Trials & Tribulations (MPWG Law Firm Book 4) by B. Love

 Book Excerpt:

"For Navy Robertson, she has literally everything she wants except marriage and a family of her own. While she believes she might be able to get those things with her boyfriend, Ian, his toxic back-and-forth with her closest friend is causing drama in their relationship that Navy is finding harder to ignore.

For over a decade, Zander Gough has been content being Navy's closest friend. The more serious things get between her and Ian, the more difficult it is for Zander to deny his feelings for her. When Navy decides her friendship means more than her romantic relationship, she sees a side of Zander and Ian that she didn't expect.

Will the truth of their feelings shift these friends into lovers, or will Ian's claim on Navy's heart ruin her friendship with Zander for good?"

Title:  Trials & Tribulations

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Trials & Tribulations' by B. Love 

My Review:  

'Trials and Tribulations' emerged as my preferred series within this group. I found the relationship between Navy and Zander particularly compelling, as the author skillfully developed their connection from friendship to romance, culminating in a satisfying conclusion. This series resonated with me more than the others. I encourage readers to explore it and discover the reasons for my enthusiasm.

Plea (MPWG Law Firm Book 3) by B. Love

 
Book Excerpt:

"Venus Atkins has everything she wants in life and believes it will be complete after she is married to her fiancé. The problem is, the closer they get to the wedding, the more her relationship with Trevor unravels. She's never been a cheater, but the chemistry she has with Carson has her questioning not only her relationship but her moral code as well. As difficult as it is, Venus makes it to the day of her wedding faithfully, but it isn't her fiancé who wants the first look—it's Carson.

Carson Walker is a certified lover boy who has the heart, looks, and wealth to get any woman he wants. Ironically, the moment he finds out he has a baby on the way, he connects with a woman on a deeper level than he ever has before. Refusing to believe in love at first sight, Carson commits himself to his baby and the unofficial relationship he has with Asia. However, when it's time for Venus to say I Do, Carson realizes it won't be as easy as he thought it would be to let go of a woman he's technically never had.

Will Venus and Trevor tie the knot, or will she find herself entangled by a soul tie formed with Carson without her consent?"

Title:  Plea

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 3

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Plea' by B. Love

My Review:  

'Plea' was another enjoyable work by this author, as she effectively depicted the love and respect between Carson and Venus. I appreciated how Carson demonstrated clarity in his desires. The narrative was engaging and dynamic, particularly due to the complex interactions involving Trevor and Asia. Readers will need to explore this third installment to fully appreciate its presentation.

I look forward to reading the next series, MPWB Law Firm Book 4, to discover its developments.

Inadmissible (MPWG Law Firm Book 2) by B. Love

Book Excerpt:

"Growing up watching her father habitually cheat on her mother scarred Taj Sanders in ways she didn't recognize until she noticed the same pattern in her own relationships. When her fiancé cheats on her and gets his side chick pregnant, Taj decides she's done with men and love altogether. A drunken night at a hotel bar puts her at the mercy of a stranger who chooses to protect her and keep her safe instead of taking advantage of her—and he makes sure no one else does either.

Tristan Pierce, a quarter of the partnership for Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough, is known as the best strategist in Rose Valley Hills. When he lays eyes on Taj one year after saving her at the bar, he's determined to not let her get away again so easily. He plays along, helping her make her ex jealous, which leads to them spending the night together. For Taj, one night is enough. For Tristan, their night together is the beginning of their forever.

As fate would have it, Taj finds in Tristan a man safe enough to choose and worthy of her love. Unfortunately, that's no longer her heart's desire. Tristan makes it his mission not only to soften her heart to love but to return her to her softness as a woman. With her hesitance to trust him and a lingering ex that won't let go, Tristan is in for the biggest strategic undertaking of his life. Planned correctly, his actions can lead to his happily ever after with the woman he's confident will be his wife. But one incorrect move or inadmissible action, and he may scar Taj's heart worse than it already is."

Title:  Inadmissible

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 2

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Inadmissible' by B. Love 

My Review:

'Inadmissible' is another great series that keeps you interested with the story of Tristian and Taj. I enjoyed reading about how patient Tristian was with Taj, especially since she struggled to trust men after everything she had been through. Can Tristian help Taj change her mind? Can the right kind of love heal her heart? I recommend picking up this book to see how the author tells their story. Now, I'm looking forward to the next series, MPWG Law Firms Book 3, to find out what happens next.

 

Objection (MPWG Law Firm Book 1) by B. Love

 

Book Excerpt:

"Kaos Montgomery is one of four managing partners at Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough Law Firm. He handles the organized crime unit, defending mafia leaders, drug lords, and assassins. Though Kaos spent his younger days in the underworld, he thrives and takes pride in the legit life he lives now... though some people in his past and personal life wish they could bring back the old him.

Serenity Monroe has one goal—to thrive at Montgomery, Pierce, Walker, and Gough. It is the most prominent, prolific, and prosperous law firm in Rose Valley Hills. As Kaos Montgomery's executive assistant, Serenity takes pride in providing him and the office with what her name means: a state of calm, peace, and absence of trouble.

As light as Serenity's presence makes the office and Kaos's life, there's a darkness from his past that threatens his reputation and her safety. Technically, their love is forbidden because she works for him, but that doesn't stop the bond that blooms between them. When the pair agrees to blur the lines and make their professional relationship personal, they have more than just the board and other partners at the firm to worry about. They have to deal with the ghost of Kaos's past indiscretions too.

Title:  Objection

Author:  B. Love

Publisher:  Prolific Pen Pusher

Series:  MPWG Law Firm Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Objection' by B. Love

My Review:

'Objection' proved to be an engaging series, offering a compelling and enjoyable romance that consistently held my interest. The protagonists, Kaos and Serinity, were well-developed and effectively conveyed their affection for one another, particularly within the context of their professional environment. I am now eager to begin the next installment, MPWG Law Firm Book 2, to explore the developments in this narrative.

Summer of Love by Kerri Maher

 Book Excerpt:

"It's the summer of 1967, and the counterculture revolution is in full swing in San Francisco. Every street is alive with the music of Jim Morrison and Dionne Warwick, and in view of the Golden Gate Bridge, young people come together, waving anti-war signs and shouting for equal rights. No one is more attuned to messages of love and peace than Winnie Hartley, who has just graduated from UC Berkeley and is determined to use poetry to capture the ever-shifting world around her. When she reconnects with her high school boyfriend, an aspiring musician, their creative bond further fuels her work, and it feels like her life is finally taking off.

Meanwhile, miles up the winding coast, her sister Miranda stays close to home, throwing herself into running the family business, Hartley Vineyard. She's determined to make California wine that rivals the French. But change is in the air this wild and heady summer, and each sister will make choices that set their lives hurdling down paths neither would have imagined.

Fifty years later, Dawn Hartley stays as far as possible from her family's famous vineyard, until a work assignment requires her to research the bestselling Vineland novels penned by a famously anonymous author. Determined to discover the identity of this mysterious writer—who seems to know things no one should about her family—Dawn embarks on a soul-searching journey along the windswept coast of California to uncover her family's secrets even as she's keeping a big one of her own."

Title:  Summer of Love

Author:  Kerri Maher

Publisher:  Berkley

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Summer of Love" by Kerri Maher

My Review:

'Summer of Love' is a well-written and emotionally engaging novel. It addresses important topics such as relationships, alcohol, and recovery through the experiences of two sisters, Winnie and Miranda, their mother, and a niece [Dawn]. The Northern California vineyard setting is also particularly enjoyable.

The story offers thoughtful themes that linger long after you finish the book.

Crash Into Me A Novel by Robinne Lee

 Book Excerpt:

"In a complicated marriage and raising her children in Los Angeles's toxic playground of privilege and power, Cecilia Chen is struggling to find her real self among the many labels assigned to her: wife, mother, artist, daughter.

Until the moment she crashes–literally–into the Anouk Ferrand. It's been twenty years since she last encountered the enigmatic model on a photo shoot in Mexico.

And it's this chance second meeting that will upend Cecilia's life.

Seeing Anouk again forces Cecilia to revisit their brief time together and question where she truly fits in. Can the renewed intensity of her explosive physical and emotional entanglement with Anouk finally give her an answer?

Heartbreakingly real and emotionally layered, Crash Into Me illuminates the unexpected detours that change our lives forever."

Title:  Crash Into Me

Author:  Robinne Lee

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

'Crash Into Me' by Robinne Lee

My Review:

'Crash Into Me' is a compelling novel that sustains the reader's interest throughout. The narrative deeply engages readers in the lives of Cecila Chen and Anouk Ferrand, effectively building anticipation for their reunion after twenty years.

I recommend this book for its nuanced examination of complex marital relationships and its insightful portrayal of love's resilience in the face of adversity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calling All Blessings A Blessings Novel by Beverly Jenkins

Book Excerpt:

"NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins celebrates her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

"If you haven't yet gotten your hands on [this] author's work, you should do so immediately."—Shondaland

Tamar July, town matriarch of Henry Adams, KS, is being haunted by dreams of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago, when she discovered her intended, Joel Newton, was already married. The truth left her furious, heartbroken, and carrying a child, her son Malachi "Mal" July. Why are these dreams coming to her now? And is the great horned owl perched on her backyard shed somehow connected? When Joel's legitimate son, Henry Adams, comes to Mal seeking his half-brother, Tamar must confront her past and her anger, and explore what it means to truly forgive.

Tamar isn't the only one being tested. Teenager Devon July wants to be anyone but himself. When he first arrived in Henry Adams as an eight-year-old foster child, he wanted to be a preacher. Then, to be like his adopted brother, Amari. Now, he's decided to be a variant of James Brown—wig included—rather than who he really is, a boy who lost his beloved grandmother and is the son of a mentally challenged woman. Will Tamar be able to guide his spirit quest and place him on the road to finally being at peace within himself?

As the big August 1st celebration nears, town owner Bernadine Brown has a lot on her plate, chief among them, what to do with former mayor Riley Curry's monstrous tribute to his hog Cletus. There are no secrets in Henry Adams, but there's never a dull moment either."

Title:  Calling All Blessings

Author:  Beverly Jenkins

Publisher:  Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four 

Review:

"Calling All Blessings" by Beverly Jenkins

My Insight:  

"Calling All Blessings" is a truly enchanting and heartwarming tale that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page. As the concluding installment of Beverly Jenkins' beloved Blessings series, it beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and resilience. The characters, particularly Tamar and Devon, embark on a profound journey of growth that unfolds seamlessly throughout the narrative. Watching the blossoming connections within this family and witnessing their genuine expressions of friendship, humor, hope, and love is a captivating experience. This story is not just well-crafted; it is a powerful and inspirational read that resonates deeply. It is a celebration of life and the enduring bonds that shape us, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

Oct 7th Overdue A Novel by Stephanie Perkins

Book Excerpt:

"Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid's sister announces her engagement to a woman she's only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They'll take a one-month break to date other people, then they'll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom she's secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they're not ready to resume their relationship—and Ingrid's harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way."

Title:  Overdue 

Author:  Stephanie Perkins

Publisher:  St Martin's Press

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Overdue" by Stephanie Perkins

My Insight:  

'Overdue' is a charming read, promising a romantic and humorous journey that may unfold at a leisurely pace. What will happen when Ingrid and her long-term boyfriend, Cory, finally discuss marriage? And how will things change when her sister gets engaged? With Ingrid and Cory deciding to date other people for a month, the story takes a humorous turn. And when Ingrid starts dating Macon, her coworker, the situation becomes even more entertaining. Stick with it to experience the enjoyable ending. Brace yourself for a 'slow-burn romance' as 'Overdue' finally arrives.

Thank you, NetGalley & St. Martin's Press, for the advanced ebook copy of this book.

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.

Tilt A Novel by Emma Pattee

Book Excerpt:

"Set over one day, a heart-racing debut about a woman facing the unimaginable, determined to find safety.

Last night, you and I were safe. Last night, your father and I stood fighting in the kitchen in another universe.

Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. There's nothing to do but walk with no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a chaotic city.

Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she's determined to change her life.

A propulsive debut, Tilt is a primal scream of a novel about the disappointments and desires we all carry and what we will do for the people we love."

Title:  Tilt

Author:  Emma Pattee

Publisher:  Simon Element | S&S/ Marysue Rucci Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

'Tilt' by Emma Pattee

My Insight:  

'Tilt' was quite a suspenseful read,  as was what happened to Annie during an earthquake in Portland, Oregon. While at the store, an earthquake occurred while Annie went shopping for a crib.   Being pregnant in her 37th week, her first baby, while looking for her husband, what will happen after this disaster? Annie will have many flashbacks as we are given a story of what happened before the earthquake. Be ready for wanting more of this story after reading about what happens when a natural disaster happens, how it will be taken in with how people react, and especially what happens while one is pregnant. This was a good read, but an epilogue would have been nice at the close of this story.  

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.