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Published on Leave a comment on Small Pleasures
Small Pleasures Book Cover Small Pleasures
Clare Chambers
Fiction
Custom House
October 5, 2021
Hardcover
288
Free from publisher

1957: Jean Swinney is a feature writer on a local paper in the southeast suburbs of London. Clever but with limited career opportunities and on the brink of forty, Jean lives a dreary existence that includes caring for her demanding widowed mother, who rarely leaves the house. It’s a small life with little joy and no likelihood of escape.

That all changes when a young woman, Gretchen Tilbury, contacts the paper to claim that her daughter is the result of a virgin birth. Jean seizes onto the bizarre story and sets out to discover whether Gretchen is a miracle or a fraud. But the more Jean investigates, the more her life becomes strangely (and not unpleasantly) intertwined with that of the Tilburys, including Gretchen’s gentle and thoughtful husband Howard, who mostly believes his wife, and their quirky and charming daughter Margaret, who becomes a sort of surrogate child for Jean. Gretchen, too, becomes a much-needed friend in an otherwise empty social life.

Jean cannot bring herself to discard what seems like her one chance at happiness, even as the story that she is researching starts to send dark ripples across all their lives…with unimaginable consequences.

My review:

This book first caught my eye when it was longlisted for the Women's Prize for fiction. It was already published in the UK when the list came out (that is where the prize originates, although it includes global representation). It seemed to take forever for it to get published here in the States, but I was patient, and am glad it never dropped off my radar. I really liked this one. It had a an interesting plot point, a woman writes to a newspaper claiming to have had a virgin birth. I was a bit nervous that it was going to have lots of religious connotations, but thankfully that was not the case. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Jean is the newspaper writer tasked with researching and writing the story of the virgin birth, and she was really well crafted. The daughter in question was just delightful, and I immediately fell in love with her precociousness. While I wasn't a huge fan of the romance that was included as a sub plot, it was tolerable, and led to the climactic ending that definitely had me shedding a tear or two! Since this book took place in 1957, I got some glimpses of life at that time (albeit in London). This was the year before I was born, so I was intrigued with that aspect. I thought the writing was superb, and the book was just the right length and pace. As I've mentioned, the ending, while emotional, was well constructed. Would I have liked an afterword to check up on how the characters lives progressed? I would, but I honestly think it would have made the ending no where near as impactful.

A quiet well written novel, with memorable characters, an interesting plot, and a bittersweet end. I'm excited to read more from this author.

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Published on 1 Comment on Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
Christmas in Peachtree Bluff Book Cover Christmas in Peachtree Bluff
Kristy Woodson Harvey
Fiction
Gallery Books
October 26, 2021
Advance reader copy
368
Free from publisher

When the Murphy women are in trouble, they always know they can turn to their mother, Ansley. So when eldest daughter Caroline and her husband, James, announce they are divorcing—and fifteen-year-old daughter Vivi acts out in response—Caroline, at her wits end, can’t think of anything to do besides leave her with Ansley in Peachtree Bluff for the holidays. After all, how much trouble can one teenager get into on a tiny island?

Quite a lot, as it turns out.

As the “storm of the century” heads toward Peachtree Bluff, Ansley and her husband, Jack, with Vivi in tow, are grateful they’re planning to leave for the trip of a lifetime. But Vivi’s recklessness forces the trio to shelter in place during the worst hurricane Peachtree has ever seen. With no power, no provisions, and the water rising, the circumstances become dire very quickly…and the Murphy sisters, who evacuated to New York, soon realize it’s up to them to conduct a rescue mission. With the bridges closed and no way to access Peachtree Bluff by land or air, they set sail on Caroline’s boat, The Starlite Sisters, determined to rebuild their beloved town—as well as their family.

In “pitch perfect tones” (Publishers Weekly) and written with her signature Southern charm, New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey explores the magic of Christmas, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of family in a tale that reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, home is always where we belong—especially during the holidays.

How exciting is it that we got a Christmas novel about our favorite family? This is the fourth book in the Peachtree Bluff series, and while you don't have to read the previous three in order to enjoy this book, it will definitely heighten the experience. The characters are completely fleshed out in the earlier novels, but because this novel focuses a lot on Vivian (daughter of Caroline.......one of my favorite literary characters EVER), the other characters will be simple side characters if read as a stand alone. Having said that, since I have read and enjoyed all the previous novels, this one was pure joy to experience! I loved sinking back into familiar territory, with familiar and much loved characters. The fact that I live in a hurricane prone area of the country made me totally appreciate that aspect, especially the will it or won't it make landfall here (and the Jim Cantore reference made me laugh out loud!). Once again the author has given us characters who come to life on the page, and their personalities remain true throughout the entire series, which I love and appreciate so much. While I liked the sister's stories and the hurricane plot, I wasn't as big of a fan of Vivi, but I really think that's because I just can't relate to bratty teenagers in my life anymore. I think she was written very well, just wasn't as interested in her shenanigans as much as keeping up with the rest of the family and the townspeople. Speaking of townspeople, I would be remiss if I didn't comment on the hilarious coffee situation the town finds itself in since Coffee Kyle has been replaced by his cousin at the shop.

Absolutely lovely holiday novel for all to read, but if you have been a reader of the Peachtree Bluff series, you are going to lap up every page of this continuation of the family saga. It felt like coming home and being wrapped up in a huge hug.

Published on Leave a comment on For Your Own Good
For Your Own Good Book Cover For Your Own Good
Samantha Downing
Fiction
Berkley
July 20, 2021
Hardcover
384
Purchased

Teddy Crutcher has won Teacher of the Year at the esteemed Belmont Academy, home to the best and brightest.

He says his wife couldn't be more proud—though no one has seen her in a while.

Teddy really can’t be bothered with the death of a school parent that’s looking more and more like murder or the student digging a little too deep into Teddy’s personal life. His main focus is on pushing these kids to their full academic potential.

All he wants is for his colleagues—and the endlessly meddlesome parents—to stay out of his way.

It's really too bad that sometimes excellence can come at such a high cost.

My review:

Oh my, this author has reeled me in again! While her last story centered on a road trip gone wrong, this one takes place in a prestigious private high school. Both of these themes are not ones that I tend to gravitate towards, but I've now decided that this author can take me anywhere she likes and I will follow along. What I loved the most about this book was that none of the characters were likable, therefore you could picture any one of them committing some nasty deeds. Since Teddy is the main protagonist in this story, let's first concentrate on him. He was everything you could want in a villain. You knew from the very beginning that he would throw anyone under the bus because he has such a high opinion of himself, he is after all FINALLY teacher of the year. His mantra is that he is doing everything for his students, for their own good. I loved the way Teddy's character was written, his rationale for his crimes was so interesting to hear about from his skewed viewpoint. Even though we know from the beginning that Teddy is a despicable person, as the story progresses it becomes clear that he isn't the only one. There are a lot of characters in this book, and we hear from the perspective of most of them in various quick chapters. This really moves the story along since it plays out as told through the eyes of all the surrounding players. There were quite a few twists and turns that were well placed. I'm not sure that the last one was quite as impactful as in the author's previous book (He Started It), but I did enjoy the ending overall. I'm still not sure why anyone was eating at the school by the end of the book, but that would be my only head scratcher as far as nit picky details are concerned.

A fast paced mystery/thriller with a dark academia vibe, this one has characters you won't soon forget. Also, you probably won't look at your Keurig coffee or a glass of milk in the same way again 🙂

Published on Leave a comment on The Hidden Child
The Hidden Child Book Cover The Hidden Child
Louise Fein
Fiction
William Morrow
October 19, 2021
Advance reader copy
480
Free from publisher

Eleanor Hamilton is happily married and mother to a beautiful four-year-old girl, Mabel. Her wealthy husband, Edward, a celebrated war hero, is a leading light in the burgeoning Eugenics movement—the very ideas that will soon be embraced by Hitler—and is increasingly important in designing education policy for Great Britain.

But when Edward and Eleanor’s otherwise perfectly healthy daughter develops debilitating epileptic seizures, their world fractures. Mabel’s shameful illness must be hidden or Edward’s life’s work will be in jeopardy and the family’s honor will be shattered.

When Eleanor discovers Edward has been keeping secrets, she calls into question everything she believed about genetic inferiority, and her previous unshakeable faith in her husband disintegrates. Alarmed, distressed, and no longer able to bear the family’s burden, she takes matters into her own hands.

Inspired by the author’s personal experience, The Hidden Child illuminates the moral and ethical issues of an era shaped by xenophobia, prejudice, fear, and well-intentioned yet flawed science. Vividly rendered, deeply affecting, and impeccably researched, Louise Fein’s new historical novel is a sweeping story and a richly drawn portrait of a family torn apart by shame, deceit, and dangerous ideals.

3.5 stars

There was a lot to like about this novel. The exploration of the eugenics movement (the idea of selective breeding to remove unwanted features from humans to create a perfect race). While eugenics did not really come to light until Hitler implemented it to create a more perfect Germany, it was used in America and Europe before that time, and this book delves into its use as part of the educational systems in London. The drama begins when Edward's daughter is found to have epilepsy (one of the undesirables in the eugenics program), so she has to be hidden away so as not to upset the life work that Edward is notable for. This creates huge tension between Edward and Eleanor, who will do anything to have her daughter back with her again. To make matters worse, Eleanor discovers some shady reporting of the test results Edward is using to back his superior race claims. Told in a back and forth version of events from Edward and Eleanor, the reader is taken along on this moral quest. As much as I loved learning about the eugenics movement, as well as the early treatment for epilepsy, I did have a couple of small issues within the story. There are a few chapter breaks thrown in that are narrated by Epilepsy that I found completely unnecessary and distracting from the ongoing story. I also felt that the arc of Edward by the end didn't fit his personality and was a little too neatly tied up to be totally believable to me. Other than those minor issues, this was a strongly written, well researched, really interesting read.

Historical fiction at its best, an immersive story that also teaches you something along the way. If you would like to read something about the eugenics movement in the US, may I suggest Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain.

Published on Leave a comment on The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway Book Cover The Lincoln Highway
Amor Towles
Fiction
Viking
October 5, 2021
Hardcover
592
Purchased

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother and head west where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future.

Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’s third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes.

My review:

Another epic tale from an author known for telling a great story! This book is a chunkster, but I think if you are enjoying the characters and writing from the get go, it won't feel that long. I did find that the story dragged down a bit in a few places, but because of my continued interest in these characters, any bumps in the reading journey were temporary. If you have read either Rules of Civility or A Gentleman in Moscow, you are already familiar with the way Towles can take you on a journey of literary excellence. It is definitely present in this book, but what I loved even more were the characters! Different chapters are narrated by the four main protagonists; Emmett, his young brother Billy, and the two stowaways Woolly and Dutchess. Throughout the ten days that make up the story, the reader learns more about each of the characters and their backstories, including how three of them came to reside at the work farm. As you can imagine, things don't always go according to travel plans, and navigating through the rough patches is a main focus keeping the plot moving forward. I have to admit that I'm not sure that I believed Billy could be quite as knowledgeable as he sometimes appeared, but I guess that just shows you how much information a reader takes in! The ending was totally satisfying (although one part was very sad), and I felt it gave great closure to the saga without tying up every loose end.

Settle in for a thoroughly entertaining read with characters you won't soon forget. Don't let the size intimidate you, the writing and characters are that good!

Published on Leave a comment on The Santa Suit
The Santa Suit Book Cover The Santa Suit
Mary Kay Andrews
Fiction
St. Martin's Press
September 28, 2021
Hardcover
224
Free from publisher

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn't bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it's a full-time job sorting through all of it.

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it's from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy's quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

My review:

You can always count on MKA to deliver a fun and whimsical Christmas story (check out her Blue Christmas and Christmas Bliss, if you want some other great options). This one had all the makings of a light mystery, with a bit of romance and small town cheer thrown in. I loved the setting, characters, and holiday atmosphere. As we always get with this author, the great writing moves the story along at a steady pace. Even though I'm not one for cheesy romance, I'm a bit more forgiving when it comes to holiday stories, so I didn't even mind that aspect of this book. I loved the history behind Ivy's new (or should I say OLD) house and its owners, which we learn about as the story progresses. The fixer upper house was fun to imagine, and the towns Christmas spirit made me want to start decorating my house in October 🙂 To top it all off, there is also a cute and endearing dog in this one. The end was just a bit too convenient and tied up for my taste, but as I said before, it's a holiday book, so I'm giving it a pass.

It's like a Hallmark holiday movie wrapped up in book form. Perfect for the season! May the holiday season commence!

Published on Leave a comment on We Are Not Like Them
We Are Not Like Them Book Cover We Are Not Like Them
Christine Pride, Jo Piazza,
Fiction
Atria Books
October 5, 2021
Advance reader copy
336
Free from publisher

Told from alternating perspectives, an evocative and riveting novel about the lifelong bond between two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event—a powerful and poignant exploration of race in America today and its devastating impact on ordinary lives.

Jen and Riley have been best friends since kindergarten. As adults, they remain as close as sisters, though their lives have taken different directions. Jen married young, and after years of trying, is finally pregnant. Riley pursued her childhood dream of becoming a television journalist and is poised to become one of the first Black female anchors of the top news channel in their hometown of Philadelphia.

But the deep bond they share is severely tested when Jen’s husband, a city police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager. Six months pregnant, Jen is in freefall as her future, her husband’s freedom, and her friendship with Riley are thrown into uncertainty. Covering this career-making story, Riley wrestles with the implications of this tragic incident for her Black community, her ambitions, and her relationship with her lifelong friend.

Wow! Ripped from the headlines, this is a book that explores how two best friends handle things when a huge obstacle comes between them. Told in alternating chapters from Jen and Riley, best friends since kindergarten, Jen is white, Riley is Black. Due to a less than stellar homelife, Jen has basically grown up in Riley's family. Both are happy with where they've landed in life, Jen finally pregnant with the baby she has tried so hard for, and Riley on the cusp of becoming a television news anchor. Riley's final test for the promotion comes when she is given a story to report on, the death of an unarmed young black boy by a police officer. She's ready to make her mark, and try to end this madness of young black men being targeted, but there is one problem, the officer involved in the shooting is Jen's husband! The two characters are so well written that you find yourself flipping sides throughout the novel. It really makes you think about how a split second decision can have such devastating consequences. You will find yourself transported into the lives of each of these women, wondering what you would do in their shoes. Very well crafted, you would never suspect that there are two authors collaborating. The supporting characters also lend another layer to the tension, and the parallels with current events are evident. I had no idea how the authors could end this story, and I felt that they did a good job in coming to a justifiable conclusion.

This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and is a must read for everyone in today's tumultuous society.

Published on Leave a comment on Blush
Blush Book Cover Blush
Jamie Brenner
Fiction
G. P. Putnam's Sons
June, 22, 2021
Advance reader copy
384
Free from publisher

For decades, the lush vineyards and majestic manor house of the Hollander Estates winery made it the North Fork of Long Island's premier destination for lavish parties and romantic day trips. Now the Hollander family fortunes have suffered, and as matriarch Vivian Hollander prepares for the arrival of her daughter and granddaughter for their annual summer reunion, she fears it might be their last. Worse, selling the family legacy to strangers might expose the dark secret she's harbored for thirty-five years....

Visits to the winery have been bittersweet for Leah Hollander Bailey ever since her father refused to let her take her place in the family business. Now a successful Manhattan shop owner, Leah loves the life she's built with her husband and daughter--but with her store, and her marriage, at a crossroads, she can't help but view this year's pilgrimage home as a sorely needed escape.

College senior Sadie Bailey has a thesis to write, and the towering shelves of the manor's library offer endless academic inspiration. But when Sadie discovers evidence that her proper Grandma Vivian once ran a book club dedicated to the scandalous women's novels of decades past, the shockingly outrageous tomes give her new insight into her family's glory days.

Resurrecting the trashy book club begins as the distraction all three women need. But as they battle to save their birthright and heal old wounds, they just might find that the pages contain everything they need to know about how to fight for what they want--and for the life, and love, they deserve.

My absolute favorite part about this book is going to show my age, but here goes. Three generations of women end up resurrecting a decades old bookclub of what were then considered racy books by authors such as Judith Kranz, Jackie Collins, Danielle Steele, and Sidney Sheldon. I read all of these books when they were released back in the 80's! The whole book was worth it just to delve into those memories again! But that's not all this book had going for it, lest you not remember any of these books 🙂 It also delves into the wine business and growing crops in the vineyards, the different types of cheese (some of which I've never heard of), and a misogynistic patriarch who you can root against. There is nothing to root against regarding the women in this book, although I wish that Vivian would have been more in tune with what was happening with the vineyard (function of the times.....sigh) before it was almost too late. Of course if you are looking for secrets to be revealed, there are those included, as well as a young summer love blossoming.

This one has a bit of something for everyone. Food, drink, family, love, secrets, and a bookclub! Now I want to go back and read some of the classics written about here. Believe it or not I do still have a couple of them on my shelves 🙂

Published on Leave a comment on The Matzah Ball
The Matzah Ball Book Cover The Matzah Ball
Jean Meltzer
Mira Books
September 28, 2021
Advance reader copy
336
Free from publisher

Oy! to the world

Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach.

But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not Christmas. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg.

Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

3.5 stars

I usually read a few "Christmas" themed books every year, but I don't know that I've ever read one centered on Hanukkah, so this was a delight to find. I loved that while the main premise is an enemies to lovers trope, typical of the romance genre, this book had a lot more to learn about and explore. The main protagonist Rachel is a romance novelist, she writes Christmas romances under a pen name. She loves everything about Christmas, but is thrust into writing about Hanukkah by her publicist, who thinks who better to write a Hanukkah romance than a nice Jewish girl? The problem is that Rachel can't imagine coming up with anything worthy of writing about for this particular "boring" holiday, so she ends up relying on the Matzah Ball for inspiration. The Ball is being organized by none other than her enemy from summer camp back when she was a preteen. While this part of the story seemed very predictable, the other part about Rachel suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome was very enlightening and educational to me. I've never personally known anyone who suffers from this, but the author did a wonderful job explaining how people who suffer from this disease are often dismissed as not having a "real disease". I also learned a lot about Jewish traditions and these were explained in a way that someone who doesn't have much knowledge about that faith could understand. The look at the publishing world, and its impetus to thrust authors into writing about a subject they are not necessarily thrilled to take, on was very interesting, and makes you wonder how often this occurs? While I genuinely loved Rachel, I wasn't as enamored with the love interest Jacob. He did some things that made me question why a grown man was still acting kind of controlling toward Rachel at times. He was redeemable in the end, but it was kind of too late for me to care. Rachel's antics at the ball were also a bit over the top.

All in all this was a fun read, with some extra education about Jewish faith, the book publishing industry, and the stigma of a chronic condition. I can definitely recommend as an extra holiday read this season.

Published on Leave a comment on First Love, Take Two
First Love, Take Two Book Cover First Love, Take Two
Sajni Patel
Fiction
Forever
September 21, 2021
Paperback
384
Free from publisher

On the verge of realizing her dream of being a doctor, Preeti Patel should be ecstatic. But between the stress of her residency, trying to find a job, and managing her traditional, no-boundaries family, Preeti's anxiety is through the roof. Relationships and love aren't even an option. Fortunately, Preeti's finally found a new place to stay . . . only to discover that her new roommate is her ex.

Preeti never quite got over Daniel Thompson. Super-hot, plenty of swagger, amazing cook—the guy is practically perfect. And if it weren't for their families, there might have been a happily ever after. But it's hard to keep her sanity and libido in check when the man of her dreams is sleeping mere feet away. Can Preeti and Daniel find a way to stand up and fight for each other one last time . . . before they lose their second chance?

Time to spotlight a romance, which is not something I do that often. In order for me to enjoy a romance novel, there has to be some substance to it besides the romantic tension found in pretty much all of them. I also have to like and respect the main characters, this means no dumb doormat women, no controlling men, etc. I was impressed that this novel definitely had some substance in that the main characters were originally broken apart by their respective families and traditions. Preeti is Indian, and her family has an Indian man in their sights they deem perfect for her, while Daniel's father wants a well connected woman from a wealthy family for his son. Meanwhile the two are both still in love with each other. Of course most people would tell their families where to shove it, but it was interesting to read about the deep bonds of tradition that keep both of these characters tied to their families opinions about their relationship. The other thing I loved in this one was that both characters were successful in their careers, Preeti completing her residency, and Daniel involved in his father's company. They were smart, successful, and genuinely nice people that I loved getting to know. There was even some mental health representation as Preeti suffers from anxiety and touch aversion. Love that more books are exploring this, and happy it was touched on here. The ending, as most romances are, was neatly tied up and highly satisfactory.

This was a strong second chance romance with self assured independent characters you were rooting for. Add in the cultural ties to family, and you've got a story with much more than the typical romance read.