Chasing Stardust: one young woman's journey of self-discovery and love

Chasing Stardust by Erica Lucke Dean is a road trip adventure where a daughter learns who her mother was before her, finding your own strength and maybe even finding love. Even though she thought it was crazy, she made a promise to her dying mother. Zoey Jones is tasked to spread her mother’s ashes along the path her eccentric grandma, G-Lo followed in 1972, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust tour, the same path her own mother took later in life. Taking Go-Lo’s ancient Cutlass, with her mother’s journal and her mother’s ashes, Zoey hits the road. After breaking down in Nashville, Zoey meets Dash Hammond at an all-night diner. Dash is a recent college graduate who is spending his summer trying to escape his father’s expectations. He offers to drive Zoey to her destinations. What adventures and life lessons will they learn on the road? 

Chasing Stardust was a choice for October’s Amazon First Reads. Described as a “funny and heartfelt novel,” the beginning fell a little short for me and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it. However, as Zoey and Dash head out on the road together, I found myself cheering for Zoey as she learns about the person who mother was before she became a mom. Zoey finds her own rebel spirit buried deep inside. I enjoyed Dash’s character too as he is fighting a different battle than Zoey; however, he is determined to make good on her promise to help her finish her trip. By the end of the book, I was very happy that I continued Zoey’s story and I enjoyed her growth and fighting spirit. It was also cool to learn about David Bowie’s tour and the icon himself. I highly recommend Chasing Stardust. 

Chasing Stardust is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

New York, New Year, New You: a self-discovery with a happily ever after

New York, New Year, New You by Rachael Bloome is a story of one woman’s journey to prove herself. Quincy Carmichael is the youngest in a very overachieving family. So overachieving that she can’t keep up so she stopped trying. Earning the nickname, Quincy the Quitter, she finds a reason, any excuse to stop before she gets hurt. When the opportunity for a major promotion comes up, she is challenged to move to New York City and complete 10 year’s worth of unfinished New Year’s resolutions. She stays with her childhood friend, Brynn, and Brynn’s older brother, Ethan, who happens to be Quincy’s childhood crush. With Brynn and Ethan’s help, Quincy finds herself on an eye opening journey of self-discovery she never thought possible. 

New York, New Year, New You is a light, wholesome, feel-good, unable to put it down, novel full of heart, hope, and humor. I loved Quincy and my heart broke for her from the very beginning. And I cheered as she faced each challenge, despite her nerves, and finished each one with success or not. But she keeps going and learns who she truly is and what she really wants in life. I laughed, smiled and teared up as she finally found the strength to stand up for herself and have the confidence to be herself. I also loved Ethan’s character and his interactions with Quincy. If you enjoy sweet, emotional stories with a happily ever after, I highly recommend New York, New Year, New You. 

New York, New Year, New You is available in paperback and eBook

Our Place on the Island: second chances, self-discovery and finding home again

Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery is a story of three women finding home and a new future on a familiar island. Many occasions have been celebrated at the Campbell family’s seaside cottage. The beloved matriarch, Cora, is getting remarried and the town gossip whispers that he was the one that got away. Her granddaughter, Michelle “Mickey,” is a renowned chef with a popular, successful restaurant with her boyfriend, Wes. However, she is hiding a secret. She has mismanaged the restaurant into the red. Cora’s wedding gives her an excuse to hide. She comes to the island to regroup and figure out a solution. Mickey’s mother, Hedy, is still mourning the passing of her beloved father and is having a hard time welcoming this new man in her mother’s life. Everyone knows a woman’s heart holds many secrets and Cora is about to reveal a story that will have the three women reevaluating their views on marriage, motherhood and the joys of following one’s heart. 

Two years ago, I read Ms. Montgomery’s debut novel A Summer to Remember and when I was offered a chance to read her newest novel, I took it! Our Place on the Island is a story of second chances, discovering your true passions and finding home again. It is a story that did not disappoint. I thought I had figured it out; however, as the story unfolded, it took a surprising, heartwarming turn. I enjoyed every character. However, my favorite character was Cora. Her words of wisdom and insights were spot on. Word of warning: DO NOT read this book on an empty stomach! Cooking and food is an important aspect as the women bond over food and you will be craving every delicious dish as you read! Even the descriptions of the ingredients made me wish I had them in front of me! Ms. Montgomery describes Cora’s garden so well, I swear I could smell the fresh herbs and produce. I highly recommend Our Place on the Island. 

Our Place on the Island is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Written in the Stars: a story of self-discovery, romance and finding a new purpose

Written in the Stars is the first book in the Northern Lights Romance trilogy by Noelle Fox. With her restaurant’s failure fresh on her mind, Grace Cooper seems to be at a turning point with nowhere to turn. Until she gets a deathbed letter from the father she thought was already dead. It was her father’s dying wish and offer of a free vacation at an Alaskan island resort. Desperate for rejuvenation, Grace jumps at the chance to relax, renew herself and learn about the father she never knew. That last thing she expected to do was run into Connor Reed, a man from her past who humiliated her. Connor has no idea why Grace doesn’t like him but her memory has been the drive force that turned his life around. He is determined to discover why she hates him so. As secrets and truths are revealed, can Grace and Connor learn to trust on only each other but themselves? 

Written in the Stars is a fast paced, sweet romance. There’s moments of laughter and banter. Moments of drama and tension. I enjoyed Grace and Connor’s story. It was complex with real human shortcomings and flaws with vulnerabilities and touching moments. I eagerly read as the truth unfolded and yet I didn’t want it to end. I also enjoyed the storyline with Grace and her father and the truth behind his absence from her life. I read reviews that complained the story was “open ended” and while it is a trilogy, Grace and Connor’s story is well rounded and I didn’t feel that the author left it open at all. Readers will most likely see more of Grace and Connor in the rest of the trilogy; but their romance was wrapped up pretty well. I thoroughly enjoyed Written in the Stars and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. If you enjoy second chance romance, I highly recommend Written in the Stars. 

Written in the Stars is available in paperback and eBook. 

A Barefoot Tide: self-discovery and healing

A Barefoot Tide by Grace Greene is the first book in the Barefoot Tide series. At home in the forests and rolling hills of Cub Creek, her heart and her past are tied to the rural community. In her late thirties, Lilliane Moore is comfortable and, yet, in need of a job. When she is offered a temporary assignment as a companion for Merrick Dahl, an elderly man at the beach, it is hard to resist. The money would certainly go a long way to do the necessary repairs around her house. While she keeps telling herself the move is temporary and she will be home soon enough, she is hesitant. However, Lilliane finds herself at home along the sandy shores and the new friends she has made. Is the job more than she bargained for? Will it truly be worth the risk? 

A Barefoot Tide is a sweet story of self-discovery and healing. Lilliane grew up in Cub Creek and even after the sudden deaths of her parents, she is reluctant to live anywhere else. When a job offer opens up at a desperate time, she is forced to take it. When she arrives, she discovers that Merrick is a grouchy old man who claims not to need a babysitter. I loved the banter between Lilliane and Merrick as she doesn’t take any of his grouchy attitude and Merrick who enjoys that Lilliane as a bit of a backbone. Lilliane is hiding a deep secret and painful past but finds herself opening up to Merrick. I enjoyed A Barefoot Tide and look forward to reading more books in the series. If you enjoy stories of self-discovery, healing and the beach, I recommend A Barefoot Tide. 

A Barefoot Tide is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Twice a Quinceanera: a story of strength, self-discovery and second chances at love

Twice a Quinceanera by Yamile Saied Mendez is a story of strength, self-discovery and second chance at love. One month before her wedding, and her thirtieth birthday, Nadia Palacio stood up to her cheating fiancé for the first time in their long relationship. She breaks off their engagement. While she congratulates herself on her strength, she dreads telling her Argentinian family. As the family struggles with the news and what to do next, Nadia sees a magazine that gives her an idea. With the wedding venue paid for and family from around the world coming into town, Nadia is determined to create her own happily ever after. She will celebrate her double quinces or treintanera. As the first professional in her family, she sees the opportunity to raise a glass to her achievements. Until she discovers that the man in charge of the wedding venue is none other than her college fling, the one she let get away, and he looks more delicious than ever. Can her journey of self-discovery lead to a second chance at love? 

Twice a Quinceanera is touted as “a pure delight for every woman who needs to be her own biggest fan—and who dreams of a second chance at first love” and “full of exuberant heart.” While it certainly lived up to this sentiment, I’m conflicted about the overall story. I felt the pace was off. I liked Nadia’s journey of finding the strength to end a relationship and be herself. The story clicked all the boxes for inclusivity and representation. There were so many characters that I stopped trying to keep track. I enjoyed the Spanish phrases that were mixed in with the story. However, I felt there wasn’t any explanation or translation as to what was said in the following text to give non-Spanish speaking readers a clue what was said. My Spanish is basic so I can decipher many phrases; however, I found myself stopping to Google search some phrases. Toward the end, I stopped and just skipped over the Spanish. Overall, Twice a Quinceanera is a good story of self-discovery and second chances at love. 

Twice a Quinceañera is available in paperback and eBook

I Wish...: small town, a special wish and one magical tree

I Wish…is the second book in The Wishing Tree series by Amanda Prowse. When her world is disrupted by shock and heartache, Verity Joseph’s life in the affluent Chelsea area of London is blown apart. To hide from the press and to lick her wounds, she and her teenage daughter, Sophie, packed their bags and headed to Linden Falls. The small town in Vermont is just what Verity needs for peace, quiet and time to consider her next move. Little does she know that her journey of self-discovery will come with a surprising twist. As Verity and Sophie find a new rhythm in Linden Falls, she begins to feel at home and realizes that her ending is actually a new beginning in disguise. Will she find the courage to follow her heart and allow her wish to come true? 

The Wishing Tree series is an interesting series as each book is written by a different author. With thirteen books in total, readers will visit the magical town of Linden Falls and be inspired by the hopes and dreams of the heartbroken and see the magic of the unexplained and unimaginable. I Wish… was a quick and enjoyable read as the reader follows heartbroken Verity to Linden Falls. Once there, she is determined to enjoy her time and reconnect with Sophie. What she doesn’t expect is the openness and friendliness of the residents. She finds herself opening up to her newfound friends in ways she didn’t want to but once she does, it is liberating. She even opens herself up to life and love again. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend I Wish… 

I Wish… is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Apology Project: when a sudden change opens the door for a second chance

The Apology Project by Jeanette Escudero is a story of personal growth and discovering what really matters. Life was going to get complicated. Amelia Montgomery, a prominent lawyer in Chicago, has been fired for not compromising her principles in a high-profile case. And for accidentally punching her partner in the nose for a misogynistic comment he made. What to do next? Amelia has no idea. After the epic failure of her 40th birthday party, an open bar and the soul guest, John Ellis, a total stranger and new associate at her former firm, she decides she needs to do some apologizing. Amelia considers all the people she had wronged. From old besties to coworkers, she decides she is going to make amends to those who really deserve it. As she checks off each apology, Amelia realizes she has been given a second chance for a life she thought she couldn’t have. 

The Apology Project is a sweet mix of romance, self-discovery and personal growth as Amelia learns that she doesn’t have to be an ice queen to have a great career and a thriving personal life. At first, Amelia is a person that I would avoid in real life. She is determined to win her cases but she has a sense of moral right as well and won’t compromise. But as the story progresses, the reader gets to see the real Amelia. The sensitive Amelia. The competitive but fun-loving Amelia. I loved seeing her personal growth and the honest and in-depth conversations she has with her sister, Nina, the psychologist. I also loved that she was willing to step out of her comfort zone and relax a bit. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Nina and John as they support her as she completes her apology project. I highly recommend The Apology Project. 

The Apology Project is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Upside of Falling Down: what good could come from a life falling apart?

The Upside of Falling Down by Rebekah Crane is a story of self-discovery. For Clementine Haas, finding herself is more than just a cliché notion. After she wakes up in an Irish hospital with complete amnesia, self-discovery is more a survival mission. They tell her she’s the sole survivor of a plane crash. They tell her she is lucky to be alive but she doesn’t feel lucky. She feels confused and lost. With the relentless press desperate for her story and a father on his way, one she might not recognize, she’s desperate to escape. Clementine becomes Jane and enlists the help of a blue-eyed stranger to help her escape the hospital and her forgotten life. Kieran O’Connell is doing some hiding of his own as he helps the helpless Jane and takes her to Waterville, Ireland. As their lies grow, so does their affection for each other. Will she regain her memory? Could there be an upside to her life falling apart? 

The Upside of Falling Down was suggested to me and the premise intrigued me. From the opening chapter, the reader struggles with Clementine as she is desperate to regain who she is. It is a story filled with secrets, lies and the discovery of who you really are. A story about facing your fears in order to gain our freedom and starting over. I enjoyed Clementine/Jane very much. The banter between her and Kieran is great and sweet. Even their romance seems to be unlikely but added flair to her dilemma. I also enjoyed her interaction with the colorful cast of characters she meets in the sleepy Irish village from the Jane Austen loving Clive to the ornery Siobhan. The story was engaging and engrossing as Clementine slowly regains who she is but wants to hold on to her new found life. I was surprised at the truth that Kieran was hiding. I highly recommend The Upside of Falling Down. 

The Upside of Falling Down is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Radar Girls: a great story about a forgotten piece of WWII history

Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is a story inspired by the real women of the Women’s Air Raid Defense (WARDs). Daisy Wilder is a woman who prefers horses to people, bare feet and the ocean to high heels and parties. As an outsider, she was always told she wasn’t smart enough, wasn’t important enough. Then, in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack, she enlists in a top secret program. Under the constant fear of another invasion, the WARDs guide pilots into the blacked out airstrips and track unidentified planes across the Pacific skies. Not everyone is convinced the women are not smart enough to handle the job. They must rise above their differences to band together and work side by side, to show that a woman can do the task at hand. With the lives of the pilots, and America’s future on the line, Daisy is determined to prove herself worthy. She cannot fail, especially when the man she loves is among the pilots depending on her. 

Just when you think there are no more stories to be found from World War II, there comes the radar girls. When researching the women of WARD, the author came across a quote from one WARD, who said, “When the fly boys got lost, we brought them home.” A great statement to the important place these women had in the war effort and a place in our history.  Radar Girls is a beautiful story of determination, friendship and love in wartime. Set in the beautiful islands of Hawaii, the readers take a journey from radar towers on remote mountaintops to underground bomb shelters where these women answer the call of duty and help win the war. It is a story of self-discovery, to rise above the opinions of others that one is not good enough, to find strength and courage to prove them, and yourself, wrong. I loved all the characters who, by the end of the book, felt like family and dear friends, I was sad to see them go. I loved Radar Girls and highly recommend it. 

Radar Girls is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

Hurricane Summer: a coming of age story set in a Caribbean paradise

Hurricane Summer by Ashe Bromfield is a coming of age story dealing with colorism, classism and explores the father-daughter relationship. Tilla has spent her life trying to make her father love her enough to stay with them. But every six months, he would leave them to return to Jamaica, his true home. When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, she dreads the idea of seeing him again and yet longs to discover why life in Jamaica was more important. The minute she arrives, Tilla is met with opposition from her relatives as a foreigner. She tries to make the most of the summer, hanging out with her cousins and the locals, discovering the joy and pain of summer love. As she faces an impending hurricane, Tilla is forced to confront the storm that threatens to unravel in her own life as she learns the dark secrets of her family and those hidden by the veil of paradise. It is a story which takes the reader into the heart of Jamaica and into the soul of a young girl coming to terms with her family, herself and the discovery of finding your voice. 

The gorgeous cover is what caught my eye as I was invited to read this debut novel by Ms. Bromfield. I was intrigued by the story, but when I started reading, I was sure if I would like the book. But I continued and I’m so glad I did. The story soon burst open and became a beautiful coming of age story. Set in a Caribbean paradise, it is a story of a storm. A storm of nature and one of the heart and soul. From the very beginning, I felt for Tilla as she is fighting for her father’s affections as well as trying to navigate a world that is against her. I cried when she came to the conclusion that she is fighting an uphill battle against the pull of Jamaica. The island will always be his first choice. Written as a young adult novel, I feel all ages could relate and learn from Tilla's hurricane summer. The themes of summer love, jealousy and finding your voice are all experiences most of us have faced and can relate to Tilla’s confusion, her heartbreak and her determination to fight back. I highly recommend Hurricane Summer. 

Hurricane Summer is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. 

The Long Way Home: sometimes you need to leave to find home

The Long Way Home by Karen McQuestion is the story of four women on an unexpected road trip. Each woman is at a crossroad in their lives and this trip could be the catalyst that propels them to make a choice forward or not. Marnie is a 35-year-old kindergarten who is grieving the loss of her longtime boyfriend as well as the loss of her “stepson” Troy, as the Troy’s mother whisks him away, cutting off all contact. Rita is dealing with the aftermath of her daughter’s murder was the man she believes is responsible can go free. Laverne is Marine’s reclusive elderly neighbor. And Jazzy, the young, vibrant woman who has a special ability that brings them all together on a road trip to Las Vegas. Four strangers on a trip across a two-thousand-mile journey, what could go wrong? How will the trip change the lives of these women? Or will it?

The Long Way Home is a great book about self-discovery, overcoming fears, and reaching for your heart’s desire. I enjoyed every character. Marnie for her caution and determination. Rita for her strive for justice. Laverne for throwing caution to the wind to take the trip with three strangers. And Jazzy, the driving force bringing them together and pushing them along. While some of the events were a bit far-fetched, but great adventures always are, the overall message is the same: sometimes leaving helps you find home, even if its back where you started. I recommend The Long Way Home, it had me hooked from page one and I read into the night to finish it.

The Long Way Home

is available in paperback and eBook

True to Me: an adventure of self-discovery

True to Me by Kay Bratt is the first book in the By the Sea series. It is the story of Quinn Maguire who is sent on a mission to Maui to fulfill her mother’s dying wish and discover the truth about her mother’s dying declaration. Life for Quinn was perfect. She had a great job, a handsome fiancé, and a clear plan for her future. When her mother tells her that the man, she thought was her father really isn’t, Quinn is unsure where to turn next. On an impulse, she buys a cottage on Maui and decides to renovate it while trying to untangle the truth behind her mother’s declaration. While on the island, she meets a local family who has fallen on hard times and makes fast friends with the locals who show her what true hospitality is. With the help of the locals, she discovers the truth behind who her father is, and the truth is stranger and more dramatic than she ever imagined! What will Quinn do once she discovers the truth? Will she return to the life and fiancé she left behind? Or will the lure and magic of the island draw her in?

True to Me is another Kay Bratt story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. From the open page to the final scene, you are on this journey with Quinn. One thing I will say is I found it hard to like Quinn at certain points in the story. There were times I wish I could reach into the pages and shake Quinn and tell her to be a bit more sympathetic and not to be so mean. Other times I wanted to scream at her to open to eyes and to stop being such a fool. Eventually she does come around and stars to fight for what she wants and needs. Overall, True to Me is a great story about family, community and forgiveness. I highly recommend it!

True to Me

is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Before We were Yours: a excellent story about a painful past

Before We were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a tale of one woman’s determination to discover the truth behind her grandmother’s mysterious behavior. Avery Stafford is a successful federal lawyer who comes home to help with her ailing father, Senator Wells Stafford, who is up for reelection. While at political function with her dad, she is approached by an elderly woman who calls her by a different name. Avery’s heart is drawn to the elderly woman and as she seeks out information about the woman, she discovers a deeper mystery. Flashback to Tennessee, 1939, Rill Foss is the oldest child of Briny and Queenie Foss, river gypsies who live on their boat, Arcadia. Until one day when she and her four younger siblings are taken from their home and delivered to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. There Rill tells her story of abuse and lies as she realizes what is going on. Will Avery discover the truth? Is her family connected to the elderly woman? Does Rill and her siblings ever make it home?

At first, Before We were Yours was slow to start. I wondered what the point was as I read back and forth between Avery’s point of view and Rill’s. But soon the story took off and I was hook. I couldn’t put it down. I read into the wee hours of the night, eagerly waiting for the resolution. What happened to Rill and her siblings? When I read the author’s note at the end of the book, I realized the story was based on real events of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society and the woman who ran it. I highly, highly recommend Before We were Yours for the great, intriguing story.

Before We were Yours

is available in hardcover and eBook

Evelyn, After: a story of one woman's path to rediscover herself

Evelyn, After by Victoria Helen Stone is the story of one woman’s journey after she discovers that her husband is cheating and may have been involved in a terrible accident. Evelyn Tester is a 41 year old wife and mother whose whole world has been torn apart. Her husband, Dr. Gary Tester, a psychiatrist, has been sleeping with a patient. Evelyn does the unthinkable, she looks up the woman which leads her to her husband, Noah. Evelyn finds herself befriending Noah without telling him who she really is. The news breaks about a young girl’s death and Evelyn begins to suspect her husband’s involvement. She carries secrets that could blow everyone’s lives apart. Will she tell the police about her suspicions? Will Noah ever find out who she is?

Evelyn, After is told in alternating timeline with events before and after a certain incident. The incident isn’t clear until the end of the book. However, the reader sees two Evelyns. The before Evelyn who is reeling from her discovery of her husband’s infidelity and the after Evelyn who decides enough’s enough and she to go down a dangerous path. I found the story to be a typical story of a woman who discovers her husband is cheating and she seeks out all information about the woman and her life and discovers the person she was before she became someone’s wife and mother. Despite the typical storyline, I enjoyed Evelyn, After. The story did have a few twists and turns to keep me intrigued and turning page after page. I recommend Evelyn, After.

Evelyn, After

is available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle and Audible

and

on Barnes and Noble in paperback and Audiobook