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7 Books to add to your summer reading list

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Kick off your summer reading with the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge! This year’s lineup is not to be missed. (The challenge is kicking off with Paula Hawkins’ new novel, Into the Water!) All summer long, I’ll be featuring awesome new books from fantastic authors as part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your summer reading list, and BookSparks has some great suggestions for July.

7 Books to add to your summer reading list

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about your summer reading list, and BookSparks has some great suggestions for July.

Hello Sunshine by Laura Dave

From the Amazon: Sunshine Mackenzie is living the dream—she’s a culinary star with millions of fans, a line of #1 bestselling cookbooks, and a devoted husband happy to support her every endeavor. And then she gets hacked. When Sunshine’s secrets are revealed, her fall from grace is catastrophic. She loses the husband, her show, the fans, and her apartment. She’s forced to return to the childhood home—and the estranged sister—she’s tried hard to forget. But what Sunshine does amid the ashes of her own destruction may well save her life.

A Game of Ghosts by John Connolly

From the Amazon: It is deep winter and the darkness is unending. A private detective named Jaycob Eklund has vanished and Charlie Parker is assigned to track him down. Parker’s employer, Edgar Ross, an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has his own reasons for wanting Eklund found. Eklund is no ordinary investigator—he is obsessively tracking a series of homicides and disappearances, each linked to reports of hauntings. Now Parker is drawn into Eklund’s world: a realm in which the monstrous Mother rules a crumbling criminal empire, in which men strike bargains with angels, and in which the innocent and guilty alike are pawns in a game of ghosts…

Eden by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg

From the Amazon: Becca Meister Fitzpatrick―wife, mother, grandmother, and pillar of the community―is the dutiful steward of her family’s iconic summer tradition . . . until she discovers her recently deceased husband squandered their nest egg. As she struggles to accept that this is likely her last season in Long Harbor, Becca is inspired by her granddaughter’s boldness in the face of impending single-motherhood, and summons the courage to reveal a secret she was forced to bury long ago: the existence of a daughter she gave up fifty years ago. The question now is how her other daughter, Rachel―with whom Becca has always had a strained relationship―will react.

A Work of Art by Micayla Lally

From the Amazon: Letting go after her abrupt break-up with Samson is harder than Julene thought it would be, especially since her ex has wasted no time in burying himself in the local dating scene. But during an extended visit to her parents overseas, Julene rediscovers her love of art, and a burgeoning career develops. Samson, on the other hand, after trying valiantly―and unsuccessfully―to forget Julene, has settled instead on his own new career. When Julene returns home to Australia, a coincidental meeting leads to an emotional reunion―but her love and patience will be tested when she finds out just how busy Samson has been in her absence. Yes, they have both made mistakes they can work through and move past―but when a specter from Samson’s past looms, Julene wonders: Can she trust him again?

The Captain’s Daughter by Meg Mitchell Moore

From the Amazon: Growing up in Little Harbor, Maine, the daughter of a widowed lobsterman, Eliza Barnes could haul a trap and row a skiff with the best of them. But she always knew she’d leave that life behind. Now that she’s married, with two kids and a cushy front-row seat to suburban country club gossip in an affluent Massachusetts town, she feels adrift. When her father injures himself in a boating accident, Eliza pushes the pause button on her own life to come to his aid. But when she arrives in Maine, she discovers her father’s situation is more dire than he let on. Eliza’s homecoming is further complicated by the reemergence of her first love–and memories of their shared secret. Then Eliza meets Mary Brown, a seventeen-year-old local who is at her own crossroad, and Eliza can’t help but wonder what her life would have been like if she’d stayed.

American Family by Catherine Marshall-Smith

From the Amazon: Richard and Michael, both three years sober, have just decided to celebrate their love by moving in together when Richard―driven by the desire to do the right thing for his ten-year-old-daughter, Brady, whom he has never met―impulsively calls his former father-in-law to connect with her. With that phone call, he jeopardizes the one good thing he has―his relationship with Michael―and also threatens the world of the fundamentalist Christian grandparents who love Brady and see her as payback from God for the alcohol-related death of her mother. Unable to reach an agreement, the two parties hire lawyers who have agendas far beyond the interests of the families―and Brady is initially trusted into Richard and Michael’s care. But when the judge learns that the young girl was present when a questionable act took place while in their custody, she returns Brady to her grandparents. Ultimately, it’s not until further tragedy strikes that both families are finally motivated to actually act in the “best interests of the child.”

The Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor

From the Amazon: One summer day on the beach in Florida, two extraordinary things happen to Maeve Donnelly. First, she is kissed by Daniel, the boy of her dreams. Then, she is bitten by a blacktip shark. Eighteen years later, Maeve has thrown herself into her work as a world-traveling marine biologist discovering more about the minds of misunderstood sharks. But when Maeve returns home to the legendarily charming and eccentric Hotel of the Muses where she was raised by her grandmother, she finds more than just the blood orange sunsets and key lime pies she’s missed waiting for her.

Throughout the summer, I’ll be reviewing certain books from the reading challenge as well as posting tons of book pics on Instagram. I can’t wait to dive into this month’s reading selection. Stay tuned!

This year, BookSparks has partnered with Apple iBooks as the official books sponsor for SRC. You can shop for all of the summer reading selections in the custom SRC store and read the books on your favorite device. Click HERE to visit the #SRC2017 iBooks store.

What’s on your summer reading list?

P.S. Don’t miss the June book selections!

P.P.S. There’s a SOAK sandals giveaway happening now!

These books are being sent to me to review and are part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. This blog uses affiliate and referral links. Clicking a link costs you nothing, but the small commission from your click/purchase helps support this blog. Thank you!

The post 7 Books to add to your summer reading list appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..


The novel you’ll want to read on vacation: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

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I’ve wanted to read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ever since I saw that it was part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.

I've wanted to read Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ever since I saw that it was part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge

Here’s the cover blurb:

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

I've wanted to read Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ever since I saw that it was part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.

My thoughts on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is just the sort of dishy, Hollywood-inspired drama that makes for great summer reading. Evelyn Hugo feels like she could have been a real movie star, and her Elizabeth Taylor-esque list of husbands is just the start.

In the novel, two stories unfold at once as Monique interviews the movie legend and as Evelyn tells the story of her past. There’s plenty of Hollywood intrigue, which feels ripped from the headlines, but the real focus of the story is who was Evelyn Hugo’s great love. The revelation happens relatively early in the story, but I won’t ruin the surprise. However, it does take the story in a direction readers might not expect.

The ending is a bit predictable, or perhaps inevitable is the better word, but the book is definitely worth packing for your next vacation.

What’s on your summer reading list?

P.S. If you are looking for more book suggestions, don’t miss 7 Books to add to your summer reading list!

P.P.S. This year, BookSparks has partnered with Apple iBooks as the official books sponsor for SRC. You can shop for all of the summer reading selections in the custom SRC store and read the books on your favorite device. Click HEREto visit the #SRC2017 iBooks store.

This book was sent to me to review and is part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. This blog uses affiliate and referral links. Clicking a link costs you nothing, but the small commission from your click/purchase helps support this blog. Thank you!

The post The novel you’ll want to read on vacation: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..

The book you’ll want to read poolside: Rich People Problems

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If you are looking for a juicy novel to read poolside, you won’t want to miss Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan’s latest novel about Asia’s uber-wealthy. Plus, it’s part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge.

If you are looking for a juicy novel to read poolside, you won't want to miss Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan's latest novel about Asia's uber-wealthy.

Here’s the cover blurb:

When Nicholas Young hears that his grandmother, Su Yi, is on her deathbed, he rushes to be by her bedside—but he’s not alone. The entire Shang-Young clan has convened from all corners of the globe to stake claim on their matriarch’s massive fortune. With each family member vying to inherit Tyersall Park—a trophy estate on 64 prime acres in the heart of Singapore—Nicholas’s childhood home turns into a hotbed of speculation and sabotage. As her relatives fight over heirlooms, Astrid Leong is at the center of her own storm, desperately in love with her old sweetheart Charlie Wu, but tormented by her ex-husband—a man hell bent on destroying Astrid’s reputation and relationship.

Meanwhile Kitty Pong, married to China’s second richest man, billionaire Jack Bing, still feels second best next to her new step-daughter, famous fashionista Colette Bing. A sweeping novel that takes us from the elegantly appointed mansions of Manila to the secluded private islands in the Sulu Sea, from a kidnapping at Hong Kong’s most elite private school to a surprise marriage proposal at an Indian palace, caught on camera by the telephoto lenses of paparazzi, Kevin Kwan’s hilarious, gloriously wicked new novel reveals the long-buried secrets of Asia’s most privileged families and their rich people problems.

If you are looking for a juicy novel to read poolside, you won't want to miss Rich People Problems, Kevin Kwan's latest novel about Asia's uber-wealthy.

My thoughts on Rich People Problems

I didn’t realize that this was the third book in a series, so I found the beginning a little disorienting. However, I was quickly sucked into the family drama and the fantastic cast of characters. A big chunk of the novel focuses on who will inherit Tyersall Park, Su Yi’s impressive Singapore estate. If that sounds boring, it’s definitely not. This is Bergdorf Blondes set in Asia. Like a glitzy soap opera, Rich People Problems dazzles the reader with name-dropping, couture-wearing characters, who show that money does not solve all problems. Now, I really need to read the first two books.

What’s on your summer reading list?

P.S. If you are looking for more book suggestions, don’t miss The novel you’ll want to read on vacation: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo!

P.P.S. This year, BookSparks has partnered with Apple iBooks as the official books sponsor for SRC. You can shop for all of the summer reading selections in the custom SRC store and read the books on your favorite device. Click HEREto visit the #SRC2017 iBooks store.

This book was sent to me to review and is part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. This blog uses affiliate and referral links. Clicking a link costs you nothing, but the small commission from your click/purchase helps support this blog. Thank you!

The post The book you’ll want to read poolside: Rich People Problems appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..

Mid-week read: The Guineveres

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The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing, and today’s book review is a surprise pop up blog tour. Sarah Domet’s The Guineveres is a haunting tale that unfolds like a lazy summer day.

The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing. Read next: Sarah Domet's The Guineveres, a haunting tale that unfolds like a lazy summer day.

From the Amazon:

To four girls who have nothing, their friendship is everything: they are each other’s confidants, teachers, and family. The girls are all named Guinevere―Vere, Gwen, Ginny, and Win―and it is the surprise of finding another Guinevere in their midst that first brings them together. They come to The Sisters of the Supreme Adoration convent by different paths, delivered by their families, each with her own complicated, heartbreaking story that she safeguards. Gwen is all Hollywood glamour and swagger; Ginny is a budding artiste with a sentiment to match; Win’s tough bravado isn’t even skin deep; and Vere is the only one who seems to be a believer, trying to hold onto her faith that her mother will one day return for her. However, the girls are more than the sum of their parts and together they form the all powerful and confident “The Guineveres, bound by the extraordinary coincidence of their names and girded against the indignities of their plain, sequestered lives.

The nuns who raise them teach the Guineveres that faith is about waiting: waiting for the mail, for weekly wash day, for a miracle, or for the day they turn eighteen and are allowed to leave the convent. But the Guineveres grow tired of waiting. And so when four comatose soldiers from the War looming outside arrive at the convent, the girls realize that these men may hold their ticket out.

The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing. Read next: Sarah Domet's The Guineveres, a haunting tale that unfolds like a lazy summer day.

My thoughts on The Guineveres:

This book has been on my to-read list for a while, so I was excited to get a chance to read it for a pop-up book review. Four girls named Guinevere have been abandoned at a convent, and all the girls want is to go home… or at least to leave. When the War brings comatose soldiers to the convent, the girls dream of life in the world and of making homes with their wounded soldiers.

I loved the way the story slowly unwound itself, revealing The Guineveres’ dark histories and glimpses into their futures. The narrator, Vere, often speaks in the first-person-plural, which is just one of the ways the author shows that these four girls think of themselves as one. But this is, also, a novel about growing up and growing apart, and by the book’s end, The Guineveres are no more.

Beautifully written, The Guineveres is a bittersweet tale of friendship and first love and the power of forgiveness.

 Do you have a favorite coming of age novel?

P.S. For more book reviews, check out 7 Books to add to your summer reading list!

This book was sent to me to review and is part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. This blog uses affiliate and referral links. Clicking a link costs you nothing, but the small commission from your click/purchase helps support this blog. Thank you!

The post Mid-week read: The Guineveres appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..

4 Books to finish off your summer reading

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The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is wrapping up with 4 fabulous books that are perfect for finishing off your summer reading.

The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is wrapping up with 4 fabulous books that are perfect for finishing off your summer reading.

Sour Heart by Jenny Zhang 

From the Amazon: A fresh new voice emerges with the arrival of Sour Heart, establishing Jenny Zhang as a frank and subversive interpreter of the immigrant experience in America. Her stories cut across generations and continents, moving from the fraught halls of a public school in Flushing, Queens, to the tumultuous streets of Shanghai, China, during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s. In the absence of grown-ups, latchkey kids experiment on each other until one day the experiments turn violent; an overbearing mother abandons her artistic aspirations to come to America but relives her glory days through karaoke; and a shy loner struggles to master English so she can speak to God.

Narrated by the daughters of Chinese immigrants who fled imperiled lives as artists back home only to struggle to stay afloat—dumpster diving for food and scamming Atlantic City casino buses to make a buck—these seven stories showcase Zhang’s compassion, moral courage, and a perverse sense of humor reminiscent of Portnoy’s Complaint. A darkly funny and intimate rendering of girlhood, Sour Heart examines what it means to belong to a family, to find your home, leave it, reject it, and return again.

The Leavers by Lisa Ko

From the Amazon: One morning, Deming Guo’s mother, Polly, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, goes to her job at a nail salon—and never comes home. No one can find any trace of her.
With his mother gone, eleven-year-old Deming is left mystified and bereft. Eventually adopted by a pair of well-meaning white professors, Deming is moved from the Bronx to a small town upstate and renamed Daniel Wilkinson. But far from all he’s ever known, Daniel struggles to reconcile his adoptive parents’ desire that he assimilate with his memories of his mother and the community he left behind.
Told from the perspective of both Daniel—as he grows into a directionless young man—and Polly, Ko’s novel gives us one of fiction’s most singular mothers. Loving and selfish, determined and frightened, Polly is forced to make one heartwrenching choice after another.

Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka

From the Amazon: When a beloved high schooler named Lucinda Hayes is found murdered, no one in her sleepy Colorado suburb is untouched—not the boy who loved her too much; not the girl who wanted her perfect life; not the officer assigned to investigate her murder. In the aftermath of the tragedy, these three indelible characters—Cameron, Jade, and Russ—must each confront their darkest secrets in an effort to find solace, the truth, or both. In crystalline prose, Danya Kukafka offers a brilliant exploration of identity and of the razor-sharp line between love and obsession, between watching and seeing, between truth and memory.

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

From the Amazon: Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she’s not crazy and doesn’t belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is.

Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn’t what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid–her true home–with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she’s sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she’s destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything . . . including Snow’s return to the world she once knew.

This breathtaking first volume begins the story of how Snow becomes a villain, a queen, and ultimately a hero.

Throughout the summer, I’ll be reviewing certain books from the reading challenge as well as posting tons of book pics on Instagram. I can’t wait to dive into this month’s reading selection. Stay tuned!

This year, BookSparks has partnered with Apple iBooks as the official books sponsor for SRC. You can shop for all of the summer reading selections in the custom SRC store and read the books on your favorite device. Click HERE to visit the #SRC2017 iBooks store.

What’s on your summer reading list?

P.S. Don’t miss the The novel you’ll want to read on vacation: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo!

These books are being sent to me to review and are part of the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. This blog uses affiliate and referral links. Clicking a link costs you nothing, but the small commission from your click/purchase helps support this blog. Thank you!

The post 4 Books to finish off your summer reading appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..

Woman No. 17 and more summer reading

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The book you’ll want to throw in your beach bag: Every Last Lie

June bonus book: Arboria Park

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June bonus book: Arboria Park

The BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing, and today’s book review is a surprise pop up blog tour. Arboria Park is inspired by Kate Tyler Wall’s actual childhood neighborhood and her love of punk…

The post June bonus book: Arboria Park appeared first on Happy. Pretty. Sweet..





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