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Book Review: Condemn Me Not by Dianne Venetta

I received a copy of Condemn Me Not by Dianne Venetta in exchange for an honest review.

Two women, who have been friends since college, Simone and Claire, have lived very different lives. Upon graduation from college, they both chose different paths. Now, years later, the two find themselves at a common crossroads where they must look into their past and their present and examine what really matters when their daughters issue opposing proclamations with regard to college. As the two long time friends battle the news differently, they soon come to the realization that some decisions are not easy and it may complicate each of their respective relationships with their daughters. In turn, that leads both of them to wander where they went wrong.

Oh man, I really, really enjoyed this book. For years I have sat back and watched people around me with kids make decisions and I will be honest, I sometimes judged them based on what those decisions were. But, as a new mom myself, I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes things aren’t as easy as they appear and everything always looks different from an outside perspective. Well, the same thing applies here. These two women are faced with a tough decision and the way that they react could really have repercussions with their daughters. So, whats a parent to do? I think Dianne examines that question and really presents the characters in a very raw and real portrayal of what that might look like in real life. This book is really good and I am so glad that I had the privilege to read it.
Rating: 4.5 stars

Book Review: Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee by Carolyn Brown

I received a copy of BLUE-RIBBON JALAPENO SOCIETY JUBILEE by Carolyn Brown in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Miss Clawdy’s Café has won the Jubilee blue ribbon every year since the dawn of time. This year, town matron Violet Prescott is going after that ribbon with an iron-clad determination only thinly disguised by her perfect coiffure and flawless manners, bless her heart.

It’s time for café owners Cathy and Marty and their best friend Trixie to pull out their secret weapon. And this is where a lifetime of friendship, combined with just the right recipe at just the right time, might carry the day—or blow everything to smithereens.

Welcome to Cadillac, Texas, where the jalapeños are hot, the gossip is hotter, and at the end of the day, it’s the priceless friendships that are left standing…

Review:

I was instantly smitten with the title, description and cover for this book and knew I would love it from the get go. Author Carolyn Brown pleases from the get go with trademark southern char, twang and hilarious wit. The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee is a fun southern tale that delivers a very fun and authentic tale that could and would definitely take place in a small southern town. I loved the adventures of the women and I loved all of the gossip that went on. Friendship and family are key themes in this book and you can easily see how important they are to the main characters. I don’t really have any complaints because I enjoyed it so much. Full of sass and southern comfort, this book is a winner.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Book Review: Afterwife by Polly Williams

I received a copy of AFTERWIFE by Polly Williams in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Brady is just one of those gals – funny, gorgeous, strong-willed, loyal and loving – and continues to be one after she dies. One tragic traffic accident cuts Sophie’s life short and she finds herself attending her own funeral. While there, she watches the reactions of those she holds closest to her heart. She worries most about her husband and their young son. She watches over them closely and although she loves him and wishes that she could have continued to be there for him, she knows that he must find love again and move on. So, she takes on the task and intervenes. Only, it appears that she is not the only one who is looking out for Ollie. Her best friend Jenny is doing so as well, only a big secret comes about that leaves Sophie wondering how well she knew her friend.

This book is an absolute knock out. It is funny, charming, witty, heart-warming, thoughtful, and most importantly, one-of-a-kind. When I first received a review request for this book, I immediately thought it sounded unique and probably unlike anything that I have ever read before, and I was right. This book has tons of heart but is also surprisingly honest. I loved every second of it and found myself constantly wondering what I would do if I found myself in Sophie’s shoes. I have to admit that she was rather generous in wanting her husband to find love and although I know that I wouldn’t want to, I would probably do the same. Overall, like I said, a complete knock out. I loved every second!
Rating: 5 stars