"The Opposite of Everyone" by Joshilyn Jackson

I enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book. I found it darker than the other titles I've read by Joshilyn Jackson and that's okay by me. There were a few passages where Paula/Kali Jai's internal dialogue gave me some eye-rolling pause, but for the most part I ate it up. I adored her beau/friend/PI and wish more had been spent on them toward the end of the story. I'm sure this will be a bestseller.

"The Lake House" by Kate Morton

"The Lake House' by Kate Morton

I was so happy when I was able to download an Advance Copy of The Lake House for review. Kate Morton is a favorite author of mine, and after reading "The Lake House," this is reaffirmed once again!

The story evolves into a mystery, alternating between the 1930's and 2000's. Set primarily in Cornwall, it is the tale of a privledged family that suffers the disappearance of their youngest child, a baby boy named Theo. For many decades it is unknown whether he was kidnapped, murdered or both.

In modern day, a police officer named Sadie Sparrow revives the old case after stumbling upon the family's abandoned estate, Loeanneth ("The Lake House"). Her persistent digging, discoveries and personal tale all weave together into a very satisfying story.

I only wish it were longer....

Enjoy!

"Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper," by Hilary Liftin

"Movie Star by Lizzie Pepper," by Hilary Liftin

This is a thinly-veiled telling of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's whirlwind romance then subsequent marriage and split. I suppose there are enough differences to prevent the author from legal issues, but we all know whose tale she is telling. And what a tale it is! Whatever amount of this story has basis in actual fact, it gave me renewed sympathy but mostly respect, for Katie ("Kate," as he called her, remember? Just like "Lizzie" becomes "Elizabeth" in this book) Holmes. It couldn't have been easy to extract oneself from that world. It's a good reality check to remember that those who are lucky enough to make it big in their field of acting actually give up huge amounts of normalcy in most other areas of their lives.

Worth a summer read, for sure. Fun, but not deep.

"Who Do You Love?" by Jennifer Weiner

Who Do You Love? by Jennifer Weiner

When I see a new Jennifer Weiner title, I perk up.  I've come to know her heroines as "real women," who don't have it easy, are approachable, realistic and imperfect. This is no different. The love story between Andy and Rachel is lifelong and ebbs and flows throughout the story, much as real love stories do.  I would have liked a few more chapters of them together as the story culminated, but I'll take it. I recommend this book!

"The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah

How can it be possible that I haven't picked up a Kristin Hannah book before now? The Nightingale is a book that will stay with me for a long time.  The struggles of the characters, the feel of WWII life in a French village, the characters inner voices -- all told so well.  I loved it and will recommend it often.

How to Be A Grown-Up

"How to Be A Grown-Up," by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus

The creators of "The Nanny Diaries" (which kicked off a new genre of chick lit) have gone back to their promising beginnings and written a winner.  Rory McGovern Taylor is a heroine of the truest sort who kicks it into high gear when its necessary but keeps it real inside.  Luckily, as readers, we are privy to her inner thoughts which are hilarious and vulnerable and keep you wanting to read.  This tale of a glamorous but not glamorous life has endings and beginnings and is worth a read.