There were parts of this book that read slow and weren't of great interest to me, yet I found it an important read at this time. The parallels with what we are experiencing now are strong and a warning of what could come. These recollections and experiences are frightening but prescient as to how we must be alert and aware of how evil can work in ordinary people to bring about terrible change and harm.
I really love character driven stories! This one was fantastic. I was so rooting for
Sandy, Steph and Kaya! They are all tough and sassy women. How they came together makes a great story and feels genuine. There was such a connection that comes when women celebrate each other and boost one another. It was quite uplifting in spite of all the issues that they faced.
If you enjoy books that focus on women and friendships, this is a lovely story that I highly recommend.
I’m thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Sandy, Steph and Kaya! They are all tough and sassy women. How they came together makes a great story and feels genuine. There was such a connection that comes when women celebrate each other and boost one another. It was quite uplifting in spite of all the issues that they faced.
If you enjoy books that focus on women and friendships, this is a lovely story that I highly recommend.
I’m thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Beautiful writing, but I couldn't get into the story. Perhaps there was too much cultural difference for me to appreciate the feelings and character choices.
A compelling plot, well defined characters, and absorbing prose combine to create a wonderful historical fiction story. This is one of the best tales that I've read in a long while. I was invested in the story from the beginning, and the author did not disappoint throughout the course of the book. I was cheering for Elinor and couldn't help but fall in love with little Teddy. This is a book for any historical fiction fan. I'm happy to recommend it wholeheartedly.
My thanks to the editor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
My thanks to the editor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This book will be eye-opening for many who have been blessed to be able to afford good housing and view the homeless problem as a result of laziness or criminal/addiction related issues. The author, Brian Goldstone, is a journalist with a degree in anthropology who follows the story of five working poor families in Atlanta teetering back and forth into homelessness and the difficulty of finding safe and affordable housing.
I admit that this book was difficulty to read. It was hard to see the day-to-day struggle that these families faced and their failure to find any significant help or concern from agencies and organizations designed more to work the system then actually make a change. In spite of so many obstacles, many of them continued to hope for a better outcome and rallied themselves to strive to provide a secure future for their families. With what I would consider insurmountable obstacles, it is little wonder that they are often unable to maintain jobs or hold on to any type of transportation or housing, much less of the quality that most people would consider necessary to get by. They never get ahead and struggle with the emotions and poor decisions to which these daily challenges lead. Contrary to what is often shown in statistics of homelessness, this is a growing and burgeoning problem for so many cities across the U.S.
Seeing and hearing the stories of these people through the words of the author was incredibly helpful to me in understanding a bit more how this show more issue affects real people who want nothing more than to work and provide a safe home for their families. Privatization of rental housing along with all the other things that affect these families such as extended stays, high fees for applications and referrals, sub-prime loans, storage facility costs and credit repair, have only acerbated the issue. As the author states:" A whole host of enterprises have sprung up to capitalize on the nation's housing woes. Homelessness has become big business."
Although the problem seems to do nothing but grow, there is some hope that leaders will wake up to the fact that a lack of housing is going to continue to plague our cities. Doing something to disrupt this is the challenge and will involve real work and change in the way we look at our responsibilities to each other. Improving the opportunities for others can improve life for us all. Awareness is needed, and Brian Goldstone has clearly provided a needed real life picture through this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can highly recommend this book to any city leaders or advocates for improvement in housing and planning. I also recommend it for anyone who has the heart and desire to understand what is really going on for the homeless and home poor of our communities. show less
I admit that this book was difficulty to read. It was hard to see the day-to-day struggle that these families faced and their failure to find any significant help or concern from agencies and organizations designed more to work the system then actually make a change. In spite of so many obstacles, many of them continued to hope for a better outcome and rallied themselves to strive to provide a secure future for their families. With what I would consider insurmountable obstacles, it is little wonder that they are often unable to maintain jobs or hold on to any type of transportation or housing, much less of the quality that most people would consider necessary to get by. They never get ahead and struggle with the emotions and poor decisions to which these daily challenges lead. Contrary to what is often shown in statistics of homelessness, this is a growing and burgeoning problem for so many cities across the U.S.
Seeing and hearing the stories of these people through the words of the author was incredibly helpful to me in understanding a bit more how this show more issue affects real people who want nothing more than to work and provide a safe home for their families. Privatization of rental housing along with all the other things that affect these families such as extended stays, high fees for applications and referrals, sub-prime loans, storage facility costs and credit repair, have only acerbated the issue. As the author states:" A whole host of enterprises have sprung up to capitalize on the nation's housing woes. Homelessness has become big business."
Although the problem seems to do nothing but grow, there is some hope that leaders will wake up to the fact that a lack of housing is going to continue to plague our cities. Doing something to disrupt this is the challenge and will involve real work and change in the way we look at our responsibilities to each other. Improving the opportunities for others can improve life for us all. Awareness is needed, and Brian Goldstone has clearly provided a needed real life picture through this book.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can highly recommend this book to any city leaders or advocates for improvement in housing and planning. I also recommend it for anyone who has the heart and desire to understand what is really going on for the homeless and home poor of our communities. show less
This was a sweet romance with the beautiful backdrop of Sicily. It tells the story of a young woman who finds out that sometimes grief and loss can force you to open your eyes to see what is really important. I enjoyed the characters and how their relationships grew throughout the book. I especially enjoyed reading about the beauty of the land, the mouthwatering food, and the joy and love for life of the Sicilian people. It is a lovely story and one that I can easily recommend for lovers of romance.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.
These Findlay Donovan books keep amazing me! Each one connects to the previous, but is so original in format and plot. Clearly Elle Cosimano can tell a tale!
In this book Findlay and Vero aren't covering up their own escapades, but are trying to prove that Findlay's ex, Stephen, didn't do the crime for which he ends up in prison. Along the way, the pair wind up hosting Findlay's snoopy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty and both their love lives get a little hotter.
The Finday series is always funny and surprising. Clearly Ms. Cosimano hasn't finished tapping her brain for new material. I look forward to the next chapter for this cleaver but predicament prone duo. If you haven't tried reading a Findlay Donovan book yet, I really recommend giving these books a second look. They are just the escape that most of us need right now.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
In this book Findlay and Vero aren't covering up their own escapades, but are trying to prove that Findlay's ex, Stephen, didn't do the crime for which he ends up in prison. Along the way, the pair wind up hosting Findlay's snoopy neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty and both their love lives get a little hotter.
The Finday series is always funny and surprising. Clearly Ms. Cosimano hasn't finished tapping her brain for new material. I look forward to the next chapter for this cleaver but predicament prone duo. If you haven't tried reading a Findlay Donovan book yet, I really recommend giving these books a second look. They are just the escape that most of us need right now.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This was a brief but delightful novel. It takes place over the three days of the wedding weekend of a divorced couple's daughter. I was intrigued by the characters- Gail, her ex, Max, and daughter, Debbie- with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies. I particularly related to Gail -I am from her generation and also a bit of a perfectionist. I fell in love with Max and his sweet, slightly disheveled manner. Debbie is almost a minor character, but clearly the focal point of both parents.
Anne Tyler has a knack at creating characters that come to life on the pages and this book was not an exception. The story tugged on my heartstrings, and I felt simply happy as I finished reading.
I would recommend this book to fans of Anne Tyler. It is a short but emotional read about a family that, much like most, is not perfect but enough.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Anne Tyler has a knack at creating characters that come to life on the pages and this book was not an exception. The story tugged on my heartstrings, and I felt simply happy as I finished reading.
I would recommend this book to fans of Anne Tyler. It is a short but emotional read about a family that, much like most, is not perfect but enough.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Oh wow! What a great story!! I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but i was not entirely convinced that I would love it. That changed the further I got into the chapters. By the end, I was so wrapped up in the story, I didn't realize what was going on around me. It was nail biting, spine tingling, and ultimately a truly inspirational read.
Please do yourself a favor and find a copy of this book. I promise you will be cheering for Grace by the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. I will be on the lookout for more wonderful tales from Ms. Tizzard!
Please do yourself a favor and find a copy of this book. I promise you will be cheering for Grace by the end.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. I will be on the lookout for more wonderful tales from Ms. Tizzard!
What did I just read?! One crazy scene after another that is filled with horror, gore and the most insane humor! Far from a classic Christmas read, but highly amusing and entertaining. A great way to spend a holiday afternoon!!
This is the powerful and moving story based on the historic character of Marguerite de la Rocque who lived in 16th century France. The author paints a fascinating portrait of this titled young girl, who is left orphaned and in the care of a guardian. He manages to blow her fortune in his own losing ventures that consequently leave her at his mercy.
Marguerite goes from a pawn who has had everything done for her to a young woman who deals with the absolute worst that nature can send her way. It is a thrilling and fearsome read that yet inspires hope and courage as Marguerite faces horribly unfair and nearly insurmountable odds in order to survive.
The book sheds light on the powerlessness of women centuries ago. They truly were limited in their capacity to act outside of their assigned roles as wives and mothers. Without a man they had little value and minimal standing or options for fair treatment economically or legally. Women of upper social classes may have education and learn music and fine crafts, but they were still unprepared for life outside of home and family. Servants were skilled at life but held little to no value. We see both of these roles depicted in Isola through Marguerite and her servant, Damienne. I was struck by the difference from women's lives today.
I highly recommend this title to historic fiction fans and readers who enjoy thrilling survival stories. It is well-written and highly descriptive of the raw beauty and danger of nature as well as the show more ability of the human spirit to rise above incredible obstacles to persevere and live.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
Marguerite goes from a pawn who has had everything done for her to a young woman who deals with the absolute worst that nature can send her way. It is a thrilling and fearsome read that yet inspires hope and courage as Marguerite faces horribly unfair and nearly insurmountable odds in order to survive.
The book sheds light on the powerlessness of women centuries ago. They truly were limited in their capacity to act outside of their assigned roles as wives and mothers. Without a man they had little value and minimal standing or options for fair treatment economically or legally. Women of upper social classes may have education and learn music and fine crafts, but they were still unprepared for life outside of home and family. Servants were skilled at life but held little to no value. We see both of these roles depicted in Isola through Marguerite and her servant, Damienne. I was struck by the difference from women's lives today.
I highly recommend this title to historic fiction fans and readers who enjoy thrilling survival stories. It is well-written and highly descriptive of the raw beauty and danger of nature as well as the show more ability of the human spirit to rise above incredible obstacles to persevere and live.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
This is a sweet and wholesome love story that surprised me with its depth and well written story line. The Christmas theme makes it extra special. The descriptions really flesh out the scenes and the characters feel genuine and charming. I would totally recommend this book to Hallmark movie fans and anyone who loves Christmas and a good holiday market. It is a delightful and refreshing read.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Jodi Picoult is always amazing. She changes up her stories making them all so original. I really enjoyed By Any Other Name despite the fact that I little knowledge of the works of Shakespeare. The switch of time from past to present is very smooth as is the connection of the story lines. I was so intrigued by the idea that Shakespeare's works could have been written by a woman and fascinated to discover at the end that there is some evidence that this might be true. It appears that Ms. Picoult did a great deal of research in writing this book.
I highly recommend this story to fiction and historic fiction fans. Its subject matter is timely in spite of the difference in era and society. Women and minorities still face bias in areas such as theater and politics.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
I highly recommend this story to fiction and historic fiction fans. Its subject matter is timely in spite of the difference in era and society. Women and minorities still face bias in areas such as theater and politics.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This is a sweet story that could easily be made into a Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed the characters and their easy connections. It felt cozy and comforting. The setting was beautiful and romantic with the Inn and the delightfully charming city. Lots of good food, wine and chocolate made my stomach growl as I enjoyed it all vicariously. There was just a touch of conflict that caused me to want to keep reading, but I was sure that things would turn out well in the end.
Overall, this was a fun and feel good story that will be perfect for Hallmark and Christmas romance fans. Sometimes it's good to know that even better things can come from our perceived crises.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Overall, this was a fun and feel good story that will be perfect for Hallmark and Christmas romance fans. Sometimes it's good to know that even better things can come from our perceived crises.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The Holiday Cottage: A Novel: A heartwarming Christmas tale of friendship and healing from the bestselling author of The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan
This is the second Christmas book I've read by Sarah Morgan. As with the first, I was delighted by the characters and plot. She tells a holiday story that incorporates the importance of family and the value of honesty in any kind of relationship.
Imogene is a renown event planner in London. She is fiercely independent as well as a master of creatively fashioning an imaginary life to fool her workmates into thinking she has a family and life outside of work. Her mother's rejection to actually be a mother to her leaves her insecure, and she applies all her energy into her work to try to prove that she is worthy of respect and acceptance. Sadly she can't seem to cut her ties to her dysfunctional mother and the wish that things could be different.
When life interferes, Imogene is finally unable to perfectly manage all the holiday events she has overloaded on her plate, and she is forced to take time off by her boss. A month off at Christmas would be a treat for most people, but she dreads the time off and the festivity of a holiday she has never enjoyed celebrating alone. The surprises begin when one of her clients invites her to stay at a cottage she usually rents out in the Cotswolds.
This was a meaningfully dramatic, yet fun story that is perfect for a holiday read. The joy that comes from honesty and being accepted as you are fits perfectly with the Christmas spirit. The story is wrapped up beautifully in a delightful winter setting. I highly recommend The Holiday Cottage show more as a great Christmas read for this year!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
Imogene is a renown event planner in London. She is fiercely independent as well as a master of creatively fashioning an imaginary life to fool her workmates into thinking she has a family and life outside of work. Her mother's rejection to actually be a mother to her leaves her insecure, and she applies all her energy into her work to try to prove that she is worthy of respect and acceptance. Sadly she can't seem to cut her ties to her dysfunctional mother and the wish that things could be different.
When life interferes, Imogene is finally unable to perfectly manage all the holiday events she has overloaded on her plate, and she is forced to take time off by her boss. A month off at Christmas would be a treat for most people, but she dreads the time off and the festivity of a holiday she has never enjoyed celebrating alone. The surprises begin when one of her clients invites her to stay at a cottage she usually rents out in the Cotswolds.
This was a meaningfully dramatic, yet fun story that is perfect for a holiday read. The joy that comes from honesty and being accepted as you are fits perfectly with the Christmas spirit. The story is wrapped up beautifully in a delightful winter setting. I highly recommend The Holiday Cottage show more as a great Christmas read for this year!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
The Empress of Cooke County was a terrific read. I was hooked from the beginning, and the story flowed with same level of pleasure through to the end.
The book was a bit of a surprise for me, as I was expecting a light and perhaps silly tale. Rather, I found a much deeper and thoughtful story about a family in a small town in Tennessee who deal with many real life's challenges and then some. I grew to love dad, Vern, and daughter, Callie, but was totally disgusted with mom, Posie, the self-appointed "Empress of Cooke County". There were other surprises that I will save for readers to discover. The ending is a bit bittersweet, but satisfying.
I would highly recommend this title to fans of small towns, the '50's, interesting personalities, independent spirits, difficult family relationships, and love conquering all. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I'll be watching for more from Elizabeth Bass Parman.
The book was a bit of a surprise for me, as I was expecting a light and perhaps silly tale. Rather, I found a much deeper and thoughtful story about a family in a small town in Tennessee who deal with many real life's challenges and then some. I grew to love dad, Vern, and daughter, Callie, but was totally disgusted with mom, Posie, the self-appointed "Empress of Cooke County". There were other surprises that I will save for readers to discover. The ending is a bit bittersweet, but satisfying.
I would highly recommend this title to fans of small towns, the '50's, interesting personalities, independent spirits, difficult family relationships, and love conquering all. My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I'll be watching for more from Elizabeth Bass Parman.
This story is beautifully written and has a compelling historic background. I enjoyed the beauty of the words and learning a little more about the struggles of Salvadorans, particularly the women.
There was a significant amount of Spanish used which I don't understand. It slowed my reading, and I missed out on a full understanding of many of the conversations. This may have kept me from getting into the story as much as I would have liked. Because of the beauty of the prose and the historic detail, I wouldn't hesitate to try reading another book by this author.
I would definitely recommend this title for any fan of Isabel Allende, as it is very much in her style of historic fiction with a touch of magic real.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
There was a significant amount of Spanish used which I don't understand. It slowed my reading, and I missed out on a full understanding of many of the conversations. This may have kept me from getting into the story as much as I would have liked. Because of the beauty of the prose and the historic detail, I wouldn't hesitate to try reading another book by this author.
I would definitely recommend this title for any fan of Isabel Allende, as it is very much in her style of historic fiction with a touch of magic real.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
I enjoyed both the plot of this book and the way the author unfolds the story. It reminded me a bit of Downton Abbey, but with multiple twists.
The characters are the staff and owners of an English manor located in a somewhat isolated location. They seem a motley and unlikely combo of characters, but find themselves allies as the story develops.
Not only does the housekeeper have secrets, but many of the other characters do as well. Explainations are revealed as the book progresses, making reading quite absorbing, anticipating what will happen next. There are several villains who are quite despicable and seem to have the upper hand over more honorable characters. Still by the end, honesty and the unraveling of secrets bring resolution and moral retribution.
I recommend this title to readers who like a bit of mystery and history with their love stories. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The characters are the staff and owners of an English manor located in a somewhat isolated location. They seem a motley and unlikely combo of characters, but find themselves allies as the story develops.
Not only does the housekeeper have secrets, but many of the other characters do as well. Explainations are revealed as the book progresses, making reading quite absorbing, anticipating what will happen next. There are several villains who are quite despicable and seem to have the upper hand over more honorable characters. Still by the end, honesty and the unraveling of secrets bring resolution and moral retribution.
I recommend this title to readers who like a bit of mystery and history with their love stories. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This is a fun foodie rom-com that delivers a touching and delicate love story in the midst of a fancy restaurant kitchen. Nothing earth shattering here, but a sweet guilty pleasure of a read.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
After a slow start, I really found myself enjoying this novel. It is filled with so many lovely lessons in a story that blooms beautifully like a tight bud to a radiant rose. I was left a little hanging at the end of the standard chapters, but delightfully happy to find the book concludes with an epilogue. Don't give up on this one until you give it a good chance. It won't disappoint.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title. I highly recommend it as a great read for historic fiction readers and those who enjoy thumbing their nose at traditional stuffiness.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title. I highly recommend it as a great read for historic fiction readers and those who enjoy thumbing their nose at traditional stuffiness.
Great background story and impressive knowledge and drive! So glad I read it now as she begins her campaign for president. We need someone with ideas and the will to do all she can to carry them out.
After Annie is the touching story of how the loss of a wife, mother, and friend changes the lives of those who loved her. It's a classic Anna Quindlen tale that will touch the hearts of many readers. I would highly recommend this fast and lovely read.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
This was my first foray into a Walsh Family book by Marian Keyes. Although I was unfamiliar with the background, I found the story quite easy to get into.
Anna is middle aged and facing disappointment and regrets about her life (Easily understood by any of us older folks). She has been been unlucky in love, and although successful in her career, she recognizes that it hasn't brought her the kind of happiness she expected as a tradeoff for all her hard work. Her current live-in situation curdles during the isolation of COVID, and she misses her family in Ireland. An amicable split with her partner and a move home might be the answer to her problems, but it could also be another in her list of many mistakes.
I enjoyed this story and found myself rooting for Anna and her happy ending. Her family is hilarious. Although I was often confused trying to keep them straight, it didn't lessen the pleasure of getting to know them. I think this would be one thing that would have been easier if one had read the previous Walsh stories.
Anna finally begins to find her footing after agreeing to help old friends in the little village of Maumtully, Ireland. Her long time crush but also biggest mistake is also a part of this operation. The challenge of seeing him, much less working with him, brings plenty of tension. Will they ever be on the same page in terms of their relationship? Hint: The answer is revealed by the end of the book.
This was both a serious and amusing story in which I found show more myself drawn in and caring about the outcome. I so wanted happiness for Anna in spite of all the roadblocks. The characters were real and relatable. It's not a fast paced read, more of a slow burn, which sometimes seemed to drag a little. All in all, I really enjoyed reading "My Favorite Mistake" and plan to go back through some of the earlier Walsh Family books, especially "Anybody Out There?" which is young Anna's story.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
Anna is middle aged and facing disappointment and regrets about her life (Easily understood by any of us older folks). She has been been unlucky in love, and although successful in her career, she recognizes that it hasn't brought her the kind of happiness she expected as a tradeoff for all her hard work. Her current live-in situation curdles during the isolation of COVID, and she misses her family in Ireland. An amicable split with her partner and a move home might be the answer to her problems, but it could also be another in her list of many mistakes.
I enjoyed this story and found myself rooting for Anna and her happy ending. Her family is hilarious. Although I was often confused trying to keep them straight, it didn't lessen the pleasure of getting to know them. I think this would be one thing that would have been easier if one had read the previous Walsh stories.
Anna finally begins to find her footing after agreeing to help old friends in the little village of Maumtully, Ireland. Her long time crush but also biggest mistake is also a part of this operation. The challenge of seeing him, much less working with him, brings plenty of tension. Will they ever be on the same page in terms of their relationship? Hint: The answer is revealed by the end of the book.
This was both a serious and amusing story in which I found show more myself drawn in and caring about the outcome. I so wanted happiness for Anna in spite of all the roadblocks. The characters were real and relatable. It's not a fast paced read, more of a slow burn, which sometimes seemed to drag a little. All in all, I really enjoyed reading "My Favorite Mistake" and plan to go back through some of the earlier Walsh Family books, especially "Anybody Out There?" which is young Anna's story.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
This was quite the brilliant story! I am still amazed by the imagination and level of achievement the author reached in this book.
I, as other readers have mentioned, was sure this was a combination cozy read and rom-com. It certainly began that way, and I was quickly liking Lenny and her quirky personality. The further I read, the more I could see that this was not a run of the mill genre read. Clearly Lenny was dealing with a great deal of trauma and its effect on a young girl. She is the kind of character that you just find interesting and unpredictable in spite of her dependence on routine in her life. Things happened around her that kept the story building and magnetic.
I loved how Lenny changes throughout the book growing from a scared and self-conscious girl who kowtowed to others wishes into a strong and determined woman. She leaves the literal little girl behind in finding her way forward to happiness. Her relationship with Ned is also a lovely thing to behold as are all the relationships she ultimately accepts and allows to develop and bring her joy.
This is a triumphant book that I clearly enjoyed and would highly recommend to most any reader. Bravo on your premiere novel, Kerryn! I certainly hope there will be many more.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
I, as other readers have mentioned, was sure this was a combination cozy read and rom-com. It certainly began that way, and I was quickly liking Lenny and her quirky personality. The further I read, the more I could see that this was not a run of the mill genre read. Clearly Lenny was dealing with a great deal of trauma and its effect on a young girl. She is the kind of character that you just find interesting and unpredictable in spite of her dependence on routine in her life. Things happened around her that kept the story building and magnetic.
I loved how Lenny changes throughout the book growing from a scared and self-conscious girl who kowtowed to others wishes into a strong and determined woman. She leaves the literal little girl behind in finding her way forward to happiness. Her relationship with Ned is also a lovely thing to behold as are all the relationships she ultimately accepts and allows to develop and bring her joy.
This is a triumphant book that I clearly enjoyed and would highly recommend to most any reader. Bravo on your premiere novel, Kerryn! I certainly hope there will be many more.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
Wait is a lovely character study read. It delves into the lives of two young sisters, Elise and Sophie, living on Nantucket Island whose mother has been deported by ICE to her native Brazil. They are islanders and their lives contrast sharply from the summer people which include Elise's best friend from college, Sheba, and her wealthy mothers.
The contrast in lifestyles was what I experienced as the true focus of the story and as such there was little direction in the plot. It is more about the evolution of characters and getting to know each girl through their lives during one summer together. The book is not a thrilling or dramatic story, although there are seem to be potentials for that at points in the story. Readers wanting more development of the plot will be disappointed.
Personally, I really enjoy an occasional book that just reveals people more than events. It's like peeking into someone's world and getting to know them just by how they live their life. The author does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life in describing how they think and act. The prose of the book is also quite beautiful, as is the descriptions of the island and nature found there.
If you are searching for a dramatic or captivating read, this may not work for you. If, like me, you enjoy a character focused story about believably real people and getting a glimpse into their heads, I would absolutely recommend Wait.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to show more read and review this title. show less
The contrast in lifestyles was what I experienced as the true focus of the story and as such there was little direction in the plot. It is more about the evolution of characters and getting to know each girl through their lives during one summer together. The book is not a thrilling or dramatic story, although there are seem to be potentials for that at points in the story. Readers wanting more development of the plot will be disappointed.
Personally, I really enjoy an occasional book that just reveals people more than events. It's like peeking into someone's world and getting to know them just by how they live their life. The author does a wonderful job of bringing these characters to life in describing how they think and act. The prose of the book is also quite beautiful, as is the descriptions of the island and nature found there.
If you are searching for a dramatic or captivating read, this may not work for you. If, like me, you enjoy a character focused story about believably real people and getting a glimpse into their heads, I would absolutely recommend Wait.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to show more read and review this title. show less
Between Two Trailers is a moving and difficult tale of two people who wrestle with life and their own personal demons. It also portrays the resilience of a child and the ability of a village of people who aren't perfect, but provide care when needed and love that is enough.
Although heavy in detail, it tells an uplifting story of perseverance through hardship and the power of forgiveness. Dana's innocence and childish trust help her navigate life with her psychotic drug running father and her selfish, personality disordered, TV ministry watching mother. Neither provides the safety and security that a little girl needs. Thankfully there are plenty of well meaning and caring family members who help keep this young girl afloat in the challenges of growing up without the luxury of being able to be a child. In the end, Dana finds home and acceptance of herself and the love she feels for her parents.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Although heavy in detail, it tells an uplifting story of perseverance through hardship and the power of forgiveness. Dana's innocence and childish trust help her navigate life with her psychotic drug running father and her selfish, personality disordered, TV ministry watching mother. Neither provides the safety and security that a little girl needs. Thankfully there are plenty of well meaning and caring family members who help keep this young girl afloat in the challenges of growing up without the luxury of being able to be a child. In the end, Dana finds home and acceptance of herself and the love she feels for her parents.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
I liked the plot line of this book from the start. It seemed fun and had a lot of potential. I also enjoyed getting to know the characters who reminded me a bit of the combination of people in the TV show, "Friends". I rooted for the match up of Lucy and Henry who were roommates along with six other young singles sharing a warehouse apartment.
Lucy, the new roommate at the warehouse, is instantly attracted to Henry, and it would seem he feels the same. The real problem is that Henry travels for his photography job and is only at the apartment one weekend a month making it hard for any real relationship to develop between the two of them. Still the spark is there.
On Henry's weekend home, one of the roomies plans weekend activities for the group. These "warehouse weekends" are high priority as well as a social time for the group to share together. Lucy and Henry deepen their attraction as they are brought together each month. They seem like a good match in spite of the fact that they lead different lives. Henry seems to back away after several months and his mixed signals confuse Lucy. This continues to be a theme for Henry, and I found myself along with Lucy, not really trusting him. The magnetism doesn't seem enough to sustain their relationship beyond these on and off weekend flirtations. This theme continues through several cycles, and I found myself liking Henry less and less as the story went on.
I'll leave other readers to form their own opinions, but I was left show more confused and conflicted by the lack of communication and directness of his character. With this exception, I did enjoy most of the story and found the writing to be quite good. I just wish Henry had ultimately been a better explained character and more trustworthy in the end.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
Lucy, the new roommate at the warehouse, is instantly attracted to Henry, and it would seem he feels the same. The real problem is that Henry travels for his photography job and is only at the apartment one weekend a month making it hard for any real relationship to develop between the two of them. Still the spark is there.
On Henry's weekend home, one of the roomies plans weekend activities for the group. These "warehouse weekends" are high priority as well as a social time for the group to share together. Lucy and Henry deepen their attraction as they are brought together each month. They seem like a good match in spite of the fact that they lead different lives. Henry seems to back away after several months and his mixed signals confuse Lucy. This continues to be a theme for Henry, and I found myself along with Lucy, not really trusting him. The magnetism doesn't seem enough to sustain their relationship beyond these on and off weekend flirtations. This theme continues through several cycles, and I found myself liking Henry less and less as the story went on.
I'll leave other readers to form their own opinions, but I was left show more confused and conflicted by the lack of communication and directness of his character. With this exception, I did enjoy most of the story and found the writing to be quite good. I just wish Henry had ultimately been a better explained character and more trustworthy in the end.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. show less
I really enjoyed Love in Tandem. It has a clever story line that was always surprising me with imaginative and humorous twists. It made the read fun and an adventure. I appreciated the clean romance with a touch of faith. If this sounds good to you, I totally recommend Love in Tandem as a delightful new rom-com.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can't wait for the next book from Becca Kinzer!
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. I can't wait for the next book from Becca Kinzer!