The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House/The Dial Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

It’s been over two years since Effie’s beloved parents got divorced, destroying the image of the happy, loving childhood she thought she had. Since then, she’s become estranged from her father and embarked on a feud with his hot (and much younger) girlfriend, Krista. And now, more earth-shattering news: Greenoaks, the rambling Victorian country house Effie called home her whole life, has been sold.

When Krista decides to throw a grand “house cooling” party, Effie is originally left off the guest list—and then receives a last-minute “anti-invitation” (maybe it’s because she called Krista a gold-digger, but Krista totally deserved it, and it was mostly a joke anyway). Effie declines, but then remembers a beloved childhood treasure is still hidden in the house. Her only chance to retrieve it is to break into Greenoaks while everyone is busy celebrating. As Effie sneaks around the house, hiding under tables and peeping through trapdoors, she realizes the secrets Greenoaks holds aren’t just in the dusty passageways and hidden attics she grew up exploring. Watching how her sister, brother, and dad behave when they think no one is looking, Effie overhears conversations, makes discoveries, and begins to see her family in a new light. Then she runs into Joe—the love of her life, who long ago broke her heart, and who’s still as handsome and funny as ever—and even more truths emerge.

 But will Effie act on these revelations? Will she stay hidden or step out into the party and take her place with her family? And truthfully, what did she really come back to Greenoaks for? Over the course of one blowout party, Effie realizes that she must be honest with herself and confront her past before she’ll ever be able to face her future.

With its light and fun premise, The Party Crasher strikes the right balance between being serious and using humour. Crashing a family party and being privy to what people are saying about you is the perfect premise for a rom-com. 

Once again, Kinsella's supporting cast is just as strong as her main characters. Effie is a bit clueless at times, but she is far from frustrating—she is endearing and enchanting. Although Effie overhears some hard truths and shocking secrets, she ultimately learns the most about herself. 

If you are looking for an adorable rom-com, look no further. The Party Crasher is a humorous and heartwarming novel about family, set against the backdrop of the most fabulous party you’ve ever snuck into. Thank you, Sophie, for another gem!

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SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, Surprise Me, I Owe You One and Love Your Life.

She lives between London and the country.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

A special thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House—Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Diana O’Toole is perfectly on track with her life: she will be married by thirty, done having kids by thirty-five, and move out to the New York City suburbs, all while climbing the professional ladder in the cutthroat art auction world. She’s not engaged just yet, but knows her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident, is going to propose on their romantic getaway to the Galápagos—days before her thirtieth birthday. Right on time.

But then a virus that felt worlds away appears in the city. On the eve of their departure, Finn breaks the news that it’s all hands on deck at the hospital and he has to stay behind. He insists that Diana should still go on the trip because it would be a shame for all of their nonrefundable trip to go to waste. And so, reluctantly, she goes.

Almost immediately, Diana’s dream vacation goes awry. The whole island is now under quarantine, and she is stranded until the borders reopen. Completely isolated, she must venture beyond her comfort zone. Slowly, she carves out a connection with a local family when a teenager with a secret opens up to Diana, despite her father’s suspicion of outsiders.

Wish You Were Here is set at the start of the pandemic. Picoult deftly captures the uncertainty, terror, and emotion surrounding the the onset of COVID-19. 

Picoult is a prolific writer who creates characters that are flawed and vulnerable, yet demonstrate some of the very best of the human spirit with their strength and compassion. Diana, although a challenging personality, is one of those characters. At times she is frustrating, but the connections she makes with the Galápagos and its people is not only rewarding to the reader, but some of the most beautiful writing in the book.

The feeling of isolation permeates the narrative, whether it is Diana's struggle of not speaking the language and being the only tourist on the island, to the physical separation of Diana and Finn. This ties into the feeling of desolation and loneliness experienced while under quarantine. The depictions of what the pandemic is like for those on the front line are harrowing, anxiety inducing, and quite frankly, terrifying.

Injecting culture, Wish You Were Here also offers a glimpse into the art world. Diana works for Soethby's as an associate assistant—she is working on acquiring a painting to auction from a character reminiscent of Yoko Ono. Her career trajectory is not only an interesting backstory, it also illustrates her passion and drive as well as her tenacity. 

And of course, it wouldn't be a Picoult novel without a mind-blowing twist. She completely blindsides and breaks her reader's heart—but leaves them with hope—in this story about resilience and love.  

In the breathtaking beauty of the Galápagos Islands, Diana will learn not only who she really is, but the person she wants to become. 

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JODI PICOULT received an AB in creative writing from Princeton and a master’s degree in education from Harvard. The recipient of the 2003 New England Book Award for her entire body of work, she is the author of twenty-seven novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers House Rules, Handle With Care, Change of Heart, and My Sister’s Keeper, for which she received the American Library Association’s Margaret Alexander Edwards Award.

She lives in New Hampshire with her husband. They have three children.

Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny

A special thank you to Edelweiss, Knopf Random House, and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Duncan is charming, good-natured, and handsome. Jane falls easily in love with him. But he's also slept with nearly every woman in Boyne City, Michigan and because of this, Jane sees Duncan's old girlfriends everywhere—at restaurants, at the grocery store, even in neighbouring towns. 

Coming to terms with him being such a successful seducer is one thing, but having to share him is pushing it. He still mows his ex-wife's lawn and his coworker Jimmy comes and goes from Duncan's apartment at the most inopportune times. How is this relationship supposed to work with all these people in it? Not to mention most of the other residents of Boyne City, who freely share with Jane their opinions of her choices. 

Any notion Jane has of love and marriage changes with one terrible car crash. Now her life is permanently intertwined with Duncan's, Aggie's, and Jimmy's, and she knows she will never have Duncan to herself. But is it possible that a deeper kind of happiness is right in front of her eyes? 

This is my first Katherine Heiny book and I was utterly enchanted. It's easy to fall in love with her quirky cast—although she is only 26, Jane is a bit of an old soul so it's no wonder she has an affinity towards thrifting, Duncan oozed charm and I was smitten, but was Jimmy who won my heart. He was the perfect vehicle for the other characters' growth.  

Early Morning Riser covers a span of 17 years in episodical chapters titled by year and I found that this was an overly ambitious timeframe to work with. But all-in-all, it was a lighthearted and fun read about love, loss, family, friendship, and community. I look forward to my next Heiny novel.

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KATHERINE HEINY is the author of Standard Deviation and Single, Carefree, Mellow, and her short fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and many other magazines. 

Heiny lives in Bethesda, Maryland, with her husband and children, and is a former resident of London, The Hague, and Boyne City, Michigan.

Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ava is a true romantic who doesn't think that love can be found using apps or algorithms. So after a recent breakup and dating app fiasco, she decides it is time to shelf her love life and pursue other opportunities. She's always wanted to write a novel and a writers' retreat in a picturesque coastal Italy is the perfect place to do so. But she will miss her friends and beloved dog, Harold.

At the retreat, you are not allowed to use your real name or reveal anything about yourself. So Ava, now "Aria," meets "Dutch" when he joins the writing retreat after his martial arts one is cancelled. The two are smitten, getting swept away by their romantic setting. But then reality sets in when they have to ditch Aria and Dutch for Ava and Matt.

With their fantasy whirlwind affair fading into the London fog, they soon realize just how different they are. Not only can they not agree on anything, but Matt also has a clingy ex-girlfriend. Can they reconcile their differences or were they only a holiday fling?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Love Your Life is endearing and funny, the perfect feel-good romance. I loved the premise and the location—is Italy not perfect for a holiday romance?

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But the part is the supporting cast. Although there are a lot of characters, the two friend groups are what make this story. Especially Ava's friends as they usher her through her growth and empowerment. And we can't forget Harold...how can you not love a naughty dog?

My only criticism is that the book was a bit too long. It started to lag a bit when Ava and Matt got back to England and the ending was rushed. I thought that it should have been the reverse where more time was spent in Italy so that the romance would've been more believable. 

If you are looking for an adorable rom-com, look no further. Thank you, Sophie, for another gem!  I adore your writing and your wit.

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SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, Surprise Me and I Owe You One.

She lives between London and the country.

Remain Silent by Susie Steiner

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Detective Manon Bradshaw is now "married" (not legally) and happy to be part of the Cambridgeshire police force on a part-time basis in the cold cases department. This arrangement allows her to also be a mum to her toddler, Teddy, and her adopted teenage son, Fly. But things aren't as blissful as she envisioned them: she attends marriage counselling on her own because her husband, Mark Talbot, thinks that it would just be her "wanging on," there's meal planning, laundry, dishwasher emptying, and she's always exhausted because at 46, is feeling too old to chase after a toddler.

While out on a walk with Teddy, Manon discovers a body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached. One thing she knows for sure is that things are going to change. Manon finds herself back on force full-time to try to solve this case—is it suicide or could it be murder?

The story unravels through multiple perspectives. Steiner further develops her characters via their personal lives and relationships. Manon is layered, complex, and just plain endearing. Steiner writes her with such care—she is vulnerable and relatable. She is not only a good cop, but she's a mother that loves deeply, fiercely, and unapologetically.

When is this series going to be made into a TV show? I could totally see this as a dark copper drama like Luther or Broadchurch.  In fact, Davey reminds me of Justin Ripley from Luther.

The acknowledgements at the end of the book completely shattered me. Susie Steiner, I don't know if you will ever read this, but please know that you are an incredible talent and that it was my sincerest honour and privilege to have reviewed this book.

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SUSIE STEINER is a former journalist at The Guardian, where she worked as a commissioning editor for eleven years. Prior to that, she worked for The Times, the Daily Telegraph, and the Evening Standard.

Steiner lives in London with her husband and two sons.

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) is back in a holiday installment of the Shopaholic series and there's nothing she loves more than Christmas! Well, not including a good sale...or online shopping.

It is the most wonderful time of the year. Her mum and dad always host and there's carols playing, the neighbours coming over for some cheer, Christmas pudding, and of course, presents.

Only this year, Becky's parents are moving and have asked her to host. What could possibly go wrong? Well for starters, her sister Jess needs to have a vegan turkey. How hard can that be to find? And Minnie is asking for a picnic hamper. She can definitely find one online. But Luke only wants aftershave, how boring. Where is his Christmas spirit? Then the guest list, and their demands, start spiralling out of control. And to top it all off, an old boyfriend surfaces along with his pushy girlfriend and it is not exactly clear as to what their motives are.

Will Becky be able to deck the halls and pull off Christmas?

Readers of my blog will know how much I ADORE Sophie Kinsella so it will come as no surprise that I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of the newest Shopaholic book! Her writing makes me smile and if you haven't listened to a Sophie Kinsella audiobook, I highly recommend it, especially if narrated by Jayne Entwistle.

I love how Kinsella capitalizes on the chaos of Christmas. She juxtaposes the frenzy of the season against the time-honoured festivities. We all have our traditions and there are certainly times where I question some of the things I bring upon myself in the spirit of Christmas. It's totally worth it, right?

These books always border on being a little over the top, but they are so engaging and entertaining. Becky tugs on my heartstrings—she is endearing, fun, and hilarious (even when she's trying to be serious). We could all use more Becky in our lives.

This book is sparkly, festive, and simply delightful. A must holiday read.

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SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, Surprise Me and I Owe You One.

She lives between London and the country.

Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This anticipated follow up features the now iconic, Olive Kitteridge, in a more reflective state in her life. It has been two years since her husband, Henry, died and Olive has started a new relationship with Jack Kennison, a widower. Strout uses this relationship status as a vehicle for Olive's observations on her life, and how her actions have caused stress in many of the most important connections in her life.    

Strout is simply a gift. Her writing is breathtaking, gorgeous, and heartbreaking. Revisiting Crosby, Maine, Strout once again draws on the small-town characters and their connections to Olive. Her works speak to the reader with her signature style of subtle nuances juxtaposed against the not-so-subtle, Olive. This book is a character study that is a feast for the reader.

Admittedly I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as Olive Kitteridge, but it was lovely to revisit the brutally honest and discontented, yet empathetic, Olive.

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ELIZABETH STROUT is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge; the #1 New York Times bestseller My Name Is Lucy Barton; The Burgess Boys, and New York Times bestsellers; Anything is Possible and Abide with Me. She has also been a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in England. Her short stories have been published in a number of magazines, including The New Yorker and O: The Oprah Magazine.

Strout lives in New York City.

The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group—Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A college freshman stumbles back to her dorm room and falls asleep. She sleeps all morning and into the next evening. Her roommate, Mei, tries to wake her without success; paramedics can't rouse her, nor the doctors at the hospital. Then another girl falls asleep, and then another.

The college is put on lockdown quarantining the students. Panic sets in as the once sleepy town descends into chaos. Those that are infected are experiencing a higher-than-normal level of brain activity and are intensely dreaming, but what are they dreaming about?

Thompson Walker uses third person perspective and divides the book into small, digestible chapters. This is not particularly effective, in fact there is a disconnect—it is as if the narrator is completely detached. Because of this format, the characters are not fully developed and I didn't feel an affinity towards any of them—I wanted to, especially Mei.

Written in luminous, hypnotic prose, The Dreamers is a beautiful, sweeping novel yet I was left feeling frustrated because nothing actually happens. That, coupled with the fact that there are several loose ends, left me thinking about this book long after I finished it. I'm rather perplexed to be honest, and not in a good thought-provoking way, but questioning what I just actually read.

KAREN THOMPSON WALKER is a graduate of UCLA and the Columbia MFA program. A former book editor, she wrote The Age of Miracles in the mornings before work. Born and raised in San Diego, California, she now lives in Brooklyn with her husband.

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As her late father always said “family first”, Fixie Farr has always put her family’s needs above her own. She is constantly picking up the slack of her siblings and helps takes care of her family’s charming housewares store.

It's in her nature to fix things, hence her name. When a chance encounter in a coffee shop has her watching a handsome stranger’s computer, Fixie can’t help but save it from disaster. To thank Fixie, Sebastian attaches his business card to a coffee sleeve with an IOU scribbled on it. She politely accepts it but doesn’t think she would ever cash in an IOU from a stranger, or would she?

Ryan, Fixie's longtime crush and brother's friend, is back in town after a failed attempt at working overseas and his predicament has Fixie chomping at the bit to help him. She decides to cash in her IOU and ask Seb to give Ryan a job at his company to which he agrees. Things don't go quite as she plans and a series of IOUs ensue.  Things start to unravel and Fixie is torn between her family and taking a stand.  Can she really fix everything and make herself happy at the same time?

I have also had the pleasure of reviewing My Not So Perfect Life and Surprise Me and was thrilled to pieces to learn that I was selected to be an early reader/reviewer of I Owe You One. Sophie Kinsella, you've done it again!  I absolutely adore your writing and your words always make me smile.  (If you haven't listened to one of Kinsella's books, I highly recommend it, especially if narrated by Jayne Entwistle.)

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is light, fun, and endearing. I loved the setting, haven’t you always wanted to be a shop owner? The IOU was a cute theme and the perfect vehicle for a romance.

What almost derailed it for me were Fixie’s siblings—they are incredibly cruel, and I realize that part of the story deals with growth and empowerment, but they were just so awful! As far as the other characters, I found that Greg was an unnecessary addition.

Stick with the book, it is delightful and adorable, and we need more Fixies in the word. Thank you, Sophie, for another gem!  I adore your writing and your wit.

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SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, My Not So Perfect Life, and Surprise Me.

She lives between London and the country.

A Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This endearing story is about unlikely friendships, strength of community, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can change someone's life.

A follow up to the delightful The Story of Arthur Truluv, Berg centralizes this novel around Lucille Howard, Arthur Moses' former neighbour/friend/roommate.  Lucille is an active eighty-eight-year-old former teacher that teaches banking classes out of her home, thanks to the inspiration from her recently departed dear friend, Arthur.  Her baking is groan-worthy and her classes have become so popular that she is forced to hire an assistant.  Iris is the newest resident of Mason, Missouri, and although she knows nothing about baking, she is a quick study and just what Lucille needs.  It also turns out that Lucille is just the distraction Iris needs to keep her mind off the life-altering decision she made that brought her to Mason.

A lovely young couple lives in Lucille's old house which is next door.  When faced with a tragedy, Lucille steps in to help look after the couple's son, Lincoln.  In a small town like Mason, the residents support their own and come together in the spirit of community. 

Night of Miracles is incredibly heartwarming.  Writing from multiple viewpoints, Berg pens characters that are charming despite their flaws.  She captures more of your heart on each page while weaving the plot into a beautiful and touching story.  The book is a quick and easy read that is whimsical and lighthearted, a feel-good book that was just what I needed.       

My only criticism was that Maddy wasn't as integral as she should/could have been.  Perhaps this was deliberate in that Berg was letting her evolve on her own, or maybe she held back a little on her storyline because Maddy will be the basis of another installment?  Wouldn't that be fantastic?! 

I've been asked if you need to read the first book first, or whether this book could function as a standalone book.  My answer is that I do think you should read The Story of Arthur Truluv first, not only because it is equally enjoyable, but it does give you more context so that this story doesn't come off as too simplistic because there is so much more to the recurring characters.

The book is a quick and easy read that is whimsical and lighthearted, a feel-good book that was just what I needed.  

Providence by Caroline Kepnes

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Growing up in a small town, Jon and Chloe are the only ones who truly understand each other.  Jon doesn't fit in and is bullied.  Chloe doesn't seem to care what her friends think when she hangs out with Jon.  They each have feelings for each other that are more than friends, but neither expresses their feelings.  

Jon finally gets up the courage to tell Chloe how he feels about her, but he never gets the chance because he is kidnapped on the way to school by his substitute teacher.  Mr. Blair, who is obsessed with H.P. Lovecraft, has given Jon some kind of power in his plight to save humanity.  

Chloe carries on and tries to live a "normal" teenage life even though her best friend is missing.  She continues to mourn Jon while trying to fit in and gains popularity with the in crowd.  

Four years have passed and Jon wakes up from a coma.  Jon realizes that he possesses an uncontrollable power, and that is life threatening to anyone he has any kind of feelings for.  To protect Chloe, he runs away, but not before he has attracted the attention of a detective who is obsessed with a string of deaths that appear to be connected.

This was a mixed bag for me.  Obviously Kepnes can write, the hook had me until the four years later part.  I'm not sure if it was the supernatural element that didn't quite work, but something had me skimming.

So the positive was the writing, as I mentioned.  Kepnes explores complex relationships that deal with the multi facets of love/relationships (Jon and Chloe, Eggs and his wife and son), how we struggle with identity, how passion can be dangerous when ignited, and how the lines of all of these things blur into one another.  There was some really incredible stuff here.  But...for some reason I just couldn't stay invested and engaged in the story.      

And now for the negative.  I'm not understanding the purpose of the depth of the sub plot with Eggs (yes, that was his name).  It was too complex and it was like reading two books at the same time.  Eggs' story was about his relationships with his passive-aggressive wife, his non-existent relationship with his severely handicapped son, and his in denial relationship with his own self and his health.  There's a lot to unpack here.  

I also felt a disconnect to the story because of the H.P. Lovecraft references—fans of his works will definitely enjoy this book more than I did since this was completely lost on me.  Again, this was the tie-in to the supernatural elements that really threw me.  This book was not what I expected.

All that being said, I have heard amazing things about You.  I will definitely pick it up, I'm not done with Caroline Kepnes yet.  

Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tension permeates a close-knit neighbourhood and happy marriage after an unexpected violent act.

Nora and Charlie Nolan seem to have it all.  They live on a dead end street in a lovely home in a New York City neighbourhood.  Their twins are away at college and all is well.  Nora has always loved the city and Charlie loves it even more now that he has secured a highly coveted parking spot.  One morning, Nora returns home from her run only to discover a terribly tragedy has occurred that has shaken her once tight community.  Cracks start to appear in her seemingly charmed life, not only on the block, but at her job, and her marriage.

In Anna Quindlen's latest book, she explores motherhood, being a wife, and a woman in the stages of unravelling.      

Quindlen is a fantastic writer, and this book is no exception.  However, it took me a long time to get into the book and by time the story really started to develop (after the "incident"), I had checked out.

I liked the parallel between Charlie and Nora's dead-end marriage with them living on a dead-end street.  But, the parking space and a mundane marriage seem to eclipse the rest of story.  Or maybe because the first part of the book is so drawn out that the reader is just not as vested in any of the issues.  Maybe it's because I live in the burbs, but I couldn't relate to the parking issue and felt that it had too much presence in the story.  Perhaps because NYC was so integral, the city was almost a character in itself, that Qindlen dedicated so much to the parking space.

Unfortunately for me, this one is a pass.  It was just okay.

You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

You Think It, I'll Say It is a compilation of ten stories about misperception and how human flaws connect us all.  We all misread others, including ourselves.  The real challenge is to put yourself in someone else's situation to understand their choices instead of passing judgement.      

I can't put my finger on why I don't like short stories.  Perhaps it's because I'm left wanting more and feel unsatisfied, or that I don't want to be vested in characters that never fully develop.

This collection however is the exception.  All of the narratives work together as a cohesive unit, but as stand-alone stories they are incredibly powerful.  The characters are remarkably well developed and relatable, and the plots are engaging.  This is an amazing feat given that it takes most authors hundreds of pages to accomplish what Sittenfeld does in a few.

I'm completely blown away with this anthology.  So, back to my original statement: I guess short stories really aren't my thing...unless they are written by Curtis Sittenfeld.

Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella

A special thank you to NetGalley, Edelweiss, and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have also had the pleasure of reviewing My Not So Perfect Life and couldn't wait to read Surprise Me. Sophie Kinsella, you've done it again! I absolutely adore your writing and your words make me smile. (If you haven't listened to one of Kinsella's books, I highly recommend it, especially if narrated by Jayne Entwistle.)  

This witty and at times emotional novel takes a closer look at marriage and how we can still be surprised by those we think we know best. Sylvie and Dan have been together for ten blissful years. They have a lovely home life complete with twin girls, fulfilling careers, and an envy worthy relationship. A trip to the doctor predicts that they will live for another 68 years—this gives new meaning to "until death us do part" when it spans seven more decades together.

To keep the marriage alive, Project Surprise Me is born. The couple will surprise each other to keep things fresh and exciting. But is seems that each "surprise" exposes the flaws in their relationship and drives them apart.  

Sylvie seemingly enjoys her work at a museum even though there are some pretty archaic systems in place—the owner, Mrs. Kendrick resists technology and Sylvie chalks this up to as charming. Mrs. Kendrick's nephew, Robert, takes an interest in the operations of the museum and questions their methods and systems. Is he trying to close down the museum and turn it into two-bedroom condos?     

Facing changes both personally and professionally, Sylvie experiences a tremendous amount of growth. She adored her late father and has kept up the Princess Sylvie persona he created as a way to honour him, when in actual fact, she is doing herself and her family a disservice because she is not being true to herself.        

I fell in love with the supporting cast of characters, this is really where Kinsella excels at writing.  The tender exchanges between Sylvie's neighbours John and Owen were some of the most beautiful writing in the book. One of my favourite quotes is when John says "Love is finding one person infinitely fascinating."

Kinsella's latest work is charming, thoughtful, and simply delightful.

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SOPHIE KINSELLA is the author of the bestselling Shopaholic series as well as the standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, I’ve Got Your Number, Wedding Night, and My Not So Perfect Life.

She lives between London and the country.

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

A special thank you to Edelweiss and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Chris Bohjalian's Instagram there is a post where a reader asked him why he always wears a suit and tie to an author event and his response was that it was a way of showing respect and thanks to his readers. I was touched by his post and thought it showed a tremendous amount of class. In return, I would like to thank Chris Bohjalian for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of The Flight Attendant.

In The Flight Attendant, we have a flawed, self-sabotaging unreliable narrator—Cassandra Bowden is a flight attendant with a taste for adventure and alcohol.  Being a binge drinker, Cassie suffers from self-loathing and the odd blackout. Waking up in a hotel room in Dubai after a one night stand with a dead body is beyond blacking out. Could she have actually killed him? Afraid to involve the authorities, Cassie starts lying to cover up any speculation that she could be involved. With each lie she tells, she increasingly looks more guilty. How far will she go before the truth comes out that she was with the passenger who was found dead in his hotel room?    

Each of Bohjalian's novels is vastly different from the last, yet equally as rich in character development and plot, and this book is no exception. He weaves an engaging tale of regret, murder, and mystery through strong female characters. I highly recommend picking up this character-driven thriller/mystery, you won't be disappointed.

CHRIS BOHJALIAN is the author of twenty books, including The Guest Room; The Sandcastle Girls; Skeletons at the Feast; The Double Bind; and Midwives which was not only a number one New York Times bestseller, but an Oprah’s Book Club selection.

Bohjalian's work has been translated into more than thirty languages, and three novels have become movies (Secrets of Eden, Midwives, and Past the Bleachers) and The Flight Attendant has been optioned for a televisions series.

Chris lives in Vermont with his wife.

The Address by Fiona Davis

A special thank you to Penguin Random House First to Read and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fiona Davis' novel takes readers to the historic Dakota —the famous home of John Lennon from 1973 to his murder outside the building in 1980.

The story opens in England with Sara Smythe, a head housekeeper at an elegant hotel.  She is offered a job by Theodore Camden after she saves one of his children from falling out a window.  Wanting a better life, she accepts the job which is to be the managerette of the Dakota, an upscale apartment building in New York City.

Fast forward to 1985 New York City, where Bailey Camden has just completed a stint in rehab and is trying to get her life back on track.  She is hired by her cousin, Melinda, to redecorate her apartment in the Dakota and is hopeful that this opportunity will relaunch her career.  Davis joins the two storylines with the Dakota when Bailey finds Sara's belongings in a trunk in the basement of the decrepit building.  

As a reader, the best parts of the story were in the past.  Even though the 80s are by far my favourite decade, um hello, best music ever, I simply couldn't connect with Bailey and just wanted to stay with Sara.  Davis fell victim of the duelling storylines and I feel of late that this style has been done too much and as an avid reader, this type of narrative is old hat.

Hum If You Don't Know the Words by Bianca Marais

A special thank you to Penguin Random House First To Read for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Set in South Africa during Apartheid, the lives of two people collide and an unlikely bond is formed. Robin Conrad is a nine-year-old white girl living with her parents in Johannesburg. Beauty Mbali is a Xhosa woman in a rural village in the Bantu homeland of the Transkei who has been widowed and left to raise her three children. Divided by race, the two meet as a result of circumstances stemmed from the Soweto Uprising—a protest by black students ignites racial conflict in which Robin's parents are casualties, and Beauty's daughter goes missing.

Robin is sent to live with her irresponsible aunt, and Beauty is hired to take care of Robin while continuing to look for her daughter. Beauty and Robin become dependent on one another to fill the voids of their lost loved ones. With the threat of Beauty abandoning her once her daughter is found, Robin makes a decision without understanding the magnitude it will have on Beauty, also failing to realize that this could cost her everything she loves. Robin is taken on a journey of self-discovery, love, loss, racism, and what family truly means.

Told from alternating perspectives, Marais creates a strong character in Beauty, and an unreliable/naive one in Robin. There were times where Robin was endearing, and other times she was incredibly precocious. The difference between 4 and 5 stars was the ending—would Beauty, after everything she had gone through, really have let Robin save the day?

I had much admiration for Beauty, not only for her intelligence, but for her compassion. Her stoicism and strength when met with such adversity was nothing short of amazing and I wish that the entire story was told from her perspective. She is well-written without being trivialized, Marais shines through her characterization. Highly recommend!

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BIANCA MARAIS holds a certificate in creative writing from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, where she now teaches creative writing. Before turning to writing, she started a corporate training company and volunteered with Cotlands, where she assisted care workers in Soweto with providing aid for HIV/AIDS orphans. 

Originally from South Africa, Marais resides in Toronto with her husband.

The Story of Arthur Truluv A Novel by Elizabeth Berg

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In the same vein as A Man Called Ove, Berg's latest novel doesn't disappoint.  This delightful, easy read is about three people whose lives intersect because of loss.  Arthur is a widow that visits his dead wife's grave every day to have lunch with her; it is here that he meets Maddy, a teenager who hides out in the cemetery to avoid high school.  Although they are an odd pairing, Berg's character development brings their relationships with loss and loneliness to an end and in its place, creates a beautiful friendship.  Lucille is Arthur's neighbour.  She is incredibly forward and the epitome of a nosy neighbour, but totally endearing.  Fresh from a loss of her own, she becomes part of their makeshift family.

My only criticism is that I wanted more from the relationships.  I wanted more Nola and Arthur, and more of Maddy and her father.  If Berg had fleshed out these relationships, the story wouldn't be so saccharin-sweet. 

Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

A special thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Strout is simply a gift. Her writing is breathtaking, gorgeous, and heartbreaking. Written in tandem with My Name Is Lucy Barton, Strout draws on the small-town characters that Lucy and her mother talked about—we are given insight into their lives and learn how their stories are woven together in this work of fiction that reads more like a novel than a compilation of stories.

In My Name Is Lucy Barton, the work speaks to the reader on a different level in that it was more about the nuances and what was left unsaid. This book is more character driven, examining the human condition, stories of love, loss, and hope.

In a word, brilliant!

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ELIZABETH STROUT is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge; the #1 New York Times bestseller My Name Is Lucy Barton; The Burgess Boys, and New York Times bestsellers; Anything is Possible and Abide with Me. She has also been a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Orange Prize in England. Her short stories have been published in a number of magazines, including The New Yorker and O: The Oprah Magazine.

Strout lives in New York City.

Always by Sarah Jio

A special thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kailey Crane seems to have it all: a great job as a writer for the Herald, and a wonderful fiancé who looks like a Disney prince and is seemingly perfect.  After enjoying a romantic dinner at one of Seattle's contemporary downtown restaurants, Kailey offers her leftovers to a homeless man and is stunned when she recognizes him.  He is the love of her life, Cade McAllister.  

The story alternates from present day to ten years earlier to explore Kailey and Cade's relationship.  Their initial attraction was undeniable and intense.  Kailey is swept up in their connection and is left heartbroken when the relationship suddenly ends and Cade disappears from her life.  Present day Cade is a broken-down version of his former self—he may look similar, but he has suffered a brain injury.  Is the man that Kailey once loved still in there?  How did he go from being famous in the music industry to homeless?  

Kailey takes on Cade's care and keeps it from her fiancé.  She is desperate to piece together what has happened to him and in doing so, awakens her unresolved feelings and puts her into a compromising position where she must decide which man she will continue to love.

A fast read, enjoyable, but terribly predictable and there is a gaping plot hole—who prevented Cade from getting the medical care he needed and signed him out of the hospital?  Would nobody really be looking for him?  He was after all a famous producer and co-owned a record label.  If you are a fan of this genre, you would definitely enjoy the book.