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Catching Air
A vibrant, compulsively readable novel about two married couples who pursue a dream to open a bed-and-breakfast in small-town Vermont, from the internationally bestselling author of Perfect Neighbors and The Wife Between Us.In her previous works including The Best of Us, “rising star” (Library Journal) Sarah Pekkanen captivated readers by penning “refreshingly introspective, sharply realistic, and tenderly humorous” novels (Booklist) that had readers “flying through the pages” (Hoda Kotb, Today show). Now, in Catching Air, Pekkanen turns an unflinching eye on the tangled relationships of two pairs of thirty-somethings. A chance to run a B&B in snowy, remote Vermont—it’s an offer Kira Danner can’t resist after six soul-crushing years of working as a lawyer in Florida. As Kira and her husband, Peter, step into a brand new life, she quells her fears about living with the B&B’s Peter’s sexy, irresponsible brother Rand, and Rand’s wife, Alyssa…who is essentially a stranger. For her part, Alyssa sees taking over the B&B as the latest in a string of adventures. Plus, a quiet place might help her recover from the news that she can’t bear children. But the idyllic town proves to be anything but Within weeks, the sisters-in-law are scrambling to prepare for their first big booking—a winter wedding—and soon a shy, mysterious woman comes to work for them. Dawn Zukoski is hiding something; that much is clear. But what the sisters-in-law don't realize is that Dawn is also hiding from someone… Relatable and dynamic, Catching Air delves deeply into the vital relationships that give shape to women’s lives.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
About the author
Sarah Pekkanen
31 books8,053 followersI'm a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 solo and coauthored books, including HOUSE OF GLASS, which is a Goodreads Choice award nominee and Amazon best book of the year and THE LOCKED WARD, which is hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."
My upcoming novel is THE WOMEN IN WHITE.
I'm also the author or coauthor of these bestselling thrillers: GONE TONIGHT, THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
My upcoming novel is THE WOMEN IN WHITE.
I'm also the author or coauthor of these bestselling thrillers: GONE TONIGHT, THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
May 14, 2014
I usually love this author but this book was not my favorite. With the two main couples in the book, it was hard to keep them straight and also to keep their back stories straight. Not really a fan. Also the whole subplot with Dawn could have been explored more but basically it was exciting and then she was just hiding out helping cut vegetables...so it fell flat.
May 24, 2014
I always enjoy Sarah Pekkanen's books and this was no exception. Likeable characters and an interesting storyline. Not a life changer, but a good beach or pool read.
June 23, 2014
This book started out well enough with the premise of two couples running a Bed & Breakfast together. The men, who are brothers, and their wives, leave their jobs to move to the ski hills of Vermont and take a shot at innkeeping.
Add to that a fifth person on the run from the law and you have the makings of a pretty good book, right?
Meh. Not so.
I can't quite put my finger on what is wrong with this story, but I think there are too many elements thrown together so not one theme is clearly defined. Is the book about changing careers and leaving the rat race behind for a new challenge? Is it about two couples, family, living and working together? Is it about having children and the changes it brings?
Not one storyline is a true attention grabber. There is no main focus; the couples live and work together well enough at the inn but stories are left unfinished. Elements are implied but never followed through. (Did Rand sleep with any of the women who attended the Bridal Weekend? It's hinted at a few times but never confirmed or denied, so why bring it up in the first place?) The ending needed more. Will the inn survive? Will the marriages? Will they plan more weddings? How will it work with one couple having two young children - one natural, one adopted - living at the inn? Will Dawn do jail time for fraud and theft after stealing $100K for her con-man boyfriend?
I truly enjoyed Skipping A Beat by this author and I kind of wish I had skipped this book.
Add to that a fifth person on the run from the law and you have the makings of a pretty good book, right?
Meh. Not so.
I can't quite put my finger on what is wrong with this story, but I think there are too many elements thrown together so not one theme is clearly defined. Is the book about changing careers and leaving the rat race behind for a new challenge? Is it about two couples, family, living and working together? Is it about having children and the changes it brings?
Not one storyline is a true attention grabber. There is no main focus; the couples live and work together well enough at the inn but stories are left unfinished. Elements are implied but never followed through. (Did Rand sleep with any of the women who attended the Bridal Weekend? It's hinted at a few times but never confirmed or denied, so why bring it up in the first place?) The ending needed more. Will the inn survive? Will the marriages? Will they plan more weddings? How will it work with one couple having two young children - one natural, one adopted - living at the inn? Will Dawn do jail time for fraud and theft after stealing $100K for her con-man boyfriend?
I truly enjoyed Skipping A Beat by this author and I kind of wish I had skipped this book.
June 13, 2014
Kira has been a hard-working attorney at a Florida law office for 6 years. When billable hours don't meet the firm's standards, Kira is reprimanded and put on notice. The dream of partnership seems unattainable. She is surprised when her husband, Peter, receives and accepts an invitation to go into partnership with his estranged brother, Rand, to operate a B & B on a ski slope in Vermont. It may be just what she needs to unwind.
Rand is the irresponsible, fun-loving brother of Peter. He and his wife Alyssa have traveled the world and are not used to putting down roots. Alyssa, however, has learned that she is unable to have the children she desperately wanted. She is willing to take on a B & B partnership and is looking for a distraction to heal the hurt she cannot understand.
Dawn, a "misfit" for much of her life has finally found someone who loves her for who she is. She met him at the investment firm where the two of them work. But she was duped and feels the need to run. As luck would have it, she ends up at the B & B in Vermont.
There was a lot going on in this story and I found much of it to be just too much. Kira has issues with her father who abandoned the family when she was 8 years old. Peter has issues with his brother. He was left to care for their critically ill mother while Rand was traveling the world living a carefree life. Rand likes the ladies and it seems doubtful that he will actually stay with Alyssa once they put down roots and he is expected to pull his weight at the B & B. Alyssa wants children. She wants a family with Rand as a loving, caring father. Dawn was bitten by a dog at a young age and has feared the animals ever since. She has the faint traces of two scars on her face and has never felt beautiful or loved by the opposite sex.
So much of the story just seemed contrived. Kira, it turns out, is a fantastic cook. Rand is a guitar player/singer and entertains the first guests to arrive in what just seemed a little too folksy to me. Dawn shows up at the B & B at precisely the right time, but her ex shows up in a dramatic overkill scene. Peter takes over the handling of the fussy baby of the first guests making him seem like the baby whisperer. Alyssa becomes ill and bed-ridden and loses contact with the daily working of the B & B. Just a day before a wedding is scheduled to be held at the B & B all hell breaks loose and chaos takes over and not in a humorous way, but in an eye-rolling, "yeah, right" response from me as the reader.
No...this book just didn't leave me with much. It was a book. I read it. I closed the cover. I added it to my shelves as read. The end.
Rand is the irresponsible, fun-loving brother of Peter. He and his wife Alyssa have traveled the world and are not used to putting down roots. Alyssa, however, has learned that she is unable to have the children she desperately wanted. She is willing to take on a B & B partnership and is looking for a distraction to heal the hurt she cannot understand.
Dawn, a "misfit" for much of her life has finally found someone who loves her for who she is. She met him at the investment firm where the two of them work. But she was duped and feels the need to run. As luck would have it, she ends up at the B & B in Vermont.
There was a lot going on in this story and I found much of it to be just too much. Kira has issues with her father who abandoned the family when she was 8 years old. Peter has issues with his brother. He was left to care for their critically ill mother while Rand was traveling the world living a carefree life. Rand likes the ladies and it seems doubtful that he will actually stay with Alyssa once they put down roots and he is expected to pull his weight at the B & B. Alyssa wants children. She wants a family with Rand as a loving, caring father. Dawn was bitten by a dog at a young age and has feared the animals ever since. She has the faint traces of two scars on her face and has never felt beautiful or loved by the opposite sex.
So much of the story just seemed contrived. Kira, it turns out, is a fantastic cook. Rand is a guitar player/singer and entertains the first guests to arrive in what just seemed a little too folksy to me. Dawn shows up at the B & B at precisely the right time, but her ex shows up in a dramatic overkill scene. Peter takes over the handling of the fussy baby of the first guests making him seem like the baby whisperer. Alyssa becomes ill and bed-ridden and loses contact with the daily working of the B & B. Just a day before a wedding is scheduled to be held at the B & B all hell breaks loose and chaos takes over and not in a humorous way, but in an eye-rolling, "yeah, right" response from me as the reader.
No...this book just didn't leave me with much. It was a book. I read it. I closed the cover. I added it to my shelves as read. The end.
February 17, 2014
Catching Air by Sarah Pekkanen is the story of three women who, for very different reasons, all find themselves working at a bed and breakfast in Vermont. Alyssa and her husband Rand purchase the B&B after receiving a settlement from Rand's accident. After experiencing disappointments in their own careers, Kira and her husband Peter accept an offer to work with Alyssa and Rand to help establish the business, in exchange for a share of the business. Dawn is running from an abusive relationship and other troubles.
Rand and Peter are brothers who have had trouble getting along with each other, and much of the book centers around their evolving relationship. Sisters-in-law Alyssa and Kira do not know each other well before they go into the B&B business together, but they come to appreciate each other as family as well as business partners. The four B&B owners agree to hire and help Dawn.
At first I found it a little difficult to keep track of the families of the three main female characters, Alyssa, Kira, and Dawn. But it was interesting to see the overall narrative woven from the separate but increasingly related threads of the lives of Alyssa, Kira, and Dawn. The characters and story were interesting and kept me turning the pages. There is a good amount of detail about the settings to present a realistic picture of the world of the characters. I enjoyed spending time in the world that Pekkanen presents in Catching Air, and I would recommend the book.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Rand and Peter are brothers who have had trouble getting along with each other, and much of the book centers around their evolving relationship. Sisters-in-law Alyssa and Kira do not know each other well before they go into the B&B business together, but they come to appreciate each other as family as well as business partners. The four B&B owners agree to hire and help Dawn.
At first I found it a little difficult to keep track of the families of the three main female characters, Alyssa, Kira, and Dawn. But it was interesting to see the overall narrative woven from the separate but increasingly related threads of the lives of Alyssa, Kira, and Dawn. The characters and story were interesting and kept me turning the pages. There is a good amount of detail about the settings to present a realistic picture of the world of the characters. I enjoyed spending time in the world that Pekkanen presents in Catching Air, and I would recommend the book.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 27, 2014
Sarah Pekkanen’s "Catching Air" was an emotionally satisfying read. Told in the third person, this story focused on three very different women brought together as each faced a pivotal point in their lives.
I really felt for Kira. She is one of those characters that, at first glance, seems to have it all. I loved her story and got quite emotional at the end. I was pleased with how her story resolved itself.
I found Alyssa’s story to be quite sad. Her love for Rand was apparent but I didn’t really see that love returned, at least not in the same way. I found her conclusion, out of the three, to be the least satisfying.
Since the book centered around Kira, Alyssa and their husbands, brothers Rand and Peter, I expected Dawn to be out of place in the story. But she ended up being my favourite part. A touch of suspense surrounded Dawn while she was on the run, but her feelings of loss and loneliness since losing her family were deeply moving.
This is my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. Great story!
I really felt for Kira. She is one of those characters that, at first glance, seems to have it all. I loved her story and got quite emotional at the end. I was pleased with how her story resolved itself.
I found Alyssa’s story to be quite sad. Her love for Rand was apparent but I didn’t really see that love returned, at least not in the same way. I found her conclusion, out of the three, to be the least satisfying.
Since the book centered around Kira, Alyssa and their husbands, brothers Rand and Peter, I expected Dawn to be out of place in the story. But she ended up being my favourite part. A touch of suspense surrounded Dawn while she was on the run, but her feelings of loss and loneliness since losing her family were deeply moving.
This is my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. Great story!
July 25, 2014
I really enjoyed the author's prior novels, but this one was quite a head scratcher.
The large plot points don't make sense given the characters, and don't even get me started on the small plot points. And I'm not even someone who analyzes plots--most of the time I don't even care if there is a plot! But when it's really far-fetched and trying to bill itself as contemporary fiction, it's hard to get past it.
You're an OCD budding lawyer who's honest (the author makes this point at least 10 times). You're married to a man who started his own technology company, but it's not doing well. You value security and doing well. Your husband's flaky brother who he doesn't like that much calls up and says his new venture is opening a B&B in Vermont (you live in Florida), and would you like to start a business with him?
Given what you know about this couple, what would be their answer? Hmmm...spend time with a brother I don't get along with in a completely new place and give up our careers to be innkeepers? This couple drops everything and moves to Vermont. Huh?
There are many other incidents that don't make plot sense or are explained away that makes you go, "Huh?"
The novel has very little in the way of resolution in any of the areas: Rand and Alyssa's marriage, Dawn's future/punishment, the future of the B&B, particularly since Rand & Alyssa will likely be giving it up. Will Dawn step in?
I'd pass on this one.
The large plot points don't make sense given the characters, and don't even get me started on the small plot points. And I'm not even someone who analyzes plots--most of the time I don't even care if there is a plot! But when it's really far-fetched and trying to bill itself as contemporary fiction, it's hard to get past it.
You're an OCD budding lawyer who's honest (the author makes this point at least 10 times). You're married to a man who started his own technology company, but it's not doing well. You value security and doing well. Your husband's flaky brother who he doesn't like that much calls up and says his new venture is opening a B&B in Vermont (you live in Florida), and would you like to start a business with him?
Given what you know about this couple, what would be their answer? Hmmm...spend time with a brother I don't get along with in a completely new place and give up our careers to be innkeepers? This couple drops everything and moves to Vermont. Huh?
There are many other incidents that don't make plot sense or are explained away that makes you go, "Huh?"
The novel has very little in the way of resolution in any of the areas: Rand and Alyssa's marriage, Dawn's future/punishment, the future of the B&B, particularly since Rand & Alyssa will likely be giving it up. Will Dawn step in?
I'd pass on this one.
March 10, 2017
CATCHING AIR left me feeling disappointed as I found Pekkanen's BEST OF US halfway decent. Too much talk about food, weddings & babies!! Severely under-developed, flat characters that I couldn't connect to & didn't care about. I don't expect her novels to be life-changing, but this was so blah! The relationships between the women & their husbands as well as the brothers are meaningless; there's nothing to take away from here. And one of the MCs takes off to fix her daddy/lawyer issues while she's having a "fight" with her husband, then comes back to him as if nothing happened. Like it's all good here, fam! Uh, no. Not to mention how each character was written in the same nonchalant tone; I kept getting them mixed up & had to reread some lines. It would have been easier to follow if Pekkanen wrote alternate POV chapters for each woman. All their "problems" get magically fixed by the end & all is right with the world. A total flub.
May 2, 2014
A lovely, easy read by Sarah Pekkanen. I have become a fan of Sarah since Skipping a Beat which I loved. Catching Air is an enjoyable read with great characters and I really liked how they came together to work at the B & B and being there as their relationships developed. It’s one of those books that pulls you in and becomes hard to put down until you see how everything is going to turn out…..I probably would have given it five stars, but would have liked to see how it all came out a few months, years, down the track – a sequel maybe??
June 3, 2014
I actually have enjoyed other books by this author so this one was a huge disappointment. It would appear that Ms. Pekkanen has recently reproduced and therefore decided that having a baby is the goal of every woman and the only way she'll ever achieve happiness. The book was far too much pushing a pro-natalist agenda. The entire plot made NO sense at all. Two brothers who don't get along and their wives move to VT to open a BnB? And one of the wives is an attorney!?
Pass on this book unless you are all googley-eyed over motherhood and want validation over your life choices.
Pass on this book unless you are all googley-eyed over motherhood and want validation over your life choices.
March 9, 2014
Just lovely. I didn't want it to end!! Full review to come, but just trust me. Pre- order!!
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April 3, 2014
Long after finishing this novel, I'm still thinking about these characters. This heart warming book is a must-read!
February 16, 2020
3.75 - another fun, easy and enjoyable read!
June 27, 2015
Peter and Rand Danner have had their problems over the years, most notably because of Rand’s often irresponsible behavior. Now that the brothers are married to their lovely wives, Kira and Alyssa, they are trying to get along.
But when Rand tells Peter and Kira that he and Alyssa have bought a B & B in Vermont, and want them to go in on it with them, they are stunned. And reluctant. They are used to their home in Florida, but then again, their jobs could use some improvements.
Kira is unhappy with the law firm she works for, and Peter is ready for a change, too.
When they arrive, they have a lot to learn and even more to do to set everything up. And for fun, they take in some snowboarding. Kira envies Alyssa’s carefree attitude. Alyssa shares how she can ski and snowboard with ease: “It’s like the mountain knows when you’re nervous. But gradually I learned to just be in that glorious moment of catching air. Once I began trusting that I’d land safely, I always did.”
Before they have scarcely gotten off the ground with the B & B, they take in Dawn, a young woman who obviously needs a place to stay, and who shows herself willing and able to work for board and room. What are her secrets? Who is she hiding from?
Narrated from several perspectives, Catching Air unfolds in a realistic fashion that shows the reader about their struggles, the mistakes they make, and how one huge job, a wedding, will take over their lives for weeks. But good things could be just around the corner…if they hang in there.
I enjoyed the story and came to care about the characters, who felt like real people I might have known. I loved how the mix of problems and joys made me laugh and even cry a little. Recommended for fans of women’s fiction…and the author. 4 stars.
But when Rand tells Peter and Kira that he and Alyssa have bought a B & B in Vermont, and want them to go in on it with them, they are stunned. And reluctant. They are used to their home in Florida, but then again, their jobs could use some improvements.
Kira is unhappy with the law firm she works for, and Peter is ready for a change, too.
When they arrive, they have a lot to learn and even more to do to set everything up. And for fun, they take in some snowboarding. Kira envies Alyssa’s carefree attitude. Alyssa shares how she can ski and snowboard with ease: “It’s like the mountain knows when you’re nervous. But gradually I learned to just be in that glorious moment of catching air. Once I began trusting that I’d land safely, I always did.”
Before they have scarcely gotten off the ground with the B & B, they take in Dawn, a young woman who obviously needs a place to stay, and who shows herself willing and able to work for board and room. What are her secrets? Who is she hiding from?
Narrated from several perspectives, Catching Air unfolds in a realistic fashion that shows the reader about their struggles, the mistakes they make, and how one huge job, a wedding, will take over their lives for weeks. But good things could be just around the corner…if they hang in there.
I enjoyed the story and came to care about the characters, who felt like real people I might have known. I loved how the mix of problems and joys made me laugh and even cry a little. Recommended for fans of women’s fiction…and the author. 4 stars.
May 2, 2014
I have to say that this book is far better then The Best of Us, the last book from Sarah. Not that I did not like that book. I just felt more of a greater connection with Kira, Alyssa, and Dawn. Which I was a little surprised about. After the last book and the fact that I had my doubts about this book. I thought that the women were going to be needy and whiny. Luckily this was not the case. In fact, I liked the women more because I felt they had formed a good friendship bond and were strong each in their own way. The men were more of an after thought for me. All there women had issues to deal with but they did it in a good way. I wanted to be their friends.
There was a reader question that I liked and it was " Would you ever want to move to a vacation destination and open your own business? If yes, where in the world would you pick? What would the business be? Who would you want to run it with?"
My answer is: I would move to a vacation destination and open my own business. I have two that come to mind. The first is a B&B in Ireland. I have never been to Ireland (Yet). However I love the lush green fields and countryside depicted in the pictures that I have seen. The reason I would open a B&B is because I remember looking at catalogs of all of the different bedding and falling in love with it and thought how cool would it be to pick out all the bedding I wanted and decorate different themes for different rooms. I would run it with my husband.
My second business would be a horse ranch where people could come and stay in Montana. I love horses and cowboys (the real ones) and of course Montana. I would run it with my husband and family.
There was a reader question that I liked and it was " Would you ever want to move to a vacation destination and open your own business? If yes, where in the world would you pick? What would the business be? Who would you want to run it with?"
My answer is: I would move to a vacation destination and open my own business. I have two that come to mind. The first is a B&B in Ireland. I have never been to Ireland (Yet). However I love the lush green fields and countryside depicted in the pictures that I have seen. The reason I would open a B&B is because I remember looking at catalogs of all of the different bedding and falling in love with it and thought how cool would it be to pick out all the bedding I wanted and decorate different themes for different rooms. I would run it with my husband.
My second business would be a horse ranch where people could come and stay in Montana. I love horses and cowboys (the real ones) and of course Montana. I would run it with my husband and family.
February 11, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley & Atria books for the ARC.
This is the first book by Sarah Pekkanen that I have read & having finished it pretty much in one sitting I will certainly be reading more. It was billed 'As deeply enjoyable page-turner' & I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. The story focuses on two brothers and their wives who buy a B&B together in Killington, Vermont. The brothers have a rocky history & their wives couldn't be more different, throw into the mix a young woman on the run from trouble and you have a suspense filled novel that only disappointed me when I had finished the book.
This is the first book by Sarah Pekkanen that I have read & having finished it pretty much in one sitting I will certainly be reading more. It was billed 'As deeply enjoyable page-turner' & I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. The story focuses on two brothers and their wives who buy a B&B together in Killington, Vermont. The brothers have a rocky history & their wives couldn't be more different, throw into the mix a young woman on the run from trouble and you have a suspense filled novel that only disappointed me when I had finished the book.
May 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I became a huge fan of Sarah Pekkanen right off the bat, and I’m so happy I loved her latest offering! Readers take note – don’t miss this one! This story is so complex with different characters and their issues, but Pekkanen writes with such an ease that I simply flowed along from page to page, feeling all the issues and emotions the characters do while being transported to their B&B in Vermont. From Dawn being on the run to Alyssa and her baby story to Kira and her unsettled past, I loved this book from page one till the end. A definite 5 star read!
I became a huge fan of Sarah Pekkanen right off the bat, and I’m so happy I loved her latest offering! Readers take note – don’t miss this one! This story is so complex with different characters and their issues, but Pekkanen writes with such an ease that I simply flowed along from page to page, feeling all the issues and emotions the characters do while being transported to their B&B in Vermont. From Dawn being on the run to Alyssa and her baby story to Kira and her unsettled past, I loved this book from page one till the end. A definite 5 star read!
January 14, 2014
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their interactions. This book had a little of everything.....love, laughter, suspense. I especially liked how the author worked in background information on each character without it seeming forced. I am hoping there is a sequel to this book, hint, hint. I want to know what happens to all the characters.
December 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this fun story about two related couples who buy a B&B together and a woman on the run from trouble in her life. Both couples are trying to decide whether to have children or not. The characters are interesting and the plot kept me reading late at night. 3.5 stars.
April 1, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Sarah Pekkanen and all of her books so I knew I'd like this one. It didn't resonate with me as much as some of her other reads, but this was still a super enjoyable story to get engrossed in. I absolutely loved the setting, so that made this one a pleasure to read.
June 28, 2014
I really enjoyed Pekkanen's latest and raced through it. I thought she handle the complexities of the brother's and their relationships well, and the added element of suspense made this a real page turner.
January 22, 2014
Another winner by Sarah Pekkanen! Lots of suspense and great characters will keep you up late. LOVED it!
August 21, 2026
This was wholesome, inspiring, and a great family tale. Also the setting was perfectttt. I think this was so real in how relationships continue over time, especially when there was drama between family members and how that affects them long term.
I also loved the community aspect of this book and the hope that it developed. My only criticism is how quickly the book wrapped up -- it almost felt like it ended before it was supposed to.
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed it.
I also loved the community aspect of this book and the hope that it developed. My only criticism is how quickly the book wrapped up -- it almost felt like it ended before it was supposed to.
Overall, I REALLY enjoyed it.
July 26, 2013
A special thank you to the publisher, Atria Books, Washington Square Press and NetGalley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
First and foremost, Sarah Pekkanen is one of my favorite authors, having read all her books (she has a clear understanding of the topics of women, especially the thirty-something crowd); whether single, married, or mothers. Her humor, in-depth research of subject matter, and insightfulness is reflective throughout her books, making her a fan of women, of all ages.
There are so many aspects to this book: The idyllic setting, a B&B, from Florida sunshine to Vermont snow, high powered attorney to running a B&B, two married couples (totally different), and a single gal running from her troubled past. What a journey!
Next, the B&B storyline most definitely drew me in. Having worked in the hotel business and a B&B consultant for years, with my share of innkeeping and event planning--- there is always high drama, especially when weddings or high stress special events are taking place. You pretty much live on high adrenaline around the clock, especially with Trip Advisor, social and mobile media integration, trying to please every guest--their wants, desires, and expectations are always high. Sarah did a great job highlighting some of the realistic day- to -day details (sometimes much worse; however, rewarding at times, as well), involved in the business of running and operating a B&B.
Could definitely relate to the characteristics of dyslexia, as well- (my ex-husband had three sons all with dyslexia)--they fit the profile perfectly with Rand. Good looking, charming, life of the party, and personality—compensating and always looking for adventure and running from responsibility and problems – so ADD. You have to love them; however, very frustrating at times.
However, the real magic and meat of “Catching Air” is the rich character development; their past, present—a solid background of each, in order to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of how they fit into the overall storyline – how their insecurities, sense of adventure, responsibility, faults, strengths/weaknesses, past parent-child relationship, and loyalty played into their overall character and how their personalities changed and matured, throughout the novel as they intertwine, based on circumstances and new relationships.
I found the dynamics between Alyssa/Rand quite interesting. Here you have a free-spirited nice looking couple, both loving adventure, spontaneous, love of travel, non-career minded, and never committing to staying in one place very long (wow, wished I had the money to be them). Life is always on a high; not an ideal couple to buy a B&B. To see Rand/Alyssa relationship develop and change, as they embark upon parenthood and real responsibility. Alyssa has no problem changing; however, can Rand?
Ironically, Rand’s brother Peter and his wife Kira, a more career-minded lawyer leaving Florida (my other connection), after her failed attempts and frustrations with becoming partner at her law firm – chooses to go with her husband, and live with a brother and sister in law they hardly know, to help run a B&B in Vermont. They on the other hand, are ideal for running an inn, as Kira possesses organizational and culinary skills, and Peter is very level headed, patient, nurturing, and more of a caregiver.
Then there is the relationship between the two brothers Peter/Rand and their past, as they dealt with their mom’s cancer in two different ways which still has not been resolved. The relationship between Alyssa/Kira, the sister-in-law, which turned out ideal. They each are experiencing struggles and desires of becoming a mother and how their past and future dictates their choices. Also the dynamics of their childhood, being poor and financially secure has affected their choices in life. The two couples actually complement one another in different ways.
And, the icing on the cake, is the other main character, Dawn and how her life connects and their paths cross with the two married couples. Of course, she is running from the fiasco with her former company, an ex-boyfriend, a setup, and the insecurities of her past. It was exciting to see her character unfold, as she becomes part of these two families living under one roof, her strengths, and her part in operation of the inn. Also her solid relationship with Peter, and how she looks to him for guidance and strength.
Very interesting, to see how Alyssa goes from the free-spirited to the worrier. Kira goes from being the steady one, the rock, and glue to hold it all together to being spontaneous, and running away from the pressure.
Each character brings so much to the novel, and Sarah does a magnificent job of bringing these complex yet engaging characters together for a take away about importance of family, love, and communication. I could see a sequel here, as would like to see a continuation of these dynamic characters for at least a few more books!
“Catching Air would be a very interesting book for book clubs, and reading groups, to discuss further, the complex relationships of these two couples and Dawn; how they changed and matured from the beginning of the book to the end. Well done!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
First and foremost, Sarah Pekkanen is one of my favorite authors, having read all her books (she has a clear understanding of the topics of women, especially the thirty-something crowd); whether single, married, or mothers. Her humor, in-depth research of subject matter, and insightfulness is reflective throughout her books, making her a fan of women, of all ages.
There are so many aspects to this book: The idyllic setting, a B&B, from Florida sunshine to Vermont snow, high powered attorney to running a B&B, two married couples (totally different), and a single gal running from her troubled past. What a journey!
Next, the B&B storyline most definitely drew me in. Having worked in the hotel business and a B&B consultant for years, with my share of innkeeping and event planning--- there is always high drama, especially when weddings or high stress special events are taking place. You pretty much live on high adrenaline around the clock, especially with Trip Advisor, social and mobile media integration, trying to please every guest--their wants, desires, and expectations are always high. Sarah did a great job highlighting some of the realistic day- to -day details (sometimes much worse; however, rewarding at times, as well), involved in the business of running and operating a B&B.
Could definitely relate to the characteristics of dyslexia, as well- (my ex-husband had three sons all with dyslexia)--they fit the profile perfectly with Rand. Good looking, charming, life of the party, and personality—compensating and always looking for adventure and running from responsibility and problems – so ADD. You have to love them; however, very frustrating at times.
However, the real magic and meat of “Catching Air” is the rich character development; their past, present—a solid background of each, in order to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of how they fit into the overall storyline – how their insecurities, sense of adventure, responsibility, faults, strengths/weaknesses, past parent-child relationship, and loyalty played into their overall character and how their personalities changed and matured, throughout the novel as they intertwine, based on circumstances and new relationships.
I found the dynamics between Alyssa/Rand quite interesting. Here you have a free-spirited nice looking couple, both loving adventure, spontaneous, love of travel, non-career minded, and never committing to staying in one place very long (wow, wished I had the money to be them). Life is always on a high; not an ideal couple to buy a B&B. To see Rand/Alyssa relationship develop and change, as they embark upon parenthood and real responsibility. Alyssa has no problem changing; however, can Rand?
Ironically, Rand’s brother Peter and his wife Kira, a more career-minded lawyer leaving Florida (my other connection), after her failed attempts and frustrations with becoming partner at her law firm – chooses to go with her husband, and live with a brother and sister in law they hardly know, to help run a B&B in Vermont. They on the other hand, are ideal for running an inn, as Kira possesses organizational and culinary skills, and Peter is very level headed, patient, nurturing, and more of a caregiver.
Then there is the relationship between the two brothers Peter/Rand and their past, as they dealt with their mom’s cancer in two different ways which still has not been resolved. The relationship between Alyssa/Kira, the sister-in-law, which turned out ideal. They each are experiencing struggles and desires of becoming a mother and how their past and future dictates their choices. Also the dynamics of their childhood, being poor and financially secure has affected their choices in life. The two couples actually complement one another in different ways.
And, the icing on the cake, is the other main character, Dawn and how her life connects and their paths cross with the two married couples. Of course, she is running from the fiasco with her former company, an ex-boyfriend, a setup, and the insecurities of her past. It was exciting to see her character unfold, as she becomes part of these two families living under one roof, her strengths, and her part in operation of the inn. Also her solid relationship with Peter, and how she looks to him for guidance and strength.
Very interesting, to see how Alyssa goes from the free-spirited to the worrier. Kira goes from being the steady one, the rock, and glue to hold it all together to being spontaneous, and running away from the pressure.
Each character brings so much to the novel, and Sarah does a magnificent job of bringing these complex yet engaging characters together for a take away about importance of family, love, and communication. I could see a sequel here, as would like to see a continuation of these dynamic characters for at least a few more books!
“Catching Air would be a very interesting book for book clubs, and reading groups, to discuss further, the complex relationships of these two couples and Dawn; how they changed and matured from the beginning of the book to the end. Well done!
http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/p...
June 24, 2014
Kira Danner has hit a flat spot in her job as an attorney in Florida. Not willing to pad her hours out in order to bill as many as she possibly can plus a moment of indiscretion in front of a client means that she knows she’ll be overlooked for partner for the foreseeable future. She finds herself less enthused each day about getting up and going to work. She had a plan and was well on track until she realised that in order to achieve it, she’d have to charge people for time that she wasn’t actually working.
Then her husband Pete informs her that his brother Rand and Rand’s wife have bought a B&B in snowy Vermont and they want Pete and Kira to go in with them in a one third share. Eventually Rand and Alyssa hope to increase the takings to employ a manager which would allow them to go off travelling again. Rand and Alyssa have always lived their lives on a whim and a shoestring. Kira, tired and burned out, agrees and they head to Vermont.
Once they get there, it seems that a serene future catering to happy guests is a pipedream. Instead the sisters-in-law find themselves catering their very first wedding and it becomes bigger and bigger with each passing day. The bride to be is very keen on her winter wedding being absolutely perfect and she’s determined to have everything that she wants. An unusual discovery renders Alyssa out of action and Kira finds herself doing most of the work along with Dawn Zukoski, a woman on the run who is working for food and board. But they don’t know what Dawn is running from…and that it may be very close to tracking her down!
I really enjoyed the last Sarah Pekkanen novel I read (The Best Of Us – my review is here) so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel, Catching Air. In The Best Of Us I really liked the way she tackled friendships and relationships, although I was glad not to be either friends with or married to, any of those people! This novel presents us with two brothers who are somewhat estranged and haven’t spoken much since the death of their mother some years ago. Nevertheless Rand offers up a chance for them to not only go into business together but to also obviously spend some time together and become close. Rand and his wife Alyssa have used a payout they received to purchase a bed & breakfast in Vermont and they want Rand’s brother Pete and his lawyer wife Kira to go in with them and help them run it. Kira is quite an accomplished cook and she also has a lot of vision – within minutes of them making the decision and arriving in Vermont, she’s full of ideas about services they can offer, meals and snacks they can serve. Rand and Alyssa are much more laid back it seems, less organised. Kira almost immediately steps into the role of semi-manager, a role that is only strengthened when they agree to take on their first large booking, a winter wedding. Alyssa is rendered out of action not long after that and the bulk of the organising and running around catering to the bride-to-be’s whims falls to Kira.
There’s just the right sort of awkwardness at times between the characters. Although Rand and Pete are brothers and both have been married or in the relationships for a while, Alyssa and Kira barely know each other. Pete and Kira are also at odds over whether to have a child and Rand and Alyssa’s situation puts even more strain on Pete and Kira because of this. At one stage it looks like all of the relationships are imploding spectacularly, coinciding with the arrival of the wedding day. Luckily there has been Dawn to help out. Dawn did something terrible for someone that she loved desperately, believing that she was helping him prove herself. Then it all backfired on her and she fled New York City and somehow ended up in Vermont and was befriended and brought to the B&B. She made herself useful and stayed on for her meals and board, helping out in any which way she can. But Dawn was always looking over her shoulder, always wondering whether or not the past would catch up with her.
I felt sorry for Dawn. She was definitely not the first woman to be taken in by a conman who professed to love her. The thing with Dawn is that she realised quickly after she did the terrible thing that she was being scammed and she fled and did her best to right things. She was utterly devastated by what had happened and she had just blindly fled the city, knowing that she was probably in danger if she stayed and that the only way to put things right would be to get away and find herself an anonymous way to repair the damage. She becomes kind of entangled in the lives of Rand, Alyssa, Pete and Kira and provides not only an outsiders point of view looking in but also a contrast to their lives when you consider her own.
Catching Air was another engrossing story that tackled complex family relationships, love and betrayal among a beautiful snowy Vermont setting. It doesn’t snow where I live but at the moment it feels almost cold enough for it to happen! I really enjoyed the B&B setting and how it was incorporated into the story and Kira’s energy and ideas. Rand and Alyssa were likable and fun and their story steered them both towards a new life of sorts, a growing up and settling down. I did think the book was heading to a much more dramatic conclusion than it did but I think the lower key resolution worked much better.
Then her husband Pete informs her that his brother Rand and Rand’s wife have bought a B&B in snowy Vermont and they want Pete and Kira to go in with them in a one third share. Eventually Rand and Alyssa hope to increase the takings to employ a manager which would allow them to go off travelling again. Rand and Alyssa have always lived their lives on a whim and a shoestring. Kira, tired and burned out, agrees and they head to Vermont.
Once they get there, it seems that a serene future catering to happy guests is a pipedream. Instead the sisters-in-law find themselves catering their very first wedding and it becomes bigger and bigger with each passing day. The bride to be is very keen on her winter wedding being absolutely perfect and she’s determined to have everything that she wants. An unusual discovery renders Alyssa out of action and Kira finds herself doing most of the work along with Dawn Zukoski, a woman on the run who is working for food and board. But they don’t know what Dawn is running from…and that it may be very close to tracking her down!
I really enjoyed the last Sarah Pekkanen novel I read (The Best Of Us – my review is here) so I jumped at the chance to read her latest novel, Catching Air. In The Best Of Us I really liked the way she tackled friendships and relationships, although I was glad not to be either friends with or married to, any of those people! This novel presents us with two brothers who are somewhat estranged and haven’t spoken much since the death of their mother some years ago. Nevertheless Rand offers up a chance for them to not only go into business together but to also obviously spend some time together and become close. Rand and his wife Alyssa have used a payout they received to purchase a bed & breakfast in Vermont and they want Rand’s brother Pete and his lawyer wife Kira to go in with them and help them run it. Kira is quite an accomplished cook and she also has a lot of vision – within minutes of them making the decision and arriving in Vermont, she’s full of ideas about services they can offer, meals and snacks they can serve. Rand and Alyssa are much more laid back it seems, less organised. Kira almost immediately steps into the role of semi-manager, a role that is only strengthened when they agree to take on their first large booking, a winter wedding. Alyssa is rendered out of action not long after that and the bulk of the organising and running around catering to the bride-to-be’s whims falls to Kira.
There’s just the right sort of awkwardness at times between the characters. Although Rand and Pete are brothers and both have been married or in the relationships for a while, Alyssa and Kira barely know each other. Pete and Kira are also at odds over whether to have a child and Rand and Alyssa’s situation puts even more strain on Pete and Kira because of this. At one stage it looks like all of the relationships are imploding spectacularly, coinciding with the arrival of the wedding day. Luckily there has been Dawn to help out. Dawn did something terrible for someone that she loved desperately, believing that she was helping him prove herself. Then it all backfired on her and she fled New York City and somehow ended up in Vermont and was befriended and brought to the B&B. She made herself useful and stayed on for her meals and board, helping out in any which way she can. But Dawn was always looking over her shoulder, always wondering whether or not the past would catch up with her.
I felt sorry for Dawn. She was definitely not the first woman to be taken in by a conman who professed to love her. The thing with Dawn is that she realised quickly after she did the terrible thing that she was being scammed and she fled and did her best to right things. She was utterly devastated by what had happened and she had just blindly fled the city, knowing that she was probably in danger if she stayed and that the only way to put things right would be to get away and find herself an anonymous way to repair the damage. She becomes kind of entangled in the lives of Rand, Alyssa, Pete and Kira and provides not only an outsiders point of view looking in but also a contrast to their lives when you consider her own.
Catching Air was another engrossing story that tackled complex family relationships, love and betrayal among a beautiful snowy Vermont setting. It doesn’t snow where I live but at the moment it feels almost cold enough for it to happen! I really enjoyed the B&B setting and how it was incorporated into the story and Kira’s energy and ideas. Rand and Alyssa were likable and fun and their story steered them both towards a new life of sorts, a growing up and settling down. I did think the book was heading to a much more dramatic conclusion than it did but I think the lower key resolution worked much better.
February 9, 2017
I ended up really liking this book. There's something about the way she writes that is just easy to read but enjoyable.
January 12, 2021
Interesting enough to keep my attention but not one I’d want to reread in the future. I was expecting a little more drama and character connection. But three stars isn’t a bad rating!
December 10, 2020
Cute easy read about two couples with a slight twist starting an Air Band B.
October 14, 2023
Honestly a delightful chick lit book. Light, but not stupid. This author is a good palette cleanser after reading a few heavy books in a row. I enjoyed.
February 11, 2018
Sarah Pekkanen’s books are my guilty pleasure - I love her contemporary dynamic writing style, and the twists and weaves of the plot. Each next book seems to be a step above of the previous one. Except for the endings... Once again the twists and weaves are untangled too fast, almost abruptly - it’s as if the author got tired of writing (or the editor got tired of editing and said: “let’s just end it here”). Or, perhaps, it’s a clever set up for sequels? :-) Would be curious to see how the lives of each female character unfolded from the ending of this book onward...
Still, even with imperfections, I love Pekkanen’s books - it’s light fiction, but not cheesy - quite believable and at times suspenseful. I like spending time with Pekkanen’s characters - they are usually captivating ladies - each in her own way...
Still, even with imperfections, I love Pekkanen’s books - it’s light fiction, but not cheesy - quite believable and at times suspenseful. I like spending time with Pekkanen’s characters - they are usually captivating ladies - each in her own way...
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