Troublemaker by Leah Remini

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini

Publisher: Ballantine Books, November 2015

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir

Pages: Paperback, 228 pages

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Leah Remini has never been the type to hold her tongue. That willingness to speak her mind, stand her ground, and rattle the occasional cage has enabled this tough-talking girl from Brooklyn to forge an enduring and successful career in Hollywood. But being a troublemaker has come at a cost.

That was never more evident than in 2013, when Remini loudly and publicly broke with the Church of Scientology. Now, in this frank, funny, poignant memoir, the former star opens up about that experience for the first time, revealing the in-depth details of her painful split with the church and its controversial practices.

Indoctrinated into the church as a child while living with her mother and sister in New York, Remini eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her dreams of becoming an actress and advancing Scientology’s causes grew increasingly intertwined. As an adult, she found the success she’d worked so hard for, and with it a prominent place in the hierarchy of celebrity Scientologists alongside people such as Tom Cruise, Scientology’s most high-profile adherent. Remini spent time directly with Cruise and was included among the guests at his 2006 wedding to Katie Holmes.

But when she began to raise questions about some of the church’s actions, she found herself a target. In the end, she was declared by the church to be a threat to their organization and therefore a “Suppressive Person,” and as a result, all of her fellow parishioners—including members of her own family—were told to disconnect from her. Forever.

Review:

Let me first start off by saying that this book was a BITCH when it came to getting my hands on it... being in Canada, where no one seems to have the rights to it, I had to order it from the US and I swear, they stopped it at the border twice before I finally got it in my mitts. By the time it was finally mine, the desire to read it had waned a little, mainly because the A&E series had finished a couple weeks before and I had moved on.

When it comes to Leah Remini, I absolutely love her. I watched her in Saved By The Bell (ummm, I am a child of the 90's), Who's The Boss and, of course, The King of Queens. My husband and I joked that we were the real life Carrie and Doug so I definitely knew that I loved Leah and would appreciate her 'story-telling' ability. Glad to say that I was not wrong! Leah's ability to tell her story is exactly as I imagined and, in fact, feels like you are right at the kitchen table with her, enjoying a cup of tea (glass of wine) while she's telling you all of the details.

Now, the details is where I found the story to fall kinda flat. After seeing the A&E series, I knew most of the facts behind her leaving Scientology but felt like the backstory was missing... Troublemaker was able to fill in those gaps but after reading it, I feel like I am no better off than I was before. The details are that interesting... they didn't add any feelings about the church one way or another and really, they were kinda boring. Yes, she was able to pull me in with her ability to tell me about them but, overall, it was just not my cup of tea.

Sadly, had the book arrived to me quicker or I had read it before the series aired on TV, I think I would have been able to take more out of this book... it just didn't feel worth the time and effort it took to get it.

The Collector by Nora Roberts

The Collector by Nora Roberts

Publisher: Putnam Adult, April 2015

Genre: Fiction

Pages: eBook, 496 pages

Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one. . . .

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn’t capable of violence—against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Ash longs to paint her as intensely as he hungers to touch her. But their investigation draws them into a rarified circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away, and stolen, where what you possess is who you are, and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession. . . .

Review:

I've mentioned before that I absolutely love Nora Roberts books but, for some reason, this felt so much different from what I have come to expect.

First off, there really wasn't much of a mystery to the story and, anyone who has read Nora Roberts knows that kind of her thing. Now, The Collector did start off with a bang but within a couple of chapters, you know who has committed the crime, you know what the whole reason behind it is, so it really took away the 'who done it?' that I generally crave.

Secondly, it felt like there was an excess of dialogue or "fluff" that just seemed unnecessary. Again, there was less of a mystery to this book so a lot of time was spent on the romance between Lila and Ash... even that wasn't really that interesting. There are a lot of issues that I have with the overall development of their relationship, how it started, how intense Ashton was, all sorts of things... I just found it unhealthy.

As for the characters, I didn't really like any of them... other than Luke, he seemed kinda awesome and can make fresh muffins first thing in the morning - total win! Lila was overly annoying to me in that she just seemed a little to big for her britches... come on, no one challenged a murderer with a teacup poodle or a Swiss Army knife. NOPE!!

Overall, not my favourite Nora Roberts novel and, honestly, if it was my first, I would be a little turned off.

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie

Fractured by Catherine McKenzie

Publisher: Lake Union, October 2016

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Paperback, 360 pages

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Julie Prentice and her family move across the country to the idyllic Mount Adams district of Cincinnati, hoping to evade the stalker who’s been terrorizing them ever since the publication of her bestselling novel, The Murder Game. Since Julie doesn’t know anyone in her new town, when she meets her neighbor John Dunbar, their instant connection brings measured hope for a new beginning. But she never imagines that a simple, benign conversation with him could set her life spinning so far off course.

After a series of misunderstandings, Julie and her family become the target of increasingly unsettling harassment. Has Julie’s stalker found her, or are her neighbors out to get her, too? As tension in the neighborhood rises, new friends turn into enemies, and the results are deadly.

Review:

Can you give a book more than 5 stars? If you can... this would be the one I would do it for! YOU GUYS, I was riveted... so into this book that I gave up an entire day of the first long weekend of the year to do nothing but read.

I first heard about Catherine McKenzie from a fellow Canadian blogger, Kaley (Books, etc.), and knew when I read her first book that she would be an author who lives on my 'must read' list. Her ability to pull you into a story is unlike most authors out there and this book was no different. When I sat down to read, I had no idea what the book was about but knew that it was a mystery-type story... little did I know that it was an edge-of-your-seat, nail-biter of a book... one of those that you refuse to put down because you MUST know what happens.

The characters in Fractured were extremely well developed... even though the story was told from two points of view, I felt as though I could understand the story, and the atmosphere that surrounded everything, from many of the neighbours of whom played a roll in the book. Both Julia and John were great characters to read the story through and provided very different looks into how things happened... the back story that led up to the big mystery. Living in a 'community' neighbourhood myself, I definitely understand the dynamics that exist when you live on a street where there is always someone watching... trying to see who is doing what and reporting those who don't follow the rules to a 't'. I felt for Julia... moving away from a horrible experience and ending up in an even worse one.

Overall, this book was amazing... one that I think everyone needs to read! If you like a good mystery, this is a book that will satisfy every single desire that you crave when you pick up a book! LOOOOOVE!

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, December 2015

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Paperback, 512 pages

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

In a heartbeat, everything changes…

Rachel Jenner is walking in a Bristol park with her eight-year-old son, Ben, when he asks if he can run ahead. It’s an ordinary request on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, and Rachel has no reason to worry—until Ben vanishes.

Police are called, search parties go out, and Rachel, already insecure after her recent divorce, feels herself coming undone. As hours and then days pass without a sign of Ben, everyone who knew him is called into question, from Rachel’s newly married ex-husband to her mother-of-the-year sister. Inevitably, media attention focuses on Rachel too, and the public’s attitude toward her begins to shift from sympathy to suspicion.

As she desperately pieces together the threadbare clues, Rachel realizes that nothing is quite as she imagined it to be, not even her own judgment. And the greatest dangers may lie not in the anonymous strangers of every parent’s nightmares, but behind the familiar smiles of those she trusts the most.

Where is Ben? The clock is ticking...

Review:

As with all books, especially mystery themed ones, I picked up this book only knowing the hype surrounding it an not really knowing what the plot actually was. When I found out that it was about the abduction of an 8-year-old boy, I was hit a little to close to home as I have a 9-year-old and because of that, I found that I was distracted and also a little uncomfortable reading it. However, even with that said, I found myself gripping the pages to find out what exactly happened and who dun it!!

This was my first go with author Gilly Macmillan and I really found her writing style to be right up my alley. I loved the fact that, while having many characters throughout the story, she focused the points of view on only two (or three if you count the psychologist). For some reason, I think that books with alternate points of view to be perfect when reading mysteries, yet if you have too many, it gets confusing... so two is perfect. Not only does it give you a different perspective with which to hear what's happening but it makes you read that much faster... the need to find out what's happening is real.

Now, even though I like the fact that the book was written from different characters perspectives, I didn't love them both equally. I really did feel for Rachel and was insanely disappointed with the way the public treated her... I mean what parent doesn't loosen the leash on their child a little as they get older?? Was she a fantastic character? No, but she was definitely relatable and I can see myself, or any other mother, being exactly as she was should they ever find myself in that same position - god forbid. Jim, on the other hand ... actually the entire of the police force... I could not stand. Why was he so affected with the outcome of the trial? I am still baffled by this. I was also extremely disappointed with the way each of the officers treated Rachel every time she called or came by. I would hope that, in real life, the police would treat the family of the victim with more class and dignity.

Overall, I found this story very well written, the characters well developed and it really kept me guessing to the very last second. As an avid mystery fan, I love when an author can leave me thinking I know how it's going to turn out only to pull the rug out from under me at the last minute.

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton

Publisher: St. Martin's Press, September 2016

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir

Pages: Hardcover, 272 pages

Rating: 4/5 pages

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Just when Glennon Doyle Melton was beginning to feel she had it all figured out—three happy children, a doting spouse, and a writing career so successful that her first book catapulted to the top of the New York Times bestseller list—her husband revealed his infidelity and she was forced to realize that nothing was as it seemed. A recovering alcoholic and bulimic, Glennon found that rock bottom was a familiar place. In the midst of crisis, she knew to hold on to what she discovered in recovery: that her deepest pain has always held within it an invitation to a richer life.

Love Warrior is the story of one marriage, but it is also the story of the healing that is possible for any of us when we refuse to settle for good enough and begin to face pain and love head-on. This astonishing memoir reveals how our ideals of masculinity and femininity can make it impossible for a man and a woman to truly know one another - and it captures the beauty that unfolds when one couple commits to unlearning everything they’ve been taught so that they can finally, after thirteen years of marriage, fall in love.

Review:

Before I begin, I have to tell you that I don't read the book synopsis of any book before diving in. I like the surprise element so before I began Love Warrior, all I knew was that it was a memoir (non-fiction) and because that is my least favourite genre, I was not anticipating enjoying it... not only that, but I may have even harboured thoughts about skipping it entirely and if it wasn't the Paper & Glam Book Club book for February, I would have likely done that. However, by the second or third page of the book, I was HOOKED and it turned out to be an amazing story of a woman who went through so much before she was able to love herself.

While most of what Glennon goes through from her adolescence through to her adulthood are things that I have never personally dealt with (bulimia, alcoholism, drug abuse, infidelity), I have suffered many similar things to different degrees so I felt very vulnerable reading her story and relating to so much of it. I loved how candid she was while telling her story and that there really was no hiding from her issues. She laid everything out on the table and basically said, "Take me as I am" because that was, indeed, who she was.

Again, because I don't read the synopsis before diving in, I didn't realize that there was a spiritual aspect to this book and I was so grateful as I read about Glennon's love for God. I was moved to (near) tears as she realized just how much God loved her and that no matter what she does in her life, she will always be loved... she will find her eternal home with unending love. It was so heartwarming.

Overall, if you have, or even if you haven't, felt the pressure that society puts on us to be perfect but realized that perfection is unattainable so felt like you were failing at life, this is a book that you must read. I feel that so many people would benefit from Glennon's story about becoming a Love Warrior. You don't have to be religious or spiritual to enjoy this story... you just have to love yourself or have a deep desire to learn to love yourself!

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin

First Comes Love by Emily Giffin

Publisher: Ballantine Books, June 2016

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Hardcover, 384 pages

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Review:

It's been a hot minute since I've read any of Emily Giffin's book but I was easily reminded just why I like her writing style. The stories that she weaves are so easy to get lost in and always centred around topics that are not only relatable but also real. Things that you would hear about standing around the water cooler at work or watching tv.

When I first added "First Comes Love" to my TBR shelf, I assumed it would be the perfect read for February (Valentines Day) but it actually turned out to be a much different story than I was expecting. While there is a certain love element, as with all chick lit books, it went so far outside of the box that I wouldn't even say this is a 'love story' at all. In fact, it's more about family dynamics and how families deal and move on from tragedy.

All of the characters in this book were very flawed... not necessarily in a bad way but with each and every one of them, there was something beneath the surface that just felt 'off'. I actually appreciated that and felt that it touched on how many of us survive the day-to-day, covering up a secret that lives deep down. My biggest issue of all came with Meredith... I wanted to throat punch her and actually felt that she made her own misery. I mean Nolan seemed like a dreamboat!!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this and, while cheesy and a little predictable, I still feel like there are underlying themes that will hit some harder than others. A definite must for all of Emily Giffin's fans.

Trapped by Michael Northrop

Trapped by Michael Northrop

Publisher: Scholastic Press, February 2011

Genre: Fiction, Teen/Young Adult

Pages: Paperback, 232 pages

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive. . . .

Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision. . . .

Review:

I have to start this off by saying that I am a self-proclaimed disaster junkie. "Breaking News" is my crack (sorry if that's offensive, but you get my point). I love any movie that centres around extreme weather (Twister, San Andreas, The Day After Tomorrow, to name a few) so I figured why would books be any different?!

After seeing Trapped on one of the book tube channels I watch and hearing that it was about the biggest snow storm in the history of the US, I knew I not only had to read it but wanted to save it for a super snowy day... that was yesterday!!

Now, this was a super easy read and I want to say that it was geared more for the teens than anything but even with that, I found it to be a very enjoyable read. The characters were a group of typical high school kids and fit into every stereotype that you can think of.. maybe a little too "cookie-cutter" but I still managed to find each of them decent in their own rights. The main character "Scotty" was a good narrator and I enjoyed the book from his perspective.

I've heard of Nor'easter's before but just imagine 18 feet of snow in less than a week with no breaks in between... that's insane and I'm not even sure it's possible. However, it made for an intense, edge of your seat read and I found myself turning pages as fast as I could and just as tuned in as I would be to my real-life disasters.

Overall, a quick read that was totally worth it! Definitely pick it up during the next snow storm!!

My (Not So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

My (Not So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Publisher: Penguin Random House, February 2017

Genre: Fiction

Pages: Paperback (ARC), 436 pages

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.

Ok, so the real truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?

Until her not-so perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.

Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams? Or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman with everything – have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.

And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?

Review:

**This book was provided to me by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**

First off, I love Sophie Kinsella... LOVE! I believe I have read every single one of her books and just love her ability to weave a story and keep the reader engaged in every aspect of it so it comes as no surprise that I absolutely adored "My (Not So) Perfect Life". You know that feeling you get when you start a book and already, on page one, you know that you are going to be in for a good read? I got that feeling when I was reading this book.

There is something about stories that take place in London that grip me and when you add such loveable characters, like Katie (or Cat or Cath), into the mix, it's a recipe for success. In fact, all of the characters really are wonderful... each of them have their own personality which add a certain element to the overall flow of the story. Whether you love or hate them, they really grow on you as the book progresses and I found myself rooting for the people I had least expected.

I also like that the book was broken into two parts... a London storyline and a Somerset (or country) storyline. While I did enjoy the London part of the story, my favourite part was when Katie moved to the country... I can't even imagine what it would be like to go from a city-loving girl to finding yourself, back at home, in the middle of your families latest money-making adventure. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud as Katie took her 'Glampers' on crazy adventures and used some of that pent-up frustration to get back at her, more privileged, guests.

As with most chick-lit books, there is going to be a romantic aspect to the story but I really like that Sophie Kinsella doesn't shove it down your throat. It wasn't a 'romance' book and the relationship that developed really was more of a behind the scenes story... it also didn't follow that usual recipe for romance which I really appreciated. Now, that said, it doesn't take a genius to figure out how things go but, I will say that I was very happy come the end of the book.

Before I wrap up this review, I wanted to touch on the underlying message that I found running through the book and that is of the 'perfect life' that we see so much in social media. The life that people WANT you to see... I thought it was brilliant that Katie had a 180 degree spin in her thoughts on how social media works. It's so true that what you see isn't always the true story. Nobody wants you to see the heaps of dirty laundry, the messy stove, the couches covered in animal hair (speaking from experience here)... everybody wants to give the illusion that their lives are perfect. So, THANK YOU Sophie for making that a theme in your novel, I found it humbling to know that so many will read that and hopefully feel better about their own lives and the way they present themselves to other people. xx

Overall, if you are a fan, in any way, of Sophie Kinsella, this book is a must. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am already chomping at the bit for her next book to come out!

The Obsession by Nora Roberts

The Obsession by Nora Roberts

Publisher: Piatkus Books, April 2016

Genre: Fiction

Pages: eBook, 464 pages

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary (from goodreads.com):

Naomi Carson is a survivor. As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime. It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world.

Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots. The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi has new friends in town who are willing to help, including Xander Keaton - gorgeous, infuriating and determined to win her heart.

But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her. Someone in town knows her terrifying secret - and won't let her forget it. As her new home is rocked by violence, Naomi must discover her persecutor's identity, before it's too late.

Review:

You guys... have I mentioned before just how much I love Nora Roberts books? This chick can do no wrong! I have read many of her books (like a lot of them) from all sort so of genres... mystery, romance, witchcraft... and each and every time I finish one, I am blow away by the sheer enjoyment I get out of it.

The Obsession literally had be gripped right from the first page and didn't let up until I finished the book. I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out the whole "who-done-it" aspect and could not centre on one person and when I finally would think of someone, I wasn't happy because I really started to fall in love with the characters. The whole idea of a small town, the quiet escape, a house on a bluff really appealed to me so I didn't want anyone who was in that ideal, dreamlike, place to be guilty of killing young women.

One of the things that I found to really enjoy about the writing style for this novel is that, while the story started in the past, it stayed with the current day throughout the rest of the book... you were never left hanging in a chapter and while I can appreciate back-and-forth style books, it seems so common these days. I really liked that Nora Roberts kept this book chronological... that may seem like a weird thing to like but it made the story so much easy to read and you would really get lost in it - hours will disappear, I promise!

Overall, I loved this story and am already craving the next Nora Roberts book on my TBR... as I said before, you can never go wrong by picking up one of her books. She's amazing!