In this fun, feisty romp, a celebrity life coach collides with her former mentor as both women struggle with the choices they’ve made, the lives they have now, and the legacy they’ll leave behind.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
Caroline Beckett is living the dream. A self-help guru with a glamorous clientele and a marriage to a handsome photographer, she’s proof women really can have it all. But one night leaves Caroline reeling, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about her life―and what (if any) business she has teaching anyone how to live theirs.
Retired professor Devorah van Buren is spending her time getting herself and her Chihuahua, Mary Magdalene, kicked out of local restaurants for causing scenes with tourists. When she learns about Caroline’s rise to success and the personal scandal that’s followed, Devorah has a new purpose: sue her former student for stealing the ideas that made Caroline famous.
Back in her hometown to handle this new problem, Caroline is surprised to find reconnections with not only Devorah but her high school sweetheart too. After the way her life fell apart, Caroline is beginning to wonder if, with Devorah’s help, maybe she can build something better.
- Publisher : Lake Union Publishing
- Publish Date : May 7, 2024
- Paperback : 239 pages
If you follow my reviews, you know it’s rare that I read a book’s synopsis before develing into it. I usually know the genre and title, and either like or dislike the book cover. That’s it. So, in the case of Some Doubt About It, I pretty much went in clueless, guessing that it might lean toward a romance.
I quickly discovered that McNabb was able to beautifully handle a gamut of emotions that surrounded her story. I was chuckling from the get-go. I even found myself rereading a certain passage several times, just to keep appreciating it. But it didn’t last. She switched seamlessly from comedy to drama and the pain that others can cause.
This explains the ups and downs that the book contains:
Caroline Beckett is living the dream. A self-help guru with a glamorous clientele and a marriage to a handsome photographer, she’s proof women really can have it all. But one night leaves Caroline reeling, forcing her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about her life―and what (if any) business she has teaching anyone how to live theirs.
The characters were unique yet exhibit deep seated, universal emotions. Caroline Beckett and Devorah van Buren share the story with their chapter headings. The two are thrown together when Devorah accuses Caroline of stealing her book research and calling it her own. Then capitalizing on it and reaching great notoriety and success. The two are forced to explore deep feelings toward each other and themselves.
My Concerns
I can see some readers being sensitive and even put off by Devorah’s deliberate rudeness and bluntness. To those people I will say, hang in there. Keep reading. The story holds deeper meaning than outward actions and appearances.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a story that will stay with you long after you close the book, please consider Some Doubt About It.
As I mentioned, it covers a large array of emotions that feel based on realism rather than romanticism. I laughed and I hurt along with these characters. To coin the cliche, it was a roller coaster of emotions.
If you’re looking for a book that explores believable characters and has the beautiful backdrop of Cape Code, this is your book. If you want a book that keeps beckoning for you to pick it up and continue reading, this is it.
Marion McNabb is an author I definitely will be following.
My thanks to Marion McNabb and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC. I was under no obligation to post a positive review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marion McNabb is an author and screenwriter for film and television whose work includes the animated series Rainbow Rangers on Nick Jr. and Netflix. She studied film at NYU and received a theater degree from Arizona State University. McNabb lives on Cape Cod with her family, swimming with the mermaids when not working on her next novel.
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