I first picked up Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson as a Prime first when author friends recommended it. However, when I got the chance to listen to the audio narrated by Andi Arndt, I couldn’t resist. This women’s fiction story with suspense, murder and moms held me captive from beginning to end.

Friends with Secrets
by Christine Gunderson
Narrator: Sarah Naughton, Andi Arndt
Length: 12 hours and 19 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x

In a funny and suspenseful debut, Christine Gunderson explores the myth of the perfect mother, the bonds of female friendship, and the haunting impact of secrets.

What you see isn’t always what you get.

Take Ainsley. The gorgeous mother of two lives a picture-perfect life with her husband, Ben—aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune—in suburban Washington, DC. But in reality, Ainsley has no idea what she’s doing and suffers constant anxiety that someone will figure out who she really is and where she came from.

Nikki’s fighting to keep afloat as a stay-at-home mother of four, subsisting on chicken nuggets and very little sleep. She’s a mess on the outside, and inside yearns for the validation—and the paycheck—of the television news career she left behind.

When a dangerous figure from Ainsley’s youth becomes a coach at her kids’ school, she fears the worst and confides in Nikki, spilling every detail of her former life.

Together, they devise a plan to expose the coach and safeguard their kids. But can they protect their own lives—and their new friendship—in the process?

{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2024-09-10T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “I first picked up Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson as a Prime first when author friends recommended it. However, when I got the chance to listen to the audio narrated by Andi Arndt, I “,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/friends-with-secrets-by-christine-gunderson.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Friends with Secrets”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Christine Gunderson”,
“sameAs”: “https://christinegunderson.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4.5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}

This title is available in KindleUnlimited and includes the audiobook. I highly recommend added it to your fall listens. Two moms with seemingly nothing in common team together when a threat appears at their children’s school. A clever tale with characters you’ll root for.

Ainsley appears to have it all. She is always put together, gorgeous and married to an aspiring politician and heir to a candy fortune. Inside, she is filled with anxiety and harbouring a secret that could ruin her husband’s political ambitions.

Nikki, on the other hand, is a married mother of four who is struggling financially, mentally, and emotionally. She misses her profitable television career and longs for validation.

Their children attend a private school in the burbs of Washington, D.C. and their girls have become best friends. When a figure from Ainsley’s past becomes their school youth director, it sets off fears in both women. Ainsley confesses her secret and the two work together to take down the instructor.

As they investigate, their friendship blossoms, as do the women’s confidence. The author delivered a well-paced, page turner that touched on sexual abuse, women’s choices, school clicks and more. The suspense and danger built with a few nail-bitting moments, frustration and cheering.

I loved getting both women’s point of view, and that two narrators were used. Sarah Naughton and Andi Arndt did a stellar job of capturing their characters’ personalities and complimented each other. They enhanced my overall enjoyment of this tantalizing story and I highly recommend listening.

Amazon* | Audible

*kindleunlimited

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/09/friends-with-secrets-by-christine-gunderson.html

Ending Body Burnout stands out for its depth and deep insights, offering an in-depth exploration of the human body—particularly the female body—and the experiences of burnout. Dr. Filipa Bellette writes with evident love and concern for those who have faced burnout, crafting a narrative that is both comprehensive and transformative. She challenges the notion of quick fixes and critiques the over-reliance on prescriptions and surface-level treatments. In addition, Chris Bellette presents a holistic approach that addresses the body, mind, and environment, aiming for true healing and sustainable health. Her method digs deep into the root causes of health issues rather than merely providing temporary relief.

Ending Body Burnout introduces a four-step method, drawing on decades of experience with burnout. These steps involve diagnosing issues at an intrinsic level, healing the mind, fostering healthy habits for the body, and optimizing your environment. Each step is carefully designed to help readers identify and comprehensively address their unique health challenges.

The book uses the journeys of three characters—Hazel, Isla, and Rose—to illustrate the Bellette method. These characters embody different aspects of body burnout that busy professionals, especially women, frequently encounter. Through their stories, readers can see themselves, relate to their struggles, and find inspiration in their triumphs. This narrative approach makes the book not only engaging but also highly practical and easy to read. Bellette’s emphasis on treating the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms, feels innovative and inspiring. She invites readers to think deeply about the interconnectedness of the body, encouraging a holistic view of health. The passion she brings to the subject is evident throughout, particularly in the way she uncovers the causes of burnout—from physiological imbalances to psychological factors—and offers actionable strategies for each. The personal nature of the book shines through when she advocates for self-love and self-care as essential components of recovery, making her advice feel authentic and sincere.

This book is not your typical health guide. It’s not a rehash of familiar advice, but a tried-and-true path to transformation. Bellette’s writing is empowering, and her engaging style keeps readers captivated from start to finish. Ending Body Burnout serves as a call to action, urging readers to navigate the complex interactions between their body systems, mindset, and environment. It doesn’t just offer a quick boost of energy to get through the day; it teaches the essentials of thriving in life. Timely and necessary, this book is a must-read, especially in a world still grappling with the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0CNK7SM2R

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/10/ending-body-burnout-find-your-spark/

In The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom, readers are drawn into a haunting psychological thriller with elements of horror, weaving together themes of trauma, mental illness, and suspense. The protagonist, Micayla, has been haunted since childhood by a devastating event, the brutal murder of her aunt, which she witnessed at the age of five. The trauma left deep psychological scars, affecting her well into adulthood. Now living in a villa by a lake steeped in dark folklore with her husband, she finds herself ensnared in an eerie mystery. The legends surrounding a mystical creature lurking in the lake are mere whispers—until her husband dies under suspicious circumstances, and her 17-month-old son vanishes. As Micayla seeks answers, she uncovers unsettling connections between these events, the lake, and its cryptic secrets.

Ekebom’s novel intricately explores mental health, beginning with the abandonment of Micayla and her brother due to their mother’s postpartum psychosis. As the story progresses, Micayla’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts create a vivid portrait of a woman teetering on the edge. Her character becomes increasingly layered, shaped by a toxic marriage and long-standing abandonment issues, leading her to distrust those around her. When her son disappears, the narrative takes a sharp turn, propelling her into a desperate search filled with suspense and uncertainty. She encounters various characters along the way, some trustworthy, others far from it, heightening the tension and adding depth to her journey. While the novel’s title is captivating and the premise promising, it falters in execution. The lack of descriptive detail, particularly surrounding the mythical lake creature, leaves readers craving more. Key elements, such as the creature’s motivations and the ritual mentioned in passing, remain frustratingly vague. This underdevelopment of the horror aspect detracts from the novel’s potential to fully immerse its audience in fear and suspense.

The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom presents a compelling blend of psychological thriller and horror centered around trauma, mental illness, and a chilling mystery. The novel offers a strong premise and intriguing character development. Readers of psychological thrillers and dark fiction will find the story engaging.

Pages: 328 | ISBN : 9526502035

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/10/the-broken-dollhouse/

Involuntarius plunges into darkness, unraveling a tale of religious dominance, hidden truths, and brutal rituals. The story follows Ellis, a young man entangled in the sinister web of the Congregatio, a powerful religious order that dictates every aspect of society. Ellis, seeking answers, uncovers unsettling connections within his family, spiraling deeper into a nightmarish reality where nothing is as it seems.

Izquierdo’s writing is gripping. The prose, dense and vivid, pulls you into a world that feels alive yet eerily off-kilter. Early on, Ellis stumbles upon his mother’s lifeless body. The scene is stark and haunting. You feel the horror, the despair. This intensity doesn’t let up; it keeps you hooked. The rapid pace, combined with the heavy language, makes this book hard to put down. The Congregatio dominates, and its presence is tangible, almost like that of a character itself. Rigid hierarchies, secretive rituals, and absolute power—this is a world where blind faith is dangerous. The tension between control and rebellion pulses through the narrative. Sadie, an enigmatic figure, is both captivating and terrifying. Her relationship with Ellis and his father is a twisted dance of power, leaving you questioning who’s really in charge. The plot is filled with twists and tangles. Supernatural elements sneak in, voices whisper, and heat shimmers. There is a sense of something dark lurking beneath the surface that keeps you reading.

Involuntarius is a dark journey. Fans of gothic horror and psychological thrillers will find it compelling. Izquierdo crafts a world that’s as terrifying as it is fascinating. The characters are shadowed in mystery, their secrets pulling you deeper. It’s a story that will linger long after you’ve turned the last page.

Page: 343 | ASIN : B0D9ZZDJVB

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/10/involuntarius/

Testament by Eli Felix delivers a bold reimagining of humanity’s origins, blending fantasy, theology, and myth into a narrative that stands apart. The story unfolds in a celestial realm where beings like God, Satan, Life, and Death shape the fate of Earth. Felix crafts a tale that digs deep into the spiritual forces behind human existence, presenting a richly detailed world that pulls readers in with its unique perspective.

The writing in Testament grabs your attention. Felix’s prose is dense and packed with philosophical insights and theological musings. The dialogue between characters like Life and Death pushes readers to think, challenging them to keep up. The tone shifts often, swinging from playful to serious, keeping the reader on edge, never quite sure what to expect next. Felix’s reimagining of biblical and mythological themes stands out. As depicted by Felix, God is both proud and frustrated with His creation. This duality is persuasive. Scenes where God reflects on Man’s slow progress are particularly striking, revealing a character that is both divine and deeply relatable. The narrative can feel disjointed, with sudden shifts that might throw readers off. Though rich and thought-provoking, the dialogues can become intricate to the point of being hard to follow. The sheer number of personified concepts, from Love to Fear to Honour, adds to the complexity, making it a challenge to keep track of everything.

Testament is a novel that pushes boundaries. It’s thought-provoking, ambitious, and demands the reader’s full attention. Readers who are drawn to fantasy, theology, and philosophical fiction will find a lot to appreciate here. Felix challenges you to engage with the complex ideas woven throughout the story. For those looking for a book that challenges perspectives and offers a unique narrative journey, this book is worth the effort.

Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0DBP78MWY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/10/testament/

Winston The Titan Terrier: The Cosmic Bone follows a clever superhero dog who loses his bone and goes on a quest to find it. What was the inspiration for your story? 

We have an incredibly entertaining Boston Terrier named Winston. He absolutely loves snacks, especially a South African treat called biltong, or beef jerky as it’s known in America. He’s also a huge sports fan and can often be found chewing on basketballs and rugby balls, all while constantly nagging us to play with him. He absolutely loves to win! Mia has known him her entire life and absolutely adores him. So, when we collaborated on her own book concept at the age of five, she didn’t hesitate to turn him into Winston the Titan Terrier, a superdog with a unique backpack that can launch all sorts of awesome sporting equipment and gadgets.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Some of the important ideas that we wanted to share in this book were:

1. The Power of Friendship and Teamwork: The book highlights the importance of cooperation and support in overcoming challenges. 
2. Overcoming Adversity: It emphasizes the theme of resilience and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
3. The Value of Curiosity and Learning: The story encourages exploration and a thirst for knowledge.
4. Interactive Storytelling and Engagement: The book offers puzzles, mysteries, and interactive elements to keep readers engaged.
5. Adventure and Exploration: It takes readers on journeys to new and exciting worlds. 
6. The Thrill of the Quest: The plot involves thrilling adventures, gadgets, and a formidable villain. 
7. The Imagination at Work: The book explores the power of imagination to see the world differently.
8. Appeal to a Wide Audience: The story is designed to resonate with readers of all ages.

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

My personal favourite, due to my love for big waves, is the scene where Smokestrike activates his Sea Sweeper device, which has the power to truly generate gigantic waves. Winston must quickly find a way to avoid being completely overwhelmed as one of these massive waves is barrelling towards him.

Some of Mia’s favourite scenes is when Teddy, the Australian Shepherd, leads Winston through secret entrances to his laboratory deep beneath the Bone Shop. There, Winston discovers a special cosmic bone that grants him incredible SuperDog abilities. As Winston demonstrates the bone’s powers, they stumble upon an ancient tunnel system that was built thousands of years earlier. Using the cosmic bone, Winston is able to translate the ancient text on the walls, revealing that they must complete five challenges to unlock a portal capable of transporting them anywhere in the universe. One of the most exciting interactive challenges on their journey is the Milky Way Gate. Here Teddy and Winston need to unlock a door by solving a code in front of them, using hints from various animal shapes illuminated by star systems.

Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?

We are excited to communicate that we have already storyboarded and mapped out Books 2 and 3 as part of the series over the last few weeks. The story is set to become even more exciting and intense as it unfolds, with the introduction of the ‘Time Twister’ device. Winston and the other characters will face off against old and new intergalactic villains across various time periods, as they journey through Mia’s favourite moments in history. We are aiming to launch Book 2 on World Book Day next year. In this instalment, Winston is transported back to Ancient Egypt in its original glory, where he must find a way back to his own timeline and save his world.

We plan to continue delivering all the adventure, mystery, secret tunnels, and interactive puzzles, ensuring readers of all ages remain captivated by what is going to happen next.

Author links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Music Video | Book Trailer | Chat with Winston

Purchase from: 
Amazon USA http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonusa
Amazon UK http://tiny.cc/winstonamazon
Amazon Global Links http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonglobal
Barnes and Noble http://tiny.cc/winstonbn
Apple Books http://tiny.cc/winstonapple
Takealot http://tiny.cc/winstontakealot

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/09/10/the-power-of-imagination-3/