Review - Desperate by Daniel Palmer

Book Summary from Amazon

Gage Dekker still blames himself for the car accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and young son. Then he meets Anna, who understands grief all too well. Within a year, Gage and Anna are married, his career is thriving, and both feel ready to become parents once more.

After a heartbreaking miscarriage, they begin the long adoption process, until fate brings Lily into their lives. Young, pregnant, and homeless, Lily agrees to give her baby to Gage and Anna in exchange for financial support. It's the perfect arrangement for everyone. Seeing his wife's happiness and optimism for their new life and child, Gage begins to feel a sense of hope he thought he'd lost forever.

But something isn't right once Lily enters their lives. At work and at home, Gage is being sabotaged, first in subtle ways, then things take a more sinister turn. Every attempt he makes to uncover the truth only drives a wedge between him and Anna. Even as he's propelled toward an unthinkable choice to save his marriage and his job, Gage discovers that the most chilling revelations are still to come. . .

Published - April 2014

My Review - 2

I received this review request and pushed my way through it.  I have always said torturing yourself through a book is not worth it but I feel I have to complete review requests.  This was more family drama then a thriller, but it was sold as a Domestic Thriller. If you enjoy con artists stories it may be worth a try.  The writing was not the problem other than to much detail at times, but that is a detail and style I don't enjoy.  The book overall was unbelievable to me, the whole story.  I would have gave up initially at approx 25%.  Once I got 50% I skimmed the rest, reading all dialogue right until the end, I was desperate to finish after giving this book 2 weeks of my life.

I cannot believe someone loves anyone enough to be completely naive and dumb. I wasn't a Gone Girl fan either, maybe fans of that one will enjoy this.  Gage and Anna who are married and decide to adopt directly, they find Lily and start the process, which was the beginning of the end.  

I am going to accept some of the story line due to Gage grieving his loss of wife and child and using prescription drugs to live life, unknown to his new wife.  I was unable to suspend belief enough to enjoy this book.  I am shocked with the amazon 5 stars for this book, thrilling...... not at all.  If you try it and are enjoying the story you will enjoy how it comes together at the end.  

I appreciate all review requests and would like to thank Kaye Publicity, Inc.

What do you find harder - Not finishing a review requests or not enjoying them and having to give an honest review?

Both are hard for me.  Not finishing, I feel like I let the author and publisher down without real feedback.  Not enjoying them is the torture part for me.  I try to give honest feedback without being cruel and in this case he has already received many 5 stars.

What are you reading - some personal

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I am currently reading - I am finding it hard to get into this one but will stick to it as it is a review request.  More of a family drama than the thriller yet.

I am also reading - a personal one for me and so helpful already.

My ARC review - 5 stars - love Heather Gudenkauf

Some of you may remember......  My tenants officially moved out on Saturday, yaaaay.  We are waiting for our furniture, hoping to move in July.

I did a countdown post about inspiration for my bookshelf here.

ARC Review - Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

Book Summary from NetGalley

Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity—the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.

Release date - June 2014

My Review - 5

Heather Gudenkauf is a go to author when she releases a new book.  I loved her debut The Weight of Silence and loved this one just  as much.  Her writing style grabs you with a genuine embrace.  The emotional hold had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

There were two stories going on which started to intertwine and both took hold of me without competing but adding to the mystery and outcome of both.  One of the main things I enjoy about Heather G's books is I begin to love all the characters in some way, she makes you care and get completely engrossed with them and the story.  Sometimes when more then one story line is going on, I am involved with one not always caring for the other but with Ellen and Jenny each chapter rotating had me begging for more, this is a want to read in one sitting novel.

Ellen has three beautiful children with her husband and has a career as a social worker where she takes children away from their parents in order to protect them.  She deals with the tragedies of life that many of us hope never to have to.  Then her whole life stops when the tables are turned and she is dealing with the unknown to her, the life the abusers have put her victims through.

Jenny is a survivor of abuse, living with a loving but irresponsible dad.  She witnesses difficulty and ends up all alone after an 8 hour bus drive.  She meets Maudene who becomes her glimmer of hope, her Ma but as a survivor of abuse, she doesn't know who to trust and lies often without knowing there are still wonderful in the world to help.

This is a novel of compassion and love.  Heather Gudenkaur has a lyrical style that I find unique, beautiful writing.

Favourite Quote - please note ARC

Jenny also wanted to tell her father, but wasn't quite sure how to put it into words, that the very worst kind of hurt was the kind that wasn't there yet, but you knew was slowly creeping toward you.  Kindle at 11%

My Reviews of Heather Gudenkauf's other books

Little Lies

These Things Hidden 

The Weight of Silence 

Happy Monday - What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

It is Monday again but i'm going to be HAPPY :-)

How many of you love Pharrell's Happy song?  It is the addictive pick me up in my household.  It is currently getting me through the pre-Monday Blues hahaha

I'm currently reading - have you heard of Brian Freeman?  He is new to me but my Goodreads group, Good Thriller have highly recommended him.

I just finished and loved Little Mercies - review up on Wednesday

I reviewed Now You See Me - 4 star, my review

I also reviewed- 4 star I've Got Me Under Your Skin

A favourite 5 star Thriller from April, My Review

I hope everyone had a great weekend and Mothers Day

Review - Now You See Me by S. J. Bolton

Book Summary from Amazon

One night after interviewing a reluctant witness at a London apartment complex, Lacey Flint, a young detective constable, stumbles onto a woman brutally stabbed just moments before in the building’s darkened parking lot. Within twenty-four hours a reporter receives an anonymous letter that points out alarming similarities between the murder and Jack the Ripper’s first murder—a letter that calls out Lacey by name. If it’s real, and they have a killer bent on re-creating London’s bloody past, history shows they have just five days until the next attempt.

No one believes the connections are anything more than a sadistic killer’s game, not even Lacey, whom the killer seems to be taunting specifically. However, as they investigate the details of the case start reminding her more and more of a part of her past she’d rather keep hidden. And the only way to do that is to catch the killer herself.

Published - June 2011

My Review - 4 

This is my first S. J. Bolton and definitely won't be my last, she has a masterful imagination which gives her the edge of being a successful unique author in the Thriller genre.  Now You See Me reminded me of so many favourite books and authors - Bone Collector would be the most similar including an amazing psychological thriller spin.

DI Lacey Flint becomes directly involved as a woman stumbles into her bloody and dies in her hands within seconds.  She is unable to officially be a part of the investigation as she is now involved, possibly even an accomplice.  Then the letter comes in calling Lacey by name. The why, when, where investigation starts and the similarity to the Jack the Ripper murders.  I enjoyed the history of Jack the Ripper which made me want to read about it but I do think it was a bit overboard.  The murders were set in London and with perfect distinction, S. J. Bolton helped the reader to picture and have a great feel for London while continuing the dark mystery.

What was amazing was at half way, they caught the murderer, or so they thought, the book was brilliant but now it became interesting and highly entertaining, edge of your seat, blow your mind brilliance.  S. J. Bolton was now showing her talent, love the imagination and story line she takes you on.

Lacey Flints obsession with Jack the Ripper help her to share knowledge with the investigators. With every murder, lots of bloodshed they feel closer to figuring it out but also become obsessed which is all part of the game, they completely fell for it. 'An early fascination with serial killers,' I replied... I'd been intrigued by violent crime and its perpetrators for as long as I could remember...  'Sadistic, psychopathic predators specifically.'  There was one Detective that had Lacey has the murderer or accomplice, she did have a dark secret but was she withholding critical information, it did seem like the case was all about her.

There was a lot going on in this book, I enjoyed it for the most part and it helped with numerous twists but I just didn't like Lacey, she did not fit the expected Police Officer mold.  This was dealt with though but can't say I bought it, if she was older yes, but she is young and system should have been better than it was.

The ending, oh my, brilliant, even though you have some figured it, this is a Thriller you will never be able to have it all right as S. J. Bolton will take you on a mind blowing journey.  A great book hangover at the end as it was intricate, complicated and will have you reading into the night.

Can you recommend what book to read for Jack the Ripper crimes please?

Review - I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark

Book Summary from Amazon

When Laurie Moran's husband was brutally murdered, only three-year-old Timmy saw the face of his father's killer.  Five years later his piercing blue eyes still haunt Timmy's dreams.  Laurie is haunted by more - the killer's threat to her son as he fled the scene:  "Tell your mother she's next, then it's your turn..."

Now Laurie is dealing with murder again, this time as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show.  The series will launch with the twenty-year-old unsolved murder of Betsy Powell.  Betsy, a socialite, was found suffocated in her bed after a gala celebrating the graduation of her daughter and three friends.  The sensational murder was news nationwide.  Reopening the case in its lavish setting and with the cooperation of the surviving guests that night, Laurie is sure to have a hit on her hands.  But when the estranged friends begin filming, it becomes clear each is hiding secrets... small and large.

And a pair of blue eyes is watching events unfold, too....

Published - April 2014

My Review - 4

I love Mary Higgins Clark, her books turned me into a Mystery lover, so I am a fan for life.  As I was reading this one it reminded me of another book, Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot's Christmas, which I highly recommend.

A daughters mother is murdered during a Graduate Gala for her and four friends.  They live for 20 years as suspects as the murder was not solved.  All coming together to clear their name.

Laurie, a TV producer has an idea to do a reality show, Unsolved Crimes and bring everyone together to reenact parts of the weekend.  All of them had reasons to dislike the mother, Betsy, and were hiding secrets that can pinpoint them as the murderer but was have to figure out who.

I was able to figure out the murderer, it was fun to be right but I do prefer to be surprised.

There was an underlying mystery also going on.  Laurie's husband was murdered in front of their 3 year old boy and he remembered him as "Blue Eyes killed my dad".  Blue Eyes told the child your mom is next and then you.  They lived in fear and Blue Eyes has decided to use the reality show filming as his next strike on the family.

I enjoyed this one, not as intricate as others and details repeated but the last 30% I was on the edge of my seat and read late into the night for the ending.  I love the games and blackmailing going on with the genuine hate instead of grieving, this made the story entertaining.

Monday - Work but want to Read

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I have had a really good year of reading so far and have realised I want to be reading instead of working, HA, what a dream, I have 20+ years of work life left, sigh.  I do love my job and career but it is so stressful right now I wish I could have a break without going back to it waiting for me, again what a dream :-)

On to books

I am currently reading and enjoying

I reviewed but wasn't impressed - my review 3 star

I also reviewed and loved this one - review 5 star 

 I am staying with the Thriller streak and will read this next

Hope you have an amazing week.

Review - Defending Jacob by William Landy

Book Summary from Amazon

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney for two decades. He is respected. Admired in the courtroom. Happy at home with the loves of his life, his wife, Laurie, and teenage son, Jacob.

Then Andy’s quiet suburb is stunned by a shocking crime: a young boy stabbed to death in a leafy park. And an even greater shock: The accused is Andy’s own son—shy, awkward, mysterious Jacob.

Andy believes in Jacob’s innocence. Any parent would. But the pressure mounts. Damning evidence. Doubt. A faltering marriage. The neighbors’ contempt. A murder trial that threatens to obliterate Andy’s family.

It is the ultimate test for any parent: How far would you go to protect your child? It is a test of devotion. A test of how well a parent can know a child. For Andy Barber, a man with an iron will and a dark secret, it is a test of guilt and innocence in the deepest sense.

How far would you go?

Published - January 2012

My Review - 3 

I am disappointed I went with the hype, ugggh.  This was on many bloggers Top Ten Lists when it came out and I have had it on my Wishlist for 2 years.  I finally downloaded, thankfully on special.  I do not enjoy thrillers that manipulate the reader, it is a pet peeve of mine.

First, I considered putting it down the first 30% of the book, I just couldn't get engaged, the characters did nothing for me and it was in Boston which I love but nothing about Boston, it could have been anywhere and I couldn't figure out where it was leading the reader.  Bloggers recommended to read on, well it did improve in Part 2, finally which is why I will bump up to 3 1/2 stars, it was sitting at 2 for a long time.

Jacob has been charged with murder and we follow his court journey with his parents Andy and Laurie.  Andy was the DA but put on administrative leave throughout the case.  I found Andy's actions throughout to be ludicrous and illegal, he felt he was in control but he was completely out of control with inappropriate actions.  I never understood Laurie, I don't think her character was developed or in line with what the author wanted us to believe.  The Psychiatrist feedback was interesting but went no where, the idea of the 'murder gene' could have been interesting as part of the case.  The grandfather was intriguing but played a small part in relation to the family history. Did Jacob inherit a tendency to violence?

Overall this book was far to long.  It was repetitive in areas and left to many questions for the reader. If there is detail the reader expects answers or the question is why go into that amount of detail. As a parent I understand believing in your child, supporting and doing all that you can but not once did they ask Jacob did you do it, completely bogus or did they choose to have their head in the sand.  It could have been slightly edgy waiting for the jury's decision since we talked about inaccuracies of the law etc but then the novel goes in a different direction, it felt like a sell out to me at the end.

I thought the ending was just ok, not a shocker to me, I can see many loving or hating it actually.  I may just have been happier that I completed the novel and it was over.  I wish I had decided to give up on it actually, not one I would recommend to fans of Thrillers.

Quote

"the act does not create guilt unless the mind is also guilty."  Kindle 30%

We swear that we can take any abuse, beat any challenge.  No test is too great.  Anything for our kids.  But no one is bulletproof, parents least of all.  Our kids make us vulnerable.  Kindle 65%

Monday - What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

Did you have good weather for Good Friday?  Any traditions?  In Bermuda, we are celebrate and have the day off, it was gorgeous weather and we went to the beach, it was a lovely day.

I am still reading Defending Jacob, it has improved

I reviewed and loved - J. T. Ellison is a go to author now - my review

I have no idea what to read next, unsure what genre, do I stay in my Mystery zone or go eclectic, decisions decisions.......

Have a great week

Review - When Shadows Fall by J.T. Ellison

Book Summary

Dear Dr. Owens,

If you are reading this letter, I am dead and I would be most grateful if you could solve my murder… 

Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed. 

When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. 

The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a twenty-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.

My Review - 5

Released - March 1, 2014

JT Ellison just keeps getting better as an author, I have officially added her to my must read author when new books are released.  A few years ago one of her books intrigued me but was a series so I started from the beginning, well this was a let down.  I was so glad a publicist reached out to me and I tried another later in the same series and it was great. I have now read 5 and was only let down with that first book, loved that I gave her another chance.   

This thriller had it all with consistent intensity, you just can't wait to get to the end to have all the puzzle pieces and put it together.  I loved how JT allowed the readers to go on the journey with the Detectives, this is my favourite style, we get the clues when they do and it allows us to be our own Detective. 

Sam, a Medical Examiner, was a character from the series I read so it was nice to go down memory lane with her.  I didn't realise this was the 3rd in her own Samantha Owen series, how did I miss two sigh, will catch up on those for sure.  

Sam receives a letter from a dead man asking her to do his autopsy and investigate his death.  He leaves enough clues in the letter to help, brilliant from all sides. The main story is about a cult and the layering of toxic onion peel by peel was shocking and unbelievable.  Money can really make people that power hunger and evil.

This was an amazing unputdownable thriller, it had me waking up to read more, so good.  You can read this one as a stand alone but I think I may have enjoyed more understanding the undercurrent relationships from the last series.  I highly recommend you try J.T. Ellision, forensics, suspense, character development, touch of romance and they way it comes together is her strength. 

Quotes I loved

"What would your good do if evil didn't exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared?" - Mikhail Bulgakov

I received this copy from NetGalley.

It's Monday - I'm Reading and Wondering

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I am currently reading - I am finding it a bit difficult to get engaged so far and wondering why, this is my genre of choosing....

Reviewed Prequel, looking forward to Little Mercies, Heather Gudenkauf is a great author.

I also reviewed - loved it - 5 star

I watched The Book Thief and Catching Fire - I think book adaptations are improving, what do you think, I loved them both. And I haven't read the books.  I have had Book Thief on my TBR list for a few years and I wasn't a fan of Hunger Games  but enjoyed the movie, but Catching Fire made me say maybe I should read it also.  I am wondering if this is the way to go, I used to always read a book first but if to long on TBR list I wonder if it will help with getting to the book sooner........

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

Review and WoW - Heather Gudenkauf, Little Lies and Little Mercies

Publication Release date - July 1, 2014

Book Summary

In her latest ripped-from-the-headlines tour de force, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf shows how one small mistake can have life-altering consequences…

Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity—the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.

Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.
A powerful and emotionally charged tale about motherhood and justice, Little Mercies is a searing portrait of the tenuous grasp we have on the things we love the most, and of the ties that unexpectedly bring us together.

Summary

In this riveting prequel novella to her novel Little Mercies, New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf explores how even the smallest lies can have far-reaching consequences.

When the body of a woman is discovered in a local park—with her bewildered four-year-old son sitting beside her—veteran social worker Ellen Moore is called in to assist in the police investigation. Positioned beneath a statue of Leto, the goddess of motherhood, the crime is weighted with meaning and, Ellen discovers, remarkably similar to one from a decade past.

Ellen's professional duty is to protect the child, but she's not equipped to contend with a killer. As she races to connect the dots, she knows her time is running out. And the stakes are high: if she fails, another mother is sure to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Publication release - May 1, 2014

My Review - 4 1/2 

This is the prequel of Little Mercies which will be released July 1, 2014

We meet a social worker, Ellen, which gets involved in murder cases where children are present, in this case a possible witness.  I enjoyed the character of Ellen and look forward to more of her in Little Mercies.  Her priority is for the little ones without forgetting the important information needed for an investigation, she has integrity which I appreciated and enjoyed.

This novella had it all, enough to get to know the characters, a murder, investigation and an outcome, sweet brilliance.  Heather Gudenkauf didn't use the multiple voice style she usually does, which I love, but I am hoping she brings that back with Little Mercies.  I have enjoyed her books and think she has a sweet tone when dealing with crime or mysterious stories.

I received this from NetGalley - thank you

I highly recommend reading Heather Gudenkauf.

My other reviews by her:

The Weight of Silence 5 my favourite by her so far
These Things Hidden 3 1/2

She has also wrote One Breath Away

It's Monday - Where did March go....

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading and loving

Book Summary

Dear Dr. Owens,

If you are reading this letter, I am dead and I would be most grateful if you could solve my murder… 

Forensic pathologist Dr. Samantha Owens thought life was finally returning to normal after she suffered a terrible personal loss. Settling into her new job at Georgetown University, the illusion is shattered when she receives a disturbing letter from a dead man imploring her to solve his murder. There's only one catch. Timothy Savage's death was so obviously the suicide of a demented individual that the case has been closed. 

When Sam learns Savage left a will requesting she autopsy his body, she feels compelled to look into the case. Sam's own postmortem discovers clear signs that Savage was indeed murdered. And she finds DNA from a kidnapped child whose remains were recovered years earlier. 

The investigation takes Sam into the shadows of a twenty-year-old mystery that must be solved to determine what really happened to Timothy Savage. Nothing about the case makes sense but it is clear someone is unwilling to let anyone, especially Samantha Owens, discover the truth.

I reviewed Four Friends, just lovely, my review - 4 1/2

I also finally reviewed this one - 3

I am a mood reader, but right now I am considering reading this.

Can you believe March is over and Spring, it is a laugh, our global weather is crazy.

Review - Four Friends by Robyn Carr

Book Summary

Robyn Carr comes the story of four friends determined to find their stride. Ultimately, they'll discover what it means to be a wife, mother, lover, friend…and most important: your true self.

Gerri can't decide what's more devastating: learning her rock-solid marriage has big cracks, or the anger she feels as she tries to repair them. Always the anchor for friends and her three angst-ridden teenagers, it's time to look carefully at herself. The journey is more than revealing—it's transforming.

Andy doesn't have a great track record with men, and she's come to believe that a lasting love is out of reach. When she finds herself attracted to her down-to-earth contractor—a man without any of the qualities that usually appeal to her—she questions everything she thought she wanted in life.

Sonja's lifelong pursuit of balance is shattered when her husband declares he's through with her New Age nonsense and walks out. There's no herbal tonic or cleansing ritual that can restore her serenity—or her sanity.


Miraculously, it's BJ, the reserved newcomer to Mill Valley, who steps into their circle and changes everything. The woman with dark secrets opens up to her neighbors, and together they get each other back on track, stronger as individuals and unfaltering as friends.



My Review 4 1/2


This was a great friendship story, highly recommend if you have a book club of close friends or want a reminder to appreciate the friends you have.  I enjoyed each character and following their lives, they all had a special voice, all very different which we made it easy to follow.  Robyn Carr's writing style reminded me of a favourite author, Kristin Hannah.  This wasn't emotionally painful, just genuine female heartache with family, career and friend life. I didn't identify with any but would have been friends with them.

Sonja made me laugh the most.  She had an emotional break which I hate to say had me laughing and crying in buckets, she seriously had a meltdown but it was the funniest scenes to me.  Before she had the meltdown I was laughing saying 'she is hot mess, totally a nut'.  The thing is her friends thought this also, but it was why they loved her, it was sad to see her break but I loved how Robyn dealt with her husband, friends and the new Sonja's outlook on it, brilliant.

One thing about love and life I have found is that it is never as perfect as it may seem and you should just enjoy the moments.  The emotional wrecks the friends had to deal with, mainly marriage problems was real and most had the rug pulled from under them issues.  The story made me say enjoy life, each moment and to face the uncomfortable conversations as they may save your marriage and happiness.

Being a parent is highly overrated to me, lol, there is no damn handbook that can ever help you with the crap that you have to face but we have to learn how to do it with love.  I appreciated all the avenues Robyn Carr took to reveal the journey the women faced. Parenting, spousal commitments, adultery, abandonment, gay marriage and children, destructive behaviour and overall decisions in order not to lose yourself throughout the madness of life.

The best part was this book is for the women in their 30's pushing 40, I loved to read about women my age, the reality was more genuine and realistic to me.  I have also been really blessed with my friendships.  Two friends have been in my life since nursery school and we all go 38 this year, our friendship continues to grow, very fortunate.

I was surprised I was asked to review this as I usually go for the mystery, gory crime books but it was perfect timing, my mood called for this and I loved it.  My first introduction to Robyn Carr, I will definitely read her books again.



A favourite quote

....grandmother used to say, 'Your kids don't belong to you - they're only on loan for you to raise.  They have their own lives, their own destinies.  So you better get out of the way.'  Kindle at 70%


Can you recommend any women's fiction novels with over 30 or 40 year old women?