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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Shea Gilkerson 7/11/23

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Woods family have been members of the New Haven community forever, but when tragedies start occurring in their small town that point directly to them, will they be able to prove themselves to their neighbors?

Between a local store burning down with 2 bodies inside, and a newlywed couple going missing and their disappearance seeming to do with the haunted house on the hill, will the family be able to protect themselves and each other? Will they be able to continue to be members of the New Haven community?
A small town like this can be both very loving and warm, as well as very secretive and cold – depending on their feelings about you. Which will it be for the Woods’?

This book heaps on the suspense drop by drop, leaving lots of little hints and clues that you discover to be just that later on. I couldn’t put it down, feeling constantly like I’d miss or forget an important clue hidden in its pages. This story is written from multiple POVS to fill in the timeline, which was an interesting way to approach it. It kept me riveted, jumping into books 2 and 3 ASAP!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Shannen Kern

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read anything by this author before, and what a way to introduce themselves! The Misery House is definitely a psychological thriller you won’t want to put down. It twists and turns, making you change what you think the outcome will be (which you’ll never see coming anyway!) I love the flow, the characters, and the fact that it is told from multiple points of view. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that there wasn’t more to read! But that just means I get to continue the adventure when the next book comes out, and you better believe I’m keeping an eye out for that one. I need to know what happens next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Trisha Cargile

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The suspense and imagery in David Kummer’s The Misery House was as intense and satisfying as you can imagine this type of booking being. It left you with the tension and awareness of the layers he was creating as an author. The storyline was compelling and leaves the reader eager for the next chapter. If you like to read suspense and thriller novels, this novel is right up your alley. It portrays the creepy effect, the relatability factor, and the ‘this could happen to anyone’ factor which definitely makes for an enthralling book!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book #1) by David Kummer – Review by Angela Hayes

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

The Misery House is the first book in The House on the Hill series by David Duane Kummer. This book marks the start of a three-book series that promises lots of chills. This story had me intrigued from the moment I saw the cover and I didn’t have to know anything else before I snapped up a copy and dove right in to discover what happens. This has all the ingredients that I love to find in an engrossing story…
-psychological thriller
-peaceful small town
-small-minded townsfolk
-prejudices
-a creepy old house
-urban legends
-fear
-tension
-horror
-high stakes
-investigation
-sinister feel
-intensity
-mystery
-suspense
The only thing that I felt would have made this even better was I would have liked the story to have had a bit better flow, as it did seem to get bogged down at times which gave it a choppy feel. But this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that will lead us into the next book- so I am intrigued to continue the story in Book #2.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, David Duane Kummer!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Toni Sellers

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amazing psychological thriller. Grabbed me right from the beginning and kept me turning pages and wanting more, I didn’t want to put it down. Great suspense and good plot twists to keep you guessing. Characters are very well written. Remember this is the book one in a series, so definitely a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, David Kummer has made it on my favorite authors list for sure with this book. I can not wait to read the other books in the series! A psychological thriller full of suspense and twists. I could not tell what the secrets were until they were revealed. Just can not brag enough about this story and how well David told it.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the House on the Hill series. The concept of this book appealed to me, put psychological thriller and haunted house in the same blurb and I’m in.

The writing was descriptive, painting a vivid picture of both the scenery and the characters. The tension built throughout as more and more occurs to unsettle the residents and us as readers. I felt this was done very well, especially with the twists in place, throwing you and what you thought you knew.

I thought telling the story through differing points of view was interesting, it’s not something I’ve come across too often in this genre, but it’s not a bad thing. I think it worked well for this story.

This book ends on a cliffhanger which is frustrating, but only because I am now desperately waiting for the next book to be released to find out what happens and I’m very impatient!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Christine Baranek

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Misery House
By: David Kummer

This is a psychological thriller that is absolutely that is filled with so many twists ands turns. This is the first of a three part series and I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the books! It takes place in such a quiet small town that is hiding so many secrets! This is a multiple POV book that does this type of story telling very well. The story telling is what is what makes the story what it is. This story is absolutely amazing an it definitely sucks you in with all the creepiness. I cannot recommend this enough. I also am waiting anxiously for the rest of the series. I loved the authors storytelling abilities and want to read even more about this small town and the house on the hill!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was gripped by this psychological thriller from start to finish. Set in the small rural town of New Haven and told from different characters points of view, this unsettling story was one which I could not put down. The Woods family have lived in the town forever and are as shocked as everyone else when a string of tragedies occur. First the local store burns down with two bodies inside and then a newlywed couple go missing, and there does not appear to be any leads, leaving the townsfolk worried. When the close knit Woods family’s own children and their friends are put in danger they are willing to risk everything to find out what is going on.
Throughout the story the abandoned, creepy and known to be haunted house sits on the hill, this seems to be where the secrets of the town might be discovered. However, it may be too late for the Woods family and the town. The likeable and relatable Woods family had me captivated from page one, whilst the claustrophobic feel of the setting along with the chilling haunted house were brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I felt completely immersed in this novel, the suspense and terror really built chapter by chapter, and the plot twists and turns kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. This was a real page turner and as it ends with a cliffhanger, I am now impatiently waiting for book two in this trilogy.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Misery House is the first book in the epic three-book series The House on the Hill by David Kummer.
We have a quiet and peaceful small-town setting with small-town mindedness where it can be unwelcoming at times and loving at others.
The story is told from several POV’s building the tension and drama fuelled by fears.
It is a thought-provoking read. It is the lives and the people in this town and the creepiness that surrounds them all that draws you in. Having said that though sometimes the story didn’t flow easily and is a bit stilted surrounding the vivid picture narrative of the characters.
It’s just a House on the Hill. An empty House on the Hill. An eerie house. A place where horrors are brought alive by stories. A place where something maybe lurking in the shadows.
I still enjoyed the story that holds promise for future books. It does end on a cliff hanger ready for the next book. If you hate cliffie’s you are out of luck but if you like psychological thrillers, then give it a go.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Misery House is Book One in The House on the Hill Series. It is a sinister psychological thriller that will grab your attention and keep you reading until the end. The author does a superb job of keeping the reader’s attention throughout the story as the suspense and tension builds. He then takes us on a series of twists and turns that keep you riveted until the final pages.

The story is set in a small town and is told from different points of view of the Woods family. It starts off innocently enough as we are introduced to Cliff who is attending his son, Nate’s baseball game. Then comes a mysterious fire that takes place where two dead bodies are discovered. As strange things begin to occur, the townsfolk have noticed that strangers have arrived in town, which in itself is odd because no outsiders generally choose to live there. Cliff’s daughter Kaia’s best friend had just gotten married when her and her husband mysteriously disappeared. Then there is the creepy old house on the hill that must somehow be involved because of its reputation as being haunted.

This book grabbed my attention and kept me reading until the end. I loved the spine-tingling vibes that gave me goosebumps a few times. The characters were well written, and the small-town setting was done superbly. The townsfolk, being so unwelcoming and weary of strangers was dark, mysterious, and creepy in its own respect. If you were not born there, it would be almost impossible to be accepted, which was weird and odd. Any newcomers were viewed as suspicious, and the townsfolk were standoffish in their behavior towards them. Throw in a haunted house and I was seriously hooked! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jo Wright

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want more!! I am in great need of knowing what is going on with this terrifying house. The suspense all the way through to the end has me wanting the next book so bad. The family dynamics in this book are so heartwarming and the very serious protectiveness of the mom makes me feel right at home. The unforeseen fire in the local’s shop is more and more disturbing by the time you hit the end of the book. Just who did it? I can’t believe how quickly this book sucked me in. I am looking forward to the next book by Kummer in this trilogy for sure!

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@jowright

The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Misery House: A gripping psychological thriller that will hook you on the series (The House on the Hill)The Misery House: A gripping psychological thriller that will hook you on the series by David Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a suspenseful story about a close family who has found themselves in a situation where they must put it all on the line to keep safe. What happens if time runs out for them? This is a story where the twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. I found this book to be well written, hard to put down and engaging. The characters and the plot have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is full of suspense and one you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Rayne East

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gripping
This psychological thriller had me hooked. The author cleverly delivered a story that kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. The pacing, imagery and interwoven plot was on point. An opening has been left for more to come – and I can’t wait! Highly recommend.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite parts of The Misery House is the story is told through various characters seamlessly, alternating chapters telling their side. I don’t enjoy true horror, but this book hit just the right bone-chilling feeling.

In my mind, the house on the hill was akin to a haunted house and the setting fit the story perfectly. The characters are diverse, from a baseball playing kid to his older sister, whom has a friend in an interesting relationship. Then a new family moves to the same town, and the discussion turns to family and community bonds. A page turner, and I really enjoyed reading to find out what happens to New Haven.

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@bookworm1909

The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gothic horror, this is a new here for me. I’m in love with it. The story told through different characters. The creepy house that gives off totally negative vibes. The town sheriff, who has his own agenda. These make for a recipe of psychological thrillers that will send chills up and down your spine. All the characters stories are so intertwined that they coomingle together so well. The whole tone of the writi ng is mysterious and dark. Small town creepy. Just reading this story gave me memories of older Stephen King stories. I’m a new fan to this author. That cliffhanger….!!!!! I’ll be hanging there waiting for the next book. A definite must read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I were allowed to.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer

~🔍~👣~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ 🔍~👣~
The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer
Genre – Suspense, Horror
Page Count – 223
Cover Designer – Aspire Book Covers

New Haven: This rural town has never seen a string of tragedies like this. A local store burns to the ground with two bodies inside. A newlywed couple goes missing, and all signs point to the abandoned house. With no answers, the townsfolk grow more and more worried.

The Woods family has lived here forever. But when their friends and their own children are put in danger, the threat hits home. This close-knit family must risk everything to find answers, but time is running out.

New Haven has secrets. And a haunted house like you’ve never seen before.

The Misery House is a chilling, suspenseful novel that will keep you guessing until the very end and set the stage for an epic three-book haunting. With its twists and turns, a likable family thrust into danger, this page-turner will keep you up late into the night.
Can the Woods family hold together? Will they unravel the mystery behind the house on the hill, or is it too late to save their town… and each other?

~ AMAZON ~ VILLAGE LIGHTS ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer

Hello, my name is David Kummer.

I’m a young, independent writer and high school teacher who lives in New Albany, Indiana. My books lean toward mystery, suspense, and dystopian fiction, but I’ve written in a variety of genres. I’ve lived in southern Indiana my whole life, and it has a strong influence on my books. I live with my amazing wife and my time is split between writing, teaching, and nurturing an appreciation for the wild outdoors.

I always answer whenever readers email me, so reach out and check out my blog at https://davidkummer.com. I’ve got a handful of books for you to choose from. Reviews and shares are super appreciated. Let me know what you think!

Author Interview with David Kummer

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 ~WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very Good Read. I really liked the stories behind Hudson, Mason, and Willow and their different struggles and how different each character is growing up and coming around the corner of adulthood. I really liked how the story also unfolds with Bruce’s character as well especially the connection with Hudson, Mason, and Willow. There is definite deep issues within the story along with mental health triggers that really pull at you. This story is very well written and I recommend this book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Lizzie Chapman Gough

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I utterly loved reading this novel. Following three best friends through their summer before senior year, their fathers and a Hollywood leading man as he escapes to Little Rush, the small town the novel is set around. This novel has themes of mental health, the need to escape, coming of age, and how friendships can change over time. Hudson, the lead male protagonist especially captured me as he sunk deeper into loneliness and depression and a daunting future ahead of him. This book was beautifully written with the themes intricately woven throughout and each character developing and evolving throughout the book. This book had me thinking for a few days after I had read it about the main themes and indeed questioning my own small town life. Fantastic!

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. This is a newer author for me and I look forward to reading more from him in the future. This is a well written book about a small town that is full of secrets and just plain dangerous. The characters are relatable and just brought the story to life on each page. This is a fast paced story that I found to be engaging and full of action. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. Three high school seniors that are from different sides of the tracks. Life brings them all something different until one summer where everything collides. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. The characters made the story entertaining and made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Carly Vogler

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer is a coming of age story that follows three friends on their journey from high school to adulthood. I believe young adults will easily relate to the struggles the characters face, and be hooked before the first chapter is over. Mental Health is a controversial subject, and I think David did a wonderful job portraying that. There are some dark moments, so I would make sure you are prepared.

Reviewed by Carly Vogler

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer- Review by Angela Packard

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a darker book than I normally read, but so relatable. Kids going into their senior year of high school, dealing with divorced parents, drinking, smoking, depression, and what do they want their futures to look like. I could really relate to Willow; she is driven and wants to make her life better than what she has in this small town. Hudson finds an unusual connection with a famous man, Bruce. Bruce doesn’t come across as an unapproachable celebrity. We all know a Mason, the rich kid who throws great parties.
This story brought up so many emotions as I lived through the summer with them.

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Heather Lovelace

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book resonated loudly with me. Having grown up in a town similar to Little Rush, and also along the Ohio River, it felt like this book was a snapshot into life as I know it. The characters were very tangible and the multiple storylines added a richness to the plot development. I truly enjoyed this new author and his original voice and look forward to seeing what he brings to the literary world next.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the character development in this book. Hudson, Mason, and Willow were wonderfully developed characters, and felt very real to me. The authour’s ability to inhabit these different personalities was wise and insightful. The plot and storyline were immersive, and I was entertained the whole way through. I really enjoyed seeing how Hudson related with Bruce Michaels, as well as how he was able to see their similarities, and where he was committed to being a different type of man. The themes of mental health, class, and adolescent rebellion were handled well and were relatable. All in all, I thought that this was a well-written novel by an authour I will definitely read again in the future.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Jenni Bishop

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Everything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer is a YA story where coming of age story that is sometimes dark in its subject matter which could be disturbing for some readers. David is a young writer who started writing at a young age and is passionate about telling his stories. There is a lot going on and at times it was hard to keep track on who was who. I would have liked to see a little more character development but was still able to get a sense for what they should be.

In this book we follow three main characters who are teenagers learning their place in the world and pushing those limits. Not everything is sunshine and roses as they start trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in the world and they also look towards their futures. There are some life altering changes in store for them.

This is a thought-provoking story that I am sure a lot of YA’s will be able to relate to.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Ashley Dover

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Little Rush, Ohio
A small city on the Ohio River, Little Rush, has seen better days. Sitting on the banks of the Ohio River near the Kentucky border, Little Rush has a small town appeal.

Hayden, Mason, and Willow
These three are the best of friends. Yet, their lives are so different. Hayden lives down the country road on a farm with his dad who works at the local power plant and farms after work. Mason’s dad is one of the most financially well-off men in Little Rush. He owes the local pizza joint among other businesses in Little Rush. Willow’s parents are divorced. Her dad lives near downtown in a small run-down apartment while her mom lives on the hilltop with Willow’s little brother.

It’s the summer before senior year trying to enjoy the last few moments before having to face the realities of life after high school. All three teenagers struggle with choices. Problems arise, a former Hollywood star moves to town with secrets of his own, and tensions arise between the couple and Hayden as changes in the relationship cause friction between the three friends. How will these three make it through the summer and prepare for life after high school?

I liked this book. It contains very realistic experiences that challenge these teenagers and their parents. It’s a longer book, but stick with it and enjoy the story.

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Erica Fish

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I love every word of this story. The plotline was masterfully created. There is a message weaved into the story. It is set in a small town on the Ohio River. This gives the author some creative writing due to the rural setting. I found myself in that small town with the characters. The characters are fully developed and complex in nature Bruce Michaels is a renowned Hollywood actor, who is there because of his personal demons. Then there are Hudson, Willow, and Mason high school seniors with different backgrounds with adulthood coming very quickly. There were questions that they were looking to have answers to. Hudson lost his friends and sank into a deep depression. He finds Bruce and starts a deep friendship with him. Will this new “friendship” be a healthy one or will it send both of them into a deeper depression without a light at the end of the tunnel? I highly recommend this book. I know that I felt some similarities to the characters and it pushed me to finish this book in one sitting.

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Caralee Loonat

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer
4 Star!!!!

Wow is all I can say. This book really has some drama and really brings some attention to mental health issues. I also have to say this is the first book I have read from this author and I well I was not let down. I found that the book really brought the characters to life and grabs the reader’s attention.

I could really relate to the main characters having grown up in a small town myself. I really found the way that the author deals with the complex issues that arise during the story was quite good. I really found the author’s style to be unique and I will definitely read more from this author in the future.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Kerry Baker

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everything Somewhere by David Kummer is a well written and thought provoking coming of age story. The book is centred around three teens in the verge of adulthood and an actor whose past seems to be chasing him. I thought I was great how the author created a connection between them all, even when it seemed there really couldn’t be anything to connect them. The book really caught my attention and had me looking at things in different ways.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. He takes you on a journey as the reader and it is great to explore everything the characters are feeling. There are some deeper issues covered in the book as well which adds a depth to it to make it more well rounded. This is a well written book and one certainly worth reading.

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Everything, Somewhere by David Kummer – Review by Kimberly Griffiths

Everything, SomewhereEverything, Somewhere by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everything Somewhere
By
David Kummer

Everything Somewhere is a story about a small town and the people in it. When a famous person chooses to move there it shakes the town and the people’s lives up. This story shows how little towns make people feel and how strangers often have similar lives even when they are from different backgrounds. Everything Somewhere is a really good story and I recommend you read it for your self.

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