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The First Day of the Rest of My Life by Cathy Lamb
Chick Lit Review

The First Day of the Rest of My Life by …

Madeline O’Shea, a highly successful life coach, is a hypocrite. She tells people what to do with their lives, but doesn’t follow any of the advice she doles out. Madeline is hiding a secret- a horrible, wretched past filled with twisted abuse and heartbreak. Madeline, along with her sister and best friend, Annie, have worked hard to keep their childhood away from the public. But when a reporter starts getting too close for comfort, Madeline and Annie’s past may be revealed.
The First Day of the Rest of My Life by Cathy Lamb is not a story for the faint of heart. While I pride myself on being able to handle difficult scenes (and even write many of my own), I struggled through this book. The abuse that Madeline and Annie endure as girls is horrific and heart-breaking and evil. There were parts of this story that I couldn’t even say aloud after I was finished reading. That being said, if you can’t handle topics such as sexual abuse, please don’t try to read this book. It will tear you apart.
Besides from that, I understand the point and lesson Lamb wants readers to take away from this book, because it is one that I touch in my debut novel as well. How to move on from difficult circumstances that were beyond your control, regaining your life when at times it doesn’t seem possible, and never losing faith in yourself. And that I can appreciate. Sometimes the writing veered off track for me, and I wasn’t quite sure some scenes that just seemed like fillers were included. The grandparents were a lovely addition to Madeline and Annie, and the back story that included the mother was quite touching, even humorous at times. But overall, this is a very sad and dark novel, filled with plot twists and characters that continually brought me down. The ending really helped solidify Madeline and Annie starting their new lives, ones where they were no longer consumed in guilt and haunted from their past, and I was glad for a happy ending there. While this book gave me a lot to talk and think about, I don’t think it’s for everyone.
[Rating: 3.5]

October 26, 2011
2 Comments
In My Mailbox: Week of May 30
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In My Mailbox: Week of May 30

In My Mailbox: Week of May 30

Title: The Kitchen Shrink
Author: Dee DeTarsio
Received: From Dee DeTarsio
Synopsis: When did Lisby Shaw’s life turn into a country music song? Probably when her best friend signed her up for the debut of the new reality TV show, The Kitchen Shrink, for the ultimate life and home makeover! Unable to squirm out of this “it will be fun” opportunity, Lisby tries to juggle her upstairs-behind-the-scenes-life with her downstairs-in-front-of-the-camera persona, where everything she says and does can and will be used against her.

Hopefully, the show doesn’t find out about her fling with that hunky carpenter. Or that she and her friend smoked hootch she found in her daughter’s room. Lisby cannot believe what a freak show her life has become. At least no one knows about her crush on Sam, Sam, the Cameraman…

Lisby tries to find her way as the TV cameras capture her every move, zooming in on drama with her kids, her ex, her mom and her best friend. Stay tuned for Lisby’s extreme close-up as she becomes a jilted laughingstock on national TV. All is lost…or is it?

Title: The First Day of the Rest of My Life
Author: Cathy Lamb
Received: From Kensington Books
Synopsis: Madeline O’Shea tells people what to do with their lives. A renowned life coach, she inspires thousands of women through her thriving practice – exuding enviable confidence along with her stylish suits and sleek hair. But her confidence, just like her fashionable demeanour, is all a front. For decades, Madeline has lived in fear of her traumatic past becoming public. Now a reporter is reinvestigating the notorious crime that put Madeline’s mother behind bars, threatening to destroy her elaborate facade. Only Madeline’s sister, Annie, and their frail grandparents know about her childhood – but lately Madeline has reason to wonder if her grandparents also have a history they’ve been keeping from her. As the demons of the past swirl around her, a tough, handsome judge with a gentle heart is urging Madeline to have faith in him – and in herself. And as she allows her resistance to thaw, the pain she expects pales in comparison to the surprises headed straight to her door. With one bold, unprecedented move, Madeline O’Shea may just wake up out of the sadness and guilt that have kept her sleepwalking through life for so long – and discover that the worst thing that can happen is sometimes the very thing we desperately need.

Title: Trace of Fever
Author: Lori Foster
Received: From Tricia Carr @ Media Muscle
Synopsis: Undercover mercenary Trace Rivers loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned mission. First he’ll earn the trust of corrupt businessman Murray Coburn, then gather the proof he needs to shut down the man’s dirty smuggling operation. It’s a perfect scheme—until Coburn’s long-lost daughter saunters in with her own deadly plan for revenge.
With a smile like an angel and fire in her eyes, Priscilla Patterson isn’t who she seems to be. But neither is the gorgeous bodyguard who ignites all her senses. Joining forces to plot Coburn’s downfall, Priss and Trace must fight the undeniable heat between them. For one wrong move, one lingering embrace, will expose them to the wrath of a merciless opponent….

May 29, 2011
3 Comments