Review: A Girl's Guide To Moving On by Debbie Macomber

I received an advanced copy of Debbie Macomber's 

A Girl's Guide To Moving On from NetGalley for an honest and unbiased review

Publish Date: February 23rd, 2016

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.

Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.

Debbie Macomber has a talent for introducing us to characters that speak to us. We care for these characters, for their well being, and want to know what happens to them even after the story is over.  This is the 2nd book in the "New Beginnings" Series, and again she does not disappoint! 

It follows sister Nichole along with her ex mother-in-law, Leanne. I love how each of the ladies' stories is told by them, in the first person narrative.  Leanne and her daughter, as she still calls Nichole, really support each other through the tough times. This is a wonderful story about women supporting each other, redemption, reinventing yourself and your life, and the hope of finding new love.  Some of my most favourite moments in this book are between Leanne and Nikolai. Lots of tender moments, understanding, and Nikolai's understanding (or misunderstanding I should say) of some sayings really brought a smile to my face. 

Another fantastic read by Debbie Macomber. Even though I was given this novel to read as an e-book to review, I will still be purchasing for my collection. I have yet to read one of her books I haven't liked! 

To Read... and Re-read

Do you have a favourite book that you like to read over and over again? I have friends that have often said that once they have read a book, they can't read it over again because they already know the end of the story.  But, is that a legitimate argument?

We watch movies over again don't we? Watch re-runs of some of our favourite shows, right? So, what is the difference in re-reading one of your favourite books? None! I say :)

Today I finished one of my favourite books. "This Matter Of Marriage" by Debbie Macomber.  This was the first book that I have ever read by her, and what drew me into her world of novels. I have loved each and every one of her books since that very first one. I like to revisit Hallie and Steve every once in a while since they have such a great story. Let me explain...

We are introduced to Hallie, a successful single woman who has decided that it's time and she wants a husband and family. She is used to making a business plan, setting her goals, and achieving them. Planning to have a husband and children should be the same right? Make a plan, and make it happen! WRONG! And boy does she learn the hard way.  Her best friend Donnalee convinces her to join a dating service with her and that's where the fun begins! Unless you're Hallie of course..

Hallie's neighbour, Steve, is a divorced dad with 2 children. He was not the one who initiated the divorce and it was easy to tell that he was still hung up on his ex wife. He tries desperately to keep his family together and win his ex back.


The characters in this book are believable. From the woman who deciding after establishing her career that it's time for a husband and family (in this case though, it was also prompted after she lost her father and was also looking to fill the void in her life) to the divorcee who is still in love with their ex and wants them back.


I won't give up too much more, you need to read the story for yourself.  I love these characters. It is a fun and funny book, a light romantic feel good book.  The *only* thing that really bothered me was how Hallie and Steve didn't clue in a bit sooner on how they are perfect for each other. Kisses between friends and the like. (Come on I didn't spoil anything. You know from the get-go these 2 are destined to fall for each other)  But the fun is reading how Hallie is going through her crazy dates set up by her dating service, crazy interactions with Steve, and Steve's 2 children trying almost right from the start to hint the two of them should be married.  Go read, right now!

I've done it..

I've added another author to my "Favourite Authors List"

Darien Gee's novel "Friendship Bread" caught my attention on one of those shelves that I wrote about at our local library. This one I think was on the one "Staff Picks" either that or "Great Summer Reads"  I'd been reading a lot of cozy mysteries and I was looking for something different. The first thing that caught my eye was the cover. Yeah, I know "never judge a book by it's cover" and it's sad to say but I do. It's the first thing that I see, I can't help it sometimes. So, I grabbed the book and put it in my stack of books to check out.

I was looking through my ever growing stack of books to read and I realized that the book was due back soon. So, I started reading it. And finished it. In 2 days. Okay it would have been 1 day but I started reading late in the evening and I had to sleep..

Friendship Bread is I guess what you would call 'chick lit'. Call it whatever you want, but the story drew me in, like an old friend.  The story follows several women, all dealing with some kind of loss in their lives. One of the women comes home to find a plate of Amish Friendship Bread on her doorstep, along with directions and a bag of starter. Her daughter, Gracie, wanted her daddy to try some, so they started caring for and 'feeding' the starter and 10 days later had baked their own bread and had starter to give away. Needless to say, the starter takes on a life of it's own, and takes over the small town of Avalon.  The women end up meeting at Madeline's Tea Salon and they slowly become friends.

The story is based around the losses each of the women faced, and the depression that each of them are dealing with.  It is about dealing with loss, finding new friendships, coming to grips with what life has dealt them and in a way becoming alive again. It is like they finally awaken from their deep sleep and their fears and they slowly and tentatively rejoin the community with the help of their new friendships.

If you enjoy authors like Debbie Macomber, you will definitely enjoy Darien Gee's novels.  I am already a third of the way through the second book in the series titled "The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society"  I am sure I will finish it by tomorrow :)

Check out Darien Gee's facebook page, Friendship Bread Kitchen HERE and her website Friendship Bread Kitchen  HERE.  They are both amazing places to find tips and tricks about making Amish Friendship Bread along with diverse recipes for using the starter.  I've already signed up for the mailing list and can't wait to try to make some of my own bread! (Don't worry friends, I won't send you any starter unless you want it... I've found out you can freeze it too to use later!)

Reading Challenge

So I was browsing facebook today when I came across a post from one of my favourite authors, Debbie Macomber. She posted about this really great looking reading challenge called Reading Bingo Challenge 2014. Here is a picture of the bingo card (Click the bingo card to get more information. This challenge is featured on Retreat by Random House)

This is a great challenge, and there is also a challenge for Young Adults featured on the same page. I will definitely be trying this one. Over the next few days, I will post the books that I am thinking of reading for this and some suggestions for those of you who would like to try this out. 

I've been on a huge reading stint and I am up to 11 books toward my 100 books this year. I will have to get around to posting reviews of the books that I have read. So far I am 3 books ahead of schedule and I have 2 books that I am half way through and one that I am about a quarter of the way through. Are you doing any reading challenges? I would love to hear from you and what they are! 

Happy Reading Friends!