Tag Archives: woman’s fiction

The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper-review & giveaway

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The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper-review & giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2025

When a young librarian discovers historic dollhouses in a hidden room, she embarks on an unexpected journey that reveals surprising secrets about the lost miniatures.

Tildy Barrows, Head Curator of a beautiful archival library in San Francisco, is meticulously dedicated to the century’s worth of inventory housed in her beloved Beaux Art building. She loves the calm and order in the shelves of books and walls of art. But Tildy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she, first, learns the library is on the verge of bankruptcy and, second, discovers two exquisite never-before-seen dollhouses.

After finding clues hidden within these remarkable miniatures, Tildy sets out to decipher the secret history of the dollhouses, aiming to salvage her cherished library in the process. Her journey introduces her to a world of ambitious and gifted women in Belle Époque Paris, a group of scarred World War I veterans in the English countryside, and Walt Disney’s bustling Burbank studio in the 1950s. As Tildy unravels the mystery, she finds not only inspiring, hidden history, but also a future for herself—and an astonishing familial revelation.

Spanning the course of a century, The Library of Lost Dollhouses is a warm, bright, and captivating story of secrets and love that embraces the importance of illuminating overlooked women.

•••••

REVIEW:THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES by Elise Hooper focuses on the discovery of a secret room at the Belva Curtis Lefarge Library in San Francisco, a library and museum that will struggle to remain open in the wake of changing times.

Told from first person perspective (Cora Hale) and third person (Mathilda ‘Tildy’ Barrows) following several (non-linear) timelines from 1910-1974 and 2024, THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES is a story of historical fiction that focuses on Tildy Barrows as the journeys through the past in the hopes of discovering the truth about the what she found in the secret room at the Belva Curtis Lefarge Library. In 2024, Tildy Barrows is the Head Curator at the archival library, and finding a collection of exquisite and detailed miniature dollhouses pushes Tildy to unravel a centuries old mystery including the history about a painting titled Young Woman in Hat but as Tildy begins her search for the truth, the reality will change the course of history for not only for Tildy but everyone involved.

The backstory begins in 1910 when we are introduced to a young woman named Cora Hale, and for the next six decades we are up close and personal with the talents of a woman forced to hide her true self but a woman who also hides the stories of the woman who have been purged from history, for who they were, and what they did. As Tildy begins to dig deeper into the past, her own family history will become entwined with the stories buried in the miniatures and Cora Hale.

THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES is a slow building story blending some historical fact with fiction focusing on secrets and lies hidden by the talents of Cora Hale. From two world wars, to the inception of Disneyland and beyond, the fictional Cora and her talent tell a story that remained hidden for close to one hundred years. The premise is detailed and imaginative; the characters are numerous and unique.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

From the author’s website:

Social Media: Facebook/ Instagram/ Website/ Goodreads/

A native New Englander, Elise Hooper spent several years writing for television and online news outlets before getting a MA and teaching high-school literature and history. Her debut novel The Other Alcott was a nominee for the 2017 Washington Book Award. Three more novels—Learning to See, Fast Girls, and Angels of the Pacific—followed, all centered on the lives of extraordinary but overlooked historical women. Her next book, The Library of Lost Dollhouses (releasing 4.1.25) is inspired by a dollhouse that’s been in her family for five generations. Elise lives in Seattle with her husband and two daughters.

Harper Collins is graciously offering a paper copy of THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES to THREE (3) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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TO SICILY WITH LOVE (Meet Me in Italy 4) by Jennifer Probst

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TO SICILY WITH LOVE (Meet Me in Italy 4) by Jennifer Probst-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters/Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 18, 2025

Aurora York had it all together: loving parents, a steady relationship, and a promising career. But after she loses both parents unexpectedly, she can’t seem to stay on track any longer. Lonely and lost after a public meltdown that threatens her professional credibility, she’s shocked when DNA test results show a blood relative in Sicily. When her cousin reaches out online and begs her to come to Italy to meet everyone in person, Aurora makes the leap.

Aurora arrives in Sicily for a month, and there she meets a colorful, dynamic family steeped in tradition. The younger generation is fascinated by her social media fame in America, and even though her grandparents have more traditional viewpoints, Aurora begins to heal from her grief…and enjoys the attention of a kind and handsome Italian man.

But when the summer ends, a new opportunity calls her back to the States and her old habits threaten to reemerge. Will Aurora leave everything in Sicily she loves behind, or take the chance on a whole new future?

••••••

REVIEW: TO SICILY WITH LOVE is the fourth instalment in Jennifer Probst’s contemporary, adult MEET ME IN ITALY woman’s fiction series. This is life coach/ motivational speaker/ author American Aurora York’s story line. TO SICILY WITH LOVE is a complete stand alone, and is not connected to the previous instalments.

Told in three parts, from first person perspective (Aurora) TO SICILY WITH LOVE follows in the wake of Aurora York’s mother’s death. Since the death of her father five years earlier, workaholic Aurora York’s relationship with her mother has been strained . Hours after they last spoke Aurora’s mother dies, leaving Aurora grasping with a grief she did not understand. Six months will past, Aurora’s business and promotions begin to fail, and her relationship with fitness instructor James struggles in the face of different objectives but a DNA test will reveal a large extended Italian family, a family she knew nothing about. With the only family she knew dead and buried, Aurora travels overseas where she will find a place to call home, and someone to love.

The world building focuses on the fracture dynamics of a mother and daughter torn apart but secrets and lies. Aurora does not understand her mother’s ongoing grief and loss but Aurora does not have the time to think about anything else except furthering her business and online career. A trip to Italy will reveal years of unspoken heart break and loss but a connection to her mother she never knew existed.

Aurora York will meet her mother’s large extended and boisterous Italian family where secrets reveal words said in anger pushed the family apart. Aurora will meet and fall in love with a young man whose own life spiralled years before but a man who is willing to give love a chance.

TO SICILY WITH LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, grief and loss, acceptance and love. The premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is subtle; the characters are numerous, energetic and charismatic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Our Italian Summer
The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti
A Wedding in Lake Como

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

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Jennifer Probst is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of both sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her novel, The Marriage Bargain, was the #6 Bestselling Book on Amazon for 2012. Her first children’s book, Buffy and the Carrot, was co-written with her 12 year old niece, and her short story, “A Life Worth Living” chronicles the life of a shelter dog. She makes her home in New York with her sons, husband, two rescue dogs, and a house that never seems to be clean. She loves hearing from all readers! Stop by her website at http://www.jenniferprobst.com for all her upcoming releases, news and street team information.

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THE LOVERS (Daughter of the Moon 4) by HP Mallory -review

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THE LOVERS (Daughter of the Moon 4) by HP Mallory -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 8, 2024

An irreverent, sexy, and hysterical romp through the tarot…

KATE:

After I made the terrible decision to become a Daughter of the Moon, I didn’t think things could get much worse.

But now they are worse. Way, way worse.

When Ezra Blackthorn’s Army of Shadows attacks, I get airlifted by what looks like a pterodactyl (and I’m pretty sure its claws feel comparable) and find myself imprisoned in a place called The Obsidian.

And The Obsidian is about as welcoming as the name might imply.

Soon I meet Ezra who also happens to be public enemy #1. While Ezra looks about as intimidating as a high school math teacher before his morning coffee, Ezra’s bite is lots worse than his bark.

At least I’m not alone here—in a place that looks like it was decorated by Hades.

Valerian is here too. And I’m still trying to figure out whose side he’s on—Ezra’s, ours or his own…

Oh, yeah, and we’re both trying to escape, because I have a feeling we won’t like the plans Ezra has in store for us.

If that weren’t enough to ruin a girl’s day, I’ve just been tasked with my next tarot mission—that of The Lovers.

Right. While I’m in the middle of attempting to escape Mordor, my aunt Artemis wants me to learn some crap about love and relationships.

Between dodging Ezra, surviving the Obsidian, and tackling impossible tarot missions, I’m starting to wonder if my love life is the least of my problems… but knowing my luck, it’s probably the one that’ll get me killed.

•••

REVIEW: THE LOVERS is the fourth instalment in HP Mallory’s contemporary, adult DAUGHTER OF THE MOON tarot themed, paranormal/fantasy series. This is the continuing story of forty-five year old, divorcee and author Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray. THE LOVERS should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events and cliff hanger of book three THE STAR.

SOME BACKGROUND : Following the death of her estranged aunt Artemis, Catherine ‘Kate’ Murray inherited her aunt’s castle, a guardian named Magnus; a magician named Luke Montgomery; Rocco the talking goat; Yolanda the shrunken head; a imprisoned Vampire named Gray / Valerian, and the mantle of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON.

Told from first person perspective (Kate) THE LOVERS focuses on a journey for Kate and the vampire Valerian. Ezra Blackthorne is coming for Kate with his army of Shadows, and no amount of magic will keep Ezra from claiming Kate Murray. Now imprisoned in ‘The Obsidian’, Kate will come face to face with its’ creator, the vampire Valerian, who will help Kate traverse a ‘wonderland’ of darkness, evil, magic and death. As Valerian and Kate remain focused on survival, Kate will come to a crossroads where she much choose the future best suited for her.

THE LOVERS reveals Valerian’s background: his ‘becoming’ a vampire, and the power that corrupts when offered too much at once. While Lucas remains off stage, he is not too far from Kate’s thoughts, thoughts that are now centered on the handsome vampire.

THE LOVERS is a thought provoking story of revelations and history, secrets and power, magic and decision. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are determined and dynamic. THE LOVERS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Fool
The Hanged Man
The Star

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Paris Gown by Christine Wells -review

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The Paris Gown by Christine Wells -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 20, 2O24

1957: Three friends—Margot, Gina, and Charlotte—share an apartment above a bookstore in Paris.

Margot is a twenty-two-year-old Australian having the time of her life. Having been sent to the City of Light to be “finished” before her debut, Margot falls in love with Paris all over again. In her mind, all she needs to complete her transformation into “Une Parisienne” is a gown from the spectacular designer Monsieur Dior, particularly if she wants to catch the eye of Peter Mountbatten, a distant cousin of the Queen.

Gina is an American blueblood whose family has fallen on hard times. She’s run away to Paris and is now working in a bookstore while writing a novel at night. But then she receives an invitation to a high society ball at the American Embassy where the man who once jilted her will also attend…with his new wife. Gina must have a knockout gown to wear.

French chef Charlotte is the lone girl in a family of boys and one of the very few women working in the stubbornly sexist restaurant business. She’s always thought herself homely compared with her conventionally pretty mother and is more interested in her work than fashion. But that is about to change…

One night, Margot proposes to share the cost and the gown with her two best friends and roommates. Each will put in some of her savings, and they’ll each get to wear the gown in turn.

Gorgeous, perfectly tailored, lustrous and luxurious, the Dior gown has the power to change lives—as these three remarkable women are about to discover…

••••

REVIEW:THE PARIS GOWN by Christine Wells is an historical adult story line focusing on three friends in Paris: Claire, Gina and Margot, and a Dior gown gifted by a socialite whose own life took a different path.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Claire, Gina and Margot) covering approximately ten years in the life, THE PARIS GOWN focuses on the lives and friendships of chef Claire, wanna-be writer Gina, and sales assistant Margot. In 1950 our trio of friends dreamed of a different life, and the ability to afford a designer Dior gown. Fast forward five years, the friends choices in life have pulled them in different directions but choices often lead to consequences and changes, and the trio will reunite in Paris, with the gift of the original Dior gown. As each struggles to find a new direction going forward, the past returns for one; a family crisis pulls another back home; and a forbidden love will see a happily ever after yet for each, the Dior gown will bring them one step closer to the future they have always wanted.

THE PARIS GOWN is a story of friendships and relationships, secrets and acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is spirited, lively and enthralling. The reader is up close and personal with the lives of three friends, their struggles to find happiness, security and independence. The characters are animated, charismatic and real.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen-a review

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Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2023

It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm, in this dazzling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces and Park Avenue Summer.

In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever.

Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Gloria knows it, she is swept up in her new friend’s mission and while Estée rolls up her sleeves, Gloria begins to discover her own talents. After landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York’s finest luxury department store, Gloria finds her voice, which proves instrumental in opening doors for Estée’s insatiable ambitions.

But in a world unaccustomed to women with power, they’ll each have to pay the price that comes with daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down.

•••••

REVIEW:FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL by Renee Rosen is an adult, fictionalized historical tale about the rise of cosmetics giant Estée Lauder told through the eyes of Gloria Downing.

Told from first person perspective (Gloria) following two separate timelines (1938-1946) and (1984) FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL follows down on her luck Gloria Downing as she struggles in the wake of losing everything after a scandal that destroyed her family, sending her father to jail. Working as a shampoo girl in a local Manhattan salon in 1938, Gloria would meet struggling cosmetics entrepreneur Estée Lauder, as Estee ventured into a world dominated by men. With the ongoing depression, and an economy about to be devastated by war, Gloria found herself jobless, on the outside looking in until landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue. As Gloria’s star began to rise from counter girl to buyer, Estee would push the boundaries of friendship, desperate for a chance to promote her beauty line at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Neither Gloria Downing nor Estée Lauder were who they represented themselves to be. Having had to reimagine the face they presented to the world, Gloria would disown the father who brought down the family with a financial scandal, and Estee chose to put business before family and love. Gloria will have loved and lost twice before finding her own happily ever after, and only one man would ever hold Estee’s heart but Estee was always looking for something more and exciting. Estee and Gloria’s often embattled relationship would result in a lifelong friendship between two people whose secrets and lies were but one scandal away from total implosion.

FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL is a fictionalized account of Estée Lauder’s foray into, and her rise in the world of perfumes and cosmetics. Some of the information is based in fact while much of the story is a fantasy brought to life from the mind of Renee Rosen.The premise is entertaining, engaging and interesting; the characters are larger than life yet real and vulnerable.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson-Review & Giveaway

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Home for the Holidays by Sara Richardson-Review & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 22, 2020

The Buchanan sisters all share special childhood memories of their Aunt Sassy’s beloved Juniper Inn. There, they frolicked in the snow, baked sugar cookies, and celebrated the town’s annual Christmas extravaganza. They haven’t been back to Colorado in nearly fifteen years, but when their aunt invites them for one last Christmas, they can’t say no . . .

With her ex-husband whisking her children away for the holiday, Dahlia decides it’s time to do something for herself. Juniper Springs is just as beautiful as she remembers, but it’s also full of surprises — including the town’s handsome doctor, who makes her feel like herself again for the first time in years.

To the outside world, baker Magnolia has the ideal marriage. Only the pain and sorrow of infertility have strained her relationship with her husband, perhaps beyond repair. But a holiday miracle is about to change her life.

After a whirlwind romance, youngest sister Rose is about to be married, but as the wedding draws near, she’s unsettled by her fiancé’s expectations that she become a society wife. Spending Christmas with her family could be a necessary reality check — or the beginning of a brand-new happily ever after.

Thanks to the strength of their sisterhood, some mistletoe, and the love of their Aunt Sassy, the Buchanan sisters will discover what it is they truly want this Christmas.

••••••

REVIEW:HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS by Sara Richardson is a contemporary, adult, stand alone story of women’s fiction focusing on the Buchanan sisters: Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose.

Told from third person perspective HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS follows the Buchanan sisters to Colorado and their aunt Sassy’s Juniper Inn. A mysterious letter arrives inviting the sisters to spend a last Christmas at the Juniper Inn. Believing their aunt Sassy was going to die, Dahlia, Magnolia and Rose left their families behind in order to say goodbye to the woman they loved but upon arrival, the women would discover that Sassy was well, and was considering leaving the inn to the Buchanan siblings: Dahlia, a divorced mother of two whose children were spending the holidays with their father in France: Magnolia, a young woman who struggles with infertility and several miscarriages; and Rose whose engagement to a man is fraught with too many issues including the overwhelming control by her fiance’s mother. As the Buchanan sisters clean up the inn and prepare for the Christmas holidays, Dahlia will find love with the local doctor: Rose will come to a decision about her future; and Magnolia will discover that life is about to change for both she and her husband.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a story of family and relationships, acceptance and love. The premise is sweet and heart warming; the characters are inspiring and playful.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Contemporary romance author Sara Richardson has been a communications manager, copy writer, magazine editor, and whitewater rafting guide. The day after graduating with a master’s degree in journalism, Sara realized she was too empathetic to be a journalist and starting writing her first novel instead. A lifelong fascination with true love quickly led her to the romance genre.

Her Heart of the Rockies series was published by Grand Central Forever in 2015. In 2016, her debut novel, No Better Man, was nominated for a RITA in the best first book category. Sara is passionate about writing stories that inspire people to believe in love and always enjoys connecting with readers. Learn more at www.sararichardson.com.

Sara Richardson’s publisher (Forever Romance) is graciously offering a paper copy of  SUNSHINE ON SILVER LAKE  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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10. Giveaway runs from September 24-28, 2020

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