Tag Archives: women’s fiction

Beyond the Moonlit Sea by Julianne MacLean-a review

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BEYOND THE MOONLIT SEA by Julianne MacLean-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 14, 2022.

Olivia Hamilton is married to the love of her life, Dean, a charismatic pilot who flies private jets for the rich and famous. But when he vanishes over the Bermuda Triangle, Olivia’s idyllic existence unravels. After years of waiting, Olivia must eventually let go of the fragile hope that her beloved husband might still be alive.

Melanie Brown is a particle physicist who spends late nights studying the Bermuda Triangle. But her research interests falter when her mother dies in a tragic accident. Struggling to reboot her life and career, Melanie begins a forbidden love affair with her therapist.

When a shocking discovery shows Olivia’s and Melanie’s paths are intertwined, it casts Dean’s disappearance in a new light. The two women’s strange connection threatens to unlock secrets that will change everything Olivia thought she knew about her marriage, her husband, and most importantly, herself.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BEYOND THE MOONLIT SEA by Julianne MacLean is a story of mystery and suspense; a women’s historical fiction focusing on the intersecting lives of Olivia Hamilton, Dean Robinson, and Melanie Brown.

Told from three first person perspectives (Olivia, Dean, Melanie) following several timelines from 1986 to 2017, BEYOND THE MOONLIT SEA follows Olivia Hamilton in the weeks, months and years after the disappearance of her husband Dean Robinson. Dean Robinson’s life was quickly spiralling out of control, and with it the possibility of losing it all. Restless and consumed by the dysfunctional family dynamics that continue to control every aspect of his life, Dean crosses a line, several lines, from which he can never go back. Meeting Olivia Hamilton brought with it the potential for a new life and a new future, a future from which there would be no return. Leaving everything behind in New York, Dean and Olivia would make their new home in Florida until the fateful day Dean’s plane would disappear near the Bermuda Triangle, a plane piloted by Dean himself. Years would pass, Olivia would move on with her life, falling in love with a man from her past but long awaited news was about to shake up Olivia’s world when two detectives bring information that will shock them all.

BEYOND THE MOONLIT SEA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and anger, love and letting go. Julianne MacLean pulls the reader into an intriguing tale of deception, delusion, destiny and fate wherein the secrets and lies of one man are about to affect everyone, going forward.

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy

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Thank You, Next by Andie J. Christopher – Review & Giveaway

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Thank You, Next by Andie J. Christopher – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Alex Turner is never The One–but always the last one an ex dates before finding love–and now she’s determined to find out why in this hilarious new rom-com.

Single divorce attorney Alex Turner is watching reality TV when she sees her latest ex’s new fiancé picking out her wedding dress. Yet again, the guy she dumped went on to marry (or at least seriously commit to) the next person he dates after her. Fed up with being the precursor to happily ever after, she decides to interview all her exes to find out why.

Up-and-coming chef Will Harkness mixes with Alex like oil and vinegar, but forced proximity growing up means their lives are forever entwined. When Will learns Alex and her friends are going on a wild romp through Los Angeles to reconnect with her ex-boyfriends, he decides to tag along. If he can discover what her exes did wrong, he can make sure he doesn’t make the same mistake with Alex.

On this nonstop journey through the streets of LA, Alex realizes the answer to her question might be the man riding shotgun…

 

 

Review:

Thank You, Next by Andie J. Christopher is a standalone rom-com novel.  We meet our heroine, Alex Turner, who is a very successful divorce attorney; and has no plans to ever marry, as she loves her life as it is.   One night, she watches a TV a reality show, and sees her latest ex-boyfriend’s fiancée planning their wedding. She begins to realize that all of her ex-boyfriends (she has had quite a few) end up getting married after they break up with her.  Alex is determined to go on a quest (with some of her friends) to meet with all her exes to find out why they broke up with her, and how to work toward having better relationships.

Will Harkness, our hero, is an old friend of Alex, but in current time, they really do not get along.  Will is currently divorced, and is a well-known chef, opening a new restaurant.  Will decides to tag along with Alex and her friends, as she meets her exes, and is determined to prove that she has done nothing wrong, just not having found the man destined for her.  Will has always been attracted to Alex, but never explored any relationship, due to his fear of losing the only mother he ever had, Alex’s grandmother, Lexi.

It was an interesting concept and at times fun to watch Alex, with her friends and Will when meeting up with her exes.  Along the way, Will finds himself jealous of all the exes, and slowly, with a slight push from Lexi, begins to have strong feelings for Alex.  She too begins to see Will in another light, especially with his being very protective of her.  I did like Will, though I thought he was too distanced toward Alex for half way through the book.  I actually was not a fan of Alex for a majority of the time, with her somewhat changing closer to the last third. Their relationship was rocky from the start, and they really did not have much chemistry util much later.

Thank You, Next was a fun read, but I thought the relationship between Alex and Will took too long for the romance to start.  Thank You, Next was well written by Andi J. Christopher.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Andi J. Christopher’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of THANK YOU, NEXT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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The No-Show by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

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The No-Show by Beth O’Leary – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Siobhan is a quick-tempered life coach with way too much on her plate. Miranda is a tree surgeon used to being treated as just one of the guys on the job. Jane is a soft-spoken volunteer for the local charity shop with zero sense of self-worth.

These three women are strangers who have only one thing in common: They’ve all been stood up on the same day, the very worst day to be stood up–Valentine’s Day. And, unbeknownst to them, they’ve all been stood up by the same man.

Once they’ve each forgiven him for standing them up, they let him back into their lives and are in serious danger of falling in love with a man who seems to have not just one or two but three women on the go….

Is there more to him than meets the eye? And will they each untangle the truth before they all get their hearts broken?

 

 

 

Review:

The No Show by Beth O’Leary is a standalone novel.  The story revolves around three women, who end up being stood up on Valentine’s Day by the same man, Joseph Carter.  At the start, we get to meet each of the three ladies.  

Siobhan, is a beautiful woman, who was a workaholic, she started seeing Joseph, and when he doesn’t show up for their breakfast meeting, she walks away unhappy, as she had a bad past relationship previously.

Miranda, is a tree surgeon, and just started her new job climbing trees, and working closely with men who were hunks; she did look forward to meeting Carter for lunch, and he did not show up.  Miranda, despite her wanting to be with Carter, finds herself attracted to one of her coworkers.

Jane, used to work at Joseph’s work place, and remained friends with him, even though she left the job due a past drama.  Jane was very shy, a book reader, who loved to talk to Joseph about the books she reads; when she needs to attend an engagement party on Valentine’s day, she asks Joseph to be her fake date, and he doesn’t show up.  

They all forgive him for standing them up, and continue to date him.  We learn more about Joseph Carter, as we see him dating each of the women, coming across not only handsome, but a bit of a nerd; he also seems to express how he cares for each of them.  At first, I did not like Joseph, as he seemed to be a jerk, and a cheating womanizer. We get to appreciate all three women, their lives, and see how much they care about Joseph.

What follows is some surprising twists that we did not see coming, and as we begin to understand more, as the pieces fall into place.  To tell too much more will spoil it for you.  But Joseph will turn out to be a very nice person, who also must learn to deal with life and what happens.  I did enjoy the book, especially the last third of the story line that blew me away.  The No Show was well written by Beth O’Leary.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

BERKLEY ROMANCE is graciously offering a paper copy of THE NO-SHOW to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.    

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9. Giveaway runs from April 13 – 17, 2022

 

 

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A Family Affair by Robyn Carr – a Review

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A Family Affair by Robyn Carr – a Review

 

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Description:
Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in “till death do us part.” Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future.

But life can change in an instant, and when her husband dies suddenly, Anna’s carefully constructed world falls apart. The mysterious young woman at the memorial service confirms her husband had been keeping secrets, and Anna is determined to get to the truth.

For once, she doesn’t have the answers. Her kids are struggling with their grief, her mother’s health is in decline and Anna needs closure. Faced with one challenge after another, she finds support from an unexpected source. And as she puts her life back together, Anna realizes the McNichols may not be perfect but they’ll always be family, and family is forever.

 

 

 

Review:

A Family Affair by Robyn Carr is a wonderful family novel. Anna McNichol, our heroine, lives a successful life as a judge, with three grown up children on their own, and married to Chad, for over 30 years; with their relationship having problems.  The children, Jessie, Michael and Bess having their own issues, and when Chad dies suddenly in a rafting accident, things begin to fall apart, as the children find themselves struggling. At the funeral, Anna spots a young pregnant woman, and knowing that Chad had cheated on her years before, she wondered who this woman was.  In the reading of the will, Chad left Anna the 80%, and the children each got 10%, with another 4th person also getting 10%; everyone is puzzled who the 4th person is.

Anna soon discovers some secrets that Chad had kept, besides his affair. She meets the girl who she saw at the funeral, and learns that he was her father from the affair years before.  The girl has a baby, and Anna realizes that she is the 4th person given a share of Chad’s will.  Anna does not yet tell the children about their step sister, but Anna begins to care for the girl, her baby and her husband; in time Anna will tell their father’s secret.

Jessie was always the angry one, who was a doctor. Michael was the nicest one, but did not know how to handle his father’s death, and loses his girlfriend.  Bessie is somewhat autistic, and as long as she takes certain meds, she is fine. Anna will become closer to Joe, who was a family friend.   As the family struggles, and Anna gets sick, the whole family will bond to help their mother, forming a close-knit group, as well as learn the secrets & sins of their father. Each of the children will change, and learn to move beyond their struggles and find their own happiness.

A Family Affair was a wonderful story that covers grief, anger, secrets, forgiveness and moving forward in their lives. The story also covers many health issues, such as dementia (Anna’s mother), autism, death, adultery, sickness, just to name a few.  Anna was a fabulous heroine, and over time we got to love the whole family, and their significant others.  Very well done.  A Family Affair was so very well written by Robyn Carr.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher – a Review

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If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher – a Review

 

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Description:
Violet Covington pens Dear Sweetie, the most popular advice column in the state of North Carolina. She has an answer for how to politely handle any difficult situation…until she discovers her husband, Sam, has been cheating on her. Furious and out of sensible solutions, Violet leaves her filter at the door and turns to her column to air her own frustrations. The new, brutally honest Dear Sweetie goes viral, sending more shock waves through Violet’s life. When she burns Sam’s belongings in a front-yard, late-night bonfire, a smoking-hot firefighter named Dez shows up to douse the flames, and an unexpected fling quickly shows potential to become something longer lasting.

A lot of people want to see the old polished Violet return—including her boss, who finds her unpredictability hard to manage, and Sam, who’s begging for another chance. But Dez appreciates Violet just the way she is—in fact, he can’t get enough of her. The right answers don’t come easily when Violet finds herself at her own personal crossroads. But maybe, by getting real, Violet can write her own happy ending.

 

 

Review:

If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher is a standalone emotional romance novel. We meet our heroine, Violet Covington, who under the name, Dear Sweetie, is a very popular advice columnist; she gets an offer to write for a syndicate magazine, and rushes home early to tell her husband, Sam the good news.  Unfortunately, as she is early, Violet comes across her husband in bed with another woman, who happens to be a neighbor. Sam explains that he is happy with the girl next door, as he thinks he is in love with her.   An angry heartbroken Violet, throws him out, and gathers all his expensive clothes and prized Michael Jordan shirt and sets up her own bon fire in the backyard.

The firemen show up when someone complains about a fire, and Violet meets Dez, one of the firemen, who helps put out the fire; he is sweet guy, who listens as she explains her husband cheated on her.  A friendship begins, with Dez always being there for Violet if she needed help.  Violet, being angry and despondent, begins to write her column in a more severe way, not like Dear Sweetie; with her expressing her honest opinions on those written to her. 

Accidentally, someone reveals that Violet is Dear Sweetie, but though her harder responses to those in bad situations draws more fans, who are supportive of her change of heart.  She writes an article for a magazine which describes her finding her husband cheating on her, and how she has reacted, being angry and bitter.  The magazine is thrilled with Violet, and her popularity grows; but she is in a rough emotional period of her life.   It will be Dez, who begins to spend more time with Violet, being very caring, calm & dependable, always there for her, telling her to be herself, as she slowly begins to move on.  Dez was a gem, being such a wonderful and perfect person for Violet; but can Violet recognize that Dez is the one for her, or will she be afraid of trusting her feelings, and eventually walk away.

We watch Violet during this heart wrenching journey, as she tries to get past her anger and move on with her life; there were a number trigger warnings throughout; infidelity, anxiety, anger, grief, alcohol, just to name a few. I also really liked Violet friends, especially Kyra, Ashleigh, and others.  I did enjoy getting to see many of Dear Sweetie or Violet’s responses to those writing to her for help, and her responses.  Very Well done.

If You Ask Me is an emotional storyline, with some funny and heartbreaking moments.  Though it is considered somewhat of a romance, there is so many emotions going on. This was very well written by Libby Hubscher.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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High Stakes by Danielle Steel – a Review

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High Stakes by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Jane Addison is an ambitious young woman with big dreams of owning her own company someday. At twenty-eight, she arrives in New York to start a job at Fletcher and Benson, a prestigious talent agency. Eager to impress her new colleagues, Jane jumps right in as an assistant to Hailey West, one of the agents in the literary department.

Hailey is dedicated to the authors she represents, but her home life is chaotic and challenging. After her husband’s tragic and untimely death, she was left widowed with three children to raise on her own.
Then there’s Francine Rivers, the stern and accomplished head of the literary department. Also a single mom after her husband’s affair with the nanny, she has overcome the resulting financial hardships, but only with unbearable sacrifice.

Compared to Hailey and Francine, drama agent Allie Moore’s life seems much more carefree and uncomplicated. She relishes her success and loves working with the talented actors they represent—until a passionate relationship with one of her rising star clients threatens to derail her career.
Merriwether Jones is the CFO for the agency. She appears to have it all–beauty, success, and a perfect marriage until her husband’s jealousy over her career threatens to blow everything up.

Even though she’s a newcomer, Jane quickly realizes that there are damaging secrets hidden behind the doors of Fletcher and Benson. As one of the youngest employees, she has the least power, but is also the least willing to accept things as they have been for years. When she puts everything on the line to right these wrongs, the consequences will leave no one unscathed.

In this riveting novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a group of remarkable women navigating the challenges of balancing their families, their personal lives and the high stakes of ambition at the top of their game.

 

 

Review:

High Stakes by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful stand-alone novels. Jane Addison has just graduated and dreams of one day owning her own publishing company; she takes an entry level job at Fletcher and Benson, a well-known literary and entertainment agency.  She is assigned to be an assistant to Hailey West, one of the best agents in the Literary department. To Jane’s dismay, she immediately encounters, Dan Fletcher, one of the co-founders of the agency, as he makes lewd remarks about her; she recognizes that he is a predator.  Jane will avoid him as much as possible, even though he continues to make sexual attempts on her, and she threatens to report him.   Jane discovers that most of the women try to stay clear of Fletcher, and despite their disgrace, no one reports him, as they fear for their jobs. 

We also meet the other wonderful women of the company. Hailey is at the top of her career, being a successful literary agent.  She is widowed, and has three children, and constantly struggles to keep up with her job, as well as take care of her children.

Francine Rivers is in charge of the literary department, and she is divorced with two children. Even though she has a good paying job, Francine also struggles with both work and home.  We learn quickly that Fletcher over a number of years, has forced Francine to have sex with him twice a week, stressing if she doesn’t, he will have her fired.

Allie Moore, is in charge of the entertainment department, dealing with actors and actresses; she loves her job, always dining out with many of them.  When she falls in love with one of the younger actors, she is warned it could hurt her reputation, as she is older than him.  Allie refuses to stop seeing Eric, but becomes concerned that her reputation could be tarnished.

Merriweather Jones, is the CFO of the company, and is very well liked by everyone. Her marriage is on the rocks, as her husband stays home and takes care of their daughter.  She loves her job, and dreads going home, as her husband is always belligerent.

When Fletcher accosts Jane again, pushing her against the wall, she goes to a lawyer to claim sexual harassment. Fletcher is charged, and tries to buy her off, which she refuses.  In a short time, a few others in the company will also add their voices to the sexual harassment fight.

What follows is a wonderful story of five very talented woman who supported each other, especially in this ‘me too movement’.  For most of the women, they all have their own issues, not necessarily the sexual harassment, but struggling with family and financially, marriages falling apart, love, respect, and threats against them.

High Stakes was a fabulous story focusing on not only social issues in life, as well as in the job. I have been very impressed with Danielle Steel’s more recent books which are not only interesting, but willing to cover various issues.  High Stakes was very well written by Danielle Steel, as she gives us a glimpse of hidden things women may face in the workplace.   Very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti by Jennifer Probst-Tour

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The Secret Love Letters of Olivia Moretti by Jennifer Probst- Review Tour

 

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 22, 2022.

Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey haven’t been close in years, but when the sisters are forced to come together to settle their mother’s estate, they discover a secret. In an old trunk, they happen upon ownership papers for a house on the Amalfi Coast, along with a love letter to their mother from an anonymous man, promising to meet her in Italy during the summer of her sixty-fifth birthday.

Now they’re questioning everything they knew about her history. In order to get answers about the woman they thought they knew, they’ll have to go back to where it all started. The sisters embark on a trip to the stunning cliffside village of Positano, Italy, to track down the mysterious ex-lover, and figure out who their mother really was.

As Priscilla, Devon, and Bailey unearth the truth, they also experience the magic of Italy, the power of sisterly love, a little unexpected romance, and newfound hope for the future.

••••••

REVIEW:THE SECRETS LOVE LETTERS OF OLIVE MORETTI by Jennifer Probst is a contemporary, adult, stand alone story of women’s fiction focusing on three sisters: Bailey, Priscilla and Devon Clayton, who after the death of their mother, find a deed to a house in Positano Italy, and a stack of love letters addressed to their mom Olivia Moretti. As the girls go in search for the truth, Bailey, Priscilla and Devon will discover much more than they could have ever imagined.

Told from first person perspective (Olivia) and three third person points of view (Priscilla, Bailey and Devon) following two timelines, THE SECRET LOVE LETTERS OF OLIVIA MORETTI is a story of one woman who found love while on vacation in Positano Italy. Priscilla, Bailey and Devon Clayton have struggled for years with their place in the family, including their fractured relationship with one another. Having survived the divorce of their parents, the sisters never suspected their mother’s secret, a secret Olivia would take to the grave. Priscilla the eldest, is a former ballerina with the New York City Ballet, married with an adult son but her marriage has hit a rough patch; Bailey is an actress who has yet to make it big on the stage; and Devon is a professor at NYCU, passed over for tenure one more time.With the discovery of the deed and the love letters, the sisters make plans to visit the town where their mother first fell in love, hoping to find the man they know nothing about.

THE SECRET LOVE LETTERS OF OLIVIA MORETTI is a story of secrets and family, love and loss, acceptance and forgiveness. A familiar tale, one I have read many times before, THE SECRET LOVE LETTER OF OLIVIA MORETTI dwells not only on past regrets but on forgiveness and understanding. As the Clayton sisters search for the man their mother once loved, our heroines will find their way back to one another, in the face of grief and loss. The premise is strong and thought provoking; the characters are struggling, stubborn, sensitive and flawed.

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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Invisible by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Invisible by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye–and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion–and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

 

 

Review:

Invisible by Danielle Steel is another one of her fabulous standalone novels. Invisible follows the life of Antonia Adams, starting with her childhood, where her parents totally ignored her, since their marriage was a total failure. Her mother left when she was very young, wanting to be an actress, and her father neglected her, especially with his hatred of his wife.  Antonia always hid when they argued, and learned to make herself “invisible”, by reading books and later when she was older, going to movies, which was her escape and eventual love.  It was her love of movies and the stars, the led to her dream of being a screenwriter.  Her father, who was wealthy, was always willing to give her money to have what she needed, and when she graduates, he pays for her to go to NYU film school.  In her late teenage years, Antonia allowed herself to be happy, when her father remarried, Lara, and they became very close; though he still constantly expressed his hatred of the mother, giving Antonia a hard time.   

Antonia gets a summer job at a studio in California, being a gofer for the most part, but ended up meeting assistants of a famous British filmmaker, who began to notice her simple beauty.  She returns the following summer to work for the filmmaker, and he pushes her to make cameo appearances in his movies, since he feels she would be a star.  Thrust into the public eye, does not sit well with Antonio, as she still wants to be “invisible”.  In a short period of time, Antonia and Hamish (filmmaker) fall in love and get married.  He totally understands her need to disappear for a few hours, when the need arises, and helps her make her dream to be a screenwriter & director behind the scenes a reality.  Antonia ends up having two children, and tragedy will strike that will once again change her life.

What follows is a wonderful story that is emotional and heartwarming, with a wonderful heroine, and fantastic characters. Antonia despite her hard life early on, and her need to always be safe, learned to become a well-known director and screenwriter, as well as allowing herself to be happy and loved. Invisible was very well written by Danielle Steel, and I wholly suggest you read this poignant story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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