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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
4.5 stars
Susan Mallery has done it again! This is a lovely story of family love and second chances and I appreciate the middle-aged protagonist with a little more life experience. The central characters are well written and highly likeable. The story is engaging, full of banter, and easy to read. The calamity of having friends and family following Robyn Caldwell one by one to Santa Barbara showed the deep respect that others have for this woman who may be lacking a little self esteem as she heads into a different chapter in life. Who doesn’t need a boost of confidence?
Robyn is a single mother of two – Harlow, 22 and engaged to be married, and Austin 18. Under their divorce agreement, Robyn needs to move out of the family home or buy out her ex-husband Cord no later than 4 months after Austin’s eighteenth birthday. Her only income is a part-time job for a few hours a week. She does not have a college education and is wondering how she’s going to support herself in a few months time.
When Robyn is invited to spend some time with her 94 year old Great-Aunt Lillian, Robyn feels this is the perfect time to getaway for a visit and to contemplate where life will take her next. Not only did Robyn find the clarity she needed to move forward in her life, but so do all that follow her! Throw in a romance for Robyn, and you have a lovely story that just begs to be read.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Summer Getaway which was narrated by one of my favourite audiobook performers Tanya Eby. Her voice is expressive, full of enthusiasm, and easy to listen to. Ms. Eby’s performance elevates this already wonderful read, and I would recommend listening to this format of the book if you enjoy audiobooks.
Susan Mallery has done it again! This is a lovely story of family love and second chances and I appreciate the middle-aged protagonist with a little more life experience. The central characters are well written and highly likeable. The story is engaging, full of banter, and easy to read. The calamity of having friends and family following Robyn Caldwell one by one to Santa Barbara showed the deep respect that others have for this woman who may be lacking a little self esteem as she heads into a different chapter in life. Who doesn’t need a boost of confidence?
Robyn is a single mother of two – Harlow, 22 and engaged to be married, and Austin 18. Under their divorce agreement, Robyn needs to move out of the family home or buy out her ex-husband Cord no later than 4 months after Austin’s eighteenth birthday. Her only income is a part-time job for a few hours a week. She does not have a college education and is wondering how she’s going to support herself in a few months time.
When Robyn is invited to spend some time with her 94 year old Great-Aunt Lillian, Robyn feels this is the perfect time to getaway for a visit and to contemplate where life will take her next. Not only did Robyn find the clarity she needed to move forward in her life, but so do all that follow her! Throw in a romance for Robyn, and you have a lovely story that just begs to be read.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Summer Getaway which was narrated by one of my favourite audiobook performers Tanya Eby. Her voice is expressive, full of enthusiasm, and easy to listen to. Ms. Eby’s performance elevates this already wonderful read, and I would recommend listening to this format of the book if you enjoy audiobooks.
This was such an entertaining read! The storyline was enlightening, full of joy, and brought the reader along to the Indian wedding festivities. I really enjoyed it.
The author does a great job of developing Manny’s character. She is a strong, successful female whose thrown herself into her work since the sudden passing of both of her parents. Despite being engaged, she really has not been successful in her life outside of work. I loved that the business relationship she establishes with Sammy becomes the vessel for the life she hadn’t even realized she was missing.
The reader is brought along to this week-long event as seen through the eyes of Manny. She is welcomed to the celebrations as if she were a family member and this immerses only child into the culture of her late mother. Little did she know, there was a stronger connection to this family than what meets the eye. The cast of characters involved with the wedding were highly entertaining (the man that provides the attire for Manny being my favourite).
The author includes several of the cultural challenges that face young adults in this community. The emphasis on finding someone to marry is highlighted and one cannot help but to feel this pressure. I had known that relationships are often hidden from parents in order to allow them to develop in a slower, Western way and I felt this was important to have been a part of this book. The inclusion of several gay characters was an important statement in Sari, Not Sari.
The author does a great job of developing Manny’s character. She is a strong, successful female whose thrown herself into her work since the sudden passing of both of her parents. Despite being engaged, she really has not been successful in her life outside of work. I loved that the business relationship she establishes with Sammy becomes the vessel for the life she hadn’t even realized she was missing.
The reader is brought along to this week-long event as seen through the eyes of Manny. She is welcomed to the celebrations as if she were a family member and this immerses only child into the culture of her late mother. Little did she know, there was a stronger connection to this family than what meets the eye. The cast of characters involved with the wedding were highly entertaining (the man that provides the attire for Manny being my favourite).
The author includes several of the cultural challenges that face young adults in this community. The emphasis on finding someone to marry is highlighted and one cannot help but to feel this pressure. I had known that relationships are often hidden from parents in order to allow them to develop in a slower, Western way and I felt this was important to have been a part of this book. The inclusion of several gay characters was an important statement in Sari, Not Sari.
Reputation is a step into the wild world of Regency England seen through the eyes of Georgiana who has come to live with her aunt and uncle. When Georgiana meets Frances her whole world comes alive with rich young adults who take what they want. Think lots of drinking, pretentious attitude, and passion.
There were some funnier moments in the book - the banter between Georgiana and her beau was what one comes to expect from a rom-com. But this book is also filled with some very heavy topics - drug and alcohol abuse, rape, physical assault, emotional abuse by family members to name just a few. Not at all what I was expecting from a book marketed in the romance genre.
Sometimes a reader and book are not well-matched and this is the case with Reputation and this reader. I felt the characters were just not likeable and their behaviour was a little too pretentious. Furthermore, it did not have the levity I look for in a rom-com.
Audiobook Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of Reputation which was narrated by Bessie Carter. Her expression and enthusiasm in this performance provided enhanced entertainment value to the book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of Reputation to those that appreciate this format.
There were some funnier moments in the book - the banter between Georgiana and her beau was what one comes to expect from a rom-com. But this book is also filled with some very heavy topics - drug and alcohol abuse, rape, physical assault, emotional abuse by family members to name just a few. Not at all what I was expecting from a book marketed in the romance genre.
Sometimes a reader and book are not well-matched and this is the case with Reputation and this reader. I felt the characters were just not likeable and their behaviour was a little too pretentious. Furthermore, it did not have the levity I look for in a rom-com.
Audiobook Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of Reputation which was narrated by Bessie Carter. Her expression and enthusiasm in this performance provided enhanced entertainment value to the book. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of Reputation to those that appreciate this format.
This is such an interesting book! The writer excels in character development, relayed carefully as the book progresses. The story is told from the perspectives of Tully, Rachel and Heather in an expertly crafted plot. I could not put this book down!
The book begins with a murder at Stephen and Heather’s wedding. There is a scream while the couple are signing the register and later a body is removed. This part of the story is told by someone other than one of the central characters. Who is murdered, and by whom is not disclosed until later in the book.
Without giving too much away, the characters each suffer from a psychological disorder which for me really amped up the impact of this book. Each woman carries a secret, unbeknownst to others. These secrets are slowly revealed at appropriate moments to keep the reader riveted.
The concept of this book was founded in part by the author’s own experience with her Great-Aunt. If you love psychological mysteries/thrillers or women’s fiction I highly recommend The Younger Wife.
The audiobook version of The Younger Wife which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caroline Lee, Jessica Douglas-Henry and Zoe Carides. I appreciate when publishers decide to use multiple narrators as it helps provide another layer of personality to each of the characters. The audiobook version is so well performed that I highly recommend listening to this edition of the book if you appreciate this format.
The book begins with a murder at Stephen and Heather’s wedding. There is a scream while the couple are signing the register and later a body is removed. This part of the story is told by someone other than one of the central characters. Who is murdered, and by whom is not disclosed until later in the book.
Without giving too much away, the characters each suffer from a psychological disorder which for me really amped up the impact of this book. Each woman carries a secret, unbeknownst to others. These secrets are slowly revealed at appropriate moments to keep the reader riveted.
The concept of this book was founded in part by the author’s own experience with her Great-Aunt. If you love psychological mysteries/thrillers or women’s fiction I highly recommend The Younger Wife.
The audiobook version of The Younger Wife which was narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Caroline Lee, Jessica Douglas-Henry and Zoe Carides. I appreciate when publishers decide to use multiple narrators as it helps provide another layer of personality to each of the characters. The audiobook version is so well performed that I highly recommend listening to this edition of the book if you appreciate this format.
I really enjoyed Welcome to the Neighborhood. For fans of Gilmore Girls, think a Lorelai and Rory mother-daughter relationship moved from Star’s Hollow to a neighborhood of Real Housewives. Throw in an opportunistic ex-wife and you have an engaging read.
Ginny and her daughter Harri are very likeable characters whose life changes when Ginny marries Jeff and they move from Queens to a pretentious New Jersey suburb. Jeff had lived in the home with his ex-wife and son and apologizes profusely to Ginny that he is moving her into this house. If it wasn’t for financial reasons he would have bought her a different house she could call her own.
Unfortunately, shortly after the move, Jeff’s employer sends him to Dublin for 6 weeks (which later is extended) leaving Ginny and Harri on their own to get to know neighbors and fit into a new school and community. Aside from the next door neighbor (who they meet in his birthday suit), the neighbors are pretentious albeit interesting.
Ginny and Harri do their best to fit in while at the same time begin to lose their identities. The messaging of being true to your own values comes through loud and clear making this a book I’m recommending to everyone.
Ginny and her daughter Harri are very likeable characters whose life changes when Ginny marries Jeff and they move from Queens to a pretentious New Jersey suburb. Jeff had lived in the home with his ex-wife and son and apologizes profusely to Ginny that he is moving her into this house. If it wasn’t for financial reasons he would have bought her a different house she could call her own.
Unfortunately, shortly after the move, Jeff’s employer sends him to Dublin for 6 weeks (which later is extended) leaving Ginny and Harri on their own to get to know neighbors and fit into a new school and community. Aside from the next door neighbor (who they meet in his birthday suit), the neighbors are pretentious albeit interesting.
Ginny and Harri do their best to fit in while at the same time begin to lose their identities. The messaging of being true to your own values comes through loud and clear making this a book I’m recommending to everyone.
I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. Full of romantic banter, the magnetic draw between Chani and Gabe was palpable. The characters were highly likeable and well developed. The story was engaging and highly entertaining.
The couple first meet when Chani is interviewing Gabe for a celebrity profile. Gabe is a rising star who has just been chosen to play James Bond in a three picture deal. While Chani is nevertheless nervous to meet her heartthrob, the two develop a connection and end up spending the next 72 hours together.
Chani ends up writing the story of a lifetime - one that goes viral and is remembered for years to come. The insinuation that Gabe slept with her for a flattering profile is unjustified. While her career took off after this piece, it has also haunted her. Ten years later, the two meet again for a second interview leaving Chani wondering if the feelings she felt for Gabe were mutual and whether or not they would still be present.
The story is as sweet as it is steamy. The push and pull of the relationship is an ongoing theme. There are also some heavier topics such as alcoholism and homophobia which are written respectfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
The couple first meet when Chani is interviewing Gabe for a celebrity profile. Gabe is a rising star who has just been chosen to play James Bond in a three picture deal. While Chani is nevertheless nervous to meet her heartthrob, the two develop a connection and end up spending the next 72 hours together.
Chani ends up writing the story of a lifetime - one that goes viral and is remembered for years to come. The insinuation that Gabe slept with her for a flattering profile is unjustified. While her career took off after this piece, it has also haunted her. Ten years later, the two meet again for a second interview leaving Chani wondering if the feelings she felt for Gabe were mutual and whether or not they would still be present.
The story is as sweet as it is steamy. The push and pull of the relationship is an ongoing theme. There are also some heavier topics such as alcoholism and homophobia which are written respectfully. I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed Part of Your World. The characters are well-developed and highly likeable. The fact that Alexis and Daniel come from vastly different worlds allows for each of these characters to evolve into more well-rounded individuals.
The couple meet when Alexis is driving home from a funeral and runs into a ditch swerving to miss an animal crossing on the road. Daniel tows her out, and later the two meet up again in the bar of the small town where Daniel lives. This small town is charming, full of interesting characters and livestock with celebrity names. The two are instantly drawn to one another and while Alexis doesn’t think the relationship can amount to anything besides a distraction from her everyday life, she soon falls for not only Daniel, but the lifestyle a small town offers.
There are some heavier topics in this book. Daniel was raised by his Grandparents after his mother abandoned him. Unfortunately, this woman is also one who needs constant financial bail outs creating a stressful life for Daniel who wishes to buy the home that has been in his family for many generations. Alexis feels the constant pressure of a lifestyle dictated by her professionally successful father and the family’s long history of providing medical care. Alexis has also recently removed herself from a toxic relationship that effected her well-being. Domestic abuse is discussed in multiple situations in the book. I love how the important messaging in this book shines through while wrapped in the comfort of a romantic blanket.
I enjoyed the push and pull of this relationship as Alexis is torn between her two worlds - her everyday life as an Emergency Physician in the big city and the woman she has become alongside Daniel in his small town. As Alexis works through the conflict of this inner turmoil, her best friend Eri shines some great perspective on the situation. I was delighted to learn that Eri’s story will be shared with readers in 2023.
4.5 stars
The couple meet when Alexis is driving home from a funeral and runs into a ditch swerving to miss an animal crossing on the road. Daniel tows her out, and later the two meet up again in the bar of the small town where Daniel lives. This small town is charming, full of interesting characters and livestock with celebrity names. The two are instantly drawn to one another and while Alexis doesn’t think the relationship can amount to anything besides a distraction from her everyday life, she soon falls for not only Daniel, but the lifestyle a small town offers.
There are some heavier topics in this book. Daniel was raised by his Grandparents after his mother abandoned him. Unfortunately, this woman is also one who needs constant financial bail outs creating a stressful life for Daniel who wishes to buy the home that has been in his family for many generations. Alexis feels the constant pressure of a lifestyle dictated by her professionally successful father and the family’s long history of providing medical care. Alexis has also recently removed herself from a toxic relationship that effected her well-being. Domestic abuse is discussed in multiple situations in the book. I love how the important messaging in this book shines through while wrapped in the comfort of a romantic blanket.
I enjoyed the push and pull of this relationship as Alexis is torn between her two worlds - her everyday life as an Emergency Physician in the big city and the woman she has become alongside Daniel in his small town. As Alexis works through the conflict of this inner turmoil, her best friend Eri shines some great perspective on the situation. I was delighted to learn that Eri’s story will be shared with readers in 2023.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed reading The Wedding Veil. The stories about each of these families and the importance of a wedding veil was entertaining. While the present day story was more interesting for this reader, the history behind the Vanderbilt family was interesting nonetheless.
In the present day story, Julia has always wanted to wear her family’s wedding veil which was thought to provide a long-lasting and happy marriage to those that wear it. On the night before her wedding, she and her entire wedding party receive and anonymous video showing the groom kissing another woman. This was enough for Julia to call off the wedding – she didn’t want to be the one that broke the magic of the wedding veil by having an unhappy marriage.
When the groom suggests she go alone on the honeymoon, Julia does just that. She knows she needs the space to figure out what’s next in her life. Little did she know she would meet Connor on this trip – a fellow architect on a solo vacation of his own. After Connor leaves the resort, Julia finds the clarity she needs to develop a plan for her future.
The Vanderbilt family was well researched by the author who wanted to write a story about a family wedding veil. The tragedy of Edith Vanderbilt being widowed at an early age, and deciding to run away from the public eye, was insightful as it was entertaining.
I enjoy stories of women making brave decisions to make change in their lives and both Julia’s and Edith’s stories reflect that. While this book is not my favourite by the author, the book held my interest. I recommend this book for readers who appreciate Women’s Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Wedding Veil which was narrated by Janet Metzger, Rebekkah Ross and Megan Tusing. Their performances were easy to listen to and I appreciated the local accents. Those that enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.
In the present day story, Julia has always wanted to wear her family’s wedding veil which was thought to provide a long-lasting and happy marriage to those that wear it. On the night before her wedding, she and her entire wedding party receive and anonymous video showing the groom kissing another woman. This was enough for Julia to call off the wedding – she didn’t want to be the one that broke the magic of the wedding veil by having an unhappy marriage.
When the groom suggests she go alone on the honeymoon, Julia does just that. She knows she needs the space to figure out what’s next in her life. Little did she know she would meet Connor on this trip – a fellow architect on a solo vacation of his own. After Connor leaves the resort, Julia finds the clarity she needs to develop a plan for her future.
The Vanderbilt family was well researched by the author who wanted to write a story about a family wedding veil. The tragedy of Edith Vanderbilt being widowed at an early age, and deciding to run away from the public eye, was insightful as it was entertaining.
I enjoy stories of women making brave decisions to make change in their lives and both Julia’s and Edith’s stories reflect that. While this book is not my favourite by the author, the book held my interest. I recommend this book for readers who appreciate Women’s Fiction.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Wedding Veil which was narrated by Janet Metzger, Rebekkah Ross and Megan Tusing. Their performances were easy to listen to and I appreciated the local accents. Those that enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.