Well, we’ve come to the end of Week 1 of The Opposite of Everyone Readalong. Erin @ Deep South Magazine has some seriously great questions/thoughts to ask/for you to think about- so hop over to Deep South Magazine 🙂
Over here, though, we’ll be talking characters and quotes (2 of my many favorite things!) Continue reading
Photo Credit: Goodreads
What’s that sound you hear? Yep, it’s people rejoicing over the fact that Joshilyn Jackson has released a new book! I’ll admit that I’m a late-comer to the Joshilyn Jackson- love fest (I’m nothing if not honest!) For me, ole JJ had not even been on my radar till Deep South Magazine put A Grown Up Kind of Pretty on their Reading List back in winter 2011. The cover just called out to me (can you tell me the cover wouldn’t call out to you?!) and lucky for me, I found out she was going to be at TurnRow & I could get my book signed. So I did (here is where I met the incredible JJ)
But enough about a Joshilyn Jackson love fest- the point of today’s post is the review of Someone Else’s Love Story!
Someone Else’s Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
Shandi is 21. Shandi is not like most 21 year old girls, though- yes, she goes to college, yes, she is finding herself. But Shandi has a child- and she’s making her life better for him- while also learning some hard lessons of growing up. Life has taken a funny twist for Shandi- a twist that was not spelled out for some pages- kind of danced around. However, this twist gave Shandi (and the readers Natty) and it gave Shandi a reason to face reality. To face life and truth. Life is not quite finished with Shandi, though.
One day, as Shandi, Natty and Walcott are heading to the big city of Atlanta- they stop at a gas station. Just an ordinary, average, run of the mill gas station. After Shandi and Natty are inside and Shandi is eyeing this man- this man of Greek god proportions- another man walks in. A man that most would not pay a lick of attention. Except.. This man is holding a gun. What happens next in the Circle K twists and turns Shandi’s life- and unites William (the man of Greek god proportions) and Shandi in ways that are life-altering.
William Ashe, besides being of Greek god proportions, besides being a genius- is also autistic. High-functioning- but certain circumstances throw him. He also has a different way of looking at life- partly because of his autism, partly because of past circumstances.
William and Shandi’s time in the Circle K may not have been long- but that day- events were set in motion. Seeds were planted. And because of that, because of a day of fear- previous happenings in life start to take on a crystal clear glow. What William and Shandi do next, do with the knowledge that is afforded them- is part of their true destiny. Someone Else’s Love Story tells the story- with charm, with laughter, with tears and understanding.
Traveling With T’s Thoughts:
Someone Else’s Love Story– is it a love story? An examination of faith and science- how they exist separately & yet co-exist together? A story of righting past wrongs and moving to a new understanding? Truth is……It’s all that. And so much more. Joshilyn Jackson takes 2 characters, characters that had nothing in common except being at Circle K at the same time- and writes a story that is thought proving, heartwarming and intensely filled with love- love for all her characters.
Recommended.
*This book was provided by William Morrow to members of She Reads Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Literary Friday is back! I took last Friday off because a cold had wrestled me to the ground and took away my will to blog- and with Deep South Magazine also taking a break, I was glad to have a day to rest!
But- I’m back (and with a new button!) So, folks, ya’ll are in for a treat this week. TONS of great things to discuss!
1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday is back! Deep South Magazine has a great cookbook giveaway, news about their next great Twitter chat w/ Ann Hite (psst- I’ll be co-hosting!), Calling Me Home news, Donna Tartt’s latest- The Goldfinch making a book list, and much more! Plus- Deep South has created a Holiday Gift Guide (A Cajun Food Tour that I would love to go on- plus so much more. Even better- some of these stores are giving a discount! And saving money never goes out of style!)
2. My Thursday Mashup is filled with great giveaways. Seriously giveaways that you do not want to miss!
3. Bloggers Made of AWESOME is back this week with Samantha @ Chick Lit Plus. This gal is Superwoman. She does a million things- and is kicking butt and taking names!
4. What are you reading for #fridayreads? I’m reading KIND OF CRUEL by Sophie Hannah (still….), just finished THE OTHER WOMAN by Hank Phillippi Ryan, and about to start ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS.
5. I’ll be live-tweeting from TurnRow Books tomorrow as Joshilyn Jackson chats about her latest book- Someone Else’s Love Story. Unless the icy weather has a different plan for me. Fingers crossed!
6. This Chick Reads is hosting a GREAT International giveaway of holiday books- one that is on the list is Sarah Morgan’s SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW- a great, cute book!
It’s FRIDAY. It’s also the opening weekend of CATCHING FIRE. I Know I shouldn’t go. I hate bigggggg crowds. BUT I”M SOOOOOO READY to see it! #catchingfire #lovepeeta What are YOU doing this weekend?
1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: A GIVEAWAY of Joshilyn Jackson’s latest, Someone Else’s Love Story, talk of upcoming Twitter chats (yippee!), news about Joshilyn Jackson’s tour, and a review of Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright (remember her first book Sassy Belles was a Deep South Magazine Summer Reading List selection) by yours truly! Plus- a whole heck of a lotta other stuff!
2. Giveaways: What The Bride Didn’t Know by Kelly Hunter & Thursday Mashup has other giveaways listed!
3. Looking for ideas for the book lover in your life? Well Traveling With T just so happens to have a list! Read here for ideas!
4. #bringingAWESOMEback: Bloggers Made of AWESOME has returned! Lori @ Escape With Dollycas into A Good Book is a great tour coordinator & shows AWESOME love to cozy mysteries!
5. Week 3 Questions have been posted for discussion about Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn!
6. What is your #fridayreads? I’m reading Kind of Cruel by Sophie Hannah!
7. Next week is Thanksgiving week- and I know many will be traveling. But check in when you can because I’ll have 2 giveaways happening- and they look pretty good!
It’s Friday- I don’t know about where ya’ll are- but we’ve been having some nice days. Good breezes. Not as high humidity (my hair says a big THANK YOU!)
1. This week, I’ll be posting about 2 weeks of #literaryfriday from Deep South Mag! August 16th’s #literaryfriday is all about some Best Debuts of 2000- I see some #southernlit writers that made that list! Also talk of the AJC Decatur Book Festival, literary colleges and more!
Last week’s #literaryfriday: Joshilyn Jackson & Pinterest, Interview with Ashton Lee (interviewed by yours truly 😉 and Lucy Burdette news (among other things!)
2. Book Lovers Unite online book club is reading The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers- week 2 questions have been posted! Book-alicious Mama is announcing September Book Lovers Unite pick today- and she has a good one!
3. Rita Leganski took some time off from her busy schedule and stopped by Traveling With T to talk about The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow this week!
4. Bloggers Made Of AWESOME feature had a new AWESOME blogger: Jen H @ The Relentless Reader. Read on for her #literarycrush! I won’t reveal- but on Twitter she said “does he have manly muscles? I don’t know and I don’t care! I love him for his MIND!”
5. Two new reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta and The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Simses!
6. Traveling With T has 2 (count them, 2!) giveaways this week! Both end Monday night, the 19th, at 11:59pmEST- Brenda Janowitz is giving away her first 2 books: Scot on the Rocks and Jack With a Twist AND Courtney Miller Santo is giving away The Roots of the Olive Tree!
7. Don’t forget: Twitter chat with Kathleen Tessaro about The Perfume Collector– Monday, 8/19 8pmEST! Use #srbkchat to join in! Here is the Twubs room for #srbkchat
8. What is your #fridayreads? Mine are: Hotshot by Julie Garwood, Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall, The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster, The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro and The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers!
9. Psst….. Check out Traveling With T next week- another giveaway is coming up!
Happy Reading!
#giveaways, reviews, another place to buy books, and interviews. Plus news for Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club.
#giveaways:
My blog (Traveling With T) is giving away The Guest House by Erika Marks. Ends Thursday night 11:59PMEST.
Book-alicious Mama is giving away A Hundred Summers.
Great New Books is giving away Sarah Jio’s latest The Last Camellia and Sarah Jio talks about Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
Joshilyn Jackson is giving away Susan Rebecca White’s latest, A Place at the Table.
Bermudaonion is giving away an autographed copy of Mary Kay Andrews Ladies’ Night.
Anita Loves Books is giving away THE YONAHLOSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS by Anton DiScalafani.
Read Alongs
Can’t find anyone to read and discuss A Hundred Summer by Beatriz Williams with? Let Literate Housewife save you. During month of July she’s leading a discussion. Check her blog out (all the details you need to know are there!)
Have you been reading with Book Lovers Unite Online Book Club? Our inaugural pick, Reconstructing Amelia, has been a blast. It’s not too late to join in- we still have 2 weeks left & I have a super-duper surprise lined up! So grab those copies of Reconstructing Amelia and join in!
Jen, my co-host, at Book-alicious Mama has picked the July book for Book Lovers United- The Painted Girls! Reading schedule and other info to be announced later.
Other Places To Buy Books
Crossroads Press! – You can purchase e-books (for multiple devices) and paperback books have a discount automatically applied. Right now, there are several e-books for 99 cents. Consider giving them a look- you might find something you like at a good price.
Interviews
Interview with Marybeth Whalen
Reviews
The Widow Waltz by Sally Koslow
Friday- oh Friday. And sunny!
1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday- Joshilyn Jackson cover reveal, Jill McCorkle, 2 giveaways, and more (even some The Great Gastsby news!) Grab a glass of sweet tea- and soak up some #literaryfriday!
2. Speaking of Jill McCorkle, I had the pleasure of meeting her at Turnrow Books last night. She is adorable, funny, charming and so much more. Look for my blog post next week with pictures and tidbits of information she revealed as she read from her latest book, Life After Life.
Traveling With T’s review of Life After Life by Jill McCorkle.
3. Tonight, in a fit of luck, I will be at Rita Leganski’s book signing at Lemuria Books. You may remember that The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow was She Reads March Book Club Selection. I’ll be taking notes and pictures- so look for my blog post next week!
4. What is your #fridayreads? Mine is Three Good Things by Wendy Francis!
5. For those curious about when the Patti Callahan Henry Twitter chat will happen- it appears April 29th will be the day. As details are finalized, I’ll keep my readers in the know. If you’ve read And Then I Found You– or want to read- do consider joining us for the chat- it’s kept as spoiler free as possible!
Happy Reading and have a great weekend!
PS: Thanks to the new followers and commenters- you’ve been noticed and I appreicate you stopping by!
If you like new authors (and want to support them!), love audio books, and adore hearing Joshilyn Jackson’s voice (she’s the audio version voice! Squeal!)- then this giveaway has your name all over it- in a million different pretty shades of colors.
Go to Joshilyn Jackson‘s website and follow her rules for entering the contest- there is 3 audio books up for grabs!
Again, HERE is the link to follow- don’t miss out, spread the word, expose your friends to a new author, expose yourself to something new!
My brother and his lovely fiancee will be getting married in the next few months. I was asked to be a bridesmaid- a time honored tradition that has it’s fun and frivolity; but also it’s times of headaches!
Because my brother is getting married and I’m truly fond of my future sister in law, I’m dedicating this blog post to them (and hoping to win the Wedding Cake for Breakfast for them- to hopefully aid them in the first year of marriage.
Advice for marriage I’ve read over the years: 1. Never go to bed angry. 2. Have separate checking accounts; but have one joint for combined purchases. 3. Be willing to laugh because there is plenty in a marriage that can be funny- you just have to have the right attitude. 4. Know where you stand on the important issues before you tie the knot- it’s easier to not tie the knot, than untie it (cheaper, too!)
Since I’ve been a bridesmaid more times than I can count (I’m not quite up to 27 Dresses-type), but close enough. My advice for bridesmaid’s: 1. Bring a bag loaded with essentials for the day of. 2. Stay Hydrated! 3. Remember to smile- the camera will be flashing all day!
Dedicated to my brother and his fiancee: May the road ahead of you be littered with bright and shiny things, good fortune and much love. May the days be long and bright, and the life be as charmed as possible. xoxo
Today I had the pleasure of going to Turnrow Books in Greenwood, MS to meet Joshilyn Jackson. Turnrow had a luncheon/book signing today for her. I walk in and buy my book- first the book cover is intriguing. It shows a young woman in a vintage dress- green gingham printed. At her waist, you see a green apple- with a slice of apple missing. While, you cannot see the young girl’s face, it almost seems that this young girl is a beautiful girl- from her dress-style, especially. But the apple- the apple hints at something that is not obvious to a person looking at the book for the first time- however, when you hear the explanation of Joshilyn Jackson- the apple makes perfect sense.
Today’s lunch was shrimp and grits- and it was quite a delight for me- because it was my first time to eat shrimp and grits. Or maybe everything tasted so delicious because I got to sit and eat lunch with both Joshilyn Jackson (A Grown Up Kind of Pretty) and Robin O’Bryant (Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves). Both of these ladies are smart, personable, funny, endearing, and entertaining.
Listening to Joshilyn speak as we were eating lunch was an amazing experience. She spoke of the books she currently writes as her boyfriend, her great love, but after the book is published- it’s more like an old boyfriend. She wishes it well and hopes the book goes on to have a good life. When asked if any of her books is in talks to being turned into a movie, she was quite honest that these talks do happen, but so far; nothing has happened in the movie world. Listening to her speak about book to movie option, it seems that she has a real understanding of the process- that she would be excited if a movie would happen, but will not let a movie not happening bother her, either.
Even though it was Joshilyn Jackson’s book signing- Robin O’Bryant was there to support a fellow author. Having missed the opportunity to meet Robin at a previous book signing at Turnrow a couple of months ago, I was excited to find that she would also be in attendance. I’d read her Ketchup is a Vegetable:And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves on my Kindle a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the book. Found it to be quite funny- even hysterical at times. The cover art and the title was a draw to me- the title sounded like a Celia Rivenbark book (I personally enjoy her brand of humor)- so I decided to give Robin’s book a try. It’s a decision I did not regret (nor do I think you would regret, either). I picked up a copy of the book for Robin to personalize for me (which she graciously did- also posed for a picture with me).
Today was a good day- meeting 2 different authors, being able to add 2 new signed books to my collection and also add more pictures to my collection of photos with authors.
To learn more about Joshilyn Jackson- follow her on Twitter- @joshilynjackson. For Robin O’Bryant, follow her on Twitter @robinobryant. To hear of upcoming book signings or to buy signed copies of books, check out Turnrow Books at http://www.turnrowbooks.com
Me and Robin O'Bryant
Joshilyn Jackson (A Grown Up Kind of Pretty) and Robin O'Bryant (Ketchup is a Vegetable)
Me and Joshilyn Jackson- Turnrow Books
Traveling With T 