Dhvani Kharwar

The Family Remains was a major disappointment. The story felt unnecessary, as The Family Upstairs had already concluded everything perfectly. There were no meaningful revelations or major events, just a stretched continuation that added little value. This sequel could’ve easily been a short epilogue to the first book. Sadly, it lacked the suspense and depth that made the original so compelling. I wouldn’t recommend reading it...it felt like an unnecessary extension and a waste of time.

‘The Family Upstairs’ by Lisa Jewell is a gripping suspense-thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. Written through three distinct POVs, the storytelling is sharp, layered, and incredibly well-crafted. What I loved most? The unpredictability. Just when you think you’ve figured something out...bam! Another twist you never saw coming. If you’re on the hunt for a suspense novel that keeps you guessing until the very end, this one’s a must-read. Already looking forward to diving into the second book! 👀📚

Juror No. 3 was the first James Patterson book I picked up, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The book features two entirely separate court cases handled by Ruby Bozarth. Unfortunately, the suspense in the first case was rather predictable, largely due to the book's title. As for the second case, where Juror No. 3 comes into play, it felt like the author forced the twist to justify the book’s title, which didn't sit well with me. I expected the book to focus on a single, more detailed case with intricate twists and a complex storyline. Instead, the two cases felt disjointed, I kept looking for a connection between both the cases, but there was none, which added to my disappointment. The one thing I did appreciate was the short chapters, which made the book a quicker read. However, overall, I wouldn’t recommend this one.

I came across Forgive Me by Lesley Pearse at a book fair and decided to pick it up after a quick glance at the Goodreads ratings. It turned out to be one of the best decisions! This story follows 20-year-old Eva, who, after losing her mother, uncovers shocking secrets about her past. The line, "There were many more people to spend a day, an afternoon, or an evening with. Each one had a story: betrayal, divorce, sickness, trouble with parents, or a love affair that had ended badly. And this made her realize she wasn't unique; everyone got a share of misery in their lives" beautifully encapsulates the heart of the book. It’s a whirlwind of romance, suspense, and deep emotional layers, touching on themes like betrayal, physical abuse, violence, and suicide. The twists and turns make it a true page-turner. My only minor gripe was the long chapters, but the gripping plot made up for it. Overall, Forgive Me is a powerful read, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories packed with emotion and mystery.

"Sometimes the things that seem unlikely to happen in life do actually happen." This quote from Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter perfectly encapsulates the story. As someone who usually gravitates towards suspense-thrillers, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. If you're looking for a no-spice romance novel, this is definitely the book for you. The story features classic tropes like enemies to lovers, a childhood crush, and plenty of comedic banter that will keep you smiling throughout. While reading, I couldn't help but be reminded of the movies 'The Ugly Truth' and 'The Hating Game', they share the same light-hearted, humorous, and heartwarming vibe. This book is a perfect escape into a world where love happens in the most unexpected ways.

One Minute Later by Susan Lewis is a profound and unforgettable book, that masterfully intertwines two distinct stories. The first unfolds in the present day, with Vivienne at its heart, while the second is set in the mid-1980s, centering around Shelley. Initially, these stories seem unrelated, with different plots and characters, but as the narrative progresses, they seamlessly converge, revealing a deeper connection that enhances the reading experience. This book is more than just a story; it's a profound reflection on life, love, and the unexpected turns our lives can take. After finishing the book, I found myself deeply moved, unable to stop thinking about those who are living or have lived through the same experiences as Vivi. The author’s portrayal of these experiences is so vivid and heartfelt that it’s impossible not to empathize with the characters. I firmly believe that revealing more about the storyline would be unfair to potential readers. The emotions, suspense, and the gradual uncovering of the plot are best experienced firsthand. This is a book that everyone should read at least once, as it delivers a message that is both impactful and necessary, leaving a lasting impression that cannot be missed.

"I'm the girl you think has it all together. But I'm not. Not even close." In Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone, these words echo the struggles of Sam, a seemingly perfect schoolgirl grappling with OCD and anxiety. The novel delves deep into serious themes of self-discovery, mental health, depression, anxiety, and bullying. The story centres on Sam, a girl who is seemingly perfect on the outside but struggles with OCD and anxiety beneath the surface. She carefully hides her true self until she discovers 'Poet's Corner' with the help of her friend Caroline. Here, amidst a group of new friends, Sam begins her journey of self-discovery and happiness. One of my favourite lines from the book is, "She speaks her mind and doesn't care what people think about her. I've always been too scared to be that person, but that’s who I want to be, all the time." This quote beautifully captures the essence of being true to oneself and finding acceptance and love in those who appreciate us for who we truly are. The book’s portrayal of the patient-therapist relationship is both realistic and touching, and the character development of Sam is particularly fascinating. Watching her thoughts and actions evolve positively throughout the story is inspiring. I highly recommend Every Last Word to anyone who enjoys contemporary and realistic fiction. It's a powerful read that offers profound insights into mental health and self-acceptance.