Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama (Blooming Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dominique Davis

Book Excerpt:

"One Tree Hill meets Friday Night Lights in this binge-worthy series where a teen's homecoming sets off a chain reaction through the community.

After her mother's death, 16-year-old Sloane Crawford reluctantly returns to her childhood home and the drama-filled small town she left behind. Moving in with her estranged father only reopens old wounds from his affair that destroyed her family.

Back at school, tensions flare as Sloane reconnects with old friends who resent her for abandoning them. Especially heated is her rocky relationship with her former best friend, Emory, the daughter of the woman her father betrayed them with.

As Sloane struggles to adapt to her new normal, long-held grudges threaten to boil over. To move forward, she'll have to confront the fractured bonds left in the ashes of her family's traumatic history. But finding forgiveness won't be easy in a place where the past refuses to stay buried."

Title:  Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare: A Young Adult Teen Drama

Author:  Dominique Davis

Published:  D.D.

Series:  Blooming Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' by  Dominique Davis

My Insight:  

'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' weaves a complex web of relationships that leaves Sloane in a challenging situation. After witnessing her father's affair with the mother of her best friend, Emory, and the passing of her own mother, she is forced to return to her father's home. There, she must navigate the intricate dynamics with the woman who ruined her life and the stepsister who was once her closest friend.  The story delves into the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal, keeping readers intrigued.  

Will Sloane be able to reclaim the love and friendship she so desperately craves, or will the betrayal she experienced continue to haunt her? 

The characters and storyline of 'Sparks Fly, Tempers Flare' are crafted to keep the reader engrossed, eager to see how the author weaves this compelling narrative. The story, filled with love, friendship, and betrayal, will leave readers with much to ponder long after they've turned the last page.

 

My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift Kindle Edition by Harold Phifer

 Book Excerpt:

"Every Villain doesn’t wear a mask. Sometimes she’s your aunt! Maybe, closure doesn’t come with silence, but with Reflections, Truth, & A Touch of Humor!

In "My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift", Hal revisits the complicated relationship he shared with his late Aunt Kathy, a woman who stood as the antithesis of positivity in his life. Despite her domineering and often cruel behavior, her passing left Hal with an unexpected opportunity for humor, healing, and reflection.

As he plans her memorial—a gathering that no one seems eager to attend—Hal's childhood memories resurface, pulling him back into a world shaped by his aunt's unpredictable rules and twisted philosophies. Blending heartfelt truths with laugh-out-loud moments, Hal weaves a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and ultimately, redemption. This memoir offers a lighthearted yet honest look at how even the darkest relationships can leave behind gifts of wisdom and self-awareness."

Title:  My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift

Author:  Harold Phifer

Publisher:  BookBaby

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift" by Harold Phifer

My Insight:  

"My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift" enveloped me in an emotional journey that lingered in my thoughts long after the final page was turned. Hal's tumultuous experiences with his seemingly pious yet cruel aunt were both shocking and profoundly eye-opening. It’s astonishing to witness how someone could embody such wickedness beneath the polished facade of righteousness. Despite the oppressive shadow cast by his aunt, Hal's resilience radiates brightly, illuminating his path as he navigates this complex and challenging relationship. This powerful narrative compels us to delve deeper into the stark realities of such situations. It truly prompts a haunting question—could this occur in real life? Absolutely! I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating read to anyone yearning for a thought-provoking and emotionally enriching experience!

Possessing the Secret of Joy (The Color Purple Collection Book 3) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"An American woman struggles with the genital mutilation she endured as a child in Africa in a New York Times bestseller, "as compelling as The Color Purple" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In Tashi's tribe, the Olinka, young girls undergo female genital mutilation as an initiation into the community. Tashi manages to avoid this fate at first, but when pressed by tribal leaders, she submits. Years later, married and living in America as Evelyn Johnson, Tashi's inner pain emerges. As she questions why such a terrifying, disfiguring sacrifice was required, she sorts through the many levels of subjugation with which she's been burdened over the years.


In Possessing the Secret of Joy, Alice Walker exposes the abhorrent practice of female genital mutilation in an unforgettable, moving novel.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection."

Title:  Possessing the Secret of Joy

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Possessing the Secret  of Joy" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

"Possessing the Secret of Joy" courageously tackles the challenging issue of female circumcision, and the author's sensitivity in addressing this complex topic is truly impressive. Although I found it to be a demanding read, I am so thankful I decided to dive in. For those who enjoyed "The Color Purple," you'll be delighted to encounter Tashi, the daughter-in-law of Celie, who makes a heartfelt appearance in this story.

I don't want to give too much away, but I genuinely encourage you to explore "Possessing the Secret of Joy." The author has a unique gift for bringing tough themes to life, and their storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary.

As we navigate the narrative, we are reminded of the tragic reality that many children have suffered due to this practice, with some losing their lives or facing lifelong challenges. While it may be a challenging read, it is incredibly meaningful and opens our eyes to crucial truths that deserve our attention. You won't regret picking this one up!

The Temple of My Familiar (The Color Purple Collection Book 2) Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Color Purple weaves a 'glorious and iridescent' tapestry of interrelated lives in this New York Times bestseller (Library Journal).

Includes a new letter written by the author

In The Temple of My Familiar, Celie and Shug from The Color Purple subtly shadow the lives of dozens of characters, all of whom in some way deal with the legacy of the African experience in America. From recent African immigrants, to a woman who grew up in the mixed-race rainforest communities of South America, to Celie's own granddaughter living in modern-day San Francisco, all must come to understand the brutal stories of their ancestors to come to terms with their own troubled lives.  


As Walker follows these astonishing characters, she weaves a new mythology from old fables and history, a profoundly spiritual explanation for centuries of shared African American experience.


This ebook features an illustrated biography of Alice Walker, including rare photos from the author's personal collection.


The Temple of My Familiar is the 2nd book in the Color Purple Collection, which also includes The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy."

Title:  The Temple of My Familiar

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Series:  The Color Purple Collection Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Temple of My Familiar" by Alice Walker

My Insight:  

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar"; it’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, making it a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." For the most enriching experience, I highly recommend diving into that book first, as it lays a robust foundation for understanding the depth of the characters and their journeys. 

While some sections are layered and complex, I assure you that if you persevere, everything will beautifully converge by the end. Prepare yourself to encounter a rich tapestry of fascinating characters, each with their own unique stories and insights, alongside thought-provoking themes that resonate long after you turn the last page. The unforgettable storyline is filled with emotional twists and turns that will keep you eagerly turning the pages, lost in its world. You're truly in for a literary treat! I thoroughly enjoyed "The Temple of My Familiar." It’s a captivating historical novel that intricately weaves together themes and narratives, serving as a remarkable continuation of the author's poignant storytelling first introduced in "The Color Purple." 

Blessings and Disasters A Story of Alabama by Alexis Okeowo

 Book Excerpt:

"In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster…."

'Alexis Okeowo grew up in Montgomery—the former seat of the Confederacy—as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Here, she weaves her family's story with Alabama's, defying stereotypes about her endlessly complex, often-pigeonholed home state. She immerses us in a landscape dominated today not by cotton fields but by Amazon warehouses, encountering high-powered Christian business leaders lobbying for tribal sovereignty and small-town women coming out against conservative politics. Okeowo shows how people can love their home while still acknowledging its sins.

In this perspective-shifting work that is both an intimate memoir and a journalistic triumph, Okeowo investigates her life, other Alabamians' lives, and the state's lesser-known histories to examine why Alabama has been the stage for the most extreme results of the American experiment.'

Title:  Blessings and Disasters

Author:  Alexis Okeowo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Blessings and Disasters" by Alexis Okeowo

My Insight:   

'Blessing and Disaster' was well delivered by this author, especially if you are interested in the' history of understanding the intricate layers of the resilience of its people' in Alabama. Now, if you did not live in the South, I know this will be an eye-opener for you, reading how this author gives us a clear picture of this painful history of how one grew up and was shaped into who they are now. This story may be a little hard to read, given its history of the slave trade, civil war, and racism, but if you can get through it, it will be a compelling and unforgettable read.   All that's left to say is that it's history, whether we like it or not, of what happened as Alexis Okeowo, who lived through it, growing up there.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Henry Holt and Co. for my ARC copy.

Library Thing... Degree of Guilt (Baby of the Bailey Book 1) Kindle Edition by Dan Cogan

 Book Excerpt:

"How can one man have two different brains? Then again, how can two men have one?

Soraya Wallace arrives home from an outing on Hampstead Heath with her daughter, Huette, and grandchildren just as a workman (Calvin Coffey) comes running from the house. Inside the house, Soraya finds the body of her husband, Walter, lying battered to death in a pool of blood, with a blood-stained hammer nearby. Calvin insists that he was there to give a quote for a loft conversion and found the body. But Soraya knows nothing about any such planned building work. And when Calvin is arrested, the police can find no trace of his existence before six months ago.

Young, feisty, and at times reckless law pupil Emily du Lac is pulled from other duties to help her supervisor, Nigel Farringdon KC (the first black head of St Jude's Chambers), in Calvin's defense. Emily is not afraid of the challenge - she grew up around the Old Bailey, and her estranged father was head of chambers as well as Nigel's mentor. But with whispers of "nepotism" swirling around her, Emily has something to prove and is not averse to putting everything on the line to catch a hammer-wielding murderer - including her life."

Title:  Degree of Guilt

Author:  Dan Cogan

Publisher:  Man of Mystery Publication Dec. 26, 2024

Series:  Baby of the Bailey Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Degree of Guilt" by Dan Cogan

My Insight:

'Degree of Guilt' is a gripping crime and legal thriller that draws you in with its captivating storyline set in England. After returning home with her daughter and grandchildren, Soraya Wallace uncovers something unexpected that sets off a chain of events. The narrative follows Emily du lac, a young law student, as she steps into the courtroom to defend the accused. The legal drama is filled with intriguing twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes. Beyond the courtroom proceedings, the story unfolds with additional suspenseful elements that promise to maintain your interest. Prepare for a richly detailed read that introduces a variety of characters, each of whom could potentially be a suspect. As you delve into the pages, you'll find yourself guessing and piecing together clues—who could really be guilty?

If you are into thriller reads, this one is for you.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and LibraryThing for the book to review.

Siren (The Enigma Affairs) Kindle Edition by Aja

Book Excerpt:

What begins as a calculated partnership ignites into an undeniable inferno. Taraj, a reclusive R&B star with a soul full of secrets, faces a life-altering decision: cling to his solitary existence or surrender to the spellbinding beauty with a voice that shakes his very foundation.

Their arrangement was supposed to be temporary—a means to an end—but every shared moment blurs the lines between need and desire. With hearts on the line, love is proving to be the fiercest contender, waging a war neither is prepared to fight... or willing to lose.

The Enigma Affairs are CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE ROMANCE stories.

Title:  Siren

Author:  Aja

Publisher:  She Loves Words Publishing LLC

Series:  The Enigma Affairs

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'Siren' by Aja

My Insight:  

'Siren' is a captivating story about two characters, Sienna and Taraj, who unite through their passion for music. You'll want to dive into this narrative to discover how they weave together a poetic love story that resonates with the idea of true love. This tale is a delightful blend of various elements, creating a soulful love story that feels interconnected. The author skillfully keeps the reader engaged, ensuring that you're eager to turn the pages and find out what happens next for these two intriguing characters. By the conclusion, you'll be treated to a soulful, poetic, and beautifully crafted narrative that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

Book Excerpt:

"Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn't until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what's the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn't always have a chip on his shoulder...until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he's a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she's his daughter's teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down, but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?"

Title:  How to Sell a Romance

Author:  Alexa Martin

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'How to Sell a Romance' by Alexa Martin

My Insight:  

The title "How to Sell a Romance" presents an intriguing premise for a love story. What unfolds when Emerson Pierce meets Lucas Miller? As their relationship develops, Emerson discovers that Lucas is a journalist currently writing an article about a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. This revelation is significant for Emerson, as her school principal has encouraged her to join the MLM run by Petunia Lemon. As the plot progresses, Emerson learns more about Lucas and his child, Isla, who is one of her kindergarten students. To complicate matters, Emerson realizes that Isla's mother is Petunia Lemon, the very person associated with the MLM.

To get the whole story, you must pick up this good read to see how it all comes together in the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley, for the free ARC.

 

Body of Evidence (A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6) Kindle Edition by Stephen Penner

Book Excerpt:

"She was murdered ten years ago. Now, she has a story to tell.

Seattle Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by Jim Carpenter, who has been charged with a cold case murder.

A body has been discovered, buried under Carpenter's business. When the remains are identified as a missing girl who was responsible for the DUI death of his own daughter, he instantly becomes the prime suspect.

It's a clear case of a grief-stricken father out for revenge.

Believing Carpenter's vehement protestations of innocence, Raine sets out to uncover the truth about what really happened on that fateful day ten years ago.

However, the case becomes increasingly complex as Raine finds himself battling a power-hungry prosecutor with ambitions for higher office.

Even worse, all the witnesses seem to have something to hide, and as he digs for the truth, Raine has to fight through a tangled web of secrets and lies.

A web that will soon turn deadly…"

Body of Evidence – the sixth book in the brilliant legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.

Title:  Body of Evidence

Author:  Stephen Penner

Publisher:  Inkubator Books

Series:  A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Body of Evidence" by Stephen Penner

My Insight:  

'Body of Evidence' is a gripping courtroom drama that centers on attorney Dan Raine, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes murder case. With his client facing serious charges, the tension escalates when the client's wife is also implicated in a murder. The story unfolds with a cast of three lawyers navigating the complexities of the law, secrets, and moral dilemmas. As Raine works to clear his client's name, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns. You'll definitely want to pick up this sixth installment to see how the intricate web of the case unravels and whether the attorneys can secure justice for their clients. The suspense will keep you turning the pages eagerly!

 

Such Good People A Novel by Amy Blumenfeld

 Book Excerpt:

"An emotionally gripping, character-driven novel about the ripple effect of a split-second decision to protect a friend.

"A poignant story of love, loss, loyalty, and being torn between right and wrong. You won't be able to put this one down."—Emily Liebert, USA Today best-selling author of Pretty Revenge.

"One of those multi-dimensional must-reads that wins both as a page-turning legal story about social injustice, prejudice, and redemption, and an emotional character-driven tale of love, family, and lifelong friendship. Fans of Tayari Jones' An American Marriage, Rebecca Searles' In Five Years, and Allison Larkin's The People We Keep will devour Amy Blumenfeld's latest triumph. Such Good People is Such a Good Book!"—Samantha Greene Woodruff, best-selling author of The Lobotomist's Wife and The Trade Off.

It's 10 p.m. on a Thursday in the spring of her freshman year of college, and April is standing at the back of a crowded Manhattan bar waiting for her friend, Rudy, to arrive. Their eyes lock the moment he enters the room, and in an instant, lives and legacies are altered forever.

Within hours, Rudy is arrested. Within days, April is expelled. Within weeks, he's incarcerated. And within months, she meets Peter, a prodigious young attorney who makes her world recognizable again.

Nearly fifteen years later, April is happily living in Chicago, married to Peter, a mother of three with a fulfilling career and a standing yoga date with her girlfriends. On the eve of Peter's election for local office, Rudy is up for parole. Headlines explode about April's past, jeopardizing Peter's campaign and everything they hold dear. Suddenly, April is faced with an impossible choice: protecting the life she created, or the person who sacrificed everything to make that life a possibility. Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably."

Title:  Such Good People

Author:  Amy Blumenfeld

Publisher:  SparkPress

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Such Good People" by Amy Blumenfeld

My Insight:

'Such Good People' is a beautifully crafted and captivating read. The main characters, April and Rudy, lifelong best friends, find themselves ensnared in a heartbreaking tragedy that sets the stage for a profound exploration of loyalty and sacrifice. The narrative masterfully weaves together the past and present, offering multiple perspectives that pull you deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself completely absorbed in the story, as the voices of April, Rudy, and Peter intertwine to create a rich tapestry of human experience. This multi-dimensional tale is not only engaging but also thought-provoking, making it impossible to put down until the final word is reached.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sparkpress, for the advance reader's copy.

Save Me by Mona Kasten

 Book Excerpt:

"Money, glamour, luxury, power—Ruby Bell couldn't be less interested in these things if she tried. After being awarded a scholarship to one of England's most prestigious and expensive private schools, Maxton Hall, all she wants is to keep her head down, work hard, and get accepted to Oxford. She keeps her distance from everyone, especially the arrogant, rich, and extremely handsome James Beaufort, ringleader of the school's party boys.

When Ruby discovers a scandalous secret about the Beauforts, she is suddenly on James's radar. It only gets worse when James is forced to work with her to plan the school's annual gala. Yet the more time they spend together, the more they realize they share much more than they thought.

Falling for James Beaufort was never part of her plan, yet Ruby can't help but let her feelings sweep her away. But James must make a decision for himself: will he choose what's expected of him, or what he feels for her?"

Title:  Save Me

Author:  Mona Kasten

Publisher:  Berkley Publishing Group

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Save Me' by Mona Kasten

My Insight:  

"Save Me" is a mesmerizing romantic tale that intricately weaves together Ruby's fierce determination and James' insufferable arrogance. To fully appreciate the profound connection that unfolds between these two compelling characters, I wholeheartedly encourage you to immerse yourself in this captivating narrative. It masterfully illustrates how Ruby's humility challenges James, while he, in turn, introduces her to the joys of living fully. The story envelops you in its charm, ensuring you are enthralled until the very last page. Moreover, the rich tapestry of secondary characters adds layers of depth and intrigue, enhancing the overall experience and making this a truly unforgettable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Nehemiah found his good thang in Eden Lynette Crawford. They met, dated, and married all within six months. Eleven years later, while they are thriving in their careers — Nehemiah as Executive Pastor of Unlimited Grace Church and Eden as an Investigative Reporter with JMT Broadcasting — the fire has gone out in their marriage bed.

Eden can't understand why, and Nehemiah isn't eager to rekindle it. Frustrated, tired, and without answers, the last time Nehemiah pushes her way is the first time Eden walks away.

Until she returns home early from an out-of-town trip to discover Nehemiah has been keeping a secret. One that may just test their vow of Until Death Do Us Part.

In the final book of the What Did You Vow series, find out if Nehemiah and Eden's marriage survives or will Until Death Do Us Part be taken to heart."

Title: Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?

Author: Lakisha Johnson

Publisher: Twins Write 2

Series: What Did You Vow? Part 6

Reviewed By: Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Until Death Do Us Part: What Did You Vow?" by Lakisha Johnson

My Insight:

All I can say is 'Wow... this book left me breathless from start to finish.' The author masterfully illustrates the complexities of a love that, while deep, can falter without the foundation of communication. In the end, despite all they shared, Nehemiah's silence becomes a chasm between him and Eden. He thought he was shielding her from his struggles, not realizing that the very act of sharing his burdens could have helped heal the rifts that had grown between them. When the truth began to unravel, it moved me to tears.

Until Death Do Us Part is a poignant story that everyone should experience; it beautifully highlights the vital importance of honesty and connection in any relationship. The writing is both compelling and impactful, leaving a lasting impression. The story is one you must read to appreciate how well the author delivered it. You will gain a great deal from it. Thank you to the author for an outstanding read!

 A heartfelt thank you to the author for delivering such an extraordinary read.

The Girls Who Grew Big A Novel by Leila Mottley

 Book Excerpt:

"Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother's home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, who weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone's red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really, they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends' secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Up confirms Leila Mottley's promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman."

Title:  The Girls Who Grew Big

Author:  Leila Mottley

Publisher:  Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" by Leila Mottley

My Insight:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is a profoundly moving and captivating tale that follows the lives of three young teenage mothers in a small Florida town. Each mother brings a unique perspective shaped by her distinct upbringing, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. The narrative delves deeply into the complexities of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, abortion, and miscarriage, woven together with heartfelt prose that resonates long after you turn the final page. The author paints vivid portraits of these young women's struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to feel their joy, sorrow, and resilience. However, given its sensitive subject matter, this poignant story may not resonate with everyone; therefore, it's essential to consider whether it aligns with your reading preferences.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Finding Grace A Novel by Loretta Rothschild

Book Excerpt:

"A twisty, gripping novel that wraps around a profoundly moving love story, from an electric new voice in upmarket women's fiction.

SHE THOUGHT IT WAS F TE. I KNEW IT WASN'T....

Honor seems to have everything: she adores her bright and beautiful daughter, Chloe, and her charming, handsome husband, Tom, even if he works one hundred hours a week. Yet Honor's longing for another baby threatens to eclipse all of it―until a shocking event changes their lives forever.

Years later, Tom makes a decision that ripples through their families' lives in ways he could never have foreseen. As the consequences of that fateful choice unfold, the two women's paths become irrevocably intertwined. But when old love clashes with new, who will be left standing? And what happens when your secrets come back to haunt you?

Blending a page-turning moral dilemma with satisfying emotional poignancy, Finding Grace is a sweeping love story that explores the price of a new beginning, how the ghosts of our past shape our future, and whether redemption can be found in the wreckage of what we've lost."

Title:  Finding Grace

Author:  Loretta Rothschild

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

"Finding Grace" by Loretta Rothschild

My Insight:

"Finding Grace" is an enchanting love story that beautifully weaves the lives of Honor, Tom, and Chloe. This novel is brimming with unexpected twists, masterfully exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and family secrets. From the very first page, it grips your attention and pulls you into a whirlwind journey where tragedy strikes and life spirals out of control. By the time you reach the final chapter, you'll be left in awe of how the narrative unfolds, with shocking revelations that will leave you breathless. It's an absolute must-read that showcases the author's extraordinary talent for crafting a compelling narrative, leaving you yearning for more once the last word is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy.