Review: The Invitation by Vi Keeland

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For the majority of this book, I really enjoyed the story. I loved both the main characters and the supporting characters. And it had a top-tier meet-cute.

The Invitation centers on Stella, who decides one night that she is going to crash a wedding with her best friend, Fisher. While at the wedding, she sees this attractive guy, and the two strike up a conversation. Unbeknownst to her, he is the bride’s brother and when he finds that she is an uninvited guest, he puts her on the spot. Stella rushes out of the facility and leaves her phone behind. Hudson finds it and when they come face to face again, it gets a little complicated.

I found this premise to be very fun, and I must say that my favorite parts of this book happened in the beginning. I enjoyed the dynamic between Stella and Fisher, and their reasoning for crashing the wedding in the first place. They were such a great representation of best friends, and I felt that closeness with them. All and all, I thought this book had a great representation of friendships.

It was unexpected but Stella and Olivia (Hudson’s sister) become friends. And I like their friendship too. Although it was new, it felt genuine. Olivia was a major cheerleader for Stella, and a major role in Stella and Hudson relationship evolving from strangers to the next step.

Okay, so Stella and Hudson- the chemistry was off the charts. Like mentioned earlier, I enjoyed their meet-cute. I found it entertaining, and it was a perfect introduction to them. Unfortunately, the magic does wear off of them a little as the book continues. They lose some of that banter, but nevertheless, they were still cute and there was still chemistry.

They were great and unique characters individually. Hudson is a swoon-worthy businessman. And he has the most adorable relationship with his daughter. He writes corny jokes on her bananas, and it was very cute.

Stella is a smart and creative heroine. She has an interesting hobby where she buys used diaries off of eBay. I wished that detail had stayed a hobby and not turned into a major plot point. Although interesting at first, towards the end of the book, it triggers a plot twist that felt very lackluster. The story could have survived without it.

Final Analysis

The Invitation starts off strong but unfortunately, a plot twist ruins the quality of the sprint. 

Review: Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

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This was such an entertaining and wholehearted read. It was overall a good book.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown is about Chloe, who is a chronically ill computer geek. Almost dying, she decides to create a list to take back control of her life. But she needs a little help. So, she enlists Redford ‘Red’ Morgan, who is her apartment’s handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and more sex appeal than ten-thousand Hollywood heartthrobs.

I enjoyed this one for several reasons. Firstly, I enjoyed the characters. From the first page, I was immediately sucked into Chloe’s world and her life. She’s such an interesting, well-developed character. She is very relatable and such an introvert. Her illness wasn’t who she was. Of course, it impacts her life but it doesn’t define her.

It’s impossible to not love her and Red- together and separately. Like Chloe, Red is equally independently interesting. He’s a likable, respectful artist. He isn’t afraid to talk about his feelings. And he and Chloe talk about their problems. They encourage each other.

This was such a warm story filled with humor and love. It’s captivating and so heartfelt. Nothing felt overdramatic or out of place. Everything flowed nicely.

Final Thoughts

This book is a romcom about emotional and physical healing with likable characters and a great romance. 

Review: Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me About Recovery, Purpose, and Hope (Grief Recovery) by Fred Guttenberg

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Summary

Life changed forever on Valentine's Day 2018 for Fred Guttenberg and his family. What should have been a day of love turned into a nightmare. Seventeen people died at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Fourteen-year-old Jaime Guttenberg was the second to last victim.

From grieving to activism.  That Jaime and so many of her fellow students were struck down in cold blood galvanized many to action, including Jaime’s father Fred now an activist dedicated to passing common sense gun safety legislation. But this book is not about gun safety or Parkland.

Fred was already struggling with deep personal loss. Four months earlier his brother Michael died of 9/11 induced pancreatic cancer. He had been exposed to too much dust and chemicals at Ground Zero. Michael battled heroically for nearly five years and then died at age fifty.

Find the Helpers has a special meaning to the Guttenberg’s. It was a beloved family wisdom learned from watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In the midst of tragedy, "always look for the helpers. There will always be helpers. Because if you look for the helpers, you’ll know there’s hope." ―Fred Rogers, 1999

Healing from grief. Discover the story of Fred Guttenberg’s journey since Jaime’s death and how he has been able to get through the worst of times thanks to the kindness and compassion of others. Good things happen to good people at the hands of other good people─and the world is filled with them. They include everyone from amazing gun violence survivors Fred has met to former VP Joe Biden, who spent time talking to him about finding mission and purpose in learning to grieve.

Review

I can't imagine being in the shoes of Fred Guttenberg. Here is someone who experienced one of the most difficult tragedies a parent could endure but found a way to take that pain and give it a voice. As I applaud and commend the proactive stance he took on his journey, I sit back upon reflection, humbled by his fearless conviction to be the voice his daughter is unable to be by fighting for regulation that could protect others alike.

Fred Guttenberg is one of the parents who tragically lost their child in the Parkland School shooting. His book, Find the Helpers, isn’t about what happened that day but his journey navigating through his life after.This journey, through the help of his family, friends, and community, gave him the courage to find a purpose to fight for life. 

I couldn’t and didn’t want to put this book down. From the first chapter, he had a voice that I had to listen to. I found the book inspiring because of the length and battle he has fought to protect other people and his support for gun safety. His pain, loss, and grief permeate through the chapters. His story could be replaced by anyone at any time. 

Overall, I found this such a captivating read that I recommend reading his journey. His powerful message will resonate and make you hopefully appreciate how precious life is. The takeaway message out of this tragedy is important and deserves to be heard. I recommend adding this to your reading list.

Review: Limitless by Mallory Weggeman with Tiffany Yecke Brooks

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Mallory Weggemann is a woman that I’d never heard before I read her book. Now, she is definitely one that I will never forget. There is nothing that I will ever say that I can’t do. Here is a woman that could’ve been angry by her circumstances but she chose to redefine the limitations that society defined her life to be. Fearless, resilient, and inspiring, Mallory shows us what a true champion of life is. The empowering message of not letting life define her but she define her life on her terms truly permeates her narrative and makes you want to root for her.

When a life changing event robbed her of a promising future, instead of falling into despair of why, she chose to do the opposite. The title of her book, truly embodies that defining moment. Instead of the world seeing her handicap as a limitation, she chose to see the limitless possibilities her new life could offer. She chose to defy that narrative of her situation.

With the help and support of family and friends, she was determined to find her purpose. That fact that she was able to find optimism through her tragedy and a higher purpose says so much about her character and inner strength. That passion and drive is inspiring and uplifting, becoming a paralympic medalist and ultimately a motivated speaker.

Her honest account of her overcoming her fears, choosing to accept all that came with her new life after her paralysis, and the overall message that she shares speaks volumes. I’m inspired by her courage and determination to conquer her obstacles and her ability to find the beauty in life after. She gives me an entirely new perspective.

Limitless is an empowering book that presents a perspective that is needed. So many people take life for granted but through experiences such as hers, this can be a sobering reminder of how not to take anything for granted. She is truly a beautiful person not only on the outside but as you read her book see how bright her personality shines. Her positivity and message is one that anyone can find inspiration and relate to. Her book is one that I strongly encourage if you have an opportunity to check out.

Review: It's Never Too Late by Kathie Lee Gifford

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When I first heard about this book, I knew I just had to read it. She was everything that I’d hope she’d be and more. Her latest book, It’s Never Too Late, blends moments from her personal and professional career and is truly an inspiration for readers to go after the voice that is called upon in your heart.

The tagline of the book, I must first say, is a testament to the message received. “Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life.” She has had tribulations but her triumphs have inspired her to make each moment better and more fulfilled each step of the way. I’m not so big on the forwards but in many moments, you are judged by the company you keep. Dolly Parton was such an endearing touch that really set the tone for me and truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to read this book.

I’ll admit, growing up I really wasn’t that much of a fan of Kathie Lee. Her morning talk show was a staple in the household but I just didn’t connect. Now that I am older, it was when she was a co host on the Today Show that it was as if I met a kindred spirit. Her faith, talent, her love for her family, friends and coworkers really made me take notice. She became an inspiration and brought such joy to my day from her beautiful chemistry with Hoda. 

It’s Never Too Late captures that very essence of who she was, is and hopes to be. She invites us into her life sharing some of the most memorable moments I believe are important. In between her life experiences she plants seeds of hope, inspiration and through her faith encourages you to be the best you can be and when one door closes, bang harder on the next. 

I have to say reading this book has exponentially grown my appreciation and support for her. I learned so much about her life and was fascinated by all the people she’s met professionally and personally. Those insightful lessons she’s taken from those moments at times allowed me to sit back and reflect. 

Overall, I think this was a wonderful book that she allowed us to be invited into her life. If you are a fan, this will definitely make your heart smile. I’m very selective about the celebrity books I read but will encourage people to pick this one up. You leave this book feeling like you made a new friend. 

Review: To Have and to Hate by R.S. Grey

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To Have or to Hate is a marriage of convenience story that felt uneventful and dragged on. The story centers on Elizabeth and Walt whose grandfathers created a company years ago. And in order to save her family, Elizabeth must marry Walt.

They are complete opposites. She’s an artist who is optimistic and quirky. And he’s a quiet, serious billionaire. Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with their relationship. I felt that Elizabeth had more chemistry with Walt’s younger brother than she had with him. They actually had conversations and bonded.

Elizabeth and Walt had moments but nothing that stood out or made me emotionally connected to them. Their love story felt underdeveloped and the lack of communication was very prominent. In addition, Elizabeth spends most of the time alone. Walt is never around, so it felt unbelievable for her to develop feelings for him. Especially, when he was so rude to her.

The story is told in the POV of Elizabeth, and I think that really hurt the book. Walt is this very quiet, broody character. And I think it would have been nice to get a look into his mind. Especially since he had a girlfriend prior to the marriage. I found myself wanting to know more about that relationship.

Final Thoughts

To Have and to Hate feels underdeveloped and the romantic leads work better with other people.