Vanessa Savage's "Woods"

 

You can find this book here.

Two girls went in. Only one came out.

This is part of the fairy story Tess's mother used to read to her and her younger sister Bella; but now the line mars her present with a past horror she can't remember.  

Tess's past not only haunts her, but was a haunted experience for her: new neighbours brought chaos to her life; local girls, murdered by someone who was never convicted, and her sister died, but only Tess herself believes someone murdered her. The interesting part of this haunting? Tess herself does not remember what happened to her sister, even though she had been found with her that night. 

As she has to move back to her old home where it all happened, she is haunted by being around people from the past again, not being able to sleep and suffering from hallucinations of her dead sister. Or, is she an actual ghost?

Tess is an unreliable narrator; so this makes the story's progress interesting. It chops and changes in her present, whilst bringing to light her past. Her unreliability comes from the fact that she is so emotionally charged and (to me at least) appears to not see past her own nose, and so you may find yourself drifting between sympathy to strong dislike. 

The novel has a nice pace to it, which helps to keep the creepy vibe going. I was able to pick up on some of the twists; let's see if you think it is predictable. The rest of the characters all have secrets and difficulties with being back where they grew up though, increasing the suspense when reading, which was good to see. So overall, it was a good read for me. 

Links for you

Savage in the Library:

Woman in the dark

Read-a-likes in the Library:

Mother-in-law

Sally Hepworth

This novel has an unreliable narrator as well and focusses on secrets in a psychological suspense genre. The author is also Australian. There is an eBook copy of this also if you prefer, available in the library here.

In a dark, dark wood

Ruth Ware

This book is similar as it is a psychological suspense novel where the protagonist wakes up in hospital and does not remember what happened. And what happened was something horrible. 

Read-a-likes in cloudLibrary:

When the lights go out

Mary Kubica

Is a psychological suspense novel with an unreliable narrator. 

Film Review - Mother's Day By Director Garry Marshall

From the same director Gary Marshall who produced Pretty Women and Valentines Day. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts.

Mother's Day focuses on the joys of motherhood and the relationships of these women and their families leading up to mothers day. Filled with plenty of joy and humor. An enjoyable film. Anne

Book Review - Home for Dinner -Mixing food, fun and conversation for a happier family and healthier kids - By Anne K. Fishel, PHD, forward by Michael Thompson

Anne Fishel encourages all families to prioritise their mealtime. Besides enjoying a good meal it's also a great opportunity for family bonding and is a time to all sit down together and share stories about each other's day. She provides strategies for this ritual such as-

• meal ideas
• getting everyone to help
• creating gratitude
• communicating with ease

This ritual shows a number of psychological benefits such as increased resilience, increased self-esteem, forming a healthy relationship with food and better family relationships.
Home for Dinner was an enjoyable read and helps you to realise that a few small changes at meal times can have a huge positive impact on your family. Anne

Book Review—Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

With the premiere of the film version of Tóibín's much praised Brooklyn looming, it seemed opportune to revisit the novel in time for the release. Eilis Lacey of Enniscorthy, Ireland is offered the opportunity to work in Brooklyn, New York, in the 1950s. It is an opportunity she cannot ignore, despite meaning that she will never see her family again, who are more than likely the engineers of this move. While in Brooklyn, Eilis finds first love and a new life, but after a tragedy back in Enniscorthy Eilis must choose whether to return to Ireland or live her new life.

The language is clear and simple, with matter-of-fact descriptions of events through Eilis’ thoughts. The plain style suits the character and the world, the restrained, frugal voice reflecting the economically stagnant Ireland but also the often unrealized potential of America. It frames Eilis’ slow acceptance of her new life, the caution, the openness, the angst, the loss. But there are also many comedic passages in Brooklyn, with only the final act bearing more heavily on loss and worry. But the characters who exercise the humour are often the vulnerable, those who stand to lose the most if the humour is ended, and as the final act progresses, the humour is drained from Eilis until she has to abruptly face her future.

Deceptively plain and straightforward, Brooklyn is compelling, addictive, and moving.
Andreas

Book Review - Real money advice for families by Analaura & Wilson Luna

Analaura and Wilson Luna have over 20yrs combined experience in the financial sector. The real money advice book for families is based around the family survival plan to create financial independence. It is comprised of 4 stages which represent the key foundations that families need to have to build a robust money management system.

Stage 1-Manage your debt

Stage 2-Protect your wealth

Stage 3-Take financial control

Stage 4-Build your wealth

Real money advice for families is filled with simple yet effective advice giving families the chance to take control of their finances. There is an action station summary at the end of each chapter which is helpful. I also found the three bucket saving concept interesting as well as advice on building an emergency fund in chapter 7. A great read filled with no nonsense advice.
Anne