Book Review- Fredrik Backman's Britt-Marie Was Here

Thank you to Atria Books for providing me with an advanced copy of Fredrik Backman's novel, Britt-Marie Was Here, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT - Britt-Marie is having a crisis. Her husband Kent has suffered a heart-attack and she has received the bad news from her husband's mistress. Double-Whammy. Britt-Marie has spent her life a career homemaker, but after hearing about her husband's affair, she decides to leave him and look for a job. Although she has many skills, not many of them look appealing on paper, especially during a time when her country (Sweden) is in an economic crisis. Britt-Marie decides to take the only job offered, a low-paying, temporary position as a community center director in the impoverished town of Borg. Who will benefit more? A town in need of a new start or Britt-Marie?

LIKE- When I saw that Fredrik Backman had a new release and that I was approved for an advanced copy, I was thrilled. Backman's A Man Called Ove, is one of my all- time favorite books. Honestly, it was going to be hard for Backman to top, A Man Called Ove and even though, Britt-Marie Was Here is a wonderful book, it doesn't quite compete.

As with his character Ove, Britt-Marie has some big flaws. She's very particular about her methods of doing things and she's blunt in her criticism. However, these faults are quickly melted with her big heart that has been hidden under her tough exterior. I like how Britt-Marie is a strong character that takes control of her destiny. She's a fighter and her spirit affects change in other characters, even when their situations seem hopeless. 

Backman has a wicked sense of humor which drives most of the story. I love stories that are able to find the balance between comedy/drama, light/dark. Backman is a master at this. When Britt-Marie Was Here takes a serious turn, it's like being slammed into a brick wall of emotions. It hits hard.

DISLIKE- It's not so much a dislike, rather a distance I felt due to my own lack of interest/understanding with regard to European football. It's called soccer in the book, but I think that might be a change for American readers. Much of the plot has to do with the children of the town struggling to keep their team going and I felt a tad clueless as I don't follow the game. Backman does explain it for non-fans, but I think the story would have been sweeter if it was something that interested me.

RECOMMEND- Yes! If you're a fan of Backman, this is a must and if you have not discovered him, what are you waiting for? Britt-Marie Was Here is a heartfelt story from a marvelous storyteller.

Book Review - Phaedra Patrick's The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

Thank you to Harlequin for providing me with an advanced copy of Phaedra Patrick’s debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- After his beloved wife Miriam dies, pensioner Arthur Pepper discovers a mysterious charm bracelet hidden in a shoe box. Arthur, a man who has found little reason to travel beyond his village or change his routine, finds himself stepping outside of his comfort zone and traveling around the world, as he works through the charms to reveal Miriam’s secretive past.

LIKE- The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is utterly delightful and charming. Patrick has written a heartfelt story with plenty of humor and several memorable characters. One of the best aspects of her story, is its unpredictable. Arthur’s journey is an odd one, filled with unexpected plot twists that kept me turning the page. I liked the theme of self-discovery and it’s a joy to see Arthur’s whole world open up as he allows himself to venture outside of his comfort zone.

DISLIKE- Not a single thing to dislike.

RECOMMEND- Are you a fan of stories that leave you with the warm fuzzies? Yes? Get yourself a copy of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper ASAP! This is Patrick’s debut novel and I can’t wait to read her next project.

Book Review - Lisa Jewell's The Girls in the Garden

Thank you to Atria Books for providing me with an advanced copy of Lisa Jewell’s The Girls in the Garden, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT – Clare has recently left her husband and moved with her two daughters, preteen Pip and thirteen year old Grace, to a seemingly perfect community in London. What could be better for a fresh start than a family friendly neighborhood with a stunning community garden? When Grace is found lying unconscious and half-naked in the garden in the middle of a summer evening party, suspicious spreads like wildfire and neighborhood secrets come to light.

LIKE- Jewell has created vibrant characters that are highly sympathetic and relatable. I thought that she did an especially good job writing the teenage characters; capturing the social structure of teenage girls with its angst, tension, and emotions.

Equally well done, is Jewell’s pacing, the way she structures The Girls in the Garden, with flashbacks to build the mystery surrounding the assault on Grace. This story is a page turner. Besides the mystery of Grace, the moral questions posed in this work of fiction, give plenty for the reader to consider. How well do you really know your neighbors? How much can you trust them or even your own family?

Admittedly, at first I didn’t like the ending. Without revealing any spoilers, it was an ending that had to grow on me. I knew the story had affected me, when I couldn’t stop thinking about it and now, writing this review over a week later, I think that the ending was pitch perfect.

DISLIKE- Nothing. The Girls in the Garden is an engaging read from start to finish.

RECOMMEND- Yes! Jewell is a gifted writer and The Girls in the Garden is a story that lingers with you. It would be a great pick for book clubs.