Review: Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera

Here to Stay by Adriana  Herrera
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: August 2020


 

Julia moves to Dallas from New York with her boyfriend who dumps her and returns to New York shortly after. Rocco Quinn is in Dallas to help Sturm's, the company Julia works for, go public. Sturms has been mostly run by a set of elegant twins, but their younger brother is ready to take the company to the next level. If they do, Julia's job could be in jeopardy. There is very strong chemistry between Julia and Rocco, but will that change his mind about what is best for the company? Which will matter more to them, finding happiness with each other or keeping their jobs?

Thanks to Carina Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is another book that I really enjoyed. It kept me entertained from start to finish. There were a couple of surprises along the way that I didn't see coming, but overall this was a cute romantic story that I would recommend to those who enjoy work romance stories.


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Review: I Can't Breathe by Matt Taibbi

I Can't Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street by Matt Taibbi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: October 2017
 

I Can't Breathe talks about the life and death of Eric Garner. Eric Garner was an unarmed black man who was killed by New York polices officers in 2014. Eric Garner was not a model citizen, but he did not deserve to die. Garner was a hustler, he did what he had to do in order to provide for his family. Mostly, he sold cigarettes on the street corner that he would drive down to other states to get.

He always wore sweatpants that were dirty and everyone knew Eric.

"So when police beat someone badly enough, the city's first line of defense is often to go on offense and file a long list of charges hoping one will stick." (taken from uncorrected proof)

It feels like we as black people are stuck in the system of shoot first ask questions later, or choke first and ask questions later. The title of this book rung true again at the beginning of this summer with the death of George Floyd. He was the straw that broke the camel's back. People have come out in droves from all racial backgrounds to march and protest for black lives. Yes, all lives matter, including the lives of police officers and other ethnic groups, but we as black people are constantly treated as if we are not worth of normal everyday things in this life.

This book really gave me insight to the corruption in the New York police department.


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Review: Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Published: August 2020
 

Charlotte Foret is a woman living in Occupied France during World War II. She likes to say that "It had taken Hitler to maker her a Jew." With the help of a German soldier, she was able to survive that difficult time and make it to America with her daughter Vivi. Now working for a publishing house in New York and living at the top of her boss's building, she must navigate life with the questions her daughter has about the past and her future. The story goes back and forth from war time in 1942 and Charlotte's life 10 years later in 1952. Will Charlotte be able to answer her daughters questions, and why is everything such a big secret.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Historical Fiction is not one of my favorite genres, but every once in a while there is a book that really grabs your attention and sucks you in. This book wasn't that at first for me. I think what drew me to the story initially was her working in publishing in New York. That has always been a dream of mine. About 30% of the way through the book, I started to get interested in Charlotte and her past. It was very interesting. Books have been a part of her life, her whole life. Her father was in publishing and she is working at a bookstore in France and then full circle she gets to America and is in publishing.

Charlotte's story starts off really well and then takes a turn it really didn't have to in order for the story to be great. I don't want to go into more, without giving away too much. Overall, this book is about escaping, forbidden love, building a new life, loving your daughter, and facing the truths of your life.

SOMETHING TO ENJOY WHILE YOU READ:

FRENCH 75 COCKTAIL RECIPE

Ingredients

1 lemon

3 tablespoons (11/2 oz) gin

11/2 tablespoons (3/4 oz) fresh

lemon juice

1 tablespoon (1/ 2 oz) simple syrup

1 cup ice cubes

1/4 cup (2 oz) dry sparkling wine,

such as brut Champagne, chilled

Preparation

Slice peel from lemon in long, thin spiral. Reserve lemon and set peel aside.

Combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled Champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

Create lemon twist by curling lemon peel around finger. Garnish drink and serve immediately.

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Audio Book Review: Let Me Hear a Rhyme By Tiffany D. Jackson

Let Me Hear a Rhyme by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: May 2019
 

Steph, Quadir and Jerrell are friends growing up in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The same neighborhood as Biggie and Jay-Z. When Steph is found murdered, no one knows how to react. When his friends Quadir and Jerrell find music he has recorded, they are determined to get it out for the world to hear and not let his death be in vain. Along with Steph's sister, Jasmine, they work to get the music out and find out who killed Steph.

So far I have loved everything I have read by Tiffany D. Jackson. Allegedly and Monday's Not Coming are her other two. This one was a bit different though. It wasn't as suspenseful as the others. It really resonates with what is going on in our society today where young black men are being gunned down.

No one knows the secrets Steph has been keeping. Even though he is only in high school, he helps to take care of his mom and his sister. He spends time with his friends and writes a ton of music. So when he is gunned down, it's a surprise to the entire neighborhood. As the months after his death go by his friends and family start to learn more about Steph than they ever did while he was alive. Helping to ease the tension from his mother they share his music with the world. Steph is an incredible artist and the world should hear what he has to say.

This was a great YA novel that held my attention from start to finish. A quick yet very enjoyable read.


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Audio Book Review: Pride by Ibi Zoboi

Pride by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: September 2018

Zuri Benitez is one of five daughters living in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York. She has lived in the same house her entire life. When the Darcy's move in across the street, it's clear right from the start to Zuri, that they are from different worlds. But there is something about Darius Darcy that makes her curious. When her sister Jenay starts dating older brother, Ansley, Zuri is forced to face Darius more than she wants. Will she discover that they have more in common than she originally thought?

I was torn between several audio books to listen to when friends suggested I give this one a try. I read Pride and Prejudice when I was a freshman in high school, but I really don't remember it at all. This book grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn't stop listening until I reached the end. I usually only listen to audio books during my work commute, but with this one, I listened at every chance I got.

Young love is something I think most of us experienced. It seems like the most important thing in your life at the time, but there is so much more in life to discover. When Zuri meets Darius Darcy, she immediately decides she doesn't like him. He is not from her world and he does not understand her or the ethics of living in Bushwick. Will they be able to find common ground, or will they forever be enemies. Their relationship takes a turn when Zuri visits Howard University in Washington, D.C. and Darius offers to drive her home instead of her taking the bus. They have four hours uninterrupted by themselves to see if they can actually be friends. They discover a lot about each other as well as themselves during this journey.

Loved this book highly recommend for everyone.

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Audio Book Review: Promises to Keep by Jane Green

Promises to Keep by Jane Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: 2010  

 


Callie and Steffi are sisters and they could not be more different. Callie is a mother of two, a wife and a photographer, living in the New York suburbs. Callie is a city girl through and through and is enjoying her life with her rock star boyfriend and cooking at a vegan restaurant. At some point in life, things change, and things for this family are about to change in a very big way. Will Steffi see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally decide to settle down her life, or will she continue to live by the seat of her pants? Will Callie continue to live her life with her husband always gone and bearing most of the responsibility of the children?

I love Jane Green's books, they always make me shed a tear or two and this one was no different.

This is a story about love and family. Not the just family that is related to you by blood, but the friends that become your family.  Another awesome thing about this book, are the amazing recipes that are in it.  Need to go and purchase Good Taste: Simple Delicious Recipes for Family and Friends.

A few years back Callie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought hard and she beat it. But now, she's having some weird pains and her biggest fear is that the cancer may come back. Dealing with this in my family right now, it's always hard to hear when someone you love is sick, especially when there is nothing you can do to help.

Steffi is a drifter, drifting from job to job and man to man never quite landing on the right spot. When an opportunity comes along for her to make a major change in her life, she has to decide whether or not to take the leap. I think we've all been in that situation, where you feel like you're on the hamster wheel of life and it's impossible to get off. Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new is not easy for most of us. But the satisfaction you get when it all works out is the best feeling in the world.

These sisters along with their family and friends embark on a part of their life that is completely unexpected and changes them both. Full of love and warmth, this is a great book for all to enjoy. Make sure you have your box of tissues handy while reading.


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Review: I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: 2018

Rian has not had the easiest life so far. She and her twin sister, Marley are finally getting their lives where they want them. Their real estate business is going well and they will soon have the money they need to do their first flip. Along comes, Pierce, the dashing city boy who seems to be the perfect match. But when Pierce starts showing up everywhere Rian is to show or flip a house, she becomes suspicious of whether he is really interested in her or if he just wants an in on the properties on the beach in the Hamptons. Determined not to let her past ruin her future, Rian keeps forward with her quest despite Pierce's efforts to thwart her. Rian is not interested in men right now, her only objective is to be able to start flipping houses with her sister in an attempt to acquire the Mission Mansion which used to be in their family. Will she fall for this guy or leave him alone to continue with her own dreams?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

At first I wasn't sure how this book was going to turn out. I'm a big fan of HGTV and house flipping shows, but how would that translate into a romance novel. It's true that Rian has her share of demons in her closet, but her past shouldn't dictate her future, especially when it comes to love. I really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the start and I didn't want to put it down. There were times when I found the main character a little whinny, but we, as independent women, can get that way sometimes when things seem to be going our way and then an obstacle comes into play. A very handsome and determined obstacle at that.

This is a great story about family and overcoming your past to make room for love and happiness in your future.



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Review: Bridal Girl by Meredith Schorr

Bridal Girl by Meredith Schorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kim and Nicholas are about to get married. It's seven months until their wedding day and Kim is under a lot of stress with all that has to be done. Not only is she in the middle of planning her wedding, she is also just coming off releasing her first book and is working on the second. As part of her two-book deal with her publisher, she has to have a rough draft of the book in right before her nuptials. Will Kim and Nicholas be able to have the wedding they both dream of, or will the stress of everything going on be too much for them to handle?

Thank you to NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wedding season is among us. From now through the beginning of fall, finding a ballroom, limousine, or a bakery may prove very difficult.

Bridal Girl is the third book in the Blogger Girl Series. I have not read the other books in the series, but I did purchase them while reading this book. Kim Long is a blogger turned author. With such high success of her blog she decided to go ahead and write a book, the previous books give you details about this journey for Kim. Her first book was recently published and is up for it's second printing run. If Kim can stop looking at all of the negative reviews and focus on what is in front of her, she may be able to get book two out in time.

Luckily for Kim she has Nicholas. Nicholas and Kim are perfect together, they are each other support system. When Kim is overwhelmed with trying to find a dress that not only she will love, but that the rest of her bridal party agrees on too, Nicholas is there to be the shoulder to cry on and even offers to go dress shopping with her.

With ex-girlfriends, pregnancy, writers's block, frenemies, new editors, and life in general, will it all be too much for Kim to handle?

Get this book for your entire bridal party, for your friend getting married this year, for those thinking about writing a book. Heck, get the whole series.

*At the time of this post the author does not have any plans for more books in the series.  But you never know!!*


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Review: Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave

Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sunshine McKenzie is a the top of her game. Her YouTube show, "A Little Sunshine" has milions of subscribers, The Food Network wants her to host a new show, and she's about to put out a series of cookbooks. But when her Twitter account is hacked an her entire world comes crashing down, she must evaluate what is truly important in her personal and professional life.

I read Eight Hundred Grapes a couple of years ago and I really enjoyed Laura Dave's writing. I've heard mixed reviews on this book, for me it was alright.

Sunshine Stephens grew up in Montauk, NY Even though the town was full of people with wealthy backgrounds, Sunshine was not a part of those people. She didn't come from a wealthy family, but she escaped the first chance she got. When she met Ryan, he promised her fame and fortune. All she had to do was tell a little lie about who she was and her abilities as a chef. But after a few years like this it's hard to separate fact from fiction. So some jerk has decided to knock Sunshine off of her pedestal and bring her back to reality. All of this was to remind her who she was and where she came from and the life she was currently living was not hers at all.

Overall, this book was pretty good. I liked Sunshine as a character. It sucks that her life had to come down to this life and career destroying conclusion. Will she be able to bounce back and continue to live her life?


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Review: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Wonder by R.J. Palacio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

August Pullman is not your typical 10 year old. He has never been to school, he has had countless surgeries, and he has a rare facial deformity. But despite all of that, his outlook on life is very positive. This year, Auggie, as he likes to be called, and his family have decided it is time for him to go to school. He has been homeschooled all of this time because of the countless doctor's appointments and medical tests he had to do that it wasn't practical. But he's finally reached the stage of his life where none of that is necessary. Of course, he and his parents are a little skeptical about how this will all play out. How will the other children treat him and will he be able to make new friends?

I have had this book on my TBR for a while. When I saw that the movie was coming out, I pushed it closer to the top. My daughter, who is also 10 was very interested in seeing this movie as well. I told her we had to read the book first. So we read it together. I love that we both have this passion for reading and that we can talk about this book together and then enjoy the movie.

This book brought me to tears several times. First of all, the way they describe Auggie in the book is horrible. His ears look like cauliflower, his eyes come too far down, his cheeks look punched in, his mouth is like a turtle. When he is first introduced to school, Mr. Tushman has a few kids show him around the school. Only one, Jack, seems like a really good kid.

The book follows Auggie and his family and friends through his first year at school, Beecher Prep. The book is mostly told from Auggie's point of view, but also there is a section for his sister Olivia(Via); the first person to sit with him at lunch, Summer; Jack, one of the first people Auggie meets at the school; Justin, a friend of Olivia's; and Miranda, another friend of Olivia's who gave Auggie a special gift one time that he cherished.

This book will touch your heart and soul and it shows you the importance of treating people as you would like to be treated despite what they may look like.

I can't wait for my daughter to finish the book so we can go and see the movie together. Although I'm already having some issues seeing as the book describes Auggie's mom as a Brazilian and Julia Roberts is not...

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Review: The Boyfriend Swap by Meredith Schorr

The Boyfriend Swap by Meredith Schorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Robyn and Sydney are similar in many ways. They are both successful in their careers. Robyn is a music teacher and Sydney is a lawyer. They both have boyfriends that are very attractive. They also both don't want to take the boyfriends home with them for the holidays. For Robyn, her family is tired of seeing her with artsy men who have no future. For Sydney, she is tired of her father monopolizing the holiday with shop talk. The holidays are supposed to be fun, not judgmental and hostile. So, even though they've just met, Sydney comes up with brilliant idea, swap boyfriends for the holiday. It's just a few days, what's the harm? When Robyn finds out Sydney is dating her childhood crush, will she be able to hold it together? And how will her family handle this? Is this swap really such a good idea?

Thank you to Meredith Schorr, NetGalley, and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

First of all, I'm not sure this is something I would have ever been able to do. To trade boyfriends at all, but with someone I don't even know. I'm not sure it would work out for me. It's been a while since I've read a book quite like this. It was cute and quirky and I can easily see this being made into a movie.

Robyn's Story
For Robyn, whenever she brings home a guy who is good to her, she has fun with, and is artsy like her parents, they let her know that he is not the right guy for her. She needs a guy with a steady job someone with a 401K and a savings account. Robyn and her boyfriend Perry have been together for almost a year, and they have a lot of fun together. But is he really, "The One"?
Bringing home Will is going to shock the hell out of her family. He was her childhood crush and now he's pretending to be her boyfriend. Will she be able to keep up the farce over the few days they spend with her family or will the secret be revealed before it's even started?

Sydney's Story
Sydney has to bring home a date for Christmas. If not her parents will try to set her up with some hideous guy she would never be interested in, but would be good for business. And she doesn't want to bring home Will. Will is a lawyer just like Sydney, and like Sydney's father. If she brings him home, all her father will do the entire time is try to recruit him to their law firm, and Sydney doesn't want to subject him to that. She also likes keeping her personal life to herself.
When Sydney brings Perry to the family dinner, she is surprised at how well her family likes him. This was not how she had planned this to go. And then when Perry deviates from her script, it makes things even worse. Will they be able to make it through the holiday without killing each other.

This book was a funny, romantic read that had me routing for one character to the end. This is the first book I have read by Meredith Schorr, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Author Q&A--Three is my favorite number so I asked the author three questions:

Me:  Where is your favorite place to write?

Meredith: My favorite place to write is a coffee shop called The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.  There used to be one right next to my apartment building and I wrote four books there.  It closed last year and I'm currently "dating" other cafes to find the right fit.

Me: What is your favorite book of all time?
Meredith: Omg, I don't know how to choose! So many! In my genre, I'll go with Attachments by Rainbow Rowell, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, The Cinderella Deal by Jennifer Cruise, and The Perfect Match by Kristan Higgins. Too hard to choose just one.

Me: Which character do you most identify with, Robyn or Sydney?
Meredith: I would say I'm not as sweet as Robyn and not as aggressive as Sydney.  I'm more sensitive to the feelings of others and less bold than Sydney, but I have my aggressive, bitchy moments more than Robyn.  A little of both.

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Review: Vengeance by Zane

Vengeance by Zane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wicket is a world famous performer. She dazzles crowds wherever she goes and she's sold more albums than most artists. She is known to her friends, which are very few as Ladonna Sterling and even fewer know her as Caprice Tatum. When Caprice was 15 years old, she was brutally attacked by the people she trusted. Having been cut as a young girl by her mother her life hadn't been the easiest, but she never thought anything like that would happen. Now as she approaches her fortieth birthday she hopes to get vengeance against those who wronged her.

It has been a while since I've read one of Zane's books. I used to read her books a lot when I was in my early twenties. This book took quite a different turn that I wasn't expecting. There is always sex involved in her books, but this one was not the same.

Wicket has a lot of issues that have stemmed from her childhood. She has never gotten the kind of therapy necessary for the type of trauma she has experienced in her life. Now she has issues with intimacy and finds it difficult to connect with people in general. Sure her fame as a little to do with it, but trust is not something that comes easily.

The book started out slowly for me. But once Wicket made her big move, it started to pick up. This young lady had been through a lot of hardship in her life. Without those things, she may not have made it this far in her life, but no one should have to go through all of that to find happiness. Zane always made me look at events in my life to know that things can be much worse and for a lot of people out there they are.

Zane had a new book released earlier this year that I can't wait to read Three-Piece Meal: A Novel

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