Review: Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Published September 9, 2014
Wendy Lamb Books

Synopsis: For fans of Jennifer Holm (Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise), a heartfelt and unforgettable middle-grade novel about an irresistible girl and her family, tragic change, and the healing power of love and friendship. In 1972 home is a cozy nest on Cape Cod for eleven-year-old Naomi “Chirp” Orenstein, her older sister, Rachel; her psychiatrist father; and her dancer mother. But then Chirp’s mom develops symptoms of a serious disease, and everything changes.
   Chirp finds comfort in watching her beloved wild birds. She also finds a true friend in Joey, the mysterious boy who lives across the street. Together they create their own private world and come up with the perfect plan: Escape. Adventure. Discovery.
   Nest is Esther Ehrlich’s stunning debut novel. Her lyrical writing is honest, humorous, and deeply affecting. Chirp and Joey will steal your heart. Long after you finish Nest, the spirit of Chirp and her loving family will stay with you. 

Review: This book gave me the feels. For Chirp, her whole family, Joey. There were so many different emotions going on throughout the story they just all pulled at the heartstrings. I literally wanted to reach into this book and hug each character, protect them and make them feel better.

To have this much attachment to characters, you need beautiful writing. And that is exactly what I found in this book. From the language to the plot, this book is a well written story. The descriptions are vivid, especially of Chirp's birds, as well as different locations the characters are at throughout the story. 

This story would be a great parent-child read as it touches on many difficult topics and has the potential for great discussions.

Recommended For: Mature middle grade readers, any young adult or adult reader looking for a heartfelt story.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. 

Review: The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard

Publish Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade

Synopsis: Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.
 
Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.
 
Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again. - from goodreads.com

Review: I would be lying if I said that I was hooked on this book from the start. The truth is, I started reading this a few times, each time getting through the first chapter and putting it down. But once I got past the first few chapters and the plot really got going, I was hooked. I could NOT put this down! Throughout the story, Ruby is prim and proper to the point that she was making me crazy. I wanted to yell into the book "Take a chance!!! Live a little!!!" But it turns out that's what most of this book is about. Taking a chance. Learning to let your guard down and let things or people in.

The cast of characters were all different but each lent their own wisdom, experiences, and advice. Ruby touches so many lives through her flowers that it's nice to see how many people touch hers as well. Though she is still grieving the loss of her sister 20 years prior, she has such a family with the people of Creekside, Washington. It made me yearn for small town life.

One of my favorite parts of this story was learning about the flowers themselves. Ruby knows which flowers are good for healing different ailments, which ones improve different moods, even which ones can give people a boost to fall in love. I found this extremely fascinating.

Overall, the moral of this story is to let people in because as they say..."All you need is love and lilies."

Recommended For: Fans of contemporary, women's fiction. Debbie Macomber fans.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review: We Are The Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

Publish Date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Random House Children's- Wendy Lamb Books

Synopsis: When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellaya. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.

Review: This was a quick read about two sisters and their changing bond. Nell and Layla were always like one person growing up however now that they are both in high school, things are changing. Layla, who is older than Nell, is becoming very secretive and pushing Nell away. As you can imagine, Nell doesn't like this one bit. But then you find out more about what is going on in Layla's life and that's where the plot thickens (no pun intended.)

I did find that the plot fell flat for me however the characters and relationships made up for it. Though I did not grow up with siblings, I imagine that the older sibling growing up and leaving the younger one behind is a common occurrence. You could sense Nell's feelings of hurt throughout this book. Another relationship that seems to ring true is the parent/child relationship. So often you see the older child portrayed as the "favorite" of the two children. Luckily Nell has Felix, which is a complex relationship in itself!

I also enjoyed that this book was written in the form of a letter from Nell to Layla. This technique made the book seem more personal. It was a well written book, a fluffy contemporary that pulled a bit at the heart strings.

Recommended For: Fans of contemporary YA fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Don't Let Go by Sharla Lovelace

Publish Date: April 11, 2014
Publisher: Beyond the Page

Synopsis: Noah Ryan and Jules Doucette spent every moment together, first as best friends and later as young lovers. The two had planned a life together—until one unspeakable decision tore them apart for good.

Twenty-six years later, Jules is still carefully living the life her mother planned out for her. She’s running her mother’s store, living in her mother’s house, following her mother’s rules, and keeping the secrets her mother made her bury.

Then Noah comes home and any sense of an ordered life flies out the window. Noah’s return does more than just stir up old memories—it forces Jules to see her life in a whole new way and uncovers secrets even she didn’t know were buried. Secrets that could easily destroy her world once more.

Review: I don't know if I will be able to accurately express how much I loved this book! It went something like this...

This book was an emotional roller coaster!! Jules is living the life that her mother mapped out for her. That is, until her high school love comes back to town after 26 years away. She hasn't seen or heard from him since he left, on the eve of a emotionally terrifying situation (that I will not spoil in this review.) At this point, both Noah and Jules, along with their families and friends, are forced to remember the events of years ago and confront demons that have been hidden away. 

The author did a wonderful job at character development. Each time something happened to Jules and Noah, I felt it. I was happy with them and cried with them. The chemistry between the two main characters permeates off of each page. You also are exposed to many other types of relationships including parent-child (multi-generational), sibling, ex-spouses, best friends.

I hadn't read anything by this author before but I feel like I need to buy all the books!!

This book appears to be available only in Nook or Kindle format but I highly recommend checking it out! 

Recommended For: Fans of new adult, women's fiction, contemporary fiction. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.