22. Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame

Mrs. Quinn's Rise To Fame. Olivia Ford. 2024. 384 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a December night, the sort which usually makes being inside feel wonderfully cozy, but tonight it didn't. 

Premise/plot: Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame is a "coming-of-old-age" story. (To be clear, "coming of old age" is on the publisher description of the book. I didn't come up with the phrase). Jenny Quinn loves, loves, loves, LOVES to bake. But as much as baking has saved her--in a way--she can't help feeling a little out of sorts and empty. She decides somewhat impulsively that it's time to do something "risky," and apply to a television show--Britain Bakes. She keeps her application and audition secret from her husband, Bernard. The two have been married almost sixty years, but, there are a few things he doesn't know about her. And it is one very big secret that is eating away at her one bite at a time. 

My thoughts: I mostly enjoy Great British Bake-Off. I don't always love the un-funny, often crude jokes. Some of the hosts have been absolutely awful. But the contestants and the baking are very enjoyable to follow. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Call the Midwife. Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame was a good fit for me. 

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

62. The Farewell Tour

The Farewell Tour. Stephanie Clifford. 2023. [March] 352 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I wouldn't have recognized the farm. Almost didn't. Charlie nearly drove our tour bus right by it. 

Premise/plot: Lillian Waters (aka Lena Thorsell, aka "Water Lil") is a middle-aged country and western "star" returning to the road for her farewell tour. She's been absent from the music scene for a handful of years--three to five years. Her last performance did not go well. But after a medical diagnosis stuns her, she is out to mend her reputation and leave on a high note. 

The narrative alternates between the present-day (1980/1981) and the past. (Lena was born in 1924, left home and changed her name at age ten.) Her life has been rough--full of ups and downs. Fame came 'relatively' later in life (her forties). But "fame" can't buy happiness. Nothing can.

My thoughts: I wanted to enjoy this one. I haven't always appreciated the history of country music, country "and western" music. But the older I get, the more appreciative I am of music that came before. I liked the name dropping well enough. I like the premise--of an "older" country star trying to stay relevant and in the business in the midst of all the newcomers, the up-and-comers. (Like Barbara Mandrell).

But. I found Lillian Waters to be an unlikable narrator. I found her abrasive and bitter. I found her ambitious and manipulative. She doesn't come across as a people person. She isn't empathetic or kind. (I don't have a problem with ambitious and hardworking. But she was so manipulative and unkind.)  

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

6. To Sir With Love

To Sir With Love. E.R. Braithwaite. 1959. 189 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: The crowded red double-decker bus inched its way through the snarl of traffic in Aldgate. It was almost as if it was reluctant to get rid of the overload of noisy, earthy charwomen it had collected on its run through the city--thick-armed, bovine women, huge-breasted, with heavy bodies irrevocably distorted by frequent childbearing, faces pink and slightly damp from their early labors, the warm May morning and their own energy. 

Premise/plot: Historical fiction/autobiographical novel. Set in the East End (I believe) of London during the mid/late 1940s. [I *want* to say that the year 1947 was used???] Mr. Braithwaite doesn't want to be a teacher. He really doesn't. But with limited opportunities for employment--complicated in part by the color of his skin--he accepts the job reluctantly and with some bitterness. [In the movie, the bitterness was disguised much more. Here the text ripples with anger, bitterness, dare I say hate???] He doesn't seem to enjoy teaching, for the most part, or like most of his coworkers [with the exception of a few], and he definitely doesn't enjoy being around his students--not really. But over the course of a year--a little less than a year--he comes to better terms with his life. I wouldn't say he ever comes to love it though. 

My thoughts: The book may be a thousand times truer to life. But. I will always prefer the movie. I knew a little of what to expect from watching the movie, but, nothing really prepared me for the author's narrative style. It was a little earthy/crude for my personal taste. [Like did every thought the teacher had about breasts have to be included??? Like noticing his students, coworkers, fellow bus riders, etc.] It is definitely a race book--for better or worse. He felt less discriminated against during the war, and settling back down he was unprepared for how much prejudice he would [still] encounter in his day to day life. He does date one of his white coworkers--a fellow teacher--and the two do face some problems.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

156. Tidings of Joy (Christmas in Evergreen #3)

Tidings of Joy (Christmas in Evergreen #3) Nancy Naigle. 2020. 280 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Way up north, nestled in the heart of Vermont, there’s a little town called Evergreen. Some say it’s so far north that on a clear day you might be able to catch a glimpse of Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. Evergreen beckons tourists from all over. Many come just to see its famous magical snow globe that sits in a place of honor in the Chris Kringle Kitchen, owned by Joe and Carol Shaw. People come from far and wide to give that snow globe a good shake and make their wish, then drop a letter to Santa in the big red mailbox in the middle of town square. If they’re lucky, they might even catch a glimpse of the old red truck, decorated with garland and bows, delivering Christmas trees to the locals.

 Premise/plot: Katie, our New Yorker heroine, is on her way to Evergreen, Vermont, to relax. On the train she meets a native Evergreenian, Ben. There's a bit of a quick spark between the two--she's hoping that the week she's in town she'll bump into him again. But it isn't until her vacation becomes prolonged--she might be doing a story on the town's Christmas festivities--that the two really get the chance to connect. Ben was raised by his grandmother, Nan, the town's librarian. He is torn between wanting to stay in his hometown and help out at the library--he loves books--and looking for work in New York City. As the two countdown the days of Christmas--advent calendar style--could they be falling in love?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. It is the third in the series. I'm not sure if there's a movie for each book in the series, or just a movie for the first one? But Evergreen, Vermont, is the setting for at least one Hallmark movie apparently. Readers get a chance to reconnect with a town full of characters. I'm imagining some of the characters in this one were first introduced in previous books. (There are multiple love stories hinted at.) It felt like a sweet, sentimental read.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

154. Their Christmas Baby Contract

Their Christmas Baby Contract (Blackberry Bay #2) Shannon Stacey. 2020. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: “Nice day for a hockey game.” Reyna Bishop would know that smooth, deep voice anywhere and, after tucking her debit card into her back pocket and accepting two steamed hot dogs from the vendor, she turned to face Brady Nash. 

Premise/plot: Reyna Bishop, our heroine, wants a BABY. Brady Nash, our hero, wants a baby. Can these two sometimes-friends agree to terms--a contract if you will--to have a baby together, no strings attached. She is not telling him that she wants them to be together-together, to get married, to live together--she's just wanting a BABY without having to go through all the relationship steps first. Brady agrees to whatever Reyna is offering. Hint he has been in love with her since first grade.

My thoughts: This was a cute enough holiday story. It was smutty, I won't lie. But it was almost self-contained smut. There was like one chapter where they are trying for the baby where all the smut happens, and anything outside of that is more off-screen and more suggestive than smutty-smut. It would definitely be more skippable if one prefers--like I do--a cleaner read. I liked the story being told from both his and her perspectives. I thought the characters were developed well enough considering this was a romance novel. 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

145. The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane

The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane. Jaimie Admans. 2020. 311 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: My phone beeps with a text message and I look up from the nutcracker bunting I’m painting. Hopefully the guy I’m seeing telling me he’s missing me and he’s sorry I’ve got to work late again. It’s not serious yet, but maybe it could be one day. 

Premise/plot: Nia Maddison, the heroine, is super-super thrilled to be opening her Christmas shop on Nutcracker Lane. She's been working towards this dream for years--if not decades. Nutcracker Lane is MAGICAL at Christmas time--well, it used to be years and years ago. Her best friend, Stacey, makes jewelry and she makes Christmas-y knick knacks. Together they are setting up shop. But this first year might be the last year because a 'Scrooge' business owner is threatening to get rid of Nutcracker Lane altogether. He's been cutting the budget and changing practices for quite a few years now--but could this year really be the last year???

Nia makes a wish on a GIANT nutcracker at the opening of the story...and when she meets another shop owner, James, could it be her wish come to life???? Maybe. Maybe not. Does she believe in magic really???

James, our hero, HATES, HATES, HATES Christmas. But he's falling hard and fast for Nia and her enthusiasm for Christmas might be just the medicine he needs to cure his ills and worries. But will she be a willing teacher? Can he be un-Scrooged? Will Nia do the work of four ghosts/spirits???

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one!!! It was just a delight to read. It would make a LOVELY movie. I could easily add such a movie to my yearly traditions. I just have a weakness for Christmas-y romantic comedies. Even if romantic comedy isn't my normal "thing" the rest of the year. Somehow all the sappy predictability is just perfect in a Christmas read. Is the book predictable? YES, a thousand times yes. Did I mind? Not one little bit. I wouldn't have it any other way. 

I really LOVED that it was a clean read.   

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

144. Holiday Hearts

Holiday Hearts. Dana Volney. 2020. 242 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence of The December Deal: Lilia Carrigan set her cup down on the small table in the coffee shop and took her seat in the corner with a view of the mountains. There had to be something she could do to raise money quickly. She opened her laptop and slouched in the hard wooden chair. 

Premise/plot: Lilia Carrigan needs a LOT of money--and quickly. Her father has been diagnosed with cancer and his insurance won't cover the experimental treatments that might save his life--or prolong it. When she overhears a conversation at the bar, well, she's brash and bold. Vincent Morgenstern needs a wife by New Year's Day if he's to keep his inheritance--his father's business. This is something he very much wants, but, he always dreamed of marrying for love and only love. Should he accept the bold offer of a stranger? Should Lilia and Vincent marry--for a year--to both get what they want???? Or will this marriage of convenience turn MESSY and UGLY?

My thoughts: I really love marriage of convenience stories. I do. This one was a solidly good read, anyone who enjoys that type of story will most likely enjoy it just as much as I did.

First sentence of A Heart for the Holidays:  “He doesn’t want a new heart?” Silver Morgenstern snapped her head up from her emails, which were piling up by the second. No one on the National Organ Transplant List ever turned down an organ. Or purposefully removed themselves from the list. 

Premise/plot: Silver (the sister of Vincent) Morgenstern, a former surgeon, manages the regional National Organ Transplant List. She notices that the man at the top or near the top of the heart transplant list has just submitted paperwork to remove himself from the list. WHY?????? She's tempted to take matters into her own hands. She decides to visit Fisher Tibbs and find out WHY he no longer wants a new heart. Can she convince him to change his mind? Will these two inspire hope and joy in each other? 

My thoughts: I really loved this story. Maybe I didn't find it perfectly perfectly magically wonderful. But it was SO GOOD. I really enjoyed all the characters and just the story itself.

First sentence of The December Deception: Lorelei Sullivan sat statue still, waiting for the verdict. The file folders were neatly stacked on the wooden table in the high-ceilinged courtroom and her navy leather-bound notebook was closed. She’d argued Shelia Monroe’s case of wrongful termination well, and she lacked only the words “we side with the plaintiff” from the jury foreperson followed by a hefty dollar figure for the win to be recorded legally.

 Premise/plot: Lorelei Sullivan has decided that if she isn't offered a partnership in the law firm, she'll give her notice and look for a job elsewhere. Her boss, whom we first met in A Heart for the Holidays, Henry Hale has no intentions of offering anyone a partnership. But he doesn't want to lose Lorelei--she's an amazing lawyer that brings in a lot of money. Can he keep her satisfied? Will more time together be his doing or undoing? 

My thoughts: I really liked the character of Henry Hale in A Heart for the Holidays. I wanted to love this story just as much as the other two. And it is good--solidly good. I liked both Lorelei and Henry. I liked meeting BOTH their families. 

Overall thoughts: I greatly enjoyed these THREE novellas newly published together. I would recommend to anyone looking for clean romance. OH. You should know this book and Kisses for Christmas are set in Casper, Wyoming. Through six novellas we are really getting to know the community--and time is passing so we get updates on previous couples as life goes on in town.

 

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

142. Kisses for Christmas

Kisses for Christmas. Dana Volney. 2020. COMPLETE GUESS 250? pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence of Holiday Hoopla: Halle Adams leaned against the counter and propped herself up on her elbows. She stared at the pink, bottlebrush Christmas tree on the jewelry case. The glittered star shimmered in the Christmas lights. So simple. So pretty. So… She sighed. 

Premise/plot: Halle Adams, our heroine, and Blake Ellison, our hero, agree to "date" one another for the holiday season. He needs someone to attend ALL the holiday functions and help him schmooze. She needs a loan from the bank to help save her business. Will this business arrangement be complicated by attraction and feels? 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this mostly clean--if not entirely clean--holiday-themed romance novella. I enjoyed seeing these two fall for one another and while the attraction was instant the relationship was not. I don't like instant relationships--not in comparison to those that are actually crafted and developed over many pages.

First sentence of Christmas Clash: Luke Carrigan crumpled the unwanted letter in his hand and swung open the glass door to the flower shop with the other. Silver chimes cheerily flickered above him, and if he could’ve turned around and karate chopped them down, he would’ve. 

Premise/plot: Christmas Clash is set in the same small town of Casper, Wyoming. It actually stars--for its heroine--the sister of the hero in Holiday Hoopla. Candace Ellison, our heroine, owns a flower shop. Luke Carrigan, our hero, owns a bar. Both businesses are in danger from the City Council's upcoming plans to build a convention center. These two have a history of clashing--going back to elementary school--but it will take team work to save the day. Can these two overcome their obstacles?

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I did. It was probably my favorite of the three. Maybe. It was just a treat to read. Again, it was mostly--if not entirely--clean. There is a LOT of attraction going on--thinking, daydreaming, etc. 

First sentence Candlelight Conspiracy: Sophie Graystone stepped out of the shower as steam burst past her, filling the tiny bathroom. Her achy muscles finally relaxed after a day spent working at Kiss From A Rose flower shop and playing a full set at the Bombay Club. 

Premise/plot: Sophie is a character introduced in Christmas Clash. She works part time at the flower shop Candace owns and part time as a musician in a band. She's a singer/songwriter too. She has a super-cute but super-unfriendly neighbor, Marc Sizzo. He's a chef. When the lights go out--and they often do--these two neighbors get together for some friendly chats--that go deep--and some meals. But what both of them really want is a physical relationship without complications....

My thoughts: Since the first two novellas were on the cleaner side of romance, I wasn't expecting all the smut to be piled into one little novella!!! It almost overwhelms the poor little story. If you are looking for adult content, then this may be for you. Especially if stories about strangers connecting during power outages is your thing. But if you are looking for clean, sweet romances without so much smut...well...this last story might be worth skipping?  The story wasn't poorly written--for the record.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

45. Orphan Train

Orphan Train. Christina Baker Kline. 2013. 278 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from the prologue: I believe in ghosts. They’re the ones who haunt us, the ones who have left us behind. Many times in my life I have felt them around me, observing, witnessing, when no one in the living world knew or cared what happened.

Premise/plot: Molly and Vivian are the narrators of Orphan Train. Molly is our seventeen year old heroine. She’s about to age out of the foster care system. Her current placement is not working out for anyone. Dina, her foster mother, is openly hostile and threatening. Ralph is trying to appease his angry wife and the defensive Molly. When Molly is caught stealing a library book, it seems like she might be heading to juvie. But her boyfriend seems to convince all concerned parties that she can put in community service hours helping Vivian, our ninety-one year old heroine, clean and organize her attic. The two spend hours together each week; both have stories to tell, to share. But being vulnerable doesn’t necessarily come naturally to either. Molly and Vivian have a lot to learn from each other.

My thoughts: A few days ago I read Orphan Train Girl at the insistence of my mother. I didn’t realize it was a young readers adaptation of a very adult book. I knew I would have to seek out the adult book.

The narrative of the adaptation is jerky, very jumpy and sometimes awkward in transitions. Every chapter has a section from Molly and a section from Vivian. Neither flows particularly well. But. The stories manage to somehow remain compelling and moving. The focus is on being unwanted and unloved, not belonging. I do think the narrator Molly has been aged down to a much younger age.

The adult book is much better crafted. The narrative flows naturally and easily.

The content is quite different. Niamh-Dorothy-Vivian lives through a lot. Her experiences are quite a bit darker, rougher, adult.

The language is definitely not clean.

I can see why both versions exist. The writing is definitely better in the original. Yet I love the adaptation as well. I love the connection between the two which is strong in both.

© 2020 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews