Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Why I Love Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade



                                                                    


When I began reading blogger friend  Susan Flett Swiderski's  Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade, I was immediately drawn to the opening scene where Pearl's father drives away with a mysterious stranger leaving her oddly accepting mother behind. I quickly read on to find out her father's motivation for leaving, but the author slowly takes us there on her own terms introducing us to Pearl's colorful friends and family along the way.

Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade is the perfect title for a story that unwinds easily like a warm summer day one moment, and turns stormy the next. Pearl is a multifaceted character who can make you laugh hysterically and cry like a baby when you least expect it. I'll never forget the heart-rending scene where her successful son invites her to a dinner party. She always puts her family first which often comes back to haunt her.

Susan Flett Swiderski's novel is something that we can all relate to. Each character has a new layer that is slowly peeled away throughout the story. For example, Pearl's mother and husband have a special relationship that Pearl doesn't even begin to appreciate until later in the novel. She is so busy trying to be a supportive wife and mother that she forgets to be a more accepting daughter. We all struggle with these issues at some point in our lives.

I was sad when  Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade  came to an end, not because I was disappointed with the ending, but because I didn't want to say goodbye to this wonderful family. Susan's quick wit, and attention to detail made me want to spend more time with these amazing characters. It also made me appreciate my own family, flaws and all.



38 comments:

  1. I'm humbled. Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am beyond thrilled that you enjoyed the book. (Reading your review is a fabulous way to kick start my day! Thanks.)

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  2. Great review for Susan's book! And it's a funny title.

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  3. Hi Julie and Susan .. gosh I won it as a gift and I need to download it - Susan told me how too .. I will I will ..

    I think the title sounds so much fun - maybe there's some troublesome times that we all need to come to terms with .. but I'm so looking forward to reading it .. love the review too ..

    Good luck with your novel .. cheers Hilary

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  4. I can't wait to read this book! I have it on my Kindle and reading your post made me even more anxious to get started on it. I totally love Susan's writing style.

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  5. Awesome review, Julie! I have this book on my Kindle, but I haven't read it yet. I hope to remedy that soon :)

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  6. I am saving Susan's book for a trip I am going on soon and can't wait for both. Susan is such a good blog writer and I know her book will be all I anticipate. Your review, Julie, assures me that Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade will not disappoint.

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  7. Great review. I've got it on my TBR list. I have a feeling it will be full of emotion and humor. :)

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  8. An excellent review and a great post Julie.

    Yvonne.

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  9. Susan - It was a pleasure to read, and I couldn't wait to share my enthusiasm! I still can't believe that Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade is your debut novel! Thank you Susan!

    Alex - It is a funny title, and Susan's sense of humor shines all the way through!

    Hilary - It's great that you won it, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy reading about Pearl and her wacky family. Thanks Hilary!

    Julie - Susan does have a wonderful writing style! Thanks Julie!

    Carol - It's a great summer or anytime read! Thanks Carol!

    Arleen - Have a wonderful trip and happy reading! Thanks Arleen!

    Julie

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  11. L.G. - Pearl also evolves into a modern day "badass warrior" in her own right, so it has something for everyone! Thanks L.G.!

    Thank you Yvonne!

    Julie

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  12. That's a lovely review, Julie. It sounds like Susan's spunk shines through her writing too. I'm adding this book to my list for my next Amazon purchase. Thank you.

    xoRobyn

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    1. Robyn - That's great news! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks Robyn!

      Julie

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  13. Looks like a great book, thanks for introducing it.

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  14. I've never heard of it. I'll have to look it up.

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  15. A witty title! Sounds like a fun read.
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  16. Now, I must really look it up! I identify with the title.

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    1. Susan - And you'll identify with the characters even more!

      Julie

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  17. Thanks Rhonda!

    Ruth - I'm sure you'll like what you see!

    Nutschell - I agree that it's a witty title and a fun read!

    Julie

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  18. Hot Flashes & Cold Lemonade is the perfect title for a story that unwinds easily like a warm summer day one moment, and turns stormy the next. --- that's such a neat description.

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    1. I really admire Susan's ability to change tempos without missing a beat. Thanks Damyanti!

      Julie

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  19. That is a great review. It sounds like a satisfying read.

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  20. I couldn't agree more Rosalind!

    Thank you Yvonne!

    Julie

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  21. Susan is wonderful. I love her inspiration!

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  22. The author has done their job well when you don't want to leave their world.

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  23. Greetings human, Julie,

    Yes, finally, I'm here :)

    Susan is one of are best human blogger and author friends and we are wishing her so much success and fulfilment with her book. I also think it's very kind of you to bring further awareness of the lovable Susan. She's one of my most adoring of human fans :)

    Pawsitive wishes,

    Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

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  24. I have a trip coming up that sounds like a perfect book for some poolside reading.

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  25. Well put JJ!

    Jeff - It's not easy to form those strong bonds with characters. You hit the nail on the head Jeff!

    Penny - It's so nice that you and Gary are in the same book club, and that he shared this link with his FB fans!

    Jen - Be sure to keep a cold glass of lemonade on hand along with plenty of Kleenex! Have a great trip Jen!

    Julie

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  26. Wonderful review! It sounds like a great book, and I just love the cover. Very eye-catching!

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    1. Cherie - I also think that the cover is "very eye-catching!" Thanks Cherie!

      Julie

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  27. You write a mean review Julie... I'm hooked!
    Off to add it to my TBR...

    Writer In Transit

    (P.S. Are you for hire? I'm looking for somebody to help me with promos/marketing of my as-yet-to-be-completed-story... LOL)

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  28. you do write a great review--you have me wanting to read it and laugh and cry too :)

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  29. Michelle - Have your people call my people, and I'm sure we can work something out! I give discounts for incomplete stories! Thanks for the laugh Michelle!

    Thank you so much Lynn!

    Julie

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  30. Great review. That glass of lemonade made me thirsty!

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