PLBR Book Reviews 2018 - ELLES BOOK BLOG

ELLES BOOK BLOG

THE FRIENDS WE KEEP BY JANE GREEN

7/6/2019

Jane Green has written plenty of books in her time and each one her stories make me smile. This is a beautiful women's fiction novel about friendship and time. I recommend it.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 384 pages
Format: eBook. ARC received from publisher.

The Friends We Keep is the heartwarming and unforgettable new novel from Jane Green, the New York Times bestselling author of The Sunshine Sisters and The Beach House.

Evvie, Maggie, and Topher have known one another since college. Their friendship was something they swore would last forever. Now years have passed, the friends have drifted apart, and they never found the lives they wanted—the lives they dreamed of when they were young and everything seemed possible.

Evvie starved herself to become a supermodel but derailed her career by sleeping with a married man.

Maggie married Ben, the boy she fell in love with in college, never imagining the heartbreak his drinking would cause.

Topher became a successful actor, but the shame of a childhood secret shut him off from real intimacy.

PASSION ON PARK AVENUE BY LAUREN LAYNE

6/5/2019

If you adore dishy reads about women who take their lives back after being duped by a lying cheater, then this is your book! I absolutely adored this one. I can't wait for the next!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: May 28, 2019
Genre: Chick Lit. Romance.
Series: The Central Park Pact series #1
Pages: 288 pages
Format: eARC.

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Stiletto and Oxford series, the first in a sizzling new series following the unlikely friendship of three Upper East Side women as they struggle to achieve their dreams and find true love and happiness in the city that never sleeps.

For as long as she can remember, Bronx-born Naomi Powell has had one goal: to prove her worth among the Upper East Side elite—the same people for which her mom worked as a housekeeper. Now, as the strongminded, sassy CEO of one of the biggest jewelry empires in the country, Naomi finally has exactly what she wants—but it’s going to take more than just the right address to make Manhattan’s upper class stop treating her like an outsider.

The worst offender is her new neighbor, Oliver Cunningham—the grown son of the very family Naomi’s mother used to work for. Oliver used to torment Naomi when they were children, and as a

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW BY SALLY HEPWORTH

4/23/2019

This is my first Sally Hepworth novel and it WON'T be my last! This is an amazing domestic drama/thriller. I was glued to the pages and didn't want to put this book down. I am so excited to read more books by the author- her stories remind me of Liane Moriarty's books.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: Domestic Drama
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 352 pages
Format:eBook. ARC.

Someone once told me that you have two families in your life - the one you are born into and the one you choose. Yes, you may get to choose your partner, but you don't choose your mother-in-law. The cackling mercenaries of fate determine it all.

From the moment Lucy met Diana, she was kept at arm's length. Diana is exquisitely polite, but Lucy knows, even after marrying Oliver, that they'll never have the closeness she'd been hoping for.

But who could fault Diana? She was a pillar of the community, an advocate for social justice, the matriarch of a loving family. Lucy had wanted so much to please her new mother-in-law.

That was ten years ago. Now, Diana has been found dead, leaving a suicide note. But the autopsy reveals evidence of suffocation. And everyone in the family is hiding something...

THE GIRL HE USED TO KNOW BY TRACEY GARVIS GRAVES

4/2/2019

The Girl He Used to Know is a timeless tale of second chances and embracing who we are. This is an emotional novel as well, one that is certain to tug on any heartstrings.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: Second Chance Romance.
Series: None. Complete Standalone.
Pages: 304 pages
Format: Paperback. ARC.

New York Times bestselling author of On the Island, Tracey Garvis Graves, presents the compelling, hopelessly romantic novel of unconditional love.

Annika (rhymes with Monica) Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess.

Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game—and his heart—to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that

I OWE YOU ONE BY SOPHIE KINSELLA

2/6/2019

It comes as not surprise to me that Sophie Kinsella has written another fantastic and hilarious novel. One would think her quirky characters would eventually get old but this isn't the case! I absolutely loved this book. And I highly recommend it.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Chick Lit.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 448 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?

It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS BY LIANCE MORIARTY

12/16/2018

Unfortunately, I didn't feel like this book was on par with Big Little Lies and The Husbands Secret (both of which I loved). Now I didn't hate it either. I just didn't feel compelled when I was reading.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction. Drama.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 453 pages
Format: Hardcover. Purchased.

Could ten days at a health resort really change you forever? In Liane Moriarty’s latest page-turner, nine perfect strangers are about to find out...

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

Frances Welty, the formerly best-selling romantic novelist, arrives at Tranquillum House nursing a bad back, a broken heart, and an exquisitely painful paper cut. She’s immediately intrigued by her fellow guests. Most of them don’t look to be in need of a health resort at all. But the person that intrigues her most is the strange and charismatic

WINTER IN PARADISE BY ELIN HILDERBRAND

10/9/2018

This book is equal parts mystery, women's fiction, and domestic drama. Being a huge fan of the author I was stocked to read an early copy of this book. That said, while I didn't expect it to end the way it did, I liked the book overall and am looking forward to the next one! Fans of the author, grab this one!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Chick Lit
Series: Paradise series #1
Pages: 320 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

Spend the coldest days of winter on a Caribbean beach with New York Times Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand.

Join New York Times Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand on the stunning beaches of St. John for the beginning of her thrilling new winter series-The Paradise. Winter in Paradise, the first book in the Paradise series, has everything that readers have come to know and love about an Elin Hilderbrand novel, plus a healthy dose of intrigue. Irene Steele's idyllic life-house, husband, family-is shattered when she is woken up by a late-night phone call. Her beloved husband has been found dead, but before Irene can process this tragic news, she must confront the perplexing details of her husband's death. He was found on St. John island, a tropical paradise far removed from their suburban life. Leaving the cold winter behind, Irene flies down to the beautiful Caribbean beaches of St. John only to make another shocking discovery: her husband

THE RUMOR BY ELIN HILDERBRAND

7/28/2018

This is a must have beach read for anyone who loves some gossip and a good scandal! I am now an instant fan of Elin Hilderbrand. I loved this book so much!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 16, 2015
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 367 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

A friendship is tested in this irresistible page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand.

Nantucket writer Madeline King could not have picked a worse time to have writer's block. Her deadline is looming, her bills are piling up, and inspiration is in short supply. Madeline's best friend Grace, is hard at work transforming her garden into the envy of the island with the help of a ruggedly handsome landscape architect. Before she realizes it, Grace is on the verge of a decision that will irrevocably change her life. Could Grace's crisis be Madeline's salvation? As the gossip escalates, and the summer's explosive events come to a head, Grace and Madeline try desperately to set the record straight--but the truth might be even worse than rumor has it.

ALL YOUR PERFECTS BY COLLEEN HOOVER

7/21/2018

This book made me cry like a little baby! It's an emotional and raw read that will touch any readers hearts. All fans of the author and those who love everlasting romances need this book!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: July 16, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance. Women's Fiction.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 321 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends with Us—whose writing is “emotionally wrenching and utterly original” (Sarah Shepard, New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars series)—delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it.

Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.

All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?

THOSE OTHER WOMEN BY NICOLA MORIARTY

6/25/2018

Those Other Women is an enthralling read that I couldn't put down. I read it in one sitting. For those looking for a book about motherhood- or the other side of motherhood, this is a fantastic book for you.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 400 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

The author of The Fifth Letter takes a laser look at the uneasy relationships between women and the real-world ramifications of online conflicts and social media hostilities in this stunning domestic drama. A story of privilege, unspoken rivalries, and small acts of vengeance with huge repercussions sure to please fans of Sarah Jio and Ruth Ware.

Overwhelmed at the office and reeling from betrayals involving the people she loves, Poppy feels as if her world has tipped sideways. Maybe her colleague, Annalise, is right—Poppy needs to let loose and blow off some steam. What better way to vent than social media?

ALL WE EVER WANTED BY EMILY GIFFIN

6/24/2018

This book is an absolute gem and a must read for any woman or mature teen! I highly recommend it whether you are a fan of Giffin or not.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 352 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

In the riveting new novel from the #1 bestselling author of Something Borrowed and First Comes Love, three very different people must choose between their families and their most deeply held values. . . .

Nina Browning is living the good life after marrying into Nashville’s elite. More recently, her husband made a fortune selling his tech business, and their adored son has been accepted to Princeton.

Yet sometimes the middle-class small-town girl in Nina wonders if she’s strayed from the person she once was.

Tom Volpe is a single dad working multiple jobs while struggling to raise his headstrong daughter, Lyla. His road

THE EVER AFTER BY SARAH PEKKANEN

6/5/2018

Wow! This book is much more emotional than I anticipated. But it's so good that I had a hard time putting it down. If you enjoy domestic dramas about marriage, this is the book for you.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: Domestic Drama. Women's Fiction.
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 272 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

In this intricate and enthralling domestic drama, perfect for fans of Big Little Lies and The Affair, the internationally bestselling author of the “gossipy page-turner” (Glamour) The Perfect Neighbors goes deep into a marriage in crisis, peeling back layers of secrets to discover where the relationship veered off course—and whether it is worth saving.

Josie and Frank Moore are happy…at least Josie thinks they are. As parents of two young girls in the Chicago suburbs, their days can be both busy and monotonous, and sometimes Josie wonders how she became a harried forty something mother rather than the driven career

ONE SUMMER BY JENNY HALE

6/1/2018

One summer is a sweet, summery romance that is sure to put a smile on all readers faces. I enjoyed this one and loved being transported to the sun-bleached beaches of the Outer Banks. This is the perfect beach read.

Rating:★★★
Release Date: June 1, 2018
Page Number: 277 pages.
Genre: Sweet Romance. Women's Fiction.
Series: None. Standalone.
Format: eBook. ARC.

This summer will change everything…

Alice Emerson is in need of a new beginning. Broken-hearted after her beloved grandfather passes away and her relationship falls apart, she makes a pact with her best friend Sasha. Swapping city living for the beautiful sun-bleached beaches of the Outer Banks, they launch an ice cream shop together in the crumbling house by the sea where Alice spent blissful childhood holidays.

As Alice and Sasha settle into the close-knit community, making friends with the locals and tempting them with their delicious recipes, Alice finds herself falling for the warm

THE HIGH TIDE CLUB BY MARY KAY ANDREWS

5/8/2018

The High Tide Club is a fantastic women's fiction novel that weaves the past and the present, buried secrets, and female friendships that transcend time.

Rating:★★★★
Release Date: May 8, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 480
Format: eBook. ARC.

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000-acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephine’s cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm.

Over a few meetings, the ailing Josephine spins a tale of old friendships at a time when World War II was looming; when secrets led to betrayal and a long-unsolved murder. She tells Brooke she is hiring her for two reasons: to protect her island and legacy from those who would despoil her land,

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