All My Restless Life to Live by Dee DeTarsio

Several scenes had me snorting on the subway, particularly one where she is cast in her own soap opera. The witty banter between characters had me giggling and fully amused, and the two swoon-worthy male leads vying for Elle’s affection kept me flipping pages to see who would win her love. To me, this book had the perfect balance of humour, depth, and reflective moments as Elle moves forward with her life. Not that this is to say that the entire novel is light and fluffy.

I actually could have done without them as I found myself skimming parts to get back to Elle’s story because I missed it so much when it was gone! Also surprising was how light DeTarsio manages to make this novel feel considering much of it is about Elle overcoming her grief over her father’s death. Something that surprised me was that the soap opera scenes didn’t hold my interest. The laptop coming between them caused some giggles, and I couldn’t wait to see what would transpire. The relationship she has with her mother is amusing, and I loved the dance they do around each other and their gradual understanding. The unusual antics of Elle's deceased father’s laptop kept me reading, as did her day-to-day life and her love life. Add to this a mysterious, paranormal element and I was hooked. This novel was so much fun to read, has multiple quirky characters, and a plot that moves along quickly. Events in Elle’s life unfold like the soap opera she writes, and I loved reading all this crazy, unusual, and heart-warming story. I really enjoyed this book! All My Restless Life to Live is a fast-paced, quirky, and amusing read! I have been known to watch a soap opera or two in my day thanks to growing up with two grannies who were dedicated fans (I actually still watch General Hospital – the only one of four I grew up aware of still on the air) so I couldn’t wait to read this insider look into the soap opera world.

All My Restless Life to Live by Dee DeTarsio