THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane – a review

THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane -a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date November 1, 2020

When journalist Ella Franks is unmasked as a woman writing under a male pseudonym, she loses her job. But having risked everything to write, she refuses to be silenced and leaps at the chance to become a correspondent in war-torn France.

Already entrenched in the thoroughly male arena of war reporting is feisty American photojournalist Danni Bradford. Together with her best friend and partner, Andy, she is determined to cover the events unfolding in Normandy. And to discover the whereabouts of Andy’s flighty sister, Vogue model Chloe, who has followed a lover into the French Resistance.

When trailblazing efforts turn to tragedy, Danni, Ella and Chloe are drawn together, and soon form a formidable team. Each woman is determined to follow her dreams ‘no matter what’, and to make her voice heard over the noise of war.

Europe is a perilous place, with danger at every turn. They’ll need to rely on each other if they are to get their stories back, and themselves out alive. Will the adventure and love they find be worth the journey of their lives?

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE LAST CORRESPONDENT by Soraya M. Lane is an historical, fictionalized and romantic account of women journalists, photographers and correspondents in World War II.

Based loosely on the exploits of two American women correspondents, told from three third person perspectives, American photojournalist Danni Bradford, and journalist Ella Franks, as well as former fashion model Chloe, THE LAST CORRESPONDENT follows three women in the few days before and after the invasion at Normandy, and the fall-out of finding themselves in a position to report from the front lines about the atrocities of war, the French resistance, and the loss of life including the people they loved.

Ella Franks is an American journalist who, writing under a male pseudonym, would find herself fired for lying, before accepting a position working for the Associated Press as one of the first women reporting from the front lines. Women journalists were expected to write about clothing, recipes, and life at home but no one expected women to write about the horrors of war, and the toll it takes on the body and mind.

Photojournalist Danni Bradford, along with best friend and fellow correspondent Andy found themselves in the trenches, with the allied soldiers but as a woman, Danni was unable to get passage and permission to report from the front lines about the Normandy Invasion. Danni and Andy, along with journalist Elle Franks would stow away on one of the medical ships, where they would find themselves facing a tremendous loss before rescuing a woman with close connections to someone they love.

Meanwhile, Chloe, sister to correspondent Andy, tired of waiting for Gabriel, the man that she loved to invite her to Europe, lands in Paris where she will be met with derision and fear. Gabriel works for the French resistance, work that now places Chloe in the direct line of fire.

THE LAST CORRESPONDENT is an intriguing and dramatic story of war and loss; family, friendships, relationships and love. A story about the rise of feminism; the struggle for equality and respect, and the misogynistic attitudes that continue to reign in the armed forces today, but saying that the behavior of the story line heroines is questionable on so many levels, placing not only themselves in danger but the lives of the men with whom they were working.

The believability factor is low. Former model Chloe journeys to France in 1943 in an effort to confront the man that she loves- a journey during the height of the war and the Nazi occupation of France and Italy: Ella Franks and Danni Bradford continuously disobey orders including those of General Patton and Major Cameron, and find themselves swarming the beaches of Normandy along with the tens of thousands of soldiers who died the same day. Surviving amidst one of the most notorious invasions of WWII, Danni and Ella venture on their own, stealing a jeep, to get up close and personal with war and death.

Overall, THE LAST CORRESPONDENT reveals to what extent women journalists may have had to secret themselves, lying and forging their way into a male dominated world at the front lines. Rules would be broken; lives would be lost; love will be found in the most unlikeliest of places. If you are able to suspend reality THE LAST CORRESPONDENT is an entertaining and engaging story of romance and fiction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere – a Review

The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere – a Review

 

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Description:
In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table, Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.

In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.

The story continues to from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she’s always longed for?

 

 

Review:

The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere is part of her Christmas Hope series. This was a story of two women, with POV’s for the time periods of 1972 & 2012; revolving around family, friends, hope and some wonderful recipes found in this special table. 

In 1972, John (who loved working in carpentry) decided to build a table for his wife, Joan and their two children. Joan would cook each night for the family, and would teach her daughter, Gigi, how to cook to perfection; as she followed a recipe she created for her daughter. 

In 2012, Lauren is newly married to Travis, and works at her job, and helps part time with her newfound friends to train girls.  When she tells her friends she is pregnant, they decide to help her fix up her house, and go to the local carpenter to find her a table for her dining area; which with help from the carpenter, they buy an old but good table.  When Lauren, who cannot really cook, finds a stack of recipes deep in the draw of the table, she beings to follow the recipes to create wonderful dinners and desserts.

Back in 1972, John continues to work hard building that special table, and when Joan becomes sick, he falls behind.  Joan continues to push herself making wonderful dinners and recipes, until she cannot do too much more.  She undergoes chemo, with her family helping her, but it is John who tells her to have faith, as God will help heal her. He constantly tells her “Today is the Day”  That becomes the family motto.

Lauren is happy with her friends, learning how to cook, but she wants to learn more about the mother and daughter whose recipes belong to them.  She does research, determined to possibly find more information on the daughter. 

What follows is a heartwarming Christmas themed story that pulled on our hearts.  John and Joan’s story was heartbreaking at times, but the family continue to have faith, and pulled together to get through these difficult times.  I loved Lauren, as she learned to become a good cook, and was determined to try to find the rightful owners of those recipes.  The ending was so well done, very sweet and emotional.  If you enjoy a sweet heartwarming story of two people in different time periods that are built around hope and faith, I suggest you read The Christmas Table, written so very well by Donna VanLiere.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala – a Review

Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala – a Review

 

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Description:
Rancher Duke Talbot meets Cathy Terry in Blessings by chance. She’s new to town, and so grateful to be there—Blessings feels like a safe haven. Cathy is at first hesitant to let anyone get too close, but as their relationship grows and Cathy sees Duke’s feelings for her are real, she tells him what really brought her to town—an abusive ex-husband who isn’t willing to let her go. When her past starts to catch up with her, she’s tempted to keep running, but she’s fallen in love with Blessings and with Duke. Having finally found a place to call home, the only place Cathy wants to run is straight into Duke’s arms.

Blessings, Georgia Series:
You and Only You (Book 1)
I’ll Stand by You (Book 2)
Saving Jake (Book 3)
A Piece of My Heart (Book 4)
The Color of Love (Book 5)
Come Back to Me (Book 6)
Forever My Hero (Book 7)
A Rainbow Above Us (Book 8)
The Way Back to You (Book 9)
Once in a Blue Moon (Book 10)

 

 

Review:

Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon Sala is the 10th book in her wonderful Blessings, Georgia series. I am a big fan of this series, as it is always wonderful to return to Blessings, Georgia and the fabulous townsfolk we get to spend time with.

We meet our heroine, Cathy Terry, as she is on the run from her abusive ex-husband, who threatens her life. She continues to move from different places often to make sure he never finds her; Cathy finds Blessings, and decides to stay in this small town for the winter.  She goes out every day for her morning run, and many residents have gotten used to her passing their stores.  One morning she twists her ankle and Duke Talbot, our hero, finds her and helps bring her to the hospital.

Duke and his brother run a ranch on the outskirts of Blessings, and is considered Mr nice guy to the residents of Blessings.  He makes sure to visit Cathy, while she is on the mend, to bring her food, as do many of the wonderful neighbors.  Cathy finds herself meeting new people and surprised how generous and nice they have been to her.

In a short time, Duke and Cathy both find themselves falling for each other. She will tell him her story of being on the run from her ex-husband and why.  Cathy is also very giving, and is always willing to help others.  This endears her to town residents, especially after a video is released showing Cathy arguing with a private investigator (her ex hired him), and mentioned that her husband was trying to find her to kill her.  The local newspaper prints the story, as well as the video and the main newspapers get hold of this story.   The ex-husband is in a bind, as everyone learns the truth, with his peers threatening him. 

What follows is wonderful heartwarming & emotional story, with a great couple, wonderful characters that we keep meeting in all our visits to Blessings.  Duke and the town open their arms to Cathy, especially as she uses her money, which she had from her divorce settlement to help those in need.   Once the threat was over, it was nice to see a few chapters and epilogue of Cathy, Duke and the town bonding with each other.  I love returning to Blessings, which is a wonderful community who takes care of their own. We should all be blessed with living in Blessings.

Sharon Sala writes another delightful story in a wonderful small town, and great couples that we care about with each and every book.  Blessings, Georgia always gives the vibe of a perfect place you would love to live in.  If you enjoy a pure romance, wonderful characters, great couples, and a small-town atmosphere, then you should be reading this series. Once in a Blue Moon was a wonderful read, written so very well by Sharon Sala.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Royal by Danielle Steel – a Review

Royal by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
As the war rages on in the summer of 1943, causing massive destruction and widespread fear, the King and Queen choose to quietly send their youngest daughter, Princess Charlotte, to live with a trusted noble family in the country. Despite her fiery, headstrong nature, the princess’s fragile health poses far too great a risk for her to remain in war-torn London.

Third in line for the throne, seventeen year-old Charlotte reluctantly uses an alias upon her arrival in Yorkshire, her two guardians the only keepers of her true identity. In time, she settles comfortably into a life out of the spotlight, befriending a young evacuee and training with her cherished horse. But no one predicts that in the coming months she will fall deeply in love with her protectors’ son.

She longs for a normal life. Far from her parents, a tragic turn of events leaves an infant orphaned. Alone in the world, that child will be raised in the most humble circumstances by a modest stable manager and his wife. No one, not even she, knows of her lineage. But when a stack of hidden letters comes to light, a secret kept for nearly two decades finally surfaces, and a long lost princess emerges.

 

 

Review:

Royal by Danielle Steel is another one off her wonderful standalone romance novels. The story begins around 1943 in war torn England, and the King and Queen decide to send their 17-year-old daughter, Charlotte, who suffers from asthma, to a safer place in the country.  Charlotte is the youngest sister of three, and though very headstrong, she is weak and vulnerable.  Charlotte is not happy going to Yorkshire, but the family promises to keep her identity a secret, and she slowly accepts the time she is spending there.  She befriends the son, who works with the horses, which is her passion.  In a short time, they fall in love and when she becomes pregnant, they get married before he is sent overseas. Tragically, her husband is killed, and they keep the secret from her real family.  When Charlotte gives birth, her weakened state, causes her to hemorrhage and she dies. The Yorkshire family tells the royal family about her tragic death, but only says it was due to her asthma, no mention of her being married or her pregnancy.  

Lucy, who was also a member of the household in Yorkshire, but who was also jealous of Charlotte, begins to take care and love baby Annie. Within a short time, the couple both will die months apart, forcing Lucy to find another job, which she will take Annie as her own.  The story now follows Lucy, and young Annie, who loves horses, bringing her close to the stable manager.  Eventually Lucy and Jonathan will marry and bring Annie up together.  They were a happy family, as the years pass, until Lucy knows she is dying, and she tells Jonathan about the papers she hidden, revealing the true nature of Annie, who is rightfully a Royal Princess.

The last half of the story really perks up and I loved watching a happy Annie, and her closeness to her step father, but most of all I loved how everything changed for her.  We get to see the royal family, after a full investigation open their arms to the daughter of Charlotte, which was painful for them.  Alexandra is now the queen, with Victoria, the second sister still having fun playing the field.  Annie is happy to meet all her relatives, and is thrilled to get the chance to work for the Queen’s stables to train horses.   Annie dream is the be a jockey, but it is not allowed for females.  In a few years, she will have the opportunity to do this, and she proves how she excels in handling the horses. It was so much fun to watch the family, especially Annie as she becomes a household name in her endeavors to ride the horses.  

Annie will fall in love with Anthony, her boss’s son, and they were really great together.  Something will separate them, as Annie wants to continue her chance riding in the high stake’s races. I loved Annie the best of all the characters that Steel has given us, though I was not a fan of Lucy early on.

Royal was a wonderful and beautiful love story that spans over 30 years.  I do feel that the beginning was a bit slow, but not for long, as I could not put the book down, since I was enjoying it so much.  The early tragedy, leads to a remarkable enjoyable and fun story, surrounded by the wonderful characters created by Steel.  I wholly suggest you read Royal, so very well written by Danielle Steel.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Friendship List by Susan Mallery – Review, Excerpt, & Q&A

The Friendship List by Susan Mallery – Review, Excerpt & Q&A

 

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Description:
[ ] Dance till dawn

[ ] Go skydiving

[ ] Wear a bikini in public

[ ] Start living

Two best friends jump-start their lives in a summer that will change them forever…

Single mom Ellen Fox couldn’t be more content—until she overhears her son saying he can’t go to his dream college because she needs him too much. If she wants him to live his best life, she has to convince him she’s living hers.

So Unity Leandre, her best friend since forever, creates a list of challenges to push Ellen out of her comfort zone. Unity will complete the list, too, but not because she needs to change. What’s wrong with a thirtysomething widow still sleeping in her late husband’s childhood bed?

The Friendship List begins as a way to make others believe they’re just fine. But somewhere between “wear three-inch heels” and “have sex with a gorgeous guy,” Ellen and Unity discover that life is meant to be lived with joy and abandon, in a story filled with humor, heartache and regrettable tattoos.

 

 

 

Review:

The Friendship List by Susan Mallery is a stand-alone novel focusing on two best friends, who help each other make changes in their lives to move forward. Ellen Fox and Unity Leandre are our heroines, who are in their 30’s, with both being stuck in their own happy little rut. 

Ellen, is a teacher, with a 17-year-old son, Cooper, whom she has devoted her life to.  With Cooper checking out colleges, she worries if she can afford it, even if it’s a year away. But one day she over hears Cooper telling his best friend, that he can’t go to a college far away, as he feels his mother can’t do without him.  She is appalled and is determined to change things.

Unity’s husband died three years ago, and she is still in mourning, unable to move forward, living in the past.  She works as a ‘handyman’ and spends time with the over 70’s group she helps, including a grief counseling group, which in a short time she is kicked out, since everyone thinks she does not belong with them.

Ellen runs to Unity for help on her problem with Cooper and together they devise a plan to help both of them.  Unity suggests creating a ‘friendship list” of things they can do separately that will get them out of their comfort zone, as well as change things including adding a bit of excitement in their lives. The list includes things like tattoos, skydiving, rock climbing, dating sexy men, & sex.  We get to meet the men who will play a big part in their lives.   Keith, is a coach at Ellen’s school, and her best friend; though neither look at each other as anything but friends.  As much as Keith was a good friend, and popular coach, I did not like him early on, due to his over the top treatment to his daughter, Lissa, as well as his worry and fears when Ellen pushes him sexually (she hasn’t had sex since she was impregnated 17 years ago).

Thaddeus is introduced to Unity by her friend, Dagmar, and both got off on the wrong foot.  But something about Unity drew Thaddeus to her, and he began to convince her to date him, using the friendship list (skydiving) as a start.  Unity was an impossible case, unable to accept moving on to someone else, even if she began to have feelings for Thaddeus.  

The Friendship List was very well written by Mallery, and it was fun to watch both Ellen and Unity experience many different things in their lives that they never would have done. I thought all the characters Mallery created were great (though I was on the fence with Keith for a while), especially Cooper, Lissa, Luka, Dagmar, etc.  There were many emotional moments throughout the book, that had us smiling, sad, laughter, and hot chemistry between to two couples.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Chapter One

“I should have married money,” Ellen Fox said glumly. “That would have solved all my problems.”

Unity Leandre, her best friend, practically since birth, raised her eyebrows. “Because that was an option so many times and you kept saying no?”

“It could have been. Maybe. If I’d ever, you know, met a rich guy I liked and wanted to marry.”

“Wouldn’t having him want to marry you be an equally important part of the equation?”

Ellen groaned. “This is not a good time for logic. This is a good time for sympathy. Or giving me a winning lottery ticket. We’ve been friends for years and you’ve never once given me a winning lottery ticket.”

Unity picked up her coffee and smiled. “True, but I did give you my pony rides when we celebrated our eighth birthdays.”

A point she would have to concede, Ellen thought. With their birthdays so close together, they’d often had shared parties. The summer they’d turned eight, Unity’s mom had arranged for pony rides at a nearby farm. Unity had enjoyed herself, but Ellen had fallen in love with scruffy Mr. Peepers, the crabby old pony who carried them around the paddock. At Ellen’s declaration of affection for the pony, Unity had handed over the rest of her ride tickets, content to watch Ellen on Mr. Peepers’s wide back.

“You were wonderful about the pony rides,” Ellen said earnestly, “And I love that you were so generous. But right now I really need a small fortune. Nothing overwhelming. Just a tasteful million or so. In return, I’ll give back the rides on Mr. Peepers.”

Unity reached across the kitchen table and touched Ellen’s arm. “He really wants to go to UCLA?”

Ellen nodded, afraid if she spoke, she would whimper. After sucking in a breath, she managed to say, “He does. Even with a partial scholarship, the price is going to kill me.” She braced herself for the ugly reality. “Out-of-state costs, including room and board, are about sixty-four thousand dollars.” Ellen felt her heart skip a beat and not out of excitement. “A year. A year! I don’t even bring home that much after taxes. Who has that kind of money? It might as well be a million dollars.”

Unity nodded. “Okay, now marrying money makes sense.”

“I don’t have a lot of options.” Ellen pressed her hand to her chest and told herself she wasn’t having a heart attack. “You know I’d do anything for Coop and I’ll figure this out, but those numbers are terrifying. I have to start buying lottery scratchers and get a second job.” She looked at Unity. “How much do you think they make at Starbucks? I could work nights.”

Unity, five inches taller, with long straight blond hair, grabbed her hands. “Last month it was University of Oklahoma and the month before that, he wanted to go to Notre Dame. Cooper has changed his mind a dozen times. Wait until you go look at colleges this summer and he figures out what he really wants, then see who offers the best financial aid before you panic.” Her mouth curved up in a smile. “No offense, Ellen, but I’ve tasted your coffee. You shouldn’t be working anywhere near a Starbucks.”

“Very funny.” Ellen squeezed her hands. “You’re right. He’s barely seventeen. He won’t be a senior until September. I have time. And I’m saving money every month.”

It was how she’d been raised, she thought. To be practical, to take responsibility. If only her parents had thought to mention marrying for money.

“After our road trip, he may decide he wants to go to the University of Washington after all, and that would solve all my problems.”

Not just the money ones, but the loneliness ones, she thought wistfully. Because after eighteen years of them being a team, her nearly grown-up baby boy was going to leave her.

“Stop,” Unity said. “You’re getting sad. I can see it.”

“I hate that you know me so well.”

“No, you don’t.”

Ellen sighed. “No, I don’t, but you’re annoying.”

“You’re more annoying.”

They smiled at each other.

Unity stood, all five feet ten of her, and stretched. “I have to get going. You have young minds to mold and I have a backed-up kitchen sink to deal with, followed by a gate repair and something with a vacuum. The message wasn’t clear.” She looked at Ellen. “You going to be okay?”

Ellen nodded. “I’m fine. You’re right. Coop will change his mind fifteen more times. I’ll wait until it’s a sure thing, then have my breakdown.”

“See. You always have a plan.”

They walked to the front door. Ellen’s mind slid back to the ridiculous cost of college.

“Any of those old people you help have money?” she asked. “For the right price, I could be a trophy wife.”

Unity shook her head. “You’re thirty-four. The average resident of Silver Pines is in his seventies.”

“Marrying money would still solve all my problems.”

Unity hugged her, hanging on tight for an extra second. “You’re a freak.”

“I’m a momma bear with a cub.”

“Your cub is six foot three. It’s time to stop worrying.”

“That will never happen.”

“Which is why I love you. Talk later.”

Ellen smiled. “Have a good one. Avoid spiders.”

“Always.”

When Unity had driven away, Ellen returned to the kitchen where she quickly loaded the dishwasher, then packed her lunch. Cooper had left before six. He was doing some end-of-school-year fitness challenge. Something about running and Ellen wasn’t sure what. To be honest, when he went on about his workouts, it was really hard not to tune him out. Especially when she had things like tuition to worry about.

“Not anymore today,” she said out loud. She would worry again in the morning. Unity was right—Cooper was going to keep changing his mind. Their road trip to look at colleges was only a few weeks away. After that they would narrow the list and he would start to apply. Only then would she know the final number and have to figure out how to pay for it.

Until then she had plenty to keep her busy. She was giving pop quizzes in both fourth and sixth periods and she wanted to update her year-end tests for her two algebra classes. She needed to buy groceries and put gas in the car and go by the library to get all her summer reading on the reserve list.

As she finished her morning routine and drove to the high school where she taught, Ellen thought about Cooper and the college issue. While she was afraid she couldn’t afford the tuition, she had to admit it was a great problem to have. Seventeen years ago, she’d been a terrified teenager, about to be a single mom, with nothing between her and living on the streets except incredibly disappointed and angry parents who had been determined to make her see the error of her ways.

Through hard work and determination, she’d managed to pull herself together—raise Cooper, go to college, get a good job, buy a duplex and save money for her kid’s education. Yay her.

But it sure would have been a lot easier if she’d simply married someone with money.

*

“How is it possible to get a C- in Spanish?” Coach Keith Kinne asked, not bothering to keep his voice down. “Half the population in town speaks Spanish. Hell, your sister’s husband is Hispanic.” He glared at the strapping football player standing in front of him. “Luka, you’re an idiot.”

Luka hung his head. “Yes, Coach.”

“Don’t ‘yes, Coach’ me. You knew this was happening—you’ve known for weeks. And did you ask for help? Did you tell me?”

“No, Coach.”

Keith thought about strangling the kid but he wasn’t sure he could physically wrap his hands around the teen’s thick neck. He swore silently, knowing they were where they were and now he had to fix things—like he always did with his students.

“You know the rules,” he pointed out. “To play on any varsity team you have to get a C+ or better in every class. Did you think the rules didn’t apply to you?”

Luka, nearly six-five and two hundred and fifty pounds, slumped even more. “I thought I was doing okay.”

“Really? So you’d been getting better grades on your tests?”

“Not exactly.” He raised his head, his expression miserable. “I thought I could pull up my grade at the last minute.”

“How did that plan work out?”

“No bueno.”

Keith glared at him. “You think this is funny?”

“No, Coach.”

Keith shook his head. “You know there’s not a Spanish summer school class. That means we’re going to have to find an alternative.”

Despite his dark skin, Luka went pale. “Coach, don’t send me away.”

“No one gets sent away.” Sometimes athletes went to other districts that had a different summer curriculum. They stayed with families and focused on their studies.

“I need to stay with my family. My mom understands me.”

“It would be better for all of us if she understood Spanish.” Keith glared at the kid. “I’ll arrange for an online class. You’ll get a tutor. You will report to me twice a week, bringing me updates until you pass the class.” He sharpened his gaze. “With an A.”

Luka took a step back. “Coach, no! An A? I can’t.”

“Not with that attitude.”

“But, Coach.”

“You knew the rules and you broke them. You could have come to me for help early on. You know I’m always here for any of my students, but did you think about that or did you decide you were fine on your own?”

“I decided I was fine on my own,” Luka mumbled.

“Exactly. And deciding on your own is not how teams work. You go it alone and you fail.”

Tears filled Luka’s eyes. “Yes, Coach.”

Keith pointed to the door. Luka shuffled out. Keith sank into his chair. He’d been hard on the kid, but he needed to get the message across. Grades mattered. He was willing to help whenever he could, but he had to be told what was going on. He had a feeling Luka thought because he was a star athlete he was going to get special treatment. Maybe somewhere else, but not here. Forcing Luka to get an A sent a message to everyone who wanted to play varsity sports.

He’d barely turned to his computer when one of the freshman boys stuck his head in the office. “Coach Kinne! Coach Kinne! There’s a girl crying in the weight room.”

Keith silently groaned as he got up and jogged to the weight room, hoping he was about to deal with something simple like a broken arm or a concussion. He knew what to do for those kinds of things. Anything that was more emotional, honest to God, terrified him.

He walked into the weight room and found a group of guys huddled together. A petite, dark-haired girl he didn’t know sat on a bench at the far end, her hands covering her face, her sobs audible in the uneasy silence.

He looked at the guys. “She hurt?”

They shifted their weight and shook their heads. Damn. So it wasn’t physical. Why didn’t things ever go his way?

“Any of you responsible for whatever it is?” he asked.

More shaken heads with a couple of guys ducking out.

Keith pointed to the door so the rest of them left, then returned his attention to the crying girl. She was small and looked young. Maybe fifteen. Not one of his daughter’s friends or a school athlete—he knew all of them.

He approached the teen, trying to look friendly rather than menacing, then sat on a nearby bench.

“Hey,” he said softly. “I’m Coach Kinne.”

She sniffed. Her eyes were red, her skin pale. “I know who you are.”

“What’s going on?” Don’t be pregnant, don’t be pregnant, he chanted silently.

More tears spilled over. “I’m pregnant. The father is Dylan, only he says he’s not, and I can’t tell my m-mom because she’ll be so mad and he said he l-loved me.”

And just like that Keith watched his Monday fall directly into the crapper.

*

Keith left work exactly at three fifteen. He would be returning to his office to finish up paperwork, supervise a couple of workouts and review final grades for athletes hovering on the edge of academic problems. But first, he had pressing personal business.

He drove the two short miles to his house, walked inside and headed directly for his seventeen-year-old daughter’s room.

Lissa looked up from her laptop when he entered, her smile fading as she figured out he was in a mood. Despite the attitude, she was a beauty. Long dark hair, big brown eyes. Dammit all to hell—why couldn’t he have an ugly daughter who no guy would look at twice?

“Hi, Dad,” she said, sounding wary. “What’s up?”

“Spot check.”

She rolled her eyes. “Seriously? There is something wrong with you. I heard what happened at school today. I’m not dumb enough to date a guy like Dylan who would tell a tree stump he loved it if it would have sex with him. I’m not sleeping with anyone and I’m not pregnant. I told you—I’m not ready to have sex, as in I’m still a virgin. You’re obsessed. Would you feel better if I wore a chastity belt?”

“Yes, but you won’t. I’ve asked.”

“Da-ad. Why are you like this? Pregnancy isn’t the worst thing that could happen. I could be sick and dying. Wouldn’t that be terrible?”

“You can’t win this argument with logic. I’m irrational. I accept that. But I’m also the parent, so you have to deal with me being irrational.”

He pointed to her bathroom. She sighed the long-suffering sigh of those cursed with impossible fathers and got up. He followed her to the doorway and watched as she pulled the small plastic container out of the bathroom drawer and opened it.

Relief eased the tension in his body. Pills were missing. The right number of pills.

“You are a nightmare father,” his daughter said, shoving the pills back in the drawer. “I can’t wait until I’m eighteen and I can get the shot instead of having to take birth control pills. Then you’ll only bug me every few months.”

“I can’t wait, either.”

“It’s not like I even have a boyfriend.”

“You could be talking to someone online.”

Her annoyance faded as she smiled at him. “Dad, only one of us in this house does the online dating thing and it’s not me.”

“I don’t online date.”

“Fine. You pick up women online, then go off and have sex with them for the weekend. It’s gross. You should fall in love with someone you’re not embarrassed to bring home to meet me.”

“I’m not embarrassed. I just don’t want complications.”

“But you do want to have sex. It’s yucky.”

“Then why are we talking about it?” He pulled her close and hugged her, then kissed the top of her head. “Sorry, Lissa. I can’t help worrying about you.”

She looked up at him. “Dad, I’m taking my pills every day, not that it matters because I’m not having sex. I’m not. I’ve barely kissed a guy. Having you as my father makes it really difficult to date. Guys don’t want to mess with you and risk being beat up.”

“Good.”

She smiled even as she hit him in the arm. “You’re repressing my emotional growth.”

“Just don’t get pregnant.”

“You need to find a more positive message. How about ‘be your best self?’”

“That, too. Gotta go.”

“I’m having dinner with Jessie tonight. Remember?”

“No problem. Be home by ten.”

He got back in his truck but before starting the engine, he quickly texted Ellen. I need a couple of beers and a friendly ear. You around tonight?

The response came quickly. Only if you bring fried chicken. I have beer and ice cream.

You’re on. See you at six.

Excerpted from The Friendship List by Susan Mallery, Copyright © 2020 by Susan Mallery, Inc.. Published by HQN.

 

 

 


SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.

Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.

SOCIAL LINKS:
Twitter: @susanmallery
Facebook: @susanmallery
Instagram: @susanmallery
Author website: https://www.susanmallery.com/

 

Q&A with Susan Mallery

Q: Where did the inspiration for The Friendship List’s plot come from?

A: The inspiration for The Friendship List came from a reader—but I don’t think it’s exactly the story the reader was asking for. A couple years ago, a reader suggested I write a story about empty nesters, a couple whose children had grown up and were moving out. I considered the idea, but it didn’t immediately sing for me.

Then, while washing dishes—which is when I often get ideas—I thought to myself, “What if it isn’t a couple, but a single mom? And what if she had her baby really young, like in high school? She would be in her midthirties when her kid went to college. What would that be like?”

That’s the spark that led to Ellen, a single mom who had her son when she was a senior in high school. Since then, she has put his needs first, always, to the point where she hasn’t dated really at all in her adult life. When her son was little, she worked her butt off to raise him and go to college to become a math teacher.

The story starts as Ellen overhears her son telling a friend he can’t go away to college because his mom doesn’t have a life without him. They’re a team, and she needs him. Ellen is horrified that she’s holding him back, and she knows she has to do something drastic to convince him that it’s safe for him to follow his dreams.

Unity, Ellen’s best friend for as long as they both can remember, is a young widow, still mourning the death of her husband three years ago. She’s stuck in her grief, and reluctant to change that because getting over her grief might mean really letting go of the love of her life forever. But for Ellen’s sake, Unity comes up with the friendship list—a series of challenges designed to shake up their lives.

One way or another, this will be a summer that will change them forever. The Friendship List is a celebration of friendship. I know authors aren’t supposed to have favorite books, but I have to admit, this is one of my favorite things that I’ve ever written—certainly the funniest. Every day, I couldn’t wait to get to my desk, excited to write that day’s fun scene. It was pure joy from page 1 to The End, and I hope you’ll love it, too.

 Q: Who is your favorite character in this novel and why?

A: I love both of the friends, but Ellen probably squeaks out a narrow win over Unity simply because her journey was so much fun. Think about it—she had her kid when she was seventeen years old, and from that moment on, her life revolved around him so she missed out on the things most people experience in their twenties. Dating, parties, bar-hopping. She was home studying and taking care of her kid.

And in fact, he’s the impetus for her to change, as well, because she  sees  that what’s best for him now is for her to let go, to get a life of her own. When she realizes all that she’s been missing, she dives in with her whole heart and body, with such enthusiasm that she had me laughing every day. Suddenly she wants to try everything all at once. Love, love, love, love her.

 Q: Of the challenges in the book, which was the most fun to write about? Why?

A: Oh, that’s a tough one! I don’t know if I want to tell you my favorite-favorite because it might be too much of a spoiler. So instead, I’ll tell you one of my other favorites, which is more of a teaser than a spoiler. ? One of Ellen’s challenges is to wear clothes that fit, instead of her normal habit of wearing clothes that are at least three sizes too large for her. Baggy is her comfort zone. The first time she wears an outfit that shows the shape of her body, her pal Keith can’t help looking at her in a whole new way. Here’s a clip:

He stared at her in confusion. Something was different with Ellen, he thought, trying to figure out what it was.

He cataloged her appearance. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail, just like always. She had on makeup maybe, which was a surprise, but made her eyes looked bluer than usual. As for what she was wearing, it was just some shirt thing and pants that stopped just below her knee. Nothing out of the ordinary except—

He swore silently. The clothes fit. For once they weren’t swirling around her, the extra fabric concealing every part of her body. He could see the shape of her waist and her hips, he outline of her thighs. And breasts. Ellen had breasts!

He realized he was staring and forced his gaze away. Of course she had breasts. Women had breasts. Ellen’s were no big deal. Only he’d never noticed them before and he didn’t want to see them now.

 Q: What is your idea of a good personal challenge for yourself?

A: The challenges in The Friendship List are meant to push the women out of their comfort zone and be a little intimidating for them, so my personal challenge will have to do the same. Hmm… Oh! How about a plunging V neckline? Cleavage makes me really self-conscious, but I admire women who can proudly show off their curves.

I’m nervous just thinking about it!

 Q: Do your characters tell you their stories a bit at a time or all at once? Do they ever pull you in unexpected directions changing up the plot you originally planned?

A: Yes, yes, and yes. It depends on the story. Very rarely, a story will come to me fully formed. Daughters of the Bride was like that. A gift book. That almost never happens. Usually, I get a spark of an idea. I write up some notes, then set it aside. If I’m still thinking about it, I know it has potential. I get a lot of ideas that never go anywhere. They might make fine stories for someone else, but if they’re not tugging at me, I let them go.

I’m on the extreme-plotter end of the plotter/pantser spectrum. (For those who don’t know, a plotter is a writer who plots the story in advance. A pantser is a writer who flies by the seat of her pants, without knowing where the story is going.) I generally work out story problems during my plotting process, which makes me feel free to relax and sink into the story while I’m writing.

When I get into the flow of a book, the characters do take over and sometimes they do surprise me. When they take me in a direction I didn’t expect, I have to step back to look at the big picture to adjust. I never try to force a character to do something that doesn’t feel right for him or her. Every decision must be motivated.

In The Friendship List, Unity threw me for a loop early on. I knew she was still in love with her late husband, but until I wrote a particular scene, I didn’t realize just how broken she still was. I did have to make some very serious adjustments to her road to a happy ending. And in the end, as I brought her out of that darkness, I cried. So satisfying!

 Q: Do you have pets? How do the animals you have now or have had in the past influence writing animals into your stories?

A: Yes, I have three pets. Two ragdoll cats, siblings Alex and Lucy, and a miniature poodle named Kelli. I love animals of all kinds. I’m a big supporter of Seattle Humane and the amazing work they do for animals in and around Seattle.

Animals play a big role in my books. When they have a part in the story, they are genuine characters because I believe, like humans, each animal has its own unique quirks and personality traits. The book I’m working on right now will be the first book in my new series, Wishing Tree—Christmas romances—and there are two dogs in the book who I adore. Bella is a Great Dane who loves to play dress-up in cute canine ensembles, and who is intimidated by a dachshund named Burt. The first Wishing Tree romance will be out in 2021.

Q: Is there a genre of books that you have not written yet but might contemplate writing in the future? What might that be?

A: I recently toyed with the idea of writing a thriller. I even did quite a bit of research on Bitcoin, which was going to be a big subplot. I decided against the thriller, but research is never wasted—one of the characters in The Friendship List became a Bitcoin millionaire, and then a regular-money millionaire. Plus, I’m kind of proud of myself—it took me two weeks of research to be able to understand crypto-currency, but I’m now I’m at least cocktail-party level literate. ?

 Q: What was the first book you sold/published and how did you celebrate when you received the acceptance letter from the publisher?

A: The first book I sold was a historical romance called Frontier Flame. A few months after that, I sold a book to (then Silhouette) Special Edition. Both books came out the same month, so the first time I was published was with two books. It was very heady! Of course, before that and after that I had many story ideas rejected. Even now, although infrequently, one of my ideas can be rejected. It happened recently. Still stings, but not as badly.

I celebrated my first sale by calling all of my writer friends and squealing over the phone, and then by going out for a nice dinner with my husband.

 Q: What do you love to do when not writing?

A: I love hanging out with my friends—and I miss that right now because of the coronavirus. Friendship is one of the most fundamental relationships in a woman’s life. You might argue “in a man’s life, too,” but from what I’ve observed, most men don’t have the same visceral need for community that women do. My husband once told me, “You’re all I need.” Which is sweet and romantic and probably true. I love him dearly, more than any other human being on the planet, but I need friends, too. My friends are the family I chose, and I nurture those relationships in every way I can.

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Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she’s lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea’s thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.

When her introverted mathematician father announces he’s getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps–to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy–Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.

From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected.

 

 

Review:

Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay is a fun standalone novel.  We meet our heroine, Chelsea Martin, who is a workaholic, with a successful job, as her company’s top fundraiser for the American Cancer Coalition.  Even with her success, she has a co-worker, who annoys her to no end.  Jason Knightley, our hero, works with Chelsea and is always one step ahead of her with his annoying sarcastic comments that drive her crazy. 

Chelsea gets a surprise, when she learns that her widowed father is planning to remarry, and has only known his future bride for two weeks.  Chelsea’s sister is happy for her father, and tells Chelsea that she has stopped enjoying her life after their mother died 7 years ago.  When Chelsea learns that Jason is going to work with her on a big project, she decides it’s time for her to quit her job and take a trip to Europe to revisit her wonderful journey before her mother died. She plans to retrace her fun times, with visits to Ireland, France and Italy, trying to meet the three young men in each country that made her feel loved and joyous. Before she leaves, she learns that her boss is sick, and insists that she remain with the company to help Jason with the project, but allowing her to go on the journey.

 What follows is a wonderful fun story, as Chelsea looks to find happiness and love again.  With Ireland the first stop, she finds the man whom she fell for, and though he was happy to see her, things were not the same.  But most of all, Jason ends up surprising Chelsea by coming to Ireland to work with her, as they will be meeting the person who wants to build the new project, as well as donate a large sum to the fund.   In a short time, a friendship will build between Chelsea and Jason, with them getting past their work differences and spending time together getting to know each other better personally.  Their bantering and humor were fun, and we knew pretty quickly, despite Chelsea’s determination to find a romance with one of the three men, a slow built romance will eventually bring them together.

Though her Ireland ex-boyfriend, Colin, turned into a jerk, and her meeting her France ex, Jean Claude was not meant to be; but she was thrilled to see Marcelino in Italy. He ran a very successful vineyard, not to mention lived in a Castle and was a great guy; even Jason thought he was great.  Will Chelsea convince herself that she wanted to stay with Marcelino or does she fall in love with Jason?

Paris is Always Good Idea was a sweet, fun, enjoyable story, and I loved the travel in Ireland, France and Italy.  Lots of beauty, food and fun.  This was a different kind of book from Jenn McKinlay and I totally loved every moment.  I wholly suggest you read this wonderful romantic story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs – a Review

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs – a Review

 

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Description:
There is a book for everything . . .

Somewhere in the vast Library of the Universe, as Natalie thought of it, there was a book that embodied exactly the things she was worrying about.

In the wake of a shocking tragedy, Natalie Harper inherits her mother’s charming but financially strapped bookshop in San Francisco. She also becomes caretaker for her ailing grandfather Andrew, her only living relative—not counting her scoundrel father.

But the gruff, deeply kind Andrew has begun displaying signs of decline. Natalie thinks it’s best to move him to an assisted living facility to ensure the care he needs. To pay for it, she plans to close the bookstore and sell the derelict but valuable building on historic Perdita Street, which is in need of constant fixing. There’s only one problem–Grandpa Andrew owns the building and refuses to sell. Natalie adores her grandfather; she’ll do whatever it takes to make his final years happy. Besides, she loves the store and its books provide welcome solace for her overwhelming grief.

After she moves into the small studio apartment above the shop, Natalie carries out her grandfather’s request and hires contractor Peach Gallagher to do the necessary and ongoing repairs. His young daughter, Dorothy, also becomes a regular at the store, and she and Natalie begin reading together while Peach works.

To Natalie’s surprise, her sorrow begins to dissipate as her life becomes an unexpected journey of new connections, discoveries and revelations, from unearthing artifacts hidden in the bookshop’s walls, to discovering the truth about her family, her future, and her own heart.

 

 

Review:

The Lost and Found Bookshop by Susan Wiggs is a wonderful standalone novel. We meet our heroine, Natalie Harper immediately, as she is being honored for a promotion at her job.  Natalie learns a short time after the announcement, that her mother and her boyfriend, who were flying to be at the announcement were killed in a plane crash. 

When Natalie inherits her mother’s bookstore in San Francisco, she realizes it is financially strapped, and when she inquires about selling the store, she learns her grandfather is actually the owner.  Grandy (her grandfather is in stages of dementia) and he refuses to see the bookstore.  Natalie decides to quit her job, and see if she can bring the bookstore back to its former glory, as well as become the caregiver for her beloved Grandy.  Though she is in financial straits, Natalie slowly begins to remember the good old days when she loved staying at the book store.   She meets Peach Gallagher, a contractor, who is willing to help her renovate the old historical building, especially areas that need immediate care. 

What follows is a heartwarming story, revolving around the past, as far back as Grandy’s father, with discoveries of artifacts, journals behind the archaic walls that were falling apart.  These discoveries lead to stories of how and why they were hidden, leading to treasures to be given back to those who may have lost it years before.  It is a story of the present, with Natalie, Grandy, Peach, Dorothey (Peach’s sweet young daughter) and Trevor (a possible romantic interest for Natalie, who is a famous author); and a story of the family’s history back to the days after the 1906 earthquake and how the bookshop started.

I really liked Natalie, as she made a great heroine, especially as her life changed, and she found herself happier than ever.  There is a little romance, and I liked both Peach and Trevor.  Of course, Dorothy was an adorable cute girl. Grandy was terrific as a wonderful kind hearted grandfather, who we enjoyed in his lucid days.  Susan Wiggs did a wonderful job creating these wonderful characters.

The Lost and Found Bookshop was a very good story that kept your attention throughout.  This story revolved around the present and the past, with a bit of everything;  history, romance, mystery, and wonderful characters that you couldn’t help but care for.   The Lost and Found Bookshop was so very well written by Susan Wiggs. I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey – a Review

Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey – a Review

 

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Description:
In a sequel from the POV of Annie’s best friend Chloe, a story about finding love in the most obvious-yet-not-so-obvious place. Chloe Sanderson is an optimist, and not because her life is easy. She is the sole caregiver for her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s, and pretty much responsible for everything. She has no time—or interest—in getting swept up in some dazzling romance. Not like her best friend, Annie, who literally wrote a rom-com that’s about to premiere in theaters across America . . . and happens to be inspired by Chloe and her cute but no-nonsense boss, Nick Velez.

As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many listicles about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can’t see him as anything but Reason #4: The scruffy-bearded hunk who’s always there when you need him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn’t so sure her own story will end in a happily-ever-after.

 

 

Review:

Not Like The Movies by Kerry Winfrey is told in the first person point of view. We view this book through Chloe’s jaded eyes. I liked Chloe in the last book (Waiting for Tom Hanks) she was fun and feisty, loyal to friends, and always had a quick comeback. 

Her best friend has hit it big with a movie deal “coffee girl”, and for those who haven’t read the first book, coffee girl was the nickname the hero gave our heroine.  You don’t need to read the first book. But it does help. There are a few things in this book that you’ll only get if you read the first one. But I don’t think it’s really necessary to this book. 

So…… the movie Annie made was all about a coffee shop owner and his barista. News gets out that it’s based on a real coffee shop, Nick and Chloe are an overnight gossip piece of news. Everyone wants to come have coffee and meet the inspiration. 

I loved how Chloe is always there for her friends. Her top priority at the moment is her dad, he has Alzheimer’s (early stage) and is in a home, but it’s hard, hard watching her dad slip away, hard being the adult and not the child in the relationship. 

What I didn’t like was her treatment of Nick, he’s a nice guy, he genuinely likes her, and the kiss they share should have set the stage for the start of their romance, but no. I understand her reluctance, mum leaving a child will scar that person. But she doesn’t do commitment, and her feelings for Nick scare her. Dating someone else who is totally the opposite of Nick wasn’t going to work either! Whenever there is a hint of romance, Chloe is off! 

Another book full of great characters, Gary the regular in the coffee shop, giving advice or making a nuisance of himself, Chloe’s ex (the girlfriend who looks after her dad) she’s there to offer a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen, even Annie and Drew make an appearance. We even get to meet her brother and his boyfriend. I think she also feels so frustrated that her brother doesn’t help more with their father. It’s always up to “good ole Chloe”

The references to books are cute up to a point, but I don’t know anyone that lives their life through movies, so I didn’t really connect to the book. So will Chloe finally get the message? Will she look at Nick in a different light? 

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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