Welcome to another Bookish Friday, in which I share excerpts from books…and connect with other bloggers, who do the same.
Let’s begin the celebration by sharing Book Beginnings, hosted by Rose City Reader; and let’s showcase The Friday 56 with Freda’s Voice.
To join in, just grab a book and share the opening lines…along with any thoughts you wish to give us; then turn to page 56 and excerpt anything on the page.
Then give us the title of the book, so others can add it to their lists!
What a great way to spend a Friday!
My feature today is a recent download: The Stepmother (e-book), by Claire Seeber, a compelling, dark and twisty psychological thriller that will grip fans of Behind Closed Doors, Between You and Me and The Teacher.
Beginning: (Prologue)
Once upon a time there was a king who married a lady, and so she became his queen. Soon after their wedding the new queen gave birth to a beautiful daughter. The queen looked at her baby and saw that her hair was black as ebony, her skin as white as snow and her lips as red as the roses climbing around the window. The queen liked the pure and pristine snow best, so she named her baby Snow White.
Not long after the baby’s christening, the queen died of a mysterious ailment.
I wonder what that was.
***
56: I point at the small, framed painting of an old window, surrounded by snow, a red rose growing around the ebony frame. There is a dash of blood in the snow on the sill.
***
Synopsis: Jeanie and Matthew are a happily married couple who both have teenage children from previous relationships.
No one said it would be easy to raise a blended family under one roof but Jeanie and Matthew are strong. They will make it work.
And whilst Jeanie’s step-daughter Scarlett rejects her, Jeanie will just have to try harder to win her over.
But Jeanie has a past. A terrible secret she thought she’d buried a long time ago. And now, it’s coming to the surface, threatening to destroy her new marriage.
Someone is playing a terrifying game on Jeanie and she must put a stop to it once and for all.
After all, a fairytale needs a happy ending…doesn’t it?
***
I’ve been eager to start reading this one. I am hoping that everything I hear about this book will keep me engaged. What do you think?
***
I love that Snow White opener – I am a sucker for all fairy tale retellings so that start appeals to me a lot! The 56 sounds pretty tense as well!
Here’s my Friday Reads
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I think so, too, Clare…I’m excited about finally starting this book later tonight…or this weekend. Thanks for visiting.
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I love the sound of this! I might have to add it to my tbr. 🙂
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Thanks, Lauren, I added it to mine after reading a great review from a blogger I enjoy. I’m glad you could stop by.
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I haven’t heard of this one before, but it does seem like an interesting story.
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Thanks, Breana, I do love family dynamics set in a twisted tale. Enjoy your reading.
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I’ve read a couple of reviews of this one recently and thought it sounded like a good one. I’ll look forward to hearing what you think. Love that beginning.
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Thanks, Kay, that’s how I stumbled upon it…through great reviews. Glad you could visit. Enjoy your reading.
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This one sounds amazing and I know a couple of people who I might be able to recommend it to. I’m looking forward to hearing about it as well. Enjoy!!
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Thanks, Bill, I always love finding surprising books on blogs…enjoy!
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I don’t read a lot of retellings but this sound twisted enough to catch my attention!
My Friday 56 from Deadly Spirits
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Neither do I, Laura, but this one grabbed me. Thanks for stopping by.
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Sounds intriguing. I’ll be eager to hear what you think of it. I am spotlighting A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliott this week. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, and I do hope to love it. Enjoy yours!
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This sounds good! Sort of fairytale meets Lifetime movie. I’d love for you an your readers to check out mine . . . http://tinyurl.com/LisaKsBookReviewsDOFBK
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Yes, it does have that Lifetime movie flavor, in addition to the fairytale twist. Thanks for visiting, Lisa.
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This sounds interesting!
Stormi
Friday memes
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Thanks, Stormi, glad you could stop by!
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I’m sold!!! 😀 Happy weekend!
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Thanks, Freda, that’s how I felt when I found it. Enjoy your weekend, and thanks for hosting.
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Captivating! Awesome choice!
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Thanks, Wendy…glad you could stop by!
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I found that 56 rather pretty, but the title and cover definitely feels very ominous. Happy weekend!
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Thanks, Alicia, glad you could stop by…and that you enjoyed the excerpts. Happy reading!
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This book sounds very interesting. I do love a good HEA, but an occasional dark and brooding and suspenseful makes a good reading balance.
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Thanks, LuAnn…I love dark and brooding, too.
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Definitely adding this to my list. I love the Snow White beginning, and I’m curious how it intertwines with the story!
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I am eager to find out, too, Becca…thanks for visiting.
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Starting with a fairy tale gives the reader a familiar foundation. We have a local author who does some wonderful YA fairy tale retellings, Shonna Slayton.
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How great to have a local author who does this kind of story. Thanks for stopping by, Roberta.
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Ooh! This one sounds amazing! Adding it to the ever-growing list. 🙂
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Thanks, Vonnie…I’m enjoying it, and all the mysterious events happening around the MC.
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