Review: Close Enough to Touch

Close Enough to Touch 

By Colleen Oakley

Published: March 7, 2017

Love has no boundaries...

Jubilee Jenkins has a rare condition: she’s allergic to human touch. After a nearly fatal accident, she became reclusive, living in the confines of her home for nine years. But after her mother dies, Jubilee is forced to face the world—and the people in it—that she’s been hiding from.

Jubilee finds safe haven at her local library where she gets a job. It’s there she meets Eric Keegan, a divorced man who recently moved to town with his brilliant, troubled, adopted son. Eric is struggling to figure out how to be the dad—and man—he wants so desperately to be. Jubilee is unlike anyone he has ever met, yet he can't understand why she keeps him at arm's length. So Eric sets out to convince Jubilee to open herself and her heart to everything life can offer, setting into motion the most unlikely love story of the year.

My review:

Jubilee hasn't left her house since she almost died as a teen when a boy kissed her on a dare. Since that time her mom has gotten married and moved away (Jubilee was invited to live with them but didn't want to go). Jubilee relies on monthly checks sent by her mom and she uses online shopping and other methods to avoid leaving the house or dealing with other people. Then she gets a phone call from her stepfather that her mother has died, leaving her the house but the monthly checks will stop. Now Jubilee has to find a way to support herself. When she finally plucks up the courage to leave her home, a chance meeting with a former classmate leads to a job at the library. 

Eric has his own issues to deal with--namely his estranged teenage daughter won't talk to him and his smart adopted son has some behavioral issues. When he takes his son to the library one day, his path crosses with Jubilee. He is intrigued by her and her Halloween costume (it was Halloween day and she was dressed as Emily Dickinson). She makes an instant connection with Eric's son Aja and slowly their lives intersect.

I felt bad for Jubilee and her sad relationship with her mother as well as her circumstances. It takes her awhile to overcome her fears but it seems to go deeper than just a fear of accidental contact. It's like she used that as an excuse to shut herself off emotionally from others but slowly that begins to change through her new job and tentative new friendships. She and Aja seemed to understand each other well which is a good thing since Eric was kind of lousy at communicating with his kids (but at least he kept trying). 

The romance developed slowly and obviously had some major obstacles but for those worried about a happy ending, don't worry--the story does end on a high note. It isn't exactly realistic but maybe that's a good thing. There has been a woman in the news in recent months who is deathly allergic to her husband and parents and a whole host of things so she has to live in a carefully sanitized environment. I hope and pray that there will be a cure for her one day.  I couldn't help but think of her as I read this book. Close Enough to Touch also reminded me of  a grownup version of the YA novel Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon which told the story of a teen who couldn't leave her house due to life threatening allergies. The ending of that book was different from this one but it also explored the choices of a young woman who is restricted by her health. Overall I liked Close Enough to Touch and prefer it to the author's debut, Before I Go.

Note: For those wondering, I thought the author did a pretty good job of portraying what it's like to work in a small public library.

I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Sunday Post (81) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

It was a quiet week with more crazy weather changes. On Tuesday my book discussion groups met but unfortunately I wasn't able to finish either book though I definitely plan to finish A Gentleman in Moscow at a later date. Several of my evening book group members said that was their favorite book we've read in the years we've been meeting.

This Tuesday I am going to the eye doctor for the first time in my life for a basic checkup and on Saturday I will be starting swimming lessons at the local Y (I never learned as a kid). I am somewhat excited about the swimming lessons since learning to swim is on my bucket list and it would be handy to know how before the Mexico trip.  I am also a little nervous about it. My sister told me she doesn't know how to swim but that hasn't stopped her from enjoying beach vacations and snorkeling or parasailing. She is a braver soul than I!

Last week on my blog:

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan (review)

Books read:

The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack

It was interesting learning more about Walter Scott. I still need to write my review but hopefully it will be up later this week or next week.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

While I thought the book ended kind of abruptly, I really enjoyed it. Alosa is a fun character and the book is a fun pirate adventure that reminded me a little of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Books listened to:

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore (reread)

I enjoyed listening to this again and I can't wait to read the sequel, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues. I just got an ARC and plan to read it later this spring.

Currently reading:

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn

So far this book is kind of slow and not really holding my attention. If it doesn't pick up soon, I may set it aside to read something else first.

Currently listening to:

The Girl in the Castle by Santa Montefiore

I have heard so many good things about this book so I decided to use one of my Audible credits to purchase the audio book version. I like it so far but I also feel like I may be missing some things since I am listening to it while I drive. Also I feel really sorry for Kitty. Her mom is terrible and her dad may be kinder but he isn't much better.

On my TBR list:

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

I just read another glowing review of this one so I decided to put it on my list for this week. It covers darker subject matter so we'll see if I'm in the mood to tackle it yet.

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

I still haven't read any of Chevy Stevens's books though my coworkers love them. I don't read a lot of suspense but I thought this sounded kind of good.

Hunted by Meagan Spooner

I enjoy fairy tale retellings and this one (inspired by Beauty and the Beast) is set in Russia which also intrigues me. 

New books received:

The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues by Edward Kelsey Moore (for review)

Hunted by Meagan Spooner (for review)

Duels & Deception by Cindy Anstey (for review)

No Other World by Rahul Mehta (for review)

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See (for review)

Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham (library book)

The Dry by Jane Harper (library book)

The Tumbling Turner Sisters by Juliette Fay (library book)

The Girl in the Castle by Santa Montefiore (Audible)

Review: The Chilbury Ladies' Choir

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir

By Jennifer Ryan

Published: February 14, 2017

As England becomes enmeshed in the early days of World War II and the men are away fighting, the women of Chilbury village forge an uncommon bond. They defy the Vicar’s stuffy edict to close the choir and instead “carry on singing,” resurrecting themselves as the Chilbury Ladies’ Choir. We come to know the home-front struggles of five unforgettable choir members: a timid widow devastated when her only son goes to fight; the older daughter of a local scion drawn to a mysterious artist; her younger sister pining over an impossible crush; a Jewish refugee from Czechoslovakia hiding a family secret; and a conniving midwife plotting to outrun her seedy past. 
 
An enchanting ensemble story that shuttles from village intrigue to romance to the heartbreaking matters of life and death, Jennifer Ryan’s debut novel thrillingly illuminates the true strength of the women on the home front in a village of indomitable spirit.

My review:

I love reading stories set during this time period. The Chilbury Ladies' Choir takes place in a small English village and the story is told through letters and diary entries from the perspective of a variety of characters. 

The vicar wants to disband the choir because the men are away at war but when the new music teacher Primrose Trent arrives, she encourages the women of the village to create a ladies' choir. The choir helps bolster the courage of the members as they face various challenges and fears. It also helps the people of the village by raising their morale even as there are bombings and losses.

Not all of the characters in the book are likable but some grew on me as they changed through the positive influence of Miss Trent and the other choir members. One such character is Venetia, a spoiled and vain girl who causes trouble by making young men fall in love with her. Her younger sister Kitty is naive and can also behave spitefully but she means well. I couldn't stand either of them at first but as they began to change, I liked them more. Then there is vile midwife Miss Paltry and the evil Brigadier who are just loathsome throughout. Thankfully there are some genuinely likable characters like Miss Trent and Mrs. Tillings, a widow whose son has just left to fight. There are secrets in the village and some characters seeking to capitalize on the war. I wanted to know what would happen and how various issues would be resolved.  Although the war is a dark subject there is plenty of humor in the novel too. Even though we get to know the characters only through letters and journal entries, I still came to care about them.

If you like historical fiction and reading about life in England during WWII, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir won't disappoint. It reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Maryanne Shaffer and Annie Barrows as well as The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson (set during WWI) and the British TV series Home Fires. 

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley

Sunday Post (80) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

It was such a beautiful week. Friday was so nice I wish I'd had the day off. Of course it got colder again this weekend but still not that bad for February. The strange weather has caused plants and insects to emerge. We even had a bee in our library. My coworkers and I were trying to figure out the source of the loud buzzing. I thought maybe another computer was going bad but it turned out that a bee was in our light fixture. It has now gone to its eternal reward.

I am exhausted. I have not been sleeping well because of sinus headaches and nausea but hopefully that will pass soon. Today I need to try to finish at least one of my book group books. At least Cold Comfort Farm is a short book and I did find a chapter by chapter summary and analysis in case I don't get to finish it. The other book club selection finally arrived but unfortunately it isn't a fast paced book. I feel bad when I don't finish a book for book group since I'm the leader but this time I may have two unfinished books!

For awhile it looked like my trip to Mexico with my sister wasn't going to happen. The prices went up considerably but we were finally able to find something (still more expensive than we'd originally planned on but it also includes an extra night). We are going to Playa del Carmen at the end of April/beginning of May. Now I just need to start exercising and do some shopping. It's nice to have something fun to look forward to.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great week! What have you been reading lately and have you read any of the books on my list?

Last week on my blog:

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella (review)

Books read:

Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley

I thought this was pretty good. It did remind me a little of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon. 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

I decided to give this another try since so many people loved it. I initially found the characters immature and annoying because of the games they played with each other but I started to like them more and more and ended up loving the book. That doesn't happen often! If this book is ever made into a movie, I hope Anna Kendrick plays Lucy.

Currently reading:

The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack

This is a historical romance based on the life of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. He meets the girl of his dreams as a young man of 19 (she was years younger) but she isn't sure of her feelings for him and her father doesn't approve.

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

I started this sure that I would really enjoy it but it isn't as easy to get into as I'd hoped. I thought about watching the movie version to help me get into the story more.

Currently listening to:

The Supremes at Earl's All You Can Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore (reread)

On my TBR pile:

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

This is the book we are reading in my evening book group. I don't know if I'll be able to finish it in time since I just got it. Also I've heard it is really slow going and from perusing it I'd have to agree.

New books received:

The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff (for review)

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord (for review)

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller (for review)

Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens (for review)

Their Finest by Lissa Evans (library book)

Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer (library book)

As Old As Time by Liz Braswell (library book)

The Young Wives Club by Julie Pennell (library book)

A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn (library book)

Review: My Not So Perfect Life

My Not So Perfect Life

By Sophie Kinsella

Published: February 7, 2017

Everywhere Katie Brenner looks, someone else is living the life she longs for, particularly her boss, Demeter Farlowe. Demeter is brilliant and creative, lives with her perfect family in a posh townhouse, and wears the coolest clothes. Katie’s life, meanwhile, is a daily struggle—from her dismal rental to her oddball flatmates to the tense office politics she’s trying to negotiate. No wonder Katie takes refuge in not-quite-true Instagram posts, especially as she's desperate to make her dad proud.

Then, just as she’s finding her feet—not to mention a possible new romance—the worst happens. Demeter fires Katie. Shattered but determined to stay positive, Katie retreats to her family’s farm in Somerset to help them set up a vacation business. London has never seemed so far away—until Demeter unexpectedly turns up as a guest. Secrets are spilled and relationships rejiggered, and as the stakes for Katie’s future get higher, she must question her own assumptions about what makes for a truly meaningful life.

Sophie Kinsella is celebrated for her vibrant, relatable characters and her great storytelling gifts. Now she returns with all of the wit, warmth, and wisdom that are the hallmarks of her bestsellers to spin this fresh, modern story about presenting the perfect life when the reality is far from the truth.

My review:

Unlike Becky Bloomwood (from Kinsella's Shopaholic series) who is a financial trainwreck,  Katie (or Cat as she prefers to be known in London) is actually good at her job and financially responsible even if she is struggling and doesn't get the credit she deserves. I liked her and felt bad for her when she lost her job. Katie bounces back though as she helps her dad and stepmom start up their new glamping business, creating a website and advising them on what to buy and activities to offer to make the place marketable. Then Demeter arrives and Katie (who hasn't told her family she lost her job) is terrified that they'll find out. Katie comes up with a disguise to fool Demeter since she has facial recognition issues anyway and Katie even has the opportunity to get a little creative revenge but eventually she'll have to face the music. On top of that, she hasn't found a new job and the guy she likes also suddenly turns up.

Something else I liked about this book was the focus on other things besides romance. Katie's career aspirations, her desire for friendship and her family relationships took center stage. Katie's family is wonderfully supportive though they have reservations over her living in London. Her dad keeps hoping she'll move back home and that is part of the reason she keeps her job loss a secret. Demeter is an unexpected character. She may appear to be like the boss in The Devil Wears Prada at first but there is much more to her than meets the eye. The romance actually wasn't as compelling for me and I could have done without it. The love interest doesn't seem like the right guy for her. 

Katie falls victim to the faux happiness of Instagram and other social media that allows people to show their best selves to the world so she has this idea that other people are leading glamorous and exciting lives and her own Instagram feed gives off that impression as well. Her boss assumes she has money as Katie is always talking about expensive trendy restaurants even though she can't afford to eat there and just reads the reviews. As she returns home she finally is able to let go of that and part of me kind of wished she'd stay at the farm and keep working there because it was so much more peaceful but Katie's dream was London and I also wanted her to find career success.

Like Kinsella's other books, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments such as Katie's "bespoke"  farm activities that she creates for Demeter during her glamping trip. I think readers who are looking for a fun and lighthearted story would enjoy this. It would make a great beach read. Too bad I read it in the middle of winter! While I've been disappointed by the more recent Shopaholic books, I was surprisingly pleased with My Not So Perfect Life and very glad I gave it a chance. I hope Sophie Kinsella creates more characters as likable as Katie.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss

Sunday Post (79) / It's Monday, What Are You Reading

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme now hosted by Kathryn at Book Date, where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Greetings from southern Ohio! I am currently visiting my parents for the long weekend and enjoying this beautiful weather. It's February and it's in the 60s :) I am also blogging from my new laptop. 

My old Dell finally gave up on me last weekend and since there are usually good sales during Presidents' Day weekend, I went to Best Buy today where I bought my first ever Mac. It is really different even though I am used to using an iPhone. I've had to Google how to do things like saving an image or even getting the scrollbars back (surprised that isn't a default). I love how light it is compared to my old one and they are supposed to be much more reliable. I hope that is the case after the issues I had with both my Dell laptop and my Dell desktop. I almost bought an HP but my dad has one he just got in 2016 and already has had to take it back several times to get stuff fixed. His previous desktop was an HP too. Maybe we both just bought lemons!

I got some good news relating to my car. I only need to get two tires for it instead of four which is great since my sister invited me to go to Mexico with her in April. I was waiting to figure out how much my tires would cost as well as how much I'd be getting back in taxes. The laptop sets me back quite a bit but I should still be able to go depending on the deals that are available. I've never been to Mexico but I'm looking forward to it. While I know the responsible thing is to save the money for the inevitable car repairs (or dental work-just got my broken tooth fixed but will eventually need a crown), I don't get the opportunity to travel very often with my sister. We went on one other trip together in 2005 and everything else has been work related (she tagged along to my library conferences) or quick day trips to Indy so this should be fun.

Work is going well. I have a couple of programs coming up and the winter reading program is almost finished. This week I need to read one of my book club books and I hope we'll get more copies of our evening book in because we ran out and I don't have one. I guess that's an excuse to not read it! 

I managed to read a few books in the past two weeks but after reading The Chilbury Ladies' Choir I was kind of stuck looking for my next book and nothing held my attention till I downloaded an ARC of Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley. I had planned to read The Hating Game but it was just disappointing me. The main characters were behaving so immaturely. I had such high hopes for it too :(

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great week and sunny weather wherever you are :)

Last two weeks on my blog:

March: Books 1-3 by John Lewis (review)

Books read:

March: Book Three by John Lewis

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

I liked this one more than the recent Becky Bloomwood books. I also liked the focus on the main character's career and family and how she was less of a mess than some of the author's other protagonists.

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

I mostly enjoyed this creative fantasy. The main character Agnieszka lives in a world where there is an evil forest with malevolent trees and a wizard known as the Dragon keeps the kingdom safe from it. Every ten years a young woman from the village is chosen to move to the Dragon's tower as his servant and everyone is sure it will be Agnieszka's best friend Kasia but they are wrong--it is Agnieszka herself. Also there is magic and a little romance.

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan

This is a novel told through letters and journal entries set during WWII. I liked it though some of the characters weren't very likable especially in the beginning. It reminded me of the TV series Home Fires as well as books like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Summer Before the War.

Books listened to:

Starflight by Melissa Landers (reread)

DNF:

Currently reading:

Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley

The premise of this book reminds me a little of Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (but for adults). It also brought to mind a similar true story about a young woman who is allergic to her husband and parents.

Currently listening to:

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore (reread)

On my TBR pile:

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

This is the book we are reading in my afternoon book group. It sounds like it will be fun. There is also a movie with Kate Beckinsale and Rufus Sewell. 

The Burning Page by Genevieve Cogman

The Lady of the Lakes by Josi S. Kilpack

New books received:

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones (for review) 

Close Enough to Touch by Colleen Oakley (for review)

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (library book)