Review: How to Keep a Boy From Kissing You by Tara Eglington

Goodreads Blurb

Sweet sixteen and never been kissed – and that’s the way Aurora Skye wants it to be.

She’s too busy finding Potential Princes ™ for her two best friends, counseling her sensitive New Age dad and dealing with the unexpected return of her long-absent mum. But always in the background there’s Hayden Paris, the boy next door, the bane of Aurora’s life. Smart, funny, and always around to see her at her worst, he ‘gets’ her like no-one else … and that’s what makes him so infuriating.

When Aurora and Hayden are coerced into the lead roles in the school production of Much Ado About Nothing, things can only get worse. How is Aurora going to save her first kiss for the secret admirer who wooed her with poetry and a spectacular bunch of flowers on Valentine’s Day if she doesn’t know who he is and she’s obligated to lock lips with Hayden in the play’s final dramatic clinch?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was such a fun story. Felt like I was back in high school dealing with teenage drama. I loved how Aurora was waiting to find the right prince to kiss. Aurora and her friends were so hilarious. I enjoyed how they worked together to hook up with the boys they liked. I also enjoyed the humor that was throughout this book. The chemistry between Aurora and Hayden made this story very fun to read. To really not stand someone but realize that you can’t stand them because you actually like them makes it so romantic. This book was funny and keeps the reader wanting to see what will happen next. Please read and enjoy the humor.

Author Biography

Tara Eglington grew up in Byron Bay, Australia, and now lives in Sydney.

Tara is the author of four Young Adult novels: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You (titled Kissing Games in the USA), My Best Friend is a Goddess and The Long Distance Playlist. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

Tara’s third YA novel My Best Friend is a Goddess was a CBCA 2017 Book of the Year: Older Readers Notable. It was also the #7 best-selling YA title by an Australian author for the year July 2016-June 2017 in Australia.

Tara’s hobbies when she’s not writing include watching endless cat videos on YouTube, planning pretend holidays to the Maldives, and daydreaming about who would play Hayden Paris in the film adaption of How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You.

Review: Sea of Love by Susan Donovan

Goodreads Blurb

New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan welcomes you to Bayberry Island, a special place between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket where a bronze mermaid statue promises to grant true love to anyone who asks with an open heart…

For years Rowan Flynn distanced herself from Bayberry Island and its infamous mermaid legend. But after her investor fianc� lost what was left of her family’s fortune, Rowan reluctantly agreed to run the Safe Haven Bed-and-Breakfast, determined never again to fall for the ridiculous fantasy of the mermaid matchmaker.

Now Rowan is just biding her time until she can return to her “real” life in New York, fixing up the B and B and avoiding neighbors who are angry that the Flynns won’t sell their land to a developer set on turning the island into a glitzy vacation destination.

But when a handsome stranger arrives at the B and B the night before the annual Mermaid Festival, Rowan’s life takes a turn for the interesting. Could it be the divine hand of the town’s patroness? Or is Rowan being set up for another disappointment?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is truly a remarkable book with a story that will make even the non-believers of true love believe! I loved that this story was about an island that worships a mermaid after a family legend. It is said that a man who is searching for true love and asks the mermaid with an open heart , she will grant there forever love. The Flynn family is a down to earth family that has family drama like a normal family. Mona, which is Rowan’s mother, was my favorite character since she is bossy and dragged everyone to do what she said. Loved that Ash was a character that only cared about work and money. He was the perfect character to see develop to a man who is truly kind, loving, and determined to be part of a family again. Great book, perfect for the beach.

Author Biography

SUSAN DONOVAN’s novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.

Review: The Sweetest Summer by Susan Donovan

Goodreads Blurb

Every instinct told Police Chief Clancy Flynn that his island’s claim to fame was nothing but a silly tourist attraction. But now and then, he couldn’t help but wonder if his lifetime of bad romances—starting with the pretty tourist who broke his twelve-year-old heart—could be traced back to a childhood prank involving that very statue….

Then one day the pretty tourist comes barreling back into Bayberry—all grown-up and on the run with her niece. Though Evelyn McGuinness is wanted for kidnapping, she tries to persuade Clancy that there’s more to the story. Now the by-the-book police chief must make the toughest decision of his life: to take Evelyn into custody—or into his arms….

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

An amazing continuation to Bayberry Island. I loved that this book was very thrilling and had my heart jumping, thinking that Evelyn was going to get caught after kidnapping her niece. The mermaid was able to get two love birds back together after 18 years. Love truly moves mountains. Clancy sheltered Evelyn and Christina while knowing that if he got caught, he was getting arrested, too. I was happy that the story ended in a happily ever after.

Author Biography

Review: Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes

Goodreads Blurb

Nell is twenty-six and has never been to Paris. She’s never even been on a romantic weekend away–to anywhere–before. Traveling abroad isn’t really her thing. But when Nell’s boyfriend fails to show up for their mini-vacation, she has the opportunity to prove everyone–including herself–wrong. Alone in Paris, Nell finds a version of herself she never knew existed: independent and intrepid. Could this turn out to be the most adventurous weekend of her life? Funny, charming, and irresistible, Paris for One is quintessential Jojo Moyes–as are the other stories that round out the collection.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. The first story with Nell was so risque and adventurous. I am hoping to one day take a trip to Paris and see the city of love. I loved how Nell out of a whim decides that she wants to have a lovely weekend with her boyfriend in Paris. I’m glad that she made the best of her trip even though her boyfriend doesn’t show up. All the stories in this book teach the reader a lesson. Yes, they all evolved women in relationships that were not making them filled fulfilled. But each character was able to oversee that they were not happy and tried their best to make their relationships work or they jumped the ship. I learned that life is full of possibilities, and we are the ones who need to make our changes for our own happiness. We are the only ones who can make our lies happier, successful, and enjoyable. Let’s all enjoy life in the moment.

Author Biography

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes’ novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.

Review: Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Goodreads Blurb

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane” house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 Stars

A stellar novel that revolves around two Jewish sisters’ lives, downfalls, strength, and forgiveness. The story begins in 1951 and ends in the future 2022. It shined a light on the expectation of women in society at that time. The timeline evolved slowly, seeing the characters freeing themselves from being a housewife by standing up for what they love. This story touched so many touchy topics lesbian relationships, rape, drugs, abortion, body image, and racism. This book had so much emotion. You wanted to fix each character’s flaws, but this is what made the story feel real. What I got out of this book is the resilience it takes to fight back for love, equality, fairness, forgiveness, and rights for women. Society has evolved, and women now have careers, are getting married, and having babies later in life. We also have the strength to be single with children and make it all by ourselves. We still have so much more to do in order to feel like equals among men, but together fighting as one and standing up for our rights, we will succeed. This was a wonderful novel with real-life family drama

Author Biography

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books, including Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, and, most recently, That Summer. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Review: Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy

Goodreads Blurb

Maeve Binchy imagined a street in Dublin with many characters coming and going, and every once in a while she would write about one of these people. She would then put it in a drawer; “for the future,” she would say. The future is now.

Across town from St. Jarlath’s Crescent, featured in Minding Frankie, is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities. Some of the unforgettable characters lovingly brought to life by Binchy are Bucket Maguire, the window cleaner, who must do more than he bargained for to protect his son; Nessa Byrne, whose aunt visits from America every summer and turns the house—and Nessa’s world—upside down; Lilian, the generous girl with the big heart and a fiancé whom no one approves of; Melly, whose gossip about the neighbors helps Madame Magic, a self-styled fortune-teller, get everyone on the right track; Dolly, who discovers more about her perfect mother than she ever wanted to know; and Molly, who learns the cure for sleeplessness from her pen pal from Chicago . . .

Chestnut Street is written with the humor and understanding that are earmarks of Maeve Binchy’s extraordinary work and, once again, she warms our hearts with her storytelling.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. Maeve knew how to tell stories of different people who lived in Chestnut Street. As you read, you would see that almost everyone knew their neighbors and their personal issues. I loved that each story taught you a lesson. It would start with how the persons personal life was and how they either they would move on without change or they would step up to how they feel and change the outcome. What is great about these short stories is that as you read, you can see a resemblance you may have with one or more of the characters. You can see that family is very important to those who live in this book.

Author Biography

Maeve Binchy was born on 28 May 1940 in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland, the eldest child of four. Her parents were very positive and provided her with a happy childhood. Although she described herself as an overweight child, her parents’ attitude gave her the confidence to accept herself for who she was.

She studied at University College Dublin and was a teacher for a while. She also loved traveling, and this was how she found her niche as a writer. She liked going to different places, such as a Kibbutz in Israel, and she worked in a camp in the United States. While she was away, she sent letters home to her parents. They were so impressed with these chatty letters from all over the world that they decided to send them to a newspaper. After these letters were published, Maeve left teaching and became a journalist.

Maeve married Gordon Snell, writer and editor of children’s books. When they were struggling financially, Light a Penny Candle was published, which made her an overnight success. Many of her books, such as Echoes, are set in the past in Ireland. Some of her later novels, such as Evening Class, take place in more modern times. Her books often deal with people who are young, fall in love, have families, and deal with relationship or family problems. The main characters are people whom readers can empathise with.

She passed away on 30 July 2012, at the age of 72.

Her cousin Dan Binchy is also a published writer, as is her nephew Chris Binchy.

Review: Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne

Goodreads Blurb

Nothing short of a miracle can restore Eliza Hayward’s Christmas cheer. The job she pinned her dreams on has gone up in smoke—literally—and now she’s stuck in an unfamiliar, if breathtaking, small town. Precariously close to being destitute, Eliza needs a helping hand…for her sick young daughter’s sake as well as her own. But she’s not expecting her holiday hero to almost run her down with his car!

Rescuing Eliza is pure instinct for tech genius Aidan Caine. At first, putting the renovation of his lakeside guest lodge in Eliza’s hands assuages his guilt—until he sees how quickly he could fall for her. Having focused solely on his business for years, he never knew that what his life was missing was Eliza and her little girl. But is he willing to risk hoping for a yuletide romance that could lead to forever?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book on RaeAnne’s FB page. I am speechless. This book left me wanting more. The chemistry between Aidan and Eliza was amazing. This book started with devastation and hurt but ended with a happy ending. I loved both characters occupation its was a perfect match. This book hits close to home since I lost my grandmother on Christmas Eve of 1995 because of cancer. I know how Aidan felt like life was going to be over before he received his results. I loved that Aidan’s character was strong, limitless, and with a touch of love and compassion while not portraying it. Eliza was determined and strong-willed. I smiled every time Maddie got excited. I would have never foreseen that she had a medical condition since she was always happy and energetic. The end of the story got me all teary-eyed from the gift he did for Eliza to the love that all the family gave to each other. Christmas is a time to spend with family and where magic can come true. I read this book in two days, not wanting to put it down. Thanks so much for a sweet and romantic story.

Author Biography

I’m not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all — through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor — I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try — their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I’ve come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the “that’s-it!” feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can’t imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

Review: A Wedding in Provence by Ellen Sussman

Goodreads Blurb

What could be more idyllic than a wedding in Provence? That’s what Olivia and Brody think when they invite their closest friends and family to spend their wedding weekend with them. But when Olivia’s older daughter from her first marriage invites a man she met on the plane to join her, the delicate balance of the entire weekend is upset. Soon Olivia’s best friend, the owner of the inn who is hosting the wedding, discovers that her husband has cheated on her. Then Brody’s mother shows up without his father, who has gone into hiding. How can one choose love in the midst of chaos? Told from the point of view of Olivia and her two daughters, A Wedding in Provence is a moving novel about love, trust, secrets and family.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from goodreads. I really liked this book because it showed the characters’ true colors. I was very happy that the wedding wasn’t between two young adults but two mature adults who had both been married before. There are many people who, after being married once don’t feel like marriage is the right route. I loved how Olivia and Brody were together at all times before their wedding as everything around them was a disaster. The two daughters, Nell and Carly, really were the opposites. Nell was a walking disaster, and everyone knew it while Carly was a disaster, while not showing that she couldn’t take her life anymore. I love how weddings bring the whole family together regardless of differences. There were moments in which you could feel the agony and pain that each character was enduring while trying to move on. This book reflects love, death, power, commitment, arguments, and disagreements, but they made it through it all. I recommend you pick this new release.

Author Biography

Ellen Sussman is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels, A Wedding in Provence, The Paradise Guest House, French Lessons, and On a Night Like This. She is the editor of two critically acclaimed anthologies, Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave and Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex. She teaches through Stanford Continuing Studies and in private classes. www.ellensussman.com

Review: Have a Nice Guilt Trip by Lisa Scott online and Francesca Serritella

Goodreads Blurb

Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella are back with another collection of warm and witty stories that will strike a chord with every woman. This four book series is among the best reviewed humor books published today and has been compared to the late greats, Erma Bombeck and Nora Ephron. Booklist raved of the third book in the series, Meet Me At Emotional Baggage Claim , “readers can count on an ab-toning laugh session, a silly giggle, a sympathetic sigh, and a lump in the throat as life’s moments are rehashed through the keen eyes and wits of this lovable mother-daughter duo.” This fourth volume, Have a Nice Guilt Trip , maintains the same sterling standard of humor and poignancy as Lisa and Francesca continue on the road of life acquiring men and puppies. Ok, to be honest, Lisa is acquiring the puppies, while Francesca is lucky enough to have dates with actual men. They leave it to the listeners to decide which is more desirable and/or or easier to train.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This book officially wins five stars from me.This is the most hilarious book I have ever read. Lisa is an amazing author who could make anyone laugh with her jokes. I have never met Lisa but feel like I am her best friend after reading all those personal and at times embarrassing moments she had. Mother Mary is just the funniest and controlling mother, whom I learn to cherish throughout the book. Francesca is an amazing author who really loves and cherishes her family. The most funniest part that I couldn’t stop laughing was when Lisa had the rash and brought the butt cream in the airport. Lol. Thanks so much, Lisa and Francesca. I really enjoyed this book and will share it with all my friends.

Author Biography

Lisa Scottoline is a #1 bestselling and Edgar award-winning author of 33 novels. Her books are book-club favorites, and Lisa and her daughter Francesca Serritella have hosted an annual Big Book Club Party for over a thousand readers at her Pennsylvania farm, for the past twelve years. Lisa has served as President of Mystery Writers of America, and her reviews of fiction and non-fiction have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer. She also writes a weekly column with her daughter for the Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Chick Wit, a witty take on life from a woman’s perspective, which have been collected in a bestselling series of humorous memoirs. Lisa graduated magna cum laude in three years from the University of Pennsylvania, with a B.A. in English, and cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she taught Justice and Fiction. Lisa has over 30 million copies of her books in print and is published in over 35 countries. She lives in the Philadelphia area with an array of disobedient pets and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Review: The Truth About Melody Browne by Lisa Jewell

Goodreads Blurb

When she was nine years old, Melody Browne’s house burned down, taking every toy, every photograph, every item of clothing and old Christmas card with it. But not only did the fire destroy all her possessions, it took with it all her memories—Melody Browne can remember nothing before her ninth birthday.

Now in her early thirties, Melody lives in a council flat in the middle of London with her seventeen-year-old son. She hasn’t seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody doesn’t mind, she’s better off on her own. She’s made a good life for herself and her son and she likes it that way. Until one night something extraordinary happens. Whilst attending a hypnotist show with her first date in years she faints—and when she comes round she starts to remember.

At first her memories mean nothing to her but then slowly, day by day, she begins to piece together the real story of her childhood. Her journey takes her to the seaside town of Broadstairs, to oddly familiar houses in London backstreets and to meetings with strangers who love her like their own. But with every mystery she solves another one materialises, with every question she answers another appears. And Melody begins to wonder if she’ll ever know the truth about her past.

My Review : Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Lisa Jewell wrote another fantastic story with all the family drama you can possibly imagine. Melody went through so much heartache. As you read the story and walk with Melody through her memories that slowly start returning to her, you want to help solve her past with her. The reader is left to piece together all the memories to figure out the truth of her childhood.

Author Biography

LISA JEWELL was born in London in 1968.

Her first novel, Ralph’s Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs and The Night She Disappeared.

Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over twenty-five languages. She lives in north London with her husband, two teenage daughters and the best dog in the world.