NetGalley Book Reviews
Change of Heart by Falon Ballard
I’ve never met a Falon Ballard book I didn’t like, and this one is no different.“Change of Heart” is Hallmark meets “The Good Place,” and is a look at missing what truly matters in life. I’m not sure if it’s an immediate favorite like her others, but I loved it and swooned at the leads from the first pages.
Campbell Andrews is married to her work. She doesn’t waste time with relationships, so when she’s set up on a date, she doesn’t bother with getting to know him.
But, when she wakes up the next day, she doesn’t wake up in her own bed; She’s in a strange town, Heart Springs. Campbell is given a list of tasks to complete, including falling in love and finding something she’s passionate about. It takes her on a crazy ride through town; taking on new roles, meeting new townsfolk, participating in events and going on dates.
Can she find true happiness? Or simply keep doing what’s gotten her to this point in her life.
Does she want to stay? Or is the real question: Does she have anything worth getting back to at home?
Ballard knows how to create characters so well to the point you instantly fall in love with them. The chemistry jumps off the page from the first interactions of the FMC and the MMC, but it isn’t solely focused on the romance, which does add another layer of intrigue.
There are themes of searching for belonging, finding happiness, true love, living a real life instead of letting life happen to you and believing that your are more than enough. It isn’t the typical romance in that we see them go through the stages of dating, but there are plenty of sweet and spicy moments to keep you on your toes. The dialogue is just absolutely perfect in every way, too.
Overall, I’d give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Pre-order now or pick up a copy in stores on Feb. 11, 2025.
#NetGalley #ChangeOfHeart
All I Want is You by Falon Ballard
Two exes who are authors at the same publishing company. 👨👩💞
One writing award. 🏆
A shared hotel room with one bed. 🛏️
What could possibly go wrong?
Exes and authors, Nick and Jessica (yes, just like “New Girl”) are reunited for an award banquet, after breaking up five years ago. Jessica is asked to present the award to Nick because they’re under the same publisher. Which she absolutely does not want to do. After he’s made aware, he reaches out in a message to break the ice (and tension) before they see each other for the first time since their break-up.
Nick plans to make a small vacation out of the event, but Jessica’s stay is extended when a snow storm rolls in. With no available rooms, she has to stay with her ex a few extra days. After finding out they’re working on similar projects, it’s suggested that they work on it together.
Since they have extra time at the inn, they give it a try. Working on their project brings up a lot of emotions about their own relationship — What went wrong? Are the feelings and attraction still there? Can they make it work? Is it worth a second chance?
“All I Want Is You” by Falon Ballard has all the makings of a fun holiday read! It’s warm and cozy with festive cheer in some parts, spicier in others and a slow build that makes you cheer for the couple in focus. It’s a shorter read, but packed with love, a slow burn, angst to keep you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the main couple. Ballard has a way of making her stories swoony and realistic enough in the actions of her characters.
I’d give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Pre-order your copy now or pick it up in stores on Sept. 24, 2024.
#NetGalley #AllIWantIsYou
Christmas Sweater Weather by Jaqueline Snowe
I am a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope and I especially love it at Christmastime, Which is how this one is packaged. I was very excited to read “Christmas Sweater Weather” by Jaqueline Snowe.
Charlotte’s brother, Christian, is getting married, so the wedding party goes on a pre-wedding getaway to a Christmas wonderland. Of course, that means, Charlotte has to see Christian’s best friend, Hayden, again for all the festivity. Yes, the one she’s had a crush on forever. But, before she’s even made it to the resort, Hayden has to rescue after a fender bender on the way in, where Charlotte landed herself in a ditch.
When Hayden and Charlotte overhear a discussion with her brother and his soon-to-be Mrs.,talking about what they think could be the calling off of their wedding, they band together to make sure that doesn’t happen. They commit to giving their all for the Christmas-themed scavenger hunt to ensure the best time at the resort for the happy couple.
Hayden is a single dad who needs to let loose a little and she needs help with prepping for the interview as coach of the high school softball team.
While it gives the “don’t-touch-my-sister” vibe at the beginning, it doesn’t really follow through. There isn’t as much at stake with their relationship until closer at the end, and by that time I wasn’t as invested. After years of these two not talking, they just fall right into being totally smitten with each other. The storyline and dialogue is mostly just the two of them, without much else happening in the plot, other than how much they want to be together. It takes a bit longer to get to some of the other subplots. Especially with the main storyline taking place over about 24-hours.
It was a fun read but I guess I just had higher expectations for it overall. It is definitely a quick, feel good story.
I’d give it ⭐⭐⭐💫. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader copy!
#ChristmasSweaterWeather #NetGalley
On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino
“On the Bright Side” by Anna Sortino is a coming-of-age novel about Ellie, who is hard of hearing, and the obstacles that can present in her life as a teenager going through high school.
Ellie’s been away at a special school that helps those who are deaf. When it closes, she returns home and has to navigate living with her parents once again, in her senior year, who are less than accommodating to her lifestyle and the assistance she needs. Now, at a normal high school, she’s given an ASL tutor who follows her to her classes to translate the lectures and is encouraged to join the ASL club.
Then, she meets Jackson, who is assigned to help her get acquainted with the school and brings her along into the campus life before Jackson gets his own diagnosis and has to adjust and decide what’s next in his life.
The two are able to work together to help one another, defy the expectations their parents have put on them and find a found family in their disability community. It’s going above and beyond to show those around you that you care and if you want to, you will.
I enjoyed this story and thought it was very sweet. It was well-written, moved along nicely and I loved the representation and disability advocacy that was shown throughout. About midway through, I wasn’t sure how it was going to tie up, and I didn’t always agree with Ellie’s decisions but she is, after all, a teenager, dealing with the challenges of life. But, it found another direction and kept moving forward. I feel like I learned a lot and it’s especially relatable to those in their teen years, and would recommend to those in their teens/young adult phase.
I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Penguin Young Readers Group (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers).
#NetGalley #OnTheBrightSide
Wedding People by Alison Espach
To be honest, I was not sure how I was going to feel about this book upon finishing the first chapter.
After an unfortunate life event, Phoebe is D-O-N-E. She’s looking for an answer and spontaneously decides to visit a resort in Rhode Island that she’s always wanted to. Only, it’s closed for a wedding and she winds up in the middle of the wedding party. The bride befriends her and brings her into the week’s festivities, which turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
But, more than it’s about overcoming personal challenges or a celebration of two people entering into marriage, it’s about the beautiful complexities that come with being a human — The desire for connection, love, hope, happiness. Simple things we all want out of life. And yet, there’s so much that could be said of the story. In this novel by Alison Espach, you will find:
🥂Dark humor
🍾Witty dialogue
🌴Rhode Island hotel setting
💍Wedding drama
🗣️Important topics and conversations of the human experience in a beautiful and poetic package
💘Love story woven throughout
👭Friendship and belonging
When I first started, the story was darker than I imagined, but there was something in the tone of the dialogue and the heart of the characters that kept me coming back for more. And after finishing it, it just might be in my top five reads of 2024.
This is a character-driven novel that peels back the layers on the idea that maybe we’re all a little more alike than we realize. We struggle with loneliness, being ourselves and wondering if we show our true colors, will those we’re closest to accept us for who we are? Or how can we ask for what we want, even if others don’t understand, including ourselves?
These characters are so real and I could imagine it as an HBO miniseries unraveling before my eyes, like The White Lotus meets Palm Royale.
This is a great read for your August book lists! Get your copy on Tuesday, July 31! It’s also the Read with Jenna pick this month, which I’m very excited about. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for this advanced reader copy.
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
When I heard there was going to be a sequel to “Better Than The Movies,” by Lynn Painter, I was ecstatic. So imagine my excitement when I was approved for an advanced copy from NetGalley.
I furiously did another reread of “BTTM” earlier this week since I’d last read it in 2021 when it was released. I found that I loved it just as much the second time around, if not more. It reminds me of a John Hughes movie — familiar, quirky, heartwarming and an excellent soundtrack to boot.
Wes and Liz (Wessy and Lib) have been neighbors, classmates and …frenemies? Forever. Liz can’t stand his pestering, and Wes loves pestering Liz. But, her crush has returned to town and she’s convinced that she’s in love with him and she’s an absolute hopeless romantic. Why? Because Liz is in love with rom coms, thanks to her mom’s imprint and love of them, before she died.
With Wes’ help, he talks her up to Michael, all the while Michael is convinced that Wes is into her. And she should give him a chance. But, she’s stuck on the fact that Wes, her annoying neighbor, is not the one for her…Until she continues seeing his kindness in action and realizes it was only the idea of Michael she was into and was nothing like the relationship she’d developed with Wes.
But, there are so many layers to this story - Loss of her mother and what it looks like to grieve and move on with her stepmom, letting her best friend in even when she doesn’t feel like she’ll understand and seeing people for who they really are and that they can often surprise us.
It’s all the first love feelings, oohings, awwws and swooning that you would anticipate. And they live happily ever after…Until they get to college, that is.
****
As soon as I completed the reread, I took a deep breath and started “Nothing Like The Movies,” knowing this might not necessarily be the typical happy-go-lucky read. From the minue I read the prologue, I knew it was going to be a bit of a heartbreaker.
Wes and Liz have lived a lot of life in the last couple of years. They started off at UCLA together until some setbacks arise causing Wes to move back home, and ultimately, calling things off between him and Liz.
It changes her and she’s no longer the hopeless romantic, believer of love that she used to be. But, Wes, returns to UCLA more determined than ever in his baseball dream and to get the girl of his dreams back.
Oh, this book took me on a ride. I was practically holding my breath the entire time, feeling my own heart breaking in my chest through their reintroductions, the rehashing of the past, the painful life moments they’ve gone through in between. It’s a real coming-of-age story and is done so beautifully. Can the couple stay in love or was it just a moment for the high school sweethearts?
I wondered if it was going to hold up to the OG book, and while I think I’ll always just have a certain soft spot for that one, “NLTM” gave us an opportunity to see these two beloved characters (and appearances/cameos from some of the other secondary characters) mature, understand what it means to truly fall in love, create long-lasting friendships in college and find a way to pursue your dreams and let other people in at the same time. I love that the story is still wrapped up in the music and lines from some of the best rom-coms, just as it was in the first book, and carries over that same kind of charm that we all fell in love with.
I love these characters and the stories between them so much, and wish this series could continue, but I believe their story (if this is really the final) is wrapped up neatly. If you’re a fan of “Better Than The Movies” or picking up for the first time, you’ll fall in love with them in no time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the advanced copy! You can pre-order now or purchase on Oct. 1, 2024!
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
“The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center is delightful from start to finish. Like many of her other books, this story is embedded in realism but sprinkled with just the right amount of romance and whimsy to have you swooning and sighing throughout your reading journey. Katherine Center can do no wrong and this is another reminder of that. And, also, going to need a movie of this PRONTO. Because it’s just that good!
Emma Wheeler is used to being the caretaker in her family, often putting her own dreams, as an aspiring screenwriter, on hold. Until she gets the opportunity of a lifetime from her ex-boyfriend, Logan. He tells her he needs her to ghost write on a project with Charlie Yates — Who just happens to be one of Hollywood’s best screenwriters…When it comes to action, but not so much in the romance department.
Only problem is…He has no idea she’s coming when she shows up at his front door. But, he eventually gives in and the two find a way to make their writing relationship work. Or is it just the beginning of something more?
The two begin to teach other about their worlds and step outside of their comfort zones - It’s friendship, it’s grace, it’s love and possibility. They create their own magic in the midst of their writing to make their words come alive and give it that *SPARK.” Without giving all the secrets away, they learn to lean on each other and learn the lesson of letting someone else in on the crazy that happens in life.
The dialogue is fantastic, the banter is witty and fast-paced and makes you eagerly bite your nails at the chemistry jumping off the page. It’s the anticipation build up of wondering if Charlie will let Emma push him to try new things he’d never otherwise do in a million years. And does Emma learn to lean on someone else instead of always taking charge?
Find out in the perfect rom-com book, “The Rom-Commers” — It’s released this Tuesday, June 11.
“The Bodyguard” is my favorite of Katherine Center’s books and this immediately gave me that same feeling of coming home, like a hug with open arms, you know? It also happens to have a few cameos from The Bodyguard, and I absolutely adored the crossover moment. I absolutely see this one as a comfort read in the time to come.
*I was given an advanced copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House | Macmillan Publishers in exchange for an honest review*
Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb
Who doesn't want to end up in the fictional town of their favorite show? Only, it's real and the decisions they make there have consequences. What happens when it isn't all it's cracked up to be? Brynn and her roommate, Josh, spend a night watching reruns of her favorite show, "Carson's Cove," after real-life and a divorce have broken her heart. She and Josh then wake up in the very town as well-known characters, in order to give it the ending it deserves. The last season didn't get the closure it should have and it's up to them to tie it neatly together. So, will Brynn stick to the script or follow her heart and what will make HER happy, not just the character she's playing?
This was such a fun concept that I haven't seen done before. I was sucked into, not only the fictional world of Carson's Cove (Dawson's Creek, anyone?), but became invested in the relationship that unfolds between Brynn and Josh. There's the perfect mix of nostalgia and fantasy with a dose of reality.
TV fan or not, you'll want this one on your shelf when it's released on September 3, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the advanced copy.
The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan by Beth Merlin, Danielle Modafferi
Full disclosure: When I picked up “The Last Phone Booth in Manhattan,” I did not expect to love it as much as I did. But, I adored this one by Beth Merlin and Danielle Modafferi.
It’s a story of choices, the decisions we make and second chances. I’m not always a fan of the tired second chances trope as they can be too predictable, cheesy and cliché. I liked that this one had a twist, while still paralleling the idea of the classic, “A Christmas Carol” and the newer stage adaptation of “Marley’s Ghost.”
When Avery finds out that her fiance is nothing but a fraud, a night in jail and a magic telephone booth she’s directed to just might make her revisit the past to rewrite her future. She soon realizes that she’s spent the last several years giving up her life for her significant other, leaving her own dreams for Broadway behind, and that maybe she deserves to give herself another chance.
Through her second chance, she revisits people from her past, and has to now decide whether they belong in her present and future, while learning the lessons of letting herself shine and mending broken relationships.
It was so fun to get a glimpse of the theater/Broadway world, which I don’t feel is often highlighted in books and made for a nice change in pace.
There were no ghosts from Christmases past but she was able to get a glimpse of the life she could have chosen, and of course, the one she ultimately creates for herself. There are flashbacks, which I’m not always a fan of (because it can take you out of a moment) but these were done so with ease. They felt necessary in the grand scheme of the story.
This book reminds us that there are several paths that will work for our lives. One moment in time does not break a decision that impacts the rest of your life. It’s a story filled with grit, life advice and so so much heart. I wholeheartedly will recommend this to my friends and will be reading this one again.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
“Summer Romance” is just like it sounds - A sweet escape into a world of Nancy Meyers kitchens and coastal grandmother vibes with a second chance at love and life. In a phrase, it’s a “champagne summer,” something Ali Morris’ mother used when she was growing up to help soak up the summertime nostalgic magic.
Ali uses organization to take control over the things that she can in her life, or other people’s lives as a hired organizer (closets, pantries, you name it). Unlike the recent death of her mother and separation from her husband, which she can’t tuck in a neat little box. She’s grieving the life she thought she was supposed to have, or rather that her mother wanted her to have. Ali is on the road to starting over, when she runs into her best friend’s brother, unbeknownst to her at the time that it’s “Scooter” (who now goes by Ethan), and is smitten from the start. Through the finalization of her divorce and getting back on her feet, Ethan is by her side through it all - Reminding her to speak up for herself and what she wants, and that it’s okay to ask for it.
I am a big fan of Annabelle Monaghan’s writing and storylines. I’ll admit that this one took me a minute to get into “Summer Romance” by Annabelle Monaghan. It was a slower pace and felt it took a bit to get to the meat of the story.
But, I love that Monaghan’s books have a theme of second chances – Women going after their dreams, finding themselves again after heartbreak and starting over, finding love in the process, and this is no different.
Ethan’s character is a woman’s man. The kind of man we all dream of finding someday. The relationship he and Ali developed from the beginning is something to aspire to. Their chemistry jumps off the page and will give you all the butterflies, feet-kicking, 13-year-old girl crush, screaming into your pillow kind of feelings, which is why we read these stories, right?
I definitely recommend this one for those who love a sweet love story and dreamy landscapes to escape your daily life. It's a feel good summer read!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced copy.* You can pre-order now for the June release date.
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Rebecca Serle's books are always thoughtful, fresh and thought-provoking. She brings an interesting take to a universal story line we might think we have figured out. Even if you think you know exactly what's going to happen, there's always some little twist or mic drop that leaves you with your jaw hanging on the floor.
"Expiration Dates" is another quintessential Serle book, and one I have been anxiously awaiting since it was announced.
The log line of the book says it all — "Being single is like playing the lottery. There’s always the chance that with one piece of paper you could win it all."
What would you do if you knew what to expect of any given romantic relationship? Daphne Bell finds out. Every time she meets a romantic interest, she receives a slip of paper noting the amount of time they'll be together. Knowing this information, she often lets it determine how their time together plays out rather than listening to her heart and trusting what it could be. But, it's more than a book of girl meets boy and they live happily ever after. It's about self-discovery, trusting yourself, not giving in to the appeasement of others to keep them happy, but considering our own happiness throughout the journey. Our time isn't guaranteed, no matter what a slip of paper says, but the decisions we make are still up to us.
This is a love letter to Los Angeles, a love letter to true love, a love letter to happiness and a love letter to friendship.
I found myself highlighting so many nuggets of wisdom, including a couple of my favorites:
"It's hard to hold on to people the older we get. Life looks different for everyone, and you have to keep choosing one another. You have to make a conscious effort to say, over and over again, 'You.' Not everyone makes that choice. Not everyone can."
"Protection and love are not the same thing. Love says, I will try and I will fail. Love says, Despite. Love says, and yet, and yet, and yet."
Throughout my read, I was constantly thinking about this book. Even when I wasn't reading it. That is the mark of a great book. I want my books to inspire me and Rebecca Serle's books always do just that.
I can't wait for others to read this and highly recommend pre-ordering and reading ASAP. This title will be released on March 19, 2024. You can pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million (BAM!)
*Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy*
Friends Don’t Fall in Love by Erin Hahn
“It’s a slow buuuuurrrrn…,” in true, country music, Kacey Musgraves-loving fashion. This was my first read from Erin Hahn, and I was very excited based on the cover and description. I wanted to love this storyline but often had a harder time getting on board with it. I really enjoyed Hahn’s writing style and dialogue, (which is one of the biggest pet peeves of mine -if it doesn’t work well - while reading any book). And this aspect was done beautifully, so that was a main motivator in continuing. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishers for an advanced copy. The logline of the book is “about long-time friends, taking chances, and finding out that, sometimes, your perfect person was right there in your corner all along.” You have the friends to lovers trope, set in the country music scene/Nashville (both of which I’m a sucker for). It’s like “Country Strong” meets “Nashville” with a love triangle and music industry executives and artists trying to pave their way in the world. To be honest, the start of the book threw me off with multiple flashbacks from different years. It ultimately gets us to the present day, where most of the story happens, with a few flashbacks sprinkled in throughout the remainder of the book, when necessary. The friends-to-lovers trope is probably the one I read and love the most. But, this one felt like too much of the plot was wrapped up in the FWB relationship and spicy scenes. Aside from their relationship, their other needs and desires as characters felt like an afterthought. I loved Craig’s character, or Huckleberry as he was referred to most of the time, by his best friend, Lorelai. He falls first, has his stuff together and is the leading man you’d want in your own life. The guy who consistently shows up, no matter what. This one just didn’t hit like I thought I would. However, I would definitely try another book from her in the future. This book will be released on October 17.
Right on Cue by Falon Ballard
“Right on Cue” follows Hollywood royalty and nepo baby, Emmy Harper, who didn’t follow in the footsteps of her legendary parents as an actor, but went the writer’s route. As she begins her next romantic comedy project, she and the team are in search for the perfect leading lady. But, when they can’t find it, everyone decides that Emmy would be the best fit. She hasn’t acted since a messy incident with her first on screen kiss at 15 left her scarred. It’s hard enough for her to get back into it and say ‘yes.’ And it’s even more difficult after she finds out that the leading man she thought she’d be starring opposite with had to back out. In his place? The very same reason that she quit acting — Grayson West. Will they be able to put their hate and differences aside for the good of the movie? Or will it all blow up in their faces, like the last thing they did together years ago? Come along for the ride. +++ There was so much to love about this book. I was instantly hooked from the beginning. Not only does it make you feel like you’re part of the plot, but there are just some books that effortlessly make you feel like you’re watching a movie. This was one of them. I loved the banter between Emmy and Grayson as they learn to work together as adults and reflect on that bitter memory from long ago. The chemistry was palpable and jumping off the pages, in your face. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, biting your nails in anxious and giddy excitement at what happens next and how it all unfolds, in a big, cinematic way. There’s learning to live after loss. Giving people second chances, because we’re human and hurt others. A little behind-the-scenes of movie magic and Hollywood glamour. Shooting on location in a Hallmark-like town. What else could you possibly need? Read “Right on Cue” when it’s released in February 2024. In the meantime, read Falon Ballard’s other books because they’re a treat.
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
“Hello Stranger” is so much more than the typical ‘girl meets boy, they fall in love, live happily ever after’ type of story. It’s about loving yourself and accepting the pieces of you that you feel are flawed. It’s about really seeing and rediscovering, or truly discovering yourself for the first time. It’s giving yourself a fighting chance in this crazy life and the wrenches often thrown into our plans. In some ways, it’s still of a coming-of-age story, finding yourself and accepting things as they are, not what they could have been or should have been. Center’s characters are intriguing, complex There were still plenty of moments to swoon and squeal over. But, like life, love is much more intricate than a perfectly timed kiss or first date. There were also multiple laugh out loud moments, scenes that tugged at your heartstrings. It’s heartwarming, witty, all around refreshing in storyline and writing. Katherine Center has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and love what she’s doing for this genre. She always makes you think. I finished this book several days ago and still find myself thinking about the ending or other moments in between. That’s the sure sign of a good book, friends. You can pre-order now on Amazon! Or purchase when released on July 11. However, you read it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy.
Memory Lane by Becky Wade
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.Happy book release week to author Becky Wade, who released her latest novel on Valentine’s Day! There’s no better day to put a book into the world about love than on a day completely devoted to it, right? I quickly devoured this in just a couple of days worth of reading, staying up later than I probably should have because it was just too good. “Memory Lane” is the first book in Becky’s new Sons of Scandal Romance series. I was beyond excited to be able to read an ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, as Becky is one of my favorite authors - I’ve read everything by her (multiple times). I was actually in my millionth reread of “My Stubborn Heart” as I downloaded this read and switched off between the two at times. Don’t judge me! You can think of this story as “While You Were Sleeping” meets “Pride and Prejudice,” with a bit of amnesia, messy family dynamics, a relationship de resistance. It’s also peppered in with fiery dialogue and passionate tension between the two lead characters, Remy Reed, small town artist who lives on a quiet island and keeps to herself, and the mysterious man who finds his way into Remy’s world, by no doing of his own. Remy rescues a man, who gains the nickname of Jonah. As the mystery of his identity is still unbeknownst to him, she takes him into her home and nurses him back to health. The caveat? He has amnesia after Remy finds him at sea unconscious. He remembers nothing. Close proximity forces the two to become very well-acquainted with one another, through witty bursts of one-liners and irritations from the other. Both come with demons from their past - ‘Jonah’ discovers his identity and starts to remember bits and pieces of his not-always-picture-perfect life — the death of his wife, the betrayal of family members and his not-so-private profession. He comes from a rich family that everyone has their eyes on (very Kennedy-esque). Remy has been hurt by someone and has a hard time giving up control and letting others in. Slowly, as she spends time with this man over the course of time, she learns to let go a little more and to let him love her. Her world isn’t quite the public one ‘Jonah’ is used to, and she’s been playing life on the safe side from a smaller island in Maine. She likes her bubble and ‘Jonah’s life is really messing that up for her. Just as we’re hanging onto what’s going to happen in ‘Jonah’s’ recovery, new names and plots are introduced, including other members of the Camden family. We quickly become just as interested in the ‘side’ stories as we do for the leading man and woman, including Jeremiah’s mother and the relationship she has with her sister, his brother Jude and father, Felix. There’s a lot to be untangled, but Becky does so in a way that is effortless - making the narration and backstories seem simple, so you know a lot of research and observation was involved. There are a lot of moving pieces and details that make it so rich and textured. There’s always an element of history, whether it’s the details of family lineage or facts about the place that the story takes place in. It feels more like a journal or an actual account of someone’s life than just reading a work of fiction. As all of Becky’s novels, it’s more than just a romance. With each book she’s written, they become very real people processing faith-based themes with God and self. Through “Memory Lane,” we uncover the beauty of redemption in second chances, grace and forgiveness. And how to move on when life doesn’t quite go as we thought it would. But, of course, the greatest of all, is the love shown throughout, in romance and the friendships along the way. But, not without a bit of drama, action, mystery and a bit of a plot twist that has you sitting on the edge of your seat in the last several pages of the book. While I'm not able to replace "My Stubborn Heart," "Her One and Only," "True To You," and "Undeniably Yours," for "Memory Lane" as a favorite, I very much loved this one. I’m thrilled to see what comes of the next story as we learn more about the other ‘son of scandal.’ Do yourself a favor and grab a copy and cozy up on the couch, because you won’t want to do anything else once you start.
Faking it with the Grump by Kate O’Keefe
"Faking It with the Grump" is filled with quirky, sweet, small town charm and coated with a fake dating trope, which I love. Kate O'Keefe has such a beautiful way of setting the scene and I thoroughly enjoyed the world created with its quirky characters and quick pacing. Think "Gilmore girls" meets Hallmark. It hooked me from the beginning, and I couldn't read it fast enough. It's the first title in the Second Chance Cafe series. Small town girl moves home to straighten out her life after a breakup with her Hollywood actor boyfriend to figure out her next steps while a big city lawyer moves to town temporarily to focus on buying the lumber at the local mill and get that promotion at his firm when he returns. However, love has other plans as Harper pulls Christopher into a fake dating scheme so the town doesn't pity her over her recent breakup and returning to her hometown while her ex moves on, living his Hollywood life. O'Keefe did a really terrific job of encouraging readers to be just as interested in the townspeople's lives as much as the lead characters. Sometimes even more so. At times, it felt like there wasn't much at stake as the plot and momentum of the story evolved, which slowed it down for me a bit. But, overall enjoyed the plot, the characters and story. I look forward to reading the next book once released to have another visit to the small Washington town. I read an advanced copy, thanks to NetGalley!
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
Are there really 31 ways to be happy? That’s what Isadora Bentley wants to find out after coming across a magazine article. With her background as a researcher, she puts her skills to the test. Within the first few pages of reading, I knew Isadora and I were going to have a lot in common. I turned 30 last year, and had a lot of these same questions, taking a good look at my life and where I wanted to go in the next 30. I also work at a university, though not as a researcher. But, I digress. Maybe that’s why it took me a few times before sitting down to devote my time to reading through. Whenever a Courtney Walsh book is involved, I tend to devour it in one sitting, which I eventually did. This is one of the most real and practical love stories because Isadora, as a researcher, sees things through the lens of science — sticking to data, facts and the probable outcome. She “works better alone” and in some ways, has become good at self-sabotaging, leading herself to believe that she won’t ever be happy, because of XYZ — That’s what the outcome was before, so why would it be different this time? Working through the past, with a little help from the new friends she collects along the way, pushes her out of her comfort zone by tackling a list of activities and exploring new opportunities. She likes her safe bubble, which I can really relate to, so this hit very close to home in a way that I haven’t experienced in a long time. While it isn’t necessarily the story of daydreamy romance and whimsy, it is a story with a lot of heart and characters that make you FEEL. It is real life on display. Yes, life comes with pain, but that’s no reason to hold back and try to stop living from happening. This is a story with an important message about happiness and essentially, what it means to keep that childlike faith and wonder for life as we get older. It’s a story with many nuggets of wisdom and one-liners that will leave you thinking, long after you’ve read the last page. It’s been a couple days since I finished, but I keep going back to the feeling I held onto while I was reading. Here are just a few of my favorite lines from the book: “Being alone isn’t a bad thing when it’s your choice. But a lonely life, chosen or not, really isn’t living. And frankly, I’m tired of my own company.” “If happiness is a state of being, how does a person continue to exist in that state? How do I hold onto it when it seems so fleeting?” “Happiness isn’t that hard to find, you know? It’s everywhere. It’s all around us. But it’s not something that happens TO us. It’s something we seek. It’s something we pursue. And you’ll never find it if you never let it in.” Do yourself a favor and grab your copy today, and search for your own happiness along the way. **Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.**