Add to your Pile!

Looking for some good books to tote to the beach? I always like to have a stack by my lounge chair- don’t want to run out of good reads! I always save books for the beach, or a blizzard. What if you were snowed in without a new book?! So, no matter your clime- here are some 5 star recommendations, from a variety of genres. Many are by debut authors- always fun to discover a new favorite author to follow! Pass the suntan lotion and enjoy!

The 13th Lighthouse (The Lighthouse Trilogy) by Jane O’Brien

Try a trilogy If you like to curl up with a good book, you will enjoy this well-written tale about a young woman who uncovers the secrets of her past to find the promise of love for her future. In Belle, a beautiful 20 year old, the author has created a fully-developed character who is likeable and engaging. She is transformed by the love she discovers in the other characters she meets- the love of a friend, the love of a warm family, the love of a handsome young attorney. You will enjoy accompanying Belle as she journeys to learn about the secrets and mysteries of her past. Her travels take her to the lighthouses of Western Michigan, which are given rich descriptions. The lighthouses give depth to this romantic story. A lighthouse is a beacon and it guides those who are lost or looking. The lighthouse warns of danger but also signals the calm waters of a welcoming harbor. And so it is with Belle, a lost soul who is found and loved. Highly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next books in the series!

The Coconut Chronicles: Two Guys, One Caribbean Dream House by Patrick Youngblood

Your dream vacation! A refreshing new place, Vieques, an intriguing project, characters that become your friends, combined with solid and entertaining writing, all this creates a vibrant and enjoyable story. The writer records the ups and downs, including the literal ups and downs of an amazing staircase project, of reclaiming a vacation get away in the pristine, but undeveloped small island of Vieques. The author and his partner have to tackle every aspect of settling in to a different culture, from renovations, to landscaping, to government permits. They still manage to have time to enjoy the beaches and local food scene. Since I read this book, Vieques has been a popular locale for HGTV shows!

Dream Accomplished: A Story of Cancer, A Mothers Love and Taylor Swift by Elizabeth Gross

Needs some inspiration? This is a sweet and inspirational read, sprinkled with humor, love and positive encouragement. The author describes her journey through illness and the dream that kept this courageous woman and her family going through the dark times. If you are suffering from a serious illness, or if you have a family member in this situation, then you will appreciate Ms. Gross’ common sense explanation of how long term health treatment works. Ms. Gross writes in a clearing and engaging manner- so the medical part of the story is easy to swallow! The book also includes Additional Notes and Tips from the Author, a lengthy and useful bibliography and references, and definitions. I am sure this book would be a blessing and encouragement for those facing health issues and it is also an enjoyable, life- affirming read for everyone. The second part of the book is a charming story of the how the Author, her young daughter and husband created a dream to meet Taylor Swift. There are plenty of fun photographs that add to the zest of the story. Elizabeth Gross and her family are to be commended for publishing this well-written book. I encourage the Author to write another book as her health journey still continues and I would like to hear more of her inspiration. Highly recommend.

The Cubicle Chronicles by Lynn Brookdale

How about a fast page turner? You will be hooked from page one of this book- fast paced, funny, quirky, appealing. You will meet and root for Bethany Bowers, a young bright-eyed Millennial, recent college grad, eager to start her real job and life. But the reality of coworkers, her fiancé, her friends and her family cause problems and mayhem for our gal Bethany.  Can she conquer the cubicles? Read this fast paced book to find out!

Country Life by Jean Hill

Tea and a memoir- Sit down with Author Jean Hill, and her husband Tim, their cat, parrot, children and grandchildren and let her make you a cuppa. You will enjoy this leisurely conversation with the positive and loving author. She describes her life after she and her husband moved the English countryside. From caravan trips, to health issues, life changes, to the simple joys of everyday life, this book is a positive and lovely read. You will enjoy the details of this family’s daily routine- tea time, walks, shopping, a day on the job. If you are not from the UK, you will be fascinated by the loving details. There are a few surprises in the book, too. This is a feel good read as you share the author’s love of her life and adventures.

A Minger’s Tale: Beginnings by R.B.N. Bookmark

More British humor! Or should I say humour as only a red haired Brit can present it. I am an American and I know that we are all enthralled by life across the pond. This book will entertain you and you won’t stop reading until you finish! Funny, charming and witty, our unlikely hero Ribban manages to live into his 20’s in this first installment of his memoirs. As a mother, I worried about him, but as a reader I thoroughly enjoyed his richly detailed story, that begins about 50 years ago. School troubles, visits to the pub, Mum and tea time, it’s the England we love to hear about. Author Bookmark writes in an upbeat and wry voice which is very entertaining. Highly recommend!

Finding Rose Rocks by Karen Ginther Graham

Romance! I am glad I read this book and I recommend it to you because it is a deep and thoughtful read. Please don’t rush through this romance. The land and settings are important to understanding this book. Just like the land of Oklahoma, the story of Jennifer and Troy is rugged and real. Jennifer is in her forties, divorced and working hard to establish a new career. She is a combination of her native California, lovely, spontaneous, energized and spunky, and she is steady and determined, like Oklahoma, where she now lives. Troy appears in her life, and he is a gentleman cowboy and difficult to tame. At first, they appear to have a storybook romance, but “life is full of long backward glances.” “Will hope bloom like one of the field flowers?” Like the rose rocks of Oklahoma, both Jennifer and Troy are beautiful and complex and you may be surprised at some of their attitudes and choices. I hope that the author writes a sequel, because I think there is more to know about these characters. The author has a lyrical way with words.

But wait- there’s more!! Check out these:

🌟🌟🌟 🌟🌟Books I’ve Reviewed on My Blog

Bishops War by Rafael Amadeus Hines

Sunny Side Up by Maureen K Howard

Fast Forward by Kate Reigstad

A Mistress, A Wife by Arline Miller