Review: Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

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I’m pleased to say that Sarah Morgan as usual had me from the beginning to the end. A Family for Beginners was such a lovely read that pulls at your heart and leaves it smiling.

A Family For Beginners takes us through a family that is broken yet fixable. We experience their loss, love and finding their way to where they are meant to be.

Meet Flora. A florist who lived in the city. I loved her character. She is one of those people that doesn’t know how wonderful she is. She is the type of person that you really want to see have a HEA. You’re begging for it. After the loss of her mother, she was sent to live with an aunt who really never wanted kids. Growing up feeling unloved and not wanted, she had searched life for a sense of belonging. They say when you least expect, what’s meant to be appears and for Flora, it was Jack Parker. He has everything that Flora could hope for but is it worth it?

Jack is handsome, smart but has a lot going on in his life. He strolled by the shop one day looking for something special for his daughter and over time developed a really nice friendship with Flora. They both have their own insecurities and obstacles but find a way to work through them. When an emergency happens with Flora, she is put in a situation where their relationship comes out in the open which doesn’t make someone happy. She is determined to make things difficult.

Meet Izzy. I wouldn’t say typical teenager. She’s barely able to make it through her days. After the death of her mother, she sort of took on a pseudo mom role for her sister. Her little sister is so adorable. A little mature for her age but that complements her charm as a character. At first I thought Izzy was a brat but that eased up when I got to know her better. Taking on this role sort of keeps her glued together so when she finds out about her dad’s girlfriend, that isn’t exactly the best news. Actually, it’s her worse nightmare. She doesn’t want a new mom. She likes her family just as is with no additions and she goes out of her way to maintain that status.

This is a tough situation for kids to be in with the loss of a parent. Then things shift when their summer vacation plans come up. Usually they did this with her mom but Jack decides this time to invite Flora. As much as Flora is sympathetic to how Izzy feels, she went through the same heartache losing her mom, she wants to have the chance to have a real relationship and grow with them. Izzy is resistant at all costs. Flora finds herself pushed to the test but ultimately she has to find a way to get what she wants to badly. What happens next really is the turning point of the book that really puts everything out there and in perspective. I thought those next moments were some of my favorite because it really gets deep in the hearts of the characters.

I don’t want to give too much but there is so much to their story independently that will really pull you in. Just as equally important is the relationship between Jack and Izzy and the secrets that unraveled in the book. I loved the exploration of them as a family and how Jack and Flora’s relationship really tackled many issues tied into redefining them as a family. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful read that was touching, funny, emotional at times but get you invested all throughout. I’d recommend adding this on to your TBR list.

Review: The F List by Alessandra Torre

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Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

The F List was an interesting take on the traditional celebrity status and influencer fame status. 

The book is centered on Emma. Luck transferred her from a “poor" girl into a millionaire. And in order to keep her star from shining, she started doing everything she can to manage her fame. PR relationships check? Nasty celebrity feuds? Check. Cash on the other hand was born in this lifestyle. His mother is an acclaimed Hollywood actress. And after he had a less than good date with Emma, the two became enemies. Unfortunately, for both Emma and Cash they both have signed up for the same reality show. 

I really enjoyed the structure of this book. I think I might have actually enjoyed it more than the storyline. Anyway, the book is structured almost in a conversational, confessional type of way. It is in the alternating POV of Cash & Emma. However, they speak at the audience. And are telling the story in a direct manner. There isn’t a lot of internal  monologue. In addition, to their POVs there are direct quotes from people who are in their lives (producers, magazine editors, camera people.. etc…). I found that to be a nice addition. It really played into the narrative that you can perceive someone one way and them not be that way at all. Especially, with the way the book ended. 

Characters 

I didn't have this strong connection to either characters. Although, I enjoyed how the book was structured I think that minimized the chance to explore the characters deeper and intelligently. For example, I really didn't quite understand why Emma wanted to be famous. I think there might had been a few scenes were she spoke about being an actress; however, that was never truly explored. 

Also, with Cash. In the first true introduction to him in his POV, he mentions that he's really good at acting. However, he's never really done anything to showcase his talents. I wanted to dive more into his psyche regarding that. I think the author did a great job demonstrating the link between the paparazzi and his comfort surrounding his mother. 

Final Analysis 

The F List was an entertaining book centered on the notion of celebrity and how much someone is willing to thrive for it. 

Review: Get in the Game: Nothing Missing: You Have Everything Needed to Succeed by Kevin Atlas

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Summary

Be inspired by the story of Kevin Atlas (formerly Laue), whose faith and perseverance helped him become an NCAA Division I basketball player, despite being born with only one arm.

Even before entering the world, Kevin Atlas was a fighter. He should have died in childbirth, as the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice, but he survived because his left arm was in the middle of it, allowing blood to flow to his brain. But since circulation was cut off in that arm, he was born with his left arm ending just below his elbow.

GET IN THE GAME is Kevin’s story of transformation: Moving from anger to joy. From embarrassment to confidence. From the sidelines and wishing his life was different to getting in the game and showing who he is. Kevin’s arduous journey to earning a scholarship to Manhattan College in New York City and becoming the first NCAA Division I basketball player missing a limb has given him keen insights to help anyone who feels trapped and defeated by less-than-perfect circumstances, whether physical, mental, or environmental.

Kevin doesn’t encourage readers to simply accept and live with their challenges, hurts, and losses. He spurs them on to believe any weakness can, in reality, become the one thing that propels them to achieve their greatest potential. As Kevin has learned throughout his life, you can’t win if you don’t get in the game!

Review

As I was reading Get in the Game, I had to double-check the age of the author because I was astounded by his maturity and wisdom. Not to say it can’t happen but for someone who’s experienced the life he has so far, I’m truly inspired and connected to the message he wanted to deliver with his book.

So many people who are completely free from physical or emotional handicaps complain about how terrible their life is. I often say when I hear that to put yourself in the shoes of someone who has a challenge and live their life for a day. If they did, they’d be surprised at the fulfilling purpose of reaching a goal in a day or in a lifetime that they experience. When I read Kevin’s story, there isn’t anything anyone can complain about because where’s there a will, there’s a way.

Kevin Atlas, became the first one-armed basketball player, to play in NCAA Division I. I’m not a basketball fan but I know that’s a very big deal. He had some challenges growing up that included the death of a parent, bullying, and but most important the loss of part of his arm. He’d admit he had some moments that he retreated inward but developed the drive and courage to go after a dream that seemed unreachable but he made.

What I loved about the book was getting to know his background and how he was able to build confidence and motivation to succeed in all areas of his life. His journey is inspiring and encouraging words and advice he shares to help others get off the bench and “get in the game.” What he’s overcome is a testament to his faith and commitment to living his best life. Just because he has a physical disability doesn’t take away who you can be or meant to be. If you’ve ever felt defeated, this is one that will uplift and encourage you to find a way. When you put yourself in a pair of shoes such as these, there are no excuses that you can’t soar. 

Overall, I thought the book was inspiring and a wonderful read. He presented some insightful commentary on the journey of his life to reaching his dreams blended with some encouraging advice goal minded aspirations that can influence your own. Anyone can read this and feel uplifted but I think a young reader could benefit from reading his story because it can have a positive impact on their life. I’d recommend checking this one out.

#Sponsored by Faith Words

Review: You're Not Special: A (Sort-of) Memoir by Meghan Rienks

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My first deep dive into the culture of YouTube influencers included me stumbling upon someone by the name of Meghan Rossette. She was funny and wore cute clothes. I was obsessed and never missed a video. Flash forward years later, Meghan goes by Meghan Rienks now and she isn’t solely focused on YouTube. She’s following her acting career and has an entertaining podcast. And better yet, she’s released a somewhat memoir and it’s been one of my most anticipated books for a couple of years.  

For context, this book was announced roughly two years ago. But unfortunately, it was pushed back due to several issues. That was completely understandable and I don’t fault Meghan at all. When the book was finally released my excitement was still there. 

I read this book in one sitting and unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. Like mentioned prior this sort of a memoir. Throughout the book, Meghan mentioned several times that this a book that she wished she had while she was growing up. For all intents purposes this book is supposed to be sort of like advice from a “Big Sister". She covers topics anywhere from toxic friends to paternal issues, while also providing insight to her life and personal experiences. 

Although some advice was interesting and I enjoyed insight into her life, her charm was missing. Instead, what was included was extremely long paragraphs and unnecessary explanations. 

I didn’t connect to this book. There were several times where I found myself wondering when the book was going to be over. It got repetitive. Some stories and advice were repeated multiple times. 

 I think the one thing that felt the most real and intriguing was the information regarding her parents. That was something so raw and personal and she didn’t have to share it, but she did. 

Final Analysis 

You’re Not Special was something that spoke to me. But I could see how it could be beneficial to those of a younger demographic and are trying to figure out who they are. 

Review: First Kiss with a Cowboy by Sara Richardson

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Summary

Shy and sensible romance writer Jane Harding’s carefully ordered life is crumbling around her. With her latest novel due and her teaching contract at an end, returning home to help plan her best friend’s wedding is a welcome distraction. Yet when Jane discovers that the too-hot-to-handle boy who once tempted her is now the best man — and the rodeo circuit’s sexiest bull rider — her distraction is in danger of becoming a disaster . . .

Toby Garrett is no stranger to risk. But this latest injury could end his rodeo career for good. Thankfully, his recovery at home isn’t as awful as he’d imagined, especially when he comes face-to-face with Jane. The kiss they once shared still fuels his fantasies, but when she walked away, he let her go. Now Toby is determined to fix his mistakes. Can this sweet-talking cowboy prove that the passion still burning between them is worth braving the odds?

Review

It’s been awhile since I’ve been this excited for a new series. I knew once I started reading that this was going to be a great one. Despite having her other books, this is the first book that I finally got to read. Oh, how excited I am to share with you that First Kiss With a Cowboy, the first book in her new Silvarado Lake series, was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down.

Honestly, I’m on a case by case basis with the cowboy books but this one definitely roped me in. Everything about the book was so charming. There is always something so special with second chance romance books that suck you into their love that make getting to the hea all the more sweeter. The author sets the mood with such a gorgeous setting complemented with engaging, relatable characters that have you at hello. You can’t help to want to be friends with all of them.

I really loved Jane. She is truly an underdog that if only she saw how wonderful she truly is. She is smart, shy, kind and a bit of an introvert. She grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. You know the type when things happen, everyone knows about it. When she was a teenager, an embarrassing incident happened that sort of stuck with her and rested in the back of her mind. Fast forward with life, the stability that she had started to unravel. Her contract as a professor was coming to an end and despite her success with her first book, her publisher wasn’t pleased with her latest submission. Writer’s block getting the best of her, the best distraction to she had coming was the upcoming wedding of her friend Beth and her fiance Ethan.

Well, life has a way of throwing you curve balls. The last person on earth that Jane thought she’d see is the person who broke her heart so long ago. Upon returning to town for the upcoming wedding, heading straight to see her mom at their family ranch, she wasn’t expecting to see that familiar face. Unbeknownst to her, the past came crashing back in what seemed like her worst nightmare, her former crush Toby Garrett.

Toby isn’t the same guy Jane once knew. Life had been good to him as a professional bull rider. Sidelined by a current potential career ending injury, he was also in town for the wedding. Not only attending but will be right along side Jane as Ethan’s best man. Little did Jane know that embarrassing moment that happened long ago, Toby never forgot. Being a little older and wiser, Toby wants to right a wrong. Can he prove to Jane that he worth a second chance?

Overall, this was fun and sweet and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book. Once you get into the book, you won’t want to stop. Jane and Toby are the type of characters that will have you hanging on their every word and get lost in their journey. They are real. You will find them easy to connect with. I found it to be a quick read because I couldn’t stop. Wonderful characters, great setting, and loved the relationships that developed into the book. Wonderful start to this new series. I can’t wait to see who’s next. I’d recommend adding this to your TBR. Oh, as a special treat there is a bonus story by AJ PIne!

Review: The Air He Breathes by Brittainy Cherry

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A couple of years ago, I read the description of the book and decided that I didn’t think I was prepared to read a book with such a heavy focus on grief. Flash-forward to May 2020. I stumbled across this book again and thought that I might be strong enough to read it. Spoiler alert, I almost wasn’t. 

The Air He Breaths is about Elizabeth and Tristan. A year ago, both of them lost someone close to them. For Elizabeth, she lost her husband/father of her daughter. For Tristan, he lost his wife and son. Neither Tristan and Elizabeth are doing well. They are struggling and hunted by the tragic events and would do anything bring their loved ones back. Even if that means pretending that someone else is them. 

This was a heartbreaking tale of two people who lost everything. Their family was their life. The reason they got up in morning. And when they suddenly didn’t have that person (or persons), it shifted everything and instead of living they were just existing. 

There were several times where I almost cried during this book. It’s emotional and you can truly feel the pain that  Elizabeth and Tristan are feeling. The author does a great job of writing that and really dives deep into those emotions. 

Like mentioned earlier that this is a story about grief, but it’s also a story about love. After losing their spouses Elizabeth and Tristan didn’t think they could find love again. And I think a part of them didn’t want to. But after an unfortunate meeting and the fact that they are neighbors, they develop a real and raw friendship. They’re able to look past the façade that the other one has created and see the pain in each others souls. 

Although I enjoyed this book, the last major conflict almost disrupted the entire pace and feel of the book. It felt rushed. And it felt less organic than the rest of the book felt. The book was able to get back on track with the last couple of chapters after that conflict was resolved. 

Characters

Almost every character in this book was amazing and well developed. Tristan does start of the book as a tad rude, but how he is acting is completely realistic and understandable. And as the book progresses, he begins to show signs of who he was before and who he is capable of becoming. 

Final Analysis

The Air He Breaths is a heartbreaking and beautiful tale of two people who are struggling and existing after losing the loves of their lives.