Review: Between Before and After by Maureen Doyle McQueery

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Summary:

“The carnage began with the roses. She hacked at their ruffled blooms until they dropped into monstrous drifts of red on the parched yellow lawn … Only two things kept my mother grounded to us: my uncle Stephen and stories.”

Fourteen-year-old Molly worries about school, friends, and her parents’ failed marriage, but mostly about her mother’s growing depression. Molly knows her mother is nursing a carefully-kept secret. A writer with an obsession for other people’s life stories, Elaine Donnelly is the poster child of repressed emotions.

Molly spends her California summer alternately watching out for her little brother Angus and tip-toeing around her mother’s raw feelings. Molly needs her mother more than ever, but Elaine shuts herself off from real human connections and buries herself in the lives and deaths of the strangers she writes about. When Uncle Stephen is pressed into the limelight because of his miracle cure of a young man, Elaine can no longer hide behind other people’s stories. And as Molly digs into her mother’s past, she finds a secret hidden in her mother’s dresser that may be the key to unlocking a family mystery dating to 1918 New York—a secret that could destroy or save their future.

Told in dual narratives between 1918 New York City and 1955 San Jose, California, Between Before and After, by award-winning author Maureen McQuerry, explores the nature of family secrets, resiliency, and redemption. This is an historical coming-of-age Young Adult story about the complex bonds between mothers and daughters.

Review:

I’m not sure why this book didn’t immediately take to me. The foundation of the story, the setting, characters and plot was good but I only found myself deeply in the book about midway where it came alive for me.

Between Before and After, the reader is told it’s story through dual time perspectives which I really appreciated. One perspective told through teenage Molly at the present and the past told through her mother Elaine. I feel through Elaine’s perspective, we are learning about the past. Some moments I wish could’ve been explored more because it felt like something was left out or we rushed right buy. Molly’s perspective helped us understand who Elaine was and why she feels the way she does through the past. Getting to know their lives this way gave us a backstory and a overall perspective on who they were.

In hopes to learn more about Elaine, Molly decided to look into her past. When she discovered something hidden, she decided to put up ad to get any information. Not knowing what it would uncover, when an accident occurred, the past collided with the present leaving opening secrets that had consequences that would change their lives forever.

I thought it was a beautifully written story with several memorable moments. There were moments that I wish we could’ve learned more to experience more of their journey. I thought it was a wonderful addition to the book embedding snippets from Hansel & Gretel in there. Despite a couple of my thoughts, I will recommend this book for you to consider.

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.

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