Ol' Reliables

Ever get stuck in a rut while reading, like nothing grabs you or the story sounds played out?!!?  That's how I've felt about the last 5-6 books I've picked up.  Not bad but just not for me!

(sidenote - Reading The Black Count by Tom Reiss for my bookclub and I am enjoying but it's a thinker!)

So, I'm turning to the dusty bottoms of my bookshelf and reaching out for old friends.  The ones that get me, that know exactly how to get me off the couch and into the book and beyond - Sidney Sheldon, John Dunning, Nevil Shute, Kate Morton, Joshilyn Jackson, George R.R. Martin (gotta re-read the whole series before catching up on the DVD of Season 1), and gosh I wish I had some Nancy Drew, Bunnicula, V.C. Andrews and Sweet Valley!!!

Just like the movies that will never get old (Spaceballs, Princess Bride, Goonies, Blues Brothers, French Kiss, Christmas Vacation, O'Brother) you know when the words are spoken or read they'll make you laugh, cry, snort, gasp, ignore all other forms of life and just plain make you mad.  But oh does it feel right!

So this Memorial Day weekend, reach for the OL' RELIABLES, the dusty books/movies/board games (Candyland/Yahtzee anyone?) and play and laugh and explore and share! 

For your reading pleasure:

Books that should be in your beach bag or on the nightstand or by the couch or by the wine or even in the bathroom - in otherwords - books that should be kept close at hand:

The Book of Summers by Emylia Hall (Hungarian wine as a side; available at Total Wine & More but you'll have to ask where it is.  Chocolate, cheese and goulash!)

Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Faithful Place by Tana French (Guiness pairs well with this one; fish and chips)

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (white wine definitely)

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (red wine or port - definitely chocolate)

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes (beer and/or wine)

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin (Guiness again)

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison  (young adult or young at heart)
Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock  (young adult or young at heart)

Anything by Chevy Stevens (under the covers/beach towel reading)

World Book Night 2013!!!!

I know, I know!!  It's been awhile since I've shared my thoughts on books, life and such.

But! I return with an exciting evening of giving away FREE books in my community for World Book Night 2013!  Tonight - April 23 - My family and friends are heading to a local food truck event - Tasty Tuesdays in the Milk District to give away 20 copies each of 2 beautifully and profound novels (but thankfully not give you a headache profound):

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer!

The goal is to not only support and enjoy delicious local food and brews but also meet people we can share a good story with and encourage reading amongst the adult population of this wonderful country!

(Check out the website for details about the WBN organization and sign-up to give in your community next year! www.us.worldbooknight.org)

I promise to return with a post about tonight's experience and more book reviews.

Keep reading and definitely check out the two books mentioned above - they will not disappoint, I guarantee it!

P.S.  I also will bring some beer/wine reviews.  But most of the IPA/Sour beers will be reviewed by my hubby and friends.  IPA makes my face do something weird.

Frustration

Yes, I'm frustrated!  Frustrated that I am not running a bookstore right now, frustrated at my current position (which I'm thankful for but feel stuck at), frustrated with all the politics swarming out there and frustrated over lack of acceptance for other people's opinions. 

What does this have to do with books?  Well, guess I'm frustrated that for all of those that keep asking about the bookstore are also those that can't wait to let me know what books they've downloaded on their iphones, kindles, nooks, etc.  There's your answer.  Yes, I'm being Frustrated Franny but it seems therapeutic to share:)  And a resounding YES, that I have many friends and family who have always supported me and still support me in my efforts and I am thankful for them:)

But I also asked God for a clear answer on opening a bookstore and I feel he has given me an answer or at least a partial answer and although there is no answer yet to what to do now??, I'm learning to accept not owning a bookstore (at this exact moment) and looking to the future!

On a non-frustrated note, I've read some great books lately and will share those reviews soon (as well as some yummy beer and wine selections)!  And I do have hope and believe the bookstore is still very much alive, but maybe just not for me, myself and I!

Summer Reading - Psychotic to Sweet and back again

Sorry for the delay in posting.  I've been in a non-writing mood:(  But definitely been reading and have a few books I'd like to share!  As the title of this post might suggest, the books I've read have taken me further into my mind than I'd like but have also lightened my heart.

My first-time with these authors:

You Don't Want to Know by Lisa Jackson - Lots of pages with intricately woven characters and storylines (past and present) but that's not the crazy part.  The crazy comes in Jackson's talent for creating such vivid characters that the pages fly by and you realize that your rear is asleep and you should feed your family.  Ava hasn't been the same since her son Noah was last seen - missing, kidnapped, dead??  Ava has to make her mind her own again or she'll never find out what really happened to Noah and want evil is lurking in, around and across the waters at Neptune's Gate. 

Adam by Ted Dekker - I seeeeeee you.  John 10:10  Believe!
(really looking forward to reading Forbidden by him and Tosca Lee for book club.)

Authors that fit like a cozy robe:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - Nick meet Amy. Amy meet Nick. Get ready to be sucked into their world.  A place of romance and youth; of failures and deceit.  Each chapter brings you closer and further from the truth of love.  (Sharp Objects and Dark Places are Flynn's other novels.  I recommend all 3, but Sharp Objects is my favorite.)

Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews - Ah, Andrews is back with more sass and kick-ass!  Annajane will make you laugh and gasp and Mason will make you feel sexy.  Enjoy!

Currently reading:

The Fine Color of Rust by P.A. O'Reilly - I'm currently calling her the Joshilyn Jackson of Australia - spunk, laughter and the God's truth!  (Thanks Atria books for the Galley Alley copy!!)
Synopsis from goodreads.com:
Set in the Australian bush, a wryly funny, beautifully observed novel about friendship, motherhood, love, and the importance of fighting for things that matter. Loretta Boskovic never dreamed she would end up a single mother with two kids in a dusty Australian country town. She never imagined she’d have to campaign to save the local primary school. She certainly had no idea her best friend would turn out to be the crusty old junk man. All in all, she’s starting to wonder if she took a wrong turn somewhere. If only she could drop the kids at the orphanage and start over . .

And thanks to RareBird Lit I'm reading a nonfiction book that I never thought I would and I am enthralled.
The Ascension of Jerry by Chip Jacobs 
from the dust jacket:
Bumbling hitmen. Burning corpses. A threatened son. Life in hiding. Jerry Schneiderman’s orderly world evaporated when his business partner was executed by an assassin in 1979 Los Angeles, and the buzzard-eyed ringleader came for him. Though the killers behind the murder-for-hire corporation were nabbed, the trauma annihilated Jerry’s family and strip-mined his trust. Recovery only came years later with Jerry’s improbable rebirth as a prank-loving activist who defended the weak by milking his scars.

Up next!

Broken Harbor by Tana French - While she usually leaves me with unsatisfying endings, I keep coming back.  As soon as I'm done with my current reads, I'll be heading back to Ireland to see what trouble "Scorcher" has gotten into this time.  (French's other books (read in this order):  In the Woods, The Likeness, and Faithful Place (my fave so far).)
Synopsis (from goodreads.com):
Mick "Scorcher" Kennedy, the brash cop from Tana French’s bestselling Faithful Place, plays by the book and plays hard. That’s what’s made him the Murder squad’s top detective—and that’s what puts the biggest case of the year into his hands.
On one of the half-built, half-abandoned "luxury" developments that litter Ireland, Patrick Spain and his two young children are dead. His wife, Jenny, is in intensive care.

Shine, Shine, Shine by Lydia Netzer - Our September book club read and I'm trying to hold off till then so I remember every detail.  Friends and family have read and loved it.  Looking forward to giggles and tears:)
Synopsis (from goodreads.com): 
Sunny Mann has masterminded a life for herself and her family in a quiet Virginia town. Her house and her friends are picture-perfect. Even her genius husband, Maxon, has been trained to pass for normal. But when a fender bender on an average day sends her coiffed blonde wig sailing out the window, her secret is exposed. Not only is she bald, Sunny is nothing like the Stepford wife she’s trying to be. As her facade begins to unravel, we discover the singular world of Sunny, an everywoman searching for the perfect life, and Maxon, an astronaut on his way to colonize the moon.

Fun Younger Kids Titles for the Summer!

Thanks to Amulet Books for these advanced readers for kids:

Jinxed by Kurtis Scaletta 

       For young baseball fans!  The adventures of the Pine City Porcupines!  Fun chapter books to enjoy over the summer. 

Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger

       Disguises and very short robbers, hmmmmm!!!  Can Lenny stop Casper before it's too late?  Get your laughter on for the summer!

These were read, recommended and enjoyed by some enthusiastic young book fans!!

From Scholastic Press (thanks!):

 

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner

On bookshelves beginning July 1!  Just in time for Independence Day!

I read this one and loved it!!  High adventure at the airport with plenty of hijinks!  A piece of history could be destroyed, so Anna, Henry and Jose are on a mission to make sure that doesn't happen:)  Will they figure out the mystery in time?

172 HOURS ON THE MOON by Johan Harstad

Read this book!

Interestingly informative, dark and addictive!  Three lucky teenagers picked by a lottery to go on a mission back to the moon for a 172 hour stay in the name of research and publicity of course.  Signs, warnings and an old-man's memory aren't heeded.  What is this mission really about and can it be stopped before it's too late?

I ended up practically sunk into the corner of the couch as I finished this book.  Labeled a young adult book but wouldn't recommend for anyone younger than high school age.  And if you, even you adults, have any interest in space exploration, our moon or conspiracy theories, definitely read!

CONTEST! Signed Copy of The Beach Trees by Karen White

WINNER - DORITA BATES!!! THANKS TO ALL THAT ENTERED:)
I had the privilege to meet Karen White along with several other fine, southern women authors at the UCF Book Festival earlier this year.  I have read and very much enjoyed Karen White's novels and while I have not read The Beach Trees (on the list), I have complete faith that the lucky winner of this contest will love this book!  If southern writing and strong woman characters are your forte, I'd add Karen White to your list of authors to read!

***Three ways to be entered to win this signed book:  1. Leave a comment on this blog post  2. Leave a comment on Tales & Ales Books Facebook Page  3.  Follow me on Twitter - @TalesAlesBks  (accepted comments are :  Hi!  Hiya!  Howdy!  Whatchareading? How's the weather? Red or white wine?  Milk or Dark Chocolate? and the like!)  Contest ends at 11:00 a.m tomorrow morning, June 2, 2012.

From the back cover:

Julie first knew loss at the age of twelve, when her younger sister disappeared from a local park—never to be found. As her once close-knit family grew apart, Julie’s mother obsessively searched for the girl, and when her mother died, Julie took up the search. Even as she went on with life, discovering a love for art that she attributed to her painter grandfather, she never let go of the hope that she might find her sister.

Then, working at an auction house in New York, Julie meets Monica Guidry—a struggling artist and single mother who reminds Julie so much of her sister that she can’t help feeling drawn to her, and even a bit protective. Monica paints a vivid picture of her southern family through stories, but never says why or how she lost contact with them. And she has another secret: a heart condition that will soon take her life.

Feeling as if she’s lost her sister a second time, Julie inherits from Monica an antique portrait—as well as custody of her young son. Taking him to Biloxi, Mississippi, to meet the family he’s never known, Julie discovers a connection of her own. The portrait, of an old Guidry relative, was done by her grandfather—and unlocks a surprising family history…

Quick Takes - Paris and Dark Places

Now, I'd normally not lump these two together but they are the next in my pile, so why not?

French Lessons by Ellen Sussman

This book has been out for a little less than a year and I received an advanced copy back in May 2011, thanks to Ballantine Books but it took me until a month ago to get to.  

What would you do in Paris for the day?  (I'd go to the Louvre again and of course drink more wine.)

Three Americans with varying reasons for being in France hire French tutors for varying reasons.  Three short stories with some intertwining and one with intertwining of limbs;)  My favorite part(s) of this book are that Sussman created fulfilling stories and characters with enough depth and heart that you didn't realize that they were short snip-its in these peoples lives.

A good read with a glass of wine, crusty bread and lit candle.  I recommend the bath tub or hot tub if you've got one!

DARK PLACES by Gillian Flynn

The first Gillian Flynn novel I read was Sharp Objects about 3 or 4 years ago and I read during UCF football tailgating.  To say I was shocked, is putting it lightly.  But shocked and hooked in a good way.

Dark Places did the same.  It sucked you in on page one and you were fighting with Libby the whole way.  You wanted to believe in her and keep her from falling down in despair or self-destructing.  The murders were horrible and no little girl should have to live through that.  Her brother, Ben, is in jail, convicted of those murders and there are those who believe in his innocence all these years later.  Libby is grown and her memorial fund money is running out.  She resorts to selling memorabilia of her brothers and the murders.  And when those that believe in Ben's innocence approach her offering money to get her to help prove he didn't commit the murders, she hesitatingly accepts.  Libby might not like what she finds out though and her life is back in danger, even more than it was on that night when she was a little girl.

I'm looking forward to reading Flynn's third novel, Gone Girl, in bookstores beginning June 5.  Awesome reads, but not for the faint of heart.

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

In what could be a not so distant future, the government and people of the U.S. have gone to the extreme.  Microchroming those who have committed crimes - changing the criminals skin color to match the category of crime.  Hannah Payne is now a Red.  Red for murder.  Her crime, falling from grace and loving too intensely the right but wrong man, and then there's . . . .  She will not shame her lover so her sentenced is extended to live 16 years as Red.  She doesn't know where to turn or who to trust, not even the God of her upbringing.  You hold your breath as she stumbles through the first few days as a Red and sneer at those that sneer at her, that force her into submissiveness and ridicule her.  Judgment has been meted out on earth.  Hannah runs and falls with Kayla, a fellow Red, as they try to outrun their own skin.  The government and the Fist (vigilantes) can track their every move.  Did I not mention, the microchips?!  Comforting, right?  

This book holds a phenomenal story, one that might sound familiar to those who have read The Scarlet Letter, but brings that tale to date and embarks deeper into human nature, faith and spirit.  I want to say I really loved it, but it left me depressed.  That's not to say don't read it, I think you should and see what opinion of us humans you form.  Where are we going?  Faith or no faith, is this how we are really supposed to treat our fellow man? 

True Love...

Pages and pages of my true love.  The 6 picks (I had to have a few alternates) for the holiday weekend.  A little war, a little space exploration, future times and crimes, kissing (duh!), mom/daughter secrets(!!) and something I apparently don't want to know.  Of course, I'm a movie lover too so I figured this would be a perfect weekend to watch Season 1 of Game of Thrones and for the umpteenth time watch Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean - drool).

Something tells me I'll have a permanent furrowed brow so I'll need to watch a Friends marathon when I'm done to regain my laugh lines.  Or a visit with my awesome niece and super hero nephew (his super powers are eating dragons and smooshing cars).

A little wine will be poured (thanks to my Wine Shop at Home wines being delivered today) and possibly some chocolate will be consumed.  little, possibly, some, hahahahahaha!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend All!  Hope you spend it with a book, a nook, a nap, someone you love, or someone who loves you!

The Book of Summers by Emylia Hall

I want Hungarian wine and hot summers by the lake (or pool)!  I'm on page 112 of Emylia Hall's debut novel "The Book of Summers" and I'm already in love with the characters and with a country I've never been to, although I've been close.  I've spent a day each in Slovenia and Croatia during an Italian cruise - both lovely places with good food and friendly people and I remember being entertained with beautiful music.

I'm really hoping my local Publix carries some brand of Hungarian wine but if not I'll have to hunt some down at a local wine boutique.  

I suggest you find a cushy spot of grass under a shady tree or float on a big raft on a lake or pool while reading this beautiful book!!  You too can enjoy this refreshing, spellbinding summer read beginning May 29, 2012 (the US pub date).  

I'm reading an advanced reader copy that was nicely sent to me by MIRA Books (Harlequin).

http://www.emyliahall.com/the-book-of-summers/

Work, on a rainy day, not!

Alarm goes off and rain starts again and I have to work, ugh!  It's a perfect start to a day of reading - I've got piles of books saying read me, no turn my pages, no it's my turn I've been patiently waiting, I've got the best characters ever!!!  Okay, so the books don't actually talk to me but it would be really cool of they did;)

Started the new Mary Higgins Clark last night, "The Lost Years," and I'm a few chapters into "The Kissing List" by Stephanie Reents.  Yes, I could snuggle up with one of my blankets and a Diet Coke on my very comfy couch and just read, read, read.  But I must go to work and type, type, type!

If you do have the rainy day to read, I suggest a good mystery.  Perhaps by Mary or Carol Higgins Clark or try the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley - Nancy Drew goes British!

What do you like to read on a rainy day?

And the winner is...

CONGRATULATIONS ANN S.!!!   Thank you to each of the participants!  Be on the lookout for the next book giveaway.  Hint - It will start on Monday, May 21:)

Good guesses as to my favorite book - The Prophet got two votes.  But, my favorite book of my first 33 years is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.  Not sure why I've never written a review of it before, but I will be soon.  In the meantime, if anyone wants to read it, I have 3 copies if you want to borrow:)

Happy rainy day reading!

All-Time Reads - Try One!

This list, I believe, has something for everyone!  So grab your library card, go to your local indie, ask a friend if they have a copy (like me) or yes, even download to your favorite e-reader:) 

Anyone want to take a guess at which one is my favorite, favorite?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash

Pure by Julianna Baggott

Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Song of Fire and Ice series (Games of Thrones) by George R.R. Martin

A Town Like Alice and/or The Far Country by Nevil Shute

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Crota by Owl Goingback 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

***If you have any questions about any of the books, please let me know.  I'd be happy to personally recommend for you:)

I know I've left a few or more off, but this should get you started for the summer!  

New digs, more or less

I've moved the bookstore dream brainstorming area from the kitchen counter "bar" and into the spare room:)  The move was prompted by my hubby's need for a space large enough for his old childhood love - trains!  Him and his dad took the old train layout they built together I don't know how many years ago down from the attic and it's now mounted on the wall in the exercise room.  Which meant the airplane model table had to go somewhere.  It's now my current "dream" desk.  Our very uncomfortable mattress and box spring went in the back end of a garbage truck last week.  So now I have more work area to pile books, think (ouch!), scribble, pity party and daydream.

I really need to change the wall color though.  I love blue walls but this is not a good blue!!  (old owners managed to paint 2 walls one shade of blue and the other 2 a whole different shade)

Alas, I'm feeling renewed in which direction to go with the bookstore - finding funding; starting smaller, maybe no ales (tear) or maybe more ales and less tales (tear); writing a book; becoming a more avid reviewer/blogger; working in publishing; or 9 to 5ing and just enjoy the stories with a glass of wine until retirement!  

Workation update

For the last 4 days I've been working on getting the bookstore up and running so that you guys can all come in, buy a book (or two), sit on a bean bag chair, gossip if you'd like and enjoy a glass of wine (or cold beer, like I currently am)!  Alas, it's been a frustrating week.  Financing is no fun - when you have dream you know you can make into a reality and make it a successful reality, it's hard to understand why the bank won't just give you the money and know you're good for it.  Okay, there's my rant! 

So one more day and it will be spent working on Go Live training with indiecommerce (thankful for them) for the website.  I know, I know I've been promising the website for a while but being a virgin website owner, I had no clue all of the ins and outs and as;lktq134kn of a website:)  but it is fun to see the logo online (thanks again Hannah) and share books with everyone!  The blog will be part of the website, so you can check on updates there too!  I'll let you know as soon as you can buy;)

Thanks again for everyone's support and curiousity!  I aim to not let you down and have the best lil' indie bookstore in town!!!

(p.s. don't type in the direct sun because it causes squinting and a double chin!)

Wine (and a beer) Musings

Would like to introduce you to two of my new favorite wines:  Paso Creek Cab Sauv & Castle Rock Pinot Noir (Mendocino County).  I do judge a wine by it's label and that was the first thing that drew me to both of these wines.  Thankfully, they didn't bite me for my decision.  The Paso Creek was perfect with our (me and the hubby's) New York Strip.  The Castle Rock was enjoyed without accompaniment but I will pair with some very dark chocolate next pour.  Both under $20 (think one was under $15).  And as  you can see, they make lovely and cheap vases!  Oh and I chose the Castle Rock also because it is from grapes grown in Mendocino County.  I recently met two wonderful ladies from the Gallery Bookshop in Mendocino and thought I'd give the region a try. 

Now a beer but it's a beer you can't get here, sorry.  But it will give you a chance to head to Nantucket someday just to have a cold pint.  Cisco Brewers is on the island of Nantucket (ACK) and I was able to enjoy it many a time when I lived there for a very formative nine months just after I graduated from college.  If they ever offer wholesale distribution to Florida, I'll make sure to keep in stock!!

All this talk of wine and I'd like a beautiful glass of red.  But I'll have to wait until the Tales & Talk book club meeting tonight at OLV. 

Clink!

Breaking In a New Book(s)

So this weekend, I gave myself the time to relax and read before starting my wocation (work vacation).  I purchased 2 books on Friday (yes, from B&N).  I love breaking in a new book (yes, I break the spine as oft as I can).  Starting a new adventure, meeting a new friend or foe each time, it's a beautiful gift to have.  The gift of reading!  

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James - Well, let's just say I didn't do much of anything but finish on Saturday and it was well worth it.  I heard my voice saying the words that Anastasia said to Christian.  Not sure how to recommend other than saying - there's no shame in imagination.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh - Flip side of 50 Shades, just as drawing but on other emotions.  Started last night and I struggle today to actually work and not read.  Guess I will give myself an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon!  My heart aches for Victoria and I'm praying all will be redeemed by the end.  And I have a sudden urge to give someone flowers!

Counting my Blessings!

Blessing #1 - Roof over my head
Blessing #2 - Someone to miss me/worry about me
Blessing #3 - Awesome family and friends to keep my spirits up after the first bank loan application was denied!!!
Blessing #4 - The ability to read!
Blessing #5 -  Grace and Forgiveness

Have you counted your blessings today?  If not, count a few before falling asleep tonight.