When In Doubt Add Butter

When In Doubt Add Butter, Beth Harbison, 4 Stars

Reviewed September 2013

 

"Harbison continues to wow readers with her charm and genuine characters." Booklist on Hope is a Jar

Gemma Craig, a 38 year old private chef, prepares meals for different people/families every night of the week. Leaving behind not only a tasty meal for that day, but the other nights she works elsewhere. As she deals with the intricacies of dietary, cultural, and social constraints, her life plays out in the background.

A life changing event in her late teens rules her life and controls the emotional relationships she has. The most important person in her life is her very pregnant bed ridden cousin, and Mr. Tuesday.

Gemma has never met Mr. Tuesday, but he always leaving her a note full of banter about the meals she's prepared, to which she responds, creating a feeling of familiarity. As crises erupt in her life, Mr. Tuesday's world; notes, apartment, penchant for comfort food; provides respite.

Beth Harbison does a great job describing life in New York City, the joy and angst that Gemma feels when her life begins to turn upside down. She creates very relatable characters. Publishers Weekly states, "Harbison dazzles in her latest, a perfect blend of chick lit and women's fiction... with a genuinely surprising twist."

While I would agree with most of that quote, I would say that the story lines are not surprising and there is no twist at the end. Nonetheless, this book doesn't need it. Very enjoyable.

Ellie Andrews Has Second Thoughts

Ellie Andrews Has Second Thoughts, Ruth Saberton, 3 Stars

Reviewed September 2013

 

I love British wit and this book struck an odd balance between tender moments and those that were slapstick. I think that Ruth Saberton did a great job at setting up a variety of characters to engage in... running the gamut from highly successful barrister to overly eccentric environmental rights activists.

When we first meet Ellie Andrews she is caught off guard by an unwanted marriage proposal. Over the course of eighteen months we following her trek in and out of three other romances. What makes this odd is that Ellie describes herself as heavy with frizzy hair. So how she lands three highly successful men who could have the pick of the crop is a complete mystery. Other than the overly developed storyline of having three thin and perfectly groomed sisters, there is no explanation for Ellie's self opinion. Nor is there much dialog between she and any partner that expands upon her warmth of character, sense of humor, joie de vivre, or otherwise that would compel rock stars, barristers, and the like to be attracted to her.

But attracted to her, they are. The on-going storyline between Ellie and Jay (yacht designer) is sweet.

Perhaps it is the lack of a straight forward "happily ever after" that makes this book a three.

Inside Out Girl

Inside Out Girl, Tish Cohen, 3 Stars

Reviewed September 2013

 

I read several of the other reviews before writing this to see what others thought. For some reason this is a tricky book to review. I would agree with others when they say that there are too many plot lines and that expanding on one or two more would have been better than adding the rest.

Rachel Berman is the editor of a parenting magazine that is going under, as well as the mother of a 12 and 14 year old. So, not only is she dealing with professional crisis, she is dealing with snarky pubescent children.

Len Bean is a successful lawyer whose life was perfect until his wife died, leaving him with the solo challenge of dealing with a special needs child.

The absolute best part of this book is the tenderness and exhaustion that expresses Len's love for his daughter Olivia. While I'm certain to those who have challenged children this book does an inadequate job at explaining the real ups and downs, I think for those of us who don't, it painted a better picture than we might be able to do on our own.

Rachel and Len's worlds intersect both by accident and because their children attend the same school. A bond forms between them, which requires that they help the three children deal with each other and their own issues. Both Len and Rachel have private issues that they must reveal to the other, which adds to the extreme complexity of their lives.

For the most part, the plots all wrap up neatly, which is actually unfortunate. I'm not sure that Tish Cohen intended for the book to end this way, it feels like she stopped writing. Walking through the pain of one or two of the story lines would have been more emotionally fulfilling and the book would have been richer for it.

French Lesson

French Lesson, Ellen Sussman, 3 Stars

Reviewed August 2013

 

In Paris for three very different reason, three Americans engage the service of French tutors. We first meet the tutors meeting up for coffee before meeting with their new students.

Nico, a sincere wannabe poet, who is secretly in love with another tutor, races off to meet his student Josie. She is a 27 year old French teacher working in California. Josie has just lost the love of her live and due to its clandestine nature, she has no one to mourn with. Over the course of their day, both Nico and Jose, through French lessons and wandering around Paris, reveal their struggles to each other and the process of healing begins.

The second story revolves around would be musician Phillippe and his ex-pat student, Riley. Riley is the mother of two very young children and a very ambitious husband. Walking along the streets of Paris, the City of Love, Riley realizes that love has been hard to find for quite some time. The two have a brief and pivotal encounter, leaving Riley to realize how much she has truly lost and that she must go find happiness, and knows where it truly exists.

The third tale is about Chantal and Jeremy. Chantal evokes the image Americans have of Parisian women and Jeremy finds himself intrigued, event though he loves his wife. All the while they walk through Marais, shop at markets, have tea in a mosque converted to a tea shop, he finds himself wondering about her.

Brilliantly the three couples end up at same location in Paris, but remain unseen to each other. It is here that the three Americans find solution and the three Parisians decide to travel the path to their real destiny's.

This is a well written novel loaded with sensory delights. Short, poignant, heartbreaking and hopeful.

Angry Housewives Eating BonBons

Angry Housewives Eating BonBons, Lorna Landvik, 4 Stars

 

Reviewed June 2013

 

If there were 1/2 stars to be given, I would have given 4.5!

I tried very hard to find out how old Lorna Landvik is, for about two minutes, and then moved on. Given that her first child was born in 1985 and she had traveled and worked in Europe before that, I am guesstimating that she was born around 1955. So, she is approximately fifteen years younger than most of the characters in AHEB.

Why so curious about her age, you ask, or wonder. The composite of the five primary characters; Slip, Audrey, Merit, Kari, and Faith, painted for me a more practical and complete picture of the life my own mother might have been living, given that she was having children during the same era the book was set in.

For the most part these women are educated, but stay home. These women smoke, drink, and toddle on high heels all the while pregnant and raising children. Across the centuries, women raising children, and wanting adult conversation, have sought out women in similar circumstances. When these five women connect, as a result of living on the same street, a life long and intricate friendship network begins.

Part of what makes this book unique is that each chapter cites a book that the book club host(ess) has chosen. I have added all these books to my reading list, since I would love to know what they read, and ponder why Lorna Landvik chose them. In looking them up, most of the books are considered classics of the 1960's and 70's. Still, something about them stuck in the authors mind.

Each woman is interesting, and faces challenges. Like most people I know, some portion of the truth is revealed, and with time and trust, the whole story emerges. Lorna Landvik conveys their demons and journeys in a raw and honest fashion, making it feel as though you are sitting in the room with them, feeling their joys and sorrows.

In the end, I was inspired. To ask my book clubs to generate a name, to read some great literature, and to give thanks for my own AHEB.

Great book.

The Underside of Joy

The Underside of Joy, Sere P. Halverson, 4 Stars

Reviewed June 2013

 

Ms. Halverson does a brilliant job exploring complications arising when an absent mother and committed step-mother both want custody of children they love.

Joe Capozzi dies suddenly, leaving behind his daughter, son, and wife, Ella. Four years previously the mother of his children disappears, suffering with post-partum depression. As Annie, Zach, and Ella mourn Joe, Ella learns that Paige Capozzi wants her children back.

The heartbreak that each woman feels is palpable. It only takes one exchange between the two to realize that all involved will suffer if the two women cannot accept that Joe kept secrets for reasons they'll never uncover.

Well written, excellent story idea. Brilliant first novel.

The Paradise Guest House

The Paradise Guest House, Ellen Sussman, 4 Stars

Reviewed June 2013

 

I gave this book four stars... I only didn't give it five stars because I think five stars needs to be reserved for books such as Pride and Prejudice.

Loved this book! Why? It is everything that I want in a book! All the characters lives are believable, the storyline is compelling, the physical descriptions are brilliant, and the human emotions are real, so purely written, one cannot avoid feeling them.

Do I read to be suspended from reality? Often the answer is yes. In this case, the authors choice of location and storyline are just exotic and different enough to take what would be an ordinary tale into something personal and captivating.

Set in Bali, post September 11, 2001, Jamie and Gabe's paths literally cross when they endeavor to rescue people trapped from a club that has been bombed by unknown terrorists. When the islands hospitals and clinics fill up, and tourists flee, Gabe cares for Jamie after she suffers injury when the building they are in collapses.

With much individual personal tragedy to deal with, the bond that is formed between the two goes mostly unexplored. Jamie returns to California, leaving Gabe in Bali. Ellen Sussman does a fabulous job exploring these complicated situations.

When their paths cross again and the sun sets over the ocean, Ms. Sussman left me with a lingering desire to know more about the Bali culture, Hinduism, individual transformation, and how one puts one foot in front of the other when tragedy strikes.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot, 4 Stars

 

Reviewed June 2013

Rebecca Skloot's telling of Henrietta Lacks and her descendants lives was brilliant.

Having developed her curiosity regarding He-La cells while in school, it was inspiring to read her part of the story, where in college she is reintroduced to He-La cells and begins her accounting of Henrietta Lacks life.

Using recorded interviews and excellent notes, Ms. Skloot does a masterful job in capturing the vocabulary, cadence, and personalities of all those who helped tell Henrietta's story. The book is not only scientifically informative but culturally as well.

The intersections of Henrietta's life with some of the most renowned physicians of the day is remarkable. The telling of her health issues and treatment made me cross my legs and cringe. It is hard to imagine how far healthcare has come in fifty years. That there is a first hand accounting makes the facts intriguing... Henrietta's zest for life, her practical acceptance, her families lack of understanding as a result.

Every human life in most corners of the world have benefitted from He-La cells. Polio, cancer treatment, heart disease, stem cell research, there is no end to how this one woman's determined cells have benefitted us.

How her family was kept in the dark from the get go is appalling. That many lived not knowing the details of her journey or her contribution to humankind is heartbreaking. All the cultural truisms of that era don't make it right, it just makes it fact.

A brilliant book.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, Laurie Viera Rigler, 3 Stars

Reviewed June 2013

 

I read Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, which is Part 2 in the series, first. I truly enjoyed that book. The flow and storyline were entertaining...

Now that I've read Part 1, I must admit to having enjoyed the other book more. I think the author, Laurie Viera Rigler, embraced the humorous aspects of Rude Awakeneings much more - the confusion in language, expectations, clothing, behavior were all better in the Part 2. Perhaps this is to be expected since the concept, characters, and storyline had already been developed.

The best part of the book was when Courtney/Jane meets Jane Austen while shopping. Courtney/Jane encourages Jane Austen to make her hero's more handsome, manly, those who would be more appealing in film adaptations. Ms. Austen had a nice response to this request.

I would strongly encourage Austen fans to read both books!

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger, 4 Stars

Reviewed June 2013

Startled. That is the word that best describes how I felt when I finished the book.

I had seen promo's for the movie on TV and all my friends had read it. I hadn't heard much, so I went with Romantic Comedy. While there are passionate interludes and tender moments, this book is rife with tension and tough times.

Henry and Clare's life stories are uniquely disclosed to us as they each appear in each others worlds at different points on the timeline. Henry is the chronologically challenged character, who whizzes through time and tells us about himself and Clare. That eventually we learn about him via Clare was a well crafted turn of events.

Because I thought this was a happily ever after story, I was unprepared for life for Henry after 42. The possibilities of difficulties is well set up from the get go, but I didn't want to see them. I didn't want to feel them. Yet when I did, I held my breath, I gasped, and then I mourned. Yet in the end, I still held hope.

That this was Audrey Niffenegger's first book makes it only that much more genius. Great writer, inventive imagination, brilliant concept. I don't know why it took me so long to read it, but in the end, I am so glad I did.

A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park, Jill Mansell, 4 Stars

 

Reviewed May 2013

The best Jill Mansell novel that I have read to date. Ms. Mansell is a gifted writer with a great sense of humor.

I really enjoy the multiple story lines that she weaves. It is always a guessing game who will end up with whom and what their journey's will be. A Walk in the Park was particularly good in this respect.

We meet Lara Carson, who has left family and friends behind long ago, when she attends her estranged father's funeral. Gossip mongers spread word that Lara is in town, giving her childhood best friend Evie and once boyfriend Flynn hope of having some questions answered.

Lara is an engaging character. She is upfront about her disappearance and has confidence in the choices she has made. But now that she has inherited her parents home in Bath, the question is, how to put the two parts of her life together.

All the supporting cast; Nettie, Harry, Enjay (an American Rap Superstar), and Don are entertaining - Joel and Emily are the only two you don't root for... but then again, there are reasons not to.

A fun read.

Heart of the Matter

Heart of the Matter, Emily Giffin, 3 Stars

Reviewed May 2013

 

It was only when I had read the first thirty pages that I realized I've read this book once before. Astonishing really, considering the poignancy of the two primary story lines.

Surgeon Nicholas Russo is treating five year burn victim, Charlie. His single mother, Valerie, faces the ordeal of coping with this situation alone. Naturally she is grateful to Dr. Nick for his skills as a surgeon and the kindness he shows her and her son. Eventually gratitude grows into attraction.

Meanwhile Tessa, Nicks wife, quits her career as a lawyer to find balance between who she was and who she feels she needs to be. She quickly realizes that there will never be enough time to be the perfect wife and mother. At the same time she sees her husband distancing himself from her and their children.

This book touched me because it focuses on the many questions as to why some marriages survive and others fail, and how success and failure are defined. Ultimately the story is about being honest with those in your life about what you need and who you've evolved into.

Whenever I read books like this I remember a scene from a movie, Love Actually:

"Karen: Would you wait around to find out if it's just a necklace, or if it's sex and a necklace, or if, worst of all, it's a necklace and love? Would you stay, knowing life would always be a little bit worse? Or would you cut and run?

Harry: Oh, God. I am so in the wrong. The classic fool!

Karen: [voice breaking] Yes, but you've also made a fool out of me, and you've made the life I lead foolish, too!

These emotional words speak profoundly to my heart. What we decide to do as couples defines us, and then when the relationship is over, our choices can seem so small.

Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes

Jana Bibi's Excellent Fortunes, Besty Woodman - 4 Stars

 

Reviewed May 2013

What I loved most what Betsy Woodman's ability to change the voice and cadence of the characters in the book. As a result, I immediately felt transported in time and place.

We meet Jana Bibi, a Scottish mum who has lived most of her life in India. She is an independent soul, and despite the desires of her son that she give up this "silly adventure" and return to Scotland, she remains independent and seeks her adventures. When we meet her she is finishing up her career as a violin instructor at the palace and has inherited her grandfathers hotel.

The adventure becomes how to turn an town that is in the way of progress into an indispensable hub of tourism. We first learn about this when two old friends have tea, Rambir and Ramachandran. Cleverly, we are given the drole catalog of interesting facts about Hamara Nagar.

With Mr. Ganguly's help, Jana Bib's parrot, and the simple minded optimism of the characters, the cast of characters set about saving the town from obliteration.

A must read for anyone who loves to travel while they read.

Where Lilacs Still Bloom

Where Lilacs Still Bloom, Jane Kirkpatrick 5 Stars

Reviewed April 2013

A bonus book!!

This book is filled with the quiet fulfilling moments of a woman who raises her family in simpler times. Set in Woodland Washington, Hulda Klager, a German Immigrant, builds a life for her family with her husband Frank.

The story begins in the 1880's and concludes in the 1960's. In her rare moments of idle time, she dabbles in hybridizing plants. Initially inspired to create a better apple for pies, Hulda turns her attention to other plants, lilacs. She's thoroughly entranced by their beauty and scent, and dreams of all the possibilities.

We are taken on the gently journey of how those in her community question whether it is proper to dabble with God's creations. We struggle through the ups and downs of the Klager family losses; loved one and economic. We feel our way through the Great Depression. Eventually we rejoice when she gains the attention of known horticulturist and garden curators.

A truly touching book about a woman with an eight grade education who quietly plods the path and finds true happiness and fulfillment.

If you are a gardener, landscape designer, Landscape Historian, this is a great book.

Cowboys Up

Cowboys Up, Anthology (Multiple Authors) Vickie Taylor

4 Stars

Reviewed June 2015

 

I am a huge fans of westerns, so the chance to read an anthology of the genre was really compelling. While I did enjoys some authors work more than others I found all the shorts to have a unique twist to them, taking us on very different adventures, some quite unexpected.

My hat off to these ladies and their collection. It's a great way to expose readers to authors and a wide range of interpretations of the genre. I won't say who, but one storyline was quite near and dear to my heart, and I've never read a book that touched on the subject matter before. My hat off to this author, that she has such a compassionate heart.

Awakened by Brenda K. Davies

Awakened, Brenda K. Davies - 4 Stars

Reviewed June 2015

 

It's been a really long time since I've read paranormal fiction, this book was a refreshing change of genres for me.

College life will never be the same for Sera and friends. An excellent student whose past has kept her at arms reach from the boys on campus, it takes the enigmatic Liam to try to break down Sera's walls. Halfway through the book a major curveball is tossed into the mix when Sera learns that Liam, though loving and kind, hides a secret that must be kept a lifetime. Actually one of many. Whether Sera can abandon the life she's created for herself and give up the one she's dreamed of becomes the truly gripping portion of this book.

Ms. Davies writes the tension between Sera and Liam quite well, but the beginning of the book was slow for me... but once we got into the heart of the book (pun intended), the book picked up pace and became intriguing.

Where authors such as Christine Feehan focus on the mystical aspects of paranormal creatures and their active fight for survival, in Awakened, Ms. Davies spins another approach where those who are different seek the solace of their own company and the desire to remain anonymous. But will they?

A very quick read... I am looking forward to finishing the series.

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Becky Monson

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Becky Monson -

5 Stars

Reviewed April 2015

 

Ms. Monson creates a quintessential work of Chick Lit that left me wondering about all my "what-if's." While I'm happy to leave mine unanswered, Bridgette Reynolds, our heroine, is not. Her life seems to be on a steady course and her goals seem achievable until one fateful conversation causes her life to unravel, leaving her to grapple with the present and past.

Bridgette is not a heroine I immediately warmed to, but then I realized that was quite the point. Ms. Monson wittily narrates the journey of a girl who has a plan for the future - though she is riddled with insecurities and believes that it is through others she will find confidence and contentment - to a woman who knows what she wants and what really matters in life... even if her dreams might not come true.

The cast of quirky characters play off each other well, which creates beautiful tension - some moments are silly and happy, and other moments leave me wanting to gather Bridgette up in a big hug. (Bridgette's grandmother and her gaggle of friends are hilarious and insightful - they deserve a book of their own.) Ultimately, with the help of her two best friends, her grandmother, and a crazy Italian family, Bridgette finds herself.

One of the what-if's is "the one that got away." This part of the book is truly charming and heart tugging. Much like Bridget Jones (Bridget Jones' Diary), there are some seriously uncomfortable moments that will leave you squirming in your chair, wishing you could will Bridgette out of awkward situations.

For me, this was a brilliant read. I would whole-heartedly recommend it. (I really am hoping Ms. Monson finds a second book with this cast of thoroughly entertaining characters.)  

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict

Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, Laurie Viera Rigler- 4 Stars

Reviewed April 3, 2013

 

A lifetime lover of Jane Austen, I was hooked from the moment I read the books title.

The author introduces us to Jane Mansfield, born in 1783, who wakes up in 2009 in Los Angeles. Jane is the thirty year old daughter of an English Gentleman suddenly thrust into the body and life of Courtney Stone, a Personal Assistant to a demanding boss.

The wonders of the Twenty-First Century test Jane's ability to adapt her sensibilities, vocabulary, and independence. Jane's story begins after bumping her head on the bottom of a swimming pool. Upon seeing her bikini, "Indeed! As if any respectable woman would go around clothed in such a costume, if I may use such a word for this diminutive article."

An entertaining novel, Laurie Viera Rigler leads us through a cast of characters who embrace Jane and her quirkiness and ultimately help her find her way home.

If you enjoyed "Lost in Austen" or "A Weekend with Mr. Darcy" you will love this book.

The Wild Irish By Robin Maxwell

The Wild Irish,  Robin Maxwell - 3 Star Review

April 2013

 

The author did an amazing amount of research and her understanding of the complex relationship of the Irish Clans, Chieftains, and politics is very evident. She also does an excellent job depicting Queen Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Devereaux, the Earl of Essex.

The most enjoyable part of the book, for me, is the story of Pirate Grace O'Malley's life - a champion of the Irish Rebellion against the English. I wish that the book had featured more of her life; the author does explain that there was minimal information available on Grace O'Malley, so real or fictional data, would have improved the book for me.

There is a similar feel to the book as Philippa Gregory's, The Other Boleyn Girl. So, if your a fan of this type of historical fiction, I would recommend this book.

Winter Garden - Kristen Hannah

Winter Garden, Kristen Hannah - 4 Star Review

 

July 2013

 

 

I believe that I have read all but one of Kristin Hannah's books, and more than any other, this complex story tore at all my emotions, and took me to places no other Kristin Hannah novel has.

Beginning at the end, there is a portion titled, "In Her Own Words" where the author discusses the organic nature of story telling and how some of the paths this book went down, even she didn't know she would travel. I love that she allowed her characters to come to life so fully that they drove the storyline, and not the other way around.

In this same section, Ms. Hannah remarks that she loves strong female characters, as evident in all her books. There can not be any greater testimony to the courage, strength, and endurance of a woman, and a mothers love, than the women who survived the 900 Day Siege of Leningrad during WWII.

Winter Garden begins in the apple orchards of central Washington, pulling us into the distant and curious relationship between Anya Whitson and her adult daughters, Meredith and Nina. The daughters have been raised in an environment where there is an absolute certainty of their fathers love for them and the same certainty that their mother barely acknowledges their existence. Protecting themselves from this sadness, the daughters of Evan and Anya Whitson evolve into women who search for acceptance outside themselves.

A deathbed promise requires Anya to complete the telling of a fairy tale that she first tells her daughters when they are quite young. Nina, the youngest daughter, is a fearless photo journalist, through persistence, forces Anya to tell the tale of distant lands of another era. Anya eventually agrees, but will only speak at night and in the dark. Though Meredith remains emotionally distant from the two, she creates excuses so that she can overhear the tale. As Black Dragon's evolve into Black Van's and Princes lose their gilding, the two women quickly discern that the story being told holds the key to Anya's disregard.

Other than a book such as The Diary of Anne Frank, I don't remember feeling quite as emotionally pulled into the frightening world of war and the cruelty that the afflicted must suffer. Kristin Hannah must be recognized for her research efforts and her skill at writing pictures and words which engulf us, cause us to mourn, feel hopeful, and wonder alongside her why the book ends the way it does.

A must read!