Now Reading, Reviews, and Recommendations

9/16/20

Good morning bookworms! I am reading the latest book in the Tradd Street series by Karen White, The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street 🎄🎄🎄 Have a great day and Happy Reading!

9/13/20

Hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend! I’m spending the afternoon with Shari Lapena’s Someone We Know. She never disappoints! ☠️🔨☠️

REVIEW – Someone We Know by Shari Lapena  

Shari Lapena never disappoints! I love her writing style and the character building she does. Even though I figured out the circumstances and who killed Amanda pretty early on, I still really enjoyed this book. I started it on a Sunday morning and read it until I was finished. Can’t wait to read her new one!

9/11/20

Happy Friday! I’m reading Shamed by Linda Castillo, the newest book in the Kate Burkholder series, and enjoying one of the new Novelly Yours candles we are adding to The Bookworm! Is there anything better than a good book and a yummy candle?!

REVIEW – Shamed by Linda Castillo  

I’ve dipped into this series a few times, and always really, really enjoyed them. So when the newest book came into the store, I knew I wanted to read it before it made it’s way on the shelf.

Unfortunately, it was disappointing. I knew exactly what the circumstances were and who did the kidnapping right from the beginning. Kate knew it too, but it was always just a little out of reach for her to verbalize it. She also just kept letting witnesses clam up, even though a little girl had been kidnapped. It was frustrating. But without her letting them off the hook repeatedly, we wouldn’t have had an extra 4 murders, and therefore wouldn’t have had the book.

Definitely a stretch that this is how a seasoned Chief of Police would actually act in this situation

9/9/20

I really, really enjoyed this book! It definitely wasn’t the type of book you can fly through in a day, but it was a great story spanning the entire life of Stella Fortuna.

I also enjoyed the format the author used, telling the story from her granddaughter’s perspective.

Great book!

9/8/20

Good morning bookworms! I’m currently reading Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia 💗

REVIEW – Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia   

Kami Garcia never disappoints…

While I didn’t love Broken Beautiful Hearts quite as much as The Lovely Reckless, it was still great! Peyton got on my nerves (which is probably why this is a 4 and not a 5 star review), but the rest of the characters were all perfection. Especially Owen and the twins. Can the twins get a spin-off please?

Really enjoyed this book!

9/7/20

**The Bookworm is OPEN from 10-5** Happy Labor Day! Eli here – reading the book one of my favorite movies is based on, The Princess Bride by William Goldman. Did you like the book or the movie better?

9/6/20

I’ve been making my way through all of Colleen Hoover’s books… So far, it’s a tie between November 9 and Confess as my favorite 💗 Currently reading It Ends With Us. Which one did you love best?

REVIEW – It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover  

Oh my heart!

I’ve been making my way through all of Colleen Hoover’s books… this might just be my new favorite.

Amazing writing, as always. Absolutely loved the characters and both story lines.

Excuse me while I go redo my eye makeup

9/5/20

Hope you all have a fun and safe holiday weekend! I’ll be reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. The Bookworm will be open regular business hours today and Monday… Stop by and see us!

REVIEW – The Guest List by Lucy Foley   

Honestly? I don’t get the hype over this book…

It was decent, but that’s about the best I can give it. I figured out most of the “twists” pretty early on, and I just kept saying to myself “move it along!”

Solid 3 stars, but nothing special

9/4/20

📚🌞Good Morning🌞📚 I’ll be at The Bookworm alllll day today, reading What We Buried by Kate A. Boorman. Stop by from 10-7 and grab some great new-to-you books for the holiday weekend! Stay safe everyone and happy reading!! 📚🌞We will be open regular hours on Labor Day🌞📚

REVIEW – What We Buried by Kate A. Boorman  

What a weird trip this book took me on…

What We Buried has been on my radar for awhile, but I wasn’t too sure about it because the ratings aren’t stellar. I decided to read it anyway, and I’m glad I did!

I was definitely a little confused at times, and anyone who reads my reviews knows I need a concrete ending that answers all my questions. This book didn’t give me that, and strangely, I’m OK with it. The whole book kept me questioning what was actually going on, so why should the ending be any different?

If you like unreliable narrators and endings left up to your interpretation, don’t let the 3.3 rating sway you away… It was definitely worth the read for me!

8/31/20

We’ve had a ton of new books hit the shelf lately…stop by The Bookworm this week to check them out! We are open M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. I’ll be reading Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind today. Don’t forget we offer curbside pickup and US shipping too 📚🛍️📚 Have a great week everyone and Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Flowers in the Attic/Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews 

8/30/20

None of the books on my “to read” pile are appealing to me today, so I decided to dust off an old favorite… Rereading Rescue Me by Gigi Levangie

8/29/20

REVIEW – White Bodies by Jane Robins  

Nothing special about this book… definitely deserving of it’s 3.3 rating.

8/27/20

Good Morning! I’m reading Persuasion, the second book in the Heirs of Watson Island trilogy by Martina Boone. Stop by The Bookworm today and grab some great new-to-you reads! I’ll be there from 10-7 📚📚📚

REVIEW – Persuasion by Martina Boone  

For as much as I loved Compulsion, Persuasion was a pretty mediocre follow up. Will definitely finish up the trilogy… I’m holding out hope the last one is better than this one.

8/26/20

True love is letting your husband read your Goodreads win before you do… Eli is currently reading The Eighth Detective by Alex Pavesi

8/25/20

I decided to skip my TBR pile all together and grab the final book in the Shades of Magic series by V. E. Schwab. Currently reading A Conjuring of Light

REVIEW – A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab  

Fantastic ending to a great series!! I just loved all of these characters so much.

8/22/20

I read Sadie a few summers ago and just absolutely loved it… So when @wednesdaybooks rereleased Courtney Summers first book, I knew I had to get it… Currently reading Cracked Up to Be

REVIEW – Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers  

This wasn’t an easy book to read… it was sad and upsetting, but I’m really glad I did. There is something about Courtney Summers’ writing that is just so real. Even with how self-destructive Parker was, you couldn’t help rooting for her.

8/19/20

It was oh so angsty, it was really wordy, but I loved every page of it!

8/17/20

I loved Renee Knight’s first book, Disclaimer, so I’m really excited to read her latest, The Secretary. I’ll be at The Bookworm allllll week, so stop by and grab some great new-to-you reads! Our hours are M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7

REVIEW – The Secretary by Renee Knight  

Very underwhelming book.

I loved her first book Disclaimer so much, this was such a disappointment compared to that.

All this build up in the story to a trial over ***check Goodreads to view spoiler*** Ugh, what a waste.

The jumping timelines back and forth caused unnecessary confusion too.

REVIEW – Little Miss Little Compton by Arden Myrin

I’m such a big fan of Arden Myrin’s… she was my favorite panelist on Chelsea Handler’s show, I loved her stalker character in Psych, and she is the best part of Insatiable.

I enjoyed learning about her life and what makes her tick… especially loved the story about when she first started dating her husband. Wish there was more about her acting and stories about being on set though.

Definitely give it a read if you’re a fan!

8/16/20

It’s a dreary day in Myrtle Beach… perfect for reading and snuggling with my dogs 🐾📚🐾 Thanks to Running Press for sending me an advance copy of Arden Myrin’s memoir, Little Miss Little Compton. She was always my favorite panelist on @chelseahandler’s show, and she’s the very best part of @insatiable, which was cancelled way too soon… But at least I still have a little more Arden in my life. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

8/14/20

I wasn’t sure whether to read the Dollanganger series in the order it was published or the order in which it happened… Since I already know the story, I decided to start at the beginning with the grandmother’s story. Currently reading Garden of Shadows by V.C. Andrews 🥀🥀🥀🥀 Have a great weekend everyone and happy reading!  

8/14/20

It’s Eli at The Bookworm today, reading the next book in Clive Cussler’s Oregon Files series, Skeleton Coast. Stop by from 10-7 and grab yourself some awesome beach reads (and maybe get attacked by skeleton mermaids) 💀🧜💀

REVIEW – I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid 

I told my husband the other day that I needed something different to read… well, I got it

I’m Thinking of Ending Things has been on my radar for years, but when I saw that Toni Collette was going to be in the Netflix adaptation, I immediately bought it.

It was something. Definitely the “different” I was looking for. It was weird, creepy, and so good! I feel like this is a smart person book… between the intellectual (and pretentious) conversations in the car and the symbolism that I just blew through (annnnddd you just figured out what side of the coin I am on the smart vs. dumb), it definitely made me think way more than usual. But at the end of the day, it was super unique and I really enjoyed it!

8/13/20

REVIEW – Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier 

Jennifer Hillier is one of my go-to authors. While Little Secrets wasn’t my favorite books of hers, I still really enjoyed it. It was more of a slow burn until the last 75 pages… that twist still has my head spinning!

Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

8/11/20

Finally got my hot little hands on this beauty! I stumbled across Jennifer Hillier years ago and she’s become one of my favorite, go-to authors. If you haven’t read her yet, you’re definitely missing out (start with Creep & Freak, they’re fantastic). Now, please excuse me for the next 6-8 hours while I devour Little Secrets. Have a great day bookworms!

REVIEW – The Perfect Son by Lauren North

What an underwhelming book.

The writing felt repetitive, the story was just OK, and I figured out the twist practically at the beginning.

The ending was a little bit better, but not definitely not enough to raise my 2 star rating. I’m really surprised the overall rating on this book is so high. But, to each her own.

8/8/20

Happy sunny Saturday! 🌞 Anyone else have a really long week? 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m starting The Perfect Son by Lauren North, and just might stay in bed until I finish it 🤗 Have a great weekend and happy reading! 📚🤍📚

8/6/20

Eli post – Just finished reading The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. What was the last classic you read?

REVIEW – Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham

Just finished rewatching Gilmore Girls, so it was the perfect time to pick this book up.

I would have loved another 100 pages about her time filming Gilmore Girls, but I still really enjoyed this book.

And yes, it definitely ended on a cliffhanger…

8/5/20

Just finished our quarantine binge of Gilmore Girls (that ending!) so it felt like the perfect time to pick up Lauren Graham’s memoir, Talking as Fast as I Can. Have a great day bookworms!

REVIEW – A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab

High fantasy is not normally the type of book I enjoy, but I loved her Monsters of Verity duology so much that I grabbed the Shades of Magic trilogy anyway, and I’m really glad I did.

A Gathering of Shadows took me 2 weeks to get through, but I really, really enjoyed it. There’s just something about her storytelling and the dynamic characters that keep me wanting more

While I’m in the world of the 3 Londons, I think I’m just going to roll into the last book…

8/4/20

Penelope and I are reading the next book in V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic series, A Gathering of Shadows. Hope you all fared well during the storm! The Bookworm will be open regular hours today 📚🐾📚

REVIEW – The Hidden Gallery by MaryRose Wood

Enjoyed another adventure with the Incorrigibles and Penelope and I loved the addition of Simon! I hope we see him in the next book too

8/1/20

Reading the 2nd book in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Maryrose Wood – The Hidden Gallery. Enjoy your weekend!

REVIEW – Eventide by Sarah Goodman

3.5 stars rounded up

Eventide was pretty good, but I just wanted more of everything… I wish the creepy factor and the mystery of it all had been flushed out more. Still a quick and enjoyable read.

7/31/20

7/29/20

I’ve had Compulsion by Martina Boone sitting on my bookshelf for years and finally just picked it up. I’m so glad I did, I love it! Best part, it’s a trilogy, so now I have 2 other books to look forward to. Have a great day bookworms and happy reading!

7/28/20

Hey, it’s Eli. Thanks to Hachette Books for sending me an advance copy of Bad Religion’s memoir, Do What You Want. If you’re a fan of theirs, or even punk rock, definitely pick this up. 5 stars from me

REVIEW – Calendar Girl Volume 4 by Audrey Carlan

It was the happy, cheesy ending we all wanted after going on this journey. Really appreciated the epilogue and extra goodies at the end!!

7/27/20

REVIEW – Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger  

This was my first book by Cristina Alger, and it won’t be my last.

Girls Like Us was an enjoyable and quick read. I wish the details and the mystery had all been expanded on more, but I still really liked it. Had a little trouble connecting with the MC at the beginning, but the further I got into the book, the more I was rooting for her.

7/26/20

Hello Sunday! I’m heading to the pool today with Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger. What are you reading?

REVIEW – Squad by Mariah MacCarthy

The first half of the book had a lot of promise, but the second half didn’t deliver. Still a decent book, but the main conflict between Jenna and Raejean was never really explained. Why did their friendship fall apart? Wasn’t that the basis of this entire book?

Quick and easy read, but definitely deserving of it’s 3.3 overall rating.

7/25/20

7/23/20

I ordered Skye Alexander’s book 🦄Unicorns: The Myths, Legends, and Lore🦄 for our littlest bookworm, not realizing it was a full grown, 200+ page book with limited pictures. So, I’m going to read it and stick it on the shelf to give Charlee in about 10 years 😆 Have a magical day! 🦄

7/22/20

Eli post – I’ve always loved visiting and eating in New Orleans. Cortney and I went for Halloween a few years ago, and it was definitely an experience! I’m currently reading The French Quarter: An Informal History of the New Orleans Underworld by Herbert Asbury. Stop by The Bookworm this week and check out all the new stock we’ve gotten in!

REVIEW – The Royal Secret by Lucinda Riley  

This was my first Lucinda Riley book, and I really enjoyed it. You definitely have to take into account that it was written over 20 years ago and rereleased. It could have used some editing (it didn’t need to be 500 pages to tell this story), but I ended up really liking it. I’ll definitely read more of her books in the future.

7/21/20

Good Morning! I’m starting my first Lucinda Riley book, The Royal Secret 👑 Stop by and see me at The Bookworm this week… We’re open M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7

REVIEW – Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power

While I didn’t enjoy Burn Our Bodies Down nearly as much as Wilder Girls, I still thought it was a decent book.

I could have done without Margot’s constant internal monologue analyzing EVERYTHING everyone said and did. It made the book feel really repetitive, and it just made me annoyed with her character. I wish the author had taken all of that and expanded on the mystery instead. The last 75 pages were great, but I wanted so much more.

Still a solid 3, but considering how much I loved Wilder Girls, this was a disappointment.

7/17/20

Wilder Girls was one of my favorite books from last year, so I cannot wait to start Rory Power’s latest book, Burn Our Bodies Down. I’ll be reading this at The Bookworm from 10-7 today. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg 

The movie Fried Green Tomatoes has always been a favorite of mine, so I finally decided to pick up the book.

I love this story, but knowing the movie so well, I really didn’t need to read the book too. Still absolutely enjoyed it.

7/14/20

The movie Fried Green Tomatoes has always been a favorite of mine, so it’s about time I read the book, right?! Finally starting Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg… and check out this adorable bookworm hedgehog pin we just added to the store!

REVIEW – Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle  

4.5 stars rounded up

I started this book yesterday morning and read it every chance I got until I finished it… I was hooked from the first page!

I had the bad guy pinned pretty early on, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book.

7/13/20

REVIEW – The Playground by Jane Shemilt  

3.5 stars rounded up

I really enjoy Jane Shemilt’s writing… The Playground was a good story, but not really the suspense I was expecting. I’m not sure if the twist was supposed to be a twist, but I knew how it was going to end from the start.

Still really enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading what she comes up with next.

7/11/20

Happy Saturday! I loved Jane Shemilt’s book The Daughter, so I’m really excited to read her latest, The Playground. Have a safe weekend and Happy Reading!

7/9/20

I recently read the first book in The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place by Mayrose Wood and loved this adorable book! Now I’m on the hunt for the rest of the series #bookwormproblems 😆 Have a great day!

REVIEW – The Shadows by Alex North  

4.5 stars rounded up

Great follow up to The Whisper Man… I actually even liked The Shadows better.

Quick, easy read, good characters, unexpected twists. Really, really enjoyed it!

7/7/20

When Celadon Books sent me an advance copy of Alex North’s first book, The Whisper Man, Eli helped himself and started it before I even got home. This time around, he at least asked nicely… He finished it last night and loved it, so now it’s my turn. Happy Pub Day to Alex North’s latest book, The Shadows!! I’ll be reading this at The Bookworm all day. Stop by from 10-5 and make sure you add The Shadows to your must read list!

REVIEW – Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover  

3.5 stars (I really don’t want to round up or down… I’m looking at you Goodreads)

Oh the angst! Oh the tears!

While it wasn’t my favorite Colleen Hoover book, it was still good, if a little cheesy. It became a running joke with me and my husband that I would announce “And she’s crying again…” He lost count. Seriously, all Sydney did was cry.

I guess I’ll round up because I enjoyed it more than I didn’t.

7/5/20

I wasn’t a big fan of Verity (😳gasp😳) so I’m going back to what Colleen Hoover does best… Reading Maybe Someday

REVIEW – The Wedding Thief by Mary Simses  

I liked the premise of the book, but it didn’t really deliver. The writing was just OK, and I didn’t like a single character. Easy read, but it wasn’t great.

7/4/20

🇺🇲 Happy 4th of July!! 🇺🇲
The Bookworm will be OPEN today from 10-2 and following the mandatory face mask order of Horry County 😷 Please make sure to grab your mask before heading our way! I’ll be reading The Wedding Thief by Mary Simses, which comes out on Tuesday 💒 Stay safe, enjoy your weekend, and happy reading!! 🌞📚🍻🎆

REVIEW – The Furies by Katie Lowe  

DNF at 50%

I just can’t force myself to read anymore of this book. I’ve been reading (avoiding) it for weeks, and I have too many shiny books sitting on my TBR pile to waste any more time on it.

It wasn’t awful, I still think it deserves 2 stars, but I just don’t want to read anymore. It had been on my radar for months, and despite the bad rating, I still wanted to read it. I should have paid attention to everyone else’s opinion and saved myself the time.

7/2/20

Good Morning! I’ll be reading The Furies by Katie Lowe at The Bookworm today. Stop by from 10-7 and grab some great beach reads for yourself 🌊📚🌞

7/1/20

Finished reading Sister Sister by Sue Fortin yesterday. It was a story about a long lost sister that suddenly gets back in touch with her family in England. It was a quick and easy read, but rather predictable. I definitely preferred The Birthday Girl by this author. 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Curious about my other ratings and reviews? Follow or request me on Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6320671-cortney-lascola—the-bookworm-myrtle-beach

REVIEW – The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware 

4.5 stars rounded up

What a great book! I started it Sunday morning and basically didn’t do anything else until I finished it. I wish the story and the ending had been flushed out a little more, and I am not a fan of a cliffhanger ending, but this was definitely my favorite book of hers so far.

Can’t wait to read the next one!

6/28/20

Since we still can’t really go out and do much, I’ll be spending my Sunday Funday with Ruth Ware’s The Turn of the Key. Which book of hers has been your favorite?

REVIEW – Heretics Anonymous by Katie Henry  

Adorable book… made me laugh/smile throughout. Great and relatable characters. Definitely worth picking up!

6/27/20

REVIEW – Dragonfly  by Leila Meacham  

I loved this book. Historical fiction is not the type of book I am usually drawn to, but I really enjoyed Roses, so I thought I’d give Dragonfly a try. I’m so glad I did.

Great characters, great story, loved the ending. I was worried that all the different POV’s would get confusing, but the author did a really good job reminding you of who each character was within the first sentence or two of each chapter.

Really, really enjoyed this book!

6/25/20

I’m going to mix it up today and read some historical fiction… Starting Dragonfly by Leila Meacham. I’ll be at The Bookworm from 10-7. Stop by and grab some great summer reads!

REVIEW – Watching You by Lisa Jewell 

Good story with lots of twists. While the middle felt slow and repetitive to me, once I hit the 200 page mark, I flew through the rest.

6/23/20

Starting Watching You by Lisa Jewell on this hot and sunny Tuesday afternoon!

REVIEW – The Heat Wave by Kate Riordan  

What a fantastic book!

After a string of a few not so great books, I was in a bit of a reading slump, but The Heatwave cured it. It was just such a really well done, great read. If I hadn’t picked The Bookworm’s summer book club pick already, I would have done this one in a heartbeat.

If I had one complaint, it was the amount of French used. You could infer what they were saying, but I don’t think it added anything to the story. Additionally, when two of the characters were conversing in French, it was typed out in italics (English), which got a little annoying after awhile. But in the grand scheme of how great this book was, that’s tiny.

I loved it

6/22/20

I started The Heatwave by Kate Riordan yesterday, and could hardly put it down! Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for sending me an advance copy. The Heatwave comes out August 18th… Add it to the top of your must read summer books!

6/21/20

Happy Father’s Day!! Eli here – pecan pie and Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern is on my agenda for this afternoon. Don’t forget to enter Dallas’s giveaway for a signed copy of Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank! Check out yesterday’s post for details

REVIEW – This Little Light by Lori Lansens 

This was a rough read for me… I definitely ended up skimming the memories and just read the parts that were happening now so that I could just get through it.

There was a good story in there, but the author’s attempt to talk like a 16 year old was grating and pretty awful. “If Anne Frank were alive, she’d totally be an influencer.” Ugh.

The ending was good, but not enough to raise my 2 star rating.

6/17/20

Thank you to ABRAMS Books and Overlook Press for sending me an advance copy of This Little Light by Lori Lansens! I’ll be reading this at The Bookworm today (and singing This Little Light of Mine in my head all day) Don’t forget that we updated our hours to M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Stop by and grab some great summer reads! 📚🌞📚

REVIEW – Little Creeping Things by Chelsea Ichaso  

The synopsis (and that cover!) made this book sound so cool… unfortunately, it was pretty mediocre. I didn’t particularly like or care about any of the characters. I feel like too much of the book was about how angsty the main character was, as opposed to actually building the suspense and both mysteries. It all just fell flat for me.

6/16/20

Good morning bookworms! I’m starting Little Creeping Things by Chelsea Ichaso. This books has been on my radar for awhile, so I’m excited to finally get my hands on it!

REVIEW – Because You’re Mine by Rea Frey  

3.5 stars rounded up

I really enjoy Rea Frey’s writing… looking forward to her next book!

6/13/20

Hello Friday! I loved Rea Frey’s first book, so I’m really excited to start her follow up, Because You’re Mine. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Hunting November by Adriana Mather  

Honestly, I’m a little disappointed with the follow up to Killing November. I really loved that book, and this one was just OK for me. I kept putting it down and picking something else up… so much so that it took me 2 weeks to finish it, which is really unlike me.

I think that the fact I read Killing November over a year ago (and had a hard time remembering a lot) definitely impacted how I felt about it.

I still like Adriana Mather’s writing and stories, and will still read whatever she writes, but this one was a bit of a disappointment.

6/10/20

Starting Hunting November by Adriana Mather today. I loved Killing November, so I’m excited to get into the sequel!

6/6/20

Good Morning! Dallas is working at The Bookworm today, so Cortney and I are having a pool day. I’m reading the next book in Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series, Deep Six. Don’t forget to enter our June giveaway 📚

REVIEW – A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigin Kemmerer 

Great follow up!! I already loved Grey and ended up really loving Lia Mara too. I can’t wait for the next book.

6/4/20

Diving back into the world of Emberfall with A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer. Don’t forget The Bookworm has updated hours! M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Happy Reading!

REVIEW – You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott  

I just didn’t enjoy this book. I’m trying to think about one redeeming quality to mention, and I got nothing. The story felt convoluted, none of the characters were memorable or likeable, and the ending fell flat.

This has to be the 4th or 5th Megan Abbott book I’ve read, and by far my least favorite. If you want to read something by her, check out Give Me Your Hand

6/1/20

Monday again?! Starting off my day with pancakes and You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott. Don’t forget we have updated hours at The Bookworm! M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Stop by and see us this week! 📚❤️📚

REVIEW – Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 

Definitely more serious than the other books of theirs I have read, but I still really enjoyed it.

Great story with great characters, as always. I just loved Elliott, he was my favorite.

5/31/20

Happy Sunday! Penelope and I were in the mood for something light and fun, so we grabbed Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren. They’re always my go-to for cute romance books 💗 Have a great day and happy reading

5/30/20

Hey book nerds, Eli posting today. Decided to cross a book off my bucket list and tackle The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Any other fans out there?

REVIEW – Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker  

I’m a big fan of Wendy Walker, and Don’t Look for Me did not disappoint!

Great story, great characters, and an ending I didn’t see coming. I think I thought every man in the book was guilty at one point.

Can’t wait to read what she comes up with next!

5/29/20

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending both me and @libraryofdallas an advance copy of Wendy Walker’s new book, Don’t Look For Me! We are both huge fans of her work and are excited to do a buddy read this weekend… and check out this stunning cover!

REVIEW – The Guests on South Battery by Karen White  

3.5 stars rounded down

This was definitely my least favorite book in the series. Melanie really bugged me in this book, and I saw the “twist” coming from miles (and miles) away.

Will definitely keep reading the series because I did enjoy it.

5/28/20

Who says a girl from up North can’t learn a little southern hospitality?! Reading the 5th book in the Tradd Street series by Karen White, The Guests on South Battery. Don’t forget The Bookworm has updated hours! M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7.

5/27/20

Good morning from a very rainy Myrtle Beach! Over our time at home, Eli and I watched United States of Tara (it’s amazing and got cancelled way too soon). The show sparked my interest in multiple personalities, so I had to grab Sybil off the shelf for my next read. Don’t forget that The Bookworm has new hours. M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Crave by Tracy Wolff  

I really do not get the hype over this book. It had the worst case of insta-love I have ever read, I lost count of the number of times I rolled my eyes, and the MC, Grace, kind of (definitely) sucks.

The writing was juvenile and mediocre, and the book was at least 200 pages too long.

While we know about the supernatural element from the blurb, they actually didn’t even discuss it with the “helpless” human or the reader until 300 pages in. 300 PAGES!

I love a good, angsty vampire story, and I really wanted to love this one. Unfortunately, it was not and I did not. And that big reveal at the end may be the stupidest thing I have ever read. Seriously.

Needless to say, I will not be continuing with the series. Here’s just a few of the eye rolls I threw over this 540 page book
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🧛‍♂️

5/25/20

Happy Memorial Day! The Bookworm is OPEN from 10-5. I’ll be at the desk reading Crave by Tracy Wolff 🧛‍♂️

5/23/20

5/22/20

It’s Eli at The Bookworm today, reading Killer Pizza by Greg Taylor 🍕🍕🍕 Stop by from 10-4 and grab some great books for the weekend!

REVIEW – An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Great book!! It’s amazing to see how far these two have come since their first novel together.

This book definitely kept me guessing… I really liked the MC, Jess.

Looking forward to seeing what they come up with next!

5/20/20

REVIEW – The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond  

I had one of those great, lazy Sundays where I spent the whole day reading this book. It was a little farfetched, but I really enjoyed it!

5/18/20

I had one of those great, lazy Sundays yesterday where I spent the majority of my day lost in a book. Currently reading The Marriage Pact by Michelle Richmond 💀💍💀

REVIEW – The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson  

Cute and easy read

5/16/20

Stopped by Local on the Water today for a delicious lunch and a quick photo op with my current read, The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson. Please remember to support your local businesses! 💙💙💙

5/15/20

Happy Friday everyone! I’m enjoying my afternoon off and sitting outside reading Coraline by Neil Gaiman 🌞

REVIEW – The Power by Naomi Alderman  

Books about women who fight the patriarchy are my jam… I love them. That’s what I thought this book was going to be. It isn’t. This is not a book about feminism, it’s about the corruption of power.

I know that there are bad people who are going to do bad things, regardless of their gender, background, ethnicity, etc., but I wanted the women to be better than the men. I’m just disappointed that they weren’t.

Roxy was by far my favorite character.

I still think it was a unique and well-written book. 3.5 stars rounded down

5/14/20

Starting The Power by Naomi Alderman… Have a great day everyone and happy reading!

5/13/20

It’s Eli, brewing some beer and reading Randy Mosher’s Tasting Beer in preparation for the Cicerone exam. There’s so much information in this book, I hope I can remember it all. Wish me luck 🍻

REVIEW – I Know You Remember by Jennifer Donaldson

It isn’t often that an ending takes me by so much surprise. WOW! I did not see that coming!

Really enjoyed this book

5/12/20

REVIEW – The Night Swim by Megan Goldin  

Fantastic book!! I loved The Escape Room, but enjoyed The Night Swim even more. Cannot wait to see what else Megan Goldin writes!

5/9/20

I loved Megan Goldin’s first book, The Escape Room, so I was super excited to get an advance copy of her newest book, The Night Swim. Thank you St Martin’s Press! I’ll be reading this at The Bookworm today from 10-4. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

REVIEW – A Highland Christmas by Gerry Bartlett  

Cute story, as always. I am enjoying reading about Glory and Jerry’s early life together.

5/7/20

Good morning book friends! I’m reading the latest book in Gerry Bartlett’s Real Vampire series, A Highland Christmas. Stop by The Bookworm today from 10-4 and find your new favorite book! As always, our paperbacks are 50% off the original cover price, and hardbacks are 75% off. Stay safe and happy reading!

REVIEW – The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah  

The last 100 pages made this book for me.

Don’t get me wrong, this was a really good book, but I don’t really understand the fanfare over it. I think The Nightingale is miles above The Great Alone. Though I did really love Leni and Matthew…

4 solid stars

5/5/20

The overwhelming response was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah… I’ll be reading this all day at The Bookworm. Stop by 10-4!

REVIEW – Always the Last to Know by Kristan Higgins  

I really enjoy Kristan Higgins books.

I liked the 4 different POVs in this one, but Sadie was the shining star out of the group. I would happily have read a book just completely from her perspective. I know that Barb is the wronged woman here, but she was a very unsympathetic character. I didn’t particularly care for her.

And while I didn’t quite love this book as much as others, I still really enjoyed it. 4 solid stars.

5/2/20

REVIEW – The Similars by Rebecca Hanover  

3.5 stars rounded up

This book was a solid 4 for me until the ending… but the virtual reality stuff was dumb. It took away from the rest of what was a solid book in my opinion. There seemed to be a lot of repetition throughout the book too, it probably could have been at least 50 pages shorter. I did care about what happened to the characters, and I’ll probably read the sequel if I come across it…

4/30/20

On this rainy morning in Myrtle Beach, I am finally picking up The Similars by Rebecca Hanover… It’s been on my TBR pile since October. What book have you had sitting around the longest?

4/29/20

Hey bookworms, it’s Eli. I love to cook Indian food, so when I can across The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin, I had to give it a try 🥘 🥘 🥘

REVIEW – Mata Hari’s Last Dance  

3.5 stars rounded down

Definitely not my favorite book by Michelle Moran, but still a good and quick read. I could have done with less talk of her various men and all the jewelry they bought her and taken more actual story, but I still enjoyed it.

4/28/20

I’m going to swerve a little from my usual type of book and read a fictionalized account about Mata Hari. I’m a big fan of Michelle Moran’s books, so I’m looking forward to getting into this one! Don’t forget, The Bookworm is OPEN! Monday-Saturday from 10-4. Stay safe and happy reading!

REVIEW – Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams  

I absolutely loved The Bromance Book Club (loved!) but Undercover Bromance was a weak follow up. It was missing the magic of the guys book club… I adore all those characters and especially loved when they discuss their romance reads!

That coupled with the fact that Liv is just utterly obnoxious, left me feeling let down. And honestly, if I had a dollar for every wink and middle finger that was thrown about, I could buy 10 copies of this book.

Still looking forward to the next one, I just hope that the author recaptures what made the first one so great.

4/24/20

I just needed something light and fluffy this morning, so I’m starting the second book in The Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams, Undercover Bromance. I loved the first one, so I can’t wait to get into this one! Don’t forget The Bookworm is reopening Monday at 10 📚📚📚

4/23/20

REVIEW – The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins  

This book took me 2 weeks to read… I kept putting it down for something else. It picked up the last 50 pages or so, but overall it was pretty slow. The author kept alluding to things, I’m guessing to stir up the suspense, but it really just left me kind of confused.

4/22/20

Good Morning! I’m reading The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins. Have a great day bookworms!

REVIEW – The Safe Place by Anna Downes  

I thought The Safe Place was really good! It was a quick and enjoyable read.

I do feel like it struggled with it’s identity though, if that makes any sense… The marketing materials and even the title didn’t really go with the story. Is it a mystery? Is there something paranormal going on? In an attempt to create a mystery, it almost just left me confused about what was going on.

Still really enjoyed it. Looking forward to see what else Anna Downes comes up with!

4/19/20

REVIEW – Willow by Julia Hoban 

While this book is about a very serious subject, I honestly just didn’t enjoy it. The writing was mediocre, and Willow was just obnoxious. Obviously, you have to feel for her tragedy, but I was just annoyed when I should have been rooting for her.

4/17/20

I’ve had Willow by Julia Hoban sitting on my bookshelf for years… What better time to finally pick it up?!

4/16/20

Eli here – a big thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me an advance copy of Tom Clavin’s new book, Tombstone. I loved the movie growing up… can’t wait to read about what actually happened!

REVIEW – Master Class by Christina Dalcher  

3.5 rounded up

Christina Dalcher has a way of writing that makes the implausible seem plausible.

While I enjoyed her first book Vox more, I still thought Master Class was really good… and that ending!

4/16/20

Thanks to Berkley Publishing and Goodreads for sending me an advance copy of Christina Dalcher’s new book, Master Class! I loved her first novel Vox, so I’m really excited to get into this one 👩🏻‍🏫

REVIEW – A Room Away from the Wolves by Nova Ren Suma  

I’m not totally sure what I just read?

I think the author is a beautiful writer, but this book confused the hell out of me. It started out really strong, but once Bina got to Catherine House, it just went downhill for me. I think the author was trying to build the mystery, but it really just confused me and left me not actually caring.

I think there is a good story in there, but it just wasn’t explained well enough. And the ending?! Whaattt??

If you are looking for a book that gives you answers and a definite ending, this is not the one for you. So much wasn’t explained and there was a lot I still have questions about.

Overall, I still (kind of) enjoyed it. I think. 3 stars

4/15/20

Good Morning bookies! I’m reading A Room Away From the Wolves by Nova Ren Suma today. Hope you’re all in the middle of a great book!

4/13/20

It is a dark and stormy morning here in Myrtle Beach… It’s Eli, your favorite back up bookworm and I’m reading Priest of Bones by Peter McLean. Don’t forget The Bookworm is offering curbside pick up by appointment! Email us at thebookworm.mb@gmail.com for inventory questions!

REVIEW – The Chosen by Kristina Ohlsson  

I loved the first 3 books in this series, but was not a fan of #4, so this one has been sitting on my shelf for years.

I’m so glad I finally picked it up! Even though it was repetitive at times, I still really enjoyed it. It was nice to be back with Fredrika and Alex again

4/12/20

I picked up the 1st book in the Fredrika Bergman and Alex Recht series by Kristina Ohlsson years ago and absolutely loved it. Reading The Chosen now, # 5 in the series. The writing and the stories are always so great, it’s hard to believe they’ve been translated from Swedish 🇸🇪

REVIEW – Poison’s Cage by Breeana Shields  

Good follow up to Poison’s Kiss… I really enjoyed this duology!

4/11/20

I am putting in some work on my TBR pile! Reading Poison’s Cage, the sequel to Poison’s Kiss, by Breeana Shields 🐍🐍🐍 Be well and Happy Reading!

REVIEW – A Palm Beach Wife by Susannah Marren 

2.5 stars rounded down

I’ve had this book on my virtual TBR shelf forever… When I came across a copy and looked it up on GR and saw the terrible rating (2.7) I was about to just drop it… but as I read the reviews, it seemed like everyone’s main complaint was the constant description of the designer items. This doesn’t bother me, so I decided to go for it… if for no other reason than the gorgeous cover!

Well, what all these reviews failed to mention was the terrible writing! The story didn’t flow, the dialogue was awful, and it felt like we were missing important aspects of the story. Plus, it just ended so abruptly, I’m pretty sure I said “WTF?” out loud.

I wish I hadn’t wasted my time.

4/10/20

4/9/20

Eli here… with lots of reading time on my hands. Giving Mark Greaney’s The Gray Man a try, hoping to find a new series to get into. Don’t forget that The Bookworm offers curbside pick up by appointment and US shipping! Email thebookworm.mb@gmail.com for inventory questions

REVIEW – A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson 

What a fantastic book!! I absolutely loved it. It’s hard to believe this was Holly Jackson’s debut. I’m super excited that is going to be a series!

This book is definitely worth the hype! 5 stars

4/9/20

Good Morning! I’m starting A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson… Stay safe everyone!!

REVIEW – A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell  

I feel like the concept of this book was pretty cool, but it wasn’t executed very well.

I like the idea that each person views each interaction differently, but I was just confused about what was happening for the first 70 pages or so. And while I enjoyed the ending, I feel like it was just thrown at you and a lot didn’t get explained.

Still a decent story.

4/7/20

It was hard not being able to open The Bookworm today, but I wanted to give a big thank you to everyone who used our curbside pick up! A special thanks to @litchfieldbooks for helping to host a great virtual author talk with the super entertaining Grady Hendrix @paperbacksfromhell ! If you haven’t yet, check out his new release, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires 🧛‍♂️ It’s gruesome and amazing! I’m off to get lost in Michele Campbell’s A Stranger on the Beach. Be well everyone!

4/5/20

Ash would know how to take care of the Corona Virus…. It’s Eli, reading another of Bruce Campbell’s memoirs, Hail to the Chin. The Bookworm WILL be open Monday from 10-4, but then closing due to the mandatory shut down. Come in and STOCK UP! Stay tuned for curbside pick up details.

4/4/20

Shouting a giant THANK YOU to @catapult for giving me an advance copy of Godshot, and to @chelseabieker for writing it. What a fantastic, enthralling, and utterly heartbreaking story. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! Add this book to your TBR piles, you will not regret it…

REVIEW – Kept Animals by Kate Milliken  

3.5 stars rounded down

It was good book, it was just a little slow and I kept forgetting who each character was who. I don’t know why? But none of the names stuck with me. I also think the POV from Rory’s grown daughter didn’t add anything to the story.

Still a good book with a solid story

4/2/20

REVIEW – Alaska Bound by Margaret Frank  

Great book, especially for a debut author!

I wish the story had been a little more flushed out… Tell me more about Patience and her background and her family… same with Forrest and Logan and Ana. They were all great characters, I just wanted more!

Can’t wait to see what else Margaret Frank writes

4/1/20

Happy Pub Day to Margaret Frank’s debut release, Alaska Bound!! I started it yesterday, and I’m really enjoying it so far! 🐳❄️🏔️❄️🐳

REVIEW – I Don’t Care About Your Band by Julie Klausner  

It’s so disappointing when someone you think is funny writes a completely unfunny memoir. This book was not good. She talks about how awful all of these guys are, but you know who was the worst? She was.

3/30/20

It was a sad day for me when I found out the show Difficult People wasn’t coming back “…apology fries have cheese!” But I was delighted to find out that the hilarious Julie Klausner had a memoir. Diving into I Don’t Care About Your Band at The Bookworm today. We will be open from 10-4 and offer curbside pickup and shipping. Stay healthy and happy reading!

3/29/20

REVIEW — I Invited Her In by Adele Parks 

I was pretty unimpressed with this book… Nothing happened the first 200 pages of the book, the nice MC (Mel) was so annoying and weak and pathetic, I just could not relate to her or root for her. Her “best friend” Abi was such a cliche that I couldn’t even like her as a villain.

The book was entirely too long, and just too basic.

3/28/20

Good morning! I’ll be reading I Invited Her In by Adele Parks at The Bookworm today from 10-4. Stop by and stock up on some books to help pass the time! We do offer curbside pick up and shipping. Thanks for your continued support!

3/26/20

I came home to the best #bookmail the other day! The Lion’s Den by Katherine St. John jumped right to the top of my TBR pile and I spent the past 2 days escaping into this amazingly addictive book! I absolutely loved it (and check out this gorgeous cover)             🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 giant stars. Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for sending me an advance copy!

3/25/20

Eli here at The Bookworm today. We are open 10-4! Just finished rereading an old favorite, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. What book is your go-to reread?

REVIEW – Enchantee by Gita Trelease 

It took me forever to get through this book… at the end of the day, it was just boring. I really loved the magic aspect and the time at court, but I could have completely done without the entire balloon/Lazare story line.

I still think it was a good story, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing with the series.

3/24/20

The Bookworm is open from 10-4! We can check our inventory and do curbside pick-up 📚🚗📚 Email us at thebookworm.mb@gmail.com or call 843-750-0000. I’ll be reading Enchantée by Gita Trelease today. Stay healthy and happy reading!

REVIEW – Unclaimed Baggage by Jen Doll 

Very cute and sweet book… It started out light and breezy, but then it got pretty serious. I would have loved more about the store and the crazy things they found.

REVIEW – The Escape Room by Megan Goldin  

Great book!! I loved the alternating timelines, the characters were all really well written, and it was fast-paced thriller that I spent the majority of my day reading. Just a little far-fetched, but I really, really enjoyed it.

3/21/20

3/20/20

A memoir about a guy who goes around NYC tasting all the pizza? That is the book (and the mission) for me. Eli here… I started reading Slice Harvester by Colin Hagendorf today and had to run over to Aromas (Pizza, Pasta, & Subs) to grab a couple slices. They’re still open for take-out and delivery! Stop by The Bookworm tomorrow from 10-4 and then swing by Aroma’s for some pizza to go 📚🍕📚

REVIEW – Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews 

Living in Myrtle Beach, it’s hard to believe this was my first MKA book…

I really, really liked it though! Great characters (Rowena!), great story, but it was definitely way longer than it needed to be. The first 300 pages should have been 100. But once I got to the halfway point, I flew through it.

Looking forward to going back and reading her other books!

REVIEW – Something She’s Not Telling Us by Darcy Bell  

The curse of the 2nd book strikes again! This book was a mess. I loved A Simple Favor, but Something She’s Not Telling Us was a big letdown.

The story didn’t make a whole lot of sense, there was no suspense or build-up, the characters were all awful (not in a villain type of way, just bad).

The whole book was farfetched and implausible

1.5 stars rounded up because I didn’t hate it, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it.

3/19/20

3/18/20

Thank you to Harper Books for sending me an advance copy of Darcey Bell’s new book, Something She’s Not Telling Us (and for the cool sunnies 🕶️) I loved A Simple Favor, so I can’t wait to read her latest!

3/17/20

It’s Eli, your favorite back-up bookworm, and I’m reading Sacred Stone by Clive Cussler, book 2 of the Oregon Files

REVIEW – The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin 

I keep going back and forth about how to rate this book…

It was a very well written and unique story, and I did think the 4 different parts and the timeline were clever, but at the end of the day, I just didn’t enjoy this book. I didn’t particularly like any of the characters, and overall it was pretty depressing.

I have to go middle of the road and give it 3 stars.

REVIEW – The Wives by Tarryn Fisher  

This was exactly the type of book I was in the mood for… a quick thriller with a new story line.

I started this book Sunday morning and had it finished before dinner. Really enjoyed it!

3/15/20

Just started The Wives by Tarryn Fisher, and I’m pretty sure reading this book is all I’m going to want to do today. Penelope and Oliver are on board with it. Have a great day bookworms!

3/14/20

🌞 A huge thank you to St.Martin’s Press for sending me an advance copy of Hello, Summer, Mary Kay Andrews newest book 🌞 I’m so excited to start this… AND say hey to summer 🌞 Happy Reading 🌞

3/13/20

I’ve heard such great things about The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin… Finally picking it up! Have a great day bookworms and keep washing those hands 🌻

REVIEW – Return to Tradd Street by Karen White  

I feel like a lot of the story was fast-forwarded… one chapter was before Christmas, and then the next was February. I guess that was to span Melanie’s whole pregnancy, but it just felt like we were missing parts of the story.

Still liked it, will definitely keep going with the books, but it was probably my least favorite book in the series so far.

3/11/20

🏴‍☠️ A ghost ship, a killer, and the birth of a gangster nation 🏴‍☠️

Next installment of what #elisreading – The Last Pirate of New York by Rich Cohen. We have a great True Crime section at The Bookworm… Stop by Monday-Saturday from 10-7 to check it out!

REVIEW – The Good Sister by Gillian McAllister

I was totally engrossed in this book… I kept looking for clues as to if Becky was guilty or not, and changed my mind at least 3 times. Really great story!

3/10/20

3/10/20

Happy Pub Day to Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years!! Thanks to everyone who pre-ordered a copy through The Bookworm, they are officially ready for pick up! We still have some copies available, so stop by and grab one… You won’t regret it! In Five Years has also been chosen as Good Morning America’s March Book Pick. Find out for youself why everyone is in love with this book

REVIEW – Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaefer  

Very cool, very unique story line. I felt a little lost at the beginning, definitely could have used some explanation about a lot of stuff. I even checked to make sure this was the first book at one point.

But once I got into the story, the questions started to get answered, and I ended up really, really enjoying it

Very excited to continue this story with Nita and Kovit!

3/8/20

The Strangers on Montagu Street totally sucked me in and I had to start Return to Tradd Street right away! Hope you’re enjoying your Sunday 📚

REVIEW – The Strangers on Montagu Street by Karen White