Book Review: Making Your Mind Up by Jill Mansell

Members of the Vise Library were selected to review Making Your Mind Up.  We received a copy of Jill Mansell's book for an honest review.

About the book:

Lottie Carlyle is happy enough. Living in a beautiful cottage with her two adorable-sometimes-kids in an idyllic village, on good terms with her ex-husband, and with friends all around, everything is going just fine. But when she meets her new boss, her peaceful world is thrown into delightful, exciting, and frustrating chaos. Tyler is perfect for Lottie, but her kids do not agree. To make matters worse, the handsome and mysterious Seb appears on the scene, intriguing-and distracting-Lottie and charming her children, making it more and more difficult for her to make up her mind...

Lottie is enjoying her life until her boss, Freddie, delivers some earth-shattering news.  Freddie has decided to sell his business to an American named Tyler.  Tyler and Lottie hit it off right away, but there is one problem.  Well two actually, Lottie's children Nat and Ruby.  They can't stand Tyler.  He made a few mistakes around them and they won't forgive him.  Ruby and Nat don't want their mom seeing Tyler at all.  So for her children's well-being, Lottie and Tyler decide to just keep to their working relationship.  After that decision, in swoops Seb.  He is fun and Lottie's kids love him.  However, Lottie doesn't feel that spark with Seb as she does with Tyler.  Lottie decides to stay with Seb for the sake of her children.  Eventually something happens along the way to reveal people's true feelings and nothing is the same!

I always enjoy Jill Mansell's novels.  I love how she interweaves multiple story lines together and makes the whole book complex.  She always has enjoyable and funny characters (Mario, Amber, Tedd, Jojo, etc.).  That doesn't change in this novel.  Lottie is not perfect, but she is fun and loves her children.  There are other smaller plot lines that happen throughout the book.  There is quite a bit of sadness and righting wrongs from the past.  I think it's interesting to note that several characters needed a second look, because they weren't what they appeared to be in the beginning.  You will laugh at the dialogue of this book and at the same time feel for the heartache that happens.  All in all a very enjoyable and fun book to add to your summer beach book list ! 

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About the author:

Hi, I'm Jill Mansell and I live in Bristol in the UK with my family. I worked for many years in a neurological hospital but for the last two decades have been a full time novelist of happy, sad, funny, feel-good fiction. Sales of my books around the world now total nine million and I've only just realized as I'm typing this now that over the years I must have made an awful lot of people laugh and cry. Sorry!

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Book Review: The Balance Project by Susie Orman Schnall

Members of the Vise Library were selected to review The Balance Project.  We received a copy of Susuie Orman Schnall's book for an honest review.

(Love this cover!!!)

About the book:

The Balance Project is a story of loyalty, choices, and balance that will resonate deeply with all women who struggle with this hot-button issue. Loyal assistant Lucy Cooper works for Katherine Whitney, who seems to have it all: a high-powered job at a multibillion-dollar health and wellness lifestyle company, a successful husband, and two adorable daughters. Now, with the release of her book on work-life balance, Katherine has become a media darling and a hero to working women everywhere. In reality, though, Katherine’s life is starting to fall apart, and Lucy is the one holding it all together, causing her own life—and relationship with her boyfriend Nick—to suffer. When Katherine does something unthinkable to Lucy, Lucy must decide whether to change Katherine’s life forever or continue being her main champion. Her choice will affect the trajectory of both of their lives and lead to opportunities neither one could have imagined.

Lucy Cooper is having a hard time balancing everything in her life at the moment.  She has a job as an assistant to Katherine Whitney who is a COO and who has written a well received book about women being able to have-it-all.  Since the book was so successful among women, Katherine's life, therefore Lucy's life, has been crazier than ever.  Because of this success, both of the women are having a hard time finding the balance that Katherine declares is easy and possible.  It isn't easy for Lucy at all.  Her relationship with her longtime boyfriend Nick is suffering BIG time.  She is not able to make her relationship a priority by missing important dates and events that involve Nick.  Lucy has a chance to make it up to Nick, but unfortunately Katherine's life interferes again and so there is no Nick & Lucy anymore.  

To add insult to injury, Katherine has not been very nice to Lucy and even sabotages something that is Lucy's dream.  Lucy is, of course, mad and hurt by Katherine's actions that she retaliates by doing something so out of character of her.    Lucy wishes she could take it all back, but unfortunately the damage is set in motion where it makes both of their lives start tumbling down.  Lucy has to find strength to go after what she wants instead of waiting for her life to happen.  

I have followed Susie's blog for The Balance Project.  She interviews women about "having it all." This book incorporates this idea by having Katherine write a book talking about this same idea.  I think it's a very interesting idea and as women we are always trying to juggle it all.  I don't have kids, so I can't imagine having to throw that in the mix, but I feel it in my own life too.  I recently got married, go to school, work, maintain our house, etc and some days it does feel like to much.  Sometimes I think to myself "How does everyone else do it?"  When we see women that seem to glide along like it's nothing.  However, a lot of women (especially people like Katherine) have a lot of outside help.  This could be nannies, assistants, or housekeepers.  They really AREN'T doing it all. In this book the main character has to change her perception of "having it all" and figure out what is the most important aspects of her life that she wants to excel at.  Like in everyday life, Lucy and Katherine are dropping the ball somewhere.  That isn't necessarily a bad thing and it doesn't mean that they are failing either.  That just means they need to decide what is most important to them and go with it.   This book is very relatable.  

Even though it is a work of fiction, The Balance Project is also what many women struggle with everyday.  There were times that Lucy forgoes her own dreams and happiness to stay as Katherine's assistant.  She feels loyal and sympathizes that there is a lot going on in Katherine's life.  She doesn't want to increase that burden.  This spoke to me big time.  I once had a job that was AWFUL and felt the need to stay even though at times I was so miserable.  I felt loyal to the company and knew my leaving would be hard on the people I enjoyed working with.  Lucy goes through the same thing.  Sometimes the people on the outside can't understand, especially when she passes up on a dream jobs.  I really enjoyed this book.  I loved the characters, the story and the message.  It made me feel better about my own life and realize it's okay if I don't get everything done.  There just are not enough hours in the day and I am okay with that.  I think this book will be fun and very therapeutic for women.  I know it was for me!  As one of my favorite singers Kacey Musgraves says, "Having it all is a state of mind."  :) 

If you are interested about Susie's Balance Project, click here.  She has over 60 interviews with women from all walks of life that give insight on finding that balance!

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About the author:

Originally from Los Angeles, Susie Orman Schnall graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Schnall has written for national and local publications about parenting and health. She lives in New York with her husband and their three young boys. Visit www.susieschnall.com.

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Book Review: A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Members of the Vise Library were selected to review A Court of Thorn and Roses.  We received a copy of Sarah J. Maas's book for an honest review.

About the book:

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin-one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristen Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

This book is anything but predictable and is full of adventure the whole time.  There is so much action and deception in the first novel of a new series by Maas.  Feyre is the sole caretaker of her family.  Her family is very poor and starving.  She is out hunting for food one day and kills a wolf.   She gets quite a bit of money for the wolf and feels like her family will be okay through the harsh winter.  However the exact opposite appears to happen.  Tamlin, a High Fae creature who can transform to a human-like form, tracks down Feyre.  It turns out the wolf that she killed was also a High Fae and she must either be killed or agree to live at the home of Tamlin.  She chooses to stay alive, but she can never return back to her family.

Feyre does not set out to like Tamlin or befriend his friend Lucien.  She is always trying to look for ways to escape or defend herself.  However, Tamlin does not want her as a slave. He has enough problems of his own to worry about.  There is a sickness all through his land that brings very dangerous creatures near.  Tamlin is very powerful, but the blight that plagues the land has weakened his magical abilities.  One night he is hurt trying to kill a creature that dangers his people and Feyre starts to care about and understand Tamlin.  She realizes that Tamlin is very different from the stories she has been told about the High Fae.  

Things start to escalate not only between Tamlin and Feyre, but with the evil surrounding them.  They begin to care deeply about each other, but Tamlin must send Feyre away to protect her from the very evil that is taking away his powers.  Lucien is very upset at Tamlin and so is Feyre.  What happens next is the real guts of the book.  Feyre finally uncovers the actual truth behind the curse and what part she plays in it to protect Tamlin and his lands.

This book was so imaginative and I didn't want to put it down (This is pretty much how I spent my Easter Break; sorry family!).  I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.  I found myself on edge at certain parts of the book (can't discuss those!  Sorry, you will have to read it for yourself!).  I loved seeing the change within Feyre.  I also enjoyed her finding help in some unlikely places.  There are so many parts of this book that has things not appearing as what they really are.  There are so many games of deception being played that you will be on the edge of your seat to find out who and why they are playing a very dangerous game.  If you are looking to escape to a whole new world and find adventure along the way, make sure you check out A Court of Thorn and Roses and thank me later!  (It's worth noting that Sarah J. Maas will be in Nashville May 8 at Parnassus books for a signing for this book.  I plan on being there!!)  Look for a copy of this book to be added when it publishes in May!

PS I love how Mass writes to her dog in the acknowledgements by thanking her for being the best dog ever.  A girl after my own heart!

Buy the book:

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About the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the author of the New York Times and internationally bestselling Throne of Glass series. A New York City native, Sarah currently lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with her husband and dog.

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Book Review: Until You by Jeannie Moon

Members of the Vise Library were selected to participate in a blog tour for Until You.  We received a copy of Jeannie Moon's book for an honest review.

About the book:

When newly divorced Kate Adams is approached on the sunny deck of a California hotel by hockey star David Burke, and he invites her to dinner, she almost says no. He’s obviously younger than her. And charming. And drop dead gorgeous. But there’s also something sweet about David, so Kate—who hasn’t done anything spontaneous in a very long time—accepts his invitation. 

It is, after all, her fortieth birthday. 

However, a real romance with thirty-year-old David, whose picture is in the gossip pages as often as it’s in the sports pages, is out of the question. No matter how much she wants him, it’s just too risky. 
But meeting Kate has been David’s lightning strike. She’s the one for him, and he has no intention of giving up on her. 

So while Kate guards her fragile heart, David sets out to win her over with the same determination that drives him on the ice. 

And he’ll break every rule in the book if he has to. 

The main character, Kate, meets David while on a business trip in California (also her fortieth birthday). David decides to approach her (on a semi-dare) and ask her own a date. The both have an instant connection while on their date. However, they book discover that they live in Philadelphia and decide that they will meet up again while in their own town. Kate has a hard time believing that someone like David would be interested in her (let's just say he has quite the reputation). Kate has just finalized the divorce from an awful man and has had a hard time after the divorce. Basically Kate is scared to care about someone again, but she is not the only one. David is scared too. Kate makes him think and isn't like any girl he has ever dated before. He realizes that Kate wants to know the actual David, not the hockey player. At first he doesn't know how to deal about his feelings for Kate and he acts out a little bit. However, he realizes he wants more out of his life and that means a life with Kate. Again, because of Kate's past she fights all of it to protect herself. There is something that happens that has the potential to bring them together, but something terrible happens that could ruin all of their progress.

All of the characters, even minor ones, have changes and realizations of their own. There is a character that learns that one tiny lie can grow into something so big that the lie ends up hurting all of the people involved. Two characters in this book learn that in the process of trying to get what they want they end up hurting themselves instead. One character learns that everything she has ever been told about one of their parents has been a lie and that relationship has been used as a weapon for financial advantage. A minor character learns what it means to be respectful in a relationship and how some things should be kept between two people. Several characters learn that they are stronger than they realized and eventually stick up for themselves. This book has a lot of facets to it. There are crazy ex-husbands, mistresses, crazy ex-girlfriends and a great story all rolled up together.

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About the author:

Jeannie Moon has always been a romantic. When she's not spinning tales of her own, Jeannie works as a school librarian, thankful she has a job that allows her to immerse herself in books. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jeannie has three kids, three lovable dogs and a mischievous cat, and resides on Long Island, NY. If she's more than ten miles away from salt water for any longer than a week, she gets twitchy. Visit her website at www.jeanniemoon.com

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Book Review: The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

About the book:

Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.

In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.

The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.

With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

The Storyspinner is a very impressive book and I love the face that it is Becky Wallace's first novel.  There are so many fun, entertaining and exciting moments in this book.  Johanna comes from a family of performers and on what should be a typical performance on the tightrope for her father, turns deadly.  Her father ends up dying and Johanna suspects that it wasn't an accident.  Johanna and her family are banished from the performer group because of the belief of bad luck.  One day Johanna is trying to hunt for food for her family to eat and she is attacked by Rafi, the duke of Santiago.  It is all a misunderstanding, but he owes her something in order to restore his honor.  Rafi and Johanna do not get off to the best start, but eventually he offers her a job to perform for his visitors.  Meanwhile there are visitors from another land that have powers to control the elements around them.  They are on a mission to find the lost princess (who everyone believes is dead) in order to restore the magic border between two lands.

This story has a lot of funny characters, particularly Rafi's brother Dom and Johanna's younger brothers.  He is a hoot!  Each chapter is the viewpoint of a different character so that makes the voice of the book very interesting.   There is some sadness to this book but a lot of wonder and mystery of the landscape.  You learn that there is something evil that is lurking and that even though there are some people that use their magic for good, there are also ones that use it for evil.  I loved the suspense of this story and how the characters developed as the story went on.  There is a lot of imagination that goes into one of the characters about how they harness power and magic.  I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers.  I want to know how the story ends, but I love knowing that there is more to the story and it hasn't actually ended.  I can't wait to read more about the Keeper's Chronicles and see more from these wonderful characters! Our copy of The Storyspinner will be arriving soon,so make sure and check it out when it arrives!  You won't be disappointed.  :)

About the author:

In second grade, Becky Wallace had to sit in the corner because she refused to write anything except princess stories and fairy tales (and because she talked too much). Her time in isolation gave her plenty of opportunities to dream up the fantasy worlds she's been dabbling with ever since. She was lucky enough to find her own real-life Prince Charming. They have four munchkins and live in happy little town near Houston, Texas.

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Buy the book:

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Praise for The Storyspinner
 "An intricately woven, beautifully told tale, laced with heart, wit, and edge-of-your-seat suspense--plus the perfect amount of delicious swoon, Bravo! And encore!" (Shannon Messenger, author of the Sky Fall series.)

"Becky Wallace couples a classic romance with cut-throat political intrigue and wraps it in a detailed and enthralling magical world. I can't wait for the sequel." (Cinda Williams Chima, author of the Heir Chronicles)

"This tale of murder, kidnapping, and magic held me from start to finish!" (Tamora Pierce, author of the Song of the Lionesss Quartet)

"Wallace bucks the trend of retold fairy tales... and nicely balances romances with adventure. An...action-packed beginning." (Kirkus)

"This first installment of The Keepers’ Chronicles is as engaging as fantasy gets, full of magic and romance, intrigue and espionage, epic battles and heartbreaking loss. The quicker the second book comes out, the better. This is definitely recommended for public and high school libraries." (VOYA)

"In this beautifully constructed first installment of a new fantasy series, Wallace creates a lush environment, interweaving unique characters. Recommended for fans of classic fantasy (J.R.R. Tolkien) as well as more modern fantasy adventures by Melina Marchetta, Kristin Cashore, and Sarah J. Maas." (School Library Journal)

"Political games meet magical intrigue in this Portuguese-flavored fantasy debut..." (Publishers Weekly)

"In a land where stories may be more than mere tales woven by artful Storyspinners, the search is on for the missing heiress to the kingdom... Readers will enjoy the quick pace of the tale." (Booklist Online)

Book Review: Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle

Members of the Vise Library were selected to review for Where Sea Meets Sjy.  We received a copy of Karina Halle's book for an honest review.

About the book:

A new adult novel that perfectly captures the existential angst of your early twenties with raw wit, fresh insight, and true feeling from a critically adored USA TODAY bestselling author.

Joshua Miles has spent his early twenties spinning his wheels. Working dead-end jobs and living at home has left him exhausted and uninspired, with little energy to pursue his passion for graphic art. Until he meets Gemma Henare, a vivacious out-of-towner from New Zealand. What begins as a one-night stand soon becomes a turning point for Josh. He can’t get Gemma out of his head, even after she has left for home, and finds himself throwing caution to the wind for the first time in his life.

It’s not long before Josh is headed to New Zealand with only a backpack, some cash, and Gemma’s name to go on. But when he finally tracks her down, he finds his adventure is only just beginning. Equally infatuated, Gemma leads him on a whirlwind tour across the beautiful country, opening Josh up to life, lust, love, and all the messy heartache in between. Because, when love drags you somewhere, it might never let go—even when you know you have to say goodbye.

This book takes you on a literal and figurative journey.  Josh and Gemma meet on Gemma's last night in Canada.  They have instant chemistry but because of distance that seems to be all to their story.  However, Josh decides to leave his mundane life and decides to travel to Gemma' home land of New Zealand.  He doesn't understand why she won't get out of his head.  However, he makes the trek and has no expectations.  He doesn't even know her last name.  However, he eventually finds her and is invited on a month long trip with her across New Zealand.  However, it isn't a trip just for the two of them, they have a big part of Gemma's past with her too.  As they travel and discover New Zealand they discover things about themselves and each other.  In the process of all the angst and drama, they learn lessons of going after things without caution.  They both learn about trying new things and going after what they want even if there is risk involved.  I loved reading about the places they visited and about what they learned about themselves.  This book made me want to visit New Zealand!!  I could imagine everything with the vivid storytelling.

Buy the book:

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About the author:

Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Dirty Angels and over 20 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Waxman Leavell Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

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Book Review: At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen

Members of the Vise Library were given an advance copy of At the Water's Edge.   We received a copy of Sara Gruen's book for an honest review.

About the book:

In this thrilling new novel from the author of Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen again demonstrates her talent for creating spellbinding period pieces. At the Water’s Edge is a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands.
After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. When Ellis and his best friend, Hank, decide that the only way to regain the Colonel’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel very publicly failed—by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster—Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind. 
 
The trio find themselves in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where the locals have nothing but contempt for the privileged interlopers. Maddie is left on her own at the isolated inn, where food is rationed, fuel is scarce, and a knock from the postman can bring tragic news. Yet she finds herself falling in love with the stark beauty and subtle magic of the Scottish countryside. Gradually she comes to know the villagers, and the friendships she forms with two young women open her up to a larger world than she knew existed. Maddie begins to see that nothing is as it first appears: the values she holds dear prove unsustainable, and monsters lurk where they are least expected.
 
As she embraces a fuller sense of who she might be, Maddie becomes aware not only of the dark forces around her, but of life’s beauty and surprising possibilities.

This is only the second book by Sara Gruen that I have ever read.  I read Water for Elephants before the movie was released and really enjoyed that book.  I was excited for the opportunity to read this book before publication.  This story is set in the WW2 time period with the main characters of Maddie, who is Married to Ellis and their friend Hank.  Ellis has a very big falling out with his parents who then cut Ellis and Maddie off financially.  The characters try to get back on the good side of Ellis' parents by going on a search for the Loch Ness monster.  This journey starts out as a way to look for Nessie, but in a way is more about the journey (to me anyways) of Maddie.

This story takes you through WW2 and the Scottish countryside.  You are able to see how the war affected the people and towns during this time.  Maddie starts to make several friends and you really care about the locals in this story.  I think Gruen did a great job of showing how the locals were struggling during this time.  In a way this reminded me of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale (Hannah's book is set in France, not Scotland).  This time period had so much devastation and loss and Gruen really depicts this to make you feel for the people that lived through this time.  As Maddie's eyes are opened throughout the story, she becomes a completely different person (in a good way).  I think it's great when characters start to become more aware of themselves and life in general and Maddie does just that.  If you enjoy books from this time period and books about people seeking an adventure, then you will enjoy this book!

About the author:

I am a transplanted Canadian (now also an American citizen) who moved to the States in 1999 for a technical writing job. Two years later I got laid off. Instead of looking for another job, I decided to take a gamble on writing fiction. 

I live with my husband, three children, two dogs, four cats, two horses, and a goat in North Carolina.

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Buy the book:

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Praise for At the Water’s Edge
 
“If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen’s books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I’ve come to expect from this author. And even after the final page, its message still resonates with me: The monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I’ve already finished it.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time
 
“I devoured this book. Once again Sara Gruen has proven herself to be one of America’s most compelling storytellers. You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end—but don’t, or you’ll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen’s prose.”—Kathryn Stockett, New York Timesbestselling author of The Help
 
“Magical . . . At the Water’s Edge skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it’s Maddie’s unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel.”—Paula McLain, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife
 
“At the Water’s Edge is a rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable, it is at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship.”—Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author ofThe Nightingale