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thathappyreader's reviews
834 reviews
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
4.0
Nina is the only child of a travel photographer mother she scarcely knows and a man who her mother can/will not identify. Her life is surrounded by books and she loves her job working in a bookstore. When she is visited by her father’s lawyer, Nina learns that her father has not only left her something in his will, but has also provided her with an instant large extended family. On top of that, Nina is becoming involved with a man who is a rival at one of her regular trivia contests. Nina, who enjoys her solitary planned life, feels overwhelmed and anxious.
I loved this storyline. I can only imagine what it would be like to all of a sudden find out I have several half-siblings, cousins etc. many of which share common interests and character traits. I enjoyed Nina’s daily planning and her discussion of the perfect Sunday getting ready for the work week. But as we all learn in life, we can’t plan for everything.
Overall, a nice easy read with some delightful characters
I loved this storyline. I can only imagine what it would be like to all of a sudden find out I have several half-siblings, cousins etc. many of which share common interests and character traits. I enjoyed Nina’s daily planning and her discussion of the perfect Sunday getting ready for the work week. But as we all learn in life, we can’t plan for everything.
Overall, a nice easy read with some delightful characters
Dear Lily: An Absolutely Charming, Emotional Novel about Learning to Love and Taking Chances by Drew Davies
4.0
Joy is a woman who writes a series of letters to her sister. Wanting to leave behind her life in England, she accepts a job offer in Denmark.
I really enjoyed the comedy of this book reminiscent of Bridget Jones’ Diary. The author made the reader truly feel as though she was sharing her intimate thoughts and experiences, whether positive or negative. There were many moments where I found myself laughing out loud.
This is a story of personal growth and a very charming read. I rate this book 3.5/5 stars.
Please note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review which I have provided here.
I really enjoyed the comedy of this book reminiscent of Bridget Jones’ Diary. The author made the reader truly feel as though she was sharing her intimate thoughts and experiences, whether positive or negative. There were many moments where I found myself laughing out loud.
This is a story of personal growth and a very charming read. I rate this book 3.5/5 stars.
Please note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review which I have provided here.
The Friends We Keep by Jane Green
4.0
The Friends We Keep is beautiful story of three college friends over the course of 30 years. Following graduation, Evvie, Maggie and Topher each go their separate ways to build their careers and lives. A betrayal by one of the characters to another is hidden until the three are reunited after 30 years.
The story explores the importance of having friends in our lives - many who can be considered family after years spent together. It underlines the idea that none of us are perfect but, despite our imperfections, true friendships will live on.
I appreciate that the author explores the stigmata associated with alcohol induced liver disease as well the eating disorders and life choices one character makes to have the “ideal” body. I loved that the character of Topher is gay - there is a brief discussion of how the AIDS epidemic effected him, but I would have liked the author to have explored this impact on society a bit more.
I would recommend this book to anyone enjoys reading about long term friendships.
The story explores the importance of having friends in our lives - many who can be considered family after years spent together. It underlines the idea that none of us are perfect but, despite our imperfections, true friendships will live on.
I appreciate that the author explores the stigmata associated with alcohol induced liver disease as well the eating disorders and life choices one character makes to have the “ideal” body. I loved that the character of Topher is gay - there is a brief discussion of how the AIDS epidemic effected him, but I would have liked the author to have explored this impact on society a bit more.
I would recommend this book to anyone enjoys reading about long term friendships.
How to Make Time for Me by Fiona Perrin
4.0
Callie Brown is a very busy single parent to her twin 16 year old daughters and a 14 year old boy from a previous relationship. As a member of the "sandwich generation" she still cooks and cleans for her aging parents on a regular basis as well - all while holding her full time position in HR of a car dealership. When she is struck by a bike on a busy Friday evening the cyclist reports that he "just didn't see her", she realizes this to be quite fitting as she feels invisible anyhow.
This cyclist turns out to be a very nice man of similar age to Callie who supplies her with many bags of take out food to feed her family over the next few weeks. But Callie doesn't want a relationship right now - her family is keeping her busy enough. But when Sunil, a good looking younger man enters her life via a daughter's community group, she begins to feel that perhaps she isn't invisible after all. Will a romance with Sunil be just what she needs?
This book is perfect for fans of Paige Toon or Sophie Kinsella. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy which is Callie's life, with all it's every day stress and family love. I loved the discussion of the men in Callie's life, whether romantically or supportive. I rate this book 4/5 stars and look forward to reading more of Fiona Perrin's work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria books for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
This cyclist turns out to be a very nice man of similar age to Callie who supplies her with many bags of take out food to feed her family over the next few weeks. But Callie doesn't want a relationship right now - her family is keeping her busy enough. But when Sunil, a good looking younger man enters her life via a daughter's community group, she begins to feel that perhaps she isn't invisible after all. Will a romance with Sunil be just what she needs?
This book is perfect for fans of Paige Toon or Sophie Kinsella. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedy which is Callie's life, with all it's every day stress and family love. I loved the discussion of the men in Callie's life, whether romantically or supportive. I rate this book 4/5 stars and look forward to reading more of Fiona Perrin's work.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria books for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Love on Lexington Avenue by Lauren Layne
4.0
In the second installment in the Central Park Pact series, Love on Lexington Avenue is the story of Claire, a young widow who one year after the death of her husband feels she is at a crossroads. Deciding it was time to make some changes in her life, she hires a contractor to renovate her home on Lexington Avenue. A friend recommends Scott, a brusque, flannel-shirted man carrying relationship baggage of his own. Scott has a history of working around the world, never staying in one city once a job is complete. As the work on Claire’s home progresses, the two start to feel attraction towards one another and it becomes more challenging to ignore these feelings.
I really enjoy this series and look forward to reading the third installment. The books are light-hearted but captivating with the perfect amount of sexy undertones. I recommend this book for fans of PG romance.
I really enjoy this series and look forward to reading the third installment. The books are light-hearted but captivating with the perfect amount of sexy undertones. I recommend this book for fans of PG romance.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
5.0
Mrs. Everything is the story of two sisters, Jo and Bethie Kaufman who grew up in 1950’s Detroit. It follows these women over several decades and clearly articulates how their lives evolved during this time frame. Each sister grew up with dreams about how their life might be. But life doesn’t always unfold the way one thinks it will.
The book represents the progress of women’s rights and how women’s role in society has changed throughout the decades. The book acknowledges several key changes throughout the generations including the greater acceptance of homosexual relationships and mixed race relationships. It takes us back to a time when abortions were illegal. The characters in the book are not perfect - they have real flaws just like the rest of us.
I adored this book and it will resonate with me for the long-term. Weiner has based much of this book on her own mother’s experience and knowing this makes the book all that more genuine. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes an inspirational, meaningful read.
The book represents the progress of women’s rights and how women’s role in society has changed throughout the decades. The book acknowledges several key changes throughout the generations including the greater acceptance of homosexual relationships and mixed race relationships. It takes us back to a time when abortions were illegal. The characters in the book are not perfect - they have real flaws just like the rest of us.
I adored this book and it will resonate with me for the long-term. Weiner has based much of this book on her own mother’s experience and knowing this makes the book all that more genuine. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes an inspirational, meaningful read.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
4.0
This pulitzer-prize winning book was one that was brought to my attention through the recognition that the upcoming sequel Olive, Again has been receiving. The original book is a collective of 13 narratives with each story about the struggles of many of the town of Crosby, Maine’s residents in their daily lives.
I found myself deeply interested in the character of Olive. She is a retired former teacher who has always been very set in her ways and thrives on routine. While not a social person, Olive comes through for others when needed. I respected the fact that she visited her husband in the nursing home twice per day and found this to be heart-warming. Overall, however, Olive is a cranky older woman who is not well-liked by many in the town and thus has very few friends.
I found the book illuminates some of the greatest tragedies and struggles in life - illness, death, depression, loneliness and despair to name just a few. It reinforces that the choices we make in life may come back to bite us as we continue on life’s journey. I cheered Olive along as her story progressed and will read with interest the sequel of this book.
I do warn those looking to read this book - if you are looking for a joyful read, this is not the book for you.
I found myself deeply interested in the character of Olive. She is a retired former teacher who has always been very set in her ways and thrives on routine. While not a social person, Olive comes through for others when needed. I respected the fact that she visited her husband in the nursing home twice per day and found this to be heart-warming. Overall, however, Olive is a cranky older woman who is not well-liked by many in the town and thus has very few friends.
I found the book illuminates some of the greatest tragedies and struggles in life - illness, death, depression, loneliness and despair to name just a few. It reinforces that the choices we make in life may come back to bite us as we continue on life’s journey. I cheered Olive along as her story progressed and will read with interest the sequel of this book.
I do warn those looking to read this book - if you are looking for a joyful read, this is not the book for you.
Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
4.0
In my favourite of the Wedding Date series, the protagonist is Vivian Forest, mother of Maddie whose story was introduced in Book 3 of the series. Maddie is chosen to dress the Duchess of Sussex over the Christmas holiday in Sandringham and invites Vivian to accompany her so that they can spend some time together over Christmas. While Maddie is busy dressing the Duchess, Vivian meets Malcolm Hudson who works for the Queen. Vivian is not only smitten by Malcolm, but star struck by the environment she is spending Christmas in. Malcolm encourages Vivian to spend a few extra days with him in London prior to her return to California and with a push from Maddie to live for the moment, she agrees to extend her stay. Life at home alone becomes a lot more depressing once Vivian returns to her everyday life, as she begins to learn more about herself and realizes what she really wants in life.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I enjoy books about the holiday season and books that highlight the differences in cultures. The book was sweet and full of charm. The story really spoke to me as someone over 40 and wish that more rom-coms were targeted towards this demographic. I rate this book 4/5 stars.
Thank you to Edelweiss + and Berkley Publications for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I enjoy books about the holiday season and books that highlight the differences in cultures. The book was sweet and full of charm. The story really spoke to me as someone over 40 and wish that more rom-coms were targeted towards this demographic. I rate this book 4/5 stars.
Thank you to Edelweiss + and Berkley Publications for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book in exchange for the honest review provided here.
Summer at Firefly Beach by Jenny Hale
4.0
Haillie Flynn has experienced a lot of loss in the past few months. Her marriage has recently ended in divorce, and her beloved Aunt Clara has died leaving her Uncle Hank alone at Firefly Beach. Haillie, her family and her best friend Ben make their annual summer trip to Firefly Beach to try and heal and spend time with Uncle Hank. Aunt Clara has left a final wish for Haillie - to complete the bucket list that Haillie wrote when she was twelve years old.
I really enjoyed the sense of romance felt while reading this book and the overwhelming companionship of Haillie and Ben. The read is an easy one and ideal for a beach read. I thought the progression of Haillie's artistic career was a little too quick to be truly believable, but typical of this type of romance novel.
I'd rate this book 3.5 /5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).
I really enjoyed the sense of romance felt while reading this book and the overwhelming companionship of Haillie and Ben. The read is an easy one and ideal for a beach read. I thought the progression of Haillie's artistic career was a little too quick to be truly believable, but typical of this type of romance novel.
I'd rate this book 3.5 /5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars).