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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
While the book has some funny moments, the book fell a little flat for me. The characters were not that likeable and in fact I found them to be a little aggressive at times. At the onset I thought their relationship was strong as evidenced by the commitment to find men for each other. But soon I began to see that this friendship was not as supportive as I had once thought.
The book is told from the perspective of each of the friends. Despite this, I just didn’t connect to any of these women. Perhaps this is a mismatch between book and reader. The book is marketed as perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert and Jasmine Guillory whose books I enjoy, but the lack of a cohesive story has me cautioning other readers not to expect too much.
The book is narrated by the author who I have learned is a comedian. While her performance was satisfactory, it isn’t as polished as the audiobooks I have listened to by professional narrators. I therefore would not recommend this format for this book.
What I Liked:
The elements of humour scattered through the book
That the central characters represent women in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
The varied personalities of each of the characters
The book is told from the perspective of each of the friends. Despite this, I just didn’t connect to any of these women. Perhaps this is a mismatch between book and reader. The book is marketed as perfect for fans of Talia Hibbert and Jasmine Guillory whose books I enjoy, but the lack of a cohesive story has me cautioning other readers not to expect too much.
The book is narrated by the author who I have learned is a comedian. While her performance was satisfactory, it isn’t as polished as the audiobooks I have listened to by professional narrators. I therefore would not recommend this format for this book.
What I Liked:
The elements of humour scattered through the book
That the central characters represent women in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
The varied personalities of each of the characters
I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first in the series. The story is highly engaging and thoroughly entertaining. Both Finlay and her sidekick Vero can get into more trouble than Lucy and Ethel in I Love Lucy (yes I’m dating myself). The fact that Finlay has the added pressure of being a single mother with two small children with looming deadlines for the book she’s writing just makes Finlay so relatable to many women.
The book Finlay writes very much resembles the mystery unfolding in her life and I adore this about this series. In her quest to save her ex Steven, she meets a whole gamut of seedy characters. Indeed, she is so focused on her quest she disguises herself to meet a mob boss currently serving time.
There are many characters in this story and it took a while to remember these from the first book which I read almost a year ago. The author does a great job of bringing the reader back to Finlay’s world. The writing is witty and easy to follow but there are a few scenes that may be offensive to more sensitive readers.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Angela Dawe. She provides the perfect combination of drama and comedy and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those of you who enjoy this format.
The book Finlay writes very much resembles the mystery unfolding in her life and I adore this about this series. In her quest to save her ex Steven, she meets a whole gamut of seedy characters. Indeed, she is so focused on her quest she disguises herself to meet a mob boss currently serving time.
There are many characters in this story and it took a while to remember these from the first book which I read almost a year ago. The author does a great job of bringing the reader back to Finlay’s world. The writing is witty and easy to follow but there are a few scenes that may be offensive to more sensitive readers.
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Angela Dawe. She provides the perfect combination of drama and comedy and I thoroughly enjoyed her performance. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those of you who enjoy this format.
This was such an interesting read. The whole concept of meeting your ideal mate by using a set of highly intimate assessments sounds far-fetched yet believable. All through the book, it felt as though the creators of this company were going to let Ursula and Rafael know that this was all an experiment to see how far a couple would go to find their perfect match. But they did not.
The central characters were well developed. Both were educated and career-driven individuals who had experienced previous relationships but had never felt they had found “the one”. Through The Arc, the two meet and fall fast for one another. They couldn’t believe what a great job The Arc had done in pairing them together. But no relationship is perfect and the two find challenges along the way.
The Arc company itself was well presented and futuristic. The descriptions of the surroundings and the week-long assessments their clients go through before matching was fascinating. It was surprising to me that neither Ursula nor Rafael questioned the need for some of these intimate assessments and simply went along with what was requested.
There is a twist to the story which I won’t get into so as not to give too much away, but this was a significant part of the story and mindset of this couple. It was well presented and was a highlight.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Arc which was narrated by Mary Elizabeth Kelly. I enjoyed her performance - particularly how she portrays the Doctor at The Arc. Her voice almost feels computer generated which portrays the clinician behind The Arc’s algorithm. I would highly recommend this format of the book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
The central characters were well developed. Both were educated and career-driven individuals who had experienced previous relationships but had never felt they had found “the one”. Through The Arc, the two meet and fall fast for one another. They couldn’t believe what a great job The Arc had done in pairing them together. But no relationship is perfect and the two find challenges along the way.
The Arc company itself was well presented and futuristic. The descriptions of the surroundings and the week-long assessments their clients go through before matching was fascinating. It was surprising to me that neither Ursula nor Rafael questioned the need for some of these intimate assessments and simply went along with what was requested.
There is a twist to the story which I won’t get into so as not to give too much away, but this was a significant part of the story and mindset of this couple. It was well presented and was a highlight.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Arc which was narrated by Mary Elizabeth Kelly. I enjoyed her performance - particularly how she portrays the Doctor at The Arc. Her voice almost feels computer generated which portrays the clinician behind The Arc’s algorithm. I would highly recommend this format of the book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
Before I begin this review, let me first say that I normally choose not to read books in which the protagonist has cancer. It just feels a little too close to home for me. But when I read the synopsis for this book, it spoke to me. This book is memorable and meaningful and I’m happy I decided to read it.
Keira is a wife, mother and business owner when her breast cancer diagnosis is made. The book chronicles her life through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and provides a realistic view of the impact on her life.
One of the areas that this book excels is in pointing out that a cancer diagnosis cannot be nicely compartmentalized outside of everything else that happens in life along the way. The author does a great job of recognizing and revealing the uncomfortable, and sometimes insensitive manner, it which others relate to the character after a cancer diagnosis.
She meets Tasmin early in this journey outside of the breast heath clinic. Tasmin has been on a run, and Keira admires the positivity and ease of speaking to her. Tasmin suggests maybe Keira would like to start running and that she can join her on any Friday she’d like to. Keira is not a runner but feels she’d like to speak with Tasmin again. She later learns is that Tasmin is on her own cancer journey and so is another woman who has joined them. When Keira invites another cancer survivor to join them on a Friday, the women decide to form The Bright Side Running Club.
The bond between these woman is one built on positivity, common experience and the need to carry on. This is particularly important bond as Keira learns to adjust to her identity as a woman with cancer. The book is emotional and uplifting, and one I will be recommending over and over again.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Bright Side Running Club which was narrated by Danielle Cohen. Her performance was excellent and enhanced an already amazing book. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those readers who appreciate audiobooks.
4.5/5 stars
Keira is a wife, mother and business owner when her breast cancer diagnosis is made. The book chronicles her life through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and provides a realistic view of the impact on her life.
One of the areas that this book excels is in pointing out that a cancer diagnosis cannot be nicely compartmentalized outside of everything else that happens in life along the way. The author does a great job of recognizing and revealing the uncomfortable, and sometimes insensitive manner, it which others relate to the character after a cancer diagnosis.
She meets Tasmin early in this journey outside of the breast heath clinic. Tasmin has been on a run, and Keira admires the positivity and ease of speaking to her. Tasmin suggests maybe Keira would like to start running and that she can join her on any Friday she’d like to. Keira is not a runner but feels she’d like to speak with Tasmin again. She later learns is that Tasmin is on her own cancer journey and so is another woman who has joined them. When Keira invites another cancer survivor to join them on a Friday, the women decide to form The Bright Side Running Club.
The bond between these woman is one built on positivity, common experience and the need to carry on. This is particularly important bond as Keira learns to adjust to her identity as a woman with cancer. The book is emotional and uplifting, and one I will be recommending over and over again.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Bright Side Running Club which was narrated by Danielle Cohen. Her performance was excellent and enhanced an already amazing book. I would not hesitate to recommend this version of the book to those readers who appreciate audiobooks.
4.5/5 stars
This book was such a lovely read. Turning 30 is a momentous milestone for Cleo given her family history. When she is assigned this solo retreat she is at first hesitant. But as she begins her stay on the island she gleams more about what she wants in life and celebrates this in such a heartwarming way. I fell in love with Cleo immediately.
Mack is on the island to explore his family’s history. A year into a separation from his wife and family, the reader cannot help but feel compassion for this man who is trying hard to keep his family together. He connects with this island community as much as Cleo does.
When the two are faced with the double-booking error, they have no choice but to make the best of it. As the days pass, and they learn more about one another, the two are drawn together as two souls searching for what is next in life. When Mack hears some bad news from home, his connection to Cleo proves stronger than ever. The duo decide to share a romance for the remainder of Mack’s two weeks on the island knowing that at the end of this fortnight that the two will never see each other again.
Beautifully written and heartfelt, One Night On the Island does not disappoint. Written in a dual narrative, it is moving and emotional. Having read all three books by this author, I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
I listened to the audiobook edition of One Night On The Island which was narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson and Davis Brooks. Their performances were expressive and easy to listen to. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook version to those that appreciate this format.
Mack is on the island to explore his family’s history. A year into a separation from his wife and family, the reader cannot help but feel compassion for this man who is trying hard to keep his family together. He connects with this island community as much as Cleo does.
When the two are faced with the double-booking error, they have no choice but to make the best of it. As the days pass, and they learn more about one another, the two are drawn together as two souls searching for what is next in life. When Mack hears some bad news from home, his connection to Cleo proves stronger than ever. The duo decide to share a romance for the remainder of Mack’s two weeks on the island knowing that at the end of this fortnight that the two will never see each other again.
Beautifully written and heartfelt, One Night On the Island does not disappoint. Written in a dual narrative, it is moving and emotional. Having read all three books by this author, I cannot wait to read what she writes next.
I listened to the audiobook edition of One Night On The Island which was narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson and Davis Brooks. Their performances were expressive and easy to listen to. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook version to those that appreciate this format.
This was such an interesting read. This story is told from the dual perspectives of Harper and Dan whose family histories play an intricate part in their characters.
Harper is a senior dental student who has worked hard to get her to the top of her class. After a loss she suffered as a child, she’s learned to control the only things she can including being as prepared as possible for the rigours of a stressful education program.
Dan is a first-year dental student whose family obligation has him in an education program he declined years before. He is not the gifted dental student that one would expect from parents who were both dentists. Leaving a job and career he loved was difficult but in his eyes necessary.
The two meet and romance begins but the two know that once Harper graduates that she will be leaving to begin a residency program. The romance provides an escape from their everyday lives but pushes Harper to lose that sense of control she so badly needs.
These characters are highly likeable and easy to connect to. The story is engaging and has a natural flow. The romance is charming. I appreciated the author including an example of gender bias found in health care settings. Where the book shines for me, however, is in the author’s ability to write about Harper’s anxiety. She writes with respect and empathy - two qualities that are imperative to me as a reader.
I listened to the audiobook format of A Brush With Love which was narrated by Emily Lawrence and Vikas Adam. I enjoyed their easy to listen to performances full of expression. I would not hesitate to read this format of the book.
Harper is a senior dental student who has worked hard to get her to the top of her class. After a loss she suffered as a child, she’s learned to control the only things she can including being as prepared as possible for the rigours of a stressful education program.
Dan is a first-year dental student whose family obligation has him in an education program he declined years before. He is not the gifted dental student that one would expect from parents who were both dentists. Leaving a job and career he loved was difficult but in his eyes necessary.
The two meet and romance begins but the two know that once Harper graduates that she will be leaving to begin a residency program. The romance provides an escape from their everyday lives but pushes Harper to lose that sense of control she so badly needs.
These characters are highly likeable and easy to connect to. The story is engaging and has a natural flow. The romance is charming. I appreciated the author including an example of gender bias found in health care settings. Where the book shines for me, however, is in the author’s ability to write about Harper’s anxiety. She writes with respect and empathy - two qualities that are imperative to me as a reader.
I listened to the audiobook format of A Brush With Love which was narrated by Emily Lawrence and Vikas Adam. I enjoyed their easy to listen to performances full of expression. I would not hesitate to read this format of the book.
4.5 stars.
I adored this book. The story is magical and written such that it brings the reader along for Katy’s journey. Having travelled to Positano and the Amalfi Coast several years ago, I can even taste the food and wine that embraces Katy as she heals from a terrible loss.
I felt connected to this book. I have the type of relationship with my Mom that Katy held with Carol. The amount of courage it must have taken Katy to travel alone on this trip meant for the two of them is remarkable. Particularly so soon after Carol’s passing.
Her two weeks away were instrumental for Katy. As she heals from the trauma from a year of watching her mother pass, she is faced with choices about her future. Swept away by the beauty of the area, she begins to see her life more clearly.
Before her death, Carol had spoken to Katy about her summer in Italy before she met Katy’s father. She wanted to show Katy all the best restaurants and places to stay and visit and had planned an itinerary before her timely death. This gave Katy some order to her life and her time in Italy - just as her mother always had. When Katy recognizes a much younger version of Carol in her hotel lobby she instantly decides she must get to know her.
As Katy and younger Carol begin to enjoy each other’s company, Katy is presented with information that turns her world upside down. This begins a time of strength and personal growth that changes her. The conclusion is ultimately satisfying.
I adored this book. The story is magical and written such that it brings the reader along for Katy’s journey. Having travelled to Positano and the Amalfi Coast several years ago, I can even taste the food and wine that embraces Katy as she heals from a terrible loss.
I felt connected to this book. I have the type of relationship with my Mom that Katy held with Carol. The amount of courage it must have taken Katy to travel alone on this trip meant for the two of them is remarkable. Particularly so soon after Carol’s passing.
Her two weeks away were instrumental for Katy. As she heals from the trauma from a year of watching her mother pass, she is faced with choices about her future. Swept away by the beauty of the area, she begins to see her life more clearly.
Before her death, Carol had spoken to Katy about her summer in Italy before she met Katy’s father. She wanted to show Katy all the best restaurants and places to stay and visit and had planned an itinerary before her timely death. This gave Katy some order to her life and her time in Italy - just as her mother always had. When Katy recognizes a much younger version of Carol in her hotel lobby she instantly decides she must get to know her.
As Katy and younger Carol begin to enjoy each other’s company, Katy is presented with information that turns her world upside down. This begins a time of strength and personal growth that changes her. The conclusion is ultimately satisfying.
As the synopsis tells you, the book starts off with a bang and grabs your attention. You can’t help but connect instantly with Franny - especially under the circumstances that lead her to meet Hayes. The way this scene unfolds is undeniably one of the funniest rom com moments I’ve ever read.
The book is told in a dual narrative which works well. Hayes is truly a knight in shining armour as he offers Franny his expensive suit jacket. Despite this lovely gesture, it took me quite a while to warm up to his character. He is driven, but socially very introverted. At times, he presents as rather pompous. But as the reader gets to know this character a little more, you can see a side of Hayes that complements Franny very well.
One of my favourite things about the book is to see the personal growth in each of these characters that allows them to come together - timing is everything. There are some emotional moments that highlight the tenderness in this book that express the sensitivity of these characters.
The book really shows New York City in its romantic finest. As Franny and Hayes begin to spend time together, the reader is brought along on a journey of places to visit and things to eat. There are so many scenes in this book worthy of putting on film that I truly hope this book can find its way there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version of In a New York Minute which was narrated by Amanda Dolan and Neil Hellegers. Their enthusiastic, expressive voices were well cast as Franny and Hayes. I recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
The book is told in a dual narrative which works well. Hayes is truly a knight in shining armour as he offers Franny his expensive suit jacket. Despite this lovely gesture, it took me quite a while to warm up to his character. He is driven, but socially very introverted. At times, he presents as rather pompous. But as the reader gets to know this character a little more, you can see a side of Hayes that complements Franny very well.
One of my favourite things about the book is to see the personal growth in each of these characters that allows them to come together - timing is everything. There are some emotional moments that highlight the tenderness in this book that express the sensitivity of these characters.
The book really shows New York City in its romantic finest. As Franny and Hayes begin to spend time together, the reader is brought along on a journey of places to visit and things to eat. There are so many scenes in this book worthy of putting on film that I truly hope this book can find its way there.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook version of In a New York Minute which was narrated by Amanda Dolan and Neil Hellegers. Their enthusiastic, expressive voices were well cast as Franny and Hayes. I recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy audiobooks.
I enjoyed reading this book. I live in a city with a large number of Indian immigrants and have worked with many second-generation Indo-Canadian women. This book has provided me with a better understanding of what it is like to be a part of this community.
Dating Dr. Dil is a celebration of family and relationships. Kareena is a successful thirty-year-old woman living in her family home and grieving the loss of her mother. She remembers her parent's marriage as one based on love and this is what she hopes for in a partner. Her younger sister is recently engaged which asserts more pressure on Kareena to find a partner.
Prem is also known as Dr. Dil who hosts his show which sheds light on some of the unique health challenges of the Indo-American community. As a nurse, I find this is such an important part of this book as the medical world begins to acknowledge the need to individualize health care instead of using a model where one size fits all. He hopes to open his community health centre specializing in the care of those in his cultural community. His parents had an arranged marriage and he doesn’t believe in love.
When Kareena and Prem meet there is intense physical attraction. But is this enough when Kareena wants a relationship built on love and Prem can’t offer this. The book asks the question, do parents’ relationships affect their children’s ability to find love?
This is a fun, steamy look at dating and finding a soulmate. I was engaged and entertained throughout the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Dating Dr. Dil is a celebration of family and relationships. Kareena is a successful thirty-year-old woman living in her family home and grieving the loss of her mother. She remembers her parent's marriage as one based on love and this is what she hopes for in a partner. Her younger sister is recently engaged which asserts more pressure on Kareena to find a partner.
Prem is also known as Dr. Dil who hosts his show which sheds light on some of the unique health challenges of the Indo-American community. As a nurse, I find this is such an important part of this book as the medical world begins to acknowledge the need to individualize health care instead of using a model where one size fits all. He hopes to open his community health centre specializing in the care of those in his cultural community. His parents had an arranged marriage and he doesn’t believe in love.
When Kareena and Prem meet there is intense physical attraction. But is this enough when Kareena wants a relationship built on love and Prem can’t offer this. The book asks the question, do parents’ relationships affect their children’s ability to find love?
This is a fun, steamy look at dating and finding a soulmate. I was engaged and entertained throughout the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Molly is one of the most sincere and vulnerable characters I can remember. Raised by her dear Gran, she is ripe for others to take advantage of her. One cannot help but root for this young woman as this mystery unfolds.
The author does a great job in the character development of Molly. Her life is orderly, regimented and full of wise words that her Gran left her with. It was painful at times to see what others were capable of doing to such a lovely young woman and the choices she makes. As the story progresses, you might be surprised to see who turns out to be her friends.
Molly’s character is what makes this book as entertaining as it is. While the mystery is central to the plot, it isn’t what kept me reading. It is this endearing young woman who counts her blessings every day that captured my heart.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Maid which was performed by Lauren Ambrose. She does a fantastic job of capturing Molly’s spirit and brought another level of enjoyment to this book.
4.5 stars
The author does a great job in the character development of Molly. Her life is orderly, regimented and full of wise words that her Gran left her with. It was painful at times to see what others were capable of doing to such a lovely young woman and the choices she makes. As the story progresses, you might be surprised to see who turns out to be her friends.
Molly’s character is what makes this book as entertaining as it is. While the mystery is central to the plot, it isn’t what kept me reading. It is this endearing young woman who counts her blessings every day that captured my heart.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Maid which was performed by Lauren Ambrose. She does a fantastic job of capturing Molly’s spirit and brought another level of enjoyment to this book.
4.5 stars