Review: The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper

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The Girl in the Painting was a beautiful novel based upon connected events but collectively historical fiction. Being this my first experience reading from Tea Cooper, I’m pleased with what I read from this book and anticipate back reading and what’s to come. 

I truly find historical fiction endearing especially when it involves dual narratives. This didn’t have the dual perspective narrative but alternated time to tell the story. 

We are introduced to Michael and his sister Elizabeth. Their journey is told through decades blending with the introduction of an orphan, Jane, who had a gift that sparked the interest of Michael. Seeing potential beyond her circumstances, he wanted to give her a chance at a better life. Introducing her to his sister, he felt she would flourish and have opportunities beyond what her current circumstances would provide. As their relationship grows, she becomes a prominent figure in their family and their business. 

When an encounter leaves Elizabeth unhinged, many questions arise that lead down a path questioning her past and present. As secrets are revealed, in the midst of an unexpected tragedy, Jane is left to resolve these unanswered questions before it’s too late. 

The Girl in the Painting promises a beautiful, compelling novel that you will thoroughly enjoy. From the beautiful cover, it has characters that are memorable, including strong female characters in a time that challenged the status quo. The relationship between Michael and Elizabeth was probably my favorite part of the book. The unbreakable bond despite their circumstances really made the book memorable. The suspense element of the plot that unravels secrets brought later in the plot, added a little extra something but concluding all revelations, the book will leave you satisfied. Overall, I thought this book was wonderful and recommend adding it to your list.

Review: Nevertheless, She Wore It by Ann Shen

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Nevertheless, She Wore it was an interesting disgustable read about iconic fashion moments. The section of fashion moments are fairly diverse. It focuses on both general fashion history (the bikini, the bloomers, the breast pump, red lips) and more specific moments (the meat dress, the revenge dress, the safety pin dress).

It had a nice, fun tone. I found this book to be entertaining and insightful. There were so many fashion moments that I didn't know the history of. And this book provided a summary of that in a way that didn’t feel overdramatic or boring. Instead, it has the facts and outlines why those moments are significant and the statements behind them.  It’s an introduction to the power of fashion. Not a deep dive. It heightened my interest and it made me want to learn more.

The illustrations were a nice touch. And provided a good enough example of what fashion moment was being discussed.

The fashion moments are in alphabetical order as opposed to chronological order. I think that was my only issue with the book.  

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, She Wore It is an entertaining and educational coffee table book. 

Review: Extra Credit (Fun Love Series #1) by Poppy Dunne

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This book wasn’t for me. Throughout this book, I found myself continuously checking to see how much I had left. And when I did finish, it was almost like a sigh of relief.

Extra Credit is about Chelle and Will. Chelle is a substitute teacher and Will is an investment broker. And he’s also the father of her newest favorite student. She is immediately attracted to him. And he feels the same way.

This wasn’t a bad book. I just kept waiting for something to happen and nothing ever did. The book tried to be interesting by introducing several concepts. For example, Chelle was literally raised by clowns, and the school that Chelle’s teaches at is very into wellness and “spirit cleansing” for kids. Both are topics that I haven’t seen explored in a fictional book before; but unfortunately, that still did not amp the excitement.  

The characters are not completely one dimensional. They have humorous moments, and the meet cute was actually sweet. But that isn’t enough to carry an entire book.

Final Thoughts:

Extra Credit is a short book that seems to draw on forever with an exciting journey. 

Review: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

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I have very conflicting thoughts regarding this novel. It was definitely a journey. A very unexpected and confusing journey. It’s very tragic, complicated and again, very unexpected.

It’s hard to even describe this novel without giving any spoilers away. It’s best to go in the book blind, and just strap in for the journey. But there are a few things readers should know. Dannie is a corporate lawyer who has planned everything in life- including her romantic life. On the night of her engagement, she goes to sleep, but when she wakes, she is in a different bed. Beside a different man, who is not the man who she just got proposed to, wearing an engagement ring? And it’s five years later? After a long hour, she wakes up again, back in present day. She tries to get back on track and focus on her plans. That is until she meets Dannie meets the very same man from her long-ago vision.

The whole premise of this is intriguing, and page by page I couldn’t wait to figure out how and why Dannie’s life had changed so much in 5 years. And when I eventually found out, it wasn’t what I was expecting. Ultimately, this is a story about friendship and self-discovery. Yes, there are romantic aspects of the story, but as the story progresses it is clear that that isn’t the overall message.

I do think the story worked better in the beginning. It was the strongest then. And everything flowed better, and the twists made a little bit more sense.

Final Thoughts

Five Years is an emotional, surprising novel about the unexpected. 

Review: The Thing Between Eli and Gwen by J.J. McAvoy

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This book was filled with several clichés and coincidence, but I enjoyed it all - the romance, and the characters. It was heartfelt and funny. Also, memorable.

The Thing Between Eli and Gwen is about Eli and Guinevere 'Gwen' who both are engaged to be married to other people. Unfortunately for them, their fiancés have been secretly having an affair and they run off together- leaving Eli and Gwen heartbroken. A series of events lead to Gwen and Eli being neighbors and constantly running into each other.

The chemistry between Eli and Gwen was off the charts. And their banter was incredible. Both Eli and Gwen are extremely successful in their fields. Eli was a top neurosurgeon. And Gwen was a talented artist. Both great characters. Both driven. Both had a well developed backstory which was surprisingly filled with tragedy.

They meet in very poor circumstances on Eli’s wedding day when his fiancé literally ran off with Gwen’s. And have this sort of enemies to friends to lovers’ journey. It worked. And due to the many incidents where they just happen to be in the same place at the same time, a lot of time is spent with just the two of them. We got to see their relationship develop and change.

I think one of my favorite things about them was that they learned and taught each other so much. And when they did get together, for the most part they worked it out together as a team.  

There is an unexpected twist in the last 10% of the book. Although I wasn’t too keen on it, it doesn’t hinder the reading experience, and all the characters have a realistic reaction. And thankfully, the book does end on a happy note and the characters do work it out.

Final Thoughts

The Thing Between Eli and Gwen is filled with several cliches and coincidence but it’s a fun and heartfelt journey.

Review: National Geographic Secrets of the National Parks, 2nd Edition

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One of the most unexplored gems of this country is our national parks. A handful might come to mind that are the most popular but there are so many beautiful ones around the country that don’t get much recognition. After checking out Secrets of the National Parks by National Geographic, many of those get their share of the spotlight. In this comprehensive guide, you get the inside track from those who know them best that include rangers, local guides, visitors and park superintendents who divulge secrets behind some of our most beautiful pieces of land.

As someone who loves to explore national parks, this is truly everything that you need and could hope for. Not just because this is a publication from NG which is already a trusted source but you get information from people who know the ins and outs. The information you receive is definitely a must have. You get photos, maps, local information giving you the best sources to get the most of your experiences. If you are like me and want to avoid big crowds, you get insider info on when to go, accessible contact information and relatable suggestions.

The guide is divided by the country and by parks. No park is the same offering a unique experience with their own narrative. You also get to see beautiful photos, maps, detailed information that included local visitor information, things not to be missed, including favorite sites.

For those of you who love to travel like me, this is definitely one of those guides that if you plan to go out there looking for something to do, this is a great addition to your travel resources. I enjoyed the guide and will definitely have it on hand when I travel next.