Daralyse Lyons

This book is probably the closest to a true love story as I've ever read
Strangely, parts of it are very close to my own life and I'm sure other romantics would feel the same way. I wonder how many readers will have been through some of this story themselves; the love and passion alive and finally getting themselves where they needed to be. This book is amazing! To me, it felt very real, the discovery by family members of the letters that tell the story. It is a beautiful love story, never independently known, but the flow was wonderful. It took a bit of focus at times to realize again that these letters were never sent, beautiful as they were. A whole lifetime of wonderful, loving letters. I thought the premise was insightful and well-thought out. It reminded me of the letters my mother still has from WWII between herself and my dad. I remember her condensing them into a complete story for the 5 of us, me and my brothers, leaving out the "personal" parts. Now after reading Unsent Letters, I can only think of them like the letters never sent.

Daralyse Lyons has given us a book that is personal, thoughtful, filled with love and hope. I was gripped by it, read right through to 3:30 a.m. and even reread some parts. I think the story is remarkable in its continuity and honesty. I am so thankful for the connection of the family/families, especially considering other familial changes and understanding. Honest and real. A true love story.… (altro)

The title intrigued me and at first I was giving it 5 stars but ended up giving it 3 stars. Story line is good and fast paced; however, the reason why I dropped it to 3 stars is the open bedroom door. That is all chapter 12 was about and it was not needed. That chapter could easily be removed and the story would not be affected. Summary: Laura Cutty knew her husband was a murderer when she married him. Thomas kills men who physically abuse women/children. Since she cleans up his clothes afterwards, she is considered an accomplish. The police set a trap. Will he be caught?… (altro)

This is the first time reading this author's work. The title fooled me since I thought at the time I was going to read something on dieting but then realized it had to do with dating. When I started reading the novel, it was speaking on an adulterous affair with one of the teacher's students father. I shook my head on how could she do this...and some of the sense of humor. Clearly dating goes bad until the point the main female character wants to stop dating--or go on a dating diet. However, she does back to when her mother forced her to date at 12 years ago, to expose her breasts and even wear makeup, and allow a boy to kiss her! What mother does that to their 12 year old daughter to pressure them to date an 8th grader. I am just shaking my head--no! I am not sure how much more I can read from this point.

I did not realize it was "chick-lit" which I realized years ago I do not enjoy reading such literature or this type of genre. I was unable to complete it and read about halfway through which was very difficult to get this far for me.

I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing to provide an honest review.… (altro)

I started the year out with an awesome book, and I think I might not read anything else for the next few weeks so that I can end the year with an equally awesome book. I absolutely LOVED The Dating Diet and am eager to get my hands on more of Daralyse Lyons' books.
Like many 30-year-old women, Shayla has an overbearing mother and a history of failed relationships. A kindergarten teacher, Shayla decides to spend the three months of summer vacation to "find herself," and while doing so, she decides to take a break, or a diet, from dating.
This book had me laughing out loud several times, including while I was reading in public. From the opening scene, where Shayla jumps out of a window naked to an equally embarrassing closing scene, I was hooked. Shayla's BFF, a gay guy named Brice, and her platonic guy friend Dunkin join Shayla while she crosses various items off her self improvement list. These and others are characters I've fallen in love with and want to be friends with.… (altro)