Saturday, March 23, 2024

Blog Break


I will be taking a break over Spring Break, so the blog will be quiet during that time. I'll be spending time with my family and friends, and if the weather cooperates, I hope to get some sunshine and enjoy good books. Also, I will be preparing for beach read season, which is just around the corner!

If you are looking forward to celebrating the upcoming Easter holiday, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest. While I'm away, don't forget to explore these exciting giveaways and sign up for my newsletter.

 

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Mini Reviews: Romantic New Releases


There are so many cute romances coming out this spring and today I'm sharing two that were at the top of my radar. One involves some magical realism and the other will have you armchair traveling to gorgeous Scotland. Both did not disappoint!

 

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Genre: Romance
Pub. Date: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Atria
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By the Author: In Five Years and
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
 

Goodreads says, "Being single is like playing the lottery. There’s always the chance that with one piece of paper you could win it all. From the New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years and One Italian Summer comes the romance that will define a generation.

Daphne Bell believes the universe has a plan for her. Every time she meets a new man , she receives a slip of paper with his name and a number on it—the exact amount of time they will be together. The papers told her she’d spend three days with Martin in Paris; five weeks with Noah in San Francisco; and three months with Hugo, her ex-boyfriend turned best friend. Daphne has been receiving the numbered papers for over twenty years, always wondering when there might be one without an expiration. Finally, the night of a blind date at her favorite Los Angeles restaurant, there’s only a Jake.

But as Jake and Daphne’s story unfolds, Daphne finds herself doubting the paper’s prediction, and wrestling with what it means to be both committed and truthful. Because Daphne knows things Jake doesn’t, information that—if he found out—would break his heart.

Told with her signature warmth and insight into matters of the heart, Rebecca Serle has finally set her sights on romantic love. The result is a gripping, emotional, passionate, and (yes) heartbreaking novel about what it means to be single, what it means to find love, and ultimately how we define each of them for ourselves. Expiration Dates is the one fans have been waiting for."

Daphne Bell works in Hollywood as a production assistant. Other than the glamorous setting of Hollywood, California, her life is pretty normal except for one thing. She receives notes from the universe regarding the people she dates. The note includes the person's name and how long she will date him. This has happened to her since the 5th grade. This is all well and good until one day she receives a note with the word "Jake" on it with no time length. Could this be it for her? Could Jake be the one? After she meets Jake, she realizes he is charming, adorable, and someone she could see herself with, so why not go all in? Except she doesn't. She is hiding a secret from him. Once Jake meets Hugo, her ex-boyfriend and current best friend, things start to get weird. Could Hugo, who is perpetually dating other women, actually still have feelings for Daphne? Daphne must decide to let fate take over or finally take control of her life. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle is a charming romance with a touch of magical realism.

I have really come to enjoy Serle's novels as they always have a bit of magical realism - not too much to make it entirely unbelievable, but just enough to make it fun. Notes from the universe? Sounds compelling! That is until you think about it and question how much you are taking control of your life versus just living out the note's expectations. This is exactly what Rebecca grapples with in 
Expiration Dates. The book isn't all romantic fluff though as Daphne does deal with some chronic health issues, but Serle handles it very well and really highlights how a chronic disease can impact just about every aspect of your life and your decisions. So, if you are looking for a cute romance and enjoy touches of magic, look no further than Expiration Dates.  



Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
Genre: Romance
Pub. Date: March 5, 2024
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Publisher for review
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars


Goodreads says, "Ready or Scot... Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?

Addie Macrae is a travel consultant; she travels the world helping tour groups revamp their businesses. Her latest job is in Scotland consulting for Heart of the Highlands Tour Company. Scotland holds a special place in her heart as it is her late mother's favorite destination. While there, she hopes to not only help the struggling tour company avoid bankruptcy but also visit some of her mother's old haunts. Once she meets The Heart of the Highland Tour Company's owner, Logan Sutherland, she realizes this is going to be much harder than she thought. Even though he is a sexy kilt-wearing Scotsman, he is stubborn and isn't open to change despite his parents' insistence that the tour company gets some updates. Logan isn't interested in providing a tour just like everyone else with stops at gimmicky souvenir shops and the usual destinations; he wants to provide a more off-the-beaten-path tour with a lot of heart. While this is all well and good, the tour company needs to make money, so Addie hopes to find a compromise. The more time they spend together, the more sparks fly and the more time Addie is in Scotland, she starts to address her mother's death, a topic she has been avoiding head-on. Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley is a romantic debut that had me dreaming of planning my own trip to Scotland.

I absolutely adore books set in Ireland and Scotland, so I knew I'd fall in love with the setting of 
Kilt Trip. Kiley did not disappoint. Readers who enjoy a good armchair traveling session will especially appreciate this one! I also really enjoyed the budding romance between Addie and Logan, not to mention his Scottish brogue which felt extremely authentic. If you love a heartfelt romance with some depth as Addie does address issues of grief, you'll enjoy Kilt Trip. I can promise, like me, you'll be scanning for some airfare deals to escape to Scotland.

 


Have you read Expiration Dates or Kilt Trip? Are these books on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Alycat and the Sunday Scaries


Today I'm sharing my excitement about the latest book in the Alycat series, called Alycat and the Sunday Scaries by Alysson Foti Bourque. I have previously  featured this series on the blog and I really appreciate how the books cover relatable topics. The Sunday scaries is a topic that many children can relate to, including my son who worries about the various things going on in the upcoming week. This book discusses ways to overcome such fears and showcases the importance of  supportive friendships. What great messages for children! To celebrate the publication of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries, I've partnered with Alysson Foti Bourque to host a fantastic giveaway.

 

Learn More About the Book:

 

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627790

 


Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn’t the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It’s hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity toward problem-solving. Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens’ daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included!

 

You can purchase your own copy of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries at Bookshop, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.  You can learn more about Alysson Foti Bourque by visiting her website and connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

 

The Giveaway: 

 

I've partnered with Alysson Foti Bourque to host a giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries and three adorable Alycat plush toys. Good luck!
 
 

 

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

10 Books To Read This Spring

 

If you're not ready for a full-on beach read season just yet, why not try some of the new releases coming out at the end of this month and in April? It's the perfect time of year to ease into the beach read season, without feeling like you have to load up your TBR with only "summer" books. So, dip your toes in and enjoy!

 

1. Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Pub. Date: March 19th

You can't go wrong with Serle's romantic novels and this one has a touch of magical realism.  



2. Finding Margaret Fuller by Alison Pataki
Pub. Date: March 19th 
 

I love biographical fiction and Pataki is one of my favorite historical novelists. This one focuses on Margaret Fuller, an important woman in American history who I look forward to learning more about.

 

 
 
3. The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

 Donati is the author of the bestselling Wilderness series and her latest novel is about a young midwife in the New Mexico territory.

 

 

 

4. The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
Pub. Date: April 2, 2024 
 

You had me at disputed inheritance, Sicily, and family secrets.  





5.  Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

One of the first beach reads of the summer involving a complicated family and a summer fling. Jimenez never disappoints!

 

 

6.  The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton
Pub. Date: April 2nd 
 

A gothic mansion in Miami is the focal point of this historical fiction that intertwines two women's lives from different time periods.



7.  Funny Story by Emily Henry
Pub. Date: April 23rd
 

A new rom-com from Emily Henry is a must read for me.

 


 
8.  The Beautiful People by Michelle Gable
Pub. Date: April 19, 2024

Glamorous 1960s Palm Beach + Lily Pulitzer sounds like a hit to me.  



 
9.  The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Pub. Date: April 9, 2024 

 
This one is already getting raves reviews; it's Bardugo's latest historical fantasy that takes place during the Spanish Inquisition.
 



 
10.  The Truth About the Devlins by Lisa Scottoline 
Pub. Date: March 26, 2024
 

You can't go wrong with Scottoline's and her latest domestic thriller.  

 

 

Are any of these books on your spring TBR list? What books do you hope to read in March and April? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

Book Review: The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan

Pages: 368
Genre: Adult Historical Fiction
Pub. Date: March 12, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine
Source: Publisher for review
Other Books By Author: The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 
 
 
Goodreads says, "When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community’s beloved library in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir.

When new deputy librarian, Juliet Lansdown, finds that Bethnal Green Library isn't the bustling hub she's expecting, she becomes determined to breathe life back into it. But can she show the men in charge that a woman is up to the task of running it, especially when a confrontation with her past threatens to derail her?

Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, although she's only there until she heads off to university in the fall. But after the death of her beau on the front line and amid tumultuous family strife, she finds herself harboring a life-changing secret with no one to turn to for help.

Sofie Baumann, a young Jewish refugee, came to London on a domestic service visa only to find herself working as a maid for a man who treats her abominably. She escapes to the library every chance she can, finding friendship in the literary community and aid in finding her sister, who is still trying to flee occupied Europe.

When a slew of bombs destroy the library, Juliet relocates the stacks to the local Underground station where the city's residents shelter nightly, determined to lend out stories that will keep spirits up. But tragedy after tragedy threatens to unmoor the women and sever the ties of their community. Will Juliet, Kate, and Sofie be able to overcome their own troubles to save the library? Or will the beating heart of their neighborhood be lost forever?"
 

Three women's lives intertwine at the Bethnal Green Library during World War III in London. First, there's Sophie Baumann, who left Berlin in 1939 and is now a housekeeper, but her boss makes her life extremely difficult. Julie is the librarian at Bethnal Green and works with the librarian assistant, Katie, to plan a book club, which Sofie does frequently. This is a great way to get their mind off the war as Juliet's husband is off fighting, but she gets word he deserted. Katie's is off fighting too, but she recently found out he is listed as missing in action. Katie has a few more secrets as well, but the book club is a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Things change drastically when the Bltiz offers and the library is bombed. The women have to move the library to the Bethnal Green underground where many are sheltering already. Books offer people a chance to escape and prove to be an important endeavor when keep everyone's spirits up. The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan illustrates the power of books during dark times; fans of WWII literature will enjoy this one the most.
 
One of the most captivating aspects of historical fiction is its ability to offer various perspectives through its characters, and 
The Underground Library is no exception. The novel entwines the lives of three women during the London Blitz, each bringing something unique to the story while dealing with their own personal struggles. Juliet, for instance, finds solace at the library after her husband is branded a deserter and she loses contact with him. She finds structure and purpose at the library and working with Katie, the librarian assistant, she has found friendship, too. Meanwhile, Katie's boyfriend goes missing in action, adding to her already mounting stress. Sofie's story is equally significant, given that she is Jewish, so the consequences of the war often feel more serious for her. One thing is for sure, the power of books, friendship, and the resilience of women will bring these three characters together during a very difficult time in history.
 
I enjoy Ryan's historical novels and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable WWII novel without being overly stressful and who doesn't love to read about libraries and librarians who go against the odds to bring joy and books to people who need them most. If you enjoy WWII novels but want something with a message of hope, look no further.

 

 
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