"Passion on Park Avenue" by Lauren Layne

What a blast of a book! So funny. Filled with friendships, making it in the world, and, yes, passion.

There is nothing like a blast of fresh air from the world of novels. Lauren does an incredible job introducing and describing each character as well as the world they live in. The read is very playful and fun. Nothing like anything I have ever read. This is definitely a book for your short list. It's a must!

Thank you Lauren, for writing a beautiful novel. Thanks for all the laughs. Looking forward to your next book!

"The Favorite Daughter" by Patti Callahan Henry

What a beautifully written book about an awful reality some of us face. The love and challenges one faces when memory fades. Growing up in a loving home. Each sibling having special memories of their childhood and their relationship with the one losing their memory.

Each of us has a chance of having Alzheimer's. We all pray that it doesn't touch us or anyone we love. We don't want anyone to get it. Yet there is no cure as of yet. Yes, there are treatments if caught early but we have to learn how to watch out for it so that we can do something about it before it's too late.

Love, friendship, family. That's what this book is all about. The coming together of a town making life pleasant.

Pick up a copy of "The Favorite Daughter" as soon as it comes out. You will enjoy it. Patti Callahan Henry's work is a work of art. She teaches us things we need to know.

Thank you Patti Callahan Henry!

"Faithful" by Alice Hoffman

A beautifully written book about how one survives after losing a dear friend into a coma. To be in the car with her. To become a hole of a person until she meets a man who can help  her cope and then gets her out of the life she's been living. 

It's a story about surviving and friendship and caring for others. It's a story about triumph.

This book has made me an Alice Hoffman fan and I look forward to reading more of her books. Want a good read? Pick up a copy. 

 

"Paris 7 A.M." by Liza Wieland

Ever read a book that, when you read it, sounds like the book itself is writing the book? That's how this one is. It's brilliant. Very well written. Love the characters and the settings. The feel of the book is filled with love and friendship, hope and disaster. It's the time when Hitler was starting to cause chaos and sadness. It's a time when people were careful on what they said, to whom, and where.

I enjoyed "Paris 7 A.M." because of how it was written. She sees no harm in traveling to Paris because Hitler was quiet in what he was doing. It wasn't well known. 

The beauty of Paris and surrounding areas brought light and brilliance to the book. 

How I loved the poems the main character wrote. How I loved the relationship building and sharing of life's simple pleasures. There is so much more I can say. Pick it up when it comes out. Get engrossed in life in 1939 and after.

"Paris 7 A.M." is a book that you will enjoy so much that you will pick it up again. I know I will.

Enjoy!

"The Island of Sea Women" by Lisa See

Please bear with me. I just finished the book and tears won't stop. The feelings each character has is swimming in me, making me see different things and feeling for each and every one of them. Life is like that. We each have our own viewpoints and, if they become too strong and not malleable, we are missing out on what is or could be.

This book is truly a work of art. Her characters are beautiful and, yes, sometimes scary. The sea is a world onto itself with life and death. It brings food and hope and joy. It also is deadly. Always remember that there are two sides of everything. Good and bad. 

"The Island of Sea Women" is a book about the women on a Korean island and who they dove to bring up food to survive. Without use of oxygen, learn how they made this happen. It's quite remarkable.

Lisa, thank you. You had me from the first page and kept me through to the end. This is the first book I have read that brought me to tears. I cried so hard that I was bauling. Haven't had such a cry in a very long time. So, readers, if an author brings you this deep, you know that the book is truly a work of art. Pick up a copy. You will be SO happy you did!

"In Capable Arms" by Sarah Kovac

"In Capable Arms" is THE MOST heartwarming book I have yet to read. It's a story about one's life with a disability that may be physical but does not prevent this amazing woman to learn and do things that are important to her. I had never heard of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Sarah, thank you for opening your world to us. Thank you for showing us how special life is no matter what obstacles we face. Yes, each day is filled with obstacles. Each day is also filled with opportunities.

To read your story and hear how happy you are in how much you have achieved, warms my heart. I have always believed that we are all here for a purpose. It's what we do with what we have that makes the difference. It's showing each other and supporting each other because we love and believe in them.

Life is filled with capable arms of love and support. It's those arms that help us grow into who we are.

I HIGHLY recommend you picking up a copy of this book today. You will learn how to smile in a whole new way.

Remember: life is filled with moments. Take THIS moment to order yourself a copy of "In Capable Arms".

"Picture Perfect" by Jodi Picoult

The wonders of Hollywood come together with an anthropologist. This is a story about two people who had terrible upbringing. It's a story about relationships and a story about physical abuse and emotional abuse. It's a story that grips you and holds you to the book. It's a story about strength and power.

Wonderful writing.

Pick up a copy today!