Author: travelingwitht

travelingwiththttps://travelingwitht.wordpress.comBook blogger, picture-taker, baseball lover. She Reads Online Book Club Twitter chat host.
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Valentine’s Ideas…..

Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit how much I love the red hearts, the glitter, the pretty packaging of the chocolate. How much I love having Valentine’s Day plans with someone special. I’ll even admit that some years I’ve been a Valentine hater- annoyed by the over-abundance of red, flowers, and the teddy bears everywhere. I’ve even participated in the “single awareness days” with good food and wine with friends. And there may even be a time or two where I’ve scoffed at the over-commercialization of the holiday, the cost of cards,dinner, flowers and more. But as the years keep turning, I’ll just admit that Valentine’s Day is a day to show love- to do something for yourself  that makes you happy. To make sure that your loved ones know they are special.

And while my heart still beats a little faster at the sight of red hearts and seeing all the over-the-top goodies and stuff; I recognize life is not a romantic-comedy (my life isn’t at any rate). So, in light of this- I always try to make my Valentine’s Day a bit special- no matter the status of my romantic life. Because being good to yourself is the best way to be happy.

I mentioned before that my Valentine’s Day plans include tickets to Cirque de la Mystique and having dinner with a friend. I also have my eye on a couple of different earrings at Dogeared Jewelry. I also plan to indulge myself the next weeked by going to the movies to see Safe Haven and have dinner at my favorite eating place.

Enjoy your Valentine’s day!

Gifts for Book Lovers:

Bookmagnet has a list of books that would make a great gift for the book lover in your life.

After reading the list, I thought of some other books that would make a great gift:

1. The Art Forger by B.A. Shapirio and tickets to an art exhibit/museum.

2. Beautiful Darkness and tickets to the movie

3. The Hunger Games trilogy ( I know, I know- I need to quit with The Hunger Games- but I still love it.)

4. The Meryl Streep Movie Club and a night of watching favorite Meryl Streep movies and snacks

5. Meanwhile Back at Cafe Du Monde for a foodie (even better to plan with a trip to New Orleans)

6. A gift certificate to favorite bookstore

7. An Audible subscription for audio-book lover

8. Like going to literary haunts? Buy Deep South Mag’s Literay Trail App and plan a road-trip!

 

 

 

The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones

When Gillian Flynn, a writer who has quite a way with the words when it comes to mystery and suspense, gives a blurb for the book- it sets a readers mind to a certain way. Holly Goddard Jones book, The Next Time You See Me, does not disappoint. It’s got all the makings of a creepy, suspenseful mystery.

Set in a small southern town, the book focuses on the lives of several residents and they ways they are connected. Susanna, a young wife, teacher and mother- married to a band director at the high school. Emily, a student of Susanna’s and a socially awkward teenager. Wyatt, a factory worker who fears he’s let his life slip away with nothing really to show of it. And Tony, a former star athlete who has a connection to Susanna that not everyone is aware of.

A body is discovered by one character around the same time that Susanna begins to suspect that her sister, Ronnie, is missing. Is the body that was discovered Ronnie? Not many folks are taking seriously the possible disappearance of Ronnie because she’s the type of woman who would leave for a few days without telling. As the story unfolds, the reader begins to see how each person is connected to one another and how October 23 is a fateful day for many of the characters.

The Next Time You See Me connects the characters of this small-town in such a believable way. The reader is completely immersed in the life of the characters: their wants, desires, secret struggles and regrets. The storyline is filled with mystery and suspense- the reader not only wants to know what happens; but has to know.

Recommened for readers who like suspenseful mystery books. For readers who like books that have several characters who are connected in ways that are not apparently obvious. For readers who enjoy a book that can lead to long discussions of motivations of characters.

Thank you, Touchstone Books, for supplying this review copy. All opinions expressed above are mine only.

Wednesday: Giveaways, Julie Kibler, and more

1. You may have noticed tons of tweets and things about Julie Kibler. Her debut novel, Calling Me Home, is She Reads Feb Book Club pick. And judging from the tweets and reviews- it seems that everyone in the #srblog group enjoyed the book. If you want to read about Julie Kibler is creating her best and most creative ideas- stop by She Reads today!

2. Tonight from 8-9PM CST chat with Erika Robuck about Hemingway’s Girl.  Use #gr8books to join in!

3. More #giveaway news: Great New Books is giving away The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. Stop by Great New Books and comment for a chance to win from Wed Feb 6 to Fri Feb 8th (by midnight EST time).

4. Like motorcycles? Non-fiction? Want to read a book about the take down of an outlaw motorcycle gang? Read my review of Gods of Mischief by George Rowe. Out in stores Feb 12!

 

 

Gods of Mischief:My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe

Motorcycle gangs are something that have been around for some time. There are different groups and some are more known than others. Each group has their own colors, patches and rules. The Vagos are one particular motorcycle gang that is proud to wear the “one-percenter” patches ( in reference to the fact that 99% of motorcyclist are law-abiding citizens- it’s just 1% who are not).  The story of George Rowe and his vendetta to take down the Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang is a story of grit and determination.

Meet George Rowe. He’s a boy that grew up in a tough world. He’s just a man who has an outlaw past. He’s spent his time in jail- some for minor offenses; some for major. George is the man a person goes to for drugs. He makes money, spends money- does drugs, sells drugs. Can’t pay for your drugs? No problem- George will haul your belongings off. Sex for drugs is another form of payment. Life is going until George (with the help of others) sees that his life is not what he wants. He gets clean- and decides to start paying back his town for all his hell-raising past. With George’s past and the fact that he does enjoy motorcycles makes him attractive to the Vagos; but George does not want a part of that type of life.

Until the night George walks into Johnny’s Restaurant- a friend of his, David, is having a baby-shower. Some Vagos come in and want the pool table that David is playing at- and when he refuses to hand it over, words are exchanged. Which leads to David making the biggest mistake- he knocks out a Vagos member. After he left the hospital- he was never seen again.

George was tired of the Vagos ruining the town- and he felt it was his duty to bring down the Vagos. Enter the ATF. George begins working for them. He starts hanging out with the Vagos, looking to become a prospect; then a full-fledged member.

Over a course of 3 years- George goes from an outsider to a full-fledged Vagos member. He gathers information, reports to the ATF, and tries to make sure that his cover is not blown. It’s 3 years of determination, grit,  hard times and wanting to do the right thing- all the while worrying that he will get killed. Gods of Mischief is George Rowe’s tale- a tale of motorcycles, outlaws, crime, and much more. It’s also a redemption story for George- but in the end was it worth it?

For fans of non-fiction- this story is a tale that will expose the reader to the outlaw world. A world of drugs and sex. A world where men make their own rules.

Giveaways, Twitter chats and more!

1.Erika Robuck chats about Hemingway’s Girl on Twitter Wed Feb 6th from 8-9 pm CST! Use #gr8books to join in! Great Thoughts ( a blog) is hosting the chat- stop by her page and see some of the questions that will be discussed!

2. Elin Hilderbrand’s book The Castaways is $2.99 for e-books today only!

3. She Reads has a copy of The Girl’s Guide to Love and Supper Clubs to give to a lucky commenter! Go read Tell Me Something True- A Visit with Dana Bate, comment and maybe win! Also get a chuckle out of Dana’s story- it involves a Pyrex dish, explosion, and a 2 lessons she learned that night!

4. Be Your Own Valentine Giveaway- check Amy Hatvany website for details! Chocolates, signed galley, and Sephora- it’s a good #giveaway!

5. Win a copy of Joanne Fluke’s Red Velvet Cupcake Murder on Goodreads! Go there and follow the directions- fingers crossed for a win!

6. If you are not following #srblog hashtag on Twitter, you are missing out on so much. Reviews about books that are GREAT, good conversation with ladies who love to read, and much more!

7. The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones- my review will be posted this week. Entertaining, though!

 

 

 

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler- She Reads Feb Book Club Pick!

Looking for a good book to read? Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler is She Reads Feb Book Club pick!

Here’s my review of Calling Me Home

This month is my debut as the She Reads Online Book Club Leader- I’m excited, nervous and more- but ready for the challenge! The discussion will take place on shereads.org! Come by on Monday, February 25th to participate in the discussion- and don’t worry: It’ll be going on all week so there’ll be plenty of time to participate!

 

 

Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler

Julie Kibler’s debut novel, Calling Me Home, is a story that will make the reader think- how far a person is willing to go for love,  choosing between what you want and what your family expects of you, and standing on your own in the world.

They were two unlikley friends- one an aging white woman and the other a younger black woman. Hair helped them make each other’s aquaintance and friendship grew. However, a road trip for the two showed that they have more in common than one ever thought. Isabelle McAllister asks her hairdresser and friend Dorrie to accompany her on a road trip to a funeral in Cincinatti. Dorrie, feeling the need to escape from her worries for a few days, agrees to drive Isabelle.

As the 2 ladies embark on a journey- one heading toward a past that has painful memories and the other leaving her present for a few days- Isabelle begins to share the story- the story of Isabelle far before Dorrie ever knew her. Isabelle tells a story about her first love- her great love. A boy who was the son of the housekeeper that worked for Isabelle’s family. As Dorrie listens- Isabelle tells of Robert and the love they shared- a love that the town Isabelle lived in could not understand.

Calling Me Home– it’s a story that has sadness, much sadness at times. It’s also a story of love and hope- and being true to yourself.  Looking for a good book to read- a story of love, friendship, family consisting of the people you choose and much more? You have found the book then.

Literary Friday ya’ll…

Hey ya’ll- it’s Friday. The first day of the new month. It’s also just a few more days till Valentine’s Day- which is a day that some people love, some dislike and some just don’t care. I, for the most part, love it. I like hearts and glitter personally. And no matter the status of my love life- I always make sure to treat myself- this year it’s all about culture- I have tickets to Cirque de la Symphonie and plans for dinner with a friend.  On to #literaryfriday news:

1. Deep South Magazine– Amelia Bedelia, The Following, literary events, and much more. Check out this week’s edition and if you do the Pinterest thing, check out Deep South Mag’s board- quite fun!

2. She Reads is discussing The Art Forger today, all day long! Get your book loving selves over there- let’s discuss art, love, lust, double-crossing and more!

Here’s the link to my review of The Art Forger– a book that still thrills me and I’m basically just telling everyone to read. I mean, seriously, everyone. Strangers on the street are hearing “Read The Art Forger”.

3. Not to toot my horn, but I have some good news: I’m the new She Reads Discussion Leader! The first book discussion I’ll lead is Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler. So grab some copies (book comes out Feb 12!) and read- then come by She Reads at the end of the month and let’s discuss!

4. My #fridayreads is Gods of Mischief by George Rowe and The Next Time You See Me by Holly Goddard Jones. Look for both books in February from Touchstone Books.

5. Speaking of Valentine’s Day- why don’t you give the book lover in your life a new book? A fellow #srblog member has ideas! Check out Bookmagnet’s Blog for suggestions of books to give and reviews!

Happy Reading!

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Eudora Welty’s House and Camellias…

379229_10100580810672616_1453878116_nTwo weekends ago, while enjoying a weekend with some book loving friends- we stopped by Eudora Welty’s house. The camellias were blooming- oh they looked beautiful. I could have spent hours there, walking around, looking at flowers. Then there was this bench- right in a perfect little place. Not too much sun, not too shady either- just perfect for a book lover to sit down, read, and soak up some of the niceness about Eudora Welty’s place.

When Sarah Jio’s new book, The Last Camellia, hits the bookstores- I will be taking her book to Eudora’s to read. Reading The Last Camellia in a place were camellias bloom so prettily- oh, such a perfect afternoon.

Oh and Sarah Jio is giving away 2 copies- follow the link for more info!

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes is a book that is touching- it’s heartfelt and quite an enjoyable read. However, Me Before You does have sadness- sadness that makes the readers hearts hurt; but the reader will not regret the book. This book is a love story- a beautiful love story. It’s not a typical love story- it’s so much more.

Louisa Clark, a young woman, has just been let go from her menial job- however, it’s a job that she loves. Louisa is proud of her tiny existence-steady boyfriend, lives with her family, has never been further than the area she lives in. She’s fine with that. She lives a small life and cannot see it any other way. Will Traynor, though, has been used to living a big life- traveling extensively, mountain climbing, having his pick of women, a job that he not only loves- but that he is successful at- which defines his personality. Will Traynor knows that life is for the living- and he intends to make the most of it; until the accident. Paralyzed and depressed- Will is not sure that life is worth living- if he can’t live like he did.

When Louisa takes a job being Will’s caregiver, she is put off by his attitude and ways. Will apparently feels the same way for some time. Though, with time, they get to know one another and see the good in each other. Each day, the two grow closer to one another- Louisa tries to get Will to see that life is worth living and Will tries to get to Louisa to see that being complacent about life is no way to live. Will wants Louisa to be out experiencing life- traveling, experiencing, going to events.As their time together continues, each makes an impact on the other one. Louisa thinks she has found a way to make Will see that life can be good in the chair- that life does not have to be over because he is paralyzed. Will, though, does have some hard lessons for Louisa about life and love.

Me Before You– a tale that is meant to be read and enjoyed. The reader will laugh and cry- experience a rush of emotions. When the last page is turned and the book is closed, the story of Will and Louisa- the journey they take the reader on, the lessons they teach, the feelings they share- will stick with the reader. And, for a writer, I think that’s the best thing.