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The Party Line–life changing secret
The Party Line
by Carolyn Brown
Once upon a time, phones had no dials or buttons. To place a call, you spoke to an operator who made the connection. To be affordable, several people shared the same phone line—and could stealthily listen in on neighbors’ conversations. What a way to spread gossip! That was the birth of the “party line.” What could happen if someone overheard something confidential never meant to be disclosed? Gracie, at fourteen, heard a secret that changed her life forever.
Gracie grew up to be a strong, independent woman of means. She shared her life and love with Sarah whose own parents kicked her out when she became pregnant out of wedlock. Gracie helped Sarah raise her daughter Lila and became a grandmother to her in every way except by blood. When Gracie passed away, she left her home and much of her fortune to Lila whose life was changed as she tried to live up to Gracie’s example and expectations in the little town of Ditto. She also devoted a lot of time to discovering Gracie’s secret.
The first chapter left me floundering a little trying to orient myself within this story. I gradually became more comfortable as history caught up with the present and the characters were somewhat sorted. Along the way, we are introduced to Sarah (Lila’s mom), Jasper (Gracie’s 90 year old best friend), and Connor (Lila’s love interest).
I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as other books by Carolyn Brown. She seemed to be searching for herself to understand ghosts, what happens to a person’s spirit after they die, and communicating with the dead. There was a lot going on in the book which could be viewed positively as a variety of plot threads or negatively as an inability to focus on the important points of the story. Although most of the characters were likable enough, none of them were particularly interesting to me. The premise of the book, a secret, was good, but not well executed and not surrounded with any tension.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 3/5
Category: Fiction, Romance
Notes: clean
Publication: November 5, 2024—Montlake
Memorable Lines:
“ ‘Ladies do not dance around like heathens in the rain. What would people think?’ ” Then her tone softened, and she smiled at me. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t dance in the rain.”
“Sometimes our choices determine our fate. Sometimes we just follow where we are led and are amazed when we find happiness,” Connor said.
“Do you think this secret stuff will ever completely die down?” “Someday,” she said. “The next generation won’t be interested in something that old any more than they are interested in their grandmother’s crystal and silver.”
Frank and Red–healing tale
Frank and Red
By Matt Coyne
Frank is a curmudgeon and a recluse. Red is a precocious six year old. Both have had a rough life in the last few years, but they approach their situations from very different perspectives. Frank is in such pain when his beloved Marcie passes away that he creates a dysfunctional relationship with his son. Red’s parents divorce causes upheaval in his life with a new home, new school and new neighbor Frank. Red faces life with enthusiasm despite the tough times. When Frank’s advice to Red about bullies has some unfortunate consequences, Frank finds himself taking on caregiving responsibilities for Red. Frank has a lot to learn from Red. Although some may initially find the plot predictable, the last part of the book is anything but predictable with lots of adventure and humor.
Frank is the ultimate grump, and Red is totally lovable. Together they make an interesting pair. The book is replete with crude language, but being British English it somehow doesn’t seem as offensive to the American ear. Short chapters are entitled “Frank” or “Red” with alternating perspectives moving the story along quickly. Red’s interactions with his new classmates are both sad and funny; it’s hard to be a new student. Red’s mother is a hospice nurse, a very caring woman who is devoted to Red and tries to shield him from an indifferent father. A fence separates Frank and Red, but its physical toppling brings about a metaphorical destruction of the barriers between Frank and Red and between Frank and the outside world that he fears.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Fiction, Humor
Notes: Offensive Language
Publication: February 1, 2024—Wildfire
Memorable Lines:
He had once heard a saying that went something like: “You don’t need a parachute to skydive once.” That’s what he was thinking about: that falling in love with someone, and allowing yourself to do so, was like falling without a parachute. And that’s okay when it’s the love of your life, because you only intend to skydive once.
And Jake, of course, whom he had absolutely no intention of playing with, inside or outside, on account of him being a dangerous cycle-path.
“You’re comfortable being miserable. You wear it like a pair of slippers.”
The Golden Gals’ French Adventure–senior ladies having fun
The Golden Gals’ French Adventure
by Judy Leigh
Not as funny as I had thought it would be based on the one other book I had read by Judy Leigh, The Golden Gals’ French Adventure, is nevertheless an interesting story. It is the tale of Fliss and Shirl, two friends from North Clayworthy, England, who travel to Brittany on vacation. Fliss is retired, entitled, and rich. Shirl is down to earth and a good friend to Fliss who hires her as a chauffeur and cleaner. When Fliss decides to visit an old friend at his family home, she recruits Shirl to go with her. They take along Shirl’s granddaughter Macey Roux who is a delightful baby—except when she is teething. She captivates all on the trip, even Fliss who has never had anything to do with babies.
The Golden Gals’ French Adventure is character driven. The reader meets a variety of people, most of whom are likable. A few start out less so, but then there is character development. The adventures include the beach, historic sights, learning French, a cooking competition with a chef, delicious French food, Breton customs, a castle, and of course some romance. The welcoming Barron family is delighted to have guests. A subplot is that Macey Roux’s mother, Gemma, is in Corfu with a boyfriend who doesn’t know of the baby’s existence. How will the characters respond when the Corfu and Brittany holidays end? Will it be hard to give up the vacation fun or will they be ready to return to their lives in North Clayworthy with the thought of “there’s no place like home?”
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Fiction, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Notes: Some swearing. No open bedroom doors.
Publication: June 4, 2024—Boldwood Books
Memorable Lines:
It occurred to her that she’d always been too busy. She’d never stopped to notice the beauty in nature; she’d been far too busy chasing things she’d believed were desirable. She realised now that they weren’t.
Maurice’s house was perfect for him. It held memories that made it wonderful, just as it was. And it was a home, unlike her own sterile house, a place where she simply kept her things.
…her feelings for the Barrons were completely fraternal which was much better than a roll between the sheets. It lasted longer; it was worth more. It was honest respectful, and it was a form of love she’d seldom encountered.
love, unscripted–creating the perfect man
love, unscripted
by Denise Hunter
The “fake boyfriend/girlfriend” trope is a popular one, but it has never appealed to me. When Denise Hunter, an author I like, published one, I decided to give it a try.
In love, unscripted, Chloe has just published her first novel and it is a huge success. So successful that she already has sold the movie rights. Having been hurt and rejected by several men, including her father, Chloe has written a protagonist into her book who is heroic and “exhibits all the qualities that every woman yearns for in a partner.” Unfortunately, Liam, the actor chosen to play that role in the movie has a reputation as a handsome and charming lady’s man who moves quickly from one romantic interest to another. The tabloids love to use him for their headlines, and not everything they print is true.
Chloe’s first encounters with Liam are not positive, but they make a deal with each other. Her publisher wants her to increase her social media presence, and Liam’s publicists want him to shine up his image to fit the wholesome character portrayed in the movie. She agrees to pretend to have a relationship in exchange for his committing to work with her on his lines to better understand the character she created.
It’s easy to guess the direction the plot will take, but it is entertaining to watch their relationship develop. The hiccups along the way are caused by the paparazzi and by their own individual pasts which make it hard for them to trust others. Misunderstandings arise causing some hard lessons in forgiveness. Although this fake dating trope will never be my favorite, I did enjoy this clean romance with characters I liked. Most of the characters grew during the story, but realistically a few were unable to admit past mistakes or make good choices.
The events in the book take place over the course of three months showcasing how a movie is filmed, and I enjoyed participating vicariously in that process.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Notes: no inappropriate language or sex
Publication: March 12, 2024—Harper Collins Christian Publisher/Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
“When you reach a certain level of success, people often want something from you other than friendship. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s genuine and who’s not.”
She’d felt closer to him since their illnesses. There was something about seeing a person at his weakest—and being seen at your most vulnerable—that lowered a person’s walls.
“You’ve gotta get good at forgiving. “Cause believe me, you’ll be the one needing it the next time.”
Even if He Doesn’t–suffering and trust
Even if He Doesn’t: What We Believe about God When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
By Kristen LaValley
Life is not easy and it certainly can be messy. Just ask Kristen LaValley who with her husband suffered a miscarriage, loss of position in their church, income, and home through what certainly felt like betrayal by friends who turned their backs on the couple. They were faced with the necessity of deciding who should live—twin 1, twin 2, and/or mom. Along with traumatic events over the years, add in the changes that accompany situations like this—finding new friends and trusting them, moving, knowing what to say to well-meaning friends and family, anxiety attacks, health issues, and reconciling their life complications with what they know about a good God.
LaValley does not compare her sufferings with anyone else’s—suffering is suffering. She shares what it meant in her life and describes God’s faithfulness as she made her way through her life journey. Her story is not a comfortable one, but it is valuable to see how she relied on God through the high and low points. It is important to see how God is with us even when He doesn’t answer prayers the way we think He should. He is good because that is His character.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Spiritual Growth
Notes: 1. For some reason, my digital copy of this book disappeared so I checked out an audio version from my library. I’m glad I did. The author did a great job of reading her own book. We all suffer in different ways, and we all know others who are suffering. We need to know how to react to those in pain. Even if you don’t agree with every detail in the book, you can benefit from it. Life is a journey, and we are all involved in discerning the best way to trust in God and move forward with Him as our guide. You are not necessarily at the same place in your trip as LaValley is, but we share a common struggle.
2. Even if He Doesn’t includes a lot of Scripture references that LaValley uses to support her thoughts on suffering.
Publication: February 20, 2024—Tyndale Momentum
Memorable Lines:
The comfort of “even if he doesn’t” isn’t just that one day he will, which I fully believe. It’s that he’s good anyway. He’s faithful anyway. He’s loving anyway. Even when he doesn’t.
When our image of God is dependent on things going the way we believe they should, our image of him is centered on us, not on him. But true faith isn’t believing God is good just because we have proof of it. Faith is believing that he’s good even when we don’t have proof.
The idea that God wants us to suffer (for any reason) stands in direct contradiction to the life, testimony, and work of Christ. Jesus came to take our suffering on himself, not to have us prove something by our own suffering.
Crime and Cherry Pits–pug brings smiles in this cozy
Crime and Cherry Pits
By Amanda Flower
I needed a break from the more “serious” read that my book club had been working on for 6 weeks. It was a worthy read, with depth, but what I needed was the diversion of a cozy mystery, but not just any cozy mystery. I needed a novel with a strong, intelligent protagonist with an interesting background. I wanted a mystery that would keep me guessing with a little romance thrown in. If there could be a kid and animals, so much the better. I was delighted to see that a cozy mystery from Amanda Flower’s Farm to Table Mysteries was next in my queue.
In Crime and Cherry Pits, Shiloh Bellamy is the owner of the organic Bellamy Farm in Cherry Glen, a little western Michigan town. She has had to work hard to get it out of debt and running again, but she has done so well that she has been honored by an invitation to participate in the annual Cherry Festival in nearby Traverse City. While all seems to be going well, there are so many ways for things to go wrong. She has problems with a new organic farm neighbor who doesn’t really know what he has gotten into. Another neighbor has a darling, precocious daughter Hazel who adores Shiloh. Hazel’s father has known Shiloh since childhood and there is an attraction, but their past always looms between them. Hazel’s parents absolutely do not like Shiloh. Shiloh recently found some stocks left to her by her grandmother who died years ago. She wants to do what is right, not just what is legal, which causes problems with her father and her cousin.
Shiloh has a way of getting dangerously mixed up in murder cases partly because of circumstances and partly because she is nosy. Surely that could not be an issue in this story, because how could someone die at a Cherry Festival? Cue the cherry pit spitting competition! A production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest is produced by Shiloh’s cousin and Shiloh’s father accepts a leading role. There are affairs and lying, three police agencies get involved, and there are death threats. On the positive side, the reader gets to enjoy Shiloh’s cat Esmeralda and her pug Huckleberry who accompanies her almost everywhere. Add to that the farms animals: Diva the chicken and all the other chickens she controls and the flock of five Olde English Babydoll Southdown yearlings, less than twenty inches tall. Is someone out to hurt them? As Shiloh rises to the occasion, the reader can be sure that it won’t happen on Shiloh’s watch.
Crime and Cherry Pits is a cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages to see whodunit. You’ll need to read to the finish for a surprise ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: 1. #4 in the Farm to Table Mysteries, but could be read as a standalone because Flower includes background (without being boring).
2. Includes a basic recipe for homemade soap that sounds doable. Hers, of course, includes cherry essential oil.
Publication: February 27, 2024—Poisoned Pen Press
Memorable Lines:
She looked down at Huckleberry. “Is that a police dog?” “In training,” Milan said. “We aren’t sure he has what it takes.” “He’s a pug,” Susan said. “We thought we’d go for unassuming with this one,” Milan said with a straight face. “No kidding,” Susan replied.
My little pug was in tune with my emotions, and he felt my nervousness. I was grateful for his warm presence.
Inside the general store, Huckleberry was living his best life, lying on a plush dog bed and gnawing on a piece of beef jerky. He didn’t even look up when I entered the store. I didn’t blame him. Snacks in bed were my favorite too.
A Breath of Fresh Air–very tangled family relationships
A Breath of Fresh Air
by Jessica Redland
I have really enjoyed Redland’s books; they are clean romances. I had many interruptions as I was reading this one, but I was always eager to pick up where I left off. My one warning is that A Breath of Fresh Air ends with a very large and surprising hook—big enough that I will be revising my reading queue to move on quickly to the third book in the series. At the end, I turned the page to learn who the mysterious “C.” is only to discover that this person’s identity is still hidden. Several of the main characters have been working for a number of months to bring this person’s name to light, but as the book closes it is still a mystery to the reader.
A Breath of Fresh Air is the story of Rosie who manages the stable on a large, but run down, property. She cares for the horses and gives riding lessons to groups and individuals with the help of her mother. Mam is emotionally crippled by a very serious accident and can not make herself leave the estate grounds. Mam has raised Rosie on her own and has never disclosed to Rosie, or anyone, who Rosie’s father is.
There is a lot of heavy baggage that the characters have to carry. Rosie was badly bullied in school, but the most painful break was with her long time friend, Ollie. What in his background would cause him to join with the “Populars” in making fun of her?
There are a lot of themes that the author explores including dysfunctional families composed of tortured people. Bullying is a huge issue as well as secrets that hurt but are supposed to protect. Paternity issues and the treatment of unwed mothers play a major role in this book. The novel includes second chance romances and recovery from PTSD. In the midst of all of these negatives are folks of good character, a supportive friend, and people who dream and work to make their dreams a reality.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Romance, Women’s Fiction
Notes: #2 in the Escape to the Lakes series, but could be read as a stand alone.
Publication: January 10, 2024—Boldwood Books
Memorable Lines:
Confidence could be such a funny thing. If I was at the stables, I could happily chat to anyone—any age or walk of life, but being surrounded by horses was my comfort zone, my domain, my safe space. This couldn’t be further from that.
“Your capacity to forgive is astonishing, you love your friends and family with a ferocity that’s so touching, and you inspire me every day to want to be a better person.”
Things happened—unexpected, horrendous, life-changing things—but what was important was how we picked ourselves up after them, made our peace and moved on.
I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas–Romance in Scotland
I’m Glad I Found You This Christmas
By C.P. Ward
I found a Christmas story that would truly be good at any time of the year just because it is sweet and contains some “magical” charm—perhaps it was dusted by Christmas elves. The setting is Hollydell, Scotland, a minimally advertised winter resort that can only be reached by an old fashioned coal train. In fact, it is located literally at the end of the line! Renee tries to help out her long time best friend Maggie whose boyfriend of four years, Dirk, has moved to London in an important new job and seems to be distancing himself from Maggie, a lowly shopkeeper. At least that is the way she thinks of herself. Renee thinks that if Maggie invites Dirk to a romantic Christmas, he will show his true colors by either pulling a no show or asking her to marry him.
The locals and tourists are all amazing people, friendly and welcoming to Maggie introducing her to all the fun Christmasy activities. As Dirk keeps postponing his arrival, Maggie’s new friends insist that she participate in all of the events and foods that make Hollydell the only place they would want to be during the Christmas season. Henry is the very handsome, kind reindeer keeper who takes a special interest in Maggie, but as they grow closer he shares that he doesn’t do “holiday romances.” The area has some beautiful snowfalls despite Scotland not normally experiencing much snow. The setting is magnificent.
You just have to read this book to see if any romances develop and if they include Dirk. More importantly, you’ll want to find out if Santa makes an appearance.
Rating: 4/5
Category: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Notes: 1. This is #1 in the Delightful Christmas series. My research tells me the books in this series would read like standalone, because the characters and locations of these books do not overlap. The connection seems to be solely Christmas.
2. This is my first read by this author, but there are 9 books in this series and there are other seasonal books by C.P. Ward. I’ll be returning for more sweet, clean novels..
Publication: September 30, 2018—AMMFA Publishing
Memorable Lines:
“We don’t get many visitors these days, but that’s intentional. We like to keep Hollydell special for those people who need it most.” She looked up and met Maggie’s eyes. “You see, those who really need us will always find us.”
“Nothing wrong with a good, honest job,” Emma said. “We can’t all be painting church ceilings. If you love what you do, you’re sorted. Money is just a number. Happiness is uncountable.”
“Things will work out, or they won’t, but one way or another, you’ll survive.”
Remarkably Bright Creatures–looking for family
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Felt
Remarkably Bright Creatures brings together characters who are searching, who are in pain, who are living out their lives the best way they know how. Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. He was rescued and now is spending the rest of his “sentence” at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. He knows that he has a lifespan of four years. Being a highly intelligent creature, he is doing a backwards countdown on his days and realizes there are not many left. Also ending the close of her life, with less precision, is Tova, the extremely competent 70 year old janitor at the Aquarium. She enjoys her job, and it keeps her busy. Her husband and son have both passed away—a fact which is daily present with her as she moves through time with sadness.
When Tova’s estranged brother passes away, she is forced to think about how she will end her days without anyone to care for her. Meanwhile she does have people in her life who love her, especially a group of friends called the Knit-Wits and the grocery store/deli owner Ethan who has a big heart.
Cameron is a young man who has an uncanny ability to regurgitate random facts but has never quite found his place in the world and considers himself a failure at everything he does. He was raised by his Aunt Jeanne after being dropped off by his mother. He never even knew who his father is. At the end of his relationship and financial ropes, he finds a high school class ring and goes off in search of his father. His journey takes him to the town where Tova works.
There are many clues that rise to the surface, some provided by Marcellus who really is a “remarkably bright creature.” He and Tova develop a relationship after she realizes that he gets out of his tank most nights. He recognizes her sadness and finds ways to communicate with her and help her. Although one clue sends the reader on the path of discovery, it takes several more before the actual mystery of various relationships is revealed. Tova did not know her son as well as she thought she did. Other characters have issues they have to come to grips with also. I like the way the author explores the depths of character of the people and animals that populate this book. Remarkably Bright Creatures handles well its themes of family, love, grief, and overcoming your past rather than letting your past determine your future.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Fiction
Notes: Contains swearing
Publication: May 3, 2022—Ecco
Memorable Lines:
Terry’s small daughter chose my name. Marcellus McSquiddles, in full. Yes, it is a preposterous name. It leads many humans to assume I am a squid, which is an insult of the worst sort.
The Knit-Wits have been her friends for years, and sometimes she still feels as if she’s a mistaken jigsaw piece who found her way into the wrong puzzle.
Every few seconds, with a loud whoosh, a burst of wind smacks him in the side of the head as another semi truck hurls down the freeway, like a parade of oversized beetles, mocking him with their menacing grilles as he stands on the shoulder in front of the camper’s popped hood.
Cooking up a Valentine’s Proposal—Sweet, clean romance
Cooking up a Valentine’s Proposal
by Daisy Flynn
When Jane’s bakery and apartment go up in flames, she and her daughter get out with their lives and not much else. They move in temporarily with Augustine who is a top rated chef and the brother of Jane’s best friend.
This is a novella so there is not a lot of opportunity for character development, but it is a nice, short read for Valentine’s Day—especially if you like characters who are not elderly but are “later in life.”
Rating: 3/5
Category: Romance, Fiction
Notes: If you like clean romances, this might appeal to you.
Publication: January 23, 2024
Memorable Lines:
I knew I didn’t want to go home after work. It wouldn’t be the calming oasis I’d thought it was before. Now it’d be an empty, echoing chamber that might just swallow me whole.
education pathways 