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In Her Boots
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters comes a delightfully entertaining story about a ruse that goes awry and a chaotic homecoming that proves that confronting your past can sometimes set you free.
Filling these boots is harder than it looks.
Rhett Gallagher’s adventurous life is imploding. Just as she turns the big 4-0, her long-term relationship collapses, and news of a tragedy forces her to return to the family farm. The only silver lining is that Rhett’s inspirational book, The Modern Pioneer Girl—written under a pseudonym—has become a wild success, so much so that in a moment of panic, self-doubting Rhett persuades her best friend Jasmine to step into the limelight as the famed author.
But their prank turns into something more when the controlling mother Rhett hasn’t seen in two decades announces her intent to sell the farm Rhett loves and expected to make her own. To Rhett’s dismay, her mother is far more impressed by the fake author than she's ever been by Rhett. To save her inheritance—and her identity—Rhett must concoct a scheme that will save the farm, and prove to her mother, and to herself, that she can stand on her own two feet.
Filling these boots is harder than it looks.
Rhett Gallagher’s adventurous life is imploding. Just as she turns the big 4-0, her long-term relationship collapses, and news of a tragedy forces her to return to the family farm. The only silver lining is that Rhett’s inspirational book, The Modern Pioneer Girl—written under a pseudonym—has become a wild success, so much so that in a moment of panic, self-doubting Rhett persuades her best friend Jasmine to step into the limelight as the famed author.
But their prank turns into something more when the controlling mother Rhett hasn’t seen in two decades announces her intent to sell the farm Rhett loves and expected to make her own. To Rhett’s dismay, her mother is far more impressed by the fake author than she's ever been by Rhett. To save her inheritance—and her identity—Rhett must concoct a scheme that will save the farm, and prove to her mother, and to herself, that she can stand on her own two feet.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 5, 2022
86 people are currently reading
3527 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Dell'Antonia
6 books619 followersKJ Dell’Antonia is the author of the The Chicken Sisters, a New York Times bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick and a timely, humorous exploration of the same themes she has long focused on in her journalism: the importance of finding joy in our families, the challenge of figuring out what makes us happy and the need to value the people in front of us more than the ones in our phones and laptops, every single time.
Her next novel, In Her Boots, about the gap between the adults we think we have become, the child our mother will always see and our horrible fear that our mother is right, is coming Summer 2022 and is available for pre-order now.
She wrote and edited the Motherlode blog at the New York Times and is also the author of the viral essay Why I Didn't Answer Your Email and the book How to Be a Happier Parent. She is also known for being unexpectedly quarantined in China with three small children and her mother, which was much more novel in 2009 than it is now.
Her next novel, In Her Boots, about the gap between the adults we think we have become, the child our mother will always see and our horrible fear that our mother is right, is coming Summer 2022 and is available for pre-order now.
She wrote and edited the Motherlode blog at the New York Times and is also the author of the viral essay Why I Didn't Answer Your Email and the book How to Be a Happier Parent. She is also known for being unexpectedly quarantined in China with three small children and her mother, which was much more novel in 2009 than it is now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
June 15, 2022
Do you enjoy books about friendships, about mothers and daughters, of a woman taking charge of her life, and of the human struggle to figure out what makes one happy? Then In Her Boots by K. J. Dell’Antonia is for you.
In this light, funny, and uplifting story, Rhett, the main character grows and evolves as she struggles to be her own person. It’s a story filled with farm-grown warmth and homeyness, along with a cast of characters who come to her aid, including pet farm animals. In Her Boots is a touching story about forgiveness, second chances, and being true to who you were born to be, even if it means disappointing others. There are countless layers of truth to this compelling book, so read with care, even though you may be tempted to turn the pages faster.
In this light, funny, and uplifting story, Rhett, the main character grows and evolves as she struggles to be her own person. It’s a story filled with farm-grown warmth and homeyness, along with a cast of characters who come to her aid, including pet farm animals. In Her Boots is a touching story about forgiveness, second chances, and being true to who you were born to be, even if it means disappointing others. There are countless layers of truth to this compelling book, so read with care, even though you may be tempted to turn the pages faster.
July 5, 2022
A delightful story about a ruse that goes awry and a chaotic homecoming about confronting your past and finding your future.
July 5, 2022
The story of Rhett, who goes back home to the family farm after personal tragedy only to find out things are not what she expected them to be. She has to fight for the farm, and along the way, learns to put the things and the people in her life, in perspective. There’s more focus on rebuilding her female relationships rather than her finding romance, which I thought was a refreshing change for this type of book. Rhett struggles to live up to her mothers expectations, despite the fact that she has done well for herself and even written a book!
As a smallholder myself, I liked the farm living aspects of the story the most.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
As a smallholder myself, I liked the farm living aspects of the story the most.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
July 25, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this women's fiction story about Rhett, an anonymous social media influencer who's made her living promoting her "Modern Pioneer Girl" lifestyle. But when her beloved grandmother dies, Rhett returns home to the family farm only to discover she has inherited it jointly with her estranged mother who wants to sell it.
Together Rhett and her mother work to reconcile past hurts while Rhett tries to convince her to keep the farm. Rhett also gets help from her friend Jasmine who ends up pretending to be the face of the Modern Pioneer Girl with disastrous results. Full of heart and humor, this was great on audio and a pure delight to read. I also really enjoyed the author's interview included at the end of the book. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Together Rhett and her mother work to reconcile past hurts while Rhett tries to convince her to keep the farm. Rhett also gets help from her friend Jasmine who ends up pretending to be the face of the Modern Pioneer Girl with disastrous results. Full of heart and humor, this was great on audio and a pure delight to read. I also really enjoyed the author's interview included at the end of the book. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 28, 2022
Thanks so much to the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of a 40 year old woman, Rhett who is still intimidated by and rebelling against her mother. At 20 she ran away from home and her ivy league college ( to which her mother is the president) because her mother …opened too many doors for her (??) and was pushing hard for her to have a WASPY life. For the next 20 years Rhett roamed around the world YOLOing, doing odds and ends and regularly visiting her grandmother’s farm and her childhood home, but not speaking to her mother.
When grandma dies she comes “home”. She is now a successful blogger, IG star and best selling novelist under the pseudonym of Maggie Strong “ Modern Pioneer Girl Guide” . Evidently ( and oddly), it seems that none of this has paid much because when she learns that her mother and her jointly own the farm, she is broke and needs a mortgage to buy out her Mother’s half of the $500k sales price.
Poor Rhett is so shy and still afraid of her mother, that when she is booked on the Today Show and discovers that her mother is also a guest on the show-she impulsively gets her best friend Jasmine to impersonate her, with no one the wiser. This farce continues on the farm with Jasmine the face of Modern Pioneer girl as fans come to adore her, and Jasmine’s Maggie Strong adding sass, personality and baked goods to the farm stand.
The author helped us understand the mother’s POV, and why she was the way she was, lots of sympathy and nuance here. Jasmine was a saint and a wonderful best friend. However by the 50% mark I just couldn’t stand Rhett, and wanted to scream Grow TF up! You’re 40 , not 20!! As the lies pile up, she uses Jasmine and refuses to come clean, until she has no choice. The more I read, the more I despised her. Skimmed the last 1/3 of the book and it’s Hallmark, predictable ending.
This is the story of a 40 year old woman, Rhett who is still intimidated by and rebelling against her mother. At 20 she ran away from home and her ivy league college ( to which her mother is the president) because her mother …opened too many doors for her (??) and was pushing hard for her to have a WASPY life. For the next 20 years Rhett roamed around the world YOLOing, doing odds and ends and regularly visiting her grandmother’s farm and her childhood home, but not speaking to her mother.
When grandma dies she comes “home”. She is now a successful blogger, IG star and best selling novelist under the pseudonym of Maggie Strong “ Modern Pioneer Girl Guide” . Evidently ( and oddly), it seems that none of this has paid much because when she learns that her mother and her jointly own the farm, she is broke and needs a mortgage to buy out her Mother’s half of the $500k sales price.
Poor Rhett is so shy and still afraid of her mother, that when she is booked on the Today Show and discovers that her mother is also a guest on the show-she impulsively gets her best friend Jasmine to impersonate her, with no one the wiser. This farce continues on the farm with Jasmine the face of Modern Pioneer girl as fans come to adore her, and Jasmine’s Maggie Strong adding sass, personality and baked goods to the farm stand.
The author helped us understand the mother’s POV, and why she was the way she was, lots of sympathy and nuance here. Jasmine was a saint and a wonderful best friend. However by the 50% mark I just couldn’t stand Rhett, and wanted to scream Grow TF up! You’re 40 , not 20!! As the lies pile up, she uses Jasmine and refuses to come clean, until she has no choice. The more I read, the more I despised her. Skimmed the last 1/3 of the book and it’s Hallmark, predictable ending.
June 29, 2022
In Her Boots by KJ Dell’Antonia. Thanks to the author and @putnambooks for the gifted a copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rhett is an influencer and author called the Modern Pioneer Girl. She’s just gone home to her recently passed grandmother’s farm and found out her mother is trying to sell it. She also has passed along her Modern Pioneer Girl identity to her best friend.
I really liked the Chicken Sisters so I was looking forward to this one. While it was a little slow moving at times, there was a lot I enjoyed about it. There were some really funny parts that made me laugh. I loved the influencer aspect and the mother/daughter relationship drama. The main drama was frustrating at times because I felt it was easily resolvable if only the characters would communicate! The farming and country aspect was also fun to read about.
“Maybe you miss and you have to try again. Maybe you miss and there’s no second shot. But you gave it your all, and if life is all sure things, that’s not really living.”
In Her Boots comes out 7/5.
Rhett is an influencer and author called the Modern Pioneer Girl. She’s just gone home to her recently passed grandmother’s farm and found out her mother is trying to sell it. She also has passed along her Modern Pioneer Girl identity to her best friend.
I really liked the Chicken Sisters so I was looking forward to this one. While it was a little slow moving at times, there was a lot I enjoyed about it. There were some really funny parts that made me laugh. I loved the influencer aspect and the mother/daughter relationship drama. The main drama was frustrating at times because I felt it was easily resolvable if only the characters would communicate! The farming and country aspect was also fun to read about.
“Maybe you miss and you have to try again. Maybe you miss and there’s no second shot. But you gave it your all, and if life is all sure things, that’s not really living.”
In Her Boots comes out 7/5.
June 20, 2022
In the disguise of a truly entertaining novel is a story about healing and growing - of the self, of family relationships, of friendships, and of the land. Rhett's farm, in fact, is a metaphor for all that is happening to her when she decides to go back and rebuild it after years of disrepair.
There were so many times I wanted to shake the main character, when I wanted to scream TELL THE TRUTH ALREADY. I got frustrated with the way her fears and the stories she told herself were preventing her from doing the right thing. There were also many times I wanted to stop and think about what's being said here about authenticity, our online selves, and living up to the persona we project to the world. In this way the story is truly brilliant.
This is a book to enjoy, think about, and discuss. I received an advance review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There were so many times I wanted to shake the main character, when I wanted to scream TELL THE TRUTH ALREADY. I got frustrated with the way her fears and the stories she told herself were preventing her from doing the right thing. There were also many times I wanted to stop and think about what's being said here about authenticity, our online selves, and living up to the persona we project to the world. In this way the story is truly brilliant.
This is a book to enjoy, think about, and discuss. I received an advance review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
After reading and loving KJ Dell'Antonia's debut novel, THE CHICKEN SISTERS, I was thrilled to read her newest release, published 7/5/22. Dell'Antonia has a knack for writing truly engaging contemporary women's fiction with just a pinch of family drama and subtle romance. I would love to see this delightful story made into a Netflix show or movie!
May 29, 2022
I loved “The Chicken Sisters” and so I was excited to be given the opportunity by net galley to read and review this book. While it doesn’t quite measure up to the author’s previous book, it was still a delight to read. “In Her Boots” had similar themes of a strained mother/daughter relationship, true friendship, and lost love. After twenty years away as the “Modern Pioneer Girl” and being dumped by her boyfriend, Rhett Smith is looking to settle someplace safe. Rhett Smith is now a best-selling author but returns home to the family farm following the death of her grandmother with the presumption that it is now hers. Imagine her surprise when it is not. Joining her is her best friend Jasmine, who also is looking for a change in her life. Just before going home to the farm, Rhett was asked to appear on the Today Show as the Modern Pioneer Girl but pushed Jasmine to step in for her when she found out her mother, a university professor, would also be on the show and she could not face her. In her mother’s presence, Rhett goes back to the mindset as a young child who felt she could never measure up to her mom’s expectations and become whom her mother felt she should be. MPG is the anti-thesis for everything her university mindset mother represents. From there, and yes readers you guessed it, the identity switch spiraled and chaos ensued. Rhett must face her estranged mother who has plans to sell the family farm to the local university. Together Rhett and Jas want to save the family farm and rediscover who they are in hopes of inner happiness. After the Today Show interview where Jas as MPG humiliated Rhett’s mom, everyone in Rhett’s hometown think that Jas is Maggie Strong, the Modern Pioneer Girl, including Rhett’s mom. To add an additional layer, Maggie’s college love lives in town and is the architect hired by Rhett’s mom to build the new University welcome center on Rhett’s farm. He’s also the father to a teenage girl who idolizes everything Maggie Strong stands for and has another connection that is revealed later becoming a twist.
This was a light read and enjoyable. I liked the connection Rhett made to Laura Ingalls Wilder and her belief in herself that she could do anything she put her mind to. The total friendship between Rhett and Jasmine was a highlight, while the romance angle was a bit weak. Not as well developed as I would like, but still, I found myself reading along without putting it down because I wanted to know what happened next. This book gave me hope with the relationship between Rhett and her mother, that there’s always more to the story and sometimes you have to sit back and listen. If you enjoyed “The Chicken Sister”, you will enjoy this book too about the promise and possibility of second chances and strong friendships.
Many thanks to #netgalley #inhershoes #penguingroupputman for the opportunity to tread and review this book.
This was a light read and enjoyable. I liked the connection Rhett made to Laura Ingalls Wilder and her belief in herself that she could do anything she put her mind to. The total friendship between Rhett and Jasmine was a highlight, while the romance angle was a bit weak. Not as well developed as I would like, but still, I found myself reading along without putting it down because I wanted to know what happened next. This book gave me hope with the relationship between Rhett and her mother, that there’s always more to the story and sometimes you have to sit back and listen. If you enjoyed “The Chicken Sister”, you will enjoy this book too about the promise and possibility of second chances and strong friendships.
Many thanks to #netgalley #inhershoes #penguingroupputman for the opportunity to tread and review this book.
August 3, 2022
Love this one just as much as the authors' Chicken Sisters (not a sequel). Not centered around a romance but of friendship, family (take 'em or leave 'em), secrets, overcoming, homecomings, and forgiveness.
September 25, 2022
Rhett is a MacGyver-like person, super handy with her hands, and super good with engines and mechanical stuff. She's also a reader and a writer. Rhett has spent the last twenty years as a solo traveler. She's been out in the world and making a new life for herself in different countries.
But just as Rhett turns 40, her long-term relationship collapses and her grandmother's death draws her back to the family farm. Luckily, her book is a success, written under a different name. She decides her best friend will pretend to be the author. But when her mother wants to sell the frame, Rhett has to prove she can stand on her own two feet and keep it. The problem is she has to admit that she lied to everyone. This is really the story of the adult we hope we have grown into, the child our mothers will always see, and our terrible fear that our mother is right.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
But just as Rhett turns 40, her long-term relationship collapses and her grandmother's death draws her back to the family farm. Luckily, her book is a success, written under a different name. She decides her best friend will pretend to be the author. But when her mother wants to sell the frame, Rhett has to prove she can stand on her own two feet and keep it. The problem is she has to admit that she lied to everyone. This is really the story of the adult we hope we have grown into, the child our mothers will always see, and our terrible fear that our mother is right.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
October 21, 2022
My favorite books, especially when I’m reading women’s fiction, are those where the main character grows and evolves. The metamorphosis of Rhett, the main character, would have been enough for me to love this novel. Add to that a story filled with humor and warmth, with a cast of characters who were equally lovely and frustrating, including farm animals bursting with personality—this book is a solid 5-star read. In Her Boots is a poignant story about forgiveness, second chances, and being true to who you are and what you want, even when being who you really are leads to hurt and disappointment. There are many layers to this compelling book, with a fast pace that kept me turning pages.
September 14, 2022
Not as clever as The Chicken Sisters but entertaining.
June 30, 2022
Thank you to @kjda and @putnambooks for my advance copy of this.
First off, I have to say the cover is pretty great! It was perfect for the story as well. This is a really feel good story that is entertaining and holds a lot of substance. It is about healing, growing, relationships, forgiveness and finding one’s self. It also has a lot to do with second chances. I found Rhett and her mother’s relationship to be so well written and I enjoyed that both sides of their feelings were presented. It was difficult and hard for both sides and the author did a good job of showing the reasoning behind the characters actions. It also explained a lot about Rhett herself and who she is as an adult.
I personally enjoyed that the story was not centered around romance. There was a small flame in the story but it wasn’t all about that. It was more about the female relationships. I appreciated that Rhett stood up for herself, her beliefs and showed that you can achieve whatever you want out of life with or without a formal education. All in all this was really cute and I enjoyed the easy feel of it between thrillers!
First off, I have to say the cover is pretty great! It was perfect for the story as well. This is a really feel good story that is entertaining and holds a lot of substance. It is about healing, growing, relationships, forgiveness and finding one’s self. It also has a lot to do with second chances. I found Rhett and her mother’s relationship to be so well written and I enjoyed that both sides of their feelings were presented. It was difficult and hard for both sides and the author did a good job of showing the reasoning behind the characters actions. It also explained a lot about Rhett herself and who she is as an adult.
I personally enjoyed that the story was not centered around romance. There was a small flame in the story but it wasn’t all about that. It was more about the female relationships. I appreciated that Rhett stood up for herself, her beliefs and showed that you can achieve whatever you want out of life with or without a formal education. All in all this was really cute and I enjoyed the easy feel of it between thrillers!
November 22, 2022
IN HER BOOTS
K.J. Dell'Antonia
I REALLY wanted to love this, I was prepared to accept it if it was a romance, but this "girl" is just too much of an immature character for me. I can't swallow a 40-year-old acting like some teen or barely 20. The main character is whiney about almost everything and has zero confidence at 40 despite lots of accomplishments. I kept asking myself "How old is this woman? and her friend?"
She can't face her mother whom she has not seen in 20 years, because she sees herself as her Mother did. What kind of a woman is like that after 20 years? This is a woman who has lived wild and free, published a book, and all this stuff... GIVE ME A BREAK. AND if that is her, then I am just so happy that I don't know her and that I don't have to finish this book.
In addition, I didn't like how she treated her friend... or anybody else. . Even if 18 to 26 is emerging adulthood, by the time one is 40 and has traveled the world, shouldn't one be a full-blown adult?
1 star before I DNF
Happy Reading!
K.J. Dell'Antonia
I REALLY wanted to love this, I was prepared to accept it if it was a romance, but this "girl" is just too much of an immature character for me. I can't swallow a 40-year-old acting like some teen or barely 20. The main character is whiney about almost everything and has zero confidence at 40 despite lots of accomplishments. I kept asking myself "How old is this woman? and her friend?"
She can't face her mother whom she has not seen in 20 years, because she sees herself as her Mother did. What kind of a woman is like that after 20 years? This is a woman who has lived wild and free, published a book, and all this stuff... GIVE ME A BREAK. AND if that is her, then I am just so happy that I don't know her and that I don't have to finish this book.
In addition, I didn't like how she treated her friend... or anybody else. . Even if 18 to 26 is emerging adulthood, by the time one is 40 and has traveled the world, shouldn't one be a full-blown adult?
1 star before I DNF
Happy Reading!
September 16, 2022
In Her Boots by K.J. Dell’Antonia. Pub Date: July 5, 2022. Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟. If you want a feel good sweet story about family, truth, self discovery and full of farm vibes then this book is for you. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed this novel. Rhett is a single 40 something female who is at a crossroads. Her estranged mother plans to sell the family farm, but Rhett wants to save it from being sold. Gaining success as a writer under a pseudonym, she finds herself at a crossroads of how to pursue this change of events due to her mother connecting more with her book than with her. The reader is taken on a journey with Rhett of family, love and finding what she really wants in life. Thanks to #netgalley and #putnam for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #inherboots #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookworm #igreads
June 1, 2023
This was fun! I really enjoyed getting to know Rhett, Jas, and Louisa. The concept of the Modern Pioneer Girl was fascinating, even if some of Rhett's choices were frustrating. It's so hard to watch a person who seems incapable of seeing through her own persona.
There were several quotes I liked, but this one resonated the most for me:
"That's how we know it's good advice," said Jasmine. "Good advice always sucks to follow. Bad advice is so much better. It's easy easier to do dumb things than hard ones."
And I absolutely adored their power chant, which made me grin each time it appeared on the page:
Laura. Zora. Frida. Gloria.
Ruth. Bader. Ginsburg. GO.
There were several quotes I liked, but this one resonated the most for me:
"That's how we know it's good advice," said Jasmine. "Good advice always sucks to follow. Bad advice is so much better. It's easy easier to do dumb things than hard ones."
And I absolutely adored their power chant, which made me grin each time it appeared on the page:
Laura. Zora. Frida. Gloria.
Ruth. Bader. Ginsburg. GO.
March 30, 2024
It's a cute book. Not my normal murder mystery, but I enjoyed it.
October 29, 2022
Pleasant setting, nice characters
August 3, 2022
This was cute. Platonic girlfriend story.
June 21, 2022
In KJ Dell’Antonia’s newest light and funny releases, In Her Boots, Rhett Gallagher has been traveling the world since she left in her early twenties. She’s made a living jumping from experiences and countries and by being the women behind The Modern Pioneer Girl, which is her her pseudonym on Instagram for sharing her adventure. Rhett is headed home. After the death of her grandmother, Rhett is back stateside. Set on taking over the family farm, she’s shocked to learn her mother (who she hasn’t seen in 20 years) is not only a partial owner but also has lined up a buyer for the farm already. Add in a panicked decision to use her best friend, Jasmine, as the face of The Modern Pioneer Girl for a The Today Show interview, and Rhett’s life is proving to be a mess she might not be able to fix.
This was a really cute read. I have a copy of Dell’Antonia’s The Chicken Sisters, but I haven’t read it at this time so In Her Boots was my first read from the author. I’m definitely looking to move The Chicken Sisters up on my TBR after finishing this one.
I took a star away because I didn’t feel the romance portion was fully flushed out and felt a bit lackluster. The chemistry between the two characters didn’t quite deliver for me, but there was still enough to consider this a light romance though.
With that said, I really enjoy these women’s literature books that focus more on a child/parent relationship, and friend relationships. It’s nice to just have a good lighthearted read that doesn’t focus primarily on needing a romantic partner. Dell’antonia did a great job of depicting the struggles that can come with those relationships. The complexity of Rhett and her mother’s relationship resonate with more than just mother/daughters. While I have a great relationship with my mother, I felt that some of the topics still applied and way their story unfolded was balanced and realistic. The relationship between Rhett and her best friend Jasmine, was one of my favorite things about the book. They work hard to support each other always, and their relationship felt solid but not without it’s challenges. Sometimes these light books paint friend relationship as easy or perfect, and I enjoyed the extra complexity and fissures in Jasmine and Rhett’s relationship. It made the story seem more believable.
If you’re looking for a quick and light read, than you’ll really enjoy this one. Filled with humor and a fairly loveable but not perfect cast of characters, this will be a perfect vacation read this summer.
In Her Books comes out July 5th! Huge thank you to GP Putnam’s Sons for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.
This was a really cute read. I have a copy of Dell’Antonia’s The Chicken Sisters, but I haven’t read it at this time so In Her Boots was my first read from the author. I’m definitely looking to move The Chicken Sisters up on my TBR after finishing this one.
I took a star away because I didn’t feel the romance portion was fully flushed out and felt a bit lackluster. The chemistry between the two characters didn’t quite deliver for me, but there was still enough to consider this a light romance though.
With that said, I really enjoy these women’s literature books that focus more on a child/parent relationship, and friend relationships. It’s nice to just have a good lighthearted read that doesn’t focus primarily on needing a romantic partner. Dell’antonia did a great job of depicting the struggles that can come with those relationships. The complexity of Rhett and her mother’s relationship resonate with more than just mother/daughters. While I have a great relationship with my mother, I felt that some of the topics still applied and way their story unfolded was balanced and realistic. The relationship between Rhett and her best friend Jasmine, was one of my favorite things about the book. They work hard to support each other always, and their relationship felt solid but not without it’s challenges. Sometimes these light books paint friend relationship as easy or perfect, and I enjoyed the extra complexity and fissures in Jasmine and Rhett’s relationship. It made the story seem more believable.
If you’re looking for a quick and light read, than you’ll really enjoy this one. Filled with humor and a fairly loveable but not perfect cast of characters, this will be a perfect vacation read this summer.
In Her Books comes out July 5th! Huge thank you to GP Putnam’s Sons for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my instagram @speakingof_books.
June 22, 2022
In Her Boots tells us the story of Rhett and her homecoming back to the farm in New Hampshire where she was raised. She’s been gone for years traveling and living in another country. She’s also published a book under a pen name about being the Modern Pioneer Girl. When she’s asked to go on a talk show and makes a split decision to have her friend pretend to be her, it creates a spiral of a mess between her and her friend. Now they’re both at the farm and her friend has to continue to be the Modern Pioneer Girl that she isn’t. And along the way it doesn’t make a lot of people happy. I couldn’t tell if Rhett was supposed to be a like-able character or not but I really disliked her. She was annoying and selfish. We watch her grow a bit in what she learns about how she’s acted but she’s so so independent that she doesn’t realize she’s pushing people away. We also watch her almost lose her friend and have a sort of reconciliation with her mother. In the end it’s about learning to let people help you and also not keep your opinion on someone based on things you learned or were told as a kid. What she knows about her mother is very one sided because of her grandmother and it creates animosity in Rhett towards her mother that is rather unfounded. The story itself was slow moving and lacked enough conflict and climax to really keep me hooked and love it. I finished because I was looking forward to reading this one but it just was ok. Nothing exciting or super lovable about it or the characters. Maybe general womens fiction just isn’t my thing anymore.
June 27, 2022
This new novel by the author of The Chicken Sisters is another story of the legacy left during a lifetime of miscommunication within a family. Rhett has been estranged from her mother for most of her life and was raised mostly by her father and grandmother on their farm in Pioneer Hill. After dropping out of school, to her mother's strong disapproval, Rhett travels the world as she seeks adventure and cherishes her nomadic life. In fact, she writes a best-selling book about it and is known as the Modern Pioneer Girl. But, when she returns home when her grandmother dies, she is shocked to be embroiled in a fight with her mother over her cherished farm. To make matters worse, Rhett was convinced to go on the Today Show to promote her book but chickens out and sends her best friend, Jasmine instead to face her mother on TV. So now, the whole world thinks her friend is the Modern Pioneer Girl. And so the story goes...
With hilarity and raw emotions, this novel tackles the deep feelings between a mother and daughter who are both stubborn and yet can't be honest with each other. It's a story about the bond between best friends and trying to figure out who you are and still be true to yourself. It's about a daughter seeking not only her mother's approval, but her love, not realizing her mother wants the same from her daughter. And mix in are SO many situations that will make you chuckle and just laugh out loud. This novel is a perfect mix of fun and heart.
With hilarity and raw emotions, this novel tackles the deep feelings between a mother and daughter who are both stubborn and yet can't be honest with each other. It's a story about the bond between best friends and trying to figure out who you are and still be true to yourself. It's about a daughter seeking not only her mother's approval, but her love, not realizing her mother wants the same from her daughter. And mix in are SO many situations that will make you chuckle and just laugh out loud. This novel is a perfect mix of fun and heart.
July 18, 2022
Friendship and Mother/Daughter relationships are front and center in this fun Women's Fiction read!
Rhett makes her way back to the family farm after her grandmother passes to take it on and rebuild it to make it a working farm and keep it in the family.
Only a few problems stand in her way:
1. Her mother whom she hasn't spoken to for years wants to sell it
2. Her college love who broke her heart is also back in town and seems to be plotting with her mother to take the farm away
3. Her wildly successful secret persona of bestselling author and IG influencer is crashing down around her and the secret threatens to be exposed
Add to that a great best friend who comes to help bake for the farm stand and you've got a great story with wonderful characters and sweet, heartwarming relationships.
The actual reason for wanting to keep her persona a secret was so silly to me and caused this only to be a 4 instead of a 5 but without that, a lot of the consternation in the story would be lost so, I guess it was needed. Even still, I really enjoyed this one!
Rhett makes her way back to the family farm after her grandmother passes to take it on and rebuild it to make it a working farm and keep it in the family.
Only a few problems stand in her way:
1. Her mother whom she hasn't spoken to for years wants to sell it
2. Her college love who broke her heart is also back in town and seems to be plotting with her mother to take the farm away
3. Her wildly successful secret persona of bestselling author and IG influencer is crashing down around her and the secret threatens to be exposed
Add to that a great best friend who comes to help bake for the farm stand and you've got a great story with wonderful characters and sweet, heartwarming relationships.
The actual reason for wanting to keep her persona a secret was so silly to me and caused this only to be a 4 instead of a 5 but without that, a lot of the consternation in the story would be lost so, I guess it was needed. Even still, I really enjoyed this one!
July 14, 2022
Margaret “Rhet” is an influential instagrammer who channels her alter ego “Maggie Strong”and is better known as the Modern Pioneer Girl. While off the grid in Argentina, Rhet receives news that her beloved Grandma Bee has died. She is at a bit of a crossroads in her life after learning that her boyfriend and business partner plans to marry the woman with whom he has been having an affair. Rhet has complicated feelings about the hometown she has worked hard to distance herself from but knows she wants to make a go of the family farm her Grandma Bee has left behind. What a surprise when she discovers that she and her estranged mother have jointly inherited the farm. Rhett wants to save the farm but her mother wants to sell.
Rhet, as The Modern Pioneer Girl, writes about her 20 years of messy occupations and adventures overseas. She advises woman how to travel solo and live the life they want to live. She has also written a best selling book which is about to soar the MPG to new heights. But Rhet/Maggie Strong is not altogether what her followers think she is. In a hair brained scheme to conceal her identity as the MPG from her pushy mother, her editor and IG followers, things begin to spin out of control.
Dell’Antonia has written a book about the uncertainties faced by today’s youth, but also about Times are changing and she illuminates the ways the old paths to success are not always open nor may be right for everyone. With a great deal of heart and humor, @kjda masterfully addresses the struggles to negotaite the pressures of meeting other’s expectations and of being true to oneself.
Many thanks to @NetGalley and @putnambooks for the advanced digital copy but especially to @jdka for another great reading experience!
Rhet, as The Modern Pioneer Girl, writes about her 20 years of messy occupations and adventures overseas. She advises woman how to travel solo and live the life they want to live. She has also written a best selling book which is about to soar the MPG to new heights. But Rhet/Maggie Strong is not altogether what her followers think she is. In a hair brained scheme to conceal her identity as the MPG from her pushy mother, her editor and IG followers, things begin to spin out of control.
Dell’Antonia has written a book about the uncertainties faced by today’s youth, but also about Times are changing and she illuminates the ways the old paths to success are not always open nor may be right for everyone. With a great deal of heart and humor, @kjda masterfully addresses the struggles to negotaite the pressures of meeting other’s expectations and of being true to oneself.
Many thanks to @NetGalley and @putnambooks for the advanced digital copy but especially to @jdka for another great reading experience!
July 16, 2022
If you're looking for a feel-good story...this is it!
The main character Rhett wrote an insanely popular book called "The Modern Pioneer Girl," which she published under a pen name. She's not keen on being in the spotlight, so when she gets asked to speak on a popular morning show, she forces her best friend Jasmine to take her place. Now, there is a face to the MPJ name, which is the last thing she wants. When she finally returns to her rural hometown to take over her families farm after her grandmother pasts, she realizes the property wasn't left to her. So, now she is forced to come face to face with her estranged mother, having to prove to her that she's more than capable to of running the farm on her own, and by buying her mother's half of the property. In Her Boots is an adorable, corky, farm-loving story.
The main character Rhett wrote an insanely popular book called "The Modern Pioneer Girl," which she published under a pen name. She's not keen on being in the spotlight, so when she gets asked to speak on a popular morning show, she forces her best friend Jasmine to take her place. Now, there is a face to the MPJ name, which is the last thing she wants. When she finally returns to her rural hometown to take over her families farm after her grandmother pasts, she realizes the property wasn't left to her. So, now she is forced to come face to face with her estranged mother, having to prove to her that she's more than capable to of running the farm on her own, and by buying her mother's half of the property. In Her Boots is an adorable, corky, farm-loving story.
September 23, 2022
In Her Boots by by KJ Dell'Antonia was not what I was expecting it to be. This novel follows Rhett as she comes to terms for her grandmothers death and what her true legacy is. Rhett had hidden behind her “alter ego” as the Modern Pioneer Girl and has found notoriety through her unique take on her path in life as well as her travels around the world. The one catch is no one actually knows what she looks like. Cue her signing up to do a talk show which ends up pitting her against her estranged mother, forcing her Bestie to pretend to be her and all of the fallout you could expect from such a switcheroo.
The most endearing part of this novel though was how it focused on female relationships of all kinds and the traditional romance took a backseat. I thought this was incredibly refreshing and also really enjoyed seeing Rhett and her mother come to terms with who each other is and forming their own path forward.
While this was a bit of a slower read I rated this 3 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
The most endearing part of this novel though was how it focused on female relationships of all kinds and the traditional romance took a backseat. I thought this was incredibly refreshing and also really enjoyed seeing Rhett and her mother come to terms with who each other is and forming their own path forward.
While this was a bit of a slower read I rated this 3 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
February 14, 2022
Rhett is the author of a hit book called The Modern Pioneer Girl that she wrote under a pseudonym. Rhett, along with her best friend Jasmine, think it would be a great idea to have Jasmine impersonate her during a television interview. The problem is that Jasmine does a great job during the interview and becomes the face of the Modern Pioneer Girl which doesn’t really sit well with Rhett. Rhett is 40 years old. You would think she had a bottle handle on life but she is constantly getting in her own way. This is an enjoyable rom-com that will probably become a top beach read this summer. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and The author for the ARC ( kindle) in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2022
Rhett has just turned 40 when her relationship ends, her grandmother dies and she has to return to her family farm. Luckily, her book has become like a bible for women everywhere. "The Modern Pioneer Girl's Guide to Life" is written under a pseudonym so when Rhett is asked to make a publicity appearance, she convinced her best friend to take her place and pretend to be the author.
What can happen, right? This sweet book is really about finding yourself and healing old wounds. I really enjoyed this book. The story was refreshing and new.
What can happen, right? This sweet book is really about finding yourself and healing old wounds. I really enjoyed this book. The story was refreshing and new.
August 9, 2022
KJ Del'Antonia displays her writing chops and skills as a story teller with In Her Boots. A fun and uplifting rom com that was a delight to read. . A angsty homecoming and a prank gone wrong, a captivating story of identity and having a second chance at finding love. Funny, uplifting, heart warming and romantic. Overall a solid read.
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