#BookReview : Cometh the Hour (The Clifton Chronicles #6) by Jeffrey Archer #ComethTheHour #HistoricalFiction #StMartinsPress

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Cometh the Hour (The Clifton Chronicles #6) by Jeffrey Archer
Publication Date : February 16th 2016
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press
Genre : Historical Fiction
Pages : 404

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Cometh the Hour opens with the reading of a suicide note, which has devastating consequences for Harry and Emma Clifton, Giles Barrington and Lady Virginia.

Giles must decide if he should withdraw from politics and try to rescue Karin, the woman he loves, from behind the Iron Curtain. But is Karin truly in love with him, or is she a spy?

Lady Virginia is facing bankruptcy, and can see no way out of her financial problems, until she is introduced to the hapless Cyrus T. Grant III from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who’s in England to see his horse run at Royal Ascot.

Sebastian Clifton is now the Chief Executive of Farthings Bank and a workaholic, whose personal life is thrown into disarray when he falls for Priya, a beautiful Indian girl. But her parents have already chosen the man she is going to marry. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s rivals Adrian Sloane and Desmond Mellor are still plotting to bring him and his chairman Hakim Bishara down, so they can take over Farthings.

Harry Clifton remains determined to get Anatoly Babakov released from a gulag in Siberia, following the international success of his acclaimed book, Uncle Joe. But then something unexpected happens that none of them could have anticipated.

Cometh the Hour is the penultimate book in the Clifton Chronicles and, like the five previous novels – which were all New York Times bestsellers – showcases Jeffrey Archer’s extraordinary storytelling with his trademark twists. 

Previous books I read in Series:

Book 1 Only Time Will Tell
Book 2 The Sins of the Father
Book 3 Best Kept Secret 
Book 4 Be Careful What You Wish For
Book 5 Mightier Than the Sword

Cometh the Hour, 6th in The Clifton Chronicles series was interesting mix of historical fiction, politics and family drama that revolved around Cliftons and Barringtons’ life. Like all previous book this too was about good vs bad, morals and principles, good things happen to good people and enemies gets their comeuppance, family, love and drama.

First there was nothing wrong in the book but because of my mood or my itch to just finish the series asap made and other books taking priority over this and it took me way way long to finish this. That taught me to read last book when I’m ready to read it.

Writing was easy to read, addictive and flawless. It was told in third person narrative from Emma, Harry, Giles, Seb, Bishra, and Virginia’s perspective; started in 1970 from where the previous book ended with result of court case against Emma and ended in 1978. Being second last book of the series, lot of things were happening.

After long time we hear about Maisie in this book. She was old lady now and her days were coming close. I loved letter she wrote for Harry, Emma and Seb that gave them new inspiration.

Giles got break from politics for a while, rescued his love behind the Iron curtain and brought Karin to London but she really turned out spy for Russians. I was curious to see what Karin would do, if she would destroy Giles and British government or would fall in love with Giles. (pretty predictable but yet interesting to see the results) I have to admit he was hopeless romantic, and I liked how his career path diverted a little by being appointed as leader of lords and also supporting labour party. Things were okay with him in this book, in fact, smooth and he looked happy but I have feeling next book would be tough for him.

After the case Emma once again came back as chairman of Barrington shipping. Now, after Maisie’s death, she was not just chairman but had became governor of NHS hospital handling nursing department and had joined Tories backing Margret Thatcher as their manager. Phew, she was juggling many things at once and I liked how that didn’t affect her relationship with her family or with Giles. Author keep surprising me by making Emma’s character stronger with each book.

Virginia, after losing case, was facing bankruptcy. She needed to find a way to get money or say good-bye to posh extravagant life and clearly she didn’t intend to let go her life. Soon she saw opportunity when Cyrus T Grant, 28th richest man in America, visited London. Poor guy! This time Virginia was playing big and I was even surprised how far she went and how well planned every step was. I couldn’t believe she got away with all she did. But if you are familiar with author’s style, you must know in all books bad people get their comeuppance, so did Virginia.

Seb fell in love with Priya. He didn’t mind marrying a Hindu but it was different for Priya. She was sure her parents wouldn’t approve Seb being Christian, they were looking for a rightful Indian Hindu man whom she should marry. Her father was influential headstrong businessman who on knowing about her affair took her back to India. I liked the way author portrayed Hindu traditions, Indian ways and mentality during those times. Seb’s journey to India and his plan was impressive. The way it ended was shocking. I didn’t know what would happen next or if he would meet Sam and Jessica again. I enjoyed these chapters every chapters about him and part he played, be it as father, an executive director of bank, friend, son, and nephew.

Adrian Sloan and Desmond Muller had planned something big which would clear Bishra from their path that added tension in the book and soon Bishra got arrested.  It was interesting to read how Seb and Andrew would save him and image of bank, and stop Sloan and Desmond from ruining Bishra’s life. I liked Bishra’s attitude and nature during all these ordeals.

Harry published Anatoly Babakov’s book, Uncle Joe, with his publisher and friend Guinzberg that became international success and formed pressure on Russians to release Babakov. I doubted they would ever release him but that announcement of award heated things up.

I enjoyed conversations between characters. It felt natural and realistic. My favourite scene was court room session and testing of recordings with a little historical fact about Nixon president impeachment.

There were many twists and turns. Whenever I thought now nothing wrong would happen, something popped out of nowhere. Enemies were formidable but main characters were smart and fate backed them at right time.

Climax was shocking, tense and exciting all at same time. Harry’s speech was awesome, I even felt triumphant reading what happened to Virginia, Sloan, and Desmond, and Karin was in such complex situation. End was perfect and so was Epilogue.

Why 4 Stars-

Jessica never felt like 10 years old. She sounded like grown up 20 years old young lady. I even forgot she was just child until it was mentioned. It was a bit unrealistic. And that whole Virginia’s plan and Cyrus agreeing to deal was a little too much.

Overall,

Cometh The Hour was entertaining, dramatic and engaging historical fiction. Not best in series but I liked it.

I hope you enjoyed this post and my review. Let me know in comments if you have read this book or any book by the same author. DO you ever feel impatient when you about to finish the long series and because of that you enjoyed last books in series a little less?

Happy Reading!

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#BooReview : What You Wish For by Katherine Center #WhatYouWishFor #WomensFiction #StMartinsPress

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What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Publication Date : July 14th 2020
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press
Genre : Women’s Fiction / Contemporary Romance
Pages : 320

Rating: 5 out of 5.

From Katherine Center, the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel full of heart and hope.

Samantha Casey loves everything about her job as an elementary school librarian on the sunny, historic island of Galveston, Texas—the goofy kids, the stately Victorian building, the butterfly garden. But when the school suddenly loses its beloved principal, it turns out his replacement will be none other than Duncan Carpenter—a former, unrequited crush of Sam’s from many years before.

When Duncan shows up as her new boss, though, he’s nothing like the sweet teacher she once swooned over. He’s become stiff, and humorless, and obsessed with school safety. Now, with Duncan determined to destroy everything Sam loves about her school in the name of security—and turn it into nothing short of a prison—Sam has to stand up for everyone she cares about before the school that’s become her home is gone for good.

Other Books I Read by The Same Author:

How To Walk Away

*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to publisher and NetGalley. ***

What You Wish For was amazing cotemporary romance that revolved around Sam and her efforts to save her beautiful school. It was about fight the darkness and find joy in life, getting over fear, PTSD, death, friendship, companionship, belongingness, and love.

Writing was lovely, flawless, and descriptive, it hooked me to story from the beginning. Setting of Kempner elementary school on historic island of Galveston, Texas was amazing. Told in first person narrative from Sam’s POV made the book charming and refreshing.

I’m not going to repeat the plot or how it started, synopsis told it perfectly. I loved plot, characters, and everything in this book. It was a bit predictable but I enjoyed every moment in this book. Close-knit community of school- staff, students, people of island and Max’s family they looked after each other, loved school and cared for it.

Max was there in whole book even though he died in first chapter. His character, nature and lessons he taught lived within all characters except Kent Buckley. He was such opportunist douchebag son-in-law. I was surprised he was appointed chairman after Max’s death and learning what he planned for school. I couldn’t figure out why Max’s daughter, Tina, would marry this guy stay with him and tolerate him but couldn’t stand Sam’s presence even though she was always nice to her.

I loved this conversation between Max and Sam-

“Joy is Important.”
Was it? “I don’t know. Not having car accident is important. Joy is pretty expandable.”
But Max just smiled. “It’s one of the secrets to life that no one ever tells you. Joy cures everything.”
I flared my nostril. “Everything?” I challenged pointing at the bandage over my stitches.”
“Everything emotional” Max clarified.
“I don’t think you can cure emotions.” I said.
But Max just nodded. “Joy is antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom. To sorrow.”

Babette was awesome. This old lady was my favorite. Alice was so Mathy (is that a word?). Herlove for math, math jokes, and seeing everything in life with math was infectious. And Clay is my most favorite little guy. He was Tina’s son, only 3rd grader but knew a lot of things about marine. He was total brainy and even read Steinbeck! I loved him for taking name calling as compliment. He was wisest character after Max and Babette.

Sam was lovely librarian, full of life. She loved Kempner school, her job and kids at school. On outside who didn’t know her would say she never felt sadness or faced darkness in life, but she too was fighting sadness and loneliness every day. She had epilepsy and faced bad things because of it in childhood that implanted seed of fear and loneliness deep within her soul. She was still struggling with unpredictable seizures, but I loved how Max, Babette, and Alice helped her. She tried to live fullest, grabbed joy whenever and wherever she could but when Duncan came back in her life, life and her feelings became complicated. She showed Duncan what it’s like to have fun and happiness and live above the fear but at the same time she wasn’t really ready let go her fears- fear of rejection, fear of change in person’s view after witnessing her epilepsy and fear of holding them back. Her development was great. Her feelings about epilepsy, for school, Max-Babette, and Duncan touched my heart.

Duncan was interesting. His description through Sam’s eyes, his quirkiness and events he created in previous school they worked together created fun image and when he joined Kemper’s as principle, his180 degree character change was shocking. He didn’t gave best impression with that stage speech and changes he started making in school with all those school securities and safety memos popped my eyes out of socket. I could see why Sam was so concerned it made me equally curious to know his story which was predictable, but when I heard it, it was heart wrenching. He was amazing person, he had best interest at heart but he was weighed down by trauma, fear and obsession of making school safe that he couldn’t see what he was doing to school and staff. It surprised me to see elementary school turning into grey, joyless and confined prison. But when Sam made team with Babette and Alice on Duncan project to change his mind, make him see good in world, beauty of school, joy and happiness above his fear and specially what he was before tragedy, I could see him change gradually. I loved how wall around himself started to crumble brick by brick and relationship between him and Sam blossoming along with it.

Romance was cute, it was well balanced with theme and plot of the book. There were sad moments that made my heart heavy more than once but there were so many joyful and beautiful moments that proved no matter what happens in life it’s worth to find joy, fight darkness and live fullest.

I enjoyed reading school’s history, each classes in school and its decorations, specially library, Galveston Sea wall, amusement park built on pier, The Great Galveston storm and museum for it. It was really interesting and I loved googling these places.

Importance of school security and school shooting was handled delicately. We see how difficult it is for those who survived, importance of therapy for PTSD, love from people and helping survivors to move on. It also made me think what Duncan was doing was not wrong but also made me agree with Sam that overdoing it doesn’t make it kids friendly environment of school, there need to be balance in it, and nobody can protect anybody all the time.

Life doesn’t give you what you want just the way you want it. Life doesn’t ever make things easy. How dare you demand that happiness should be yours without any sacrifice- without any courage? What an incredible spoiled idea- that anything should come easy? Love makes you better because it’s hard. Taking risks makes you better because it’s terrifying. That’s how it works. You will never get anything that matters without earning it. And even what you get, you won’t get to keep. Joy is fleeting. Nothing lasts. That’s exactly what courage is. Knowing all that going in- and going in anyway.


Climax was surprising. I was expecting something will happen all along, I knew Kent Buckley would do something but when and how was surprising. I loved the way Sam and Duncan cleared differences, admitted their feelings but what happened afterwards was not at all predictable. I loved the end and how things turned out for all characters.

Overall,

What You Wish For was meaningful, inspiring, feel good and entertaining emotional roller coaster with beautiful setting and amazing characters. If you still haven’t read any Katherine Center’s book, just get this one and start reading.

Book Links : Goodreads | Amazon

Affiliate Link : Book Depository

I hope you enjoyed this review. Let me know what do you think about the book, if you have read this already or any book by the same author. What are your thoughts on school safety, Like Duncan would you like to have bulletproof dome around school with no natural lights and locked gate or like Sam you would prefer child friendly environment or balance of both?

Happy Reading!

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#BookReview : Mightier Than the Sword (The Clifton Chronicles #5) by Jeffrey Archer #MightierThantheSword #CliftonChronicles #HistoricalFiction

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Mightier Than the Sword (The Clifton Chronicles #5) by Jeffrey Archer
Publication date : February 24th 2015
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press
Genre : Historical Fiction
Pages : 400
Stars : ★★★★☆

A bomb goes off, but how many passengers on the MV Buckingham have lost their lives? You will find out only if you read the opening chapter of Mightier than the Sword.



When Harry arrives in New York, his publisher Harold Guinzberg tells him he has been elected as the next president of English PEN, which will give him the opportunity to launch a campaign for the release of a fellow author, Anatoly Babakov, who is languishing in a Russian Gulag in Siberia. His crime, writing a book Uncle Joe, which gives an insight into what it was like to work for Josef Stalin. So determined is he to see Babakov released, Harry puts his own life in danger.



Emma Clifton, now Chairman of Barrington Shipping, is having to face the repercussions of the IRA bombing her ship.
Some board members feel she should resign while others, including Sebastian Clifton, newly elected to the board, are determined to see she remains as Chairman.



Giles Barrington is now a Minister of the Crown, and looks set for high office, but a trip to East Germany does not end as a diplomatic success, and once again Giles’ political career is thrown off balance by none other than Major Alex Fisher. Fisher decides to stand against Giles at the forthcoming general election. But this time who wins?



Sebastian Clifton asks his girlfriend Samantha to marry him. She happily accepts, but then later changes her mind after she discovers what Seb has been up to behind her back.



The book ends with two court trials: one at the high court in London, a libel case pitting Emma Clifton against Lady Virginia Fenwick; while another, a show trial, takes place in Russia after Harry has been arrested as a spy. Thus continues book five of the Clifton Chronicles, Jeffrey Archer’s most accomplished work to date, with all the trademark twists and turns that have made him one of the most successful authors in the world.

Previous books I read in series:

Book 1 Only Time Will Tell
Book 2 The Sins of the Father
Book 3 Best Kept Secret 
Book 4 Be Careful What You Wish For

Mightier Than the Sword was perfect title for this book. Another stellar book in this compelling series that revolved around two family and their never ending problems. It was about, good vs bad, don’t get greedy, sticking to morals and principles will always be rewarding, fight for yourself at right time, fate, family, love and passion.

Writing was as usual gripping, engaging and fast paced that demanded attention in all chapters. Mightier Than the Sword, told from multiple perspective from Harry and Emma, Giles, Sebastian and Lady Virginia’s POV, was set in Bristol and London, occasional visits in U.S. but this time Harry travels to Russia and Giles to Berlin that changed their life.

Mightier Than the Sword started in 1964 picking up from the end of last book, Be Careful What You Wish For, and ended in 1970. It’s clear from the synopsis, no main character died in the blast on Buckingham’s maiden voyage but I will not tell more or what damage it caused. I was thinking how I should write the review as I don’t want say much but at the same time I don’t want end up saying little. Moreover, lot was going on in this book, turn after turn and many surprises. Each main character was facing enemy in this book and each were given equal attention so I will divide my review in what they were facing, what was good and bad with their situation.

As soon as Emma returned from states she was facing Libel trial filed by Virginia moreover some member of board were plotting against her and that included a new enemy Desmond Muller. It felt like she was running out of luck this time. Desmond was unscrupulous, clever and sharp enemy who gave Emma and company hard time and his timing of final strike was fabulous. For first time I feared for Emma. Court room session didn’t help in reducing that fear as Virginia’s lawyer was brilliant. I was curious to see how she was going to fight both of them at the same time and this time if she lose, she was going to lose big- her position, reputation and company.

Emma evolved a lot over four previous books of this series. Her impression as first woman chairman of public company was formidable. She was admiring, ethical, honest person with high morals and principles. She wouldn’t do wrong with anybody but at the same time wouldn’t let anyone harm her and her family.

Sebastian was fighting Adrian Sloane, his boss who planned to take over Farthings bank. This initial part was tense. Sloane was smart and most dishonest and greedy man. His plan was great, with time in his favor and took over the bank real fast that made Seb resign from his job but he was determined to get back to him. I was curious to see how he was going to fight him with no job and less money.

Seb was exceptionally brilliant but in getting revenge and money fast, living accomplished life, he messed up his personal life. Over the course of this book, he learned and developed a lot. He took one step at a time and climbed financial ladder, took all the opportunity at right time. It was looking like all Cedric taught to him finally came to its fruition when he saw name of Hakim Bishra. I liked that man and I loved how game of fighting Sloane turned from this point.

Giles was not happy family man in this. His son died at age 3 and that broke him and Gwyneth apart. He respected Gwyneth but love was drifting and when he went to Berlin to attend conference as a minister of Crown, he made a mistake that made him resign and once again fight election. Time was also not in his favor as again he had to fight against Fisher. I was curious to see what was the result of election and how would he face consequences of his mistakes. He was best example of sportsmanship and I loved him for being resilient and following his heart. I enjoyed every word and pages when he fought election and later when he supported Emma, but Gwyneth was best and I hope he don’t regret letting her go.

Harry was facing most dangerous situation of all. To begin with he was now president of English PEN and started a campaign for release of Anatoly Babakov, Russian novelist who was imprisoned for 20 years for writing a book on Stalin, titled Uncle Joe. He was curious to find out what was in the book and why Russian government destroyed every copy on publication day of Uncle Joe. He passionately felt for Babakov. But fight for his release meant fight against whole Russian government. First he went to Russia as a guest speaker of PEN- he delivered mind blowing speech (it was as good as Gile’s election speeches) and some work from cabinet secretary (which turned out real interesting). I didn’t know he had photographic memory until this book! Why it wasn’t mentioned before! He discovered location one last copy of Uncle Joe and had to visit Russia again but without protection secretary. Isn’t it just getting just better and better? I was curious to find out how he would locate it and how he would get away with or maybe not? What will happen if Russian caught him? This part was best on whole book.

I enjoyed every tricky situations every characters faced, how they fought their enemies- who won one or two small battle as well that made me worry for characters- and how they came out of it. I loved each of them for not losing hope, sought each other’s help and advice, fought keeping their morals and principles intact that ultimately rewarded them with best result.

I loved reading scenes that were based on historical events like Berlin wall and The Stasi of the East German communist government, imprisonment of Russian writer, and Stalin’s biography through Uncle Joe which was most intriguing.

Climax made me anxious, laugh, curious and awed all at the same time. Harry’s escape, Emma’s trial, and enemies’ plan all was pumping the adrenaline at best. I was holding my breath when finally end neared and then I cursed, ‘Damn Cliffhangers!’ At 3:00 a.m. I got up from bed pulled out sixth book and read few chapters to see the real end. And I tell you it was amazing.

Why 4 stars-

Honestly, I’m tired seeing Virginia and Fisher again. Cliftons and Barringtons are so nice and always do right thing so why they are having lot of enemies? It’s like wherever they go they made enemy. From 1919 to 1970 there wasn’t a year they didn’t face problem! It’s really far fetching.  

Overall, Mightier Than the Sword was gripping, fast paced historical fiction and family saga, full of twist and turn and drama. I definitely recommend this to fans of Jeffrey Archer.

Book Links:

Goodreads

Affiliate Links: Amazon (IN) | Amazon (US) | Amaon (UK) | Book Depository

What do you think about the book? Have you read this already or any book in this series or same author? Have you read a book in which character has photographic memory?

Happy Reading!

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#BookReview : Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles #4) by Jeffrey Archer #BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor #TheCliftonChronicles #HistoricalFiction #BooksTeacupnReviews

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Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles #4) by Jeffrey Archer
Publication Date : March 11th 2014
Publisher : St. Martin’s Press / MacMillan
Genre : Historical Fiction
Pages : 387
Stars : ★★★★★

Bestselling author Jeffrey Archer’s Be Careful What You Wish For opens with Harry Clifton and his wife Emma rushing to hospital to learn the fate of their son Sebastian, who has been involved in a fatal car accident. But who died, Sebastian or his best friend Bruno?


When Ross Buchanan is forced to resign as chairman of the Barrington Shipping Company, Emma Clifton wants to replace him. But Don Pedro Martinez intends to install his puppet, the egregious Major Alex Fisher, in order to destroy the Barrington family firm just as the company plans to build its new luxury liner, the MV Buckingham.


Back in London, Harry and Emma’s adopted daughter wins a scholarship to the Slade Academy of Art where she falls in love with a fellow student, Clive Bingham, who asks her to marry him. Both families are delighted until Priscilla Bingham, Jessica’s future mother-in-law, has a visit from an old friend, Lady Virginia Fenwick, who drops her particular brand of poison into the wedding chalice.


Then, without warning, Cedric Hardcastle, a bluff Yorkshireman who no one has come across before, takes his place on the board of Barringtons. This causes an upheaval that none of them could have anticipated, and will change the lives of every member of the Clifton and Barrington families. Hardcastle’s first decision is who to support to become the next chairman of the board: Emma Clifton or Major Alex Fisher? And with that decision, the story takes yet another twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Be Careful What You Wish For showcases the master storyteller’s talent as never before – when the Clifton and Barrington families march forward into the sixties, in this epic tale of love, revenge, ambition and betrayal.

*** Note : I purchased this book. ***

Be Careful What You Wish For was fourth in historical fiction series, The Clifton Chronicle, that revolved around fighting new enemy of Barringtons and Cliftons they made in last book, Martinez. It was about family, friendship, saving family business, politics, drama, and above all vendetta.

Once again Barrington shipping company was attacked in this book and this time not just by Fisher and Lady Virginia but also by the most dangerous man in the country, Don Pedro Martinez. Book started where exactly the cliffhanger of previous book Best Kept Secret left me hanging and thinking what exactly happened in the car accident. I knew who would have survived but the opening with a false news was bit surprise. Untoward outcome of Martinez’s plan drove him even crazier and angrier that started his revenge plan to destroy whole Clifton and Barrington family. Who could have think the Thinker statue could cost characters more than the combined value of statue and counterfeit five pound notes at the base of it that Cliftons helped government to confiscate from Martinez.

That synopsis said many thing and summarized what you can expect really well so I will jump to most important thing that kept me hooked to story, the curious questions I had while reading the story- What Martinez is planning, when will he strike and who will step in his traps? Who is tutoring Sebastian to make him smarter and clever? Who is that Cedric Hardcastle mentioned in the synopsis, is he good guy or bad guy? What mischief Fisher and Virginia will create along with Martinez and what will it cost to Barringtons and Cliftons? There were many surprises and twist was heart breaking.

Writing was again great, flawless and easy, jumping from one narration to other with smooth transition. It started in 1957 and ended in 1964 following the story of Harry and Emma, Sebastian, Giles, Jessica, Fisher, Martinez and we have new character Cedric Hardcastle. Each character narrating one year and telling what hurdles they faced in that year.

Harry and Emma once again were amazing. In this book Harry has taken a back seat, popping in here and there and mainly focusing on plots of his novel but whenever he appeared in the book, I liked him and felt for him. I wish he had listened to everybody’s advice. It could have saved them from tragedy.

Giles was also not in the front of the story. He appeared in family and board meeting and during election for MP. He was busy in his political carrier and his marriage. Yes, this time he married right woman and I was happy for him. What I didn’t see coming was him stepping on the trap set by Martinez. He is Giles and Martinez need to do something bigger to break him. I liked how he took the blow and moved on in life focusing on next election.

Emma, once again, took the rein of Barrington shipping empire in her control but before she could do that she faced trouble so bad it could have bankrupt the company. That trouble came in the name of Fisher, Martinez and Virginia. I admired her determination and will to save the company. Her instinct were right from the beginning and I knew she will have to fight hard. Her and Fisher’s speech was brilliant. The voting for chairman’s seat felt like another of Gile’s election. I loved how whole board room scenario raised tension and kept curiosity level on the top. And I loved her hysterical speech after climax.

Sebastian has grown so much after accident. He was now wise and clever, smart and developed character.  Not developed when it came to women but boy after some hysterical encounter where he made fool of himself finally found a beautiful girl. That came in second half but by that time he found a great job. It was impressive how quickly he learned and how quickly he could charm people. I loved him for the way he helped his mother.

Cedric, Susan Fisher, Clive Bingham and his family were the characters who surprised me most. They turned out exactly opposite than I guessed. I’m not saying who they were and what was their role and what they did either in favor of Cliftons or against but only that author did amazing them, especially Cedric.

The most devious villain of the book Martinez was made to hate. He was brilliant, a perfect villain who had no principles and morals and would stop at nothing to achieve what he wanted. He didn’t leave any single character. He set traps for everyone. His deadliest blow was Jessica. I hated him for going there and I knew he wouldn’t stop there. He was crazily riding the revenge wave, or should I say tsunami?

Jessica was never in limelight until this book. Her talent was earning her name and fame, found a nice boy and was going to marry. She was so happy and lovely. It hurt me to see them braking her and even made me shout at what it caused. That gave the story major turning point.

I loved how all well-wishers of the family gathered and hatched a plan that would strike Fisher, Virginia and most of all Martinez at the same time. All chapters from this turning point was tense, exciting, and thrilling.  It was like cat and mouse game and I couldn’t wait to see who won. Even after definitive answer Martinez had the element of surprise and made the book end in cliffhanger.

Overall, Be Careful What You Wish For was another smart, entertaining and exciting historical fiction and family saga. I can’t wait to see what happened next and what new trouble they will face.

Book Links:

Goodreads

Affiliate Link : Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amaozn.UK | Book Depository

What do you think about the book and my review? Have you read this book already? Are you going to add it to TBR? Which is your favorite family saga? 

Happy Reading!

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#BlogTour #Review : The Escape Room by Megan Goldin #TheEscapeRoom #stmartinspress

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Hello readers! Today is my stop during the blog tour for The Escape Room by Megan Goldin. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for tour invitation and for providing NetGalley widget for review.

The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
Publication Date: July 30th 2019
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre : Psychological Thriller / Mystery thriller
Pages: 352
Stars: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

In Megan Goldin’s unforgettable debut, The Escape Room, four young Wall Street rising stars discover the price of ambition when an escape room challenge turns into a lethal game of revenge.

Welcome to the escape room. Your goal is simple. Get out alive.

In the lucrative world of finance, Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are at the top of their game. They’ve mastered the art of the deal and celebrate their success in style—but a life of extreme luxury always comes at a cost.

Invited to participate in an escape room as a team-building exercise, the ferociously competitive co-workers crowd into the elevator of a high rise building, eager to prove themselves. But when the lights go off and the doors stay shut, it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary competition: they’re caught in a dangerous game of survival.

Trapped in the dark, the colleagues must put aside their bitter rivalries and work together to solve cryptic clues to break free. But as the game begins to reveal the team’s darkest secrets, they realize there’s a price to be paid for the terrible deeds they committed in their ruthless climb up the corporate ladder. As tempers fray, and the clues turn deadly, they must solve one final chilling puzzle: which one of them will kill in order to survive?

It’s good we have grill gate elevator

The Escape Room was riveting psychological thriller with revenge game arc and smart corporate setting. It revolved around the finance bankers of Wall Street. It was about revenge, money, greed, power, selfishness and ruthlessness to the core.

Book started 34 hrs before a Watchman found out something bad was happening in the under construction office building in South Bronx that was going to open in few weeks. Vincent, Sylvie, Sam and Jules – Wall Street colleagues, finance bankers – were called to an off-site office building and were forced to play The Escape Room challenge in order to save their jobs. A game that looked harmless at first turned into more sinister and personal.

Chapters alternated by the elevator escape room, a present scenario and a person connected to these four, a former employee telling life story in past, how that person got the job in same organization and what happened henceforth. Both narration one by one told about characters, what they thought about each other, their secrets and their sins.

So, the first question popped when I start reading this thriller was why these four particularly were chosen for the challenge? What connection did they have with former employee? As I read few chapters more it was clear it’s a revenge game but by whom? Who was behind the challenge, setting them up and putting all clues and rules of the game?

All characters were developed, unlikable, some even hateful. Some were genuine and reliable but good doesn’t stay for long when you are surrounded by of bad evil. I even felt Vincent was good but I kept questioning if he was. All these four stuck in elevator were the greediest either for money or power, they didn’t look back who they’ve trodden in their path. Selfish, ostentatious and ruthless are the words that defines them. Compassion, kindness was not in their dictionary.

It shocked me to read how much all the characters worked, how much they valued money than ethics and humanity, the greed and power turned them all blind leaving only few who remained shut and out-of-the-way. I keep questioning, was it worth working inhuman hours, to be part of cut-throat competition, not even able have peaceful or happy family time. My jaw dropped at how much appearance mattered in this corporate world. As I read more things turned crazier and monstrous to the point I thought this can’t be reality.

Twist and turns were good. First half was not that thrilling but it had that hovering tension, not on edge of the seat kind, but enough to keep me anxious. It was more like character building, setting the stage for drama. The second half was brilliant. All the hell broke out, all the worst things started taking place one-by-one and as I reach the climax, I enjoyed the action both elevator and former employee’s life. One can solve the mystery before second half started but the fun was to know whys and hows.

End was satisfactory. I liked the way things turned out. After finishing the book I kept thinking about their situation for long time. I’m sure it won’t be my last book by Megan Goldin. After reading this revenge game, I want to read more in this theme.

Why 4.5 stars-

As much as this book was fun reading and loved that tense feeling and curiosity to keep reading till the end of the book, I was constantly aware this can’t be possible in real life, whether it’s office environment or the escape room challenge.

Overall, it was gripping, brilliantly executed psychological thriller, a revenge game filled with unlikable characters that reader of this genre would love to devour.

Author Bio:

MEGAN GOLDIN worked as a correspondent for Reuters and other media outlets where she covered war, peace, international terrorism and financial meltdowns in the Middle East and Asia. She is now based in Melbourne, Australia where she raises three sons and is a foster mum to Labrador puppies learning to be guide dogs. THE ESCAPE ROOM is her debut novel.

Now available!

Purchase link: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250219671
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