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Showing posts with label Women's Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's Fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, November 14, 2020
With Or Without You? I'll Take Without.
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
For the twenty years Stella Davison has been with her husband, Simon, she's consistently put her dreams on hold in order to help him pursue his. While his band has had some success over the years, Simon has never achieved the fame and fortune he craves. Stella's done with the dying dream. At 42, she's desperate to start the family she's put off having because of Simon's single-minded pursuit of celebrity. Already at odds, Stella and Simon may not be able to survive as their rapidly diverging needs and wants slowly destroy their marriage.
On the night before Simon plans to board a plane for L.A. for what he's sure is going to be his big break, Stella accidentally overdoses, putting herself in a coma. Staying by his wife's side means Simon misses out on a major opportunity. He also becomes close to Stella's best friend, Libby. When Stella awakens after two months, everything has changed. Not only has she been betrayed by the two people she loves most, but she's also developed a surprising new talent for portraiture. Can Stella figure out how to get along in her strange, new world? Does she want to go back to her old life? Or is it finally time to break out and forge her own path?
I'm not sure what to say about With Or Without You by Caroline Leavitt. My feelings about the novel are about as ambivalent as its title. Actually, I veer more toward without since I just didn't love this one. The book has no real plot, so its focus is really on the characters. I can't say I loved any of the three people at its center, although there were times in the novel when I both liked and loathed all of them. They feel like real people, authentic in their weakness and vulnerability. They do all experience growth in the novel, which adds to their humanness. Because With Or Without You is basically plotless, it feels long and unfocused, even downright dull in places. So, while I appreciated the story's insights on aging, forgiveness, letting go, selfishness, etc., overall, With Or Without You was just an average read for me. Bummer.
(Readalikes: Hm, nothing is coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of With Or Without You from the generous folks at Algonquin Books. Thank you!
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Necessary Lies Heartbreaking But Hopeful
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Twenty-two years old and newly married, adventurous Jane Forrester is ready to set the world on fire. Although her straight-laced husband would prefer she spend her days sipping iced tea at the country club with the other wives in their circle, Jane is anxious to begin her career as a social worker with the Department of Public Welfare. She can't wait to play Superwoman to Raleigh's most pitiable citizens.
When Jane begins making house calls in poor, rural Grace County, she's shocked to see her charges living in absolute squalor, the likes of which she has never experienced in her privileged life. Her heart especially aches for 15-year-old Ivy Hart, an epileptic orphan who labors tirelessly on a tobacco farm just to keep a roof over her family's heads. As caretaker of her ill grandmother, her sister with special needs, and her sister's toddler, Ivy's barely got enough strength to make it through the day. When it's suggested that Ivy might be a prime candidate for North Carolina's eugenics program, Jane's torn. While it's obvious the young woman can't handle one more stressor, "voluntary" sterilization seems extreme, even for a penniless child with no future. The more time Jane spends with the Harts, the more she longs to ease Ivy's burdens. When dark secrets start to surface, she must decide just how far she's willing to go—how much she's prepared to risk—to give Ivy the chance she deserves.
Until I picked up Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain, I had never heard of North Carolina's eugenics program, which operated between the 1930s and 1970s. While the aim of the initiative was to sterilize only the mentally-challenged inmates of public institutions, it was more widely applied, leading to the sterilization of over 7500 people. Many of the operations were coerced and performed on impoverished Black women. Chamberlain brings the issue to vivid, heartbreaking life in Necessary Lies, an emotionally-charged historical novel that definitely hit me right in the feels. The women at its center—Jane and Ivy—are both sympathetic characters who are so well-drawn they feel real. My heart ached for them both. Their stories are compelling and riveting, which made for a novel that is as gut-wrenching as it is engrossing and thought-provoking. Although Necessary Lies tells a grim story, in the end it's a hopeful novel. The tale moved me with its complex characters, intriguing conflict, and powerful storytelling. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book, which I enjoyed very much.
(Readalikes: I haven't read The First Lie by Diane Chamberlain yet, but it's a novella that tells Ivy's story.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), violence, mild sexual content, and disturbing subject matter
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Monday, August 10, 2020
Debut Friendship Novel Upbeat, Even If Not Super Exciting
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
With her only child away at college in faraway California, single mom Renee Rhodes feels unmoored. Without her daughter to dote on, she hardly knows who she is anymore. She enjoys her receptionist job at a pediatrician's office (although her crush on her boss is downright embarrassing), her gardening, and her baking, but is it enough to sustain and fulfill her?
Chasing an active toddler around all day and trying to keep her home in order without the aid of her workaholic husband has left Sadie Landry feeling bone-tired. When she discovers she's pregnant again, she realizes she's reached her breaking point. Between the baby she's growing, the tension in her marriage, and the constant criticism from her outspoken mother-in-law, Sadie has had it.
Although they're neighbors in quaint Cranberry Cove, Maine, Renee and Sadie don't really know each other. Until a culinary disaster brings them together. The resulting friendship that develops between them gives both women the outlet and support they've been looking for. But will it be enough to sustain them as Renee and Sadie both take big leaps in their lives?
Forever Friends, a debut novel by Sarah Mackenzie, is a little fluffier than my usual reading fare. Still, the story touches on deeper subjects than its easy, breezy cover would suggest. It tells an upbeat tale set against a cozy backdrop and featuring likable characters. Its central theme of women supporting women definitely resonated with me. While the plot doesn't exactly offer tense, nail-biting action, there was enough going on to keep me turning pages. There was never a point, though, that I couldn't have put Forever Friends down for good. Overall, then, I liked but didn't love this one. Will I read the next book in the series? Eh. Maybe, maybe not.
(Readalikes: Um, nothing's coming readily to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Forever Friends from the generous folks at Forever (a division of Hachette Book Group) in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Summery Friendship/Secrets Novel Gets a Meh From Me
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Six years ago, three strangers flew to Italy to enjoy a surprise vacation on the stunning Amalfi Coast. Each of the women expected to soak in the picture-perfect scenery, dine on delectable cuisine, and relax on the sparkling beach. None of them foresaw meeting the others at a ramshackle villa and becoming instant, lifelong friends. What Kim, Colette, and Annie experienced in Italy—from friendship to romance to the start of a successful business—changed their lives.
Now, Kim is bringing them back to Italy for the grand re-opening of the villa that started it all. A well-known wellness guru, she's had the place renovated and turned into a health spa. She can't wait for her old friends to join celebrities, investors, and other influencers at what will certainly be the most glamorous event of the season. It soon becomes apparent, however, that someone is out to sabotage Kim by exposing a ruinous secret she thought no one knew about. She's not the only one worried about what could happen in Italy. Annie has her own secret to hide. She's also got her own reasons for needing to be at Kim's fancy party—and it's not to pat Kim on the back for a job well done. Then there's Colette, who fell madly in love with a local while in Italy and subsequently had her heart dashed into a million pieces. Although she's been happily married to another man for five years, she can't help but wonder what happened to the one that got away. Luca will no doubt be at Kim's party. What will happen when she sees him again?
When the three women reunite on the Amalfi Coast, shocking secrets will out, old resentments will flare, and, once again, the friends' lives will be forever changed by what happens in Italy ...
Old-friends-coming-back-together-to-deal-with-past-secrets-that-are-threatening-to-come-to-light is one of my favorite mystery/thriller tropes. I figured I'd dig it in a contemporary romance/women's novel as well. Unfortunately, The Summer Villa by Melissa Hill didn't pull me in like such thrillers usually do. The story started slowly and took its time getting to the juicy parts. As much as I loved the book's sparkling setting, I found the characters, the prose, and the plot pretty meh. All of the starring women irritated me with their immaturity—even their adult selves were childish and petty. Even though I saw the plot twists coming, I did want to know what was going to happen in the story, so I finished it. In the end, though, The Summer Villa was just an average read for me. Nothing special.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other summer friendship novels, but no specific titles are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Summer Villa from the generous folks at HarperCollins. Thank you!
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Even If Her Newest Isn't My Fave, Carr Holds a Special Place in My Heart
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Twenty years separate sisters Adele Descaro and Justine Somersby. Although they live near each other and have communicated over the years about their parents' declining health, the two have never been close. Now that their mother has died, the women find they have more in common than they ever have before. Both are at a crossroads in their lives, which has left each of them anxious, worried, and emotionally at sea. Having been their mother's primary caregiver for the last eight years, 32-year-old Adele has to decide what to do about a job, the graduate education she abandoned in order to help at home, and the surprising demands of the man who's been her gentle, patient best friend throughout her life. When Justine discovers her husband of 30 years has been cheating on her, she's devastated. Divorcing the only man she's ever loved is heartbreaking, but it's also given her the freedom she never knew she wanted. As she picks up the pieces of her shattered life, Justine finds herself relying more and more on her little sister. While the sisters find their way back to each other and themselves, they experience healing along with new problems. Will their new-found closeness bring them together or tear them even more apart?
I've read a number of books by the prolific Robyn Carr, mostly her small-town romance novels set in Grace Valley and Virgin River. What I love most about Carr is that her warm, genuine nature shines through in both the towns and the characters she creates. Her settings are inviting, her story people authentic, and her writing upbeat, even when discussing tough subjects. Although Carr's newest women's fiction effort, Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, is not my favorite of her many novels, it still showcases the trademarks I just mentioned. While not as developed as Grace Valley and Virgin River, Half Moon Bay comes off as a charming little town full of cheerful, concerned folks. Adele drove me crazy with her flakiness and fickleness, it's true. Still, I enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Justine (whom I found much easier to identify with) evolve in a realistic way. Carr does tackle some difficult subjects in Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, but overall this is an easy, uplifting read with the kind of guaranteed HEA Carr does so well. I didn't love her newest as I have some of her older novels, but Carr has a special place in my heart and I'll always be willing to read whatever she writes.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other novels by Carr as well as those by Kristan Higgins)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, disturbing subject matter, and sexual content (only one scene, but it's fairly detailed)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Sunrise on Half Moon Bay from the generous folks at Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Backlist Hannah Book Just Okay
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Exhausted from years of trying to have a baby with nothing but heartbreak to show for it, Angie Malone has had enough. Enough of the miscarriages, enough of the failed adoptions, enough of the marriage that has crumbled under the strain. With divorce on the horizon, she moves back to her tiny seaside hometown of West End, Washington. Between all the drama her big, loud Italian clan cooks up and her new task of saving the family's struggling Italian restaurant, Angie should have plenty to focus on besides her crushed dreams.
When Lauren Ribido walks into Angie's life, everything changes. With her world-weary countenance and ill-fitting Salvation Army wardrobe, it's clear the 17-year-old is in need of some TLC. Especially when her alcoholic mother disappears, leaving Lauren to fend for herself. As Angie pours all the love she's been storing up for her own child into this abandoned young woman, she cautions herself against growing too attached. When Lauren announces that she's pregnant, Angie can't help the hope that flutters in her heart. She knows better than to play the "What if" game, but what if Lauren can provide the one thing Angie wants most in the world? How far will Angie go to make that happen? And what of the teenaged mother? What does she want? If their desires conflict, what does that mean for their newly-discovered closeness? What will happen as the two frightened women try to navigate their unknown futures?
I'm a big fan of Kristin Hannah's recent blockbuster novels, The Nightingale and The Great Alone. While waiting for her to produce another stunning masterpiece, I've been making my way through her backlist. I've enjoyed some of these older novels—others, not so much. The Things We Do For Love (2004) falls somewhere in the middle. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. Its premise intrigued me and I was definitely interested to see where the story would go. Unfortunately, although I sympathized with Angie, I didn't really like her. To me, she seemed self-centered, fickle, and short-sighted. This made it tough for me to side with her, while I had no problem rooting for Lauren. This, plus the fact that The Things We Do For Love seemed to ramble on longer than necessary, made the novel less enjoyable than it could have been. In the end, then, I feel a bit ambivalent about this one. Like I said before, I didn't love it, didn't hate it.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Things We Do For Love at Target with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Monday, March 30, 2020
Despite Adorable Cover Model, Who Rescued Who Just an Okay Read
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
When Elizabeth Barnes is fired after an off-the-cuff remark brings unexpected embarrassment to the tech company for which she works, the 32-year-old workaholic is at loose ends. She still has a horde of followers on her social media accounts, but with no job, no family left and no true IRL friends, Elizabeth's once-glamorous Silicon Valley life suddenly seems very empty. A surprise phone call from a British uncle she never knew she had comes at just the right time. Not only will a trip across the pond give her a chance to reboot (not to mention fill her feeds with attention-getting travel selfies) and connect with estranged family members, but the sale of her father's land should bring in enough cash to tide her over until she can find new employment.
Although Elizabeth receives a warm welcome in Fargrove, it's immediately apparent that she doesn't belong in the tiny backwater town. Without a reliable Internet connection, she's losing followers by the second. Still, when two intriguing opportunities—a temporary job organizing her uncle's artwork and an adorable puppy who's decided to adopt Elizabeth—land in her lap, Elizabeth finds she can't refuse either. Then there's the stunningly handsome James Holworthy, whose eye she simply must catch... As life in Fargrove teaches her to value a simpler way of being, Elizabeth must decide what she really wants, who she really is, and where she truly belongs.
Even though I'm not a huge animal lover, I really can't resist the sweet pup on the cover of Who Rescued Who by professional dog trainer Victoria Schade. I can't say I loved the novel, but I did very much enjoy gazing at its adorable cover model! I also liked the story's quaint setting as well as the warm-hearted townsfolk who inhabit the small village of Fargrove. For me, the secondary characters way upstaged the heroine and hero, neither of whom I found very appealing. Although Elizabeth does change over the course of the novel, she's still a stuck-up, self-centered brat with whom I never felt much of a connection. Perhaps it's because everything always turns up roses for her that I didn't feel invested in her "plight." James comes off as equally as shallow. Their insta-lovey romance feels forced—Elizabeth's bond with her dog is both more believable and better developed than her relationship with James. Plotwise, there was enough going on in the story to keep me reading, but the tale definitely feels longer than necessary, especially since it offers no real surprises. All in all, then, Who Rescued Who turned out to be just an okay read for me. That gorgeous furball on the cover, though? He/she gets an A+ all the way!
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other novels about unmoored city women finding their place in the back of beyond, although no specific titles are coming to mind. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder expletives) and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of Who Rescued Who from the generous folks at Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Beloved Author's Final Novel Not Up to Par
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Over the last fifteen years, four women have made it an annual tradition to gather at the beach for a week of R&R. Dubbing themselves "The Girls of August," they have bonded over everything—from the woes of being doctors' wives to the trials of motherhood (and infertility) to the pains of aging. When one of the women dies tragically, the group starts to drift apart, halting their cherished girls' weekends for years. Then, the dead woman's widower remarries and his young bride insists on resurrecting the tradition in an attempt to become a "Girl" herself. Reluctantly, the group gathers at a remote South Carolina island for a week's vacation. Along with their beach umbrellas and bathing suits, the women have brought secrets, desperation, grief, and anger—ingredients that will make for a dramatic and unforgettable Girls of August reunion.
I've read and enjoyed a fair number of Anne Rivers Siddons books over the years and it makes me a little sad that the author will never write another (she died in 2019 at 83 years old). So, when I saw Siddons' most recent book, The Girls of August (2014), in the bargain bin at Barnes & Noble, I snatched it up. Written when she was in her 70s, the tale is definitely not on par with those she penned in her earlier years. Still, the novel bears evidence of Siddons' trademark warmth and wit. The "Girls" are a likable lot, even if they're not fleshed out enough to feel like real people. As far as plot goes, there's not much here, which makes the book a little dull. In the past, I've found Siddons' novels sumptuous and immersive—this one isn't that way, although it worked for an easy, breezy summer read. Although there's nothing memorable or outstanding about it, The Girls of August is an okay novel. Far from Siddon's best, it is, sadly, her last.
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language and violence
To the FTC, with love: I bought a copy of The Girls of August from Barnes & Noble with a portion of the millions I make from my lucrative career as a book blogger. Ha ha.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Indistinctive Characters + Dull Plot + 150 Extra Pages = a Meh From Me
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
A legendary Hollywood agent and producer, Fritz Hudson amassed a fortune. When he dies, his three daughters come together for the first time ever for the reading of his will. Cara, Allie, and Des are shocked to learn that their father was married to two women at the same time and that he actually has three daughters, not two. They're even more stunned to discover that, while all of them are poised to receive a large portion of their father's money, the payouts hinge on the completion of a special project. The women are tasked with working together to restore a crumbling theater in Fritz's small hometown of Hidden Falls, Pennsylvania. If they fail to complete the job, none of them will receive a penny.
None of the three women are thrilled about putting their real lives on hold to spend months living in a tiny backwater with siblings they don't know and/or can't stand. Reluctantly, they dive into the project, vowing to get it over with as fast as possible. Working together becomes easier as they come to love the grand old theater, discover an intriguing mystery, and get to know each other in ways they haven't before. Can they keep up the camaraderie through their various challenges and dramas? Or will they come together only to be torn apart again?
The Last Chance Matinee—the first book in the Hudson Sisters series by Mariah Stewart—tells a gentle, heartwarming story about an unorthodox request that becomes a blessing in disguise. It's an uplifting, mostly clean novel that features a quaint, small-town setting and a group of likable characters. What it doesn't have a lot of is conflict. That, coupled with the fact that it has about 150 pages too many, makes The Last Chance Matinee feel very looonnnggg. I almost put it down numerous times. The fact that the spotlighted sisters lack both depth and distinctive personalities added to the novel's dullness. I did end up plowing through the lengthy novel, but it was definitely a slog. Needless to say, I'm not going to bother with the book's sequels. Oh, well.
(Readalikes: I'm sure there are a million novels out there with a similar plot, but I'm coming up empty. Suggestions?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and some sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Friday, February 16, 2018
Wordy Medical Drama A Dull Slog
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ever since they were randomly assigned to be roommates at a summer camp for teens interested in medicine, Zadie Anson and Emma Colley have been best friends. Although their backgrounds and personalities differ, they've always gotten each other. Their bond has only strengthened over the years as they pushed through med school together, got married, had children, and now juggle the demands of medical careers and motherhood. No matter how busy their lives get, Zadie and Emma always make time for each other.
The women's contented lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, are upended when a former colleague moves to town. Chief resident while Zadie and Emma were in med school, Dr. Nick Xenokostas was the handsome hotshot who turned everyone's heads. Zadie fell under his spell, a mistake that led to a heart-rending tragedy that broke more than just her heart. The last person she ever wants to see again is the infamous Dr. X. Emma's still furious with him as well. She couldn't protect Zadie from him 12 years ago—this time she'll stop at nothing to shield her best friend from his egotistical manipulation. And from the secret she's been hiding since med school.
When the truth about what really happened during Zadie and Emma's third year of med school comes out, what will happen to a friendship that's been rock-solid from its beginning? Will the women's lives ever be the same again?
As a former ER fan girl, I still find myself drawn to hospital dramas from time to time. The Queen of Hearts, a debut novel by Kimmery Martin—an emergency medicine doctor herself—seemed intriguing enough to keep my attention. Seemed being the operative word here. Although there's plenty of potential action in the novel, Martin spends so much time describing everything and everyone that the first 3/4 of the story just drags along, veering here, there, and everywhere. It doesn't help that none of the central characters are very likable. Zadie, Emma, and Dr. X are all immature, self-centered, and annoying, which makes it difficult to care what happens to any of them. The novel's Big Reveal is pretty obvious from the get-go, so even the tale's finale seems anticlimactic and silly. I did read to the end (just to confirm what I already knew, I guess), but honestly, The Queen of Hearts felt like a long, dull slog to me. The book gets rave reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads, so I'm in the minority once again. That's okay—different strokes for different folks and all that.
(Readalikes: Reminds me a little of He Said She Said by Jane Casey)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a dozen or so F-bombs, plus milder expletives), violence, blood/gore, and sexual content
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Queen of Hearts from the generous folks at Berkley (an imprint of Penguin Random House). Thank you!
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Swoon-Worthy Trifecta Not Enough to Make Southern Beach Novel Stand Out
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Bonny Blankenship's happiest memories from childhood all center around one place: Watersend, South Carolina. She loved spending long, languid summers there with her best friend, Lainey. Known around town as the "Summer Sisters," the girls wiled away the hours swimming, dreaming, and reading at Title Wave, the local bookstore. Although those idyllic vacations ended abruptly when Lainey's mother disappeared, Bonny still longs for the innocent, bygone days of her youth.
When Bonny, now an ER doctor in Charleston, makes a critical mistake at work, she's encouraged to take some time off. Lainey's suggestion of spending one last summer at Watersend seems to be just the ticket. Piper, Bonny's college drop-out daughter, comes along to nanny for Lainey's children while the two old friends (sans spouses) reconnect at the family cottage they've always loved. As Bonny and Lainey share their individual triumphs and tragedies, they find camaraderie and understanding. While trying to make sense of both their presents and their shared past, the duo poke into the continuing mystery of Lainey's mother. With some help from Mimi, the owner of Title Wave, the women search for answers, healing, and the comfort that can only be found within the pages of a good book.
The Bookshop at Water's End by Patti Callahan Henry combines several of my favorite novel themes: the South, the beach, and books. That's a trifecta pretty much guaranteed to make me swoon. In this case, though, it just ... didn't. Not really. I had trouble feeling any connection with Bonny or Lainey, both of whom seemed immature and self-absorbed. While the story felt melodramatic to me, it was compelling enough to keep me reading. Overall, though, I didn't love it. In fact, The Bookshop at Water's End was so forgettable to me that I had to read a couple different plot summaries before I could remember enough about the book to write this review. Bummer, because I wanted to like this one a lot more than I did.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of books by Karen White and Dorothea Benton Frank)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs plus milder expletives), violence, mild sexual content, and references to illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Bookshop at Water's End from the generous folks at Penguin Random House. Thank you!
Monday, September 05, 2016
Scent-Soaked Story a Long, Dull Slog
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
For centuries, the Rossini women have been some of Europe's most sought-after perfumiers. With their almost otherworldly ability to create scents perfect for their wearers, the Rossinis' abilities have always been in high demand. So much so that the family business has become more than a mere vocation; it's turned into an obsession. After a chaotic childhood centered around the all-consuming creation of perfume, 28-year-old Elena wants nothing to do with her aromatic heritage. So what if she's been "blessed" with the ability to identify the ingredients in a perfume by scent alone? She's more than just a nose and she wants more than the lonely, haunted lives her mother and grandmother led.
When Elena walks in on her cheating fiancé, her well-crafted future starts to crumble before her eyes. At loose ends, she doesn't know what to do with herself. When her best friend suggests starting over in Paris, Elena goes. Reluctantly. Although her sales job in a luxurious perfume house is less than satisfactory, she loves her apartment and is intrigued by her mysterious neighbor, a handsome rose breeder. The longer she's surrounded by the tantalizing scents that take her back to her childhood, the more Elena finds herself drawn back in the world of perfume. Like her grandmother before her, Elena longs to discover the secret scent combination that first made her family famous. When her own obsession starts to take over, Elena must take a hard look at herself, her family, and the future she really wants.
Comparisons to Joanne Harris' Chocolat are what drew me to The Secret Ways of Perfume, a debut novel by Italian author Cristina Caboni. I was expecting a similar set-up— a rich, atmospheric setting; an enchanting heroine; and a storyline that kept me reading. Did I get it? Not exactly. I don't know if something was lost in translation (I believe The Secret Ways of Perfume was originally published in Italian) or if perfume just doesn't excite me like chocolate does, but I really struggled to finish this book. Without a lot of plot to keep it going, the story drags, creeping along in slow-slow motion. The characters are too cliché to be interesting. Caboni's flat prose doesn't help matters—relying more on tell than show, her storytelling feels lifeless and dull. I found some of the perfume history/technique intriguing, but not compelling enough to carry the story. In the end, I slogged through the novel only because I had committed to reviewing it. If I had picked The Secret Ways of Perfume up at the library, I wouldn't have bothered reading past the first chapter.
(Readalikes: The premise is similar to Chocolat by Joanne Harris, but that's pretty much where the similarities end, in my opinion.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild language (no F-bombs), and mild sexual content/innuendo
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of The Secret Ways of Perfume from the generous folks at Berkley/NAL, a division of Penguin. Thank you!
Wednesday, May 04, 2016
Southern Family Drama Enjoyable Despite Predictable Plot
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Still guilt-ridden over her part in the accident that left her sister wheelchair-bound, 30-year-old Eleanor Murray spends her days helping Eve perform the tasks she can no longer do for herself. Eleanor knows she shouldn't feel jealous of her disabled sister, but she does. As beautiful as ever, Eve is married to Glen, a good man who works hard to support her. She's also expecting the couple's first child. With no real life of her own, Eleanor can't help but be envious. Especially since she's loved Glen ever since she first met him. Living in the same house as her sister and brother-in-law makes the situation even more torturous.
When Eleanor is offered the chance to work as a part-time companion for an elderly woman, she jumps at the opportunity. Not only is the money too good to pass up, but the job will give her the opportunity to return to Edisto Island, the magical place where she spent her childhood. Dealing with 90-year-old Helena Szarka won't be easy, though. The cantankerous old woman obviously doesn't want Eleanor around. Intrigued by the secrets Eleanor knows Helena harbors, she vows to get to the heart of the old woman's bitterness. But will shocking revelations tear apart the people Eleanor's coming to love? And what of her own family? Will she ever find her own happiness? Or will she forever live in the shadow of a sister who eclipses her even from a wheelchair?
I've read most of Karen White's novels, but somehow The Time Between (2014) escaped my attention. Until now. Like the author's other books, this one offers a multi-layered family saga with a gentle Southern setting, empathetic characters, and an intriguing mystery. The story doesn't offer a lot in the way of originality. Or surprises, as I saw the twists coming from a mile away. Still, The Time Between is a satisfying read that's compelling in spite of its predictability. If you enjoy Southern family dramas, definitely check out Karen White. This particular novel isn't my favorite of hers, but I've enjoyed all the ones I've read.
(Readalikes: The premise reminds me of Kate Morton's novels. The style is vintage Karen White.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for brief, mild violence; brief, non-graphic sex; and sexual innuendo
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Despite Heavy Themes, Prince Street Is Both Balanced and Bolstering
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Seventeen years ago, two drunk teenage girls were in a car accident. One died, one survived. Plagued with guilt for killing her best friend, Lisa Smyth spent the next few years drowning her sorrows in copious amounts of wine and booze. Grief-stricken by the death of her older sister, Jennifer, good girl Rae McDonald made a string of poor decisions, which ended with her pregnant at 16. After placing her baby for adoption, Rae sealed off her emotions, vowing never to let her life spin out of control again. Now 32, she's a family therapist widely known to have a heart of stone. Rae thinks she has put the past firmly behind her, but when Lisa returns to Alexandria, her arrival stirs up all kinds of buried emotions. An out-of-the-blue e-mail from her biological son creates its own whirlwind, turning Rae's rigidly ordered life completely upside down.
As if Rae didn't have enough to worry about already, an enthusiastic salvage artist and local history buff has unearthed artifacts relating to the McDonalds' long history in Alexandria. The woman's research brings up even more secrets from the past, making Rae wonder if her family has been cursed from the moment they stepped foot on American soil. Lisa's kin have been likewise unlucky. As the vagabond wet-plate photographer struggles to find her place in Alexandria while caring for her ailing aunt, she'll discover startling truths about herself as well. Like how fragile is her control over her alcoholism, despite the many sobriety chips hanging from her keychain ...
Can the two women come together despite the still-raw pain that looms between them? Can they break the curses of the past to create a healthier, happier future? Or are they doomed to live lives as solitary and painful as those of their ancestors?
The View From Prince Street by Mary Ellen Taylor is a warm-hearted novel about fighting fate by taking control of your past, present and future. A tribute to friendship and forgiveness, it's also about finding and facing hard truths. Despite its heavy themes, the story feels not oppressive, but balanced. True, I would have liked the setting to come alive a little more. I would have also enjoyed better development of the male characters in the book. Tighter plotting (the novel often seemed overly long) would have been good as well. Overall, though, The View From Prince Street is a pleasant, uplifting read that both intrigued and entertained me.
(Readalikes: This book often refers to characters from Taylor's other novels set in Alexandria. Although I haven't read any of them, I would assume The View from Prince Street is similar to The Union Street Bakery; At the Corner of King Street; and Sweet Expectations)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs)
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of The View From Prince Street from the generous folks at Berkley Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House). Thank you!
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Imaginative Hugo & Rose A Haunting Novel About Fantasy vs. Reality
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Ever since the day Rose knocked herself out in a childhood bicycling accident, she's dreamed of a magical island. Each night when she falls asleep, she's transported to this wonderland, where exciting adventures wait behind every palm tree. She's never alone in these dreams. Hugo, a brave, handsome hero, is always by her side. Over years of countless nocturnal exploits, Rose has watched him grow from an exuberant child into a fearless, capable adult. He's her best friend, literally the man of her dreams. If only he actually existed outside of her vivid, slumbering imagination.
In reality, Rose spends her days tending to her nice suburban home, her three small children, and her surgeon husband. With Josh constantly at the hospital, the bulk of the work falls to her. Overwhelmed and bored with the mundane life she leads in her waking hours, Rose longs to feel as alive as she does in her dreams. To be the beautiful, bold woman she is when she's with Hugo.
As she grows increasingly discontent, Rose makes an incredible discovery—Hugo is real. The man she sees at a local fast food restaurant may not look exactly the way he does in Rose's dreams, but it is him. She's sure of it. When her curiosity about this real-life Hugo turns into an all-consuming obsession, Rose risks everything she holds dear to connect with a man she's met only in her dreams. Is he really Hugo? Does he share her mysterious island dreams? With him in her life, can she finally rise above her humdrum existence to embrace her real self, the one she inhabits in her island dreamworld?
Hugo & Rose, a debut novel by screenwriter Bridget Foley, tells an intriguing story about one woman's quest for fulfillment—not just in her dreams, but in her normal, everyday life. It's about the lengths to which one might go to make fantasy match reality and the disparities that often exist between the two. Ultimately, Hugo & Rose is about what is truly real, truly important, truly worth fighting for. The book's unique premise, as well as its relatable characters, make it both haunting and memorable. This one might not be blow-you-away amazing, but it's definitely the kind of novel that you'll keep thinking about long after you finish it.
(Readalikes: Hm, I can't really think of anything. You?)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for strong language, sexual content and violence
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Hugo & Rose from the generous folks at St. Martin's Press. Thank you!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Virgin River or Thunder Point? Luckily, We Get Both.
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
It seems like I'm always talking about romance author Robyn Carr here at BBB. Simple explanation? I just love her. There's something about her books that speaks to me. Carr recently described the appeal of her novels thus:
"I think it's the sense of community and that combination of romance and women's fiction. I'm naturally drawn to strong, capable female characters ... It's very empowering to read about women like ourselves as the characters resolve the issues that threaten their happiness and peace of mind. It's also empowering to watch smart women choosing and falling in love with men of honor and integrity."
Yep, that's it. Given my love for all things Carr, it's not surprising that I turned a few (figurative) cartwheels when I found out about her new series. Not only is it Virgin River-ish, but it's set in a place that is close to my heart—the Oregon Coast. This new crop of characters all live in and around fictional Thunder Point, a small, tired town on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Although it's got its own rugged charm, the town isn't trendy like Seaside or Cannon Beach, so it struggles to attract the tourist dollars that run the bigger beachside towns. Still, Thunder Point is populated by a cast of good, down home folks who care about their friends and neighbors. It's a tight-knit place where people look after their own.
Helicopter pilot Hank Cooper isn't looking for a place to settle down. Even if he was, the 37-year-old would never choose a backwoods beach town like Thunder Point. All he wants to do is to park his fifth wheel in a pretty spot, spend some nice, long hours enjoying his toys, and move on to the next pretty spot. But when an old Army buddy dies in a suspicious fall, Hank heads to Oregon, intent on figuring out what happened to gentle Ben Bailey. In doing so, he discovers he's the sole beneficiary of Ben's will—Hank now owns his friend's grimy bait shop/bar/convenience store, as well as the surrounding land. It doesn't look like much, but as Hank soon finds out, there are people who would kill to get their hands on his late friend's beachfront property.
Although the smartest plan would probably be to set a match to the old bar, Hank decides to fix it up before selling it. Renovating will require staying in Thunder Point for a bit, which is okay by Hank. At least for now. After all, the more time he spends in the little town, the more it's growing on him. He's getting to know its good citizens—Mac, the deputy sheriff; Gina James, the woman who's so in love with Mac she can barely see straight; strange Rawley Goode, a vet with PTSD; and, of course, there's the beautiful Sarah Dupre and her slobbery mutt, Ham. They're all so big-hearted that Hank can hardly believe a murderer walks among them. But someone killed Ben, Hank's sure of it, he just has to figure out who's hiding homicidal tendencies under their harmless facade. That's becoming more and more difficult the more Hank gets involved in small-town life, the more Thunder Point starts to feel like home ...
The first of the Thunder Point novels, The Wanderer sets the stage for what will undoubtedly become another well-loved series by Robyn Carr. It has all the elements that have made her previous books so popular—warm prose, sympathetic characters, an atmospheric setting, and a vibrant community that espouses good, old-fashioned values. Plus, it's got a little mystery to help round out the plot. While my heart still tilts more Virgin River way, I'm definitely excited to spend some time in Thunder Point. With two more books coming out this year (The Newcomer in June and The Hero in August), it will be quality time, indeed.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of Carr's Virgin River and Grace Valley series)
Grade: B
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language (a handful of F-bombs, plus milder invectives), sexual content/innuendo, and mild violence
To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Wanderer from the fabulous and always generous Robyn Carr. Thank you!
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