Tara Road (Maeve Binchy) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

44. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
      Theme/Topic: book from Oprah's Book Club

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Maeve Binchy has captured the hearts of millions with her unforgettable novels. Binchy's graceful storytelling and wise compassion have earned her the devotion of fans worldwide--and made her one of the most beloved authors of our time. Now she dazzles us once again with a new novel filled with her signature warmth, humor, and tender insight. A provocative tale of family heartbreak, friendship, and revelation,Tara Road explores every woman's fantasy: escape, into another place, another life. "What if..." Binchy asks, and answers in her most astonishing novel to date.

My Review:

This was the first book I read by Maeve Binchy and she has an eloquent writing style. Most of this book took place on Tara Road (hence the title) and the people who live there or nearby. In particular, Danny and Ria's house was featured the most because they had people over all the time, some even without invites. Whether it was for talking gossip, business or just spending quality time with friends, there was always something going on. When Danny admits he has been having an affair and they get divorced, Ria still maintains that social life except the ones over for business. Of course, then it becomes all girl talk with the support of family and friends. As the story goes on, you learn that Ria's so called friends aren't always what they seem, well a couple of them at least. Everyone you read about are an eclectic and diverse group of people. I had a love-hate relationship with all of them. I can't imagine the boom without even one of them, though.

Ria can't accept that Danny's leaving her for someone else and has had that affair for quite awhile. We, the readers, can figure that out before he brings it up and all along, Ria thought she was living a perfect marriage, despite all the signs being there. Marilyn, in New York, has been having a tough time coming to terms s with her son's death and separation from her husband. By chance, she just happens to have Danny's number and wants to exchange houses for two months. Ria agrees to the deal and before you know it, everything set up. Danny and Marilyn's husband are reluctant for them to do it, but realize that they're going to do it regardless. They each want the opportunity to get away from it all and their respective places. Both of them are very similar, except that Ria is social able and Marilyn is more drawn to herself. They have no idea that they're going somewhere opposite from what they're used to. For two months, they go on a journey of acceptance, growth, friendship, and so much more. Isn't it funny how escaping to another place makes it easier to come to terms with any situation you may be going through? Sometimes all we need is a break from reality to heal in what may be a sad or stressful (or anything really) time in our lives.

This was an enjoyable read. I do have to admit that it took me a little while to get into it. It's a powerful book about overcoming hard times and the power of friendship.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Homicide by Hamlet (Lois Lavrisa) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

43. Homicide by Hamlet by Lois Lavrisa

Synopsis:

Annie Mae has one last job to do before she retires from a thirty-year career in academia: one week of summer theater camp. A camp she has worked at for so many years she could do it with her eyes closed. Easy peasy. Until a team leader is murdered and all hell breaks loose as everyone is a suspect and everyone has a secret. Will she find out the truth before she becomes the killer’s next victim? Or will death be her swan song?

My Review:

I chose this book for two reasons. First, I like mysteries and second, I like theater. Put them together and I'm sold. It seemed like a fun and light read. And I was right.

Annie Mae is working her last year as a team leader at a summer theater camp. It will also mark the end of her teaching for several decades at the college where the camp takes place. Each summer, a Shakespeare play (in this cae, it's Hamlet) is chosen for the students. The students recreate and act out scenes from it for a one act play competition. The purpose is to put a fresh and modern take to it and the students do all the work as in set and costumes, etc. For instance, Annie Mae's group chose rap, while another group chose ballet and so on. The team leaders are only there to assist if needed. For this particular year, whoever wins first place gets scholarships. 

It takes a turn for the worst when one of the team leaders is murdered. The person who got murdered happens to be someone who wasn't well liked and has sabotaged the other teams. As a whole, the judges and team leaders decide to keep the competition on for the students' sake. Her team chooses to still compete without a leader. While the police start looking into it, Annie Mae and her friends start an investigation of their own. It doesn't help that evidence points to one of her friends and one of the judges and Annie Mae wants to prove that they're innocent. Several days pass and it's competition day. Every team does a good job. It's bittersweet when the group without a leader wins and Annie Mae's group gets second. Later that day and after the awards part, we find out who the murderer is, as Annie Mae figures it out and confronts the person. It doesn't end well for him obviously. And finally, Annie Mae is ready to retire and do her own thing.

While this was a cozy mystery, there was one thing I didn't like. I was able to figure out who the murderer was early on and it came as no surprise for me when he was revealed. I like suspense and I would have liked to keep on guessing for a longer time. I did enjoy the story for the most part, though.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

To Dance Once More (Sherri Wilson Johnson) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

42. To Dance Once More by Sherri Wilson Johnson

Synopsis:

Debutante Lydia Barrington lives a carefree, protected existence on Live Oaks Plantation in Florida. While her sisters happily prepare for their traditional roles as women and talk of courting, Lydia dreams of adventure and independence. She counts the days until she can leave home to explore the world, to dance with cultured gentlemen, to explore politics and art, to leave behind the confining expectations of her family and community—and her God. Even her friendship with handsome Hamilton Scarbrough isn’t enough to hold her back…until they dance, and her heart considers love.
Confused by her heart's betrayal, Lydia struggles to gain her independence. Then she overhears a private conversation about a business deal that has everything to do with her future. Now she’s faced with the biggest decision of her life—to concede or to fight. Either choice will require great sacrifice…and, perhaps, countless rewards. In an attempt to escape her imminent destiny, Lydia scrambles to find a solution—at all costs. Amidst the trials that follow, as Lydia runs out of time, she learns the meaning of sacrifice, forgiveness, hope and faith.

My Review:

Before I get started, I just wanted to say that I usually don't like to read historical fiction. There was something about the synopsis that made me want to read it. It was a little slow and hard to get into in the beginning, but I got hooked after several chapters. What I appreciated was how Sherri captured and conveyed the late 1800s in impeccable fashion.

Back in the 1800s, the men worked, while the women took care of the household and children. And the children were raised and prepared for those traditional roles. It was also a time when the father chose and approved of who would marry their daughter(s). As I'm writing this, it reminds me of The Fiddler on the Roof - except that in that, they're Jewish and in this story, the family is Christian.

This is a great coming of age story. Lydia's sisters have always accepted their expectations and are ready and prepared when they come of age. Lydia, on the other hand, has been more restless and a dreamer. She would rather travel and experience other parts of the world than getting married off into what society wants her to do when she gets old enough. She has wanted freedom from the protected and sheltered life she has grown up in. 

Since this is also historical romance, Lydia has dreamed of marrying her childhood friend (also her twin brother's best friend). When she overhears that her father has made a deal to marry her to someone else, she's crushed and becomes more rebellious. At each of her sister's coming of age and community parties, there's dancing involved, hence the title. Dancing with Hamilton makes her fall in love even more with him, but knows it's not possible. Her mission is to become more determined to have one more dance with him and be with him for the rest of her life. When Lydia goes to visit family with one of her sisters, she discovers that they're not perfect either. Lydia also happens to fall in love with another guy, despite the warnings from her family. It leaves her feeling more conflicted than ever. Unfortunately, it ends in tragedy, leaving Lydia to sink into a depression like state back home and her family puts up with her demeanor for a little bit. At Lydia's coming of age party, she dances with all of the men who are interested in calling or courting her. After she gets over being selfish over the one she lost, Lydia realizes that she has no choice but to marry Frank. It's a deal that their respective fathers made as a bargain like thing. Frank and Lydia get married and put on an act to make it seem that they're in love and happy with each other. After Frank's father dies, they finally get the chance to end the marriage and get married to their original lovers. 

Throughout her journey of coming of age, Lydia gradually becomes a woman of grace and maturity. I also liked the fact that this was a female empowerment story in a way. Lydia has so many dreams that she wants to accomplish before starting a family and she gets the encouragement of her teacher. I wanted to remind you that we, as women or girls, can do anything we put our mind to. Never stop going after your dreams.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Forever Fredless (Suzy Turner) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

41. Forever Fredless by Suzy Turner

Synopsis:

Kate Robinson has spent the past two decades yearning to find her soul mate, the boy she found and then lost during a family holiday. Shortly after her twenty-eighth birthday, however, she inherits a fortune from an old family friend and becomes something of an overnight celebrity. Can her new-found fame lead her to him after all this time?

My Review:

Kate is only twelve when she meets her soul mate while on vacation. They meet very briefly before they are whisked away from each other. Not even getting enough time to get to know his name, Kate decides to call him Fred. Nearly twenty years later, she's still searching for him and no other man will do. Kate inherits a fortune from Uncle Sam, a longtime family friend, causing her to gain fame overnight. She uses it to her advantage to see if she can find Fred at last. Kate finds it what it's like to have people follow you around all the time, but with girlfriends who stand by her and some other twists along the way, she gets through it. After awhile, she gets away from it all and her fame gets forgotten. Kate finally decides what to do and finds peace at not being able to find Fred. This story ends with a great twist and it makes everything Kate went through worth it. It has a bittersweet ending. Forever Fredless is a refreshing read and a good example of what a chick lit is supposed to be.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥

Crossroads (Cathy Bryant) Book Review

2016 Reading Challenge

40. Crossroads by Cathy Bryant

Synopsis:

After a devastating divorce, a bitter single mom and atheist starts her own real estate company in the nostalgic and picturesque town of Miller’s Creek, Texas. Then her young daughter’s disturbing symptoms lead doctors to discover that her leukemia has relapsed. With her new life now turned upside down, Mara Hedwig struggles to keep her business afloat. And her daughter’s worsening condition forces her to rethink her beliefs about Carter Callahan and his God. Will Mara make the return to Christian faith in the face of life’s greatest challenge?

An ex-military operative struggles with the return to civilian life while coping with his rebellious teen-aged daughter. During a house-search, Carter meets Mara, a headstrong Realtor who wants nothing to do with his God. But when Mara’s little girl is diagnosed with leukemia, the clock begins ticking for him to convince Mara to return to a life of faith. Just as he seems to be making headway, circumstances beyond his control throw his efforts into a tailspin. Can Carter learn to rest in the sovereignty of God?

My Review:

Mara is trying to get her real estate business off to a good start after getting over a bitter divorce. Relatively new to town, she's determined to make things better for her five year old daughter, Ashton. Just as she's starting to get her life back on track, Ashton's leukemia relapses. From everything Mara's been through, she has lost faith in God and doesn't know what to believe anymore. Meanwhile, Carter is also raising his teenage daughter, Chloe, on his own. He's a police officer trying to get his life together after dealing with post traumatic stress disorder after fighting in the war. Chloe's in a bit of a rebellious phase after getting abandoned by her mother and starts getting into the wrong crowd. 

Mara and Carter meet by chance when he becomes one of her clients. Their personalities clash just a bit at first, but they become friends. Not knowing what else to do, Carter asks Mara to take Chloe under her wings. Unfortunately for Chloe, Mara recognizes that she's bulimic (Mara used to be as well and can see the signs in Chloe). Once Chloe promises to stop and get better, Mara let's her be an assistant. Bad habits are hard to break, however, and after a little while, her secret comes out to Carter and they finally work together to overcome that.

Mara and Carter soon start a budding relationship. Obviously, they have their problems and you can't help but wonder if it was doomed from the start. For starters, they have their hands full with their respective daughter: trying to open up the communication lines with Chloe and get her back on track and dealing with treatment and side effects for Ashton's cancer and a not so good looking prognosis. Mara gets overwhelmed when she meets Carter's family. And of course, they deal with what could be a deal breaker for Carter: that Mara doesn't believe in God and is headstrong about it when it's brought up. Carter feels like Mara was put in his life for a reason, making him determined to bring her back to her faith no matter how long it may take. It takes some time, but Mara faces her fears and becomes vulnerable. When we go through hard times, we tend to break away from faith and hope (and it's perfectly understandable). It's always possible to go back to it, but it doesn't happen overnight. Everything works out and Carter and Mara realize that they're meant to be together. Don't worry, things work out for Chloe and Ashton as well.

For me, I felt that Ashton and Chloe were the glue that kept the story together. I believe that if it wasn't for them, Mara and Carter would not have survived their relationship. Chloe and Ashton were close to each other from the start. When Ashton became sick again, it helped bring about change in Chloe. Chloe felt abandoned by her mother and dealt with body image issues (hence the bulimia), but once she had someone like Mara in her corner to tell her like it is and not give up with her, Chloe was able to open up more and make those changes she needed to heal. Ashton was my favorite character. As much as she had been through and was going through, Ashton never gave up and remained as upbeat as she could. She seemed wiser than her years and showed good character and personality.

Happy Reading and Keep on Writing!

♥Meg♥