Tips for Tuesday - Books: The Girls Who Grew Big & The Accidental Favorite; Movie: Mr. Blake at Your Service

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books: The Girl Who Grew Big & The Accidental Favorite

Today, we recommend The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley. When she gets pregnant at 16, Adela's parents send her from her home in Indiana to stay with her grandmother in Padua Beach, Florida. There, she meets a group of young outcast mothers raising their children together. 

The story is told from three alternating points of view: in addition to that of Idela, there is Emory, a young mother determined to graduate high school and attend a good college, and Simone, a bit older and the mother of twins, the de facto leader of the group. Being able to get into the mindset of each of these characters greatly enhances the overall enjoyment of the book and helps you feel for each of these main characters. 

The way the characters support and encourage each other is inspiring. They are there for each other when they need one another, but that doesn't mean there aren't hardships along the way, including lies and betrayal. Friendships start, friendships end, and sometimes friendships are renewed. Everything the characters go through only serves to make the story feel more real and relatable. Ultimately, it is full of heart and hope and a reminder that if you are not lucky enough to be born into a family that will support you no matter what, sometimes you need to find your family.

Today, we are talking about The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood. When the extended Fisher clan gathers for a getaway to celebrate matriarch Vivienne's 70th, a near tragedy inadvertently leads to the revelation of patriarch Patrick's favorite daughter. This leads to major repercussions as old resentments surface and revelations are made.  

However, much of the book does not directly relate to the main premise.  Plus, even if you accept the explanation for Patrick's favoritism, it still doesn't adequately explain why he acts the way he does, especially when his actions could result in serious harm to his other daughters. It's hard to believe a father who is not portrayed as especially cruel would favor one daughter so strongly to the possible detriment of his other daughters. 

The book is also mostly a depressing story about a family falling apart. However, the ending is surprisingly touching and optimistic. 

Movie: Mr. Blake at Your Service 

Courtesy of Sicily Publicity Inc. 

Today, we are recommending Mr. Blake at Your Service. A man wants to visit the estate where he met his late wife. When he finds they are not currently taking guests, but are looking for a staff member, he gets a job as a butler. This is a beautiful story about a group of people all dealing with various kinds of heartbreak and/or loss who come together as a surrogate family and heal each other. Although it stars American actor John Malkovich, the film is entirely in French with English subtitles. However, if you let a dislike of subtitles stop you from seeing this extremely charming and engaging film, it will truly be your loss.

And that's our view. The Girls Who Grew Big and The Accidental Favorite will both publish next Tuesday, June 24. Mr. Blake at Your Service will be in theaters this Friday, June 20.

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