Summer Reads

I have a MASSIVE pile of books to read this summer. Which, face it, is really the best thing ever!

Read:

• The Fixer Upper- Mary Kay Andrews
This is a funny tongue in chic book about a girl who gets caught up in political scandal and ends up in a backwoods town fixing up a mansion. Hilarity and romance ensue. Could not put it down!
• My Life in France- Julia Child with Alex Prue d’homme
Charming corollary to “Julie and Julia”. Gives new meaning to the movie and Julia Child’s life. Delightful easy reading.
• The Finishing Touches- Hester Brown
Chock full of useful advice and tips for living in a modern world with old fashioned elegance, this is a story about a girl who overcomes the odds and faces down her fears and ends up with what she wanted all along- a family to call her own. Left me wanting to hear more, both tips and story! See “Little Lady Agency” trilogy for more from Hester Brown.
• Pretty in Plaid- Jen Lancaster
Always full of humor and hubris, Jen’s latest of four books spells out who she was “before” Bitter is the new Black. A range of alarming to charming tales of Girl Scout badge tomfoolery and taking 11 years to graduate from College only to find herself peddling insurance plans to doctors offices gives new meaning to biographies and memoirs. Always enjoyable reading! Best for a plan ride or road trip- short chapters and easy to pick up where you left off.

To read:

• Twilight- by Stephanie Meyer
Yeah, I figured that maybe I’d step on that bandwagon, so I bought the book…and now it’s at the bottom of my pile. So we’ll see. I still stand by my assertion that this is a ripped off story of “Roswell” the TV series. Only with vampires instead of aliens.
• Son of a Witch-
Something serious instead of “chick lit”…started…and abandoned… I’ll probably come back to this at Christmas time.
• He’s Just Not That Into You- by
Did not see the movie- but wondered about the book…
• Twenties Girl- by Sophie Kinsella
One of my favorite authors- why wouldn’t I read this? About a girl and her dead aunts/grandmas? Ghost.
• The Wedding Girl- by Madeline Wickham
No clue what this is about- but looks fantastic. I sometimes do actually judge a book by its cover.
• Chasing Harry Winston-by Lauren Weisberger
Mel read this a while ago and recommended it to me. We shall see. I was not a fan of the ending (book ending- movie ending is messed up!) of Devil Wears Prada (by the same author).
• Everyone worth knowing- by Lauren Weisberger
Started and already showing similar Lauren W. writing style. Verdict still out.
• Holly’s Inbox- by Holly Denham
This looks hilarious. It’s a book set up entirely in email format- basically a look into someone else’s (a receptionist) life through their email in-box. Interesting concept- not too far from Meg Cabot’s “Every boy’s got one”. Which I liked.
• Little Bitty Lies- by Mary Kay Andrews
I love this author and have all her stuff. Can’t wait to see what she brings this time. There is always a mystery, romance, suspense and antiques galore! Except Deep Dish- which featured food- a welcome depart from style- for me at least!
• The Time Traveler’s Wife-by Audrey Niffenegger
The movie has piqued my interest.
• Savannah Breeze- by Mary Kay Andrews
See Little Bitty Lies above. I believe this one is a continuation of one of the characters from a book of hers that I’ve already read.
• Queen takes King- by Gigi Levangie
Read an excerpt of this already and sounds similar to Candace Bushnell- Manhattan Socialite/ex-prima ballerina and husband of 25 years get divorce. War of the Roses type battle ensues. Apparently she’s also done “The Starter Wife” and “Maneater”. Sure to be a Lifetime miniseries soon.