Book Review - A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly

 

A Traitor in Whitehall by Julia Kelly is about a woman, Evelyne Redfern, who finds a dead body at her new job. In England 1940, Evelyne is famously known as the “The Parisian Orphan” because of the nasty divorce between her mother and her adventurer father that unfolded very publicly.  Evelyne wishes to leave her parents’ shadow and move on with her life.

She decides to take a job working on the line at a munitions factory to help out with the war efforts.  During the night, she and her friends at the local boarding house go out for a fun night out. There she crosses paths with one of her father’s old friends, Mr. Fletcher. 

Mr. Fletcher asks if she is interested in taking a new job as he remembers how clever and resourceful she was as a child. Evelyne is intrigued and decides to take him up on his offer. She wasn’t sure what to expect of the new job but now she is working as a secretary for the Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s cabinet war rooms.  She feels that this job would have more of an impact with the war efforts than working in the factories as it would have a “more” direct impact.

As Evelyne tries to find her way around the underground bunker, she comes across a person she thinks is sleeping at the desk. When she goes closer to the person, she realizes the person is dead and it was someone she knew and worked with. Evelyne is determined to find the killer. She loves reading detective novels, and she believes that she can find the culprit, but her plan puts her directly in the path of David Poole. 

Evelyne doesn’t know much about David other than he is sketchy and always seems to turn up wherever she is. She hopes that they will stay out of each other’s way until she finds out that David has been tasked to find the mole that has been selling government secrets to Britain’s enemies. Evelyne feels that their missions are connected and begrudgingly agrees to team up with David. Will the pair be able to find out who is behind the murder? 

I thought the book was an interesting read but it wasn’t as enjoyable to me as I would have expected. It took me a bit of time to get into the author’s writing style. I found myself going back and rereading the same thing over again because I couldn’t grasp what the author was trying to communicate. There was also a large cast of people that it was difficult to keep everyone’s motive and story straight. It felt like tons of information was given about minor characters who didn’t really add anything to the story. Then at other times, I feel like we didn’t really get to know many of the characters other than their basic cursory backgrounds.

I felt at times the pacing was a bit off. The book was boring and plodded along slowly towards the middle and the ending came out of nowhere. It felt a bit unexpected on how the book ended but not unpredictable. I did find it odd that the only qualification that Evelyne had to solve the murder was that she was a fan of murder mystery novels. She had one job prior to being a secretary, and she had minimal office experience. I can understand her being considered clever but there weren't really any facts or reason to back that up. I didn’t like that the author made it seem that she knew more than other people because she was an amateur sleuth that liked murder mysteries. If you like cozy mystery reads, then this book might be enjoyable to you.  I would be open to read more books from the series but I wouldn’t go out of my way to find or read it.

Book Review - Critical Threat (Extreme Measures #3) by Lynette Eason

 

In Critical Threat by Lynette Eason, an FBI agent will need to team up with the son of a serial killer to stop the recent string of murders. FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley is a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst who focuses on tracking serial killers and getting them off the streets. Sam Monroe is a prison psychiatrist who works with violent criminals on a daily basis. He knows that just because someone is in prison doesn’t mean that person isn’t a threat anymore. Sam’s father, Peter, is a notorious serial killer who is serving multiple life sentences in prison. Even while behind bars, Peter is still actively trying to get involved in Sam’s life. However, Sam wants nothing to do with his father and wishes that he can rid himself of Peter.

When a rash of dead bodies start to show up with a similar M.O. to Peter’s, Sam and Grace are asked to consult on the case together. Grace is hesitant to work with Sam because they have met before and things didn’t work out. They went on a date after meeting at a conference and Grace thought they hit it off, except Sam ghosted her after the date. Grace tries to put her feelings aside as they work together but she can’t help but feel that there is something between the two of them.

This book is the third book in the series but can be read as standalone. I read the first book in the series and a few of the characters from the earlier works make an appearance in this book, but they are minor characters and the reader does not need to know their backstory. I thought the book was an okay read. The mastermind was an unexpected twist but a few of the other twists were predictable. I do like that the book has a lot of action and thrills to keep the reader guessing.

Like the first book, I also didn’t really care for the characters in this book. I felt that the characters were one dimensional and wooden. The interaction between the two protagonists felt dull and forced. I felt like there wasn’t any chemistry between all the characters. There wasn’t a single character that I found believable or likable. The drama with Sam and his ex-wife was cliché. Grace and her family also deal with their own familial issues that I felt like didn’t add much to the story. I felt that while the author woven these family dramas to give readers a glimpse into Sam’s and Grace’s lives to help readers build an understanding about them, I could have done without these details. Even the interaction with minor characters didn’t seem plausible. I find it hard to believe a teenage boy who doesn’t want to hang out with his younger sister and calls her a munchkin, then has intellectual conversations about how isolated and afraid his sister might feel (without prompting!).

I also didn’t like that Grace continuously kept putting herself in danger because she assumed that backup was right behind her. I also don’t understand how the killer managed to get her so many times. I do commend her bravery but, after the first three times of her being captured and then needing to be saved, it got boring and repetitive.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion** 

Book Review - Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

 

Beverly and her six year old son, Tommie, flee their home during the middle of the night. Beverly is determined to start a new life after leaving her abusive husband behind. She has to be on guard in case, her husband finds her and takes them back home. Beverly becomes on edge when Tommie insists that he is hearing someone call his name and when a mysterious truck keeps parking in her driveway, Beverly will need to act quick if she is planning to escape again.

Colby Mills gave up his career as a musician to run his family's small farm in North Carolina. He decides to take a working vacation and head to St. Pete Beach, Florida to play at a local bar. While playing at the bar, he crosses paths with Morgan Lee and he finds himself falling for her.

Morgan is from an affluent family of doctors from Chicago. She graduated from a prestigious music program and wants to head to Nashville and break into the industry. When she meets Colby, she finds herself falling for him. However, is she willing to give up her dream to be with him?

This was my first time reading a book by the author. I can see why people enjoy his writing but, this book wasn't for me. The book moved so slowly and the surprise ending was predictable. The book dragged on forever until the ending where everything is tied up nicely. I did enjoy reading Beverly's story line but, felt that Colby's and Morgan's was boring. I don't think I will be in a rush to read any of his other books after reading this dud.

Book Review - The Backup Plan (Sunrise Cove, #3) by Jill Shalvis

 

Alice is excited when she comes across an unexpected windfall. She is set to inherit a dilapidated bed and breakfast that she once called home. The downside, is that she has to split her inheritance with two people from her past that she would rather forget about. Alice used to be best friends with Lauren while Knox, is the guy Alice has secretly pined for.

The terms of the will state that the three will have to work together and renovate the house and work together for one year otherwise, they will lose their share. However, each of the trio has their own heartache and history which causes tension between them. They decide to keep a set of rules to help keep the peace. As they work together, will they find what they have been looking for?

The book reads like a classic Hallmark movie with some closed door steamy parts. My favorite parts of the story is when they would add new rules and ultimately break them. The book did have some slow parts with a happy ending sprinkled with some sassy humor. I do like that there wasn't any back and forth on whether or not a couple liked each other. This book is a part of a series but, it can be read as a standalone.

Book Review - The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall

 

In the book, Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams, talk about hope. It's one of the most sought after but, least understood element of human nature. The book is highly relevant given our current climate and political landscape.

Typically, I don't read nonfiction books but, I was interested in reading more about Jane's life. The book is an inspirational read as Jane talks about times in her life where she almost lost hope and how things turn around. She shares personal anecdotes and memories, that are interesting and spellbinding. It's the perfect book to bring someone's hopes up if they are ever feeling down or overwhelmed.

Book Review - The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

 

Gabe and Pippa has bought their dream home in a small coastal town. Their house is right near a cliff. The cliff is infamous for people who go there to kill themselves. Gabe is famous for talking people off the ledge until one day, he fails and someone falls to their death. When it is discovered that Gabe knew the victim, Pippa questions how much she really knows Gabe.

The book started off interesting and it kept me hook until the half way point. The constant point of view switching became boring and dull because there was barely any movement to the story. I felt like the story dragged and dragged with nothing keeping the readers hooked. I can't say that I really liked any of the characters and I found Pippa annoying. She kept sticking up for Gabe when it was hard to see what he bought to the table other than him being good looking and charismatic. While this book was a bit disappointing, I will still continue reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

 

Aidyn Kelley is a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star. She wants meaty assignments instead of the current fluff pieces she's been getting. In an effort to provide herself, she goes over her boss's head and sends a message requesting a bigger story to the managing editor. Aidyn finds herself in deep hot water and is punished by getting a boring assignment. She is tasked with writing an obituary for an elderly woman who just entered hospice care.

Clara Kip is an extraordinary woman contrary to her claiming otherwise. She might be dying but, she isn't ready to give up just yet. She has never shied away from doing God's work and she feels that God brought Aidyn into her life for a reason. However, if Aidyn wants the full scoop of Mrs. Kip's life, it won't come easy.

I thought the book was a delightful and heart warming read. It was inspiring and moving to read about Mrs. Kip's life and her dedication to others. I did think that Aidyn warming up to Mrs. Kip and her willingness to listen did happen a bit quicker than I expected it would. However, I did enjoy reading their interactions and watching their bond grow. I liked how the author dealt with death and overcoming obstacles. Even though the ending was predictable, it didn't stop me from crying. The book is a Christian novel and has a lot references to God and Jesus for those who might shy away from these types of books.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jimenez

 

For the Ramirez family, their lives revolve around their missing middle daughter, Ruthy, who was thirteen years old, when she disappeared. Ruthy disappeared after track practice without leaving a trace. Twelve years later, Jessica, the eldest, spots a woman on TV that looks very familiar to their Ruthy. Jessica rushes to tell her youngest sister, Nina, about her findings. The woman on TV has dyed her hair red and calls herself Ruby. Ruby also has a very similar beauty mark under her left eye just like Ruthy.

Life hasn't been easy for the Ramirez family when Ruthy disappeared. Their mother, Dolores, still struggles with the loss and their father has passed which, they believe was due to the stress from Ruthy's disappearance.  Jessica is struggling to juggle the demands of a newborn with her hospital job and Nina after just graduating from college is struggling to find meaningful employment.

After seeing Ruthy, Jessica and Nina decide to plan a trip to the show to see if that's their sister. However, when their mother finds out, she insist on joining along with her best friend, Irene. During their road trip, they realize they must come to terms with what they find and how they will need move forward with or without Ruthy.

I thought the book was an interesting read and it was fun reading about Staten Island. I connected with a few of their stories and landmarks since, I grew up in Staten Island. A few times though, I was wondering where this book was heading because I couldn't figure out if it was just about a family in grief over their missing sister or was there a thriller/mystery aspect to the book. The ending was a bit unexpected and it will have you wondering about the "what ifs" possibilities.  Overall, I thought it was a good debut novel and I look forward to reading more books  by the author.

Book Review - The Ghost Tree by Christina Henry

 

Smiths Hollow is a small quiet town. So, when two bodies of girls are found torn to shreds, Lauren is surprised. She feels that the police will never find the killer because her father's murder went unsolved. A year before, her beloved father was found dead with his heart missing. Everyone has been able to move on including, her mother. Lauren has a hard time coming to terms with her father's death and she struggles when her best friend, Miranda, is starting to move on too. Miranda and Lauren used to be two peas in a pod but, now Miranda wants to spend more time with boys than hanging out by the old ghost tree, like when they were kids.

One day, Lauren has a vision of a monster dragging the remains of the slain girls through the woods. She knows that she can't just sit there like everyone else and do nothing. She is determined to find the killer. As Lauren tries to find clues, she realizes someone is keeping a dark deadly secret. Will Lauren be able to solve the mystery behind the missing girls before it's too late?

I have read several books by the author and have enjoyed them. I thought the plot of this book was a unique and interesting. However, I don't think the book should have been so long. I felt like that there was unnecessarily long because the "plot" behind the murders was pretty straightforward. For example, when Lauren's grandmother told her story, the author spends pages where Lauren doesn't believe it. Even when, Lauren herself keeps mentioning evidence that her grandmother might be telling the truth. I felt like there could have been more action in the middle of the book because it was a bit slow action wise. Overall, it was a good book and I would read more books by the author.

Book Review - The Prisoner's Wife by Maggie Brookes

 

Izabella, a Czech farm girl,  and Bill, a British prisoner of war,  fell in love during the war and decide to get married and go on the run. In the middle of the night, they travel through the countryside to avoid being captured. Izzy is dressed as a man to avoid detection and the punishment for her act of treason. The duo were able to evade capture until they were cornered by Nazi soldiers and tracking dogs.

Izzy's disguise works and the Nazi assumes that the pair are escaped British soldiers. They are transported to a POW work camp. Together as newly weds, they face deplorable living conditions along with the constant fear that Izzy will be exposed. In the middle of darkness, comes a small beacon of hope as the couple befriends a small group of prisoners. The group of men become their new family as they are willing to sacrifice everything to save Izzy from being discovered.

The novel is inspired by a true story and I thought it would be an endearing read about hope during one of history's darkest moments. However, I was sadly disappointed how boring this novel was. I have read many historical fiction books before but, this book barely had any story to it. It was mostly describing the living conditions of the camps and the people Izzy and Bill have met. I felt like it quickly got repetitive to the point of boredom. I had a hard time connecting with Izzy as a person. As readers, we rarely got to see and feel her plight and the danger of her exposure or learn anything about her and Bill. I was more than 80% done before, I called it quits on this book.

Book Review - More Than You'll Ever Know by Katie Gutierrez

 

In 1985, Lore Rivera marries Andres in Mexico City, while she is currently married to Fabian Rivera in Laredo, Texas. In Texas, she shares twin sons with Fabian. Lore splits her time between two countries and two families as she travels as an international banker. The truth is revealed with one husband is arrested for murdering the other.

In 2017, true crime writer Cassie Bowman is looking for articles to write for work when she comes across an article talking about the murder and Lore's double life. Cassie is consumed by the case because what would cause a mother to risk everything for a secret double marriage? Cassie is desperate to learn more so, she tracks down Lore and tries to convince Lore to tell her side of the story. As Cassie and Lore spend more time with each other, Cassie starts to question the facts around the murder. She is determined to find out the truth behind that faithful night even if it means exposing truths both women are trying to keep secret.

I thought the book was an okay read. I didn't care for the times when the author mixed in some Spanish phrases because I had to look up what they meant and that ruined the flow of the book. The twist at the end was a predictable and I was able to figure it out fairly early on. I felt that the book was unnecessarily long as there are several pages where nothing happens. I didn't really care for any of the characters as the story slowly progressed. I would have liked this story more if the author included some translations for the Spanish phrases and edited down the book to a quicker pace.

Book Review - Little Disasters by Randall Klein

 

Michael and Paul are on the cusp of being new fathers. They meet at the hospital where their wives, Rebecca and Jenny, give birth. For Paul, tragedy follows when his son prematurely perishes. He hopes to speed up his and Jenny's recovery and ease her dark moods by giving her something to look forward too. He turns to Michael and asks for a favor while unwittingly kindling an affair that would tear the two couples apart.

One year later,  their personal lives come to turning point when a mysterious incident occurs in Midtown Manhattan and shuts down the entire city. Both Michael and Paul are stranded and are desperate to find their way home. Michael is near the Cloisters while, Paul is in a dark subway tunnel under the East River. They both try to make the trek home in record breaking heat while nervously eyeing the thin plume of smoke painting the skyline. As they begin the journey home, we learn of their private and public turmoils that trouble them. 

I thought the novel was going to be an interesting read but, I couldn't quite get into it. Majority of the main characters were despicable people and I didn't really care for them. I found the woman who they had an affair with to be unlikable and downright annoying at times.She was cheating on her spouse multiple times and seemed to be quite proud on inflicting pain on him but, she wasn't sympathetic to his needs or indiscretion. She also kept withholding her feelings and parts of herself but, wanted everyone to be upfront and sharing with her. 

I didn't understand how two of the characters started their affair when one of the characters seemed to hate the other and wanted to avoid them at all cost. I didn't like that the author kept jumping between characters and time periods. At first it was hard to keep track of who was married to who. The story was also filled with a lot of useless details such as the break down of the each celebration meal. I didn't really understand why the author felt the need to tell the readers what the couple eat during each meal course and what they paired it with. At times, I did feel that the book was a bit of a love letter to NYC and it's wonderful perks and flaws. I did enjoy reading the different places they went but, I am a native NYCer and not everyone would love these details. Personally, I didn't like that most of the plot was spoiled early on and that the only mystery was what caused them to be stuck in the city.

Book Review - Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase

 

 

Amber Alton loves spending the summers at her family's Cornish country house. The hours and days  are spent frolicking in the sun and no two clocks read the same at Black Rabbit Hall. However, one unfortunate day something terrible happens.

Thirty years later, Lorna is determined to marry at an old crumbling estate she used to visit with her mother. When Lorna arrives at Pencraw Hall/Black Rabbit Hall, she feels drawn to the estate. She finds herself drawn to the history and the family that used to live there before.

I had such high hopes for this novel. The cover is so beautifully done and the blurb was so attention grabbing but it was an utter disappointment.  I didn't care for any of the characters and I felt like the suspense was building for a lackluster and overdone plot. This slow moving book was an utter waste of time and it will make me second guess picking up another book by this author.

Book Review - Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel

 

 

The last time Maeve saw her beloved cousin, Andrea, was two decades ago when Maeve escaped the cult they were raised in. Maeve has worked hard to put her past life behind her and start a new life in New York City. She tries to keep everyone at arms length to prevent getting hurt again.

One day, Andrea appears in her life again. Maeve feels that she regain a part of herself that she was missing. She spends all of her free time at Andrea's remote Catskills estate. Maeve meets Andrea's wealthy work friends who disapproves of her single lifestyle. She is surprised to learn that Andrea made her fortune in the fertility industry after what happened in their past.  As Maeve spends more time with Andrea, she realizes that her cousin is trigger memories that Maeve fought hard to forget.

The only thing scary about this disappointing book is the cover. The book was boring and very predictable until the end. There wasn't a single likeable character in the entire novel. I found that ending could be seen a mile away and this book felt like torture reading until the very end.

Book Review - Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 2018, Morgan Christopher's life has taken a turn for the worst. She takes the fall for a crime her boyfriend has committed and in the process her dream of finding a career in art has been put on hold. She feels that her world is closing in around her until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer she couldn't refuse. They can get her released from prison immediately if she can restore an old post office mural. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration but, she is desperate to be free. As she begins to work on restoring the mural she discovers that the painting has a few secrets buried.

In 1940, Anna Dale is an artist from New Jersey, who wins a national contest to paint murals for a post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Anna is desperate for a change of scenery after her beloved mother has passed away. She is hesitant at first to work in a town where prejudices run deep but, she finds herself entwined with the townfolk. As she works on the mural, she realizes everyone has secrets that they will stop at nothing to keep hidden.

This was my second novel by the author and I thought this novel was enjoyable as my first. The book followed the same basic format as the other novel with the dual timelines.  I thought this was an interesting read but, I was still confused on how someone can be so nice in front of you but, then take any chance to harm you when given the opportunity. The novel reminds me that you can never know someone's true nature. Overall, the book had a few twists and I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Never Come Back by David Bell

 

Leslie Hampton assumed that her daughter Elizabeth would care for her son, Ronnie, who has special needs when the time came. Elizabeth doesn't want to be responsible for taking care of Ronnie as she wouldn't be able to live the life she wants. When Leslie dies unexpectedly, Elizabeth is consumed by grief and guilt. 

The police determined that Leslie was strangled to death, and they suspect that Ronnie had a violent outburst. Elizabeth can't believe that her brother is capable of murder. However, when a stranger is named in Leslie's will, Elizabeth feels that her mother might be keeping secrets from her. As more secrets start to unravel, a dangerous stranger from Leslie's past claims to have answers but, not without a price.

I thought the book was an interesting read. I was able to guess some of the twists but, overall, the book kept me entertained. I didn't really care for Elizabeth at times because I felt like she kept herself closed off from others. The story did move slowly but, I would still be opened to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen

 

Lauren Anderson has finally gotten her life back on track after a rough time as a teenager. She has her battle with bulimia under control, her career is progressing, and she has a strong support system. However, all that is threaten when she has a chance meeting with Carter Douglas. He was her first love and he also broke her heart when they were younger. Lauren starts to remember their past and everything she has worked hard to build could come crashing down.

Carter is a TV meteorologist, who is determined to make things right with Lauren. Lauren was his first love and he still loves her. However, the reasons why they broke up the first time is still present in the future. Carter isn't sure that he has enough strength to face his old demons and make a different choice this time around.

Rosie is Lauren's elderly grandmother and she's been having memories about a man named Ephraim. No one in Lauren's family has ever heard of him before. As Lauren begins to dig into Rosie's past, a forbidden love comes to light. Lauren and Carter work to uncover the story of Rosie's past while trying learn forgiveness.

I thought the book was an interesting read. I like the dual timelines and the dual romances but, I like reading about Rosie's history the most. At times, I got frustrated with Carter and Lauren's romance as they wanted to forgive each other and give their relationship a second chance but, they both refused to be honest about the past. They both recognized that they didn't want to relive their past mistakes but, then kept their main hangs up about the past a secret. I feel that no relationship is going to be successful if  one person keeps a part of themselves locked away. This book is the second in a series but, can be read as a standalone.  

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - A Summer to Remember by Erika Montgomery

 

Thirty-year-old Frankie Simon took over her late mother's movie memorabilia shop. The shop serves as not only her source of income but, as the last remaining link to the only family she has ever known. As Frankie tries to come to term with her mother's passing, she receives a mysterious package in the mail. The package contains a photo of her mother alongside famous movie stars Glory Cartwright and her husband at a film festival the year before Frankie's birth.

Frankie decides to visit the coastal village to find out the truth behind her birth along with the secrets her mother has been keeping. Along the way, Frankie discovers that the past doesn't always stay buried and there are different types of families.

The book was an interesting cozy read with a few twists. I thought it was disappointing that Frankie went to discover her father but, that story line took a backseat to other story lines. I felt that the story was more of a fluff read than a story with actual punch. It was an interesting read and I would be open to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

 

Mars always felt that he was the lesser twin. He was always in his sister, Caroline's, shadow. However, when Caroline dies in a horrible accident, Mars is determined to learn more about his twin. The pair were once inseparable but, sister has slowly grown distant from him.

Mars considers himself to be gender fluid. His politically connected family often excludes him from traditions and expectations because of it. He was excluded from attending the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy that her sister loved attending. Mars is still trying to cope with her death and insists on attending the academy in her place.

Mars realizes the camp atmosphere and what it stands for isn't for him. The adults and children still follow outdated old fashioned gender roles along with allowing predatory behaviors among the campers. Mars seeks out Caroline's old roommates, a group of girls called the Honeys. They were named after the beehives they maintain near their cabin. Mars feels drawn to them but he is certain that they are connected to Caroline's death.

I found the novel to be an entertaining read. Mars was a delightful character and I love his witty banter with Wyatt.  In the beginning, the description of the Honeys and certain situations pulled in readers and kept them there and left them wanting to know more. However, I felt like some parts of the book stalled and felt a bit disjointed. I did enjoy the story but, I can't put my finger on why I didn't love the story especially, since I liked Mars as a character. I would be open to reading more books by the author though.

 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy  of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

Book Review - Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti

 

Dava Shastri is one of the world's wealthiest woman and she is well known for her sterling reputation. At the age of seventy, she was diagnosis with brain cancer. The news causes Dava's entire world to be turned upside down. Dava decides to take control of her death just like everything else in her life.

She decides to plan a trip with her four adult children to her private island to disclose the truth. She plans to tell them about her medical diagnosis along with arranging for the news of her death to break early so, she can read what people said about her.

Dava has dedicated her life to philanthropy and to helping others especially, to the arts and the empowerment of women. Dava was expecting to be praised on her philanthropic work. Instead, the news of her death reveals two secrets that Dava thought she buried forever. Not only is the truth exposed but, the entire world including her children know the truth.

As Dava tries to connect with her family with the limited time she has, she will also need  to come to terms with the decisions she has made while making peace with her family. Will Dava be able to connect and fix the frays with her family before it's too late?

I thought the novel had an interesting premise and it was as a heart warming read. At times, I felt like the book did drag on. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters and including, Dava. I felt like she was very much focused on what she wanted to do that sometimes. I felt like she took her children for granted and want they needed from her. I also found it weird that she wanted to take care of all her children except for one child who seemed the most like her. I thought that the author had way too many characters in the beginning and at one point, it seems that she herself got two names mixed up. I was also confused why the author picked to write this story in the future as there wasn't many futuristic elements except the time Dava went to space. Overall, the novel was a good attempt at a debut and has some thought-provoking moments.