[Review] The One and Only by Emily Giffin

The One and Only by Emily Giffin
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publishing Date: May 20, 2014
Format: paperback
432 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

In her eagerly awaited new novel, beloved New York Timesbestselling author Emily Giffin returns with an extraordinary story of love and loyalty—and an unconventional heroine struggling to reconcile both.

Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas—a small college town that lives and dies by football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker’s legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.

But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea’s comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she’s chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most—and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

Thoughtful, funny, and brilliantly observed, The One & Only is a luminous novel about finding your passion, following your heart, and, most of all, believing in something bigger than yourself . . . the one and only thing that truly makes life worth living. 

My Review

Before you read any further, this review has SPOILERS! Here's the thing. I try really hard to keep my reviews spoiler-free. But this book - I just can't. I really want to lay my feelings out there, so I need to release some spoilers. 

I was really nervous to read this book after I read some of the reviews on Goodreads. I usually don't let those get to me, but they were so mixed that I didn't know what to think! I really love Emily Giffin's work and I was worried that I would be let down. Even when I started reading it, I still wasn't sure and I almost talked myself into not liking it at first. BUT. Then I just pushed all those other reviews out of my head and just focused on the story. And that's when I got completely wrapped up in the story and I realized how much I really loved it. 

However, the romance factor was a little worrisome for me. I knew pretty fast that Shea was falling for Coach Carr. The way she talked about him, knew him so well, was always thinking about him. It was just there. And honestly, in the beginning, I didn't like it. I wanted her relationship to work out with Ryan James. But the more I read, the more I realized she was good with Coach and truly herself. I know a lot of people didn't like her relationship with Coach, and I was really skeptical. I mean, he's her father's age and her best friend's father! It's weird! But I like that this was real; we don't choose who we fall in love with, what age they are, what gender, what race, religion, etc. It was a forbidden love, and clearly some people didn't take it too well, at first. 

I'll be honest, if this happened with people I knew, someone I was close with, I would be weirded out. But I like to hope that I would be able to get used to it and really set the age factor aside. Much easier to do in fiction than real life, but I hope I could. I certainly don't think this will be happening in my life anytime soon, but you never know! 

Other than the romance factor, I really liked the story in general. I love football, so it was easy to enjoy it. Plus I really connected and empathized with Shea. I liked everything about her; especially that she stuck true to what she believed. Her life certainly hasn't been easy, and she didn't take the path well traveled. I just really liked this book, even if a lot of other people didn't. It worked for me. 

[Review] Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publishing Date: April 2, 2013
Format: paperback
278 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

The author of Bird in Hand and The Way Life Should Be delivers her most ambitious and powerful novel to date: a captivating story of two very different women who build an unexpected friendship: a 91-year-old woman with a hidden past as an orphan-train rider and the teenage girl whose own troubled adolescence leads her to seek answers to questions no one has ever thought to ask.

Nearly eighteen, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from "aging out" of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.

Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers that she and Vivian aren't as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance.

The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life. A Penobscot Indian, she, too, is an outsider being raised by strangers, and she, too, has unanswered questions about the past. As her emotional barriers begin to crumble, Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life - answers that will ultimately free them both.

Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.

My Review

My first thought when I finished this book a few days ago: I just put this book down and I already have a book hangover from it.

This book was chosen for my book club's February pick and I was really excited to read it. I had heard good things about it, but to be honest, I wasn't completely sure what it was about. And I'll admit that I barely knew anything about the orphan train movement in the early 1900's. But this book captured my attention from the minute I opened it. I've always loved learning about history and my dad's side emigrated from Ireland many years ago, so I was excited to learn Vivian did as well. 

The historical story line in this book was clearly my favorite. I immediately empathized with Vivian/Dorothy/Niamh and couldn't wait to learn what happened to her with the different families she was placed with. I didn't mind the first family, but they clearly weren't that great to her. And I hated the second family (can't say more than that without spoiling it). The next family was obviously my favorite and she was treated really well. She ends up reconnecting with someone she met on the train, and I was so excited when that happened (again, I can't say too much more). Vivian definitely had a difficult life for many years, and even after she was adopted, her life wasn't exactly easy. We learn as the story unfolds just how much she had to endure. 

Even though the historical line was my favorite, I still really, really enjoyed the present-day story line with Molly. I love how the characters' lives are very parallel, both growing up in the foster system. I didn't like Molly's family at all, but unfortunately, it portrayed a very real depiction of today's foster system, to which I'm happy it did. Molly was easy to relate to and you could tell that although she's gotten into some trouble, she really just wanted to find her place in the world. I didn't like her boyfriend; he seemed a little better in the end, but there was just something about him that rubbed me the wrong way. 

I LOVED the ending of this book and thought it wrapped everything up perfectly. But honestly, the moment I finished this book, I was sad because it was over. I didn't want the story to end and I wanted to stay involved in Vivian and Molly's lives! I immediately went online to find more stories like it and seriously contemplated re-reading it right away. I didn't, but its still on my mind! I'm glad the girls at book club liked it just as much as I did! I've also recommended it to so many of my friends and colleagues since I finished. I cannot wait to read the other work by Baker Kline; I hope it's just as good! 

[Review] Fooling Around by Noelle Adams

Fooling Around by Noelle Adams
Publisher: Loveswept
Expected publication: May 2016
Format: ARC, ebook
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Eric Vincent isn’t in the habit of asking for help. As the founder of a lucrative sports videogame franchise, he’s accustomed to getting his way and enjoying the fruits of his hard-earned success. Then all his illusions of dominance are shattered by a skiing accident that leaves him hobbled, facing a string of surgeries and months of immobility. The only way he’s going to survive is with someone by his side to anticipate his every desire. Someone who will devote every waking second to his comfort. Someone like Julie Nelson . . .

Julie’s life revolves around other people: her students, her parents, her sister. But even she has her limits. Julie has zero interest in playing personal assistant to Eric Vincent, a man who’s as arrogant as he is charismatic . . . until he ups the salary to one million dollars for three months’ work. Soon Julie’s struggling to bite her tongue—and resist the chemistry that draws her to Eric. But after one scorching kiss, Julie decides it’s finally her turn to be selfish. And this time, she’s going to get what she wants.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Like my previous review for After We Fall, I picked this one up over the weekend because I wanted a good romance read for Valentine's Day! And that's exactly what I got. This was a pretty quick read and it kept me hooked the whole time. Julie has taken care of her sick parents for years and hasn't done much for herself because of that. She even left school just before she finished her PhD. Meanwhile, Eric has been building his career for as long as he remembers. Unfortunately, a skiing accident has put him out of commission for a while, and he's not happy about it. With a very large salary, he convinces Julie to come work for him for 3 months.

This story was pretty cute and unique. Not entirely realistic because not many people will pay someone else $1 million for 3 months....but still, a cute story. Eric certainly didn't make things easy for Julie, but she doesn't back down and that's what I like about her. I also really liked that she wasn't all about the money when it really came down to it. I can't say too much without giving everything away, but it was a fun story. I enjoyed reading it and I'm interested in seeing what else Adams has to offer. 

[Review] After We Fall by Marquita Valentine

After We Fall by Marquita Valentine
Series: Take the Fall, #3
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: April 26, 2016
Format: ARC, ebook
176 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

A tough cop with an even tougher past, Hunter Sloan has never let anyone stop him from getting what he wants—and he wants Evangeline Ambrose bad. With her gentle curves and raw vulnerability, Hunter’s beautiful, mysterious new neighbor awakens his protective side. Determined to do right by a woman who’s gone through hell and back, Hunter could be the one to take away the pain—so long as his own secrets don’t sink their relationship before it begins.

Having escaped an abusive marriage, Evangeline simply wants to start over in the small, quiet town of Forrestville. She’s also avoiding all contact with the opposite sex, because she just can’t trust her instincts when it comes to men—not even with the sinfully sexy cop next door. So why can’t she stop thinking about him? Hunter has darkness in his soul, and yet no one ever made her feel so safe. For all her best laid plans, Evangeline didn’t count on choices this hard—or temptation this hot.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

I had never heard of this author, but since I was approved for it on Netgalley, I wanted to give it a try. I figured it was a great day to start this yesterday since it was Valentine's Day and that's the authors last name! Plus, can you really go wrong with reading a romance novel, curled up with your kitty, with your husband next to you on Valentine's day? I think not. 

Regardless of the day I read this, I finished it in one day! It was a really quick, short read and I really loved the characters. Of course, there's something about a man in uniform and I have a soft spot for cops. My brother is a copy in Arizona and I used to work at a police department, and let me tell ya, some of those copes were very easy on the eyes! So I knew right when I read this synopsis that I wanted to get a copy of this book. 

Hunter and Evangeline met in really terrible circumstances, but since then, he hasn't been able to forget about her. Months later she moves in across the hall from him as his new neighbor and things get interesting. It was so fun to watch these two together. They both have a a very difficult past, but learn to overcome it together. It wasn't entirely unpredictable, but I still had an idea of what was going to happen. However, it didn't take away for the cuteness of the story. I definitely will be checking out what else Valentine's written!

[Review] Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publishing Date: Jan. 5, 2016
320 pages
Format: hardcover, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Seventeen-year-old Mercedes Ayres has an open-door policy when it comes to her bedroom, but only if the guy fulfills a specific criteria: he has to be a virgin. Mercedes lets the boys get their awkward, fumbling first times over with, and all she asks in return is that they give their girlfriends the perfect first time- the kind Mercedes never had herself.

Keeping what goes on in her bedroom a secret has been easy- so far. Her absentee mother isn’t home nearly enough to know about Mercedes’ extracurricular activities, and her uber-religious best friend, Angela, won’t even say the word “sex” until she gets married. But Mercedes doesn’t bank on Angela’s boyfriend finding out about her services and wanting a turn- or on Zach, who likes her for who she is instead of what she can do in bed.

When Mercedes’ perfect system falls apart, she has to find a way to salvage her reputation and figure out where her heart really belongs in the process. Funny, smart, and true-to-life, FIRSTS is a one-of-a-kind young adult novel about growing up.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I was really excited to get a copy of this book because it sounded really interested and unique. I loved Mercedes as a main character.  I thought she was so sympathetic, even if I didn't agree with her choices of letting guys into her bedroom. Even so, she was interesting to get to know. The more I read, the more I understood why she did what she did. I really hated her mom, Kim; she acted like she couldn't care less about Mercedes and even congratulated her when she had boys over. It made me sick. 

I felt so many emotions while reading this book. I was laughing sometimes, cringing at other times, and even tearing up. Zach is such a good guy, too! He sticks by Mercedes side throughout thick and thin. Obviously he wants more than to be just friends, but even though Mercedes doesn't, he doesn't give up. When all hell break loose, Zach, and their new friend Faye, are there to back her up and help her through it. 

Seriously, this was a good book. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to see what else Flynn has in store for us. This book felt real and I had such a hard time putting it down! 

[Review] Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill
Publisher: Loveswept
Publishing Date: Feb. 9, 2016
217 Pages
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Clementine Daly knows she’s the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almostgot caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine’s sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn’t even an option. Of course, the last thing Clementine does before departure is grab a stranger’s phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn’t know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it.

Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they’re both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn’t want to let her go that easy. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can’t fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

O.M.G. I loved this book! I cruised through it in just a few hours and didn't want to put it down - but it was after midnight last night and I couldn't stay awake any longer! Seriously, this was such a fun, romantic book. I wasn't sure if the meeting over the phone and falling in love that way would work, but it really did. Clementine and Justin are really cute together. They meet after they accidentally switch phones before flying to other states and soon they're talking each day. You can feel the emotion and the new romance budding while reading this book. It reminds me a little of when my husband and I first met. New romances are so much fun and I remember getting really giddy each time he would text or call me (we were doing a long distance relationship so I didn't get to see him much). To be honest, I still get giddy when he texts me (: I just loved everything about this story. It was cute, charming, and incredibly romantic. Plus, there were some steamy sex scenes! Even after the couple comes to a bump in the road, the story was still really cute and I couldn't wait for them to work it out. 

Both characters are easy to relate to. Clementine, though incredibly wealthy, has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She's gone to college, has hundreds of opportunities because of her well-known family, but still has no idea what she wants. I actually really love this about her - I have a few degrees, including my law degree, and I still feel like I don't know what I want with my life. Meanwhile, Justin knows exactly what he wants in life - to be a journalist, but he doesn't have the family business to help him. He works hard for what he wants and goes after it. Put both of them together and these two people are perfect for each other; they complement each other very well. 

Highly, highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read what else Cahill has written!

Buy Links:  Amazon | B & N |Google Play|  iTunes | Kobo

About the Author

Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world’s loudest cat.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Giveaway 

($25.00 Amazon eGift Card)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Review] The Wanderer by Robyn Carr

The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point, #1
Publisher: Harlequin, Mira
377 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating:

Synopsis 

Nestled on the Oregon coast is a small town of rocky beaches and rugged charm. Locals love the land's unspoiled beauty. Developers see it as a potential gold mine. When newcomer Hank Cooper learns he's been left an old friend's entire beachfront property, he finds himself with a community's destiny in his hands. 

Cooper has never been a man to settle in one place, and Thunder Point was supposed to be just another quick stop. But Cooper finds himself getting involved with the town. And with Sarah Dupre, a woman as complicated as she is beautiful. 

With the whole town watching for his next move, Cooper has to choose between his old life and a place full of new possibilities. A place that just might be home.

My Review

I was in the mood to read some romance novels recently, so I went to my used local book store and stumbled upon this book. I haven't read anything by Carr before, so I thought I would give it a chance. Plus, there's something about books set in the Northwest that really draws me. I've actually never been there, but it's on my list of places to go some day, so until then, I will live vicariously through my books. 

Cooper's friend, Ben, dies unexpectedly and ultimately learns that Ben left him his bar and the 200 acres surrounding it. The bar is in dire need of help, so Cooper decides to renovate it in hopes of selling. However, as he lives in Thunder Point during the renovations, he comes to love the town and people in it, including Sarah, a Coast Guard helicopter rescue pilot. As the story unfolds, we learn that Cooper doesn't really stay in one place very long and doesn't have much of a plan to settle down any time soon. But as he gets closer to Sarah, he finds himself almost convincing her that it's okay to settle down. It's really fun to watch their friendship grow to a romance. Sarah is really reserved because of her last relationship, but Cooper doesn't pressure her. And Sarah's brother is a great supporting character as well, and I loved watching the relationship between him and Cooper grow. 

This was a really good book and I loved the characters. Plus we got a bonus love story between Mac and Gina, whose close friendship turns to love once they realize they both have been crushing on each other forever! This is definitely going to be a good series to follow! And I can't wait to see what else Carr has in store.