A Week of Warm Weather

by Lee Bukowski

Tessa Cordelia appears to have it all—a loving husband who’s just opened a dental practice, a beautiful baby girl, a big house in the suburbs, and a large, supportive family. But when her husband's reckless choices resurrect a trauma from her childhood, she must decide which is more costly: keeping his secrets or revealing them. He manipulates Tessa into believing his career and their happiness depend on her silence. She feels like she’s losing her mind. Is her husband's habit so awful? In many ways, he’s an ideal husband; should she let him have this one thing? Determined to maintain the lie that she’s living the perfect life, Tess lies to everyone she knows—except for CeCe, a woman new to the area whom she’s just befriended. But after confiding in her, Tessa learns that CeCe has an explosive secret of her own, and her world is further upended.


A gripping, nuanced exploration of the havoc addiction can wreak on a family, A Week of Warm Weather is the story of a woman who has to figure out how much she is willing to lose in order to find herself.

Genres: Fiction, Addiction, Book Club

344 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2022

About the author

Born and raised in a large family in eastern Pennsylvania, Lee Bukowski has always had an interest in reading, writing, and storytelling. She taught 7th grade English and writing for 18 years. When she’s not teaching or writing, she loves reading and traveling. She's also a Seinfeld aficionada and a Billy Joel superfan. Lee lives in Reading, PA. A Week of Warm Weather is her debut novel. Look for her second novel, Painting Over Cracks, coming soon.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Week of Warm Weather was a fictional story about addiction and all the things and people it’s affecting. I’m a Acoa and a former spouse of an alcoholic. Having said that I totally got this book! I was mad as hell at the addicts and then mad at the enabling. Been there done it and have several T-shirts.
For me this was a realistic account of our culture today and how mostly people in addiction are high Functioners. And how well they blend in. I was once asked why I got so upset that my husband drank a case of beer a night, because I should be happy that he’s not an angry person. Really???
Nothing happy in this book but somewhat comforting in the fact that this is a real thing. And it’s easy to hide than anyone thinks. If you want a glimpse of what this looks like then I suggest this book.
The author wrote a believable account of it.
Thanks SparkPress via NetGalley.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will stick with you for a bit. It should be noted that there are elements of : spousal abuse, substance abuse and emotional infidelity. However the story itself is well done and you find yourself wanting to be friends with the main character.

[Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story tells the tale of Tessa's struggles with her husband's addiction and trying to make it work for many years before realizing that she has to take care of herself and her children first and if he wants to beat this he has to put in the work.

Tessa is dealing with a lot and it doesn't help that her biological mother left them when they were young due to alcohol addiction. She didn't understand it at the time but she is getting a dose of addiction and the behaviors of those affected by her husband, Ken. He has all of the traits you associate with an addict - lying, secretive, blaming others (especially Tessa) when things don't go right, and violent at times. I have never been around an addict but my heart went out to Tessa and everything she was dealing with on her own. What is worse is that she hasn't told anyone and has no support system. 

I was amazed that she put up with everything for as long as she did, for three years. I think the final straw was when he missed their anniversary trip that he planned. But I gave her kudos for going alone. I think it was exactly what she needed to put everything in perspective.

There are a few other curve balls that are thrown her way, but when she is finally able to get the support she needs from family and friends it really makes a difference in her life.

This could be anyone's story, even people we might know. I felt like the story was a true and fair representation of what life would be like with an addict and it opened my eyes to a life that I was not familiar with at this time.

We give this book 4 paws up.

[Steph Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Week of Warm Weather is a story about how addiction destroys a family. Tessa is the wife of a well-to-do dentist, they seem to have the perfect family. Yet underneath it all is a nasty addiction that her husband refuses to give up. The characters are well-written and believable. The addiction part is pretty realistic, while I have never dealt with this specific addiction, I am all too aware of addiction in general terms, and it comes across as pretty real. Some of the parts of the story seemed kind of needless and like filler, they just dropped off and were never really resolved. All in all, it is a good story about how addiction destroys families.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that while I couldn’t put this novel down it was very triggering for me. If you grew up with a parent(s) who were addicts, or have/had a partner who is/was an addict this book may be very triggering for you. At the same time it will also make you feel heard - because unless you have lived through a similar situation, you won’t understand why you can’t “just leave”.

Tessa Cordelia has just given birth to her first child, and her husband has recently opened his own dental practice which appears to be going quite well. She lives near her close family and has a good group of friends and family members who can provide support whenever she needs. And then she discovers that her husband has developed an addiction to nitrous oxide, an addiction that turns her life upside down while she tries her best to hide the addiction, the pain, and the way her marriage is falling apart from everyone around her. In addition to this, the trauma of having an alcoholic mother who left her at the age of 9 resurfaces, and while Tessa tries to hold it all together, everything still comes tumbling down around her.

Lee Bukowski paints a very realistic image of the long lasting effects of childhood trauma, and growing up with addiction - trauma that causes a rippling effect long into adulthood. I felt so much for Tessa and identified with so much of her thoughts and actions. It was sometimes very difficult for me to read this, but also very necessary. A Week of Warm Weather is such a well-written book about how addiction harms us all, and that also, it can happen to anyone. Also, Tessa’s husband is awful, but Bukowski shows just how hard it is to detect a narcissist until you are entrenched within their grip.

Highly recommended read!!

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite debut from an author to watch!!

The cover of this book drew me in right away. I love how the dappled light of the trees works in conjunction with the red letters of the title, foreboding the deeply layered story within. Bukowski is skilled at drawing characters the reader will come to care and worry about. People and marriages can be SO complicated and she captured well the lies we tell ourselves and others in order to keep things running smoothly--even if it's fake. This is an imaginative story and one I wouldn't have been able to guess. Every story is just a snap shot of a larger on going tale that will continue beyond the last page. I appreciated the connection made of the protagonist's own personal history. I will be thinking about these characters and where they end up. I am hoping this talented author will consider a sequel!

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: A WEEK OF WARM WEATHER
AUTHOR: Lee Bukowski
PUB DATE: 06.07.2022 Now Available

A WEEK OF WARM WEATHER by Lee Bukowski is an emotional and heavy read when you pull back the curtains on what seems to be a perfect marriage. Bukowski has a talent for crafting these complex characters that live, breathe, make mistakes, and hurt. I was emotionally invested and felt all the betrayal Tess went through. This novel was an exploration on how addiction breaks apart families and its consequences. I found this gripping read hard to put down.

[Valerie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll Want to Dig Your Teeth into This Story

Do you…work in the dental industry? Go to the dentist? Have teeth?

If you answered, “Yes,” to any of those questions, you must read A Week of Warm Weather(Sparks Press) by Lee Bukowski. I promise not to give any spoilers, but it’s so hard not to when I’m so very excited about a book.

This multi-layered novel addresses the AAAs—addiction, abandonment, abuse. Without a doubt, most of us have experienced one of these traumas within our families during our lifetimes. And that’s what makes A Week of Warm Weather so relatable. Yet, even though Bukowski tackles serious issues that could make a reader shift uncomfortably, this is not a depressing story. In fact, it’s a page-turner because you’re rooting for the characters. Well, at least a few of them.

Bukowski invites us into the young home of Tessa and Ken Cordelia, who’ve settled comfortably in a suburb near Philadelphia. And they’re growing a family while Ken builds his dental practice. From the outside looking in, the Cordelia’s could be your typical Leave It To Beaver family. But wait. Pull back the curtain, and we find all is not sunshine and roses as Tessa and Ken’s marriage is being severely tested, as each has their individual demons to confront and overcome.

With alcoholism prevalent in Tessa’s family history, she struggles with how to help the husband she loves who is spiraling out of control with his own addiction. Though she’s surrounded by a large extended family who could help her if she’d let them, Tessa chooses to frequently lie on Ken’s behalf and to cover for his absences and increasingly strange and abusive behavior. To further complicate the situation, she confides in an older woman she’s recently met and befriended, but even that relationship falls far short of providing the solace she’s looking for.

The importance of family is central to this story. While Tessa is determined to keep hers together, there comes a time when she must make a life-changing decision. One that will redefine family in her mind forever.

Bukowski’s debut novel is a complex, moving, and realistic family drama. Her characters are vivid, as are her descriptions of life’s challenges. I recommend you take a deep breath and inhale completely as you read A Week of Warm Weather.

I received an advanced reader copy of this novel. This review is my honest, personal opinion.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a debut novel that I couldn’t put down. This book tells a mesmerizing story of addiction and codependency.

Everyone thinks Tessa has it all. A dentist husband who always appears attentive, a healthy young daughter, and a large supportive Italian family.

But Tessa’s reality is different. Tessa’s husband doesn’t come home many nights and misses family events. Tessa makes excuse upon excuse to her family, friends, and to herself.

Tessa has experience as a kid of living with a family member tethered to their addiction.

With a second pregnancy and over 2 years of lies, Tessa must decide what’s best for her children’s future as well as her own.

I think what made this so page turning for me is how I became absorbed into Tessa’s perspective of the story. Lee wrote Tessa’s actions and reactions, her past and her present and every emotion so authentically.

This would be a great book club pick. I can see not only meaningful discussion about the book but also people sharing how addiction has affected their life.

[Lehc00 Lehsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC of A Week off Warm Weather by Lee Bukowski in exchange for my honest review.
This was an amazing read a well as a difficult read because of the subject matter. The characters were believable and raw. The descriptions were so vivid that you could feel the emotions, put yourself in the moment, feel as if your were there. This was a phenomenal read with twists that I never saw coming. This book will stay with me for a very long time.
Tessa and Ken seem to have the perfect life, a beautiful home, a precious baby girl, a new dental practice and a big, loving, supportive family.. There is something going on with Ken though, he stays out late, sometimes he doesn't come home at all. Ken says he is working hard to establish his new dental clinic and Tessa wants to believe him, but why doesn't he answer the phone, why is he so distant, why is he always gone? Then one day, after Ken neglects to pick up the baby from Tessa's parents house, Tessa goes to the clinic to confront Ken. What Tessa finds will change her whole world.
Ken insists that Tessa keep his secret or risk losing everything they've worked so hard for.
Tessa is so alone, she can't confide in her family, her friends, she has no one. A chance meeting with a woman, CeCe, who is new to the area gives Tessa, over time, a new friend, a confidant. But CeCe has a secret of her own, a secret that could change the course of Tessa's life.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. A Week of Warm Weather is a debut novel by Lee Bukowski - and it really hits hard. Tessa and Ken are a couple in their 30's, with one young daughter and, eventually, another baby on the way. Ken starts his own dental practice and Tessa stays home with their little girl. Tessa has a great support system - her father, step-mother, brothers and younger sibling. When Ken starts staying out overnight, Tessa suspects he is having an affair but what she finds is much worse - he is staying at the dental practice and using nitrous oxide to relieve his stress. The story follows the battle of addiction - Tessa's shame and unwillingness to tell her family, Ken's violent mood swings toward Tessa and his employees, Ken's failures to be present for Tessa and their child and family events. Tessa eventually realizes that, despite Ken's threats of telling family and friends about his addiction and the consequences, she must take action to protect herself and her children. This is a gripping debut novel that shines light on an unfortunate true to life situation for many families. I hope to see more of Ms. Bukowski's work in the future.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Bukowski, the author of “A Week of Warm Weather,” has written a poignant and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, and fiction. I appreciate how the author describes addiction problems in families and the consequences. The author vividly describes the characters, events, and plot. The characters are described as complex and complicated. Some are flawed and enablers. The story’s protagonist, Tessa Cordelia, appears to have a wonderful husband, a dentist, a beautiful home, and beautiful young children. Tessa is extremely organized and appears to be the captain of her ship. Tessa has the emotional support of her parents and family. Perhaps Tessa is compensating for the abandonment of her biological mother, who had addiction problems.

Tessa’s husband is hiding devastating secrets from her, and his behavior is confusing her. When Tessa discovers what is happening, he convinces her to keep it a secret from everyone. The secrets and gaslighting are stressing Tessa. Her husband claims he is fine, and they are fine. Only Tessa has a terrible premonition and worries she isn’t true to herself.

This is a well-written story that I highly recommend to other readers, that deals with important contemporary problems.

[Gemma Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real. Bold. Splendid.

These are the words that come into mind once I finished reading this book. This book is a celebration of the virtue, boldness, and courage of women. I also commend the brevity and courage of the author to discuss one of the enigmatic issues in society - domestic violence.

It is a story of a wife and mother who dealt with addiction and other adversaties. The growth and transformation of a woman is like a perfume. It must be crushed and broken for only then the essence will come out. The protagonist here has been crushed and broken but was able to produce the true essence of a woman who come out stronger than before;who was able to rise above every ugly thing life offered her.

[Elise Schiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt story about a young woman, Tessa, struggling to make sense of her husband's perplexing behavior. Once she finally discovers his secret, she must choose between the ideal life she hoped for and the unknown she'll face by confronting him. Tessa is a sympathetic main character who brings complicating trauma from her childhood into her present situation. Her father, Sal, is an entertaining secondary character through whom we understand the backdrop of Tessa's conflict. This novel will appeal to book clubs and fans of women's fiction.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. This is the authors first novel and I hope she continues to write more. Lee writes in the way that you feel like you’re truly living in the plot. It’s sad to see Tessa living with someone who has an addiction but I’m sure many can relate to, as can I. I highly recommend as a must read.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading nor thinking about this story.
Well written, and in such detail, that I saw people that could be these folks!
Tessa has it all. She is married to a man who is a dentist. She is fortunate to be able to stay home to raise her young daughter. She has a wonderful family and friends who love and care for her. What more could she need?
Yet.... her husband has a serious problem that he will not allow her to share with anyone. He denies that he even has an issue and can stop any time.
Is it really a problem if nobody is aware?

I cannot stop thinking about this story! I recommend it for anyone. I am sure you will see someone you know inside these pages.
It has fear, secrets, heartbreak, family and choices.

Thank you to NetGalley and #SparkPress for this ARC and allowing me to provide my review.
I will be waiting for more books by Lee Bukowski. Well done!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye opening look at how the grip of addiction adversely and devastatingly affects everyone around the addict. I felt for Tess—her whole world is turned upside down and the situation is a realistic account on the time it takes to come to terms with heart wrenching circumstances and devise a plan to move forward. Beautifully written and immersive—a captivating debut!

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

In A Week of Warm Weather, Lee Bukowski tackles some tough topics such as addiction, trauma, and a dysfunctional marriage with such precision and grace.
Tessa Cordelia didn’t think her life would take the direction it does. In their young marriage, she supported her husband Ken through dental school. Just as he opens his own practice and they have their first child, Tessa believes their life is just beginning, putting the hard times behind them.
Tessa empathizes with Ken over the loss of his mother, the pressure of owning his own business and becoming a new parent, but his behavior becomes erratic causing Tessa to turn her doubt inward. That is until she finds the evidence of his addiction.
Bukowski does such a good job developing the arc of the main character through the many stages and conflicts one faces while living with and enabling an addict. While Tessa’s journey is heartbreaking, it is also triumphant because she has to find the strength within herself to make the hard choices. Sometimes living with an addict is every bit about self-discovery and learning a different kind of love. A very realistic and impressive debut that would make an excellent book club selection.

[Diana Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Week of Warm Weather--Lee Bukowski

To her close-knit family and friends, thirty-something Tessa Cordelia appears to lead the good life: handsome and successful dentist-husband, loving father and extended family, BFFs, and adorable toddler-daughter.

But all is not as it seems. As Tessa grapples with her husband's secret life and her father's haunted past, an arsenal of nagging doubts starts to emerge. Tessa's marriage becomes an ever-changing, frightening landscape: "She couldn't fight the feeling that the tighter she held on to the people she loved, the easier it seemed for them to let her go."

Lee Bukowski is a brave, fresh voice with an engrossing debut novel!

[Gerri Stouffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were many things in A Week of Warm Weather to grab onto and identify with, whether it be a personal connection or through someone known to you. I enjoyed enough plot twists to keep me guessing and it’s always great when a book informs, too. Can’t say more without giving away…

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

A Week of Warm Weather focused heavily on one woman’s journey while dealing with addiction in her family. What was really interesting were the nods to her childhood and how she’d faced that experience even back then, and how it may have manifested itself into the way she handles that type of situation now, as an adult. It’s obvious when we read the chapters that are told from her own point of view how much she doesn’t want to enable her husband, yet the wounds of her past have dictated that behavior, and when he tells her he’s still a good guy despite his secret addiction, she has to level that with feeling like he’s anything but.

When we read the chapters from her husband Ken’s point of view, there are moments of deep anguish and guilt, much like I would expect an addict to feel when they know what they are doing is hurting their loved ones. But the need to fulfill the cravings becomes so much stronger, and while I would feel anger towards Ken in those moments, or when he’s being manipulative towards Tessa or others in his life, I could understand where those dark emotions had come from. The author did a great job of intermixing the contrasting emotions in such a way that made it all completely believable. The love Ken feels for his wife and children, and the utter disgust he has at feeling like he’s not allowed to do something that he wants to do and feels every right to do on his own terms. Even though we know it’s damaging.

The introduction of Cece had been interesting. I had a pretty good idea of the secret that she wanted to keep from Tessa, but despite knowing that right off the bat, I still wanted to see where it would go and what would come of it. The secret parallels what Tessa is going through in her marriage to Ken, so it felt right for Cece to be there. Plus, it helped in moving Tessa forward in making decisions and choices for her future.

I know what it’s like to be the enabler, so I could completely identify with Tessa. It can be so hard to go up against the ones you love, even when you know the path they’re on is destructive. That was showcased perfectly here, in watching her take three steps forward, one step back when trying to find her place in a world she feels has been drastically changed from the normal life she was used to living, before she knew about Ken’s addiction. A Week of Warm Weather was a touching, raw glimpse into those perfect white picket fences and perfect lives that really aren’t so perfect after all, because no one really knows what’s going on behind closed doors. It was a riveting five-star experience.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when the title ties right into the story and has a bit of meaning to the entire premise of the storyline. This was such a deep read about addiction, manipulation and how easy it can be to go down that road to become an addict as well as to be the one also stuck dealing with the addict. This novel follows Tessa, who has everything. Perfect husband who makes enough for her to not have to work, a house, a child not the way and noting but a sunshine future. But as with appearances, no one ever knows what really goes on behind closed doors. Tessa's husband has gone down a dark road and will do anything and everything to protect his secret and to keep his wife at home right where he wants her. She is the one who caused this after all and he just wants her to understand that he has given her everything and sometimes he just needs a release, he has it under control and swears he can stop whenever he wants. It's more so knowing he has it available to him. Tessa is now faced with memories of her past and living with an addict and now trying to handle life with an addict for a husband. This really was an eye opener in how something like this can be kept such a secret and how manipulative an addict can become to keep things as they were in the belief that they do have it all under control and deny what loved ones can see. Thank you to the author for the free novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. A very touchy subject, but one that needs to be talked about and understood. I did enjoy this novel and how real the struggles were for Tessa and Ken. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Kenzie - PadfootPuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The addiction in which Ken, Tessa’s husband faces is unlike anything I’ve heard or read of before. And as obscure as it seems, it held my interest the whole time.
I really connected with Tessa and her journey. Her struggles reminded me a lot of some struggles I went through in the past with relationships. I admired Tessa’s strength and she was just an all around great character.

This book focuses a lot on addiction and how that can affect your family. If you have dealt with something like that I think this book would resonate a lot with you.

I went into this book expecting one thing, but left with a peace and hope for the characters lives in the future. You know how you just kind of picture like, what would they be doing now? That’s kind of how I’m feeling.

This book starts off taking place in 1996, which I enjoyed since that’s actually the year I was born! It was nice to have a change in time periods and read from the perspective of life when I was born! As the book continues, I got the impression that by the end it was around 1999 or 2000, but it never said for sure.

This wasn’t like the normal types of books I pick up, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it and how much it kept my attention!

** I docked a star from this book since the twist was very predictable **

I recommend checking this one out!


*I received a physical copy of this book by BookSparks in exchange for an honest review*

[Emilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from my dad, who got it directly from the author. I grew up in Exeter, I was born in Reading Hospital, I played in the playgrounds Tessa takes Ronnie to, and I even worked in the dental office she uses as inspiration for Ken’s practice (which does have a lovely view of 422). Some of the inspiration for her characters are parents of classmates or family friends or common well-known faces in the small town. To say this was a surreal read would be an understatement. To further this point, a person I love is an addict: I will clarify that it is neither my own husband nor the dentist I worked for, that would just be too much. However, it was enough that I recognized the lies, the shame, the guilt, the protectiveness, and the untethered optimism in Tessa’s near-constant belief that this time would be better/different/what Ken needed to stop for good.

The big twist related to Tessa’s “new friend CeCe” was a little predictable. Those breadcrumbs a bit too much like whole slices leading to this reveal.

All that being said, I did enjoy the book. While it was too heavy to be considered an easy read, it did have a good flow to it. The small time jumps weren’t jarring and the characters were relatable, not always like-able, but understandable and empathetic.

Despite the surrealism of seeing my hometown with a familiar-but-not cast of characters, the book was a solid, poignant read with enough predictability that the reader does not feel unmoored.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5!

Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Ken is so good at manipulating Tessa to think what he does needs to be kept in their vault. She knows deep down that it is not okay, but man, does he know how to press just the right buttons.

2. 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - This really hit home to me and had my emotions on high alert. A close family member is an addict and has now decided that is more important than his wife and two young kids…and it breaks my heart.

3. 𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 - From the outside, the entire time I was reading, I know that I would’ve left him very early on. At least that is what I tell myself when I’m not in the midst of the situation. I guess I will never know….at least I hope I never have to know.

4. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 - Man, this just tore me apart. It is so true to life, and it is gut-wrenching that my own family members are scripted almost perfectly in this story. While the addiction differs, the pieces all fit.

5. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 - I think my biggest thing with situations like this is that the kids end up suffering the most. I just feel like if they are removed from the situation as early as possible, it has to be better for them.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Week of Warm Weather is an emotional novel about addiction and the extremes those traumatized by it in the past will go to keep their lives functional. They believe the lies that the person tells them and tells themselves. Tessa is a dentist's wife who, after his mother dies, turns to addiction to cope; Tessa's mother struggled with addiction and left her when she was young. Tessa's trama has followed her through her life and makes it easy for her to accept that what her husband says and does will change. With two young children, I can not imagine the lengths this woman goes to keep her husband secret, but I do understand it and believe along with her that he will change, that having another baby in the house will wake this man up. In the end, there are no rainbows in this story, no fast redemption, and quick recovery, but there is hope for the one dealing with the realities of life with an addict. Week of Warm Weather is an essential story with hope in its pages that though someone may choose to continue destroying their lives, help is out there for them and themselves. A Week of Warm Weather is a strong debut, and the glimpse into these characters' lives was honest and raw.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Week of Warm Weather is one of those books that will resonate with anyone who’s ever lived a pretense, who’s ever said ‘everything’s great’, or hid their true feelings. We’ve all been there at some point or another in our lives and can empathize, but when the façade goes on for years, when it damages your self-respect, it not only depletes you, it changes you. In this story, the covering-up lies for her addict husband thrust Tessa into a life of loneliness and isolation. She carries the burden alone for so long that she becomes a sufferer. Addicts will use every manipulative tool at their disposal to get what they want. Threats, trickery, promises upon promises. And when the stakes get really high and ultimatums are voiced, they may even resort to violence. The lengths they’ll go to so they can have their ‘one thing’, as Tess’ husband kept telling her, is boundless.

Author Bukowski’s novel is relatable and realistic in its telling. Emotions run the gamut of shock to submission, sadness to hopefulness as Tessa tries to forge a new life for herself. Tessa is a character I couldn’t help rooting for and I felt myself going along with her every heartrending step of the way as she sought redemption and her “week of warm weather in a cold, rainy spring”.

[booksta_lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought I would love this book, but I have very conflicting feelings about it.
I loved the writing and the unique spin on the story. The plot was there and the story had a chance to become important. I appreciate how the author highlighted domestic, emotional, and drug abuse. She was able to show how gradually this changes a person.

However, here is a thing. Her husband's abuse did not change MC. She was this way before, either due to her childhood trauma left untreated by therapy, or just because that's how she is. My biggest problem with the book is that the guilty persons did not get punished. So many others knew about it, and everyone kept silent. The second issue I had, is the lack of therapy and how everyone was left to deal with their problems on their own. This is not a healthy message and I think I would have loved this book so much more if all characters faced the troubles head-on and treated them for what they are.
I will read the future books by the author, my review is mostly about me not liking and not connecting with the story and ending.

TW: abuse, blood, surgery, addiction

[Jenny Stanek · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a story of a wife, Tessa, and her child dealing with a husband/father, Ken, falling deeper and deeper into a nitrous oxide addiction (he's a dentist, the gas being available in ready supply).

The story digs into her past dealing with her mother's addiction, her husband hiding this growing addiction from his family while become increasingly erratic and volatile, and how this all comes to a head.

As much as I know this is a sad reality for many families, this story just didn't grip me. Although delving into the family dynamics, Tessa and Ken's past, and the ripple of pain caused by one person's addiction, it really just felt like one book segment that just kept repeating over and over and over. And a storyline concerning a woman Tessa befriends in the park is a little far-fetched.

I think the story could have just delved deeper in the psychological and not just been Tessa and Ken having the same fight 50 times.

(Thank you to NetGalley and SparkPress for a copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest feedback)

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sad and compelling story of a loving marriage ruined bby addiction. Tessa’s marriage to a wonderful man beginning his career as a dentist. He was charming and appeared to be a perfect husband who catered to his wife’s every whim. His dental career flourished and together they were leading what appeared to everyone to be an enviable life blessed with a young child and a lovely, perfect home. But, actually, Tessa was doing a superb job of hiding her husband’s addiction to nitrous oxide or laughing gas, an addiction that was slowly destroying everything. Tessa’s mother was an alcoholic who had deserted her family when Tessa as very young and Tessa was determined to keep her marriage intact and secure for her child, so she hid everything from her family, best friend and social connections. Tessa meets a new friend, an older woman named CeCe, and Tessa feels it is safe to confide in her as CeCe knows nothing about Tessa’s husband and has no connection to their social circle or family. But, appearances are often lies.