A Vacation to Die For

 

A Vacation to Die For

By: Lynn Cahoon

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: A Tourist Trap Mystery

Summary:

Hustling her fiancé off to a neighboring tourist town might be the only way Jill Gardner can plan her nuptials to South Cove’s in-demand police detective. But when a mystery man turns up dead at South Cove’s PD, Greg is hightailing it back home to investigate, leaving Jill to finish the vacation solo.
 
Jill can barely get in a spa day before her own respite is spoiled by a greedy hotel guest and unexpected revelations about Max Winter, the developer conniving to buy her home out from under her. Then there’s the staffing issues at the store, the strange men seen lurking about town, and an aggressive and obnoxious family member harassing Jill’s beloved employee. It’s enough to make the bride-to-be full of jitters . . . especially when she finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer . . .   bn.com

Welcome back to South Cove! Our beloved Jill and her fiancée, Greg, have decided to go away for a mini vacation. Sadly, things don't go according to plan. A dead body shows up at home- but no one knows who it is. While Greg heads off to deal with that situation, Jill overhears a fellow guest's conversation. Never did she dream that they would meet up again- in South Cove. Nor, did Jill expect said guest was a cranky one with an agenda. 

Jill's newest employee, Evie, is still dealing with the aftermath of her recent divorce. Turns out her ex's sister, Becky, is the guest Jill overheard on the phone. Becky has decided she wants the clock her father gave to Evie as a wedding gift. She makes is clear that she won't leave without it. Evie's jerky ex even gets in on the demands. What's the deal with the clock? Why is it such a big deal to get their hands on? And just which old time Hollywood actress is associated with it? 

A Vacation to Die For has lots of strings waiting for you untie as you read. I enjoyed catching up with my favorite beach town residents. The book was a quick, but enjoyable read. Once the story got going, you couldn't help but try to guess what was happening and who was involved. This is a great book to curl up with. Spend a weekend revisiting fictional friends and solve a mystery, or two, while you do it. 

Other Birds

 

Other Birds

By: Sarah Addison Allen

Genre: Fiction

Summary:

A group of people all living in the same condo complex have more than their living arrangements in common. All of them have had their lives blessed by a loving person who changed their lives for the better. And all of them have lost that source of love, but have forged on. Here is the story of how unconditional love can come from anywhere, change your life and heart, and stay with you long after it has physically left your life.

Let me just say that I am so happy Sarah Addison Allen has brought another book to the world of readers who have missed her work. It's been a handful of years since her last book and I, for one, have missed her storytelling. She has been a beloved author to me ever since she captivated the world with Garden Spells. Welcome back! You have been missed. 

Other Birds is all about grief and the different ways it can present itself. The characters within this story have all experienced sad, lonely and heartbreaking pasts. And they were all touched by someone who came into their lives with the unconditional love they never knew they needed. And they've all lost that said love one. However, several of them still have lingering traces of them in their lives.

Zoe has recently graduated high school and is waiting to start college. She has moved into her mother's old condominium after leaving her father's house. Within his house, she always felt like an intrusion and as if they were ready for her to leave. Always the outsider to the life he now has with his wife and her children. She was lonely and her world was tiny. Just her and Pigeon, her pet bird that is invisible to everyone- but her. 

Lisbeth is the neighbor haunted by the compulsion of her mental illness. As the book unfolds, you get her perspective and you see her world through it's distorted lens. The day after Zoey moves in, Lisbeth is found dead. It doesn't take long for you to get a glimpse into her world of saving any and every piece of paper with writing on it. Boxes upon boxes are stacked in her apartment. Her compulsion had run unchecked. As the story progresses you get her perspective on how her life ended up so isolated.

Mac wasn't always the talented chef her is now. In fact, he came from nothing. He was the poorest of the poor in his neighborhood. Until an elderly neighbor takes him in and gives him the love and life he never knew could exist. She teaches him how to cook and he goes on to make a name for himself with her favorite ingredient as his inspiration: cornmeal. Now, every morning, he wakes up covered in cornmeal.

Charlotte is running from her past. After losing her best friend to an illness that was never treated, she leaves the cult her family had been in. However, she takes something with her that always has her looking over her shoulder and never staying in one place too long. Until now. Loving her life as a Henna artist, Charlotte doesn't want to leave. 

Lucy is Lisbeth's sister. You learn about their dynamic and the heartbreak both sisters endured. You'll read how both lives were forever haunted by their pasts. 

Lastly, you have the condo manager, Frasier. The man overseeing the complex and the residents. He knows them all and has a few surprises up his sleeve as to how he knows some of them. 

I have to say, I had a hard time getting into this story. I wasn't enraptured with this book as I was with her previous ones. However, I think that's mostly because I wasn't able to relate to the characters. This book is aimed for those who are mourning someone they dearly loved. While I've lost loved ones, I've been able to accept the loss and carry them with me. I've been able to let them go. Other Birds is a love story to those people who love a lost soul so much that they change the person for the better. It's an ode to the people you love dearly, but had to say goodbye to- ready or not. 

This book was beautiful, but heavy in ways I wasn't expecting. Sarah still tells a mystical, whimsical story, but it wasn't a feel good one. I wasn't charmed by the story like I thought I would be. But, maybe that wasn't the point of the book. Love and loss aren't always done in the ways we're ok with. Some readers are going to relate to everything within this story. Others may not. There are plot twists I didn't see coming. While I didn't love this book, I'm glad I read it.  

My Dark Academia Reading List!

September is right around the corner. Fall is on it's way! Kids are going back to school, so what better time to dedicate the month of September to a Dark Academia reading list?! September just seems like the perfect time to curl up with a comfy blanket and cup of hot chocolate while I get lost in a story involving schools. 

So, I've compiled a list of books I would like to read during September. I don't know if I'll get to them all, but we'll do what we can. I don't read suspense/thriller books very often- I'm the biggest chicken. But, these sounded intriguing and have caught my attention, so we're gonna give them a try.

 

Oliver has been released from prison after serving 10 years. He's finally ready to tell his story and the person who put him in prison is there waiting to hear him tell it. What happened 10 years ago between Oliver and his 4 friends/classmates? 

I've heard how great this book is. Other readers have called it their favorite book of the year they read it. It's gotten tons of 5 star reviews. It's caught my eye and I'm wanting to find out Oliver's story.

Four strangers are sitting at the same table in a library when a murder occurs. The police keep everyone where they are while they figure out what happened- and which of the four is the murderer.

People have said this reminds them of and Agatha Christie book, and I loved the books of hers I've read. Plus, it's set in a library!! This just sounds like an intriguing story. 

Another story with a school setting. This time you have a charming, handsome teacher. You have a group of female students. Someone dies and someone is convinced the teacher did it. Did he?

Once again, the school setting has me intrigued. I have no clue what I'm on for since I haven't read Alex Michaelides debut book The Silent Patient. The idea of a secret society/fan club for a teacher just seems like the recipe for trouble. For reasons I can't explain, I'm curious enough to read it.

Six friends reunite at their college reunion. One of their friends is murdered while they were in school. Someone is as determined to reveal what happened as the friends are to keep their secrets.

Another book getting rave reviews. I love the idea of a reunion where old secrets turn out not be buried as previously thought. What have the friends been hiding?! I don't know, but I hope to find out.

5 years ago, Andie was a high school senior when she was killed by her boyfriend in a murder/suicide. Now, Pip's a senior and her for her final project she's going to dig into the case. She's always felt there was more to the story and now's her chance to find out if there is.

I'm fascinated with the idea that a senior in high school digging into an old case. This is a unique angle that I haven't come across before, so I look forward to learning what she finds out. 

Four friends at a boarding school have made up a game. They lie to students and faculty alike. However, years later, they learn a long buried secret may not be buried like they thought.

I had started this book several years ago, but never finished it. I don't remember why, but I did remember liking what I had read. I'm hoping to read the whole book, thus getting the whole story. I've heard mixed reviews on Ruth Ware, so I'm wondering where I'll fall. 

Thrillers/suspense books aren't really my normal reads of choice, but we're going to break out of our comfort zone in September. All of these books sound intriguing to me and I'm excited to read them. I have no clue if I'll get to all of them, but I'm hoping to. I'm hoping I love them as much as other people did. Mostly, I'm looking forward to good stories read as the weather cools down. 

James Patterson By James Patterson

 

James Patterson

By: James Patterson

Summary:

The famous and beloved writer gives you glimpses into his life- before, during and after becoming one of the best selling writers of our time. 

I have to admit to not knowing much about James Patterson before reading this book. It's really why I was so drawn to it. I've read several of his books- like millions of others. I've read an interview of his, but I didn't know his story. And let me tell you, there was far more to it than I ever thought there was. 

Within these pages, you will learn about the raw deal he got in school. He takes you through his high school years and how he, and numerous other fellow students, were manipulated into changing their college plans. 

Another thing I had no clue about was Patterson's highly successful career in advertising- before his successful writing career. He even tells you some of the campaigns he worked on that you may have heard of. 

While he's giving you the tour of his past, he opens up about a devastating loss. He introduces you to his first love and walks you through what it was like losing her, and the blow it was when it finally happened. It really brought out a side of him I wasn't expecting, but really enjoyed reading about. Some of my favorite books of his aren't his crime/thrillers, but the fiction ones. I was able to see where those beautiful stories came from. 

Patterson's humor is found throughout the entire book, which I loved. he didn't take anything too seriously and wasn't above poking fun at himself. I loved how he introduced you to his favorite cowriters. 

Fans of Patterson will enjoy hearing his story from his perspective. Those who only know him from his books will have the opportunity to get to know him. Long standing fans will get the feeling of hanging out with him over lunch while he talks about himself. You may not get the most detailed story of his life, but you enjoy what you do get. 

Part of My World

Part of My World

By: Jodi Benson

Summary:

Jodi invites gives you a glimpse into her life before, during and after the movie that made her famous. She shares the good times, the stressful times, the times her heart was completely broken and the faith that gave her the strength to navigate it all. 

Who hasn't seen the Disney smash hit, The Little Mermaid? Like most of the world, this is the movie that not only gave us songs to sing, but also introduced us to the talented woman behind the voice, Jodi Benson. But, that's all we knew her as- the voice of a mermaid millions of little kids were fascinated with. So, in reading her story, I got to learn more of who she is. 

Leading up to her famous role, she had navigated her parents divorce and her school years. And while, they helped shape the woman she became, I was more gripped with her story once Disney stepped in. It was fascinating to learn she struggled with her mega hit "Part of Your World". It was interesting to see how they were finally able to get the Broadway style out of her voice so Ariel could come through. I loved reading about the people she was blessed with who guided her every step of the way.

Mostly, in the second half of the book, I felt glued. It's here when she opens up about how her faith was tested through several devastating losses and uprooting lows. This life she had built no longer looked the way she expected it to and she had no choice but to walk through the dark times. 

While this book isn't an in depth look into her life, you definitely get to know the woman behind the iconic voice. You will smile, laugh and tear up as you turn the pages. You'll learn that working with Disney can be the golden touch in your life, but it doesn't save you from heartache and struggles. Marriages still have the ability to fall apart, loved ones still pass on, celebratory times can still quickly turn into mourning times. And that's when, and why, you have God. Relying on His strength helps you put on foot in front of the other when you want to do anything but that. 

I enjoyed reading her Jodi's story. I thank her for sharing the highs and lows with us. She has blessed us all with not just Ariel's story- and hers.

 

Hello, Molly!

Hello, Molly!

Molly Shannon

Genre: Memoirs/Entertainment

Summary:

Like many, I was first introduced to Molly Shannon through Saturday Night Live. While she would alter act in movies I watched, I never knew much about her. I couldn't tell you anything about her. Through the pages of her memoir, I got to know about her life and how it shaped her. She shares the tragic, the funny, the daring and the achievements.  

I remember laughing at the characters Molly played on Saturday Night Live. Who didn't when Mary Katherine Gallagher came on?! Or Sally O'Malley! I knew when they were on, I was in for a good skit. All I knew was they were funny. That was really all I cared to know. That not knowing was my loss- a realization I've recently come to discover. 

Within the pages of her book, Molly shares with you her childhood and how the events she lived through effected how she lived her life. She opens up about her complex relationship with her Dad and the journey it was to get to the happy ending. She'll tell you about the gutsy (and possibly illegal) methods she used to get her name out there. She's going to tell you how her own determination, and belief in herself, motivated her to get people to attend her own 1 woman show- and how that led her to the role most of us met her in, Saturday Night Live.

This book is going to let you see not only the creation of her famous characters, but the metamorphosis they took from creation to what we saw. You're going to learn how Molly got her name out there and was successful when the odds were stacked against her. She's going to be vulnerable and candid as she retells how she grew up and became famous. 

This book will make you smile and chuckle. It will have you rooting for little Molly and you will cheer with every achievement grown up Molly has. Curl up and enjoy getting to know one of the women that shaped a tv show, but comedy, too.  

 

With Love From London

 

With Love From London

By: Sarah Jio

Genre: Fiction/ Women's Fiction

Summary:

On the heels of finding out her husband wants a divorce, Valentina learns her Mother has died and left her daughter her estate. The same mother who left when Valentina was 12. Armed with a broken heart and more questions than answers, Valentina arrives in London only to discover what she never knew and find what she never knew she needed.

I feel like a broken record, but Sarah Jio has done it again! She has crafted a story that devours you as you take in every word. She has designed a world you want to be a part of- and feel you are as you're reading her words. I didn't want to the book to end. In fact, I prolonged finishing this book because I didn't want to leave Primrose Hill or all the characters. 

Valentina has memories of her mother that center around books and love. However, she also remembers coming home when she was 12 to find her mother gone. No goodbye, no contact to be had again, and no clue as to why. Still, she goes on to make a life for herself in marrying Nick. But, the happy ending she thought she had was not to be. Her dearly beloved informs her that he's leaving her for the younger woman he'd been cheating on her with. And if that isn't enough, a phone call informs her that the mother she hasn't seen since she was 12 has died and left her everything she had: a building in Primrose Hill, London with a bookstore on the bottom floor and apartments on the two upper floors. Sounds like the perfect time to move to London. However, upon arriving, it doesn't take long to learn Valentina must pay a hefty inheritance tax- with money she doesn't have. It also doesn't take long for her to learn that the business isn't doing well and it'll take a miracle to save it. 

Amongst all this news, Valentina begins meeting the people who became her mother's world. Starting with a tenant in the 2nd floor apartment, Liza. This spunky woman is about Valentina's age and helps introduce her to the area. Valentina meets Millie, her mother's best friend and business partner. The bookstore, itself, is another entity that captures Valentina's heart. She quickly decides she wants to fight for the store.

As you are meeting the new world Valentina finds herself in, you follow Eloise's (Valentina's mother) story. You meet the men who shape her life and the paths she takes with them. You see her meet Valentina's father and the life they build. You also see how it falls apart and, ultimately, how Eloise and Valentina end up on opposite sides of the world. Your heart breaks as the story unfolds. You cheer Eloise on as she rebuilds her life and how prevalent Valentina always was. 

It took me no time at all to be glued to all the dynamics within this book! The mother/daughter relationship that forcibly changed. The daughter rebuilding her life after it fell apart. Both women learning to move forward when you don't think you can. Sarah Jio has written another favorite in With Love From London. It was well worth waiting for. This book will find a cherished spot on my bookshelves the day it comes out.