It's Monday, What Are You Reading (142)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

Books read:

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig

I thought this was a good book though it has its flaws. I wish there was more detail to give the reader a sense of place.

Golden by Jessi Kirby

I loved Moonglass when I read it a few years ago so I had high hopes for this one. Thankfully it more than met my expectations. Now I just need to write my glowing review :)

Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield

This was an interesting historical fantasy novel set in London during the 1600s. I enjoyed the setting and learning about Chantress magic. 

Books reviewed:

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig

Currently reading:

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (reread)

I decided to reread this series after seeing the trailer for the second movie, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. I wasn't a fan of the first movie though I love the books and I am willing to give the second movie a chance too.

What I plan to read next:

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

I've only heard good things about this book. It is one of my book discussion books for this month and hopefully my book group members will like it.

Little Century by Anna Kesey

This is my evening book group's April pick. I am looking forward to reading it. I find it interesting that this cover looks more like a historical Christian romance (it isn't Christian fiction) while the original cover looks like a Western. We'll see which cover best matches the story...

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (reread)

I don't remember this book as well as I remember The Lightning Thief. I may only have read it once and I wanted to refresh my memory. Of course the movie will probably be very different if I base things on how the first movie went.

Vanity Fare by Megan Caldwell

I read a really positive review of Vanity Fare earlier this week which made me bump it up on my TBR pile. I love the cover and think this will be a good lighthearted read.

Review: The Ashford Affair

The Ashford Affair

By Lauren Willig

Published: April 9, 2013

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig "spins a web of lust, power and loss" (Kate Alcott) that is by turns epic and intimate, transporting and page-turning 

As a lawyer in a large Manhattan firm, just shy of making partner, Clementine Evans has finally achieved almost everything she’s been working towards—but now she’s not sure it’s enough. Her long hours have led to a broken engagement and, suddenly single at thirty-four, she feels her messy life crumbling around her. But when the family gathers for her grandmother Addie’s ninety-ninth birthday, a relative lets slip hints about a long-buried family secret, leading Clemmie on a journey into the past that could change everything. . . .

What follows is a potent story that spans generations and continents, bringing an Out of Africa feel to a Downton Abbey cast of unforgettable characters. From the inner circles of WWI-era British society to the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the red-dirt hills of Kenya, the never-told secrets of a woman and a family unfurl.

My review:

This book has features a storytelling device that I particularly enjoy-a dual narrative that is set in the past and the present. It also revolves around family secrets, something that I love. The Ashford Affair is compared to Downton Abbey and Out of Africa but the characters didn't really remind me of Downton Abbey though Addie is a "poor relation" of an aristocratic family. The book does look at the limitations placed on women at that time as well as the slightly increasing freedoms available to them which might appeal to fans of the show. While I am not as familiar with Out of Africa, I did think that the part of the story that takes place in Africa did not have the sense of place I expected, perhaps because I had recently finished reading A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn which does a tremendous job with the setting.

While the description gives more room to Clemmie, it is Addie's story that I think is most important. I wanted to know her secrets and find out what happened in Kenya. Addie starts out as a young orphan who is taken to live at Ashford by her uncle, the Earl. Her aunt doesn't like her at all but Addie's cousin Bea takes her in and makes her feel wanted. Bea is a complicated character but Addie adores her in spite of her failings until they grow up and things change.

I started out really liking this book and its characters, especially Addie but as the story went on, that changed. Addie comes across as naive and childlike while her love interest is jaded and dealing with PTSD after WWI.  Addie did serve as a nurse so it wasn't like she was sheltered from the war. She was just living in a fairy tale world in a way. From that point on, the historical parts of the book didn't work as well for me. I didn't like her love interest and his behavior and when Addie arrived in Kenya, I felt disappointed. I wanted more detail and to feel like she was in Kenya because of the description and detail. It wasn't enough for me. I also couldn't stand Bea by that point though I did understand that she felt trapped by her circumstances.

The ending left some things unanswered regarding Addie and Bea. I wish that been explored in more detail. I also thought that things wrapped up too neatly in the modern story. There is a big secret revealed but then it ends without looking at how it impacts the characters.

My thoughts overall is that this is mostly a good book (with flaws) but it could have benefited from more detail in the historical parts. I thought the characters were interesting but flawed and the elements of mystery kept me turning the pages even when some of the characters annoyed me. I liked that The Ashford Affair is different from the author's Pink Carnation series which has more humor, romance, and mystery while The Ashford Affair was more of a family saga. I would suggest this book to fans of Lauren Willig and Sarah Jio. For those looking for more historical detail, perhaps try A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn.

Note: I received an ARC of this book for review from Amazon Vine

Waiting on Wednesday (119)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.   

This week, I'm waiting on:

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Release date: May 7, 2013

Description:

For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t. 

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.

But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.

A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

I am definitely in the mood to read summer books after the warm weather we've had for the past few days. I think this sounds really promising.

Review: While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey

By Wendy Wax

Published: April 2, 2013

When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of Downton Abbey, four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama, and—even more unexpectedly—with each other…

Samantha Davis married young and for the wrong reason: the security of old Atlanta money—for herself and for her orphaned brother and sister. She never expected her marriage to be complicated by love and compromised by a shattering family betrayal.

Claire Walker is now an empty nester and struggling author who left her home in the suburbs for the old world charm of The Alexander, and for a new and productive life. But she soon wonders if clinging to old dreams can be more destructive than having no dreams at all.

And then there’s Brooke MacKenzie, a woman in constant battle with her faithless ex-husband. She’s just starting to realize that it’s time to take a deep breath and come to terms with the fact that her life is not the fairy tale she thought it would be.

For Samantha, Claire, Brooke—and Edward, who arranges the weekly gatherings—it will be a season of surprises as they forge a bond that will sustain them through some of life’s hardest moments—all of it reflected in the unfolding drama, comedy, and convergent lives of Downton Abbey. 

My review:

I think that watching Downton Abbey in a group with themed desserts and drinks and a discussion afterwards would be a lot of fun. I kind of envied the characters on their Sunday night Downton Abbey viewings! I thought the premise of this book was very interesting because of the Downton Abbey angle but the book is about so much more than the show. 

The three main characters all come from different backgrounds but I like how the show (and Edward) brings them together. I did find that Claire's story was not as compelling as that of Samantha or Brooke. I wish her character received more development but I thought that the other characters were well drawn. 

Brooke is a single mom with two young kids and her ex-husband is a swine (a plastic surgeon who dumped her when she wouldn't go under the knife herself even though she put him through medical school). While his character is rather two dimensional I liked how Brooke grows throughout the book and starts to heal from the damage he inflicted on her self-esteem. To the other women, Samantha seems to have a perfect life and at first they are standoffish towards her but they gradually see her as a real person with real problems.

While the characters gather to watch and discuss Downton Abbey, the show does not parallel what is going on in the book. This is in a way refreshing. I think it would have been too much if there were similar characters or storylines or a portrayal of class differences, etc. We do get the character of Edward whose family was in service to British aristocracy and he himself is a concierge and takes it very seriously. We also see some snobbery in Samantha's brother and his reaction to working in service careers but the book does not dwell on the same themes as the show. Instead the show is a vehicle for the characters to come together and form friendships which I kind of liked.

For those who haven't seen Downton Abbey, be warned that there are spoilers for the first and second seasons of the show. For those who have seen the show, this might be a fun way to revisit it. I enjoyed While We Were Watching Downton Abbey even with its minor flaws. I only wish I could live at the Alexander and be part of the club! 

I would suggest this book to fans of Claire Cook and similar authors and especially to those who enjoy Downton Abbey and contemporary fiction for women.

Note: I received an e-ARC for review purposes courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (141)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I am so happy that April is here! Hopefully winter is behind us. Today it was sunny and in the 60s and a really beautiful day. It finally felt like spring!

I was able to get caught up on some reviews this past week and weekend and I am working my way through my review TBR pile. I also made a (very small) dent in housework that I've neglected. It feels good to get caught up after the craziness of last month.

Books read:

Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

This book was a big disappointment for me and the members of my book group felt the same way. While we admired the author for wanting to make a difference in the lives of the Afghan women, we also had issues with the way the book was written, it's truthfulness, and the content she chose to include that could endanger the subjects.

The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

I thought this was a pretty good YA suspense novel though I sometimes thought the protagonist made dumb decisions. It was interesting reading about someone in witness protection and trying to solve the mystery.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

While it could have used some editing, I thought this novel was fantastic and loved the story of Jean Valjean. I think reading this book really enriched my understanding of the characters and made me like the movie even more.

His Majesty's Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal

This was more of a spy novel than a mystery but there was quite a bit of suspense as Maggie is undercover in Nazi Germany. I found it to be a page turner and a book I devoured in a day.

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

Ally Carter's books are always fun and this proved to be a quick and entertaining read. I liked getting a look at Hale's family and seeing his relationship with Kat develop further. 

A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn

This book was not quite what I was expecting. I loved the setting but didn't care that much for the protagonist. We would not have been friends :)

Books reviewed:

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

Currently reading:

The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig

This book is also (partially) set in Kenya in the 1920s as well as England in the early 1900s and modern day New York. So far I like it a lot more than A Spear of Summer Grass as far as the characters go anyway.

What I plan to read next:

Golden by Jessi Kirby

I've read some positive early reviews of this and I enjoyed the author's debut, Moonglass. I am hopeful that I will like this too. It will be good to read a YA contemporary after all the historical fiction!

Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt

This is one of my book group books for April. I am looking forward to it. I've heard it is an emotional story.

Review: Going Vintage

Going Vintage

By Lindsey Leavitt

Published: March 26, 2013

When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys. She also swears off modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to "go vintage" and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn't cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma's list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous. But the list is trickier than it looks. And obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy's cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she'll get it done. Somehow.

My review:

Going Vintage is a book I would have loved as a teen. As an adult, I still think it is pretty fun though it does have some minor flaws. Part of what really makes this story work is Mallory's offbeat character and relationship with her supportive younger sister Ginnie. Even during the  few occasions when I was annoyed with Mallory's behavior, Ginnie was a positive presence. As a little sister, she is almost too good to be true! 

Mallory's desire to give up modern technology and live like a teen in the 1960s is both admirable and over the top. I liked that she found her grandmother inspirational even though she had a very unrealistic view of how it would have been to be a teenager in those times. Thankfully Mallory does learn a lesson from all of this and she grows because of it. I also appreciated that she mostly stuck with her decision and stayed away from technology even though it was very tempting.

There are some story lines that I thought wrapped up too quickly or neatly and I wish there had been more exploration of what young women's lives really would have been like in the 1960s but overall I thought this was a fun story. I liked Mallory and her family and the strong relationship between Mallory and her sister especially. I thought the romance was nice though Oliver was almost too perfect. It is good to see a nice guy character who doesn't fit the mold and I liked the development of his relationship with Mallory. 

This is a good book to read when you are in the mood for something light and quirky. I'd suggest Going Vintage to fans of Elizabeth Eulberg and those who enjoy lighthearted contemporary YA fiction. I enjoyed the story and plan to check out the author's other books.

Note: I received a copy for review courtesy of Netgalley

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I am home visiting my parents for Easter and my dad's birthday which makes the day even more special. 

I have been enjoying my time with my family and yesterday we watched Les Miserables which I think is a great movie for this time of year since it is a story of redemption and grace. I just finished the book this afternoon and hopefully will have a review written for later this week.

If you celebrate, I wish you a Happy Easter and Resurrection Sunday!

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (140)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

My busy month is winding down and with my library's big Star Wars program out of the way I should be able to find more time for reading and getting caught up on reviews!

Books read:

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

I liked this book and the references to the show though I did wish there were more parallels between the show and the various storylines in the book.  If you haven't watched the first two seasons of Downton Abbey and want to avoid spoilers, I'd wait to read this book until you've caught up!

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt

I thought this was a fun book overall. I hope to have my review posted later this week.

Books reviewed:

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Currently reading:

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I made a little progress with this book but had to stop so I could read my book group books. I am currently at the part where Marius has seen Cosette in the Luxembourg Gardens and fallen in love. It is kind of funny especially when he picks up a handkerchief that he thinks belongs to Cosette (but actually belongs to Jean Valjean) and kisses it. I hope to get back to reading Les Miserables soon.

Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

I am finding this to be more readable than The Round House which ended up being a DNF for me. Still I think I managed to select two duds for book discussion this month. Sadly I was so excited about both books.

The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

This is a book for review.  I remember reading a book about a teen in witness protection when I was a teen. It may have been a Lois Duncan book but I'm not sure. I like The Rules for Disappearing so far. It is both suspenseful and frustrating at the same time. I definitely prefer it to the Nora Roberts book, The Witness.

What I plan to read next:

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

It will be awhile before I get to this I think but it is next on my list once I finish my current books (except for Les Miserables).

Review: Poison

Poison

By Bridget Zinn

Published: March 12, 2013

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

My review:

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. There is quite a bit of humor and lightheartedness so even though Kyra is on the run and has a dark task ahead of her, the story is actually fun. 

Kyra is a smart and funny main character and she isn't perfect. She makes mistakes and sometimes trusts the wrong people or doesn't trust the right ones. I think this made her easier to relate to. There are some mysteries about her and some things that I wish were explored more such as her other abilities aside from potion making.

Fred also adds to the humor and I love their banter. He is not exactly a "Prince Charming" type but he is a decent guy who still has the ability to make Kyra a bit weak-kneed at times (though she really fights the attraction-she has a job to do!). Instead of being a hero who saved the day, they really helped each other quite a bit.

I do wish we'd gotten to know the secondary characters a little better. Of those characters, I think Princess Ariana is the one I felt I knew the best by the end of the book. Being able to see the flashbacks of their friendship through Kyra's memories certainly helped.

The magical world that the author created was very interesting. I liked learning about how magic worked and the various potions Kyra could create. That aspect of the book reminded me of Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock and I think Poison would appeal to fans of that book.

Overall, although it had some minor flaws, I thought this book was charming and funny with some suspense and plot twists but nothing overly dark. Although this isn't a fairy tale, it has that kind of tone as well as light fantasy. I laughed out loud while reading and had a smile on my face as I turned the last page. I only wish there was more.


Note: I am honored that I had the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book. It is so sad that the author Bridget Zinn did not live to see it published.

Waiting on Wednesday (118)

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme to discuss upcoming books we can't wait to get our hands on. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.   

This week, I'm waiting on:

Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews

Release date: June 4, 2013

Description from Goodreads:

Take a splash of betrayal, add a few drops of outrage, give a good shake to proper behavior and take a big sip of a cocktail called…Ladies' Night!

 Grace Stanton’s life as a rising media star and beloved lifestyle blogger takes a surprising turn when she catches her husband cheating and torpedoes his pricey sports car straight into the family swimming pool.  Grace suddenly finds herself locked out of her palatial home, checking account, and even the blog she has worked so hard to develop in her signature style.  Moving in with her widowed mother, who owns and lives above a rundown beach bar called The Sandbox, is less than ideal.  So is attending court-mandated weekly "divorce recovery" therapy sessions with three other women and one man for whom betrayal seems to be the only commonality.  When their “divorce coach” starts to act suspiciously, they decide to start having their own Wednesday "Ladies' Night" sessions at The Sandbox, and the unanticipated bonds that develop lead the members of the group to try and find closure in ways they never imagined.  Can Grace figure out a new way home and discover how strong she needs to be to get there? 

Heartache, humor, and a little bit of mystery come together in a story about life’s unpredictable twists and turns.  Ladies' Night will have you raising a glass and cheering these characters on. 

I have become a fan of Mary Kay Andrews and loved her last book, Spring Break. I think this sounds like fun and a great summer beach read. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading (139)

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

This is going to be a really really busy month for me so I anticipate not much time for reading or blogging but I will do my best!

Books read:

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

This was a really creepy thriller at times. My book group members all enjoyed it and we found much to discuss though all of us decided the story wrapped up well enough that we didn't want to continue on to the sequel.

Poison by Bridget Zinn

This was a charming fantasy book and I am currently working on my review which hopefully I will post later this week.

Books reviewed:

Also Known As by Robin Benway

Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman

Currently reading:

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

I made some progress with Les Miserables and now I am nearly halfway through! Of course I am starting to skim the passages that are irrelevant to the story...

What I plan to read next:

Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez

I need to start this book soon since it is for my book group. It is the true story of  an American hairstylist's experiences starting a beauty school in Afghanistan.

The Round House by Louise Erdrich

I haven't read anything by Louise Erdrich but I am excited to start with this novel since it is a National Book Award winner and has been so well reviewed. My afternoon book group will be discussing it this month.

Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter

I am looking forward to reading this book as I usually love Ally Carter's novels though I prefer the Gallagher Girls series to this one.

What have you been reading lately? 

Have you read any of the books on my list?

Review: Lighthouse Bay

Lighthouse Bay

By Kimberley Freeman

Published: April 9, 2013

In 1901, a ship sinks off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay?

Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again.

In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay.

My review:

I usually enjoy stories with dual narratives that are set in the past and in the present so I was pretty sure I would like Lighthouse Bay. I did find Isabella's story to be more compelling but I still liked the contemporary story because of the sibling relationship between Libby and Juliet and wanting to find out what happened to cause their estrangement. 

All three of the women are dealing with grief: Isabella is grieving the loss of her child, Libby is mourning for her dead lover, and Juliet also has a loss she has been dealing with for 20 years. Part of the story revolves around how they learn to cope. Isabella in particular has a difficult time partly because of her husband's cruel behavior. Perhaps this is why I found her story so interesting. She has a lot of growing and healing to do.

At first I wasn't sure that I would like the character of Isabella but I came to understand that some of her odd behavior was due to the twin blows of the death of her baby and the meanness of her husband and his family. They really controlled her and wouldn't allow her to grieve which I think led to almost madness. I think anyone who has experience such a deep and shocking loss and then wasn't able to mourn or show sadness might react in the same way. 

I enjoyed the setting and reading about the history of Lighthouse Bay. It seems to be a character of its own. The writing style is descriptive at times without bogging down the pacing. Even though the secrets weren't really hard to figure out, I still kept turning the pages because I wanted to know what would happen, especially with Isabella-would she escape the clutches of her husband's family? 

There is some romance for the characters too but it isn't the main focus of the book. Instead the book looks more at family relationships and dealing with loss and healing. I think this would be a good pick for fans of books like The Violets of March by Sarah Jio or The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff. Fans of Susanna Kearsley might also enjoy it though the book does not involve any time travel elements. Readers who enjoy historical fiction should also take note. 


Note: I received an e-ARC for review courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss