The Love Wars

Posted on May 7, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: L. Allison Heller

Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 352
Genre: Fiction
Source: BookSparks

Goodreads: Breaking up is hard to do. At least the first few times.

Even though Molly Grant has only a handful of relationships behind her, she’s already been through more divorces than she can count.

At the premier Manhattan law firm where she’s a matrimonial attorney, the hours are long, the bosses tyrannical, and the bonuses stratospheric. Her clients are rich, famous, and used to getting their way. Molly’s job—and primary concern in life—is to work as hard as possible to make sure they do. Until she meets the client who changes everything…

Fern Walker is the desperate former wife of a ruthless media mogul. Her powerful ex is slowly pushing her out of her young children’s lives, and she fears losing them forever. Molly—haunted by an incident from her own past—finds herself unable to walk away from Fern and sets out to help her. She just needs to do it without her bosses finding out.

Now, as complications both professional and personal stack up, Molly can only hope that her own wits, heart, and instincts are enough—both in and out of court.

Ope’s Opinion: This story was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the strong female characters. I liked that the focus was on Molly and her job. Her personal life was a secondary part of the story. It was great to see her be so independent. I don’t think Heller intended to write Molly as an example for young women, but I think she would be a good one!

I read this book at a time when my life was extremely busy and yet it kept my attention. The book kept calling me back to it! It was a nice “get away”.

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

FTC – Disclosure of Material Connection:

I received one copy of this book free of charge from BookSparks.

I was not required to write a positive review

in exchange for receipt of the book;

rather the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Table for Seven

Posted on May 6, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Whitney Gaskell
Publisher: Bantam

Pages: 416
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Edelweiss

Goodreads: A warm and witty novel about friendship, fine dining, and learning that life doesn’t always turn out quite how we expect it to—perfect for fans of Barbara O’Neal and Nancy Thayer

On New Year’s Eve, Fran and Will Parrish host a dinner party, serving their friends a gourmet feast. The night is such a success that the group decides to form a monthly dinner party club. But what starts as an excuse to enjoy the company of fellow foodies ends up having lasting repercussions on each member of the Table for Seven Dinner Party Club.

Fran and Will face the possibility that their comfortable marriage may not be as infallible as they once thought. Audrey has to figure out how to move on and start a new life after the untimely death of her young husband. Perfectionist Jaime suspects that her husband, Mark, might be having an affair. Coop, a flirtatious bachelor who never commits to a third date, is blindsided when he falls in love for the first time. Leland, a widower, is a wise counselor and firm believer that bacon makes everything taste better.

Over the course of a year, against a backdrop of mouthwatering meals, relationships are forged, marriages are tested, and the members of the Table for Seven Dinner Party Club find their lives forever changed.

Ope’s Opinion: This book was like a leisurely walk on the beach. I enjoyed each casual step along the way. It was fun to see where the story was going to go. There were several surprises along the way.

The book was divided into months instead of chapters. It was a very interesting way to see time pass and to catch up with each character to see how they have changed and developed. I enjoyed each character.

I would recommend this book to almost anyone.

Rating: Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

FTC – Disclosure of Material Connection:

I received one copy of this book free of charge from Edelweiss.

I was not required to write a positive review

in exchange for receipt of the book;

rather the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Choosing Sophie

Posted on May 2, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Leslie Carroll
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Pages: 272
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: Purchased

Goodreads: When life throws you a curve ball…

Venus deMarley has just been hit with a wild pitch. At forty she’s finally found the perfect fiance, when Sophie–the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty years ago–suddenly reappears. Venus has another crisis on her hands as well: her eccentric millionaire dad just died and willed her his pet project–a rag-tag minor league baseball team called the Bronx Cheers–if Venus and Sophie can reconcile and once again become a family. Venus knows diddly about sports, but Sophie’s a jock, unlike her glamorous mom. And after two decades apart, these two women know nothing about each other, and rarely agree on anything. But maybe–just maybe–they have more in common than they think….

Ope’s Opinion: I had such a hard time caring about the characters in this book. The writing seemed flat. The foul language seemed to be used to often and in inappropriate places. I just kept reading, but wasn’t attached to any feelings for anyone. I thought the premise of the story sounded good when I read it. The story line was very predictable, which in my opinion isn’t always bad, but I couldn’t even get into this enough to root for the happy ending.

Rating: Two Chairs – I may have one friend who might like this book.