Of This Much I'm Sure by Nadine Kenney Johnstone

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're tackling a different genre...the realm of the Memoir.  I have been known from time to time to dabble in these real life stories when they truly capture my attention and when Emily at She Writes Press contacted me regarding this one, I knew I had to find out more.  The cover alone is enough to give you pause, but the lives shared reach out through the pages to connect with readers on the most basic levels....love, life, and family.  Ready or not, fair readers, here comes today's book of choice...

Of This Much I'm Sure

by

Nadine Kenney Johnstone

9781631522109

She Writes Press

About the book...
At twenty-two, Chicagoan Nadine Kenney meets her future husband, Jamie, while vacationing in Florida. She soon uproots from her home and family to join Jamie in suburban Massachusetts. Once married, the couple begins trying for a baby.    Yet neither of them suspect just how tumultuous the path to parenthood will be.

Unable to conceive naturally, Nadine embarks upon a series of infertility treatments that wreak havoc with her health, her emotions and her marriage -- and threaten her life. From uncommunicative doctors and internal bleeding following an IVF procedure to emergency surgery that leaves her with a six inch scar instead of a baby bump, Nadine endures nearly every trial and tribulation that infertility treatments often bring. All the while, she’s astounded that few if any doctors or couples dare discuss these.

In what seems like a miracle, she eventually becomes pregnant naturally. But the horrors are not over: her unborn son is diagnosed with potentially terminal kidney complications. For the duration of the pregnancy, Nadine and Jamie must live with a profoundly troubling uncertainty about whether and how long their child will survive.

Ultimately, Nadine is forced to come to terms with the stark differences between reality and the notion of “happily ever after” she once harbored, and to recognize that amid great unpredictability the only thing she can be sure of is the healing power of hope and love

AMAZON  |  B&N 

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A wonderful and at times terrifying journey through the beauty and wonder of pregnancy, childbirth, and all the craziness in between.  All the injections, day counting, blood tests, and worry that went into the IVF process, not to mention the lack of emphasis on the potential negatives that can occur, were mind boggling.  It's amazing how hard some fight to do what should be as easy as breathing, yet there are those that can and could care less.  This couple tried so hard only to be met with adversity at almost every turn until one day they finally found their yellow brick road. Was it paved in gold?  No.  Was it easy street from there on?  Definitely not...but they had been through SO MUCH already that every moment was cherished.  Good news received was reason for celebration.  Every time they shared a loving glance or minute of quiet companionship, they knew the true value of it and appreciated it THAT much more.  When the going got tough, they got going...eventually...and learned that while individually tough, they were much stronger together.

In the end, it's a must read for anyone contemplating an addition to their family as well as those readers simply wanting another view on the miracle of life...and how hard we have to fight sometimes to achieve it.  The openness and frankness of how Nadine's story is shared allows those readers going through similar times to relate, while still inviting those in that are nowhere near the same circumstances, but curious to learn more.  It was a wonderful journey through one family's nightmare-turned-crowning-glory, and a testament to the power of love in all its forms. 

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About the author...

Nadine Kenney Johnstone is author of Of This Much I’m Sure (She Writes Press, 2017), a memoir of her experiences struggling with IVF and illness, and the healing power of hope and love. Her work has been featured in Chicago Magazine, The Month, PANK, and various anthologies, including The Magic of Memoir. Nadine, who received her MFA from Columbia College in Chicago, teaches English at Loyola University and doubles as a writing coach, presenting at conferences internationally. She lives near Chicago with her family.

SITE

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Special thanks to Emily at She Writes Press for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release APRIL 11th, 2017, so mark your calendar or preorder your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



BLOG TOUR: The Thread that Binds by Alice Hayes

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to an iRead Book Tours starring a work of Fiction that displays the bonds women share across age, background, and general life differences. It shows the strength of our hearts, the firmness of our convictions, and just what happens when you back us in a corner. Lashes and gents, make way for today's book of choice....

The Thread that Binds

by

Alice Hayes

9781619334298

FastPencil

About the book...

Sherice is a new mother, a sonographer, quilter, and wife; an overworked young woman whose elderly mother is slipping away from her.

Sylvie is a newlywed and recent immigrant, unemployed and virtually penniless. Her husband’s paycheck can’t even cover prenatal care, let alone a baby, and her due date is only drawing nearer…

Joanne’s unconventional pregnancy turns her world upside down, redefining her career and relationships, and even bringing to the surface long-buried demons from her past.

Payton is seventeen, pregnant, and on the run. She flees to her uncle in Georgia with the hope of making a fresh start, but discovers making it on her own is harder than she could ever have imagined.

Gloria is trapped in an unhappy marriage; in love with someone else. Her life is falling apart. With a baby on the way, would it be selfish to flee?

Five women, once strangers, form bonds. Set in modern day Georgia, this is the story of friendship that blossoms in the land of country music, sweet tea, and secrets kept locked tight behind closed doors. Moving, funny, and at times heartbreaking, The Thread That Binds is a lesson in empathy, strength, and the beauty of love.

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This is a story that truly shows the strength of women and the power of friendship.

Each of the ladies in this novel are connected to one another through that ever present "circle of life".  Some have little ones already and are enjoying the time spent with them as others in the family begin reverting back to that stage of life.  Some have a little one on the way but whether seen as a planned event, blessed miracle, or unplanned (but LOVED) consequence, all depends on which set of eyes you are looking through.  There are those that have it easier (notice I didn't say EASY) and those that struggle through every step they take.  The common thread amongst them all is that they are not alone in what they face no matter how grave, joyous, or somewhere in-between their current situation is.  Every one of them has survived things, whether easily seen from the outside or not, and each woman has an inner strength that will be found or rediscovered by book's end, ready to share with the next soul in their path's that needs a shoulder regardless of the reason.

I suppose the woman I most connected with was Sherice.  Her heart was so large, her spirit so buoyant, and her giving nature just bubbled over with enthusiasm to help those in need.  It was so hard to watch her rock, her steadfast matriarch be hit by the curveball that is Alzheimer's, and the effects it had not only on her mother but her entire family, but heartwarming to see everyone pull together.  Sylvie's situation was disconcerting.  I guess I like most others assumed the military would "take care of their own" but she had a unique situation and watching them struggle while fighting the good fight was a real eye opener.  Now Joanne is a character that really left her mark.  My favorite scene in the book is actually when she is entertaining Payton's parents and backs the girl's dad into a corner after he REALLY shows how "Christian" he and his wife are.  Let's just say the quotes are there for a reason but she really does a girl proud.  Payton I had a harder time liking at first, typical teen with all the angst to go along with the 'tude, and a pregnancy to add a few more hormones to the mix, but by book's end we'd made our peace.  She's a smart girl who got into a sticky situation and wasn't allowed to let it play out the way it should have.  It's not all her fault. Gloria my heart went out to for all she endured.  Grant it, she wasn't completely in the right, but Hal NEVER had a right in any way to do what he did.  NEVER.

In conclusion, a great group of women one would be lucky to call friends with a story that will touch you heart and soul.  It reminds us that we are not truly alone in this world no matter the circumstances and to always keep the faith even when things seem their bleakest.  A tough lesson for certain, but one we can all benefit from...myself included.  Recommended read for Fiction and Women's Fiction fans from older teens through adults due to some content and concepts covered.

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About the author...

Originally from Winchester, England, Alice’s plans to read law at a British university were disrupted when she fell deeply in love with Georgia, USA, while studying abroad. After moving all over Georgia, Alice has finally settled in Athens and has no plans to go anywhere else.

She is a single mother to a three-year-old girl and a 65 lb hound dog. She likes coffee, wine, and anything edible with the words ‘salted caramel’ in its description.

At the time of publication, Alice is a 24-year-old history student working full time in a law office, and writing fiction at every stolen moment. She hasn’t slept in approximately two years. Her first published novel, The Thread That Binds won third place in World's Best Story contest.

Website   |   Twitter   

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Special thanks to Laura at iRead Book Tours for the copy for review and chance to bring this blog tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on THIS TOUR (which includes a GIVEAWAY!), this title, the author, or those promotions forthcoming, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available in print and ebook formats via FastPencil, so click on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today.

Until next time...happy reading!



Sometimes we all feel.....SCREWED by Laurie Plissner

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you despite whatever ailment, whatever foul smelling life suckage comes its way...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Yep.  That about sums up this week thus far.  Life = suckage.  Let's see...I'm still fighting this cold and woke up to a rash that I didn't have upon falling asleep last night (think the dog got into something - *must avoid scratching*).  Ashley, one of my fur babies, is still in the vet hospital....hopefully coming home tonight but no updates yet.  *fingers crossed*  Last but not least, the job hunt continues despite yesterday's lack luster nibble.  One word to rule it all....OYE!  Yep.  just oye....however, as off (and awful, in my head at least) as that all sounds, it pales in comparison to what today's lead character has to face.  I don't envy her a bit but I do want to reach out and give her a BIG hug, smack her parents upside the head as well as the loser she happened to have relations with, and clone Charlie (hey, the more of him, the merrier!)...and while we're at it, his aunt Vera (rock-tastic woman!).  Trust me, I've no doubt you'll agree.  Ready to read all about it?  Today's book of choice is...

Screwed

by

Laurie Plissner

One good girl in all the ways that count.
One moment of passion where caution flew to the wind.
One chance in a million of a "positive" result.
One innocent life in the balance of all that's to come.

It's a book about what happens when abstinence is the choice but not always the chosen option.  It's a book about how one decision can in fact impact not just one but MANY.  It's a book about right and wrong, good and bad, happy and sad and whole lotta other black and white sides I could point out....but I won't.  Why?  Because it's NOT that simple.

Grace IS a good girl, a smart girl, a girl that parents can count on through thick and thin and anyone would be happy to call friend.  Grace is also a teenager, growing up and finding her way through this wasteland of a world just trying to feel like she belongs.  Is that an excuse for her decision to go "all the way" with her crush in the backseat of his badly-in-need-of-a-makeover means of transport?  No...but many out there could totally empathize with her and the want to fit in is a universal feeling.  Your teen years are for making mistakes and finding your footing...grant her this was more a situation where a stone slipped almost spilling her off the edge of a cliff, but in some ways, she was better for it.

She was forced to develop her own sense of self, forced to make the big decisions and even after those were made, her given path wasn't easy.  She had no support from the "donor" (whose "mission" I might add is going to land him in the category of disease carriers soon enough if he keeps it up) which certainly impacted her own levels of self worth.  She knew what she was taught growing up, took into account what those who "loved" her were offering as a volun-told option, and took the path less traveled determined to not let what started as an accident affect the life of an innocent.  I admire Grace.  She was raised with love and to love and yet when push came to shove, the exceptions that held it aloft were exposed for what they were; evil, vile, and manipulative.  Sorry guys, but her folks were just awful.  I mean it's one thing to not be happy about the whole situation because A) it's your child and B) IT'S YOUR CHILD but to just cut them off entirely from emotional support, mental support and heck, even a place to live and food to eat...that's heartless.  The real kicker is WHY they did it.  Two words...social standing.

Yes.  They were embarrassed.  They felt like their name was marred, dragged through the mud, defaced and in lieu of looking bad in front of everyone and everything they stood for, they wanted to "take care of it" discreetly; considering what they preached, that was a HUGE surprise.  When Grace refused not only because of what she was taught her whole life by they themselves but because of her own heart, they cut her loose.  Just.  Like.  That.  So much for losing face, right?  I mean really...if it even mattered, which looked worse?  Exactly.  They were so hardcore in fact, I had to ask my own Mother given the situation if it had been me, what SHE would have done.  First she was all "yay, grand kids!"  (Oh Mom... ^_^) but then on a more serious note, it was all she'd be disappointed but still there for me no matter what.  Unconditional love.  Hard to find but precious indeed.  Speaking of unconditional love...

Vera (Grace's elderly neighbor) and her nephew Charlie are definitely subscribers to this notion...even her life long friend Jennifer is when it comes down to it.  When Vera sees a soul in need, she seeks to assist in any way she can...the fact that she is monetarily able to as well only makes it easier on the pocket; rest assured though, her capacity for sharing her heart and a shoulder to cry on are even greater.  I loved seeing her take on the role of champion in the fight for Grace when need be and merely standing by when she needed the space to make her own way.  In short, she rocks.  Now, Charlie is a chip off the old block (no offense Vera!) and an unexpected possible knight in shining armor.  I won't go into too much detail there because it will ruin the possibility but suffice it to say that he's a gentleman, well-mannered and thoughtful...and an incredible friend.  The chance of more is there but even without that random happily-ever-after moment, he would be incredible to have in your life.  He was definitely one of my favorite male characters that I've encountered thus far in the more reality based reads.  Something about him just rang true, genuine.  Jennifer on the other hand is the girl many would adore friend wise.  She's cut and dry, will push you to do what's best for you and be there for you til the end...even if she has moments of complete panic (hey, it happens!).  I loved seeing her reactions as the story played out and how her character grew.  Her sense of self was strong so finding a chink in the armor made her more human.

In conclusion, a very real, very raw, very emotional read for the obvious reasons and for some not so obvious ones that will leave you rooting for Grace and her close knit "family" through the final trimester and beyond.  It shows that one wrong decision, one moment of indiscretion can change worlds much like the wings of a butterfly but that it doesn't have to signal a complete and utter end....just a new beginning.   The author's talent for creating real characters and realistic situations is showcased wonderfully and will draw you in from first page to last.  It shines a light on the reality of the situation and the life altering consequences it brings in full color but also lends an assurance that things WILL be alright in the end.  Recommended read for older teens and beyond due to content (teen sex, abortion, pro choice, pro life, etc) and some language, but definitely a door opener for future discussions between parents and their youth.

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About the author....
Laurie Plissner graduated from Princeton University with a BA in Art History and has a law degree from UCLA.  She left her job as a litigator to be a stay-at-home mom.  After working as an SAT tutor and spending a lot of time with teenagers, Laurie decided to apply that experience to writing fiction for young people that explores the issues they wrestle with in an imaginative and entertaining way.  In the past three years, she has written six YA novels (and one work of adult fiction).

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Review copy courtesy of Bethany at F+W Media.  (THANKS!)  For more information regarding this title as well as their other promotions, be sure to like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title reached published status May of this year via Merit Press / F+W Media, Inc., so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.  

Until next time...happy reading!