Memories Of The Lost: A Novel by Barbara O'Neal

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

An unsuspecting artist uncovers her late mother’s secrets and unravels her own hidden past in a beguiling novel by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.

Months after her mother passes away, artist Tillie Morrisey sees a painting in a gallery that leaves her inexplicably lightheaded and unsteady. When a handsome stranger comes to her aid, their connection is so immediate it seems fated, though Liam is only visiting for a few days.

Working on her own art has always been a refuge, but after discovering a document among her mother’s belongings that suggests Tillie’s life has been a lie, she begins to suffer from a series of fugue states, with memories surfacing that she isn’t even sure are her own. As her confusion and grief mount, and prompted by a lead on the painting that started it all, Tillie heads to a seaside village in England. There, she hopes to discover the source of her uncanny inspirations, sort out her feelings about Liam, and unravel truths that her mother kept hidden for decades.

The fluidity of memory, empowering strength of character, beauty of nature, and love of family braid together in this artful tapestry of a novel.

About the Author

Barbara O’Neal is the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen novels of women’s fiction, including the #1 Amazon Charts bestseller When We Believed in Mermaids, This Place of Wonder, and The Starfish Sisters. Her award-winning books have been published in more than two dozen countries. She lives on the coast of Oregon with her husband, a British endurance athlete who vows he’ll never lose his accent. To learn more about Barbara and her works, visit www.barbaraoneal.com.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful story! Memories Of The Lost:A Novel by Barbara O'Neal is a magical and modern fairy tale that will stay with you long after you've turned the very last page. I know that I fell in deep with this romance/mystery novel - it was just too good to put down! I found myself reading late into the night to find out what would happen next, because I couldn't stop thinking about Tillie and Liam. 

Chock full of family secrets, lost memories, unknown connections, and art - this story will captivate you right from the start. Tillie has recently lost her mother and while going through her belongings comes across a death certificate which leads to so many unanswered questions.  Memories that she has no clue about being to surface. And her instant connection to Liam leaves her wondering about him and their relationship. So many questions and so few answers lead Tillie to England. And, the answers she finds are shocking and eye-opening. Whoa! What a story! 

I just loved getting to know Tillie and Liam - their instant attraction was palpable. And I loved getting to know more about their families and their connection to one another. Plus, I love any story that takes place in England, especially Devon. I lived in Exeter for years, so I love reading about Devon. And the magic within the story was whimsical and fascinating. Memories Of The Lost was such a treat to read. I really enjoyed every second I spent with it. Barbara O'Neal has written a truly special story that I will happily recommend to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this book to bits! Make sure to check it out! 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Out of the Clear Blue Sky: A Novel by Kristan Higgins

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (from Goodreads)

From New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins comes a funny and surprising new novel about second chances--and why the lies we tell ourselves are the most dangerous.

Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isn't...heartbroken. She's furious.

Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as a mother, wife and nurse-midwife, she's used to caring for other people...not taking care of herself. Now, alone for the first time in her life, she finds herself going a little rogue. Is it over the top to crash her ex-husband's wedding, dressed like the angel of death? Sure! Should she release a skunk into his perfect new home? Probably not! But it beats staying home and moping.

She finds an unexpected ally in her glamorous sister, with whom she's had a tense relationship all these years. And an unexpected babysitter in of all people Ben Hallowell, the driver in a car accident that nearly killed Lillie 20 years ago. And then there's Ophelia, her ex-husband's oddly lost niece, who could really use a friend.

It's the end of Lillie's life as she knew it. But sometimes the perfect next chapter surprises you...out of the clear blue sky.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins is a terrific story. I just loved it to bits!

The writing is superb - chock full of relatable characters, emotional scenes, and a story that you don't want to stop reading. Talk about the perfect summer read!

I really enjoyed getting to know Lillie as her life fell apart, or at least she thought it felt like it was falling apart. Fortunately for her, when one door shuts, so many others fly open.  Soon, Lillie is living her best life yet and it is truly an adventure. 

Kristan Higgins has created a fun and emotional story that will grab you right from the start. You are going to fall in deep and love every minute you spend with Out of the Clear Blue Sky. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone - check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Bloomsbury Girls: A Novel by Natalie Jenner

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Natalie Jenner, the internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, returns with a compelling and heartwarming story of post-war London, a century-old bookstore, and three women determined to find their way in a fast-changing world in Bloomsbury Girls.

Bloomsbury Books is an old-fashioned new and rare bookstore that has persisted and resisted change for a hundred years, run by men and guided by the general manager's unbreakable fifty-one rules. But in 1950, the world is changing, especially the world of books and publishing, and at Bloomsbury Books, the girls in the shop have plans:

Vivien Lowry: Single since her aristocratic fiancé was killed in action during World War II, the brilliant and stylish Vivien has a long list of grievances--most of them well justified and the biggest of which is Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction.

Grace Perkins: Married with two sons, she's been working to support the family following her husband's breakdown in the aftermath of the war. Torn between duty to her family and dreams of her own.

Evie Stone: In the first class of female students from Cambridge permitted to earn a degree, Evie was denied an academic position in favor of her less accomplished male rival. Now she's working at Bloomsbury Books while she plans to remake her own future.

As they interact with various literary figures of the time--Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, and others--these three women with their complex web of relationships, goals and dreams are all working to plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner is a superb story that captured my heart and kept me reading til the wee hours of the morning. I absolutely LOVED it to bits! What a book!

It's 1950 in London and Bloomsbury Books is about to meet some change in the form of three young women: Grace, Vivien, and Evie. The store is run by men and they are stuck in the past.  In fact, Mr. Dutton, the manager of the store, has a set of 51 rules that MUST be followed.  And the women are expected to make tea and handle the cashier's desk, but not much else. Talk about ignorant co-workers. These women have ideas, determination, and know the meaning of hard work - they can make the bookshop soar, if they are given the chance.  This is their story and it is awesome. I just loved getting to know Grace, Vivien, and Evie - they were such great characters. I especially enjoyed their interactions with some of history's favorite writers - what a treat!  Plus, it was such fun to read about the ways in which they showed their male colleagues how to get the job done. 

Jenner has created a fantastic story that really draws you in and keeps you hooked. The history, the literary figures, the characters, and the storylines are all top notch.  Meaning, they are written about with such rich and vivid detail that you can't help but find yourself transported to Bloomsbury Books getting caught up in all of the drama. I just loved it! Bloomsbury Girls is an engaging and entertaining story that you can't help but fall in deep with - it's just that damn good. 

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Jenner and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

At Least You Have Your Health: A Novel by Madi Sinha

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Behind the wholesome veneer of a wellness clinic lies a dangerous secret in this compelling women's fiction novel from the author of The White Coat Diaries. 

Dr. Maya Rao is a gynecologist trying to balance a busy life. With three young children, a career, and a happy marriage, she should be grateful--on paper, she has it all. But after a disastrous encounter with a patient, Maya is forced to walk away from the city hospital where she's spent her entire career.

A new opportunity arises when Maya enrolls her daughter at an exclusive private school and crosses paths with Amelia DeGilles. Amelia is the owner and entrepreneur behind Eunoia Women's Health, a concierge wellness clinic that specializes in house calls for its clientele of wealthy women for whom no vitamin infusion or healing crystal is too expensive. All Eunoia needs is a gynecologist to join its ranks.

Amid visits to her clients' homes to educate and empower, and occasionally to remove crystals from bodily orifices, Maya comes to idolize the beautiful, successful Amelia. But Amelia's life isn't as perfect as it seems, and when Amelia's teenaged daughter is struck with a mysterious ailment, Maya must race to uncover the reason before it's too late. In the process, she risks losing what's most important to her and bringing to light a secret of her own that she's been desperately trying to keep hidden.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! What a smart, funny, and informative read! I just loved Madi Sinha's latest novel, At Least You Have Your Health, to bits. 

Great writing, an important topic (women's healthcare), a bit of mystery, and terrific characters that you can't help but fall in deep with - what more could you want from a book? Sinha has created an entertaining and engaging story that you won't be able to put down for anything. Once you have turned that first page, you are in, and nothing will stop you from staying up all night to finish this awesome book. Talk about a must-read!

At Least You Have Your Health is witty, fun, and such a treat to read. I most definitely recommend it to fans of Madi Sinha and to anyone looking for their next great read - you need to check this book out ASAP! You are going to be so happy you did. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

My Mother's Gift by Steffanie Edward

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Can your heart belong somewhere that you’ve never called home?

When Erica gets a phone call to say her mother, Ione, is ill in St Lucia, she knows she must go to her. Though the island – the place of her mother’s birth – is somewhere that Erica has never seen as her homeland.

Even when the plane touches down in the tropical paradise, with its palm trees swaying in the island breeze, the sound of accents so like her mother’s own calling loud in the air, Erica doesn’t find herself wanting to stay a moment longer than she has to.

But stepping into her mother’s house, she is shocked by what she finds. Her mother’s memory is fading, her once-immaculate house is now dirty and messy, and she’s refusing help from anyone but family. And Erica knows she must stay with her, even though it means leaving everything else behind.

What she doesn’t know is that – even as her mother’s memories get worse – Ione still has a final gift for her daughter. Because the unspoken secrets of their past are about to emerge, changing everything Erica thought she knew about her mother, her home, and who she really is…

A captivating tale of grief, love, and what it means to find home, perfect for fans of Andrea Levy, Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! What a beautiful story! I found myself sobbing and smiling as I read this book. It was such a heart-wrenching read. Steffanie Edward's novel, My Mother's Gift is a must-read for anyone and everyone looking for their next read - it is a can't miss story!

Erica lives in England, a country she now calls home, when she gets a call from her Aunt Barbara. Her mother, Ione, is getting worse. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago, her mother's condition has deteriorated and she needs help. So, Erica heads to St. Lucia, her mother's homeland, a place she was raised, but has never called home. Too much water under and over the bridge has made this tropical paradise a place to escape from, not escape to.  However, once Erica visits her mom and sees her home, she can't help feel a tug in heart that has her wondering if she should stay.  Erica's plan is to get her mom in a home back in England, so that she is taken care of. And yet, Erica soon finds herself becoming her mom's caregiver and dealing with a past chock full of difficulties and differences. Talk about a heartbreaking mother-daughter story!

Edward has written an emotional and thoughtful story about the impact of Alzheimer's on a mother-daughter relationship. She writes about it with such an honest and open tone, that you can't help but get caught up in the story. I loved getting to know Erica, Ione, and the history of their relationship. It was such a terrific book to get lost in. Family doesn't always get along and they don't always agree on what needs to be done when it comes to illness. I felt that Edward's depiction of this family was a breath of fresh air. She aired their history and present lives all out, and turned everything inside out; so that we could find ways to relate, and also, so we could begin to understand where they were coming from. Such a great story!

I would happily recommend My Mother's Gift! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The London House: A Novel by Katherine Reay

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Uncovering a dark family secret sends one woman through the history of Britain’s World War II spy network and glamorous 1930s Paris to save her family’s reputation.

Caroline Payne thinks it’s just another day of work until she receives a call from Mat Hammond, an old college friend and historian. But pleasantries are cut short. Mat has uncovered a scandalous secret kept buried for decades: In World War II, Caroline’s British great-aunt betrayed family and country to marry her German lover.

Determined to find answers and save her family’s reputation, Caroline flies to her family’s ancestral home in London. She and Mat discover diaries and letters that reveal her grandmother and great-aunt were known as the “Waite sisters.” Popular and witty, they came of age during the interwar years, a time of peace and luxury filled with dances, jazz clubs, and romance. The buoyant tone of the correspondence soon yields to sadder revelations as the sisters grow apart, and one leaves home for the glittering fashion scene of Paris, despite rumblings of a coming world war.

Each letter brings more questions. Was Caroline’s great-aunt actually a traitor and Nazi collaborator, or is there a more complex truth buried in the past? Together, Caroline and Mat uncover stories of spies and secrets, love and heartbreak, and the events of one fateful evening in 1941 that changed everything.

In this rich historical novel from award-winning author Katherine Reay, a young woman is tasked with writing the next chapter of her family’s story. But Caroline must choose whether to embrace a love of her own and proceed with caution if her family’s decades-old wounds are to heal without tearing them even further apart.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a wonderful story! I absolutely LOVED Katherine Reay's novel, The London House. It was such a terrific read. And, that book cover - talk about reeling a reader in. Loved it!

Okay, so what is this awesome story about? Family. WWII.  Sisters.  And so much more. It is a gripping story that will pull you right in. I loved getting to know these characters and their stories. It's fascinating to read about how war affected two sisters in such vastly different ways - makes you realize not only how similar we can be, but also how differently we react to the same things. 

Caroline gets a message from an old college friend, Mat.  He's working on an article about her family's history and apparently, it's not going to be a pretty picture he paints. Yep, turns out that the information he dug up on her aunt, Caro, leads to the term - traitor. Yikes! Suffice it to say, Caroline is shocked and asks Mat for time to talk to her father about the article.  However, when she meets up with her father, she's met with resistance - he doesn't wan to talk about Caro or their family's history. So, Caroline heads to The London House, where her mother lives and where she can dig up information about Caro.  Through old diaries and letters, along with Mat's help, Caroline begins to discover just who her aunt Caro was.  And let me just say - it's quite a family story she uncovers. 

Reay has written a superb novel that is the epitome of what historical fiction should be. Her attention to detail when describing the time period, culture, and people is amazing. Her characters are unforgettable and her story is unputdownable. The London House is one book you won't want to miss out on! Get your hands on a copy ASAP!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Sisters of the Great War: A Novel by Suzanne Feldman

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Two sisters. The Great War looming. A chance to shape their future.

Sisters Ruth and Elise Duncan could never have anticipated volunteering for the war effort. But in 1914, the two women decide to make the harrowing journey from Baltimore to Ypres, Belgium in order to escape the suffocating restrictions placed on them by their father and carve a path for their own future.

Smart and practical Ruth is training as a nurse but dreams of becoming a doctor. In a time when women are restricted to assisting men in the field, she knows it will take great determination to prove herself, and sets out to find the one person who always believed in her: a handsome army doctor from England. For quiet Elise, joining the all female Ambulance Corps means a chance to explore her identity, and come to terms with the growing attraction she feels towards women. Especially the charming young ambulance driver who has captured her heart.

In the twilight of the Old World and the dawn of the new, both young women come of age in the face bombs, bullets and the deadly futility of trench warfare. Together they must challenge the rules society has placed on them in order to save lives: both the soldiers and the people they love.

my thoughts:

Historical fiction at its very best! Sisters of the Great War by Suzanne Feldman is a terrific story that will captivate you with its exploration of women's roles in WWI and how much they contributed. Its fascinating and eye-opening. I just loved reading about these two sisters, Ruth and Elise,  and how they threw themselves into the war effort by volunteering. Ruth training to be a nurse dreams of becoming a doctor; while Elise joins the Ambulance Corps and falls in love with a driver.  These two women have their hopes, dreams, desires, and lives twisted and turned inside out during a brutal war that would leave them changed forevermore. Wow!

Feldmans has written an excellent story that will keep you turning pages all night long. Her writing is superb, chock full of historical details, vivid descriptions, and powerful storytelling.  Her characters are relatable, likable, and easy to root for. Such a great book!

I would happily recommend Sisters of the Great War to fans of Feldman's works and to anyone looking for their next read - you will fall in deep with this book. Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Inheritance: A Novel by Joann Ross

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

When conflict photographer Jackson Swann dies, he leaves behind a conflict of his own making when his three daughters, each born from a different mother and unknown to each other, discover that they’re now part owners of Maison de Madelaine, the family’s Oregon vineyard—a once famous business struggling to recover from a worldwide economic collapse.

After a successful career as a child TV star, a disastrous time as a teen pop star, and now a successful author, Tess is, for the first time in her life, suffering from a serious case of writer’s block and identity crisis.

Charlotte, brought up to be a proper Southern wife, has given up her own career goals to support her husband while having spent the past year struggling to conceive a child to create a more perfect marriage. On the worst day of her life, she discovers her beloved father has died, she has two sisters she’d never been told about, and her husband has fallen in love with another woman.

Natalie, daughter of Jack’s long-time mistress, has always known about both half-sisters. Still mourning the loss of her mother, the death of her father a year later is a devastating blow. And she can’t help feeling that both her sisters may resent her for being the daughter their father decided to keep.

As the sisters reluctantly gather at the family vineyard, they're enchanted by the legacy they've inherited, and by their grandmother’s rich stories of life in WWII France and the love she found with a wounded American soldier who brought her to Oregon where they started Maison de Madelaine

my thoughts:

Family drama centered on sisters who have just found out about each other via an inheritance their father has bequeathed them - a vineyard. Talk about a must read! How could I not want to read Joann Ross' novel, The Inheritance?! And, let me just say, I'm so glad that I did - the book was amazing! Here's why I loved it so much:

1. I love family dramas - they are always the best stories, because there are always secrets that shock and shake the family up and down. 

2. Sister drama - OMG! Yep, anything to do with sisterhood and I'm in. Especially, since there is always going to be jealousy, petty dramas, and with this book - sisters finding out about each other!? What the what?! 

3. A family vineyard - an inheritance that ties these new-to-each other sisters together - I love it! Talk about learning about your father and your family's history.

4. A grandmother and her stories. Love, love, love!

5.  The writing is superb. It's intoxicating with its rich details, vivid descriptions, and layers of family history. 

6. The sisters. Different as night and day, but sharing pain and grief over their father and their recent discovery of one another. Whoa!

7.  The story...I loved the drama, the sisters, and reading all about their grandmother's WWII experiences. So good!!

The Inheritance is one book I won't soon forget. I loved it to bits! And, I would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Read My Lips: A Riches Royals Novel by Kelle Z. Riley

(Thank you to Kelle Z. Riley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

A billionaire-in-disguise meets career-focused lover in this sparkling and sensuous chocolate-filled romance

Chattanooga, TN – “Good cocoa is like good lovemaking. It’s best when it’s hot, sweet, and a little spicy.” Kelle Z. Riley (Undercover Cat series) channels humor and emotion in one luxurious dessert. 

Read My Lips (Sept. 7, 2021) is a lush romance gripped with desire from the very first page. 

Claire Lennox has sworn off rich, powerful men ever since her former boyfriend used her to climb the corporate ladder leaving her emotionally jaded and her career in ruins. Contractually obligated to stay within the company, she accepts a position as the director of the McClaine Literacy Foundation and remains dedicated to her work, never removing her professional guise.

Self-made billionaire, Clayton Arthur McClaine, has it all. Since selling his famous “fantasy fudge” recipe, he’s created a chocolate empire from humble beginnings. But one issue stands in Clayton’s way; his struggle with dyslexia. Desperate to resolve this before his rivals find out, he disguises himself as a factory worker to visit his own literacy foundation. What Clayton didn’t expect was his immediate attraction to Claire and her inability to see beyond his deception. 

As Clayton continues to visit Claire, their involvement juggles between steamy sessions and unresolved feelings. But with every encounter, Clayton’s mask slips a little and it’s only a matter of time before Claire finally sees his true self.

my thoughts:

Wow! What an awesome story! I just LOVED Read My Lips: A Riches Royals Novel by Kelle Z. Riley - it was such a delightful treat to read. Talk about the perfect book to kick off the Fall season with!

Clayton is a self-made billionaire. His life is gravy, except for the fact that he has dyslexia, something he struggles with.  He decides to use his own literacy foundation to seek help. Of course, he wears a disguise so that no one will recognize him - which is rather hard, considering that his face is plastered everywhere at THE most eligible bachelor. Claire is a woman who has had hear heart and career broken, but due to a contract, she must remain at the company.  So, she decides to switch positions within the company and become the director of their literacy foundation.  I'm pretty sure you can guess what happens next - Claire and Clayton meet. Their attraction is instant and they are soon ensconced in a relationship that is built on lust and lies. Except, love begins to find a way in.  Will the truth break them apart? Oh my, what a love story!

Riley has written a terrific romance story that is chock full of unforgettable characters, sexy storylines, and  top notch writing. I really enjoyed getting to know Clayton and Claire - rooting for them to make it work as a couple. Reading about their struggles, their hopes and dreams, their romance - it was so much fun to delve into their lives. Read My Lips is the first book in the A Riches Royals Novel lineup and I can't wait to read more. 

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Riley and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in love with this book!

Thank you to Kelle Z. Riley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Unbreakables: A Novel by Lisa Barr

about book:

A delicious, sharp novel about a woman who jets off to France after her perfect marriage collapses, putting the broken pieces of herself back together while rediscovering her own joie de vivre—a lust for life, art, and steamy sex. 

The worst birthday ever might just be the gift of a lifetime…

It’s Sophie Bloom’s forty-second birthday, and she’s ready for a night of celebration with Gabe, her longtime, devoted husband, and her two besties and their spouses. Dinner is served with a side of delicious gossip, including which North Grove residents were caught with their pants down on Ashley Madison after the secret on-line dating site for married and committed couples was hacked. Thirty-two million cheaters worldwide have been exposed…including Sophie’s “perfect” husband. To add insult to injury, she learns Gabe is the top cheater in their town. 

Humiliated and directionless, Sophie jumps into the unknown and flees to France to meet up with her teenage daughter who is studying abroad and nursing her own heartbreak. After a brief visit to Paris, Sophie heads out to the artist enclave of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. There, for the first time in a long time, Sophie acknowledges her own desires—not her husband’s, not her daughter’s—and rediscovers her essence with painful honesty and humor, reawakening both her sensuality and ambitions as a sculptor. 

As she sheds her past and travels the obstacle-filled off beaten path, Sophie Bloom is determined to blossom. Allowing her true self to emerge in the postcard beauty of Provence, Sophie must decide what is broken forever...and what it means to be truly unbreakable.

“Artful, feminist, and emotionally gripping. The Unbreakables is a remarkable tribute to a woman’s strength in the face of heartbreak and adversity.” — Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient

Smart, sure and sexy, The Unbreakables is unforgettable.” — Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale and The Lost Girls of Paris

“This exquisitely wrought novel will appeal to readers who believe in the redemption of new beginnings.” — Publishers Weekly

my thoughts:

For Paris in July I finally picked up my copy of The Unbreakables.  I bought the book over a year ago, but never found myself ready to read it. I figured the time was finally now. And so, I dove right in. Let me just say, I wish I had pulled myself right out of it. The book was a dud for me. Definitely not my cup of tea.  

The only parts of the book I enjoyed reading about were the ones that included descriptions of France and all its glories (museums, cafes, restaurants, countryside).  The story itself, well, I found myself rolling my eyes and skim reading it. There were just too many cliches, caricatures, and unfulfilling storylines. Basically, Sophie finds out her husband has cheated on her throughout their entire marriage. She's devastated and heads to France to be with their daughter - she called her mom crying that her boyfriend had cheated on her. Turns out she cheated on her boyfriend with a married man and may be pregnant. How ridiculous is that? Anyhow, I'm sure you can guess what happens next. Sophie sets about discovering herself in France. And, there you have it. That's the whole story. Talk about predictable with a capital P. 

So, why did I keep reading the book instead of DNFing it? France. Reading about France is the only thing that kept me turning pages. Sophie finally visiting the Café de Flore, walking around the Rodin museum, and driving through the French countryside - all of that was worth reading. I couldn't help but daydream about these places as Sophie walked around them or sat outside them. Those were the fun parts of the book. All in all, The Unbreakables was just not for me. Oh well, can't love them all, right? 

And now, I'm off to read something by Sally Rooney. I've been managing a book or two a day, and I want to keep that reading streak going, so I have decided to dive into a book by an author that I consider to be "a sure thing" - meaning, the book won't disappoint. 

Hope you all are staying safe and enjoying a great read.  

Very Sincerely Yours: A Novel by Kerry Winfrey

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A charming and heartwarming new romantic comedy by the author of Waiting for Tom Hanks, Kerry Winfrey. 

Teddy Phillips never thought she'd still be spending every day surrounded by toys at almost thirty years old. But working at a vintage toy store is pretty much all she has going on in her life after being unceremoniously dumped by her longtime boyfriend. The one joy that she's kept is her not-so-guilty pleasure: Everett's Place, a local children's show hosted by Everett St. James, a man whom Teddy finds very soothing . . . and, okay, cute.

Teddy finds the courage to write to him, feeling slightly like one of the children who write to him on his show. He always gives sound advice and seems like he has everything figured out--and he pretty much does: Everett has a great support system, wonderful friends, and his dream job. But there's still that persistent feeling in the back of his mind that something's missing.

When a woman named Theodora starts writing to Everett, he is drawn to her honesty and vulnerability. They continue writing to each other, all the while living their lives without meeting. When their worlds collide, however, they must both let go of their fears and figure out what they truly want--and if the future they want includes each other.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! What a fantastic story! I just LOVED Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey to bits! It was fun, engaging, sweet, and just such a delight to read. I gobbled it up in one sitting and can't wait to read it again and again. 

Teddy works at the vintage toy store in town. Her boyfriend has dumped her. And now she is at a loss. She's trying to figure out who she is and what she wants from life. So, she decides to write to Everett. He's the host of the local kid's show. And, Teddy likes him, a lot. Plus, she believes he has his life together, so why can't he help her out with a bit of advice. Everett does have his life together. In fact, his life appears to be picture perfect, except it's not. Nope, Everett is not happy. Something, or someone is missing from his life. So, when he starts to read Teddy's letters, he finds himself writing back. Soon they have developed a relationship of sorts via their letters. Of course, life intervenes and the two actually meet. The only thing is that they don't have a meet-cute, nope their's is the opposite. And, that is all I will share about the story. This is one book you must read for yourself to find out what happens next. Trust me, you will LOVE this book to bits. Definitely check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery pens a love story of a different sort…a heartfelt tale of friendship between two women who used to be sisters.

Once upon a time, when her dad married Sage’s mom, Daisy was thrilled to get a bright and shiny new sister. But Sage was beautiful and popular, everything Daisy was not, and she made sure Daisy knew it.

Sage didn’t have Daisy’s smarts—she had to go back a grade to enroll in the fancy rich-kid school. So she used her popularity as a weapon, putting Daisy down to elevate herself. After the divorce, the stepsisters’ rivalry continued until the final, improbable straw: Daisy married Sage’s first love, and Sage fled California.

Eighteen years, two kids and one troubled marriage later, Daisy never expects—or wants—to see Sage again. But when the little sister they have in common needs them both, they put aside their differences to care for Cassidy. As long-buried truths are revealed, no one is more surprised than they when friendship blossoms.

Their fragile truce is threatened by one careless act that could have devastating consequences. They could turn their backs on each other again…or they could learn to forgive once and for all and finally become true sisters of the heart.

my thoughts:

What an emotional read! The Stepsisters by Susan Mallery will have you crying one minute and then laughing the next. It is all about family relationships, childhood, and sibling rivalry. It's also about forgiveness, betrayal, and secrets. I just loved it to bits!  Family drama is where its at!

Daisy, Sage, and Cassidy are sisters, well, stepsisters to be exact.  Growing up, Daisy and Sage did not get along - they waged war against one another all the time. Fast forward, the two sisters do not talk and do not want to see each other ever again. Until, Cassidy, their little sister needs them both.  Putting aside their past and their massive differences, they reunite in the name of 'family'.  As the sisters spend time together, they begin to learn more about each other and their family's secrets.  They also begin to forgive one another.  Of course, all it takes is for one reckless moment to ruin all the hardworking they've put into moving forward...or maybe not? 

Mallery has created an engaging and emotional story that will hook you right from the start. Her writing is top notch. The characters are relatable, flawed, and unforgettable. And the story itself...unputdownable. I would definitely recommend The Stepsisters to fans of Mallery and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book to bits!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Clover Girls: A Novel by Viola Shipman

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

As comforting and familiar as a favorite sweater, Viola Shipman's novels never fail to deliver a heartfelt story of friendship and familty, encapsulating summer memories in every page. Fans of Dorthea Benton Frank and Nancy Thayer will love this new story about three childhood friends approaching middle age, determined to rediscover the dreams that made them special as campers in 1985.

Elizabeth, Veronica, Rachel and Emily met at Camp Birchwood as girls in 1985, where they called themselves The Clover Girls (after their cabin name). The years following that magical summer pulled them in very different directions and, now approaching middle age, the women are facing new challenges: the inevitable physical changes that come with aging, feeling invisible to society, disinterested husbands, surley teens, and losing their sense of self.

Then, Elizabeth, Veronica and Rachel each receive a letter from Emily – she has cancer and, knowing it’s terminal, reaches out to the girls who were her best friends once upon a time and implores them to reunite at Camp Birchwood to scatter her ashes. When the three meet at the property for the first time in what feels like a lifetime, another letter from Emily awaits, explaining that she has purchased the abandoned camp, and now it belongs to them – at Emily’s urging, they must spend a week together remembering the dreams they’d put aside, and find a way to become the women they always swore they’d grow up to be. Through flashbacks to their youthful summer, we see the four friends then and now, rebuilding their lives, flipping a middle finger to society's disdain for aging women, and with a renewed purpose to find themselves again.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a wonderful story! The Clover Girls by Viola Shipman was fantastic! I loved it to bits and would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book so hard. 

Elizabeth, Veronica, Rachel, and Emily meet at summer camp in 1985.  They become best friends and don themselves The Clover Girls. They unanimously agree that 1985 is the BEST summer ever. Fast forward several decades and they are now middle-aged women dealing with all the trappings that come with being middle-aged - think, family drama, the process of aging itself, and adulthood in general.  Life is definitely not carefree like it was in 1985.  One day, Elizabeth, Veronica, and Rachel, find themselves on the receiving end of a letter from Emily.  She tells them that she has terminal cancer and would like for the three of them to reunite at camp to scatter her ashes. They agree and find themselves meeting up for the first time in ages. They also find out via another letter from Emily, that she has bought the camp and left it to them.  She wants them to stay at camp for a week and reconnect, not only with each other, but also within themselves.  Talk about a tearjerker. I couldn't help but cry at the friendships, their memories of camp, Emily's last wish, and just everything. I also couldn't help but LOVE the flashbacks to life in 1985, and these four women and their friendship.  The Clover Girls gave me all the feels and I enjoyed every second of it.  Such a great book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Break-Up Book Club by Wendy Wax

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Breakups, like book clubs, come in many shapes and sizes and can take us on unexpected journeys as four women discover in this funny and heartwarming exploration of friendship from the USA Today bestselling author of Ten Beach Road and My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding.

On paper, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara have little in common – they’re very different people leading very different lives. And yet at book club meetings in an historic carriage house turned bookstore, they bond over a shared love of reading (and more than a little wine) as well as the growing realization that their lives are not turning out like they expected.

Former tennis star Jazmine is a top sports agent balancing a career and single motherhood. Judith is an empty nester questioning her marriage and the supporting role she chose. Erin’s high school sweetheart and fiancé develops a bad case of cold feet, and Sara’s husband takes a job out of town saddling Sara with a difficult mother-in-law who believes her son could have done better – not exactly the roommate most women dream of.

With the help of books, laughter, and the joy of ever evolving friendships, Jazmine, Judith, Erin and Sara find the courage to navigate new and surprising chapters of their lives as they seek their own versions of happily-ever-after.

my thoughts:

What a fun and delightful story! I just LOVED The Break-Up Club by Wendy Wax. It was chock full of quirky and relatable characters, DRAMA, and a bit of romance. This book was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. 

Jazmine, Judith, Erin, and Sara belong to a book club.  They meet up, discuss books, drink wine, and share about their struggles. Through these meetings they are able to vent out their frustrations and worries, and strengthen their bonds of friendship.  These women are so different from each other, and yet they soon realize that their problems are what they seem to have in common. None of them are living the lives they had once upon a time imagined for themselves. And now, they are sinking, unhappy, and unable to see a way out.  Luckily, they have each other and through these friendships are able to figure out how to turn their lives around (or at least try to).

Wax has written a terrific story that is just perfect for summertime reading. You are going to enjoy the top notch writing, the unforgettable characters, and the addictive storylines that you won't want to stop reading. This is one book you have to add to your TBR lists. Definitely check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Get swept into a summer of sunshine, soul-searching and shameless matchmaking with this delightfully bighearted road-trip adventure by USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan!

Kathleen is eighty years old. After she has a run-in with an intruder, her daughter wants her to move into a residential home. But she’s not having any of it. What she craves—what she needs—is adventure.

Liza is drowning in the daily stress of family life. The last thing she needs is her mother jetting off on a wild holiday, making Liza long for a solo summer of her own.

Martha is having a quarter-life crisis. Unemployed, unloved and uninspired, she just can’t get her life together. But she knows something has to change.

When Martha sees Kathleen’s advertisement for a driver and companion to share an epic road trip across America with, she decides this job might be the answer to her prayers. She's not the world's best driver, but anything has to be better than living with her parents. And traveling with a stranger? No problem. Anyway, how much trouble can one eighty-year-old woman be?

As these women embark on the journey of a lifetime, they all discover it's never too late to start over…

my thoughts:

What a fun and sweet story! The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan is perfect for a summer read. It's chock full of adventure, sassy characters, and the enduring life lesson that it's never too late to start over. Talk about an engaging and delightful read. I just LOVED The Summer Seekers to bits!

Kathleen's eighty and after having a run-in with an intruder at her home, her daughter, Liza, is pushing for her to move into a residential home. But, Kathleen is not having it. She loves her cottage and her independence. And, she's ready for an adventure. Liza is worried. She worries about everyone and everything, so she's not keen on her mother taking off on a road trip with a complete stranger. Yep, Kathleen has always wanted to road trip across America and she's hired Martha to be her driver. Martha's twenty-five, living at home with her parents after her recent divorce, and looking forward to this trip to get away from it all. So, off to America they go.  As for Liza, she decides to stay at her mom's cottage in Cornwall to take a break from her own life and rediscover herself. In the end, all three women have adventures, revelations, and life-changing moments. And, it's such a treat to journey with them all. 

The Summer Seekers is a terrific story that I would happily recommend to fans of Morgan and to anyone looking for the perfect summer read - you will LOVE this book to bits!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!