Once and Again A Novel by Rebecca Serle

Book Excerpt:

"The women of the Novak family were each born with a gift: they can, just once, turn back time.

Lauren has known since she was fifteen that her mother, Marcella, saved Lauren's father from a deadly car accident. Dave is alive and happy, and out on the Malibu waves. But ever since, Marcella, her power spent, has lived in fear of what she can't reverse. Her own mother, Sylvia, is her polar opposite: a free-spirited iconoclast with a glamorous past she only hints at. Lauren has spent her life between these two role models—and waiting for her own catastrophe to strike.

Then one summer, Lauren's husband takes a job in New York, and she moves back to Broad Beach Road, back into her childhood home on the shores of Malibu. Lauren looks forward to surfing with her dad again and perhaps repairing an unspoken fracture in her relationship with her mother. What she doesn't expect is for the boy next door to return home as well: Stone, Lauren's first love, who broke her heart nearly a decade before.

As Lauren falls into familiar patterns, with her family and, more dangerously, Stone, she finds herself thinking about all the choices, wide and small, that have brought her to this moment. And wondering, finally, if one of them should be undone."

Title:  Once and Again

Author:  Rebecca Serle

Publisher:  Atria Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:  

'Once and Again' by Rebecca Serle

My Review:  

 'Once and Again' was quite a read, being emotional and all from three women: Sylvia, Marcella, and Lauren [3 generations], all having a special gift. You will find yourself turning the pages to see what's coming next in the story for each of the Novak family members. I found many of these characters somewhat relatable and could easily identify with them; however, some of their choices... well, could leave one pondering long after the read.  

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

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Book Excerpt:

"Twice-widowed, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley is solely responsible for her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, a razor-taloned peregrine falcon, and a crumbling manor. Fierce and determined, Ethel clings to the respectability her deceased husband's title affords her, hoping it will secure her daughters' future through marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to change everything, Ethel risks her pride in pursuit of an invitation for all three of her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the future king unfolds, Ethel discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she craves and the well-being of the stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world's most famous fairy tale. It is a battle cry for a mother's love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes."

Title:  Lady Tremaine

Author:  Rachel Hochhauser

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four
Review:

"Lady Tremaine" by Rachel Hochhauser

My Review:

'Lady Tremaine' was quite an interesting story about Cinderella's stepmother. This author wrote a story that will keep readers turning the pages to see what comes next for that evil stepmother, Etheldreda.

The story will be a fairy-tale retelling, so you will have to keep reading till the end. I don't want to give too much away, because there will be so much going on in this read, as one will see this stepmother doing her best to give the girls the best and secure their futures.

However, be ready for some darkness, which gives the reader a quite interesting experience with an unexpected twist at the end. I will stop here and say: read it and see how it comes together in the end.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

 

The Book Tour A Novel by Emily Ohanjanians

 Book Excerpt:

"Despite her popular podcast and sold-out speaking events, Ana Movilian still feels like she has to prove herself. To her family, who can't believe she quit med school to build an influencer career, and to literary snobs, who decry her buzzy self-help book. Happily, her upcoming book tour is the perfect chance to show the world just how bright her star can shine.

That is, until her beloved publicist resigns the night before their plane is set to take off, announcing that her replacement is none other than Ryan bleeping Grant.

Ryan specializes in highbrow, "important" books, and his perma-scowl in every interaction with Ana makes one thing clear: he does not get her book. Or her. He's the last person who should be promoting her work, the last person she should be stuck with for two weeks . . . and the last person who should look that damn good in business casual.

As they travel from city to city, however, Ana's assumptions about Ryan take new shape. A decidedly more appealing shape. Soon, their growing attraction feels like a ticking time bomb. But crossing that line could derail each of their careers faster than you can say "conflict of interest," and they both have bigger dreams at stake than the bestseller list."

Title:  The Book Tour 

Author:  Emily Ohanjanians

Publisher:  Ballantine | Dell

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Book Tour" by Emily Ohanjanians

My Review:  

'The Book Tour' is a romance that will hold your attention, with its plot following what happens to Ana. The story revolves around the publishing world, which can be quite an experience, as it was for Ana. And then there was Ryan. I liked him more than Ana. Why do I say that? I will stop here and tell you to pick up this book and see how it all comes together.    It will be interesting to see how this will work out as the story ends.   

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell Publishing for my ARC!

Big Country: A Fake Dating Romance (Romcom Set in NOLA) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"Big League Energy, Single Momma Energy, and a fake relationship shadier than a Louisiana live oak.

MONTANA
"Big Country." That name—my name—had Dodger Stadium shaking when I won the World Series. Now they're talking suspension? Please. I'm a national legend. The pride of NOLA. But the only thing dragging my six-foot-four frame into my Creole restaurant is her … Journey.
That woman's a walking challenge—sharp tongue, soft smile, and eyes that promise trouble. One look from me and she fumbles that calm facade. One look from her and suddenly I'm reconsidering every rule I've ever followed.
So yeah, I'll polish my image with her—and maybe blur the line between business and pleasure.

ZURI
That damn face of Montana's? Unfair. His voice? Dangerous. His presence? A whole problem I don't need. But when Big Country offers a contract that could change my life, Iread the fine print.
Hell, he doesn't even know my real name. My locs stay tucked under a wig that smells like coconut oil, chaos, and bad decisions. And nobody will ever know the truth about my son's father.
But the problem isn't pretending. It's the way he looks at me—like he sees straight through the disguise. And if I'm not careful, he might know the woman I swore I'd never let anyone touch … again."


This brand-new, hilarious fake dating romcom will have you planning a trip to New Orleans!

Title:  Big Country

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A.A.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Big Country' by Amarie Avant

My Review:  

'Big Country' was a compelling story about Montana and Zuri. The story will keep the reader laughing throughout, as the jokes keep coming. We find Zuri is very focused on her some and definitely well guarded when it comes to Montana. Now, why was this? With families and friends pushing them together, you will keep laughing at how some of this story unfolds.   You must pick up this good read to see how well this author brings it all out to her readers. It was a good story about love, fake dating, and even a bit of mystery.  

Recall: A Psychological Thriller Short Kindle Edition by Nia Forrester (Author), Allan Monteilh (Author)

 

Book Excerpt:

"He wakes on a cold floor, his mind a perfect blank. A dead man lies beside him, and the only clues are a wallet with his name and keys to a life he can't remember.

Each step is shadowed by the chilling certainty that he is not who he seems. His search for the truth leads him to a past more terrifying than the amnesia.

Some memories may be buried for a reason, and the truth may destroy the last remnants of his soul.

Recall is a relentless psychological thriller that explores the blurred line between justice and vengeance, and the terrible price of a memory worth killing for."

Title:  Recall

Authors:  Nia Forrester with Allan Monteilh

Publisher:  Dimly Lit

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Recall" by Nia Forrester & Allan Monteilh

My Review:  

'Recall' is a short novella thriller read that will keep you turning the pages till the end. The reader will be kept in suspense as they try to keep up with what is going on in the chilling read.

If you like a quick thriller, this one is for you: it gives a quick answer and a reasonable conclusion.  

Isn't She Lucky Kindle Edition by Tina Martin

 Book Excerpt:

"One reluctant night out. One irresistible bachelor. A second chance at love…

When Giada Gardner agrees to attend a charity bachelor auction, she's expecting a night of forced smiles and conversation with a bottle of wine to help her get through it. She wasn't expecting to lock eyes with one particular bachelor on the stage—a man she thought she'd never see again. He was her childhood best friend and only heartbreak, Kasim Noble.

Kasim has never forgotten Giada. He hadn't forgotten what her friendship meant to him, nor the way she walked out of his life back then. So, if this bachelor auction is a way for him to finally get answers, that's what he'll do. But he's looking for more than a one-night dinner date—he wants forever by any means necessary.

Title:  Isn't She Lucky

Author:  Tina Martin

Publisher:  T.M.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"Isn't She Lucky" by Tina Martin

My Review:

'Isn't She Lucky' was a wonderful love story for Kasim and Giada. The story had me shaking my head a bit with all the things that went on, especially with that mother's input. However, it was interesting to see how things worked out for these two.  

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

 Book Excerpt:

"When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there's a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn't come as more of a shock. Partly because she can't remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first, Tilly can't imagine sinking into a fictional world. Still, Joe's tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own."

Title:  This Book Made Me Think of You

Author:  Libby Page

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"This Book Made Me Think of You," by Libby Page

My Review:

'This Book Made Me Think of You' is a compelling story that readers will enjoy. being delightful, but somewhat sad. We find that one of the main characters, Tilly, had just lost her husband due to cancer. What will happen when Tilly gets a call from a bookstore letting her know that Joe has picked out twelve books for her to receive each month? How will these books affect Tilly? This is where you must pick up this good read to see how these books help Tilly get her life back together. It was quite a journey for Tilly as she journeyed from Bali, Paris, Italy, Scotland, and even to New York, getting through the reads.

  

This may not be for everyone who has lost someone; however, it was good, especially the books Joe left for his wife to read, which really helped her so much.  

Thank you, NetGallery and Berkley for letting me read this ARC. It was indeed a good read.