Book Review: The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

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The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger was published on March 5, 2024 and falls into the mystery and thriller genres. I was thrilled when I learned that I received an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from NetGalley for free in exchange for my honest review. However, I wasn't able to read and review the novel until now. This novel is reminiscent of the television show 666 Park Avenue and is definitely what I call a slow burn.   With that being said, it had twists and turns that had me guessing to the very end. Although the book is told from Rosie Lowan's perspective, there are some flashbacks to a previous owner that adds some mystery to the storyline. The transitions between the two perspectives are done exceptionally well. There are a mix of characters that are likable and unlikable. My favorite characters were Rosie and Max. Unfortunately, I didn't quite trust Rosie's husband Chad or the doorman named Abi. Lisa Unger has become one of my favorite authors, and I wish I had star
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Book Review: Time of the Witch by Mary Downing Hahn

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mary downing hahnWhen I was a kid, I hated reading chapter books because I found most of them boring . . . that was until I discovered two series during the summer between 5th grade and 6th grade . . . Sweet Valley Twins by Francine Paschal and The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin. These two series made me an avid reader. Unfortunately, the middle school library didn't have these books in stock, so I started perusing the shelves for something to read when my English class visited the library.

I happened across a book titled The Time of the Witch written by Mary Downing Hahn. The synopsis of the book sounded intriguing, so I decided to check it out. I fell in love with the book, and it is what made me love fiction books about the paranormal . . . witches, vampires, daemons, etc. My love for the book made me check out many of her books from the school library. Unfortunately, they didn't have a lot of her books, and the public library by my house had none of her books, so I had to resort to buying them, which isn't a bad thing.

While in Charleston, South Carolina on vacation this past June, a crow flew by and perched on something (I can't remember what it was perching on now) and started squawking, which made me think of The Time of the Witch, which features a crow throughout the book. When I got home from vacation, I had to pull out my old copy of the book and reread it.

It still was just as magical to me as it was in middle school, and the writing still holds up as being well written. I think that even today's kids and tweens could relate to the book, even though there is no mention of more modern items in the book like cell phones. The scenes with the crow still creep me out to this day. This should definitely be on every child's reading list that are between the ages of eight and twelve. I gave The Time of the Witch 5 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:  Laura and her brother are sent to live with their aunt in the country while their parents are in the process of getting a divorce. Desperately wanting her parents reconcile, Laura tells Maude of her wish, not realizing there could be dire consequences.


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