The Afternoon Tea Club by Jane Gilley

Jane Gilley wrote a feel-good book with The Afternoon Tea Club.
Although it was difficult to become attached to any of the characters until half-way through, from that point on they became characters that the reader can care about.
I enjoy books that make me smile. Filled with friendship this is a good book to read.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Surrendered

I was given this book to read and review. The following is my honest opinion of the book.
Secrets can be like a weight on your shoulders. However, if someone is to disclose the secret, timing is important, as is who to share it with.
Tess O'Shay's life is turned upside down when her father's will gives guardianship of her teenage sister to a man that they barely know. The family restaurant and Tess's future are also in this man's hands.
According to Sean O' Shay's will, Tess is to go back to college, something she gave up when her mother became ill and then died. If she does not comply, she will lose everything. But to give in is to turn everything over to Jake Holland, a man who is as secretive as Tess is.
Tess goes back to school, but then the secret that she has held comes face to face with her. A former teacher who had raped her is back teaching at the school. Tess is torn between facing the man or turning him over to the police for an attack that happened 10 year ago.
What she does changes the lives of others that are in her life.
The characters who Jennifer Sienes created are true-to-life, as is the story. It flows from one chapter to another with ease. Even though the story flips from one point of view to another, it helps the story to move along while answering questions. I had an easy time staying engaged with this story, there were twists and turns throughout that kept me reading to the very last page. 
This book receives my highest recommendation. 

Book Review: The Blue Bath

The first thing I thought when I started to read The Blue Bath is the beautiful writing. I was able to lose myself In Mary Waters-Sayers words.

The characters in this book are fully rounded. I could feel what they would be feeling and, through her use of descriptive words, I could see what they saw.

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I loved it and most highly recommend it.

Book Review: What She Knew

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Liz Nabor has vast success in the finance world, a world that used to be ruled by men. When the Madoff scandal erupted her career crumbles.
Then she discovers not all of her relationships were what she thought.
Through this book, I was pleased that Liz hung to her beliefs, even when she came to terms with things from her past. The way she grew throughout the book made me have a heart for her. Plus the author help me to see the different people who were touched by the upset of the financial world.
I felt the author was able to open my eyes a little more to this world. Even though I went into this book with trepidation, as this world is one I wanted to close my eyes to, the author helped me see what all was happening. This was a very good book.

Book Review: The House by the Lake

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The House by the Lake takes the reader from the 1930s to today as the main character, Anna has her world disrupted. Her grandfather, Max, shares a secret with Anna. She is a member of an aristocratic family. During World War II they lost everything and Max left behind something that was very precious to him. Now he tasks Anna with finding it.
Anna is filled with questions. What could be so important and why was it hidden. As she is on her quest she finds Wil. Wil is someone that may be able to help her solve this mystery. Together they discover that the secrets are more than they thought.
I found myself torn throughout this book. At times I wondered, along with Anna, why her grandfather would give this mission to her. Then I would turn around and praise Anna bravery and tenacity.
This is a fascinating book and shows a side of the war that it helps to read about.
I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The Rejected Writers' Book Club Suzanne Kelman

 I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Janet Johnson is a librarian who, reluctantly, went to a meeting of the Rejected Writers' Book Club. This group of women love looking at each others manuscripts while having tea and lemon cake. None of them actually seem truly interested in publishing their books. This group gave Janet just what she needed after moving to Southlea Bay, Washington, a nice group of friends. At one of the meetings, the ladies were preparing to celebrate the five hundredth rejection letter in the group, when they received bad news. They all decide to travel to San Francisco to look for a secret. They come across many different dangers along the way.
If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that if a book mentions books, libraries or other such deliciousness I will request to review it.
I found this charming book to be so much fun to read. It was a little slow to start but soon the craziness comes along. I know that I will pick up this book again and again when I need some zaniness in my life.


situational-humor, verbal-humor, bad-puns, family-dynamics, friendship, women-s-fiction, whispersync
This is the very book you need on a bad day or after a really lousy shift! The characters certainly are and the interactions will have you laughing in spite of yourself. The publisher's blurb gives hints but doesn't begin to prepare you for all of the fun!
situational-humor, verbal-humor, bad-puns, family-dynamics, friendship, women-s-fiction, whispersync
This is the very book you need on a bad day or after a really lousy shift! The characters certainly are and the interactions will have you laughing in spite of yourself. The publisher's blurb gives hints but doesn't begin to prepare you for all of the fun!

Book Review: The Christmas Town

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a joyful story. It is filled with love, and family, each which were found expectantly.

Lauren Gabriel spent most of her life wishing for her mother to come and get her from each of the foster homes she lived in.  She is now 20 years old and still looking for the ever elusive home. She is a cashier and feels like another Christmas is not what she needs. Trying to avoid her lonely apartment one night, she drives around, until she sees a car accident. This brings her to a small town called Grandon as a witness. Soon she finds herself volunteering for Glory's Place. This is a place which provides assistance to single mothers and families. This feels just right for Lauren. Could it possibly be that she has now discovered home?

The author, Donna Van Liere wrote a story which is engaging and thoughtful. It is filled with hope and I found myself thinking about the rich characters which she made complex and real. I believe I will keep this on my shelf to pull out every Christmas.

Book Review: Our Own Country

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book is the second in the series The Midwife Book.
Eliza Boylston, a merchant's daughter was forced to leave her home in the 1770s when war came near. This war, the Revolutionary War, divided her family in many ways. Eliza finds herself attracted to John Watkins, her uncle's slave. This led her to Braintree, Massachusetts where radicals such as John and Abigail Adams lived.The life she is forced into leaves many questions and uncertainties about her and John's lives.
I am a history buff, so I was naturally drawn to this book. It was a good book which included historically correct details. I like it when authors take the time to research the time period and setting of a book. I had not read the first book but I was able to immerse into the book with little difficulty. It was a well-written book that I recommend for other history buffs.

.

Book Review: 223 Orchard Street

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Katie and Shannon O'Connor traveled from Ireland to America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Each of them face a world that is different from the world they were expecting. One discovers a calling through serving those that are ill in the slums while the other goes down a path that may cost her her life.
Whereby, the story line was a little predictable, I still felt my heart tug for the lives of these two girls. I realized that many immigrants went through these same struggles when trying to find a new home in a strange country, including going through Ellis Island. It is a romance but I didn't think it sappy or explicit. It fit just right in the world of Christian books.
I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read.

Book Review: Night of Miracles

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I love reading books by Elizabeth Berg and this book, Night of Miracles, was a book that made me feel good yet had enough substance that it kept me going.

Set in Mason, Missouri it follows up from The Story of Arthur Truluv, however, this book also stands very well on its own. Lucille Howard is a retired 4th grade teacher. She now is a master baker and teaches it out of her home.
There is also Jason, Abby and Lincoln who live next door to Lucille and then Iris Winters who is childless.
This is such an endearing novel, that words cannot express how highly I recommend it.

Book Review: She was the Quiet One

Rose and Bel Enright are twin sisters who are going to an elite boarding school in New Hampshire. These twins are very different and the school brings out the competitive spirit in them. In this school the students seem to have no rules that they feel they nee to listen to which can only lead to bad ends.
Sarah Donovan's husband is a teacher who wants to go places and wants the very best for their family. Sarah is now starting to see a side of her husband that she never saw before. Then there is a murder, but the question is who is responsible and who will speak the truth.
This book kept pulling me back. I have to say it was a little dark for me, which generally is not my preference. However, I needed to find the answers to the questions that kept popping up. It is very well written and the characters are interesting, it just was not my cup of tea.

• 
  

Book Review: The Nearness of You

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in 1952, The Nearness of You is a post-war novel.Lily Denton longs to go to New York City, however, her father is protective of his girl and would like her nearby. She works in the library day-by-day. It seems her routine will never change. then The Fall Festival comes along with the tourists it brings and adventure.
Boone Tatum is a photographer who seems to attract trouble. He meets Lily and his life changes. He wants to stay here and not go wandering anymore.
Lily now has to make some decisions about a new life.
Dorothy Garlock writes romance novels that can place the reader right in the middle of the story. I like how she can make a love story grow naturally without a lot of silliness.
I truly enjoyed this book.

• 
  

Book Review: The Secret to Hummingbird Cake

The Secret of Hummingbird Cake is set in the South. Here dessert is very important, as important as friends and family. This book brought all of my emotions front and center. I caught myself laughing out loud and need hankies for my tears at different places
The characters are well-written and easy to relate with. There are the many unexpected opportunities which are thrown at the characters, just like they are at us. And the way they deal with them are realistic.
I enjoyed this book and will be looking for others books my this author in the near future. I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

• This book may be found at Amazon HERE!

Book Review: Domestic Secrets

Rachel owns the local hair salon. she serves many of the women in Timbergrove, Oregon. Her friend, Ariel Alexander, used to be a television star. Together they have helped each other through the adventures of single motherhood.
Lately, however, it seems to Rachel that Ariel's parenting skills have been slipping and she has a secret love. In addition to worrying about Ariel, Rachel also has a son who has become distant. The two families are torn apart by an event that Rachel has a hard time understanding. This leads her to discover other things about those she has trusted in the town.
I was taken in by the way the book explores things that tie people together and the things that can separate them. I had a little discomfort with how honest the writing was, but this is a personal feeling. Overall, I feel like Rosalind Noonan wrote a book which will leave the reader satisfied in choosing this book.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Miller's Valley

This book is set in a valley that is in turmoil. Years ago, the government decided to build a dam to help stop the flooding in this area. Unfortunately, they discovered that they placed the river in the wrong place, so it didn't help at all. Now they want to relocate the people that live here so they can flood the area. Now there are roots set down and lives that are not sure what to do.

This story is told in the honest voice of Mimi Miller. She is an observant girl and the only daughter in a family that scrapes by. By listening through the vent in her bedroom, Mimi discovers many secrets concerning her family and the valley.

Quinlin was able to pull me in with the prologue. Then I did not want to put this book down. I felt Mimi had such a strong voice that she was sharing the secrets she learned with me. The story is a reminder of the pull that the place we grew up has on us all of our lives.

I have a feeling that I will turn to this book several times in my life as a reminder of the lesson that I learned.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Wanting to teach her students about Mary Kingsley, Megan Jennings scheduled a tour to Africa. While there she finds Vidalia, a psychic, an unusual professor, a prince, a village headman and a witch doctor. Plus she became kidnapped. By the end of the book, and the tour, Mary discovered the vastness of her Divine Appointment.

This book reflects real life adventures by Lilly Maytree, the author. I found this book amusing, breathtaking and exciting. The idea of following her dream intrigued me. I feel this book encourages us to try to do just that. There were areas where I felt it was a little choppy but I enjoyed it overall.

Previously I did read the author's book "The Pandora's Box" so I knew what a great writer she is, but this book is a totally different experience. Difference is good. 

Overall I would give this book four stars out of five. 

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be purchased at Amazon HERE!
Barnes and Noble HERE
and Christianbook.com HERE

Book Review: Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner

In the book Good in Bed, Cannie Shapiro has had a pretty good life, in spite of the fact that her mother has come out of the closet and her father is now where to be found in her life. She has wonderful friends, including Nifkin, her faithful rat terrier. She works for The Philadelphia Examiner.

One momentous day she see "Loving a Larger Woman" in a woman's magazine, written by her ex-boyfriend. Being larger, Cannie comes down to earth, but deals with the year in front of her. She travels round trip to Hollywood and begins a new life beginning to see who she is right now and who she wants to be.

I enjoyed this book, the serious and the fun parts. Weiner does such a good job writing realistic characters. In this case dealing with a size 12 woman who is viewed as large. I like how she was turned around to see what a valuable person she is.

This is a well-written book and I recommend it.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

This book may be found on Amazon HERE!

and on Barnes and Noble HERE!

Book Review: Under a Cloudless Sky

This novel tells how a town's past can bring it down or save it. Set in Beulah Mountain, West Virginia, in 1933 and in the present. In the past, there are two girls who make a vow. Ruby and Bean come from two different homes. One is the daughter of the mine owner and the other is the daughter of a mine worker. Both girls are looked after by Bean's mother and they do not know about the conflict that is coming.

In the present, Hollis Beasley has decided he is going to hold onto the legacy which his family left him on Beulah Mountain. His friend Buddy Coleman, however, want to increase the coal production of the town and open a museum. He wants to share the entire history of this town, including the 1933 uprising. He also will do this without care for anyone else.

These two stories come together through an elderly woman who lives miles away. The children of Ruby Handley Freeman want to take away the life she knows, so she disappears. While she is going she discovers a secret which will effect her and those who come across her path.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat clear until the end. It is so well-written that I felt like I was int he midst of the story from beginning to end. There is suspense throughout. I look forward to reading other works by this author in the near future.

I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
at Barnes and Noble HERE!

Book Review: The Masterpiece

Roman Velasco is a successful artist in LA. On the outside he appears to be the man who has everything. There is only one person who knows differently, Grace Moore. When he looks out at the view from his mansion, in fact throughout his house, he sees demons. When he gives into these demons he is a graffiti artist, named the Bird. This other side of Roman could end his career and land him in jail.

Grace also has her own secrets. Her former marriage turned her off of love, until she came to know Roman by more than his artistic reputation. This story tells how these two have learned to fit their lives together in spite of difficulties thrown their way.

Francine Rivers has the magic touch to be able to take people and their circumstances and thrown them together in unexpected ways. She does this without sacrificing faith throughout the book. For those who already love her works this will not let you down at all. For those who have not read her books before, try this one, it will leave you wanting to read her other creations as well. This is a fantastic book.

I was given this book by Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.


This book may be found at Amazon HERE!
or
at Barnes and Noble HERE!

Nicki's father, an ex-con, came to visit for an undetermined amount of time. This book tells of the funny side of life living with a father, son and boyfriend.

Nicki loves real estate but right now she appraises homes. Real estate gives her a dream of the life she would like to have with Cody, her son and Jake, her boyfriend. Somehow in her dream her father was not one of the occupants in the house.

Ronnie, her father, was released from prison when it was discovered there had been an error made in his sentencing. He spent a couple of months in a halfway house but now is ready to move in with her daughter who he has not had any communication with for years. His thoughts are Nicki is his family and family always welcomes each other.

This was such an entertaining book filled with characters that are so humorous they have to be based on real-life, and in this case they are. There was also depth throughout as Ronnie realizes the affect parents have on their children when they are young.

I felt like this was an entertaining book that goes so much further than expected. I enjoyed it.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for my honest review.

This book may be found at Amazon HERE
or at Barnes and Noble HERE