Review of Becoming the Talbot Sisters by Rachel Linden

About the Book ~

Twin sisters Waverly and Charlie Talbot have drifted far apart as they pursue opposite dreams of stardom and service to the poor. On an astonishing journey across Central Europe, they must come together to face their fears, find their courage and fight for what they love.

Celebrity chef Waverly Ross has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire of Waverly’s heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile Waverly’s twin sister, Charlie Talbot, buries her bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an international aid worked in Budapest, Hungary.

When the beloved aunt who raised them passes away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents. Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her husband the selfless gift of surrogacy.

But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on an adventure across Central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though the twins haven’t had to rely on each other since childhood, an unforeseen dangerous turn in their journey across Europe forces them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other.

For more information about Rachel Linden and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Surprising.

That's what I would say if I had to sum up Becoming the Talbot Sisters by Rachel Linden in one word. This story truly surprised me!

As first glance, this seems like a novel of sisterly bonding - and it is - but so much more lies beneath the surface. The author weaves difficult subjects like miscarriages, marriage struggles, surrogacy, rape, sex trafficking, and adoption into the story in such a real and relatable way. The romance is very light, but 'twas enough to satisfy my mushy meter. *insert gooey feelings here* And thanks to some jaw-dropping twists and shocking turns, a suspenseful undertone wafts from the pages, beckoning the reader to hurry up and finish this savory tale.

Yes, there's also a dash of foodie added as flavor to the story. ;-)

In the midst of this delectable journey, courage drives Waverly and Charlie through their traumas and trials, and it will inspire readers to be courageous not only for the people who need them but also for themselves in all circumstances. We often have a plan for life, but a cause for which to be courageous doesn't wait for us to fit it into our lives; it just happens. This is something I think was illustrated very well in Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and the subtle Christian values give this story a broad appeal for reaching and calling many readers to action.

Three Stars ~ Becoming the Talbot Sisters is a little different than what I normally read, but I'm very glad that I read this heartfelt tale! If you're a fan of Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay or if you cherish a good story of sisterly bonding, then I think you will really enjoy Becoming the Talbot Sisters by Rachel Linden!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Review of No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

About the Book ~

When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray--the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser--faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones--the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge's top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she's stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as "this" or "that", when such complexity exists in each person?

For more information about Katie Ganshert and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If I could describe No One Ever Asked in one word, that word would be "think." This is a novel designed to make you think and ask hard questions, including how you can, "be the change where you're at."

Written in the poignant style Katie Ganshert is known for, No One Ever Asked follows the shocking revelations, struggles, and heartaches of three woman, each so different and complex, yet they think they have each other pegged. And they couldn't be more wrong.

Inspired by a real events, the author's heart is clearly poured onto the pages of No One Ever Asked. Katie Ganshert tackles difficult topics like racism and adoption in a candid, open way. Despite the heavy topics, the novel moves faster than a raging river. Katie Ganshert even uses things like e-mails, text messages between secondary characters, and school flyers to help tell the story without bogging the reader down in the details, adding a level of reality to the story that I rarely see. At the core of this deep novel is another truth: that accepting and extending God's forgiveness is the only way to be completely, utterly free.

Four Stars ~ A deeply intense read sure to make her readers think! No One Ever Asked is a standalone novel, but Katie Ganshert has other excellent novels, ranging from romance, YA, contemporary, and novella!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclaimers Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.