May Confessions

Well, it's the unofficial start of summer and it sure feels like it here in Pennsylvania. Right now we are having a major heat wave. It's warmer here than in Key West! And with the warm weather comes some of my favorite things in life....the beach, the sun and a good book.  Here's what I read in May:

Books Read in May:
1.  Gone South by Meg Moseley - 3 out of 5 stars
2.  The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig - 4 out of 5 stars
3.  A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn - 4 out of 5 stars
4.  Dare You To by Katie McGarry - 4 out of 5 stars
5.  All I Need by Susane Colasanti- 3.5 out of 5 stars
6.  How My Summer Went Up in Flames by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski - 3.5 out of 5 stars
7.  All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue - 5 out of 5 stars
8.  Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman- 4 out of 5 stars
9.  Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - 4 out of 5 stars

May Top Five:

1.  Favorite Book: Adult Fiction Pick: All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue- I loved this book, especially the beach setting of Avalon, NJ.  Young Adult Pick: Dare You To by Katie McGarry - I adored this opposites attract story.

2.  Biggest Surprise: Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar- I had no idea what this book was about. I thought it was just a surfing book. It was so much more than this and in a good way.

3.  Biggest Dissapointment - All I Need by Susane Colasanti- I thought this book was light and fun, but I want something more in a good beach read, such as Jenny Han's Summer series.

4.  Favorite Post - My 2013 Picks for Beach Reads and Summer Reading List

5.  Favorite Part of May - We took Baby D to the shore for Memorial Day Weekend.  We took him all over the Jersey Shore, which was so much fun. First we went to Ocean City's boardwalk and he had dad's favorite, banana whip, from our favorite cafe.  We then took him to our favorite coffee shop, Cape May State Park, Avalon's beach, Cape May's beach, and Avalon's playground.  We drove through Sea Isle and Stone Harbor, too.  I loved seeing him put his toes in the sand for the first time!

Book Review: Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Pages: 274

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction/New Adult

Pub. Date: June 29, 2009

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing … and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week. And then Carly meets Ryan, a local at the break, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?"

Carly has dropped out of college and left her hometown to live by the coast so she can surf everyday.  She got a job as a cook at a local cafe and only works nights so it doesn't impact her surfing schedule.  You see, Carly is getting over a traumatic event in her life that she hasn't really opened up to anyone about it.  She's been hiding from life and really only socializes with Hannah, her neighbor, and a young boy named Danny, whom she met while surfing.  Carly is perfectly content with the status quo and like I said, she avoids truly living her life, that is until she meets Ryan.  Ryan is another surfer that shows an interest in Carly.  He challenges her both mentally and emotionally; he encourages her to come out of her comfort zone.  The big question is whether Carly is going to let Ryan into her world and let him know the truth or if she'll run from her life and possibly being happy forever?  Kirsty Eagar's Raw Blue is a powerful book that had me feeling all of the emotions.

Silly me. I thought Raw Blue was just about surfing and summertime. Boy, was I wrong. Raw Blue is so much more and deals with tough topics, such as abuse.  Carly is such a complex character and my heart went out to her. I just wanted to get her help and have her break down her walls, but when dealing with such a traumatic event, I knew it would take her time.  

I love how surfing is therapy for Carly and is her safe place.  Eagar really brought to life the Australian surfing world.  I loved the lingo, the dialogue, and her descrption of the waves.  Raw Blue is by far the best surfing book I've ever read.

There is a romance in Raw Blue, but that isn't the main focus.  Ryan is an important character, but this novel is all about Carly and her journey.  I really liked the character of Ryan though and felt he was the perfect guy for Carly, especially after dealing with what she had to go through.  Since Carly is nineteen and Ryan is a bit older, I would say that this book falls under the "new adult" genre, especially considering some of the topics it covers.  I just want to give people a heads up that Raw Blue would be better for more mature readers.

Raw Blue made me feel a lot of different emotions. I think Eagar did an outstanding job capturing depression, post-traumatic stress, intense distrust, fear, and anxiety.  I, right along with Carly, really felt all of these things as she opened up more and let us in on her past.  This is all a testament to Eagar's writing style.  She definitely has a unique style and I loved it. It almost reminded me of Hemingway in a sense--very concise, direct, short, but so very memorable.

Like I said, Raw Blue is the best "surfing" book I've ever read, but it's so much more than just that.  I recommend this novel if you are looking for something that is moving this summer.  Carly's story will definitely stay with me. This book needs to be published in the US.

My 2013 Picks for Beach Reads and My Summer Reading List

There are so many novels that are perfect for this summer and would be a great addition to your beach bag.  Here are my 2013 picks. If you are interested, check out my 2012 and 2011 picks.

If You Want To Get Lost in the Past:

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams- This is my absolute favorite adult beach read of 2013. I loved the time period, the drama, and the beach community. This one is highly recommended.

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig- Fans of historical fiction will love this family saga that spans many years and deals with family secrets.

A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn- This historical read has everything that a beach read should have: a gorgeous setting, a feisty heroine, a sexy love interest and some mystery, too!

If You Are A Fan of Young Adult Literature and Want Some Love In Your Life:

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland- This is one of my favorite young adult beach reads of the year. A fantastic debut with a gorgeous setting.

Dare You To by Katie McGarry - This novel is the sequel to Pushing the Limits, but be read as a stand-alone.  It's possesses the perfect opposites attract type of relationship that many of us crave in a good beach read.

If You are a Fan of Young Adult Literature and Want Something "Smart":

Golden by Jessi Kirby- This novel is one of my favorite books of the year. The focus isn't on romance (for once!), but instead this coming-of-age tale deals with self-discovery.  Plus, there's some Robert Frost!

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen- This novel doesn't focus too much on love, but rather the main character's place in the world and that one important summer where you find yourself at crossroads.

If You Want to be Swept Away:

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter- I know this novel was popular last summer, but the paperback just came out.  It would be perfect to bring along to the beach or pool this year, especially if you are looking for a smart read.  Did I mention part of it takes place on the coast of Italy?

All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue- This novel is one of my favorite 2013 beach reads of the year. It's about three girlfriends, deep-rooted secrets, and it takes place in Avalon, my favorite beach town.  The descriptions of Avalon are perfect and I felt like I was there.

On the Island by Tracy Garvis-Graves- I know this novel was popular last year, but for some reason I never got around to it. Boy, am I glad I did this year and I highly recommend it.  It deals with being stranded on an island and a whirlwind romance, which equates to beach read perfection.


And even though my "Summer Kickoff" feature is over, the fun doesn't end! You can plan on me reviewing the following beach reads this summer, plus a few other novels I've been meaning to read.  If you want to learn more about these books, click the title and it will take you to its Goodreads page.

My 2013 Summer Reading List:

1.  Five Summers by Uma LaMarche - This one takes place at summer camp.  Need I say more?
2.  True by Erin McCarthy-  A "new adult" romance? Sign me up!
3.  The Rose Throne by Mette Ivie Harrison - I could use a good fantasy as I don't read many during the summertime.
4.  Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - I've heard so many good things about this book and I am finally picking up this surfing story.
5.  The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani - This novel has been getting a lot of publicity, so I am excited to see what it's all about.
6.  The Lake House by Marci Nault - Sounds like a great beach read!
7.  Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand - I read my first Hilderbrand novel last month (shocking, I know!) and I'm hoping this one is just as good.
8.  The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines  - This seems like great mind candy for the a hot summer day.
9.  The Boys of Summer by C.J. Duggan - I couldn't resist!
10. Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance  - I love Pride and Prejudice and am very interested in this adaption.
11.  Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck - I adored Hemingway's Girl and can't wait to check out this novel focusing on Zelda Fitzgerald.
12.  Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers - I have been meaning to read this one for awhile now! Everyone says I will love it since I am a huge historical fiction fan.
13.  Tarnish by Katherine Longshore - Gilt was one of my favorite young adult historical reads last year, so when they asked me to be apart of this blog tour, I immediately said yes. I love that this read focuses on Anne Boleyn.
14.  The White Princess (Cousins' War #5) by Philippa Gregory - Gregory is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read this fifth installement of the Cousins' War series. It will get me so excited for The White Queen TV show which comes out in August.
15.  If I Should Die (Revenants #3) by Amy Plum - I'm scared to see how this series ends, but I've heard good things! I am saving this one to read while on vacation.
16.  The Elite  (The Selection #2) by Keira Cass - This series is so much fun---perfect for summertime!
17.  Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler - It seems I can't get enough of Zelda this summer.

So, what do you guys think of my 2013 Picks for Beach Reads and my Summer Reading List? Have you read any of these books? Any books you think I should add? Let me know.

Book Review: Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman

Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: April 9, 2013

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "From the author of Wildflower Hill, this breathtaking novel travels more than a century between two love stories set in the Australian seaside town of Lighthouse Bay. In 1901, a ship sinks off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay? Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again. In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay."

Isabella Winterbourne is on a sea voyage from England to Australia and the year is 1901.  She has been struggling emotionally for a few years after the unexpected death of her infant son, Daniel.  Her husband, Arthur, and his family never let her fully grieve for him and even had his funeral without her.  They are on this trip to Australia to accompany a piece of very valuable jewelry for the Austrilian parliament.  Arthur's family are famous jewelers and he insists on traveling with the invaluable item; however, things take a turn for the worse when their ship encounters a dangerous storm.  As a result of the storm, the boat sinks off the Australian coast. There's only one survivor: Isabella. 100 years later, Libby Slater, is also in a bad place.  Her married lover, Mark, has unexpectedly died and as a result she leaves her job in London and returns home to Australia.  Mark bought her the cottage next to a lighthouse and it is here that she tries to start over.  Her sister, Juliet, lives nearby and she hasn't spoken to her in twenty years due to something tragic that occurred many years ago.  Libby is trying to start over, but she finds there is a link to her and the Winterbournes as Arthur is Mark's great-grandnephew.  Kimberly Freeman's Lighthouse Bay is a tale about two women who live many years apart, but have more in common then they think set all on the backdrop of  the beautiful coastline of Australia.

I found Isabella's story to be more intriguing than Libby's in Lighthouse Bay.  I was dying to find out how Isabella would start over and avoid the Winterbourne family after the shipwreck.  I was a fan of Isabella immediately and Freeman did a great job making Arthur's family seem horrific, especially regarding their treatment of Isabella. How could you not root for her?  Libby, on the other hand, was an interesting character, but I found myself wondering more about Isabella during her sections of the novel.  I did like trying to figure out what happened between Juliet and Libby many years ago and why they are estranged. Loves of romance, be forewarned: The focus of Lighthouse Bay isn't exactly all about the love; however, its focus is more on these two women's journeys, starting fresh and ultimately, moving on with their lives.

Lighthouse Bay would make for a great beach read due to Freeman's beautiful descriptions of the Austrialian coastline. I must say this was my favorite part. I've never been to Australia, but I have been dying to go.  Freeman made me feel like I was there. 

I like how Freeman effortlessly weaved a tale that incorporates both women's stories in Lighthouse Bay.  Freeman does a fantastic job jumping between the two tales and the many years that span them. When some authors use this technique, it can be rather cumbersome and jarring, but this was not the case in Lighthouse Bay.

So, if you are looking for a beach read that involves historical fiction, a gorgeous setting, a mystery and family secrets, then check out Lighthouse Bay this summer.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Book Covers - Beach Edition

This week I'm focusing on my favorite "beachy" book covers. You know the ones--the covers that inspire you to drop everything, grab your shades, and head to the beach.  Here are my favorites:

1.  That Summer by Sarah Dessen- I read this novel way before I started blogging and although it isn't my favorite Dessen, I can't deny how much I love this cover. It screams summertime fun.

2.  Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson- This book is so powerful and really had me feeling a ton of emotions. I think the cover does it justice; plus, it captures the Poconos perfectly.

3.  Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter - It's Italy. It's gorgeous. Need I say more?

4.  All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue- This cover takes me right back to spending long days at the beach with friends and not a care in the world.

5.  The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen- This is my absolute favorite Dessen cover. I love the colors.

6.  A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite beach reads of 2013 and the cover is gorgeous!

7.  The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares- I read this before I started blogging and really enjoyed it. I think the cover captures how the beautiful and relaxing the beach can be even on a cloudy/foggy day.

8.  Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm - This is one of my favorite middle grade reads.  I love that it's set in Key West and the cover captures paradise perfectly.

9.  Moonglass by Jessi Kirby- Nighttime at the beach? Simply beautiful.

10.  We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han- I am obsessed with this series and this is my favorite of the three covers.  

So, what are some of your favorite beachy covers? What do you think of my top ten favorites?  Let me know! (This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, so check it out!)

Stacking the Shelves and Giveaway Winners (23)

This week I am sharing a few books that I received for review and one that I bought. If you want to learn more about these books, click the title and it will take you to the Goodreads page.

For Review:

 

Five Summers by Una LaMarche - Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin

All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue- Thanks to Harper Collins

 

Ship Out of Luck by Neil Shusterman- Thanks to Penguin

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand- Thanks to Goodreads First Reads

Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck - Thanks to Penguin

Bought:

How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue

Giveaway Winners:

Congrats to Carrie and Jessica for winning The Heiresses by Allison Rushby. I hope you enjoy the book!

If you didn't win, be sure to check out my giveaway for Deanna Raybourn's A Spear of Summer Grass.

So what do you guys think? Have you read any of these books? Let me know! This new meme is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews.  Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Beach Reads: Oldies But Goodies

This past month, I have been reviewing some awesome beach reads, but most of them are fairly new.  Here are some of my favorite books that I reviewed in the past that would make for excellent beach reads this summer.

Young Adult:

 

Endless Summer / Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols - Echols does summer romance oh-so-well. These books are delicious summer fun.

 

The Truth About Forever / Along For the Ride  by Sarah Dessen - Summer wouldn't be complete without a Dessen novel and these two are my favorites.  It's a summer read with substance as only Dessen can do.

 

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard - If you love to travel, you must read this adventure.
Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton - This story truly captures the magic of summer as a teenager.

 

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- This opposites attract story is one of the best that I've read.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick- Fans of Sarah Dessen will love this captivating summer read.  One of my favorites from last year.

 

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han- If you know me, you know this book, along with the other books in the series, are my ultimate beach reads and some of my favorite books ever.
Moonglass by Jessi Kirby - This novel is more than just a beach read; it is a powerful story of life, loss, and allowing yourself to move on.

 

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour / Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson - The first book is my favorite summertime road trip novel and the second is one that will make you laugh, cry, and feel a ton of emotion. It really tugged on my heartstrings.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler - This novel  is heartbreaking, beautiful, and it really captures what it's like for someone to grieve and ultimately, find peace and move on.  

Adult Fiction:

  

Sweet Life by Mia King- I loved being transported to a Hawaiian paradise.
Indiscretion by Charles Dubrow- This is a steamyyyy read that would be great to take along to the beach this summer, but I'm warning you -- it might have you blushing!

 

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin - There's drama, romance, a beautiful turn of the twentieth century setting, betrayal, and a grandiose way of life that has long been forgotten.
Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck- fantastic historical fiction, especially if you are a fan of Key West and Ernest Hemingway. Did I mention it takes place at Key West?

 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer- A smart beach read; plus, I hear they are making a movie out of this book!
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin - This is one is poolside perfection and chick-lit at its best.  

 

Insatiable by Meg Cabot- Sick of the Sookie Stackhouse series? Then check out this book; it is sexy, hilarious, and a dangerous rendezvous with the dark side.
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman- This memorable story has fantastic characters and it takes place in gorgeous Savannah. 

So, let me know---which books have you read from my "Oldies But Goodies" beach read list? What are some of your favorite beach reads?