The Affair by Danielle Steel – a Review

The Affair by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
When Rose McCarthy’s staff at Mode magazine pitches a cover shoot with Hollywood’s hottest young actress, the actress’s sizzling affair with a bestselling French author is exposed. The author happens to be Rose’s son-in-law, which creates a painful dilemma for her. Her daughter Nadia, a talented interior designer, has been struggling to hold her marriage together, and conceal the truth from their young daughters, her family, and the world. But Nicolas, her straying husband, is blinded by passion for a younger woman—and not only that, she is pregnant with his child.

Nadia’s three sisters close ranks around her, flying to Paris from Los Angeles and New York to lend support and offer their widely divergent advice. Athena, a jovial celebrity chef with her own TV show in Los Angeles, is leery of marriage. Olivia, a stern conservative New York superior court judge, is haunted by a shocking secret of her own. Venetia, a zany fashion designer, happily married with three kids, has the gentlest, most realistic point of view. Despite their well-meaning advice, Nadia needs to figure out what she herself thinks, and what to do next.

The Affair is about the painful journey to discover who you are, what you want, and how much forgiveness and compromise you are capable of in order to be loved. It’s about finding yourself at the crossroads of life when everything is on the line. It’s about the hard lessons we are forced to learn about others and ourselves. Right up until its final twist, this gripping novel is full of powerful insights about who we love, how much—and even how much we love ourselves.

 

 

 

 

Review:

The Affair by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful family-oriented novels.  Rose McCarthy, runs a successful magazine, who is widowed and the matriarch of 4 grown and successful daughters. She is a workaholic, but always finds time to keep up with her daughters lives and happiness.  During a meeting at the magazine ‘Mode’, her staff wants to do a cover for a young new actress, especially since there is a scandal of the girl being pregnant.  To Rose’s dismay, which she keeps quiet, the man with the pregnant actress happens to be her son in law.   Rose must make a decision to allow this to be on her magazine, even to the possibility of interviews.  She calls three of her daughters, to find out what they knew and their thoughts, before she calls her youngest daughter, Nadia, whose husband is cheating on her publicly.

Nadia talks to her mother, explaining that she is trying to keep her two young daughters from discovering about their father.  She was blindsided by all the publicity, and how her husband is besotted with this young actress, but he pleads with her to give him a chance until he helps the actress with the baby, and leave her, since he still loves Nadia.  Rose will fly to Paris, where they live, to help Nada in making the right decision, as Nadia ensures her mother to go forward with the cover, as everything is out in the open.  Naida needs to deal with her husband, protect her daughters, and decide what is best for her.

 Nadia’s three sisters decide to fly to Paris and spend a long weekend at their chateau to help give her support and advice.  It was wonderful to see the sisters together, and how close they were. We get to meet each of them, and learn about their own lives, and their significant others. Nadia is happy to be with her sisters, as each will have their own thoughts. All four of the girls have their own successful business in different fields; Nadia, is an interior decorator who lives in France, Olivia is a court judge living in New York, Venetia, is a fashion designer and Athena, is a celebrity chef living in Los Angeles.

What follows focuses mostly on Nadia, and whether she can move past Nicholas discretion, and decide if she should divorce him.  I loved how all four sisters were so close, and always being there for each other; even their significant others were pretty good.  Besides Nadia’s issues, we get to see how the other sisters are dealing with this, as well as their own drama and secrets along the way, not to mention how great Rose was in having such a great close-knit family.

The Affair was a wonderful family story line that brought the family together in this crisis.  This was so very well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Summer by the River by Debbie Burns – a Review

Summer by the River by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Making a fresh start in a new part of the country is challenging, but fate and good fortune lead young single mother Josie Waterhill and her six-year-old daughter to a cozy Midwestern town right on the river. There, Josie can raise Zoe away from the violence of the life she once knew, and make a new home in the historic tea house where they’ve been invited to stay.

The tea house seems too good to be true, until Josie’s elderly landlord Myra welcomes more guests—journalist Carter O’Brien and his giant rescue dog, Buttercup. Carter is charming, compassionate…and way too curious. Carter’s interest in Josie deepens and he inadvertently stirs up trouble when he uncovers things that Josie would rather not have known. Ready or not, Josie has to let go of her painful past so she can create a glorious future.

 

 

Review:

Summer by the River by Debbie Burns is a standalone novel.  I have read a number of books by Debbie Burns, but Summer by the River was totally different, and I loved every moment.  Very well done.

Josie Waterhill, our heroine, lives in a midwestern (Galena, Ill) town with her 6-year-old daughter, Zoe.  Josie, who arrived 5 years before totally broke and, on the run, but had the fortune of meeting Myra, who owned a mansion, and offered her a job.  Now all these years later, Josie runs the historic tea house that she helped build for Myra, who is getting up in age. Josie is happy with her life, especially loving her daughter Zoe, and Myra; until she meets a journalist, who makes her nervous.

 Carter O’Brien, our hero, is a journalist, who comes to Galena to interview Myra, in helping him find information from many years ago about his grandfather & and their possible history.  Myra is thrilled to be able to investigate the past and work with Carter, offering him to stay a lot longer to write the story.  But Josie, having run from a violent life as a young girl, wants nothing to do with him, even if they both begin to feel an attraction to each other.  Josie also worries about Zoe, who is becoming too attached to Carter, as a father figure.

What follows is a wonderful story that has romance, mystery, suspense, intrigue, as we learn more about the past memories of Josie, Myrna and Carter’s fact-finding information.  I loved the addition of thecute dogs and a cat, especially Buttercup, who was a big rescue dog, as well as Myrna’s long time dog, Tidbit; later on there will be a cute rescue cat.  Though they were the backdrop of the story, it was fun, as well as Zoe’s antics.

As we reach the last third of the book, Carter and Josie allow themselves to act on their feelings, but she is afraid he will eventually leave them; especially since she is still not comfortable about revealing her past life.  Myrna knows everything, but Carter needs to find out for himself.  Which he does, and the past comes flooding back.  What will Carter find? Is Josie’s life in danger?

Summer by the River was so well written by Debbie Burns, with a couple we wanted to root for, a friend so great like Myrna, the fun times with Zoe and the dogs, as well as learning all about Josie’s life years before.  It was such great story that kept my attention from start to finish. Summer by the River was a story of family, love and trust, as well as a captivating read. I suggest you read this wonderful book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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All Consuming by Jaci Burton – a Review

All Consuming by Jaci Burton – a Review

 

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Description:
When firefighter Kal Donovan transfers to the Tactical Rescue Team, he’s determined to succeed by giving work one hundred percent of his attention. This proves more difficult at his ten-year high school reunion when he runs into Hannah Clark, his first love. She’s still the smart, funny, beautiful girl he loved in high school, but everything has changed. She’s divorced, has a son, and has zero interest in exploring an old romance.

Hannah has moved back home after a disastrous end to a marriage that never should have been. Now her only focus is getting her hair salon up and running, and making sure her son is happy. She doesn’t have time for love–especially not with Kal. She intends to look forward, not backward, and Kal is most definitely part of her past.

However as Hannah and Kal start spending time together, Hannah realizes that what she’s feeling for him isn’t nostalgia, but red-hot attraction. Kal’s intent on showing her what it’s like to be cared for, romanced, and consumed with passion–and Hannah loves it. But she wonders if she has the courage to risk her heart again, even as Kal vows not to lose her a second time.

 

 

Review:

All Consuming by Jaci Burton is the 3rd book in her Brotherhood by Fire series.  Kal Donovan, our hero, is the third & youngest brother in this series. All three Donovan brothers are very close and are fireman; but Kal transferred to the Tactical Rescue Team, determined to win his teammates trust with his abilities.   Kal decides to attend his 10-year high school reunion, and to his surprise, he runs into his high school girlfriend, whom he left behind years ago.

Hannah Clark, has returned home after a divorce, with a young son (Oliver) and living with her mom. Hannah meets up with her friends at the High School reunion and is shocked when she sees Kal, the boy she loved years ago. Hannah is not interested in rekindling their old romance, as she is focused on taking care of Oliver.

Best laid plans usually do not work out, as Kal and Hannah start spending time together, rehashing old memories, with both just being friends.   Kal loves being with Hannah and Oliver, and despite their determination to being friends, the chemistry between is red hot, and soon they will act on their feelings, being friends with benefits. Hannah has sworn that she will not allow herself to have her heart broken again, even if Kal decides he wants something more permanent.

In between this romance, it was great to see the many exciting technical rescues that were real or just training. I also loved the relationship with Kal and his family, and how nice Hannah & Oliver fit in. It was great to see both brothers, and their wife/fiancée. Hannah was a wonderful heroine, and you could not help care about her and her son.  She allowed herself to fall in love again with Kal, but she was set in her promise that she will not go further.

All Consuming was a sweet second chance steamy romance that was very well written by Jaci Burton.  I loved Kal and Hannah, as they made such a great couple, not to mention Oliver, who was great.  We did begin to worry, as we rooted hard for their relationship to move to a permanent one. Jaci Burton always writes wonderful romances, and All Consuming was another fabulous story that you should read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery – Review & Excerpt

The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery – Review & Excerpt

 

 

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Description:
Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all—a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem—it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him—his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything. Her job, her home, her friends and, worst of all, her family.

Staying is an option. She can continue to work at the winery, be friends with her mother-in-law, hug her nieces and nephews—but as an employee, nothing more. Or she can surrender every piece of her heart in order to build a legacy of her own. If she can dare to let go of the life she thought she wanted, she might discover something even more beautiful waiting for her beneath a painted moon.

 

 

 

Review:

The Vineyard at Painted Moon by Susan Mallery is wonderful stand-alone novel focusing on family and the wine business.  I really enjoyed this book, which had a bit of everything, including romance, family, wine making, divorce, betrayal, revenge, friendships and love.

Mackenzie Dienes, our heroine, is a top-notch elite winemaker, who married into the Barcellona family.  Mackenzie loves her life, happily involved in creating wonderful wines, and loves her family. Barbara, the matriarch, runs the business, and totally depends on her daughter in law to continue their successful business.  Stephanie, her sister-in-law, is also her best friend, who had brought her to meet the family during their college days.  Catherine and Lori are two other sisters in laws, one whom Mackenzie is close to and the other (Lori) is mean and resents her. Rhys, her husband, is also a big part of the winery.  After the annual celebration, when Rhys and Mackenzie go home, they have sex, after many years of none, and both realize that their marriage was over, and decide it is best if they divorce. 

Mackenzie needs to decide what to do, as her whole life is surround by the family and winery.  Should she stay even though she would no longer be ‘part’ of the family, and just be an employee.  With her respect as a winemaker, Mackenzie looks into the possibility of her own winery, to do things she has always wanted to do.  She and Rhys agree to amicable divorce, and he willingly offers her a share of the value of their home and prenup together. 

When Mackenzie tells her mother-in-law, whom she has always been close, about the divorce, Barbara says no worry nothing has changed; she can continue to do what she always does and be with the family.  Mackenzie tells her she felt to stay here would be difficult, as Rhys wants his freedom and she would like to be able to start her own.  At this point everything changes, as Barbara fearing the loss of someone so valuable and instrumental to the business, becomes over time the evil horrible mother-in-law.

What follows is a wonderful and emotional story of Mackenzie becoming partners with a wealthy man, Bruno, who is happy to join hands in creating their own winery.  She to handle to making the wine and he to do the business side of things.   They purchase another existing winery, Painted Moon, as the owner is retiring.  Barbara becomes such a terror, even to her daughters Stephanie and Catherine, who have supported Mackenzie in her new endeavors.  When Mackenzie realizes that she is pregnant, she is surprised when Rhys is willing to allow her to have full custody (he just wants his freedom), with some visitation. Barbara continues to spiral out of control with threats, which slowly brings havoc and chaos to her own family and winery. 

I loved how Stephanie and Catherine continued to be there for Mackenzie, including distancing from their mother.  I really like Bruno, and how patient and wonderful he was with her.  This was a very sweet and slow build romance between them, as they also made great partners in making Painted Moon a successful winery.  The Vineyard at Painted Moon was very well written by Susan Mallery, and a wonderful story that pulled on many emotions, such as happiness, love, betrayal, as well as friendship and learning about the winemaking business.  You need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Chapter One

“Not that what you’re wearing isn’t great, but the party starts in an hour.”
Mackenzie Dienes looked up from the grapevine she’d been studying, her mind still on the tight clusters of small, hard grapes that would, come late September, be ripe and sweet and ready for harvest. Between now and then, she would monitor their progress, willing them to greatness and protecting them from danger, be it mold, weather or hungry deer.
She blinked at the man standing in front of her, tall and familiar, with an easy smile and broad, capable shoulders.
“Party?” she asked, letting her thoughts of the vineyards go and remembering that, yes, indeed, it was the evening of the annual Solstice Party, hosted by the Barcellona family. As she was a Barcellona, by marriage if not by name, she would be expected to attend.
Wanted to attend, she reminded herself. It was always a good time, and Stephanie, her sister-in-law, worked hard to make it a perfect night.
“The party,” she repeated, her voice slightly more panicked this time, then glanced down at herself. “Crap. What time is it?”
Rhys, her husband, shook his head. “You really don’t listen when I talk, do you? We have an hour. You’ll be fine.”
She pulled off her gloves and shoved them into the left front pocket of her coveralls, then stepped behind Rhys and gave him a little push toward the flatbed truck he’d driven out to the west vineyards.
“You say that because all you have to do is shower and get dressed. I have to do the girl thing.”
“Which takes you maybe ten minutes.” He put his arm around her as they hurried toward the truck. “Happy with the grapes?”
“I think so,” she said, glancing toward the healthy vines growing on either side of them. “We might have to do some thinning in a couple of weeks, but so far, so good.”
As they slid onto the bench seat of the old truck, he glanced at her. She smiled, knowing there was a fifty-fifty chance he would call her out on her thinning statement. He was, after all, the vineyard manager. Technically all the decisions about the vineyard were made by him with her input, but not her instruction. As winemaker, she managed the grapes from the moment they were picked until the wine was bottled.
But at Bel Après, areas of responsibility often overlapped. Theirs was a large, boisterous family in which everyone had opinions. Not that Mackenzie listened to a lot of other ideas when it came to her wines, although as Rhys often pointed out, she was very free offering hers when it came to his work.
He drove along the dirt path that circled the vineyard, stopping by her truck. She slid into the cab, then followed him back to the family compound. The main road leading into Walla Walla was thick with tourists who wanted to enjoy the longest day of the year. She merged into the slow-moving traffic, doing her best to keep from glancing at the clock on the truck’s dashboard as she inched along.
Vineyards stretched out on either side of the road, flat on the left and rising toward the hills on the right. Bright green leaves topped sturdy trunks that had been carefully trained to grow exactly as she wanted them to. The rows were long and neat, and the spaces between them were filled with native grasses that held in moisture and protected the roots from the heat.
Looking at her healthy crop kept her mind off the fact that she and Rhys were going to be desperately late.
Twenty minutes later, she followed him off the highway onto a less crowded secondary road—a back way home. Five minutes after that, they parked the trucks by the processing buildings behind the big tasting room. Rhys had already claimed one of the golf carts the family used to get around. She slid in next to him and they took off toward the center of the property.
Bel Après Winery and the surrounding land had been in the Barcellona family for nearly sixty years. Rhys and his siblings were third-generation. The original main house had been updated several times. When Rhys and Mackenzie had married, Barbara, Rhys’s mother, had suggested they build themselves a house close to hers, rather than commute from town. Eager to stay in the good graces of her new mother-in-law, Mackenzie had agreed.
A large two-story home had been built. Barbara and Mackenzie had decorated every room, the act of choosing everything from light fixtures to doorknobs cementing their affection for each other.
A few years later, Stephanie, the second of Barbara’s four children, had gotten a divorce and moved back home with her two kids, requiring another house to be constructed. When the youngest of the three girls had married, the last house had been added. Only Lori, the middle daughter, still lived in the original home.
All four houses faced a huge central courtyard. Mexican pavers were shaded by vine-covered pergolas. The extended family used the space for big dinners and as a kids’ play area. If one of the women baked cookies, a cookie flag was hung out the front door, inviting anyone to stop by. At Christmas, a large tree was brought in from Wishing Tree, and for the annual Summer Solstice Party, dozens of long tables were brought in to seat the two hundred or so guests.
Rhys swung the golf cart behind the large main house, circling counterclockwise. Normally he would cut across the courtyard, but with all the party preparations, he had to go the long way. He pulled up at the rear entrance to their house and they dashed inside.
Mackenzie paused to unlace her boots and left them in the mudroom. Rhys did the same. They raced up the stairs together, separating at the landing to head to their individual en suite bedrooms.
Once in her bathroom, she started the shower. Thankfully, she’d already picked out the dress she would wear. She raced through a shower. After she dried off, she wrapped her hair in a towel and dug out the scented body lotion Rhys had given her a couple of years ago. Why anyone would want to smell like coconut and vanilla was beyond her, but he liked it.
She walked into the large closet and opened her underwear drawer. To the right were all the sensible bikini panties she usually wore—to the left were the fancier ones for special occasions. She chose a black pair and slipped them on, then went to the second drawer and looked for the matching push-up bra. When it and the pads were in place and doing the best they could with her modest curves, she pulled on a robe and returned to the bathroom.
After plugging in her hot rollers, it took her only a few minutes to apply eyeliner and mascara. She was flushed from the day working outside, so she didn’t bother with any other makeup.
Her hair took a lot longer. First she had to dry the dark red shoulder-length waves, then she had to curl them. While the rollers were in place, she searched for a pair of black high-heel sandals that wouldn’t leave her crippled by the end of the night.
Those found, she opened her small jewelry box and pulled out her wedding set, sliding both the engagement ring and the wedding band into place on her left hand. Diamond stud earrings followed. She’d barely stepped into her sleeveless black dress when Rhys walked into the closet, fully dressed in black slacks and a dark gray shirt.
She sighed when she saw him. “See. You have it so much easier than me.”
“Yes, but in the end, you’re more beautiful. That should be worth something.”
“I’d rather have the extra time.”
She turned, presenting him with her back. He pulled up the zipper, then bent to collect her shoes. They retreated to her bathroom and together began removing the curlers.
“We’re late,” Mackenzie said, catching sight of his watch. “Your mom is going to be all snippy.”
“She’ll be too busy welcoming her guests.” The last of the curlers was flung onto the counter. Mackenzie fluffed her hair, then pointed to the bedroom.
“Retreat,” she said, reaching for the can of hair spray.
Rhys ducked to safety. She sprayed the curls into submission before running into the bedroom to escape the death cloud. Rhys was on the bench at the foot of the large bed. She sat next to him and quickly put on her shoes.
“Done,” she said, pausing to reacquaint herself with the seldom-used skill of walking in heels.
She grabbed her husband’s wrist. “Seven fifteen. Barbara’s going to kill us.”
“She’s not. I’m her only son and you’re just plain her favorite.”
“We weren’t ready exactly at seven. I can already hear the death-march music in my head. I want to be buried on Red Mountain.”
Rhys chuckled as he led the way downstairs. “In the vineyard? I’m not sure your decaying body is going to be considered organic.”
“Are you saying I’m toxic?” she asked with a laugh as they walked toward the front door.
“I’m saying you’re wonderful and I’d like us to have a good night.”
There was something in his tone, she thought, meeting his gaze. She’d known this man her entire adult life. They’d met over Christmas her freshman year of college. Her roommate, his sister Stephanie, had dragged Mackenzie home to meet the family. Grateful not to have to spend the holiday by herself, Mackenzie had gone willingly and had quickly found herself falling not only for her best friend’s hunky older brother but for the entire Barcellona family and the vineyards they owned. Barbara had been like a surrogate mother, and the vineyards, well, they had been just as magical as Rhys’s sexy kisses.
Now she studied her husband’s expression, seeing the hint of sadness lurking behind his easy smile. She saw it because she hid the same emotion deep inside herself. The days of stealing away for sexy kisses were long gone. There were no lingering looks, no intimacy. They had a routine and a life, but she was less sure about them still having a marriage.
“I’d like that, too,” she murmured, knowing he wasn’t asking them not to fight. They never did. Harsh words required a level of involvement they simply didn’t have anymore.
“Then let’s make that happen,” he said lightly, taking her hand in his and opening the front door.

 


#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

 

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Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland – a Review

Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

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Description:
Single mom Rachel Gibson seriously needs a break. Between an absent ex-husband, rowdy twin boys, and running her own work-from-home business, her candle isn’t just burning at both ends, it’s a full-blown puddle of wax. She’s the go-to girl for other entrepreneurs, handling all the tasks they dread. Social media posts? She’s got it. Website updates? She’s on it. Light bookkeeping? She loves it.

Thank goodness Rachel’s about to get a reprieve, as her former in-laws plan to whisk her boys away for a summer of fun at the family lake house. But when her ex backs out at the last minute, she finds herself in a pickle. Even though she’s drowning in to-dos, she’s horrible at saying no—especially when it comes to providing some stability for her kids.

Once Rachel arrives at the lake house, she struggles to keep up with work and balance the demands of family, all the while fending off pesky new feelings for her ex-brother-in-law. Which makes her wonder…is falling for her ex-husband’s brother just one more messy complication added to the dumpster fire of her life? Or is anything possible when she’s out of office…?

 

 

Review:

Rachel, Out of Office by Christina Hovland is a standalone novel.  Falling for her ex-brother-in-law is not what Rachel was expecting when she agreed to take her boys on a holiday that her ex husband was suppose to be taking them on….. 

I get the impression Rachel is a people pleaser, she’ll tie herself into knots, unable to say no, and can’t say she needs help!!  Just reading about this woman had me exhausted, most of us can multitask, Rachel goes past the multitasking and has a category all her own. 

The fact people took advantage of her was no surprise, from her lazy ex husband to the people she helps online. It did get a little silly at some point. But you can’t fault her love for her sons, she’s there when they need her. And when Gavin let’s their boys down, Rachel has to take them on the family holiday……

The thing I liked about this book was the lack of angst and issues between Travis and Rachel, granted she didn’t have time to stress (one busy woman) but with the chemistry between the main characters being a little steamy it made a nice change. Travis offered light entertainment in the form of flirting and soft kisses, their banter did have me chuckling, and their kisses set the pages alight. 

I loved the family, from Rachel’s best friend, to the mother-in-law. The twins were just funny as only kids can be, even Gavin sort of grew on me by the end.

He is in his nephews life a fair amount, and he does love to wind Rachel up, he’s sort of fancied her, but never did anything about it whilst she was married to his brother. But spending time with her and the boys has Travis wanting more!! 

But can Travis convince Rachel that there is more to life than FaceTime with customers? Can he get her to delegate a few chores? And can she really see past Travis being her ex-brother-in-law? Because Travis sees her more than a multitasking mum and ex-sister-in-law. So much more. 

It’s easily read in an afternoon, so grab a comfy spot and take it easy for an hour. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis-a review

The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 2019: Re-release December 2020

The bright lights of the theater district, the glamour and danger of 1950s New York, and the wild scene at the iconic Chelsea Hotel come together in a dazzling new novel about a twenty-year friendship that will irrevocably change two women’s lives–from the national bestselling author of The Dollhouse and The Address.

From the dramatic redbrick facade to the sweeping staircase dripping with art, the Chelsea Hotel has long been New York City’s creative oasis for the many artists, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and poets who have called it home–a scene playwright Hazel Riley and actress Maxine Mead are determined to use to their advantage. Yet they soon discover that the greatest obstacle to putting up a show on Broadway has nothing to do with their art, and everything to do with politics. A Red Scare is sweeping across America, and Senator Joseph McCarthy has started a witch hunt for communists, with those in the entertainment industry in the crosshairs. As the pressure builds to name names, it is more than Hazel and Maxine’s Broadway dreams that may suffer as they grapple with the terrible consequences, but also their livelihood, their friendship, and even their freedom.

Spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, The Chelsea Girls deftly pulls back the curtain on the desperate political pressures of McCarthyism, the complicated bonds of female friendship, and the siren call of the uninhibited Chelsea Hotel.

•••••

REVIEW:THE CHELSEA GIRLS by Fiona Davis is a stand alone, historical, women’s fiction storyline focusing on three women: actress Maxine Mead, struggling actress/playwright/director Hazel Riley, and New York’s iconic Chelsea Hotel, where the who’s who of entertainment and art, party and live.

Told from first person perspective (Maxine Mead) and third person (Hazel Riley), based loosely in fact, THE CHELSEA GIRLS covers approximately twenty-two years in the life of actress Maxine Mead, and struggling actress/playwright/director Hazel Riley. In 1945 Hazel Riley had the opportunity to join the USO tour in Europe where she would meet actress Maxine Mead, and young artist Floyd Jenkins. A tight friendship would develop but the end of the war separated the trio until five years later when Hazel’s play Wartime Sonata, based upon their experiences in Europe, would be picked up by a Broadway producer, bringing Maxine, Floyd and Hazel back together again but all was not well in the United States as Senator Joseph McCarthy started a hunt for Communists in America. Targeting the entertainment industry, creating the HUAC House Un-American Activities Committee in an effort to takedown those believed to be members of, and support the Communist Party, Hazel would soon discover that a wolf in sheep’s clothing was about to destroy everything and more.

The majority of the story line is set in Manhattan, New York and The Chelsea Hotel . Hazel’s play has been commissioned by a Broadway producer, and the arrival of Hollywood starlet Maxine Mead pushes the production onwards and up but opening night is a disaster, and the fall-out finds Hazel facing the HUAC trying to prove she is innocent, and defend the lives of the people she loves.

Fiona Davis blends fact with fiction in a story line sweeping in the grandeur of The Chelsea Hotel-the secrets, the parties, the artists, and the reality of McCarthyism, and the witch hunt for Communists in America. THE CHELSEA GIRLS is character driven, imaginative and wondrous story line that focuses on a period in time where lives were destroyed by accusation and innuendo without proof or evidence to the contrary.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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All That Glitters by Danielle Steel – a Review

All That Glitters by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Nicole “Coco” Martin is destined to have it all. As the only child of doting and successful parents, she has been given every opportunity in life. Having inherited her mother’s stunning beauty and creativity, along with her father’s work ethic and diligence, she has the world at her feet. Her graduation from Columbia is fast approaching, and with it the summer job of her dreams working at a magazine. Between work, leisurely weekends at her family’s home in Southampton, and spending as much time as possible with her best friend, Sam, life couldn’t be better—until tragedy strikes. Coco’s beloved parents are killed in a terrorist attack while on vacation in France.

Now devastated and alone, Coco must find a way to move forward and make her way in the world without the family she loved. Determined to forge her own path and make her parents proud, Coco pursues her dreams, dazzled by exciting opportunities that come her way. Her goals are to think outside the box—and always play by her own rules. As she finds herself drawn to charismatic, fascinating men, each relationship will teach Coco new lessons, some delightful, some painful. She will come to realize what matters, and how strong she truly is—and in the end, she will discover herself.

Richly exploring one woman’s poignant journey through life, All That Glitters is a compelling tale of challenges, heartbreak, discovery, and triumph, a powerful reminder that all that glitters is not the essence of life. And what is truly worth having was right there in our hands all along.

 

 

 

Review:

All That Glitters by Danielle Steel is another one of her wonderful romance novels.  Nicole (Coco) Martin, our beautiful young heroine, has led a wonderful life, growing up with her wealthy family, her loving parents, spending vacations at the Hamptons and attending Columbia University, as well as a summer job as an intern in a magazine.  She spends a lot of time with her best friend, Sam, whom she grew up with.  Sam comes from a strict Orthodox Jewish family, who are worried about their friendship, since his family pushes him to join his father’s business and to marry a religious Jewish woman.  Despite his parents worries, their friendship never changed over the years…best friends who will always be there for each other.

Life for Coco drastically changes when her parents are killed in Europe from a terrorist bombing attack killing many in Cannes.  Coco at 21 is now the sole heiress to the family fortune, and devastated by the loss of her mother and father.  It takes her awhile to get past the devastation, but with Sam’s help, she begins to move forward in her life. Her father’s business partner helps her planning and advising on her inheritance.  When she spends a lot of time with him, she begins an affair, even though he is many years older, and eventually after being together for a while, she learns he is married and does not want to be a mistress, and breaks up with him. 

She then goes to London for a job, and meets a new friend, Leslie, who eventually will become partners with Coco after a number of years. Coco meets Nigel at one of Leslie’s parties, and they have a whirlwind fun romance that does end up with them getting married.  Nigel, who is a younger son to London royalty, is used to enjoying things, even if he has no money.  He begins to make plans to buy mansions, summer homes spending Coco’s money, but when she catches him having sex with a girl, she threatens to leave him.  Coco gives him a second chance, and a few months later, when she runs home to tell him that she is pregnant, she finds him once again with another woman. She divorces him, as she will give him the summer smaller home, as long as he waives his rights to the child.  Coco’s track record with men has not been good, and Sam tells her often, that she rushes into things.

While Sam goes to work for his father, a job he does not like, he is also forced to date Jewish woman, and eventually marries one. They will have 4 children, but their marriage was falling apart, as his wife wanted a career.

Coco will meet a famous writer, and become involved with him for a happy and content 4 years, until her life changes, when her daughter is sick and diagnosed with Leukemia. She will fly back to New York and with Sam’s contacts, be treated by one of the best cancer doctors for children.  After a year of treatments and follow-ups, Bethanie (Daughter) will go into remission, and they go back to London, with her ex-boyfriend no longer around. 

Coco’s career blossoms, and though she does date, she just wants fun and no strings attached.  When Sam’s marriage begins to falls apart, Coco is always there for him, as he has always been for her.  A wonderful long-lasting friendship.

All That Glitters is a wonderful heartwarming story of one woman’s journey through her life, filled with success, love, tragedy, happiness and friendship.  Coco and Sam’s friendship was amazing and wonderful to watch, as their strength gets them through many challenges bringing them even closer.  If you enjoy romances and family, I suggest you read this book, so very well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Judge’s Girls by Sharina Harris – a Review

Judge’s Girls by Sharina Harris – a Review

 

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

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

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

 

 

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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