Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the blurb was intriguing.

The Premise

At thirty-seven with two teenagers and a husband who isn’t bringing home the bacon, Trudy is unhappy with life. When an attractive ex-coworker suddenly shows up and proclaims he always had feelings for her, this seems to be the change she’s needed to shake things up in her life. Matthew is a sexy and successful man (everything her husband James isn’t!) who makes her feel like a woman again. Is the allure of this other man worth risking the life she’s built, or would taking a chance with him be her biggest regret?

The Pros

This was an interesting read that deals with adulthood, motherhood, marriage, and infidelity — serious themes that are often unexplored in the wide gamut of books about relationships. I really appreciate that these types of books exist rather than the typical run-of-the-mill romance, and I absolutely love difficult-to-love characters as both a reader and a writer of what I call “real-life romance”, so this was right up my alley as it was certainly realistic — painfully so, at times!

I also really liked the relationships portrayed with other women, showing other types of marriages to highlight how Trudy and her friends were all unhappy in different ways. This is so true in today’s world especially, as it seems divorce and separation seem more common rather than the long-term partnerships that previous generations were able to achieve. I think we are all on that “edge of discontent” — always wanting the greener grass and the flashier partner or job. Trudy’s actions — however deplorable — were so relatable, and this novel made me quite introspective. I also liked the ending; while reading, I was dreading an “all-tied-up-prettily” ending, and I was ultimately so very thankful that it wasn’t. Life is messy and we make mistakes — and while luckily, mistakes aren’t the end of the world and there is always hope that things can be healed somehow, there should be repercussions.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the story and it kept me interested throughout, I did wish for a few things that could have made it even better. The “twist” was evident from a mile away; I was hoping this would have been more nuanced so it would be more shocking when it was revealed. Also I felt like the dialogue was a bit too “detached” at times which left the sensation that it was not natural speech or behaviour for the characters — for instance, when Trudy bluntly tells her husband that she’s been getting attention from other men and he should pay attention to her so she won’t cheat. More “showing, not telling” could have been employed to make it more subtle and draw me in deeper as a reader.

Conclusion

Overall, I enjoyed the writing style and the plot was engaging. Even though I was internally conflicted with disliking the main character (and that’s the whole point!), I was intrigued and kept wanting to read more. The author aptly delivers a hot mess of a character that you want to root for, while also despising them for their naivete — and that is a talent! I would recommend this book to others, particularly female readers over 40. I look forward to more from this author.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting.

The Premise

After her husband leaves her for a younger woman and her daughter heads off to college, Emerson is divorced and feels like the prime of her life is over at 43. Her best friend gives her a luxurious post-divorce gift: an all-expenses paid trip to New York City, with one contingency… she’ll have to see a sex therapist to deal with her abandonment and intimacy issues. Dr. Alexander Jameson is a younger man, and known for his unorthodox therapy sessions. She has a week before she’s off to Paris — can he work his magic on her within that short time frame… and heal not just her, but perhaps also himself?

The Pros

This was a sexy read that will likely appeal to the over 40s female crowd. I liked the dialogue and banter between the two main characters, and the New York City setting with the opulence and crazily expensive lifestyle felt like something out of “Sex & The City” — along with the super-rich characters of her best friend and the doctor, and the types of events they all go to. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments when her snarky mouth rules the scene, and their sexual encounters are racily written to titillate those readers who like a good sex scene. I also loved the interaction with her friend and Dr. Jameson’s sister, and the sentiment of sexual liberation and women connecting with one another and openly discussing their lives in that regard that wasn’t JUST a catty, braggy way (though that was there as well) but in a more intellectual and genuinely caring manner.

The Cons

As a fellow writer I don’t criticise other books/writers without careful consideration, but as an avid reader I appreciate reading reviews that give me a clear picture of what to expect. That said, there is quite a bit to enjoy here (I wouldn’t have bothered writing a review if not) but also quite a lot that didn’t sit right with me. While I was enjoying the story as it went along, I kept expecting something to happen… and ultimately, nothing much did. It played out quite predictably with not much of a plot — just one sexy scene to another, and then she’s off to Paris (as she’d planned) and nothing fundamentally changes but the characters magically have a change of heart and then wind up together (as expected).

I usually love these post-divorce women’s fiction sexual-renaissance stories (I’ve read quite a few and usually they are 4 or 5 stars for me), but in this case I really couldn’t connect much with her character to gain any real depth… her daughter’s role didn’t feel needed at all, I kept hoping the ex-husband (or any other man on the planet) would show up for some kind of drama, or the doctor would do something to hurt her or vice versa, or her friend would have a health emergency or her daughter would be endangered somehow, or a natural disaster would occur… or something… just something. Anything! Literally… ANYTHING! I’m no prude and I love a sexy story but dammit I desperately, desperately, desperately, DESPERATELY needed more of a plot here. I felt like the build-up didn’t have the pay-off I needed… so I was mentally unsatisfied by the end of it.

Conclusion

Overall, I did enjoy the writing style and it was engaging. The banter and sexy scenes were appreciated, but I wanted something entirely different from this book. I can see the value here, but I know I am certainly not the ideal reader — that’s it in a nutshell. My rating is fair and based on that duality I’m fighting with: I know other readers will absolutely love this and rave over it, but I personally expected so much more in terms of a plot (especially with such a great writing style!)… I almost wish the writing weren’t as good so that I could’ve given it up earlier rather than read it to the end only to be disappointed! Ah, well. Still, I would perhaps give this author another chance, because I feel like I may enjoy something else with more of a plot.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting.

The Premise

Years after Marcus and his wife Charlotte adopted Eva, her birth mother Reine shows up on their doorstep demanding to get her child back. However, she was the one who insisted they adopt her, so as to ensure she would be safe and not fall through the cracks of the foster system. Reine has everything to lose by showing up unannounced, but she risks it for a chance to get back her daughter. But with everything against her in a broken system, does she have a chance?

The Pros

This fast-paced drama that deals with serious issues that tug at your heartstrings — a mother does her best to protect her child, but she is no saint; does she deserve to get her child back? I particularly liked the dialogue between the characters and the build-up of the drama, and the conundrum that Reine faces when she is accused of a crime; in an already broken system, does her innocence or guilt even matter? The parole officer’s influence was a realistic portrayal of the power one holds in that position, and it was heartbreaking to see just how easy it is for him to ruin the lives of others. I also like the secondary roles that supported Reine, which gave the story its heart.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed the book for the most part, I really wanted to love it more. I liked all of the characters, but wished for more development and evolution throughout the story. It felt at times that they were broad strokes of archetypes — the hot-headed policeman, the long-suffering mother, the innocent child, the corrupt parole officer, and so on. This was a book in a series (Book 16) that could be read as a standalone, and (having not read the others) perhaps this is why it felt underdeveloped for me as characters didn’t get the chance to fully blossom on the pages and draw me in. There was potential for me, but not the ultimate payoff. For instance, the very end of it went from one scene where it seems impossible to remedy the situation, and then you turn the page and everything magically works out — what? All the tension fades away and it ends disappointingly.

Conclusion

Overall this was a decent read that will satisfy most readers who are looking for something dramatic, quick, and emotional. Though it wasn’t entirely for me, there is a lot to love here. I liked the writer’s style and would be interested to read further in the series, or perhaps other books by her.

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This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it out of a few others because I was interested in the subject.

The Premise

This non-fiction book explores the different phases of childhood development with a focus on the family unit and how best it can function to create a cohesive “mettle” for the next generation. It serves as a go-to guide for parents and guardians to use all the available tools to expand their minds and consider the holistic experience of child-rearing in the modern world, enabling them to “forge” a resilient, cohesive and high-functioning family.

The Pros & Cons

Opening with the infamous poem (and one of my own personal favourites!) “The Tyger” by William Blake, the author uses Blake’s exaltation of creation as inspiration to frame her own analogy of a blacksmith’s workshop as the “creator” of the “mettle” of a family, which she defines as a proactive point of view and spirit of resilience that one can adopt to improve the chance of life success.

Her framework explores the idea of the family as a system that works with “mettle” bows and arrows, which contain the shifting perceptions, values, and beliefs that evolve as you grow with your family. The goal is to craft positive interactions moment to moment — “small joyful routines” which weave “the golden thread of the future” that thereby “forge” the family life you wish to have.

Admittedly, there is quite a lot of preamble at the beginning, but once the bulk of the book gets underway, you realise that much of this introduction was necessary to frame your own mindset as a reader. She delves into the early infancy years and the importance of sensory stimulation and eye contact even from the earliest “conversation” you have with a newborn — the parent/child communication (or lack thereof) influences language development. From this stage, the toddler’s level of understanding also needs additional consideration to enhance communication, for example providing an out-loud “commentary” by explaining day-to-day actions helps to connect their actions to their emotions, and one should “tune in” to what interests your toddler to adapt accordingly — your own patterns will help them construct language; “they meet the world in words.”

For later phases of child development, the focus should shift to encouraging activities related to sports and arts, which leave a significant impression on the developing mind at that stage. Into the teen years, there are many “hard conversations” that should be carefully navigated; though there is no clear method to approach any of these, she does provide a short synopsis with key points and useful resources for further information. One point that stood out to me (and can apply to any age/development phase) was her discussion of the role of the parent as a “mediator” rather than a teacher when introducing new ideas to a child — being readily available to support them, but as a partner in the learning who follows their pace rather than setting your own.

Overall, I liked the varied concepts she uses in her analysis, which are a combination of quotes from authors such as Kahlil Gibran and Rudyard Kipling, interlaced with psychologists including Maslow, Piaget, and Bronfenbrenner, as well as academic theorists or other renowned thinkers. She also looks at scientific aspects, such as comparing the communication within a neuron to the connection of a family that works together; and even drops in contemporary news articles and pop-culture references including TV shows for comparison, as well as her own personal anecdotes.

Conclusion

Well researched and conveyed in a part-conversational, part-academic voice, this book packs a powerful punch. I especially appreciated that despite the wide array of sources (which can sometimes weigh down or disorganise a non-fiction book), here the overall layout is cohesive and everything ties together nicely to make an enjoyable read for a wide audience. With clear sectioned headings and summary pages at intervals, it is easy to follow along. This format will particularly appeal to those who read short bits on a regular basis, and can be a motivational tool as part of a morning or nightly routine. I thank the author for taking the time to compile and produce this valuable collection of information, and I am pleased to recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about ways to nurture your family life by practicing mindful parenting.

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https://a.co/d/bKMzzF1

I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, namely the list below. While my short story tastes by this author are a mixed bag, the first book I read from her was a most exquisite novel, and I’m thrilled that this one was as well!

• A Quiet Dissonance
• Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories
• Damage & Other Stories
• Holi Moly! & Other Stories

The Premise

Pari is thrilled to befriend the new girl Samira, who seems to have what Pari always wanted for herself. Samira’s beauty and wealth evokes adoration from admirers all around, but her life at home is not quite as enviable — her mother is frequently unwell and does not have much of a relationship with her, and her father is often away on business. Samira craves the easygoing, loving family home that Pari shares with her brother Srinivas and their parents, but she is always on the outside looking in — even more so when Madhu’s family comes to live with them, and her mother soon cozies up to the impoverished but brilliant Madhu. And then there’s Roma, who sets her sights on the boy of her dreams, and whose jealousy and hatred for Samira only keep growing. Decades ago, these four young girls formed an inseparable bond — until a shocking event ripped them apart. In the present time, there seems to be hope that they can unite as friends again — but is it too late?

The Pros & Cons

This was an epic, gripping women’s fiction that takes you through decades of friendship — and frenemy-ship — as it recounts the family lives of four young girls as they mature into womanhood. Opening with a tragic event, the reader is left in the dark trying to piece together why it will eventually happen and to whom.

Told from four different points of view, we get an in-depth look at the inner workings of the minds of each of these complex characters, and it was fascinating to gain that insight. I especially loved the genuine friendship that blossoms between Pari and Madhu in their later years as adults, which was a stark difference from the girlish bond between Pari and Samira. My favourite character, though, was the legendary — and deeply misunderstood — Samira, who bears the burden of beauty and wealth coupled with an emptiness she can never overcome. Her story is an emotional gut-punch — as is Madhu’s, whose rising stardom crumbles to ashes due to circumstances beyond her control.

The author aptly captures the nuances of the female psyche — the uncertainty of self, the jealousy of others, the fear of rejection, the glossy thrill of first love, the underlying hatred behind a youthful giggle. The prose is eloquent and visceral, and the intricacies of their intersections of friendships are a curious blend of happenstance and fate. The story unfolds with a deep, thought-provoking insight into the most overwhelming of emotions that we all someday face: loss, grief, forgiveness, and regret. It is also an atmospheric tale that transports you to its key location of Delhi, India, with a sprinkling of authenticity in the language and the sense of community and family among its characters. I also particularly appreciated the — often unexplored — aspect of a woman’s life (and in particular, an Indian woman’s life) that achieves success, fulfillment, and peace within oneself without the necessity of a romantic relationship with a man or the societal requirement to bear children.

With so much to love here, it’s hard to pick apart for flaws. Usually with stories that span decades, I find issues with pacing, and here it does admittedly start off a tad slow at the very beginning. However, this is necessary in this case, as it focuses on the initiation and blossoming of these friendships as children, before leaping to the present when the main characters reunite as middle-aged women. The leisurely unraveling of each character pulls you in, exquisitely carving them out in all their raw and flawed youthful naïveté, and it was a joy to relish in the novel’s journey.

Conclusion

Overall, this is a timeless tale that will resonate with readers — particularly, women readers — everywhere. We can all see a little of ourselves in each of these girls, and our own painful pasts in the tragedies they face. Though we know this group’s friendship is somehow doomed from the beginning, there is always a flutter of hope that something survives that impending collision at the intersection of life. I truly enjoyed this novel and am happy to recommend it to others, and I look forward to the next one from this author.

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