“An Improbable Pairing”–Review

It began as a simple flirtation…

It is in September of 1963 when an American graduate student, Scott Stoddard, sets off to Europe to continue his studies. During his trip, he quickly becomes drawn to the Countess de Rovere, a French divorcee. Despite his other relationships during his stay in Europe, Scott’s mind is still focused on the Countess, Desiree. When the two finally reunite, they instantly connect.

Once their serious love affair ensues, Scott couldn’t be happier. However, problems arise for the happy couple when their privacy is invaded by the paparazzi, including the gossiping public who want to know more about the Countess and her younger love interest. And to make matters worse, Scott and Desiree have to face Desiree’s mother, who’s been frowning upon their involvement. And what about Scott’s parents? How are they going to handle the news of their son’s involvement with a woman of high society?

And then there’s the Countess’s ex-husband, who’s wants Scott out of the picture.

With everything that seems to be standing in their way, could Scott and Desiree actually be together? After all, the Countess is older and comes from high society. Meanwhile, Scott is a grad student, living off of his parents’ stipend to continue his education. So can love really conquer all, despite their differences and the disapproving stares from others?

While I enjoy historical fiction on occasions, I’m not too sure how I felt about the whole story. The author does a great job of describing scenery and the characters’ appearances; however, aside from the media and the disapproval of their family members, I was hoping for some more conflict, perhaps a little more suspense. Even though I was curious to know how it all was going to end, I couldn’t get into the second half of the book. But don’t let that stop you from checking it out. Feel free to post your comments. Happy reading!

*I received this copy from Smith Publicity/Greenleaf Book Group Press, in exchange for an honest review.

For more info on the author, click here. You also can follow him on Twitter.

“Saving Meghan”–Review

Can you really love someone to death?

Since her 14-year-old daughter, Meghan, has been in and out of hospitals for a long time, Becky Gerard will do anything for her. Meghan’s unexplained illness and symptoms have practically driven Becky to obsession with finding a cure. Every time test results come back inconclusive, suspicions arise. Meghan secretly wonders if, just maybe, she’s actually sick or if her mind is playing tricks on her.

While Meghan is scared and frustrated, her father, Carl, is practically at his wit’s end. He’s had enough of the endless trips to the hospital, the tests, and Meghan’s unexplained symptoms. Even though Becky truly believes Meghan is sick—despite the inconclusive lab results—Carl begins to assume Becky is making it all up, that it was she who’s put ideas in their daughter’s head, especially when the doctors suspect Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, a rare behavioral disorder where one parent seeks medical help for made-up symptoms of a child.

Meanwhile, Pediatrician Dr. Zach Fisher believes he can diagnose Meghan, despite that his colleagues and boss feel that Zach is doing it all because of his traumatic past.

As it all goes from bad to worse, who is to blame? Is Meghan actually sick? Or is Becky trying to control her daughter?

For most of the story, I found it hard to decide whether or not to side with Becky. While she came off as obsessed, I couldn’t help wondering if it also was just her being a concerned parent. Also, this was the first time I’d heard of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. Quite an interesting topic. This book was full of surprises toward the end, but I won’t spoil a thing. I’ll just recommend it for you. Feel free to post your comments. Happy reading!

*I received this copy from St. Martin’s Press, in exchange for an honest review.

Saving Meghan will be available on April 9, 2019.

Feel free to check out the author on Facebook and Twitter. For more info, click here.