Author Interview: Imogen Robertson

Tomorrow I will review her novel The Paris Winter, today I get to share the answers I received from Imogen Robertson.

1.  What do you find yourself rambling about?

Normally about my research, so when I was writing Paris Winter I couldn't stop talking about women artists in Paris during the Belle Epoque - particularly Suzanne Valadon who appears in the novel and is one of the most brilliant and fascinating characters of the period.  She fed her drawings which she didn't think were good enough to her pet goat.

2.  If you could put your book into on person's hands, who would that be?

Great question!  I'd love Jennifer Lawrence to read it and decide that she wants to star in the film version.  I'm sure she could do an English accent.  Emma Thompson might not be the right age for Maud, but I bet she'd adapt the novel brilliantly.  She could direct and I'll could have a walk on part, stumbling about in the Paris floods.

3.  Is there any part of your personality in Maud?

There is a bit of me in all my characters, I think.  When you start writing though, the characters take on a life of their own and become themselves.  Maud initial reserve is probably mine.  She'd also quietly stubborn, which my husband tells me I am too!

4.  What part of the writing process do you love the most?

The good days where you disappear into your writing and it feels as if you are living the story rather than just writing it.  The other great time is during the research as the novel is taking shape in your mind and seems both perfect and within reach.

5.  What books do you like to read?

Everything.  I read a lot of non-fiction - social history and biography, but I'm also a magpie reader.  Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel is a current favorite and I can't wait for the next Ben Aaronovitch Rivers of London novel.  I've just finished The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters too.  She is such an amazing writer.

6.  What is next on your plate?

I'm writing at the moment, but it's at the secret thinking stage so I daren't tell anyone about it.


Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Imogen Robertson for allowing me the time to get some questions answered.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

Another average week of reading with a few home projects that took some time away from reading.

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney. 

Finished this past week:

Waking Up Joy by Tina Ann Forkner
The Thursday Night Club by Steven Manchester
Outrageous Optimist by Lyne Noella
Heart of a Dove by Abbie Williams
My True Love Gave to Me by an assortment of authors

Currently Reading:

The Devil's Breath by Emily Kimelman

Next on the TBR pile:

Inviting Fire by Emily Kimelman

Review: Return to Oakpine by Ron Carlson

Return to Oakpine

by Ron Carlson

Publisher: Viking Adult

Pages: 272

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  In high school, these men were in a band. One of them, Jimmy, left Oakpine for New York City after the tragic death of his brother. A successful novelist, he has returned thirty years later, in 1999—because he is dying.

With Carlson’s characteristic grace, we learn what has become of these friends and the different directions of their lives. Craig and Frank never left; Mason, a top lawyer in Denver, is back in town to fix up and sell his parents’ house. Now that they are reunited, getting the band back together might be the most important thing they can do.


Kritters Thoughts:  I read very few books that center around male characters, so when I was offered this book I jumped at the chance to read something outside of my normal reading.  A group of four boys formed a band in high school and had quite the senior year, but after graduation, one leaves to not return in 30 years, two stay and one has returned a few times, but is back for good now.  As they all come back to their small hometown, the memories from the past are creeping up, but they are also learning about what happened in the in between.

It took a moment to learn each of the personalities of each of the men, but once I made a quick chart, I had it down and loved reading about their interactions.  It was interesting to read about how their group formed and then to see them reconnect and see how their lives apart had changed each of them.  The other part that really had me connect with these characters and fall in love with them was seeing the next generation emerge.  I would love to read a sequel that focuses on this up and coming generation in the small town.   

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Viking/Penguin Books.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis

One Step Too Far

by Tina Seskis

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 352

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  No one has ever guessed Emily's secret.

Will you?

A happy marriage. A beautiful family. A lovely home. So what makes Emily Coleman get up one morning and walk right out of her life--to start again as someone new?

Now, Emily has become Cat, working at a hip advertising agency in London and living on the edge with her inseparable new friend, Angel. Cat's buried any trace of her old self so well, no one knows how to find her. But she can't bury the past--or her own memories.

And soon, she'll have to face the truth of what she's done--a shocking revelation that may push her one step too far. . . 

Kritters Thoughts:  Emily leaves behind her husband and family with no warning and leaves no information behind as to where she is going.  She starts a whole new life, job and wants to start over.  At the same time, the reader is finding out about her past and the crazy childhood that may have helped lead her to this decision.  

Emily was an interesting character and even after the book is complete, I am not sure if I ever really liked her or understood her - but I am ok with that!  I felt detached from her because I was slowly learning about her backstory and I couldn't understand why she had made the big life change that she did.  

The one thing I would wish for is for the reader to be given her reasoning earlier in the book.  Once I found out her reason for leaving I felt like it was too close to the end to enjoy it - the build up was too long.  

I enjoyed this one and was glad to hear how her childhood affected her life as an adult, that made the book for me.  The other thing that I wished would have been a little more of the story told from her husband's point of view, I loved the few moments that we heard from him.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2014 Challenge: 62 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Edelweisss.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Isla and the Happily Ever After

by Stephanie Perkins

Publisher: Dutton

Pages: 352

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 


Kritters Thoughts:  The third in the companion series that takes the reader back to Paris and to the American school with a new group of seniors.  Isla is the middle daughter of a French/American couple who definitely shows the middle child tendencies.  Josh is the child of a state senator and doesn't quite fit the normal mold of a political offspring.  Isla has had a crush on Josh since day one and now in their senior year she may get the guts to make her feelings known.

What a fantastically sweet and realistic love story.  I absolutely stinkin adore the realistic ups and downs of a senior year of high school relationship.  The puppy love was great.  Although it took awhile it was great to have the appearance of the whole crowd - St. Clair, Anna, Cricket and Lola - but what a great appearance!  

A positive and a negative is that these books read so fast, I wish they didn't because I just adore her writing and would love to read books by Perkins again and again!

I don't know that this will happen, but I sure wouldn't mind another book with Isla and Josh at the center.


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Review: The Vineyard by Michael Hurly

The Vineyard

by Michael Hurly

Publisher: Ragbagger Press

Pages: 384

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Ten years after their college days together, three wounded and very different women reunite for a summer on the island of Martha's Vineyard. As they come to grips with the challenges and crises in their lives, their encounter with a reclusive poacher, known only as "the fisherman," forces them to confront their deepest beliefs and darkest fears.


Kritters Thoughts:  Three women - Dory, Charlotte and Turner reunite on Martha's Vineyard for a summer and each one of them is bringing baggage that hopefully they can avoid for a summer.  Although it started in quite a low spot, it picked up pace and completely turned a corner for me.  

Dory, Charlotte and Turner are all dealing with completely different issues.  I loved how they all had different things going on, but it didn't seem outrageous that three friends would be dealing with these things at the same time.  I loved how they each could help each other and had somewhat of unbiased views into each others problems.  

At times, I would almost categorize this in a semi Christian fiction way - don't want to reveal why, but having been raised in a Christian home, I definitely picked up on some things that made it an interesting read for me.  But beware there was definitely some sexy times, but nothing too erotic or out of place.  I would recommend this read with the knowledge that this definitely had some intimate moments.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

Another great week of reading and almost caught myself up!  Thank goodness for a week of awesome reading!

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney. 

Finished this past week:

Return to Oakpine by Ron Carlson
The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson
Before the Storm by Steena Holmes
Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes
While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell
A Second Bite at the Apple by Dana Bate
The Reluctant Elf by Michele Gorman

Currently Reading:

Waking Up Joy by Tina Ann Forkner

Next on the TBR pile:
Heart of a Dove by Abbie Williams

Review: Letting Go by Molly McAdams

Letting Go

by Molly McAdams

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 416

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Grey and Ben fell in love at thirteen and believed they’d be together forever. But three days before their wedding, the twenty-year-old groom-to-be suddenly died from an unknown heart condition, destroying his would-be-bride’s world. If it hadn’t been for their best friend, Jagger, Grey never would have made it through those last two years to graduation. He’s the only one who understands her pain, the only one who knows what it’s like to force yourself to keep moving when your dreams are shattered. Jagger swears he’ll always be there for her, but no one has ever been able to hold on to him. He’s not the kind of guy to settle down.

It’s true that no one has ever been able to keep Jagger—because he’s only ever belonged to Grey. While everyone else worries over Grey’s fragility, he’s the only one who sees her strength. Yet as much as he wants Grey, he knows her heart will always be with Ben. Still they can’t deny the heat that is growing between them—a passion that soon becomes too hot to handle. But admitting their feelings for each other means they’ve got to face the past. Is being together what Ben would have wanted . . . or a betrayal of his memory that will eventually destroy them both?

Kritters Thoughts:  In the first chapter, the reader is hooked - Grey is three days away from her wedding and her fiance is on the golf course with his buddies and his heart gives out and he is gone.  Thankfully Grey and Ben were part of a threesome, friends that is, and Jagger is willing to step up and help her cope with her loss and get her through the last two years of their college career.  But things change when they graduate and head back to their small hometown - as they should!

Grey and Jagger take turns narrating the story and thank goodness - it took this book to the next level.  I completely loved hearing both sides of their story and to hear how they both react to the same situation was awesome.  I also loved that since they grew up together and they headed back to that town, all of their family members were able to be a part of the story and their families couldn't be more different.  I find it thankfully realistic when the characters each have different family quirks and it is nice to see that no matter what home you come from, a friendship can still form.  

The darn twist at the end just made the book for me - not expected and completely loved it!  

The first book in a series and if anyone knows how many will be in this series, I would love to know!  

As a side note - I think this book is classified in the new adult genre and I tend to stay away from those because I don't always feel that the book has a story beyond the sexy times - NOT SO with this book, it had a full storyline and the sexy times were in just the right time and place.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2014 Challenge: 61 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Edelweiss.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Bleeding Heart by Liza Gyllenhaal

Bleeding Heart

by Liza Gyllenhaal

Publisher: NAL Trade

Pages: 352

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  After her accountant husband disappears with millions of dollars stolen from his company’s clients, Alice Hyatt flees New York City and moves to her family’s longtime summer home in a small town in western Massachusetts. There she begins to make a new start, reconnecting with old friends and finding peace—and a growing sense of pride—as a landscape architect.

When extremely wealthy newcomer Graham Mackenzie asks her to design an elaborate garden for him, she can’t turn down the opportunity despite misgivings about Mackenzie’s energy company, which specializes in the controversial practice of fracking.

But just as the project nears completion, she learns Mackenzie’s offer is not all that it seems. Once again, Alice finds herself embroiled in someone else’s crimes, this time putting her newfound success—and possibly her life—in jeopardy....


Kritters Thoughts:  Alice Hyatt has already endured one crazy spouse scandal and I love how this book opens beyond the scandal and even beyond her recovery from the sandal.  She has moved and set up her own business that is slowly building at the perfect pace.  Through a series of events, she ends up working for someone new building in town and although it takes a while drama ensues!

It was so quick and easy to get into this book and to root for Alice.  I wanted to succeed even more so than most folks because of the past that she had overcome.  I also completely enjoyed reading a book about a character that had passion for gardening - I actually learned a few things which is always a plus.  Reading books with characters who have different hobbies is such fun because you as the reader may learn a thing or two, but you aren't aware that you are learning!

When it all started going downhill, it was great to see almost the behind the scenes of Alice's business and see all the threads unravel.  I loved the twists and turns and trying to figure out how these characters were really all connected beyond the superficial that the reader thought was concrete throughout the whole book.  

My first experience with this author and I am already excited to read her previous and upcoming books!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Berkley NAL.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett

Proof of Angels

by Mary Curran Hackett

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 320

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:   Sean Magee is a firefighter—a hero who risks his own life to save others, running into dangerous situations few have the courage to dare. While fighting a horrific blaze, Sean becomes trapped by flames and is nearly overcome by smoke. Just when it seems that all is lost, he’s led to a window—by what he swears is divine intervention. And then he jumps . . . 

. . . into a new life. For years, Sean has shut down his feelings, existing in a state of emotional numbness. Coming through that fire, he knows that he can no longer be that man whose his heart is closed to the world. But before he can face his future, he must confront his past and everyone in it: the family, the friends, the woman—and the love—he carelessly left behind.


Kritters Thoughts:  Written from a man's point of view, Sean Magee is a firefighter who right at the beginning is faced with tragedy and decides to take this opportunity to turn his life into a second chance.  He has things in his past that he wants to make right, but must get through both physical and emotional therapy to be able to successfully confront his things from the past.

As mentioned above, told from a male's point of view, I loved it.  It was different and I liked different.  Although weird to read from a male who would tend to get a little emotional at times, I appreciated reading it.  I loved seeing the people that surrounded him during his tragedy and after and how he was able to help them heal in ways as they were helping him heal.  

A great book about second chances and using each moment to live life to the fullest was a nice reminder about setting the right priorities.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2014 Challenge: 60 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: How to Bake a Man by Jessica Barksdale Inclan

How to Bake a Man

by Jessica Barksdale Inclan

Publisher: Ghostwoods Books

Pages: 280

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When Becca Muchmore drops out of grad school, all she has left to fall back on is her baking. Ignoring her mother's usual barrage of disapproval and disappointment, she decides to start a small business hand-delivering her wares. A friend introduces her to an office of hungry lawyers, who agree to give her a try. Her lizard-booted neighbor Sal is happy to help out when he can, and almost before she knows it, Becca's Best is up and running.

Before she can settle into a routine, things get complicated. The office ogress could easily be Becca's sister and has absolutely no patience with cookies or other frivolities. Even worse, her boyfriend is the man of Becca's dreams--kind, funny, successful, and brain-meltingly gorgeous. As the dark undercurrents threaten to pull her down, Becca swiftly finds herself neck-deep in office politics, clandestine romance, and flour. Saving her business (and finding true love) is going to take everything she's got, and more.


Kritters Thoughts:  Becca Muchmore has dropped out of grad school and wants to follow her true passion of baking and falls into a great job baking for a law firm.  Although not an employee of the law firm she becomes embroiled in the office drama and politics and maybe even into the personal lives of some of the employees.  

Becca Muchmore was an interesting character, but the lack of flow in this book kept me from completely falling in love with the character and the book.  There were a few moments where she started daydreaming and it took me a moment to realize that it wasn't live action and that we were just in her thoughts.  The other thing that didn't make me completely love the book was how quickly Becca changed her mind about the men in her life - it was a quick headsnap change and I wish there had been a little more.  

If you love the flightly character and don't mind a quick change of heart, then you may enjoy this book more than I did.  I own another book from this author and will still try it and see what I think about it.


Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

What a crazy week!  I was baking for the office and for my husband to take to his co workers, spent Halloween night with family and started the to do list for house projects that need to happen before Thanksgiving - not much reading happened!

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney. 

Finished this past week:

One Step too Far by Tina Seskis
The Vineyard by Michael Hurley

Currently Reading:

Return to Oakpine by Ron Carlson

Next on the TBR pile:

The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson

October - falling into fall

source

The older I get the more I fall in love with fall.  I have always adored spring and summer, but more and more fall is growing on me!  The crisp in the air, we picked apples for the first time, the change in wardrobe, jackets as an accessory not necessity - all fun things about fall.  Fall is also the beginning of crazy reading months because the dogs nor I want to spend too many chilly minutes outside chasing balls!  So here is what I read in October 

1. Painting Juliana by Martha Louise Hunter
2. The Red Hot Fix by TE Woods
3. The Unforgivable Fix by TE Woods
4. An Unseemly Wife by EB Moore
5. The Wonder by Colleen Oakes
6. Land of Dreams by Kate Kerrigan
7. Perfect Girl by Michele Gorman
8. The Mason Jar by James Russell Lingerfelt
9. In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins
10. Halfway to Nowhere by Steena Holmes
11. Bird in Hand by Christina Baker Kline
12. Killer WASPs by Amy Korman
13. Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes
14. Certainty by Victor Bevine
15. Last Train to Babylon by Charlee Fam
16. Proof of Angels by Mary Curran Hackett
17. How to Bake a Man by Jessica Barksdale Inclan
18. Letting Go by Molly McAdams
19. Bleeding Heart by Liza Gyllenhaal
20. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
21. One Step too Far by Tina Seskis

Total pages read, clicked, and flipped: 6,745

Where Have I Been Reading?:

Austin, TX
Seattle, WA (2)
Los Angeles, CA (2)
London (2)
New York (2)
Montana
Bryn Mawr, PA
Birmingham, England
Newport, RI
Long Island, NY
San Francisco, CA
Paris, France
Massachusetts