What a great read!!! I picked this up to hold off reading another book and it has completely made me forget the other!!! These characters are written perfectly!!! They get in your heart! They make you smile!! Make you weep!! Fill your soul with so many emotions!!! This is a must read!!! My one hope is these characters don't stop here!! Fantastic last line of a book!!! Excellent excellent excellent!!!

Unfortunately I couldn’t connect with this one and didn’t finish it so I can’t honestly review it. This one just isn’t for me but I truly appreciate the opportunity and I thank you kindly!

Oh, how I loved this story. It was interesting and with a great cast of characters. The ending was slightly predictable, but fitting. I was sorry to let the protagonist go when the book concluded.

What a delightful book! It includes a cast of characters that feel so real that you want to curl up with them and chat, stroke the cat's fur, and eat a popsicle on the front porch. Beck is interesting because she is lovable but flawed and stubborn. It is lovely to watch her open her heart to friends that become family. And by doing so, she heals old wounds. I loved the chatty first person point of view. And I particularly loved the character of Bob, the little girl that she takes under her wing. A satisfying read with some good humor and chuckles, nice character development, a surprising dose of reality that is often missing in books, and a whole lotta love.

Crossing the Street is such a charming, funny, heartwarming book with such delightful characters, especially Beck and the precocious eight-year-old Roberta (Bob), that made me wish they were living across the street from me. I totally related to the taking care of an 80+ year old who's had hip surgery, gone through physical therapy, and getting around with a walker. Been there and still doing that! I adored this book so much. I could have read this book in one sitting but I didn't because, you know. Life! I highly recommend this beautifully written book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sweet, heartwarming, and absolutely filled with drama. There were many parts that made laugh, too. I'm giving it a 3.5 bumped up to a 4. Often I felt there was just a little too much going on and at times I got pretty frustrated with the main character and her family especially her dear sister, but it's well-written and absorbing.

Beck is a single woman in her thirties. She survives mostly off writing erotica, but doesn't really enjoy it. She'd rather be working on a literary fiction novel, but that's never paid the bills. Spending her time writing and working part time at Starbucks, her life is pretty calm and uneventful. That will soon change. Her sister is now pregnant after marrying her ex boyfriend. What happened to staying away from the exes of family members and close friends? Sigh! The older lady she's befriended across the street is going to have her grandchild move in with her and might require some help. Her best friend is encouraging her to date. All while her deadlines loom and she's feeling less and less inspired to write those steamy sex scenes. Sounds like a lot, but we're just getting started...

A story about family and unlikely friendships. Nice quick read with a lot going on. I look forward to seeing more by this author. Maybe a continuation? We'll see!

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and The Story Plant, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.

CROSSING THE STREET by Molly Duncan will make you laugh and get teary eyed in the same chapters. It follows Beck, a Starbucks barista that writes erotica on the side. She has a demanding mother, a queen bee sister, a strange relationship with her ex-boyfriend, and a cat named Simpson. She also has two best friends, one of which lives across the street and recently had her great-granddaughter move in. The story covers complex relationships, the beauty of friendship, and the power of forgiveness and all the lessons that Beck learns about life as she crosses back and forth on her street. For the most part, it reads fast and that is good because you really want to see everyone find their happily ever afters, especially Bob who will live in my heart for a good long while.

I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a fabulous book. I read it in one sitting, I just couldn't put it down. And yet I savored every word, every moment with Beck and this quirky, delightful cast of characters.

Normally I skip books with children and ageing family members. I think it just hits too close to home and I want to read something that takes me out of my own life. Being in the Sandwich part of life right now, well it's angsty enough, I don't really want to read about it too. But oh this book, it got me! It helped me understand how much these two opposite ends of life mean to me. I saw it all new through Beck. I admit I cried a lot, but I also learned a lot about how truly being present in people's lives, people who need you and who you need, changes you.

These characters came alive for me, they were living and breathing on the pages and I came to love them so much. I truly hope there is a sequel because I'd really like to spend more time with them and see how life treats them in the future. And that ending, I adored it! But I so want more of the goodness that was this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fabulously written family drama full of tears and laughter and so much love. It was such a good one.

Touching and sweet. At times a bit tedious. Does knowing how a. character cleans the house and with what products add to the story? No. Most of the storyline was good, I especially love Gran and Bob. And sweet Simpson. The characters are often funny. The author reminds me quite a bit of Erma Bombeck. I laughed quite a few times and had a good time.

3.5 stars

The good news is that Molly D. Campbell makes her characters truly come to life. You feel like you are sitting with Beck Throckmorton as she examines exactly how her life is not what she wanted it to be. You feel like you are with her as she visits her octogenarian neighbor Ella, argues with her despised sister Diana, suffers through her mother's tacit disappointment, gossips and communes with her best friend Gail, and tending to Ella's great granddaughter Bob (yes, Bob; it's short for Roberta), whose single father has been deployed. By the time you finish this book, you will feel like you know these characters as well as Campbell does. They are vivid, and they feel fresh.

Beck is in her early thirties, single, and working part-time as a Starbucks barista while writing erotica the rest of the time. She lives alone in an apartment with a cat, which, as Gail points out, puts her perilously close to spinster-with-cats territory. It isn't as if Beck didn't have options; at one point she was living with Bryan, now married to Diana, with whom he is going to have a baby. Rationally, Beck knows this is a good thing. She never wanted children, something that proved to be the crushing blow for her relationship with Bryan.

Yet it hurts. She feels angry and vindictive toward toward Diana. The sisters have never gotten along, and Beck believes that Diana strives to make her feel inferior. It isn't that she wants Bryan back so much as she doesn't want Diana to have him. As Bryan points out, however, he was fortunate to find Diana, who wants the things he wants. Gail, too, tells Beck that the "'Diana steals Bryan' story is old news." In fact, Gail tells Beck this several times, to the point where you, too, start to tire of Beck's repetitive negativity regarding this particular aspect of her life.

The highlight of Beck's life, to a great extent, is Bob. For a woman who didn't want children, the most important relationship in Beck's life quickly becomes the one she shares with Bob. She feels for the child, whose father is in the Middle East. Beck's father is no longer around, so she understands the sense of loss that Bob feels. Bob's father will return, but Beck's likely will not, if the previous years are any indication.

The not-so-good part of this book is the weird sense that you're reading a romance despite there not actually being any romance in it. There is the sort of "romance of learning to love myself" that Beck has to master. But aside from Bryan and a few men who come and go, there is a noticeable lack of testosterone. And yet you feel as if Molly D. Campbell is building toward a romance. Beck says she doesn't want children, but she does want companionship aside from the women in her life. Perhaps that's the true romance: the love you share with your tribe.

This is a fun book to read for the most part. Some of Beck's escapades are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and Campbell balances those nicely with Beck's more introspective moments. Gail is a good friend to her, someone who supports her yet holds her accountable, and I enjoyed those scenes featuring the two women. I cared for Gail as much (if not more) than I cared for Beck. I also cared quite a bit for Bob. The more I got to know her, the more I wanted to wrap my arms around her and protect her. She's one of those characters you will adore.

I liked a lot about this book. I just didn't like everything about it.


*** Scheduled for publication on the blog on May 12

Molly Campbell, writes such delightful characters. I love a book where I want to leap into the pages to befriend the characters. I definitely wanted to cross the street with Beck Throckmorton and hang out with her octogenarian neighbor Ella and her great-granddaughter Roberta, known affectionately as Bob. Beck is living alone in a quiet neighborhood, working as a Starbucks barista and writing bodice rippers in the evening, but she feels she may slowly be turning into a weird cat lady. Her life seems like crap and getting crappier by the minute. Beck left her boyfriend, because she thought he didn't appreciate her feminist ideals, then said boyfriend marries Beck's sister D. If that wasn't bad enough, when Beck finally finds a guy who might be good boyfriend material, she thinks Theo is as boring as a saltine cracker. Well, at least his clothes match and his hair's always coiffed. When 8 year old Bob turns up across the street, Beck tries to stay away. She's still got terrible nightmares of her babysitting years, but Bob has led a hard-knock life and Beck finds herself drawn into Bob's life with Ella. This a sweetly funny story about friends and neighbors who are often more like family than our own flesh and blood. Bravo, Molly on this wonderful second book! Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I found Crossing the Street to be a delightful, charming story that uplifted my heart in many ways. Rebecca is still dealing with tons of resentment, from her sister Diane's astonishing betrayal by marrying Rebecca's ex-fiance. To top it off Diane is having a baby but complains constantly about her marriage which adds pain to the fact that Beck is still sad about her parents divorce, and thinks her sister is just selfish and controlling. Beck lives alone with her devoted cat Simpy and becomes readily pulled into her aging neighbor Ella's life, with her great grand daughter Roberta, who insists on being called Bob. Bob is a very engaging, a mature 8 year old girl, full of astonishing wisdom, and she just makes you laugh out loud and love her. Rebecca finds herself caring for both Ella and Bob full time and when events collide even more care taking of her sister's needs are pressed upon her. This story is full of life's familiar dilemmas that are hard to deal with, told with boldness and pain, yet this story also has surprising lightness and forgiveness. Thanks to Cindy Burnett who extended a Kindle copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review. I loved it!

I found Crossing the Street to be a delightful, charming story that uplifted my heart in many ways. Rebecca is still dealing with tons of resentment, from her sister Diane's astonishing betrayal by marrying Rebecca's ex-fiance. To top it off Diane is having a baby but complains constantly about her marriage which adds pain to the fact that Beck is still sad about her parents divorce, and thinks her sister is just selfish and controlling. Beck lives alone with her devoted cat Simpy and becomes readily pulled into her aging neighbor Ella's life, with her great grand daughter Roberta, who insists on being called Bob. Bob is a very engaging, a mature 8 year old girl, full of astonishing wisdom, and she just makes you laugh out loud and love her. Rebecca finds herself caring for both Ella and Bob full time and when events collide even more care taking of her sister's needs are pressed upon her. This story is full of life's familiar dilemmas that are hard to deal with, told with boldness and pain, yet this story also has surprising lightness and forgiveness. Thanks to Cindy Burnett who extended a Kindle copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review. I loved it!


I found Crossing the Street to be a delightful, charming story that uplifted my heart in many ways. Rebecca is still dealing with tons of resentment, from her sister Diane's astonishing betrayal by marrying Rebecca's ex-fiance. To top it off Diane is having a baby but complains constantly about her marriage which adds pain to the fact that Beck is still sad about her parents divorce, and thinks her sister is just selfish and controlling. Beck lives alone with her devoted cat Simpy and becomes readily pulled into her aging neighbor Ella's life, with her great grand daughter Roberta, who insists on being called Bob. Bob is a very engaging, a mature 8 year old girl, full of astonishing wisdom, and she just makes you laugh out loud and love her. Rebecca finds herself caring for both Ella and Bob full time and when events collide even more care taking of her sister's needs are pressed upon her. This story is full of life's familiar dilemmas that are hard to deal with, told with boldness and pain, yet this story also has surprising lightness and forgiveness. Thanks to Cindy Burnett who extended a Kindle copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review. I loved it!

I am so excited to bring you my review of the upcoming must-read novel Crossing the Street, by Molly D. Campbell. This is such a wonderful story about a young woman, Beck, and her friends and family. Beck is best friends with Gail (who she grew up with) and Ella (her neighbor that is in her 80’s). Beck doesn’t get along with her sister Diana because of Diana marrying Beck’s ex-boyfriend Bryan. Things get even worse once Beck finds out that Diana is pregnant and their mother is pushing Beck to forgive and move on. Suddenly Ella finds out that her great-granddaughter Bob (Roberta) is coming to live with her due to her mother being a drug addict and her Dad (Ella’s grandson) at war in the Middle East. Beck – who doesn’t like or want children – suddenly finds herself helping Ella with Bob, and then helping her sister with her new nephew Alex. All while working at Starbucks, writing erotica novels, and trying to become attracted to a really nice guy that is smitten with her.

Beck is one of my favorite female characters ever. Actually, both Beck and Bob are my favorite female characters ever! Beck is the type of person that you want as your friend. She’s hilarious, sarcastic, a mess – but with the biggest heart ever. When Ella falls and gets hurt, Beck steps in taking care of Bob and Ella’s house along with making post-hospital arrangements for Ella. She has a cat Simpson, that she is crazy over, but Bob continuously keeps moving further and further into Beck’s heart. Bob is one of the coolest, most unique characters I have ever encountered while reading. Tough yet tender, smart, witty, intelligent – yet borderline broken because of her mother’s abuse and neglect. Adding to that is her constant worry about her father Charles, a Marine stationed in the Middle East. But despite the horror this young girl has lived through, she is the sweetest thing ever and wise beyond her years.

A huge transformation occurred throughout the novel regarding Diana. Well actually, there was a huge transformation overall among the sisters and their mother. But Diana starts out appearing so selfish and self-absorbed, but after having endless issues with her newborn baby, she starts to soften and show a different side. I hated her in the beginning but absolutely loved Diana by the end of the novel.

Overall, Beck and Bob stole the show with this one. Beck experiences so many urgencies and challenges, yet she keeps on rolling with taking care of Bob, Ella, Diana, and Alex. And Bob demonstrated an incredible resiliency that I think we would all hope for our children to possess when faced with trauma and crisis. Crossing the Street focuses on the importance of family – whether family by blood or by choice – and how helping others is not only beneficial to the one(s) needing help but is also gratifying for the one pitching in. This novel reminds the reader of the importance of the people that we can trust, as well as, the overwhelming power and freedom that comes with forgiveness.

Molly D. Campbell has completed a masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, get angry, feel regret, and everything in between. This is a must-read novel that will stick with you long after finishing the last, beautifully crafted sentence. The author has created something that will move each reader in a different way, and absolutely created something to be proud of. Crossing my fingers that Beck and Bob’s story will be continued….

*Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this delightful funny book! Beck didn't see her life going the way it is. Writing erotica to pay the bills, Ella who is in her 80's as her best friend and Ella's sweet great grand daughter Bob. It is a great story of friends and the the twists and turns life throws at you. I laughed and I cried as I read this wonderful book. Thank you to NetGalley and Story Plant for an ARC edition for an honest review.

This book is like a breath of fresh air, or like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. The characters are absolutely amazing, and their relationships are so realistic. I could really see this happening in Small Town, USA. I definitely recommend this to anyone that is looking for a refreshing read!

I loved this entire delightful story!
Each and every character has wonderful in- depth personalities that provide a continuous heart warming story.
Everyone should know a little girl like Bob, with a huge heart and so much sadness, this child only sees the best in anyone she meets.
Bob loves her Great-Gran. She cares for her as Gran is devoted to her darling great- granddaughter. Bob's best friend in this whole world is now Beck.
Beck, is a person that is in all of us and only needs time to realize what is important in life and to learn to forgive.
Great book!

OMG. I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this book. But I sure was surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed this book about an erotic writer - Beck- whose life seems to be going nowhere until her elderly neighbor's granddaughter comes to live with her and needs help caring for her. Enter Bob, a fantastically dynamic and mature eight year old girl who captures everyone's heart. The story is so compelling with all kinds of plots woven into the novel with many other characters that make this novel so special. I am dying to know if there will be more to everyone's story. It seems like there could be. Molly - please write more!! I loved it!!

This is a wonderful book that deals with three generations of women. Beck is a writer who lives in a small apartment across the street from Ella and her great granddaughter Bob. Beck has problems with her sister Diana ever since Diana married Becks boyfriend. When Ella falls and breaks her hip Beck must step into the void and help everyone cope. The women are all so strong and coping with divorce, loneliness and illness. The interaction is beautiful and so real life. Beck never thought her best friends would be a 90 year old woman and an 8 year old girl. The story is funny, emotional and sad. I've never read Molly Campbell but I see she has two other books that will soon be on my to be read pile. Hopefully we will catch up with Bob as she grows older.

The book was poignant, lovely, captivating and fabulous. I was immersed intonthe book from page 1 and read it in one sitting. I loved it and would recommend it to everyone. The book was engaging with a witty plot,strong characters and a flowing prose.

What a great read! Campbell utterly charms you with Crossing the Street, a sort of coming of age for the 30s and 40s crowd. Beck, utterly damaged by her parents' divorce as a kid, is on track to being a cat lady with her beloved Simpy. Her sister married her ex boyfriend and one of her two best friends is her neighbor, a woman in her 80s- Ella. Well, then Ella's great-granddaughter Roberta, aka "Bob", comes and charms everyone. Including Beck. Your heart will "pop like popcorn" for this book.