Spotlight: To Be Alone With You by Jodie Slaughter

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A decade ago, Naomi confessed her feelings to Ira, an artist that her mother had been mentoring. He was ten years older than her, and his rejection gutted her which sent her running as far away as possible. Now, she is in the need of a vacation and her mother suggested that she stay with him for a week as she recharges. And when the world stops due to covid-19, her trip is extended.

I found this book to be extremely intimate. And I think it worked. Naomi and Ira are the only two people in this book. There are very few scenes with other people around them. And this was even true before the entire state had shut down. Because the book was so intimate, I found it easier to buy into their history and their chemistry. Readers are only told about their past, not shown. In addition, the book is in third person. But despite all of that, I think the author did a wonderful job conveying the past and writing these two characters with such chemistry.

This isn’t a second chance romance. They hadn’t dated before. It’s a right person, wrong time situation. And as the story progressed, we got to see them realize that the present is the right time for them.

Unfortunately, I enjoyed the yearning more than the actual together part. The last part of the book was filled with a lot of heat and passion and I wanted more navigation of this new relationship between them.

Review: Secrets of the Whales by Brian Skerry

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There are no words to describe the beauty and elegance this book radiates. I knew anything National Geographic would be exquisite, but this was just beyond any expectations I ever had. Secrets of the Whales is a photographic masterpiece complemented by personal stories told through the perspective of a shared experience of the lives of these beautiful animals.

With 40 years of experience, Brian Skerry gifts the reader with an incredible photographic insight into the lives of the world’s largest animals. Some of these images are just mind-blowing. This book highlights the different species of whales worldwide in their natural habitat, relationships including familial and community, how they communicate, eat, their cultures, and much more. This book is such a wealth of information and the documented moments give you insight beyond the general information we have available.

Overall, I think this was an extraordinary book. I thought I knew a fair amount of information but gained a broader comprehension and understanding and am inspired to learn more from reading his book. You can feel and experience his love of whales through his photos. This is an incredible book experience through the eyes of his lens. I encourage those who are a fan of not just whales but NG, to consider adding this to your collection.

Review: No Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn't Come Easy by Chip Gaines

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When it comes to books that feature people on reality tv, I tend to be selective. Something that Chip Gaines said that truly stands out and speaks volumes to me, “You don’t choose books, books choose you.” For whatever reason, at the right time, this book speaks volumes. I am so glad that I took a chance.

I didn’t know that much about Chip Gaines other than glances at a few episodes of Fixer Upper. From what I saw, he seemed to be worth the watch. So, when I heard about his latest book, I’d figured why not take a look. To my surprise, from the initial push back from the publisher, I am glad that his vision and perspective came into fruition because I thought that the overall takeaway from this book is a much-needed message to all those out there developing authentic success.

I found myself completely taken by the genuine, authentic voice that spoke to me from the pages.His dedication, hard work and appreciation for all that has come in his path is one that I really sat back and took notice of. He brings experience and grit to his perspective so it’s not just someone someone talking but walking it as well. His journey is an inspiration and the lessons learned along the way will resonate with you. There were several moments that I had to jot down some food for thought to keep myself inspired and motivated for the future.

His perspective on building a network was refreshing and thought-provoking. This book allows you to get to know the real person, not the tv personality, and the people that he surrounded himself with who contributed to and whom he learned from to be successful. The book is at moments funny but more practical and spoken straight from the heart. He brings wonderful insight and valuable lessons that will motivate and support your journey. Overall, I thought this was a good read that would be a great resource for anyone looking for tangible success.

Review: Ever After Always (Bergman Brothers #3) by Chloe Liese

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Aiden and Freya have been together for twelve plus years. And when faced with the reality that their marriage is in trouble, they are unsure what to do. Aiden’s anxiety is at an all-time high due to career pressure and family pressure that he doesn’t want to burden Freya. And Freya doesn’t recognize the man she is married to anymore. First, they try their hand at marriage counseling, but before they fully explore that, they are on a plane with Freya’s family celebrating her parent’s anniversary.

I struggled with this one. There seemed to be too many pages. Too many words. Too many characters. And I wondered if the latter had something to do with the fact that this was the third book in a series. I thought that it would be fine to start with this one. I was wrong.

As much as this was a book about two people who are trying to save their marriage, it was a book about family. Freya’s family played a huge part in her life and this book. All of them are deeply intertwined in Freya and Aiden trying to save their marriage.

I feel like I would have had to read the previous books to fully appreciate those relationships. I feel as if I didn’t get a good sense of their dynamics in this one. Yes, they are one of those families who seem like they will do anything and everything for each other. But what about those individual relationships with each other.

And I feel like there was not much explanation. But no one can be faulted, besides me since I read the third book in the series without reading the others.

I think this is true for a lot of books, that it's sometimes hard to get that momentum or investment when the book starts, and the couple is already together. I didn’t feel it as much as I normally do with this one because the author does nicely lay out the groundwork of their relationship. And although at times I had a hard time powering through this one, I did appreciate the relationship that Aiden and Freya had and their realistic frustrations with the current state of their relationship.

Final Thought

If Ever After Always is read in the correct order, it has potential.

Review: When Stars Rain Down by Angela Jackson Brown

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From it’s beautiful cover to it’s compelling narrative, When Stars Rain Down brings the reader to the heart of the deep South in the 1930s. In a time where segregation was the norm, we are introduced to a young woman, who's trying to find her way but is met with unspoken obstacles challenging everything she’s ever known.

The book takes us to the heart of the deep South in Parsons, Georgia. In the summer of 1936, we’re introduced to Opal Pruitt. She is a lovely young woman on the cusp of her 18th birthday. She works daily with her grandmother at the home of Miss Peggy, part of a family they’ve known for many years. Miss Peggy didn’t just see them both as help, she saw them as part of her own family.

Then one day when the KKK came through their town, it brought some unsettling consequences that brought tragedy to their community. Opal finds herself forced to make decisions in her heart that are affected by the status quo and uncertainty. Trying to figure out what she wants an unforeseen tragedy comes that changes her life forever.

There are no words to describe the impression this book left upon me. I love historical fiction but there’s a relevancy and appreciation for narratives that derive from this point of view in this time period. What I truly appreciated about the novel was how the author brings you right to the center of their experience. You are placed in the shoes of the characters. You feel their pain, struggle, and go through this summer with them.

I will say one of my favorite experiences in the book was the relationship between Opal and her grandmother. These two women, you will just fall in love with. The unconditional love between them will just make your heart smile. These two were probably my favorite characters from the book. I also enjoyed the relationship between Miss Peggy and them as well. The depth of her love for them despite what society said at the time showed the strength of her heart to see beyond the color of their skin.

Overall, I thought it was a beautiful book. She presented a voice that was welcomed and necessary. I appreciate what she did with showing a positive black family and community that would give up everything to take care of each other. This narrative parallel with a white family that loved them as their own contrasted with members within them that represented the opposition presented some thought provoking moments. I found this book one that I couldn’t put down and encourage you to add to your reading list. 

Review: (Trust) Falling For You by Charish Reid

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This was an enjoyable and entertaining read. A nice quality rom-com.

The story centers on Yolanda Watson, who has been considered the “fun professor” at Franklin U, and Samuel Morris, who is the much more subdued, quiet professor. Yolanda isn’t fond of him since he stole her grant and he chairs the most boring committee at the university.

However, both of them are forced to attend a team-building retreat in Wisconsin with their other coworkers, and after a lodging issue, have to share the same cabin for 6 days.

I wouldn’t categorize (Trust) Falling For You as an enemies to lovers type of story. It’s sort of like a mild dislike with forced proximity. And it works. At first, I will admit, I was a little unsure how it would work out since they are complete opposites. Yolanda is loud and unorganized. Sam is orderly and serious. The first night at the cabin, he rearranged her bathroom supplies because he couldn’t deal with the mess. But at last, it worked. And it was enjoyable.

And it was interesting to see their relationship change as a new activity occurred. They were forced to talk to each other and work with each other. And they soon realized that maybe they misjudged each other in the beginning. Of course, there are banter and flirty moments in-between.

One thing I appreciate about this book is that there were no miscommunication or random events that took place to break them up or hinder their development. Once it was out and the open that they liked each other, they sort of kept going with it. Yes, they brought up the topic of dating in the workplace, but they talked through it and it wasn’t a big conflict.

I enjoyed Sam and Yolanda's relationship, but there was another one I enjoyed as well. Yolanda and her best friend, Julia's relationship. They were hilarious. And it reminded me of me and my friends. 

Final Thoughts

(Trust) Falling For You is a story of two opposite people forced to work together and learn that maybe they misjudged each other.