests were run and the buildings and mannequin residents have been left to rot for decades. Needless to say terror ensues! It‘s quick and creepy and I definitely won‘t look at mannequins the same way again 😐. 🌟🌟🌟💫

I‘m starting to think Freida McFadden might not be for me. Her stories aren‘t bad, there‘s just ok. I really enjoyed The Boyfriend but the rest have been predictable. This is no different. I kept waiting for the big shocks, and there was one toward the end, but by that point I didn‘t care. I found the main characters annoying and kind of dumb and was kind of disappointed when it was over. Will that keep me from reading more? Probably not 🤣 🌟🌟🌟

One thing I know when reading a C.J. Cooke novel is that it‘s going to be unique and it‘s going to be mysterious. This is no exception, weaving together two timelines of motherly love and devotion, magic and witchcraft, and finding your place in a world that doesn‘t always make room for you. Definitely recommend!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

If I had to describe this book in 3 words it would be: devastating, horrifying, and important. Using time travel to show slavery through the eyes of a modern (for the time at least - I believe this was written in the 70‘s) black woman really drove home just how strong the characters had to be to simply survive in the past and kept me hanging on to see if Dana would be able to do it and somehow settle back into her life in the present. I can‘t ⬇️

When I think of middle of the road mystery/thrillers Freida McFadden books come to mind. Why, then, can I not stop reading them?! Molly, the protagonist of the Housemaid stories, is somehow both resourceful and incredibly trusting and flighty (to her downfall). The twists are EPIC and really bonkers and while not very realistic they are oh so juicy and exciting! Just fun popcorn thrillers! Nothing revolutionary here but entertaining! 🌟🌟🌟

This was quite the story! Somewhat hard to follow as an audiobook given all the characters and the back and forth timelines, nevertheless it kept my attention and made me need to know what really happened with all these characters. You‘ve got two children, years apart, going missing at the same camp…what could have happened? I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this story! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

My February TBR is ready to go!! I‘ve done great this month so I‘m really going to try to keep up the momentum. Here‘s to trying!! #bookspinbingo

I loved this story! The way it handled not only how the individual characters dealt with who had a short string vs. a long string but how society as a whole and politics were shaped by the revelations felt very real and very timely given the world we live in 😳. There are a lot of characters to keep up with but I didn‘t even care - I just couldn‘t stop listening! So good! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I‘ve never read a Kate Quinn book I didn‘t like! This was a unique setting and time period to her other books and I enjoyed reading more about the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. I also enjoyed how Quinn and Chang wrote two different perspectives, better filling out the multiple facets of this time and place. Definitely recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was sooo much fun! It‘s a choose-your-own-adventure horror book!! I wasn‘t sure how this would work as an ebook but it was perfect. You get links when it‘s time to choose the next move and, if you choose incorrectly and die (which I did A LOT 🤣), it just tells you to go back and try again and gives you the link. The writing is just ok but I didn‘t care…I was having too much fun! I‘ll definitely read more of these as it‘s a series! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

This has all the trademark Feeney vagueness, twists, and misdirection that I, personally, have come to love. I never truly know what is happening when reading her books and just love going along for the ride until all the pennies drop. This isn‘t my favorite of her books (Rock, Paper, Scissors holds that spot) but I did enjoy the ride. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ahhh this was so good! A sweet, short tale of a man working hard to take care of his family and trying to pay it forward when others want him to look the other way. I know they‘ve made a movie based on this and now I really want to watch it! Might be my favorite of the month so far! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I know social media can be scary but this takes it to a whole new level! Just imagine if a psychopath became a big social media influencer and utilized that power to manipulate and ruin people? Well here ya go! Sadly I‘m sure this is already happening but hopefully not to THIS level 😳. Thrilling pace, great characters, and a new spin on horror for a modern audience. Definitely recommend it was a great listen! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was short but oh so scary to me! An old woman obsessively locks her doors and windows every night to keep out the mysterious thing that tries to get in every night, tempting her to open the door in her dead husband‘s voice. She‘s diligent, until her mind begins to go and she can‘t quite remember why she‘s been doing this ritual every night. So good! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Creeper is the perfect name for this story because it…is…CREEPY! Is it just superstition or is the “monster” real? I will say the audiobook didn‘t hold my attention as much as I would have liked - it didn‘t feel like a thrilling page-turner sort of story - but I did find it unsettling and worth a read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love the idea of reading a made up book mentioned within another novel! This is meant to be the paranormal history of the manor written by a character and mentioned in the 1st book in the series. It gives a great background for the 1st story and I assume future installments as well. It‘s quick and interesting and I definitely recommend it if you decide to read the series, which I‘m definitely continuing! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book almost gave me whiplash! The twists, the turns, the shocks…I just held on and enjoyed every minute of the ride. Yes, there are some plot points that seem a little too easy and some revelations were pretty obvious but I don‘t even care! Just a fun time! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was TERRIFYING!! The narrator did such a good job at keeping the tension taut and the fear at the forefront. The concept of someone basically mimicking the voices of people you know - or yourself! - really just gets under my skin. Ending was a little 🤷🏼‍♀️ but still liked it overall. This also fits the #tbrtarot for January!

@Ddzmini I…AM…SPEECHLESS!! I teared up when I opened your #littlechristmasswap package 😭!! I just kept finding new treasures! The way you wrapped the books was so pretty I almost didn‘t want to open them. And all the snacks and stickers and bookmarks! And the BookBeau!! I can‘t even express how much I love it all and thank you so much!! And thank you @bookish_wookish for hosting!! I will definitely do it again next year!

I‘ve heard such good things about this series and am happy to say the first installment was great! Yes, there are a few things I found annoying - mainly the fact that the sisters call each other “sis” constantly, who actually does that?! - but all in all there were some truly terrifying moments and the ending had me instantly wanting to continue the series. Great start! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ahh this was so good!! Kind of heartbreaking but hopeful, I listened to the whole story while out shopping. I couldn‘t stop! And the fact that this is autobiographical made it mean so much more! Definitely recommend if you want a quick, heartfelt story. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a very soft pick for me. While I enjoyed watching the craziness unfold and figuring out how various characters actually knew each other, I also think the plot was sometimes hard to follow, especially as an audiobook. At the end of the day I enjoyed the story overall but didn‘t really care about any of it after I was through (if that makes sense). 🌟🌟🌟💫

I never get bingos and I got 5 last month! FIVE!! Hopefully I can continue this kind of streak in 2025!

One more in before the end of the year!! I really loved this one! It has a great gothic feel and was a slow burn mystery leading to some epic revelations. I don‘t believe I‘ve read anything by this author before but I will definitely read more! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

While this was still plenty twisty I didn‘t enjoy it quite as much as The Boyfriend. The main couple were annoying for much of the book - the guy was a gaslighter and the girl acted pretty dumb. The last 1/3 was much better and saved it overall for me. This author definitely knows how to shock!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was so good!! Talk about twisted! I was convinced I had our culprit until about 2/3 of the way through and then something clicked and I realized I was completely wrong. I love that! I enjoyed this much more than The Housemaid. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I can‘t believe it‘s time for a 2025 TBR list! Here‘s my 1st #bookspinbingo lineup for the year!