It is hard to even fathom how people cope with a tragic loss, the public media frenzy, and the aftermath. In this new release I reviewed, you get to see first hand how one simple act can impact a families forever. Check out this gripping read from a very talented author.

The Guilty One by Sophie Littlefield
Publisher: Gallery Books (August 11, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1476757834

From the award-winning author of The Missing Place—in which “Littlefield’s writing shines” (The Boston Globe)—another gripping exploration of the damage people can do to each other, and the resilience they find in themselves.

A man stands on the Golden Gate Bridge, poised to jump…if a woman on the other end of the phone tells him to.

Maris’s safe suburban world was shattered the day her daughter was found murdered, presumably at the hands of the young woman’s boyfriend. Her marriage crumbling, her routine shattered, Maris walks away from her pampered life as a Bay Area mom the day she receives a call from Ron, father of her daughter’s killer. Wracked with guilt over his son’s actions (and his own possible contribution to them), he asks Maris a single question: should he jump?

With a man’s life in her hands, Maris must decide, perhaps for the first time, what she truly wants. Retribution? Forgiveness? Or something more? Having lost everything, she’s finally free to recreate herself without the confining labels of “wife,” “mother,” or “mourner.” But will this shocking offer free her, or destroy her?

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My Thoughts: It is amazing what the mind can do for you when you are faced with such damaging loss such as the death of a child. This book contains a difficult subject for certain, but the storyline is unique and fresh.

When picking up a book like this, you expect the heavy hearts. The depressing subject matter. The emotional toll on the reader. But the author created a book that also brings healing, a fresh outlook, and even some forgiveness.

I have to admit, I has hesitant to review this title. After all the subject matter is tough. But I am so glad that I read this book. The author offers an amazing, gripping, emotional, story about a parents worst nightmare that is so worth the read. The characters are damaged for sure. How do you even move on from a tragedy like this – especially when it impacts several families? While you are expecting the crushing feelings, you also get some of the light at the end of the tunnel.

People are strong and resilient. The author’s depth into a human emotional field and actions is amazing. This book is refreshing in so many ways. The beginning is crushing and very deep. It sucked me in completely. There are twists and turns and some surprises up until the end. While it is not a thriller or a suspense read, the author sprinkled in plenty of lighthearted moments, good feelings, and created an complex read on how these characters came back to life that I could not put down. I read this in one afternoon!

This quote keeps popping into my head when thinking about this book, as it fits so perfectly:

“We are all broken. That’s how the light gets in.” Ernest Hemingway

This is an impactful read for sure and one that you have to check out! Sophie Littlefield is a very talented writer and one to watch!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.

Are you ready for an easy breezing read this summer? I have the perfect book for you! From a new author comes a delectable and delightful story that is thoroughly entertaining. Check out…

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
Publisher: Gallery Books (July 21, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1501100710

You’ve Got Mail meets How to Eat a Cupcake in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, The Coincidence of Coconut Cake is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site.

My Thoughts: There is nothing like a good chick lit book to curl up with on a lazy evening and this one fills the bill just right. It is always fun to see a new author hit it out of the park on their first book. You can only imagine how future works will be.

The book is a fun read. It delves into the life of a chef living in Wisconsin and a transplanted writer with a big, fat secret. This story dives into the heart of Milwaukee and you experience the city and all of its attractions – including the love struck couple. It is a familiar storyline with a great twist that makes this not only entertaining but endearing too.

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake offers you a sweet romance that is clean yet emotional. The author did a great job getting into the characters heads and creating the spark and heat of a new crush along with the depths of disappointment and hurt. You will feel your heartstrings tugging with this one. Plus the other cast of characters are perfectly matched and some are even open for future development???

Contemporary women’s fiction just got a nice addition to the line up and one that I enjoyed a lot. For some light and entertaining reading and a kick butt recipe too, check out this new release by new author, Amy E. Reichert. I think you will see more from her in the future!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.