Book Review: Husband of the Year

By Melissa Amster

**This is a sequel to Teacher of the Year (reviewed here). There may be spoilers for that book. Proceed with caution.**

Family isn't only about blood. It's about the people we choose. 

Olan Stone wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with kindergarten teacher Marvin Block. And his daughter, Illona, can’t wait to call Marvin her stepfather. They’re bashert—meant to be. However, as the big day approaches, family tensions and unresolved issues put their future together in jeopardy. 

Marvin thought he and Olan had everything all figured out. But he’s realizing that their whirlwind romance may not be the foundation for a lifetime commitment after all. As they struggle through the changes that life is throwing their way, will they be drawn closer together or farther apart? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I am so thankful I found out about M.A. Wardell's Teachers in Love series through The Jewish Bookstagram Tour a few years ago, but also I am sad to be done with this series and wish it could keep going. It was great to reunite with Marvin and Olan (from Teacher of the Year) and remember why I adore them so much. And Illona and Gonzo are the icing on the delicious wedding cake. 

Husband of the Year is a sweet (and very, very spicy) comfort read. I was verklempt many times. It was great seeing the couples from the other two books, as well. There was just so much to love about it. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, as well as ones of sincerity and emotion. Even though part of the story presented a difficult situation, Marvin and Olan worked though it with love and patience. They also had strong support networks. I kind of had a feeling one part of the story would go a certain way and I was so glad that I was right! 

I enjoyed the moments with Marvin's students, as they were such a sweet group of kids. I also love how everyone was so accepting of him being gay and so supportive of his relationship and upcoming marriage. It reminded me of Schitt's Creek in this way. If only everyone could be like that in real life. While a lot of aspects of this novel felt too good to be true, it was comforting given all the instability going on in the real world. And, of course, all the Jewish joy was a mechaye.

While I would have liked Marvin and Olan to take turns narrating, like in the middle two books of the series where we get both mens' perspectives, it was nice to get to know Olan better through his long emails to Marvin throughout the novel. 

I really, really don't want this series to end, but it ended on a good note and maybe there will be room for a reunion in the future? If you haven't read the Teachers in Love series yet, it's never too late to get started!

I don't cast the books in this series because it's too hard to find the right fit for the main characters, but I'd love to see Carol Kane as Marvin's mom.

Thanks to Forever for the book in exchange for an honest review.

** Intended for mature audiences only. 18+ **

More by M.A. Wardell:
Marshmallow Mountain (with A.J. Truman)
Stirring Spurs
Mistletoe and Mishigas (also from Teachers in Love)

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TW: Alcoholism/substance abuse (from supporting characters but mentioned a lot), death from overdose (mentioned but not detailed).

Lindsey Goldstein's year to remember...plus a book giveaway

 

We're excited to have Lindsey Goldstein at CLC today to talk about her debut novel, Gap Year. It sounds like a clever and unique story, perfect for fans of Amy Poeppel. Thanks to Egret Lake Books, we have one copy to give away, along with a signed bookplate!

Lindsey Goldstein has always loved coming-of-age stories, from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to many of Judy Blume’s novels. After redefining herself several times, Lindsey wanted to tell a fresh coming-of-age story about someone in her forties  who sees a chance to start over and takes it. In general, she enjoys writing about Gen X characters who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. She lives in Southern California, and when she’s not writing, she works as a physical therapist and as a chauffeur. Ahem, kidding. She shuttles her kids around.  

Visit Lindsey online:
Website * Instagram * TikTok

Sign up for her newsletter.

Synopsis:
It’s her turn to have the adventure of a lifetime… 

Jane’s life is turned upside down within forty-eight hours: her only child leaves for a year  abroad, her husband abandons her for another woman, and her boss issues her an  ultimatum. She makes a bold, impulsive choice—she’s leaving it all behind for an adult  version of her daughter’s “gap year.”  

Once a hopeful young ecologist, Jane dreams of climbing a volcano and working in the Galapagos—but life got in the way. Now, nothing stands between her and the adventure she abandoned years ago.  
Sleeping in a hostel bunk bed surrounded by people at least twenty years younger, she befriends Laura, a fellow traveler determined to scale the volcano. Together, they doggedly train for the summit. Jane also meets Mark, a charming tour guide whose quick wit and sparkling eyes threaten to derail her identity quest. 

As Jane pushes her physical and emotional limits, she seeks answers to the burning question: “What the hell should I do with the rest of my life?” 

Jane navigates the world of travel to repair her broken heart. 

"Jane's quest to find herself and her place in the world will fit in nicely with relationship fiction collections." - Booklist 

"I couldn't put this book down." - Shayla Dugan, Author

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?
The road was rocky with many hills and valleys, but ended with a contract and a publication date!

How is Jane similar to or different from you?
Jane is definitely more adventurous than I am. We are similar in that we handle hard times with humor, injecting a little levity into otherwise difficult situations.  But she is so brave to seize the opportunity to pursue her dream in Ecuador, especially to climb a volcano. 

If Gap Year was made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
My top picks for Jane would be Kathryn Hahn or Rose Byrne. They are both so adept with comedy and poignancy. Pedro Pascal would make a great Mark. And Jude Law would be great as Clark. And Iris Apatow would nail the character of Liza!

Share a favorite Valentine's Day memory with us.
Valentine’s Day has never been a big thing for me. And my husband feels the same way. Our birthdays are the week before, so we always do something special for our birthday and then have a low-key evening in on Valentine’s Day. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it?
I would love for Cate Blanchett to narrate. I love her as an actress and her voice is calming. 

If we were to visit you right now, what places would you take us to see?
I’d take you to Crystal Cove for a walk on the beach followed by dinner in Laguna Beach. Two of my favorite places. 

Thanks to Lindsey for visiting with us and to Egret Lake for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 17th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: One Night on the Island

By Melissa Amster

Spending her thirtieth birthday alone is not what dating columnist Cleo Wilder wanted, but she plans a solo retreat―at the insistence of her boss―in the name of re-energizing herself and adding a new perspective to her column. The remote Irish island she’s booked is a far cry from London, but at least it’s a chance to hunker down in a luxury cabin and indulge in some self-care while she figures out the next steps in her love life and her career.

Mack Sullivan is also looking forward to some time to himself. With his life in Boston deteriorating in ways he can’t bring himself to acknowledge, his soul-searching has brought him to the same Irish island to explore his roots and find some clarity. Unfortunately, a mix-up with the bookings means both have reserved the same one-room hideaway on exactly the same dates.

Instantly at odds, Cleo and Mack don’t know how they’re going to manage until the next weekly ferry arrives. But as the days go by, they no longer seem to mind each other’s company quite as much as they thought they would.

Written with Josie Silver’s signature charm, One Night on the Island explores the meaning of home, the joys of escape, and how the things we think we want are never the things we really need. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I somehow missed One Night on the Island when it first released, but I am glad I finally got a chance to check it out! If you are looking for a cozy read while stuck indoors during a snowstorm, you can't go wrong with this one. Perfect for reading under a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa!  It's not about a tropical island, like the title leads you to believe. It takes place on a small island in Ireland, and there is a village with wonderful, friendly people right down the road. 

This was a sweet story. I loved the setting and there were great supporting characters in the nearby village. I wasn't sure where things would go over time and was pleasantly surprised. The dialogue and banter flowed nicely and there was a good range of emotions. I loved the concept of self-marriage in the way of just loving yourself first and foremost. 

I had a couple small concerns. One was strange timing at one part, as Mack's kids went to the lake for a week in the middle of autumn during the school year. I don't know of schools that give a fall break in the US and how would it be warm enough to swim in the northeast? Also, something worked out too neatly for one of the characters and it didn't feel as realistic to me. 

Overall, this was a really enjoyable novel and I'm glad I read it. It made me realize that I need to read the rest of Josie's books now. 

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Cleo: Mollie Winnard

Mack: Brandon Sklenar

Delta: Charlie Murphy

Dolores: Michelle Fairley

Raff: Ian Beattie

Susie: Britt Robertson

More by Josie Silver:

One Day in December

A Winter in New York

Slow Burn Summer

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TW: Death of parent (off page), parental neglect (off page), divorce

Spotlight and Giveaway: I'm Looking for a Man in Finance

Introduction by Melissa Amster

I will admit that when I first heard about Sabrina Waldorf's debut novel, I'm Looking for a Man in Finance, my interest in it stemmed from my Ghosts crush, Trevor, a Wall Street finance bro who died in 2000. However, it sounds like a fun enemies-to-lovers read and we're excited to celebrate the publication today! Thanks to Alcove Press, we have TWO copies to give away!

Sparks fly when a journalist seeking the most eligible man on Wall Street goes head-to-head with the finance bro determined to get in her way. 

Journalist Hallie Woods has a new assignment: date the hottest guy on Wall Street and document every moment for the magazine she works for. The only problem? Finance bros couldn’t be further from Hallie’s type. 

But as Hallie reluctantly flirts her way through the Financial District, there's one annoyingly handsome 6'5", blue-eyed man who keeps getting in her way. 

James Rossi is a typical finance bro on paper, but a hopeless romantic at heart. After being burned by an ex-girlfriend who used him for his money, he's also fiercely protective of himself and his friends. So when he realizes the new regular at his favorite bar is flirting with his colleagues as fodder for an article, he decides to sabotage her plans. 

Hallie and James clash at happy hour every week. But soon their dislike for each other turns into something unexpected, and Hallie questions whether she wants her personal life spread across the pages of a magazine. 

Hallie might have found her man in finance, but she also has a choice to make: publish the article or risk her career and invest in true love. 

“Balancing playful banter and steamy moments . . . The result is a flirty rom-com.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Heartwarming and fun.”
—Red Carpet Crash

Sabrina Waldorf is a hopeless romantic. After years of looking for her real-life man in finance, she decided to put pen to paper and create her own. When she’s not busy dreaming up new story ideas, she can be found curled up in her apartment with a coffee and a good book. 

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 15th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Better Mother

By Jami Denison

Women surrender their bodily autonomy when they become pregnant. From strangers patting their belly without permission, neighbors asking about the cat, in-laws weighing in on daycare decisions, mothers are considered public property and everyone has an opinion. The best-case scenario is nosy baristas commenting on coffee orders. The worst case is women like Adriana Smith, whose doctors ignored her headache until she was braindead, then used her corpse as an incubator until the baby was born months later, premature and desperately ill. No wonder motherhood is prime real estate for fiction, from historical to horror and every genre in between. 

Into this fertile territory, debut author Jennifer van der Kleut has delivered her first thriller, The Better Mother. The mom is question is Savannah Mitchell, a 34-year-old marketing account executive in San Francisco. She was ready to become a mom, but her longtime boyfriend balked at the prospect and left her. Months later, she finds herself pregnant by a casual fling, Matt… and when she gives Matt the news, he announces that he just reconciled with his ex-girlfriend Madison. Instead of being angry at Matt’s infidelity, Madison is excited about the baby and wants to help Savannah in any way she can.

Madison is a perky Stepford wife in green-and-pink plaid and headbands. She criticizes Savannah’s eating and exercise habits, the state of her apartment, and her job, insisting that all she cares about is the health and well-being of “their” baby. At first Savannah is merely annoyed, but when someone breaks into her apartment and important text messages disappear from her phone, she starts to suspect that Madison has more sinister motives in mind. If Madison can prove that she’s the better mother, will Savannah lose her baby to her? 

The Better Mother has the elements that domestic suspense fans love: babies, boyfriends, best friends, and the slow burn in the beginning where the protagonist questions her own reactions.  The twist is in its perspective: ordinarily, this book would be told from the point-of-view of the cheated-on wife/girlfriend, with the pregnant mistress the villain character. Flipping this genre expectation on its head provides a refreshing take.

While the tone was off at times—the first scene is funny, not scary, and later on characters go so far off the deep end that it becomes comical—the book delivers the roller coaster ride that readers want. It’s predictable, but that doesn’t lessen the fun. The only thing that was missing for me was an “a ha” moment for Savannah and a confrontation. 

Sadly, the current political environment toward pregnant women provides ample material for thriller writers like van der Kleut. At times, Madison seemed like a stand-in for big government, wedging itself into a woman’s most personal choices and judging her for them. Unfortunately, domestic suspense writers can continue to get inspiration from government and health policies that treat women like possessions. For women like Adriana Smith, their real-life horror is more terrifying than anything that fiction writers can create.  

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: This Book Made Me Think of You

By Allyson Bales

Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first Tilly can’t imagine sinking into a fictional world, but Joe’s tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“The right book in the right hands of the right person at exactly the right moment can change their life forever.”

What a thoughtful, emotional, and thought-provoking opening line to a story.  I spent last weekend completely immersed in Libby Page’s newest book and to say it was a warm hug that I am still thinking about would be an understatement.  This story touched my heart, and will be one I will think of for some time. I definitely think it should be on your February TBR immediately!

You get to meet Tilly, a lovely woman that just lost her husband and doesn’t really know what to do with that grief.  Her fiance leaves her the best gift at a local bookstore, where you also get to meet Alfie, the bookstore’s owner.

I was immediately invested in Tilly’s character.  I found her to be so relatable and vulnerable.  I really, really connected with her struggles and triumphs and can’t remember the last time I rooted so hard for a character.  Tilly gave me a lot of hope and I know she’ll be a character I will want so many others to meet!  I also really loved the flashback scenes where you get to know her fiancé Joe better.  This really added so much depth to the story and made me really think about my own wife and relationship.

This story reminded me why I am a book lover and why I love indie bookshops so much.  This is more of a predictable read, but one that will make you feel uplifted and inspired.  I loved so many of the characters and love all of the book recommendations that you get with each chapter!

I would also really recommend the audio version of this one. Zadeiah Campbell-Davies narrated the story beautifully and I loved how she brought Tilly to life.

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase it here.

More by Libby Page:
Mornings with Rosemary
The Lifeline
The 24-Hour Café

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Game, Set, Match

Today we are featuring Jennifer Iacopelli's latest sports rom-com, Game, Set, Match, which released this week. Even if you don't know much about tennis, this story is sure to dazzle. Thanks to Lavender PR, we have TWO copies to give away!

All of Penny Harrison’s hard work is finally paying off. At 21 years old, she’s a tennis icon in-the-making, with massive sponsorship deals and legendary status on the horizon, if she can just nail the upcoming Grand Slam in Paris. Until then, there’s no room for mistakes.

When she returns to the prestigious Outer Banks Tennis Club to train, though, she comes face to face with the biggest mistake she ever made: Alex Russell. With piercing blue eyes and irresistible charm, the bad boy tennis star is the only guy who ever broke Penny’s heart.

To keep her head in the game—and her mind off Alex—Penny leans on two of the club’s other rising stars. Jasmine Randazzo and Indiana Gaffney are both balancing exploding careers with their own off-the-court romances, and their drama might be enough to keep Penny distracted. 

But as days tick down to Paris, Penny seems to always find herself across the court from Alex. She knows that winning it all means laser focus…so why can’t Penny stay away from the one guy who ruins everything? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Praise for Jennifer's writing:

“I flew through this book. I was rooting for Audrey and the rest of Team USA the whole time—for their health, for their friendship, and of course for their gymnastics. Reading Break the Fall is the closest I’ve ever come to the thrill of competing at the Olympics—and I didn’t even have to do a single push-up to get here.” 
—Leila Sales, author of This Song Will Save Your Life

“Finding Her Edge captures the magic of a second-chance romance and tosses it into the pressure-cooker of world-class ice skating along with an irresistible combination of fake dating, family drama, and a shot at winning a life-changing gold. There is no one better than Jennifer Iacopelli when it comes to providing a realistic glimpse into the lives of elite athletes while crafting a romance chock full of heartbreak and hard work.”  
—Sarah Henning, author of It's All In How You Fall

Credit: Madison More

Jennifer Iacopelli writes about ambitious girls with big dreams. Her novels include Game, Set, Match; Break the Fall, and Finding Her Edge along with a co-edited anthology, Out of Our League. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and Finding Her Edge has been adapted for television by Netflix. As a high school librarian, she frolics all day with her students, books, and computers and writes at night while cheering on her beloved Yankees. 

Visit Jennifer online:
Website * Instagram * BlueSky

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 10th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: The Island

By Becky Gulc

‘YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’RE CAPABLE OF UNTIL THEY COME FOR YOUR FAMILY.

After moving from a small country town to Seattle, Heather Baxter marries Tom, a widowed doctor with a young son and teenage daughter. A working vacation overseas seems like the perfect way to bring the new family together, but once they’re deep in the Australian outback, the jet-lagged and exhausted kids are so over their new mom.

When they discover a remote Dutch Island, off-limits to outside visitors, the family talks their way onto the ferry, taking a chance on an adventure far from the reach of iPhones and Instagram. But as soon as they set foot on the island, which is run by a tightly knit clan of locals, everything feels wrong. Then a shocking accident propels the Baxters from an unsettling situation into an absolute nightmare.

When Heather and the kids are separated from Tom, they are forced to escape alone, seconds ahead of their pursuers. Now it’s up to Heather to save herself and the kids, even though they don’t trust her, the harsh bushland is filled with danger, and the locals want her dead.

Heather has been underestimated her entire life, but she knows that only she can bring her family home again and become the mother the children desperately need, even if it means doing the unthinkable to keep them all alive.’ (Synopsis courtesy of Orion Books.)

I got hold of The Island without really knowing what to expect, other than a recommended thrilling read which was enough for me! Wow. This was indeed one of the most gripping books I’ve read in a long time. I’m sure I stopped breathing at multiple points, I was so on edge! From fairly early on the tension is up there and stays up there throughout, which can’t be easy to write. Every time you think things can’t get worse, they do.

As the synopsis outlines, the story follows a family holiday that goes suddenly and drastically wrong. I found myself whizzing through this novel as I just couldn’t put it down; the pace is fast and it’s just gripping. 

It does get quite gory in places so this won’t be for everyone if you’re squeamish. Whilst I wouldn’t want to read this kind of novel all the time, I found this okay and it added to the tension.

My only criticism is that after such an intense book, once everything came to a head, I was left wanting to know more about the aftermath – this seemed quite brief. 

The ‘island’ is truly claustrophobic and the whole novel felt very cinematic so it wasn’t a surprise to read this is being adapted and I look forward to watching it one day. This is a tense, fast-paced thriller that’s hard to put down and perfect if you’re in the mood for something dark and dramatic! 

More by Adrian McKinty:
The Chain
Fifty Grand 
Falling Glass

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Spotlight and Giveaway: It's Not Her

We're excited to celebrate the publication of Mary Kubica's latest thriller, It's Not Her! Mary is one of Melissa's go-to thriller authors and she has this at the top of her five-book pile. Thanks to HarperCollins, we have one copy to give away!

A scream shatters the silence…

Courtney Gray’s peaceful vacation turns into a nightmare when she discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage. Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is asleep upstairs—unharmed.

A town full of secrets…

As police swarm the quiet resort, dark truths about Courtney’s family—and the town itself—begin to surface. Is Reese a victim… or the killer?

A truth no one saw coming…

With everyone hiding something, Courtney races to uncover the terrible mystery. But the closer she gets, the harder it is to know who—or what—to trust. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“A family vacation turns unspeakably grim. I relished every page. Tantalizing, terrifying and all too real. I couldn’t put it down.” 
—Shari Lapena, New York Times bestselling author of She Didn’t See It Coming

“Compulsively readable and impossible to put down, this book starts with a bang and doesn't let up. It’s Not Her is both a terrifying, twisting thriller, and a glimpse into the heart of a family both before and after a tragedy. Mary Kubica is an absolute master of suspense!” 

—Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of You Belong Here

“A gripping thrill ride with razor sharp tension and a whiplash ending I never saw coming. Kubica is a masterful storyteller!” 

—Jeneva Rose, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Credit: Sarah Jastre

Mary Kubica is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous suspense novels, including The Good Girl, Local Woman Missing, and Just the Nicest Couple. A former high school history teacher with degrees in History and American Literature from Miami University, she lives outside Chicago with her husband and two children. Her books—translated into over thirty languages and selling more than five million copies worldwide—have earned accolades from People, Kirkus Reviews, and the Chicago Tribune, and have been recognized by Goodreads, Amazon, and LibraryReads. (Bio adapted from Mary's website.)

Visit Mary online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 8th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Murder at the Duomo

By Sara Steven

As the sticky heat of August settles over Florence, Dan Armstrong is ready for a well-earned break—sightseeing with fiancée Anna, daughter Tricia and her fiancé Shaun. But when a British man is found dead inside the city’s magnificent Duomo, Dan’s plans quickly change.

The victim, Tristan Angel, is a super-wealthy arms dealer with a saintly name and a devilish reputation. But what was he doing in the cathedral, and who decided to make it his final confession?

At Angel’s opulent villa in the hills of Fiesole, Dan and Commissario Virgilio encounter a colourful cast of suspects—each one hiding secrets and none too eager to talk. As tempers rise and the heat outside grows ever more intense, Dan and his four-legged sidekick, Oscar, must sniff out the truth before the killer strikes again. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Is this really the fourteenth book in the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series? All of the books are great, with Murder at the Duomo yet another great addition. This time, the original plan for Dan is to spend some much-desired time with his daughter and daughter’s fiance, yet crime never stops for anything!

I like that the reader gets to learn a little bit more about Dan’s family. We’ve heard about Tricia, but it was nice to see more of her in this book, and learn that she’s engaged to be married. Dan is also engaged to Anna, which feels like it’s been a long time coming but well worth the wait. As per usual, Dan is called in to assist on a murder investigation, which is always an intricate, well-researched affair, but this time we’re given more roots to what makes Dan tick by learning more about his family. 

The synopsis mentions a colorful cast of suspects, and that is absolutely correct. Given the nature of the situation, no one can leave the villa or enter the villa, which really adds to the pressure of the environment for all of the characters involved. While reading Dan’s checklist, I follow along and create a list of my own, attempting to figure out who might be the culprit, no matter how far fetched it might be, and I found it fun that Dan also had some unbelievable ideas, especially when it involves those he knows who are closer to his neck of the woods. You never really know when an Armstrong and Oscar book is involved. 

One by one, suspects are removed, leaving behind the final answer, and as usual, it was the last person I suspected. Dan approaches his theories in a very methodical manner, and it works really well. Murder at the Duomo was a fun five-star addition to this series, and I look forward to many, many more!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Kobo

T. A. Williams is the bestselling author of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series. He studied languages at University and lived and worked in Italy for eight years, returning to England with his wife in 1972. T.A. and his wife now live in Devon.

Visit T.A. Williams online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram 

Sign up for his newsletter.

Visit all the stops on T.A. Williams' tour:

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Book Review: In Bloom

By Sara Steven

It's the mid-nineties, and in the small, shitty coastal town of Vincent, four girls - each hailing from single-mother, multi-sibling families, form a band. Friends since they were children, they consider themselves 'forgettable girls' - poor, not particularly clever, distracted at school, disengaged and disillusioned from the other kids, and desperate to escape the fates of their mothers, who seem locked into a life of minimum-wage jobs and domestic drudgery. Winning the Battle of the Bands is their ticket out - they might not have talent, but they can play three chords and scream until their vocal folds burst out of their throats - and nobody wants it more than them.

But when lead singer Lily Lucid quits, and accuses their idolized music teacher of sexual assault, the three remaining girls are left with nothing. They'll do anything to keep their dream alive, even if it means sacrificing school, Lily and their mothers. But how far out of control can they spin before there's no turning back? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

In Bloom took me back to my high school years; that time in my life when friendship was the lifeblood of everything, and adults were absolutely clueless. Despite the backdrop of this story, which takes place in small-town nowhere, and where I grew up (a thriving capital Pacific Northwest city) being vastly different, I could identify with this group of girls, because it felt very reminiscent of the types of scenarios I went through, too. 

I had my own girl group. We weren’t vying to win any prize and we weren’t budding musicians, but the majority of us had come from minimum-wage backgrounds and knew what it was like to struggle. I thought it was really interesting that for the majority of the book, the author makes the girls' voices one collective viewpoint, because it is so like that at the age of 14. There is no division from one to the other. Their goal is to win the Battle of the Bands and escape their lives and achieve something better. Something more than what they see when they look at their mothers with their deadbeat boyfriends. 

When their friend Lily quits the band and quits their collective friendship group, life begins to spiral. No adult can understand what they feel. They fight against bullying, against being ignored. Their music teacher was the only one who really “got it,” and when he’s accused of sexual assault, by Lily no less, there is no security in their future. A coveted friend is gone. An adult support system gone. When they stop showing up for school, for their parents, for their own lives, I could relate because I remember falling into similar patterns, all in an effort to escape the seriousness of my world. 

There is a turning point when the girls begin to see things for what they really are, and when that happens, no longer is there one collective viewpoint. We begin to see each character in the girl group for who they really are, with their own individual thoughts and feelings. They begin to delineate and in essence, grow up a little, even if it’s before their time and due to some scary circumstances that might have even made them mature faster than they should. The writing style was engaging and kept me focused, throwing in 90s songs that really brought me back to those angsty teen years that I never thought would end, but ended too abruptly. I'm a huge Nirvana fan, so I was thrilled to see so much focus--even the title of this book--on an alternative band that meant so much to me when I was a kid. And if you know the lyrics to the song "In Bloom," you know it was more than fitting. This was a five-star coming-of-age story and worth the read. 

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Spotlight and Giveaway: The Unwritten Rules of Magic

Today we are excited to feature Harper Ross's enchanting debut, The Unwritten Rules of Magic. Melissa loves surreal stories with magical realism and is excited to check this one out. Thanks to BookSparks, we have one copy to give away!

Emerson Clarke can’t remember a time when she felt in control. Her father—a celebrated author—was a chaotic force until he got Alzheimer’s. Her mother turned to gin. And recently, her teen daughter has shut her out without explanation. If only she could arrange reality the same way she controls the stories she ghostwrites, life could be perfect.

Or so she thinks.

After her father’s funeral, Emerson steals his vintage typewriter—the one he’d forbidden anyone to touch—and tests its keys by typing out a frivolous wish. When it comes true the very next day, she tries another. Then, those words also spring to life. Suddenly, she becomes obsessed with using the typewriter to rewrite happiness for herself and her daughter.

But the more she shapes her real-life, the more she uncovers disturbing truths about her family’s history and the unexpected cost of every story-come-true. She should destroy the typewriter, yet when her daughter’s secret finally emerges, Emerson is torn between paying the price for bending fate and embracing the uncertainty of an unscripted life. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Enchanting, thought-provoking and impossible to put down, Harper Ross’s debut will leave you looking for magic in everyday moments and thinking about the characters long after you turn the last page." 
―Ali Brady, USA Today bestselling author of Until Next Summer

"Brimming with reminders that family is worth fighting for, staying true to yourself is everything, and forgiveness goes a long way toward healing, Harper Ross has written a heartfelt, magical, memorable novel sure to captivate." 
―Heather Webber, USA Today bestselling author of Midnight at the Blackbird Café

"Poignant, thought-provoking, and cleverly rendered, this novel reminds us that while we can try to write what we believe is our perfect story, life often has other plans." 
―Patti Callahan Henry, The NYT Bestselling author The Secret Book of Flora Lea

Harper Ross has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the dramatic story worlds in books and movies. After leaving her legal practice to raise her kids, she discovered her own creative side and began writing novels that explore friendship, family, and forgiveness. Because she also appreciates the magic in everyday life—from the spark of attraction to those serendipitous moments we all experience—you’ll find a dash of that in her work too. When she’s not at the keyboard, she’s likely to be singing badly in her car, dancing in her kitchen, or walking her adorable dog, Mo. She’s also a lucky wife and mother to a very patient and supportive family.

Visit Harper online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 3rd at midnight EST.

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Naysayers

By Melissa Amster

At Naysay Inc., rising star Megan’s job is to whisper negative thoughts straight into the minds of clients in the Real World. It’s all in a day’s dirty work in Naysayland, the parallel reality where your negativity is manufactured and self-doubt is a commodity.

But when she is assigned to sabotage a romance between lifestyle influencer Lily and author Jasper, Megan’s carefully constructed reality begins to unravel. The project teams her with Ben, the smug but cute whisperer in the next cubicle. As they work to tear down Lily and Jasper’s situationship, Megan and Ben are catching feelings for each other. And it’s making them lose their negative edge.

As their empathy grows, and they start rooting for the relationship they’re tasked with destroying, dreaded HR is sniffing around. Now they’re facing a choice: keep crushing dreams for a paycheck, or risk everything for their own fairy tale. Who knew professional pessimists could be such hopeless romantics? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I've always enjoyed Liz and Lisa's books and their surreal stories are my favorites. So I'm glad they went that route again with The Naysayers. If you ever wondered about the voice in your head telling you negative things and making you doubt yourself, Liz and Lisa have created a world where the inhabitants are the reason for that voice. 

I love books (and movies) where a different but somehow parallel world is created. Naysayland was very interesting and well thought out. A lot of this novel had a Good Place vibe, but it also made me think of Severance, based on what people have told me about that show. It was even giving Office Space and Inside Out at times. 

This story contains an important message that people need to hear. I really liked that message. The concept is thought-provoking and hits close to home at times. I liked all the banter, especially between Megan and Ben. I would have liked more chapters from Ben's perspective, but it was nice to also get Lily's perspective. There were parts of the story that were definitely anxiety-provoking, especially when the stakes were raised.

I wouldn't mind being a naysayer for people who are really full of themselves. (I am sure we all know at least one person like that.) However, I'm all for trying to uplift people's spirits and build their confidence, so I wouldn't last long in Naysayland for that reason alone.

Great work, Liz and Lisa! (I would get kicked out, just for saying this...)

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Megan: Sami Gayle
Ben: Pierson Fode
Lily: Grace Van Dien
Jasper: Nick Robinson
Jacqueline: Carla Gugino
Genevieve: Sally Field
Karla: Jessica Paré

Thanks to Little A for the book in exchange for an honest review and to Liz and Lisa for sharing a copy with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 2nd at midnight EST.

More by Liz and Lisa:
The Year We Turned Forty
How to Save a Life
The Two Lila Bennetts

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TW: Parent being forcibly separated from their child. Stalking by a corporation. Emotional abuse. Cyberbullying.

Wendy Walker lands another perfect twist...plus a book giveaway

Credit: Bill Miles

We are thrilled to have Wendy Walker at CLC today to talk about her latest psychological thriller, Blade, which releases next week! It is currently available as an Amazon First Reads pick (free for Prime, $1.99 otherwise on Kindle). If you've ever done competitive figure skating or just enjoy watching it, this is the book for you. We enjoyed learning more about Wendy and we hope you will too. Thanks to Megan Beatie Communications, we have one copy to give away!

Wendy Walker is the USA Today bestselling author of psychological suspense novels. Her work has been translated into over twenty-three foreign languages and has been optioned for television and film. She is a former attorney and investment banker and trained for competitive figure skating. She lives in Fairfield County, CT. 

Visit Wendy online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

Watch a video of Wendy figure skating in 1981. 

Check out this exclusive personal story Wendy wrote for People magazine.

Synopsis:

Ana Robbins was an Olympic star in the making—until tragedy forced her to leave that world behind. At age sixteen, she gave up her dream and never looked back. Fourteen years later, she’s a successful defense attorney who’s revered for her work with minors. But when her former coach turns up dead, Ana lands right back where it all began—and abruptly ended—The Palace, an internationally acclaimed skating facility nestled high in the mountains of Colorado. 

Ana’s returned to defend Grace Montgomery, the young skater who’s been accused of the brutal crime. Despite her claims of innocence, all evidence points squarely at Grace’s guilt, and she’s days away from facing charges of first-degree murder. Ana’s investigation dredges up childhood memories of her own, triggering the fear that permeates this place where she once lived and trained far from home. 

With a blizzard raging outside, and time running out for Grace, Ana is determined to uncover what really happened—even if it means exposing her own dark secrets from long ago.

"Blade pairs intricate plotting and a winning protagonist with an insider’s take on the fierce pressures placed on young women in competitive ice skating. Wendy Walker always delivers.”
— Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of The Note

“Set in the world of elite figure skating, Walker‘s latest thriller is as chilling as it is propulsive. Raw, emotional, and razor sharp, Blade kept me breathless until the final page.”
— Jeneva Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage

“Wendy Walker is an auto-buy author for me—I’ll read anything she writes. Her books are smart, compelling, and packed with tension from start to finish. Every story is a masterclass in suspense, and Blade is her best yet.”
— Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
I love when readers say they couldn’t put the book down. Obviously, I’d like the reason to be something that doesn’t involve a mishap with SuperGlue! Other than that - whether they couldn’t part with the characters, needed to know the ending, or found something emotional that resonated, I’ll never grow tired of hearing this!

How is Ana similar to or different from you?
Much of Ana’s story follows the path I took in my own life. From the traumatic years training for figure skating, to moving on to become a lawyer – I needed to have some of myself in her story since the material is already so personal. But we are definitely not the same! I have found peace in my life after processing those years, and while I was interested in areas of the law involving children, my careers have not been driven so drastically by my past. Much of my life has been devoted to raising my own children as well, which is something Ana has not been able to navigate. In writing Ana, I started from a place of familiarity, but then moved into the fictional world created in the novel.

1981

If Blade were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
This is always such a hard question! I honestly don’t know. I never picture my characters’ physical appearances while I’m writing them. I know their minds inside and out, and sometimes I give them descriptions in the novel, but I don’t start to see them in my mind. As I’m writing this, I can’t even recall if I gave Ana and Grace hair or eye color! But ask me what they would do or say, and the answer is right there. So have at it, Hollywood!

What is your favorite move to do while ice skating (or to watch someone do)?
The layback spin. It was one of my favorite moves to execute, and my favorite to watch. It’s such a beautiful shape, and can be done in so many variations. If you tried to make that shape on the ground, you would fall backwards. The force of the spin is what allows you to bend back so far, and I find that incredibly freeing. Defying forces of nature through gliding, spinning and jumping is what makes the sport so joyful to me. And even the men do them now!

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
This one is easy! Julia Whelan. She has narrated four of my novels, including BLADE. Each time she narrates a book, she loses herself to the character, making that person come alive. Everything she does is magical, so I would trust her with my own life, so to speak!

If we were to visit you right now, what places would you take us to see?
My house, for starters, because that’s where I spend most of my time. But then we might take a drive to all of the local rinks where I first learned to skate. And then, perhaps, we would hop on a plane and fly to Colorado where I spent three years training away from home. I haven’t been back since I left as a teenager, so that would be quite an adventure!

Now

Thanks to Wendy for chatting with us and to MB Communications for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends February 1st at midnight EST.

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Book Review: A Shore Thing

By Sara Steven

From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

This is my favorite Portia MacIntosh read to date! I’m all about a reality TV show-type story, and A Shore Thing offered that up and then some. It felt like it was Survivor meets Love Island, but it offered up even more by giving background information on what happens behind the scenes on a show like Welcome to Singledom.

Cleo wants to take Welcome to Singledom in a direction that would include more “real” contestants; everyday people that the everyday person could relate to and identify with. But Lockie, the new co-casting producer, doesn’t agree. He thinks if it ain’t broke, there’s no reason to change the formula they’ve stuck to since the beginning of the reality show’s inception: bring in the hottest contestants who produce the most drama, creating an exciting environment that will keep a viewer’s attention. 

When both Cleo and Lockie are forced to become short-term contestants on the show, both theories are put to the test. Cleo sees herself as a regular, girl-next-door type of gal, while Lockie definitely fits into that “hottie” category. But despite who ends up coming out on top, it doesn’t change the fact that they have to survive the elements on a remote island, with strangers who are all vying to win the show, and the show’s prize money. 

I felt like I was part of the reality show chaos. Usually I watch that kind of drama on my tv, but this felt just as exciting and in-depth. From the various contests the contestants have to participate in, to the absolute disconnection from anything in society, it was believable. A Welcome to Singledom show could really exist. While there are plenty of twists and turns that change the outlook Cleo and Lockie have when it comes to their career choices and their time on the island, the formula I have come to enjoy with my reality shows never faltered–it was all there, just as it should be. A Shore Thing was a sure thing, and a five-star experience!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links: 
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Apple

Portia MacIntosh is the million copy bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels. Whether it’s southern Italy or the French alps, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages. Formerly a journalist, Portia lives with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

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