Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin

From the outside looking in, Tessa and Nick have a good marriage. Tessa gave up her successful career to be a stay-at-home to their two children Ruby and Frank. Nick is a prestigious plastic surgeon. I think both husband and wife would say their marriage is solid.

An unfortunate accident at a child's party brings Nick and Valerie together. Valerie's son Charlie suffers severe burns and Nick is his surgeon. During Charlie's extensive hospital stay, Nick and Valerie become close. What starts innocently enough as a doctor trying to calm his patient's mother, turns into feelings that neither Valerie nor Nick can deny.

The Heart of the Matter is Ms. Giffin's latest book. Told in alternating voices, the novel explores what happens when two women have feelings for the same man. Tessa comes from a family where her dad repeatedly was unfaithful to her mother and ended up marrying his mistress. Their history will impact Tessa as becomes aware of the relationship Nick has with Valerie.

Valerie, on the other hand, is a single, working mother who comes to realize the significance of not having a father is to Charlie. So when Nick enters the picture, it's a relief that someone is there for both Charlie and herself.

Fans of Ms. Giffin will enjoy this novel. Familiar characters will resurface and it's like catching up with old friends. I found this novel hard to put down. My hope is Ms. Giffin will bring back Nick, Tessa, Valerie and their families in a follow-up novel.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0312554163
Pages: 368
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Just Like Me, Only Better - Carol Snow

Veronica Czaplicki is a single, divorced mom to Ben. By day, she's a substitute teacher at her son's school, hoping to find a permanent position there. By night, well... her life is pretty empty in that area until she meets Jay, Haley Rush's manager.

Veronica knows she looks like celebrity Haley Rush as she's mistaken for the star quite often. When Haley's manager, Jay, offers her a position to be Haley's stand-in (at $100 per hour!), how could she refuse? Veronica agrees to sign a confidentiality contract and just like that, she's part of Haley's life.

Everything starts off pretty well for Veronica. Going to Starbucks posing as Haley, eating Pinkberry yogurt, pretending to talk on her cell. As more demands are placed on her, Veronica finds it necessary to avoid friends in order to keep up this charade. When Veronica is asked to stand-in for Haley on a "date" with former boyfriend Brady Ellis, Veronica soon realizes the consequences for her decision.

Just Like Me, Only Better is a light, chick-lit read. Veronica is a very likable character. It's easy for the reader to understand why she decided to accept this position. As Veronica gets more and more enmeshed with Haley's life, her judgment tends to be a bit clouded, especially with Brady. Although the outcome of their relationship is predictable, Veronica is able to bounce back and find herself on a path to her happy ending.

Going on a summer vacation? Remember to pack Just Like Me, Only Better. It's a good beach read for those lazy afternoons.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-23248-4
Pages: 303
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Chick Lit
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Library

Sunday Salon

My Sunday Salon is a bit late this week. I spent most of my afternoon reading outside and the day just got away from me. Yesterday I cleaned my home from top to bottom so I could have today and Monday entirely to myself. It has been awhile since I've allowed myself to do what I want. And I must say, it was long over due!

I saw Sex and the City 2 earlier today. I've been looking forward to this follow-up since the credits rolled during the original Sex and the City movie. Unfortunately, I have to admit I was disappointed. I enjoyed the first hour or so and the last 10-15 minutes. The rest was just. . . a let down. I really hate saying negative things about SATC as I've enjoyed the TV series and the first movie—I even have the SATC trivia game (don't judge me!)—but I wanted to learn more about Big (I mean John) and Carrie's marriage and I didn't feel the movie really conveyed that at all. Despite being disappointed, I am glad I saw it.

On to books. This week I managed to read two books! A few months ago I would have been embarrassed to say I only read two books in a week. Now, after the stressful weeks I've had, I'm quite pleased with this number. (Funny how perspectives can change.) I finished A Deep Dark Secret by Kimberla Lawson Roby. It's about a young girl who is being molested by her step-father. Today I finished Just Like Me, Only Better by Carol Snow. Veronica looks like teen sensation Haley Rush and agrees to be her double.

Next up is Runaway by Meg Cabot, the third and final book of the Airhead trilogy. I might try to read a few pages before going to bed. If not, then I'll start tomorrow. I'm not sure what will follow Runaway. Yesterday I learned about the Fifth Annual 48 Hour Book Challenge that will take place this coming weekend June 4-6 and is hosted by MotherReader. I participated last year for the first time and enjoyed it. I'm thinking about doing it again as it will help me get back on track with my reading. I have a couple of appointments on Saturday, but my weekend looks pretty clear otherwise. I'll make my final decision tomorrow or Tuesday. When I decide, then I'll have a better idea of my upcoming books. What about you? Planning to join in the fun?

Good night everyone.

Sunday Salon

Hello Sunday Saloners! It has been weeks since I last participated in Sunday Salon. Actually, it was been awhile since I updated my blog. Between work and personal issues, my life has completely been turned upside down. My intent has been there, however life has prevented me from following through.

As a result, my reading has suffered tremendously. Although I'm so far behind my goal of 144 books in 2010, I've decided not to give up just yet. I'm going to jump back in and see what my total number is on Dec. 31st. It always amazes me how excited I am to plan and set goals for the new year, but seem to not factor in back up plans for crises, uncontrollable factors, etc. Really need to get better at that.

As things start to settle before the next big wave hits in mid-June to early July, I'm slowly trying to catch up. The only problem is, catching up is quite exhausting! Pieces of my life are before me and I'm trying to figure out what to do first, where I left off and what needs to be started. Last night I started my blog to do list and immediately felt overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. (Of course it didn't help that I did the same for my personal life and home earlier that day!)

I have to admit, I've been thinking about what to let go as this summer seems to be following the same path as the spring, in terms of work intensity. My first thought was my blog. My immediate feelings were guilt and anger. Why does it seem that what I enjoy the most is always the first to be neglected? As hard as I try to keep them first, I still manage to allow other things to become the priority. Something else for to work on.

Anyway, as a way to catch up and lower my stress, I'm going to write mini-reviews for those reviews that are still outstanding. I'm still indecisive about what to do regarding reading challenges. For now, I'm going to continue with them. I'll re-evaluate this decision if needed.

Sorry to sound so negative on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. I'm slowly leaving my burnout mode, while trying to get back on track. It's a bit much at times, so doing it in small doses.

Happy Sunday everyone!