"Final Offer (Dreamland Billionaires, #3)" by Lauren Asher

"Final Offer" by Lauren Asher is the third installment in the Dreamland Billionaires series and follows the story of childhood best friends, Callahan Kane and Lana Castillo, who was torn apart by heartbreak six years ago. Now, their paths cross again when Callahan returns to Lake Wisteria to fulfill his grandfather's will, which requires him to spend a summer at the family lake house before selling it. However, he is shocked to find out that Lana claims to own the house and lives there too.

The story is narrated from the dual perspectives of Callahan and Lana, allowing readers to delve into their individual thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The characters are well-developed, and their chemistry is undeniable. Callahan is a flawed but likable character with a troubled past, struggling with alcoholism and trying to make amends for his past mistakes. Lana is a strong and independent woman who has worked hard to create a successful career for herself, despite the heartbreak caused by Callahan.

The author's writing style is engaging and captivating, drawing the reader into the story from the very beginning. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and the romance between Callahan and Lana is both passionate and realistic. The setting of Lake Wisteria is also beautifully described, making the reader feel as though they are actually there.

One of the strengths of this novel is the depth of emotions portrayed by the characters. The author doesn't shy away from depicting the pain, hurt, and anger felt by Lana when Callahan left her without explanation six years ago, making it easy for readers to empathize with her. Similarly, Callahan's struggle with his addiction and the guilt he feels over his past mistakes is portrayed with sensitivity and realism, making him a sympathetic character despite his flaws.

Overall, Final Offer is an enjoyable contemporary romance novel that delivers a satisfying love story while exploring themes of forgiveness, second chances, and self-discovery. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and beautiful setting make it a great addition to the Dreamland Billionaires series and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Buy Now: "Final Offer (Dreamland Billionaires, #3)" by Lauren Asher at Amazon

"A Living Remedy" by Nicole Chung

"A Living Remedy" by Nicole Chung is a powerful memoir that explores the author's journey to understand the lives of her adoptive parents, the life she built for herself as an adult, and the lives she lost. As an Asian American adoptee, Nicole Chung always felt out of place in her overwhelmingly white hometown in Oregon. However, when she goes to college on the East Coast, she finally finds the sense of community that she had always craved.

Chung's memoir is a deeply personal reflection on the impact of class, inequality, and grief in her life. As she starts her own family and builds a middle-class life, she becomes acutely aware of the differences between her upbringing and the life she is now living. Her father's premature death from diabetes and kidney disease, caused by financial instability and lack of access to healthcare, highlights the persistent inequalities in American society.

In the face of tragedy and hardship, Chung explores the strength of family bonds and the importance of reconciling the distance between different lives and homes. Her memoir sheds much-needed light on the tragic realities of inequality and the struggles faced by families with limited resources.

Overall, "A Living Remedy" is a beautifully written and emotionally charged memoir that touches on important themes of race, adoption, family, and medical care. Chung's personal story is compelling, and her reflections on class and inequality are both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in memoirs, nonfiction, or family and medical literature.

Buy Now: "A Living Remedy" by Nicole Chung at Amazon