This was my first Erin Zak book. I got it as an ARC back in 2019 and am just now reading it. I'm working on reviewing ARCs that I completely forgot I had or never got the desire to read after requesting them. I'm awful at ARCs but I love them so much. I might have a problem...

So, this book. The premise, I liked. The execution was painful for me. I honestly skimmed most of the last 100 pages (that's 100 ebook pages and my ereader said there were 571 pages which is not accurate but has to do with my font size and all that jazz) because there was so much repetition in information stated that I knew I wouldn't miss a thing. I would go from paragraph to paragraph and skim for something new. Then page by page. It wasn't a joyous reading experience.

But in addition to all of the same things being stated over and over and over again - sometimes by all three POVs - there was all of the telling and so very little showing. The majority of the book is exposition which made the repetition worse. The characters weren't fleshed out at all and even had the same basic speech patterns and word usage. Granted Jackie and Beth used "whatever" and "like" and Susan didn't nearly as much but everyone, regardless of where they lived or their background used "eh?" at the end of sentences or calls people hot messes. That's just one small example. All three POV characters were also constantly using self-talk that involved calling themselves stupid, ugly, ridiculous, and other awful things. Although once in a while they each would have some internal monologue that included being pretty, hot, good at something, etc.

Let me look at my notes right quick...

OH! This book is a few years old now and I don't remember what the blurb said but I'm going to discuss the husband/father in this story. He's portrayed throughout as crazy and violent and stalkerish and just awful in so many ways. And then everything with him is resolved in a page or two. It was a huge part of the story and then blah.

The whole concept of the birth mom and adoptive mom of a child meeting and the three of them developing a relationship was very interesting to me. Unfortunately, very little of anything dealing with the actual adoption issue was ever discussed. There were no demands (or even gentle requests) to know why she gave the baby up. Beth was just like, "Cool, you're my birth mom. No problems here!" It was just unbelievable.

There are other things that I have noted but the above covers enough. I will likely try another of Zak's books but I don't think I'll stick it out if the same show/tell and repetition of info happens. Overall, I was really disappointed but because it could have been such a great story. Still going to give it 3 stars because, even though I started to quit several times, the idea of the story and what might end up happening wouldn't let me completely drop it.

Thanks to Bold Strokes and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Sorry it took so long. I imagine there'll be some even older ones in my TBR that will end up here too.

Definitely a story to love!

Jackie Mitchell gets a shock when the baby she gave up for adoption turns up on her door step sixteen years later. Her daughter Beth is quite the clever girl, and as much as Jackie doesn’t want to get wrapped up in having this kid back in her life, she feels something to make sure she gets back home safe. The surprises don’t end their though. Meeting Susan, Beth’s adoptive mother changes something for Jackie. There is a feeling between them, something she can’t put her finger on but she still returns home, ignoring the nagging feeling of attraction to Susan as best she can. But when Beth and Susan end up back in Jackie’s life, invading her personal space she finds it increasingly difficult.

There was something familiar and comforting about certain parts of this wonderful story. It was truly a story that you could delve into and easily fall into reading without realising how much you had read in one sitting. It moves fluidly over the period in which Susan, Jackie and Beth are all adjusting to a life they are having to create to work for them after events take an unexpected turn. Beth’s actions in finding her birth mother, truly are the ignition to disrupting all of their lives, and shaking up the normal to make it vibrant and full of life.
I loved that we got perspective from all three main characters too. And two romances for the price of one. It gave extra depth and helped to really build a connection to the circumstances and personal effects on each of the characters who have had their lives impacted by the decisions made by the others. The artsy element and connection with Jackie’s life and career was extremely clever. A story within a story for Jackie and Beth when exploring their careers.

I really hope we get to see more from all the characters in this story, and that they can have their own stories in future too at some point. This was really very lovely, and I enjoyed every moment of the story. If you like romance, you will love this.

I'm forcing myself to write this since I didn't like this one. I don't know who the audience for this could be, I'm not.
It was disrespectful in every sentence, it was boring, it was cruel, it was triggering for my anxiety and I didn't want to write this review.

The Queer's Review

Every minute I spend reading this book was a wasted one for me.

And I know that sounds harsh, but it truly feels that way for me. I actually dreaded writing this review because I don’t have anything nice to say about Create a Life to Love. I could go the Thumper way but I won’t.

I mean obviously I won’t. Being a book blogger is not about being nice it’s about being authentic and honest without being an asshole to the author.

So I didn’t read much since I dnf-ed at 18% but even this not-far in there were so many problems for me I honestly should have dnf-ed way sooner.

First… we’ve got three different povs. I mean seriously. Three. It came across like a big mess of different thoughts and feelings but none of them made much sense to me. Of course three povs can work and it can make sense. But in this case it’s just a big mess of tell don’t show and I enjoy it being the other way. But okay. I could’ve lived with that.

I couldn’t live with but I accepted not liking even one character. Not even a little bit. I didn’t get them at all. One reason for this is that to me they felt very bland and one dimensional. But I didn’t get them on a rational level neither.

I mean… your husband is abusing you. And then you think to yourself “hey… adopting a child so that it gets abused too is a great idea?!” WTF?! There is so much slut shaming and female hating too.

I get being angry and hurt because your husband is cheating on you. But that’s not a reason to call the other woman a whore? There is so much wrong with it.

Shaming sex workers is not cool. Also how about insulting your husband since he’s the one who is cheating if you need to let off some steam? I seriously could go on and on about this and I don’t even know how bad it really gets in the end.

But speaking of not getting the characters. Trusting strange people into your home, going on a roadtrip with them, and overall being all lovey-dovey with them? I don’t get it. I didn’t understand why they all were being like that.

Bookish Thoughts

I had such high hopes for Creating a Life to Love. Maybe that’s way I crashed this hard with it.

The premise sounded far-fetched and unlikely, but this is a good writer, so I had hope. And I was right to!

One of the things that worked best in this piece is the idea that the three were “fated” to be together. Which is an odd thing to say, coming from someone who does not believe in that. But it really tied things together, in a way that could not be done any other way.

I enjoyed this one a lot. I did feel that the romance between the two leads blossomed out of nowhere, since one them was straight. Very straight as it appeared. Brushing that aside, I did enjoy the eventual couping and the viewpoint of the daughter. I'm glad that she wasn't left in the dark in regards to the abuse and realized it wasn't healthy. A good story overall.

What an awesome book. I really enjoyed Jackie, Susan, and Beth and that each had their story to tell. Way to go!

If I could rate this book a million stars I would. There is absolutely nothing about it that I would change. This is officially one of my favorite books of all time.

This wasn't my favorite book by this author. There's nothing wrong with the premise, it just felt rushed sometimes with the ends and beginnings of relationships. It's a good read if you are able to suspend your disbelief and take the story for what it is... fiction.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jackie and Susan are the leads in this romance (which deals in part with the tough topic of spousal abuse). Beth (Susan's adopted daughter) starts the ball rolling in the book and is an able supporting character. While at times the plot is confusing/convenient which detracts from a really good story Ms. Zak's books are not run of the mill and as such, I look forward to more from her.
2.75 stars.

This starts out great and ends even better. I couldn't put this down until I was finished. How the past can change your life forever. This story hits home for so many. Loved the romance and the new parent lessons.

Absolutely loved this story although it was a little slow for me, but this could have been due to my very busy lifestyle at the moment.

The storyline was amazing and so intriguing too! I loved the characters and I loved how they all worked together.

I would definitely recommend this read and it’s one that I would love to come back too.

This is an excellent story. Erin Zak had me at the 1st chapter and then it just got better.
The story is told from three points of view in the first person in alternating chapters.
Successful LesFic writer, Jackie Mitchell opens the door of her home one afternoon to a teenager who looks vaguely familiar but is not. The teenager is Beth Weber, the daughter Jackie gave up for adoption sixteen years earlier. Susan Weber, is Beth’s mom and a Savanah housewife in an abusive relationship.
After Susan leaves her husband, she and Beth head to Jackie’s condo knowing her husband won’t be able to find them there. Both Beth and Susan find their true north in Jackie who let them both find their way in life. The ending was the best surprise of all.

Jackie lives a simple life as a romance novelist. She prefers to spend time alone, but her friends can successfully pull her out of her shell when she needs to let loose a little. When her biological daughter, Beth, shows up on her doorstep, everything changes. She's immediately attracted to Beth's adoptive mother, Susan, but Susan is married, to a man. However, Susan's seemingly picture perfect life is marred by her husbands abuse. When he crosses the line, she leaves him. With nowhere to go for fear of his catching them, she and Beth come to Jackie for a place to stay. Susan and Jackie grow closer, and soon denying their attraction isn't an option any longer. Can Susan Jackie and Beth create a life together, or is this only temporary?

I really enjoyed this book! I think I always get some Swan Queen vibes when I read this author's work and that gives the books a special place in my heart. I'm not usually someone who enjoys first person POV, and in this book we have first person POV from Jackie, Susan and Beth, but I ended up really enjoying how this worked. I was a little confused in the beginning, but I soon got into the rhythm. I loved that this way we were able to experience Beth's thoughts and feelings as well. We got to see her own evolution, in her sexuality and discovering who she is, her art and her life. The beginning of the book sped along really fast, but gosh it had the right about of emotion to hook you. As sad as the way the beginning of this story played out, I love the way the three women connect, supporting each other and thriving together. It was really beautiful thing to experience.

I have come to know that I can rely on reading an amazing book by Erin Zak, and I look forward to more in the future.

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars. I enjoyed this novel. This novel is about romance novelist, Jackie Mitchell, who gave up her daughter at birth. When her daughter, Beth, now 16 years old, shows up at her doorstep, she is unsure what to do. Jackie did not want to be a mom and wants to send her daughter back. Beth hitchhiked hours to meet Jackie and now Jackie feels responsible and drives Beth back. That is when she meets Susan Weber. Jackie thinks Susan is trouble, beautiful and married to a man. Little does Jackie know at first, but her life is going to change forever once she meets Susan and Beth.

I enjoyed this novel a lot. It was in three points of view, Susan, Beth and Jackie which I found interesting. You really can see all their prospective on the series of events that happened. Without giving too much of the book away, there is a series of events that lands Beth and Susan at Jackie's door where they must stay with her. You can really feel how all the relationships between Susan and Jackie and Jackie and Beth develop. Once they get to know each other, they get more and more comfortable with each other and see how their feelings change. Jackie has a lot of change in this novel, and it is easy to see how she changes. The interactions are all good and well thought out and the novel as a whole is an easy read. I got sucked into the book once Beth and Susan moved in with Jackie. There was a lot of tension that made me wonder what will happen next. I recommend this novel, as it was a quick great read. I read most of the book on a plane ride.

Love, hate and onions all in one book. One second you will be laughing. Then you want to throw the book because of what a character says or does. Then you will cry at the deep moving themes in here.

This book had me hooked from the first word. Erin Zak is a new author for me so I went in with no expectations. The audacity of Beth Weber to show up rain-soaked at Jackie Mitchell's Florida home. Beth hitched a ride from Savannah to meet her birth mother. If I were Jackie, I would have freaked out at meeting the daughter she had given up for adoption. I am so glad Jackie opened her door.

Beth was persistent in trying to get Jackie to open up to her. Jackie decided to drive Beth the five hours back to Savannah. The craziest thing occurs when Jackie meets Susan, Beth's "mom" meet. An instant electric current races between the two women. Jackie is an out and proud lesbian writer, whereas Susan is a neglected housewife. The alternate Pov's of the three women was a nice element to the story. Readers were given a unique perspective from each woman.

Susan, Beth and Jackie had a metamorphosis with respect to their idea of family and their sexuality. Can I also say the sex was hot as hell too! This was an excellent book and I will be reading more from this author. I received a ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked so much about this book, but I really had a hard time getting past one thing...the time frame in which this took place.

It was so hard for to deal with the fact that this woman left her abusive husband and less than a week later is wanting someone else. Not to mention that fact that it's a woman she wants. If this took place over 4 months instead of 4 weeks it would make more sense.

All of the mains were great, including Beth, the teenager. Everyone was likeable. I'm just back to the fact that everything progressed soooo quickly. It's been two weeks and everyone is in love.

The ex-husband, oh the ex-husband. Just because he's seen the error in his abusive ways everyone is going to be all chummy? That guy deserves a kick in the junk and a restraining order, not?

This was an ok book, but not my favorite by the author.

(A copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley)

This book was very sweet and happy and talked about a lot of issues.
Being a lesbian -romance author and a lesbian herself, Jackie Mitchell has lead a life she loves and is comfortable in. But it All changes when her 16 year old daughter, who she gave up, came to her door in St Petes with questions in her eyes, all alone and scared.
The story had great premise and an interesting emotional backdrop but i felt like a lot of it was sprung on you without prior foreshadowing. The characters were not very relatable and felt unreal. I hated how very thing just worked out in the end. Not that I crave unhappy endings, but a lot of thoughts were given to the villain to find him withdrawing out. I wish I could like this book because I really tried. But i could not get past the unfinished and unpolished writing and a premise which went terribly wrong.

Erin Zak that’s a phenomenal job with this book, it grab me from the first few pages and did not let go until the very end of the book. What I like most about the book was the way she wrote in the first person point of view for each of the three main characters in the book. This was such an excellent idea because I got to know exactly what each character was thinking at each point in the story. Character one is Jackie who is somewhat of a recluse and an author end it biological mother to Beth. When they meet the reaction from each of the characters is not what either of them expected. Then add in the third character which is Susan , The woman who adopted and raised Beth. From the very start of the book you also get the sense that Jackie and Susan are drawn to one another yet each of them knows that any possibility of a relationship could never happen because Susan is a straight woman and Jackie is a lesbian. There is an element of drama in the book and that mostly deals with the domestic violence which Susan suffer through and never let her daughter know what was going on between her and her husband until finally it really a breaking point and Susan and Beth needed to leave. with nowhere to go season in Beth it’s Show up on Jackie’s doorstep. What pursues through the rest of the book is a beautiful description of falling in love and the physical manifestation when that happens. This part of the book is so intensely beautiful I couldn’t but hope that this might’ve been a description of how the author fell in love with her partner. I say this because when these two women got together and started a relationship the writing becomes such that it seems based in personal experience. A major change in our characters comes when Beth meets Peggy and the incredible support Peggy gives to Beth both personally and with her art work. Beth And Susan coming to the realization that they are either bisexual or lesbian was again so well written.
This is such a beautiful and intense and lovely story that I highly recommend it.