I’ve seen this book called a political thriller but have no idea why. It’s a tough one to classify, offering elements of small town mystery with supernatural elements, Anika is an interesting protagonist and her back story goes a long way to explain her character. I enjoyed the complexities of the story telling as it kept me focused and engaged, wanting to keep track of the many threads.

Homecoming Queen by @chadboudreaux.author was an interesting thriller. It is a mix of small town politics, local folklore/magic, corruption, religious zealotry, and murder mystery. Throw in a Category 5 hurricane with its sights on this coastal Texas town and this was a fun read that had me hooked through the whole story!

(This same review was share on the Barnes & Noble website)

Where or how do I start with this?
I think I have to read this again, and I'll be honest maybe a lot slower too!
It's the sort of book with tons of symbolism; that went very over my head.
I've never read a book like this, I liked the fact that I didn't know or could guess what was coming next, but at the same time it left me scratching my head a lot more times than i can count.

Our home coming queen returns to save her little sister from an absent mother and negligent father. Plus a storm is coming and the town has its way of keeping its traditions....which means there are consequences with actions and lets just say sometimes the boogeyman isn't who we always think they turn out to be....The gifted will have to be seperated from the cursed!

Thanks to Morgan James Fiction and Netgalley for this ARC. Humbled and grateful 🙏🏾
Homecoming queen out Aug 6th!!!!!!!

I found this to be more of a drama with supernatural elements than a political thriller. It sounded really good and had me interested in the beginning but then it just got slow and unrealistic. I was almost going to not finish, but I did. I realize it’s fiction but a young woman returning to her small town after being in jail for 5 years and suddenly falling into a position of authority just didn’t seem believable. Also, random very uncommon words would pop up throughout the story which I found distracting. This one didn’t work for me, but I’m sure there will be readers who enjoy it.

Thank you to the author @ChadBoudreaux as well as to @MorganJamesFiction and @NetGalley for a free e-ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.

I had a special interest in this novel as a several-time gulf hurricane survivor, and this novel did not disappoint! Small town Texas is its own character in this novel, and in real life. A wonderfully fast read!

This advanced reader's copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I will admit, I had to DNF this book, not long after starting it.

As a survivor of childhood abuse, the first scenes with the step dad hit too close to home.

I had to immediately put this book down, as these scenes flagged my triggers.

The premise sounded so good, and I really had hoped to read this book, and be able to leave a review of the story.

2 Stars For the opportunity to read the book, and to have been chosen for this ARC.

I know this isn't super helpful at all, but I will not be posting this review on Goodreads or my Instagram as it wouldn't be fair, seeing as how I didn't even make it 5% into the story.

This started off as an interesting story, but lost its way further down.

The story starts with interviews being conducted by FBI Special agent Brian Maxwell in Miranda city. Johnny Delgado died in a car with explosives, and it is believed to be a suicide.

5 years later, in the present, Anika Raven who has just come into town confronts her drunk step-dad Scotty. She is trying her best to get her sister Samantha, who is 8 years old, away from him. She manages to take her out, though her step-dad warns her that she needs to be back the next day. Anika meets Ethan at the local store, she had previously dated his brother who is now married. He offers that she and her sister can stay at his place for some time till Anika can sort things out. There are many secrets Anika has which she hopes no one will know about. The local police come seeking her. Anika meets Mayor Auntie Dodd asking for her help and realizes that the Mayor knows a lot about her. A murder happens soon after, and Anika has to be strong to face the many challenges in front of her.

This was a story which started off well, with a touch of intrigue about Anika’s character and what has happened prior. The plot and the writing were inconsistent and felt amateurish, and I struggled to stay engaged. I found the characters poorly developed. This is a story where a dual timeline is needless and distracting.

Overall, a disappointment.

As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m always on the lookout for authors from my home state. This title caught my eye and I hadn’t read Mr. Boudreaux before. It wasn’t exactly the political plot I’d expected, certainly representative of small town politics though. I didn’t anticipate the soothsayers, the supernatural, the crazy Pastor, the evil and manipulative Mayor, the ‘gifted’ characters or the clique of old-timers on the porch. The characters are some of the most distinct and indicative of rural small towns I’ve read in awhile. It’s set on the Gulf Coast in an area prone to sixty year hurricanes.
Anika’s young sister, Samantha, is in trouble, needs help. Anika hasn’t been back to the town that holds nothing but bad memories, heartache, her drunken mother and worthless stepfather. Now the former homecoming queen’s going to be arrested for kidnapping Sam. It’s truly hard for me to categorize the story as it’s like nothing I’ve ever read before. There is teenage love, broken hearts, dark forces of evil, betrayal, murder, deception and political unrest, all set amid the forces of nature. This small Texan town won’t ever let you go, escaping isn’t an option. Be forewarned you may lose sleep getting to the heart of this plot.
Thanks to Morgan James Publishing for providing an Advance Reader Copy of ‘Homecoming Queen” by Chad Boudreaux, expected publication 08/06/2024, via NetGalley. These honest thoughts and opinions are mine given voluntarily without compensation.

As a reader who was thoroughly impressed and completely enthralled by Chad Boudreaux’s debut novel, Scavenger Hunt, I was delighted to receive an ARC from NetGalley and Morgan James Fiction. Unfortunately, this book did not appeal to me at all. There was not a likable or relatable character in the book and the major themes of small town politics, lies and deceit, an approaching hurricane and, most of all, the supernatural were not at all enjoyable and, unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book.

What seems like a good plot and story of a young woman returning to her small town to save her little sister went sort of sideways for me. I really struggled to relate to the characters and the storyline seems to bounce all around, giving a lack of cohesiveness that made it hard to stay focused on.

One time homecoming queen Anika Raven returns to her Texas town to rescue her little sister. But there are all kinds of forces ranged against her - some predictable, others less so. Will Anika's love for her sibling prevail despite the odds?

This book felt a bit all over the place and did not seem particularly well written. I found Anika hard to relate to, though I was initially sympathetic to the situation her little sister was in.

I am sure that this book will find its readers, but this one was really not for me.

In my first encounter with this author, I was captivated by her flawless writing style.

The author's meticulous portrayal of teenage characters reflects a thorough research effort and an eye for detail. Each character is distinct, with unique attributes that make them special yet relatable, fostering a strong connection with the storyline. Set in Miranda, Texas, the narrative revolves around Anika and her sister. Anika shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding her younger sibling from family issues and external pressures, all while harboring a secretive past that continues to haunt her. Amidst political tensions, family conflicts, and school dynamics, Anika strives to shield her sister from the turmoil surrounding them. Despite her best efforts, they find themselves ensnared in challenging circumstances.

What threats loom over them? What secrets does Anika's past hold?

These intriguing questions unfold chapter by chapter in this engaging read, promising to unveil the answers to the mysteries that entwine their lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!