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Caught Up In Me
A Sexy, Hilarious, Completely Absorbing Love Story (Susan Wade Saga Book 2)
Virginia Gray
2020 Silver Medal
816 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
Caught Up In Me by Virginia Gray is a contemporary rom-com that has all the laughs of a great comedy and all the romance and angst that make Hallmark movies so addictive. Susan Wade is on her way to the top of her career and woe betide the man or woman who stands in her way. When she’s sent to North Carolina, she goes because it’s another step up the ladder. But Susan is not ready for the surprises in store for her. Pete Walsh should have retreated with his tail tucked firmly between his legs on the night they met in a rustic country bar but he gives as good as he gets. Getting one over him is her new obsession. Too bad he is such a yummy package.
For anyone looking for some serious laughs, Caught Up In Me is the way to go. Susan has this hilarious outlook on life. I just loved everything about her from her tenacity to her humor and even to her faults which landed her in lots of funny situations. Virginia Gray is a talented writer who involves you in the characters that she writes. I felt these amazing people’s pain, hopes, and love. l also loved that she rewarded the good and gave the bad guys what they richly deserved. At first, Susan came off as a die-hard feminist set to become a cat lady but as you get to know her past, you realize that she’s a product of her history and there’s so much more to her story. I just loved the happily ever after that comes after one of the most complex courtships I’ve ever read.
Caught Up In Me by Virginia Gray is a contemporary rom-com that has all the laughs of a great comedy and all the romance and angst that make Hallmark movies so addictive. Susan Wade is on her way to the top of her career and woe betide the man or woman who stands in her way. When she’s sent to North Carolina, she goes because it’s another step up the ladder. But Susan is not ready for the surprises in store for her. Pete Walsh should have retreated with his tail tucked firmly between his legs on the night they met in a rustic country bar but he gives as good as he gets. Getting one over him is her new obsession. Too bad he is such a yummy package.
For anyone looking for some serious laughs, Caught Up In Me is the way to go. Susan has this hilarious outlook on life. I just loved everything about her from her tenacity to her humor and even to her faults which landed her in lots of funny situations. Virginia Gray is a talented writer who involves you in the characters that she writes. I felt these amazing people’s pain, hopes, and love. l also loved that she rewarded the good and gave the bad guys what they richly deserved. At first, Susan came off as a die-hard feminist set to become a cat lady but as you get to know her past, you realize that she’s a product of her history and there’s so much more to her story. I just loved the happily ever after that comes after one of the most complex courtships I’ve ever read.
Recommend this book:
The Dear Wife
More Than a Wife Series Book 3
Jennifer Peel
2020 Gold Medal
361 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Dear Wife is a work of serious and compelling women’s drama fiction which was written for adults and penned by author Jennifer Peel. The third novel in the More Than a Wife Series, this rollercoaster tale takes readers through the full gamut of human emotions as we follow the turbulent and tragic life of protagonist Avery Decker. For a while on the outside, Avery looked like the perfect wife and picture of health, but since the loss of her daughter, life has been a constant struggle. As Avery battles her own grief, fears creep in about the dangerous addiction that her husband James has developed in response to his own high emotions. What results is a deeply emotive and often shocking interpersonal drama as they struggle to recover their relationship.
On opening, I’d like to say that the content of the novel is only suitable for readers who can access sensitive subject matters, especially with regard to child death. From here, author Jennifer Peel sets herself an incredible task – that of accurately portraying the incredible strength that a mother needs to lift herself up and continue life after such incredible tragedy – and she achieves it on every page of this raw and gripping drama. Readers who love family drama and difficult relationships will certainly get their fill as Avery tries to deal with James’s out of control behavior, but there are moments of strength and solidarity amid the darkness as Avery turns to other amazing women to help her out. Overall, The Dear Wife is an unmissable drama for women’s fiction readers everywhere.
The Dear Wife is a work of serious and compelling women’s drama fiction which was written for adults and penned by author Jennifer Peel. The third novel in the More Than a Wife Series, this rollercoaster tale takes readers through the full gamut of human emotions as we follow the turbulent and tragic life of protagonist Avery Decker. For a while on the outside, Avery looked like the perfect wife and picture of health, but since the loss of her daughter, life has been a constant struggle. As Avery battles her own grief, fears creep in about the dangerous addiction that her husband James has developed in response to his own high emotions. What results is a deeply emotive and often shocking interpersonal drama as they struggle to recover their relationship.
On opening, I’d like to say that the content of the novel is only suitable for readers who can access sensitive subject matters, especially with regard to child death. From here, author Jennifer Peel sets herself an incredible task – that of accurately portraying the incredible strength that a mother needs to lift herself up and continue life after such incredible tragedy – and she achieves it on every page of this raw and gripping drama. Readers who love family drama and difficult relationships will certainly get their fill as Avery tries to deal with James’s out of control behavior, but there are moments of strength and solidarity amid the darkness as Avery turns to other amazing women to help her out. Overall, The Dear Wife is an unmissable drama for women’s fiction readers everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Exit Strategy
Lainey Cameron
2020 Gold Medal
341 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Soumya Sreehari for Readers' Favorite
The Exit Strategy by Lainey Cameron is the story of two women, Ryn and Carly, who cross paths in the most unusual circumstances. Ryn Brennan is a formidable investor in a Silicon Valley VC firm. Carly Santos is the co-founder and chief scientist of BioLarge – the healthcare company that Ryn Brennan is about to invest in. On the eve of their first meeting, Ryn discovers a most shocking personal connection with Carly. So starts the roller coaster of the unusual friendship between two remarkable women in a ruthless business world. The story courses through complex issues – betrayal in marriage and relationships, sexism, and harassment in the workplace. It is a story of solidarity among women, the power of solid friendships, and the ability to recover from adversities stronger than before.
I found The Exit Strategy impossible to put down once I started reading. Lainey Cameron weaves a gripping narrative that is relatable on so many accounts. Through alternate chapters of Ryn’s and Carly’s viewpoints, the story held my rapt attention at every turn of the page. All during the story with its numerous twists and turns, I was rooting for the two women to emerge strong and victorious. The struggle for fair treatment in the business world and betrayal in love are universal challenges. The tough exterior covering a soft heart, the self-doubt that comes with betrayal, the constant pressure to prove oneself in the workplace – these are common to women professionals all around the world. Lainey Cameron makes a striking impact with her splendid cast of characters and brilliant storytelling.
The Exit Strategy by Lainey Cameron is the story of two women, Ryn and Carly, who cross paths in the most unusual circumstances. Ryn Brennan is a formidable investor in a Silicon Valley VC firm. Carly Santos is the co-founder and chief scientist of BioLarge – the healthcare company that Ryn Brennan is about to invest in. On the eve of their first meeting, Ryn discovers a most shocking personal connection with Carly. So starts the roller coaster of the unusual friendship between two remarkable women in a ruthless business world. The story courses through complex issues – betrayal in marriage and relationships, sexism, and harassment in the workplace. It is a story of solidarity among women, the power of solid friendships, and the ability to recover from adversities stronger than before.
I found The Exit Strategy impossible to put down once I started reading. Lainey Cameron weaves a gripping narrative that is relatable on so many accounts. Through alternate chapters of Ryn’s and Carly’s viewpoints, the story held my rapt attention at every turn of the page. All during the story with its numerous twists and turns, I was rooting for the two women to emerge strong and victorious. The struggle for fair treatment in the business world and betrayal in love are universal challenges. The tough exterior covering a soft heart, the self-doubt that comes with betrayal, the constant pressure to prove oneself in the workplace – these are common to women professionals all around the world. Lainey Cameron makes a striking impact with her splendid cast of characters and brilliant storytelling.
Recommend this book:
Split-Level
A Novel
Sande Boritz Berger
2019 Finalist
320 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Split-Level: A Novel by Sande Boritz Berger is a bold, gripping, and well-written novel with unusual themes and sophisticated characters, following a genuinely flawed female protagonist with traits that many readers will identify with. Alex Pearl is a beautiful woman in her late thirties who is, seemingly, happily married with two daughters and a loving husband. With a lovely home and family, life should be complete for Alex, but she is obsessed with an inner longing that is about to set her on a dangerous adventure. It starts with a call from the mother of her babysitter that eventually leads Alex into convincing her husband, Donny, to go with her to Marriage Mountain, the renowned “healing couples sanctuary.” It is here that Alex and Donny are introduced to the idea of spouse-swapping. Will Alex risk everything when her husband sets eyes on a new couple?
Sande Boritz Berger’s novel is engrossing, masterfully handling the theme of the desire to always have more, for a love that is exciting. As I read through the story, I understood the protagonist and loved the way the author explored the intricacies of human nature. Alex Pearl is a very sophisticated character and while she appears serene and level-headed on the outside, there is an emotional turmoil that she carries within. I wanted to see how she’d end up and what would happen to her marriage. The author raises a myriad of questions in the minds of readers and allows them to reflect on how free love can be. Split-Level: A Novel is deftly plotted and intelligently written, infused with a lot of emotional strength that makes it as real as it is captivating.
Split-Level: A Novel by Sande Boritz Berger is a bold, gripping, and well-written novel with unusual themes and sophisticated characters, following a genuinely flawed female protagonist with traits that many readers will identify with. Alex Pearl is a beautiful woman in her late thirties who is, seemingly, happily married with two daughters and a loving husband. With a lovely home and family, life should be complete for Alex, but she is obsessed with an inner longing that is about to set her on a dangerous adventure. It starts with a call from the mother of her babysitter that eventually leads Alex into convincing her husband, Donny, to go with her to Marriage Mountain, the renowned “healing couples sanctuary.” It is here that Alex and Donny are introduced to the idea of spouse-swapping. Will Alex risk everything when her husband sets eyes on a new couple?
Sande Boritz Berger’s novel is engrossing, masterfully handling the theme of the desire to always have more, for a love that is exciting. As I read through the story, I understood the protagonist and loved the way the author explored the intricacies of human nature. Alex Pearl is a very sophisticated character and while she appears serene and level-headed on the outside, there is an emotional turmoil that she carries within. I wanted to see how she’d end up and what would happen to her marriage. The author raises a myriad of questions in the minds of readers and allows them to reflect on how free love can be. Split-Level: A Novel is deftly plotted and intelligently written, infused with a lot of emotional strength that makes it as real as it is captivating.
Recommend this book:
A Different Kind of Fire
A Novel
Suanne Schafer
2019 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In A Different Kind of Fire by Suanne Schafer, a young artist in Texas in the late 1800s is betrothed to a man she has loved since childhood. Women's rights were barely heard of, let alone spoken about, during this time. Ever the wayward child, the young woman is accepted into a prestigious art school. After her fiance promises to wait for a year, she leaves for Philadelphia, where she learns brilliant technique and endures a magnitude of criticism from teachers. She meets another young woman who becomes much more than just a best friend. The two of them admit to more than just friendship after being informed that there are committees for women that speak about a woman's right to vote, love whomever she chooses and the right to deny her husband marital relations as well as choosing not to bear children.
After not reading a romance novel in more than 18 years, I chose this book by accident and honestly could not stop reading it until the early hours of the morning. The ideals portrayed in a place and time when a woman’s right to choose was all but unthinkable, this book truly gives a brand new shine to century-old issues. Schafer paints a brilliant picture of a time that still affects women today and adds a delicious spin of love, raw and vibrant in varying settings. The story line is wild and a bit off kilter which only serves to accentuate the plot. The writing style is very unique and interesting; it is a true page turner for any romantic. I hope to read more from this author who has reintroduced me to a genre I had abandoned.
In A Different Kind of Fire by Suanne Schafer, a young artist in Texas in the late 1800s is betrothed to a man she has loved since childhood. Women's rights were barely heard of, let alone spoken about, during this time. Ever the wayward child, the young woman is accepted into a prestigious art school. After her fiance promises to wait for a year, she leaves for Philadelphia, where she learns brilliant technique and endures a magnitude of criticism from teachers. She meets another young woman who becomes much more than just a best friend. The two of them admit to more than just friendship after being informed that there are committees for women that speak about a woman's right to vote, love whomever she chooses and the right to deny her husband marital relations as well as choosing not to bear children.
After not reading a romance novel in more than 18 years, I chose this book by accident and honestly could not stop reading it until the early hours of the morning. The ideals portrayed in a place and time when a woman’s right to choose was all but unthinkable, this book truly gives a brand new shine to century-old issues. Schafer paints a brilliant picture of a time that still affects women today and adds a delicious spin of love, raw and vibrant in varying settings. The story line is wild and a bit off kilter which only serves to accentuate the plot. The writing style is very unique and interesting; it is a true page turner for any romantic. I hope to read more from this author who has reintroduced me to a genre I had abandoned.
Recommend this book:
Bedside Manners
Heather Frimmer
2019 Bronze Medal
320 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
A splendid blend of social issues, family drama, and women's fiction, Bedside Manners by Heather Frimmer is a tightly woven story that explores the relationship between mother and daughter and how tragedy can change the way we approach both work and life. Marnie Novak is looking forward to completing medical school, getting married, and embracing the future with hope. But then everything changes when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Joyce finds herself in a situation that isn’t comfortable, not only because of the painful procedures she undergoes but also because she can’t be in control as has always been the case. While Joyce struggles with accepting her new reality, her daughter experiences an epiphany when tragedy hits one of the patients under her care — life can be so infinitely fragile that the consciousness of how precarious it is becomes the seed of the journey towards finding meaning.
Heather Frimmer writes a story that pulls readers right into the hearts of her characters, evoking empathy and compelling readers on a journey towards compassion. This is a novel that teaches readers how our plans can’t always be what we have dreamed and that when things fall apart, it is the bond that binds one heart to another that defines meaning. The pacing isn’t too fast but steady and the prose is delightful to read. This author shows an unusual understanding of the rhythm of a woman’s heart and the seasons of her soul, exploring emotions that can be complex, yet doing so with confident clarity. Bedside Manners is a narrative about learning to accept one’s fragility and a daughter’s journey towards compassion. A delightful read, indeed!
A splendid blend of social issues, family drama, and women's fiction, Bedside Manners by Heather Frimmer is a tightly woven story that explores the relationship between mother and daughter and how tragedy can change the way we approach both work and life. Marnie Novak is looking forward to completing medical school, getting married, and embracing the future with hope. But then everything changes when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. Joyce finds herself in a situation that isn’t comfortable, not only because of the painful procedures she undergoes but also because she can’t be in control as has always been the case. While Joyce struggles with accepting her new reality, her daughter experiences an epiphany when tragedy hits one of the patients under her care — life can be so infinitely fragile that the consciousness of how precarious it is becomes the seed of the journey towards finding meaning.
Heather Frimmer writes a story that pulls readers right into the hearts of her characters, evoking empathy and compelling readers on a journey towards compassion. This is a novel that teaches readers how our plans can’t always be what we have dreamed and that when things fall apart, it is the bond that binds one heart to another that defines meaning. The pacing isn’t too fast but steady and the prose is delightful to read. This author shows an unusual understanding of the rhythm of a woman’s heart and the seasons of her soul, exploring emotions that can be complex, yet doing so with confident clarity. Bedside Manners is a narrative about learning to accept one’s fragility and a daughter’s journey towards compassion. A delightful read, indeed!
Recommend this book:
Bella Toscana
Nanette Littlestone
2019 Silver Medal
380 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Bella Toscana by Nanette Littlestone is a compelling novel, a tale of romance and difficult choices. Toscana is in a very difficult situation, torn between the love of her life that has defined her sense of stability and security, and a romantic adventure that has gripped her heart. Can she leave everything behind to follow her heart and pursue a young and adventurous love and what are the stakes? Follow the choice of this compelling character and the decisions that come along with it.
Nanette Littlestone writes about a reality that many women could face at some point in life and she does so in a way that brings the story home to readers and makes them feel the agonies and excitement of the protagonist. At fifty, Toscana falls for Flynn, a much younger man that she. The reader is keen to find out if she can control the fire that burns within her heart. The setting is beautifully developed, with exciting places to explore in Rome and the beautiful scenery of Tuscany.
What made this novel irresistible for me is the manner in which the author explores the hearts of the characters, the powerful emotions, the ache for love, the passion, and the anxiety. The characters are real and their emotional evolution through the story will remind readers of their own unique journeys. Bella Toscana by Nanette Littlestone is psychologically rich, filled with humanity and a lot of entertainment. A delightful read, indeed.
Bella Toscana by Nanette Littlestone is a compelling novel, a tale of romance and difficult choices. Toscana is in a very difficult situation, torn between the love of her life that has defined her sense of stability and security, and a romantic adventure that has gripped her heart. Can she leave everything behind to follow her heart and pursue a young and adventurous love and what are the stakes? Follow the choice of this compelling character and the decisions that come along with it.
Nanette Littlestone writes about a reality that many women could face at some point in life and she does so in a way that brings the story home to readers and makes them feel the agonies and excitement of the protagonist. At fifty, Toscana falls for Flynn, a much younger man that she. The reader is keen to find out if she can control the fire that burns within her heart. The setting is beautifully developed, with exciting places to explore in Rome and the beautiful scenery of Tuscany.
What made this novel irresistible for me is the manner in which the author explores the hearts of the characters, the powerful emotions, the ache for love, the passion, and the anxiety. The characters are real and their emotional evolution through the story will remind readers of their own unique journeys. Bella Toscana by Nanette Littlestone is psychologically rich, filled with humanity and a lot of entertainment. A delightful read, indeed.
Recommend this book:
Forgetting Ophelia
Julie C. Gardner
2019 Gold Medal
292 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Forgetting Ophelia by Julie C. Gardner is an emotionally charged narrative that explores the possibility of a second chance. Lia Townsend can’t wait to celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with the man she’s always loved, Jake. This time, she is expecting a trip to Hawaii. But something unexpected happens — Jake walks out of her life. Hurt, broken, and devastated, Lia doesn’t give up. She is determined to win back the man she’s loved so deeply. Follow her as she unveils surprising truths about Jake. When they find themselves brought together after a tragedy, can Lia risk it all over again? Can she erase her pain and win back the man who has hurt her so deeply? The answers to these questions will be interesting for the reader to discover.
Julie C. Gardner is a writer who understands the emotional side of people and explores aspects of emotional intelligence in her writing in a brilliant manner. I enjoyed the way the protagonist is imagined and developed. A typical woman filled with bliss and fulfillment about her marriage. Then suddenly everything crumbles when her heart is broken. The drama is strong, the narrative filled with emotional intensity, the conflict well developed. It is intriguing to follow Lia as her mind does battle with her heart, as she struggles to find answers, to understand what has happened to her. Forgetting Ophelia is deftly plotted, and while there is apparent simplicity in the plot line, it is the strength of the conflict and the depth of character development that make this an engrossing read.
Forgetting Ophelia by Julie C. Gardner is an emotionally charged narrative that explores the possibility of a second chance. Lia Townsend can’t wait to celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with the man she’s always loved, Jake. This time, she is expecting a trip to Hawaii. But something unexpected happens — Jake walks out of her life. Hurt, broken, and devastated, Lia doesn’t give up. She is determined to win back the man she’s loved so deeply. Follow her as she unveils surprising truths about Jake. When they find themselves brought together after a tragedy, can Lia risk it all over again? Can she erase her pain and win back the man who has hurt her so deeply? The answers to these questions will be interesting for the reader to discover.
Julie C. Gardner is a writer who understands the emotional side of people and explores aspects of emotional intelligence in her writing in a brilliant manner. I enjoyed the way the protagonist is imagined and developed. A typical woman filled with bliss and fulfillment about her marriage. Then suddenly everything crumbles when her heart is broken. The drama is strong, the narrative filled with emotional intensity, the conflict well developed. It is intriguing to follow Lia as her mind does battle with her heart, as she struggles to find answers, to understand what has happened to her. Forgetting Ophelia is deftly plotted, and while there is apparent simplicity in the plot line, it is the strength of the conflict and the depth of character development that make this an engrossing read.
Recommend this book:
Night Music
A Novel
Deanna Lynn Sletten
2018 Finalist
318 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite
Deanna Lynn Sletten’s Night Music is a story of hearts divided. Joseph Russo is a soldier in Vietnam. He becomes pen pals with a girl named Charlotte. Char writes to Joe about Grand Falls, her small hometown in Illinois. Joe clings to those letters, they become his lifeline. Char’s words speak of a life he longs to live. After Joe is medically discharged, he heads to Grand Falls, IL to attend the university there. Joe is given a second chance at life and he doesn’t plan to take it for granted. Much to his surprise, Charlotte is in his English Literature class. Joe and Char become friends; their casual friendship could grow into romance except for Deke. Deke is Charlotte’s boyfriend. Deke boldly speaks out against the war in Vietnam. Patriotism and love are tested as Joe, Charlotte and Deke march into their futures. Who will be marching hand in hand when the future unfolds?
Night Music by Deanna Lynn Sletten is a story of war and peace. Sletten’s story is a patchwork quilt. Each square represents a thought, a place, a memory, and a portion of 1970s Americana. The title of the book is the central focus of the narrative. When the nocturnal birds chirp, and the crickets and frogs join in, a calming melody is performed. “All was safe as long as the night music played on.” Sletten’s cast of characters is as diverse as the time period. The Vietnam era challenged the values of our country. The central characters are bold and courageous as they seek out their place in the world. They desire to make a difference, and to discover meaning, but at what cost? The conflict is real and heartfelt – war versus peace. Each character searches for answers to Vietnam, only to realize in the end that there were none. Night Music is a story of love discovered within the chaos of war. Beautifully written, not easily forgotten.
Deanna Lynn Sletten’s Night Music is a story of hearts divided. Joseph Russo is a soldier in Vietnam. He becomes pen pals with a girl named Charlotte. Char writes to Joe about Grand Falls, her small hometown in Illinois. Joe clings to those letters, they become his lifeline. Char’s words speak of a life he longs to live. After Joe is medically discharged, he heads to Grand Falls, IL to attend the university there. Joe is given a second chance at life and he doesn’t plan to take it for granted. Much to his surprise, Charlotte is in his English Literature class. Joe and Char become friends; their casual friendship could grow into romance except for Deke. Deke is Charlotte’s boyfriend. Deke boldly speaks out against the war in Vietnam. Patriotism and love are tested as Joe, Charlotte and Deke march into their futures. Who will be marching hand in hand when the future unfolds?
Night Music by Deanna Lynn Sletten is a story of war and peace. Sletten’s story is a patchwork quilt. Each square represents a thought, a place, a memory, and a portion of 1970s Americana. The title of the book is the central focus of the narrative. When the nocturnal birds chirp, and the crickets and frogs join in, a calming melody is performed. “All was safe as long as the night music played on.” Sletten’s cast of characters is as diverse as the time period. The Vietnam era challenged the values of our country. The central characters are bold and courageous as they seek out their place in the world. They desire to make a difference, and to discover meaning, but at what cost? The conflict is real and heartfelt – war versus peace. Each character searches for answers to Vietnam, only to realize in the end that there were none. Night Music is a story of love discovered within the chaos of war. Beautifully written, not easily forgotten.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Petalouthes
The Gift Saga Book 3
Effie Kammenou
2018 Honorable Mention
438 Pages
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Fiction - Womens
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Chasing Petalouthes is a work of women’s fiction by author Effie Kammenou, and the third book in The Gift Saga. The saga features a Greek American family, continuing through different characters and generations to follow them through trials and tribulations, love, family and clashes of culture. In this installment, which can be read as a standalone volume too, we focus on Evvie and Stella, two young women coming of age with their own struggles to overcome. Evvie guards her heart after a youth filled with hurt, whilst the insecure Stella falls in love with a man who promises her everything, but is he what she really thinks he is?
For fans of the family saga, Chasing Petalouthes is a perfect read. The emotional journeys of both Evvie and Stella are highly relatable but also interesting because of the mixture of the cultural influences and pressure on them due to the clash of their heritage with their current lives. I personally found the guarded personality of Evvie less easy to get along with than Stella’s optimistic but ultimately misguided attitude to finding love, but both women are convincingly written and their tragedies and triumphs pluck the heartstrings of readers from beginning to end. The description of their world and surrounding family and friends is vivid and heartwarming, whilst Effie Kammenou’s unique dialogue style conveys the girls’ cultural roots at the same time as entertaining her audience. Overall, I’d find it very difficult to find fault with Chasing Petalouthes: for family saga fans, this is a must-read and a must-love!
Chasing Petalouthes is a work of women’s fiction by author Effie Kammenou, and the third book in The Gift Saga. The saga features a Greek American family, continuing through different characters and generations to follow them through trials and tribulations, love, family and clashes of culture. In this installment, which can be read as a standalone volume too, we focus on Evvie and Stella, two young women coming of age with their own struggles to overcome. Evvie guards her heart after a youth filled with hurt, whilst the insecure Stella falls in love with a man who promises her everything, but is he what she really thinks he is?
For fans of the family saga, Chasing Petalouthes is a perfect read. The emotional journeys of both Evvie and Stella are highly relatable but also interesting because of the mixture of the cultural influences and pressure on them due to the clash of their heritage with their current lives. I personally found the guarded personality of Evvie less easy to get along with than Stella’s optimistic but ultimately misguided attitude to finding love, but both women are convincingly written and their tragedies and triumphs pluck the heartstrings of readers from beginning to end. The description of their world and surrounding family and friends is vivid and heartwarming, whilst Effie Kammenou’s unique dialogue style conveys the girls’ cultural roots at the same time as entertaining her audience. Overall, I’d find it very difficult to find fault with Chasing Petalouthes: for family saga fans, this is a must-read and a must-love!
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