The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Photo Credit: Amazon

In the world of adoption agencies and foster care- some secrets are worth killing over….

Tuck, a friend of Jane Ryland’s asks Jane one to look into a personal matter. Recently Tuck had been reunited with her birth mother, but after meeting her, Tuck couldn’t shake the feeling that the adoption agency had reunited her with the wrong mother. Tuck tells Jane “What if I’m the wrong girl?” Jane agrees to look into this matter, not knowing what she would find. However, Jane quickly finds that some secrets are so far-reaching, people will go to incredible lengths to keep them buried. Even as far as murder.

Across town Jake Brogan is at a crime scene. A young woman with 2 young children is found dead in the kitchen. First glance, this case looks to be domestic abuse. Jake’s got a nagging feeling, though, especially when he finds an empty cradle. Where’s the baby? And who called 911?

When two employees at the Brannigan are found deceased- Jane and Jake wonder what is going on? And if those deaths have anything to do with the cases they are investigating? Jane is convinced that something is happening at the adoption center- and is determined to find out what it is- and help Tuck in the process. Jake wants to know why someone would go to the trouble to kill the young woman and potentially steal a baby?

Jane knows she is on to something- she just can’t make all the pieces fit together. When she gets a threatening call, though, she knows she needs to get to the bottom of this case- fast! Can Jane help Jake piece together the clues to the crimes he’s trying to solve? And are the crime’s Jake’s working on related to Jane’s search for knowledge of the foster care system?

Jake and Jane, a cop and a reporter. An unlikely pair to say the least. Sparks fly when they are together, though. Will they team up to solve the case? Or will they team up for much more than case-solving?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Jane Ryland and Jake Brogan are two characters that a reader should meet. Smart, interesting, and tons of chemistry- the twists and turns of The Wrong Girl would not have been half as fun without those 2 characters. The Wrong Girl has a big cast of characters- and each character slowly reveals a piece of the puzzle needed to solve the mystery. Entertaining, enjoyable, and most worth a read- The Wrong Girl is filled with suspense. Recommended for readers looking for mystery/suspense and fans of authors like Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton.

The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright

Photo Credit: Provided by Author

Meet Blake O’Hara Heart. Southern Belle from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Lover of pearls, Alabama football, sweet tea and family (not necessarily in that order!) And fiercely protective of her best friend forever, Vivi. And boy, does Vivi need some protecting after the latest mess she’s found herself in!

It’s Blake O’Hara Heart’s 10 year anniversary with her husband, Harry, and she’s planning on asking him a biq question. But when her best friend, Vivi, and fellow Sassy Belle calls to say she need her, Blake lets thoughts of anniversary and other topics fly out the window. When Blake and Harry arrive at Mother’s (Blake’s grandmothers house- plus the place where you go to escape your problems), Vivi is beside herself. Vivi thinks she has killed a man during a certain vigorous romp at the Fountain Mist hotel. Not just any man, though. Lewis Heart, voice of the Crimson Tide and Harry’s estranged brother.

Vivi, Blake and Harry go back to the hotel to check on Lewis; only, there is no body. Did Lewis walk away? Did someone else see fit to hurt Lewis? Is Lewis on another get rich quick scheme? When the police get called, Blake is happy to see her long ago sweetheart, Sonny (and he’s pretty happy to see her!) Sparks still fly between Blake and Sonny- but Blake is a good girl. Or is she?

As news gets out that Lewis is missing, people worry and wonder. After all, football season is fast approaching and the fans need the voice! Dallas, a shapely and beautiful reporter, makes finding Lewis her top priority- which just drives Blake crazy, because she knows that Dallas has an ulterior motive. Dallas does make time for 1 more thing besides finding Lewis, which prompts Blake to do some more long term thinking of her future.

The search continues for Lewis and Blake feels unsettled. Not herself. Her marriage is not what she wants it to be- and Harry doesn’t seem to be able to help fix it. Blake begins to wonder about the future and sparks flying with Sonny is only showing her how different she wishes her marriage was.

Blake’s got her hands full- worrying about her marriage, trying to find Lewis, and keeping a shady land developer from bulldozing a treasured landmark. However, if anyone can handle it, it’s Blake. After all, she is a Sassy Belle!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Beth Albrights uses words like paint to create a picture of The Sassy Belles in action- fun, friendship, and sisterhood. With her descriptions of scenes in Alabama and the characters themselves- each word on the page is dripping with honey. To describe The Sassy Belles, think Steel Magnolias meets Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood with a helping of high fashion. Fun, charming, cute- this book will you were a Sassy Belle!

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

Photo Credit: Amazon

Two women. One at the end of her life, the other in the midst of wondering who she is in life and wanting something more than to be a wife. While miles and circumstances separate these two women- each impacted the others life in strange and curious ways.

Grace knows she does not meet expectations as a socialite’s wife. She’s not a fan of parties, she dislikes small talk and she feels out of sorts at these events. However, her husband tries to make sure she knows the importance of meeting the right people. One night Grace attends a party of a well-sought after socialite in town. At the party, her life takes the first step toward becoming a different life. The next step is that Grace receives a letter asking her to come to Paris about some personal matters. She takes a leap of faith and heads to Paris- where she finds out that she will inherit the proceeds from a sale of an apartment in Paris. Grace is stunned- she’s never heard of, let alone met this Eva d’Orsey.

Grace is determined to find out who Eva is and why she left her an inheritance. As Grace searches for answers, she discovers that Eva was a complicated person- and yet, a person that people did not quickly forget. As Grace finds out more about Eva, the information she finds out gives Grace the freedom to live life on her own terms- instead of others.

The Perfume Collector tells the story of Eva and Grace, the paths they took in life and interweaves their stories to create a beautiful book. As the reader gets further in the story, they begin to learn about perfume- and the power of perfume. Grace, on her journey to find out more about Eva, meets a mysterious perfume expert- who knows 2 things: Perfume and plenty about Eva. Through the mysterious lady, Grace gets lessons and information she will never forget.

By the end of the book- Grace has figured out two important lessons: 1. A lady should always be ready for an adventure and 2. Perfume should be worn- but it must tell a story- the story of the wearer’s essence.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Perfume? Check! A mystery? Check! Strong and interesting characters? Check! Beautiful cover? Check!

The Perfume Collector alternates between Grace and Eva’s story- the reader learning bit by bit about Eva- why she left Grace the inheritance, her modest upbringings, the good, the bad and the ugly of Eva’s life.

Interesting side story on how to make perfume and the power of scents, as well. Between the story of Grace and Eva and learning about perfume- the reader will soon becomes entranced by the world Kathleen Tessaro creates.

Literary Friday ya’ll…. (plus a feature on little ole me!)

I’ve got my eyes on the lookout for pumpkins and other signs of the fall fast approaching- what about you?

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Giveaway of 2 books (1 is Karen White’s latest, THE TIME BETWEEN!), Claire Danes, news about last week’s AJC Decatur Book Fest, and much more!

2. Jessica McCann posted a lovely post titled What Cupcakes Taught Me About Life and Literature. Read. It’s VERY good!

3. This week on Traveling With T, I had several author spotlights: Dana Bate, Denise Swanson, and Emily Liebert.

4. Interviews, interviews, interviews: Dana Bate, Denise Swanson, and Emily Liebert.

5. I reviewed 2 books this week: Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson and You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert.

6. Another AWESOME blogger featured this week: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life!

7. My #fridayreads: The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillipi Ryan, The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore, and Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand.

8. Katherine at Story Matters– one of my AWESOME bloggers mentioned a couple of weeks ago asked to interview me (me!, Little ole me!) In the interview we cover my #literaryconfessions (yes, yes, after asking everyone and their mama their #literaryconfessions- someone turned the tables on me and asked me the question. I confessed freely (even though it might be a bit shameworthy for a bookworm to admit!) Thank you, Katherine for the Spotlight on Tamara Welch, Book Blogger!

Happy Reading 🙂

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

On Wednesday, Dana Bate was here talking about favorite characters and inspiration for The Girls” Guide To Love And Supper Clubs- today she is back to reveal her #literaryconfessions *beware- she thinks her reader card needs to be taken away!

Author Spotlight: Dana Bate

Dana- who are some of your favorite authors?

I’m regularly inspired by the writings of Jennifer Weiner, Nick Hornby, Jonathan Tropper, Sophie Kinsella, Lolly Winston, and Sarah Pekkanen, all of whom portray relationships and family dynamics in a way that is both thoughtful and humorous. I also love Richard Russo, Maria Semple, Gillian Flynn, Anne Tyler, and, in terms of classics, Charles Dickens.

What book or books will you always make room for on your book shelf?

Julia Child’s MY LIFE IN FRANCE. I adored that book. Child’s passion leaps through the pages. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

Are you a hardback, paperback or e-book kind of reader?

Paperback and e-book. I occasionally read hardbacks, but you’re much more likely to find me reading one of the other two.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I haven’t read the Harry Potter series. Or THE HUNGER GAMES. I know. I might as well trade in my reader card now. #readerfail

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I have a few. One is Sydney Carton in A TALE OF TWO CITIES. I know. What, what? But he was so tortured, so damaged…and yet he makes the ultimate sacrifice. In the modern remake, he’d be the one all the women wanted. At the other end of the spectrum, there was something very appealing about Brady in Caprice Crane’s STUPID AND CONTAGIOUS. He was a big goofball, but he was very endearing.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

With a new baby, my TBR list keeps getting longer and longer! He doesn’t allow much time for reading, the little stinker. Here are just a few on my TBR list: Khaled Hosseini’s latest, AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED; Rainbow Rowell’s ELEANOR AND PARK; Jess Walter’s BEAUTIFUL RUINS; Sophie Kinsella’s WEDDING NIGHT; and, of course, the latest installment of BRIDGET JONES.

What is the best book you have read (so far) in 2013?

Tough call! I’ve read so many good books this year. I think I’ll go with WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? – just because it was so much fun.

Some say books go best with chocolate- what do you think books go hand in hand with? Chocolate? Wine? Dessert?

A warm, milky mug of chai. Perfect.

*Special thanks to Dana Bate for agreeing to this author spotlight!

If you enjoyed reading about Dana’s #literaryconfession and more- check out her website, Facebook and Twitter page!

You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert

Two girls, best friends. Planned a future together, always vowing to be there for one another. Until one took a different path. Twelve years later, these former best friends meet again. Can they find a way to be friends again? Can they learn to understand what happened twelve years ago?

Katherine- beautiful, driven, and single. Katherine is an executive at Blend Cosmetics, an exclusive brand. Katherine’s days are filled with meetings, parties and more- she’s on the move always. New York City is Katherine’s home and she has a hard time imagining living elsewhere. However, once upon a time she was Kitty- shy, slightly insecure and set on a life with her best friend, Laney, by her side.

Laney, married, has a 12 year old daughter. She runs a spa, Oasis, in town- a job that she loves (besides her boos, that is). Laney’s days consist of family, work and living in Manchester- a town she never dreamed she be living in as an adult. Life has a funny way, though.

Luella Hancock, a kind and older lady who lived on the same street with Kitty and Laney. Luella welcomed both into her house and life- but it was Kitty that she took a bit more of a shine to over the years. Luella showed both the girls the finer things in life- sparkly dresses, beautiful jewelry and more.

Katherine and Laney both get notifications to meet at an attorney’s office regarding Luella Hancock. Both go, each without the knowledge the other would be there. Both are surprised because they haven’t seen each other in twelve years. Luella, loving both the girls in special ways, leaves her house to them- with the stipulation that both must work together to clean it out and they could sell and split the proceeds. Luella remembers a time when it was Kitty and Laney, best friends forever. She hopes that they might remember this time as well as they clean the house that Luella left them in her will.

Together the two ladies work on the house- but without discussing the past. The past is complicated with broken dreams, promises, and hurt feelings. While Katherine is in Manchester, she realizes that there is more than 1 set of unfinished business left for her to take care of. Can Katherine find a way to explain the past to another person she hurt? Can Laney forgive the past? Can Katherine forgive Laney?

Working on Luella’s house brings back memories of their friendship, of the sisterhood they shared before their lives took different paths. Katherine and Laney are both grown up- but is there still a spark of Kitty and Laney, best friends forever, in there? Or is the past too complicated, too broken to mend?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Emily Liebert’s debut novel, You Knew Me When, tells the story of 2 girls, Laney and Kitty, neighbors and best friends. The story is told in alternating perspective- present and past years. Emily Liebert weaves the past and present together to create a story that is about the heart of a women’s friendship.

Funny, charming, and sweet- You Knew Me When is an enjoyable story. A story that hints that friendship never dies, that a person can go home again and that love will happen in it’s perfect timing. Recommended for fans of women’s fiction- this book is a story to give to friends to read and discuss. Book clubs will love discussing this- as there is a little of Laney and Kitty in all of us.

*This book was sent to my by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson

Photo Credit: Amazon

It’s almost Skye’s wedding- which should be the happiest day of her life. Except the groom is spending more time at the police station, Skye’s worried about fitting in her wedding dress and a murder needs to be solved so Skye can relax on her honeymoon- that is, if she can find time to get married with the chaos of life of Scumble River!

Skye is busy finishing the planning for her December wedding and really second-guessing getting married at Christmas holidays- what with all the normal holiday events, a wedding to plan has made Skye busier than a bee! Wally, her groom, is also busy at work- and a murder of librarian- a beautiful lady with a moral code that always points due north, is complicating matters further in Scumble River!

Skye, even with the wedding planning, takes on her role as a consultant to the police with relish. Wally and Skye team up to narrow down a list of suspects who wished the beautiful and shapely Yvonne harm- and conclude quickly that Yvonne was targeted because she was a firm believer in following the rules. As suspect by suspect is crossed off the list, Skye worries the case will not be solved before they have to leave for the honeymoon- which might mean the case may never get solved.

Not only is Skye worried about the case, but her wedding cake turns into a disaster (could this be a bad omen?!), the ghost at her house is still preventing her and Wally from amorous activities, and May is being suspiciously quiet- which makes Skye worry what she has up her sleeve! Last but not least, Skye becomes aware that Simon, her ex, might be involved with another lady- and she feels amiss. Is there a slight green eyed monster in Skye?

Do Skye and Wally solve the case in time? Does the wedding happen with out any problems? Will Skye have packed the right type of clothes for her honeymoon? And just what does May have up her sleeve and should Skye be worried? All these and more questions will be answered in Murder of a Stacked Librarian!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

If you are a fan of the Scumble River series by Denise Swanson- you’ll enjoy this book. Skye is on the road to a happy life with Wally (or is she?!) and the antics and happenings of Scumble River are enough to keep a cozy mystery fan happy and entertained.

Denise Swanson writes a humorous story with a cast of characters that are known and loved by many. Enjoyable, funny, and a good mystery!

*This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Author Spotlight: Emily Liebert

Emily Liebert was here on Monday talking about her debut, You Knew Me When, and she is back today to talk about her #literarycrush, favorite authors, and more! Don’t forget: Traveling With T is giving away a copy of You Knew Me When and the Zoya nail polish set inspired by the book! To enter- simply comment on the Interview With Emily Liebert post!

Author Spotlight: Emily Liebert

Emily, who are some of your favorite authors?

Judy Blume, Jennifer Weiner, Jill Kargman, Sarah Pekkanen, Emily Giffin, Elizabeth Noble, and Jane Green.

When you are not writing, what do you like to take part in?

I love to travel, cook, and spend as much time as possible with my little “babies” Jaxsyn (4) and Hugo (3).

Emily- do you have any #literaryconfessions?

If I don’t like a book after two chapters, I give up on it. I used to push myself to finish every book I started and then I realized it was a waste of my time. Oh, and I’ve never read Twilight, any of the Harry Potter books, or Fifty Shades of Grey.

What is your favorite movie of 2013?

I rarely ever watch movies. There’s a confession! The last movie I saw was Monsters University (with my kids) and before that it was The Social Network. So that gives you a sense! I don’t have the patience to sit in one spot for that long without chatting. Even when my husband and I try to watch a movie at home, I’m walking around doing other things. It drives him crazy!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables—one of my ALL TIME favorite books!

Emily- what is your vision of a perfect day?

Cuddling with my kids and my husband in the morning, bringing in bagels for breakfast, and then heading to the beach to go boating with friends, followed by a great, casual dinner. I’m a big foodie. Of course, a little shopping couldn’t hurt!

Do you, Emily, have a favorite opening line from a book?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

What are some books that you will always make room for on the shelves?

Anne of Green Gables, Summer Sisters, Little Earthquakes, The Help

*Special thanks to Emily Liebert for agreeing to this Author Spotlight!

Emily Liebert was born and raised in New York City, attended the Horace Mann School and Smith College, where she graduated with a B.A. in English Language & Literature.

After college, Emily landed her first job as an Executive Assistant at ABC News, where she honed her organizational skills and helped produce television specials for Peter Jennings Reporting. To this day, she is a whiz with “To Do” lists.

Since childhood, Emily’s had a passion for writing, so when the opportunity to become Editor-in-Chief of The WAG—a luxury lifestyle magazine covering Westchester and Fairfield Counties—presented itself, she jumped at the chance. During Emily’s five-year tenure, she wrote hundreds of articles, including celebrity profiles, travel, fashion, and beauty.

Ready for her next adventure, Emily became a full-time freelance writer, penning lifestyle pieces for media outlets such as, The Huffington Post, Oprah.com, Elite Traveler, Robb Report, Gotham, and Cottages & Gardens.

In 2009, Emily edited Kerry Kennedy’s New York Times bestseller Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk About Change in the Church and the Quest for Meaning.

The following year, Emily published her first book, Facebook Fairytales, which was featured at the 2010 Frankfurt Book Fair, and Emily was one of 20 guests of honor—among Elizabeth Kostova, Russell Banks, and Lisa See—at the renowned Literary Feast 2010, a privilege reserved for best-selling and buzz-worthy authors.

Shortly thereafter, Emily was hired by Microsoft as the spokesperson for Bing’s partnership with Facebook and appeared in 30+ television and radio spots for the brand, which garnered exceptional ratings.

In 2012, Emily wrote her debut novel, You Knew Me When, which will publish on September 3, 2013. Her second novel will publish in September 2014, both with Penguin Group USA.

Emily is featured often in the press, by outlets such as: NBC’s Today Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Anderson, FOX News, NBC’s LXTV, Oprah Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Woman’s Day, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Chicago Tribune, Boston Herald, and Celebrity Parents Magazine.

When Emily’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and cozying up with a good book. She’s been known to ride on a Harley Davidson. And she does a mean Running Man. Emily lives with her husband, Lewis, and their two delicious little boys, Jaxsyn and Hugo, in the suburbs of New York City, where she moved kicking and screaming for fear that there would be no Chinese food delivery at 3 a.m.

Emily’s links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Goodreads and Instagram.

Interview with Dana Bate, author The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs

A few months ago, I won Dana Bate’s debut, The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs from Hyperion Publishing. I was very excited to read the book because the plot sounded funny and sweet- and, I LOVED that cover (I mean LOOK at it- who wouldn’t love a cover like that?!)

Lucky for me- Dana agreed to be interviewed on Traveling With T!

Interview with Dana Bate, author of The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs

Dana- Thank you so much for stopping by Traveling With T for an interview.

Thanks so much for having me!

Dana- what was the inspiration for The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs?

Before I even started writing, I knew I wanted to write a story that involved food. But I also wanted to write a story that was fresh and fun – a new food angle or setting that hadn’t really been used before. Then in the fall of 2009, when I was living in London for a brief stint with my husband, I came across an article about a woman in London who hosted an underground supper club out of her flat. She turned her tiny apartment into a secret restaurant, and people would come from all over and pay to eat in her home. The idea really captured my imagination, and shortly thereafter, I began what would eventually become THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO LOVE AND SUPPER CLUBS.

When creating characters, do you find that you base them on people you know or create them from your own imagination?

I tend to create characters from my own imagination. That said, although I never base one character on one specific person, I’ve definitely combined attributes of various people into one character – sort of like throwing a bunch of different ingredients into a bowl and baking them up into something new.

Who is your favorite character in The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs?

Oooh, tough call! I love them all, but I suppose that’s because I created them. I do love Hannah, though. As her character developed, I felt as if she were someone I could know in real life – sometimes funny, sometimes infuriating, confused, goodhearted. I had so much fun writing her.

Can you describe The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Club in 15 words or less?

A woman stuck in an unfulfilling job and doomed relationship opens an underground supper club.

Dana- tell us about your writing space. Do you have a space or a routine?

I tend to write in my office, though I have been known to head to a coffee shop or bookstore when I need a change of scenery. I recently had a baby, so at the moment my routine is a bit of a work in progress, but before that, I would start writing at 9:00 a.m. and write until I’d written at least 1,000 words, preferably more. My rule was that if I met my word goal by 10:00 a.m., great – the rest of the day was mine. But if I didn’t meet my word goal until 10:00 p.m., so be it – I’d be writing until 10:00 p.m. The reality was usually somewhere in between. With a baby now in the mix…I’ll get back to you on how that all works out 😉.

The Girls’ Guide to Love and Supper Clubs is chick lit. Why do you think chick lit sells so well?

Does it? I feel like I’m always hearing that chick lit’s moment has passed. I don’t think the moment has passed at all, but I think some people balk at the term “chick lit” or use it (totally unfairly) as a derogatory term. Whatever you call it, I love a fun, breezy read, especially on vacation. I love heavy books, too, but chick lit provides a great breather from those more serious books. I think other people feel that way, too, especially when real life can be serious enough. It’s great to escape through a fun story. That isn’t to say chick lit has to be mindless or vapid. Some of my favorite chick lit mixes a deeper message along with the humor.

Hannah opens an underground supper club and it changes her life in many ways- some humorous, some not. Dana, how did you decide on an underground supper club as being part of the plot?

After reading that article I mentioned above, I knew I had to make an underground supper club part of the story. It sounded so fun – and so risky. I mean, this woman turned her apartment into a restaurant, without the approval of the health department or anyone else! What if someone got food poisoning? Weren’t there a zillion things that could go wrong? The setting seemed ripe for mishaps and secrecy – not to mention culinary adventures.

Dana- what are you working on next? Do you have an idea for a future book?

I’m working on my next book as I type! I recently landed a two-book deal with Kensington in the US and Constable & Robinson in the UK. I’m thrilled! I can’t tell you much about my next book yet, but like my first book, it involves family, relationships, humor, and, of course, food.

*Special thanks to Dana Bate for agreeing to be interviewed!

Dana Bate, when not working on her future books or taking care of her new baby- can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Dana also has a website! Dana is also a 2012-2013 Deb at The Debutante Ball! Here is an article she recently posted: Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid.

To read Traveling With T’s review of The Girls’ Guide To Love And Supper Clubs, visit here.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi, like me, is a member of She Reads. When She Reads tweeted that A Utah Mom’s Life was joining She Reads- I tweeted her “hello and welcome to the group”- and the rest is history. Cindi is opinionated about books- she’s passionate about reading- and fun to talk with.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Cindi @ Utah Mom’s Life

Cindi- when did you begin blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about six years. I had a private family blog and Utah Mom’s Life for things I wanted to share publicly. About four years ago, I decided to combine the two into a single blog. It drives my mom crazy because she wants more pictures of the kids and I tend to write more about books.

How did you come up with the name A Utah Mom’s Life?

It’s a simple name for a blog but I actually thought about it for a long time. I wanted something that conveyed everything that I wanted to write about. It’s personal since most of my time is spent being a mom to my five kids. It’s specific to my geographic location which was good since I often write about local activities. Plus it pops up quickly in search engines. It encompasses all the important parts of my life — books, photography, my family and religion.

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

I definitely find myself feeding my book-obsession more because of blogging. Reading book reviews on my favorite blogs regularly (too regularly, I confess) inspires me to buy the book. The book buzz from other bloggers is a huge influence on my reading choices.

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

I love spending time with my family. My husband is my best friend and we enjoy hiking, watching foreign films and Justified together, discussing politics and current events. Someday we will travel together again. My kids are awesome and keep us running constantly with their activities. I come from a large family (I’m the oldest of seven kids) and we always have a hysterical time when we get together.

I’m also an amatuer photographer. I love taking pictures of families and children.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I hate poetry. My husband thinks I’m crazy, since I was an English major in college, but I really do hate poetry. I’m often tempted to skip a poem when it’s in a novel.

Also, I don’t love Jane Austen novels. I’ve read them but I find them pretty blah. And I would rather die than watch the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Sorry Colin.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

This is a really hard question. It takes quite the man to impress me. I like Edmond Dante from The Count of Monte Cristo. The male characters in The Firebird and Love Water Memory are quite nice. I kind of had thing for Henry from The Time Traveler’s Wife.

For a few years, I read primarily biographies and I fell in love with John Adams (I know!) and Teddy Roosevelt.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

In July, I bought And The Mountains Echoed. I loved Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns and I’m really looking forward to his latest. I’d also like to get my hands on the new novels coming out from Jamie Ford and Diane Setterfield this fall.

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

I loved A Land More KindThan Home by Wiley Cash. It came out last year but I didn’t get to read it until this year. I could gush about it for hours and I forced my husband (who really has no time to read fiction) to read it so that we could discuss it.

Life after Life by Jill McCorkle didn’t get as much attention as Kate Atkinson’s novel of the same title, but it really made an impression on me. I also loved A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea, The Aviator’s Wife, and Benediction. I finally read Night Circus and was blown away.

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

Looking at my to-read shelf, if I was leaving today on vacation, I would grab Gone Girl, Overseas and A Light Between Oceans.

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

I have a Kindle Fire. I can’t find it right now. I think my daughter took it with her to visit her grandparents. But it doesn’t matter because I can’t stand reading books on it. I feel bad for the books I’ve tried to review by reading an e-book because I’m sure my opinion is tainted.

I love the feel of a real book–paperback or hardback. I sometimes find myself caressing the spine while I read. (I do hate creases in the spine and perhaps subconsciously I think a little gentle massage will help prevent wrinkles.) I love the smell. I love the look of the book on my shelves. I like to loan my books out to my neighbors or put a favorite into the hands of my child.

Cindi- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?” Has She Reads also broadened your reading taste?

I’ve been hosting a neighborhood book club at my house for over five years. I really try to encourage the women in my neighborhood to read great books and I’ve been able to read and enjoy books that I might not have picked for myself. Just like every book club, we read the book, discuss it and support each other in our lives. We sometimes end up visiting with each other into the wee hours of the morning. I think She Reads does the same thing in a larger online setting. We support women authors and the books that resonate and have meaning for women. I’ve only been a member for a few months but I’ve really enjoyed the association I’ve had with the other members and being exposed to a variety of books. I think She Reads is a great place for women.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

This is a tricky question. I honestly can’t think of a favorite quote from a book other than the scriptures, which I love and try to read daily. Our family’s mantra comes from scripture. We repeat it together each evening.

“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house oforder, a house of God;” D&C 108:8

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

If I am browsing in a bookstore, I totally judge a book by it’s cover. I’m so visual. I can guarantee I won’t pick up a book if there is a half naked couple kissing on the cover. Make it a picture of a couple embracing, dressed in World War II era clothing and I am definitely going to pick it up.

Most of the time, I buy a book after reading a review or hearing buzz about it online. In those cases, I don’t care what the cover looks like.

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