Review: Still Me

Summary: From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what’s happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets–not all her own–that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places? -- Pamela Dorman Books/Viking

If you are anything like me, then you'll be thrilled that Louisa Clark, from ME BEFORE YOU and AFTER YOU by Jojo Moyes, is back in STILL ME! I absolutely love Louisa, and I could hardly wait to see what was next for Louisa as she travels to New York for a new job... and maybe a new life.

STILL ME picks up where AFTER YOU leaves off. (It's definitely not necessary to read the first two books to enjoy STILL ME, but why wouldn't you want to?) Louisa has just left her serious boyfriend Sam to travel to New York to work as a caregiver/personal assistant for the very wealthy Agnes Gopnik. She and Sam are determined to keep their romance alive, but Lou also wants to take advantage of everything Manhattan has to offer!

Lou begins attending some pretty high falutin' social events with Agnes and meets the very charming Joshua Ryan... who also happens to have an uncanny resemblance to Will from ME BEFORE YOU fame. Lou finds that long-distance relationships come with their set of challenges, and absence doesn't always make the heart grow fonder.

When Lou makes the decision to protect Agnes from a shocking secret about her past, she finds that life as she knows it in New York has been turned upside down. Can Lou find a way to survive in New York while also staying true to herself... and can she work things out with Sam who is thousands of miles away?

I so enjoyed STILL ME! I absolutely adore Louisa and it was so much fun to see her adventures in Manhattan with an entirely different crowd. Lou is absolutely delightful and I love how she always figures out a way to make the best of every situation. She's just quirky enough to make things interesting, and I love how much humor the author is able to infuse into the novel through this character.

Having said that, I think the beauty of STILL ME (and the other Lou stories) is that the author writes entertaining stories while also tackling some serious issues. I guess you could call in smart (very smart) chick lit -- and I mean that in the very best way. In the case of this novel, the themes of class structure, wealth, and loneliness were all addressed in a thought-provoking way. In addition, there were major storylines about Lou's relationships (and her sister's!) that showed the reader that there are all types of ways that love can conquer all (although it's not always an easy to get to that point!)

Another thing I really enjoyed about STILL ME were the new characters. Lou lives in a posh high rise in Manhattan and finds herself in contact with an elderly woman and her dog as well as a doorman who is a happily married family man. I loved both of these characters and, even more, I loved how Lou was able to learn about herself (and what is important to her) by engaging with them.

I'm not entirely sure if there were be another novel about Lou; although at the end of this one, she is embarking on another exciting opportunity. But what I do know is that I love Lou and her crazy cast of friends and family... and I will continue to read everything Ms. Moyes writes about her life. (Honestly, I'll read anything Ms. Moyes writes... period!) Highly recommended.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Dating Bender

Summary: A hysterical dramedy about a woman unhinged and at a crossroad. “Julian’s debut takes an unabashed look at a failed marriage, divorce, and dating under the scrutiny of a less than supportive family.” —former San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Adair Lara. 

 Here I am, on my knees in front of the Trevi Fountain, hoping like hell the legend is true. That the fountain gives you solace and love by a mere toss of a coin. 

Why am I here, exactly? Let’s see… 

 It started with my parents telling me to get married. Of course, being the good Catholic girl I am, I did. 

Needless to say, that marriage nosedived, and my parents weren’t exactly happy about it. 

Newly ditched and shamefully disowned, I decided to follow the advice of Babs, a tart-of-a-mentor, who offered me a job in Colorado. 

Her advice? Sex…and lots of it. 

The temptation of freedom, to do whatever—whoever—I wanted was too damn strong for me to say no. 

And that’s how it all started. The men, the sex, the journey… 

The dating bender. 

Because everybody deserves a do-over. 

THE DATING BENDER is a hilarious satire about dysfunctional family relationships, women who love the wrong men, and one epic hunt for happiness. -- Limitless Publishing

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you might be a little surprised to see a review for THE DATING BENDER by Christina Julian. I am the first to admit that this isn't my typical reading fare. It's not a thriller nor literary fiction. Rather it's a sexy romance -- definitely not my genre of choice. However, I decided to go outside of my comfort zone and give it a try.

THE DATING BENDER tells the story of Samantha, a woman who is definitely at some sort of crossroads in her life. The book begins with her wedding, and it's clear that her parents don't exactly approve of her husband. It seems like Samantha is finally escaping her difficult childhood with her marriage; however, things go bad quickly and Samantha's marriage is over. She heads back home only to learn that her very Catholic parents immediately disown her!

Her mentor Babs, who also happens to be a bit trashy, offers her a job in Colorado... and she recommends that Samantha have lots of sex. Obviously, Samantha is all out of sorts because she takes Babs' advice to heart and starts a life of excess, especially when it comes to men and sex. Hence the name of the novel -- THE DATING BENDER.

I hardly know where to start with this review. THE DATING BENDER definitely isn't my type of book, so I'm not going to go into what I didn't like because I knew what I was getting into when I picked up a book with this description. Suffice it to say that I am not the target reader. What I will share is that the book is pretty dirty with lots of sex talk and sex scenes. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I know there's an audience out there for this book.

Instead, I will focus on the beginning and the ending of the novel -- the parts where Samantha wasn't experiencing her dating bender. I actually thought the wedding scene, and especially Samantha's terribly dysfunctional parents, were pretty funny. I also enjoyed the beginning and end of Samantha's marriage... if you can actually say "enjoy" when her marriage was falling apart. I also really enjoyed the ending of the novel -- the time when Samantha came back to earth and finally found some perspective on her life. She even had some good words of wisdom!

I also thought the debut author did a good job with writing in Samantha's voice. While I got frustrated pretty quickly with Samantha, I did think she was funny at times. I also appreciated that the story was told through her eyes. I actually think that the author's portrayal of Sam's messy life was one of the strengths of the novel.

Overall, I'm not exactly sure what my final thoughts of THE DATING BENDER are. It's definitely not a book that I'd usually pick up and I'm probably not the best person to assess its merits. What I can say is that it does have some funny scenes and I think some readers will appreciate the sex talk.

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Lost and Found Sisters

Summary: From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes her first women's fiction novel—an unforgettable story of friendship, love, family, and sisterhood—perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover, Susan Mallery, and Kristan Higgins.

They say life can change in an instant…

After losing her sister in a devastating car accident, chef Quinn Weller is finally getting her life back on track. She appears to have it all: a loving family, a dream job in one of L.A.'s hottest eateries, and a gorgeous boyfriend dying to slip an engagement ring on her finger. So why does she feel so empty, like she's looking for a missing piece she can't find?

The answer comes when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a bombshell secret and a mysterious inheritance that only she can claim. This shocking revelation washes over Quinn like a tidal wave. Her whole life has been a lie.

On impulse, Quinn gives up her job, home, and boyfriend. She heads up the coast to the small hometown of Wildstone, California, which is just a few hours north, but feels worlds apart from Los Angeles. Though she doesn't quite fit in right away, she can't help but be drawn to the town’s simple pleasures…and the handsome, dark-haired stranger who offers friendship with no questions asked.

As Quinn settles into Wildstone, she discovers there's another surprise in store for her. The inheritance isn't a house or money, but rather something earthshattering, something that will make her question everything she thought she knew about herself, about her family. Now with a world of possibilities opening up to Quinn, she must decide if this new life is the one she was always meant to have—and the one that could finally give her the fulfillment she's searched so long for. -- William Morrow

I'm not a reader of romance novels, but I guess Jill Shalvis is a huge fan favorite! I've been hearing about her for years, and I'm amazed by not only her following but how much she's written. Ms. Shalvis has written nine different series. That's not novels -- that's series! Amazing! Her latest story, LOST AND FOUND SISTERS is actually her first foray into women's fiction, and I figured it was high time for me to give her books a try!

LOST AND FOUND SISTERS is touching story about a women who discovers that her life is a lie -- basically, she isn't who she thought she was! Quinn Weller is a chef who seemingly has it all. She has a terrific family, a great job in an L.A. restaurant, and a gorgeous boyfriend. However, life hasn't always been this great. Quinn has worked hard to bounce back from her sister's death in a car accident.

One day, Quinn's life turns upside down when a lawyer tracks down Quinn and reveals a secret that makes Quinn question everything. He surprises Quinn by revealing that she has a mysterious inheritance from someone she never knew, and this information throws Quinn into a tailspin. She ends up dropping almost everything from her life and heads north to the small town of Wildstone. It's very different than L.A., but Quinn feels like she belongs there. Of course, the hot stranger who shows up doesn't hurt either!

Quinn doesn't inherit a house or money. Rather, it's a small cafe that needs some work. Quinn also learns that she has a teenage sister named Tilly who basically is all alone. Now, Quinn has to face that her life is far different from what she's thought... and decide if her new life in Wildstone is the right one for her.

LOST AND FOUND SISTERS is a heartwarming story about loss, family, and second chances... with some romance thrown in. I understand that this novel is classified as women's fiction, and rightly so, but there is enough romance thrown in to please Ms. Shalvis' fans (I think -- I'm definitely not an expert on romance novels!)

I liked LOST AND FOUND SISTERS, but I don't know that I'd say I loved it. It's certainly entertaining and I couldn't help but like Quinn... and I was definitely interested in everything going on in her life. However, it's not a book that's likely to stay with me. Overall, I guess I'd say that it was a fun summer read!

There were a couple of things that stood out to me about LOST AND FOUND SISTERS. I actually liked most of the characters in the novel. Quinn was a lot of fun, although I did feel sorry for her at times. It seemed like she was not even over the loss of her sister when she had to face that her parents were keeping some pretty big secrets from her. I definitely liked her love interest Mick (and his smelly dog) as well as many of the quirky people who resided in Wildstone. I even liked the "supernatural" appearance of Quinn's dead sister Beth!

I also appreciated the theme of sisterhood in this novel. Obviously, Quinn didn't set out to find a replacement for her sister, but she ended up discovering that she had Tilly. Quinn's devotion to Tilly was certainly admirable -- it's never easy to raise a teenager, and I had to love her sense of responsibility for her. I also liked seeing how Quinn depended on Beth (or Beth's ghost!) to help guide her to do what was right.

Finally, it was fairly obvious to me that Ms. Shalvis is a writer of all things romance. There were more of those scenes that most women's fiction books (which makes it a good summer read!); and while I'm not really a good judge of love scenes, I could tell that these were way above average. She did a great job of creating chemistry between Quinn and Mick, but she also described their love for each other in a sweet (and sometimes passionate!) way.

There is a reading guide in the back of LOST AND FOUND SISTERS to help enhance book club discussions although I wasn't able to find an on-line link. Some of the topics you might want to discuss include Beth's ghost and the effect it had on Quinn, parent/child relationships, sisterhood, family, friendships, second chances, loss, grief, love, and forgiveness.

LOST AND FOUND SISTERS is a sweet (and fun) story about sisters, family, friendship, and love. I think fans of Ms. Shalvis' will enjoy this book as well as readers looking for a good escape read.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Shark Club (Audio)

Summary: A warm and wonderfully vivid novel about taking second chances—in life and in the sea

One summer day on the beach in Florida, two extraordinary things happen to Maeve Donnelly. First, she is kissed by Daniel, the boy of her dreams. Then, she is bitten by a blacktip shark.

Eighteen years later, Maeve has thrown herself into her work as a world-traveling marine biologist discovering more about the minds of misunderstood sharks. But when Maeve returns home to the legendarily charming and eccentric Hotel of the Muses where she was raised by her grandmother, she finds more than just the blood orange sunsets and key lime pies she’s missed waiting for her.

While Maeve has always been fearless in the water, on land she is indecisive. A chance meeting on the beach with a plucky, irresistible little girl who is just as fascinated by the ocean as Maeve was growing up leaves her at a crossroads: Should she re-kindle her romance with Daniel, the first love she left behind when she dove into her work? Or indulge in a new romance with her colleague, Nicholas, who turns up in her hometown to investigate an illegal shark-finning operation?

Set against the intoxicating backdrop of palm trees, calypso bands, and perfect ocean views, The Shark Club is a story of the mysterious passions of one woman’s life: her first love and new love; the sea and sharks that inhabit it. -- Penguin Audio

Just when I think I've reviewed all of my "beach books," I find another one! I know, I know -- you'd think I'd be more on top of the books I've read this summer. I have a bit of an excuse with this one because it's an audio book... so it wasn't in my need-to-be reviewed pile. The book is called THE SHARK CLUB by Ann Kidd Taylor, and it's been on almost every recommendation list for the summer.

THE SHARK CLUB is a great summer read because it primarily takes place at a beach in Florida, but it's also a fun escape read because it deals with family, love and second chances. Maeve Donnelly is a marine biologist who travels the world researching sharks. Her choice of professions is interesting, to say the least, because she was actually bit by a shark as a kid... right after she was kissed by the love of her life, Daniel.

Maeve and Daniel continued a romance for years and were even engaged to be married until they weren't. Maeve threw herself into her career, often times becoming closer to sharks than people. When Maeve returns home to her grandmother's hotel (which just happens to have a literary theme - LOVE!), she is looking forward to the comfort of her hometown; however, she quickly realizes that she can't escape her past. In fact, she actually runs into a little girl who is fascinated by the ocean and sharks only to learn that she is Daniel's daughter.

Maeve is planning to leave at the end of the summer to continue her work with sharks, but she finds herself still drawn to Daniel despite recently starting something with her co-worker Nicholas. Needless to say, she has some major decisions to make like should she try again with Daniel? Should se stay back in Florida and give up her career aspirations? Would she be happy marrying Daniel and being a mother to Hazel?

As if Maeve doesn't have enough going on with her personal life, there is also something sinister going on in this idyllic beach setting. Someone is killing tons of sharks so they can sell their fins. Naturally, Maeve is outraged and decides to investigate on her own (and with the help of Nicholas who just happens to show up) even if it means that her life is in danger!

I really enjoyed THE SHARK CLUB and it was a definitely a fun way to kill time on my morning walks and runs! The story is perfect for the summer (so hurry up and read it!), and it has just the right blend of romance and action (although it's really more about Maeve and her self-awareness journey.) I found myself really liking so many of the characters (even the secondary ones) in this novel from Maeve, to Hazel, to Nicholas, to Maeve's grandmother. And of course, I loved the hotel with all of its literary references!

I admit I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this novel. At first glance, it kind of sounds like a chick lit book (not that there's anything wrong with that!) However, Maeve's journey in this novel is actually pretty insightful. She and her brother lost their parents at a young age, and their deaths affected each one of them very differently. In addition, Maeve's return to her home forced her to confront some unfinished business from her past. I appreciated how the author delved into her psyche and how she learned from the mistakes she made.

Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the mystery surrounding who was responsible for the illegal shark finning operation. It wasn't a major storyline but it was an interesting one with a few surprises thrown in. I also liked how the author made sharks likable... and almost lovable through Maeve's voice.

As far as audio books go, I thought Emily Rankin did a great job. She totally captured the essence of Maeve which was definitely her strength, but she also did a good job with the other characters. The novel is a little under 10 hours, and I thought it flew by! And if you know me, then you know it takes me forever to read an audio book!

THE SHARK CLUB is a truly enjoyable read and I can see what it received so much praise. Highly recommended for fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this audio book.

Review: The City Baker's Guide to Country Living

Summary: A full-hearted novel about a big-city baker who discovers the true meaning of home—and that sometimes the best things are found when you didn’t even know you were looking

When Olivia Rawlings—pastry chef extraordinaire for an exclusive Boston dinner club—sets not just her flambéed dessert but the entire building alight, she escapes to the most comforting place she can think of—the idyllic town of Guthrie, Vermont, home of Bag Balm, the country’s longest-running contra dance, and her best friend Hannah. But the getaway turns into something more lasting when Margaret Hurley, the cantankerous, sweater-set-wearing owner of the Sugar Maple Inn, offers Livvy a job. Broke and knowing that her days at the club are numbered, Livvy accepts.

Livvy moves with her larger-than-life, uberenthusiastic dog, Salty, into a sugarhouse on the inn’s property and begins creating her mouthwatering desserts for the residents of Guthrie. She soon uncovers the real reason she has been hired—to help Margaret reclaim the inn’s blue ribbon status at the annual county fair apple pie contest.

With the joys of a fragrant kitchen, the sound of banjos and fiddles being tuned in a barn, and the crisp scent of the orchard just outside the front door, Livvy soon finds herself immersed in small town life. And when she meets Martin McCracken, the Guthrie native who has returned from Seattle to tend his ailing father, Livvy comes to understand that she may not be as alone in this world as she once thought.

But then another new arrival takes the community by surprise, and Livvy must decide whether to do what she does best and flee—or stay and finally discover what it means to belong. Olivia Rawlings may finally find out that the life you want may not be the one you expected—it could be even better. -- Pamela Dorman

If a book comes from the Pamela Dorman imprint, you can pretty much rest assured that I'm going to read it. Case in point: THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING by Louise Miller. This book sounded positively adorable. So sweet, in fact, that I would have read it regardless of the imprint. Pamela Dorman's name on the spine just was the icing on the cake. Pardon the pun!

THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING tells the story a Olivia Rawlings, a pastry chef in Boston who has found quite a bit success. When she drops her baked Alaska and catches the dinner club on fire, she decides it's time to escape from the big city. She heads to Guthrie, Vermont, where her best friend Hannah lives. Just by chance, she finds a job at the Sugar Maple Inn working for the prickly Margaret Hurley.

Margaret also just happens to have an old sugarhouse on her property where Olivia can live while working at the inn. It's quite the adjustment for Olivia, both because Margaret isn't the easiest woman to work for and because Guthrie is very different from Boston. It isn't long before Olivia realizes that Margaret really hired her because she wanted to win the blue ribbon for the country's apple pie contest.

Olivia, with her brightly colored hair, is surprised by how quickly she fits into this small town world. Her co-workers at the inn are extremely welcoming, and it doesn't hurt that she finds a "friend" in Martin McCracken, a man who has moved back to Guthrie to help take care of his sick father. She falls in love with both Martin and his family and realizes that she might finally have found a home with this small town community.

However, a few things happen that cause Olivia to have to make some very difficult decisions. Will she pack up and leave like she's always done in the past or face her future and the uncertainties head on?

I found THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING to be absolutely delightful. It really is a perfect read for this time of year... and by that I mean the fall season! I loved Olivia, even when she was being kind of stupid! And I also loved the quirky cast of characters that lived in Guthrie. The story was sweet and hopeful, and it just left me with an overall good feeling!

One thing I really appreciated was how well the author captured the essence of the characters, especially Olivia and Margaret. Olivia was far more complex than I was expecting from a novel like this... as was Margaret, and I thought the dynamic between them was extremely well done. On the outside, they couldn't have been more different; however, as the novel progressed, I found that they had more in common than first appeared.

Another aspect of this novel was how well the author played to readers' senses. I was also pleasantly surprise by this aspect of the story because it was the author's debut novel and she was a pastry chef in her prior career. Obviously, she has some major skills! Her descriptions of Vermont brought the small town to life for me as did her details about folk music, banjos, and fiddles. However, it was her descriptions of the food that made my mouth-water. Apple pie is probably my all-time favorite food, and I could almost taste her pies. Fortunately, she included her recipe in the back of the book!

Finally, I loved how this novel focused on what's important in life -- family and love. In many ways, this story as Olivia's coming-of-age novel; and it was a treat (pardon the pun, again!) to see how she was able to discover not only important things about herself but also about others. It was almost as if she matured enough to let others love her. What a beautiful love story -- and I don't just mean in a romantic way although that was pretty special too!

THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING would make a fantastic book club selection. Can you imagine how fun it would be if everyone brought a different dessert based on ones that were mentioned in the novel? There is a reading guide available with eight questions. I've probably already alluded to these themes, but some of the topics you could discuss include food, community, belonging, family, tradition, grief, guilt, parent/child relationships, friendship, and forgiveness.

THE CITY BAKER'S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING is a delightful read. I highly recommend it to foodies and fans of women's fiction!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Island in the Sea

Summary: Juliet Lyman is a senior executive at Yesterday Records. Music is her passion and she's very good at her job. That's why her famously philanthropic boss Gideon sends her to Majorca, Spain to work with a very tortured, but talented client. Lionel Harding is one of the best song writers of the 20th century, the multi-Grammy award-winning lyricist of the third most recorded song in history. But now he's 42 and six months overdue on the his latest paid assignment. Juliet is not leaving Majorca without either new lyrics or a very large check. 

To Juliet, business comes first. Emotions are secondary, and love isn't even on the menu. But to Lionel, love is everything, and he blames Gideon for his broken heart. He's determined to show Juliet that nothing is more important than love, but Juliet is just as determined to get Lionel to create the music that made him famous. If she can sign up local talent, even better. Her new friend Gabriella has a voice like an angel, but she's not interested in fame. Her grandmother, Lydia, wants the world for Gabriella, and she wants Juliet's help to give it to her. 

As her professional and personal lives start to mix for the first time, Juliet is forced to reevaluate her priorities. Gideon hasn't been totally honest, and love may be the only thing that gives them all what they need.

Island in the Sea is Anita Hughes' captivating sixth novel, filled with exotic descriptions of food, fashion, and romance. -- Griffin Books

Over the past few years, I have enjoyed some of Anita Hughes' novels. They are usually sweet reads with some romance thrown in for fun, and the settings are just incredible. Her latest takes place in the gorgeous island setting of Majorca, Spain, and is called ISLAND IN THE SEA.

ISLAND IN THE SEA tells the story of Juliet Lyman, an executive with a music company located in Los Angeles. Juliet has always loved music and has certainly established herself as a capable exec; however, that hasn't left much time for friendships and romance. Her boss sends her to Majorca to work with Lionel Harding, one of the most successful songwriters in recent memory but also one of the most troubled. Lionel owes the record company an album that he's already been given an advance for, and Juliet is supposed to make him pay up with either songs or money!

Juliet arrives in Majorca and is blown away by the sheer beauty of this island. But she realizes that work comes first and she sets out to pressure Lionel. She encounters a very broken man who believes that love can conquer all... except when it comes to writing new love songs! He asks that Juliet listen to his entire story and then decide if she is going to make him pay up.

As Juliet gradually hears Lionel's story, she also discovers a potential love interest along with a young woman with an amazing voice. She decides that if she can sign this woman to a recording contract, she might not be in as much trouble with her boss for not delivering Lionel's songs. She also finds that maybe love is missing in her life and that there's more than just a music career in store for her.

ISLAND IN THE SEA was a sweet book that fans of love stories might appreciate a bit more than I did. It's not that I didn't enjoy the book, it's just that I'm not a huge fan of love stories and I found that it was somewhat predictable. I did appreciate the characters and how the book was constructed, with stories going back and forth between the present and the past; however, I wouldn't say it was my favorite one of Ms. Hughes' novels.

What I did really enjoy about the novel was the setting of Majorca. Oh my gosh -- it just sounds like a beautiful place. As I've come to expect from Ms. Hughes' novels, she brought the setting to life and definitely made me picture this island perfectly. I could almost see the buildings, the people and even the sea. In addition, I love how she talks about the food that is native to the area. I swear I was hungry (and dying for a vacation) the entire time I read this book.

There is a reading guide available for ISLAND IN THE SEA. I think many book clubs would enjoy reading and discussing this novel especially during vacation months. It really is a fun, escape read. You group might want to explore the meaning of the title for starters. Some of the more serious themes you might want to discuss are love, choices, forgiveness, sacrifice, betrayal, depression, friendship, and honesty.

Overall, I liked ISLAND IN THE SEA but I didn't love it. I think readers who appreciate love stories and escape reads are definitely more of the target audience for this book.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway: The Song of Hartgrove Hall & Goodreads Author Q&A

Summary: A captivating novel that evokes the author’s New York Times bestseller The House at Tyneford

Natasha Solomons’s breathtaking new novel has it all: a love triangle, family obligations, and rediscovering joy in the face of grief, all set against the alluring backdrop of an English country estate perfect for fans of Downton Abbey

It’s a terrible thing to covet your brother’s girl

New Year’s Eve, Dorset, England, 1946. Candles flicker, a gramophone scratches out a tune as guests dance and sip champagne— for one night Hartgrove Hall relives better days. Harry Fox-Talbot and his brothers have returned from World War II determined to save their once grand home from ruin. But the arrival of beautiful Jewish wartime singer Edie Rose tangles the threads of love and duty, and leads to a devastating betrayal.

Fifty years later, now a celebrated composer, Fox reels from the death of his adored wife, Edie. Until his connection with his four-year old grandson – a music prodigy – propels him back into life, and ultimately to confront his past. An enthralling novel about love and treachery, joy after grief, and a man forced to ask: is it ever too late to seek forgiveness? -- Plume

Yesterday, I reviewed a very good book that fans of Downton Abbey will appreciate called THE SONG OF HARTGROVE HALL by Natasha Solomons. This novel had a little bit of something for everyone including romance, betrayal, and forgiveness; and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. She not only did a great job of bringing to life post-war England, but she also created some very complex characters.

I have some very exciting news for fans of Ms. Solomon -- both new and old ones! She is currently running an author Q&A on Goodreads. Make sure you stop by! There is already an interesting thread about the amount of research Ms. Solomons conducts while writing her novels.

Thanks to the fine folks at Plume, I have a copy of THE SONG OF HARTGROVE HALL to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before March 2 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada addresses only. Good luck!

Review: The Cavendon Women

Summary: From blockbuster bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford comes a stunning saga of love and loyalty set in early twentieth-century England. Cavendon Hall is home to the aristocratic Inghams and the Swanns who serve them. But after the Great War, the fate of these two families will never be the same... It all begins on a summer weekend in July of 1926 when, for the first time in years, the Earl has planned a family weekend. Everyone is intrigued by the invitation, and everyone has their own reasons for accepting it. As the family members come together, secrets, problems, joys, and sorrows are revealed. And as old enemies come out of the shadows and the Swanns' loyalty to the Inghams gets tested in ways none of them could have predicted, it is up to the Cavendon women to band together and bring their family into a new decade-and a new way of life. -- St. Martin's Press

Awhile back, I read and reviewed CAVENDON HALL by Barbara Taylor Bradford, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I appreciated the story and the characters, and that's probably because it reminded me a bit of Downton Abbey. And even though, it wasn't my usual reading fare, I didn't hesitate to pick up the next book in the series THE CAVENDON WOMEN. Nor will I hesitate to pick up the third book THE CAVENDON LUCK.

THE CAVENDON WOMEN picks up right where CAVENDON HALL left off in 1926 England. For those of you who are not familiar with the history of Cavendon Hall, it's an English estate owned by the aristocratic Ingham family who have been served by the Swann family for generations. The Inghams are are in a bit of disarray following World War I -- the heir wants a divorce to marry his true love and the aged estate is in need of major renovations. When the earl calls the entire family back home to make a major announcement, they realize that they must come together to deal with the various challenges facing the Inghams.

Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by Barbara Taylor Bradford and THE CAVENDON WOMEN. I enjoyed how she brought the Ingham and Swann families to life, and I really enjoy how she portrays the relationships (both professionally and personally) between them. Her characters are interesting, even the "bad" ones; and I even thought the romantic aspects of the book were well done. (And that's really saying something because I'm not a big fan of love stories.) The love affairs were relatively tame and very sweet, and I liked that they focused on love more than passion... although there was a little passion thrown in for good measure.

The author did a great job of taking the reader into the lives of all of the Cavendon women. The novel followed these four strong women through the ups and downs of their lives. Daphne, now married and a mother, felt responsible for saving Cavendon Hall; while Deidre, a career woman, finds herself in a new relationship that changes everything. The baby, Dulcie, is now all grown up and branching out on her own both with her job path and love interest. And finally, Cecily Swann (my favorite!) is finding huge success as a fashion designer... if only her love life could be going as well!

As much as I enjoyed following these women's lives, I have to admit that I also really enjoyed the setting of the story. I mentioned earlier that I'm a Downton Abbey fan and I love Edwardian England and its fashion. In THE CAVENDON WOMEN, the author brought this time period to life in the best possible way. I loved her descriptions of Cavendon Hall, even the state of disrepair; and her details about Cecily's designs were wonderful. I could picture all those beautiful purple and blue dresses as well as the wedding gowns with her vivid details!

Barbara Taylor Bradford and Downton Abbey fans won't want to miss THE CAVENDON WOMEN or any of the books in this series.

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Mistletoe Inn

Summary: The second holiday love story in New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans’s Mistletoe Collection.

At thirty-two Kimberly Rossi, a finance officer at a Lexus car dealership, has had her heart broken more times than she wants to remember. With two failed engagements, a divorce and again alone with no prospects, she hardly seems the type to dream of being a published romance author. Dreading another holiday alone, she signs up for The Mistletoe Retreat, a nine-day writing retreat in Burlington, VT. Deep inside Kimberly knows she’s at a junction in her life and it’s time to either fulfill her dream or let it go. The other reason she decides to attend the conference is because famed romance writer, H.T. Cowell, once the best selling romance writer in America, and the author whose books instilled in her the desire to be a writer, will be speaking in public for the first time in more than a decade.

In one of her breakout sessions Kimberly meets another aspiring writer, and one of the few men at the conference, Zeke, an intelligent man with a wry wit who seems as interested in Kimberly as he is in the retreat. As Kimberly begins to open up to him about her stories and dreams, she inadvertently reveals her own troubled past. As Zeke helps her to discover why her books fail to live up to their potential she begins to wonder if he’s really talking more about her life than her literature. But as she grows closer to him, she realizes that Zeke has his own darkness, a past he’s unwilling to talk about.

The theme of The Mistletoe Inn is that like literature, relationships must be lived with passion and vulnerability to succeed. -- Simon & Schuster

I think I've started every review this week with an apology or excuse... and today is not really an exception. I actually read THE MISTLETOE INN by Richard Paul Evans in a timely manner (prior to the holidays.) Let's just say I just forgot to review it in a timely manner!

THE MISTLETOE INN isn't a book that I'd probably pick up any time of the year outside of the holiday season. Obviously, it's a Christmas book given the title! But it's also a romance and I'm not a big one for romantic stories. However every once in awhile, I like a sweet love story.

THE MISTLETOE INN tells the story of Kimberly Rossi, a woman whose life isn't exactly going as planned. She is recently divorced and working as a finance officer at a car dealership. However, she longs to be a published romance author. When her father surprises her with nine days at a writers' retreat called The Mistletoe Retreat, she is at first reluctant to spend his money but then decides that this might be exactly what she needs. Plus she might get to meet the rock star romance writer H.T. Cowell... who just happens to be a bit of a recluse.

Kimberly ends up making a new friend at the writers' conference, and even better, she meets Zeke, an aspiring writer (and one of the few men at the conference) who isn't too hard on the eyes. Kimberly and Zeke have an immediate bond, and Kimberly finds herself falling hard and fast for him. Kimberly ends up sharing both her novel and stories about her past with Zeke only to find that she is still very vulnerable. Zeke's attention to Kimberly forces her to look at herself and her writing... and she eventually realizes that she has to come to terms with her past before she can be a successful writer.

However, Zeke also has his fair share of heartache and guilt from his past. Kimberly discovers that she also has something to offer to Zeke and can hopefully help him heal... just as he has helped her!

This might surprise you but I actually enjoyed THE MISTLETOE INN. I didn't love it, but I'm never going to love a romance story; however, it was entertaining and it did warm my heart. I found the book to be well written; and the characters were complex and, therefore, interesting. I am far from an expert on romance books, but I didn't think this one was over-the-top or mushy... and that's a good thing as far as I'm concerned.

I especially enjoyed the book/publishing angle of THE MISTLETOE INN. It was fun to get a glimpse into the inner workings of a writers' retreat, and I could totally imagine the variety of authors who come to them. Needless to say, there were more than a few opportunities for comic relief. In addition, it was interesting to hear Zeke's assessment of Kimberly's novel. As a book geek, I thought all of the publishing references were great!

As much as I enjoyed most of THE MISTLETOE INN, I have to warn you that I thought the book was very predictable. I realize this novel wasn't a thriller with a surprise twist at the end; however, I could pretty much see everything that was coming. And... the book really was wrapped up a little too neatly. Having said that, I accepted the book for what it was (realizing I wasn't the target audience) and just enjoyed it during a very stressful time of the year!

Overall, THE MISTLETOE INN will appeal to many readers... even those of us who aren't exactly fans of romance novels. It is the second book in Evans' Mistletoe Collection (and it definitely stands alone), and I wouldn't be opposed to reading more from this series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Evergreen Falls

Summary: From internationally bestselling author Kimberley Freeman comes a captivating new novel about a scandalous attraction, a long-forgotten secret, and a place where two women’s lives are changed forever.

It’s 1926 and Violet Armstrong is a waitress at the grand Evergreen Spa Hotel, where Australia’s glitterati are spending a winter vacation. Among the guests who remain are Sam and Flora Honeychurch-Blacks, a wealthy brother and sister ensconced in the hotel for an extended stay. Violet and Sam have an attraction that is as passionate as it is forbidden as the hotel closes down for the winter season. When a snowstorm moves in, trapping them all, no one could have imagined what would unfold. The group must let their secrets be buried by the snow, but all snow melts, exposing the truth beneath…

Eighty-eight years later, Lauren Beck takes a job at a café in the Blue Mountains, built as the first stage of the Evergreen Spa Hotel’s return to grandeur. There she meets Tomas, the Danish architect overseeing the project. As their budding relationship grows, Lauren discovers a series of passionate love letters dating back to 1926 that allude to a whirlwind affair—and a tragic secret. Lauren begins to unravel this long-forgotten mystery, but will discovering the truth finally make her brave enough to take a risk that could change her entire life?

Inspired by elements of her grandmother’s life, Kimberley Freeman has created a complex tale of mystery, heartbreak, and love that will keep you guessing with every twist until the very last page. -- Touchstone

EVERGREEN FALLS by Kimberley Freeman isn't the type of book that I traditionally review for Mystery Mondays; however when a book begins with the hiding of a dead body, I think it qualifies. EVERGREEN FALLS is part mystery/part love story with a little family drama thrown in, and it takes place in a gorgeous setting in Australia.

EVERGREEN FALLS has two stories separated by 88 years. Violet Armstrong is a waitress at the Evergreen Spa Hotel in 1926 and falls passionately in love with the charming Sam Honeychurch-Blacks, a very wealthy man who also happen to be a drug addict. Sam and his sister Flora (and an entourage of friends) are staying at the hotel for an extended stay in the hopes that Sam will overcome his addiction.

Meanwhile, fast forward 88 years to the present when Lauren Beck is working at a coffee shop in the Blue Mountains. The coffee shop is the first part of a huge renovation planned for the resort, and Tomas, an architect from Denmark, is in charge of the project. Lauren has a sheltered past and an unusual relationship with her family; however, she is determined to make a fresh start and she even finds herself falling for Tomas.

One day while snooping around in the old hotel, Lauren finds a set of love letters from 1926. She is determined to figure out not only who wrote the letters but also the tragic secrets referenced in them. As Lauren breaks free from the constraints of her past, she begins to discover truths about her family as well as her own inner strength.

I was initially drawn to EVERGREEN FALLS because of the mystery angle, and while there were definitely some intriguing mysteries in this novel, I didn't realize how much romance took place in this book. I'm not a huge fan of love stories and I admit that I probably am not the ideal reader for this novel. Having said that, I did enjoy this book and the writing quite a bit; and I thought the secrets in the story were interesting and revealed in a smart way.

One thing I really appreciated about this novel was how it was written. I enjoyed the alternating chapters between the present and the past, and I like how she set up the story with the dead body right at the beginning. The rest of the novel was flashbacks to the past and answers were revealed gradually, and I loved the little twists and turns. I also thought the author did a good job in building suspense, especially with the snow storm; and I did appreciate the pacing of the novel.

Another aspect of the story that I appreciated was the setting. Naturally a story taking place in the mountains of Australia provides some opportunities for some beautiful descriptions. However, I also really liked the time period in which the past story took place. (The author drew a lot from her grandmother's memoir!) The portrayal of women during this time was very interesting and the differences in class structure were also well done. I thought the author also did a good job in juxtaposing Flora and Lauren's lives even though 88 years separated them.

And finally, I really appreciated the character development, especially the women in the novel. Violet, Flora and Lauren were complex characters and their relationships in their lives were portrayed in a realistic way. All three of the women had different personalities, but there were similarities in what they were experiencing. I thought Ms. Freeman did a wonderful job of bringing them to life and making the reader care about all of them.

EVERGREEN FALLS would make a terrific book club selection. There was a reading guide (and author interview) in the back of my book; however, I couldn't find an on-line link for the discussion questions. There are also a few suggestions for ways to enhance your book club experience. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include family dynamics, marriage, class structure, obligations, secrets, happiness, the role of women in society, and love.

EVERGREEN FALLS is an intriguing story about love and secrets. Recommended to fans of women's fiction, mysteries, and romance stories.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Review: The Guest Cottage

Summary: Sensible thirty-six-year-old Sophie Anderson has always known what to do. She knows her role in life: supportive wife of a successful architect and calm, capable mother of two. But on a warm summer night, as the house grows quiet around her and her children fall asleep, she wonders what’s missing from her life. When her husband echoes that lonely question, announcing that he’s leaving her for another woman, Sophie realizes she has no idea what’s next. Impulsively renting a guest cottage on Nantucket from her friend Susie Swenson, Sophie rounds up her kids, Jonah and Lacey, and leaves Boston for a quiet family vacation, minus one.

Also minus one is Trevor Black, a software entrepreneur who has recently lost his wife. Trevor is the last person to imagine himself, age thirty and on his own, raising a little boy like Leo—smart and sweet, but grappling constantly with his mother’s death, growing more and more closed off. Hoping a quiet summer on the Nantucket coast will help him reconnect with Leo, Trevor rents a guest house on the beautiful island from his friend Ivan Swenson.

Best-laid plans run awry when Sophie and Trevor realize they’ve mistakenly rented the same house. Still, determined to make this a summer their kids will always remember, the two agree to share the Swensons’ Nantucket house. But as the summer unfolds and the families grow close, Sophie and Trevor must ask themselves if the guest cottage is all they want to share.

Inspiring and true to life, The Guest Cottage is Nancy Thayer at her finest, inscribing in graceful, knowing prose matters of the heart and the meaning of family. -- Ballantine

When I was picking out books to take with me to the Outer Banks a few weeks ago, one that I made sure to include was THE GUEST COTTAGE by Nancy Thayer. Ms. Thayer is a bestselling author known for writing beach books, and she's even been called the "Queen of Beach Reads."

THE GUEST COTTAGE is a story about two single parents and their children who end up sharing a beach house on Nantucket one summer. Sophie is a mother of two and has always been there for her successful architect husband. However, recently she's been wondering if it's enough... if this is all her life as to offer. Not surprisingly, her husband has been asking similar questions. When he tells her that he is leaving her for another woman, Sophie has no idea where to turn; and she decides to rent a guest cottage from her friend for the summer on Nantucket Island.

Meanwhile, Trevor is a young father of one whose wife has recently died. His little son Trevor isn't dealing with the loss very well, and Trevor wants to do what it takes to make Leo come out of his shell. He decides a quiet summer away from all of their recent troubles might help Leo, so he decides to rent a guest house from his friend.

Surprise! Surprise! It's the exact same guest house! I guess the owners don't really communicate all that well! Anyway, Sophie and Trevor decide that maybe they can all stay there for the summer and make things work. As their families grow closer, Sophie and Trevor find themselves attracted to each other and wonder if there's any way they can build a future with each other once they arrive back home to Boston.

THE GUEST COTTAGE was an ideal beach read. It was relatively light and full of romance, and I can see why Ms. Thayer has sold so many books. I can't really say that the premise was all that original, and I could definitely tell from the first few pages where the story was going; however, I don't think surprises and twists are necessary elements in a beachy read.

The first thing that struck me when I sat down to write this review was how gorgeous the cover was. I can guarantee that had I seen this book at a store, I would have stopped to check it out. I had an ARC of THE GUEST COTTAGE with a generic red and white cover, and I didn't fully appreciate just how pretty this book was! It certainly screams "summer!"

I enjoyed THE GUEST COTTAGE quite a bit. One reason why this book entertained me as much as it did was the character of Sophie. I could relate a bit to her as a mother (not really as a wife!), and my heart definitely went out to her. To find that her husband was having an affair and wanted a divorce is hard enough, but to be 36 years old and starting over is a scary thing. I loved how she put her children first, and she was a good mom. I also enjoyed seeing her reconnect with a passion from her past. I definitely was rooting for her to find love again (although it was certainly fast!) and happiness.

I also really liked Trevor. His situation was a little different. His wife had recently passed away and he was left all alone with his young son. He not only had to deal with the tragic loss of his wife, but he also had to deal with Leo who was becoming more and more withdrawn. On top of that, I think Trevor also began to examine his marriage and he discovered some sad and startling things about his wife. I really, really liked Trevor. He was a good man and a good father.

Ms. Thayer definitely knows how to weave a good romance. I appreciated the way she developed Sophie and Trevor's relationship, and I even liked the little bit of tension she incorporated into the story. It was obvious, that despite the age difference, that Sophie and Trevor were much better matched with each other than they were their respective spouses, and I found myself rooting for them. It was a sweet love story that also managed to incorporate their children!

THE GUEST COTTAGE would make a fun book club pick for the summer. I'm sure many readers would love to pack this one in their beach or pool bag. There is a reading guide with ten discussion questions. Some of the themes you might want to explore include love, loss, marriage, guilt, divorce, parenting, and friendship.

Overall, THE GUEST COTTAGE is an entertaining beach read. Recommended to fans of Ms. Thayer and Elin Hilderbrand.

Thanks to Elevate Communications for a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway: Give Books Not Roses

Summary: Sarah Yoder is learning to help the people in her Amish community as a Dokterfraa, creating teas and tinctures from the herbs she grows. But her latest patient seems to have a problem that can't be resolved with Sarah's remedies-a woman who, in Sarah's mind, would flourish anywhere other than where she lives. Meanwhile, as Sarah's relatives attempt a little matchmaking between her and a visiting Amish man, she struggles to let God show her His choice of partner and not allow her friendship with her neighbor, Henry Byler, to grow into anything more.

Henry has seen some success as a potter since a major store commissioned his work for their catalog. But the trouble is they want to market him as Amish. Though he was raised in the faith and lives in Amish country, Henry has never joined church and doesn't plan to. Which also means, despite the attraction between them, he must keep his distance from Sarah. But what will happen when Sarah and Henry are called upon to help a runaway whose Englisch family is blind to how lost their son has become? The plant Sarah calls Keys of Heaven can grow in impossible places, but it's hard for people to find their own place, which creates quite a temptation for Sarah to take matters into her own hands... -- Faith Words

Summary: Rita Jansen is living her dream as a hairstylist in Hollywood when her father calls with news that her mother has suffered a stroke. When she gets home to Chicago, Rita finds her mother is healing but facing a long recovery. Worse, without being able to run their family-owned salon, her mother could lose the business. Rita decides to help, but she only has until Valentine's Day to come up with a plan.

As Rita takes her mother's place at work, the nearby skating rink she loved as a child brings back fond memories. Rita also finds herself renewing friendships with her childhood best friend, Marley, as well as her classmate Johnny. Although they now lead such seemingly different lives, Rita is surprised by how well she and Johnny connect and how far he will go to help her. Though Rita believes Johnny is only being kind, with romance kindling in the air and on the ice, their friendship may just fall into something more. -- Center Street

I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of flowers for Valentine's Day. My husband doesn't quite get it, but I'd rather have something that lasts longer than a few days.... like books! What is more perfect than getting a set of romantic books along with a chocolate bar for Valentine's Day?

I am so excited to say that the fine folks at Hachette Books are sponsoring this Give Books Not Roses giveaway. I have copies of KEYS OF HEAVEN by Adina Senft and LOVE GENTLY FALLING by Melody Carlson along with a delicious chocolate bar by Olive & Sinclair Chocolate.

To enter, just fill our form below before February 9th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!


LOVE GENTLY FALLING
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1xu5YKK
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xX5cWD
ChristianBook.com: http://bit.ly/1yuAhiW
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F7LXvY

KEYS OF HEAVEN
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/13yw0BI
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1uTtqMg
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1uGiYJ9

Giveaway: A Very Valentine's Giveaway

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and I have just the thing to get you "in the mood!" Thanks to the fine folks at Harlequin, I have an amazing Valentine's Giveaway! Just check out these great prizes:

o 1 finished copy of each:

• THE DEVIL TAKES A BRIDE by Julia London (Feb, HQN)
• ACE'S WILD by Sarah McCarty (Feb, HQN)
• UNFADED GLORY by Sara Arden (Feb, HQN)
• GAME PLAY by Lynda Aicher (ebook, Feb, Carina Press)
• FLIRTING WITH DISASTER by Victoria Dahl (Feb, HQN)
• LONE STAR VALENTINE by Cathy Gillen Thacker (American Romance, Feb.3)
• HOMETOWN VALENTINE by Lissa Manley (Love Inspired, Jan.20)

o Limited edition Harlequin notebook
o $25.00 Victoria Secret gift card

To enter, just fill out the form below before February 1st at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify a winner the following day. This contest is open to US address entries only (due to gift card). Good luck!

Review: Cavendon Hall

Summary: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an epic saga of intrigue and mystique set in Edwardian England. Cavendon Hall is home to two families, the aristocratic Inghams and the Swanns who serve them. Charles Ingham, the sixth Earl of Mowbray, lives there with his wife Felicity and their six children. Walter Swann, the premier male of the Swann family, is valet to the earl. His wife Alice, a clever seamstress who is in charge of the countess's wardrobe, also makes clothes for the four daughters. For centuries, these two families have lived side-by-side, beneath the backdrop of the imposing Yorkshire manor. Lady Daphne, the most beautiful of the Earl’s daughters, is about to be presented at court when a devastating event changes her life and threatens the Ingham name. With World War I looming, both families will find themselves tested in ways they never thought possible. Loyalties will be challenged and betrayals will be set into motion. In this time of uncertainty, one thing is sure: these two families will never be the same again.

Cavendon Hall is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her very best, and its sweeping story of secrets, love, honor, and betrayal will have readers riveted up to the very last page. - -St. Martin's Press

I have to admit that CAVENDON HALL by Barbara Taylor Bradford is probably not a book that I'd normally pick up; however, I decided to take a chance on it based on a friend's recommendation. Plus, I'm a big Downton Abbey fan and this book's description did remind me a bit of the television show because it features the lives of both the aristocrats and their help.

CAVENDON HALL is the first book in a new series by best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford. It tells the story of tow families, the Inghams and the Swanns. Charles Ingham lives with his wife and six children in Cavendon Hall where the Swanns have served for many generations. The two families have depended on each other for hundreds of years and even developed some special relationships.

Lady Daphne is the most beautiful of the Ingham daughters and is getting ready to be presented at court. However, a devastating incident occurs one afternoon that will forever change her life and possibly even the reputation of the entire Ingham family. Major changes are taking place in England as well as Cavendon Hall, and both the Inghams and the Swanns struggle to protect their families.

Overall, I did find CAVENDON HALL entertaining and I was glad I read this novel. There is no doubt that it is different from my usual reading fare; however, it still had some elements that I appreciate including secrets, intrigue, and betrayal. In many ways, this book did remind me of Downton Abbey, and because the show is between seasons, it was a fun way to experience Edwardian England.

I understand why Ms. Bradford is a best-selling author based on my appreciation of  CAVENDON HALL. She certainly knows how to create memorable characters and tell an interesting story. I liked so many of the characters in this story (and hated a few too!), and I especially enjoyed the relationship she created between the Inghams and the Swanns. There was also some romance in this book, but I didn't feel as if it was over-the-top -- just very sweet.

Maybe it's because I'm not the biggest fan of these types of stories, but I did find CAVENDON HALL to be a little predictable. Maybe it's because I have watched so many soap operas in my time, but this book did seem to have a few of the traditional plot lines that occur in almost every daytime or evening drama. There weren't any real surprises to me, but I suspect that's pretty typical for books in this genre.

Having said that, I ultimately did like the book because of the characters. I loved the Swanns and how loyal they were to the Inghams -- even though you could argue that the extent of their loyalty was a little hard to believe in some cases. In addition, I really liked Lady Daphne and how she handled all of her adversity.

Another fun aspect of this novel was the author's descriptions of the setting. I could picture Cavendon Hall and its grounds as well as all of the gorgeous dresses. (Thanks Mrs. Bradford for making a few of the Swanns be very talented seamstresses and designers!) It was easy to be swept away in 1910's England, and I also appreciated how she incorporated some of the World War I history into the story.

I enjoyed CAVENDON HALL and recommend it to fans of historical fiction as well as viewers who enjoy Downton Abbey.

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: A Spear of Summer Grass & Giveaway

Summary: Paris, 1923

The daughter of a scandalous mother, Delilah Drummond is already notorious, even among Paris society. But her latest scandal is big enough to make even her oft-married mother blanch. Delilah is exiled to Kenya and her favorite stepfather's savanna manor house until gossip subsides.

Fairlight is the crumbling, sun-bleached skeleton of a faded African dream, a world where dissolute expats are bolstered by gin and jazz records, cigarettes and safaris. As mistress of this wasted estate, Delilah falls into the decadent pleasures of society.

Against the frivolity of her peers, Ryder White stands in sharp contrast. As foreign to Delilah as Africa, Ryder becomes her guide to the complex beauty of this unknown world. Giraffes, buffalo, lions and elephants roam the shores of Lake Wanyama amid swirls of red dust. Here, life is lush and teeming—yet fleeting and often cheap.

Amidst the wonders—and dangers—of Africa, Delilah awakes to a land out of all proportion: extremes of heat, darkness, beauty and joy that cut to her very heart. Only when this sacred place is profaned by bloodshed does Delilah discover what is truly worth fighting for—and what she can no longer live without. -- Harlequin

For years now, I have heard wonderful things about by Deanna Raybourn and her Lady Julia mysteries. I always figured I'd get around to reviewing one for Mystery Mondays, but unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. So when I heard that Ms. Raybourn has a new novel out called A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS, I decided that I might as well start with this novel.

Since I am featuring A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS for Mystery Mondays, you might assume that there is a mystery aspect to the story. I admit that, despite reading the book description and not really seeing a mention of it, I thought this novel would be a mystery. (I did see a review or two that referenced a mystery, so I wasn't entirely making it up!) I was almost to the end of the book when a murder occurred, so technically, there was a mystery in this story, but I wouldn't say it was a major element of the novel.

A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS tells the story of Delilah Drummond, a society girl who isn't afraid to get into a little trouble. Her latest scandal, however, is so bad that she's "banished" to Kenya until the rumors die down. Delilah finds herself living in the heart of Africa where animals, sometimes even dangerous ones, roam around the estate. She also encounters a few acquaintances from her past as well as a handsome and rugged man who captures her eye.

When danger strikes her home and her friends, Delilah begins to assess her own life and the decisions she's made in the past. She realizes that her partying ways and fleeting romances aren't bringing her any happiness, and she begins to focus on what's really important in her life.

I would classify A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS as part historical fiction/part romance with a little mystery thrown in. I am not usually a big fan of romance novels, and I might not have ever picked up this story had I known that the mystery was such a minor element. Having said that, I did enjoy A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS and I thought the romance was pretty well done. (I didn't find myself giggling or gagging so that says something!) I think that the story took place in Africa in the 1920s helped a bit too.

I have to say that my favorite part of the book, though, was the character of Delilah. There is no doubt that she was a woman way ahead of her time, and I loved her spunkiness. The novel was written in her voice and I found myself highly entertained by her insights and commentary. At first, I admit that I was turned off by her because she was a little bit hard to take. She was selfish, vain, and brazen, not to mention that her morals were questionable; however, it wasn't long before she captured my heart. She wasn't afraid of anything (except maybe falling in love with a good guy!) and her strength and courage when it came to helping the natives was so admirable.

I absolutely loved the setting of Kenya and I was extremely impressed with how well Ms. Raybourn brought this country (and time period) to life. Her descriptions of the country were spectacular and I could picture so many of the scenes because of the vivid details. It was apparent that she did a load of research, on both Africa and its political climate, as well as on the native animals that lived there. I was especially impressed with how she differentiated between the various tribes and I thought she did a wonderful job of showing the tensions between the whites and the blacks.

I guess I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the romance aspects of the story. I have already mentioned that I thought she did a good job with these scenes, but I wanted to elaborate on that. In my mind, A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS was actually more of a love story and not a "trashy" romance. There were love scenes with Delilah and men, but the descriptions were relatively tame -- I was never uncomfortable. In fact, I think the sexual tension that the author created was actually more interesting than the love scenes.

Since I am featuring A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS for Mystery Mondays, I have to mention it even it was a brief element of the novel. If I do have a slight complaint about the story, I just wish that the mystery had had a larger role in the story. The murder didn't occur until the end of the novel and it seemed to get wrapped up pretty quickly. That's not to say that the mystery wasn't well constructed, though, because it was. I was definitely fooled by the intricacies of the crime and the person (or persons) who was responsible.

A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS would be a good pick for some book clubs. There is a reading guide with eight questions included in the back of the book, but I wasn't able to find a copy on-line. Some of the things you might want to discuss include Delilah's character as well as her interactions with the other characters in the novel. You also might want to explore the political climate of Africa in the 1920s, the role of women, prejudice, sexuality, sacrifices, courage, and forgiveness.

Overall, I enjoyed A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS. It was a little bit outside of my comfort zone, but I think the quality of Ms. Raybourn's writing made me appreciate the story! Recommend to fans of historical fiction, romance, and (yes!) mysteries.

Giveaway alert: I have two copies of A SPEAR OF SUMMER GRASS to share courtesy of Harlequin. To enter, just fill out the form below before May 19th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winners the following day. This giveaway is open to those of you with U.S. and Canada addresses only. Good luck!


Thanks to the publisher and Big Honcho Media for providing a review copy of this book.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.  

Review: Love Story & Giveaway

Summary: For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment? 

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true. -- MTV Books

I'm not usually attracted to romance novels or love stories, but I was drawn to LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols because the premise sounded so unique. I loved the idea that the characters were using their college writing assignments to share their innermost thoughts rather than just saying them to each other; and I figured that this setup would probably provide a lot of entertainment as well as some good old fashioned sexual tension.

And to a certain extent, LOVE STORY did all of that. It was a well-written, entertaining story and the characters did have their fair share of chemistry. However, I have to admit that I didn't love this book -- it was just okay. I can't put my finger on the exact reason (or reasons) why, but I just wasn't able to connect to this book like I had hoped. Of course, it is aimed at young adults and I'm definitely not one of those anymore. It's possible that I'm just too far removed from college and young love to appreciate this story.

And while I recognize that I don't have to be able to relate to the characters or the story to appreciate a book, I definitely think it affected my ability to enjoy this novel. I just didn't "get" the main characters Erin and Hunter. Neither one was despicable or anything as obvious as that, but I didn't find myself caring that much about either one of them. And because this was a "love story," I wanted to love the characters and I wanted to find myself rooting for them to end up together. Unfortunately, that just didn't happen for me while reading this novel.

Another slight issue I had with LOVE STORY was the ending. It was kind of abrupt and I was left wanting for more. I just felt as if the ending was a bit of a let down for me and it even felt a bit rushed as compared to the pace of the novel. I'm not sure that all of the issues in the novel were resolved, but I guess you could say that real life is like that. Things aren't necessarily always tied up neatly with a big bow on top!

Having said all of this, I want to stress that I do think many young readers will enjoy this book and possibly connect with the characters. I also want to give credit to Ms. Echols for her writing style. I think she has some major talent and I wouldn't hesitate to give another one of her books a try. There is no doubt that the premise behind LOVE STORY is wonderful and incredibly unique... and I definitely appreciated that. In addition, I loved all of the humor and emotion that she placed in the story.

While LOVE STORY wasn't my favorite read of the year, I do believe many teens will absolutely adore this novel and its characters. I especially think teens who appreciate love stories and romance will find this book to be a treat.

Thanks to Big Honcho Media and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: I have two copies of LOVE STORY to share with two Booking Mama readers. To enter, just fill out the form below before August 8th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will randomly select and notify the winners the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!