Murder Leads to Marriage by Shannon Peeples

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

As I've talked about so many times, I come from a family with four girls, no boys.  My parents wanted a boy, had me, tried again, had triplet girls and quit.  If you knew my sisters, you'd quit too! Gosh I think they have big mouths and are full of....um...how do I put it politely...baloney, now.  Can you imagine the three of them crying with loaded diapers?  Oh, and there were no Pampers, only cloth diapers.  The smell of rinsed out diapers is something I still can't get out of my nose, decades later. When we were teens, my dad used to talk about trying to get into our one bathroom.  He would imitate women's arm movements putting on mascara, saying it was a jungle in front of the mirror. I've talked about all of this before, but the memories are such fond ones (except the smell). My dad was in all his glory.  He loved be a "girl Dad."  If you wanted something, all you'd have to do is ask him, beginning by calling him Daddy and saying it really slowly.  "Daadddy, I really need that pink sweater."  He was putty, and I think, happily so.  He was a wonderful Dad. As for the sisters, the jury is still out.

I recently read Murder Leads to Marriage by Shannon Peeples. This is the story of the Hurley sisters and their dad. Amy, Lily, Daisy and Rosie along with their father, Jack.  They have had to make a life for themselves after losing their mom and wife.  They are very tightknit and usually upfront with each other. We discover, however, that people have secrets. Some secrets might just be an unnamed boyfriend, but some are much more difficult to stomach and could bring dire consequences. When a woman is killed who had recently threatened Daisy, the truth must come out and mystery solved before the killer comes calling much closer to home. 

This book was a delight to read. While it feels, for the most part, more like a romantic cozy mystery than a heart pounding thriller, the story still moves right along.  With this pleasing pacing, I moved quickly though the book.  Thriller lovers don't despair, there is an elaborate mystery with a very tense resolution. All of the thriller/mystery stuff aside, where this novel really shines is in the relationship between the four sisters. The character development, while danger abounds, is remarkable and endearing. With the smooth writing, interesting plot and pacing, this book is a winner.  Don't be surprised if after reading Murder Leads to Marriage, you are checking in with your siblings, just to see what they've been up to.  You also might be looking over your shoulder...just a little bit.

Many thanks to publicist Deborah and author Shannon for the great read.  It has been a pleasure.

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

Hello.  I hope you're having a great day.

The holidays often make me think of the people I've lost, like my grandparents.  I was blessed to have fantastic, loving grandparents on both my maternal and paternal side.  My maternal grandfather was a very pious man, he also was extremely outgoing. He was modest but he was also a politician.  He was mayor and actually secured the land that later became the town's only mall. My grandparents traveled around the world going everywhere but Russia, where they wanted to go but never got the chance.  Every year they went to Hawaii for my birthday...without me...and called me from the pool, while I was in cold New York.  Being the way he was, my granddad knew the name of half the population of Hawaii, and they knew him.  My poor demure grandmother went along with it all.  She surprised me when I got married by giving me the advice to "train him (meaning my husband) right from the beginning".  That makes me think she ran the show more than she let on. Sadly, hubby has proven untrainable.

One time my grandparents moved to the boonies near my hometown.  They were near a swampy area, by a State Park.  When there, they became avid bird watchers. They had a tiny little book, which my sisters and I always fought over, that identified all kinds of birds.  It was so prized, it not only survived decades but was given to my niece when she was little.  For a while, my whole family knew the names of many birds, now sadly they are just known as the mean blue one, or the gray one with the yellow tail.

I recently read Starling House by Alix E. Harrow.  This is the story of Opal, a down on her luck, hard life kind of girl.  She lives in the town of Eden where everyone seems cursed.  She keeps having dreams of Starling House, a local mansion.  Starling House was the home of Elizabeth Starling, who, in the 1800s, wrote a book called The Underland and then disappeared.  Drawn to the house, because of her dreams, Opal meets the rude and brash current owner, Authur.  Opal tries to find the reason for her odd dreams of the elusive house, and why in the dreams the mansion feels like home.  As she does secrets become unraveled, some not only dangerous but life-threatening.

This book was lots of fun.  It was a fast pleasant read.  It is an odd bird (get it...bird...Starling), as it's kind of a gothic horror without being scary, it has a bit of romance, lots of mystery and suspense and a fair amount of thriller thrown in for good measure.  One thing about the way this is written, I usually hate, but is done so effectively here, that I loved it.  I dislike when things are said over and over, I feel like the author is trying to increase book length and is wasting my time.  In this case, it is on purpose and very useful.  We hear the story of Starling House from several points of view, from people with experience with the building, land and family.  The closer we get to the end, the closer we get to the truth.  So entertaining.  I literally could not put this down, reading until my vision was blurring.

I've been on a roll lately.  The last several books I've read have been so creative and fantastic.  Christmas has come early! 

The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

Well, I can't say anything sarcastic about my husband.  A huge arrangement of flowers just arrived.  This weekend is our anniversary.  We had the sweetest wedding.  It was in upstate New York, in a tiny white church from the 1800's.  Then our reception was in a hotel near my dad's office.   Besides ballrooms, the hotel has a pretty restaurant on the banks of a river. Every year we would all go there for lunch at the holidays.  Of course, the restaurant would be packed with his coworkers and my dad would be so proud as my mom and us four girls were shown to our table.  He kept pointing to us, talking to people as we went by...he actually claimed us as his daughters. Pretty good for a guy that really wanted a son.  Anyway, our reception was at that hotel.  We had a sit-down dinner, open bar, live jazz band, the works. Best of all we had our loved ones, so many of which are now gone.  Sadly, this weekend also is the anniversary of my mother's death.  It's always an odd time, both happy and terribly sad. As always, when there is something sad or housework I want to procrastinate on, I read.  I've been reading lots!

I recently read The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews.  I've read and reviewed books by this author before, The Santa Suit just a few months ago.  Usually, I get her holiday books.  I'm always stressed, they look smaller, like a quick read, and they always have very festive holiday covers.  While I'm not normally one of those people that buys books based on covers, I do allow myself to be a bit sucked in at Christmas.  It's actually become a tradition.  While the holiday books are always wonderful, I wasn't sure about a 400+ page novel.

The Homewreckers was charming.  The story is about Hattie, who restores houses in Savannah.  She is convinced to star in a tv show, sharing her contractor abilities with the world.  The project is plagued by disaster after disaster, but when questions arise about a beloved teacher's disappearance years ago and how it might be tied to her new restoration, things get really troubling. This book has something for everyone, a romance, old houses, and a mystery. 

A word about the writing, it is very nice.  I have a pet peeve when someone describes xyz happening.  Then someone walks up, and they tell every detail of xyz again.  The two chapters later someone asks when happened and xyz gets explained in detail for a third time.  Mary Kay Andrews does NOT do that.  When an opportunity exists for an author to describe a series of events multiple times and they don't, I feel like they really respect their readers time which I appreciate.

This book, while not tense like my adored thrillers, is a very pleasant read. It would be great on a vacation or as a gift for someone buying a new house or moving to Savannah, or for any day of the week with a "d" in it.  With a tag line of "Love, murder, and faulty wiring," how could it not be fun? 

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

Hello everyone. I hope you are enjoying your day.

I try and stay light-hearted here.  Reading books and writing an often too long paragraph about some family thing that somehow ties into the story, isn't really rocket science.  Let's call it what is...a self-indulgent way to justify buying more books. Yes, I know you're shocked that I admit it but hey it's working for me. Today, though, I want to be a bit more serious for a minute.  It's the holidays and lots of people are by themselves, more because of the pandemic.  Please know that you are not alone.  For us, illness counts are climbing rapidly in our state, so we are hanging out at home.  I haven't been able to see my family in person for years. That's okay if it keeps everyone safe, that is what is important.  We haven't even put up any decorations yet.  We usually have SIX Christmas trees and a house full of people but not now.  It's hard to get in the spirit of things when the world is upside down.  Heck, the roast we usually serve now costs almost two hundred dollars.  So, if you're sitting in an apartment somewhere, maybe sad, please know that you are not alone.  Even though I am married things aren't the same.  The news may show crowded airports and large family gathering, but many of us are not willing to take that chance.  Again, you aren't alone.  If you're feeling down, maybe you don't have to do the whole holiday "thing" but have a cup of hot chocolate and watch a seasonal favorite, for me it would be Charlie Brown Christmas, even though it makes me think of my mom and I cry every time.  Or perhaps a good old movie, like Gaslight.  Yes, it's not just a political term but comes from a real movie.  I annoy hubby by imitating Claude Raines saying "Oh Paula" with my fake French accent for days after seeing it.  Or here is a "novel" idea, you could read that book you've always wanted to get to but keep putting off.  Get it...novel idea?  

I recently read The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox.  This is the story of twins (yes, again) who are each a cooking wiz.  Charlie bakes and is a judge on a tv cooking competition show.  Sister Cass runs the family bakery back home.  While taking a break from filming Charlie is hit on the head when a rack of pans falls over.  Her concussion causes her to lose her sense of taste and smell.  How can she continue her job like that?  She can't, so the twins switch places. Of course, they don't tell anyone.  Not only do they each have trouble blending into their new temporary lives, but each meets a man that seems to be their perfect match.  Now what?  

This is a cute, quick hit, Christmas romance.  It's easy reading that is an absolute requirement if you are a baker or lover to cooking competition shows, it mentions some by name.  In addition, there is holiday cheer aplenty with small town quaintness and lots of snow.  My only suggestion, don't read on an empty stomach.

The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

'Tis that time of year again.  Time to make construction paper chains, string popcorn (avoiding the bloody pieces) and get yelled at for not putting tinsel on one annoyingly staticy piece at a time.  Okay, so nobody does that anymore.  Now it's just pop up trees that come in two pieces and are fully lit.  For you youngsters who have only known pre-done trees, I'm telling you that you have not fully enjoyed any holiday season until you have successfully untangled a huge wad of c-9 bulbs.  The satisfaction of getting to the end of the last string of lights, well that's just a holiday tradition and practically a gift in itself.  Did you buy that?  I keep telling myself that when I have to untangle lights that I just stuffed into a box the season before.  It's also not Christmas until one of the aforementioned c-9 bulbs, that get to about nine thousand degrees, brands you with that shape merely for brushing up against the tree.  First, to start off the season of joy, I usually read a Christmas book...I know, you're shocked.

I recently read The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews.  This is the story of a newly divorced woman, Ivy, who buys a house in a new town for a complete change.  Having only seen it online, when she arrives to take possession of the property Ivy is disappointed as it doesn't look like the photos.  In fact, it looks like it may take a fair amount of work to make it a home.  While clearing out some of the previous owner's belongings she finds a beautiful Santa suit with a note in the pocket.  The note is from a little girl, written years ago.  Ivy becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to the little girl.  

This story is lovely, it's sweet, romantic, charming, and oh so Christmasy.  At barely over two hundred pages, you'll be surprised how much story the author has packed into this book.  It's a fast read that will not rob you of your decorating, baking or wrapping time but enhance it.  Not only will it melt your grinchiness, but it would make a great gift....perhaps for a Thanksgiving hostess who likes to read.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Hello everyone.  I hope you're having a great day.

Halloween is almost here.  When we were kids we had the best time trick-treating.  Our neighborhood was extremely safe and kind of off on it's own, so my parents let us go out with friends.  We visited so many houses for candy.  During this time kids wore plastic masks that had elastic around the back.  I remember one year, I went as Dracula.  I carried a tape recorder that played spooky music, which I tried to hide under my cape.  I'm certain nobody knew where it was coming from.  I was obviously being followed by my own personal orchestra.  I also remember it being cold.  Nothing wrecks a well planned Halloween costume like your mom yelling to wear your winter coat as you head out the door.  One year it even snowed, I don't mean flurries, I mean snow on the ground.  Yep, when the tv tray was set by our front door with a huge bowl filled with candy, you knew fun was on the way, cavities too.

I recently read The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling.  I am consistent, if nothing else.  I just thought this book sounded like a cute romantic comedy and would be a nice break from thrillers.  Turns out Erin Sterling is the pen name of Rachel Hawkins, author of the thriller The Wife Upstairs, which I enjoyed.  The Ex Hex is the story of Vivienne and Rhys.  Vivi and her cousin accidently put a curse on Rhys, which messes up everything.  Life in their small Georgia town was picturesque but as Halloween approaches odd things are beginning to happen.  

This book is fun, not rocket science, just plain old fun.  It's not too long, at just over 300 pages, and is a breeze to read.  The dialog is quite funny.  Some of it spattered with profanity, so if that offends you steer clear.  I promise, this book may not have you on the edge of your seat like my beloved thrillers, but it will have you laughing until the very last page.

Next time you buy yourself a six dollar pumpkin latte, pair it with this book for the full fall treatment.  FYI, the book is a far better bargain.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Hello everyone.  I hope you are staying cool in the soaring temperatures.

When I was a kid, we looked forward to two things, Christmas and vacation.  As really young kids, we would go to "the shore" and visit Cape May, New Jersey.  If you've never been, it's charming without lots of high-rise hotels but smaller family run resorts.  The neighborhoods are close by and filled with Victorian houses.  There is a boardwalk and it was my dad's requirement that we get up every morning at the crack of dawn and ride bicycles.  We even tried a bicycle for two one time, that was a complete disaster!  My aunts, uncles and cousins would also go to Cape May so not only was it a wonderful vacation but nice to spend time together.  As we got to be teenagers, Cape May was too relaxed for us and we all went to Myrtle Beach with lots of miniature golf, amusement parks and t-shirt shops.  The first time I ever played Pac Man was in Myrtle, we had chicken pox in Myrtle, and most notably while walking on the beach right next to me, my sister got pooped squarely on the head by a seagull in Myrtle.  I'm still laughing today.  What?  It's funny!   We were a bit away from our hotel and she had to walk back like that...I may or may have not laughed hysterically the entire way.   Also, on vacation I met some wonderful friends who I am still in contact with to this day...literally decades later.  Vacations are good.

I recently read People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.  In the past I reviewed Beach Read by the same author.  I acknowledged that it was a romance and in general they aren't my thing (although I've read some great ones).  Beach Read seemed like it was trying to have a more involved story but compared to thrillers it was just too slow for me.  Still, I admitted that I wanted to watch this author as she could make me a romance reader.  I was so anxious to read People We Meet on Vacation to see what Emily Henry had in store for us.  I'm glad I did.  This story is about two friends, Poppy and Alex, who have gone on vacations together for years and about how their friendship has evolved, often because of the time on these trips.  The pacing is far superior to Beach Read and the dialog will have you laughing from beginning to end.  Sometimes sweet, sometimes serious and thoughtful, this book is perfect for your summer trip or anytime you need to brighten your day.  I am thrilled for Henry to have started to really bridge that gap between generalized fiction and romance.  I cannot wait for the next one.

Things to pack: bathing suit, beach towel, sunscreen, People We Meet on Vacation, and if you're my sister...shower cap to wear on the beach...just in case.

Chapter Thirteen by Maria A. Palace

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is going well.

I'm sure you are not surprised by the fact that I get many emails about books.  Mostly from authors, publishers or publicists asking if I'll read a story they are representing or have written.  While I try and review the blockbuster books that I know you are contemplating reading, every now and then I like to read an author that I'm not familiar with or is just getting started. Let's face it, thousands and thousands of talented writers never get a literary agent and are miles away from getting a publishing contract.  Does that mean they are not as good as published authors, NO!  I've read many self published or small publisher books that put some New York Times Best sellers to shame...Monkey Temple by Peter Gelfan comes to mind, so does Picket Fences by Emma L.R. Hogg. I'm still thinking about both of them and I read Monkey Temple two years ago! My point is for you to consider a non-mainstream book.  How many people have you seen get on those singing shows that drive a bus for a living but can sing better than "stars".  Talent is widespread and not always recognized.

I recently read Chapter Thirteen by Maria Palace. The novel is about a woman, Kate, who has lost several loved ones.  She moves home to Pennsylvania and is working as a journalist when she sent to cover an old mansion.  Kate or Katy gets to know the old lady that lives in the house but all is not what it seems.  I don't want to give it away but if you like paranormal or love stories, you'd really like this. The writing flows nicely, dialog is great and I ADORE how the author doesn't make the reader sit through every outing.  For example saying something like "after the date ended" instead of making us sit through each second.  Love that!  Just give me the meat and potatoes of the story and that is exactly what this author does, which makes this story a very pleasant reading experience.  This is also a quick read with nicely sized chapters.  The story itself is interesting and the characters are well defined and likeable.  

The book is a solid, well written, fun, highly enjoyable, well paced read.  Maria Palace is on my radar now, next time she has a book release I'll be in line to buy it.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Hello everyone. I hope you are having a great day.

A long time ago I discussed the first time I read a book for pleasure, it was The Shining, which I picked because of its metallic cover.  Somewhere in my teenage brain I thought I would look smart reading, yet edgy because of the cool cover and, of course, that it was written by Stephen King. Yet, my book was a flop as far as boy attractors go, my rapidly developing chest, on the other hand, was a big hit. I want to make a comment about men here, but since hubby is standing close-by and half the world's population is male, I'll refrain.  Although I didn't go to the beach this year (virus everywhere), I picked up a book that seemed to fit my sandy reading history.

I recently read Beach Read by Emily Henry. This romance follows two authors, Augustus, who writes serious literally fiction, and January, who writes romantic comedies. Both writers find themselves as neighbors at the beach. Unfortunately, they are also having a problem with writers block. They do the only thing to be done, swap genres. 

I feel like this book you would either love or hate. I didn't hate it, let's face it my mom said it's not nice to hate. However, I didn't love this book, but I respect it. Clear as mud, huh? For me, romance novels follow the "formula" which makes them predictable. Oh so often, it's characters are a wealthy man and poor woman. I love that this author did not go that route. She wrote unique and interesting characters, each with their own issues to resolve. I really like the story idea too. This was really a book trying to be a better, smarter romance. A romance novel that has better writing and a more involved plot.  Emily Henry deserves huge credit for that effort, which frankly would make me read a lot more romance novels. The problem for me with this particular book is two fold, the pacing is much too slow and the story gets bogged down in the details making the book seem to drag. In addition, it is too long. So for me, this book was a miss. Am I glad I read it? Yes. In fact, I would buy it again just to see this attempt at a romance with a bigger story. I think I'll keep Emily Henry on my "buy" list as she is definitely on the right track with a more thoughtful romance.

Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes

Hello everyone.

Christmas prep is in full swing here. Three trees are up (of six), with lights and a grand total of ten ornaments. Yeah, I'm a bit behind in the tree decorating department. It may seem like it is a lot of trees, okay let's be honest, six is insane. That being said, we are the Scrooge of the neighborhood. In an area of old houses, people tend to really dress them up for the holidays. In fact, I was shocked when we first moved to this area. One of the larger historic houses has been turned into a small inn. They have breakfast with Santa, a tree lighting party, etc. One year when we had lots of snow they were taking their guests of horse drawn sleigh rides right past our house. Not something you see everyday.

I recently read Christmas in Vermont by Anita Hughes. This second chance romance is full of holiday cheer. Set in an inn in Vermont, two old flames meet once again, still detecting the original spark. (Get it, flames....spark....)  Emma and Fletcher are faced with problems, like Fletcher's fiance who is also staying at the inn, along with his daughter from a previous marriage. Then there is the troubled inn keeper, who is quite endearing and serves as a delightful side story. This book, while slightly over 300 pages, is a quick read. There is a bit of turmoil in the romance but the story is sweet and Christmassy.  This book is perfect for taking your mind off an ever expanding holiday "to do" list, leaving you in the mood for some fluffy snowflakes to float past your windows.

While you might not want to give a holiday book as a Christmas gift, this would be such a kind and timely gift for someone under stress or a "love you" present at a festive lunch.  After giving this a read, you'll be more in the mood to tackle those trees.

An Everlasting Christmas by Mandy M. Roth

Hello everyone.

I hope you are having a good week. In the US we are getting ready for Thanksgiving which is next Thursday. It seems impossible to be at the end of November already. Am I the only person that is experiencing time moving way too quickly? Not only do I have family commitments but I have a huge stack of untouched books I swore I would get to this year. I need to read much faster or borrow that time-turner gizmo from Hermione Granger!

I recently read An Everlasting Christmas by Mandy M. Roth.  This is book seven in a seven book Everlasting series, written by several authors.  I have not read any of the others and had no problem enjoying this novel, in fact the series promotes that it can be read in any order.  I am guessing that each books take place in the town of Everlasting, Maine. Perhaps each story follows a different person, in this case an antique store owner. This short little "cozy" is part mystery, part romance, with a bit of paranormal and Christmas thrown in, to hit all the bases. There is a secret admirer, a second chance romance and, of course, holiday cheer. I don't want to tell you much, the book is around one hundred and fifty pages long so I kind of feel like I need to leave any description very open so that you'll have lots to discover while reading. This fun, cute, book provides plenty of entertainment.

If you like serious nonfiction or intense thrillers, this book may not be for you. If you like cozy mysteries, this quick holiday title may be the relief your cookie baking stress is begging for.

Secret Santa and All He Wants For Christmas by Kati Wilde

Hello everyone.

I have to give you an update on the housewife front. We are still dealing with damage from hurricane Dorian. We finally have a contractor, but he is also re-shingling our four porch roofs at the same time. In this small town, getting a contractor to work on your house is like hitting a huge vein of gold in your front yard. Next to impossible. We have a shortage of plumbers, roofers, siding experts, electricians, and general contractors. I hope these are not becoming dying arts. Despite being near the beach and a huge metropolitan area, we have very few of these talented people. So, when you get someone, you have to put up with a lot, jump through some hoops. Our contractor is in the middle of doing the first floor roofs, two are over porches, two are over bump-outs. First it starts to rain, and the water comes in.  ARRRGH.  Now he is sick and it poured again!  We are supposed to have terrible wind, quite possibly tearing off more of the siding, which was our original damage from the hurricane that remains unfixed.  To say this is frustrating is an understatement!

Lest this get too depressing, I have something positive to report. When I talk about housewife stuff I often discuss my beloved dishwasher that cleaned perfectly but kept breaking. I fought to save it but eventually had to replace my pal since it was fourteen years old. I am happy to say the new dishwasher cleans just as well. It only uses a couple of gallons of water and is some type of super energy saver. Unlike any other dishwasher I've ever had this one is silent. Honestly, you could sleep next to it....or read.  Given the roof and hurricane damage, I've been doing a lot of reading these days, obviously my form of escape.

I recently read two books by the same author, Kati Wilde. I read All He Wants For Christmas and Secret Santa. I had never heard of this author but suddenly kept seeing her name everywhere. Maybe everybody has roof trouble. These books are short, quick hit, romance novels. They certainly follow the romance formula; a couple meet, fall in love, find trouble in paradise, then work things out for a happy ending. Who doesn't like a happy ending? Okay, I admit, I kind of like an evil ending in thrillers but that is just the kind of chicken baking, vacuum avoiding, book reading person I am, consider yourself warned.

Secret Santa is about a wood working company, a poor girl and well off man. All He Wants for Christmas is about a well off girl and a policeman assigned to watch out for her. One thing these books both have in common is sex. I don't mean a sex act within a larger story. That doesn't sound right, these books have a clearly defined story. If you want an elaborate plot, you won't find it here. These books are pretty straight forward. The sex, instead of being a passing part of the story, takes center stage. There are many sexual acts and they are very graphic. If you are shy, these books will make you blush. If you take these on a plane fully expect the person sitting next to you to be reading over your shoulder. Still these novels are light and fun. They are a unique break from heavier reads.

A few things in both these stories got on my nerves. First, the man always has a pet name for the woman and uses it endlessly, baby or angel. It was so prevalent it made me think of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry couldn't remember his girlfriend's name. Also, both women were virgins and men were well endowed. Kati Wilde has written several books, maybe I just happen to pick up books that featured these topics. Perhaps more "research" is necessary.

I think I'll leave these books sitting out, Red Ryder BB gun style, and see what Santa delivers this Christmas.

The Reluctant Courtship of Jack Allan by Dayle King Searle

Hello everyone.

Years ago, I started learning about genealogy. During my quest I have discovered some remarkable things. I also realize all the questions I should have asked relatives that have passed on. I wish I could go back and ask those questions now and tell my family all the interesting things I have found. Some of them, like my grandfather, would be none too shocked that he was a direct descendent of William the Conqueror...and I'd NEVER hear the end of it. I found I share a branch of the old family tree with Wald Disney, George Eastman, and Daniel Webster.  The discovery is never ending, as technology gets better it seems to shrink the world and make information better quality and easier to obtain. My research actually started a lot closer to home. I began trying to find out about my husbands family.  They were very early settlers of North Carolina. There is a town and streets named after them, even a bird. They owned a lot of land, what do people with a lot of land do, they farm of course. Close enough to drive to, we were able to see the actual farms they owned, some of the early buildings still stand. It is quite an odd feeling to be right there where your family lived, hundreds of years ago.  The land is peaceful and beautiful as wind blows patterns through the crops, usually cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans or wheat. It seems like such an honest way to live, simple. You plant seeds, they grow, you harvest the crop, more seeds are planted and more grows. Okay, that is a simplified version but compared to working downtown, complaining about traffic jams, parking costs, and stuck elevators, it's pretty holistic.

I recently read The Reluctant Courtship of Jack Allan by Dayle King Searle. While sold as an inspirational romance, it is much more.  There is a romantic element but it is really just a beautiful story.  The main character is a man, very unusual for anything romantic-ish. Jack is a farmer who has lost his wife, his neighbor Ruby plays matchmaker between him and her granddaughter, Ally. Things don't go quite as planned for the sassy Ruby, but she believes she knows what is best. In addition, we find out that Jack has a secret that threatens not only his relationship with Ally but essentially his future true happiness. This book talks a lot about farming. Wait, don't run. It is informative and interesting, not dry or boring and blends into the story seamlessly. (It is a farming setting, afterall.) I don't want to say much more about the plot as I will ruin it for you.

This story is full of characters that you will come to love and admire. This book will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. The writing is excellent. While you may not have heard of this author or novel, the writing rivals any New York Times best seller out there. This book is a joy to read from beginning to end.

Next time I hear the song Old McDonald, I won't be thinking of ee-i-ee-i-o, I'll be thinking about Jack Allan.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Hello everyone. I hope you are well and happy.

Although I am married to a southerner and have lived in the south for a long time, I actually grew up in upstate NY. I've mentioned this before. The town was small, so pretty, safe, and in a river valley with views of mountains all around. It was one of those places where high school rivalries are huge and football games are attended by thousands. There was an independent department store and loads of specialty stores that all flourished. At Christmas there was usually snow but well plowed streets, topped with swags of tinsel garland featuring candles, snowflakes, or Santa at the center of each swag or light pole. Lots of houses would be decorated for the holidays, not with the elaborate, computer generated mini-Vegas shows people have today, but with the big C9 bulbs hand placed in shrubs and in each window as part of plastic fake drippy candles. It sounds like a movie, doesn't it?  Well, it really was amazing living it and remembering too.

The town and those nearby had an advantage that some others didn't, several big industries. The area was home to a major shoe making company. You wouldn't know the name now, but during it's prime it was so important it even made all the boots for the army in the World Wars. They had a huge commercial division as well. All footwear was made completely by hand. It was a lot of work for such a small town/area. My grandfather worked there his whole life. He did what they called piece work, meaning he was paid by the piece. He received one penny for a pair of shoes in which he had installed the eyelets. Think about all the eyelets, at least 24 in a pair. Ever set eyelets before? I have, it's hard. It our high tech, sit on your butt all day world, it sounds terrible. It wasn't. This company, headed by two brothers, loved their employees. They built beautiful houses at bargain rates for their workers to purchase, if wanted. The company held the mortgage, if you missed payments, not a big deal. You were not foreclosed on. Try that today. They had free hot meals during the day, free medical care, pensions, and many public parks built by the company with enormous historically significant pools and carousels. It was perfection. The owners loved their workers and the entire town loved the brothers.

As you can probably imagine the word got around, picturesque valley with loads of jobs. Pretty soon the area was a destination for settling immigrants. They came from everywhere, Greece, Poland, and Italy. I think there were more Italian people than any others. When I tell you I grew up with the best pizza, believe me! These new residents also brought their customs with them. I would imagine, to the locals already living there, some of the new neighbors' traditions seemed unusual. Arranged marriage, for example, I have never heard of anyone that had an arranged marriage but I'm sure it was done at times.

I recently read The Bride Test by Helen Hoang. If the author sounds familiar it is because she wrote the very popular novel The Kiss Quotient. If you liked the writers "voice" in that book, you will surely like The Bride Test. Helen Hoang, writes about people that can struggle with certain issues. The Bride Test, like The Kiss Quotient features a character on the autism spectrum. I was surprised to learn that the author herself has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Obviously, it does not hold her back, instead allowing her to put her insight to good use. In this new story a mother wants her son, Khai, to get married, but he has a difficult time processing feelings. Mom goes to Vietnam to find the perfect girl for him. After literally making several girls cry during her interview process, Khai's mom settles on Esme, the girl who was cleaning the bathroom. Esme is brought to America to see if her and Khai are a good fit. If not, she will have to return to Vietnam. This story is well written, quick moving and very cute. It will pull at your heartstrings and have you cheering on these very likable characters. I was pleasantly surprised finding that this story had much more depth than The Kiss Quotient.

This book is the perfect summer read, sweet and funny. If you are taking this novel on vacation, be sure to take a backup as you'll finish this long before you get the sand out of your... swimsuit... (hubby insisted I edit what I originally had there, use your imagination).

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Hello everyone.

It seems early but it must be summer. I had to turn on the air conditioning. My husband says I'm so cheap I squeak. He's wrong (on a lot of things but I digress). I'm not cheap, I actually spend way too much money. However, I want to spend it on good stuff. Who wants to spend precious cash on utilities when there are wine and books to be purchased? And...read the following the an exaggerated eye roll... let us not forget how I am rolling through dishwashers like most people do underwear. Now that I've managed to work eye rolling, wine and underwear into a book review back to the topic at hand. No not books, my air conditioning. I am a firm believer that no a/c should come on before June 1st and certainly not before my neighbors. (Heat should not be used until November has begun.) I have to be the one to tough it out. Did I mention I'm in NC, where it is hot and so humid even your hair sweats? Well, I am and it is.

I don't think it is the least bit unreasonable to ask for a solid month of pleasant weather in spring and fall to provide utility relief and let me just open the windows. But NO, this year it has been oppressively hot since the first week in May. How dare it! Last week, the temperature hit 100. I said 'to hell with the neighbors' and 'screw the bill' and in a puddle, swearing even my book was sweating, turned on the glorious air. I didn't stand over the grate in the floor letting that cold air billow up my leg like hubby did, but I was tempted. Too much info? I thought we were close! So spring has been gone for a month and summer has begun full force. You know what else has been taking off this year? Summer reading. Have you looked at new releases headed our way? It is absolute reader heaven. So many great books, I'm practically giddy, bouncing up and down while clapping my hands together like a little kid.

My wish list for these books is so long. Let's face it, don't tell the ole' spouse but it's not a wish list, all us readers know what it actually is ....a shopping list. A honest to goodness, check off item by item just like the grocery store, buy everything on it, shopping list. In anticipation of summer read-a-paloosa, I read more books than usual in May and still have so many to tell you about but let's discuss a good one for the beach, lake or even plane. I recently read The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, my first from this author. I've heard so many people say what a great writer Christina Lauren is, how people practically pace the floor waiting for her next book. Now I know why. I get it. This book is so cute, it's well written, literally laugh out loud funny, and was a pleasure from beginning to end. Someone should have written her name on a post-it and stuck it to my forehead like a banana sticker. I have been missing out.

The Unhoneymooners is about a celebration gone awry where the entire wedding party and all guests get sick from the reception dinner, except the maid of honor and best man. She has food allergies and he hates germ filled buffets so they don't eat the same food as the others. Sadly, this illness will last for days. The bride and groom have a nonrefundable trip to Maui for their honeymoon. The maid of honor and best man take the trip to avoid it going to waste. One problem though, they hate each other. I'm not saying more but the writing is so sharp and as I've already said it is really funny.  The story pushes through with a strong plot not meandering off topic, making for a quick and memorable read.

Now I am wondering if all Christina Lauren's books are this good. Getting my shopping list out, I have a few additions.

** Christina Lauren is actually two authors. Long time friends, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings together make the pen name of author Christina Lauren. Makes you wonder if your friends have any hidden talents, doesn't it?

Cape May by Chip Cheek

Hello everyone.

I live in the south, near the beach. I grew up in upstate New York. No, I don't have that accent, upstate people don't have the city accent. My parents loved the beach and were constantly pulling us out of school to go on beach vacations. I swore I was going to marry the pool boy at some sandy resort. Almost, my husband grew up four blocks off the ocean, renting bikes and at hotels, checking in tourists. Yes, he has a southern accent, just ask him to say theater...he stretches it into a four syllable word . It is odd living somewhere that people save up all year to come to on vacation. Weird and, during the summer, traffic filled. By the way, when you are a visitor you don't have to worry about hurricanes, the one drawback to living near the ocean.

When we were kids we could not tolerate a long car trip, or maybe truth be told it was our parents who couldn't tolerate it with us! (My sisters were total brats. I, of course, was an angel.) So we went to New Jersey to the beach. It was only six hours away. Now, for those of you who don't live on the east coast of the USA don't picture something awful. It's not all young men that say "yous guys" with open shirts and lots of jewelry or medical waste on the beach. Nope. We went to Cape May. It is a beautiful seaside town filled with old hotels and gobs of well kept Victorian homes. The next town north is the ever popular Wildwood, filled with original hotels from the 50's, perfectly maintained. Both towns are like stepping into movie sets. If you have not visited them, you are missing out.

When we were in Cape May, we rode bikes every morning on the boardwalk, got red shoestring licorice at Morrow's Nuthouse (not really for eating but for tying into knots then dipping into the sand driving my mother crazy), and learned to love steamed clams with my dad.  A few years ago, I returned with my husband to the same resort, he got us the same room my family had stayed in each year when I was a kid. I made a complete fool of myself breaking into tears in front of the desk clerk, my parents long passed and the place thick with memories. Guess what, I got my husband, the world's pickiest eater to eat steamed clams at Cape May. Amazing, huh? Okay, I'm boring, for me it was special and a little tribute to my dad.

I was so happy to receive an early copy of the book Cape May by Chip Cheek. I had heard you either love it or hate it. The people that didn't like it said they didn't care for it because it was filthy. It has some bad language and sex but I don't think it is filthy. Hell, 50 Shades describes and uses every sex toy known to man. Besides this is the story of two young people in 1957, from Georgia, who are on their honeymoon. They arrive in Cape May at the end of September finding much of it is closed for the season. (The same time of year I took hubby.) The story is about this couple really getting to know each other, losing some of their inhibitions, finding their way as newlyweds both physically and emotionally. After several days they notice one of the houses up the street is now occupied. As they interact with the people in that house the story shifts. It becomes a story of exploration and a warning. The events of those few weeks in Cape May end up shaping the rest of their lives.

When I first finished the book, I put it down not knowing what to think. Honestly, days later I keep thinking about the characters, what they did or didn't do. I think that is a sign of a good story. The writing was good, the story moved quickly and was well told. It is just a cautionary tale, but a good one. I don't know, I've gone from being unsure of my opinion to thinking this might be one of my favorites for the year. Guess I'm fickle, but I can't help it this book lingers!

 Enough book talk, I am going to book a room in Cape May, I need some clams.

The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

Hello everyone.

I have a word for you...ready?  SEX!  Yes, sex. Okay, goodnight and have a safe drive home! No? Okay, then I'll go on. Sex is everywhere. It is getting checked out at the grocery store, in more ways than one, or being noticed while walking your dog. Sex is in movies, nature, tv, in books. I am assuming we are all adults here, if under 18 turn this off and go read a book. Back to being adults, being a few years out of my twenties, okay more than a few. No, not that many...okay maybe...let's get off my age. Let me just say, by now what I haven't done, I have ruled out or put in that side category of "maybe just once if I'm in a weird mood and have had a hell of a lot of wine." No matter where you are in your sex life journey, we all know what that attraction feels like. As with many things promoted for money, sex has been turned into a sales vehicle. Whether we like it or not sex sells. I remember being in a marketing class in college and being shocked when we were shown an ad for a certain kind of scotch. It was in a glass over ice. The teacher asked us to look very closely at the ice and sure enough the shape of the haze within the ice was that of a woman's body. Sex does sell, more than booze too, it sells books. No? Don't think so? Ask the author of Fifty Shades of Grey. It was a fan fiction version of Twilight but became SO popular, partly because of the sex. Result, book deal and well paid author.

Sex in a book is especially important in a romance novel. Perhaps not the sex act itself but definitely sexual tension. We root for the characters to get together, to fall in love, to have emotional as well as sexual chemistry. But frankly, if there is no physical spark it could end up like loving your brother not someone you have great passion with. This week I read The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves. First, let me say, I was very fortunate to receive an advanced copy from the publisher (thank you most excellent St. Martin's Press). I know several other reviewers who also received copies. They ALL LOVED it. Adored. Best thing since sliced bread. When looking at the author on Amazon you will see she is highly rated, a NY Times best seller.  You know it's coming don't you?

For me, this book missed the mark. This is the story of a couple that falls in love in college,  separates then reconnects years later. The story is painfully slow, they don't go anywhere or do anything. That is fine, it drives me crazy when I read a bunch of books where all the activity and settings are over the top, but when you stay in one place the reader is relying on the author to really develop the characters and for some wonderful dialog. The conversations between characters in this story seemed somewhat forced. Not playful, fun, or enjoyable. Not that all discussions have to be light but they didn't seem particularly meaningful either. In this story the girl is on the autism spectrum, the third book with that theme that I've read in six months. Makes me wonder if that is the next trend like vampires were a few years ago (betting female French spies during WWII follow as next major book topic). I can't really explain it other than to say what others found charming, I found flat and uninteresting. The writing was slow and bland. There was a big event at the end but frankly by then it seemed awkward and out of place. I know the work that goes into a book. I really do. It hurts me to say something bad about any book, please remember I am one of the very few people that don't like this. I just thought this whole story, minus the ending, could have been told in 10 pages.

Now that I've depressed us all, time to go to the grocery story to get "checked out", one way or another.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Hello everyone.  I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day. We don't go out to celebrate but I did receive a huge heart shaped box of chocolates and a dozen roses. I get a fair number of flowers. I used to receive them for it being a Wednesday, not so much anymore. However, hubby never forgets any special day and, despite my objection and insistence that there are cheaper places, always gets beautiful and long-lasting flowers from the florist, who does a great job.

I know I joke my husband a lot. It is kind of our thing. As a side note, when we were at our "pre-marital counseling" at the church where we were to be married, we argued about who was funnier leaving the preacher smiling and shaking her head (yes, a woman). At our wedding reception, the minister looked at my mom and said "they'll be fine, no doubts." The minister is retired now but I have often thought of sending her a photo of that day and telling her we are still indeed together. Anyway, hubby is a romantic. In fact, I could have you sitting here all day with examples but one of the first displays of his overall cuteness was on our first anniversary. Our wedding color was pink, meaning the flowers and bridesmaids wore pale pink. Don't shake your head, it was a spring wedding. What color did you feature, tartan plaid? So I am at the office, and in he walks with one hundred pink roses in his arms. Every woman in the whole office swooned....honestly, I think you could feel the building sway. See men, all those years later and I still remember.

Not all romantic gestures have been as elaborate or costly as a gazillion roses. Several times he has purchased a package of kiddie Valentines and written a memory on the back of each. Once they were all sealed in the envelopes to be explored and another time they were a heart speared by cupid's pixie stick and hidden all over the house. Yeah, he's a keeper.

So for some timely, holiday appropriate reading I just finished a romance novel called The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. Before you go thinking this is any quick hit little story, I'll tell you it is a full on novel of over 360 pages. The premise is two higher-end employees at a publishing company (of all places) hate each other and are about to compete for a single job promotion. One will essentially become the other's boss. Well, that would certainly be annoying. The characters go to a few locations, apartments and such, but the story is basically all about the dialog, which is well done. The banter is witty, quick and sarcastic. Hey, who among us is not aroused by a little sarcasm?  Seriously, it is well done. Now while this story does not push forward at breakneck speed like my beloved thrillers, it isn't one of those read ten pages and pick in up in three months, either. The story will definitely call to you. Is this my all time favorite book? No. Is it likely to be in this year's top ten? No. Is it a nice romantic comedy that I am glad I read? Absolutely. If you are a romance lover, you will surely want to add this to your "to be read" list.

Incidentally, the way The Hating Game relies heavily on dialog reminds me of Nicola Niemc's Addicted to Love. So if you love The Hating Game, you might want to give Nicola's book a go. In either case, reading with the smell of roses wafting through the air is highly recommended.

Addicted to Love by Nicola Niemc

Hello everyone.

If you are in the US I hope you okay during our weekend of terrible weather. Tornados in the south and a blizzard in the north. In the middle, we are getting squeezed with a huge temperature and pressure change, going from a pleasant 65 degrees this morning to a teeth chattering 19 tonight, with 35 mph winds. It's basically a headache in the making!  I have been glued to the weather channel since I have family in the path of 24 inches of snow (yes, I am an evil person as I have an ever so slight grin as I type that). What I often see, but haven't in the last few days, is the weather around the world, I'm sure there are difficult patches of weather everywhere. I hope you are ALL safe and out of harms way. Now that I've given a meteorological rundown, feeling like I should be standing in front of a map gesturing wildly with my hands, I'll say this...lousy weather is a great time to read! Yep, you can't feel guilty about not painting the house, or pulling weeds in the garden, or all those uncompleted errands. It is as if those snow clouds parted and a beam of sun shone down on our pile-o-books, like part of an Indiana Jones movie, beckoning us to read. So I say "READ WE MUST!"

Tired of looking at your to be read list, feeling guilty about buying so many books and not knowing where to start? Not to be an enabler, but sometimes you need something new even though you have a ton to read already. I know that makes no sense and is just an example of how I buy way too many books and can attempt to justify anything, but sometimes my TBR piles have me running like a puppy. Each book surrounds me, calling my name. I feel like I am running back and forth between them "I'll read this next, no this...no this...wait maybe this should be first."  Pretty soon I'm gonna be like that little puppy and piddle right on the floor from complete confusion. So as I tiebreaker I'll get a new book. Shhhh, I know that just complicates the problem and is probably a clear sign of addiction, but YOU are supposed to be on my side! Anyway, I bought a new book a bit before Christmas, during one of these episodes. I read the beginning but had to put it down because of the holidays.

I've read several books lately, great ones, The Red Address Book, An Anonymous Girl, and The Silent Patient. To be honest, these books will likely all be huge blockbusters...HUGE. During all these, in the back of my mind, the book I'd read the first few pages of kept calling me. That book is Addicted to Love by Nicola Niemc. Now I'll let you in on a little secret, Nicola reads this blog. Yes, she does, and you'll often see her commenting! To have a blog less than a year old and have someone so kind as to read it often and take time to comment, well, I really appreciate it and count myself as very lucky and honored. So, when you see her comments, you know she is an author! You can purchase Addicted to Love on Amazon in both paperback and kindle. You know, with a kindle purchase, you don't even have to leave your house...you can hit that little buy and download button and, despite the blizzard we currently have outside, you could have this book in the nick of time.

Addicted to Love is the perfect bad weather read (course it would be a great beach read too). It is a romance between Lexi and Robert; she is in her early twenties and he his forties. Now you would think that Robert would be very mature and Lexi less so, but that doesn't hold true in all cases. Sometimes, things in our past require us to grow up more than we should have to. Sometimes this is visible, sometimes it remains hidden below the surface to be dealt with later. Both Lexi and Robert have their pasts to deal with in a physical and emotional way. This story follows these two people in their May-December romance as they uncover these issues and deal with them. Most romance novels follow a pattern where the characters meet, fall in love, have some kind of earth shattering problem, and get back together for a happy ending. This novel breaks with that a bit, with a more character driven story. Instead of someone literally hanging off a cliff, you keep reading because you want to know why Lexi acts like that or what Robert was thinking. One thing this book does, like a typical romance, and it does very well, is build the sexual tension between the two characters. The naughty bits might well keep you warm during the snow, another advantage of a purchase this weekend. Hell, it might melt the snow off your roof! One of the things that makes this book so completely enjoyable (besides the tension) is the writing. Nicola, you can write! Seriously! The dialog in this is so good. I've just read three books that are bound to be New York Times Bestsellers, yet this book, Addicted to Love still held my interest. Now that is saying something! It is due completely to the writing! It is quick witted, sometimes sarcastic, never drones on, never repeats and again, the dialog is excellent.

Now, hold on to your hats, this is after all a book review, I have to say something negative...I want more. Yes, I have to know the future of Lexi and Robert. So now that I'm addicted to Addicted to Love, I need more. While we are all reading during bad weather, maybe Nicola could start working on a sequel.

Accidentally Engaged by Mary Carter

Hello everyone.

 Are you as frantic as I am with Christmas right around the corner? Why is it when you are a kid in school and looking at that clock on the wall it moves so slowly. Then as an adult, when you beg the clock to stop speeding it absolutely refuses. It is unfair. Maybe there is some weird time shift with age....hummm a wacked (meaning terrible) book idea there. Anyway, I am behind in cleaning for company and definitely behind in goodie baking. Oh the humanity.  I'll hang my head in shame...especially if there is a book in my lap.

 Naturally, I am way behind in the list of books I wanted to finish by the end of the year too. I have wanted to read the author Peter May for so long and received three of his books last year for Christmas, have I cracked one beyond the first paragraph...no. I read the first in the Cainsville series by Kelley Armstrong and loved it. I have the other four books in the series and haven't read any of them. I have the latest in the Jane Hawk series by Dean Koontz and haven't had time to read it. Arrrgghhhh! All these wonderful books staring at me and I have to clean and bake! The injustice of it all!

So, deep breath. In case you are as stressed as I am, let me suggest a quick hit book. Something a bit on the fluffy side, something with a sense of humor. I recently read Accidentally Engaged by Mary Carter. This book opens with the main character being a serial wife, having been married 3 times. Clair is currently working as a tarot card reader. When a bridal party arrives, different members with different agendas, all hell breaks loose. In the pandemonium, the engagement ring gets left behind. Clair decides she needs to return it. Doing so, well, let's just say the book is off and running.

This story is a fast, pleasant read. It is light-hearted and quirky. It is romantic and sassy. Most of all, it is funny, really funny. Something that is oh so needed at this time of year. This absorbing book will melt away your stress and help you find your smile.

Accidentally Engaged would make a great holiday gift for a girlfriend or sister with a sense of humor. One thing is for sure, you'll never baste a turkey again without a chuckle. What in on the joke? Read the book, you'll laugh all the way to your roasting pan!