Spring Tides at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland is a 2022 Boldwood publication.
Time for a few spring and summer' beach read' titles- which I havSpring Tides at the Starfish Café by Jessica Redland is a 2022 Boldwood publication.
Time for a few spring and summer' beach read' titles- which I have begun to love almost as much as my holiday reading.
This book is the second in a series- but I think it works fine as a standalone.
Hollie is still working through some trauma issues, but her life is more stable now and she’s working her way through and over her fears. Unfortunately, a persistent man bent on buying the Starfish Café is becoming more insistent- to the point of harassment.
Meanwhile, Tori, a person rescued by Hollie’s team, has become a customer at the Starfish Café and her story alternates with Hollie’s.
Tori grew up unconventionally and is now estranged from her parents and younger sister. Her current long-term relationship has run out of steam, and she’s forced to assess her life. As it happens, she meets someone who, like her, is at a crossroads, and the two decide to become roommates, and end up becoming close friends… but could it become something more?
There is a lot going on in this story- Tori’s unusual childhood, her relationship issues seeming to take center stage over Hollie’s storyline. It was sort of an odd setup- but there were some truths in there all of us can probably relate to in some way. I’m not sure why we, as humans, tend to focus on the negative instead of the positive- but we often do and make ourselves unnecessarily miserable.
The story went on a bit longer than was absolutely necessary and the plot was slightly quirky- but it was a pleasant enough story, with a sweet romance and character growth, forgiveness, and a warm-hearted conclusion.
Overall, a nice introduction to this author for me- and a solid addition to one’s beach reading list this summer.
3.5 stars
*Mostly clean- but some content I wasn’t on board with, plus some brief- but not explicit, adult sexual situations....more
The Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higThe Little Bookshop Café- Emma’s Story by Georgia Hill is a 2018 HarperImpulse publication.
With a new hire at the real estate agency throwing her higher education in Emma’s face, she is prompted to broaden her horizons by taking a class in high brow literature. She soon finds herself developing a crush on the teacher and begins feeling restless and bored with her long-time boyfriend, Ollie. Stuck in a small town, with little opportunity, Emma begins to wonder if there’s more out there and if she should explore it…
This is the second installment in the Bookshop Café series and is obviously centered around Emma, Tash’s colleague and friend we met in book one. Emma loves Poldark – and her fantasies are built around these epic romance/dramas, a form of escapism that takes her away from her mundane smalltown life. Getting swept away by her new literature class and her self- important teacher only exacerbates her discontent with her life, making her long for something more. In the process, she is missing what is right under her nose….
I hate, hate, hate to admit this, but I’ve never read Poldark. I know, I know! But just so you know, I’ve added it to my TBR and plan to read it very soon. It sounds like a series I would love- right up my alley. But, while the references to Poldark went over my head, it didn’t stop me from getting the message the author was trying to convey.
Sometimes we long for something new, something more exciting, more challenging, only to discover that we had all we ever needed or wanted right under our noses all along. Will Emma wise up before it’s too late?
Overall, another cute, novella length story. I love the book themes, especially since these books are tempting me to re-read old classics or get started on books I’ve neglected to read before now! I also enjoyed some of the humor in the book, and the story was just a tiny bit lighter than the previous installment, which gave it a lovely heartwarming feel. A very enjoyable lunchbreak read!
The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea by Jane Linfoot is a 2016 One More Chapter publication.
When Poppy’s fiancé is caught locking lips with another womThe Little Wedding Shop by the Sea by Jane Linfoot is a 2016 One More Chapter publication.
When Poppy’s fiancé is caught locking lips with another woman on Facebook, her friends Cate and Immie come to her rescue. Now, she’s working as a cake baker at ‘Brides by the Sea”, a cute little wedding shop in Cornwall, and living in the space directly above the shop. But her life takes a detour when Cate’s wedding planner suddenly quits, and Cate asks Poppy to take her place...
Which is where she finds herself in an unusual location, working with a farmer, named Rafe, who couldn’t care less about wedding planning and is impossible to be around. Not only that the wedding planning notes and files are in terrible disarray, leaving Poppy to cope with all manner of challenges to make each couple’s wedding turn out the way they dreamed- not to mention Cate’s over the top plans for her wedding which has gotten totally out of control….
This is a cute story, with some hilarious banter between Rafe and Poppy. The farm animals, and the scenery are a unique place to plan weddings, but I found the quirky atmosphere very entertaining.
The book is longer than necessary, and this affected the pacing, which seriously lagged in some places. The story wasn’t as squeaky clean as the cover suggests- with some strong language tossed in here and there and some closed-door sexual situations. But, other than that, it’s an easy to read, light-hearted story, perfect for a hot summer day.
Overall, a fun, enjoyable contemporary romance/ Rom-Com....more
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-bThe Beach Trap by Ali Brady is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Kat and Blake met at summer camp and became instant best friends- but an unexpected, mind-blowing revelation changed all that in one felled swoop.
Now, fifteen years later, the two former-friends find themselves thrown together again- but make no mistake- they have no plans to rekindle their friendship or any other relationship that might have been forced on them. The goal- the ONLY goal is to flip the beach house and then sell it. But Kat has an emotional attachment to the house, while Blake just wants her fair share so she can care for her grandfather. The house, unfortunately, is in bad shape and the two must work together to restore it… which, as one might expect, doesn’t go well…
This summer I overloaded myself with ‘Beach’ reads. Now as the summer is winding down, I’m furiously reading all the books I planned to read before fall. Yes, this is one of those misleading 'cartoon' covers- No, this one is not comedy. The story has its share of emotion, but not anything too heavy. In fact, this book is a great blend of drama and romance, with just the right amount of emotional depth, which is exactly what I was hoping for.
The reader may be tempted to take sides- Team Blake or Team Kat- and I’m betting most will go for team Blake merely because she’s less histrionic and accusatory. I liked both characters- Kat because she was an interesting character study, and the one I felt had the most work to do, and Blake because she was down to earth and more flexible, though she has just as much emotional damage to work through. The story immediately drew me in, especially after the big revelation. Except for the unnecessary steaminess, I enjoyed every minute of it- front to back.
Overall, I’m glad this is one of my final ‘beach reads’ of the season, because it is a great way to cap off the summer!
The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa is a 2022 Avon publication.
The premise here is a familiar one- the fake date/ opposites attract trope/ romantic comedThe Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa is a 2022 Avon publication.
The premise here is a familiar one- the fake date/ opposites attract trope/ romantic comedy. The reviews for this convinced me to add it to my TBR list, and the blurb did sound promising.
The story was a mixed bag for me, though. I’ve made it to a point where some humor and some threads that are now commonplace in nearly every romance novel are getting old or missing the mark for me...
Or maybe I’m just getting old. But- the story was also too busy for me, with too many characters, too many fake relationships, and all that chemistry everyone was raving about was MIA for me.
That said, I did like the big Brazilian family and cute way the story wrapped up and there were one or two hilarious moments that made me laugh- but the story didn’t have the sparkle or emotional depth I prefer in my romance novels.
Overall, I’m an outlier on this one. I wish there was a way to tell which one of these ‘cartoon’ cover romances will be a good fit for me, as it is getting harder and harder to get a feel for them in advance. I took a chance on this one and it didn’t work out quite like I had hoped… but I think I’m in the minority here- so by all means make sure you read through all the positive reviews for this one. You might have better luck with it than I did....more
Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder is a 2019 Lyrical Underground publication.
Cute, fun and zany!
With her dream job as a ManhattaMurder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder is a 2019 Lyrical Underground publication.
Cute, fun and zany!
With her dream job as a Manhattan buyer circling the drain, Kelly Quinn relocates to Lucky Cove to take over her grandmother’s consignment shop. Her plans for the shop are in jeopardy, however, when a customer tries on a ‘little black dress’ and claims the dress triggered visions of a murder.
Desperate to salvage the shop’s reputation, Kelly is determined to find out what is going on- but things turn deadly serious when the psychic’s look alike cousin is found dead, and Kelly becomes a suspect. But it also looks like Kelly might be in the killer’s line of fire…
A fast-paced cozy mystery, with a mild paranormal element, presented with a chick-lit format is a winning combination for this first in a series novel.
This is a very light, easy, quick read- and a very nice way to de-stress, and have a little fun while you are reading!...more
The Summer Theatre by the Sea is a 2018 Avon publication.
A light, charming story with a healthy dose of depth and emotion-
Charlotte’s entire life wasThe Summer Theatre by the Sea is a 2018 Avon publication.
A light, charming story with a healthy dose of depth and emotion-
Charlotte’s entire life was upended practically overnight. She lost her job, boyfriend and residence all in one day. Without a place to live or a job, Charlotte’s only option is to call her harried sister, Lauren, who lives in Cornwall, and beg to stay with her for a little while until she can figure out what to do next.
Charlotte is ill prepared for the state of her sister’s home or how stressed she is. Attempting to help her only brings on more resentment. Meanwhile, Charlotte is facing criticism of her own, when everyone she knows advises her to relax, take a few risks, and for heaven’s sake- LIGHTEN UP!!
As the days pass, Charlotte becomes more involved in the Cornwall community, reconnects with her father and his new lady friend, and develops a friendship of sorts with a local doctor who is under intense pressure from his family to stop being a surfer dude and go back to practicing medicine.
But, the more Charlotte relaxes and grows to enjoy the laid -back community of Cornwall, Lauren becomes more and more uptight, losing weight, and pushing those who care about her away. This story is, as the cover might suggest, lighter fare, with no real super heavy or dark dilemmas, but it also has plenty of drama and emotional moments. The most poignant moments take place between Charlotte, Lauren, and their father, who has made some big mistakes with his daughters that had long-term consequences.
The Summer theatre, where Lauren works part-time, is a big summertime draw for the community, with this year’s play being a “Midsummer’s Night Dream’. Charlotte, who badly needs an outlet for her energy gets involved in the theatre, and soon finds herself to enjoying life outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, although she seems bent on getting her old job back.
At the end of the day, as far as the romantic elements went, I ended up enjoying the speech Nate gave Lauren, although I did like the way things turned out for Charlotte and Barney, too. Overall, this story was a nice well-rounded contemporary novel with a nice combination of family drama and romance set against the gorgeous backdrop of Cornwall.
Best quote: You know what they say.. what doesn't kill you...
"makes you stronger?"
I was going to say, gives you a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms and a really dark sense of humour"
How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is a 2018 Penguin Books publication.
It goes without saying that any book about books will appeal to How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is a 2018 Penguin Books publication.
It goes without saying that any book about books will appeal to me. A bookshop with a regular clientele, each with their own story, a few well- guarded secrets, and a healthy dose of sweet romance and you have an irresistible combination.
When Emilia inherits her father’s bookshop, she decides to brush off any attempts to persuade her to accept a buyout. But, unbeknownst to her, there is a plot afoot to make sure she does just that. In the meantime, Emilia gets reacquainted with Peasebrook, and works hard to keep the bookshop many rely on open for business.
First off, the setting: The English Cotswold – enough said. Then we add “Bookshop”- enough said. Then add in secrets, and multiple love stories- well, you get the idea.
This is the kind of book that is hard to find much fault with. It's just to charming and sweet. It might even play well as a Hallmark Channel Movie. It’s THAT kind of book. Most anyone can enjoy this novel, anytime, anywhere. It’s the perfect type of story to enjoy while lying in a hammock, under an umbrella at the beach, or sitting beside a cozy fire, or curled up in your favorite reading nook with a nice glass of wine or a cup of tea.
I loved all those wonderful romances, Emilia and her crush on the 'cookbook' guy. Dillion and his unrequited love, and Jane, who finally reconnects with the guy who broke her heart many years ago, for starters. But, even with all that romance in the air, there are sinister forces at work, and Emilia will be faced with nearly insurmountable odds, which makes selling out more and more tempting every day.
Obviously, this is a very light, easy to read story, one that exudes charm and warmth. This is a book meant for book lovers who already know the importance of bookshops and the magic that can be found there.
A New Attitude by Kathryn R. Biel is a 2017 publication.
This second installment in the ‘New Beginnings’ series, featuers Kira, who appeared on a desiA New Attitude by Kathryn R. Biel is a 2017 publication.
This second installment in the ‘New Beginnings’ series, featuers Kira, who appeared on a designing reality show with Michele, our protagonist in ‘Made for Me’.
As the story opens, Kira returns home to discover her husband has left her for a younger woman. Feeling tender and a little bit on the rebound, she resumes a flirtation with Michele’s cousin, Tony, but it doesn't exactly end well.
Now, depressed, and incredibly hard on herself, Kira tries to hide her individuality, beginning with dying her hair a mousy brown that just doesn't fit her style, and refuses to give Tony a chance at a long- term relationship, centering all her energy around her young daughter.
Kira is feeling old, frumpy, and depressed at the turn her life has taken. Yet, Tony's certain they can make it work, despite the geographical distances and the age differences between them. But, he has his work cut out for him if he's going to convince Kira of that.
I devoured the first book in this series yesterday, while cooped up over an icy weekend. I couldn’t remember how these books popped up on my radar, but now I remember signing up to review the third book in the series, which was still a long way down on the TBR list. In preparation, I checked the first two books out with the KU program.
I am really glad I was introduced to this series. The author brings up difficult topics, but never lets the story become too heavy.
In this case, Kira has self-image issues which keeps her from moving forward with her life with a new outlook. There were several comedies of errors and misunderstandings, and few screwball situations, which were frustrating, but kept me turning pages. This book is so easy and light, I read it in about an hour’s time this morning.
So, if you are looking for a fun and easy read, with a very light moral to the story, this entertaining series will satisfy your craving.
I am curious enough about what book three has in store, I've bumped it up on the TBR pile!
Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan is a 2017 Doubleday publication.
Hilarity and intrigue merge to create yet another wildly entertaining installment iRich People Problems by Kevin Kwan is a 2017 Doubleday publication.
Hilarity and intrigue merge to create yet another wildly entertaining installment in this fabulous series!
As with the previous installments, a little time has elapsed, meaning there have been a few changes since we last touched base with all these zany characters.
Rachel and Nicholas receive word that his grandmother is suffering from congestive heart failure. As the family begins to gather around her, Nicholas feels pressured from all sides to return home.
He finally agrees, but in the meantime Eddie is working hard hoping he will be the one to inherit from his grandmother’s will, and Astrid is going through a contentious divorce as is her lover, Charlie Wu.
Kitty is still playing all angles, working to get all she deserves, (or thinks she does), while engaging in a battle of wills with her step-daughter.
What I enjoyed most about this installment was the background information provided about Su Yi, and the surprising turn of events that gives Nicholas the chance to finally understand his grandmother. It's poignant, insightful, and very interesting- but the irony! OMG! Hilarious.
But, never fear, all the fabulous clothes, food, and destination spots are described in vivid details, and there is certainly no shortage of drama!!
The way everything came together in the end suggests this is the last installment in the series. Boo!
I have really had a lot of fun reading about these insanely rich Asians and all their conniving, manipulative shallowness, as well as learning about their language, slang, and traditions. But, the epic and wonderful love stories were at the heart of everything. The characters evolved and changed beautifully, most of them finding contentment in one way or the other, which is very satisfying.
I have heard there was a movie in works based on this series, so at least I have that to look forward to!
Overall, this third, and last, book in the series is every bit as entertaining as the first two, but with a slight bittersweet tone at times. But, the divine ending was all I could have asked for!!
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan is a 2015 Doubleday publication.
Another outstanding installment in this wildly entertaining series!
As the story oChina Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan is a 2015 Doubleday publication.
Another outstanding installment in this wildly entertaining series!
As the story opens, a couple of years have passed since our initial introduction to these “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Nick and Rachel are on the cusp of getting married, but Eleanor is still meddling and Rachel is still hoping to locate her long, lost father.
Astrid’s husband's company has seen unprecedented success, putting him on equal footing with his wife, but the success, power, and money have brought out an unpleasant side of his personality.
The story also prominently features Rachel’s father, his wife, and their son, Carlton, who is recovering from a near fatal car accident.
I was totally, and quite pleasantly, surprised by how much I enjoyed ‘Crazy Rich Asians”. I couldn’t wait to dive in to this second installment, but my excitement was slightly muted when I noticed several readers saying this one wasn’t as good as the first book. I had a slightly ‘let down’ feeling, but was determined to keep an open mind.
Curiously, I found this book to be every bit as enjoyable as the first- maybe even more so. There was one part, in particular, where I literally guffawed. In fact, every time I think about it, I get cracked up all over again.
This series is a guilty pleasure, a Fashionista’s dream, full of snippy dialogue, backstabbing, manipulations and snobbery. But, it’s also a family drama/saga, packed with cultural duties and expectations, generational conflicts, alliances, love stories, and friendships.
Again, there is much to learn culturally, which was as fascinating as it was informative… and often very funny.
I’m super excited about reading ‘Rich People Problems’, which I already have queued up and ready to go. Stay tuned!
People we Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder is a 2017 Flatiron publication.
This book enjoyed some heavy promotion and exposure a few months back. IPeople we Hate at the Wedding by Grant Ginder is a 2017 Flatiron publication.
This book enjoyed some heavy promotion and exposure a few months back. I think I might have discovered it via the book section of the NYT, but then I noticed it was popping up on various library lists etc. So I decided to try it.
This book is supposed to be funny, exposing family dysfunction, but also proving that some bonds, no matter how much we may wish to distance ourselves from them, simply cannot be broken.
I do believe the author did an admirable enough job getting that point across, however, it was just a wee bit too outlandish for me.
Eloise, the privileged daughter of Donna and Henrique, is getting married. She invites her half-siblings, Alice and Paul, the product of Donna’s second marriage, to an ordinary, average guy, who has since passed away.
Alice and Paul are resentful of Eloise, and Paul and his mother are not speaking, so the wedding, which is to take place in London, is just the right setting for a madcap convergence of pent-up emotions, bursting at the seams, to finally burst open.
Sadly, none of the characters, nor the dialogue, was all that funny. In fact, it was often so overboard, it just seemed sad. The balloon holding in all that tension was popped in a big rush at the end, making the conclusion a little too pat, and not all that satisfying.
I give the author an A for effort, but it just didn’t quite make the grade anywhere else.
I liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a 2017 St. Martin's Press publication.
This is a debut novel, believe it or not, but the writing is amazingly canI liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a 2017 St. Martin's Press publication.
This is a debut novel, believe it or not, but the writing is amazingly candid, vivid and beautiful. I can’t seem to find all the right words or ways to express how special this novel is. I absolutely loved it! All I can say is that I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
5 stars
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Every Wild Heart by Meg Donahue is a 2017 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
This book is a quick, very light, easy to read story, that will appealEvery Wild Heart by Meg Donahue is a 2017 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
This book is a quick, very light, easy to read story, that will appeal to readers of contemporary fiction.
Gail Gideon has a wildly popular radio talk show and is in negotiations to segue into the television market as well. She loves music and it brings much pleasure to her life, as does her teenage daughter Nic.
Nic’s passion, however, is not music, but horses. She’s a quiet girl who struggles socially, and battles a stutter that crops up when she is stressed out.
But, when she is involved in a horse riding accident, Nic’s quiet, unassuming personality vanishes, only to be replaced by a bold, daring, adventurous girl.
The sudden shift in her daughter’s personality troubles Gail, but Nic’s insistence on riding again has her even more worried. To top it all off, Gail seems to have acquired a stalker, who is more aggressive than is normal for her, as a celebrity, and could pose more of a threat than the usual crackpot.
This was a fast read, and overall, it’s not a horribly bad story, but it fell flat for me. Gail’s personality was rather bland, I thought, and she seemed a mite too self-absorbed, maybe a little less mature than her daughter sometimes. Nic’s storyline was much more interesting, and filled with the usual teenage angst.
But, I wasn’t really looking to read about teenage dramas. The mother/daughter dynamic felt contrived to me, and as a parent myself, I struggled to understand Gail’s reaction to Nic’s transformation and the nonchalant way she reacted to how things turned out.
There is a very small element of suspense, and a surprising twist I didn’t see coming, which was interesting, but it was rushed through, and I had some strong feelings about the lack of any real consequences.
The only other thing to hope for is the possibility of a little romance, but sadly that too, was unconvincing. It was awkward, at best, with zero chemistry, and I just wasn’t buying into it.
Nic's romantic entanglements were far more complex, but I can't get into it without giving too much away. But, I can say I had a much stronger reaction to this setup, making me wonder if perhaps the book should have simply focused on Nic, since her part of the story was, by far the most controversial.
However, the book may be perfect to read while waiting in the airport, where there could be a lot of distractions, or it might work as a beach read. The story doesn’t require total focus or concentration and is pleasant enough if you need something to read just to pass the time.
2 stars
*Thanks go out to the publisher and Librarything for the ARC of this book.
The Mistress by Danielle Steel is a 2017 Delacorte Press publication.
Wow, it’s been decades since I read a Danielle Steel novel. Back in the 80’s I rThe Mistress by Danielle Steel is a 2017 Delacorte Press publication.
Wow, it’s been decades since I read a Danielle Steel novel. Back in the 80’s I read them regularly. But, as I am wont to do, I did a segue into other genres, and am always introducing myself to new authors. I lost touch with DS over time, but it wasn’t intentional. However, as I was browsing through the overdrive library books, I noticed quite a few DS novels were available, and was suddenly struck by the urge to reacquaint myself with her work.
This story is centered around Natasha, a young woman ‘rescued’ by a very wealthy older man from the cold streets of Moscow. She has spent her life as his mistress, wanting for nothing, allowing herself to be used as a trophy, but never really living life to her fullest potential.
When her path crosses with Theo, the son of a famous artist, Theo, a talented artist in his own right is so taken with her, he paints her portrait from memory. As time passes the two will encounter one another, time and again, but Natasha is owned by her powerful Russian billionaire, so Theo can only worship her from a distance.
While this book still employs the same style of writing and storytelling I recall from this author, this story lacks some of the sparkle I remember. While it is mildly interesting, and is a fast, easy read, it doesn’t seem to have much depth. It’s okay, but is a little dull and flat, and more than a little predictable.
I saw a video clip of Danielle Steel recently after she appeared on one of the morning news shows. She says she writes, on average, six books a year, and has a new book coming out soon that is a political thriller. So, the author has a wealth of material I can catch up on and of course new books to anticipate, so while this one didn’t dazzle me, it still whetted my appetite for more DS novels. If anyone has a suggestion or would like to share what their favorite DS novel is, I’ll be sure to check it out.
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman is a 2017 Berkley publication.
I admit I started reading this book with a certain mindset. I was thinkinThe Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman is a 2017 Berkley publication.
I admit I started reading this book with a certain mindset. I was thinking contemporary fiction, maybe some romance, maybe not, with 'mature' adult characters, and I was right about that much, but whatever else I might have been thinking, was totally blown out of the water after reading the first chapter.
The story deals with some heavy topics, but it was absolutely hysterical. I laughed all the way through it, but it was also a moving and bittersweet journey.
Lilian Girvan is going through the motions of living. She has a good job as a textbook illustrator, but it’s not all that challenging or fulfilling. She’s the mother to two little girls, sister of Rachel, a free spirited woman who would do anything for her, ... and a widow.
When Lilian’s husband, Dan, is killed in a car accident, Lilian nearly died from a broken heart. She spent a little in -patient time in a mental hospital, and might have entertained a few suicidal thoughts, but now, she’s able to simply exist again, not actually living life to its full potential, but getting through one day to the next, nursing her grief, unable or unwilling to let go of it. But, the thing is, Dan has been gone for three years, and those who love Lilian would really like to see her start moving forward with her life instead of walking in place.
As fate would have it, Lilian’s boss signs her up for a gardening class to appease a new client, and out of this random and seemingly benign event, Lilian finds her entire world opening up to new possibilities, as she forges an unexpected relationship with other members of the class, not only learning to cultivate vegetables, but also new friendships, stronger familial ties, and maybe even the strength and desire to begin dating again.
This novel explores various themes, such as the relationship between sisters, first impressions, unexpected experiences that can steer us in a new direction, and the simple act of enjoying a new hobby, such as gardening, which may initially seem challenging, but turns out to be quite therapeutic and fun.
Humor is a tool some people hide behind when under duress, or as a coping mechanism. Both Lilian and Rachel were able to lean on this ability to get them through some tough times, but it also helped them communicate with each other without one taking offense and kept the tone light, despite the palpable pain Lilian was suffering.
It was a fascinating dance between the sisters who stayed close despite their differences. Their relationship appears to parallel the relationship between Lilian’s own daughters in a way, with one being very sensitive and the other showing an unflappable approach to life.
The students taking the gardening class, and the teacher, all have a role, and each one shares their unique background, which adds depth and character to the story, fleshing it out, and bringing much needed variety and color to Lilian’s life.
For those looking for romance, this book does have a few promises and hints of budding relationships, but this really isn't a romance novel, in my opinion.
It is more about Lilian’s long journey out of the dark grip of grief, her healing and eventual personal growth. Lilian learns to face her fears so that she can be a better parent, sister, and friend. She must first learn to care for herself, so that she can fully take charge of her life again.
The author did an amazing job of capturing Lilian’s melancholy and vulnerabilities, while also accentuating her humor and wit. She was a delightful character, and I instantly warmed up to her, and knew I was going to enjoy getting to know her. When Lilian is finally able to think of others, to draw her attention away from her inner struggles, she is able to reenter life and truly become productive again.
Lilian steps out of her perpetual gloom, into the light, kicking and screaming, fighting it every step of the way, but once she finally steps into the sun, the welcoming brightness sent rays of hope to warm her fragile heart and weary soul.
The gardening tips at the beginning of each chapter was a nice touch, and as a gardener, I found many of the suggestions useful, as well as charmingly funny.
Overall, this is just the type of all around inspirational feel good story I need sometimes. There is no absolute- 'and they all lived happily ever after'- conclusion, exactly, which, under normal circumstances would really tick me off, but in this case, I didn't mind so much.
I don't think it's too hard to determine how things will probably turn out for Lilian and her sister, as well as for the supporting cast, and since the book ends on such an optimistic note, I'm going to go with my own version of events, which is: ' and they all lived happily ever after.'
Lilian’s reluctant pilgrimage sucked me into another life, took my mind off my own troubles, while I cheered her from the sidelines, watching while she blossomed back to life, while touching my own life.
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple is a 2016 Little, Brown and Company publication.
I may be the only person on earth who has not read ‘Where didToday Will Be Different by Maria Semple is a 2016 Little, Brown and Company publication.
I may be the only person on earth who has not read ‘Where did you go, Bernadette?’ the much acclaimed novel by Maria Semple that preceded this one.
But, when this one started getting lots of promotional coverage a while back, I placed a hold on it at the library, thinking I’d have plenty of time to read ‘Bernadette’ first, because the wait time was unreal. Well, I forgot about the hold, and never did read ‘Bernadette’. But, after seeing a few reviews, I thought maybe that was a good thing, and might give me a slight advantage, an opportunity to read this book without high expectations.
Sadly, I didn’t find this book any more appealing than many of my Goodreads peers. I don’t know what I was expecting, really, but I did get the idea the book was supposed to be humorous, which it wasn’t. The child, Timby, is the most charming thing about the story, but the rest of it was rather depressing, in my opinion, and didn’t feel like all the issues were resolved, or at least not a enough of a resolution to satisfy me.
It is certainly a unique story, very quirky, but easy to read. In fact, I read it in one afternoon. But, I was left scratching my head wondering what exactly I was supposed to have taken from the story. So, I’m going to confess, I didn’t get the point or the big picture, but I’m intrigued by the author’s style of writing, despite the disjointed plot in this book, and one day I will get around to reading ‘Bernadette’, a book I’m sure I enjoy much more than I did this one.
The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger is a 2014 Crown publication.
I don’t know how this book ended up on my radar, but somewhere along the way I stumbleThe Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger is a 2014 Crown publication.
I don’t know how this book ended up on my radar, but somewhere along the way I stumbled across it and immediately checked it out of the library without first checking to see what the reviews were like. Well, now that I’ve muddled through this overlong quagmire of legalese and correspondence, I see it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
First of all, I love it when an author takes big risks, even if they don’t exactly work out. In this case, the idea is not necessarily original, since there have been other novels that used letters or emails as the main method of storytelling. However, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a book that used actual legal correspondence and papers as a visual aid in what basically amounts to a chick lit novel about self- discovery, growing up emotionally, and the mystery of human relationships, with just a dash of romance thrown in, almost as an afterthought.
The problem is that like in real life, reading divorce documents between the two parties involved is about as interesting as watching paint dry. The emails and letters were revealing and at times sad, wistful, and of course poignant, especially for a child caught in the middle. But, there were also humorous moments, tricky developments, and a lot of office drama to keep us entertained. But, the legal wrangling between Mia and Daniel seriously impeded the character development and stunted the pacing. By the time I flipped over several pages of financial assets and the breakdown of who got what, I didn’t really care what happened next. I was just ready to get to the punch line.
But, the book seemed to drag on forever, until I seriously considered dumping this one in the DNF file. But, I had to know if Mia and Daniel would finally agree to a settlement and if their daughter would adjust and of course if Sophie’s professional life would survive the divorce case and if her personal life would ever blossom.
While I was okay with the way things worked for the characters, and did understand the parallels the author was trying to draw, by the time I got the ending I was too exhausted for it to really penetrate my emotions. Ultimately, it was anticlimactic and frustrating, and left me thinking: I stuck it out all the way to the bitter end and this is all I get? I was hoping for more, but at this point I’m just happy the story ended with an upbeat tone.
Overall, I found this book to be a little exasperating, and perhaps it was just too much work for such tepid results. I do applaud the unique style and admire the author’s boldness in trying something so unusual. I just wish it had worked out differently.
The Time Between by Karen White is a 2013 NAL publication.
This is the first book by Karen White I’ve read that was not a part of the Tradd Street serThe Time Between by Karen White is a 2013 NAL publication.
This is the first book by Karen White I’ve read that was not a part of the Tradd Street series. So, I had no idea what to expect, but I was pretty sure I was in for a real treat, and I was right!
This is an amazing story, so full of emotion and poignancy, my heart ached with grief, but, was also filled with hope for the opportunity of second chances, stemming from acceptance and forgiveness.
Karen White has such a beautiful prose and writing voice and boy can she weave a story!
Years ago, Ellie and Eve were involved in an accident that nearly killed Ellie and left Eve paralyzed. Now, Ellie only answers to ‘Eleanor’ and the brave, devil may care girl she once was died the day of the accident, never to be seen or heard from again. She plays the martyr, caring for her sister and mother, while carrying a torch for her brother-in-law, Glen.
She gave up on her dream of attending Julliard, stopped playing the piano when her father died, and is now on the cusp of becoming a bitter woman, filled with guilt, regret, resentment, anger, and self-loathing, constantly beating herself up.
But, when her boss, Finn, tosses her a lifeline by way of a moonlighting job, caring for his elderly aunt, Helena, who has given up the will to live, Eleanor jumps at the chance.
What develops from there will change Eleanor’s life profoundly as she gets to know Helena and learns of her tragic past, while slowly falling in love with Finn and his precious daughter, Gigi, and uncovers a stunning mystery in the process.
The relationship between sisters is a predominant theme in the novel, exploring the connection and the complexities of that familial relationship, which, despite real tests and challenges, is an unbreakable bond.
Forgiveness is also a key theme of the story, as Eve and Eleanor come to terms with the past, accept the life they have been given and learn to let go of the resentments that have lain between them far too long.
The world war two thread is so tragic, but Helena’s grudging willingness to tell Eleanor the story leads to an epiphany for both women.
While, initially, the story was a little depressing and kind of heavy, which had me a little worried, the veil of gloom slowly lifts and the relief is almost palpable when everything finally clicks into place and everyone enjoys a healthy process of healing, and from there are able to continue forward with life with a renewed sense of hope and happiness.
This is an impressive novel, which highlights this author’s ability to write across different genres with a literary prose that perfectly captures the southern accent and flavor which so enriches the characters, while adding in diversity and realistic fiction.
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