Soy Sauce for Beginners - Kirstin Chen

Gretchen Lin, thirtysomething and drifting. She leaves San Francisco with a heavy, unsure heart. Her marriage has failed and heading back to Singapore is not what she wants either. At home is a mother with an alcohol problem and her father's soy sauce business.

The young woman has tried to avoid the messy situation but when she arrives, there are more things to consider, work out and resolve. Namely, where the Lin's handcrafted soy sauce company is heading, how to work alongside a money orientated uncle and cousin and how can she repair her marriage?

When her friend from America arrives to start a new job, tensions arise between them as well as her family and feeling even more unsure with her life, the brief affair she starts with the son of a client brings out a rebellious streak. Gretchen wonders if to return back to San Francisco to complete her studies or remain in Singapore to carry on the business of her grandfather.

With emotions in turmoil and childhood memories made clearer now she's an adult, can the Gretchen find a path that suits her and will she, once she's taken that route, find peace?

Chen's debut novel is a bag full of mixed emotions. She has a lot to consider - repair a broken marriage, finish school, become the new manager of a longstanding company - a lot; but until she is clear about what she wants to achieve is she any good to anyone? Her journey to reveal the answers is arduous but is that of her own making?

Whilst the characters met are certainly fascinating as is the process of making quality soy sauce, the plot itself seems a little lack lustre. It never seemed to really take off - a gentle flowing story. But perhaps that's intentional - Gretchen is herself drifting, trying to make one place her home, find contentment. The author's writing is unobtrusive and immediately draws you in. Descriptions are minimal but Gretchen's voice is strong and carries the story along nicely.

Overall it's an enjoyable story that embraces facing the harsh realities of life such as a frail mother and ebbing friendships. The main character is likable (although I didn't gel with her as such) and I'm sure many would be able to relate to someone in this tale. A recommended read.

A Place to Rest My Heart - Galen Rose

Dealing with a traumatic past, Laney Murphy has learnt to keep her emotions in check and not rely on anyone but herself. So, when she arrives on the doorstep of the Muldoon Pub one rainy night in San Francisco, little does she know that the owners will welcome her into their home, help her find a job and deal with her past.

Determined not to be a burden and prove her worth, she's immediately annoyed when Sean, one of the sons, takes it upon himself to run a check on Laney's background. Their antagonistic attitude towards each other is a mask for their true feelings - will they stop the constant spats long enough to acknowledge their growing attraction?

Joining the Woo security company, Laney meets the extended family of the Muldoon's. Trained in martial arts as well as alarm schematics she takes on a role with relish. Until her past comes back to haunt her; a past that is rife with abuse - both physical and mental. Anger bubbles to the surface over her aunt, who did little to protect her and cousin James, her tormentor. Can Laney ever move on from her turbulent beginnings, recover from a lost love and finally accept that Sean has her best intentions at heart?

From the fraught beginning, the story continues down a dramatic and thrilling road right to it's tense ending. Rose's characters are all strong and full of vigor and at times complete opposites. You'll find Molly and Tommy, the owners of the Muldoon Pub, who are kind, patient and caring people; and then Laney a headstrong woman and determined to look after herself which is commendable only to a point as it brings her to brink of death. The author is expressive and builds the drama well creating an exciting thriller.

I found this an engrossing novel, but my enjoyment was marred by the lack of romance. Yes there was brewing passion between Sean and Laney even between other characters, but I expected more especially as it's a romance novel. The action depicted was thrilling and the characters are likable, although at times I found Laney's narrative a little too much. Overall though its well written and enjoyable. If you're after a dramatic story with a bit of romance, this is a recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.