Christine NolfiCritiques

I really loved this story and Nova's character. This was a really heartfelt novel about two children caught up in the foster system and how confusing this situation can be for them. Nova has just landed a huge landscaping job that could put her company in the forefront for other jobs, and give her more of a name. But just as this job is supposed to kick off, she gets a very desperate call from her good friend and a case worker, there is an emergency and two smaller children need a place to stay. Nova is torn, she usually only takes in teenagers and she really needs to focus on this job, this is what will cement her future, but she knows she cannot say no. With the help of her mother and Imani she prepares all that is needed and takes in Bella and Henry, it should not be a long stay and this will be just temporary. But this case is unlike others before and Nova is in deeper than she wanted to get with these two kids, but when the truth about their father and fear for her and their lives is front and center, Nova has to decide what she wants her future to look like and what she must do to protect these kids. This was a very fast read and I was rooting for Nova the whole time. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

MEMORABLE FAMLIY DRAMA

Award-winning and best-selling author Christine Nolfi is releasing another thought-provoking, well-written novel that will leave you pondering the story long after you have read the final word. Nolfi knows how to create believable characters because they live everyday lives. She inserts them into realistic situations and lets readers see whether they react or respond to the trials she plots for them to face.

In A Heart Like Home, Nolfi takes on the subject of foster parenting and foster children. Fostering is a subject that can be difficult to discuss because readers know of success stories and also know of some severe failures as well. Nolfi handles this subject beautifully by having her main character, Nova, in foster care herself before she was successfully adopted. When Nova decides to foster, she has a much different perspective on how to handle the two foster children in her care. As Nova delves into the children’s family life, they discover what a nightmare they have lived through. She decides to do her part to make these two children’s lives as stable as possible by showing them love, patience, understanding, grace, encouragement, and discipline, all you find in a real family. Nova wants the children to feel secure despite all the things that have gone on and are continuing to go on. Nolfi also adds a major mystery twist to her plot that adds a deeper dimension to her story and guarantees to keep your attention to the very end!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Happy Pub Day!

Children learn what they live and Henry and Bella are not getting the education any child deserves. Abusive father who only cares about and for himself. A caring neighbor who does the right thing. A loving foster parent who knows the system too well. Can this lead to a happy ending?

I’ve been reading Christine Nolfi’s books for a while and have seen her writing evolve. This look into the foster and adoption system will restore your faith in people. Nolfi shows how a bad situation can be turned around with the right amount of love, patience and discipline, which isn’t always the case. Characters are engaging, and seem to come to life, but are too closely tied together, making things a little too convenient. Henry is a tough nut to crack, growing up much too soon with no positive role model. Bella is all things girly, so needing love. Some situations are heartbreaking and disturbing, but are more implied than written. They will definitely tug at your heartstrings and bring a few tears to your eyes. This book brings closure that so many adoptees seek. As an adoptive aunt, I’ve seen the system work to the benefit of both the child and adoptive parents. It was nice to see a positive spin on this story. This is a story that Nolfi was born to write. Sometimes you just need a book that makes you feel, but there are also many moments that will make you smile.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.½

Nova Doubeck isn't a typical foster parent. She's single and in her late twenties. She also has a relatively new and growing landscaping business. Although Nova has several years of experience being an emergency foster parent, she prefers teenagers to younger children simply because she relates better to teens. All that changes with one phone call from her good friend and social worker, Imani Weiss. Without any other options, Nova accepts the care of the young siblings, Henry and Bella Croy. Their mother is deceased and their father is irresponsible and unreliable. Bella and Nova seem to bond quickly, but Henry is aloof and a bit standoffish. Nova's primary concern is providing a safe, caring, and nurturing environment for Henry and Bella. The longer these kids stay with her, the more attached she becomes. Bella's relationship with Nova reawakens dormant feelings and seems to unlock an undiscovered secret to Nova's past. The big question seems to be can Nova protect these children from their father and is she prepared for the journey to permanent foster parent to Henry and Nova?

Christine Nolfi is one of my must-read authors. I've read (and re-read) all of her books and was greatly looking forward to reading A HEART LIKE HOME. Ms. Nolfi did not disappoint with this heart-wrenching yet hopeful story filled with friendship, family, and romance. I especially appreciated the developing relationship between Nova, Henry, and Bella. Ms. Nolfi does a fantastic job of spotlighting the "secrets" each character is keeping and revealing how those secrets are intertwined. If you're looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings but end on an uplifting note, I strongly encourage you to grab a copy of A HEART LIKE HOME to read. I'm looking forward to re-reading this one and will definitely be grabbing a print copy for my 89-y.o. book diva mother.

This is the first book I’ve read written by Christine Nolfi and I want to read more. She is a gifted storyteller. This story of Rae, her father, mother, daughter, and friends really touched my heart. It is possible to survive, move forward and find happiness.

Over dramatic drivel.½

It felt more like 4 stars but since there aren't that many reviews, I'll give it 5 because I think it should be more popular. I expected a trashy thriller but it definitely wasn't that at all. It was a little bit slow for my taste and the beginning was a bit jarring since it felt like the reader was lacking context for anything happening. But later on, I connected more to the story-- I really appreciated the characters and felt for them.

There was no mystery. Liked some of the characters. Sweet love story½

Upping to 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Chick Lit Central and the author for this book.

I love family drama and dysfunctional family books and this definitely was in all senses of the word.

The characters were well thought out and some of the characters names were different from the usual.

Vale and Blythe were half sisters who never got along growing up and didn't have any contact with her or her mother or step-father after moving out at 18 to live in Pittsburgh with her father. Vale's mother wasn't a loving mother and she coddled Blythe who she had with her second husband. Vale's father was Bo and they owned a bar in Pittsburgh. She went home to Philadelphia with her tail between her legs after the bar burned down. Iris may have been in her 80s (I think) but she was a sprite with purple streaks in her hair and owned part of a greenery shop with her best friend Deeta. Deeta was a little bit too nosy for me in Vale's life but that's the way she was. Vale learned that Blythe was living there too apart from her baseball pro husband. The arguments between Vale and Blythe were legendary and the words that spewed from their mouths were unbelievable. Iris tried to be a intermediary but with no luck usually.

Thank goodness love prevailed and Vale and Blythe finally found sisterly love in all manners.

Again, an open ending which I hope will be a sequel.

Vale Lightner is like so many others, in that she doesn't feel that she quite fits in with her family. She is also constantly struggling to "fit in" various work environments. Vale is estranged from her mother, stepfather, and half-sister. The only "family" she currently has a relationship with is her father and maternal grandmother, but she strives to maintain those relationships no matter what. Sadly, Vale's relationship with her father is tottering on the edge as they deal with their jointly-owned bar burning down. Vale isn't quite sure what she wants to do with her life at this point, but owning another bar and returning to Philadelphia isn't it. Vale is forced to accommodate her grandmother, who seems to be dealing with a major health issue. Returning to Philadelphia isn't her first, second, or third choice, but she is used to starting over. This time around, she has to do it with her half-sister watching. As Vale begins to deal with the memories of her past, she comes to realize that there is a thin line between what we remember and what actually happened. Is it possible her relationship with her mother, stepfather, and half-sister were built on misperceptions? Is it possible for her to craft a new relationship with her sister? Vale has to decide if she's willing to start over with her family. Can she forgive them as she seeks forgiveness for her own mistakes and start anew?

"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Tolstoy

I found A Brighter Flame by Christine Nolfi to be a fast-paced and engrossing read. Vale was all-too-familiar in that she doesn't feel like she quite fits in with her family. Vale is struggling on so many levels. She has to contend with the idea that her father is irresponsible and will never quite grow up and be the parent she wants. She is tormented by the idea that her mother didn't really want to keep her but refused to give up custody to an irresponsible parent. She worries that her grandmother might be seriously ill. Vale also comes to the realization that her sister is dealing with just as many issues as she is and the only way to rebuild that relationship is by being the "big sister" her younger sister wants and needs. I won't even get into the whole budding romance with her neighborhood pharmacist. I thought all of the characters were not only realistic but realistically flawed. Some were idealistic, others were pessimistic, and others were realistic with a touch of idealism. There aren't any "bad guys" in this story, just a family filled with flawed individuals trying to make a way the best way they know how.

I have a huge list of "favorite" authors but only a handful that I will buy any and everything they write. Christine Nolfi is in both categories. A Brighter Flame is a multi-faceted multigenerational story that portrays relationships with all of their flaws. Each character is struggling with something major and it is only when they voice their struggles and fears that they are capable of moving forward with the help of family and friends. A Brighter Flame is not just about family or second chances, it is also about forgiveness, acceptance, and growth. If you can't tell, I enjoyed A Brighter Flame. Even though I was afforded the opportunity to read this early via a digital review copy, I pre-ordered a digital copy for my personal library and a print copy for my 87-y.o. mother (she loves reading Christine Nolfi books almost as much as I do). If you're interested in reading a well-written contemporary story about family, hope, love, and second chances, then I strongly encourage you to go and get a copy of A Brighter Flame for yourself (I can't wait to reread this one!).

Happy Reading, y'all!

This review originally posted on 09/27/2022 at https://thebookdivasreads.com/2022/09/27/book-review-a-brighter-flame-by-christi...

Family dynamics can be tough. What we remember in our minds, isn’t necessarily what really happened.

Vale has had a tough life. Estranged from her Mother and step sister, owns a bar with her Father. Until life and unexpected circumstances step in. She returns home to Philadelphia and her much loved grandmother to try to figure things out, only to find her stepsister there with her own set of problems. Can they help each other? Can they become a family again? Loved the characters, even thru their issues, watching their hard exteriors crack was satisfying. Adored Nana…a matriarch every family should have. Dysfunctional family facing the truth and changing the dynamics.

Thanks to Ms Nolfi, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

FROM SECRETS TO A SENSE OF BELONGING!

Author Christine Nolfi has a way of getting to the heart of the matter with her writing. Her latest release, A Brighter Flame, is an excellent example of this! She has written this moving plot that tells of a family that finds a way to move from being full of secrets into a sense of belonging. Each member of the family has their secrets; none are exempt. The problem is they are finally reaching a crisis point for all of them. There is a chance for a reunion but it will require a lot of truth, a lot of “little deaths” from past behaviors from each of them to bring about healing and the hope of belonging. Nolfi knows how to write about a family coming back together!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

I didn’t go past ‘Go’ when I selected this book. I just went straight to my TBR. I didn’t remind myself what it was about…I relied on my judgement that if it was on my list, there was a very good reason for it. And I’m pleased to say I can still rely on my judgement. This was an excellent book.

However…I’m totally and utterly confused. In slightly reverse order, having read and enjoyed the book, I was a little curious to see what the ‘blurb’ said. And therein I find there’s a character I haven’t even heard of. I really thought, well, that’s it. I’ve finally qualified for men-in-white-coats-ville. Further confusion reigned when I realise the other characters and…more importantly the plot…are identical. In short, my main character—Ourania—morphed into ‘Rennie’. What on earth?

Anyway…confusion aside (and at least the character didn’t change name during the story) this was a Very Good Book.

Secrets can change lives. They changed Ourania’s, a competent electrician…and fosterparent…they changed Troy’s, the eldest son of a rich and powerful family and the strain of keeping secrets change the lives of two young children. Secrets that are held by a magnificent old oak tree.

This is a powerful drama with strong, solid characters in a robust plot. There are twists and turns, and although I guessed the major twist fairly early on, Nolfi writes with such passion and compassion, intelligently and articulately, and the story builds to such a dramatic climax, it really didn’t matter.

I will certainly be checking out more books by this author, and I really wouldn’t mind catching up with Ourania (Rennie, whatever she’s supposed to be called) and Troy.

This book is a beautifully written story about how grief affects people and how they deal with it. There are several characters who are trying to live with different levels of grief. They want to go on with life but are continually pulled back into the grief that affected them so much. Here are the main characters:

Rae is dealing with grief from the loss of her mother and recently from the loss of her daughter. She wants to blame someone for her daughter's death to make herself feel better but instead she is cutting herself off from her friends.

Conner, Rae's father is still dealing with the loss of his wife. Their farm has fallen into disrepair and he isn't able to take care of it until Quinn starts to help him.

Quinn, an 18 year old boy who has been kicked out of the house by his alcoholic and abusive parents. He was friends with Rae's daughter and knows what happened to end her life. Rae wants to blame him for her daughter's death but then feels sorry for him when his parents kick him out so she invites him into her home and family.

Will the three of them be able to move forward by sharing their feelings about the death of Lark? Will they be able to forgive each other but most of all themselves and begin their lives again?

This is an emotional look at dealing with loss. It's about dealing with grief, love, family and friendship and reconciliation. It's my first book by this author and I plan to read some of her earlier books.

I always know I’ll have a good story when reading a book by this author. A little bit different from her usual writing, but no less enjoyable.

In every lifetime there are passing storms….some are quick, forgettable and others change our lives. Rae has had her share of these storms, one in particular, The White Hurricane, changed her family’s life and set her on a different path. Rae has had a a few tough years; pain, heartache and grief, which has turned her a tad hard and bitter. Those closest to her know what is under this hard exterior, a giving women who has locked her heart away. Resilience, hope and strength are front and foremost in this book.

Thanks to Ms. Nolfi, Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

Small towns seem to have a lot of similarities across the world. Neighbors think they know everything about every person in the community and often make judgments based on what they see and think they know. The town where Rae Langdon and Quinn Galecki live fits this definition (as do most small towns). Quinn is judged based on who his parents are and their behavior rather than who he is as an individual. Rae Langdon is very aware of being judged by those in her community as she's a single mother and never revealed who fathered her child. The judgment calls made by others in small community can be emotionally and physically taxing for even the strongest person to endure, add in keeping devastating personal secrets and it can be even more burdensome. Although Rae is dealing with some heavy emotions, she has fallen into the trap of judging Quinn and finding him lacking, or at least she was until she got to know him a bit better. Her opinion changes and her family quickly grows with the addition of Quinn to her household. This addition is not without misunderstandings and emotional turmoil.

The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi is an amazing read. I've found it to be totally engrossing from the first page to the very last on both my initial read and during my recent re-read. This book could be categorized as women's fiction and/or family fiction, I simply classify it as a darn good read. The characters are not only realistic but are realistically flawed. The action is wholly believable. The Passing Storm deals with plenty of different themes and some are incredibly weighty, such as abuse (sexual, emotional, and psychological). Ms. Nolfi has crafted a story that deals with these issues in a skillful manner, not minimizing the impact in anyway, but presenting them with deference and respect for the victims without trivializing their experiences or discussing them in a manner that could be construed as traumatizing for the reader. Some of the other themes presented are keeping secrets (from family and dear friends), forgiveness (of others and of self), tragedy, survival, second chances, love, and family (those we are born into and those we choose). Needless to say, there's a lot more happening in this story than the little I've revealed. I was incredibly excited to learn that The Passing Storm was being offered as one of the Prime Reads choices by Amazon for the month of October. Yes, I already had a digital review copy to read, but I grabbed a digital copy of this book via Prime Reads and have a print copy pre-ordered to give to my almost 87-y.o. mother (her birthday is November 1st). If you've read any titles by Ms. Nolfi in the past, you probably already have this book pre-ordered. If you don't I suggest you do so ASAP. Seriously people, I can't recommend this book enough to you. There may be a few tear-filled moments while you read, but the story is one that will stay with you for quite some time after reading. What more can you ask from any book?!

Happy Reading, y'all!

I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review posted on 10/20/2021 at https://thebookdivasreads.com/2021/10/20/2021-book-87-307-the-passing-storm-by-c....

When The Storms Of Life Slam Into You. This is a book that can be a bit oppressive at times in just how *heavy* it is. Our main character has suffered a lot of loss that she's never fully recovered from - some more recent than others - and now she has to confront it all. And yet, it is because of such heavy tragedy that the book is able to explore all that it does and indeed show just the level of hope and forgiveness it does. By the end, the reader is left feeling much lighter and more hopeful for the future, and yet also somber in the face of all that has been lost and yet also all that has been found. If you're looking for a lighter, quirkier book ala Nolfi's earlier Sweet Lakes trilogy... this isn't that. But if you've been through some White Hurricanes yourself, or maybe are currently in the middle of one, and just need some level of hope to cling to... this is the kind of book you'll want to read. And let's face it - we've *all* been through a White Hurricane, are in one, or are about to be in one. (And often all three at once.) For those times and any other, this book is very much recommended.

Real. Raw. Thought Provoking. This is a tale of secrets destroying lives - and the redemptive power of seeing people as they truly are. The backstories are tragic and understandable in a very real way. The actual story of the book even moreso. Maybe not a beach read unless you want to get sunburned - once you get in to the meat of the story, you're not going to want to put it down long enough to apply sun screen or even leave the room if at all possible. Very much recommended.

I enjoyed this book very much and the author does a great job of catching you up if you have not read books 1 and 2. Reading this book did make we want to go back and read the previous books. Great character development. I give this book 4 out 5 and will definitely look for future books.

I wasn't sure I liked the main character, Darcy when I first started reading. She seemed a little two dimensional when first meeting her. I grew to love her as she opened up to forgive herself. I absolutely loved Samson from the moment I "met" him. What a lovable young man. I love how he never gave up on Darcy.

Darcy is incredibly wounded and her soul needs healing. She and Samson travel back to her childhood home, where they receive quite a frosty welcome from her mother. This is the first time Darcy has been back to see her mother in eight years. Darcy has been running from herself after a family tragedy for which she blames herself. She finds solace from taking care of her nephew, Emerson and Samson, as well as reconnecting with her childhood friend, Michael. Michael is her bedrock.

This is a story about family and how to rebuild your family when all is broken. It is a story of hope and love. They find their North Star. Nolfi left me with hope and wonder, as well as leaving me wanting more. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the complimentery copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

#TheRoadSheLeftBehind #NetGalley

Welcome back to Sweet Lake. This second book follows one of 3 besties, this time its Cat's turn. Even though this book is a series, it can stand by itself. Although, I recommend reading the first one also. Ms. Nolfi did not disappoint. Her writing feels like a friend telling you a story over a cup of coffee.

Cat and Ryan have instant chemistry! But, there are a lot of secrets they need to confront before making permanent plans. These secrets are painful, and gives the reader a glimpse into how far a Mom will go, and how no one is left unscarred.

Thank you Ms Nolfi for the ARC. This review is my personal opinion of the book.

🌟🌟🌟🌟 1/2 stars

Secrets, betrayal, hope, redemption. This book has it all. Ms. Nolfi writes such great characters and this book is full of them! Colorful, disagreeable, lovable, realistic.

A horrific accident leaves 2 dead and a third wracked with guilt. On her way to a new job, Darcy gets a frantic phone call that her nephew is missing. She ran out on a promise she made to her sister years ago, but she dreads coming back home to her Mother, estranged for 8 years. With her special friend in tow, she makes a decision that will change her life and lead her where she needs to be for total forgiveness.

This book will have you smiling one minute and tearing up the next. Ms. Nolfi reveals details a little at a time to keep you turning the pages. I’ve been a fan of this author for a while, and this book didn’t disappoint!

I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is my own!

I won this book from Chick Lit Central. This was the first time I read a book written by Christine Nolfi. I doubt it will be my last! Totally enjoyable read, with engaging characters, small town love, friendships, and family drama. The story was entertaining and fun. I want to be a Siren! Read the book and see why! Looking forward to the next book!!!!

It was a pleasure going back to Sweet Lake and our friends at the Wayfair Inn. I have read the previous 2 books in the series, and I have to say that this one is my favorite. Ms. Nolfi did not disappoint with the story line, characters and writing in this book. She added drama and suspense, and a nice twist at the end. I loved that she added relevant issues, and made them non-issues (read the book to understand my comment).

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

There’s a saying you can never go home again. Is that really true? Well, Darcy Goodridge is about to find out. She ran away eight years ago when her father and sister died in a horrible car accident and has never considering coming home. She never felt truly loved or wanted by her mother in the first place, and the resentment after the accident was more than she could bear. So she left her mother and her infant nephew, and the man she loved, behind and began a transient life, never really making any deep connections and moving on every year because she couldn’t stand the thought of losing any more. But now her nephew has run away and she must go home to try and find him, and to see if there is anything left of the life she escaped.

What a wonderful, superbly told story this is. The people feel so real, you can imagine you are right there with them. So many secrets, such heartbreak. So many misunderstandings. Isn’t it time for it all to stop? But can it?

This is a book with a marvelous, compelling cast of characters, all with a backstory and tale to tell. So true to life. Even the unlikable folks have redeeming qualities, and your favorites have some flaws. And Darcy’s young friend Samson is a precious treat. As the story unfolds you learn more and more about the role everyone has played in this tragedy with long roots. Many surprises that you won’t see coming.

Thank you, author Christine Nolfi for writing this beautiful story and thank you, NetGalley for the privilege of reading and reviewing an advance copy of The Road She Left Behind. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry but ultimately it leaves you smiling because you feel so fulfilled and satisfied