TESSA TALKS BOOKS

Darling Girls

by Sally Hepworth

• One-word review: Creepy
• Emojis: 🤔🫢🤐
• Rating: 4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

My Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth is a fast-paced domestic thriller that shines the spotlight on foster care worldwide. Even though the story is set in Melbourne, Australia, and a small village a few hours away, the issues illuminated in this story impact children everywhere, including the United States. As someone who has been involved in foster care advocacy in my role as a mental health counselor, I find this book resonated deeply with me. 

When bones are discovered under the house where Jessica, Alicia, and Norah grew up while being fostered, everyone who has ever lived in the home is brought together and questioned. As the timeline switches back and forth, the case is concluded; I was left with such a significant chill down my spine that I had trouble sleeping.

Usually, I have a hard time with a story focused on the mistreatment of children, but the way this story is written – starting in the present and revealing the past in small, tantalizing glimpses – and the nature of the mistreatment (more emotional and not physical) – I was not only able to read the story but I was instantly drawn in and fully invested in it before I knew it. The narrative structure, with its alternating timelines, added to the suspense and kept me turning the pages. It was only towards the end that I started getting fatigued by the amount of abuse, but by then, it was almost over.

One of the most compelling aspects of My Darling Girls was the resilient journey of the foster sisters. Despite their diverse paths and ongoing struggles, their unbreakable bond as sisters shines through. This exploration of their family dynamics, even after they’ve aged out of the system and become independent adults, kept me deeply engrossed in their stories, evoking both admiration and empathy.

The conclusion of My Darling Girls was brilliant. To say that it sent chills down my spine would be an understatement-it was a fully immersive and satisfyingly creepy experience. The perfect ending to a thrilling journey that will leave readers eager for more.

Lovely War

by Julie Berry

• One-word review: Poignant
• Emojis: 😟🥹🥰
• Rating:  4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Lovely War by Julie Berry is a profoundly emotional tale. It begins with Aphrodite’s mock trial in Olympus after her husband Hephaestus catches her in a hotel room with Ares, a scene that sets the stage for the heart-wrenching love stories she shares. These tales, set amidst the backdrop of WWI, vividly illustrate the link between love and war, the essence of love, the anguish of war, and the redemptive power of music. This epic had me in tears, so deeply was I touched by the profound love that permeates its pages.

I did a read-and-listen combination and enjoyed the cast of narrators. Having different narrators for each main character helped me focus on the story as I listened and brought the tale to life.

The meticulous research that underpins Lovely War left a deep impression on me. The war-time narratives are not just informative, but they also resonate with a profound sense of respect, empathy, and authenticity. From the harrowing experiences of war to the societal prejudices in a post-civil war era, every issue and aspect is portrayed with a level of detail that is both enlightening and compelling.

The purity and beauty of the two relationships the story focuses on, Aubrey and Colette, and Hazel and James, are deeply moving. Aubrey and Colette, a mixed-race couple united by their love of music, face the harsh reality of prejudice. Hazel and James, a new couple torn apart by war, navigate the challenges of developing a relationship in such a difficult time. Their struggles and triumphs are so poignant that I couldn’t help but weep for them.

One of the most captivating aspects of Lovely War is the interplay between tragedy and humor. The gods’ interactions, providing a much-needed humorous respite, were witty and observant, while the lessons they learned were profound. This skillful balance of emotions adds to the undeniable beauty of the story. I found myself wondering why it’s considered YA, as it will undoubtedly resonate with adult readers, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction, mythology, and true love stories.

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell

by Abbi Waxman

• One-word review: Fun
• Emojis: 🦈😳🥰
• Rating:  4.25 🌟s

My thoughts:

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman took me to the small island of Violetta, a world away from Christa Liddle’s highly dysfunctional family in California. The story unfolds as Christa’s father, presumed dead for 25 years, returns, and Christa must leave her island and join her family as they struggle to process what’s happened. 

I wasn’t prepared for such a delightful read filled with amusing situations. As I delved into the life of Christa, a researcher of bubble raft snails in the Indian Ocean who is ironically afraid of sharks, the stage is set for a story brimming with wit and humor. The over-the-top narrative kept me thoroughly entertained.

What truly intrigued me in the story was the exploration of the intricate family relationships. The journey of self-discovery that Christa embarks on, and her evolving understanding of her sisters, mother, and ‘not-dead’ father, kept me engrossed and turning the pages.

Christa is a delightful character with her quick wit and sarcastic observations about the people around her. Her narration of the story was a highlight for me, as I found her perspective and humor to be incredibly enjoyable and fast-paced.

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell is the perfect read if you’re looking for a fun story full of complex family themes.