Monthly Archives: May 2016

All Summer Long

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Author: Dorthea Benton Frank                     all summer long
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: William Morrow

 

 

Goodreads:  Filled with her trademark wit, poignant themes, and rich characters, the perennial New York Times bestselling author returns with a sensational novel that follows the travels of a one couple though a tumultuous summer.

Dorothea Benton Frank’s magical stories take us deep into the heart of her beloved Carolina Lowcountry. In her novels, this lush landscape comes alive in all its vibrancy and color. She ignites all of our senses with her vivid descriptions of landscape and atmosphere. In her novels you hear the ocean washing the shore on different islands so profoundly that you can nearly hear the sea gulls squawking too.

This is a story of people whose lives are changing—a southern gentleman returning home to lead a more peaceful life and his talented New York wife who is not quite sure she is ready to make the transition. They are moving north to south, fast pace vs slow pace, downsizing. And while they are doing this, they are getting glimpses into other people’s lives over the course of a summer, holidays that will amuse, shock and transform them.

This irresistible story is home to captivating characters as funny, complicated, and real as our best friends—husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, friends and family who wrestle with the complexities, pain, and joys familiar to us all.

Finally, we’ll come to recognize the face of love, the kind that deepens and endures but only because one woman makes a tremendous leap of faith. That leap changes them all.

Ope’s Opinion: There were quiet a few interesting characters in this book.  Dorothea Benton Frank knows how to write descriptions so that you can see what she has written.

I liked seeing the LowCountry from a New York character perspective.  It added depth to the story.  This was an entertaining read, but not something that will stick with me in the long run.

I have read Dorothea Benton Frank before and I will probably read her again, but I don’t think I search her out.

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Coming Soon….

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…. On a Bookshelf near you!

In June I hope to read….

Here's to UsPublication Date: June 14, 2016
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Goodreads: An emotional, heartwarming story from New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand about a grieving family that finds solace where they least expect it.

Celebrity chef Deacon Thorpe has always been a force of nature with an insatiable appetite for life. But after that appetite contributes to Deacon’s shocking death in his favorite place on earth, a ramshackle Nantucket summer cottage, his (messy, complicated) family is reeling. Now Deacon’s three wives, his children, and his best friend gather on the island he loved to say farewell. The three very different women have long been bitter rivals, each wanting to claim the primary place in Deacon’s life and his heart. But as they slowly let go of the resentments they’ve held onto for years and remember the good times, secrets are revealed, confidences are shared, and improbable bonds are formed as this unlikely family says goodbye to the man who brought them all together, for better or worse–and the women he loved find new ways to love again.

Also Coming Soon….

…. On a Bookshelf near you!

I hope to read…

First Comes Love: A Novel

Publication Date: June 28, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books

Goodreads:  In this dazzling new novel, Emily Giffin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of sisters who find themselves at a crossroads.

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and this close to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling, First Comes Love is a story about family, friendship, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead.

What is coming soon …. to a bookshelf near you?

Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

This Just In….

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From HarperCollins

all summer long

Publication Date: May 31, 2016
Publisher: William Morrow

Goodreads:  Filled with her trademark wit, poignant themes, and rich characters, the perennial New York Times bestselling author returns with a sensational novel that follows the travels of a one couple though a tumultuous summer.

Dorothea Benton Frank’s magical stories take us deep into the heart of her beloved Carolina Lowcountry. In her novels, this lush landscape comes alive in all its vibrancy and color. She ignites all of our senses with her vivid descriptions of landscape and atmosphere. In her novels you hear the ocean washing the shore on different islands so profoundly that you can nearly hear the sea gulls squawking too.

This is a story of people whose lives are changing—a southern gentleman returning home to lead a more peaceful life and his talented New York wife who is not quite sure she is ready to make the transition. They are moving north to south, fast pace vs slow pace, downsizing. And while they are doing this, they are getting glimpses into other people’s lives over the course of a summer, holidays that will amuse, shock and transform them.

This irresistible story is home to captivating characters as funny, complicated, and real as our best friends—husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, friends and family who wrestle with the complexities, pain, and joys familiar to us all.

Finally, we’ll come to recognize the face of love, the kind that deepens and endures but only because one woman makes a tremendous leap of faith. That leap changes them all.

This is looks like it is going to be a good read!

The next two are from MIRA

the problem with forever

Publication Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Goodreads:  For some people, silence is a weapon. For Mallory “Mouse” Dodge, it’s a shield. Growing up, she learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime.

Now, after years of homeschooling with loving adoptive parents, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at public high school. But of all the terrifying and exhilarating scenarios she’s imagined, there’s one she never dreamed of—that she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet the deeper their bond grows, the more it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with the lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory faces a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants, and the truths that need to be heard.

I like my YA books!

the choices we makePublication Date: July 12, 2016
Publisher:  MIRA

Goodreads:  Following her bestselling debut novel Come Away with Me, Karma Brown returns with an unforgettable story that explores the intricate dynamics between friends and mothers

Hannah and Kate became friends in the fifth grade, when Hannah hit a boy for looking up Kate’s skirt with a mirror. While they’ve been close as sisters ever since, Hannah can’t help but feel envious of the little family Kate and her husband, David, have created—complete with two perfect little girls.

She and Ben have been trying for years to have a baby, so when they receive the news that she will likely never get pregnant, Hannah’s heartbreak is overwhelming. But just as they begin to tentatively explore the other options, it’s Kate’s turn to do the rescuing. Not only does she offer to be Hannah’s surrogate, but Kate is willing to use her own eggs to do so.

Full of renewed hope, excitement and gratitude, these two families embark on an incredible journey toward parenthood…until a devastating tragedy puts everything these women have worked toward at risk of falling apart. Poignant and refreshingly honest, The Choices We Make is a powerful tale of two mothers, one incredible friendship and the risks we take to make our dreams come true.

I like friendship books. 

 

The Island House

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island houseAuthor: Nancy Thayer
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Source: Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:  The charms of Nantucket tempt a woman to leave her established life in Kansas City—but with a piece of her heart, and a love interest, in each world, she discovers she must look within to choose the right path.

Every summer since college, twenty-nine-year-old Jenny has traded the familiarity of the Midwest for the allure of Nantucket. Now an established university professor in Kansas City, she finds herself caught between two lifestyles and two very different men. She chooses Nantucket and the glamorous life she associates with it, unaware that the summer will take an unexpected turn, and she will have to let her heart decide what it truly wants.

Ope’s Opinion:  This is not a light beach read like I was expecting.  This book is about a flawed family, how those flaws effect those around them and the people who love them anyway.

The beginning of the book moves slow, as you are introduced to the Vickerey family and their friends.  Nancy Thayer continued to remind you of each relationship to the other person.

The book goes from present day to flashbacks. The flashbacks fill in the history of each of their relationships.  It helps you understand why they are where they are in present time.  It also reveals several secrets along the way.

The ending was more like a beach read.  It was not predictable, but it wrapped things up nicely.

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The Good Dog

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the good dog

Author: Todd Kessler and Jennifer Gray Olson
Publisher: IPG
Source: BEA 2016

Goodreads:  Discovering that sometimes you have to be a little bad to be very good, Tako the puppy makes a brave choice in this adventure tale and proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. When 8-year-old Ricky Lee finds a puppy on the side of the road, he takes him home and names him Tako. Ricky’s mom and dad agree to let Tako stay under one condition: he must be a good dog who always follows the rules—or it’s off to the pound he goes. Tako wants more than anything to be a good dog and stay with Ricky, but when the Lees open Happy Family Bakery and a competing store owner sets out to sabotage the shop, Tako has to break the rules to protect Ricky and his family.

Ope’s Opinion:  This was such a pleasure to read to my granddaughter.  It kept me interested and the  illustrations were very original.  I would be willing to read this over and over again to her.                  good dogEmma’s Opinion:  She was very happy that Tako found a home.  She wants me to come read to her again real soon.  hand

This is Emma’s five finger seal of approval for The Good Dog.

reading with emma

Saving Abby

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saving abby

Author: Steena Holmes
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Source:  Kristin of Kritters Ramblings

Publication Date:  May 31, 2016

Goodreads:  All children’s book illustrator Claire Turner ever wanted was to be a mother. After six years of trying to conceive, she and her husband, Josh, have finally accepted that she will never be pregnant with a child of their own.

Yet once they give up hope, the couple gets the miracle they’ve been waiting for. For the first few months of her pregnancy, Claire and Josh are living on cloud nine. But when she begins to experience debilitating headaches, blurred vision, and even fainting spells, the soon-to-be mother goes to the doctor and receives a terrifying diagnosis. Since any treatment could put their unborn baby’s life at risk, the Turners must carefully weigh their limited options. And as her symptoms worsen, Claire will have to make an impossible decision: Save her own life, or save her child’s?

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Steena Holmes brings us an unforgettable story of one woman’s courage and love.

Ope’s Opinion:  When you start this book be sure to bring a tissue or two.  It will not be a pretty cry.  Steena Holmes makes you love her characters so much they feel like family.  You take them into your heart and you don’t want to let them go.

I don’t want to say much about the story – you just need to read it.

I may have read all of Steena Holmes books and they are all worth reading again.  I will pick up one of her books without even reading the synopsis – she is that good!

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This Just In….

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From Amazon

goodbye year

Published: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Sparkpress

Goodreads:  Melanie, a perfectionist mom who views the approaching end of parenting as a type of death, can t believe she has only one more year to live vicariously through her slacker senior son, Dane. Gorgeous mom Sarah has just begun to realize that her only daughter, Ashley, has been serving as a stand-in for her traveling husband, and the thought of her daughter leaving for college is cracking the carefully cultivated facade of her life. Will and his wife are fine as long as he follows the instructions on the family calendar and is sure to keep secret his whole other life with Lauren, the woman he turns to for fun (and who also happens to have a daughter in the senior class).
Told from the points of view of both the parents and the kids, The Goodbye Year explores high school peer pressure, what it s like for young people to face the unknown of life after high school, and how a transition that should be the beginning of a couple s second act together empty nesting is often actually the end.”

I am excited to read another Kaira Rouda book.  I really liked In the MIrror, so I am expecting a good read again!

Also from Amazon.

most wantedPublished: April 12, 2016
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press

Goodreads: Christine Nilsson and her husband, Marcus, are desperate for a baby. Unable to conceive, they find themselves facing a difficult choice they had never anticipated. After many appointments with specialists, endless research, and countless conversations, they make the decision to use a donor.

Two months pass and Christine is happily pregnant. but one day, she is shocked to see a young blond man on the TV news being arrested for a series of brutal murders-and the blond man bears an undeniable and uncanny resemblance to her donor.

Delving deeper to uncover the truth, Christine must confront a terrifying reality and face her worst fears. Riveting and fast-pace, with the depth of emotionality that has garnered Lisa Scottoline legions of fans, Most Wanted poses an ethical and moral dilemma: What would you do if the biological father of your unborn child was a killer? 

Lisa Scottoline – what can I say – she does not disappoint.
And the cover is resistible too!

From Allison Morgan and Berkley

Can I see you

Publication date: August 9, 2016
Publisher:  Berkley

Goodreads:  From the author of The Someday Jar comes a witty and warm novel about a matchmaker who’s an expert at matters of the heart—except when it comes to her own…
 
Matchmaker Bree Caxton has a 98% success rate, a book about to hit the stands, and an amazing boyfriend. Until, that is, he gets cold feet about their future and runs from their relationship.
 
Afraid no one will buy a book on love from a woman whose love life is a mess, Bree begs her one matchmaking failure, Nixon Voss, to pose as her boyfriend. But when they become a hit with readers, they must carry on their charade just a little longer. Fortunately, they’re both having fun…
 
But then Bree’s ex decides he wants her back and a newspaper presents a challenge that could expose the truth about her rocky love life. Now she must find the courage to embrace what is, or risk losing something much bigger than her reputation: her heart…

This a new author to me.  I thought it sounded like a great read.
Can’t wait!

From Little Bird

riverbend

Publication Date:  June 21, 2016
Publisher: HQN Books

Goodreads: Return to Haven Point, where New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne proves there’s no sweeter place to fall in love

Protecting the streets of Haven Point isn’t just a job for police officer Wyn Bailey, it’s a family tradition. But lately she’s found herself wanting more, especially from her boss—and overprotective brother’s best friend—sexy chief of police, Cade Emmett. The only problem is getting Cade to view her as more than just a little sister.

Cade’s hands-off approach with Wyn isn’t from lack of attraction. But his complicated past has forced him to conceal his desire. When Wyn is harmed in the line of duty, Cade realizes the depth of his feelings, but can he let his guard down long enough to embrace the love he secretly craves?

Another Haven Point novel – it will be fun to be back there!

All this and BEA books to – it is going to be a fun summer of reading!

Edgewater

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edgewater

Author: Courtney Sheinmel
Publisher: Amulet Books
Genre: Contemporary Young Adult
Source:  BEA 2015

Goodreads:  Lorrie Hollander used to be a rich girl who spent her money on boarding school and equestrian camp. But that was before. It’s been twelve years since Lorrie’s mother skipped town and left Lorrie and her sister in the care of her unstable aunt Gigi. Together they live in a decaying mansion called Edgewater, the eyesore in a town of extraordinary wealth and privilege.

While Lorrie is desperately trying to keep her family from collapse, she meets Charlie, the son of an esteemed senator. Terrified that he will learn the truth about her, she holds him at a distance. But Charlie’s family is hiding something, too. And Lorrie could never have imagined how their secrets, and their lives, are inextricably bound.

Courtney Sheinmel’s Edgewater is a gripping story of scandal and romance, shame and redemption, and how one girl must come to terms with a shocking past in order to understand who she truly is.

Ope’s Opinion:  From the beginning I was invested in Lorrie’s life.  Susannah and Aunt Gigi drove me nuts!!  I wanted them to “wake up” and see the mess around them.  I felt sorry for Lorrie dealing with both of them.

There were a lot of interesting twists in the story.  I did not see most of them coming.

I really liked that Lorrie’s romance was only a part of the book.  She had her horse, her friends and had to deal with her family.  It made her a well rounded person – not one dimensional.

I am excited to see what Courtney writes next – and I hope it will be soon!!

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BEA Shelf

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empty shelf

This is my empty shelf, waiting for the BEA books to be loaded.

BEA books 2 BEA books 1All the books have found their way home!!
Now comes the fun part –
I look at them again
Put them on Goodreads,
Then they go on the shelf.

Tell me your top picks from BEA.
I would love to see and hear about what you brought home.

Don’t You Cry

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9780778319054.indd

Author: Mary Kubica
Publisher: MIRA
Genre:  Mystery
Source: Emer of MIRA

Goodreads:  New York Times bestselling author of The Good Girl, Mary Kubica returns with an electrifying and addictive tale of deceit and obsession 

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she’s the person Quinn thought she knew.

Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her charm and beauty, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more dark and sinister than he ever expected.

As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under Pearl’s spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and shows that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us in the end.

Ope’s Opinion:  This mystery is written from two points of view.  First is Quinn, her roommate is missing, the other view is from Alex, who confused me in the beginning.  Just hang in there, you’ll get his part of it later.

Although, this story started out moving slow, there were a lot of twists and turns ( as in any good mystery ).  All of this is vague because I don’t want to give anything away.  It is a quiet, tense book.

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