Tag Archives: Friendship

The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

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Description:
Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting aren’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.

With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when Silas, the owner who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under the control of both his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.

Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some of her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.

 

 

Review:

The Bright Spot by Jill Shalvis is the 5th book in her wonderful Sunrise Cove series.  We meet, Luna Wright, at the start, as she runs the Apple Ridge Farm, with a group of friends and animals; who each have their own areas on the farm to be in charge of; with a farm to café atmosphere. All of the secondary characters were great, and always loyal to Luna; Willow, Stella, Chef, Milo, etc; as all of her employee’s have become her family.

 When the owner (Silas) of the farm, passes away suddenly, Luna is shocked to learn that she inherits 50% of the farm; as well as learning that Silas was secretly her grandfather (she never knew). Now she needs to meet the man who owns the other 50%. 

Jameson Hayes, our hero, arrives the following morning to meet Luna; as he is a financial advisor, who will try to salvage any debts on the farm, reviewing all the books.  Jameson is immediately attracted to Luna, but knows that the farm is in a dire financial situation, with Luna thinking she can fix things.  Jamesson tries to find ways to cut things, but Luna is adamant to leave things as they are. Together they must learn to trust each other and find a way to save the farm.

I got a kick out of the cute animals, on the farm that Luna rescues, especially Dammit Ziggy, a baby goat, who in a short time loves Jameson. There are so many other cute animals, that made the story fun. I loved how Luna not only took care of the animals, but she made sure that all her employees were part of her found family, as she was totally loyal to all of them.

Both Luna and Jameson knew they needed to come up with various idea to save the farm. Jameson was smart and resourceful, always willing to listen to some ideas from Luna. They both learned to trust each other, not to mention their sexy romance escalating.  I really loved Luna and Jameson together, as they had such great chemistry between them.

The Bright Spot was a sweet wonderful romance, with some angst, drama, family, fun banter, and laughter.  The ending was great, as the whole family joined in to win the battle.  The Bright Spot was so very well written by Jill Shalvis. If you love romance, look no further then Jill Shalvis.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden – Review & Giveaway

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Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected.

American chef Georgia May Jackson has one goal—to run her own restaurant in Paris. After a grueling decade working in Parisian kitchens, she is on the cusp of success. But in one disastrous night, Georgia loses her sous-chef position, her French boyfriend, and her sense of taste! Renowned for her refined palate and daring use of bold flavors to create remarkable dishes, Georgia is devastated to discover her culinary gift has simply…vanished.

When she receives a surprising invitation from her estranged mother, Georgia flees to a small island near Seattle hoping the visit will help her regain her spark in the kitchen. There she tentatively reconnects with her mom, a free-spirited hippie eager to make up for her past mistakes. But there’s something about the enigmatic island Georgia just can’t piece together. Good luck charms keep appearing in the oddest places. Her neighbor is a puzzlingly antagonist (and annoyingly handsome) oyster farmer. And her mom keeps hinting at a mysterious family legacy.

With the clock ticking and time running out to win her dream job in Paris, Georgia begins to unravel some astonishing secrets that make her wonder if the true recipe for a charmed life might look—and taste—very different than she ever imagined.

 

 

Review:

Recipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel Linden is a wonderful delightful stand alone novel. We meet Georgia May Jackson, our heroine, who has worked a decade at many Paris restaurants, and is now a successful sous-chef; she is determined to own a restaurant of her own. Georgia is very happy in Paris, also dating her boss (head chef) for three years, and one night everything falls apart. She discovers her boyfriend cheating on her at work, and loses her control, getting herself fired, not to mention losing her culinary gift tastings.  Unsure of what to do, Georgia gets a shocking invitation from her estranged mother (whom she has not seen in almost 30 years), to visit her at San Juan Island near Seattle. She still carries memories of her mother’s abandonment at a very young age, with her living with her father and aunt in Texas.  Georgia makes the decision to take the journey back to America, to reconnect with her mother, and learn more about the long- buried family secrets. A break from her bad press in Paris is just what she needs, and to find her spark in her culinary tastebuds again; this journey could hopefully help in her healing process.

Georgia reconnects with her mother (Star), learning a bit about why she left her and never returned; as we get closer to the last third of the book, all secrets will be revealed. Georgia discovers how wonderful the enigmatic island was, giving her healing vibes, as well as finding good luck charms.    Georgia also learns about all the family women having magical gifts, with each being different, as hers was the ability to taste food in a special way.

Georgia also meets Cole, who is a neighbor of Star, as well as a confident friend. At first Georgia finds Cole being antagonistic, and not friendly, but in a short time, sparks will begin to fly between them.  Georgia learns more about Cole, as he was sort of in hiding in San Juan, and she pushes him to get back to his previous success.  I really liked both of them together, hoping they would find a way be together.

I really loved Georgia and Star becoming close, and her learning that Star is sick, with early stages of dementia.  When her father arrives, all the family secrets were unearthed.  With revelations about Star’s drug habit early, and her father and aunt forcing her to leave. Georgia was beside herself after learning all the secrets, and that all of them never told her the truth; being angry, she returns to Paris, even blaming Cole for not telling her the truth. 

What follows is Georgia returning to Paris to compete in a chance to become the head chef (with two other competitors), especially now with her tastebuds having returned.  Will she want to stay in Paris with a successful new restaurant?  Will she return to San Juan Island to stay and help with her mother? Will Cole find a way to win over Georgia?

Recipe for a Charmed Life is a wonderful, delightful story of family, secrets, love and forgiveness. Recipe for a Charmed Life was so very well written by Rachel Linden.  I wholly suggest you read this enchanting book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Berkley Romance is offering a paper copy of RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

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The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – a Review

 

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Description:
Four women come together to save the summer camp that changed their lives and rediscover themselves in the process in this moving new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Veil and the Peachtree Bluff series.

Nearly thirty years ago, in the wake of a personal tragedy, June Moore bought Camp Holly Springs and turned it into a thriving summer haven for girls. But now, June is in danger of losing the place she has sacrificed everything for, and begins to realize how much she has used the camp to avoid facing difficulties in her life.

June’s niece, Daphne, met her two best friends, Lanier and Mary Stuart, during a fateful summer at camp. They’ve all helped each other through hard things, from heartbreak and loss to substance abuse and unplanned pregnancy, and the three are inseparable even in their thirties. But when attorney Daphne is confronted with a relationship from her past—and a confidential issue at work becomes personal—she is faced with an impossible choice.

Lanier, meanwhile, is struggling with tough decisions of her own. After a run-in with an old flame, she is torn between the commitment she made to her fiancé and the one she made to her first love. And when a big secret comes to light, she finds herself at odds with her best friend…and risks losing the person she loves most.

But in spite of their personal problems, nothing is more important to these songbirds than Camp Holly Springs. When the women learn their childhood oasis is in danger of closing, they band together to save it, sending them on a journey that promises to open the next chapters in their lives.

From an author whose “writing coats your soul with heart” ( E! Online ), The Summer of Songbirds is a lyrical and unforgettable celebration of female friendship, summertime freedom, and enduring sisterhood—and a love letter to the places and people that make us who we are.

 

 

Review:

The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey is another one of her wonderful novels.  This story has multiple (3) POV’s, Daphne, Lanier and June, with the third close friend, Mary Stuart. 30 years ago, June, decided to buy Camp Holly Springs, turning it into a successful and thriving summer haven for girls. At that time, June enrolled her 6-year-old niece Daphne to the camp, and there she met Lanier and Mary Stuart, who became inseparable BFF for all those 30 years.  Now in the present time, June realizes her financial situation may force her to close the camp.  When the girls learn that June has financial problems, which will possibly close the camp; together all three gather together to help with fundraisers, projects to find a way to save the camp.

Daphne is a successful attorney, with a 4-year-old adorable son, Henry.  Steven is the Henry’s father, and despite they never married, and not together, they remain close friends, with Steven and Daphne co-parenting.  Daphne has always loved Huf, who is Lanier’s brother, and he has always loved her; but Lanier forced them to break up, because of Daphne’s past issues.  But now, Huf and Daphne are determined to find a way to be together, despite Lanier’s determination to stop them. Will this ruin the friendship between Lanier and Daphne?

Lanier is getting married in a few months, and neither Daphne and Mary Stuart like her fiancée; but they try to support their friend.  Mary Stuart is actually getting married soon, and her friends are always supportive.  When Daphne learns some bad news about Lanier’s fiancée, she wants to tell Lanier the truth, but is threatened to keep quiet or lose her job.  Daphne and Mary Stuart try to tempt an old flame of Lanier’s in hope she will stop her upcoming marriage.  Lanier finds herself torn between her fiancée and the man who was her first love. 

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story about three friends, who were always there for each, through thick and thin.  Daphne, Lanier and Mary Stuart were great, even in difficult times, their bond was always strong.  I loved Huf and Daphne together, as their love for each other was amazing. Lanier would learn the secrets about her fiancée, and open her heart to her real love.

The Summer of Songbirds was a delightful story, friendship, memories, love, summer camp, and sisterhood.  Kristy Woodson Harvey once again gives us a sensational moving storyline that is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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The Happiness Plan by Susan Mallery – a Review

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The Happiness Plan by Susan Mallery – a Review

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Description:
Heather is happy . . . ish. She has a successful business, a cute but contemptuous cat, and best friends Daphne and Tori who know where she’s broken and love her anyway. So why does she feel crushed when her ex gets serious about someone new? No problem, she has a plan. More connections will hold her together while her world falls apart, so she finally reaches out to the stranger who might be her dad.

Daphne isn’t having an emotional affair, despite what her husband believes. He started the rift in their marriage when he said they weren’t ready for a baby. They used to be the closest couple she knew. Can they find their way back to one another before it’s too late?

When Tori forms an inconvenient crush on Daphne’s brother-in-law, she suppresses her feelings. Until her apartment floods, and she moves in with the dog-loving doctor. If things go wrong, she could lose her friends. . . but if they go right, she could lose her heart.

 

 

Review:

The Happiness Plan by Susan Mallery is a wonderful heartwarming story with a fantastic friendship between three best friends. The story revolves around three friends, who have known each other for many years.  Heather, Daphne and Tori; they are each different, but have a strong bond between them, always supporting each other.

Heather had a hard childhood, with an abusive mother who always gave her a hard time, leaving her with horrible memories that constantly affect her life; she is afraid to open her heart. Heather has a successful business, which makes her happy, and Tori, also works for her; it is Tori and Daphne who are always there for Heather, when she becomes scared or depressed.  Heather will discover the father she never knew, and slowly open up and accept his family, filled with love.

Daphne is a successful lawyer, being part of a partnership, and working 80 hours a week.  One day, her coworker sends her flowers, and her husband thinks she is having an affair; which Daphne vehemently denies. Their marriage begins to suffer, as she cannot convince him that there is no affair with her coworker, they were only friends.  Will she be able to save their marriage and prove he is wrong?

Tori is lives in the same development as Grant, Daphne’s brother-in-law, and they have become best friends.  Her love life is none existent, with terrible dates; she encourages Grant to date, which is also unsuccessful for him.  When their apartment building is damaged with a sprinkler malfunction, they find a large house to share, for a few months.  In a short time, they both realize their feelings for each other, but Tori worries that if they don’t stay, she will lose the friendship all of them share. Will she find a way for them to stay together?

The male characters were very good, Grant, Campbell and Brody, as they all had an amazing friendship between both girls and guys.   Heather’s biological dad and his family were also wonderful.  The Happiness Plan focuses on all three couples, their friendship, relationships, family and the love that have for each other. 

The Happiness Plan was an amazing and heartwarming story, that was so very well written by Susan Mallery. I loved this story, with each of the ladies being wonderful, even with difficult situations, which they were always there for each other.   The Happiness Plan is definitely a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

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Play for Me by Libby Hubscher – Review & Giveway

 

 

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Description:
When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules.

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

 

 

Review:

Play For Me by Libby Hubscher is a sweet fun romantic standalone novel. We meet Sophie Doyle, our heroine, at the start, when she is fired from her job as head trainer for the Boston Red Sox, after she made the decision to not allow the team’s star pitcher to play due to an injury.  The Red Sox lost the World Series, and Sophie, despite her making the correct decision lost her job, as well as her boyfriend.  Sophie, with help from her friend, Astrid, accepts a job at a school in New Hampshire, to be their sports therapist/trainer.

When she arrives at the school, the only room opening is an apartment with three guys, Andy, Ravi and Jonas.  Sophie is given a room, which is a bit small, but she is satisfied; until Jonas, who is the orchestra teacher, is nasty and tells her not to touch the piano. Andy and Ravi were wonderful, especially since they are a gay couple; they do tell Sophie to ignore Jonas’s behavior.

Jonas, our hero, is totally grumpy with Sophie, but in a short time, she begins to open the walls he has built around him. Sophie learns about his damaged hand, that does not allow him to play the piano, with doctors diagnosing his disability, and his unwilling to discuss it.  Sophie is very knowledgeable about all kinds of injuries, and is determined to find a way to fix Jonas’s issue.  They begin to work together, with Jonas doing everything Sophie shows him, and soon their relationship fully changes, with Jonas opening up his heart, falling in love with Sophie.  The chemistry between them was hot, and I loved them together.  It was great to watch Sophie work hard in helping Jonas, as well as a young violinist, who was also an amazing pitcher, with a future in both fields.

Play For Me was a wonderful enemy to lovers’ story, with a wonderful couple, fun secondary characters. Sophie was a fantastic heroine, who was always sweet, friendly, competitive, determined, and good at what she does. The banter between Sophie and Jonas was great, especially once their feelings escalated. Play for Me was a fun romantic story, so very well written by Libby Hubscher.  I fully recommend the you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Libby Hubscher’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of Play For Me to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs – a Review

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Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs – a Review

 

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Description:
Jerome “Sugar” Barnes learned the art of baking in his grandma’s bakery, also called Sugar, on historic Perdita Street in San Francisco. He supplies baked goods to the Lost and Found Bookshop across the street.

When the restaurant that shares his commercial kitchen loses its longtime tenant, a newcomer moves in: Margot Salton, a barbecue master from Texas.

Margot isn’t exactly on the run, but she needs a fresh start. She’s taken care of herself her whole life, pulling herself up by her fingernails to recover from trauma, and her dream has been to open a restaurant somewhere far, far from Texas. The shared kitchen with Jerome Sugar’s bakery is the perfect setup: a state-of-the-art kitchen and a vibrant neighborhood popular with tourists and locals.

Margot instantly takes to Jerome’s grandmother, the lively, opinionated Ida, and the older woman proves to be a good mentor. Margot thinks Jerome is gorgeous, and despite their different backgrounds their attraction is powerful–even though Jerome worries that Margot will simply move on from him once she’s found some peace and stability. But just as she starts to relax into a happy new future, Margot’s past in Texas comes back to haunt her…

 

 

Review:

Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs is another one of her wonderful standalone novels. The story revolves around Margot Salton, our heroine, who at the start has moved from Texas to open her dream barbeque restaurant; Margot has developed a special sauce that has become a masterpiece. The story is told in two timelines; the success in opening her new restaurant in San Francisco and meeting Jerome, who runs the local bakery next store; and her past in Texas, which was a harsh period in her life. This did start as a lighthearted story, only to spend more than half to see the hardship and injustice she had to endure.  

In the past, a young Margie, helped out in a BBQ restaurant that started her into developing wonderful sauces. In between, she hanged out with friends, including one older boy, who she decided she did not want to continue their relationship, since he was very arrogant and only cared about what he wanted.  One evening, making more sauces, the boy, after her telling him it was over, he then rapes her, in the process of choking her; Margie desperate for her life, manages to grab hold of his gun and shoots him.  This was self-defense, as he was killing her; but the laws in Texas only cared that she killed him.  Everything changed for Margie, as the victim’s family was wealthy and powerful, and Margie was treated horribly; with the police, judicial system and bad lawyers.  Almost a year will pass with a friendship that will bring a very good lawyer to finally free her, and eventually move away, under a different assumed name.  The past story was long and very a dark story to read.

When we finally go back to the present, we learn more about Margot’s successful new business and her relationship that will grow with Jerome, who owns the bakery.  Margot got to know Jerome’s mother, Ida, as they became close; with us getting a backstory about a love from the past. It was a nice story with Ida and Frank.  I really did like how Jerome was patient and caring with Margot, and when she reveals her horrific period of the past, he still professes his love.  The past will rear its ugly head again, but Margot will stand up to fight the evil. The food (barbeque and bakery) was fun to read, leaving us a bit hungry.

Sugar and Salt was very well written by Susan Wiggs. It is a story of tragedy, second chances, as well as love and friendship.  Though there was a long and tragic storyline from the past, but overall this was a great story line.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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In Her Boots by KJ Dell’Antonia – a Review

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In Her Boots by Dell’Antonia – a Review

 

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Description:
Filling these boots is harder than it looks.

Rhett Gallagher’s adventurous life is imploding. Just as she turns the big 4-0, her long-term relationship collapses, and news of a tragedy forces her to return to the family farm. The only silver lining is that Rhett’s inspirational book, The Modern Pioneer Girl—written under a pseudonym—has become a wild success, so much so that in a moment of panic, self-doubting Rhett persuades her best friend Jasmine to step into the limelight as the famed author.

But their prank turns into something more when the controlling mother Rhett hasn’t seen in two decades announces her intent to sell the farm Rhett loves and expected to make her own. To Rhett’s dismay, her mother is far more impressed by the fake author than she’s ever been by Rhett. To save her inheritance—and her identity—Rhett must concoct a scheme that will save the farm, and prove to her mother, and to herself, that she can stand on her own two feet.

 

 

Review:

In Her Boots by KJ Dell’Antonia is a standalone romance novel. We meet Rhett Gallagher, our heroine, at the start when she returns from Argentina to go back home, as death of her grandmother, sends her to take control of their farm, and bring it back to its glory days.  When she arrives, Rhett is surprised to learn that her mother, whom she has not seen in 20 years, controls half of the farm; and plans to tear it down and offer it to the local college.  Rhett is determined to fight to keep the farm, despite her mother’s wishes.

Before returning to the farm, Rhett was asked to appear on the Today Show, as she is a well known author with her successful book, Modern Pioneer Girl; which is under the p pseudonym of Maggie Strong.  Rhett arrives at the studio with her bff Jasmine, and overhears a voice from the past; her professor mother; she panics and begs Jas to step in and pretend to be Maggie Strong. Jas does a great job posing as Maggie, humiliating the mother, and becomes the face of the Modern Pioneer Girl, as well as amassing a large internet fan base. 

Besides her mother’s attempt to sell the farm, Rhett runs into her ex-college boyfriend, Mike, who is an architect, working with the mother to sell the farm.  Mike also has a daughter, Louise, from his previous marriage, who loves helping at the farm, a big fan of Maggie Strong (as the whole town thinks Jas is her).  In a short time, Mike and local neighbors will help Rhett out to fix up the farm, and their friendship rekindles.  Though the relationship between Mike and Rhett was very slow build, I did like him, especially as he was willing to help her.  It was not an easy task to run and fix up the farm, but both Rhett and Jas worked hard (she baked all the wonderful pastries, bringing people to buy them); their was horses, Ilama, chickens, etc. 

What follows is Rhett determined to make the farm a success, and find a way to get past the strained relationship with her mother to save her inheritance.  The best part of this story was the wonderful friendship between Rhett and Jas; who was always pushing Rhett to step up and reclaim Maggie Strong identity.

In Her Boots is a light enjoyable story about forgiveness, second chances, friendship, and love.  This was a fast read, and very well written by KJ Dell’Antonia.  I really enjoyed this book, and suggest you read In Her Boots.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Gilt by Jamie Brenner – a Review

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Gilt by Jamie Brenner – a Review

 

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Description:
One perfect diamond is all it takes to divide a family. Could one summer be enough to fix it?

The Pavlin family built an empire on love. As the first jewelers to sell diamond rings exclusively for proposals, they started a tradition that has defined engagements ever since. But when an ill-fated publicity stunt pits the three Pavlin sisters against one another for a famous family jewel, their bond is broken. No ordinary diamond ring, the Electric Rose splinters the sisters, leaving one unlucky in love, one escaping to the shores of Cape Cod, and the other, ultimately, dead.

Now, over a decade later, Gemma Maybrook is still reconciling the reality of her mother’s death. Left orphaned and cast out by her family after the tragic accident, Gemma is ready to reclaim what should have been hers: the Electric Rose. And, as a budding jewelry designer in her own right, Gemma isn’t just planning on recovering her mother’s lost memento, she’s coming back for everything.

From Manhattan’s tony Fifth Avenue to the vibrant sands of Provincetown, Gilt follows the Pavlin women as they are forced to confront the mistakes of the past if they have any hope of finding love and happiness of their own.

 

 

Review:

Gilt by Jamie Brenner was a wonderful standalone novel.  Gilt is told in two timelines (90’s and present day), revolving around the Pavlin family, who built a jewelry empire, famous for their magnificent diamond rings for proposals/weddings; including the illustrious Electric Rose.  This famous family jewel, divided the three sisters, with one eventually taking control, another moving away, and the other dead; with the family broken for over 10 years.

Gemma Maybrook, has just graduated, having won the prestigious award for Jewelry design. Gemma is the daughter of Paulina, who died and was sent to live with her grandmother on her father’s side; she has not had any contact with the Pavlin family, since the death of her mother.   Gemma has had success in selling special jewelry that she has designed, but even though she is low on money, she is determined to find the Electric Rose engagement ring, and reclaim what should have been hers.   Gemma decides to reconnect with her two aunts, in the quest to find the ring, and possibly repair the rift in the family. 

In the past and the present, we learn more about the Pavlin family, the mother and father, and the three sisters, Paulina, Celeste and Elodie.  The sisters became divided, over jealousy and love; and upon the accidental death of Paulina, 8-year-old Gemma was sent away, Celeste wanted nothing to do with the business and moved to Providencetown, and Elodie was the heir apparent to the business.  In the present time, Gemma will eventually meet her estranged aunts, when Elodie needs Celeste and Gemma’s signature to auction off some jewelry, as the financial situation at Pavlin has dropped.  This will give Gemma a chance to meet Celeste in Provincetown, and eventually Elodie.   

The three of them spend the summer at Providencetown, with Gemma helping Celeste at her antique store, and Elodie determined to get what she wants, until she meets someone who changes her.  Gemma will find herself becoming close to Celeste, and beginning to feel part of the family.  Will the three of them be able to confront the past mistakes, and come together as a family.

Gilt was a wonderful, uplifting and engaging story, with a fantastic group of characters, and so very well written by Jamie Brenner.  I suggest you read Gilt, as I loved it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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