A Vineyard Thanksgiving by Katie Winters is a 2020 publication.
This is the fourth book in the Vineyard Sunset series, but despite having missed the fA Vineyard Thanksgiving by Katie Winters is a 2020 publication.
This is the fourth book in the Vineyard Sunset series, but despite having missed the first three installments, I was given enough 'catch-up' information to keep me in the loop.
This installment is centered around Charlotte, a widow, who is a wedding planner living in Martha’s Vineyard. It’s the off season for weddings, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so maybe Charlotte can get some rest and enjoy the holiday- if only she could get a handle on her grief over the sudden loss of her husband of twenty years.
Things go from super quiet to crazy busy overnight when an Oscar winning actress calls Charlotte out of the blue begging her to plan a Thanksgiving wedding for her. With only three weeks to plan, and a self-absorbed actress turned Bridezilla to deal with, Charlotte hardly has time breath, must less grieve.
Things get even more interesting when a handsome photographer named Everett arrives to cover the celebrity wedding of the year. A small spark blooms between Everett and Charlotte- but Everett likes to roam around and travel, while Charlotte has never even left the island without her husband. Will they act on the chemistry they feel between them or go back to living their lives as before?
Poor Thanksgiving. It is completely overlooked these days, but I love Thanksgiving! It is one of my favorite holidays- but try finding Thanksgiving movies or books and it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
This year, though, I was determined to find at least one book centered around Thanksgiving- and thankfully, my Overdrive library came through for me, as it often does. Not only did I find more books than I anticipated, but I also found a new author to love.
This book is a little busy at times, especially considering the brevity of it. There are lots of characters, and this is sometimes a pet peeve for me- but I managed to learn all the names, plus get a little feel for their back stories, and their relation to Charlotte.
The point of the story isn’t so much the insane wedding planning- or the OTT bride and groom- but the opportunity for Charlotte to feel a glimmer of hope, giving her a green light to begin moving on with her life.
Everett has some family issues he needed to resolve, but also knew that Charlotte could be a game changer for him, too.
The story is short, as I mentioned, so the characters and the storyline don’t get as much time to develop as I would like- but I went looking for a sweet, gentle holiday story, and Katie Winters delivered just that. She has a long list of books that have a holiday or seasonal theme, all of them seem to be around the same length as this one, and would be perfect books for a quick escape or a much need spirit boost. I will definitely check more of them out soon!
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication.
I knew I loved this author for a reason!
Fredrik Backman stThings My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication.
I knew I loved this author for a reason!
Fredrik Backman stole my heart with “A Man Called Ove” but he has been keeping it in safekeeping ever since.
This is Backman’s first non-fiction book, a series of essays about parenting that nearly anyone who has children, no matter what age they are now, or cared for them, can relate to. His musings are laugh out loud funny, chronicling the insanity an infant can spawn on two reasonably well- adjusted adults. The mistakes, the fears, the special moments between father and son, and the future hopes and dreams for his child are all beautifully captured in this book.
The snicker bar recipe won me over early in the book because Backman apparently feels the same way I do about a certain over rated actor. (Still chuckling and feeling so totally vindicated)
All gushing aside, though, there were times when I thought the author rambled, almost illogically, about things that didn’t seem to have much of a connection to parenthood. It only happened once or twice, but when it did, all I could do was shake my head and move on the next essay.
Other than that, I can’t tell you how much fun this book is. Not only that, it is so poignant and bittersweet, just like Backman’s fictional work.
While this book may hit home for newer parents in a more ‘in the moment’ way, even if your children are older, or like me, grown and carving out their own lives, this book will bring back a lot of memories. You may develop a lump in your throat or a swipe a tear from your eye, because Backman reminds all of us to take pleasure in all the small treasures of life, to focus on what is truly important, to admit our human frailties, and most importantly, to see the humor in it all.
If you love Backman – you don't want to miss this one!...more
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro is a 2019 Knopf publication.
A poignant journey to self-rediscovery!
The home Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro is a 2019 Knopf publication.
A poignant journey to self-rediscovery!
The home DNA kit is so popular right now. I know many people who have purchased one and mostly it was a fun and fascinating exercise. However, there are many pros and cons that consumers often neglect to consider.
Pros- such as learning about a predisposition to certain diseases is beneficial information to have.
But, one of the cons is privacy. I think many consumers fail to realize their DNA information is being used in ways that are profitable to other people, and there are no real guidelines in place to keep one's information safe from third parties. Even the FDA backed off on their original concerns about revealing health information. Until more policies are in place I think I'll take a pass on the trend for now.
Another consequence, as many have discovered, is the exposure of a few family secrets along the way. Surprise! You have a half brother you didn't know about!
For Dani Shapiro, who only sent off for a DNA analysis on a whim, discovering that the man who raised her was not her biological father sent her reeling. This would be a shock to anyone, at any point in their lives, but for a mature woman who felt confident in her heritage- despite some skepticism from others close to her- it was an adjustment, she couldn't absorb easily.
Both of her parents were dead, but Dani did recall a startling conversation with her mother once, where her mother confessed that Dani had not been conceived in the usual manner.
From that memory, Dani pieces together a complex puzzle, which erases much of what she thought she knew about herself, while exposing the truth of her heritage, her genetic makeup and opening up the possibility for relationships with her biological family members she never would have known about otherwise.
This is a fascinating story and Dani’s voice is so compelling. I felt as though I was on this journey with her. Her confusion, hurt, and disconnect with everything she had known before is palpable, and emotional, but not disproportionately so. I thought Dani went through this process of rediscovery with grace and dignity.
There may still be lingering questions she will never have the answers to, but she has managed to find a balance between her past and her new normal. She's made peace with her parents, her biological father, and the various cultural, religious, and health implications she struggled with along the way.
This is a very engrossing and interesting book. I don’t think I’ve ever read a memoir quite like this one. I found Dani to be an engaging storyteller and I am thankful she shared such an intensely personal part of her life with us.
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok is a 2019 William Morrow publication.
A poignant family saga highlighting cultural, gender, and generational divSearching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok is a 2019 William Morrow publication.
A poignant family saga highlighting cultural, gender, and generational divides.
About Sylvie:
Sylvie is a thirty-three-year old woman of Chinese descent, who up until she was nine years old, lived in the Netherlands with her extended family- which included her maternal grandmother, her mother’s cousin, Helena, her husband, Willem Tan, and their son, Lukas. She is the daughter of ‘Ma and Pa’, the sister of Amy, the wife of Jim. She’s vibrant, focused, brilliant and highly successful… And… she’s missing.
Sylvie initially flew to Holland to care for her ailing grandmother. After her grandmother passes away, it was presumed Sylvie had returned to New York, but no one has seen her. Amy is alerted by Lukas that Sylvie has vanished, which sets off alarm bells in Amy’s mind. After checking the usual places, it becomes clear Sylvie never left the Netherlands. So, Amy travels to Holland to search for her, encountering her extended relatives for the first time.
She is immediately struck by their apathy towards Sylvie’s absence, the hostility she senses from Helena, and the mysterious behavior Sylvie exhibited before she disappeared. But her cousin’s blasé attitude is nothing compared to their demand that Amy not seek outside help- such as from the police. As Amy works to uncover the truth about her sister, she discovers a part of Sylvie she never knew existed.
The story is a very taut, suspenseful mystery, but not in the traditional sense. Where is Sylvie? Did she take off deliberately? Why would she do something so out of character?
While this mystery unfolds, at the core of the story is a very complex family drama. ‘Ma’ immigrated to the US, but the adjustment was very hard, leading her to take the Tans up on their kind offer to have Sylvie come live with them. She never intended for Sylvie to stay so long and had no idea how difficult things became for her before she returned home to New York to live with parents again.
Amy also has no idea what Sylvie’s life was like in the nine years she spent in Holland. She loves her sister dearly, but is also a little jealous of her, too. Could Sylvie be a bit envious of Amy, as well?
Besides the exploration of sisterly bonds, the story also addresses the hardships immigrants endure, the racism the family encountered, both in Holland and in New York. These events shaped them as a family unit and as individuals.
Amy’s persistent search for answers unveils layers of sorrow, secrets, resentments, and a host of bitter regrets.
The novel is fast paced, but everything remains shrouded in mystery until the very end, which tempted me to start over and read it again so I could view it from with an insider’s advantage.
The mysteries and revelations emerge slowly, but the atmosphere becomes increasingly puzzling and alarming. Once the mystery is resolved, one is left to reflect upon the characters, their motives, limitations, desires, fears, and the perception of oneself that others may view differently.
While this book is categorized as a mystery, I strongly urge those familiar with the genre not to expect anything like a criminal investigation here. This is the desperate search for a missing person without the help of any official agencies. But, rest assured, the mystery of Sylvie Lee’s disappearance deepens as the story progresses, leaving one feeling on edge with ever growing sense of urgency.
However, for me, the cultural struggles of immigrating to another country, and the absolute poison of racism humming beneath the surface, along with the complex family dynamics, is what I’ll remember most about the journey.
It’s a heart wrenching tale with a valuable lesson tucked inside these pages, one that should give us all something to contemplate. Empathy is evidently a rare strait and one we should all try harder to develop. You never really know what someone is going through until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes…...more
What’s Left Unsaid by Deborah Stone is a 2018 Troubador Publishing publication.
An effective, emotional, intimate look at the realities of family and What’s Left Unsaid by Deborah Stone is a 2018 Troubador Publishing publication.
An effective, emotional, intimate look at the realities of family and the secrets they keep- On the surface, Sasha’s life is stable. But, behind closed doors she is dealing with a moody teenager, an absentee husband, and a mother suffering from dementia.
In short order, Sasha’s life implodes, as stunning secrets bubble to the surface and the fallout is devastating Yet at the end of the day, those shocking revelations just might be the catalyst for closure and new beginnings.
I love family sagas and drama. Just love it. All the complexities of human relationships are endlessly fascinating to me. It goes without saying then, that this book was a good fit for me.
I thought the voice of ‘Joe’ which comes from the grave was a very nice touch. His insights are invaluable, as well as poignant.
Families are complicated, and while secrets are often what makes family dramas so compelling in novels, but in truth, most families have secrets. This is why, I think, when we read about family turmoil and challenges, we are looking to see how the characters react, the way they meet these unexpected twists in their otherwise normal routines. We like to see if they fail or succeed, if they become cynical or bitter, or if they rise to the challenge and make the best of what they’ve been given. The author does a fantastic job of exploring the way each character dealt with stress, tragedy and loss and how it shaped them as human beings, for better or worse.
This is a very absorbing novel, quickly read, but very thought provoking. The emotions evoked run the gamut, but, are so realistic I felt like a voyeur intruding on this family’s raw and most private moments.
Deborah Stone as a real knack for characterizations and handles a dual timeline with ease. This is a writer I will be keeping my eye on.
Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee is a 2018 Pamela Dorman Books publication.
Both breathtaking and heartbreaking-
This is a novel about the bEverything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee is a 2018 Pamela Dorman Books publication.
Both breathtaking and heartbreaking-
This is a novel about the bonds of sisterhood, of familial duty, of love, all tested by the drain and strain of debilitating mental illness.
While the story is exquisitely painful and is not a book I’d recommend for someone feeling depressed or who may be in a bad place, it is also a beautifully written story, very powerful, and realistic, yet poignantly sensitive, without becoming maudlin.
The reader is given insight into Lucia’s thoughts and feelings, which are often free spirited, determined, and all told, relatively normal… until they are not.
When the illness takes over, she loses the ability to function and being inside her mind during the throes of a schizoid episode is a very scary place to be. It is both incredibly sad and horrifying to watch the metamorphosis.
Miranda is Lucia’s sister, her caretaker and the decision maker when it comes to making choices about her health. Miranda feels powerless, suffering as much as Lucia, but in an obviously different way, since she is left making very painful choices about what is best for her sister. Lucia is often bitterly resentful of Miranda’s role, disrupting the balance and nature of their relationship, as Miranda struggles to live and enjoy her own life.
While Miranda takes a traditional, stable path in life, Lucia’s relationships are more complicated, as she copes with the challenges of living outside her own country, motherhood, and the shadow of her illness haunting her and her loved ones. But, her fierce determination to live life to its fullest, and to be a good mother, are inspiring, despite the odds against her.
The drain mental illness takes on the family is emphasized, as even those who start out being involved and supportive, lose their tenacity, and fall away, like casualties or collateral damage.
The health care system is flawed, as are our many misguided and misinformed concepts of mental illness. It’s hard to understand. It’s not like a physical disability where people can see the obvious effects on the body. Having to cope with the stigma associated with mental disease and the treatments which are often difficult to adhere to, can impede progress or completely shut it down.
While watching the family dynamics morph from a typical sisterly relationship into one of obligation and bitterness, it’s hard to miss the sinister hold such a serious disease has on the lives of these characters.
But, mental illness is not the only subject addressed as the author quite adeptly paints a realistic portrait of immigration from different perspectives. The time Lucia spends in Ecuador, is as telling as Manny’s in America, with the pressure to assimilate, which also adds rich cultural details and diversity to the story.
This book is grave and somber, with a moderately upbeat epilogue, and I admit, I felt a bit melancholy for a while after reading it, but it brings a new awareness to its readers in an emotional and heart wrenching way that is necessary and real, and in such a way you will most assuredly find it hard to forget. This is a topic we need to center more conversations around, and this book could be a great segue to bringing these uncomfortable subjects out in the open. My hope is that these characters will touch a nerve, will open your heart, make you think, make you more sympathetic, more understanding, better informed, and more involved....more
Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman is a 2018 Berkley publication.
Blunt, but absolutely hysterical!
Frances is “that” mom- the one who helps everyonOther People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman is a 2018 Berkley publication.
Blunt, but absolutely hysterical!
Frances is “that” mom- the one who helps everyone, runs the carpool, is overrun with motherly instincts, but who also earns herself the slightly sarcastic nick name of 'Saint Frances'.
But, when she inadvertently catches her neighbor, Anne Porter, in a compromising position, she is forced to contend with the fall out as she finds herself inexplicably involved. But, Anne’s affair also prompts her to take a closer look at the state of her own life and marriage, which might be in a bit of a rut.
Enter in an eclectic cast of characters, all facing a moment of crisis and you have a poignant, but rip roaring, laugh out loud funny “Married with kids” expose.
This book will make you wonder just what, exactly, your neighbors may be getting up to- and will convince you that you’d probably rather not know.
Anytime a couple you thought of as stable, suddenly breaks up, it can have an unnerving effect on you. This is the case here, to some extent, as well. Both Frances and her husband are shaken up by Anne’s affair, worried about their own relationship, as their lives evolve around their kids and the community more than one another- yet, up until now, they seem to be pretty content and comfortable in the marriage, even though the spark has died out.
However, as their neighbor’s marriage crumbles, literally right before their very eyes, they voice deeper concerns, admitting there are definitely some worrisome issues in the marriage. I felt a little uneasy, and worried about this couple, pulling for them, but not one hundred percent sure things will ever change for them.
But, Frances also has her hands full with her fourteen- year- old daughter, Ava, who is a walking, talking bundle of hormones, pushing Frances as far as she can, which is nearly a pitch perfect portrayal of the angsty, tumultuous, and stress ridden time for both mother and daughter. I loved this part of the story the most, I think.
But, there are others in the neighborhood, and part of France’s carpool, who are going through uncertain times. Bill’s wife, Julie, has been absent for a long time, but not explaining the absense to the reader, leaving Bill to take care of their child alone. Meanwhile, Iris wants another child, but is afraid to broach the subject with her wife, Sara.
Some characters are sympathetic, and others were harder to warm up to. But, all of them are a little recognizable in some way or another, making this neighborhood, community, and all its inhabitants feel like people you can relate to, or empathize with to varying degrees, understanding the various stages in life they are at, and the crisis points they are facing.
Somehow, Abbi Waxman manages to nail the realities of married life once you have kids, jobs, and a thousand responsibilities, and how easy it is to get bored, to take those closest to us for granted, to make enormous and regretful mistakes, and just how easy it is to fall into a complacent routine.
Her observations are so spot on it’s a little uncomfortable at times, but she still manages to find humor in life’s difficulties and stresses and absurdities. Just like in real life, there are ups, downs, pitfalls, mistakes, and regrets. Some will work hard to get back what they lost, others will work to keep from losing what they have, others will decide to accept their fate, but at the end of the day, there is still love, family, forgiveness, and friendships, and a sense of community that can be every bit as important and just as comforting.
This is in many ways, an adult wake-up call, a cautionary tale- but it’s also a delightfully funny, and all too realistic look at life, marriage and family that will resonate with anyone and everyone....more
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng is a 2017 Penguin Press publication.
A smart, but often scathing look at entitlement coupled with the endless dyLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng is a 2017 Penguin Press publication.
A smart, but often scathing look at entitlement coupled with the endless dynamic layers between mother and child.
The Clinton era gets a sharp examination as we drop in on Shaker Heights, an ideal suburban community with plenty of unspoken rules for its financially comfortable residents. The Richardson family is the prototype of the community, with Elena Richardson embracing the lifestyle with unparalleled enthusiasm.
‘Perfection: that was the goal, and perhaps the Shakers had lived it so strongly it had seeped into the soil itself, feeding those who grew up there with a propensity to overachieve and a deep intolerance for flaws.’
By contrast, Mrs. Richardson’s new tenants, Mia and her daughter, Pearl, live a free spirited, nomadic life. Mia is a photographer, who works just enough to afford the basics in life. Pearl, though, has no trouble adapting to the stable home life of the Richardson’s, practically becoming a member of the family.
Things are working out well enough, until a chain of events unlocks long buried secrets, spawning a bitter custody battle, which exposes cracks in the Richardson’s perfect image, and will culminate in a fiery inferno, both physically and metaphorically.
This second novel by Celeste Ng is not quite as grim or heavy as her debut, but it is every bit as provocative.
I have had a hard time writing this review because the layers in this story are many, with so many themes to explore. I have worked on it for days, feeling slightly intimidated, unable to find the words that would do justice to such an outstanding novel.
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This book adeptly explores hot button issues prevalent twenty years ago, between episodes of Jerry Springer and Clinton’s sex scandals, when a different set of questions were raised, such as interracial adoptions.
“It came, over and over, down to this: What made someone a mother? Was it biology alone, or was it love?”
I was impressed with the various contrasts presented in the book, which included the mindset of the privileged juxtaposed against those who find themselves at their mercy. Was there an exacting price for that privilege and was it worth it? I must say, the judgmental hypocrisy is astounding!!
But, the heartbeat of the story is centered around motherhood. Every mother represented exposed that instant vulnerability motherhood creates. The pain of infertility and the frustrating process of adoption is examined right along with parental sacrifices and foibles and their consequences.
Mia and Mrs. Richardson's children also play an integral part in the story, their roles intertwined and connected in the most ironic of ways.
‘Izzy had the heart of a radical, but she had the experience of a fourteen-year-old in the suburban Midwest.’
One of the more interesting character studies is of Elena- mostly referred to as Mrs. Richardson, which I thought was a very clever way of hammering home a specific point. Her cluelessness, her arrogance, and relentless reproach is extraordinary in light of what is actually taking place.
Mia, in turn, may spark a little resentfulness in Mrs. Richardson, and despite my initial puzzlement about her, and I admit I certainly questioned some of her choices, I ended up respecting her a great deal.
So, as you can see, the novel is very driven by the characters, each offering a different perspective or new avenue in which to view the situation. Sometimes I felt deep empathy for one character, feeling the acuteness of their pain, but unable to choose a side. It is often heart wrenching and I found myself feeling torn on many occasions.
On other occasions, I had a very hard time mustering up any real empathy for a few of these characters.
The plotting was very tightly woven and on several occasions, I may have uttered an expletive out loud when misunderstandings exploded in the worst possible way, creating a mountain of tension in the process.
This is a very compelling family drama, drawing out a bit of nostalgia, prompting me to take a closer look in the mirror, to put myself in the place of others before passing judgement.
But, I also picked up on a bit of sarcasm here and there, almost as if the author was scoffing at some of the attitudes or the mindset of the era, although it was done so in an understated and sly way.
It’s been nearly a week since I finished the book and I still find myself mulling over the many layers and angles, and thinking about the characters and the choices they made and how it all came together in the end.
So, it is fair to say, this book has had an impact on me, and think it is a novel anyone who appreciates a well written, thought provoking work of fiction will appreciate. Highly recommend!!
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!
The Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward is a 2017 Ballantine publication.
A fantastic conclusion to the Bourbon Kings series-
I have loved, loved, loved this trilThe Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward is a 2017 Ballantine publication.
A fantastic conclusion to the Bourbon Kings series-
I have loved, loved, loved this trilogy! The series was inspired by the author’s love for those scandalously delicious nighttime soap operas like ‘Dynasty’.
This trilogy has been like a guilty pleasure, totally sudsy, very dramatic, and wildly entertaining. I loved the family saga which is centered around the Bradford's, an uber wealthy Kentucky family who made their fortune with their own brand of Bourbon.
This last installment finds Edward, the eldest son, sitting in jail after having confessed to murdering his father. Facing a long prison sentence, Edward will have to put aside any chance he may have had with Sutton, who is the CEO of his family’s strongest competitor.
Meanwhile, Lane has taken over the family business, struggling to find a way to keep the company alive after his father’s death.
And then there is Gin- trapped in a cruel marriage, believing money defines her, who has lost, once and for all, the love of her life- Samuel T., but, is secretly working to leave a legacy for her daughter and is finally ready to step up and do what is right.
I could have handled a few more chapters in this series, but if it had to end, this was the perfect way to tie everything up.
I cheered for those who finally broke through, cried over inevitable developments, and sighed over those wonderfully tender moments between lovers and family.
I have enjoyed all the juicy scandals, the biting dialogue and watching from the sidelines while this crazy mess of a family rose to the occasion, showing true grit and determination and proving they had more substance than what you might see on the surface, and that with or without money, this family is loyal despite the obstacles in their way.
There are still many dark secrets and shocking revelations to uncover in this installment and of course it's not short on drama!! The author did an amazing job of wrapping everything up, giving each character a chance to make their own way on their own terms.
At the end of the day, this series has been about family, about facing adversity, about making sacrifices for those you love, and how evil and malice is no match for true love!!
The Bradford’s will land on their feet and will be stronger than ever before!!
Overall, this is a rousing and inspirational conclusion to this amazing family saga!! Bravo, J.R. Ward, Bravo!!
The Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
With Wall Street and finance, loop holes can go undetected for longThe Widow of Wall Street by Randy Susan Meyers is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
With Wall Street and finance, loop holes can go undetected for long periods of times, especially if everyone is doing well. But, sooner or later, the piper demands payment, something Jake Pierce finds out the hard way, which elicits very little sympathy from me, but it’s the innocent victims, like his wife and children, who will pay the ultimate price for his sins.
This story examines the lives of Phoebe and Jake Pierce, how they began dating as teens, got married, started a family, and experienced immense financial success, only to have it all come crashing down around them in spectacular fashion.
The story is told from the dual perspectives of Phoebe and Jake, alternatively, going all the way back to the beginning of their relationship in the 1960’s, and is told chronologically, ending with the fallout of Jake’s actions as he sits in prison.
This is a familiar tale, ala Madoff, one that is still very fresh in the minds of many people following the economic crisis of 2008. However, this is more of a character study and analysis of a marriage, of family life, as well as greed, and the many ways people may cover up lies or sins and even rope their spouse into helping them do something that isn’t exactly proper. Phoebe works just as hard as Jake to reel in investors, working alongside him in a social capacity as they wine and dine and romance potential clients. But, does that make her complicit in his misdeeds?
In the meantime, Phoebe raises two children, embarks on her own enterprises without the slightest support from Jake, who occasionally scoffs or put down her business ventures or humanitarian efforts. But, Phoebe had no problem enjoying the spoils of their success, living a life of luxury, seemingly without the slightest clue that Jake was skimming off the top, or doing something illegal. Her only concern is a suspicion he may have been unfaithful to her.
What I learned about Phoebe is that she is not stupid, is actually a ‘good’ person, and is not as culpable as people are convinced she is.
Jake’s perspective shows us the ‘real’ Jake, and he is not the Jake Phoebe or her children believe him to be. Naturally, the reader can easily see through him, which made it very frustrating for me because I couldn’t understand why Phoebe couldn’t or wouldn’t see Jake’s true nature.
While everyone in the family becomes accustomed to living a pampered lifestyle, Phoebe, and by extension, her children, seem to remain grounded, while Jake’s greed took over and became his ultimate downfall. This was an interesting juxtaposition, and a book club topic, which gave me something to chew on.
Once the pyramid crumbles and Phoebe loses everything she had gained, becoming a pariah, she finds herself at odds with her children who do not understand why she continues to write and visit Jake in prison. Phoebe finds difficult to explain her loyalty because of one big secret she’s harbored all these years and because of the longevity of the marriage. But, personally, I wondered if she was looking for some kind of redeemable quality in her husband that she could point to that would make all her years with him seem less of a lie.
She endures many indignities because of Jake and while she bravely confronts her situation, it’s obvious Jake is still Jake and will never change. The question is what will it take to pull the wool from Phoebe's eyes?
When Phoebe finally does have that epiphany, it's fairly late in the game and after much suffering and tragedy. But, once it happens I felt a huge sense of relief, despite the lingering sadness and grief, because I felt Phoebe was finally free for the first time in her life.
This is an absorbing story which gives the reader an inside look at how it could be possible to remain ignorant of the crimes committed right under your nose and how easy it would be to look the other way if you did suspect anything was amiss, especially if you are insulated by money. It also examines the selfishness of such acts, not only against the obvious victims, but against those closest to you, who will perhaps suffer the most.
Overall, this book gave me a lot to think about. The family drama and the push/pull from all angles as Phoebe struggles to maintain her own place in life, not just as a wife or mother, while Jake plots and plans and sins and rationalizes and justifies his actions makes for some riveting scenes. The characterizations are very well drawn and believable, and enabled me to see all points of view, pass my judgements without qualms, and made me hope that others would come around to my way of thinking, eventually.
But, ultimately the question the story is begging me to answer is, “What would I do in this situation?’
The answer is not as easy, or black and white, as you might think.
The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green is a 2017 Berkley publication.
This book is the ideal beach read.
Ronni Sunshine was once a famous actress, defininThe Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green is a 2017 Berkley publication.
This book is the ideal beach read.
Ronni Sunshine was once a famous actress, defining the narcissist personality we so often associate with that occupation. But, she also has three daughters, Nell, Meredith, and Lizzy, all of whom couldn’t wait to get away from Ronni… and each other.
But, now they have all been summoned home by Ronni, who has been diagnosed with a fatal disease… for real this time. She only has a little time left to get her daughters back together in one place, and to apologize to them for being such a wretched mother, and hopefully receive their forgiveness, but she also needs their help to carry out one final, shocking request.
After years of estrangement from their mother, the girls gather together with all their resentments and baggage coming along for the ride. Can they make peace with their mother and mend their broken relationship with each other?
All of Ronni’s daughters bring high drama with them- Nell, a single mom, who has never been able to get over her first love, no matter how hard she tries to feel a connection and real passion with someone else.
Meredith took a dull job, has a boring boyfriend, and finds great comfort in food, while trying to make everyone else happy.
Lizzy, is the youngest, and the most like her mother. She’s a successful celebrity chef, with a husband and young son, but she is also having a long running affair, she can’t seem to withdraw from, having also inherited her mother's spoiled self-absorbtion.
Under the same roof, the sisters become catty, with their barely contained annoyance with each other simmering just underneath the surface. But, when they find out their mother is gravely ill, they each take stock of their lives, and find the courage to take risks, embrace their sisterhood, and commonality with each other, and embark on a new chapter in their lives.
The story got off to a slow start, for me, but I’m glad I stuck it out. The real turning point comes when a writer shows up at Ronni’s, hoping to do a documentary over her life. His presence allows the sisters to look back over their mother’s life, and helps them put their childhood’s in perspective.
Other than Ronni’s illness, the story is not too heavy, and there are several comical moments along the way, but the emotional levels stay on an even keel, so you won’t have to worry about doing the ugly cry sitting poolside.
But, mostly this is a story about three sisters who did not have a strong parental influence in their lives, because their mother was so caught up in her career, always trying to keep the attention on herself and was a real life drama queen, and father who chose his second family over them. They all endured some kind of side effect from their upbringing that influenced the decisions they made and the actions they took as adults, with disastrous results.
They now have the rare chance to change the course of their lives, to make peace with the past and with each other and enjoy the last, but best gift their mother ever gave them… each other.
Overall, this is a nice and easy read, with nice character growth, and a feel good ending.
The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner is a 2016 Random House publication.
This book came highly recommended by several of my Goodreads frThe House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner is a 2016 Random House publication.
This book came highly recommended by several of my Goodreads friends who described the book as a family saga, so I knew I had to check it out.
This story is centered around the Esposito family living on the island of Castellamare in Italy. The island is remote, but has its own fiefdoms, power struggles, and is fraught with personal family dramas and scandals.
Beginning with Amedeo Esposito, who arrives on the island as the first doctor the island ever welcomed, but eventually opens ‘The House at the Edge of Night’, a bar/café which becomes a center point of the island where the residents gather for fellowship, communication and of course gossip.
The story follows Amedeo, his wife, Pina, and their children as they go through wars, conflicts, financial fallouts, and personal issues within marriages and families, which entails sibling rivalry, jealousy, love won and lost, and found again.
I absolutely love, love, love, family sagas! Sadly, sweeping sagas are far and few between these days, but perhaps wonderful stories, like this one will inspire more interest it them.
This is a beautiful story, rich in details with incredibly well drawn characters which makes it so easy to become immersed in the story and to care for the Esposito family. I found myself completely wound up in their dramas, the amazingly beautiful setting, the culture, and the realistic portrayal of human beings with all their foibles and strengths.
This is a powerful and lush story filled with charm and enhanced with folk tales and tradition. I never wanted the story to end, but was so happy with the family’s perseverance in the face of adversity, the way they came together and remained committed despite the challenges they faced.
I was impressed with the storytelling here and believe this is a story anyone can enjoy. I wish there were many more novels like this one!!
Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a 2017 Gallery Books publication.
It’s that time of year. Time to grab the sunscreen, the beach tSlightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey is a 2017 Gallery Books publication.
It’s that time of year. Time to grab the sunscreen, the beach towel, a cold beverage, and a good book and head to the beach - or if you are like me and don't live close to a body of water- lounge by the pool.
I have a nice list of ‘beach read’ authors I usually reach for, but Kristy Woodson Harvey is a new and fresh voice in the contemporary/women’s fiction arena, making this a good book to pack for a day at the beach.
This novel has a nice southern flair to it, although it's not necessarily a palpable mood, but is still a nice small town atmosphere.
The story is centered around Ansley, a forty-something widow, with three grown children, a mother she cares for, and a nice career she's managed to carve out over the years. She’s content with her life, enjoying her peace and solitude, although she still mourns for her husband.
But her world is turned upside down when all three daughters converge on her nice quiet routine. But, that’s not all. An old ‘friend’ from the past also shows up in town, peeling back long buried secrets, feelings, and complications she had kept locked in her heart for many years.
Caroline is a city girl through and through. New York is her playground. But, pregnant with her second child, she is shocked by her husband's blunt announcement that he has fallen out of love with her, and rumor has it, he is now squiring a stunning supermodel around town.
Devastated, she swallows her pride and returns home to Peachtree Bluff to lick her wounds, prepare for her child's birth, and regroup.
However, when her two sisters invite themselves along, things get complicated.
I confess, I have some mixed feelings about this one. Caroline’s character was perhaps drawn a little too well, because her shallowness, no matter how well intentioned she claims to be, rubbed me the wrong way right from the start, and I had a very hard time moving on from it. Her character does go through a growing process, and her decisions certainly surprised me, although I’m not sure how I felt about it.
Ansley’s backstory is different, to be sure. She's a 9/11 widow, who has some pretty interesting secrets packed away. I didn’t know if I found it all that plausible, but I did like Jack. Their relationship probably would not have worked the first time around, but this just might be their time and place for a second chance at love.
The secondary characters and their backstories add a little more depth and strength to the story and I did enjoy witnessing the mother/daughter dynamics as well as the ever fascinating relationship amongst sisters. Naturally, I love some good juicy rumors, dramas and secrets, and this book has its fair share of those. Forgiveness is also a strong and powerful theme that runs through the story, which gives it a good foundation to build on.
The mother/daughter first person narrative feels new to me. I’ve encountered this approach in the few New Adult novels I’ve read, but not so much in Women’s fiction. I appreciate the fresh approach, but I’m not sure if I liked it better than the traditional third person narrative, or a single first person voice, which would have been equally effective, in my opinion. But, that’s just a matter of taste, I think.
Overall, this is a descent beginning of the trilogy. It had some weak spots, but the stronger moments evened things out. I think my tepid response to this one is a minority opinion, but I am willing to try out the second book, mainly because I think the storyline may be stronger and has a little more potential to propel the trilogy forward.
Not exactly what I was expecting, but enjoyable enough.
Carousel Court by Joe McGniniss Jr. is a 2016 Simon & Schuster publication.
This novel absolutely nails the dark, depressing, and desolate desperationCarousel Court by Joe McGniniss Jr. is a 2016 Simon & Schuster publication.
This novel absolutely nails the dark, depressing, and desolate desperation that befell the upwardly mobile college educated classes after the economic fallout of 2008.
Phoebe and Nick are parents to a toddler named Jackson, living in a home at Carousel Court, both working night and day, to keep their heads above water, but drowning, just like their neighbors who are taking desperate measures too, while Jackson spends more time with his nanny than he does his parents.
Nick and Phoebe’s marriage has broken down, with Phoebe addicted to a myriad of prescription medications, which nearly got her and Jackson killed, and threw the couple into an even deeper tailspin, leading up to their current day issues. They are deeply in debt now after moving to California at the wrong moment in time.
To ease the pressure of their financial burdens, each of them privately schemes to dig their way of debt, but neither plan is a good one, or an honest one, and could come with a heavy price, not to mention all the risks involved, on all fronts.
Sure enough, things go from bad to worse as their plans blow up spectacularly, which will lead to a do or die decision.
Will Phoebe and Nick make it as a couple or are they too damaged to recover?
Well, I’m afraid I’m sort of at a loss for words here. This novel is very dark, disturbing on a many, many levels, and while I watched this couple crash and burn, I kept holding on to this ridiculous hope they could somehow manage to wake up and smell the coffee before it was too late, for them and for their son, who is as much a victim of this as anyone.
Be warned, this book is very raw, disheartening, and not just dark, but almost black, it is so very bleak. But, it’s like a train wreck. I couldn’t keep myself from watching it happen. There is very little joy in this feverish portrait of the modern -day rat race, the pursuit of the failing American dream, the pressure that robs couples of anything resembling respect and takes the biggest toll on their children. The quirky, and sometimes sinister neighbors, combined with other threats from wild animals, as well as the constant presence of cicadas, help build the atmosphere around Phoebe and Nick as the speed increases toward an inevitable head on collision.
But, after all was said and done, the ending was ultimately satisfying and I will admit, I actually heard myself exhale.
I’m not sure which audience to recommend this book to. It is not a cheerful novel to be sure, but one many of you can certainly appreciate, remembering the hard times endured during the financial crisis, while highlighting the habits of our times, with Starbucks and iPhones playing a large role in the story, alongside the troubling abuse of prescription drugs.
So, overall, I commend the author and his skill as a writer, for capturing the essence of the times so perfectly, for creating such vivid, conflicted, and flawed characters, building such incredible tension, and for his ability to draw it all together with a conclusion I could appreciate and respect. 4 stars...more
Siracusa by Delia Ephron is a 2016 Blue Rider Press publication.
Edgy, suspenseful, and utterly absorbing!!
The synopsis promises the reader a trip to ISiracusa by Delia Ephron is a 2016 Blue Rider Press publication.
Edgy, suspenseful, and utterly absorbing!!
The synopsis promises the reader a trip to Italy, to Siracusa, in particular, with two married couples, Lizzie and Michael and Finn and Taylor. What starts off as a seemingly ideal and romantic vacation quickly deflates as the two couples experience marital discord, divulge and uncover secrets and sins, and flirt with disaster until it all blows up spectacularly. But underneath this explosive veneer, something far more sinister is brewing, something that will slowly sneak up behind you, and when it finally taps you on the shoulder, the hair will stand up on the back of your neck and shivers will run down your spine, and ultimately leave you shaken and very, very, uneasy.
Lizzie and Michael have been married for a good while, but are childless. He’s a famous writer, while Lizzie sticks to smaller projects. The couple are vacationing with Finn and Taylor, along with their pre-teen daughter, Snow.
Finn and Lizzie share a romantic past, which immediately brings tension to the situation. Michael’s always working on his novel, even it’s just in his head, and is constantly preoccupied, but, he is also hiding a huge secret, one that has him obsessing, but is weighing him down at the same time.
Taylor is totally disconnected from everyone, but her daughter, to the point of unhealthy obsession, as well as constantly trying to look chic, well dressed and put together, while, Snow suffers from extreme shyness, and quietly lurks in the background, allowing her mother to smother her at will.
The location is central to the story almost like a character in its own right. The old world charm should be soothing, relaxing, and romantic, but turns out to be anything but, as events unravel with lightning speed once they arrive in Siracusa.
Each of the adult characters tells the reader their version of events as they unfold, which highlights their self-absorption, and weaknesses, proving they are flawed on many levels, and I can’t say I sympathized with any of them all that much, but did wind up cheering for one them in the end.
The story is very well written, moves along at a brisk pace, and pops with sassy dialogue, and a bit of dark humor thrown in for good measure.
I was on the edge of my seat almost from the beginning, sensing something catastrophic was going to occur, while I watched the two couples try to create the illusion of a solid marriage, while they duke it out verbally and emotionally, riding a train that was obviously headed for derailment, but I never in a million years could have guessed how things would end up. There is a stunning development that leads to an even bigger and more shocking twist, you will never see coming, one that will change the lives of these five people forevermore.
I really liked this book and appreciated the author’s style, which is original and refreshing. This story is deceptively clever, deliciously wicked and sly, and will leave you both amused and unsettled! Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy this one, but so will those who enjoy novels of suspense and mysteries. 4 stars ...more
Flight Patterns by Karen White is a 2016 Penguin/NAL publication.
Another fantastic southern novel from Karen White!
This story has so many layers, myFlight Patterns by Karen White is a 2016 Penguin/NAL publication.
Another fantastic southern novel from Karen White!
This story has so many layers, my mind is still grappling with all the details and flourishes.
When Georgia Chambers, an antiques specialist, is commissioned to find pieces in a unique china set, bearing a bee pattern, it sparks a long forgotten memory. She believes she has seen a piece just like it in her childhood home. But, returning to Florida to search for it will open up a Pandora’s box of old hurts and deeply buried family secrets.
James Graf is at a crossroads in his life, so when he meets Georgia and learns she may actually own a piece of his grandmother’s china set, he insists on traveling with her to Florida and nothing she says will change his mind. But, once they arrive, James learns why Georgia has stayed away for so many years, as his search stirs up a maelstrom within the Chambers home.
Maisey is horrified when she learns her sister, Georgia is coming back home after a ten year absence. Georgia had promised to stay away, but now all the pain and heartache that lies between them rises to the surface, threatening to engulf them, and it looks as though nothing can heal the rift which seems to only grow wider as time passes.
However, Maisey and Georgia will discover their grandfather, who runs an apiary, and their mother, Birdie, who is mentally unstable, are harboring huge secrets in their hearts and Georgia’s return, along with the elusive china piece, and a startling new development, will dislodge those secrets, causing a domino effect and ripples and waves to cascade over them, changing their family dynamic forevermore.
Wow! Talk about drama! This book is chock full of tumultuous human emotions, creating an atmosphere akin to the change in barometric pressure right before a particularly nasty storm. The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife, but there is also a mystery afoot, and it’s a doozy!
The humid, balmy, Florida setting only served to contribute to the heaviness hanging in the air, the crackle of suspense, and the anticipation of seeing how everything will unfold, fall apart, or rebuild itself.
Maisey is a complicated character, and despite knowing about her grief and suffering, she was a very difficult person to like. Even after all was said and done, I don’t know that I ever really forgave her, especially after all the facts came in. Sadly, Maisey’s lack of character development and her inability to let go of all that anger, even after everything came to a head, was very disappointing, and was the one downfall in the story.
Georgia was also a complex character, but I sympathized with her more and admired her grit, her sacrifices, and her willingness to fight for her family, even if she was often aloof and wasn’t always nice in places where I really wanted and needed her to be.
James is an absolute dream, the voice of reason, patient, and unbelievably understanding and insightful,even while he grapples with his own demons. I really liked him, and feel like his presence was a real asset, with Karma playing a big part in putting him and Georgia together.
The secondary characters also play enormous roles, and are the key to unlocking the mystery that has held the family captive for so long.
The facts about bees that began every chapter was informative and interesting, but also paralleled the tone and context of the chapter to come. I don’t know how the author manages this, but she does an amazing job of connecting the actions of the bees to the characters or the events taking place.
I can’t say enough nice things about Karen White and the way she sucks the reader into her carefully crafted web, the way she lures you deeper into the complexities of family and small southern townships, holding you spellbound from start to finish, while dropping bombshells, and emotional twists on you, until you can barely stand the intensity.
This is another well written and explosive family story, filled with flawed and damaged people, but people who are family, who love each other, who have each other’s backs, who fight for them, and love them beyond reason in spite of it all.
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett is a 2016 Harper publication.
This book is a bit of a departure for me, but I’ve been craving something different, somethCommonwealth by Ann Patchett is a 2016 Harper publication.
This book is a bit of a departure for me, but I’ve been craving something different, something more profound and literary in nature. With Commonwealth, I came to the right place. One fateful Sunday afternoon, Bert Cousins arrives uninvited to Franny Keating’s christening party. He had only shown up to escape his own family life, which included his pregnant wife and three children. But, once he set eyes on the beautiful Beverly Keating, mother of Franny, he knew their fates were sealed. From that day forward life was never the same for the Keating’s or the Cousin’s. Bert and Beverly left their prospective spouses, got married, and like a premonition or example of the future family model, became a blended family.
After reading a few reviews for this book, I have to confess, I feel slightly out of my element. Other than an occasional hankering to read a classic novel or perhaps something from Joyce Carol Oates, I rarely choose pure literature, although I love it when that prose shows up in the other genres I enjoy.
Covering a vast span of time, the author touches base with all those affected by the disruption of their stable lives, the fallout of Beverly and Bert’s decision to leave their spouses, how their children learned to cope, the bonds they forged, the tragedies they endured, and the various directions their lives took over time, examining their triumphs and failures, loves and losses.
The story is told through various stages of the character’s lives, in no particular order, which is a little unusual, and does require your full attention. But, the prose, of course, is so utterly absorbing, I did not want the book to end.
I was totally immersed in the lives of these well drawn characters, some of whom were loveable, others not so much, while some are flaky and unsettled, and while some managed quite well in life, others flailed and faltered. It is certainly an interesting character study, giving the reader an inside peek into the lives of all those profoundly affected by the summers they spent in Commonwealth, Virginia.
Family is family, blended or not, and this story proves that, with characters who may seem a little familiar to us. I especially loved the pieces of the story each person held secretly within their hearts, and the way they helped each other, even when they could have just as easily turned a cold shoulder.
Overall, this is an absorbing and fascinating portrait of family and of life, which any fan of literary fiction will not want to miss. ...more
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