The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy

August 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

In the summer of 1925, the winds of change are particularly chilling for a young woman whose life has suddenly become unbalanced.

Devastated by her mother’s death and a cruel, broken engagement, Sadie Halloran learns that her great-aunt Marguerite, a renowned artist now in the throes of dementia, needs a live-in companion. Grasping at newfound purpose, Sadie leaves her desolate Kansas City boardinghouse for Blackberry Grange, Marguerite’s once-grand mansion sitting precariously atop an Arkansas bluff. Though Marguerite is a fading shell of the vibrant woman Sadie remembers, Marguerite is feverishly compelled to paint eerie, hallucinatory portraits of old lovers—some cherished, some regretted, and some beastly. All of them haunting.

With each passing night, time itself seems to shift with the shadows at Blackberry Grange. As truth and delusion begin to blur, Sadie must uncover the secrets that hold Marguerite captive to her past before reality—and Marguerite’s life—slips away entirely.

The novel introduces us to Sadie Halloran, a young woman adrift after profound personal losses—her mother’s death and a sad broken engagement. Seeking a new purpose, she accepts the role of live-in companion for her great-aunt Marguerite, a celebrated artist now grappling with the disorienting grip of dementia, at the secluded, once-grand Blackberry Grange.

Kennedy excels at crafting layered characters. Sadie’s journey from desolation to determination is compelling, but it is Marguerite who truly captivates. Her fragmented memories and feverish compulsion to paint haunting portraits of her past lovers—some cherished, some monstrous—provide a fascinating and unsettling window into her fractured mind. This blurring of truth and delusion is exquisitely handled, making you question what is real alongside Sadie.

The decaying grandeur of Blackberry Grange itself acts as a character, with time seemingly shifting alongside the shadows. This creates a palpable sense of suspense that builds steadily as Sadie delves deeper into the estate’s — and Marguerite’s — dark secrets. The plot is cleverly constructed, unfolding with a careful pace that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged, hungry to uncover the mysteries that hold Marguerite captive to her past. It’s clear that Kennedy has written this novel with care, evident in the rich historical detail and the sensitive portrayal of dementia alongside the ghostly elements.

While the narrative is largely gripping, there were occasional moments where the exploration of Marguerite’s disjointed memories felt a touch repetitive. However, this minor point does little to detract from the overall immersive experience.

Ultimately, The Artist of Blackberry Grange is a well-crafted tale of family secrets, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and loss. It’s a novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with a ghostly twist, well-developed characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Paulette Kennedy delivers another compelling story that resonates long after the final page.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien

August 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Barcelona 1936. Theo helps the Anarchist workers defeat the army that is trying to overthrow the democratically elected government, and he is reunited with his true love, Maria. But all too soon, his joy turns to terror as the Anarchists turn on him, led by a rival for Maria’s affection.

Lucky to escape with his life, Theo returns to England to study at Oxford. But his heart is in Spain, now torn apart by a bloody civil war, and he is quick to abandon his new life when his old schoolmate Esmond offers him the chance to fight the Fascists. He is unprepared for the nightmare of war that crushes his spirit and his hope until, back in Barcelona, Theo is confronted with a final terrible choice that will define his life forever.

As Theo’s tumultuous coming-of-age journey reaches its end, can his dream to change the world—so far from home—still hold true?

“The Room of Lost Steps” by Simon Tolkien, the second installment in the Theo Sterling series, is an engaging historical coming-of-age epic that plunges readers into the turbulent Spanish Civil War. Following an exciting start where Theo Sterling, an American boy with big dreams, finds himself in Barcelona in 1936, the novel immerses you in the chaos and uncertainty of the era.

The narrative picks up from its antecedent, “The Palace at the End of the Sea,” and continues Theo’s notable journey. We witness him aiding the Anarchist workers in their fight against the invading military forces. The reunion with his true love, Maria, adds a layer of personal stake and emotional depth to the unfolding political drama. However, Tolkien doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of conflict, and Theo’s joy is quickly replaced by dread as internal strife within the Anarchist movement, fueled by a rival for Maria’s affection, forces him into a desperate escape.

This sets Theo on a path back to England, where he attempts to find relief and a new life at Oxford. Yet, his heart remains connected to Spain. The appeal of fighting against fascism, presented by his old schoolmate Esmond, proves too strong to resist. This decision leads to an upsetting descent into the grim realities of war, which, as the synopsis hints, crushes Theo’s spirit and hopes. The story highlights the profound impact of these experiences on the young protagonist.

The novel excels in its portrayal of a protagonist navigating an “epic expanse” of setting and “struggles of different types.” Theo’s resilience and his internal battles are central to the storytelling, making it intriguing to see how Theo handles things. Tolkien masterfully injects tension to keep things rolling, ensuring that the reader remains invested in Theo’s fate.

As Theo confronts a terrible choice back in Barcelona, the novel questions whether his youthful dream of changing the world, far from home and battered by war, can truly last. “The Room of Lost Steps” is a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction and coming-of-age narratives.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien

July 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Palace at the End of the Sea by Simon Tolkien
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

A young man comes of age and crosses continents in search of an identity—and a cause—at the dawn of the Spanish Civil War in a thrilling, timely, and emotional historical saga.

New York City, 1929. Young Theo Sterling’s world begins to unravel as the Great Depression exerts its icy grip. He finds it hard to relate to his parents: His father, a Jewish self-made businessman, refuses to give up on the American dream, and his mother, a refugee from religious persecution in Mexico, holds fast to her Catholic faith. When disaster strikes the family, Theo must learn who he is. A charismatic school friend and a firebrand girl inspire him to believe he can fight Fascism and change the world, but each rebellion comes at a higher price, forcing Theo to question these ideologies too.

From New York’s Lower East Side to an English boarding school to an Andalusian village in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Theo’s harrowing journey from boy to man is set against a backdrop of societies torn apart from within, teetering on the edge of a terrible war to which Theo is compulsively drawn like a moth to a flame.

Simon Tolkien’s “The Palace at the End of the Sea” promises a sweeping historical saga centered on a young man’s coming-of-age during the tumultuous lead-up to the Spanish Civil War. The synopsis paints a compelling picture of Theo Sterling, a young New Yorker grappling with identity and purpose as the Great Depression reshapes the world around him. Caught between his father’s unwavering belief in the American dream and his mother’s devout Catholic faith rooted in Mexican refugee experience, Theo’s foundation crumbles when personal tragedy strikes. The promise of a journey spanning continents, fueled by youthful idealism and a desire to combat Fascism, certainly piques interest.

Tolkien’s strength lies in his prose. The writing is well-done, suggesting a level of sophistication and craftsmanship that should appeal to readers who appreciate beautifully written historical fiction. The historical setting seems well-researched and convincingly rendered. The grounding in real-world events of the late 1920s and 1930s in New York and Spain provides a solid backdrop for Theo’s personal narrative. The novel captures the clash of cultures in the late 1930s and the pervasive uncertainty surrounding the looming war in Spain.

However, the novel’s potential weaknesses also warrant consideration. The characters could perhaps have a little more depth, particularly the protagonist, and their motivations could at times be more precise.

Also, sometimes the story’s pace could be quickened. A sprawling historical narrative needs a strong narrative drive to keep the reader invested.

Overall, the book is worth the read, a well-written historical tale.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Sun’s Shadow by Sejal Badani

May 23, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Sun’s Shadow by Sejal Badani
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cholla

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. As her life falls apart, she faces an impossible fight

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets—that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been time spent with her and Justin. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being—and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope.

In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families—and their own futures?

Celine thought her life was going well. She’s running her childhood horse farm, has a successful husband, a smart and athletic son, everything she thought she ever wanted. And then, the worst thing imaginable happens and Ben, her twelve-year-old son, is diagnosed with cancer.

Throughout the whole book, Celine shows a lot of strength and courage. She has moments of pettiness and anger, both of which are understandable. I liked the way that she didn’t focus completely on Ben though, which might sound weird at first, but she spread her focus between her sick son and her horse farm – both of which are her lifelines in this crazy situation. She gave Ben a ton of attention, but she didn’t make herself, or him, crazy by hovering either.

On the flip side, you have Felicity, the proverbial other woman. She’s made the bold choice to move closer to her one-time lover and father of her son, even if it means putting pressure and hurt feelings onto his wife and younger, sick son. In a lot of ways, I understand Felicity’s motives, however, she comes across as being very selfish in the beginning. Something that is also understandable to a point. Some of her choices did not paint her in a very good light, although, underneath it all, you can see that she’s only trying to protect her son, Justin, too.

While I can understand each of the women’s insecurities and fears, often their anger was misplaced. I found they directed it at each other more often than at the actual culprit – Eric. He’s the one who kept secrets and lied to not just his wife and former mistress, but from his children as well. However, I do have a lot of empathy for both women because they’re only trying to do what’s best for their own children. It’s a complicated situation that I wouldn’t ever want to be involved in.

Truthfully, the best part of the entire story were the times when Justin and Ben were together. The boys instantly found a connection, even without knowing they were related. It warmed my heart to see their friendship grow so quickly.

The Sun’s Shadow is a complicated, intense, and modern look at how a family operates, and what happens when everything you thought you knew is suddenly blown up. It’s a story of how two women who swear to hate each other manage to find common ground and a way to work together for the benefit of their children. This is a great novel for anyone who enjoys complex family drama, horses, and kids who love soccer. I’d love to have a follow up novel or novella telling us how they’re all doing five years down the road, too.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

At the Island’s Edge by C. I. Jerez

March 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


At the Island’s Edge by C. I. Jerez
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

An Iraq War veteran returns to Puerto Rico to reconnect with―and confront―the past in a heart-wrenching novel about duty, motherhood, and the healing power of home.

As a combat medic, Lina LaSalle went to Iraq to save the lives of fellow soldiers. But when her convoy is attacked, she must set aside her identity as a healer and take a life herself.

Although she is honored as a hero when she returns to the US, Lina cannot find her footing. She is stricken with PTSD and unsure of how to support her young son, Teó, a little boy with Tourette’s. As her attempts to self-medicate become harder to hide, Lina realizes she must do the toughest thing yet: ask for help.

She retreats to her parents’ house in Puerto Rico, where Teó thrives under her family’s care. Lina finds kinship, too―with a cousin whose dreams were also shattered by the war and with a handsome and caring veteran who sought refuge on the island and runs a neighborhood bar.

But amid the magic of the island are secrets and years of misunderstandings that could erode the very stability she’s fighting for. Hope lies on the horizon, but can she keep her gaze steady?

Combat medic Sergeant Catalina (Lina) LaSalle-Rivera returns from Iraq a hero but struggles with the moral implications of having taken a life during an attack. Lina moves back to Puerto Rico with her son, Matteo (Teó), who has Tourette’s syndrome, to be with her family. However, hidden family secrets and past misunderstandings threaten to further drive her into a downward spiral, leaving her to question whether she can truly find healing and hope.

The early parts of the novel are engaging and emotional, particularly as Lina navigates the growing tension between her personal turmoil and her family. Lina’s journey is compelling and heart-wrenching, but it seems her life has always been overshadowed by sadness. She has faced pressure from her family, feeling inadequate as a female. She later grappled with feelings of disappointment after becoming pregnant and joining the Army. The family dynamic, which aimed to ensure that Lina had a better life, is understandable; however, after her return, it seems the pressure then turned to her being a good parent. Lina holds in a lot of her emotions, yet her family remains unaware of her struggles. Though I empathize with Lina, I believe she needed counseling long before the incident in Iraq.

**Warning**: For readers struggling with depression or low self-esteem, Lina’s story may be triggering.

I enjoyed the author’s story; the pacing was consistent, and there were a few twists that I did not see coming. I appreciated the cultural history and visual details of Puerto Rico, and I especially liked the inclusion of Spanish phrases throughout the book. Since I can read Spanish better than I can speak it, this was a real treat.

Lina’s story is one that many military and medical professionals can relate to. They take an oath to heal and treat those in medical need, but it can be traumatic for them if they are involved in causing someone to lose their life. Processing that experience can be heavy and difficult.

Lina was very shut off from others, trapped in her own thoughts, which were overwhelming her. Her despair led her to seek escape in alcohol. I was glad to see her courage to recognize that her drinking was problematic and to accept therapy—not only for her own well-being but also for Teo’s sake.

Although I was captivated by the story, it felt like some phrases were repeated several times throughout the book. The supporting characters, especially Tia Lisandra and Papi, often seemed one-dimensional. Tia Lisandra was very vocal and took charge of the family, but I did not fully understand her motivations. I was hoping for more details and closure between Lina and her Tia, as well as between Tia Lisandra and her daughter Dolores. It appeared that Tia Lisandra was alone and bitter, driven by pride rather than love and compassion. Papi had chauvinistic opinions, but there were conversations with Lina that revealed a loving and softer side to him. I was grateful that Lina found support from her niece Dolores and a fellow veteran, Elijah Montgomery, who helped Lina through her healing process.

The shocking revelation regarding the misunderstanding with Leonardo, Teo’s dad, seemed to indicate that the author did not want to portray Leonardo as a villain, but rather this created a family secret. Nevertheless, I was pleased that things were resolved in the end. The resolution and Lina’s redemption brought her back to feeling like a healer, enabling her to serve her country again.

The author wrote from a sensitive perspective, and I appreciated that. At the Island’s Edge is a touching exploration of trauma, healing, and the enduring power of family. Jerez crafts a compelling narrative that resonates with raw emotion, inviting readers to connect with Lina’s struggles and celebrate her resilience. This is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Lies Among Us by Sarah Beth Durst

April 2, 2024 By Leave a Comment


The Lies Among Us by Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Cholla

After her mother dies, Hannah doesn’t know how to exist without her. Literally. In fact, Hannah’s not even certain that she does exist. No one seems to see or hear her, and she finds herself utterly alone. Grief-stricken and confused, her sense of self slowly slipping away, Hannah sets out to find new purpose in life—and answers about who (and what) she really is.

Hannah’s only remaining family is her older sister, Leah. Yet even Leah doesn’t seem to notice her. And while Hannah can see and hear her sister, she also sees beautiful and terrible things that don’t—or shouldn’t—exist. She learns there’s much more to this world than meets the eye and struggles to make sense of it all.

When Hannah sees Leah taking the same dangerous path that consumed their own mother—where lies supplant reality—she’s desperate to get through to her. But facing difficult truths is harder than it looks…

What happens to a lie after the liar is gone?

For two decades, Hannah’s only focus has been on her mother. But when her mother dies, Hannah’s world and everything she knows is shattered. How does she find her way without the most important person in her life?

Hannah is one of the most interesting characters I’ve ever met. While she stumbles a bit after her mother’s death, she eventually finds her direction after a chance meeting. Sylvie is everything Hannah never thought she could be, and together they alter each other’s perception of the world and the reality they live in. They are truly the biggest catalyst for character development in each other, which was really fascinating to watch.

Leah, on the other hand, doesn’t handle her mother’s death very well. There were so many unresolved issues between them that it’s extra hard for her to process the loss. She lashes out, acts erratically, and attempts to shut out everyone who cares about her while she struggles through her grief. It was heartbreaking to watch, but very real and extremely visceral.

The thing that will stick with me long after I’ve put this book up on my bookshelf is how Hannah reinvents herself after her mother dies. She finds new purpose and new adventures, all while holding onto her past. In addition, there is so much insight into how humans work in this novel. A favorite quote, “Who we are is who we’ve been. And who we’ve known.” That hit me right where it hurt. Every person we meet, even peripherally, becomes a part of us in a way.

The Lies Among Us is one of the most interesting and unique stories I’ve read in a long time. It’s hard to even review it properly. Beautifully written and strewn with intriguing characters, I couldn’t stop reading once I started. We all know that we’ll inevitably lose someone who means the world to us, but we’re never quite ready for it, even when we have advanced notice of it. This novel shows you both the horror and beauty of love, loss, and moving on in a relatable and emotional way.

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The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy

February 26, 2024 By 1 Comment


The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

The first day of autumn brought the fever, and with the fever came the voices.

Missouri, 1955. Loretta Davenport has led an isolated life as a young mother and a wife to Pete, an ambitious assistant professor at a Bible college. They’re the picture of domestic tranquility—until a local girl is murdered and Loretta begins receiving messages from beyond. Pete dismisses them as delusions of a fevered female imagination. Loretta knows they’re real—and frightening.

Defying Pete’s demands, Loretta finds an encouraging supporter in parapsychologist Dr. Curtis Hansen. He sees a woman with a rare gift, more blessing than curse. With Dr. Hansen’s help, Loretta’s life opens up to an empowering new purpose. But for Pete, the God-fearing image he’s worked so hard to cultivate is under threat. No longer in control of his dutiful wife, he sees the Devil at work.

As Loretta’s powers grow stronger and the pleading spirits beckon, Pete is determined to deliver his wife from evil. To solve the mysteries of the dead, Loretta must first save herself.

Set in 1955, Missouri, this story tells the tale of a housewife, Loretta Davenport, with gifts and the serious problems that come with it. Her husband Pete teaches at a Bible college. He is a traditional guy but is a bit unreasonable when it comes to his wife and his expectations.

When a girl is murdered, Loretta gets messages from the other side of the veil. Pete thinks she just has an overexcited imagination. When Loretta befriends Dr. Curtis Hansen, Pete is not happy about this. He becomes more and more difficult.

The pace picks up in this mystery as the danger unfolds for Loretta and a friend of the murdered girl who is also threatened. Can Loretta help her before it is too late? Things might be too late for herself as Pete becomes abusive and wants to lock her up.

Themes of mental health, family, friends, abuse, and forgiveness are weaved within the pages of this mystery. The characterization is done well, and this book has complexity and depth. It is also respectful of the times, being true to the setting.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

There’s No Coming Back From This by Ann Garvin

August 1, 2023 By Leave a Comment


There’s No Coming Back From This by Ann Garvin
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

It seems lately that Poppy Lively is invisible to everyone but the IRS.

After her accountant absconded with her life savings, newly bankrupt Poppy is on the verge of losing her home when an old flame, now a hotshot producer, gives her a surprising way out: a job in costumes on a Hollywood film set. It’s a bold move to pack her bags, keep secrets from her daughter, and head to Los Angeles, but Poppy’s a capable person—how hard can a job in wardrobe be? It’s not like she has a choice; her life couldn’t get any worse. Even so, this midwesterner has a lot to learn about the fast and loose world of movie stars, iconic costumes, and back-lot intrigue.

As a single mom, she’s rarely had time for watching movies, she doesn’t sew, and she doesn’t know a thing about dressing the biggest names in the business. Floundering and overlooked, Poppy has one ally: Allen Carol, an ill-tempered movie star taken with Poppy’s unfiltered candor and general indifference to stardom.

When Poppy stumbles upon corruption, she relies on everyone underestimating her to discover who’s at the center of it, a revelation that shakes her belief in humanity. What she thought was a way to secure a future for her daughter becomes a spotlight illuminating the facts: Poppy is out of her league among the divas of Tinseltown.

Poppy must decide whether to keep her mouth shut, as she’s always done, or with the help of a scruffy dog, show the moviemakers that they need her unglamorous ways, whether the superstars like it or not.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Poppy Lively sure is desperate. By trusting the wrong person at the wrong time, her entire life has been sent into a tailspin, one she doesn’t think she’ll be able to pull herself – or her daughter – out of in time. So, what does a mom do when there’s nothing left to do? She accepts a job from a man she hasn’t seen in over a decade and moves across the country for a job. Of course she does, right?

Poppy Lively is your typical Midwestern mom. Hardworking, loving, and dedicated to her only child, So dedicated that she does everything in her power to make sure that her daughter has no idea that they’re about to lose everything. Her journey from single mom in Wisconsin to the costume department on a move set in Los Angeles is one that so many make, but never for the reasons she chose.

Her transformation is amazing. When she arrives in LA, Poppy is uncertain, confused, and hopeless. She has no one and nowhere to go, so she sneaks about trying not to get caught surviving. The more desperate her situation becomes, the less she starts to care about what others might think and sets her eye on the prize. Along the way, she gets some very unexpected help from a movie star, an arrogant but traumatized young woman, and a dog that was thrust into her care.

Packed full of laughter, life lessons, and a ton of spunky characters, There’s No Coming Back from This is an entertaining adventure of one woman who is out of her element. Poppy is a brilliant light in a city full of burnt-out bulbs. Even in her lowest moments, I was rooting for her and knew she’d succeed in the end.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Dreaming of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hyde

May 30, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Dreaming of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult (8 – older)
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Never knowing his parents, eleven-year-old Stewie Little and his brother have been raised on a farm by their older sister. Stewie steadfastly tends the chickens left by his beloved late grandmother. And every day Stewie goes door to door selling fresh eggs from his wagon—a routine with a surprise just around the corner. It’s his new customer, Marilyn. She’s prickly and guarded, yet comfortably familiar—she reminds the grieving Stewie so much of the grandmother he misses more than he can express.

Marilyn has a reason for keeping her distance: a secret no one knows about. Her survival tactic is to draw a line between herself and other people—one that Stewie is determined to cross. As their visits become more frequent, a complicated but deeply rooted relationship grows. That’s when Stewie discovers how much more there is to Marilyn, to her past, and to challenges that become more pressing each day. But whatever difficult times lie ahead, Stewie learns that although he can’t fix everything for Marilyn or himself, at least he’s no longer alone.

I don’t know where to start on my review about this book. I enjoyed it tremendously! The writing style, the characters, the realness of the story and the teachable moments – all of it. I enjoyed it all.

This conversation between Stewie and Marilyn’s daughter, Betty will stay with me.: “You’re just upset because she doesn’t say the same things she would have said before. Instead of being so sure about exactly how you want her to be, why can’t you just be glad because she’s there?”

In a world where I’ve found myself drawn to watching more television shows and movies than I read, this book made me want to read. I enjoyed the time spent following the story of eleven-year-old Stewie Little. A young boy who has lost several loved ones at a very early age. He lives with his older sister, Stacey and brother Theo.

Stewie continues to take care of his deceased grandmother’s chicken. One day on his egg delivery route he meets a new customer, Marilyn. Marilyn seems to be a tough character to deal with, but Stewie took a liking to her, as her spry ways and mannerism reminds him of his grandmother.

This starts the beginning of a relationship that Marilyn didn’t want to happen. Neither did Stacey, Stewie’s older sister. Stacey’s concern for Stewie is touching to read. She recognized the many losses that Stewie has faced but she didn’t know what to do. Though their family was small I felt the closeness that the three must have needed to cope. At times it seemed they walked on eggshells for Stewie, but I like that Stewie is a strong and courageous young boy. I liked that if he didn’t understand something he spoke up. This was humorous in how he stated he didn’t know what words or phrases meant. Marilyn always took the time to explain it to him. Marilyn came into Stewie’s life at a time when Stewie really needed her. And Stewie in turn was there for Marilyn. I enjoyed and took to heart the words of wisdom from Marilyn to Stewie, in fact I’ve highlighted them on my Kindle; they are just that impacting. Towards the end of the book Stewie starts to give Marilyn and others, words of wisdom. (Hence the quote at the start of this review)

The relationship between the two is beautiful and heartwarming. I found joy that Stewie had someone he could be close to, that didn’t take advantage of him and also able to sense what he needed. Marilyn uplifted him up, educated him and filled a void that Stewie had. Stewie didn’t have biological parents or grandparents, but he had a village. Dr. Briggs helped Stewie through his complicated emotions by giving him thought provoking questions. It was a little concerning that Stewie didn’t have friends his age, but I could see that Stewie was mature for his age and didn’t seem to fit in with others of his age.

The ending felt true to life, but also hurt. The author touched on a lot in this book. Loss, and grief, from both Stewie’s view and also Marilyn’s view. Overcoming what life throws at you and having someone or people to help you along the way. That family or people that love you aren’t always blood related. That we should pay attention to those we love in case they do need help. Getting help is okay. Doing something good for someone else also helps you in return. It also gives some insight of those that are of age who feel like they have lost their freedom, their choice, and maybe even their personal rights once they’ve been moved into an assisted living facility.

I can go on and on about how much I enjoyed this book. So instead of reading my review I suggest you go ahead and get a copy of the book and enjoy it for yourself.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms

October 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms
Publisher: Lake Union publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Two moms as opposite as a Happy Meal and a quinoa bowl. What a difference a week makes in a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud novel by the Washington Post bestselling author of The Overdue Life of Amy Byler.

Celeste Mason is the Pinterest stay-at-home supermom of other mothers’ nightmares. Despite her all-organic, SunButter-loving, free-range kids, her immaculate home, and her volunteering awards, she still has time to relax with a nice glass of pinot at the end of the day. The only thing that ruins it all is her workaholic, career-obsessed neighbor, who makes no secret of what she thinks of Celeste’s life choices every chance she gets.

Wendy Charles is a celebrated productivity consultant, columnist, and speaker. On a minute-by-minute schedule, she makes the working-mom hustle look easy. She even spends at least one waking hour a day with her kids. She’s not apologizing for a thing. Especially to Celeste, who plays her superior parenting against Wendy whenever she can.

Who do Celeste and Wendy think they are? They’re about to find out thanks to one freaky week. After a neighborhood potluck and too much sangria, they wake up—um, what?—in each other’s bodies. Everything Celeste and Wendy thought they knew about the “other kind of mom” is flipped upside down—along with their messy, complicated, maybe not so different lives.

Celeste and Wendy could not be more different, but they’re about to find out what’s it’s like to live in another’s shoes—literally. Celeste is a stay-at-home mom and new to town. Wendy is a workaholic mom who looks down on Celeste. Then one day an amazing thing happens; they wake up in each other’s bodies.

This is a scary thing for both, and some big lessons are in store for these women. They must raise each other’s kids for a while and deal with each other’s husbands. This situation is written in a realistic way. The women notice things and think things that are quite believable. As they stumble through each other’s lives, they find out that certain judgements they made were not accurate.

The kids, the husbands, the friends, and others are the perfect secondary characters to make this story unfold naturally. They get into little binds and big ones and handle things with their own quirky ways.

Family is a big theme here, as is friendship and female choices and empowerment. The characters grow, and it is entertaining to follow them on their paths to discovery.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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