Final Chapter in Memorial Day Reads – Part III

I could go on forever but the end of the Memorial Day weekend is almost here so I will edit myself.  This post will consist of two books that take you away within their pages to other places and spaces. 

I have several buttons that are fairly easy to press in the reading world.  Anything Austen is one of them.  Of course I would prefer to read more directly from Jane but that is not possible so I do enjoy those that are inspired by her.  Shannon Hale is one of those authors and this is her latest MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND.

Charlotte Kinder needed a break, her life as she knew it was falling apart and there seemed to be nothing she could do.  Charlotte does something very brave and gives herself a break by going on a two-week vacation to an Austen inspired experience across the pond.  By no means is this a luxury experience.  The participants dress, eat and live as they did back in one of her novels that comes to life over the course of the stay.  Yep even smart phones are confiscated. 

This time around Charlotte steps into her Regency role with some trepidation as she has left her kids behind and she never does that.  But she gets to know her fellow guests, the actors that are hired to interact with them and the surroundings as well. But just when she is getting the hang of things she discovers…oh my.  A twist in the plot that blurs this scripted trip with Austen angst and now there is a mystery afoot.  Who can poor Charlotte trust and dare she trust her heart again?  

MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND is enjoyable whether or not you are an Austen fan. Although, you should be warned you might just be tempted to visit NORTHANGER ABBEY after you read Hale’s latest.  I am sure Ms. Austen would consider this a wonderful compliment indeed.

Simply do not like drawing comparisons between books I feature and other works but this one is too irresistible I must.  If you have loved THE PARENT TRAP you must read Kate Klise’s IN THE BAG.  I love both Halely Mills and Lindsay Lohan versions but maybe the former a tad bit more because Halely was a favorite of mine. 

Two single parents are off to Europe but to different destinations and for different purposes.  coincidentally they meet on the plane over to Europe but not in the best possible of ways.  Another coincidence of mixed up baggage with their children creates the perfect stage for these star crossed lovers to meet. 

It is the children, Coco and Webb that take the lead and start to correspond first about their bags and then about themselves.  They are not thinking of their parents through this exchange but just themselves.  A plan is hatched and it does not turn out as planned for the children.

And then through another twist of fate the two parents, Andrew and Daisy find they are thrown together.  And with a little help and some prodding these two decide to take a chance on love.  

Yes the story is one that is not new but the adorable way in which Kate Klise shapes this journey is all hers.  It seemed like just the perfect summer read and I am so glad that William Morrow screamed loud enough and put this within my reach cause it most certainly touched my heart.   

And I would be remiss not to acknowledge the other goodies that come on board this book for no additional charge. The size is simply fabulous for taking with you anywhere and the cover art too.  The graphics within make an attempt to steal the show these are found at the start of each chapter and then throughout every page.  I never smiled so much when I picked up a book and I always did when it was time to read IN THE BAG. 

For me personally I treasure the author that can take the reader to another destination within their book and I think I have found two that do this well. I hope you will read one or more of the books featured this Memorial Day at some time this summer when you feel you need a break and physically getting away may just not be possible.  Books so often provide the readcation we are looking for, if you have a favorite I would love to hear from you.

Memorial Day Reads Part II – Titanic Inspired but Much More

This is my second Memorial Day read that not only touches several continents but it also takes place in the past.  THE HOUSE OF VELVET AND GLASS by Katherine Howe has a perfect title for the story found within. 

When I viewed this stunning cover art I knew it had to be a period piece and with the picture of the Titanic plus the publication date I thought it would take place upon the great ship.  Actually the ship sets the stage for the voyage within but very little time is spent on the boat or with its passengers.

The Allston family that is going through the paces of everyday life to find their way after the loss of two beloved members of its family on the ship.  Those left behind are Lan, Sibyl and Harlan but none of them were booked for passage on the ship so it was a different kind of remorse and sadness to cope with. It was as if a light had gone out in this house and within the surviving family.

Howe provides the back story to Mr. Allston through chapters labeled “Interlude” interspersed throughout.  Normally I am not a fan of novels that jump time and locations by chapter but the organization here made it tolerable.  For the most part the story takes place in Boston in 1915 several years after the Titanic went down.

Sibyl and her journey after the death of her mother Helen and younger sister Eulah are the focus of this novel.  Sibyl joins other prominent Boston families who suffered loss courtesy of the Titanic at medium Mrs. Dee’s home. Through cheap parlor tricks Mrs. Dee tries to comfort those in need.

Mrs. Dee gifts Sibyl a crystal ball and she begins to have visions. When Sibyl utilizes substances such as laudanum or its pure form opium she is able to conjure up visions in the ball.  Soon she cannot stop inducing the visions as she thinks it has the answers to fix her family. 

During this time Sibyl’s one true love, Benton Derby, returns into her life.  He is clearly glad to be back in Sibyl’s life but soon circumstances draw him even close.  Derby is able to help her with her brother and also with her so-called visions as well.  Derby is not initially a spiritual believer but through his renewed affection for Sibyl he helps her get to the bottom of things. 

There can be no question that good or bad Sibyl’s visions bring her closer to those she loves.  And in turn this allows her to return to the present and start to live her life.  It took me many chapters to find the rhythm in this book but once I did I was gripped by the story and glad I had taken the journey. 

I own THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE audiobook which was Katherine Howe’s first literary endeavor and I look forward to listening to it. Also, congratulations to Ms. Howe who receives her Ph.D. from Boston University in 2012.  I too graduated from B.U. although it was not with a doctorate degree in hand.

Memorial Day Weekend Reads Part 1 – Memoir from Paris

For years Memorial Day marked a trip for us and while I miss these trips I know that I can still travel through the pages of my books.  Within this post I am going to share some recent reads that take you to far away spaces in modern or other time periods.  These books seem  right for travels that start in your comfy chair with a beverage of your choice, feet up and always recommend bunny slippers for your tootsies.

PARIS IN LOVE by Eloisa James (Random House, 2012)

If this is your first time stopping by I have to share that I have a sweet spot for all things French.  I felt I was pre-disposed to fall in love with this book and when I first viewed the cover I was gone.  And I just was soooo lucky to win a copy of this through the “Early Bird Read” program at Random House.

PARIS IN LOVE is a memoir written by much beloved historical romance writer Eloisa James chronicling her family’s trip to Paris for a year.  After back to back painful and profound personal issues James is off to Paris with Italian hubbie and two kids in tow. Can you imagine?

The style of content in PARIS IN LOVE was not what I was expecting, it is short snippets from daily life much like one would do today on Facebook or in a blog.  But have no fear there is organization and some introductory paragraphs by chapter to set the tone. As James is a delightful writer and her sharing feels genuine that is much to enjoy.

The family faces all of the normal day-to-day life challenges any family faces but this time in Paris.  They have to find housing, create a life, enroll the kids in school, work and explore their new home. I found the entire book most charming once I got my jealousy in check.  I really felt like we had full access to their year both the good and the bad. I hope this is not the end of adventures to be chronicled, I will definitely sign on for the next adventure.

Time to join the ladies at the SUMMER RENTAL

Number of discs: 12

Hours:  15 hours – Unabridged

Read by: Isabel Keating

Author: Mary Kay Andrews

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Year: 2011

Produced by: Laura Wilson

This is my first audiobook review in association with the Armchair Audies, my category is Romance.  First time reading/listening to a book written by Mary Kay Andrews and very glad that was one of the nominees in this category. 

SUMMER RENTAL should definitely be in your summer reading pile if you have not already taken the trip to the beach with the gals.  Ellis, Julia and Dorie became best friends in grade school and this friendship has endured the test of decades. But as with most friendships, time, distance and life has kept them apart.  As Ellis finds herself at a crossroads in her life she arranges for the gals to rent a beach house in North Carolina’s Outer Banks for a month.

Ellis who was all about her career in banking was just laid off from her beloved job.  With her future uncertain she heads to the beach house with her dear friends.  Ellis had been married but it did not last long and she has not really dated since then. 

Julia took off for London as a model and has been living there ever since. She lives with an older man Booker that she met on the job as he is a photographer.  She knows Booker would like to take their relationship to the next level and she is getting a older and modeling jobs are dwindling. 

Dorie happily married for years just found out she was the only one in a blissful state in her marriage. Worse yet she has another wrinkle that threatens to shake up her world even further. 

When desserted by the ladies one afternoon Dorie heads to town for some food and meets a stranger traveling through town looking for accomodations.  As money is tight for her and Ellis and Dorie’s sister did not show but also did not pay for her share of the rental an idea is hatched by Dorie.  So this stranger Maryn becomes the fourth roommate. 

As it turns out all of the gals have something to get off their chests including their latest roommate.  Maryn’s issues by far are the most dangerous and this adds a new twist to what started out as this good friends getaway.  Although it takes a bit, Ellis finds herself attracted to their neighbor Ty Bazemorebut it has been a long time since she had these feelings. Ty has his own set of issues he is wrestling with. 

This is also my first audiobook narrated by Isabel Keating.  It is not hard to see why her resume is full and includes: TV, motion pictures and Broadway.  As this was an ensemble cast and it would be hard to tell who was talking if the narrator was not able to transform her voice for the various characters.  This was a huge plus for me.  The only unfavorable comment I have to share is that at the start I did not know how old the three gals were, I thought they were older.  So either it was my ear or the tone but once I learned their ages I never gave it another thought.  

These friends, with their baggage, will make you long for time with the girls in your life or want to find some girls to spend time with. Turns out the trip was just what everyone needed, space, time and friendship.

Next up is SPRING FEVER out on June 5th, I am hopeful to return to Mary Kay Andrews for another summer read. Oh and if you are not an audiobook fan the paperback of SUMMER RENTAL has just dropped so no excuses.

ANOTHER PIECE OF MY HEART by Jane Green took every piece of my heart

Number of discs: 11

Hours: 13.5  – Unabridged

Read by: Jane Green (Author)

Author: Jane Green

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Year: 2012

Produced by: Laura Wilson

ANOTHER PIECE OF MY HEART is the latest from New York Times bestselling author Jane Green. Jane Green herself with that darling English accent provides the narration.  Thanks to the Audiobook Jukebox I received a copy of this audio book from Macmillan Audio.  If you do not know about their Solid Gold Reviewer program you should stop by: http://www.audiobookjukebox.com/

I am a confirmed fan of Green’s and have enjoyed many of her books. I admire how she captures life and shapes the characters to feel like they could be you or your friends and family.  Her latest was no exception but I do not remember other Green reads being this painful.  I felt that my heart was being pierced over and over again.  I even had to pull to the side of the road as I was sobbing and thought I needed to calm down before continuing to drive.   

The book starts in Andi’s voice but does not continue throughout. Andi fell madly in love with Ethan is just happened when she was into her 30s. Ethan was her prince charming and she was in bliss that even caused her to uproot from her precious East Coast and relocate to California for him.  Ethan had previously been married and had two girls Sophia and Emily whom he shared custody.

Although Andi tried to be the best step-mom to her instant family the girls were divided.  The younger Sophia really took to Andi and the older one Emily never did.  Ethan’s Ex Janice has a substance abuse problem which stirs up the pot as well.

The tension with Emily never seems to calm down.  Andi seeks peace when she is not with them, at work, with her beloved neighbors and girlfriends.  But as the years march on Emily’s trouble making escalates beyond her verbal antics to acting out in all kinds of ways.  Emily is manipulative and is constantly vying for her father’s love and attention in competition with Andi.  Unfortunately Andi sees this but Ethan is blind to it.

Things with Emily continue to escalate until it seems Andi is broken by sadness and frustration and cannot take anymore.  These feelings are manifested in the audiobook so well in Andi’s voice but it occurs so many times and Andi is done with it all so many times it just wore me out. 

Andi desperately wants to have a baby, one of her own but Ethan but as it turns out there are issues. After years and years of trying and unsuccessful procedures Andi and Ethan learn some devastating news. Ethan is fine with it because he has the girls and thinks Andi should be as well. Andi tries but this pain just gnaws at her and her anguish overflows in the narration.

The narrative flips to Ethan for a short bit and then to Emily as well.  In my mind it was too late when it flipped to Emily because by this time there was not going back to caring. I would have preferred it stayed in Andi’s voice since it was so far into the book before it flips. 

Emily continues to act without regard to anyone else and even better if it causes issues between her dad and Andi even better.  Her antics end up with her being arrested and that is when Andi realizes ******* Spoiler Alert******* Emily is pregnant.  This is a devastating blow for everyone.

At the same time, but completely independent Janice, Ethan’s Ex, decides to get sober.  So she tells Ethan she cannot take Emily in as she cannot handle her.  So Andi, is forced to endure Emily and the pregnancy full-time and Emily does not make it easy.  This pain that oozes out of a syllable uttered just rips at your heart. 

This now becomes Andi’s chance to have a baby. She wants her and Ethan to raise it but Ethan wants no part of this. Ethan’s plan is to put the baby up for adoption as Emily will just turn 18 when the baby is born and she has her life ahead of her. Emily true to form is still cruel and thoughtless and one day Andi says she is done and wants some space but she agrees to stay till the baby comes.   There is more anguish to go around and as the pregnancy nears term Emily decides she wants to keep the baby.

Emily is certain it is a girl and has all kinds of fantasies about raising her and what their life will be like.  But when the baby arrives it is a boy and she names him Cal.  But Emily finds she is disappointed it was not her “bean” and never bonds with Cal.  She runs off and Andi and Ethan do raise little Cal and there is momentary peace.

Emily has a new look and a life far away but she reconnects with her first childhood love and friend Michael. He is planning to move back to their hometown and so Emily returns to pick up the pieces.  But it is not that easy. 

Emily and Michael grow close and make plans for their lives without considering all of the implications.  Emily still is not bonding with Cal nor is she sure she wants to. But she is torn but Michael and her feelings for Andi and everything is once again a mess. Things do get sorted out in the end but not before the family goes through more turmoil and piece of hurt would be enough to carry an entire book. 

I do believe Jane Green knows how to write about very real topics in the pages of her books but I like an order of happiness or silly sprinkled with mine.  It was sometimes painful to pick up where I had left off because I was fearing that more pieces of my heart would be shred and they were over and over again.  For this reason not my favorite listen but I will most definitely visit Jane Green again because there are too many positives to keep me away.

On the Edge of My Chair With BLUE MONDAY

The husband and wife writing team of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French who write under the pseudonym Nicci French have launched the first in a series of psychological thrillers with BLUE MONDAY.  This is not my usual genre but with some persuasion from a wonderful publicist at Pamela Dorman Books/Viking Books I decided to jump in. 

The book starts off with a crime and its an abduction. Then, the book fast forwards many years and it is as if a new book were starting.  Characters were being introduced and backstories shared as not only was it the beginning of a book but it was also the start of a new series. 

Listen no one enjoys the stage being set more than I do, but this time I had already witnessed something unsettling and then I wasn’t sure where Nicci and French  were headed.  It felt a little like being seasick on a boat, I did not have my “booklegs”.  My pace for reading was slow as I was looking for something and imagined it was around every corner, which might have been the intent.

It took me many chapters before I became involved in the current storyline and I do think it was well written and would only have good things to say if: 1) I was not thinking about that darn abduction introduced prior to chapter one; and 2) if two of the storylines did not involve children.  As with LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT TV series I just can’t do the kids. 

The cast is rich: Frieda a psychotherapist; Reuben – burned out therapist/a mentor to Frieda; Josef – bumbling workman /friend; Alan – a patient of Frieda’s; Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson - cop on the case and Rose Teale - sister to one of the abduction victims along with a cast of supporting characters that help contribute to the book’s flavor.  There are twists and turns and certainly some surprises and no shortage of suspense or darkness. 

If this case had not involved the abduction of children I would have been able to settle in easier.  However, I could not put it down and knew I had to see the case solved no matter the ending.  There were many times I could not put down BLUE MONDAY and I would definitely like to accompany Frieda and D.I. Karlsson on another case.

Here is the book trailer for BLUE MONDAY which set just the appropriate tone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igl3Y_uw88Q. I would also like to thank that folks over at Pamela Dorman Books an imprint of Viking Books for providing me with a copy of this book.

Armchair Audies – Taking on Romance Category One Romance at a Time

Tickled pink to join in with the Armchair Audie extravaganza hosted by the three aces of audiobooks: hostess with the mostess The Literary Housewife, Ninja Wit audiophile Dog Eared Copy and always dashing The Guilded Earlobe.  I jumped at the chance to get on board even though I am remiss at getting this post out here, maybe it was a pinch of stage fright.

The Audio Publishers Association (APA) have reached their list of finalist in a score of categories. To see the full list please visit the APA site: http://www.audiopub.org/nominees12.asp.  Our mission is to listen to the finalists, post our reviews, select a winner from our category my the last week in May and then wait for the Audies to be presented June 5th.  

I feel so fortunate to have snagged Romance.  This is how the APA defines this category: “ For excellence in narration, direction, engineering, mix, and an abridgment when applicable of an audiobook of romance, including romantic suspense, historical romance, and other romance subgenres.: And the audibook finalists in Romance are:

THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley Read by Rosalyn Landor (Audible, Inc.)

SUMMER RENTAL by Mary Kay Andrews Read by Isbael Keating (Macmillan Audio) 

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST by Eloisa James Read by Susan Duerden (Harper Audio)

NOTORIOUS by Nicola Cornick Read by Katherine Kellgran (Audible, Inc.) 

THE DARKEST SURRENDER by Gena Showalter Read by Max Bellmore (Audible, Inc.)

NEW YORK TO DALLAS by J.D. Robb Read by Susan Ericksen (Brilliance Audio)

I must issue this warning that I love audiobooks and seem to fall for each and every one of them in their own special way.  They turn everyday chores or road warrior pain into something very special.  To learn more about the Armchair Audies visit: http://literatehousewife.com/the-armchair-audies/.