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The Curvy Side of Life
With her divorce finally behind her, Faith Miller is ready to move forward. And then, life tosses her a few unavoidable curveballs. Before long, she finds herself traveling down to her sister’s house on the coast of Rhode Island with her seven-year old daughter. What she hoped might be a reflective time for her turns into a whirlwind adventure, thanks to her sister's live in in-laws and the gorgeous pet and house-sitting neighbor, Candace. Candace is sexy and fun, and pulls on Faith's heart. Faith, trying to stay focused and get her life back on track, attempts to ignore her growing feelings for Candace to no avail. What starts out as a casual and steamy interlude evolves into something more serious. Will Faith decide her heart is better closed off from potential heartbreak or will she open it back up again to see what this new love has to offer?
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2018
About the author
Suzie Carr
24 books203 followersSuzie Carr is a contemporary novelist, podcaster on the Lesbian Talk Show, avid blogger, and Director of Membership for the Golden Crown Literary Society. When she's not writing, conducting hands-on research, exercising, or blending a green smoothie concoction, she's likely engaged in the sweet memory of her beloved boxers, Sunshine and Bumblebee, enjoying a few giggles over their funny antics and embracing their loving spirit as they undeniably watch over her from the Rainbow Bridge.
Whether it's writing fiction books about love and life, inspiring new authors, advocating for LGBT equality and animal welfare or blogging about community awareness, positive living, taking action and inspiration, Suzie remains passionate in her beliefs!
Suzie's love for the written word started back when she was a child. She enjoyed visiting the library every Saturday to spend hours reading. Books quickly became a constant companion to her and remained as such throughout her childhood.
Soon after graduating from Rhode Island College, Suzie wrote her first novel, The Fiche Room, a coming-of-age novel about two women falling in love. Over the years The Fiche Room grew from its humble e-book origins to an Amazon Kindle best seller receiving glowing reviews. Her upcoming novel, The Pet Boutique, revisits with Emma, Haley, and Goldie from The Fiche Room as they join a new cast of characters in their cameo roles.
With twelve bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, Suzie continues to enjoy writing about the beauty of love and life.
Suzie Carr believes strongly in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of book sale proceeds to the Hearts United for Animals.
Whether it's writing fiction books about love and life, inspiring new authors, advocating for LGBT equality and animal welfare or blogging about community awareness, positive living, taking action and inspiration, Suzie remains passionate in her beliefs!
Suzie's love for the written word started back when she was a child. She enjoyed visiting the library every Saturday to spend hours reading. Books quickly became a constant companion to her and remained as such throughout her childhood.
Soon after graduating from Rhode Island College, Suzie wrote her first novel, The Fiche Room, a coming-of-age novel about two women falling in love. Over the years The Fiche Room grew from its humble e-book origins to an Amazon Kindle best seller receiving glowing reviews. Her upcoming novel, The Pet Boutique, revisits with Emma, Haley, and Goldie from The Fiche Room as they join a new cast of characters in their cameo roles.
With twelve bestsellers on Amazon Kindle, Suzie continues to enjoy writing about the beauty of love and life.
Suzie Carr believes strongly in giving back to the community. She donates a portion of book sale proceeds to the Hearts United for Animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 12, 2018
The Curvy Side of Life is my third Suzie Carr novel. I think I like reading her in small doses. Her writing does not charm the pants off of me but she does produce solid work. Like this one. It’s a long slow slog to get Faith Miller to the point where she can let go of the past and be her own woman. For most of the book she is stuck in said past and worries way too much about her young daughter (who refuses to talk to people).
Faith really tested my patience as she wavered on every decision that came her way. I could understand where she was coming from and how being cheated on and staying in a loveless marriage for the sake of her daughter had turned her into a woman who didn’t trust the curvy side of life (title and theme of this book). I got all that, but oh man, it was hard work for the people around Faith (and me, the reader) to get her there. I thought Candace aka The Yoga Goddess was extremely patient with ‘stick in the mud’ Faith.
There was a nice cast of extras, all with their own quirks. They all had their little journeys throughout the book. Over all a nice book but it didn’t wow me. There was one intimate scene in the book – the pivotal one where Faith sleeps with a woman for the first time - but it was very flowery (as in they engaged in a soulful dance, moving to the beat of an intimate song meant for them) the other one was fade to black. I am never a big fan of these kinds of sexy times to be honest, but some authors prefer to do it this way.
f/f
Themes: one crazy family, you are worth it Faith, let it go, salsa dancing, Faith hears the mermaids singing and her life takes a turn for the better, hair stylist, the scene where Faith has a premature orgasm in the food closet made me laugh, communicate people! … why is that so damn hard in lesfic?
3.8 stars
Faith really tested my patience as she wavered on every decision that came her way. I could understand where she was coming from and how being cheated on and staying in a loveless marriage for the sake of her daughter had turned her into a woman who didn’t trust the curvy side of life (title and theme of this book). I got all that, but oh man, it was hard work for the people around Faith (and me, the reader) to get her there. I thought Candace aka The Yoga Goddess was extremely patient with ‘stick in the mud’ Faith.
There was a nice cast of extras, all with their own quirks. They all had their little journeys throughout the book. Over all a nice book but it didn’t wow me. There was one intimate scene in the book – the pivotal one where Faith sleeps with a woman for the first time - but it was very flowery (as in they engaged in a soulful dance, moving to the beat of an intimate song meant for them) the other one was fade to black. I am never a big fan of these kinds of sexy times to be honest, but some authors prefer to do it this way.
f/f
Themes: one crazy family, you are worth it Faith, let it go, salsa dancing, Faith hears the mermaids singing and her life takes a turn for the better, hair stylist, the scene where Faith has a premature orgasm in the food closet made me laugh, communicate people! … why is that so damn hard in lesfic?
3.8 stars
February 11, 2019
Faith is still reeling from her divorce a year previously, her basement is flooded, squirrels have built a nest in her car and she still hasn't found a job after losing her last one. When her sister calls and asks her to spend summer with her in Rhode Island, it seems like a good time. Not being particularly keen on her sister-in-law is an issue that fades into the background when she watches the 'Yoga Goddess' doing her morning routine. She's also hoping the holiday will bring her daughter, Bristol, out of her shell a little.
While this is a romance, it leans much more to Faith's humorous, sometimes poignant, journey to happiness. It's funny and light with an entertaining cast of characters.
While this is a romance, it leans much more to Faith's humorous, sometimes poignant, journey to happiness. It's funny and light with an entertaining cast of characters.
February 28, 2018
3 Stars
I dunno, I just didn't like this as much as really wanted to. I loved the author's book, The Dance. So I had high hopes. All the elements are there. Loving family with strong, offbeat personalities. But it didn't work for me. I seem to be in the minority. So your mileage may differ.
Faith recently divorced her husband and is out of work. She ends up traveling with her 7 yr old daughter, Bristol to her sister Danielle's very large Rhode Island lake front house to spend the summer. Faith plans regroup, and to continue search and apply for jobs. If I counted it right it is a 6 bedroom house - currently with Danielle and her mother-in-law, Lucia, sister-in-law Martina, 20yr old son Christian and daughter Emmy who I think is a year older than Bristol. With Faith and Bristol its a full house with loud and boisterous family, especially Martina who can be obnoxious and loud.
Danielle owns a successful beauty shop which Christian and Martina are also stylists. They convince Faith, who has a cosmetology degree to come in and help as a hairdresser for the summer. Now don't hairdressers have to renew your license every year? She hasn't done hair for a number of years (actually don't think Faith ever did work in a salon after she finished cosmetology school). The family is hoping to convince Faith (and Bristol) to move permanently to RI, work in the salon, and hopefully live with the Danielle and crew.
As the synopsis says, Faith finds herself attracted to the sexy, "yoga goddess" and dance instructor, Candace. Candace is also staying just the summer, house and dog sitting next door to Danielle & clan. The attraction is mutual.
I was struggling to finish the book and it wasn't until I finished, I figured out why. I didn't care for Faith (it's written in Faith's POV). Yup, I really didn't like Faith.
I dunno, I just didn't like this as much as really wanted to. I loved the author's book, The Dance. So I had high hopes. All the elements are there. Loving family with strong, offbeat personalities. But it didn't work for me. I seem to be in the minority. So your mileage may differ.
Faith recently divorced her husband and is out of work. She ends up traveling with her 7 yr old daughter, Bristol to her sister Danielle's very large Rhode Island lake front house to spend the summer. Faith plans regroup, and to continue search and apply for jobs. If I counted it right it is a 6 bedroom house - currently with Danielle and her mother-in-law, Lucia, sister-in-law Martina, 20yr old son Christian and daughter Emmy who I think is a year older than Bristol. With Faith and Bristol its a full house with loud and boisterous family, especially Martina who can be obnoxious and loud.
Danielle owns a successful beauty shop which Christian and Martina are also stylists. They convince Faith, who has a cosmetology degree to come in and help as a hairdresser for the summer. Now don't hairdressers have to renew your license every year? She hasn't done hair for a number of years (actually don't think Faith ever did work in a salon after she finished cosmetology school). The family is hoping to convince Faith (and Bristol) to move permanently to RI, work in the salon, and hopefully live with the Danielle and crew.
As the synopsis says, Faith finds herself attracted to the sexy, "yoga goddess" and dance instructor, Candace. Candace is also staying just the summer, house and dog sitting next door to Danielle & clan. The attraction is mutual.
I was struggling to finish the book and it wasn't until I finished, I figured out why. I didn't care for Faith (it's written in Faith's POV). Yup, I really didn't like Faith.
October 4, 2018
Do you know what? I really liked this. Don't get me wrong Faith frustrated the life out of me and Candace has the patience of a saint so at times she seemed to good to be true. But alot of what Faith was going through I think we've all been through, well I certainly have. I think sometimes we all suffer from self doubt and when things are going well you wait for the other shoe to drop. With Faith's doubts she was ruining good things for herself. From past experience things that seem to good to be true usually are. This book gives me hope to just put fears aside and just go for it. This extremely well written as the author had me feeling all sorts of feels. My tummy fluttered when Candace would look at Faith from across the room. The reason it isn't a 5 star for me is that I don't think it's one I could read again.
February 18, 2018
After her divorce from Stuart and losing her job, Faith Miller tries to get her life back on track. To clear her head and to think about everything, she takes on the offer of her sister, to visit her with her daughter Bristol and to stay during the summer at her house in Rhode Island. Bristol is very shy and doesn’t talk to anybody, she doesn’t know very good. Faith is blaming herself and her ex-husband for the problems of her daughter.
Faith craves for a quite time to rethink everything and to apply for jobs. But her sister’s house is never quite. She lives together with her son and daughter, her sister-in-law and her mother-in-law. There’s so much life going on, Faith can’t think straight. And there is the Yoga-goddess, the beautiful, funny and sexy neighbor. Can she overcome her fears of not being able to gain enough money for Bristol and her, for not finding a job and for revealing her secret.
This story is slow in the beginning and the romance burns on a small fire too. Fears and uncertainties playing a big role. I liked Faith, she isn’t the poster girl, she’s a woman direct from the real life. She has insecurities and nearly fears everything, sometimes it was on the edge of being too much. A few times I wanted to shake her, for always running away and always searching for the bad.
Candace is a wonderful, funny and loveable woman, who doesn’t show her own scars of life, on the surface. She lives a nomadic life as a house and pet sitter, and for that she is traveling a lot. But with the right person on her side, would she be able to settle down?
The story is well written in the form of Faith’s POV. I liked the secondary characters very much, especially Danielle, Lucia and Bristol. The dynamic in the family sometimes is exuberant and loving and sometimes brings hidden truths on the table. The dialogues are great, you could feel the love, anger and other feelings very well. And Bristol is a great kid.
So the story is about a woman, who has to overcome her fears and to embrace the curvy side of life.
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC for a honest review.
My rating 4.5 stars.
Faith craves for a quite time to rethink everything and to apply for jobs. But her sister’s house is never quite. She lives together with her son and daughter, her sister-in-law and her mother-in-law. There’s so much life going on, Faith can’t think straight. And there is the Yoga-goddess, the beautiful, funny and sexy neighbor. Can she overcome her fears of not being able to gain enough money for Bristol and her, for not finding a job and for revealing her secret.
This story is slow in the beginning and the romance burns on a small fire too. Fears and uncertainties playing a big role. I liked Faith, she isn’t the poster girl, she’s a woman direct from the real life. She has insecurities and nearly fears everything, sometimes it was on the edge of being too much. A few times I wanted to shake her, for always running away and always searching for the bad.
Candace is a wonderful, funny and loveable woman, who doesn’t show her own scars of life, on the surface. She lives a nomadic life as a house and pet sitter, and for that she is traveling a lot. But with the right person on her side, would she be able to settle down?
The story is well written in the form of Faith’s POV. I liked the secondary characters very much, especially Danielle, Lucia and Bristol. The dynamic in the family sometimes is exuberant and loving and sometimes brings hidden truths on the table. The dialogues are great, you could feel the love, anger and other feelings very well. And Bristol is a great kid.
So the story is about a woman, who has to overcome her fears and to embrace the curvy side of life.
Thanks to the author for sending me an ARC for a honest review.
My rating 4.5 stars.
September 21, 2018
If you need a legit get out of jail card, then Faith Miller is your lady.
Q - Babe, what's going on with this back to back headaches?
A - Faith Miller happened
Q - Mum, cereal for dinner again. Why aren't you cooking?
A - Faith Miller happened.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 to
- Danielle
- Candace [added to Crush list]
- Lucia
- Martina
- Bristol
- Christian
- Emmy
- Pretzel and Henry the dogs
Read the book because of the characters above.
This book is available on KU, Kindle price USD4.99
Q - Babe, what's going on with this back to back headaches?
A - Faith Miller happened
Q - Mum, cereal for dinner again. Why aren't you cooking?
A - Faith Miller happened.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 to
- Danielle
- Candace [added to Crush list]
- Lucia
- Martina
- Bristol
- Christian
- Emmy
- Pretzel and Henry the dogs
Read the book because of the characters above.
This book is available on KU, Kindle price USD4.99
March 25, 2019
This was a nice, comfy read. I was a little frustrated with the way Faith acted / reacted sometimes, but some things take time in real life too. I really enjoyed the whole family thing. Living with these women and all the energy they seem to create would probably exhaust me, though!
July 14, 2018
Why did I wait so long to read this book? The Curvy Side of Life has just become one of my favourite books to date.
Faith is the heroine of the story and the whole book is written from her point of view. This is not your usual Lesfic, don’t get me wrong it has a lovely love story but what is really special is that it’s a story about finding yourself later in life and how wonderful it can be.
Faith has had a rough few years, life has thrown her more than one curve ball and she’s at the end of her tether. She’s got squirrels reeking havoc on her car, no job, her estranged husband has moved on with his life and her daughter has stopped talking to anyone but her and her ex-husband. She’s done! Over it! Then her sister calls and invites Faith and her daughter to come to Rhode Island and get away from life for the summer. When she arrives in Rhode Island she doesn’t fit in straight away but the more she relaxes the more she settles in to find herself. One such revelation is she is extremely attracted to the ‘Yoga Goddess’ from next door and she is getting the growing feeling that it’s mutual.
This is the first book I have read by Suzie Carr and I know as soon as I finish writing this review I will be heading to Goodreads to read the synopses of her entire catalogue to pick my next. I think one of the main reasons I connected with this book is that Faith is a mum like me and our parenting style is extremely similar. So throughout the book I felt like I was along for the ride and connected with a lot of her moments with daughter, Bristol.
Obviously the main component in the book is Faith coming out and while that happens she starts to have feelings for Candace, who is the house sitter next door. Candace leads a very transient lifestyle and will only be in Rhode Island until her next house sitting job comes up and this makes Faith wary from the get go. What I loved about Candace is that she wears her heart on her sleeve and is very upfront about her feelings towards Faith and to be honest, as a woman barely out the closet, Candace is exactly the kind of woman who is perfect for Faith.
The secondary characters in this book make up least half, if not more, of the novel content and the book is the richer for it. When Faith moves to Rhode Island she’s not only staying with her sister but her sisters extended family and that is a lot of opinions to contend with. Mostly they are supportive and this novel wouldn’t be the same without them, especially Lucia. Lucia’s sage advice caught me off guard more than once with her easy-going nature and loving personality.
All in all, this was a fabulous book and I would highly recommend it to any late bloomers in the LGBT community, as well as everyone else.
5 stars
Faith is the heroine of the story and the whole book is written from her point of view. This is not your usual Lesfic, don’t get me wrong it has a lovely love story but what is really special is that it’s a story about finding yourself later in life and how wonderful it can be.
Faith has had a rough few years, life has thrown her more than one curve ball and she’s at the end of her tether. She’s got squirrels reeking havoc on her car, no job, her estranged husband has moved on with his life and her daughter has stopped talking to anyone but her and her ex-husband. She’s done! Over it! Then her sister calls and invites Faith and her daughter to come to Rhode Island and get away from life for the summer. When she arrives in Rhode Island she doesn’t fit in straight away but the more she relaxes the more she settles in to find herself. One such revelation is she is extremely attracted to the ‘Yoga Goddess’ from next door and she is getting the growing feeling that it’s mutual.
This is the first book I have read by Suzie Carr and I know as soon as I finish writing this review I will be heading to Goodreads to read the synopses of her entire catalogue to pick my next. I think one of the main reasons I connected with this book is that Faith is a mum like me and our parenting style is extremely similar. So throughout the book I felt like I was along for the ride and connected with a lot of her moments with daughter, Bristol.
Obviously the main component in the book is Faith coming out and while that happens she starts to have feelings for Candace, who is the house sitter next door. Candace leads a very transient lifestyle and will only be in Rhode Island until her next house sitting job comes up and this makes Faith wary from the get go. What I loved about Candace is that she wears her heart on her sleeve and is very upfront about her feelings towards Faith and to be honest, as a woman barely out the closet, Candace is exactly the kind of woman who is perfect for Faith.
The secondary characters in this book make up least half, if not more, of the novel content and the book is the richer for it. When Faith moves to Rhode Island she’s not only staying with her sister but her sisters extended family and that is a lot of opinions to contend with. Mostly they are supportive and this novel wouldn’t be the same without them, especially Lucia. Lucia’s sage advice caught me off guard more than once with her easy-going nature and loving personality.
All in all, this was a fabulous book and I would highly recommend it to any late bloomers in the LGBT community, as well as everyone else.
5 stars
September 5, 2020
3.3 stars
This could have been a lighthearted read. Lots of very nice supporting characters. But Faith, really the only main character in this romance, is so difficult for herself and everybody else that for me for too much of the book, reading this became a chore instead of fun.
I agree with Farah, whose review says it all for me.
This could have been a lighthearted read. Lots of very nice supporting characters. But Faith, really the only main character in this romance, is so difficult for herself and everybody else that for me for too much of the book, reading this became a chore instead of fun.
I agree with Farah, whose review says it all for me.
Did Not Finish
November 15, 2018DNF @ 15%
Just wasn't feeling this one. The writing was a little off, and there was some punctuation fail too. The author seems really obsessed with dreams too - and I say this as someone who loves a good relevant dream sequence. Oh, and the "child who doesn't talk because of trauma" trope is not one of my favorites either, especially since divorce should not be that traumatic, and if it is I'm wondering what the hell her mom and dad did during their divorce and why they aren't getting this kid counseling.
Just wasn't feeling this one. The writing was a little off, and there was some punctuation fail too. The author seems really obsessed with dreams too - and I say this as someone who loves a good relevant dream sequence. Oh, and the "child who doesn't talk because of trauma" trope is not one of my favorites either, especially since divorce should not be that traumatic, and if it is I'm wondering what the hell her mom and dad did during their divorce and why they aren't getting this kid counseling.
November 10, 2019
Life is Full of Curves, Find the Joy
Faith is in need of a change. Her ex-husband has a new girlfriend, her car has squirrels living in the motor, her house has black mold, she has no job and her daughter won’t talk to most people. When her sister offers to host Faith and her daughter, Bristol, for the summer in Rhode Island she figures she goes, even though her sister’s mother and sister in law are there too and they are a bit on the crazy side. Across the way, Candice, AKA the Yoga Goddess, Is house sitting for Danielle’s neighbours. A dancer and yoga instructor, she’s sexy, sweet and fun. Faith and Candice are drawn to each other and it’s not long before Faith’s life is even more complicated. Now all Faith has to do is decide if she’s willing to embrace the curves life has thrown her and grab the happiness in front of her or return to what she knows…
This is an adorable book about change and taking chances. I loved the characters in this book! The sisters and the in laws have a wonderful tradition of discussing their dreams over coffee in the morning. They form a strong bond and its not long before they are all there for each other… They are so supportive and loving, it makes me want to have the same. I loved the romance, but anyone who has paid me even the slightest attention KNOWS that! Lol! The women are both delightful, pretty, happy and adorable. Faith has some trust issues and takes them out on Candice but Candice is forgiving and patient with her… and when you think Faith is totally beyond help, she manages to learn the lessons that life has been giving her and pulls her act together! WHEW! These lessons transfer to real life and that’s what I love most about this book. I will be reading this book again and taking notes so I too can learn to love the curves.
Faith is in need of a change. Her ex-husband has a new girlfriend, her car has squirrels living in the motor, her house has black mold, she has no job and her daughter won’t talk to most people. When her sister offers to host Faith and her daughter, Bristol, for the summer in Rhode Island she figures she goes, even though her sister’s mother and sister in law are there too and they are a bit on the crazy side. Across the way, Candice, AKA the Yoga Goddess, Is house sitting for Danielle’s neighbours. A dancer and yoga instructor, she’s sexy, sweet and fun. Faith and Candice are drawn to each other and it’s not long before Faith’s life is even more complicated. Now all Faith has to do is decide if she’s willing to embrace the curves life has thrown her and grab the happiness in front of her or return to what she knows…
This is an adorable book about change and taking chances. I loved the characters in this book! The sisters and the in laws have a wonderful tradition of discussing their dreams over coffee in the morning. They form a strong bond and its not long before they are all there for each other… They are so supportive and loving, it makes me want to have the same. I loved the romance, but anyone who has paid me even the slightest attention KNOWS that! Lol! The women are both delightful, pretty, happy and adorable. Faith has some trust issues and takes them out on Candice but Candice is forgiving and patient with her… and when you think Faith is totally beyond help, she manages to learn the lessons that life has been giving her and pulls her act together! WHEW! These lessons transfer to real life and that’s what I love most about this book. I will be reading this book again and taking notes so I too can learn to love the curves.
February 1, 2025
4,25/5
Was this book written from my pov???
This was hilarious, it made me laugh many times ,made me feel sad when It needed, made me giggle like a little kid ,made me shift my legs when the tension breaked
I'll have a special place for this book
Was this book written from my pov???
This was hilarious, it made me laugh many times ,made me feel sad when It needed, made me giggle like a little kid ,made me shift my legs when the tension breaked
I'll have a special place for this book
February 16, 2018
Suzie has written another hit! I really liked the storyline in this one! Faith is just your everyday Mom. She worries about her daughter and is trying to come to grips with her daily life! I like how she has insecurities, just like we all do. She's not the perfect goddess, like a lot of authors write their main characters!
The characters, that are written as Faith's posse, have wonderful personalities & have their own quirks! They are quite fun & very memorable.
The love story is written as a slow burn, not your fall into bed at first sight kind of story. I like the build up to the "first time" & how Suzie writes her sexy times! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice, easy read with lots of love, great characters & a touch of angst (nothing too drastic). I was given this book as an ARC!
The characters, that are written as Faith's posse, have wonderful personalities & have their own quirks! They are quite fun & very memorable.
The love story is written as a slow burn, not your fall into bed at first sight kind of story. I like the build up to the "first time" & how Suzie writes her sexy times! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a nice, easy read with lots of love, great characters & a touch of angst (nothing too drastic). I was given this book as an ARC!
February 20, 2020
Great book!
August 29, 2018
Love the supportive and crazy family. The love store is very slow building, but works
March 10, 2018
Not for me.
I found Faith to be unlikable in many ways. She was pessimistic, judgmental, stubborn, a hypocrite, a self-saboteur, and she used her daughter as an emotional crutch.
She was 35, yet acted childishly. It was too much for me. I had to halt throughout and take a break or I would've quit, never finishing it. I truly don't see what others have seen in this book. The only time I laughed was out of frustration.
Faith's monologue of love and sex were so cheesy it reminded me of a trashy novel with a half dressed Fabio on the cover. (I used to read those, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. In my defense, my choices were limited back then.)
Candace is a saint for all of Faith's crazy moments and constant ups then downs. Honestly, this is the first time I can fully agree, in a romance novel, that someone should learn to love themselves before being in a relationship. Faith doesn't love herself, and it's just that simple. I don't think she really grew throughout, and it was more of "some last minute changes" thing, to me. I don't believe that she's this truly new and improved person.
The only upside to all of this is that the other characters are nice. I was expecting to not like Martina since I read some of the reviews, but she wasn't too bad. I do wish there was more about Danielle and her wood chopping buddy.
This is my opinion, so you may not feel the same. Others have really liked this book, so perhaps, if you're reading this, then it may be for you.
I found Faith to be unlikable in many ways. She was pessimistic, judgmental, stubborn, a hypocrite, a self-saboteur, and she used her daughter as an emotional crutch.
She was 35, yet acted childishly. It was too much for me. I had to halt throughout and take a break or I would've quit, never finishing it. I truly don't see what others have seen in this book. The only time I laughed was out of frustration.
Faith's monologue of love and sex were so cheesy it reminded me of a trashy novel with a half dressed Fabio on the cover. (I used to read those, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. In my defense, my choices were limited back then.)
Candace is a saint for all of Faith's crazy moments and constant ups then downs. Honestly, this is the first time I can fully agree, in a romance novel, that someone should learn to love themselves before being in a relationship. Faith doesn't love herself, and it's just that simple. I don't think she really grew throughout, and it was more of "some last minute changes" thing, to me. I don't believe that she's this truly new and improved person.
The only upside to all of this is that the other characters are nice. I was expecting to not like Martina since I read some of the reviews, but she wasn't too bad. I do wish there was more about Danielle and her wood chopping buddy.
This is my opinion, so you may not feel the same. Others have really liked this book, so perhaps, if you're reading this, then it may be for you.
June 14, 2018
I confess that « The Curvy Side Of Life » is not my favorite book by Suzie Carr BUT this novel remains a good read with believable and realistic characters, a good story and a much appreciated little humor which helps to go through the more dark spirited passages …
In real life you can easily relate to Faith’s desperate situation (failed relationship, loss of job, charming lil creatures which provoke huge problems …) and this both on the physical and moral side. Having« larger » hips and thighs : it happens (very quickly) when you’re not able to make as many sports as you wanted in a tough pass. This plus the low moral, it doesn’t help at all to keep faith in the future .. but it lasts only for a moment, after that, something kicks you in the ass and you can once again see the good side of all things and appreciate all what the Curvy Side Of Life has to offer you …
It’s showed well in the story how, sometimes, you need to see all your life falling totally apart to force you to move on by exiting your comfort zone, get a fresh start and find the path you must follow to, finally, find your happiness all along the way … All this requires a lot of courage.
So … dance fans or not, never give up and give this book a try …
In real life you can easily relate to Faith’s desperate situation (failed relationship, loss of job, charming lil creatures which provoke huge problems …) and this both on the physical and moral side. Having« larger » hips and thighs : it happens (very quickly) when you’re not able to make as many sports as you wanted in a tough pass. This plus the low moral, it doesn’t help at all to keep faith in the future .. but it lasts only for a moment, after that, something kicks you in the ass and you can once again see the good side of all things and appreciate all what the Curvy Side Of Life has to offer you …
It’s showed well in the story how, sometimes, you need to see all your life falling totally apart to force you to move on by exiting your comfort zone, get a fresh start and find the path you must follow to, finally, find your happiness all along the way … All this requires a lot of courage.
So … dance fans or not, never give up and give this book a try …
September 10, 2018
Meh. This book is overrun with metaphors and similes. It was grating on my nerves and felt like the author was simply trying to fill pages. The story is simple, but she tried to augment the moments and experiences with comparisons and basic literary tricks. They fail. They come across as very juvenile. Like a brand new writer trying to be deep. I listened to the entire book because I LOVE les-fic, but this one was a struggle to get through. I would not recommend listening to this one on audible as the narrator is quite as flat as the words being narrated. Maybe reading the actual book myself would have been better, but the writing really damaged the story that was attempting to emerge.
May 6, 2018
So so
Poor characterisation leaves you wondering who all these people are and how they are related to each other. Hardly with the time.
Poor characterisation leaves you wondering who all these people are and how they are related to each other. Hardly with the time.
February 21, 2019
Faith is the main player. She is a little insecure in the beginning due to her current living situation. She has a daughter, Bristol whom she adores. Bristol is shy and will only talk to two people who are close to her. The mother-daughter relationship is amazing, and you will love both as you read along.
Faith has had her own set of bad luck and is ready for something new. She is a bit shy and is very rational. She doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she gets busy like helping a neighbor. That was a nice touch to the story. She is cautious at trying new things, but once she dives in, she's on fire and takes it to the races.
Danielle is Faith's sister and is lonely after her husband passed years ago. She is a bit forward, yet loves her younger sister, Faith. Danielle wants the best for them and makes an offer to her that she can’t resist. Her persuasiveness does a number on her and you will see what I mean in the book. She is an entrepreneur and owns her own business, which part of the story is focused around.
Martina is Danielle's sister-in-law and has an overbearing personality. She speaks her mind. Inside she is fearful and uses her bolstering personality to cover it up. This created a lot of drama for the story.
The things I admired about her were her optimism and confidence. She never doubts herself and attempts new things without a hitch. She has the aunt vibe with Danielle’s daughter, which is priceless.
Candace, aka the Yoga Goddess, is just that and I loved her vibe. She is a private person but boasts confidence in her manner. Her kindness is contagious, and she will go out of her way to help another. She has a way with sensitive people to make them feel comforted around her. You can’t help but be attracted to her.
The author deals with an issue that got my attention regarding Faith's daughter, Bristol. I was glad she touched on this because this affects many people, including children. It was a heartening experience watching and I applaud the players who were involved. I love how the author does research for her stories. For one book she visited a bee apiary and this time it was learning about Salsa dancing as well as the Latin culture. Well done and this is something you will appreciate.
What I like about this story is the gentle and soft tone it has. I got a feeling of serenity as I read. It was like I was part of a sisterhood with the four women and one other woman. Each offered their own wisdom to the story. I felt like I was sitting on the patio with them with the lake in the background and the sun shining on my face. There are a few choice words, but they didn't distract me from the story. Some of the scenes gave me the tingles.
This book is an easy read and can be read in a few hours. It is touching so you may want to have your tissue box handy. I am recommending it to everyone who wants a heartfelt story.
Faith has had her own set of bad luck and is ready for something new. She is a bit shy and is very rational. She doesn't sit around feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she gets busy like helping a neighbor. That was a nice touch to the story. She is cautious at trying new things, but once she dives in, she's on fire and takes it to the races.
Danielle is Faith's sister and is lonely after her husband passed years ago. She is a bit forward, yet loves her younger sister, Faith. Danielle wants the best for them and makes an offer to her that she can’t resist. Her persuasiveness does a number on her and you will see what I mean in the book. She is an entrepreneur and owns her own business, which part of the story is focused around.
Martina is Danielle's sister-in-law and has an overbearing personality. She speaks her mind. Inside she is fearful and uses her bolstering personality to cover it up. This created a lot of drama for the story.
The things I admired about her were her optimism and confidence. She never doubts herself and attempts new things without a hitch. She has the aunt vibe with Danielle’s daughter, which is priceless.
Candace, aka the Yoga Goddess, is just that and I loved her vibe. She is a private person but boasts confidence in her manner. Her kindness is contagious, and she will go out of her way to help another. She has a way with sensitive people to make them feel comforted around her. You can’t help but be attracted to her.
The author deals with an issue that got my attention regarding Faith's daughter, Bristol. I was glad she touched on this because this affects many people, including children. It was a heartening experience watching and I applaud the players who were involved. I love how the author does research for her stories. For one book she visited a bee apiary and this time it was learning about Salsa dancing as well as the Latin culture. Well done and this is something you will appreciate.
What I like about this story is the gentle and soft tone it has. I got a feeling of serenity as I read. It was like I was part of a sisterhood with the four women and one other woman. Each offered their own wisdom to the story. I felt like I was sitting on the patio with them with the lake in the background and the sun shining on my face. There are a few choice words, but they didn't distract me from the story. Some of the scenes gave me the tingles.
This book is an easy read and can be read in a few hours. It is touching so you may want to have your tissue box handy. I am recommending it to everyone who wants a heartfelt story.
February 17, 2018
***I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book for my honest review which is included below***
Beautiful and Inspiring!
I really love this book it came into my life when I really needed it the most and once I started reading ... it instantly took me away and I became lost in the story.. it was like everything I had going on just left me and I just felt happy!
the storytelling and the descriptions to the details are fantastic you feel like you're there on the beach feeling the sun kiss your skin and hearing the alluring the sounds of the waves .. it's so amazing!
this story makes you feel so carefree and happy!
it was an absolute pleasure reading this book! it's entertaining, beautiful, and very Inspiring!
I couldn't put it down!
it's easy to follow along with, it's full of content, and my favorite part is the characters!!! oh my goodness they are so COOL!!! it was so fun getting to know them with their different personalities and coming from different paths in life but the best thing about them is their strength and bond!
I can't say enough good things about this book!!!
Beautiful and Inspiring!
I really love this book it came into my life when I really needed it the most and once I started reading ... it instantly took me away and I became lost in the story.. it was like everything I had going on just left me and I just felt happy!
the storytelling and the descriptions to the details are fantastic you feel like you're there on the beach feeling the sun kiss your skin and hearing the alluring the sounds of the waves .. it's so amazing!
this story makes you feel so carefree and happy!
it was an absolute pleasure reading this book! it's entertaining, beautiful, and very Inspiring!
I couldn't put it down!
it's easy to follow along with, it's full of content, and my favorite part is the characters!!! oh my goodness they are so COOL!!! it was so fun getting to know them with their different personalities and coming from different paths in life but the best thing about them is their strength and bond!
I can't say enough good things about this book!!!
February 24, 2018
I have only read a couple of books by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed this one! Both the main and support characters of family and friends are interesting, complex, realistic and fun. Their interactions, histories and ups and downs add to the positive energy this book gives the reader. Love and loss, confusion and clarity draw Faith and Candace together. I found myself lost in their story from the get go.
I would definitely give this a read if you enjoy books that combine romance, comedy and a little drama to the mix to create a story that has depth worth reading. I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would definitely give this a read if you enjoy books that combine romance, comedy and a little drama to the mix to create a story that has depth worth reading. I received an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
A complex look at Faith's life as she spends the summer with her daughter at her sisters lake side house and discovers love and finally lets go of her past to embrace her true self. It's a late coming out story for Faith and a healing process for the whole family as each family member finally begins to live life fully again. I'm not sure I like Faith that much but then that's just how life is.
Sometimes verbose but avoids the usual cliches of Lesfic this was an entertaining story that I enjoyed.
Sometimes verbose but avoids the usual cliches of Lesfic this was an entertaining story that I enjoyed.
February 16, 2018
If your ready for a great romance that takes you on an inspirational journey of healing and finding your true self then go see what Faith is up to in this awesome read
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review
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April 5, 2018Almost made it to the end of the first chapter. I just don't feel like reading a book with a fat(? ish?) main character who hates how much she weighs. Or at least not from this author I don't know.
July 4, 2020
Uplifting and quirky
I'd never read a book by this author, and then saw her chair a panel during the GCLS Virtual Convention. Her warm and positive attitude led me to wanting to check out her books.
This title and synopsis appealed to me, so I dove in and I am very glad I did.
Faith and her daughter, Bristol, have been through a tough time, when they go to Rhode Island to stay with Faith's sister for the summer. Faith's ex husband and his new girlfriend seem to be flaunting their relationship in her face, and Bristol has stopped talking to people for some unknown reason. She's lost her job too, and all the odds just seem to be stacked against her. The eccentric and nosy family members around her are also getting on her nerves. Their suggestion that she work in her sister's hair salon and become part of their community certainly isn't helping either. There is, however, one rather pleasant distraction from her troubles, namely the town's lovely dance instructor, Candace, whom Faith dubs the Yoga Goddess. She just can't seem to take her eyes off the woman. But that is certainly not going to change the way she perceives the town or her life, is it?
I enjoyed following Faith's journey to a more accepting, positive way of seeing herself and her surroundings. I loved getting to know her entertaining family members, each with their own hardships and foibles, but also their great capacity for resilience and love.
The developing bond between Candace and Faith, with some hilarious mishaps along the way, had me totally emotionally invested, wondering whether Faith would overcome her fears and insecurities enough to embrace happiness.
I can recommend this book as a fresh, quirky love story with plenty of heart.
I'd never read a book by this author, and then saw her chair a panel during the GCLS Virtual Convention. Her warm and positive attitude led me to wanting to check out her books.
This title and synopsis appealed to me, so I dove in and I am very glad I did.
Faith and her daughter, Bristol, have been through a tough time, when they go to Rhode Island to stay with Faith's sister for the summer. Faith's ex husband and his new girlfriend seem to be flaunting their relationship in her face, and Bristol has stopped talking to people for some unknown reason. She's lost her job too, and all the odds just seem to be stacked against her. The eccentric and nosy family members around her are also getting on her nerves. Their suggestion that she work in her sister's hair salon and become part of their community certainly isn't helping either. There is, however, one rather pleasant distraction from her troubles, namely the town's lovely dance instructor, Candace, whom Faith dubs the Yoga Goddess. She just can't seem to take her eyes off the woman. But that is certainly not going to change the way she perceives the town or her life, is it?
I enjoyed following Faith's journey to a more accepting, positive way of seeing herself and her surroundings. I loved getting to know her entertaining family members, each with their own hardships and foibles, but also their great capacity for resilience and love.
The developing bond between Candace and Faith, with some hilarious mishaps along the way, had me totally emotionally invested, wondering whether Faith would overcome her fears and insecurities enough to embrace happiness.
I can recommend this book as a fresh, quirky love story with plenty of heart.
March 23, 2018
I knew I was going to like this book after reading the line, "The fucking squirrels." We learn Faith was thrown three curves in life by the end of the second paragraph, end of a marriage, a flood in the basement of her house, and loss of her job. And then came the squirrels. I enjoyed the family dynamic between Faith, her sister, Danielle and Danielle's in-laws, Martina and Lucia. Carr's development of the characters and the interaction between them was entertaining. Perhaps I read more into the play with the words of the book title, but I thought it could mean a few different things. The curves in life we encounter that challenge us to grow and adapt; accepting the different curves our personalities take to become the person we are today; and learning to accept our own physical curves as women, not becoming stuck in the stereotype that we cannot be beautiful women if we have more curves than others. Cassandra has her own journey that she must take, and Faith has to take that curve with care. I love Lucia, btw! A nice journey I will not mind taking again.
June 5, 2019
To the Curvy Side of Life!
This story at times triggered my anxiety because Faith was such a Negative Nancy and ironically, had none of what her name indicated. If there was something bad to be found, trust, she would find it. I can't for the life of me see how Faith denied herself from living her truth for so long and I felt bad that she had. I truly wanted to just hug at times throughout the book. For her to be as old as she was, she came off as very naive as well. Given the free-spirit vibe of her family, it's hard to believe she could think for a moment that they wouldn't accept and/love her for her. Though, I think her struggle was largely due to her needing to accept herself, first. I'm glad she and Bristol spent the summer in Rhode Island because there is where she really should've been all along. Her life changed for the good as she learned to change her way of thinking, speak her truth and live her life as she should have been all along. This overall was a great coming of age story and proves that it doesn't just happen when you're young.
This story at times triggered my anxiety because Faith was such a Negative Nancy and ironically, had none of what her name indicated. If there was something bad to be found, trust, she would find it. I can't for the life of me see how Faith denied herself from living her truth for so long and I felt bad that she had. I truly wanted to just hug at times throughout the book. For her to be as old as she was, she came off as very naive as well. Given the free-spirit vibe of her family, it's hard to believe she could think for a moment that they wouldn't accept and/love her for her. Though, I think her struggle was largely due to her needing to accept herself, first. I'm glad she and Bristol spent the summer in Rhode Island because there is where she really should've been all along. Her life changed for the good as she learned to change her way of thinking, speak her truth and live her life as she should have been all along. This overall was a great coming of age story and proves that it doesn't just happen when you're young.
February 16, 2018
Faith looses her job and husband pretty much at the same time. She is always waiting for the other shoe to drop, always looking for bad things to happen and lets good things to pass her by. And then, she meets Candance and everything changes.
The first thing that surprised me was that no one was surprised that faith was interested in a woman, Candance, and vice versa, like everybody new even before her.
The book is full of women, so different but so much alike. They are strong, independent, motivated, caring, loving and funny, very funny women. There's a bond of friendship and family that I wish it were more common nowadays. Every woman wants happiness, not only for themselves but for the rest of the “gang”.
I enjoyed the book a lot and stealing the author's words... “Cheers to the curvy side of life”.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The first thing that surprised me was that no one was surprised that faith was interested in a woman, Candance, and vice versa, like everybody new even before her.
The book is full of women, so different but so much alike. They are strong, independent, motivated, caring, loving and funny, very funny women. There's a bond of friendship and family that I wish it were more common nowadays. Every woman wants happiness, not only for themselves but for the rest of the “gang”.
I enjoyed the book a lot and stealing the author's words... “Cheers to the curvy side of life”.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 24, 2021
Good lesson to the story...if you look for the bad in things, you'll find the bad in things. However, sometimes the book felt like a lecture, not a story, and it was so repetitive at times that I skimmed over parts. I liked all the characters except for one...the MC Faith. In fact, I don't remember a character I disliked more. Another of the lessons was to take responsibility for oneself, but this character was so insecure, so negative and so blaming of others for so long in the book it drove me crazy. I really don't know how the other MC fell for her. I did really like all the other characters - there were some really great storylines with them - and the overall message.
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