Three women in this novel and a web of lies and deceits.
In my opinion as I read :
One woman is a bit of a mystery One woman is socially disturbed and IThree women in this novel and a web of lies and deceits.
In my opinion as I read :
One woman is a bit of a mystery One woman is socially disturbed and I can't agree with her actions One woman seems ordinary and caught in the cross fires of other people's mistakes, poor choices and the victim of disloyalty. I know this story is going to have lots of revelations along the way, and one comes for sure mid-read. Now my mind is beginning to see many possibilities and schemes. I just need to read on and see where this goes.
There is Cecelia - mother of two, who is on her way to the building where her husband works and is just in time to see that building explode. Why was she going to meet her husband Tom? Well eventually that is revealed.
Then we have Kate, who is taking care of two delightful twin boys in Canada. But she has only been there a year and why did she flee the disaster - when she has a family of her own. Not cool.
Finally Frannie who maintains she is adopted and that one of the women killed in the explosion was her birth mother.
All through the story people lie in one way or the other. There was really only one woman I liked, the other two - not so much, although I might have felt sorry, no really I didn't feel sorry or sympathetic towards them.
This was a story that had some good twists and turns and revelations, the kind of book that kept me reading until I had finished it up in a day!...more
I wouldn't say this was a top favourite novel but its a powerful novel, with memorable characters and issues that seep into the actual world today. ItI wouldn't say this was a top favourite novel but its a powerful novel, with memorable characters and issues that seep into the actual world today. Its a book that asks "Where do you stand?" On the side of good or evil. ...more
Eleanor just might be my favourite character of 2017. What a story with a little twist and the end. If possible and you are into audiobooks this is thEleanor just might be my favourite character of 2017. What a story with a little twist and the end. If possible and you are into audiobooks this is the way to go. The narrator is a perfect Eleanor. Kathleen McCarron does a fine piece of work with this book. ...more
The Promise Between Us was my first read for 2018 and really it was a perfect choice. What a mind blowing, emotional, informative story. It is one thaThe Promise Between Us was my first read for 2018 and really it was a perfect choice. What a mind blowing, emotional, informative story. It is one that will stay with me and one that I will want to reread again.
The story is told mainly from Katie's point of view, the mother who walked out and left her child because she was terrified she would harm her. However we also have Cal - her ex husband, Jake his close mate, Lilah now Cal's wife and Maisie the daughter of Cal and Katie. As well there is Delaney - Katie's sister and Ben the guy who just might be someone important in Katie's life. While the last two do not get a 'viewpoint' they have important roles and I love how Barbara Claypole White portrayed them
The other 'main character' in the story is OCD, Katie lives with it and now after accidentally meeting Maisie, she fears Maisie has it too. As a reader I learned so much about OCD through the book and how important treatment is for it and how courageous one has to be to live fully and not let the OCD take over your life. And so terrible things happen in this story, but always there is courage and hope and that stood out right the way through.
As it turns out Katie and Maisie are not the only ones suffering from anxiety - and that was a heart breaking aspect as well to this story - I am not going to say who or how as I do not want to spoil the story if you read it. However it is handled gently and in a positive manner. I loved the emphasis on truth and honesty, and kudos to Lilah, what a wonderful young woman - so wise.
At the beginning of the book Jake seems to be a frivolous, happy go lucky man, but in actual fact he has hidden depths and I can see as the future evolves he and Katie will work together on some project close to their hearts.
A favorite quote from the book:
" Perfection stops you from enjoying the wonder of what is. It snares you with unrealistic expectations. Tells you constantly things can only be a certain way, and that's how you fall into the trap"
This was a wonderful story to read, just as a story - but as well it helped me see into the mind and heart of others and invited me as a person to expand my heart and mind to believe all over again that darkness does not win; compassion, love and hope are far stronger.
4.5 stars. Ah... what a perfectly satisfying emotional read. I'll be Your Blue Sky is the third book in Marisa de los Santos' Love Walked In books. I'4.5 stars. Ah... what a perfectly satisfying emotional read. I'll be Your Blue Sky is the third book in Marisa de los Santos' Love Walked In books. I've become invested in the characters in these books and especially loved Clare and Dev. Yet this book starts off from the viewpoint of Edith, and that was good, because very quickly I was invested in her story too. And what an amazing story it is.
Edith and Clare meet on the eve of Clare's wedding to Zach, and Edith listens and shares wisdom with Clare. Meanwhile I am thinking - how on earth did Clare link up with Zach? And what happened to Dev? Come on, those two are made for each other. And then Clare tells the story of how that happened, and I think - how could she!
Well Clare comes to the same conclusion - and later on learning that Edith, on her death, has left her a house, she goes there and follows some clues found there to reveal more to her about Edith and her life. What follows is a whole journey that reveals Edith's courageous and loving life, and the risks she took. Clare in following up on the clues and meeting up with the people who can give her answers finds her own safe place, her own blue sky, her own self.
This is a love story, a real love story, not a romance. It tells of love and heartbreak, of rightness and wrongness. It is beautifully written, the journey and clues crafted down to the smallest details. It takes us back to the 1950's when things were a little harsher socially, society still was not ready to help battered women, but there were people who were willing to help at a cost to themselves.
This was a very satisfying read, yes you could easily read it as a stand alone, however I'd highly recommend you read in order - Love Walked In, Belong to Me and then I'll Be Your Blue Sky. ...more
4.5 stars. Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill is most certainly an issue driven book. You may never have considered vaccination as an issue. My generation 4.5 stars. Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill is most certainly an issue driven book. You may never have considered vaccination as an issue. My generation took it for granted as something you just did. I still highly value the blessing vaccinations bring in countering many illnesses. Yet there are those who differing thoughts about it. I have a niece who does not believe in vaccinations for her children, and it worries me, so when I read Trish at Between my Lines review, for Keep You Safe I knew it was a book I wanted to read.
It is a highly engaging story, tracing the story of two children who contract measles, one recovers and one suffers some serious side-effects. The book explores the two sides, that of mother Madeleine and that of Kate. Both women are so plausible and as a reader my sympathies were with both of them. The heart ache that both experience tugged at my heart. What are their reasons for not vaccinating, what are the consequences and risks of that? I hadn't thought of one of the consequences explored so that was thought provoking.
The way the story moves along, with a local community plus an online presence is interesting. Madeleine is a blogger and when things turn pear-shaped the amount of judgement and vitriol was saddening. There is a court case that follows that further reveals personalities, and there is a surprise ending. I knew there would be one but wasn't sure what it would be.
This is most definitely a book I'd recommend, both for the issue it explores, but also the plot and characters make for a highly readable book, with just a small taste of romance to add in that was a small but beautiful addition....more
ndian Summer by Marcia Willett is set in the English countryside in the middle of a hot summer. The sights and sounds of the local farming area delighndian Summer by Marcia Willett is set in the English countryside in the middle of a hot summer. The sights and sounds of the local farming area delight and please the senses. With an amazing group of mostly very ordinary characters, it was a rather surprisingly tension filled read.
There is quite a cast of characters living in this small place, Mungo the man who has made his money in acting and directing. And while he is at it, just delights in directing quite a few scenes in the lives of the people around him. His brother Archie lives on the family farm, but now that they are all older there is the worry of money to keep the farm up and the house Archie lives in is rotting away with no money to repair it.
Kit a long time friend of Mungo has come down to stay with him, she has had one main love in her life and was too slow in giving her commitment and he moved on. Yet now Jake is free and wondering is Kit still free after all these years. ( He has children and young grandchildren so we are talking lots of years.)
Emma is a young mother with a young child and a 5 year old. Her husband is overseas in service and she is looking for a little excitement. But... she takes on more than she can chew and I felt the tension around this, reading on to see what was going to happen. I really felt for the 5 year old who knew something was up but not quite what was causing his disquiet.
Then we have two old farmers who have worked the farm and live in one of its cottages. They have been loyal friends to Archie and Mungo, and are still very much part of the local community. Nearby is also a writer - James, endeavouring to write a second book, having self published a first. The whole drama that goes on around him totally escapes him and he thinks he is staying in a very dull place.
Is it all as quiet as it seems or ... is there far more under the surface. The short answer is yes but you'll have to read to find out exactly what....more
4.5 stars. All I can say is Nora Roberts does it again with Come Sundown. There is mystery and crime, strong women, a beautiful ranch and resort in Mo4.5 stars. All I can say is Nora Roberts does it again with Come Sundown. There is mystery and crime, strong women, a beautiful ranch and resort in Montana, family and friends, romance - all of which combine into making a downright good read.
Bodine - the heroine is a strong, feisty woman and boss, she runs the resort side of the family business really well. She comes from a strong line of women - there's Miss Fancy her great grandmother of 89 years, Cora her grandmother and Maureen her mother. And don't think Miss Fancy sits all day in a rocking chair, don't offend her with that. She can still ride out when she wants over the ranch. One of the laughs I got from this book was a tee shirt she turned out in one time with a really apt and clever slogan on the front. Not going to spoil it for you though, you just need to come across it.
There is darkness in this novel, Bodine's Aunt Alice went missing, she was a little of the black sheep of the family and had left home to do her thing. However she is taken hostage by a very bad guy and lost to the family. Bodine and her two brothers have never met her or seen her. At times we get the viewpoint of this evil, ugly man and for some that could be off putting. But so far one thing I can say is, Nora Roberts never lets the bad guy win - so hang in there.
These dark spots are juxtaposed against family, life on the ranch and resort. Family bonds are so strong and when Callen rides in on his amazing horse life gets even better. He is a long time friend of Bodine's brother Chase, returning to his place of birth after time in Hollywood training horses. Soon he is very much involved in life on the ranch and resort. And dang it. That horse of his, there is something magical about it.
I love the title of this book and how it relates to the story, won't give it away, but its perfect. At times during the reading I shied away from the ugly, caught my breath at the very emotional points and chuckled at some of the humour that sprang out in places. ...more
Opening up Practicing Normal to read I wasn't sure what I was going to find, or whether I would enjoy it, pretty much normal for me when I am reading Opening up Practicing Normal to read I wasn't sure what I was going to find, or whether I would enjoy it, pretty much normal for me when I am reading into a new author. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this story very much.
The telling of the story rotates around three of the characters - Kate, mom and married to Everett, Jenna their daughter and Everett himself. Through them we are given a view into the family dynamics.
The plot moves along at a good pace, there was always something interesting happening, and just a small thread of mystery weaving through that held my attention.
Kate - the mom, was a self sacrificing person, she was an ER nurse but now pretty much takes care of the various emergencies that arise in the family. She takes care of her ageing mother down the road, her son JT who is on the Asperger's continuum and generally keeps the family running. She also is perhaps being taken for a ride by a couple of people in her life. I liked her a lot, although I wished for more for her.
Jenna is her teen daughter, when we meet her she is breaking into houses and cutting school. However at the core she is okay and with the right people around her has every chance of doing well.
Everett is in my opinion a self serving, self centred person and ... a bully. While he does do a few things that redeem him a little he is mainly about his own pleasure. He needs a very large wake up call.
There are other characters in this book too who add to the story and the appeal of the book. Cassie in particular, the hospice nurse and cat lady, who is a support when needed and is one of those people any neighbor would be happy to have around.
If you enjoy family dynamics then you just might enjoy this story as much as I did....more
4.5 stars. Witty and insightful. Wonderful group of characters. Two sisters, well two sets of sisters who made me laugh and at times sad. A group of pe4.5 stars. Witty and insightful. Wonderful group of characters. Two sisters, well two sets of sisters who made me laugh and at times sad. A group of people who come together around a gardening project and form a what I think will be lasting friendships. Tons of good hints about gardening....more
Have you ever been desperate enough to want to escape life? To throw yourself in the Seine and end it all! No? Well Marianne does, life has4.5 stars.
Have you ever been desperate enough to want to escape life? To throw yourself in the Seine and end it all! No? Well Marianne does, life has passed her by, she is deeply unhappy and sees no other way out. However when her effort to bring her sad life to a close is thwarted by a stranger she eventually finds herself on the way to Brittany and possibly ready to listen to herself and her own needs and desires.
The more I read on in this story the more I was captivated by Marianne and the people she meets up with. I loved them all and especially Emile and Pascal - one who suffers from Parkinson's and the other from Dementia but ... they are happy and love each other.
I felt like I was there in Brittany, in the cafe, by the sea amongst the various characters. I loved seeing Marianne uncovering the things she loves and needs, the people she loves and needs. I read this book over Easter and truly if there was ever a book about death and resurrection this was it. Such an important message to us all, to live who we truly are, without worrying about what others think.
While this may have been about a woman who needed to bring alive the powers within her, the men in the story are not left out, they too need to have the courage to live out their wildest dreams. I did despair that Jean-Remy, a young chef, would ever get there and claim his love...
Ultimately an uplifting and life affirming story that I'll remember for a long while. ...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this audio version of the book. Compulsive listening, Suzanne Elise Freeman did an excellent narration. Grace Holland an admirable Thoroughly enjoyed this audio version of the book. Compulsive listening, Suzanne Elise Freeman did an excellent narration. Grace Holland an admirable heroine, the story of the fire and her choices afterwards held my interest all the way through....more
No Place I'd Rather Be - and no book I'd rather be reading. Cathy Lamb has managed to enthral me again with her far reaching story of strong women whoNo Place I'd Rather Be - and no book I'd rather be reading. Cathy Lamb has managed to enthral me again with her far reaching story of strong women who are loads of fun. Lamb has a strong, unique voice in all her writing, as Kristy Woodson Harvey says in her review "If I was on a deserted island and stumbled across a blank copy of No Place I'd Rather Be with no title, no author page and no distinguishing marks, I would still know it was Cathy Lamb's. Her voice is totally unique, pitch perfect and utterly charming." I couldn't agree more. And I'd know it too.
This is a mix of historical and contemporary fiction, both heart warming and heart breaking. Gisela is the great grandmother, a German Jew who was uprooted when the Nazi's went to work. She lost everyone, but did find a strong Montana man in Oliver Martindale an American airforce officer and a doctor. Together they set up a practice and have one child Mary Beth, who in turn becomes a doctor. She did not find a strong Montana man, her husband abandoned her and left Mary Beth and her daughters Olivia and Chloe. But like Gisela these women have spines of concrete. I so loved them all.
Olivia has left her wonderful husband Jace for some reason we don't know, and it takes quite awhile for that mystery to unfold. I kind of guessed it, but had to wait and see. Jace is amazing and it did break her heart to do it. Olivia has taken on the guardianship of two young girls who need her and she makes a wonderful mother. When she has to return to her home town relationships change, stories unfold and we are introduced to a family I'd love to meet. Chloe, Olivia's sister has a son - Kyle who has Aspergers. I loved his part in the story and how he was involved, his whole journey.
If you are a food lover then this book would definitely appeal from that angle. Much to Mary Beth's disappointment Olivia did not follow her into the medical field, but rather is a fantastic cook. And the discovery of a family cookbook in the attic is a thread that runs through the book, linking past family to the present.
This book has all I could ask for in a book - some history, some humor, some romance, some mystery and suspense, and a huge focus on family and what brings love and happiness. The characters are smart, flawed and totally loveable. Its a big, warmhearted, compassionate feast of a book. I'll be buying myself a paperback version to reread in future.
Every bit as good the second time around via audiobook - perfectly narrated....more
A book full of tough issues. However Zoe kept me reading, her story so challenging. Each of the four women in this story had very heart wrenching issuA book full of tough issues. However Zoe kept me reading, her story so challenging. Each of the four women in this story had very heart wrenching issues to face. Oh but a shout out to Harry and Paul....more
4.5 stars. House of Secrets is set in two time periods and follows the lives of two sets of people, with a link to a mystery house. Libby lives in 1934.5 stars. House of Secrets is set in two time periods and follows the lives of two sets of people, with a link to a mystery house. Libby lives in 1936, she has lost a child through miscarriage and even worse has been deserted by the father and her husband. Zoe and her husband Win buy a house that was built in 1936 but never lived in. Now it is run down, full of dry rot but they have put in a bid and have won the house.
Zoe finds a suitcase with baby clothes and letters and newspaper clippings that sets her off on a journey to find out about the mystery Libby and how the suitcase came to be left in the house. Zoe is in mourning, having too lost a child through an ectopic pregnancy, and almost lost her life as well. Since then things have not been that good between herself and Win and they are drifting apart. Zoe finds herself in tears, Win is his most controlling self and even takes off to stay with his mother because he can't cope.
The story of Libby unfolds as the book alternatively explores the life of Libby and then Zoe and Win. Libby has a tough time and she is a victim of her love for men who do not love her in return. However of the two men she turns to, one of them comes through for her and it enables her to start out on a new venture. Zoe and Win have many challenges in their relationship and in renovating the house. And always to the fore, especially for Zoe is finding out about Libby, as she identifies with her, they share so many similarities that it is important to Zoe that things worked out for Libby.
I liked Libby and Zoe and Win, none of them are perfect, but they are very real and I was soon engrossed in the lives of all of them. The story linked really well between the two time periods and nothing was left hanging. Something I really appreciated after reading a book or two where things were "dropped" but never brought to resolution. I liked the growth of the characters, it felt real and ended on a note of hope.
Loading...
