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.

The Dawn of Christmas - Cindy Woodsmall

Finding her fiance in the arms of her cousin, Sadie calls off the wedding the night before. Distraught that no-one believes her side of the story, she faces an uncertain future. Why is it that no-one will quite believe Daniel's act of deceit? However, with the support of her Daed, she leaves the town of Brim to try to put the incident behind her.

Four years later with mission trips behind her, Sadie's family insist she return home, settle down and marry. But how can she? Leading an independent life has been transforming, she doesn't have time to get married, start a family, for love.

A confirmed bachelor, Levi lives with his brother and nephew. After his brothers heartbreak - Eva left her husband and son - he doesn't trust women. So when he meets Sadie and they concoct a plan to stop all the badgering of finding a partner crops up, they both jump at the chance to be left alone. Will the barriers of prejudice and resentment that they've built tumble down as their friendship solidifies? Will it blossom into something else? Meanwhile in another part of town, neighbours Beth and Jonah are expecting a baby. It's due after Christmas but will there be complications?

Evoking the magic of Christmas entwined with finding true love. Woodsmall's characters are real, vivacious and amiable. From Beth's strong will to Sadie's fear of being hurt, their stories reveal the vulnerability of human nature. How easily it is to misunderstand, to build up mistrust and stop others from healing the wounds created. The lives of these couples intertwine creating a warming continuity and underlining the strength that comes from being part of an Amish community.

Another excellent story from Cindy Woodsmall. Her seemingly effortless story telling of an Amish community where its occupants come together to face adversity head on. There are moments of laughter, deep love and compassion as well tearful and heartwarming ones. The authors skill at letting the characters drive the story along comes shining through and linking the story to the magical time of Christmas lends to an enchanting quality. A highly recommended read.

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

An Ode for Orchids - James Fant

The four granddaughters of Ma Geneva were as precious to her as her orchids, if not more so. Karen, Cicley, Brooke and Dawn. They all converge at their grandmothers house each summer. As unruly as they want to be outside those four walls, inside they were attentive and did as they were told.

Each girl have their own personalities - Cicley always after a boy, twins Brook and Dawn the followers yet laid back; and Karen - introverted but still can speak her mind. Ma Geneva loves having them each summer and knows she needs to prepare them for the challenges that they will face in life.

After an incident that leaves Karen more dependent on prescription drugs, the girls drift apart. They meet again at Brooke's hen party only for Cicley to sever the friendship between her and Karen. Leading different lives - Dawn has a child from a known drug trafficker, Brooke is married and owns a successful barber shop, Cicley is promiscuous as ever but has wealth and status; while Karen still suffers from anxiety attacks and struggles to keep a boyfriend because she's made a pledge of virginity. Will Dawn be able to walk away from a bad relationship? Is Brooke's husband cheating and why does Cicley hate Karen with such passion?

From the opening pages, Fant's novel is filled with a vibrancy and charm that makes you continue reading. The four main characters are strong, mixed up girls who must each realize their own strengths to lead a happy life, but they have to go through a lot to reach that point. Written without ceremony, the author has captured four very different lives and portrayed a world where love, honesty and trust wins through.

This story has it all - addiction, hatred, attraction, love, excitement and spirit. A complex tale of failing relationships and budding love, I completely enjoyed this novel. There are a lot of names and I was a little confused in the beginning with what the relationships are e.g. whose mum was called Sue but it all slipped away as I became embroiled in the story. I found myself wanting to wake Dawn up, couldn't she see she was in a bad relationship? Cicley is not a likable at all but it dissipates when her reason for hating Karen is revealed. Overall a well written book. A highly recommended read.

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