Book Review: Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

**I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Warning! This book will leave you with a massive book hangover.

I never wanted to stop reading this. The characters are amazing. It's told form the 1st person, so it only has the one lady's perspective. But it's her story, so it works really well.

There is some romance, and some overcoming adversity, but really it's a story about forgiveness. The main character is a firefighter, she is wicked smart and talented and loves her job more than anything. I just can't say it enough, I really, really loved this book. Even more than the last one by Katherine Center that I read. I'm 100% a fan now!

Book Review: All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffin

**Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this title.**

This is another one of those books that jumps between characters. We have Nina, a rich housewife who is becoming increasingly unhappy with her life. Tom, a single dad who works as a carpenter. And Lyla, she is Tom's daughter and goes to a ritzy private school on an academic scholarship.

It's just an amazing journey of discovery and truth. The fact that so much of this has to do with the line between sexual assault and harassment that is such a part of our current culture made it really speak to me.

I think so many of us women have dealt with this in one way or another, and will relate to the characters in this story. And it may be a trigger to some, so be warned. I found parts of it difficult for myself to get through. It made me feel so very sad for far too much of it. I think the incredibly unhappy marriage didn't help.

That being said, I still found it an engaging and important read. I don't regret it and it truly is a well written book. One of Emily's better ones.

Book Review: Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde

**Many thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.**

I've only read a few of Catherine's book, but they strike me as being deep stories about the strength and struggle of family. This book is no different.

We've got Roseanna, a New York attorney, a partner in her firm, a clearly successful woman who suddenly runs away from home and refuses to go back. Her law partner and best friend had died suddenly. The woman had been working herself to the bone for years so she could retire early and then just dropped dead.

Roseanna was heartbroken, but I think also afraid of the same happening to her. She buys a farm on a whim, and moves right in. Giving up many luxuries, but finding that she can live without a lot of them just fine.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this story. I'm sorry to have to leave Rosie's farm. I'm quite satisfied, though. Reading one of Catherine's books is like eating a hearty comfort food meal. Grab a copy, she keeps her prices pretty low for how well she writes.

Book Review: The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson

**Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy!**

This was a pretty sweet story. Miranda is living with a guy in Philadelphia, where she is a teacher, and she thinks her life is pretty perfect. But then she finds out her uncle, whom she hasn't seen in 16 years has died.

That's bad enough, but then she finds that he has left behind one more scavenger hunt for her. She only hopes they will lead her to the answer about what the final argument was that he had with her mother all those years before.

The story had excellent pacing and I enjoyed the characters. However, it was very predictable, and that fizzled some of the excitement. But only some, I don't regret reading this as it fully held my attention from beginning to end. You find yourself rooting for Miranda all the way.

Book Review: how hard can it be? by Allison Pearson

**Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital AND physical copy of this book!**

This book really hit home for me in the beginning. And it was uncomfortable. But I loved Kate Reddy, she is one strong cookie. She is in this big house that needs to be redone and her husband has lost his job and decided to retrain as a counselor. So, it is up to Kate to get back to work.

I couldn't get enough of this one. She's starting with the life change - which is a nice change of pace for a main character. She's trying to reenter the workforce (I'm living that nightmare now), and she is dealing with children who are full-on-teenagers, aging parents who need more and more care, and a husband who doesn't seem to be of much help.

But hey, how hard can it be?

Book Reviews:

I haven't written in awhile, and I have a few books I need to talk about. Let's start with my new favorite:

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
**Thanks to NetGalley for the digital copy!**

When I first started this book, it was really hard to read. It triggered some of my abandonment and accident fears. But it was so flawlessly written, engaging, and all that. I just had to see what happened with Margaret.

And she hasn't seen or talked to her sister in over 3 years, what on earth is up with that? Will Margaret walk again, how will she heal? What will happen then? And that title...who is walking away???

Loved it. It made me laugh and cry, and made the security guard at work think I'd lost it because I had a huge grin on my face as I finished this one. Book hangover for sure!

Sheets by Brenna Thummler
**Thanks again to NetGalley for this digital edition lent to my tablet**

I try to pick up graphic novels I think my 9 yr old will enjoy. He's all about the Smile books, doesn't even phase him that the main characters are all girls. He just loves those heartfelt stories. Yeah, Ivan! He likes that we can share a book. And we both loved this one!

The main character is reeling from the loss of her mother. She is trying to keep the family business going, and keep her family together all while being a middle school student. She is running a laundry. And then guess what?

Yeah, ghosts...seriously great story about loss and adversity. You just have to read this one! Plus the graphics were amazing, the colors are few but they just pop!

The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret by Sibylline Desmazières,  Jérôme d'Aviau
**And again, thanks Netgalley!**

This one fell kind of flat. I enjoyed it well enough. But I didn't love it. I don't care to ever read it again.

But it was cute, and sometimes silly. My son had me read it to him, but he never picked it up. It just didn't move fast enough, and it really didn't make enough sense.

Knowing this was a translation, I wonder if it's a bad story or a bad translation.

Fruit Ninja & Jetpack Joyride Hc by Nate Cosby
**Thanks NetGalley for keeping my son in books!**

I didn't read this one. And I'm not going to either. Let me tell you about this. I didn't download it, I showed it to Ivan and he insisted. Apparently there's a game or two involved her.

What I do know is that Ivan sat down and read this in one evening. Now, he's a fast reader, I just tell you it grabbed his attention. My 9 year old reader, wouldn't put it down. Not even when it was time for me to read to him. Nope, we skipped reading that night. So, that should tell you enough about this one.

The Creature Garden by Harry and Zanna Goldhawk
**Thanks NetGalley!**

I almost forgot about this one! Oh my gosh, it's a fantastic drawing book!

All sorts of animals, all sorts of cute tidbits and great instructions. If you or someone you know wants to play around with drawing animals - grab this book!

If someone you know doesn't like to draw, but likes art and animals, likewise grab this book.

Book Review: Hurricane Season by Lauren K. Denton

**Big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this title**

This author has been on my radar for awhile, and I didn't even realize that until I reached the end of this book. Honestly, the cover is what kept drawing me in, over and over until I finally gave in and asked NetGalley for a copy.

This book really drew me in. It's about 2 sisters who really weren't sure how to be with each other. When Jenna has an opportunity to grow as an artist thrust upon her, she drops her girls with her sister, Betsy.  Betsy lives on a farm with her husband Ty.

It really throws Betsy off her game, as she is still trying to recover from infertility issues. Thinking she'll never have a chance to be a mom, she really has a hard time connecting with her nieces and caring for them. And poor Jenna, it is the first time since she had the girls that she was truly selfish. You just really hope those two can figure it out and reconnect.

It was a very good story, and I had a hard time putting it down. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good family story.

Book Giveaway: The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews

**I want to again thank NetGalley for allowing me to review this already - go see my post here to read my review.**

You can't imagine my surprise this week when a hardcover copy showed up in my mailbox from St. Martin's Press.

When I first saw this book was coming out, I stalked their website. It said to fax in a request on your company's letterhead, so I took a few minutes, whipped up a letterhead, then added a quick request and sent it off.

I never heard from them, but they did sent a copy of How Hard Can it Be? by Allison Pearson. Keep your eyes out for this one coming soon.

Yesterday I found a beautiful copy of this in my mailbox. I was very excited. But alas, I've already read the book and reviewed it. So what to do?

Giveaway time!!! Leave a comment here, and on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 8:00pm EST, I will randomly draw a winner. Leave extra comments if you share on social media, one extra entry for each share. (This is about getting the word out, so feel free to share often and comment just as often.)

United States only, sorry.

Thanks so much for reading!
Angie

Book Review: Digging In by Loretta Nyhan

Big thanks to NetGalley for letting me finally pick this one up. 

The cover on this one kept taunting me. I'd see it on NetGalley, here on Goodreads, and even on Amazon. So, when I saw it for the 20th time, I asked for it. And I am really glad I did. 

This story opened up like a warm fuzzy blanket. You can't help but like Paige, and your heart breaks a little for her. She lost her husband, and he was her anchor. She has a teenage son, and that's about it for a support system. Until one night she goes a little crazy and starts digging in her yard. 

Her life ends up opening up to all sorts of characters who liven up her life, and offer her a support system she didn't even know she needed. 

I just loved Loretta's writing here, and the characters really developed and it became it's own world for me. I can't remember the last time I finished a book this fast. I couldn't put it down. 

Thank you, Loretta! Please, keep writing, and I will keep reading.

Book Review: The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes

I hate to say it, but this one fell flat. I usually enjoy Steena's stories, but this time...it was very immature writing. This was not building up to anything. It just felt like the story was being forced along by her constant questioning. There was some conflict between a man and his daughter, and now that he's dying, he is trying to reconnect.

I wanted to love it. I received a copy from NetGalley and then won a copy from Goodreads. YEAH!!! 

But alas, no, no, no. It wasn't engaging, it felt like it was an unnatural progression. And it wasn't very realistic about what a nurse is going to share about a patient. There are serious laws in place about that kind of thing. It was just the final straw of an awkward story. 

Book Review: The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews

**big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this ebook!**

I love Mary Kay Andrews, so it isn't going to be a shock that I really enjoyed this book. It's more focused on friendships and the mystery, than romance. The little bit that there was, was clean and didn't play much into the story.

It stars Brooke, who is a single mom and a lawyer who finds herself called to Talisa Island by the main owner, Josephine Bettendorf Warrick, a woman in her 90s who wants to leave her holdings to the descendants of the women she was once friends with in the 40s. Not surprising most of those women were dead. That's how Brooke comes to meet Lizzie and Felicia, who quickly become good friends.

It does a lot of looking back, from different perspectives of the women in the High Tide Club. It's kind of fascinating to watch it all get mapped out. You will never be able to guess it all.

Totally worth it and a quick read, perfect for the beach or plane or just a cozy night at home.

Book Review: The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go by Amy E. Reichert

**Big, big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this!**

This beautiful story spans 3 generations of women. Regina is in the middle, daughter to Lorraine and mother to May. Lorraine suffers a stroke and some of the things she has worked so hard to keep hidden, come out. I feel for her, because all she can do is watch the fallout.

Regina and May are both still trying to recover from the loss of their husband and father. He died unexpectedly 2 years before. Both are being told by people to move on and both are alone in their grief.

I feel like Amy loves food. There's always something that the story revolves around. In this one, Regina or G, runs a food truck named Grilled G's. Guess what she makes? Grilled cheese. And May, experiments with brownies. I really, really wanted to try May's bacon caramel brownies.

I feel like there is less romance than love. The love of families, the true love that sometimes happens, and the new love that is sweet and shy. She works her way through all of them and you just finish the book with a sigh and maybe a tear.

Please, keep writing, Amy!!!

Book Review: Not Perfect by Elizabeth LaBan

This author had me hooked when I read The Restaurant Critics Wife. I was beside myself when I was approved to review this by NetGalley.

When I started reading this, I felt instantly bad for the main character. Tabitha has 2 kids, her husband left and there is no money left. The kids are growing, they are hungry and she is becoming more and more desperate.

I was seriously feeling uncomfortable reading this. I mean, it REALLY took me outside my zone. So much in here about survival, about reaching out when you need help, and redemption. Can you make up for the bad things you have done? Can you really make it better?

I closed this book with a big smile of satisfaction on my face. It was a great story, and it really pulls you in. No matter how you feel about it.

Book Review: Dear Dwayne, With Love by Eliza Gordon

**Much thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy**
*Also thanks to Steena Holmes for her recommendation*

This book was exactly what I needed after reading The very dark Plucker by Brom. This was light, romantic and so much fun!

Dwayne, by the way, is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in this case. Danielle Steele is obsessed. So much so, that when there's a fitness contest to win a role in his upcoming movie, Danielle ends up joining a gym.

Her trainer is the Miraculously Beautiful Marco. She gets in shape, she makes new friends, she finds out what happens when the unthinkable happens. All her deepest, darkest secrets, written in letter format to her hero, end up published online for the whole world to see.

This book just sucked me write in. Take it to the beach, on vacation, or just pick it up because you need a laugh and a good story. Thanks, Eliza Gordon!

Book Review: Captured by Chocolate by Steena Holmes

**I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

There's this romance series based on this chocolate shop in Montana. I have to say, I really want a frozen hot chocolate. And then I want to know how these people don't go into a sugar coma!  lol

I like Steena's writing. She has a really great style and flow, it's easy and enjoyable. However, this romance didn't sit right with me.

It was unique in that they were already a couple. But was it time to move forward or move on?

What made me mad, is everyone in town said she needed to give up her dream and stay home. Nevere mind that she invited him to join her several times and he always said no. But wether they stayed together was on her staying put. All or nothing, and it was all on her.

I actually quit reading for a bit, because I was so furious. But I gave it another go, thank goodness I enjoyed the other characters. This was the most unique romance novel I've ever read. I've never had to put a book down in order to fume before.  lol This had more substance than I would have given it credit for.

Book Review: Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

**I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This was a surprisingly quick read. I quickly fell in love with the main character, Shay. The story goes between her and Drew, the pastor she meets after getting out of prison.

Drew is a widower with 2 children, a young girl and a teenage boy. Shay is a child abuse survivor from the wrong side of tracks. She has a big heart, but 3 years in prison left her feeling bitter.

This story just made my heart swell. I'll be honest, Christian fiction usually makes me cringe. Often when that is the selling point, that seems to be the only thing the author has to offer.

This is just a well written, sweet story of love, forgiveness and redemption. And the kind of romance that makes you go, "awwww!"

Book Review: Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green

I was stopped at the Library to drop off a movie and found this little gem waiting for me. Large Print as well. It was so awesome.

The story totally sucked me in and I downed half the book the first day. It never slowed down, and it never had anything I didn't enjoy.

It comes out from the 3 sisters perspectives and the mom. Each sister is different and I love how it starts with the mom and we keep jumping forward until the girls are grown and the mom is sick. You just see enough to keep the flow going and know how everyone is doing.

There are a few parts that I wish I had more clarification, but that's my nosiness. Nothing was lost to keep the story moving.

I just love Jane Green. Her stories always feel like a warm summer day. Just comfortable and the perfect thing for any given moment.

Don't misunderstand me, the story isn't happy in every moment. In fact, the mom is pretty selfish. The fact that she asks her daughters to help her die just solidifies that fact. I get what she was going for, but she only thought about how SHE wanted to go out, not what would be better for them. I guess you could say she was consistent.

Book Review: Results May Vary

by: Bethany Chase

**I was given a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

So this happily married woman discovers her darling husband, whom she's been with since high school, has cheated. But wait, there's more...it was with a man!!! Shocking. I love that she wasn't at all phased by that fact. She didn't care one way or the other, he was intimate with someone other than her and that was a deal breaker.

Her friends told her that divorce is hard and she should try to work it out if they could. She really did try. But what we end up with is following Bethany through her grief, her hope, even her desperation as her marriage crumbles and she i s living alone for the first time in her life. She'll find she can count on people than she thought. And maybe, she'll come through this in one piece.

I thought this story was so interesting. I mean, it's another he cheated and here we go stories. But it starts out with her being so happy, and feeling so loved. I mean, it literally came out of left field for her. We see her memories. There was a passion from the beginning and a tenderness. She always felt loved and desired by this man. Even though they were so young, everyone thought they'd make it...especially them.

Deep characters that you may only get to know a little, but enjoyable anyway. It's entirely Caro's book, even though there is a moment it comes from his perspective in the beginning. It was a comforting story, very enjoyable.

Book Review: The Goodbye Year

by: Kaira Rouda

**I was given a digital copy by the author for an honest review - Thanks, Kaira!!!**

I asked for this book without knowing a thing about it. What I know is any book by Kaira Rouda that I've read - from her first (Here, Home, Hope) - I have loved. She is a fantastic author. Hey, while I'm singing her praises let me tell you, she doesn't write only women's fiction, though that's my preference. She also writes Romance novels. I'm not a big romance fan, but if you are you should give her a try. As I said, she's a great writer.

Now for the review: It's told from alternating persons. I expected it to get confusing, because it wasn't just the moms...it was moms, dads, teenagers. There's Melanie, Keith and Dane, who only moved to this upscale California suburb a few years ago from Ohio. Melanie and Dane are still trying to fit in, and the stress is getting to them, and inflaming the conflict over Dane's grades and general motivation.

Next is the Queen and King Bee of their town, Sarah and Jud. They are focused on getting their only child, Ashley, through her final year of high school. Jud is a successful plastic surgeon and he considers Sarah his best work. Not everything is as perfect as they show, will she have the courage to face her broken marriage?

Will, Carla and Marnie make up the final family. Will and Carla were high school sweethearts in Ohio (which I thought interesting considering Keith and Melanie), but they have lived in California since graduating college. Carla is the middle school principal and Will does building inspections. They won't get rich like many of their neighbors, but they get by. The problem is that Will is starting to feel suffocated under Carla's need to micromanage every aspect of their lives.

There are a couple other characters present, but these are the ones we get to see the inside of as well. It goes from...I think September to Christmas Eve. Everyone has issues coming up, and pretty much all have to do with their kids in their senior year. Keith and Melanie have been through this once with their older son Seth. Sarah and Jud only have the one child. Finally, Will and Carla are doing this for the first time, and have a younger daughter who still has a few more years to go. There are 3 families, going 3 different things in 3 different ways.

That's as far as I'm going into this story. There was perfect flow, and it was so engaging that I couldn't put it down once I started it last night. There were several times that I was completely surprised. You think you know what's going on, and boom! she lays it out there like an explosion. This was such a wonderful book, I can't recommend it enough.

Book Review: The Girls in the Garden

by: Lisa Jewell

Huh, I find it really odd that the author doesn't have this book listed on her website, but Goodreads says it was first published in 2015. Odd...

**I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This was a fantastic book. Very dark, so don't think this is some happy coming of age story. The story starts with 12 yr old Pip finding her 13 year old sister, Grace, nearly naked and unconscious. She covers her sister and runs back to get her mother. Then it goes back and the whole picture unfolds. Clare just moved into this neighborhood with her 2 daughters. She is on her own for the first time in ages, her husband is in a mental hospital and she doesn't know if she can ever forgive him. If she can ever let him back in. Grace and Pip find themselves on their own much of the time and become friends with the "3 sisters" who live just down the park a bit.

Adele and Leo are the 3 sisters parents. Adele home-schools, and Leo is the dad that everyone knows they can count on. As the story progresses, things come to light that make Adele question the people in her life.

All the characters are so complex, I couldn't believe how she wrote with such flourish and color. It is not a happy story, but it is one heck of a deep mystery. It's about friends and family, and growing up. I absolutely loved this adventure.