Bagging Alice (Babes of Brighton #3) by Laura Barnard | ARC | A Book Review

First paragraph into the story and I felt like I was scandalized. The first few lines were not exactly what I expected to welcome me. It was so graphic and I wished the story did not start literally that way. Of course, this is an adult story and I know that there will be mature content. I just did not expect that it would be literally the first thing I would encounter.

As the chapter progresses, that graphic start of the story explained a lot. That actually was a crucial part of the main character's dilemma here. So, I do understand the author wanting to put that there but I think it was too much too soon. Anyway, as I have said, in some way it was justified but it just did not sit well with me. That's just me.

Moving on into the rest of the story, it was actually entertaining. A set of very varied characters and some of them even involved with each other is fun to read. Though there were times you tend to lose track of who's who, which character is which, because there was quite a number of them to remember. And I think, even the author in a way felt a little that way too because I noticed an inconsistency. There was a part where one character said something and then when that character was referred to again, it was a different person altogether. In a way, it was chaotic because of these host of characters but it was also fun. It was like watching this big group of friends getting together and exchanging antics. Imagine that and in the center of it all is Alice. Alice is not exactly the best of the bunch but rather the one with the most problems. If she could magically disappear from the face of the earth to save herself from all the troubles she's bombarded with, she would have. Thankfully, these set of friends are here to the rescue and make sure she gets back her life.

Alice, not exactly a female gifted with a douche-detection system, unfortunately always ends up with douche bags and more than her heart broken. The last one, broke the internet because of the salacious picture of Alice shared on social media. Yes, Alice scored big time on this one. M-A-J-O-R douche bag. And here comes the best part, the only way to start getting back control of her life from slipping into oblivion is to let another douche bag live with her-as her roommate. Yes, good luck with that.

Well, as you may have expected, the roommate did actually prove that Alice was not a magnet for douche bags. This one actually realized he needs to change his ways and Alice made him see that. With that said, the story ended quite how I wanted. I actually really liked the part how Tom's issue with his boss who was harassing him was resolved. Yes, good thing Tom was man enough to refuse her advances. I too thought that with his reputation as a man-whore, he would sleep with just about anyone. Please excuse the word. That was how he was called in the story most of the time by Alice and some of her girlfriends. Apparently, Tom has some decency left in him because he actually does not sleep with cougars even if it could help his career. God job Tom!

So, except for the shocking beginning, this story turned out to be so entertaining. I am glad that both main characters, Alice and Tom, actually developed as the story progresses. As it came to the end of the story, both characters were way a lot better than where they started in their relationships, personal life, and career. Most shocking of all was the real culprit who was responsible for the downfall of Alice. Evidently, not all douche bags are out of Alice's life. One unfortunately can't be rid of. How can you get rid of an evil blood relation? Well, killing them is definitely not a viable option but tempting. But Alice can still live her life according to her own terms and screw her family. She can be what she wants and she will prove just that without their help. She has great friends anyway who have been very supportive to her more than her family. That's all she needs.

With that, I give this book 3.5/5 cute dogs. Yes, there's actually a really cute dog in this story. Pickles actually proved that Tom, the imbecile, can actually be responsible for a dog and can change into a better man because he has found the right woman. Love does change a man for the better and in so may ways.

And just like that, when you think your life has already hit rock bottom it goes and shows you there's a basement.

- Laura Barnard, Bagging Alice - 

Thanks again, Laura Barnard for the ARC. Sorry for the delayed posting of the review.

Clutch by Lisa Becker | A Book Review

According to this story, men are like bags. And I find the comparison very amusing and very fitting. The author is very clever to come up with this idea. It's amazing. And yes, I did enjoy the story. Thanks again, Lisa W. Becker for the review copy.

For a person who likes bags and at one point, thought that the more I have them, I could have more variety and more choices to choose from. I used to think that it would be amazing to have bags in all colors to match outfits or have a different one whenever you feel like it. I'm not one who buys expensive bags. I used to want to have different styles for versatility. But now, maybe it comes with age, I realized I don't have to change bags as often and I want my bags to last. I realized, I don't need a lot of bags. Just one functional and durable one. And just like in this story, you don't need all these bags but one. One you can hold dear. 

And I guess, it goes the same with men. Unlike the main character in this story, Caroline, who had the luck or the misfortune of meeting these different kinds of men,  depending on how you look at it, I've only been in love three times. I have a lot of guy friends but I never ever thought of comparing them to bags which is a very clever and hilarious idea. I think the closest thing I could compare to having a relationship would be my jobs or the companies I've worked for. I think the explanation is very lengthy, so let's not get into that.  I guess, reading of Caroline's experiences with men is hilarious but if this were real life, it's actually disastrous. Yes, I do admit it's interesting to meet these varied types of men but I prefer not to engage with them knowing all these things from Caroline. I am  good just watching Caroline from the sidelines here. I don't envy her. But having a man and a best friend like Mike in her life is what I covet.

Mike, he's a good sounding board. A very reliable best friend. But the best thing about him is he wants to carve a path of his own even if it's going to be hard. Even if it would mean he could be disowned and not have the comforts and luxuries in his privileged upbringing. Not a lot of guys would have the same strength of character to turn away from that.  I know normally, a lot would bet his life living on dad's money.

Mike and Caroline. I think the reason why these two took a long while to realize they are what each one needs is because they've gotten so used to the idea that they're perfect together as best friends. It never occurred to them that they're perfect for each other more than that because of the bond and experiences they have shared. They are each other's rock. And this is what I liked most about the story. The fact that these two just simply did not see right away that they are just meant to be. It was frustrating having to witness Caroline go through these different dates or relationships and knowing that none of them were bound to last. And after each fall out, Mike was always there to deal with the aftermath. No question. He was always there. It was part of how things are. The ever supportive best friend. Ah, I just love best friends who end up together. I wish the same is true in my life.

The book is very perceptive. Again, I can't stress enough how clever  it is to compare men to purses. And it's a very accurate and very interesting metaphor which every girl could very well relate to and understand. I guess, if you have a friend who have gone through a lot of boyfriends and have not realized that she had been buying the same type of bag, just in different sizes and colors but it wasn't what she needed because it was not functional, poor in quality, and does not suit her needs, letting her read this book will probably make her come to her senses sooner than all those heart to heart talks combined. I think this is a very good book to understand men. I think every girl should read this book. The entertainment value alone is so worth the time.

With that said, I give this book 5/5 clutch bags. Again, this is a hilarious, perceptive, and very educational story. Nothing more to be said except for all of you to read it. I'm so happy that this book was handed to me. 

I don't need to drive you crazy. You're close enough where you can walk there all on your own.

- Lisa Becker, Clutch - 

Mix N' Match (No Match for Love #3 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | A Book Review

This is the nth book of Lindzee Armstrong that I have read. I have been signed up to her ARC team and I get to be fortunate to get to read all her books for free. This is the third book in the series. Unfortunately, I didn't to get to read her books in chronological order. But it doesn't matter because each one is a stand alone, so you can read them in any order. Whatever suits your mood. 

This installment is the love story of Zoey and Mitch. These two are polar opposites but they seem to have an undeniable attraction towards each other, even if they tried to deny it relentlessly. Zoey is Brooke's best friend and maid of honor. Mitch is Luke's best man and also his loyal and efficient assistant. So, being that Luke and Brooke are going to be married, these two will most likely be closer to each other. And more so, because they both play a very important role to the wedding and to the couple. With the coming wedding going to be held in France and the couple unable to attend personally to the preparations and to avoid everyone uninvited and the press from getting wind of where the wedding will be, these two will have to step up and make sure that the wedding will be as planned. No hiccups.

This is probably the funniest of all the No Match for Love novellas I've read. Mitch and Zoey are like a cat and a dog that can't seem to help but be at each other's throats. Being put together in the City of Lights and where every corner seems to be a romantic spot, will these two be infected by the love bug too? Will these two finally be soften by the romantic scenery and finally admit that as opposites as they are, they too can find some common ground and be together?

I have read a lot of stories and love stories formed in Paris. I can't blame any of those authors. Just looking at those pictures of the city, you can't help but fall in love. These two characters in this story, Zoey and Mitch, were no exception. Paris is undoubtedly the city of love or the most romantic city in the world. These two have walked its street, ate the food and smelled its air. Yes, it's probably something in the air and these two, turned out to be not immune. Definitely! They caught the love bug too but not after a very strong resistance and constant bickering. But love is a more powerful force and these two have no more power over it. They finally surrendered.

I really enjoyed this story. Ah, Paris alone is such a treat already. I imagined myself walking through the streets of Paris, following Mitch and Zoey as they try to get acquainted with the city, at the same time trying to accomplish what they are set to do. All the picturesque landmarks and the museums, it's every traveler's dream. I totally enjoyed that. 

These two proved to be great friends to Brooke and Luke. These two would do anything for their two best friends and make sure that they got the wedding that they dream and they want. These two ended up doing what they probably wouldn't have thought doing, much less ending up in each other's arms and pretending to be exactly farthest from what they are. But in the end, pretending wasn't so bad at all.

I give this book 5/5 bridal bouquets. It's always amusing to listen or imagine two people always arguing or always trying to shoot the other down, but deep down, they can't wait to just be with that person. Definitely, opposites attract just like magnets. And Zoey and Mitch are just a concrete example. They're polar opposites, but their differences are what exactly draw each one towards the other. I just love the quote below. It summed up how these two are just perfect for each other. And wouldn't it be nice to actually meet and fall in love with someone who's exactly your opposite, like the North to your South, yet you can't imagine being with anyone else. He can turn your world upside down but you wouldn't have it any other way.

You have me so frazzled I don't know which way is up. You make me believe I can jump off a cliff and not only survive, but enjoy the ride down and make something good out of the disaster waiting for me at the bottom. You're crazy and chaotic and spontaneous. You upset all my carefully laid plans and schedules. And I don't care.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Mix N' Match -

  

Thank you again, Lindzee Armstrong for the copy.

Perfectly Misunderstood (Perfect Series #4) by Robin Daniels | Book Blitz and Giveaway

Perfectly Misunderstood 
(Perfect Series Book #4) 

Author: Robin Daniels
Publisher: Bluefields
Publication Date: April 4, 2018

This dual perspective book is the final installment in the Perfect Series but can be read as a stand-alone.

         

Jayden Valdez is an overachieving intellectual. Mike McGinnes is Franklin High School’s dumbest jock. Even though they barely know each other, she finds his personality repulsive and he thinks she’s got a giant stick up her you know what. Mike and Jayden are surprised and annoyed when their teacher pairs them together for Spanish tutoring. Both feel it’s a complete waste of time, since nobody could learn from a person who bugs the crap out of them. Not to mention that their reputations might be ruined if people realize what they’re doing. But it doesn’t take long for Jayden to discover that Mike has a secret—he isn’t the person he appears to be. Much to her dismay, Jayden finds 'Secret Mike' strangely attractive. And for some crazy reason, Mike is amused by Jayden’s clever insults and witty banter. Suddenly, they have a much bigger problem than their mutual disdain. What started as irritating tension is beginning to feel more like romantic tension and acting on it would be a very bad idea.

(Mike): Jayden’s glare intensified, and I could tell she was sending me mental death threats. Eventually, she gave up and sat down across from me. “Was that so hard?” I asked.

“About as hard as you head.”

“I have harder parts than my head,” I countered. Her eyes grew wide at the implication. I let her stew for a second before lifting my sleeve and flexing my bicep. “You think that’s hard? You should see my abs.” I’d said it as a joke, but it was basically true.

She was surprised for the briefest moment, then she grunted. “How Cro-Magnon of you.”

“Your grunt suggests you’re familiar with the genotype on a personal level.” I smirked.

Jayden’s eyes narrowed. “At least I’ve evolved. Your face suggests that you haven’t yet.”

I tsked in good nature. “Your face might be prettier than mine, but your manners prove you haven’t evolved as much as you think.”

Robin Daniels is a sixteen-year-old trapped in a middle-aged body. She's married to an amazing guy and has five cute but crazy kids. When she's not chasing children or writing books, she's coaching volleyball or working on her blog. She tries to read as much as possible, but often gets distracted by Netflix. Robin's favorites include napping, dessert, pedicures, Christmas, Arizona winters, and Diet Coke.

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Runs the whole month of April. Winner will be selected on May first and receive signed paperback copies of all 4 books in the series, along with a $50 Amazon e-gift card. Physical copies are only available for a winner in the US. For a winner outside of the US, e-books will be substituted for paperbacks. 

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Pen and Xander by Laekan Zea Kemp | Book Blast and Giveaway

Title: Pen and Xander

Author: Laekan Zea Kemp

Published Date: October 31, 2017

Genre: YA

Amazon | Goodreads

Pen Prado has a passion for cooking. Specifically, cooking her father's food in her father's restaurant. It's the heart of their immigrant neighborhood, a place where everyone belongs, and second chances are always on the menu. Except for Pen. Despite the fact that there's something almost magic about her food, her father can't imagine anything worse than her following in his footsteps. And when Pen confesses to keeping a secret from her family, he fires her, ensuring she never will.

Xander Amaro is undocumented but that doesn't stop Ignacio Prado from offering him a job at his restaurant. For Xander, it's a chance to make amends and to sever his toxic relationship with the druglord, El Cantil--a man whose been like a father to him since his own disappeared. Soon after, his mother abandoned him too, leaving behind a void that not even his abuelo can fill. Until he meets Pen.

Both seeking a place where they feel like they truly belong, they end up finding each other, and in the face of tremendous fear and self-doubt, they end up finding themselves.

The parking lot hasn’t changed; the science building looks the same as that first day of school five months ago. But as I sit in my car, watching girls I met during orientation skip up the steps, hugging their bags, excited to play nurse, I try to convince myself that something inside me has. That today I’ll actually be able to go inside. That today I will stop lying and be the person they want me to be.

Class starts in approximately seven minutes—the class I should have taken and passed last semester, moving me one step closer to a degree in nursing.

Six minutes.

I sit in the parking lot, watching the clock tick down. The car is in park but I can’t bring myself to turn off the engine. 

Walk inside.

I turn off the car, reminding myself how much I’ve already wasted on tuition and books.

You can do this. You can.

I reach for my bag.

Get. Out. Of. The. Car. 

And then I can’t breathe.

My mother’s shoes.

All I can think about are my mother’s shoes.

How they’ve sat in the same spot by the door for almost twenty years. Scuffed and cracked, the shadow of her foot pressed to the leather even when the laces are loose. I imagine every hallway they’ve ever walked down, every door they’ve propped open, every mess they’ve ever stepped in, every second they’ve held her up when all she wanted was to collapse. Because one of her patients couldn’t remember her face or their daughter’s name or how to speak.

When she lost one I’d wake to the knock of the rolling pin and the smell of dough warming on the hot plate. Sometimes I’d try to take the pin from her but there was something about the force, about the rhythm that reminded her how to breathe. We’d work in silence and three-dozen tortillas later she’d wrap them in foil and drive them to the family. The family that only visited once a month. That would accept my mother’s food without acknowledging that she was more family to the deceased than they were.

And then the next day she would go back to work.

For almost twenty years. She went back.

And if I step out of this car, if I walk up those steps, if I sit at that desk and pretend…how long will I be sitting there before I realize I’m trapped?

I take a deep breath, the scent of a thousand shifts at the restaurant tucked into the fabric of the front seat. Mango and cilantro and epazote, tomatillos and roasted pepitas and tortillas. I can’t sleep without those smells tangled in my hair, without those flavors still on my tongue.

So I have to decide what’s scarier: living a life that doesn’t belong to me or losing the one I love. If the truth breaks my father’s heart, I know he’ll take it from me. But if it doesn’t, if he understands, if I can makehim understand, I can be free.

I weigh each option, simmering in the anxiety they provoke, in the hope. Because I have to do what scares me. It’s the only way to ward off the helplessness. To stay in control. I always have to be in control.

Which means that today is not the day I go inside.

My stomach drops, my hand reaching to put the car in drive again.

Today is the day I tell them the truth.

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Giveaway ends on March 25, 2018.

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E-copies of My Entire Backlist
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The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay | A Book Review

I got this book from Netgalley. Just by the title alone, my attention was already captured. Like all readers, I too am curious and enamored by Jane Austen's works. Who wouldn't, right? I haven't read a lot of Miss Austen's books. So far, I've only read Pride and Prejudice. I have to read more of her books, especially after reading this book. It got me curious about the other characters in her books mentioned here. I would try to include her books in my TBR this year. 

Have you seen the movie of Keri Russel, Austenland? This book is a lot like the movie. The characters here traveled to Bath, England to immerse in all things Austen. Wear costumes, play a character of Austen's in her novels, and get to live in a mansion which is like a set in the time of Austen's stories. This is a different kind of vacation. A getaway from the daily stress and grind and live in Austen's world and characters for a week or so and forget about modern day troubles. 

The main character in this book is Mary Davies. She's a very talented and creative industrial engineer. She works in a company she loves and she loves her job even more. She also enjoys working with the adorable, hilarious, and intelligent consultant at their office, who also seemed to be taken with Mary. Everything seems to be working out with Mary until her pet and most beloved project failed. The costs and the failure of that project is threatening Mary to lose her job. One other thorn in her side is her childhood best friend, Isabel, who had invited her to go on a two-week vacation to Bath, England. This vacation may be what Mary needs in order to relieve some stress at work and probably put some things into perspective.

I really enjoyed the story. Mary Davies is one very lovable character. I think I can relate to Mary in many ways. She's a nerd but a very impressive nerd with her talent in creating gizmos and gadgets. I also love her special talent of creating animals and stuff from electrical wires. She is a modern inventor and she loves what she's doing. Mary reminded me of my frustration of wanting to be an engineer. Deep within, I always wanted to be one. A computer engineer. I am tech-savvy and how I ended up in Accounting is a story which I might have told in one of my posts here. Maybe, in my next life, I could be that or I can still be one. It's never too late for anything, right? Anyway, I love Accounting too. Thinking back, I also couldn't think of not having done that. 

The other important character here is Isabel. I honestly hate her just by the descriptions and the stories Mary has related about her. She has not been a good best friend to Mary but she had her moments too. And once you get a picture of Isabel's life, you will feel sorry for her. The same way Mary's Mom and Dad had taken in Isabel like a real daughter, you too will feel like making allowances for Isabel's very unforgivable flaws. In the end, at least, she found her spot and eventually got out from under her father's claws and was able to live a life of freedom. Freedom to be herself and be happy. By end of the story, I still did not love Isabel but I came to understand her character more. She represents a lot of real persons in my life. Some, I am still friends with to this day and some have been a part of my life and have done me some torment of some kind. Hopefully, like Isabel, they too will find happiness so they would stop making other people as miserable as they are.

Nathan, a.k.a TCG. I just love him. He might just be the guy I want to have in real life. He's sensitive, smart, and caring. The thing I love about him the most is the fact that he wasn't sure if Mary even feels the same way about him. In a way, he's clueless and that is so cute for someone who works as a consultant who's supposed to be so intelligent and smart and should be able to notice nuances about people. I guess, not all nuances because he never read Mary's signals clearly and the same goes for Mary too. Good thing, these two were finally able to get everything cleared out. I think they complement each other. 

There are a lot of very memorable parts in the story. I would never forget the part when Clara said, "Sense and Senseless" instead of Sense and Sensibility. That really cracked me up. Also, the part about Mary pointing out that Austen hated Mary's. "She hated all the Mary's the same way she hated Bath." That was a very smart observation and realization which made me more curious to actually read all of Austen's stories with Mary's in them. I can relate to Austen. I too have a name or names I would associate with a mean person. I did meet a few people with the same name and they proved to be different so, they are exemptions to that. 

The story pointed out a lot of truths about relationships and human nature. I had to nod my  head a lot of times in agreement to a lot of the statements. There were also some that hit like cold water on the face. It hurts to accept but they're true. The same way, Mary felt about a lot of realities and realizations that dawned on her brought about by her stay in Bath. 

I love the book and I'm sure I'm going to start looking for books of Katherine Reay. I need to read more of her books, the same way I felt I've missed a lot not having read a lot of Austen. With that said, obviously I'm giving this book 5/5 wire animals. In a lot of ways, I can relate to Mary. I felt I could just be her in this story. There are a lot of similarities especially about work. And I felt the same disappointment and sadness when it dawned on Mary that Austen did not like Mary's and what all the Mary's represent to her. Whether, they'd be the characters in her book which are representations of maybe real persons in Austen's life. Knowing that her namesake may have done Austen some injustice or grave ill, somehow affected Mary the same way as if she shares some blame. I had one co-worker who honestly told me that he didn't like my name. He said my name reminds him of someone or some not so nice experience. I appreciated his honesty. It wasn't that he did not like me but I understand what he meant. He's uncomfortable that I remind him of something he doesn't want to be reminded of. I too don't like my name. If I were given the chance, I would have named myself something else. This story also reminded me of the animated story by Disney- Home on the Range. It's about farm animals, cows to be exact, who had banded together to save their farm "Little Patch of Heaven." I really love one of the songs on the OST- "Will the Sun Ever Shine Again." So, this story reminded me of a lot of different things and it's very honest and real, even if a lot of metaphors and things about Austen are used in here. It is a very relevant story which examines a lot about the different relationships we have. Just as Austen's stories are like a study on human behavior and human nature, this story too tackled that subject. I am so fortunate that I found this book and Miss Reay. Thank you again, Netgalley.

No one wants to be third choice, even if they couldn't care less about being any choice.

- Katherine Reay, The Austen Escape - 

Kiss Me in the Rain (Destined for Love: Mansions #2 ) by Lindzee Armstrong | ARC | A Book Review

Kiss me in the rain. Sounds like a title of a song or a lyric. The fact that it sounds so romantic gives it an even more graceful ring to it. Have you imagined yourself being kissed in the rain? Or have you actually done it? And how was it?

I have not been kissed in the rain. I don't know if that is unfortunate but at least I know how it feels like because of this story. But then again, bridging the great divide between reality and imagination is an entirely different story.

This is a sequel to Kiss Me in the Moonlight. Another title for a song, right? Anyway, this story features two characters who were in Kiss Me in the Moonlight--Layla and Tyler. After spending their summer in Paris as tour guides, these two decided to go back to the US. Layla went back to her home--Cypress Grove. A mansion which is often a venue for parties of the elite. Tyler quit grad school and decided to follow Layla to her hometown.

This is my nth book from Lindzee Armstrong. I didn't realize that I was slowly becoming a fan of this author. It does help being a member of her ARC team. It was one of the first few groups that I signed up for. At first, I didn't know what it all entails but I just read her books which I get for free. No regrets there. I did enjoy her clean and sweet stories. They were easy to read and very relatable. Feel-good reads and very easy to finish in one sitting. Without me knowing, Armstrong's stories became my go-to when I feel like I need to feel good and they never fail me. To this day, I have almost read all of her stories and I am looking forward to reading more of them. I would just like to say my big thanks to the author for her invigorating stories of love.

Like all of the author's other stories, this is a clean read also. It speaks of how two people overcome the divide between economic status and family expectations. It speaks of following one's dream and passion in life. Like the rest of us, these two fictional characters have their own dreams. Tyler wants to build a business flipping houses. Layla wants to be able to do what she wants without feeling guilty about her family's expectations and requirements. Like all good stories, conflicts and antagonists add more spice and flair. In here, a little mystery and embezzling is added for good measure. And betrayal and disappointment packed the whole story into a neat little package. 

Like the first book, this is not a straight romance story but with a mix of a little mystery which leads to a major problem for our two main characters. How they manage and resolve this by helping each other is how this story leads to the kissing in the rain part. Yes, a happy ending. 

I give this book 4/5 umbrellas. I liked that this story or the stories in the Destined for Love series is mixed with mystery and suspense. It sort of brought the story to another level and still remain clean and fun and end with a very happy ending for the characters. If you are looking for clean, feel-good and inspirational love stories, read Lindzee Armstrong's books. You will never be disappointed. They are not too heavy but packed with enough spice here and there to give more life to the stories. 

Her hero, her idol, had fallen off his pedestal, and she'd never again view him the same.

- Lindzee Armstrong, Kiss Me in the Rain - 

All Those Things We Never Said by Marc Levy | US Edition | ARC | A Book Review

This is my first time to read a Marc Levy. His name sounds so familiar. Probably, because he is an international best selling French author. Thank you, Netgalley, for the copy of this book. Finally, now I would know a book by Marc Levy.

Julia and his Dad had been in non-speaking terms for years. Julia left home and cut ties with his controlling Dad and made a life of her own. She is now a creative director, designing animated characters for children for movies and games. She is going to be married in a few days but then, as usual, her father found a way of ruining her wedding day. Classic Anthony Walsh!

How would you react if instead of celebrating a wedding, you instead will have to bury your father on the same day? A wedding and a funeral back-to-back is definitely not an option. So, Julia had no choice but to postpone her wedding to give way to his father's funeral. As usual, Anthony Walsh got his way. Even in death, he always got a way to interfere in Julia's life.

As it turned out, Anthony's death is sort of a blessing in disguise or more appropriately an intervention. Anthony's death brought on a surprise package for Julia which was the most bizarre of all. If I were Julia, I would definitely have a heart attack. The surprise package brought Julia a chance to spend a few days away from work, re-examine her life in New York and her relationships, travel back to Berlin and revisit wonderful and painful memories and learn a few things about her father. She also got the chance to say what she was not able to tell her father. All her disappointments and hurts. At the same time, his father got his chance to tell Julia just how much he loved and cared for her and admit that he was sorry for the years lost spent on business trips and poured over work than spending time with his daughter.

This is a very touching story. I was crying and this made me examine my relationship with my father which I could say could have been better. Somehow, this story touched a nerve. Some of Anthony's explanations to Julia were like a thorn to my heart. I found myself guilty for having the same thoughts as Julia. In ways, I could relate to Julia. Why is it that parents tend to have the mindset that their children will always remain kids in their eyes? Are we not allowed to grow up? Make our own decisions, make mistakes and learn from them? Why would they have to force on us some of their beliefs and opinions, are we not allowed to think for ourselves? Are we not allowed to correct them if they their perspective is not anymore what is applicable today?

I feel I may not be the only one asking all these questions about the complexity of a father-daughter relationship or a parent-child relationship. Every family has it own dysfunctional relationship or behavior. And each of us have learned our own way of navigating this complexities, or tolerate, if not avoid them. Yes, this book drive its point right to the core. Everyone, after reading this would definitely contemplate on their relationships, especially one with their parents. I think, Julia is lucky because his Dad realized his mistakes and was willing to make up for them, even if it was a bit too late. He knows that Julia, no matter what happens, still loves him and that in some way, his words still matter. It was admirable and unbelievable that Anthony took a very high-tech way of trying to reach out to Julia and remind her that in spite of everything that has happened to them, a parent's love never diminishes over the passage of time. Anthony's intervention, though unsolicited and at first, deemed unnecessary, somehow made Julia realize what matters most in her life. 

I give this 5/5 stuffed otter. I think fathers and parents should read this book. I think they can learn a few things from Anthony Walsh. I, being a child of my parents and a future parent, have learned a lot from this book. No wonder, Mr. Levy is a best selling author. If his books are anywhere as great as this story, then he deserves all the fame and recognition afforded to him. This book is just what I needed for some clarity and answers to some questions. Anthony explained and expressed what most parents are unable to tell their children to make us understand what often causes the rift and distance in the relationship. And that the most effective way to bridge the ever-widening gap is to talk about them which is easier said than done. It works in theory but a bit harder to pull off in reality. Agree?

I've learned one of the great lessons a parent can learn over these last few days--the importance of taking the time to get to know the adult who stands where once stood a child, and to give that adult their rightful place.

- Marc Levy, All Those Things We Never Said -