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Recommend this book:
All That She Brings
Toby Brookes
2023 Finalist
374 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
All That She Brings by Toby Brookes focuses on the life of Matthew Banks, an insurance agent in Connecticut. Matthew's optimism for the future is shattered when his wife Julia dies in a car accident. He discovers that she had been cheating on him and Matthew is consumed by grief for several months until he seeks help from his therapist, Madeleine Batiste. During their sessions, Matthew opens up about his troubled childhood, with an alcoholic mother and an absent father, which led him to find solace in his marriage. Despite his attempts to seek revenge on Julia's lover, he realizes that he has developed romantic feelings for Batiste. This escalates into problematic territory for a man who already has a thousand little issues on his plate, especially after returning home to California.
Toby Brookes does an exceptional job of showing readers that the “she” in the title All That She Brings is really the title version of a composite character. There are many women in Matthew's life, as there are in most of ours, and they do shape us whether we like it or not. Matthew's mother gave him life but it was skewed through a kaleidoscope of addiction and toxic motherhood. Matthew's deceased wife brings heartache yet her toxic demise does not skewer his perspective but actually sets it straight. It's painful and hard, but growth is rarely anything else. Madeleine brings an element of healing, but from the point of view of Matthew's character arc, what she really brings is a full circle back to life. Finally, there is another “she” who trumps them all. I loved this intelligently written novel for its wit, its creativity, and the heaps of fully fleshed-out characters that bring it all to life. Very highly recommended.
All That She Brings by Toby Brookes focuses on the life of Matthew Banks, an insurance agent in Connecticut. Matthew's optimism for the future is shattered when his wife Julia dies in a car accident. He discovers that she had been cheating on him and Matthew is consumed by grief for several months until he seeks help from his therapist, Madeleine Batiste. During their sessions, Matthew opens up about his troubled childhood, with an alcoholic mother and an absent father, which led him to find solace in his marriage. Despite his attempts to seek revenge on Julia's lover, he realizes that he has developed romantic feelings for Batiste. This escalates into problematic territory for a man who already has a thousand little issues on his plate, especially after returning home to California.
Toby Brookes does an exceptional job of showing readers that the “she” in the title All That She Brings is really the title version of a composite character. There are many women in Matthew's life, as there are in most of ours, and they do shape us whether we like it or not. Matthew's mother gave him life but it was skewed through a kaleidoscope of addiction and toxic motherhood. Matthew's deceased wife brings heartache yet her toxic demise does not skewer his perspective but actually sets it straight. It's painful and hard, but growth is rarely anything else. Madeleine brings an element of healing, but from the point of view of Matthew's character arc, what she really brings is a full circle back to life. Finally, there is another “she” who trumps them all. I loved this intelligently written novel for its wit, its creativity, and the heaps of fully fleshed-out characters that bring it all to life. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Paloma In A Pickle
Colors of Happiness Book 2
Annette G. Anders
2023 Honorable Mention
314 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Paloma In A Pickle is a contemporary romance novel by Annette G. Anders. Paloma Schlemmer's new job as a manager at her friend Carla's catering business becomes somewhat difficult to maintain due to her irresistible attraction to Carla's handsome brother, Matt Bellini. Having lost the beloved cafe she owned with her ex-boyfriend, Paloma is in no mood for a new relationship or a fling. Matt Bellini has immersed himself fully in his family business but can't help but be distracted by the new catering manager. Things come to a head when Paloma and Matt eventually give in to their desires and have a brief romance, but neither of them can fully commit themselves. Meanwhile, secrets of Matt's past spring up like an albatross around his neck. Can Matt take a leap of faith and reveal his true feelings to Paloma?
Romance lovers are in for a treat with Paloma In A Pickle. This is a tale of two people's struggles to let go of the baggage of their past, accidentally finding true love in the process. Author Annette G. Anders carves some genuinely likable characters with depth and agency that will keep readers immersed in their arcs, making them wonder where they will end up. The scenes involving Paloma and Matt are filled with flirtatious banter and sexual tension, and the chemistry between the two main characters keeps you hooked until the end. I very much enjoyed the book. Overall, a charming romantic drama novel that a wide range of readers will enjoy.
Paloma In A Pickle is a contemporary romance novel by Annette G. Anders. Paloma Schlemmer's new job as a manager at her friend Carla's catering business becomes somewhat difficult to maintain due to her irresistible attraction to Carla's handsome brother, Matt Bellini. Having lost the beloved cafe she owned with her ex-boyfriend, Paloma is in no mood for a new relationship or a fling. Matt Bellini has immersed himself fully in his family business but can't help but be distracted by the new catering manager. Things come to a head when Paloma and Matt eventually give in to their desires and have a brief romance, but neither of them can fully commit themselves. Meanwhile, secrets of Matt's past spring up like an albatross around his neck. Can Matt take a leap of faith and reveal his true feelings to Paloma?
Romance lovers are in for a treat with Paloma In A Pickle. This is a tale of two people's struggles to let go of the baggage of their past, accidentally finding true love in the process. Author Annette G. Anders carves some genuinely likable characters with depth and agency that will keep readers immersed in their arcs, making them wonder where they will end up. The scenes involving Paloma and Matt are filled with flirtatious banter and sexual tension, and the chemistry between the two main characters keeps you hooked until the end. I very much enjoyed the book. Overall, a charming romantic drama novel that a wide range of readers will enjoy.
Recommend this book:
Uncontrollable
Sara Staggs
2023 Bronze Medal
307 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs is the emotional yet refreshing tale of Casey Scott. At 36 years of age, Casey has everything she can wish for. She has a successful marriage, children, and a civil rights litigator job that she loves. There is one thing missing from her life, and that is health. Fighting with epilepsy and her seizures every day takes a toll on her mind, body, and life. However, when her condition gets worse, Casey has to make some tough decisions. On one hand, she wants to keep her family and live a long blissful life with them. On the other, she wants her thriving career. She cannot have both, especially if she wants to take control of her condition. What will she choose? Her dreams or her family?
Casey is a strong character and I love how she drives the story forward and commands the pace of the narrative. She is the one in control, and I loved every second of it. Sara Staggs does a wonderful job of creating a believable story with a powerful protagonist. Each character has a story to tell, and Sara makes sure they each get a turn. Jonah is such a charming and helpful partner. He understands Casey and her aspirations and he is always beside her to support her. Sam’s and Sadie’s inclusion adds humility to Casey and makes her appear more human. Uncontrollable is such a realistic name and approach to the story. Casey has no control over her condition, yet she still strives to fight for it. She is almost crippled by fear of a misstep or a mistake. The story is more about Casey coming to terms with her life and coming up with a game plan that she can accept and feel satisfied with. It is almost a coming-of-age story that I am sure will be loved by many.
Uncontrollable by Sara Staggs is the emotional yet refreshing tale of Casey Scott. At 36 years of age, Casey has everything she can wish for. She has a successful marriage, children, and a civil rights litigator job that she loves. There is one thing missing from her life, and that is health. Fighting with epilepsy and her seizures every day takes a toll on her mind, body, and life. However, when her condition gets worse, Casey has to make some tough decisions. On one hand, she wants to keep her family and live a long blissful life with them. On the other, she wants her thriving career. She cannot have both, especially if she wants to take control of her condition. What will she choose? Her dreams or her family?
Casey is a strong character and I love how she drives the story forward and commands the pace of the narrative. She is the one in control, and I loved every second of it. Sara Staggs does a wonderful job of creating a believable story with a powerful protagonist. Each character has a story to tell, and Sara makes sure they each get a turn. Jonah is such a charming and helpful partner. He understands Casey and her aspirations and he is always beside her to support her. Sam’s and Sadie’s inclusion adds humility to Casey and makes her appear more human. Uncontrollable is such a realistic name and approach to the story. Casey has no control over her condition, yet she still strives to fight for it. She is almost crippled by fear of a misstep or a mistake. The story is more about Casey coming to terms with her life and coming up with a game plan that she can accept and feel satisfied with. It is almost a coming-of-age story that I am sure will be loved by many.
Recommend this book:
 is a romantic drama by Tamara Ferguson. Melinda McDaniel's happy life shatters when she loses her unborn child and her fiancé, Air Force Pilot Alex "Hawk" Marquart, is killed in action. To take her mind off her grief, Mel, a Registered Nurse, accepts a job offer at the Wounded Warr...){kind=link}
Two Hearts in Retreat
Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 18
Tamara Ferguson
2023 Silver Medal
228 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Two Hearts in Retreat (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 18) is a romantic drama by Tamara Ferguson. Melinda McDaniel's happy life shatters when she loses her unborn child and her fiancé, Air Force Pilot Alex "Hawk" Marquart, is killed in action. To take her mind off her grief, Mel, a Registered Nurse, accepts a job offer at the Wounded Warrior Home in Crystal Rock, Wisconsin. Steve Ryder is a former Navy vet turned physical therapist who lost his wife to cancer two years before. Circumstances bring Steve and Mel together when he became the therapist to Luke Bryant, Hawk's best friend who suffered from severe injuries. Drawn by an intense mutual attraction, Mel and Steve still can't help taking their time to acknowledge their feelings. But when a six-year-old special needs child enters their lives, Mel and Steve realize that their goals align.
Tamara Ferguson infuses a lot of humor and heart into this moving story about two people finding each other and rediscovering love amid tragedy. Two Hearts in Retreat lives up to its name and pulls at your heartstrings with a combination of stellar character work and an emotionally impactful plot. Mel and Steve's burgeoning romance is at the center of the narrative. Both are grieving the loss of their loved ones and discover an inexplicable connection the moment they meet, only to be scared to take the next step further due to past heartbreak. I liked Ferguson's depiction of war veterans, showcasing the sacrifices they make in the name of their country and its people. A fantastic book for romance lovers.
Two Hearts in Retreat (Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Book 18) is a romantic drama by Tamara Ferguson. Melinda McDaniel's happy life shatters when she loses her unborn child and her fiancé, Air Force Pilot Alex "Hawk" Marquart, is killed in action. To take her mind off her grief, Mel, a Registered Nurse, accepts a job offer at the Wounded Warrior Home in Crystal Rock, Wisconsin. Steve Ryder is a former Navy vet turned physical therapist who lost his wife to cancer two years before. Circumstances bring Steve and Mel together when he became the therapist to Luke Bryant, Hawk's best friend who suffered from severe injuries. Drawn by an intense mutual attraction, Mel and Steve still can't help taking their time to acknowledge their feelings. But when a six-year-old special needs child enters their lives, Mel and Steve realize that their goals align.
Tamara Ferguson infuses a lot of humor and heart into this moving story about two people finding each other and rediscovering love amid tragedy. Two Hearts in Retreat lives up to its name and pulls at your heartstrings with a combination of stellar character work and an emotionally impactful plot. Mel and Steve's burgeoning romance is at the center of the narrative. Both are grieving the loss of their loved ones and discover an inexplicable connection the moment they meet, only to be scared to take the next step further due to past heartbreak. I liked Ferguson's depiction of war veterans, showcasing the sacrifices they make in the name of their country and its people. A fantastic book for romance lovers.
Recommend this book:
The Stories We Cannot Tell
Leslie A. Rasmussen
2023 Gold Medal
297 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie A. Rasmussen is the story of two 30-something women who were brought together by fate. Katie was a devout Christian woman who became pregnant out of wedlock. Unhappy and desperate, Katie had no idea what she would do now. On the other hand, Rachel and her husband were ecstatic when they found out she was pregnant. The Jewish couple was desperate when they discovered something wrong with their baby. They weren’t the only ones, though. Katie also found out something was wrong with her baby too. Katie and Rachel found each other in a support group and a friend in each other. As their pregnancies progressed and their complications increased, Katie and Rachel were left to make the toughest decisions.
This novel is a tale of friendship, comfort, found family, and acceptance. Women feel very vulnerable and exposed while pregnant. The insecurities they feel, the intensity of emotions, and the heightened senses can overwhelm a woman. Somehow, Leslie A. Rasmussen portrayed every emotion a woman goes through while pregnant and it was all told in clear detail. I felt bad for Rachel and Katie. They were both on different spectrums of pregnancy. One was happy about her baby, and the other was terrified. They struggled in their own ways, and Rasmussen ensured readers heard them clearly. I was devastated halfway through the story and was on the verge of tears. Rachel and Katie found comfort in each other and became the support they needed to survive. The pace was perfect and allowed readers to get close to the protagonists early on. The descriptions were realistic and emotion-evoking. I had a hard time putting The Stories We Cannot Tell down, to be honest. I loved it and highly recommend it.
The Stories We Cannot Tell by Leslie A. Rasmussen is the story of two 30-something women who were brought together by fate. Katie was a devout Christian woman who became pregnant out of wedlock. Unhappy and desperate, Katie had no idea what she would do now. On the other hand, Rachel and her husband were ecstatic when they found out she was pregnant. The Jewish couple was desperate when they discovered something wrong with their baby. They weren’t the only ones, though. Katie also found out something was wrong with her baby too. Katie and Rachel found each other in a support group and a friend in each other. As their pregnancies progressed and their complications increased, Katie and Rachel were left to make the toughest decisions.
This novel is a tale of friendship, comfort, found family, and acceptance. Women feel very vulnerable and exposed while pregnant. The insecurities they feel, the intensity of emotions, and the heightened senses can overwhelm a woman. Somehow, Leslie A. Rasmussen portrayed every emotion a woman goes through while pregnant and it was all told in clear detail. I felt bad for Rachel and Katie. They were both on different spectrums of pregnancy. One was happy about her baby, and the other was terrified. They struggled in their own ways, and Rasmussen ensured readers heard them clearly. I was devastated halfway through the story and was on the verge of tears. Rachel and Katie found comfort in each other and became the support they needed to survive. The pace was perfect and allowed readers to get close to the protagonists early on. The descriptions were realistic and emotion-evoking. I had a hard time putting The Stories We Cannot Tell down, to be honest. I loved it and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Apricots
John E. Holloway
2022 Finalist
236 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite
Apricots: A War Novel by John E. Holloway is a historically rooted and exquisitely written account from a Marine Lieutenant’s perspective. It conveys his experiences in Grenada and Beirut, Lebanon. Each chapter is headed by direct quotes from the New York Times, the Washington Post, Life magazine, and others. Though the novel is not a first-person piece, it feels like it because the point of view seldom leaves the protagonist, Lt. Robert Forrest, as he graduates from Virginia Military Institute with the refrain, “You will get shot at. You will return fire.” Then we are with him in his training as a platoon leader of a squadron of nautical-invasion amtracs and as he muses about his life, the world, and his place in it. We experience the detour invasion of a Caribbean island en route to the Vietnam-like standoff in the Middle East. Finally, we feel the desolation, futility, and non-ending danger of cannon and sniper fire in Beirut.
I immediately became engrossed in this exciting, thoughtful, eye-opening, and heartfelt tale. In places, Apricots reads almost like poetry: “… sleet specs bounced off his helmet like dancing albino knats.” Author John E. Holloway shows us what happens in military life but also what it truly feels like. The protagonist, Lt. Robert Forrest, loves being a Marine and being alive. He notices the ocean, the sky, his fellow Marines, and he describes his roots in the Virginia mountains and the disenchanted patriotism of his Marine father. Lt. Forrest personifies the expression "esprit de corps," and he both exemplifies and demonstrates bravery, courage, and empathy. And we chuckle at the stories told in bunkers and ships about personal histories and - so unexpectedly - opera librettos. And, of course, the legendary apricots! John E. Holloway, author and always a Marine, has given us a masterpiece in reality and - dare I say it - the joy and beauty of fighting for his country.
Apricots: A War Novel by John E. Holloway is a historically rooted and exquisitely written account from a Marine Lieutenant’s perspective. It conveys his experiences in Grenada and Beirut, Lebanon. Each chapter is headed by direct quotes from the New York Times, the Washington Post, Life magazine, and others. Though the novel is not a first-person piece, it feels like it because the point of view seldom leaves the protagonist, Lt. Robert Forrest, as he graduates from Virginia Military Institute with the refrain, “You will get shot at. You will return fire.” Then we are with him in his training as a platoon leader of a squadron of nautical-invasion amtracs and as he muses about his life, the world, and his place in it. We experience the detour invasion of a Caribbean island en route to the Vietnam-like standoff in the Middle East. Finally, we feel the desolation, futility, and non-ending danger of cannon and sniper fire in Beirut.
I immediately became engrossed in this exciting, thoughtful, eye-opening, and heartfelt tale. In places, Apricots reads almost like poetry: “… sleet specs bounced off his helmet like dancing albino knats.” Author John E. Holloway shows us what happens in military life but also what it truly feels like. The protagonist, Lt. Robert Forrest, loves being a Marine and being alive. He notices the ocean, the sky, his fellow Marines, and he describes his roots in the Virginia mountains and the disenchanted patriotism of his Marine father. Lt. Forrest personifies the expression "esprit de corps," and he both exemplifies and demonstrates bravery, courage, and empathy. And we chuckle at the stories told in bunkers and ships about personal histories and - so unexpectedly - opera librettos. And, of course, the legendary apricots! John E. Holloway, author and always a Marine, has given us a masterpiece in reality and - dare I say it - the joy and beauty of fighting for his country.
Recommend this book:
The Art of Creating Story
William H. Coles
2022 Honorable Mention
700 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Hayley Haun for Readers' Favorite
The Art of Creating Story by William H. Coles is a writing help masterpiece. The massive work is loaded with priceless nuggets of literary knowledge. Get on your brain’s wetsuit and be ready to plunge into the invaluable treasures offered within. Coles leaves readers wanting for nothing. There are essays, sections on story and craft, interviews from countless authors, writing blog posts, and short stories that are great examples of literary work.
Every segment in The Art of Creating Story is useful and well thought out for those looking to improve in the literary writing scene. Coles has truly integrated his love for writing into these pages. His knowledge is awe-inspiring, and he transforms a self-help book for writers into a shining gem of his own design. No wonder he has more than several works under his belt, and for good reason too. William H. Coles is a writer through and through. He has talent.
To make a non-fiction book full of depth and life is a feat; there is so much to learn. Sometimes, it feels like it is the only writing book I’ll ever need. I am still trying to figure out what the cover of the book means. It is intriguing, to say the least, and perhaps it is what drew me to this book. A white rhino is rare (don’t quote me on that, because I may be wrong) and quite possibly, so is a true literary writer. But the great thing about life is you don’t have to go trampling through the wild to find one. All you need to do is pick up The Art of Creating Story, and you will be well on your way.
The Art of Creating Story by William H. Coles is a writing help masterpiece. The massive work is loaded with priceless nuggets of literary knowledge. Get on your brain’s wetsuit and be ready to plunge into the invaluable treasures offered within. Coles leaves readers wanting for nothing. There are essays, sections on story and craft, interviews from countless authors, writing blog posts, and short stories that are great examples of literary work.
Every segment in The Art of Creating Story is useful and well thought out for those looking to improve in the literary writing scene. Coles has truly integrated his love for writing into these pages. His knowledge is awe-inspiring, and he transforms a self-help book for writers into a shining gem of his own design. No wonder he has more than several works under his belt, and for good reason too. William H. Coles is a writer through and through. He has talent.
To make a non-fiction book full of depth and life is a feat; there is so much to learn. Sometimes, it feels like it is the only writing book I’ll ever need. I am still trying to figure out what the cover of the book means. It is intriguing, to say the least, and perhaps it is what drew me to this book. A white rhino is rare (don’t quote me on that, because I may be wrong) and quite possibly, so is a true literary writer. But the great thing about life is you don’t have to go trampling through the wild to find one. All you need to do is pick up The Art of Creating Story, and you will be well on your way.
Recommend this book:
The Starlight Club 14
The Sicilian Caper
Joe Corso
2022 Bronze Medal
210 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
The Starlight Club is the 14th installment in Joe Corso’s incredible award-winning Starlight Club series. The story begins in Darien, Connecticut when Bobby tells his daughter Lynn of when he was part of Red Fortunato’s crew and frequented The Starlight Club. Bobby and his crew lived in Queens in 1961 when the city was governed by the Mafia. Red, Ziggy, and Trenchie had grown up together and became part of the local mobster family, protected by Red's uncle Yip. Red's father Rocco had been killed some years before by gangsters Enzo Batto and Willie Largi. What follows is an intriguing story of how Red, a man of honesty and integrity, came to be the owner of The Starlight Club, a medieval castle and gambling den that once belonged to the infamous Don Castillo.
The Starlight Club is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Author Joe Corso is a fantastic writer with a vivid imagination and superb writing style – succinct and smooth-flowing. The interesting array of characters is all well-defined including the mobsters, criminals, and ordinary citizens, making them easy to relate to. All the locations and events are described in detail with attention-grabbing elements and features, such as The Starlight Club and Castillo’s castle. I especially enjoyed the way Joe Corso shows how the relationships between the various characters are developed and maintained over decades. The Starlight Club certainly is an entertaining story and a page-turner, highly recommended to all adults. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The Starlight Club is the 14th installment in Joe Corso’s incredible award-winning Starlight Club series. The story begins in Darien, Connecticut when Bobby tells his daughter Lynn of when he was part of Red Fortunato’s crew and frequented The Starlight Club. Bobby and his crew lived in Queens in 1961 when the city was governed by the Mafia. Red, Ziggy, and Trenchie had grown up together and became part of the local mobster family, protected by Red's uncle Yip. Red's father Rocco had been killed some years before by gangsters Enzo Batto and Willie Largi. What follows is an intriguing story of how Red, a man of honesty and integrity, came to be the owner of The Starlight Club, a medieval castle and gambling den that once belonged to the infamous Don Castillo.
The Starlight Club is a thoroughly enjoyable novel. Author Joe Corso is a fantastic writer with a vivid imagination and superb writing style – succinct and smooth-flowing. The interesting array of characters is all well-defined including the mobsters, criminals, and ordinary citizens, making them easy to relate to. All the locations and events are described in detail with attention-grabbing elements and features, such as The Starlight Club and Castillo’s castle. I especially enjoyed the way Joe Corso shows how the relationships between the various characters are developed and maintained over decades. The Starlight Club certainly is an entertaining story and a page-turner, highly recommended to all adults. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Recommend this book:
Em's Awful Good Fortune
A Novel
Marcie Maxfield
2022 Silver Medal
240 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Em's Awful Good Fortune by Marcie Maxfield is a dark comedy-drama novel depicting the dysfunctional marriage of a 'tagalong' wife. Em is a writer who had to leave her profession to support her husband, Gee, and the kids. They traverse the globe, moving from one financial hub to another as Gee's work takes the family to the likes of Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, and Shanghai. To the outsider, Em is living her dream life. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth as the constant switch of homes takes a heavy toll on their marriage, which is further complicated by Gee's indiscretion in Japan. Additionally, Em falls for a poet introduced by her friend Jerry in Paris. After a health scare in Shanghai, Em must decide whether her marriage is worth sacrificing her career and dreams.
Author Marcie Maxfield incorporates her own experiences of what she describes as a 'tagalong' wife to an ex-pat in this often hilarious yet tragic tale of a dysfunctional marriage. Em's Awful Good Fortune provides a stark reminder to readers that even though it's hard to have it all, how much do you compromise to save your marriage? Maxfield's narrative is filled with wit and sarcasm, casting quite a bit of commentary on workaholic husbands who refuse to acknowledge the sacrifices made by their other half. Em is a complex individual, with layers to her personality that make her utterly riveting to read. The non-linear narrative style enriches the story and keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Recommended to readers who enjoy comedy-dramas.
Em's Awful Good Fortune by Marcie Maxfield is a dark comedy-drama novel depicting the dysfunctional marriage of a 'tagalong' wife. Em is a writer who had to leave her profession to support her husband, Gee, and the kids. They traverse the globe, moving from one financial hub to another as Gee's work takes the family to the likes of Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, and Shanghai. To the outsider, Em is living her dream life. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth as the constant switch of homes takes a heavy toll on their marriage, which is further complicated by Gee's indiscretion in Japan. Additionally, Em falls for a poet introduced by her friend Jerry in Paris. After a health scare in Shanghai, Em must decide whether her marriage is worth sacrificing her career and dreams.
Author Marcie Maxfield incorporates her own experiences of what she describes as a 'tagalong' wife to an ex-pat in this often hilarious yet tragic tale of a dysfunctional marriage. Em's Awful Good Fortune provides a stark reminder to readers that even though it's hard to have it all, how much do you compromise to save your marriage? Maxfield's narrative is filled with wit and sarcasm, casting quite a bit of commentary on workaholic husbands who refuse to acknowledge the sacrifices made by their other half. Em is a complex individual, with layers to her personality that make her utterly riveting to read. The non-linear narrative style enriches the story and keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Recommended to readers who enjoy comedy-dramas.
Recommend this book:
Broken Pieces
Judith B. Pinkard
2022 Gold Medal
140 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is a biographical novel that began in February 1950. Helen responded to a newspaper clipping that offered a bookkeeping position and she met Ernest when she went for an interview. They fell in love, but when Helen realized she was pregnant, she left. She only told Ernest after the birth of their daughter, Judy. They went to New Orleans to fetch their daughter and to meet one another’s parents. Their friends, Perry and Maxine, traveled with them. After leaving New Orleans, Perry took over from Ernest to drive the rest of the way. It was a long drive to Mississippi and a treacherous road. They drove into a snowstorm and had a horrific accident that changed their lives forever.
It was very sad to read about the tragedy unfolding in Broken Pieces and how a happy couple’s life changed so drastically at the beginning of their marriage and just after reuniting with their daughter. This novel was well written and I could see that Judith B. Pinkard has researched the events thoroughly, as it is based on a true story. The pace wasn’t too fast and I was intrigued by the incidents. What else can happen to this couple - haven’t they endured enough? The main characters were well developed and they had an affinity with the others. My favorite character was Helen although at times I was so angry with her over the decisions she made, I also understood and sympathized with her. I learned from her to always get up after you fall and try again. It is always worth the try. Everyone who enjoys real-life dramas would enjoy this novel.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is a biographical novel that began in February 1950. Helen responded to a newspaper clipping that offered a bookkeeping position and she met Ernest when she went for an interview. They fell in love, but when Helen realized she was pregnant, she left. She only told Ernest after the birth of their daughter, Judy. They went to New Orleans to fetch their daughter and to meet one another’s parents. Their friends, Perry and Maxine, traveled with them. After leaving New Orleans, Perry took over from Ernest to drive the rest of the way. It was a long drive to Mississippi and a treacherous road. They drove into a snowstorm and had a horrific accident that changed their lives forever.
It was very sad to read about the tragedy unfolding in Broken Pieces and how a happy couple’s life changed so drastically at the beginning of their marriage and just after reuniting with their daughter. This novel was well written and I could see that Judith B. Pinkard has researched the events thoroughly, as it is based on a true story. The pace wasn’t too fast and I was intrigued by the incidents. What else can happen to this couple - haven’t they endured enough? The main characters were well developed and they had an affinity with the others. My favorite character was Helen although at times I was so angry with her over the decisions she made, I also understood and sympathized with her. I learned from her to always get up after you fall and try again. It is always worth the try. Everyone who enjoys real-life dramas would enjoy this novel.
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