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Book Review: Beneath an Irish Sky by Isabella Conner

Reviewer: Terry I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. What an amazing read! When I started this book, I worried it…

Book Review: What Lies Behind by Cynthia Hill

I received a copy of What Lies Behind by Cynthia Hill in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Every family has its secrets… Behind the clouds of dementia, Lillian holds memories of a life that her granddaughter Lisa could never imagine. From her childhood in 1920s and 30s Toronto, to a young World War II society bride, through scandal and unthinkable tragedies, Lillian kept her extraordinary life a secret, retreating into a lonely, bitter existence. Curious about her grandmother’s mysterious past, Lisa unearths a long-buried secret that may finally bring the truth to light.

Review:

I very much enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about it late after finishing the book. Cynthia Hill is a great writer and she writes very compelling characters. Lillian is a tragic character who hasn’t lived quite the life that she envisioned. I found myself frustrated with her at times but overall, I found myself rooting for her character. I also enjoyed Lisa, although her character was not developed as Lillian. Overall, this story was very enjoyable and I think Cynthia did such a great job at telling their story. There is a lot going on but Cynthia handles it with ease and the story flows effortlessly. If you are looking for a mystery with a lot of heart, this book is for you!

Rating: 4/5 stars

Book Review: Rome For Beginnersby Fiona Coughlin

Reviewer: Rhonda I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The girls had read all about living in Rome. The…

Book Review: While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy …

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey, by Wendy Wax, centers on three woman, Samantha, Claire, and Brooke, all residents of a Midtown Atlanta apartment building, who are each at different crossroads in their lives. Samantha is contemplating 25 years of marriage to a man she doesn’t think she loves. Claire is the divorced single mother whose daughter has just left for college. She’s starting over in a new place, with a new job as full time novelist. Brooke is the harried mother of two young children, and recently divorced from a narcissistic plastic surgeon who continues to chip away at her self-esteem.
At first the women don’t seem to have much in common. When the building’s concierge starts a Sunday night viewing party for Downtown Abbey, the women begin to bond. As they become friends, each experiences a personal crisis. The selfish actions of Samantha’s siblings threaten her already fragile marriage, Claire’s career ends up in shambles and Brooke can’t find the strength to face the machinations of her Ex. On their own, they’re unable to help themselves, but together they find the strength to persevere. Things get uncomfortably complicated when something terrible happens that threatens to destroy their friendships.
I’ve read all of Wendy Wax’s books and she’s a wonderful writer, expert at creating realistic women who come alive on the pages. I liked Samantha, Claire and Brooke, even when I was frustrated by them, which I sadly was sometimes. All three have self-esteem issues that I just wanted to shake out of them. Conversely, there were some characters that I just couldn’t stand – Hunter, Zachery, Meredith! They were so selfish and mean-spirited that it was almost cartoonish. More than once, I wanted to throw the book over things they’d said and done.
I live in the Atlanta area, so I love the descriptions of the city and its citizens, which in my opinion are dead on. What really resonates with me though, is the story of friendship between the women. Meeting late in life, they’re tentative with one other at first, which is natural because it’s hard to make friends late in life. I know this, because I hear women lament about it all the time. But I think once a connection is made, these friendships can be deeper than the fleeting ones of our youth. I enjoyed their interactions and the slow, authentic development of their relationship.
Before I read this book, I’d never seen Downton Abbey – although I’m now addicted! Other than a plot point that brings the women together by way of their shared love for the show, the series has very little to do with the story. The book is an enjoyably easy read about friendship and how it can help us during our darkest times. Although I think it’s better classified as women’s fiction than chick lit, it’s still a fun ride.

Book Review: The List of Possibilities by Miriam Brady and …

Reviewer: Terry I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. It would be impossible not to read book two in this series…

Book Review: How I Exiled My Inner Bitch by Miv …

I received a copy of How I Exiled My Inner Bitch by Miv Evans in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

The Story…Dionne is 36, and still hooked on the imaginary twin she invented to get you through her desolate childhood. With such an odd companion, long-term relationships are impossible and she is doomed to live her life as a serial monogamist, until the Go Along Guy shows up. Greg has denial on intravenous, so Dionne’s quirks simply pass him by and, pretty soon, shallow love blossoms. Unfortunately, however, what are also blossoming are Greg’s teenage daughters. They don’t like Dionne and their hormones are raging.

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and thought Evans did such an amazing job at crafting such a fun story. At first, I was a little hesitant given the name and the cover, but once I flipped open the book, I was instantly taken aback by the fresh writing and the overall feel of the story. The characters are charming and I enjoyed most of them and I think that definitely added to my enjoyment. Often times authors will write characters but give them no depth, Evans definitely gives the characters depth. Overall, this story is refreshing and funny and the writing is crisp. I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 4 stars

Book Review: New England Rocks by Christina Courtenay

Reviewer: Sandy I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was supposed to be a punishment, a consequence for…

Book Review: Believe In Me by Mishael Witty

received a copy of Believe In Me by Mishael Witty in exchange for an honest opinion.

Summary:

For the past year, twenty-something radio producer Trina Gray has been focusing
on her career and trying to forget that her once idyllic marriage is soon
coming to a heartbreaking end. Almost a year ago to the day, Trina caught her
husband, Walt, kissing her sister in her mother’s kitchen under the mistletoe.

But it’s Christmas time again, and Trina feels the familial pressure to
return to the nest for the annual holiday celebrations. It’s only for a week.
Surely she can tolerate being in the same house with her sister for that long.
What she doesn’t bargain for, though, is that her mother has invited Walt to
stay with the family for the holiday season, as well.

Walt’s presence sends Trina running to her old friend, Mim’s, bed and
breakfast, where she runs into her high school boyfriend, Kurt. Trina quickly
realizes the attraction is still strong between them, and the temptation to be
with him is stronger still, even if he is only looking for a one-night stand.
But, as Trina discovers, Walt’s not willing to give up without a fight this
time.

Will Trina and Kurt rekindle their juvenile romance? Or will she repair her
relationship with Walt? Who can she believe in?

Review:

I really liked this story and thought that unlike most contemporary stories, this one was written really well and definitely warmed my heart. I really enjoyed Mishael’s writing style and thought she did a good job creating wonderful and endearing characters, full of real feelings and emotions. Believe In Me is quick paced and well written and Mishael did a great job at keeping with the flow of the story. Overall, this book is very enjoyable and I would highly recommend it.
Rating: 4/5 stars