Book Review - The Tuscan Secret by Angela Petch

 

The Tuscan Secret by Angela Petch is about  a woman named Anna who is trying to cope with her beloved mother Ines's death. The only personal item she inherits is a box of old yellowed paper handwritten in Italian along with a few photos. She is desperate to learn more about her mother and to find a way to keep the connection they shared alive. As she reads the pages, Anna learns her mother’s truth about what happened during the war.

Anna decides that she has nothing keeping her from visiting Italy to be fully immersed in her mother’s past as she recently went through a breakup and lost her job. She travels to a small village of Rofelle, where she decides to enjoy the sights while trying to decipher her mother’s letters.

She learns that her mother lived a happy and quiet life. Ines spent most of her days herding sheeps in the meadows or helping her parents at the mill.  Until World War Two began and Nazi soldiers started to encroach on their land, Ines and her family lived quiet lives. After foreign troops entered their land, Ines joined the Resistenza, with her brother to help protect British soldiers and her homeland from the invaders. As Anna delves deeper into her mother’s story, she learns that Ines fell in love with a British soldier. She wonders what caused Ines to leave her beloved country and what happened to that soldier as Anna spent most of her childhood hearing her parents fight with each other. She has a hard time understanding how they ended up together. And Ines refused to talk about her life in Italy no matter how much Anna had asked her.

Anna visits her mother’s old house, in hopes that she can find something that belonged to her mother.  She meets an elderly Italian man who seems to know more than he is letting on.  He flinches when Anna mentions her mother and stares at the photos with Ines that Anna has shared with him. However, he refused to talk to Anna and claimed he doesn’t remember anything about the war nor does he want to talk about it. Will Anna be able to find out the truth about her family’s past?

The novel was a quick and straightforward read. It did have a few twists but most were predictable. The book was told from alternating narrators and times. I thought both timelines were interesting but I found myself enjoying Ines’s storyline more. I wanted to find out more about her past and how she  ended up being in a loveless marriage when it seems that she was happily in love during her youth. I did find the novel to be moving slowly at times and found myself wanting more to happen. If you are a fan of cozy romance novels that take place around World War Two, then you might enjoy this book.

 

Book Review - Finding Normal: Sex, Love, and Taboo in Our Hyperconnected World by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay

 

Finding Normal: Sex, Love, and Taboo in Our Hyperconnected World by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay is a journalist’s exploration on how different people use the internet to find their community. Alexa finds people who identify in a variety of ways that are different from sexual norms. The book is based on a collection of candid interview series conducted for a popular magazine.

The book was interesting because each chapter was based on a different identity. The chapters were interesting to read even though I couldn’t relate to any of the people. I like that the author allowed each person to tell their story and then shared her assessment. I at first felt disgusted by some of the behavior but then I try to reign in my emotions and realize that sometimes, the people sharing their story do not want to be that way or I should be more empathetic and more open minded towards them. 

The book is split into two sections. The first section has mild taboo behaviors like asexuality, multiple partners, and age difference while the second half of the book might not be for everyone as it has more “extreme” ones.  I thought the book was well researched and written. I would be open to reading more articles or books by the author.

Book Review - More than Words by Mia Sheridan

 

More than Words by Mia Sheridan is about two young kids who fall in love and then meet years later. Eleven year old Jessica Creswell likes to believe in fairy tales and loves pretending that her life is a fairytale instead of the mess that it is currently. Her home life is fraught with her parents constantly fighting and bickering.  Her philandering father makes no effort to hide his affairs and her mother is in constant heartache. Jessica’s mother is so desperate for her husband to love her that she even tries to bring the kids into the mix. She would bring the kids to the hotels that her husband is staying in so the kids can see their father cheat on their mom.

Jessica wanders around her city to avoid spending time at home. She crosses paths with Callen Hayes when exploring the railroad tracks. She feels that he is her broken prince as he is also running away from something. Together, the pair find refuge with each other. Their hideout becomes their safe space from their troubled lives. They could be with each other and be themselves without any judgment. Things were going great until one day, Callen kissed her. It was Jessica’s first kiss and then he just disappeared from her world.

Years later, Callen Hayes went from the troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks to a “somebody”. He is a famous composer and an infamous ladies man. The press loves to follow him and to witness his drunken antics.  Callen is troubled by his inner demons and he is usually able to quiet them with his music. However, lately he has been having issues with writing music which causes him to spiral out of control.

Callen’s agent decides that he needs some time off to recuperate and get his groove back. So, Callen and his friend decide to go to France to revel in the city. He wants to drink and sleep his way through the city. As Callen falls deeper into the darkness within himself, he crosses paths with Jessica. Jessica was the one who introduced Callen to music and inspired him. Callen feels drawn to her and hopes that she can inspire him to write again. However, the pair couldn’t be more different from each other. Will they be able to put their past hurt behind them?

I thought the book was an okay read but I didn’t care for it. It didn’t really have any unexpected twists or turns or plot points that weren't easy to guess. I did find it annoying in the book when Jessica was portrayed as innocent and Callen was the bad boy. That she had to save herself for him — couldn’t she also have been in a previous relationship and still be innocent? I also didn’t like that she kept calling him “my prince”, and then saying she would save him. To me, it made her character seem weak and more often than not. They both needed professional help, not “saving” by each other. I can’t say that I liked any of the characters in the book. The book also had a side plot of an ancient love story that Jessica was translating for work. I found myself more interested in that story than Jessica’s and Callen’s story line. 

The book also has things that don't seem plausible or made little sense to me. One of the main characters isn’t able to read. I find that hard to believe as someone who went to school and was born in the States couldn’t recognize any letters or words. How do they continue passing grades in school? Then during the end of one love scene, they just flushed a condom down the toilet. Almost everyone knows especially, a sex addict like Callen, that it doesn't make sense to do. Then Callen is a famous musical composer who is on the front page of every tabloid and international sensation. I have watched award shows and read the tabloids  but I can’t tell you a single time I have seen any musical composer who isn’t a singer featured. Personally, the book just seems like a fluff nonsensical read.

Book Review - The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy

 

The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy is about two lovers who were caught in the middle of World War II, and a daughter's search for the truth.  In Weimar, Germany in 1929, a group of young intellectuals gathered at a party to celebrate life. At the party, two artists meet and find themselves drawn  to each other.

Max Ehrlick is a skilled Austrian Jewish architect and Bettina Vogel is a celebrated avant-garde painter. After meeting at the party, Max and Bettina find themselves spending every moment in each others’ presence. Months later, they feel that their relationship starts to be threatened by the rising threat of the Nazis. As Bettina is a German woman and Max is a Jewish man, they are unable to marry, and have to keep their relationship under wraps. They move to Berlin hoping that they are far enough away to keep Max safe.

They moved to Dachau as life in Berlin had gotten too expensive and they were not able to afford their lifestyle any longer. They figured that Bettina would move back home with her mother and brother and Max would work at the porcelain factory to help save money. They decided that the Nazi regime’s influence had gotten too big and that they needed to escape before it became too late.

The pair decided that they saved enough money after Bettina sold some of her artwork and Max had been putting aside his wages from the factory. They agree to meet at the train station to plan their escape. Bettina patiently waits for him until late at night but Max never shows up. She finds out later that he was arrested by someone close to Bettina and was sent to a concentration camp.

As luck would have it, Max gets reassigned to work back in the factory where he was caught. Max is thankful for his stroke of luck as he managed to befriend someone in charge of the factory. He spends his day toiling away at creating elegant porcelain figures. The people in the Nazi regime love these porcelain figurines and they buy them to show loyalty to the Nazis.  Max knows that his talent is the only thing keeping him from certain death, or hard labor in the camps.

Bettina is desperate to find Max and reconnect with him. She meets with someone from their past and the pair together tries to find out where Max is. She decides to cook up a desperate plan when she finds out where Max is. Bettina is willing to risk everything to find Max and escape Germany with him.

In 1993 in America, Clara, Bettina’s daughter, travels across the country to search for the truth about her father. Her mother has kept her father’s identity a secret from Clara. Clara was never sure why Bettina thought it was important to hide her father’s identity but Clara didn’t want to upset Bettina by demanding that she tell her the truth. The only piece of the puzzle Clara has is a collection of small figurines that her mother treasured. As Clara digs further into  her mother’s past, she realizes that there is more there than her mother  was letting on.

The novel is a love story that spans across continents and decades between lovers that were torn from each other because of World War II. The book is told from alternating points of view: from Bettina in the past and Clara in the present. In the beginning, it was confusing to distinguish the change in time periods and narratives. When Clara was remembering a moment in the past with her mother, it then switched to another moment from the past and it was confusing to me. The story had mentioned conflicting information but I was also reading the uncorrected draft of the novel and perhaps this was fixed when the book is going to be published. 

It was an interesting and emotional read at times. I like reading the dual timelines and trying to figure out who Clara’s father was. Also, I  liked reading about Bettina’s and Max’s romance blossoming and then withering under the Nazi regime. I enjoyed Clara’s portion as she tries to be a dutiful daughter and respect her mother’s wishes but she wants to find out about her own past. I felt for Clara and at times, I wished she pushed Bettina a bit harder to find out the truth as I felt that it could have been a moment for the two of them to bond. I feel that the two women had a fractured relationship. Clara always seemed to be walking on eggshells around her mother and this secret was a missed opportunity to heal past trauma.  If you love epic love stories with a hint of mystery and history, then you might enjoy this book.

Book Review - This Time It's Real by Ann Liang

 

This Time It's Real by Ann Liang is about two young adults who agree to fake date each other to bolster their careers.  Seventeen year old Eliza Lin spent her entire life traveling the world due to her mother’s job. At her new international school in Beijing, she is given an assignment to write about her personal life. However, she isn’t comfortable sharing her personal life with complete strangers. Instead of writing a true story based on her life, she decides to write a fictionalized version of her non – existent love life, taking snippets from her parents' love story.

Eliza didn’t expect much attention to her essay since she is a new student with no friends. However, her story goes viral overnight and Eliza is now famous and her classmates all want to know more about her secret boyfriend. Eliza loves the attention her article has garnered her but she is afraid of her lie being exposed.

Eliza is desperate to keep her secret, so she enlists the help of a famous actor in her class. Caz Song is a charming and charismatic actor who has fans following his every move. She proposes a mutually beneficial agreement between the two of them. Caz pretends to be her boyfriend so she can keep her journalism internship opportunity and in return she will help him write his college applications.

While Caz is pretending to be her boyfriend, Eliza realizes how great he is. Caz is sweet to her little sister, he passes her notes in class, he is thoughtful towards her requests, and he takes her out on motorcycle rides all over the city to try new snacks. Eliza finds herself falling for Caz but she isn’t sure if he feels the same way. Is Eliza willing to give up her dream internship for her chance at real love, seeing as the reason for her internship was to give readers an exclusive look into her relationship?

The book was a clean romance with minimal hand holding or touching involved. The novel had funny moments sprinkled throughout. There weren't any twists or surprising events. The characters were fun and relatable as they navigate their lives. Eliza tries to work through her feelings of always being the new girl and not having anywhere she can call home. She rarely tries to make any new friends because in her mind they will just end up leaving her. Caz’s parents are never home and he spends most of his time being an actor and proving himself. They both had challenges of not belonging and not having someone in their corner. I do feel that fans of K-dramas or romcoms might really enjoy the book.

Book Review - Mine by Courtney Cole

 

Tessa Taylor has the perfect life. She has three beautiful children, a successful business, and a loving husband. However, her life comes crashing down when she unlocks her husband, Ethan's iPad and finds a nude photos from another woman. Lindsey is a younger woman and a bombshell.

Tessa is stuck in her home while Ethan is stuck on a business trip. While a horrific hurricane is ripping through the area, Tessa is trapped in her own home. She is torn between confronting her husband or should she reach out to Lindsey.

As the storm ravishes Florida, Tessa grows restless and finds herself desperate for revenge. She decides to lure Lindsey over by pretending to be Ethan. When the two women come face to face it becomes a battle of wills.

This book was a good trashy read but, it didn't have much substance to it. I didn't really care for many of the characters as I found it hard to relate. The ending came about abruptly without really tying into the story together in the end. I had a hard time not rolling my eyes because of how silly the characters were acting. If you like trashy unrealistic revenge reads, then this book might be a good book for you.

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 - 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 - The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain

 

In 1965, Ellie Hockley was raised in a well-to-down of Round Hill, North Carolina, to be a certain type of proper Southern lady. She is enrolled in college and is in a committed relationship with a bank manager. However, Ellie wants more out of life. She decides to spend her summer break helping to register black voters. As Ellie fights for her ideals and the civil rights of the marginalized, her parents are scandalized by her behavior and her own neighbors turn against her. Things become worse when Ellie falls in love with a fellow volunteer and realizes the frightening true nature of the people she once knew.

In 2010, architect Kayla Carter and her husband designed and bought a beautiful house for themselves in Round Hill's new development, Shadow Ridge Estates. It was supposed to be the perfect place for them to grow old and raise a family together. However, after an accident Kayla's husband died and leaves her and their three-year-old daughter behind. A mysterious woman who knew about his death has warn Kayla against moving in. People have claimed that the woods and lake behind the property is haunted and her house has been targeted by vandals. When Kayla meets her neighbor, Ellie Hockley, Kayla realizes that Ellie knows some of the long buried secrets and the dark history of the land.

I have a few books by the author but, this was my first book by the author. At first, the book moved a bit slowly and I did find some parts of the book to be predictable but, I found that the story stayed with me long after I finished the book. I like reading about Ellie and reading about her experiences with SCOPE and how she bonded with families she was helping. Overall, it's a heartfelt book and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

Book Review - Falling for You (Sapphire Springs #3) by Barb Curtis

 

Faith Rotolo was recently evicted from her place. She thought her luck has ran out until she inherits the family historic mansion in quaint Sapphire Springs. Faith never imagined putting down roots as she usually travels for her job as a yoga instructor.  As she tries to fix her home up, she finds herself becoming attached to the small town life. 

Rob Milan is Faith's grouchy contractor. He is a single dad of two and finds himself drawn to Faith after clashing with her  in the beginning. As Rob and Faith spend more time together and their bond deepens, will they both realize they deserve a fresh start too?

The book was a cute cozy romantic read with a small mystery added in. The characters were well developed and likeable. I liked Faith and Rob's interaction with his children but, found his ex-wife grating on my nerves. This was the third book in the series but, each book could be read as a standalone. I would be interested in reading more books by the author.

 

Book Review - The Lilac House (Lake Summers, #1) by Barbara Josselsohn

 

Anna Harris used to love summer escapes to Lilac House. The Lilac House was always a source of comfort for her and her family. However, since her husband's death, things has changed and nothing seems the same as before. Anna and her kids, Zac and Evie, try to collect the pieces and try to build a new life without Greg.

When Anna and the kids arrive, the house is everything that they remember it as. They get caught up in the small town life and helping their Aunt Hope run her little shop on Main street. Anna begins to feel like herself before she gave up her passion of dancing.  While searching for some guidance, she crosses path with Aidan. Anna and Aidan feel drawn to each other because they both know what it's like to lose someone. They recognize in each other something they both have been missing.

However, Aidan isn't being completely honest on why he's at Lake Summers. Anna learns a secret Greg was keeping before he died and it makes her question everything she knew. Will Anna and Aidan be able to find peace?

I found this book to be boring but, I liked that the characters were upfront and honest with each other. I hate when books use a misunderstanding between the two characters as the only form of story. I felt like that the book barely had any story (except the minute details about ballet) and it definitely dragged during the middle and there were no surprises or twists. I was surprised by the ending because the story wasn't wrapped up in an bow and the next book in the series seems like it would be new characters. I thought the book was okay but, I won't go out of my way to read another book by the author.

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

Book Review - Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters

 

 

 

 

Cade Elgin has her life all figured out, when it comes to her career. When it comes to her personal life, including, relationships well, that's nonexistent. The only thing Cade is interested in is "professional talk", she has no time to spend in a relationship. Cade is busy working all the time but, when she inherits a sex toy store, her life is turned upside down. Cade has to help manage the store from the brink of bankruptcy with its irresponsible but, cute co-owner.

Selena Mathis knows that she can have too much of a good thing and she has learned that the hard way. It's her main reason for taking an oath of celibacy and focusing on getting her life sorted, including making the store profitable. She is determined not to mess again but, her emotions always have a habit of getting in her way.  

This was my first time reading a book in this genre and it was a funny read. The book was a bit raunchy and over the top at times but, still entertaining.  It was interesting seeing Cade and Selena find their way together as they are complete opposites. I found their occasional banter to be fun and light-hearted. 

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

Book Review - Salt Magic by Hope Larson + Giveaway

 

Vonceil is excited to have her older brother, Elber, return home to Oklahoma after serving in the war. However, she quickly realizes Elbert isn't who she remembers him to be. Elber  has became more serious and responsible after the war and he barely has time for Vonceil anymore. He even married this childhood sweetheart that he had left behind.

A beautiful and mysterious woman shows up and claims that Elbert had abandoned her in France. Elber refuses to leave his wife so, the woman puts a curse on the family well. The town's entire water supply turns into saltwater. Vonceil is determined to find the woman and save her family.

The graphic novel was an endearing and lovely read. I love Vonceil and the wonderful world of witchcraft that the author created. The gorgeously illustrated book is perfect for young readers who want a standalone adventure. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About the Book:

Title: SALT MAGIC

Author: Hope Larson, illustrated by Rebecca Mock

Pub. Date: October 12, 2021

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Pages: 240

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

When a jealous witch curses her family's well, it's up to Vonceil to set things right in an epic journey that will leave her changed forever.

When Vonceil's older brother, Elber, comes home to their family's Oklahoma farm after serving on the front lines of World War I, things aren't what she expects. His experiences have changed him into a serious and responsible man who doesn't have time for Vonceil anymore. He even marries the girl he had left behind.

Then a mysterious and captivating woman shows up at the farm and confronts Elber for leaving her in France. When he refuses to leave his wife, she puts a curse on the family well, turning the entire town's water supply into saltwater. Who is this lady dressed all in white, what has she done to the farm, and what does Vonceil's old uncle Dell know about her?

To find out, Vonceil will have to strike out on her own and delve deep into the world of witchcraft, confronting dangerous relatives, shapeshifting animals, a capricious Sugar Witch, and the Lady in White herself--the foreboding Salt Witch. The journey will change Vonceil, but along the way she'll learn a lot about love and what it means to grow up.

Hope Larson is the author and illustrator of the Eisner Award nominated All Summer Long and the illustrator of the Eisner Award winning A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel. Salt Magic is an utterly unique graphic fairy tale complete with striking illustrations by Rebecca Mock. 

Praise For SALT MAGIC:

"The best comics reading experience I've had in a long time." —Ben Hatke, author-illustrator of #1 New York Times Bestselling Zita the Spacegirl series
 
"Sumptuously detailed in all aspects, readers of all ages will be whisked away by this unique and modern fairy tale. Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock take a story filled with fantasy and imagination and ground it with great humanity and depth. A book to return to over and over again."—Jen Wang, author-illustrator of the Eisner award-winning The Prince and the Dressmaker
 
"The perfect alchemy of gorgeous illustration and richly imagined story." —Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of City of Secrets
 
"Salt Magic is an epic coming-of-age adventure. Rebecca’s artwork is some of the most gorgeous cartooning I have ever seen, bringing Hope’s incredible storytelling to vibrant life. With witches, magic, and cowboys, you’ve never read a Western like this before!" —Cathy G. Johnson, author-illustrator of The Breakaways


"This story by the previous collaborators (Compass South) unfolds skillfully, taking time to develop memorable heroine Vonceil and her quotidian world . . . before setting her on an adventure that echoes fantasy classics yet feels entirely distinct."—Publishers Weekly

"Unusual and excellent, containing wonder within."—Kirkus Reviews

  

About Hope Larson:

Hope Larson has written and illustrated many graphic novels including All Summer Long, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018 and an Eisner Award nominee, as well as its recently published sequel, All Together Now. She adapted and illustrated A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, which spent forty-four weeks on the New York Times graphic novel bestseller list and for which she won an Eisner Award. She is also the author of Compass South (A New York Times Bestseller), and its companion volume, Knife's Edge, both illustrated by Rebecca Mock. She lives in North Carolina.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Rebecca Mock:

Rebecca Mock is an illustrator and comics artist. They illustrated the graphic novels Compass South and Knife's Edge, both written by Hope Larson. Their work has also appeared in various publications, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. They are the co-organizer of the Hana Doki Kira anthology. They live in Brooklyn, New York. Visit their website at https://rebeccamock.com

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details: 

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SALT MAGIC, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/4/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
10/4/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/5/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
10/5/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
10/6/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/6/2021	Pick a good book	Excerpt
10/7/2021	Celiamcmahonreads	Review
10/7/2021	History From A Women's Perspective	Review
10/8/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
10/8/2021	The Momma Spot	Review

Week Two:

10/11/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
10/11/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
10/12/2021	two points of interest	Review
10/12/2021	@coffeebooksandmascara	Review
10/13/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/13/2021	@abackwardsstory	Review
10/14/2021	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
10/14/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review
10/15/2021	@bookisheclectic	Review
10/15/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review

Book Review - The Summer Sisters (Juniper Springs, #2) by Sara Richardson

 

The Buchanan sisters share everything including their inherited Juniper Inn. The sisters plan to remodel and do a grand re-opening of the inn. However, their mother, Lillian, refuses to attend the party because of her decades long feud with her sister, Sassy.

Rose is determined to make the celebration an extravagant one to celebrate both the inn and Sassy. Even if it means requesting the help from a certain surly hardware store owner to help with the renovations. Dahlia is heartbroken that her marriage has failed. She decides to move closer to her family. She and her kids are starting to rebuild their lives when Dahlia questions if she is ready to fall in love again. She is worried about the stability she has worked hard to give her children.

Sassy has missed her sister and tried to reconnect. However, they are both two stubborn to reconcile. When Sassy discovers something that might change her life forever, will it be too late for them to reconnect?

I thought the book was a cute and cozy romantic read. This was the second book in the series but, can be read as a standalone. This was my first book in the series and I felt like I missed some nuances between the characters. The story was told from alternating point of views and a few times I got confused between the sisters. I thought the book was a cute read and look forward to reading more books in the series. If you like Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this novel.

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