DRB Reviews...Penance by Eliza Clark

My step-daughter bought this book for me as a Christmas present. She said firstly that she thinks I will really like it, but secondly that she read it over a year ago and still can't stop thinking about it! I can understand why. 

Penance is completely fictional, but written like a true crime novel. It is written from the perspective of a journalist, who is examining the murder of a teenage girl in 2016. She was murdered by three teenage girls she knew from her high school; her peers. When I first started reading this book, I had to look up if it was based on a true story, because the characters, the social-economic classes and the portrayal of society was so real and raw. 

Clark was spot on creating the brokenness of relationships. The story was so deeply disturbing and so believable. Bullying was the underlining theme through-out, which is an all too real systemic problem in schools. Nearly 14% of children who are repeatedly bullied during their school years end up in prison; there is a much higher risk for them to engage in violence as adults. I love how Clark referred to childhood bullies as a hierarchy, with popular kids  being in "tier A" and the group below as "tier B." It still perplexes me as to why bullies exist, but I love this quote from Penance: "Kids, they're very instinctual, they're very primitive, in a lot of ways. They can smell the difference on you." 

Clark creates her story around corrupt home lives and how it flows into systemic social problems. Teachers see hundreds of children every year, and truly understand developmental and social norms for age groups. The story really hit home for me when one of the teachers who repeatedly wrote home about a child's bad behaviour and the parent's response was "Oh that woman - the teacher - she had a vendetta against [my daughter]." It speaks volumes to the ignorance of closed mindedness that sometimes money or lack of education can foster.

Honestly, this book was so deeply disturbing as it highlighted how bullying can erode in itty bitty slights, and if one gets hit often enough, it's like water eroding the earth, over time it wears away a hole...a hole created from a thousand cuts. A hole that destroys. 

Clark...brava! What an intellectually stimulating read. I don't think I have read something so tangible, real and expertly detailed. I was so deeply moved and engaged. It was a tragic story, that was far too believable, and therefore was both sad and terrifying. I am completely blown away! What a gripping read!

www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

I was hoping for a sequel to "The Last Thing He Told Me" because so much was left unknown. Dave did not disappoint! When I heard that "The First Time I Saw Him" was being released, I pre-ordered it, and have been filled with tantalizing anticipation ever since. 

The book arrived in the post and I read it in almost one sitting. This was the best sequel I have ever read. Dave started right where she left off, and then proceeded to fill in all the gaps and missing pieces of the puzzle. Dave answered all the questions I had from the first book, and this is no small feat.

"The First Time I Saw Him" was exciting, well more like exhilarating...I had to just keep turning the pages to find out more. I was on the edge of my seat and just wanted to binge through to the end as fast as I could. It was well worth the wait!  I have never read a book by Dave that I haven't loved!

I just learned that "The Last Thing He Told Me" was adapted into an Apple TV thriller series starring Jennifer Garner.  The second season is premiering on February 20th, 2026 and is based on "The First Time I Saw Him". I have time to watch season one before season two is released. Love Jennifer Garner, can't wait! I adore screenplay adaptions from books!

www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRBReviews...Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

This book took my breath away. It was my March choice from Book of the Month last year in 2025; my Birthday book. I never got around to reading it. When I was shopping this Christmas at Indigo, I noticed that Wild Dark Shore was chosen as the book of the year for 2025. I remembered it was sitting on my shelf unread, and realized I have missed something huge. 

To conquer both the GoodReads Winter Challenge, and my obviously "way to high" TBR pile...I dove in. Wild Dark Shore is about a family that lives on a secluded Antarctic Island, taking care of a vital seed bank, that could help the world in case of ecological collapse. When Rowan washes up onto the shore, dark secrets begin to spill out as she falls in love with each of the members of the family. McConaghy's characters were beautiful, not outwardly, but inwardly...real, humble, and filled with integrity. 

The real gem of this book wasn't even the storyline, although gripping, but McConaghy's writing style. The imagery evoked created a deep sensory journey for me. The rhythm of her writing had an almost musicality to her phrases, that made her words resonate more deeply within my soul. 

I honestly don't think I have read a book that hit me as hard as this one. It is a complete diamond. If I had to give it a rating out of 5, it would be a 7. Wild Dark Shore will live long in my soul. The way I feel after reading this book, is exactly how I felt after reading my beloved Anne of Green Gables for the first time. McConaghy has captured my soul.

www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite

My first book read of 2026, my first review of 2026 and my first GoodReads challenge accomplished!  I wanted to add a few reading challenges to the New Year, and chose the GoodReads "bookmark" challenges and Indigo's 2026 Reading Challenge. Cursed Daughters was a Star Selections, part of the GoodReads Winter Challenge. I felt by following these two challenges through-out 2026, it may get me out of my usual genres and help narrow down my choices.

I am so glad I decided to read this book. I found it a little challenging to dig my teeth into at first, but right when I thought "this book isn't for me" the pages kept turning, because deep down, I was in love.

I was in love with the characters. The women of this book were so real. The story felt authentic, something that could possibly be a true story. It was full of fun and lightheartedness amongst the sad realities of life...death and broken hearts. 

The chapters were short, and Braithwaite's writing is easy and flowing...like a gentle breeze in a new spring air. I loved the infused culture in the story; it made everything feel more rich. I became truly engrossed and am a little sad I finished the book. (That is always the mark of a truly great novel!)
​
www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

I have had this book on my TBR for over two years. I bought my copy at a thrift store one summer and considered it such a lucky find. I had all of Quinn's books except this one, so it was a happy purchase. I often try to buy books that complete collections of my favourite authors, for my home library. There is something so comforting have a complete set. 

The hard copy was quite heavy and bulky to carry around, and I think that is why it didn't get read sooner, as I am always on the go. Moreover, the book is set in winter time, and I just had to wait until winter before reading it. I think what finally got me around to it was a book bub kindle deal. I purchased a second copy for $1.99 for my kindle and when the winter arrived I dug in.

This book kept me reading long into the night. It was my favourite bedtime read for the past couple of weeks. I became absolutely mesmerized by the main character Mila. She is so strong, resilient and feminine. Mila is a Ukrainian history student and mother turned sniper.  "Lady Death", her knick name, has quite possibly become an idol in my eyes. Her character is based on the true story of Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a highly decorated Soviet sniper. I am now very keen on reading the autobiography of this incredible woman.

This is a five star book. I LOVE historical fiction, and am so glad I finally got around to reading this wonderful book by Quinn. Thank you!!

www.dawnrodger.ca
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#diamondeye
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DRB Reviews...His & Hers by Alice Feeney

I finished this book just in time to watch the new limited series on Netflix released today!  I have never read a book by Feeney before and I have heard and read incredible reviews about her work. I decided I would start with her first debut novel. It didn't disappoint.

I did not fall in love with the characters, so at first it was hard to commit to finishing at first. But, with each page I turned, I wanted to know more. I was more than 50% through and realized I was hooked. The content grew a bit dark for my taste at times, and some of the scenes were hard to swallow. This is awkward coming from me considering just how dark my own novel Scattered Garbage is, but the story line of His & Hers must have triggered me in some way. The triggers definitely didn't stop me from finishing this book. lol 

Feeney understands hooks and twists and it made this novel difficult to put down. His & Hers is really well written. I truly couldn't guess who did it. The alternating perspectives left me guessing and I was desperate to find out the truth. THE ENDING WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!

​I am very excited to read her latest release coming soon called "My Husband's Wife"; I pre-ordered it yesterday!

If you like psychological thrillers, this is a book not to miss!
www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Firstly, I LOVE Book of the Month. It is so exciting to get to choose newly released hard cover books, from a variety of genres, every month, by incredible authors. It always stretches me out of my comfort zone; choosing books I wouldn't necessarily choose if I were shopping in a store.

I really wanted a "Christmasy Fee" book this month, so I chose Good Spirits. I love a good old Scrooge story, learning from your past to make a better future. And that is exactly what Good Spirits is...except with an adorable twist. How can you fall in love with a ghost? Borison can show you the way.

I adored this book. It made me laugh and smile. I was enjoying reading it so much, I read it too fast...just couldn't stop turning the pages and then BOOM, it was over. What an incredibly fun-loving story; I thought the storyline was so unique. What a beautiful cover too, with sparkly snow flakes! This is the best light-hearted story I have read this season. Thank you Borison! And thank you to book of the month for choosing Good Spirits as one of December's choices! What a warm and cozy feel-good read.

www.dawnrodger.ca
#goodspirits
#dawnrodger
​#bookofthemonth

DRB Reviews...The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood

Book Bub posted its daily deals one day in November and I purchased The Book that Matters Most for my kindle. I really wanted to read something different besides the usual mystery thriller I usual buy, and it didn't disappoint me. It was money well spent.

​The Book that Matters Most is about a woman named Ava, going through a divorce. She finds companionship by joining her friend's book club. I loved the concept that literature could heal. I chose not to read other peoples reviews before I started reading this book, and I am glad I did. Not all reviews of this book are positive; had I read the negative reviews early on, I may have ditched reading it altogether and I am glad that didn't happen.

I believe Hood created real characters, that are flawed and raw. I am a trauma survivor and I had to learn how to cope with addiction in my marriage. I struggled with trauma bonds and low self-esteem as a result. Hood's book reminded me of these real issues; the book moved me. I don't think readers can truly appreciate the characters and story lines, because it isn't the usual "feel good" scenarios; as a result, they can't relate. Well, I did. Maggie's story line was gripping, and broke my heart; her experiences felt real and too close to home. Ava's divorce came across as genuine. I could relate to her trying to find coping strategies to help her survive. Hood wrote her characters with weakness and vulnerabilities, which gave the story more substance. The Book that Matters Most is not a feel-good Rom Com, but a gritty story that hit me in the gut. Other readers complained that the story-line bounced around a bit...it did, but once I was hooked, I didn't mind the jumping around.

This book was messy, sad and real and I really enjoyed it. (I love the simplicity of the cover design too; beautiful.)

www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

At my last author event in Coles, Hamilton, I became mesmerized by the cover of Laurie Gilmore's book The Pumpkin Spiced Cafe and just had to buy it. I loved the sprayed edges and it look so cute for the Fall season. I have been so busy that I didn't get to read it during the "pumpkin season" so I have put it aside until next Fall. However, I did pre-order the special edition with sprayed edges for Christmas. The cover is so cute I couldn't wait to dive in.

I am not much of a Romance reader, but I thought a light-hearted Rom Com would do the trick this Christmas. I opened the book and read the first page..."For anyone who ever wished Hallmark Christmas movies were steamier, this one might do the trick." And oh my did it!  

I loved every page of this book. It was light, and funny and unbelievably hot. Who would have thought a book with such a cozy, warm cover could be so hot on the inside. It just goes to prove that you should never judge a book by it's cover! lol I loved this book so much, I went out and bought the rest of the series. Gilmore thank you for this adorable yet spicy Christmas story. It warmed my heart and made me laugh; the extra layer of steam was the whipped cream on top!

Can't wait to get her latest book coming out this May called The Daisy Chain Flower Shop. I have already pre-ordered it!
​www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...The Light we Carry by Michelle Obama

I cannot stand listening to the radio in the car when I drive. It is a combination of things...I don't have the patience for commercials, I hate the talk shows and the music is sometimes good, and other times, not. Why would I want to waste my time listening to music I don't like? Sure, I can listen to my Spotify playlists, but being a music teacher, there is only so much listening to music I can take. So I listen to audible while I drive.

I could not wait to get in the car to drive to work so I could hear the calm, reassuring voice of Michelle Obama. I loved her book Becoming. She has a presence, and the gift of story-telling. The way she uses words and phrases to express meaning astonishes me. She is soothing to listen too, and evokes peace in me...I just want to exhale when I listen to her, almost like I just received a big, warm hug from my mom.

The Light We Carry did not disappoint me. The content of this book is real, true and deeply connected to humanity. She is a strong, powerful woman who isn't afraid to show her faults, weaknesses, frustrations and sorrows. I value this so much. Obama show us how she picks herself up, and how she attempts to understand her circumstances and then move forward and pick others up. 

She grew up with strong family values and she embodies them, and continues the cycle in the next generation, providing for her family and all her readers and listeners.  Obama is intellectual, inspiring and empowering. Honestly, I could listen to her speak all day long. She offers us wisdom and insight on how to fight-the-good-fight, day in and day out in our lives.

Thank you Michelle, for giving me hope and reminding me to keep going, through all the pain and suffering in this world. Your message is clear: stay strong and keeping shining your light. It is the light within us that make a difference.

www.dawnrodger.ca
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#michelleobama
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​#drbreviews