A breezy, enjoyable tale of a physician’s escapades, despite a few stumbles.
A San Francisco doctor hunts for a family’s DNA in this novel.
Dr. Pierro Cognetto’s oldest patient, Howard Hugh, fascinates him. Though nearly 103 years old, Howard looks decades younger and is rarely sick. Pierro has seen Howard’s brothers as well—all surprisingly healthy, century-old men. Convinced there’s a secret, which he dubs The Hugh Factor, Pierro investigates. This entails collecting the DNA of the Hugh brothers, who live across the United States, including in Texas and Ohio. Of course, his actions are illegal, since he’s not asking permission, so Pierro occasionally disguises himself as a woman to stay anonymous. In the course of his investigation, he hires escort Cleopatra Wesson. Unexpectedly, the 80-something single virgin finds love and a new sexual appetite while still covertly gathering DNA. Back in San Francisco, Pierro’s concerned neighbor calls the police; the reliable doctor, who’s run an office for more than 50 years, has seemingly vanished. One investigating cop, based on Pierro’s apparently suspicious credit-card activity, is certain the physician is “up to something.” He sends an officer to track Pierro around the country to find any evidence of wrongdoing. Emm’s tale is more diverting than suspenseful. For example, Pierro is a tranquil lawbreaker, and his most complex crime is an amusing “DNA heist.” The police, who lose track of him more than once, surmise that a mole in the department is aiding the doctor. Straightforward prose fosters a smooth narrative despite lingering on mundane tasks, such as ordering food and checking into hotels. Meanwhile, romance between the amiable characters Pierro and Cleopatra is certainly welcome. Unfortunately, Pierro spends too much time ogling Cleopatra’s physical attributes, complete with tacky descriptions, such as equating her breasts with “gigantic mountains.” This all culminates in an ending that, while memorable, lacks resolution.
A breezy, enjoyable tale of a physician’s escapades, despite a few stumbles. (dedication, author bio)Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-73410-432-5
Page Count: 184
Publisher: TheBigDog Books
Review Posted Online: March 18, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Through palpable tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of starting over.
The sequel to It Ends With Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes of a single mother.
Lily Bloom is still running a flower shop; her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid, is still a surgeon. But now they’re co-parenting a daughter, Emerson, who's almost a year old. Lily won’t send Emerson to her father’s house overnight until she’s old enough to talk—“So she can tell me if something happens”—but she doesn’t want to fight for full custody lest it become an expensive legal drama or, worse, a physical fight. When Lily runs into Atlas Corrigan, a childhood friend who also came from an abusive family, she hopes their friendship can blossom into love. (For new readers, their history unfolds in heartfelt diary entries that Lily addresses to Finding Nemo star Ellen DeGeneres as she considers how Atlas was a calming presence during her turbulent childhood.) Atlas, who is single and running a restaurant, feels the same way. But even though she’s divorced, Lily isn’t exactly free. Behind Ryle’s veneer of civility are his jealousy and resentment. Lily has to plan her dates carefully to avoid a confrontation. Meanwhile, Atlas’ mother returns with shocking news. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself.
Through palpable tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of starting over.Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-668-00122-6
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Atria
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.
A recently dumped librarian finds herself fake dating her polar opposite.
When Daphne Vincent’s fiance, Peter, dumps her, she’s shocked—but the worst part is that he’s leaving her for his gorgeous best friend, Petra, the woman he’d always told Daphne not to worry about. Now Daphne has to move out of Peter’s home and restart her life in the small Michigan town where she’d moved to be with him. Salvation comes in the form of Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex—he has a tiny spare room in his apartment, and he understands what it’s like to wallow in heartbreak. Daphne feels lucky to have her dream job as a children’s librarian, but other than that, she feels adrift and friendless in Waning Bay—and then she and Miles get invitations to Peter and Petra’s wedding. In a momentary lapse of judgment, Daphne not only says she’ll attend the wedding, but tells Peter she’s dating Miles. It would be the perfect way to show Peter and Petra that they’ve moved on…if only it were true. In the grand tradition of fake-dating romances, Daphne and Miles pretend to be in love, getting to know each other while having various adventures and misadventures. Daphne quickly learns that although she’d dismissed Miles as a pothead with a lack of direction, he’s actually a good time—and a loyal friend. But Daphne knows she needs to get out of Waning Bay, so this fake relationship can’t lead anywhere…can it? Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.Pub Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780593441282
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
BOOK TO SCREEN
SEEN & HEARD
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