Review: The Broken String by Diane Chamberlain

As seventeen-year-old Riley MacPherson rushes to the side of her brother who has been gravely injured in Iraq, she recalls their growing up years when he was her protector and best friend. Why did that relationship fall apart? She longs for a second chance to connect with her brother, not realizing that family secrets may prevent them from ever having that closeness again.

Kindle Edition, 41 pages

Published August 26th 2014 by St. Martin's Press 

Genre: Short Story/Womens Fiction

Kristine's Thoughts:

The Broken String is an e-book short story that introduces some of the key players in Diane Chamberlain's full length novel The Silent Sister. I had the pleasure of reading The Silent Sister already but this short story can be read in either order.

It is really hard to talk about a short story because there are so few pages to discuss and I don't like to give anything away. I can say that if you read this story first, it will provide enough of a glimpse at the characters and enough mystery and intrigue that you will want to know the broader story. You will want to make sure that you have The Silent Sister at the ready for reading next. If you have already read it, as I did, you will enjoy getting a glimpse of the younger Riley and reading about her relationship with her brother.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with anything by Diane Chamberlain. I do recommend reading both the short story and the full length novel as companions to each other. As always, you will be treated to an engaging and well written story that is sure to please readers of all ages.

Check out my review of The Silent Sister here.

Check out Terri's review here.

About the Author

Diane Chamberlain is the USA Today and London Times bestselling author of 23 novels published in more than twenty languages. Diane likes to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of her books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, her stories usually feature a combination of suspense, mystery and intrigue.

Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and her shelties, Keeper and Cole--the only non-reading members of the household!

Connect with Diane

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

Review: Faking It by Leah Marie Brown

Haven't you ever told a little lie in the name of love?

Vivia Grant couldn’t be happier. She has her dream job and is about to marry her dream man. Does it really matter that she’s led him to believe she’s a virgin? After all, being in love makes every experience feel like the first time anyway! But an unexpected encounter with an ex-lover is about to expose her embarrassing lie…

When Vivia’s fiancé discovers the truth, he ends their engagement—via text—and uses his connections to get her fired. Unemployed and heartbroken, Vivia begins planning her new future—as a homeless spinster. But her best friend has a better idea. They’ll skip the Ben & Jerry’s binge and go on Vivia’s honeymoon instead. Two weeks cycling through Provence and Tuscany, with Luc de Caumont, a sexy French bike guide. Too bad Vivia’s not a big fan of biking. And she’s abysmal at languages. Will she fib her way through the adventure, or finally learn to love herself—and Luc—flaws and all?

Paperback

Expected publication: May 12th 2015 by Kensington Books

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is May 12 2015**

I was a little hesitant starting this book as while the synopsis sounded interesting I didn't think there would be any standout moments in the book. I was wrong!  This book was hilarious and I actually wished it was longer!

What makes this story stand out from other romances or "discovering yourself journeys" is how humour is used throughout the book.  It creates something different than what is out there in the market and in my opinion makes it better.

I do not want to discuss the plot but I will list the areas that had me laughing and made this book stand out for me.

1. Vivia's mom:  Her worries about Vivia's virtue and her crazy texts.  Everyone knows what it is like to have a mom who is not exactly in tune with the times and this was clearly evident with her texts.  Vivia's sarcastic responses added some additional humour
2. The Texas stud:  Seriously what was his story with his texts to Vivia?  A boy from the past that pops up out of nowhere.  Although a little random to the story (after the beginning) it still added humour
3. The lost luggage (and fallout)\
4. The Italian Stallion:  This is where I seriously think I cried I was laughing so hard.  The language barrier and subsequent misinterpretation of phrases was downright hilarious.

I could go on and one.  I seriously have not enjoyed a book like I did this one in a while.  I certainly have not smiled and laughed like I did with this one.  It was refreshing for me to read a book that doesn't take itself quite so seriously and the end result was worth it.  If Brown's sense of humour is like this all of the time I would love to have a drink with her, or better yet travel with her since her bio says she loves to travel.  I am sure some great laughs would result.

To summarize I feel this book stands out in it's genres.  I say pick it up and discover it for yourself.  On Goodreads it suggests there may be a second book at some point however I couldn't find any details.  I certainly hope there is.

About the Author

(From her Goodreads profile)

I am an American writer with a penchant for Paris and all things pink!

Before writing novels, I worked as a print journalist for a Pulitzer prize winning newspaper and served in the United States Air Force as a Radio and Television Broadcaster.

An avid traveler, I have had adventures and mishaps from London to Tokyo, which I write about on my blog, On Life, Love & Accidental Adventures, and in my contemporary romantic series, The It Girls.

I was once a collector of truly useless bric-a-brac and cheesy tee-shirts. My cheesiest? A tee with a cartoon Jesus riding a surf board and the words, "And on the eighth day, Jesus went surfing in Greece."

Today, I prefer to gather friendships and memories as travel souvenirs.

I live in the shadow of Pike's Peak Mountain, near Colorado Springs, with my family and shamefully pampered poodles.

Website:  Http://leahmariebrown.com
Twitter:  Leahmariebrown

Review: The Pain Behind the Portrait by Jenell Hollett

Mike, Dayne, and their two kids are a California success story. The family portrait hanging over their fireplace proves it. But the portrait is a lie—a façade hiding the truth of a deteriorating marriage where words are weapons and loneliness has replaced intimacy.

Mike is an attorney who resolved never to be like his father, a man who used words to control and belittle his wife and children. Unfortunately Mike married Dayne, a volatile and unpredictable woman who aims her tantrums at him with depressing regularity. Confused and frustrated, Mike retreats into his work.

When he least expects it, Mike meets Brooke. As Mike fights his feelings for Brooke, he begins to realize he's trapped in an abusive marriage with few options for resolution or escape. And all the while, the family portrait casts its illusion of happiness over the home—happiness Mike doubts he'll ever experience.

The follow-up novel to Jenell Hollett's What I Learned from Men, The Pain Behind The Portrait is an enlightening, ultimately uplifting tale that vividly shows the damage words can inflict on a marriage.

Paperback, 228 pages

Published April 15th 2015 

Kristine's Thoughts:

**I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. **

I struggled with this book a little bit. It was described in the synopsis as "an enlightening, ultimately uplifting tale" yet I found it pretty depressing and many parts of it irritated me. Perhaps this would be a good book for a book club because I can see many a discussion over its content.

Mike and Dayne definitely had a dysfunctional relationship but I found that the story didn't spend enough time on their interactions together and more on Mike reflecting back. Basically there would be a couple of sentences where Dayne would verbally attack Mike and then chapter after chapter of him reflecting or doing other things. The actual amount of time that they were together in the book was extremely small. It made the impact of her abuse less powerful than what I think the author was aiming for when she was barely in the story. I feel like more interactions between the couple would have provided a more powerful message to the reader as they try to understand Mike. Dayne's behaviour was by no means acceptable but I feel like the premise of the book was about the abuse and its impact on Mike so the reader should have read more of it. Dayne wasn't really in the story much at all other than in Mike's thoughts and head.

Mike irritated me quite a bit in the story as well. Perhaps hindsight is the reason for that or perhaps it was the product of his abuse that made him that way and that it was intentional on the authors part. I don't know. It just seemed to me that the signs were all there in the beginning and that he was ruling with the wrong head. Dayne showed signs of the way she was before they were even married. I had an "are you kidding me" moment when they went out for their anniversary dinner and she belittled him and yet he had sex with her when they got back to the hotel. It seemed that no matter how cruel or hurtful her words were, which were indicated that they were, there was still room and time for a romp in the hay.  Also, he basically hated her but was shocked and depressed when she actually left. Was this an effort to show how screwed up he was from the abuse?

There are no excuses for Dayne's behaviour and abuse of any kind is not acceptable. I want to make that perfectly clear. I do, however feel that there was some fault on both sides for the failed marriage. For such a serious subject matter I felt like the book was too squeaky clean, dull and lacked the grit and dirt that would have brought the message home. It was a little too clean and preachy for my liking.

Can you see why I think it would make for a great discussion with a book club?

 

About the Author

My writing and speaking center on relationships. I enjoy using stories as a conduit to broader and deeper discussion, particularly discussion that examines life from atypical perspectives and heightened awareness.

I began my professional career with a bachelors degree from Loma Linda University. From there I explored a varied and interesting career path in healthcare, public relations, university administration, and medical education. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of educating, encouraging, and mentoring other talented individuals, which I consider my highest professional achievement.

My books and presentations have emerged from a lifetime of relationships and interactions, and from my personal experiences as an avid listener, wife, and mother. I enjoy reading books that provide insight into my own experiences and struggles, so I strive to do the same for my readers and audiences.

My husband, Joe, and I live in the San Diego area. We have four grown children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and one adorable granddaughter. (From Goodreads profile)

Connect with Jenell

Website/Goodreads

Review: Special Delivery by Laura Browning

All Holly Morgan wants is a safe place to have her baby. Nestled deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains, miles away from her abusive ex-fiancé, Spence, Mountain Meadow seems perfect. Holly can manage a few meddling church matrons if it means Spence can’t find her. Harder to handle is Jake Allred. He may be a dark-haired hunk, but he’s also someone Holly can’t trust: a cop.

Since his time in the military, Lieutenant Jake Allred has lived to protect and serve. And if anyone needs protection, it’s Holly. Having been let down by the law before, she’s wary of letting Jake into her life. But when an unexpected snow storm strands them together, their attraction is hot enough to melt the mounting ice. Just when Jake thinks he’s finally warmed Holly’s heart, Spence strikes. Now it’s up to Jake to save Holly’s baby and bring their fledgling family back together.

ebook, 200 pages

Expected publication: May 12th 2015 by Lyrical Press

Terri's Thoughts

** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is May 12 2015**

If you are the type of person who is eternally optimistic and only see the good in things and others then this is the book for you.  Seriously, this story is so sugary sweet that it put the Cinnabon I had earlier to shame.

I will start with my constructive feedback.  I feel like this story had a bit of an identity crisis.  Is it a feel good "Hallmark" story?  Was it a Christmas miracle story?  Was it a steamy romance?  It was all of the above.  I felt at times that there was no one direction that the story was taking and it was a little bit distracting at times.  It felt a little too ambitious for was it really was.

Also, I was not joking when I mentioned how sugary sweet this story was.  People were in love and soul mates within the blink of an eye.  As the reader you miss out on the development of the relationship they happen so quickly.  Although it is a change from a lot of what you read it was too much for me.  Although I like to believe there is good in everyone this story took it a step too far to the point it was no longer believable.  Even the "bad guys" in the story lacked believability simply due to how "good" everyone else was.

Now on to what I liked.

There were actually two stories within this.  There was the story of Holly & Jake but there was also the story of Jenny & Evan which is not mentioned in the synopsis.  I almost like their story better.  Due to a shared history their story was a little more realistic.

The characters are really likeable.  How can they not be when it feels like one big group hug love fest?

Ultimately this story as mentioned seemed a little ambitious for what it was and that was an uplifting sweet romance.  It would be a good choice for someone who wants a pick me up particularly around the holiday season.

About the Author

Website:  http://www.laurabrowningbooks.com    

Review: The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain

In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing mystery from international bestselling author Diane Chamberlain.

Hardcover 352 pages
Published October 7th 2014 by St. Martin's Press  


Kristine's Thoughts:

This is another one of those books that I am ashamed that it took me so long to read. I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books and I own all of them as well. Her books are like curling up in your favourite chair with your four legged pet in your oldest but most comfortable pyjamas. At least they are for me. I am guaranteed to be relaxed and enjoy every minute of it.

This book is another example of what Chamberlain does best. She takes complex situations and characters, adds a little mystery and tells two stories that ultimately collide and connect. Her style is one that I adore and has me burning through the pages.

I am going to keep my thoughts brief (no re-telling the story) and just say that Chamberlain delivered on everything that I have come to expect from her. The plot and writing were superb and her attention to detail is like no other. You can tell that she researched her story and subjects down to the tiniest of details to make it as accurate as possible. Yet another quality I have come to expect in all of her work.

Another job well done! I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

For a more detailed review check out Terri's review that she did last fall here.

About the Author

Diane Chamberlain is the USA Today and London Times bestselling author of 23 novels published in more than twenty languages. Diane likes to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of her books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, her stories usually feature a combination of suspense, mystery and intrigue.

Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and her shelties, Keeper and Cole--the only non-reading members of the household!

Connect with Diane

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads 

Review: The Seven Sisters: A Novel by Lucinda Riley

The first book in a major new series from the #1 internationally bestselling author Lucinda Riley.

Maia D’Apliese and her five sisters gather together at their childhood home, “Atlantis”—a fabulous, secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva—having been told that their beloved father, who adopted them all as babies, has died. Each of them is handed a tantalizing clue to her true heritage—a clue which takes Maia across the world to a crumbling mansion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Once there, she begins to put together the pieces of her story and its beginnings.

Eighty years earlier in Rio’s Belle Epoque of the 1920s, Izabela Bonifacio’s father has aspirations for his daughter to marry into the aristocracy. Meanwhile, architect Heitor da Silva Costa is devising plans for an enormous statue, to be called Christ the Redeemer, and will soon travel to Paris to find the right sculptor to complete his vision. Izabela—passionate and longing to see the world—convinces her father to allow her to accompany him and his family to Europe before she is married. There, at Paul Landowski’s studio and in the heady, vibrant cafes of Montparnasse, she meets ambitious young sculptor Laurent Brouilly, and knows at once that her life will never be the same again.

In this sweeping, epic tale of love and loss—the first in a unique, spellbinding series of seven novels—Lucinda Riley showcases her storytelling talent like never before.

Hardcover, 480 pages

Expected publication: May 5th 2015 by Atria Books

Terri's Thoughts

**I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Atria via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is May 5th 2015**

I will start by saying that I was beyond excited to receive a copy of this book.  I discovered the writing of Lucinda Riley some time ago purely by accident when I saw one of her titles recommended to me on Goodreads as something I may be interested in based on other novels I liked in the same genre.  I have then gone on to read all of her works (that I am aware of) and enjoyed them all immensely.  When I saw this one I knew I had to have it....and that it was a part of a series...even better as I know there is more upcoming work of hers to enjoy.  As a huge fan of historical fiction her work thus far has provided me with countless hours of entertainment.

I am going to draft this review a little bit different than others I have done in the past.  As I have high expectations I am going to write little by little as I go through the book so that I can give it the justice I am sure it will deserve...no pressure here!  I am also going to try to avoid any spoilers which may be difficult in this format

20% complete

I have reached the 20% completion mark and I am completely excite where this story is headed.  The only reason I have put the boo down is that my kindle has ran out of power and I am currently charging it.

The beginning of the story has the reader meeting Maia as well as five of her sisters.  I have questions already....the title is The Seven Sisters...who and where is the seventh sister?  I am sure that will be the last sister we here about and will wrap up the series...oh so long to wait but so much to look forward to in the meantime.  I can see how this series is going to unfold with each novel telling the story of each sister.

As the synopsis of the book indicates all of the sisters are adopted and have been given a clue to their heritage.  As a huge fan of Riley's I know that this will be an opening for us to learn the story of Maia's heritage and as the story progresses we will read the story of her birth family along with her journey in the present time.  This is what Riley does so well and let's be honest...the blurb on this book also tells us so!

As of now the story has remained firmly entrenched in the present day and I eagerly await for it to turn to the past.  I have not been this excited for a story in a while!  Let's hope the remainder lives up to the high expectations that I have for it.

50% Complete

I have just spent the majority of the 20-50% in the past learning about Izabela's story.  As always the past is what captivates my attention.  The story remained there and did not flip back in forth so it appears that it will be chunks of time between the present and past as opposed to moving back and forth within each chapter.  I am not giving any plot away but it pulled at my heartstrings.  I simply cannot wait to see what happens.  The big question I have at this period is how Izabela is linked to Maia's story.  We know that she is not her mother as it happened too long ago however she is linked by birth relation.  I am not sure how or when her mother is going to fit in to the story or if at this point it will make sense.  I must move on to find out.

Remainder of Book

I knew this would happen.  I got so involved in the book that I couldn't stop along the way to pen my thoughts.  I had to find out what happened next so essentially this review is going to be all over the place.  I refuse to give away any of the plot however I will note some random thoughts

• I will cut to the chase and say I LOVED this book.  For the fans of Lucinda Riley, this is my undisputed favorite book of hers so far.  For those who have not discovered her work and like historical fiction...pick this book up now
• I can see how there are going to be several layers to this story within the subsequent stories of the other sisters.  The major mystery being who is the girls adopted father and what is/was his story?  I'm guessing here but I think we will see tidbits thrown in to each story and perhaps it will all tie together when we get to the story of the seventh sister.  I predict that story will be about him.  I am completely intrigued.
• I love the fact that this will be a series and I am excited that we will learn more about this family and most likely the tragic stories of where each sister came from.

I do have one rather large disappointment about this book.  I read this as an advanced copy and it is only the first in the series.  I do not know how long I will have to wait until the next one comes out but I simply have to read it now!  I almost wish I didn't discover this book until the entire series was released so I could read them back to back!  I will be checking daily to see when the next one will be released.  You can be sure I will be the first in line to receive it.  Lucinda Riley has very quickly made it to the top of my must read and own authors.  Thank you for continuing to entertain me.  The best book that I have read so far this year.

About the Author

Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland and during her childhood travelled extensively abroad, particularly to the Far East to visit her father.

Moving to London she became an actress working in film, theatre and television. Five years ago she designed and built a house on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand, where her father had purchased land many years before. Her passion for history combined with her love of travel, and Thailand in particular, inspired her to write her novel Hothouse Flower, published by Penguin in November 2010.

She currently lives in Norfolk and France with her husband and four children.

Website:  http://lucindariley.co.uk/

Twitter:  lucindariley

Review: The Look of Love by Sarah Jio

Born during a Christmas blizzard, Jane Williams receives a rare gift: the ability to see true love. Jane has emerged from an ailing childhood a lonely, hopeless romantic when, on her twenty-ninth birthday, a mysterious greeting card arrives, specifying that Jane must identify the six types of love before the full moon following her thirtieth birthday, or face grave consequences. When Jane falls for a science writer who doesn’t believe in love, she fears that her fate is sealed. Inspired by the classic song, The Look of Love is utterly enchanting.



Paperback 286 pages
Published November 25, 2014
Genre: Romance/Chic Lit/Magical Realism




Kristine's Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of Sarah Jio's work and I am almost embarrassed that it has taken me this long to read The Look of Love. I have read all of her books and I had thrown this book out as a gift idea for Christmas knowing that family members would be looking for titles to purchase. Sure enough I found myself unwrapping it Christmas morning.

This book is a little different from all of her other work. Her previous books have a strong connection between past and present with a bit of a mysterious side to them where this one has more of a contemporary feel to it with the addition of some magical realism. It had a much different feel than the style that I know and love so much. 

This book was all about love and the different kinds of love. Jane had to identify the six different types of love before her 30th birthday with her special gift or suffer a life without love for herself. Throughout the book we see the different kinds of love through her friends, neighbours and acquaintances.

What did I think?

It was a really cute story which I knew it would be. Sarah Jio never disappoints in that area. I do have to say that I found it hard not to compare it to all of her previous books which in my opinion are better than this one. I'm not saying that this one isn't good because it is but I adored all of her previous ones to the point of 5 star ratings for them all. I loved the style, the two time frames and the strong connection between past and present. I really missed that in this book.

If you are looking for a cute contemporary romance you can't go wrong with this book but if you are looking for something more like her other books you won't find it here. Overall it is still a solid read.

Check out my thoughts on other books by Sarah Jio

Goodnight June 

Morning Glory 

About the Author

Sarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST CAMELLIA, BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE VIOLETS OF MARCH (a Library Journal Best Book of 2011), THE BUNGALOW, MORNING GLORY and GOODNIGHT JUNE, all from Penguin/Plume. Sarah is also the former health and fitness blogger for Glamour.com. She has written thousands of articles for national magazines including Redbook, O, The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, and many others. She has appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband and their three young boys. 

Connect with Sarah

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads