The Widow

 

The Widow by John Grisham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Who would have thought someone could write a 416-page book about a little old lady wanting to redo her will and a 2nd-rate lawyer? That’s what Grisham has done here. Simon Latch, her not too busy and totally in debt over his head lawyer, agrees to redo wealthy Eleanor’s will to save her from the dishonest one written by a colleague. He also takes Eleanor to lunch after lunch and watches her drive off quite dangerously in her own car each time.

I’m writing the tiny synopsis in the previous paragraph so tediously because I want you to get an idea of what went on in this book. Other than the fact that Simon is losing his wife, is a gambler, and is actually as dishonest as his colleague this story is a repeat of itself over and over. Here’s the thing though…I read every word. The synopsis is very much the story in a heartbeat, but I still read it. I’ve read plenty of other Grisham books and loved them all. They are long and somewhat wordy, but it is either his writing ability or his plotting that keeps you reading. I guess here, it has to be his writing ability. After we got past Eleanor being old and wealthy and the will writing, things began to pick up and roll.

In summary, I really thought this was long with a lot of repetition. However, I read every word and it didn’t take me too long. Would I read another Grisham book? You bet.


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Mad Season

 Fifteen years ago, Elles Garity’s world came crashing down, in more ways than one. Now in her mid-twenties, long since removed from the small island town that she grew up in and never dealing with the pain of her loss, life is calling her back home. In the affirmant of recent unfortunate events Elles finds herself at a turning point once more. This time though, she’ll be forced to confront both her unresolved grief and the people and places she left behind. It won’t be easy. Along the way Elles will learn the truth behind a new friend’s dark connection to her tragic past and be the last to uncover unthinkable family secrets that will unravel everything she ever knew about the family she thought she lost.

Curse of Ashmedei

The Black Star approaches, heralding the cataclysm of Hell's Gate. The pawns on the chessboard have played the opening gambits as the Races vie for its power. Amnon, a young Demonblood consumed by revenge, finds himself drawn into a maelstrom of treacherous alliances and primeval magic. With a price on his head and outmanoeuvred by Druids and Trollbloods at every turn, he can't survive alone. An ancient Lycan who has lost his humanity is the only one he can trust.

The Irish Girl

 

Coming of Age/ Fiction/ Historical Fiction

Date Published: December 10, 2024 (Paperback) / March 11, 2025 (Audiobook)

Publisher: She Writes Press/Tantor Media

Narrator: Aoife McMahon

Run Time: 9 hours and 39 minutes

The Grateful Green Dinosaur

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Larissa Pemberton will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ordinary People Extraordinary Lives

Everyone has a story. A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes one needs words as well. ‘Ordinary people extraordinary lives,” does just that. I’ve combined a portrait with asking people four thought provoking questions about themselves. The portrait and their answers are a compelling read about life, its challenges and each individual’s journey. At the end of each chapter, each person makes one final observation learned from their journey.

Cinematic Destinies

 

 

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of CINEMATIC DESTINIES, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author! Plus, one lucky entrant will receive a $150 Amazon gift card!

Scars of Sand and Soil

 

Historical Fiction

Date Published: July 24th, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

What’s left of a man’s soul when everything he loves is taken from him?

No Bass No Party

 

An outstanding account of the music business, A riveting story of determination and focus, Musical teenage dream come true, Against all odds musical ups and downs, Defying logic following your heart, Climbing the musical ladder of success, Fearless journey on the road to stardom, (You won’t read about the heads of chickens being bitten off or mounds of drugs being snorted from the naked bodies of sweaty groupies. No, what you will read about on these pages is the deep and intense journey into the very heart of rock and roll and what it takes to come out the other side. Gary Shea took that ride and has survived to tell his thrilling tale and there is no need for embellishment nor hyperbole—the truth is more unbelievable than fiction.

Why Your Diet Fails

 

Nonfiction / Nutrition / Health

Date Published: March 3, 2025

Publisher: ‎MindStir Media