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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
I liked this book and the intertwining stories. Each of the characters were well developed and the book was entertaining. The seaside setting and the activities the characters participated in were appreciated. Furthermore, important mental health issues were discussed with care. The only shortfall of this book, in my opinion, was that some of the stories were not as relevant to the death as others and felt to be a bit of an afterthought. Having said that, each story was enjoyable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Kate Marcin. Her performance was very good, full of expression and well articulated. My usual speed of 1.25x was comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this format of the book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Kate Marcin. Her performance was very good, full of expression and well articulated. My usual speed of 1.25x was comfortable. I would not hesitate to recommend this format of the book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
I really enjoy stories of family that are relatable and Summer by the Sea is one such book. The characters are all interesting and likeable and the story is entertaining. I particularly appreciate the respectful way that Nan is written – she’s seen as a valued, contributing member of the family. The memories and feelings expressed by Faith regarding the charm of this community are ones that are likely familiar to many of us.
The underlying theme of this book is well captured. Faith, while watching the breakwater from the shore, recalls the times she swam through the difficult challenge of the breakwater to get to calmer waters. She realizes that life is like this as well- the waters will not always be calm, but if we can get through the difficult times we can once again return to easier days.
What I Liked About Summer by the Sea:
- The closeness of this family with respect given to the older generations.
- The emphasis on the importance of communication and forgiveness
- The descriptions of the beachside community reminiscent of my own experiences.
The underlying theme of this book is well captured. Faith, while watching the breakwater from the shore, recalls the times she swam through the difficult challenge of the breakwater to get to calmer waters. She realizes that life is like this as well- the waters will not always be calm, but if we can get through the difficult times we can once again return to easier days.
What I Liked About Summer by the Sea:
- The closeness of this family with respect given to the older generations.
- The emphasis on the importance of communication and forgiveness
- The descriptions of the beachside community reminiscent of my own experiences.
Sunshine Vicram is the Sheriff of a small-town New Mexico police force. She is also a single mother to a fifteen year old daughter Auri, who has inherited her mother’s fascination with solving crimes. With several investigations going on at the same time, Sunshine has been kept busy with work,and keeping track of her daughter. Luckily she has her parents nearby to help. While this leaves little time for romance, Sunshine continues to wait for Levi Ravinder to make his move. At the end of another busy day, all Sunshine really wants is a big glass of Chardonnay.
I enjoyed reading A Good Day for Chardonnay. The book is told from the dual perspective of Sunshine and Auri. The characters continue to be quirky, interesting and likeable. There were a number of concurrent mysteries in this story including an event from Sunshine’s past. I enjoyed following these investigations and remained intrigued to see how each would be resolved.
Although I was entertained by this book, I must say I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. The book is as full of quick wit as was the first in the series, but it became very tiring going in to the second part of this book. While I loved the Gilmore Girls like relationship between mother and daughter in the first book, I was disappointed to find that this bond had evolved into one more reminiscent of sisters in this book. I felt at times that Sunshine wasn’t prioritizing Auri, and counted on her parents way too often. While this didn’t take away from the actual plot, it affected my enjoyment of the book.
I was happy to see that Lorelai King returned to narrate this second book in the series. She provides another great performance and is believable as both the voices of Sunshine and Auri. Her voice is expressive and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
I enjoyed reading A Good Day for Chardonnay. The book is told from the dual perspective of Sunshine and Auri. The characters continue to be quirky, interesting and likeable. There were a number of concurrent mysteries in this story including an event from Sunshine’s past. I enjoyed following these investigations and remained intrigued to see how each would be resolved.
Although I was entertained by this book, I must say I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first. The book is as full of quick wit as was the first in the series, but it became very tiring going in to the second part of this book. While I loved the Gilmore Girls like relationship between mother and daughter in the first book, I was disappointed to find that this bond had evolved into one more reminiscent of sisters in this book. I felt at times that Sunshine wasn’t prioritizing Auri, and counted on her parents way too often. While this didn’t take away from the actual plot, it affected my enjoyment of the book.
I was happy to see that Lorelai King returned to narrate this second book in the series. She provides another great performance and is believable as both the voices of Sunshine and Auri. Her voice is expressive and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
I fell in love with this book right from reading the synopsis. There is something very special about a mother-daughter bond and stories of this relationship bring me joy. The author does a great job of describing Gabi and Alissa’s relationship from the beginning. It is one made up of traditions such as watching old movies together every Saturday night, and deep respect. Alissa is proud of Gabi and her accomplishments and will do what she needs to to make Gabi’s wedding day special. This includes keeping her secret from Gabi until it is the right moment to share it.
The relationship between Alissa and Matt has been complicated. They truly are the love of each other’s life. Alissa didn’t want to tie Matt down in their earlier years and set him free to explore the world as she was raising Gabi. Matt is ready to settle down and stay in their hometown even before Alissa announces her pregnancy to him. Alissa, however, has trust issues- Matt has returned home several times only to leave again. I appreciated watching this couple’s journey to redefining their relationship.
The book’s theme is living life to its fullest but recognizing that a life without a partner may be too big a compromise. It is one of second chances and personal growth. I loved the Jewish elements in this story and the supporting characters in this wonderful book.
Audiobook Review:
I also listened to the audiobook version of The Bloom Girls which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caitlin Davies and Fred Berman. Their voices were expressive and easy to listen to. I appreciate when audiobooks are performed by a cast of narrators which seems to bring a more authentic feel to the book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those who appreciate this format.
The relationship between Alissa and Matt has been complicated. They truly are the love of each other’s life. Alissa didn’t want to tie Matt down in their earlier years and set him free to explore the world as she was raising Gabi. Matt is ready to settle down and stay in their hometown even before Alissa announces her pregnancy to him. Alissa, however, has trust issues- Matt has returned home several times only to leave again. I appreciated watching this couple’s journey to redefining their relationship.
The book’s theme is living life to its fullest but recognizing that a life without a partner may be too big a compromise. It is one of second chances and personal growth. I loved the Jewish elements in this story and the supporting characters in this wonderful book.
Audiobook Review:
I also listened to the audiobook version of The Bloom Girls which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caitlin Davies and Fred Berman. Their voices were expressive and easy to listen to. I appreciate when audiobooks are performed by a cast of narrators which seems to bring a more authentic feel to the book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those who appreciate this format.
The Stepsisters is both entertaining and engaging. The characters are well written and their interactions are natural. A lot was going on in this story with plenty of interesting family dynamics. These sisters were substantially impacted by poor parenting from Sage and Cassidy’s mother Joanne whose belief is that beauty is everything.
The discussion about Daisy and Jordan’s marriage was interesting to read. Marriage is hard work and is constantly evolving. Without giving anything away, it was a realistic look at many long-lasting relationships- a topic not frequently discussed in books. The author communicates this with care and respect and I admire her ability to do so.
This is book is Women’s Fiction, with a touch of romance to create some balance. I appreciate books with family as central characters and love how this family came together to support one another during darker days.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of The Stepsisters which was narrated by Tanya Eby. She has narrated several other of Susan Mallery’s books and always gives a great performance. Her voice is articulate and her cadence is natural. If you enjoy audiobooks, I’d recommend this format.
The discussion about Daisy and Jordan’s marriage was interesting to read. Marriage is hard work and is constantly evolving. Without giving anything away, it was a realistic look at many long-lasting relationships- a topic not frequently discussed in books. The author communicates this with care and respect and I admire her ability to do so.
This is book is Women’s Fiction, with a touch of romance to create some balance. I appreciate books with family as central characters and love how this family came together to support one another during darker days.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of The Stepsisters which was narrated by Tanya Eby. She has narrated several other of Susan Mallery’s books and always gives a great performance. Her voice is articulate and her cadence is natural. If you enjoy audiobooks, I’d recommend this format.
This was a fun, cute read! I really enjoy the banter typical of rom-com’s and this one was loaded with it. The characters had many dates and not just the official four, but several of these had obstacles thrown in their way complicating their already interesting relationship. As their time together progresses, it was entertaining to watch them get closer and then realizing the their time together was short-lived causing them to back away from the relationship. Communication is a significant theme in this book and while some readers may feel frustrated with this couple, I opted to let the story play out as it was written.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Dating Dare which was narrated by Natalie Naudus. Her performance was expressive and with a tone that was easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Dating Dare which was narrated by Natalie Naudus. Her performance was expressive and with a tone that was easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
The Husbands was a highly engaging read. The characters were well developed and interesting. The underlying theme that many women feel they have to do it all is one recognizable to many. It was fascinating to see the lengths these women would go to in order to have husbands that were willing to take on more. Ironically, the imbalance of workload represented was such that the men were taking on more than their fare share of household responsibilities.
It was interesting to see thriller elements in the last third of the book. The book reads more like Women’s Fiction with a sense of mystery and setting reminiscent of Desperate Housewives. The story is told from multiple points of view which is used well to create great depth of characters. Without giving anything away, I enjoyed the robotic feel to some of the characters which is explained later in the book. All in all, this was a very good read and one that is sure to stay in my memory for quite some time.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of The Husbands which was narrated by Allyson Ryan who gives a great performance. The tone of her voice, and her cadence made this book easy and enjoyable to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of The Husbands to those that enjoy this format.
It was interesting to see thriller elements in the last third of the book. The book reads more like Women’s Fiction with a sense of mystery and setting reminiscent of Desperate Housewives. The story is told from multiple points of view which is used well to create great depth of characters. Without giving anything away, I enjoyed the robotic feel to some of the characters which is explained later in the book. All in all, this was a very good read and one that is sure to stay in my memory for quite some time.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of The Husbands which was narrated by Allyson Ryan who gives a great performance. The tone of her voice, and her cadence made this book easy and enjoyable to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of The Husbands to those that enjoy this format.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed Feels Like Falling. The story is told from the dual narrative of Gray and Diana. These women are both strong female characters in their own right who enter each other’s lives at precisely the right moment. Gray provides the financial stability that Diana needs, while Diana helps Gray to realize what she wants for her life. It is beautiful to witness the healing power of such a relationship and the evolution of each of these women through the course of the book.
The author not only does a great job of developing the primary characters but the supporting characters as well. I was deeply interested in all these characters and wanted to read more. The conclusion of this book is satisfying, yet lends itself to a possible series.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of Feels Like Falling which was performed by Kelsey Navarro and Amanda Ronconi. Their performance was full of expression and enthusiasm and was easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to choose this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
I enjoyed Feels Like Falling. The story is told from the dual narrative of Gray and Diana. These women are both strong female characters in their own right who enter each other’s lives at precisely the right moment. Gray provides the financial stability that Diana needs, while Diana helps Gray to realize what she wants for her life. It is beautiful to witness the healing power of such a relationship and the evolution of each of these women through the course of the book.
The author not only does a great job of developing the primary characters but the supporting characters as well. I was deeply interested in all these characters and wanted to read more. The conclusion of this book is satisfying, yet lends itself to a possible series.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of Feels Like Falling which was performed by Kelsey Navarro and Amanda Ronconi. Their performance was full of expression and enthusiasm and was easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to choose this version of the book for those that appreciate this format.
I enjoyed reading about the experience of Qian and her family from the perspective of a well-educated family leaving behind the world they knew for a much more difficult time in a new country. The insight into this family’s world during these years is beautifully written and emotional to read. In particular, the jobs her parents take to survive in their new home are meaningful to their story.
As an avid reader myself, the passion and importance of books in Qian’s life was heartwarming and joyful to read. I really enjoyed the description of her visiting a library for the first time. It was discouraging to read the obvious racism by many of Qian’s fellow students and teacher. This discussion really sets the context for her experience during these years.
I would have liked to have read more about the family’s experience in Canada and in Qian’s college years. If the author chooses to write about this time in a future book, I will be sure to read it.
As an avid reader myself, the passion and importance of books in Qian’s life was heartwarming and joyful to read. I really enjoyed the description of her visiting a library for the first time. It was discouraging to read the obvious racism by many of Qian’s fellow students and teacher. This discussion really sets the context for her experience during these years.
I would have liked to have read more about the family’s experience in Canada and in Qian’s college years. If the author chooses to write about this time in a future book, I will be sure to read it.