The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson - [Book review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: The House of Eve

Author: Sadeqa Johnson

Genre: Historical Fiction, Women Fiction

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Print Length: 384 pages

Source: A copy from local library

Blurb:

From the award-winning author of Yellow Wife, a daring and redemptive novel set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.

1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright.

Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his par­ents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.

With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

The story is about 2 negro women Eleanor and Ruby who are smart, ambitious and want to get educated and settle well in life. The lives of women were not easy those days with no support or guidance from anyone in the family or friends. Both get pregnant before marriage and their lives change forever due to this.

This story is heart wrenching to me. Especially the episodes about the Christian home for unwed pregnant girls. It is depressing to read about how they are shamed in the name of God and how they are treated cruelly.

The narrative is engaging. The story is well researched and characters are portrayed in realistic way. Would love to read more from the same author. The ending is satisfying. The characters of Eleanor , Ruby, Aunt Marie, Rose, William and Shimmy are impressive.

My Rating: 5/5

Until next time,

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus

Genre: Women Fiction, Literary fiction

Publisher: Doubleday

Print length: 400 pages

Source: A copy from local library

Blurb:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • Meet Elizabeth Zott: “a gifted research chemist, absurdly self-assured and immune to social convention” (The Washington Post) in 1960s California whose career takes a detour when she becomes the unlikely star of a beloved TV cooking show. • STREAM ON APPLE TV+


This novel is “irresistible, satisfying and full of fuel” (The New York Times Book Review) and “witty, sometimes hilarious...the Catch-22 of early feminism” (Stephen King, via Twitter).

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, Washington Post, NPR, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, Newsweek

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is the story of Ms. Elizabeth Zott, one of the very few women scientists / chemists in 1960s in California. It is interesting to read about women in that time period, their challenges to raise above patriarchy.

Ms. Zott revolts against all the societal norms of those days. While women studying and researching is rare in those days, they were not given importance in research field even though they prove to be worthy. It is like struggle at each step of her life. She overcomes it with a big of arrogance and sometimes, ignorance.

When Calvin Evans, a bright scientist becomes her partner, she sees the bright side of her life. She feels happy to having been considered as an equal to a man for the first time. But, Calvin dies leaving her pregnant. With just dog as her companion and with the help of her good neighbor Mrs.Harriet, she manages to raise her child Madeline.

After Calvin dies, she is fired from her job and she had to work in a TV cooking show to make ends meet. Her attitude, her knowledge in Chemistry make the show 'Supper at Six' unique and a hit. Will she get back to her research? Will her daughter Madeline dig about her father's past? What are those important things in Calvin's past that made him a great scientist? The details are in the climax.

What is great?

The freedom of expression and being highly opinionated for women in 1960s is not much heard of. So, when Ms. Zott expresses her opinions about being atheist,  her feminist ideas, her passion for chemistry, it is unbelievable and admirable. 

It takes courage to express yourselves when the whole world thinks you are wrong. I like that part in this book.

I like how a simple cooking show can inspire a lot of women. This book seems like written in 1960s with the thoughts of current generation. This might be one of the reasons why it became popular.

The narrative is good, and relatable. I loved the book cover and the title is very apt indeed.

What might have been great?

I couldn't understand Ms.Zott's ignorance or lack of awareness about pregnancy. Especially being a scientist, she should have known about this more than anyone. Those times during her pregnancy, doctor checkups and her labor - I cannot believe the way she takes it all easy.

I understand that Ms.Zott is straight forward and highly opinionated, which is fine. But, I couldn't imagine how she would have lived in such a society with that kind of attitude. I couldn't relate to such character really.

This is a great women's fiction and feminist novel. I would recommend this to all book lovers who love such fiction.

My Rating: 5/5

About the Author:

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Until next time,

The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth - [Book Review]

 

 Book Details:

Title: The Family Next Door

Author: Sally Hepworth

Genre: Domestic thriller, Contemporary Fiction, Women Fiction

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Print length: 335 pages

Source: A copy from the local library

Blurb :

A gripping domestic page-turner full of shocking reveals, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Kerry Fisher.

The small suburb of Pleasant Court lives up to its name. It's the kind of place where everyone knows their neighbours, and children play in the street.

Isabelle Heatherington doesn't fit into this picture of family paradise. Husbandless and childless, she soon catches the attention of three Pleasant Court mothers.

But Ange, Fran and Essie have their own secrets to hide. Like the reason behind Ange's compulsion to control every aspect of her life. Or why Fran won't let her sweet, gentle husband near her new baby. Or why, three years ago, Essie took her daughter to the park - and returned home without her.

As their obsession with their new neighbour grows, the secrets of these three women begin to spread - and they'll soon find out that when you look at something too closely, you see things you never wanted to see.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review :

A good Women's Fiction that I read recently. This is the story of the neighborhood in Pleasanton court in Australia. It is majorly, the story surrounding 3 women and their families - Anne, Essie, Fran, and their new Neighbour Isabelle. 

Anne is an entrepreneur with 2 sons and her husband Ben manages his photo studio. Ben is very helpful and unlike other men, he pitches in to help Anne with managing kids, home and work. But, Anne realizes that all is not as well it seems.

Fran is a smart working woman who is on a maternity break with her second daughter Ava, whereas her husband Nigel is a perfect match for her intelligence and her older daughter is exactly like her father. Her life is smooth as a perfect couple until an extramarital affair ruins the peace of the family.

Essie is blessed to have a handsome and understanding husband Ben and her mom Barbara staying nearby. She suffered from postpartum depression with her older daughter. After her second delivery, she is waiting for a good friend in the neighborhood and is happy to find Isabelle. 

The story goes through the dark the secrets of their families, the insecurities, and emotions. This book is very nice to read as a woman as it deals with some important issues new moms face like postpartum depression. I can completely relate to the characters and their feelings.

Surprisingly, this is also a thriller with a twist in the end. So, overall, it's a great read. 

My Rating:

4/5

About the Author:

Sally Hepworth is the bestselling author of The Secrets of Midwives (2015), The Things We Keep (2016) The Mother's Promise (2017), The Family Next Door (2018) and The Mother In Law (April 2019). Sally's books have been labelled “enchanting” by The Herald Sun, “smart and engaging” by Publisher’s Weekly, and New York Times bestselling authors Liane Moriarty and Emily Giffin have praised Sally’s novels as “women’s fiction at its finest” and “totally absorbing”.



Sally's novels are available worldwide in English and have been translated into 10+ languages.

Until next time,

The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: The Wedding Dress

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Women Fiction

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Print length: 351 pages

Source: Copy from the local library

Blurb :

Four brides throughout time. One dress that ties them all together. The New York Times bestseller from award-winning author Rachel Hauck!

Charlotte owns a chic Birmingham bridal boutique. Dressing brides for their big day is her gift—and her passion. But with her own wedding day approaching, why can’t she find the perfect dress—or feel certain she should marry Tim?

Then Charlotte purchases a vintage dress in a battered trunk at an estate sale. It looks brand-new, shimmering with pearls and satin, hand-stitched and timeless in its design. But where did it come from? Who wore it?

Charlotte’s search for the gown’s history—and its new bride—begins as a distraction from her sputtering love life. But it takes on a life of its own as she comes to know the women who have worn the dress. Emily from 1912. Mary Grace from 1939. Hillary from 1968. Each with something unique to share. For woven within the threads of the beautiful hundred-year-old gown is the truth about Charlotte’s heritage, the power of courage and faith, and the beauty of finding true love.

Rachel Hauck sweeps the reader away in this New York Times bestselling tale of faith, redemption, and timeless love.

My Review :

I got this book from our local library intrigued by the blurb. Fortunately,  I got the large print which is very comfortable for my eyes. 

The story of the book is unique. A wedding dress connecting the stories of 4 women of different time periods. It's wonderful to read the contemporary story of a modern woman Charlotte. Charlotte is an independent and successful woman and owner of a bridal showroom that is popular in Birmingham.

The novel takes us through the story of Emily in parallel who is not afraid to voice her opinions on discrimination of colored people in 1912. I loved the character of Emily more than anyone else. She is not perfect, but never afraid of expressing her feelings. She is not clear about her love for Daniel but takes the right decision in the nick of time.

Charlotte is as confused as Emily when Tim decides to postpone their marriage. But, her interest in the dress is so high, that she cannot stop herself from investigating further to know the origin of the bridal gown that she buys in an auction sale. In this process of learning more about the bridal gown, she understands the love of Tim. Even Tim realizes his love for Charlotte.

Mary Grace's story is interesting too, whereas Hillary's story fades before others. 

Characterization and concept are a big plus for this novel. The title of the book is perfect and the blurb is very well written. 

What might have been better?

An equal strength of other characters like Hillary and Mary Grace might have been done better justice to the blurb. Their stories fade a bit before Emily and Char's. The story seemed to be focused on 2 characters.  

Tim's character is ok but seems like he matured immediately after his accident. Before that incident, their love doesn't look very genuine. 

There are some typos in the book that might have been avoided.

My Rating:

3.5/5

I recommend this book to readers who love women fiction and Historical fiction.

About the Author:

Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author.

She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist. Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Club. She is the recipient of RT's Career Achievement Award.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, was filmed for an original Hallmark movie. The Wedding Dress, The Wedding Shop, and A March Bride have all been optioned for film.

Until next time,

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett - [Book Review]

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Book Details:

Title : The Dutch House

Author: Ann Patchett

Genre: Women Fiction, Literary Fiction

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing; 1st edition (September 24, 2019)

Print Length : 302 pages

Source: An e-copy from the local library

Blurb:

Lose yourself in the story of a lifetime – the unforgettable Sunday Times bestseller
'Patchett leads us to a truth that feels like life rather than literature' Guardian
Longlisted for the Women's Prize 2020


A STORY OF TWO SIBLINGS, THEIR CHILDHOOD HOME, AND A PAST THAT THEY CAN'T LET GO.


Like swallows, like salmon, we were the helpless captives of our migratory patterns. We pretended that what we had lost was the house, not our mother, not our father. We pretended that what we had lost had been taken from us by the person who still lived inside.


'The best book I've read in years' Rosamund Lupton
'Her finest novel yet' Sunday Times
'The buzz around The Dutch House is totally justified. Her best yet, which is saying something' John Boyne
'A masterpiece' Cathy Rentzenbrink
'Bliss' Nigella Lawson

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

About relationships and letting them go

I loved the Dutch house for the characters and emotions. The story runs around the Dutch house where May and Danny spend their childhood. Even though they hate the house when their stepmother throws them out, with the return of their own mother, they learn to let things go and re-cherish their moments again from the Dutch house.

 It is medium-paced fiction with more weight on emotions than twists in the story. The brother-sister love is depicted very well. The story covers the life of Danny and May. It also covers the story of their parents and the lives of their nanny and caretakers. 

The major message at the end is to let things go, take their own course, leave grudges, forgive, and live for others. The last phase of the story is important with an interesting turn of events. I enjoyed reading these kinds of stories that are nearer to real lives highlighting the emotions and feelings of people.

My Rating : 5/5

About the Author:

Patchett was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother is the novelist Jeanne Ray.

She moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was six, where she continues to live. Patchett said she loves her home in Nashville with her doctor husband and dog. If asked if she could go any place, that place would always be home. "Home is ...the stable window that opens out into the imagination."

Patchett attended high school at St. Bernard Academy, a private, non-parochial Catholic school for girls run by the Sisters of Mercy. Following graduation, she attended Sarah Lawrence College and took fiction writing classes with Allan Gurganus, Russell Banks, and Grace Paley. She later attended the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she met longtime friend Elizabeth McCracken. It was also there that she wrote her first novel, The Patron Saint of Liars.

In 2010, when she found that her hometown of Nashville no longer had a good book store, she co-founded Parnassus Books with Karen Hayes; the store opened in November 2011. In 2012, Patchett was on the Time 100 list of most influential people in the world by TIME magazine.

Until next time,

Arranged Marriage by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - [Book Review]

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Book Details:

Title: Arranged Marriage

Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Publisher: Anchor; First Paperback Edition (May 1, 1996)

Print Length: 307 pages

Source: An e-copy from library

Blurb:

Although Chitra Divakaruni's poetry has won praise and awards for many years, it is her "luminous, exquisitely crafted prose" (Ms.) that is quickly making her one of the brightest rising stars in the changing face of American literature. Arranged Marriage, her first collection of stories, spent five weeks on the San Francisco Chronicle bestseller list and garnered critical acclaim that would have been extraordinary for even a more established author. For the young girls and women brought to life in these stories, the possibility of change, of starting anew, is both as terrifying and filled with promise as the ocean that separates them from their homes in India. From the story of a young bride whose fairy-tale vision of California is shattered when her husband is murdered and she must face the future on her own, to a proud middle-aged divorced woman determined to succeed in San Francisco, Divakaruni's award-winning poetry fuses here with prose for the first time to create eleven devastating portraits of women on the verge of an unforgettable transformation.

Purchase Link: 

Amazon

My Review:

 I have read Chitra Banerjee's novels earlier and I am a fan of her stories. So, I searched for her books and found this kindle copy from our local library. 

Like Chitra's other novels, these stories also cover Indian immigrants in the USA. Being an Indian staying in the USA,  it is easy for me to relate to these stories. All are related to the woman's problems and immigrant lives.

I love that most of the stories are real or nearer to real life. I like the narrative but in some stories, I felt the transition between scenes is not smooth but abrupt and confusing. I like the details in the stories like environment, weather, culture, and the way the author portrays the feelings of characters. 

Most of the stories are heart touching and will stay in your mind even after finishing the book and make you think of characters. A few I didn't like, maybe I expected more depth in those characters.

This line tells a lot about Arranged marriages in India.

Wasn’t it every woman’s destiny, as Mother was always telling me, to leave the known for the unknown?

Clothes is one of my favorite stories. It shows the dreams of a young bride moving to a new country with her husband. The climax is heartbreaking,  but that's how life is.

A perfect life is a tribute to a mother's love. It's very touching and sure will stay in my heart for a long time. 

 

The maid servant's story is heart-wrenching and I cannot explain in words the impact the story had on me for days. It is so sad that a few women had to bear problems throughout their life. 

The Disappearance is not my favorite story but a good one. It's surprising that a few men consider abuse as common in households and don't treat it as a problem. 

Doors - I loved this! A simple story but a gripping narrative. The climax makes you feel the impact of simple habits on one's married life.

Meeting Mrinal is about 2 women meeting after a long time while realizing that no one's life is perfect and perfection is only a mirage. Great message.

My Rating : 4/5

I recommend this book to immigrants, especially women, and also to someone who loves to read real stories.

Until next time,

Table for One by Neha Bindal - [Book Review]

Book Details:

Title: Table for One
Author: Neha Bindal
Genre: Travel, Women Fiction, Contemporary
Publisher : Half Baked Beans
Source: A free e-review copy from the author for review through half baked beans

Blurb:

Taara Maheshwari, a single woman in her thirties and a successful lawyer, is tough from outside but a die heart fan of romantic movies from inside. 

She grew up seeking her “happily ever after’ but amid various heartbreaks and culture of modern age short term relationships, her believe in “true connections" got replaced by the comfort of being “emotionally disconnected.” 
After she turned 31, her parents persuaded her into meeting a guy for marriage who sounded just perfect for her. Acting on impulse, she told her parents that she would meet him only if they let her go on a trip to Europe. 

As Taara went on to explore the world, she experienced what actually happens when a single Indian girl travels to Europe all by herself. Is it only about dancing, singing or falling in love? What happens after you fall in love? Does love conquer all? 

Only her story would tell. 

Purchase Links:

Amazon India

Amazon US

My Review:

This is the story of Taara, a confused single woman when it comes to relationships. She breaks her heart in one or two relationships with her insecurities and builds a wall around her completely to avoid another heartbreak. She completely loses trust in love and life and doesn't know what to look forward to in her life. At this juncture, when her father suggests an arranged marriage, she agrees with one condition that he should allow her to do a solo Europe trip before marriage. When she thinks of this trip as an escape from marriage, it completely transforms her soul. This story is her journey of transformation and more than that, understanding herself by accepting her negatives and appreciating all good things.

What I liked?

I loved the details of places in Europe, its cuisine, and cultures. It was as if I am on a trip to Switzerland, Italy, and France. Being a lover of travel, I loved this part first.

Taara meets different people and learns something about her life through the conversations with people. There is always something to learn from others. I liked that these lessons were not preachy but practical. Taara learns to fight hard and never give up when she faces extreme weather conditions while hiking Alps. She struggles hard and enjoys her success. She learns what it is to be to love and be loved unconditionally. 

I loved these lines from the book

"May be life wasn’t about trying to fix something broken, maybe it’s about starting over and creating something new."

"Life is strange, so illusionary and still so real, I thought. Why do we live? I asked myself. We love and want to be loved."

The book cover is good and the title is apt. 

What might have been better?

I couldn't understand Snigdha and her purpose in Europe trip. Being a married woman, she loves another man who disappoints her and starts another fling with a Srilankan during her trip. I didn't get a clarity on what she wants or what Taara thinks of her. It was also unclear why Ashwin disappears without any explanation. Characterization might have been better.

I felt that the ending was abrupt and of course, I didn't like it. I understand that Taara now wants to live in the present and do whatever she likes but I felt bad for Fred. Maybe , the story will have the next part where both meet 🙂

My Rating: 4/5

I recommend to the readers who love traveling and want to read a single woman's journey.

PS: I have received a free e-review copy of the book from the author in exchange of my review and this is my honest option on the book.

I rate books by the 5-star rating system. 
1/5: I hated it
2/5: Below average, I don't like it.
3/5: It is ok with some faults.
4/5: I liked it and I recommend it to others though it has slight imperfections.

5/5: It is awesome and I will definitely recommend it to others.

About the Author:
Neha Bindal is a Chartered accountant & PGDBA and has changed four companies in her six years of corporate career. She takes life with a pinch of salt and a pitcher of margarita. She is an impulsive traveler, avid reader, part time writer and a full time dreamer.

Until next time,

Partially Broken never destroyed by Nataisha T Hill - [Book Review]

Book Details:
Title: Partially Broken Never Destroyed

Author: Nataisha T Hill

Genre: Chicklit/ Woman Fiction

Source: A free review copy from author

Book Blurb:
Kayla feels that a man named, Jeremy is the man of her dreams. He winds and dines her as well as buys her anything she wants. Further into the relationship, Kayla discovers that Jeremy is not the enduring man she thought he was. Jeremy is very controlling and abusive. Kayla decides to try to get Jeremy back in line, but Jeremy ends up having a few tricks up his sleeve. Once Kayla realizes that Jeremy is a liar and deceiver, she confides in Jeremy’s roommate and things get out of control. Kayla then attempts to leave, but Jeremy doesn’t want Kayla out of his life.

Attempting to move on from the relationship with Jeremy, Kayla decides to discover the night life by going out with co-workers and her best friend Brandy, who is always there for Kayla. Kayla then meets someone who she finds intriguing name Richard at one of the parties they attend. Richard turns out to be a hassle more than a help. She cannot seem to get him to act right either, so Kayla rebels against him as well. After putting up with his faults, Kayla begins spinning out of control into deception of her own. Kayla eventually leaves him and decides to get out of town with skeletons still in her closet. Before leaving town, she gets involved with a man that she falls in love with named, Michael. Michael is a charmer who literally sweeps Kayla off of her feet.

Against her beliefs, Kayla attempts to work out a long distance relationship with Michael. She moves out of town with a co-worker while attending school at a University. Things were going okay until Kayla notices jealousy issues with the roommate who becomes a never-ending nightmare. She tries to move on in her life without drama, but trouble seems to follow her even at her successes. Kayla is carrying a huge secret that haunts her and she knows she will have to deal with it at some point. Her life is in danger as she continues to associate herself with people who carry demons. In a crazy twist, she ends up discovering she has her own demons. Kayla’s unresolved issues lead to part II “Partially Broken Never Destroyed 2”.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

http://amzn.to/RALM6n

My review:

This is the story of a 20 year old Kayla, her love life, problems and the lessons she learnt from each relationship. Relationships are very difficult to understand and maintain. This is waht exaclty we feel after reading about each character Kayla comes across. Jeremy is a protective boyfriend and dominant. Travis is too hasty in taking decision and decides to marry Kayla and go into a commited relationship without giving time to know each other. Richard looks handsome and polite, but has his dark side. He behaves very differently while drunk and dont trust Kayla and can't approve her living an independent life. Michael is a charmer and Kayla attempts to maintain a distance relationship with him. 

Story is based on some real life incidents. The characterization is very good. It is easy for teenagers to relate to this book and understaand different mentalities before venturing out on new relationships. There are many spelling mistakes in the book which was a major putoff for me. 

My Rating: 3/5

I would recommend this to teenagers.

Until next time,

PS: I hvae received this book from author in exchange of an honest review. This is my unbiased opinion on the book.