From the Jump by Lacie Waldon

Liv and her four college friends have been close for eleven years. They have a standing date every Thursday to get together and even vacation together once a year. But this year, Liv can't go. Overworked as a graphic designer, always doing what she should to try and fit in, she's finally had enough. On a whim she quits her job and joins her friends on safari in South Africa. After a long car ride and a shared hotel room with emotionally unavailable Lucas, she starts to see the man he really is, the one he hides from the world. But any kind of relationship between them could ruin the whole friendship group and they make a pact to stay apart. When they return from the trip, Liv discovers everything she owns is gone. Will she be able to honor the pact when Lucas is always around?

Liv started out so stiff and by-the-book it was no surprise that even her friends called her Ice Queen. I like how her confidence continues to grow throughout the book that she's finally able to go after what she wants. Lucas is the strong silent type I just love to read about. Pheobe and Will are awesome together and it was obvious from the start they'd end up together. Selina, however, is the character everybody loves to hate. Spoiled, jealous, and bitter, she lashes out when she doesn't get what she wants. I don't agree with Liv's decision to forgive her. I loved this sweet friends to lovers story and it would make the perfect beach read.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

The Things We Don't Say by Ella Carey

Sixty years ago, Emma Temple had a complicated relationship with renowned artist Patrick Adams. Although he never painted portraits of anyone he was close to, he made an exception for her. Now in the 80s her portrait, called The Things We Don't Say, has become his most famous work. But when an appraiser claims that the painting is a fraud, Emma must rely on her faulty memories to save everything she cares about. Her granddaughter, Laura, had used the painting as collateral against her tuition to a prestigious music academy and now her future is in jeopardy. 

I thought this story was well written, especially with alternating chapters that only give away a little of the story at a time. I like how Emma bought her country home as a retreat for her artist friends. Even though she fell in love with the wrong man, she was still determined to stay close to him and accept as much as he could give. And I especially loved Laura's character, fighting for her grandmother, refusing to take a handout even if it meant giving up what she loved most. It was an entertaining and intriguing read. I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.