Book Review Club - April 2019

I didn't think I would be reviewing a book this month and then I came across this one on amazon. 

Here's the thing, Kim Gruenenfelder is one of my favorite authors and I've reviewed several of her books already and had even waited three years for her last book to come out.  So I was surprised to find she had another book out that I didn't know about.  Happily surprised.  :)

This month I will be reviewing Hangovers & Hot Flashes by Kim Gruenenfelder.

As with several other of her books, this story is told from the viewpoint of three main characters (and best friends) who tell their story from their own point of view in alternating chapters.  All of the women are in their mid-to-late forties.  They are:

Alexis (Alex):  Alex is in television (show creator), lives on the beach and has more money than she knows what to do with. Her "boyfriend" of twelve years shows up when it's convenient and then seems to go into hiding for weeks on end.  But the sex is great so she's reluctant to kick him to the curb.

Michelle: Michelle is a high end real estate agent who has been married to Steve for 20+ years.  She feels so unappreciated at home that she literally parks her car a couple of blocks from her house to brace herself for she'll have to face inside.  She feels she gets no help from Steve at home so she's questioning why they're still together.

Zoe:  Zoe has been married to Carlos for 20+ years.  She loves him with all her heart but she misses the "zing" you feel when a romance is new.  The electric feeling you get when you have your first kiss.  She wants to feel that again so she suggests trying an open marriage to her husband, Carlos.

One of the things I love about Gruenenfelder's books is that she really taps into the human emotions we all feel and she doesn't hold back.  But she does it in such a way that it is funny.  SO funny!  I laughed so hard while reading this book.  I also couldn't put it down - I read it the same day it came in the mail!

I also saw myself and my friends in these characters.  Some of the things told were things I'd actually experienced!  To the point I might have wondered "how did she know?"  ;)

One experience that mimicked one I'd had myself was when Alex took the dog her boyfriend had left with her to the vet.  She asked the vet what kind of dog it was and the vet told her he was a mutt.  So she asked what mix of dogs did the vet think he was.  The vet responded "cute and adorable".  It made me laugh because the first time I took my dog, Harley, to the vet I asked what kind of dog he was.  My vet looked at him and gave it consideration before he answered "brown".

In any event, I thoroughly enjoyed Hangovers & Hot Flashes and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys books about love, friendship and who need a good laugh.

For more reviews click on the link below or go to barriesummy.blogspot.com.

Click icon for more
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy