The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson
The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson is a deeply engrossing debut about love, loss, family, and forgiveness. The story opens with Ella, devoted…
Momnesia by Lori Verni-Forgarsi
I may not have experienced Momnesia yet in my life, but I really enjoyed this book by Lori Verni-Fogarsi! I could relate to the MC in other aspects – always being busy with work, clients, family and friends. I can only imagine adding what the stress would feel like adding children and then a divorce into the mix. I thought this book was really engaging and eye-opening, and I thought it was really unique how readers don’t learn the main characters name until the very end. Honestly – I thought the reading was smooth that I actually never noticed until that last page that her name wasn’t disclosed all the way throughout! I think that means major kudos for the author. I started to feel that the book was getting a bit long towards the end, but other than that, I thought it was a very enjoyable read. Though the husband did make me want to poke my eyes out from time to time. “Cat-face” is an expression I’m definitely taking away from this book! I agree with the synopsis: I would recommend Momnesia to “anyone who has ever been a mother, had a mother, wanted to be a mother, judged a mother, or even just wondered about mothers.” I’ll be looking forward to more from this author!
[Rating: 4]
The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
The Bungalow by Sarah Jio is a unique and fantastical piece of historical chick-lit that is truly one-of-a-kind. With the world in chaos around her and the country at war, twenty-one year old, Anne Calloway, questions her future as the bride-to-be of a man that she has known her whole life and wonders if this is all life has in store for her. Having always taken the safe, logical route, Anne makes the decision of a lifetime and joins her best friend and enlists as a nurse, heading to Bora-Bora and embarking on a journey that will change her in more ways than one.
Shortly after arriving, Anne meets a fellow service man named Westry. Together, they work to repair an abandoned bungalow on the beach, and in doing so, their friendship blossoms into a romance. Then one night, they witness a shocking event that changes everything. With the crime lingering overhead, the timing couldn’t be worse as Anne’s tour is wrapping up and Westry is being redeployed. What will become of their love? Will Westry be able to find her once the war is over? Will the world ever go back to the way that Anne remembers? Only time will tell but I for one, loved being a part of the journey.
I absolutely adored The Bungalow. When I first picked up the book to read, I was quickly reminded of Sarah’s debut novel and how similar the two are, yet so very different. Sarah does a fantastic job at weaving together a historical backdrop, an enduring romance and a taste of mystery. I loved the progression from friendship to something more between Anne and Westry and I found myself leafing through the pages quickly to find out what would become of them. I was swept away by the visuals and descriptions that Sarah painted and found myself reading in fluid color as if I were there, right along with Anne on her journey. Overall, this book is an absolute GEM. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting. This book is one of my new recommendations for an enchanting, enthralling summer-read. Kudos to you Sarah, you’ve done it again and have created yourself another winner!
[Rating 5/5]
Trashy Chic by Cathy Lubenski
Bertie Mallowan loves to report the hard-hitting news. But when her job as a reporter has her off the hot stories and more into the “fluff” as talks of more lay-offs circulate, Bertie realizes that she needs a change. A break. Something. So two days after she interviews Robert Bellingham, the sleaze-ball money-maker turns up dead, and Bertie assigns herself to figuring out who killed him. It’s not quite that easy, as over the years Robert has made not only a lot of money, but just as many enemies. Could it be the wife? The kids? The gardener? Bertie makes it her mission to crack the case, and the payoff would be an insider’s story that would surely save her job at the newspaper. But will a second murder and an attack on Bertie scare her away from the Bellingham murder scoop?
Trashy Chic by Cathy Lubenski was a kooky mystery novel with a fun cast of characters. I could relate to Bertie when she frustrated about her job and then worried she might lose it all together. Bertie had a great sense of humor, especially when it came to making up lies to her editors. Her friends were fun to read about, particularly Kate who owns the dog kennel. The mystery had me thinking until the end, trying to figure out alongside Bertie who the killer was. I did have some troubles making a solid connection to the story. I was never really invested in the chapters or felt like I just had to get to the end. Maybe the characters were just a bit too off the wall for me, I’m really not sure. I did keep getting tripped up over Bertie’s age, she seemed to act a lot younger than she really was, and that kind of bothered me throughout the story. It was still a fun book to read but not a favorite of mine.
[Rating: 3]
She Tells All by Judah Lee Davis
I received She Tells All by Judah Lee Davis via CLP Blog Tours. The story follows Madison Miller and her racy life that sees an abundance of parties, sex, and lots of different men. While the scenarios can get pretty risqué, readers will understand that Madison truly is finding herself along her wild journey, and that self-discovery and redemption are big aspects of the book. The writing is fast and almost choppy, but not too choppy where I couldn’t understand one chapter from the next. The clips from Madison’s life that get highlighted tie everything together. I was entertained throughout, but a warning for readers who don’t appreciate raunchy sex scenes and a lot of explicit language: this novel is full of them, so if that turns you off, I would probably say pass on this one. If you don’t mind that type of writing, I would definitely recommend She Tells All, as I thought it was a well-written, unique story.
[Rating: 3.5]
The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose
The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose is a suspenseful novel that will keep you on your toes. Jac L’Etoile has always been haunted by her past and her mother’s suicide. She moves to America to escape and move on, only to find out fourteen years later that she (and her brother Robbie) have inherited the infamous House of L’Etoile, home of one-of-a-kind perfumes and scents. Hesitant at first, Jac leaves most of the responsibility to Robbie, which results in his disappearance when he stumbles upon an ancient secret that the House of L’Etoile has been researching since 1799. Jac goes on the hunt for Robbie, a quest that takes her places she never imagined … and to answers about her troubled past that she never thought existed.
I found The Book of Lost Fragrances hauntingly beautiful and suspenseful. The book travels through many places and a great deal of time, and I found that M.J. Rose did a fantastic job getting all of the details right. In doing so, she created a complex tale with twists and turns at every page and wonderfully believable characters who you find yourself rooting for until the very end. Will Jac ever find Robbie? Will she find the answers she is looking for? Or will she learn more than she bargained for? Only time will tell … and you have to read the book to find out. I for one, stayed up all night searching for the answers right along with Jac, deeply engrossed in the mystery of The Book of Lost Fragrances.
[Rating: 4.5/5]
Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx
I received my copy of Binding Arbitration by Elizabeth Marx via CLP Blog Tours. I was curious about the book because it is set in one of my favorite cities to visit – Chicago! It’s clear from reading and from chatting with Marx that she knows her around the city, and it was really fun to take away little tidbits throughout the book. The main character is Libby Tucker, an attorney and single mom whose son, Cass, is suffering from cancer. It seems the only man who can help save his life is his biological father – who Libby has not remained in touch with. Desperate to save her son, Libby contacts Banford Aidan Palowski, the man who left Libby and Cass behind to go on to pro baseball. Once Libby and Cass are reunited with Aidan, the true journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and strength will be begin.
I thought Binding Arbitration was a pretty powerful book. I will say that I don’t think being classified as chick lit is quite correct. I was expecting a lighter read, probably pretty humorous, and it’s really not. The story of Libby and Cass and what they are dealing with is very deep, and I cried numerous times throughout the book out of sadness. I thought it was an emotional story but there were a lot of lessons to be learned throughout the pages. I did think it got to be a bit too long, there were a few times where I thought it could have ended but the story kept going, but overall, I really enjoyed the book and the journey I went on with the characters. Just be prepared with some tissues when you read!
[Rating: 4]
Favorable Conditions by Kathleen Kole
I was thrilled to host Kathleen Kole’s third blog tour via CLP Blog Tours, this time with her latest novel Favorable Conditions. Her books have been fun reads – short, sweet, direct and always with some great characters. This story follows Pat Keegan, who is forty-five and suddenly finds herself very alone in a big house. After dedicating years of her life to being a good wife and mother, her two children are now both moved out, and her husband has left her. Pat knows she needs a new direction for her life, but can she achieve her goals of rediscovering herself – and her happiness?
Age-wise, Pat and I are not close. But that factor really never even came up for me while I was reading. I was invested in her story and how she would pick up those crumbling pieces and make something better for herself. I loved that she decided to open a business for herself, and how self-sufficient she became. I’m all about girl power and making opportunities for yourself, so I really felt connected with Pat throughout the story. The supporting cast is just as good – from BFF Melanie, Pat’s daughter who gets engaged, and of course, the love interest Ian. I thought the relationship with Pat and Ian added a great element to the overall story. Another book from Kathleen Kole to get on your to-read list!
[Rating: 4]
Amber Eyes by Jolyn Palliata
I received a review copy of Amber Eyes by Jolyn Palliata via CLP Blog Tours. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I would be interested in this story. The premise of the book is all about soul mates and past lives, two concepts that I love reading about. This is classified as a YA/paranormal novel, and I’m happy to say I’m really getting invested into this genre. The main character is Lexi, a high school student who has some strange occurrences happen once she meets Dez. Dez, the boy with the unique amber eyes that seem to give Lexi vivid dreams after glancing at them. When Dez finally lets Lexi know they are actually soul mates, entwined from their past lives, Lexi finally feels at peace with her life. But will she and Dez be able to stay together – or is an evil being just waiting to tear them apart?
I was really captured by this story, and loved learning about the past lives Lexi and Dez had lived. The supporting cast – from family, friends, even Neeko the cat – really helped make the story. I thought the characters really jumped off the pages, and I was thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. The only thing that stopped me from giving Amber Eyes a five star review was the ending was a little confusing to me. I was so wrapped up in Lexi and Dez, and though I knew this evil spirit was lurking amongst the pages, I didn’t quite expect him to get the ever important ending. This is the first book in a series so the cliff hanger makes sense, I just wished Lexi and Dez got the ending instead. Other than that, I think this book is a must read! Looking forward to more from Jolyn Palliata.
[Rating: 4.5]
