Tag Archives: Family

Lost and Found by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Lost and Found by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
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.

 

 

Review:

Lost and Found by Danielle Steel is another wonderful story about families that grow distant over time. 

Madison Allen, our heroine, is a 58 year old woman, who has a successful career as a famous photographer; lives alone in a firehouse in New York City that was made into a glorious house and studio.  Madison has three grown children, whom she rarely sees, as they all have their own lives. One evening, Madison decides to look through some old letters, and falls from the ladder, thereby breaking her ankle.  Madison’s daughter, who comes across as a coldhearted b*tch, tells her she should move to an assistant living home, that she might be becoming senile, etc.   This will lead Madison to take a couple of weeks off, and go on a trip down memory lane, to visit some old flames along the way.  Her trek will take her to Boston, Chicago and Wyoming, and in the first two stops she meets the men whom she had a relationship, and knows she made the right choice in leaving.  When she gets to Wyoming, she goes to meet the one man she still thinks about, but learns that he died a couple of months ago.  Madison enjoyed her visit with the rancher’s family, and how he never forgot her. 

Since Madison is not far from California, where her son lives, she decides to visit him.  I did like her son, who was determined to pay more attention to his mother, as well as telling off his sister, who was so negative and nasty to their mom.  I also enjoyed when Madison visited her younger daughter, who is a loner and a writer. It was really nice to see the change in her daughter and her surprise boyfriend.

Prior to visiting her son, she meets a man at the Big Sur, who is a writer from England.  They both enjoy each other’s company, and she meets him after the visit with her son; the attraction between them is strong, and Madison needs to decide if she really wants to get into any relationship.

What follows is a heartwarming story, as Madison builds her confidence and rekindles her relationships with her son and younger daughter, as well as standing up to her older daughter.  Over a short period of time, Madison opens to love again, but a tragic accident overseas on a photoshoot, will bring her family and boyfriend together in a sweet wonderful ending.  Lost and Found was another great story by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Love in the Afternoon by Karen Hawkins – a Review

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Love in the Afternoon by Karen Hawkins – a Review

 

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Description:
A woman with a legendary green thumb, a man living in an emotional desert, and a small boy unable to connect with others. Can the three of them, with a little help from the charmed town of Dove Pond (and a pesky ghost), turn a nightmare into a fairytale and forge their own happily ever after?

Young widow Sofia Rodriquez has just accepted the position of greenhouse manager for Ava Dove’s booming herbal tea business. Sofia is delighted to have found a job that will make use of her gardening skills and allow her to spend time with her son, Noah, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s. Adding to her joy is the charming farmhouse she’s renting on the edge of Dove Pond.

The only cloud on Sofia’s horizon is her next-door neighbor, Jake, whose yard is a thorny jungle worthy of Sleeping Beauty. Soon enough, Sofia discovers that Jake himself is just as thorny and unpleasant as his yard.

After his fiancé left him, work-from-home IT whiz and game developer Jake Klaine has gone from Prince Charming to complete hermit. But Jake isn’t really alone; he’s living with a ghost: a (formerly) hairy man named Doyle who’s a fan of bad puns and who refuses to leave Jake’s bathtub. This is nothing new for Jake, as he’s been talking to ghosts since he was a boy. He finds real people harder to deal with, like the kid next door who won’t stop bugging him about the new game he’s developing.

Sofia and Jake know all too well that life isn’t a game. They’ve both lost the person they loved most. But under the watchful eye of the ghostly Doyle and Sofia’s new friend Ava, who has abilities of her own, Jake and Sofia decide to take a chance and let in an outsider. Soon they discover that, with a little magic, even the thorniest walls are no match for the innocent trust of a lonely child and the fierce determination of a woman wielding a razor-sharp pruner and a heart big enough to make even the most stubborn flower bloom.

 

 

Review:

Love in the Afternoon by Karen Hawkins is a novella in her new Dove Pond series.  This was a wonderful heartwarming story that kept us reading from beginning to end.  We meet our hero, Jake Klaine, who unbeknownst to other people sees ghosts from time to time.  Jake is an IT Geek and game developer, and a loner.  After his ex fiancé left him, Jake keeps to himself, totally engrossed in his creating games.  Doyle, is a ghost, who was his next door neighbor who died a few years before, but is now a frequent visitor, continually harasses Jake to go out and meet people. 

Sofia Rodriquez, our heroine, has moved next door to Jake, having accepted the position working for Ava Dove overseeing the greenhouse. Sofia, who is a widow, is happy for the first time in a long while, as she loves her job utilizing her gardening skills.  Sofia’s son, Noah, has Asperger’s, and this job not only pays well, but allows her to be home more for Noah.  

Sofia notices the house next door is covered with rose bushes, and finds out that the man next door is more or less a hermit.  When Noah goes next door, after getting of the school bus, he asks Jake, to Sofia’s horror, if he is a hermit.  Jake, who doesn’t talk much, or out of practice, is surprised, but even more so when he realizes how smart Noah is, and he is a top gamer.  Noah wants to learn how to create codes to make his own games, and Jake decides to teach him a few days a week.

What follows is such a sweet, wonderful slow build romance (totally in background), as we see Jake slowly come out of his phobia to be around people; as well as his developing a close friendship with Noah.  Sofia finds herself also falling for Jake, as he begins to talk and smile at her more.  His ex was not well liked by anyone, and Sofia is such a patient and charming heroine. 

I loved both Jake and Sofia and Noah, and it was such a pleasure to watch those walls come crumbling down.  Doyle was a blast, when he would yell at Jake to tell him how to act or what to do, out of earshot of others.   Love in the Afternoon is a perfect quick read, with a wonderful couple, and dealing with someone with Asperger’s.  I cannot wait to read the next book in this new series, as Karen Hawkins has hit this out of the park.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

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Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy – a Review

 

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Description:
Returning to their hometown isn’t something the Bradshaw brothers ever thought they’d do. But a family tragedy has reunited them in Benevolence, Washington–where second chances, reignited dreams, and real love are never far away . . .

Texas rancher Flynn Bradshaw has his work cut out for him. His sister-in-law, Sunday, is finally home after the car crash that killed her husband and left her critically injured. But Flynn still has to get her failing ancestral farm up and running while looking after his six nieces and nephews. He prefers wide open spaces and working solo. Yet as he tries to get the grieving Sunday to care about her life again, he’s finding a chance for love that’s closer than he ever expected . . .

Even before the accident, Sunday struggled to keep the farm afloat as her once-happy marriage crumbled. Now with her body still recovering, she can’t seem to get back the hope she once had. But as she reconnects with her children, Flynn’s dedication, love for the land, and caring slowly inspire her to dream again. Is their growing affection enough to help them through unresolved pain–and risk trying for a future together?

 

 

Review:

Home at Last by Shirlee McCoy is the 3rd book in her The Bradshaws series. In Home at Last we return to Benvolence, Washington, where the Bradshaw brothers take their turn in helping their deceased brother’s family take care of their farm, and help Sunday, who has just returned home, but still suffers the effects of her serious brain damage injury.  Each brother takes his turn to help Sunday and the 6 adopted children. 

Flynn Bradshaw returns home to take his turn in helping bring the farm and the family’s finances back in order.  He plans to spend a few weeks, and then return to his home in Texas.  Best laid plans do not always work out. Flynn evaluates the overall situation of the farm and the finances that his brother Matt left his family, and along the way discovers that Matt mismanaged everything, and was having an affair.

Sunday, who is slowly recovering, but still very much unable to remember things, as well as her having difficulty with her mobility.   Her children try hard to help her remember things, but it is Flynn who begins to keep a close eye on Sunday; especially  when she tries to walk around the farm trying to remember.  He ends up helping Sunday from dangerous situations, and though she wants to do it on her own, she knows she needs help.   A slow built friendship begins, as Sunday begins to trust and rely on Flynn’s help; and Flynn finds himself drawn to the beautiful but flawed widow of his brother.   Together, they both come to terms with Matt’s betrayals, which will bring them together even more.

What follows is a heartwarming story of family, heartbreak, forgiveness and love.  I loved Sunday and Flynn together, though we could see that eventually they will end up together, the romance and Sunday’s complete recovery was left open.  It was wonderful to see the family all bond together to help Sunday move forward, and become more active in their daily duties.  Flynn was truly a great hero, helping with fixing up the farm; working with the children; and being there for Sunday. 

Shirlee McCoy once again gives us a heartwarming and emotional story. Home at Last was written so well by McCoy, and her characters were wonderful.  If you enjoy small town romances, family atmosphere, young children, sweet likeable couple, I suggest you start this series. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Silent Night by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Silent Night by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Paige Watts is the ultimate stage mother. The daughter of Hollywood royalty, Paige channels her acting dreams into making her own daughter, Emma, a star. By the age of nine, Emma is playing a central role in a hit TV show. Then everything is shattered by unforeseeable tragedy.

Now Emma is living with her aunt Whitney, who had chosen a very different path from her sister’s. Whitney was always the studious older sister, hating the cult of celebrity that enveloped their childhood. Instead, she is a psychiatrist who lives for her work and enjoys a no-strings-attached love affair with a wealthy venture capitalist. But at a moment’s notice, Whitney drops everything to help her niece.

Once famous, outgoing, and charismatic, Emma is now a shadow of her former self–without speech, without memory, lost and terrified. But with her aunt Whitney’s help, along with a team of caregivers and doctors, Emma begins to find her way, starting her young life all over again–and changing the lives of everyone around her.

Emotionally gripping and richly involving, Silent Night explores how the heart has mysterious healing powers of its own, and blessings happen when we think all is lost.

 

 

Review:

Silent Night by Danielle Steel is a standalone novel that is a bit different then her usual trademark romantic stories.  Yes it has a little of romance, but it is the story of family, tragedy, love and life changing events.  Silent Night was a wonderful and very emotional story.

Paige and Whitney Watts are sisters, and very much different, as their mother was a famous actress.  Paige loves the spotlight, and since she could not get her own career started, she lives through her daughter, Emma, who has become a popular young actress on a television show; she has become the ultimate stage mother.  Whitney is the opposite, as she is a psychiatrist, who loves her work, and enjoys life with her wealthy boyfriend, but frowns on how Paige pushes Emma to the spotlight. 

One night everything changes when a tragic accident kills Paige, and severely injures Emma.  Being the next of kin, Whitney is contacted while on vacation in Italy, and drops everything to rush home to be with her niece.  What she finds at the hospital is that Emma has serious brain damage in the frontal lobe, and is in a semi coma.  Whitney will change her life to take care of Emma, and help her recover from the serious damage she had to her brain.  Emma at 9 years old, will come out of the coma, unable to remember, or talk (she talks gibberish) and has a hard time overall with understanding and mobility. This is very emotional story, as we watch Whitney and Emma struggle through life and the determination to rise above the terrible effects and pain surrounding them now.   I really loved Whitney, as she loved her niece and was willing to change her life to become the caregiver for Emma.  It was sad to watch Emma, unable to cope with her inability to talk, and the ensuing violence, when her anger took control.  Whitney persevered and brought in specialists to work with Emma.  There is a slow built romance between Whitney and Dr. Bailey (he was one of her doctors), as they spent a lot of time together during their struggle to help Emma.   

I really enjoyed Silent Night, which was an emotional and heartbreaking story line.  Both Whitney and Emma were wonderful characters that had us emotionally pulled into their lives.  I do not want to give spoilers, but I will say that Silent Night was a different type of read for me from Danielle Steel; but it was a great story.Once again Danielle Steele blows it out of the park. I wholly suggest you read Silent Night.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Strawberry Hill by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

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Strawberry Hill by Catherine Anderson – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
As a camp cook, Vickie Brown loves feeding any size crowd in the great outdoors–with one notable exception. She never would have predicted she’d join the crew led by gruff cowboy Slade Wilder, the man who broke her heart just days before their wedding.

Life has gone on since Vickie left him, but Slade can admit his attraction to the one woman he’s ever loved remains stronger than ever. If he wasn’t in such desperate need of an experienced cook for his paying guests, he would send Vickie packing. He knows better than to seek out the company of the woman who broke off their engagement so many years ago.

Except there’s no escaping each other in the confines of the wilderness area, especially once their anger begins to soften in the shared close quarters. But after Vickie finds the courage to confront Slade, it will take a leap of faith for them to put their past behind him, even if it’s the only way to recapture their once-in-a-lifetime love

 

 

 

Review:

Strawberry Hill by Catherine Anderson is the 5th book in her Mystic Creek series. Each one of the books in this series usually centers on two couples; one being an older couple.  In Strawberry Hill, the older couple is the main couple, though early on in the book, it seemed to be focused on the younger couple.  I was surprised, especially since the younger couple was centered   more at the start of the book, and the official description doesn’t even mention them.

We meet Erin, a new cop, who is sent by her commanding officer to make sure riders are following the rules.  She comes across Wyatt, a rancher, whom she finds out later works for her uncle, Slade, whom we met in the prologue, which took place 40 years earlier when he was rescuing a baby bear.   Unbeknownst to Erin, when she tries to question Wyatt, he rides on ignoring her.  She later finds out that he is deaf, and slowly after a bad start they become friends, with a common bond to help her uncle. 

At this point, they become the back story, and Slade Wilder takes center stage, trying to hire a cook for his ranch.  When Slade meets his new cook, Vickie Brown, to his chagrin, he recognizes her as the girl who broke his heart 40 years ago, whom he never forgot.    Vickie came to the Wilder Ranch to confront Slade about his ignoring her letters years before, telling him she was pregnant and now is determined to confront him with the truth about his son. 

What follows is a nice romance about  a couple that never has forgotten their love years before, and in a short time the chemistry  between them comes flooding back, but first they need to resolve the misunderstandings from the past that cost them all those years.   Vickie had left Slade when she find out he slept with a friend, which he denied, but she had proof.  When she sent him three letters about his son, she went on with her life til now.  Slade was upset that she didn’t tell him; despite her saying he ignored her letters.  They will discover the truth about the sabotages to their relationship, and who was responsible.  Will they find a way 40 years later to stay together and  resume their love for each other?

It was a nice romance of a likeable older couple, and Vickie was a riot pulling pranks on Slade.  I did keep waiting for the continuation of Erin and Wyatt.  I really enjoyed the glimpses of the bear (the baby he nursed back to health all those years ago), as this was a fun part of the story, as some of the bear’s antics were hilarious.

Catherine Anderson once again gives us a wonderful story that was very well written.  I suggest if you have not read the Mystic Creek series, you need to do so soon and start with the first book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Catherine’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of STRAWBERRY HILL to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway runs from Janurary 1 – 5, 2019

 

 

 

 

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The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon – a Review

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The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon – a Review

 

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Description:
Both Cassie Hugo and Margaret Brickshaw dutifully followed their soldier husbands to the U.S. embassy in Jordan, but that’s about all the women have in common. After two years, Cassie’s become an expert on the rules, but newly arrived Margaret sees only her chance to explore. So when a fender-bender sends Margaret to the local police station, Cassie reluctantly agrees to watch Margaret’s toddler son. But as the hours pass, Cassie’s boredom and frustration turn to fear: Why isn’t Margaret answering her phone, and why is it taking so long to sort out a routine accident? Snooping around Margaret’s apartment, Cassie begins to question not only her friend’s whereabouts but also her own role in Margaret’s disappearance.

Written with emotional insight and stunning prose, The Confusion of Languages is a shattering portrait of a collision between two women and two worlds, as well as a poignant glimpse into the private lives of American military families living overseas.

 

Review:

The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon is a story about two military families, centering on two wives, living overseas in the Middle East (Jordan); the time is around 2011, when Osama Bin Laden was killed.  The two women are Cassie Hugo and Margaret Brickshaw.  Cassie and her husband Dan, are considered veterans living in the US Embassy for about two years.  When Margaret arrives in Jordan with her husband, Crick, Cassie will try to help her get acclimated to this way of life.  The two women are complete opposites, with Cassie, a stickler for following the rules and Margaret, a rule breaker talking to everyone, even those she should not be mingling with.  The other detail is that Margaret has a young son, Mather, and Cassie, who wants desperately to have children, is childless.

When their husbands are sent to Rome on an assignment, they tell Cassie to keep an eye on Margaret.  When there is a vendor bender accident, Margaret goes to report her accident to the police, while Cassie stays back to watch Mather.  As the hours pass, and Margaret has not returned, Cassie becomes worried, and contacts Crick to have the embassy find her.   While waiting, she comes across Margaret’s diary and we learn more about her life, as well as what Margaret has been doing during her stay in Jordan.  Margaret, being her careless self, will befriend some Jordanian people, which will cause problems for all, as the Jordanian rules do not allow for this. 

What follows is an interesting and somewhat complex storyline of two women so different, yet thrown together in a dangerous and different environment.  The two main protagonists, Cassie & Margaret were to me not really likable.  Cassie, being lonely and taught to follow rules came across as sarcastic at times.  Margaret was a bit too flighty and not responsible.  There were some surprises and twists along the way, which did help the story line.

The Confusion of Languages was a different type of read for me.  I thought it was interesting, but not sure I would read this type of book again.   Though I will say that the writing of Siobhan Fallon was very well done, and I did read that she has experienced military life abroad.  If you enjoy these types of stories, you can’t go wrong with this book, especially so well written by Fallon.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart – a Review

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Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart – a Review

 

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Description
Former beauty queen Sheila Tremayne looks dainty, but she’s tougher than she seems. The hard-as-nails business woman is determined to bring down corruption among Lantano Valley’s rich and powerful. Her latest scheme to get technology tycoon Chadwick Oliver is going perfectly until a distraction arrives in the form of Malcolm—the man who broke her heart and who happens to be Chadwick’s son…

Malcolm spent five long years away after his father publicly blamed him for some shady business dealings. Now he’s back to exact some revenge. Reconnecting with Sheila was never part of the plan, but the second he sees her, there’s no way he can resist…

Sheila and Malcolm quickly fall into the sizzling passion between them, but Malcolm has no intention of staying once he’s finished with his father—even if leaving Sheila again might be more than he can bear…



Review:

Here Comes Trouble by Anna J. Stewart is the 2nd book in her Tremayne Family series. I loved the first book (Asking For Trouble ) in this series, and after finishing Here Comes Trouble, I will say this one is just as good or even better.  

This book belongs to Sheila Tremayne, the other daughter in the Tremayne family. Morgan, Sheila’s sister had her story in the first book. Sheila is the one everyone goes to for help to organize all events, and while overseeing the Oliver gala, she spots Malcolm Oliver, the oldest Oliver son, who left 5 years ago in disgrace. Sheila and Malcolm were very much in love when he left, leaving Sheila heartbroken.

Both have their own secrets, which they will eventually confide in each other, as in the long run, it becomes clear that their agendas actually work together. In a short time, they will also rekindle their romance. Sheila will learn the truth of why Malcolm left, and why he is back. Malcolm will also discover who is behind the thief in Lantano Valley, called Nemesis.

Sheila, Nathan, and their father will work together with Malcolm to help him get revenge against his father, Chadwick, who framed him years ago. This was a wonderful story, of a family that is behind the thief, who is considered a modern day RobinHood. Nemisis steals from the rich (usually art work), who cheat and lie, and give to those who are in need. Only Morgan, who helps run a foundation to fund the hospitals and doctors to help children with cancer, has no idea that the rest of her family has been hiding something from her.

Malcolm and Sheila were great together, and so much in love. There is no mistaking their hot chemistry. Sheila forgave him for leaving, but she knew Malcolm did not plan to stay. She did not understand that he loved her, but yet wasn’t willing to stay. We know that Malcolm is hiding another major secret that will threaten to break their relationship yet again.

Anna J. Stewart once again gives us a fantastic story of the Tremayne family and the surrounding characters either part of their family or close. This was a sweet second chance romance, with some heartbreak, as well as exciting with some suspense. I could not put this book down, as I enjoyed every moment. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

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The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel – Review, Interview & Giveaway

 

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Description:
In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.

 

Review:

Just…….wow. The Life Intended draws you into something that could so very well have happened to any of us with the very first sentence. The loss that Kate incurs is heart wrenching. She and Patrick truly seemed to have it all, until one fateful morning that would change everything. A morning that she would question for years to come.

As the blurb states, Kate gets engaged and is planning her wedding……Or at least, that’s what she’s supposed to be doing, but something is holding her back. Even though she loves her fiancé, she feels the relationship isn’t where it should be as far as she’s concerned. And, when the dreams start, she’s thrown for such a loop that she begins to question everything. Even her sanity at times. She embarks on new endeavors as she tries to figure out what’s real and what’s not, one thing is for sure….should she settle, or should she try to live the life intended?

The Life Intended is a wonderfully written story with strong and very believable characters. Kate has so many layers that surface as she maneuvers through dealing with the loss of her husband up until she realizes what it is she’s intended to do and what she’s intended to BE. I wish I could tell you more, but it would be a spoiler and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. And, even though the direction of the story is a little predictable at times, the ultimate reveal surprised me. This one is ultimately a story of coming to terms with unfathomable loss in order to (pardon the pun), live the life intended. Even though it takes years for it to happen, Kate ultimately finds her way, and a few surprises along the way that will make your heart smile, after shedding a few tears. This is the first novel I’ve read by Kristin Harmel, but I definitely look forward to reading more. Well done, Kristin Harmel, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview-Gold

Kristin, we at the Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

face closeup

 

Kristin:  Thanks so much for having me!!

TRC:  Would you please tell us about yourself?

Kristin:   Sure thing. I’m the author of several novels, including The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended. I have a background in journalism (credits include People magazine and Travel + Leisure magazine), and I’ve been a novelist for about a decade now. I’m a graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism & Communications (Go Gators!), and I live in Orlando, Florida with my husband, Jason.

TRC:   When and how did you first become interested in writing?

Kristin:   I’ve always loved to write; I think I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about 6. That’s the year I wrote my first “chapter book,” which was a set of stapled-together pages detailing how the Bobbsey Twins (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbsey_Twins) came to Ohio to help solve the mystery of my dad’s missing tuxedo.

TRC:   What was your first book ever published? Can you please tell us your reaction when you found out you were being published?

Kristin:   My first novel was called How to Sleep With a Movie Star. Not a how-to guide, I promise! I wrote it in 2003 and sold it in 2004. It came out in February 2006. Actually, funny story: we got the offer for the book, from Amy Einhorn (who was then with Warner Books) on April Fool’s Day 2004, and when my agent called to tell me, I thought she was playing a terrible April Fool’s joke on me. It took me a while to actually realize she was serious; I had been offered a book deal!

TRC:   The Life Intended was released yesterday. Can you tell us how you come up with the idea of this story?

Kristin:   Sure. Usually, I’m a meticulous plotter, who thinks through every detail ahead of time and lays the entire book out on the page – in outline form – over the course of a few months. The Life Intended was the one exception to that. I woke up one morning with the entire plot of the book in my head. I jumped out of bed and started scribbling down my thoughts before they vanished, the way that dreams often do, and in the end, my hand-written notes from a single morning formed the basis of 90 percent of the book! Other elements developed later, and I still had a lot of research to do, but somehow implausibly, this book literally came out of a dream, which is super-weird, because it’s about a character who has very vivid dreams of an alternative life that feels real.

TRC:   Can you please give us a brief description of The Life Intended?

Kristin:   Sure. I’m lousy at describing my own books, so I’m going to tell you what the publisher is saying. They’re much better at this than me!

     “In this richly told story where Sliding Doors meets P.S. I Love You, Kristin Harmel weaves a heart-wrenching tale that asks: what does it take to move forward in life without forgetting the past?

     “After her husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, Kate Waithman never expected to be lucky enough to find another love of her life. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle to a perfectly nice man. So why isn’t she more excited?

     “At first, Kate blames her lack of sleep on stress. But when she starts seeing Patrick, her late husband, in her dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s really ready to move on. Is Patrick trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, Kate must uncover her husband’s hidden message. Her quest leads her to a sign language class and into the New York City foster system, where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.”

TRC:   You recently released The Sweetness of Forgetting. Can you please tell us about this novel, for those who may not have read it?

Kristin:   Sure thing. And again, because I’m terrible at summarizing my own books, I’m going to tell you how my publisher describes it:

     “A baker in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, must travel to Paris to uncover a family secret for her dying grandmother—and what she learns may change everything. The Sweetness of Forgetting is the book that made Kristin Harmel an international bestseller.

     “At thirty-six, Hope McKenna-Smith is no stranger to bad news. She lost her mother to cancer, her husband left her for a twenty-two year old, and her bank account is nearly depleted. Her own dreams of becoming a lawyer long gone, she’s running a failing family bakery on Cape Cod and raising a troubled preteen.

     “Now, Hope’s beloved French-born grandmother Mamie, who wowed the Cape with her fabulous pastries for more than fifty years, is drifting away into a haze of Alzheimer’s. But in a rare moment of clarity, Mamie realizes that unless she tells Hope about the past, the secrets she has held on to for so many years will soon be lost forever. Tantalizingly, she reveals mysterious snippets of a tragic history in Paris. And then, arming her with a scrawled list of names, she sends Hope to France to uncover a seventy-year-old mystery.

     “Hope’s emotional journey takes her through the bakeries of Paris and three religious traditions, all guided by Mamie’s fairy tales and the sweet tastes of home. As Hope pieces together her family’s history, she finds horrific Holocaust stories mixed with powerful testimonies of her family’s will to survive in a world gone mad. And to reunite two lovers torn apart by terror, all she’ll need is a dash of courage, and the belief that God exists everywhere, even in cake. . . .”

TRC:   You write heartwarming, life changing, and humorous stories. You have also written a YA novel. Is there any genre you would like to try?

Kristin:   I’d love to write middle grade novels (ages 8-12) one day, maybe once I have kids. I will say that I think those humorous stories you mentioned were sort of part of an earlier phase in my career. When I wrote my first book in 2003, I was 24 years old and chick lit was at its height. Light and funny – like a classic romantic comedy – was the way to go. I think over the last decade or so, I’ve evolved into a different type of writer as I’ve grown up. The Sweetness of Forgetting and The Life Intended are a lot more indicative of where my career is right now –and will be going in the future, I think.

TRC:   What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? Do you have any hobbies?

Kristin:  I love to cook – hence the original recipes in The Sweetness of Forgetting – and I’m a big music fan, so I love going to live shows. Aside from that, I love going to Disney World (only about 15 minutes from my house), traveling (especially to Europe), reading, and hanging out with my friends and family.

TRC:   Can you please tell us your writing process? Do you have a favorite spot or specific time to write?

Kristin:   I write best in the mornings – I usually begin at 8 a.m. – and I currently write in the kitchen nook of the condo where I’ve lived for ten years. I converted it into my office just after moving in. However, my husband and I have just bought a house, and now I’ll have an actual office. I’m not sure how I’ll cope without being attached to the kitchen! (I bake when I need to cure writer’s block.)

TRC:   What are you currently working on?

Kristin:  I’m currently in the final stage of editing my next young adult novel, and I’m working on an outline for a women’s fiction novel that should be out in late 2015. I outline very long; most of my outlines are 20,000 words or more, because I work through all the plot points and try to get everything, including dialogue, down on the page as it comes to me. So once I finish an outline, the actual writing of the book generally goes very quickly. Yep, I’m weird.

TRC:   You have written for People Magazine. Are you still writing for them? What was it like interviewing celebrities, and who was your favorite?

Kristin:   I’ve written for People since 2000, and I still write for them on occasion; my last piece for them was this sweet and sad one from June — http://www.people.com/article/university-of-florida-gators-softball-win-national-title-cancer-teen.But honestly, I’m so busy with writing and promoting my novels that I don’t have a ton of time to pitch People anymore. Also, it turns out that writing three novels and getting married – all in the same year – isn’t the most brilliant way to manage one’s time (a lesson I learned the hard way in 2014!). I do truly love writing for People, though, especially because for the last several years, I have mostly specialized in writing their Heroes Among Us stories (instead of celebrity stories). That said, I would have to say that my favorite celebrity interview was probably Patrick Dempsey. I interviewed him a handful of times, and he was always tremendously kind, warm and genuine. His love for his wife and kids was always very evident, and he just seemed like a truly good person. I also enjoyed speaking with Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck (Who wouldn’t enjoy that, right?); I loved spending time with Andre Benjamin (suuuuuch a cool guy) and I completely geeked out over a brief interview with Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw! Talking to me!), but Patrick Dempsey was definitely my favorite, simply because of his kindness. Okay, and his beautiful eyes.

TRC:  sigh…..I love Patrick Dempsey

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else?

Kristin:  Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me – and to check out The Life Intended. I think at its core, it’s a book about choosing happiness, and the fact that we all have the power and the right to choose happiness in our own lives. I think that’s a particularly perfect message for today – and for the next few weeks – as we make our New Year’s Resolutions. I hope that if you read The Life Intended, you’ll feel inspired to resolve to choose happiness for yourself in 2015 and beyond.

 

LIGHTNING ROUND:

FAVORITE FOOD: Crispy rice with spicy tuna from Katsuya in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. Preferably while sitting at the bar sipping a drink concocted by my friend Ryan, the coolest bartender in all of California. I know, that’s awfully specific. And now, my mouth is watering and my heart is breaking a little, because I’m more than 2,000 miles away.

FAVORITE DESSERT: S’mores. It’s not just the taste, but the whole ceremony of making them!

FAVORITE BOOK: Anne Frank’s diary is a longtime favorite. The Great Gatsby might be my favorite novel, although I love most of Hemingway’s work too. Of course on any given day, my current favorite book changes based on what I’m reading at the time.

FAVORITE CHARACTER (NOT YOUR OWN): Bridget Jones is probably a good pick!

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING: I recently started reading Lucinda Riley’s books, and I can’t stop. I just flew through The Orchid House and The Lavender Garden, and I think I’ll read The Midnight Rose next. She’s just such a beautiful storyteller. I’m also midway through Alyson Richman’s The Lost Wife, which is just spellbinding so far. I know it came out a few years ago, but I try not read books that are similar to mine while I’m writing or touring with those books, and The Lost Wife is similar, in some ways, to The Sweetness of Forgetting (my last novel). I’m so glad I’m finally getting to read it.

LAST VACATION SPOT: Europe! I got married in March, and my husband and I took our honeymoon in May to Ireland, Scotland and France. Loved every second of it!

LAST MOVIE YOU SAW: Gone Girl. Amazing. That Gillian Flynn blows me away! It’s no easy feat to adapt your own book for screen, but she did it masterfully.

CAT or DOG: Dog! I grew up with a Dalmatian, and my husband and I will probably buy a new dog this year – maybe a beagle or a corgi – once we’re moved into our new home.

TRC:   Thank you, Kristin for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with The Life Intended. We look forward to working with you again.

Kristin:   Thank you! I look forward to working with you again too! Have a happy new year!

You can learn more about Kristin at the following links:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

giveaway

Kristin’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE LIFE INTENDED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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7. Please LIKE  Kristin Harmel on FACEBOOK.

8. Giveaway is open to USA & CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from December 31, 2014 to January 4, 2015

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