Sheryll Bailey

I just finished reading The Housemaid and am left with a feeling of disappointment. I admit that the book was addictive and easy to read, especially the first half. The second half however became a tangled web of melodrama that I skipped through with the feeling that the book had become soap operish. The characters were not likeable in the least and as a result some of the gruesome details seemed almost humorous. Not a book I'd recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Maid. Molly is a likeable character who feels isolated ever since her grandmother died. She's made fun of by her co-workers and taken advantage of and you can't help but feel for her. Perhaps she is autistic but there is no mention of this, the reader must decide for themselves. Either way the label isn't the important part nor should it be. What I liked about the book was that it showed how insensitive people can be to someone who is different to them. The story itself is cozy like in nature with happenings that might be unbelievable in real life but I didn't care. Molly's charm pulls you into the story and keeps you there. A must read for cozy lovers.

A haunting look at a religious colony , the women within, and their struggles to deal with their religious ideals while maintaining their personal safety as well as those of their children. A nightmarish situation and one that will stay with the audience . I can't say that I enjoyed it- enjoying implies a sense of levity and the subject matter is grim, but I will say that it was well written, well acted, and well worth seeing.

This novel had an interesting premise- a dream that seemed predestined to become reality and a main character who was obsessed with her career and having control of her future. It was a good enough read but too sentimental and young for my taste. A best friend dying of cancer seemed contrived and from that point on I skimmed through the book. It reminded me of something I'd see on television but it would be something I'd rather not watch.