Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

I grabbed a copy of this from an ARC program because I was interested in reading a trope-filled romance.

The Premise

In need of a sperm donor because the right man doesn’t seem to be showing up, Rossi selects “Ambitious Athlete” for the deed. A couple of years later, a clinical error reveals his name to her, sent in error to the recipient rather than the donor. As the fertility clinic fumbles to cover its tracks and make a settlement payment to protect their business, Rossi meets said donor — now no longer ambitious, but a world-renowned athlete: tennis player Fabian. Though she has reservations about including him in her baby’s life, she decides to give it a try by allowing him to move in to live with her temporarily. But will his past relationships and jet-setting lifestyle be a good match for this down-to-earth mama?

The Pros

The story was very well-written and kept me engaged all the way through. I thought the premise was quite interesting, because the decision to be a sperm donor in your youth can come back to bite you in the ass later down the line — especially if become famous. I also liked the theme of the glittering social media life vs. what lies beneath. The “mommy blogger” scene was hilarious, as were other snippets when Fabian revealed what a relationship with a famous person was really like. I enjoyed the side character of Rossi’s sister, who breathed life and comedy into their arrangement with her teasing comments and over-the-top behaviour, but the sisterly love was still there. Though I saw it coming a mile away, the plot arc with Frankie was also a great one, and I thought Rossi’s job as a genealogist connecting families was perfectly executed here. The sexy scenes were also beautifully done — racy, but believable and not overkill at all; just right!

The Cons

While I liked the writing style, I was perplexed at some of the characters’ choices. Rossi jumped into sperm donation readily at 33 as a “last resort” though she was fertile and seemed to have had some kind of dating life after her divorce. To me, it felt way too early to “give up” on finding a man and decide to go the sperm donor route, particularly when your life’s work is to connect families linked by DNA. Also, Fabian apparently didn’t want children with an ex, and then suddenly wants to fit into his child mother’s and baby’s life, and Rossi’s swift pivot from not needing a man *at all* to inviting her child’s sperm donor to live with her — it felt very sudden.

The setup of all of this just didn’t seem likely at times — not to mention her parents that seemed to have no reservations at her having a child via sperm donor (I repeat — at 33! — was this really the only option?), and later on uprooting their entire lives at a moment’s notice. Finally, “heroic” macho violence with no repercussions (or confirmed proof) also felt oddly placed in a romance. Beyond those general feelings, I also found there were few surprises (at least to me) and the ending felt a bit rushed — the conflict was resolved quickly, before it slides into a happily-ever-after.

Conclusion

I feel conflicted because I enjoyed it and read through it quickly, but there were parts that didn’t sit well with me. The timeline to “have-a-child-now-because-I-can’t-find-the-right-man” may be the root of my unease. While necessary for the set-up, it doesn’t send a great message to women. There are many kinds of families being created in various ways between all types of partners or those who choose to go it alone, and I am grateful to live in a world with so many options; but donor sperm should not be presented as such a light-hearted alternative to finding a partner — again… at 33!!!

Maybe I expect a bit too much from my fiction, but it didn’t seem like she had gotten sufficient psychological counselling before embarking on creating a child that would be (or was supposed to be) fatherless. This serious issue needed a bit more delicate treatment around the role of ethics at (reputable) fertility clinics. Nevertheless, the book itself was pretty enjoyable, and if you can suspend your belief and judgement a bit, you will laugh, cringe and smile with the characters and their adorable baby. I would recommend to others who want a romance, and I look forward to more by this author.

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A sensational thriller about vigilante justice, self-sacrifice, and the ties that bind.

This was my eleventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Deirdre’s past is shrouded in a scandal she never quite understood as a child — her father, a paediatrician, was implicated in a child-abduction scandal that cost him his job and forced him to change his identity. The past comes knocking on her door when her sister Lauralee says she’s been contacted by someone looking into their father’s past, including a former classmate who had disappeared. The child kidnappings had a possible connection to an elusive pedophile — could this have been their father?

Compelled to learn the truth, Deirdre soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous situation with multiple players in a game she doesn’t know how to play. Luckily, she’s a fast learner — and braver than she ever knew she could be, when a rescue mission goes wrong and she has to break the law to save a child. Suddenly in over her head with both law enforcement and dangerous criminals, can she figure out who to trust, before it’s too late?

The Pros

This was a sensational thriller about vigilante justice, self-sacrifice, and the ties that bind.

Despite her childhood memories being a blurry haze of pampered indulgence and vague notions of paternal love, the adult Deirdre still bears the weight of gut-wrenching doubt:

He’s my father for God’s sake, he can’t be a pedophile. But what if he is?

Her sister’s unease at an unwelcome visitor dredging up the past summons Deirdre’s sleuthing skills, and she sets off to investigate if there may have been any truth to the rumours about their father.

Far from your typical damsel-in-distress, Deirdre is a former psychiatrist turned legal investigator who has never quite found her niche in life, and shudders at the memory of a time she’d once contemplated marriage as “an alternative to boredom”.

Her life pivots swiftly from this “boredom” into a thrilling action ride when a rescue mission goes wrong, and her mettle is tested when she must break the law to save an endangered child. In the aftermath, she feels energized — a feeling that stays with her, even as the world around her seems to be devolving into madness as law enforcement and dangerous criminals are hot on her heels.

As she stumbles down an illegal path of no return, she is torn between loyalty to her father, and her own reticence to ever step beyond her comfort zone. Even as she faces death, she worries at the mark — or lack thereof — that she’s left on the world:

I have to ask myself: before Dad brought me into his world, what had I done to help anyone else? I’ve never deliberately harmed anyone, but actually, have I done anything at all philanthropic?

Deirdre was a refreshing female protagonist with an engaging voice that echoes traits of women’s fiction interwoven into this thrilling joyride of a novel. As she careens from one suspenseful moment to the next, putting her faith in the sketchiest characters to be her guardian angels, her aplomb is awe-inspiring.

I appreciated the character development of all the players in this game of catch-me-if-you-can. Small touches breathed life into the details: her father’s double life that he hid from his children to protect them, her sister’s banal cookie-cutter marriage and motherhood that Deirdre somewhat despises, the good-guy-bad-guy-combo cop, her boss’ shady manipulations — and of course, the enigmatically enticing Greg, who always keeps you guessing.

The writer’s talent is undeniable as it weaves a plausible, visceral tale that effortlessly injects a dose of self-reflection alongside the soaring and plummeting of the plot points. It leaves you wondering if you, too, would rise to the occasion if you had the opportunity to sacrifice yourself to save the innocent.

Conclusion

This was an excellent, fast-paced thriller that felt all too real, with the poignant, relevant subject matter of child abduction and exploitation. Despite the overarching oppressive elements of criminality, there are also darkly funny streaks in the main character’s acerbic wit that string together to thoroughly engage the reader and put you right there in the moment with her — terrified for your life, but also wondering if your life has ever been that worthwhile in the grand scheme of things. With unforgettable characters and a riveting story with more than enough meat to lock your jaw into, I can see this being turned into an absolutely amazing film or dramatic series, and I can’t wait to read the follow-up to this novel (or anything else!) by this author.

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Another exhilarating, swift bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance

This was my tenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis I was intrigued. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

This second part of the Black Wings series features the daughter of Part 1‘s Olivia and Jace, named Piper. She and Riley, the son of Part 1’s antagonist Shanty, have been enemies practically since they were born. As young assassins in training, they are fiercely combative to a fault. But behind their ceaseless competitive battles is a profound love for each other, which only intensifies as they get older.

Like Piper’s parents, she and Riley are not officially “matched” by the World Committee, so their relationship is forbidden. When the evil villain Drakeson claims Piper as his approved partner, she responds to his vicious attacks with the unleashed power of a death angel, and he is no match for her. Forced to flee before her actions are discovered, Piper is on the run. Riley must find her before it is too late, even if it means also putting himself in danger.

The Pros & Cons

As its first instalment in this series, this was another exhilarating, swift, bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance.

The love between the two main characters has been building for over a decade before it pivots swiftly into something more:

He knows Piper as if she is an extension of his own body. They have been in constant conflict since they could barely walk and fought each other for so many years that there can no longer be a winner.

For those who enjoyed the steamy scenes in Book 1, the older couple’s entanglements don’t hold a candle to their daughter’s enflamed heart, body and soul:

They are no longer playing, no longer fooling around. Control is fast disappearing, and the flames are burning white-hot.

The flames that were licking in the pit of her stomach have again burst into a giant furnace; the heat is all-consuming, demanding release. Piper’s body has taken on a life of its own and is writhing and urgent, clamoring for his.

Beyond the sexual theme, the precise rapid-fire bursts of narrative keep us focused on the action, leaving us cringing from the bloody blows inflicted on our protagonists, and lifting our hearts when they turn the tables to deliver their own swift justice:

It is against everything they are to be the ones skulking in the shadows and cowering in the dark. They are Death Angels; they are the ones to be feared. ”

We are going to leave a trail of death and blood, one that will encourage our friends and plant fear and panic into our enemies.” A good pep talk, mom.

As Piper and Riley fight their way back to each other, they are supported by friends, family members and allies along the way. I enjoyed experiencing the adult versions of our Book 1 couple, now the parents of this indomitable assassin. Even among the endless killings, there were moments of levity as Olivia and Jace shook their heads at the teenagers, and (knowing their own history) we smile along with them: Ah, to be young and in love… with a fellow killer.

The intensity of Piper and Riley’s emotion underscores the swift pace of the novel, and is complemented by the villain’s nefarious activities of corruption. While I did wish for a bit more of a twist, it wasn’t really necessary here. There was more than enough to engage, entertain and enthral all your senses. The novel takes you on the entire rollercoaster of emotions, with a hard slam into its satisfying end.

Conclusion

There is a lot to love about this series, but mostly I am thrilled by the powerful women at its helm. Despite the attacks on their bodies, they are survivors who demand their revenge on those who wronged them. Though love is an underlying theme, and the sexual relationships are described with sumptuous splendour, there is so much more in which to indulge. I highly recommend to both male and female adult readers, and I look forward to the final chapter, as there was an amazing introduction to the character who will take it home.

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Usually non-fiction reference books are not my genre of choice, but as an indie author and also a book reviewer, I took the opportunity to read this from an ARC program as I believed I was the target audience and was hoping to learn something useful.

The Premise

This reference guide offers a recipe for success by using examples from commercial successes by other authors, among other tactics. Written by the founder & CEO of book publishing company Scribando | Novelify, it outlines his insights into book marketing and contains “secrets” and strategies from past experience, compiled into a blueprint to give aspiring or newbie authors an advantage to publishing their books and increasing their sales.

The Pros

This was a short, easy read, and well written in terms of the way the content is put forward. This format is engaging, and key points are pulled out to catch the eye. I liked that it used many modern examples, which held my interest throughout. Concepts were explained for a layman — for example, “reverse engineering” is used in book marketing to analyse an existing success to copy its elements with the aim of a similar result.

There were also useful links to other content, some of which I bookmarked to check out at a later date. I appreciated that it quantified certain things — for example, a minimum amount to spend on a book launch. The most useful part I found were the questions posed at the end of each section — these are open-ended and serve as a starting point for an author’s self-reflection or for a discussion with someone they may be hiring to assist their book marketing efforts.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the book and think it would be useful, nothing here was fundamentally brand new to me, or a “secret” for that matter. It was mostly common sense, and the guidance echoed what I have learnt in my first few months of being a published author and plugging into multitudinous writing communities such as Facebook groups, social media, blogs, and more. Also, though the advice is general and can be applied across the board, I could see some parts that would work better for non-fiction books rather than fiction books (my genre).

Conclusion

I have been a (marginally successful) author for awhile, and I am already aware that there are things I could be doing much better (even if I am not doing them, for cost-prohibitive factors or just personal choice!) so perhaps I may not have been the target market for this book. I would however highly recommend it to anyone who is starting from absolute scratch and needs handholding from the ground up, to get their heads in the right space to begin thinking about their books as a business.

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I read and reviewed the first in the series “Perfect” and it ended on a cliffhanger, so I decided to keep reading. Both books came to me via a book club.

The Premise

Now pregnant with FBI agent Kieran’s baby and engaged to be married to him, Seryna’s life has taken an unexpected turn. With her brother in jail, things have settled down a bit, and Seryna is looking forward to married life and becoming a mother. When Kieran whisks her off to an engagement trip in the British Virgin Islands that turns into a wedding, life could not be more perfect. That is, until he suddenly disappears at the hands of kidnappers. Forced to overcome her worry and grief over his absence, Seryna focuses on her studies and starts college. There, she meets Ryder and they become fast friends — and perhaps, much more. Can she leave the memory of Kieran behind?

The Pros

Again, the descriptions are where this author’s talent shines through. Nature scenes make you feel as if you are there in the mountains and on the beach, and I loved these parts. The characters are well developed — from her bubbly friends to Kieran’s bossy sister and aloof parents, and even the nefarious characters are nicely crafted. The female friendships make it fun and enjoyable to read, as we can easily picture these young girls being thrilled to experience the lap of luxury, cute boys, and all the possibilities of the future opening up to them. The sex scenes are also titillating (though at times oddly placed), if that’s what you’re looking for — as I expected it, this time around, I’ll put it in the “Pro” column!

The Cons

My qualms with this second book were similar to the first one. The steady pace that was building took too long to get to the height of the action — easily, 10 or more chapters could have been cut from the front end of the book, because the real tension doesn’t begin until Kieran is kidnapped (I think this was in Chapter 27 or 28, thereabouts). Then, when it finally does get there, it falls flat — it’s over and done with quickly… then there’s a flash of action later down which also happens really quickly and is followed by a lot of dialogue explaining what happened.

I also felt like a lot of the novel’s real estate seemed to be dedicated to Seryna’s jealousy over other women admiring Kieran and not believing in their love because she was so young. Finally, I really, really, really, REALLY wish we had seen things from Kieran’s viewpoint while he was captured, rather than told way afterwards. This would have made for a much more enjoyable, tense read.

Conclusion

I took a couple of months to get to the second book, but I am glad I got there in the end and finished their love story. Again, I’m conflicted about not really “liking” the main character in these two novels (because she claimed to be strong and independent and loyal, but her actions showed otherwise), but then that’s not always necessary for a novel, and we are all human with these traits and self-delusions. I’m also conflicted because I absolutely love some aspects of the writing, despite not being totally sold on the books. The writing talent for description is what kept me coming back.

I would love to read more by the author, but the erotic suspense genre didn’t meet all my expectations — there isn’t a lot of “suspense” and too much flowery descriptions; and for erotica, it’s well written but just feels like the talent could also be applied elsewhere. I did notice the writer also writes in other genres (fantasy) so I may check those books out. As for these, as the sex surpasses the story in both “Perfect” and “Imperfect”, I would recommend if you are in the mood for something steamy with a bit of dark flair. If you like more story, this may not be for you. I am in between both camps, so I gave this a fair rating based on that.

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I first came across this author after reading her novel “A Quiet Dissonance“, and when I signed up for her newsletter I was directed to review other books she had written. I chose this short-story collection because I was in the mood for something distinctly different from what I had read from her before, but still with the enticing flavour of the cultural Indian backdrop.

The Premise

Parvathy’s Well

The collection opens with its namesake “Parvathy’s Well” which is told from the point of view of a young child who lives in her own fantasies and is largely disregarded by her family. A “late, surprise entrant into the world”, she hovers on the edges of the family life, and she is often told to “go and play” — which she does, by her well. Observing the relationships between the adults, especially her Amma (mother), her Appa (father), and another relative, she unwittingly reveals a dark secret and does not fully understand its implications — except that it affects her precious well.

Lajjo

This story chronicles a life of drudgery for a poor maidservant, who largely despises the family she looks after. As she serves her employers, she reminisces about her own family — her younger sister, her deceased mother, and her father who remarried. As her employers’ lavish wedding event unfolds, she marks time while feeling “like a marionette, strings jerking [her] everywhere”. She snidely thinks of the marriage as “two major industrialists coming together” in a merger, rather than a marriage.

Scorched

Told from multiple points of view, this story examines a family’s life from all angles. Bored of married life, Muthuswamy lusts after his wife’s teenage sister. Pushpalata despises the creepy old man, but loves the child he created with her sister, and also adores her older sister. The older sister Saraswathi, however, thinks of her as a “thorn in her side” and is just grateful for the help with childcare. When Muthuswamy’s desire takes over, the ensuing events erupt into an unlikely end.

Morality

Narang intends to put an end to corruption, meaning that the workers would no longer receive kickbacks when awarding the contract to the highest bidder. When the “worker bee” of the group Chopra stumbles upon a tender that doesn’t add up, Bhambri advises that it is his meal ticket — either Narang “joins the club, or gets thrown out of it. Win win.” Both Chopra and Narang struggle with the “morality” of this political matter when presented with the option — to cover up or not to cover up?

Heaven and Hell

Playing a game “Heaven and Hell” is the anchor point of the innocence of a group of young children. Sparrow often antagonises Avinash, saying he looks like a girl, and his mother abandoned him. A haunted house in the neighbourhood becomes a point of interest, with the challenge that whoever does not show up is coward. They do all show up — but what they find is not a ghost at all, but a dark family secret.

Hijra

Hijra means “eunuch” or “half-man, half-woman” — persons with these characteristics are outcasts in Indian society. The motley crew of eunuchs band together, perform, singing and dancing, dressed in sarees — an accepted “caricature” of a woman. To some, they are the amalgamation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, divine beings able to confer blessings on a newborn baby — and to others, they are an unwelcome and embarrassing abomination.

The Pros

Told from the point of view of many characters in Indian society, these entirely separate stories weave a collection of tales that range among different ages, classes and genders. Each is told in such a way that the reader puts together part of the narrative that isn’t explicitly stated.

Of the six, my favourites were “Parvathy’s Well” and “Scorched” which bear some similarities in their subject matter and dark end. I also liked “Hijra” which was so beautifully written — a heartfelt look at both ends of the spectrum of the way eunuchs are viewed in society.

The writing style throughout the collection is captivating in what it shows and hides amidst its words, and the stories themselves are a journey through the senses as we can easily picture the lives of all these characters. I loved the way that a dark flash of humour was sprinkled even in a tragic tale, and the magical way of recounting “adult” events through the eyes of children.

The Cons

My least favourite was “Morality” which seemed like it didn’t belong somehow, as it moved away from the family atmosphere of all the others and veered into politics.

I also found that “Heaven and Hell” was told in a confusing way with a lot of extra information, and I had to re-read it to follow it properly. The storyline also echoed “Parvathy’s Well” so I felt like I had read it already, but much better the first time around (as I thoroughly enjoyed that one).

Conclusion

Overall, the rich descriptions, interwoven language snippets, and the insights into Indian culture combine to create a pleasure to read, even when the stories meander down a dark corner that I wasn’t expecting. I enjoyed reading each of them, particularly the way they unfold with a surprise element.

Though I had my personal favourites and didn’t like others quite as much, the collection as a whole was a complex, brilliant tapestry of Indian culture, giving a view of the dark side that is often not shown in Bollywood films or discussed openly in society. I would highly recommend to other readers who are looking for something to make them think, reflect and experience another culture.

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I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis and was in the mood for a light-hearted romance.

The Premise

Taryn is hitting the ripe old age of mid-thirties and decides she needs a baby ASAP since no man is forthcoming, so she decides to adopt and raise a baby as a single mother. She meets Liam, fireman and artist extraordinaire, when she hires him to paint a mural for the baby’s room. Though there is immediate attraction on both parts, he sniffs her impending baggage a mile away, knowing he should steer clear because he values his freedom.

When the adoption inevitably falls through, the two have the idea to use Liam in sperm-donor fashion — they’ll be friends with benefits, plus a baby that Taryn will raise on her own. But she soon realises that she wants the whole nine yards — if only she can convince Liam that he wants it too.

The Pros

This was an amusing, quick romance read. The characters came alive with the dialogue, even the naughty dogs! One of the best scenes is when Liam’s brothers push all his buttons by pretending that his brother Colin will serve as a shoo-in for the role Liam is too dumb to accept. I also loved Taryn’s friend Angelica, who was hilarious and supportive to the point of wanting to physically harm anyone who dared to hurt her friend. The sexy scenes are also tasteful without being too overdone, and I actually appreciated that some were even skimmed/skipped to reduce unnecessary details. The focus was on the humour, even when her neighbours and others in the community enjoyed their views (literally) and insight into the couple.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the book overall and read it through quickly, there were a few areas where I was wondering why they were included at all — e.g. despite a life-or-death emergency, there was a mother trying to play matchmaker, and an amiable discussion about the hazards of parking. Beyond those questionable choices, I also had some major concerns with parts of the plot.

The sperm-donor-friends-with-benefits agreement was far too much of a quick sell for two intelligent adults — which Liam clearly was not, but I was hoping at least that Taryn was! Far too much mention was made of Liam being a clunkhead, to the point where I genuinely believed (as his brothers often teased) that he had brain damage. I also thought it was a bit questionable that she was even “pursuing” Liam and seemingly “tricking” him into realising he loved her. Luckily he actually did, but her actions could have been interpreted a lot differently: she convinced a man to impregnate her (no strings attached), and then a moment later he’s on the hook for child support and visitation?

Overall, they both behaved like much younger people — early 20s, rather than mid-30s — and even if the original adoption had gone as planned, I couldn’t imagine the kind of life Taryn had planned for a newborn baby. She was eager to get cracking on baby-making with little preamble, and beyond that she was wrapped up in her job, so apart from the actual baby room there didn’t seem to be enough forethought for the gravity of what she was embarking upon. At one point I thought, she deserves so much better than Liam, and then I eventually decided: y’know, these two clunkheads deserve each other.

Conclusion

Despite my personal qualms about the plot, and wishful thinking about having more intelligent, mature characters, this was still an enjoyable and funny read. The writer’s talent at comedy really shines through, and I really appreciated the fully-fleshed, relatable, and hilarious side characters (even though the main ones left me wanting). I would recommend it to other readers, but perhaps younger women. Still, I really enjoyed the writer’s style and wit, and I am looking forward to reading other books in the series or anything else she has written. I just hope the main characters aren’t quite so infuriating the next time around!

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I chose this book from an ARC program because after seeing loads of writing memes about post-Covid romance, I was curious to see how one would be written!

The Premise

Picture it: New York, 2020. Sophie, an art conservator and serious germaphobe, has been locked away in her apartment for months, and is now forced to engage with a new client before she runs out of money to pay her rent. Jacob, talent manager to Hollywood celebs, needs his grandmother’s chair restored. He’s also getting over a “pandemic” breakup that has to be kept under wraps to protect his ex-fiancée/client Savannah’s career. Sparks fly between Sophie and Jacob, but where can they go, if all they can do is Zoom? What does romance and love look like in the era when Covid runs supreme?

The Pros

I’ll admit — I read this book in one day, and I enjoyed it; it did however leave me with a feeling that this would be one of those “guilty pleasures” because I was entertained by a “Covid” romance… maybe it’s a bit too soon to find certain things funny? Regardless, there was a buoyant satire in the humour that kept me reading and smiling all the way through, even when the behaviour of the characters seemed to veer off the rails of ridiculous.

I liked the supporting characters such as Sophie’s friend Casey, and of course the ever-amusing Hurry Curry staff. These characters really flew off the page and I could imagine them easily. The connective similarity to the Spanish Flu was beautifully done, and the novel really shines in that particular spot. I also appreciated the references to the pandemic that helped set the scene — the balcony socialising, the emptiness of the streets, the cancellation of… well, everything; it’s easy to “world-build” since we’re still living through it, but these touches made it come alive.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the book, I wasn’t totally sold on the relationship of the two main characters. While their interactions are cute and humorous as they try to navigate Covid dating norms, they do seem to fall in love very quickly over very little. There were also a few questionable choices — namely, Sophie’s ability to stay locked away for months without a computer felt unlikely (especially as in her line of work, I’m sure online research is key to uncover obscure information about art pieces, and she seemed to be somewhat distant to that concept); and Jacob’s apparent utter laziness to expunge his life and his apartment of his ex-fiancée after how badly she’d treated him. While these two instances were linked to key plot points, you do have to suspend disbelief considerably.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a light, funny, quick read and I would recommend to other readers, particularly female readers. Mind you, the gravity of the illness seems to be largely ignored here. I don’t know how much we can expect a romantic comedy to be an accurate depiction of reality (needless to say, it isn’t), but if you have been personally affected by the pandemic in any way, this (and any other depiction with a comedic spin) may be a trigger! Despite my own niggles, this was a really good book and it is funny, so if you need a good laugh, this would be a great pick. This romantic comedy had enough heart in it to keep my interest, and I look forward to reading more from the author.

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I snapped this novel up from an ARC program because I was in the mood for a humorous women’s fiction.

The Premise

Alex’s picture-perfect life, meticulously planned out with the love of her life who she’s known since they were in kindergarten, suddenly comes to a crashing halt when a scandal breaks: her beloved husband had an affair… with a man. While everyone around her admits they always knew he was gay, she didn’t have a clue until this point, and struggles to reconcile her love for her husband and best friend with the lie that has tainted everything she ever thought was true. Still, she loves him deeply and they agree on an amicable divorce — so amicable that they even throw a mutual divorce/coming out party with a smorgasbord of their closest friends.

Her friends encourage her to get over her “gay husband virginity” by dating several men prior to getting serious about anyone — the “Naughty Nine” list — and while she resists at first, she eventually dives into a slew of dates from hell. When she starts to have feelings for her new client, she doesn’t trust her own judgement anymore — is he or isn’t he gay… and even if he isn’t, is he still too good to be true?

The Pros

This novel was hilarious from beginning to end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I flew through it in one day, unable to put it down by the time I got to the second half. The characters leap off the pages, and I felt as though I was right there in all of Alex’s cringe-worthy dates, as well as the heartwarming moments when she bemoans her suddenly single status:

I will not cry. I love Michael, he broke my heart, and it’s over. And also I sometimes want to wring his f-ing neck. Deep breath. Just let it all go.

Even in the depths of her despair, the novel was laugh-out-loud funny, and her eclectic band of friends brought just the right mix of humour and overwhelming support — despite their inherent flaws, which made them all the more lovable, as they felt so real.

Though the new relationship with Daniel is a huge underpinning theme throughout the novel, the romance was only one small element of the entire novel’s charm. Her relationships with friends, her colleagues at her job, Michael’s family, and everyone else around her really crafted exactly who she was, which was a character worth admiring. (Bonus points for her cat Morley, who needs his own fan club!)

I was completely blown away when she rallied to Michael’s side and overcame all her own drama to be who she needed to be in that moment. It was such a sweet and purposeful message; her straight-talking friend Darcy puts it best:

Sometimes life sucks. Can you avoid disaster with careful planning? Sometimes. And sometimes the tornado just comes down and rips your house away. And you get the f— up, and rebuild.

Conclusion

This book was amazingly funny, heartwarming and just simply an excellent read. I would highly recommend to anyone, particularly female readers. The blurb compares it to Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, and I did see elements of that kind of slapstick comedy here, but it was much deeper and beautifully done. I made the error of glancing through other reviews before writing this, and I can’t believe anyone who says it didn’t hold their interest. I personally just became a super-fan, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!

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A uproariously funny reflection of the delirious joy and looming fear of imminent fatherhood

This was my ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here

The Premise

After being told the chances of a natural pregnancy are close to zero, the author is shocked when the pregnancy test comes back positive. He begins writing a journal as if to his unborn child (never mind the profanity!) detailing his emotional rollercoaster journey with his partner, and his day-to-day musings as he contemplates his new identity as a father (among other things). The journal eventually turns into the irreverent, hilarious look at pregnancy from a father’s perspective.

The Pros

Despite my tastes as a reader, as a reviewer, I usually steer clear of anything factual or personal as it’s hard to give a fair shake at what is or was actually someone’s life. Yet the preview of this novel, classed under “Biographies & Memoirs” (a category I also avoid like the plague it often can be), drew me in with its droll, uniquely British humour — and fortunately, I was not disappointed; it kept me thoroughly entertained.

Uproariously funny from beginning to end, “Dear Dory” follows a man’s coming-of-age journey into fatherhood. From the moment the stick turns blue, our Daddy-to-be veers from exuberant joy to panic:

You will be loved unconditionally and parenting you will be our greatest privilege. A challenge, yes, but a privilege — and a joy. But then comes fear. You might have instantly become our most valued possession, but you’re also our most vulnerable one.

Finding solace in journaling his thoughts, the author makes us smile all the way through as he cringes from the hormonal swings of his partner:

Who is this monster, Dory, and what has it done with your Mummy?

…And right on the heels of that, comes a dark shock wave:

I had a dream that Mummy had a miscarriage… I daren’t tell Mummy. I spare a thought for all the other parents out there who don’t get to wake up from the dream, because it’s not a dream, it’s a reality.

The relationship truly gives the novel its identity and a depth that warms the soul. It is evident that they love each other deeply, and though the book is about “Daddy”, we fall in love with “Mummy” as well (particularly when “Daddy” is having one of the moments when she’s reconsidering her choice of partner!)

This was not just about fatherhood, but also a coming-of-age tale into manhood as he considers financial rejigging responsibilities; the challenges of perhaps parenting a special needs child; the changing generational politics of parenting; and identity as a concept that is forever in flux — one may identify as a parent first, but there are so many more roles that still need nurturing to retain one’s sense of self.

Beneath all these ups and downs, he highlights that while mothers go through so much to bring a child into the world, and he has the utmost respect for them (and their carers), still — and this is the message that stays with us:

You have to understand how crazy this whole child-growing business is from a soon-to-be father’s perspective as well.

Conclusion

As a new-ish mother myself, I had a great appreciation for this story that touched on many nuances of pregnancy that felt so familiar. There is a particular craft of a writer to interweave such profundity nestled in the novel’s overarching humour, and I enjoyed the entire journey. I would highly recommend to any adult reader, especially to those who have already experienced the joy and terror of parenting, or who are now beginning their journey. The journey is a long, arduous one, so hats off to anyone who is going through it now!

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A jaunty rollick of a coming-of-age comedy of errors aboard the high seas

This was my eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

At 23, Bianca has done little of interest in her life in a small English village, but she’s finally about to put her past to shame by climbing aboard the Lady Anne for a six-month cruise around the world. Here, she will be the assistant and second-in-command to the cruise director Cynthia. It is the chance of a lifetime to get a whirlwind tour of the world, hopping off in many ports, hobnobbing with celebrity guests, and fabricating a career in entertainment out of thin air and her dazzling personality.

The problem is, she had no idea her job would include just about everything under the sun, and every turn she makes seems to be thwarted by her general talent at making a mess of things. Through her friendships, romance, and career calamities, we get a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the cruise ship crew’s lifestyle, and a throwback to a simpler, sweeter time of nautical life.

The Pros & Cons

This was a jaunty rollick of a coming-of-age comedy of errors aboard the high seas.

From the opening scene that introduces us to our unlikely heroine, it is evident that she’s bitten off far more than she can chew. The vacation-esque dream career is quickly crushed by her new boss’ clarification:

Your role is to play the vital cog between many different wheels, the missing piece of the jigsaw, so to speak. You need to know not only the ship, but the workings of each and every department inside and out.

It’s a tall order, but Bianca steps up to the challenge. At her side are her new friends Max and Maddie, veteran crew members who soon show her the ropes.

From the crew bar and mess hall, the tiny shared cabins, disgusting crew member initiations, and the nonstop schedule of events, we get a glimpse behind the scenes at the throbbing underbody of a cruise that requires a well-oiled staff to keep it running smoothly.

Their on-shore excursions delve into the native attractions at each port, bringing a wealth of enjoyable experiences ranging from wildlife encounters, extreme sports adventures, and the commodification of sex in different lands.

And of course, there are parties galore both on and off the ship — once you know how to keep it under wraps. As Max warns, every day is a “reset” button:

You can party like it’s Friday any night of the week, just be up, bright and breezy the next morning, every morning.

Still, the fact that it’s a job and not a vacation never leaves us, particularly as it pertains to the strict rules. No late-night frolicking (else the “Hit Squad” will get you fired!), no fraternizing with guests (even if they vehemently insist on fraternizing with you!) — and not to mention, of course: no embarrassing your boss or your department (the latter of which she can never quite seem to get the hang of!)…

At the heart of it, cresting the wave to break the novel’s surface, there is a yearning for Bianca to experience a great love, as she stumbles her way through celebrity come-ons, awkward dates and a swoon-worthy developing romance with a ship’s officer.

At times, the novel does feel like “vignettes” of the author’s past personal experiences rather than a fully-fleshed fiction. This can be distracting for some used to the typical plot arc, or alternatively it may infuse the additional appeal of real, lived experience — I’ll leave that up to the reader to decide.

Conclusion

I personally enjoyed this novel because I am an avid cruiser currently missing my yearly vacation fix due to the pandemic, so I was intrigued to read something that brought back some of that feeling for me. In that regard, it certainly does not disappoint.

As we follow Bianca through friendship frictions, romantic mishaps, and career trials and tribulations, the allure of the seafaring cruise ship is a nostalgic pull to the innocence of a pre-Covid nautical life in the late 1990s.

Bianca’s coming-of-age journey as she finds her sea legs in an entertainment career aboard the high seas is amusing, enjoyable, and worth the read. I would recommend to anyone, especially female readers in need of a nice, light read, and I look forward to more from this author.

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A fast-paced, action-packed bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance

This was my seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis I was intrigued. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

30 years into the future, the 2020 COVID-19 virus has resulted in a breakdown of government trust, protests and rioting. The World Committee stepped in as the saviour, forcing nations back to normality after developing an effective vaccine, and peace returned. However, the Committee — now the supreme power — has limited public access to technological progress. The Web is restricted, but there is now sustainable development and free access to healthcare, education, and essential services. Massive “High Cities” exist with no crime, but there are “Undercities” where darkness and evil prevails. When the Undercity activities bleed into the High Cities, the “Facility” is sent in to destroy the evil-doers.

Against this futuristic backdrop, young Olivia is brought to the Facility (“Inside”) as an experiment, where she was trained to be a lethal assassin — alongside Jace, who was born in the Facility. She is raised by his family, and their time spent together brings the two of them closer. As they mature into adulthood, she keeps him at arm’s length, wary of letting her emotions overcome her and subsume them both. They are not officially “matched” with the Committee’s approval, so they cannot be together.

However, at the age of sixteen, a shared mission swiftly turns into something more, altering their relationship drastically. Before they have a chance to indulge in their new status, Olivia disappears without a trace. She is stolen and enslaved, forced to fight in the underworld’s Fight Pits. A valuable commodity, she soon gets a reputation as “Little Death” — slaying everyone in her way. Jace must get to her before it is too late, and she is destroyed by abuse at the hands of those who lust for her blood and her body.

The Pros & Cons

This was a fast-paced, action-packed bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance.

With a choppy, matter-of-fact writing style that mirrors the characters’ “assassin” mindsets, we are instantly transported to a world of extremes: extreme love and lust between Olivia and Jace, extreme evil via Olivia’s kidnappers, and extreme power via the unchallengeable “World Committee” that saved the world from its own demise:

Fear became a monster on its own, feeding on itself, feeding on the hopeless and the helpless. Humankind was fast heading toward starvation and destruction. That is when the World Committee stepped in.

There is no pause for breath as the novel pummels everything in its way to get to its end. Within its brief word count of around 40,000 words, we get a vivid picture of the inner workings of this dystopian future, and an intense love that bleeds through everything:

The love that started when they were just children has now exploded beyond all limits. There seems to be no satisfying this beast that has awoken in both of them — the more they feed it, the hungrier it becomes.

The detached way of relating the story intensifies its emotions, leaving you on the edge of your seat in the centre of the visceral explosion of feeling. The choice of present tense enhances this, as every occurrence is relayed as fact.

Carrying the story on her shoulders is Olivia — the blood demon with golden eyes who slays all in her path — and her thoughts are the machinations of a brutal, trained killer. When she pounces, it is absolute:

She will not allow this despicable monster to live for one more second than is necessary.

Similarly, Jace is a tightly wound bullet of rage and action:

His command of the team assembled to find Subject Olivia is not to be messed with, and he does not tolerate incompetence for a second.

As Jace races against the clock to get to his Olivia, he also battles the rules of their world and the unjust pairing with another girl, Shanty, but his mind never leaves Olivia.

The intensity of their love powers through this swift-paced novel, scorching everything along the way. While there are few surprises, and there are moments of world-building I wish were expounded upon more, this all falls away as the plot bucks and arcs at the right points to propel you through the story along with its characters.

I found myself wishing it were longer, but the saving grace is that there is more, so much more, still to come.

Conclusion

At its core, this is a love story with a fierce beast of a woman at its centre, whose mind cannot be broken even though her body very nearly is, time and time again. Behind her is a man who will fight to the death for her, and values not just her body or her personality, but her indestructible will to survive.

Despite it being couched in a sci-fi, futuristic action-adventure tale with a dash of the paranormal, the underlying theme is one that makes your heart swell with pride and admiration for a love that knows no bounds. I highly recommend for both male and female adult readers, and can’t wait to dive into the next instalment.

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I had previously read the “Falling For My Fling (prequel)” and it was interesting enough to keep on reading Lori’s and Caleb’s story, so I took the chance to read this from the same ARC program.

The Premise

Six years after Caleb broke off their relationship and broke her heart, Lori returns to Penny Creek. This time around, her focus is on her PhD and the protection of wolves in the area. They are endangered, and being intentionally poisoned at the hands of a prominent local businessman — if only she could find a way to prove it.

Meanwhile, Caleb has grown into his role as a single parent after his son Taylor’s mother, Delaney, left when he was only a few months old. Dedicated to his career as a firefighter, he gives any spare time to his son, and has little time for romance. But Lori’s return has him reconsidering if she can fit into his life — or if she will leave yet again.

Thwarting their second chance at romance are blasts from Caleb’s past, along with a spiral of political drama that may endanger Lori’s life as she fights to save the wolves. Can Caleb and Lori make it through the challenges life throws at them, once and for all?

The Pros

Again, I must commend the richness of description and imagery, which seems to be increasingly rare in contemporary romances. The author is highly skilled in taking you right to the scene — the heat, the wind, the fire, the drama. Penny Creek and its inhabitants are an excellent foundation for a family saga surrounded by beautiful landscape that stirs inspiration, and I could almost smell the air through Lori’s senses and feel what brought her back to the town.

Both characters were fully fleshed out and aptly ensconced in intricate relationships with their communities, families, and friendships. The steamy scenes were also well written, and not overdone. Overall, it was a great experience for the reader, and brought a wealth of emotion. The narrative intensifies as the story builds, and it was an enjoyable journey with considerable depth.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the story, I must admit that the easy, breezy feel of the couple’s first interactions took on a much heavier tone in this first official book of the series, and the plot point of the wolves seemed to override everything. I expected more to laugh about, but it was very serious compared to the prequel. I hoped for more lightness and cuteness, but as they are now adults with more serious real-world problems (single fatherhood, biologist career) this just wasn’t possible.

Instead, there was a rich, beautiful story about animals and nature… which was great on its own, just not what I was banking on after having read the prequel. Also, not really a “con” but I think the novel should have been renamed because their relationship is now far from a “fling” and the capricious title alludes to something that now seems disparate from the storyline.

Conclusion

The overall story was much deeper than the prequel, and the beautiful descriptions take you right to the heart of the scene. There is a rich depth and wealth of information here — and if your taste in romance runs deep, this will be an excellent pick. The animal rights advocacy theme is wonderfully expounded here, and grounds the romance in a real-world issue with tangible problems. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, this is still a great novel that I would highly recommend to others if they want a fully-fleshed story with mature characters. I like the author’s writing style, and look forward to reading more in the series and also other novels.

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A raw, emotional foray into the harrowing, hilarious capriciousness of mental illness 

This was my sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because I love the genre of women’s fiction, and the preview drew me in. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

On the heels of a painful divorce from an emotionally abusive husband, Claire falls into a debilitating depression that forces her to take a leave of absence from her high-powered job as a senior director of financial analysis at a Fortune 500 tech company.

Bolstered by the encouragement of her new friends whom she met at group therapy, she decides to reenter the dating scene in her late 30s. Unfortunately, the pickings are slim, and even the promising ones eventually disappoint. But even worse, Claire is terrified that she is the disappointment — a terrible mother, an insufficient wife, an incompetent employee, and now a crazy woman unable to keep her Depression (with a capital D) at bay.

Along with her friends Gretchen and Tasha, both single moms also fighting their own battles with mental illness, Claire forges an inseparable bond — a sisterhood that can survive the spiteful ex-husbands, the epically bad dates, and the darkest doubts and insecurities, with the triumph of laughter and unconditional love.

The Pros

This novel was a raw, emotional foray into the harrowing and yet hilarious capriciousness of mental illness.

With her key competencies as a wife and a worker stripped from her, Claire is left struggling to maintain the relationship with her precocious preteen daughter; and clinging to the vestigial memory of a marriage she now realises she never understood:

I cry for that wife who I used to be, the one who trusted her husband never to hurt her, and to always be there. The one that knew who she was, and what she could do, and it was no small thing.

This mental breakdown immediately distances her from everyone in her life — family members and friends simply cannot compute the disparity between the image of the well-adjusted, successful career woman, and who she has become. Her depression — or Depression with a capital D — has subsumed everything she once was:

My depression is a knob dialed down to its lowest decibel, a rumbling of Overwhelmed and I Can’t Do This and a frantic but sluggish pursuit of Hope. It has no conversation, it only wants to: Shut. Everything. Down.

The only ones who can understand this are her friends Tasha and Gretchen, who both suffer with bipolar disorder. The three women find solace in each other, with a unique shared understanding that they may never “get well” or “get over it” like others seem to hope will happen; this is their life now:

The three of us, we own our mental illnesses and hold them close. Like a rebellious sibling, we take care of them and tolerate them, even though they exhaust us.

Instead of crumbling beneath the weight of their illnesses, they live with it daily; a constant hum in the background of lives that are rich and filled with uproarious laughter, tender moments, new romances, parenting difficulties, and so much more. Despite the flashes of darkness, the light shines through: a gut-bursting element of humour that thrusts up the rollercoaster to string us along for the ride before it plummets and then rises again — reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there may be something worthy of a smile.

The prose is heartfelt from beginning to end, and reveals the character development of all three women with elegance, grace and beauty. I appreciated that it also shed a positive light on the husbands, fathers and partners that may often get sidelined as uncaring or unsupportive in their attempts to shield their families from the fallout of mental illness.

Conclusion

Despite the gravity of the subject matter, the writing style underscores a humour that breaks through the surface to make it a story of triumph and uplifting inspiration. It teaches us that illnesses of all kinds can strike anyone, and rails against the stigma that far too often accompanies a diagnosis of a mental health disorder.

I highly recommend it to anyone, but it will be most impactful to women who have shared some of these experiences as a wife, a mother, or a survivor of mental illness. This is a novel that can meet you at your darkest moment and give you the power to decide to save your own life.

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I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis, and was in the mood for a good YA read.

The Premise

Piper’s life as she knows it comes to a screeching halt when her mother is arrested for an unimaginable crime — she stole Piper when she was a newborn, seventeen years ago. Suddenly, everything Piper took for granted is now in question — her relationship with whom she believed was her mother, her memories of her beloved and deceased father, and her bond to her brother Zach.

When she learns that she is expected to be “returned” to her birth family, Piper takes the first chance she can to bolt. Her escape is soon thwarted by Zach’s friend Finn, who joins her journey with no real destination but “away” — away from the police, a swarm of media vultures, her gossiping friends, and the family she never knew that is now on her heels.

But her birth family is more about appearances, and dark secrets lie beneath the shiny surface of an affluent couple and three siblings. Can Piper — née Greta — find her way through the web of deceit and pretences to a happy future?

The Pros & Cons

This is a fast-paced novel with intrigue that builds at every plot twist. There is not even a moment’s rest before it plunges into a new emotion — anger, rage, sadness, loss, grief, love and so much more. I loved Piper’s character development as she was forced to mature quickly and deal with the reality of the drastic shift her life has made.

The family drama thickens as secrets are revealed, and Piper’s quest for acceptance is thwarted at every turn from her new family to her new school. We feel her increasing weariness at the way her life has crumbled through no fault of her own, and we keep hoping for the small elements of levity to billow her sails of belonging once more.

Every character’s actions were believable, and their motives were clearly felt throughout the novel. From her new father’s devotion, to her new mother’s paranoia and emotional stuntedness, to the antagonism of her new sister — at times we ricochet from anger and disbelief to sympathy. The plot aptly demonstrates how one singular act of selfish mania — stealing a baby — created a butterfly effect that affected everyone in different ways.

The pacing felt alarmingly swift when I hoped it would have lingered a bit more on some emotional scenes, particularly a few moments coming down to the end that I wish were more expanded rather than wrapped up quite so quickly. But the story packs so many events and plot twists into its word count that it simply wasn’t possible to slow down. Just as Piper’s life felt like it was moving too fast, so too does the story — and perhaps that was the point.

Conclusion

This is an excellent pick for a Young Adult coming-of-age novel that packs an emotional punch. I highly recommend to anyone, but particularly to young women who could use a strong female protagonist to admire. The main character’s emergence through all this emotional drama, and journey to healing, is a story of triumph that will resonate with many readers. It was a pure thrill to read such an expertly crafted, emotional drama, and I look forward to more from the author.

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I first saw this book on Reedsy, and I was interested. However Reedsy only allows one review per book launch, and when I clicked someone else must have gotten to it just moments before, as I got an error “This book is already in review”. However shortly after I saw it again via another ARC program (allowing multiple reviewers) — and this time, I got there in time!

The Premise

Young mother Anu has always felt like an outsider. Moving away from the “vacuum” of her own family in India where her mother and half-siblings ignored her, and into a new life in England, this feeling persists: a distinct disconnect from the other mothers — and women in general — that she sees all around her. While her husband Ravi seems to be getting on quite well with his work colleagues and other friends from all backgrounds, Anu feels adrift.

Among the British mothers, her awkward shyness limits friendships from developing — as an outsider, she is “a curiosity at best, a nuisance at worst”. Yet she is too westernised to fit into some of the cliques among Indian women, and her tenuous link to her extended family members is fraught with resentment built up from the past.

As her daughter Neha grows and matures all through primary school and finally enters secondary school at the novel’s climax, the plot traces Anu’s own development as she tries on many different types of friendships for size, “dipping in and out” of her Indian-ness as she struggles to “find her tribe” as a woman and as a mother.

The Pros & Cons

This was a beautiful novel that expertly captures the nuances of migrant dissonance in balancing a myriad of worlds, as well as the mythical creature that is “female friendship”.

Having always lacked the maternal bond from a mother who flitted in and out of her life like an “exotic bird”, Anu still has not resolved these issues as an adult, and it shows in the deep-seated fear and insecurity that she is not enough.

Often accused of being “too sensitive” by her close friends, her husband, and family; Anu still desperately seeks acceptance from the outside. She does not understand the micro-aggressions and fickle-heartedness that are typical among many of the women she meets — both British and Indian, and at the same time she focuses so much on these friendships that she neglects those who do truly care about her.

It is a story that as a woman, we all understand too well — whether or not we share the migrant experience. There were so many simple touches here that gave this novel so much life. A few that captured it perfectly:

On her Indian family relationships:

Was it possible to have grown up with someone, known them your entire lives, and find out you had nothing except blood in common?

On the ethics of ostracisation:

As an Indian woman living abroad, there were bound to be differences between her understanding of things and theirs. She was a stranger in their world, and it was she who had to work harder to be accepted. They were just being true to themselves.

On female friendship (from a male perspective):

You need each other in a way that can’t be defined. I’ve seen women being each other’s biggest supporters and champions, but I’ve also seen women pull each other down, backbite, and be insanely jealous. The dynamics are very different among you lot.

Indeed, there was absolutely so much to love here that I really can’t pick out any flaws. The writing style is distinct, and the pacing is well done, though as it covers such a wide span of time, there were moments I wish it could have hovered on one phase a *wee* bit longer. My emotions were all over the place, and as Anu finally found her footing and her own sense of self through her art, I felt absolutely inspired. Such a journey!

My only caveat (not really a con) is that there are a lot — a lot — of characters to keep track of, so I did have to keep reminding myself of who everyone was and what had happened prior! Still, even minor characters were adequately sketched and well represented, and it all combined to interweave a stunning tapestry of a tale that will resonate with many.

Conclusion

This novel was the essence of women’s fiction, and I loved it from beginning to end. There was a lovely journey that it took, and many generations and types of women that it dealt with. From the mother, to Anu herself, to her daughter — they each had their own experiences, both negative and positive, of what being a woman and a “fish out of water” feels like. I can see this novel being turned into an absolutely amazing film, and I look forward to reading more by this author. Her skill and her crafting of characters is undeniable. I would recommend this novel to any woman, anywhere, particularly if you’ve ever felt out of place in a new environment, or felt miffed by a misunderstanding with a friend… so yes, that’s EVERY woman!

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