Today, I am sharing three new books to put on your radar. A spicy rom-com, a father gone missing, and an Air B&B host with a snooping problem are all on tap today. Grab those reading glasses and a cozy blanket, and let’s get reading.
Tess rents out her deceased sister’s room in her house to help make ends meet. She may appear to be the hostess with the mostess, but she truly is not She has a bad habit of snooping through her tenant’s personal belongings. When she begins reading Arran’s (her latest guest) diary, she is intrigued by his entries and discovers shocking similarities between her and this mysterious woman he continues to write about. As Aaran’s diary entries become darker, Tess begins to wonder who this guy is and how long he is planning to stay. Sylva’s book is a twisted tale that weaves in and out of London’s gloomy streets. Her main character, Tess, drove me crazy with her unreliability, but the constant stalking, slow-burn mystery, and questionable villain kept me entertained until the end. Solid debut!
I was a huge fan of Solomon’s The Ex Talk, and her latest was just as tremendous. So when Chandler takes a job ghostwriting a memoir for C-list actor, Finn Walsh, things get very interesting. Think one-night-stand gone wrong, clumsy sex, followed by some very steamy lessons in chemistry. Solomon’s main characters are absolutely worth cheering for. Their relationship is wildly quirky and refreshingly raw. I loved how their vulnerability bled through the pages. Solomon shined her light not only on a lovable Jewish heroine and hero but on the everyday struggles of living with anxiety and OCD. My favorite part of all is that this heartfelt and hilarious story embodies healthy and wicked fun sex in the best possible way! Cheers to Solomon for another winning tale!
Angie Kim’s newest book centers around a biracial Korean-American family who are confronted with the unimaginable. Everything changes when Adam goes missing while hiking with his son, who has disabilities. There is NO WAY this dad would ever abandon Eugene in the woods when he is not only non-verbal but unable to care for himself alone. So what on Earth happened? Kim’s story sucked me in immediately. What follows is a character-driven mystery that slowly builds as you turn each page. Kim’s attention to detail is impeccable. Being a mom myself brought many feelings to the surface during a lot of the scenes. I love how she blended family crises, disabilities, and untethered emotions seamlessly together. As the mystery progresses, Kim brings enormous awareness to the rare genetic disorder called Angelman disorder. As someone who has worked in the field of non-verbal communication and Autism Spectrum Disorders, I found Kim’s writing absolutely fascinating. While this read captured my attention right out of the gate, it did move slowly in the middle. However, the pace gained speed again towards the end, leaving me to ponder the ending.
*Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC receives a variety of advance reader copies of books from publishers and authors throughout the year in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
Happy June! Boy, time is flying by so fast, and summer is FINALLY within our grasp! I am excited to share a handful of books today, perfect for the “spring-into-summer” transition. Rich people misbehaving, friendships and a few funerals, the ultimate small-town gay wedding, and something to really get your heart rate up! Go snag yourself a copy of one of these books and GET YOUR READ ON!
xoxo,
Kelly
Click on the book pic to purchase!
I love every book Steven Rowley has written. THE CELEBRANTS was no different. Once again, Rowley’s writing is a dreamy concoction of heart and humor with a splash of GenX that, in my opinion, can not be matched. Yes, this extraordinary tale had me blotting my damp eyes on MANY pages, but most importantly, it reminded me to live my life fully and to love my people fiercely. Cheers to Steven, “The Scale of Courtneys,” and ALL the Karen Carpenter songs.
Publisher’s Synopsis: “It’s been a minute–or five years–since Jordan Vargas last saw his college friends, and twenty-eight years since their graduation when their adult lives officially began. Now Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle find themselves at the brink of a new decade, with all the responsibilities of adulthood, yet no closer to having their lives figured out. Though not for a lack of trying. Over the years, they’ve reunited in Big Sur to honor a decades-old pact to throw each other living “funerals,” celebrations to remind themselves that life is worth living–that their lives mean something to one another if not to themselves. But this reunion is different. They’re not gathered as they were to bolster Marielle as her marriage crumbled, to lift Naomi after her parents died, or to intervene when Craig pleaded guilty to art fraud. This time, Jordan is sitting on a secret that will upend their pact. A deeply honest tribute to the growing pains of selfhood and the people who keep us going, coupled with Steven Rowley’s signature humor and heart, The Celebrants is a moving tale about the false invincibility of youth and the beautiful ways in which friendship helps us celebrate our lives, even amid the deepest challenges of living.”
Click on the book pic to purchase!
Oh My Gosh…BIG GAY WEDDING is my first Byron Lane book. I will be fixing this situation ASAP by grabbing A STAR IS BORED. His new novel has it ALL—A swoony male couple, a small town family farm filled with a motley crew of well-loved animals that had me at “Elaine,” and an INCREDIBLE cast of characters that won me over. Lane’s tale follows Barnet and his hope to marry the man of his dreams at his family’s farm. This is an honest tale of a mom holding on to tarnished beliefs (Hello, Catholic Guilt & dead husband). Lane did a phenomenal job capturing the tender yet wobbly relationship between Barnet and Chrissy. Yes, Chrissy grapples with her son being gay, but ultimately, she is a mama who doesn’t want to lose her baby boy to anyone. This is the greatest “romance” and “family” to root for. Lane’s storytelling bubbles over with hope and a profound sense of joy that truly made me smile. And let’s face it…How FABULOUS is a BIG GAY WEDDING?
Publisher’s Synopsis: “Two grooms. One mother of a problem. Barnett Durang has a secret. No, not THAT secret. His widowed mother has long known he’s gay. The secret is Barnett is getting married. At his mother’s farm. In their small Louisiana town. She just doesn’t know it yet. It’ll be an intimate affair. Just two hundred or so of the most fabulous folks Barnett is shipping in from the “heathen coasts,” as Mom likes to call them, turning her quiet rescue farm for misfit animals into a most unlikely wedding venue. But there are forces, both within this modern new family and in the town itself, that really don’t want to see this handsome couple march down the aisle. It’ll be the biggest, gayest event in the town’s history if they can pull it off, and after a glitter-filled week, nothing will ever be the same.”
Click on the book pic to purchase.
T.J. Newman’s sophomore novel DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Her latest flight tale is Big Screen reading with this BLOCKBUSTER, action-packed story. A plane goes down and sinks into the ocean with passengers still alive. Will they be rescued before they run out of oxygen 😬? High octane page turning GEM! Your adrenaline will be OOC with this one!
Publisher’s Synopsis: “Six minutes after takeoff, Flight 1421 crashes into the Pacific Ocean. During the evacuation, an engine explodes and the plane is flooded. Those still alive are forced to close the doors–but it’s too late. The plane sinks to the bottom with twelve passengers trapped inside. More than two hundred feet below the surface, engineer Will Kent and his eleven-year-old daughter Shannon are waist-deep in water and fighting for their lives. Their only chance at survival is an elite rescue team on the surface led by professional diver Chris Kent–Shannon’s mother and Will’s soon-to-be ex-wife–who must work together with Will to find a way to save their daughter and rescue the passengers from the sealed airplane, which is now teetering on the edge of an undersea cliff. There’s not much time. There’s even less air. With devastating emotional power and heart-stopping suspense, Drowning is an unforgettable thriller about a family’s desperate fight to save themselves and the people trapped with them–against impossible odds.”
Click on the book pic to purchase!
Laura’s book is the ultimate guide to all friendships. She takes a deep dive into all the different kinds of friends we have in our lives and how each one not only has a special place in our hearts but fulfills a role like none other. Whether you have many or a few friends or are searching for more friendships, Laura’s book is for you. It is wonderful on audio as well—read by the author herself.
Publisher’s Synopsis: “You’d love to have a “ride or die” posse like you see on social media, but instead, you have a host of really good . . . acquaintances. After all, trying to find a soul friend in the midst of dirty dishes, deadlines, and, oh, a crazy busy life can be overwhelming. But what if developing great friendships was actually easier than we thought? And what if finding a “soul friend” wasn’t necessarily our highest goal?
In The Life Council, Laura Tremaine–the writer and podcaster behind 10 Things to Tell You–tells us what we’ve been hoping was true all along: making, keeping, and even releasing friends doesn’t need to be as hard as we make it. This fun and practical guide gives you what you need to:
Create your own “life council” with the friends you already have
Understand the ten kinds of friends every woman needs–and how to find them
Learn how to evaluate your friendship circle for what’s working and what might need to change
Navigate tough conversations with friends
Get excited again about the possibility of new friendships
The Life Council will give every woman the help she needs to think about friendships in a new way and find true connection, freedom, and joy in her relationships.”
Click on the book pic to purchase.
This backlist beauty is a wicked fun tale combining a mom trying to find friends and fit in and rich people behaving badly. Needy and obnoxious characters, a small town setting, and a dead body…so much fun. Easy-peasy read that moves fast and is wildly entertaining.
Publisher’s Synopsis: “The Hunting Wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behavior in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder. Sophie O’Neill left behind an envy-inspiring career and the stressful, competitive life of big-city Chicago to settle down with her husband and young son in a small Texas town. It seems like the perfect life with a beautiful home in an idyllic rural community. But Sophie soon realizes that life is now too quiet, and she’s feeling bored and restless. Then she meets Margot Banks, an alluring socialite who is part of an elite clique secretly known as the Hunting Wives. Sophie finds herself completely drawn to Margot and swept into her mysterious world of late-night target practice and dangerous partying. As Sophie’s curiosity gives way to full-blown obsession, she slips farther away from the safety of her family and deeper into this nest of vipers. When the body of a teenage girl is discovered in the woods where the Hunting Wives meet, Sophie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and her life spiraling out of control.”
*Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC receives a variety of advance reader copies of books from publishers and authors throughout the year in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
April Showers Bring May Flowers…but first, let’s talk about my March reading life. Four debut novels, tons of audiobooks, a favorite author, and some backlist beauties paired with a cozy cup of tea filled all my bookworm needs. Here are some of the books I read and where I landed with each of them.
Whether you read one or 21 books this March, I hope you feel delighted with all the words you consumed!
xoxo,
Kelly
George’s debut novel, Maame,absolutely stole my heart, and the audio version was fantastic. Maddie is a character that I want to hug through the pages of the book. This delayed coming-of-age story lived up to the hype and gave me all the feels.
SYNOPSIS:
“It’s fair to say that Maddie’s life in London is far from rewarding. With a mother who spends most of her time in Ghana (yet still somehow manages to be overbearing), Maddie is the primary caretaker for her father, who suffers from advanced-stage Parkinson’s. At work, her boss is a nightmare, and Maddie is tired of always being the only Black person in every meeting. When her mum returns from her latest trip to Ghana, Maddie leaps at the chance to get out of the family home and finally start living. A self-acknowledged late bloomer, she’s ready to experience some important “firsts” She finds a flatshare, says yes to after-work drinks, pushes for more recognition in her career, and throws herself into the bewildering world of internet dating. But it’s not long before tragedy strikes, forcing Maddie to face the true nature of her unconventional family and the perils–and rewards–of putting her heart on the line.”
Here is the deal, Appiah’s debut novel will land differently with each reader—heavy themes relating to motherhood, marriage, and expectations in life are deeply explored. She did an exemplary job exposing the darker side of parenting by not sugarcoating Efe or Sam’s emotional journey. Be prepared to have profound conversations about this story.
SYNOPSIS:
“On a Spring afternoon in London, Sam hops the stairs of his flat two at a time. There’s £1,300 missing from his and his wife, Efe’s, shared bank account, and his calls are going straight to voicemail. When he finally reaches someone, he learns Efe is nearly 5,000 miles away as their toddler looks around and asks, “Where’s Mummy?” When Efe and Sam met as teens headed for university, it seemed everyone knew they were meant to be. Efe, newly arrived in the UK from Ghana and sinking under the weight of her parent’s expectations, found comfort in the focused and idealistic Sam. He was stable, working toward a law career, and had an unwavering vision for their future. A vision Efe, now a decade later, finds slightly insufferable. From the outside, they’re the picture-perfect couple everyone imagined, but there are cracks in the frame. When Efe and Sam are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, they find themselves on opposing sides. Fatherhood is everything he has dreamed of, but Efe feels stuck in a nightmare. And when a new revelation emerges, they are forced to confront just how radically different they want their lives to be. Already swallowed by the demands of motherhood and feeling the dreams she had slipping away once again, Efe disappears.”
Hello, filthy rich people. Bea is on a mission to marry for MONEY and have it all. Being a con artist is in her blood, so lying and scheming is as simple as an obnoxious air kiss with people you despise. I LOVED this debut. It was juicy and entertaining and the perfect distraction from the busyness of life.
SYNOPSIS:
“Like any enterprising woman, Bea knows what she’s worth and is determined to get all she deserves–it just so happens that what she deserves is to marry rich. Filthy rich. After years of forced instruction by her mother in the art of swindling men, a now-solo Bea wants nothing more than to close and lock the door on their sordid partnership so she can disappear safely into old-money domesticity, sealing the final phase of her escape. When Bea chooses her ultimate target in the fully loaded, thoroughly dull, and blue-blooded Collin Case, she’s ready to deploy all of her tricks one last time. The challenge isn’t getting the ring but rather the approval of Collin’s family and everyone else in their 1 percent tax bracket, particularly his childhood best friend, Gale Wallace-Leicester. Going toe-to-toe with Gale isn’t a threat to an expert like Bea, but what begins as an amusing cat-and-mouse game quickly develops into a dangerous pursuit of the grisly truth. Finding herself at a literal life-and-death crossroads with everything on the line, Bea must finally decide who she really wants to be. Like mother, like daughter?”
Another debut filled with grandiose living and the ins and out of being rich. Pineapple Street was delightful to listen to on audio. If you are in the mood to bop around inside someone’s head a meander around their life in gorgeous Brooklyn—this one is for you.
SYNOPSIS:
“A deliciously funny, sharply observed debut of family, love, and class, this zeitgeisty novel follows three women in one wealthy Brooklyn clan Darley, the eldest daughter in the well-connected old-money Stockton family, followed her heart, trading her job and her inheritance for motherhood but giving up far too much in the process; Sasha, a middle-class New England girl, has married into the Brooklyn Heights family, and finds herself cast as the arriviste outsider; and Georgiana, the baby of the family, has fallen in love with someone she can’t have, and must decide what kind of person she wants to be.”
None Shall Sleep was our #DEARBASICBUDDYREADS March selection. I am calling this Silence of the Lambs “light”—perfect for the YA reader in your life. I enjoyed this one on audio!
SYNOPSIS:
“In 1982, two teenagers–serial killer survivor Emma Lewis and US Marshal candidate Travis Bell–are recruited by the FBI to interview convicted juvenile killers and provide insight and advice on cold cases. From the start, Emma and Travis develop a quick friendship, gaining information from juvenile murderers that even the FBI can’t crack. But when the team is called in to give advice on an active case–a serial killer who exclusively hunts teenagers–things begin to unravel. Working against the clock, they must turn to one of the country’s most notorious incarcerated murderers for help: teenage sociopath Simon Gutmunsson. Despite Travis’s objections, Emma becomes the conduit between Simon and the FBI team. But while Simon seems to be giving them the information they need to save lives, he’s an expert manipulator playing a very long game…and he has his sights set on Emma.”
Laura Cathcart Robbins’ memoir, 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘩: 𝘔𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, is her unimaginable story of addiction and journey to sobriety. Page by page, she details what her daily struggles with Ambien and alcohol looked like back in the day. This book BLEW MY MIND! Incredible on audio!
SYNOPSIS
“After years of hiding her addiction from everyone–from stockpiling pills in her Louboutins to elaborately scheduling withdrawals between PTA meetings, baby showers, and tennis matches–Laura Cathcart Robbins settles into a complicated purgatory. She learns the hard way that privilege doesn’t protect you from pain. Facing divorce, the possibility of a grueling custody battle, and internalized racism, Robbins wonders just how much more she can take. Now, with courage and candid openness, she reveals how she managed to begin the long journey towards sobriety and unexpectedly finding new love. Robbins harrowingly illustrates taking down the wall she built around herself brick by brick and what it means to be Black in a startingly white world.”
Alexis and Logan stole my heart. They both truly came into their own as their stories unfolded. Their fake dating, political dilemmas, and personal baggage make them so much more than a hot politician running for governor and a small-town school librarian. EEEEKKKK…LOVED THIS! Out May 9th!
SYNOPSIS:
“As a shy school librarian, Alexis Stone is comfortable keeping out of the spotlight. But when she’s dumped for being too meek–in bed!–she decides she needs to change. And what better way to kick-start her new, more adventurous life than with her first one-night stand? Enter Logan, the gorgeous, foul-mouthed stranger she meets at a hotel bar. Audacious and filterless, Logan is Alexis’s opposite–and boy, do opposites attract! Just as she’s about to fulfill her hookup wish, the hotel catches fire in a freak lightning storm. In their rush to escape, Logan is discovered carrying her into the street, where people are waiting with cameras. Cameras Logan promptly–and shockingly–flees. Alexis is bewildered until suddenly, pictures of her and Logan escaping the fire are all over the internet. Turns out Logan is none other than Logan Arthur, the hotshot candidate challenging the Texas governor’s seat. The salacious scandal is poised to sink his career–and jeopardize Alexis’s job–until a solution is proposed: he and Alexis could pretend to be in a relationship until election day…in two months. What could possibly go wrong?”
WOW! Charlotte Perkins Gilman was the original feminist. If the history of mental health pertaining to women fascinates you—this is a must-read. The intense imagery blew me away, and Gilman captured her protagonist spiraling into “madness” with an eerieness that I just can’t shake. Freaking brilliant!
SYNOPSIS:
“The Yellow Wallpaper is regarded as an important early work of American feminist literature, illustrating attitudes in the nineteenth century toward women’s physical and mental health. The story also has been classified as Gothic fiction and horror fiction. The story is written as a collection of first-person journal entries written by a woman whose physician husband has confined her to the upstairs bedroom of a house that he has rented for the summer. She is forbidden from working and has to hide her journal entries from him so that she can recuperate from what he calls a “temporary nervous depression-a slight hysterical tendency,” a diagnosis common to women in that period.
Her husband controls her access to the rest of the house. In the end, she imagines that there are women creeping around behind the patterns of the wallpaper and comes to believe that she is one of them. She locks herself in the room, now the only place where she feels safe, refusing to leave when the summer rental is up.”
This story was wonderful. I loved Jimenez’s leading characters, Alexis and Daniel. They had plenty of chemistry, lots of steam, and developed backstories that added to their “relationship.” Jimenez always manages to write great love stories that have an extra layer of drama and difficult subject matters. This time around, she brought attention to domestic abuse. She did a fantastic job incorporating a heavy topic in a gentle and sensitive manner. The cherry on top was not only a happy ending but a baby goat in PJs! Another winner from this auto-buy author of mine!
SYNOPSIS:
“After a wild bet, a gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddling with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come–the complete opposite of sophisticated city girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable. While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And with every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people. Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him, either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?”
I threw in some personal development this month. Dr. Hyman has been around for quite some time now and he is the guru on clean and wholesome eating. Despite it being very repetitive, I took away some new tips and ideas for my own health and wellness.
SYNOPSIS:
“The key to losing weight and keeping it off is maintaining low insulin levels. Based on Dr. Hyman’s groundbreaking Blood Sugar Solution program, The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet presents strategies for reducing insulin levels and producing fast and sustained weight loss. Dr. Hyman explains how to: activate your natural ability to burn fat — especially belly fat; reduce inflammation; reprogram your metabolism; shut off your fat-storing genes; de-bug your digestive system; create effortless appetite control; and soothe the stress to shed the pounds. With practical tools designed to achieve optimum wellness, including meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists, as well as step-by-step, easy-to-follow advice on green living, supplements, medication, exercise, and more, The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet is the fastest way to lose weight, prevent disease, and feel your best.”
*I received some of today’s books as advance reader copies from the author/publishers in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead (Graydon House) Pub Day~May 9, 2023
March 7, 2023
Hi Book Lovers!
Today I am jumping ahead and sharing one of my FAVORITE author’s upcoming novel. Ashley Winstead, author of In My Dream I Hold A Knife, Fool Me Once, and The Last Housewife has a brand new romance novel coming out May 9th called The Boyfriend Candidate, and I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.
The Boyfriend Candidate is a “spin-off” to Winstead’s debut romance novel, Fool Me Once, and it did not disappoint. I LOVED Fool Me Once, so reading about Alexis Stone was such a treat. First things first, The Boyfriend Candidate can be read as a stand alone novel with ease. However, Winstead’s previous love birds (Lee & Ben) are the cherry on top! They make more than a few cameo appearances, and references to their “love story” are peppered throughout. If you haven’t read their story it is OK. It simply is an IYKYK situation, which made me feel pretty cool.
Winstead is back at it blending a classic romance trope with a touch of Texas politics. It is so evident in her writing that she herself is a lover of books and words. She adds in with purpose two things I am passionate about…, a teacher’s room romance book club and standing up for banned books, Let’s not forget a few music mentions like Wreckless Eric’s song, Whole Wide World, and of course, Amarillo By Morning…a nod to all the cowboys and maybe even the 4-H kiddos (Logan). You need to read the book for that part to make sense. She is so great at effortlessly bringing awareness to hot topics while at the same time teasing readers with an off the chart romance!
Alexis and Logan stole my heart. The both truly came into their own as their stories unfolded. Their fake dating, political dilemmas, and personal baggage make them so much more than a hot politician running for Governor and a small town school librarian. I loved how Winstead kept their “fake” relationship piping hot with conflict and a whole lot of sexual tension. She created a significant amount of “anticipated steam” that kept the pages turning and turning all day long until I reach the end …SWOON!. I was DYING for these two to pull-it-together and just get together!!!! .
The Boyfriend Candidate is a must read this spring! I am hoping there is a third book in this Texas romance world Winstead created and…I even have bets on who it will be about!!!!
Be sure to pre-order this gem down below and check out my thoughts on ALL of Winstead’s books RIGHT HERE!
xoxo,
Kelly
Click on the book pic to Pre-order
*I received an advance reader of this book from the author/publishers in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are 100% my own. If I don’t like it…I don’t share it!
*Book links provided in today’s post are affiliate links. Dear Mr. Hemingway makes a tiny commission through books purchased in our storefront. Even better, 20% of purchases made through the Dear Mr. Hemingway storefront go towards an independent bookstore. Thank you so much for all of your support!
Love is in the air, and it feels like Valentine’s Day… in the beginning of May. Because of this, I have to share with you the most sprightly and heartwarming book. It Had To Be You by Georgia Clark has all the “feels” and I literally can’t stop smiling. Love almighty love is the theme here, and Clark delivers a five star tale blending a sprinkle of Modern Love with a dollop of Love Actually. This twenty-first century romantic comedy is a ray of sunshine and I can’t wait for the world to read it.
Liv and Eliot Goldenhorn have been married for decades. Their New York wedding planning company, In Love in New York is THE place to go for the ultimate wedding experience. One night, Liv finds out that her husband had a heart attack while away, and died. Soon after, Liv discovers that not only did her husband/business partner die, but that he left his half of the company to his GIRLFRIEND, Savannah (excellent time for your jaw to drop). Why on Earth is he trying to bring these two women together after his death?
Now that you have the backdrop of the story, let me continue with what happens next. Liv is baffled when Savannah moves to New York to take on her “half “of the wedding business, and so begins their unexpected journey as business owners and women trying to discover love after loss. To enrich this story further, Clark brings in a cast of characters with their own unique love challenges that all link back to Liv, Savannah and In Love In New York.
It Had To Be You is a must read for anyone looking for love,hope and a happily ever after. LGBTQ themes, diversity, and romance were lovingly woven together to showcase the power of love. Clark magically melded together an incredible ensemble of characters that offered a different point of view for each new chapter. The five storylines were distinct in their own quirky way and I was completely obsessed with each and every one of them. As a woman in my 40’s, I personally relished reading about Clark’s characters my age and even older. It is so refreshing to see more mature women and men in romance books. This writer truly knows how to tap into the human heart and I look forward to more books written by her.
It Had To Be You is a treasure that belongs on everyone’s bookshelf. It is a well needed hug after a long day kind of book and I can’t encourage you enough to read and savor this all inclusive love story.
Love and Happiness My Friend!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Georgia Clark shared her own happily ever after in Brides Magazine. Check it out Right Here!
“But she has no time for these dangerous thoughts-she had a scheme to enact, a dowager marchioness to thwart, and a marquess to make miserable. In short, she was busy. Busy ladies had no time to dwell on kisses.”
April 6, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Do regency romance novels ring a bell? If I remember correctly, this sub genre was brought to your attention by author Lauren Layne when she wrote to you about her favorite comfort read back in February of 2020. I have to admit, it has been awhile since I have sunk my teeth into one of these juicy romances set in the early nineteenth century, but after Bridgerton took the world by storm on Netflix this past winter, regency romances are back on center stage. To Love and To Loathe by Martha Waters is out today and its flirty, fresh and everything in between. An easy-peasy lemon-squeezy read is the best way to kick off spring in my opinion and Water’s latest historical rom-com will have you smiling from ear to ear.
“She did not wish for much in life-a comfortable house, an extensive wardrobe, and a plentiful supply of paint and canvas were all she really asked for. But the sensation of winning a wager against Willingham? Yes, she would admit to wanting that rather badly.”
Welcome to high society where the widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are center stage. These two “friends” turn an argument at a ball into a full on wager. Diana will turn over one hundred pounds if “playboy” Jeremy marries within the year. Shortly after, Jeremy brings another proposal to Diana. He recently received a harsh review of his bedroom skills from his last mistress. He asks Diana to embark in a brief dalliance with him at his house party at Elderwild, his country estate. During this affair, Diana can offer him some “constructive” criticism of his intimate most moves, while providing him with a much needed confidence boost. In addition, word will get out that Diana, the independent widow, is open to more interludes herself. What sounds like a win win situation becomes more complicated as the banter, flirtation and romping intensifies. As Jeremy’s competence in the bedroom becomes oh so promising and Diana’s desire for independence dwindles, the two of them must decide how to proceed when the house party fun comes to an end.
“Jeremy was a man of simple pleasures: a glass of brandy, a hard ride on a horse, a good round of boxing at Gentleman Jackson’s, a tumble with a willing woman. None of these occupations provided him with expertise that he generally had much cause to call upon, but in that moment, he knew one thing with the utmost certainty: that moan had not been one of pain, but of pleasure.”
Here is my take. To Love and To Loathe is an opulent tale that is sparkly and bright. Who doesn’t love a fiery kiss against a ginormous tree with a gorgeous man who just dismounted his sweaty horse. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand…mine is way up high. I am talking callous hands cupping your face, a few nibbles on your neck, hair askew, dress ruffled in all the right places, and panting from the sheer thrill of getting caught….you get my drift. Place this scenario in the early 1800s on a grassy estate with nosy maids lingering around every corner and a few two a.m. booty calls (very classy mind you), and you have the key ingredients to a regency romance.
Water’s story has a gorgeous atmosphere bubbling over with schemes and desire. One thing I adored was how forward thinking the women in her book were during this male dominated time. Waters weaved in contemporary themes of love, relationships and independence in a vivacious way. Instead of keeping her innermost thoughts and desires stifled out of ear of polite society, her female protagonist expressed them using a paintbrush on canvas and in the bedroom with her “Misteress”, Jeremy. I absolutely love the evolving relationship between Diana and Jeremy. Their constant wordplay with one another and coy foreplay left me short of breath. The plot was straightforward, but the main characters’ pasts and individual hankering for intimacy and love kept me not only intrigued, but highly entertained. To Love and to Loathe is a quick and chucklesome read that is heartfelt and down right a blast. I hope this book brings you as much joy as it brought me.
Happy reading dear friend.
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. To Love and to Loathe is book #2 in The Regency Vows series. Book one is called To Have and To Hoax. I did not read the first book in this series, but will happily tell you that book #2 works perfectly well as a stand alone. I of course am running to get the first book posthaste!!!
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren (Gallery Books) May 18, 2021
March 25, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Do you believe in soulmates? Love at first sight, fate brought you together, undeniable chemistry? Having had four wives (at different times) clearly something was amiss for you. Am I right or am I right? What if you, Hadley, Pauline, Martha and Mary all had the opportunity to take a DNA test that would tell you just how compatible you were together? Now that I have your attention, I will politely keep my guesses to myself and chat more about this concept of using people’s DNA to create the perfect match. I’ve talked to you before about my love for the author duo Christina Lauren. Well guess what…they are back and taking matchmaking to a whole new level in their latest creation, The Soulmate Equation. Only Lauren can take on DNA and statistics and make it heartfelt and sexy. Let’s take a look and see what’s going on, shall we?
Jess Davis is our leading lady in The Soulmate Equation. She is a single mom who busts her tail as a statistician trying to make ends meet for her and her seven year old daughter. Even though Jess is single, she is not sure if she is ready to mingle quite yet. Her best friend convinces her to take a DNA test put out by the new buzz-worthy matchmaking company, GeneticAlly. Jess is skeptical about this company that basically uses DNA from its participants to create the perfect match. When the results come back, Jess quickly learns she scored a 98% compatibility rate with her match, which is almost unheard of. Here is the kicker, her match is none other than the founder of the company, Dr. River Pena. Because Jess is completely pessimistic and disbelieving of this match, GeneticAlly calls her into their office to make her a proposition. The company offers to pay her to get to know River and be photographed with him at events to help promote the success of their match and GeneticAlly as a whole. The money is of course great, so Jess temporarily puts her worries aside and takes the plunge getting to know River. As the two of them embark on this new journey together, unexpected feelings occur leaving Jess in the most unique situation.
Let me first start by saying that Christina Lauren always delivers a timely tale of love and romance. They truly never run out of new and fresh ways to bring people together. This dynamic writing pair upped the game for modern day dating with an innovative concept of using DNA to find your ultimate soulmate. Lauren mixed in messy families, slightly older protagonists and a few unexpected twists to keep this contemporary romance vibrant and unique. Let’s not forget the sizzle between Jess and River that had me teetering in my seat. The Soulmate Equation is the perfect afternoon delight! This bright and shiny new tale will have you smiling from ear to ear!
Enjoy Sweet Friend!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Be sure to check out what I had to say about Christina Lauren’s book, In a Holidaze!
Click on the book pic to pre-order this spring treat!
I love my long letters to you recounting my journey with a new crew of characters in their real or fictional worlds. Sometimes though, I am frothing over with so much literary goodness that I simply must gush about more than one book to you. Because I am forever a mood reader, I require a variety of reading options at my fingertips at all times. Whether it’s a literary drama, a light an airy romance, or a thriller gone wild, my state of mind always dictates to me my next read. Here are a handful of book recommendations to kickstart your weekend.
Happy Reading my friend!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Your bouquet of books awaits you down below. Arrange these books into your literary lifestyle any way you like. Click on the book pics to purchase or read the full synopsis.
I adored this romance. I did a combination of reading and listening to Daria’s story and both options were quick and delicious. The storyline was definitely a little predictable, but still tons of fun, worth the read and a wonderful pick me up. I loved the characters and the plot was wicked entertaining. Who doesn’t love the world of acting? There was a slow build to the “steamy” scenes making the last 1/3 of the book HOT! I enjoyed the Puerto Rican culture, and the Spanish speaking parts and accents on audio…were fabulous! This was a feel good, put a smile on your face kind of read.
Verity by Colleen Hoover (Independently Published)
Buckle up friends this is an absolute WILD RIDE. This has been the most hyped book I have read in quite sometime, and guess what…….It lived up to every juicy and disturbing detail. If you adore psychological thrillers that are mentally unsettling then this book will WOW you. Not only is the writing quick and captivating, Hoover pretty much nailed a five star ending in my opinion! Absolutely brilliant!
A multi-generational Irish family, laugh out loud dialogue and dysfunctional characters you just can’t help but love fill the pages of Hardiman’s debut novel. From an aging grandmother, to an unfulfilled father, to a teen lost in her own way, Good Eggs takes on the trials and tribulations of family life…one character at a time. Hardiman’s heart felt story is peppered with humor that could be construed as inappropriate, but to me was hilarious and on point. I personally enjoy this approach to writing, especially when talking about sensitive topics such as aging, teenage life and infidelity. Good Eggs moved along at a steady pace offering me an equal distribution of comedic relief and tender moments. The ending was a bit over the top, but never the less brought a big smile to my face. I think this story would be incredible as a TV series. Move over Schitt’s Creek…Good Eggs is coming to town. This book comes out on March 2, 2021. Pre-order or reserve it from your local library now!!!
The love between two Black and enslaved men in the deep south is enough to grab most readers’ attention. Pair that with a beautiful and heart wrenching story filled with prose that will literally hypnotize you, and you’ve got yourself an extraordinary read. The Prophets is by no means a fast read. Jones’ writing is lyrical and oftentimes reads like a poem. It is one that you consume at a pace that allows time to sit with your heightened senses and experience Samual and Isaiah’s journey, one page at a time.
Radio co-hosts who pretended to have dated in order to share their “fake” past on their award winning show is the premise of The Ex Talk. Another feel good romance for the win with this bright and shiny new release. Enemies to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes, and Shay and Dominic had me yearning for a “romantic” connection right from the start. This was a slow burn romance with great energy that evens gets a little naughty in the bedroom during the second half of the book. So much fun and perfect to read if you need a little boost to your day.
“Rain taps on the window, and baby, I don’t want to go. I’d been living my life a lost boy, but in your arms, I’m home.”
February 11, 2021
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Love is in the air…can you feel it? Just a few days away is Valentine’s Day, also my wedding anniversary ❤️❤️❤️. Chocolate dipped strawberries🍓, Champagne🍾, and conversational hearts💗 will definitely put you in the mood to spend time with the one you love this Holiday. But, if you are anything like me, a sweet romance novel filled with love is an essential part of my heart filled day. Because of this, I am sharing the most charming book to set the tone for a feel good, make you feel giddy with love weekend. Melissa Grace’s magical debut novel, Home is Where You Are encompasses all things fabulous. The Nashville music scene, a bakery (oh how I love a story with a bakery in it) and a couple to root for will have you smiling from ear to ear this Valentine’s Day. Even better, if you have the KINDLEapp or an actual KINDLE, you can download this beauty immediately for less than the cost of a latte! Can you say WIN? Let’s take a peek at your next read!
“Now that I knew what it felt like to hold her in my arms, I never wanted to stop. My lips ached to touch hers.”
After Olivia Sinclair’s (Liv) husband leaves her, dreams of having a vibrant music career fade away. Newly divorced and in her late thirties, Liv manages to find happiness running her successful bakery and hanging with her close friends and her beloved cat. One evening, Liv’s best friend Ella insists she goes with her to see Midnight in Dallas in concert and attend the backstage event they had special tickets for. Liv reluctantly goes and is pleasantly surprised when she meets Jaxon (Jax) Slade, the twenty-something year old lead singer of the band. Sparks FLY between Liv and this much younger man and before they know it, a close friendship develops with a side of potential fireworks. As their relationship deepens, we learn more about their pasts and what they both truly need to feel fulfilled in life. While Liv tussles with the scars from her past marriage and the age difference between her and her new man, Jax has his own baggage to sort through, while at the same time falling deeper in love with Liv. Can these two love birds find peace and happiness from within and with each other?
So here is the scoop. Home is Where You Are is a simple tale seasoned with the perfect amount of drama and finesse. I was invested in this story right out of the gate. Grace’s writing had me up late at night reading because I just had to know where Liv and Jax’s relationship was going. I really appreciated how Grace gently hit on a few sensitive topics such as grief, loss, drugs and fertility, while at the same time delivering a swoon worthy romance that also offered a dash of comedic relief. One question I often get when recommending a romance read is… how “steamy” is the writing? Grace offers her readers heartfelt conversations and intimate glances sealed with a tender kiss or two. For good measure she may have thrown in some washboard abs, but I am digressing! Even with the “bedroom door closed”, the passion is very much alive between the pages of this book.
“Before I could finish my sentence, he ripped his shirt over his head, and I stood face to face with a very gorgeous, very shirtless, Jax. His chest was smooth, a perfect crease leading down his center, dividing an impressive six pack that narrowed in a V at the waistline of his jeans. His entire body glistened, damp with the rain that soaked through his shirt.”
With baking, songwriting and a crew of characters I would love to have dinner with, Home is Where You Are will fill your Valentine’s Day Weekend with love, joy and smiles. Enjoy!
Much love to you my friend!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. If you adore this book as much as I do, rumor has it… the author is working on a sequel 🤫🤫🤫!!!!!
Happy New Year! We made it to 2021! Let‘s face it, 2020 was an absolute doozy! I personally had a difficult time focusing on reading and was in a perpetual state of ruffled feathers. This year, quality over quantity was the name of the game and I found myself way more picky with my book selections. If a book didn’t reel me in from page one or work with whatever my current mood was on that day (or hour 😂😂), I tossed it. Definitely a bit harsh for me, but I truly needed books that distracted me from my distractions and took me somewhere outside of my quarantined mind. Here are my Top 10 Books Of 2020 in random order! Whether I laughed out loud or was completely moved, each one of these books spoke to me in a unique way! Click on the book pictures for their full synopsis or to purchase from your local bookstore. Here we go….
His & Hers by Alice Feeney (Flatiron) ~ This book was sooooo good! I could not put this down. I listened to this on audio and the narration was incredible. This was the ultimate suspense/thriller. Click here to read my past review.
Admission by Julie Buxbaum (Delacorte Press) ~ Can you say, juicy tale? I really enjoyed this behind the scene look at what it takes to get into college and how far families will go to ensure their kids receive the creme de la creme education. Buxbaum explored issues of wealth, race, white privilege and more in her latest book. Though this is a work of fiction, it was inspired by the recent admission scandal this past year. I love how the teenager’s point of view is so prevalent in this story. Admission is an eye-opening read that will have you glued to your seat. It is the perfect book club pick. Discussions galore will come out of it.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle (The Dial Press) ~ This book was hands down, the equivalent to a perfect cup of tea! I am a huge Glennon fan and her book was the breath of fresh air I needed this year. Click here to read my past review.
Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey (Crown Publishing) ~ Such a fun read. Though Matthew’s life is most definitely different than mine, I strangely found comfort and could even relate to some of his words. I love how green lights, yellow lights, and even red lights are all opportunities to halt what you are doing or move ahead. It is like the universe is talking to us. Maybe some things do happen for a reason. Nevertheless, I got quite a few laughs from this charmer. Wait until you read about all of his “dreams”!!
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (William Morrow)~ Why all the fuss about this book???? In short, it is the story of a fifteen year old girl and her relationship with her 42 year old HIgh School teacher. It is a book that shines light on things that are strenuous to acknowledge. It is a book that is easier to just not read. It is a book that had my mind twisted every which way. It is a book that never left me, even when my reading time was through. It is a book that made me feel terribly uncomfortable yet completely captivated. It is a book that made my stomach turn and my mind wander. It is a book filled with power. It is a book that is so beautifully written, my heart ached.
The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare (Dutton)~ I do not think this book has a star rating less than 5+. Adunni absolutely stole my heart. I rooted for her with all my heart and soul throughout her journey. Dare’s book was powerful and complete perfection! If you have not read this yet, make it happen ASAP. You will have no regrets.
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby (Flatiron)~ I am so glad I squeezed this book in before 2020 ended. WOW……this was awesome! Robberies, car chases, drugs and family drama….this book was a 100 mph ride that kept my beating heart in business. Cosby’s writing was colorful, sharp and seriously captivating. Enjoy this high speed read!!
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez (Forever Publishing)~ Oh La La. Sloan and Jason…need I say more. This was the super fun and steamy read I needed this 2020. I loved Jimenez’s last book The Friend Zone, and her follow up was equally as fabulous! Be prepared to swoon. Consider yourself warned!
Master Class by Christina Dalcher (Berkley) ~ I am obsessed with this book. Dalcher’s contemporary dystopian tale incorporates contentious issues from the past and present into a fictional world where the unimaginable may not be far from the truth. This was a 5 star read for me. Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood will be all over this one. Click here for my past review.
The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry (Simon &Schuster) ~ Take it from me, The Roxy Letters is the PERFECT book to slip in your bag when heading to the beach (or pool, or lake, or front porch). With so many uncertainties in the world, why not escape for a few hours with some much needed laughter and a story that just makes you feel great. I spent so much of my time reading this book giggling, while my cheeks turned uber pink. With a heart of gold and a thirst for all things good, Roxy is one to root for. Click here for my past review.
Well my friend, that is a wrap! Look out for all my bookish love coming your way this 2021. Until next time…
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Click here to read my last post in December. If you love a good domestic suspense novel, I have got you covered.
