The Munich Affair

 

The Munich Affair

By: James Patterson & David Ellis

Genre: Fiction/ Historical Fiction

Summary:

We all know of Hitler's World War 2 atrocities. History has those events well documented with the information easy for anyone to access. What if Hitler killed people who were close to him- namely young girls who were in a warped relationship with him? 

History has more than enough evidence to support the depravity of Adolf Hitler. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who would argue this fact. But within the pages of The Munich Affair, a whole new layer of depravity and disgust is brought to light. 

Geli Raubal was known as Hitler's niece. She was a young girl in her twenties who had been living in his house and in a relationship with the dictator before he ever became a dictator. According to the book, she was finished with their sick and twisted relationship. She no longer wanted to participate in the sexual activities he wanted. Instead, Geli wanted to move to Vienna to marry her music teacher with whom she was having a baby. What is factually known is that she was found with a fatal gunshot to the head. The official conclusion was suicide, but there were those who questioned that theory. And they became vocal about it.

Fritz Gerlich was a journalist. He was a vocal opponent of Hitler and was vocal in his questioning of Geli's death. Both of which landed him on Hitler's hate list. After repeated threats (passioned visits) by Hitler's henchmen didn't stop Fritz, more drastic measures were taken. 

Thomas Bauer is the investigator who responds when Geli's death is called in. Right away, Thomas doubts the story of events he's told. Things don't add up. He and Fritz pair up to learn the true nature of her death. However, Thomas's wife and children have enough Jewish blood in them to be a target for Hitler's plans. Hitler's men have no problem using this weak point to their advantage. But, they underestimated who they were dealing with.

The Munich Affair is a hefty book- both page wise and in subject matter. While I enjoyed the sarcastic attitude of Thomas, it doesn't make the book easier to digest. Knowing most of these events may not have happened to these characters is a small consolation because these things did happen to people at the time. 

I did feel there were parts of the book that could've been taken out since they did nothing to move the plot around. For the most part, I liked the book. It wasn't always an easy read for me- most WW2 books aren't easy for me to read. Yes, I did have to take breaks to step away from the senseless hatred and cruelty. 

The book is full of tense moments and action. One of my favorites was the scene where Thomas breaks his wife out of jail. She's a feisty character I loved reading about. 

Loyal Patterson fans, and suspense readers, will be glued to this latest writing partnership how the story unfolds and to see what happens next. Not to mention how it will all play out in the end. It would be a good book to read on a road trip or flight. It really will take you out of your current life and plop you down amongst hell, though. I recommend having plenty of chocolate on hand when you read it.  

Paper Ghosts

 

Paper Ghosts

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Summary:

For decades, the women of Wester House have unsettled and fascinated their small, timeless North Carolina town. Their home is full of whispers, old griefs, and uncanny knowing. But when Willamena Wester reaches out to the granddaughter she once pushed away, long-buried truths begin to stir.

1976: Restless young Willamena falls for a stranded musician who brings freedom and the promise of another life to her carefully controlled world. Their brief, incandescent love story promises to escape the pull of the Wester legacy until Willamena makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Present day: Returning home is the last thing Bailey Wester wants. Yet as she reconnects with Willamena, the grandmother she feared, Bailey begins to understand the love, heartbreak, and impossible choices that shaped the women in her family and realizes the past may not have been trying to haunt them after all. A luminous novel filled with Sarah Addison Allen’s stunning prose and signature blend of romance, Southern charm, and wonder, Paper Ghosts reminds us that in order to have the future we really want, sometimes we need to live with the past, and not let go of it.    ----bn.com

Get ready for another whimsical, mystical book from one of my favorite authors!! I've been a fan since her debut book, Garden Spells, came out so I was ecstatic to read her newest novel. I was all set to get cozy and be putty in Miss Allen's creative hands. And I wasn't disappointed. I will say, Paper Ghosts, was a little different from her previous works, but I enjoyed it still. Elements and characteristics I've loved from each book is found in Paper Ghosts. 

WIllamena was from a wealthy family. Her grandmother had her entire life planned out for her- right down to the wedding dress to be worn whenever the wedding was to be had. And though Grandma is known around town for knowing things she shouldn't, she was the last to know about Willamena's love for Jack. When the young couple don't get grandma's approval, they decide to run away one night. But tragedy comes knocking when grandma confronts them. Willamena's life is forever changed that night. 

So, when Willamena's own granddaughter, Bailey, moves into the same house she quickly meets a stranger from the past. As Bailey struggles with events in her own life, her stand-offish grandma starts to open up. By the time the book ends, you learn grandma was a force to be reckoned with in more ways than one. 

I loved this book. I love how seamlessly Sarah Addison Allen tells the story of two women from different generations. The way she does it with a handful of whimsy, a dash of mystery I never get tired of. This book is the perfect book to start your fall reading with. 

I listened to this book on audio. The narrator did a great job of bringing the story to life. I enjoyed it. I was able to listen to the whole book in a day and I didn't get confused as to which character was which. So, if you're an auditory reader, you're going to enjoy Paper Ghosts.

And now... the countdown for her next book has begun.

Dolly All the Time

 

Dolly All the Time

By: Annabel Monaghan

Genre: Fiction, Romance

Summary:

In order to help her family, Dolly has come back home to Whitfield, Rhode Island. While she expected to do house repairs and help out in the family fish shop, Dolly doesn't expect a proposition from the local handsome Stewart Whitfield. While posing as his girlfriend will help his reputation post break-up, it doesn't go quite the way they planned. Memories are made, much needed repairs are done- but not without a price. No one ever said romance was easy.

If you are looking for a fun, light hearted romp to read while on the beach or on vacation, I nominate Dolly All the Time. You'll enjoy getting to know the cast of characters and all their little quirks. But you'll also get to meet their flaws and struggles. Dolly's family has struggled since her Mom left them when she was 12. She has a brother who suffered a major head injury when he was a younger. a son who is about to start high school and is going through all those changes, a sister who is more often not there than she is. Not to mention a Dad who has been burned in the past and, therefore, not open to change- no matter how needed they may be.

Stewart is the son of a wealthy beyond wealthy family. The one working hard to prove he's the best fit to take over for his father in running the family business. Burning the candle at both ends has left him him with no social life, an ex-girlfriend and panic attacks. The pressure is so high on him that he seizes an opportunity to fake a new relationship to help him get the promotion he's positive he wants. 

Enter Dolly. Stewart offers they pose as a couple for the summer. This will show his family and the company's board that he's the perfect fit to be CEO. No big deal! A couple of dinners. An awards dinner. Nothing serious. However, we all know feelings will get caught. 

This book was fun to read. I loved all the characters. I enjoyed watching the fake relationship evolve as 2 strangers slowly become friends and on to something more. It was fun to see how they would navigate the road they set out on. We all know there's going to be a point where the relationship's true nature gets out, but it didn't happen the way I thought. Nor did the fall out play out as I thought it would. o, while this story isn't a new one and we all know the format the story will follow, there were still some surprises revealed within the pages. 

A great summer read for the pool or beach. A fun way to pass the time while traveling. May you enjoy Dolly All the Time!

The Violin Maker's Secret

 

The Violin Maker's Secret

By: Evie Woods

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

A violin turned into an airport lost and found unites 3 people as they race to uncover it's past. As they try to stay one step ahead of the thief who wants the violin back, they experience the magic that makes the violin unique. 

Once you open the pages of The Violin Maker's Secret, be prepared to go on an adventure! Evie Woods will take you back to the early 1800s to walk you through this special instrument's inception, creation and it's journey to 2025. You'll read how a jealous sibling leads to her sister's soul being encaptured within the wood used to make the violin. This leads to the gift each owner of the violin thenceforth experiences.

Evie Woods introduces you to the violin when it's found in Heathrow airport's lost and found in 2025. Devlin, a baggage claim handler for the airport, buys it as a present for his girlfriend. Not only does said girlfriend not want to instrument (she was expecting an engagement ring), but a break-in accompanied by a threatening message referring to the violin forces Devlin to go on the run. His first stop is his former teacher, Walter. Walter then leads them to an appraiser's shop belonging to a friend. While the friend isn't there, his daughter, Gabrielle, is. All 3 experience the magic of the violin and band together to keep the thieves from getting it back. In doing so, they set out to track the maker of the violin in the hopes answers to their problem will also be found.

What ensues is a country crossing adventure 3 lonely individuals band together for. You also get and amazing story of the violin's life. You'll read how each owner's life is impacted- good or bad- by possessing the violin. You'll meet the woman determined, through whatever means necessary, to get back the one thing that mattered most to her. 

Friendship form, love blossoms and greed leads to an undoing as you read The Violin Maker's Secret. I loved it and will be at my bookstore to be buy once it opens. Evie Woods is amazing at telling stories that just engulf you wholeheartedly, and her newest release is no exception. Happy Reading!

Insignificant Others

 

Insignificant Others

By: Sarah Jio

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

When Lena Westbrook's night doesn't go according to plan, she has no idea that it's just the tip of the iceberg. Lena's going to find out what it would've been like if any of her previous relationships had worked out.

Lena Westbrook is thinking tonight's the night she and her boyfriend will get engaged. Not only does that plan not work out, but she's given a weird conveyor belt analogy as part of the reason. Devastated, Lena goes to visit her Aunt and take some time to sort out her feelings. Her life goes in a completely different direction when she falls asleep in the guest house- located in Seattle, Washington- but wakes up in Paris, France.

Thus begins her journey of spending one day in the lives she would have lived if any of the men who came into her life (in various forms) had worked out. These days take her all over the world and give her a chance to live many different lives. 

There's the marriage she where she and her husband are cheating. Or the life where she married a man she went on a couple of dates with, but make a life on a farm in Pennsylvania. The life she wakes up to where she discovers her husband is a con artist who scams retired people out of their money. In some lives, she deals with the subject of children- in the various forms in comes in. By the time she wakes up back in the guest house, Lena has learned far more about herself than she anticipated. Somehow, things never before on her radar now are. She learns that a big ring doesn't lead to a happy life. And sometimes, the life you really need is the last one you expected to want.

Once again, Sarah Jio has delivered a fascinating story. I was glued to what each new life was going to look like and reveal to her. The different careers and types of lives she lived out were captivating. I wanted to see what would unfold next. I chuckled at the funny scenes- be careful around an ice sculpture & when milking a cow), had my heart strings tugged at the encounters with children. Cheered her on when she rights the wrongs done by her crook husband. It was an emotional journey of discovery for not just Lena, but the reader as well. This book triggered me reflecting on my own past romances and what I learned from each one. Thank you, Sarah, for giving me another story to get lost in.

The Summer of Yes

The Summer of Yes

By" Courtney Walsh

Genre: General Fiction

Summary:

Having been hit by a car not only leaves Kelsey with a 2 day stay in a hospital, but a driving need to reevaluate her life. She now has the time to look at her life and see how it's not what she wants it to be. Turns out, she's been saying "no" far more than she's been saying "yes". It doesn't take her long to decide that has to change. And what does any woman in her 20s need when turning her summer into one of saying, "yes"? Why an older- rather cranky- sidekick, of course. Georgina Tate has lived out more of her years than she has left, and secretly, with many regrets. So the least likely pair have a summer that changes their lives- but for good or bad?

The concept of this book was one that grabbed me from the start. It didn't sound like much of what I've read prior, so I couldn't wait to see how the story played out. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It was fun. heartwarming, challenging. It was fun to read how Kelsey dipped her toes into the world of "yes". 

The book's standout character, for me, was Georgina Tate. A highly successful business woman who did what few others did in her day, has much to be proud of. But even more to be regretful of. She's well aware that her success came at the price of decisions that broke more than one heart. So, as Georgina is now facing the biggest challenge of her life, she's got much to look back on and wish she had done differently. She also sees a lot of herself in the random stranger's hospital room she was placed in. In the little time they share together, a connection is made. Though Georgina is loathe to admit it. 

Kelsey approaches Georgina with an insane idea of taking the upcoming summer to say yes to things they once said no to. While these things are different for each of the women, both are highly impacted by the results. Where Georgina thought things were beyond repair for her, she's able to see that all isn't lost. If she can get out of her own way. 

I'll admit, while Georgina's storyline was far more impactful and emotional, she wasn't an easy character to like. She read to me very much like Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton. She was a grouchy, stubborn, almost egotistical character. But she's also the character with the most growth. The Georgina you start the book with is not the same one you finish the book with. 

The Summer of Yes was a fun read. It was a great combination of light, hearty and fun. It was fun and inspiring to see both characters face fears- big and small. I could easily see this being a beach or vacation read. The banter between Georgina and Kelsey was fun to watch unfold throughout the book. 

IF you're looking for a summer read, I encourage you to consider The Summer of Yes. I encourage you to this book at some point. Maybe you'll be inspired to have your own season of saying yes to what you normally say no to. 

 

Only the Brave

 

Only the Brave

By: Danielle Steel

Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction

Summary:

In 1937, Sophia Alexander is adjusting to her new normal life. Her Mother has passed away, her Father is a workaholic with his own general surgeon practice. Sophie's younger sister, Theresa is a socialite in the making. But everything changes when World War II erupts. Everything they once had is now being threatened and each has to make their own way. Sophia has no clue what the future holds for her- or her family.

Life as Sophia knew ended when her mother died. The family unit she grew up with was forever changed. Her beloved father, a general surgeon with his own practice, spent more and more time at his office. Her younger sister, Theresa, gets married. And Theresa attends nursing school. Among all that, World War II erupts. It doesn't take long before the War seeps fear into their lives.

Her father is approached by the Reich for his assistance in carrying out one of their diabolical agendas. When he declines, he prays that's the end of it. However, it wasn't. Later on, he's approached again. When he declines a second time, he's arrested and sent to camp. Everything he built is destroyed.

Theresa's husband is discovered to be a quarter Jewish, which is enough to force them to flee for their lives. She's very pregnant and his parents aren't as lucky. The very people his family had partied with are the ones who declare them enemies. Sophia calls on a friend to help her get Theresa and her husband to safety. Will they make it? 

Sophia not only decides she's going to become a nun, but she begins attending underground meetings and helping Jewish children to safety. She's never caught, but suspicion builds and she becomes guilty be association. Sophia goes from living in the safety of a convent to the terror of Ravensbruck. It takes her brains and guts to survive within it's walls. It takes her bravery to leave it. 

I've always loved Danielle Steel's historical fiction books the best. And while this one wasn't my favorite, it was still a good one. There were times when I felt people kept pressuring her to not go through with what she wanted. Overall, the story was a good one. It isn't a long book, so it's perfect for a short jaunt into another time. 

The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux

 

The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux

By: M.J. Robotham

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

Ruby Deveraux is a well acclaimed author. Not only is successful, but she still owes her publisher one more book. She finally agrees to give them the memoir they've been asking for, but only if it's done on her terms.  So, Ruby Devereaux tells her life story- through the men who had the biggest impression on her.

Ruby Devereaux may be 90, but she is still a force to be reckoned with. So, while it's easier to give her publisher the memoir they want, she's doing it her way. What follows is the 12 men who have shaped her life and left the biggest impressions on her. She shares her firsts: love, sexual experience, heartbreak and betrayal. Beginning in the late 1940s and going to 2020, you'll journey history through her life and heart. You'll see her fall in love, get her heart broken, navigate betrayal, get married and suffer gut wrenching losses- just to name a few. 

She'll tell stories of an actor, politician, artists, her Dad and others. She'll fall head over heels and, sometimes, just love the person for the moment. As she lays out her history, you'll run the gamete with her. You'll fall in love. You'll fall in lust. You'll feel her joy. You'll feel her pain. You'll see a woman embrace life in all it's emotions and experiences. Some will scar, some will enrich. And some will forever change you.

Ruby as a spy? Ruby as a wife? Ruby in love? Ruby learning the truth of someone she thought she knew. Ruby being the nurturer to a man who's own trauma threatens to take over. Ruby having the time of her life and getting arrested- at 52 years old. It's all in these pages and more. 

It was fun to see her life unfold. Ruby lived so many different lives, but all those lives were the pieces that made Ruby who she was. I grew attached to her and wanted to see her happy and succeed. No matter what love brought to her, or did to her, she was the feisty woman I rooted for every time. 

There's no way to escape the inevitable comparisons to  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. They are similar in many ways, but don't dismiss Ruby. Don't underestimate Ruby. You will enjoy her story, her loves, her life, her guts, her grit. Curl up and get to know a woman who lived a long, incredible life.

 

Other Birds

 

Other Birds

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

A group of people all living in the same condo complex have more than their living arrangements in common. All of them have had their lives blessed by a loving person who changed their lives for the better. And all of them have lost that source of love, but have forged on. Here is the story of how unconditional love can come from anywhere, change your life and heart, and stay with you long after it has physically left your life.

Let me just say that I am so happy Sarah Addison Allen has brought another book to the world of readers who have missed her work. It's been a handful of years since her last book and I, for one, have missed her storytelling. She has been a beloved author to me ever since she captivated the world with Garden Spells. Welcome back! You have been missed. 

Other Birds is all about grief and the different ways it can present itself. The characters within this story have all experienced sad, lonely and heartbreaking pasts. And they were all touched by someone who came into their lives with the unconditional love they never knew they needed. And they've all lost that said love one. However, several of them still have lingering traces of them in their lives.

Zoe has recently graduated high school and is waiting to start college. She has moved into her mother's old condominium after leaving her father's house. Within his house, she always felt like an intrusion and as if they were ready for her to leave. Always the outsider to the life he now has with his wife and her children. She was lonely and her world was tiny. Just her and Pigeon, her pet bird that is invisible to everyone- but her. 

Lisbeth is the neighbor haunted by the compulsion of her mental illness. As the book unfolds, you get her perspective and you see her world through it's distorted lens. The day after Zoey moves in, Lisbeth is found dead. It doesn't take long for you to get a glimpse into her world of saving any and every piece of paper with writing on it. Boxes upon boxes are stacked in her apartment. Her compulsion had run unchecked. As the story progresses you get her perspective on how her life ended up so isolated.

Mac wasn't always the talented chef her is now. In fact, he came from nothing. He was the poorest of the poor in his neighborhood. Until an elderly neighbor takes him in and gives him the love and life he never knew could exist. She teaches him how to cook and he goes on to make a name for himself with her favorite ingredient as his inspiration: cornmeal. Now, every morning, he wakes up covered in cornmeal.

Charlotte is running from her past. After losing her best friend to an illness that was never treated, she leaves the cult her family had been in. However, she takes something with her that always has her looking over her shoulder and never staying in one place too long. Until now. Loving her life as a Henna artist, Charlotte doesn't want to leave. 

Lucy is Lisbeth's sister. You learn about their dynamic and the heartbreak both sisters endured. You'll read how both lives were forever haunted by their pasts. 

Lastly, you have the condo manager, Frasier. The man overseeing the complex and the residents. He knows them all and has a few surprises up his sleeve as to how he knows some of them. 

I have to say, I had a hard time getting into this story. I wasn't enraptured with this book as I was with her previous ones. However, I think that's mostly because I wasn't able to relate to the characters. This book is aimed for those who are mourning someone they dearly loved. While I've lost loved ones, I've been able to accept the loss and carry them with me. I've been able to let them go. Other Birds is a love story to those people who love a lost soul so much that they change the person for the better. It's an ode to the people you love dearly, but had to say goodbye to- ready or not. 

This book was beautiful, but heavy in ways I wasn't expecting. Sarah still tells a mystical, whimsical story, but it wasn't a feel good one. I wasn't charmed by the story like I thought I would be. But, maybe that wasn't the point of the book. Love and loss aren't always done in the ways we're ok with. Some readers are going to relate to everything within this story. Others may not. There are plot twists I didn't see coming. While I didn't love this book, I'm glad I read it.  

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!!

The Affair

 

The Affair

By: Danielle Steel

288 Pages

Fiction

Summary:

When Rose McCarthy’s staff at Mode magazine pitches a cover shoot with Hollywood’s hottest young actress, the actress’s sizzling affair with a bestselling French author is exposed. The author happens to be Rose’s son-in-law, which creates a painful dilemma for her. Her daughter Nadia, a talented interior designer, has been struggling to hold her marriage together, and conceal the truth from their young daughters, her family, and the world. But Nicolas, her straying husband, is blinded by passion for a younger woman—and not only that, she is pregnant with his child. 

Nadia’s three sisters close ranks around her, flying to Paris from Los Angeles and New York to lend support and offer their widely divergent advice. Athena, a jovial celebrity chef with her own TV show in Los Angeles, is leery of marriage. Olivia, a stern conservative New York superior court judge, is haunted by a shocking secret of her own. Venetia, a zany fashion designer, happily married with three kids, has the gentlest, most realistic point of view. Despite their well-meaning advice, Nadia needs to figure out what she herself thinks, and what to do next.  ---bn.com

Danielle's back, but not packing the punch I enjoyed in he previous release. I enjoyed the first half of this book more than I did the second half. The main issue I had was with the husband character, Nicolas. The reasons he gave as his explanation for the affair infuriated me and never did anything to remove that anger. As the story unfolds, it takes far longer than is should for him to grasp the pain he caused. How he wanted things to play out where beyond selfish and completely unrelatable. As the reader, I never felt he truly understood the impact of his selfish actions. His character was meant to be disliked, but I was never able to change my opinion of him as the story continued to unfold.

Danielle told a great, moving story, Her fans will enjoy this latest story, but I never got passed Nicolas from the first half. He was never able to really redeem himself with me. I had a hard time with his stand after his affair was revealed. I felt like he was a child who couldn't understand why things weren't going his way. Maybe it was the culture differences.

I did love the interaction with the sisters. Watching those relationships grow and impact one another was fun to read. The way they came together for each other, in more than one crisis, was awesome. They stood beside one another- no matter what. That was my favorite aspect of the book. I could've read about the sisters and mother relationship all day. They were all so different, but at the end of the day, they were family. Come hell or high water. 

Neighbors

 

Neighbors

By: Danielle Steel

Summary:

When an 8.2 earthquake rocks San Francisco, the residents of one particular street come together. Lives are forever changed- in both good and bad ways. Mostly, people who once were strangers come to form a little family.

I LOVED this book!! Danielle Steel has tended to be a little hit and miss for me over the last several years. This one I read in a matter of 2 days. I loved all the characters she meant for the reader to love, and the same with the characters she wanted you to dislike. Instead of going light on the whatever subject she wrote about at the time, I felt like Danielle really did justice to the characters and the plot she wove with them.

Meredith is the former movie star who turned her back on the outside world after enduring several heartbreaks in a close period of time. No  longer drawn to movies, she spent the next 15 years within the walls of her property- which is no small piece of real estate. Her only confidantes are the married couple she employs, Jack and Debbie Speck, to help protect her from the world and manage her estate. What she doesn't know is that they never had genuine intentions when it came to her. Although, they genuinely loved the perks of their jobs and the money. Not to mention the valuables they were quietly sneak into their apartment.

Andrew Johnson is a prominent Orthopedic surgeon. His wife was once an OR nurse, but left her career to raise the 2 children they have. He's all about appearance and letting her know how lucky she is. 

Peter Stern is a writer with dreams of publishing his novel. During the day he works in advertising, but writes at night. He had a stroke of luck when Arthur Harriman, a famous concert pianist who is blind, asks Peter to live with him and be a sometime caretaker during the evening hours. 

Joel Fine is a multimillionaire from several start ups he founded. He's local playboy who loves a good time with little, to no strings attached. His current It girl is Ava who was a tradeshow model. She's starting to see beyond the fun of the moment and wanting a future for herself, but she knows it won't include Joel.

Everyone comes together one night when the earthquake hits. Meredith opens rarely used gates and offers everyone to stay with her until their own homes are safe to move back into. Within the month everyone is under her roof, secrets become uncovered and lives begin to change. Not everyone who entered Meredith's house together leaves together. 

**** TRIGGER WARNING!!! ****

There are domestic violence scenes in this book. If that is something you would rather not read , or will be an issue, you may not want to read this book. While they don't occur from start to finish, they do play throughout the majority of the book- especially he last 1/2 of the book.

Like I said, I enjoyed this book. I was gripped from the start. I loved watching the different storylines unfold. Some things weren't surprising, while others were. This was a great book to just curl up with and have a cozy time with. It wasn't fluffy, but nor was it overly heavy. I felt Danielle did a great job of growing her characters after a traumatic experience. You did feel removed from the complete earthquake experience simply because everyone stays at Meredith's mansion. However, as the story progresses, your experience to the event is widened. 

The English Wife

The English Wife

By: Lauren Willig

384 Pages

Description:

Annabelle and Bayard Van Duyvil live a charmed life in New York: he’s the scion of an old Knickerbocker family, she grew up in a Tudor house in England, they had a fairytale romance in London, they have three-year-old twins on whom they dote, and he’s recreated her family home on the banks of the Hudson and named it Illyria. Yes, there are rumors that she’s having an affair with the architect, but rumors are rumors and people will gossip. But then Bayard is found dead with a knife in his chest on the night of their Twelfth Night Ball, Annabelle goes missing, presumed drowned, and the papers go mad. Bay’s sister, Janie, forms an unlikely alliance with a reporter to try to uncover the truth, convinced that Bay would never have killed his wife, that it must be a third party, but the more she learns about her brother and his wife, the more everything she thought she knew about them starts to unravel. Who were her brother and his wife, really? And why did her brother die with the name George on his lips?

I've been a fan of Lauren Willig since the days of her Pink Carnation series. She has always weaved together fascinating stories that pull you in and keep hold of you until the very last word. The English Wife is no exception. Once again, she has written a story that captivates the reader while sending them on a journey. 

Every chapter of this book offered up another piece to the puzzle being put together. So many questions seeking answers that you get to search for, along with the characters. You step into the world that Bayard and Annabelle created. You're there for their first meeting. You watch as they fall in love and form a life. In fact, you're cheering them on as they do. And you are baffled when one is found dead and the other is missing. You have as many questions as the characters do. 

You bond with Janie as she decides to boldly seek the truth of what happened to her brother and his wife- no matter what the truth turns out to be. You are baffled with every clue that is uncovered, and you try to make the many pieces fit. 

The English Wife will set you on a course to uncover the truth you never knew was hidden. And, like me, you will be gripped with every clue you find as you try to put the puzzle together. 

The Lake House

The Lake House
By: Kate Morton
512 Pages

Summary:
Sadie  Sparrow is a talented detective. However, when she makes a costly mistake while solving that puts her entire career in jeopardy. Taking time off to let things cool down lands her smack in the middle of another case. This one a long, unsolved disappearance. A wealthy family, a vast estate. and a toddler who vanishes without a trace all come together as Sadie seeks to put the pieces of the forgotten puzzle into place. But that's not the only mystery that gets solved.

Kate Morton is such a talented storyteller. She weaves intricate plots and fascinating characters together seamlessly. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors- and I've only read 2 of her books, so far! One thing that has been common on both books, is that once I start the first page, I'll be gripped by the story until I finish the very last page. 

As I read The Lake House, I fell did what every reader does: I tried to solve the story. I thought I would guess the ending. Make no mistake! Kate Morton gives you many opportunities to think you have it figured out as the story she tells unfolds. But also know this: every time you think you have it figured out, she throws you a plot twist that changes everything. You may figure out a few things here and there, but, overall, she leaves you guessing along with her characters.

The Lake House centers around two unsolved cases. Sadie's story line involves the disappearance of a mother who left her child. All the evidence points in one direction, but Sadie is unsure that direction is pointing to the answer. A bad judgment call made out of desperation lands her in hot water. She's told to take time off to figure things out. So, she heads to Cornwall to spend time with her beloved Uncle. The last thing she expected to do was stumble upon an empty country estate. ut stumble she does. A peek in the house shows everything left behind. As if the inhabitants just left one day, and never returned. The seed has been planted to delve into the long forgotten- but still unsolved- Edevane disappearance.

In the 1930s, the wealthy Edevane family hosted their annual Midsummer Party. At some time during the festivities, 11 month old Theo is taken. When a search results in no clues, body, or ransom note, the case grows cold. Eventually, the family leaves the house. As Sadie digs into the story, Miss Morton takes you through it all. You meet the family. You learn the secrets. You become the fly on the wall that sees all. 

Once again, Kate Morton has written a spellbinding story, While I wasn't as gripped with this one as i was with The Secret Keeper, I still looked forward to finding out what each page revealed. The book is long, but worth the time spent.

The Cupcake Club: Sugar and Spice

A fun Summer Reading Selection for the kids! This series is fun and a wonderful way to spend some of their summer time!

The Cupcake Club: Sugar and Spice

By: Sheryl & Carrie Berk

116 pages

Ages: 9-12

Summary:

The gang of the Cupcake Club is back!! In this latest adventure, bullies are taught a lesson in humility, and someone enters a beauty pagent!

Who knew that painting a huge canvas for art class would cause so much trouble?! Certainly not Lexie. However, when her overly large work of art collides with school snob, Meredith, Lexie becomes the target of Meredith's scorn. Instead of just letting it go, Meredith decides revenge should come with going after Lexie's boyfriend. As if constantly putting her down wasn't enough. Well, the girls of Peace, Love, and Cupcakes have decided they are going to teach the school hotshot a lesson, or two.

When the girls learn that Meredith has entered the Miss New England Shooting Starz pagent, they decide someone needs to run against her- and win. Lexie gets voted when they learn she can sing. So, a reluctant Lexie enters. Competition day isn't a smooth one. Some contestants soar, while others sink. And some people see stars.

Lexie isn't the only one facing down her insecurities with rivals. The girls of Peace, Love, and Cupcakes also go head-to-head with their rival competition when both vie for the job of baking for the pageant. Will the girls claim victory this time? Who's impressive cupcake concoction will be the winner?

Girls will especially love this series. The Cupcake Club is a fun, creative, spunky series that I enjoy reading! The characters are fun, the chapters aren't long, The stories are fun and relateable for all ages. The books in The Cupcake Club are great summer reads! Readers will have fun reading the books and getting to know all the girls. I look forward to each book!

The Dress Shop of Dreams

The Dress Shop of Dreams
By: Menna Van Praag
336 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Broks

Summary:
Since her parents’ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta’s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta’s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Etta’s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman’s deepest desires.

Etta’s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Cora’s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Walt’s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spells—like true love—can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes she’s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Cora’s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.-- publisher description

Menna VanPraag's newest book "Dress Shop of Dreams" is a treat for any mystery lover. It is packed full of twists and turns with just a bit of magic. I would just think I had the answers and there would be a couple of twists, a turn or two and a fascinating  character. 

Ettaa Sparks' dress shop has been in her family for generations. Her creations are made of rich fabrics in any color one can imagine. Each dress is unique and Etta is always ready to add a very special stitch.

Ettaa's granddaughter, Cora, has been raised by her since the tragic death of Cora's parents. Cora's parents were scientists and Cora shares their passion and drive. Dr. Baxter and Cora have a grant to develop ways to feed underdeveloped nations. Etta is concerned that Cora is burying herself in the laboratory . Walt, a life long friend of Cora's, has told Etta that he loves Cora, but she is oblivious. Etta encourages Walt and gives him a little bit of magic to help him. This does not work out the way Edda had hoped.

While celebrating Cora's birthday Edda tells her that she doesn't think her parents death was an accident. Hearing this Cora decides to investigate. She meets detective Henry Dixon and together they discover some conflicting information. Visions from Cora's early childhood begin to pop up . Following the clues brings Cora to a shocking conclusion.

Block off a quiet time, find a comfortable spot and dive in. There are skeletons in several closets, a diary written in code, a patient priest, a police inspector with a little magic of his own and romances both old and new. Enjoy!

The Look of Love

The Look of Love
By: Sarah Jio
286 Pages

Summary:
Jane Williams may not be one of the few women who struggle in the love department. However, she is one of the rare women who has the ability to see love before her eyes. That's right. She's able to tell if a couple having dinner really love each other, or are just going through the motions. But now that she's been made aware of this gift, she has a challenge she must meet. Identify the 6 types of love, or her gift will become a curse that will prevent her from ever having real love in her life. 

I have to say, that I felt Sarah Jio wrote a different kind of book than I'm used to her writing. While it did take me longer to get into this book, once I did, it was a marvelous read. 

Jane has been seeing a neurologist most of her life for blurred vision. Going on the theory that she has a tumor on part of her brain, Jane never had any reason to doubt what her doctor told her. Yet, everything changes when she receives a random card on her birthday- from a lady she has never met. Upon meeting Colete Dubois, Jane learns that her blurred vision has nothing to do with a tumor, and everything to do with a gift she received from Colette on the day she was born, Jane can see love. Now she has one year to identify six types of love within her life. If she fails to do it, then she will never know love in her own life. 

It isn't long before the lives around her start demonstrating various examples of love. Everything from adulterous love, to love with a stranger, Jane begins to see it all. And Jane isn't the only one who will discover love during the year she has. Her brother introduces her to a friend, and a connection grows. However, like many types of love, all is not smooth sailing for them. Can they overcome the obstacles they encounter? Will they be a type of love?

While I admit to not enjoying this book as much as her other books, Sarah Jio has written a book that you will want to read. The idea of being able to see love in front of you has such potential, how can you not see what story it will unfold?! It may not be a book you can't put down, but you will want to see what happens and how each love scenario plays out.

Goodnight June

Goodnight June
By: Sarah Jio
301 Pages

Summary:
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Songs) is an adored childhood classic, but its real origins are lost to history. In Goodnight June,Sarah Jio offers a suspenseful and heartfelt take on how the “great green room” might have come to be.
June Andersen is professionally successful, but her personal life is marred by unhappiness. Unexpectedly, she is called to settle her great-aunt Ruby’s estate and determine the fate of Bluebird Books, the children’s bookstore Ruby founded in the 1940s. Amidst the store’s papers, June stumbles upon letters between her great-aunt and the late Margaret Wise Brown—and steps into the pages of American literature. --Courtesy of the publisher

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sarah Jio cannot write a bad book!! It's genetically impossible! Once again, Sarah has a literary delight for her readers to devour! And make no mistake, devour you will. Yet again, she has spun an ingenious idea that will captivate you from the first page. 

I think it's safe to say that the majority of book lovers have heard of the beloved children's book, Goodnight Moon". In her newest book, Sarah finds a way to bring the author of the classic, and the book's creation, into her vision. And I have to say, the combination is so good you don't want to put it down.

June lives in New York. A doctor has recommended she slow her fast-paced life down when panic attacks enter into the picture. Bound and determined to forge on, June doesn't adhere to the advice until she learns of her beloved Aunt's death. All of a sudden, Jun realizes she's been so busy running from her old life, and carving out a new one, that she left her favorite relative behind. The point is driven further home when she learns her Aunt Ruby leaves her the bookstore she's owned, Bluebird Books. 

The intention is to fly out to Seattle and settle the estate. She has no need for a well-known bookstore in her New York executive life. However, plans may change once she gets there. As she goes through the store, deciding what to keep or toss, she finds strategically placed letters. As she reads them, she comes to see they aren't you average letters. These letters are from her Aunt Ruby and "Brownie", MWB. It isn't long before June learns Brownie and MWB are Margaret Wise Brown- THE Maraget Wise Brown. That's right the author of countless children's classics, including the eternally loved Goodnight Moon, and June's Aunt Ruby were very good friends. The more letters she finds, the more of a look into both womens' lives she gets. The love affairs. The struggles with career and family. All of it play out for June to read.

It also hits home, because June has her own struggles with her sister, Amy.  A feud that has yet to be resolved, remains that way 5 years later. June has no desire to forgive her sister, but the letters slowly chip away the ice. June also sees Margaret's struggles with her writing. Having made a name for herself writing books for children, the author desperately wants to write a taken seriously novel. 

One of the most shocking revelations the letters hold for June is the side of her Aunt they reveal. A love affair she never knew about comes to light- and it's aftermath. This comes in handy as June navigates a romance with the owner of the Italian restaurant next door. 

It isn't long before the letters help shift June's world, and what she values and prioritizes. Aunt Ruby and Margaret's letters help her take stock of her life. They give her the courage to really analyze how happy she is- and isn't. Can she and her sister forgive one another before it's too late? Is her fast paced, automatic life in New York really what she wants? And what happened to the child she learns her Aunt had?

Readers will be glued to the pages, eager to see what will happen on the next page. You won't want to stop reading. Fans of Sarah Jio will embrace Goodnight June with open arms. Fans of Goodnight Moon will love how, decades later, the book still lives on. This book is among my favorites from Sarah Jio. I hope you love every word, too.