Category Archives: Reading & Book Reviews

Book Reviews

Book Review: Expect a Miracle

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I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

EAM_dustjacket.inddJenny Long, the resilient and inspirational author of this book, has not had an easy life. Seriously – she experienced more drama and trauma in her first twenty-one years than I have in my whole life. Even though we come from different worlds and have lived very different lives, I feel a bond with her. Jenny is the mother of three boys, one of whom has special needs. She’s a warrior sister.

Jenny’s oldest son, Conner, is an athlete. Ever since his younger brother Cayden was born, all Conner’s wanted to do is to play sports with him. It wasn’t meant to be, because at four months of age, Cayden was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy. His condition prevented him from speaking and severely limited his mobility. Cayden is in a wheelchair. Continue reading Book Review: Expect a Miracle →

Reading

The Books of My Life

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I’ve decided to start a new series here, based on a column periodically featured in one of my favorite magazines, Entertainment Weekly. From time to time they quiz celebrities (usually ones who have a book coming out in the near future) about the books they’ve read. As a self-proclaimed book nerd, I love reading these interviews. I thought it would be fun to quiz myself and every few weeks, feature friends and fellow bloggers who also love to dish about books! If you’re interested in participating, please email me (allieATthelatchkeymomDOTcom). I’d love to learn more about what you’re reading.

What was my favorite book as a child?

I don’t remember what books I loved as a young child – but I do have an ancient and battered copy of Cinderella. I must have kept it for some reason. I’ll go with that. As a tween, I was a huge V.C. Andrews fan. I read every book she wrote.  Continue reading The Books of My Life →

Reading & Book Reviews

July Book Posts

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A little late, given that it’s August 1st, but I did have some reading and review posts featured this month at Chick Lit Plus:

July’s New Releases:

Best Supporting Role by Sue Margolis – July 1, 2015. You can always count on this British author for a good laugh! Sarah Green has had a tough life, being married to a gambling addict. Things get even worse when he dies, leaving her alone with two children – and penniless. But she manages to start over by getting a steady job and a boyfriend who’s an account. After her aunt dies and leaves her a lingerie company, Sarah begins to question the prudent choices she’s made. When a handsome actor/contractor catches her eye, she wonders if she should unleash the shackles of her safe life and take some chances – like perhaps competing in a lingerie competition. Continue reading July Book Posts →

Book Reviews

Book Review: The Idea of Love

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9781250040329_p0_v1_s260x420[1]By Patti Callahan Henry

A book review by Allie Smith

Ella Flynn has enough problems, but after an encounter the writer Hunter Alderman, her life gets even messier. Hunter’s a screenwriter who has produced a few high profile flops. He’s desperately looking for an idea to save his reputation and career. While traveling through southern coastal towns, Hunter’s been “interviewing” women in the hopes that someone will share a love story that’ll finally spark a creative impulse. Hunter spots the beautiful Ella at an outdoor café and approaches her under false pretenses – claiming he’s a writer working on a book about the history of small southern towns. Continue reading Book Review: The Idea of Love →