Blog Tour for THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB by Robyn Carr

January 26, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I’m happy to be part of the blog tour for Robyn Carr’s new novel: The Friendship Club. Two of the main protagonists in this story are women in their 50’s so I could relate to them, even though their life circumstances (one divorced, one widowed) are different than mine. It was an engaging and “romantic” read and focused on the power of female friendship. I think my only other Robyn Carr novel was Virgin River (now on Netflix)- and I enjoyed this one, too!

Here’s the scoop:

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Author: Robyn Carr

ISBN: 9780778311881
Publication Date: January 23rd, 2024

Publisher: MIRA
28.99 US | 35.99 CAN

Buy Links:
Harlequin

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.robyncarr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robyncarrwriter/

Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/Robyn-Carr-134368309920956/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robyn-Carr-134368309920956/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@robyncarrwriter

Author Bio:

Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women’s fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at http://www.RobynCarr.com.

Book Summary:

Four women who work on a popular cooking show band together when they discover the youngest member of their group has an abusive boyfriend. The Barefoot Contessa meets Big Little Lies in this drama-filled novel about the power of female friendships.

Marni McGuire is the host of a popular television cooking show and leads a very happy life. Twice married, she has been widowed and divorced and now, in her mid-fifties, she enjoys being a successful single woman. But Marni’s daughter Bella, who is pregnant with her first child, is convinced that Marni is lonely and she is determined to find a new man for her mother. To humor her daughter, Marni goes on a series of terrible dates. Marni’s best-friend and colleague from the cooking show, Ellen, is a widow who has no interest in meeting anyone new and the two women have discussed the challenges of marriage and the joys of being single. But, while Ellen is adamant she wants nothing to do with men, Marni has to admit to herself that she would like to be with someone but only if he is the right fit.

As Bella’s pregnancy progresses she admits to her mother that she has some concerns about the state of her own marriage, and all three women are concerned that the young intern on the cooking show is caught in a toxic relationship.

Marni and Ellen are determined to guide the two younger women to have the strength, confidence and support to improve their situations and the women gather regularly to talk about the important issues in their lives.

When Marni and Ellen each unexpectedly find themselves falling for new men in their lives the younger women help them navigate the dating world.

Together these four women form a strong bond of family and friendship that will anchor all of them as they navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of life.

Her Name Was Lola by Karen Janowsky

January 8, 2024January 7, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

Recently, author Karen Janowsky reached out to me to offer me a galley of her new title Her Name Was Lola. The description felt a bit “new age” in genre (in my opinion) so, with Karen’s permission, I offered it to my college-age daughter, Anne, to read and to give me feedback.

Here’s the scoop:

In Her Name Was Lola, which also is published by eXtasy Books, readers are introduced to Lola Nelsson, a fairy tale lover and college senior determined to learn how to “adult.” In her mind, this includes falling in love, becoming self-sufficient, and losing her virginity. Parallel to her journey is Vance Anderson, a womanizing fairy tale professor grappling with a traumatic past. He is determined to avoid anything that smacks of emotional commitments. The two meet at a conference, where they have a tryst that lasts less than a couple of hours. Then he kicks her out. A week later, they are both shocked to discover that she will be his research assistant for the year. The year can only end in one of two ways: they’ll either end up wanting to kill each other or they’ll fall madly in love. Before they can make sense of their feelings and decide whether their own fairy tale will end happily, they must learn to trust themselves, and then one another.
Please check out Karen’s website and blog: https://KarenJanowsky.com

Here’s what Anne thought:

Overall she liked the story, the characters, and the writing and found it compelling and engaging. We Conners gals tend to be “gentle readers”, however, and Anne felt readers should know that there was some sexually explicit scenes and also a scene of what she termed “sexual aggression” (but not violence) where she got a bit nervous for the protagonist. As long as readers are prepared for that, she would recommend this book and she also enjoyed the ending!

Here’s the blurb from Amazon:

Sometimes you have to lose your heart in order to gain your dream.

Lover of fairy tales Lola Nelsson learned at an early age that darker truths lay behind their bright facades. At twenty-two, she still hopes for her fairy tale to come true before she graduates college. But she hasn’t met her prince yet, and she doesn’t know how to navigate the real world. Then a handsome man at a conference catches her eye. She’s sure he’s out of her league but tries to get his attention anyway. And she’s successful… until she isn’t.

Only one thing matters to Professor Vance Anderson—gaining tenure. Known as Dr. Casanova on campus, he’s a true love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. For now, though, he’s sworn off the distraction of women. When he spots a beauty of a different sort at a conference, he can’t stop thinking about her. But when she accepts his invitation to his room, his insecurities kick in. Everything goes well… until it doesn’t.

The night ends disastrously, and it’s all over. Until Lola and Vance wind up in a working relationship, making it impossible to avoid one another. The situation can only end in one of two ways. They’ll either end up madly in love or they’ll want to kill each other. Before they can discover their real feelings, they need to learn to trust themselves. Only time will tell if their fairy tale is sweet or dark.

And here’s a bit on Karen herself:

Karen wanted to be an author and/or Wonder Woman when she grew up. One of those jobs was already taken, though. She lives with her husband, son, and six cats in Maryland, where she teaches college literature and writing. Karen received her MA in literature and creative writing from Florida State University. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found sitting at a friend’s dining room table drinking wine and playing RPGs, hanging out at the local Indian restaurant with her bestie, or curled up in bed with a few cats, listening to the rain and either reading a book or watching a BBC mystery.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and share your new book, Ms. Janowsky!

Spotlight on: Brad Forenza’s Podcast AROUND THE SUN

January 7, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I was contacted a bit ago by Mr. Forenza’s publicist about his new podcast, which I gave a listen to. It has a variety of interesting topics and super interesting guest participants, so I wanted to spotlight it so you can check it out!

Here’s the scoop:

Award-Winning ‘Around the Sun’ Anthology Audio Drama Podcast Series
Announces Season 3 Premiere Date, EGOT-Winning Cast

Listen to the 60-second trailer here

[JERSEY CITY, NJ — October 23, 2023] The third season of Around the Sun, the award-winning radio series, premiered today via the Broadway Podcast Network. The seven-episode season, entitled Around the Sun: Pinecones, was written, directed, and produced by actor/writer Brad Forenza, and features anEGOT-winning ensemble of performers. Episodes 1 and 2 are now available, with new episodes being released regularly until January 3.

“Around the Sun is a scripted, episodic audio drama that explores human connections, made and missed, with an existential flare,” explains Forenza, who created the podcast during the 2020 pandemic. “Whether consumed together or independently, each episode presents a mix of comedy, tragedy, and soul, embracing one character’s assertion that ‘We’re never alone… even if it feels like the opposite is often true.’”

Around the Sun’s season three cast includes François Clemmons (Grammy Award for Porgy and Bess), Robert Funaro (The Irishman, The Sopranos), Judy Gold (Emmy Awards for The Rosie O’Donnell Show), Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Tony Award, Rent), Terry Hu (Disney’s first non-binary lead: Zombies 3), Cady McClain (Emmy Awards for playing three unique roles across daytime television), Estelle Parsons (Academy Award for Bonnie and Clyde), Jai Rodriguez (Emmy Award for the original Queer Eye), and series creator Brad Forenza. Previous seasons feature numerous iconic award-winning actors, including B.D. Wong, Vincent Pastore, Richard Kind, Marsha Mason, and Piper Laurie in her final credited role. Click here for quotes from the Around the Sun: Pinecones cast. Around the Sun: Pinecones is set in a snowy mountain region, where the absence of a matriarch forces one family to adapt, grow, and evolve with the times. “Unlike previous seasons, the characters are integrated from one story to the next,” Forenza notes. “Think of it more as a miniseries with self-contained episodes.” Forenza is eager for season three to expand the audience for Around the Sun. “I’m excited to see this cast tug at listeners’ heartstrings with their beautiful and nuanced performances.” As for himself, he hopes his work on the series will lead to further opportunities as a writer and performer of socially impactful content. “I’d love to be staffed on a TV comedy or drama,” Forenza says. “I’m right at home in every aspect of the creative process, and the awesome privilege of reflecting humanity back on itself.”

Brad Forenza Bio: Brad (IMDB here) is an award-winning New York-based writer and performer. His artistic style blends observational humor and existential contemplation. Brad’s original films include: Awakening Arlene, Breaking Points, and The Lady Yang. His plays have been presented in New York and Los Angeles. He is the author of over 100 articles, editorials, and speeches. Brad’s anthologized publications include: Long Ways Home (plays in one act), The Public Figure Songbook (a concept album), Reagan Babies (a collection of personal essays), and Vignettes (a compendium of short plays comprising Around the Sun, an episodic audio drama). As an actor, Brad has appeared in roles for all mediums.

The Shadow Box by Luanne Rice

January 3, 2024January 2, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

I recently received this title as a free gift for my kindle as part of the Kindle First Reads program through Amazon. I’ve only read one other Luanne Rice book but I loved this one! It was suspenseful and exciting. I read the whole thing in two days over winter break.

Here’s the scoop:

An Amazon Charts bestseller.

The Amazon Charts bestselling author of Last Day delivers a haunting thriller about how far one wife is willing to go to expose the truth―and the lengths someone will go to stop her.

After artist Claire Beaudry Chase is attacked and left for dead in her home on the Connecticut coast, she doesn’t know who she can trust. But her well-connected husband, Griffin―who is running for governor―is her prime suspect.

Just before the attack, Claire was preparing for an exhibit of her shadow boxes, one of which clearly accuses Griffin of a violent crime committed twenty-five years ago. If the public were to find out who her husband is, his political career would be over. Claire’s certain her husband and his powerful supporters would kill her to stop the truth from getting out.

When one of Claire’s acquaintances is murdered, the authorities suspect the homicide is linked to the attack on Claire. As the dual investigations unfold, Claire must decide how much she’s willing to lose to take down her husband and the corrupt group of elites who will do anything to protect Griffin’s interests and their own.

I need to find more novels by Luanne Rice! Happy Reading!!

The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz

January 2, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

So I was going through my kindle and I came across this title which I had not read. I loved Brenda Janowitz’ Liz Taylor Ring and Grace Kelly Dress so I knew that I’d love this one, too. This story moved through time, telling the story of a young woman who grew up on a large estate where her mother was personal assistant to the estate owner, and her two best friends: the son of the chauffeur and the grandson of the estate owner.

There are several subplots in this story, so I had to make sure I was keeping track (I read this book all in one day because I loved it so much and wanted to see what would happen). I will say that once we got to the climax and resolution I was a bit disappointed in the draconian choices the characters made (but I guess the story had to wrap up somehow!).

Here’s the scoop:

One woman. Two childhood loves. The dazzling place where it all began.

“An exciting, emotional page-turner.” —KRISTIN HARMEL, New York Times bestselling author

A CBS New York Book Club Pick!

When Emma Jansen discovers that the grand Long Island estate where she grew up is set to be demolished, she can’t help but return for one last visit. After all, it was a place filled with firsts: learning to ride a bike, sneaking a glass of champagne, falling in love.

But once Emma arrives at the storied mansion, she can’t ignore the more complicated memories. Because that’s not exactly where Emma grew up. Her mother and father worked for the family that owned the estate, and they lived over the garage like Audrey Hepburn’s character in the film Sabrina. Emma never felt fully accepted, except by the family’s grandson, Henry—a former love—and by the driver’s son, Leo—her best friend.

As plans for the property are put into motion and the three are together for the first time in over a decade, Emma finds herself caught between two worlds and two loves. And when the house reveals a shattering secret about her own family, she’ll have to decide what kind of life she really wants for herself now and who she wants to be in it.

“Readers will find themselves engrossed by this absolute treat of a book.” —PAM JENOFF, New York Times bestselling author

Thank you to Harper-Collins for my review e-galley!

It’s my bloggiversary!!!

January 1, 2024 / drbethnolan / 2 Comments

So I was lying around and thinking my thoughts when I suddenly realized that I am having a big bloggiversary this month — 15 years! It hardly seems possible that I’ve been sharing info on what I’m reading for all those years! I noticed today that, just on Net Galley, I’ve been approved overall for 900 books (I started using Net Galley a few years into my blog) so that’s a lot of ARCs! I also get books from the library, I buy books, and I use Edelweiss; and of course many many people (and their publicists) send me ePubs of their books!

I thought it would be fun to think of how things have changed on the blog over the past 15 years.

Here are some thoughts:

When I started my blog I did so because I was sending a lot of emails of book suggestions to families and friends (who asked for them) and I wanted to just write it all once and have it in one place. I thought perhaps a few others may follow me, too. Little did I expect to grow a following!
When I started blogging I was not working full time and I would take at least an hour to craft a thoughtful summary and discourse on a title. Now I have zero time to blog and if I do have free time, I spend it reading. I have my blog time down to early morning Saturdays and Sunday afternoons when I write and then schedule my posts for the upcoming week or two. I focus on the publisher or publicist-provided description, a picture of the cover, a blurb about the author, and a few words on if I liked it and why.
I only do positive reviews. This is for two reasons: one, if I don’t like a book I don’t finish it (and if I don’t finish it, I don’t review. It’s that simple); two, years ago a blogger was stalked by an author that she gave a bad review to. No thanks! I just toss a book I don’t like and move on.
Over the years I added “spotlights”. This is my way of featuring a book without having to read it. I especially like to do this for new/indie authors. I can’t read everything, but I like to give a shout out.
When I started I had to say no to self-published works. Why? Because they were SO bad! But times have changed and the industry has changed. Many hybrid houses and self-publishing houses provide editorial services, etc. that result in good reads!
I tried adding a podcast – I had to teach myself how to do it (not too hard) but honestly, no one listened to it and it was a time suck. I also did Litsy – another time suck. And I am tempted to do Bokstagram, but again, more time that I do not have! Maybe when I retire…
I have met so many wonderful people. There are a lot of kindred spirits out there and I was so thrilled to find so many wacky and wonderful readers who were just like me. Actually many of these people read much more than me, making me not seem like the freak that most people think I am. Which leads me to book clubs. One very sad reason I started my blog is because I had been “uninvited” to two different book clubs, simply because I read a lot. And loved talking about books. And wanted to talk about books. With enthusiasm. And people felt I was some dorky freak. I actually got a phone call from one group that I had joined and really really liked to say that I “made people feel insecure” by how many books I knew about and was not welcome any more. So I figured my blog was just that – mine. If you don’t like it, move along!
I never accept money. And folks have offered it. But that’s not how this truly works. How can I honestly say if I like a book or not if there is money involved? (Cue memories of Psychology 1 class).
I’m not big and famous, and I’m okay with that. Some blogger friends have thousands, if not tens of thousands, of followers. I have hundreds. And that’s okay. I do not need the pressure of 10,000 people looking at what I do and say regularly. Or contacting me. I actually was surprised and pleased in the past to be at BEA in NYC and having numerous folks looking at my nametag and exclaiming, “Hey! It’s Beth! from Beth’s Book-Nook! We love you!” Weird but wonderful!!

My Hearing, My Way by Dr. Stacey Armas

January 1, 2024 / drbethnolan / Leave a comment

This fall, Dr. Stacey Armas reached out to me to see if I’d like to read her new book for young people with hearing loss: My Hearing, My Way. If you know me personally, you may know that our daughter, Anne, has an auditory processing disorder that results in her having difficulty hearing in non-quiet environments and she wears hearing aids. So instead of me taking a closer look at this book, I sent it on to Anne.

Here’s what Amazon says about it:

Written by Dr. Stacey Armas, a pediatric audiologist and passionate advocate for children with hearing loss, “My Hearing, My Way” delivers a powerful message in a delightful way. By following children with hearing devices as they turn them into unique accessories that reflect their individuality, children learn valuable lessons about celebrating their differences and empowering young readers to embrace their own uniqueness.

This charming and empowering children’s book encourages children to take pride in wearing their hearing aids with the aim of improving hearing device use and thus reducing the negative consequences of untreated hearing loss, such as academic challenges, speech and language delays, and social-emotional issues.

Perfect for families, educators, and young readers, “My Hearing, My Way” offers a unique blend of self-expression, confidence-building, and hearing health advocacy. Audiologist Dr. Stacey Armas’ expertise and dedication to the field make this empowering children’s book an invaluable resource for promoting acceptance, encouraging full-time hearing aid use, and fostering a positive mindset toward hearing loss. See more children’s books on hearing loss and other resources at LittleListeners.org

What did Anne think? Well, she wrote to me right away and said that this book made her cry. Clearly, it resonated with her! She said that her younger self would have loved to have had this book when she got her hearing aids. So that sounds like a very definite thumbs up!

I looked at the book, too, and I really like how books like this promote representation. Children need to see themselves in books, on television, in their teachers/doctors/coaches/etc. This story did a great job of portraying a variety of characters that children can relate to.

Thank you for sharing your book with us, Dr. Armas!

Here’s some info from Dr. Armas’ website: https://littlelistenerspublishing.org/

You can find her books there and/or on Amazon.