Womens Lit – Page 4 – Books-n-Kisses

October 14, 2019October 13, 2019

Kimberly reviews Child’s Play by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Child’s Play
CHARACTERS: Kate, Tamara, Anthony & Claire
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/08/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The lessons our children teach us are the hardest ones. What do we do when our children don’t pursue our hopes for them? In this riveting new novel, Danielle Steel explores how families can evolve and grow in unexpected ways.

A senior partner at a prestigious New York law firm, Kate Morgan couldn’t be prouder of her three grown children. Tamara, Anthony, and Claire all went to great schools, chose wonderful career paths, and would have made their father proud. A single mother for years after the death of her husband, Kate keeps a tight rein on her family, her career, and even her own emotions, never once asking herself if she truly knows her children . . . or if her hopes for them are the right ones, and what they want. She is about to find out.

During one hectic summer in Manhattan, Kate’s world turns upside down. One child has been keeping an astonishing secret while another confesses to an equally shocking truth. A wonderful match and picture-book wedding are traded for a relationship that shakes her to her core. A totally inappropriate love affair and an out-of-wedlock baby complete the chaos. Challenged as a mother and as a successful independent woman herself, Kate struggles to keep up with a dizzying and escalating chain of events, and begins to realize that she has a part to play in the chaos. Because Kate too has kept secrets from her children.

Sometimes the surprising choices our children make are the right ones . . . better than what we wanted for them. More often than not, parenting is about letting go of our dreams and embracing theirs.

REVIEW:
What I think I liked best is that the man character is older and a self-reliant as well as competent. What she also is, is a single mom of 3 adult “kids” who are dealing with a lot amongst themselves. As the lives of her children start to unfold, and she finds out, she questions everything she thought she knew.

Danielle Steel is one of the best at women’s lit and this is exactly why. As an older mom I really could relate to Kate. Of course, not the trauma but the worry for your own children. How you plan the future for your children as they grow and everything you teach them to have everything they need to be productive adults. But what if what you thought you accomplished wasn’t it at all.

Wonderful quick read that really keeps your attention. Another hit by Danielle Steel.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 27, 2019June 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Lost And Found by Danielle Steel

TITLE: Lost and Found
CHARACTERS: Madison Allen
AUTHOR: Danielle Steel
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/25/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What might have been? That tantalizing question propels a woman on a cross-country adventure to reunite with the men she loved and let go, in Danielle Steel’s exhilarating new novel.

It all starts with a fall from a ladder, in a firehouse in New York City. The firehouse has been converted into a unique Manhattan home and studio where renowned photographer Madison Allen works and lives after raising three children on her own. But the accident, which happens while Maddie is sorting through long-forgotten personal mementos and photos, results in more than a broken ankle. It changes her life.

Spurred by old memories, the forced pause in her demanding schedule, and an argument with her daughter that leads to a rare crisis of confidence, Maddie embarks on a road trip. She hopes to answer questions about the men she loved and might have married—but didn’t—in the years after she was left alone with three young children. Wearing a cast and driving a rented SUV, she sets off to reconnect with three very different men—one in Boston, one in Chicago, and another in Wyoming—to know once and for all if the decisions she made long ago were the right ones. Before moving forward into the future, she is compelled to confront the past.

As the miles and days pass, and with each new encounter, Maddie’s life comes into clearer focus and a new future takes shape. A deeply felt story about love, motherhood, family, and fate, Lost and Found is an irresistible new novel from America’s most dynamic storyteller.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is a story about finding yourself not only in your choices you made in your past but where you are right now.

Maddie has a difficult life. Mainly she is a loner. And she has time to reflect on the choices she made, the same questions we would ask ourselves. Why did I marry __? Why did I divorce __? Did I raise my kids right? If so why are we not close? And so on and so on…. The questions are endless for Maddie… and for us!

This is certainly women’s lit. This is about looking at ourselves through Maddie’s eyes. I had a bit of a problem in the beginning because I really wasn’t invested in Maddie and to be honest I felt she was a doormat under her own daughter’s feet but as her journey goes on I could relate to her a bit more.

I have a feeling, anyone who reads this will take some time, even if just a moment, to reflect on something about themselves.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

June 13, 2019June 9, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot by Susan Mallery

TITLE: The Summer Of Sunshine and Margot
CHARACTERS: Margot & Sunshine
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The Baxter sisters come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. But this summer, Sunshine and Margot will turn disasters into destiny…

As an etiquette coach, Margot teaches her clients to fit in. But she’s never faced a client like Bianca, an aging movie star who gained fame—and notoriety—through a campaign of shock and awe. Schooling Bianca on the fine art of behaving like a proper diplomat’s wife requires intensive lessons, forcing Margot to move into the monastery turned mansion owned by the actress’s intensely private son. Like his incredible home, Alec’s stony exterior hides secret depths Margot would love to explore. But will he trust her enough to let her in?

Sunshine has always been the good-time sister, abandoning jobs to chase after guys who used her, then threw her away. No more. She refuses to be “that girl” again. This time, she’ll finish college, dedicate herself to her job as a nanny, and she 100 percent will not screw up her life again by falling for the wrong guy. Especially not the tempting single dad who also happens to be her boss.

Master storyteller Susan Mallery weaves threads of family drama, humor, romance and a wish-you-were-there setting into one of the most satisfying books of the year!

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Margot and Sunshine are siblings but are as different as their names indicate. Margot is all business and Sunshine is all play.

But this is a story about sisters and love and life more than about the difference in them it is about the life of hard knocks they have endured together.

If you have never read a Susan Mallery story, well first…. WTH?… but if you haven’t read her start NOW! Susan Mallery is honestly one of my favorite authors of all time. She is the first name I think of when someone asked me for the name of my fav author. Sure there are others but she is #1!

This is a keeper! Pick it up for a great summer, or anytime, read!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

March 25, 2019March 24, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cliff House by RaeAnne Thayne

TITLE: The Cliff House
CHARACTERS: Beatriz & Daisy
AUTHOR: RaeAnne Thayne
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Three women—two sisters and their aunt—and the cliff house on the northern California coast that served as a beacon to them all…

After the death of their mother, sisters Daisy and Beatriz Davenport found a home with their aunt Stella in the beautiful and welcoming town of Cape Sanctuary. They never knew all the dreams that Stella sacrificed to ensure they had everything they’d ever need. Now, with Daisy and Bea grown, it’s time for Stella to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from them—a secret that will change their family forever.

Bea thought she’d sown all her wild oats when she got pregnant far too young. The marriage that followed was rocky and not destined to last, but it gave Bea her wonderful, mature, now eleven-year-old daughter, Marisol. But just as she’s beginning to pursue a new love with an old friend, Bea’s ex-husband resurfaces and turns their lives completely upside down.

Then there’s Daisy—sensible, rational, financially prudent Daisy. She’s never taken a risk in her life—until she meets a man who makes her question everything she thought she knew about life, love and the power of taking chances.

In this heartwarming story, Stella, Bea and Daisy will discover that the path to true happiness is filled with twists and turns, but love always leads them back home.

REVIEW:
WOW this is a heart wrenching story. Not because of anything happening but the emotions that each woman and their relationships with men and each other produces.

There is Bea and Daisy who lived with their aunt, Stella, after their mom died and then went into foster care for a bit. I really enjoyed the foster care aspect of this story. As someone who took my best friends son in when his dad died I felt so much of what Stella felt and know the feelings that Bea and Daisy feel. I also like that the story doesn’t put the foster care system in a horrible light.

But I also enjoy the relationship the women have together. There is so much in their hearts and in the past that they have to deal with and not get over but move on from. So when the men comes into the lives they begin to open their hearts up even more.

I enjoyed the background characters and found myself interested in all three women and their romance.

Yet another incredible story from Thayne!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 15, 2019February 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Cottage On Rose Lane by Hope Ramsey

TITLE: The Cottage On Rose Lane
SERIES #: Moonlight Bay #1
CHARACTERS: Jenna & Jude
AUTHOR: Hope Ramsey
PUBLICATION DATE: 12/04/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story “A Wedding on Lavender Hill” by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Sweet story of love, family and sailing. When Jenna learns she has a received a huge inheritance from the grandfather she never knew her life changes. But with money comes drama of a past she is unaware of.

There are secrets around every corner and a bit of mystery with every page.

I found this story really well written and a bit of a surprise. It was a good read that was enjoyable and the romance was very sweet.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

November 13, 2018November 12, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Family Gathering by Robyn Carr

TITLE: The Family Gathering
SERIES #: Sullivan’s Crossing #3
CHARACTERS: Dakota & Sidney
AUTHOR: Robyn Carr
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/17/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An exceptional storyteller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr beautifully captures the emotionally charged, complex dynamics that come with being part of any family. Readers will laugh and shed a few tears as they discover what it means to be loved, supported and accepted by the people who mean the most.

Having left the military, Dakota Jones is at a crossroads in his life. With his elder brother and youngest sister happily settled in Sullivan’s Crossing, he shows up hoping to clear his head before moving on to his next adventure. But, like every visitor to the Crossing, he’s immediately drawn to the down-to-earth people and the seemingly simple way of life.

Dakota is unprepared for how quickly things get complicated. As a newcomer, he is on everyone’s radar—especially the single women in town. While he enjoys the attention at first, he’s really only attracted to the one woman who isn’t interested. And spending quality time with his siblings is eye-opening. As he gets to know them, he also gets to know himself and what he truly wants.

When all the Jones siblings gather for a family wedding, the four adults are drawn together for the first time in a way they never were as children. As they struggle to accept each other, warts and all, the true nature and strength of their bond is tested. But all of them come to realize that your family are the people who see you for who you really are and love you anyway. And for Dakota, that truth allows him to find the home and family he’s always wanted.

REVIEW:
Dakota is back from the military and this is her story. First let me say that you need to read the first two in the series to read this one.

Robyn Carr is one of my favorites. She can spin a story like few others. From chapter one you are drawn into her world and never want to leave it.

This book is a romance but it is also a woman’s lit wrapped up into one. It touches on everything that happens in everyday life. Love, divorce, family and so much more.

Worth the read. But then Robyn Carr always is.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 7, 2018September 6, 2018

Kelly reviews Peachy Flippin’ Keen by Molly Harper

TITLE: Peachy Flippin’ Keen
SERIES #: Southern Eclectic #1.5
CHARACTERS: Frankie McCready & Eric Linden
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 2 Hours & 19 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: April 9, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A prank war erupts in Lake Sackett, Georgia and coroner Frankie McCready has to turn to the gorgeous but surly new sheriff for help in Molly Harper’s newest Southern Eclectic novella, perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Amy E. Reichert.
The McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop has crickets running rampant in the store and hot sauce in the Snack Shack’s ketchup bottles. But as the county coroner, Frankie has enough on her plate without worrying about the increasingly mean pranks being played at her family’s business. And the arrival of Sheriff Eric Linden, both devastatingly attractive and painfully taciturn, is enough to push her over the edge.
Linden, who didn’t seem to get the memo about men in uniform and Southern charm, is condescending and cold, revealing absolutely nothing about his past as an Atlanta police officer, while also making Frankie’s job as coroner as difficult as possible. And with the town’s Fourth of July celebration coming up, it’s essential for McCready’s to be cricket-free and in good working order. Strangling the sheriff will make her job even harder. Can Frankie hold off the threats to preserve her own sanity?
With her trademark “clever humor, snark, silliness, and endearing protagonists” (Booklist), Molly Harper invites fans to return to the family they first met in Sweet Tea and Sympathy. Y’all sit down and stay a while, won’t you?

REVIEW:
Peachy Flippin’ Keen is a quick read that gives us a small glimpse into the life of Frankie McCready. Lake Sackett’s resident coroner and the McCready’s resident weird kid.

This was a fun quick read narrated by the wonderful Amanda Ronconi.

I love how well these two (Molly & Amanda) work together to bring together such great story!! I can’t wait to see what is next not only for Frankie but for the whole McCready family!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

August 21, 2018August 20, 2018

Kimberly reviews When We Found Home by Susan Mallery

TITLE: When We Found Home
CHARACTERS: Callie, Keira and Malcolm
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister–Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old.

Callie doesn’t love being alone, but at least it’s safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can’t figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love.

But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit… until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Wow. Just Wow! I know we live in a world where sex is about sex and not about love but to find out that your family has increased by 2 half sisters would blow your world apart but that is what has happened to Malcolm.

There is so much to this book. Romance, of course, because it is Susan Mallery but also family dynamics, love and understanding as well as misunderstanding. This is so real. As the reader meets each new character we feel like a little bit has been added to Malcolm’s (and our) life.

I am a huge fan of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold/Happily Inc series and usually don’t enjoy the “extra” (as I call them) stories as much as as the series but this one just pulls at your heartstrings.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 17, 2018August 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: Good Luck With That
CHARACTERS: Emerson, Georgia, and Marley
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/07/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Oh goodness what a book. With all the conversation this has started I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seemed like so many thought the book was fat-shaming and others saw the truth of the situation.

As a bigger girl I see the truth of it. Yes did some lines hit too close to home? Oh Yes! Did I feel guilty in some parts? Oh Yes! Did it make me want to improve myself? Yep!

Any bigger girl has gone into a doctors office and no matter the ailment the answer is that we are fat. I mean a broken finger is because we are fat? Apparently. But at the same time we do know that a number of issues we have could very well be from the weight and as much as we want to try to kid ourselves we can not.

This book really brings the truth to light about weight and the struggles bigger people (not just women) face.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 23, 2018January 21, 2018

Kimberly reviews Sisters Like Us by Susan Mallery

TITLE: Sisters Like Us
SERIES #: Mischief Bay #4
CHARACTERS: Harper & Stacey
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/23/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The grass is always greener on your sister’s side of the fence…
Divorce left Harper Szymanski with a name no one can spell, a house she can’t afford and a teenage daughter who’s pulling away. With her fledgeling virtual-assistant business, she’s scrambling to maintain her overbearing mother’s ridiculous Susie Homemaker standards and still pay the bills, thanks to clients like Lucas, the annoying playboy cop who claims he hangs around for Harper’s fresh-baked cookies.
Spending half her life in school hasn’t prepared Dr. Stacey Bloom for her most daunting challenge—motherhood. She didn’t inherit the nurturing gene like Harper and is in deep denial that a baby is coming. Worse, her mother will be horrified to learn that Stacey’s husband plans to be a stay-at-home dad…assuming Stacey can first find the courage to tell Mom she’s already six months pregnant.
Separately they may be a mess, but together Harper and Stacey can survive anything—their indomitable mother, overwhelming maternity stores and ex’s weddings. Sisters Like Us is a delightful look at sisters, mothers and daughters in today’s fast-paced world, told with Susan Mallery’s trademark warmth and humor.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts To me Susan Mallery is contemporary romance’s Mary Poppins. She is practically perfect in every way. What is not to love about her stories? Nothing!
This is a book about family and the dynamics that we all face when family is involved. I also thought that it helped me to remember everyone is going through something even if others do not know it,
The characters are funny, light hearted and complex. They deal with every emotion possible and still manage to stay together as a family in the end.
Mallery is one of the best but I would suggest reading the full series before this book. She has moved beyond just the 3 she planned on but it is helpful to have the back story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

January 3, 2018January 2, 2018

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea And Sympathy by Molly Harper

TITLE: Sweet Tea & Sympathy
SERIES #: Southern Electric #1
CHARACTERS: Margot Cary & Kyle Archer
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 27 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: November 21, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Beloved author Molly Harper launches a brand-new contemporary romance series, Southern Eclectic, with this story of a big-city party planner who finds true love in a small Georgia town.

Nestled on the shore of Lake Sackett, Georgia is the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. (What, you have a problem with one-stop shopping?) Two McCready brothers started two separate businesses in the same building back in 1928, and now it’s become one big family affair. And true to form in small Southern towns, family business becomes everybody’s business.

Margot Cary has spent her life immersed in everything Lake Sackett is not. As an elite event planner, Margot’s rubbed elbows with the cream of Chicago society, and made elegance and glamour her business. She’s riding high until one event goes tragically, spectacularly wrong. Now she’s blackballed by the gala set and in dire need of a fresh start—and apparently the McCreadys are in need of an event planner with a tarnished reputation.

As Margot finds her footing in a town where everybody knows not only your name, but what you had for dinner last Saturday night and what you’ll wear to church on Sunday morning, she grudgingly has to admit that there are some things Lake Sackett does better than Chicago—including the dating prospects. Elementary school principal Kyle Archer is a fellow fish-out-of-water who volunteers to show Margot the picture-postcard side of Southern living. The two of them hit it off, but not everybody is happy to see an outsider snapping up one of the town’s most eligible gentleman. Will Margot reel in her handsome fish, or will she have to release her latest catch?

REVIEW:
Sweet Tea & Sympathy is the first book in Molly Harper’s new Southern Eclectic series (check out Save a Truck, Ride a Redneck prequel novella). In Sweet Tea & Sympathy we get to meet the long lost McCready family member after an unfortunate event involving some flamingos, shrimps and they death of Margot’s career. Just when Margot thinks she is at her lowest point Aunt Tootie finds her and convinces her to move to Lake Sackett and work for the family.

Another wonderful story from Molly Harper.

The amazing Amanda Ronconi lent her talent and voice to another of Mrs. Harper’s novels. Amanda does a great job of bringing the McCready family alive. I always love having Amanda read me one of Molly’s stories! I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 7, 2017December 6, 2017

Kelly reviews Sweet Tea and Sympathy by Molly Harper

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.