I started the month with a visit home to see family and friends. My niece performed in the school play, chips & salsa! happy hours (yes... plural), rain provided ample time for shopping and I ran a half marathon with friends.
WT left a few days after I returned home. He was in London, Switzerland, Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore, somewhere else in China, back to Singapore, and finally returned home.
Our paths crossed just 4 days in May.
Let's talk books!
Reviews in this post: 4
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Why I picked it: I discovered this on iTunes while looking for something light/fun to listen to while walking.
Synopsis: When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.
Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon
Quick Take: This book might lean towards YA. I knew is was about a young college girl, who's heart is broken but I expected a lot more Shakespeare and not a break down. It was worth the listen to remember that girls get stuck, emotions and the way we react often impact our life long after the appropriate window of time.
I loved the ending - it's exactly what should have happened!
There is a book two, which I believe is the boy's side. That will/could be very interesting. I will read it.
I loved the ending - it's exactly what should have happened!
There is a book two, which I believe is the boy's side. That will/could be very interesting. I will read it.
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Review Copy
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Why I picked it: Decorating, party planning, food... all set in the Hampton's! I might plan another day trip in the next few weeks, to explore and shop local.
Synopsis: HAMPTON WEEKENDS is majestically laid-out with gorgeous photographs of Wright’s delicious dishes, Hampton’s picturesque landscapes and landmarks combined with recipes appropriate for the season which inspire and cultivate a farm to table flair. In four sections dedicated to the seasons of the year, there are timeless menus compiled from Wright’s personal collection with family, treasured friends and her own culinary experiences all with the 'Wright stamp' which is to entertain with ease and style.
Quick Take: I read this one in March/April but realized I forgot to post about it. This book reads like a memoir, it's a lovely book filled with stories and good food. Finishing this book I feel like I have experienced the Hampton's life, which happens to be one I aspire to in bits. I love a well thought table, rustic, family/friends focused occasions. This book is all about this way of life.
Recipes I plan to make:
- angel food cake with pears and fresh nutmeg
- corn bread
- marinated cucumbers
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy
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Why I picked it: Cathy Buchanan mentioned that she loved it, and she has a high bar for writing/literature. How could I not try it?
Synopsis: Southern belle Zelda meets F. Scott Fitzgerald at a country club dance in 1918. Before long, Zelda has fallen for him despite his unsuitability: Scott isn't wealthy or prominent or even a Southerner, and keeps insisting, absurdly, that his writing will bring him both fortune and fame. After Scott sells his first novel Zelda optimistically boards a train, to marry him and take the rest as it comes.
Quick Take: What a delight! This book is an easy/smart read that draws you in on page one. I wasn't prepared for the compelling story - I knew enough about Zelda and F Scott that I was expecting a dark story. It's dark but the author tells Zelda's story in a light/effortless way.
Add this one to your TBR list!
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy (NetGalley)
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Why I picked it: I was searching the internet for a book and landed on this one. After reading the 'Oprah love'... I bought it (the power on an ereader).
Synopsis: A dynamic business model for building a thriving career without compromising your faith. DeVon Franklin, vice president of production for Columbia Pictures, shares how being bold about his Christian faith while being driven and ambitious has actually worked in his favor to help him excel in a high-profile, fast-paced, competitive industry.
You are the movie. Produced by Faith parallels each step of the Hollywood filmmaking process with the faith-making process God uses to turn your career into a success.
Quick Take: This book is meant to encourage you to look at life and make changes. Ask yourself this, would you like to watch your life as a movie? Would you be content/proud to let others watch it? If not, what changes would you make. Make a list, set goals and start writing the 'sequel'. It's a very short book, with good stories. I'm glad I read it.
Rating: 4 stars
Source: personal copy
Source: Review Copy
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Why I picked it: Decorating, party planning, food... all set in the Hampton's! I might plan another day trip in the next few weeks, to explore and shop local.
Synopsis: HAMPTON WEEKENDS is majestically laid-out with gorgeous photographs of Wright’s delicious dishes, Hampton’s picturesque landscapes and landmarks combined with recipes appropriate for the season which inspire and cultivate a farm to table flair. In four sections dedicated to the seasons of the year, there are timeless menus compiled from Wright’s personal collection with family, treasured friends and her own culinary experiences all with the 'Wright stamp' which is to entertain with ease and style.
Quick Take: I read this one in March/April but realized I forgot to post about it. This book reads like a memoir, it's a lovely book filled with stories and good food. Finishing this book I feel like I have experienced the Hampton's life, which happens to be one I aspire to in bits. I love a well thought table, rustic, family/friends focused occasions. This book is all about this way of life.
Recipes I plan to make:
- angel food cake with pears and fresh nutmeg
- corn bread
- marinated cucumbers
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy
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Why I picked it: Cathy Buchanan mentioned that she loved it, and she has a high bar for writing/literature. How could I not try it?
Synopsis: Southern belle Zelda meets F. Scott Fitzgerald at a country club dance in 1918. Before long, Zelda has fallen for him despite his unsuitability: Scott isn't wealthy or prominent or even a Southerner, and keeps insisting, absurdly, that his writing will bring him both fortune and fame. After Scott sells his first novel Zelda optimistically boards a train, to marry him and take the rest as it comes.
Quick Take: What a delight! This book is an easy/smart read that draws you in on page one. I wasn't prepared for the compelling story - I knew enough about Zelda and F Scott that I was expecting a dark story. It's dark but the author tells Zelda's story in a light/effortless way.
Add this one to your TBR list!
Rating: 4 stars
Source: Review Copy (NetGalley)
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Why I picked it: I was searching the internet for a book and landed on this one. After reading the 'Oprah love'... I bought it (the power on an ereader).
Synopsis: A dynamic business model for building a thriving career without compromising your faith. DeVon Franklin, vice president of production for Columbia Pictures, shares how being bold about his Christian faith while being driven and ambitious has actually worked in his favor to help him excel in a high-profile, fast-paced, competitive industry.
You are the movie. Produced by Faith parallels each step of the Hollywood filmmaking process with the faith-making process God uses to turn your career into a success.
Quick Take: This book is meant to encourage you to look at life and make changes. Ask yourself this, would you like to watch your life as a movie? Would you be content/proud to let others watch it? If not, what changes would you make. Make a list, set goals and start writing the 'sequel'. It's a very short book, with good stories. I'm glad I read it.
Rating: 4 stars
Source: personal copy