The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

Hello everyone.

Have you ever heard experts say that we, as humans, sometimes have a fight or flight reaction? I think it might be real. When something really bad happens, for a split second I want to leave. The thought floats through my head to run away and start a new anonymous life somewhere else, without the awful issue of the moment. Of course I don't leave, it isn't responsible. People I love need and deserve my support but the fleeting thought is there.

Then there is the other kind of flight, the serious, well thought out kind. When I was a kid, I loved going to the beach. I know I've mentioned before that on one family spring break trip to Myrtle Beach I swore I would marry a pool boy. I must have believed that the pool boy was the epitome of beach-dom. I couldn't have aspired to a hotel owner or land baron, nope, teenage me thought that the pool boy was the top of the beach heap. Funny thing is my husband grew up just a few blocks off the ocean and his early jobs were working in hotels and renting bikes on the boardwalk. His brown hair was bleached pale blonde by the sun, he was super tan and had beautiful blue eyes (still does). He was a walking postcard for the oceanfront. Now, having been married for eons and living by the ocean for years I want to move. We can't, hubby's job is here. The problem is hurricanes. I have experienced way too many and am terrified of them. If I could, I would move far away from the ocean just because of hurricanes.

I recently read The Invited by Jennifer McMahon. This is the story of two teachers who decide they want to move. Helen is a history teacher and Nate adores science. They want to leave their jobs, buy an old house, and build a new life. After looking at all their options, this couple purchases a lot they like and decide to build a new house that looks like an old salt box home. Problems arise when they discover that the property they now own is where the house of town legend Hattie Breckenridge once stood...and the site of her death over a century ago. When Helen wants to give her new house a wink and nod to history she purchases several pieces of architectural salvage that had a connection to Hattie. Once installed, these pieces seem to bring odd happenings to their newly built home.

When reading the book jacket, you might think this is a straight up haunted house book. While it is a bit spooky, it really is so much more. The story of Hattie unfolds and the reader is witness to how she was treated, how a single moment in time can change everything including future generations, naturally it ties into today as well.  I love when a book ends up having a much more involved story than I thought it would, I feel like I am getting extra value for my money. That is exactly how this book is, more than I anticipated. The Invited is engaging, moving not at a thriller pace but quickly enough to keep the reader interested. Like in many books, I was sure I knew the answers to the mysteries presented but the author proved me wrong. If you like mild haunted house stories, stories concerning New England, houses, mysteries or just great tales, you'll like this book.

I am wondering if I should start tracing our deed back...perhaps not.

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

A couple of months ago I read a great book by three authors, one of which is a favorite of mine, Karen White. I loved it, but more about that title in another review. When July's months Book of the Month choice list came out, I zeroed in on a familiar name....one of the other two authors of that story I enjoyed so much. The novel is The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams. Believe it or not, I consulted hubby about which title to get. The thriller, as always, had me drooling. What if reading a whole book by Beatriz Williams activated by raging case of "whole set-itis", requiring me to have a complete set of something, or in the case of books, read everything by an author? Let's face it, I need another author to follow like I need another hole in the head. (Side note, what an ugly saying. )Since you're reading a book blog, I'm sure you understand.  In any case, hubby urged me to get out of my thriller rut and venture on to The Summer Wives. For the record, I consider my love of thrillers to be loyal passion, not a rut, but I'm not arguing with someone who brought me a gift of a book last week.

The Summer Wives is about the differences between rich and poor, specifically on an island on the northeast United States. It kinda reminds me of the old mansions in Newport. Got it? While not the author's point, it also raised themes for me like 'us versus them', and 'locals versus visitors'. I live near a famous resort area. Tourists invade by the thousands in the spring, summer and fall. Traveling costs go up, traffic is tied in knots, restaurants are inaccessible. In short, it's a pain. However, thought must be given to the privilege of living in an area that people spend huge amounts of money to visit. In addition, the local economy would crumble without these tourists, willing to shell out up to $20,000 for a week in a "cottage", then more for food, souvenirs and let's not forget booze.

I know you think I have lost it and have no point, but I do. This book actually translated into issues in my own life, not intended, but really interesting. I've been reminded to be more grateful. In any case, Beatriz Williams weaves a story, not a page turner, but just a good old fashioned story about people. It has the ocean, a great big old house, a great lighthouse, lots of New England-ness, and a murder mystery. It is very interesting the way the story unfolds and despite appearing fairly straightforward there are several surprising twists. The writing and pace are perfect for the plot and kept me coming back for just one more quick chapter, then another and another. Yes, this was a very enjoyable read. Hubby gets an A+ for insisting that I make this my BOTM choice. Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to start looking at all the other books written by my new pal, Beatriz Williams. I can't help it, it's a sickness that I'm not interested in curing.