Category Archives: Katherine Center

July 15, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

Title: What You Wish For by Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.

But she wasn’t always that way.

Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasn’t always that way.

And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.

As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.

With Katherine Center’s sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.

Review:

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is an entertaining romance with eccentric yet lovable characters.

Samantha Casey adores her job as a librarian at the Kempner School.  She has finally found a family for herself so she is heartbroken when the principal and co-founder of the school unexpectedly passes away. Surprising everyone, his workaholic son-in-law now in charge of the board and he hires Duncan Carpenter as the school’s new principal. Samantha is both horrified and delighted about the news. She worked with Duncan a few years earlier and his fun-loving playful personality will be an excellent fit with the teachers and students. But she dreads seeing him again since she had the worst crush on him when they were co-workers. However, Samantha’s joy turns to dismay when Duncan is nothing like she remembers him.  Why is Duncan so serious and strait-laced? And can Samantha help him find his way back to the joyful person she once knew and loved?

Samantha is vivacious and full of life. She is also quite passionate about her job and the Kempner School. The school’s relaxed and creative atmosphere is a huge part of its success so she is horrified at some of the changes Duncan plans to make. She is also very concerned at the differences in the man she once admired from afar.  Samantha’s crush dies a quick death but she cannot help but still worry about Duncan.

Duncan is laser focused on ensuring the students’ and staff’s safety. He does not see or appreciate the school’s charm and he is impossible to dissuade as he begins making changes. Duncan is now sadly lacking in joie de vivre and he remains stodgy and ignores Samantha’s efforts to change his mind about his plans.

Despite her distress over  the new and not at all improved Duncan, Samantha is still drawn to him. She never quite gives up hoping he will revert back to the zany man she once knew and admired. Finally seeing flashes of the Duncan, is it possible to rekindle his wacky, fun-filled spirit?

With a friendship forming between them, Samantha is hopeful she will find out why Duncan’s personality is so drastically different.  As she tries to help him find the joy in life, they become more at ease with one another. Samantha realizes her feelings for Duncan have not changed but is there any chance for a future together?

What You Wish For is a quirky romance with an uplifting message. Samantha is an effervescent and compassionate woman who has learned the hard way to embrace and enjoy life. Duncan is a little bit broken but he is a willing partner as Samantha aids him on a healing journey. Katherine Center brings this charming novel to an unpredictable but sigh worthy conclusion.  An absolutely delightful novel of hope and resilience that I enjoyed and highly recommend.

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Filed under Contemporary, Katherine Center, Rated B, Review, Romance, What You Wish For, Women's Fiction

August 12, 2019 · 11:57 pm

Review: Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Title: Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 316 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel about courage, hope, and learning to love against all odds.

Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.

The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.

Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.

Review:

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center is a heartwarming novel of forgiveness, family and love.

Twenty-six year old Cassie Hanwell loves being a firefighter and she is well on her to the next step in her career. But a chance meeting with a person from her past completely upends her life. Salvation lies in a fire station in Massachusetts but the move comes with a catch. Cassie’s slightly estranged mother Diana has asked her to move in with her and help her as she navigates a health issue.  With plenty of resistance to letting down her emotional barriers, Cassie continues to avoid her Diana’s overtures. She is also struggling at work due to her new co-workers’ lack of enthusiasm about working with a woman.  Cassie is not at all thrilled to be continually paired with Owen Callaghan due to her shocking attraction to “The Rookie”.  Will Cassie be able to forgive her mother for abandoning her ten years earlier? Can she continue to resist completely opening her heart to both her mom and Owen?

Cassie is a hard worker who refuses to open herself to love. She holds everyone at arms’ length and she finds it impossible to accept help. Cassie is not a girly girl and she has no difficulty holding her own with her male coworkers. Going from a tight-knit station to one that considers her an outsider is more difficult than she imagined, but Cassie works hard to prove herself.  Cassie is holding onto a lot of emotional pain but cracks begin to appear in her armor when she finally begins to deal with her hurt. But will she let down her guard enough to let Owen into her heart?

Owen is a lovable sweetheart who is always smiling and trying to help everyone around him.  He is from a long line of firefighters so he ignores the fact that some aspects of the job bother him. Owen readily admits being a firefighter is not his dream career but family expectations are impossible for him to resist. Being thrown together with Cassie is not exactly a hardship and after she does him a favor,  will their relationship deepen into something more?

With plenty of laugh out loud humor, Things You Save in a Fire is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that is quite captivating. Cassie is an absolutely delightful young woman and watching her overcome her pain is incredibly gratifying.  Owen is a charming young man who has unexpected depth and substance.  The storyline is well-written and engaging and the various issues are realistically depicted.  Katherine Center brings this  enchanting novel to a heartfelt conclusion. The epilogue is wonderful and a little bittersweet. Readers are sure to laugh and cry as they join Cassie on her incredible journey of healing and love.

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Filed under Contemporary, Katherine Center, Rated B+, Review, Romance, St Martin's Press, Things You Save in a Fire, Women's Fiction

May 13, 2018 · 11:58 pm

Review: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Title: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Happiness for Beginners comes an unforgettable love story about finding joy even in the darkest of circumstances.

Margaret Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she’s worked for so hard and so long: a new dream job, a fiancé she adores, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a brief, tumultuous moment.

In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Maggie must confront the unthinkable. First there is her fiancé, Chip, who wallows in self-pity while simultaneously expecting to be forgiven. Then, there’s her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act. Finally, there’s Ian, her physical therapist, the one the nurses said was too tough for her. Ian, who won’t let her give in to her pity, and who sees her like no one has seen her before. Sometimes the last thing you want is the one thing you need. Sometimes we all need someone to catch us when we fall. And sometimes love can find us in the least likely place we would ever expect.

How to Walk Away is Katherine Center at her very best—a masterpiece of a novel that is both hopeful and hilarious; truthful and wise; tender and brave.

Review:

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center is an uplifting, poignant and funny novel about a woman’s recovery from a plane crash.

Margaret “Maggie” Jacobsen is on the cusp on having everything she ever wanted until her world is upended.  In the aftermath of a terrifying place crash piloted by her long time boyfriend, Chip Dunbar, she struggles to make sense of her life. While Chip pulls a disappearing act, Maggie’s always supportive dad, well-meaning but über controlling mom, and her estranged sister Kitty do everything they can to help her during her recovery. Despite her wonderful nurse’s best efforts, Maggie is paired with gruff and grumpy physical therapist Ian Moffat who turns out to be just the person she needs to lift her flagging spirits. But is Maggie ready to face her new life and all of the unexpected challenges that lie before her?

Even as an adult, Maggie is a dutiful daughter who always follows her Mom’s directions. She is also an overachiever whose intense focus on getting her degree has paid off as a plum job is hers for the taking. Her relationship with Chip is comfortable and somewhat predictable but she is more than happy to say “yes” when he proposes to her. But when her life literally crashes and burns, Maggie’s concentration on her recovery  leaves little time for planning for her new future.

Kitty’s unexpected departure three years earlier occurred after  a horrible fight with her mother. She kept in touch with their father, but Maggie has not seen nor spoken to her in the intervening years. Maggie is quite resistant to Kitty’s attempts to reconcile but her sister is persistent and refuses to take “no” for an answer. Despite her reluctance to resume her relationship with Kitty, her sister turns out to be just what Maggie needs to keep her going when her spirits and confidence flag.

Ian is a more than capable physical therapist but he is not friendly or engaging during his sessions with Maggie.  Maggie is at first disappointed he is not more outgoing or overly talkative but this ultimately turns out to be just the challenge she needs to take her mind off her troubles. She works hard during their sessions and she goes to extreme lengths to break through his icy exterior. When Ian finally shows his human side, it is just what Maggie needs to overcome her latest obstacle. However he shuts down a personal  relationship pretty quickly due to ethical concerns about becoming involved with a patient. He does tend to blow a bit hot and cold with her which is somewhat confusing for Maggie especially after Ian’s boss takes his petty revenge on him.

How to Walk Away is a heartwarming, well-researched novel of second chances and redemption. The characters are well-developed with complex personalities, relatable flaws and hidden strengths.  Maggie undergoes a great deal of personal growth as she overcomes numerous obstacles in the aftermath of a life-altering accident. Katherine Center’s research into Maggie’s medical conditions is impeccable and she does a wonderful job balancing the realistic aspects of her medical conditions with the emotional element of her recovery.  A deeply affecting story that will melt readers’ hearts as Maggie undergoes a difficult journey of healing.

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Filed under Contemporary, How to Walk Away, Katherine Center, Rated B+, Review, St Martin's Press, Women's Fiction

May 7, 2013 · 3:56 am

Review: The Lost Husband by Katherine Center

Title: The Lost Husband by Katherine Center
Publisher: Random House
Imprint: Ballantine Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction
Length: 305 pages
Book Rating: A

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Weiner and Emily Giffin, this tender and heartwarming novel explores the trials of losing what matters most—and how there’s always more than we can imagine left to find.

Dear Libby, It occurs to me that you and your two children have been living with your mother for—Dear Lord!—two whole years, and I’m writing to see if you’d like to be rescued.

The letter comes out of the blue, and just in time for Libby Moran, who—after the sudden death of her husband, Danny—went to stay with her hypercritical mother. Now her crazy Aunt Jean has offered Libby an escape: a job and a place to live on her farm in the Texas Hill Country. Before she can talk herself out of it, Libby is packing the minivan, grabbing the kids, and hitting the road.

Life on Aunt Jean’s goat farm is both more wonderful and more mysterious than Libby could have imagined. Beyond the animals and the strenuous work, there is quiet—deep, country quiet. But there is also a shaggy, gruff (though purportedly handsome, under all that hair) farm manager with a tragic home life, a formerly famous feed-store clerk who claims she can contact Danny “on the other side,” and the eccentric aunt Libby never really knew but who turns out to be exactly what she’s been looking for. And despite everything she’s lost, Libby soon realizes how much more she’s found. She hasn’t just traded one kind of crazy for another: She may actually have found the place to bring her little family—and herself—back to life.

The Review:

Katherine Center’s The Lost Husband is a beautiful journey of self-discovery that is a little poignant but uplifting. This heartwarming and humorous novel has an all star cast of charming characters that will steal your heart.

Following her husband’s death three years earlier, Libby Moran and her two young kids, Abby and Tank moved in with her narcissistic mother. On the heels of yet another argument, Libby impulsively accepts her Aunt Jean’s offer to move in with her on her goat farm. Aunt Jean and a simpler life on the farm are just what Libby needs to make peace with her past.

All of the characters in The Lost Husband are well-developed and just a little bit quirky. Libby is a loving but overprotective mother who always expects the worst in any given situation. What makes her unique is that she accepts fully accepts herself, flaws and all. Aunt Jean is a free spirit who perfectly balances Libby’s overprotective nature. Farm manager O’Connor is gruff but caring and endlessly patient with Libby and her kids.

The Lost Husband is a light-hearted and thought-provoking novel that is engaging and witty. Katherine Center’s character development is flawless and she brings them vibrantly to life. A delightful story of family, friends and love that I absolutely loved and heartily recommend.

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Filed under Ballantine Books, Contemporary, Fiction, Katherine Center, Random House Publishing Group, Rated A, Review, Romance, The Lost Husband