Review of ‘Uprooting’ by Suzie Carr

‘Uprooting’by Suzie Carr is moving and emotional and above all, thought-provoking. It is the kind of book that makes the reader take stock, re-evaluate. I really enjoyed it. Harper Ray has had a difficult start in life, and it’s amazing that she has managed to keep control and become a functioning adult. Some very good friends have helped with that too. She worries about her sister though, and moving back to her home town to help Tess is what she feels compelled to do. But she never gives up on her dream of being a musician, and meeting Ivy might help her do that, even in a small way. Ivy is a life coach and green witch. She’s had a blessed life, unlike Harper, and wants to help the gorgeous musician any way she can. She’s kind and thoughtful and has great empathy. She’s exactly what Harper needs. Will she be able to help Harper heal – and at the same time bring some closure to a painful part of her own life?

Suzie Carr has a very mellow style, one that makes the reader feel relaxed. Through Ivy we begin to see problems in a different way. We begin to believe that there is an answer, if we are open to it. Harper and Ivy’s story is one of attraction and joyful friendship. When it becomes more it feels right. But the novel is about a whole group of people and how the interaction between them brings healing. Ivy is the catalyst. This book is exactly what I needed to read at this time, when family and friends are apart and we crave contact with our loved ones. A lovely story.

I was given this ARC to review.

Review of ‘The Pet Boutique’ by Suzie Carr

‘The Pet Boutique’ is a heart-warming, romantic and healing story that left me with a happy feeling. It is the first novel I’ve read by Suzie Carr and won’t be the last. The author really sees people and what makes them tick. She brings this understanding to her writing and I found myself loving the story more and more as it progressed.

Taylor is a successful author with a serious case of writer’s block. When her friend Maya suggests she help renovate a store with her, it seems this might be the distraction she needs. Maya’s niece Lexie, another helper in the quest to open a Pet Boutique, brings out something in Taylor she didn’t think possible again. Their story was slow and gentle and beautifully written. I loved the coterie of characters around the whole project – especially Lexie’s dog, Cashmere. She had a calming  and steadying role and seemed to be at the centre of everything good and positive in everyone’s lives. Both Taylor and Lexie had issues from the past they had to overcome. I enjoyed finding out how they dealt with their problems. I especially appreciated the positive representation of bisexuality. An excellent story and highly recommended.

I was given this ARC for review.