The Girl in the Saffron Espadrilles

By

G. C. Allen

G. C. Allen's spectacular talent shines bright in Book 5 of the Lorriaine Innis series, The Girl in the Saffron Espadrilles. I have become such a huge fan of this series and of G. C. Allen! There is no doubt in my mind that when I open the pages of the next book in the series, I'm going to have another unexpected, wild and crazy, twisted and turning, highs and lows, emotional rollercoaster of an adventure with Lorriane Innis and the unique characters G. C. Allen has crafted with such great care. Each one's individualities are like none other. Just like in the novels and how Lorraine Innis has become a phenom in the series, she has become one for me, too. From cover to cover, this story is a jam-packed, non-stop series of events that are unpredictable and surprising. It's a "hold on and don't let go" as G. C. Allen takes us on the continuing back story of Chesney and Valerie and just how they become involved with each other. It's a deeper understanding as to the people they have become because of the events that have shaped their lives.

G.C. Allen begins to pull Chesney and Valerie's parallel stories together and we finally meet Martina Fergus...the nicest person ever. She's full of tenderness and compassion. The reason we have a Lorraine Innis. Lorraine's mission is to find justice for Martina and this book tells us why. The three character's stories become entwined with each other in insanely humorous, entertaining, witty, and sometimes gut wrenchingly raw emotional scenes. I went through so many emotions from laughing out loud, a LOT, to crying my eyes out. G.C. Allen writes intricate passages that blew my mind many times. She's a storyteller extraordinaire!

The entire cast of characters bring the whole wild story together. I love the characters in these books. They are some of the most outrageous and unforgettable of any I've ever encountered! Characters with names that had me ROFLing, ones who make me cringe and ones I love like family. Their escapades, capers, stunts and situations are astounding at times. Just imagine scenes that involve a book club, a class reunion, a giant squid, a traffic stop, a Donny Osmond event and many, many more that keep this story action packed and never a dull moment!

The background stage has been set, Lorraine is still on her "mission" and Valerie still doesn't know what Peter Liverot told Lorraine....I can't wait to find out where the story goes next in The Girl in the Blood Red Stilettos!

I have said this before and I really feel strongly about saying it again. I enjoy G.C. Allen's writing style and how it makes me feel. It's a feel good kind of read that goes in so many unexpected ways. Books 4 and 5 are a bit different from the first three in that I had some very deep emotions from the characters. For me it's a great author who can draw that kind of emotion out of me. G.C. Allen has this gift.

There is so much in these books that I can't begin to express how much I really hope other readers open up the series and are pulled into the world of Lorraine Innis. I am so totally glad that I did. I highly recommend this series. I'm definitely the kind of a girl who loves Lorraine Innis and G. C. Allen. This book is another unputdownable, can't turn the pages fast enough, read!

I want to gratefully express my thanks to G.C. Allen for the honor and privilege of reading this fantastic novel. Words are inadequate for what it means to be a part of this adventure. This is a five star and beyond read for me. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my heartfelt own.

 

Forever Home

By

Tammy L. Grace

As this Hometown Harbor series seems to be coming to an end, Tammy L. Grace brings us Izzy's story.   This is a story of a woman who is trying to find her place in life after semi-retiring to Friday Harbor.  A new beginning.  A place where she feels connected, where she could slow down and enjoy life at her pace.  It all seems like a perfect plan but life can still be challenging when it comes to family and the past.  People who tend to make life difficult.  Izzy has family and friends to support her in the small island community and it's these who help her throughout the story and traversing the family perils.

Ms. Grace has created a cast of characters who could be anyone I would meet or know in my own life.  Characters that are intimately and deeply created.  I felt the connection with Izzy and her emotions as her story unfolds.  I especially felt the kindrid spirit between Izzy and the sweet golden retriever, Sunny, as the pup chose Izzy to be her people. "Dogs have a way of knowing exactly what we need, don't they?"  "No matter your struggle, when you have a dog, you're never alone."  I love that Ms. Grace writes her love of dogs, in particular, golden retrievers, into the stories.  They become a vital piece to the whole and add the feel that "a house is not a home without the love of a dog".  

Izzy's story is one filled with issues that many families face. Her daughter, Mia, is disrespectful and was always a "daddy's girl" blaming her mom for the divorce of her parents. "Mothers and daughters, huh? It's always more complicated than it looks."   Shannon is the "black sheep of the family".  The sister whose irresponsible acts make things hard and uncomfortable for the family.  These two characters were so well written, that I found myself depising them many times. They were difficult to care about because of their self-centeredness and selfishness.  Just the way a good "bad" character should be.  

 But then there were the heartfelt, tender and compassionate characters.  They pulled at my heart and brought so much peace and calm to Izzy's life.  Colin is a heartthrob with his Scottish accent,  brilliant blue eyes and gentle caring ways to Izzy.  Ms. Grace built their relationship with a perfection of timing through the pages of the book.  Sigh!   The supporting characters bring a completeness to the story.  They unite together and enhance Izzy's story to perfection.  Add the cast of canine pooches  and it's a sweet, heartwarming story I loved reading.   

No less a part of the story is the setting.  It's a vivid visit to the Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands.  The beauty of the harbor and scenic shores.  The ferry rides across the water and the surrounding areas.  The quaint little shops and restaurants with friendly proprietors make the story even more special.  It was a virtual escape through the descriptive words Ms. Grace is so talented to put to paper.   

This book had such a heartwarming feel to it as I was reading it.  I love Tammy L. Grace's stories and this one was a wonderful and pleasurable read.  I want to thank Ms. Grace for the honor and privilege of spending time in the pages of this book.  It was an escape that made my heart happy.  It's a marvelous five star read for me.   All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.