Review: Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs

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Love and family. War and secrets. Betrayal and redemption.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs returns with a deeply emotional and atmospheric story that spans oceans and decades, from the present-day Delaware shore to the battlefields of WWII France.

Widowed by an unspeakable tragedy, Camille Palmer has made her peace with the past and settled into the quiet safety of life with her teenage daughter Julie in a sleepy coastal town. Then the arrival of a mysterious package breaks open the door to her family’s secret past. In uncovering a hidden history, Camille has no idea that she’s embarking on an adventure that will utterly transform her.

Camille, Julie, and Camille’s father return to the French town of his youth, sparking  unexpected memories — recollections that will lead them back to the dark days of the Second World War. And it is in the stunning Provençal countryside that they will uncover their family’s surprising history.

While Provence offers answers about the past, it also holds the key to Camille’s future. Along the way, she meets a former naval officer who stirs a passion deep within her — a feeling that she thought she’d never experience again.

Review

Map of the Heart was such as beautiful journey of life coming full circle. Happy to have had the opportunity to get a chance to read a novel by Susan Wiggs. This beautiful story weaved us through the past and present unlocking secrets, loss and breaking down the walls of the heart for love to finds its way.

Even though the plot of the story and how it evolved was wonderful, I always love the backstory of who the characters are. When there is pain or obstacles in life, it gives more heart to the book. I felt these characters brought more depth and authenticity to the experience because of what had happened to them. Seeing them strip down and find their truths independently and together through shared experiences, made them more interesting.

Camille, a widow who lost her husband, like so many shut down life. Through her grief, life sort of passed her by. Crippled by the way her husband died, trying to control her adventurous daughter’s life led to crippling her by trying to protect her from everything. Not only with her daughter but her own life.

Her fear of losing someone else just shut her out of moving forward and enjoying life. When a second chance at happiness passes through her life, she struggles with her fear unable to open heart. It is only through an ah-ha moment that we see her transform not only as a mother but also to the possibility of love was really nice.

Julie, her teenage daughter, once full of life and enjoyed every moment, found herself becoming more isolated. Not having the freedom to enjoy being young, care free and enjoy life, she slowly spirals into a place that she loses herself. This has caused her to lose self confidence which mostly has stemmed from being bullied but through her own grief she’s been oblivious to her the trajectory of change. When the opportunity comes to travel back to where her grandfather is from, such a nice evolution for her.

 The heart of the book stems from one day when her father receives a parcel from where he grew up, there were several items from the past that sparked unanswered questions. Her father didn’t exactly have it easy growing up. In fact, his life was tough from the tainted deeds of his family’s past. Facing the past, all three embark on a journey they unravel a history that transforms all their lives, healing old wounds and bring closure to an unsettled past.

Overall, it was a wonderful read. I love the back and forth of the past and present perspectives in books like this. The characters, the story will grab you heart. Add this one to your book pile.

Review: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

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I had the privilege of attending Liane Moriarty’s book signing for Nine Perfect Strangers in Nashville, TN. I’ve been a fan of Liane Moriarty for a couple of years now and was thrilled to dive into her new book. I had a lovely time, and my excitement to read Nine Perfect Strangers was through the roof. I have never been disappointed by a book by her, and I had high hopes for her newest book.

It was no surprise to me, that I enjoyed Nine Perfect Strangers. Like all of Moriarty’s books, it was deeply entertaining and captivating. From the first page, I was instantly hooked and had a very hard time putting the book down. Nine Perfect Strangers had me laughing, but it also had me on the edge of my seat. Quite honestly, it was a wild, unexpected ride.

Nine Perfect Strangers tells the story of nine strangers who sign up for a health resort that is supposed to change their life. They are all there for different reasons. Some are there to lose weight. Some are there to reboot their life. Unbeknownst, to them all, it is going to be an experience that they never dreamed of having.

When I finished reading Nine Perfect Strangers, I experienced an enormous book hangover. I felt extremely sad that I had finished because although at times it felt unrealistic and completely wild, I had a great time. And I also felt a strong emotional bond to these characters.

Characters

This book is told in the POV of all twelve characters- the nine guest and the staffers at the health resort. Moriarty has a gift of being able to write three-dimensional characters. There is such a great nuance about them. Each character is so different. It was interesting to dive in their internal monologues and undercover deep dark secrets about them.

Although, I enjoyed all the character’s POVs, I will have to say that Frances’ POV was my favorite.

Final Analysis

Nine Perfect Strangers is wickedly good and full of several surprises.

Review: The Way You Love Me by Miranda Liasson

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Synopsis

Welcome to Angels Falls, a charming small town where hope, friendship, and family leads an unlikely couple to their happily ever after.

Gabby Langdon has always tried to make people happy. She even went to law school to please her father, and now she's a highly successful-albeit bored-attorney. But Gabby secretly dreams of being a writer, so for once she does something for herself-she signs up for a writing class taught by best-selling novelist Caden Marshall. There's only one problem: her brooding, sexy professor is a distraction she can't afford if she's finally going to get the life she truly wants.

Recently divorced and suffering from the world's worst case of writer's block, Caden is in Angel Falls to get his life back on track. He's focused on teaching and providing a stable and loving home for his young daughter, Ava. The last thing he needs is to jeopardize his new job, which means keeping plenty of distance between himself and his talented new student-no matter how tempted he is by Gabby's beauty, kind heart, or the sparks that fly whenever they're together.

Review

So happy to finally get a chance to read The Way You Love Me. I love this series. This is the second book in Miranda Liasson’s Angel Falls series. Everything about this series so far has been so charming. The Langdon family, the small town setting, the relationships and the overall vibe just pulls you into the lives of these characters.

So, The Way You Love Me dove into Gabby’s life. I really liked Gabby. I saw so much of myself in her and really found her such a breath a fresh air. She is beautiful, smart and such the people pleaser. That doesn’t always give you the best out of life and she has sure had her woes, especially in the love department. Taking a leap for once doing something she loves for herself, she decides to explore her passion for writing with the aspirations of being an author. Lucky for her, the class she takes is being talk by someone who knows a bit about being a successful author but she discovers, it’s sort of hard to concentrate when your teacher is Mr. McDreamy.

Cade knows a little bit of success. He made his dream come true and became a bestselling author for his debut book. You’d think that would be a great thing except for his jealous ex wife. When she accused him of stealing her ideas and slandered his reputation, Cade found himself unable to continue his passion as a writer. After his divorce, and wanting to make a new start, Cade returns to Angel Falls and secures a teaching position to rejuvenate his life and make a stable life for him and his daughter. Then one day, walks into his life the key to unlock his greatest story.

I can’t say enough how reading one of Miranda’s books makes me feel so good. She brings her characters in your heart and life in a way that you want to know them. Besides Gabby, I love the familial influence supporting her in the book. Nonna is such a gem and brings something special with her wit and endearing charm. Small town stories are always so charming and the obstacles and struggles that both Gabby and Cade had between their insecurities and hurt from their previous relationships gave an authenticity to their journey built up a want to invest in them. In anticipation of the next book, thank goodness it will be about Rafe. We need to know why he won’t make the leap. Overall, wonderful addition to the series. By the way, you will get a treat with a novella in the book by the lovely Alison Bliss. Add this one to your TBR.

Review: Secrets at Cedar Cabin by Colleen Coble

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I wasn’t expecting the roller coaster experience this book had but what a great experience this was. If you haven’t been following along with Colleen’s Lavender Tides series, please catch up. Not sure if there is going to be another book to this series considering many loose ends were tied but this was so much fun.

Secrets at Cedar Cabin, was the third book in the Lavender Tides series. This book was definitely a game changer for the series because it answered some lingering questions from earlier on.

In this book, we are introduced to Bailey Fleming. After finding a note from her mother warning her that her life may be in danger, she fled to the place that was given to her by her husband. After having to deal with her death and finding out he was a fraud, there were many things that weren’t adding up, especially when it came to her mother. She discovered that she wasn’t who she thought she was and that her mother had been keeping secrets.

After discovering some bodies on the property where the cabin she was staying at was found, an unlikely pairing with a local law enforcement officer leads to some discoveries that unlocks the key to her past that is entangled to a connection of his for a case involving his sister.

Overall, the suspense of the plot made me flip faster. I’ll admit, I was a bit impatient in the end and had to skip a little bit. I just had to get to the ending. If you follow the series than you will be happy to get resolution and closure for some of the loose ends early on. I really enjoyed this book. The drama, the suspense and everything in between, words can’t even express the feelings I have getting off that roller coaster. If you haven’t read the series, back read so you can know the backstory. If you are a fan like me, than you will love it. I’m recommending adding this book to your TBR list!

Review: 100 Inspirational Quotes And the Life-Changing Scriptures Behind Them by Joyce Meyer

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Book Summary

100 Inspirational Quotes from Beloved Bible Teacher Joyce Meyer, and the Life-Changing Scriptures Behind Them

Those who know and love Joyce Meyer often say it’s her straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is approach to teaching the Bible that resonates with them so strongly. For more than forty years now, God has given Joyce the ability to take Biblical principles and express them in ways that stick with you.

In this book, you’ll find many of her most familiar sayings–along with the scriptures that inspired them–that will help keep your mind focused on God’s Word so you can live with more peace and joy in your day-to-day routine. The truth is, “where the mind goes, the man follows,” and these godly, practical words of wisdom will make a positive impact that will turn your day around!

Review

Through her passion to help people understand the Bible and learn how to apply it to their lives, Joyce Meyer brings this wonderful book filled with 100 inspirational quotes to inspire your day. Not only does this inspire you with positive uplifting quotes but it’s accompanied by a complemented scripture verse that gives it some spiritual upliftment and credibility to each one.

I really enjoyed reading the quotes. They really make you feel good. Sometimes life takes so much out of us and it really helps to be reassured and get grounded where we need to be. Having those scriptures attached make helps you put things in perspective. The book was beautiful and it created a serenity every page turn. Whether you are moved by the quote or inspired by the passage, it definitely can help those looking for a spiritual pick me up. For those of you who are faith driven, this would be a wonderful edition to bring some joy and spiritual assurance.

#Sponsored by FaithWords

Review: Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe by Carla Laureano

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Summary:

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country?an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

Review

I don’t know what it is about books that have a supper club in them but they always never disappoint. Brunch at the Bittersweet Cafe was light, fun and delicious. I’ve never been so hungry reading a book but it was definitely a refreshing read that I’m so glad had a sweet HEA.

So, you never know who you will meet anywhere so you better be prepared. Melody, a big dreamer who hasn’t quite found the stability in her life.  A french trained pastry chef, she is currently working a job that is going nowhere but when a unexpected customer walks in one day during a storm, something just sort of made her come alive.

Not that she was looking or anything. She has had her share of losers and then comes in Pilot Mc Steamy. After his car got stuck in the snow, he took a chance to find some help and crossed paths with Melody and little did they know sometimes you meet for a reason. Even though fate step in and they find themselves completely smitten with each other, a twist of events brings these two to face their fears to either fight or flight their potential destiny.

Overall, this was cute one. I love stories that blend great friendships, family, overcoming obstacles and not to mention tasty food. I would’ve love to get recipes on those dishes that were talked about. I don’t know what it is about those books that have a super club theme but they also leave you feeling good. Oh man, the ending was reminded me of when Kevin Costner stopped the plane in the bodyguard. That declaration made this HEA worth it. I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s to come. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come in this sweet treat series. Add this one to your list to read.