Living 2000 miles away from have has its good sides and it downside. The bad part is not being involved with the family on a regular basis. The good part is not being involved with the family on a regular basis. Oh wait, it is the same thing! Family dynamics has its good parts and bad parts and this book I read for review explores the dynamics of one family.

The Never Never Sisters by L. Alison Heller

Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0451416247

Synopsis: Sometimes you just need to get away….

Marriage counselor Paige Reinhardt is counting down the days to summer, eager to reconnect with her workaholic husband at their cozy rental cottage in the Hamptons. But soon a mysterious crisis at Dave’s work ruins their getaway plans. Paige is still figuring out how to handle the unexplained chill in her marriage when her troubled sister suddenly returns after a two-decade silence. Now, instead of enjoying the lazy summer days along the ocean, Paige is navigating the rocky waters of a forgotten bond with her sister in the sweltering city heat.

As she attempts to dig deeper into Dave’s work troubles and some long-held family secrets, Paige is shocked to discover how little she knows about the people closest to her. This summer, the self-proclaimed relationship expert will grapple with her biggest challenge yet: Is it worth risking your most precious relationships in order to find yourself?

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My Thoughts: As we all know, balancing the family issues can be a huge drain on someone. The author explores a family that appears okay to others but actually has many buried issues in this story. Paige, the main character, learns the hard way that what you think is reality, may not be the case at all.

The book started out a bit slow for me. There is a lot of interaction with the hubby and his issues. Strange issues that Paige tip toes around. Then you get into the complicated relationship with her sister who decides to visit after 20 years. The book really started picking up once the sister arrives and you get some back history on the relationship between the sisters and mom. Paige’s Hubby’s issues and her relationship with her mom really starts picking up and add a lot of interest too and by the end, the mysteries start to unfold.

I enjoyed the relationships that the author created for the spouses for each of the sisters. She created a nice balance to the ladies with the guys and added some wit that was refreshing for the storyline. While I was looking for a bit more depth to the story, an added character, Percy, supplied some interest but not enough for me. Maybe she is holding that for future books but I think it would have sold me more if it was added here.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and it is a light read for summer that is just right for vacation!

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 her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.

It is sad to think that in this day and age, women still fight for their rights. Whether it is to be safe from abusers, safe from oppression or safe to walk down the street, women today still face issues that should have been conquered long ago. Teaching children how to treat others with respect is the cure to this issue but for many cultures that long term solution will never become reality. I was asked to review a book that brings to the reader the stories of three completely different women who do not know each other yet are wound together in this novel that brings to light women’s issues across the globe.

Tell Me Of Brave Women by Laura Riley
Publisher: HB Stowe Press; Fiction edition
Publish Date: May 1, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0615827018

Overview:
In this exciting novel, three dynamic women stand up to old traditions and fight abuse in new ways. Samara, a famous storyteller, creates Secret Sisters, an underground society that shelters battered women in the Middle East. She’s hunted for her beliefs and stalked for her beauty. Thelma, a tough waitress in Appalachia, witnesses a beating, gets a gun, and changes Samara’s destiny forever. Evangelina, a South American teen, is forced to be a drug lords sex-slave until she’s emboldened to flee to Secret Sisters. To escape, she must use a killer’s own tactics against him. Through escalating dangers, the three heroic women battle abuse and wager their lives for liberty.

My Thoughts:
Even though this is a work of fiction, this story comes right out of the headlines today. Mirroring the trials and stories of women from Muslim countries, South America and right here in the USA, we meet three vastly different women that are all a victim or fighting for the same cause – Women’s Rights.

This is not your typical light read. While the story is written in a conversational manner and is quick to get through, the subject matter is tough in parts. The author lets you meet other women and men that are freedom fighters that come together for similar causes and eventually end up working for the same goal, bound together through their personal plight.

The author has taken a tough subject and brought it into the women’s fiction genre where it can get the attention it deserves since many would not read a nonfiction novel with this subject matter. The storyline is very interesting for each of the three women and it flows pretty well. There are some areas that seemed a bit choppy with short sentences and jumps, but the writing overall is well done, very detailed and in depth. The author is a professional in this subject matter and it shows.

While this is a story that every women needs to read for the information, it is not a story that you will take lightly. Frowns and smiles and maybe a few tears will be shed in indignation over this book, but you will be glad you read it! Maybe it will help someone you know down the road! Put it on your reading list.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links may be included. 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 her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.