Month: October 2013

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Helen @ My Novel Opinion

Another AWESOME blogger! Helen @ My Novel Opinion is a relatively new blogger, but I started seeing her reviews popping up here and there (mainly because we like a lot of the same books). I started checking her blog out and liked what I saw.  Read on to find about #literaryconfessions and is Helen a book shelf kind of girl or not?

 

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Helen @ My Novel Opinion

Helen- when did you begin blogging?

I started blogging at the beginning of April this year, so I’m relatively new.

 

How did you come up with the name My Novel Opinion?

Lots and lots of brainstorming! I wanted to incorporate books and thoughts/opinions into the name so I opened a word document and started going through the thesaurus. One option was The Book Hoarding Magpie since I treat books like shiny objects that I just have to have and then never get rid of them. I like that ‘novel” has the double meaning though – it fits well!

 

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I think that blogs absolutely help to connect readers with good books. It now only helps new and upcoming releases but also older books. I just recently read and LOVED Looking for Alaska by John Green as a direct result of the adoration of many book bloggers!

 

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

Usually spending time with my children, husband and puppy.

 

Do you have any #literaryconfessions? 

I’ve never read anything by Austen or any of the Bronte sisters, it’s actually quite shameful!

 

Do you have a #literarycrush? 

I’ve never really thought of this! You had me going through my Goodreads list to try and recall if there ever has been one…maybe John from Nicholas Spark’s Dear John, and that may or may not have something to do with Channing Tatum playing the part in the movie 😉

 

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

Well 2013 is almost over, but there are still a few books which I am looking forward to being published: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King, Sycamore Row by John Grisham and The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks.

 

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

Of those published in 2013 it has to be The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty or Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman. Otherwise it would be 11/22/63 by Stephen King.

 

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

3 books that I have yet to read (I seldom reread books), they would have a beach/summer theme. Or something lighthearted by a favorite author Sophie Kinsella, Lisa Jewell or Cecelia Ahern.

 

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I was against ebooks for so long, I felt like I was cheating on paper books but I am now well and truly converted! I love my Kindle and probably couldn’t live without it (I know right) but it is just so convenient and lightweight for those mammoth 1,000+ page books! But I still love real books, and will always buy them and read them. I don’t really think it matters which you prefer as long as you are reading…it’s the same words!

 

Do you stack your books on the nightstand or are you more of a bookshelf person?

Definitely a bookshelf kinda girl. My husband would go crazy if I had a stack lying around on the nightstand. It’s bad enough when I have a few lined up on the coffee table!

 

To connect with Helen @ My Novel Opinion, visit her blog or follow her on Twitter,

 

 

 

Guest Post: Barbara Jean Coast, author of Strangled by Silk (+ giveaway!)

Strangled by Silk Cover 2

Photo Credit: Escape With Dollycas

Today, I’m a stop on the Strangled by Silk hosted by Escape With Dollycas blog tour! My stop includes fun for the readers of Traveling With T in the form of a guest post by Barbara Jean Coast to introduce you to the book, Strangled by Silk, plus a giveaway! Want to visit more tour stops? Here is the list of where the Strangled by Silk tour will be visiting!

Guest Post by Barbara Jean Coast- Introduction to Poppy Cove Mystery series!

Hi there, guys and dolls!  It’s so wonderful to be able to introduce myself to you!  As Barbara Jean Coast, I’m actually the shared pen name of co-authors Andrea Taylor and Heather Shkuratoff.  They reside in Kelowna, BC, Canada, but I exist in Santa Lucia, California (which is eerily similar to Santa Barbara).  I’ll take you on a little tour of my time and toddling little town.  So sit yourself down, pour yourself a long, cool beverage of your choice and we’ll get to know each other a little better!

The Poppy Cove Mystery Series is set in the late 50’s/early 60’s, as it was an amazing time in North American culture.  The continent was still feeling the glow of having “won the war” and with it came a booming economy and an unsurpassed radiant confidence and idealism that nothing could go wrong.  Women’s clothes were feminine and colorful, men dressed sharply in suits and hats, consumerism was at its peak of big, bright and shiny homes and cars.  But at the end of the 50’s, and start of the 60’s, there was an underlying change — cold war, McCarthyism, women questioning their roles in society and teenage rebellion were starting to crack through the veneer.  It makes for an intriguing setting for telling tales. My cozy series is character driven, revealing the lives and secrets of the residents, how they evolve, change and what they’ve lived through, rounded out with the Poppy Cove creations and daily workings of the town, with a little murder and mayhem tossed in the mix.

The first novel of the series is STRANGLED BY SILK.   It begins at the opening ceremony of the new Stearns Academy, an exclusive girls’ boarding school, founded by the town doyenne Constance Stearns-Montgomery.  She is nowhere to be seen until found dead in the rose bushes, clad in the dress and strangled by the silk scarf she had commissioned from Poppy Cove, the two and a half year old atelier in the center of town.  It’s where Poppy Lane and Cove Street meet and caters to a host of colorful customers.  The two main characters, shop owners both in their mid 20’s, are Daphne Huntington-Smythe, a born and bred fun-loving California blonde is the accessories buyer and Margot Williams, a recent arrival with a contemplative nature, is the custom designer of the store’s apparel.

Santa Lucia, population 50,000, just within arm’s reach of Los Angeles, is a bucolic setting of endless possibilities and temperate climate which draw the rich, glamorous and dangerous to its natural charms.  Poppy Cove itsself is known to appeal to a starlet or two, including an impromptu fashion show by Joyce Jones, as revealed in the debut novel.  It is the place for the elite to get gorgeous and catch up on the latest gossip.

There are other places worth mentioning, starting with Antonio’s, a fabulous little Italian restaurant run by Antonio and Maria Chelli located on the main Cove Street.  It’s darling with checkered tablecloths, a vine covered loggia, Chianti bottle candles and pasta, pasta, pasta!!!  Another darling location is the Poppy Lane Tea Room, which is a great spot for breakfast or a little nibble.  Lana’s homemade muffins, soups and sandwiches in this bright and airy café make it a delightfully perfect place for ladies who lunch.

Right in the center of town is the meeting place known as Avila Square.  It has a beautiful fountain and Spanish terracotta and mosaic tiles.  If you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday, it’s the spot for the Farmer’s Market which is a feast for the senses with colorful produce, charming hardworking locals and lively music.  Another great place to watch the world go by is the Santa Lucia Fisherman’s Wharf.  Located at the foot of Cove Street, there’s something for everyone — the Penny Arcade for the teenagers, the Sand Dollar with fresh take out fish and chips and ice cream delights from the Milky Way.  With all the artists offering their wares and busking musicians to accompany the sounds of the ocean waves and fresh sea air, there’s no better way to while away the day from sunrise to sunset.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my kind of town.  Why not pick up a copy of STRANGLED BY SILK today?  It’ll get you all set for the next in the Poppy Cove Mystery series, currently being penned as you read, where poor Miss Santa Lucia doesn’t know what’s coming!

Toodles,

Barbara Jean Coast

Andrea

Photo Credit: Escape With Dollycas

Heather

Photo Credit: Escape With Dollycas

Andrea and Heather (Andrea is on the right!) are the dynamic duo writing under the pen name of Barbara Jean Coast. Strangled by Silk is the first book in the Poppy Cove Mystery series- to connect with the authors- visit Twitter, “friend” Barbara Jean Coast or “like” Poppy Cove Mystery series!

For more information, including where to buy Strangled by Silk- visit here!

*Giveaway information! For a chance to win a copy of Strangled by Silk, just comment on this post! Giveaway is open to US only (sorry!) and will run from October 2-October 14th at 11:59PMEST. Giveaway winner will be announced Oct 15th.

Grounded by Angela Correll

grounded

Photo Credit: Amazon

Annie is a flight attendant- flying the skies to far-flung places around the world. When she is home, New York City- with it’s wonderful ambience and never-ending options of things to do, places to eat, and buzzing activity. Annie is happy- jet-setting off to great places, coming home to her sweet boyfriend. The only teeny concern- there is talk of a merger- which could lead to losing her job. But, Annie is sure the airline will work out the necessary details and keep her flying the good life. Annie has a boyfriend who she adores- and he asks her to move in with him- which she takes a step on the way to the rest of their lives.

One day, on a flight, Annie begins chatting with someone who sheds a light on her relationship- and Annie is concerned. When she gets home, she finds that she had reason to be concerned. So, she doesn’t have a place to live, no boyfriend, and then she gets the final bad news- she’s been grounded. Her boss hopes to get her back in the air in a few months- but the 2 airlines need time to see who they are keeping and who will not be re-hired. Annie decides to head to her family farm- back to Kentucky.

When Annie arrives in Kentucky, life on the farm has changed. Her grandmother’s getting older and can’t keep up with farm life like she once was able. Annie suggests selling the farm and downsizing to a smaller home- but her grandmother balks at the idea. At first, Annie does not understand. Soon, though, farm life begins to feel right to Annie. Annie reconnects with her buddy Jake, who is wanting to leave the corporate rat race behind and start sustainable farming. That’s not the only thing he’s looking to change, though. He’s got a girlfriend who he’s hoping to make a fiance. His fiance, though, after visiting Kentucky- is hoping he’ll stay in the corporate world.

When Annie gets a call telling her she’s going to be able to fly the skies again- she thought she would be excited. But life in Kentucky has grounded her in more ways than one. Will Annie go back to New York City or will farm life (and maybe the boy next door) be reason to stay in Kentucky?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Angela Correll wears her big ole Kentucky loving heart on her sleeve as she writes Grounded! A debut novel that is sweet and funny- with life lessons amongst the story. Angela takes a story of a woman displaced from a fast paced life and sends her back home, back to where she learns to appreciate the simple life- the life of hard work and being able to hold your own. The plot, while it is a tad bit predictable at times, is still well-written enough to hold a reader’s attention. Enjoyable. Interesting. Nice pace and characters.

*This book was sent to Traveling With T by a publicist in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber

rose harbor in bloom

Photo Credit: Barnes and Noble

Jo Marie, young and widowed, opened the bed and breakfast as part of a dream she had. Her husband was killed in Afghanistan and she is working through her grief the best way she can. The never ending duties of the B&B seem to be a place to help keep her mind occupied, while she grieves and moves on with her life.

Jo Marie has a cranky man doing odd and ends jobs for her around Rose Harbor. Jo Marie wanted a garden of roses planted for an event- and Mark, the cranky handy man, did not finish it. He seems to be dragging his feet for a reason- but being a secretive man- it’s not obvious as to why. The friendship between Jo Marie and Mark is odd- and filled with misunderstandings!

Annie has planned a perfect weekend at Rose Harbor Inn to honor her grandparent’s 5oth wedding anniversary. Because of past complications with her love life, she needs a weekend of basking in her grandparent’s obvious adoration of each other. However, someone needs to tell her grandparents to act like the loving couple Annie remembers- as they are spending their anniversary weekend fighting. Annie is beside herself, and mad that Oliver, a boy she used to have a crush on, is spending the weekend at Rose Harbor Inn. Oliver used to tease Annie, but now, he’s interested in her. Annie can’t see beyond the years ago Oliver, though. Can Oliver show Annie he’s changed and that a good love is right before her eyes?

Mary comes to Rose Harbor Inn to escape her life for a bit. Diagnosed with cancer, Mary is looking back at her life- and some of the mistakes she made. There is a huge mistake in Seattle- and Mary is looking for the strength to connect with George, a past love. Mary knows she broke his heart years ago- and wants forgiveness- even though she is not sure she deserves it. Can George forgive Mary for the past heartbreak? Is their story over?

Love. Forgiveness. Dreams. Happiness. Second chances. Rose Harbor in Bloom has it all.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Being a fan of Blossom Street series, I wanted to really like Rose Harbor in Bloom. Being written by Debbie Macomber, I did not see a problem with this wish. Something fell flat with me about this book. Maybe it was the cantankerous handy man? That storyline seemed to take up a good bit of the book. Perhaps it was because this is the 2nd book in the series and I need to read the first to get more of a feel for the characters.

It’s not a bad read. It’s just not as good as I expected. However, the heartwarming aspects of a Debbie Macomber book are there.

*This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Wedding Belles by Beth Albright

wedding belles

Photo Credit: Goodreads

The Sassy Belles are Back! Wedding bells are ringing for Vivi- unless the psychic’s prediction is true! Blake O’Hara Heart knows this- in the Deep South, in August, you do not upset a pregnant bride- it’s just too darn hot for that mess!

Blake is knee deep into planning her best girlfriend ever an over the top wedding and baby shower! Vivi asks Blake to have Myra Jean, trailer park psychic to the ladies in Tuscaloosa, read their futures at her combo wedding/baby shower. Blake agrees because she is the most loyal matron of honor. As part of booking Myra Jean for the shower, Vivi gets a sample reading. Oh if only Blake had herself a magic ball- then she could have known the trouble heading Vivi’s way! Myra Jean lets Vivi know there is another woman in the picture- which prompts Vivi into a full-on hissy fit. Blake mollifies Vivi by saying that it could be the baby girl (Vivi just has a feeling it’s a girl). However, it’s not long before Vivi, Lewis and Blake find out that Myra Jean is right. A woman from Lewis’s past is going to make this wedding a bit more difficult!

Blake’s law practice has problems as well. The body that was discovered while looking for Lewis is a man who recently inherited his family’s money, amongst a disagreement with his other family members. Blake is trying to find out what happened to him and who earns his inheritance since he was recently married. The barge company says he must have fallen off the boat, the insurance won’t pay till they can rule out suicide, and Blake needs to find this wife! Cal, Lewis’s computer whiz best friend, finds the wife and also finds Lewis’s first wife- when Blake realizes they have the same last name, her pretty head wonders “What if they are the same person?”

On the political front, Harry is working hard to win the November Senate election- and Blake, being the consummate Southern Belle, is going to stick by him in public and help him win this election. In private, though, Blake’s a bad girl- she’s found her true love, Sonny, and wants to make things work with him. Harry has his own private fun- and that nosy reporter, Dallas, is doing her best to crack the case on the Hearts. Dallas is worried about her job, so having the inside track on a story about a falling out between the Hearts could lead to some juicy air time.

Between getting Vivi ready for her wedding, balancing her professional and personal life with Sonny, helping Harry get elected, and finding out what happened on that barge- Blake is busier than a bee in a bonnet. Watching Vivi, her Sassy Belle best friend, on the verge of everything she’s ever longed for- makes Blake happy- and a tad bit wistful. Life is changing for the Sassy Belles- but Blake’s about to find out exactly how much life is changing!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

The Sassy Belles are back! If you thought Blake and Vivi were going to let a wedding be a calm and serene event- you were wrong! The sassy girls are ready for whatever curveball life throws them- and life’s got quite a few!

Funny, charming, and sweet- Wedding Belles is a read that should be enjoyed with a glass of sweet tea. After reading Wedding Belles, you might feel like talking in Southern accent and watching some college football- don’t fight the feeling!

Perfect for fans of light reading, romance, and Southern Belles.

*This book was provided to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

the husbands secret

Photo Credit: Amazon

When facing Pandora’s box- do you dare to open it? Or is it better to leave Pandora’s box alone?

Secrets. Some are dark. Some are dirty. Some are kept for honorable reasons. Some are kept for dishonorable reasons. Some secrets have the power to hurt for just awhile- almost like a paper cut. Others, though, have a domino effect- the secret just keeps on hurting. Secrets can bond people- but mainly, a secret hurts, hurts everyone who is involved.

Cecilia might never would have known her life was going to change had her middle daughter not been obsessed with learning about the Berlin Wall. One day, Cecilia is a happily married woman, successful, with 3 beautiful girls, the next day, she is a woman looking at Pandora’s box (or shall I say envelope?) wondering what to do? Why did her husband write a letter to her to be opened after he dies? What should she do? Open it? Not open it? Confront her husband? Not tell him? When Cecilia chooses- she chooses wrong. Or does she?

Tess gets the shock of her life when her husband tells her he’s in love with her cousin. Tess, knowing from personal experience, that she doesn’t want her child growing up with divorced parents leaves to go live with her mom for a bit. Her mom has broken her ankle- so it gives her an excuse. When Tess leaves, her intention is to let this affair play out- to let her husband have his fun and then come back to her. Tess, though, learns more about herself in this separation than she counted on. Tess’s husband has no way of knowing what he released from Pandora’s box- but something was released. Can Pandora’s box ever be sealed back? Does Tess even want it to be after she begins to see life differently?

Rachel has known joy and she has known profound and unrelenting pain. Pain that began because of what happened to her daughter. Joy that showed back in her because of her grandson. When her son and daughter in law announce they are moving to New York City and taking Rachel’s joy- she is miserable because pain will the be the only thing left in her life. Rachel feels the pain so strongly- she wants to know who is responsible for her pain, wants them to suffer. One day, Rachel gets an answer to her wish. But, not in the form she was hoping for.

Three women. Secrets. Three women, linked by the secrets, although two of the women are much closely linked than the other. A secret, that in the end, they would have been better off not knowing. Secrets show the best and worst side of a person. Show how far a person is willing to go to save themselves, their families, their lives. Some secrets need to be revealed. Some, though, should stay locked forever in the proverbial Pandora’s box.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The Husband’s Secret at first begin on a disjointed note- a letter and talk of the Berlin Wall. The reader may wonder how the two are related- and then acknowledge the simplistic explanation that is given. However, look closer. Liane Moriarty has a deeper reason- each of her characters lives now have a Berlin Wall in them. Go forward and life may change. Stay where you are- and you could be ok. But life, whichever you choose, will not be the same as it was before the Berlin Wall. The women’s stories overlap each other, twist and turn in ways around the others that is not immediately apparent. As the reader turns the pages faster to find out what the secret is; the women’s stories are providing clues. By the end of the book- the reader will have examined their moral code in a vast new light. Highly discussable for book clubs- as potentially the most popular questions will be: Do you open the letter or not?

*This book was provided to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.