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Book Review: The Guest House by Erika Marks
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Guest House by Erika Marks

I received a copy of The Guest House by Erika Marks in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
For generations, the natives of Harrisport have watched wealthy summer families descend on their Cape Cod town, inhabiting the massive cottages along the town’s best stretches of beachfront. But when rich Southerner Tucker Moss breaks the heart of local girl Edie Wright in the summer of 1966, an enduring war starts between the two families that lasts for generations….

Edie’s youngest child, Lexi, should know better than to fall in love with a Moss, but at eighteen, she falls hard for Tucker’s son, Hudson—only to find herself jilted when Hudson breaks off their engagement.

Eleven years later, Lexi returns home after two years away studying architectural photography, just in time for yet another summer on the Cape. When Hudson’s younger brother, Cooper, arrives unexpectedly to sell the seaside estate after the death of his father and hires Lexi to photograph it, an unlikely attraction forms, and Lexi finds herself torn once again between passion and family loyalty.

Then renovations at the Moss guest house reveal a forty-six-year-old declaration of love carved into a piece of framing—and a startling truth that will force two women and the men who love them to confront the treacherous waters of their pasts.
Review:
As I’ve been known to favor books that go between past and present, it should come to no surprise how much I enjoyed this book. While usually the past is meaning the late 1800’s or early 1900’s, this book features the time period of 1966, when Edie gets her heart broken from Tucker Moss. It was great to read the entwined stories of how mother and daughter both suffered at the hands of a Moss man, and the other similarities their stories tell. The ending was so intriguing when secrets were revealed – and I enjoyed the nice little twist that came with that! The setting of the Cape Cod town was enchanting to read about, and the strong writing quickly enticed me to fall deeper into the story. Simply a wonderful book to read!
4.5 stars

June 7, 2013
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Book Review: I’ll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: I’ll Take What She Has by Samantha …

Disclaimer: I received a copy of I’ll Take What She Has by Samantha Wilde in exchange for an honest review. Summary: Nora and Annie have…

June 6, 2013
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Book Review: What Tears Us Apart by Deborah Cloyed
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: What Tears Us Apart by Deborah Cloyed

I received a copy of What Tears Us Apart by Deborah Cloyed in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Love lives in the most dangerous places of the heart
The real world. That’s what Leda desperately seeks when she flees her life of privilege to travel to Kenya. She finds it at a boys’orphanage in the slums of Nairobi. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for Ita, the charismatic and thoughtful man who gave up his dreams to offer children a haven in the midst of turmoil.
Their love should be enough for one another-it embodies the soul-deep connection both have always craved. But it is threatened by Ita’s troubled childhood friend, Chege, a gang leader with whom he shares a complex history. As political unrest reaches a boiling point and the slum erupts in violence, Leda is attacked…and forced to put her trust in Chege, the one person who otherwise inspires anything but.
In the aftermath of Leda’s rescue, disturbing secrets are exposed, and Leda, Ita and Chege are each left grappling with their own regret and confusion. Their worlds upturned, they must now face the reality that sometimes the most treacherous threat is not the world outside, but the demons within.
Review:
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought whoa. Deep subjects and plenty of food for thought with this story. I was able to get into the reading and start to connect with the characters, but at times it was almost a bit too heavy for me. I will say that this book will give you a lot to talk about though, which I think is great. I brought up some discussion points with my fiancé and friends, and I always think that is important in a book. I saw one reviewer describe this novel as “ambitious” and do I agree with that term. A lot of research and heart went into the writing of What Tears Us Apart, and while not totally my style of reading, still a good book.
3.5 stars

June 6, 2013
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Book Review: The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Repeat Year by Andrea Lochen

I received a copy of The Repeat Years by Andrea Lochen in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Everyone has days, weeks, even months they wish they could do over—but what about an entire year? After living through the worst twelve months of her life, intensive care nurse Olive Watson is given a second chance to relive her past and attempt to discover where she went wrong…

After a year of hardships, including a messy breakup with her longtime boyfriend Phil, the prospect of her mother’s remarriage, and heartbreaking patient losses at the hospital, Olive is ready to start fresh. But when she wakes up in her ex-boyfriend’s bed on New Year’s Day 2011—a day she has already lived—Olive’s world is turned upside down.

Shouldering a year of memories that no one else can recall, even Olive begins to question herself—until she discovers that she is not alone. Upon crossing paths with Sherry Witan, an experienced “repeater,” Olive learns that she has the chance to rewrite her future. Given the opportunity of a lifetime, Olive has to decide what she really wants. Should she make different choices, or accept her life as she knows it, flaws and all?
Review:
I’m always up for a book with a bit of complex, almost magic-like quality, and The Repeat Years fit just into that. I love to question myself along with the characters, wondering what I would do if I were in their situation. Olive was great to take this journey with, as she was ready to start afresh in the New Year only to be forced to relive it – and try to decide if she should make different decisions along the way. What would we do if we got that chance? A very intriguing concept, a well-written story with well-developed characters, and I think The Repeat Years should make it on your to-read list!
4 stars

June 5, 2013
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Book Review: The Way Back to Happiness by Elizabeth Bass
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: The Way Back to Happiness by Elizabeth Bass

I received a copy of The Way Back to Happiness by Elizabeth Bass in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
From the acclaimed author of Miss You Most of All comes a heartfelt, wonderfully affirming novel of sisterhood, healing, and new beginnings.
No one could blame Bev Putterman for becoming estranged from her sister. No one but Bev, anyway. Growing up, Diana was difficult and selfish yet always their mother’s favorite. And then came the betrayal that took away the future Bev dreamed of.
Yet if Diana caused problems while alive, her death leaves Bev in a maelstrom of remorse. She longs to provide a stable home for Diana’s fourteen-year-old daughter, Alabama. But between her commitment-phobic boyfriend and her precarious teaching position, Bev’s life is already in upheaval without an unruly teenager around.
All Alabama knows about Aunt Bev is what her mother told her–and none of it was good. They clash about money, clothes, boys, and especially about Diana. In desperation, Alabama sets out to find her late father’s family. Instead she learns of the complicated history between her mother and aunt, how guilt can shut down a life–and most important, how love and forgiveness can open a door and make us whole again. . .
Review:
I have also reviewed Wherever Grace is Needed from Elizabeth Bass and absolutely adored the book, so it was no surprise that it took me just about a day to get The Way Back to Happiness read. The characters she creates easily transports readers to their world, and won’t let you back out until well after you’ve turned the last page. The relationships felt very realistic, especially the one between Bev and Alabama. There are a lot of tough situations in this story and I shed a few tears, but it was a wonderful read and one I recommend. I hope to read more from this author.

June 4, 2013
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CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Still Life in Brunswick Stew by Larissa Reinhart
Chick Lit Review

CLP Blog Tours Book Review: Still Life in Brunswick Stew …

Larissa Reinhart is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Still Life in Brunswick Stew
Summary:
Cherry Tucker’s in a stew. Art commissions dried up after her nemesis became president of the County Arts Council. Desperate and broke, Cherry and her friend, Eloise, spend a sultry summer weekend hawking their art at the Sidewinder Annual Brunswick Stew Cook-Off. When a bad case of food poisoning breaks out and Eloise dies, the police brush off her death as accidental. However, Cherry suspects someone spiked the stew and killed her friend. As Cherry calls on cook-off competitors, bitter rivals, and crooked judges, the police get steamed while the killer prepares to cook Cherry’s goose.
Review:
What a fun read! The only disappointment I had with this book is that I hadn’t yet read first one – not that hindered my experience – but I loved Cherry from the first page and know I now I need to get my hands on Portrait of a Dead Guy, the first in this series. This novel is fun, fast-paced, suspenseful, and just an all-around good time. Even though it is the second in a series, I never felt like I was missing information or was lacking anything, I just jumped right into Cherry’s life and had a blast. I enjoyed the bit of a cliff-hanger between her, Luke, and Todd, and would love to see who she ends up with, because I truly have no idea! I always enjoy a bit of mystery in my reads, and this one should land on your to-read list!
4.5 stars

June 4, 2013
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Book Review: Rock My World by Sharisse Coulter
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Rock My World by Sharisse Coulter

Disclaimer: I received a copy of ROCK MY WORLD by Sharisse Coulter in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Jenna Jax-Anders hit rock bottom in high school. Or so she thought. From rock star heiress to knocked-up has been, she turned it all around, marrying the punk rock baby daddy love of her life. The perfect Hollywood fairytale. Until the day she walked in on him kissing her best friend. As she struggles to find herself and redefine the world around her, she faces the challenges of raising her over-achieving teenage daughter, the heartbreak of losing her best friend (backstabbing aside), and emerging from the shadows of two famous last names to find her own identity. Oh, there’s also the tiny issue of her husband’s record label, backed by an anonymous mogul whose morally ambiguous creative direction may ruin them all. But she doesn’t know about that yet.

Review:

This book is so good!! I instantly fell in love with the writing and think that Sharisse did such an amazing job at crafting such wonderful characters. Jenna felt like a drink of cool water. She is real, authentic and loads of fun and throughout the book I felt like she and I were best buds. This is chick lit at its finest and there is so much heartfelt emotion going on but also a ton of wit and humorous parts. Overall, this book is loads of fun and such a great, quick read. I highly recommend it.

May 31, 2013
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Book Review: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

I received a copy of Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline in exchange for an honest review.
Summary:
Orphan Train is a gripping story of friendship and second chances from Christina Baker Kline, author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be.
Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” out of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse…
As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.
Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life – answers that will ultimately free them both.
Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.
Review:
I have been finding myself really enjoying stories that switch from past to present tense, and I’m glad my shelves are filling with them! I loved going back and learning about Vivian’s life in the early 1900’s, though of course I was also quite sad. She didn’t have a lucky situation when she was on the orphan train, and was bounced through a handful of families until she finally landed somewhere where she felt safe. While I still enjoyed Molly’s story and was entertained at how her life was similar to Vivian’s, it was really the older woman that took the cake for me. It was breathtaking at times to read how she survived not only the journey to America, becoming an orphan, traveling in the train with dozens of other orphaned children, but then finally the struggles she had with the families who took her in. The ending was so wonderful because readers get so much closure, not just for Vivian, but for other supporting characters as well. This is such a touching read, and a new favorite of mine for the year.
5 stars

May 31, 2013
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Book Review: Summer’s Song by Lindi Peterson
Chick Lit Review

Book Review: Summer’s Song by Lindi Peterson

Reviewed by Kate E. Stephenson
I received a copy of Summer’s Song by Lindi Peterson in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
All she has to do is prove that she’s changed . . . completely. Pop-star princess Summer Sinclair doesn’t know what to do with herself now that she’s cleaned-up and sober. She knows God’s been nudging her, but since God is unfamiliar territory, she feels scared and alone. Everything changes when she meets Levi Preston, a Christian musician who’s falling for Summer and wants her to be who God created her to be. But when the reality of her life takes Levi to places he’s vowed to stay clear of, will Summer’s newfound freedom be what breaks her heart as she does what is best for Levi?
Review:
Summer’s Song was a challenge for me, but in some ways a good one that allowed me to question what I believe as the norm. The novel is successfully written in alternating first person between the male and female protagonists. The reader spends most of the time in the head of the developing heroine Summer Sinclair, viewing the world through her disenchanted pop star eyes. No longer impressed by the glitz and glamour of stardom, Summer is an addict who has reached rock bottom and is slowly climbing her way precariously out of a deep ditch.
Through her self-examination of her life the reader encounters interesting commentary on the morals of the pop life and what it means to be a healthy individual. Summer tries to find her balance in life and is aided by her discovery of Christianity and a Jesus-centered life. As an individual born into a Christian family, for me parts of Summer’s journey seem impossible. Is it possible in the United States of America for anyone to avoid religion, Jesus and prayer? I grew up in a diverse atmosphere in which my friends were Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and non-religious. We all seemed to accept the presence of a higher power and to be aware of (at least on a superficial basis) the traditions and holy days we observe. Summer’s total isolation seems unreasonable, but I accept that may be part of Lindi Peterson’s theme, and it is absolutely part of what drives Summer’s character.
The love story that unfolds is beautiful, though at times predictable. The juxtaposition between pop and country seems a bit contrived at times. And some of the relationships in the narrative are less developed than they could be. But there is a comforting level of reality in conflicts that are not easily overcome and character flaws that are not changed overnight. All in all, Summer’s Song is a solid, easy read that makes for a good beach book. Queue up a playlist of your country pop favorites and you’re ready to go.

3.5 Stars

May 30, 2013
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