The saga continues, we get to read about another chapter in Molly The Maid's life. This instalment has a slightly different format. It alternates betwThe saga continues, we get to read about another chapter in Molly The Maid's life. This instalment has a slightly different format. It alternates between Molly and her Grandmother. Gran has been gone for a few years but in diary form, addressed to Molly, she tells Molly about her younger days.
Gran's origins and younger days are totally not what this reader expected. Her life was opposite to what we know from the previous two books. It was a surprise to Molly too, as she learned about Gran's past.
Cozy mysteries are not one of my regular genres, but I was totally drawn into this trilogy. I am glad that I read them. They are uncomplicated and enjoyable. They are a total distraction from all the day-to-day stuff that we sometimes like to get away from.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy....more
Denny Voss is one of the most endearing characters I have ever met in a book. He is a 30-year-old man who happens to be developmentally delayed. He isDenny Voss is one of the most endearing characters I have ever met in a book. He is a 30-year-old man who happens to be developmentally delayed. He is kind, he is interested in the world around him, he is smart in his own way but also has an innocence about him. He has a deaf and blind St Bernard that he rescued, sleeps with him every night.
Circumstances lead him into all sorts of problematic situations. The worst of these situations is being charged with the murder of the town's mayoral candidate. And, there are viable reasons that he could suspect. The reader learns about his escapades through flashbacks throughout the story. They are always told in his own voice, with lots and lots of side details. Denny is also a bit of a philosopher. He has life and the people around him figured out, quite accurately.
Besides Denny, there is so much to love about this story. The characters in town are quirky. Most are kind, but some are mean to Denny. Realistic presentation. The two main secondary characters are his mother, Nana-Jo and his cousin, Angus. Nana-Jo brought Denny up to be a confident young man. And, Angus (though he is odd) looks out for Denny in the day-to-day world outside of home.
There are lots of surprises as the tale unfolds. Some parts are actually laugh-out-loud funny. Other parts might have brought a tear to my eye.
This book brings me a whole new appreciation of the song, You've Got a Friend in Me, from Toy Story. It’s Denny’s comfort song.
This is one of my favourite quotes from Denny. Dare I call it a “Denny-ism�?
“I also know it hurts when someone you love dies, but I think it’s supposed to because if it didn’t they’d be easy to forget and who wants to forget all the louds and quiets about someone you love after they’re gone? Not me.�
I don't usually do this in a review but I want to thank Ms Kennedy, the author, for the hard work and thought process she put into the creation of Denny’s character. The effort was definitely worth it. And, I appreciate the bits and pieces she pulled from her own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
I was excited to see that there was a new book out by this author. I loved The Stilt Girls, a lot!
This book has two timelines, 2 stories, seemingly unI was excited to see that there was a new book out by this author. I loved The Stilt Girls, a lot!
This book has two timelines, 2 stories, seemingly unconnected. One timeline is in the 1930s, during the tough depression. Becca is a young widow trying to bring up a toddler without family support. The 1970s is about Nell and Evie, who were sisters by chance with a very enigmatic “mother�. Nell is trying to figure out their past. It takes place in the Deep South, often close to the Mississippi River, sometimes in the mountains in the Carolinas. As in the previous book, the setting is very descriptive and important to the story.
BUT. And, I hate that there is a “but�. This story fell short for me. There were a few too many characters, especially in the 1930s segments. I had trouble trying to keep them straight in my mind. A name would pop up and I’d have to stop to try to figure out who it was. Some of the story felt disjointed. Maybe there were too many words. I'm not sure what it was.
As happens with two timelines, they come together in the end, in ways that I did not expect. And, I enjoyed that. In fact, I enjoyed the whole storyline. It had good elements: secrets, family, perseverance. I think it could have been presented a little more smoothly.
I would rate this a solid 3.5 stars, but I have to go up or down. I'll go up to 4 stars because I did enjoy the story, through my own confusion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy....more
I chose to read this book because of the time period and the New York setting. I love the 1950s-60s era. I thought the premise was interesting. But……�I chose to read this book because of the time period and the New York setting. I love the 1950s-60s era. I thought the premise was interesting. But……�
It was easy to get into the story. But, it quickly fell flat. The writing was very basic, the characters seemed shallow, the plot seemed like an outline of a future book……everything was skimmed over. Few details were given. The main character (Maggie) went from a stand-in for radio commercials to a hugely successful television host of a cooking show featuring boxed cake mixes. It seemed like in happened in one chapter. I found it unbelievable that this level of success could be achieved from a cooking show using cake mixes.
The book did touch on a few serious points: body image, eating disorders, anti-semitism, PTSD, drugs. But, again, all these topics (except PTSD) seemed like they were only mentioned in passing.
Redeeming features: 1. I enjoyed the description of the clothing styles of the era. 2. I enjoyed the fact female was portrayed as a successful tv host. It was far from the norm in the early 1950s. 3. Part of Maggie's TV hostess job was to answer write-in questions from the TV audience. For the most part, her answers were thought out very well and positive. 4. Maggie went to a Gala wearing L'Air du Temps perfume. It was my late mother's favourite fragrance. (The fragrance has been reformulated over the years and is not the same as it was.)
While this was not a perfect fit for me, it is a quick and entertaining read. I think it would have been a perfect beach or airplane read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
This is a wonderful old-timey historical novel. It's a story that draws the reader in. Great storyline and characters. The setting is Australia, startThis is a wonderful old-timey historical novel. It's a story that draws the reader in. Great storyline and characters. The setting is Australia, starting in 1913, moving forward into the 1930s.
I have to admit, while the beginning was focused on the sheep industry, I was not really that interested in it. It described the shearing of the sheep and the grading of the wool. The workaday world of an Australian sheep station complete with the colourful workers. I found this first part a little drawn out but it introduced us to Tom and Fleur, as children, but they are the main characters that the story focuses on. The meeting as children was to continue as an adult relationship, full of drama.
One of the principal settings is a mortuary, owned by Fleur's father. Fleur grows up there and is very comfortable with the process of preparing the deceased for burial. It might be a trigger for some readers. The mortuary is central to the story.
Fleur is a very strong and innovative woman for the era in the book. She has excellent business sense, compassion and the ability to love strong.
The story has villains, a couple of vicious and nasty villains. That's what makes me think of this as an old-fashioned story. They are characters the reader loves to hate. The story moves at a good pace to keep readers interested. There is deception, murder, evil and love. As I mentioned, there is a lot of drama, but that is what kept me turning pages. I was hoping that it was moving toward the conclusion that I wanted to see. The orphan theme plays a large part in the story.
I think this would make an excellent movie. The Australian setting would provide beautiful scenery and a well-written script could be very interesting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Reader's Copy....more
Last year I read a book by this author (To The Wild Horizon) and loved it. When I saw a new book by her, I jumped at the chance to read it. I was moreLast year I read a book by this author (To The Wild Horizon) and loved it. When I saw a new book by her, I jumped at the chance to read it. I was more than pleasantly surprised that it was a sequel to the previous book……same characters, continuing on their life's journey.
It's hard to classify this book: historical novel, western, women's fiction, love story (NOT cheesy romance). It's a combination of all. And best of all, it features a very strong woman(Grace) during times when women were not expected to be strong.
The book focuses on the wild and lawless times of the California Gold Rush. It is set mostly in San Francisco's very early days, just getting settled. It graphically illustrates the hardships the people endured. I learned more about the gold rush than I thought I wanted to know�.and, it is very interesting.
There were lots of interesting scenes. Some pretty graphic violence (among the gold rush prospectors, no women involved). A ton of interesting characters. There are a couple of Parisienne courtesans, lovely ladies. And, a diverse selection of other characters converging for the Goldrush.
Ms Martin writes excellent stories, both books really captivated me. This book could be a stand-alone, but to anyone reading this review, I strongly suggest you read To the Wild Horizon first. It would really help to understand Grace and Randolph and their character development. This is a link to my review of the first book, also posted on NG.
The ONLY negative I have is that the book ended. It was over. I did not want it to end. I have my fingers crossed that it ends up as a trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy....more
Abby Jimenez never disappoints. She's the queen of quirky, fun stories with serious undertones. She does not minimize the serious parts. She manages tAbby Jimenez never disappoints. She's the queen of quirky, fun stories with serious undertones. She does not minimize the serious parts. She manages to interweave in such a way that it flows easily.
This is a short story about Seth and Charlotte who are thrown together in close quarters by circumstances and the inevitable happens. Typical Rom-Com. Yes, predictable. But, fun! Actually, laugh out loud funny in spots.
This is a perfect fast read in between other books or on a commute.
At the beginning of the book, Ms Jimenez gives the opportunity to know the triggers warnings.
This is such a complicated story. There are lots and lots of secrets. Some secrets the reader is aware of but the character who is affected does not kThis is such a complicated story. There are lots and lots of secrets. Some secrets the reader is aware of but the character who is affected does not know yet. Then there are the secrets that are hinted at but it takes time for the reader and the character(s) to learn of them.
There is a love story from the past in journal form, but pertinent details are not revealed until the time is right.
It’s about a mother/daughter relationship which is not harmonious. And, it's also about a mother/son relationship which is also on the rocks. It's about second chances. It’s about accepting the past. It's about forgiveness.
There's more, but to add it here will only make it confusing. It is a complex story with a lot going on but it is written in such a way that it is easy to follow. The characters are interesting and realistic. Certainly not perfect.
I got to a point where some of it became predictable but not all of it. But most of the plot points did not wrap up until I was approaching the end. A few surprises along the way, which is always good.
Sometimes people’s lives get messy. Sometimes there's so much going on in people's lives that is hard to know which way to turn. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This story is an example. And it's refreshing to read a story that imitates life. And, the ending made me happy. Always good!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
What an interesting book on family: perceived family, found family, blended family. And DNA! It illustrates the results of successfully searching yourWhat an interesting book on family: perceived family, found family, blended family. And DNA! It illustrates the results of successfully searching your ancestry. Very often, things are not as they seem.
I always thought that people who discover lost or unknown family members (through DNA searches) would be thrilled. I did not realize how much hurt and confusion revealed secrets can cause. Existing relationships can be threatened. Coming together does not happen in an instant.
The root of the story is about a young woman, age 18, who is sent to a maternity home for unwed mothers. It's hard to believe that as late as 1969, these homes could be such horrible places. Decisions were forced on these young ladies that impacted them forever. It was still not acceptable to keep a baby born out of wedlock.
I was fascinated by how much many things have changed for women in my lifetime. We've come a long way in 50+ years. I think that sometimes we don't realize it until it is spelled out for us. Mind you, there are still changes that need to be made.
The book is well written. Usually, when there are two timelines, I tend to like one better than the other. But, in this case, both timelines were interesting and they flowed together well. There is a fairly large cast of characters. Just like in real life, I liked some of them. Others, not so much. But, I cared to see how everything would play out. And, it played out realistically, as it should.
The only problem I had with the story was that I found it difficult to keep the different members of each branch of the family straight. Regardless, it did not distract me for long.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
Once again, I chose a book because of its cover. I was expecting something fun and fluffy. Instead, I got a book about a relationship at a crossroads.Once again, I chose a book because of its cover. I was expecting something fun and fluffy. Instead, I got a book about a relationship at a crossroads. It drew me in quite quickly.
Grant and Kim have been a couple for 30 years. They are not married. They don't exactly live together. But they love each other. The story is about their decision to spend a winter in Palm Springs, which turns out much differently than they expected.
I love the setting, Palm Springs sounds like a very interesting place. Unique homes, different lifestyles, quirky/eccentric people. There is some name-dropping of celebrities from the past and their homes. I took the time to Google a few of the homes……very interesting.
Much of the story is told as a back story�..I'm calling it the journey of Grant and Kim. The present story has a very dramatic turn of events. Grant is a professor of philosophy. Much of his dialogue and thought process is philosophical. As a very factual person who thinks in black and white, there were times when I grew weary of it. That’s my only criticism. And, conversely, being philosophical is who Grant is.
Interesting read. Food for thought about relationships. And, a mini-documentary about Palm Springs, past and present. Very satisfying. Even though I got a story that I didn't expect, I’m very glad I chose it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
This is the uplifting story of Beatrice (Bea) who is at a bad point in her life but keeps pushing through. While it is sad throughout, it is upliftingThis is the uplifting story of Beatrice (Bea) who is at a bad point in her life but keeps pushing through. While it is sad throughout, it is uplifting to watch Bea find solutions. It is endearing to see how much she loves her 4 year old Ella.
They meet up with a grumpy, old man in the park. He becomes a central character in their life, along with his grandson, Shayne.
It's hard for me to describe the story and the writing style. So much of me thinks it’s corny and predictable. But the other part of me keeps turning pages, cheering for Bea, wanting everything to turn out well for Bea and Ella.
This is a quick read, an easy read. It demonstrates kindness, friendship, love, resilience. The importance of family is stressed. Small things matter. These are such important characteristics to observe with all the disasters and wars happening. This book is a reminder that there is still good in the world.
Though I was satisfied by the ending, there may have been a couple of tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
This book starts out as a dark horse for me. I was not sure what to expect. The title sounds very romance-y……not my favourite genre. But, the blurb drThis book starts out as a dark horse for me. I was not sure what to expect. The title sounds very romance-y……not my favourite genre. But, the blurb draws me in. It's about the rekindling of a marriage that ended forty years prior.
I think many people think about “the one that got away�, whether it was a relationship or a marriage. The one special person where it didn't work out, for one reason or another. Charlie and Viv were married quite young and the marriage did not last because of alcohol.
While there is an instant (but cautious) attraction, the journey is not without its stumbles. And, so it should be. People change a lot in 40 years. It is interesting to follow as they learn about each other. The characters seem very real. Flawed, not perfect. There are secrets. There is a bit of drama.
This is definitely a character-driven story. There's not a lot of action. It sort of ambles along. A cozy, comfortable story. I felt very engaged with the characters. I especially enjoyed the last chapter. I could feel the excitement and emotions.
I do have two little things to complain about. Firstly: there are no quotation marks used throughout the whole book. At first, it confused me but the author wrote in such a way that I soon fell into the rhythm and knew who was speaking. Secondly: now that I have finished the book, the title makes sense. But, to some readers, it might be off-putting. Like a cheesy romance. It definitely isn't, but the title does not reflect that. These two things have not affected my rating.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. ...more
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