CLP Blog Tour: Rum Punch Regrets

How much fun is this cover? As much fun as the story inside it, let me tell you! The brightly coloured cover wasn't what convinced me to sign up for this CLP Blog Tour but it certainly didn't hurt :) Rum Punch Regrets by Anne Kemp was entertaining and sweet, and I really liked reading it.

Here's the synopsis:

In just a few short weeks, thirty something Abby George has endured the death of her mother, was dumped by her fiancé, and got laid off from her job. 

Stunned and seeking a shoulder to cry on, she turns to her perfect older sister, Leigh. But instead of comfort, Abby receives a surprise: Leigh needs her in the Caribbean to help with some mysterious personal business. 

While assisting in the sale and repair of a bed-and-breakfast, Abby uncovers a few huge family secrets as she juggles an unexpected roommate, quirky locals, and nasty centipedes. 

Abby's world is further complicated when two potential suitors enter her life. Can Abby get beyond her own pyscho drama long enough to open her heart to someone new? Or will she neurotically make her romantic life worse? 

Packing nothing but her suitcases and a sense of humor, Abby George travels down an unfamiliar road, but it's all she can do to hang on for the ride... 

Or will she wake up with "Rum Punch Regrets?"

Rum Punch Regrets is actually the second book in the Abby George series. The first, All Fruits Ripe, is a novella and, as far as I can tell, explains a bit further how Abby gets herself in this crazy situation. While it wasn't exactly necessary for me to read the novella first, I sort of wish I had. Not because I felt like there was much missing but because I don't want to go back to the beginning of Abby's story now, I want to keep going with it. Does that make sense? I am looking forward to the next Abby book that Anne told me (via Twitter) is due out in September!

This doesn't have much bearing on what I thought of the book overall, but I could not see why Abby was so quick to help out Leigh. She does not treat her well at all. Leigh still sees Abby as the little, irresponsible, and immature sister, even though I couldn't find any evidence to support the fact that Abby's never done what she said she's going to get done. I also think it was kind of harsh for Leigh's husband to be so upset about what she kept from everyone. If anyone wanted to kick Leigh out of the house, I'd think it would be Abby. And the other person involved in the mystery (didn't think you'd get it out of me, did you? Silly.) Anyway, all this didn't really change my opinion of the book overall but I just needed to talk about it!

There were a couple of big twists in this book and I loved how Kemp kept me guessing. She dropped a few hints and I was almost able to figure out the one out but I didn't realize the depth of the secret. The other one I did figure out pretty early on - but that was ok by me. I just had to keep waiting for the other shoe to drop and for Abby to clue in as well!

I'm really looking forward to the sequel because I'm so curious to find out what happens next in Abby's life. I need to know what she learns from a character that I can't tell you about because that would ruin one of the surprises in the book. As well as what happens with the two men in her life!

Rum Punch Regrets is a great, quick, fun read and I definitely suggest Anne Kemp's novel to others. It's got a good mix of humour, romance, and family drama - all set on a gorgeous Caribbean island! What's not to love?

Happy reading :)