The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman #review @berkleypub

Overview

Abbi Waxman is both irreverent and thoughtful.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin

The author of Other People’s Houses and The Garden of Small Beginnings delivers a quirky and charming novel chronicling the life of confirmed introvert Nina Hill as she does her best to fly under everyone’s radar.
 
Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own…shell.
 
The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. 
 
When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They’re all—or mostly all—excited to meet her! She’ll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It’s a disaster! And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn’t he realize what a terrible idea that is?
 
Nina considers her options.
1. Completely change her name and appearance. (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.) 
2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee). 
3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)
 
It’s time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn’t convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It’s going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor, and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page.

Review

Nina just found out her dad has died. She never knew she had a dad, let alone bothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. This throws her whole world out of kilter. On top of this….she has met a new, potential boyfriend. Her anxiety level is through the roof.

Well! I completely related to Nina! She is an introvert after my own heart. She works in a book store (my dream job!). She is completely nerdy, especially with her planner. I actually laughed out loud and some of her entries. So wonderfully realistic! She also has the best reactions to people. I caught myself laughing out loud at many of her antics.

This story is full of humor, fantastic characters and wonderful book references. What is not to enjoy? This is a perfect read for an introverted bibliophile!

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Rouge A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum @stmartinspress #review #historicalfiction

Overview

Like Swans of Fifth Avenue and Truman Capote’s Answered Prayers, Richard Kirshenbaum’s Rouge gives readers a rare front row seat into the world of high society and business through the rivalry of two beauty industry icons, by the master marketer and chronicler of the over-moneyed.

Rouge is a sexy, glamorous journey into the rivalry of the pioneers of powder, mascara and rouge.

This fast-paced novel examines the lives, loves, and sacrifices of the visionaries who invented the modern cosmetics industry: Josiah Herzenstein, born in a Polish Jewish Shtlel, the entrepreneur who transforms herself into a global style icon and the richest woman in the world, Josephine Herz; Constance Gardiner, her rival, the ultimate society woman who invents the door-to-door business and its female workforce but whose deepest secret threatens everything; CeeCee Lopez, the bi-racial beauty and founder of the first African American woman’s hair relaxer business, who overcomes prejudice and heartbreak to become her community’s first female millionaire. The cast of characters is rounded out by Mickey Heron, a dashing, sexy ladies’ man whose cosmetics business is founded in a Hollywood brothel. All are bound in a struggle to be number one, doing anything to get there…including murder.

Review

As most of you know if you follow my reviews, I LOVE a strong female character. This novel if FULL of them. Josephine, Constance and CeeCee are unstoppable. They are determined to overcome anything and everything to be on the top!

There are so many parts to this novel! This history of the cosmetics industry, the millionaires, the rivalries….which can lead to murder. Everyone is striving to be number one…makes no difference who gets in the way!

Intriguing….all the way through. I enjoy a book which has me researching. I was looking up all the characters in this book! This a fast paced novel not to be missed! Grab yours today!

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The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar #bookexpo2019 #historicalfiction #review @harlequinbooks

Overview

A stunning story about the Women Airforce Service Pilots whose courage during World War II turned ordinary women into extraordinary heroes 

1941. Audrey Coltrane has always wanted to fly. It’s why she implored her father to teach her at the little airfield back home in Texas. It’s why she signed up to train military pilots in Hawaii when the war in Europe began. And it’s why she insists she is not interested in any dream-derailing romantic involvements, even with the disarming Lieutenant James Hart, who fast becomes a friend as treasured as the women she flies with. Then one fateful day, she gets caught in the air over Pearl Harbor just as the bombs begin to fall, and suddenly, nowhere feels safe. 

To make everything she’s lost count for something, Audrey joins the Women Airforce Service Pilots program. The bonds she forms with her fellow pilots reignite a spark of hope in the face war, and—when James goes missing in action—give Audrey the strength to cross the front lines and fight not only for her country, but for the love she holds so dear. 

Shining a light on a little-known piece of history, The Flight Girlsis a sweeping portrayal of women’s fearlessness, love, and the power of friendship to make us soar.

Review

Audrey has always wanted to fly! Her dad taught her when she was very young and this led her to train military pilots. She meets a young Lieutenant and their romance is just beginning. Then the bombs rain down on Pearl Harbor. This changes the course of their lives for several years.

Audrey is a great female character. She does not follow the norm of society, due to her mother’s great dear distress. She becomes a flight trainer for the army and meets Lieutenant Hart. But, they are JUST FRIENDS! He is a great guy…heck I partially fell in love with him. They do not realize the extent of their love for each other until Lieutenant Hart is missing in action.

I enjoyed the rich history of this story. I knew a little about the flight girls but Noelle Salazar really expanded my knowledge. I did feel like the conversations were a little stilted and spoke the obvious. But, it is still a good read with LOTS of action and anticipation. It basically has a little bit of everything…war, romance and adventure.

I met this sweet lady at Book Expo. She is over the top nice!

I received this novel from Harlequin-Mira books for a honest review.

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My June Reads Wrap-up #reviews #5starreads

June was an awesome reading month. My work schedule has changed and I now have a 4 day weekend every other week. (I also have to work a 4 day weekend every other week 🙄). But, this really helps me get through more books! Who doesn’t LOVE that!

Without further ado….HERE WE GO!

The Summer Guests by Mary Alice Monroe @gallerybooks #fiction #review

The Perfect Date by Evelyn Lozada @stmartinspress #review #romance

Montauk by Nicola Harrison @stmartinspress #review #fiction

The Summer Country by Laura Willig

The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse @minotaurbooks #review #historicalfiction

The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin @berkleypub #review #historicalfiction #5star

Jackson by Emily March #review #romance @stmartinspress #giveaway

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess @henryholt #bookwhisperer #review #5star

The Little Teashop on Main by Jodi Thomas @harlequinbooks @jodithomas #review #fiction

These books below have reviews coming soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

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My Audible reads for June #audiobooks #audible #reviews

I had a fantastic audible book month for June.

The Huntress is a great read! No one writes stories like Kate Quinn.

Suspect is a wonderful crime novel. I really enjoyed the dog in this story.

The Last Letter from your Lover this is so well done! I loved, loved, loved the narrator

How was your Audible Reads for the month of June? Tell me what I need to listen to next!

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Jackson by Emily March #review #romance @stmartinspress #giveaway

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes Jackson, the newest novel in the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series.

Sometimes it takes a new beginning
Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.

to reach a happily-ever-after
Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?

 Review

Jackson has moved to Redemption, Texas to start a new life. He has soured on life after his divorce and he is definitely not looking for love! Enter Caroline! The last thing she wants is love. She must get her bookstore sustainable and she has not got time for anything else.

This is a spin off series from Emily March’s Eternity Springs series. It is not necessary that you read the Eternity Springs series. But there are some of the same characters in both reads.The story is a good, clean romance, as I like to call it….a palate cleanser. Sometimes a reader needs an easy, fun loving read after some heavy story line books. This one hit me at the right time. However, this is not my favorite Emily March book. I felt there was too much junk and squabbling between other characters and not enough connection between Jackson and Caroline. I do enjoy how the author sprinkles in little quips that have me laughing out loud. Not a bad read at all, especially for a road trip!

I received a copy from St. Martin’s Press for a honest review

Stop by my instagram for a chance to win!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzVW7OAgKe6/?igshid=ri6jrvvp5e9w

Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the heartwarming Eternity Springs series. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

 

Buy-Book Link:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250314918

Excerpt

Chapter One Excerpt

 

 

 

Nashville, Tennessee

Bang. The judge’s gavel fell and officially crushed JacksonMcBride’s heart. He closed his eyes. Bleak despair washed over him. Up until this very moment, he hadn’t believed she’d take it this far.

He’d thought she’d come to her senses. He’d thought she would recognize that this proposal was not only nonsense, but truly insane. He’d believed that somewhere deep inside of her, she still had a spark of humanity. That she wouldn’t do this to him. To them. He’d been wrong.

Damn her. Damn her and the yes-men she surrounded herself with. Damn them all to hell and back.

The enormity of what had just happened washed over him. Oh, God, how will

I survive this?

On the heels of his anguish came the rage. It erupted hot as lava, and it fired his blood and blurred his vision with a red haze of fury. He’d never hit a woman in his life. Never come close, despite plenty of provocation from her direction. In that moment had she been within reach, he might have lived up her accusations.

It scared the crap out of him. That’s what she’s brought me to.

Abruptly, he shoved back his chair so hard that it teetered,almost falling over. He strode toward the courtroom exit. “Jackson? Jackson, wait!” his attorney called, hurrying afterhim.

Jackson waved her off and didn’t stop. There was nothing left to be said. Nothing left to be done. No place left to go.

No little girl waiting at home to hug and cuddle and kiss good night.

The tap on the toes of Jackson’s boots clacked against the tile floor of the courthouse as his long-legged strides ate up the hallway. He shunned the elevator for the stairs and descended three flights at a rapid pace, then headed for the building’s exit. In a foolish bit of positive thinking, he’d driven his SUV to the courthouse this morning. Now the sight of the safety booster seat in the back seat made him want to kick a rock into next week.

He didn’t want to go home to a quiet, empty house. He shouldn’t go to a bar. Alcohol on top of his current mood could be a dangerous combination. Somebody probably would get hurt.

He got into the car and started the engine. For a longmoment he sat unmoving, staring blindly through thewindshield, his hands squeezing the steering wheel so hard that it should have cracked. When his phone rang, he ignored it.

A couple of minutes later, it rang a second time. Again, he ignored it. When it happened a third time, he finally glanced at the display to see who was calling. His cousin. Okay, maybe he would answer it.

“Hello, Boone.”

“How did the hearing go?”

Jackson couldn’t speak past the lump in his throat, so he said nothing.

Following a moment’s silence, Boone got the message. He muttered a curse, and then said, “I’m sorry, man. So damn sorry.”

“Well, it is what it is.”

“You can take another run at it.”

“Yeah.” In three years. Three years. Might as well be three decades. He cleared his throat and changed the subject. “So, how are things in Eternity Springs?”

“Good. They’re good. My friend Celeste Blessing visitedmy office a few minutes ago and spoke of her granite-headedcousin. Naturally, I thought of you.”

“Naturally,” Jackson dryly replied. But he felt a little less alone.

“Do you have plans this weekend? I could use your help with something.”

Pretty convenient timing. Knowing Boone, he had a spy in the courtroom. But Jackson wasn’t in the position to ignore the bone he’d been thrown. “I’m free. Whatcha got?”

“I’d like you to meet me at home.”

Jackson straightened in surprise. “You’re going back to the ranch?”

“No. Not there. I’m never going back there. However, I am talking about Texas. The Hill Country in particular. A little town west of Austin called Redemption.”

“Redemption, Texas?” Jackson repeated. For some weird reason, his heart gave a little skip. “Why there?”

“It’s a long story. Too long for a phone call. I’ll give you the entire skinny when I see you. When can you get there?”

After today’s debacle, Jackson had absolutely no reason to remain in Nashville. “When do you want me there?”

“I’ll be in later today. I’m in Austin now. I’ve been helping a friend with a project. I have a flight back to Colorado Sunday evening. The earlier you can get here the better, but I’ll make anything work.”

Jackson figured the distance and the drive time. “I’ll meet you tomorrow afternoon. Where?”

“Great. I’ll text you the info when we hang up. Bringcamping gear.”

When a sound behind him had Jackson glancing up into the rearview mirror and the booster seat caught his notice, he made an instant decision. “Can’t. I’ll be on my bike.”

“You’re gonna ride your motorcycle all the way fromNashville?”

“Yes, I think I am.”

“Okay. I’ll bring stuff for both of us.” Boone hesitated a moment and added, “Hang in there,

Jackson. It’ll get better.”

No, I don’t think it will. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Jackson ended the call and finally put his SUV in gear and backed out of the parking place. With the distraction of the call behind him, fury returned, and by the time he reached home, he felt like a volcano about to explode.

He threw a handful of things into his tail bag, filled his wallet with cash from his stash, and ten minutes after his arrival, he fired up his bike and took his broken heart and headed out of Nashville. He left behind his home, his work, and his one reason for living, his six-year-old daughter, Haley.

 

From Jackson. Copyright © 2019 by Emily March and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.

 

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The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess @henryholt #bookwhisperer #review #5star

Overview

Summer 2019 B&N Discover Great New Writers Selection*
*A July 2019 Indie Next List Great Read* 
*One of Parade’s Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2019* 
*An O Magazine Best Beach Read of 2019*
*A New York Post Best Beach Read of 2019*

The Last Book Party is a delight. Reading this story of a young woman trying to find herself while surrounded by the bohemian literary scene during a summer on the Cape in the late ’80s, I found myself nodding along in so many moments and dreading the last page. Karen Dukess has rendered a wonderful world to spend time in.”
—Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six 

A propulsive tale of ambition and romance, set in the publishing world of 1980’s New York and the timeless beaches of Cape Cod.

In the summer of 1987, 25-year-old Eve Rosen is an aspiring writer languishing in a low-level assistant job, unable to shake the shadow of growing up with her brilliant brother. With her professional ambitions floundering, Eve jumps at the chance to attend an early summer gathering at the Cape Cod home of famed New Yorker writer Henry Grey and his poet wife, Tillie. 

Dazzled by the guests and her burgeoning crush on the hosts’ artistic son, Eve lands a new job as Henry Grey’s research assistant and an invitation to Henry and Tillie’s exclusive and famed “Book Party”— where attendees dress as literary characters. But by the night of the party, Eve discovers uncomfortable truths about her summer entanglements and understands that the literary world she so desperately wanted to be a part of is not at all what it seems. 

A page-turning, coming-of-age story, written with a lyrical sense of place and a profound appreciation for the sustaining power of books, Karen Dukess’s The Last Book Party shows what happens when youth and experience collide and what it takes to find your own voice.

Review

Eve is a young woman struggling to make it as a writer. She is in a dead end job in publishing and she just can’t take it anymore. So, she QUITS! She takes a job as an assistant to a famous author and his poet wife. She entangles herself into their lives and she gets invited to their famous Book Party. Eve slowly discovers she is in over her head.

I started out enjoying Eve. I really felt for her. But, like all good characters, she makes a STUPID, STUPID mistake in this story. As a reader, I saw it coming. The author did a great job building up to it. (Can you tell I am trying not to give it away). Also, like all good characters, she realizes she has made a mistake and she takes matters in her own hands, even if it will be painful.

Give me a story about books, authors, and publishing and I am in love. This story is fantastic in my eyes. I loved the setting, the characters (well, except when Eve does something REALLY stupid) and all the book references. Did I mention the book references?!?! It really take you on a ride you will not soon forget.

Grab this one today!

I received this novel from Henry Holt and Company for a honest review. The book releases July 9, 2019.

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Celebrating 30 Years of Diane Chamberlain #spotlight #giveaway @stmartinspress

Enter here to win all 5 books!

http://bit.ly/Chamberlain30

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The Little Teashop on Main by Jodi Thomas @harlequinbooks @jodithomas #review #fiction

Overview

A rainy-day ritual—a tea party between three little girls—becomes the framework of not only their friendship, but their lives.

Redheaded, curly-haired Zoe is openhearted, kind and free-spirited, and dreams of becoming a famous actor in New York City. Shy Emily struggles with mental health but has the heart and soul of a writer. And Shannon—tall, athletic, strong—has a deep sense of loyalty that will serve her well when she heads off to military college.

As Zoe, Emily and Shannon grow into women—forging careers, following dreams and finding love—they’ll learn that life doesn’t always unfold the way they want it to, but through it all, the one constant is each other, and their regular tea parties. And when the unthinkable happens, the girls must come together to face the greatest test of all.

A deeply moving novel about the family that raises us, the hearts that nurture us and the great friendships that define our lives.

Review

Three young friends started out life having tea parties together. They have kept the tradition alive all through their lives. Many life changes and challenges have come their way. They have always been there for each other. Then the biggest challenge of all hits them hard.

Zoe, Emily, and Shannon are three best friends. They have been friends since kindergarten. They each have different family lives and different issues and I loved all three of these young ladies. Each lady has a unique personality but somehow these three are a perfect mix. Zoe moves to NYC to try and become a broadway star. Shannon is following in her dads footsteps and goes into the military. And my favorite character of all is Emily. She wants to be a writer. My heart goes out to this shy, introverted young woman.

This book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is a lightening fast read full of fantastic characters, true emotion and unique situations. I read this in one sitting. It just hits you with all the feels and you don’t want to end.

Don’t miss this one.

I received this novel from Harlequin for a honest review.

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The Last Collection by Jeanne Mackin @berkleypub #review #historicalfiction #5star

Overview

An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.

Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal.

When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother, Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress—a Chanel. Lily, however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie’s beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli’s designs as well, and much of Paris follows in her footsteps. 

Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel’s personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris.

Review

Lily has recently lost her husband and she is just barely making it through life. She meets her brother, Charlie, in Paris. He is determined to cheer her up by buying her a couture gown. Lilly wants a Schiaparelli. This purchase changes her life. Lilly is hired as an artist by Schiaparelli. This throws her right in the middle of the feud between Schiaparelli and Chanel.

I have read a little about Chanel but nothing about Schiaparelli. So I learned a great bit. I enjoy books that have me researching. This one definitely had me looking up both designers. This story is not just about the designers though. It is also about the strength of family and friends. Lilly would have fallen down into the well of depression if it had not been for her small clan surrounding her. Then, there is the political aspects. You are damned if you are friends with the Germans and you are damned if you are not. A very precarious position for all involved.

Now, I will not say this is a perfect read. It sort of slowed down for me in the middle. But, I still LOVED this book, especially the end. The ending gave me all the feels.

Don’t miss this one. This is twisty and emotional.

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