Book Review- Sophie Kinsella's Wedding Night

Sophie Kinsella is one of my go-to authors for light, chick-lit/beach reads. I bought Wedding Night from the Barnes and Novel remainder table a few years ago, and it has been waiting patiently on my shelf. This week, I needed something light and picked it up.

PLOT- Lotti thinks that her long time boyfriend, Richard is about to propose; The timing is right, he has taken her to a fancy restaurant, and he pulls out a little box...that doesn't contain an engagement ring. In a fit of frustration and hurt pride, Lottie breaks up with Richard and is hell-bent on moving on. Her older sister, Fliss, knows that Lottie is prone to rash decisions and making regrettable mistakes. Fliss becomes highly concerned, when shortly after breaking up with Richard, Lottie reunites with her teenage summer fling, Ben. Ben and Lottie fall back into their old romance and rush to the alter. Can Fliss slow Lottie down and prevent her from making another mistake? 

LIKE- I like Kinsella's style. She creates likable characters, puts them in entertaining situations, and her stories have heart. Wedding Night reminded me of the ABBA Musical, Mamma Mia!- the similarities include: weddings, odd-ball characters, romantic miscommunications, and Greece as a primary location. Kinsella's novel and Mama Mia! have a similar energy and tone. Wedding Night made me smile and left me with the feel-goods. 

DISLIKE- Not a dislike, but a disclaimer- this is straight-up chick-lit. It's light, fun, and not too deep. It doesn't try to take itself seriously. If you don't like the genre, you won't like this book. 

RECOMMEND- Yes, if you're looking for a sweet, entertaining story to take on vacation. Wedding Night is on par with Kinsella's other novels, including her Shopaholic series. 

Book Review - Tracy McMillan's Multiple Listings

Thank You to Gallery Books for providing me with an advanced copy of Tracy McMillan's novel, Multiple Listings, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- With her father in prison and raised by a neglectful mother, Nicki Daniels grew-up fast. On her own since her late-teens, Nicki has managed to conquer adulthood on many levels. She has a stable career and owns a home. She's also a single-mother, with a good son who is nearly seventeen. Nicki hasn't been so lucky in the love department, often falling for the wrong men. 

Nicki has met Jake, a younger man who has dreams of owning his own restaurant. He convinces Nicki to make two major financial investments; a restaurant and a new home. As soon as her money is committed, he freaks out and bails. Nicki is not just heartbroken, but left financially unstable.

When it rains it pours and to this end, as soon as Jake splits, Nicki has an unexpected houseguest appear on her doorstep. Ronnie is the father than she hasn't seen in seventeen years. He has been a constant source of disappointment and now, he is begging for a second chance and shelter. Should Nicki allow him back into her life?

LIKE- McMillan's story is filled with strong and memorable characters. The central story involves the tension between Nicki, Ronnie, and Cody, Nicki's son. Nicki has refused all of her father's communication from prison and has barred him from not only her, but her son's life. The compelling drama stems from the regret that both Nicki and Ronnie feel for the ways that they've hurt each other. It's heart breaking, because Ronnie's past behavior has shattered Nicki, and even though he has put his life back together, he still has to face the consequences of his past actions. He can clearly see how his absence has affected her view of men. It's not a pretty picture. Nicki is thrown into further turmoil, when she realizes that Cody wants a relationship with his grandfather and as he is nearly an adult, she can't stop it. This is a story of healing, patience, and learning to take baby-steps towards forgiveness. 

There is plenty of humor in McMillan's writing to keep it light. I enjoyed the addition of Peaches, Nicki's high school friend. Peaches is the outlandish, crazy friend that every woman needs. She's a good contrast to serious Nicki. Although Peaches is a secondary character, she steals the show when she's on the page. 

DISLIKE- I'm not sure if this is a true dislike or negative, but the story read a little like a Hallmark Hall of Fame or Lifetime movie. It's more sweet and predictable, than it is edgy, given the themes. The loose ends are neatly tied up with a ribbon. That said, sometimes I need these types of books in my reading rotation. 

RECOMMEND- Maybe. If you enjoy family dramas with a chick-lit vibe, then Multiple Listings might be for you. I enjoyed McMillan's story, but when compared to other books that I've read recently, it's not memorable. 

Book Review- Cote Smith's Hurt People

Thank You to FSG Originals for providing me with an advanced copy of Cote Smith's Hurt People, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- Set in the late 80's in the prison town of Leavenworth, Kansas, Cote Smith's debut novel, Hurt People is the story of a broken family. Two young brothers split the time between their recently divorced parents. Their father, a cop, is on the hunt for an escaped murderer dubbed, The Stranger. Their mother, works at a golf course that is filled with co-workers who have "done time", including her new boyfriend. Bored and on their own in their mother's apartment, the two boys sneak trips to the community pool, where they befriend a man named Chris. Could Chris be the escaped convict? 

LIKE- Smith's novel nails tension. My stomach was in knots from worrying about the boys in the pool. There is no moment in Hurt People where the sense of impending danger is eased,  making it a page-turner. Smith has created a compelling family drama, where each character has a deep sense of regret and isolation. It's actually quite heartbreaking. 

There are multiple scenes that are shocking and graphic in content. Smith handles these moments with care and sensitivity. Although it's disturbing and shocking, it's not done simply for shock value. These moments are necessary, driving both the plot and character development. Admittedly, I can't think of too many other novels that I have read, that have similarly shocking elements. It's intense.

DISLIKE- Even though Hurt People is a page-turner, there were points where I felt that the novel was dragging. This is especially true in the climax scene with the tornado. I'd definitely be interested in reading the short story from which Hurt People is based as a comparison.

RECOMMEND- Yes! Hurt People is a powerhouse debut by an author who is surely on the rise. I look forward to reading more novels by Smith in the future.