Monthly Archives: December 2023

Book Review – Forever Hold Your Peace By Lisa Fenton & Lisa Steinke

Father of the Bride meets Bride Wars in Forever Hold Your Peace, in which two ex-best friends find themselves shockingly entangled after more than two decades apart, for fans of Good Company.

When their newly engaged kids ask all four divorced parents to meet each other over brunch, everyone RSVPs yes–secretly hoping someone at the table will get to the bottom of the bottomless mimosas fast enough to say what they’re all thinking: that this engagement, coming after a whirlwind romance between two people barely out of college, is too much too soon.

But at that brunch it’s not the impulsive couple’s decisions that end up under the microscope, as it turns out June, mother of the bride, and Amy, mother of the groom, certainly do know each other–they’re ex-best-friends who haven’t spoken since their explosive falling out more than twenty-five years ago. Reeling from their unwanted reunion and eager to shift the spotlight off their past as decades-old secrets and rivalries come to light, the two moms battle it out for the prize of Most Enthusiastic About This Wedding.

But when their history—and their present-day shenanigans—threaten to crack the foundations of the happy couple’s future, June and Amy find themselves becoming unexpected allies in an all-hands-on-deck effort to get their kids (and themselves) a happily-ever-after two generations in the making.

Published Date: 11 July 2023

My Review

Zach and Olivia, both Californians, meet and fall in love during an Italian vacation. Soon after, Zach proposes. As they plan their wedding, they aim to introduce their divorced parents. However, there’s a twist: Olivia’s mom and Zach’s parents share a complicated history, not having spoken for 25 years. Amidst the ensuing chaos, the question arises: Can they set aside their past for their children’s happiness? The story, reminiscent of films like “Father of the Bride” and “Monster-in-Law”, is an amusing, light-hearted read that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. It offers laughs and entertainment, despite its implausible scenarios. All in all, it was a touching tale that even brought a tear to my eye. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

My Rating

Review Card – Forever Hold Your Peace By Lisa Fenton & Lisa Steinke

Father of the Bride meets Bride Wars in Forever Hold Your Peace, in which two ex-best friends find themselves shockingly entangled after more than two decades apart, for fans of Good Company.

When their newly engaged kids ask all four divorced parents to meet each other over brunch, everyone RSVPs yes–secretly hoping someone at the table will get to the bottom of the bottomless mimosas fast enough to say what they’re all thinking: that this engagement, coming after a whirlwind romance between two people barely out of college, is too much too soon.

But at that brunch it’s not the impulsive couple’s decisions that end up under the microscope, as it turns out June, mother of the bride, and Amy, mother of the groom, certainly do know each other–they’re ex-best-friends who haven’t spoken since their explosive falling out more than twenty-five years ago. Reeling from their unwanted reunion and eager to shift the spotlight off their past as decades-old secrets and rivalries come to light, the two moms battle it out for the prize of Most Enthusiastic About This Wedding.

But when their history—and their present-day shenanigans—threaten to crack the foundations of the happy couple’s future, June and Amy find themselves becoming unexpected allies in an all-hands-on-deck effort to get their kids (and themselves) a happily-ever-after two generations in the making.

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – Queuing For The Queen By Sweta Rana

One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.

A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.

A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.

An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.

And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.

Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.

Published Date: 11 May 2023

My Review

This touching novel, set against the backdrop of a recent event we all recall, beautifully intertwines the lives of a mother and daughter spanning 60 years. Skillfully balancing past and present, the story avoids the pitfall of overshadowing the present. Central to the tale is the strained bond between Rani and her daughter, Tania. Delving into Rani’s painful past, the book highlights her decision to distance her daughter from their cultural roots to shield her from the heartbreak Rani experienced. This protective act unintentionally fosters a rift between them, revealing how good intentions can sometimes lead to fractured relationships. This beautifully penned story offers many more layers for readers to uncover and is a truly rewarding read.

My Rating

Review Card – Queuing For The Queen By Sweta Rana

One queue. 250,000 people. Twenty-four life-changing hours.

A young boy wearing a cereal box crown, impatiently dragging his mother behind him.

A friendly man in a khaki raincoat, talking about his beloved Leeds United to anyone who will listen.

An elderly woman who has lived her life alongside the Queen, and is just hoping she’ll make it to the end of the queue to say goodbye.

And among them, a British Indian mother and daughter, driven apart by their differences, embarking on a pilgrimage which neither of them yet know will change their lives forever.

Full of secrets and surprises, this uplifting novel celebrates not only the remarkable woman who defined an era and a country, but also the diverse and unique people she served for so long.

About The Author

Link To Purchase

Book Review – A Vintage Vacation By Maddie Please

Clover Harrington might be sixty-one, but she’s still bossing it in the corporate world and can still run rings around her younger colleagues. And then she is made redundant….

Devastated and now suddenly the wrong side of sixty Clover doesn’t know what to do with her life or her corporate wardrobe! What does she wear if not red lippy and a power suit?! Rather than offer her any support, her partner, Jack announces he’s off on a golfing weekend, leaving Clover completely adrift.

Desperate to get away from it all, Clover decides to visit her cousin Zoe at her small taverna in the gorgeous Italian Lakes. There she can rest and recuperate and plan the next stage of her life.

Until Clover’s eighty-year-old mother, Eleanor decides to turn up for the holiday too! Instead of gentle ambles around the lake, Eleanor seems more interested in late night poker and swigging Prosecco and Clover can’t quite believe her mum is having more fun than she is. But as the saying goes – if you can’t beat em, join em!

But is Clover brave enough to live La Dolce Vita?

Published Date : 30 May 2023

My Review

Clover, in her sixties, expects a promotion but is instead let go from her corporate job, shaking her identity. With a tumultuous personal life including a selfish partner, Jack, and an unsupportive mother, she escapes to her cousin Zoe’s taverna in the Italian Lakes. Initially overwhelmed, she slowly adapts, embracing the local lifestyle and potentially a new romantic interest. Unexpectedly, her mother Eleanor shows up, adding zest to the adventure as she’s determined to live life to its fullest. However, when a job opportunity presents itself to Clover, both women must reconsider their future paths.

I was captivated by the characters in this novel. It was enlightening to witness the transformation in both Clover and her mother as they began to view life through a new lens.Clover’s life was consumed by the demands of her corporate job, leaving no room for personal connections. Meanwhile, her mother Eleanor felt trapped and discontented in a retirement community. Worried about her daughter’s well-being, Eleanor impulsively travels to Italy, intending to bring Clover back to reality. However, she herself becomes enamored with the Italian way of life and a captivating Italian gentleman.

Maddie Please’s prose brims with wit, vibrancy, and zest. Her characters pull you into their world, and I found myself completely engrossed in the plot. It’s an uplifting tale sprinkled with many laugh-out-loud moments. Overall, it is delightful and heartwarming romance story.

My Rating