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: Trust Issues by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands

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Trust Issues by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands opens with Perry finding out that his wife had an unfortunate accident and passed away, which leaves him to tell his estranged stepchildren, Kagan and Hazel, what happened. When Kagan and Hazel offer their help with settling the estate, Perry turns them away and absconds with everything, but not before charming a wealthy widower in hopes of conning her out of money. Will Kagan and Hazel be able get their inheritance back and stop their stepfather before he takes advantage of yet another lonely woman?

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for approving me to read an Advanced Readers Copy ARC of Trust Issues. I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

Hazel, Kagan, and Perry have to be the most unlikable characters in the history of books. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about them. In fact, I disliked the characters so much that I considered not finishing the book. The only redeeming character in the whole story was Ava. At one point in Ava telling her story about staying with her Aunt Constance, it reminded me of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I didn't trust Ava entirely and expected her to be in cahoots with Perry.  Was I right? That's for me to know, and you to find out.

I didn't care for the writing style of the authors at the beginning, but the writing did get better once Ava was introduced. It still was hard for me to get through the story, but the last twenty-five percent of the book was enjoyable, which led me to give Trust Issues four stars out of five stars instead of three stars.

Trust Issues by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands wasn't exactly the book for me, it may be perfect for someone else. Give it a whirl and make up your own mind.

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