Posted on by Jacquie Biggar

Two very Different #FamilySaga #BookReview @jamescudney4 @PintipDunn


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Two Fabulous Reads from James J. Cudney and Pintip Dunn

For the first time ever, I went past a writing deadline and had to ask for an extension from the members of the upcoming boxset, Cute But Crazy 2 : Ditzy Dudes. Talk about stressing out! On top of that, my eyes have been incredibly sore, and yes, before you ask; I’ve been using medicated eye drops and allergy tablets, but the long hours on the computer really did them in. I even turned the light down to low (can’t handle night mode on the big screen, though I love it on my phone). But, as of today, it’s done- so, yay!

These books were finished a while ago, but I couldn’t manage the time to get the reviews done, so I’m making it up now 🙂

First up:

Watching Glass Shatter

After 40 years of marriage, Olivia’s husband unexpectedly passes away. But when Ben’s will reveals a life-altering secret, she suffers a blow no widow should ever experience.

Olivia learns that she gave birth to a baby who later died in the nursery. Instead of telling his wife what happened, Ben switched the child with another. And as if that’s not enough, Ben’s will doesn’t reveal which of their five sons is truly not hers.

Olivia visits each of her sons to share a final connection before facing the truth that will change their family, and discovers that each of them has been harboring a painful secret, just like their father. But will the secrets destroy their family, or bring them closer together?

My Review

A letter from the grave will rip everything a family believes apart

The Glass family are rich, well-liked, family-orientated. But all of that disintegrates under the burden of a secret so devastating it’s hard to comprehend.

A child lost.

A lie kept.

Will the family be able to overcome their patriarch’s betrayal, or will it destroy them all?

Told from the perspective of each of the Glass family members, the reader gets to experience their pain, anger, cyniscim, and doubt.

The author weaves lives together finesse, and an eye to detail that makes this story a joy to read. This isn’t my first James Cudney book, and it won’t be the last!

Dating Makes Perfect

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name—hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course—and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon—arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.

My Review

Dating her enemy shouldn’t be this much fun

Winnie loves her crazy Thai family, even if her parents have some archaic ideas. Her twin sisters weren’t allowed to date in high school, but now that they’re in college, the parents suddenly want to know when to expect grandbabies- oiy!

In retaliation, the girls say they’re having too much fun and don’t plan to marry for a loooong time. Driven to change their ideals, the parents decide Winnie should ‘practice’ date, but that’s not the worst part- they choose the one boy she swore to hate forever, Matt Songsomboon.

The one upmanship begins almost immediately. Mat is just as irritating as Winnie remembers, and disturbingly handsome. Hard to imagine they were once best of friends, and now, without her sisters’ sage advice, she’d give up and stay single for life.

If Winnie can just get through the next three months, Mat will get what he wants, and she… well, we’ll see.

This story is filled with humor, familial love, emotional moments, and cultural heritage. While this is a friends-to-lovers romance, it’s also the journey of a young woman as she learns a valuable life lesson and gains the respect of those who love her.

I especially enjoyed learning about a new culture in a fun and informative way- a great read!

good day!

30 Replies to “Two very Different #FamilySaga #BookReview @jamescudney4 @PintipDunn”

  2. Jacquie,

    What a wonderful surprise this morning. Thank you very much. I appreciate all you said — made me smile a lot today. 🙂

    I hope your eyes feel better. Light and extra reading / writing can be tough. You need a break! 🙂 I know that’s impossible tho, so sending your strength and health via the Internet.

    J

    Liked by 2 people

  4. Dating Makes Perfect sounds like a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed Jay’s Watching Glass Shatter. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. He created such an interesting family.

    I’m so sorry to hear about the problems you’re having with your eyes, Jacquie. We’ve had high pollen several days straight and my allergies are flaring. I know long hours at the computer really add to that.

    Take care and I hope you feel better soonest!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Congratulations on finishing your WIP. And it sounds like two good reading selections, as well. Thanks for sharing.

    I’m concerned about your eyes. I’ve recently started using a sepia filter on my laptop. It’s helping, though I’m still struggling with eye strain, too. I hope you find relief soon.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Staci. That yellow over everything is distracting, but I might need to give it a try. I have the laptop dimmed and it seems to help, a bit.
      Hope your eyes get some relief soon, too! {{hugs}}

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Aw, thanks. But I’m more concerned about you.

        I’ve actually (for the most part) grown to not notice the yellow. Not unless I think about it.

        Whatever course you choose, I do hope you feel better soon.

        Liked by 2 people

  11. I enjoyed Watching Glass Shatter too, Jacquie. Jay does a great job developing these deep characters and I love the way I felt for them as the family sought to come together. Dating makes Perfect sounds delightful. Perfect for those moments when I need a light read. Thanks for sharing your reviews!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Pingback: #BookReview- Top 2020 #Reads from my #BloggingCommunity #WritingCommunity – Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author

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