While You Were Skiing by Megan Byrd

 

While You Were Skiing by Megan Byrd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

About the Novel: 

She said yes to a fake relationship. She didn’t expect to fall for the wrong brother.

Piper’s had a crush on her coworker for three years. So when he asks her to join him on his family’s Christmas holiday as his fake girlfriend, she can’t turn down the opportunity to show him how good they’d be together for real. There’s just one tiny problem. She may have oversold her abilities on the slopes. As in, she’s never skied in her life. What’s the worst that could happen? 

 Mac’s at a crossroads. Should he join his father in the family business or continue flying planes for the Air Force? He doesn’t want to disappoint his family, but does that have to mean giving up his own dreams? And what about the gorgeous girlfriend his younger brother brought on the family vacation and then left to fend for herself? Surely, someone has to make sure she feels welcome. 

As Piper gets a glimpse of what a real relationship with her crush would look like, while also spending time with a man who is his complete opposite, she wonders if perhaps she’s hitched herself to the wrong man. 

My Review: I am very happy to recommend this adorable, fun, fake dating, falling-for-the-wrong-brother story. I am happy to have been one of Megan's beta readers, and wow, did she deliver in this final copy of the novel!

I really enjoyed this novel. Piper is great and very cute and also human. Mac is so very grumpy. and Lucas is, well, both thoughtful and a bit of a jerk. So is Mac, in some ways, to be honest. In other words, the whole cast is human.

"Is this a kissing book?" Yes, but in a good way.

Readers may find similarities to another famous holiday film (also mentioned in the story), but to be honest, it struck me out of the blue--in a good way! From the beginning, this novel had all the earmarks and flow of a Hallmark holiday film–in all the best ways! Cozy, fun, happily-ever-after. P

Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Awake: The Jen Hatmaker Memoir

Awake: A brutally honest memoir from New York Times bestselling author, Jen Hatmaker by Jen Hatmaker


I have followed Jen Hatmaker on her blog and social media for about twelve years, since I first read her book "7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess." I have helped launch her books "For the Love," "Of Mess and Moxie," "Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire," and her cookbook "Feed These People."

In the years following the release of these books, I have watched Jen reshape her faith, her faith practice, her views on controversial (and often polarizing) topics, and be more and more open about her views concerning God, faith, the church, and of course in the years following her divorce, dating and relationships. I realize that my story is different from Jen's, and that's fine. I'm older, I am still married, and I've approached middle age in different ways.

I say all of that to say this: I don't think I can recommend this book in good conscience to very many people. Not without several caveats.

(Side note: If you have not read Jen's NYT interview, then the opinions below might be construed as "spoilers;" however, since more than this has been revealed both in that interview, by Jen on her own multiple platforms, and in other reviews here on Goodreads, I don't think I'm revealing anything new here.)

First, if you are looking for gossip or "tea," you'll find some hints, but not a lot of details (rightly so, in my opinion, because she and her ex-husband have children who may be grown, but are still "the kids" in this scenario). Second, if you're looking for a traditional memoir in the sense that the story is told linearly or in chronological order, this is not it. It skips randomly around in time in the first half, without a clear path. Third, in many ways this is predictable in the sense that divorce has happened, new relationships on both sides have been formed, everyone is throwing away their purity culture rings and former standards, etc. Finally, I just don't agree with Jen's opinions on every topic.

The reason I would consider recommending this book to some people is the second half. For me, that second half with the examination of codependency, family support, friendship, and getting older all resonated and were much more relatable than the first part of the book.

If you are a person who has had a cheating spouse, this book might not be for you if that is a trigger. If you are a person who is annoyed by the bashing of purity culture in the 80s and 90s, don't read the first part of the book. If you are in a ministry marriage, this book might not be for you either. But if you're a superfan of Jen Hatmaker, by all means order the book and attend an event and celebrate all the Awake you want to. I used to strongly relate with Jen, but I find now that I really don't. That's fine. I'm not bashing her, and I wish her all success with this new book. It just isn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reading ebook for review. All thoughts are my own.

The Payback Plan

Introducing The Payback Plan, the first installment in this gorgeously spicy series The Karma Club…where just desserts are best served shared! Perfect for fans of The First Wives Club and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Karma's here to stay!

When fate strands Paige Parker at O’Hare airport during a snow storm little does she know her misfortune is the beginning of a wild and life-changing adventure. Because when she meets three complete strangers, they quickly bond over shared tales of betrayal and heartbreak. And just for fun, they concoct a scheme to exact sweet revenge on their exes!

Except when the plan becomes a reality, Paige finds herself in Cornwall with Olly Prendergast. Son of a movie star, grumpy recluse and responsible for jilting his fiancé on their wedding day with a text message. The payback plan has begun! Step one: move into his spare room and disrupt his peace and quiet. Step two: bring a pet hamster, adopt a dog and let chaos run loose. Step Three: unapologetically make a mess in his pristine house at every opportunity. Step 4: 

Show Mr Grumpy what fun looks like!

But Paige is unprepared when the plan begins to backfire and she starts to see the man behind the reputation. And when she can’t ignore their undeniable chemistry anymore Paige has to battle with the secret she’s been keeping from Olly and loyalty to her friend and The Karma Club…

Review: 

I enjoyed this novel, from the beginning setup, through the torture Paige puts upon longsuffering Oliver in big and small ways, to their enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. It also made me want to go back to England so badly!

The story begins with four women who meet in O'Hare Airport in December during a weather delay.  After sharing their various breakup stories, they form a friendship bound by their commitment to enact karma on each other's exes for revenge. (While it sounds great, we all know it won't end the way they want it to in the airport, don't we?)

Grumpy, neat-freak handsome semi-famous man meets the friend of his ex, a woman who is not who he thinks she is. In truth, she is not herself--she has reinvented herself into a gal who would best torture said Mr. Grumpy Pants. The funny thing is, she may not be the self she's been after her own awful time after her own awful ex--but she is more herself in many ways than she's been in a long time. I liked that part of the character arc very much.

Lovely animal characters with lots of humor there. In fact, I laughed aloud several times in the first half of the novel! Also contains moderate language and spice. Overall, I enjoyed this novel very much.

Thank you to Amy Andrews, Love Books Tours, and Boldwood Books for an advanced ebook copy to review. All opinions are my own.

#Ad #GiftedBook #FreeBookReview  #LBTCrew #Bookstagram 

@amyandrewsbooks @boldwoodeverafter @lovebookstours

It all starts with a secret, and it builds from there...

Welcome to the book tour for The Greatest Lie of All by Jillian Cantor.

Blurb:

A glamorous romance novelist and an aspiring starlet share an unexpected secret in this addictive story about love, ambition and how far we’re willing to go to protect our hearts

Fledgling actress Amelia Grant is at rock bottom when offered the opportunity of a to star in a biopic about the world-renowned romance author Gloria Diamond, who used her own tragic love story as inspiration for her bestselling books. To prepare for the role, she’ll spend a week with Gloria at her secluded Washington estate. It’s a chance to get out of LA, away from her cheating ex-boyfriend, and to make her recently deceased mother proud.

Amelia’s excitement is short-lived, however, once she actually meets Gloria, who is cold, verging on rude and mostly unavailable. If not for Gloria’s frustratingly handsome son Will, the visit might be a complete waste of her time. But when Amelia stumbles upon a secret from Gloria’s past, she realizes Gloria’s life story is more fiction than fact. And as the movie’s filming date draws nearer, Amelia must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth.

Review: 

I will say I enjoyed watching this whole story unfold. I liked all the characters (yes, even Gloria), and I am a sucker for a dual-timeline story.

I also love a good mystery.

One question I'm anticipating is: This book is being compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo--is it like that novel? Well, not exactly. But in some ways it's similar in that there are so many secrets!

I wasn't sure this "greatest lie of all" would be a surprise, but it was. I had an inkling, but not the whole story. If you like to be surprised, this is a great novel to choose.

__

Thank you to the publisher and the author for an eARC of this novel for review. All thoughts are my own.

PS: Link is to Goodreads, not any affiliate link for purchase. Buy from your favorite retailer or check it out at your local library.

It only takes just one weekend...

 ...to turn your life upside down.

Or right-side up.

Welcome to the Love Books Tours book tour for Just One Weekend by Catherine Aitken.

Book Blurb:

A woman in need of change; a reclusive, broken rock star and the city that never sleeps . . . What could possibly go wrong?

Sandy wants adventure. Bored waiting for her husband to give up work so they can travel the world, she jets off to New York with best friend, Isobel, chasing a slice of their youthful dreams at a reunion concert for The Brig – the pop group they fangirled over long past the age they should’ve known better.

But her meticulous sightseeing plans unravel when Isobel’s virtual boyfriend makes a surprise appearance and Sandy is saddled with an inebriated passenger who had made her transatlantic flight a misery. So much for smart suits and first-class upgrades.

Stuck with this stranger - who turns out to be not such a stranger after all - Sandy embarks on a whirlwind weekend zigzagging across New York. As inhibitions fade and heartbreaks surface, the initial animosity between two lost souls gives way to a surprising connection from long ago. Now, Sandy must decide if this unexpected adventure is the one she’s been searching for.

Pattie's Book Review:

I have some thoughts about this book and its plot that might not be popular, and I'm endeavoring to avoid spoilers. While I liked Sandy the planner whose plans are turned sideways, the plot, the characters, and the madcap situations that Sandy and Jake found themselves in, I did not love Sandy the wild child who threw her plans (and an important relationship) away. I felt a bit betrayed by a few of her choices. I mostly understand them, yet I don't agree with them.

I gave the book four stars on Goodreads for the creativity of the plot, the complexity of its characters, and the depth of emotion. I was NOT happy with the failure of a certain relationship (spoilers), and I was not a huge fan of Sandy's reckless side. Nevertheless, the book was well-written and certainly thought-provoking for this "woman of a certain age" reader.

Special thanks to the author, Kelly at Love Books Tours, and the publisher for a digital ebook for review. All thoughts about the book are my own.

Author's website: https://www.catherineaitken.com/

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The Booklover's Library

 

Welcome to the book blog tour for Madeline Martin's latest historical novel, The Booklover's Library.

I am so excited that I am able to tell you about her latest book! I read her debut novel The Last Bookshop in London and thoroughly enjoyed it.

About the Book:

A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of books that bring them together, by the bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

In Nottingham, England, widow Emma Taylor finds herself in desperate need of a job. She and her beloved daughter Olivia have always managed just fine on their own, but with the legal restrictions prohibiting widows with children from most employment opportunities, she’s left with only one option: persuading the manageress at Boots’ Booklover’s Library to take a chance on her with a job.

When the threat of war in England becomes a reality, Olivia must be evacuated to the countryside. In the wake of being separated from her daughter, Emma seeks solace in the unlikely friendships she forms with her neighbors and coworkers, and a renewed sense of purpose through the recommendations she provides to the library’s quirky regulars. But the job doesn’t come without its difficulties. Books are mysteriously misshelved and disappearing and the work at the lending library forces her to confront the memories of her late father and the bookstore they once owned together before a terrible accident.

As the Blitz intensifies in Nottingham and Emma fights to reunite with her daughter, she must learn to depend on her community and the power of literature more than ever to find hope in the darkest of times.

About the Author:

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

My Review(ish):

Today is the last day of the blog tour, and I have to tell you I haven't quite finished the novel. In fact, I had my doubts in the beginning. Obviously, since I loved her debut, I had high hopes for this novel. And with the way the novel began with tragedy following tragedy and even more tragedy and a war...well, I was just not sure how Emma would survive this novel! And she's the main character!

As it moved along past the string of tragedies, the story picked up quite a bit, more historical context was explored (in particular, the law about married and widowed women not being allowed to work!), and things moved along quite well. It's a powerful story, one which I am enjoying now that I'm past the first few chapters.

Martin is a terrific storyteller, and I hope you enjoy this novel as much as I am!

Where can I buy the book? (Note: these links are NOT affiliate links. I make no money from this.)

• HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-booklovers-library-madeline-martin?variant=41311560695842  
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335000399  
• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-booklovers-library-madeline-martin/1143849745  
• BookShop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-booklover-s-library-original-madeline-martin/20392302

Where can I find the author online?

• Author Website: https://madelinemartin.com/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadelineMMartin 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemmartin/ 
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12062937.Madeline_Martin 

Thank you to HarperCollins, NetGalley and Madeline Martin for an ebook review copy of this novel. All thoughts are my own.

Be creative!

 Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration by Sharon J. Burton

About the Book:

Are you ready to rediscover, reclaim or reignite your creative flame and embark on an exciting journey of self-expression and imagination? Midlife is the perfect moment to embrace your inner artist, and "Creative Sparks: 21 Affirmations and Inspiration for Creativity at Midlife" is your guiding light on this transformative path. Midlife is a season of self-discovery and  reinvention. Through 21 (plus a bonus!) empowering affirmations, creativity tips, advice from artists, writers, and musicians, and journal exercises, "Creative Sparks" will help you rekindle your creative and artistic passions, guiding you to create your most meaningful and fulfilling work yet.

If you've ever dreamed of creating something extraordinary, if you've yearned to express your innermost thoughts and feelings, and if you're seeking the inspiration to make your creative dreams a reality, then "Creative Sparks" is the key to unlocking your artistic potential. From painting to writing, music to crafts, you’ll find the inspiration to embrace your artistic calling, no matter your chosen medium.

About the Author: 

Sharon J. Burton is an artist, art curator, poet, teaching artist, yoga nidra guide, certified creativity coach and founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching based in the Washington, DC area. Since 2016, she has focused on helping people in "creative recovery"...those looking to revive or jump start their creativity through group and individual coaching, workshops, her blog and as the host of Spark Your Creative Podcast which features artists and other creatives who are using their unique talents to create more mindful communities and a safer world. (Author's Website: SparkYourCreative.com)

Book Review:

This book came to me at the perfect time. As a writer of a certain age, I felt like this book spoke to me where I am right now: an empty nester with a desire to write and a need to do creative things, but often feeling stuck in the middle of everything. Sharon's words are kind and thoughtful, borne of years of experience, and most importantly, they do not talk down to those of us who are entering a new phase of life reluctantly or with strong feelings. She is with us as our guide, offering ideas, prompts for writing and art, and practical suggestions for moving forward with confidence and vigor, rather than anger and cynicism. I highly recommend this book as a guide, an anchor, a way forward, and a workbook to savor and work through. 

Link to purchase (this is NOT an affiliate link): https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sparks-Affirmations-Inspiration-Creativity-ebook/dp/B0D2GGK25D

Thanks to Kelly Lacey at Love Books Tours as well as the author and her publisher for a review copy, and thanks to the author for her words of wisdom. All thoughts are my own.

 

One Month's Notice

Welcome to the Love Books Summer Extravaganza Tour for One Month’s Notice.

Book Blurb:

Nothing is going well for Natalie Cavendish. Struggling financially and reeling from a painful breakup, she moves in with her brother’s family and finds herself at a crossroads.

Should she pursue her passion for interior design or settle for something more conventional?

When Nat lands a job as the PA to Michael, the CEO of a social media company, sparks fly as they navigate the complexities of working together.

While Nat struggles to prove herself professionally, tensions rise and she must confront her own feelings.

But with a race against time to secure a design contract that could change her life, Nat discovers a shocking truth that threatens to unravel everything.

With the fate of Michael’s company hanging in the balance, will she sacrifice her own dreams to save everything he has worked for?

Opposites attract in this heartwarming office romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Book Review: 

The novel has a good plot and a good subplot. I found it difficult to learn about the male lead Michael’s character, as he is really just doing his own thing and not paying attention. The female lead, Nat, is good, realistic in the way she keeps trying to bolster her self-esteem, and yet still falls back into old habits of downplaying her gifts and talents. (This feels realistic, because who of us doesn’t do this sometimes in our lives?)

Also, what is it with moms not doing a good job of bolstering their daughters, but instead criticizing them? This is the second rom-com I’ve read this summer in which the mom is downgrading her kid. Not cool

I really liked this book, although mostly the plot was easy to predict.

Thanks to Love Books Tours as well as the author and her publisher, for a review copy of this novel. All thoughts about the book are my own.

New Dreams at Polkerran Point

Welcome to the Love Books Summer Extravaganza Tour for New Dreams at Polkerran Point.

Book Blurb: 

A surprise inheritance will open the doors to her future, and also the past…

When Aunt Meg leaves her cottage to Anna Redding in her will, Anna immediately packs up and heads to Polkerran, the Cornish fishing village where she was so happy as a child.

With ambitions to turn the cottage into a B&B, a job working for the enigmatic historian, Oliver Seymour, and the return of her childhood crush, Alex Tremayne, it seems the stars have all aligned for Anna.

But Aunt Meg left behind a mystery for her to solve, and a shocking discovery reveals she may be living a dream that isn’t really hers to hold. Can Anna rescue the new life she’s made for herself? Who in Polkerran can she really count on in her time of need?

Book Review:

I really enjoyed reading this story about Anna. Of course we love her, her cat, the grumpy neighbor, the friendly villagers who adopt Anna into their morning coffee klatch (which is held in her own kitchen?!), and her high school crush. I also enjoyed learning about her Aunt Meg and how she is still influencing Anna in good ways, even after her own death.

I thoroughly enjoyed how this story played out, and the author is very skilled at revealing just what she has to, at the time it’s needed most.

Recommended for those who love British cosy romances, which I particularly enjoy.

Thanks to Love Books Tours as well as the author and her publisher, for a review copy of this novel. All thoughts about the book are my own.

 

Second Chances at the Beach with Turtles and Love

 

Welcome to the Love Books Summer Extravaganza Tour for Catherine Michaels' novel Sand, Sea, & Second Chances: A Gulf Island Romance.

About the Book:

Kate Fiore is eager for a fresh start. Unemployed after a corporate takeover and scarred from a failed marriage, she hopes a temporary contract as an aquarium marketing manager will be a breath of fresh air. But a lockout and awkward misunderstandings plague Kate's arrival at her summer rental.

Luke McAllister will fight to preserve his family and tight-knit coastal North Carolina community. So when he's paired with Kate to lead the big local fundraiser and sea turtle patrol, the ardent islander clashes with the accomplished city woman. But even as their disagreements heat up, he can't deny their irresistible attraction.

Sparks fly between the two as she learns to appreciate his passionate environmentalism and he slowly lets down his wall. But when Kate's contract ends and silence follows, Luke fears letting her go may have cost him his one chance at forever. Can their hearts rekindle across miles and months?

 Book Review:

While I was drawn to the novel by its description, it took me a little while to really connect with the characters from this novel. Kate and Luke’s first meeting was, well, not as meet-cute as one might hope. The experiences Kate has of trying to fit in with a tightly knit Southern town are a bit tense and also relatable—although the town and aquarium welcome her warmly after a short while. About halfway through, however, I liked the characters more; as they opened up to each other and the story progressed, my interest also grew. Bonus: Sea Turtle Love! Overall I give this story four stars.

 Thanks to Love Books Tours as well as the author and her publisher, for a review copy of this novel. All thoughts about the book are my own.

Summer Kind of Love by Charlène Boutin

Welcome to the Love Books Tour for Summer Kind of Love by Charlène Boutin.

Book Blurb:

Avery spends most of her time hunched over a laptop, writing the kind of words that end up on website homepages and glossy brochures. But ever since "The One" turned out to be the
one who smashed her heart to bits, the page has been relentlessly blank. And blank pages mean an empty bank account.

When an up-market retreat center offers Avery a major project, she jumps at the chance to pay next month's bills. But taking the job means committing to a change of scenery to
jumpstart her failing creative spark. A cottage by the sea won't be lonely...right?

Actually, it's anything but. Because Logan, once the only person in the world Avery could rely on, is working the front desk. And just like that, Avery's past catches up to her. It's too
much and too wonderful all at once. Too...everything.

Review:

I do love a good Canadian love story (I’ve enjoyed several books by Kim Mills and Damhnait Monaghan, for starters). And don’t judge this book by its adorable cover.

I don’t always know how to take an author’s warnings at the beginning of a novel, but I always appreciate their thoughtfulness toward their readers. In this novel’s case, one of the warnings about anxiety made me wonder what was going on with (what I thought was) this romantic comedy.

 

WELL. This book was much, much more than a romantic comedy.

Summer Kind of Love begins with our main character Avery in a sad and tough place, making an uncharacteristically bold choice: pay for a month’s rent on a vacation cabin several hours from her apartment, so she could have a workcation and get some writing done. As a copywriter, she must complete the project, and she knows she cannot stay in her apartment, the one she shared with her now-ex, because she is completely blocked.

Lo and behold, she runs into her former best-friend-crush Logan while at the cabin. The book synopsis puts it this way: “Logan, once the only person in the world Avery could rely on, is working the front desk. And just like that, Avery’s past catches up to her. It’s too much and too wonderful all at once. Too...everything.”

Reconnecting with Logan, Avery must come to terms with a few unpleasant aspects of herself that are exacerbated by her anxiety, and that is the part about the story that really caught me by surprise. Anxiety is not something I knew much about until recent years, because I always thought of it as just feeling stressed. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and debilitating to people, and Avery has a couple of them during the course of the novel. Like many of us, we have to come to terms with the unpleasant aspects of ourselves, and Avery has some tough choices to make. Thankfully she doesn’t have to do it alone – and with that I will stop because no spoilers.

What I will say is this: While I respect the heads-up, I also am glad that some of this book caught me off guard, because sometimes thinking about books helps me deal with things in my own life. This book did that, and I am very glad (even though it has not been exactly easy).

Another spoiler-free shocker was the hint at the series of books to come. What this means is that I will definitely be looking for the next in the series!

Four stars for a bit of confusion in some parts and for a bit more cursing than I felt was necessary overall.

Thanks to Love Books Tours as well as the author and her publisher, for a review copy of this novel. All thoughts about the book are my own.

You'll really like this one: Leeza McAuliffe Has Loads More to Say

Leeza McAuliffe Has Loads More To Say by Nicky Bond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Blurb: 

Leeza McAuliffe is used to change. The previous year saw a house move, a family wedding, and the surprise arrival of baby Harvest. The next twelve months should be calmer. Except...

A new girl at school is causing Leeza headaches. What is her problem, anyway? Best mate Jake can cheer her up but their friendship has begun to spark gossip. And the arrival of a letter brings change that none of the McAuliffes saw coming.

Join Leeza as she charts another rollercoaster year. Whether it's misunderstandings about her love life, getting to grips with the brand new world of periods, or having her very first kiss, she's determined to record the highs and lows, no matter what.

About the Author:

Nicky Bond was born in Liverpool, UK, in 1978. The eldest of seven children, she found books were a perfect way to drown out the lively household around her, and meant her hands were never free to change a nappy. 

She studied Psychology and English Literature at University College Northampton before embarking upon a career in Education. Twelve years later, she stopped procrastinating and got writing.

Her first novel, 'Carry the Beautiful' was published in 2017. Her second, for pre-teens and those that care for them - 'Leeza McAuliffe Has Something To Say' - came out in 2019. 'Assembling the Wingpeople' - the sequel to her first novel - will be published in Autumn 2021.

Nicky is a regular supporter of Liverpool Women Football Club, relaxes by cooking, and spends a lot of time drinking tea.

Pattie's Review:

I found this to be a cute book. At first it was a bit difficult to get into. As an American reader and teacher, even with my fairly recent slang education at the high school level I was a bit lost. I had to get used to the teen slang from the other side of the pond. However, once I got into the story, I found it to be cute and relatable. (I also loved the family Friday Fooday.)

As a former diarist in my early years, I completely respected the journal take on storytelling. I liked how honest Leeza was in her journal, and her humor was great. Leeza was a likeable character, and her best friend Jake was adorable. Their support of each other made for a great friendship.

I didn’t realize until after looking on Goodreads that this is actually the second book in Leeza’s story. But don’t feel like you have to track down the first one. The author through Leeza’s voice gives us plenty of backstory to go on as we move forward in her school year in her new town.

Defo enjoyed. Cheers.

It's magic.

 

Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magical Meet Cute is the latest from Jean Meltzer, one of my favorite novelists in recent years. You can learn more about Jean on her website and social media accounts. Magical Meet Cute is so much more that its cute title and cover make it seem, and that is all because of Jean's magic (pun fully intended).

As is the case with every single one of Jean's books, what starts out as a romance or rom-com, dives deeply into relevant and difficult issues fairly early on. So many layers and nuances make this a difficult book to put down; each page reveals just a smidgen more about the characters, the community, Jewish culture (and folklore, as is the case with this story), and of course, the romance.

I don't want to spoil anything, but I do need to mention some things. (1) While there is mention of certain parts of human anatomy, there is not any overtly open-door love scene within this novel (but yes, this is a "kissing book"). (2) There is a lot to unpack about anti-Semitism in this book, and Jean holds back nothing. It's not easy reading, but it's important. (3) There is a dog! I love dogs. (Also I'm so sorry that Jean's Shadow recently passed over the rainbow bridge.) (4) A lesson learned from the book: We should trust our guts with people who seem sus.

Highly recommended!

This book will be published on August 27, 2024, and please take my advice and preorder, ask your library to order, and spread the Jewish romance joy far and wide.
_____
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Jean herself, for a preview copy for review. All thoughts are my own.

The Last Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal is the last in a great series

 

The Last Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of Maggie Hope mysteries since 2016, according to my Goodreads account. I can't even begin tell you how many people I've recommended this series to, online and in person, to reading friends, historical fiction fans, and of course during my short but illustrious career as a library aide. I love these books.

Maggie Hope. Her name sounds cute, but she is so much more than a cute secretary-turned-spy. She is amazing. She handles everything--her job, her friends, her life, her ability to survive anything Churchill and WWII throw her way--she does it all, and always with a thread of hope.

In this last book, we watch Maggie receive a really tough assignment. We see her reunite with Coco Chanel, her former friend/nemesis, and we watch a really complex situation unfold there (don't forget to read the author's extensive notes, which are really just so very good). We meet a bullfighter, who is delightful surprise. We get to see another facet of the war: the race to the atomic bomb. And there are a lot of undercurrents that keep the reader turning pages in this novel.

If we have to leave Maggie Hope, we have left her in good hands and with a really awesome final book in the series. Thank you, Susan Elia MacNeal. Thank you for Maggie and for Hope.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the author and her publisher for a review copy of the novel. All opinions, including my gushing over this series, are absolutely my own.

Milspouse Matters by Jen McDonald

When I first signed up to review this book, I figured it would be a good book to review, but I didn’t think much more than that. I have, after all, been a milspouse for over two decades, and I was familiar with the author from her blog back when blogs were new and shiny and popular. I figured it would be a nice little review of military spouse life, probably with some advice thrown in for good measure.

Fast forward to today’s panic moment when I got a message requesting the link to my review. I looked at my planner, where I had written “post review” on my to-do list. I turned my head and saw the two humongous black suitcases on the floor with the OCP-patterned extra-large backpack with its travel neck pillow hanging off the side. Oops, I thought. I forgot to finish and post it. My bad.

Basically, I had written part of my book review, and I was about halfway through the book—and I got distracted by the deployment timeline moving forward. Those suitcases and bags in the living room were absolutely a distraction, and not the welcome kind. Welcome to military spouse life, where plans change often enough to make your head spin and your eyes well up with tears sometimes. Nevertheless, I’m giving you the true story of why this is late, as well as an honest account of the book (and yes, I still need to finish, but I did skim through the rest so I can speak with truth!). My favorite line by far is “The certainty of uncertainty” (42). Change is inevitable, and plans have to be fluid.

Jen McDonald’s book Milspouse Matters is a lovely collection of stories—stories of love, of adventure, difficult times, friendships, and retirement. Some of the stories sound so familiar because they ARE familiar. The names of the locations and wars might change, but the feelings of the spouses at home are the same. The universality of these stories among the military community is evident on each page.

When McDonald’s book begins with the often-heard and seldom-liked statement “You knew what you signed up for,” I will be honest: I bristled. My story is like many: I married a man who was in one job, and he decided to transition to military life later on. Many others knew they were marrying into the service, and even they could not possibly have known what it’s like being married to a military member. It’s different for everyone, and yet as I stated before, there is a sense of community and universality of story.

This book is much different than I expected it to be, and I am so grateful. I will be recommending it to everyone I know who is married to a military servicemember: active duty, reserve, Guard, or even retired. It’s important for us to listen to (or read) each other’s stories, support each other, and of course, love each other.

Jen McDonald, thank you for sharing this book with all of us. Thank you for including me on your launch team. Thanks for understanding why this is late. And thank you to your husband and to you for your service. PS: We loved our time in Grand Forks—it was our first active duty station!

How does one walk into--or out of--a room with grace and wisdom?

 

Like many who follow EPF, I’ve been looking forward to her latest book, How to Walk Into a Room. When I began reading the book, I realized it was a keeper, a book to reference again and again, a book to study and ponder and parse out its wisdom.

For those of us who wonder if it’s time to go, or if we should stay, and how in the world can we ever decide which to do—this book is for us.

I’ve been a fan of Emily P. Freeman’s thoughtful, intellectual, spiritually grounded writing since I first discovered her books ten years ago. This one is different, certainly, but I think with its metaphor of rooms it is much more useful for different interpretations and uses in our lives.

If you know me, you know I’ve spent my whole life moving around—first within my own family of origin due to my dad’s job, then with my husband in his job as a pastor, later within the military. I joke that my teaching career is more widespread and shallow, ranging from one to five years in any given school. I am learning to embrace rather than fight this reality, as much as I am able. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do with work, and ministry, and other opportunities that may or may not come my way. Knowing where and within which opportunities to invest time, energy, and resources is a challenge that often feels more like a struggle—even when those opportunities are good and right.

I found myself nodding and agreeing with so many different things within the pages of this book. Some answers I recognize as something I’ve tried, and others I feel like I should have tried or known already but didn’t think of it in that way before. Emily’s book reframes some of the situations we may know into the metaphor of rooms and hallways, with some personal stories and anecdotes that give us an idea of how she has skin in this game, and reinforcing our belief that her wisdom is well-earned.

I just finished the book with tears in my eyes, and I can tell you now that I will start again at the beginning and read it again, slowly, pen in hand and journal at the ready. Yes, it’s that good, and true, and helpful, and exactly “for such a time as this” for me.

 

If you have any questions about if it’s time to stay or go or wait, this book is for you.

 

Snow White? Not exactly.

 

Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman

While I really wanted to like this novel, and I *did* enjoy several scenes (especially the one with the older ladies who shared similar characteristics with several particular characters in the Disney version of Snow White), I had a much more difficult time with this book.

For starters, some of the characters that appear in "Marry Me by Midnight" come back to this story, which is fun; however, a few of them seem to have undergone either personality shifts or transplants. Another thing that was distracting were all the scenes of conniving. It got to be too much for me to want to keep up with: who is trying to scan whom, for what purpose, for how much money, etc. Finally, the bedroom scenes are much more steamy than I wanted to read--especially given the stated fact that one character was bad for another character, and their involvement would be awful. Did that stop them? Nope. It got to be a bit repetitive on that score.

I did, however, want to mention that (a) Hannah finally feels supported by the Jewish community in their synagogue, and I loved that so much; and (b) Sol doesn't convert for business, shows his sincerity in his faith, and always wears his yarmulke. Always (ahem, see steamy remark above).

The historical notes in the back of the novel are *chef's kiss* amazing. I'd love it if Felicia Grossman also wrote more on the Jewish experience in this time period with the whole scope of history and society. Fascinating.

I received a eARC copy of this novel on NetGalley, which had not gone through final copy edits and within which I found multiple errors that were distracting to me. I am confident they'll be fixed before final publication.

The Dating Dance by Danielle Nowell: a Love Books Tour Stop

 

This post is a part of Kelly Lacey's Love Books Tours book tour for Danielle Nowell's latest novel The Dating Dance.

Synopsis:

When Sarah Shuster meets Theodore Caddel, she's certain she's found the perfect man, although after what happened with Jake Leifhour, she's hesitant to get involved in a relationship. Sarah has a good job as a dance teacher and a steady life in Grenvale. As their relationship blossoms, Sarah is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a dream job in New York City. The problem? It's over 2,000 miles away from Grenvale, and Theodore. Sarah is torn between her relationship with Theodore and her desire for career success. She doesn't want to leave Theodore but also knows turning down the job would be a huge mistake. As she grapples with this decision, Sarah starts to wonder what truly matters to her and what she's willing to sacrifice for her own happiness. Will Sarah choose the guy or her career? Or is there a way to have both? Follow Sarah's journey as she navigates the highs and lows of her relationship, professional ambition and search for fulfilment.

Review:

This novel is a sweet, slow-moving story about a growing romance and how young adults navigate real life situations into their dreams for a relationship, a career, and being happy.

To be completely honest, I did not love this book. I found some of the writing to be a bit redundant, the pacing was much slower than I would like, and the story wasn't as compelling as I believe it could be. In short, I think this book needed more showing and much less telling, and isn't that the first thing all writer coaches tell their writers? 

Additionally, some of the dance parts of the novel did not ring true for me. While I am not a dance teacher, I was a dance mom for over twenty years and know that dance teachers are at the studio a whole lot more than Sarah was--especially for dance shows and concerts and recitals. And to my knowledge, no dancer says "break a leg" backstage, ever. If I'm wrong on that, well, that's on me. But my girls danced in around ten different studios and schools in six states between them, and that's what I learned as their mom.

If you're looking for a sweet and slow-moving and clean romance, this book will probably be a good choice for you. 

Thank you to Kelly at Love Books Tours for a review copy of the novel. All opinions in my review are mine alone. I am grateful to the author for letting me read her book to review, and I'm sorry I did not love it more.

Links to purchase:

Love Books Tours affiliate link for UK purchasers

US Kindle link, not an affiliate link

You'll want to find this hotel in Italy.

 The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading The Little Italian Hotel, the latest from one of my favorite go-to British authors, Phaedra Patrick. I think my favorite of hers is still the first one of hers I read (The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper), but I've enjoyed her others as well.

There were many things about this book that I enjoyed: I enjoyed the different members of Ginny's motley crew, and I really found myself identifying with several things that Ginny is struggling with (hello, menopause, this change of life is warm...). However, there were several choices made during the course of the plot that seemed, well, out of character for a couple of the characters. And while these characters were doing things that I wasn't expecting or thought they should do, that doesn't mean it's necessarily inconsistent; it could be more about what I enjoy about books not aligning with what the author felt was the best choice for her story. This, reading friends, is what makes books so much fun for everyone.

If you're a fan of Patrick, you'll enjoy this one. If you're not, but are wondering if you should grab this one from the new release table, my advice is YES. It would make a terrific summer read for the plane, the poolside, or the beach.

Release date: Tuesday 6 June in the US

Thanks to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for an advanced ebook to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Kissing Kosher is a Must Read

Kissing Kosher: A Novel by Jean Meltzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jean Meltzer has become one of my very favorite authors in the past year, and with each subsequent novel she just keeps getting better. As a former rabbinical student, she often writes reflections for Shabbat that deal with a particular Bible or Talmudic passage and applying it to modern life. I love those posts on Instagram because they make me think and they give me insight into understanding Jewish faith in the 21st century.

Meltzer does the same sort of thing in her novels--she deftly weaves her Jewish faith into her novel storylines, in a way that reaffirms the Jewish reader, and informs non-Jewish readers without being didactic.

"Kissing Kosher" is her third novel, and in it she writes about the reality of living with chronic pain and inflammation. She writes about something I really did not know about, but once it was explained in the book it made sense: generational pain being passed down from parent to child to grandchild. She writes about families and love and loss and loyalty (and yes, this is a kissing book).

Avital and Ethan are well-developed and sympathetic protagonists, and this reader was rooting for both of them to find their footing and their calling. I won't spoil the plot or the ending, but the primary and secondary characters are amazing, the dialogue is both snappy and honest, and I really wanted to drive to Trader Joe's for some babka more than once (if I hadn't been on a road trip while reading this novel, I just might have).

Five stars, definitely recommend. Add this to your TBR and it will be published August 29, 2023, just in time for when the kids go back to school and the Labor Day weekend :)

Thank you to Jean Meltzer, her publisher MIRA, and NetGalley for an advanced ebook to read and review. All opinions (and all the gushing) are my own.