Live Your Life

 

Live Your Life

By: Amanda & Anna Kloots

Genre: Memoirs

Summary:

When COVID came to the U.S. life as we knew it changed. The virus spread faster than the facts we needed to know about it. Amanda Kloots was forced to face this nightmare when it hit her husband. Facing the unknowns all while on lockdown and bringing up her infant son was nothing short of a nightmare. Here she shares the story of their life, his illness and the battle they desperately fought to the bitter, heartbreaking end.

2020 was a nightmare year. Life turned upside down with 5 letters: COVID. Life came to a scary, screeching halt as we watched hundreds of thousands get hit. While many recovered, many did not. And as the virus spread like the wildfire, the facts and information about it weren't as quick in coming. Fear reigned. Nick Cordero's case was one of the first that took early theories and threw them by the wayside. He was young- in his 40s- and had no pre-existing conditions. He was healthy. There was no reason to think he would get the virus and fully recover, if he did get it. Until he caught it and never recovered. What Amanda thought was  going to be an hour, or so, visit to the ER became the last time she ever talked to him again.

Amanda takes you on her emotional journey as they admitted him into the ICU- and he never left. 90+ days of him showing signs of improvement one minute only to take a turn for the worse the next. Times of doctors saying his numbers looking good and having hope of getting him off the machines. Times of medicines that helped other patients not helping him. Times of being told to get to the hospital as soon as possible because they didn't think Nick would survive a few more hours. The fight to get into the hospital to see him. The phone calls in the middle of the night. Amanda puts you right there with her. 

While she's in the fight for her husband's life, she also has a baby boy, Elvis, to take care of. You'll read how her family dropped their lives to come help her. You'll read how a neighborhood steeped up to help in any way they could. You'll read how celebrities got involved. These were my favorite parts to read. Her fight didn't stay just hers. A whole community of fighters was created in a time when it was needed. 

 Live Your Life is an emotional book. You'll be touched by strangers' generosity, you'll cry at the heartbreaking reality of this virus. You'll think he's going to get better. You'll be sad when he doesn't.  

You'll be shocked when you learn of the damage this virus did to his body. By the time you read the last word, you will have been all over the emotional map and have kept Kleenex in business. 

As devastating as Nick's story is, it's remarkably heartwarming, too. I smiled and cried my way through the pages. I thank Amanda and Anna for sharing their story as openly as they did. May every reader be blessed by it in some way.

How Y'All Doing?

By: Leslie Jordan

Humor, Memoirs

Summary:

During the COVID quarantine, many in the world discovered Mr. Leslie Jordan. he became a familiar, funny face on Instagram. Well, recognizing how 2020 brought him a new audience, Mr. Jordan takes this opportunity to introduce himself and tell you a little about himself.

While I wasn't of the many who became familiar with Leslie Jordan through Instagram, I was of the many who wanted to get to know his story. I had watched a few of his videos and you couldn't help but chuckle at his musings. He has this sweet southern charm that oozes from him. That sweet southern charm that had to navigate being gay in the South amidst a religious family. So, I jumped at the opportunity to read his story. This is his second book, so he may not go into as much detail as his previous one, but I enjoyed myself just the same.

Leslie's humor is what gravitated me to him. He has a funny way of telling the stories he tells. I loved reading how Debbie Reynolds came to his rescue with his mom. he reminisces about his days on American Horror Story. He gets vulnerable with a career challenge that had him walking away from a project he wanted to do, but couldn't. He tells you about his first baby shower experience.

When you pick up this book, be prepared for a quick fun read. You will chuckle and smile. By the time you finish, you've fallen in love Jordan's humor and wit. 

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

 

Maggie Finds Her Muse

By: Dee Ernst

Romance

Summary:

Maggie Bliss is a successful romance writer.- with a problem. Her book is due in 6 weeks and she has nothing. Will a change of scenery be just what she needs? Or will a change of scenery be the setting for a whole new set of problems?

As the book opens, Maggie's life is in a bit of chaos. She has a live-in boyfriend who thinks more of himself than he does of her. Her first draft is due on her publisher's desk in 6 weeks and she's got the worst case of writer's block. So, her agent recommends her traveling to Paris with him and his husband. Seems like paradise since she can write anywhere and she's kicked the selfish boyfriend out. The people waiting for her there are nothing like she thought of. Solange, Lee's (Maggie's agent), is quick to make herself sparse so sparks can hopefully ignite between her son, Max, and Maggie. 

As Maggie gets to know the neighborhood and the people, her writer juices start to flow. However, even Paris can bring complications to your café table. Maggie's daughter has decided that since both her parents get along and are currently single, it's the perfect time to get back together. Will their old flame spark up again? Maggie also can't quite make sense of her growing attachment to Max. He takes her under his wing as he gets her a makeover and shows her the neighborhood. Will feelings develop?

If you're looking for a light, fluffy and charming romance- consider Maggie Finds Her Muse. I loved the story. I was engrossed right from the get go. I loved all the characters and how they interacted. I loved how Dee Ernst made Paris feel so magical through the pages. I loved seeing all the possibilities and watching the story unfold. She even made a farting dog become a cute comical character. 

I do need to warn you that if you like your romance books to be steamy, you won't find that with Maggie. There are plenty of references to steamy things she's written for characters and a couple of beginnings, but very little steam. But what it lacks in that department it makes up for with charm. I didn't want to put the book down and I didn't want it to end. 

Maggie Finds Her Muse could be a great summer read. 

Picture Perfect Frame

 

Picture Perfect Frame

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Mystery/ Cozy Mystery

Summary:

South Cove has a new business in town, a little paint and sip store. And what better welcome can South Cove give this new venture than to have it be the site of the latest murder?! This time around, the prime suspect is none other than resident fortune teller/police secretary/Jill's neighbor. But, did she do it? If not her, than who? 

The 12th installment of this beloved cozy mystery series finds South Cove a whirl of activity. Not only is the town gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, but Amy's wedding is right around the corner. So, a new murder isn't really on anyone's agenda. A night of fun & friendship definitely is. Everyone gathers at the town's newest paint and sip store. Some bring their painting talent, some don't. One attendee, Nan, stands out, though. Mostly because she's drunk. Of course, the locals don't take long on getting whatever info they can about Nan and her husband. As it turns out, they're regular visitors to the town- mainly for the guidance of the local fortune teller/psychic. 

Nan makes the conversations change when she's found dead in the paint and sip the following morning. The hunt is on for the who, what, why. All fingers, clues, start pointing to Jill's neighbor, the fortune teller/police secretary. Knowing her friend didn't do it, Jill refuses to sit back and let her get railroaded. So, off she goes looking for clues. It isn't long before you uncover the reason behind the couple's frequent trips to South Cove. 

As if trying to solve a mystery isn't enough, Jill's best friend, Amy, is the bridezilla turned emotional wreck bride. Due to walk down the aisle in mere weeks, Amy is anything but calm. She's one hysterical mess after another. It only makes matters worse when her fiancé goes missing on her. Unable to get in contact with him, and having very little coming in from his end, Amy wastes no time jumping from one conclusion to another, leaving Jill to deal with the fall out. 

I love this series. I've been with this series from book 1 to now. I always love visiting South Cove and seeing what Lynn has all the residents up to. This book didn't disappoint. It was a fun read that I devoured, as I've done with each installment of this series. Some books have the mystery aspects more front and center than others, but I always get pulled into the plot right away. While Picture Perfect Frame wasn't as action packed as some of the previous books, you still loved finding out Nan's story. I enjoyed learning the back story and how it connected to the present happenings. The ending was anti-climatic for the mystery- there was no fighting confrontation between the killer and anyone, but there didn't need to be. 

I'm looking forward to the next installment. There may be another wedding in the not too distant future for South Cove. Lynn always has me coming back for more!!

The Rose Code

 

The Rose Code

By: Kate Quinn

656 Pages

Historical Fiction/Fiction

Summary:

1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything—beauty, wealth, and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses—but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of east-end London poverty, works the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends-turned-enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter—the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab, and Beth must resurrect their old alliance and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code brings danger—and their true enemy—closer... --bn.com

Has Kate Quinn have a story for you!! Once again, she takes you to World War II. This time. you're cracking secret codes in a secret location. You're intercepting war messages from the Germans along with Osla Kendall, Mab Churt and Beth Finch. Osla is the socialite who wants to prove there's more to her than just being a debutante. Mab is the girl from the poor part of town who wants better for herself and her family. And Beth is the one who's Mom bullies her and has no back bone. Through war circumstances, these three come together. 

As the war rages on, each of these girls grows into women they wanted to be, but never thought they would. One will turn her back on her family to forge her own life on her terms. One will lose the most important people in her life. One will sacrifice her heart for love's sack. And you will not want to stop reading as these ladies do the impossible. But all is not as easy as broken hearts. Devastation, betrayal and despair loom large. 

My favorite character was Osla. She's the spitfire of the group. She's stronger than she gave herself credit for in the beginning. Beth was the growth you loved the most. She went from shy and timid to a powerhouse in the war effort. Mab's secrets were ones that I didn't predict. As these women became part of the backbone for defeating the Germans, you couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

Kate Quinn has brought you another masterpiece. I couldn't put this book down. Once again, it's based off real people and places. She told another gripping story that you pulled you in from the first page. Kate has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers because she's unbelievably gifted at telling her stories. All I wanted to do was see what each page had in store for the story and the girls I've been rooting for. You are in for an amazing, unforgettable adventure. One you will not likely forget after you read the last word and turn the final page. 

If you're like me, your house will become a mess while you're lost in the story, but you won't care, It'll be totally worth it. Thank you, Kate, for another awesome book. It was a true pleasure to read it. 

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. 

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder

 

Summary:

Lake Eden's Mayor is found dead. Andrea, Hannah's sister is the one to find him- and also have a fight with him earlier that day- so she becomes suspect #1. Hannah is now on a mission to find out who really did the killing, all while her busy bakery is prepping for Easter.

I found this to be on ok read. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't amazing, either. It was pretty much in the middle. For me, this book seemed to struggle with something a lot of cozy mystery series do- after numerous books the focus becomes more on the characters with the mystery becoming a secondary character. I felt this book focused the majority of it's time with Hannah and the other characters. It started off with a bang, but cooled quickly. 

A little heads up: if you aren't keeping up with the series, you may find questions with no answers. For example, in the book prior to this one, something happens involving Hannah's husband and her home. You're told she finds his murdered body, but that's all. You don't know what happened or why. You have no clue why her sister is now living there. There is no revisiting it for the reader. I've only read the first 3 books in the series, so I wasn't sure if I could just pick up at the current book and be filled in about recent events, but I wasn't. That's not a deal breaker for me, but it's something I think you should know. Some series don't have to be read in order, but I don't think this is one of them.

There were several things that I had a hard time with. One, the character names were constantly repeated within conversations. To the point that the conversations didn't seem realistic to me. Secondly, the inner dialogue in Hannah's head got pretty distracting and annoying quickly. Once or twice, is no big deal, but when they're happening often, it tends to take away from the story. Thirdly, I just felt the mystery investigation part was almost non existent. There was very little tracking down suspects and weeding out the possibilities. In fact, people stated several times that there were so many people who had a motive for killing the mayor, but only a few were mentioned. The only real investigating happened toward the end and it led to the killer. I guess I was expecting more of the process to be there.

Overall, the 27th Hannah Swensen series installment was ok. I was hoping for more and was disappointed not to see more of the investigation unfold, but I did have a good time catching up with the characters. Andrea is still one of my favorites. Despite the issues I had, I liked the book. I plan on reading more of the series in the future, so I'll have to start catching up.