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Book Review: Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn Blog Tour & Giveaway

June 12, 2009 by Darlene

Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn is a story about Holly Frick, a thirties-something professional searching for what she really wants out of her life and being totally mystified by events in people’s lives around her along with her own. The beginning of the book finds her newly divorced, not of her own choosing either, and with a career that’s going downhill in a big hurry.

So Holly decides that she’s just going to live life and not worry about the consequences and gets herself a young boyfriend. The kind of boyfriend you just keep around for a good time with no strings attached. In the meantime, her supposedly happily married friend Amanda is having an affair; even worse with a man Holly seems attracted to. Her other best friend Betsy is having some big issues with getting older. She’s wondering where the time went and why she still can’t seem to find the love she yearns for. It could be she keeps looking for it in all the wrong places. In among the wreckage of friends is Leonard; all I can say about him is he’s a total mess. Then there’s Spence, an old boyfriend. Holly has published a book and it seems to be based on her relationship with him and all that was wrong with him. Granted he was a jerk, still is, but he’s trying really hard to build a new relationship.

This is a story of unhappy people really, all looking for happiness. Holly being my favorite character is the one I’ll talk about. She tries by first indulging herself in a much younger man and then in an attempt at a real relationship which unfortunately backfires on her. The best thing she did was to adopt Chester, a dog who was sick with a brain tumor. She takes care of him and learns what love really is—unconditional and just plain ‘right’. Chester teaches her a few lessons along the way so that by the end of the story Holly is learning to just live her own way and to find happiness maybe in the smaller things.

I’ve got a couple of quotes to share, one funny and one serious that I liked…let’s do funny first…

  • ‘”Hold on a sec,” Holly said to her. “Okay. Listen to me. I don’t want to go back into that dressing room and take off my boots and my pants and start putting on jeans only to discover that the ones you brought me are all too tight, and then when I ask for the next size up, be informed that they’re the biggest size you carry. I can’t take that today. Seriously, I’ll blow my head off. So look at me, look at my ass, look at my gut, take it all in, and then tell me honestly if you anticipate we’re going to have a problem.”‘ (pg 80)
  • ‘Sometimes Holly could start to see the order in things, she got a glimmer of a pattern. And that thing everyone seems to say these days, about how things always happen for a reason – Holly was getting closer to being willing to concede that that was maybe, possibly true. That idea of a person’s life being a tapestry, and it wasn’t until late in the day that you could see all of the threads linking one part to another, all of the strange and random connections, how everyone impacts each other in seemingly small but important ways.’ (pg 269)

All in all I enjoyed the book, but it was just ok for me. I enjoyed the writing style of Sarah Dunn but I did find that there was unecessary swearing and hanky panky in the book–for me it didn’t really seem to fit the whole theme of the book. I think it could have been carried off without it just as well. That being said I would read another of Sarah Dunn’s books given the opportunity. I enjoy the carefree way she writes and the modern portrayal of her characters—they live in a real world with real problems.

Be sure to pop in and visit Sarah Dunn’s website here and you can purchase this book here in the US and here in Canada. Many thanks to Miriam at Hachette Book Group for the opportunity to participate in Sarah Dunn’s blog tour and read the book. For more participants in the blog tour, head over here and check them all out.

GIVEAWAY

I’ve got 3 copies of Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn to share with you. What do I need you to do…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you please.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do-thank you-and let me know so I can make sure you get the extras.
  • For 3 entries blog/tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

The giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes). I will draw for the winners on Tuesday, June 30. Good luck to all!

Please remember to check out my sidebars for all the other giveaways going on at my blog!

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Filed Under: 100+ Reading Challenge 2009, 2009 ARC Reading Challenge, 2009 Book Reviews, Hachette Blog Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Veens says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:27 am

    wowzie! what a lovely template Dar! Amazing HEADER! I love the qoute ou have put there… I am going to COPY it~! πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€ I am sorry… I know! πŸ™‚

    I love your blog's new look… it is so cute πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

    And I really am liking Holly too πŸ™‚ esp. because of her adopting the dog Chester! That's a very noble deed to do!

    I have in my personal life realized that we learn a lot of things from animals..esp. dogs πŸ™‚ my lovely dog … I have learned from her a lot of things πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ and i keep learning a lot from her too πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

    Thanks Dar lovely review!

  2. Sandy Nawrot says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:30 am

    I remember Beth F not "getting" this book, which for some reason shocked me. It seems just hard to imagine not falling totally in love with a book that has a cover this amazing! I guess that should show me! This is the perfect example of a cover that would make me pick up and buy a book!

  3. Lynne says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Sounds like a good book. I'd love a chance to win – and I follow your blog and read daily.

  4. Cindy says

    June 12, 2009 at 11:17 am

    I love the cover of this book too! I have to read a book with a cover like that. Please include me in the contest.

    Cindy
    Socmom213@aol.com

  5. Cindy says

    June 12, 2009 at 11:18 am

    I am a follower of your blog.

    Cindy
    Socmom213@aol.com

  6. Pam says

    June 12, 2009 at 11:51 am

    I love the cover of this book and the story sounds good too. I've read pretty good reviews of it so I'd like to take a look.

    I'm a follower too.

    melacan at hotmail dot com

  7. Nan says

    June 12, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    I just love the cover of this book. I'd love a chance to win it. I follow you through google reader.

  8. Mary says

    June 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    Please enter my name, Dar πŸ™‚

    meah56 at gmail dot com

  9. Mary says

    June 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I follow you already!

    meah56 at gmail dot com

  10. Mary says

    June 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I blogged on my sidebar.

    meah56 at gmail dot com

  11. Toni says

    June 12, 2009 at 3:54 pm

    No need to enter me. I enjoyed your review Dar. I like the term Hanky Panky. πŸ™‚ Of course you know me.. I don't mind the Hanky or the Panky… for a small book there was a high percentage of Hank and Pank. Oh gosh.. I need to quit while I am ahead. Happy Friday.

  12. Zibilee says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I really like the cover on this one! Seems like it would be a good book to take to the beach.

  13. miriamparker says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:32 pm

    Thanks for looking on the bright side of this one, Dar! I think you've found the secret! πŸ™‚

  14. bermudaonion says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Don't enter me. I just wanted to say I totally agree with your assessment of the book.

  15. Serena says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    no need to enter me, but I love the new look and this is a great review!

    That header is stunning!

    Did you do it yourself??

  16. Jess says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:43 pm

    Dar,

    Please enter me in the giveaway, this looks like a fun read.

    jedziedz@hotmail.com
    jess
    barney's book blog

  17. Jess says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    I am also a follower.

    jedziedz@hotmail.com
    jess
    barney's book blog

  18. kalea_kane says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:48 pm

    Just popping by on the tour. I just posted mine. We were without power on vacay. I loved the book. There were so many moments that had me laugh out loud. πŸ™‚ Loved your take on it, and your new layout is gorgeous!

  19. April says

    June 12, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    Great post and review, Dar! No need to enter me, since I have my own copy. I agree about the book being a story of unhappy people. I liked it and thought of it as a comedy of sorts.
    By the way, I meant to comment on an earlier post that your new look is gorgeous!!!
    Have a great weekend!

  20. Melissa - Shhh I'm Reading says

    June 12, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    I love the cover on this one! It looks so fun.

    shhhimreading(at)hotmail(dot)com

  21. Melissa - Shhh I'm Reading says

    June 12, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    I also follow.

  22. Jo-Jo says

    June 12, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    This sounds like such a neat book and I would love a chance to win it.
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  23. Jo-Jo says

    June 12, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    I'm also a follower.
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  24. nfmgirl says

    June 12, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    Sounds like a great book! I'd love to be included. Please count me in. Thank you!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  25. nfmgirl says

    June 12, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    I follow

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  26. JessicaLeigh says

    June 12, 2009 at 7:05 pm

    Hi Dar! My email address is jessicaleigh4 (@) gmail (dot) com. πŸ™‚

  27. JessicaLeigh says

    June 12, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    I already follow your blog on Google Reader! πŸ™‚

  28. scottsgal says

    June 12, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    I have to read this – probably one of my fave covers this summer

    msboatgal at aol.com

  29. scottsgal says

    June 12, 2009 at 7:32 pm

    already a follower

    msboatgal at aol.com

  30. Heather says

    June 12, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    Looks like a good read! Enter me pretty please!

    heatheranne99 at hotmail dot com

  31. Heather says

    June 12, 2009 at 9:39 pm

    Blog follower!

    heatheranne99 at hotmail dot com

  32. Kitten22 says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    This looks great! Please enter me!

    BookCrossingKitten22[at]gmail[dot]com

  33. Kitten22 says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    I'm already a subscriber (through Google Reader).

    BookCrossingKitten22[at]gmail[dot]com

  34. Kitten22 says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:14 pm

    I tweeted about this!

    http://twitter.com/BookingKitten22

    BookCrossingKitten22[at]gmail[dot]com

  35. holdenj says

    June 12, 2009 at 10:36 pm

    Sounds like a great story.
    Please enter me!

    JHolden955 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Thanks!

  36. Literary Feline says

    June 12, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    This is a popular one lately. I sure do love the cover! It sounds like a good book, but too much unnecessary hanky panky can be a turn off for me too.

    Please don't enter me. I'd rather someone win who already knows for sure he or she wants to read this one. πŸ™‚

  37. bridget3420 says

    June 13, 2009 at 12:10 am

    I would love to win this book.

    bjhopper(at)me(dot)com

  38. bridget3420 says

    June 13, 2009 at 12:10 am

    I'm a follower

  39. bridget3420 says

    June 13, 2009 at 12:11 am

    Linked on my sidebar

    http://bridget3420.blogspot.com

  40. Luanne says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:06 am

    No need to enter me Dar. I've dne every Early Bird tour and sadly this is the first one I didn't enjoy at all…. πŸ™

  41. throuthehaze says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:10 am

    sounds great!
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

  42. throuthehaze says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:10 am

    im a follower
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

  43. AmandaSue says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:16 am

    I've wanted to read this book ever since I first saw the cover its so cute! Thanks for the chance.
    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  44. AmandaSue says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:16 am

    I'm a follower thanks!
    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

  45. Ann Diana Dinh, says

    June 13, 2009 at 2:11 am

    I love the title of the book! It sounds so meaningful!

    behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com

  46. Ann Diana Dinh, says

    June 13, 2009 at 2:12 am

    I also am already following.

    behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com

  47. Alice Teh says

    June 13, 2009 at 5:49 am

    I love the cover. I'm not too fond of too much unnecessary hanky-panky, though.

  48. Belinda M says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    Please include me in your giveaway

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    "Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
    CoolCanucks.ca"

  49. Belinda M says

    June 13, 2009 at 1:44 pm

    I am a current follower of your blog

    bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

    "Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Fun:
    CoolCanucks.ca"

  50. nfmgirl says

    June 13, 2009 at 3:30 pm

    I blogged it:
    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2009/06/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-06-13-09.html

  51. Bridget says

    June 13, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    No need to enter me, Dar, just posted on Win A Book for you.

  52. Jake Lsewhere says

    June 13, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    Looks like a good read, please enter me into this drawing.

    Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
    jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com

  53. Blodeuedd says

    June 13, 2009 at 5:56 pm

    No me sadly.

    But…hm why does this name sound so familiar. I mist have read something by her, and this one sounds good

  54. Yvonne says

    June 13, 2009 at 8:08 pm

    I'd love to be entered in this one.

    yvone473[at]optonline[dot]net

    I'm also a follower!

  55. MJ says

    June 13, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    I'd like to try this. I have to say that the mixed reviews have made me curious.

    I follow.

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

  56. Jacqueline C says

    June 13, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    I really want this book! I'm already a follower.

    Jac8604(at)hotmail(dot)com

  57. Amber says

    June 14, 2009 at 1:59 am

    I would just love to win – this book looks great!
    Thank you for the giveaway πŸ™‚
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  58. Amber says

    June 14, 2009 at 2:01 am

    I follow!
    Thank you for the giveaway πŸ™‚
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  59. Kristen says

    June 14, 2009 at 4:04 pm

    Please enter me in this one. The dog's not included, is he? 'Cause I'd love him too. πŸ˜‰

    whitreidsmama at yahoo.com

  60. Marie says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I would love to read this, I've heard great things about it!

    marielay@gmail.com

  61. Marie says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    I am a follower.

    marielay@gmail.com

  62. Searcher says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    I would love a chance to win…please enter me.

    LooseEnds AT Snet DOT Net

  63. Searcher says

    June 14, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    I am a follower

  64. Esme says

    June 15, 2009 at 1:51 am

    Hello I would like a chance to read this. thanks

    chocolateandcroissants@yahoo.com

  65. olympianlady says

    June 15, 2009 at 6:35 am

    Please enter me. Thanks!

    tiffanyak1986(at)hotmail(dot)com

  66. Wanda says

    June 16, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    No need to enter but I especially enjoyed that first quote, gave me a chuckle (but I never laugh when something similar happens to me!).

  67. naida says

    June 16, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    that cover is too cute!
    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

  68. Sherrie says

    June 17, 2009 at 12:08 am

    Hi!
    Would love to read this book! Please put me in the drawing! I am also following you and I tweeted this at twitter. https://twitter.com/splummer54

    Sherrie
    splummer54@gmail.com

  69. Joanne says

    June 17, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    I've had this on my list to read for awhile. I think it sounds really interesting because of all the characters. And that cover is perfect for the title – my dogs conked out on their backs like that make them seem so happy, peaceful, with not a worry in the world πŸ™‚

    Thanks for the review and I would love to be entered in your giveaway!

    I'm a follower.
    shiloki[at]gmail[dot]com
    Thanks πŸ™‚

  70. Jo-Jo says

    June 18, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    I've blogged about the contest here.
    joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com

  71. Anna says

    June 18, 2009 at 6:12 pm

    No need to enter me. Just wanted to say I enjoyed your review. I absolutely love the cover, but I'm still not sure whether this book is my cup of tea.

    –Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

  72. Anna says

    June 18, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    No need to enter me. Just wanted to say I enjoyed your review. I absolutely love the cover, but I'm still not sure whether this book is my cup of tea.

    –Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

  73. Mishel says

    June 20, 2009 at 3:04 am

    I love your honest review Dar. And I've seen so many mixed reviews on this book in particular. I'd still love to give it a shot.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    mishtakes AT gmail DOT com

    P.S. I'm already a follower <3

  74. Aimala says

    June 20, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    Hi! I'm a new follower having recently discovered your blog! I've had this book on my list for a while & would love to win it!
    Thanks!

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

  75. CherylS22 says

    June 20, 2009 at 4:06 pm

    I'd love to read this book – please count me in!

    Thanks,
    megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

  76. CherylS22 says

    June 20, 2009 at 4:07 pm

    I follow.

    megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]com

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