Book Review: The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

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The Storm  by Rachel Hawkins  opens with Geneva Corliss, the current owner of the Rosalie Inn, learning that an author by the name of August Fletcher will be coming to St. Medard's Bay, Alabama to research the death of Landon Fitzroy, the son of a prominent politician. She's less interested in learning whether or not the infamous Lo Bailey murdered Landon but how the book could possibly get her inn more notoriety and people deciding to make reservations at her establishment. As a hurricane barrels towards the Rosalie Inn, Geneva learns that people can be deadlier than a monster storm. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of The Storm  by Rachel Hawkins. I received a digital copy for free in exchange for my honest review. This book falls into the mystery and thriller genre, and it definitely is a slow burn in the best possible way. It's so engrossing that the reader feels like they're right there with the c...
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Book Review: The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden

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Banner of the Complete Book Series of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden is the first book in a series and opens with Millie interviewing for a housemaid position for the wealthy Winchester family. She's relieved when she learns that the job is hers until the gardener warms her of danger. It can't be worse than prison, right?

I purchased a paperback copy of this book from my local BJ's Wholesale Club, and I have to say that I was not disappointed at all. This story helped give me a headstart in getting out of my reading slump because it's a fast, engaging read. With that being said, I was expecting to be completely blindsided by the ending, and I had quite a bit figured out relatively early on, so when the big twist came about, I wasn't really too surprised. I am eager to read the rest of the series to see how it pans out.

The Running Bibliophile's Book Review of The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden
As far as the characters, I really liked the main character of Millie, who we know from the start has recently been released from prison and on parole. We do know that she has told some white lies, which sets the story up to be told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator. We don't know why she went to prison until the very end, and it wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. I don't want to give away anything in that regard, so I won't say more. 

Nina and Cecelia are both hot messes. I couldn't quite figure out the total 180 in personality change in Nina once Millie started working, but I did have some suspicion that it had something to do with Nina's husband Andrew. Cecelia acts like a spoiled brat and apparently doesn't remember meeting Millie during the interview, which I find surprising because it isn't like the time between Nina interviewing Millie and Millie's start date is that long of a time period.

At first, I really liked Andrew, but when he helped Millie out a time or two, I knew he had to be putting on an act. I absolutely despised him, but I can't entirely blame him due to the way he was raised. 

When it comes to Enzo, I wasn't sure if he was completely trustworthy or not. He did warn Millie of the danger, but I kept wondering if he was putting on an act.

All in all, I enjoyed The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1) by Freida McFadden. I gave it four out of five stars due to some of the predictability of the storyline. I can't wait until the rest of the books in the series has been delivered to my house!


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