Review: Wind Chime Point

Last month I reviewed the first novel in Sherryl Woods' new series (you can catch up here.) Wind Chime Point is the second novel in the Ocean Breeze trilogy and, once again, Woods provided a sweet and entertaining romance.

Here's the synopsis:

Facing a personal crisis, ambitious and driven Gabriella Castle retreats to the welcoming arms of her family. Everything she's worked for has been yanked out from under her, and she seeks the serenity of her grandmother's home on the North Carolina coast. With difficult decisions to make about her future, the last thing she wants is an unexpected love.
Wade Johnson fell for Gabi the first time he saw her. It's not the only time he's found himself in the role of knight in shining armor, but Gabi isn't looking for a rescuer. To get her to stay, Wade will need a whole lot of patience and gentle persuasion… and maybe the soothing sound of wind chimes on a summer breeze.

I was a little hesitant about this one because I wasn't a huge fan of Gabi in the first book. I didn't dislike her, I just wondered if I'd want to read a whole book about her. She was so closed off and secretive and I didn't know how I could deal with her personality. Happily, I ended up really liking her, and her story, in book two. A bunch of life changes force her to reevaluate everything she's ever worked for and I think it changes her personality for the better.

I liked that we got to know more about Samantha, the sister who will be the focus of the final book. I think that's what my issue was going into this one - I didn't feel like I knew enough about Gabi. I knew who she'd end up with (and I know who Samantha will end up with) but I had no idea what her story would involve. There were more details given for everyone and everything, really, so I think that's what made me like this one a little bit more than book one. I finished Wind Chime Point being really excited for book three (which I just downloaded this week and will probably read this weekend because I just can't wait!) which I think is a sign of a good series.

I love the setting of these books. There's something about a beach town that I just love - maybe because I grew up surrounded by fabulous beaches. The quaint town complements the wonderful family ties that are so strong in this series. I love reading about the relationship between the sisters, they're so close but they bicker as siblings do, as well as the relationship they have with their grandmother. Cora Jane is one sassy lady and I think she's fabulous.

Overall, I think Wind Chime Point was a great addition to the Ocean Breeze series by Sherryl Woods. As I mentioned, I'm so excited to read Sea Glass Island to see how the story will end. Romance lovers should definitely check out this sweet and enjoyable series.

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: The Banks of Certain Rivers

I had been hearing quite a bit of buzz about The Banks of Certain Rivers around the Internet, much of it positive. While Jon Harrison's debut novel is not one I would normally pick up, I decided to give it a try because I had a feeling I'd end up liking it. I was right. This was a really enjoyable novel that kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

Here's the synopsis:

Neil Kazenzakis is barely holding his life together: ever since an accident left his wife profoundly disabled, he's been doing his best as a single dad and popular high school teacher. He's also been dealing with Lauren Downey, his sort-of girlfriend of the past two years who's pushing for a commitment—and for Neil to finally tell his son Christopher about their secret relationship.
Neil's carefully balanced world begins to fall apart when some questionable footage of him is anonymously posted to YouTube...just as Chris learns about Lauren in the worst possible way. Doubting his own recollection of the events in the online video and threatened with the loss of his job and the ability to care for his wife, Neil must find a way to prove the truth to his family, his community, and himself as he struggles to regain the splintered trust of his son.

It sounds like it would be horribly depressing, right? The situations Neil faces are pretty brutal, true, but he has great friendships and relationships to help him get through life. I think things could have seemed over the top had Neil not had he not had his friends and family around. He had people in his corner, who believed in him and stood by him as he tried to figure out how to prove his innocence.

I just loved the scenes between Neil and his son, Chris. Neil seemed to do a pretty outstanding job raising Chris after his wife's accident. In fact, their storyline was probably my favourite part of the novel. Their interactions were so real and you could tell how they struggled but also how much they helped each other.

I don't want to say too much else about the plot because there are subtle twists that I don't want to give away. I will say that the story grabbed me. There was a bit of set up necessary, some back story, that was interesting but it wasn't until the action really started that I realized I was completely invested in the characters' lives. In fact, I was so into the story that I was reading it during commercial breaks while I watched a TV show because I couldn't wait to find out how it turned out for Neil.

If you're looking for a good read, pick up The Banks of Certain Rivers by Jon Harrison. It gives you a little bit of everything - family, love, intrigue - wrapped up in a great story. I definitely recommend it!

Happy reading :)

Rereading Sarah Dessen: Dreamland

Hosted by I Eat Words

Welcome to month three of the I Eat Words Sarah Dessen Read/Reread Challenge! Check out this post that explains the details about the awesomeness that is this challenge. This month we read Dreamland, a novel that I didn't really like when I first read it. Would my opinion change with this reread? Read on for the thoughts of myself and my best friend, Sandy.

Synopsis:

Wake up, Caitlin
Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dreamland where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else--her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?

About the Story

Main  Character: Caitlin O’Koren

Age: 16 (It’s her birthday when the story starts)

School Year or Summer?: School year

Boy: Rogerson Biscoe

First description of boy: “He was standing next to the black BMW, arms crossed, looking down at the car.  He was in a short-sleeved shirt with a kind of tribal print, and old khaki pants with worn cuffs. His hair was brown , a mass of curls, thick enough that they were almost like dreadlocks, and he had a dark, olive complexion. He wore a leather cord necklace around his neck and penny loafers with no socks on his feet.” (page 50)

Crushable?: No. Not to me. But the sad fact is that guys like him are crushable to so many girls and women.

Big Secret?:  Oh yeah.

Heavy Storyline?: Yes.

Parents Together?: Yes.

Siblings: One sister, two years older.

Takes Place In: Lakeview

Cameos: None that I could find.

About the Book

Released: 2000 (which I got from the copyright page, everywhere online says 2004)

Epigraph?: No.

Format (of the copy I read): Paperback (new cover)

Own?: Yes (as of a few weeks ago!)

Signed?: No.

Read or Reread: Reread

Age when first read: Probably 15. This was a catch up on, I think, as when I discovered Dessen, she had already published this one.

New cover vs older cover: I think I like the new cover more, which is good. I wouldn’t have bought it if I hadn’t liked the cover!

My Thoughts
This is probably Dessen's heaviest novel. Just Listen (which we've already read and reviewed) comes close but I think Dreamland "wins" because we actually see the abuse taking place. (I didn't want to give that away but I feel like I need to to really give a good review.) I remember not really liking this one when I first read it. I wonder now if it's because I just didn't get it. Part of that may be because I was so naive but maybe I also just didn't get why Caitlin, or anyone, would want to stay with an abusive guy. I think Dessen did a good job of showing the realities without glamourizing it (is that even a word? We'll say it is.)
I found that there were some things in this book that show up in slightly different ways in later novels. For example, Caitlin doesn't understand how her older sister can be in love. She just doesn't get it. That's quite similar to Remy in This Lullaby (Dessen's next novel) but, unlike Remy, I think it's just because she's young. Also, Caitlin loves Top 40 pop music and Rogerson hates it. He likes bizarre music that features wailing and chimes. Does this sound familiar? Yep, kind of like Owen and Annabel from Just Listen (published two novels later.) Interesting to note.
Once again, I found myself playing the big sister role when reading this book. I'm a decade older than Caitlin and I wished that I could protect her. There's one quote that stuck with me so much that I snapped a picture of it. I wanted to be the one to save her.

I'm really glad I gave Dreamland a second chance. I don't think it'll make the top of the favourites list but I can see how this is one of those novels that makes YA so important. Talking about real issues in a real way is important and I think Dessen did a great job of this. Keeping that in mind, if you're thinking of recommending this to a teen girl you know, make sure she's old enough and mature enough to handle the subject matter.

Sandy's Thoughts

Dreamland was this month’s book of choice and I was once again a little leery of  re-reading. I work in a bookstore and Sarah Dessen is always my first recommendation for teen girls. However, I am always hesitant to recommend Dreamland because of its intense subject matter. After reading it for the second time I realize that in the end the message this novel shares is one of strength. Strength of heart, choice and mind. Caitlin feels weak but to others she is strong and she pulls through, even offering strength to others when needed. She is a survivor and that is an important lesson for teenage girls.

After her sister Cass leaves, Caitlin becomes transient. She focuses on being the opposite of her sister so she doesn’t have to acknowledge the loss of that sister in her life. She tries not to do what people expect of her and she loses herself in a boy, Rogerson, and the lifestyle he introduces her to. Almost from the start she gives in to what he wants her to be. By doing so she doesn’t have to deal with missing her sister and filling the void Cass left at home for their parents. Caitlin escapes into Rogerson’s world and becomes a girl she believes her sister would barely recognize.

But the bond between sisters is stronger than that and Cass makes her presence known in the Dreamland their mother taught them about. She leaves behind a journal into which Caitlin exorcises the demons that she comes across in her sister’s absence. Though Cass is living a new life she is never far from Caitlin’s thoughts.

Caitlin uses Cass’s journal and Dreamland as an escape from her reality. She spends most of the novel searching the dream spaces of her life for Rogerson, for Cass, and most importantly, herself.  From the time Cass leaves, Caitlin tries to be anybody but who she really is. She becomes a cheerleader, a druggie, and a slacker in school. When she meets Rogerson it seems like he will finally be the one to bring her out of the shadows but he just creates new ones for her to hide in.  The only good thing he brings her is Corinna, who acts like a substitute for Cass in Caitlin’s new world. For Caitlin, losing her sister means losing herself. Cass was her guidepost and throughout the novel it is through Cass’s eyes that Caitlin defines herself. In finding Rogerson and living his life she sees a different side of herself that Cass would not approve of. Cass leaving and Rogerson appearing help Caitlin find her identity, but at a price.

Dreamland is a novel that showcases the meaning of “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In the case of Caitlin, her sister leaving equals a romance with Rogerson and the consequences that relationship brings her as well. One event can impact a life drastically; it can take someone down a path they never imagined could happen. Life can become a mirage, an illusion or even a dream. Cailtin is woken up but many others never are. 

Guest Post: Jenn Flynn-Shon

Last week I reviewed Reckless Abandon by Jenn Flynn-Shon for the CLP Blog Tour. In case you missed it, you can catch up on the review here. Longish review short: I really enjoyed the novella! Today Jenn is here to share a little bit of insight on her writing routine. I hope you enjoy it!

The Time that Works Best for Creativity

Writers frequently run around saying they have certain times of day, times of year, they enjoy writing the most. As the winter fades away and record highs have taken over this week in Phoenix, Arizona I’m coming face-to-face with this very dilemma. What time of day should I make the effort to get the words out and what season do I find my best creativity comes rising to the surface?

I used to be a night owl and loved the quiet of the city after the ten o’clock hour. In my twenties I felt my best functioning hours were 10:00 – 2:00 on both sides of the clock. Staying up late meant sleeping in later in the morning and I was always most productive with creative thoughts right after I got up in the late morning. Now that I’m approaching forty I find the same thing rings true. The difference is I don’t think I could tell you the last time I saw two o’clock in the morning and now I rise at about 7:30 every morning.

 With a shift in my body clock while working in corporate America I noticed the shift in my productivity hours. Even though I’m working for no one but myself these days that same body clock has held fast. Now when I write I find my most creative thoughts come at around eight o’clock in the morning and by two o’clock in the afternoon I’m toast. I’m still most productive in the morning I just approach it earlier these days. But that isn’t the only change to my schedule. Time of year also plays a big role in my writing and effectiveness with creativity.

When I lived in Boston I frequently hibernated in the winter to avoid going outdoors in the harsh cold of our northeast winters. I completed NaNoWriMo a few years in a row during November and spent December through February editing and formatting. Once I moved to Phoenix that weather pattern was no longer as grueling and I found my natural tendency was to be outdoors in the winters instead. But I struggled with giving up my summers and the fun that tends to go along with them. That is until my first summer in Phoenix.

 Temperatures can hit anywhere from 100-115 here from June to August and sometimes, like this week for example, the temps can go out of control on either end of that summer season. The only thing I want to do during the summer now is to stay indoors in my air conditioned house, or be out in the pool, to remain as cool as possible. And this has sparked some creativity to bubble up. Last August I wrote Reckless Abandon, my latest Romantic Suspense and it only took me the month to get a good first draft down on paper.

 I set the novella in the middle of summer and the weather played a small background role for the main character, Shaw, as she experienced the different kind of heat that New York City has to offer in the summer as opposed to her dry but oven-like climate in Phoenix. The experiences of having lived in that thick and gooey kind of warmth helped me to write her reaction to it with more honesty. And I was able to take shelter from our summer heat by using that time to my best advantage with my work.

 Now as I’m working on the sequel I’m finding my creative juices are starting to rise with the temperatures. All winter long I was empty, there was nothing particularly creative rolling around my head. However, during that time I was collecting information while out and about meeting people, doing things, exploring, and living life. As a Writer I like things loosely structured and now, knowing my best times of year to collect as well as write, it helps me stay on track to completing my next piece of fiction without it feeling forced.

 As the temps heat up this spring I’m finding the next storyline for Shaw is heating up as well. Will I make the next book a scorcher? Only time will tell on that one but I can assure you I’ll be working on it first thing in the morning and spending the late afternoons in the pool. 

Review: Someday, Someday, Maybe

Like most Gilmore Girls fans, I just about lost my mind when I found out Lauren Graham had written a novel. I've been a little bit in love with Graham since she first showed up on my TV screen as the beautiful and hilarious Lorelai Gilmore. Someday, Someday, Maybe, Graham's debut novel, was a really enjoyable read and had the same kind of tone and characteristics we've come to expect from Graham's work.

Here's the synopsis:

It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. But while she dreams of filling their shoes, in the meantime, she’d happily settle for a speaking part in almost anything—and finding a hair product combination that works.Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. And she can’t let herself be distracted by James Franklin, a notorious flirt and the most successful actor in her class, even though he’s suddenly started paying attention. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for.
Someday, Someday, Maybe is a story about hopes and dreams, being young in a city, and wanting something deeply, madly, desperately. It’s about finding love, finding yourself, and perhaps most difficult of all in New York City, finding an acting job.

I liked the fact that this novel took place in 1995. In a way it reminded me of watching older Sex and the City and Friends episodes (in fact, Franny's dad suggests she tries out for that new sitcom.) I loved that she had a Filofax (and that there were illustrations from her planner throughout the novel) and received scripts via fax. Sometimes I forgot that this book was taking place almost 20 years ago. Which, I suppose, is a good thing? Perhaps not for aspiring actors since they're still struggling in the same way they were in the nineties! I also found myself wondering, probably far too often, how much of Franny's life was similar to Lauren's own experiences as she was trying to make it as an actress.

I absolutely loved Franny's dad. Their interactions were mostly through phone calls or messages but their relationship added amusement to the novel. One of the parts that stood out the most in this book was when her dad finally leaves a message on the answering machine because it's been so long since they've talked. I don't have a finished copy so forgive me for paraphrasing...he says something along the lines of "Franny, it's your father. From Connecticut. In case you've been mistakenly calling your other father." Basically, he had a good sense of humour and you could tell through the various interactions that he really cares for his daughter.

I went into reading this novel with really high expectations and, while I still really enjoyed reading it, I think I wanted a little something more from the story. I think I struggled with really connecting with Franny. Sure, I cared about her and was rooting for her but I didn't have that "Oh my god, I wish she was a real person because we could totally be best friends" feeling that I sometimes get.

Overall, I really did like Someday, Someday, Maybe. Lauren Graham wrote an entertaining debut novel that provided a little bit of insight into the world of a struggling actress. It was cute and real and I think Graham's fans will be pleased. I hope that Graham continues writing and look forward to what she comes up with next. For now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have myself a little Gilmore Girls marathon!

Happy reading :)

*I received a copy of this novel from Random House of Canada in exchange for an honest review.*

Dewey's Readathon: A Delayed Start

Hello friends! This weekend marks the spring edition of Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon. I attempted to do last fall's read-a-thon but didn't plan well enough in advance. This year I thought I'd be on the ball and try to do as much reading as possible because I am way behind on my stack o' books. Well. It's now almost two hours into the event and I'm jut doing the intro post. Woot! I'm ok with taking a lazy approach to it because I do have other things to look after today. Like putting together a new booshelf (woohoo!) and looking after my bunny who just had surgery this week. But, I will read and do as many challenges as possible because who doesn't like reading? :)

Without further ado, here are my answers to the intro questions!

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
I'm in St. Catharines, Ontario (right near Niagara Falls)
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Confession: I didn't even really plan out what I was going to read! Gasp! I know. I would liked to finish The Queen of Unforgetting. It takes place in the tiny town I grew up in which is super cool.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
It's a little time consuming but I think I need to have popcorn at some point today. I have this delicious flavouring - maple sugar - that is, well, delicious!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
I'm trying to get into the world of publishing! I was a publicity intern at Random House of Canada from January to April and now I'm an intern at a great nonprofit. I'm not making much money but I'm learning a lot! And getting lots of free books!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I'd like to actually finish two books. That shouldn't be too hard, right? Like I said, I'm taking a laid back approach because there's just too much going on at the moment for me to start stressing about how much I've read or what challenges I've completed! Fun is the name of the game.

CHALLENGE! Book Spine Poetry
After some thought I decided I wanted to put my own unique spin on things and have created a Canadian bookspine poem. Enjoy!

Update #1
I honestly don't even know what hour we're in right now. 8? Maybe? No matter. I have, finally, finished my first book. It's not that exciting since I was well into it when the day started, but I finished it nonetheless. The slow reading day was due to a necessary errand for library books for my internship and chicken noodle soup for the boyfriend.

Ta-da! Dreamland is complete. I want to get into The Queen of Unforgetting but I think I might check out the Harlequin romance I need to read for an upcoming review. Time for another cup of tea!

Mid-Event Survey

Time for another update and a little survey! We're eight hours in now. I got distracted from another cup of tea earlier because my boyfriend put together my new bookshelf for me!

It was desperately needed and, as you can sort of tell, I'm eventually going to need another! Now, survey time!

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?

No sleepyness on my end yet. It's just 8pm in my world.
2) What have you finished reading?

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen.
3) What is your favorite read so far?

Well, that's the only book I finished and the one I'm reading now is a cute little romance. While it's enjoyable, it's no Dessen so Dreamland wins over Wind Chime Point.
4) What about your favorite snacks?

The red velvet cake tea I had earlier was delish but the aforementioned boyfriend made one tasty supper for us. I have much to look forward to this evening, though I'm not sure how well my plan of beer and reading will end up going.
5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!

I have to admit that I haven't been bopping around too much so I haven't really come across anyone new. Perhaps tomorrow I will check out some blogs and see if I can find some new favourites.

Now, where's that beer I was mentioning... :)

MINI CHALLENGE! Share a Quote
As you can tell, I haven't really been taking part in many mini challenges. After finishing book #2 (woohoo!), Wind Chime Point by Sherryl Woods, I decided to check out the website and see what was happening. When I saw that it was a share a quote challenge, I knew I wanted to throw my hat into the ring. Why? Because I actually took a picture of a page in Dreamland because a quote made an impression on me. Here's the picture:

It's a little long to type out so I hope you can all see it in the picture alright. It starts in the last full paragraph with "I stood..." and ends with "...save her." That save her part is why it hit me so hard because I spent a good portion of this book wishing I could save Caitlin. She's a decade younger than I am and I wished I could hop into the book and protect her from her boyfriend.

Now, I have to decide what book to dive into next, even though I know I probably won't be reading for much longer tonight. I also have a bunny to look after and she needs tonight's round of meds. It took us 25 minutes to get them into her this morning, complete with a scratch on my arm. Think good thoughts for us! Then, it's reading, another beer, and that popcorn I mentioned earlier!

End of Event Survey
Well, it's an hour and a half past the end of the read-a-thon and I just got up a half hour ago. My laid back attitude carried on and I decided sleep was important :) For those who are interested, beer was delicious, popcorn was tasty, and I got some more scratches on my arm when trying to give the bunny her meds. Sigh. I think she hates me now. I also started a new book, Vanity Fare, which was an excellent choice. I can't wait to dive back into it later today. For now, here is the end of event survey. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and cheered me on!

1) Which hour was most daunting for you?

Since I didn't really do too much, I can't really answer this. I didn't stay up late or have cat naps to keep me going. It was a regular day of lots of reading for me!

2) Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

Hm. Good question. I think it's all up to the reader. Last night when I was trying to pick a book, I went with something that was closer to my favourite and most comforting genre (chick lit) instead of going for two of the really popular historical fiction novels I have and really want to read.

3) Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Can't really think of anything...I think any improvements I want to make are just on my own stuff!

4) What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

I know a lot of people really enjoy the cheerleaders so make sure you keep them around!

5) How many books did you read?

I read two and a bit books.

6) What were the names of the books you read?

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen, Wind Chime Point by Sherry Woods, and part of Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell.

7) Which book did you enjoy most?

Tough one...even though I'm only partway through Vanity Fare, I think I have to go with that one.

8) Which did you enjoy least?

I guess Wind Chime Point, which isn't to say I didn't like it. It was a lovely little romance and I enjoyed reading it.

9) How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? 

I'd like to participate, it just depends on when it is. I'd also like to really be able to do the full 24 hours. I wish I had known about this when I was still living alone because once you throw in someone else in your house (not to mention a recovering bunny), it's hard to say "I am spending my entire day reading and ignoring you, please go find your own fun." :) So, we'll see if I show up again for the next read-a-thon! 

CLP Blog Tour: Reckless Abandon

Welcome to my stop on the Reckless Abandon CLP Blog Tour! I was really touched when author Jenn Flynn-Shon asked Samantha to make sure I was on this tour (I reviewed her debut novel Ripple the Twine awhile back - read the review here.) The synopsis of her new novella sounded intriguing so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm really glad I did because it gave me a great dose of suspense and romance.

Here's the synopsis:

How far would you go for love? Young Adult fiction Author, Shaw McLeary, returns from Whole Foods to discover her husband, Danny, is gone. So is their stash of cash, his clothes, passport, and her wedding rings. He took off in a hurry and left her behind. While trying to piece it all together Shaw witnesses a cop’s murder in her home. Determined not to become the next victim, she flees. She fears dirty cops are involved in Danny’s disappearance. There's only one person she can trust to help her - JJ Anderson, Private Investigator. Also, her ex-fiancé.
A retired Phoenix cop turned PI, Shaw hopes JJ will be inclined to take her case. Despite his resentment for how their relationship ended, he agrees to help her track down leads on Danny. They chase the clues from Phoenix to Manhattan to upstate New York. In such close quarters Shaw finds it difficult to maintain a professional distance from her first real love. Then what happens if she finds Danny? Can she still love a man who abandoned her or is she too drawn to fixing her past mistake to let go of JJ again?

Sounds pretty exciting, right? I'm not one to normally read mystery stories but there was something about this one that grabbed me. It was a really quick read which makes it great for a one sitting read. I think that's what helped me get really into the book as I was easily able to finish it in one evening. This allowed me to really get into the story and become even more invested in the characters. I felt like I was riding right alongside Shaw and JJ as they tried to figure out what was going on and where Danny was.

The only negative feeling I had with this book was due to some lingering questions. JJ tries to come clean to Shaw about something about their past and I don't recall ever finding out what that was. I also felt like some of the motives of certain characters needed to be clearer and that there needed to be less people involved in the...erm...issue. I think with a novella, the less characters, the better.

What I really liked about this story was the past that Shaw and JJ shared. It added a great element to the already suspenseful storyline. I found myself conflicted (in a good way...if that even makes sense...) because I really wanted Shaw and JJ to end up back together but I recognized that she was still married and we had no idea what was going on with her husband. Shaw was a great character to root for and I found myself hoping for a happy ending for her.

Reckless Abandon was a really enjoyable read for me. I think Jenn Flynn-Shon has grown as an author and I can't wait to read what she comes out with next. Mystery and romance lovers alike would find this novella interesting as it has a nice mix of both genres. Stay tuned later in the week for a really interesting guest post from Jenn herself!

Happy reading :)