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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
I absolutely loved this book – it was both engaging and entertaining. The author creates a well-researched and easy-to-love character. Through a series of reflections based on Albert finding love as a teenager fifty years ago, the reader experiences and contrasts the life of a gay man then and now.
As the book begins, we are introduced to Albert who is three months shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and facing mandatory retirement from his job as a letter carrier. Since the death of his mother eighteen years before, Albert has led a solitary life. He chose not to engage in conversation that was not directed at him and had no friends. His only company at home was his cat.
Albert begins to examine his life now and what he hopes it will be. His loneliness and despair of what has become of his life are evident. He begins reflecting on what it was like to be in love as a teenager in a relationship with George. The circumstances of why this relationship dissolves are very moving.
On his quest to find George, Albert finds himself a circle of friends who provide support and much-needed companionship. He finds himself for the first time revealing his true self. It was incredibly beautiful to read about this man coming out and his journey to find the life he now wants and deserves.
This is an important read for those who are unfamiliar with how far homosexuality has progressed in the past fifty years. The book is written with compassion and care and is one that I will remember for many years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which was narrated by Simon Vance. His performance was outstanding. He represented Albert well providing a natural and easy to listen to performance. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version of this book which elevates an already amazing book.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
As the book begins, we are introduced to Albert who is three months shy of his sixty-fifth birthday and facing mandatory retirement from his job as a letter carrier. Since the death of his mother eighteen years before, Albert has led a solitary life. He chose not to engage in conversation that was not directed at him and had no friends. His only company at home was his cat.
Albert begins to examine his life now and what he hopes it will be. His loneliness and despair of what has become of his life are evident. He begins reflecting on what it was like to be in love as a teenager in a relationship with George. The circumstances of why this relationship dissolves are very moving.
On his quest to find George, Albert finds himself a circle of friends who provide support and much-needed companionship. He finds himself for the first time revealing his true self. It was incredibly beautiful to read about this man coming out and his journey to find the life he now wants and deserves.
This is an important read for those who are unfamiliar with how far homosexuality has progressed in the past fifty years. The book is written with compassion and care and is one that I will remember for many years to come.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle which was narrated by Simon Vance. His performance was outstanding. He represented Albert well providing a natural and easy to listen to performance. I’d highly recommend the audiobook version of this book which elevates an already amazing book.
Thank you to RB Media and Netgalley for the ARC of this audiobook in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Half-Blown Rose by Leesa Cross-Smith is a thought-provoking novel built on the concept of betrayal. It is raw, honest and full of passion. It is a love affair not only between a woman and a man, but also one with Paris. I enjoyed it.
This is a book that feels like it requires the reader to experience what Vincent is experiencing. At times, a single line will come from what the author refers to as ”the narrator”. I feel the depth of Vincent’s despair, learning her husband Cillian has a son from a relationship at the age of 15 after he revealed it all in his latest book. This is not the way one wants to find out about this secret that he has been holding onto for decades.
Vincent’s love affair with Paris is felt in every part of this book. . Even her music playlists which are provided throughout the book exemplify this passion. Those of us who share this sentiment about the city will enjoy this aspect of the book.
The attraction between Vincent and Loup is undeniable. Despite there being a twenty-year age difference, the push and pull of this relationship are palpable. There is no question that the author knows how to write about passion.
What bothers me about this book is the laissez-faire manner in which Vincent holds the hearts of both her husband and Loup. While the conclusion of the book is left to interpretation, I wanted something more cohesive. What a great novel this would make for a book club or buddy read!
I listened to the audiobook version of Half-Blown Rose which was narrated by Mela Lee and Tim Campbell. I appreciated both of their performances which felt natural and easy to listen to. I loved Tim’s Irish accent and Mela’s ability to speak French. I have no hesitation to recommend the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
This is a book that feels like it requires the reader to experience what Vincent is experiencing. At times, a single line will come from what the author refers to as ”the narrator”. I feel the depth of Vincent’s despair, learning her husband Cillian has a son from a relationship at the age of 15 after he revealed it all in his latest book. This is not the way one wants to find out about this secret that he has been holding onto for decades.
Vincent’s love affair with Paris is felt in every part of this book. . Even her music playlists which are provided throughout the book exemplify this passion. Those of us who share this sentiment about the city will enjoy this aspect of the book.
The attraction between Vincent and Loup is undeniable. Despite there being a twenty-year age difference, the push and pull of this relationship are palpable. There is no question that the author knows how to write about passion.
What bothers me about this book is the laissez-faire manner in which Vincent holds the hearts of both her husband and Loup. While the conclusion of the book is left to interpretation, I wanted something more cohesive. What a great novel this would make for a book club or buddy read!
I listened to the audiobook version of Half-Blown Rose which was narrated by Mela Lee and Tim Campbell. I appreciated both of their performances which felt natural and easy to listen to. I loved Tim’s Irish accent and Mela’s ability to speak French. I have no hesitation to recommend the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Libro.fm for the ALC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Take Your Breath Away is an extraordinary psychological thriller written by Linwood Barclay. It is an engaging read that will have you guessing right until the very end. This is a must-read for fans of this genre. This book is available now.
When Andrew Mason’s wife Brie suddenly disappears while he’s on a fishing trip, Andrew becomes the primary suspect. The police have yet to gather enough evidence to support this accusation, but almost everyone in their town believes he murdered Brie. In order to gain some anonymity, he changes his name and moves to a neighbouring town.
Fast forward six years and a woman who looks like Brie appears at the couple’s former home with a bag of groceries and asks what happened to her home? A neighbour reports this to the police and also notified Andrew. When the second spotting of this woman transpires for her family to see from a distance a whole series of events cascades and secrets from the past are revealed.
The characters are well-written and for the most part relatable. The story is cleverly disseminated, providing the reader with just enough information at any one time to have them hypothesize the events leading up to Brie’s disappearance. I wanted to finish the book in one sitting.
While there are snippets of violence in the book, it only adds to the drama. As a sensitive reader, I did not feel at any time like I wanted to close the book and walk away. The author is a master of detail and keeps the reader guessing what actually happened to Brie. He writes with clarity such that the plot is easy to follow and engages the reader. I look forward to reading his next book.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Andrew Mason’s wife Brie suddenly disappears while he’s on a fishing trip, Andrew becomes the primary suspect. The police have yet to gather enough evidence to support this accusation, but almost everyone in their town believes he murdered Brie. In order to gain some anonymity, he changes his name and moves to a neighbouring town.
Fast forward six years and a woman who looks like Brie appears at the couple’s former home with a bag of groceries and asks what happened to her home? A neighbour reports this to the police and also notified Andrew. When the second spotting of this woman transpires for her family to see from a distance a whole series of events cascades and secrets from the past are revealed.
The characters are well-written and for the most part relatable. The story is cleverly disseminated, providing the reader with just enough information at any one time to have them hypothesize the events leading up to Brie’s disappearance. I wanted to finish the book in one sitting.
While there are snippets of violence in the book, it only adds to the drama. As a sensitive reader, I did not feel at any time like I wanted to close the book and walk away. The author is a master of detail and keeps the reader guessing what actually happened to Brie. He writes with clarity such that the plot is easy to follow and engages the reader. I look forward to reading his next book.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. It has all the elements I look for in a book: great character development, an interesting storyline, a bit of a mystery, romance and strong female characters. I didn’t want it to end.
I loved the insight into the world of hotel management. Fans of the author will remember the detailed information about the restaurant business in her book The Blue Bistro. Indeed, several of the characters in many of the author’s other books set in Nantucket are mentioned.
The hotel sat empty for many years until Xavier Darling, a billionaire from the U.K., buys the hotel and is on a quest to receive the elusive ”Fifth Key” from a renowned travel blogger. This blogger has never awarded the Fifth Key to any of the hotels she has visited around the world. No expense is spared in the redevelopment of the hotel. The splendour and ambience within the hotel are highly featured. The reader is allowed in the doors before the hotel’s grand re-opening.
We meet the hotel’s General Manager, Lizbet Keaton as she begins a new chapter in her life. She’s left a relationship and position with a local chef/restauranteur after his infidelity. As Lizbet interviews and hires her staff, we learn a little bit about them as individuals. We learn a whole lot more about them as the story progresses. We’re even introduced to the hotel’s resident ghost who gives us insight into what’s happening at the hotel like no other.
There are many interesting guests at the hotel including a woman and her two young children who stay for the entire summer. As the summer progresses, the staff begin to anticipate with each new check-in if this could be the anonymous blogger. Those readers who enjoy a bit of mystery will appreciate this. The author also refers to playlists which correspond with events that are happening in Lizbet’s life – I thought this was a lot of fun.
I chose to listen to The Hotel Nantucket in audiobook format because of its narrator Erin Bennett. Once again, her performance was highly entertaining and easy to listen to. She has captured the personality of the book and I highly recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
I loved the insight into the world of hotel management. Fans of the author will remember the detailed information about the restaurant business in her book The Blue Bistro. Indeed, several of the characters in many of the author’s other books set in Nantucket are mentioned.
The hotel sat empty for many years until Xavier Darling, a billionaire from the U.K., buys the hotel and is on a quest to receive the elusive ”Fifth Key” from a renowned travel blogger. This blogger has never awarded the Fifth Key to any of the hotels she has visited around the world. No expense is spared in the redevelopment of the hotel. The splendour and ambience within the hotel are highly featured. The reader is allowed in the doors before the hotel’s grand re-opening.
We meet the hotel’s General Manager, Lizbet Keaton as she begins a new chapter in her life. She’s left a relationship and position with a local chef/restauranteur after his infidelity. As Lizbet interviews and hires her staff, we learn a little bit about them as individuals. We learn a whole lot more about them as the story progresses. We’re even introduced to the hotel’s resident ghost who gives us insight into what’s happening at the hotel like no other.
There are many interesting guests at the hotel including a woman and her two young children who stay for the entire summer. As the summer progresses, the staff begin to anticipate with each new check-in if this could be the anonymous blogger. Those readers who enjoy a bit of mystery will appreciate this. The author also refers to playlists which correspond with events that are happening in Lizbet’s life – I thought this was a lot of fun.
I chose to listen to The Hotel Nantucket in audiobook format because of its narrator Erin Bennett. Once again, her performance was highly entertaining and easy to listen to. She has captured the personality of the book and I highly recommend this version of the book to those that appreciate this format.
It has been three years since Tess lost her husband in a motor vehicle accident which occurred in a neighbouring town. She’s thrown herself into her book shop business and built it into something she’s proud of. She’s thankful to have her good friends and family to support her through the rough patches.
When River is introduced back into her life, she’s reminded of her husband. The two men had been best friends until River disrupted the wedding. When she spots a photo with her husband with his arms around another woman, it opens up a cascade of events that has Tess asking many questions about her husband’s past. She hires River in his capacity as a Private Investigator to help answer some of these questions. In turn, Tess helps River in his journey to find out more about his past.
For those readers who have read the previous books in the series, you will recognize many of the characters in this book including Reva the Somerset Lake’s gossip/blogger. I appreciate the small-town vibe in the book, the appreciation for spending time outdoors, and Tess’ passion for books.
Tess’ strength to accept and embrace the secrets that her husband held was remarkable. I really appreciated that the story was about two people who needed to find out more about their pasts, reconcile their feelings about what they’ve learned, and move forward. It was only then that the two could truly come together as a couple and build a life together.
When River is introduced back into her life, she’s reminded of her husband. The two men had been best friends until River disrupted the wedding. When she spots a photo with her husband with his arms around another woman, it opens up a cascade of events that has Tess asking many questions about her husband’s past. She hires River in his capacity as a Private Investigator to help answer some of these questions. In turn, Tess helps River in his journey to find out more about his past.
For those readers who have read the previous books in the series, you will recognize many of the characters in this book including Reva the Somerset Lake’s gossip/blogger. I appreciate the small-town vibe in the book, the appreciation for spending time outdoors, and Tess’ passion for books.
Tess’ strength to accept and embrace the secrets that her husband held was remarkable. I really appreciated that the story was about two people who needed to find out more about their pasts, reconcile their feelings about what they’ve learned, and move forward. It was only then that the two could truly come together as a couple and build a life together.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting, well-developed and likeable. The setting on the commuter train is interesting and relatable. The book is written from the multiple perspectives of the train passengers which promotes the strength of the relationships as they are built. This book is also known as The People on Platform 5.
The diversity of this group and the bond that grows between them make for a cozy, feel-good read. Like most commuter travel, passengers normally keep to themselves, reading or listening to music etc. Initially, each of these passengers has a nickname for those around them and the reader is given insight into what each of them thought about one another.
When a medical emergency throws each of them together, the group make the effort to begin to learn about one another. The star of this unlikely group is Iona, a middle-aged woman experiencing changes in both her personal and professional life. Throughout much of her work life, Iona has been an advice columnist guiding her readers through some of life’s challenges. Iona is the cog in this train group’s wheel. As a middle-aged woman myself, I love when strong female protagonists are featured in books. We all want to feel like we are contributing and are respected.
There are some serious topics in this book including job loss, identity crisis, chronic illness and toxic relationships. The author does a great job of presenting this subject matter with care and compassion. There are several symbiotic relationships between members of the group which were a pleasure to read. I love how the group members with strengthened by these relationships and the care and support of one another that was built along the way.
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is one of my favourite books so far in 2022. It was a lovely read and one I will be recommending over and over again. I look forward to reading more from the author.
4.5 stars
The diversity of this group and the bond that grows between them make for a cozy, feel-good read. Like most commuter travel, passengers normally keep to themselves, reading or listening to music etc. Initially, each of these passengers has a nickname for those around them and the reader is given insight into what each of them thought about one another.
When a medical emergency throws each of them together, the group make the effort to begin to learn about one another. The star of this unlikely group is Iona, a middle-aged woman experiencing changes in both her personal and professional life. Throughout much of her work life, Iona has been an advice columnist guiding her readers through some of life’s challenges. Iona is the cog in this train group’s wheel. As a middle-aged woman myself, I love when strong female protagonists are featured in books. We all want to feel like we are contributing and are respected.
There are some serious topics in this book including job loss, identity crisis, chronic illness and toxic relationships. The author does a great job of presenting this subject matter with care and compassion. There are several symbiotic relationships between members of the group which were a pleasure to read. I love how the group members with strengthened by these relationships and the care and support of one another that was built along the way.
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is one of my favourite books so far in 2022. It was a lovely read and one I will be recommending over and over again. I look forward to reading more from the author.
4.5 stars
Maggie Moves On is an entertaining and endearing story of a woman trying to find security in her life after losing her mother. While the book is promoted as a romance, I consider this book to also include the elements of a great Women’s Fiction read.
Maggie Nichols is a YouTube sensation with her home restoration business. Now back in her hometown to restore a Victorian home she’s always wanted to work on, she can’t wait to get started. What she doesn’t realize is that her soul is about to get a restoration as well.
A lot is going on in this story with many unique and charming characters. The project’s landscaper Silas falls for Maggie right from the start. He’s charming, good-looking with a strong sense of family. His dog Kevin adds a sweet element to the story. Add in a grumpy town historian, ex-husband and business partner Dean and a homeless teenager and you have a lot of stories being told to keep you entertained.
As the book and the project progresses, a mystery surrounding the house is unlocked. I found it to be an added element to the story which takes it to a different level. There is also a backstory surrounding Maggie’s childhood which plays a significant role in the book and works well in developing this character.
The story is engaging, heartfelt and steamy. The author balances the seriousness of parts of the book with injections of humour. The characters are well-written and likeable. The romance in the book is swoon-worthy. But what makes the book for me is the evolution of Maggie’s character as the book progresses. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
The audiobook is read by Emma Wilder and I enjoyed her performance. Her voice is enthusiastic, expressive and witty in all the right moments. I have no problem in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie Nichols is a YouTube sensation with her home restoration business. Now back in her hometown to restore a Victorian home she’s always wanted to work on, she can’t wait to get started. What she doesn’t realize is that her soul is about to get a restoration as well.
A lot is going on in this story with many unique and charming characters. The project’s landscaper Silas falls for Maggie right from the start. He’s charming, good-looking with a strong sense of family. His dog Kevin adds a sweet element to the story. Add in a grumpy town historian, ex-husband and business partner Dean and a homeless teenager and you have a lot of stories being told to keep you entertained.
As the book and the project progresses, a mystery surrounding the house is unlocked. I found it to be an added element to the story which takes it to a different level. There is also a backstory surrounding Maggie’s childhood which plays a significant role in the book and works well in developing this character.
The story is engaging, heartfelt and steamy. The author balances the seriousness of parts of the book with injections of humour. The characters are well-written and likeable. The romance in the book is swoon-worthy. But what makes the book for me is the evolution of Maggie’s character as the book progresses. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
The audiobook is read by Emma Wilder and I enjoyed her performance. Her voice is enthusiastic, expressive and witty in all the right moments. I have no problem in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading The Hookup Plan! Farrah Rochon has become one of my favourite authors for her ability to balance serious matters with comic relief. This book was so entertaining that I had a hard time putting it down.
London Kelley is a pediatric surgical resident working in a hospital which may not be open for much longer. She is hard-working and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her patients and their families.
When she attends her high-school reunion, she comes face to face with her high school nemesis Drew Sullivan. Now a multimillionaire and successful in his own right, the animosity that London had towards Drew picks up right where she left it in high school. After all, if it wasn’t for Drew, she believes she would have won the valedictorian position outright and finally would have made her father proud of her.
London and Drew happen to both be in the hotel’s bar after the reunion. It’s been some time since London has been with a man so she proposes a non-friend with benefits relationship while Drew is in town. What she doesn’t realize is that London and Drew will be thrown together frequently as Drew’s company begins auditing the hospital where London works. As the relationship blossoms and London sees Drew as someone she can trust, the reason for her competitive nature is revealed.
I adored London’s character. Her confidence and high-spirited nature reminded me of a young Dr. Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy. Drew is the perfect match for her and we learn much about what has shaped his life as well. I loved the romantic gestures and the way the author demonstrated London learning to relax and rely on others.
With an engaging storyline, The Hookup Plan celebrates the importance of respect and self-confidence when facing life’s challenges. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy romance or women’s fiction.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
London Kelley is a pediatric surgical resident working in a hospital which may not be open for much longer. She is hard-working and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of her patients and their families.
When she attends her high-school reunion, she comes face to face with her high school nemesis Drew Sullivan. Now a multimillionaire and successful in his own right, the animosity that London had towards Drew picks up right where she left it in high school. After all, if it wasn’t for Drew, she believes she would have won the valedictorian position outright and finally would have made her father proud of her.
London and Drew happen to both be in the hotel’s bar after the reunion. It’s been some time since London has been with a man so she proposes a non-friend with benefits relationship while Drew is in town. What she doesn’t realize is that London and Drew will be thrown together frequently as Drew’s company begins auditing the hospital where London works. As the relationship blossoms and London sees Drew as someone she can trust, the reason for her competitive nature is revealed.
I adored London’s character. Her confidence and high-spirited nature reminded me of a young Dr. Miranda Bailey from Grey’s Anatomy. Drew is the perfect match for her and we learn much about what has shaped his life as well. I loved the romantic gestures and the way the author demonstrated London learning to relax and rely on others.
With an engaging storyline, The Hookup Plan celebrates the importance of respect and self-confidence when facing life’s challenges. I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy romance or women’s fiction.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
4.5 stars
Elizabeth meets and falls in love with her soulmate Calvin Evans. Calvin has had a childhood more traumatic than most but goes on to become a Nobel-prize nominated scientist. The book really excels in the development of these two characters including a backstory for each that is well-detailed. A few years after their meeting, Elizabeth finds herself alone and pregnant.
Elizabeth loses her job due to her pregnancy out of wedlock and is later approached to host a cooking show to help homemakers prepare the family’s dinner. Being the chemist she is, she presents a unique style to her show which provides her audience with more than just a recipe to make for the evening meal.
How can you not fall in love with a character who stands up for herself and advocates for other women? Elizabeth is quirky, determined, dedicated and no-nonsense. She has turned her own kitchen into a laboratory to continue her research, complete with a Bunsen burner, a centrifuge and beakers (all very valuable to make the perfect cup of coffee). She has taught her daughter Mad to read at an adult level before she enters school, and her dog (which she names 6:30) a vocabulary of over 900 words.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version of Lessons in Chemistry which was narrated by Miranda Raison and Pandora Sykes. I found their performances to be enthusiastic and easy to listen to.
Lessons in Chemistry is a book I will remember for many years to come. It’s emotional to see what this woman has overcome and always entertaining. This is one book I will be recommending over and over again.
Elizabeth meets and falls in love with her soulmate Calvin Evans. Calvin has had a childhood more traumatic than most but goes on to become a Nobel-prize nominated scientist. The book really excels in the development of these two characters including a backstory for each that is well-detailed. A few years after their meeting, Elizabeth finds herself alone and pregnant.
Elizabeth loses her job due to her pregnancy out of wedlock and is later approached to host a cooking show to help homemakers prepare the family’s dinner. Being the chemist she is, she presents a unique style to her show which provides her audience with more than just a recipe to make for the evening meal.
How can you not fall in love with a character who stands up for herself and advocates for other women? Elizabeth is quirky, determined, dedicated and no-nonsense. She has turned her own kitchen into a laboratory to continue her research, complete with a Bunsen burner, a centrifuge and beakers (all very valuable to make the perfect cup of coffee). She has taught her daughter Mad to read at an adult level before she enters school, and her dog (which she names 6:30) a vocabulary of over 900 words.
I chose to listen to the audiobook version of Lessons in Chemistry which was narrated by Miranda Raison and Pandora Sykes. I found their performances to be enthusiastic and easy to listen to.
Lessons in Chemistry is a book I will remember for many years to come. It’s emotional to see what this woman has overcome and always entertaining. This is one book I will be recommending over and over again.