WRONG SIDE OF FORTY by Jana Deleon

I've been a fan of Jana Deleon's for years, so buying this book was a no-brianer and I wasn't disappointed. Wrong Side of Forty has Ms. Deleon's trademark wit, funky southern small town hijinks, and quirky characters but with a dash of mythology and some really great women. If you're looking for a fun, uplifting women's fiction book, then start right here because while our main character might have spent the last twenty years being a doormat, she's done and fighting back but grace (sort of) and style (lots). Add in some super fun secondary characters and it's the perfect book to spend a few nights with or lose yourself in for the day. Looking forward (as always) to what comes next from this author.

​BETWIXT by Darynda Jones

​Classic Darynda Jones...which means lots of laugh out loud moments and really great best friend dynamics (and of course, at least one hot guy and lovable pet). 

Betwixt was so much fun to read. Plain and simple.

I loved Defiance, her best friend Annette, and her gigi in a box. All three were wonderful, funny, zany women. Put together with a fun story plot, and great secondary characters and you have the perfect mix for a unputdownable read (Classic Darynda Jones). 

The story is a fresh, updated, and fun twist on the "Charmed" mythology and since I loved the original show and even the reboot, this hit the sweet spot for me. As did the setting (I mean, what's not to love about Salem, MA!). I don't want to give spoilers away, but Gigi was a hoot and a half. I'm very curious to see where the author takes this series and will definitely be reading the next book in her #PWF series!

​It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Jamie Beck’s, and with her newest book, If You Must Know, that hasn’t changed. Jamie Beck is a master at the inner workings of relationships, especially those between friends and families. 
 
In her newest and most definitely women’s fiction, is a story of two very different woman who seem to have one thing in common, their sisterly bond, weak as it is. But as we get into the book, we learn that deep down they both have so much more, like insecurities, regrets, hopes and dreams and the real desire to be closer to each other. However, a lifetime of misperceptions and differences can’t be wiped away overnight. Each woman is struggling with her own issues, plus dealing with their mother who is going through her own problems. None are great at communicating with each other, because as is true in real life, no one cuts as deep as those we love the most. The author does a phenomenal job of demonstrating this in the story. 
 
Some of the things I loved about this story were how realistic the characters read, how realistic the family dynamics were, and I loved the small humorous moments that kept what could have been a very sad story from going to the dark side. I also loved Mo (everyone will love Mo). 
 
Overall this was a fantastic book. A bit of suspense in the storyline dealing with Amanda’s husband (loved the ending). A bit of sweet romance for Erin. And a happy, satisfying ending for the Turner women and this reader. As usual, I look forward to Jamie Beck’s next book!