Book Review: In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer

Do you find that your mood or current life situation effects what books you read? I've definitely become more aware of this over the last few years. When I have a lot going on, I tend to go for books that are more light-hearted, easy, and entertaining. 

Thankfully, I got the opportunity to read a book that ticks all those boxes; the debut novel In A New York Minute by Kate Spencer, which is released this week through Pan Macmillan Australia.

This is a romantic comedy that is set, as the title suggests, in New York. It begins with a woman named Franny who is fired from her job, and whilst she is heading back home on the subway, complete with cardboard box filled with her personal belongings, her dress gets caught in the subway doors and rips all the way up. Franny is mortified that her dress now resembles a hospital gown and scrambles for something or someone to come to her rescue.

Enter businessman Hayes, who kindly gives her the suit jacket he is wearing. Franny is extremely grateful, and wants nothing more than to put the entire embarrassing episode behind her. However, unbeknownst to Franny and Hayes, a fellow commuter has captured the entire incident and shared the video across her social media platforms, dubbing the couple as the '#Subway QT's'.

The couple are given the opportunity to meet again, this time on live television after the clip starts going viral. Franny just wants the opportunity to thank Hayes again and put it all behind her, but it doesn't quite work out that way...

I thought that this book was a great read with a decent cast of characters, including Franny's two best friends, Cleo and Lola. The romance wasn't overdone, which is a win for me. I also enjoyed reading about all of the New York landmarks, foods, etc as it really helped set the scene and gave the story and extra layer of depth.

The story is told in alternating chapters from Franny and Hayes' perspectives, and I particularly liked Franny. I would recommend this novel for those looking for a fun and easy read, and for those who enjoy romantic comedies.

In A New York Minute is available through Pan Macmillan Australia, RRP $26.99

Book Review: This Is My Dad by Dimity Powell & Nicky Johnston

Families come in all different shapes and sizes. Some have two parents, and some don't. This Is My Dad came about after the author drew inspiration from teacher-librarians who noticed that there were a lack of stories reflecting children who have never known a father figure in their life. 

The story is about a young boy named Leo who loves Show and Tell at school, but when he finds out the latest topic - Tell Us About Your Dad Day, he is filled with concern. Leo has never met his father, so how can he celebrate along with his classmates? Leo doesn't have a courageous, smart or cool dad, or any dad at all. Or does he?

Leo lives with his mother, who is an author of children's books and spends her days (and some of her nights) using her imagination to come up with stories.  Is she the solution to Leo's dilemma?

This book acknowledges single parents and the important roles they play to their children. It celebrates families of every shape and size, and highlights the fact that whilst the presence of a male role model is helpful to a child's upbringing and well-being, it is not always possible or realistic, and there are many other carers that are equally as worthy of celebrating.

This Is My Dad is available now through EK Books, RRP $24.99, for readers 4-8 years old.

 Book Review & Giveaway: The Tricky Art Of Forgiveness by Meredith Jaffe

 

I have read a couple of Meredith's other novels, including The Fence (released in 2016) and The Dressmakers Of Yarrandarrah Prison (released last year) and I thought that they were both excellent books, so I was looking forward to reading her new novel, The Tricky Art Of Forgiveness. I recently got the opportunity to do so, with thanks to Harper Collins Australia, and they have generously given me an extra copy of the book to give away! Read on for how to enter!

Diana and Will Forsyth are approaching their 30th wedding anniversary, and also Will's 60th birthday. Diana is throwing a big party, and their two adult children, Aiden and Persephone, are flying in to celebrate the milestones, along with friends and family.

Diana and Will have recently downsized from their family home, and it is whilst Diana is unpacking their things that she discovers a torn piece of paper with the message 'I forgive you' written in Will's handwriting. Unsure what to make of it, Diana is left with a lot of questions about her husband, and she isn't entirely sure she wants to know all of the answers. But as the story continues, it becomes evident that Diana has her own secrets to hide.

The story reverts back and forth through time from the early days of their relationship to present day, and it deeply explores their marriage. The reader finds out that there have been a lot of highs and lows that have shaped their relaionship. 

The story explores what it means to forgive, how to let go of resentments, and how the choices we make impact the course of our lives. 

The Tricky Art Of Forgiveness is available now through Harper Collins Australia, RRP $32.99

*** GIVEAWAY ***

To win a copy of The Tricky Art Of Forgiveness, you must be a follower of either my blog, Instagram page or Facebook page (@Inthegoodbooksblog) and answer the following question:

 

Who is your favourite celebrity couple and why?

 

Winner will be chosen randomly from eligible entries on 10th March 2022, Australian residents only.