Over The Teacups #9

Why? I’ve seen some very good reviews for this book, plus I’ve enjoyed a few previous books written by Karen White.

Plot Larkin returns home to the south when her mother has an accident. She left there 10 years ago when some kind of embarrassing event happened and she has sworn never to go back. Until now. Right into a mystery that slowly unravels about family and secrets and friendship and love.

What Appeals to me? Strangely enough for me – this time the writing. I love the similes, the way the plot is structured, the different time periods that meld perfectly. The little touches of humour that every so often would surprise a laugh out of me. The characters, especially CeeCee, Bitty and Larkin.

And so… I read this from the library, and it was so new, I think I as the first to read it, what a delight! However I want this book to go onto my shelf at home… so I’ll be buying my own copy. When it comes out in paperback. Hardback a little pricey!

Why? Any romance story I have read by Ainslie Paton is always slightly different to any other one I have read. Her plots are refreshing and fun.

Plot. This is the story of Caleb Sherwood and Finley Cartwright. Both out to help others but Caleb’s family do it in a very interesting way, is it above board or not? Hmm. What will Finley think when she gets hooked in as Caleb’s partner or… one night wife. One thing though – in one or two places TMI! I don’t need or want it, thanks.

What Appeals to Me? Learning about the con was fun! I wonder does it really work! I liked that the story points out the greed and huge ego of many of the rich and famous in this world and how many of them avoid taxes and avoid making real donations. Oh yes, I could name the people on the news who fit this scenario!!

And so... I loved how the Sherwood family were pushing back. Another quirky and charming book from this author.

Why? A good friend put this into my hand and highly recommended it.

What is it about? This is the memoir written in 2017 by Edith Eger, originally from Hungry. She is Jewish and in 1944 was taken to Auschwitz. Yes readers it is horrific, but see her spirit and beliefs. And amazing how she made it out of there at the end of the war. It is not only about this period in her life, she goes on to live in the USA and eventually her experiences enable her to help many, many others. She is still alive and in her nineties.

What Appeals to me? Well its eye opening. Its mind blowing. It is full of wisdom and insight and beauty. Oh my, what an inspiring woman. I am inspired by her.

And so… Well of course I had to google her! I watched a few You Tube videos. I saw her do her high kick! I want to learn from her. I want you to read it!!!

As I most likely have to return this hardback, I have bought the Kindle copy which is an obscenely low price.

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How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan

Published: HQ
Date: 2018
Format: Paperback
Pages: 462
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Lauren has the perfect life…if she ignores the fact it’s a fragile house of cards, and that her daughter Mack has just had a teenage personality transplant. Jenna is desperate to start a family with her husband, but it’s… Just. Not. Happening. Her heart is breaking, but she’s determined to keep her trademark smile on her face. Nancy knows she hasn’t been the best mother, but how can she ever tell Lauren and Jenna the reason why?

Well what can I say! I loved this book for sure. It has all the elements I like. It is always hard to slot this kind of book into a genre. I’d like to say Women’s Fiction, which says to me it has a woman’s viewpoint, tackles some relevant to life issues and often contains a bit of a romantic element. All of which this book has in spades. But… then lots of readers don’t like the term Women’s Fiction, for very many valid reasons. So whatever!

This book is a departure for Sarah Morgan as she usually writes straight out contemporary romance, and I like her books in that genre too. However this is more and I salute her for it, and I wish with all my being she writes more books in this vein. Just some of the one liners alone will bring me back at some point to read this book.

It is about family, what goes right in it and what doesn’t and how when it doesn’t the choices and challenges it throws. Its about sisters, I loved both of them. Its certainly about mother/daughter relationships and that was an interesting exploration. I fell in love with Miss Teen Mack and her difficulties. Its about love strained, love lost and love found. And … secrets!

It is a stand alone book, so go for it.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join them!

Welcome in everyone, hope your reading week was great. August is celebration month on this meme so every week in August someone will win a book. Here is our last week’s winner so congratulations to…

The book chosen…

This week I’ll choose a commenter on someone’s blog, so don’t comment here, my blog is ineligible so go see what other people on the link up are reading. It’s dangerous because the TBR grows! I’ll only choose a commenter  randomly who has also linked up the IMWAYR post. Winner will have their choice of a book from the Book Depository. Again I’ll choose later in the week to give you time to visit around.

What I read last week:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading both of these books.

What I am reading at present:

I’ve just started this one and anticipate liking it. I generally enjoy Susan Wiggs.

Up next:

Not too sure. Something off my own shelf. Possibly this one.

Last Weeks Posts

Best Beach Ever Wendy Wax

 

Best Beach Ever by Wendy Wax

Published:Berkley
Date:  April 2018
Format: Paperback
Pages: 391
Genre: Mainstream Fiction

Forced to rent out or lose their beloved Bella Flora after the loss of their renovation-turned-reality-TV show Do Over, Maddie, Nikki, Avery, Kyra, and Bitsy move into cottages at the Sunshine Hotel and Beach Club believing the worst is over. Only to discover just how uncertain their futures really are. Maddie struggles with the challenges of dating a rock star whose career has come roaring back to life while Nikki faces the daunting realities of mothering twins at forty-seven. Avery buries herself in a tiny home build in an attempt to dodge commitment issues, and Kyra battles to protect her son from the Hollywood world she once dreamed of joining. And Bitsy is about to find out whether the rewards of seeking revenge will outweigh the risks.

I close Best Beach Ever by Wendy Wax with a sigh of satisfaction. I’ve had a few laugh out moments, wiped a tear away and generally loved being back with the women who form this strongly forged band of friendship.

So Maddie is still with rock star Will and finding her way in that relationship, and how will it affect her life at Mermaid Point and her beloved Kyra and Dustin.

Krya meanwhile is coping with being on the set of a movie with Dustin who as a four year old is playing the part of a son who is kidnapped. There is plenty of tension on the set, because of course the main stars and director are Dustin’s loved Dad and his wife Tonja.  Alongside that Troy the cameraman (of old) has turned up in a whole new way.

Nikki is coping with twins, or rather not coping, plus she isn’t happy about her weight gain and slow return of her body to its previous size. And… horror of horrors she has the perfect Nanny who could help all go smoothly, if only she could let her.

And as for Avery, she loves Chase but she is no way prepared to make a full commitment, and that makes Chase really disappointed and well… see what he gets up to.

Finally we have Bitsy, out to get her revenge on the husband who stole all her money and hived off with it and a girl friend. All I say is “Go Bitsy”. Finally she is getting up off the ground and taking a look at her situation.

You might have guessed this is a series and Best Beach Ever is #6. I’ve really enjoyed all of them, these women have certainly had many a challenge and together they’ve made it through.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment, and er… add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye’s Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, anything in the world of kidlit – join them!

So welcome in over at my WordPress.com blog where I now reside. Hopefully it will all work out. For link up clicking on the blue button will take you to a page to add in your link and to find everyone else who links up.

As I mentioned last week on this meme there will be some giveaways during August. (My favourite month!).There is always a space for those who link on this meme for the month of August giveaway… but as you can tell the odds of winning on that are low! But still have a go!

So for this week I will randomly draw a number from those who link a post to IMWAYR. I’ll make the draw on Thursday (NZ time) which will be Wednesday for many other areas.  Oh! And this week it is for a book of choice for the winner from the Book Depository.  The winner will be emailed and announced on next week’s post.

What I Read Last Week

This review book is the only book I finished. I was away at the beginning of the week and then had a slightly distracted week!

 

Currently Reading…

From my recently purchased shelf I am reading the latest in what is turning out to be quite a saga!  It’s good to catch up on this bunch of  women.

Up Next…

I most likely will read this one but then again the reading mood might draw me to something else.

 

Last Week’s Posts

The House at Saltwater Point   Colleen Coble

Welcome on in.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A smooth landing in from my Blogger blog. Hopefully this change will continue to go smoothly and my blogging and reading life will continue on as usual!

 

So

Book Giveaway for August

Hosted by Lonna at Flylef and Shannon at It Starts at Midnight

This giveaway starts near  the first of the month and ends on the 31st. This is a giveaway for any book that releases in August or before.

I am giving away any one book up to the value of $18 U.S. so long as you are in an area of the world where the Book Depository ships to you.  One winner will receive their book of choice. Open internationally.  This can be a book that is published this month  or any previous months if you so wish because you can’t see an August book you want right now. 

  ♬  Enter Giveaway ♬

Details

• Giveaway ends on August 31st.
• Open internationally as long as the Book Depository ships to you
• One winner will be selected at random by Rafflecopter.
• Winner will be notified by email.
• Once a response is received the winner will be announced on this post in the rafflecopter.
• If the winner does not respond after 72 hours a new winner will be chosen.
• Prize will be fulfilled as soon as the winner emails me their choice.

Click to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway form.

Click below to see other bloggers joining in with the August giveaway book hop.

Full House Reading Challenge Completion Link 2018

As some participants have completed the card I am just posting the final link for when a full house is completed and the twenty five books are read. Of course you can always rinse and repeat if you so wish!

This link will close on the 2nd January 2019  and a winner will be chosen using random.org for one U.S. $40 prize which again can be used to buy books at the Book Depository or be received as an Amazon voucher. Often participants never come back to link to the completion line!  I will therefore open it early so that you can do it and forget it!

Bayou Midnight by Emilie Richards

Published: Emilie Richards   2nd Edition
Date: 15th July 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 305
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: Author

Homicide detective Sam Long is determined to solve his latest case, but he can’t move forward without help. His best witness to arson and murder is a little girl, and whatever she saw on the night of the fire is safely locked away in her mind. The last thing Sam wants is to consult with anyone, especially Dr. Antoinette Deveraux, a beautiful psychologist trained in hypnosis. He’s certain there’s no place for someone like compassionate Antoinette in a murder investigation. But when she unlocks the child’s memories, Antoinette unlocks something primal and compelling in Sam’s own heart.

Bayou Midnight is the second book in the New Orleans trilogy by Emilie Richards. It is a revised and updated version of a previously published book. These books are set in New Orleans before hurricane Katrina changed it up so much.

As a reader not familiar with this part of the world I have to say I was fascinated by the setting that Emilie Richards describes so well.   I was on my computer researching who cajuns are and their history.  I know the author dearly loves this place, myself I’d be a little nervous, but it certainly is unique.

This is a romantic story about Antoinette – a psychologist and Sam the policeman. We met both in the previous book, and Sam was  someone  I really didn’t like. He was a very suspicious and prickly man, although very loyal and once a friend – always a friend.

In this book he has all these same qualities, plus we see a gentle compassionate side, and that same prickly veneer. He is totally against getting involved and yet very attracted to the lovely Antoinette. I liked her very much, although she has one foible that could lead her into ill health if she kept it up.

The suspense part is that someone is trying to blow up an oil rig and damage an oil company who have been poor employers.  Sam is on the case, but he doesn’t seem to get anywhere until suddenly it is very close to home.

I loved the writing and the descriptions in this book and of course really the characters are just so adorable.  I am so waiting for Night Magic which is Skeeter’s story – a friend of Sams.  This will be a totally new story because back in the bad old days of publishing they thought he was too much of a bad boy to have a book. Oh my! Little did they know then. For my taste he has been cleaned up a bit too much in Book 2 so I hope he still has his attitude when his book now comes to life next month. We shall see!

The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O’Neal

Published: Lake Union Publishing
Date: 17th July 2018
Format: e-ARC
Pages: 364
Genre: General Fiction
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

When Olivia Shaw’s mother dies, the sophisticated food editor is astonished to learn she’s inherited a centuries-old English estate—and a title to go with it. Raw with grief and reeling from the knowledge that her reserved mother hid something so momentous, Olivia leaves San Francisco and crosses the pond to unravel the mystery of a lifetime. One glance at the breathtaking Rosemere Priory and Olivia understands why the manor, magnificent even in disrepair, was the subject of her mother’s exquisite paintings. What she doesn’t understand is why her mother never mentioned it to her. As Olivia begins digging into her mother’s past, she discovers that the peeling wallpaper, debris-laden halls, and ceiling-high Elizabethan windows covered in lush green vines hide unimaginable secrets.

The Art of Inheriting Secrets by Barbara O’Neal – a read I enjoyed.  Why?

• Set in the English countryside
• A falling down estate – especially the old English house – more than a small house – a stately house.
• A woman who has just lost her mother and has come to England because she has found papers amongst her mother’s things.  She is about to find out she is now a Countess and the owner of the large estate.
• A cold case – a young missing girl and a missing man, her mother’s brother.
• Unscrupulous people who are out to get their hands on the estate and any money there.
• Food – Olivia is a food editor and she appreciates the best tastes going.  To her delight she comes across and English /Indian family who are well versed in delightful tastes
• Samir – a young man who is working as a thatcher but is so much more.
• An old Earl who turns out to be a darling
• A treasure hunt of sorts that Olivia’s mother has set up for her to find what she needs.
• Warm friendships that start to form
• The possibility of taking on Rosemere – the estate – and bringing it back to its former glory

All these things kept me reading, at times I found a little too much going on and some things then a little undeveloped for my taste, but that said, it was a great read.