Review: I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“One day you will do things for me that you hate. That is what it means to be family.” 
― Jonathan Safran Foer, Everything Is Illuminated

My Review

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

Oh, Sophie Kinsella, you’ve done it again! I am smiling as I write this because this book made me feel absolutely wonderful! I was dealing with a weeks long, heartbreaking, reading slump when I saw this up for request on NetGalley. I cannot tell you how bad I needed a good read –not only a good read but a feel-good, stress reliever of a book! 

Sophie Kinsella is my go-to author when I need a good laugh and I Owe You One did not disappoint! The story follows Fixie, a late twenties-family-loving girl living a simple life working at her family shop.  Fixie knows that family is what matters most but can’t seem to get along with her siblings. She lives her life as her late father had, dedicated to the business and of course family.

Fixie has been in love with her childhood friend, Ryan, and is excited to learn that he has returned to London after a long stay in Hollywood. Fixie’s life, however, changes when she meets Sebastian at a coffee shop and she’s immediately intrigued by him. When Sebastian steps out of the coffee shop for a moment, he leaves Fixie in charge of his laptop. As tragedy is about to strike, she steps in to save the day! She protects the laptop from doom and Sebastian feels he is in debt to Fixie for saving his bacon. Fixie must find herself, her purpose and maybe even love while juggling  family and the business.  

This story has it all! You’ll laugh and cry and will give you a wonderful outlook!

ARC Review - The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"All you need is love"

-John Lennon

***

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

Review by Sofie Hern

WOW- Just, WOW! I finished this beauty in just a few hours. It was impossible to put down as it sucks the reader in from the very first page with an incredible twist right off the bat! Diane Chamberlain  has created a masterpiece. Every one of her books leaves me with such a feel-good attitude but this one takes the cake!

There are only a handful of authors whose books I pick up without reading the blurb.  Diane Chamberlain is one of them. I know what I’m getting when I read her books. I requested this as an ARC as soon as it became available and was ecstatic when my request was granted.

How far will you go to save your child?

The Dream Daughter is an amazing story of love and sacrifice, of hope and… time.  Caroline Sears meets a mysterious man, Hunter, at a hospital where she is doing her residency as a registered nurse.  She finds this man intriguing and from there a friendship is born. Five years later Hunter becomes her brother-in-law.

When Caroline learns that her unborn daughter has a heart defect, she is devastated. Caroline is recently widowed, living in the outer banks of North Carolina with her sister, Patti, brother-in-law, Hunter, and their son, John Paul. For Caroline the future is uncertain with no hope of saving the baby growing inside her. It is 1970 and doctors tell her there is nothing that can be done for her and the baby.

According to Hunter, there is something that can be done for the baby and reveals an unbelievable secret. At first Caroline is in disbelief to learn exactly how she can save her baby and realizes that Hunter’s idea, however bizarre, is the only chance she has.

In a story expanding decades, Chamberlain takes us on an incredible journey of love and shows us just how far –literally and in more ways than one–a mother will go to save her child. This story will pull at your heart strings and leave you wanting more. The characters are developed in such way that you will feel their every pain, cry with and hope right along with them.

This is by far, one of the best books I have read this year and I look forward to adding this to my Diane Chamberlain collection. What a wonderful job she's done.

Review - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“To be fully seen by somebody and be loved anyhow - this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” 

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Committed 

The Kiss Quotient

┈

I’m not crying, you're crying!

Holy smokes what a beautiful book. What a debut this is. Such a refreshing and sweet story. I have not read such a touching love story since Eleanor and Park.

In this story we follow Stella, a thirty year old with Asperger's who has a job she loves but lacks luck in the love department. She knows she will not be good at the romance thing because she lacks the social skills needed to be a successful lover. She decides to hire a professional and makes an appointment with Michael, a male escort. All she needs him to do is teach her how to be good at love making so she can finally find her better half. What starts out as a business arrangement soon becomes a complicated relationship between Michael and Stella.

With a beautifully written book, Helen Hoang combines humor, love and heartbreak into a neat little package. It has been a long time since a set of characters have grown and developed right before my eyes in such a stunning in subtle ways. In many aspects I can relate to Stella which makes this story one I’ll never forget.

One thing this book has taught me after many years as an avid reader is that you can never say that you’ve read your favorite book because then The Love Quotient comes along and changes your entire ‘favorites’ pile. Stories like this one are one of the reasons why I love to read.

Helen Hoang shows us the importance of family and the ways we strive to be better than the generation before us. We are all different and have our own anxieties and fears but it only takes one person to help you see your potential, believe in yourself and be able to love without fear.

Review - Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person." 

— Chuck Palahniuk






Bring Me Back is one wild roller coaster ride! I was not sure what I expected out of this title. I was intrigued by it which was why I requested it from NetGalley. This is one of those books that catch your attention from the very start and does not let go. 

The story follows forty-one-year-old Finn. The book opens with Finn and Leyla at a rest stop as they drive home from a ski trip. Leyla disappears in an instant leaving Finn with one question. Is she dead? Ten years later Finn is engaged to be married but his past comes back to haunt him. 

The characters are absolutely stellar, and they are developed masterfully. This book gives you a lot of unanswered question which accumulate throughout. Slowly the web answers unravel while providing a satisfying amount of suspense. This difficult to put down and will keep you guessing until the end.

Review - Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go 

but rather learning to start over.” 
― Nicole Sobon, Program 13

Then She Was Gone is a steady stream of suspense from the very first page. I was intrigued by the title and sold on the blurb. I am a huge fan of books about disappearances as I am always eager to solve a good puzzle. This book gave me everything I wanted.

The story follows Laurel, a grieving mother of three who is living the worst parents’ nightmare. Her fifteen-year-old daughter Ellie has disappeared without a trace. Ellie, a bright teenager has everything she could ask for: great notes, a handsome boyfriend and a good life at home with loving parents.

When Ellie disappears, Laurel is left to grief a daughter who may or may not be dead. Not only has she lost her daughter but in the midst of her grief, Laurel loses her husband as well. 

With her children grown and in the aftermath of a divorce, Laurel attempts to make a new life. She meets Floyd in a coffee shop and soon a romance emerges. Laurel knows it’s time to move past the grief.

Lisa Jewell’s voice is refreshing and her character development outstanding. She will keep you guessing throughout and when you think you have it all figured out, she will take you in a completely different direction.  

ARC Review - The Retreat by Mark Edwards

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Without hope we fail to exist.” 
― Lailah Gifty Akita

I was granted this ARC by NetGalley and Amazon Publishing. This is truly a great read for those who enjoy suspense/thrillers. One of the things I enjoy about a book like this is the fact that it makes you think. I had to stop reading a few times just to think the why, when were and who. This one certainly kept me guessing until the end. At times it read like a paranormal story which is certainly not my thing but still kept me interested. 

The story follows Julia a grieving mother and wife after the loss of her husband and disappearance of her young daughter. She seems to be the only who believes that her daughter might still be alive. To cope with her grief, Julia turns her home into a writers retreat. Things change when Lucas, a guest at the retreat begins to dig up, so-to-speak in an attempt to uncover the truth behind the disappearance.

If you like a good mystery, I do believe you will enjoy this one

Review - The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Without sacrifice, true love is incomprehensible.” 
― Toba Beta

-

Barbara Claypole White has done it again. In her unique style she has created an unforgettable story of sacrifice, love, restitution and the daily struggles with mental illness. She brings her personal experiences with OCD and incorporates them into this story which makes it that much more relatable. Her understanding of this chronic illness and her passion for advocacy of same has made her one of my most admired author.

The Promise Between Us is set in Raleigh NC and follows Katie Mack, a metal artist, who lives with OCD. Nine years ago, Katie made a decision that changed not only her life, but the lives of the people she loves most. After giving birth to a beautiful baby girl –Maisie, Katie’s OCD is triggered and she is sucked into a whirlpool of intrusive thoughts. She fears she may harm her baby and believes the only way to protect her daughter is by leaving her in the safety of Cal, Katie’s husband.

Nine years later, Katie has gotten her life together. Though her struggles with OCD continue, she has learned to live with the illness and become a highly functional artist. Her new life leads her back to Raleigh where she thought she’d never return. In an amazing twist of fate, Katie encounters her past in the form of beautiful, ten-year-old Maisie.

Katie sees something familiar in Maisie’s mannerisms and apparent anxieties. Katie believes that her daughter is showing signs of OCD and knows she is the only one who can help her daughter. As the story progresses, we learn how Katie’s life was shaped and how she will help shape her daughter’s life. Each of the characters is created and developed beautifully. Maisie stole my heart and Katie is such an inspiration.

I have always enjoyed reading books with multiple POVs. It gives you a broader picture of each of the characters and helps understand why a decision is made and the consequences of those choices. There are after all, two sides to each story. This book now holds a very special place in my heart. I have lived with anxiety and intrusive thoughts my entire life and this book has given me hope. It has given me an understanding of what life can be if we take charge.

There are many forms of OCD and not one is less or more important than the next. OCD does not discriminate, it does not relent and at times it can be overwhelming. Mental Health treatment can be difficult to access as it has been for me for many years but there are a lot of ways to get help. If you or your loved one is struggling with OCD and anxiety, I ask for your patience. Be kind. Take the time to reach out, do research, staying informed is one of the greatest tools. Please visit the International OCD Foundation for more information.

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Review - My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

4 ✩✩✩✩

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” 

― Wendy Mass, The Candymakers

I was feeling a bit gloomy before I picked up this book. I was looking for a lift-me-up after a rough holiday season. Boy, did I find one! This was my second Sophie Kinsella read. The first was I’ve Got Your Number, which I read a couple of years ago and remember how much it made me laugh like a loon! This was exactly what I needed a few days ago. My Not So Perfect Life made me laugh so hard in the very first chapter and kept me in stitches throughout! Previous to this, I had been reading a lot of historical fiction which could very well have been the cause of my gloom, but I want to give this book the credit it deserves. It took me out of a slump and gave me the emotional lift I so desperately needed. 

The story follows Katie Brenner, a young country girl looking to make a life in London. She has a new job where she hopes to succeed and live the life she always dreamed of. Katie soon learns that ‘making it’ is more difficult than she expected. Her boss is a well known, high class woman who seems to have it all and is not very well liked by her employees. This is who Katie is hoping to become one day. 

I really enjoyed this book and the characters are hilarious! Katie has a tremendous heart and the love for her father is the sweetest thing ever! Characters are developed stupendously and I went from loathing one of the characters to feeling so bad for her! This is what I look for in a good book, the way a character changes right before your eyes!

If you are down and need a lift-me-up, this is the book you need to read. This was my second Kinsella book and I know it will not be the last. Now I know where to go if I need a laugh! Even with the comedy it contains, it also sends a message. Nobody has the perfect life even when it appears otherwise.


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ARC Review - The Coincidence Makers by Yoav Blum

3 ✩✩✩

“Life is a gift of God, of the God of Coincidence!” 

― Mehmet Murat Ildan

I had high hopes for this one. I really enjoyed the story but found there were many interruptions within the story. The plot is good and easy to follow with characters that were strong and likable. Character development was great with some but lacked growth with others.

One of the things this book was able to do was change my perspective on my daily life. I found myself wondering if what was going on in my life was part of the coincidence makers! If anything, this book has left me with a sense of calm about things that go on around me. I no longer get angry if a driver cuts me off or when I miss a green light!

At times it reads like a self help book with a lot of irrelevant information related to the story. No, it wasn’t a horrible read. Like I said, I really enjoyed it but wish it had less interruption. Other than that I think the story makes sense and left me wanting more. I would have given it 4 stars but it loses one for the numerous interruptions. 

ARC Review - How to Stop Time by Matt Haig

4 ✩✩✩✩



“Time is an illusion.” – Albert Einstein









How would you live your life if you could not age? We all wish we could live forever. Tom Hazard has been alive for centuries due to a rare condition. 

“Do not fall in love.” He was told. 

Through centuries Tom has been moving from town to town and has become tired of it. He moves back to London and becomes a history teach at a local high school. Because he has been alive so long he’s a perfect fit for the position as he can teach history by his memory, as he lived it. 

Throughout his life he has encountered a few historic people along the way. He performed with William Shakespeare, sailed the seas with Captain William Cook and had drinks with F. Scott Fitzgerald. He has also loved and lost. 

In London he meets a French teacher, Camille, at the school where he works. This awakens in him something that has been asleep for hundreds of years. He must find the courage to fight for what he wants instead of being told how to live his life. He belongs to a secret society which pretty much has told him how to live his life. He is in constant fear of the future. 

This book is a wonderful reminder of how NOT to live your life. Living forever is not as appealing as it sounds. It will move you and help you see that time is only a word, and that our past is as close as our present. 

I truly enjoyed this book and the characters are memorable. I was afraid that it would be a confusing intricate story due to the fact that Tom has lived so long.  It was an easy plot to follow and throughout the story, I wanted to know what would happen next. The way the story is told reminded me a lot of Forrest Gump, with a bit of The Time Machine, though there is no time travel here. 

I enjoy historical fiction and this book took me to periods I never visited before and left me wanting more.

A.R.C Review - The Amazing Adventures of Aaron Broom by A.E. Hotchner

3 ✩✩✩

I think I really enjoyed this book. There were a few lines that made me cringe (being the feminist that I am) but I understand that's the way things were back then. I enjoyed all the references to classic novels and authors. I thought Aaron Broom was a likable character. I was rooting for him from the beginning. I liked most of the characters he encounters in his adventures but thought the story moved a bit too quickly (I read this in one sitting). 

I am a big fan of historical fiction, with stories about the great depression being at the top of my list, which was why I requested this book. This reminded me a bit of one of my favorite books, No Promises in The Wind by Irene Hunt. It touches on the same struggles of the depression as well as kids finding ways to survive in this period. 

I am a glutton for punishment and want a book to make me cry! I want to sob and curse and cry some more. Though this book didn't have that effect on me, I think I liked it. It reads like a neat story you could possibly read with your kids. Maybe. 

Review - The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin Harmel

4 ✩✩✩✩

“If you believe very strongly in something, stand up and fight for it.” 
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

The thing I enjoy most about reading WWII historical fiction is that I get to enjoy many different perspectives of that time period written by different authors. The Room on Rue Amélie is another beautiful story of resilience and hope during the darkest times in history. 

The story begins in New York City in 1938 where Ruby Henderson is attending university. She meets a gentleman by the name of Marcel at a café and soon thereafter Ruby’s life has taken her to Paris where her husband is from. Ruby’s life changes when the war begins and she must take it upon herself to do something to help the cause. 

She meets Charlotte, a Jewish girl who lives with her parents across the hall from Ruby. Together Charlotte and Ruby attempt to make sense of the injustices of war and work together to make a difference in the war effort. This book had me in tears and filled me with hope. The characters are beautifully crafted and you will fall in live with them. You will cheer them on and cry with them and hope with them. As you read along you will want nothing more than a happy ending. 

If you read The Nightingale I think you will enjoy this one. It’s a story of love, hope, resilience and having the strength to be who you are and do what you are meant to do in life.

Review - Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

4 ✩✩✩✩

“The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts.” 
― Marcus Aurelius

I fell in love with John Green’s work after reading Looking for Alaska and I feel his work continues to get better and better! I had high expectations for Turtles All the Way Down and was not disappointed!

The story is set in Indianapolis where sixteen-year-old Aza lives with her mother. From the start we get a glimpse of into Aza’s head and learn that her thoughts are sometimes out of her control. When the news of the disappearance of millionaire Russell Pickett broke and a reward for information on his whereabouts was issued, Aza and her best friend, Daisy, decide they should be the ones to receive that reward. They believe they have the upper hand when they realize that an old childhood friend of Aza’s is in connected to the case. 

As the investigation continues, Aza finds herself lost in her thoughts and wishing to be normal.  Her compulsive thoughts are interfering with her daily life when all she wants to be is ‘normal.’ 

This book gives us a small glimpse of what it is like to live with mental illness. It hits close to home for me as I, too, have lived with mental illness and understand how difficult it is to function day to day. It gives us an understanding or at least an idea of the power of our thoughts.

Review - As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

5 ✩✩✩✩✩

"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." -Ferdinand Foch

My love for historical fiction continues to grow and As Bright ad Heaven has nurtured my soul! What an amazing story! This is a story about love and family. About choices, consequences and the amazing resilience of the human spirit. 

Set in 1918 Philadelphia during the Great War and The Spanish Flu pandemic which is believed to have claimed the lives of about 50 million people, worldwide.

After the death of her infant son, Henry, who was born with a heart defect, Pauline and Thomas Bright make a decision to move from the small town of Quakertown Pennsylvania to Philadelphia in hopes of giving their three daughters a better life. 

They arrive in Philadelphia with their daughters; Evelyn, Maggie, and Willa. The family moves into Thomas’ Uncle Fred’s home and begin anew. Soon they are faced with challenges that are greater than anyone ever imagined. Lives are changed in the chaos that was The Great War and the Flu pandemic. Choices will be made with great, life changing consequences. 

One of my favorite things in a book is to read the story though the eyes of each of the characters. The story is told in four different points of view which makes it that much easier to fall in love with each one of them. It contains a set of unforgettable characters with lives that change as the story progresses. They each grow, or are forced to grow in a world where hope seems to have been lost and replaced by despair and anguish. 

Life is made up of choices and each choice we make comes with a consequence, a cause and effect, if you will. Sometimes the consequences are revealed to us right away, while others might take longer, much longer to appear. Sometimes an entire lifetime. Some choices are small, like weather to have tea instead of coffee, buy a red car instead of the white. Some are life changing and this story is the perfect example of how life works in mysterious ways. 

If you enjoy historical fiction as much as I do, you will most definitely enjoy this one. It will have you in tears from start to finish and leave you with a wonderful and warm feeling in your heart.

Review - Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

5 ✩✩✩✩✩

“Hope can get you through anything.” ― Jamie Ford

I like a book to transport me to places I can only dream about (or read about). I want to be taken back in time to a period where war tests the human spirit. My fascination with WWII historical fiction has taken me on numerous adventures with each book I read. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet has taken me on an amazing journey.

The story is set in 1942 Seattle’s Chinatown and Japan Town. Henry Lee, a twelve year old Chinese American, attends an all white school where he is constantly tormented by bullies for being ‘different’. Henry is a quiet kid who keeps his head down and goes tough life seemingly unnoticed. At home, Henry is asked to only speak English even though both his parents only speak Cantonese, thus, creating a barrier on communication between Henry and his father.

The conflict in the Pacific has cause animosity between Chinese and Japanese living in the west coast. This causes Henry’s father to become obsessed with the war and his hatred toward Japanese people grows.

At school, Henry meets a Japanese girl named Keiko. She is about the same age as Henry and they immediately become best friends. This friendship causes Henry a great deal of anxiety and fear because he knows how much his father dislikes Japanese people.

As the story progresses, so does Henry and Keiko’s friendship. Together they try to make sense of the world around them. With FBI raids, evacuations, Jazz music and bullies, Henry and Keiko must find a way to maintain their friendship. This story is a beautiful reminded that love will always triumph. Hope is what keeps the human spirit alive.

With stunning detail and outstanding narrative, Jamie Ford’s debut novel is a must read.  In these uncertain times we’re currently living, it’s important to remember that things can only get better. They should! Henry’s story has given me hope. 

Review - The Last Suppers by Mandy Mikulencak

4 ✩✩✩✩

“Life becomes easier and more beautiful when we can see the good in other people.” ― Roy T. Bennett

I am very selective with my ARC requests. When I read the description on this one I immediately requested this book. I am a big fan of historical fiction and was very excited about this one. 

The story is set in the 1950’s Louisiana and follows the story of Ginny, a young woman working in the kitchen of Greenmount State Penitentiary. This book sucked me in from the very beginning and was difficult to put down. 

This book reminded me a lot of The Green Mile more so than The Help. At times Ginny is a bit impulsive which shows just how young she actually is and naïve. The characters are developed just right and the story keeps you guessing. 

I really enjoyed this read and recommend it. If you are a fan of The Green Mile, I know you will enjoy this one.

Review - The Tree House by Glenn Haybittle

4 ✩✩✩✩

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.” 
― Helen Keller

Lately I have been reading a lot of WWII historical fiction and every single book that I have read about that time period has been amazing. This one was no different. The story moves along quickly and touches on everything I enjoy reading about WWII. I am always intrigued by the stories, be it in fiction or otherwise.

This book follows the story of Max who shares his story and one of his best friend, Ada. He shares his story his grandson who is dealing with issues of his own. Max’s story of friendship, betrayal and redemption was very touching and the book left me wanting more.

I did find a few parts that were difficult to read but the rest of the book made up for it. If you like historical fiction I believe you will enjoy this one. 

Review - If You Could See What I See by Cathy Lamb

4 ✩✩✩✩

Another gem!

I fell in love with Cathy Lamb’s work when I read Henry’s Sisters. She has such a refreshing voice that I know I can count on when I need a story that can lift my spirits. If You Could See What I See did not let me down!

In a style that makes Cathy Lamb’s work so memorable, we follow the story of Meggie O'Rourke, a widow whose marriage was a complete disaster. After the death of her husband, she moves back home to Oregon to help revive her grandmother’s lingerie company. As usual, Cathy Lamb’s characters are quirky and unique. In this story you’ll meet Maggie’s -not so functional- family and fall in love with each one. 

This book hits close to home as I myself have struggled with mental illness and anxiety my whole life. This is one reason I enjoy Cathy’s books. They are realistic and touch on topics many of us can relate to. I have found that her books have a true message in them. I cried tears of joy and sorrow. I wanted Maggie to succeed and thrive and fall in love again. It is a wonderful book. I loved it!

Review - Winterbay Abbey by John Bladek, Davonna Juroe

4 ✩✩✩✩

“Now I know what a ghost is. Unfinished business, that's what.” ― Salman Rushdie, The Satanic Verses

I have a weakness for ghost stories and this one did not disappoint! I was hooked from the very beginning and unable to put it down. Will Larson is a strong, believable character and the story took me back to my younger years when my brother and I did a few paranormal investigations. I absolutely recommend this read. If you enjoyed The Woman in Black you will definitely enjoy this one. I do suggest you read this during the day!

Review - The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

5 ✩✩✩✩✩

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions. Assume nothing.

The vague synopsis is what caught my attention. I felt like it was challenging me to think, to wonder and make assumptions even though it clearly says not to. The unique description isn’t much to go on except it compels you to want to read the book.

The story is told in two different points of views. One by Vanessa Thompson, a broken ex-wife with not much will to live. The other by Nellie, a young Pre-School teacher who is making wedding plans.

For a while –as I read– I thought I had it all figured out. I am usually pretty good at figuring things out fairly quickly. I know where the story is and which way it might go. I am usually right. In this one, for example, I knew who the ex-wife was, who the new wife was going to be and why the book is titled The Wife Between Us. I thought I knew who the protagonist was and who the antagonist might be but I was wrong. There I was reading this predictable story when WHAM! A turn I was not at all prepared for. It was so sudden and unexpected I got whiplash! I was so wrong about this and happy to have been put back in my place.

The story captured me from the very first line and continued to grip me throughout. I was not sure who I was feeling sorry for and who was the character I wanted to hate. Slowly the story develops in a way that gives you hints and has you thinking how it all might end but you have no clue! Though the story moves slow, the book reads fairly quickly –if that makes sense.

Character development is fantastic and the theory I had at the beginning was completely erased. Toward the end, when you think you have it all figured out, another twist changes the way you read the entire story. There is no doubt this one will keep you guessing till the very end.