Tag Archives: women’s fiction

The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant -a Review

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The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant -a Review

 

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Description:
Kate Jenkins doesn’t believe in fate. She believes in a clear vision, meticulous planning, and hard work in order to achieve her culinary dreams. On the cusp of opening her own Parisian restaurant, Bistro Exotique, she isn’t even concerned when her standoffish–and annoyingly sexy–neighbor dismisses her as a crazy American tourist or when she meets the wildly eccentric Garrance, the self-proclaimed Spice Master of Paris, who ominously warns her of the previous owner’s failures.

Confident and optimistic, Kate keeps calm and cooks on. Until a series of unfortunate events derail her plans and her entire staff quits.

Kate is about to throw in the kitchen towel on her lifelong dream when Garrance offers to use her mastery of scents and spices to help her, but it comes at a price: Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef and total jerk. After Kate hesitantly concedes to the deal, she slowly learns to open her heart and mind to new concepts, not quite sure if the magic she’s experiencing comes from Garrance’s spices, from within herself, or from the growing chemistry with Charles. One thing is certain, though: her kitchen is getting increasingly hot.

 

 

Review:

The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique by Samantha Verant is a sweet fun standalone novel.  Kate Jenkins, our heroine, finds herself in a quarry, with the opening of her new Paris restaurant, Bistro Exotique; as everything that could go wrong, does go wrong; with things unsettled, almost all of her staff quits.  Help comes from her wealthly and friendly landlady, Garrance, who claims to be the Spice Master of Paris, using her wonderful scents/spices, and offers her a deal, that she can’t refuse.  Kate must work with Garrance’s son, Charles, a world-class chef, who both recently got off on the wrong foot

The two are forced to work together, especially with the restaurant opening pushed up two weeks, to make the changes, use the special spices into the meals, and to hire people.  In a short period, both Charles (who used to be a former Michelin starred chef) and Kate begin to work well together, as they are determined to make the opening a grand success.  Kate opens her mind to new senses, as she begins to experience the power of Garrance’s spices that are amazing.  She also finds herself falling for Charles, as their chemistry was becoming sizzling.  When the restaurant opens to raves, with the unique scents driving everyone to a touch of magical senses.

What follows is a charming story, set in Paris, with a couple that were meant for each other, two mothers pushing them, great secondary characters, magic, and romance.  Kate knows that Charles has many admirers, including women who try to get his attention; she learns to accept his love, and her feelings for him.

The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique was a wonderful sweet love story, with a fantastic setting in Paris, and amazing food senses we get to learn about throughout.  Kate and Charles were a terrific couple, even with their bad start.  I really enjoyed watching them slowly fall in love.  I loved everything about the restaurant, the food and spices, and the great secondary characters.  The Spice Master at Bistro Exotique was very well written by Samantha Verant.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson – a Review

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The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson – a Review

 

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Description:
When Libby Nicholls arrives in London, brokenhearted and with her life in tatters, the first person she meets on the bus is elderly Frank. He tells her about the time in 1962 that he met a girl on the number 88 bus with beautiful red hair just like hers. They made plans for a date at the National Gallery art museum, but Frank lost the bus ticket with her number on it. For the past sixty years, he’s ridden the same bus trying to find her, but with no luck.

Libby is inspired to action and, with the help of an unlikely companion, she papers the bus route with posters advertising their search. Libby begins to open her guarded heart to new friendships and a budding romance, as her tightly controlled world expands. But with Frank’s dementia progressing quickly, their chance of finding the girl on the 88 bus is slipping away.

More than anything, Libby wants Frank to see his lost love one more time. But their quest also shows Libby just how important it is to embrace her own chances for happiness—before it’s too late—in a beautifully uplifting novel about how a shared common experience among strangers can transform lives in the most marvelous ways.

 

 

Review:

The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson is a wonderful standalone novel.  Libby Nicholls, our heroine, arrives in London to stay with her older sister, and family (husband and son); coming off a shattering breakup of her boyfriend of 8 years.  While on the bus heading to her sister’s house, she meets an elderly man, Frank Weiss, who is a retired actor, and rides the number 88 bus every day. Because Libby has red hair, Frank says she reminds him of someone he knew 60 years ago; he reminisces about a chance meeting with another red-haired woman, who was a young artist, and drew a picture of Frank.  They planned to meet at the art museum the following day, but when Frank got home, he could not find the phone number and address she had given him.  Now that he is retired, he frequently rides the bus in hopes he runs into the girl that got away. Libby is moved by Frank’s desire to meet the girl (woman) again, and decides to help him in his quest.  A friendship builds, especially since Frank has a form of dementia.

Libby will meet Dylan, who is a care giver for Frank and other people who need help.  They get off on the wrong foot, but in a short time their friendship grows, as they both are determined to help Frank. Libby becomes inspired to find a way to help Frank, and in the process gets Dylan to work with her with posters advertising the story, all along the bus route.  Along the way, they get to meet different people, who also knew about Frank, as he was so well liked, and most of those people wanted to help Frank find her. Esme, a young girl who is also one of Dylan’s carer, and has down syndrome, joins them often, who was also very sweet. They all spent a lot of time together, enjoying the many places they visited.

Though Dylan dresses like a biker, with a Mohawk, so different then her ex, she slowly begins to realize that she is caring for him; Dylan also begins to fall for Libby, but something later happens that keeps them apart, and brings the nasty boyfriend back in the picture.  Will Libby and Dylan find a way to act on their feelings?

The Lost Ticket was a delightful, sweet and fun story, with wonderful characters, and very heartwarming. I really enjoyed this book, which was so very well written by Freya Sampson.  The Lost Ticket had a bit of everything, family, friendships, romance, love and even the sad dementia part.  I suggest you read The Lost Ticket, as it is a must read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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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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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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