debby caruso

Merry Hanukkah Series: Happy Everything

October 2, 2019 by Leah Leave a Comment

Reading is one of my passions. I would read all day, every day, if I could. There are a few things I look for when I am looking for a book to read. First, I look for books by authors I have read before; second, I look for series books; and third, I look for books with serial killers. Happy Everything, part of the Merry Hanukkah series by Debby Caruso has two of those three things! I’ll let you guess which one it doesn’t have! When I was asked if I would like to receive a copy of this book for the purpose of this review, I jumped at the chance.

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About the Merry Hanukkah Series

So like I mentioned above, I love series books. I get super invested in the characters, almost like they are my friends, and I want to read more and more books with those same characters. The first book in the Merry Hanukkah series (Merry Hanukkah) introduces us to Rhonda and James and the joys of blending their two lives and families together. When I finished that book, I truly hoped that Debby Caruso had another book started with Rhonda and James. She did not disappoint!

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Happy Everything by Debby Caruso

From Amazon

Happy Everything is the ongoing story of Rhonda and James,following them from Merry Hanukkah directly into the much anticipated second installment in the Merry Hanukkah series. Everyone’s favorite newlyweds have settled into married life, but now it’s Dez and Jack’s turn to make it official. In typical Rhonda fashion, she’s determined to give her best friend Dez the best bridal shower ever, all while juggling yet another work crisis and still trying desperately to fit in to her new family situation. Unfortunately, Aunt Bunny is diagnosed with cancer, and the entire family starts coming apart at the seams. Rhonda and James step in to help support Uncle Ben any way they can, but it’s never enough for Rhonda’s incorrigible mother-in-law, Vivian. Will Vivian’s constant meddling finally cause Rhonda and James irreparable damage? Is there any way that Rhonda can pull the family together by hosting both Passover and Easter on the same weekend? Why is Rhonda’s Dad suddenly dating someone much younger than him? And how can Rhonda come up with a new and exciting way to sell protein bars? Follow Rhonda into this new chapter of her life, where success hinges on the latest and greatest ad campaign, and her personal triumphs are determined by how much she can do for others. Journey with her as she begins to slowly realize that she can’t be all things to all people; even the ones you love the most.

Happy Everything (Merry Hanukkah)

My Thoughts

Debby Caruso is a writing genius! The best part of the Merry Hanukkah series are the characters. Each character in this book makes you feel like they are your friend or someone you want to make your friend! I literally can see someone in my real life, in each of the characters. Especially Rhonda’s mother in-law, Vivian. I think everyone has a Vivian in their life! This was one of those books, just like Merry Hanukkah, that I could not put down. I can’t tell you how many nights I stayed up longer than I should, just so I could get my Rhonda fix!

I’m really hoping there is a third book coming in this series. I would really love to know more about some of the other characters. For instance, why is Vivian the way she is? What is her backstory? Everyone has a backstory. I’d also love to see Rhonda and James have a baby. Although, I suspect they are waiting to further their careers a bit more before that happens…but I’d still love to see it happen.

Crossing Lex Merry Hanukkah Happy Everything (Merry Hanukkah)

Merry Hanukkah by Debby Caruso

August 21, 2018 by Leah Leave a Comment

The holidays are my favorite time of the year. As soon as the Hallmark Channel starts advertising their holiday movie lineup, I start programming the DVR. So when the author, Debby Caruso asked me if I would like an advanced copy of her newest book, Merry Hanukkah, it was an easy answer. Of course I did! Holiday movies are my favorite; reading is my favorite; combine the two into an epic holiday book…GENIUS!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

About Merry Hanukkah by Debby Caruso

From Amazon

Meet Rhonda, a semi-neurotic ad agent and Christmas fanatic, who decides she’s going to make a fabulous Hanukkah celebration for her new husband James and his family. In the midst of trying to create the perfect day, Rhonda meets with various roadblocks: a hostile mother-in-law who takes the joy out of any day, recipes she can’t seem to maser, a looming work deadline that’s sure to do her in, as well as an intrinsic belief that somehow the holidays are about something more…and that the “perfect” day isn’t always what it seems.

Merry Hanukkah is for all those celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, and for the holiday Junkie in all of us. It’s a hilarious journey revealing the truth of what we value the most: faith, family, friendship, and love.

Merry Hanukkah

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved this book. Debby Caruso has done it again. Like Crossing Lex, Merry Hanukkah grabs your attention immediately. Within the first few chapters of the book, I instantly thought this would make an excellent Hallmark Movie. It just had that feel about it. I stayed up a few nights in a row and read WAY TOO late, just so I could finish the book faster!

This is the second book by Debby Caruso that I have read, and like the last one, she has done an amazing job developing the characters in this book. One of the things that got me into reading at such a young age, was the characters. I liked getting to know the characters as if I were meeting them in person. Debby Caruso does a good job of this. In fact, I really hope she writes more with Rhonda and the rest of the characters in this book!

Merry Hanukkah Crossing Lex

True Love Story – Crossing Lex by Debby Caruso

September 29, 2017 by Leah 19 Comments

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About six years ago, I read a book that really affected me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. That book was The Shack. Literally, for weeks after finishing the book, I had that book on my mind. It made me think differently about things. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading a book like that since…until now. Crossing Lex, by Debby Caruso is a must read, true love story and one of those books that will stick with you, well after you read the last page.

About This True Love Story – from Amazon

It’s 1999 and Danielle is living the dream: working in New York City, creating a brand-new life for herself, and looking for romance. On the cusp of finding just what she’s always dreamed of, memories of past trauma threaten to interfere with what may be the love story of a lifetime. As she moves forward, she will have to decide if she is defined by her past, doomed by her past, or perhaps made better because of it.

Crossing Lex

We all have those memories that seem to pop up when we least expect it. Those moments in time that seem to shape us as a person. The picture that Debby Caruso paints of the main character, Danielle, is amazing. You immediately connect with Danielle and are willing her to push past her demons and have that true love story she is so desperately seeking.

Part way through the book, I started to suspect the ending. Sometimes that annoys me with books. Not with Crossing Lex. With this book it made me want to continue reading all the more. I think part of me was hoping I was wrong. The last few chapters will have you holding your breath as you read them. The imagery Debby Caruso’s words invoke is excellent and leaves you wanting more.

Debby Caruso Author Interview

September 1, 2017 by Leah 24 Comments

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases*

As an aspiring author and a lover of books, getting the opportunity to speak with other authors is a dream come true. No one understands my passion for books and writing like an author! While I couldn’t sit down face to face with Debby Caruso, the author of the book Crossing Lex, I did have the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her new book! Enjoy!

Debby Caruso – Crossing Lex

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a 45-year old Native New Yorker who loves every little thing about NYC. In “real life” I am a Pilates/Fitness Instructor and I am also an avid swimmer for my own fitness and sanity.

How did you get started in writing? How did you break into the publishing world?

I have been writing forever, and telling stories from the moment I could talk. I am also a voracious reader and have read a book almost every night of my life. When I was 35 years old, I took an acting class for the first time and then I began writing for stage. I have developed work and love writing various mediums. As for the publishing world: I took the initiative and went about getting my work into the public forum via Create Space.

Do you outline your books first or are you a seat-of-the-pants writer?

I’m not an outliner, though I would love to be that kind of writer. I generally start with a string of ideas and then move forward as I know where I’m going. I find motion helps me to move forward with plot; as crazy as it sounds, I often “write” in my head while I swim.

Tell us a little about Crossing Lex. How did you come up with the idea for this book?

Crossing Lex was the book that I felt I had to write after working in NYC for a decade. I actually left a job much like Danielle’s (the main character) in order to write full time.

How do you deal with the dreaded writers block?

I don’t experience that often…Thank God! I do get frustrated and walk away at times, but the story always calls me back.

If Crossing Lex were to be made into a movie, who would you want to star in it?

That’s a tough question…when the story ends, Danielle is 30. So a younger actress would fit the bill, but I don’t have anyone specific in mind.

Can you recommend any up and coming authors to us?

I don’t think of her as ‘up and coming’ any more, but Emily Bleeker is still new on the scene and I like her…tried and true favorites for me are always Susan Isaacs and Harlen Coben.

What do you do in your free time when you aren’t writing?

WHAT FREE TIME?! LOL…well…let’s see…I am an avid reader. I love swimming, preferably outdoors. I’m crazy about the ocean. My dog is the best and I could walk with her for hours. All that and I’m a huge foodie. I love trying new restaurants, cuisines, recipes…you name it.

Any other books coming out soon?

I have a few things in the works. Originally, I thought Crossing Lex was going to be a stand-alone novel, but now Danielle is talking to me, and she doesn’t seem ready to let go just yet…so I’d bet on a sequel.

Crossing Lex

Thank you Debby Caruso for taking the time to speak with us! I totally know what you mean about “writing in your head” while swimming. When I was in high school, I was on the varsity swim team and I did all of my best thinking during practice. Not much else you can do when you are swimming back and forth for two hours!

debby caruso

About the Merry Hanukkah Series

Happy Everything by Debby Caruso

My Thoughts

About Merry Hanukkah by Debby Caruso

My Thoughts

About This True Love Story – from Amazon

Debby Caruso – Crossing Lex

Be sure to pick up your copy of Crossing Lex by Debby Caruso on Amazon today!