The Girl Who Stayed ~ Tanya Anne Crosby

 

If you are like me, then you have reading moods that shift from day to day or even week by week.
(Oh, did I say 'reading moods' ...I meant moods in general...if you see me wearing my "I'm Grumpy 'Cause You're Dopey' Shirt" while listening to the Dangerous Minds soundtrack.......RUN!!!)

Sometimes I am in the mood for something lighthearted and sweet, other times I want something sexy or historical....maybe I want a great mystery or a horror..... My moods can be all over the map (Just ask my husband or see my Twitter feed!)

This past week I loaded up my Kobo with books to reflect all my moods, most of them on sale (Hooray!) and I decided I would read through them as the mood struck.

The first few books were fluffy romances, I realized I have had my fill of those. (One of them I didn't even bother to finish... ) so I turned to the one which had an intriguing premise. "The Girl Who Stayed" by Tanya Anne Crosby. (Released earlier this year)
 

I HIGHLY recommend this if you are looking for something more gritty and honest or just prefer a solid drama.

The novel is told in the narrative of protagonist Zoe Rutherford. She's not only running away from her present, but seeking answers from her past. Through her thoughts flashing back, you learn about her life's story as the eldest child in a family who suffers unspeakable tragedy. You see her struggle with her current life situation and how they all connect. Like so many of us, she is a chronic over-thinker, full of what ifs and in need of self discovery. The entire novel is mainly a reflection as she searches her soul and the real world for answers, all the while prepping her old family home for sale.

The Girl Who Stayed was a novel that I didn't want to put down and when I did- I found myself wondering where the story was going next. I liked not being able to figure out the exact plot. What was happening the ex? What happened to her sister Hannah? Was Zoe on a path to self destruction or self discovery? Is her subconscious trying to tell her something?? Who can she trust? I felt really bad for this character. She felt really 'real' to me, it was like reading the unfiltered mind of someone else.
The ending actually left me with a small book hangover for the simple reason that it was a bit abrupt after being in her head all that time. That said, I was both satisfied with the ending but like with most books I enjoy I always want a bit more. (I am selfish like that!)

 I give "The Girl Who Stayed" a rating of 4/5 stars. I could see this novel played out dramatically on television, like the Netflix series Bloodline. (If I am going to make a small comparison)

The bottom line, If you are in a book club or like a book that makes you step back and think, or that has a bit of mystery and zero fluff.... Then I suggest that you give this one a try.

This was my first novel that I have read by Author Tanya Anne Crosby, and I certainly will be adding her novels to my 'must read author list' from now on.
Click here to visit her website for more books and information.

Here is the official book synopsis:

Zoe Rutherford wasn't sure what she was expecting when she returned to Sullivan's Island. The house on Sullivan's hadn't represented home to her in decades. It was the place where she endured her father's cruelty. It was the place where her mother closed herself off from the world. It was the place where her sister disappeared. But now that her parents are gone, Zoe needs to return to the house, to close it down and prepare it for sale. She intends to get this done as quickly as possible and get on with the rest of her life, even though that life seems clouded by her past, both distant and recent. But what she discovers when she gets there is far beyond her imagining and will change her in profound ways. 

Happy Reading!

The Decision ~ Penny Vincenzi

Can you pinpoint that one decision in your life that really steered your life in a different direction?

Do you regret that decision? Or wish you had made it sooner?

No matter what, we all make choices in life, and they have brought us to the exact place we are now. (like...duh!)
Some are major, some are minor.....some are repetitive. (and some are just stupid....stupid I tell you)


I'd be lying if I said I didn't sometimes think about choices I have made in my past and wonder what life would be like had I gone in a different direction. What things would be like had I not made that big move, or bold move, or kept quiet, or spoke out.....(or had I not dated that moron....or ten....)
While I like to at times ponder these things, at the end of the day given the choice, I wouldn't change any of it, even my mistakes.
Why? Because changing even the slightest thing could mess up all the good now and I don't want to mess with that. (Hellooooo Butterfly Effect) 
Live and Learn!


I maintain the following. There is no sense in worrying or having regrets, because let's face it, that attitude gets you no where and does nothing but causes unnecessary anxiety! As long as you can pin point the mistakes and learn from them, you're golden!
Chin up, Chest Out, Forge Ahead and as Queen Elsa sings in the Disney Musical Frozen "Let It GO"
(Great. I can't get that song out of my head and now I'm using it in my book blog to drive a point home....Thanks a lot DISNEY!)

If there is one novel that demonstrates the impact of how your choices, whether selfless or selfish, can effect those around us, than it would be this one.
Grab the Kleenex for when you read.........

The Decision by Best Selling Author, Penny Vincenzi.

Book Description:

Set against a vibrant sixties backdrop, this is the story of two bright young things: Eliza, an ex-deb making a splash in the world of fashion, and Matt, a working-class boy carving out a serious name for himself in property. Their story begins with a love affair, closely followed by a marriage, followed by a baby. But whilst their relationship is at first fueled by passion, it's not of the enduring kind, and soon what started out with such promise descends into a harrowing divorce case and an epic custody battle. With everything at stake for both Eliza and Matt, and neither party willing to give up their little girl without a fight, it's high drama in the courts. Let battle begin...

My Take:

While I did enjoy the book, it left me feeling a bit down. This is not a happy-go lucky read at all, so don't expect a fairy tale or cut and dry happy endings. I came away from this novel really having absorbed a lot of the characters frustration, anger, remorse etc...It is truly amazing how a book can affect your mood. I felt like I needed a good cry after this one.
I always enjoy books by Penny Vincenzi. (I love her novels about the Lytton family) 
When I pick up one of her novels, I know I am in for a story that's well written, very well developed and 'real'. Her novels also have a touch of glamour and prestige but with a sense of realism and drama. I always feel I should be wearing Chanel, munching on caviar covered crackers, sipping on Dom P while reading her novels. (Oh-la-la.)
The Decision revolves around protagonist's Eliza and Matt and the people that surround them.
The novel is written from several different character POV's, twists, turns... You won't be bored. I found it a bit slow to start, waiting for Eliza and Matt's relationship to take off.... this novel really takes it's time getting to the meat of the story, but you are entertained along the way as there is a lot going on.
Eliza is trying to prove herself in the world of fashion, and Matt is trying to build his business from the ground up. When the two add family and a devastating series of events to the mix... life eventually comes crumbling down around them and the claws come out.
As far as the characters go...... Just when you think they are likeable, they aren't. I felt bad for the child Emmie and what she has to go through watching her parents battle it out in divorce court. It was heart wrenching. I didn't agree or like the majority of the characters choices or behavior and that is what made the book incredibly fascinating to me.

I think if I had to choose, my favorite character in this novel would be Eliza's friend Mariella (and she's no Saint either) as I enjoyed her story line the most. She has a great life, married to a fantastic man, seems deeply in love......."but" perfection is an illusion and the heart wants what it wants.....(read the book, you'll see)....

At the end of the day, do I recommend 'The Decision'? Oh Yes.
If you love reading the intensely dramatic or immersing yourself in the crazy lives of the rich and successful, than this is for you. It's a very large paperback, so it may take you some time. It actually took me a few days to read cover to cover. *gasp*
If ever there was a novel to leave with you a book hangover, this is one of them. Make sure you have something a bit light-hearted and fluffy to read afterwards.You're going to need it.

Book Clubs....This is a novel to certainly consider if you are looking for a topic to generate conversation. 

And for a final thought, while I do enjoy reading novels by this author, I will let you in on a little secret.......
I was initially drawn to this book because of the cover. I totally want to own that red jacket!
Shhhhhhhhhhh

I can't wait to see what kind of drama Penny Vincenzi can cook up for us next!

Happy Reading!

Visit Penny Vincenzi's website for more information!