Okay. Let’s just get this one out there: I watched the first six or seven seasons of ER like I was eating candy (with abandon) and fulfilling a religious obligation (with intense purpose) at the same time. Although I have only a small idea what these things mean, I can bark “pulse ox” and “CBC” and “V-fib” and “stat” like it’s no one’s business. This is a language I share with my husband, also an ER fanatic from the mid- to late-90s era. No joke: he once passed a nursing practice test based on his knowledge of ER terminology alone.
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The best scenes in The Queen of Hearts, in my opinion, were the ones that brought me into the heart of the trauma, with the life or death decisions in the hands of medical students and their harried instructors. Absolutely gripping. This was also a friendship drama—two female doctors with established careers coming to terms with an event from their med school pasts. I liked the past drama and the present drama… although I wasn’t sure I bought the book’s conclusion. (Zadie as a character is a much more forgiving person than Paula as a human, TBH.)

My first thought when i read the synopsis was "Holy crap this is Gray's Anatomy type of shit I'm about to read". And you know what? I was right? I mean so much drama so many secrets, affairs and of course trauma patients!
Main characters, Emma and Zadie. Bffs for life right? they have been through a lot since they became friends. Reminds me or Meredith and Yang lol. I love that and also they have a personality where they seem to be funny and perfect. I couldn't find any reason to hate them.... Oh boy at the very end of the novel I was like what the f*ck. Can't say more but its crazy. Of course it's about a boy but more importantly their friendship is put to the test and the main concept of the book was forgiveness. Well, for me that's how I perceived it. The only reason it took me about a month to finish it was because I wasn't in the mood to read an e-book. The story for me was not boring at all. It was good. The pace was moderate so it was easy to keep a pace for it. The description was excellent and the characters were like straight from Gray's Anatomy lol. Only reason I am giving 4 out of 5 stars was mainly I thought this about Zadie and Nick. I wanted a different story and more of a plot between them but alas it was the opposite. I mean I give props for Zadie. She has a big heart. I definitely would recommend this book to any drama lovers and anyone who is into Gray's Anatomy would get a kick out of this novel.

I really loved this book. I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and the description. Once I started reading I did enjoy the elements of the book; friendship, secretes, and the medical drama that occurred. The only issue I have and the reason that I didn’t leave a 5 star review is because it’s a little difficult to get into. In the beginning I found myself struggling to connect with the book. I felt as though I was having to push myself to get through it. In the end I’m glad I did because it was a really great read.

I did not finish this book. I really liked the plot of this book but I felt that it moved very slow and I couldn't get into it.

I did not finish this book after reading 40%. I simply couldn't connect with the story the way I wanted to. The writing could be funny at times, but the plot felt forced. The story moved between characters and from past to present, which felt a bit too heavy-handed. And the chapter breaks felt manipulative, used only for dramatic effect. Sometimes a character's present chapter would cut out only to continue with their perspective still in the present, which didn't make much sense to me. I think there are certain people who would enjoy this book, but I was not one of them.

This was an excellent novel of the struggles of two friends who met in medical school as well as work together in the present in Charlotte, North Carolina and their complicated relationships with a doctor known as Dr. X.

3.5 stars. I originally requested this book because the cover is so gorgeous (I know, I know, you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, blah blah) and I am so glad that I did.

Emma and Zadie have been best friends for a long time, and their friendship has definitely stood the test of time and issues. They went through med school together, were there for each other when each one lost their first patient, and were together through all of the trials and tribulations of dating, getting married and having kids. Their lives, while lovely, are pretty straightforward and nothing really exciting happens until a certain Dr. X starts working on the hospital staff with Emma, a man from their past who threatens to reveal secrets that nobody wants to get out.

This was a lovely, quick read focusing on themes of friendship, success, secrets, shame and parenthood, not to mention almost a medical-type drama. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more from the author in the future.

The Queen of Hearts alternates between Zadie Anson and Emma Colley, who have been best friends since medical school and who are now a pediatric cardiologist and trauma surgeon, respectively. The book also alternates between past and present, giving us insight into the intensity of juggling med school, friendships and messy relationships and showing us where they are now as wives, mothers and respected doctors. I’ve always been drawn to medical stories (at least on TV — Grey’s Anatomy fan for life!) and that’s what drew me to this book initially. I did think the story got off to a rough start though and even when it eventually got its footing, what ultimately made me keep reading was this “secret” from the past that threatens to come out into the open in the present when a former colleague of theirs returns. That’s where the author succeeded. My curiosity was beyond peaked and I wanted to know what happened. And oh man, is it a doozy. However, the resolution was far too neat and quick and honestly, unrealistic. Which is disappointing because I think with all the build up and getting readers to sympathize with certain characters (I don’t want to give anything away but personally, I was far more invested in Zadie than Emma), I expected a far stronger ending than the one we got.

Do I recommend? I personally wouldn’t recommend it but if the plot intrigues you, check it out from the library.

This arc was provided to me for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I have this small belief that I missed my calling as a surgeon. But that is mostly due to my love for medical shows. So, I figured I would enjoy a book that had a similar vibe. The medical aspects hooked me, the friendship had inspiring moments, and the storyline was intriguing.

The Queen of Hearts revolves around two best friends Zadie Anson and Emma Colley. Both work in the medical field, Zadie being a pediatric cardiologist and Emma as a trauma surgeon. Being best friends since college, there isn't anything that can keep these friends apart. Until a person from their past makes an appearance and creates a rift between the best friends. This is a story about love, friendship, and how everyone makes mistakes.

I must admit, I thought I was going to enjoy this much more than I did. I enjoyed all of Zadie and her chapters. But I was not a huge fan of Emma's. The author created a beautiful character of Zadie and her storyline was just fantastic and kept me on the edge of my seat. But I think everyone who reads this will absolutely adore Delaney. She was the best character and I would gladly read a book about her. Her whit was hilarious, and it created a nice fluffy aspect to the book.

Overall, the ending disappointed me and I think it should have been handled differently. But I am sure more people are more forgiving than I am. So I would definitely encourage those who admire friendship and a witty 3-year-old. Give this book a go, I promise Delaney alone is worth it.

I loved this! I really enjoyed the medical aspects and they didn’t go over my head too much. The drama was great and it took turns I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the characters and how they changed throughout as you learn more about them. I thought it was great and I read the last chunk in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down. Loved it!

Thank you so much to William Morrow for providing my free copy of SUNBURN by Laura Lippman - all opinions are my own.

“Sometimes, he used to wake up in the middle of the night and find her looking at him. The light from that streetlamp threw a stripe across her eyes, and it was as if she were wearing a mask that allowed her to read his every thought.”

It’s 1995 and Polly Costello finds herself in Belleville, Delaware, where she checks herself into a motel, and finds a job at a local tavern. She’s hiding from her past and is trying to reinvent herself. A mysterious man named Adam shows up and claims to be passing through town, but really is there to follow Polly’s every mysterious move.

This is a hard one to review because if I say too much it will ruin the experience. I’ll start by saying these are not what I would call likable characters. They are deceitful, secretive, and narcissistic. And there is something truly creepy about Polly; you can’t quite figure her out. She has a way with men that helps her get what she wants that is truly impressive.

This is an excellent noir crime thriller. I love the small town vibes and the characters fit perfectly. My favorite thing about the book is Polly’s character, learning about her past bit by bit, and wondering what she’ll do next. And like any good noir thriller, I wondered almost the entire time who she really is: Lippman expertly keeps you guessing about Polly’s true nature which makes this an intriguing and compelling read.

I enjoyed every second I spent reading this book! The story builds slow and steady, but it never seemed slow to me. I read it in a couple of short sittings because I was addicted and had to see how it played it out. Highly recommended!

I rate this excellent book 4 / 5 stars!

I was an almost painfully pragmatic child.

This practicality manifested itself in a number of ways, but the one that's had the most far-reaching impact is in my choice of careers.

As I prepared to exit high school, I decided, quickly and conscious of the repercussions of an overly lofty choice, on being an English teacher.

The rationale for my decision - I knew I enjoyed writing and the related field of reading, but I also knew that I would genuinely suck at being authentically poor.

And I’m not talking like I’m-a-teacher-I-don’t-make-any-money poor. I’m talking I-can’t-afford-to-eat-or-bathe-more-than-once-a-week-and-I’ve-resorted-to-shooting-the-dregs-of-drinks-that-people-abandon-at-the-club poor.

As much as I appreciated the romanticism of it all, I simply knew that I lacked the wherewithal to be a starving artist.

And so I entered college as an English education major, graduated as an English education major and went on to work... as an English teacher.

By in large, I've been satisfied with my choice.

But, on occasion - particularly when I've indulged in a likely unhealthily sizable binge of House or ER or Grey's Anatomy - I wonder if medicine might not have been more exhilarating, more mentally taxing and, ultimately, more rewarding choice.

This novel – like those hour-long dramas which focus on medical procedures but have just enough sex mixed in to keep your eyes from crossing as a result of the complexity of the jargon – made me long for a career that requires the donning of scrubs, the making of complex life-or-death decisions, and the maintenance of a steady hand with a scalpel.

Aptly named, The Queen of Hearts, focuses on the lives and careers of two female doctors, Zadie and Emma.

As the book opens we first meet Zadie, an understandably harried mother of four who works part-time as a pediatric cardiologist and full-time as a figurative cat herder. Her banker husband does little to assist her in her motherly duties, as he works long hours and seemingly constantly travels.

Despite the acknowledged difficulties she faces, however, Zadie seems relatively satisfied with her life – even though it likely differs from the one she imagined during her youth.

Next we meet the other half of our dual protagonist pair, Emma. Mother to one, she works full-time as a trauma surgeon, thanks to the support of her endearing and eccentric husband.

Though the ladies both appear to have it all worked out, the happiness they’ve established in the relatively parallel lives they lead in Charlotte, North Carolina, is threatened by the arrival of Nick Xenokostas, a doctor with whom the ladies have a shared history.

Dr. X, as nicknamed back in the day – a moniker that undoubtedly enhanced his already present enigmatic nature – was chief resident at the hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where Zadie and Emma received their medical training.

Despite the fact that Dr. X was, essentially, a teacher and Zadie and Emma were students, both girls had a relationship with him that extended beyond the professional.

Unfortunately the close-as-can-be women haven’t been entirely honest with each other in regards to one particular thing – their past relationships with Dr. X and the larger implications that these relationships might have had.

Now, the unexpected and unwanted arrival of Nick in Charlotte threatens to lay the truth bare for all to see.

By moving back and forth between dual protagonists, and backwards and forwards in time, secrets are revealed and truths that threaten the future friendship between these women unearthed.

When I began reading this book, I was – perhaps excessively – enthusiastic.

This avidity was due in large part to the fact that the start of the book was exceptionally well-written. The author’s prose possessed a rare lyricism, allowing the words to wash over the reader and making engaging with the text a true delight.

It was, in fact, quite surprising to learn that this is the author, Kimmery Martin’s, first novel – and that she is, by primary profession, a doctor – as the caliber of the writing itself, including the breadth and creativeness of the descriptions, was truly solid.

The plot, too, was initially intensely engaging.

Containing a mix of procedural details and personal drama, readers were made to feel as if they were thrust into the trauma center and the operating room, making it quite the enjoyable to read – particularly for anyone who even kind of wishes he or she had gone in to medicine.

Though, if this book - and the hospital dramas that are decidedly similar in context and content - are to be believed, there is almost as much collegial co-mingling going on in hospitals as there is life-saving.

It makes sense, really, that those so drawn to the thrill of literally saving someone's life would be equally attracted to the thrill associated with hot, steamy, sometimes verboten, sex.

I mean, I can only assume that saving a life brings a similar adrenaline surge. Being as I've never saved a life - except, perhaps, for the night I spent supervising my college roommate, lifelong best friend as she suffered from the ill-effects of spending an evening in the Happy Room in Amsterdam's Flying Pig hostel - I don't really have the hands-on experience to speak about the matter with any degree of authority.

But my experience with this book wasn’t all rainbow unicats – you know…magical and amazing.

Much to my chagrin, the level of enthusiasm I felt at the start of the text didn’t quite hold up as I continued reading.

The first issue I had – and one that is admittedly personal – was with the author’s clear disdain for people of size.

So, full disclosure, I’m a fluffy lady.

* Actual footage of me engaging in aqua aerobics

And, I’m not laboring under the misapprehension that some people don’t have an issue with fat people.

Honestly, everyone’s entitled to their feelings.

But, when you write a book containing not one, but several scenes in which the protagonist – someone we are supposed to like – says relatively disparaging things about fat people… well… you’re gonna piss some people off.

At first, the negative commentary about people of size was relatively benign. The author would say that the protagonist was treating a patient who was humongous or massive or any other largely unflattering, not-so-medical adjective.

Okay. I mean… this is overlookable.

But then, this happened:

“Don’t even think about getting on if there are more than ten riders,” cooed my elevator when the doors opened to admit me. “There’s only eight of us,” someone hollered as I hesitated. Hurriedly, I tried to decide if a weight-challenged person near the back counted as one or two people.”

Two questions, really.

1. Why? Why would you say that? What does the mention of this fat person’s presence on the elevator have to do with the plot? *Spoiler Alert* NOTHING
2. Did NO FAT PEOPLE read this book? There wasn’t a cubby copy editor or a formerly portly literary agent or even a morbidly obese acquisitions editor? Obviously not. Because if even one person who has ever had a weight problem had read this book prior to publication, I don’t see how a conversation about removing these mentions – which were as unnecessary as they were hurtful – wouldn’t have taken place.

Another issue that presented itself as I continued to read – the once stellar plot did not maintain its strength.

Somewhere around the middle of this book, the relatively cohesive marrying we had seen between the medical drama and the romantic intrigue began to splinter.

What started out as a rather compelling, inarguable well-penned tale dissolved into a muddled and boring recounting of a love triangle with some medical jargon thrown in for color and flavor.

In the end, this novel did what so many of the medical shows on which I was raised did right before they jumped the shark – it started focusing almost exclusively on the romantic intrigues of the doctors and essentially entirely ignored the element that made them so engaging in the first place, the practice of medicine.

Given that this novel came in with a bang and went out with a whimper, assigning an overall rating is a challenge.

Considering all of the elements, I have to give it a relatively tepid recommendation and a 3 out of 5 cocktails rating.

I positively fell into this book, from the charming, relatable characters to the dishy drama. I happened on a sample chapter, then found a review copy on Netgalley. Since I don't typically read on my phone, it took me longer than it otherwise would have to complete but once I dug back in on a road trip I finished it in two days. It's hard to describe the connection I felt to these characters despite not being in medicine, not having any common guideposts. I always wanted to know more about them and was shocked by the bewildering twists and turns as the drama escalated. This was a great vacation read, would be terrific for a plane, the beach or just in the bath tub or bed. The most engrossing "chick lit" type novel I've read in a while.

Involving drama with likable characters set in a recognizable Charlotte, N.C. The past secrets plot is tried and true, but the medical aspects keep it fresh.

This novel shows the insanely complicated lives of two friends who've been together through everything (med school, grief, parenthood) who both experience secrets and stress over time. I loved Martin's sprinkling of odd medical cases and hospital life throughout the story, and it had a great suspenseful (while still humorous) tone. Would definitely read other books from this author.

THE QUEEN OF HEARTS BY KIMMERY MARTIN BOOK REVIEW
In case you don’t know, my favorite author is Liane Moriarty. Yeah, she’s big news now after the massive success of Big Little Lies & for good reason! Liane is amazing & I am Really Into her style of writing.

From the very beginning, she hooks you in with her relatable & REAL female characters. Liane keeps the drama right below the surface & it floats along with the story. If I think about all of her books, I can picture most characters clearly, even years later. So when I say that Kimmery Martin’s writing style reminds me of Liane Moriarty, it is the BIGGEST compliment.

ZADIE & EMMA
I love Zadie & Emma’s friendship. Their friendship requires no explaining, no fluff & they are REAL friends- even more like sisters. They are both bad ass doctors & although their personalities are different, readers can see why they work so well together. Quickly, Kimmery introduces a taste of suspense that is carried throughout The Queen of Hearts. I’m living for it. This is seriously my favorite thing in a book. I want suspense right there under my nose, but the heart (no pun intended) of the story to be relationships.

Y’all, this ending had me with baited breath. We’ve all lost a friend due to secrets, a misunderstanding, hurt feelings, etc. Losing a friend that is like your family is so painful. Jessica & I had what we call a break-up & it was so heartwrenching, I can still barely talk about it. I won’t spoil the ending, but Zadie & Emma reach a point where their friendship is tested in a HUGE way. Cue the chest tightening.

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into The Queen of Hearts by Kimmery Martin. You have got to read this book so we can talk about it. Secrets, women, friendships, lies & love- this is the stuff I live for & The Queen of Hearts has it all!

Special thanks to Kimmery Martin, Berkley & NetGalley for providing my copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Kimmery Martin takes us into the lives of best friends Zadie Anson and Emma Colley. She alternates between their points of view and the present and the past. Emma, a trauma surgeon, and Zadie, a pediatric cardiologist, have faced grueling schedules to get to where they are in their lives, married with families and successful careers. Then Nick Xenokostas, Dr. X, transfers to North Carolina and turns their lives upside down. That third year of medical school comes back to haunt them and when secrets are revealed it could rip these two best friends apart.

I dove right into this story thinking it would be a combination of Grey’s Anatomy and other medical television dramas, but it was so much more. You know immediately the author is a physician by all the details she brings to this story. From medical terms to the struggle medical school, residency and beyond can be. I drank it all in and was riveted by Zadie and Emma’s stories. These characters were very realistic in both the bond they have and the lives they have created for themselves.

The underlying drama and tension runs throughout the story with little humorous breaks usually by Zadie’s 3-year-old Delaney. Her “Hi, beloved dear!” always broke through and made me smile. I was following along closely knowing something major had taken place in these women’s lives. Something they had tried to forget about. But when the event was revealed I became totally overwhelmed. Not exactly the same as an event that rocked my life but close enough that I had to stop reading for some time before I could pick it back up again. I still had to skip or just skim a few pages but I had to see how the story ended. I am so glad I did because there was yet another shocking twist that I didn’t see coming.

I was moved by this novel. I can’t believe it is the author’s debut. She is an excellent writer, she carries off the switching points of view and times, along with all the medical jargon so well. Her descriptive style puts readers right into each moment. Except for the one point I mentioned above I totally enjoyed the story, and that is on me. If you haven’t dealt with a similar traumatic event, you will absolutely love this story.

I am excited by this author and can’t wait to see what she writes next.

As I was reading this book, I was all over the place with my opinions -- it's a hard book to assign a score to. It's probably more like a 3.5, but a theme throughout the book led me to round down, as described below:

The Good: It's really fast-paced, and sucks you in from the beginning. It feels like a medical drama on TV -- you feel the life-and-death moments. And the author's background as a doctor shines through: it's authentic but not too wonky. Both Zadie and Emma are compelling, well-developed characters. Delaney is adorable, and if her speech is a bit contrived and precocious, so be it.

The Bad: The shifting perspectives and chronology are challenging. You essentially have four perspectives: Emma, then and now, and Zadie, then and now. I frequently had to go back to the chapter beginning to remember who was talking and what time period we were in. As the plot unfolds, you can settle in a little more, but it's a challenging way to tell a story, and I'm not sure the first-time author completely pulls it off.

The Ugly: The author has a thing against fat people. Throughout the book, anytime someone larger is mentioned, their weight is addressed in either a disparaging or gratuitous way. It's just great that she and her colleagues refer to a procedure on an obese person as a "BMI 45 horrendoplasty," or that one character referred to as enormous is also gratuitously described as pulling her underwear out of her buttcrack. One characterization even comes across as racist as she describes a patient that is both large and black. It started as annoying and quickly became seriously offensive. I fear for her larger patients, if this is how she views them. (There have been a number of studies showing how larger people get substandard health care, as conditions having nothing to do with their weight are overlooked in favor of ones that can be blamed on their obesity.)

Perhaps someone less attuned to this wouldn't even notice, but it spoiled the book for me. It's hard to say what I would have given it otherwise, but almost certainly at least a 4 if not a 5.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Zadie and Emma have a friendship that has stood the test of time. They went to medical school together, endured the highs and lows of dating, and are now juggling the demands of a family as neighbors in North Carolina. Their lives and careers were pretty uneventful until a colleague nicknamed, Dr. X joined their staff.

Neither Zadie or Emma are happy with Dr. X’s arrival because each is keeping secrets from the past. Zadie had a romance with Dr. X but kept it discreet since he was the chief resident. Emma has her own misgivings because she has kept secrets from Zadie that may be unveiled. Dr. X’s presence threatens to destroy their longstanding friendship.

This is a debut novel by Kimmery Martin, who was able to draw on her experience as a doctor. I enjoyed this book which explores the relationship between two women via their life experiences. From this book, I also learned a new expression for an Ace Wrap!

Readers, beware! I'll be the first to admit that I have a major bias toward anything related to hospital life; name any movie or television program that is set in a hospital, or has a medical setting that is key to the story and, most likely, I've seen it. I have worked in either a hospital or hospital-related organization for several years and it feels like home; consequently, novels with this setting immediately appeal to me.

Kimmery Martin is not only a debut author; she is also an emergency medicine physician which allows her to craft this story with the authority of one who has experienced this life, the chaos behind the curtain...and then some. I had very high expectations for this novel which, more often than not, leads to a poor outcome; however, I have encouraging news to share.

"If someone had told me when I was twenty-four that I’d be witness to many violent deaths that year, I would not have been surprised. I expected it, even desired it, with an anticipation that mirrored my general outlook on life: happy, heedless, and thirsty to learn. But if my omniscient adviser had gone on to tell me that I’d be the cause of one of the deaths, I’d have been dumbfounded. That kind of trauma was inconceivable to me."

Queen of Hearts centers around Zadie Smith and Emma Colley, two women whose friendship began during their early days of medical school, and the ways in which their lives have taken shape after graduation. Martin includes some of my favorite elements: female friendship, marriage, complicated relationship dynamics, old secrets and, of course, hospital life. Additionally, both Zadie and Emma are parents, juggling stressful careers with home life, and Zadie's 3-year-old daughter, Delaney, is hilarious.

Martin's trauma/emergency and clinical stories were spot on, and made me laugh out loud several times; I think they will be equally entertaining for the non-clinical reader if, like me, you enjoy a good medical drama. I've heard a couple of early readers comment that some of the medical jargon in the beginning is a little off-putting; these are pretty standard terms, if I remember correctly, and what better way to explore something new.

"Who knew how many patients had regained consciousness with those blinding lights boring down on them, convinced they were facing the radiant blaze of the tunnel to heaven, only to realize they were actually alive and naked in a roomful of strangers?"

There are a few things I could pick on; Martin admits, in her author's note, that she wanted to pack in so many different elements that the finished product had to be highly edited, and I can feel that a bit. The story is dense, but not difficult to follow. I would also like to discuss a few of the story lines with another reader, and one character in particular, so I need you to get busy!

My overall view is that Queen of Hearts is an intelligently-written, not-too-serious medical drama with the appropriate amount of soap opera-esque qualities to appeal to fans of the aforementioned movies and television programs that always draw me in when their reruns play on a Sunday afternoon and I find myself stuck to the couch for three hours. I read through it quickly, eager to discover how each character would fare, and Queen of Hearts will definitely appear on my upcoming Best Books to Read on Spring Break list!