I really hate to give a book a two star review but I have to admit that the only reason I kept reading is because I wanted to see if Kathleen ever got happy.

I’m a really positive person and Kathleen Deane is not. Nor did it seem she wanted to be. I got 73% of the way through the book before I learned that Kathleen was turning 60. I’m 63 and I figured she was at least 20 years older than I am, crotchety, grumpy, with nothing better to do than write letters to government officials and bemoan her life.

I will say that the author is a good writer and I wouldn’t rule out reading another of her books in the future but this book just didn’t do it for me.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this book. I have a friend who read it and loved it and we usually like the same books so I gave it a whirl.

I didn’t expect there would be actual killings but I still enjoyed the overall story. Kitty Collins, a rich and pampered Instagram influencer seemed content with her shallow existence, despite being aware that there was more to life. She complained about being an influencer, yet reveled in her luxurious lifestyle and the perks that came with it.

Kitty would post alluring photos, frequent exclusive clubs, surround herself with other beautiful and privileged individuals, and had a secret hobby of eliminating men who had harmed women and didn’t deserve to live.

Over the top, unexpected and good story. Solid 4 stars from me.

Nora Hammond is the queen of vintage fashion and antique finds in the heart of Manhattan. She’s got style, success, and a happy marriage, or so it seems. But really, Nora and her husband Jacob are swimming in a sea of debt thanks to pricey fertility treatments and failed IVF attempts. It’s hard for them because there’s just one embryo left.

One day Evelyn Elliot comes into Nora’s shop loving and buying everything. Nora is excited about their newfound friendship but she has not idea that this friendship willlead her into the world of multimillionaires, where yachts, fancy homes, chauffeured cars, and an army of staff are the norm. It’s a juggling act, but Nora’s managing just fine—until Evelyn drops a bombshell: she wants to carry Nora and Jacob’s baby.

“The Favor” is a fabulous mash-up of friendship, family, fertility struggles, and surrogacy, all set against a backdrop of glitz and glamour. Plus, it’s fun to read about all the vintage clothes. I loved this book so much! 2 thumbs up.

Suresh and Lata were married for 30 years. They had met through an arranged marriage, and they had raised two children together. But over the years, they had grown apart. Suresh felt like Lata was no longer interested in him, and Lata felt like Suresh was taking her for granted.

Finally, they decided to get a divorce. The divorce left both of them feeling lonely and lost. Suresh was especially upset, because he had always thought that their marriage was strong.

Suresh and Lata are trying to navigate the modern American dating scene. It’s not easy for them, because they are still very much influenced by the Indian culture in which they were raised.

Meanwhile, their children are also facing their own challenges. Their daughter is having an affair with a married man, and their son’s girlfriend had a baby and they aren’t married. Neither of them feel they can tell their parents the truth about these situations.

It’s a difficult time for everyone involved, but Suresh and Lata are determined to find happiness. They know that it won’t be easy, but they are hopeful that they can find love again.

I enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I laughed in some places and felt sad in others. I highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book and I was cheering for Soila through the whole book.

Soila is a girl from Kenya who comes to America to go to college. Her family is fairly well off in Kenya and the “big job” is everything to her mother. The trouble with that is that Soila falls in love with New York City. She falls in love with New York City and wants to photograph it professionally.

I loved watching Soila’s character grow and change. There are some topical issues that were interesting to read about.

Great book. I highly recommend it!

I got an early copy of Hotel Laguna and I couldn’t put it down!

Nicola Harrison, one of my very favorite authors, always nails the balance of historical detail and page-turning plot, and this book is no exception. The characters are so well-developed and you can’t help but root for them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, or just a good story.

Norah and Skyler were best friends, but they drifted apart when Skyler’s family moved away. Four years later, their moms surprise them with a road trip across the western United States. Norah is excited to reconnect with Skyler, but he seems distant and unfriendly. It turns out that Skyler is dealing with some personal issues, but with the help of Norah and his family, he starts to open up. Along the way, Norah and Skyler also rekindle their friendship and maybe even something more.

Places We’ve Never Been is a sweet and heartwarming story about friendship, family, and first love. It’s the perfect book for fans of Kasie West and anyone who loves a good summer road trip. I really enjoy Kasie West’s writing!

I just finished Ann Jacobus’s second book, The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent, and I’d give it more than five stars if I could.

The topic matter is tough – suicide, alcoholism, cancer, death – but I truly love the way Ann writes and that kept me going until I was well and truly hooked.

Del is 18 and lives with her Aunt Fran in San Francisco. I’m glad I’ve been to San Francisco because I could picture every scene so easily. If you haven’t visited, it won’t matter because you will be able to see it clearly with your mind’s eye as you read.

As a recovering alcoholic who has attempted suicide, Del is trying to get her life on track, volunteering at the suicide prevention hotline, and preparing to enter college. Del’s mom has completed suicide and her dad has been moving around the world with his work. Del lived with him for awhile in London but it’s gloomy weather didn’t help her mental health challenges which is how she came to live with her aunt.

There’s a boy she likes who doesn’t appear to feel the same and then her aunt has a recurrence of cancer. Del tries to hold it together and it’s a struggle. You will love how she keeps trying even though it doesn’t go perfectly. You will be rooting for her. The poems in the book that were written by Aunt Fran add to how talented this author is.

I sat with my own mom in her finally month and I have never really been able to verbalize how incredibly hard but amazing the experience was. You will find that explained well in this book.

This book is really great and I can’t recommend it more. I’m super excited to see what this author writes next.