Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Monster Twins

Don't you love sharing picture books with little ones that share important messages and values? I know I do, so The Monster Twins by Robert and Karen Hanvik caught my eye.  The book highlights important issues in today's society, such as adoption as well as discrimination, but it's done in a child friendly way. 

Today I have partnered with The Children's Book Review and The Monster Twins to offer you guys a great giveaway to celebrate its publication.

About the Book:

Publisher’s Synopsis: "Bella and Bertie are twins, but they don’t know that, or each other. Separated while babies by bad law, they grew up 6000 miles apart, in Singapore and London. Follow the twins as they discover their shared past and do their best to make a better future for themselves, their families, and others like them."

To learn more about The Monster Twins and purchase your own copy, visit the book's website.  You can also learn more about the book by visiting its Facebook page, Twitter or find it on Instagram.   

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a physical copy of The Monster Twins, a ebook of The Monster Twins, and a $25 Visa gift card to stock up on more books from your favorite bookstore. Also, five winners will receive a choice of a physical copy of The Monster Twins or an ebook of The Monster Twins.  The giveaway begins July 20, 2020 at 12:01 AM MT and ends August 20, 2020, at 11:59PM MT. 

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Good luck and Happy Friday,

Book Review: Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date:  May 26, 2020

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author:  Nantucket Sisters,  

Secrets in Summer, Island Girls, Surfside Sisters

 Let It Snow and The Guest Cottage 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Lisa Hudson feels more alive than she has in a long time after hiring hunky carpenter Mack Whitney to renovate her old Nantucket home. There's no denying the spark growing between them--despite the fact that Mack is ten years her junior. But her twentysomething children, Juliet and Theo, on the island for the summer, worry that the new relationship will only lead to Lisa's heartbreak.   Yet Juliet and Theo are in for tangled love stories all their own. When dreamy Cooper Hastings moves to the island to pursue a new environmental venture, Juliet feels an unwelcome attraction, her rocky romantic history pushing her to steer clear of love. Theo only has eyes for Mack's daughter, Bethany, with whom he was bound by an unspeakable tragedy in high school--but can they overcome their past? By August, when an impending storm threatens to shatter the peace of the golden island, everyone discovers what they can and cannot control. Nancy Thayer dazzles again with this new tale of a magical summer."

Lisa thought she married her Prince Charming until their marriage fell apart and she found herself raising her children, Juliet and Theo, on her own on the gorgeous island of Nantucket.  She slowly built her life back up and opened her own boutique on the island.  For years, she focused on her children, her parents, and her shop, but now that her kids have moved out and are grown, she is finding time to get back to what makes her happy.  Except there's some issues. Aren't there always?  Her historic home is falling apart. Literally. Part of her ceiling fell down, so she needs a carpenter stat. There's where Mack comes in.  He is known for repairing historic homes on the island and while they know of each other, because their kids were friends, she hasn't really gotten to know him mostly because he is ten years younger.  What could they possibly have in common? Once they start to hangout, they realize that there's some undeniable chemistry between the two of them despite the age difference.  Just when things start heating up between the two, Lisa's daughter, Juliet, comes home and has plans to stay there for awhile.  Naturally Juliet wants her mom to date, but she is worried she will get her heart broken by the much younger Mack.  Plus, Juliet is escaping her own problems and hopes some time at home will fix them.  Then there's Theo, who also returns home after injuring his shoulder surfing in California.  Both of Lisa's children find love this summer on the island of Nantucket and quite possibly Lisa herself if she allows it.  Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer is pure summer escapism.  

I could connect with Lisa at once in Girls of Summer. She always put her children first and her work first; so, she has put her needs and her historic home's needs on the back burner for years.  She promises to finally work on her old house and in doing so, she meets someone who knocks her socks off.  Once she gets past the age gap, she starts to allow herself to be happy; however, things get a bit bumpy when both of her children return home for the summer.  Juliet brings major problems of her own, not to mention a broken heart, and Theo is a bit of a lost puppy. Not only does has a major shoulder injury, he is also without a job.  He is trying to find his way and his old high school crush, Beth, catches his eye.  Beth is Mack's son, so cue the drama.  Juliet also has an opportunity for love this summer if she can allow herself to open up after her broken heart.  Each chapter is told from a different character's perspective and I loved that aspect of the story. It was a great way to delve deeper into the character's thoughts and feelings all while moving the story along.

The setting of Nantucket is well done in Girls of Summer. I loved the descriptions of the quaint town, the shops, the restaurants, the historic homes, and the beautiful landscapes. Juliet's love interest, Cooper, is on the island for environmental purposes regarding his work, so this was a nice touch as well as readers learn more details about the island and its wildlife.  

Girls of Summer is a dreamy sort of beach read and one that is a bit predictable. You go into it knowing everyone is going to be happy by the end and things always work out.  It seemed too good to be true and too many coincidences, but that's what I love about Thayer's novels. They are overly saccharine and a great summer escape to get your mind off things. I don't know about you, but that is just what I needed.  You can count on Thayer to insert you into a world of rainbows, true love, and a never-ending summer night.  So, if you don't like insta-love in your beach reads and a bit more angst, look further; otherwise, this is beach read gold right here.  

Are you a fan of Nancy Thayer's novels? Is Girls of Summer on your summer TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Ravens

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige

Pub. Date: January 5, 2021

Goodreads says, "Kappa Rho Nu isn’t your average sorority. Their parties are notorious. Their fundraisers are known for being Westerly College’s most elaborate affairs. But beneath the veil of Greek life and prestige, the sisters of Kappu Rho Nu share a secret: they’re a coven of witches. For Vivi Deveraux, being one of Kappa Rho Nu’s Ravens means getting a chance to redefine herself. For Scarlett Winters, a bonafide Raven and daughter of a legacy Raven, pledge this year means living up to her mother’s impossible expectations of becoming Kappa Rho Nu’s next president. Scarlett knows she’d be the perfect candidate — that is, if she didn’t have one human-sized skeleton in her closet…. When Vivi and Scarlett are paired as big and little for initiation, they find themselves sinking into the sinister world of blood oaths and betrayals."

I love that Kass Morgan (of The 100 fame) and Danielle Pagie (Dorothy Must Die series) have teamed up to write this contemporary fantasy. A sorority of witches? Yes, please! What do you guys think?

Audio Book Review: Cashelmara by Susan Howatch

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction/Audio Book

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Pub. Date: May 5, 2020

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "There were two subjects which lonely widower Edward de Salis never discussed: his dead wife and his family home in Ireland, 'matchless Cashelmara'. So when he meets Marguerite, a bright young American with whom he can talk freely about both, he is able to love again and takes her back to Ireland as his wife. But Marguerite soon discovers that married life is not what she expected, and that she has married into a troubled family bitterly divided by love and hatred. Cashelmara becomes the curse of three generations as they play out their fates in a spellbinding drama, which moves inexorably towards murder and retribution."

Edward, a wealthy British aristocrat, visits the United States in the 19th century.  While there he meets his deceased wife's cousin, Marguerite.  He is completely smitten.  Even though he is much older than her, sparks fly and they have plans to marry.  He hopes to take her back to their family land in Ireland, Cashlemara, and as the years go by they live happily. The story follows this family though the years, but it's not always happy times.  Edward's son, Patrick, is a bit of a problem. He is unable to be the man that his father always wanted him to be; in fact, he can't even stay away at boarding school and continues to run away.  As the years go by, he assumes the title after his father's death and he marries, Sarah, an American.  However, Patrick is harboring a dark secret that will tear apart his family.  Cashelmara is an epic family saga that spans many years and uncovers many family secrets.  

Each section of Cashelmara is narrated by a different member of the family and includes titles like duty, passion, etc.  It's an interesting technique to get different perspectives as well as to get to know the different members of the family.  The audio book's narrators are able to provide different voices for each of the sections and I thought it was well done.  

I adored the setting of Cashelmara, which takes place in Ireland. Howatch did a great job bringing Ireland to life as well as the history of the country.  It's not always rainbows and beautiful landscapes: there's famine, violence, and upheaval.  Howatch covered this very well while also providing a memorable and beautiful setting in rural Ireland.  

I found Sarah's story to be the most interesting, especially when it came to Patrick's secret and the ominous character of MacGowan, who is the agent at Cashelmara.  The story includes not only romance, but also murder, plotting, scandals, dark secrets, family drama, and more.  I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of times that I was on the edge of my seat listening to Cashelmara. 

If you like family sagas that span generations and are looking for a lengthy audio book, look no further.  This was the perfect escape that I needed during quarantine and something to get my mind off things. I couldn't wait to return to Cashelmara and see what was going to happen to the family next.  Also, Howatch loosely bases Cashelmara on the Plantagenets and the story of the three Edwards, which I thought was an interesting tie-in.

Do you enjoy epic family sagas? What are some of your favorites? Let me know in the comments below. 

Book Review: The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Pages: 464

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date:  July 7, 2020

Publisher: Grand Central

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books by Author: The Royal We

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Making it up the aisle was the easy part: After marrying the heir to the throne, Rebecca “Bex” Porter must survive her own scandals as she adjusts to life in the glamorous British royal family, in this “highly anticipated” follow-up to The Royal We, the “fun and dishy” bestseller and NYT Summer Reading List pick inspired by Will and Kate’s romance (People).  After a scandalous secret turns their fairy-tale wedding into a nightmare, Rebecca “Bex” Porter and her husband Prince Nicholas are in self-imposed exile. The public is angry. The Queen is even angrier. And the press is salivating. Cutting themselves off from friends and family, and escaping the world’s judgmental eyes, feels like the best way to protect their fragile, all-consuming romance.  But when a crisis forces the new Duke and Duchess back to London, the Band-Aid they’d placed over their problems starts to peel at the edges. Now, as old family secrets and new ones threaten to derail her new royal life, Bex has to face the emotional wreckage she and Nick left behind: with the Queen, with the world, and with Nick’s brother Freddie, whose sins may not be so easily forgotten — nor forgiven."

Things pick up where The Royal We left off. Nick and Bex had a beautiful wedding, well, except for the rumor that put a dark cloud over their ceremony. The rumor was about an alleged affair between Bex and Prince Freddie, Nick's brother.  Cue all the drama as the tabloids pick the story up, which was tipped off from one of Nick's former friends.  Obviously, this takes away from what should be a fairy tale wedding, so Nick and Bex escape to Scotland to avoid the public, tabloids, and all rumors.  However, after going into hiding for awhile, the public starts to get annoyed with them, not to mention the Queen.  Who do they think they are escaping all Royal duties and trying to blend in with the public in Scotland? Leave it to the Queen to get them home under false pretenses and then the story continues from there.  Bex and Nick must face the music and dance while trying to repair their relationships with just about everyone including the issues within their own marriage.  Royal lovers rejoice, because you will take pleasure in revisiting these characters and all their drama in The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan.

It's no secret that I absolutely loved The Royal We, so I was dying to return Nick and Bex's world.  Cocks and Morgan didn't disappoint.  There were many recognizable scandals pulled right off of the headlines and inserted in this book, which made The Heir Affair a lot of fun.  However, it wasn't all fluff.  Nick and Bex's relationship is difficult at times in this book. They have to deal with rumors, Royal duties, expectations, the fractured relationship with Freddie, and then the ever-present pressures of producing an heir.  Things aren't always easy for them, but I loved their relationship in The Heir Affair.

Cocks and Morgan are so good at what they do.  I was reminded of so many Royal rumors and scandals as I read The Heir Affair. It's sort of fun how they are able to incorporate some real-life issues into this work of fiction.  If you love all things Royal family, you'll appreciate this aspect of the novel. At times it felt so real, it was almost like getting a glimpse into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

I didn't love The Heir Affair as much as The Royal We due to some drawn out drama---the book is almost 500 pages--nevertheless, I still thoroughly enjoyed The Heir Affair and loved revisiting these beloved characters.  If you love all things Royals and are looking for a good escape this summer, pick up The Heir Affair--it's the perfect beach or poolside read.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Four Winds

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Pub. Date: February 9, 2021

Goodreads says, "Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all. One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.   In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli—like so many of her neighbors—must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life. The Four Winds is an indelible portrait of America and the American Dream, as seen through the eyes of one indomitable woman whose courage and sacrifice will come to define a generation."

I loved Hannah's The Nightingale, so I am thrilled to hear she is writing another historical novel.  The Dust Bowl seems like a very powerful setting for a novel. Out of the Dust is still one of my favorite novels--so powerful! What do you guys think?

Book Review: The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 16, 2020

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author:  When We Left Cuba

My Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton's captivating new novel.  Everyone journeys to Key West searching for something. For the tourists traveling on Henry Flagler’s legendary Overseas Railroad, Labor Day weekend is an opportunity to forget the economic depression gripping the nation. But one person’s paradise can be another’s prison, and Key West-native Helen Berner yearns to escape.   The Cuban Revolution of 1933 left Mirta Perez’s family in a precarious position. After an arranged wedding in Havana, Mirta arrives in the Keys on her honeymoon. While she can’t deny the growing attraction to the stranger she’s married, her new husband’s illicit business interests may threaten not only her relationship, but her life.   Elizabeth Preston's trip from New York to Key West is a chance to save her once-wealthy family from their troubles as a result of the Wall Street crash. Her quest takes her to the camps occupied by veterans of the Great War and pairs her with an unlikely ally on a treacherous hunt of his own.  Over the course of the holiday weekend, the women’s paths cross unexpectedly, and the danger swirling around them is matched only by the terrifying force of the deadly storm threatening the Keys."

Elizabeth Preston is leaving her New York City life to make her way down to the Florida Keys. The year is 1935 and the Keys are still an up and coming destination mixed with tropical forests.  But that doesn't stop Elizabeth from going; she is escaping her life back in the city to look for her brother, who after the war, is working at the Veteran Work Camps in the Keys.  The conditions at these camps are horrific and she is worried about him.  Plus, she needs his help.  Once she arrives at the Keys, she meets Helen, a waitress at the local diner.  Helen's life isn't great. She is married to an abusive husband and she has a baby on the way. Essentially, she is trapped.  Then there's a new woman at the diner, Mirta, who is here on the Keys as a stop on her lavish honeymoon.  Her recent marriage is part of a arrangement, so she barely knows her husband.  There's definitely chemistry between the two, but she starts to uncover some unsavory aspects of his business. Plus, she misses her home back in Cuba.  These three women's lives intersect in The Last Train to Key West as Labor Day weekend approaches.  If you know history, you know there's a deadly storm heading right their way.  Chanel Cleeton's latest novel, The Last Train to Key West, was an absolute delight. It's one of my favorite historical novels of the year.

Sometimes when there are three characters in a novel and the author takes turns sharing their points of view, readers can gravitate towards one character over the other, but that was not the case in The Last Train to Key West. I was truly invested in each woman's life.  I was dying to know what Elizabeth was running from and her quest to find her brother tugged on my heartstrings.  Helen's situation as especially upsetting as her husband is a total jerk.  I, along with her, would hope she would find away to escape his deadly clutches, but she is extremely pregnant. So, this complicates things.  Lastly, there's Mirta. Her story was especially interesting as she is leaving her life behind in Cuba for something more in America; however, she finds out her new marriage may be more than she bargained for. What exactly is her husband, Anthony, involved in? As she gets to know Anthony, I really did like him despite his questionable career. I enjoyed how their love story unfolded, but I was aware of the huge storm approaching their perfect blue-skied honeymoon.  Cleeton somehow brought all three women's stories together and I loved it as they are all strong women in their own right.

I have read at least two other novels about this historical storm that hit the Florida Keys, so I knew what was coming. However, it didn't get old.  Cleeton made me care so much about the women, that I was hoping they would make it out unscathed.  If you don't know about the deadly Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, it is quite a story; in fact, some of the events during the storm are so eye opening and horrific. It's not something you can easily forget, especially the bungled effort by the government to help the Veterans leave the Keys before the hurricane's arrival.  Without radar, it was very hard to predict the storm's path and let's just say after this monster of a storm, there wasn't a train to the Keys ever again.  

My only issue with The Last Train to Key West was that I had to suspend my disbelief a few times---not about the hurricane, but about a few other coincidences that just seemed a bit too easy and too convenient.  However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the novel. 

So, if you are interested in learning more about the Labor Day Hurricane and you are looking for a good historical beach read that will keep you on your toes, definitely check out The Last Train to Key West. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it had me planning my next escape to the Keys....but not during hurricane season.  

Are you a fan of Cleeton's historical novels? Have you read any books about the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935? Let me know in the comments below. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Don't Wake the Dragon

Who has a little one at home that is reluctant to go to sleep? You can't see me, but I am raising my hand. My youngest will think of just about everything he "needs" before bed and once he does fall asleep, he is the lightest sleeper! 

If you are in the same boat as me, then you'll definitely appreciate the picture book I am sharing with you today.  Oh, and it includes a dragon! Who doesn't love dragons? My boys are obsessed.  I have partnered with The Children's Book Review to share with you guys a fantastic giveaway today to celebrate the publication of Don't Wake the Dragon by Bianca Schulze and illustrated by Samara Hardy.  Keep your eye out for it, because it comes out at the end of this month.

About the Book:

Publisher’s Synopsis: "Shhh! Be very quiet. The rascally dragon is finally asleep. But, when the page turned, the breeze blew the door shut with a BANG! Did it wake up the dragon? Create a fantastic bedtime experience by reading this interactive story featuring a reluctant-to-sleep dragon—a character that children will surely relate! Designed to be read aloud, parents will take pleasure in the playful text as much as children will enjoy hearing it. When the story finally comes to an end, and the gentle lullaby is repeated, the dragon – and your child! – are encouraged to drift off to sleep."

Ages 2-6 | Publisher: Clever Publishing | July 28, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1949998641

You can buy the picture book at Amazon or at Book Shop.org.  To learn more about the book and Bianca Schulze, you can visit her website or at The Children's Book Review.  You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.   

About the Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a Don't Wake the Dragon prize pack.  A hardcover copy of Don't Wake the Dragon signed by Bianca Schulze, a kid's sleep training alarm clock, and a $25 Visa gift card.  The giveaway begins June 29, 2020 at 12:01A.M. MT and ends July 27, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.  

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Good luck!

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Invisible Woman

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Invisible Woman by Erica Robuck

Pub. Date: February 9, 2021

Goodreads says, "France, March 1944. Virginia Hall wasn't like the other young society women back home in Baltimore--she never wanted the debutante ball or silk gloves. Instead, she traded a safe life for adventure in Europe, and when her beloved second home is thrust into the dark days of war, she leaps in headfirst.  Once she's recruited as an Allied spy, subverting the Nazis becomes her calling. But even the most cunning agent can be bested, and in wartime trusting the wrong person can prove fatal. Virginia is haunted every day by the betrayal that ravaged her first operation, and will do everything in her power to avenge the brave people she lost.  While her future is anything but certain, this time more than ever Virginia knows that failure is not an option. Especially when she discovers what--and whom--she's truly protecting."

I have enjoyed Robuck's previous novels, especially Hemingway's Girl, so I am really looking forward to check out her latest work that features a real-life WWII SOE/OSS agent, Virginia Hall.  What do you guys think?  

Book Review: Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: June 30, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: A Certain Age,  A Hundred Summers, 

Tiny Little Thing,  Along the Infinite Sea,  Cocoa Beach, 

The Summer Wives, The Wicked City,  The Wicked Redhead,

The Golden Hour, and The Secret Life of Violet Grant

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The beloved author returns with a remarkable novel of both raw suspense and lyric beauty— the story of a lost pilot and a wartime photographer that will leave its mark on your soul.   In 1947, photographer and war correspondent Janey Everett arrives at a remote surfing village on the Hawaiian island of Kauai to research a planned biography of forgotten aviation pioneer Sam Mallory, who joined the loyalist forces in the Spanish Civil War and never returned. Obsessed with Sam’s fate, Janey has tracked down Irene Lindquist, the owner of a local island-hopping airline, whom she believes might actually be the legendary Irene Foster, Mallory’s onetime student and flying partner. Foster’s disappearance during a round-the-world flight in 1937 remains one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries.   At first, the flinty Mrs. Lindquist denies any connection to Foster. But Janey informs her that the wreck of Sam Mallory’s airplane has recently been discovered in a Spanish desert, and piece by piece, the details of Foster’s extraordinary life emerge: from the beginnings of her flying career in Southern California, to her complicated, passionate relationship with Mallory, to the collapse of her marriage to her aggressive career manager, the publishing scion George Morrow.  As Irene spins her tale to its searing conclusion, Janey’s past gathers its own power. The duel between the two women takes a heartstopping turn. To whom does Mallory rightfully belong? Can we ever come to terms with the loss of those we love, and the lives we might have lived?"

Janey Everett, an accomplished photographer and war correspondent, is visiting the gorgeous island of Kauai.  While here, she hopes to research and write her book on Sam Mallory, a famous aviator who went off to fight in the Spanish Civil War and was never seen again.  While on Kauai, Janey hopes to find Irene Lindquist, who she believes is the one-and-only Irene Foster, who was once Mallory's flight student as well as eventual flight partner turned lover.  Irene has been hiding out from the world, but Janey hopes to track her down and have her answer some questions about Sam's illustrious life.  Except the problem is that Irene Lindquist might not be the famous Irene Foster, who flew around the world in 1937, but then went missing.  Janey has a hunch though and hopes to get some answers.  The fact that Sam's plane was finally found in a Spanish desert will hopefully intrigue her and get her to open up.  Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams is a compelling story that undoubtedly makes you think about Amelia Earhart.  The novel is filled with some great historical details as well as aviation details all the while keeping you flipping the pages about all the unanswered questions.

The characters are very interesting in Her Last Flight. Janey is quite persistent, so when she tracks down Irene, she really tries to get to the bottom of things. Once she gets Irene to admit her identity, she is able to fill us in on Sam.  I really like how Williams used excerpts from Janey's novel, Aviatrix, to also fill in the blanks regarding Sam and Irene. I especially enjoyed the details regarding  how they met, how they became flight partners, and their inevitable romance.  I found myself rooting for Irene and Sam's relationship despite the major roadblocks ahead and I also enjoyed their many adventures.

Williams put a lot of research into Her Last Flight. Even though it isn't biographical fiction, I still couldn't help but make connections to Amelia Earhart.  I think it's an interesting reimagining of Amelia's life and her disappearance.  Also, the details surrounding aviation were also really fascinating, and of course I loved the Hawaiian setting and other tropical settings as well as the details regarding surfing. 

Her Last Flight isn't one of my favorite of Beatriz Williams's novels as I really didn't care about the characters as much as I was hoping; nonetheless, it is a solid historical "beach read" and perfect for fans of aviation as well as adventure.  You can't help but wonder what happened to Amelia once you are done reading Her Last Flight and only hope that this is her story.  

Are you a fan of Beatriz Williams? Is Her Last Flight on your TBR list? Do you enjoy books about aviation? Let me know in the comments below. 

Books For Little Beach Bums (4)

It's always fun to share a beach themed book with your little one in anticipation of a beach trip or vacation. This year it may be different; you may find yourself not at the beach, but that doesn't mean you can't do some armchair traveling with your child.  Here are my favorite books for little beach bums.  You can't go wrong with these summertime reads:

Sounds of Nature: World of Oceans by Claire Grace

Steve, Terror of the Seas by Megan Brewis

Hum & Swish by Matt Myers

Strega Nona Takes a Vacation by Tomie dePaola

Ocean Meets Sky by Terry and Eric Fan

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Plankton is Pushy by Jonathan Fenske

The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Llama Llama Land & Sun by Anna Dewdney
Pirate Boy by Eve Bunting
Look Inside: Seas and Ocean by Megan Cullis
Chu's Day at the Beach by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex
Spot Goes to the Beach by Eric Hill
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
1, 2, 3....By the Sea by Diane Moritz

Baby's Very First Slide and See: Under the Sea by Usborne Books

The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow

The Berenstain Bears Go On Vacation by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean

Beachy and Me by Bob Staake

The Whale in My Swimming Pool by Joyce Wan

A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea by Jessica Law

Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer

The Magic School Bus: On the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole  

Beach by Elisha Cooper

Flotsam by David Wiesner

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

Harry By the Sea by Gene Zion

On a Pirate Ship by Sarah Courtauld

Where is Baby's Beach Ball? by Karen Katz

A Day at the Seashore by Kathryn Jackson

Biscuit's First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Baby Animals: In the Sea by Kingfisher Books

Moby Dick: A Baby Lit Ocean Primer by Jennifer Adams

Duck & Goose: Go tot he Beach by Tad Hills

Beach House by Deanna Caswell

Secrets of the Seashore by Carron Brown

Good Night Beach by Adam Gamble

Daniel's Day at the Beach by Becky Friedman

Are you familiar with any of these books? What are some of your favorite picture books all about the beach or pools?  Let me know in the comments.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

Can't Wait Wednesday is hosted by Wishful Endings and helps us spotlight upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating!

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

Pub. Date: January 12, 2021

Goodreads says, "Marie Benedict, the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room, uncovers the untold story of Agatha Christie’s mysterious eleven day disappearance.  In December 1926, Agatha Christie goes missing. Investigators find her empty car on the edge of a deep, gloomy pond, the only clues some tire tracks nearby and a fur coat left in the car—strange for a frigid night. Her husband and daughter have no knowledge of her whereabouts, and England unleashes an unprecedented manhunt to find the up-and-coming mystery author. Eleven days later, she reappears, just as mysteriously as she disappeared, claiming amnesia and providing no explanations for her time away.   The puzzle of those missing eleven days has persisted. With her trademark exploration into the shadows of history, acclaimed author Marie Benedict brings us into the world of Agatha Christie, imagining why such a brilliant woman would find herself at the center of such a murky story.   What is real, and what is mystery? What role did her unfaithful husband play, and what was he not telling investigators?   A master storyteller whose clever mind may never be matched, Agatha Christie’s untold history offers perhaps her greatest mystery of all."

I remember when I first learned of Agatha Christie's disappearance I couldn't believe it. This sounds like a fascinating read! What do you guys think?

Book Review: The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 2, 2020

Publisher: Ballantine

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author:  First Comes Love, and
Something Borrowed

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In the irresistible new novel from the #1 New York Timesbestselling author of All We Ever Wanted, a woman is falling hard for a man she's just met when he disappears without a trace on 9/11.  It's 2 a.m. in a dive bar on the Lower East Side, May 2001. Cecily figures it's the perfect place to order a beer and try to forget that she's just been dumped by the man she suspects she'll always think of as The One Who Got Away. Her best friend warned her to hunker down and avoid any risk of late-night drunk dialing, and she should have listened, because she's so tempted. . . .  "Don't do it," says the guy on the barstool next to her. "Don't call him."  He talks her off the ledge, and they have another beer. Then at last call, they toast to "moving on" before going their separate ways. Except as she's about to say goodbye, she decides to ask his name instead. And just like that, her life is changed forever.  But has she found her soulmate only to lose him a few months later?"

It's 2001 and Cecily Gardner has just broken up with her boyfriend. She's feeling low and can't sleep, so she decides to go grab a drink at her local bar in Manhattan.  While there, she hits it off with an attractive stranger who encourages her to not drunk dial her ex-boyfriend.  They hit it off and down a few more drinks before calling it a night.  Just as they are to part for the evening, they decide to spend a chaste night together.  And just like that could Cecily have met the one?  As she gets to know this man, who we find out is Grant Smith, she falls head over heels for him.  He seems almost perfect! Grant is dealing with a lot though.  He works on Wall Street, but is taking time off to take his brother to London for a clinical trial to help him with his ALS.  From there, the story develops all the while we know what happens in New York on September 11th.  Emily Giffin's The Lies That Bind kept me flipping the pages. Even though it wasn't my favorite of Giffin's novels, I still felt it was a decent summer read.

Cecily is pretty much your average New York woman. She is relatable despite some of her impulsive decisions in The Lies That Bind.  At first Grant seems perfect, but slowing he raises a lot of red flags, but love is blind, right? After September 11th, a few things come to the surface and I don't want to give too much away, but she soon learns the truth surrounding Grant.

The fact that 9/11 is featured in The Lies That Bind was a bit tough.  If you lived through it (and you weren't just a kid in elementary school), then it might be tough to revisit this upsetting time in our history.  It was brutal at times, especially Giffin's realistic depictions and if you know someone who tragically died on 9/11, this may be difficult for you.  However, I will say Giffin handled it well and the overall message is a positive one by the end of the novel.

The pace of the The Lies That Bind worked for me and Giffin's ability to tell a story is solid; however, I just didn't connect with it as much as her Darcy & Rachel series.  So, let me know your thoughts. Did you read The Lies That Bind? Are you a fan of Giffin's novels? Let me know in the comments below.