BIg Magic

This is an insider's look into how Ms. Gilbert became a published author. 

Besides being part memoir, she also points out how to live a fulfilling and potentially lucrative creative life. She invites us to be curious, unflinching in our pursuits, and embrace the unique spark in each of us. 

I think the book is most helpful for those who work/live in a creative space, and many of the ideas she brings up are applicable to anyone. 

The audiobook is read by the author, which I appreciated. 

This book was recommended by a fellow creative, and I pass that recommendation on to you. 

What books have you read that spark your creativity? 

AMAZON

The path to the vibrant, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed of.

People of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.

Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

Women's Beach Club

Ms. Johnson delivers another great romance in this series. 

I'm a fan of the fake relationship trope, and the reasons for this one are compelling. 

Both characters have commitment issues along with other emotional baggage to work through as they simultaneously navigate their chemistry. 

Do you like the fake relationshipt trope? Would you agree to be in a fake relationship? Why or why not?

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He's a billionaire in hiding. She's a yoga instructor with an ex-boyfriend problem. When they attend a gala together and Tawny's ex is there, the next thing she knows, she's engaged to the handsome Tyler - who the children's wing is named after.

Tawny Loveless loves her beach yoga, her Women's Beach Club, and fruity drinks. Oh, and dogs. So it's no wonder when a golden retriever brings her face-to-face with a man she's seen plenty of times on the beach. He's hot, with a dazzling smile - but seemingly without a job.

Tyler Rigby doesn't need to work. As the reknowned "Poker King," the man has more money than he knows what to do with. So he donates here and there around the island and then he has to attend the galas honoring him.

Tawny's caught his eye, and he asks her to one such party. No strings attached, he says. That is until her ex-boyfriend is there and she's on the verge of a panic attack.

Then there are way more than strings attached - there are diamond rings involved in their fake engagement.

But his feelings are real, and once he tells her who he is, maybe - just maybe - they can have a shot at a true island romance.

Can Tyler and Tawny take their fake relationship from the headlines and into their private lives...where it could become happily-ever-after?

Straw & Diamonds

I always know I'm getting a satisfying read when I open one of Ms. Johnson's books. 

A bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling but in all the best ways. Sasha is sassy, and Jasper is a little lost. It was fun to watch them navigate their inner turmoil and schedules to come together, especially with the bets running in the background by Sasha's friends. 

Would you ask out a beast?

AMAZON

She's barely making ends meet with her beach side drink stand because her ex stole from her and fled the island. So Sasha Redding does what she has to in order to support herself—she takes a job cleaning a house in an exclusive gated community. She just didn't know she'd been hired by a billionaire beast...

Her plan to get out of debt doesn't afford her many hours of sleep, and the handsome man who owns the house she cleans doesn't help that when he tells her not to go upstairs, questions her for showering at his place (hers has no hot water) and then...asks her out.

Jasper Rosequist works in the diamond business and keeps odd hours due to his dealings in Europe, and he doesn't want anyone in his office upstairs. It's not a lair. (It's not.) Not only that, but with his schedule, maintaining a relationship with Sasha is difficult.

He wants to keep chipping away at her, because she's got a big wall around her heart, but he can see how good it is. He doesn't mean to come off as the beastly I-get-what-I-want type...but he does want her.

Can Sasha open her heart to the possibility of a second chance at love? Or will she get burned again?

Spectacular Things

Other than titling the book after the recurring song, that is my only critique of the story. 

This is my first read by Ms. Dorey-Stein, and she's an excellent storyteller. 

We follow the Low/Lowe (I listened to the audiobook so I'm unclear of the spelling) women through their lives one joyous and heartbreaking moment at a time. There is love, sacrifice, and choices, and depending on how each element is prioritized by each character determines the consequences for the others. 

Props to the audiobook narrator!

Warning: mature themes and swearing. 

What women-centric books would you recommend?

AMAZON

What would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return?

Mia and Cricket have always been close. The gifted daughters of a young single mother, the “Lowe girls” are well-known in the small Maine town they call home. Each sister has a role to fill: The responsible and academically minded Mia assumes the position of caregiver far too young, while Cricket, a bouncing ball of energy and talent, seems born for soccer stardom. But the cost of achieving athletic greatness comes at a steep price.

As Mia and Cricket grow up, they must grapple with the legacy of their mother’s secret past while navigating their own precarious future. Can Mia allow herself to fall in love at the risk of repeating a terrible history? Will Cricket’s relentless chase of a lifelong goal drive her sister away? When does loyalty become self-sabotage?

A sharply observed and tender portrait of sisters, love, and ambition, Spectacular Things is a sweeping story about the impossible choices we’re forced to make in pursuit of our dreams.

Whispers of Forever

I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Weaver. 

She's a solid writer, adept at romance, and her stories are sure to tug at your heartstrings. 

Enter the magical world of Ross Hughes and watch the sparks fly between Sam and Ethan. I kind of felt bad for her brother, Rafe, but he had a side love interest so not too bad for him when he had to third wheel. 

I did have a challenging time keepign all the family relationships straight. To that end, I'd recommend reading the series in order, even though they can be read as stand alones. 

Would you like to see the Ross Hughes book be written by Ms Weaver?

AMAZON

Love's First Meeting: When Virtual Sparks Ignite

Samantha Diderik’s digital world is about to collide with reality. Ethan Walters, her brother's college roommate and best friend, has been more than just an online presence; for the last year, he's a whispered secret in her heart. From a simple online acquaintance, her crush has grown into a yearning for something far beyond pixels.

Finally, she will meet him in person on a road trip with her brother. The journey will test if their powerful friendship can blossom into love. But the lingering threat of a stalker casts a shadow on it all.

Ethan, whose life has been overshadowed by the brilliance of a remarkable stepbrother, has always fought insecurity. Determined to pursue a career as a surgeon—just like his brother—Ethan is confronted with an agonizing choice: protect his aspirations or surrender to the intoxicating allure of a woman who has cracked the walls around his heart. He can’t have both.

Prepare to embark on a journey, where courage meets vulnerability, and love flourishes in the face of adversity. A testament to the power of the human heart and the whispers of a love worth fighting for.

Accomplice to the Villain

I've been so excited to read this next installment in the Villain's series because I thought it was a trilogy. 

SPOILER! It's not. 

There's more to come. 

Which I'm torn about. I defnintely want to see more of this world, and each character get ther HEA or at least a resolution. But I also want that post tied up with ribbons glow that comes from finishing an series that hit all the story points in all the right ways. 

Sigh. 

Be prepared to simultaneously listen at high speed or slow dowo to savor each deliciously crafted word. 

The audiobook narrator gets all the gold stars!!!

I guess I'll wait another year for the next one. 

#worththewait

Warning: there are mature themes and swearing. 

What magical/fairy tale series have you loved to read?

AMAZON

REWARD OFFERED: Apprentice to the Villain wanted for treason (light), magical property damage (alleged), and one incident involving a weaponized scone (accurate). Frequently seen with a grumpy frog (crowned, judgmental). Answers to "Evie" or "Stop that."

Evie Sage didn't mean to become the right-hand woman to the kingdom's most terrifying villain. One minute, she was applying for an entry-level position that promised "light paperwork and occasional beheadings," and the next, she was knee-deep in magical mayhem, murder plots, and an entirely inappropriate crush on her brooding, sharp-jawed, walking disaster of a boss.

Now, with a magical prophecy unraveling, assassins showing up in the break room, and a suspicious amount of frogs wearing crowns, Evie has to figure out how to survive her job without setting the kingdom on fire―or her dignity, which is hanging by a very sarcastic thread.

Being evil-adjacent was never part of the five-year plan. But then again...neither was falling for The Villain.

A magical office comedy with grumpy bosses, snarky frogs, and definitely-not-feelings.

Contains mature themes.

Taming His Heart

 Ms Hardy chose the big city girl meets cowboy trope for this book. 

And it works very well. You'll find yourself easily rooting for Laura and Justin to overcome their obstacles to carve a life together. 

Great best friends to help and side characters to keep life interesting beyond the mountain cougar. 

What cowboy books do you recommend I read?

AMAZON

She wanted adventure. What she didn’t expect to find was love.

Laura is finally done with college and could really use a break. What she didn't expect was to find herself spending a summer on a ranch in the middle of rural Idaho, but it's exactly what she needs.

Justin has worked at Cottonwood Ranch for years, and loves his job. And up until he meets Laura at Cottonwood Manor, he's perfectly happy putting every waking moment into the ranch.

The spark between them is undeniable, but the fact that Laura is only there for a few months hangs over their heads. Will she convince Justin that there is more to life than work, or will she go back to the world she's willing to leave behind?

The Complete Mercy's Embrace Trilogy

Originally I purchased book one of this series. 

Do yourself a favor and purchase the three in one pack. Book one and book two both end in cliffhangers leading you to need the next book to complete the story arc. And you'll want the whole story arc. 

Some readers get upset when an author does this. I had the privilege of picking up the series after they were all published or I might have been an irritated reader. 

If you're a Jane Austen fan, you'll love the cross over of characters betweeen her books to create a wonderful world and lots of plot threads to keep track of. 

Ultimately, you're following Anne Elliot's romance. 

Well done Ms. Hile. 

Do you like when author's leave you on a cliffhanger? Do you like Jane Austen crossover books?

AMAZON

Book 1: So Rough a Course
Time is running out. Elizabeth must find a husband soon, for her father’s plan of retrenchment — and his health — are failing. She is left to choose between Sir Henry, a worn-out man of fashion whose invalid wife is not quite dead, and wealthy, tiresome Mr. Rushworth.

But when a wondrous invitation arrives, Elizabeth throws caution to the wind. Alone in a moonlight garden, she encounters Admiral Patrick McGillvary, who is as disastrously handsome as he is opinionated.

As Elizabeth will discover, the course of love is anything but smooth.

Book 2: So Lively a Chase
Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the charming Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr. Rushworth's fortune.

Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr. Gill guards a secret of his own – and that he might be responsible for her father’s disappearance.

Book 3: The Lady Must Decide
As news of Elizabeth's broken engagement becomes known, the storm of social disapproval descends. She is left to wonder how she, with every claim to birth and beauty, has made such a middle of her life. Even worse, why has dear Mr. Gill suddenly become so distant?

Patrick Gill has dropped many a hint that he is not the lowly clerk he has pretended to be, but Elizabeth Elliot will have none of it. His playful jest has gone too far, for him as well as for her. But her father has fled from his creditors, leaving her in disgrace. Now “Mr. Gill” must force a meeting between Elizabeth and the man he truly is — Admiral McGillvary, a man she claims to despise.

As You Wish

The best way to read this book is to listen to the audiobook. 

It's narrated by Cary Elwes and any snippet by another contributer to the film is narrated by that actor, producer, director, writer, etc. unless they were deceased prior to the recording. 

It is such a wonderful Behind-The-Scenes book about one of the most quoted classic romance films of all time. 

If you haven't seen The Princess Bride, you must watch that first, then listen to this. (Also, how have you missed seeing this all ages timeless tale?)

It's simply marvelous, and I can't recommend it enough. 

Go. Listen. Now. 

I mean it. (Anybody want a peanut?)

What is your favorite moment in the movie?

AMAZON

From actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley in The Princess Bride, comes a first-person account and behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film filled with never-before-told stories and interviews with costars Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner.

The Princess Bride has been a family favorite for close to three decades. Ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time, The Princess Bride will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.

Cary Elwes was inspired to share his memories and give fans an unprecedented look into the creation of the film while participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary cast reunion. In As You Wish he has created an enchanting experience; in addition to interviews with his fellow cast mates, there are plenty of set secrets and backstage stories.

With a foreword by Rob Reiner, As You Wish is a must-have for all fans of this beloved film.

The full list of narrators includes: Cary Elwes, Christopher Guest, Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, and Billy Crystal.

He Loves Me Not

Usually I'm a happy camper when I pick up a book by Ms. Kersey. This time I struggled a bit. 

The writing is good. But I struggled with Lily, mostly because I wanted to smack her upside the head for not seeing the giant red flags of her relationship with Trevor. 

I understand that's the point of this trope. Falling for a manipulating, gaslighting, charming, abusive man. But there were missteps as to when she should involve the authorities regarding his activities. 

We're dealing with marital domestic abuse in this story, something I do agree needs to have a spotlight shone on it. 

I finished the book, but nearly gave up more than once, simply because I couldn't deal with the heroine's choices. 

What books do you recommend that cover domestic abuse? 

AMAZON

When college student Lily Jamison receives an ominous note telling her to "Stay away from him", she convinces herself it's a mistake. After all, she's barely met the two men it could be referring to. But as she begins to fall for the man with the striking blue eyes, the disturbing messages increase.

Refusing to believe warnings from an anonymous sender, and trusting her own heart, Lily presses forward with her relationship, eventually coming to understand the meaning behind the messages as she fears for her life.

Royal Intrigue

I always know I'm getting solid writing when I pick up a book by Ms. Abramson. 

I spent the whole time trying to figure out the villain before the reveal. I was on the right track. 

It's a wonderful friends to lovers story with life threatening attacks to drive the characters together and build both their chemistry and the suspense as the story unfolds. 

I've enjoyed the whole series. I suggest binge reading for best continuity. 

Which book in this series is your favorite and why?

AMAZON

A royal engagement in the seaside kingdom of Alameda has the makings of a fairy tale. And for Princess Annabelle of Sereno, her life-long friend Princess Tayla’s happy news is the perfect excuse for a visit. Annabelle arrives in full wedding-planning mode, but her enthusiasm is cut short the moment she steps off her yacht and spots a less-than-friendly face. Of all the people who could have jumped in to escort Annabelle to the castle, why did it have to be him?

Retrieving his sister’s annoying childhood friend is the last way Prince Leo would choose to spend his time, a sentiment that Annabelle clearly shares. But there’s no time to dwell on their mutual dislike. Moments after her arrival in Alameda, Annabelle’s luggage detonates, and the two royals barely make it out alive. Despite their long-standing animosity, Leo and Annabelle have no choice but to work together to discover the culprit and prevent another attack. As danger presses in on every side, the former foes soon discover that they may have been mistaken in their opinions of each other. But there are more pressing concerns than their shifting feelings because one thing is clear: someone is trying to kill the Alamedian royalty, and until they can uncover who it is, no one is safe.

The Summer House

A perfect beach read. 

There's a swoony hero that's down to earth. An independant heroine who doesn't need a man to fix her life. 

The best of best friends. A little boy. And even a dog. 

And lots of family drama discovered as renovations take place at the bed and breakfast. 

Ms. Hale hits all the right plot points for a romance, making the pacing spot on, and we get some lovely kisses. 

What books do you like to read on summer vacations?

AMAZON

Some summers will stay with you forever...

Callie Weaver and best friend Olivia Dixon have finally done it: put their life savings into the beach house they admired through childhood summers, on the dazzling white sand of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. They’re going to buff the salt from its windows, paint its sun-bleached sidings, and open it as a bed and breakfast.

Callie’s too busy to think about her love life, but when she catches the attention of local heartthrob Luke Sullivan, his blue eyes and easy smile make it hard to say no. He’s heir to his father’s property empire, and the papers say he’s just another playboy, but as they laugh in the ocean waves, Callie realizes there’s more to this man than money and good looks.

Just when true happiness seems within reach, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets... secrets that stretch across the island, and have the power to turn lives upside down. As Callie reads, she unravels a mystery that makes her heart drop through the floor.

Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm it unleashes, or can true love save them?