THE LAST MRS. PARRISH by Liv Constantine

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher)

I needed a good suspense page-turner and I found one with this book. When I first started reading this book, it made think of THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY meets "Single White Female." But it is so much more than that.

Amber Patterson has always desired wealth and status and decides to set her sights on married real estate mogul Jackson Parrish. In order to get close to him, Amber befriends his socialite wife Daphne and begins to insinuate herself into their lives. Her goal? To become the next Mrs. Parrish.

This book was the perfect escapism for me over the weekend. I couldn't put it down. Even though Amber is truly despicable, you can't help admire her and wonder if she will achieve her goals. It is interesting to see how she manages to weasel her way into this wealthy family and begin to chip away at the Parrish marriage. The novel has interesting twists and turns and definitely keeps one's interest.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. This is a really fun novel that would make the perfect vacation or beach read. Fast-paced with intriguing characters. I think fans of BIG LITTLE LIES will really like this one.

THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg

(I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.)

I have to admit that I am often a sucker for sentimental books. I fell hard for A MAN CALLED OVE and THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY and pretty much anything by Fannie Flagg.  Sometimes, I just a need a cozy book that will restore my faith in humanity. If you also enjoy a sentimental, sweet story, THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV will be right up your alley.

Arthur Moses is a recent widower who visit his wife Nola's grave every day. Each day, he must pass his neighbor's house. Lucille is invariably on the front porch and they engage in obligatory conversation each day as the only two seniors left on the block. While at the cemetery on one of his visits to his wife's grave, Arthur notices a teenager hiding out. He befriends Maddy and their friendship becomes a catalyst for a chain of events that will change all of their lives.

Although Berg doesn't really cover any new territory with this story, it is incredibly sweet and satisfying. I wish she had taken a little more time with the characters. Arthur, Maddy, and Lucille are wonderful but I felt rushed through the story. Berg needed to go deeper into the characters and the story. I felt there was so much more to tell! I have heard that this is the first in a series of books covering characters in Arthur's orbit. I hope this rumor is true as it might give me a chance to revisit the characters and get to know them better.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. While the story itself feels very familiar, it is enjoyable and the perfect thing to read in times of stress or sadness. The story is uplifting and positive and will renew your faith in humanity like the similar books that have come before.