Review of Once More We Saw Stars by Jayson Greene

“Your memory feels like home to me.

So whenever my mind wanders, 
it always finds it’s way back to you.” 

― Ranata Suzuki

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My Review

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Once More We Saw Stars 

by 

Jayson Greene

First off I want to say I rarely read memoirs. If ever.  Being an avid reader and passionate about books I know that a book should never be judged by its cover. Well, this changed for me with this one because the first thing that attracted me to this book was the gorgeous cover.  Once I read the blurb I immediately recalled this story which was covered by Inside Edition. I immediately decided I wanted to read it, months before its release. I had it marked on my pub-lendar (yes my very own calendar kept solely for book publications).  I knew this book would give me major feels and wanted to read it slow as to not cause my heart any pain. My plan went out the window the night it was delivered to my kindle.

This is the most beautiful book I have read maybe in my entire life. Certainly, the fact that this is a memoir contributes to this because this is a real, heartbreaking event.

The tears came on the very first page. Stacy and Jayson's pain was immediately felt and my heart broke for them. I read this book in one sitting one night and I do recommend to read this in a quiet place because you will be in tears 80% of the time. I wanted to wait a few days to write my review because the amount of sorrow I felt was too much.

One word I can use to describe Jason Greene’s narrative and voice will be brave. It takes strength and courage to write about the tragic death of a beautiful child. Other than that, I can’t think of any words that can help me describe Jayson and Stacy’s painful journey.

Greta Greene was only two years old when she was killed. She was sitting with her grandmother on a bench outside a building when a lose windowsill brick fell on her, rendering her unconscious.  What follows is a series of events that will forever change the lives of Stacy and Jayson Greene.  They will take us along on a journey of unimaginable grief and despair. Jayson gives us an opportunity to grieve with them as they cope with their overwhelming loss.  I felt completely helpless as I read this book and wanted so much to somehow reach out to the Greene’s and give them a big hug.

Jayson shares with us his memories of Greta and gives an amazing opportunity of gifting us a glimpse of who she was, her personality, her fears and what made her laugh.  What happens when your life has been forever altered in an unimaginable way? Jayson shows us just what it is like, the struggle to survive in a world which no longer makes sense to you. Jayson and Stacy’s journey has been long and painful and I thank them from allowing me to tag along and see how much Greta is loved as her memory continues to live on. 

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Review: The Night Before by Wendy Walker

⭐⭐⭐⭐

“There's nothing stupid about wanting to be loved. Believe me.”
― Nina LaCour, Everything Leads to You

The Night Before

Wendy Walker

The last few pages of this one were a lot more intense than I predicted. What a crazy, twisty read this was! I love a good thriller, especially when I it has me thinking I’ve got it all figured out only to throw me off the path completely. 

This is a story of an emotionally broken woman who is looking for a man who is willing to love her even when she believes she’s unlovable. All her life, Laura Lochner has looked for love in the wrong places and has decided it’s time for a change. She decides to look for love using a dating website. Her fear of finding the wrong man is constantly in her mind but knows she will one day find the one. 

Her decision to meet up with Jonathan Fields, a man she men online, will trigger a series of events which make this book extremely difficult to put down. When Laura doesn’t return home, her sister Rosie begins to worry about what might have happened. Do to Laura’s past; Rosie begins to feel concern not only for Laura but for the man named Jonathan Fields. 

A fast paced read with some great twists. Excellent.

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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

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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 - 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 - After Anna by Lisa Scottoline

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” 
― Mark Twain

I was granted this ARC by NeGalley and St. Martin’s Press. One of the things I enjoy most about a thriller is that it is exactly what it says it is. After Anna is undoubtedly a thriller packed with unrelenting suspense. This was my first Lisa Scottoline and now I know it will not be my last. I requested this Advanced Readers Copy because the blurb intrigued me. I was expecting a slow paced, family drama with a bit of suspense and I was pleasantly surprised it provided more than I expected.

The story is set in Philadelphia and is follows Maggie, a happily married to Dr. Noah Alderman and a step-mother to ten-year-old, Caleb.  Maggie lost custody of her infant daughter Anna who is now seventeen. Wanting to reconnect with her mother, Anna moves to Philadelphia. While Maggie and Anna attempt to bond, Noah feels something isn’t right about Anna. This causes friction in their marriage and lies begin to unravel. When Anna is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Noah becomes a prime suspect.

The story is told in two different points of view showing the before and the after Anna. Noah must prove his innocence as he is on trial for the murder of his step-daughter.

As the story progresses you don’t know what to believe. The pace of the book is unbelievably fast and does not let go! The last few pages were so intense I was biting my nails and my heart was going crazy! It is such a refreshing and unique story that makes this a very difficult book to put down. You will be sucked in from the first page and will leave you feeling like you just ran a marathon!

Review - The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko by Scott Stambach

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My ability is greater than my disability.” 

― Nikki Rowe

This was a difficult one. One of those books that leave you with an uneasy feeling. I think it’s the fact that I felt helpless throughout the book. I wanted to be able to help these characters and all I could do was read about them. Imagine one of your close friends is suffering and you want to say the right words but you can’t find your voice? That’s what it feels like. 

The book is set in Belarus, Russia and follows the story of Ivan Isaenko. A life-long resident at the Mazyr Hospital for Gravely Ill Children. For reasons unknown, Ivan was born deformed but possesses quite an intellect. He learns about life by reading books and is perhaps the only one who knows more about other patients’ conditions than most doctors at the hospital.

His wit and kind heart have earned him the kindness of Nurse Natalya who has been the only maternal figure that Ivan has ever known. Most of the residents at the hospital do not have the ability to comprehend their surroundings mush less carry a conversation, thus leaving Ivan with no real social life. This changes when Polina, a new patient, takes up residency at the hospital. At first Ivan feels challenged as this new patient possesses all of her senses and body parts awaking in Ivan an immense curiosity toward Polina. 

This story broke my heart into a million pieces and had me hoping for a good ending. The characters are strong and the development of each was a beauty to read. It made me laugh and cry and left me with this uneasy feeling I mentioned before. Don’t get me wrong, this feeling of uneasiness has a positive side. The fact that I wanted so much to help these characters shows what a wonderful job Scott Stambach had done in creating such a powerful story.  If you are a fan of Katherine Dunn’s Geek Love then I guarantee you will love this one. 


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Review - The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

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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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ARC Review - Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭑

“The secret to humor is surprise.”  

― Aristotle

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I was eager to read this one after reading My Not So Perfect Life, and was ecstatic when NetGalley and Random House granted my request for this ARC! As of right now, Sophie Kinsella has become my go-to author when I need a pick-me-up. Surprise Me has a bit of everything and was exactly what I have come to expect from this author. 

The book gets your attention from the very first page and it holds on to you with a relentless grip all the way though. The story follows Sylvie and her husband Dan who are happily married with two beautiful five-year-old twin girls. When faced with the reality of just how long their marriage might last, Sylvie wants to create fun ways to spice up their marriage. She comes up with an ingenious idea and creates Project Surprise Me. Reluctantly, Dan agrees to give her idea a try and this is when we are taken on an amazing ride! 

What starts out as innocent fun soon turns into a fiasco. Small surprises turn into unbelievable ones and Sophie Kinsella has managed to keep the reader engaged. When you begin to feel the emotions, the anxieties, hopes and pains of the characters then you know the writing is on another level. This book made me laugh, think, cry and cheer from start to finish. 

One of the things I enjoy about Kinsella’s writing is her creation of realistic and relatable characters. The way she develops each character is outstanding. I truly enjoy a book that allows the characters to grow and change, become better and find themselves.

As I mentioned above, this book has a bit of everything. There will be moments when you will laugh until you cry then suddenly the story takes a turn and breaks your heart. You will ride a roller-coaster of emotions that will leave you wanting more. 


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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 Museum of Us by Tara Wilson Redd

4 ✩✩✩✩

“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” 
― Elbert Hubbard

NetGalley granted me this ARC. I am very selective when it comes to requesting ARCs and I’m so glad I requested this one. This is one of the best debut novels I’ve read in quite some time. It surprised me how quick it sucked me in. I was hooked from the start and continued to keep my attention until the very last page. 

I was able to relate to Sadie and found it refreshing to find such memorable characters. Each one was developed in a way that made me angry and happy and feel a dozen other emotions! The story was easy to follow with really good lesson in it. I definitely recommend it! 

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.

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.