DRB Reviews...Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

Firstly, I LOVE Book of the Month. It is so exciting to get to choose newly released hard cover books, from a variety of genres, every month, by incredible authors. It always stretches me out of my comfort zone; choosing books I wouldn't necessarily choose if I were shopping in a store.

I really wanted a "Christmasy Fee" book this month, so I chose Good Spirits. I love a good old Scrooge story, learning from your past to make a better future. And that is exactly what Good Spirits is...except with an adorable twist. How can you fall in love with a ghost? Borison can show you the way.

I adored this book. It made me laugh and smile. I was enjoying reading it so much, I read it too fast...just couldn't stop turning the pages and then BOOM, it was over. What an incredibly fun-loving story; I thought the storyline was so unique. What a beautiful cover too, with sparkly snow flakes! This is the best light-hearted story I have read this season. Thank you Borison! And thank you to book of the month for choosing Good Spirits as one of December's choices! What a warm and cozy feel-good read.

www.dawnrodger.ca
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DRB Reviews...The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood

Book Bub posted its daily deals one day in November and I purchased The Book that Matters Most for my kindle. I really wanted to read something different besides the usual mystery thriller I usual buy, and it didn't disappoint me. It was money well spent.

​The Book that Matters Most is about a woman named Ava, going through a divorce. She finds companionship by joining her friend's book club. I loved the concept that literature could heal. I chose not to read other peoples reviews before I started reading this book, and I am glad I did. Not all reviews of this book are positive; had I read the negative reviews early on, I may have ditched reading it altogether and I am glad that didn't happen.

I believe Hood created real characters, that are flawed and raw. I am a trauma survivor and I had to learn how to cope with addiction in my marriage. I struggled with trauma bonds and low self-esteem as a result. Hood's book reminded me of these real issues; the book moved me. I don't think readers can truly appreciate the characters and story lines, because it isn't the usual "feel good" scenarios; as a result, they can't relate. Well, I did. Maggie's story line was gripping, and broke my heart; her experiences felt real and too close to home. Ava's divorce came across as genuine. I could relate to her trying to find coping strategies to help her survive. Hood wrote her characters with weakness and vulnerabilities, which gave the story more substance. The Book that Matters Most is not a feel-good Rom Com, but a gritty story that hit me in the gut. Other readers complained that the story-line bounced around a bit...it did, but once I was hooked, I didn't mind the jumping around.

This book was messy, sad and real and I really enjoyed it. (I love the simplicity of the cover design too; beautiful.)

www.dawnrodger.ca
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