Jen's Blog

I have anxiously been awaiting this third book of the Honeybee Sisters trilogy and it is maybe my favorite of the bunch!  I was charmed with both Lily and Poppy’s stories, but Rose’s story really touched me.   Like A Bee to Honey is really a story about forgiveness, learning not only to forgive others but also to forgive yourself. Rose is by far the sweetest and the most shy of the three sisters, and she has to work hard to overcome her fears with situations she finds herself in and with other people.  Despite her fears Rose is very caring and loving and tries to do her best for people around her. Josiah is so caring and gentle with her, and so earnest.  He just wants her to be happy and to love her.  My heart ached for him while he was being so patient and loving towards Rose.  I also love how Josiah is so unhandy and people know it, but don’t want to tell him because he tries so hard to be helpful.   Thanks to the editors and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy.  I

Anyone who knows what books I enjoy, knows by now that I love any book that features summer, the beach, an island or any combination of those things.   The Island House didn't disappoint.  I love Thayer's books that are set on the island of Nantucket, I love reading about the families who summer there and the families that stay there all year long. This book was exciting because it not only featured a family who lives on Nantucket year round, the Vickerey's, but also their "summer children".  The main focus of this novel is Courtney who was college roommates with Robin Vickerey.  Courtney has fallen in love with Robin's brother James, but has many unanswered questions about their relationship.  Also, someone from Courtney's past appears and makes her wonder if she knows her own heart. Although I enjoyed this book a lot, it wasn't quite as well written as some of Nancy Thayer's other books.  Rated 3/5 stars on Goodreads.

First, thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for the ARC of this book! Mad for the Plaid is the third book in the Oxenburg series by Karen Hawkins, this one featuring Nikolai Romanovin and Mairi MacKenzie.  Nikolai and Mairi make great characters, both strong, bold, fearless and very likable.  They are also great as a couple. Nikolai makes the journey to Scotland to help rescue his kidnapped grandmother, who had been staying at Mairi's house.  Together they travel through the Scottish countryside for the rescue, escaping danger along the way. I liked this one, as I do all of Karen Hawkins books.  However, this one fell just a little flat for me.  It felt a bit rushed and a little bit like other stories I have read before.  The highlight for me was the beginning of the book when Nikolai and Mairi are getting to know each other though letters.  Overall a good read, and a nice addition to the series.  Rated 3/5 on Goodreads.

Is anyone else having trouble getting their reading fix in during the Olympics?  I admit I adore the Olympics and have been pretty much watching them 24/7.  However, I am quite aware that summer is on its last legs and soon it will be fall.  I am looking forward to the routine that brings our household, with the boys back in school, but also am looking forward to curling up with my books on a cool fall night.  With that being said here is a short list of books that are due to be out in September that I am anticipating greatly!  September 6 th , 2016 Leave Me by Gayle Forman The Homeplace by Kevin Wolf Secret Ingredients of Wishes by Susan Bishop Crispell Loves Sweet Revenge by Rosanne Bittner Forks Over Knives Family: Every Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Kids on a Whole-Food, Plant-Based Diet by Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman September 27 th , 2016 The Promise Kitchen by Peggy Lampman Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston Do Yo

Thanks to Edelweiss for the chance to review this book. I adored Family Tree , it's exactly the type of story I love reading.  Some books speak to you from the first page until the last. Some books make you feel like you are saying good bye to a dear friend when you turn the last page. Some books make you feel happy and sad and satisfied all in the space of a few hours. This was one of those books. Annie and Fletcher, along with their families,  show us that it's never too late for love. They teach us that family isn't perfect but it's very important and most importantly they show us how important it is to be true to yourself so that you can find true happiness.  This book was well done in all aspects. Highly recommend. Rated 5/5 on Goodreads

  Janet Evanovich is known for her quirky and eccentric characters who find themselves is sticky situations.  This new series lives up to that reputation.  Curious Minds is the first in the Knight and Moon series by Evanovich (cowritten by Phoef Sutton) and it promises to take readers on new adventures and zany situations.   Riley Moon is a Harvard trained lawyer and business executive. She is funny and brave and can think on her feet. She never dreams that her ideal job will lead to danger.  Her first client turns out to be Emerson Knight who takes eccentric billionaire to a whole new level.  Emerson uncovers a plot that could ruin the US economy and he talks Riley into helping him. There adventure makes for a fun quick read.  It's a perfect beach read (which is where I read it!) that will keep you entertained.  I enjoyed the story very much and will look forward to the next book but I did find the plot a little hard to believe at times.  Overall very good. Thanks to Netgalle