Mini Reviews: Summer Reads with a Twist

 

I love a beach read that is unique and offers something a little extra. That is the case with both of these books today. One will remind you of the lavish world of Jay Gatsby and the other is a cowboy romance that will transport you to remote West Texas. 

 

Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Islanders,

Summer Stage, Two Truths and a Lie, Vacationland

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "It’s the beginning of the summer, and Nicola Carr has just arrived on Block Island, RI, eager for a fresh start and some R&R. But her plans for a tranquil summer are derailed as the extravagant parties from the grand home next door pique her curiosity. She soon discovers the home belongs to Juliana George, an enigmatic entrepreneur with a past shrouded in mystery.

Juliana George, CEO and founder of a hot fashion-tech company, is at the top of her game. She’s spending the summer on Block Island preparing for a major IPO. But she’s chasing her dreams in more ways than one. This summer she hopes to rekindle a flame with a man from her past—a man who has a surprising connection to her neighbor Nicola.

Taylor Buchanan, the wife of Nicola’s cousin, is second-in-command of a real estate empire. Her life is exactly the way she planned it: she has the wealth, the family, the prestige, and the power. And there’s nothing she’ll let get in her way of Having It All. But when everything suddenly verges on the edge of collapse, she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

As Nicola, Juliana, and Taylor’s summers unfold, the three women are set on a collision course that leads to inevitable self-discovery, unforgivable betrayal, an unavoidable love triangle—and, most unexpectedly, a dead body.

A sophisticated escapist novel filled with light humor and surprising observations, Mansion Beach explores the depth of human relationships, our cruelly classist society, and the price of secrets that refuse to stay buried."

Nicola Carr is leaving her stressful job behind in Boston for life on Block Island. She is taking a marine biology internship and staying at her cousin David's cottage. David has married into the wealthy Buchanan family, and her life is vastly different than his. David and his wife, Taylor, are hosting Jack Baker, a pro golfer, in their guest house this summer. As Nicola spends more time with David and their group of friends, she realizes that Juliana George, a fashion CEO, is living next door to her cottage and is responsible for all of those lavish parties. Juliana appears to have it all, but the story dives into her point of view, and readers realize that isn't the case. Throw in excerpts from a podcast about the events from that summer and hints at a mysterious murder, and readers have themselves a lavish beach read in Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore that is reminiscent of The Great Gatsby.

Moore does a phenomenal job with a modern take on The Great Gatsby. I enjoyed all of her Easter Eggs and allusions to the classic novel. She tackles some of the same themes from The Great Gatsby in Mansion Beach, especially focusing on the upper class, and it makes this beach novel more than just a fluffy read. While I loved being wrapped up in Nicola's world on Block Island, I will say I wasn't connected to the characters like I was hoping and usually am when it comes to Moore's beach reads. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful way to pass a summer weekend.

Ransom Canyon by Jodi Thomas

Pages: 304

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: August 25, 2015

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendant of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady…or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.

Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand's son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn't imagined.

Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just stay long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.

In this dramatic series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for."

Staten Kirkland is a rugged rancher from West Texas who is often haunted by his memories. He finds himself in Quinn O'Grady's open arms more often than not. Quinn, who has lately been reclusive, was his deceased wife's best friend and his childhood friend. She has been there for him during some difficult times. Then there's Lucas Reyes, a young ranch hand, who wants to leave his small Texas town for college and doesn't want to end up working at the ranch like his family. But one fateful night as his friends explore an abandoned house, the events changed the course of his future forever. Then there's newcomer Yancy Grey, who has arrived in town with a dark past and is ready to stir things up. Jodi Thomas's Ransom Canyon is the start to a charming series filled with lots of cowboy drama, romance, loss, and forgiveness.

I started reading Ransom Canyon before watching Netflix's adaptation, and I'm glad I did. The book provides a much deeper exploration of the characters' backgrounds and motivations. As expected, there are significant differences between the book and the show, so keep that in mind. I'm hoping the show will incorporate some events from this book in its second season, as I believe they are crucial, especially regarding Staten and Quinn's relationship. One of the best aspects of Ransom Canyon is Thomas's vivid descriptions of Texas life, the landscape, and its people. This immersive experience enhanced my enjoyment of the TV show.

Have you read Mansion Beach or Ransom Canyon this summer? Are you a fan of the TV show on Netflix? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Suspenseful Beach Reads To Keep You Turning the Pages

So oftentimes beach reads are light, fun, and fluffy, but in a good way. Sometimes I just want to sit by the beach or outside and get lost in a lighthearted read....nothing too serious. On the other hand, sometimes I get sick of all the overly saccharine reads and want something with a little more weight and a little more oomph. Maybe there's a murder? Or an unreliable narrator? 

Today I'm sharing beach reads that still have many of the characteristics of a light novel, while featuring enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my beach chair.

Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams - Williams always does a good job of weaving history, romance, and suspense into her historical beach reads. I found this one to be a bit more suspenseful than her others.

The Weekenders by Mary Kay Andrews - A summer murder mystery set on a gorgeous North Carolina island.

A Single Breath - There's a ton of family secrets in this one and it kept me on my toes. Plus, look at that gorgeous setting!

The Blue by Lucy Clarke - This book features major drama and thrills aboard a yacht.

On the Island by Tracey Jarvis-Graves - The ultimate stranded on a tropical island survival story!

Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa LaFaye - A hurricane is en route to the Florida Keys and of course it brings many dangers. Plus, it's based on the real-life hurricane that pounded the Keys in 1935.

With Malice by Eileen Cook - This is one of the best YA thrillers I've read in quite awhile. It's about a deadly accident set abroad in Italy and it involves amnesia, which definitely kept me guessing. 

 

 

 

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman - A psyschological thriller that takes place during a honeymoon.  

 

 

 

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand - This isn't Hilderbrand's usual beach read as it involves a murder! You may be familiar with the Netflix adaptation.

 

 

 

The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton - What seems like it should be a good time turns really stressful as the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 approaches.

Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews - A major dose of a mystery with this beach read that follows a journalist's quest for the truth.

Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster - The second half of this historical novel has some major film noir vibes to it, which kept me flipping the pages. 

You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa - A summer wedding in Sri Lanka goes badly... an engaging summer thriller. 

 

 

The Siren by Katherine St. John - A juicy summertime escape with a lot of plot twists and mysteries that takes place on a film set in the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

My Summer Darlings by May Cobb - This is a steamy romance that has some Desperate Housewives moments in it and even a murder!  

She Started It by Sian Gilbert - A bachelorette party on a beautiful private island in the Bahamas turns bad and I mean really bad! 

 

 

 

 

 

The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones - A destination wedding in Portugal that's filled with secrets and a whole lot of drama.  

 

 

 

Sunburned by Katherine Wood - A sun-soaked murder mystery that takes readers from the Florida Everglades to the sunny shores of St. Barth's.

The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner - This is a mystery + a historical fiction that will transport readers to the tumultuous shores of the Amalfi Coast.

 

 

 

One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware - This thriller is about five couples trapped on a stormy island and there's a killer on the loose.

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton - This historical fiction includes a page-turning mystery involving a Gothic mansion in Miami.

 

 

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews - This murder mystery is set at a glamorous hotel, the Saint Cecelia, on the coast of Georgia. 

On The TBR List:

 

  

1. The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz

 

2. Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds by Alison Brennan

 

 

 

3. Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham

 

4. Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender

 

 

5. Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay

In the comments below, let me know what you think about the books that made my list. Have you read any of them? Let me know if you have any recommendations, too!

 

Book Review: The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram

 

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 3, 2025

Publisher: Zibby

Source: Personal Copy

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

 

Goodreads says, "In the summer of 1996, teenage Tess Murphy’s mom gave her two rules to abide keep quiet and stay out of trouble. Her mother landed a new job as a cook at an affluent Virginia estate and didn’t want anything to risk the opportunity, least of all her outspoken daughter. What no one saw coming was Tess falling deeply in love with the boy next door, high-society Grant Alexander.


Over a few wondrous and heat-filled months, Tess and Grant’s love blooms so ferociously it feels utterly impossible that anything can keep them apart, until tragedy strikes and the teenagers find themselves pained by betrayal with little hope to repair the damage that’s been done.


Now, two decades after their epic teenage romance abruptly ended in heartbreak, Tess and Grant are both running for Governor of Virginia, where secrets from that summer threaten to shatter their families, futures, and the love they once shared."

It's 1996, and Tess Murphy and her mom try to start their lives over at a wealthy estate in Virginia, where Tess's mother will help run it. The Alexanders live next door, and Tess starts to not only mingle with their son, Grant, but also his mother, Kay, as she hires Tess to help in the extensive gardens. Tess takes to this job as well as Alexander's world, which is vastly different than her own. A summer romance blossoms between Grant and Tess even though they have absolutely nothing in common. Grant is expected to follow in his father's footsteps, but his home life is tumultuous, as his parents frequently fight. Tess and her mom are living day to day, and even though she has dreams for herself, she doesn't have the money to pursue them necessarily. Fast forward to 2021, and Tess Murphy, a Democrat, is running to be the Virginia Governor, and her opponent is Republican Grant Alexander. They haven't talked since the 90s, but many secrets still lie between them. What will happen if their relationship gets out? And what will happen if their secrets do too? The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram is a page-turner of a summer read that fans of an Upstairs/Downstairs vibe will enjoy.

I immediately liked Tess in The Summer We Ran. What is not to like? Despite her, at times, difficult childhood, she is ambitious, and I liked her gumption to take a job helping the Alexanders with their garden. Her relationship blossoms with not only Grant, but also Kay, as she forms an interesting relationship with her as well and becomes privy to the Alexanders' inner workings. Her relationship with Grant is the epitome of a summer romance, even though his world is really different than hers. Despite their differences, they form a genuine relationship, and readers will be wondering what caused them to split as the point of view shifts to 2021.

In 2021, Tess and Grant are no longer together, and they haven't communicated. Their previous relationship could easily be revealed to the public, and this would have serious consequences, particularly since there are more secrets than we initially realized. The narrative in The Summer We Ran also shifts to Grant's perspective, offering readers deeper insight into the events that unfolded. That summer was more than just a teenage romance for Grant; significant things occurred that changed him irrevocably.

I liked how Ingram brought the campaign trail to life as well as the beautiful Virginia countryside. She captured a teenage summer romance well, but quickly, things started to get a bit darker than I expected.  I did not always appreciate how Grant and Tess treated their spouses; this annoyed me, but other than that, I thought it was a solid read. However, be forewarned. The Summer We Ran is a heavy summer read at times, but worth it.

Is The Summer We Ran on your TBR list? Do you enjoy stories that involve campaigns and politics? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Animals Are Great!

 

Like most young children, my boys loved picture books featuring animals. Animals are timeless and captivate both the young and old. I enjoy showcasing picture books that celebrate not only a love for animals but also creativity. One such book is Animals Are Great by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart. This whimsical new picture book is sure to delight animal lovers, especially with its accompanying musical elements and videos.

 

Learn More About The Book:

 

Animals Are Great

Written by Latifa Kimberly Reeves, Mark Larson, and Lisa Hart

Ages: 3-12 | 26 Pages

Publisher: Tika Tika Time (2025) | ISBN: 979-8349311215

Publisher’s Book Summary: "Animals are great! In this whimsical book written by the team at Tika Tika Time, children will see a variety of animals. Tika Tika Time is a children’s multimedia entertainment brand filled with fun and silliness. Kids sing along and engage with lively videos featuring original music. The playful animations and whimsical characters spark joy and creativity. Each video encourages movement, laughter, and learning through music. Companion books bring the songs to life with colorful illustrations. Interactive elements keep children engaged and excited to participate. Designed to entertain and educate, tika tika time makes learning feel like play. With catchy tunes and cheerful energy, it’s a magical adventure for kids everywhere!"

 

You can purchase your own copy of Animals Are Great at Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. You can also learn more about the authors by visiting their website and connecting with them on Instagram and Facebook.

 

The Giveaway:

I've partnered with Expound Publicity to host a giveaway to celebrate the publication of Animals Are Great. Enter for a chance to win a copy. Good luck! Animals Are Great: Book Giveaway

 

 

 

Mini Reviews: Summer Wedding Edition

 

Whether you like a rom-com to read while at the pool or on vacation or you like your summer reads with a strong side of steamy scenes, I've got you covered. I'm sharing my thoughts on two novels involving summer weddings and all that drama that a family wedding can bring.

Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan

Pages: 288

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A modern comedy of manners about two mothers, the best-laid plans, and one very memorable wedding.

Penelope and Chase make a lovely couple. She’s a bubbly Southern Californian with a killer work ethic. He is smart and charming, with political aspirations. They are planning a spectacular California wedding, wrapped in peonies and thousands of little white lights. Everyone is excited about it­­­­­­—except their mothers.

The mother of the bride, suave, Greek-born Alexa Diamandis, was a single mother by choice and does not understand why any woman would ever get married. The mother of the groom, Abigail Blakeman, is a garden-club stalwart firmly planted in coastal Connecticut. She thinks the whole enterprise would be so much easier if the wedding were at the golf club. When a sudden twist of fate calls them into action, these two very different women are forced to take over the wedding planning."

 

 

Mother of the Bride, Alexa Diamandis, has always been a self-sufficient woman and a single mother by choice. When her daughter, Penny, decides to marry, Alexa is confused as to why she would want to tie herself to another person, especially at such a young age. However, she tries to support her daughter's decision by helping plan a wedding in glamorous Montecito, California, despite her hesitations. Mother of the Groom, Abigail Blakeman, is also confused why her son, Chase, wouldn't just get married at their home in Connecticut and have a reception at the local golf club they frequent. A California wedding is the polar opposite of what she expected; plus, the Blakemans, who have always been well-off, are currently in a financial bind, so this wedding couldn't have come at a worse time. They must keep up appearances, though! Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan is a laugh-out-loud rom-com that is perfect for readers who love a good wedding story filled with family drama.
 
I liked that Dolan focused on the Mother of the Groom and the Mother of the Bride by sharing their points of view in Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding instead of the usual bride and groom. This was a nice touch and really showcased Abigail and Alexa's vast differences. However, as the story progressed, both women realize they have more in common than not and pull together a beautiful wedding for their children despite all the bumps in the road. Leading up to the wedding, there were some laugh-out-loud moments, some cringe-worthy episodes, and some heartwarming ones, too. If you love a good wedding story complete with a gorgeous setting, look no further this summer.

 

 

 

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Pages: 416

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Berkley

Pub. Date: May 27, 2025 

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: The Love Hypothesis, Deep End,

Love on the Brain, Loathe to Love You, 

 Bride, and Love, Theoretically

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

 

 

Goodreads says, "Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life. Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life. But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one."

 

 

Maya Killgore is a twenty-three-year-old grad student and is not sure of the next step in her life. Conor Harkness is a thirty-eight-year-old man in biotech who has a boatload of money and is Maya's brother's best friend. Maya has secretly - and not so secretly - crushed on Conor for years. So when their paths cross at Maya's brother's destination wedding in Sicily, Maya hopes they might reconnect. After all, they are spending a lot of time together and in a gorgeous spot complete with stunning vistas, grottoes, fantastic food and wine, and picture-perfect rocky shorelines. As more time passes and things lead up to the wedding, Conor and Maya realize they share a connection, but their large age gap is a major deterrent to Conor. If you want a steamy summer romance (and I mean steamy!), then pick up Ali Hazelwood's Problematic Summer Romance.
 
If you're a fan of Hazelwood's romances and have read Not in Love, you might remember Conor and Maya from that book. However, it's not necessary to have read Not in Love to enjoy Problematic Summer Romance. I really loved the Sicilian setting; it’s perfect for a summertime read, featuring beautiful locations, delightful dinners, grottoes, and more. You can clearly see that Hazelwood knows Italy well. My main issue with the novel was the constant emphasis on the age gap between the characters. This aspect was overly focused on, which made the novel feel lacking in significant plot development. It leaned heavily on romance rather than offering a robust storyline. So, if you prefer stories without intense romantic elements, this one may not be for you. Despite this, I believe that Hazelwood's dedicated fans will enjoy it, especially while lounging at the beach or by the pool.
 

 

 

Are you a fan of Lian Dolan or Ali Hazelwood? Is either book on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.