Category Archives: Book Opinion

The Mothers

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Author:  Jennifer Gilmore              

Publisher:  Scribner
Pages:  288
Genre:  Adoption
Source: Edelweiss

Goodreads:  Poignant, raw, and insightful, Jennifer Gilmore’s third novel is an unforgettable story of love, family, and motherhood. With a “voice [that is] at turns wise and barbed with sharp humor” (Vanity Fair), Gilmore lays bare the story of one couple’s ardent desire for a child and their emotional journey through adoption. Jesse and Ramon are a loving couple, but after years spent unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant, they turn to adoption, relieved to think that once they navigate the bureaucratic path to parent-hood they will have a happy ending. But nothing has prepared them for the labyrinthine process—for the many training sessions and approvals; for the constant advice from friends, strangers, and “experts”; for the birthmothers who contact them but don’t ultimately choose them; or even, most shockingly, for the women who call claiming they’ve chosen Jesse and Ramon but who turn out never to have been pregnant in the first place.

Jennifer Gilmore’s eloquence about the human heart—its frailties and complexities—and her razor-sharp observations about race, class, culture, and changing family dynamics are spectacularly combined in this powerful novel. Suffused with passion and fury, The Mothers is a taut, gripping, and satisfying book that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page.



Ope’s Opinion:   If you are interested in adopting or have adopted, you will probably relate to this book.    Some parts of the book were too detailed for me – for example – when they were ordering dinner, I felt like  I was told too much about the meal they ordered and not enough about the conversation they were having.
                                     The characters were real.  When reading this book you will probably relate to one of the characters, if you have ever been in this position or were with someone who was going through the adoption process. 

                                      I felt like I was reading someone diary about adoption.  It did not feel like a work of fiction.

                                      


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.
                                                       

Take a Chance on Me

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Author:  Susan May Warren
Publisher:  Tyndale
Pages:  400
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Source:  Litfuse Publicity Group
Goodreads:  Darek Christiansen is almost a dream bachelor—oldest son in the large Christiansen clan, heir to their historic Evergreen Lake Resort, and doting father. But he’s also wounded and angry since the tragic death of his wife, Felicity. No woman in Deep Haven dares come near. 


New assistant county attorney Ivy Madison simply doesn’t know any better when she bids on Darek at the charity auction. Nor does she know that when she crafted a plea bargain three years ago to keep Jensen Atwood out of jail and in Deep Haven fulfilling community service, she was releasing the man responsible for Felicity’s death. All Ivy knows is that the Christiansens feel like the family she’s always longed for. And once she gets past Darek’s tough exterior, she finds a man she could spend the rest of her life with. Which scares her almost as much as Darek learning of her involvement in his wife’s case. 

Caught between new love and old grudges, Darek must decide if he can set aside the past for a future with Ivy—a future more and more at risk as an approaching wildfire threatens to wipe out the Christiansen resort and Deep Haven itself.


Ope’s Opinion:  Susan May Warren has continued to amaze me with her story telling.  She had me so wrapped up in this story I lost total track of time.  Some times while reading I was holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen next.  The beginning of the story started out a little slow – only to introduce you to everyone.  Then it picked up speed like going down hill on a bike.

                                      The characters were all very believable.  There was even a grandfather in the book that was a little on the preachy side – reminded me of some the grandfathers I knew at my church ( including my own!).  Each characters relationships developed at realistic pace.  Their relationship to God was interesting – it all centered around needing to forgive someone and understanding that God had already forgiven them.  

                                      Now that I know my way around Deep Haven and know the people there, I can’t wait for Susan May Warren’s next book.  I want  to see where they go and what happens next.  


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 Litfuse Publicity Group. 
            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.
                                                       


Invisible: A Novel

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Author:  Ginny L. Yttrup                  
Publisher: B&H Books
Pages:  352
Genre:  Fiction
Source:  Handlebar

Goodreads:   Ellyn DeMoss — chef, café owner, and lover of butter — is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain there’s something wrong with him. Sabina Jackson — tall, slender, and exotic — left her husband, young adult daughters, and a thriving counseling practice to spend a year in Northern California where she says she’s come to heal. But it seems to Ellyn that Sabina’s doing more hiding than healing. What’s she hiding from? Is it God? Twila Boaz has come out of hiding and is working to gain back the pounds she lost when her only goal was to disappear. When her eating disorder is triggered again, though she longs to hide, she instead follows God and fights for her own survival. But will she succeed? As these women’s lives intertwine, their eyes open to the glory within each of them as they begin to recognize themselves as being created in God’s image.


Ope’s Opinon:  Some christian books are written to reach people who don’t know God.  Other christian books are written to encourage those who already have God in their lives.  This story in my opinion was written for those of us who already know God and need to see him at work in other peoples lives.

                                    Each character in this book has a specific voice.  It is easy to relate to at least one of these characters.  They each have their own difficulties to deal with.  I really liked the way Ginny Yttrup showed how God sees us – not how we see ourselves.  She did it by showing how other people saw each character – which was very different from how they saw themselves.

                                     There are many lessons to be learned in this story without being preached at  or pushy.  Ginny Yttrup let you see the lessons for each character.  You can take away from this book whatever you need.

                                    Although it was a happy ending – it was also realistic.  Everything wasn’t wrapped up in a perfectly peachy end, but you saw healing starting to happen for each person.  I highly recommend this book.


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 Handlebar. 
            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.
                                                       

The Wanderer

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Author:  Robyn Carr

Publisher:  Harlequin                                                                
Pages:  384
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:  From Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Virgin River novels, comes Thunder Point-the highly anticipated new series that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you fall in love with a small town filled with people you’ll never forget. Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land’s unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he’s been left an old friend’s entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community’s destiny in his hands. 

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful. 

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.



Ope’s Opinion: This is the first book in Robyn Carr’s new series.   The book started out a little on the  slow side – only because she was introducing us to the town and all the characters.  Once we got to know everyone, the story moved right along.  

                                      The characters were all authentic.  Carr made you genuinely care about each one of them.  It was fun to watch them develop relationships with each other.  It was good to see some very strong women in this book.

                                    There was a little mystery in the story too.  It was interesting to see who was responsible for  the death of Ben.

                                     I am not crazy about the explicit sexual scenes.  I could live with ” the door to the bedroom closing” and leaving the rest to my imagination.  But the story was so good, it was worth reading through those scenes.

                                      I can’t wait to see what is next in store for Thunder Point and all  the people there. 


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 Little Bird Publicity. 
            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.
                                                       

Starting Now: A Blossom Street Novel

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Author:  Debbie Macomber                                    
Publisher:  Ballentine Books
Pages:  352
Genre:  Chick Lit / Women’s Fiction
Source:  Edelweiss

Goodreads:   #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber returns to Seattle’s beloved Blossom Street in this heartfelt tale of friendship, renewal, and discovering what’s truly important in life.

For years Libby Morgan dreamed only of making partner in her competitive, high-pressure law firm. She sacrificed everything for her career—her friends, her marriage, her chance at creating a family. When her boss calls Libby into his office, she assumes it will finally be good news, but nothing can prepare her for the shocking reality: She’s been let go and must rebuild her entire life . . . starting now. 

With no job prospects in sight, Libby reaches out to old friends and spends her afternoons at A Good Yarn, the local knitting store. There she forms a close bond with Lydia, the sweet-natured shop owner; Lydia’s spirited teenage daughter, Casey; and Casey’s best friend, Ava, a shy yet troubled girl who will shape Libby’s future in surprising and profound ways. 

As A Good Yarn becomes a second home—and the women a new kind of family—Libby relishes the different person she’s become. She even finds time for romance with a charming and handsome doctor who seems to be her perfect match. But just as everything is coming together, Libby must make a choice that could forever change the life she holds so dear.

Warmly told and richly textured, Starting Now is filled with the promise of new beginnings and the unending delights of companionship and love.


Ope’s Opinion:  I thought I knew where this story was going when I started it.  It did end up where I thought, but there was so much more between the beginning and the end.  The story started out very sad, but it improved.  This book kept a good pace.  

                                     I enjoyed the main characters in the story.  The secondary characters were well developed and fun to follow.  It made for a well rounded story to feel like you really got to know all the people, instead of just the main characters.

                                      Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult.  I thought Macomber showed how hard it can be and how each decision impacts your whole life.

                                       This was a good, easy read.  You did not need to have read her previous book to enjoy this one.

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 Edelwiess. 
            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 Five

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Author:  Susan Wiggs                                                        
Publisher:  Mira
Pages:  384
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Source:  Purchased

Goodreads:  Sometimes it takes a leap of faith in order to soar . . . 
A gifted teacher, Lily Robinson adores her students, but fiercely guards her independent lifestyle. Deep inside, she is afraid of loving too deeply for fear of getting hurt. Only her best friend, Crystal, has ever been able to get close. Now an unthinkable tragedy has drawn Lily into the shattered lives of Crystal’s family — a family that suddenly needs her. 

Sean McGuire is a rolling stone used to living in the shadow of his famous brother, Derek. He’s made his own way in life, playing by his own rules. Then one April night everything changes when a fatal car crash orphans Derek and Crystal’s three children. In an instant, Sean finds himself in the role of guardian. 

Sean and Lily are brought together by tragedy, joined in their grief and their mutual love for these children. But raising three kids is a monumental job, and Sean realizes he’s in over his head. And though Lily has been the unofficial aunt to these children since they were born, planting emotional roots means taking risks — and Lily’s not sure she can. 

The ups and downs of love and family life can be a roller-coaster ride — thrilling, unpredictable and downright terrifying, yet filled with incredible delight. and Sean and Lily are about to discover the possibilities that make everything seem worthwhile — a future filled with hope, happiness and the certainty that trusting love is the best choice of all.



Ope’s Opinion:   This was my first Susan Wiggs book and I hope to read more by her.  I thought the story line was wonderful, believable, and kept my attention.  The story sucks you in and makes you root for the best for each person.

                                         The main characters in the this book were authentic. They each have flaws and difficult issues from their past, both of which make you like them even more.  Your heart goes out to each one of them.  You can see how they react to their loss and how they begin to heal.  It all seems to happen in a realistic way and in a realistic time frame.  It is a happy ending book, but it doesn’t just happen all at once and it isn’t a straight line.    

                                         I really like the way Wiggs handles the love and sex in this book.  You saw the attraction, they were adults, you know what is going to happen, but she left the details behind the closed doors, where they belong.  




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


First Family

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Author: David Baldacci

Publisher:  Grand Centeral Publishing                  
Pages:  449
Genre:  Mystery / Thriller
Source:  Library sale

Goodreads:  Following the instant #1 New York Times bestseller Simple Genius, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell return in David Baldacci’s most heart-pounding thriller to date . . . 
FIRST FAMILY
It began with what seemed like an ordinary children’s birthday party. Friends and family gathered to celebrate. There were balloons and cake, games and gifts. 
This party, however, was far from ordinary. It was held at Camp David, the presidential retreat. And it ended with a daring kidnapping . . . which immediately turned into a national security nightmare.
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell were not looking to become involved. As former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, they had no reason to be. The FBI doesn’t want them interfering. But years ago, Sean King saved the First Lady’s husband, then a senator, from political disaster. Now, Sean is the one person the First Lady trusts, and she presses Sean and Michelle into the desperate search to rescue the abducted child.
With Michelle still battling her own demons, and forces aligned on all sides against her and Sean, the two are pushed to the absolute limit. In the race to save an innocent victim, the line between friend and foe will become impossible to define . . . or defend.


Ope’s Opinion:  This was my first David Baldacci book.  I bought it at our annual library sale.  I was really excited about reading it.  When I first started it I wasn’t crazy about all the description of the killing and kidnapping.  I am more of a “who done it” reader.  But I kept reading.  I got the impression it would have been helpful if I had read some of Sean and Michelle’s previous adventures. I felt like I was missing some information.

                                       The story started very interesting with a good pace.  In the middle, I got a little bored  and just wanted it to move on.  At the end, I wasn’t sure all my questions were answered.  It was a bit unclear to me.  Maybe I just missed something.  I actually liked the story line of Michelle’s mother’s death better then the main story line.

                                        The characters were okay, but I wasn’t invested in them.  I wanted to know how  it ended, but I wasn’t on the edge of my seat, just sort of curious.

                                         I have another Baldacci on my shelf. I hope that one is much better.

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


Heart Like Mine

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                                                       Author:  Amy Hatvany

Publisher:  Washington Square Press                                          
Pages:  384
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source:  Edelweiss

Goodreads:   When a young mother dies under mysterious circumstances, those she leaves behind begin looking for answers in the past—and find a long-buried secret they could have never imagined.Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At thirteen, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce, she has been the one taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother—she pays the bills, does the laundry, and never complains because she loves her mama more than anyone. And while her father’s new girlfriend is nice enough, Ava still holds out hope that her parents will get back together and that they’ll be a family again.

But only days after Victor and Grace get engaged, Kelli dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances—and soon, Grace and Ava discover there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

Narrated by Grace and Ava in the present with flashbacks into Kelli’s troubled past, Heart Like Mine is a poignant and hopeful portrait about womanhood, love, and the challenges of family life.



Ope’s Opinion:  This story is amazing and wonderful!  It kept me interested the whole book.  I am usually a slow reader and I read this book in two days – I probably would have read it in less, but I got interrupted!   I felt like I was a part of the peoples lives in this book.  Just read the first chapter and see if you can put it down!

                                        All of the characters were relatable.  Amy Hatvany writes each one so believable.  I liked some of the characters better then others, but they were all people I felt like I knew at some point in my life.  I think most woman could see themselves or know someone like one of the characters in this book.

                                      I want to know where these characters are now.  The book concluded with the reader knowing the answers to the death of Kelli.  Now I want to know where Ava is and if they found the other daughter.  I want to know how Grace is doing with children in the house.  I think this book needs a sequel!  Keep writing Amy!




Rating:  Five Chairs – THis book is so good it will be passed on and on and on…




                 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.
                                                       

You Take It From Here

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Author:  Pamela Ribon

Publisher:  Gallery Books                                                                
Pages:  336
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source: My Daughter ( Kritters Ramblings )

Goodreads:  Just because you’d give your best friend everything doesn’t mean she has to take it. On the heels of a divorce, all Danielle Meyers wants is her annual vacation with sassy, life-long best friend, Smidge—complete with umbrella cocktails by an infinity pool—but instead she’s hit with the curveball of a lifetime. Smidge takes Danielle to the middle of nowhere to reveal a diagnosis of terminal cancer, followed by an unusual request: “After I’m gone, I want you to finish the job. Marry my husband. Raise my daughter. I’m gonna teach you to how to be Smidge 2.0.” 

As Danielle wrestles with this major life decision, she finds herself torn between being true to her best friend’s wishes and being honest with herself. Parenting issues aside, Smidge’s small-town Louisiana world is exactly the one Danielle made sure to escape. Danielle isn’t one for playing the social butterfly, or being the center of attention. And when your best friend tries to set you up on a date night with her husband, it might be time to become the bossy one for a change.

In the spirit of Beaches and Steel Magnolias, You Take It from Here is an honest, hilarious, and heartbreaking novel that ultimately asks: How much should we sacrifice for the ones we love the most?



Ope’s Opinon:  The first chapter sucked me, but then I sort of got lost.  I wasn’t sure where the story was trying to go.  I felt like it bounced around and included a lot of useless information that distracted from the core of the story.  I liked the idea of asking a friend to take care of my family when I am gone, but I felt like that got lost in all the other chatter.

                                    The characters were extreme.  Smidge was overbearing , pushy and demanding.  Danielle was too passive and let Smidge run the show.  A few times I was wishing Danielle would stand up to her.  I don’t see what Danielle gets out of the friendship she has with Smidge.  Smidge is such a draining person.

                                          

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


Heart of the Matter

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Author:  Emily Giffin

Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press                                                
Pages:  352
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Source:  Purchased







Goodreads:   “Giffin excels at creating complex characters and stories that ask us to explore what we really want from our lives.”–Atlanta Journal-Constitution


Tessa Russo is the mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon.  Despite her own mother’s warnings, Tessa has recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside, she seems destined to live a charmed life.

Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie–a boy who has never known his father.  After too many disappointments, she has given up on romance–and even to some degree, friendships–believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.

Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children.  But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined. 

In alternating, pitch-perfect points of view, Emily Giffin creates a moving, luminous story of good people caught in untenable circumstances. Each being tested in ways they never thought possible. Each questioning everything they once believed. And each ultimately discovering what truly matters most.


Ope’s Opinion:  As usual Emily Giffin has hit another one out of the park.  This was a very good story, very well written.  She is a  “go – to” author for me, when I need a read I know is going to be good.

                                       It was interesting to see both Tessa’s and Valarie’s perspectives throughout the book.  It gave me insight to the other woman.  I think Nick needed to be stronger in his moral standings.  I don’t want to give anything away, so you’ll just have to read it.

                                       If you want an engaging, easy read this is the book for you.  Emily Giffin will keep your attention all the way to the end.


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