Tag: 4 stars

Blog Tour & Book Review: The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman

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While we enjoyed a few days of mild weather at the end of February – well before our days of self-isolation – I itched to get my hands dirty (an urge that generally passes by July.) I had to console myself with the slow-paced delights of The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman (which, by the way, I discovered is a nom de pleume the same time I finished the book.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

In this heartwarming and feel-good novel filled with echoes of Dorothea Benton Frank, Debbie Macomber and Elizabeth Berg, two women separated by a generation but equally scarred by war find hope, meaning – and each other – through a garden of heirloom flowers.

Iris Maynard lost her husband in World War II, her daughter to loneliness and, finally, her reason to live. Walled off from the world for decades behind a towering fence surrounding her home and gardens, the former botanist has built a new family…of flowers. Iris propagates her own daylilies and roses while tending to an heirloom garden filled with starts – and memories – of her own mother, grandmother, husband and daughter.

When Abby Peterson moves to Grand Haven, Michigan, with her family – a husband traumatized during his service in the Iraq War and a young daughter searching for stability – they find themselves next door to Iris, and are slowly drawn into her reclusive neighbour’s life where, united by loss and a love of flowers, Iris and Abby slowly unearth their secrets to each other. Eventually, the two teach one another that the earth grounds us all, gardens are a grand healer, and as flowers bloom so do our hopes and dreams.

MY THOUGHTS:

While I am, self-admittedly, an emotional reader, this sweet and poignant story pulled each of my heartstrings. Shipman paints a vivid picture of glorious garden splendor, damaged souls, and the healing power of friendship. Scars of war effect a family and a neighbor as they come to grips with new normals and build foundations for a happier future.

Picturesque descriptions of flora, strong female leads, and a fantastic setting (hello, Great Lakes Michigan resort town!) will have you craving cottages, sand dunes, and friends with old souls. The Heirloom Garden flips between eras and character perspective, providing a beautiful depiction of strength and hope through inter-generational storytelling with an emphasis on treasuring memories and heirlooms through love and loss. A remarkably emotion-evoking read that will inspire you to plan a family vacation to Grand Haven.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own. This post was created as part of the Harlequin 2020 Spring Reads Blog Tour.

Published by HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada), Graydon House Imprint.

Publication Date: April 28, 2020

You’ll be able to purchase direct from the publisher, from your favourite local bookseller, or any major retailer where books are sold.

SOCIAL LINKS:
Author Website: https://www.violashipman.com/
TWITTER: @viola_shipman
FB: @authorviolashipman
Insta: @viola_shipman
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14056193.Viola_Shipman

Blog Tour & Book Review: The House at Silvermoor by Tracy Rees

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The publishers of Tracy Rees’ latest novel, The House at Silvermoor, invited me to take part in their blog tour today. I, of course, accepted the invitation enthusiastically. To read and review in the company of fellow great readers is a joy! Check out some of the other bloggers to see their thoughts on this title.

From The Publisher:

England, 1899. A new century is dawning, and two young friends are about to enter into a world of money, privilege and family secrets…

Josie has never questioned her life in a South Yorkshire mining village. But everything changes when she meets Tommy from the neighbouring village. Tommy has been destined for a life underground since the moment he was born. But he has far bigger dreams for his future.

United by their desire for something better and by their fascination with the local gentry, Josie and Tommy become fast friends. Wealthy and glamorous, the Sedgewicks of Silvermoor inhabit a world that is utterly forbidden to Tommy and Josie. Yet as the new century arrives, the pair become entangled with the grand family, and discover a long hidden secret. Will everything change as they all step forward into the new dawn…?

My Thoughts:

Tracy Rees is a new-to-me author and it took some time to adjust to her cadence. This book is undeniably interesting. It paints an imaginative look at the hopes and dreams of a young couple in Victorian England while simultaneously highlighting the despair of decrepit working conditions, especially in mining. It showcases the difference between the haves and have nots.

It is not a quick moving narrative by any means, but it was intriguing. You truly get to know the characters and they feel like friends. Their history and development will have you cheering for the underdog more than once. Your heart may even be broken as your emotions are moved by the blights our friends encounter.

Overall, I would recommend this title as a slow read to indulge in over a few days. It was gritty, sweet, and passionate, but avoided pretty decoys in the sense that it remained raw in its appeal without adding unnecessary bows and ribbons. It’s touching and honest with a hint of scandal and mystery.

My thanks to Quercus Books for the opportunity to read and review this title via the NetGalley platform.

Book Review: One Little Lie by Colleen Coble

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Being required to stay home with my troops has reinforced how much I need alone time for everyone’s safety. To say some days we’re a little edgy is an understatement. I’m trying to find balance between expectations and reality and still ensure we’re all getting the space and/or attention we need.

After work and chores and sometimes right in the middle, I’m making my way through my NetGalley titles. Hooray for books to keep us sane when the world is tipsy turvy. My latest read was Colleen Coble’s One Little Lie published March 3rd.

From the publisher:

“It started with one little lie. But Jane Hardy will do everything in her power to uncover the truth in this gripping new romantic suspense.”

Coble packed this novel full of intrigue, twists, and turns. More than once I questioned the tangle that must be her mind – and as she’s a talented mystery/suspense writer – I mean that as a compliment. There was so much to unravel in this novel and the pace just didn’t stop. It was gripping, emotional, and had me wondering until the very last page.

The romance element was a little lacklustre, but I think it has potential. As the story continues through a three-part series, I have hope that this aspect will develop throughout.

The characters and plot as a whole are well constructed as a suspense. with cults, law enforcement, murder, conspiracies, and a small coastal town, the romance takes a back seat to the overall quick moving insanity of the murder plot.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

Book Review: The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachel Hauck

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Two things that remain certain in these very uncertain days ahead are 1) my need to escape into fiction and 2) my supply of books to be read. I was disheartened when I heard that the local library would be closing temporarily, but also know that my physical and digital bookshelves are fully stocked well enough to carry me through a 2 week period of social distancing if not 2 years. We’re good.

One of the recent titles to read and love was Rachel Hauck’s The Fifth Avenue Story Society. The concept, a group of individuals with seemingly little in common but an anonymous invitation to connect at a small, historic Fifth Avenue library, is not entirely original in and of itself. However, I found that the further I delved into this one, the more I found it enchanting and unique.

I don’t want to give away too much of the story line. Seriously, read this one for yourself. I will tell you that it’s not fast-paced or even particularly exciting. It is, however, emotionally engaging and you’ll feel like you’re a part of this elite and varied circle of strangers becoming friends. The individual tales weave into a beautiful tapestry of hope, healing, and second chances with a healthy dose of love, sweet love.

I believe I stated in my review of Ms. Hauck’s The Wedding Dress Christmas that it was my favourite title of her’s so far… but I was mistaken. This title while completely different, is definitely my favourite title by the author so far. The Fifth Avenue Story Society hit shelves February 4th so practice safe reading… and order online, by phone or email, from your favourite independent bookseller or retail chain… and spend some quality time with a good book away from in-person friends.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Review: The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear

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Read with Caution – Gripping and Evocative

I feel compelled to admit that I’m not sure I will find the proper words for this particular review. The Blue Cloak by Shannon McNear was a riveting, emotional work of fiction that took a very close look at the Harpe brothers and their crimes from the perspective of an acquaintance of one of their wives/victims. It is part of the True Colors series by Barbour about historical, American crime. Most of the titles I’ve read to date have characters expressing a strong faith-based element or struggling to find their faith as they live through a connection to these true crimes.

Going into this one, I had no idea who the Harpe brothers even were. Let me tell you… they were pure evil, serial killers, sadists, degenerate criminals. They were evil incarnate. If you’re like me, having no previous knowledge of their crimes or terror inflicted on families and travellers in late 1700s Tennessee and surrounding areas, this book was a disturbing introduction to these less-than-upstanding characters of American history. The author does address the difficulty in walking the fine line between the gruesome telling of their crimes and doing justice to the historic, factual events and honoring the victims while still presenting a “wholesome” piece of Christian fiction. Not an easy task…

This novel is graphic and grisly and dark. On the other hand, it has moments of hopefulness, healing, and romance. McNear balances it well so the darkness doesn’t overwhelm the tale – and yet darkness is the body of the unfortunate events depicted – it leaves a stain or heaviness behind.

It’s quite difficult to explain my reaction to this one. It was intense. The novel is very well-written and you may cry more than once – at least I did. It was gripping and evocative. I highly recommend it, but I recommend it with a bright strobing word of caution. You may feel a little banged up upon completion, especially if you’re a sensitive soul. The “true crime” aspect makes it difficult to process and will have you questioning how humanity can be so broken.

My thanks to the publisher for the complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published by: Barbour Books (Barbour Publishing Inc.)

Publication Date: March 1, 2020

Book Review: Shall We Dance by Shelley Shepard Gray

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I have been holding off on posting any book reviews as I was hoping the time of year would lend itself to deep introspection and worthy thoughts to share. Unfortunately, by the time I tied up all my loose ends before heading out for a warm-climate Christmas break vacation (hello, gulf coast Florida!), my brain was done and I’ve had nothing.

I’ve been taking advantage of the down time and taking time to read. Honestly though? Why not start the New Year with something I love? Spend time with the people and things that make me happy? Enjoy some personal refreshment in the solitude of a good book.

Back a few months ago I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of Shall We Dance by Shelley Shepard Gray. It was an enjoyable heart-warming novel that ticked all the boxes. Charming characters, secondary drama, and familiar settings left me with all the feels.

This title will be published January 28th, 2020 – get your copy when it hits the shelves for a comfortable, friendly read. Tagged as “women’s fiction”, you’ll be transported to a beloved, fictional small town crafted by a bestselling author.

My thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the complimentary copy provided via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets by Molly Fader

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Here’s a throwback to a new title that was published July 16th. It’s been sitting on my digital to-be-read shelf since, oh, June 5th. How’s that for procrastination? The worst part of this confession is the knowledge that there are books that have been sitting there much longer. A girl only has so much time to read. (Seriously, if I could just do this for a living, that would be good, mmmkay?)

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets piqued my interest when I first requested it – family secrets are always an interesting read – but then it languished. Wasn’t quite what I wanted to pick up, until over the last weekend, I did. This is another “Why did I wait so long????” titles. It was an excellent!

This family is dysfunctional and has a lot of healing to do. BUT…. they’re also still bound by incredible bonds of love. It’s a tale of shattered dreams, forgiveness, and healing and the ties that bind us through good and bad. Perhaps not entirely unique in it’s plotline – I had strong inklings of what happened in the past and where we were headed in the present, but there was just enough mystery to leave me waiting for the reveal. As a parent, it hit home. As a sister, it hit home. As a daughter, it hit home.

I would recommend for those who are fans of women’s fiction along the lines of Susan Wiggs, Luanne Rice, or Robyn Carr. It’s layered with nuances of family relationships and community. A great immersive read!

My thanks to the publisher, Harlequin – Graydon House, for providing an advanced copy to read (even if I did procrastinate! It was worth it.) A complimentary copy was granted to me via NetGalley. As always, opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Daughter of Hardie

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Happy Sunday! Our weekend has been CRAAAAAZY busy and I haven’t had as much time to read as I would have liked, but I did finish a few great titles last week that I’ll be sharing with you over the next few days between work, parenthood, and life in general.

The Daughter of Hardie is an absolutely enjoyable way to while away a few lazy (winsome) evenings…

Back in July, my friends at Agora Books reached out to ask whether I would like to read the second book in the Hardie Family Series by Anne Melville (pseudonym for Margaret Edith Newman), originally published in the late 80’s/early 90’s. (I reviewed the first title, The House of Hardie, here.) Of course, I enthusiastically accepted the offer and downloaded a complimentary e-galley of The Daughter of Hardie. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm found itself tucked into a dark and dusty corner and I just got around to reading it despite a publication date of August 15th. Yikes!

Here is the publisher’s description, touting this title as “a poignant and moving Victorian saga.“

Grace Hardie has grown up in a sweeping estate on the outskirts of Oxford. But her life has been a far cry from a fairytale. Ailing and asthmatic as a child, she never really found her place – not with her brothers, not with any friends – always on the outside. And when tragedy strikes twice in the same day, Grace’s world, and her place in it, is turned upside down. Ungainly and lonely at sixteen, could the bloom of first love be the guiding light she needs? Or is the history of The House of Hardie bound to repeat itself? As class once again threatens to tear the family apart, so too does the Great War: sweeping away this budding romance before it’s had a chance to begin. Through heartbreak and betrayal, longing and loss, Grace Hardie must adapt to this changing world and struggle to find her own way.

My thoughts on this title in a nutshell is that it was even better than the first! The centralised storyline revolving around Grace was charming. As with the previous novel, it is not a quick-paced, fast-moving adventure – it’s more of a slow walk through the woods on a perfect autumn day… or akin to catching up with friends while enjoying a tea on your couch in your comfies. It was wholesome and warm and engaging.

The strong female character(s) once again take shine dominantly, challenging societal norms and the expectations of family. Tragedy and triumph escort you through a lifetime, and you may find yourself annoyed by some of the secondary characters (leads from the first – some questionable decision making arose.) The Daughter of Hardie is an absolutely enjoyable way to while away a few lazy (winsome) evenings and I highly recommend. It’s available now to purchase!

My thanks to the publisher for sharing this delightfully empowering tale via NetGalley.


Book Review: The Survivors by Kate Furnivall

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On Sundays, we tend to go to church as a family. This morning I had a really hard time rolling out of bed. It had everything to do with staying up until the wee hours reading. Adulting is hard… weighing the consequences of your poor decisions and choosing to still be unwise. Then having to function as a contributing member of society the next day without taking out your lack of sleep on anyone else. It’s hard y’all… It’s hard.

So what kept me engaged until the wee hours, citing “Just one more chapter…”to myself? (knowing full well that I’d read until the book was done. I blame the iced latte after dinner.) The book? The Survivors by Kate Furnivall. Amazing. Hearbreaking. Intense.

It’s set in post-WWII Germany, in a Displaced Persons camp… a collection of survivors, unwanted, who have survived but now fight their greatest battle to thrive. As much as I read stories of WWII, I’ve not given much thought to the everyday survivors – those who’s homes were razed – the refugees – the ones with nothing but their wits and the clothes on their backs.

The strength of the main protagonists – a Polish mother and her young daughter is remarkable – a testament to the power of a mother’s love as the impetus to do anything to save your child – to survive. It’s not a sweet and tidy fairy-tale. It’s gritty. It’s rough. It’s painful and powerful. The author does not cushion the blows or smooth out the jaggged edges – the language, violence, and choices reflect the grittiness of the characters. This may offend some, but I found it atmospheric… real.

As a whole, The Survivors is moving. It’s fast paced, suspenseful, with danger, daring, and romance. It’s a remarkable piece of historical fiction with a unique look at the tragedies of war and the strength of survival. It’s truly a gripping piece of work. Watch for it to hit shelves at all major booksellers this Tuesday.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley with thanks to the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published by: Simon and Schuster Canada

Publication date: April 30, 2019

Book Review: Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman

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I was excited to see a memoir written by Fredrik Backman on the new release lists for spring. More commonly known for his lovable curmudgeonly characters overcoming loss and kindling unlikely friendships in entertaining fiction, I was curious to see what a parental letter from the beloved Swedish author might include.

I was not disappointed. With his telltale blend of wry humour and droll wit, Backman tackles all manner of issues and advice to his young son in this heartwarming, comical read.

Whether you agree with all the author’s philosophies on life or not, you are sure to appreciate the authentic and self-deprecating account of the wild and wonderful world of parenthood. (It involves a lot of poop…) Beautiful and amusing anecdotes ooze love for wife and child while sardonic commentary balances the overly sweet.

Ultimately, the author manages to convey his desire for his child to one – be a better person than he is, and two – know he’s loved unconditionally… just like the best of us as parents wish for our children.

Things My Son Needs to Know About the World is a remarkably enjoyable piece of non-fiction. Available for purchase April 30th – would make a fantastic Father’s Day gift for the reader dads you might know!

I received a complimentary copy of this title via NetGalley with thanks to the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published by: Simon and Schuster Canada
Publication date: April 30, 2019