The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch

Willa Chandler-Golden's father changed the world with his self-help bestseller, Is It Really Your Choice? Why Your Entire Life May Be Out of Your Control. Millions of devoted fans now find solace in his notion that everything happens for a reason. Though Willa isn’t entirely convinced of her father’s theories, she readily admits that the universe has delivered her a solid life: a reliable husband, a fast-paced career. Sure there are hiccups – negative pregnancy tests, embattled siblings - but this is what the universe has brought, and life, if she doesn’t think about it too much, is wonderful.

Then her (evidently not-so-reliable) husband proposes this: A two-month break. Two months to see if they can't live their lives without each other. And before Willa can sort out destiny and fate and what it all means, she’s axed from her job, her 12 year-old nephew Nicky moves in, her ex-boyfriend finds her on Facebook, and her best friend Vanessa lands a gig writing for Dare You!, the hottest new reality TV show. And then Vanessa lures Willa into dares of her own - dares that run counter to her father’s theories of fate, dares that might change everything…but only if Willa is brave enough to stop listening to the universe and instead aim for the stars.

The Theory of Opposites has the feel of most books in it's same genre, but this one takes it one step more and made me stop and think about what do I think? Do I believe in fate, so it doesn't matter what I do and think the outcome is always going to be the same or do I control my own destiny. I won't bore you with my thoughts about fate, but I will tell you I enjoyed The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch. The protectionist Willa is just such a likable character, she doesn't go out of her way to ruffle feathers (perfectly written middle child--seriously she reminded me of my younger sister!). She has this overly dominating dad who believes what he wrote and insists everyone should as if he is all-knowing. (He kinda drove me nuts). I was actually surprised by the husband and his desire for a two-month break. I was mad for Willa and was like go Vanessa for being such a good friend and pushing Willa to find her own voice.

I believe what I enjoyed most about this novel, is Scotch didn't reinvent a whole new Willa in two months. She moved her, grew her, but in a way that was very believable. Her whole personality and tendencies didn't just change 100%. So in the end I wasn't completely sure how she would handle everything...would she still see fate? Would she go with the flow?

I also really enjoyed the cast of supporting characters! I thought they added just enough to the story, I loved how life was still happening while Willa was working on daring herself. I'm going to have to stop here, because I want to keep blabbing about the book and I don't want to give any spoilers! I really enjoyed The Theory of Opposites and recommend it. I dare you to grab a copy!

Oh and PS Allison Winn Scotch has been discussing thoughts about the book (like a book club with the author, how cool!) on her facebook page! Make sure to check it out!

Follow Allison Winn Scotch

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Buy your copy of The Theory of Opposites by Allison Winn Scotch

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The Spirit Keeper: A Novel by K.B. Laugheed + Giveaway

A fiery frontier woman falls deeply in love with her Native American captor on an epic journey

The thirteenth child conceived of miserable Irish exiles, Katie O’Toole dreams of a different life. Little does she know that someone far away is dreaming of her.
In 1747, savages raid her family home, and seventeen-year-old Katie is taken captive. Syawa and Hector have been searching for her, guided by Syawa’s dreams. A young Holyman, Syawa believes Katie is the subject of his Vision: the Creature of Fire and Ice, destined to bring a great gift to his people. Despite her flaming hair and ice-blue eyes, Katie is certain he is mistaken, but faced with
returning to her family, she agrees to join them. She soon discovers that in order to fulfill Syawa’s Vision, she must first become his Spirit Keeper, embarking on an epic journey that will change her life—and heart—forever.

Growing up I loved watching movies with my dad. It was something he and I did, we were both movie buffs. Never on my own would I have watched an old western or a science fiction movie, but happily I would sit and watch with him and a big bowl of popcorn between us. Even now when my husband puts on a movie I will wonder if my dad would have enjoyed this movie. When I read the synopsis of THE SPIRIT KEEPER I couldn't help but think of my dad. I surely have not read any book about Indians and frontier life as an adult, but I thought if this was a movie dad and I would have watched. I knew I wanted to read it even though it isn't a typical genre I would read.

I was wrong, this is exactly the type of book I would read. A story of a young seventeen year old girl taken from her family and begins an epic adventure of traveling across American with strangers, a journey of self discovery. Wow. There was nothing about this book I didn't love! I loved how Laugheed used just the right about of dialect in her writing, so I could clearly 'hear' Katie. I loved the interesting discovery of how two cultures lived, as Katie and her companions, Syawa and Hector travel.

THE SPIRIT KEEPER read easily and quickly. I had an inkling on how the story might progress, but it was so much more. I was captivated by Katie's story. It opens up with her journaling about her journey. The story is through her eyes. When she loves, I loved. I felt like I was right there next to her during her travels.

I'm not one who is typically sad when a book ends. I see it's coming, I want to know how it's going to wrap up. As I began to notice I had very few pages left, I was sad. I wanted to stay with Katie. I wasn't ready to leave her or her adventure. This is a story of love, loss, adventure, letting go, and growing up. I am excited to recommend THE SPIRIT KEEPER and I hope you read it. I'm also so thankful to TLC for sending me a copy to review and to be able to offer a copy to giveaway to one lucky US/Cananda reader!
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Buy a copy of The Spirit Keeper: A Novel by K.B. Laugheed

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K. B. Laugheed’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Wednesday, November 20th:  Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Monday, November 25th:  Book-alicious Mama

Tuesday, November 26th:  SusieBookWorm

Wednesday, November 27th:  Book Drunkard

Friday, November 29th:  WV Stitcher

Tuesday, December 3rd:  Unabridged Chick

Wednesday, December 4th:  Books Without Any Pictures

Thursdya, December 5th:  Book Marks the Spot

Monday, December 9th:  From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, December 10th:  Tiffany’s Bookshelf

Wednesday, December 11th:  No More Grumpy Bookseller

Thursday, December 12th:  Ageless Pages Reviews

Friday, December 13th:  Reading Reality

Monday, December 16th:  Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, December 18th:  Must Read Faster

Friday, December 20th:  A Novel Review

Monday, December 23rd:  Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books

THE FIVE W’S and How Of Heather Webb

Heather Webb grew up a military brat and naturally became obsessed with travel, culture, and languages. She put her degrees to good use teaching high school French for nearly a decade before turning to full time novel writing and freelance editing. Her debut, BECOMING JOSEPHINE will release December 31, 2013 from Plume/Penguin.

When not writing, Heather flexes her foodie skills or looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world. She loves to chitchat on Twitter with new reader friends or writers (@msheatherwebb) or via her blog (http://www.HeatherWebb.net) Stop on by!

WHO? Who are you besides a writer?
Besides a writer, I’m a freelance editor and blogger, a mom, a foodie, and a culture junkie. I also happen to be a former high school teacher and track coach.
WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
Other than family time, I really love experimenting in the kitchen. I’m a total cookbook slut. I collect those with lots of beautiful pictures and innovative ingredients, and I especially enjoy cookbooks with cultural tidbits in them. And baking…ahhhh…my Achilles heel. I adore it. Also very high on the list is traveling and foreign films.
WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing all my life in various forms, though none of it was serious. It didn’t occur to me to write a book until I had been teaching several years. Even then, I didn’t really wrap my brain around the idea until I had resigned from work to raise my kids. Between naps and feedings, I had quiet time in my head. That’s when all the creative energy took me by storm.
WHERE? Where do you write?
The bulk of my writing is done at a couple of coffee shops I love in town. It’s very hard to get work done when the kiddos are home. But my youngest is finally in school part time so I’m starting to work some at home, too.
WHY? Why do you write?
Because I ADORE books, the human story, escaping to another life. I like to feel something, to believe in something. Books do all of this for me and so much more. I have always fawned over beautiful phrases and imagery. To give even a little of this to someone else, from my own hand, feels like such a gift. A little treasure I can leave them with and also give myself—spending all that time in this magical world.
How? Has your writing success changed your life?
Well, for one, it changed my career. No more full-time teaching for me. (If I can help it, that is) It has also changed the way I view my world. I’ve always been an observer of details, but now when I look/listen/smell something, my brain is immediately at work, looking for away to put that little piece of beauty into words. Writing success has also changed my stress level from moderately low to moderately high. This business is nuts, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

About the Book:

Rose sails from Martinique to Paris to trade her plantation ways and Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. But her haughty Parisian husband dashes her hopes when he abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution.

Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll. After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power.

Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the unwelcome love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century—Napoleon Bonaparte.

BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.

 Learn more about Heather Webb by following her

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Pre-Order your copy of BECOMING JOSEPHINE

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Thanks so much for joining us, Heather!

I'll be reviewing Becoming Josephine in a few weeks! I can't wait to read it!

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

Fleeing an East Coast life marred by tragedy, Ada Santorini takes up residence on houseboat number seven on Boat Street. She discovers a trunk left behind by Penny Wentworth, a young newlywed who lived on the boat half a century earlier. Ada longs to know her predecessor’s fate, but little suspects that Penny’s mysterious past and her own clouded future are destined to converge.

Sarah Jio has written another fan favorite. I love her easy way of telling a story, well not one story, but two. This story was a little different for me I suppose because there was such a sad undertone for both woman. You know how things are going to end for poor Penny and you know Ada is running from her past.

Even though the story has a sad undertone, Jio slowly pulled me a long and I began to see hope...hope for both Ada and Penny! I desperately wanted both ladies to have happily endings. I loved the slow growth of Ada, her back and forth feelings and struggles. When she began opening up about her past, her pain...I was a mess! I mean seriously, never ever...I was NOT prepared for the what. It made me love her more, root for her and Alex even more. Hope the two of them could move forward.

Then there was Penny. Penny was just plain sweet. I honestly felt like I knew how things were going to play out, the who did what...nope. I again was not prepared.

I haven't read a Sarah Jio book I didn't love and Morning Glory was no exception! It made me remember why I always rave about her books! I loved how her newest book was a bit of a change of pace in the sense that Penny's story wasn't all that long ago. I really enjoyed the change of pace. I also loved the houseboat! I kept picturing the lifestyle in my head! I just think it would be really cool to live on one!

So the question is, am I recommending Morning Glory? YES! Go buy a copy, heck it's Christmas go buy a few copies and give them to the women in your life--they will love you for it!

Buy your copy of Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

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Follow Sarah Jio (really, she is super sweet and she loves to share about her writing!)

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Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

At twenty-one, Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Natty, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced Catholic mother and Jewish father. She’s got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up in a gas station mini-mart and falling in love with a great wall of a man named William Ashe, who willingly steps between the armed robber and her son.

Shandi doesn’t know that her blond god Thor has his own complications. When he looked down the barrel of that gun he believed it was destiny: It’s been one year to the day since a tragic act of physics shattered his universe. But William doesn’t define destiny the way other people do. A brilliant geneticist who believes in science and numbers, destiny to him is about choice.

Now, he and Shandi are about to meet their so-called destinies head on, in a funny, charming, and poignant novel about science and miracles, secrets and truths, faith and forgiveness,; about a virgin birth, a sacrifice, and a resurrection; about falling in love, and learning that things aren’t always what they seem—or what we hope they will be. It’s a novel about discovering what we want and ultimately finding what we need.

Let me begin with, I've not read anything by Joshilyn Jackson before. I've wanted to and even have one of her other books. So when I saw her newest book was going on tour I was thrilled to finally read one of her books. I started reading SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY and as soon as I started reading it...I found it to be odd--not the right word, quirky? Just not what I was expecting. I was interested in the story, but not really committed to the characters.

Then I hit part 2 of the story (there are three parts). HELLO MAGIC! It was like THIS is what people mean when they rave about Joshilyn Jackson! Suddenly all these characters; Shandi, William, Walcott, Mimmy (and really all of them) I find myself completely invested in what is going to happen! I fell in love with them, I wanted happily ever afters and instead there is all sorts of 'stuff'. Life. People. Obstacles...pasts, but oh I wanted a happy ending. There are people in this story that you think no way would I want good things for them and yet you do...I did. I found myself wanting a happy ending for everyone. This novel was so unexpectedly wonderful! I could not, could not get over all of the twists and turns! I went from smiling to crying to saying, "oh my goodness!" back to crying!

I love how when I completed reading it, I felt better for having read it...like I had been part of SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE STORY and it was unexpectedly beautiful. I am very much recommending it and I hope you will buy a copy for someone you love!

(totally corny, but 'tis the season): Frosty the Snowman have have magic found a magical black hat, but Jackson surely has magic in her fingertips!

Follow Joshilyn Jackson

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Tuesday, November 19th: BookNAround

Wednesday, November 20th: No More Grumpy Bookseller

Monday, November 25th: Tina’s Book Reviews

Tuesday, November 26th: The Blog of Lit Wits

Wednesday, November 27th: Tina’s Book Reviews

Thursday, November 28th: Mom in Love With Fiction

Friday, November 29th: Books à la Mode

Monday, December 2nd: Drey’s Library

Tuesday, December 3rd: Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, December 4th: Broken Teepee

Thursday, December 5th: Peeking Between the Pages

Monday, December 9th: guiltless reading

Tuesday, December 10th: Book-alicious Mama

Wednesday, December 11th: A Novel Review

Thursday, December 12th: Time 2 Read

Monday, December 16th: The Lost Entwife

Tuesday, December 17th: BoundbyWords

Wednesday, December 18th: Alison’s Book Marks

Thursday, December 19th: she treads softly

Friday, December 20th: Book Snob

The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

From Goodreads: 

Two years have done little to ease veterinarian Audra Hughes’s grief over her husband’s untimely death. Eager for a fresh start, Audra plans to leave Portland for a new job in Philadelphia. Her seven-year-old son, Jack, seems apprehensive about flying—but it’s just the beginning of an anxiety that grows to consume him.

As Jack’s fears continue to surface in recurring and violent nightmares, Audra hardly recognizes the introverted boy he has become. Desperate, she traces snippets of information unearthed in Jack’s dreams, leading her to Sean Malloy, a struggling US Army veteran wounded in Afghanistan. Together they unravel a mystery dating back to World War II, and uncover old family secrets that still have the strength to wound—and perhaps, at last, to heal. 

My Review:

I love World War II stories.  This had a different twist on it, due to it being actually two stories.  The story of  Audra/Jack and Vivian/Isaak/Gene.   Audra and Jack are present day.   Vivian/Isaak/Gene are World War II.  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they all connected. I had ideas and am happy to say that I did figure it out and loved how it worked out.

Every character in this book was true to life.   I found myself connecting to many of them.  I cannot choose a favorite.   Audra, as a single mom, was amazing.  The time and devotion she gave to Jack made her a star in my eyes.  Vivian, from World War II, kept me reading.  I had to know how she dealt with the rough times in her life and watch her enjoy the great times.   Isaak confused me.  I wasn’t sure what to think of him.   He seemed to take a lot from Vivian, but didn’t seem to give her a lot back other than heart break.    Gene was the man we all want.  He promised Vivian he would take care of her and then took that seriously, even when he wasn’t sure he still loved her.  

This is a book for everyone.  There is romance, history, and a mystery all mixed into a great story.    I believe that book clubs would love this book, as would the regular reader. 

Purchase The Pieces We Keep

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The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

The First Phone Call from Heaven tells the story of a small town on Lake Michigan that gets worldwide attention when its citizens start receiving phone calls from the afterlife. Is it the greatest miracle ever or a massive hoax? Sully Harding, a grief-stricken single father, is determined to find out. An allegory about the power of belief--and a page-turner that will touch your soul--Albom's masterful storytelling has never been so moving and unexpected.

Readers of The Five People You Meet in Heaven will recognize the warmth and emotion so redolent of Albom's writing, and those who haven't yet enjoyed the power of his storytelling, will thrill at the discovery of one of the best-loved writers of our time.

Phones in a small Michigan town begin ringing and their loved ones on the other end are calling from heaven. My heart stops. I think of my mom. Can I recall the sound of her voice. Yes. Tears begin to fall. What wouldn't a person who lost a loved one do to hear their voice, to know, to get an assurance that they are ok, not only are they ok, but they are in heaven and they don't want you to lose faith, stay the course. Everything is ok.

But not everyone gets a phone call from heaven. Sully Harding has just been released from prison. His wife is dead and he is left to try and make a new life for himself and his six year old son, Jules. As more people come forward admit they too are receiving phone calls from heaven, Sully makes it his mission to foil the mystery...as his little boy begins to carry around a toy telephone (my heart broke).

Each call changes the lives of the people receiving them. For some it brings healing, to some it brings hope and to others it opens up painful wounds. The novel has multiple points of view and tidbits of Alexander Graham Bell are woven in. A very quick read.

This was my first Mitch Albom book. I have heard nothing, but great things about his books. I was very excited to read it. I ended up with a bit of mixed feelings about the novel. I went in with an expectation that this would be a really inspirational story. I didn't find The First Phone Call from Heaven to be overall inspirational. I mean yes there was some, but like I said I had a high expectation. I found it to be more a mystery to disprove someone else's miracle. This made me sad. I wanted Sully to stop. I didn't want anyone to have to have their hearts broken, again. It would be like losing that person again, and losing face for believing they were contacting you.

As I'm sitting here writing this review, I'm thinking back to the book. I'm realizing how we aren't given phone calls from heaven to make us believe...that is where faith comes in. If you are given absolute proof than there is no need for faith, is there? The novel isn't about the ones who believe, it's about the one who doesn't. There are no guarantees in life, but if you believe then the afterlife is a guarantee. If Sully proves it's a hoax, he doesn't disprove the existence of heaven--but maybe his journey will open his eyes to what is unseen.

I went into this book wanting proof. I wanted a phone call, too. I wanted to believe my mom and dad are just a phone call away. I ended up sitting on this story long after the last page was read. I was reminded not to put my faith in this world. I'm recommending The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom--a perfect Christmas gift. 

The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom 

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Thursday, October 31st: Alison’s Book Marks

Monday, November 4th: Lisa’s Yarns

Tuesday, November 5th: Good Girl Gone Redneck

Wednesday, November 6th: Seaside Book Nook

Thursday, November 7th: Lesa’s Book Critiques

Monday, November 11th: She’s Got Books On Her Mind

Tuesday, November 12th: Letters, Numbers and Books oh my!

Wednesday, November 13th: One Book at a Time

Thursday, November 14th: A Utah Mom’s Life

Friday, November 15th: Excellent Library

Monday, November 18th: Drey’s Library

Tuesday, November 19th: Love at First Book

Wednesday, November 20th: Teena in Toronto

Thursday, November 21st: Wall-to-Wall Books

Monday, November 25th: Lavish Bookshelf

Tuesday, November 26th: Peeking Between the Pages

Wednesday, November 27th: A Novel Review

Monday, December 2nd: Reflections of a Bookaholic

Monday, December 2nd: The Best Books Ever

Tuesday, December 3rd: Book-alicious Mama

Wednesday, December 4th: BoundbyWords

Thursday, December 5th: Walking With Nora

Monday, December 9th: Books a la Mode

Monday, December 9th: Suko’s Notebook

Tuesday, December 10th: Found Between the Covers

Wednesday, December 11th: A Dream Within a Dream

Thursday, December 12th: Book Snob

Monday, December 16th: The Well-Read Redhead

Tuesday, December 17th: My Bookshelf

Wednesday, December 18th: Literary Time Out

Thursday, December 19th: Brooklyn Berry Designs

Date TBD: The Book Wheel

Perfect Timing by Laura Spinella

Isabel Lang and Aiden Roycroft have been best friends since Isabel moved to Catswallow, Alabama when her parents divorced.    Aiden is the bad boy, from a rough neighborhood, rocker while Isabel is a good girl from a rough neighborhood.   They are an unlikely pair, but made it through Aiden’s many girlfriends, a first kiss, and family secrets.   When Aiden is accused of a horrible crime, the pair flee to Las Vegas and Isabel’s future is changed.  Many years later Isabel and Aiden have moved on, not together, and built their own lives.   Isabel is running a radio station that when bought out is forced to call on her past relationship with now rock star Aiden to save her and her friends job. 

My Review: 

                                                                                                                           

Laura Spinella is the only author I have ever read  that can move from the present to the past so seamlessly.   The past is where I got to know and love Aiden and Isabel, even with their speckled histories.    The present is where I got to hope that true love, first love, is a real thing and will overcome all the obstacles.  It was so touching to see how their friendship progressed from a young love to an adult relationship.   Aiden is truly one of a kind, the kind that every girl hopes to have in her life.  

As the story is told, there are twists and turns that I never saw coming.  One in particular had me setting the book down and making me think about what was being told.     This twist truly makes the story one that I will be talking about for a long while and be happily sharing with all my fellow readers.   This is a book of love conquering all with a ton of emotion and amazing writing.   

This is a book that I will recommend to EVERYONE.   Laura Spinella wrote another amazing book that is sure to touch anyone who reads it.  

Please be sure to check out Laura Kay's 5W's of Laura Spinella(<--click to read)

 

Purchase Perfect Timing

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Learn more about Laura Spinella

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Rodeo Sweethearts by Lilian Darcy

About the Book 

Melinda and Rob are Jamie MacCreadie’s parents from Lilian Darcy’s MARRY ME, COWBOY. They have a secret they are divided over whether to share with their five children or not. Melinda and Rob were young rodeo sweethearts and had shared their first kiss at a rodeo. Would Rob be able to get Melinda to agree to share her secret?

About the Author

Lilian Darcy was born on Valentine’s Day. This auspicious date, as well as a love of reading, set her destiny as a writer of romance and women’s fiction from an early age. She has now written over eighty romances for Harlequin, as well as several mainstream novels, including Cafe du Jour, originally published by Mira Books Australia

My Comments:
I have read the other books in the Montana Born Series.   I wondered about Melinda and how she became who she is now.   She is a strong woman, who once has 5 children not more than 2 years apart.  I love that Rob is so protective and strong for Melinda. This novella is the perfect accompaniment to the rest of the books in this series and I am very happy to have the insight that  is given in it.

The story did not take me long to read and I recommend it to anyone else who is reading this series.  

Relevant Links:

·         Montana Born Books website - http://montanabornbooks.com/

·         Montana Born Books Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MontanaBornBooks

·         Montana Born Books Twitter - https://twitter.com/montanabornbook

·         Lilian Darcy’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LilianDarcyAuthor

·         Lilian Darcy’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/liliandarcy

Christmas Carol by Michele Gorman

Three ex-boyfriends at her sister’s Christmas Wedding is Carol’s nightmare and it is about to come true.    When her sister, Marley, plans her wedding, with Carol as maid of honor, for the weekend after Christmas and then makes Carol’s ex the best man carol is dreading it.     With no choice she attends the wedding with the intent to learn what went wrong in those relationships.   Little did she know that she would learn so much about herself and come out a much different person.

I love Christmas and everything about Christmas.   This is a great and fun story.   I am a fan of Michele Gorman also.    This story is perfect.   It is a Christmas story, but so much more.   The story is of family coming together and supporting each other and of Carol finding out the truth about herself and making herself a better person.  

I do not envy Carol being in the same location as three of her ex’s.   When she questions each as to why they broke up it was heart breaking.   The truth was told, but it was hard to hear.   Carol showed her true strength when she took what she was told and made herself a better person.   The message shared in this story is one that everyone should know and live by.

Michele wrote another great story that I will happily recommend to all my chic-lit friends. 

Purchase Christmas Carol by Michele Gorman

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THE FIVE W’S and HOW Of Kristina Riggle

Kristina Riggle lives and writes in West Michigan. She has published short stories in the Cimarron Review,Literary Mama, Espresso Fiction, and elsewhere, and she works as co-editor for fiction at Literary Mama. Kristina was a full-time newspaper reporter before turning her attention to creative writing. As well as writing, she enjoys reading, running, dabbling in (very) amateur musical theatre, and spending lots of time with her husband, two kids and dog.

WHO? Who are you besides a writer? 
A mom, a reader, and an amateur musical theater aspirant. I was in the chorus of a show a long time ago, and I really want to do it again someday when the magical combination of schedule, show and a successful audition align. My character shoes are in my closet, just waiting.


WHAT? What do you enjoy doing other than writing in your spare time?
Reading, of course. I volunteer for Relay for Life in my community, which is the American Cancer Society’s major fundraising event. I have recently taken up running, and my goal is to get my 5k under 30 minutes by next spring.

WHEN? When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
As far back as I can remember. I have been telling stories and writing stories since I could read.

WHERE? Where do you write? 
At home, either in my office (which gets very cold in the winter as it doesn’t have its own heating vent) or the kitchen table. On nice days I like to write out on the deck. I confess I don’t get the coffee shop writing thing, unless you have to flee your house because of chaos at home. I have done that myself but it’s not ideal. Coffee shops are often still noisy and bustling. I mean, they are meant to be social spaces.
I’d think that the best off-site writing spot would be a library. I do that once in a great while if I crave a change of scenery.

WHY? Why do you write?
Because I love it and I’m good at it, and I’m most “me” when  I’m writing.


How? Has your writing success changed your life? 
“Success” is hard to define, but I’ll say this much: being able to help support my family with what I love to do is a tremendous blessing and when I’m having a bad writing day (or a bad publishing-biz day, which is not the same thing) I try to keep gratitude foremost in my mind. I have the best job I could ever have, right now. How many people get to say that?

Thank-you so much for joining us here on A Novel Review, Kristina! Good luck on reaching your 5k goal!

Make sure you check out my review of THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD by Kristina Riggle!

Buy a copy of The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle 

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The Whole Golden World by Kristina Riggle

An astonishing novel from the acclaimed author of Keepsake that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. At turns shocking, provocative, and heart-wrenching, and inspired by a true story The Whole Golden World forces us to ask the question "How well do we really know our children?"

To the outside Diana and Joe have a perfect family-three lovely children, a beautiful home, and a café that's finally taking off. But their world is rocked when it's discovered that their oldest daughter, 17-year-old Morgan is having an affair with her married teacher, TJ Hill.

Their town rocks with the scandal. When the case goes to trial, the family is torn further apart when Morgan sides not with her parents-as a manipulated teenage girl; but with TJ himself-as a woman who loves a 30-year-old man.

Told from the perspectives of Morgan, Diana, and TJ's wife, Rain, this is an unforgettable story that fully explores the surprising, even shocking, events that change the lives of two families.

My Thoughts:
What a book. We hear stories in the news way to often about teacher/student 'relationships' more often than we should. I went into this novel pretty open minded. I really wasn't sure what to expect, wasn't sure how everything would play out.

17 year old Morgan crushes on her Math teacher, TJ Hill. He is good looking, youngish, and the 'fun' teacher always there to listen and take an interest in his students. Morgan is mature and a good student. She has been a huge help as a 'little mother' to her younger twin brothers. After a break-up with her boyfriend, Morgan begins to feel less connected to her fellow classmates.

TJ is teaching a class that is really pressing him, while at home his wife, Rain is pushing him non-stop about having a baby. Morgan and TJ open up to one another, a inappropriate relationship ensues.

Once the relationship is found out, Morgan's parents expect Morgan to believe she is a victim. They expect the entire town to believe she is a victim, but they are shocked to by reactions. Even Rain stands by her man, believing TJ is the victim.

The story is told from the perspectives of Morgan, Diana (Morgan's mother), and Rain. I read the book from the perspective of former teenage girl, mother of a teenage girl, and as a wife. Riggle nailed all three perspectives. I really tried to relate to each character with the same perspective and I felt overwhelmed with mixed feelings. I mean TJ is guilty...but jail? One side was like oh heck yeah what a pervert, another side was like well...it's not like she is a kid, I mean she is almost a legal adult. For me the best part of the novel that really put the spotlight on the real truth is when Diana talks to the media. I won't give anything away, but she really puts it all in perspective.

I found myself relating to each character on some level. With Morgan, I was a dumb teenager--I did find this a little harder now that I've gotten older, lol. Diana is trying to be a good mom, but clearly allowed too much of the caring for her twins on Morgan. Not only is Diana busy, she also tends to coddle her children (been guilty of this myself). She is not doing them any good. She works hard to make it all better. Rain, might be hard for some women to relate to. She is obsessed with her desire to get pregnant and her willingness to stand by TJ. I respected how Rain wanted everything to be ok, get back to normal.

For me, the best part of the novel is the growth of each character. It's not immediate, they don't always see things right off the bat. However, over time they all open their eyes and begin seeing what others have told them. Those mixed feelings I had though a large part of the novel, they too changed...evolved.

I believe Kristina Riggle didn't just tell a story, she really presses us to examine how we look at our young teens. I am highly recommending THE WHOLE GOLDEN WORLD!

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The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

Three different women are at a car boot sale in Sussex and want to purchase the same vintage teaset.   They decide to share it and manage to form an amazing friendship.

Jenny is engaged to marry Dan.   As the date approaches her past, which she thought was in her past, comes into her present and she has to deal with it.  She wants to serve her wedding guests in vintage teacups.

Maggie is broken hearted and is a florist in charge of the biggest event of her life. She is in need of the teacups to make floral displays for the event. 

Alison is happily married, or she thought she was, with two beautiful daughters.  As things get tough in her life she realizes that all is not as she thought. She is looking for teacups to make candles out of them.

This novel is a story of a friendship that grows during the search for more teacups.  These women quickly become much more than friends , they become sisters.   It is a story of love and friendship and families.  

Each character became a friend to me.  I looked forward to Jenny’s story the most (maybe cause I am planning my brother’s wedding now).  Do not get me wrong.  I loved all the stories, each woman was easily relatable and loveable.    I found myself comforted by these girls and hoping that I could comfort the characters just the same.  

I will recommend this book to all my chic-lit friends .  I am hoping that there will be more to come about these three lovely ladies. 

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Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

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From Joshilyn's Website:

New York Times Bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson lives in Decatur, Georgia with her husband, Scott, their two children, Sam and Maisy Jane, and two feckless, dog-shaped wastrels who answer to Bagel and Ansley, especially if you are holding bacon. They all serve an orange tom named Mango in various capacities.

She is the author of five novels: gods in labama, Between, Georgia, The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Backseat Saints, and A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, won SIBA’s novel of the year, twice been a #1 Book Sense Pick, twice won Georgia Author of the Year, and twice been shortlisted for the Townsend prize.

A former actor, Jackson reads the audio versions of her novels; her work in this field has been nominated for the Audie Award, was selected by AudioFile Magazine for their best of the year list, has made the 2012 Audible All-Star list for highest listener ranks/reviews, and garnered three Listen Up Awards from Publisher’s Weekly. In 2012 Jackson began reading the audio versions of books written by other novelists, beginning with Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer.

 From Goodreads:

At twenty-one, Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Natty, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced Catholic mother and Jewish father. She’s got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up in a gas station mini-mart and falling in love with a great wall of a man named William Ashe, who willingly steps between the armed robber and her son.

Shandi doesn’t know that her blond god Thor has his own complications. When he looked down the barrel of that gun he believed it was destiny: It’s been one year to the day since a tragic act of physics shattered his universe. But William doesn’t define destiny the way other people do. A brilliant geneticist who believes in science and numbers, destiny to him is about choice.

Now, he and Shandi are about to meet their so-called destinies head on, in a funny, charming, and poignant novel about science and miracles, secrets and truths, faith and forgiveness,; about a virgin birth, a sacrifice, and a resurrection; about falling in love, and learning that things aren’t always what they seem—or what we hope they will be. It’s a novel about discovering what we want and ultimately finding what we need

Purchase your copy of Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

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