2024 the best life book club review
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(as of Nov 12, 2024 11:34:07 UTC - Details)
“A sharply plotted, emotionally intense novel of family secrets, fresh starts and community” —Jayne Ann Krentz
She left her hometown following a scandal—but family loyalty is dragging her back…
Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot’s borne the brunt of their mother’s care and now it’s Gia’s turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.
As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome. There’s the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.
When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.
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Summer-beach reads
There are secrets that bring friends together, and others that drive them apart… A summer by the ocean promises new beginnings—until old secrets resurface. How do you start a new chapter of your life when you haven’t closed the book on the previous one?
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A Coyote Canyon Novel
Sometimes the past we leave behind leads us right where we belong. She’s not here to make friends. She’s here to make trouble. When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?
ASIN : B0CQD6PG72
Publisher : MIRA (September 17, 2024)
Publication date : September 17, 2024
Language : English
File size : 840 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 369 pages
Reviewer: Sonia Connon
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Truth and Love always prevail
Review: This book is a beautifully written romance infused with suspense and family drama. It follows two intertwined storylines centered around the Rossi family.Gia Rossi has built a successful life in a small Idaho town, far from her troubled hometown of Wakefield. When she learns of her motherâs terminal cancer, she reluctantly returns, knowing she must confront her past. Giaâs bravery shines as she navigates the challenges that arise, especially in supporting her sister Margot, who is trapped in a controlling marriage and seeking to escape.The narrative is captivating, featuring a rich cast of characters who share their views on Giaâs history while she remains steadfast in her truth. The themes explored are powerful and relevant, with rising tension and a budding romance that kept me turning pages.This novel is not only thought-provoking but also incredibly relatable, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their struggles. Itâs cleverly written and entertaining. I am a long-time fan of Brenda Novak and I know this book won't disappoint.
Reviewer: Kathy
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Excellent, absolutely riveting.
Review: Important issues, wonderfully told.
Reviewer: Lindsay Seigel
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Truth Wins
Review: Margot is able to convince her sister, Gia, to come home because their mother doesnât have much fight left in her to battle the cancer thatâs taking over. Going home means going back to a town that doesnât believe her and blames her for destroying a family over a âlieâ that they believe she told in high school. What Gia doesnât know, Margot is planning on using Gia coming home as a way to escape with her sons and leave her verbally abusive husband and marriage.The longer Gia is in town, the more she begins to find that the one who hated her the most for âdestroyingâ his family, may be the one standing in her corner now.Amazing read. I definitely recommend if youâre looking for a story that keeps the pace going and keeps you interested throughout the whole book.
Reviewer: Eileen B
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: An Insightful and Intriguing novel
Review: Once again Brenda Novak shares a story of insight and intrigue with her readers. Her characters are relatable and have depth. In this novel several types of relationships are explored: familial and professional. I highly recommend this novel for mature readers.
Reviewer: Madison W Fairbanks
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: The Banned Books Club
Review: The Banned Books Club by Brenda NovakContemporary romance.Gia Rossi walked away from a college scholarship and backpacked to Alaska. Sheâs now a co-owner of a helicopter adventure company and hasnât spent but a weekend occasionally back home with her family. But her sister Margot is calling, asking Gia to come home. Their mother is sick and itâs Giaâs turn to be the caregiver.The residents of Wakefield arenât all that happy to have Gia back. Most blame her for getting one of her high school teacherâs fired for sexual misconduct. Since Gia left town and heâs still blaming her for ruining his life, there used to be a rumor that Gia âs story wasnât true. Even though the court, and his wife, believed Gia.Now with Gia home and helping to care for their mother, Margot takes off with her children but no explanation. The neighbor saw her loading the suitcase so they know it was voluntary but this leaves a lot of questions on what Margot was hiding. Her husband is blaming and threatening Gia. Fortunately Gia is learning that there are people that believe and support her and that she can depend on.Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Both Gia and Margotâs lives are changed with this trip home. Both are standing up for themselves and becoming stronger than ever. Especially with the support of family and friends.I admit I cried a few times. In particular with a âyouâre smiling moreâ comment.Loved the small town feel, the romance, and the feeling of family.
Reviewer: Sheila M
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Thoughtful, but Too Many Storylines
Review: FINAL DECISION: A thoughtful exploration of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, though the multiple storylines, lessened the impact of any of them. Too much was going on, and the story was too superficial sometimes.THE STORY: Gia Rossi reluctantly returns to her hometown of Wakefield, Iowa, at the request of her sister Margot to help care for their dying mother. Seventeen years after leaving town following a painful accusation of sexual misconduct against her teacher, Mr. Hart, Gia finds herself confronting old wounds and divided loyalties. As she navigates the town's lingering judgment and her past, Gia discovers unexpected allies in her old Banned Books Club. Meanwhile, Margot seizes an opportunity to escape her emotionally abusive marriage, leaving Gia to face the challenges of her homecoming alone. Through standing up for the truth, Gia finds a path to healing, love, and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.OPINION: THE BANNED BOOK CLUB showcases Novak's ability to tackle complex themes, but there are too many storylines for any of them to really resonate. While the book offers a nuanced exploration of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse, the "women as victim" narrative, which has become prevalent in contemporary women's fiction, felt overdone to me.Novak's strength lies in her thoughtful portrayal of complex subjects. The parallel stories of Gia's past trauma and Margot's current struggle with emotional abuse are handled with sensitivity but lack depth. The author doesn't shy away from showing the complicated aftermath of Gia's accusation, illustrating how such events can divide a community and have long-lasting effects on all involved, but I wish that the story had focused on Gia's story. Margot's was not needed and ended up distracting from Gia story. Not only does the book deal with the harassment story and domestic abuse but also adds the impending death of the mother. For me, there was just too much drama going on, and I was disappointed because I really enjoyed Gia's story and thought that a deeper, more intense focus on her life and budding romance would have made this a better book.While the book tackles heavy themes and offers moments of hope and healing, the persistent focus on trauma and victimhood may be draining for me. The drama, while realistic, becomes worn over the course of the novel.One of the book's strengths is its refusal to offer easy answers. Instead, it presents a realistic portrayal of the messy, complicated nature of healing from trauma and the challenge of confronting long-held beliefs. However, the multiple traumatic storylines just don't give enough space for the story to breathe and be the most impactful.WORTH MENTIONING: The title of the book is somewhat deceptive if readers are expecting a focus on banned books. While there is a book club group in the story, it is not as prominent as one might expect from the title. The book primarily deals with themes of sexual misconduct and domestic abuse rather than literary censorship.CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone book.STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
Reviewer: customer
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Wow, the Banned Books Club!
Review: This book has kept my attention for 2 nights. Brenda Novak has done it again in this book, bringing attention to mental abuse. No one should live with someone like Sheldon.I highly recommend this book to anyone who follows Benda Novack.
Customers say
Customers find the narrative captivating, enjoyable, and interesting. They describe the romance as beautifully written and fantastic. Readers appreciate the thoughtful portrayal of complex subjects and relatable characters. They also describe the book as an amazing read and excellent.
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