FF Book Club: Review #2

Welcome back to another book review. Please bear with me as I’m really trying to get this whole review thing done just write. I would like to think of myself as a food blogger with a passion for books… and this is my little slice of the reading world I would like to share with you. As mentioned, June’s book choice was none other then The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty. Now I have to be honest, I read The Husband’s Secret a while ago, and I loved it. It was the book I selected as my choice for my book club here at home. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and I have been meaning to read another of her books to compare… and this was the perfect opportunity to take advantage!

Overall, I thought this book was funny, and quirky.

Ellen O’Farrell is a professional hypnotherapist who works out of the eccentric beachfront home she inherited from her grandparents. It’s a nice life, except for her tumultuous relationship history. She’s stoic about it, but at this point, Ellen wouldn’t mind a lasting one. When she meets Patrick, she’s optimistic. He’s attractive, single, employed, and best of all, he seems to like her back. Then comes that dreaded moment: He thinks they should have a talk.

Braced for the worst, Ellen is pleasantly surprised. It turns out that Patrick’s ex-girlfriend is stalking him. Ellen thinks, Actually, that’s kind of interesting. She’s dating someone worth stalking. She’s intrigued by the woman’s motives. In fact, she’d even love to meet her.

Ellen doesn’t know it, but she already has.

– The Hypnotist’s Love Story (Goodreads)

Ellen was a complicated character to say the least. There were times that I liked her, and she had this naive sense of true love revolving around her. That was one of the most relatable qualities I discovered as I am (as well) a true romantic at heart and believe there is one person for everyone. In saying that, she drove me nuts a little because I felt that she was written to be a little too naive (if you compare how she thinks now to her past relationships). I don’t know anyone who would be more intrigued and curious about a partner’s stalker rather then the typical ‘scared or nervous’ reaction that was expected.

Speaking of her partner, Patrick… that was one character that was really lacking for me. I didn’t like the way he acted, and I found he was off and on (or hot and cold if you will) on many issues, how he acted, and his overall demeanour.

In saying all of this, I think Liane nailed it on the head – I had a reaction. I liked, disliked, got upset, laughed, and was concerned throughout the novel. It was an easy read to say the least. It flowed well, and there was cohesiveness through out the novel as it continued. She wrote about the past of each character, which gave you some insight as to why they were they way they were now, but she didn’t dwell on the background, and there wasn’t (in my opinion) too much back story, as to make you want to skip parts to find out what was going on ‘now’. All in all I would say this love story is a keeper, and one to read if you’re looking to pick something up this summer. It’s easily a beach read. You can put it down and pick it up time and time again without trying to remember where you were, what happened, etc… it was a great and easy read.

What summer reads do you have lined up? I’m creating a summer “must read list” for a future post and I want YOUR PICKS! Anything that you suggest is a total MUST for my ‘to read’ list? Please let me know! I would LOVE to hear from you! Your suggestions could be featured!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my little review and will pick up this novel when you get the chance! Next book on the “Book Club” is The Silent Wife by A.S.A Harrison. Have a great a great weekend… oh and a sneak peak what recipes are coming up this month: Peach Chocolate Chip Muffins, a new cocktail, a special appearance from my youngest (again) and another #FoodieMamas Recipe Round up (and if you have no idea what i’m talking about, check out our love of mangos here)! It’s going to be a fantastic month of fresh, seasonal flavours and I hope you will continue to stop by and check in!

Cheers! xo