The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery – Review & Excerpt

The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
When fate brings three strangers to a charming space for lease on the California coast, the Boardwalk Bookshop is born. Part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery, it’s a dream come true for Bree, Mikki and Ashley. But while their business is thriving, their personal lives are…not.

Bree, wounded by brilliant but cold parents and her late husband’s ultimate betrayal, has sworn to protect her heart at all costs. Even from Ashley’s brother, a writer and adventurer who has inspired millions. He’s the first man to see past Bree’s barricades to her true self, which terrifies her. Mikki has this divorce thing all figured out—somehow, she’s stayed friends with her ex and her in-laws…until a new man changes how everyone looks at her, and how she sees herself. Meanwhile, Ashley discovers that the love of her life never intends to marry. Can she live without being a wife if it means she can have everything else she’s ever wanted?

At sunset every Friday on the beach in front of the Boardwalk Bookshop, the three friends share a champagne toast. As their bond grows closer, they challenge one another to become the best versions of themselves in this heartachingly beautiful story of friendship, sisterhood and the transformative power of love.

 

Review:

The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery is another one of her wonderful romantic standalone stories. The Boardwalk Bookshop focuses on three women, who at first are strangers, as Bree, Ashley and Mikki, agree to become partners and lease out a storefront right on the California beach coast. They each have their own business, with Bree owning a bookstore; Mikki owning a gift shop and Ashley, owning a bakery.  In a short period of time, the three of them become close friends, helping each other through their own personal issues; as well as happy that each of their shops have been very successful.

Bree is distanced from her parents, who are both successful writers, and were very cold to her, ignoring her throughout her childhood.   When she finished high school, Bree moved out, and very rarely talks to her parents. She married a writer, who turned out to be very similar, wounding her heart even more.  The emotional and abusive toll over the years, has caused Bree to create a wall over her heart.  When she meets Ashley’s brother, Harding, she senses her feelings opening up, and shuts herself down to never allowing herself to fall in love. 

Mikki has been divorced for a number of years, and remained friends with her ex and his family.  With encouragement from Bree and Ashley, Mikki puts herself on a romance site, and meets a new man, Duane, who happens to be local. A wonderful sweet romance begins, with some surprises by her ex and family, which could change things.

Ashley, has been with Sean for a long time, and they both express how much they love each other.  Things immediately change, when Sean says he wants to spend his life with Ashley, but he never wants to get married.  Ashley is shocked, always wanting to have a wedding and be married; can she accept his love and do everything together, without a true marriage.

I really loved how close the three women became, and it was fun to watch them every Friday evening on the beach in front of their store, sharing a champagne toast (with Mikki bringing in different wines).  Their friendship grew, as they helped push each other to full fill their lives for the better; as they freely discussed the challenges they faced, stresses, discussions, including sexual conquest.  This was a wonderful heartwarming story of friendship, love and relationships; always being there for each other.
The Boardwalk Bookshop was a wonderful story, with three wonderful women and the supportive men who were part of their happy ever after.  The Boardwalk Bookshop was very well written by Susan Mallery.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

                              Chapter One
“I thought there’d be more sex.”
Bree Larton stared at her seventy-something-year-old customer, not sure how to respond. Bursting out laughing would be inappropriate and Ruth would take offense. “You need to tell me what you want so I can get you the right book,” Bree said with a gentle smile. “You wanted a political thriller. Most of them aren’t sexy.”
Ruth, barely five feet tall but feisty as a badger, pursed her lips. “Not true. James Bond has sex all the time and he spends his day saving the world. I want a book like that. Ticking bombs, financial collapse, kidnappings and then everyone jumps into bed.” She winked. “That would be a good book.”
“I can do a sexy thriller. Maybe international?” Bree started walking toward that section of the bookstore. “A couple of options come to mind. Now, on the sexy part—do you want monogamy or can the partners play around?”
Ruth’s eyes brightened. “I’d like them to play around, but nothing too kinky. And no groups. That’s just too hard to keep track of.”
Bree held in a chuckle. “All right. We’ll limit the body parts, add a little European flair.” She held out a book with a hunky guy on the cover. “If you like this one, the author has five more stories waiting for you.”
Ruth, an unnaturally yellow blonde wearing cherry-red lipstick, clutched the book to her narrow chest. “I’ll take it.”
Bree suggested several additional authors. Ruth browsed for a few more minutes, then carried a stack of books to the register.
“I think I would have been a good sidekick for James Bond.” Ruth passed over her credit card. “Back in the day, I was quite the looker.”
“You still are,” Bree told her.
Ruth waved away the comment. “I’m too old for espionage, but I wouldn’t say no to dinner with a charming man.” Her smile turned sly. “I’ll just have to keep living vicariously through you.”
“Sadly, I’m lacking a man these days.”
Ruth leaned close. “What I admire about you, Bree, is that you’re not holding out for love. You go after what you want. When I was your age, that wasn’t an option. Not in polite society anyway. I was born in the wrong time.”
Bree honest to God had no idea what to say. “I guess we have to work with what we have.” She tucked a flyer into the shopping bag. “Harding Burton is signing here in a couple of weeks.”
Ruth looked at the poster next to the counter. Her bright red lips curved into a smile. “He’s a good-looking man.”
Bree mentally shrugged. “I suppose.”
“You don’t think he’s exceptionally handsome? Those eyes, that smile. Isn’t he the one who was hit by a car and left for dead on the side of the road when he was just a teenager?” Ruth clucked her tongue. “So tragic. But he pulled through and walked again and now look at him.” Her gaze darted to Bree. “You should have your way with him and then tell me all about it.”
Bree held in a wince. “First, I’d never tell you about it and second, I don’t date authors.”
Between her late husband and her parents, she knew enough about the type to want to avoid them forever. At least on a personal basis. Work-wise, she was stuck. What with owning a bookstore and all.
“Harding seems exception-worthy,” Ruth told her. “He might have some interesting scars you could trace and—”
Bree held up her hands in the shape of a T. “Stop right there. If you’re interested in Harding’s scars, go for him. How could he resist you?”
“I’m old enough to be his mother.”
Grandmother, Bree mentally corrected, but kept silent. She had a soft spot for the ever-outspoken Ruth.
“Maybe he’s into older women,” she said instead.
“Wouldn’t that be nice.”
Ruth was still laughing when Bree walked her out of the store. Anson, Ruth’s driver, was waiting in the no-parking fire lane. Anson helped Ruth into the Mercedes. Bree stayed outside until the car drove away.
Early evening on the beach in Los Angeles was nearly always magical but in June, if the skies cleared, it was the stuff of dreams. Warm air, palm trees, sand and surf. Honestly, she shouldn’t admit to having any real problems in her life. Even Ruth’s impossible book requests were insignificant when compared with the view outside the front door of her store.
Until six months ago, Driftaway Books had been located about two miles north and a good three blocks inland from the actual beach. Last fall, when the current space had come up on the market, Bree had stopped in to drool and dream. But beachfront came at a premium, and the square footage had been nearly double what she’d needed.
In one of those rare moments when fate stepped in and offered an unexpected opportunity, that very day two other women business owners had also been swooning over the same retail space. They’d agreed it was an unbelievable location, right there on the sand, but it had also been too big and expensive for each of them.
Impulsively, Bree had suggested they go get coffee together. Over the next hour they’d discussed the possibility of sharing the lease. Bree generally didn’t trust people until she got to know them, but there had been something about Mikki and Ashley that had made her want to take a chance. By the end of the week Driftaway Books, The Gift Shop and Muffins to the Max had signed a ten-year lease and hired a contractor to remodel. Bree had changed the name of Driftaway Books to The Boardwalk Bookshop, the final step in fully claiming the business as her own. The first Monday after the holidays, they’d moved in together.
Bree looked at the long, low building. Huge display windows were shaded by blue-and-white-striped awnings. The large glass doors could slide completely open, blurring the line between retail and sand. She and Mikki, the gift-store owner, had their stores on either side, with Ashley’s muffin selection taking up the middle space.
Big, bright displays showcased books, gifts and muffins, grouped together in seasonal themes. An array of beach books, sunscreen, flip-flops and wide-brimmed hats enticed tourists who had shown up to the beach unprepared.
Bree headed back inside, aware of the approaching sunset. She collected blankets and champagne glasses, then paused to straighten the poster announcing a book signing by Jairus Sterenberg, author of the popular Brad the Dragon children’s books. Jairus lived in next-door Mischief Bay and was always a pleasure at signings. He was one of the few authors Bree liked. He arrived early, stayed late and asked only for a desk and a glass of water. The man even brought his own pens.
At the other end of the spectrum was a not-to-be-named famous mystery author who was a total nightmare. Demanding, slightly drunk and very handsy, he’d patted her butt one too many times at his last signing and had been banned from the store. Despite pleas from his publicist and a written apology from the author himself, Bree had stood firm. She owned The Boardwalk Bookshop and she made the rules. No literary books, no existential anything and no guys touching women without their permission. Not exactly earth-shattering, but she could only control her little corner of the world.
Mikki saw her and smiled.
“Once again, we’re waiting for Ashley. Have you noticed that?”
“Young people today,” Bree teased.
Mikki, a generally upbeat kind of person, with thick blond hair and more curves than Bree and Ashley combined, laughed. “I like that. I’m only ten years older than her, so if she’s young, then I’m less old than I thought. Maybe I won’t mind turning forty this fall.”
“You’re not seriously worried about it, are you?”
Mikki wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know. Sometimes. Maybe. Forty sounds a lot worse than thirty-something.”
“Forty is the new twenty-five.”
Mikki’s humor returned. “If I’m twenty-five, then Ashley’s barely eleven. That could create some legal issues with our lease.” She waved the bottle of champagne she held. “Come on. This needs our attention. When Ashley’s done texting love notes to Seth, she knows where to find us.”
They left the store and walked out onto the sand. With the approach of sunset, the temperature had cooled and the Friday crowd had cleared. The sky had started to darken, while the part that kissed the ocean still glowed bright blue with a hint of yellow.
To their left were a grove of palm trees, a handful of kiosks and a boardwalk that went all the way to Redondo Beach. To the right were more shops and restaurants, benches, parking and hotels. In front of them was the Pacific Ocean. Big, blue and tonight, unexpectedly calm.
They stopped about thirty feet from the shore and sat on the blankets. Mikki held up the champagne.
“Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé,” she said proudly. “Ladies Know Wine gave it 93 points and said it had ‘delicious hints of sweet earthiness that complement fruit flavors including strawberry and peach with a hint of spice in this perfectly balanced rosé champagne.’”
Bree grinned. “I don’t know which is more impressive. That you’re branching out from traditional champagne or that you can quote a Ladies Know Wine review that well.”
“I love Ladies Know Wine. I savor every issue. If Ladies Know Wine were a man, I would make him fall in love with me. Then we’d have sex.”
“Earl would be crushed.”
Mikki unwrapped the pink foil and tucked it into her khaki pants pocket. “Earl would need to get over it.” She held up the bottle. “Look at the shape of that. It’s beautiful. And the label. Kudos to the design team.”
She held the cork in her left hand and used her right to grip the bottom of the bottle. Instead of pulling on the cork, as often happened in movies, she rotated the bottle several turns until the bottle and cork separated without a hint of a pop.
Last fall the three of them had signed the lease late on a Friday. They’d been so excited, they’d driven out to their new location. The sunny, warm day had promised a beautiful sunset. Bree happened to have a bottle of champagne in her car and had suggested they share it to celebrate their new venture. The following Friday they’d done the same and a tradition had been born.
The first time Bree had opened a bottle of champagne with her business associates, she’d popped the cork and the frothy liquid had spilled over. Mikki’s expression of horror had been so clear as to be comical.
“You’re letting out all the bubbles,” she’d explained. “It changes the essence of the champagne and ruins the experience.”
“Ruins is kind of strong,” Ashley had pointed out. “It’s still really good champagne. Better than what I usually have. Of course most of my champagne drinking is done at weddings where they’re buying for two hundred, so price is a concern.”
“Champagne needs to be treated with reverence,” Mikki had told her. “Don’t drink bad champagne.”
From then on they’d alternated providing the Friday night sunset champagne. Ashley always ran her selection past Mikki, but Bree took her chances by picking it herself.
Mikki poured them each a glass, then put the bottle into the sand, pushing down a little to keep it upright.
“To us,” she said, touching her glass to Bree’s. “And to perfect sunsets.”
Bree smiled and then took a sip. She closed her eyes as she let the bubbly liquid sit on her tongue for a second before swallowing. Mikki was going to ask her how she liked it, and saying it was fine was never an option.
“Delicious,” she said, holding in her smile. “I taste a lot of berry with a hint of citrus. It’s surprisingly creamy.”
Mikki looked at her with approval. “That’s what I get, too. It’s really drinkable. I like it.”
“Noooo! You started without me!”
The shriek came from behind them. Neither of them turned around. Instead, Bree held out the third glass and Mikki filled it. Ashley, a tall, slim redhead with big blue eyes and a full mouth, plopped down next to Mikki. Her lips formed a pout.
“You didn’t wait,” she accused. “You’re supposed to wait.”
“You’re supposed to be on time,” Mikki reminded her. “Every Friday you text with Seth and run late. You agreed either you show up on time or we’re starting without you.”
Ashley ducked her head. “I thought the pressure would help. Instead, I just feel guilty.”
Mikki sipped her champagne. “I’m sure your chronic tardiness has to do with your mother.”
Ashley laughed. “My mom can take your mom anytime.”
Mikki grinned. “I don’t know. Rita would bring her Eeyore self to the party and then talk about how everyone’s good time depressed her.”
“I can see that happening,” Ashley admitted. “Then I’ll toast to both our mothers. And Seth, who is amazing. I in no way feel guilty about texting with him. He loves me and I love him.”
Bree held in a groan. “Yes, we know. It’s all so wonderful.”
Mikki bumped shoulders with Ashley. “She’s jealous.”
“No, no.” Bree held up her glass. “You are welcome to your cooing and clucking relationship.”
“We don’t cluck. What does that even mean?”
“I have no idea,” Mikki admitted. “Bree?”
“It’s just an expression.”
“Clucking is an expression?”
Bree chuckled, then glanced out at the sinking sun. Light reflected on the moving water. A family walked along, close to the waves. An older boy ran ahead, while the parents held hands with a younger child.
They looked happy, she thought, studying them the way she would an unfamiliar species. No doubt the mom and dad loved their children, took care of them. Mikki did that, too, with her two kids. And Ashley’s parents were wonderful. But not all parents were good.
Mikki refilled their glasses. “Ashley, a lot of customers are talking about your brother’s book signing. When are we going to meet him?”
“Monday,” Ashley said. “He’s moving into his new place.”
Harding, Ashley’s brother, after several months on the road for book signings and research, had returned to Los Angeles. He’d leased a house and was supposedly hard at work on book number three. In the meantime, he would be signing at The Boardwalk Bookshop where he would, no doubt, pull in a crowd.
Authors, Bree thought with a silent sigh. An annoying but necessary species. Customers liked book signings, so she had authors come in.
“I can’t wait to meet him,” Mikki said. “Such an interesting story. Bree, are you excited about the signing?”
“More than words can say.”
Mikki studied her. “That’s sarcasm, right?”
Bree laughed. “Yes. That’s sarcasm.”
“How can you own a bookstore, love books and hate writers?”
“I don’t hate them. I just don’t want them in my life.”
“You’re so weird.” Mikki turned to Ashley. “Help me out here. Tell her how weird she is.”
Instead of joining in the teasing, Ashley dropped her gaze. “Yes, well, we should talk about Harding. Or more specifically, him and you.”
Bree shifted back so she could angle toward Ashley. “I’ve never met the guy.” Which meant there shouldn’t be a problem. Unless…

Excerpted from The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2022 by Susan Mallery Inc. Published by MIRA Books.


 

SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.

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The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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Description:
A touching novel of a friendship that crosses generations, and learning how even the smallest gifts can change a life for good, from USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle.

Two years after her husband’s death, Amanda Whittier has two children to raise alone, an abandoned dream of starting a business, and a fixer-upper cottage by the sea. She has no room in her life for anything else and little interest in moving on after losing the man she loved.

Paul Grant is a relative newcomer to the area, and his work with former military dogs needing rehabilitation has been good for the town. Though he loved once before, he’s convinced he’s not suited for romance and is determined to find meaning–alone–through his work and role in the community.

Widowed Maeve Lindsay was born and raised on Whelk’s Island. Spirited, kind, and a little mischievous, she pours her life into the town. But she carries a secret that shapes her every move.

Together, these three souls find encouragement in the most mysterious places and discover a love that’s bigger than their pain, healing their wounded hearts in ways none of them could have hoped for or expected.

 

 

Review:

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful heartwarming story. Amanda Whittier, our heroine, lost her marine husband 2 years ago, leaving her distraught, with two young children, desperately trying to move forward in her life.  She decides to take her two children (Hailey and Jesse) and move to Whelk’s Island, North Carolina; purchasing a fixer-upper cottage by the sea.  Originally, Amanda planned to start her own home business, but when the local ordinances do not allow to use her home, if she has a dog, which she does (bulldog Denali).  Amanda enjoys fixing up her home, and especially taking daily walks to the nearby beach area by the sea.  It is there that she and the children meet Maeve, an older widowed woman who has lived in Whelk’s Island all her life, as well as living in a huge mansion close to their cottage.

Maeve Lindsay, another wonderful heroine, is loved by everyone in their small town; she walks the beach every morning, and collects all kinds of shells.  Maeve immediately finds herself adoring both Hailey and Jesse, and recognizing a kindred spirit like herself in Amanda.  Soon, Maeve becomes very close to Amanda and the kids, as they begin to spend much time on the beach, as well as in town, giving Amanda a chance to meet some of the wonderful local people.  The close friendship between Maeve and Amanda, changes both of their lives, especially with Maeve helping Amanda with her grief and ability to move forward.

Maeve was also very much a part of the town, and attending the meetings.  She got to know the latest member, Paul, a former marine, who has successfully opened his dog resort business that rehabilitates former military dogs and return them to former soldiers; not to mention he hires military veterans to work there.  The place has become very popular, as residents also visit to walk their own dogs, and use the various additions.  Paul has convinced himself he will never marry, as he lost the woman of his dreams years ago. 

One morning, Hailey is outside when she sees a man by the beach, and starts running towards him and screaming, shouting “Daddy”.  Amanda runs out trying to stop her daughter, and to her shock, it is Paul, who was her and her husband best friend; whom she treated badly, while grieving for her husband.  Paul was shocked seeing Hailey and Amanda, as he did not know she lived in Whelk’s Island. This was an emotional moment, when Amana apologizes to her treatment of Paul during those rough days; and he was understanding, but very happy to see them again.

What follows was a heart-warming story with Amanda’s life completing turning around, as Maeve was always there for her, convincing her to accept the grief and move on; and Paul’s determination to slowly open his feelings for Amanda.  I did think the meeting of Paul and Amanda took a bit too long, almost half the book.

Another element of this wonderful story, was the collecting of sea shells that Maeve had, and taught to Hailey and Jesse.  There were also shells that had printed quotes on them, with no one knowing who did that.  Amanda got a few, giving her meaning in her life to open her heart again.  I loved Maeve, as she was such a wonderful character, who was always there for Amanda and the kids.  There was closer to the end, where Maeve and Amanda bond even closer to the end, which pulls on our heart.

The Shell Collector was so very well written by Nancy Naigle.  This was a story of family, love, grief, second chances, with fantastic characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

 

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The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin – a Review

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin – a Review

 

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Description:
Forty-four-year-old Alice Holtzman is stuck in a dead-end job, bereft of family, and now reeling from the unexpected death of her husband. Alice has begun having panic attacks whenever she thinks about how her life hasn’t turned out the way she dreamed. Even the beloved honeybees she raises in her spare time aren’t helping her feel better these days.

In the grip of a panic attack, she nearly collides with Jake–a troubled, paraplegic teenager with the tallest mohawk in Hood River County–while carrying 120,000 honeybees in the back of her pickup truck. Charmed by Jake’s sincere interest in her bees and seeking to rescue him from his toxic home life, Alice surprises herself by inviting Jake to her farm.

And then there’s Harry, a twenty-four-year-old with debilitating social anxiety who is desperate for work. When he applies to Alice’s ad for part-time farm help, he’s shocked to find himself hired. As an unexpected friendship blossoms among Alice, Jake, and Harry, a nefarious pesticide company moves to town, threatening the local honeybee population and illuminating deep-seated corruption in the community. The unlikely trio must unite for the sake of the bees–and in the process, they just might forge a new future for themselves.

Beautifully moving, warm, and uplifting, The Music of Bees is about the power of friendship, compassion in the face of loss, and finding the courage to start over (at any age) when things don’t turn out the way you expect.

 

 

 

Review:

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin is a standalone heartwarming novel focusing on a beekeeper, and two flawed young charges she helps.  Alice Holtzman, our heroine in this story, is a bee keeper in her farm in Oregon, something she loves, as well as having responsible job working for the town planning.  Alice is still reeling over the loss of her beloved husband, and every time something reminds her of her husband, or his family, she has anxiety attacks.  On the way home from picking up bees, Alice suffers another anxiety attack, where she narrowly missed hitting a young man in a wheelchair.

Jake Stevenson is eighteen, and a paraplegic living at home with his mother and father (a nasty man).  He has the biggest mohawk, which is the only thing that keeps him active, but other then doing weights for upper body, he is very unhappy. Being frustrated, he pushes his wheelchair onto the road, and is almost hit by a truck driving by.  When Alice takes him to his house, she is met with the mother and father, who threatens Alice.  Jake, who is intrigued by Alice and the bees, decides to get away from his father and goes with Alice (to her surprise). In a short time, Jake will become obsessed with learning all about the bees, allowing him to find a purpose in his life.  Alice trains him, and automatically sees that he has a calling even more so than her, and becomes a lifesaver for her.  Alice still needs more help, hires another young man part time to is very good at building things in the house and in the bee hives.

Harry Stokes is 24 years old, and continues to run from place to place, until he finds his uncle living in a trailer.  When his uncle dies, Harry is desperate to make some money and a place to stay.  He is afraid of bees, but is able to build things to help on the farm, and he befriends Jake.

What follows is a story of three broken people, with anxiety and grieving issues, who in time bond together to help each other heal. Their friendship pits them to fight a bad pesticide company that is destroying the bee community in town; and together they will bring the whole town to fight.  I did like all of our three main characters, as well the wonderful secondary characters we meet along the way. I also enjoyed learning all about how the bees live, grow and survive.  I will say that early on, it was a bit slow, introducing our heroes, but the last half of the book was sensational.

The Music of Bees was very well written by Eileen Garvin.  This was a heartwarming, poignant, emotional story of friendship and healing.  I suggest you read this beautiful wonderful story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Judge’s Girls by Sharina Harris – a Review

Judge’s Girls by Sharina Harris – a Review

 

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Description:
Three very different women. Only one thing in common. But when their family patriarch dies and they must share his estate, the truths they discover will test them–and everything they think they know about each other.

Beloved Georgia judge Joseph Donaldson was known for his unshakable fairness, his hard-won fortune–and a scandalous second marriage to his much-younger white secretary. Now he’s left a will with a stunning provision. In order to collect their inheritance, his lawyer daughter Maya, her stepmother Jeanie, and Jeanie’s teen daughter, Ryder, must live together at the family lake house. Maya and Jeanie don’t exactly get along, but they reluctantly agree to try an uneasy peace for as long as it takes…

But fragile ex-beauty queen Jeanie doesn’t know who she is beyond being a judge’s wife–and drinking away her insecurities has her in a dangerous downward spiral. Fed up with her mother’s humiliating behavior, Ryder tries to become popular at school in all the wrong ways. And when Maya attempts to help, she puts her successful career and her shaky love life at risk. Now with trouble they didn’t see coming–and secrets they can no longer hide–these women must somehow find the courage to admit their mistakes, see each other for who they really are–and slowly, perhaps even joyfully, discover everything they could be.

 

 

Review:

Judge’s Girls by Sharina Harris is a standalone novel.  The story focuses on three women who are part of the same family, and how their lives are affected by the death of the patriarch.  Joseph Donaldson, a well known and popular Judge in a town in Georgia, died and left his wife (second wife, Jeanie), daughter (Maya, in her twenties and successful lawyer), and step daughter (Ryder, who is 17), in total disarray.

Maya Donaldson, who is the main character, inherits the home her father left her, but with provisions to allow Jeanie to live there as long as she wants.  Maya is not happy, since she has never gotten along with Jeanie; but she loves Ryder as her little sister.  Maya, who is black, is a beautiful successful lawyer, and has always resented that her father married a white woman after her mother’s death.  All three women are having their own issues, with them deep in mourning.  Maya is up for a promotion to become a partner in the law firm she works with, and is devastated to find out she is being bypassed.  Her boyfriend, Roland, who professes to love her, is a partner at the firm, and she resents that he did not help her get the promotion.

Jeanie is totally spiraling out of control, unable to handle the change in her life.  She begins to drink, neglecting her daughter and causing problems for Maya at work.  This causes both Maya and Jeanie to be angrier with each other, and making life more difficult for Ryder. Ryder decides to befriend a group of wild friends, which brings Maya to try and stop her from ruining her life.  I thought that Maya was a great character, very smart and independent; except in recognizing her true feelings for Roland. I actually loved Maya and Ryder relationship and how close they were.  Wonderfully done by Harris.  Early on I was not crazy about Jeanie, as she let herself fall apart, not looking at the other two people suffering from their loss.

It is Maya who will step in to force Jeanie into rehab, which will change things for the better.  Jeanie learns how to deal with grief, get herself on the bandwagon with her Alcoholism and find a new friend, who teaches her how open up with new possibilities; which includes confidence in painting.  Maya also gives advice to Ryder, who enters a poetry class, and meets Alston. Once Jeanie comes home, her and Maya slowly begin to accept each other, with some help from Ryder, who was determined to bring them together.  It really was a wonderful last third of the book, as we watch all three women move on with their lives, and become a family again.  

Judge’s Girls was a wonderful, emotional story about broken families, grief, forgiveness, racial issues, alcoholism, love and obstacles.  Sharina Harris did a wonderful job writing this wonderful story line that had me totally engrossed into the lives of these three women. I wholly suggest you read this book, so very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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ImPerfectly Happy by Sharina Harris – a Review

ImPerfectly Happy by Sharina Harris – a Review

 

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Description:
When four college friends formed the Brown Sugarettes Mastermind Group, they had very different goals–but matched each other in ambition. Yet ten years later they can’t help wondering what happened to the hopeful, confident, driven women they used to be–and how to get
them back . . .

Radio personality Raina, known as “the black Delilah,” hates the wholesome persona that’s made her a success. Doling out syrupy versions of her grandma’s wisdom feels worlds away from the sarcastic,
tell-it-like-it-is woman Raina really is.

Kara Jones was sure she’d be a master sommelier by thirty. Life and loss interfered with that plan. Now she has one more chance–but it’s taking a toll on her self-esteem and her marriage.

Nikki Grayson hardly recognizes the stay-at-home mom she’s become. When her band signed a record deal, she swapped the limelight for a minivan and a sensible ‘do. Now she’s wishing she had followed her heart. Instead, she’s drowning her regret in alcohol.

Public defender Sienna Njeri willingly put her city council aspirations aside to support her fianc�’s bid for office–and now she’s wondering if her loyalty is misplaced.

Longing for the support, advice, and tough love they once shared, all four resolve to start meeting up again. After all, their dreams may still be within reach. But are they worth the price they’ll pay to achieve them?

 

 

Review:

ImPerfectly Happy by Sharina Harris is a wonderful storyline revolving around 4 female college friends, who are still friends 10 years after graduation.  When life creates chaos for each of them, they resume their weekly get together to help each other get back on track on dreams and goals that have become sidetracked over the years.

This was a fun enjoyable story, and I really like all four of these wonderful ladies that have a bond many of us wish for.

Raina: She hates her job as a radio personality giving out advice. Raina is also having issues with her significant other, who wants to get married, but she having grown up with family problems, isn’t sure if she is ready.  Raina’s goals back in the day was to be an author, and use some of her experiences to create this novel.  But she has not had time, needing to stay on her job to make money, and now isn’t sure if Cam, will still want to marry her when she is ready.

Kara: She is a wine connoisseur, and though being pressured to take the test that will certify her, Kara hesitates to try again, as she fears that she will fail once again. Kara is married to Darren, and her self-esteem is already low, when she discovers that he is not sure if he really truly knows what love really is.

Sienna: She is a lawyer, who also helps out her fiancée, Keith, also a lawyer, who is running for office.  Kara’s goals were to become a campaign manager or run for office herself in the future.  When she catches Keith with another women, all hell literally breaks out, with the help of her friends.  This was a fun part.   Sienna will meet Chris, her campaign manager, and soon to be lover, who will help her make an attempt to run for office.

Nikki:  She is a housewife, with two children and her husband James.  Nikki always loved entertaining, as she has a wonderful voice.  Her friends push her to try to resume the dream she always had and sing again, with help from her mom and husband to give her a chance.  As she joins a band, she does go away for a couple of months to successfully start her singing career, but also picks up old habits (drinking), not to mention her husband’s displeasure of her being away so long.  

What follows is a wonderful story line, with each of the ladies having their own POV.  I loved their friendship, and how they encouraged each other to rise up and take control of their lives.  Sharina Harris manages to pull on our emotions throughout; laughter, tears, sadness, fear, love and anger.

ImPerfectly Happy was a great read, with a fantastic group of friends, who were supportive throughout.  This was a fun, sweet and emotional story that was very well written by Sharina Harris.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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