Now Reading, Reviews, and Recommendations

1/11/21

Happy Monday! Stop by The Bookworm this week to check out all the new stock we’ve gotten on the shelf! We’re open M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. I’m currently reading The Girls by Emma Cline, a fictional account of the Manson cult. Have a great week and stay safe!

REVIEW – The Girls by Emma Cline  

Really great book! The writing reminded me of Julie Buntin and Chelsea Bieker (both of whom I love).

This book had been on my radar for awhile, but when I saw the rating I contemplated not picking it up. I’m so glad I did. You could feel the despair and loneliness of Evie, and see how easy it is for someone to get caught up in something so vile and bizarre like the group from the ranch.

I also liked how she slowly told you what happened the night of the murder and just left little sprinkles of details throughout the book… even the little snippets of what Evie’s life is currently were done really well.

Overall, great read. 5 stars!

1/9/21

It’s Eli here today, I just started The Innocent by David Baldacci and I am loving it! I can’t wait to read the rest of Will Robie series.

1/8/21

Wanted to start the year off with the book that has been on my TBR pile the longest! Currently reading Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi. Stop by The Bookworm today to grab some great new-to-you books! I’ll be there 10-7

REVIEW – Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi  

I was in a vicious cycle of putting off this book because I was afraid I had forgotten too much since the first one… which just led to letting more time pass and then forgetting more. This went on for over a year.

I should not have waited! While I may have enjoyed it more if I had read it closer to the first one, I still didn’t really feel like I forgot anything. She was able to pull me right back in the story, and it didn’t feel like I had read 200+ books inbetween.

That ending though!! When is the next one coming? It’s not soon enough!

1/6/21

To anyone who drove past The Bookworm today and saw me in the middle of the parking lot taking pictures, it was for a good cause! Currently reading If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin. Be safe with your bookstagram, friends

REVIEW – If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin  

I’m really confused as to how this book has such a high rating. It was mundane and repetitious, the main character was annoying, and the writing wasn’t very good.

And I swear, if I knew she called him “Finny” I never would have picked up this book.

2 very bored and unethusiastic stars

1/5/21

Good Morning! Currently reading Guilty by Laura Elliot 

REVIEW – Guilty by Laura Elliot  

3.75 rounded up

I really liked this book until the stuff with the Plinks came in to the story… just all of a sudden the book went really left with hardly any explanation. I felt like I was missing a chunk of the story.

All around, an enjoyable book. And honestly, can you blame him?

1/3/21

It’s Eli here, I thought I would try something different than Clive Cussler for a change, haha. Reading The North Water by Ian McGuire. It’s about a turn of the century whaling expedition that goes awry.

1/2/21

The Bookworm is back to our regular business hours! Stop by and see Dallas today from 10-7. I’m spending my morning with White Ivy by Susie Yang and snuggling inside my new reading sweatshirt (my arms get cold!) Enjoy your day bookies, and push that diet until Monday

REVIEW – White Ivy by Susie Yang  

I was so excited for this book, but it was a snooooooze. The blurb made it seem suspenseful, but that was not the case.

1/1/21

What a fantastic book to start my year off with! A giant thank you to Scholastic for sending me an advance copy of Muted by Tami Charles. Mark your calendars for February 2 and pick.up.this.book. 5 huge stars! 

12/30/20

One last book for the year… Reading the upcoming release from Casey McQuiston, One Last Stop (thanks Heather!) The Bookworm will be open today and tomorrow from 10-5, closed on Friday, and then back to normal hours as of Saturday. Have a great day and stay safe out there!!

REVIEW – One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston  

3.5 stars rounded up

This was a cute and unique story… I was really excited to read it after how much hype her first book got, but I honestly didn’t love it. I just never really connected with Jane and August.

What I liked:
All the side characters were amazing (the best part of the book, in my opinion) and how different and inclusive the cast was. This is not your typical rom-com book, which I loved.

What I didn’t like:
It was too long and it dragged at points. It took me way longer to read this book than it normally would… it also felt a little preachy at times.

Overall, I enjoyed it and will definitely read Red, White, and Royal Blue soon!

12/28/20

The Bookworm will be open today-Thursday from 10-5! I’m enjoying some of my presents from under the tree… The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonio, the always amazing Britney Spears, and an entire bag filled with nothing but the marshmallows from Lucky Charms. This is 40, I guess?! Have a great day bookworms!

REVIEW – The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia  

What an adorable book to end my reading year on!

I really enjoyed it! Sometimes I was Team Amanda, sometimes I was Team Mae (and I was always team Andy.)

The end of the story dragged a little, but it ended just the way it should have.

12/26/20

Good morning!! What books were under your tree yesterday? I got The Chicken Sisters by @kjda and White Ivy by @susieyyang. Currently finishing up the newest book from Karen McManus, The Cousins. Don’t forget that The Bookworm is closed until Monday… Happy Reading!

REVIEW – The Cousins by Karen M McManus  

Definitely not the suspense/mystery I have come to expect from this author, but I still enjoyed it!

12/23/20

Today is the last day to stop by The Bookworm before Christmas! We will be closing at 5 and not opening again until Monday. This is Eli, finishing out my reading year with the last book in the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay, Dexter is Dead. Happy Christmas Eve Eve!

12/22/20

A super big thank you to William Morrow for sending me an advance copy of Joshilyn Jackson’s upcoming thriller, Mother May I! I absolutely loved her last book, Never Have I Ever, so I’m really excited to get into this one. Happy Reading bookworms!

REVIEW – Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson   

I read this book in a little over a day because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

It did feel a little repetitive at times, but I enjoyed it! Not quite as much as her thriller from last year, Never Have I Ever, but there is no doubt that Joshilyn Jackson is talented and switched over from her original genre of books really well.

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

12/20/20

It’s cold, wet, and dreary in Myrtle Beach, so I’m going to spend the morning in bed with Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick. Enjoy your Sunday bookworms and happy reading!

REVIEW – Dangerous Lies by Becca Fitzpatrick  

Let me preface this by saying that I’m 40 and I still read YA, so I’ll probably be harsher than most of the other reviews…

This book was just OK for me. The story with the Witness Protection was totally implausible, the instalove was eye-roll worthy, and her reasoning for everything at the end just annoyed me. That being said, it was still an easy read with a decent story. And I did love Chet.

3 stars

12/19/20

I have always been fascinated by the Wild West, so I was happy to have Wild Bill by Tom Clavin come through the door. I wish I would have read it before Cortney and I went to Deadwood a few years ago (which you should definitely check out if you’re ever in South Dakota). Here’s a few pictures I took while we were there

12/17/20

Such a big fan of Shari Lapena… excited to start An Unwanted Guest! Happy Reading bookworms!

REVIEW – An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena  

First half of the book was decent, but once I hit that middle point I could not put it down!! Shari Lapena never disappoints

12/16/20

What did you all think of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?! I’m excited to be starting it!

REVIEW – The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins 

I was hesitant to read this because I was afraid I would be disappointed. But I was not! Her writing is still great, and I think she did such a wonderful job bringing us all back to Panem.

There were parts of the story that dragged, but overall, I though it was great.

Snow lands on top!

12/14/20

Mixing it up a little and reading a travelogue… Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost

REVIEW – Lost on Planet China by J. Maarten Troost 

I loved Sex Lives of Cannibals… this one was just OK. I enjoyed the stories, but it felt like practically the same in every town or city he visited, and the history parts were hard to slog through.

12/13/20

Tucking into a nice cuppa and Paula Daly’s Clear My Name. Enjoy your Sunday, we’ll see you next week! Stop by to grab some great new-to-you books, the perfect holiday gift for the bookworm on your list, or a gift certificate. The Bookworm is open M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Clear My Name by Paula Daly  

12/12/20

Joining the rest of my book friends and reading In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren. Happy Holidays bookworms!

REVIEW – In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren  

Definitely my least favorite books of theirs…

I feel like there was a lot of loose ends. What about Theo? They alluded to some feeling on his part, but just never addressed it. What about the time loop? That just kind of went away. All the side characters were hard to keep track of, there was just so many. Why was there an Elise and a Lisa? I’m already confused enough because there are like 12 characters to keep track of.

Great idea, mediocre execution.

12/11/20

Hey, it’s Eli. Still reading and loving Clive Cussler… on to The Silent Sea. Don’t forget that The Bookworm offers gift certificates and a ton of bookish gifts. Stop by and see us M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. Happy Reading!

12/9/20

Penelope helped pick my next read!

REVIEW – The Arrangement by Robyn Harding  

3.5 stars rounded up

I enjoyed it! Robyn Harding always comes up with these cool stories. It was a quick read, but definitely repetitive at times. Looking forward to picking up the next one

12/9/20

It’s been a quiet (and cold!) few days, so I’ve gotten to catch up on some reading… Excited to start the 27th installment in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, Fortune and Glory (Tantalizing Twenty-Seven)

REVIEW – Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich   

I need to start off by saying I am super annoyed that they changed the title format… there is absolutely no reason this book should be called Fortune and Glory. It is the 27th book in the Stephanie Plum series, period. “Don’t stray from the formula!”

Aside from the above, I really enjoyed this book. Laughed out loud a lot, enjoyed Potts as a new character. I continue to be Team Ranger.

“Here it is. You think you know someone and then next thing they tell you is that they want a Chihuahua named Chardonnay.”

Looking forward to the next one!

12/8/20

Reading Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover today… Have a great day bookworms!

REVIEW – Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover  

3.5 stars rounded up

Decent story. I just was never really invested in the characters or their future. I feel like this book could have been written by any author… it was missing the Colleen Hoover sparkle I have come to love until the last 30 pages. Then it shined.

12/6/20

Eli here… A friend suggested I read A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby, and so far I am not disappointed. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday bookworms

12/5/20

I am a sucker for a great book cover, and this one may be my favorite yet! Currently reading Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

REVIEW – Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson  

Absolutely adored this book. It was hard to read at times and it felt so familiar at times too. It also brought an understanding to mental illness that I didn’t have before, and most importantly, it made me laugh. I can’t wait to read her other books… and adopt her “furiously happy” stance.

12/4/20

It’s Eli, your official bookworm for the day. Reading up on the history of craft beer in America with The Audacity of Hops by Tom Acitelli. Stop by The Bookworm to talk about books or beer with me today from 10-7

12/3/20

Can you believe it’s December 3rd already?! Excited to start The Ravens by Danielle Paige and Kass Morgan today… I’ll be at The Bookworm from 10-7, so stop by to grab some great books, get recommendations, or find the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life!

REVIEW – The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige  

Enjoyable YA story. Liked all the characters. Wish we had gotten more into the history of the Ravens. Looking forward to the next one!

12/2/20

Good morning bookies! I’m reading Circe by Madeline Miller today. Stay tuned this afternoon to see all the winners from our Small Business Saturday giveaways!

REVIEW – Circe by Madeline Miller  

Absolutely outstanding

Totally worthy of all the hype… if this book interests you, pick it up now. You will not regret it!

12/1/20

I’ve been reading the first book in Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise series, Winter in Paradise, and I love it!! Special thanks to Tracie at Mimi and Cici for this adorable Christmas at the Beach sign. Did you know we sell her designs at The Bookworm? They’re the perfect holiday gift for the bookworm in your life! Check out her Etsy shop, Mimi and Cici, for all the cute things she has available!

REVIEW – Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand  

4.5 rounded up!

I loved Elin’s Winter Street series, and the Paradise series did not disappoint! I purposely waited until the final book came out to grab the first one, and now I can’t wait to start the second. Really enjoyed this one

11/30/20

I’m starting Pupcakes (can we talk about this cover?!) by Annie England Noblin today. Please think about all the unwanted pets out there and adopt don’t shop!

REVIEW – Pupcakes by Annie England Noblin  

Really cute story, but I just didn’t like the MC. Loved all the other characters (especially Teddy!), but Brydie really got on my nerves. I am also obsessed with this cover.

Solid 3 stars

11/29/20

Thanks to everyone who stopped by The Bookworm yesterday to celebrate Small Business Saturday! Eli here, on to the third book in the original Thrawn Trilogy. Still loving this story as much now as I did 25 years ago.

11/27/20

I got a belly full of turkey and mashed potatoes, so that means it’s officially Christmas Season! Spending my evening with John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas. Don’t forget to stop by The Bookworm on Small Business Saturday for great deals, freebies, and tons of giveaways!

REVIEW – Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

One of the few instances where the movie is better than the book… the book was missing the humor I had come to love.

11/25/20

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! The Bookworm will be open from 10-5 today, so stop by and grab some great books to read over the holiday! I’ll be starting Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent.

REVIEW – Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent 

This was a rough read for me. It was a story of a dysfunctional family, not the suspenseful thriller I was expecting.

It was split up in 3 parts, each one was one of the brothers POV. But every other chapter or so it jumped forward or backwards a number of years. This was wholly unnecessary and confusing. Plus, I hated everyone except for Luke, who just made me sad.

Honestly, I was glad when it was over.

11/22/20

I have recently started a love affair with Noble Cider (it’s magic!) If you see it at the store or a restaurant, absolutely give it a try. Currently reading The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert (but not drinking cider out of my Pivot glass because it’s 7 am on a Tuesday) Have a great day bookworms and happy reading!

11/21/20

Finally got my hot little hands on Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Have a great weekend bookworms and happy reading!

REVIEW – Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia  

3.5 stars rounded down

Cool story, was a little hard to get into at the beginning. I loved it from about page 50 until the secret was revealed, and then it went downhill for me. I also wasn’t really a big fan of her writing style, which is why I rounded down instead of up.

I still enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and that cover is absolutely stunning!

11/18/20

Our latest covid binge show is One Tree Hill, so it felt like the perfect time to pick up Hilarie Burton’s memoir, The Rural Diaries. Next to the book is my latest Furrybones (Eli gets me one every year for Halloween)

REVIEW – The Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton Morgan  

Our latest covid binge has been One Tree Hill, so it felt like the perfect time to pick up this book.

I did feel like there was some filler to hit the page limit, and at times it felt like she was a little sanctimonious about allllll she does (yes, we all realize you are the farm version of Wonder Woman) but I do feel like she was really honest and genuine about the things she talked about.

Personally, I wished there was more about her earlier life and acting, but I know that wasn’t what this book was going to be about.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I like her even more after reading it.

11/20/20

Hellooo Friday! I’m (finally) reading (and loving) Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel which has been on my radar forever. Stop by The Bookworm today and tomorrow from 10-7 and grab some amazing books you’ve been dying to read!

REVIEW – Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel  

I have a weird fascination with this kind of story, and I was glued to the news story about Gypsy Rose, so this book was totally up my alley! I loved the two different POV’s… Really, really enjoyed this book!

11/16/20

Good morning! I started You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley yesterday, and I am loving it so far! Stop by The Bookworm this week and let us help you find your next favorite read. We’re open M-W from 10-5 and Th-Sat from 10-7. See you soon and happy reading!

REVIEW – You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley 

I loved this book! I’m mad at myself for letting it languish in my TBR pile for so long.

Good writing, great story, wonderful characters. I laughed a little, I cried a little, and I changed my mind a lot about who she belonged with.

Absolutely recommend!

11/14/20

It’s an Eli post – decided to branch out from my usual type of book and start the Arc of a Scythe trilogy by Neal Shusterman

11/12/20

We couldn’t pick, so you get a double dose of doggie cuteness! Currently reading the 3rd book in the Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams, Crazy Stupid Bromance. Stay dry Myrtle Beach!

REVIEW – Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

Absolutely adorable. Loved it and can’t wait for the next installment!

11/10/20

“The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out…”
My brother and I were obsessed with these stories when we were younger! Going to trip down memory lane this afternoon and reread all The Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz. Don’t forget that we sell some amazing candles from Novelly Yours at The Bookworm!

11/9/20

And so begins a new week! I’ll be reading the latest book in the Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter, The Silent Wife, all day at The Bookworm. Stop by from 10-5 and check out all the new books we got on the shelf!

REVIEW – The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter 

4.5 stars rounded up

Great story with characters that I have come to love over the past 19 years. Can’t wait to see what comes next for Will and Sara!

11/8/20

“That’s why her hair is so big, it’s full of secrets.” Reading Bunny by Mona Awad and enjoying one of Gretchen Wieners toaster strudels. What a way to start the day!

REVIEW – Bunny by Mona Awad  

Let me start off by saying I dig weird… and I knew before I picked up this book that was what I was going to get. I’m just not sure if it was an enjoyable weird.

There were times I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, and times when I was counting down the pages I had left.

I finished it hours ago and I’m still not wholly sure how I feel about it. Definitely glad I read it, but it’s not one I will pick up again. I’m just going to go with it was good, and middle of the road it with 3 stars.

11/6/20

Happy Friday bookworms! I am currently reading The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

REVIEW – The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz 

3.5 stars rounded up

This book was pretty good! The mystery aspect was more of a B storyline compared to Allison and her life. I wish it had been the other way around, I really wanted more mystery and intrigue.

Still a quick and enjoyable read.

11/5/20

It’s your favorite back-up bookworm, Eli, reading the next book in Clive Cussler’s Oregon Files series, Corsair. The Bookworm will be open 10-7 the rest of the week, so stop by and stock up!

11/3/20

Jumping back into J.R. Ward’s world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood and reading the 14th book in the series, The Beast

REVIEW – The Beast by J.R. Ward  

I’ve been reading this series since my 20s, though much less often in the past few years (I think I’m 5 books behind). Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ve just outgrown the series or the books aren’t as good as they used to be.

I can definitively say that The Beast was too long… way too long. The last 200 pages were pretty good, but the first 300 should have been condensed.

I’m just going to go middle of the road and rate it 3 stars

11/1/20

Hello November!
Using the extra hour this morning (I woke up soooo early!) to stay in bed with Mine by Courtney Cole. Enjoy your day bookworms and happy reading!

REVIEW – Mine by Courtney Cole  

Quick, easy, and enjoyable! A little farfetched at times, but I still really liked it.

10/31/20

I ended up picking Horrid by Katrina Leno as my next read and I lovvvveedd it! Perfect book for Halloween

REVIEW – Horrid by Katrina Leno  

LOVED this book! It was creepy, it was weird, and that ending 😳😳😳

Cannot wait to see what this author writes next!

10/29/20

Thanks to Riveted By Simon Teenfor sending me an advance copy of Jenna Evans Welch’s upcoming release, Love & Olives! I’ve been reading a lot of dark and heavy books lately, so this is exactly what I’m in the mood for. I’ll be reading this all day at The Bookworm, stop by from 10-7 to find your next favorite book (or to pick up one of these adorable pins)

10/27//20

I read The Roanoke Girls last year, and even though it was one of the most disturbing books I’ve read, I still really enjoyed it!! About to start Amy Engel’s latest book, The Familiar Dark. Have a great day bookworms and happy reading!

REVIEW – The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel 

This book isn’t what I thought it was going to be… It’s packaged as a mystery/thriller, but it’s more about a dysfunctional family in a poor town. The death of the two girls is definitely the B (if not C) story line.

It was good, but it wasn’t what I was looking for. Definitely check out The Roanoke Girls by this author.

10/26/20

Just a few announcements – The Bookworm will be open 10-5 on Saturday (Halloween) and will continue to require masks inside the store for the foreseeable future.

I am starting Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering today. Stop by The Bookworm this week and grab some great new-to-you reads!

REVIEW – Tell me Lies by Carola Lovering 

Do not be fooled by this gorgeous cover. This book was rough.

I started off decently interested in these characters, I mean, who hasn’t wasted their time on an awful relationship with a person that doesn’t deserve you? But by page 200, I literally hated everyone.

The incident between Lucy and her mom would be upsetting to anyone, but Lucy took it to such an extreme that you didn’t even feel any sympathy for her. And I love a good villain, but Stephen was such a piece of shit, I wanted him to get hit by a cab or fall on the subway track.

Ugh, really wish I hadn’t wasted my time with this book. 1.5 rounded up (I guess)

10/24/20

Drac and I spent some time reading The Suspect on the porch yesterday afternoon (in the shade, of course). It’s the latest book in Fiona Barton’s series about reporter Kate Waters. Enjoy your weekend bookies and happy reading!

REVIEW – The Suspect by Fiona Barton  

This series is hit or miss for me… The Widow was only 2 stars, but The Child was 4. The Suspect landed in the middle. It was a 3.25 overall (a little better than a 3, but not worthy of rounding up to 4)

I don’t know if it was the location, the characters, or the mystery, but it all was just kind of fell flat for me. Still held my interest and I finished it in a few days. Will definitely still read the next one in the series.

10/22/20

Eli posting today. I’m reading the second installment of Timothy Zahn’s original Thrawn trilogy. Who else has a well worn book that you can not seem to part with or replace?

10/20/20

Happy Pub Day to Jennifer Donnelly and her newest book, Poisoned! It’s a Snow White retelling that I can’t wait to read. Special thanks to Scholastic for sending me a copy! I absolutely loved her book Stepsister, so I’ll be reading this allllll day at The Bookworm. Stop by from 10-5 and find a book you’ve been dying to read too.

REVIEW – Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly  

I wanted to love Poisoned as much as I loved Stepsister… Unfortunately it was a mediocre follow-up.

I just couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. There were definitely some shining moments, and Jennifer Donnelly just has this incredible ability to craft sentences that bring tears to my eyes, but this Snow White retelling with just not for me.

11/19/20

It’s a beautiful Fall morning in Myrtle Beach, so I’m enjoying a little tea and my book on the porch before my day starts. Currently reading Fallout, the 3rd book in the Crank series by Ellen Hopkins.

REVIEW – Fall Out by Ellen Hopkins 

Good ending to a sad trilogy. The prose writing style is not for me, but I read the first two in the series, and really wanted to see how everything ended. I got a little confused between Summer and Autumn, but I really enjoyed the 3 different POV’s. Definitely my favorite book of the series.

11/18/20

Joining the rest of book community and reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab. Enjoy your Sunday bookworms!

REVIEW – The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab  

Honestly, V.E. Schwab can do no wrong in my life. She even made me love her Shades of Magic series which is totally not my type of book.

This book was no different. I loved it. Loved the characters, the different timelines, the story, the setting, all of it.

10/14/20

Eli post. The bookworm life is just my back up profession, my full-time job is selling beer for a bunch of craft breweries that I represent. Currently reading Business for Punks by James Watt, the owner of Brewdog.

10/13/20

Can we just talk a minute about how stunning this cover is?! Finally picking up Fable by Adrienne Young. Special thanks to Wednesday Books for choosing me as one of the winners of the preorder incentive! Love my tote and the candle is delicious 

REVIEW – Fable by Adrienne Young  

Absolutely loved this book and the characters! I had only finished the first 2 chapters when I preordered the sequel. Definitely pick up this book, you’ll be happy you did!

10/12/20

Beyond excited that I received an advance copy of Kristin Hannah‘s new book, The Four Winds!! A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending it my way! Mark your calendars now, The Four Winds comes out February 9th. Have a great week bookworms, and happy reading!

REVIEW – The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah  

This was one long, bleak, depressing book.

The Four Winds is my 3rd book by Kristin Hannah, and my least favorite… by a lot. The Nightingale and The Great Alone were not about happy subjects, but there was an amazing story and wonderful characters in them. Both things that I think The Four Winds is lacking.

The book started to pick up around page 300, and the magical writing I have come to expect from Kristin Hannah appeared in the last 30 pages, but it wasn’t enough to change my overall rating.
3 unenthusiastic stars.

10/11/20

Thanks to everyone who came out for The Bookworm’s sidewalk sale yesterday!! Today, I’m trying my first audio book, and listening to Mindy Kaling’s new collection of essays, Nothing Like I Imagined. Happy Reading!

10/9/20

A new season of Schitt’s Creek and a book I’ve been dying to read? Sounds like I’ll be splitting my time between the Rosebud Motel and the Sun Down Motel this weekend!

REVIEW – The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James  

Great book! I loved the spooky/ghost aspects of it, but I wanted more explanation/wrap-up at the end with the with ghosts. I feel like it needed more closure.

10/8/20

Started The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth last night, and I am loving it! Have a great day bookworms, and don’t forget about our $5 bag of books sidewalk sale coming up THIS SATURDAY

REVIEW – The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth  

The Mother-in-Law has been on my radar for months, so glad I finally picked it up! It was my first Sally Hepworth, and it definitely won’t be my last

10/6/20

I’m currently reading Heart of Stone, the final book in Kelly Keaton’s Gods and Monsters series. Don’t forget our $5 bag of books sidewalk sale coming up on Saturday from 9-1!

REVIEW – Heart of Stone by Kelly Keaton  

While I enjoyed having another book in this series, I don’t feel like a whole lot happened to further the story? And it ended on another cliffhanger, but there isn’t another book coming…

Still liked it, love the characters and the world of New 2. Crossing my fingers we get another book in the series!

10/5/20

Eli post – Cortney said I can’t add Gordon Ramsay’s Great Escape to my Goodreads unless I cook my way through it, so here’s the first 3 recipes. Happy eating! 

10/3/20

I’m so excited that I finally got my hot little hands on a copy of The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter. I’ll be spending my day devouring this!

REVIEW – The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter  

Fantastic book! Just further evidence on why Karin Slaughter is one of my favorite authors.

10/1/20

Hello October!
I’m starting Heather Gudenkauf’s newest book, This is How I Lied. Have a great day and happy reading!

REVIEW – This is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf  

Really good book! Took a little bit to get into, and it was repetitive at times, but I really enjoyed it! I thought everyone was guilty at one point, which is definitely a sign of a good story, especially for someone like me who reads so many suspense novels. I also read The Weight of Silence by this author and enjoyed that one too.

9/29/20

Hello Tuesday! I’m currently reading A Danger to Herself and Others by Alyssa Sheinmel

REVIEW – A Danger to Herself and Others by Alyssa Sheinmel  

I love a story with an unreliable narrator, and A Danger to Herself and Others was no exception! Right at the beginning, Hannah tells you that she is lying about something inconsequential, so I spent the rest of the book questioning everything she stated as fact… which I’m sure was the author intended. Really good story and writing!

9/27/20

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett was one of my favorite books as a child, so I’m revisiting Misselthwaite Manor with Mary today.

9/26/20

Currently reading Two Truths and a Lie by Meg Mitchell Moore. Stop by The Bookworm today from 10-7 to grab some great books to read over the weekend!

REVIEW – Two Truths and a Lie by Meg Mitchell Moore  

Honestly? I think this book was a mess… waaaayyy too many characters to keep track of, the entire format was confusing, and I wasn’t thrilled nor surprised about anything that happened. Don’t be fooled by this gorgeous cover, it was mediocre at best.

10/25/20

First time getting my hair done in months and I could not feel safer! If you’re looking for a new salon, check out @lauraandcosalon. Well-deserved winner of Best of the Grand Strand (again!) Currently reading Bitter End by Jennifer Brown.

REVIEW – Bitter End by Jennifer Brown  

Serious subject, but bad writing and terrible characters.

9/24/20

Hey all you cool cats and kittens, Eli here. Taking over today and rereading Timothy Zahn’s original Star Wars Thrawn trilogy. It’s been 25 years since the first time I read this series. How often do you reread your favorite books?

9/23/20

Good morning bookies! I am reading Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin… I have loved the other books I’ve read by her (Teenage Amnesiac, Young Jane Young, and especially the Birthright trilogy) so I’m looking forward to diving into this one. Have a great day!

REVIEW – Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin  

Eh, this was just OK for me. I’ve read 5 other books of hers that I really loved, but this one was unremarkable. 2 stars

9/21/20

How quickly Monday rolls around again… Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend! I’m reading the final book in the Heirs of Watson Island Trilogy by Martina Boone, Illusion. Happy Reading!

REVIEW – Illusion by Martina Boone 

Eh, this was OK. Honestly after how much I loved the first one, both #2 and #3 in this trilogy were lackluster, disappointing, and boring.

9/20/20

A big thank you to @harperperennial for sending me an advance copy of Santa Monica by Cassidy Lucas!!

9/19/20

The Halloween decorations are down from the attic, so now I need a good book to get me in the spirit! Currently reading My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

REVIEW – My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix  

This book had a 5 star rating until the murder of the dog. That’s too much for me.

I also wish we had more of an idea why and how this all happened. Personally, I need a good explanation. The vague reasoning was really unsatisfying.

Still a really great book that kept me on the edge until the end.

9/18/20

It’s your favorite backup bookworm Eli, reading the next book in Clive Cussler’s Oregon Files, Plague Ship.

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!

REVIEW – The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White  

3.5 stars rounded down

I’ve really enjoyed this series, but I feel like it’s the same thing over and over and over again… Everyone keeps sweets away from Melanie. Melanie and Sophie just make fun of each other’s clothes. Melanie and Jack continue to lie and keep things from each other. Melanie is in a snit over something. It’s gotten old. If there wasn’t just 1 book left in the series, I honestly don’t know if I’d continue with it…

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