Release date: 2010 / 323 pages
Synopsis (from back cover): While growing up, it was Lindsey’s job to look after her little sister, Kerrie Ann. When the girls’ stripper mom was sent to prison for selling drugs, their neighbor, a retired exotic dancer by the name of Miss Honi Love, fought to keep them, but to no avail. Thirty years later, Lindsey is the owner of a bookstore in the sleepy California seaside town of Blue Moon Bay…
First line: “The first time Kerrie Ann disappeared was only the warning shot, as it turned out.”
Review: This novel is an excellent example of the admonition not to judge a book by its cover. I agreed to read and review this novel for the same reasons I accepted Waxed — in the spirit of summer, I was looking for a fast-paced, engrossing, lighter novel with a happy ending.
However, when the heaving bosom on the cover arrived on my doorstep, my first thought was, “What have I gotten myself into?!” Fortunately, the cover does not represent what lies within — which was everything I hoped it would be. And, thankfully, Goudge included the following George Sand quote at the very start: “Those who inspire in us the greatest affection are not always those for whom we have the highest regard.” This quote calmed the fears the cover had unsettled…
At its heart, this tale of two sisters is a redemption story and a happy reminder that second chances are not only necessary, but well-worth the effort they so often require. One sister is a recovering victim of the foster care system, while the other owes much of her success to her foster parents. The two women could not be more different, and Goudge authentically represents the tension and frustration that would result from such a longed for, yet complex, reunion. And, as anticipated by the cover, a wonderful romance graces the narrative as well, but only rated PG-13 at its most steamy.
So, would I recommend this novel to a book club? Probably not, since discussion would most likely not get past the members exclaiming how much they enjoyed reading it. But would I recommend this to anyone looking for an engrossing, uplifting, summer read? Absolutely!
If you are interested in winning a copy, simply leave me a comment and I’ll choose a lucky winner by Saturday!
Here’s the full list of TLC tour stops:
Monday, August 2nd: Rundpinne
Wednesday, August 4th: Luxury Reading
Monday, August 9th: Simply Stacie
Wednesday, August 11th: S. Krishna’s Books
Monday, August 16th: Susie QT Pie’s Scraps of Life
Wednesday, August 18th: Ask Miss A
Thursday, August 19th: Chick Lit Club
Monday, August 23rd: Bellas Novella
Tuesday, August 24th: Chick Lit is Not Dead
Wednesday, August 25th: Book Club Classics
Thursday, August 26th: Book Addiction
It sounds great – please include me in the giveaway. Thanks!
I’ve heard so many good things about the books written by this author. I’d love to read this one!
I’d love to read this engrossing novel–please include me!
This sounds like a great beach read, and I am headed there in mid September. I’d love to win it to take along.
Thanks!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Me please:)
Hi, please consider me for this, I am looking forward to a good read when my three children go back to school in a couple of weeks, this story looks perfect for me to unwind with ….
Love Goudge’s books. This one sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. Please enter me. Thanks!
I would love a chance to get a copy of this book. I love reading life experiences of others. At times it even helps me navigate through mine.
Would love a chance for this – it sounds wonderful!
I’d love to read this. Who couldn’t use an uplifting read? Thanks for the chance
I want this one! Thanks for the opportunity.
I have been wanting to read this book for sometime now. It would be a great beach or rainy day read. Count me in!
Hi, Have read all of Eileen Goudge’s books—they’re good reading. Love to win this one-twill be hard to get at Library.