An engaged woman unexpectedly reunites with
an old flame, forcing her to reconcile her feelings for two men.
Just when Kailey "KC" Crane is about to start a new chapter of
her life, the successful journalist--in her 30s, working for a Seattle
newspaper--is brought face to face with an old flame. The chance encounter
happens one night after KC and her handsome, attentive fiancé, Ryan, a high-end
property development manager, dine in an upscale French restaurant. As Ryan fetches
the car after dinner, good-natured KC offers a painfully thin, homeless man her
leftovers only to discover the man is Cade McAllister, a once-successful music
business mogul and also the long-lost former love of KC's life.
What ensues is a richly drawn, emotional story rife with conflict. Cade
has suffered a traumatic brain injury--origin unknown--that has compromised his
memory. KC eagerly advocates to help Cade, while trying to piece together what
happened to him and why he disappeared from her life ten years before. In her
quest, KC's heart is pulled in two directions, and she is forced to reconcile
the choices that have shaped her own life: Will KC have a fulfilling future
with Ryan? Might she still be in love with Cade, even in his altered state?
Jio (Goodnight June) braids a thought-provoking narrative
that examines the forces that brought KC and Cade together and pulled them
apart--the tenuous bond of their love--versus the cushy, comfortable life KC
shares with Ryan. Contrasting past and present perspectives and KC's choice
between old love and new makes for a suspenseful and highly charged romantic
conclusion
Always:
A Novel by Sarah Jio
BallatineBooks, $27.00 Hardcover, 9781101885024, 288 pages
Publication
Date: February 7, 2017
To
order this book on INDIEBOUND, link HERE
NOTE:
This review is a reprint and is being posted with the permission of Shelf
Awareness. To read this review on Shelf
Awareness: Reader's Edition (February
21, 2017), link HERE
The lighthearted wisdom of a three pound,
mixed-breed therapy dog is shared in a beautifully photographed, inspirational book.
"I believe
your every little thought, word, and deed can make a BIG difference in the world."
That's the motto of Norbert,
a lovable, three pound, mixed breed who has become a social media phenomena. In
his eight short years of life, this registered therapy dog has served up hearty
doses of comfort and joy to children; the ill, the aged and infirm; and the
homeless. He's brought smiles and support to countless individuals and charitable organizations
such as the Best Friends Animal Society, Marine
Toys for Tots and the Amerman
Family Foundation Dog Therapy Program at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
A born emotional philanthropist, Norbert's social media and literary career have thrived under
the love, care and devotion of Julie Steines and Virginia Freyermuth—Julie's Mom; a teacher, fine artist
and PhD. Julie and Virginia co-wrote
three picture books for children: Norbert:
What Can Little Me Do?, Norbert:
What Can Little You Do? and
Norbert &
Lil Bub: What Can Little We Do? It seems providential that when Julie
and Norbert later appeared on the Home & Family TV show (Hallmark Channel) to promote their books, Julie first
met her future husband, Mark
Steines, the Emmy
Award-winning host of the program and an accomplished photographer whose work cleverly
captures Norbert's cuteness in Norbert's
Little Lessons for a Big Life.
In this latest book, Norbert's human entourage pair the
philosophical wisdom of the little dog--sharing lessons Norbert has learned, in his own words--with 50
adorable photographs depicting the ways this four-legged emotional
philanthropist continues to bring joy and make others smile.
Norbert, little pink tongue perpetually
sticking out sideways from lost teeth, spouts sentiments like: "You are
wonderful just the way you are." A photo of Norbert after having been
hosed off in the summer sunshine, trying to dry himself off by flinging water
droplets everywhere, is accompanied by, "When your enthusiasm gets dampened,
just shake it out." Another shot shows Norbert and a beautiful Golden
retriever donning hats, the two sprawled on a colorful beach chaise, paired
with the thought, "Hang out with friends who make you laugh and help you
enjoy life."
The goal of the book is to inspire others toward
thoughtfulness, kindness and gratitude. No doubt, once children and adults peruse the many cute and cuddly sides of Norbert--and his endearingly simple messages
of hope and resilience--even more joy and delight will be spread into the
world.
Norbert's
Little Lessons for a Big Life
by Julie Steines (Author),
Virginia Freyermuth (Author), Mark Steines (Photographer)
North Star
Way (Simon
and Schuster Publishing), $12.99
Hardcover, 9781501187315, 144 pages
Publication Date: October 10, 2017
To order this book on INDIEBOUND, link HERE
