Everyone in Silver Bell, Arkansas has heard of Walter Lorry. Rumors have been circulating about the strange old man around town for years. He’s weird. Stooped and odd looking. Always keeps to himself and never speaks to anyone. At one time, he had a wife and kid, but no one has seen them in forever. Then there’s the matter of him sleeping on his front porch every night when there’s a perfectly good bed inside his house. Who in their right mind would do that?
But even the people of Silver Bell have to admit that Walter Lorry has beautiful penmanship—calligraphy so swirly and intricate you’ve never seen anything like it. They say dignitaries requested his work at some point in history. They say his work even hangs in museums around the world. They say he has money buried somewhere, maybe even next to his murdered family. They say a lot of things about Mr. Walter Lorry, it’s just that no one knows which things are true.
And which things are lies.
Leave it to Piper Moore—a newcomer who’s engaged to the son of town’s most prominent business owner—to find out. She’s heard the rumors, she’s seen his handwriting, and she wants Mr. Lorry to design one-of-a-kind wedding invitations just for her. After all, she’s used to getting her way, and she reasons that if his work was once good enough for Hollywood, then it’s good enough for her. Which is exactly what drives her to knock on his door, march inside the old man’s antique store, and convince him to do it.
She doesn’t expect his answer. She isn’t prepared for his story to change everything she believes about love. And she certainly wasn’t ready to learn all the reasons you should never, ever believe in small-town legends.
Oh, friends. This is a good one. I had a hard time putting this book down when life called. I just wanted to be left alone with my book all day without interruptions.
The story is, at first, centered around Piper. Then Piper and Walter as she begins working in his store and reading his journals which take her back in time. It's where, as a reader, the whole story begins to unfold. Walter's story tugged at my heartstrings in such an insistent and emotional way. I adored him. His loyalty, his devotion, his love. Ugh, just wait until you read it. It's all so tragic yet sweet. But don't worry. It all ends well so there is a happy ending to look forward to.
Author Amy Matayo has a way of creating stories of the underdog. Those who reside on the outside of social norms and acceptance. In Walter's case, because his community put him there. It makes me reevaluate my thinking and where I stand. I never want to be the person that participates in something like this.
This isn't a romantic love story but it's a story about love. Women's Fiction. It was so good. So, so good. Don't miss it.
This book is on KU if you have that.
Content: a few instances of mild swearing. Death, adoption. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.
While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.
Believe it or not, this is my very first Katherine Reay book. I am happy to say that I have two more of her books on my Kindle and I'm excited for the chance to read them. This is her newest release and I think it was a great place for me to start.
I want to work in a bookshop. I think that might be my dream job- to be surrounded by books all day, to talk about books all day, to help people find books that they love ALL DAY. Seriously. I wish bookshops weren't starting to feel like a thing of the past. This book was all about that Painted Letter Bookshop and I loved it. By the end of the book, it felt like home to not only Madeline, Claire and Janet, but to me as well. I loved the book references and wished I knew more about some of the books spoken of. I think I have a bit more reading to do!
The story starts off with a funeral and a very confused Madeline who later learns she has inherited all that her aunt has. This sets Madeline on quite a journey as she has to not only navigate a store that is failingbut the lives of everyone in connection with her aunt and her store. Thisstory revolves around Madeline and the two women who work at the bookshop. Even though Aunt Maddie isn't there anymore, it really is all about her as well. Her influence is woven into each woman. It was a slow build of information but one I really enjoyed. I was literally getting to know each woman in a very personal and intimate way. Every woman will probably be able to find a bit of herself somewhere in at least one of these very different women.
This book isn't a romance. It isn't especially bright and happy either. These women are living real lives with real struggle and faults. They excel at some things and struggle with other things. Sometimes I felt the heaviness of it weighing me down but there was always a thread of hope to hang onto. It took me a bit to become invested in these characters but by about halfway through, it was tough to put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Content: some talk of God, praying, forgiveness. Mention of affair, drinking alcohol.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sienna has no memory of her late mother, yet every significant day of her life—birthdays, the first day of high school, graduation—has been marked by a letter written during her last weeks of life. Sienna knows her father feels grateful to be able to offer up these connections to the loving, talented woman his daughter never got a chance to know. Yet for Sienna herself, the letters have become a dreaded burden, a reminder that every milestone is less than it would be if both parents were still living.
A month before her twenty-fifth birthday, Sienna finds a lump. Facing a cancer diagnosis, Sienna begins to ask questions about her mother’s terminal illness—questions that reveal unsettling inconsistencies and voids in the stories she’s been told. The deeper she digs, the more the image of her mother as a contented homemaker warps into something much darker and far more troubling. If Sienna’s dad lied about this, what else did he lie about?
This book wasn't what I'd expected it to be and I freely admit I didn't read the blurb because this author (also known as Josi Kilpack) is an auto yes for me. That's why this whole book came as a surprise. But honestly, I like it that way with the books from authors I have read for so long and know I enjoy.
This story was full of trouble and difficult things. It was hard to find the light, the positive, and the hope to hold on to. As a reader, I don't mind hard things but I am always looking for the hopeful thread that will carry me through. It was hard to find that in this book. The other thing I am always looking for is the emotional connections to the characters. I really didn't get that in this book. Sienna is an expert at blocking people out and I felt that strongly. It felt as though I was blocked out as well. I definitely had compassion for the many, many hard things Sienna was facing but found myself constantly frustrated by her too. I had a harder time with this book.
It is so interesting to me how we, as people, so inherently want to know who we are and where we come from. There is an instinct deep within us that craves that foundation of knowing who our people are. I think this book really brings those achings to life. I liked the constant surprises in the plot in this book. I was guessing all along at what I thought was happening or where things were going and I wasn't always right. I like plot surprises. Even though I didn't love this book as much as others by this author, I'll still be coming back for more.
Content: swearing, drug use, death, infertility, cancer, intimate relations outside of marriage with no details.
Nina’s once-sweet life has unexpectedly turned sour. Her marriage is over, her job is in jeopardy, and her teenage daughter is slipping away from her. Then her father dies and issues with Nina’s mother come to a head; her estranged brother, Ray, comes home; and her sister, Lola, is tempted to blow a big family secret out of the water. They say the truth will set you free, but first it will make a huge mess of things.
All Nina’s got left is her final photography assignment shooting images for the book 32 Ways to Make Lemonade. Well, that and the attention of a younger man, but Oliver’s on-again-off-again romantic interest in her ebbs and flows so much she is seasick. And then Jack, her ex-husband, shows up, wanting to get back together.
As Nina struggles to find a way through her complicated relationships and to uncover her true path, she discovers just how valuable a second chance at life and happiness can be.
I have some mixed feelings about this book. There were a lot of great moments for the characters in this book, moments of profound realizations causing personal growth and change. But, there was so much to muddle through. After the first third of the book, I will admit to skimming a fair bit, especially during the reflections, memories or fantasies. I could glean what I needed to quickly and move on to the more important moments.
This story is told from the first person with Nina being that character. Everything is as she sees and feels it. Usually I love first person because it allows for such an intimate, emotional connection. I didn't feel that as strongly in this book even though it seems like I should have. Nina just didn't feel really personable. I felt sympathy for her losses and I appreciated when she owned up to her part of the mistakes, but I didn't love her. I didn't feel emotionally connected to her.
All the characters in this book were dealing with lots of baggage, emotional struggle and dysfunction which made it hard to find and feel that balance of joy that is necessary for me as a reader. But, so much of this book is true to life. Life is hard. Rarely does it turn out like you hope it will. The struggles sometimes seem to outweigh the joys but the trick is, as this book says, to keep going. You can change how you look at things and you can adapt to new circumstances. Thank goodness for second chances.
3/5 stars
Content: talk of infidelity, mention of sex outside of marriage, some references to alcohol and drug abuse, miscarriage, death, dysfunctional family relations.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
It's been more than a year since she lost her family - a tragedy that has left Grace Whitaker a shadow of her former self. Unable to move on surrounded by so many memories, she makes the desperate decision to return to her childhood home in Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. There she hopes to salvage the broken pieces of her life - but what she finds is the promise of peace and healing in an unlikely place.
Copper Creek Farm is part of a Canadian historical museum, offering glimpses into 19th-century pioneer life. Yet the farm offers much more than that - it is a place of second chances. For Grace, the opportunity to work the land alongside the loving Whelan family is the first step toward healing. But she isn't the only broken soul seeking hope on the farm. Grace is joined by a young man in trouble with the law, as well as the Whelans' son and grandchildren, who are struggling through their own heartbreak. Together, these survivors discover the strength that can be found in friendship. But when faced with the uncertainty of the future, will they have the courage to move beyond the past to forge new lives for themselves?
This story is so gentle and honestly, slow moving. It reminds me of a small creek in the mountains- trickling and meandering it's way down. There is nothing heart pounding or intense about it. It follows one woman and her journey from broken and barely living to healing and light again. This is not a romance. It's more what I would call LDS women's fiction.
Grace has suffered so much heartbreak- honestly, I can't even imagine a scenario such as hers. Grief and devastation have been her constant companion for eighteen months and now she is taking a huge step outward by moving across the country to try something new- some different that will hopefully help piece back together her broken parts. Grace is strong and has so much courage. She is a fantastic character. Her loss has given her a level of empathy and kindness that cannot be replicated any other way.
The farm setting was serene and the perfect place for Grace. Hard work and being surrounded by good people gave way to healing for Grace. The pacing is slow and sometimes I found the very detailed explanations of planting or yarn making to be too lengthy for my taste. This wasn't a book that sucked me in from the beginning and held me tight, but it was soothing and calming. Grace's journey is a very satisfying one involving healing and hope.
Content: LDS fiction- some religious elements
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, lies the quaint town of Merryton, Colorado. You will never find finer people or better friends. But try keeping a secret in Merryton and you will soon find that the good townspeople are better than any private investigator or undercover journalist. The men and women of Merryton are like living barometers, and when a storm is brewing in the life of one of their own, they are sure to get to the bottom of it--and forecast it on the Merryton grapevine.
Jessica and Blake Summers know a thing or two about what it’s like to be the latest and greatest news on the vine. Their thirteen year marriage has had more than its fair share of heartache and loss. Then the past comes knocking, in the form of a teenage girl, a daughter Blake never knew existed. The news sets the Merryton grapevine on fire.
In the wake of this revelation and firestorm, Blake and Jessica are forced to reevaluate their own relationship and priorities, all while learning that raising a teenage girl is not for the faint of heart. But in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty, they discover that Madeline may just be what the doctor ordered to heal their broken hearts and mend their own tattered relationship.
Will they have the courage to look forward and find a greater love than they could ever imagine? Or will past hurts and the town grapevine tear them apart?
It's always a happy day when I get a book from Jennifer Peel. I've been looking forward to this book and this series and I'm glad I finally got to read it. Jennifer Peel has a gift for writing characters that feel real and bring out real emotions in me.
This book is honestly like a real life drama playing out before your eyes. Told in first person from Jessica's point of view, you really get an up close and personal look at her life and her heartache. You also get to know all the people Jessie loves. Her parents, her best friends, and Blake. All these characters had definition and by the end of the book I felt like I knew them well.
Blake and Jessie have their struggles. Blake may have made some mistakes, but honestly, his desire to keep trying and work on things makes him a hero in my eyes. He has patience and knows how to work hard.
I could related to Jessie and all her emotions. It was almost scary sometimes! There is so much emotion in this book. It is a love story but more like a rediscovering love story. Maybe more along the lines of women's fiction. All I know is when I finished the story I felt satisfied and hours later, I missed these characters.
This book has some Christian elements to it but I wouldn't necessarily classify it as Christian fiction. It is a clean romance- so swearing or described sexual situations although the couple in this book is married and their sexual relationship is mentioned.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series! I got a little preview of what's to come and I'm excited!
Finley isn’t exactly sure when her life began to feel unfamiliar. She suspects the transformation started long before she caught her husband and fellow garden club member doing the white-trash-two-step on her new Bernhardt sofa. Now free from the shackles of a loveless marriage, and with her children off to college, she’s finally able to go searching for the missing pieces of her heart.
Finley’s best friend, Cathyanne, is already working hard to ensure that Finley finds true love this time around. But when Finley is unwittingly tossed into the arms of two men—their sexy trainer and her neighbor, a popular country star—Cathyanne fears finding the right guy will be more complicated than she ever could have imagined.
For Finley, building a new life feels as impossible as flying a paper airplane to the moon. But maybe, just maybe, with the right help, she will find her whole heart—even if it’s in the very last place she thinks to look.
I've been looking forward to reading this book. I've read other books by Julie Ford and enjoyed them so I was hopeful for this one. I'm coming in with mixed ideas about this book. It's sort of a like/dislike relationship I have going on with this book right now.
First, I did enjoy reading a book with a slightly older main character than I usually see in many books. Finley is a woman with grown children and a lot of life experiences behind her. Recently divorced, Finley is trying to work through the emotions and conflict surrounding her new found place in life.
I liked the basic story line and I enjoyed Finley's growth through the book. Her struggles seemed real and even though I couldn't relate personally to many things she was going through, I felt the emotional tug. I loved the journey personally that Finley is on that is apart from her romantic entanglements. It was a self-awareness that shifts as she realizes that there are other people out there, struggling, and that she make a difference. Not just generally, but personally. That was the best bit of the book for me.
This book, for me personally, was a bit crass in many parts. There is swearing and many instances of crass kind of talk. There is a lot of sexual innuendo and references to affairs. I guess I just wasn't expecting that. I will be hesitant to pick up more book by Julie Ford because now I am confused as to how she writes. None of her other books have been this way. So, there is the like/dislike. I liked the story and the personal growth for Finley but I could have done without some of the swearing and sexual references. Here is an excerpt from "With No Regrets".
Packed like corralled cattle between four wood paneled walls, the riotous crowd filling the bar overwhelmed the echo of Finley’s boots as she made her way through the darkened hallway. Built during the early days of Nashville, Tootsie’s was rumored to have launched Willie Nelson’s career as well as other famous performers like Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and in more recent decades, Quinton Townes.
At the end of the hallway, and through an open door, Finley spied her neighbor.
Jagged locks of ashy-blond hair peeked out from under a worn cowboy hat to poke at the frayed edges of his western shirt. A dimple split his right cheek as he smiled, his head bent toward that of a young woman.
Finley moved closer, watching as the groupie handed Quinton a cocktail napkin. “Will you sign this for me?” she said, adding a coy smirk.
Quinton ran his smoky gray eyes over the woman’s skintight T-shirt as he slipped the paper and pen from her hands, his fingers lingering a touch longer than necessary on hers. “Who should I make this out to?” he drawled in that slow, Texas way of his.
Gazing out from under a pair of mascara-laden lashes, she said, “McKenna,” and then bit down on her plump bottom lip.
Finley rolled her eyes. This one was young, even by Quinton’s standards. Likely, not much older than her daughter Royanne, or Quinton’s own estranged daughter, Annie, for that matter. Because she hadn’t known him back when he was married, it was hard for her to imagine him as anyone’s daddy. But then he’d become a father long before the world had known his name. Before his solo career had taken off and he’d mistakenly boarded a high-speed train running on tequila and cocaine, barreling headlong into the blinding lights of one forgotten arena after another. Before he’d traded the unconditional love of a wife and three children for the fleeting admiration of his fans. Before the cheers of the crowds had echoed into a deafening abyss where there wasn’t enough booze or blow in his empty hotel room to silence the void. And certainly before he’d woken up one morning a homeless, washed-up one-hit-wonder with nothing but a broken-down Mazerati to call his own. The very day he just so happened to have entered Finley’s life.
Author Julie N. Ford
A graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science, Julie N. Ford also earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of six women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, and the cutest Scottish fold cat you’ve ever seen. She loves to chat with readers.
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At age sixty-two, life is finally beginning for newly widowed Ruby Crenshaw. Her son is grown and gone, and after long years spent as a loyal wife to her charming but unfaithful husband, she’s ready to live the life she’s always dreamed of. Her resolve is firm: she’ll never make the mistake of giving her heart to another man.
The first step in Ruby’s quest for a carefree lifestyle was to create the Newport Ladies Book Club, an unlikely gathering of women who have been her haven. Now she’s ready to take her newfound independence a step further—along with her friends from the local senior center, Ruby is jetting off to a much-needed Greece adventure. What she isn’t prepared for is Gabriel—the group’s tour guide—a native Greek and a true gentleman. His unquestionable charm is hard to resist. But resist she must—because no matter their growing attraction, Ruby is not about to fall for charming again!
If you aren't familiar with the Newport Ladies Book Club series, I'll give you a brief rundown on how it works. These books are about different ladies who meet together for a book club each month. Each book is about a different person but runs in a parallel time frame. You can read any book, in any order. You can read more about this series and how it works by clicking HERE.
I have read all but one of the books in this series so far. I'm hoping to get to "Shannon's Hope" soon. Especially after having read "Ruby's Secret". I really need to know what's going on with Shannon. This series is unique and I love the way we have all the characters to some degree in every book and you have this vague idea of who they are and that they are struggling but you don't really get their whole story until you read their book. I just love this concept. The authors do a fantastic job of keeping things cohesive and fluid.
Ruby's Secret was so good. I have loved Ruby from the very beginning of this series and I'm so glad she finally got her own book and her own story told. Ruby is generous and gracious to everyone she meets. She is so kind and I could feel this about her from the very first book I read. I love how this book really puts into perspective how people assumed that Ruby had everything great in her life. The ladies in her book club think she had an ideal marriage and because of her generous and kind personality assume that her life has been great. In reality though, Ruby struggled all her married life and was hurt so badly that she still hasn't gotten over it. It was a good reminder to me that even the most put together people have struggles and hard things to deal with. You can just never judge people by what you see.
Ruby has quite an emotional journey in this book. Her strength and courage really shine through. I love how you can just feel Ruby's heart changing when she meets Gabriel. Ruby is a woman made to love and take care of others. But, just like any other human, she needs love and care too. Gabriel is just the man for the job. I <heart> Ruby and Gabriel. Love them separate, love them together. I love the hope this book brought. This book is squeeky clean. :) You can find Ruby's Secret at Amazon.
Heather B. Moore is the 2-time Best of State, 2-time Whitney Award & 2-time Golden Quill Award winning author of ten historical novels. Her historical fiction is published under H.B. Moore; her newest historical thrillers are Daughters of Jared, Esther the Queen, and the Omar Zagouri series: Finding Sheba and Beneath.
Heather writes women's fiction and romance under Heather B. Moore. She's the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club Series (with Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon & Julie Wright)--her books are Athena and Ruby's Secret. Heather is also the author of the bestselling anthology collection A Timeless Romance Anthology, the Aliso Creek Novella series, the historical romance Heart of the Ocean, the non-fiction works Christ's Gifts to Women (co-authored with Angela Eschler), Women of the Book of Mormon, and the upcoming Divinity of Women (2014, co-authored with S. Kent Brown).
Visit her blog for writing and book signing updates: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com
Heather loves to hear from readers at: www.hbmoore.com or if you're an aspiring writer, she also manages the editing company, Precision Editing Group: www.precisioneditinggroup.com.
David's Song
Taken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience.
A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.
I'm not really sure exactly what to say about this book or how to say it. I'm sort of at a loss. I talked to my husband about this book after I read it because I was feeling so out of sorts. This book definitely evokes emotions. I felt for Annie but mostly I felt guilty for Annie. She didn't seem to feel much of that for herself, but I sure did. I felt guilty and disloyal and dirty even. On her behalf. I think all marriages have rough patches. It's working through those that makes you stronger. I know that isn't always the case, but in this case it was. Annie's husband may not have been the best communicator, but he was trying. Jeremy was faithful to Annie and tried to give Annie what he thought she wanted. He always felt second best, second choice and Annie pretty much proved that he was by her actions. I thought Annie was selfish. I didn't like her. It was like she just threw her whole marriage and children out the window without much thought at all when dream boat from the past walks in. Even if she didn't feel loved by her husband, what about her children? Was she really just going to up and leave for some far off destination for a romp with the old flame? Where does that leave her children? What does that tell them? Oh oy. I guess I'm just of a different mind and heart than Annie. I can't imagine renewing a relationship with someone when my marriage was still in place. Happy or not. I can see the temptation that Annie had. Of course I can. But that's when you run the other way until things with your marriage are resolved one way or another. Annie had those people reminding her of that but she selfishly chose differently. I guess this book just wasn't for me. Just the whole topic and viewpoint. Maybe I've just seen the repercussions of these type of decisions so many times that it hits too close to my heart. The book was well written. It obviously evoked real emotions from me which should be considered a positive.
Author A.R. Talley
April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.
Athena is a self-proclaimed bachelorette—it’s better that way—no one gets hurt. But when tragedy strikes, Athena realizes friendship and love is the only way she can pull through, and she must, for the first time in her life, risk opening her heart.
The Newport Ladies Book Club series is unique in that each Newport book is written from the point of view of a different woman in the book club. The first 4 books cover the same time period and the same book club meetings. But only with reading all 4 books, will you learn the whole story of each of the women and her full character journey. Think of it as a parallel series, not as a forward-moving series.
I've had the opportunity to read and review this series from the very beginning and I have really loved it. It's such a great idea to have books that cover the same period of time, yet each from a different point of view. Each book tells the story of an individual while telling bits and pieces of the other women's stories as well.
Being a lover of clean romance myself, this book really brought in all the elements that I love. This book had more romantic aspects, and more kissing than the other books. :)
Athena has some major challenges thrown at her all at once. Like all the women in this series, she is trying to figure out how to deal with life's challenges while fixing the things in her life and character that she knows need fixing. Life is hard. No matter what your profession, religion, marital status or family make-up, life is hard. I love that this series brings all those elements into the books. These women band together, support each other and share a common love of books. It's awesome. Women everywhere will be able to connect with the characters in these books in some way or another.
In the end, I was proud of Athena. She dug deep and found what she needed to get through. She overcame her fears and let other in to help. It was a struggle, but she did it.
If you haven't had the chance to read these books yet (Oliva, Paige, Daisy or Athena), you should really give them a chance. Pick one up. You might just love them. :)
Heather Moore (H.B. Moore) is the award-winning author of the historical series, OUT OF JERUSALEM (2007 Whitney Award winner), ABINADI (2008 Whitney Award winner & 2009 Best of State winner), ALMA (2009 Whitney Award finalist), ALMA THE YOUNGER (2011 Best of State winner & 2010 Whitney Award finalist), AMMON (2011 Gold Award of Excellence), DAUGHTERS OF JARED (2012 Golden Quill Best Novel), the non-fiction WOMEN OF THE BOOK OF MORMON and CHRIST'S GIFTS TO WOMEN (co-authored with Angela Eschler).
Newest releases include THE NEWPORT LADIES BOOK CLUB SERIES: ATHENA; A TIMELESS ROMANCE ANTHOLOGY: WINTER COLLECTION; HEART OF THE OCEAN (Jan 2013).
Heather graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management—which has nothing to do with writing novels, but at least she can balance a mean checkbook and color-coordinate her kids’ school clothes.
After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start. She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it's the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom. She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right, something her ex never did. Yet Paige struggles to figure out who she is as a woman rather than a wife, how to help her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again. As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl's ever-present care, one thing becomes clear: healing from the past requires more than a change of address.
This is the third installment of the Newport Ladies Book Club series where we get to know Paige a little bit better. I was really looking forward to reading about Paige based on the glimpse I had of her in the other books, Olivia and Daisy. (titles are linked to my reviews on these books if you are interested)
When I received instructions and information on reviewing this series, I was given the caution that not every book has a happily ever after ending. They weren't kidding about that. This women's fiction series deals with very real life situations and we all know that real life is hard and not always happily ever after. Even though I don't get that resolution and happily ever after ending, I always find a sense of satisfaction at the end of these books. The characters face troubles and heartache, make mistakes of their own and struggle to find their way. They rely on friendships to help them through. These women find strength to continue on and face life. That is admirable.
Another thing I love is that each book happens at exactly the same time as the other books in this series. All these women attend the book club together, each drawn there by the idea of meeting new friends, sharing a love of books and trying something new. They come from different religions (Catholic, Mormon, Greek Orthodox and Jewish) yet they share a bond that carries each of them through the tough spots.
Paige's story is not unique. Unfortunately. I know Paige (although her name isn't Paige). She is in my family. She is also the lady down the street. Paige's story will resonate and you will feel her emotions. I sure did.
If you haven't had a chance to pick up one of the Newport Ladies Book Club series, you should. It doesn't matter where you start, each book will take you to the same place just with a different person. This is a unique series unlike any I've read before. It's a fantastic idea.
You can find out more about this series and the authors by heading to their blog.
Josi Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Julie Wright, & Heather Moore
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. And no one knows that better than Daisy. Raising two kids as a divorced, single mom, Daisy has faced each and every one of the obstacles in her life with courage and determination.
Now with her oldest daughter ready to have a baby of her own, her youngest daughter ready to graduate from high school, and her new husband, Paul, ready to embrace the life of an empty-nester, Daisy feels like she might finally be able to check "motherhood" off her list of things to do.
Except life often has a mind of its own. When, at age of forty-six, Daisy suddenly finds herself facing a very different future than the one she had planned--and an uncomfortable evaluation of the past she thought she understood--she realizes that there is still some growing up she needs to do.
Looking for a distraction to escape the growing tension at home, Daisy joins the Newport Ladies Book Club, where she meets Paige, Athena, and Olivia--unlikely friends who offer encouragement and support when Daisy's perfectly crafted life is turned upside-down.
I'm so excited to be a part of the continuing reviews for The Newport Ladies Book Club. I love this idea of writing books that are set in the same point in time but from the life and view of four different ladies. Daisy is the second book released. Olivia was the first book and you can find my review for that book here. One of the great things about these books is that you can pick them up and read them in any order.
I really loved Daisy. The book and the character. I think Daisy has the experiences and mind set that many women will relate to. I was pulled into her emotions and really felt for her. Rarely does life go the way we hope and plan for and Daisy's life is proof of that in bucket loads. She faces mistakes, misunderstandings, strained family relationships, betrayal and hurt but also new friendships, healing and hope.
I hate to say too much or give too much away. The one thing I was sad about was the ending. I knew coming into this series that not every story had a happily ever after ending but I was hoping for at least some resolution. Daisy is just left hanging. I wasn't ready for the book to end. I wasn't ready to give Daisy up. I wanted more. I still want more. Maybe I'll get to hear more about Daisy later in another book? I really, really hope so. I need to know what happens with Daisy!
You really ought to give this series a try if you haven't already. So far it's been fantastic! Paige is the next book in the series, coming out in August. Something fun to look forward to. I just love this concept of writing with the overlapping and connecting stories.
You can check out the official website for The Newport Ladies Book Club by clicking here.
For more information on how this series works, you can click here.
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