The Summer Swap, by Sarah Morgan

 

Publication May 7, 2024

How does one learn how to be true to oneself after a lifetime of repressing ones own needs and desires?

Three women. Three generations. Three women with unfulfilled dreams. Three women, in many ways, trapped by past decisions. This is their story. While quite different on the surface, they find strength and a common bond together. Art unites them and that connections provides many a surprise to them as the open up to each other and themselves. We meet Lily, young and rather lost, Cecilia, nearly 75 and still trying to find herself beneath the label of being wife to a famous artist, and her daughter Kristen, married to a famous surgeon,  suffering her own pangs of emptiness and pondering an affair, before the women actually meet each other. They find each other at Dove House, where Lily has been, uh, staying without permission and fallen in love with a painting, "The Girl on the Shore", a name you'll hear frequently as the story progresses. I'm not going to ruin your joy of immersing yourself into the story by detailing the plot but will say to be sure you have some hankies handy as it definitely hits you in the feels, more than once, in fact. Family secrets, broken romances, found romance, romance not limited by age, btw, the art world, old friends, drama, snoopy reporters, and, oh, so much more. I've just hit the surface, trust me. All have lessons to learn, including accepting their own roles in creating their current places in life.

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip to Dove House to meet these three amazing women. The men in their lives aren't perfect but the interactions add to the moment. I definitely liked Todd who, even before he appears, is painted as being his own man, not beholden to his family or heritage, and lived up to that mental image in my mind. For me, I probably related most to Cecilia but all have universal traits, dreams, and concerns, making them all the more real. Sarah Morgan, as always, has done an excellent job presenting us with full-fledged characters and putting them down in what sounds like a beautiful setting. Thanks #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing - #CanaryStreetPress for introducing me to these women. They are a great reminder that you're never to old to put the past behind you and head into the future with eyes open.

Old Girls Behaving Badly, by Kate Galley

 Publication May 13, 2024

Delightful. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story, expecting a bit of a mad-cap adventure story involving two older women, which sounded like fun, but it was that and much more. It's probably fair to say it edged into cozy mystery territory. Neither 89-year old Dorothy nor 71-year old Gina have had an easy time of it of late. Dorothy has a plan, however, but needs someone to help her execute it. When she discovers Gina's background in art, she feels sure Gina is the one. Gina's husband of 43 years recently left her to find himself, whatever that meant, and they needed to sell their family home, leaving Gina to find another home. Still reeling, Gina takes a one week job as companion to Dorothy and that is when the fun begins. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of the setting and lovely homes, making me almost wish I could visit. The boat house you'll hear more about also sounds absolutely perfect.

I won't detail the plot, read the blurb, but will say that I liked both Dorothy and Gina a great deal. Both have their moments, Gina usually underestimating herself while Dorothy's tendency to blurt things better left unsaid out adds to the human side of them. We alternate their viewpoints, btw, adding to our understanding of what is going on in their minds as needed. Dorothy isn't over her husband's tragic death and blames... well, I'll leave you to find out when you read .... and seems simply incapable of letting it go and moving on. She's financially solid, even well off, offering Gina not just a job but stability and a safe place. Both become a force to deal with in their own ways, especially when joined by a younger wannabe sleuth, granddaughter Juliet. You'll meet the rest of the family, too, but those are the standouts. The mystery of the missing painting and the strange family dynamics are intriguing, I must admit. Most importantly, Dorothy and Gina remind us to live our lives without being forced into a stereotyped age-appropriate lifestyle. I'm hoping this is to become a series. I'm not done hanging out with Dorothy and Gina yet and, hmm, Erik? 

Bottom line, a fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with a strong character focus, interesting situations, a lovely setting, and message of living our best lives, no matter our age. Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dorothy and Gina. I'm hoping there will be more chances to hang out with them, say in France? I mean, what sort of mischief can two ol' ladies get up to in France, especially simply with Gina doing a good deed for Dorothy?

The Sweetheart List (Sunrise Cove #4), by Jill Shalvis

 

Publication June 13, 2023

Shalvis is a master at creating books that give readers all the "feels". This one is no exception. I'd sorta drifted away from her books for awhile but am glad I found my way home with the advent of the Sunrise Cove series. Harper Shaw is starting over. She's brittle, prickly, and talks to her dog, a 125 lb. Bermese  rescue. I liked her immediately. I did have to chuckle as she slides into town, literally, honest, and makes the comment about not realizing there would be snow on the ground that time of year. Uh, yeah, right. Anyone who follows Shalvis on social media surely knows what the weather is like in the Tahoe area. Me think this was wistful wishing on Shalvis’ part  ha

In any case, Harper is not just starting over, she's making an effort to change how she lives her life, too. For instance, no lists. I'm not sure that was a great idea when you're moving but, well, it does mean she'll be more open to random people and adventure, right? Well, not exactly. Let's just say ignoring an offer of help, twice, in fact, tells you right away that the new Harper is still a work in progress. Hambone, aka Ham, her dog, in contrast, seems to have never met a stranger. Of course, although she’s sworn off men, she’s not blind. She's not immune to men, noticing that the stranger, Brodie Campbell, is, well, attractive. He turns out to not just own the bar next to her soon-to-be business, but is her landlord. She's also not sure about Shay who comes to her rescue with kitty litter. The fact she's dressed up as Velma from the Scooby Doo crew when they first meet probably had something to do with Harper's reluctance to trust her immediately. That said, somehow you just know they're going to be great friends.

I won't detail the plot as the blurb does an excellent job. I loved the characters immediately and the fact that we got to see things quickly through the eyes of both main characters, Harper and Brodie. The nuances and quirks of each emerge as we learn their backstories, not to mention the stories of the supporting characters. Now, true, you just want to shake some sense into some of them almost immediately, too, as they hide their real emotions and selves behind invisible walls. In other words, be prepared for a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times. Toss in a runaway teen girl searching for her real father and, whoa, life gets interesting for our new friends in Sunshine Cove. Oh, and you'll love the family texts sent by the brothers. They alone provide great insight into who each brother is and that despite the joking around they love each other. And, trust me, there are several love stories for you to enjoy. Just make sure that seat belt for the emotional roller coaster is firmly fastened.

Bottom line, if you like romances and women's fiction that is both character driven and well-written, you should give this one a read. There's much more to the story than I've touched on, so it'll grab and hold your attention and, yes, give your "feels" a work-out. Thanks #NetGalley and #Avon - #HarperVoyager for inviting me back to Sunrise Cove. Hope to return soon.