Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
If You Like: Biographies, Love Stories, Uplifting Stories
Ages: 13-100
This book is seriously one of my favorite books of all times. I listened to it on audio book and really enjoyed hearing their voices tell their story. It had a little bit of romance, a lot of encouragement, and it showed God' faithfulness for us. I found myself smiling every time I listened, and I was constantly being struck with awe at God's work in their lives. They have used their platform to speak truth to the world, and they have such a great testimony of God's love for us. I highly recommend this uplifting and inspiring read.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Summerlost by Ally Condie
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Similar to: Shakespeare Plays, Other Teen Novels
If You Like: Mystery, History
Ages: 12-40
When I first started this book I was surprised the two main characters were 12 years old, but it was a cute little read despite the fact that it wasn't a book like what I usually read. This is a book about a summer festival that makes people feel like they are in a Shakespeare like time period. This book has a little bit of love, loss, and mystery. I would recommend it for a quick and unusual summer read.
Similar to: Shakespeare Plays, Other Teen Novels
If You Like: Mystery, History
Ages: 12-40
When I first started this book I was surprised the two main characters were 12 years old, but it was a cute little read despite the fact that it wasn't a book like what I usually read. This is a book about a summer festival that makes people feel like they are in a Shakespeare like time period. This book has a little bit of love, loss, and mystery. I would recommend it for a quick and unusual summer read.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen Drama, College Novels, Family Stories, Christmas
Similar to: Hallmark and Lifetime Movies
Ages: 13-100
I surprisingly really liked this book. It is a book about a girl who has to deal with so much loss at such a young age. Marin has lost everything including the love of her life and the only family she really knew, her grandfather. She has started over across the country at college and only has her roommate anymore. When everyone at the college goes home for the Christmas holiday, Marin is forced to face her past.
If You Like: Teen Drama, College Novels, Family Stories, Christmas
Similar to: Hallmark and Lifetime Movies
Ages: 13-100
I surprisingly really liked this book. It is a book about a girl who has to deal with so much loss at such a young age. Marin has lost everything including the love of her life and the only family she really knew, her grandfather. She has started over across the country at college and only has her roommate anymore. When everyone at the college goes home for the Christmas holiday, Marin is forced to face her past.
Once and For All by Sarah Dessen
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, Young Adult Romance
Similar to: Any wedding movie or book
Ages: 13-100
Sarah Dessen is my favorite author. The problem is that she only writes a book every two years, and each time I worry that she will have lost her touch, but instead I am always so happy and satisfied. There really is no other young adult author that has as good of a track record with me as Sarah Dessen. She just gets YA Romance and knows how to give you a great escape each time she writes.
Louna works for her Mom's wedding planning business with her Mom's friend, William. She had a great love once, but is true love a once in a lifetime kind of thing or will she get her happy ending once and for all?
If You Like: Romance, Young Adult Romance
Similar to: Any wedding movie or book
Ages: 13-100
Sarah Dessen is my favorite author. The problem is that she only writes a book every two years, and each time I worry that she will have lost her touch, but instead I am always so happy and satisfied. There really is no other young adult author that has as good of a track record with me as Sarah Dessen. She just gets YA Romance and knows how to give you a great escape each time she writes.
Louna works for her Mom's wedding planning business with her Mom's friend, William. She had a great love once, but is true love a once in a lifetime kind of thing or will she get her happy ending once and for all?
Sunday, October 1, 2017
The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, Star-crossed Lovers
Similar to: Romeo and Juliet
Ages: 13-100
I probably would have liked this book more had I liked the ending. This book features star crossed lovers. Natasha is about to be deported when she meets the boy she doesn't want to fall in love with, Daniel. Daniel believes in true love and falls in love with Natasha upon meeting her. The problem is that even if he could figure out a way to keep Natasha from getting deported, he knows his parents would never approve of a girl that isn't Korean. Their relationship is doomed from the beginning, but can true love survive all of the obstacles?
If You Like: Romance, Star-crossed Lovers
Similar to: Romeo and Juliet
Ages: 13-100
I probably would have liked this book more had I liked the ending. This book features star crossed lovers. Natasha is about to be deported when she meets the boy she doesn't want to fall in love with, Daniel. Daniel believes in true love and falls in love with Natasha upon meeting her. The problem is that even if he could figure out a way to keep Natasha from getting deported, he knows his parents would never approve of a girl that isn't Korean. Their relationship is doomed from the beginning, but can true love survive all of the obstacles?
Wink, Poppy, Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Artsy Stuff
Similar to: Horror movies
Ages: 13-40
I just can't even believe I wasted my time on this book. Maybe it is artsy and I just don't get it, but I kept hoping for something wonderful to happen in this book and it was just too weird and confusing for my tastes. There really isn't a set plot. Wink and Poppy are two girls tangled in a relationship with Midnight. There's a little bit of love, mystery, and horror, but this book left me feeling less than satisfied.
If You Like: Artsy Stuff
Similar to: Horror movies
Ages: 13-40
I just can't even believe I wasted my time on this book. Maybe it is artsy and I just don't get it, but I kept hoping for something wonderful to happen in this book and it was just too weird and confusing for my tastes. There really isn't a set plot. Wink and Poppy are two girls tangled in a relationship with Midnight. There's a little bit of love, mystery, and horror, but this book left me feeling less than satisfied.
The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Family reconciliation, love stories
Similar to: Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
Ages: 13-100
It has been a while since I finished this book and I got a little behind on my reviews, but this book is about family and togetherness rather than a love story. I can accept that and take it for what it is, although I do love a sappy and happy romance.
If You Like: Family reconciliation, love stories
Similar to: Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
Ages: 13-100
It has been a while since I finished this book and I got a little behind on my reviews, but this book is about family and togetherness rather than a love story. I can accept that and take it for what it is, although I do love a sappy and happy romance.
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Where We Belong by Emily Giffin
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance, mother-daughter relationships, Hallmark movies
Similar to: Hallmark and Lifetime movies, Nicholas Sparks books and movies
Ages: 13-100
After a few duds by Emily Giffin, I was happy to find this book as a breath of fresh air. It wasn't the perfect summer read or anything like that, but it had just enough cheesiness mixed in with some stuff with substance. I am happy this was the Emily Giffin book I finished with.
Marian has it all. She is practically engaged to her boss, she's working as a producer to a hit television show, and living it up in luxury in a New York City penthouse. Everything changes when Marian receives a knock on her door from the daughter that she gave up for adoption 18 years ago. She has a lot of loose ends to tie up, including telling the birth father, her first love, that he has a daughter. This book is about relationships and all that comes with them whether mother-daughter or romantic.
If You Like: Romance, mother-daughter relationships, Hallmark movies
Similar to: Hallmark and Lifetime movies, Nicholas Sparks books and movies
Ages: 13-100
After a few duds by Emily Giffin, I was happy to find this book as a breath of fresh air. It wasn't the perfect summer read or anything like that, but it had just enough cheesiness mixed in with some stuff with substance. I am happy this was the Emily Giffin book I finished with.
Marian has it all. She is practically engaged to her boss, she's working as a producer to a hit television show, and living it up in luxury in a New York City penthouse. Everything changes when Marian receives a knock on her door from the daughter that she gave up for adoption 18 years ago. She has a lot of loose ends to tie up, including telling the birth father, her first love, that he has a daughter. This book is about relationships and all that comes with them whether mother-daughter or romantic.
Monday, May 1, 2017
Baby Proof by Emily Giffin
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Similar to: Other Emily Giffin novels
If You Like: Chick Lit
Ages: 16-100
Emily Giffin novels are hit or miss for me. I have read 7 out of her 8 novels and have loved three of them, but the other 4 were awful or close to it. This one, unfortunately, was on the awful side.
Claudia and Ben always wanted the same things, which was part of the reason they fell in love and got married. Neither of them wanted to have kids, but suddenly, after three years of marriage, Ben has changed his mind. Unfortunately, Claudia has not. After one fight, the couple decides to get a divorce, and the rest of the book is about Claudia figuring out what is most important in life and what she really wants most in the world.
Let me first just say that the fight that ended Claudia and Ben's marriage was ridiculous. A couple doesn't just decide to call it quits after one argument; at least not a couple that has the strong love connection that Emily Giffin wants us to believe they had. This book was basically pointless for me. The characters took an entire book to get to the place they should have been during the first fight. This shouldn't have been a fight that went on for several months of divorce. I was at least happy that they got back together in the end, so there's that.
Similar to: Other Emily Giffin novels
If You Like: Chick Lit
Ages: 16-100
Emily Giffin novels are hit or miss for me. I have read 7 out of her 8 novels and have loved three of them, but the other 4 were awful or close to it. This one, unfortunately, was on the awful side.
Claudia and Ben always wanted the same things, which was part of the reason they fell in love and got married. Neither of them wanted to have kids, but suddenly, after three years of marriage, Ben has changed his mind. Unfortunately, Claudia has not. After one fight, the couple decides to get a divorce, and the rest of the book is about Claudia figuring out what is most important in life and what she really wants most in the world.
Let me first just say that the fight that ended Claudia and Ben's marriage was ridiculous. A couple doesn't just decide to call it quits after one argument; at least not a couple that has the strong love connection that Emily Giffin wants us to believe they had. This book was basically pointless for me. The characters took an entire book to get to the place they should have been during the first fight. This shouldn't have been a fight that went on for several months of divorce. I was at least happy that they got back together in the end, so there's that.
Prodigy by Marie Lu
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance, dystopian future
Similar to: Matched trilogy, Hunger Games trilogy, Divergent series
Ages: 13-100
This book was a great second book in the trilogy. I am ready to read the last book to find out how this all plays out.
Day and June have escaped from the Republic and are now working for The Patriots. The Patriots have an assassination plot for the new elector, Anden. The Patriots have June go undercover as part of the assassination plot that Day will carry out. but while June is undercover, she learns that Anden has a big plan for change for the Republic. All of the rules that the people disagreed with before are being changed so the public will be more like a democracy. Anden wants to stop the testing and spread of plagues. These are changes that the Patriots would want, right? So why do they want to kill a new elector who wants to make these changes? What's happening in the Colonies? Will Day go through with the assassination plot, even though June is trying to warn him that something just doesn't add up?
If You Like: Teen romance, dystopian future
Similar to: Matched trilogy, Hunger Games trilogy, Divergent series
Ages: 13-100
This book was a great second book in the trilogy. I am ready to read the last book to find out how this all plays out.
Day and June have escaped from the Republic and are now working for The Patriots. The Patriots have an assassination plot for the new elector, Anden. The Patriots have June go undercover as part of the assassination plot that Day will carry out. but while June is undercover, she learns that Anden has a big plan for change for the Republic. All of the rules that the people disagreed with before are being changed so the public will be more like a democracy. Anden wants to stop the testing and spread of plagues. These are changes that the Patriots would want, right? So why do they want to kill a new elector who wants to make these changes? What's happening in the Colonies? Will Day go through with the assassination plot, even though June is trying to warn him that something just doesn't add up?
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Legend by Marie Lu
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance, dystopian future
Similar to: Matched Trilogy, Hunger Games Trilogy, Divergent Series
Ages: 13-100
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it kept appearing in my life so I thought I would give it a try. This is one of the best books that I've read in a really long time. Marie Lu has a great writing style and way of developing characters.
This book alternates between June, a Republic prodigy, and Day, the Republic's most wanted criminal. In the future, the United States is split between the Republic and the Colonies. The Republic is a controlling and corrupt form of government, and the Patriots are the rebels that challenge The Republic. When children turn ten years old, they are required to take a test to decide where they will be placed for a job in the Republic. June scores a 1500 which is the highest score you can get and is on the fast track to a military career. Day failed his test when he was ten, and the government doesn't know who he is. They have his fingerprints, but they don't match any of the prints in their database. They figure if anyone can track him down, it is the prodigy. June is sent on a mission, but as she gets to know Day, she finds out that maybe there is more to the story than the Republic is filling her in on.
This book is book one of a trilogy, followed by Prodigy and Champion.
If You Like: Teen romance, dystopian future
Similar to: Matched Trilogy, Hunger Games Trilogy, Divergent Series
Ages: 13-100
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it kept appearing in my life so I thought I would give it a try. This is one of the best books that I've read in a really long time. Marie Lu has a great writing style and way of developing characters.
This book alternates between June, a Republic prodigy, and Day, the Republic's most wanted criminal. In the future, the United States is split between the Republic and the Colonies. The Republic is a controlling and corrupt form of government, and the Patriots are the rebels that challenge The Republic. When children turn ten years old, they are required to take a test to decide where they will be placed for a job in the Republic. June scores a 1500 which is the highest score you can get and is on the fast track to a military career. Day failed his test when he was ten, and the government doesn't know who he is. They have his fingerprints, but they don't match any of the prints in their database. They figure if anyone can track him down, it is the prodigy. June is sent on a mission, but as she gets to know Day, she finds out that maybe there is more to the story than the Republic is filling her in on.
This book is book one of a trilogy, followed by Prodigy and Champion.
Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Memoirs, Fiction, Travel
Similar to: Older Nicholas Sparks books
Ages: 13-100
I was surprised how much I loved this book. I don't normally read memoirs, but this was the last book by Nicholas Sparks for me to read, so I decided to suck it up. I'm so sorry I waited for so long because this book actually reads more like fiction than a memoir. This book had all of the qualities of Nicholas Sparks older (and better) books.
It alternates between Sparks' childhood and the three week trip he takes with his brother, Micah. It is really great to know how Nicholas Sparks grew up and know why he writes the books he writes today. While reading this, I was so sad to learn that just two years ago, Nicholas Sparks and his wife divorced. That could be why the last 2-3 books have been very different from his older books. Even if Nicholas Sparks never writes a book that I like again, I can always remember that I have his older books to go back to and reread over and over again, and this book is one of those.
If You Like: Memoirs, Fiction, Travel
Similar to: Older Nicholas Sparks books
Ages: 13-100
I was surprised how much I loved this book. I don't normally read memoirs, but this was the last book by Nicholas Sparks for me to read, so I decided to suck it up. I'm so sorry I waited for so long because this book actually reads more like fiction than a memoir. This book had all of the qualities of Nicholas Sparks older (and better) books.
It alternates between Sparks' childhood and the three week trip he takes with his brother, Micah. It is really great to know how Nicholas Sparks grew up and know why he writes the books he writes today. While reading this, I was so sad to learn that just two years ago, Nicholas Sparks and his wife divorced. That could be why the last 2-3 books have been very different from his older books. Even if Nicholas Sparks never writes a book that I like again, I can always remember that I have his older books to go back to and reread over and over again, and this book is one of those.
Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance
Similar to: Other teen romance books
Ages:12-20
Susane Colasanti is hit or miss and this one was miss. I found it incredibly shallow and quite boring. The ending was a little redeeming, albeit predictable. Sometimes I love a quick and mindless read, but this book was a little too mindless even for my taste. Maybe I didn't like this book because I'm no longer a teenager, but I sure hope I wasn't as shallow as the girl in this book who is almost an adult. Maybe I was...
Sterling is in love with Ethan. To her, he's perfect. Ethan and his band have recently been discovered and he is beginning his rise to fame. Sterling is positive that no matter how famous Ethan gets, he will always put his friends (and her) first and never let the fame get to him. Unfortunately it does, and she finds herself confiding in one of the roadies on Ethan's tour.
You can probably guess what happens from there.
If You Like: Teen romance
Similar to: Other teen romance books
Ages:12-20
Susane Colasanti is hit or miss and this one was miss. I found it incredibly shallow and quite boring. The ending was a little redeeming, albeit predictable. Sometimes I love a quick and mindless read, but this book was a little too mindless even for my taste. Maybe I didn't like this book because I'm no longer a teenager, but I sure hope I wasn't as shallow as the girl in this book who is almost an adult. Maybe I was...
Sterling is in love with Ethan. To her, he's perfect. Ethan and his band have recently been discovered and he is beginning his rise to fame. Sterling is positive that no matter how famous Ethan gets, he will always put his friends (and her) first and never let the fame get to him. Unfortunately it does, and she finds herself confiding in one of the roadies on Ethan's tour.
You can probably guess what happens from there.
Saturday, March 18, 2017
The Art of Goodbye by Gwendolyn Heasley
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Short teen romances
Similar to: Most other teen romance books
Ages: 13-30
So, I didn't realize that there is actually another book in between this book and Where I Belong. Had I known that, I would have read them in the correct order, but I still enjoyed this. I thought it was kind of strange that there was such a big time gap between the first book, and this one, and now I realize why.
This is a cute and quick read. It is a novella, so you can read it in about an hour and a half, which is nice if you need something that doesn't get too serious. It picks up sometime after Corrinne leaves Broken Spoke and is back in New York. In fact, an entire summer has passed since she last saw, Bubby, the boy who she was with in Where I Belong. Corrinne is focused on the perfect night for the last night with her friends in New York before she goes off to college in Ithaca. Unfortunately, things don't always go according as planned.
If You Like: Short teen romances
Similar to: Most other teen romance books
Ages: 13-30
So, I didn't realize that there is actually another book in between this book and Where I Belong. Had I known that, I would have read them in the correct order, but I still enjoyed this. I thought it was kind of strange that there was such a big time gap between the first book, and this one, and now I realize why.
This is a cute and quick read. It is a novella, so you can read it in about an hour and a half, which is nice if you need something that doesn't get too serious. It picks up sometime after Corrinne leaves Broken Spoke and is back in New York. In fact, an entire summer has passed since she last saw, Bubby, the boy who she was with in Where I Belong. Corrinne is focused on the perfect night for the last night with her friends in New York before she goes off to college in Ithaca. Unfortunately, things don't always go according as planned.
First Comes Love by Emily Giffin
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Adult novels about growing up and finding your happiness
Similar to: Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks
Ages: 16-100
Apparently I have a 50/50 chance on whether or not I'm going to like an Emily Giffin novel. Out of the six Emily Giffin novels I have read, I loved three and strongly disliked (hate is a strong word) the other three. This book just didn't really go anywhere for me. It is about love and loss and moving on, but it was just so slow and boring for me. I'm sure other people loved this book, but for me, i was looking for something more like a great love the conquers all. This book wasn't that kind of book.
Meredith and Josie are sisters with a complicated relationship. Even though they are in their thirties, they don't really get along. Fifteen years ago, they lost their older brother and their family has never been the same. Josie sabotages her romantic relationships because she doesn't feel like she deserves to be happy, and Meredith struggles to be happy with her job as a lawyer and being the wife of Nolan (her brother's best friend) and mother of Harper, their four year old daughter. Both girls have never gotten over the loss of their brother, but they can't put their differences aside to be there for one another in the way that they secretly need.
If You Like: Adult novels about growing up and finding your happiness
Similar to: Two by Two by Nicholas Sparks
Ages: 16-100
Apparently I have a 50/50 chance on whether or not I'm going to like an Emily Giffin novel. Out of the six Emily Giffin novels I have read, I loved three and strongly disliked (hate is a strong word) the other three. This book just didn't really go anywhere for me. It is about love and loss and moving on, but it was just so slow and boring for me. I'm sure other people loved this book, but for me, i was looking for something more like a great love the conquers all. This book wasn't that kind of book.
Meredith and Josie are sisters with a complicated relationship. Even though they are in their thirties, they don't really get along. Fifteen years ago, they lost their older brother and their family has never been the same. Josie sabotages her romantic relationships because she doesn't feel like she deserves to be happy, and Meredith struggles to be happy with her job as a lawyer and being the wife of Nolan (her brother's best friend) and mother of Harper, their four year old daughter. Both girls have never gotten over the loss of their brother, but they can't put their differences aside to be there for one another in the way that they secretly need.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
This Adventure Ends by Emma Mills
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Sarah Dessen novels
Ages: 12-30
Sloane is the daughter of a famous author. She's funny and independent, but she has never really had close friends. That is, until she moves to Florida and meets Vera, a social media legend, and her twin brother, Gabe. She quickly becomes submerged into their group of friends, which was something she never expected to happen. She ends up on the hunt for a painting that has a special meaning to Vera and Gabe, and she even finds herself falling in love.
Emma Mills is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I already can't wait for her next book to come out later this year. I am actually currently reading another book (audio book) that I started at the same time I started reading the paper copy of this. I found myself not able to put this one down while the other audio book left something to be desired. This book was such a easy read that brought me into a world of excitement, friendship, and love.
If You Like: Teen romance
Similar to: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Sarah Dessen novels
Ages: 12-30
Sloane is the daughter of a famous author. She's funny and independent, but she has never really had close friends. That is, until she moves to Florida and meets Vera, a social media legend, and her twin brother, Gabe. She quickly becomes submerged into their group of friends, which was something she never expected to happen. She ends up on the hunt for a painting that has a special meaning to Vera and Gabe, and she even finds herself falling in love.
Emma Mills is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I already can't wait for her next book to come out later this year. I am actually currently reading another book (audio book) that I started at the same time I started reading the paper copy of this. I found myself not able to put this one down while the other audio book left something to be desired. This book was such a easy read that brought me into a world of excitement, friendship, and love.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
The One and Only by Emily GIffin
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Romance
Similar to: Other romance novels
Ages: 15-100
Shea is a writer for her former college football team which she still has so much pride for. She is dating a star player for the Dallas Cowboys, Ryan, and comforting her best friend, Lucy, and Lucy's dad and the coach of her college football team, Clive Carr. Lucy recently lost her mother, and Clive his wife. As Shea comforts Clive, she realizes that maybe she has feeling stronger than just friendship and admiration for him, but he has 20 years on her and is the father of her best friend. Can true love survive so many obstacles?
This is hands down my favorite Emily Giffin book. The relationships between the characters seemed so real. I love a good romance novel, and this one did not disappoint in that department.
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Nonfiction autobiography, Anna Kendrick
Similar to: Other autobiographies
Ages: 13-100
Let me first start off by saying that I don't normally read nonfiction books, but i couldn't pass up a chance to read a book written by one of my favorite actresses. Do you want to know what's better than reading a book written by Anna Kendrick? Hearing her read her autobiography/memoir on the audiobook. I just adore Anna Kendrick, so when I found out I could read a book about her life with her witty sense of humor, i was all in. I enjoyed every minute of this book, and I hope you will too. It's nice to know where people come from.
If You Like: Nonfiction autobiography, Anna Kendrick
Similar to: Other autobiographies
Ages: 13-100
Let me first start off by saying that I don't normally read nonfiction books, but i couldn't pass up a chance to read a book written by one of my favorite actresses. Do you want to know what's better than reading a book written by Anna Kendrick? Hearing her read her autobiography/memoir on the audiobook. I just adore Anna Kendrick, so when I found out I could read a book about her life with her witty sense of humor, i was all in. I enjoyed every minute of this book, and I hope you will too. It's nice to know where people come from.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Rekindling romance, daddy daughter stories
Similar to: ?
Ages: 16-100
Nicholas Sparks has really changed the type of story that he writes. This book wasn't awful, but it was by far my least favorite. This isn't your typical Nicholas Sparks romance, but it is a love story of a different kind.
Russell has a seemingly wonderful life with his wife, Vivian, and his daughter, London. Russell works for an advertising agency, but has always dreamed of starting his own advertising business. When finally decides to go after his dream, Vivian is anything but supportive, ultimately taking a job with someone Russell used to work with and never liked. Vivian and Russell's relationship begins to crumble, but the final nail in the coffin is when Vivian announces that she is leaving Russell for another man. Russell is devastated, but knows that his biggest priority is getting custody of his six year old daughter, London. He has loving and supportive parents, a sister, Marge, and her wife, Liz, and a great friend, Emily. Emily and Russell were in a very serious relationship when they were in college, but Russell made a mistake by cheating on her. Emily has recently gone through a divorce and can relate to Russell and what he is going through. Plus, her son Boady is London's best friend. Russell finds that the more time he spends with Emily, the more he regrets ever letting her go.
This book was so long and slow that it was a little agonizing to get through. I pressed on, and I'm glad I did, but I have been becoming increasingly disappointed with an author I once considered a favorite. I can only hope that the only place from here to go is up.
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
**May contain spoilers**
Rating: 3 out of 5
If You Like: Affairs, Love Triangles
Similar to: Other Emily Giffin novels
Ages: 18-100
Let me just start out by saying that I'm not sure why Emily Giffin is so obsessed with infidelity. This (like Something Borrowed and Love the One You're With) is about an affair. I guess I used to love a good love triangle, but now that I'm happily married and a Christian, affairs aren't romantic like they used to be for me.
Tess and her husband, Nick, have just celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary, and after seven years, their marriage is seemingly perfect. Tess has recently quit her job to focus on being a stay at home mom to her two children, but is finding every day life mundane. Everything seems perfect from the outside, but then Nick is really struggling with his feelings too. When he meets the mom (Valerie) of one of his burn patients, Charlie. Valerie has never really been in a committed relationship, and the only "father figure" Charlie has had in his life is his Uncle (Valerie's brother). Nick quickly falls in love with Valerie because he can see that although she is a strong woman, she is lonely. He eventually feels guilty after the affair continues for some time and he tells his wife about the affair. Tess is hurt, but she ultimately makes the surprising decision to stay with her husband and try to make it work despite the mistakes he has made. Valerie has to try to move on from the quick but passionate and all consuming love affair she had with Nick.
This book was an ok book, and I love Emily Giffin's style of writing, but I'm getting sick of the types of stories she writes about. Thankfully I'm writing this review quite a while after I finished this book, and I'm reading another Emily Giffin that is much better and doesn't seem to be going the route of an affair.
Rating: 3 out of 5
If You Like: Affairs, Love Triangles
Similar to: Other Emily Giffin novels
Ages: 18-100
Let me just start out by saying that I'm not sure why Emily Giffin is so obsessed with infidelity. This (like Something Borrowed and Love the One You're With) is about an affair. I guess I used to love a good love triangle, but now that I'm happily married and a Christian, affairs aren't romantic like they used to be for me.
Tess and her husband, Nick, have just celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary, and after seven years, their marriage is seemingly perfect. Tess has recently quit her job to focus on being a stay at home mom to her two children, but is finding every day life mundane. Everything seems perfect from the outside, but then Nick is really struggling with his feelings too. When he meets the mom (Valerie) of one of his burn patients, Charlie. Valerie has never really been in a committed relationship, and the only "father figure" Charlie has had in his life is his Uncle (Valerie's brother). Nick quickly falls in love with Valerie because he can see that although she is a strong woman, she is lonely. He eventually feels guilty after the affair continues for some time and he tells his wife about the affair. Tess is hurt, but she ultimately makes the surprising decision to stay with her husband and try to make it work despite the mistakes he has made. Valerie has to try to move on from the quick but passionate and all consuming love affair she had with Nick.
This book was an ok book, and I love Emily Giffin's style of writing, but I'm getting sick of the types of stories she writes about. Thankfully I'm writing this review quite a while after I finished this book, and I'm reading another Emily Giffin that is much better and doesn't seem to be going the route of an affair.
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