Book Review - Binge by Anne Pfeffer

 

Sabrina's had a troubled life. Her mum walked out on the family when she was nine, and her younger sister Lena was 5. Their father was always very distant, and Sabrina took over the role of parent for her younger sibling. Since that moment, Sabrina comforted eats when she is under pressure or troubled. Now she is 27 and working for a boss she dislikes. Her eating is spiralling out of control, and she is now a binge eater. Sabrina is also an aspiring romance novelist, and although she has had many rejections, she continues sending her manuscript to editors as she cannot give up hope. 

Out of the blue, Sabrina hears from Kaitlynn Mann, editorial director of Fast Track Books. Kaitlynn wants to publish Sabrina's romance novel in 4 months. Sabrina is over the moon until she realizes that Kaitlynn is arranging a gala dinner and wants Sabrina to wear a figure-hugging red dress like her heroine. Sabrina is appalled when she realizes that Kaitlynn had checked out the profile photo on her website when she was a svelte size ten wearing a sexy red dress. How is Sabrina going to lose forty pounds in 4 months? Did she succeed in getting her novel published? What is the twelve-step program? Read Binge by Anne Pfeffer to find out the answers.

I enjoyed reading about Sabrina's emotional struggles while battling her Binge eating problem and low self-esteem. Many people facing similar challenges will be able to relate to Sabrina's character. Despite Sabrina's determination to better herself and lose weight, she learns that her problems are deeply rooted in the neglect she suffered in her childhood. Only when Sabrina has a group of supportive friends with similar addictions does she get the comfort and guidance she needs. Pfeffer's penmanship is enjoyable and humorous. Sabrina is described so well that I felt I was saying goodbye to a friend by the end of the book. The supporting characters are also well-developed, and they add to the story with their scenes giving different viewpoints on Sabrina's struggles. 

Anne Pfeffer has written a moving and inspiring story that tackles important issues related to self-esteem, addiction, and personal growth. For its relatable characters, engaging writing style, and inspirational message, it deserves a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. There were several grammar errors, and I think this book could do with another proofread. However, the errors did not spoil my enjoyment of this wonderful book which I recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting, relatable read filled with humour.

I want to thank Anne Pfeffer for a copy of Binge in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tara-d-morgan.html

Book review - Second Chance by Patricia Morton

 

Carole is a retired school teacher in her early sixties. She has shared her home with her friend Paula for over thirty years. Sadly Paula died, and Carole spent four weeks in a B&B as she could not face returning to an empty home. Carole tries to build a life without Paula. However, she is dismayed and surprised at the secrets Paula kept from her. A chance encounter with an old school friend Valerie leads her to join the University of the Third Age. Gradually Carole discovers that life still has lots to offer, rekindling old hobbies, learning new skills, a love affair and engaging new friends. Before Carole can adequately move on, she needs to find out the answers to some of Paula's secrets to get on with enjoying her new life. How does she help Valerie with her son Mark? How does Jenny brighten up Carole's Friday evenings? How does Carole help Charlotte have a happier life? Moreover, why has their joint bank account paid out three hundred pounds monthly to SAM73 for years? For the answers to these and other questions, read Second Chance by Patricia Morton. 

I loved how Carole's character changes as she becomes more confident with her new life. Changing the way she dresses and making new friends. Carole is like a pupa, gradually changing into a butterfly. I also enjoyed how Carole manages to change the lives, of all the new people she meets, for the better. It was a fascinating journey finding out about the bright, funny and fascinating Carole after being introduced to a dowdy retired teacher. 

I would have liked to learn more about Paula. Carole and Paula have lived together for most of their adult lives, but all we learn is that she was a retired teacher, too; she has set up a standing order to SAM73, and she controlled Carole to the point that they only ever did things together. Paula remained a ghost in the story, but that could be the author's plan.

Patricia Morton also has a terrible habit of putting 'had had' where just 'had' would do. There are a lot of grammar and spelling errors, and these mistakes spoil the flow of an otherwise excellent narrative. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance. In particular, older ladies would be able to appreciate Carole's dilema's and could learn a lot from the situations she finds herself in. Second Chance is a lovely story with many layers slowly removed to reveal the Carole she was always meant to be. There is no swearing, and sex is mentioned in the vaguest terms so we can delight in Carole's romance. 

Due to the lack of proofreading and editing, which spoilt the flow of this otherwise fabulous book, I would like to give Second Chance by Patricia Morton 4 out of 5 stars.