Tips for Tuesday - Books: All Eyes on Him & The Day I Lost You; Movie: A Chrismystery

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: All Eyes on Him & The Day I Lost You

Today, we are talking about All Eyes on Him by Iliana Xander. After Natalie's friend leaves the club with a man and ends up in a coma, Natalie sees the man's face on the cover of a magazine and realizes he's a millionaire. She gets a job as a housekeeper in his mansion to find out what really happened to her friend, but she has no idea of the danger she's putting herself in. 

This is a fast-paced and intriguing mystery with lots of unexpected twists. However, even though Natalie is a fierce independent heroine throughout much of the book, the resolution of the plot hinges largely on men. It would have been more exciting to have Natalie play a larger role and not have to be rescued by men. 

While a touch of romance is featured in the plot, it is not enough to satisfy any true romance fan. It is also not developed enough, and is mostly just thrown in at the end. Thus, although there are some compelling aspects to this book a lot of it is disappointing. 

Today, we are talking about The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini. Two women, both with a child named Sam.  Lauren and her son moved to Spain to start a new life after a tragedy around the same time Hope's son went missing. The police think the child is the same, but Lauren is insistent that Sam is her son, and she has the paperwork to prove it. 

This is a very unique and original story. It is extremely gripping, quite unpredictable, and really heartbreaking in many ways. While shifting points of view allows the author to present different characters' perspectives and thus not paint anyone as the villain, this can also be confusing at times. It's hard to know what to think or who to root for, although some may actually enjoy this aspect.

Based on what has occurred throughout the book, the ending is too neatly wrapped up, making it a little unbelievable. Given all these people have been through and based on their prior behavior, it's hard to believe that all three of them, Lauren, Hope, and Hope's husband, would be able to agree to such a mature, rational solution and stick to it even if it is actually what is best. The book also leaves you wanting to know more, particularly about Sam and how he will adjust to the new realities he will face in the future.

Movie: A Chrismystery

Today, we are talking about A Chrismystery. Upon returning to her hometown with her daughter and taking on the job of deputy sheriff, Annie becomes embroiled in the mystery of what happened to the town's Christmas decorations. This movie is sweet but packed with plenty of clichés. However, if you love small-town set Christmas-themed movies, a touch of romance, and plenty of found family vibes, you'll probably love it.

And that's our view. All Eyes on Him and The Day I Lost You were published today. A Chrismystery is available for purchase or rental digitally.

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

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