Title: Everything is Illuminated Author: Jonathan Safran Foer Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Historical fiction, War Dates read: 24th – 27th August 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Penguin Year: 2002 5th sentence, 74th page: It was the same reason that I would not be able to repose.
With only a yellowing photograph in hand, a young man — also named Jonathan Safran Foer — sets out to find the woman who may or may not have saved his grandfather from the Nazis. Accompanied by an old man haunted by memories of the war; an amorous dog named Sammy Davis, Junior, Junior; and the unforgettable Alex, a young Ukrainian translator who speaks in a sublimely butchered English, Jonathan is led on a quixotic journey over a devastated landscape and into an unexpected past.
I really wasn’t a fan of this novel. The best word to describe my response to it – confused. Just. Seriously confused. I had to read this for a book club, so after discussing it for over an hour, I felt less confused. But not really… mostly our discussion was on how much we didn’t enjoy this and how confused we all felt to be quite frank.
One thing I can say about this book is that it is very well written. I loved the technical talent that was being shown. But I think that this technicality drowned out the story that I wanted to read / hear. It also made it a well written book technically, but one in which I really didn’t bond with any of the characters. I finished this and felt…. “eh”.
There was some really good humour and I did like how the language was written. It was written in a way that highlighted the language barriers and differences in translation that non-native English speakers use. It was well done and highlighted Foer’s understanding of being a non-native English speaker.
To be honest, my absolute favourite thing about this book was simply the dog – Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. I like the idea of Seeing Eye Bitch to a man who isn’t even blind. But really, that was the main redeeming factor in my mind…
Title: Beauty and the Mustache Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #4, Winston Brothers #0.5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 22nd – 23rd August 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Caped Publishing Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: Elizabeth muttered under her breath, “If you let him, I think he’ll gladly rub you the right way.”
There are three things you need to know about Ashley Winston
1) She has six brothers and they all have beards, 2) She is a reader, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Former beauty queen, Ashley Winston’s preferred coping strategy is escapism. She escaped her Tennessee small town, loathsome father, and six brothers eight years ago. Now she escapes life daily via her Amazon kindle one-click addiction. However, when a family tragedy forces her to return home, Ashley can’t escape the notice of Drew Runous – local Game Warden, reclusive mountain man, bear wrestler, philosopher, and everyone’s favourite guy. Drew’s irksome philosophising in particular makes Ashley want to run for the skyscrapers, especially since he can’t seem to keep his exasperating opinions – or his soulful poetry, steadfast support, and delightful hands – to himself. Pretty soon the girl who wanted nothing more than the escape of the big city finds she’s lost her heart in small town Tennessee.
This novel may be about Ashley, but for me, the brothers just steal the show. There is something about a clan of brothers coming together around their little sister and their mother that makes me incredibly happy. Ashley is great. But it’s the Winston Brothers and Drew that made me feel seriously emotionally vested. Which makes it a brilliant prequel to the Winston Brothers series and a great little teaser into another series that needs to fill my shelves.
This is a reminder that, in spite of what is happening in the world, sometimes you just need to return home. Sometimes it’s the things that you ran away from that truly leave you feeling happy and complete. I like that although Ashley fled her family and hometown eight years before the beginning of this story. And obviously needed to in her own way to figure out who she was. Part of really figuring out what she needed in life was coming home and embracing all that she left behind. Returning home might not always be the answer. But I love that it is in this novel…
Although this is a beautiful and sweet romance, there is a little bit of heartbreak in this story. Namely in the passing of Ashley’s mother and her illness. It is done so well though. It is serious and does wrench at your heart quite a bit, but it also leaves you focusing on all of the positives that take place in the blossoming new relationship and the hope that Ashley finds for the future. Plus, the heartbreak that Ashley experiences highlights the beauty of her friendship with the girls.
This might be the most tragic and sad of the Knitting in the Citystories. But it is also the one that seems to show the power of love and friendship the most. Everyone willingly and lovingly rallies around Ashley and her family. And I absolutely adored this show of love and affection. It’s something that I hope (but kind of doubt) that we all have…
Title: Love Hacked Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #3 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 17th – 22nd August 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Caped Publishing Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: We stared at each other, that wolf and me, as the blood ran down my chin and soaked my shirt.
There are three things you should know about Sandra Fielding
1) She makes all her first dates cry, 2) She hasn’t been kissed in over two years, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Sandra has difficulty removing her psychotherapist hat. Of her last 30 dates, 29 have ended the same way: the man sobbing uncontrollably.
After one such disaster, Sandra – near desperation and maybe a little tipsy – gives in to a seemingly harmless encounter with her hot waiter, Alex. Argumentative, secretive, and hostile Alex may be the opposite of everything Sandra knows is right for her. But now, the girl who has spent all her life helping others change for the better, must find a way to cope with falling for someone who refuses to change at all.
Well. I wasn’t expecting this kind of story. It came a little out of left field and was really unexpected compared to the rest of the Knitting in the Citystories so far. But then, Sandra is a little different. Which I love. So I really shouldn’t have been so surprised. And saying that it was completely unexpected doesn’t mean that I didn’t absolutely adore this story. Rather, it was just so wonderfully, pleasantly, and enjoyably unexpected.
As someone with a partner who is somewhat obsessed with BitCoin, it was kind of fun to read about this topic. I don’t know heaps about it (finances and the such are just a little over my head). But it was really fun that I was reading a romance which featured such a common, if not well understood concept. The fact that the NSA and all sorts of conspiracies are further drawn in… it was brilliant. I loved that not only did I get an enjoyable and fun romance, but I got to learn a little more than expected.
Alex as a lead male is wonderfully stubborn, supremely glorious and the kind of lead that just made me want to reach through the pages and wrap him in a big, warm hug. I love a stubborn man (I’m not sure why, because my man is stubborn and often has me growling at him like a bear), so reading about what had me smiling, laughing and bonding a little too strongly from the beginning. In fact, there is something about Alex that is making him my favourite male lead in the series thus far… I also love that he is the epitome of the man who is unwilling to change. Involved with a woman who is constantly trying to change others for the better.
Lastly, there is Sandra. I love her shock factor in everything that she does and says that shouts out from the pages of the book. Partner that with the fact that she is beautifully sweet and loving… she’s such a nice lead. Her sass, wit and sarcasm, alongside with the shock factor are the aspects of her personality that I absolutely adored. Particularly when the story starts with the fact that she makes all of her dates cry…
Title: Rock Wedding Author: Nalini Singh Series: Rock Kiss #4 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Music Dates read: 16th August 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Nalini Singh Year: 2016 5th sentence, 74th page: “Sparrow” wasn’t a song for keyboards or fancy arrangements.
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh continues her Rock Kiss series with a hot, sweet, emotional contemporary romance about love and forgiveness…
After a lifetime of longing for a real family, Sarah Smith thought sh’ed finally found her home with rock star Abe Bellam, even if she knew Abe didn’t love her the way she loved him. But their brief relationship, filled with tragedy and heartache, nearly destroyed her. Alone, emotions in turmoil, and already shaky self-esteem shattered, Sarah struggles to pick up the pieces in the wake of their divorce.
Abe knows he’s to blame for the end of his marriage. Caught in a web of painful memories, he pushed away the best thing in his life – the sexy, smart woman he adores – breaking them both in the process. Then fate throws him a second chance to get things right, to prove to Sarah that she means everything to him. Abe desperately wants that second chance at love… even if he knows he doesn’t deserve it.
But can he convince Sarah – now strong and independent without him – to risk her wounded heart one more time?
This was such a perfect ending to the Rock Kiss quartet. It managed to not only be incredibly cute and sweet. But it rounded out the stories of the other three band members and just gave this great feeling of happily ever after. The fact that it didn’t just feature one wedding (expected from the title), but FOUR… well, that just hit me in ALL of my happy literary places.
From Sarah’s appearance in Rock Redemption, I was quite keen to see what her journey and experiences were all about. But I didn’t expect to feel so keenly for her so damn quickly. The journey that she goes on and the tragedies that she’s faced… they were completely heart rending and, honestly, some of it was exactly what my nightmares are made of. It was seriously tragic and difficult to read in moments.
What I think I loved most about this novel is the fact that Abe took responsibility for his own actions. Not many characters tend to do that in stories. At least, not to this degree, and not when they’re an alpha male. Less so in real life, but still… just having a literary character that is able to go “Yup. I fucked up. And I’m going to fix it.” That was weirdly important and made me seriously love him as a character (particularly one that you don’t really get to know throughout the rest of the series).
Both Abe and Sarah have kind of tragic and seriously tough backstories. Yet, even though there was knowledge of these throughout the novel. It was a story that was more about moving on and forgiving one another the past. Finding a way to be happy and finding a bright and cheerful future. Which is probably why I found this book pretty much impossible to put down and seriously, seriously fun and enjoyable.
Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower Author: Stephen Chbosky Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Book to Film, Contemporary, Mental health, Young adult Dates read: 16th August 2020 Pace: Slow Format: Novel Publisher: Simon & Schuster Year: 1999 5th sentence, 74th page: She lifted off the pillowcase, and there I was, standing in my old suit, looking at an old typewriter with a fresh ribbon.
Charlies’ not the biggest geek in high school, but he’s by no means popular.
Shy, introspective, intelligent, yet socially awkward, Charlie is a wallflower, standing on the threshold of his life whilst watching everyone else live theirs. As Charlie tries to navigate his way through uncharted territory – the world of first dates and mix tapes, family dramas and new friends – he realises that he can’t stay on the sidelines forever. There comes a time when you have to see what life looks like from the dance floor.
After finishing this novel, I sat staring at the cover for a good five minutes. Just. Staring. And you know… understanding. Understanding why this is a fairly popular book and why it was made into a movie. This is just phenomenal. And gut wrenching. And beautiful and just… I’m really not sure I’m going to half the words to write this review. It is just such a great story and I absolutely adored it.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is kind of a coming of age story. But it’s just so, so, so much more. It is a story that left my heart seriously hurting after turning the final page. But, it also left me with a big smile on my face – one that I tend to get only when I’ve read a particularly amazing novel. One that is well written and insightful. And, in spite of all of the tragedies and horrible, heart rending moments throughout this – there is an overwhelming feeling of hope.
This is a great reminder of living life and finding / embracing those who you love. But more so, finding those who actually love you for you and who you are. It’s a reminder that even if you’re a bit of an “outsider”, there is someone out there who will love you completely and without reservation. Someone who will make you feel like you’re coming home, just by being there in your life. It’s a great idea and something that made me constantly think about my own friends and the ways in which they help to lift me up on the worst of days.
This is a phenomenally written novel. And, I honestly don’t understand how such a tragic and intense story feels so damn beautiful. It doesn’t feel sad and tragic at all. Rather, it feels hopeful and beautiful. And, well, not quite light, but uplifting in the most confusing of ways.
Title: Friends Without Benefits Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 16th – 17th August 2020 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Caped Publishing Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: Nico frowned and flinched slightly.
There are three things you should know about Elizabeth Finney
1) She suffers from severe sarcastic syndrome, especially when she’s unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her like Nico Manganiello, and 3) She knows how to knit.
Elizabeth Finney is almost always right about everything: the musical merits of boy bands are undervalued by society, “benefits” with human Ken dolls are better without friendship, and the sun has set on her once-in-a-lifetime chance for true love.
But when Elizabeth’s plans for benefits without friendship are disarmed by the irritatingly charismatic and chauvinistic Nico Manganiello – her former nemesis – she finds herself struggling to maintain the electric fence around her heart while avoiding electrocution, or, worse, falling in love.
This was such a beautifully cute novel. I like the idea of people who were in love at a young age re-finding each other as adults. The fact that there is a bit more tragedy and confusion in the past just helped to add to my love of this novel. It was just seriously cute and adorable. And, even though Elizabeth’s wedding is revealed in Neanderthal Marries Human, there were enough surprises throughout that it no longer irritated me.
One such surprise / enjoyment was the scene with the proposal in it. I actually guffawed. A word that I have never applied to myself or my own actions. But here, it is completely suited and works. I actually guffawed and thought that this was a brilliant way to expand on the unconventional relationship that Elizabeth and Nico seem to have. I also like that this less than traditional relationship nicely balances the normal narrative which surrounds love, first love and that forever love which is frequently discussed in this novel.
One of the things I sometimes find difficult in romance series is that there becomes a bit of a same-same voice throughout the series. I very rarely find any which are written in the first person. Yet, Reid is able to do this seamlessly. She manages to find a way in which to write in the first person that is completely different across the novels. Or at least, the first two novels in this series. Janie and Elizabeth might be best friends, but they have completely different personalities. Which shine through brilliantly in this story. It made it all that much more difficult to put the book down…. Luckily I didn’t have all that much I had to do in the way of acting responsibly.
I found the slow unravelling of the past and the intertwining of this narrative with the present a really great narrative technique. Again, it helped to differ this from Janie’s stories even further. It also provided this sense of hope and understanding throughout the story that completely melted my heart and transported me to my happy place.
To finish of this novel, I found Epilogue I was just damned cute and gave a lovely sense of completion to the story. But then, to cap it all off, there was Epilogue II. This made me clutch my chest and give a watery smile. It was just too damn cute.
Title: Neanderthal Marries Human Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #1.5 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 6th – 10th August 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Caped Publishing Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: “All I’m saying is that I could find a dozen Quinn Sullivans – handsome millionaire manwhores – but I’ve only encountered one Janie Morris.”
There are three things you should know about Quinn Sullivan
1) He is madly in love with Janie Morris, 2) He’s not above playing dirty to get what (or who) he wants, 3) He doesn’t know how to knit.
After just five months of dating Janie, Quinn – former Wendell and unapologetic autocrat – is ready to propose marriage. He’s more than ready. If it were up to Quinn, he would efficiently propose, marry, and beget Janie with child all in the same day.
But Janie, tosses a wrench in his efficacious endeavors and challenges him to prove his devotion by going through the matrimonial motions, no matter how minute and mundane.
Will Quinn last until the wedding day? Or will he yield to his tyrant impulses?
Most of the romance series that I read have the main story about a couple and then that tends to be it. Sometimes there is a bit of a follow up with a novella or short story. Or even a mention of the couple (and maybe their wedding) in a following novel in the series. But this is the first time I’ve read a full-length novel follow up to a couple getting together. And I really loved it. Plus, even though most of the time I don’t necessarily need this… I think that in the case of Janie and Quinn, it is somewhat necessary… there were just many unanswered questions and moments at the conclusion of Neanderthal Seeks Human.
One of the biggest discomforts I had on completing Neanderthal Seeks Human was the state of both Janie and Quinn’s families. Some of the issues were explained, although not necessarily the roots of these issues. But nothing at all was resolved. And, although, like all, good, realistic stories, not everything is in a neat little bow at the conclusion of this story… a lot more was resolved. And even those parts that weren’t were either accepted or moving towards being resolved. It just gave a more satisfactory ending to the story. At least for me, someone who likes things to be tied up a little neater and tidier.
I love that Quinn doesn’t think that he’s a good guy throughout this whole series (thus far). It’s nice to have a dominant male lead who doesn’t actually think that they are good… a nice difference that I immediately lapped up. I began to understand a little throughout Neanderthal Seeks Human. But it wasn’t until this novel that I started to really, truly understand the ways in which Quinn finds himself guilty. How he thinks he is truly evil. Yet, it is Janie’s unwavering faith in him that not only makes him seem like a good guy, but also helps him to become a better one. I loved that this relationship was all about both characters finding the best versions of themselves through their love for one another.
There were so many positive emotions that I felt throughout this story. But one negative was the way that Janie’s family and her final understanding of the way they felt about her. It kind of broke my heart. Yes, she’s a little off-kilter and some of the distance with her father is kind of understood. But when you find out a little bit more. And she finally accepts some of the ways in which things stand… my heart just about shattered. It was just impossible to fathom and understand. Impossible not to want to shed a tear or two (it was a damn close thing, but then Reid managed to lighten the moment with a little humour).
Whilst I loved this novel and the way it completely rounded out Janie and Quinn’s story. I definitely have some mixed feelings about the reveal of Elizabeth’s happy ending / story that was in it. Nico’s first appearance was good. But the last appearance… I got to find out the beginning and the end of their story. With none of the middle something that I certainly didn’t enjoy all that much….
Title: Neanderthal Seeks Human Author: Penny Reid Series: Knitting in the City #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 6th August 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Caped Publishing Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: I immediately noted that Cypher Systems was located in the Fairbanks Building, the same building as my previous job.
There are three things you should know about Janie Morris
1) She is incapable of engaging in conversation without volunteering TMTI (Too Much Trivial Information), especially when she is unnerved, 2) No one unnerves her more than Quinn Sullivan, and 3) She doesn’t know how to knit.
After losing her boyfriend, apartment, and job in the same day, Janie Morris can’t help wondering what new torment fate has in store.
To her utter mortification, Quinn Sullivan – aka Sir McHotpants – witnesses it all then keeps turning up like a pair of shoes you lust after but can’t afford. The last thing she expects is for Quinn to make her an offer she can’t refuse.
Honestly, the way that this story was told and the narration / voice of Janie… it was like jumping inside my own brain. Alright, I’m less knowledgeable about so many things than she is… but the tangents, the feeling overwhelmed with emotion, just the whole way she approaches life…. It was all just way, way, way too familiar. And wonderful.
This was such a great, happy, funny and quirky contemporary romance. Not only do I look forward to finding out about how Quinn and Janie’s relationships expand in Neanderthal Marries Human, but I also can’t wait to get to know the other women in this knitting circle just that much better. Particularly when the first woman is Janie… she’s fun, she’s quirky and she just doesn’t quite know when to stop talking. Things that I am just all too familiar with.
I bought this because a blogger I really enjoy had said that Reid’sWinston Brothers series was really good. And, after finishing this, I can’t believe that it’s taken me so damn long to get this book on my shelves. There is just this beautiful lightness and enjoyment in this story. Don’t get me wrong, there are moments of oh no and heart break throughout this story. But not enough to get my heart racing. Just enough to make you have to turn the next page.
As much as I absolutely adored this contemporary romance story. I also completely loved the knitting aspect too. I don’t get the pleasure of reading many stories which feature this craft. And, although I’m like Janie and can’t seem to get myself to knit… I do crochet. And I would love to have a group of girlfriends like this that I can just have a knitting / crochet circle with. It also lent itself to some very funny moments at the end of the story. Moments that I shared with my knitting-mother and had her almost crying with laughter.
Title: A Slice of Heaven Author: Sherryl Woods Series: The Sweet Magnolias #2 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 27th – 28th July 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Mira Year: 2005 5th sentence, 74th page: “Call him,” Maddie urged.
Return to the world of the Sweet Magnolias, where friends are closer than family, and fun and scandal are always part of the mix. Now a Netflix original series!
Ever since she discovered her ex-husband’s affair, Dana Sue Sullivan decided to put down new roots and create the best restaurant in Serenity, South Carolina. After years of hard labor, her dream has become a reality. Sullivan’s provides more than just Southern comfort food – it’s become a haven for the whole town – and Dana Sue knows better than anyone that relying on friendship can get you through the toughest times.
But when her teenage daughter, Annie, develops an eating disorder that lands her in hospital, Dana Sue’s perfect life comes crumbling down. On top of it all, her own health starts to deteriorate. Dana Sue knows she needs to change habits now to help them both get better – even if that means letting Ronnie Sullivan back into their lives.
And who knows, his return might end up being a recipe for a new beginning…
Oh. I just absolutely adore Dana Sue. Not only from the first Sweet Magnolias book, Stealing Home, but also from the TV show. There is this great feeling of strength and independence to her that I just fell completely in love with. Partnered with the fact that she’s a chef and I love food… it worked perfectly in my happy little brain. Then there’s Annie… she’s got such amazing spunk for a teenage character.
This novel deals with some very serious issues surrounding body image, women and food. Not only in Annie’s anorexia (which is hinted at at the end of Stealing Home). But also in the ways in which Dana Sue requires food for comfort. And the fact that she is at risk for diabetes. Both issues with food and body image, but both at different ends of the scale. Partner that with the usage of the gym and the deal which the Sweet Magnolias make… I loved how Woods was able to focus on such big issues that are frequently around in our daily lives.
One of the major themes I’m picking up so far in this series is the whole idea of cheating – first it’s Maddie’s husband and then it’s Dana Sue’s. In this story, cheating is eventually forgiven, or at least moved on from. I don’t think that it’s something that I could ever do. Yet, it shows this admirable love and commitment. And a great reminder that we all make mistakes in relationships, so there always needs to be some level of forgiveness…
Not only was this novel a great romance. One that I absolutely adored. It was also a great way to highlight some of the physical, and body image issues that many women face. As someone who is currently on her own health kick, it was nice to read about other women having the exact same issues. Definitely one of those books that I’m going to read again and again and again.
Title: Stealing Home Author: Sherryl Woods Series: The Sweet Magnolias #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance Dates read: 23rd – 26th July 2020 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Mira Year: 2007 5th sentence, 74th page: Now all of that was at risk.
For the Sweet Magnolias, now a Netflix original series, friendship lasts a lifetime…
Maddie Townsend might live in a town called Serenity and have the best friends a woman could ask for, but her life is overturned when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. With her three children heartbroken from the change, Maddie has a lot to contend with. On top of it all, after years outside the workforce, she must dust off her business skills to take charge of her best friends’ newest project – planning the town’s only fitness spa for women.
When her son’s developing anger issues begin to affect his passion for baseball, Maddie knows she must step in to help. She didn’t expect to develop feelings for her son’s coach, the handsome Cal Maddox, and to learn he has feelings for her, too. But gossip travels quickly in a small town, and Maddie and Cal’s relationship may threaten both their reputations and careers.
Then again, he could be the one man in all of South Carolina who can help her find serenity after all.
I managed to start two Sherryl Woodsseries pretty close to one another. Mainly because more of the Chesapeake Shores books aren’t yet on my shelves. And although I love the Sweet Magnolias, I did find that I didn’t find it as much of a great beginning to a series as The Inn at Eagle Point. Having said that. This still gets five stars from me. It’s still fun, cute, amazing and a great way to spend an evening.
This novel perfectly encapsulates the way it feels to live in a small town. It highlights the gossip-tree that spreads throughout. And the ways in which gossip can cause havoc in a person’s life. It actually reminded me a little of the ways in which I hate small towns, even as I love them. Poor Cal and Maddie have to deal with such nonsense throughout this novel. Nonsense that makes you want to smack around the silly people who thought that they could be involved in somebody else’s love life.
The gossip, and the difference in the communities’ reactions to Bill and Maddie were great at highlighting the double standards that women face every day. Maddie is actually innocent in the creation of her relationship (where Bill certainly isn’t). Yet, it is Maddie that has a constant threat hanging over her head due to social pressure. I love that Woods not only highlights this in her story – but it is something that is actually discussed amongst the characters in this novel as well. We definitely need more stories which shine a light on this issue.
There is something about the setting of Serenity that is completely beautiful, peaceful and loving. Gossip crazy members aside, I would love to live in such a beautiful and peaceful town. One in which you can open a Corner Spa with your friends and start a new life surrounded by people who love you. It’s everything that you imagine a small town to be, and I loved that Serenity was almost its own character. One that I look forward to meeting again and again throughout this series.
Earth and Skye 