Review of Harriet Hates Lemonade
- jodiwebb9
- Feb 24
- 4 min read
Harriet Hates Lemonade takes on the difficult subject of abusive relationships. I must confess that, in the beginning, I was reluctant to review the book because I've read some novels on this subject and they drifted into horror for me and made me question if I could finish them. But I want to let you know that any physical violence is "off-stage" or buffered by being the memory of a person while the book focuses on other aspects of abusive relationships.
Stop by next week for my interview with Kim. Thanks to WOW Women on Writing Tours for the free copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
More About Harriet Hates Lemonade
Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you.
Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules and judgmental opinions are not her own.
Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet's door seeking help because the girl’s father is physically abusing her mother. Reluctantly, Harriet comes to her neighbor’s aid and, in the process, recognizes her own insidious abuse which has unwittingly shaped her isolated, rigid existence. To escape her crushing loneliness, she must learn to break free from the patterns of control and isolation that have defined her life and learn to connect with people she previously viewed as heathens.
More About Kim McCollum
Kim McCollum graduated from Barnard College with a major in Japanese and was soon navigating the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. When her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children. Once they headed off to school, Kim finally found time to pursue her passion for writing. Her award-winning debut novel, WHAT HAPPENS IN MONTANA, was published in January 2024, and her short stories have appeared in several publications. She lived in Bozeman, Montana, with her supportive husband, Brian, and their blended menagerie of five kids and three spoiled pets.
Catch Up with Kim at:
Website: https://kim-mccollum.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/KFMcCollum
Thoughts About Harriet Hates Lemonade
If I had to describe Harriet Hates Lemonade with one word, it would be insidious. The often humorous descriptions of everyday life manage to mask the terrible things happening behind closed doors but they creep into your subconscious as maybes until they are fully revealed. Author Kim McCollum explores abusive relationships from a different angle that will have you thinking long after you have finished the book.
Harriet Hates Lemonade tells the story of a pairing up of two women who can't possibly be more different - Robyn, a cheery young mother and Harriet, a grumpy, childless widow. The novel bounces between the ridiculous situations they find themselves in (Ok, mostly Harriet) and the dark secrets they both hide from the world. I believe it is the injection of humor that makes this story more relatable and ultimately, more powerful.
The characters seem to leap off the page. In fact, one character seemed so familiar - not her situation but her mannerisms, description & personality - that I searched my memory for her doppelganger (Hi, Trish!). The full development of the characters make it so much easier to identify with them and become invested in their lives. They truly feel like old friends.
Ready to Read
Want to Win?
Enter to win a copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade HERE by March 1
Join the Tour
February 16 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Kim McCollum's book Harriet Hates Lemonade. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of her book.
February 19 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Visit Karen's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
February 20 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Nicole features Kim McCollum on her Substack feature, Your Weekend Care Package.
February 21 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade.
February 24 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
February 26 @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
February 27 @ Renee Roberson's blog
Join Renee for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 2 @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Visit Veronica's blog for a review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 3 @ Words by Webb
Jodi interviews author Kim McCollum about her book Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 4 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Join Leslie's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade. She also shares a guest post by the author about her experience working in a local abuse shelter.
March 5 @ Just Katherine
Join Katherine's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 7 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with Kim McCollum about her book, Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 10 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 11 @ CC King's blog
Join Caitrin for a guest post by Kim McCollum on creating characters based on people around you.
March 12 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for a guest post on how to revise your manuscript while maintaining a full and busy life.
March 13 @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog for a guest post on developing characters that feel real in fiction.
March 15 @ Rachael's Thoughts
Visit Rachael's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 16 @ BookwormBecky1969
Becky shares her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
March 20 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a powerful guest post by Kim McCollum about what she learned from her abusive relationship.
March 22 @ Silver's Reviews
Join Elizabeth for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.
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