Tag Archives: romance

Review: Silver Girl

Posted on by

Silver Girl
by Elin Hilderbrand
3  stars

Elin Hilderbrand’s Silver Girl is a perfect summer read. Meredith Delinn is under siege after her husband is convicted of stealing billions of dollars from investors (think Bernie Madoff). She calls upon an old though estranged friend, Connie Flute, for help. Connie whisks Meredith to Nantucket for the summer where Meredith hopes to stay incognito while thinking of any information the Feds can use to track down the stolen money and thus exonerate herself. Connie hopes to overcome her grief following the death of her husband. Through the thoughts of both women the reader learns about their childhood and young loves up through the present where the estranged friends are reunited but still dealing with their past treatment of each other…and trying to heal from their personal tragedies.

At first glance, Silver Girl appears to be a fluffy read with a beach setting and some predictable romantic subplots. However, there is more heft to the book than you’d imagine. Discussing this book with friends has led me to think more deeply about its similarities to the Bernie Madoff financial fiasco. In particular, how not only the victims were impacted but his family as well. There are also the avenues of mother-daughter, mother-son, and father-daughter relationships to explore. The description of Nantucket has me ready to board a plane for there right now.  And the explanations of the food Connie prepared throughout the novel had my stomach rumbling and my mouth watering.  This was my first Elin Hilderbrand read, but any time I’m in the mood for a semi-light read, I’ll be picking up another!

 

Read-alikes:

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner

Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky

 

Royal Wedding Reads

Posted on by

Are you excited for the royal wedding?  The fanfare, the tradition, the romance, and of course the white dress, all contribute to what can be seen as a real-life fairy tale.  If you find yourself wanting even more royal romance after the wedding is over, then we suggest trying one of these books!  These happily-ever-after romances are sure to give you the warm fuzzies as well as good dose of pomp and circumstance.  Happy wedding watching (and reading)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Maybe in Another Life

Posted on by

Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
4 stars

I highly recommend this book to fans of the 1998 movie Sliding Doors (if you like romantic dramas, you should definitely watch it!). Two different versions of your life branching out from one decision or moment. In Sliding Doors, the main character gets fired and runs for the subway. In one version of her life she makes the train and gets home in time to catch her boyfriend cheating on her, in another she misses it.

Maybe in Another Life is based on a similar concept. After a particularly nasty break-up, Hannah moves back to LA and goes to a party with her best friend. When she bumps into her high school boyfriend at the party, he offers her a ride home if she wants to stay, rather than leave with her friend. In one version of her life she leaves with her friend, in another she stays.

This book is a little more solidly in the ‘chick lit’ genre than I normally read, but I really liked the concept. One decision in Hannah’s life, to stay at the party or leave, effects every part of her life from then onward. While there is some romance, in bother versions of Hannah’s life, the main story was about Hannah figuring herself out and her relationship with her best friend, Gabby. I admit, at the end of the story I had strong opinions on which version of Hannah’s life I liked better!

Read-alikes

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

The One That Got Away by Leigh Himes

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Review: Starlight Nights

Posted on by

Starlight Nights
by Stacey Kade
4 stars

I highly recommend Starlight Nights, Stacey Kade’s second “new adult” novel, to anyone who enjoys conflicted characters and captivating romance. Calista Beckett is a child star all grown up and trying to right her life on a small college campus far from the lights of Hollywood. Eric Stone co-starred with Calista on a popular TV show a few years ago before the show and their lives imploded. Now Eric’s trying to make a name for himself outside the overbearing shadow of his producer father, and he needs Calista’s help. Calista doesn’t want to be drawn back to her old life and bad habits, but her mother’s gone through all the Hollywood money and needs Calista to work to support the family. Calista accepts knowing her crush on Eric from years ago partially led to the collapse of the show and her life. Eric doesn’t expect Calista to not only star in his new show, but to forgive him for past harms and team up with him to take on their controlling families. The scenes with both characters struggling with their personal demons and coming together are show stoppers.

Read-alikes

All Lined Up: A Rusk University Novel by Cora Carmack

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Scratch by Rhonda Helms

Review: Now That You Mention It

Posted on by

Now That You Mention It
by Kristan Higgins
4 stars

This is my first read by Kristan Higgins. She’s definitely a well-known author that has been on my to-read list for awhile.  I was expecting a light romance, but this delivered much more. This book had a lot of humor, a well written a cast of characters, a great story line, and even some darker elements that I wasn’t expecting. The story centers around Nora, a gastroenterologist living in Boston with her cute dog and boyfriend, who is an ER doctor. After a freak accident and realizing what a jerk her boyfriend really is, Nora decides to go back home, which is a small island off the coast of Maine. I absolutely loved this setting. Back home isn’t easy for Nora, as her childhood was full of unpleasant memories and her family and friends don’t seem to welcome her back with open arms. However, the way Nora still loves all of these characters despite their flaws makes the reader love them as well. Nora’s voice brings a lot of humor to the book and just puts you in a good mood. I’m looking forward to reading more from Kristan Higgins!

 

Read-alikes

All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs

Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank