Book review of “Love in Translation”
“Love in Translation” by Sara Palacios
Book Description:
Still reeling from an unexpected breakup, Emily nurses her broken heart by spending time with her best friends and taking one-too-many vodka shots. After one long night, she takes a hard look inside herself and doesn’t like what she sees. She realizes that she has sacrificed too much in her failed relationships from the past and vows to never settle for anything less than almost-perfect again. As she picks up the pieces and regains her confidence, a sexy Spanish chef moves in across the hall and knocks her off her feet. What ensues is an unexpected and tantalizing affair that opens her eyes – and her heart – to a whole new world and leaves her feeling sexier than she has ever felt. Emily finally sees how easy love is supposed to be. Is happily-ever-after actually possible? Just when she starts to think so, she realizes that sometimes life gets more complicated before it gets easier. And complicated is an understatement when Steven (her best and oldest friend in the world) confesses his love for her. Everything spirals out of control as Emily must make a choice between love and friendship, and in doing so, possibly risk it all.
LOVE IN TRANSLATION is a modern day love story about following your heart to unexpected places and taking chances in life … because sometimes you will find exactly what you are looking for.
My Review:
Before I singed up to be part of the CLP blog tour featuring Sara and her book, “Love in Translation,” I knew I wanted to read it. I was curious as to who would Emily be with in the end, the Spanish-speaking chef or her male friend.
The first few pages had me hooked and right away I felt sorry for Emily, and how David broke her heart. I loved how she handled the break up. In some parts I found myself giggling because what woman doesn’t go off the deep end at some point of a break up and have too many drinks with friends? It was during this part that I bonded with her and cheered her on as she proceeded to get over her ex. When Emily meets the handsome chef fireworks went off and it was easy to see that there was an instant connection between these two, even though he barely spoke English. It was fun to see how they got along without talking…However, when Steven comes into the picture, there was an undeniable connection between them and I liked him too. I liked his character and his and Sara’s friendly but flirty banter.
All the characters were likable, especially Emily. She wasn’t your typical girly girl either, and she knew what she wanted and what she didn’t, (including who she wanted), and for that I liked the book more. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Emily’s day-to-day life, but it was nice to see what her family life was like, especially her relationship with her parents.
As for how the book ended and without spoiling the ending, “Love in Translation” ended the right way, especially after a certain event…(no, I’m not going to spoil it for you).
Sara’s light writing style made “Love in Translation” a fun and quick read. It’s surprising that it’s her debut novel, but I know it won’t be her last. She’s a talented writer and I can’t wait to read more from Sara Palacios!
I give this book 4 stars!
**Buy “Love in Translation”
Amazon Paperback Amazon: Kindle edition Barnes & Noble: Nook Kobo: eBook
Interview with the author, Sara Palacios
What made you want to write a book? I’ve always been a big fan of writing and after dabbling in it for a while, I finally decided that I wanted to write a book. So, here I am! 🙂
What is your favorite thing to snack on while working? I am not a big snacker while I write but I do enjoy drinking a rather large glass of red wine – especially if I find myself writing late into the night.
Walk us through a day in your life: Is this an ideal day? Or a typical day? Let’s go with an ideal day … I typically wake up at 5 and try to get in a work out of some sort then I shower, get ready for work and then wake up the little man so we can leave for daycare. I typically drop him off at 7 am and then I am off to my day job at an accounting firm. I work until about 4, go and pick up my husband (we carpool to work) and then swing by and pick up Ethan. We eat dinner fairly early and then have family time, whether that entail going for a walk, hanging out and reading books, or play time – it varies by day. Then Ethan goes to sleep (usually around 7-7:30 pm) and that is typically when I read/write and then go to sleep. As you can see, nothing terribly exciting.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be? I currently work in accounting but if I could pick anything besides writing, I would love to be a yoga teacher or a pastry chef. I’ve been brainstorming ways to incorporate the two.
What do you love most about the Chick Lit genre? I love how fun it is. It seems like every book is realistic and could be something that has happened to me or one of my girlfriends.
Are you motivated by music and/or movies? I am such a movie buff. I love romantic comedies!
What is the writing/editing/publishing like for you? I really enjoy the creativity that goes into the writing aspect but I am not a big fan of the editing process. Luckily I have two very awesome editors on my side who help me out along the way.
Describe your perfect day: I would love to wake up in a gorgeous house in the snowy mountains and be greeted by my husband and son (and our two dogs). Then I would eat some fresh cinnamon rolls with nuts, a scrumptious bowl of berries and a big cup of coffee. Then I would spend the day on the mountains skiing and then head home, eat a delicious meal (either Italian or Tex-Mex) and then spend some time reading my latest book, which has just landed at #1 on the New York Times bestsellers list. Then snuggle up in the hot tub with my husband and a glass of Merlot.
How has the social media helped your career as an author? It’s been amazing. I have met so many wonderful people and I an inspired by so many of them.
Team Angelina or Team Jen? Is this even a question? Team Jen all the way.
What are three things people would be surprised to know about you? I am a vegetarian. I absolutely HATE the beach. My birthmark is a silver streak that resides in my hair.
Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects? I am currently working on my next book. I don’t want to reveal too much because some of it might change but it will be a love story with a blast-from-the-past mixed in.
***WAIT, THERE’S MORE**
Click on the picture below to win the “LOVE IN TRANSLATION” prize package, which includes the following:
— 6 pack eau de parfum from Victoria’s Secret —
— $10 gift card to Target —
The following items from Bath and Body Works:
— Carried Away shower gel —
— 3 oz. Sparkling Blackberry Woods lotion —
— Small stress relief candle and small White barn candle —
