August Confessions

Goodbye, August! What a strange month it has been, but we tried to make the best of it. I can't believe my oldest is already back to school.

I tried to read as many beach reads as I could this month and I am glad I got around to a few more from my never ending list. I hope to read even more until the end of September.  What books did you read this month?

Books Read in August:
1.  Two Truths and a Lie by Megan Mitchell Moore (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
2.  The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis (Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.  Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner (Adult Fiction) 3.5 out of 5 stars
4.  Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Audio book/Biography)  4 out of 5 stars
5.  On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe (Adult Fiction) -  3.5 out of 5 stars
6.  The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline (Adult Historical Fiction) - 4.5 out 5 stars - Review to come!
7.  The Guest List by Lucy Foley (Audio Book/Adult Fiction) - 3.5 out of 5 stars - Review to come!

1. Favorite Book:  The Exiles was outstanding. It had everything I love in a historical fiction.  Fans of historical fiction won't want to miss this one. It's definitely one of my favorite books of the year. 

2.  Biggest Surprise:  Big Summer ended up being a BIG surprise for me since I didn't see that plot twist coming!

3.  Biggest Disappointment: I can't say that I was disappointed by any books this month, although a lot of them were decent beach reads and not mind-blowing by any means.

4.  Favorite Post: Blog Tour: The Switch

5.  Favorite Part of August:  August has been a strange month, but I enjoyed all the extra time with my kids at the pool and doing fun activities at home. We were able to take one last trip to the Jersey shore, so that was extra special.




How about you guys? What was your favorite book of the month? Let me know in the comments below.

Book Review: On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe

Pages: 381

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 19, 2020

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Beach House For Rent

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "It’s been sixteen years since Caretta “Cara” Rutledge has returned home to the beautiful shores of Charleston, South Carolina. Over those years, she has weathered the tides of deaths and births, struggles and joys. And now, as Cara prepares for her second wedding, her life is about to change yet again.  Meanwhile, the rest of the storied Rutledge family is also in flux. Cara’s niece Linnea returns to Sullivan’s Island to begin a new career and an unexpected relationship. Linnea’s parents, having survived bankruptcy, pin their hopes and futures on the construction of a new home on Ocean Boulevard. But as excitement over the house and wedding builds, a devastating illness strikes the family and brings plans to a screeching halt. It is under these trying circumstances that the Rutledge family must come together yet again to discover the enduring strength in love, tradition, and legacy from mother to daughter to granddaughter.  Like the sea turtles that come ashore annually on these windswept islands, three generations of the Rutledge family experience a season of return, rebirth, and growth."

Linnea returns home to Sullivan's Island with her tail between her legs. Not only is her relationship over, but her job that she relocated for is no longer.  Now she is returning home to live with her parents and start fresh. Things are going somewhat well for the Rutledge family. Cara, Linnea's aunt, is balancing the job of being a mother to a young child, working a full-time job at the aquarium, and planning a wedding.  Cue all the stress.  Then there's Linnea's parents who have relocated from their gorgeous Charleston house to their beach cottage full time, but their lives have been downsized tremendously both socially and square-footage wise.  Linnea tries to get her footing back at home and finds herself getting involved with the turtle ladies, just like her grandmother did, and meeting new people including a possible love interest.  However, the Rutledge family has many obstacles to conquer and serious issues on the horizon.  Fans of the Beach House series, as well as new readers, will love to jump right in to the family drama and naturalists will especially appreciate all the beautiful details in On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe.

Fans of the Beach House series will be familiar with the Rutledge family; however, you don't have to be an avid reader of the series to fully appreciate the family dynamics in On Ocean Boulevard.  Readers will appreciate this close-knit family and can relate to their ups and downs.  Cara is struggling with all that life is throwing her right now despite the fact that it's mostly good things. She's overextended due to the wedding planning, her daughter's needs, and her work requirements; plus, some of the issues with her friends who are like family to her are troubling.   What should be an amazing time in her life is causing more stress than not due to the fact that what she wants the wedding to look like is a lot different than what her fiancé wants.  Plus, where will they live one they are married? 

Linnea's journey is easily relatable in On Ocean Boulevard as she finds herself back at square one looking for a job, a social life, and finding out what she truly wants out of life.  She turns to the ocean and the turtles for some clarity and peace of mind.  While taking care of the turtles, she meets a new friend and through this friend, a possible love interest.  But things aren't always easy for Linnea. She is struggling to find a job in her highly saturated field; plus, she is worried about her mother who has given up all her hobbies and friends since moving to the beach.  Then there's her dad who holds her to a very high standard, but she worries about his drinking and his money issues.  

What I love the most about Mary Alice Monroe's novels is her descriptions of nature. They are really quite good and she brings the coastal setting of the Low Country to life like no other.  Readers can tell that she truly knows her wildlife, especially turtles. She brings important environmental causes like saving turtles, as well as the use of plastics and its impact on the ocean to the forefront in her novels and I love that.  

If you are looking for a beach read that includes family drama, but also breathtaking details about the natural world, look no further. I think Mary Alice Monroe is the best at what she does. 

Are you a fan of Mary Alice Monroe? Have you read her Beach House series? Let me know in the comments below. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Cobble Hill

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

Cobble Hill by Cecily von Ziegesar

Pub. Date: October 20, 2020

Goodreads says, "Welcome to Cobble Hill.   In this eclectic Brooklyn neighborhood, private storms brew amongst four married couples and their children. There’s ex-groupie Mandy, so underwhelmed by motherhood and her current physical state that she fakes a debilitating disease to get the attention of her skateboarding, ex-boyband member husband Stuart. There’s the unconventional new school nurse, Peaches, on whom Stuart has an unrequited crush, and her disappointing husband Greg, who wears noise-cancelling headphones—everywhere.   A few blocks away, Roy, a well-known, newly transplanted British novelist, has lost the thread of his next novel and his marriage to capable, indefatigable Wendy. Around the corner, Tupper, the nervous, introverted industrial designer with a warehouse full of prosthetic limbs struggles to pin down his elusive artist wife Elizabeth. She remains...elusive. Throw in two hormonal teenagers, a 10-year-old pyromaniac, a drug dealer pretending to be a doctor, and a lot of hidden cameras, and you’ve got a combustible mix of egos, desires, and secrets bubbling in brownstone Brooklyn.   Smart, sophisticated, yet surprisingly tender, Cobble Hill is highly entertaining portrait of contemporary family life and the colorful characters who call Brooklyn home."

Guys, this is by the author of Gossip Girl! I never read the books, but LOVED the show.  This sounds like a juicy read for the fall. What do you guys think?

Book Review: Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Pages: 368

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: May 5, 2020 

Publisher: Atria

Source: Library

Other Books By Author: Hungry Heart

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Six years after the fight that ended their friendship, Daphne Berg is shocked when Drue Cavanaugh walks back into her life, looking as lovely and successful as ever, with a massive favor to ask. Daphne hasn’t spoken one word to Drue in all this time—she doesn’t even hate-follow her ex-best friend on social media—so when Drue asks if she will be her maid-of-honor at the society wedding of the summer, Daphne is rightfully speechless.  Drue was always the one who had everything—except the ability to hold onto friends. Meanwhile, Daphne’s no longer the same self-effacing sidekick she was back in high school. She’s built a life that she loves, including a growing career as a plus-size Instagram influencer. Letting glamorous, seductive Drue back into her life is risky, but it comes with an invitation to spend a weekend in a waterfront Cape Cod mansion. When Drue begs and pleads and dangles the prospect of cute single guys, Daphne finds herself powerless as ever to resist her friend’s siren song.  A sparkling novel about the complexities of female friendship, the pitfalls of living out loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart, Big Summer is a witty, moving story about family, friendship, and figuring out what matters most."

Daphne Berg is a plus-size Instagram influencer and is just starting to make some decent money through her posts where she promotes plus-size clothing among other things.  This wasn't always her main goal in life; in fact, she stumbled upon this "career" by accident. A video featuring her standing up for herself in college went viral and this is how she ended up with a social media presence. The video was filmed by her former best friend and socialite, Drue Cavanaugh, who essentially set her up for a humiliating experience.  Many years later Drue enters Daphne's life again by asking her to be a bridesmaid at her glamorous wedding on Cape Cod.  It appears that Drue doesn't have that many real friends (duh, she sounds horrible!) and needs some bridesmaids to stand on her side as this wedding will be all over social media.  So, Drue needs "friends" and who better to ask than Daphne who could benefit from the social media exposure.  Despite her initial hesitation, Daphne accepts and things go downhill from there.  Once at the wedding, Daphne hits it off with a hot wedding guest and things at the wedding take a turn for the worse.  Jennifer Weiner's beach read, Big Summer, bends genres a bit and takes many surprising turns.  Let's just say this isn't your average beach read featuring a beautiful wedding on Cape Cod!

Weiner spends a lot of time in Big Summer giving readers some background on Daphne's childhood and her experiences.  I thought all this character development was quite good and heartbreaking at times as Daphne has to deal with a cruel world. People, including family members, really don't accept her for the size she is.  All of these experiences lead us up to the Daphne we currently know in the novel and I thought Weiner did a great job with the characterization.  However, things get a little confusing from there.

I went into Big Summer thinking this was going to be a relaxing beach read. Boy, was I wrong!  It's been awhile since I read Weiner's novels, so I assumed this book was going to fall under the genre of women's fiction much like her previous novels; however, Big Summer has characteristics from the romance, mystery, thriller genres, and more. I don't want to say too much because I think the surprise is fun once readers are able to process it.  I will say I was a bit disappointed at times with the second half of the novel, because I felt like Weiner did such a great job fleshing out Daphne that the events in the last portion of the novel felt contrived and are there to move the plot along. Also, I still don't believe that after all the things Drue put Daphne through that she would agree to be in her wedding. Most bridesmaids don't want to be in their actual friends' weddings, am I right?  Nonetheless, I thought it was a decent beach read.

A lot of the social media/influencer lingo got to be a bit much at times, but it made you think about social media and its power over our culture today. Sure, things appear great on social media and Big Summer makes you think how oftentimes it's just a facade.  Also, I loved that this book is body positive while also making us think about how media exploits the female body and how society's has unrealistic expectations for women.

If you want a beach read this summer that will surprise you a bit and take you on a wild ride, pick up a copy of Big Summer.  I am still thinking about this one!

Stacking the Shelves (129)

Book Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Can't Wait Wednesday: Band of Sisters 

Audio Book Review: Elizabeth the Queen: Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith

I'll be sharing my thoughts on Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner, which felt like two different books at times. The plot twist took me by surprise! I  am also sharing my thoughts on On Ocean Boulevard by Mary Alice Monroe, which I really enjoyed. I appreciate Monroe's descriptions of nature and the coastal setting.  I think both are decent beach reads, so more on them this coming week!

Beautiful Wild by Anna Godbersen - Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperTeen

Chance of a Lifetime by Jude Devereux and Tara Sheets - Thanks to Mira and NetGalley

 

The Forgotten Sister by Nicola Cornick - Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley

The Code for Love and Heartbreak by Jillian Cantor - Thanks to Inkyard Press and NetGalley

 

Slingshot by Mercedes Heinwein - Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley

Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck - Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley

Have you read any of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts. This meme is hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Thanks for visiting!

Audio Book Review - Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith

Genre: Audio Book/Biography

Pub. Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Random House Audio

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Perfect for fans of The Crown, this magisterial biography of Queen Elizabeth II is a close-up view of the woman we’ve known only from a distance—and a captivating window into the last great monarchy.  From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s most famous monarch? Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who has led her country and Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last sixty years with unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace.   In Elizabeth the Queen, we meet the young girl who suddenly becomes “heiress presumptive” when her uncle abdicates the throne. We meet the thirteen-year-old Lilibet as she falls in love with a young navy cadet named Philip and becomes determined to marry him, even though her parents prefer wealthier English aristocrats. We see the teenage Lilibet repairing army trucks during World War II and standing with Winston Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on V-E Day. We see the young Queen struggling to balance the demands of her job with her role as the mother of two young children. Sally Bedell Smith brings us inside the palace doors and into the Queen’s daily routines—the “red boxes” of documents she reviews each day, the weekly meetings she has had with twelve prime ministers, her physically demanding tours abroad, and the constant scrutiny of the press—as well as her personal relationships: with Prince Philip, her husband of sixty-four years and the love of her life; her children and their often-disastrous marriages; her grandchildren and friends." 

Royal lovers as well as fans of The Crown will especially love this lengthy look into Queen Elizabeth's life. From her childhood where her father was unexpectedly thrusted onto the throne to more recent times, Smith really dives into every aspect of her life.  The biography goes in chronological order and it gives the perfect amount of background for an American reader who might not be up to snuff on British history.  It details her relationship with Philip, her interactions with various prime ministers, her role as a mother, and of course, her most important role as Queen.  It follows her throughout history and one thing always seems to remain-- despite all the changes, despite all the different prime ministers and the events in history, both good and bad, Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant positive presence.  Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch is a festinating, albeit lengthy at times, audio book for true fans of the monarchy.

It's pretty hard to cover all the various points in history that this biography covers, but there's a lot. It starts with Elizabeth at a young age studying with her nanny and spending time with her sister to her first interactions with Philip. There's also her work with the army during WWII, which was impressive. The biography then continues through to her wedding, the birth of her children, and so on.  Throughout the years she has to work with various different prime ministers, Winston Churchill being the most fascinating, and she had to deal with different political climates. There's always the issue of her sister, visiting American presidents, or upsetting events in British history.  She always carried herself with such grace and dignity.  I loved the little details Smith includes about her fashion choices, her love of horses, and her bravery she exhibited in various situations.  Some occurrences in her life were seriously stranger than fiction, such as the person who broke into her room in the palace.  Most people would have a conniption, but the Queen decided to have a conversation with him and listen to him. I love it! 

Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch was also a great review of British history as it follows the queen for fifty years. Throughout that time, there were various political events or different celebrations, such as the Diamond Jubilee and Smith does a good job with keeping Americans informed regarding the significance and the requirements of the British royalty on such events.  I also loved following along with her on her various tours and what she gleaned from them.  

Philip obviously played a big role in Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch and some of his outlandish comments had me laughing out loud.  It definitely made me appreciate his non-conformist attitude much more than I did before even though some of his comments weren't political correct. I didn't realize how often he was getting intro trouble with the press. I also really appreciated how Smith humanized the Queen Elizabeth as much more than a queen: a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a lover of dogs and horses. This biography really brought her to life and made me appreciate her so much more than I already did.  

My only issue with Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch was Smith's portrayal of Princess Diana. I didn't always appreciate how she was framing her and sort of making Charles out to be more of a victim than I would have liked.  Whether Diana struggled with mental health or not, she was much more than just an unstable royal. I wish Smith would have covered a bit more about her and in a more positive way.  However, I guess she isn't the start of this show though.

So, if you love all things Royal give Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch a try. It was a nice way to brush up on British history and learn more about a person I admire greatly.  Due to our current political climate here in America, it was a nice reminder of how true leaders can act with respect and grace.  Are you a fan of Queen Elizabeth II? Do you enjoy biographical audio books? Let me know in the comments.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Band of Sisters

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

Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig

Pub. Date: March 2, 2021

Goodreads says, "A group of young women from Smith College risk their lives in France at the height of World War I in this sweeping novel based on a true story—a skillful blend of Call the Midwife and The Alice Network—from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig.   scholarship girl from Brooklyn, Kate Moran thought she found a place among Smith’s Mayflower descendants, only to have her illusions dashed the summer after graduation. When charismatic alumna Betsy Rutherford delivers a rousing speech at the Smith College Club in April of 1917, looking for volunteers to help French civilians decimated by the German war machine, Kate is too busy earning her living to even think of taking up the call. But when her former best friend Emmeline Van Alden reaches out and begs her to take the place of a girl who had to drop out, Kate reluctantly agrees to join the new Smith College Relief Unit.  Four months later, Kate and seventeen other Smithies, including two trailblazing female doctors, set sail for France. The volunteers are armed with money, supplies, and good intentions—all of which immediately go astray. The chateau that was to be their headquarters is a half-burnt ruin. The villagers they meet are in desperate straits: women and children huddling in damp cellars, their crops destroyed and their wells poisoned.   Despite constant shelling from the Germans, French bureaucracy, and the threat of being ousted by the British army, the Smith volunteers bring welcome aid—and hope—to the region. But can they survive their own differences? As they cope with the hardships and terrors of the war, Kate and her colleagues find themselves navigating old rivalries and new betrayals which threaten the very existence of the Unit.  With the Germans threatening to break through the lines, can the Smith Unit pull together and be truly a band of sisters? "

Lauren Willig has a new historical novel coming out this March. I haven't read too many of Willig's novels, but I love her collaborative novels with Beatriz Williams and Karen White. I hope to read more of Willig in the future.  Are you a fan of Lauren Willig? What do you think of this novel?  Let me know in the comments below. 

Book Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 2, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.  And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.  But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.  As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them."

After a bad breakup, Brynn returns back to Wildstone, California for the comfort of her home and her two doting mothers.  Things aren't going well for Brynn. She suffers a panic attack and ends up in the ER. While there, she runs into her former friend from summer camp, Eli.  This isn't just any camp friend from her teenage years. This guy is her first crush and her first kiss.  Eli is at the ER with Kinsey Davis, his best friend who is seriously ill.  Brynn and Kinsey did not get along at camp; in fact, they hate each other, which is pretty awkward for Eli.  However, Eli is happy to have Brynn back in his life and when they meet up again, he invites her to live in his beach house as they are looking for a new roommate.  Brynn needs a new start, so she takes him up on it.  However, Kinsey is a housemate, so cue all the drama.  However, Kinsey is no longer the summer camp mean girl that Brynn thinks she is. She is dealing with very a serious health issues that has impacted her greatly and while looking for a kidney transplant, she finds out that Brynn is her half-sister.  Brynn obviously doesn't know this and Kinsey won't tell her.  On the other hand, Eli wants Kinsey to tell her the truth, because they both could benefit from this new relationship more than they ever anticipated.  The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is quintessential summer reading with a lot of heart and relationships that you will want to root for.

Brynn is an interesting character in The Summer Deal. She is escaping home to Wildstone and both of her mothers are fantastic, but can be overbearing. It's no wonder she is looking to move out to reclaim her independence and that's when Eli, her former crush, offers her a room in his gorgeous beach house. The only thing holding her back is Kinsey.  However, Kinsey and Brynn meet and she promises that things have changed, so Brynn takes her up on this. Can Brynn really let go of the past though and all that Kinsey put her through when they were younger?

While living at the beach house, Eli and Brynn start a new relationship and sparks fly in The Summer Deal.  They even make a "summer deal" between them; however, readers can't help but wonder if Brynn is really ready for a relationship yet. Meanwhile, we know all about Kinsey's secret and I was hoping it would come out, especially since Eli encourages Kinsey to tell Brynn. How could both women live together and it not?

Kinsey is also a complex character in The Summer Deal.  She is dealing with major health issues, and withholding some major secrets from Brynn. The issue surrounding their mutual father is always looming in the background. I really liked the relationship between Kinsey and Deck, who's is fantastic secondary character. I really enjoyed their playful relationship and how he supported her through her health issues.  Also, her best friend, Eli, is always there for her and the kind of male best friend girls dream can only dream of.   Shalvis did a great job creating memorable male characters in The Summer Deal who are supportive, romantic, and downright dreamy.

If you are looking for a charming beach read with a lot of heart, check out The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. It was exactly the kind of light book I needed during this stay-at-home summer.  Surprisingly, I have never read a novel by Jill Shalvis before! Are you a fan of her novels? If so, let me know your favorite and if The Summer Deal is on your TBR list.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure

Happy Friday! Who has little ones at home that are already excited for the upcoming fall season and the first snowfall? My boys have been hoping for a lot of snow this year in Pennsylvania since we didn't get much of it last year! They can't get enough of snow and absolutely love dogs, which is why I am excited to share with you guys an exciting giveaway to celebrate the picture book Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure by Taryn Crowder and illustrated by Nidhom. If you haven't seen the real-life Buckets yet, check out his adorable picture below. He even has his own Instagram page!

About the Book:

Publisher’s Synopsis: Buckets is a curious French Bulldog, and he’s determined to find out where snow comes from! One wintry day, Buckets runs away from his home in Brooklyn in hopes of finding its origin…but what happens when he gets lost along the way? Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure is a story of friendship and determination, and will encourage readers of all ages to explore the mysteries of the world around them.

Ages 4-8 | Mascot Books | October 1, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1643073699

To learn more about Buckets the French Bulldog, visit his website to see adorable pictures of the real dog who inspired the book.   You can purchase your own copy of Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure at Amazon or Bookshop.org.  You can also follow Buckets on Instagram (cutest photos ever!!), or find him on Facebook.   

The Giveaway:

I have partnered with The Children's Book Review and Taryn Crowder to share with you guys a great giveaway today.    One winner will receive an autographed copy by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure and a 16" plush Buckets toy. Nine winners will receive an autographed copy, by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure.  The giveaway begins August 3, 20202, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 3, 2020, at 11:59 P.S. PST.  Good luck!

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Happy Friday,

Book Review: Two Truths and a Lie by Meg Mitchell Moore

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 16, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Islanders

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Truth: Sherri Griffin and her daughter, Katie, have recently moved to the idyllic beach town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Rebecca Coleman, widely acknowledged former leader of the Newburyport Mom Squad (having taken a step back since her husband’s shocking and tragic death eighteen months ago), has made a surprising effort to include these newcomers in typically closed-group activities. Rebecca’s teenage daughter Alexa has even been spotted babysitting Katie.  Truth: Alexa has time on her hands because of a recent falling-out with her longtime best friends for reasons no one knows—but everyone suspects have to do with Alexa’s highly popular and increasingly successful YouTube channel. Katie Griffin, who at age 11 probably doesn’t need a babysitter anymore, can’t be left alone because she has terrifying nightmares that don’t seem to jibe with the vague story Sherri has floated about the “bad divorce” she left behind in Ohio. Rebecca Coleman has been spending a lot of time with Sherri, it’s true, but she’s also been spending time with someone else she doesn’t want the Mom Squad to know about just yet.  Lie: Rebecca Coleman doesn’t have a new man in her life, and definitely not someone connected to the Mom Squad. Alexa is not seeing anyone new herself and is planning on shutting down her YouTube channel in advance of attending college in the fall. Sherri Griffin’s real name is Sherri Griffin, and a bad divorce is all she’s running from.  A blend of propulsive thriller and gorgeous summer read, Two Truths and a Lie reminds us that happiness isn’t always a day at the beach, some secrets aren’t meant to be shared, and the most precious things are the people we love."

Sherri Griffin and her daughter, Katie, moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts to start over and where better to start fresh than in an idyllic coastal town?  It's not just that they are just moving though; they are escaping their former life and hope to start over.  Katie is enrolled at a summer camp and hopes to make new friends before she starts middle school.  Sherri hopes to become friends with the "Mom Squad" who are pretty much the epitome of the cool table in the lunch room.  There's also Rebecca Coleman, who is sort of part of the Mom Squad, but is still reeling from the untimely death of her husband and has drifted away from the other women.  Rebecca is also trying to restart her life, but can't seem to do it despite the Mom's Squad's best efforts.  Rebecca's daughter, Alexa, is off to college in the fall or at least Rebecca thought so.  Alexa is harboring secrets of her own and wants to follow her own path.  Meanwhile Sherri is worried that the secrets from her past will catch up with her and her daughter, which would be a disaster.  Meg Mitchell Moore's Two Truths and a Lie is a gossipy sort of beach read that blends a few genres.  Fans of Big Little Lies will especially appreciate this one.

Two Truths and a Lie jumps from a few character's perspectives as well the thoughts of the collective Mom Squad. This was a nice touch and added to the beach read vibe as it felt very soapy at times, especially from the Mom Squad's judging perspective.  This kept things light even though some of the topics could get dark, such as family secrets, untimely deaths, criminal behavior, and more.  

The character of Sherri was, for me, the most entertaining in Two Truths and a Lie in that I wanted to know who or what she was running from. It seemed pretty serious at times, so this kept me flipping the pages. I also felt for Rebecca throughout Two Truths and a Lie as she tries to restart her life without her husband and just the act of being social was nerve-wracking.  The secrets between her and her daughter, Alexa, were also pretty timely as social media can tend to really make things difficult when raising teenagers.  All in all, the characters were well done in Two Truths and a Lie, even the Mom Squad which made me want to eye roll for days.

As with many beach reads this summer, Two Truth and a Lie sort of bends the confines of a particular genre and instead incorporates many. There's romance, a mystery, a family saga, and suspense.  So, if you like your beach reads mainly fluffy with descriptions of sunsets and the sea, look elsewhere; however, if your like your beach reads to have a lot more going on and a Big Little Lies sort of vibe to it, give Two Truths and a Lie a try this summer. Although I didn't love it as much as The Islanders, I still thought it was an entertaining escape.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Troubles in Paradise

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

Troubles in Paradise (Paradise #3) by Elin Hilderbrand

Pub. Date: October 6, 2020

Synopsis: "After uprooting her life in the States, Irene Steele has just settled in at the villa on St. John where her husband Russ had been living a double life. But a visit from the FBI shakes her foundations, and Irene once again learns just how little she knew about the man she loved.   With help from their friends, Irene and her sons set up their lives while evidence mounts that the helicopter crash that killed Russ may not have been an accident. Meanwhile, the island watches this drama unfold -- including the driver of a Jeep with tinted windows who seems to be shadowing the Steele family.  As a storm gathers strength in the Atlantic, surprises are in store for the Steeles: help from a mysterious source, and a new beginning in the paradise that has become their home. At last all will be revealed about the secrets and lies that brought Irene and her sons to St. John -- and the truth that transformed them all."

Guys, I have really enjoyed this series by Elin Hilderbrand. It's been the perfect fall escape each year and I love that it takes place in the Caribbean. There's been so many secrets; I can't wait to see how it all ends. Are you a fan of this series?

Blog Tour and Giveaway- Wander New York: Fitz in the City

The best way to travel right now is through books! I love sharing picture books with my boys that expose them to new places they have never been or places we want to visit in the future. New York City has always been on our list!

Today I've partnered with The Children's Book Review and Good Avenue Books to host a fantastic giveaway to celebrate the publication of Wander New York: Fitz in the City by Reese Traves, illustrated by Jon Traves. This gorgeously illustrated picture book features Fitz the Fox visiting all the famous NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, New York Public Library, the Empire State Building and more.  This book is a great introduction to New York City.

About the Book:

Publisher’s Synopsis: Fitz the Fox can’t wait to see all that New York City has to offer — but will he get to see the penguin feeding or will a subway snafu derail his plans? A whimsical, sight-seeing jaunt that encourages wonder with rhyming text, peppered with facts and trivia along the way! Join Fitz as he visits the Statue of Liberty with her 8-foot long index finger, the bustling crowds of Grand Central Terminal, the wondrous, book-filled spaces of the New York Public Library, and marvels at the sky-scraping height of the Empire State Building. Continue to wander with a walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge and visit the Bronx Zoo along with more iconic landmarks while exploring this exciting city!

Ages 3-10 | Good Avenue Books | August 10, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1734602104

A copy of Wander New York: Fitz in the City can be purchased at Amazon and Bookshop.org.  You can also learn more about Reese Traves by visiting her website or find her on Twitter.    You can visit Jon Traves at his website and find him on Twitter.  

The Giveaway: 

Enter for a chance to win a gorgeous Wander New York: Fitz in the City prize pack!  One lucky winner will receive a hardcover signed copy of Wander New York: Fitz in the City, a screen-printed Wander Often Wonder Always® tote from Hello Small World, three Hello Small World greeting cards illustrated by Jon Traves and an 8"x10" print of a scene from Wander New York: Fitz in the City signed by illustrator Jon Traves.  

Two winners will receive a hardcover copy of Wander New York: Fitz in the City autographed by Reese Traves and Jon Traves.  Giveaway begins July 30, at 12:01AM PST and ends August 11, 2020 at 11:59 PM PST.  

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Good luck!