I’m Fine and Neither Are You by Camille Pagan

Review by DJB

A Fictional Self Help Novel

I’m Fine and Neither Are You

4.5 Stars(almost 5 except the protagonist was a tad bit “too” much at times and worked my nerves) **Spoiler Free Review**

This is not a book that I would normally read, as I would have considered it “too realistic” for me. However, it was selected for our book club and I stepped out of my comfort zone. I normally don’t read books about real life problems because I have my own, I read to escape reality. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of what I already knew. You can never possibly know everything that is going on in people’s lives and minds. If you didn’t already know there were problems in your relationships, reading this book will surely tell you there are many. I actually realized I do some of the same things as Penny and sabotage things because I think are going too well. Or, I accept things the way they are because I am afraid of conflict or hurting someone. The core characters of this story experience the same things most of us have and it helps to see others struggle through it. I am not saying its good to see others struggle, it just shows you that you are not alone in the struggle.

This is a work of fiction but could easily be an entertaining self help book. I highly recommend this to anyone (male or female) that has ever been in a relationship (not just a romantic one), had a stressful job, experiences the struggle with the balance of life, experienced the loss of a loved one, or an absentee parent.

I had a digital copy as well as the audio version. The Audible narrator, Amy McFadden, was great!

The Callie’s Kitchen Mysteries by Jenny Kales

“A series that will make you hungry for murder”

Overall Series Rating 4.5 Stars (Books 1-4)

On the Chopping Block (A Callie’s Kitchen Mystery, #1)

Such a fun series. I am totally invested in Callie and Company and the future endeavors in Crystal Bay. As much as I love Callie, I think its all her friends and family that make me love this series so much. Callie is a hard working Greek bistro owner as well as a single mom, so of course she has time to be an amateur sleuth and mystery solver. Callie just has a knack for finding dead bodies.

Ms. Kales does a great job developing the lovable characters. The characters are so relatable. Yes its a small town and quite over the top in many cases, but the relationships and emotions, as well as day to day routines, are real. I feel like I have been in many of the same situations with family, exes, friends, budding romances, coworkers, etc.

The books have many plot twists that will keep you guessing until the end. Each book has a theme surrounding it. From a Cook Off to Christmas and Halloween to Murder Mystery Dinners, each book will offer you a new adventure in Crystal Bay, WI.

If I had to pick a favorite so far in the series, it would be Spiced and Iced (Book 2). In this book, Callie’s strength is tested, and tested hard. She has many trials thrown at her and she never breaks. Callie is a protagonist that I could truly admire, definitely a super woman. And let’s face it, its Christmas Time. Nothing better than a Christmas themed Cozy!!


The books also made me hungry, as I love Mediterranean dishes. There are several recipes in the back of the books that I will definitely try, especially the Greek Coffee Cakes!

I am impatiently awaiting Book 5. I highly recommend this series to anyone that already has a love for Cozy Mysteries or is looking to dive into the genre. Callie is a very strong woman, so even though this a cozy, you will enjoy this series if you love mysteries with a strong female protagonist. This series is also available on Kindle Unlimited.