Category Archives: HarperCollins

May 14, 2012 · 3:58 am

Arranged by Catherine McKenzie

Title: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Anne Blythe has a great life: a good job, good friends, and a potential book deal for her first novel. When it comes to finding someone to share it with, however, she just can’t seem to get it right.

After yet another relationship ends, Anne comes across a business card for what she thinks is a dating service, and she pockets it just in case. When her best friend, Sarah, announces she’s engaged, Anne can’t help feeling envious. On an impulse, she decides to give the service a try because maybe she could use a little assistance in finding the right man. But Anne soon discovers the company isn’t a dating service; it’s an exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriage service. She initially rejects the idea, but the more she thinks about it-and the company’s success rate-the more it appeals to her. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, so why wouldn’t it work for her?

A few months later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack. And against all odds, it seems to be working out-until Anne learns that Jack, and the company that arranged their marriage, are not what they seem at all.

The Review:

Arranged by Catherine McKenzie is a provocative and thought-provoking novel about taking love out of the equation when searching for the person to spend your life with. What is most important in a marriage? Is it friendship? Or is it love? Or both?

Anne Blythe has yet another failed relationship behind her. No longer trusting her instincts and with no viable prospects on the horizon, she turns to an arranged marriage service to find Mr. Right. She struggles with her decision to marry a man she has never seen or met but she is pleasantly surprised by the man the agency has been chosen for her to marry. Anne hits it off immediately with the adventurous and playful Jack, and after some much needed soul searching, they decide to tie the knot.

Anne and Jack present a united front as they settle into married life. Anne and Jack respect one another and they enjoy spending together. There is give and take on both sides and they easily find compromises to the issues that arise between them.

Arranged is a rather light-hearted yet intriguing romance. The characters are well-developed and likable with realistic flaws and imperfections. The plot is fresh and engrossing and Catherine McKenzie skillfully takes the story in an unanticipated direction.

Another outstanding novel from a fresh voice in women’s contemporary fiction that leaves readers eagerly anticipating Ms. McKenzie’s next novel.

3 Comments

Filed under Arranged, Catherine McKenzie, Contemporary, HarperCollins, Rated B+, Romance, William Morrow Paperbacks

April 19, 2012 · 3:57 am

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash

Title: A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: William Morrow
Genre: Fiction
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: A+ and A Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

A stunning debut reminiscent of the beloved novels of John Hart and Tom Franklin, A Land More Kind Than Home is a mesmerizing literary thriller about the bond between two brothers and the evil they face in a small western North Carolina town.

For a curious boy like Jess Hall, growing up in Marshall means trouble when your mother catches you spying on grown-ups. Adventurous and precocious, Jess is enormously protective of his older brother, Christopher, a mute whom everyone calls Stump. Though their mother has warned them not to snoop, Stump can’t help sneaking a look at something he’s not supposed to—an act that will have catastrophic repercussions, shattering both his world and Jess’s. It’s a wrenching event that thrusts Jess into an adulthood for which he’s not prepared. While there is much about the world that still confuses him, he now knows that a new understanding can bring not only a growing danger and evil—but also the possibility of freedom and deliverance as well.

Told by three resonant and evocative characters—Jess; Adelaide Lyle, the town midwife and moral conscience; and Clem Barefield, a sheriff with his own painful past—A Land More Kind Than Home is a haunting tale of courage in the face of cruelty and the power of love to overcome the darkness that lives in us all. These are masterful portrayals, written with assurance and truth, and they show us the extraordinary promise of this remarkable first novel.

The Review:

Wiley Cash’s debut novel A Land More Kind Than Home is a spectacular and powerful story that brings life in rural North Carolina to vibrantly to life. Set in the 1980s, it is an profound tale of dark secrets, a charismatic evangelical minister and the evil that is sometimes wrought in the name of religion.

Told in first person from three of the key players’ perspectives, the horrifying events surrounding Christopher Hall’s heartbreaking death are revealed. The story begins from midwife and longtime Marshall resident Adelaide Lyle’s point of view. As the midwife who delivered Christopher and a member of Reverend Carson Chambliss’s congregation, her life is irrevocably interwoven with the Hall family and the Reverend. It is through her voice we learn of the inexplicable acts of faith healing that are practiced by the Reverend’s congregation that sometimes end with tragic results. We also learn much of the church’s, the town’s and the Hall’s family history from Adelaide’s recollections of the past.

Well aware of some of the goings on in the Chambliss church, Sheriff Clem Barefield’s hands are tied when it comes to probing into what happens behind the church’s closed doors until Christopher’s untimely death. As is so often common in small towns, the Hall family and the Sheriff’s paths have also crossed and they, too, are linked by a past tragedy. His investigation into Christopher’s death opens old wounds and forces Clem to share an unimaginable bond with Christopher’s grandfather, Jimmy.

The most innocent voice in novel is that of young Jess Hall but his is the voice that resonates most throughout the recounting of the circumstances leading up to Christopher’s death and the situations that follow. He and Christopher are typical children whose curiosity about the actions of the adults in their lives sets in motion the terrible chain of events that leads to Christopher’s death.

The true villain of A Land More Kind Than Home is Reverend Carson Chambliss. He is a charismatic man who makes the most of the opportunities presented to him and he fully exploits his followers’ faith to suit his own needs. What are his motivations for using faith healing on the mute Christopher Hall? Is it to cast out the demons who are keeping him from speaking? Or his reason something far more sinister-an attempt to keep a dark and potentially devestating secret from ever being revealed?

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash is a captivating novel that spotlights the evil that can sometimes lurk in the guise of religion. It is a sometimes harrowing tale that details the loss of innocence and the tragedy that not only befalls the Hall family but an entire town and a fanatical church. But it is also a beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption that will linger long after it comes to an utterly unexpected and stunning conclusion.

4 Comments

Filed under A Land More Kind Than Home, Fiction, HarperCollins, Rated A+, Recommended Read, Wiley Cash

April 18, 2012 · 3:58 am

The Fireman Who Loved Me by Jennifer Bernard

Title: The Fireman Who Loved Me by Jennifer Bernard
The Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel Book One
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Captain Brody has been badly burned by his ex-wife. When he orders Ryan, his star fireman, to participate in a bachelor auction, little does he know he’s the one who will lose his heart.

Melissa McGuire is a brainy local news producer trying to get her career back on track. She can’t believe she’s being set up by her grandmother, who bid on a date with a fireman at the auction. She prefers the artsy type, not the tough, commanding , though clearly attractive, fire chief.

And yet, they can’t resist each other, especially once her ambitious news anchor assigns her the “Thanksgiving with the Firefighters” news special. Add in her grandmother’s matchmaking and the combined efforts of Captain Brody’s crew…can Brody help being the first bachelor to succumb to love, and the crazy rollercoaster ride of the Curse?

The Review:

Jennifer Bernard’s debut novel The Fireman Who Loved Me is a sweet romance with a dash of spicy lovemaking. A matchmaking Grandma, a sassy heroine and a battalion of sexy firemen are the perfect ingredients for one hot read.

Burned by her former boss and love interest, Melissa McGuire is concentrating on her career not her love life. She reluctantly agrees to go on a date with the bachelor her grandmother bids on at a charity auction. Although he is not her type, Melissa is instantly attracted to the sexy Captain Brody. Thrown together through her job, Melissa and Brody’s romance heats up until their pasts threaten their future.

Melissa and Brody are fun yet flawed main characters. Melissa’s dysfunctional childhood plays a big role in her personal and professional lives. Her relationship with her father is strained and practically non-existent. She is close to her feisty and lovable Grans and their interactions are absolutely delightful and one of the highlights of the novel. The sexual chemistry between Melissa and Brody leaps off the pages and it is a enjoyable watching their romance build. However, Melissa’s self-doubts undermine both her relationship with Brody and her career.

Brody is a commanding presence and his entire crew has a deep respect for their awe-inspiring captain. With a painful divorce in his past, Brody is not interested in a relationship. Although Brody is cool, calm and collected under pressure, he is surprised when Melissa manages to get under his skin. He is an honorable man whose good intentions inadvertently cause problems in his and Melissa’s relationship.

The relationship between Brody and Melissa begins as a friendship and slowly becomes romantic. Their lovemaking is smoking hot and quite passionate. Unfortunately the appearance of their exes derails their budding romance and the use of the “big misunderstanding” plot device drags out the conflict between them.

The scenes with Melissa’s grandmother and the firemen are fabulous and provide some of the funniest and most touching moments in The Fireman Who Loved Me. Melissa’s relationship with her father evolves throughout the course of the novel and the resolution of some of their differences is quite satisfying.

However two of the pivotal secondary characters are flat and rather one-dimensional. They have few redeeming qualities and their actions are so over the top and predictable that it detracts from an otherwise sound plot. There is a secondary storyline with the potential to provide added interest and depth to the novel, but the lack of follow through with it is rather disappointing.

Jennifer Bernard is an engaging writer and the concept of The Bachelor Fireman of San Gabriel series is unique and appealing. The Fireman Who Loved Me is an enjoyable romance that is entertaining and easy to read.

11 Comments

Filed under Avon, Contemporary, HarperCollins, Jennifer Bernard, Rated C+, Romance, The Fireman Who Loved Me

April 9, 2012 · 3:58 am

The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde

Title: The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde
Jubilee, TX Series Book One
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 389 pages
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Ex-champion bull rider-turned-cutting-horse cowboy Joe Daniels isn’t quite sure how he ended up sleeping in a horse trough wearing nothing but his Stetson and cowboy boots. But now he’s wide-awake, and a citified woman is glaring down at him. His goal? Get rid of her ASAP. The obstacle? Fighting the attraction he feels toward the blond-haired filly with the big, vulnerable eyes.

When out-of-work wedding planner Mariah Callahan learns that her estranged father has left her a rundown ranch in Jubilee, she has no choice but to accept it. Her goal? Redeem her career by planning local weddings. The obstacle? One emotionally wounded, hard-living cowboy who stirs her guilt, her heartstrings, and her long-burned cowgirl roots . . .

The Review:

The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde is an emotional but very sweet love story. With her estranged father’s death, unemployed Mariah Callahan gets the opportunity to leave the big city behind and begin a new life in Jubilee, Texas. She is instantly attracted to Joe Daniels from their first tempestuous meeting, but Mariah is not planning on staying in Jubilee. Nor does she plan on losing her heart to the sexy cowboy.

Mariah Callahan and Joe Daniels are emotionally wounded protagonists. Mariah’s inability to let go of her bitterness and resentment over her father Dutch’s abandonment results in serious trust issues. Her unresolved issues with Dutch frequently come between her and Joe, and affect her ability to commit to a relationship with him.

Joe is still mired in grief from his wife Becca’s death. He shared a close friendship with Dutch and he is devastated by his unexpected death. Afraid of losing another person, Joe is unwilling to risk his heart with Mariah.

Joe and Mariah’s relationship slowly unfolds throughout The Cowboy Takes a Bride. They gradually form a close friendship and begin to open up and share their feelings. Their friendship turns to romance but that is when the communication ends and both characters begin to make assumptions about the others’ thoughts and feelings. Which then ends up in the “Big Misunderstanding” plot device that seems out of character given Joe and Mariah’s previous ability to talk to one another. Their reconciliation is sweet yet rather unbelievable.

The Cowboy Takes a Bride is an enjoyable romance. Lori Wilde has an engaging writing style, and the story flows well. If you are looking for a light romance with appealing characters, then you are sure to enjoy The Cowboy Takes a Bride.

I am looking forward to the next installment of the Jubilee, TX series.

6 Comments

Filed under Avon, Contemporary, HarperCollins, Jubilee TX Series, Lori Wilde, Rated C+, Romance, The Cowboy Takes a Bride

March 20, 2012 · 3:57 am

Gossip by Beth Gutcheon

Title: Gossip by Beth Gutcheon
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: William Morrow
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

The critically acclaimed author of Good-bye and Amen, Leeway Cottage, and More Than You Know returns with a sharply perceptive and emotionally resonant novel about the power of knowing things about others, the consequences of rumor, and the unexpected price of friendship.

Loviah “Lovie” Walker owns a small, high-end dress shop on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Renowned for her taste, charm, and discretion, it is Lovie to whom certain women turn when they need “just the thing” for key life events: baptisms and balls, weddings and funerals. Among those who depend on Lovie’s sage advice are her two best friends since boarding school days: Dinah Wainwright and Avis Metcalf. Despite the love they share for their mutual friend, there has always been a chilly gulf between Dinah and Avis, the result of a perceived slight from decades ago that has unimaginably tragic echoes many years later.

An astute chronicler of all that makes us human, Beth Gutcheon delivers her most powerful and emotionally devastating novel to date. Gossip is a tale of intimacy and betrayal, trust and fidelity, friendship and motherhood that explores the way we use “information”-be it true, false, or imagined-to sustain, and occasionally destroy, one another.

The Review:

Beth Gutcheon’s Gossip is a beautifully written novel that follows the ups and downs of Avis, Dinah and Lovie’s lifelong friendship. From their teen years at boarding school through middle age, these three extraordinary women share all of life’s joys and sorrows.

Although Lovie French, Dinah Wainwright and Avis Metcalf come from three divergent backgrounds they enjoy a lasting friendship. Lovie is close friends with both women over the years. Avis and Dinah’s friendship is uneasy and complicated by their social differences and complex family dynamics. Lovie’s loyalties are often tested as Avis and Dinah’s lives become irrevocably intertwined.

Although Gossip is told in first person from Lovie’s perspective, she is an enigmatic character who is content to keep her own secrets closely guarded while she easily reveals details of everyone else’s lives. Never married, she is deeply involved with Avis and Dinah’s families.

Dinah is flamboyant and full of life. She effortlessly reinvents herself time and time again. Although she appears happy, she finds it difficult to forgive and she harbors resentment and bitterness toward some of the key people in her life.

Avis is reserved and quite proper. A product of her privileged upbringing, she is the picture of decorum no matter how difficult the situation. Although she appears cool and indifferent, she is actually quite warm and caring. Her extended family is quite close to both Dinah and Lovie and they share a close bond.

Throughout the course of the novel, Ms. Gutcheon demonstrates the destructive nature of gossip. Lovie is often the recipient of slanderous comments about her friends and she finds herself with the unenviable quandary of how to handle the various situations. Innocent remarks are turned into small yet vicious actions that culminate in an unimaginable and horrifying event that no one could envision.

Gossip is an engaging story that is quite compelling. The characters are vibrant and true to life. Beth Gutcheon brilliantly foreshadows a tragic event but the novel’s ending is quite shocking and unexpected. Definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys a book about close friendships that stand the test of time.

4 Comments

Filed under Beth Gutcheon, Contemporary, Fiction, Gossip, HarperCollins, Rated B, William Morrow

February 1, 2012 · 3:57 am

Spin by Catherine McKenzie

Title: Spin by Catherine McKenzie
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Length: 448 pages
Book Rating: A

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Kate Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favorite music magazine, The Line. It’s the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate-and shows up still drunk at the interview at 9am. No surprise, she doesn’t get the job, but the folks at the media company think she might be perfect for another assignment for their gossip rag. Kate is to follow a young female celebrity into rehab and get the inside story. If she can get the rehab scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they’ll reconsider her for the job at The Line.

Kate takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Kate begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason.

The Review:

Catherine McKenzie’s debut novel Spin is an engaging read that is humorous and at times, heartbreakingly poignant. Kate Sandford’s dream job is finally within reach, yet she blows her chance by showing up at her job interview hung over and drunk from her overzealous celebration the night before. When celebrity Amber Sheppard enters rehab, Kate is given a second shot at her coveted job. All Kate has to do is check into rehab and then dish the good, the bad and ugly of Amber’s recovery. Sounds easy enough, but Kate’s not an alcoholic. Or is she?

Katie Sandford is a fabulously flawed, lovable protagonist. She is a fun loving and slightly irresponsible party girl who knows how to have a good time. Katie is working hard at achieving her career goals but she does not always make the best decisions regarding her future. She is not always truthful with her friends and she has a distant relationship with her family.

Katie’s complete lack of self-awareness is reflected by her certainty that she does not have an alcohol problem. While in rehab, she goes through the motions of therapy and working the twelve steps of AA. But when Katie leaves, she begins to suspect that she might have a problem, but full realization does not come until later.

While in rehab, Katie makes a few new friends and surprisingly enough she forms a close and real friendship with Amber. Now sober, Katie is faced with a moral dilemma. Does she write the article that will launch her career but betray Amber?

Spin is an absolutely captivating novel with charming characters and a refreshingly unique plot. Never angsty or preachy, Catherine McKenzie provides valuable insight into substance abuse and recovery in a thought-provoking and sensitive manner. Delightful friendships and a surprising yet sweet romance fully round out this enjoyable story. It is an engrossing and substantive novel you don’t want to miss.

9 Comments

Filed under Catherine McKenzie, Contemporary, Fiction, HarperCollins, Rated A, Spin, William Morrow Paperbacks