Tag Archives: Friendship

The Shell Collector by Nancy Naigle – a Review

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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

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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

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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

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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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