Shelly Hickman

I have not read the first book in the series, however as I found out, it can be read as a standalone.
Anna and Kiran are in their late forties, they knew each other in high school but went their separate ways, but meet up again in Vegas many years later and are about to get married and the ups and downs of their lives while getting to that point and boy don’t they seem to have everything thrown towards them at the same time. Insecurities, ill health and menopause all while arranging a wedding.
I felt that I could relate to Anna a lot being in my forties myself, although not having gone through menopause quite yet. I get the insecurities that she was facing. Once things start heading south and wrinkles start setting in, it’s an uphill battle.

I think this is very real to life of some people in their forties and fifties even and although I felt the struggles they were both facing, I did laugh a lot while listening to the book too.
The narrator Jazmine Ramay performed this brilliantly, it is like she was Anna and she was faultless.
I may grab the first book in the series so I can get to know more about Anna and Kiran and I will definitely be looking out for the third in the series!
… (mehr)

I suppose the alternative title could be called 'Shades of Grey'. No, there's nothing of an explicit nature here. Instead it is the story of a young woman who only judges things in absolutes, as polar opposites, with no concession as to what might fall between the spectrum -- and all by the yardstick of her own morals and scruples. She meets a fella who is completely opposite, and yet complements her. He sees (or tries to) the heart of things, and understands and accepts their varied kaleidoscopic outcomes. A light and fun read.… (mehr)

In Menopause to Matrimony, author Shelly Hickman brings the reader up-to-date on the lives of Anna and Kiran, whose story began in Vegas To Varanasi. This is a wonderful continuation that takes a realistic look into the changing dynamics of a late-forties couple's marriage, and the trials and tribulations that come with it when they enter the midlife phase of their lives. With the complexities and changes in their life experiences, Anna and Kiran face mid-life crises, menopause, and health scares, as they continue to travel down life's path.

This is so much more than the usual romantic comedy, the reader is easily drawn into Anna and Kiran's lives and the complexities of their marriage. It is a captivating and realistic tale that has a great mixture of emotions, humor and romance. Anna and Kiran takes the reader along on their life's journey as they experience the ups and downs, joys and struggles, insecurities and passion, and unexpected changes that comes along with life, marriage, and family. As a woman who just turned fifty, I could so relate to Anna as she experienced the ups and downs of the changes that come with accepting the midlife phase of her life. Author Shelly Hickman weaves an entertaining tale with a wonderful sense of humor that is infectious, you can't help but get a case of the giggles. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really enjoyed reading a story about a late-forties couple, it is a refreshing and realistic account of the trials and tribulations that comes with entering the midlife phase of life.

With an engaging cast of characters who are realistic and have flaws; richly detailed descriptions of the setting; and a storyline that depicts the reality of life and the complexities of relationships; Menopause to Matrimony is a delightful story about the intricacies of the evolving, changing, and acceptance of life experiences. It is an enjoyable story full of depth, humor, and emotion that will leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/11/menopause-to-matrimony-by-shel...… (mehr)

Vegas To Varanasi is a wonderful romance story that takes a realistic look into the dynamics of relationships and the trials and tribulations that come with life experiences and change. Author Shelly Hickman weaves a deeply moving tale told in the first person narrative that follows the journey of Anna, a Las Vegas physical therapist, as she ventures down the path of romance, and how she handles the complexities and changes that come with them.

This is so much more than the usual romance story, the reader is easily drawn into Anna's life and the complexities of her relationships, it is a captivating and realistic tale that has a great mixture of emotions, humor and romance. Anna takes the reader along on her life's journey as she experiences the ups and downs, joys and struggles, insecurities and passion that comes along with romance and family. From her insecurities and vulnerability; to the heartbreak and acceptance of her marriage/divorce to a gay man and the remolding of their family; to the struggles of loving and living with a man with an alcohol addiction; to the refreshing discovery of a new love and culture, Anna's journey easily captivates the reader's attention and has them cheering Anna on as she ventures down the path to love and happiness.

With an engaging cast of characters who are realistic and have flaws; richly detailed descriptions of Las Vegas and Varanasi and the Indian culture; and a storyline that depicts the reality of life and the complexities of relationships; Vegas To Varanasi is a delightful story about the intricacies of life experiences, it is a story full of depth and emotion that will leave a smile on your face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/01/vegas-to-varanasi-by-shelly-hi...… (mehr)