I Will Never Leave You by S.M. Thayer

For one couple, getting what they want comes at a devastating price in this gripping debut thriller.

Banking heiress Trish and her husband, James, seem to have it all, from a lavish lifestyle to a historic mansion in the nation’s capital. The only thing that’s missing to make their family complete is a baby, so when Trish holds Anne Elise in her arms for the first time, it’s no surprise that she falls deeply in love. There’s just one problem: Trish isn’t the mother.

The baby belongs to Laurel, James’s young mistress. And more than that, James and Laurel want to start a new life together—despite an ironclad prenup standing in their way. When Trish becomes dangerously obsessed with making Laurel’s baby her own, the lovers’ plan to break James’s marriage quickly goes awry. How far is each of them willing to go for happiness?


This was a totally random pick for me off the Express Shelf at the library. It was a case of judging a book by it's cover and then seeing that it was set in Washington DC and surrounding area (my local area) I was thrilled to start reading it.

Loved all the local landmark and area references, which helped me visualize the story line and characters a lot better.

I thought the story started off really well and really kept me reading and wondering where it was heading. A couple of heart in mouth moments wondering what a character had done. I felt sympathy for most of the characters, yes even James, at times.

What did I find unbelievable? The security at Sibley Hospital. I gave birth there and I know what it took to see my own baby after a stint in ICU, so it was not believable that a security band would be handed out quite so easily, or that cameras were not working. This is an expensive, private hospital! Also, the lack of urgency and anger over a missing baby did not ring true with me. Even in a fever ridden state, I felt Laurel and James would have made more of a fuss over it.

I did not like the twist at the end with Trish's Father (will not put a spoiler in here describing it) as I felt it was just a strange way for the story to go.

It was a fine enough read, probably best suited for a plane ride or a beach than a serious read at home. Despite only 3 stars, I would read other books by the author. 

China Rich Girlfriend

It’s the eve of Rachel Chu’s wedding, and she should be over the moon. She has a flawless Asscher-cut diamond, a wedding dress she loves, and a fiancé willing to thwart his meddling relatives and give up one of the biggest fortunes in Asia in order to marry her. Still, Rachel mourns the fact that her birthfather, a man she never knew, won’t be there to walk her down the aisle.  

Then a chance accident reveals his identity. Suddenly, Rachel is drawn into a dizzying world of Shanghai splendor, a world where people attend church in a penthouse, where exotic cars race down the boulevard, and where people aren’t just crazy rich … they’re China rich.

I picked this book to read after I enjoyed the movie "Crazy Rich Asians". This is the 2nd book in that series and, due to the success of the 1st movie, I have no doubt they will make a second. Was it a good book, no. It was full of ideas but was all over the place trying to cover all the ideas. Pick a main storyline and develop it more. Use less characters and give them some depth. Astrid's story was interesting and could have been a deep book in it's own right. Kitty's story as well had so much potential but was just a comedy sketch on the side. Even Rachel and Nick were just turned into side characters giving a reason for all the other characters to come together. 

I know the concept of this book is not about depth of character but how shallow the "crazy rich" actually are but you could still make it into a better book. Will it be a good film, I am sure it will be with the right budget. It will be crazy and colorful and a great girls night out movie. 

No need to read the book to enjoy the movie, so save your time.

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

Amber Patterson is fed up. She’s tired of being a nobody: a plain, invisible woman who blends into the background. She deserves more—a life of money and power like the one blond-haired, blue-eyed goddess Daphne Parrish takes for granted.

To everyone in the exclusive town of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut, Daphne—a socialite and philanthropist—and her real-estate mogul husband, Jackson, are a couple straight out of a fairy tale.

Amber’s envy could eat her alive . . . if she didn't have a plan. Amber uses Daphne’s compassion and caring to insinuate herself into the family’s life—the first step in a meticulous scheme to undermine her. Before long, Amber is Daphne’s closest confidante, traveling to Europe with the Parrishes and their lovely young daughters, and growing closer to Jackson. But a skeleton from her past may undermine everything that Amber has worked towards, and if it is discovered, her well-laid plan may fall to pieces. 

** spoiler alert ** This Review contains spoilers.


This book had me hooked from the beginning. What were Amber's motives? What was she running from? I thought that was the twist to the book. This led me to think that some aspects of part 1 were unbelievable at the time. Jackson would not cheat on Daphne so easily because they were very much in love. Daphne would not just give up so easily. I was thinking it was all just a bit too easy for Amber to get her way. Then the author(s) hit me with part 2 and the same story from Daphne's perspective. Aagh, it all makes sense now and is 100% believable. 

I thought Daphne was such a weak, controlling character at first and disliked Bella and the way she was not disciplined. I loved how my opinion of her character completely flipped on it's head once I started seeing the story from her point of view. So much sympathy for both these characters in the end.

Then the author(s) added the final, extra twist at the end and I almost cheered for Daphne. Did I feel any sympathy for Amber at all? Absolutely not. She set out to destroy a marriage and family, which, from the outside, she achieved. 

It is a classic tale of "Be careful what you wish for" and "one never knows what is going on behind closed doors, so be careful not to judge others".

Bookmarking these author(s) for future reading.

Welcome Back

After a long sabbatical from blogging, I have decided to get started again.  Changed the title of the Blog to better describe how I want my blogging to go.  It will now chronicle all aspects of my journey as I investigate new health therapies, eating habits and other Health and Wellness issues.

This journey will be with me, Hazel and my friend Marlene.  Marlene is a Life coach, with an involved interest in Health and healing through nutrition.  Together we will be testing out lots of "alternative" therapies to healing and improving quality of life.

I will also add the odd book review or two, as I see fit and write about random aspects of life as I think they would relate to this blog.

Feel free to share anything you want us to try out and review.  Just post your ideas in the comments, or send an email.

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Thank you for  reading and happy healing!