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?