Two Dogs and a Book

The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Golden Hour is another tour-de-force by Beatriz Williams. The book is set in the Bahamas, Germany, Scotland, and Switzerland and follows the story of two extraordinary women. Eifriede, a German woman will marry for family honour and eventually will find love after her husband’s death. Lulu, an American journalist, will marry Benedict, Elfriede’s son. Both woman will fight for love and happiness and will do all in their power to save their love ones. The book has a totally unexpected turn of event near the end which will knock your socks off. The Golden Hour has also a cameo on the Duke of Windsor’s time as the Governor of the Bahamas. I have always been intrigued by King Edward VIII’s decision to relinquish his throne so he could marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson. This must have been quite the royal scandal in those days!!!! After his abdication, he was created Duke of Windsor. He married Wallis in France on ...

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes My rating: 0 of 5 stars Evvie is leaving her husband when she gets a call from the hospital that he was in an accident. By the time she reaches the hospital, he is gone. Evvie is trying to move on but she is stricken with guilt. In order to make ends meet, she rents out the apartment in the back of her house to Dean, a baseball pitcher who retired early due to issues with his pitching. There is strong chemistry between them and soon they get very close. Evvie is determined to help Dean return to the game but will her efforts impair their relationship? This is a book that addresses the themes of marital abuse, divorce, starting over and finding love. Although the themes make this book looks serious, it has many fun and whimsical moments. This is a perfect book to read on the beach or on the backyard patio. Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an ARC of this wonderful book. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes is now av...

The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel by Jeanne Mackin My rating: 5 of 5 stars I unquestionably love this stunning novel depicting the lifelong rivalry between Elsa Schiaparelli (a.k.a. Schiap) and Gabrielle Chanel (a.k.a. Coco Chanel). Schiap and Coco were both exceptional and dazzling fashion and perfume designers in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Schiap, an Italian by birth, came from a wealthy upbringing. Coco, born in France, came from a deprived childhood. Although their collections were very different and reflected their upbringing, both designers rocketed in the world of fashion and became rivals for fame and recognition. This book is filled with conspiracy, jalousie, betrayal, and triumphs. The story is told in the voice of Lily Sutter, a young American widow, who befriends both designers. She recounts her life, her friendships and the designers' fierce competition over a period of 20 years. The story is brilliantly written with gor...

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book felt like the best roller-coaster ever. I love the writing, the characters, the lingo, the fashion, the lifestyle…. on and on and on! It simply was an amazing book to read. No dull moments and full of emotions. The relationships and interactions between the characters were so unique and interesting. Elizabeth Gilbert delivers another best seller. Get yourself a copy! #dogsandbooks #poodles #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #poodletoday #pawsandbooks #petsandbooks #poodlesandbooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookdragon #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookaddicted #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #cityofgirls #elizabethgilbert #bookreview #bookstafolk View all my reviews

Clover Blue by Eldonna Edwards My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received this book in my May @onceuponabookclub box. This is the fifth box I received and this one was a bit disappointing. The items in the box related to the story, but contrary to the other boxes I purchased, I will not be able to use any of them. As per the book, the story was well written and often frustrating (signs of a good book). Some of my brothers were somewhat hippies and I grew up with the music and the clothing. I kind of fantasized about this lifestyle, but after reading this book I no longer find it appealing. The writing was excellent and, truth to be told, very honest. The characters offered real insights on the free love life and each had a story true to that era. I love the names of the characters and how they related to each person so well. I am happy it ended the way it ended. #dogsandbooks #poodles #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #poodletoday #pawsandbooks #petsandbooks...

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is the first book by Christian Lauren I have the opportunity to read. It was a fun, quick and light read. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and the perfect love story ending. This is a picture-perfect summer read. ☕ QOTD: When and where did you first kiss? #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #book #books #booklover #bookish #bookdragon #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookaddicted #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #theunhoneymooners #christinalauren #bookreview #bookstafolk View all my reviews

After the End by Clare Mackintosh My rating: 4 of 5 stars Max and Pip have a beautiful love story. Their happiness is complete the day their son Dylan is born. Early on, Dylan shows signs of clumsiness and lack of coordination. At two years old, they take him on a family vacation and he can't stop crying during the flight and is very unhappy during the rest of the holiday. Upon their return in England, they bring Dylan to see a doctor and receive the grim news that he has a brain tumour. The doctor operates but is unable to remove the entire tumour. Despite all the best treatments, the tumour continues to grow and the doctor recommend that no more treatments be done except palliative care until Dylan passes away. Max and Pip are devasted and search for other medical alternatives but when they disagree on what is best for Dylan, the decision is left in the hands of a judge. Will the judge go in favour of Pip and let her son die in peace or in favour of Max to bring Dylan to...

Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Galeazzo D’Ascanio, an early 1900s poet, wrote a wonderful play for his lover named Celia Sands. The play was never performed since Celia disappeared without a trace the night before the grand opening. Decades later, the grandson of Galeazzo sponsors the production of the play and invites a young actress who has the same name as the original Celia to take on the lead role. Celia accepts and embarks on a journey of discovery and revelations about what has happened to the original Celia. She will unearth many secrets and her life will be threatened by her discoveries. Susanna Kearsley delivers another beautiful love story with many elements of mystery, intrigue, and history. Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada and NetGalley, for giving me a copy of this stunning novel in exchange for an honest review. This edition of the Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley will be available at your favourite bookstore on June 25, 201...