Review: The Summer Book Club

 

One summer changes the lives of three women:

Paris grew up without the skills to cope with emotional stress. Her anger lead to the break-up of her marriage and the loss of a career. After years of therapy, she's living in her hometown. She owns a farm stand. Life is good - but she's thrown a curveball when her ex-husband comes back to town.

Laurel, Paris's best friend, has moved on from the hurt of her divorce. But it's still wreaking havoc in her daughters' lives. Her oldest daughter is under the impression that all men let you down. She is so angry with her father. After a teacher brings this to her attention, Laurel is determined to find a male role model for her daughter.

Cassie's family decide it's time for her to finally leave the nest. She drives from Maine to the other side of the country where she finally views her inheritance. There she meets Paris and Laurel.  They form a tight friendship. She finds a job and an apartment. 

Together, they inspire and push each other to make chances. It will be a summer they will never forget.

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book and then I was hooked. I didn't want to put the book down. I enjoyed each of their stories - their faults and the accomplishments. It wasn't hard to root for any of them. My heart broke for Laurel's daughters and their moments with their father. I loved how Cassie fit in right away and how she found her place outside of her family. There was so much supportive friendship moments in this book - even the moments of tough love. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming - although it isn't a moment from the book

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library's collection. 

Review: Vineyard at Painted Moon

 

Mackenzie thought she had it all - the perfect job, a happy marriage, and a great family. But someone else's happiness makes her take a long look at her life. Before she know what's happening, she and her husband are getting a divorce.

Her perfect job comes from his family vineyard. She's fired from her job. Her family is his family, but her best friend is still on her side. 

Mackenzie always had plenty of ideas for the vineyard that the matriarch refused to allow. Now, she has a new business partner and they are purchasing a local winery. She'll be able to make all the decisions. Mackenzie's grieving the loss of her marriage, her job, and the family she always wanted. 

She's starting to do things she's never done before - live alone, cook dinner for herself, and not be consumed by work. Will she find a new place for herself?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It made me want to drink wine and tour wineries. I like learning about wineries and wine making. But I loved Mackenzie and my heart broke for her. But I admired how she landed on her feet with lots of luck and lots of hard work. I loved Four and Stephanie. I love how they stood by Mackenzie.  And how they were true to themselves - which wasn't easy. The family matriarch, Barbara, was the worst - mean, self absorbed, and cruel. Rhys wasn't too much better. Another great story from Susan Mallery.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic women's fiction story for your collection - highly recommended. Although I assume that Susan Mallery is an automatic purchase for most libraries. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Wishes

 This week's topic is all about book wishes. I have to be honest, I've been terrible at reading ARCs lately. There's never enough time to read all the books I want to read. That being said, here are 10 books I would love the chance to read early.

The start of a new series plus a Christmas book = sold!

Christmas and YA - so here for it. I wish there were more Christmas books in YA published. So excited for this one!

I loved the first two books in this series

Always happy to read more from Jennifer Lynn Barnes - but can't wait to read this book!

Love royals

Donuts and Romance!

Love Little Women - this looks fantastic!

Loved the first two books!

Will read anything Sarah writes!

Ice Dancing with Olympic goals and romance!

Are any of these on your list?

Review: When We Found Home

Malcolm grew up with the wealth and privilege of his father's family. But when his father died, he discovered that he has two half sisters. His grandfather wants to bring them into the family fold. His youngest sister is twelve. Malcolm has no idea how to communicate with her. Callie is closer to him in age. Both sisters have struggled in life - Callie's served a jail sentence for a crime in her youth.

Callie and Kiera both struggle with their new family. After being placed in so many homes, Kiera's doesn't believe her good fortune. She's sure that she will be asked to leave - it's only just a matter of time. Together they find common ground.

Malcolm tries to understand, but he struggles in learning how to be a brother. Can the three of them make their new family work?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about family drama, romance, and friendship. I loved how Callie and Kiera both adjusted to their new life and their new family. I loved their relationship with each other and how they both helped Malcolm understand how to be a brother. I loved Lizzie the kitten, Kiera's stubborn streak, Grandfather's love, and learning more about the family business. I love the Callie didn't sugarcoat her past and how she wanted to work towards bettering her future. I liked the romantic ties in the book. Another great read from Susan Mallery.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public libraries.

Romance Authors

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you have a great day!

For me Valentine's Day is all about books and chocolate.

Of course the books are romance books. Here are my go-to Romance authors and my most read authors. They simply make my day better and I'm glad to read anything they write.

Thank you to:

Meg Cabot

Debbie Macomber

Sherryl Woods

Susan Mallery

Jill Shalvis

Julia Quinn

Kristan Higgins

Sarah Morgan

Sarah MacLean

Sophie Kinsella

Shana Galen

Adult Review: You Say It First

 * First in a new series *

Pallas's new  business is struggling. Having inherited it, she's not sure she wants to keep it. She likes planning weddings, but it feels stale. Luckily, she just hired herself a handyman artist who convinces her to think outside of the box.

Nick's in limbo, waiting to hear about an overseas art project. So, he doesn't mind helping out someone in need. Plus, it lets him go back to working with a familiar medium.

Together, the two of them fall into an easy relationship. But Nick doesn't do long term and he's leaving soon. Should Pallas risk her heart anyways?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this spin off of Fool's Gold. I loved seeing the brothers from Fool's Gold and their relationship after the bombshell that changed their lives. I loved watching them create art and dabble in new projects. I really loved Pallas. I loved her loyalty, loved her group of friends, and I loved how she started to take chances. I felt terrible for her in regards to her relationship with her mother, but I love how she started feeling more confident in herself. And the meetings between Nick and her mother were great. A wonderful start to a surefire hit series! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your romance section!

Books I'm Dying to Read: February Edition

By now, I'm getting tired of winter, especially if it's been a cold one. The nights are long and are the perfect time to snuggle in with a great book. So here's what I'm looking forward to reading.

Middle Grade:

YA:

Adult: 

Summer Time Book Review: Best of My Love

Each summer, I love reading books that make me happy, especially a friends to lovers story.

* Book 20 in the Fool's Gold series *

Shelby wants to learn how to trust men - especially after her childhood. She thinks that if she can become friends with a man, than she could learn how to have a relationship. She think she's picked the perfect candidate in Aidan.

Aidan dates tourists - lots of tourists. He doesn't want any strings attached but when one returns and he doesn't remember her, she makes a scene. So he swears off dating for six months. When Shelby approaches him with her idea, he's not sold on it, but he realizes that something has to change. So he agrees to give it a go.

No one in town believes that they are just friends - but they are, until they're not. Could romance blossom out of friendship?

My Thoughts: I adore this series and this book was really sweet. I loved how their friendship started rocky but grew as they alternated choosing activities - alternating with boy activities and girl ones. It showcased their banter, which was fantastic. I like how they helped each other come to terms with relationships in their lives - family and friends. I loved seeing more about Shelby and the bakery and all her big plans.  And that puppy was really sweet.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: YES to this whole series, it's perfect for your romance readers

Final Thoughts: Another winner in this series - sweet, funny, and perfect to read by the beach this summer.

Christmas Book Review: Marry Me at Christmas

* Book 19 in the Fool's Gold series *

Madeline loves finding the perfect dress for her brides at the bridal store in town. She's never planned a wedding before but when the mayor and her friend ask her for help, she can't turn them down. The she uncovers that the wedding is for the sister of Jonny Blaze - the action star that lives in town. The one she has such a crush on, she can't seem to find words to say to him.

Jonny Blaze wants his sister to have the wedding of her dreams. He settled in Fool's Gold to get away from all that hype in Hollywood. He's sometimes dumbfounded that it happened.  He's not interested in a relationship, but the more time he spends with Maddie, the more she grows on him.

Could a winter romance be in the air?

My Thoughts: I love Fool's Gold, especially the Christmas stories. I loved learning more about Maddie, especially watching her interact with her brides and finding them the perfect dress for their special day. I enjoyed watching her fall out of her crush with the movie star and discovering him as a person. I liked Jonny's protectiveness of his sister and his crazy attempts to show her that he loved her - even if they were misguided. I loved the snow falling, the festivals, and the decorations of the town. Everything's so charming, I'd just love to visit. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another winner for the series. If you're not reading this series, what the heck are you waiting for?

On My Hold List (108)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold at the library. I usually have 20-40 items checked out at the library and another 20 items on hold. 

Since coming back from BEA, I've decided that I need to change my reading habits. I need to start reading the ARCs and worry less about the library books for right now, except of course for the hot books coming out that I need immediately. It's not really working...but I am trying.

Here are a few Christmas books I'm looking forward to reading when they come in at the library.

Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery
I love Fool's Gold. I'm always happy to read more of these books, especially set at Christmas.

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane by Sheila Roberts 
Three women have very different ideas of Christmas but this year, will be different in Icicle falls. I adore this series!

Winter Wedding by Brenda Novak
This book just came out yesterday - I love this series and I'm happy to see Kyle finding love.

And a picture book:

How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan
What happens if you catch Santa?

BEA Recap: Author Moments

This year at BEA, I had some great moments meeting and chatting with authors. Here are few pictures I snapped to remember.

The Harlequin booth always has a group of knock out authors. Two of my favorite romance writers were there, Susan Mallery (Fool's Gold) and Kristan Higgins. I was very happy to chat with both of them for a minute. I just finished Hold Me, the first in the newest Fool's Gold trilogy. And next up I'm going to read If You Only Knew.

I got a hug and a signed copy of Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between from Jennifer E. Smith which I read and LOVED. (Review coming soon.) 

My librarian friend snapped this picture of us.

I stood in line for ages for Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl! For some reason I had it in my head that it was a graphic novel. I'm happy to be wrong. I'm really excited to read this book - and happy for my signed copy. We talked about how Black Widow needs her own movie!

I've heard such great things about the Daughter of Deep Silence, so I was excited to meet Carrie Ryan and grab a copy.

Super happy to see Liza, whom I chat with on twitter signing her YA debut Hello? - which sounds like a fantastic friendship story and I can't wait to read it!

Carolyn Mackler was signing the Infinite In Between about five teens throughout their high school careers. I'm really excited about following their friendship for four years. Plus I'm really looking forward to her MG debut: Best Friend Next Door. (I  just ordered this from my local library)

I sat in Richelle Mead's line for almost 2 hours because the line started, I really wanted to read Soundless (fantasy based in Chinese folklore), and because I really needed to sit down and rest. It was perfect. I chatted with people in line, had a snack, and then hugged the book tightly. 

I was first in line - something that NEVER happens. 

I got the book signed for my father-in-law and he wrote a little note in it for me.

Super nice! 

photo credit: Pam Jaffee

After that, I wondered over to the line for Meg Cabot, happy I got up extra early for a ticket. 

Those of you who read this blog regularly, know that I'm a huge fan of Meg Cabot's - she's the reason I became a YA Librarian. 

We've met a few times before, so we snapped a picture. 

 I just finished Royal Wedding (and a re-read of the books prior to this one). We talked about that while I had the book signed for a friend.

It was the PERFECT ending for a fantastic conference. I couldn't stop smiling!