With Love From London

 

With Love From London

By: Sarah Jio

Genre: Fiction/ Women's Fiction

Summary:

On the heels of finding out her husband wants a divorce, Valentina learns her Mother has died and left her daughter her estate. The same mother who left when Valentina was 12. Armed with a broken heart and more questions than answers, Valentina arrives in London only to discover what she never knew and find what she never knew she needed.

I feel like a broken record, but Sarah Jio has done it again! She has crafted a story that devours you as you take in every word. She has designed a world you want to be a part of- and feel you are as you're reading her words. I didn't want to the book to end. In fact, I prolonged finishing this book because I didn't want to leave Primrose Hill or all the characters. 

Valentina has memories of her mother that center around books and love. However, she also remembers coming home when she was 12 to find her mother gone. No goodbye, no contact to be had again, and no clue as to why. Still, she goes on to make a life for herself in marrying Nick. But, the happy ending she thought she had was not to be. Her dearly beloved informs her that he's leaving her for the younger woman he'd been cheating on her with. And if that isn't enough, a phone call informs her that the mother she hasn't seen since she was 12 has died and left her everything she had: a building in Primrose Hill, London with a bookstore on the bottom floor and apartments on the two upper floors. Sounds like the perfect time to move to London. However, upon arriving, it doesn't take long to learn Valentina must pay a hefty inheritance tax- with money she doesn't have. It also doesn't take long for her to learn that the business isn't doing well and it'll take a miracle to save it. 

Amongst all this news, Valentina begins meeting the people who became her mother's world. Starting with a tenant in the 2nd floor apartment, Liza. This spunky woman is about Valentina's age and helps introduce her to the area. Valentina meets Millie, her mother's best friend and business partner. The bookstore, itself, is another entity that captures Valentina's heart. She quickly decides she wants to fight for the store.

As you are meeting the new world Valentina finds herself in, you follow Eloise's (Valentina's mother) story. You meet the men who shape her life and the paths she takes with them. You see her meet Valentina's father and the life they build. You also see how it falls apart and, ultimately, how Eloise and Valentina end up on opposite sides of the world. Your heart breaks as the story unfolds. You cheer Eloise on as she rebuilds her life and how prevalent Valentina always was. 

It took me no time at all to be glued to all the dynamics within this book! The mother/daughter relationship that forcibly changed. The daughter rebuilding her life after it fell apart. Both women learning to move forward when you don't think you can. Sarah Jio has written another favorite in With Love From London. It was well worth waiting for. This book will find a cherished spot on my bookshelves the day it comes out.  

The Liz Taylor Ring

 

The Liz Taylor Ring

By: Brenda Janowitz

Genre: Historical Fiction/Fiction

Summary:

Lizzie Morgan idolizes all things Liz Taylor. She's determined to have a love like Liz & Richard Burton's- including the famous ring. At 16, she meets Richie, her Richard Burton. They go on to have an epic love story- complete with highs and lows and consequences. Throwing the big ring in only takes things to a whole new level. That level leaves surprises for their three children to unravel.

If you are in need of a story that will completely take you away- look no further. If you want a book that is going to captivate you from the very start- look no further. If you want a plot that is multifaceted- look no further. I give you The Liz Taylor Ring. Once you begin this book, you will have a front row seat to an epic love story- not just between 2 people, but also with a ring.

Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider meet when she's 16. It was love at first sight for Lizzie. However, she doesn't really show up on his radar for another 9 years. She's now 25and he's no longer dating her sister. They feel fireworks for each other and cause a few fireworks to go off amongst her family. However, their romance isn't one of smooth sailing. This marriage will include 3 children, a gambling addiction that costs them everything and a ring that will be the fascination to each of their 3 kids for different reasons.

As you watch Liz & Ritchie's great love unfold, you also meet their three children. Addy, the oldest, who feels she's the reason the business is so successful. Nathan, their gay son, who's convinced his husband is having an affair. Courtney, the surprise baby, who's never felt accepted and who's life is in shambles. Each was sure the ring was long gone. However, they thought wrong. 

All of a sudden, the three have to come together to figure out what to do with the unexpected. This, in turn, forces life to be dealt with. Not just within their individual lives, but with each other. All three have a stake in this ring, but a lot of healing has to be done. 

When you start this book, do yourself a favor and get comfy. Get ready with a cozy blanket, a favorite snack and a hot drink of your choice. And get ready to get lost in a story that keeps getting better with every turn of a page. You will feel like you're part of these stories unfolding. Brenda Janowitz has written, yet another, book you won't want to put down. She's delivered you a story that will pull you in and will probably leave you with a book hangover. I loved it! I'm already anticipating her next book! Enjoy!!