Book Review: Claire, Darling by Callie Kazumi

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Claire, Darling by Callie Kazumi  was published on March 11, 2025 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Bantam. It opens with Claire finding out that her fiancé, Noah, isn't working where he said he was and is now ghosting her. Claire must find out why. Book Review: Claire, Darling by Callie Kazumi Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Bantam for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Claire Darling by Callie Kazumi for free in exchange for my honest review. I was absolutely thrilled when my request for a copy was approved because the synopsis was so good. From the beginning, I absolutely loved the main character of Claire and her work friend named Sukhi. Throughout the novel, we learn about Claire's past and how terrible her mother was towards her. I kept hoping that somehow we would learn who Claire's father was and would eventually connect with him. It's really no wonder Claire had no self confidence as an ad...
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Book Review: 214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion

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book review 214 palmer street karen mcquestion

Cady and Josh Caldwell are away from their house, so when neighbor Maggie sees the Venetian blinds move, she becomes concerned. A woman named Sarah answers the door reveals she's an old friend of the Caldwells and is house-sitting for them. What Maggie doesn't realize is that Sarah is panicking because no one was supposed to see her at 214 Palmer Street.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of 214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion. I was thrilled to receive a copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

Gripping. Thrilling. Heart Pounding. Fast Paced. These are all words I would use to describe Karen McQuestion's novel 214 Palmer Street. From the very beginning, I was sucked into the story line and couldn't wait to see what would happen. 

I loved the way the author set up the different chapters. Part of it went back and forth between the past and present. It also switched back and forth between the main character and another character simply known as "her". This may sound like the book would be hard to follow, but it wasn't confusing at all. The first half of the book, I thought I knew who "her" was, but I quickly realized it couldn't be who I thought it was and figured it out.

There were many twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I wasn't sure who the "bad guy" was going to be. I'll say that I was happy with who it turned out to be . . . I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet. The ending was a bit bittersweet, but I was delighted with the way Karen McQuestion wrapped it up.

Even though this novel was somewhat reminiscent of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, 214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion is a step above it. This novel was well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I completely lost track of time and was surprised at the time when I finished reading this story. Five out of five stars is what I gave 214 Palmer Street by Karen McQuestion.

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