The Library of Flowers (Deluxe Edition) by L.C. Chu

 Book Excerpt:

"For centuries, the Hua women have held sway over the courts of emperors and billionaires with their magical perfumes able to stir hearts and ensure fortunes. And in every fifth generation, an eldest daughter is born with the rarest gift of all: the ability to summon true love.

As a long-awaited fifth daughter, Lucy was supposed to be the miracle her exacting mother had been waiting for. But when her magic failed, Lucy fled Vancouver, her legacy, and the expectations that had nearly broken her. Now, years later, she runs a tiny perfume shop tucked away in Toronto's Kensington Market—crafting beautiful, perfectly ordinary scents and keeping her extraordinary past firmly behind her. That is, until a death in the family brings her home...and saddles her with an unwelcome inheritance: the centuries-old Hua family register, brimming with secrets, formulas, and forgotten truths.

As Lucy unravels the stories of the women who came before her—including the mother whose complicated heart she never could understand—she must confront the tangled threads of love, power, and identity...and ask herself whether her magic was ever truly gone, or simply waiting for her to decide for herself what it means to be a daughter of the House of Hua."

Title:  The Library of Flowers

Author:  L.C. Chu

Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Library of Flowers" by L. C. Chu

My Review:  

'The Library of Flowers' was about the women of the Hua family, past and present, which was a very interesting read about their family, which involved their culture, history, emotion, and even some magic that went back several generations. Now, what was this magic family's trade...Perfumers by trade. Be ready for characters like Lucy and Ana, who will be quite interesting in the story. It was nice seeing a family finding themselves.

If you would like a story about strong women, this one is for you.

Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Good Joy, Bad Joy, by Mikki Brammer

 Book Excerpt:

"For over eighty years, Joy Bridport has played by the rules: she's been a devoted wife and mother, contributing to the community in her small Hudson Valley town. But her quiet existence is jolted when she learns that her best friend, Hazel, only has months left to live. Hazel has always been the more adventurous one of their duo, and she seems at peace with all that she's squeezed out of her long life. Yet Joy realizes she can't say the same.

Determined to live boldly and make the most of the time that she and Hazel have left together, Joy steps outside of her comfort zone—and into a bit of trouble. But as her foray into rule-breaking escalates into petty crime, Joy must consider what kind of legacy she wants to leave behind and whether there's a way to embrace the liberation that "Bad Joy" offers without losing all she holds dear.

Is it ever too late to become who we're meant to be? With laugh-out-loud hijnks and emotional heft, Good Joy, Bad Joy is a heartwarming and wise celebration of the choices we make, the friendships we cherish, and the lengths we go for love."

Title:  Good Joy, Bad Joy

Author:  Mikki Brammer

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer

My Review:

'Good Joy, Bad Joy' was a beautiful, good read. The reader will fall in love with Joy, who was eighty-nine years old, and I don't want to forget to mention Hazel, Joy's best friend. This will be a story that keeps one turning the pages, thanks to the author's ability to bring it to life for the reader.

This story was about a 'lifelong friendship, sisterhood, love, life, and even regrets'. This is one of those stories that will leave one pondering long after the read, even leaving one in tears.   

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Young King The Making of Martin Luther King Jr. by Lerone Martin

 Book Excerpt:

"From a preeminent King scholar, the origin story of the man, minister, and civil rights hero who would lead the nation and change the world.

We know who Martin Luther King, Jr. became, but who was he at the beginning of his life? How did his youth inform his outlook and activism?

Before Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights leader, a Nobel Laureate, and a global hero, he was an emotional boy, a middling high school student devoted to fashion, dancing, and dating. Lerone A. Martin, Faculty Director of the Martin Luther King Institute at Stanford University, traces these roots to develop a fuller understanding of the influential preacher's emotional life, his youthful confusion about his future and career direction, his teenage missteps, and his inspiration to fight for justice."

Title:  Young King...The Making of Martin Luther King Jr.

Author:  Lerone Martin

Publisher:  Amistad

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Young King...The Making of Martin Luther King Jr.

My Review:

This author, Lerone Martin, did a wonderful job telling a powerful story about Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, Martin Luther King Jr. is one person I can truly say was important throughout his life. From his childhood, family discipline, education, to his early encounters with racial things that showed the power of what went on with him in his life.  

This is one of those well-written reads that, once you start reading, you will find it will be hard to put down due to all that is in the remarkable read, as you are pulled into MLK Jr.'s life. Be ready for many interesting details, and you will find out a lot about his personal life.

If you are interested in a good biography that involves American history, you have come to the right place, because this non-fiction read will give you that and so much more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amistad for the early read.

An Unexpected Spark Kindle Edition by Delaney Diamond

 Book Excerpt:

"It's never too late to learn from our mistakes...

Tallulah Washington believes in energy, intuition, and the healing power of sage. Jamison Harris believes in efficiency, logic, and arriving fifteen minutes early. When their kids announce a whirlwind engagement, these two complete opposites are forced together—and it’s a disaster from the start.

But disaster has a funny way of turning into chemistry.

Between cake tastings gone wrong, dance lessons, and one very inconvenient spark, Tallulah and Jamison discover that maybe they don’t hate each other as much as they thought.

The two least likely people might be the ones to prove that love is worth the risk."

Title: An Unexpected Spark
Author: Delaney Diamond
Publisher: Garden Avenue Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
'An Unexpected Spark' by Delaney Diamond

My Review:

'An Unexpected Spark' was a nice romance, with Tallulah and Jamison finding love. Now the story will get even more interesting, as the story centers on an older couple who meet when their children fall in love and plan to marry as the story continues.

The story will keep one's attention from the beginning to the end, showing how it all comes together for both couples. By the end, you are given a good love story.

Before We Were Strangers Kindle Edition by Brenda Novak

 Book Excerpt:

"New York Times–Bestselling Author: "I loved this twisty tale of friends, enemies, lovers, liars, and a family fractured by secrets." —Susan Wiggs

Five-year-old Sloane McBride couldn't sleep that night. Her parents were arguing again, their harsh words heating the cool autumn air. And then there was that other sound—the ominous thump before all went quiet.

In the morning, her mother was gone.

The official story was that she left. Her loving, devoted mother! That hadn't sat any better at the time than it did when Sloane moved out at eighteen, anxious to leave her small Texas hometown in search of anywhere else. But not even a fresh start working as a model in New York could keep the nightmares at bay. Or her fears that the domineering father she grew up with wasn't just difficult—he was deadly.

Now another traumatic loss forces Sloane to realize she owes it to her mother to find out the truth, even if it means returning to a town full of secrets and lies, a jilted ex-boyfriend, and a father and brother who'd rather see her silenced. But as Sloane starts digging into the past, the question isn't whether she can uncover what really happened that night—it's what will remain of her family if she does . . ."

Title:  Before We Were Strangers

Author:  Brenda Novak

Publisher:  Mira

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Before We Were Strangers' by Brenda Novak

My Review:  

'Before We Were Strangers' was quite an interesting Thriller that kept me turning the pages to see what was coming next, with romance, mystery, family drama, and even a murder. Be ready for lots of twists and turns in this story that will keep you turning, shaking your head, and saying, "I didn't see that coming," along with a lot of guessing. There were many interesting characters with flaws all over the place. By the end, this was a good, interesting story.  

Save the Date A Novel by Mallory Kass

 Book Excerpt:'

"A romantic comedy of manners about a lavish wedding weekend gone very, very wrong with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella.

The Bride: Beautiful, seemingly carefree Marigold is tired of being treated like a shallow it-girl. That's one of the many reasons she's excited to marry Jonathan—the handsome, kind, respectable doctor of her dreams. So when a shocking secret from her past threatens to ruin her wedding, she'll do anything to make it disappear...even if it means tracking down a man she vowed to avoid forever.

The Maid of Honor: As the bride's best friend, all Natalie wants is for this wedding to go off without a hitch. There's only one problem: Natalie has secretly been in love with the groom since college. When Marigold disappears, Natalie is forced to ask whether she can keep burying her feelings for the sake of friendship...or if she's ready to risk everything to pursue her own happy ending.

The Sister: Olivia has spent her life cleaning up Marigold's messes. So she's determined to keep the wedding on track for the sake of their mother, who's battling cancer and longs for one last perfect weekend. But when Jonathan's best man—a prickly academic with a heart of gold—ropes her into a fake dating scheme, sparks unexpectedly fly. Will Olivia sacrifice her own happiness again, or could this fake relationship turn into the truest choice she's ever made?

Heartwarming, hilarious, and sparklingly romantic, Save the Date will have you cheering for love in all its messy, unexpected glory.

Title:  Save the Date

Author:  Mallory Kass

Publisher:  Atria Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Save the Date" by Mallory Kass

My Review:

'Save the Date' was a beautifully told romantic comedy, funny, full of heart, and full of chaos. The three main characters give us much, being about family and friends, and the story gives the reader a sense of realism, plenty of humor, and the messiness that came with it, along with the hurt, chaos, and love.

'Save the Date' was a good novel to pick up and read. The reader will get a lot from all that goes on in this well-written story.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @atriabooks for this wonderful ARC! 

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @atriabooks for this wonderful ARC! 

Love by the Book A Novel by Jessica George

 Book Excerpt:

"Friendship is the love story you can count on.

Remy is lucky. Her debut novel, based on her three best friends, became an instant bestseller when it was released, and her agent and publisher are clamoring for a follow-up. But just as Remy's creative inspiration seems to leave her, so too do her friends: one moves to New York, one gets pregnant, and one gets back together with her (awful) boyfriend. After an ill-advised one-night stand complicates matters further, Remy is left deeply alone—and unable to find her next book idea.

Simone is successful. A Kindergarten teacher with a passion for kids, and a well-paying side hustle that affords her all the material comforts she desires, she doesn't have time for a robust social life. All Simone needs is her close-knit family—but after the true nature of her work is revealed, they cut her off, and she realizes for the first time just how isolated she is.

When Simone and Remy bump into each other (literally) in a bookstore, it isn't exactly soulmates at first sight. Simone is guarded and prickly, Remy is insecure and heartbroken, and each woman is harboring a secret. And yet they might just be the missing piece the other has been searching for—if only they can let each other in.

Can Simone help Remy make one of the most important decisions of her life—and can Remy help Simone recover all that she's lost? In Jessica George's heartwarming, funny, and soulful second novel, she explores the restorative nature of female friendship and the life-changing power of platonic love."

Title:  Love by the Book

Author:  Jessica George

Publisher:  St. Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Love by the Book" by Jessica George

My Review:

  

"Love by the Book" by Jessica George is a delightful and deeply engaging read that explores the profound nature of female friendship. The characters are wonderfully crafted and well-developed as they navigate themes of secrets, pressure, and loneliness.

The story beautifully captures the strength of their friendship and the love they share.

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

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore – The Complete Screenplay Kindle Edition by J.K. Rowling

 Book Excerpt:

"Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magi zoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The official screenplay of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the ultimate companion to the film, and invites readers to explore every scene of the complete original script penned by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves. Special features include behind-the-scenes content and commentary from David Yates, David Heyman, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Colleen Atwood and more."

Title:  Fantastic Beast: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Author:  J.K. Rowling

Publisher:  Pottermore Publishing

Series:  Book 3 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Fantastic Beasts

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

Fantastic Beasts:  The Secrets of Dumbledore by J.K. Rowling

My Review:  

'Fantastic Beast:  The Secrets of Dumbledore is definitely one of my favorite series being absolutely beautiful and a wonderful along with its sadness too of a read. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you will definitely like this last series.    Get ready for a read with a good story line and information of Dumbledore of his early life.  

This author did a wonderful job with giving the ready a good read of the Dumbledore family.  And you will enjoy Newt being a sweetheart, Jacob being one with a warrior's heart. If you have seen the movie then you will love the script.  It is simply amazing in how this author brings of all together in the wonderful screenplay read.  

If you are in the Wizarding World then 'Fantastic Beast:  The Secrets of Dumbledore' is the read for you that you will enjoy, especially if you are into Harry Potters fan.

Fearless Entanglement : The Protector, the Antihero, and a Deadly Love Triangle (MacKenzie Crime Family) Kindle Edition by Amarie Avant

 Book Excerpt:

"To destroy a powerful man—target his heir. His seed. His only daughter. Me.

I’m Natasha Resnova. The miracle child who shouldn’t have survived. I hide behind a camera instead of facing my violent, blood-soaked legacy. The Resnov bratva breathes brutality. I breathe silence.

Until one photo puts me in the path of two powerful men.

One sees me.

One hunts me.

And between them, everything shatters.

LORENZO

She was my mark. Vassili Resnov’s daughter—the doorway to vengeance. I returned from a black-ops mission with one objective: seduce Natasha, break her, and use the pieces to burn her father’s empire to the ground.

But Natasha’s not breakable. She’s gorgeous. A light I never knew existed. I wanted her. Damn, I wanted her.

Then he appears, with a look that says he’d destroy the world to save her.

But Lachlan won’t come between me and Natasha.

This will end in blood. Hers.

LACHLAN

I should’ve put her first.

But I’m Lachlan MacKenzie—Dodger’s golden boy with a baseball bat. I tried to juggle it all: my family’s criminal secrets, sports fame, and cherishing Natasha.

I was wrong. And I lost her.

Natasha needed me. I gave her excuses. She offered me her trust. I dropped it.

Now her “friend” Lorenzo circles her, a wolf ready to taste her fear.

I will do anything to regain her affection. Natasha is not just the miracle child of a Bratva king.

She’s my everything.

And I’m done letting monsters near her.

Fearless Entanglement is a pulse-pounding love triangle, laced with dark obsession, hidden agendas, and a love that cuts deeper than lies.

No cheating—only jaw-dropping twists, betrayal, romantic suspense, and an HEA worth the wages of war in this interracial romance!
Other common themes include: Military soldier, MLB baseball player, Russian Bratva, Scottish Crime family mafia, second chances, friends to lovers, hero, possessive anti-hero, dark past and more, some "we're definitely gonna die" energy LOL, all with a smooth finish!"

Title:  Fearless Entanglement

Author:  Amarie Avant

Publisher:  A. A.

Series: MacKenzie Crime Family

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Fearless Entanglement' by Amaire Avant

My Review:  

"Fearless Entanglement" is an action-packed, brilliantly written novel that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters, Lachlan and Natasha, are well developed, and there are several others that readers will enjoy, along with a few who may not be as appealing. I encourage you to pick up this captivating story to discover the intrigues surrounding the Scots and the Mackenzie's, filled with drama, secrets, lies, and betrayal.

Get ready for a tale rich in action, combined with a love story that the author tells exceptionally well.

When We Were Friends: A Short Story Kindle Edition by Jane Green

Book Excerpt:

"From New York Times bestselling author Jane Green comes a riveting story about a friendship that turns ugly when a woman realizes her new best friend is not what she seems.

By all accounts, Lucy’s handled her divorce well. She’s finally in the cozy, plant-filled house of her dreams. And although she doesn’t fit in with the other divorcées—all busy looking for their next ex—she’s excited to get down to earth and savor the small joys of life.

When Lucy meets Elle, a hip younger woman who shares her same passions, their connection is instant. Taking a chance on kismet, Lucy forges a friendship that fills her days with meaning. She and Elle are inseparable, from sunup to sundown, enjoying the immediate ease and familiarity of each other’s company.

But as Lucy introduces Elle to her circle, a new side of her friend appears. And try as she might, Lucy can’t ignore her misgivings. Who is Elle really? And can their all-consuming friendship survive closer inspection?"

Title:  When We Were Friends

Author:  Jane Green

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'When We Were Friends' by Jane Green

My Review:

This captivating short story follows Lucy, a recently divorced woman, and Elle, a younger woman. Simon's addition adds depth to this intriguing narrative. To fully appreciate the complexities and surprising twists that unfold, I highly recommend diving into this quick read.

Get ready for a beautifully crafted tale that will leave you with an unexpected conclusion.

 

Until Then (Cape Harbor Book 2) Kindle Edition by Heidi McLaughlin

Book Excerpt:

'From New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin comes an uplifting story about two old friends finding new love.

Rennie Wallace has it all: a boyfriend, a good job, a best friend who lives a stone’s throw away…but something’s missing. She isn’t sure what until she returns to Cape Harbor, her favorite home away from home. There, she crosses paths with an old love, Graham. Rennie’s drawn to him but senses their paths in life have wandered too far apart.

Graham Chamberlain has returned to Cape Harbor to care for his brother, the town alcoholic. Managing and serving drinks at his family’s bar, Graham can’t believe how mundane his life has become. He’s resigned himself to living for others, his own desires for adventure and romance taking a back seat to running the family business—until Rennie walks through his door.

Graham feels the weight of his small-town life; Rennie has a boyfriend and a busy life in the city. But neither can deny the rekindled spark between them. Will they find their way back to one another?'

Title:  Until Then 

Author:  Heidi McLaughlin

Publisher:  Montlake

Series:  Cape Harbor Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Until Then' by Heidi McLaughlin

My Review:  

 'Until Then' is an engaging read that stands out due to its well-drawn characters, notably Rennie and Graham, who drive the story forward. The novel blends humor and heartfelt moments, especially in its sensitive depiction of death. Suspense and drama are woven throughout, with themes of alcoholism and drug addiction that add depth and keep readers invested until the last page.  

In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow? Kindle Edition by Lakisha Johnson

Book Excerpt:

"Jade and Alex met as children in the foster care system, overcoming obstacles and beating the many odds stacked against them. Over the years, people and life disappointed them. Yet, the one thing they could always count on was each other.

Even when jobs and school separated them, they always found their way back to each other. Seven years ago, they stood before a justice of the peace vowing never to give up on each other or themselves.

Then a tragic accident leaves one of them fighting to live. The other is thrust into the role of caregiver to a patient whose body, mind, and faith were all left broken.

Will their marriage survive the hardship and mental torment of trauma or will the In Sickness and In Health part of the vows shatter when they are put to the test?"

 Title:  In Sickness and In Health:  W

Author:  Lakisha Johnson

Publisher:  Twins Write 2hat Did You Vow?

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Five

Review:

'In Sickness and in Health' by Lakisha Johnson

My Review:  

'In Sickness and In Health: What Did You Vow' was an excellent read, with scriptures that blended seamlessly with the story. Jade and Alex were truly memorable characters who left readers with a thought-provoking narrative to consider after finishing the book.  

The author reveals what is meant by 'In Sickness and In Health.' Observing these two navigate their partnership after Alex's accident was fascinating. I appreciated how Jade reached out to God amid their trials, and I found Mrs. Cora's portrayal engaging throughout the story. Will Alex manage to regain his footing so they can achieve happiness?

At this point, I recommend you pick up this captivating book to see how the author ties the threads together. It is a delightful read.  

In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt:

"Short fiction about the female experience from the New York Times–bestselling author of The Color Purple, "one of the best American writers of today" (The Washington Post).

 
Here are stories of women traveling with the weight of broken dreams, with kids in tow, with doubt and regret, with memories of lost loves, with lovers who have their own hard pasts and hard edges. Some from the South, some from the North, some rich and some poor, the characters that inhabit In Love & Trouble all seek a measure of self-fulfillment, even as they struggle with difficult circumstances and limiting social conventions.
 
The stories that make up Alice Walker's debut short fiction collection reflect her tenacious commitment to face brutal and sometimes melancholy truths while also illuminating the ways in which the courageous pursuit of love brings hope to even the most harrowing lives."

Title:  In Love & Trouble

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'In Love & Trouble' by Alice Walker

My Review:  

'In Love & Trouble' is a captivating collection of short stories, each offering unique and thought-provoking insights that stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.

The Rose and the Crown Kindle Edition by Evelyn Sola

 Book Excerpt:

"In the small, quiet town of Shadow Cove, appearances hide dark secrets — and new beginnings can spark deadly games.

Eden Rose, a dedicated physical therapist and the sheriff's daughter, never expected to cross paths with a reckless motorcycle biker with a criminal past. When Ripley King saves her from being drugged at his nightclub, a dangerous obsession ignites. His tattoos and leather-clad danger draw her in, but his involvement in illegal activities threatens to destroy everything she loves.

As Ripley's need to claim her grows, Eden fears her carefully crafted world, her family's reputation, and her sense of safety will come apart. She aches to believe in their love, but the darker truths of Shadow Cove—her father's world and Ripley's secrets—push her to the edge. Can their passion withstand the chaos, or will the weight of her fears bury them both before they even have a chance?

The Rose and the Crown is the first installment in the Good Girls, Bad Boys series — a pull-no-punches tale of desire, danger, and the fight to trust in a small town where everyone's hiding something."

Title:  The Rose and the Crown 

Author:  Evelyn Sola

Publisher:  E. S.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"The Rose and the Crown" by Evelyn Sola

My Review:  

'The Rose and the Crown' was a wonderful romantic comedy with plenty of drama in the small town of Shadow Cove that will keep you turning the pages for more. You will get some interesting characters like [Riley and Eden] that will keep you turning the pages for more. Be ready for some happy parts, along with some sad parts, too. All in all, the author gives the readers an exciting ride from start to finish. 

You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down: Stories Kindle Edition by Alice Walker

 Book Excerpt

"Women stand their ground in the midst of crisis in this story collection by the New York Times–bestselling author of The Color Purple. 

This collection builds on Alice Walker's earlier work, the much-praised In Love & Trouble. But unlike her first collection of stories, the women in these tenderly wrought tales face their problems head on, proving powerful and self-possessed even when degraded by others—sometimes by those closest to them. But even as the female protagonists face exploitation, social asymmetries, and casual cruelties, Walker leavens her stories with ample wit and, as always, an eye for the redemptive power of love."

Title:  You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down 

Author:  Alice Walker

Publisher:  Open Road Media

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down" by Alice Walker

My Review:  

'You Can't Keep a Good Woman Down' was a wonderful collection of short stories that you will find some interesting reads from 'demise, myths, and mistreatments.'  Some of the stories are very powerful, as they will leave one a lot to ponder over long after the read.

Hemlock Lane: by Marshall Fine

 Book Excerpt:

"In this riveting story of family bonds and buried truths, a young woman's homecoming becomes a reckoning as four days together threaten to shatter the comfortable lies that have held her family together.

In the summer of 1967, the Levitsky family convenes for a long weekend at their home in the suburbs—an idyllic holiday for the perfect family.

But Nora has always known better.

Growing up, she learned to tiptoe around her mother, Lillian, whose explosive temper was well known. Her father did the same. Nora's sole confidante was their housekeeper, Clara, and their bond has only strengthened through the years. In fact, it's all that's keeping Nora together for her homecoming. But under that lifetime of pressure, the facade is beginning to splinter.

Over the next four days, everyone's secrets are at risk. None more so than what Nora really wants for her life, how Clara has helped her get it…and how they've orchestrated it all behind Lillian's back.

As the family grapples with the complex ties that bind them, Nora discovers that facing the truth—however painful—might be the key to finally breaking free. This weekend, Nora's bravest act may be in knowing which bonds to cherish and which ones need to be gently set aside, making room for a future of her own choosing."

Title:  Hemlock Lane [Audio Book]

Author:  Marshall Fine

Narrator: Helen Laser 

Publisher:  Brilliance Audio

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Hemlock Lane" by Marshall Fine

My Review:

'Hemlock Lane' was quite a read that kept me interested, and I kept turning the pages to see what was going on in this woman's life that she treated this child so horribly. It was no wonder that this child [Nora] felt that her mother did not love her.  

You must pick up this read to see how the Levitsky family goes through it as the story unfolds, and to see all the 'buried truths, secrets, tension, emotion, upheaval, and long-hidden revelations' that will tell this whole story. There were some good parts in the story, as the housekeeper, Clara, was a big help as you read through this story. 

Be prepared for some sad areas as well as some laughable ones. All in all, you will get a good read.