Book Review // Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis: 

“Issy Randall can bake. No, Issy can create stunning, mouthwateringly divine cakes. After a childhood spent in her beloved Grampa Joe's bakery, Issy has undoubtedly inherited his talent. She's much better at baking than she is at filing, so when she's laid off from her desk job and loses her boyfriend, Issy decides to open her own little café. But she soon learns that her piece-of-cake recipe for a fresh start might be a little more complicated than throwing some sugar and butter together.” -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

I adore this book! The characters were so sweet and charming (except Graeme). I loved the story of Issy making her way back. Often times we just need a little push in the right direction in order to pursue our dreams. For Issy, she had a strong nudge, but it paid off in the long run. She grew more confident in herself, and as a new business woman. Her friendship with Austin was endearing, and totally relatable. Austin was a good guy from the start but knew he needed to keep his distance from Issy because of their working relationship. I appreciated his professionalism. Grandpa Joe was a sweet underlining character in this book and it was easy to relate to. Can’t wait to write down some of these recipes and get cooking. 

Jenny Colgan's writing is so easy to enjoy. Her writing style and stories makes me happy!

*Thank you NetGalley for this free ebook.

Book Review // Pretty Girls

*mug for all you who got through this novel in one piece 👏🏻

Rating:4/5

Synopsis:
"More than twenty years ago, Claire and Lydia’s teenaged sister Julia vanished without a trace. The two women have not spoken since, and now their lives could not be more different. Claire is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire. Lydia, a single mother, dates an ex-con and struggles to make ends meet. But neither has recovered from the horror and heartbreak of their shared loss—a devastating wound that's cruelly ripped open when Claire's husband is killed.
 
The disappearance of a teenage girl and the murder of a middle-aged man, almost a quarter-century apart: what could connect them? Forming a wary truce, the surviving sisters look to the past to find the truth, unearthing the secrets that destroyed their family all those years ago . . . and uncovering the possibility of redemption, and revenge, where they least expect it." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

This was my first book from Karen Slaughter (that can’t be her real name!) and I heard her novels could be gritty, but I guess I didn’t appreciate how much! 😬 And this was ROUGH. It was a well-written twisted crazy story but rouuuuugh. The details were too much for me and to be honest, my eyes were half closed for half of the book. I happily skimmed the details because the details were too upsetting. 

I’m rating this a 4 because over all, it was a fantastic book. Slaughter (can’t be her real name!!) has an incredible imagination and a twisted way of telling a story that you don’t want to be true. I’m still feeling the pain from reading this one! 

It was well done, but proceed with caution⚠️  if you want to read this one. Heavy description of gruesome acts that young readers should not be reading. 

Book Review // The Lost Man

Rating: 2.5/5

Synopsis:

"Brothers Nathan and Bub Bright meet for the first time in months at the remote fence line separating their cattle ranches in the lonely outback. 

Their third brother, Cameron, lies dead at their feet. 

In an isolated belt of Australia, their homes a three-hour drive apart, the brothers were one another’s nearest neighbors. Cameron was the middle child, the one who ran the family homestead. But something made him head out alone under the unrelenting sun.

Nathan, Bub and Nathan’s son return to Cameron’s ranch and to those left behind by his passing: his wife, his daughters, and his mother, as well as their long-time employee and two recently hired seasonal workers.

While they grieve Cameron’s loss, suspicion starts to take hold, and Nathan is forced to examine secrets the family would rather leave in the past. Because if someone forced Cameron to his death, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

I could not believe that this book has an almost perfect 5/5 rating on Good Reads, Amazon, and B&N. Am I missing something?? This was the slowest moving mystery I have ever read. I kept waiting and waiting for the plot to pick up and it never did! Even the dialogue was slow. The landscape was boring. The only exciting part was when 2 of the bothers got into a big brawl and they were flighting and yelling at each other. But that only lasted for 2 pages. 

A few positives, the story was interesting. The characters were developed and had depth. For that reason, I can see why people liked the book. But I could not get over how slow it moved. Like snail pace.

I honestly cannot recommend this book just for that reason. 

Book Review // The Other Woman

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis:

"HE LOVES YOU: Adam adores Emily. Emily thinks Adam’s perfect, the man she thought she’d never meet.
BUT SHE LOVES YOU NOT: Lurking in the shadows is a rival, a woman who shares a deep bond with the man she loves.
AND SHE'LL STOP AT NOTHING: Emily chose Adam, but she didn’t choose his mother Pammie. There’s nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her son, and now Emily is about to find out just how far Pammie will go to get what she wants: Emily gone forever." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

The Other Woman is the perfect psychological thriller for anyone planning on having a mother in law anytime soon 😬 Just kidding! This is the in-law story from hell. Emily is put through the ringer in order to tie the knot with her fiancé Adam. 

There were a few holes for me in the plot being that no woman would allow this type of verbal and psychological abuse. No amount of love would be enough with what Emily endured. And she kept saying through it all “but I love him so much.” Cringe!! Wake up, sister! You marry the family, not just the man. 

This reminded me a crazier version of the movie “Monster In Law.” Not going to lie, I pictured Jane Fonda as Pammie. And that made it even more cringe worthy! 

My attorney husband pointed out another flaw in the plot but that would give away a spoiler! Over all, it was a quick read and I fluctuated between these emotions quite frequently 😱😬🙄😳🤯🤬 

Book Review // It Ends With Us

Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis:
"Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

So many layers to this book! I didn’t know the summary before picking up, so I was very caught off guard at the story. I don’t want to say too much without giving the plot away. But I’ll be honest with you, the first 100 pages were not my favorite. I hate Ryle, and couldn’t stand his relationship with Lily. He was selfish and disrespectful and I just wanted to shake Lily and say, he’s not good enough for you!! But as the novel progressed, everything started to make sense, and the loose ends were tying up nicely. I grew to love Lily’s relationship with her mother and how close they became after the death of her father (not a spoiler). Abuse is not an easy subject to talk about let alone write about. Thankfully, it is something I personally know nothing about, but Hoover writes so delicately. The epilogue was so tender and bittersweet. And the authors note at the end gives you insight into why she thought it was necessary to shed light on such a difficult subject. 

Book Review // Next Year in Havana

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:
"Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth. 

Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

There has been high traction for this novel ever since it made it onto Reese’s bookclub in 2018.  I’m curious though, do people love the novel only because Reese recommended it and loved it? It’s always hard to be subjective in your opinion when there is so much hype and popular opinion for a certain book. 

Overall, I liked the book. The story was interesting, but difficult to get through at times—and not because of the plot, because of its wordiness. I think the back and forth in the narration wasn’t needed. If this was a complete story about the Perez family leaving Cuba, it would have been incredible! But I honestly didn’t fall in love with Marisol’s character. Her personality seemed flat and forced. Her character wasn’t developed enough for me. We needed more of Elisa! And her sisters! I was captivated by her family and their privileged life down in Cuba. I do appreciate it shedding light on the revolution that happened in Cuba and the struggles the citizens have had over the years.

But I will say this, the cover is 😍. The writing is equally beautiful and clean with zero language. I appreciate that! A book I can recommend to my mother without feeling awkward #bookgoals 

The sequel is coming out soon and I’m definitely curious how the storyline progresses. I’ve heard it is more about her great-aunts who fled Cuba with her grandmother. I really really wanted to love this one. I love aspects of it! I don’t think I can give a 100% recommendation until I read the sequel. The story needs to feel complete. 

Book Review // Leave Me

Leave Me by Gayle Forman

Synopsis:

"Every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, and every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention--meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who’s so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn’t even realize she’s had a heart attack.

Surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: she packs a bag and leaves. But, as is often the case, once we get where we’re going we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from herself and those she loves.

With bighearted characters--husbands, wives, friends, and lovers--who stumble and trip, grow and forgive, Leave Me is about facing the fears we’re all running from. Gayle Forman is a dazzling observer of human nature. She has written an irresistible novel that confronts the ambivalence of modern motherhood head on and asks, what happens when a grown woman runs away from home?" -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

Ok real talk, this book really resonated with me. I would be lying if I said I have never thought about packing up and leaving my kids. When the days are long and the trenches are deep, the grass REALLY does look greener on the other side. I’m not saying what Maribeth was right, or wrong, or justified, but I am saying FOR HER, she needed to step away. What I didn’t expect, was how beautiful the story played out. For everyone involved. I would be interested to hear the discussion of this idea with a group of moms of toddlers 🤣 My take away? Keep showing up your kids and swallow your pride when you need to ask for help. 

Rating: 3.5/5

The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Synopsis:

"Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word.

Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London.

Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations―a search for the truth that threatens to consume him...." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

I’ve been letting my brain rest for a few days before writing down my thoughts. Ok—What a book! I am constantly amazed by the talent these debut authors have for their first novel. This is his first novel and I honestly could not find a single fault. First, add this to your TBR list right now. Second, choose it for your next book club book. Last, after you’ve done that, DM about it so we can talk. Ok? Ok. 

Rating: 5/5

Summer Hours

Summer Hours by Amy Mason Doan
Publication date: June 4, 2019

Synposis:

"Becc was the good girl. A dedicated student. Aspiring reporter. Always where she was supposed to be. Until a secret affair with the charming Cal one summer in college cost her everything she held dear: her journalism dreams; her relationship with her best friend, Eric; and her carefully imagined future.

Now, Becc’s past is back front and center as she travels up the scenic California coast to a wedding—with a man she hasn’t seen in a decade. As each mile flies by, Becc can’t help but feel the thrilling push and pull of memories, from infinite nights at beach bonfires and lavish boat parties to secret movie sessions. But the man beside her is not so eager to re-create history. And as the events of that heartbreaking summer come into view, Becc must decide if those dazzling hours they once shared are worth fighting for or if they’re lost forever.

Set in the mid ’90s and 2008, Amy Mason Doan’s Summer Hours is a warmly told novel about the idealism of youth, the seductive power of nostalgia and what happens when you realize you haven’t become the person you’d always promised to be." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

Summer Hours was a quick read and I spent most of my time really enjoying the storyline. With the past and present writing style, it felt disjointed at times. But over all, the story flowed well. 

Throughout the book, I was left frustrated at Becc and Eric for the lack of communication and empathy for each other. They were best friends in high school, and their immaturity was keeping them from admitting their true feelings for each other. Becc found herself in a controversial relationship which impacted her friendship with Eric. I didn't feel like Eric had any right to be upset with Becc for her mistakes when he in turn was making mistakes of not being the friend he should have been after graduation. 

The last bit of this book was sluggish. I found myself skimming the pages until the ending. I loved how the book ended and felt like the character development finished out well.

Thank you #NetGalley and Harlequin-Graydon House Books for my free ebook of Summer Hours. 

Rating: 3/5

Turtles All The Way Down

Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Synopsis:

"Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.
   
Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

Incredible book. Inspiring book. I am better because of reading it! This was an interesting look into mental health and the debilitating struggle it can be for those who struggle, specifically with OCD. When I finally got to the part in the book regarding the title, it was such a beautiful moment it honestly caught me by surprise! 

🐢 🐢 🐢 This was an unexpected superstar for me. Absolutely recommend. 

Rating: 4.5/5

Finding Audrey

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Synopsis:
"An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

This could be my new favorite YA novel! For me, YA novels are turning too sexual with horny teenagers and more Pretty Little Liars, then just regular kids who struggle with regular things. 

This one was absolutely sweet! Audrey was a victim of a bullying incident and we find her now months into her therapy and recovery. She wears dark sunglasses all the time to use as a protectant against the world. I loved the dynamic of her family, but especially her parents. Audrey meets Linus who helps her come out of her shell and see life beyond her sunglasses. 

It was such a delight! 

Rating: 4/5

Girls' Night Out

Girls' Night Out by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

Synopsis:

"For estranged friends Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren, it’s time to heal the old wounds between them. Where better to repair those severed ties than on a girls’ getaway to the beautiful paradise of Tulum, Mexico? But even after they’re reunited, no one is being completely honest about the past or the secrets they’re hiding. When Ashley disappears on their girls’ night out, Natalie and Lauren have to try to piece together their hazy memories to figure out what could have happened to her, while also reconciling their feelings of guilt over their last moments together.

Was Ashley with the man she’d met only days before? Did she pack up and leave? Was she kidnapped? Or worse—could Natalie or Lauren have snapped under the weight of her own lies? As the clock ticks, hour by hour, Natalie and Lauren’s search rushes headlong into growing suspicion and dread. Maybe their secrets run deeper and more dangerous than one of them is willing—or too afraid—to admit." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

I was on the edge of my seat for this one! I loved how each chapter fluctuated between the three main characters, Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren, and would change back and forth from the days leading up to “the day.” Smart way to grab your readers 👏🏻 

The story is about 3 old friends (with a suitcase full of emotional baggage) who decide to go to Mexico for a week vacation to rekindle their friendship. But when Ashley disappears from a night out, Natalie and Lauren try to piece back the events and figure out what happened. This one is full of secrets and deception. I had about 15 different theories about what happened to Ashley! 

Would be a fun choice for your book club! 

Rating: 4/5

The Last Mrs. Parrish

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Synopsis:

"Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted. 

To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn't have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine: 4.5/5 WOW! Just, wow 😲 This novel had me hooked from the first page. There is so much to say! Please chime in my DMs so we can discuss 😉 Amber Patterson is tired of her boring life and desires a life of luxury and wealth. 

Daphne Parrish is the It-Girl of their Connecticut town and from Amber’s perspective, Daphne has it all, including Jackson, her gorgeous millionaire husband. Amber’s focus and determination to infiltrate into the Parrish family is full of dark and twisted plans. She won’t stop until she gets what she wants! This novel was addictive! 

(Disclaimer: adult themes and sex) 

Rating: 4.5/5

The One That Got Away

The One That Got Away by Bethany Chase

Synopsis:
"Sarina Mahler thinks she has her life all nailed down: a growing architecture practice in Austin, Texas, and an any-day-now proposal from her loving boyfriend, Noah. She’s well on her way to having the family she’s hoped for since her mother’s death ten years ago. But with Noah on a temporary assignment abroad and retired Olympic swimmer—and former flame—Eamon Roy back in town asking her to renovate his new fixer-upper, Sarina’s life takes an unexpected turn. Eamon proves to be Sarina’s dream client, someone who instinctively trusts every one of her choices—and Sarina is reminded of all the reasons she was first drawn to him back in the day. Suddenly her carefully planned future with Noah seems a little less than perfect. And when tragedy strikes, Sarina is left reeling. With her world completely upended, she is forced to question what she truly wants in life—and in love." -Amazon.com

What I thought about it:
I really wanted to like this book! But unfortunately, the story wasn’t unique. We’ve read it before. Boy and girl have a fling years ago. Lose touch. Boy comes back into girls life years later. Girl now has boyfriend. Boy makes old feelings surface in girl and girl rethinks everything with current boyfriend. 

Was it still a sweet story? Totally. I loved how fearless Sarina was at taking control of her career and love life. Unfortunately, she spent so many years avoiding her grief after losing her mother, which caused pain and disconnection in current her relationships. 

I felt like for her debut novel, it was definitely above average.

Rating: 3/5