Review -- Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe by Jennie Shortridge

Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe
by Jennie Shortridge
Penguin, 2008
400 pages
*I received a copy from the author.

Summary (from Barnes and Noble): When she learns that her college sweetheart husband has been seeing another woman, Mira Serafino's perfect world is shattered and she wants no one, least of all her big Italian family, to know. She heads north—with no destination and little money— stopping only when her car breaks down in Seattle. She takes a job at the offbeat Coffee Shop at the Center of the Universe, where she'll experience a terrifying but invigorating freedom, and meet someone she'll come to love: the new Mira.

Review: An intriguing novel about finding out who you are without the constraints of family and friends, Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe is an easy and entertaining read. Author Jennie Shortridge introduces the reader to the likable Mira, who through a variety of misunderstandings and misinterpretations, runs away from her small town life to became the manager of a coffee shop. She misses her old life but finds beauty in the new one she creates with the help of the coffee shop staff. The writing is wonderful but the story doesn't have a same magic as Shortridge's Eating Heaven. Many of the supporting characters are annoying and I had difficulty sympathizing with many of them. However, I did enjoy the ending and am looking forward to reading more by this author. Rating: *** out of 5

Friday Finds -- 12/31

Happy Friday! My Friday Find is Riding with the Queen by Jennie Shortridge. Here is the Barnes and Noble description:

Full of big dreams of the fast life, Tallie Beck hit the road at the age of seventeen to become a rock 'n roll star-and vowed never to look back. Now, at thirty-four, she's little more than a down-and-out singer who smokes and drinks too much and knows better than to make promises she can't keep. Dumped by her latest band and low on cash, Tallie has no choice but to go back to Denver. Back to her crazy mother, and her resentful younger sister, Jane, who's never forgiven her for leaving. But seeing her family again after all these years stirs something unexpected in Tallie. And after so many miles on that long, exhilarating, scary-and often lonely-road, she's looking back to trace some wrong turns, and figure out the way to where she really wants to go...

What is your Friday Find?

3 W Wednesdays -- 12/29

This meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.

What are you currently reading? I just started When She Flew by Jennie Shortridge.

What have you recently finished reading? I just finished Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe by Jennie Shortridge (review to come), Last Night at Chateau Marmont by Lauren Weisberger, and One Day by David Nicholls (click on title to read my review).

What are you planning on reading next? Not sure. I have one more Jennie Shortridge book on the bookcase -- Riding with the Queen. I also have Nancy Martin's newest -- Our Lady of Immaculate Deception.

Friday Finds -- 10/30

Happy Friday! My find this week is the new book from the author of Eating Heaven, Jennie Shortridge. It is called When She Flew and is available November 3rd. Here's the Barnes and Noble description:

Police officer Jessica Villareal has always played by the book and tried to do the right thing. But now, she finds herself approaching midlife divorced, estranged from her daughter, alone, and unhappy. And she's wondering if she ever made a right choice in her life. But then Jess discovers a girl and her father living off the radar in the Oregon woods, avoiding the comforts-and curses-of modern life. Her colleagues on the force are determined to uproot and separate them, but Jess knows the damage of losing those you love. She recognizes her chance to make a difference by doing something she's never dared. Because even though she's used to playing by the rules, there are times when they need to be broken...

What did you find this week? Friday Finds is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading.

Friday Finds -- 5/15

It has been another great week for finds!

Dar over at Peeking Between the Pages (a fantastic blog that everyone should check out) is sending me a copy of Scattered Leaves by Richard E. Roach. It sounds like a great thriller and I am very excited to read it. Thanks Dar!

Jennifer over at Just Jennifer Reading (a really great blog -- check it out) is sending me a copy of Testimony by Anita Shrieve. I am very excited to read this because it was the subject of a lot of buzz at our book club meeting. Thanks Jennifer!

Lastly, the wonderful author, Jennie Shortridge sent me a copy of her latest -- Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe. I recently read Eating Heaven (check out the review) and absolutely loved it and am hoping to enjoy Love and Biology as well. Thanks Jennie!

Remember to check out my latest reviews: Austenland, Little Pink Slips, What the Dead Know and Salty Like Blood and if you enjoy my blog, please consider becoming a follower!

Want to play along? Check out Should Be Reading and post your Friday Finds.

Have a great weekend,
jess

Review -- Eating Heaven

Eating Heaven
by Jennie Shortridge
Published by Penguin, 2005
269 pages

Summary: Eleanor Samuels has a dangerous relationship with food. When her Uncle Benny becomes sick, she rearranges her life to care for him. Over the course of his illness, Eleanor uncovers a family secret, finds her own personal strength, and works to love food again.

Review: I absolutely loved this novel. Jennie Shortridge writes a gem of a book filled with a perfectly paced plot that seamlessly slides between Eleanor's present difficulties and ties them to past memories. The plot continually deepens the reader's understanding of Eleanor's character and actions. At the heart of the novel is a woman's journey to understand a healthy relationship with food in a society where butter and sugar are evil and feelings of guilt are tied to every forkful of spice cake. A beautiful book that reminds us to live everyday as if it is our last. Rating:****1/2 out of 5.

Want a second opinion? Check out Mary's review at Bookfan-Mary.