“Maybe that is how it worked: certain people came into your life at just the right moment – only you didn’t know it was the right moment, not at the t“Maybe that is how it worked: certain people came into your life at just the right moment – only you didn’t know it was the right moment, not at the time.”
Stylishly scenic, readers will first be attracted to the beautiful area, Porthpella, (a coastal village in Cornwall). We are feeling the ocean, the sea breeze and the cozy setting as we meet main characters Ally Bright, a recent widow and her dog, Fox taking their regular walk along the beach.
Soon, something happens that gets her involved, in a police investigation. She did not expect this might be her new calling, and it is easy for her to be befriended by Jayden, an ex-policeman who is a recent transplant to the town with his wife and baby. Jayden is very interested in addressing the issue of the young man who has fallen off the cliff (suicide attempt?) and has a history with the town.
But there is more, and both seem to find themselves within the middle of what could possibly be tied to a cold case.
The cast of characters are well-developed, likable and believable. The plot is a slow-burn, but it moves comfortably with twists and turns that keep readers engaged. An easy-to-read, entertaining and thoughtful story with themes of loss and redemption that makes this nice first in the series cozy, work....more
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motle“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motley crew of senior citizens (for the most part) is when they are being commandeered by an officer of the law. Everyone has an opportunity to release their reasons for the officer to want to take them in. What kind of past are they hiding from, that all these guilty voices would be rising in this calamitous moment?
“How could you create a future when you had no past you would admit to?”
As it turns out, they all have come to the local senior center to find companionship. Told in multiple P.O.V.’s everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to find others. If nothing else, other than to overcome their own sense of loneliness as they recognize their advanced age and uncertain purpose at this stage of their lives. And, some come with a spectacular attitude.
“Where’s the fun in aging gracefully? Personally, I intend to age as disgracefully as possible.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
But as we connect with their inner lives, we watch how things change for them as they connect with each other. And, our curiosity as readers, especially with that introductory prologue, makes us wonder, who were they really before they were the people they are now?
They are on a mission to save their senior center. And, these gallant six geriatric individuals, along with a young man, an infant and child with his own issues…including a sweet dog named Margaret Thatcher, (or versions of that name) make their own splash into the hearts of readers.
Still, in some ways, it was difficult to fully engage with the plot. The characters weren’t always likable, or even always liking each other (in the beginning) and it took some time to connect with them. But eventually there were moments, out-loud-laugh moments, that made it easier to appreciate and understand them.
This may be a book that readers will just want to sit back, take it in, relax with it, and watch the trouble the characters seem to make. And not take yourself to seriously while enjoying the reading experience.
So, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you aSo, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you are asking for a summer romance escape. Amirite?
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you....more
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t TemIt seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end....more
We typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions boWe typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions book series, as well other stand-alone books. So, when I saw this one in the local library, I discovered that this series actually has been around since 2013. I guess I haven’t been paying attention!
So, with this series, we have Detective Ulf Varg who is well, odd. He also has a unique pet dog, Marten, who is deaf and can read lips. Yes, you heard me right.
Yes, this is quite the series, which takes place in a fictional, Scandinavian setting. Their cases, well, they are odd, too. A made-up missing boyfriend, paranormal goings on, a market trader who is wounded, but not seriously. And, then all the goings on with everyday life.
The crimes may be insignificant but the people interactions are interesting throughout the book. And, we can’t discount McCall Smith’s sense of humor as we watch Varg and all the other characters interact who are rather quirky, but likable. It is a quick, entertaining, easy read.
Even though this isn’t the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But as in all series, it probably is best to start at the beginning. ...more
I love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readerI love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readers engaged.
In this particular story, it is Christmas themed and has a mouse enjoying coming along to the movies. And, oh my goodness, there are so many wonderful Christmas-y ideas that come up in this story too, for families to do with kids! What a clever mouse!
In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did In all probability, it is very likely we know the rhyme. Most children probably have made that wish every night to the stars… (At least, I know I did as a kid. To be honest, I still do! ☺️)
“Star light, star bright First star I see tonight I wish I may I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.”
But what makes this book so beautiful, is the gorgeous illustrations by Alexandra Day and the lovely positive message that goes along with it.
Each child and parent will have an opportunity to enjoy the star gazing colorful beauty of this book for each bedtime reading.
This is the first in the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series. And, as it so happens, I was gifted the first two books in the series for my LittCatching up…
This is the first in the Booklover’s B&B Mystery series. And, as it so happens, I was gifted the first two books in the series for my Little Free Library Shed. (I chose to just read this one. Both will go into the LFL after this posting.)
Charlotte Reed has inherited a B&B that isn’t quite the moneymaking business, even though it is located in beautiful coastal, Beaufort, North Carolina. So, one way Charlotte feels might attract people is to host special events celebrating books. One such event puts the spotlight on mystery author, Josephine Tey. Only Charlotte never expected that this event would turn up a real-life murder that would also turn her in to a crime-solving sleuth, especially when people think she is the murderer!
Now, even though it had a cute premise and a stunning setting, the characters weren’t exactly likable. So, much of the story was rather predictable and typical cozy mystery. But having said that, it did follow a format that may turn it into a fun little series that may please readers looking for a simple escape. And, hopefully the author will tone down Charlotte a bit as the series grows over time, since she is the one readers are supposed to connect to the most....more
I have been going through a lot of tests and blood draws to figure out what is going on with me since first writing my review for “The Lost Art of DyiI have been going through a lot of tests and blood draws to figure out what is going on with me since first writing my review for “The Lost Art of Dying” by Lydia S. Dugdale this past June. My Review (and personal update) included here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My go to place has been to get lost in books.
So, why not a book about books?
Well, as I was searching for the perfect book to get lost in, this one came up. And what made it even more perfect was my husband.
How does my husband fit in to this experience? What has been especially fun has been the experience of being read to by my husband. We use to do this early in our marriage, where when I might have some difficulty sleeping, (which has been happening to me a lot lately for obvious reasons) he would pull out some Ellery Queen short stories and read them. I know…you would think some cozy mysteries would get me excited and have difficulty sleeping. But in this case, it would be a perfect snoozer!
And, of course, with these short stories which also leads in on the cover, “crime strikes in the world of books.”
I have to admit, I did find myself falling asleep to some of the stories, and having to pick up and read them again to re-familiarize myself with what he read to me so I knew what I was reviewing! But the fun of being read too, again…priceless!
What attracted me most to this series of short stories was that the crimes were centered around books.
Penzler included classic authors from the past. Some printed so far back that it would be hard to find them. But he did.
The stories are imperfect, and because they are so old, you aren’t going to find modern police procedurals or DNA solutions.
Sometimes readers might find themselves sighing heavily, telling themselves, “really?” when the solution that is being brought forward, appears so implausible. But all in all, most the stories were fun and cozy. And, well worth the time to go back in time and appreciate Penzler’s willingness to find these stories for readers to get lost in.
And, if you can, I truly recommend making this a “read-to” experience. It’s my turn next book. To “read-to” my husband, that is....more
River Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or thRiver Close is a quaint little neighborhood with quite the collection of neighbors. Like a chess master (grandmaster), and an overworked doctor, or the overlooked black QC (British lawyer – senior barrister), and so forth. Readers get to meet them all.
And then, there is the newest noisy neighbor who doesn’t seem to care what his neighbors think, Giles Kenworthy, until readers find him shot dead, and now all the neighborhood is under suspicion.
Enter, former detective Daniel Hawthorne, who is usually followed by writer, Anthony Horowitz. But not in this case. This time, this story within a story is told differently – in a back-and-forth way through time – where Horowitz is in the present – and Riverview Close is five years in the past. Since this is the case that Hawthorne is telling him about that Horowitz is wanting to write about for his next book.
So, how did this case really end?
Who wanted the despicable neighbor dead and why? What was someone hiding that Kenworthy may have unknowingly uncovered?
And then, just when all seemed to be clear, there is another murder. What? Why? And, who did it?
How will this second death play into the final scene? What will Horowitz discover as he sleuths out clues?
With so many people who hated the original victim, will this be difficult for readers to guess who could have been the culprit? Will this seem like readers are actually reading an Agatha Christie novel, like “Murder on the Orient Express?” Or, will there be a surprise twist that is original in its own way? (No spoilers from me.)
For fans of the Hawthorne & Horowitz series, this will feel like another easy-to-read, page-turning cozy. For those who are new to the series, you may want to start at the beginning...book 1, "The Word is Murder."...more
“I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I “I love to read. I love authors. I love to talk about their books. I could talk about books forever.” – Lillian Dabney, Librarian, Seattle Athenaeum
I think Lillian Dabney, a librarian for the Seattle Athenaeum in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington just said exactly what I feel. And, I bet you feel the same way, too, right?
And, I also love the subtitle of this book. “True stories of the Magic of Reading.”
I think any of us who love reading, probably would be attracted to this title. And, I would have to believe any of us who take the time to post reviews here, would say that the fact that we read, and take the time to talk about what we read through our reviews, consider reading a magical experience.
Because…it simply enchants us in one way or another. Or, we love the escape it provides us. Or, the way it educates us. Or, the freedoms it gives to us by taking us places we may never have been. I am sure there are many other reasons we could list here. Because, there is so much about reading to love.
So, when I heard about this book, I couldn’t help but want to read it. Because, I was interested to hear what booksellers and librarians, who live the life of working around books – would have to say about it.
Would they feel as I do?
“To me, books are the greatest kind of escapism.” – Alexis Sky
Sky’s greatest experience was knowing that anytime anyone came to her bookstores, they could count on her recommendation of books. The true book whisperer! Who doesn’t just love that kind of person at your local bookstore?
Neighborhood bookstores should reflect their community. We have one. It is called Coalesce Bookstore in Morro Bay. We love how every time we would walk in to the bookstore, we not only could experience the smell of books, or sea air, but the staff would be available to discuss everything we needed to know about all the varying books and interests we had, or didn’t know we were wanting in a book. And, if the book wasn’t available, they would specialty order it for us. Independent bookstores are like that, and that is the message this book also conveys with the stories these booksellers shared.
Libraries also share that sense of community, too. It is a central hub for families and kids and the programs presented, that celebrate what is important to our communities. In our local library, Billie the corgi dog will read with the kids every week on Wednesdays (yes, you heard me right!). The children’s librarian will read with the pre-school kids once a week, too. And throughout the year there are programs for kids and teens, and an adult book discussion group once a month.
This book shares so many heart-warming stories that remind readers why we love to read. It also reminds us of the importance of our libraries and why we want to support independent bookstores. The stories are heart-felt and touching and thoughtful. And, a lovely tribute to the joy of reading and those who work in the field that support those of us who love to read....more
This is the first in the Lane Winslow mystery series. It is also the author’s debut novel. And, in this story, the author brings a rural country town This is the first in the Lane Winslow mystery series. It is also the author’s debut novel. And, in this story, the author brings a rural country town from the 1940’s to life.
Life is starting over for Lane as she is settling into small town life after serving as an undercover intelligence officer during WWII.
As she works through her changes, readers will experience how life is around the small post office to gossip chatter amongst the various characters, to garden tea parties and experiencing the beautiful countryside of British Columbia. And, our main character Lane will even have a love interest (no spoilers from me).
So, what happens when a body is discovered? And, how can Lane not get herself involved in the investigation?
Lane will work closely with Inspector Darling. They will be surrounded by an engaging cast of quirky characters. In some ways the story will feel cozy and somewhat predictable, but entertaining. And, even though Lane does her best not to create too much trouble as a sleuth, her experience as an undercover intelligence officer during the war, will serve her well. And, she will have quite the partnership with the Inspector.
The story flows fairly well, especially when showcasing the realities of how war has affected some of the characters. There are some usual twists and turns, but it is a fairly easy-to-read historical mystery that shows some promise as a series....more
The other day I was reading a review of one of my Goodreads friend, that I can’t recall the title, and I remember her lamenting, ‘why do tCatching up…
The other day I was reading a review of one of my Goodreads friend, that I can’t recall the title, and I remember her lamenting, ‘why do they always have to have the woman in a career as a florist?’ She wondered why the authors couldn’t be more creative. I had to smile because at the time I was reading her review of that book, I was re-visiting this one, that I had read a while ago. This had been donated to my Little Free Library Shed, which meant it was an opportunity for me to write a review of this one for Goodreads.
And yes, I was smiling, because the main protagonist is a florist. Did the title of the book give it away, too?
Ruby is a florist who has an intuitive gift of knowing what flowers will match the right person for the right experience. She seems to know everyone in town and she is an easily likable character. But, even though she seems to know everyone else’s needs – she isn’t very good about knowing her own.
This is a thoughtful, heart-moving character driven story that will tug at the heart of readers. (If you don’t mind another woman character whose career is a florist!)
There is a generosity of spirit, a loyal faithful dog (always my favorite when included in a story), familial love, friend and romantic love and of course, the flowers…it is almost like you can smell them through the pages....more
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book covCatching up…
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Okay let’s be clear here. Look at the title and look at the book cover. Would you not be a little bit enticed here? A woman lying on the beach with a book and the title is about a bookshop on a boardwalk? I’m in. Are you?
Mallery is known for women’s friendship fiction where each has problems and flaws, but…they are all hopeful with dreams. Especially for a new bookstore business to be successful on the boardwalk.
So, pull up a towel, with a nice comfy pillow on a sandy beach with this book. Add a little conversation, a few favorite snacks with your girlfriends, some gossip, maybe some tears, and hope for some important changes to occur in life. It’s time, right?...more
Have you ever been attracted to a book simply by its title? That happened to me with this book. Besides, I had made the mistake of reading the second Have you ever been attracted to a book simply by its title? That happened to me with this book. Besides, I had made the mistake of reading the second in the series, first, “Death in the Dark Woods” and I have learned it makes more sense, if possible, to start at the beginning with series.
Even so, when my Texas kids use to live in Illinois, and we visited them, we had the opportunity to also enjoy Door County, Wisconsin, which we absolutely loved. So, to be honest, when I saw this title, I thought, why not? Maybe, I will have a chance to re-live my experience of being in that great place again. (And yes, this is a very scenic read.)
This is also the first of the Monster Hunter series, in which Morgan Carter, the owner of the Odds and Ends Bookstore, in Door County, Wisconsin, enjoys hunting cryptids (lake monsters). She also has Newt the dog who brings a little humor and dog-love to the story.
When 2 young men go missing while boating at the lake, this is the perfect case for Morgan to help Chief Flanders find out what happened to them. Once discovered, the mystery steps up in high gear.
This is a page-turning, engaging and fun cozy, which according to the author’s note plays on some factual history. I won’t say what that is, because that will be a spoiler…I will leave that to readers to discover as they enjoy this first in the series, and may even want to befriend this quirky cryptozoologist.
So, is this the year or two or three that everyone is writing books about bookshops? Or am I just naturally gravitating to them? And, how can we not bSo, is this the year or two or three that everyone is writing books about bookshops? Or am I just naturally gravitating to them? And, how can we not be attracted to this book cover? Also, for those of you who are not reading the print copy, the girl on the cover that is walking her dog…she and her dog is at the end of every single chapter. I love that!
Now, the question is, does the ambiance of the cover, match the story?
This is a Korean bestseller translated. It follows independent bookstore owner Yeongju and the people who are drawn to her shop in Seoul.
Yeongju who once worked corporate, opted to leave her burned out life to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in hopes that this would heal her life and draw in other lonely people who need comfort and refuge from the fast-paced world.
How will Yeongju be able to face her personal challenges? What will it take for her to find self-acceptance?
How best to describe this reading experience?
It is like a cup of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace. It is lighthearted with a touch of whimsy and warmth. As an example, characters engage in friendly witty conversations during their book club meetings. Can I attend, too?
There is a sympathetic, yet objective narrative voice that is easy to follow that feels non-judgmental and compassionate as readers witness characters’ actions, choices and thoughts. So, as readers it is almost like we are an observer hopeful for all the different characters that walk through the doors of the bookshop. Including us feeling hopeful for Yeongju.
But…it will be a slow paced-read…comforting, and yet, heart-warming. The question is, can you be a patient reader?...more
Can you please do me a favor? Please don’t tell my corgis that I use to be a cat person. Yes, I know. It would break their hearts.
When I first moved Can you please do me a favor? Please don’t tell my corgis that I use to be a cat person. Yes, I know. It would break their hearts.
When I first moved out on my own as a young person, my first fur child was Patches. She owned me, and lived with me through the birth of my two sons all the way to my move from Southern California to the central coast – beautiful Cayucos, California. Before I bought my house here in Morro Bay.
We added quite a few cats to our family over time. They were quite irresistible. Demanding. Independent. Purr-fect. And, well, easy to love. It wasn’t until I retired from my teaching career that dogs entered our family. And, over time, as in every family, the cats passed. Still, please don’t tell my pups, okay?
So, every now and then, I love a good cat story. And, when I was with my grandkids, who happen to have cats, because obviously my sons grew up loving cats, it was only obvious that this book should happen.
As we were dropping off some of my books at other Little Free Libraries in the neighborhood, they saw this one in one of the neighbors Little Free Library and said, “Oma, this one looks perfect to read!” So, how could I not resist all those cute faces on the cover?
Have you ever seen a six-toed cat? How about a few of them? Or 54 to be exact!
In this story, they happen to inhabit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West Florida. And they don’t mind befriending Laura Lange who has recently taken the job as a tour guide at the museum hoping to also work on her college thesis on Hemingway. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to enjoy a love life, too. For Laura that is!
But Laura isn’t really the star of this show. The cats take center stage. And one of them is Nessie. And, the author gives readers insights into their “thoughts” along the way. Including their habits and personalities.
It was a fun, light read with endearing characters, and some humor. And being Florida, some inclement weather to overcome.
Cat lovers will especially rejoice in immersing themselves in this joyful, romantic, entertaining, purr-fectly imperfect tail! (Yes, I spelled it wrong on purpose!)...more
I first fell in love with this author when I read her book, “Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.” My rI first fell in love with this author when I read her book, “Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.” My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
So, when this book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I think my neighbors probably thought I was nuts, when I did a little dance of glee! Then again, when they see that from me, they know the book I am reacting to in such a way, is a book they want to read, as well!
Anyway, I couldn’t help my little gleeful dance. I love this author’s style of writing. Not just because I loved her memoir. But she is a journalist, too. So, I had a feeling she was the perfect person to work alongside former President Obama to find out what she needed to know.
In fact, it was natural for her to ask the then President Obama why he would be interested in writing sometimes handwritten answers to the public every day of his administration. Because, if people weren’t aware, it was not uncommon for him to receive about 10,000 letters each day while he was in office.
And, he felt this is “what empathy was for, in the life of a president. Being ‘nice’ is not the point at all. ‘We are going to engage in conversations.’ He wanted Americans to know that, “You are the reason we are here.”
So, she decided to create this book and share some of those letters and his responses to those letters.
My experience was to treat this novel as an in-between book. I read it in-between other books I was reading. And, I absolutely loved the experience. It really is interesting to read what some people had to say in their letters. The sincerity, the angst, the variety of emotions, the thoughtfulness, the offers of political strategies he could impose, and so forth. Even children chimed in.
“Dear Mr. President,
Two boys that are in our neighborhood said that girls cannot change the world. I hope that you can give us some advice to change the world or to help us standup to the two boys. From Delaney, Corrigan and Bree”
Some felt that writing to the President was often like facing uncertain or unprecedented life circumstances.
Like…maybe if I wrote to the President, he will hear me and do something for me?
And, those who received responses would always be surprised, because they never expected to receive a response, even though there was always hope there would be one.
And as readers, we can even imagine the role of the mailroom of the White House having to deal with this kind of workload. During Obama’s tenure, there were 50 staff members and 26 interns, hundreds of volunteers to deal with those 10,000 letters they received each day.
What is beautiful about this book is that we are being shown another side of President Obama. He listened. To his constituency. His harshest critics a lot of the time. But he listened with grace and humility.
“I know things are tough out there right now and I won’t try to pretend that I’ve got a guaranteed solution to your immediate situation.”
During the epilogue we learn what has happened with some of the letter writers which is also enlightening. Some actually ended up meeting President Obama by being invited to the White House.
This book was thoughtful, insightful, and a joyful read. I read it slowly so that I could be reminded of what it means to respect the people’s house and the person elected by the majority of the people who is there responding directly to those he is representing, whether they voted for him or not....more
Did you know that this book had pink tipped pages? At first, I thought the light was shining strangely as I picked it up to read…and then, I realized Did you know that this book had pink tipped pages? At first, I thought the light was shining strangely as I picked it up to read…and then, I realized the pages are actually tipped pink. I don’t ever think I have read a pink-tipped book. Hmmm…
“I’ll spray-paint it bubble gum pink and write my name on it in red Sharpie with little hearts! And then I’ll tell everybody I won an Academy Award for a rom-com so rom-commy it was called ‘The Rom-Commers!”
Let’s be clear, this is a rom-com book. It has all the makings for one. The title of the book. The characters trajectory through the story, and specifically that 2 of the main characters are in the throes of writing a rom-com, with a twist, as a screenplay. Whether the characters were meant to be together or not, readers get the experience of their first meeting, their road to write and everything else that might happen along the way – i.e., will-they-or-won’t they-find-a-happily-ever-after? With each other, presumably.
But Katherine Center gives us something more, too. She tells readers how a rom-com is supposed to be written…through her characters. And, that in itself is interesting “inside information” that can help any of us who love to read and review such stories, to know how a writer thinks about us…and what is expected to provide an appropriately necessary finished product on our behalf.
“Believing in things that aren’t real? Making something out of nothing? Connecting dots that don’t need or want to be connected? That’s what all the best writers do.”
She also shares a lot of one-liner heart-throbbing, attention-grabber lines and paragraphs that go into gratifying detail that keep readers engaged. I have included/liked a few quotes below that got to me! But this one…
“My dad was always the dad everybody wanted. If there were a dad store, he’d be a bestseller. They’d have rows and rows of him for sale right up front.”
So, there is a lot to this story. About love in so many forms.
But who we are watching most is Emma and Charlie. How can we not love Emma and Charlie? Or want something wonderful to happen for them? Along with the other cast of characters who emerge through the story along the way.
“A great rom-com is just like sex. If you’re surprised by the ending, somebody wasn’t doing their job. We all know where it’s headed. The fun is how we get there.”
But the author doesn’t make it easy. Emma and Charlie are complicated. They have their own pasts. Fragile historical past moments that affected both of them deeply. Changed how they both viewed the world. How were they going to get through those complications to present something that would not only work for them, but for the readers who were following their story – the working together – the possibility of something more?
“If you wait for other people to light you up, then I guess you’re at the mercy of darkness.”
And, for any of us who love a good story, especially a great love story, one with complex characters who are likable, we go with it. Because there is a sense of hope and love and human kindness that permeates through the pages. Readers really want something more, because this author made us want it.
“The kiss lit a warmth that spread through me like honey, softening everything tense, and soothing everything hurt, and enveloping everything lonely.”
And, that is why this is your next book to read. Because you were waiting for this one to come along....more
“I don’t want to be a stop along your journey. I want to be the destination.”
What would you do for love?
Especially when it is your absolute best frie“I don’t want to be a stop along your journey. I want to be the destination.”
What would you do for love?
Especially when it is your absolute best friend, Bridget?
“She’s wind and air and clouds. The embodiment of happiness. So, beautiful, my best friend.”
Relationships and friendships can be so complicated.
And when her best friends rule # 3 is…
“Don’t fall in love with my brother,” what is Lucy supposed to do when Felix is so perfect looking, and his hair…
“…a deep chocolate brown, thick and wavy – short enough that it didn’t fall into his eyes but long enough for disorderly conduct, tumbling over his forehead.”
Disorderly conduct? How is she supposed to keep resisting that?
“Everything that’s worth having is some trouble.” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Is it, really worth the trouble?
How will Lucy find a way to keep avoiding Felix year after year after year each time she ends up on Prince Edward Island when she is there for some Bridget family event?
And now, Bridget is in crisis just days before her wedding, and both Lucy and Felix are called to be her support, not knowing what is going on.
Did Miles, her fiancé do something? Or, is the wedding called off? What is really going on?
Everything is in chaos, including Lucy’s own emotions about Felix?
And, could Felix possibly have feelings about Lucy?
And yet, all attention is on Bridget in attempting to figure out, what could possibly be happening with her. She is an emotional mess.
With hot passion, and sexual tensions arising through the pages, and chapters interweaving through the years to give readers backstory into the history of Lucy and Felix’s never ending chemistry, questions arise – will they or won’t they find their way to a happily ever after?
And will readers ever know what is really going on with Bridget? And will she find her way to her happily ever after?
In true Fortune fashion, readers will not be disappointed by this page-turning, sexy, rom-com that has you rooting for all these likable best friends. There are also other supporting characters to enjoy, as well....more
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