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!
Today’s feature is one of my June ARCs from NetGalley, coming out on June 19: Bring Me Back, by B. A. Paris, is a tour de force of psychological suspense that will have you questioning everything and everyone until its stunning climax.
Beginning: (Twelve Years Before)
Interview: Finn McQuaid; Date: 15/03/2006; Time: 03:45; Location: Fonches
We were on our way back from skiing in Megeve. I decided to stop in Paris on the way up as a surprise for Layla, because she had never been there before. We had dinner in a restaurant by the Notre-Dame cathedral and then went for a walk along the Seine. We could have stayed the night there—now, I wish we had—but we were both eager to get home to our cottage in St. Mary’s, in Devon.
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Friday 56 (56%): (Finn)
I can’t believe that I’m thinking like this but it’s the truth. When Ellen and I had first begun spending time together, the thing I’d been most afraid of was that she would talk about Layla nonstop, or ask about my relationship with her. I didn’t want to discuss Layla with anyone and, sensing my reticence, Ellen hadn’t asked any questions at all.
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Synopsis: Finn and Layla are young, in love, and on vacation. They’re driving along the highway when Finn decides to stop at a service station to use the restroom. He hops out of the car, locks the doors behind him, and goes inside. When he returns Layla is gone—never to be seen again. That is the story Finn told to the police. But it is not the whole story.
Ten years later Finn is engaged to Layla’s sister, Ellen. Their shared grief over what happened to Layla drew them close and now they intend to remain together. Still, there’s something about Ellen that Finn has never fully understood. His heart wants to believe that she is the one for him…even though a sixth sense tells him not to trust her.
Then, not long before he and Ellen are to be married, Finn gets a phone call. Someone from his past has seen Layla—hiding in plain sight. There are other odd occurrences: Long-lost items from Layla’s past that keep turning up around Finn and Ellen’s house. Emails from strangers who seem to know too much. Secret messages, clues, warnings. If Layla is alive—and on Finn’s trail—what does she want? And how much does she know?
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What do you think? Do the excerpts and the blurb tempt you to keep reading? I loved two previous books by the author, so I’m definitely eager to follow the twists and turns.
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I always enjoy her books. Thanks for the excerpt.
Sounds good.
ENJOY your Friday and weekend, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I love her books, too. Enjoy your reading…and I’ll be watching for your photos of the BEA haul.
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I have been curious about this one! 🙂
Stormi
Friday Meme
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Thanks for stopping by, Stormi, and enjoy your weekend.
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I really enjoy this genre and this is a new author for me. This sounds like one that will be hard to put down.
My Friday 56 from Air And Ash
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I think it will be, too, Laura. Thanks for stopping by.
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I love her books and Paris is a favorite author, but this was not a fave unfortunately. I just wrote my review for it yesterday to post on Tuesday. The 1st half is amazing, but then I’m not sure what happened. It was still 3.5 Stars and a compulsive read, but I’ve given her other books 5. I hope you enjoy it better than I did…maybe my expectations were too high after Behind Closed Doors!
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Oh, that’s disappointing, Stephanie…I hope that I will enjoy it, though. Have a great weekend.
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I did enjoy it, don’t get me wrong and it was a clever, suspenseful read. It just wasn’t, in my opinion, as good as her 1st two, which was disappointing. I think you will enjoy it. You too!
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Sometimes, I think it is hard for an author’s subsequent books to be as dazzling as previous ones. Sigh.
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I’m not usually into that style of book but reading these has made me intrigued! Thanks for sharing.
Amy @ Amy’s Bookish Life
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Thanks for visiting, Amy, and I’m so eager to read this book. Enjoy your weekend.
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Sounds like an intriguing thriller. This week I have the latest in the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes historical mystery series – Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King. Happy reading!
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Thanks, Kathy, I hope to love this book…enjoy yours!
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I love the visual I get from the beginning. Sounds like a lovely read! Happy weekend!
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I love the visual, too, although when an opening sounds so lovely, I just know that bad things are around the corner. LOL. Thanks for visiting and hosting, Freda.
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Would you believe I couldn’t get to borrow this one from NetGalley! It does sound good though. I’ll have to look for it on Overdrive the end of summer.
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I saw it on Overdrive…hope you get it! I can never figure out why most books I request are approved from NetGalley, while others are not. Sigh.
Enjoy! Thanks for visiting, Harvee.
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This sounds like something I’d enjoy. Very good choice. Enjoy it.
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Thanks, Yvonne, I’ve enjoyed the author’s previous books. Have a great weekend.
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This is an author I’ve been wanting to read for ages! I love the sound of this one and the teasers you shared sound fantastic!
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Thanks, Katherine, I hope we both love it!
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Oh this sounds really good! Hope you enjoy it! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
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Thanks, Ashley, I am so eager to read this one!
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WHAT?? This book sounds amazing!! Wow, I so glad you choose this because I may not have ever come across it otherwise. I’m gonna add this to my shortlist! Great Post!
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Thanks for visiting, Books in Bloom…I am very excited about this book.
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I never trust stories where a spouse disappears and then the other marries the sister/brother. Also, the synopsis reminded me of that movie The Vanishing. Hope you enjoy your weekend!
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Yes, it doesn’t bode well for the future when that happens…LOL. Thanks for visiting, Alicia.
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Sounds like a book that will really keep you guessing!
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Definitely! Thanks for stopping by, Nicki.
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