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Author: ondbookshelf

Blogging my way through my extensive to be read pile of books.

About ondbookshelf

Blogging my way through my extensive to be read pile of books.

Published on Leave a comment on The Family Tabor
The Family Tabor Book Cover The Family Tabor
Cherise Wolas
Fiction
Flatiron
July 17, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy
400
Free copy from publisher

Harry Tabor is about to be named Man of the Decade, a distinction that feels like the culmination of a life well lived. Gathering together in Palm Springs for the celebration are his wife, Roma, a distinguished child psychologist, and their children: Phoebe, a high-powered attorney; Camille, a brilliant social anthropologist; and Simon, a big-firm lawyer, who brings his glamorous wife and two young daughters.

But immediately, cracks begin to appear in this smooth facade: Simon hasn’t been sleeping through the night, Camille can’t decide what to do with her life, and Phoebe is a little too cagey about her new boyfriend. Roma knows her children are hiding things. What she doesn’t know, what none of them know, is that Harry is suddenly haunted by the long-buried secret that drove him, decades ago, to relocate his young family to the California desert. As the ceremony nears, the family members are forced to confront the falsehoods upon which their lives are built.

Set over the course of a single weekend, and deftly alternating between the five Tabors, this provocative, gorgeously rendered novel reckons with the nature of the stories we tell ourselves and our family and the price we pay for second chances.

Review:

After the highly successful Resurrection of Joan Ashby, I was curious to see if Ms. Wolas could hit another one out of the park. The answer is a resounding yes! Of course it doesn't hurt that this is my absolute favorite kind of story. A family who looks from the outside like the ideal, but who all have cracks beneath their surface. Once again, the writing was brilliant, and I was immediately absorbed in each of the family members lives. While I certainly can't say that I loved them all equally, they were all written so that you want to see how things work out for each of them. The author did a splendid job of keeping the story moving, since almost the entire book takes place over the course of one weekend. Having said that, it does give a detailed  backstory of each family member. I loved it and felt it brought me closer to the workings of the characters, but some may not. The only bit of a downfall for me was the ending, which I wasn't a huge fan of (without going into any detail).

Another fantastic read from this author. I would highly recommend this one to anyone who loves family drama stories, by a highly skilled writer.

Published on Leave a comment on All Your Perfects
All Your Perfects Book Cover All Your Perfects
Colleen Hoover
Fiction
Atria Books
July 17, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy
320
Free copy from publisher

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends with Us—whose writing is “emotionally wrenching and utterly original” (Sarah Shepard, New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars series)—delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it. Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair. All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?

My review:

I'm going to admit right up front that this author's work does not always wow me (don't listen to me though, she has legions of fans that would vehemently disagree!). This one though, hit the mark, and I flew through it in two days! It definitely helped that my interest was piqued by the opening chapter (a specialty for Ms. Hoover) and the issue of infertility (which I struggled with). I enjoyed the way the book was told in alternating chapters of when Quinn and Graham met, and where they are seven to ten years later. The emotions of both main characters were so well written that I could feel them as though I were experiencing them. The issue of motherhood, and why someone is not a mother by a certain age or time after marriage, is such a common stigma (STILL) in society. I hope books like this will cause people to pause before blurting out "when are you going to have a baby?". Quinn's mental health resulting from her infertility was heart breaking, yet it was Graham who I really felt for. He tried so hard to help her, but had no idea how to do it. You will have the whole gamut of feelings while reading this one, and I hope you will be as satisfied as I was with the ending (warning: have tissues handy when the envelopes are opened!). The only real downfall for me was that this falls into the genre of new adult, which is not really my thing. I don't really enjoy all the descriptive sex (which I find to be a trademark of most new adult). I don't consider myself a prude, but I much prefer to use my imagination instead of reading every act. This is my personal pet peeve, and certainly nothing against this book (or the new adult genre).

An important, emotional book about a marriage struggling with infertility that I hope will shed light on the topic of motherhood. This one was well worth the read.

 

Published on Leave a comment on The Banker’s Wife
The Banker's Wife Book Cover The Banker's Wife
Cristina Alger
Fiction
G. P. Putnam's Sons
July 3, 2018
Hardcover
352
Free copy from publisher

On an early morning in November, a couple boards a private plane bound for Geneva, flying into a storm. Soon after, it simply drops off the radar, and its wreckage is later uncovered in the Alps. Among the disappeared is Matthew Lerner, a banking insider at Swiss United, a powerful offshore bank. His young widow, Annabel, is left grappling with the secrets he left behind, including an encrypted laptop and a shady client list. As she begins a desperate search for answers, she determines that Matthew's death was no accident, and that she is now in the crosshairs of his powerful enemies.

Meanwhile, ambitious society journalist Marina Tourneau has finally landed at the top. Now that she's engaged to Grant Ellis, she will stop writing about powerful families and finally be a part of one. Her entry into the upper echelons of New York's social scene is more appealing than any article could ever be, but, after the death of her mentor, she agrees to dig into one more story. While looking into Swiss United, Marina uncovers information that implicates some of the most powerful men in the financial world, including some who are too close to home. The story could also be the answer to Annabel's heartbreaking search—if Marina chooses to publish it.

My review:

Woah! This one keeps you on your toes as you navigate the world of offshore banking, complete with dummy corporations hiding rich folks' assets, important people conspiring with known terrorists (any of this sounding vaguely too timely?) and some pretty scary tactics to keep all the goings on private. What we end up with is a wife, assistant and reporter who are all being followed when someone starts feeding information to the press about who is doing business with Swiss United bank. Annabel's husband is presumed dead in a plane crash, but when she realizes that his laptop is wanted by someone, she wonders if his crash was not a freak accident after all? Zoe, the assistant to the dead man, is being followed and definitely knows more than she is letting on. And Marina wants to finish one more story for her mentor, who has been working on outing the goings on at Swiss United, but has now turned up dead! Get ready for a whirlwind of action in this fast paced story! I loved that even though I know nothing about the world of offshore banking, the author kept me from being totally confused (which is no easy feat as I confuse easily when it comes to anything more complicated than balancing my checkbook!). Great writing and pacing, this one was a fast read for me. I couldn't put it down until I knew who was leaking the information, and who were the good guys and bad guys?

The Banker's Wife is a page turner that will leave you with both an icky feeling about how common this offshore banking stuff is, and heart palpitations that the main characters escape with their lives intact!

 

Published on Leave a comment on Those Other Women
Those Other Women Book Cover Those Other Women
Nicola Moriarty
Fiction
William Morrow
June 26, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy
400
Free copy from publisher

The author of The Fifth Letter takes a laser look at the uneasy relationships between women and the real-world ramifications of online conflicts and social media hostilities in this stunning domestic drama. A story of privilege, unspoken rivalries, and small acts of vengeance with huge repercussions sure to please fans of Sarah Jio and Ruth Ware. Overwhelmed at the office and reeling from betrayals involving the people she loves, Poppy feels as if her world has tipped sideways. Maybe her colleague, Annalise, is right—Poppy needs to let loose and blow off some steam. What better way to vent than social media? With Annalise, she creates an invitation-only Facebook group that quickly takes off. Suddenly, Poppy feels like she’s back in control—until someone begins leaking the group’s private posts and stirring up a nasty backlash, shattering her confidence. Feeling judged by disapproving female colleagues and her own disappointed children, Frankie, too, is careening towards the breaking point. She also knows something shocking about her boss—sensitive knowledge that is tearing her apart. As things begin to slide disastrously, dangerously out of control, carefully concealed secrets and lies are exposed with devastating consequences—forcing these women to face painful truths about their lives and the things they do to survive.

My review:

3.5 stars

An interesting take on the perils of how social media can get out of hand without its users meaning for it to happen. This is the case when a Facebook group is set up by a group of non-moms who are tired of picking up their perceived slack of the moms in their workplace. As everyone knows, this has been a debate for many years with no easy resolutions. Having been on both sides (I was not a mom until late in life, and quit my job once I had kids), I can see the points of both groups, which gave the story more credence. The issue with social media comes up because of a post made by one of the non-moms in a moment of weakness, which sets off a sort of mommy war between the two groups. The characters we follow are mostly members of the non-mommy group, but we do get perspective from the other side once the rift is really set into motion. Of course there are secrets from each characters' past involved, and a big misunderstanding involving their boss, which add more intrigue to the story. Well written with a good flow and decent character development. I did feel that the end may have been resolved a little too quickly and tidily, so that took away a bit of my enjoyment at the end.

This would make a good solid beach read, and causes you to think about the issues of parenting and social media.

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Published on 1 Comment on Us Against You (Beartown #2)
Us Against You Book Cover Us Against You
Beartown
Fredrik Backman
Fiction
Atria Books
June 5, 2018
E-book
448
Publisher via NetGalley

After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they hear that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded. What makes it worse is the obvious satisfaction that all the former Beartown players, who now play for a rival team in Hed, take in that fact. Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown’s new hockey coach.

Soon a new team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you’ll ever see; Benji, the intense lone wolf; and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker. But bringing this team together proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.

As the big match approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up and their mutual contempt grows deeper. By the time the last game is finally played, a resident of Beartown will be dead, and the people of both towns will be forced to wonder if, after all they’ve been through, the game they love can ever return to something simple and innocent.

My review:

Make no mistake, this man can tell a story like no other! With the first in the series (Beartown) taking the top spot of the more than 200 books I read last year, this was probably my most anticipated book this year. I liked it, but not anywhere near as much as Beartown. It certainly was not because of the writing, which remains just as beautiful and sharp as all of Backman's previous works. It was not the well written characters, especially not my favorite Benji, who has a big storyline in this one. This is going to sound strange coming from someone who doesn't gravitate toward sports books, but I missed the hockey in this one! The first game doesn't happen until 3/4 of the way through, and I found myself just waiting for the excitement of the game. Instead of the hockey, there was more violence and politics in this one. There are still many of the same characters who we grew to love in Beartown, and some story lines throughout kept my interest, but I just didn't have quite the overall love for the entire book. Having said all that, it's still a very good book, and second books in a series are known to be way too hyped. I'm still going to be excited to pick up the last in series, whenever that may be.

Although in my opinion not as good as its predecessor, this is still a well written book with lots of characters you will root for. Just know going in that the hockey takes a back seat in this one to more of a political plot within the neighboring towns.

Published on Leave a comment on Dreams of Falling
Dreams of Falling Book Cover Dreams of Falling
Karen White
Fiction
Berkley
June 5, 2018
E-book
416
Publisher via NetGalley

It's been nine years since Larkin fled Georgetown, South Carolina, vowing never to go back. But when she finds out that her mother has disappeared, she knows she has no choice but to return to the place that she both loves and dreads--and to the family and friends who never stopped wishing for her to come home. Ivy, Larkin's mother, is discovered in the burned-out wreckage of her family's ancestral rice plantation, badly injured and unconscious. No one knows why Ivy was there, but as Larkin digs for answers, she uncovers secrets kept for nearly 50 years. Secrets that lead back to the past, to the friendship between three girls on the brink of womanhood who swore that they would be friends forever, but who found that vow tested in heartbreaking ways.

My review:

One thing you can always count on in Karen White's books is that you will not be disappointed. While I still have my favorites (The Sound of Glass and The Night the Lights Went Out), and this one was not up there with those, it was still a really enjoyable read. Set in two time periods, present day (2010) and the 50's, we follow three main characters who have remained friends from early school years to the present. We also follow the children and grandchildren of those women, so it can get a bit confusing at the beginning who belongs to who. No  worries though, Ms. White will guide you through, as her writing just flows along with the story. I did actually enjoy the early time frame story more than the present, but I may have been jaded by the fact that a lot of it took place on a vacation the girls took to Myrtle Beach. We own a vacation house in Myrtle, so I quite enjoyed all the references to places I know well (and it reminded me again how sad I am that the Pavillion is no longer there!). Of course the book also has its share of secrets and twists that keep you guessing, and the quintessential Karen White southern charm!

Another solid read that Ms. White can add to her impressive resume. If you like books set in the south, with great characters, lots of secrets kept and a bit of mystery, I think you will enjoy this one. Put it in your beach bag, especially if you are planning a vacation to an Atlantic ocean beach this summer.

2

Published on 2 Comments on The High Tide Club
The High Tide Club Book Cover The High Tide Club
Mary Kay Andrews
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
May 8, 2018
Hardcover
480
Free from publisher

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm.

Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships, secrets, betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land, and secondly, to help her make amends with the heirs of the long dead women who were her closest friends, the girls of The High Tide Club—so named because of their youthful skinny dipping escapades—Millie, Ruth and Varina. When Josephine dies with her secrets intact, Brooke is charged with contacting Josephine’s friends’ descendants and bringing them together on Talisa for a reunion of women who’ve actually never met.

My review:

First let's take a moment and enjoy this cover! If you are a huge summer beach reading enthusiast like me, I'm sure this cover will pull you in! The content of this one was a bit of a surprise for me. I'm a big fan of MKA (as her fans refer to her), because her books are my gateway to summer. While there are some beach references, in general this is more about a dying woman wanting to make amends for things she's done in the past to her best friends (members of The High Tide Club). The other thing I always love about MKA is her sense of humor. I always get a few chuckles out of the situations her characters find themselves in, or their banter and witty remarks. I have seen Ms. Andrews many times on tour, and if you follow her on social media, you know she has a wicked sense of humor. That didn't come through in this book for me, and it made me a bit sad. Not that this is not a compelling book, it just wasn't what I expected. For the most part the book takes place in present time, although we do have some flashbacks to what occurred when the four women were much younger, and the club was formed. There are a number of characters to keep track of, because in the present day the story primarily focuses on the descendants of the original club. The main character who is a lawyer trying to bring together these descendants before her client dies, is an interesting character bringing baggage of her own to the plot (many will remember her as the bride in Save the Date).

This is a solid novel, with an intriguing plot. While I missed the usual style of the author, I commend her for going in a different direction. Those who have not read all her previous work, will not have any preconceived notions, and will enjoy this one for its entertainment and engaging writing.

 

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Published on 2 Comments on Two Steps Forward
Two Steps Forward Book Cover Two Steps Forward
Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist,
Fiction
William Morrow Paperbacks
May 1, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy
384
Free copy from publisher

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Rosie Project comes a story of taking chances and learning to love again as two people, one mourning her husband and the other recovering from divorce, cross paths on the centuries-old Camino pilgrimage from France to Spain. “The Chemin will change you. It changes everyone…” The Chemin, also known as the Camino de Santiago, is a centuries-old pilgrim route that ends in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Every year, thousands of walkers—some devout, many not—follow the route that wends through quaint small villages and along busy highways alike, a journey unlike any other. Zoe, an artist from California who’s still reeling from her husband’s sudden death, has impulsively decided to walk the Camino, hoping to find solace and direction. Martin, an engineer from England, is road-testing a cart of his own design…and recovering from a messy divorce. They begin in the same French town, each uncertain of what the future holds. Zoe has anticipated the physical difficulties of her trek, but she is less prepared for other challenges, as strangers and circumstances force her to confront not just recent loss, but long-held beliefs. For Martin, the pilgrimage is a test of his skills and endurance but also, as he and Zoe grow closer, of his willingness to trust others—and himself—again. Smart and funny, insightful and romantic, Two Steps Forward reveals that the most important journeys we make aren’t measured in miles, but in the strength, wisdom, and love found along the way.

My review:

This book reminded me of The Canterbury Sisters by Kim Wright (reviewed here), in that it is about a journey taken on a well traveled path in Europe. In this case it is the Camino, which was a pilgrim route through France into northern Spain. We follow two main protagonists along the route, sometimes they are together and sometimes not. As they keep running into one another, a sort of friendship begins, although both have baggage they feel will hinder anything more. The novel is told in chronological order in a dual narrative time frame, with lots of other interesting characters popping in and out of the story along the trail. I liked the setup, and thought it to be interesting overall, but I will admit to feeling a bit bored in parts where I wasn't as invested in the characters or place. One thing I know for certain....you will never catch me trying one of these pilgrimages! I like to walk, but not like that 🙂

A fun narrative about two characters taking a pilgrimage along a famous path, with lots of interesting places, characters, and situations thrown in. Maybe you'll decide to walk it after reading?