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thathappyreader's Reviews (833)
Summer on Blackberry Beach is a sweet romance novel set in a charming small town and all the usual gossip that comes with living there. While the first book in the series No Ordinary Christmas focuses on Lucy and Dante’s story, Lucy’s sister Stella is the protagonist of this book.
There were many good things about this novel. I enjoyed the dual narrative of Stella and Luke and the pair’s backstories. The respect that the author writes about the trauma Luke has experienced while in Afghanistan is admired. But there were a few things that prevented me from liking this book as much as the first book in the series.
The relationship between Stella and Luke initially is being sold as fake dating. Although this went on for quite some time in the book, I never felt that this was anything but a genuine romantic relationship. The sparks between the two were there from the moment the two were first reunited.
The other confusing moment for me was when Luke drives 3.5 hours in each direction to meet with a family of a SEAL killed in action without calling ahead. Without giving too much away, I felt that this was selfish on Luke’s part. Having said that, it did allow the author to convey that everyone experiences and processes grief on their own schedule.
Summer on Blackberry Beach is a light read and romance readers will enjoy it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
There were many good things about this novel. I enjoyed the dual narrative of Stella and Luke and the pair’s backstories. The respect that the author writes about the trauma Luke has experienced while in Afghanistan is admired. But there were a few things that prevented me from liking this book as much as the first book in the series.
The relationship between Stella and Luke initially is being sold as fake dating. Although this went on for quite some time in the book, I never felt that this was anything but a genuine romantic relationship. The sparks between the two were there from the moment the two were first reunited.
The other confusing moment for me was when Luke drives 3.5 hours in each direction to meet with a family of a SEAL killed in action without calling ahead. Without giving too much away, I felt that this was selfish on Luke’s part. Having said that, it did allow the author to convey that everyone experiences and processes grief on their own schedule.
Summer on Blackberry Beach is a light read and romance readers will enjoy it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I enjoyed this story. Elle’s adopted mother died several years ago, and recently she’s also lost her father. While cleaning out his personal items, she discovers a shawl and postcard with a photo of the Cafe Belle Vie (aka The Little French Cafe). The initial M is found in the script on the card which Elle assumes is the initial of her birth mother. Determined to find out all she can in hopes of being reunited with this woman, she journeys to Chamillon to start her search.
Elle is given a warm welcome and ends up working at Cafe Belle Vie which provides her with lots of opportunities to meet the people of the village who assist her in solving the mystery of her birth mother’s identity. Elle also meets Charlie the cafe owner’s son and Henri a local fisherman who adds a bit of romance to Elle’s life and to the story.
I enjoyed this book. It has an interesting storyline, a well-developed protagonist, and lots of food references. The reader cannot help but feel they are on vacation in France. The elements of humour added to my enjoyment of the book and I found the conclusion of the book to be satisfying.
I listened to the audiobook version of Summer at the Little French Cafe which was narrated by Lucy Bromilow. I appreciated the tone of her voice which made this an easy book to listen to. Those that enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.
Elle is given a warm welcome and ends up working at Cafe Belle Vie which provides her with lots of opportunities to meet the people of the village who assist her in solving the mystery of her birth mother’s identity. Elle also meets Charlie the cafe owner’s son and Henri a local fisherman who adds a bit of romance to Elle’s life and to the story.
I enjoyed this book. It has an interesting storyline, a well-developed protagonist, and lots of food references. The reader cannot help but feel they are on vacation in France. The elements of humour added to my enjoyment of the book and I found the conclusion of the book to be satisfying.
I listened to the audiobook version of Summer at the Little French Cafe which was narrated by Lucy Bromilow. I appreciated the tone of her voice which made this an easy book to listen to. Those that enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.
The Bodyguard has been receiving a lot of pre-publication hype and i can see why! It has great character development, an engaging storyline, and sends a powerful message of determination and resilience. I loved it!
The Bodyguard reinforces my love of Women’s Fiction. Hannah Brook’s character is resilient, motivated and a little quirky. She isn’t what one considers to be your typical brawny bodyguard. What she lacks in physical appearance she more than makes up for in her ability to think and act quickly. Throw in her expertise in martial arts and you’ve got one tough woman.
Hannah hasn’t had the ideal childhood and has recently lost her mother, boyfriend and best friend. After a mandatory month away from the office, her first assignment is initially a little disappointing. It doesn’t send her to an exotic location like she’s used to but instead protecting movie star Jack Stapleton right in her home state of Texas.
It is a little different than her normal assignments however. Jack’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer and he doesn’t want to concern his family with his need for a bodyguard. So to make the situation as relaxed as possible, Hannah must pretend she is Jack’s girlfriend. Before they know it, Hannah and Jack are thrown together living with his parents for several weeks.
The story is action-packed, funny and highly entertaining. The reader cannot help but feel for both Hannah and Jack as their backstories are slowly disclosed. I love that both Hannah and Jack evolve throughout the book, arriving stronger than what they were at the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author.
4.5 stars
The Bodyguard reinforces my love of Women’s Fiction. Hannah Brook’s character is resilient, motivated and a little quirky. She isn’t what one considers to be your typical brawny bodyguard. What she lacks in physical appearance she more than makes up for in her ability to think and act quickly. Throw in her expertise in martial arts and you’ve got one tough woman.
Hannah hasn’t had the ideal childhood and has recently lost her mother, boyfriend and best friend. After a mandatory month away from the office, her first assignment is initially a little disappointing. It doesn’t send her to an exotic location like she’s used to but instead protecting movie star Jack Stapleton right in her home state of Texas.
It is a little different than her normal assignments however. Jack’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer and he doesn’t want to concern his family with his need for a bodyguard. So to make the situation as relaxed as possible, Hannah must pretend she is Jack’s girlfriend. Before they know it, Hannah and Jack are thrown together living with his parents for several weeks.
The story is action-packed, funny and highly entertaining. The reader cannot help but feel for both Hannah and Jack as their backstories are slowly disclosed. I love that both Hannah and Jack evolve throughout the book, arriving stronger than what they were at the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author.
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It is a story of friendship, determination and overcoming the past. Bree, Mikki and Ashley all come from very different backgrounds and I appreciate the friendship and workspace that they have nurtured together.
Romance is certainly a theme in the book, but the women’s individual stories are about their personal growth. Bree’s story was particularly emotional, with a traumatic childhood that follows her well into adulthood.
I enjoyed that each of the women was at a different point in their lives, making the book feel all the more relatable. The characters were well developed and likeable. It felt that these women were better because of their friendship – an aspect of Women’s fiction that I never tire of reading about.
This also felt a bit more steamy than the books I’ve come to expect from Susan Mallery. If you are a reader who prefers to read about closed-door romance, please be aware of this.
I listened to the audiobook of The Boardwalk Bookshop which was once again performed by Tanya Eby who has narrated several of the author’s previous books. I love the tone of her voice and the cadence of the words which is unique to her. Those readers who enjoy audiobooks might wish to choose this format.
Romance is certainly a theme in the book, but the women’s individual stories are about their personal growth. Bree’s story was particularly emotional, with a traumatic childhood that follows her well into adulthood.
I enjoyed that each of the women was at a different point in their lives, making the book feel all the more relatable. The characters were well developed and likeable. It felt that these women were better because of their friendship – an aspect of Women’s fiction that I never tire of reading about.
This also felt a bit more steamy than the books I’ve come to expect from Susan Mallery. If you are a reader who prefers to read about closed-door romance, please be aware of this.
I listened to the audiobook of The Boardwalk Bookshop which was once again performed by Tanya Eby who has narrated several of the author’s previous books. I love the tone of her voice and the cadence of the words which is unique to her. Those readers who enjoy audiobooks might wish to choose this format.
I really enjoyed this book. Laura is a highly likeable and relatable middle-aged woman whose life is stuck in a rut. She has a job which she is tired of, a daughter who has left home to discover the world, and a hard-of-hearing mother who recently moved into a retirement community.
When a friend invites her to a Zumba class, a calamity of incidents occurs. She also meets dance teacher Tony who invites her to take one of his dance classes. Laura has always enjoyed dance and remembers fondly when her parents entered dance competitions. But that was before the accident that changed everything. Nevertheless, Laura wants to make a change in her life and so takes Tony’s class.
Laura not only enjoys Tony’s class but really does well in it. He invites her to be his partner, and soon the two are entering local competitions. As her dancing prowess increases, Laura gains confidence in all areas of her life. A trip to Spain to learn flamenco has Laura (and her alter-ego Lola) has finding romance, and an even stronger passion for dance. The reader is treated to a vacation in Spain with a discussion of the culture, food and wine of the country. I loved it.
I love a story where the protagonist has such strong personal growth. As many of us reach middle age, we start to reflect upon our lives thus far and what we want to change to make us more fulfilled. Laura takes that leap of faith and creates a life outside of what she had always known.
Tony’s character also experiences change throughout the book. Laura and Tony bring out the best in one another – signs of a true friendship. There is a discussion of homophobia in this book and Tony is physically hurt at one point in the story. The author writes this with respect and empathy which I appreciated.
I listened to the audiobook version of Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams which was narrated by Mary Woodvine. Her performance was easy to listen to and full of enthusiasm and age-appropriate for Laura’s character. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
When a friend invites her to a Zumba class, a calamity of incidents occurs. She also meets dance teacher Tony who invites her to take one of his dance classes. Laura has always enjoyed dance and remembers fondly when her parents entered dance competitions. But that was before the accident that changed everything. Nevertheless, Laura wants to make a change in her life and so takes Tony’s class.
Laura not only enjoys Tony’s class but really does well in it. He invites her to be his partner, and soon the two are entering local competitions. As her dancing prowess increases, Laura gains confidence in all areas of her life. A trip to Spain to learn flamenco has Laura (and her alter-ego Lola) has finding romance, and an even stronger passion for dance. The reader is treated to a vacation in Spain with a discussion of the culture, food and wine of the country. I loved it.
I love a story where the protagonist has such strong personal growth. As many of us reach middle age, we start to reflect upon our lives thus far and what we want to change to make us more fulfilled. Laura takes that leap of faith and creates a life outside of what she had always known.
Tony’s character also experiences change throughout the book. Laura and Tony bring out the best in one another – signs of a true friendship. There is a discussion of homophobia in this book and Tony is physically hurt at one point in the story. The author writes this with respect and empathy which I appreciated.
I listened to the audiobook version of Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams which was narrated by Mary Woodvine. Her performance was easy to listen to and full of enthusiasm and age-appropriate for Laura’s character. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
I received an ARC of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
I enjoyed reading The Time of My Life. Bonnie has been a single mother to her teen-aged daughter Paige for the past two years – ever since her husband packed up on moved away. She hasn’t heard from him since and she’s ready to move on.
Bonnie’s holding it together but simply existing. Finances are tight. While she has friends, there is a noticeable lack of eligible bachelors in her small town. Then, Paige and a friend enter a contest to meet the members of a boy band and win the competition. Bonnie is elated because she’s secretly been writing (but not sending) letters to Holden, one of the members of the band. When the two meet, Bonnie sees the downside of being attracted to a successful musician.
Bonnie’s co-worker and best friend Linda sets her up on a date with Max, a local businessman who does the daily food delivery to their workplace. Bonnie has also felt something towards Max but never wanted to act on it. Soon the two are dating and Bonnie is excited. But nothing ever goes quite right for Bonnie. Holden appears at Bonnie’s door with roses just as Bonnie’s husband has returned home and wants to play happy family.
The reader cannot help but cheer on Bonnie. She’s hardworking, making the best of her situation and trying to create the best home she can for Paige. What didn’t work for me was that Bonnie was attracted to Holden. I question whether or not a responsible woman with a fifteen-year-old would fantasize about being with a man in his early twenties. Was she reliving her own youth? Had Holden been in his thirties it would have been much more believable to me. Having said that, the book was entertaining, had some very funny moments and is one that I would recommend.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Time of My Life which publishes today. The book is narrated by Louise Williams who provides a very good performance. I appreciated the ease of her performance which was easy to listen to. I was able to listen to this audiobook at my usual 1.5x speed. I recommend the audiobook edition of this book to those that enjoy this format.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Bonnie’s holding it together but simply existing. Finances are tight. While she has friends, there is a noticeable lack of eligible bachelors in her small town. Then, Paige and a friend enter a contest to meet the members of a boy band and win the competition. Bonnie is elated because she’s secretly been writing (but not sending) letters to Holden, one of the members of the band. When the two meet, Bonnie sees the downside of being attracted to a successful musician.
Bonnie’s co-worker and best friend Linda sets her up on a date with Max, a local businessman who does the daily food delivery to their workplace. Bonnie has also felt something towards Max but never wanted to act on it. Soon the two are dating and Bonnie is excited. But nothing ever goes quite right for Bonnie. Holden appears at Bonnie’s door with roses just as Bonnie’s husband has returned home and wants to play happy family.
The reader cannot help but cheer on Bonnie. She’s hardworking, making the best of her situation and trying to create the best home she can for Paige. What didn’t work for me was that Bonnie was attracted to Holden. I question whether or not a responsible woman with a fifteen-year-old would fantasize about being with a man in his early twenties. Was she reliving her own youth? Had Holden been in his thirties it would have been much more believable to me. Having said that, the book was entertaining, had some very funny moments and is one that I would recommend.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Time of My Life which publishes today. The book is narrated by Louise Williams who provides a very good performance. I appreciated the ease of her performance which was easy to listen to. I was able to listen to this audiobook at my usual 1.5x speed. I recommend the audiobook edition of this book to those that enjoy this format.
I received an ARC of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for the honest review provided here.
To say The Push was an engaging read is an understatement. The fact that the book was written in the second person makes it unique in itself. The story has elements of women’s fiction, particularly in first half of the book which discusses the challenges of early motherhood. There is also an important conversation about perinatal depression which I valued. The second half of the book is all thriller, taking the reader on an emotional ride. The character development is superb and the conclusion of the book was satisfying. The messaging about parent-child bonds and ways of parenting being passed from generation to generation was important and relevant.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Marin Ireland whose performance was magnificent. She brings the expression, tone and cadence to the story that made it thoroughly believable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this format to those of you who enjoy audiobooks.
Audiobook Review
I listened to the audiobook version of the book which was narrated by Marin Ireland whose performance was magnificent. She brings the expression, tone and cadence to the story that made it thoroughly believable and enjoyable. I highly recommend this format to those of you who enjoy audiobooks.
I loved this book. The intensity of the character development for Carrie is like no other book I’ve ever read. She is complex – losing her mother at a young age and becoming the focus of her father’s days creates a woman whose only purpose in life is to become a winning machine.
Those readers who love tennis will thoroughly enjoy the book but rest assured there is way more to this book than tennis. In fact, one of the things I loved most about the book is the mutual respect between Carrie and her father Javier. This relationship is not only one of father and daughter but also one of coach and player. This team sacrifices any sort of normal life for the love of the game and the thrill of being the best.
Carrie is not a friendly person. Aside from her father, she has no one else in her life. She keeps to herself in the locker room, can dish out the trash talk with ferocity, and focuses on her opponent’s weaknesses. Dubbed “the battle-axe” by the media, she’s laser-focused on her goals and may no one get in her way.
Her decision to come out of retirement is solely based on maintaining her status as the greatest tennis player of all time. It’s been five years since an injury forced her retirement. At age 37, her body is not as resilient as it once was. Encouraged to have a training partner that will bring her back to the elite level, her father hires Bowe Huntley who Carrie had a relationship years ago. She needs convincing to let this man back in her life, but in the end, knows that this is a good move for her game. The relationship that Carrie and Bowe build over time has Carrie seeing life after tennis for the first time.
Carrie Soto is Back is an emotional, well-written book that explores the personalities behind competitive sports. Despite the brusque, rude nature of Carrie’s persona to the outside world, you cannot help but cheer this woman on. I loved Carrie’s personal development as the book progresses. You don’t need to be a fan of tennis to thoroughly enjoy this book.
Those readers who love tennis will thoroughly enjoy the book but rest assured there is way more to this book than tennis. In fact, one of the things I loved most about the book is the mutual respect between Carrie and her father Javier. This relationship is not only one of father and daughter but also one of coach and player. This team sacrifices any sort of normal life for the love of the game and the thrill of being the best.
Carrie is not a friendly person. Aside from her father, she has no one else in her life. She keeps to herself in the locker room, can dish out the trash talk with ferocity, and focuses on her opponent’s weaknesses. Dubbed “the battle-axe” by the media, she’s laser-focused on her goals and may no one get in her way.
Her decision to come out of retirement is solely based on maintaining her status as the greatest tennis player of all time. It’s been five years since an injury forced her retirement. At age 37, her body is not as resilient as it once was. Encouraged to have a training partner that will bring her back to the elite level, her father hires Bowe Huntley who Carrie had a relationship years ago. She needs convincing to let this man back in her life, but in the end, knows that this is a good move for her game. The relationship that Carrie and Bowe build over time has Carrie seeing life after tennis for the first time.
Carrie Soto is Back is an emotional, well-written book that explores the personalities behind competitive sports. Despite the brusque, rude nature of Carrie’s persona to the outside world, you cannot help but cheer this woman on. I loved Carrie’s personal development as the book progresses. You don’t need to be a fan of tennis to thoroughly enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Josie Lloyd has written another lovely story where a group of women called the Sea-Gals come together to support one another daily and especially during difficult times. The individual storylines of each of these women are compelling and relatable. It is the compassion and care for each other that culminates into one dramatic moment that made the book for me.
Maddie is the newest addition to the group after finding out on Christmas Day that her husband had been having an affair for the past two years. The same day, she received a brief call from her son Jamie who had been missing for several years. She tracks the call to Brighton and travels there to try and find Jamie. She discovers and is fascinated by the Sea-Gals as she walks along the beach one day.
The group is made up of diverse women whose common interest is swimming in the sea. The physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea were highlighted and each woman had their reason for participating. The women are at different points in their lives which created a significant bond in the group.
I listened to the audiobook version of Lifesaving For Beginners which was narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed the diversity in her voice as she became each of the women in the group and the clarity in her voice. She made the book easy to listen to and would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
I recommend this book to those that enjoyed the author’s book The Bright Side Running Club (aka The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club) or to those that enjoy Women’s Fiction. It is a book that celebrates friendships between women and the idea that we are stronger together.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Maddie is the newest addition to the group after finding out on Christmas Day that her husband had been having an affair for the past two years. The same day, she received a brief call from her son Jamie who had been missing for several years. She tracks the call to Brighton and travels there to try and find Jamie. She discovers and is fascinated by the Sea-Gals as she walks along the beach one day.
The group is made up of diverse women whose common interest is swimming in the sea. The physical and therapeutic benefits of swimming year-round in the sea were highlighted and each woman had their reason for participating. The women are at different points in their lives which created a significant bond in the group.
I listened to the audiobook version of Lifesaving For Beginners which was narrated by Lucy Scott. I enjoyed the diversity in her voice as she became each of the women in the group and the clarity in her voice. She made the book easy to listen to and would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version to those that enjoy this format.
I recommend this book to those that enjoyed the author’s book The Bright Side Running Club (aka The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club) or to those that enjoy Women’s Fiction. It is a book that celebrates friendships between women and the idea that we are stronger together.
4.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of the hotel, Rennes and Paris all provided me with an escape to France. The fact that Lucy is a middle-aged woman trying to renovate a hotel and rebuild her life in a country other than her own is admirable.
I can’t help but cheer Lucy on right from the beginning. After her boyfriend/owner of the prestigious New York hotel that Lucy has managed leaves the country with millions of dollars, her business reputation and love life disappear with it. No hotel is willing to hire her. That is until she is hired to rebuild a heritage hotel in Rennes, France.
The hotel hasn’t been used as such since the war. Although Lucy can see the beauty of the hotel the way it once was, she knows she’s in way over her head. While she thought that the six-month contract she’d signed meant she was supervising the rebuild, she soon learns that the task of recreating the hotel is up to her and a few others who are tenants of the hotel.
As the work on the hotel progresses, Lucy begins to experience and feel the charm of living in a small French village. There are interesting and diverse characters which added to the pleasure of reading this book including Bing the resident artist she’s attracted to. By the time the hotel’s work is complete and she’s managing a small staff she can see herself staying here. That is, until tragedy strikes and her life changes overnight.
I recommend Lucy Checks In to those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction or Romance books with strong female characters.
I can’t help but cheer Lucy on right from the beginning. After her boyfriend/owner of the prestigious New York hotel that Lucy has managed leaves the country with millions of dollars, her business reputation and love life disappear with it. No hotel is willing to hire her. That is until she is hired to rebuild a heritage hotel in Rennes, France.
The hotel hasn’t been used as such since the war. Although Lucy can see the beauty of the hotel the way it once was, she knows she’s in way over her head. While she thought that the six-month contract she’d signed meant she was supervising the rebuild, she soon learns that the task of recreating the hotel is up to her and a few others who are tenants of the hotel.
As the work on the hotel progresses, Lucy begins to experience and feel the charm of living in a small French village. There are interesting and diverse characters which added to the pleasure of reading this book including Bing the resident artist she’s attracted to. By the time the hotel’s work is complete and she’s managing a small staff she can see herself staying here. That is, until tragedy strikes and her life changes overnight.
I recommend Lucy Checks In to those readers that enjoy Women’s Fiction or Romance books with strong female characters.