Seven Days of Us was a super lighthearted yet real & honest take on family life. We all have issues, we all have struggles with our family relationships, and at the end of the day we all love each other and want the best for one another and those relationships. This book realistically portrayed it all in a fun story with a satisfying end - not perfect, but hopeful and authentic. Highly recommend!

Castle of Water was a truly wonderful reading experience & everything I look for in a novel! There are only 2 characters (we really don't hear from anyone else who is mentioned by name in the book) and yet I wasn't bored for one moment & was completely absorbed in the story & island Barry & Sophie inhabited. Great for book clubs, romance novel lovers, & anyone just wanting a wonderful & engaging story.

I really enjoyed this book for the first half but less so as it progressed. The Ava storyline started off well, but didn't move forward (constantly repeating the same lament about her husband), and her borderline indifference to the growing evidence of her daughter's issues was not believable to me. The Maggie storyline also started off very interesting but dragged on far too long and in too much depth with regards to her drug addiction. The events of the last few pages felt contrived/unrealistic & Ava's response to them also seemed strange to me. Overall, it is a quick read that is great for the slow, lazy days of summer but not one to rush to the top of the TBR list.

I was disappointed in this novel. The subject matter is wonderful - but the execution came off flat to me. There were moments when the storyline jumped a ways ahead in just a sentence and instead of reading as "showing not telling", to me it came off as disjointed. I could not sympathize with either of the main characters or even their family members. I was not a fan and would not recommend the book.

I had a difficult time getting started with this book, and was uncertain of what to expect, but as I continued to read and adjusted to the voice of the main character, I began to fell in love and couldn't put it down. I found the main character to be written in such a way that I wanted her to succeed and fail in her endeavors all at once. Plot, character development, pace, resolution - all were well done and satisfying. Highly recommend.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into PTSD - what does it look like, how does it feel, and how on earth does someone heal from it. On the other hand, the author had a unique and somewhat disturbing way of processing, which was unpleasant to read at times. Certain segments came across as her trying to "prove" something to somebody, but the segments that came straight from the heart and got to the point were enjoyable. Graphic at times, but certainly good material for book club discussion.

I really enjoyed reading "The Same Sky". I absolutely loved both of the storylines that are told - one of a Honduran immigrant trying to get to her mother in America, and one of a middle class woman trying to become a mother (in America). I thought I knew where the stories were headed but I ended up being wrong - there was a twist that was very sweet. The depiction of the struggles & hardships that each woman experienced, and the ways they evolved over the course of the story, were painfully felt by the reader - in the way of a wonderfully told story. It was real and raw and I understood (felt) their struggles. There were a few moments glossed over that I felt could have been more thoroughly developed otherwise I'd give a rating of 5. This will appeal to book clubs, and anyone who loves to read of characters who evolve and find joy in spite of circumstances as they fight their inner demons.

One of the most interesting books I've ever encountered, but I alternated between loving and hating this book. It is difficult to even succinctly describe my thoughts on it! Ultimately I think this is a well written and thought provoking take on relationships, the meaning and purpose of life, and what is or isn't worth fighting for - that makes it worthy of 4 stars. On a personal level, I was dis-satisfied with several important elements (lack of resolution of certain plot points, distractions that never led anywhere) & my emotional connection with the characters was elusive. Incredibly well written, just not my style. I think this is a book for serious literature readers/serious book clubs. Not light and fluffy, and not for the lovers of best sellers. Enjoyed reading to review though - thank you!