Review: The Violets of March by Sarah Jio

Publisher: Plume

Released: 2011

Source: Personal Copy

Rating: 5/5

Fun fact: I opened Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio on my ereader and somehow the ebook was skipped all the way to the back and when I sat down to read, I had no idea I was reading a preview for The Violets of March. When I finished the preview, figured out what happened, I immediately when to Kobo to purchase the ebook. I had to continue the story. I was hooked. I needed more.

The story opens with Emily in the process of ending her marriage after learning that her husband has left her for another woman. Readers immediately feel for Emily and we start the journey with her to rebuild her life. Emily is an uninspired, bestselling author living off royalty checks. As much as she wants to write, nothing good is put to paper. Her best friend, Annabelle convinces her to get away, and Emily decides to visit her Aunt Bee who she use to visit as a child during the summer. Emily returns to Bainbridge Island after many years away. The close relationship with her aunt is very apparent and  admirable. When Emily discovers a red velvet diary, she’s not sure if she should tell Bee. She’s not sure who wrote the contents, but it’s dated 1943. This diary leads Emily on a wild goose chase, and her own family history is dug up. Family secrets are not always welcomed by everyone once they are uncovered.

I truly enjoyed Emily as a character. She’s stuck, her husband has left and her career doesn’t seem to be moving forward. How can you miss a man who left you for another woman? Emily does, and it’s hard to move on. Bee is a fabulous older lady, and her storyline is great. This is a story about forgiveness. Love doesn’t always conquer all. We are humans, we are faulty, we can be stubborn. Secrets do surface and family secrets can be hurtful. The dual storyline kept me glued to the pages. I highly recommend this one. Now, on to Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio...

Review: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

Publisher: Putnam/ Amy Einhorn

Released: 2013

Pages: 416

Source: Personal Copy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

In The Husband’s Secret three women: Cecelia, Rachel and Tess are at a crossroads in their life. Cecelia finds a letter that her husband has addressed to her in the event that he passes away before her.  The letter doesn’t really bother her until she mentions it to her husband and he becomes very defensive that she should not read it. His actions immediately change and Cecelia is wondering what could he possibly have wrote that would make him act this way. Rachel is living with the fact that her teenage daughter was murdered many years ago, and her murdered was never found. Her son is now a father himself, and he announces that his family is moving far away. Rachel is disappointed that she’ll have no one around. Tess has to come to terms with her husband ‘falling in love’ with her best friend and cousin. She packs up and goes to her mother’s while she tries to sort out what happened in her marriage. How did she get blindsided with this?

Review:

The Husband’s Secret was a great read. I loved the three story line, I cared about each woman. Normally when I read stories with multiple story line, I tend to enjoy one more than the others but this wasn't the case. I thoroughly enjoyed each one. Cecelia has the perfect home, and family but everything comes tumbling down when her husband reveals his secret. Her burden is deep, and she doesn't know how to react or move on. The secret was nothing that I expected, and it made the book that much more fascinating.  Rachel’s is dealing with the anniversary of her daughter’s death and new suspicions about who could have killed her daughter. Tess meets Rachel and Cecelia when she enrolls her son in a new school, and begins to learn more about who they are. Tess struggles with her son asking about his father, and deciding what is the best for him.

I thought The Husband’s Wife started a little slow, but once the secret was revealed, I was glued to the pages. I couldn't wait to see if it would be revealed to everyone or how Moriarty would plot the story. Each characters can my sympathized with, and readers will really want to see them overcome their obstacles. I did have an issue with the epilogue- it left me disappointed but as I thought about it more, it was believable, just not what I hoped.

If you’re looking for a great read, I would recommend this one. Despite my issues with the slow beginning and the disappointing ending, I thought it was well written and captivating. I can understand why this book has received raved reviews. This was my first novel by Moriarty and I will definitely add her others to my wish list. 

Review: The Smart One by Jennifer Close

Publisher: Knopf

Pages: 352

Released: 2013

Source: Publisher

Rating: 4/5 ****

Synopsis:

Weezy struggles to let her children make their own decisions. She worries too much, and wants her children to be happy and secure. She’s sure every parent wants the same. Lately, her children are causing her to worry even more. Her eldest daughter, Martha, is living at home, working in retail and refuses to make use of her nursing degree. She’s anxiety prone and Weezy has to be careful how she approaches her. Her second oldest daughter, Cleo, has recently broken off her engagement, gave everyone no explanation and advises Weezy that she will need to return home due to finances. Her son, Max, is currently on track, going to college but she’s waiting for the ball to drop because his gorgeous girlfriend is sure to break his heart.

Review:

The Smart One offers readers a realistic look at young adults and the need to sometimes lean on their parents. Sure, every young adult intends to be able to make it on their own with no help, but the truth is, it doesn't always happen that way. Weezy grew up with parents who wanted her out of the house and on her own when she turned eighteen, and she had no intention to treating her children the same way. Her parents were great parents, but that doesn’t mean she has to raise her children the same way. Honestly, families can be messy and having your child return home in their twenties and thirties can be a difficult. The old family rules don’t apply anymore, and Weezy needs to allow her children to figure out their own lives.

The Smart One was my first Jennifer Close novel. I’ve had Girls in White Dresses on my ereader for a while, and I will definitely try to get to it soon. The Smart Girls was an interesting and realistic read. The characters are flawed, frustrating and likable. Martha and Cleo still struggle with their relationship, Cleo has jealously issues with how her parents coddle Martha. Max is doing well, going to school, and seems to be on the right track, but life sometimes throws you curve-balls and he finds himself living at home with everyone. Close draws readers in, and demonstrates the complexity of families. Highly recommended for those who enjoy women’s fiction. 

Review: Shelter Me by Juliette Fay

Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 415
Released: 2008
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4.5/5



Synopsis:

At thirty-eight, Janie Lemarche had a loving husband, a young son in preschool and a toddler daughter. Her family was complete, her career was on track but one night everything changed and her perfect world came crumbling down. Her husband Robbie died in a motorcycle accident, and Janie must learn to keep living. Her son doesn’t understand where his father is gone, and her daughter will probably never remember who he was. When a contractor shows up a few months later asking for Robbie, Janie doesn’t immediately tell him the truth. She learns that Robbie had plans to build a screened in porch, something that she always wanted. Janie is angry, grieving and just wants to be left alone. Once Tug knows the truth, he’s standoffish but tries to help Janie with the little things her husband would have taken care of. Father Jake Sweeney comes every week to talk to Janie, and she lashes out. How can he even pretend to understand what she is going through?



Review:

Shelter Me is a story about love, grief and finding friends in unexpected places. When readers first dive into Shelter Me, Janie’s emotions are raw and real. Through snippets of her journal entries, readers get a glimpse of how strong her emotions are controlling her thoughts. She wants to crawl into bed and never get up, but her son and daughter need her. She’s grateful that her aunt is always there when she needs her, as well as her extended family but they are constantly trying to tell her what to do; send her to therapy, signing her up for self defense classes, she just wants to be left alone. Her brother is always gone, he’s not very social and Janie expects him to stay away. Her mother on the other hand only stayed for a few weeks, and she went back to Italy, leaving Janie behind. She’s resentful that her mother isn’t here when she needs her.

I thought Shelter Me was a great read. It’s hard not to read this book and not care about Janie. She can easily be anyone you know, or yourself included. I wasn’t sure where the book would go or how Janie would progress. Fay did an amazing job portraying a grief stricken widow. Her age played into the book as well, because she couldn’t see herself remarrying or having another child. She was at a point in her life where she had everything figured out, and now everything is up in the air. I really enjoyed this one, and I highly recommend it. This was my first Juliette Fay novel, and I will be adding her other books to my wish list as well.

Review: Sea Change by Karen White

Pages: 412
Publisher: NAL
Released: 2012
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3.5/5



Synopsis:

Ava Whalen is the youngest and only daughter in her large family. She’s always felt left out, and she doesn’t understand why her mother is always so standoffish towads her. She’s alway felt like there was something missing in their relationship. When Ava met Matthew, a child psychologist she hoped that her days of loneliness were behind her. They quickly elope and Ava moves with Matthew to his ancestral home on St Simons Island. Ava’s mother is upset about the elopement and doesn’t understand why her daughter would agree to move to an island, when she’s deathly afraid of water. Ava learns that there is much she doesn’t know about Matt, including the fact that he was previously married, and how his wife died. Ava begins to focus on Matt’s family history and unknowingly uncovers some secrets of her own.



Review:

Karen White weaves a story between the past and present that keeps readers engaged and guessing. This was my first Karen White book and I really thought she did a good job plotting the book and building the characters. Books written with multiple points of view are a little tricky for me because I tend to like some characters more than others, and I want to rush back to that character’s view. That’s what I struggled with in this book. Overall, I really enjoyed the book but when I have different perspectives, as a reader I want to like each perspective equally.

I really enjoyed Ava and her story line. Her relationship with Matt was intriguing and filled with twists. As soon as Ava’s finds out he was previously married, I knew this book would be interesting. They both have a lot to learn about each other, add in Ava’s fear and her rocky relationship with her mother and readers can’t help but be interested in her story. I recommend this one to readers who enjoy multiply perspectives and books that incorporate a past storyline.

Review: On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

Publisher: Plume
Pages: 336
Released: 2012
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5



Synopsis:

Anna Emerson is a thirty-year-old high school english teacher, stuck in a dead-end relationship. Anna doesn’t know why she’s still with her boyfriend, he’s adamant that he doesn’t want marriage or children, which are both something Anna would love. Looking to distance herself from him, Anna accepts a summer job tutoring a sixteen year-old boy who recently won his battle with cancer. TJ Callahan really doesn’t want to study in the Maldives all summer, but his parents want to spend the summer together in an exotic location. When Anna and TJ board their chartered plane, Anna notices their pilot is in distress. In mid-flight the pilot suffers a heart attack and they have no chance to call for help. For the next couple of years, Anna and TJ learn to rely on each other and live on a deserted island.



Review:

I was really surprised to read so many positive reviews of this book. I went into it, expecting not to like the book. Originally, I thought the storyline was really strange; having Anna and TJ fall in love but honestly, Graves did an amazing job setting up the relationship. Their relationship was a slow process, a natural progression and Anna really grappled with her emotions. TJ is almost nineteen when Anna gives in; they had been on the island for almost 3 years. They only had each other, and no hopes of ever being found. It didn’t seem like any planes were looking for them and eventually they stopped hoping. They knew that their families thought they were dead. Anna and TJ formed a teacher-student bond, a friendship and eventually a romance.

Their survival story was realistically portrayed. They ensure hardship, and setbacks. Living on a deserted island with very little food, made them resourceful. I really didn’t want to put this book down. I wanted to see how it would end and wondered what would become of Anna and TJ. If they ever left the island, would they manage to stay together? I highly recommend this one! I was skeptical, but all those positive reviews really did have merit.

Review: These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: Washington Square Press
Released: 2012
Pages: 340
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4/5



Synopsis:

These Girls focuses on three young women living in New York City. Cate and Renee are roommates who work at the same magazine. When their third roommate moves out, Abby’s brother asks Cate and Renee if his troubled sister could move in with them. Cate has just received a promotion but she is always questioning herself. She never finished her degree, and constantly feels inadequate and inexperienced. Renee desperately needs to make more money, and Cate suggests that she try out for her old position and beauty editor. Renee loves the thought but when mean comments about her weight are posted on her blog, she is mortified and afraid she’ll be passed up. Abby clearly had trouble in her last position as a nanny; apparently she was involved with the husband. She’s very quiet, depressed and clearly needs friendship. The three girls begin to bond, and open up to one another.



Review:

These Girls was my first Sarah Pekkanen book. I wasn’t immediately drawn to the characters, but Abbey’s story really caught my attention. Once I started getting wrapped up in her story, Renee and Cate’s story began to further interest me. I kept getting Renee and Cate mixed up and it took me awhile to remember who was who. I thought the book was a little slow in the beginning, but I’m really happy I stuck with it. In the end, all three girls had a great story to tell. The character development was great, as was the development of the character’s friendship. Once I was half-way through the book, I didn’t want to put it down. I would say Abbey’s story was the most interesting, and the most developed.

Many readers would be able to relate to these characters. They’re young, and trying to figure out who they are and what they want in life. Their family situations aren’t ideal which causes more confusion. They need to focus on themselves, and don’t want to bother each other with their problems. This is a great read for those who want to read about friendships, and struggles. New York life can be glamorous, but also fast-paced and confusing. Even when others think you have everything, you may not be as happy as you appear. Putting on a happy smile, and actually feeling happy are two very separate things.

Review: Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon

Publisher: Random House
Pages: 400
Source: Publisher
Released: May 2012
Rating: 5/5



Synopsis:

Alice is all about social media, and the web; she checks Facebook and Twitter constantly. After she attends a work function for her husband, she hears a quick comment about her “small life” that causes her to examine and evaluate her life. It hurts to have someone say your life is “small,” it’s certainly not what she expected, career wise. She’s a part-time drama teacher who’s wanted bigger and better things, but they didn’t fall into place. Alice is now forty-five years old, a mother of two, and she’s been married for twenty years. She’s the same age as her mother was when she passed away, and this causes her to contemplate the kind of things she missed out on. She can’t help but notice that her husband has begun to drift away, they simply don’t connect the same way they use to. His Facebook messages have become cryptic. When she receives an email about a marriage study, she jumps on board to participate. Alice Buckle becomes anonymous “Wife 22” responding to anonymous “Researcher 101.” She simply has to fill out portions of a survey each week and communicate with her researcher. Alice quickly realizes that she has no problem describing the beginning of their relationship when it was fresh and new, when they couldn’t be away from each other but now she barely has anything to say. The decision to participate in the survey changes her life in many ways.



Review:

First, I want to say this book is not sad and depressing. Melanie Gideon has written an incredibly witty book that deals with real life. Although I don’t believe I am the target audience, I fell in love with Alice and understood where she was coming from. The book is filled with snippets of Facebook status’, text messages, and tweets. She has a teenage daughter who comes with her own set of obstacles, perhaps an eating disorder. Why else would she have cupcakes hidden in her closet? Her young son is so sweet, he’s her go-to guy when it comes to beauty tips, and she’s convinced he might be gay. She wants to support him in any way possible. Alice is that friend who is always panicking about everything, the one you want to want to calm down, and tell her to “relax.”

I couldn’t put this book down, I opened it every chance I got until I finished it! I loved Alice’s character, her quirky behaviors and her emotional struggles. I thought she was very easy to relate to, despite her being older than me. The survey really makes her question her life, and I really enjoyed her responses. The questions are omitted within the story, and only her answers are provided however, at the end of the book we are provided with the questions. I found myself flipping back to read her responses once again.

I think this one would appeal to many women, especially those who are evaluating their lives, have been in long-term relationships, or have children who make them worry. Alice is a loving, humorous, and emotional character. If this one sounds interesting, you should definitely pick it up! Please keep in mind this one releases in May.

Review: Miracle Beach by Erin Celello

Publisher: NAL Trade
Pages: 352
Source: Personal Copy
Released: 2011
Rating: 4.5/5



Synopsis:

Macy Allen has always loved horses, and when her wealthy grandfather agreed to fund her future, she chose to be an equestrienne. Living in beautiful Vancouver, Macy married the man of her dreams and recently discovered she was expecting. When she least expected it, a tragic accident took her husband and robbed her of her unborn baby. A grieving Macy has to deal with her mother-in-law, Magda, who is not shy about blaming Macy for the death of her son. Nash’s father, Jack, has tried to give his wife time to grieve but when she is unwilling to apologize to Macy, Jack can’t deal with her any longer. Jack decides to visit Macy, and learn more about his son. Macy is reluctant, but understanding about Jack’s visit. When life couldn’t feel crueler, Macy discovers that Nash hasn’t been the most honest, upfront husband. His secrets taint her perfect picture of a husband.


Review:

Miracle Beach was a very interesting read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. Emotions are real and raw after the death of Nash, and everyone is trying to cope with their feelings in their own selfish way. Magda may seem like a horrible mother-in-law but she is thinking irrationally when her only son dies and everyone caters to Macy. She was his mother, and she feels irrelevant, set aside. Macy would never have guessed that Nash was keeping such a crucial secret. She discovers the shock of her life, and she feels betrayed and heartbroken by a man she is grieving. A man she can no longer confront. No one is able to understand what she is going through.

This novel is told in three perspectives, Macy, Magda, and Jack’s. It was very well written, and as a result the characters were really well developed and able to convey their emotions. I was able to understand where each character was coming from, and how they progressed. Celello did an amazing job creating complex, flawed characters with a real voice and strong opinions.

Miracle Beach is an engaging, emotional read. I highly recommend this one for book clubs, and those who are looking for a book that will leave you stuck contemplating the characters after you’ve closed the cover. This is a story of love, loss and secrets. Life must continue, and people must learn to cope with less than ideal situations.

Review: Home Front by Kristin Hannah

Publisher: St Martin
Pages: 400
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 5/5



Synopsis:

Jolene Zarkades grew up with alcoholic parents, and she found herself alone by the age of seventeen when her parents died in a tragic car accident. Alone, scared and on the verge of adulthood, Jolene joined the military right out of high school. She was looking for independence and a place to belong, along the way she found her husband and hoped to have all her dreams come true. Now, Jolene and Michael find themselves facing everyday pressures, two daughters and demanding careers. Michael is an attorney and Jolene, a Black Hawk pilot for the guard. Michael’s father has recently passed away, and he's been pushing everyone away, spending all his time at the office. He’s been getting home later and later, leaving a non-confrontational Jolene to deal with their daughters. As their struggles become more apparent, Michael tells Jolene he no longer loves her. She barely has time to let this sink in, the next day she is told that she will be deployed to Iraq. Jolene and her best friend Tami, have two weeks to prepare their families before they leave them for one year.



Review:

I want to warn you, this novel will break your heart into a million little pieces. Kristin Hannah wrote an incredibly moving work of fiction. This was my first book by her, and I was incredibly moved by her words. I don’t usually get emotional when I’m reading, but this book had me in tears. Every character is so well written, and relatable, not necessarily likable but real.

As Jolene tells Michael that she is being deployed, he blames her. He’s never been supportive of her career, and doesn’t understand why she chose to stay in the guard. One daughter is too young to really understand how long her mother is going and the other feels like Jolene is choosing the military over her. Jolene wants them all to understand that she doesn’t have a choice, she is a soldier. Michael resents that he must pick up her slack and take care of their family. He feels emasculated, and makes sure Jolene is aware that he does not support her.

It’s really interesting how all the relationships revolve while Jolene is away. Michael and Jolene’s relationship is broken, and it doesn’t resolve itself very easily. Jolene doesn’t come back the same person she was when she left, Michael is no longer the man he was when she left. Throughout much of the book, I wondered if they could possibly move forward.

Home Front really did give me an appreciation for military families, and the struggles they face. This book is breathtaking, and highly recommended. I found myself looking for every opportunity to read just a few more pages.

Review: Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee

Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5



Synopsis:

Jasmine Mistry is recently divorced, and trying to tie up the loose ends of her marriage. She discovered her husband was having an affair and her whole, comfortable life came crumbling down. She is essentially lost and very bitter. When her aunt asks her to come and look after her bookstore while she returns to India for her health, Jasmine agrees. Perhaps, a month away will do her good. Shutter Island is very exclusive. When Jasmine arrives at the bookstore, she meets Connor Hunt. Immediately she is not impressed with his egotistical self. Life in the bookstore is very different from what Jasmine expected. She brushed off the rumors that it was haunted, but now books are rearranging themselves, dead authors are speaking to her and dust magically reappears. Connor is insisting that she go on a date with him, and her husband is trying to sell the Condo for much less than the market value. Jasmine’s life is out of control, and she must take the reins herself and figure out where she is headed.



Review:

I first want to address the magical realism in the story, I didn’t think that it would work for me but it really came together well. I enjoyed the storyline so much, that I accepted the paranormal aspects. It wasn’t over the top or scary, it added to the plot and left me questioning what was coming up. Jasmine begins to understand why her aunt insisted that she be the only one to look after the bookstore, and she surprisingly begins to enjoy her time there.

Initially, Jasmine is not a likable character but as the book progresses readers really begin to enjoy her development. Although she is not likable, readers will be empathetic. Jasmine is going through a divorce, and her sister surprises the family by announcing her engagement. Everyone is ecstatic and the wedding planning begins, Jasmine is forced to play along.

The relationship between Connor and Jasmine really had me questioning the circumstances, and I turned out to be right. I would have wanted it to turn out differently, but I can understand where Banerjee is coming from. In the end, I think it added to the storyline and I didn’t feel let down. I highly recommend this one; I read it quickly and didn’t want to put it down. Admittedly, the book does have some cheesy parts but overall it’s heartwarming and uplifting. If you are willing to accept the magical realism aspect, you really should try this one out. Keep in mind, this is not normally my type of book and I was quickly wrapped up in the storyline.

Review: Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany

Publisher: Washington Square Press
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5



Synopsis:

Eden knew at an early age that her father was different but she loved him wholeheartedly and tried her best to keep him happy. Her mother was her constant parent; she was the one to be trusted, her father was impulsive and unreliable. When Eden was ten years old, she came home to find the bathroom mirror shattered and her father bleeding out on the bathroom floor, attempting to take his own life. Eden was distraught and called emergence services. Her mother finally had enough, love was not enough for David, she filed divorce papers and David was served while institutionalized. Eden is now thirty, a successful chef and her father is still on her mind. She received two letters from her father since he was taken away, and Eden was too angry to respond. Eden stood by her father through thick and thin until he was taken away from her. Initially, she resented her mother, and then she became angry that her father would not try and contact her, now she is ready to forgive but doesn’t know where to find him. Eden can’t forget the bond that she had with her father, even when his illness took over his thoughts, she knew he loved her. He loved her the only way he knew how. He was stuck between voices in his head, or medication that left him fuzzy. He had no escape, and could only suppress his illness for a limited time. She wonders if her father is dead or alive, has he been properly medicated or is he living on the streets. Eden has so many questions, and begins to seek answers.



Review:

Outside the Lines is an amazing, heart-wrenching novel. Mental illness is not an easy topic, this is probably not a book that I would normally pick up, but I loved Hatvany’s first novel Best Kept Secret and wanted to see if I would enjoy this one as well. I came away from this novel thinking, there is more than one way to love someone. Sometimes you need to step back, and understand that some issues are not just black or white. Hatvany does an astounding job portraying mental illness, and the impact is has on everyone.

Amy Hatvany gives a voice to all parties involved. The characters come alive, and their stories are so real and unbiased. Eden is the primary narrator of the story, but readers also peak into David’s troubled mind. It’s terrifying to get a glimpse of David’s mine, and not easy to write him off as a horrible father. Readers understand that David loves his daughter, he struggles to get better but ultimately he can’t control himself. Her mother is stuck between loving her husband, wanting to do what’s best for him, but her daughter deserves a normal childhood. Love can not cure David, as much as they both want that to be enough, it isn’t.

I will warn you, don’t pick up this book if you only have ten minutes to spare because you will not want to put the book down. Outside the Lines is much more than a good read, it is a thought provoking book that will stay with you long after you close the pages. I can’t recommend this book enough!

Book Depository [Free Worldwide Shipping]

**Disclosure: Affiliate links have been used at no cost to you. If you purchase through an affiliate link, I will make a small commission**

Review: Best Kept Secret by Amy Hatvany

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Pages: 352

Source: Personal Ebook

Rating: 5/5

After Cadence’s divorce her life took an unexpected turn. Working from home, and raising her son Charlie has been difficult. The money from her divorce settlement will soon run out, and her energetic son makes it difficult to work. The freelance market is difficult, and Cadence just can’t find the ideas or words. As a way to relax Cadence did what many of her friends suggested, she opened a bottle of wine. One glass of wine, turned into two glasses. At first she waiting until her son went to bed, limited herself to two glasses. Then she only had one glass in the day, sometimes two. Before she knew it her drinking began to spiral out of control. She needed two bottles of wine to get through the day, and did unexpected things to get it. When her ex-husband knocked on her door and took her son away, Cadence was devastated. How can she be an alcoholic, when she was never a drinker? How could she let this happen to herself? Why couldn’t she stop on her own? How much damage did she do to Charlie? 

Best Kept Secret is one of the most thought-provoking, emotional books I have read in a long time. It’s real, honest and heartbreaking. Amy Hatvany had me glued to the pages. As Cadence tries to recover, she always has her son in her thoughts. A custody battle ensues and Cadence must do everything possible to get her son back. She’s hurt that her ex-husband couldn’t settle this between them, now a stranger will determine her son's future. Her son means everything to her, and she can’t imagine loosing custody. Going through all the steps to get her son back is not enough, she must learn to admit that she is an alcoholic. Picking up her son from her ex-mother-in-law’s house is painful, having her ex-husband judge her is excruciating. Cadence learns to open up her world, and finds supporters in new friends. She learns that she is not alone. 

Alcoholism is a disease that effects more then just the alcoholic. In Best Kept Secret we see how Cadence’s alcoholism hurt everyone around her. When no one expected her alcoholism to begin with, and only noticed when it was out of control, it’s hard for others to begin to trust her. If they didn’t know before, how can they be sure that she won’t relapse? Her friends walk away without a second thought, and her mother has never been very emotional. Her sister wants to help her as much as possible, but she has her own life and twins to raise. Cadence must do this on her own, seek help, accept guidance and take it one day at a time. 

Amy Hatvany has created an amazing multidimensional, compelling read. Cadence can easily be your sister, your friend, or the mother next door. She’s realistic, likable, and good hearted. She never saw her addiction sneaking up on her, and she never wanted to hurt her son. She can be anyone in your life. The secondary characters are well portrayed, and real. This book is extremely well written, and highly recommended. I promise you will not want to put this book down, and you will be rooting for Cadence the whole way through.  

Book Depository [Free Worldwide Shipping]

*Affiliate Links

Review: Magnolia Wednesdays by Wendy Max

Publisher: Berkley

Pages: 432

Source: Personal Ebook

Rating: 5/5

Vivian knows what a good “Southern” woman should do in certain circumstances, but now she’s living in New York and does as she pleases. Vivian works as a journalist and will go above and beyond to get the story she wants, her boyfriend may be across the world but he’s a foreign correspondent and she supports him in his career. When her own career takes an unexpected turn, Vivian finds herself with an embarrassing wound, caught on camera and uploaded to Youtube. Vivian’s life begins to unravel rather quickly. She’s horrified to find that someone has been hired to assist her at work, and Vivian is well aware that she is being pushed out for a younger, “fresher” perspective. Instead of waiting for be fired and training her replacement, she quits and walks out the door. When new job opportunities don’t seem to come as easily as she expects, Vivian takes on a pseudonym and writes about life in suburbia. She relocates to the small town where she grew up in Georgia, and decides to stay with her sister, niece and nephew. As the column begins to become popular in Georgia, Vivian is hoping that she doesn’t become uncovered, but a childhood nemesis is digging into her background. Vivian also has one more secret, she’s pregnant at fourty-one and doesn’t know how to tell anyone, including her boyfriend. 

Magnolia Wednesdays was a heartwarming, comfort read that I desperately wanted to find. A great cozy novel, does a reader good. Wendy Wax created an incredible well rounded novel. The plot, characters, and uncertainty was perfect. As Vivi tries to come to terms with her pregnancy, the clock is ticking and everyone will soon find out whether she wants them to or not, her boyfriend is in war-torn Afghanistan and their lack of communication makes it easier for her to keep the secret, but how long will she wait? When her brother-in-law died two years ago from a hunting accident, Vivian couldn’t stick around to help her sister and she fled the first chance she had. Her niece and nephew are skeptical as to why she is sticking around this time. Her sister is wondering the same thing, but she doesn’t come out and ask her. Vivian is realizing that there is more to small town life then she imagined, she might have shunned this life long ago, but now she is becoming increasingly comfortable. 

The heart of this novel is secrets, how some secrets shouldn’t be kept secret, and how sometimes unraveling secrets can do more harm, and cause more hurt than wanted. It’s a tough line to cross, and Vivian begins to learn this lesson. Sometimes digging around into family business should not be done. Vivian and her sister are becoming closer and bonding, but secrets are about to test the relationship. Can their relationship survive dishonesty? I read Magnolia Wednesdays at the perfect time, and I never wanted to put the book down. I felt invested in the characters and I was rooting for everyone. The secondary characters are as likable and enjoyable as the main characters. Vivian is hilarious, judgmental and incredibly frustrating.  At times you just want to yell at her. I throughly enjoyed Magnolia Wednesdays and this is a great book for those who enjoy a good Southern read.