JOHANNA PORTER IS NOT SORRY
Author: Sara Read
ISBN: 9781525899980
Publication Date: March 7, 2023
Publisher: Graydon House
Book Summary:
A sharp, witty debut novel about a soccer mom who steals a world famous portrait of herself from the narcissistic artist who was once her lover, an impulsive crime that will re-frame her suburban life and make her question her life choices.
The headlines dubbed it the art heist of the decade, but for Johanna, it wasn’t theft, it was a rescue.
Twenty years ago, Johanna Porter was a rising star in the art world. Now she’s an unknown soccer mom. When an invitation arrives to an elite gallery opening for her former lover, the great Nestor Pinedo, Johanna wants to throw it in the trash where it belongs. But with some styling help from her daughter, she makes an appearance and comes face-to-face with the woman she was before the powerful and jealous Nestor ruined her.
La Rosa Blanca is a portrait of Johanna herself, young and fierce and fearless—a masterwork with a price tag to match. When she cuts it out of its frame, rolls it up, and walks out, Johanna is only taking back what was stolen from her.
Hiding out with La Rosa Blanca in a shack on the Chesapeake Bay, Johanna digs into the raw work of reviving her own skills while battling novice-thief paranoia, impostor syndrome, and mom guilt. But Johanna doesn’t just want the painting, she wants to paint again. To harness her powerful talent, she must defy everyone’s expectations—most of all her own—for what a woman like her should be.
Review
Johanna has decided to face her past and go to this dang party. She received this invitation and it threw her for a loop. But, she puts on a second hand evening gown and she faces her former lover, Nestor Pinedo, the famous artist. The evening does not go as planned. Johanna derails and goes insane for a brief period of time. She steals the portrait of her young self that Nestor painted of her. She has no idea what came over her. But this has changed her thought process and she is bound and determined that he will not get this back!
I love, love, love Johanna. And I will let y’all in on a secret, this story does not match this cover. This is more serious than the cover looks and I enjoyed every minute of it! I expected more of a romantic comedy but that is not what this book is at all. This book covers a multitude of situations like parenting, theft, drug addiction, childhood trauma and a loss of dreams…just to name a few!
I love it when a book surprises me (probably why I don’t read the blurb!). And this one did. I was very much engrossed in Johanna’s life. And trust me…you will be too!
Need a really good escape…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Author Bio:
Originally from Washington, DC, SARA READ tried the nine-to-five life for about a nanosecond before moving to rural Virginia to become a flute-maker’s apprentice and traditional fiddle player. Childbirth led her to a career in nursing. A cancer survivor herself, she now has the distinct privilege of caring for cancer patients. She is co-founder of #momswritersclub, a biweekly YouTube and live Twitter chat for writers. Sara lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, with her husband, two teens, a terrier, and three snarky cats. She loves a long run, a long road trip, and a long talk with a friend. http://www.sararead.net
Author Website: https://www.sararead.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarareadauthor/r
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarafinn11/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarareadauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21955366.Sara_Read
Buy Links:
BookShop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/johanna-porter-is-not-sorry-sara-read/18524228?ean=9781525899980
Harlequin: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781525899980_johanna-porter-is-not-sorry.html
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/johanna-porter-is-not-sorry-sara-read/1141490074?ean=9781525899980
Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Johanna-Porter-Not-Sorry/Sara-Read/9781525899980?id=8292090795540
reecaspieces 
Sounds like this book is full of surprises. I know it would keep my attention if I read it. Great review. The book definitely sounds like it has a serious side to it.
I expected something totally different. I love when’s book surprises me!
Me too but in a good way and I love it. It’s such a bummer when a book surprises you that you were really looking forward to.
Facts right there!