Review: Fishing with Rayanne by Ava Finch

Fishing with Rayanne

by Ava Finch

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 318

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Having fled the testosterone-soaked world of pro fishing to finally settle in her Minneapolis fixer-upper, thirty-something RayAnne unexpectedly lands at the helm of the first all-women fishing and talk show. Between her dad's falling off the wagon, unwanted advice from Mom—a life coach to the menopausal rich—and her clingy dog, she needs the advice of her beloved grandmother more than ever.

With the show’s surprise success, producers press for celebrity appearances, but fans tweet support for RayAnne and her quirky guests, real women with unique stories and something to say. And though handsome Hal tempts RayAnne, he is a sponsor, rocketing him to the top of her don’ts list.

Just when she’s shedding uncertainty, RayAnne’s world nearly capsizes, and she’s faced with gut-wrenching choices. Will she live by the rules, or by her heart?

Kritters Thoughts:  A mix of behind the scenes of reality tv and good ole fishing!  Rayanne comes from an interesting family - a mother who takes women on spiritual journeys as menopause hits and a father who has made a code word to remember all the names of his past wives.  Rayanne has relied solely on herself with the help of her grandmother as a sounding block.

I loved the show concept, a talk show while fishing with women who have done extraordinary things.  I loved that fishing took the guests out of their comfort zone and almost made them talk more openly.  

What shined throughout this book was the characters.  They were full and complete and just so fun to get to know!  From page one I loved Rayanne but all the characters that surrounded her were just fantastic.  

I loved this debut from Ava Finch and I am putting her on my author to watch list.


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Ebook 2015 Challenge:  45 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from BookSparks PR.  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: The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace

The Crescent Spy

by Michael Wallace

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 325

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Writing under a man’s name, Josephine Breaux is the finest reporter at Washington’s Morning Clarion. Using her wit and charm, she never fails to get the scoop on the latest Union and Confederate activities. But when a rival paper reveals her true identity, accusations of treason fly. Despite her claims of loyalty to the Union, she is arrested as a spy and traitor.

To Josephine’s surprise, she’s whisked away to the White House, where she learns that President Lincoln himself wishes to use her cunning and skill for a secret mission in New Orleans that could hasten the end of the war. For Josephine, though, this mission threatens to open old wounds and expose dangerous secrets. In the middle of the most violent conflict the country has ever seen, can one woman overcome the treacherous secrets of her past in order to secure her nation’s future?

Kritters Thoughts:  A new twist on a civil war book.  Told through the eyes of a female journalist/spy as she is sent down to New Orleans, LA to spy and send back anything she can find out about the Confederate hold on New Orleans.  Josephine Breaux is a tough woman and I was cheering her on from the beginning!  

With little war scenes and more strategy I loved this take on writing about the civil war.  There were definitely guns and ships a blazing, but the focus was on how Josephine could live the life of a well known journalist while sending secrets to the North.  I loved how she was a smart woman when women weren't encouraged to be smart at this time and she could be strategic both in how her information was sent and what she suggested the war department in the North should do.  

The other aspect that set this book apart for me and made me love it even more was the setting.  When reading most civil war books, they are set on the east coast in New York, Washington DC or Virginia, so to read about how New Orleans and Louisiana were involved in the war was very interesting.  

If you have read all the civil war books, read this one.  If you haven't read a one, read this one.  I read this book so fast from beginning to end, the pace was on point.

This is my first time hearing about Michael Wallace and I am excited to dive into his backlist.  Have you read him before what do you suggest I read next?


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.

Review: Forsaken by Ross Howell Jr.

Forsaken

by Ross Howell Jr.

Publisher: NewSouth Books

Pages: 300

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  In April 1912 white, 18-year-old reporter Charles Mears covers his first murder case, a trial that roiled racial tensions in Hampton, Virginia. An uneducated black girl just five feet tall, Virginia Christian was tried for killing her white employer, a widow. "Virgie" died in the electric chair at the state penitentiary one day after her seventeenth birthday, the only female juvenile executed in Virginia history.

Young Charlie tells the story of the trial and its aftermath. Woven into his narrative are actual court records, letters, newspaper stories, and personal accounts, reflecting the true arc of history in characters large and small, in events local and global. Charlie falls in love with Harriet, a girl orphaned by the murder; meets Virgie's blind attorney George Fields, a former slave; and encounters physician Walter Plecker, a state official who relentlessly pursues racial purity laws later emulated in Nazi Germany.


Kritters Thoughts:  A story that takes place in the town where I grew up in another time.  The year of 1912 and although the outcome of the civil war is well behind the south, the tensions between races is still high.  A white male journalist gets caught up in the racial tensions as he tries to find the truth behind a murder where a young African American girl is the prime suspect in many people's eyes.

I was initially drawn to this book because it takes place miles from where I was born and raised.  I had heard stories about my particular city and its not so positive origins and how the city lines were decided, so when I heard about this book, I had to read it.  It was a good read.  I felt as though the book was more about the journalist then it was about the murder and the girl.  I wanted him to do more investigative journalism and less "cultural" journalism, I wanted him to get to the bottom of the crime and I didn't feel like he did.  

I did enjoy reading about this time period and so close to my home.  I know there was truth in this book and that made it an enjoyable tread. 

If you have a hard time with dialects this will be a slow read for you.  I had to take my time to really read slowly to make sure I was getting all the bits and pieces.  With any historical fiction, I always love them more when there is truth behind the fiction.


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 NewSouth 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: Life and Other Near Death Experiences

Life and Other Near Death Experiences

by Camille Pagan

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 233

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Libby Miller has always been an unwavering optimist—but when her husband drops a bomb on their marriage the same day a doctor delivers devastating news, she realizes her rose-colored glasses have actually been blinding her.

With nothing left to lose, she abandons her life in Chicago for the clear waters and bright beaches of the Caribbean for what might be her last hurrah. Despite her new sunny locale, her plans go awry when she finds that she can’t quite outrun the past or bring herself to face an unknowable future. Every day of tropical bliss may be an invitation to disaster, but with her twin brother on her trail and a new relationship on the horizon, Libby is determined to forget about fate. Will she risk it all to live—and love—a little longer?

Kritters Thoughts:  In 12 hours, Libby Miller gets dealt two blows - medical and relationship and she decides to leave her life in Chicago behind and go to a place where her deceased mother was happiest.  

Yes, this was a cancer book, but it didn't feel like a cancer book.  Libby was basically in denial about cancer and she wasn't an annoying character that brought it up every page.  I almost enjoyed it more that she had many traumas to deal with and she threw her hands up and ran!  

She was a fun kooky character that I honestly enjoyed being inside her head for 200 pages!  She was also surrounded by a stellar cast and I loved how each of them played a particular role.  

This book was entertaining, but it also made me think.  It made me think about the quality/quantity of life after a diagnosis and how important it is to have a wide support system when something or things blind side you; everyone needs a group to pick them up when they get knocked over.

This is my first Camille Pagan book, but I own her debut and I am even more excited to read it and what comes next from her.


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?

A fun action packed week, but with some plane rides I actually got a ton of reading done!  I feel the most ahead on my blog than I have felt in months and it feels so good!

A meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. 

Finished this past week:

Food Whore by Jessica Tom
A Paris Affair by Tatiana de Rosnay
Life and Other Near Death Experiences by Camille Pagan
The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace
Forsaken by Ross Howell, Jr.

Fishing with Rayanne by Ava Finch

Currently Reading:

Sweetheart Deal by Linda Joffe-Hull

Next on the TBR pile:

The Word Game by Steena Holmes
Whistling Women by Kelly Romo

Review: Too Many Cooks by Dana Bate

Too Many Cooks

by Dana Bate

Publisher: Kensington

Pages: 352

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When Kelly Madigan is offered a job abroad right after reading a letter from her late mother urging her to take more risks, she sees it as a sign. Kelly’s new ghostwriting assignment means moving to London to work for Natasha Spencer--movie star, lifestyle guru, and wife of a promising English politician. As it turns out, Natasha is also selfish, mercurial, and unwilling to let any actual food past her perfect lips. 

Still, in between testing dozens of kale burgers and developing the perfect chocolate mousse, Kelly is having adventures. Some are glamorous; others, like her attraction to her boss’s neglected husband, are veering out of control. Kelly knows there’s no foolproof recipe for a happy life. But how will she know if she’s gone too far in reaching for what she wants?


Kritters Thoughts:  First, let me say that I love this author.  This is my third book of hers that I have read and she is on my auto buy list and will always promote her books here!

This book is about a young woman who is at a crossroads when her mother passes away and charges her to experience life and not stay settled in the same town.  She all of the sudden takes an interesting job in London and breaks up with the stable long term boyfriend and throws her own life into a whirlwind.  

I loved this American in London story.  I also loved seeing the inside view of celebrity cookbooks and especially those who use help of a ghostwriter.  I had no clue this job existed and loved seeing what it entails.  

This book had just the right amount of drama!  Drama with the celebrity that she was writing with and her entourage and husband and then drama with her family back in the states.  It was equally portioned with the action.  Without spoiling anything, I absolutely adored the ending - it was simple and sweet.

As I said at the start, I love this author and will read anything that she puts out.


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author.  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: A Paris Affair by Tatiana de Rosnay

A Paris Affair

by Tatiana de Rosnay

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 128

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  An irreverent yet heartfelt collection that examines our most intimate and forbidden desires

"Before she goes, she removes her wedding ring, and places it delicately on the hood of the car, without a word."

Does a fruit taste its sweetest when it is forbidden? Is that which is prohibited always the most pleasurable? In this passionate and perceptive collection, Tatiana de Rosnay paints a portrait of the most forbidden of loves, in many different shades—sometimes tragic, sometimes humorous, sometimes heartfelt, always with a dry wit and an unflinching authenticity. A PARIS AFFAIR is an enjoyable "undressing" of intimate delights, where laughter mingles with compassion and the heartbeats of illicit desire.

Kritters Thoughts:  A short story collection with a controversy topic that I was completely on the fence about reading.  I don't tend to read a lot of books about this topic, but with this author and with short stories, I thought I would give it a try.  

There is a short story for every type of cheating in this collection and right at the moment that I felt completely uncomfortable, the short story ended - it was perfect for a cheating adverse reader that I am.  The collection had mostly men cheating, but I actually appreciated the author including some stories with women as cheaters as it goes against the stereotype that we hold as a community.  

I would say this is on the ok side of books for me.  I wouldn't thrust it into the hands of all of my friends and family, but for a curious reader it was fine.  If you are cheating adverse reader like me you could tip to one side of the fence or the other on this one.


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 Goodreads Giveaway.  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: Food Whore by Jessica Tom

Food Whore

by Jessica Tom

Publisher: William Morrow

Pages: 352

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Food whore (n.) A person who will do anything for food. 

Fresh out of college, Tia Monroe has every intention of taking the New York City restaurant scene by storm. But after a coveted internship goes up in smoke, Tia’s suddenly just another food lover in the big city.

Yet everything changes when Michael Saltz, a legendary New York Times restaurant critic, lets Tia in on a career-ending secret: he’s lost his sense of taste. Now he wants Tia to serve as his palate, ghostwriting his reviews. In return he promises her lavish meals, a boundless cache of designer clothing, and the opportunity of a lifetime. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Tia agrees.

Within weeks, Tia’s world transforms into one of glamour and luxury: four-star dinners, sexy celebrity chefs, and an unlimited expense account at Bergdorf Goodman. Tia loves every minute of it…until she sees her words in print and Michael Saltz taking all the credit. As the veneer of extravagance wears thin and her secret identity begins to crumble, Tia is faced with what it means to truly succeed. In a city where “making it” is the ultimate goal, Tia will have to decide: how far is she willing to go for the life she craves?


Kritters Thoughts:  Tia Monroe was an interesting character.  A grad student and food lover she is trying to complete school and decide where she wants to go after it is over.  She is trying to juggle a long term boyfriend, new room mates, school and an internship and no one can do it all, so something has to suffer, the question is which one?

If you have followed this blog for any bit, you know I love a good behind the scenes book!  I loved being able to see into how restaurant critics work - wouldn't mind having their jobs for a bit!  I loved how we saw Tia get swept into the food industry and seeing that there are quite a lot of different jobs within this industry other than chef!  I love when a book can teach me something without me even realizing it.

One thing that I didn't love about this book was the exchange of clothes and things for reviews.  I felt like it was a little weird, off and out of her character to all of the sudden covet the clothes and goods.  I honestly thought that this part of the book could have been left out and it still would have felt like a full and complete story.  

Overall I enjoyed this book, with a few minor things.  I would read more from this author, but would definitely check into the synopsis first.


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.

Review: Satisfaction by Andee Reilly

Satisfaction

by Andee Reilly

Publisher: SparkPress

Pages: 312

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When 22-year-old Ginny Martin discovers her husband has been cheating on her, she strikes back. Buying tickets to every concert on the Rolling Stones North American tour, this devastated suburban housewife packs up the car and takes to the road. Following the Rolling Stones from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City, Ginny experiences freedom for the first time, while coping with the insecurities and limiting beliefs that had kept this small town girl’s life far too small. Bree Cooper is a nomad, a free-spirited drifter, and a mother who abandoned responsibility – and her young daughter – years before. When Ginny meets Bree at a roadside diner, they impulsively make the decision to throw their lot in together. In each other they find a friendship that they both had longed for. Bree also gives Ginny a chance to have a mother-figure who inspires independence and encourages confidence, while Ginny gives Bree a chance to get parenting right on the second try.


Kritters Thoughts:  Two polar opposite characters come together in an interesting way to create this story.  A 22 year old ole soul Ginny Martin recently left her husband of 4 years as she found out he was cheating on her.  On the opposite side a young soul wanderer Bree couldn't find comfort in long term relationships or as a mother to her child.  Together they end up on a road trip following the Rolling Stones band and end up influencing each other.  

I am usually a fan of road trips, but this one didn't quite feel as road trippie as I wanted it too.  I felt like there wasn't as much travel as I like.  

I did love the characters.  I liked that the older age person acted younger and the younger age person acted older.  It was fun to see them influence each other and show each other the perks of living the other life style.  

I wouldn't rule out this author and would definitely try her next one, but for some reason this one didn't do it for me.


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

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from BookSparks PR.  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?

A semi sad week that I had higher hopes for.  With some travel next week, hopefully some plane reading will happen!

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney. 

Finished this past week:

Pop Goes the Weasel by MJ Arlidge
The Year of Necessary Lies by Kris Radish
Too Many Cooks by Dana Bate
Satisfaction by Andee Reilly

Currently Reading:

Euphoria by Lily King
Food Whore by Jessica Tom

Next on the TBR pile:

The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace

October

source

October was another busy month with work and my personal life full of things.  We did some house improvement projects and spent some gorgeous fall days outside with the pups.  This was an average reading month and thankfully I am still ahead of my early goal.  Next month has travel and Thanksgiving which we are hosting again this year, so November doesn't seem like it will be quiet at all!

1.  Reading the Sweet Oak by Jane Stites
2. The Art of Crash Landing by Melissa DeCarlo
3. Pretending to Dance by Diane Chamberlain
4. Center of Gravity by Laura McNeill
5. The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
6. Wendy Darling by Colleen Oakes
7. The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore
8. If I Knew You Were Going to Be this Beautiful, I Never Would Have Let You Go by Judy Chicurel
9.  How to be a Grown Up by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
10. All the Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani 
11. If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
12. Uncovered by Leah Lax
13. House Trained by Jackie Bouchard
14. Water on the Moon by Jean P Moore
15. Blessed are Those Who Mourn by Kristi Belcamino
16. Eeny Meeny by MJ Arlidge
17. Pop Goes the Weasel by MJ Arlidge
18.  The Year of Necessary Lives by Kris Radish
19.  Too Many Cooks by Dana Bate
20.  Satisfaction by Andee Reilly

Total pages read, clicked, and flipped: 6,828

Where Have I Been Reading?:

Missouri

Asheville, NC

Oklahoma

Mobile, AL

Rhode Island

Long Island, NY

New York City, NY

Hudson, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Houston, TX

Santa Barbara, CA

Greenwich, CT
Northern California
Southampton, England (2)
Florida
London