What's in the Mail

Melissa:
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)
Better to Trust by/from Heather Frimmer
Broken by Jenny Lawson from Henry Holt

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino from Park Row (e-book via NetGalley) 

An Observant Wife by Naomi Ragen from St. Martin's Press  (e-book via NetGalley)

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer from Harlequin (e-book via NetGalley)

Fade Into the Bright by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz from Kathleen Carter Communications

Safe from Harm by/from Leah Mercer  (e-book via NetGalley)

Flash Fire by T.J. Klune from Macmillan (e-book via NetGalley)

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson from Kaye Publicity

The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

The Spires by Kate Moretti from Thomas and Mercer (e-book via NetGalley)

Everything We Didn't Say by Nicole Baart from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)

The Maid by Nita Prose from Ballantine (e-book via NetGalley)

Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin from Disney Publishing  (e-book via NetGalley)

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan from HarperCollins

Sara:

Jenn Reinvented by Grayson Avery from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)

Bubblegum and Blazers by Isabella May from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)

East of Manhattan by/from Amanda Johnson (e-book)

Jami:

The Living and Lost by Ellen Feldman from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

Book Review: Life's a Beach

By Sara Steven

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she's known longer than a week - and the fact that his name is Charles doesn't bode well - but who is she to judge?! After all, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn't love a destination wedding...?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs... throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own...? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Peach is a glutton for punishment, and not by her own choosing! As much as I felt for her while the awkward situations and the cringe-worthy moments piled one on top of the other, it added to the funny, wild ride she finds herself on, and I could see the point where she lets go of trying to control it all and lets the chips fall where they may. But, what else can anyone do when faced with prior ex-boyfriends and one-time love affairs?

Her biggest motivation is in wanting to be her sister Di’s support system at the destination wedding. Peach can handle whatever she needs to, as long as she’s there for Di, and I really appreciated that sisterhood dynamic within Life’s A Beach. It extended out to their cousin, Van, too; she’s a really bold character who added a lot of levity and excitement during the most chaotic moments within the story. With the three of them in tow, it felt like there was nothing that couldn’t be accomplished, but when it comes to matters of the heart, opinions can become muddled and unclear, and it’s hard to know where the truth lies, and what is really going on. 

Peach isn’t sure where her heart lies, that’s for sure. Her story begins in pretty unconventional ways, yet with the potential for a happily-ever-after romance. Then, it’s gone, and she feels like she’s starting over in the love department. But maybe she isn’t? The back and forth helped to add tension to all of that, and I felt like I was right there with Peach, questioning what the right choices are, and ultimately, who the right person is for Peach.

I don’t know if a destination wedding could ever lead to as much drama as what is conjured up in Life’s A Beach, but the story made me want that! And if it meant a trip out to the Italian coastline, so be it. I had a lot of fun with Peach’s crew, making this a definite five-star experience!

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

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK * Amazon US

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real-life experiences.

Visit Portia online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

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Pam Jenoff is a shining star...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Mindy Schwartz Sorasky

We are thrilled to have Pam Jenoff back at CLC today. Her latest novel, The Woman with the Blue Star, recently published. Melissa couldn't put it down and recently shared her review. Aside from being a great writer, Pam is so kind and wonderful in person. If you get the chance to meet her, either at a book signing or a virtual chat, definitely go for it! In the meantime, check out our interview. You will love the funny story about one of her kids. Thanks to Park Row, we have TWO copies of Pam's latest novel to give away!

Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan's Tale. She holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a master's degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania. Jenoff's novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia, where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school.

Visit Pam online:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

1942. Sadie Gault is eighteen and living with her parents in the Kraków Ghetto during World War II. When the Nazis liquidate the ghetto, Sadie and her pregnant mother are forced to seek refuge in the perilous tunnels beneath the city. One day Sadie looks up through a grate and sees a girl about her own age buying flowers.

Ella Stepanek is an affluent Polish girl living a life of relative ease with her stepmother, who has developed close alliances with the occupying Germans. While on an errand in the market, she catches a glimpse of something moving beneath a grate in the street. Upon closer inspection, she realizes it’s a girl hiding.

Ella begins to aid Sadie and the two become close, but as the dangers of the war worsen, their lives are set on a collision course that will test them in the face of overwhelming odds. Inspired by incredible true stories, The Woman with the Blue Star is an unforgettable testament to the power of friendship and the extraordinary strength of the human will to survive. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“Pam Jenoff’s meticulously researched account of an unlikely and dangerous friendship during WWII is a timely and compelling account of the lengths we go to for the family we are born with, and the family we make for ourselves. It will leave you gasping at the end.” 

—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways 

“Heartfelt and beautifully written… This emotional novel is filled with twists, turns, and displays of bravery and love that you will never forget, culminating in an ending that manages to be both surprising and uplifting at the same time. This is singular historical fiction that you will not be able to put down.” 

—Lisa Scottoline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eternal

“Once again, Pam Jenoff displays her mastery at illuminating little-known yet remarkably important nuggets of WWII history. I was immediately mesmerized by The Woman with the Blue Star, a haunting tale of enduring bonds, impossible sacrifice, and an inspiring fortitude to survive the darkness—in every sense. Book clubs will assuredly devour this compulsively readable novel that both wrenches and warms the heart.” 

—Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with many readers over the years, virtually and in person.  I don’t have one particular compliment that stands out, but I am always humbled when Holocaust survivors thank me or feel I’ve done justice to their experiences.  I consider the ultimate compliment to be readers that have stayed with me over the years.
 
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Woman with the Blue Star?
One of the biggest challenges for me is always world-building.  I had to understand and describe life in the sewer in a way that was authentic, everything from the size of the pipes to the way in which the people there got water.  Another challenge in this book was building the friendship between Sadie, the girl who is in the sewer, and Ella, who is on the street.  To have them connect and bond in this way really forced me to think about how we connect with one another.
 
The biggest reward has been bringing forth a story about isolation and human interconnection during a year when we have all been struggling with those very same issues due to covid.

What inspired you to choose this particular story angle (a family hiding in a sewer) to talk about the Holocaust?
Almost all of my books have been centered around World War II.  This comes from the years I spent as a diplomat in Poland working on Holocaust issues for the U.S. State Department.  Since then, I have tried to write books that illuminate a little known aspect of the Holocaust through fiction in a way that is respectful of the era and people who lived through it.  I am still amazed that after 25 years of working with this period in history, I still find stories that make me gasp. The story of the Jews who survived in the sewer was one such story.  I was amazed by the circumstances they had to endure, their strength and the ways in which they made human connections.  
 
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I have not been able to binge watch much. I get up before five a.m. to start writing and my kids are gojng to bed later and later, so often I hop into bed the same time they do, which really cuts down on the adult tv time.  But I have always adored This Is Us. The writing for that show is spectacular.

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve learned many things, but one that stands out is how important my work is to my well-being.  During the first six months of the pandemic when everyone was home and we were all reeling, I did not work at all and that really hollowed me out.  Then in the fall, the kids were on virtual school, I put the puppy in daycare and was able to work in earnest again. I felt better in every way – physically, mentally, emotionally.  I’ve learned not to apologize for working, which is something that women do far too often.
 
What is something funny that one of your kids has said to you?
The funniest was not something my son said to me, but about me. We were at a park and I saw him sidle up to an older woman.  I was worried that he was talking to a stranger, so I moved closer.  I heard him say, “Have you read any books by Pam Jenoff?”  He didn’t mention that he was my son.  When the woman said no, he proceeded to rattle off the whole backlist, in order. I was very grateful for his attempt at promotion!

Thanks to Pam for visiting with us and to Park Row for sharing her book with our readers.

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

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Giveaway ends May 11th at midnight EST.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Moms in Media

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. This month, in honor of Mother's Day, we're talking about our favorite stories about moms, whether they're in books, movies, or TV shows. We'd love to hear what your favorites are in any of these categories.

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:

A large chunk of my life has been defined by the designation of “Mother,” or more appropriately, “Mommy,” then “Mom,” and lately, “Bruh.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that my emotional attachments to the wonderfully emotional stories that are written or portrayed about motherhood have taken slight (or heavy) turns into the insanely funny, the comically painful, and the downright truthful and honest representation of what it’s like--not just the pretty, but the ill-favored, too. Media has been an important outlet for me, getting me through the various milestones or passages of time, depending on where my children are at in any given moment, and I’d like to share a few of the movies, television shows, and books that remind me that I’m more than just a “Bruh.” I’m actually somebody’s mother!

Movies:

Stepmom: It’s a tear-jerker. I wasn’t a mother yet when I saw Stepmom for the first time, but it really touched me. Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts were at the heart of the film, and I dare anyone to see them in action and it not bring a tear to your eye!

Bad Moms franchise: Mothers behaving badly--it’s not acceptable. But, Bad Moms made it acceptable to alter conventional responsibilities, to bring store-bought cookies to the bake sale, and to say, “Hey, you know what? You’ll eat those cookies, and you’ll like it.”

Life of the Party: Melissa McCarthy is a stay-at-home mom who ends up going back to college, and while I haven’t personally done most of the shenanigans she finds herself in, I can relate to her need for higher learning, and going back to school after a decades-long hiatus.

Books:

Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby: While thinking of books on motherhood, this was the first book that had come to mind for me. I’d read and reviewed the book for CLC, inspired and pained by the minutiae of motherhood. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: It’s been turned into an award-winning television show, but I first learned about the three mothers from this story after reading Moriarty’s masterpiece. 

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan: I recently finished The Summer Seekers, and I loved the dynamics between three women who are mothers, grandmothers, and/or feel ruled by motherhood.

TV Shows:

Workin’ Moms: I’m so glad Melissa and I are both interested in Workin’ Moms, and have yet another show we can talk about! Nothing is held back, even when it induces seriously cringeworthy moments.

Mrs. Fletcher:  The miniseries takes a look at one woman’s life after her son goes off to college, finding that many facets awaken in intriguing and unusual ways.

Fuller House: I was a huge fan of Full House, back in the day, and loved how the premise felt like it had come full circle (or, fuller circle) when D.J. became the family matriarch, fitting nicely into her father Danny’s shoes.  

In prior years, the mothers in my life would gather together at an olive mill in Queen Creek, Arizona, celebrating motherhood with family. We’re unable to do that this year for various reasons, but I know we’re all together, in spirit. For those who are celebrating, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

Melissa Amster:

I'm just sharing five books, movies, and TV shows about motherhood that I love. There are so many out there I enjoy. that it was hard to choose!

Books about moms:

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms: It publishes in July and you will definitely want it on your TBR right away. It's a Freaky Friday tale about two very different moms. I'll be reviewing this with Jenny at Book Coffee Happy this summer.

Links are to reviews for the following:

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain: One of my favorite novels of 2018. It's a time travel story about the love of a mother for her daughter. 

Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin: It's a comedic novel about the stresses moms go through. It reminds me of Workin' Moms in some ways.

Versions of Her by Andrea Lochen: Two sisters get to know their mom through a portal into the past. Really well told and heartfelt. If you like this one, you'll also like Faye, Faraway.

No Time to Blink by Dina Silver: This book is perfect for fans of Not Without My Daughter. And although I never read that book or saw the movie, I really liked this story.

Movies about moms:

Where the Heart Is: I've mentioned this movie a few times as one of my all-time favorites. It's about a girl who becomes a mother at a young age and has her baby inside a Walmart. Then it's about how a small town embraces her and her child. So, so, so good!

Troop Beverly Hills: Such a fun, classic eighties movie. I enjoy watching it even more as an adult and seeing it through Phyllis's perspective. And the cookie song is so much fun. 

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead: Technically, Sue Ellen has to take over the role of mom for a summer, but she's right on top of that. 

Freaky Friday (the 2003 version with Jamie Lee Curtis): I always manage to cry from this one. 

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again: I liked it way more than the first movie and enjoyed getting to know Donna when she was younger, as well as seeing Sophie on the brink of motherhood. 

TV shows about moms:

This is Us: I don't think I need to explain this one. I love how they go back and forth in time though. 

Parenthood: I don't need to explain this one either. ;)

Modern Family: I am basically Claire Dunphy, in terms of my parenting style.

Workin' Moms: I just got into this show a few months ago, thanks to a recommendation from Sara, and I can't wait for season five to land on Netflix! More thoughts on it can be found here. 

One Day at a Time: I loved seeing Penelope navigate single motherhood while living with her mom, played by the fabulous Rita Moreno. More thoughts on it can be found here.  

Since Sara shared a picture with the mothers in her life, I would be remiss not to share one that was taken with the mothers in my life. This was taken back in 2005, as everyone lives in separate parts of the country and we don't normally take photos together when we're all in the same place at the same time. I was a new mom in this photo. My mother-in-law is in the middle and my mom is on the right. 

Tell us your favorite books, TV shows, and movies about motherhood. Do we have any in common with you?

Book Review and Giveaway: That Summer....plus a special treat!

By Melissa Amster

Daisy Shoemaker can’t sleep. With a thriving cooking business, full schedule of volunteer work, and a beautiful home in the Philadelphia suburbs, she should be content. But her teenage daughter can be a handful, her husband can be distant, her work can feel trivial, and she has lots of acquaintances, but no real friends. Still, Daisy knows she’s got it good. So why is she up all night?

While Daisy tries to identify the root of her dissatisfaction, she’s also receiving misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling, whose email address is just one punctuation mark away from her own. While Daisy’s driving carpools, Diana is chairing meetings. While Daisy’s making dinner, Diana’s making plans to reorganize corporations. Diana’s glamorous, sophisticated, single-lady life is miles away from Daisy’s simpler existence. When an apology leads to an invitation, the two women meet and become friends. But, as they get closer, we learn that their connection was not completely accidental. Who IS this other woman, and what does she want with Daisy?

From the manicured Main Line of Philadelphia to the wild landscape of the Outer Cape, written with Jennifer Weiner’s signature wit and sharp observations, That Summer is a story about surviving our pasts, confronting our futures, and the sustaining bonds of friendship. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

I have always been a fan of Jennifer Weiner's writing, so I go into her novels expecting something great. With That Summer, I was, once again, not disappointed by my expectations.

The story is well told and interesting throughout. I liked both Daisy and Diana, but I really liked seeing Diana's story progress through the years. While foreshadowing made the story feel predictable in parts, I also wanted to see how things would go from point A to point B and what the outcome would be. I liked seeing Beatrice's perspective, as well. Her fashion choices sounded so creative. Jennifer has a good grasp of the teenage point-of-view and should try her hand at a young adult novel sometime. (I know she has written middle grade novels.) 

The food descriptions made me hungry and Jennifer, as usual, wrote a really steamy bedroom scene that I enjoyed. I felt like there were too many location descriptions though. A large amount of the story was telling us what a room looked like. I also didn't feel like Hal's perspective was necessary and it didn't make him a sympathetic character. 

What I liked the most was that this novel covered a relevant topic in a sensitive and thoughtful way. I like how Jennifer weaved in some current events without naming names. 

There's a spoiler for Big Summer toward the beginning of this novel, so be sure to read that one first! Afterward, you'll want to devour this one for sure!

Movie casting ideas:

Daisy: Zoe Kazan
Diana (present): Elizabeth Berkley

Diana (past): Elizabeth Lail
Hal: Michael Vartan
Beatrice: Jessica Cherniak
Michael (past): Paul Walter Hauser

Michael (present): John DiMaggio

Thanks to Atria for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have one print copy to give away! Atria has also coordinated an interview between Jennifer and myself! I am excited to share it here. Her answers are so much fun, so I hope you will enjoy them too. 

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
Years ago, a friend was in the hospital with her mother, who was dying. She was reading one of my books and she said, “It was just like having you there with me, talking to me.” Which I am choosing to take as a compliment!
 
What was the biggest reward and biggest challenge with writing That Summer?
The biggest challenge was writing a book in the midst of the uncertainty of the pandemic. There was a LOT of temptation to procrastinate – to say, “no one knows what’s going to happen or how long this will last so I might as well just goof off for a few days (weeks, months).” But focusing on the book meant I couldn’t be anxious, so I’m glad I was able to make myself get to work, which led to the reward: holding a finished book in my hands! That’s always the best feeling the world.
 
What is something you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve been joking that I’ve been in training my whole life for what we went through the last year. I already work at home, I’ve already got a wardrobe full of comfortable and forgiving garments, and I already enjoy staying home much more than I do going out. I thought that there was nothing about the world that I’d miss (other than not being able to see my friends, or go to a yoga class), but what I learned is that, as exhausting as book tours can be, I really miss them. I miss making those connections, and meeting my readers face to face. I am so looking forward to doing them again, in person, soon!
 
What is the last thing you had a good laugh about?
My husband and I have been working our way through Prestige TV during the pandemic. We watched Mad Men and Friday Night Lights and we’re now on The Americans. In the second season, there’s a storyline involving a kidnapped Mossad agent who our heroes are holding hostage. The man is tied up with his hands handcuffed behind him, and he says, “I need to use the toilet.” (In cruder terms than that). There was a lot of setup involving getting the guy to the bathroom, and my husband and I start speculating that he’s going to try to escape. Sure enough, the agent asks his captor for help wiping, and then clubs him over the head and almost gets away. I said, “I bet they teach agents what to do if they’re in this situation.” Then I said, “And I bet they call the move…the Number Two.”

 Photo by Andrea Cipriani Mecchi

Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eighteen books, including Good in Bed, That Summer, and an essay collection, Hungry Heart: Adventures in Life, Love, and Writing. A graduate of Princeton University and a frequent contributor to the New York Times Opinion section, Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia. Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com, @jenniferweiner on Facebook and Twitter and @jenniferweinerwrites on Instagram. 

Thanks to Jennifer for chatting with us and again to Atria for coordinating the interview and sharing her book with our readers.

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

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Giveaway ends May 10th at midnight EST.

A friendly visit from Suzanne Simonetti...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Tina Giaimo of
Spirit Catcher Photography

Today we are pleased to welcome Suzanne Simonetti to CLC. We are celebrating the publication of her debut novel, The Sound of Wings. Thanks to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing, we have TWO copies to give away!

Suzanne Simonetti grew up in the New York suburbs just outside of the city. After earning a BS in marketing, she spent several years writing press releases, until she left her corporate job to focus on her passion for crafting fiction. She lives on Cape May Harbor with her husband.

Visit Suzanne online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

Seventy-year-old Goldie Sparrows faces declining finances, questionable health, and a late husband who torments her from the beyond. She seeks refuge in her butterfly garden, which is filled with voices and memories from long ago.

Jocelyn Anderson is a struggling writer who finds escape from her custody battle in the journal of her late mother-in-law. As she gets pulled through the pages of time, Jocelyn discovers her own husband has a hidden history she knows nothing about. Is this secret now Jocelyn’s to keep?

Krystal Axelrod is living a life she never dreamed she could have. And yet the demons of a dysfunctional childhood and mean girl culture from her cheerleading days cast their shadow over her ability to feel whole, capable, and worthy. Does Goldie hold the key to Krystal’s path to freedom?

A masterfully crafted tale of love, friendship, betrayal, and the risks we take in the pursuit of justice. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“A story world so completely alive with the characters so real, I can feel them breathing behind me.”
—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling author of With or Without You

“Vividly written, with characters the reader will come to love as friends, The Sound of Wings is a compelling debut novel of great emotional depth. Highly recommended!"
—Loretta Nyhan, author of The Other Family

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Sound of Wings?
There are many characters in the novel of different vocations and talents. I had to do a ton of research on the art of throwing pottery, the delicacies of crafting jewelry from seashells and sea glass, and the dietary habits of the African grey parrot. I learned so much about these things which made painting scenes especially enjoyable. 

The biggest challenge was keeping track of my timeline as I braided the past with the present. For instance, Jocelyn gets ahold of a journal belonging to her late mother-in-law from decades earlier; I had to make sure that the timing of those journal entries jived with the things mentioned in the plot that were happening in the world at the time.

Which of the three main characters can you relate to the most?
I certainly relate well to Jocelyn who is the novelist in the story and facing deadlines. I think mostly I can relate to Krystal who comes from a modest background where she was collecting cans and bottles for a five-cent refund when she was living on her own, as I once did. She also has an extremely supportive and loving husband who wants nothing more than to see her thrive in her creative pursuits and to feel accomplished—not unlike my own husband. Eventually, Krystal finds herself and discovers that she is stronger than she ever imagined possible and is able to release herself from the past and people from her former life who did not serve her well. 

If The Sound of Wings were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I believe Meryl Streep would make a brilliant Goldie Sparrows who is lovable, quirky, and enigmatic. I could see Anne Hathaway as  Jocelyn and Scarlett Johansson as Krystal. 

What is the last movie you saw that you would recommend?
I just watched On the Basis of Sex, the biographical legal drama based on the life and early cases of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I was left completely awe-inspired and deeply moved. 

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I have learned not to take the little things for granted, which somehow became big things. Whether it was going to the grocery store or grabbing lunch with a friend, suddenly these things became unattainable and weren’t so little, but make up the treasured moments of our daily lives. 

What is the last thing you had a good laugh about?
I run a schnauzer group on Facebook and our members share all kinds of sweet and interesting photos and videos of their pets. Last week, a member shared a clip of her schnauzer, Charlie, lying on their driveway with all four legs up in the air, playing “dead”. Much as she tried to beseech Charlie to return to the house, he continued to ignore her. When he finally did sit up, Charlie proceeded to whip his head over either shoulder as if thinking: “Is there someone behind me you are talking to?” Finally, momma said, “I know you hear me! Yes, I am speaking to you. Come inside please,” and dear Charlie came scurrying. It was adorably sweet and made me laugh. 

Thanks to Suzanne for visiting with us and to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing for sharing her book with our readers.

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

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Giveaway ends May 9th at midnight EST.

Book Review: Long Walk Home

By Sara Steven

Lola was struck by just how quickly she recognized him. It had been ten long years since she’d seen him; ten years of thinking that maybe she hadn't really loved him. But there he was. And he still took her breath away.

Lola has turned her life around since her wild teenage years, but one thing hasn’t changed: how her sister sees her. Her sister Carmen only remembers the mistakes she’s made and can’t see the potential of Lola’s plans to expand the family vineyard business at Blue Hills. But Lola is determined to win Carmen round—and gain her respect once and for all.

Then Lola’s high school sweetheart Gus arrives back in town, and everything changes. He was her first love, the bad boy she used to climb out of windows to see. But he’d broken her heart when he left town suddenly, without so much as a goodbye. And after that, she’d never seen him again. Until now.

Gus isn’t that same rebel anymore. It’s taken everything he has to come back to this town full of bittersweet memories, but he owes it to himself, and to Lola, to make amends. But she’s not that lovesick girl anymore and she knows she can’t let him turn her head again. So why can’t she stop thinking about how his strong arms would feel wrapped around her?

Then fate intervenes, and they’re forced to work together on Lola’s biggest project—and the sparks begin to fly once more…

As the sun sets over the mountains and meadows of Blue Hills, can two people who’d thought they could never be together find their way home to each other?

An utterly romantic feel-good read about being true to yourself and becoming the person you were always meant to be, Long Walk Home will make you laugh, make you cry and show you that true love always finds a way. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Mary Ellen Taylor.

Long Walk Home had many intense moments, and not only where Gus is concerned. While I very much appreciated the angle between Lola and Gus, the bigger areas that concern Lola’s family, particularly her sister, Carmen, held my attention and denied any chance of allowing me a break from reading. I couldn’t put their story down!

As the synopsis indicates, Lola has had a tough past. There are a lot of reasons for her family to question her motives, yet they can’t seem to see her for who she is, now. The word commonly used within this story is, “pigeon-holed,” and I really felt that for Lola.  She has amazing ideas and wants to contribute to the winery, but no one wants to give her a chance, or any of her ideas a chance. I could feel her desperation in trying to get her sister and father to see reason, particularly with the vacation cabin idea, so even though I knew that fraudulently going about building the cabins wasn’t the best choice, it’s obvious that Lola has no other option. She can’t be seen unless she does something to be seen.

I felt frustrated for her, during her conversations with Carmen. And then there’s the contention she has with the head chef in the restaurant kitchen, a man who makes Gordon Ramsey look like an angel. All of it boils down into many explosive scenes, and when Lola takes steps towards independence, I cheered her on! 

The true star of Long Walk Home is Lola’s dog, Daisy. It was sweet to read about the temperament and expectation the dog has, not to mention how the dog’s personality is an extension of Lola’s. Like owner, like dog. Gus is a wonderful addition, and I enjoyed his backstory and the underdog fight in him, but it was the familial relationships that really drew me in, a well-deserved five-star experience!

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

Ellyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of addictively fun love stories. She has never run a winery, been attacked by drones or nearly drowned someone but she loves putting her characters in challenging situations. Ellyn also enjoys chatting with readers on social media. Especially when she should be writing.

Ellyn began her writing life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles which, outside of writing hours, is exactly as crazy as it seems in the movies. After hightailing it back to her native Seattle, Ellyn began writing comedic romances and never looked back.

Ellyn lives in Seattle with her husband. She's part of a competitive rowing team. You can often find her on Lake Sammamish rowing in the dark.

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