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Monday, February 4, 2013

Book Review & Giveaway: The Good Daughter

**Giveaway is now closed**

Kit Brennan is known as the good daughter (and sister); the one who doesn't make any waves and always gives her family her time and energy, not expecting anything in return. With her 40th birthday approaching and no signs of a relationship on the horizon, Kit decides that her desire to be a mother should be fulfilled without a man in her life. Then, on a girl's weekend away, she meets a man who challenges the role she plays in her family. As much as she wants him, she knows her parents and siblings would never approve of his motorcycle and "bad boy" image. Meanwhile, a difficult situation for one of her students and her mom's declining health make her wonder if this is really the time to pursue her desires for this new guy or even to become a single mother.

Amy Bromberg:
As always Jane Porter’s books suck me in. And she has done it again with The Good Daughter. Just like before I started The Good Woman (book one of the Brennan Sisters trilogy) I knew I was going to love this book because I loved Flirting with Forty and her previous series, which includes Odd Mom OutMrs. PerfectShe's Gone Country, and Easy on the Eyes. It can be read alone, but because there are references of characters and events from The Good Woman, I recommend reading it first. For more information, check out the synopsis at Goodreads.

Kit Brennan is the main character in this story. As the title says, she’s the “good” one, always putting others' needs before her own. (She’s also the middle sister, who has a twin sister, Brianna). But maybe it’s time she starts seeking out some pleasure for herself. This is where the ultra sexy Jude comes in. Jude is the epitome of a sexy biker dude, whom Kit happens to be extremely attracted to. But she fights this attraction because he’s a “bad boy,” which is the exact opposite of the type of man she tends go for. From Jane’s vivid writing it was almost like I was able to see him and touch him…and let me tell you something, any woman would want to. *Swoon.* The way I see it, Jude is to Kit what Michael Carrington is to Stephanie Zinone in Grease 2. Kit ends up re-thinking about what she wants for her life, and if what goes into being the “good” one can go hand-in-hand with what she desires.

There are a few ways that I can relate to Kit, but the big one is that she’s a bookworm. Since she’s been a little girl she has loved to read. No surprise that she is an English teacher, right?!? Since I was a little girl, more or less, I always had my nose in a book. Can’t even tell you how many times I frequented the library during my youth.

I can’t tell you enough how much I recommend this book. It’s a great choice for a sister, best friend, mother, and definitely a book club pick.

The Good Daughter book tour starts today. If you live in or anywhere near these cities I definitely recommend you go. I’m over the moon excited to be meeting Jane TONIGHT!


Melissa Amster:
Jane Porter has hit another one out of the park with her trademark high quality writing. While I liked The Good Woman a lot (see my review), The Good Daughter took the saga of the Brennan sisters to another level! Kit was a terrific literary heroine. She had so many layers and I admired how she stood up for herself and her beliefs. She also made selfless sacrifices. Her inner monologue is interesting throughout the story and never becomes stale.

Right from the beginning, The Good Daughter was engaging. Jane caught us up with the Brennan family and where they were at this point in time. I don't want to spoil anything from the first book, so I'd suggest reading that before moving on. I think the amount of catch-up was good enough to make it a stand-alone piece, but the family dynamic is built up from The Good Woman. Kit has a lot of back story in that novel too.

The dialogue is genuine throughout the story, as to be expected from a Jane Porter novel. And once again, she has great use of description. It's very easy to visualize people and places. This time around, Jane created a fabulous romantic lead. There's an element of her Harlequin romance side in Jude, but he also reminds me of Dane from She's Gone Country and Luke from Odd Mom Out. He's ruggedly sexy and his kindness beneath his tough exterior just adds to that even more. I only wish the romantic scenes were more detailed. I know Jane has the ability to make me blush, as she has done so in previous novels. This time, the steamy scenes were open for interpretation, but I prefer to have the information spoon-fed to me....every last spine-tingling detail. I also like that there was a cameo appearance from a character in her past series. We even get a glimpse into where she is now!

There are some darker themes and some parts that might be hard for sensitive readers to handle. I am hesitant to recommend this book to a friend who recently went through a similar situation to what Kit was going through with her mother. The name similarities are a bit too uncanny for her, as well. However, Jane handles everything maturely, taking sensitive readers into account, and tries to make everyone as comfortable as possible, even when faced with these difficult situations that they will come across.

The only concern I had was that a lot was left open-ended at the conclusion of the story. As to not spoil anything, I won't say what it was, but I closed the book with a lot of questions on my mind. I'm hoping the answers will come in her future novels. From the preview I read for The Good Wife, I know that Sarah's story isn't the only focal point. If Meg's voice is going to take over half the first chapter, I can imagine we'll be visiting with Kit more, come September. Overall, it was a page turner from beginning to end and I can't wait to catch up with the Brennan sisters (and brother) again this autumn!

Thanks to BookSparks PR for the book in exchange for an honest review. We have an extra copy to share with one lucky reader anywhere in the world!

How to win The Good Daughter: Please tell us one good thing you did (either for yourself or someone else) in the past week. Make sure to include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact info will NOT be counted. Thanks!

Giveaway ends February 10th at midnight EST.

More by Jane Porter:

55 comments:

  1. Book sounds great. Last week, my friend came home from vacation to some problems with her 15 year old daughter, and I made soup for her to have one soothing thing to come home to.
    pascale.poitras@verizon.net

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  2. I'd love to read this—starting today—as I just finished reading The Good Woman last night during the superbowl. Priorities. The book tour isn't coming anywhere near me, but I did meet Jane once at the RWAs—she was an absolute delight!

    My good deed for the week: I took my hubby out for an impromptu date night. We hadn't been out together in ages, and every marriage needs some quality couple time to stay healthy. kskm07(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. Would love to read this book.I brought my husband breakfast in bed just because.Lomazowr@gmail.com

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  4. I treated a friend of mine to a day of shopping, lunch and cupcakes :)

    mengel2(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

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  5. Sounds like a great book! I went on a 7 mile hike with my hubby. That's something I did for me as well as for him!
    Brannanflooring@aol.com

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  6. I LOVE Jane. Instead of an actual 'drinking' game during the Super Bowl last night, my husband, kids and I played a healthier version. We had different exercises attached to different words or phrases that were said during the game. We heard "Harbaugh" and "Beyonce" over 2 dozen times! Our thighs are killing us today!!! No thanks to the extra 34 more minutes of talking the announcers had to do! :)

    dawndennis66611 at yahoo dot com

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  7. Thank You for a chance to win this book!
    It hasn't happened yet, but I agreed to babysit for my brother's dog when his family goes out of town this weekend. Instead of just going over there're to feed and let their dog out twice a day, I'm staying at their home. It will not only make them feel better because they don't like leaving their standard poodle alone, but I benefit as well, from a weekend of Me time! I'm looking forward to it.

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  8. itzhunicAThotmailDOTcom
    Sorry I forgot to add my email

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  9. I went to two spin classes over the weekend. =]

    Thanks!
    -Jessica M
    walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

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  10. I'm going through clutters and setting aside things to take to Goodwill. I also have been going through stacks of papers and magazines, receipts, important stuff and trying to get smaller stacks.

    bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

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  11. I like Jane Porter a lot too. I shoveled the driveway for my husband, a very nice thing to do!
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  12. I took pillows and cat food to our local stray cat shelter!! Would love to win this giveaway!

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  13. I can not wait to read this book!!! I went to a friend's house to help her on a project going on at school. Love that I can help others ... :)

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  14. I looove Jane Porter, can't wait for this one to come out! Last week I helped a friend move from an old apartment to a new one because she broke her arm the week before and then I stocked her freezer with all sorts of yummy crock pot meals for her to eat while in recovery!
    I can be reached at kelsey_abourezk@yahoo.com OR kelseyabourezk@gmail.com, please and thank you!

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  15. I always love Jane Porter's books and can't wait to read this one. My good dead my not sound like much to some people. But, those who know me know I love cats. I have had one (or more)in my life since I was a little girl. I saw a guy at Walmart yesterday looking at cat toys and he looked like he was struggling to find a kitten toy. I was worried he may think I was trying to pick him up or something (you know the old stories about people meeting others in the store) and almost just walked away. But, he seemed to be very confused. So, I gave him some advice on what kittens would love. He was so happy and told me he just got one and had no idea how to keep it entertained. It made me feel good to help someone.
    Janine
    kinini01@hotmail.com

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  16. This book sounds amazing..thank you..My good deed is also a sad one for me..my best friend is moving today..we have been stationed at the same military bases for two tours now..I can't imagine being here without her :( I helped them move all week..packing..even though it broke my heart.

    kuuipocat@yahoo.com

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  17. Can't wait to read this book.

    I gave up a week salary to rescue two dogs that were going to be put to sleep and placed them in a foster home.
    pigsrcute1@yaoo.com

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  18. I can't wait to read the Good daughter-I love reading her books! I was baking brownies and puttng together care packages for soldiers that are fighting the war.I send them goodies and books to them once a month. carolefiore@yahoo.com

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  19. I'm looking forward to reading this! Last week I made my mom chocolate chip banana bread and drove my kids a couple of hours to see her since she just had surgery on her heel. sfsabiaATgmailDOTcom

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  20. I am donating clothes to charity and I have rescued a wonderful dog (and a cat yrs ago), I love helping people and "paying it forward". I also pass on the books I've read.
    Msrh0ndaelaine @ gmail (dot) com
    (that's a zero not the letter 'O')

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  21. I went for a long run both Sat. And Sun.
    I love Jane Porter's books.

    csdsksds at gmail . Com

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  22. Jane's books are awesome. I loved The Good Woman and am so looking forward to reading The Good Daughter.
    I visited a friend of mine who is in the hospital today. She is going to have to have one of the lobes of her lungs removed, so it we are just waiting to see when the surgery will take place.

    csolinda(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  23. I took my husband for his first Reiki session. he wan't quite sure about it but he did enjoy it.
    my email is itsallgoodstable@gmail.com

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  24. We're spending the week at Disneyworld and I rented a scooter because I have problems with walking (bad back). I decided to let my daughter's grandfather-in-law use it today at Epcot so that he could spend the time with us. It worked out beautifully!

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  25. I LOVE Jane Porter & her books; wish I were closer to one of her book tour events.
    sparkle40175@hotmail.com
    I went & picked up my daughter's car on Saturday & had a new battery put in it while she was @ work; it was on it's last cell...

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  26. thanks for the chance to read is wonderful novel.

    i had dinner w/ friends this past week...we haven't seen each other for a while.

    i'm a follower, too

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com


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  27. My husband slipped getting out of the shower so I took care of him. I went to the store to buy a rubber mat for the shower, then I went to the grocery store to buy him some ice cream and cookies. Sweets always help healing. lol
    The book sounds great, I have added it to my read list.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  28. I helped my friend from Fresh Fiction open and catalogue approximately 125 books that came in the mail to be sent out for review.

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  29. I made a donation to a local charity in my area that I believe in this week, so that was my good deed!

    I'm reading The Good Woman this week, I cannot wait to get my hands on this and read it next!

    missamberljohnson at gmail dot com

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  30. I lent my DIL money that she really needed, without her asking, while she was out of town at a conference. She was thrilled and very happy since she hadn't asked.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  31. The book sounds great!

    I won a book from an author that I already owned, so I had her autograph it to a friend so I can gift it to her.

    Marcy Shuler
    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  32. Sounds like a great read.

    After volunteering for one rotation of Sunday school, my daughter signed up to do another one. So proud of her!

    valleyreader(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. After reading Meg Brennan Roberts' story, my appetite is on for Kit Brennan's.

    I always try to be helpful to others wherever I can, I think everyone should be and I don't wish to trumpet out how 'great' I am. I won an Amazon voucher from an author last year for 10 USD. That author brought out two books subsequently and I made sure to purchase them and support the author in return. I was just giving back what I'd received basically. But it was all about support....

    ishmarind(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. I can't really recall doing anything more significant than holding the door open for others. I carried a table out to an older woman's car.

    I loved The Good Woman and looking forward to seeing how Kit handles a "bad boy", seeing how Meg's doing, and learning more about Sarah's situation.

    kaur_chanpreet(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  35. a few days ago there was a demonstration that led to the closure of the road, transport drivers which I climbed forced to take a detour very far, so I gave him extra money

    eli_y83@yahoo.com

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  36. This sounds like a great book! I finally got out of the house and went to a spa with a friend tonight before she moves next week. That was pretty great!

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  37. My friend suffered a great loss and every week since it has happened I have sent a card. I plan to do this for many many months. I just want to know I am thinking if her and holding her close to my heart!

    I follow here and Facebook!

    Mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews at gmail dot com

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  39. I got up 1 1/2 hours earlier than normal to take my mom to the airport today so she leave the snow and go visit her friends in Florida for a week!

    suegaluska (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  40. I didn't strangle my 18 year old high school senior son as he was particularly nasty this morning! And even allowed him to drive my car to school...:):)

    kimberley2229@yahoo.com

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  41. I finally called a friend I haven't talked to in more than a year. We weren't mad at each other or something, just life got in the way and we were both busy in the past, but I'm so so glad we spoke and arranged to see each other soon.

    Thank you for the great giveaway!

    love2slim(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  42. Loveee Jane Porter! Does it count as a good act that I've been commenting on blogs promoting this book, saying how fabulous I think she is!? :D I think so! ;P
    nina565(at)aol(dot)com

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  43. Looking forward to reading this one. My good deed for the week was to get out of bed while having a severe migraine and typed a paper for my 18 y.o. nephew. He had to work an evening shift at his job, his sister was doing community service hours that evening, and the paper was due the next morning.

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  44. I took my grandchildren to the Dollar Tree and gave them $5 to spend. They loved it. And it didn't cost me much - it was great seeing them so excited to be able to buy 5 things! Thanks for this awesome giveaway! I really want to read this book.

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  45. THE GOOD DAUGHTER looks fabulous!!

    I helped my neighbor clean up the branches that had come off her trees after the recent storm.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  46. I took someone out for a meal.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  47. Just yesterday morning I donated a huge amount of boxes with various items to a local charity.

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  48. I took a long weekend taking a Monday and Tuesday off too...and took care of me: had my first hair cut and highlight in 8 months, teeth cleaned, annual doctor appointments, read, relaxed, and spent time with my family with whom I did not get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with this past year. My spirits are lifted...joy.

    sendsusanmail at gmail dot com

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  49. one good thing...has to be keeping my patience with three sick kids in the house!

    jmndowning@gmail.com

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  50. I made a homemade dinner for a friend who is in grad school.
    I SO want to win this!

    Bjoneill@hotmail.com

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  51. I adore all your books and this one will be fabulous too!

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Something good I have done in the last week... well, we are putting on (have been putting together) an open house at my local food bank (West Seattle Food Bank) tomorrow, so we have all been working hard at making that happen and tomorrow is the biggest day... I'll be there before 9am to set up and distribute food, we'll put together Friday's home delivery bags, I have a client with breast cancer who will need her bag tomorrow, clean up in between, as well as set up for the open house, put it on and finally clean it all up... I'll get home sometime after 10 tomorrow night...
    Anyone in Seattle?

    - lavendersbluegreen(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Thanks for the books and please - KEEP WRITING!

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  52. Thanks for the giveaway. I made chicken soup for my son and I while we were sick.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  53. Took care of my mother who had hip surgery. Looks like a great book. Amyasb@comcast.net

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  54. Yesterday, I noticed that a man waiting for the train had dropped something as he was boarding. I picked the item up and returned to him on the train.

    Email found by clicking on Blogger name.




    Bonnie

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  55. Thanks for participating in this giveaway. It made me feel good to hear all the good things you were doing for yourself and others.

    Thanks to Penguin for sending me the book to give away.

    Random.org chose from all entries with contact info (one per person).

    Congrats to Kelsey Abourezk!

    Don't forget to enter our current giveaways: http://www.chicklitcentral.com/p/giveaways.html

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