Novel Escapes

Austentatious by Alyssa Goodnight

2012-02-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

What happens when an eighteenth century literary darling magically pops up in the weirdest city in Texas? Magic and weird collide in AUSTENTATIOUS, the story of Nicola James, a left-brainer with a Jane Austen obsession and a carefully finessed life plan. A plan that doesn’t include an enchanted journal or an interfering fairy godmother, who just might be the spirit of Jane Austen herself.

When Nicola discovers her journal entries mysteriously whittled down to a cheeky bit of commentary on her life, she’s freaked first, skeptical second, and finally downright curious. She can’t help but keep writing, dueling really, with a two-dimensional fairy godmother she doesn’t totally believe in. Soon, the witty little notes start coming true, screwing with her plans, her head, and her life, and nudging her towards an impossible—and impossibly seductive—romance with a man who’s inarguably wrong for her. Nicola’s torn, trapped between a life that makes sense and a man who doesn’t, with “Fairy Jane” wedged in the middle, relentlessly rooting for another “Mr. Darcy”.

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Lydia - 3.5 Star

A mystical, magical novel, Austentatious takes us on a fairy tale ride merging Jane Austen with Austin, Texas and takes a girl who has a plan and stubbornly refuses to take any detours from it until an unusual journal pops into her life and makes her question everything.

I had an extremely slow start to this novel partly due to some things in life that left me with less reading time, but I also think it was because I wasn’t entirely immersed in this novel until later so I didn’t always rush to pick it up. My main concern initially as I read was that this novel was quite heavy with internal dialogue as well as a lot of detail with small actions. One example that stood out was the main character ordering a drink. Then paying for it. Then scanning the bar. And then walking away. And then thinking and then... Well, you get the picture. One scan as she ordered the drink maybe and omit paying because I assume the character isn’t going to skip out on the bill unless she’s flighty or a clepto or maybe her paying results in a flirtation with a hot bartender? And maybe a few less thoughts and a bit more action. Maybe her hand rattles the drink and spills it to show nerves instead of thinking it? It doesn't happen that often, but enough that I noticed and started glossing over, especially when immersed in the internal dialogue. Then again maybe it was just me and my newfound ADHD.

The dialogue between characters was also peppered heavily with tags and thoughts and I had to force myself to read them all when I found myself skimming to continue with the actual dialogue. In addition, there was some repetitiveness regarding the Plan and how she’s not spontaneous and after a few of these thoughts, I got it. It wasn’t overly much, but something I noticed and I think would have made the novel more fluid if tweaked a little.

That said, there was much about this novel I loved. There were some fantastic words, thoughts, and imagery as well as some dialogue that really popped and I definitely had a few giggles. I really enjoyed the description of Austin which I've heard is such a fabulous city, but have never visited myself. All of the characters were enjoyable, well developed and fit well into the different and odd that is Austin. Sean was an interesting character and I could never entirely figure out whether he was for real or not, especially with the magical element of this novel and Nicola’s transformation was fun to watch.

The romantic in me was grinning and ridiculously frustrated near the end when I had to get off the subway, unable to finish at an inopportune time in the story. Jane Austen fans will definitely appreciate Austentatious as will anyone who loves a mystical quality to their chick lit.

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Bitter Is The New Black by Jen Lancaster

2012-02-11T14:03:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

Jen Lancaster was living the sweet life-until real life kicked her to the curb.

She had the perfect man, the perfect job-hell, she had the perfect life-and there was no reason to think it wouldn't last. Or maybe there was, but Jen Lancaster was too busy being manicured, pedicured, highlighted, and generally adored to notice.

This is the smart-mouthed, soul-searching story of a woman trying to figure out what happens next when she's gone from six figures to unemployment checks and she stops to reconsider some of the less-than-rosy attitudes and values she thought she'd never have to answer for when times were good.

Filled with caustic wit and unusual insight, it's a rollicking read as speedy and unpredictable as the trajectory of a burst balloon.

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Kaley - 3.5 Star

I don’t often read memoirs but I was eager to give Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster a try. There’s no real reason for why I don’t usually read memoirs. I think I just tend to read more fiction because it seems to be more prevalent. I’ve always wanted to try reading a few and after a good experience with Lancaster’s, I plan on checking out a few more!

For those of you who are like me and are not memoir readers, take note that this book doesn’t really read like one. Lancaster had a great way of writing about her own life to make it sound just like a novel that’s been plotted out. You can’t plan life but the way Lancaster wrote made it seem like she had. She does note at the beginning of the book that she wrote a few things out of sequence, changed some names, characters combined, and time compressed. I can understand why she did that (to make the story move forward a little more quickly) and it didn’t bother me at all. It’s her life, after all, so she can tell her story as she wishes. At least, that’s my take on it.

I have to say, I really didn’t like her at the beginning. I also feel really bad about that because it’s not the same thing as saying you didn’t like a character. No, I am saying that Jen, a real person and the author, annoyed me. Awkward, right? I think she knew how people were going to see her and judge her and she went with it. She really changed as a person by the end of the book and that helped me like her. She had no qualms about spending a ton of money on things and was so superficial at the beginning but once life served her some hard knocks she started to realize what really matters in life.

I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through what Jen and her husband went through. You think you have everything sorted and out and then your world crumbles around you. That must have been brutal. Lancaster wrote about it in a way that gave her situation some humour but I could still tell what they struggled with and how hard it was for them.

I enjoyed reading Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. I really liked how she told her story and I will keep my eye out for some of her other books.

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Promises to Keep by Jane Green

2012-02-07T18:27:00.000-05:00

4 Star

Successful photographer Callie Perry thinks she has a pretty perfect life, although it may not be everyone's idea of happiness: a great job, lots of time with her daughters, but a workaholic husband. She couldn't be more unlike Steff, her younger sister, who has never held down a job—or a boyfriend—for more than six months. Walter and Honor, their divorced and perpetually feuding parents, have almost given up hope that Steff will ever learn what it is to be responsible … until they all receive a shocking email that changes their lives forever, and brings them together one extraordinary summer in Maine.

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Kathryn - 4 Star

It’s not a secret that I’ve struggled a bit recently with Green’s latest novels. I was a huge fan of her older work but the last few left me feeling frustrated and bored. Promises to Keep was different from the beginning for me- I was far more intrigued by the characters and they felt less flat and empty.

I found the first few chapters a bit confusing as there were a lot of people and places - it took me a good few chapters to sort them out and grasp their relationships. I think there was probably an easier way to introduce them all without it being so choppy but once I got over this I became really wrapped up in the family’s life and struggles. I enjoyed the whole lot of them and I laughed with them and cried my eyes out more than once. I’ve been trying to pin down a favourite character but if it was anyone it was probably Steffi’s friend Mason (which is a bit odd as he’s not one of the main players) but he seemed natural and honest for me- I liked him a lot. I also appreciated that Green gave some depth to the children in this story- they were, after all, extremely important to the family as a whole and a lot of focus on their care was needed too- Green made this seem unlaboured.

After I finished reading the book I read the notes from Green at the back and realised that Promises to Keep was written from a more personal place for her. It shows entirely in her writing and I really hope this will re-engage the feeling in her writing for me again.

***Thank you to Penguin Canada for our review copy!

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Alyssa Goodnight Stuck on a Desert Island

2012-02-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

How would Alyssa Goodnight, author of the newly released (and soon to be reviewed by Novel Escapes) novel, Austentatious, fare on a desert island? Let's have a look:

1. If you could only have one book with you, what would it be?

This is a tough one. One book. One book to get me through the hours,days, weeks, months (?!?) without a library, a bookstore, or even a Kindle. Yikes. Maybe The Swiss Family Robinson for inspiration. Or The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. It might help me feel like I was slightly in control. Doubtful, but possible.

2. What one luxury item would you want to be stranded with?

A light, soft blanket. I have trouble sleeping without one, and it could pull double duty as a security blanket as well.

3. What is the one practical item you would want to have with you to use?

I'm torn between a knife and a toothbrush; Then again...toilet tissue seems like a must-have too... I guess I'd have to go with the knife.

4. Would you enjoy the solitude, even briefly, or would it drive you crazy?

I think I would enjoy the solitude. With the sounds of the waves, the breeze, and the palm leaves (not to mention the occasional curse word), it would be peaceful.

5. If you could be stranded with one other person, who would you want it to be?

My husband. He'd probably have some sort of Swiss Family Robinson style setup rigged in no time. (My job would be reading aloud from the novel with suggestions and staying out of his way.)

6. What modern technology would you miss the most?

Probably an air-conditioner. Unless it was comfortably balmy. Otherwise, a light.

7. What food or beverage would you miss the most?

Dr. Pepper.

8. How many days do you think you would cope without rescue?

Without my husband? One--maybe. At which point I'd be totally freaked. With him? Considerably longer. Maybe three.

9. What is the first thing you would do when rescued?

Probably hug my rescuers. My husband probably would too.

10. What would be your first Tweet or Facebook update upon your return?

Being stranded on a desert island is waaay more fun as a what if question than a reality.

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Tell It To The Trees by Anita Rau Badami

2012-02-03T21:00:00.002-05:00

5 Star

One freezing winter morning a dead body is found in the backyard of the Dharma family’s house. It’s the body of Anu Krishnan.

For Anu, a writer seeking a secluded retreat from the city, the Dharmas’ “back-house” in the sleepy mountain town of Merrit’s Point was the ideal spot to take a year off and begin writing. She had found the Dharmas’ rental through a happy coincidence. A friend from university who had kept tabs on everyone in their graduating year – including the quiet and reserved Vikram Dharma and his first wife, Helen – sent her the listing. Anu vaguely remembered Vikram but had a strong recollection of Helen, a beautiful, vivacious, social and charming woman.

But now Vikram had a new wife, a marriage hastily arranged in India after Helen was killed in a car accident. Suman Dharma, a stark contrast to Helen, is quiet and timid. She arrived from the bustling warmth of India full of the promise of her new life – a new home, a new country and a daughter from Vikram’s first marriage. But her husband’s suspicious, controlling and angry tirades become almost a daily ritual, resigning Suman to a desolate future entangled in a marriage of fear and despair.

Suman is isolated both by the landscape and the culture, and her fortunes begin to change only when Anu arrives. A friendship begins to form between the two women as Anu becomes a frequent visitor to the house. While the children, Varsha and Hemant, are at school, Anu, Vikram’s mother, Akka, and Suman spend time sharing tea and stories.

But Anu’s arrival will change the balance of the Dharma household. Young Varsha, deeply affected by her mother’s death and desperate to keep her new family together, becomes increasingly suspicious of Anu’s relationship with her stepmother. Varsha’s singular attention to keeping her family together, and the secrets that emerge as Anu and Suman become friends, create cracks in the Dharma family that can only spell certain disaster.

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5 Star - Sabrina-Kate

Tell It To The Trees was an interesting look into the lives of an Indo-Canadian family living in a secluded community in British Columbia. I've often wondered what it would feel like to be in an arranged marriage and have to move to another country, especially one vastly different from the one you were from. This book did an incredible job portraying her isolation, loneliness and even the way she questioned her reason for being and her decisions in life.

Suman, as the mother figure in the story, tells such a tale. Having been chosen by Vikram to replace the wife who left him and to raise his daughter, Varsha, she soon beomes the mother to Hemant. Also beholden to take care of Vikram's mother, Akka, Suman only exists in their home as she cannot communicate with the outside world and is, in fact, not allowed to. Quite quickly, once Anu arrives to rent the "guest" house, we learn why.

From a controlling and often violent husband, to concern for her mother in law and a manipulative daughter, Suman feels trapped especially since she has no money and her passport, along with all of her ID, has disappeared. A tragedy takes place that threatens everything in her small world and she must decide what to do.

Children Varsha and Hemant have their own ways of dealing with their world. Their only friend being a massive tree in their backyard, it is privy to all of their secrets.

Alternating between the view points of Hemant, Varsha, Anu and Suman, Tell It To The Trees had my attention - because of the incredible way the characters all made you identify with them despite their intensely different intentions and ways of being. Despite disliking some of the characters, I also could feel their emotions and reasons behind their actions, even though what they were doing or thinking made me uncomfortable. I alternated between disbelief, shame and sadness for this family as I plowed through this fascinating novel. I'll definitely be watching for Anita Rau Badami in the future.

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Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone

2012-01-29T18:36:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

Trina Stewart needs cash. Fast. She’s barely got enough dough to keep her fanny off the streets, let alone any spending money for hot nights clubbing on Sunset Strip. And her job teaching English as a Second Language is seriously lacking in both pay and glamour. But not just any job will do. She’s after a real Hollywood job. The kind that makes her $100,000 in film school debt and ten years in Tinsel Town not seem like such a big fat waste of time and money. But a girl can’t fritter away all her time fretting over her next paycheck, can she? Certainly not when a man like Matiu Wulf, a sexy Maori from New Zealand, parks his oh-so-fine self in the apartment above hers while he takes his best shot at Showbiz.

If only Matiu didn’t seem so… repelled by Trina. Really, though, it’s Los Angeles that Matiu finds so revolting. He’s only in L.A. to get some scene design experience to beef up his resume, and then he’s headed back to New Zealand to follow his dreams in peace, thank you very much. That’s his plan, anyway, until he falls hard for Trina…and Trina falls under the spell of a toothy-grinned wannabe actor who charms the pants right off her.

With Matiu on a mission to win Trina’s heart, and Trina on a mission to nail down that ever elusive Hollywood job, these two soon discover that when love gets tossed in the mix, life in Tinsel Town isn’t all red carpets, after parties, and celebrity gossip. In fact, Hollywood can be a downright bitch!

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Sabrina-Kate - 3.5 Star

Hollywood Ending is definitely an apt title for the tale of Trina Stewart. Set in, you guessed it, Los Angeles, our leading lady is a woman with a plan. A plan that isn't exactly working out, but nonetheless, a plan. After having gone to a very expensive film school and not getting her break, Trina is stuck teaching ESL classes part time to barely scrape by. Despite it all, Trina has dreams of getting her big break while also turning her nose up at typical Hollywood types.

New neighbor Matiu, a hot Kiwi in town for a class and a history working in the film industry back home, piques her interest but turns her down a couple of times until all of a sudden he just can't get enough of her. Couple this with her budding relationship with recently met model/limo driver Blake and you have a book that reminded me of a 90210 plot.

Trina can't see to make her mind up between the two men yet has no problems playing the field with both of them while pining for one or getting distracted by the other.

And this is where the book started to kind of lose me a bit more: Matiu goes from being completely uninterested in Trina to being willing to change his life for her. She goes to obsessing about him to trying to constantly run away. Seems a bit flighty and perhaps more the actions of younger characters than people in their late 20s... but I suppose it is possible.

The book is a light read, a good kind of beach or bath book but nothing that will make you ache for the character or cheer them on. The writing style is very enjoyable though with a lot of witty repartee and play upon stereotypes that is good for a chuckle (or a few of them). I won't spoil the ending but the title may just say it all.

Thank you to Lucie Simone for our review copy!

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The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy

2012-01-26T10:25:00.001-05:00

5 Star

In 1945, Elsie Schmidt is a naive teenager, as eager for her first sip of champagne as she is for her first kiss. She and her family have been protected from the worst of the terror and desperation overtaking her country by a high-ranking Nazi who wishes to marry her. So when an escaped Jewish boy arrives on Elsie’s doorstep in the dead of night on Christmas Eve, Elsie understands that opening the door would put all she loves in danger.

Sixty years later, in El Paso, Texas, Reba Adams is trying to file a feel-good Christmas piece for the local magazine. Reba is perpetually on the run from memories of a turbulent childhood, but she’s been in El Paso long enough to get a full-time job and a fiancé, Riki Chavez. Riki, an agent with the U.S. Border Patrol, finds comfort in strict rules and regulations, whereas Reba feels that lines are often blurred.

Reba’s latest assignment has brought her to the shop of an elderly baker across town. The interview should take a few hours at most, but the owner of Elsie’s German Bakery is no easy subject. Reba finds herself returning to the bakery again and again, anxious to find the heart of the story. For Elsie, Reba’s questions are a stinging reminder of darker times: her life in Germany during that last bleak year of WWII. And as Elsie, Reba, and Riki’s lives become more intertwined, all are forced to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and seek out the courage to forgive.

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Lydia - 5 Star

The Baker's Daughter is riveting and haunting and I loved every word. A story of family, love and choices, this novel alternates between a vivid portrayal of World War II via Elsie as she comes of age during the war and Reba in the present day whose own traumatic life events have shaken her. As the two lives intersect, this novel shows how the past can help heal the present - if we're willing to listen.

I LOVED Elsie. She's spunky, fearless and feisty. The choices she makes aren't always perfect, but she makes the best of every situation. I adored her in the present day story and could picture my grandmother in her and absolutely loved that. Her dialogue with her daughter and Reba and made me laugh out loud several times which was fantastic. Each and every character felt like I could reach out and touch them and I wanted to wander into the bakery in Texas that felt so warm and full of life with wonderful women and wisdom.

I am ashamed to admit I had never heard of Lebensborn and this is yet another reason this story will stick with me forever. I love novels that teach me something, and this did - more than once.

The differing views of the war between various characters really stood out for me and it was interesting to see the portrayal as not just generational differences. This novel isn't just a story about a woman coming of age during the war. There are social and political layers that span the novel as well. And it's all very subtle, and when you stop to think about it all. Wow.

When intuition cracks the solid foundation of loyalty - to your family, your religion, your country, your job - how would you react? The Baker's Daughter examines how each character handles the shady line between loyalty and intuition and there are many different examples to be had from Reba's father, Riki, the soldiers in Elise's town and Elise herself. The fates of these characters showcase how ignoring intuition leads to despair and disaster while listening to it may just lead down road to redemption.

As if the story and characters and learning a few things along the way weren't enough, the prose and detail in this novel were outstanding. The mouth watering description of the baked goods themselves almost had me running off to a local bakery several times - but I didn't want to put the book down to go! For those more adventurous, there are recipes included. With just enough detail for vivid scenes, I constantly stopped abruptly to marvel over a phrase. Here's one particular gem that stood out: "A star burst like a corn from its kernel."

I can't wait to get my hands on more from Sarah McCoy.

Thank you to Crown Publishing Group for our review copy!

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Bond Girl by Erin Duffy

2012-01-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

5 Star

When other little girls were dreaming about becoming doctors or lawyers, Alex Garrett set her sights on conquering the high-powered world of Wall Street. And though she's prepared to fight her way into an elitist boys' club, or duck the occasional errant football, she quickly realizes she's in over her head when she's relegated to a kiddie-size folding chair with her new moniker—Girlie—inscribed in Wite-Out across the back.

No matter. She's determined to make it in bond sales at Cromwell Pierce, one of the Street's most esteemed brokerage firms. Keeping her eyes on the prize, the low Girlie on the totem pole will endure whatever comes her way—whether trekking to the Bronx for a $1,000 wheel of Parmesan cheese; discovering a secretary's secret Friday night slumber/dance party in the conference room; fielding a constant barrage of "friendly" practical jokes; learning the ropes from Chick, her unpredictable, slightly scary, loyalty-demanding boss; babysitting a colleague while he consumes the contents of a vending machine on a $28,000 bet; or eluding the advances of a corporate stalker who's also one of the firm's biggest clients.

Ignoring her friends' pleas to quit, Alex excels (while learning how to roll with the punches and laugh at herself) and soon advances from lowly analyst to slightly-less-lowly associate. Suddenly, she's addressed by her real name, and the impenetrable boys' club has transformed into forty older brothers and one possible boyfriend. Then the apocalypse hits, and Alex is forced to choose between sticking with Cromwell Pierce as it teeters on the brink of disaster or kicking off her Jimmy Choos and running for higher ground.

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Lydia - 5 Star

When Bond Girl popped up in my mailbox I had to read the cover to discover what it was about. Isn’t this cover fabulous!?! I’ve never been a huge shoe fanatic (somehow that’s changing – maybe all this reading about shoes in the last ten years?), but I couldn’t wait to crack this one. A girl who takes on Wall Street? In six inch stiletto’s? Bring it on!

I loved this book. Erin Duffy has a fresh, fun voice. She puts a new spin on the New York City girl – even if she’s still wearing Jimmy Choos. Alex is a bond trader – not something you see every day in chick lit. She’s smart, sassy and a little insecure when she begins working at Cromwell Pierce, but she’s willing to do what it takes to get ahead, and is pushed to the edge daily to it done.

This book had some unique situations and I laughed at the trader’s antics and what Alex is forced to endure during her ‘probation’ – more like her hazing. The novel wasn’t bogged down in details about bond trading that would have bored me and what job specific information we were shown, Alex was just as confused about. The inside look at Wall Street – from a female perspective especially – was interesting. Alex trudges and tiptoes through this still male dominated world amidst leers, sexual innuendo and having her intelligence questioned. There were some surprises in this novel and I was never sure which way it would go, which is always a huge plus.

The crazy routine and lifestyle portrayed in Bond Girl made my head spin. The insane work hours, the after work socializing for work, the client lunches, dinners and everything in between. Time spent with friends and family lacking and the deficiency of sleep. There is no way on earth I would be capable. I would have collapsed after a month and appreciated seeing how ragged Alex is run. Admirable really.

Check out this novel today!

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for our review copy and giveaway!

Giveaway:

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The Whisperer by Donato Carrisi

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

2 Star

Six severed arms are discovered buried in a forest clearing. They are arranged in a mysterious circle, and appear to belong to missing girls between the ages of eight and thirteen. But the rest of the bodies are nowhere to be found.

Criminologist Goran Gavila is given the case. A disheveled, instinctively rebellious man, he is forced to work with young female police officer Mila Vasquez. Lithe, boyish, answering to no one, Mila has a reputation as a specialist in missing children. She also has a tragic history of her own that has left her damaged, unable to feel or to relate to others.

Theirs is a fiery but strangely affecting working relationship - and as they uncover more secrets about the dark secrets in the forest, their lives are increasingly in each other’s hands…

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Lydia - 2 Star

Thrillers were all I used to read when I was younger, before my obsession with Chick Lit began. I devoured the likes of Stephen King, Patricia Cornwall, James Patterson and Jeffrey Deaver and when the television shows like Criminal Minds and Dexter began I was in heaven. So I thought I would branch out and try another thriller after so long and had hoped The Whisperer would live up to the hype, but sadly it took me forever to get into this novel and in the end it fell completely flat for me.

This novel was quite disjointed. The first half had barely any action and I struggled to keep reading. There was no flow and I kept getting distracted and would find myself staring off into space on the subway instead of reading - a rare occurrence for me, even with the abundant people watching. The narration kept flipping around and at times I had difficulty determining who was speaking and had to go back to figure it out.

Even in the second half when things got a little more active, I still couldn't find myself drawn into the characters or even much of the story. I didn't find it that gruesome. I've read much worse. I kind of wish the story was told from Mila's perspective throughout. I think it would have dawn me into the story more, made me more sympathetic to her character and drawn me into the book further.

One final complaint - especially with this being a thriller - was that as I kept reading and had 12 pages left (I kept looking down to see how far I had left to go - never a good sign) the book suddenly wrapped up and left me hanging, with what I thought was twelve pages remaining. This left me completely unprepared for the ending to come so swiftly with the author's notes comments and thank you's taking up the final pages.

There were a few things that surprised me, but not enough to blow me over and convert this into an incredible read. There are rave reviews out there though, so let me know if you are a thriller fan and enjoyed this one. I'm curious to know!

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for our review copy.

150 Pounds by Kate Rockland

2012-01-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

5 Star

In the fast paced life of blogging, two women stand out: Alexis Allbright, of Skinny Chick, and Shoshana Weiner, who writes Fat and Fabulous. Both have over five million loyal readers. Both are hungry for success. But the similarities stop there.

With over 100 pounds on the scale separating them, weight isn't their only difference. Alexis is a loner who is so bitchy the only person who can stand her company is her gay best friend Billy. She gives neurotic New Yorkers a run for their money with her strict daily workout routine, and weighing of food. Shoshana is Alexis’s opposite. Living in Jersey with rowdy roommates, she is someone who “collects friends,” as her mother puts it; and treasures a life of expanding circles...and waistlines.

When both appear as panelists on a popular talk show, their lives intersect in ways neither could have imagined. In turns comedic, heartwarming--and familiar to any woman who's ever stepped on a scale--Alexis and Shoshana realize they have far more in common than either could have possibly imagined, and more importantly, something to offer.

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Lydia - 5 Star

150 Pounds is just as delectable as the cupcakes on the cover. It's an easy read with a weighty punch and all women will be able to relate to the issues in this novel, regardless of where on they fall on weight spectrum. I loved 150 Pounds and devoured it as quickly as I would those cupcakes.

At first I was drawn to Shoshana's exuberant personality, loving that her extra pounds didn't get her down. But Alexis quickly took over and I rooted, almost screaming at times, for her to get her head out of her ass. There were several unexpected turns with Alexis's story which really took me by surprise, one of which I usually see coming, but I had no clue. I loved her love interest. He was patient and kind and ridiculously dreamy and I really enjoyed watching Alexis under his spell.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy Shoshana's storyline though. Because I did. Lots. I loved the relationship she had with her family and that her purpose in life didn't seem to be finding a man, although if Prince Charming showed up, she'd definitely be game. Her date stories were hilarious and I loved that one of her best friends was an ex-boyfriend and their banter back and forth was refreshing. Her storyline provided much comic relief as her character was more bubbly, friendly and funny than Alexis who was cold, withdrawn and serious.

Each time the story flipped from one characters viewpoint to another, I barely flinched because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen with each one. These women were as different as the cities they lived in and I loved the juxtaposition of New York City and New Jersey and thought each location suited each character perfectly. There are things in this novel that should be cliche or too 'perfect', like the gay best friend and Alexis's love interest's profession, but it never came across as such for me. Everything in 150 Pounds seemed like a natural fit.

If you're looking for a fun read that tackles serious issues with heart, pick up 150 Pounds today. I can't wait to read more from Kate Rockland!

Thanks to Macmillan for our review copy!

Destined to Fail by Samantha March

2012-01-17T16:53:00.000-05:00

4 Star

Jasmine Jones is ready to begin her new life as a college student, and is ecstatic to have best friend Abby by her side. But weeks into their new college life, Abby drops the bomb- she is pregnant, and dropping out of college. Jasmine can’t handle the fact that Abby is wasting her opportunity to get an education, and going back to her cheating, abusive boyfriend. She struggles to move on from her friendship with Abby, but befriends two new girls at college. Everything seems back on track for Jasmine- great new friendships and roommates, a strong relationship with boyfriend Nate, and excelling at her college courses. But Jasmine’s newfound happiness is shattered when her pregnancy test comes out positive. Does she have to drop out of college now and become a young mother? Will Nate stay with her? How can she afford a child? Jasmine’s life has been filled with obstacles and challenges along the way- from a missing father, sexual and physical abuse, and addictions that tore her family apart. With this latest setback, Jasmine fears her life will always be a struggle. Destined to Fail is one woman’s story about overcoming adversity in life, about taking the negatives and finding a positive, and about never giving up hope.

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Lydia - 4 Star

Destined to Fail grabbed me to the point where I couldn't stop thinking about the main character and her plight. I don't normally read YA, but made an exception in this case as Samantha and I had exchanged some writing a little over a year ago and I was eager to read and review her work and see how Jasmine's story developed. And this is an honest review - I do have some (hopefully helpful) comments below, but overall I really enjoyed this novel!

Destined to Fail grabbed me at the beginning and throughout I madly flipped pages to see what was going to transpire. I loved how Jasmine's character had secrets which were gradually revealed over the course of the novel. There's no easy reading in Destined to Fail, not one piece of fluff to be found. The topics covered span abuse, addiction and teenage pregnancy and I applaud March for tackling such heavy issues.

There was some repetition that I noticed (sometimes I think I read too fast because this has been cropping up a lot for me lately), mostly involving Jasmine's younger brother being described several times as aloof and too cool as well as Jasmine's refusal to drink at parties. There is a scene with her brother that made my heart ache as he tries to protect her and I kept waiting to see more of their relationship, but it never transpired. There were also some scenes I actually wanted to be privy to that were glossed over including Jasmine's conversation with her mother towards the end of the novel which we are just told occurred, but it was an important one and I really wanted to be in on it.

Jasmine has such a strong positive attitude, regardless of what she had been through which I absolutely adored. She's confident, courageous, and thoughtful and even though she gets sad and why-me sometimes (understandably so), I wanted to see her get really angry at something. A fight with her mom (who is her best friend, which I had a difficult time believing after all she'd been through in her family) or her sister would have endeared her to me a little more I think and made her a bit more believable and fully rounded and is something I expected given her history and the situations she discovers herself in.

The blooming friendship with Kiley and Cari was entirely believable as was their dialogue and I could picture my younger self off at university, making new friends and getting ready to take on the world. I adored her boyfriend Nate and loved that the story didn't center around her finding a boy as he's in her life from the outset of the novel. Destined to Fail moves along at a brisk pace and March does a fabulous job of transporting us into Jasmine's world and her head as she navigates difficult situations that no woman should have to endure. Jasmine's optimism is encouraging and I loved how this story ends.

I definitely think a younger audience would enjoy this novel and when they gain a few more years, I have some younger readers who I'll definitely give Destined to Fail to read. Can't wait to see what Samantha March has in store for us next!

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Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

2012-01-14T15:54:00.000-05:00

4.5 Star

All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara did not have an ideal home life. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and to find closure.
But some questions are better left unanswered.
After months of research, Sara locates her birth mother---only to be met with horror and rejection. Then she discovers the devastating truth: Her mother was the only victim ever to escape a killer who has been hunting women every summer for decades. But Sara soon realizes the only thing worse than finding out about her father is him finding out about her.
What if murder is in your blood?
Never Knowing is a complex and compelling portrayal of one woman’s quest to understand herself, her origins, and her family. That is, if she can survive. . . .

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Sabrina-Kate - 4.5 Star

Sara Gallagher lives on Vancouver Island, BC. She has her dream job restoring furniture, a loving adopted family, a cherished daughter and is engaged to be married to a wonderful man. But only one thing is missing and always has been - knowing who her birth parents are.

The search begins and doesn't really take her far as her birth mother is located nearby and rejects the thought of having anything to do with Sara. On top of that, she also refuses to divulge any information about the name or location of Sara's birth father and becomes quite aggressive.

Soon the reason behind all this becomes clear as Sara investigates more and discovers that her father is a notorious and uncaptured serial murderer. He then starts contacting her and making impossible requests and using kidnapped women and bargaining tools.

Sara's life spirals more and more out of control as she struggles to decide what is right and wrong, make decisions to protect others and worries about her own devious capabilities.

This book left me turning pages as quickly as I could, anticipating every next heart pounding moment.

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Seven Year Switch by Claire Cook

2012-01-12T17:47:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

Just when Jill Murray’s finally figured out how to manage on her own, her ex-husband proves that he can’t even run away reliably. After seven long years missing in action, he’s back?crashing into the man-free existence Jill and her ten-year-old daughter have built so carefully. And what’s a good mother to do? To a child, even a deadbeat dad is better than no dad at all.

Jill’s life just hasn’t turned out quite the way she planned. By now, she’d hoped to be jetting around the world as a high-end cultural coach. Instead, she’s answering phones for a local travel agency and teaching cooking classes at the community center.

Enter free-spirited entrepreneur Billy, who hires Jill as a consultant for an upcoming business trip. Is their relationship veering off in a new direction? And what about her ex? Jill couldn’t possibly still have feelings for him . . . could she? Suddenly, her no-boys-allowed life is anything but.

They say that every seven years you become a completely new person, but Jill isn’t sure she’s ready for the big change. It takes a Costa Rican getaway to help her make a choice — not so much between the two men in her life, but between the woman she is and the one she wants to be.

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Kaley - 3.5 Star

Ever since I learned Claire Cook wrote Must Love Dogs I wanted to check out one of her novels. I have to admit that I was a little wary when I was given Seven Year Switch to read - what happened if I didn't like it as much as I was expecting to? - but luckily, my fears were unfounded as I really enjoyed this book.

I'm a very fast reader so I managed to devour this book in a day but I think others would get through this book quickly as well. The chapters are short and the story moves along at a good pace. I found myself hooked after just the first couple of chapters.

While I only rated this at 3.5 stars, I definitely think other readers would rate this novel higher. I say this because I don't think I was the ideal reader for this book. The story follows a single mom and her journey to find herself while being the best mom she can be to her ten year old daughter. As much as I enjoyed reading this book, it's hard for me to really put myself in Jill's shoes when I'm nowhere even close to her stage in life. I actually found myself identifying more with Anastasia who desperately wants her dad to be around and doesn't quite understand why he's not. Should I always put myself in the main character’s position? No, not really. I just found I couldn’t quite relate to Jill as much as I would have liked.

I found that I was conflicted about who I wanted Jill to end up with in the end. Should she stay with Seth or try something new with Billy? What would actually be better for her? I'm pretty sure I'm happy with the way things turned out but I was still thinking about the conclusion for a few days after I finished the book. I found myself evaluating her choices right along with her. What I gathered was that Jill only thought she had two options – Seth or Billy. But what about a third option? How about neither? It sometimes seemed like she was trying to force either man into her life. She had such a fantastic life changing trip to Costa Rica that I think I was expecting a slightly different outcome. However, like I said, I think the ending works and am happy for Jill.

Overall, I liked Seven Year Switch. I didn’t love it but that doesn’t mean others wouldn’t. This is a great read for chick lit lovers, especially those who enjoy stories featuring strong single moms. This was a good read and I will make sure to check out more of Claire Cook’s books in the future.

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Small Island by Andrea Levy

2012-01-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

5 Star

It is 1948, and England is recovering from a war. But at 21 Nevern Street, London, the conflict has only just begun. Queenie Bligh's neighbours do not approve when she agrees to take in Jamaican lodgers, but Queenie doesn't know when her husband will return, or if he will come back at all. What else can she do? Gilbert Joseph was one of the several thousand Jamaican men who joined the RAF to fight against Hitler. Returning to England as a civilian he finds himself treated very differently. It's desperation that makes him remember a wartime friendship with Queenie and knock at her door. Gilbert's wife Hortense, too, had longed to leave Jamaica and start a better life in England. But when she joins him she is shocked to find London shabby, decrepit, and far from the golden city of her dreams. Even Gilbert is not the man she thought he was.
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Kathryn - 5 Star

I’ve had this on my bookshelf for ages- apparently my mum has tried to get me to read it loads of times but I’ve resisted for no particular reason or just been easily distracted by other books landing on my to-read shelf- but I’m so pleased I finally got around to reading it. Strange that I read it around the same time as The Help by Kathryn Stockett as it’s set at about the same period (or a little earlier) and explores Jamaican immigrants to England who served during the war for their mother country. I feel like I was given another image for the people who could have landed in the U.S. and become the servants in the south but instead took their own path to England and tried to forge themselves a life in a country they believed should welcome them as compatriots.

It was particularly interesting to see the treatment of the Jamaican soldiers in the UK by the English versus the American soldiers stationed in the UK. As I read the novel I felt like their welcome was better at the beginning of the war and as time progressed the prejudice seeped in to the English culture also.

The characters in this novel tell their own stories and it travels between four voices seamlessly telling their own backgrounds and how they came to be where they were in the present. Their stories were sometimes gut wrenchingly honest and Levy is an amazing writer who creates clear worlds with very little description- there were even smells and sounds coming off the pages for me at times.

The novel doesn’t tell an entirely happy tale but most of the characters have an inexplicable joy despite the circumstances they find themselves in and I definitely loved Small Island.

I now have to tell my mother she was right.

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The Guy's Guy's Guide to Love

2012-01-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

When Max Hallyday, a rising New York adman, joins a glitzy Midtown agency, he knows the game is winner-takes-all. But when his best friend Roger, a serial womanizer, seduces Max's billionaire client and puts his career in jeopardy, Max strikes back. He pens a column exposing the ‘Rogers’ prowling the city: The Guys' Guy's Guide to Love. Championed by magazine publisher and former flame, Cassidy Goodson, Max becomes famous… or is it notorious?

With the women of New York clamoring for more, sparks begin to fly with Cassidy. Can Max survive his instant celebrity and cutthroat rivals to discover where his heart really belongs?

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Lydia 3.5 Star

The Guy’s Guy’s Guide launches us deep into the cut throat business world complete with lavish expense accounts, liquid lunches and dizzying office politics. It seems not much has changed since the portrayal of the Ad Men world in the sixties that Mad Men has given us – except maybe the gun wielding in the office.

I had worried about one dimensional characters when this novel began, but was pleasantly surprised after getting to know them all and found they weren’t wooden and seemed willing to change. There are quite a few characters involved, but they were relatively easy to tell apart. Interestingly, as much as I despised him, it was Roger’s journey that I found the most interesting.

I didn’t really find any earth shattering information on the male species in this novel and in fact, I now think that they’re even more complex than I originally thought. It was amusing to watch them sort themselves out – the women too! – and rooted for them all to find love and happiness.

Manni’s dialogue is sharp and interactions come across as genuine and real. A few things about the writing jumped out at me that I didn’t love and if they’d been absent would have vaulted this rating higher. The instances were low, but still noticeable and did detract from my overall enjoyment. There were times where the voice changed and bounced from character to character which was confusing, especially as each section was set as one characters viewpoint. I also found many chapters difficult to get going at times, especially when it started with one character bumbling around and it got to the point where I found myself skipping the initial bits until the action began.

There were also some timeline confusions for me, such as when Veronica found out about a deal much later in the novel than Roger and when she did, his timeline had advanced significantly, but hers hadn’t advanced in time at all. I wasn’t sure if I missed something and wasn’t prepared to flip back because I couldn’t even pinpoint exactly how far back I had to go.

I really do think though that with some workarounds for the above, Manni will find a wide audience as he has a great voice, and I would definitely read another.

Thank you to Robert Manni for the giveaway and our review copy!

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Giveaway:

We have 1 copy of The Guy's Guy's Guide to Love to giveaway!
Must live in the USA to win this one.
Deadline: January 31st, 2012, 11:59pm

How to Enter:

Comment below with your email address - can be coded with (at) and (dot) to avoid spam. You can also send us an email to contests(at)novelescapes(dot)com to enter if you wish.

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The fine print:
Contest close January 31st, 2012 at 11:59pm.
Available in the US only.
1 copy available to be won

Robert Manni Stuck On A Desert Island

2012-01-09T18:56:00.001-05:00

How would Robert Manni fare on a Desert Island? First though, a bit about Robert:

Robert Manni is President of advertising agency Agent16 in midtown Manhattan. For the past two decades he has watched, played and succeeded in Madison Avenue's relentlessly changing game. A true devotee of New York City, Robert is inspired by and remains in awe of its people, energy, attitude, and romantic backdrop. He is a world traveler, Reiki Master and teacher, certified advanced clinical Master Hypnotist, graduate of the Jose Silva Method/Life System, NYC Marathoner, and a bona fide 'Guy's Guy' who somehow survived twenty years of single life in the big city. THE GUYS' GUY'S GUIDE TOLOVE is Robert's debut novel. He is currently working on his second book.

If you could only have one book with you, what would it be?

That depends on how much time I’d be spending on the island. This is not ‘what is your favorite book’? This is about what book you’d choose to hunker down with. So, I’d probably want something meaty to chew on like Atlas Shrugged or maybe a book about escape and breaking boundaries like, Journey to Ixtlan by Carlos Castaneda. If I knew I’d be away for a year or so, I’d go for a big, whopping religious text like the Old and New Testaments to really see what the fuss is about, or The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche, which I’ve already read, but is worth a second look.

What one luxury item would you want to be stranded with?

Hmm, luxury, eh? Maybe a bottle of the finest aged, dark rum from the Caribbean.

What is the one practical item you would want to have with you to use?

Well, moist wipes would make the short list, but antibiotics would come in handy as would something to make fire or a sharp knife. Or a pen and a pad.

Would you enjoy the solitude, even briefly, or would it drive you crazy?

Yes, and yes. That said, it takes two to be alone. In this case, I’d have nature, the sea, and the fish and birds to connect with so I really would not be alone.

If you could be stranded with one other person, who would you want it to be?

My first thought was my wife, but when I asked her she told me that under the same circumstances that she would not want to put me through the hardship of being stranded and taken out of my life. So, plan B includes the opportunity to have a good long talk with Jesus or Moses or Siddhartha Gautama. However, a native islander (preferably female and gorgeous and wild) could help me build shelter and find food, etc.

What modern technology would you miss the most?
Ice would come in handy, but who can live without the clapper or a snuggie?

What food or beverage would you miss the most?
Does it have to be non-alcoholic? Maybe organic peanut butter. I crave it.

How many days do you think you would cope without rescue?

Whatever it takes. I’m a survivor and this is the ultimate challenge besides riding the C train in August.

What is the first thing you would do when rescued?

Watch an episode of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ from Manhattan, my favorite island.

What would be your first Tweet or Facebook update upon your return?

“Only in a crowd can you feel so alone”, which is from the song, Before They Make Me Run, by the Rolling Stones.

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Our review of The Guy's Guy's Guide to Love

The Yoga Club by Cooper Lawrence

2012-01-08T11:09:00.000-05:00

2 Star

Chatting it up with bendy WASPs is the last thing on Coco Guthrie’s mind during her 8:30 a.m. yoga class. Having made her fortune as the world-renowned inventor of Butt-B-Gone derriere cream, Coco still doesn’t feel like she belongs among the upper class— until she attends the swankiest Halloween soiree in Greenwich, Connecticut, where three of her fellow morning yogis shared her brilliant idea to appear as Sarah Palin. Soon it’s clear that a love of stretching isn’t all this accidental sorority—which includes a single mom with echolalia, an entertainment reporter who charms the pants off handsome stars, and a drama-prone producer with a taste for drag— have in common.

When the four mischievous Sarahs wander away from the party to sneak a peek at the mayor’s neighboring estate, they are stunned to find him adorned in leather and latex, and rolling up a woman’s body in a Persian rug. To make matters worse, someone has spotted the spying Palins. Someone who threatens to expose their torrid affairs in business and the bedroom. Now the unlikely foursome must use all their wits and wiles to get to the bottom of the kinky crime. But will their budding friendship be strong enough to protect their deepest secrets?
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Lydia - 2 Star

The Yoga Club is a who-done-it type read, except we know straight away who did it. There is a bit of mystery surrounding how the foursome will react and go about sleuthing and their adventure in doing so. Unfortunately this novel didn’t retain much as must interest for me as I had hoped and I found it confusing at times.

I had a difficult time believing the newfound relationship between this foursome. They met at a Halloween party because they were dressed the same– as Sarah Palin - and then even further when they all witnessed a murder that night (no spoilers here, it happens immediately) and are subsequently blackmailed to keep quiet so they maintain contact. There were never many bonding or get to know you moments and when they finally all sat down and ended up discussing things in their lives, which I thought was great and needed to happen – unfortunately, it happened much too late, near the end of the book, which didn’t really work for me. I wanted this scene much earlier to cement their newfound relationship. It may have made it more believable.

Second, none of the plot seemed plausible, or at least it didn’t come across that way because I have read many novels that have convinced me of the impossible. How were they discussing the murder all over town, in restaurants, at yoga and over their phones, even though they think they might be bugged? How did the mayor’s assistant not realize who CJ was? How did that ending even happen?

The characters confused me too. At first I thought they were young, in their early twenties, based on their actions and dialogue. I had to piece together their ages from the various childhood references – Scooby Doo, G-Force, Transformers and Popeye and then the comment ‘I saw more action in the 80’s’ which really confused me because I was fifteen in 1989. These characters didn’t speak like anyone I converse with and they certainly didn’t act like anyone I know either, so I immediately assumed they were younger. Nope. They were in their late thirties, which I discovered deeper into the novel, after having clued in from the many cartoon references.

The dialogue was mostly flat or forced, but it did contain a few rare gems which made me laugh though. There was some repetitiveness throughout that irked me, as did the name dropping that occurred in this novel. I’m not one for the gossip rags or entertainment television, so maybe that’s why, but I didn’t love the associations with all the famous people and suspect it will date this novel quickly.

The ending? How it everything gets resolved didn’t seem even remotely possible. If you’re looking for a bit of a silly, maybe fun read if you love celeb gossip with fairy tale like plausibility, then pick this one up. But be prepared to suspend your belief.

A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison

2012-01-05T20:11:00.000-05:00

5 Star

An unforgettable journey into the underworld of modern-day slavery, A Walk Across the Sun begins on December 26, 2004, as seventeen-year-old Ahalya Ghai and her younger sister, Sita, are walking on the beach outside their home in Chennai, India. Suddenly, the unimaginable happens: a devastating tsunami hits the shore, tearing their family apart instantly and leaving them orphaned and alone. As they attempt to travel toward safety inland, they are kidnapped and delivered to a Mumbai brothel, to begin new lives as captive prostitutes.

In Washington, DC, a young lawyer, Thomas Clarke, is forced to take a sabbatical from his prestigious law firm. He chooses to serve his time with a non-profit group working in the red-light areas of Mumbai, where his wife, Priya, has returned to live with her family following the tragic loss of their child. Little does he know that his reluctant penance will soon turn into an international quest for the woman he has lost and a child he has never met.

Though separated by half a world, the destinies of Thomas and the Ghai sisters become intertwined as Sita is trafficked to Paris and then New York. Before long, Thomas is navigating the brutal system of international human trafficking in an effort to reunite the sisters and save Sita’s life. Unflinchingly gritty yet ultimately hopeful, A Walk Across the Sun is an eye-opening tale of family and survival.
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Sabrina-Kate - 5 Star

A Walk Across the Sun was a captivating, incredible story of redemption in its many forms. Alternating between the story of sisters Ahalya and Sita and couple Thomas and Priya, this book hooked me from the first page. From the beginning the story had an intensity that wa undeniable. Quickly paced and shocking at times, I began to feel for all the characters early on and couldn't put the book down needing to find out what was going to happen next.

Ahalya and Sita are teenage sisters living on the coast of India with their doting parents, until tragedy strikes. A tsunami destroys their village and wipes out their family. Terrified, elder sister Ahalya tries her best to get help and find a safe passage for them to return to their convent school. Unfortunately, as is too often the case, devious forces come into play and the sisters are sold into slavery at a brothel in Bombay.

Meanwhile, we are also introduced to broken hearted Thomas, a lawyer living in the D.C. area who is feeling adrift personally and professionally. His law career leaving him feeling unfulfilled, his young daughter having tragically died and his wife having left him, Thomas is in need of some change.

Ahalya continues to protect Sita until the unthinkable happens - Sita is sold away to another criminal. Separated, the sisters never stop thinking about each other and dream of one day finding each other despite every twist and turn their story takes.

Thomas, given an ultimatum by his firm, ends up in Bombay himself on a sabbatical assisting writing briefs for an organization working on helping victims of human trafficking. He soon becomes involved more deeply and personally after meeting the newly rescued Ahalya who extracts a promise from him to help find her sister.

An intricate story, masterfully crafted, which ultimately shows the power of salvation and forgiveness, A Walk Across the Sun was an amazing start to 2012 for me and I can't recommend it highly enough. It seemed like a story that was something you could hear on the news so was quite believable and well researched from every nuance and heart pounding scene.

Thank you to SilverOak for our review copy!

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Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros

2012-01-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

Can two strangers who meet (and tweet) by chance find a love strong enough to last a lifetime? That’s the question former literary sensation Abby Donovan is forced to explore when she meets Mark Baynard on Twitter. Mark, an English professor traveling the world, shatters Abby’s writer’s block one witty tweet at a time. Just as she begins to write and live again, she discovers Mark is hiding a secret that could change both of their lives forever. In the tradition of Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, two lonely people discover it doesn’t take 140 characters to find your soul mate, just three little words.

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Lydia - 3.5 Star

This was a cute little novel. A quick and easy read, Good Night Tweetheart took me only a few hours to finish and had me grinning by the end. Initially I was a bit wary of this novel. I can see how friendships develop online through this relatively new medium, but love? It took a little convincing for me, especially being leery about meeting men online myself and I know it happens, probably more frequently than I’m even aware, but I still wasn’t sure I could be convinced. In the end though, I had a smile plastered on my face.

Abigail, a best selling author whose writers block since her father’s untimely passing has kept her frozen, both in her writing and even in her apartment, reluctantly goes on Twitter at the direction of her agent. Fumbling around the new medium, she finds herself in a conversation with a stranger, a man. And when they start conversing regularly she finds herself looking forward to their conversations and eventual ‘dates’ and finds herself drawn to a man in the most unlikely of places for her.

Teresa Medieros was brilliant at adapting this story into tweets. There weren’t many short forms, or confusing conversations. It all flowed easily and effortlessly. I have to sometimes fumble around to get my tweets within the character limit and marveled at times with her ability to convey her point in such few words. Because I’m well versed in the way of twitter for the most part, I could understand and relate to much of what was happening, but I’m unsure if someone who wasn’t could, even with the explanations provided. I think they would though, but overall the story isn’t as much in the details of twitter, but what is spoken through the medium.

In the end I smiled away with this warm and lighthearted read. Anyone looking for a light, cute and smile filled read with a technological spin on romance will appreciate this one.

***Thank you to Simon&Schuster Canada for our review copy!

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To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell

2011-12-30T18:31:00.000-05:00

4 Star

When Ellie Kendall tragically loses her husband she feels her life is over. But eventually she's ready for a new start - at work, that is. She doesn't need a new man when she has a certain secret visitor to keep her company...

Moving to North London, Ellie meets neighbour Roo who has a secret of her own. Can the girls sort out their lives? Guilt is a powerful emotion, but a lot can happen in a year in Primrose Hill...

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Kathryn - 4 Star

I have to admit that this one isn’t going to blow your socks off with sudden plot twists and airs of mystery. The plot is definitely predictable though I was pleasantly surprised that despite foreseeing the end from the beginning, I was really attracted to Ellie and really felt her warmth and personality from the get-go. Ellie’s life has changed entirely from what she was expecting it to be and despite the conflict she’s constantly feeling Mansell doesn’t let this emotion bring down her character or the positive hopefulness of the novel. Ellie’s new friend Roo does a lot to keep the story upbeat and spontaneous and I loved Roo’s quirky habits, her own sense of conviction and her downright stubbornness when she wanted to turn over a new leaf.

I also really loved the unusual interference of Ellie’s father in law in her life and he had an interesting sub plot going on with a woman he falls in love with- the fact that he’s a lovely man and clearly cares about Ellie is apparent and I appreciated his presence throughout the book immensely. Oddly , towards the end of the novel I noticed that there was absolutely no mention of Ellie’s own family (it’s possible I missed something at the beginning?) and that was a bit bizarre to me considering the emotional start of the story- you would think someone would have turned up to support her? But that’s my only real complaint about To the Moon and Back so I’m going to assume I missed something.

Another hit for me from Jill Mansell- at one point I was getting a bit disappointed as her novels weren’t gripping me the way that they used to but I think this one and the last one were more my thing and I’m pleased to say that I’m back to being a fan.

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The House of the Wind by Titania Hardie

2011-12-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

3.5 Star

A legendary ruin. An ancient mystery. Will unveiling the past transform the future?

San Francisco, 2007. Madeline Moretti is grieving for her fiancé. Nothing brings her joy any more, and Maddie's grandmother, a fiery Italian, sends her to Tuscany to heal. Here, Maddie is immersed in the mystery of a ruined villa. Destroyed centuries ago in a legendary storm on the Eve of St Agnes, it has been known ever since as the Casa al Vento - the House of the Wind.

Tuscany, 1347. Mia hasn't spoken since her mother's death, and lives in silence with her beloved aunt. One dark night, a couple seek refuge in their villa. Used to welcoming passing pilgrims, Mia is entranced by the young bride's radiance and compassion, but mystified by her reluctance to reveal even her name. Where has she come from, and why must her presence be a secret?

Centuries apart, each searching for a way to step into her future, Mia and Maddie will be haunted by the myth of the woman who walked unscathed from the ruins of the House of the Wind.
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Kaley - 3.5 Star

Do you ever find yourself reading a book that has a story that totally captivates you? The House of the Wind by Titania Hardie was one of those books for me. Yes, I only gave it three and a half stars but that had less to do with the plot and more to do with how the book was written.

I enjoyed that there were two stories to tell in this novel – Maddie’s started in 2008 and Mia’s began in 1347. It took quite awhile to discover the link between these two women and while I like how they were connected I wish there was a bit more to it. It’s hard for me to really describe it without giving anything away so I’m sorry if that doesn’t make much sense! Each character had an interesting enough story on its own but weaving them together created a sense of mystery and intrigue that kept me reading.

I did not, however, enjoy the way the stories were told. It changed viewpoints every chapter and I didn’t like how the chapters always seemed to end abruptly – especially in Mia’s story. It was like I was constantly dealing with cliffhangers. Also, some dates were skipped and other parts that I would have liked more explanation on were glossed over. Hardie sometimes tried too hard to be mysterious and doesn’t give a lot of details which didn’t mystify me, it was just annoying. For example, Maddie’s at home and someone knocks on the door. Very little detail is given and the reader is left to assume who was visiting her until two chapters later, after reading the chapter on Mia. I suppose I can understand why it was done that way but it left me a little frustrated.

This was not a very fast paced novel but that didn’t bother me. It was stretched out over a longer period of time which I appreciated because I was able to get the conclusion that I needed for both stories. I was a little surprised when Mia’s time jumped ahead by seventeen years but that allowed everything to be wrapped up in the best way. The extra time in Maddie’s story allowed her the necessary time to grieve and we see her fully heal by the end of the novel.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The House of the Wind. It actually reminded me a little bit of The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (though not quite as good) with the historically connected stories. Mia and Maddie captivated me and I didn’t want to put the book down until I found out how the two women were connected. This is an enchanting read and I think fans of historical fiction in particular will really enjoy it as well.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

2011-12-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

5 Star

Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.
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Lydia - 5 Star

Jodi Picoult is a master. I marveled often at her abilities and frequently stopped to study her writing - when I wasn’t busy whipping through the pages to see how this novel would end. A few short words and her characters leap off the page. I laughed, I cried, I thought and talked about the novel and its issues. And I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I put it down. I suspect this one won’t be forgotten easily.

Sing You Home was only the second Jodi Picoult novel I have read, and it was completely different the first one, Salem Falls which takes place in a small town and was full of multiple characters. Here we focus on a few characters who grew in my heart as they navigated through the issues they faced.

I had no idea what Sing You Home was about when I picked it up, but I expected something a little heavier and true to Picoult’s style, it was full of controversy and surprising choices. Picoult does a fantastic job of painting characters so real and grounded in time and place. After a heart-splitting beginning, this novel journeys deep into the land of reproduction technology and the legalities surrounding frozen embryos. The pain of Zoe’s infertility is achingly obvious as is the love she eventually shares with Vanessa and the discomfort and confusion Max struggles with is palpable.

The ending surprised me. I struggled throughout this novel to predict the outcome but would never have been able to figure it out. It chocked me up and it wasn’t expected which I enjoyed. Fan of Picoult will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for our review copy!

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You're (Not) The One by Alexandra Potter

2011-12-22T19:18:00.000-05:00

5 Star

Most women dream of finding the love of their life. Lucy just wants to lose him...

Venice, one of the world's most romantic cities, lives by the legend of the bridge of sighs: When a woman kisses the man of her dreams under the bridge at sunset, she will be together with him forever. So eighteen-year-old Lucy seals her fate in the blush of first love with Nate.

Yet ten years later, the pair has completely lost contact-until the day Lucy arrives at Nate's luxury Manhattan apartment with paintings he has purchased from the gallery where she is newly employed. The legend has reunited the couple, and Lucy is overjoyed-until the state of their union is misery.
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Sabrina Kate - 5 Star

You're Not The One was one of the books I couldn't put down. Written about Lucy Hemingway, a loveable character who appealed to my inner soul, I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen next around every plot twist and page turn.

Lucy Hemingway and Nate Kennedy met as young adults in one of the most
romantic settings in the world - Venice, Italy. Legend has it that if you
kiss someone under the Bridge of Sighs, you are then bound to them for
life. Which about ten years later and many years apart seems to suddenly be
the case.

Happy about this at first, since they are now both in New York City and
bumped into each other unexpectedly, Lucy and Nate start to rekindle their
flame. But things start to go sour soon enough unfortunately and then Lucy
cannot get away from Nate. And he can't get away from her. Stronger forces
at work, destiny or just plain back luck have them constantly in contact
with each other, even in a place as big as Manhattan.

Lucy also has worries about her sister's problems, and the possibility of
the gallery she works at closing. Trying to help out everyone while also
dealing with her own situation often has her frazzled so she's lucky she
has a great roommate and friend, Robyn, even though Robyn is a bit of a nut.

Soon enough though, another interesting prospect (read man) appears on the horizon and Lucy must make some difficult decisions after she realizes that she is truly interested in getting to know the "gallery crasher." Trying to rid herself forever of the "curse" of the legend and also trying to win new interest Adam's heart, this book was an interesting take on what is meant to be versus what has been.

Thank you to Plume for our review copy!

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The Bungalow by Sarah Jio

2011-12-21T19:29:00.001-05:00

5 Star

In the summer of 1942, twenty-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiancé, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world-until they witness a gruesome crime, Westry is suddenly redeployed, and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war.

A timeless story of enduring passion, The Bungalow chronicles Anne's determination to discover the truth about the twin losses-of life, and of love-that have haunted her for seventy years.
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Lydia - 5 Star

I fell in love with this book. A love story first and foremost, The Bungalow is also a tale of friendship, forgiveness and growth amidst a gorgeous beach backdrop in Bora Bora that is surrounded by a raging war. This novel captivated me from the first page and I polished it off in a few sittings – which unfortunately is rare for me these days. The romantic angle really should have seemed over the top, but it actually worked, which surprised me at times and is a testament to Jio’s writing.

The Bungalow had me wanting to hop on a plane, find a romantic bungalow on a beach and set up shop there. Oh, the writing and reading I could do. And the romance… I think anyone with an adventurous side can relate to Anne’s hopping on a plane. Her sense of duty pushed her to go against the wishes of her family and finance, mere weeks before her impending wedding and she found a little something more on the island than she anticipated.

I never questioned the love between Anne and Westry and could feel how torn she was between the promises she made to the finance she left behind and her love for Westry during such an uncertain and devastating time. And how dreamy a name is Westry Green by the way? I recently read a post by Sarah Jio who revealed the story behind it. Westry Green is actually the name of someone she knew and she told him that one day she would be using his name in a novel. I think she has definitely done the name justice. Ahhh, Westry….. Westry Green…

Sorry, I got to daydreaming…

Anne was such a naïve and innocent character which contrasted sharply to her best friend, Kitty, and ultimately the war setting. As her life shifts from the cozy privileged life in Seattle to the sights and worry of war, her perspective changes with the ultimate knowledge that their lives could be shattered at any moment. The bungalow offers a glimpse of peace and when love with Westry ignites a passion she’s unfamiliar with dependable and sturdy Gerald, there’s never any question which way her heart will lead.

At times I couldn’t help but wonder about the convenient timing of certain events – sorry, I can’t divulge for spoilers - but then I would remember some of my own coincidental meetings and random events in life and be convinced. Sometimes life just has a way of putting people, places and events exactly where they’re needed, whether you even know it or not. Serendipity? Fate? God? Whatever you believe, this book might just convince you a little more. Or even if you don’t, this book might just convince you. Regardless of your view, they somehow seemed to work in this novel and I’m still surprised that they didn’t bother as much as they probably should have.

Even the predictable ending didn’t phase me. I shed tears. Many of them. And I was grateful I pushed through to finish the novel in the evening and not the following morning on my way to work on the subway. The bawling would have been mortifying. I’m fairly certain this novel would make a gorgeous movie. A love story for the ladies, with some war action for the boys amidst a stunning Pacific beach backdrop and a great storyline. Yep, I’m pretty sure it would be a winner. A Nicholas Sparks kind of tear jerker comes to mind….

Thank you to Penguin for our review copy and providing this giveaway!

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Giveaway:

We have 1 copy of The Bungalow to giveaway!
Deadline: December 30th, 2011, 11:59pm

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An Autumn Crush by Milly Johnson

2011-12-20T15:23:00.000-05:00

3 Star

After a bruising divorce, headstrong Juliet Miller invests in a flat and advertises for a flatmate, little believing that in her mid-thirties she'll find anyone suitable. But along comes self-employed copywriter Floz, raw from her own relationship split, and the two woman hit it off. When Juliet's twin brother Guy meets Floz, he is overcome with a massive crush. But being a shy, gentle giant, he communicates so clumsily with her as to give her the opposite impression.

Guy's best friend Steve has always had a secret, unrequited crush on Juliet. After a night of too much wine, Steve and Juliet end up in bed, after moaning about the lack of sex in their lives. Convinced that Juliet doesn't feel the same way, Steve agrees to a 'just-sex' relationship, until they can both hook their dream partners. Just when Guy has finally plucked up the courage to tell Floz how he feels, he finds she has rekindled an old romance. Floz has never had much love in her life and is obviously thirsty for affection. She loves the whole Miller family, from Juliet and Guy's warm, loving parents, to their ancient one-eyed black cat. But can Guy turn Floz's affection for his family into something more - into love for him?

Then Juliet makes a series of discoveries which will turn the lives of all four friends upside-down and turns that Autumn into a season where love can be harvested.
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Kathryn - 3 Star

Milly Johnson is a favourite author of mine (and Lydia’s too) and we were thrilled that she had this new novel out so quickly after her last. She’s one of those authors that submerses you in her characters and forces you to gobble up the whole story as quickly as you can read it.

While I have to admit that the storyline was a bit predictable (there was no doubt from chapter one who would end up with who) it’s the warmth of the people in them that makes her novels so enchanting. In this particular story I found roommate Floz to hold the most interest and indeed her path to love and happiness is the most intriguing by far. I would have liked to have known a little more about her troubles a bit earlier on in some cases but as I don’t want to give away any details I’ll leave it at that…

Juliet is loveable and she’s an open book so you’re never confused about her intent. However, once I was approaching the end I realised that I would have liked to have known more about her ex-husband. The contrast between her first marriage and the man she ends up with would have given a bit more depth to Juliet and while we find out a lot about her from her family it just seemed to me that we weren’t given enough about her ex.

Where Juliet is open her twin brother Guy (completely besotted with Floz) is closed, moody and a bit shy and I can see how this was important to the plot but he also drove me a bit batty with his awkwardness which I found made the story drag a little.

An Autumn Crush is fun and though I enjoyed the novel I still think Johnson’s A Spring Affair is my favourite!

Thank you to Simon and Schuster UK, for our review copy!

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