The Object of Your Affections by Falguni Kothari

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Two best friends rewrite the rules of friendship, love and family…and change everything they thought they knew about motherhood

Paris Kahn Fraser has it all—a successful career as an assistant district attorney, a beautiful home in New York City, and a handsome, passionate husband who chose her over having a family of his own. Neal’s dream of fatherhood might have been the only shadow in their otherwise happy life…until Paris’s best friend comes to town.

Naira Dalmia never thought she’d be a widow before thirty. Left reeling in the aftermath of her husband’s death, all she wants is to start over. She trades Mumbai for New York, and rigid family expectations for the open acceptance of her best friend. After all, there isn’t anything she and Paris wouldn’t do for each other.

But when Paris asks Naira to be their surrogate, they’ll learn if their friendship has what it takes to defy society, their families and even their own biology as these two best friends embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

Wry, daring and utterly absorbing, The Object of Your Affections is an unforgettable story about two women challenging the norms…and the magic that happens when we choose to forge our own path. 

Source: audiobook borrowed from Hoopla


Paris and Naira couldn't be more different from each other and I spent almost the entire time wondering how these two could be friends. Paris is a dominant character with an iron will and one track mind that plows through anything in her way, and that can include people sometimes. She's so hardcore and ambitious you'd think she has a stone heart. The only person who can turn her to mush (sort of) is her husband, Neal. Neal is the only other thing in her life that consumes her besides her career. She's so in love with him that sometimes it feels like it borders on obsession. Naira, on the other hand is softer, more approachable. She's that person who'll put others ahead of herself and never want to impose on anyone even if she's in need of help. Floundering after her husband's death, she returns to New York hoping to reunite with Paris and have some of Paris' no-nonsense attitude give her a kick in the behind to straighten up her life. When Paris broaches the idea of being a surrogate for her and Neal ... suffice it to say it's not what Naira had expected.

The book incites so many feelings. I had the most confusing time with Paris. One moment I admired her strength and the next I'd get so annoyed about her ambivalence towards motherhood. She doesn't want to be a mother, or carry a child but wants to give this to Neal knowing he truly wants children. She sees it as a compromise yet she complained the entire time or would be jealous that it was taking attention away from her. So is it a compromise if it's done begrudgingly? That's what I kept asking myself. Yet as much as she irritated me in those moments I did find her backstory interesting which goes a long way in explaining what made Paris who she is today. And she is protective of the people she loves, including Naira whose backstory is equally interesting but also tragic. She went through her own tumultuous ordeal during the time that she and Paris were estranged. Her husband died amidst speculation about his business dealings and finances and now Naira carries that burden. I was desperate for her to confide in Paris sooner rather than later but though Naira is quieter and more introspective, she refuses to have other people fix her problems. Their friendship is fascinating and confounding. Throw in Neal and it's seriously nuts. He's such a saint about things that half the time I couldn't believe he was real. 

I long to have a serious discussion with someone about this novel, to dissect everything and honestly, laugh and cry over how much it has affected me. Paris is truly one of the most complex characters I've come across and I think that's one of the reasons why this novel is a hit with me because she challenged my views. And the Paris-Neal-Naira triangle tested my concept of a family - what makes a family, how people become a family, how they create a family that works for them. 

By the way, I also have to give a huge shout out to the narrators. Between the excellent writing and the narrating there are certain scenes that are so vivid in my mind, one of them towards the end of the story: a lively and penultimate scene that comes to a screeching halt. I froze in that moment along with the characters and that scene has stuck ever since. Kothari has delivered a profoundly authentic story here. This trio defies tradition and that's what makes The Object of Your Affections a compelling, addictive read. 

~ Bel

Mystic Summer by Hannah McKinnon

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From Atria Books:

“When two roads diverge...take the one that leads to the beach! Hannah McKinnon delivers a charming gem of a novel in Mystic Summer. I adored this book.” —Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rumor

A chance run-in with a college boyfriend puts a young woman’s picture-perfect life in perspective in this warm-hearted and lyrical novel—from the author of The Lake Season.

Since finishing graduate school, Maggie Griffin has worked hard to build an enviable life in Boston. She’s an elementary school teacher in a tony Boston suburb, a devoted sister, and a loving aunt. With her childhood best friend’s wedding quickly approaching and her own relationship blossoming, this is the summer she has been waiting for.

But when Maggie’s career is suddenly in jeopardy, her life begins to unravel. Stricken, Maggie returns home to seaside Mystic, Connecticut, where she expects to find comfort in family and familiarity. Instead, she runs into Cameron Wilder, a young man from her past who has also returned home, and whose life has taken a turn that puts Maggie’s city struggles in harsh perspective. When tragedy strikes for Cameron, Maggie is faced with big decisions as she weighs what matters most and strives to stay true to the person she’s become.

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of a New England summer when past and present collide, Mystic Summer is a gorgeous novel about looking back, moving forward, and the beauty that blooms when fate intervenes.

Source: advance e-galley received from the publisher


Some days just call for a sweet story that soothes you and puts your heart at ease. Like comfort food. Mystic Summer is that kind of a novel. When faced with life changes coming at her from her work and personal life, thirty-something year old Maggie decides to return to her picturesque hometown of Mystic. Being with her loving family, away from the madness, she can take a few deep breaths to plan her next move. She’s surprised when she runs into her first love - her high school sweetheart, Cameron. Seeing him is a reminder of a previous life that seems so much simpler. What she doesn’t count on is feeling just as connected to him now as she was back then. To further complicate things, she has a boyfriend who’s a rising, young TV actor who adores her and he has his own commitments. Maggie inevitably finds herself at a crossroads as she immerses herself back into Mystic life and into Cameron’s, all the while asking that ultimate question: what will she be when she grows up? The other question: how does Cameron fit in?

Hannah McKinnon has written a romance that's cute and devoid of any unnecessary angst. This was exactly what I needed. I also liked her description of the many spots around Mystic that have special meaning to Maggie. As for Maggie herself, she's an adorable, tender-hearted young woman who receives a second chance at creating a life of happiness but on her terms. You should grab this feel-good read to take along on your next trip to the beach or pool! 

~ Bel
  

In Your Dreams by Ginger Scott

* * * 3/4

Casey Coffield has a growing list of personal flaws he keeps locked away in his head:

He’s never on time.

His list of IOUs to his best friend is endless.

Money is always short.

Goals are never in reach.

Oh, and he’s decided to add college drop-out to that list, too. He doesn’t really think that last one’s such a bad thing, but his family insists it is, so it stays on the list.

On paper, he’s a zero. But in person, when he’s mixing tracks for a sea of bodies at the hottest clubs and parties, he’s downright irresistible. Just-right stubble on his chin, body of a boxer and a smirk that stimulates all the right nerves—women have never been a problem. They flock to his swagger and fall for his charm…fast.

All except for this one.

Purple hair, gray eyes, a raspy voice and sass, Murphy Sullivan is a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. And her and Casey? They have history. He can’t remember it, but she wrote a song about him—and it’s not exactly a love song. But it is good. Damn good. And uncovering her inspiration just might be the key to solving a few of his shortcomings—not to mention open doors to his own big break in the music industry.

But sometimes dreams get messy when they collide. Sometimes life changes patterns. A past paints the wrong picture and futures get cloudy. The only question that remains is who will you choose when the dust settles—you? Or the girl of your dreams?

** This book is a Falling Series spin-off. It can be read as a standalone. **

I’ve had a hard time writing this review because what can I say about Ginger Scott that I haven’t already said? I’ve read nine books by her including this latest one, and what I do know is that I return to her repeatedly because I admire her writing and I enjoy the stories she has to share. In Your Dreams, is an off-shoot of the Falling Series with characters that feel more grown-up than her previous ones in the series. It follows two individuals who approach their dreams from different directions. Casey, who wants to be a DJ, is told that his dream is fanciful and rubbish by his dad. Murphy, who’s on the quiet side, has her parents’ unconditional support to be who she is as she pursues her singing career. Alone, they’re a little lost. Together they’re unstoppable.

As Casey works hard at making his dream a reality, he's conflicted about the state of his relationship with his dad. I think anyone who’s ever butted heads with a parent about what an appropriate career choice is will absolutely understand where he’s coming from. This part got me. I’ve had toxic relationships with certain family members and I ultimately came to realize that I could only take care of my half. If the other person wasn’t going to meet me half way then I just had to walk away for the sake of my soul and sanity. I envied Murphy’s cozy little family unit. Her parents are awesome, her brother is a delight. Even though she prefers being under the radar, she shines so brightly. She’s comfortable enough about herself. It just takes Casey’s presence to give her a little nudge into the spotlight.

I think you all know that I’m recommending In Your Dreams. Ginger Scott doesn’t write half-heartedly. You'll always find emotion and depth. In Your Dreams offers inspiration for those of us who need that extra push. Persevere. Find your people who get you and your dreams. Hold them closest to you and shine away! 

~ Bel