The Truth About Gretchen by Alretha Thomas

                 

The Truth About Gretchen (Dancing Hills Series Book 2) by Alretha Thomas

Synopsis:

Gretchen Holloway, in her final year of graduate school, is in the throes of auditioning actors for her thesis film, inspired by a murdered young football star who has haunted her dreams for two years. Gretchen believes making the movie will be cathartic. But instead of freeing her, embarking upon the film production unleashes a sequence of events that lead Gretchen to conclude that she’s the reincarnation of the young man.

Regina Wilson has always wanted to be an actress. When her agent gets her an audition for a role in Gretchen’s film, which eerily mirrors one of the worst events of her life—the unsolved murder of her older brother, Robert—she’s hard-pressed to go through with it. Upon fleeing, she leaves behind a keepsake that features Robert’s photo. Gretchen sees the picture and recognizes Robert from her dreams. She tracks down Regina, and after being rebuffed and called crazy, Gretchen’s unexplainable knowledge of events in Robert’s life eventually convinces Regina that Gretchen is Robert reincarnated.

The two decide to have his case reopened, but their significant others are dead set against it, and the police, who believe that Robert’s death was gang-related, are less than cooperative. However, Gretchen is desperate to get justice for her former self, and Regina wants justice for her brother. The women piece together the final week of Robert’s life. And the deeper they delve into his past; one shocking revelation follows another, leaving them wondering who they can trust and if they’ll live long enough to find Robert’s killer and bring him to justice.

Chick Lit Cafe’s Review:

The Truth About Gretchen by award winning author, Alretha Thomas is an intriguing, captivating mystery unlike anything I have ever read. This is one of those rare books that must be made into a movie. Readers are in for a surprise with this suspense filled, mysterious and emotional book.

Gretchen Holloway has been cursed with recurring nightmares about a young man who has been murdered. She is a graduate film student, and feels a strong need to make a movie about her dreams and what she sees.  Regina Wilson’s brother, Robert, was murdered twenty-six years ago, and it has since gone unsolved. She is an actress about to audition for the leading role in Gretchen’s film, but she backs out at the last minute with the chilling feeling that the film strangely resembles her own brother’s murder. However, she mistakenly leaves something behind which Gretchen finds. This seemingly insignificant item bonds Gretchen and Regina together in an intriguing, momentous and spiritual way.

Alretha Thomas’ expressive writing style captivated me from the very first chapter. I quickly connected with Gretchen and Regina, as I felt their emotions, heard their thoughts and could picture the entire scene as they were driven to find Robert’s killer. With a powerful original premise and compelling storyline woven together beautifully, The Truth About Gretchen is the best book I have read in years. It is magnificently written in the first person of the two main characters. This story is a rollercoaster ride with many dirty players involved. With a depth rarely seen in mystery and suspense books, the author has created a one-of-a-kind story with remarkable, relatable and likable characters and compelling clues that all come to shape magnificently, drawing the reader further and further in at every turn of the page. The conclusion is astounding.

The Truth About Gretchen by Alretha Thomas is a welcome gift to all readers who love mysteries that go beyond the ordinary. But, instead delves into extraordinary unique elements that will keep them coming back for more from this noteworthy author. This is a 5 star must read book!

Purchase The Truth About Gretchen by Alretha Thomas

Visit Alretha Thomas’ Featured Author page on CLC’s Author Spotlight page.

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood - Book & Review

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy by Kayley Wood 
Series: Club Series 
Genres: Emotional, Humorous, Romantic Comedy 
Format: Kindle 
Buy on Amazon 
Goodreads 
 

Synopsis:

Mia never felt the need to speak up for herself… not with three protective sisters (who always know what is best for her), an assertive boyfriend (Doug never minds speaking for her), and then there is her bestie, Kat, who has no problem stealing the attention for herself.

With a nervous bladder (which strikes at the worst possible times) and a fear of public speaking, Mia is comfortable with the way things are.

That is, until Mia comes home to find her things packed by the door and is told the news that her boyfriend and best friend fell in love.

Now homeless and anything but comfortable, Mia’s three sisters come to the rescue (as usual) by helping her land the perfect apartment, but a colossal mishap lands gorgeous, bad boy Logan on her doorstep with a key and a lease of his own.

In exchange for a free month’s stay, Logan agrees to help Mia find the voice and confidence she now desperately craves.

The plan? Mia will finally stand up for herself and give her exes what they deserve.

It’s not revenge. It’s Karma.

Mia’s one rule: No matter how charming, funny and sexy Logan Miller is, she cannot fall in love with him.

Logan’s one rule: No matter how adorable, sweet and sexy she is, Mia is off limits.

Are some rules made to be broken, or will Logan turn out to be what everyone warned her he was: someone who would only break her heart in the end?

An updated, professionally edited version. Although all books in the Club Series can be read as a standalone, it’s way more fun to read in order!

Purchase: The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood today!

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood

Book review:

The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood is a must read, 5 star romantic comedy with delightful characters, an exciting, funny and heartfelt narrative and convincing, addicting plot.

Mia watches her entire life crumble before her very eyes as her so-called “best friend” and her supposed trustworthy “boyfriend” sit her down on her favorite red couch (that she purchased) to break the heartbreaking (for her) news that they were in love and kicking her out of her own apartment. Shocked and numb to this appalling and shameful act of betrayal, Mia has nothing to say but her mind races with a million thoughts. One being how she had paid for the majority of everything in her apartment and now she is getting nothing, but practically kicked out onto the street. What wonderful friends she has. Good thing Mia also has her sisters who come to her rescue like she knew they would, in their own ways of course but each very resourceful.  They even found the perfect new apartment for her that would set her on a good start to a new life on her own minus the toxic people she was leaving behind and to keep in her past.

Logan has been couch surfing for the past few months after having a fall out with a rich and popular power couple that had already made sure his good name was tarnished. This seemed to be preventing Logan from obtaining a new job which led to his stay at his best buds pad that he shared with his very reluctant girlfriend. He needed a place of his own and a perfect apartment happened to be opening up as soon as the old tenant died, which was at any moment now, Logan was told by his friend. Leases are signed and moves are made. Mia finds Logan at her door with a pleasant misunderstanding. With an agreement of exchanging confidence boosting coaching sessions for free rent, Mia decides to keep things platonic between her and Logan, despite his gorgeous looks and dashing personality. But that doesn’t quite work out for Mia when sparks fly with Logan!

The Karma Book Club by Kayley Wood is hilariously funny and unique! A fun plot that keeps you guessing at every turn of the page! This book had me laughing out loud, along with experiencing many heartfelt emotions throughout this grand slam of a story! Kayley Wood has really delivered a fun-loving novel with charming characters and a delightful plotline to boot! She has a creative expressive voice and delightful writing style, drawing the reader in, engaging them with her outstanding narrative and plot. The Karma Book Club is a story which shows that even when life seems impossible and hopeless there is still a light at the end of the tunnel. Life has a funny way of working itself out and this is a perfect portrayal of such. What a great read! Chick Lit Cafédefinitely recommends The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood to all readers who enjoy original romantic comedies filled with down-to-earth emotion, relatable characters and packed with clever “LOL” humor.

~Reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Café~

Purchase The Karma Book Club: A Romantic Comedy (Club Series 2) by Kayley Wood today!

What readers are saying about The Karma Book Club

“I must say I am totally wowed by this author. I spent as much time laughing as I did crying at parts of this story.” – Amazon review

“Phenomenal. I laughed a lot with this one. Well done Kayley.” – Amazon review

“I don’t believe in Karma so I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book, but I did! So funny!” – Amazon review

“Logan stole my heart. Mia needed Logan for her to be the person she should be.” – Goodreads review

“I knew I liked Logan Miller! I was excited to read this one after The Virgin Club and I wasn’t disappointed. It was the right balance between fun and emotion and romance. – Goodreads review

Really love this series. Can’t wait until the next book is out. – Goodreads review
Check Out The Entire LOL Romantic Comedy “The Club Series” by Kayley Wood

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Synopsis:

Wrong place, right time? A starbeing was supposed to travel light-years across the universe to help humanity by working in Washington, D.C.–but she accidentally lands in a small Kansas town in the body of Missy. Join her on this whimsical journey as she discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

Author Ann Crawford’s trademark optimism brings us a witty and wise book filled with memorable characters and insights into what makes us all so very human.

Review:

Fresh off the Starship is a wonderful and fun chick lit style book with a spin on science fiction.

Missy, a young woman is not human, but instead she is a glorious being from a distant galaxy light years away. From Andromeda, she is headed to earth-to be precise-to aid humans and the people of earth in whatever way she can. However, her ship takes a turn and she winds up in Kansas instead. As she is waking up, she can hear the voices of the humans talking to her. But, the voices sound so strange to her and not like the English she had learned in her studies. She is in Kansas now and they definitely speak with an accent. Instead of reaching humans on a grander degree, Missy is now stuck in Kansas living life like a human. She is determined to complete her assignment even though she is in small-town Kansas. Readers follow Missy on her adventure to help humanity discover the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford is a light, warm-hearted book that readers will revel in and certainly appreciate. It is highly entertaining and full of wit and charm. It is intelligent and fun at the same time. It is written with a clear concise voice with a message that we humans need to hear. I was fully engaged from the very first chapter, as this book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

This honestly is a beautiful story from an extremely gifted writer. With fluently penned prose and a captivating romantic storyline and plot, Ann Crawford gives readers a one of a kind tale. We have a strong, rather bewildered heroine to be inspired by and a cast full of colorful characters. They are well developed and fleshed out with strengths and weaknesses we all can relate to. I loved Missy-she is a genuine character who had me thinking, making this a very thought-provoking book. Readers are reminded that life is beautiful and much more brilliant than we perceive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh off the Starship and savored every word. Ann Crawford aptly has a flair for writing descriptive words that put the reader right on the scene, watching on as the story unfolds. I could visualize the entire setting and Missy’s unique take on things. This is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of chick lit, science fiction, adventure and even fantasy lovers. The compelling ending is wonderful and completely satisfying.

Praise for Fresh off the Starship, a page turner and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Pick up your copy and be delighted and inspired.

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford @Amazon Here

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus - Book Review

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Synopsis

Amelia’s past issues and personal time limits propel her into a relationship that alters her normal life at Westbrook University. Connor, her new potential boyfriend, triggers jealousy, rehashes old relationships, sparks new ones, and ignites a rage in others that will devastate her ordinary life. As she desperately tries to hold on to her pre-Connor life, she struggles to balance the new-found attention while trying to follow her heart. Something she realizes is complicated… very complicated – because her heart has no idea where it’s going.

Connor may be the change Lia is looking for, but he is certainly not the ending Hawk wants for his Queen. Hawk’s invested too much time in planning his future to let some random guy walk away with his happily ever after. He will do anything to protect her virtue, even if it means protecting her from herself because Amelia belongs to him.

He’s chosen her…

He’s watched her…

He’s studied her…

He knows everything there is to learn about her…

And when the time is right she will reign his heart.

Review:

Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus is an intriguing young adult book filled with twists and turns. The main character of the book is Amelia. Amelia has not had much success in the way of relationships.

But she has a prospective new boyfriend, Connor, who has been after her to be his girlfriend. She is somewhat reluctant and has always had a habit of shutting herself down when it comes to the men in her life when things get confining. The problem with Amelia accepting Connor as her boyfriend is complicated. It brings up issues of jealousy, past relationships, it brings on new ones, and sparks anger in others that could ruin her everyday life.

As a college student at Westbrook University and the possibility of a new boyfriend, Amelia has a lot going for her. But things are not that simple for this young women. And if she knew that a guy named Hawk, has beenstalking her, she would really be over the top devastated. Hawk wants Amelia to be his queen. He knows everything about her and has been studying her intently. Amelia’s best friend, Robins, is the ultimate friend and the guy that the girls all want to be with. Amelia is popular and seems to have it all. But, to what extent will Hawk go to in order to make Amelia his queen?

Knights After My Heart is one wild ride. It is a romantic mystery filled with fascinating characters and interesting plot twists. I couldn’t put it down and devoured it to the very last page, which was a cliffhanger, causing me to want to quickly get the next book in the series in my hands. With the appealing descriptions and activity of college life, all readers will love to reminisce and dream about college life. This is such an entertaining, beguiling, and riveting sexy story. Perfectly crafted with powerful believable characters.

The wonderful descriptive writing put me right on the scene watching on as the story unfolded. I could see and feel the emotions and relate to what the characters were going through.

The romance in this book is also unique and there is an unexpected twist in the form of a love triangle of sorts. This book is full of mystery with suspicious behavior making it an enthralling suspenseful novel to revel in and be startled by. I became unnerved on many occasions and was stricken speechless.

The characters are fabulous and well developed with strengths, flaws and attitudes. They are relatable and likable except for the questionable and somewhat creepy guy, Hawk. The story is told in two POV’s, Amelia’s and Hawk’s. It works well with in the storyline and flows seamlessly. I was fully impressed by the way Sonja Jesus wrote the dialogue between the characters. She has a unique original voice that resounds on every page. I am definitely going to read more from author Sonya Jesus. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Knights After My Heart by Sonya Jesus

Purchase Knights After My Heart @Amazon Here

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay - Book Review

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay

Synopsis:

2018 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Award in Humor and Chic Lit! In this entertaining first novel set in rural Pennsylvania, a young woman from San Francisco searches for her birth parents while beginning her first job as a home-health speech pathologist. She soon learns how hard one job can be as she navigates the backwoods of Tungston, (“Tungs”) trying to comply with the needs of her quirky patients, all the while being stalked by a violent fugitive, and finding herself unexpectedly falling for the charms of a small-town, including one hot fireman. Through no fault of her own, she exposes a criminal who has been safely hidden in the thick forest, and now as he tries to stop her from exposing him, her patients’ lives, as well as her own are in jeopardy.

Review:

After the death of her parents, Marleigh Benning, a young woman with a degree in speech pathology, discovers that she was adopted. She decides to search for her birth parents and takes an internship as a home health speech therapist. But, she soon realizes that her job isn’t going to be easy, as she traverses through the backcountry of Tungston, Pennsylvania. As she tries to meet the needs and deal with her quirky unusual patients, she is definitely out of her element in this rural town, being from San Francisco, California, she is miles away from home and in a completely different societal setting. However, she begins to not only fall for the town of Tungston, but also for a hot fireman. She also finds herself and her patients in danger, as she is being stalked by a hardened and vicious escapee that she has unintentionally exposed.

Speaking in Tungs by Karla Jay is an intriguing engaging story that follows the life of one young woman who finds herself in a part of the country that she is totally unfamiliar with. There are dirt roads, peculiar small town stores and residents that are completely different than what she is used to from living in the west. Marleigh is dependable and reliable, intelligent and very likable. She is attracted to the fireman and feeling very passionate. She is out of place but determined to be a part of the community and make her life work in this foreign place she now calls home. This is a hilarious story with emotional moments that will touch every reader’s heart.

Speaking in Tungs is a heartwarming story filled with twists and turns and bold unusual, yet realistic characters. This story has a very different premise with a speech therapist going to live, work and fall in love in a pastoral setting in Pennsylvania. It is a multi-genre piece. It’s a romance, a mystery, a laugh out loud humorous chick lit read and a lightly suspenseful novel. The characters in this fabulous book are quirky, colorful and well developed. They humored me and had me thinking that I would love to know them in person. I found myself being drawn towards them and really caring about them. I love it when a book has me really desiring to know the people and be a part of their lives and live where they live.

Karla Jay has an exciting unique voice and a way with words that draws the reader in from the very first chapter. Even the title of this book gives readers insight into her distinctive creative play on words. She grew up in the area that is the setting of the book and mixes facts with fiction well. Her descriptive writing is filled vivid scenes of the landscapes and woods and had me craving to visit that part of the country and to behold the beauty of the land with its lush green countryside that she often describes in her story.

Speaking in Tungs had me completely hooked from the very beginning to the final last satisfying page. It is one of the best novels that I have read in a long time. This was Karla Jay’s debut novel and she has written more since then. I will definitely be picking up and reading the sequel to this book entitled “Speaking of the Devil.” Chick Lit Café highly recommends Speaking in Tungs to all readers.

Purchase book @Amazon here.

Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan

Saint Harry – A Short Story by Maura Beth Brennan

Angie’s widowed Aunt Ida decides to embark on a career talking to the spirits, and use her powers to help her family and friends. Angie worries that something crazy might happen. And it does.

Review:

Angie has moved back home with her mother after a break up with her boyfriend. One day they find out from their Aunt Ida that Uncle Harry, Aunt Ida’s husband, has passed away. Aunt Ida is beside herself with grief and begins declaring what a Saint her Harry was. Aunt Ida always put Uncle Harry down and made his life hell. While Uncle Harry was the favorite uncle in the family, Aunt Ida, in turn, was a sour puss, and the least favorite in the family. Uncle Harry was a magnificent Uncle, He was sweet and generous, the opposite of Aunt Ida. Aunt Ida begins calling Harry, “Saint Harry.” She starts speaking well of him now that he’s dead. She declares that he was such a good and kind man and just a Saint. She even takes to praying to him and asking him to show her a sign.

One day Aunt Ida announces that she is going to visit Miss Maeve the local medium and spiritualist. This troubles Angie very much and she wants to talk Aunt Ida out of going. But instead, she accompanies her to the Miss Maeve’s house. After her visit with Miss Maeve, she says that she talked to Uncle Harry and that she has powers too. The medium then turns to Angie and tells her that good things are coming to her. What will happen next? Will good things come to Angie?

Saint Harry is a witty, laugh out loud, short story by Maura Beth Brennan. It is full of humorous antics and anecdotes. The storyline and plot are fully developed and well thought out. From the very first page, I was hooked and it kept me hooked throughout the entire story. Maura Beth Brennan has a knack for writing short stories that are full and fun and very entertaining. She packs a lot of cleverness and ingenuity into one quick read. I fully enjoy her stories and this one, Saint Harry, did not let me down.

Maura Beth Brennan has a way with words that makes them flow right off the page. The plots are always fulfilling with excellent endings. Saint Harry is right up there with some of the best chick lit reads. The characters are well developed and multifaceted. Once again, Maura Beth Brennan, packs a lot of personality and temperament into her characters, in one short story. I love the funny people that are in her tales. They make me laugh and laugh and laugh.

Saint Harry is one of those stories that leaves you smiling and uplifted. It is charming and enchanting.  The descriptions of the setting, the people and the objects are vivid and complete, so as to make the reader feel as if they are there watching on as the story unfolds. There are little twists here and there making it unpredictable. It is satisfying and complete with a great happy ending. One must read Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan.

Maura Beth Brennan is the author of the outstanding, mysterious, 5 star novel, “The Edge of Memory,” and the short stories “The Ex Chronicles,” and “Saint Harry.” We are looking forward to more books by this exceptional writer, Maura Beth Brennan.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends the sweet short story, Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan

Purchase Saint Harry by Maura Beth Brennan Now @Amazon

Connect with Maura Beth Brennan
Website
Twitter
Facebook

100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba

100 Dates & a Wedding relates the dating tribulations of a young French divorcee named Valerie Duval. It narrates Valerie’s dating experiences in London and shares the lessons she learnt from them. Her disillusionments, her joys, and her own ambiguities are shared without concession questioning how to deal with a break up after a long relationship? How to believe in love again after being defeated? Doesn’t everyone kiss a few frogs before reaching their happy ending? But the questions every woman wonder: How many dates does it get to find the “One”? 100? How many shags? Valerie won’t tell. How many mistakes made? Certainly plenty. Should you play the Game?

Valerie never understood the rules. So how do you meet the right one then? After a few slaps on the face. The road to love is not easy, but when you find it, you realize that somehow you enjoyed the ride, but more so adored reaching the destination. We must all go through this, c’est la vie! 100 Dates & a Wedding will make your heart laugh out loud; it is filled with raw emotions and evinces an incredible honesty in terms of storytelling. 100 Dates and a Wedding is moving and charming, is the perfect novel for a female of any age to engross herself into and delve into self-discovery through Valerie’s inspiring journey.

Review:

100 Dates and a Wedding is a fictional story based on author, Steph Tumba’s, real life events. In it we meet Valerie Duvall, a young French woman that has lived in London for three years now. She was married for seven years and is now divorced. Her two best friends, Camellia, sensitive and loyal, and Bianca, outgoing and sexy, help Valerie signup and create a profile on the dating site “match.com”. Valerie is reluctant at first but decides to give it a try and creates her profile in hopes to meet someone she can have a real relationship with.

As she looks at the profiles of the men online, she starts to relax and have fun. With so many men to choose from, she doesn’t know where to start. So she decides to send messages to all of the ones that caught her attention. Right away there is action on her profile. She receives a hundred emails and a 300 winks from the eager men that are hoping to find a date. With her friend’s approval, Valerie begins to date. Will she find the love of her life – her soulmate?

What follows is a humorous adventure in the world of online dating and matchmaking. It is the story of one woman’s life, her marriage and divorce, her career, her life in London and her experiences in online dating and finding the love of her life.

100 Dates and a Wedding starts out with a humorous bang right from the beginning, as Valerie is having her divorce and birthday party on the same day. The things that go on at the party are laugh-out-loud-funny.

Then she starts dating and has many trials and tribulations with her dates. She goes from one date to the next excited and confused. She actually seems to find some keepers but then as time goes on and she gets to know them for one reason or another things don’t work out. Will she ever find the one who she will fall in love with and get married? You must read the book to find out.

I couldn’t put 100 Dates and a Wedding down and read it almost straight through. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I began laughing right away. It is engaging, fun and exciting. There are real moments when my emotions got caught up in the story, as it made me angry and sad at times too. But it’s mostly funny and definitely interesting, as the reader gets a peek into the author’s life. It is written very well with a bit of a French flair to it.

Author Steph Tumba did a magnificent job of describing the setting, which is in London, as I felt like I was there. I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters. They have interesting and quirky personalities. They are well developed and fleshed out and became real to me.

I know readers will enjoy 100 Dates and a Wedding, the story is original, creative, well written and composed. Because it is based on a true story of the author’s own experiences, it is very realistic and down-to-earth, yet very funny, amusing and especially entertaining. I loved the satisfying ending.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba to all romantic comedy lovers.

Purchase 100 Dates and a Wedding by Steph Tumba @Amazon Now

Minnie’s Antique & Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein

Minnie’s Antique & Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein

Synopsis:

When you least expect it, life can turn upside down! With a suitcase in each hand, Liza Murphy stares at the display window that touts Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. After growing up in the back of a secondhand store—where her graduation reception was advertised to the public, Liza swore she’d never return. But twenty-three-year-old Liza has lost all sense of direction after her divorce. Her mother, Minnie, a product of the hippie era, now resides in an antique store, her eccentricity known to all in the small Midwestern town. To Liza’s chagrin, she’s once again living in a store. When a toddler is abandoned among the antiques, Liza takes in the child she calls Sweetie, hoping the young woman who left her will return. Liza soon finds her priorities change. She falls in love with the child and refuses to report Sweetie to the authorities. When the young woman who abandoned the child returns a year later, Liza is forced to make a decision—give up Sweetie or go on the run.

Review:

Heartwarming, engaging and compelling!

Liza Murphy is excited to leave home and leave her eccentric dominating mother. Her mother owns and lives in her antique shop called Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. Liza moves to the city with determination to make it and never to return to the small town where she grew up. There she meets a man and falls in love and marries. But her marriage to cheating Taylor, doesn’t last long and Liza finds herself broke and busted. She is forced to move right back to where she started…Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe. There Liza must face up to her past, learn to forgive and plan a new future.

But then a surprise comes knocking at her doorstep in the form of an abandoned toddler. Lisa takes it upon herself to become a mother to the child, for a while. After sometime, Liza falls in love with the child and on purpose fails to report the missing child to the authorities. After about a year, a young woman returns to claim her child. Liza, unwilling to give the child up, must make a decision whether to break the law and run for it, or turn the child over to the young woman. But it isn’t such an easy choice because she feels she must do what’s best for the child too. Liza feels she has a second chance with this young child. What will she do?

Lucinda Stein has written a beautiful story of one woman’s struggles in life, only to find that there is hope in having a good life no matter how unexpected. It’s a story of second chances and salvation.

Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe by Lucinda Stein is a heartwarming story filled with many of life’s trials but also life’s celebrations. The storyline is definitely unique and different in such a good way. I couldn’t put it down and turned the pages quickly to find out what would happen next. There are many surprises that are unexpected, which keeps the reader’s interest peaked.

The eccentric characters have unique personalities and are extremely well developed. They are all well fleshed out and detailed. Readers will love the characters as there is much persona put into them. They are very relatable. Although, the plot is somewhat unexpected and different, it is very relatable and enjoyable. It is engaging, captivating and absorbing.

Lucinda Stein is a magnificent, superb writer with words that flow off the page. Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe is a creative story and beautifully written. It is a real page turner and a book that I recommend to all women readers. It is very enjoyable, moving and touching. Readers will be cheering for Liza as she struggles to keep the toddler she calls “Sweetie.” You must pick up a copy of this book to find out what transpires and to find out if Liza gets to keep the child in the end. The ending is very good and satisfying, you won’t be let down.

Chick Lit Cafe gives Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe a big 5 stars!

Purchase Minnie’s Antique and Curiosity Shoppe @Amazon Today

Not Exactly Love: A Memoir by Betty Hafner

Not Exactly Love: A Memoir by Betty Hafner

It was 1969, and all the rules were changing, when Betty, a woefully single French teacher on Long Island, met the handsome but edgy new teacher at her school, a hippie just back from Woodstock. His vitality opened up a new world to her—but when they married, his rages turned against her, and often ended with physical violence. Like millions of women who discover they’ve married an abusive man, Betty was forced to make daily decisions—to suppress her feelings or risk confrontation, to keep it secret or report, and ultimately, to live with it or leave.

Part memoir, part warm-hearted look at the ’70s, and part therapeutic journey, Not Exactly Love: A Memoir is an intense and inspirational story of a woman who grew from her experience

Review:

It’s 1969, on Long Island, NY, unmarried and single French teacher, Betty, meets a handsome new science teacher named Jack. He is an edgy hippie type guy and the couple seems to have a lot in common. He is handsome and charismatic, and Betty falls hard for him. His energy and spirit attracted Betty and brought new things and ideas to her. Her life seemed to have opened up and blossomed because of Jack. But Jack also had a bad temper, which was a warning sign that Betty reluctantly ignored.

It wasn’t until after they married that jack’s temper turned to rage and abuse toward Betty. Overtime the mental, emotional and physical abuse escalated to an unbearable intensity for Betty. Betty’s life became a living hell. She was forced to make difficult decisions daily. Should she stay silent, share it with others, confront Jack, report him. It was a daily struggle. A daily nightmare.

How long would she take his abuse? Why does she continue to stay? Will she ever gain the courage to leave him and gain her sanity and freedom back? Will she choose to live with him and his tangents and abusive nature, or will she leave him for good? Betty Hafneranswers all things questions in her wonderful personal account and memoir, Not Exactly Love.

Not Exactly Love is a poignant compelling story of one woman’s life in the face of abuse and how she finally gets the courage to leave. This is the true story of domestic abuse and the strength it takes to face up to it and get the hell out. Just like many women who are in the same situation, it wasn’t that easy for Betty. She had to, little by little, with help and support, gain the courage to leave.

Exceptionally written, Not Exactly Love, is an easy smart read. Betty is a refined, intelligent woman that handles life with grace and class. How she got herself into this situation, how she manages to survive it, and how she gets out is what this story is about. She tells how hard day to day life is with the manipulation and fear that is always looming. She tells of how she evolves and grows in her self-esteem and strength that had been previously stolen from her by her abusive husband. “Why do many, if not most, women stay in an abusive relationship—and how do they overcome the fear in order to leave? Betty Hafner’s memoir is a heroic study of a woman and her strong will, as well as a working guide for women who are also in an abusive marriage or relationship. Betty’s story will help give some women the strength and courage they need, as well as some clear insight and advice. I believe this book should be put into the hands of single young women so they can recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.

Not Exactly Love is set in the 1970’s. Things were very different back then. Women didn’t have the support that they do now. So it was especially difficult for Betty back then. But, what I also loved about it being set in the 1970’s, is that it took me back in time to a more easy simple life. I was able to reminisce with a smile on my face. Don’t get me wrong, this story is definitely filled with emotions such as anger, sadness, distress and ultimately hope, joy and victory. This is an inspirational read that readers can’t miss. It is, hands down, the best memoir I have read in a long time.

It’s a cautionary tale. Betty Hafner shows readers that domestic abuse is the silent tormenter, because she had to keep it to herself at first. Her courage to come out and get help and plan her escape astounded me.

Not Exactly Love is exceptional, heartwarming, engaging and poignant. It is written with eloquence and a beautiful prose that compels the reader to keep turning the pages to find out what will become of Betty. The ending was definitely satisfying and airtight.

I loved Not Exactly Love. It is one women’s horrifying account of domestic abuse, her intimate details of her inner life, and her courageous escape to freedom and a better life.

Chick Lit Cafe Gives Not Exactly Love 5 Big Stars

Purchase Not Exactly Love – A Memoir by Betty Hafner @Amazon Today