Review:A Spark of Light by Jodi Piccoult

 

I always find that writing a novel from end to beginning is a phenomenal feat that is either a hit or miss for me. I commend writers who sign on for the task but books of this nature are not always easy to read or follow. Jodi Piccoult manages to write in reverse as well as confront the hot topic of abortion rights in a way only someone as skilled as she can. As I sit here and consider where to start for my review of A Spark of Light I'm not sure where to begin without upsetting someone. I can only imagine that's how she felt when writing this novel.

Review: Her Pretty Face by Robyn Harding

When I began reading Robyn Harding's Her Pretty Face I was between books and wasn't ready to commit. I knew I wanted to read an easy title by an author I wasn't familiar with but, at the same time, I didn't want to waste my last few summer reads on a read that really added nothing new to the mystery thriller genre. My 2-star rating of Her Pretty Face is quite generous and here's why.

Review: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

Sandie Jones The Other Woman is quite an interesting psychological thriller debut. Actually, I started The Other Woman as a soft start. You know? A soft start is when you read a chapter or two before committing the time and effort. I knew I wanted to read something uncomplicated, fast paced, and fun due to my last read being a little heavy, but I wasn't prepared to get sucked in as I did.

Review: Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird

I took my time reading Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss this harrowing tale of a former slave woman posing as male in the army. It's women like Cathay Williams that have paved the way without recognition (or even belief), but more on that later.

Review:All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

The first Goodreads giveaway I ever won was Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin and since, she's firmly cemented on my "must-read" list whenever she has a new book out. Upon hearing from Netgalley I'd been approved for her latest All We Ever Wanted, I did the requisite hooray dance I usually do, and moved her to the top of the to-read list. Emily Giffin doesn't disappoint, once again.

Review: After Anna by Lisa Scottoline

Before, and even more so after, After Anna I am always blown away and thrilled to read a Lisa Scottoline novel. Yes her work tends to have a Lifetime feel to them, they still manage to be enticing. I'm usually hooked after reading a few pages in a way most novels in the women's lit' category are unable to do for me. The only time I watch the Lifetime or Hallmarkchannel, it's purely by accident or my favorite TV show ever, Monk is on.

Review:Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

When I was asked to read and review Sophie Kinsella's Surprise Me, I was bouncing off the walls with excitement. I loved The Undomestic Goddess and Confessions of a Shopaholic. Both novels featured a charmingly befuddled British female lead that begs the average woman to root for. Sure, I know they're a tad bit aloof, but it's cute. I'm no feminist so I can appreciate these characters for what and who they are: Fun!

Review:The Wife Between Us by Hendricks/Pekkanen

WHOA!!! 

What did I just read?

I like to think of myself as a mystery thriller sleuth who's able to see the ending of most mystery novels a good mile and a half away. Well, Greer Hendricks and co author Sarah Pekkanen put my detective skills to the test with The Wife Between Us and I'm reeling at how they were able to get me. You clever, clever women...

Review: A House Divided by Donna Hill

A House Divided is Donna Hill's solo novel about an up and coming journalist Zoie Crawford. Just as her career is taking off, she's called back home to New Orleans because her grandmother died. She's riddled with guilt the whole time since they were close but she never got around to visiting her since her ambitious nature wouldn't allow her the time off from work. Avoiding her family didn't entice her to come home even with her grandmother's impending death.

Review: One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline

I'm on the fence with a 3 and 4 star rating for Lisa Scottoline's One Perfect Lie but more on that later. Scottoline is a favorite of mine so I was anxious to get this read and it doesn't disappoint with the first few chapters locking down the reader. 

Review: My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

I needed My Not So perfect Life badly. After reading a dismal, uninteresting book it was time for something light, easy, and just plain old fun. I was introduced to Sophie Kinsella by reading Confessions of a Shopaholic. Come to think of it, Katie Brenner is a lot like Becky Bloomwood, the heroine of the "Shopaholic" series.

Review: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Where do I begin with Jodi Picoult's Small Great Things? This novel totally had me glued from page one. I am often swept away into Picoult's writing and I expect nothing less than the best. Picoult delivers everything and more in this interesting and often revealing look into race matters after a black nurse is accused of murdering a white baby.

Review: I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan

 

I must say I'm on the fence with Terry McMillan's latest I Almost Forgot About You. I want to give this 2-stars but I can't ignore how entertaining the drama is. I loved Waiting to Exhale, Disappearing Acts, and her other most recent Who Asked You?. Let's start on the bright side.

Review: Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline

Can you imagine the thing you want most in the world could potentially turn into a psycho killer based on their genetic makeup? Christine Nilsson doesn't have to imagine but she does have to investigate. After seeing the capture of a serial killer dubbed the "Nurse Murderer", Christine's picturesque idea of finally having the baby and family she's most wanted, could simply become a nightmare. 

Review: Before I Go by Colleen Oakley

Before I Go is an emotional debut novel about a 27-year old named Daisy. Daisy has survived breast cancer at the young age of 24, and on the eve of her "Cancerversary" she finds out that she has "Lots of Cancer". After her yearly checkup, her doctor discovers that her cancer is aggressive and she may have only a few months to live. After considering life after her death, she decides finding her husband a new wife is how she will focus her time.

So... where to start? Let's begin with Daisy. Daisy is one of the character types that rises to the occasion. She sees problems and fixes them. This makes her the perfect candidate for her veterinarian husband who often leaves his socks in piles on the floor, or would probbly eat cereal at every meal if she weren't around. After she's given her diagnosis, Daisy realizes he will be severely handicapped and unable to fend for his self. This is how she rationalizes trolling cafes, dating sites, and other various places to find her husband a wife. Before long, this plan isn't as easy to take on as she expects. 

Initially, what made me so interested in this title is that most people couldn't bear to see their significant others look at someone else, let alone, search for that someone else for them. I started thinking if I were to leave the world prematurely, but with an expiration date in mind, how would I like to spend those days, months, years. Would I worry about the after "Lots of Cancer" or would I focus on being happy. Living in the moment. Worrying about where my next laugh would come from instead of battling jealousy in my husband's potential mates. 

Colleen Oakley allows us to take an emotional journey with a woman who needs more to let go and just be happy, as opposed to finding her husband a wife. Oakley writes a likable enough character. I just grew agitated with her shifting between jealousy and determination in reference to finding her husband a wife instead of living that life.

Although Before I Go is a debut, and at moments it shows, Daisy's voice allows book snobs to still enjoy this heartfelt read. The pages just fly by with the hope of finding out Daisy's outcome yet dread that it may come to an end. No I will not give away the ending except to say... YOU MUST READ IT!!! No spoilers here.

In conclusion, Before I Go by Colleen Oakley is a worthwhile debut that will have readers question just how easy it really is to let go and move on. Most importantly, it begs the question what is more important when life has an accelerated expiration date. Your own happiness or those you'll leave behind.

Copy Provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via Netgalley

Review: Saving Grace by Jane Green

I tend to like novels by Jane Green. Most chick-lit is uncomplicated and full of women who fawn over men they think are usually out of their league. These women tend to be unassuming, befuddled, insecure, and annoying. Although Green's novels are always well-written and entertaining, her main heroine, Grace Chapman, holds at least a few of those qualities.

Grace Chapman has the picture perfect life. She's married to a successful author, has a beautiful, talented daughter, and a knack for creating the perfect dish. The only problem is that these things are all not true. Her life isn't as perfect as it may seem. In fact her life isn't as perfect as she would even like to think it is.

From the beginning, there is tension on every page. As the narrator describes Ted Chapman, Grace's husband, it's almost certain where the pages will lead in this book. Instead, Green totally changes the course and doesn't go with such a predictable plot, and brings us instead more of a cautionary tale. Actually, two cautionary tales. 

Without giving too much away, Grace and Ted are in need of a personal assistant when Beth falls into their laps. She's perfect. Beth is able to help Grace with her household duties, as well as calm the storm that is Ted. But... there's just something about her Grace can't quite put her finger on. Something that just isn't right. 

Before long Grace is questioning everything about her life, her husband, and this Godsend. This is when the second cautionary tale comes in to play. It's in reference to the American need to label all things and all people.

Because I must have a gripe with almost every novel, I think what was most annoying about this novel was Grace. I know that most women in these novels are supposed to be a little annoying. They ignore signs that any blind person can see. They make dumb moves and almost always base their worth on a men. Grace is no different. She's absolutely draining because she's so weak. I guess that's the point. No one can save us but ourselves. 

Saving Grace is an interesting novel that will leave readers more aware of who they welcome into their lives and homes and running from their own truths. Jane Green always manages to reel me in with her writing and absolute need to finish the story. I am compelled to see it to the end no matter how much I like or dislike her characters. One other plus about this book is that it has recipes. Recipes are huge for a lot of women... so please, by all means, this book is for you.   ***

Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via netgalley

Review: The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain

Imagine everything you've been told about you, your family, and your long lost sister are all lies? Well, in Diane Chamberlain's The Silent Sister Riley MacPherson finds that the stories she's been told of her sister, believed to have committed suicide as a teenager, just may in fact be alive. How's that for a huge family secret?

Riley is trying to clean out her father's home when a series of events lead her to believe that she may in fact want to investigate her past. At the age of 25, all the people she could ask were long gone. Her mother died when she was young, her father recently deceased, and Danny, her brother, are all unable to answer the questions she desperately needs answering. That is until Riley delves a little deeper into the mystery that is her family. 

I've never read any other books by Diane Chamberlain and I'm not sure what I expected, but this novel reads like chick-lit. That is fine and dandy if that's what you're in the mood for, but I definitely wasn't which is unfortunate because The Silent Sister is actually gripping from the beginning. We are introduced to Riley, a social worker, who based her whole career choice as a social worker on a sister she hasn't known since she was two years old. She's even patient with her brother Danny who suffers from some form of PTSD after having been wounded in Iraq.

There are a few things I found wrong with this book which makes it impossible for me to give it more than 2-stars. And sadly, it's not because of the writing which is not bad at all. It's simply so darn predictable this novel. From beginning to end it is predictable. The characters, even Riley, are paper thin, and I almost felt like one storyline (with the crazy RV park couple) was too neatly tossed away and sewn up. I mean... it can't be that easy to get out of a contract is it?

Anyway, The Silent Sister may not have been a great read for me, I certainly wouldn't say it's not worth a gander especially if women's literature is your thing. It's usually my thing, but I expected more of a mystery-type thriller with a hint of chick-lit instead of the other way around. Overall, I would definitely read more by this author. 

Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley

Review: Virgin by Radhika Sanghani

I have to start by saying I'm on the fence about Virgin by Radhika Sanghani. More on that later. Ellie Kolstakis is a 21-year old virgin. Not from lack of trying, but just 'cause. Ellie, with the help of some friends, embarks on a journey to lose her V-card before she graduates from college. Afterall, everyone else is doing it.

From the beginning, Sanghani grabs readers with Ellie's wit and personality. She's honest and open about all her sexual mishaps, inexperience, and really hairy parts. Yeah, Virgin does not sugarcoat the truth and just takes the most honest approach with lady parts, sexuality and the modern woman, as well as uncensored conversation. My best friend and I often think that men have no idea how... um...honest... women talk about sex. 

Yes! I liked Ellie very much... at times. Although Virgin is instantly entertaining, I kinda grew tired of Ellie and her self-pitying. She goes on and on about how she doesn't measure up to friends such as Lara or Emma. It's almost like she couldn't help but remind readers how unfortunate looking she may, or may not be. That is why I'm on the fence with this novel. I loved the American Pie feel a lot more than the She's Come Undone moments. 

Overall, Virgin is a fast and fun chick-litish read. It chronicles how far along women have come from the days of saving themselves for marriage to being women open to discovering their own sexual identities. Radhika Sanghani has definitely carved out her own space in the world of good chick-lit.   ***

Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley

Review: The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell

Where to start, is the question of the day. I haven't quite decided so this review might be a little all over the place. The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell follows the Bird family through the years, alluding to why they are all so estranged then climaxing to the devastating day that caused such a huge rift in each of their lives. That is the basic plot. I don't want to give too much away because it really is a wonderful, insightful journey to take with the family your own. So I'll try not to spoil too much.

The story follows Lorelei and Megan Bird the most. Lorelei, in her children's eyes, was full of love, surprises, and fun. And Jewell wastes no time to provide readers with a few red flags early on. It begins with her wanting to keep every single piece of art her four children brought home from school to keeping random objects that are broken or useless. But soon her collections become piles of stuff, and more stuff, until the house they grew up in is no longer the gem it once was. Somewhere its hidden under the piles of junk, similarly to their personalities. 

I don't think there was one family member who was not without flaws. There's Megan who tries to be the exact opposite of her mom. She isn't whimsical, manic, or a hoarder. She loves for her home to be spotless without any clutter or mess. She is probably the least whacked out of their brains in the Bird family. 

Beth, the middle, often invisible daughter, is so far off the hinges there are no words. On a constant journey to find herself... she's probably my least favorite character. And poor Rory with his guilt. This family is just whacked. I won't say more.

The House We Grew Up In is really a character study in how tragedy affects everyone differently and can cause ripple effects that takes years to recover from. Although Lorelei's flaws were most visible, the Bird's were all being buried under guilt, shame, lies, betrayals, and secrets. 

Enough about the book, let's talk about the writing. This novel flows so well. Usually I find it exhausting when novels jump from one decade to another so much. But the present chapters are explained well in the chapters from different years in the past, as well as the personal emails from Lorelei to a man named Jim. It's actually quite shocking that Lisa Jewell was able to pack so much into such a small package. The novel isn't long but there is so much going on. She uses every word wisely, and forms characters readers come to know personally. 

Ultimately, I loved reading The House We Grew Up In. Lisa Jewell has made me want to read other books by her. This novel is an emotional rollercoaster so just buckle up and enjoy the ride. Try not flying over the cuckoo's nest with the rest of the Birds as you read.  ****

Copy provided by Atria Books via Netgalley

Review: Wake by Anna Hope

Anna Hope's Wake is a touching and moving account of the affects of war on men and women alike. The book opens by defining what the word wake means:
(1) Emerge or cause to emerge from sleep
(2) Ritual for the dead
(3) Consequence or aftermath

Each definition can be used in one way or another to describe the characters Ada, Evelyn, and Hattie as we watch their stories unfold as the unidentified body of a World War I soldier is brought home to be buried. It is the two-year anniversary of Armistice Day and the excitement, fear, and dread of what it means brings each women on a paths that are only separated by a few men.

Ada is the mother of a young soldier named Michael. She mourns his death and walks around seeing his face in every young man that she sees on the streets. She is in a sort of dead sleep. She doesn't even see that she is a fraction of the person she once was. All she can accept is the guilt she feels for allowing her young son to go to war.

Evelyn works for a government that has long stopped caring for their veterans, meaning she works where stipends are to be provided to injured (or out of work) soldiers. She too is in a rut having lost her only love to war. Her brother, Edward, served in the army as a captain and has shown a clear difference since coming home from war. At one point they were so close but he seems much more distant. The truth is far worse than she knows. They both wander in the consequence of their lives after war.

The third woman, Hattie, is young and works as a dancer. She is paid to dance with men whenever they pay her boss. She shares those earnings with a volatile mother, and mute brother. He's barely spoken since the war. Hattie is unaware of the trauma he's been through and yearns for her brother to be whole again.

The characters in Wake can each define their lives in the before and after of war. This is the way that many can identify their lives. I had a friend who served in Iraq. She was 20 when she left. A vibrant, loving girl, unafraid of what was in store for her. She returned with a serious drug problem, a son, and only a few years to live. I identify with these men and women wholly, and I'm nothing more than a witness... a mere bystander.

Although the novel is written about a horrific time in history, Anna Hope manages to write poetically, vividly, and clearly. Wake doesn't read like a debut which is an awesome feat for any author coming out the gate. Even when I had to stop reading to take care of my own personal life, and ironically, plan my father's wake, the moment I picked it back up, I was once more gripped in the lives of each character. I couldn't wait to see how their stories tied into each other. And ohhhhh did they...

Overall, Wake is a beautifully written debut novel that fans of historic fiction will need to read. It's not a super sappy women's only novel that gets tiring as it describes one flighty woman after another but rather a journey for emerging from sleep. I loved this novel and hope that Hope (no pun intended) writes more like it.  ****

Copy provided by Random House via a Goodreads Giveaway