Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck

Hemingway’s Girl by Erika Robuck is a historical fiction novel that absolutely should be on a reader’s “to be read” list. The book has it all: love, anger, drama, family situations, sadness, despair and hope.  Grab a copy of this book and get sucked into the world of Mariella and Hemingway’s Key West.

Mariella is the bread-winner of the family. Her father has passed away, she has 2 sisters and a mother that need food and a roof over their heads. When Mariella meets Hemingway- she’s drawn to him- his ways, his life. Mariella is hired as a maid at Hemingway’s house- and through that becomes friends and immersed in Hemingway and his family’s life.

Hemingway and Mariella have a relationship that not many can understand- they understand each other on levels that aren’t apparent to many. This becomes a source of stress for others. When Mariella gets involved with Gavin- a man that is quite dear to her- her relationship with Hemingway evolves.

Gavin is everything that Hemingway is not- and yet, both men have a pull on Mariella. Will Mariella cross a line with Hemingway- a man that understands her in ways others can’t? Or will she stay with Gavin- a man that is more like her- hardworking, salt of the earth?

With a hurricane heading toward Key West, Mariella gets drawn further in the world of Ernest Hemingway and his family- while struggling to take care of her own family. Will this hurricane solidify the things that are important to Mariella?

Hemingway’s Girl– this book was fantastic. The emotions I felt while reading, the anger at Hemingway and his selfish ways, the fear and sadness I felt for Mariella- this book has something for everyone. Read Hemingway’s Girl– enjoy a story about Hemingway and his Key West.

You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace

You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace is a book that is about Alison’s adorable dog Carlie. Carlie is the latest of dogs in Alison’s life, but the first one she’s had since she’s been living in NYC (due to finding a dog-friendly apartment).

Carlie is Alison’s best friend, her “person”, the sounding board for day to day life and more. Alison writes the stories of her and Carlie’s life- their day to day interactions with each other, Alison’s family and friends, the general public, and romantic interests in Alison’s life. Each story is sprinkled with humor and the life lessons of loving a dog.

As the book goes on, the reader sees that Carlie has opened Alison to more chances, experiences and people than Alison could have had without Carlie. As I read the book, I fell in love with Carlie- her antics, her love for Alison, just her ways- made Carlie the best. Carlie will melt dog-lover’s hearts with the stories Alison writes.

This book is not all about Carlie, though- Alison learns about things in her own life-family, happiness and love. Things that Alison knew (but is so much sweeter with Carlie at her side).

You Tell Your Dog First– a must for a dog lover, a love song to Carlie, and sprinkled with humor, love and life lessons. Buy it. Read it. Love it.

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Zeke- my “you tell your dog first” dog.

Reading Alison Pace’s book, You Tell Your Dog First, has brought forth a flurry of emotions: happiness, sadness and many more.

Zeke

Alison writes of her love for Carlie and the antics that Carlie finds herself in. I love Carlie. Carlie is a happy little dog, a dog that comes into your heart and make a day seem brighter.However, as I’m reading You Tell Your Dog First– I’m reminded of my own recently deceased dog, Zeke. I try to focus on the good memories, but somedays I’m still beside myself.

While I’ve always had dogs, I learned at an early age that things can happen to dogs (getting hit by vehicles, eating the neighbor’s rat poison, and being dognapped) are just a few of the heartaches I suffered over the years. Then Zeke came into my life. He was my brother’s dog first, but over the years- he became more of my dog. Zeke was a boxer- a beautiful dog. Caramel colored, chocolate-y ears, and white places on his feet. When he loved you, you knew it. A doggy grin that stretched for miles, a bunny hop run when he was happy, leaning on you when he wanted some petting- while Zeke could not talk- he was clear in his requests.

Zeke was also a camera lover- and my personal model for many pictures. He would see my camera and begin to pose- sometimes looking away from the camera in a stoic, yet majestic way. Sometimes smiling that doggy smile. He even liked props- glasses, hats, and other things.

Zeke knew everything. He knew when I was happy, sad, mad, hurt. He knew when I needed to pet him to distract me from worrying or when I needed him to come over for a hug.

While sometimes it may have crossed that mind that I wished Zeke could talk, it was probably best that he could not. As we could have wrote a tell-all book. Not that he would have- becasue that was not in Zeke’s nature. He was protective of me and I was of him.

One day, I’ll have another dog. A dog that I’ll love. A dog that will get multiple pictures taken of. A dog that will have pillows and creature comforts.  But Zeke- Zeke will always be my original “you tell your dog first” dog.

Literary Friday ya’ll..

It’s been a week- people- have had some sickness in the family (been spraying Lysol like it’s my BFF), perusing my brother’s wedding pictures, and beginning to get crafty for our holiday pictures.

But today’s Friday and it’s time to relax and anticipate the weekend:

1. Deep South Magazine will have Tweet chat with Janis Owens, author of American Ghost, from 1-2 pm CST TODAY. Be there and use #southernlit to participate!

Deep South Magazine and their weekly #literaryfriday- early reveal of Erika Robuck’s new book cover Call Me Zelda (it’s a great cover!), National Book Awards and news about Gillian Flynn and a new book deal!

2. A couple of giveaways that I posted about yesterday are still going on- How to Eat a Cupcake and The Mermaid Collector are being given away by 2 other blogs that I like to read. For more information on the giveway, read my post HERE.

3. On Black Friday- Amazon will have 25 Kindle Books on sale! While the complete list is not known, Kimberly Brock’s The River Witch will be $1.99 on Black Friday. Buy it. Read it. Devour it. You’ll gain a new appreciation for pumpkins, unconventional families, and stories that help a person heal.

4. I’m reading Alison Pace’s You Tell Your Dog First– and I love Carlie and Alison. Carlie is quite the little dog and while I cried the first few chapters of the book thinking about my recently deceased, Zeke, I will say that Carlie and her antics have put a smile on my face in the latest chapters I’ve read. I’m not finished yet, but so far- this books is heartfelt, heartwarming, and an ode to dog lovers everywhere- and a love song to Carlie.

5. My #fridayreads are Alison Pace’s You Tell Your Dog First & Erika Robuck’s Hemingway’s Girl.

6. My #payitforwardwithcozymystery is Jenn McKinlay and her Library Lover’s cozy series. Recently discovered them and I love them! Check them out if you like good cozy books with great settings and characters!

Happy Reading and have a great weekend!

How to Eat a Cupcake & The Mermaid Collector Giveaways!

Two new giveaways on blogs that I read that are worth mentioning:

A Novel Review is giving away a copy of Erika Marks’s 2nd book, The Mermaid Collector to a lucky reader. Ya’ll already know how much I love The Mermaid Collector– so strongly encouraging readers to enter. The book is worth it. Trust me.For more information on The Mermaid Colector, here is my previous review.

A Woman, a wife and a mom is giving away a copy of How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue. I’ve never read this book, but the description sounds interesting.

 

A book that I’ve been wanting to read..

MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bertsche is the book that I’ve been wanting to read for some time. First, the title is catchy- It just rolls off the tongue and is the type of title that catches my attention. Second, the cover- hello white cover with brightly colored dots- this book cover just has a FUN look to it

Now since I have not read the book- I’m not sure exactly how it’ll go; but I think this book will have some funny aspects to it. Because, let’s face it, meeting and becoming friends with others is harder as we get older. In college, there were tons of ways to meet people; but in the real world- finding the time to meet new friends and for them to become more than just casual lunch buddies takes work.

Lastly, I’ll admit to wanting to read this book- because right now- the title is sort-of speaking to me. While I’m not married, I understand the author’s need to want to find more friends to share a bottle of wine and watch bad reality tv with. My once close-knit set of friends has slowly drifted apart (babies and marriage) and while we are all still friends- it’s harded to connect for time together between kids and marriage. Maybe someone needs to write a book SWF seeking New BFF- just a thought!

Janis Owens, American Ghost, & 2 interviews

First, there will be a Janis Owens Twitter chat, hosted by Deep South Magazine, Friday, Novemeber 16 1-2pmCST. Please use hashtag #southernlit to join in the chat. It’s also best if you use TweetChat (although not required). Join in for the chat- Janis Owens is one of the lucky writers to make Deep South Magazines Fall/Winter Reading List. Come chat to hear about the book and maybe some behind the scene information!

To get you ready for the Janis Owens Twitter chat on Friday- here are 2 interviews to read over!

Deep South Magazine interview with Janis Owens

She Reads: Literary First Loves- Janis Owens

Remember: Be on Twitter from 1-2pm CST time to do the Twitter chat thing with Janis Owens- the chats are fun and informative AND the group is always welcoming- so stop in! Come with a question or not- just come!

The Real Man in the Blue Moon (interview with She Reads)

Michael Morris tells about the story behind the book Man in the Blue Moon (in case you did not know- he based his 4th book on a real-life story that he heard from his family!)

After reading the guest post, be sure and pick up a copy of Man in the Blue Moon! The book is being discussed all month long at She Reads!

Giveaway and Review: Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle

Ya’ll know I love cozy books, Cleo Coyle, and coffee. And I’m beyond excited for Holiday Buzz to be released on December 4th! But here’s a chance to win the book before it’s released.

Cozy Mystery Reviews has reviewed Holiday Buzz and Cleo Coyle is giving away a copy to one lucky reader! Here are the links for the review and for the giveaway:

Holiday Buzz by Cleo Coyle- a review by Cozy Mystery Reviews

Holiday Buzz Giveaway

Good luck! And happy reading!

Young Adult Vintage Cozy Mystery Weekend November 10&11th

Nancy Drew- oh Nancy Drew- you were my first introduction to the mystery world and helped solidify an interest in mysteries. I remember my mom bringing me the yellow-back Nancy Drew mysteries from the library and reading them; but the Nancy Drew Case Files were my favorite. Nancy had a cool car, great fashion sense, and she just seemed to my 9 year old mind so grown up.

While I don’t read my Nancy Drew books like I used to- just seeing either a yellow backed Nancy Drew or a Case Files mystery is enough to make me grin and squeal like a little girl!

So I was beyond excited to see that Cozy Mystery Reviews was having an entire weekend of mystery talk, reviews and giveaways- I just knew my girl, Nancy Drew, would figure prominently in the weekend- and boy; they did not disappoint.

Here’s a round-up of things you may have missed from YA Vintage Cozy Mystery Weekend:

Introducing YA Vintage Cozy Mystery Weekend

Nancy Drew Memories

YA Vintage Cozy Mystery Weekend Giveaway Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Kindle title giveaway

Nancy Drew- from Then to Now

The Secret of the Old Clock- a review

Nancy Drew Kindle/Nook Case giveaway