Readers’ Corner, April 2021: New beginnings often start in the spring, but can occur at any age, any day. Sample these:
Adulting (Liz Talley). Following several unsuccessful rehab stints for alcohol and drug abuse, former child actress Chase London’s career is in meltdown. After she violates her parole, she faces therapy or risk becoming uninsurable in Hollywood. Olivia Han, a therapist and life coach, is called in to get Chase clean and sober in a last-ditch effort to resuscitate her career. However, Olivia’s hidden personal life is full of fractured relationships and emotional issues. When the two retreat to Olivia’s old family cabin in the mountains, Chase thrives while Olivia’s return sparks a host of memories and a devastating family secret.
Good Luck With That (Kristin Higgins) spotlights three plump girlfriends from teens through adulthood. When Emerson, the one who dies unexpectedly (her lifestyle contributes), she leaves notes for the other two that jumpstart positive changes in their lives and attitudes. She leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults, something different for each. As the two survivors grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.
Hatchet (Gary Paulsen) proves those book categories by ages are mere suggestions, for this adventure tale is touted for young adults but will be enjoyed by all. A 1988 winner of the Newbery Honor for young adult fiction, it features young Brian Robeson, plane-wrecked in the Canadian bush country with only a hatchet as a tool to help him survive nearly two months Following this indisputable new beginning, along the way he picks up survival skills, confidence and the will to live. This is the first in a series.
Author Kathleen Duhamel writes humorous contemporary romance featuring “seasoned” characters. Her newest is Fed Up. https://www.kathleenduhamel.com/ Author Bonne McCune’s latest is Never Retreat, a suspenseful romance in Colorado’s wilderness. https://BonnieMcCune.com
