A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

In 1931, we have no idea at all what lies ahead.

Love. Intrigue. Friendships. Family secrets. And a hurricane like no other. A Hundred Summers has all that plus a beach backdrop with sun and sand.

It’s 1931. Budgie and Lily are headed to watch Budgie’s boyfriend, Graham Pendleton play football. At this football game, Lily sees Nick Greenwald, a tall, good-looking Jewish man. A man that Lily finds attractive and has no idea how much Nick will come to mean to her- and what it’ll cost her.

It’s 1938. Lily Dane is back at Seaview, Rhode Island. Spending the summer, with her mother, Aunt Julie and little sister, Kiki. Lily is looking forward to the summer- and then she hears the news. Budgie and Nick Greenwald will also be spending the summer at Seaview.

As Lily spends the summer in Seaview, her interactions with Budgie and Nick shine a light back on events in 1931- and cause Lily to question almost everything she knows.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Looking for a summer read? This is it. A Hundred Summers has everything that a reader needs- a great setting, characters that are real, characters that the reader can love, characters that the reader can despise- a storyline that is revealed bit by bit as it’s told in alternating tales of life in 1931 and current life in 1938. Family secrets, drama, intrigue and so much more. Take the time to read A Hundred Summers and the saga of Lily, Nick and Budgie- your book-loving heart will be glad.

Thank you to Putnam Books for providing this book for review. The opinions expressed above are mine alone.

Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray

Would you or wouldn’t you?

That is the question that is asked in Never Say Never. It’s an interesting question because most people have very definite views on cheating. However, Victoria Christopher Murray takes this question and runs with it. She writes a story- told from the viewpoints of Miriam and Emily- and writes a tale that is emotional. It’s not an easy story to read- Never Say Never can make you question everything or reaffirm your beliefs.

The Red, White and Blue- Michellelee, Miriam, and Emily, have been friends since college. Each of them have a connection that they never thought would fail. Until the day of the fire- and the aftermath that followed. The ladies are having a get together that day- then Michellelee gets a phone call about a fire. Miriam and Emily are immediately worried as both of their husbands are firefighters. Shortly, they hear the news- Miriam’s husband, Chauncey, died in the fire.

All of the ladies, plus Jamal, Emily’s husband, are devastated. Jamal and Chauncey are close friends- and Jamal is taking it very hard. Emily keeps telling Miriam that she and Jamal will help Miriam with everything- the funeral, being there for her, the children. However, Emily is a child psychologist- and in the aftermath of the fire, she finds herself having to devote time to a child who becomes a client. Jamal makes good on his word, though. He visits, hangs out with the kids, and tells Miriam stories about Chauncey from days past.

During their time of grief, Miriam and Jamal begin sleeping together. And slowly, each person finds out- and the world that the Red, White and Blue had- the world of sister-friends begins crumbling.

Told from viewpoints of Emily and Miriam, the tale begins with Miriam telling the readers about her affair with Jamal. The rest of the book is the lead-up to the affair and the aftermath. Forgiveness, faith, fidelity, love, and more are themes of this book. After reading Never Say Never– I had very definite feelings and ideas about Miriam and Emily- however, this is a book that could lead to an excellent discussion amongst book clubs or even just girlfriends.

This book was provided by Touchstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above expressed are mine alone.

Sniper Elite: One Way Trip by Scott McEwen

Looking for a thriller to read over the summer? Like books about military? Look no further: Sniper Elite: One Way Trip by Scott McEwen is the book you need.

Gil Shannon, a Navy SEAL, is the man that people want for undercover missions. Gil is smart, brave, and lets nothing get in the way of his ultimate target/goal. After Sandra Brux, a female fighter pilot, is captured and tortured, the military and the government are at odds as to the course of action to take. The military, especially the SEAL teams, want to rescue Sandra and kill the terrorists who are holding her hostage. The government, on the other hand, is worried about public image, the tentative foreign policy agreements, and re-election for the President.

The special-ops teams decide they don’t care about foreign policy, re-election or anything else the government is concerned about. One of their own, the first female helicopter pilot, is being held captive and tortured- and they are going to bring her back. Against, the direct command of the President- Gil Shannon and others devise a plan to bring back Sandra. With the help of one powerful player in the government- the plan is put in motion.

From Washington to the Middle East- many eyes are on this classified mission- some are hoping for failure, some are hoping for success, and others have their own motives about this unauthorized mission.

Sniper Elite: One Way Trip is a story that shows the readers an insider look into the operations of the military, specifically the special-ops teams. It also shows the reader an inside look into the government- the insider dealings, the ulterior motives, and so much more. For fans of government or military thrillers, this book is a must read. Fast-paced, action thriller- Sniper Elite:One Way Trip is a must read.

This book was provided to me by Touchstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All above opinions expressed above are mine alone.

Literary Friday ya’ll….

It’s Friday- and I’m so ready for a weekend of fun. Spending time with my family and some reading. YAY!

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday has been posted! Susan Rebecca White’s A Place at the Table event, Zoey Deschanel as Amelia Bedelia, and more!

Deep South Mag also revealed their complete Summer Reading List! 21 books just waiting to read!

Out of the 21, I’ve read 5- A Place at the Table, Looking for Me, Topped Chef, The Guest House, And Then I Found You

2. Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club is in Week 2 of discussion of Reconstructing Amelia. Plenty of time to join in!

3. Looking for #giveaways? My Thursday Mashup is filled with the best info!

4. I reviewed The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Santo.

5. A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams is divine. And totally 5 star worthy. My review to be posted next week.

6. My #fridayreads Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight and The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan.

7. Look next week for my interview with Erika Marks and a giveaway of The Guest House. Come find out what her #literaryconfessions are!

Happy Reading!

Reconstructing Amelia- Week 2 Thoughts/Discussion

So Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club folks- we are beginning week 2 of Reconstructing Amelia- and I’m hearing a lot of “I Love It” and “It’s so hard to put down”. I LOVE that you are loving this book!

Thoughts/Questions for Week 2:

1. What are you thinking about the Magpies?

2. Are you picking up on any red herrings? I’m seeing a couple of ways this could go- but, are they red herrings? Or what?

3. Do not reply with a name or anything- but is anyone getting a suspicion as to who Amelia’s dad might be?

4. What is the Magpies motivation?

5. Sylvia- BFF or frenemy?

6. What do you think should happen to social media after you die? Should someone just delete everything? Or not?

7. GraceFULLY is written by someone who is in the know. Is the author everywhere or are there more than 1 authors?

8. Should the school be held liable for some of the things we are finding out? While most is not taking place on school ground, exactly, some of the things are being discussed and planned on school grounds. Should the school be more involved? Or are they as involved as possible?

9. Dylan- queen bee, wannabe, or an actual nice person who may or may not be game playing?

Thursday Mashup

#giveaways

Book-alicious Mama is giving away all 3 of Erika Marks books (Little Gale Gumbo, The Mermaid Collector and The Guest House).

The Book Wheel is giving away The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Lobdell ( a SIGNED copy!)

Hallie Sawyer wants to make amends to us followers of her blog since she’s been slacking about posting 🙂 She’s giving away a signed copy of Erika Marks latest book, The Guest House.

More Summer Reading Lists:

Chicago Tribune has posted their summer reading list- The Lake House by Marci Nault, The Wednesday Daughters by Meg Waite Clayton, The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan, The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani– are the ones that I’m most looking forward to reading 🙂

Great Thoughts has posted their Summer Reads Week 1: A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams, The Widow Waltz by Sally Koslow, and Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger- all sound great!

Working Mother posted 8 Summer Books for Working Moms- Time Flies by Claire Cook, The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio, Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman are 3 of the 8 books (but the other 5 sound just as great!)

Good Housekeeping has posted their list for Best Beach Reads- A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams, Finding Colin Firth by Mia March, The Engagements by J.Courtney Sullivan are just a few of the books that made the list!

She Reads reveals The Books of Summer- instead of focusing on 1 book for June- they want to share with the readers several books! It’s a great list that should be checked out!

If you can’t find a book to read this summer, look over some of these lists for inspiration!

Random Mashup:

Want to know more about Erika Robuck and Call Me Zelda? Leah’s Thoughts has the scoop!

Jen Doll writes about The Quiet Shame of the Half-Book Reader- it’s an interesting article that needs to be read.

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

Susan Rebecca White’s A PLACE AT THE TABLE is a story that is entertaining- it has family drama, social issues, being at peace with yourself and your past and food- glorious food.

The main characters of the story are Bobby, a young gay man originally from Georgia and Amelia, a posh woman from Connecticut. Alice, a chef and author, originally from North Carolina- is a character that is also very central to the story. While at first the reader will not understand the connection between the 3 characters, Susan Rebecca White creates a story that connects them in a way that is memorable.

Bobby and his life in Georgia is good- but Bobby knows as he grows older that he is different. Being different is not something he wants, and yet- he must be true to himself. As his story is revealed bit by bit, the reader finds out exactly how he came to live in New York City- and how love and acceptance of him made a difference in Bobby’s life.

Amelia, a mother of teenager girls, is living with her husband in Connecticut. Amelia suspects things about her husband- and yet, she loves him. With the girls being out of the house, Amelia has a firsthand look at how her life could be and how it is- and she makes a choice.

A Place at the Table takes characters that on the surface have nothing in common- except that they are humans- and yet as the story goes- each character has plenty in common- a need for nourishment for the stomach and soul, a need to find a place where they can be- no judgments. These characters face trials and tribulations- but, they form connections with the reader- and the reader wants to know what happens next and wants them to find their “place at the table”.

A Place at the Table is a book that makes the reader think, think about social issues, think about love, finding yourself, being true to yourself. As you read, you’ll find that you understand the characters and their need for nourishment, their desire to find places of love and acceptance. After the book is finished, it will be a book that stays in a person’s thoughts for days.

Recommended.

A Place at the Table was provided to me by Touchstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

The Guest House by Erika Marks

Sometimes the greatest secrets are those we keep from ourselves.

The Guest House by Erika Marks

The folks of Harrisport know that when summer arrives- the influx of summer visitors will bring in a different ambience to Harrisport. Traffic, more people; but yet townsfolk do not mind much because while summer visitors turn the sleepy town to a busy area- they also being cash to help line the wallets of Harrisport residents. Summer brings some inconveniences, but it can be overlooked. For 2 women of Harrisport, though, summer is a reminder of the heartbreak they suffered at the hands of Moss men.

Lexi, returning home to Harrisport after 2 years in London, is connecting with friends and reliving summer traditions when she gets a random phone call. Cooper Moss, younger brother of Hudson, is looking for an experienced photographer for the Moss home. Lexi agrees to take the job- knowing it’ll be good for her photography portfolio. Even though hearing from Cooper reminds Lexi of her last night with Hudson, she is determined to be professional. Being professional with Cooper Moss may be tougher than Lexi anticipated, though.

Edie, Lexi’s mother, is looking for work for her all-women construction crew. With the Moss’s guest house needing renovations- it seems Edie’s crew has found a great job. However it may be more than Edie can handle- between the ongoing feud between her family and the Moss family and the uncovering of heartfelt sentiment.

Told in alternating tales, current time and the summer of 1966, The Guest House has themes of love, family secrets, growing up, letting go and finding that happiness can and should be embraced whenever possible.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The Guest House is a beautiful story. Wonderful characters. The reader will want to know more about Lexi, Edie, and others. Be warned: After reading The Guest House, two things may happen: a longing to be at the beach and finding a new #literarycrush.

The Roots of the Olive Tree by Courtney Miller Santo (TLC Book Tour 6)

Photo credit: TLC Book Tours

Courtney Miller Santo, author of The Roots of the Olive Tree confesses that she knows too much about Saved by the Bell, has read Gone With the Wind 12 times and that Anna Karenina is her favorite book. To find out more about Courtney Miller Santo, visit her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages. To read an excerpt of The Roots of the Olive Tree, visit here. Courtney’s most prized possession is a picture of the 5 generations of women in her own family.

The Roots of the Olive Tree

ISBN:978-0062130525

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: William Morrow

Purchase: Amazon, IndieBound, Barnes and Noble

Source: TLC Books

Photo credit: TLC Book Tours

The Roots of the Olive Tree is a tale of 5 generations of women in the Keller family- Anna, Bets, Callie, Deb, and Erin. Anna is the 2nd oldest person in the world- and she longs to be the oldest person in the world.

Callie is interested in finding out if the Keller family has a special gene or something of that nature that leads to a longevity of life. When she finds out about Dr.Hashmi and his study with genetics- she contacts him and he agrees to come study the Keller women. While Callie is excited about this, some of the other Keller women do not share her enthusiasm.

The Keller women, like many generational families, have secrets. Some of the secrets are a deep as the roots of a tree- anchored in the ground, and not willing to be revealed without a lot of work.

Each chapter in the book is titled with a name, the town or a word that relates to the tone of the chapter. Courtney Miller Santo weaves together family secrets, interesting characters, love, generational stories, and much more to create The Roots of the Olive Tree.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The description of The Roots of the Olive Tree sounds like a book that is the kind of book I like to lose myself in. Family drama, secrets, a tale of generational women and a beautiful setting in California- what is there not to like? The Roots of the Olive Tree is good- it’s interesting, the characters are characters you want to know more about- although at times, the characters can be unlikeable- but like any family, that is true. Overall, from beginning to end- the good outweighs any negative- and I think The Roots of the Olive Tree will satisfy most readers.

Winner of A COOKBOOK CONSPIRACY GIVEAWAY!

People:

Ya’ll amazed me yesterday. I was worried that my giveaway would be unpopular. I was worried that no one would enter. I worried that I’d have to claim the book for myself. Or beg someone to enter.

I WORRIED FOR NOTHING.

Thank you for the turnout! Thank you for entering! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The winner is:

STACIE AMELOTTE.

She has been notified and accepted the title of winner- and cannot wait to receive the book!

If you DID NOT win, I’m sorry. I really am. However, fear not- because there are other blogs giving A COOKBOOK CONSPIRACY away – and I’m sweet enough to provide a link! HERE is the link!

Special thanks and snaps to Kate Carlisle and Cozy Mystery Reviews

Thanks again for the turnout- you all rocked my socks off!

Best,

Traveling With T