Monday, May 30, 2011

Happy Memorial Day & Mailbox Monday May 30


Happy Memorial Day! I want to take a moment to thank our troops and their families, past and present, for all their sacrifices. Being a retired Navy wife, I know all too well the sacrifices they make and how important they are to our freedom. If you know a veteran or a current Armed Forces member give them a hug and thank them. May God bless each and every one of them.


It's Monday again! I can't believe how quickly the weeks go by. Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Mari of MariReads. Thank you for hosting Mari! Just be warned Mailbox Monday can lead to toppling stacks of books and large wish lists.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Memorial Day Weekend. The weather was cold and rainy here (what a shock!) but today it is very warm and sunny! Finally! You better believe we will be soaking up some of that sun today! The dogs went out and rolled in the grass in the sun. I almost wanted to join them but thought it just might frighten the neighbors! I think there will be some planting today. After that, some sweet tea, some barbequing and some reading in the backyard is the plan of the day.

I didn't receive any review books this week which is okay by me. I did receive three books from the Barnes and Noble bargain books that were recommended to me by some of my book loving friends.


Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella

Lexi wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident, thinking it's 2004 and she's a twenty-five-year old with crooked teeth and a disastrous love life. But, to her disbelief, she learns it's actually 2007 - she's twenty-eight, her teeth are straight, she's the boss of her department - and she's married! To a good-looking millionaire! How on earth did she land the dream life??! She can't believe her luck - especially when she sees her stunning new home. She's sure she'll have a fantastic marriage once she gets to know her husband again. He's drawn up a 'manual of our marriage,' which should help. But as she learns more about her new self, chinks start to appear in the perfect life. All her old colleagues hate her. A rival is after her job. Then a dishevelled, sexy guy turns up...and lands a new bombshell. What happened to her? Will she ever remember? And what will happen if she does?


Honolulu by Alan Brennert

As a young Korean woman at the onset of 20th century, Regret knows that there is only one possible avenue to the education she seeks. She must become a mail-order bride. She travels to Hawaii to meet the man she has agreed to marry, but it becomes apparent all too quickly that he is not the genteel, prosperous young man she imagined he would be. Instead, she finds herself yoked to an impoverished plantation worker addicted to alcohol and gambling. Her painful situation forces her to fend for herself and form beneficial alliances with other "picture brides." This powerful historical novel draws you into the plight of a woman swimming in the uncertainty of a new culture.


Summer Shift by Lynn Kiele Bonasia

Forty-four-year-old Cape Cod clam bar owner Mary Hopkins is stuck in the cycle of her seasonal business; overwhelmed by the relentless influx of new names and fresh young faces, she feels as if life is passing her by.

In the first days of the summer season, a young waitress’s tragic accident stirs up unresolved pain from Mary’s past, leaving her longing for connection. At the same time, Mary’s life is further upended as she begins to suspect her beloved great-aunt, the one person in the world who loves her unconditionally, is descending into Alzheimer’s disease. Then, in walks Dan, a lost love—perhaps the greatest of her life— returning to the Cape after disappearing years before without an explanation. As Mary faces these challenges and losses, it’s her rekindled romance with Dan and her burgeoning unlikely friendships with a warm, eccentric collection of local characters that keep her afloat.

Set against the backdrop of Cape Cod sand, sun, and seafood, Summer Shift is the story of a woman’s struggle to find the peace, love, and human connection that have eluded her for decades.

Have you read any of these? If so, what were your thoughts on them. I will be checking out mailboxes later tonight. The sun is calling my name. I've got to take advantage of it while I can. It's Wisconsin! It could be cold again tomorrow! Have a lovely day!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

WWW Wednesdays May 25


WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?


I had a much better reading week once I changed the book I was reading. The Lily of the Nile was not doing it for me. I think it just wasn't the right time for me to read it as it is a good story. I just seemed to be able to put it down and walk away a bit too easy.

What I am currently reading


The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen

I am loving this book so far. It is set In Spring Green, Wisconsin which is exciting for me since I have been there many times in my life. We visited The House on the Rock many times as we were growing up. It is a fascinating place to visit. I am loving getting to know the quirky bird sisters and can't wait to see where the story goes.

What did you recently finish reading?


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book is so out of my usual reading genre but I must confess I loved it! You can check out my review here. I hope to read the rest of the series soon. And I see they are making a movie of the book. I'm very curious on how that will turn out.

What do you think you’ll read next?


Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

I hope to read this next as it is a library book that needs to go back soon. I have heard it is a great read.

Have you read any of these and if so what are your thoughts on them?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Hunger Games


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book Summary

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts

After seeing so much hype for this book I decided to give it a try. I was expecting to really hate it. It is not my usual type of read. The thought of children fighting to the death really disturbed me. As a mother, I thought this concept was completely wrong. Then I read the first chapter. I was completely hooked! Katniss is a young teen who is very strong and independent. She is a fantastic hunter who provides for her mother and younger sister, Prim. When Prim is chosen for The Hunger Games, Katniss steps forward to take her place. Prim is a delicate girl who would have not stood a chance at survival in the games. Katniss could not imagine life without her little sister so she takes her place. Katniss is whisked away along with Peeta, the baker's son to the Capitol to train and ultimately play the game, which is aired on tv much like our reality tv shows. I admired these kids for their bravery. There is a love triangle that seems to be unresolved at the end of this book but then we know there are two more books where I hope the love triangle will eventually be resolved. I appreciated that Katniss is a strong female lead character. The well-written plot is gripping but is also violent and brutal. One word of warning, make sure you have the time to read it because once the games begin you won't want to put the book down! Suzanne Collins does a great job describing postapocalyptic North America without weighing down the storyline. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series and see where the story goes. I highly recommend this book!

I purchased this book for my Nook and read it for the 2011 Just For Fun Challenge

Monday, May 23, 2011

Mailbox Monday May 23

It's Monday again! I can't believe how quickly the weeks go by. Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Mari of MariReads. Thank you for hosting Mari! Just be warned Mailbox Monday can lead to toppling stacks of books and large wish lists.

I can't believe it is Monday already! The weeks are just flying by. I am looking forward to summer reads. Nothing is better than sitting in the backyard with a glass of sweet tea and a great summer read! I received new outdoor chair cushions for my birthday that match the patio umbrella my kids bought me for Mother's Day so I am all set. I tried to blog outside yesterday but found I can't see the laptop screen outside. I need to figure out how to remedy that. Anyone have some helpful tips?

I received three books last week. Two are purchases and one is for review.




Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Situated in the free state of Ohio, Tawawa House offers respite from the summer heat. A beautiful, inviting house surrounded by a dozen private cottages, the resort is favored by wealthy Southern white men who vacation there, accompanied by their enslaved mistresses.

Regular visitors Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet have forged an enduring friendship. They look forward to their annual reunion and the opportunity it affords them to talk over the changes in their lives and their respective plantations. The subject of freedom is never spoken aloud until the red-maned, spirited Mawu arrives and voices her determination to escape. To run is to leave behind the friends and families trapped at home. For some, it also means tearing the strong emotional and psychological ties that bind them to their masters.

When a fire on the resort sets off a string of tragedies, Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet soon learn tragic lessons,that triumph and dehumanization are inseparable and that love exists even in the cruelest circumstances as they bear witness to the end of an era.

I purchased this book after reading so many great things about it. I was going to purchase it on my nook but the paperback was cheaper. What is up with that? Check out Dolan Perkins-Valdez website here.

The Fitting Room: Putting on the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter

Colossians 3:12 tells us to “clothe” ourselves in Christian virtues like forgiveness, joy, patience, compassion. But how does that work in real life? Can we really “dress up” in the character of Christ? Kelly Minter says the answer is yes—if we let the Master Designer do the fitting. This relatable book offers insightful Scripture study with real-life stories and simple, down-to-earth explanations of tricky concepts as justification and sanctification—stitching it all together with dry humor and down-to-earth honesty. There are no gimmicks, no guilt trips, just an irresistible invitation for women to enjoy a spiritual makeover—to put on a life that’s personally tailored by the One who knows and loves them best.

I purchased this as a readalong with the Bloom Book Club. I am going to try my hardest to follow along. I love the Bloom Book Club reads. I always learn so much from them.

The Little Women Letters by Gabrielle Donnelly

Vibrant, fresh, and intelligent, The Little Women Letters explores the imagined lives of Jo March’s descendants—three sisters who are both thoroughly modern and thoroughly March. As uplifting and essential as Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Gabrielle Donnelly’s novel will speak to anyone who’s ever fought with a sister, fallen in love with a fabulous pair of shoes, or wondered what on earth life had in store for her.

With her older sister, Emma, planning a wedding and her younger sister, Sophie, preparing to launch a career on the London stage, Lulu can’t help but feel like the failure of the Atwater family. Lulu loves her sisters dearly and wants nothing but the best for them, but she finds herself stuck in a rut, working dead-end jobs with no romantic prospects in sight. When her mother asks her to find a cache of old family recipes in the attic of her childhood home, Lulu stumbles across a collection of letters written by her great-great-grandmother Josephine March. In her letters, Jo writes in detail about every aspect of her life: her older sister, Meg’s, new home and family; her younger sister Amy’s many admirers; Beth’s illness and the family’s shared grief over losing her too soon; and the butterflies she feels when she meets a handsome young German. As Lulu delves deeper into the lives and secrets of the March sisters, she finds solace and guidance, but can the words of her great-great-grandmother help Lulu find a place for herself in a world so different from the one Jo knew? Vibrant, fresh, and intelligent, The Little Women Letters explores the imagined lives of Jo March’s descendants—three sisters who are both thoroughly modern and thoroughly March. As uplifting and essential as Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Gabrielle Donnelly’s novel will speak to anyone who’s ever fought with a sister, fallen in love with a fabulous pair of shoes, or wondered what on earth life had in store for her.

Some things, of course, remain unchanged: the stories and jokes that form a family’s history, the laughter over tea in the afternoon, the desire to do the right thing in spite of obstacles. And above all, of course, the fierce, undying, and often infuriating bond of sisterhood that links the Atwater women every bit as firmly as it did the March sisters all those years ago. Both a loving tribute to Little Women and a wonderful contemporary family story, The Little Women Letters is a heartwarming, funny, and wise novel for today.

I received this book for my honest review from Touchstone/Simon & Schuster.

What wonderful books made their way into your home?

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Moving On

This week was a big week here. I moved my mom back home and got her all settled in yesterday. We are hoping she will do well on her own. If not, we will gladly take her back in here. For those who don't know, my mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure but is doing very well. She was given a strict diet, lost weight, and we got her moving. She looks good and says she feels good too.



I have been reading Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray for a week now. Last night I had to put it down. It just wasn't speaking to me right now. I can't explain why. It was just easy for me to put down even though I was enjoying the story. It is a library book that is two days overdue so I decided to move on for now. I can always check it out again another day and finish it. It's not a bad book. It just wasn't the right time for me to read it, I guess.


Last night I picked up my Nook and decided to start reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Holy cow, this book drew me right in! I can see why this book has been talked about so much. If I hadn't had such a busy week, I would have stayed up all night to finish this.

Have you read either of these books? If so what was your experience with them?
I am off to eat my breakfast. My son was kind enough to make me breakfast this morning for my birthday, which was yesterday. Yesterday was kind of a crazy day so celebrating today works out better. I am once again 29! Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

WWW Wednesdays May 18



WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I finally made some progress on my reading last week. I seem to be having huge time management problems along with concentration problems. I hope it is all behind me now. I few more hours in a day would be helpful too.

• What are you currently reading?



I am currently reading Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray. This is a very good read but unfortunately it is a library book that is due tomorrow. I feel some fines racking up unless I stay up all night reading tonight.



•What did you recently finish reading?





I finished The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas. I loved the writing in this book. Very beautiful, magical writing see my review here.


I also finished Leaving by Karen Kingsbury. I love Karen Kingsbury books and I love that she brought back some of my favorite characters in a new series. Looking forward to the next installment. You can catch my thoughts on this one here.



•What do you think you’ll read next?

These are some contenders for my next read.
Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Monday, May 16, 2011

Mailbox Monday May 16


It's Monday again! I can't believe how quickly the weeks go by. Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Mari of MariReads. Thank you for hosting Mari! Just be warned Mailbox Monday can lead to toppling stacks of books and large wish lists. Don't ask me how I know this.

I hope everyone had a great reading week and a is enjoying spring. The weather has decided to pretend it is late fall here. It was a miserable weekend-cold, rainy and windy. However, it made for a great weekend to tuck in and read which is exactly what I did on Saturday! I also pre-ordered an upcoming summer read that I am looking forward to reading on the beach...without wearing mittens and a winter coat! I posted it today even though it hasn't been mailed yet because I am so excited to read it! As far as last weeks mailbox goes, I received one book which also looks to be a great summer read. If summer ever comes. I'm really not bitter about the cold weather we are having..really I'm not..ha! If anyone sees spring, maybe you could send that to my mailbox! Running the furnace in May is not my idea of spring! On to my mailbox!


South of Superior by Ellen Airgood

A debut novel full of heart, in which love, friendship, and charity teach a young woman to live a bigger life.

When Madeline Stone walks away from Chicago and moves five hundred miles north to the coast of Lake Superior, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, she isn't prepared for how much her life will change.

Charged with caring for an aging family friend, Madeline finds herself in the middle of beautiful nowhere with Gladys and Arbutus, two octogenarian sisters-one sharp and stubborn, the other sweeter than sunshine. As Madeline begins to experience the ways of the small, tight-knit town, she is drawn into the lives and dramas of its residents. It's a place where times are tough and debts run deep, but friendship, community, and compassion run deeper. As the story hurtles along-featuring a lost child, a dashed love, a car accident, a wedding, a fire, and a romantic reunion-Gladys, Arbutus, and the rest of the town teach Madeline more about life, love, and goodwill than she's learned in a lifetime.

A heartwarming novel, South of Superior explores the deep reward in caring for others, and shows how one who is poor in pocket can be rich in so many other ways, and how little it often takes to make someone happy.

I received this book from Riverhead Books through Librarything Early Reviewers


Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook


As a professional home stager, Sandy Sullivan is an expert at transforming cluttered rooms into attractive houses ready for sale. If only reinventing her life were as easy as choosing the perfect paint color. She's eager to put her family's suburban Boston home on the market, to downsize, and to simplify her own life. But she must first deal with her foot-dragging husband and her grown son, who has moved back home after college to inhabit the basement "bat cave."

After reading them the riot act, Sandy takes a job staging a boutique hotel in Atlanta recently acquired by her best friend's boyfriend. The good news is that she can spend time with her recently married daughter, Shannon, in Atlanta. The bad news is that Shannon finds herself heading to Boston for job training, leaving Sandy and her southern son-in-law, Chance, as reluctant roommates.

If that's not complicated enough, Sandy begins to suspect that her best friend's boyfriend may be seeing another woman on the side.

Filled with characters who are fresh and original, yet recognizable enough to live in your neighborhood plus plenty of great tips and tricks for fixing up houses, and lives this is a wise and witty story of letting go and moving on.

I pre-ordered this book on Saturday while I was dreaming of summer. This book will be released on June 7, 2011 by Voice. I love Claire Cook and did not want to miss out on her newest book. Hopefully by the time it is released, I will be wearing short sleeves, capris and flip flops and it will be warm!


That is what came to my mailbox and what will be coming soon. What wonderful treats made their way into your home?

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Leaving


Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

Summary from Goodreads
The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive.

In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan.

Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.


My Thoughts


Karen Kingsbury books are guilty pleasures for me. My mother and mother-in-law both kept recommending her books to me so I finally relented and gave one a try. That's all it took. I was hooked! In her new series, we are reacquainted with many familiar characters from her past Baxter series books. I must say I was a bit giddy when I saw that this series would bring us back to Baily Flanigan and Cody Coleman, two of my favorite characters. Baily Flanigan has a big audition in New York but if she gets the role, will she be able to leave her family and Bloomington behind? In the meantime, Cody Coleman is offered a position coaching and teaching at a small high school outside Indianapolis. Will this be what he needs to move on in his life and forget about Bailey? Many of the Baxter clan are involved in the story as well which is all about leaving and changes as one grows. As always, Karen's books are very inspirational and this one is no different. Her books always leave me feeling uplifted and I appreciate that her books are wholesome reads. I am glad Karen decided to bring back some of our favorite characters and look forward to the next installment in this series. I was able to read this book straight through. There was no way I could put it down until I got to the end!

I received this book for my honest opinion through the Amazon Vine Program

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Oracle of Stamboul



The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas

In the summer of 1877, a child is born and many mysterious things happen during her birth. First, a flock of purple-and-white hoopoes which are a type of bird arrive. Then just as mysteriously, a pair of special midwives appears to deliver her. After the child, Eleonora is born her mother dies. Eleonora is raised by her doting father, Yakob and her not so loving step-mother, Ruxandra. As Eleonora grows she is found to be a genius. Yakob must leave on business for Stamboul. This is more than Eleonora can bear so she becomes a stowaway on the ship which is carrying her father. Once she arrives in Stamboul, Eleonora's life takes a big change. She lives in the home of her father's business partner, Moncef Bey. I had many questions and concerns about this man's intentions. Then we add in Eleonora's tutor, Reverend Muehler, who may or may not be a spy. But what or who is he spying on? It seems like everyone wants to keep Eleonora close to them as they know she is special. I adored this little girl and at times felt so sorry for her. At every turn there is more mystery and intrigue. The story is an intricate puzzle that at times moves rather slowly. I did however love the author's prose. It was as magical as the story itself. I was glad that I stuck with the story even when it slowed down. The symbolism in the story beautifully written. Usually I miss connections like that in a book but in this one I was able to savor it. Stamboul made for a very interesting setting, one that I am not all that familiar with. I love going to new places and times when reading a book. This book is beautifully published and I would recommend reading the actual book and not the e-book. The pages have a beautiful feel to them which added to the pleasure of reading this book. It almost had an antique feel to it. This is a wonderful debut book that will leave you thinking about this book and this little girl for quite some time.

I received this book for my honest opinion from the publisher through Amazon's Vine Program.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

WWW Wednesdays



WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I am still reading the same book as last week. the weather finally was decent enough to get outside which brought the need for yard work to be done. Hopefully this week will be a better week for reading. I have high hopes. Needless to say I am skipping what I recently finished because I didn't finish anything.

What I am currently reading..




The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lucas

I am loving this book. I love the little girl who is the main character. I hope to finish it up soon.

What I hope to read next..




Leaving by Karen Kingsbury


I love Karen Kingsbury books. I read two full series of her books in a couple of weeks in 2008. I guess you could say I was kind of hooked. I am looking forward to visiting some old friends from the past books in this new series.

I am hoping life will settle down here and I can get back to reading more.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Mailbox Monday May 9



It's Monday again! I can't believe how quickly the weeks go by. Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from A Girl and Her Books. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Mari of MariReads. Thank you for hosting Mari!

I hope all the mothers out there had a lovely Mother's Day. I had a wonderful day. I started the day cleaning out my front flower garden and planting some columbines and violas. I hope they survive my not so green thumb. Then my kids surprised me with a new patio umbrella to read under on sunny days and some really cute solar lights that are flowers that change colors. They are very cute ad we had fun watching them change last night. My oldest son grilled some mighty tasty burgers. All in all I was very spoiled and it is was the perfect day! I miss having those little ones under foot but I must say that I am thoroughly enjoying having grown-up conversations with my kids. Life is good!

On to the mailbox..I received two books for review. I am excited to read them both as they both are from authors I have read before and enjoyed very much. Summaries are borrowed from Goodreads.



Leaving by Karen Kingsbury

Hardcover, 352 pages
Published March 22nd 2011 by Zondervan (first published 2011)
ISBN
0310266998 (ISBN13: 9780310266990)
original title
Leaving (Bailey Flanigan, #1)
series
Bailey Flanigan #1


The Bailey Flanigan series begins with Bailey leaving Bloomington for the adventure of a lifetime. She has won an audition for the ensemble of a Broadway musical in New York City. She's determined to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but is she really ready to leave family and friends for the loneliness of the city? And what of Cody? His disappearance has her worried about their future and praying that their love can survive. In order to be closer to his mother in jail, Cody takes a coaching job in a small community outside Indianapolis. New friends, distance, and circumstances expose cracks in his relationship with Bailey Flanigan. Love, loneliness, big opportunities, and even bigger decisions highlight the first book in the new Bailey Flanigan series that features members of the popular Baxter family and finally completes the Bailey Flanigan/Cody Coleman story.





Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer

Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: June 21st 2011 by Ballantine Books (first published June 14th 2011)
ISBN
0345518314 (ISBN13: 9780345518316)


Unerringly perceptive, superbly written, every page packed with the warmth and compassionate wisdom that have become Nancy Thayer’s trademark, Heat Wave tells the moving story of a woman who, after her seemingly perfect life unravels, must find the strength to live and love again.

Making the startling discovery that her family finances are in dire straits is only the latest shock endured by Carley Winsted after her husband’s sudden death from a heart attack. Resisting her in-laws’ well-meaning overtures to take in Carley and her two daughters, the young widow instead devises a plan to keep her family in their beloved home, a grand historic house on the island of Nantucket.

The solution is right at Carley’s front door: transforming her expensive, expansive house into a bed-and-breakfast. Not everyone, however, thinks this plan prudent or quite respectable—especially not Carley’s mother-in-law. Further complicating a myriad of challenges, a friend forces Carley to keep a secret that, if revealed, will undo families and friendships.

When her late husband’s former law partner keeps showing up at the most unexpected times, Carley must cope with an array of mixed feelings. And then, during a late-summer heat wave, the lives of Carley and her friends and family will be forever changed in entirely unexpected ways.

Lyrical, emotional, dramatic, and ultimately wonderfully uplifting, Nancy Thayer’s latest novel is compelling from its first page to its last.

Both books were received from the publishers through the Amazon Vine Program.

What interesting reads made their way into your home?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day



I'd like to wish all of the mothers a very Happy Mother's Day! The sun is shining here and we may hit 60 so it looks to be a beautiful day here! I'm hoping to spend a nice, quiet day with my chicks. Even though my kids are all grown up (my baby turns 18 next week) they are still my chicks.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

WWW Wednesdays


I have seen this meme around for a bit now and thought I would give it a try this week. WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?


What are you currently reading?


The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas


What did you recently finish reading?


Friendship Bread by Darien Gee


What do you think you'll read next?

Mothers and Daughters by Rae Meadows

Friendship Bread




Friendship Bread by Darien Gee

Book Summary


An anonymous gift sends a woman on a journey she never could have anticipated.

One afternoon, Julia Evarts and her five-year-old daughter, Gracie, arrive home to find an unexpected gift on the front porch: a homemade loaf of Amish Friendship Bread and a simple note: I hope you enjoy it. Also included are a bag of starter, instructions on how to make the bread herself, and a request to share it with others.

Still reeling from a personal tragedy that left her estranged from the sister who was once her best friend, Julia remains at a loss as to how to move on with her life. She’d just as soon toss the anonymous gift, but to make Gracie happy, she agrees to bake the bread.

When Julia meets two newcomers to the small town of Avalon, Illinois, she sparks a connection by offering them her extra bread starter. Widow Madeline Davis is laboring to keep her tea salon afloat while Hannah Wang de Brisay, a famed concert cellist, is at a crossroads, her career and marriage having come to an abrupt end. In the warm kitchen of Madeline’s tea salon, the three women forge a friendship that will change their lives forever.

In no time, everyone in Avalon is baking Amish Friendship Bread. But even as the town unites for a benevolent cause and Julia becomes ever closer to her new friends, she realizes the profound necessity of confronting the painful past she shares with her sister.

About life and loss, friendship and community, food and family, Friendship Bread tells the uplifting story of what endures when even the unthinkable happens.

My Thoughts


I found this to be a sweet, charming read! Julia and her daughter Gracie arrived home one afternoon to find a loaf of friendship bread on their porch along with a bag of starter and instructions. Julia's first thought is to toss the starter but Gracie is so thrilled about it so Julia decides to go ahead and give the starter a shot. If you know anything about this starter, you know how it multiplies and eventually you will be looking for anyone to give it to. And when they see you coming with it, they will run away from you really fast! As this starter makes the rounds in Avalon we meet more characters who also have issues, most dealing with some sort of grief. I was able to feel every characters grief and pain. There were times in this book I was laughing and then after turning the page, would be crying. When the community pulls together to help out a nearby community, I found myself wanting to be baking right along side with the women. If you have ever had the pleasure of being the recipient of a starter of Friendship Bread, you will be able to appreciate this book. If you have never had the pleasure, be prepared to have the desire to make a starter. I'll never look at a bag of starter in the same way ever again. I thought the friendship bread made for a very hopeful, heartwarming story. This is a book that will have a permanent home in my library. There is a website that compliments the book called Friendship Bread Kitchen. I think this book would make a fantastic Mother's Day gift along with some starter and maybe a nice pan or a few utensils to help mix the bread. Or how about a nice apron or dish towels? The possibilities are endless.

I received this book for my honest review from Random House through Librarything Early Reviewers Group.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Mailbox Monday May 2




It's Mailbox Monday! I love checking out everyone's mailboxes and adding books to my wish list. Be sure to check out all the posts over at MariReads. Thank you Mari for hosting Mailbox Monday for the month of May.

My mailbox has been quite busy lately. I am having to spend much more time outside with the dogs so hopefully I will get caught up on all this reading. I keep the book I am reading by the back door so I can just slip some flip flops on and grab my book and out we go. The dogs can spend hours just sniffing outside. It's their favorite past time. Back to the mailbox...I received three books for review and I purchased one book (I actually pre-ordered it) and picked one book up at the library sale rack for $1.00. If you have read any of the titles, I'd love to hear what you thought of them. The titles are linked to Goodreads if you want to check them out.




The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas received from Harper Collins through Amazon Vine
The Butterfly's Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe received from Gallery Books through Goodreads First Reads Program
The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy received through Voice/Hyperion



The Violets of March by Sarah Jio This is my pre-ordered book...I have heard so many great things about this book that I had to have it.
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel This I found on the library sale and for a buck I thought I would give it a shot.

I am off to see what wonderful goodies made their way into your home.