Thursday, December 26, 2013

Patty's Pick for 12/26/13 - "Guests on Earth" by Lee Smith



Lee Smith's new novel, "Guests on Earth", gives a detailed look at the Highland Hospital in Asheville NC during the time Zelda Fitzgerald was in and out of the facility. As we follow main character, Evalina Toussaint, thru almost half of her life at the hospital, she flows from patient to staff and back, ending with staff. Her traumatic childhood led to her admittance to the Hospital when her mother dies. She finds solace in the hospital and discovers her musical talent on the keys of the director's baby grand piano. When she goes to school for her talent, she makes decisions that lead to her return to the hospital. 
As the book gives us a look at the local landmarks we know, the story carries us thru the book at a quick pace to find out what is going to happen next. 
The rich and famous use this Asheville hospital along with the not so famous. The Highland Hospital is on the cutting edge of mental health at its time. The book follows our fictional characters along with Zelda Fitzgerald and one of the RJReynolds heirs with their stay and treatment at the hospital. 
I really enjoy Lee Smith's novels. She transports you to the time and place in Asheville. The characters and places set the scene for a truly enjoyable story. She said she researched this novel, and with the fire at the hospital and the exciting ending, the book leaves you wanting to know more of the lives of the Eva and her friends.




Thursday, December 12, 2013

Merry Christmas! From Patty's Picks!

Did you know there are 6 fewer days this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I am rapidly finding that fact all too true! There are not enough days, hours, or minutes in the week! 
Patty's Picks is taking a short break to shop, dine with the Book Club, wrap, and celebrate Christmas! See you soon & Merry Christmas! My next pick 
will be either 12/26 or 1/2! If time gets better before, I will post another pick earlier!                      

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Patty Pick - 'someone else's love story' by Joshilyn Jackson (12/5/13)




This book had me so hard and fast that I could hardly put it down. I was so invested in the life of Shandi and Natty. The southern humor that author, Joshilyn Jackson, brings to her books reminds me of my own family and growing up in the South. I can not always relate to her characters circumstances but I understand their feelings. She always bring that sense of home and family to her books. The places sound like somewhere I have lived or seen. 
You are pulling for Shandi and Natty from the opening page - who doesn't love a virgin mother. The use of intelligence, faith, and destiny are all interwoven to make for a thoroughly enjoyable book that must be finished as soon as you start the first chapter. 
The people - not characters, really- are human and feel like someone you should know, a cousin or sister. Walcott with his earnest friendship is one of my favorites. Where was he when I was in college? Paula with her strong self that conquers all but remains vulnerable to her two best friends. You want William to protect you and Bridget to pray for you. They mix up with robbers and bullets and VW beetles to win your heart over! I usually love Joshilyn Jackson's novels and this is one I will remember for a while! 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Patty's Pick 11/29/13 - 'Where'd You Go, Bernadette' by Maria Semple


 
This was one crazy book! Kooky and fun to read! The unique style of writing by Maria Semple was very enjoyable to read. Bee's talented and ingenious parents move the family to Seattle so her Dad, Elgie, can take a job with Microsoft. But as one disaster leads to another, the pressure forces her mother, Bernadette, to run away rather than deal with her life. 
After much searching it is discovered that Bernadette went on the family trip alone to Antarctica. Bernadette disappears from the ship before it's return. Bee is heartbroken but refuses to believe that her mom is not coming back. The ending is as enjoyable as the beginning and the middle of this book. Read it for a hilarious time!








Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving! Patty's Pick Tomorrow

Patty's Pick for today will be up tomorrow due to too much turkey!!
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving with your families!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Patty's Pick for 11/21/13 - 'The Lost Saints of Tennessee' byAmyFranklin-Willis

    


     



















I am still trying to process this book! I wanted to love it from the first page but that's not the kind of book this is. This is not a thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. 'The Lost Saints of Tennessee' is a rich, full story that you will want to live in for a while. Put your feet up and just sink in. It sneaks up on you and wiggles into your heart. 
You want all these characters to get a break, but this is real life and sometimes the joys are in the small steps. This family lives a true life - a life like many families across the South have lived or are living now. The Cooper family are representative of many families in the South during the 1940's and beyond. 
Zeke and his mother, Lillian, are the main characters and get the biggest share of the story. As their family experiences the ups and mostly downs of a hardscrabble life, they keep going. The three older sisters and the twins, Zeke & Carter, grow up and try to find better lives. Sometimes life knocks them down but they keep on going. Zeke fails at keeping his brother safe and his marriage soon falls apart. As his life spirals down, he makes some hard choices and finds himself far from home. The quiet guidance of Georgia and Osborne help Zeke find a path forward. Read this book as soon as you can! 
Also check out the author's website. Very informative and has a good reader's guide for discussion. My book club loved this book, all 15 of us! The discussion was great last night! The Hummingbird cake cupcakes are out of this world! 


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Patty's Pick for 11/14/13 is The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

What a wonderful book -full of interesting problems that you want to solve for these people! Yes, people -because they do not feel like characters. Tom, the brave young man who made it thru a horrific war and feels guilty about not dying. And Isabel, who loses her brother in the same war and falls for Tom quickly. Hannah is the widow, who lost her husband and her young daughter unfairly to the whim of an angry mob furious about the war.
All three lives play out in Australia.
After Tom and Isabel marry, they move to the lonely island of Janus Rock where Tom is the keeper of the light for the lighthouse. On this desolate place, Isabel & Tom lose baby after baby. Just days after their last child is stillborn, Isabel hears a baby's cry from the beach and they discover a boat with a dead man and an infant. What they decide to do is horribly wrong but you can understand after what they have been through. This decision will effect all of their lives and those around them. You need to read this beautifully written book to discover what happens after their choice.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Into 'The Lost Saints of Tennessee'

About half way done with this book and I can't make up my mind if I love  it or not. The small town locations and family drama sound familiar but not sure is I like Ezekiel! I'll just have to finish it and see! Sometimes a book really grows on you when the story is finished!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Patty Pick for 11/7/13 - "The Longest Ride" by Nicholas Sparks












What a good book! I was not sure how the dual story lines were going to come together, but they did for an explosive and surprising ending. I really like a good ending and if a book does not have one, it can ruin the whole book for me. I don't always want a fairy tale ending but one that seems to be fair to the characters. 

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters in this novel and follow their lives past and present. The separate love stories, one at the end of its life and one just beginning, kept the book interesting until the end. 

Ira and Ruth were closet art collectors who quietly developed a one-of-a-kind collection beginning on their honeymoon. Their lives touched many people, as do a lot of folks, but we do not always get the benefit of knowing. Ruth was a teacher and went over and beyond to reach her students. Good teachers do not always get the recognition and thanks they deserve. 

Sophia and Luke are young but mature for their ages due to their backgrounds and family responsibilities they have. As their lives intersect, love blossoms between them even though they have very different lives and plans. 

You need to read this book and find out how all their lives interact and provide stunning and surprising results. 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Patty's Pick - 10/31/2013. "Defending Jacob" by William Landay

This is not a feel-good book! But this is a great book! The suspenseful story line,      twists and developed characters all weave into one big murder mystery that turns into a family in crisis and a page-turner of a book! 
The happy, perfect family of Andy, Laurie & Jacob face a situation that no family wants to face. When a schoolmate of Jacob's is found dead, clues put the suspicion on Jacob and eventually lead to Jacob's arrest. How the family responds this event makes for soul-searching thought. Each member of the family reacts differently to this family crisis. Family secrets are revealed and cracks widen within the family unit. 
My Discussion Divas Book Club had some revealing discussion with this book. Do you always support your child no matter what? Are we blind to our children's flaws? Do we miss danger signs from the ones we love? Did the justice system railroad an innocent child just to have someone easy to pin this crime on? These are all valid questions that provided much discussion. But it's all wrapped up in the guise of a fast-paced, constantly changing mystery. 
You may close the back cover on this book and think "Wow!" But I can guarantee you will have an opinion. I think we all will be reading more from William Landay!

Monday, October 28, 2013



Just started Nicholas Sparks' latest book!
Enjoying the dual story lines so far!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Patty's Pick 10/24/13 - "Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker" by Jennifer Chiaverini

Cover image of Mrs. Lincoln's DressmakerI was really looking forward to reading this book by Jennifer Chiaverini after having read many good reviews. My family saw the movie, Lincoln,  and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was definitely one of the best movies we have seen to date. That said, this book seemed true to the times and thoughts of the characters. The dressmaker, Elizabeth Keckley, who was a former slave was brought into and became a large part of Mary Todd Lincoln's inner circle.

Elizabeth's life as a slave was lightly mentioned. Her life after she became a freed woman was the emphasis of this historical novel. It evolves around her relationship with Mrs. Lincoln. In "Washington City" directly prior to the start of the Civil War, we are introduced to our main character. Elizabeth describes her thoughts concerning slavery, the War, and the Lincoln's White House. She becomes the exclusive dressmaker and modiste of Mary Todd Lincoln. This novel does portray the heartbreak of the Lincoln family and the hardships of the war. After the assassination of President Lincoln, Elizabeth takes care of Mrs. Lincoln and her dressmaking business suffers. It is hard to believe the suffering Widow Lincoln endured and still she lived into old age.

I expected this book would read like a novel but it mostly read like a history book. The thoughts and life of Elizabeth Keckley were entertaining and I really wanted more from her thoughts and experiences. I just wanted more of her life, but that was not the intent of this novel. It does give one a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes look at Mary Todd Lincoln and her extraordinary "modiste", Lizzie Keckley.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Patty's Pick for 10/10/13 is "Necsssary Lies" by Diane Chamberlain!


Necessary Lies by Diane ChamberlainI became acquainted with Diane Chamberlain's writing when my book club read, "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes."  I enjoyed that book so much that I decided to explore some of her other books. I love to read North Carolina authors and Southern lit. Diane Chamberlain has written some southern-based books with realistic characters and North Carolina locations I know. 
"Necessary Lies" touches on the poverty of rural North Carolina that still exists in some places today and our infamous Eugenics program. It's hard to believe that this program was ever started but it did exist. The struggling characters of  Ivy and Jane bring this program and the juxtaposition of poverty and wealth to the forefront in this book. These characters also show the growing realization during this time in our history that women want to make their own decisions. 
Of course, even today we are still having some of these battles.  es, this book has a lot of layers, but do not think it is preachy or dull. It has been a pleasure to read. Sometimes it reads like a thriller and all of the time it reads well. Diane Chamberlain has written another best seller that should not be missed!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Patty Pick - 10/17/13 "Sister" by Rosamund Lupton









After her free-spirit sister, Tess, is discovered missing, Bee rushes to London to help find her. Bee is the methodical sister and she is determined to find Tess. Bee feels responsible that she was not there when her sister needed her.  What she discovers is that her sister had many secrets. Tess was having an affair with a married man and was pregnant. What happened to her? Where did she go? Is she hiding from everyone? 








When Tess is discovered dead, the police rule it a suicide. Her sister, Bee, will not accept this and is determined to find the truth. She ends up uncovering many of her sister's secrets along the way. This book reads like a love story between sisters - not perfect but strong. It also reads as a psychological thriller. When you finish you are shocked and bewildered. What is the truth? 

My book club had much discussion about this book and we differed on the twist at the end. Let me know what you think or thought when you read it! 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Diane Chamberlain writes another good one!

Reading "Necessary Lies" by Diane Chamberlain and it's good! While I have enjoyed all her books, this one is going to be one to remember! 

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Relaxation

Should be the perfect place to write! But I am letting myself be totally distracted.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Patty's Pick for 10/3/13

Life After Life by Jill McCorkle had my interest from the beginning. 
I love her writing and the North Carolina spin she puts in her novels.
The characters and location add the southern touch that I enjoy 
reading. 
Even though Joanna Lamb, a reformed Hospice volunteer, takes most 
of the center stage, I enjoyed the residents of the nursing home more. 
The thought of your loved one gently being ushered into the next world 
by their favorite pet or by loved ones that went before is appealing. You
want something good for them as they leave you behind. 
The residents recalling their lives, finding love again, and 
interacting with each other are some of my favorite parts. 
Retired schoolteacher Sadie and her positive outlook on life provided
some of the book's rememberable quotes. She stated early in her 
introduction, "The pain of losing people you love is the price of the
ticket for getting to know them at all." Even though several of them 
die during the book, you are wrapped up in the telling and it seems 
a natural part of the book. 
This book has a lot to offer - southern charm, lovable characters, 
familiar places, and a little bit of mystery to stir it all up. The only 
part of this book I did not like was the ending. Let me know what you 
think after you read it! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Patty's Pick for 9/26/13 - Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

 There are many amazing stories of valor, courage and endurance during World War II. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand tells one of the most amazing I have ever read! Louie Zamperini and the crew of the bomber he is on crashes into the  Pacific Ocean and there starts a story of the amazing will-to-live ever retold. 
Louie has lead a pretty amazing life up to this point, even running in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He has channeled his unbelievable energy in some positive and some negative ways in his life. 
With the war, he has grown up but still trains when he can. The war requires Louie to concentrate on his job aboard the rickety planes on which he flys.
The day the plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean will obviously change his life forever but just surviving will be a daily challenge. Through starvation, sharks and storms, Louie finds a way to survive. He encounters cruelty beyond imagination and kindness hidden behind the faces of Japanese people he meets. The prisoner-of-war camps are so vividly described you can all most feel and smell them. Portions of this part of Louie's life, are very hard to read.
When Louie is finally rescued and returns home, new challenges await. No longer able to compete and angry from his experience, he struggles. After attending a Billy Graham revival, Louie finds a way to turn his life around. 
This is a rich full story of one man's unbending resilience in the face of unbelievable odds. The end is still to be told as Louie continues to race life at the wonderful age of 96. Don't miss this book.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Patty's Pick #7 - The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon



This book is basically a love story, but it turns into much more. Lynnie and Homan are in a bad mental institution where people used to dump their physically or mentally challenged relatives. Sadly there were some of these places at that time. Their lives intersect with Martha on one eventful night and they are all changed forever. The power of one teacher and the lives she touched open up a path for Martha with a network of caring people to help her. She ends up with many places and helpers as she leaves her home to protect Lynnie and Homan's baby girl. All three characters have their "angels" along their individual journeys. Lynnie has a caregiver named Kate and Homan has a wheelchair-bound friend, "Sam". While Martha is taken in by many of her former students. 

Good teachers make this kind of impact and the North Carolina Legislature and all state governments should take note of the power of good teachers on all of society. Where would they be today without the influence of their own teachers? 
As Lynnie & Homan and their child, go thru life separately we watch society change for the better in their assimilation and treatment of mentally and physically challenged people. The character's lives change in a positive way. The ending is magical and yes, you will probably cry. I don't want to put a spoiler in this pick, so you will need to read this one for yourself! 

Monday, September 16, 2013

Early Bird Pick Coming!

This week Patty's Pick will be coming on Wednesday due to a trip for fun in the sun! 
That will give you all an extra day to get this book! 

Friday, September 13, 2013

Best writing atmosphere

Drinking good wine on my screened porch! Definitely leads to good writing! 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Patty's Pick #6 - Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron


  You have to love Deborah Knott, the lead character in this wonderful series by Margaret Maron. She is as believable as your best friend or neighbor, she struggles with decisions and insecurities just like us, and she is SOUTHERN!! Her family members are like mine, even down to the ex-bootlegging part. Granted that was several generations ago for me but all most everyone who grew up in the South knew someone who made their own moonshine or could get you some. You pull for Deborah to succeed in her career and find her soulmate. She is smart but vulnerable. 
The family scenes sets us up for more family drama in later books in this series. The female characters along with Deborah are strong but still Southern in upbringing. This regional is gentle but strong at the same time. We like our mysteries and our crazy relatives. You get plenty in this series. You will know why Margaret Maron won multiple awards for this book and you will gain a new friend that you will want to visit again and again. That's a good thing since there are 18 books full of Deborah Knott! 

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Book club pick

Currently reading "The Story of Beautiful Girl" by Rachel Simon". Just started and its off to a good beginning. Can't wait to see how this one develops! 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Party's Pick #5 - Lottery by Patricia Wood

My pick this week is a book that will challenge your preconceived notions on people with low IQ's! Of course, if you could ask the main character, Perry Crandall, he would say he is not retarded. He is slow and thoughtful. His IQ is 76 and you have to be 75 or lower to be retarded. 
Lottery challenges us to not climb into this book and defend Perry from his abusive and thougtless family members who start crawling out of the woodwork. Perry's Gran lends a steady and feisty voice to Perry's side. You see a loving relationship that will bring out the Kleenex a few times while you are reading this book! Gran is no nonsense and teaches Perry how to take care of himself. His true friends come out after he wins the lottery. This book has a full cast of characters. The characters are full and believable. Save some Kleenex for the unexpected ending. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Patty's Pick #4 - Shine Shine Shine by Lydia Netzer


This is a very unusual book that you have to read with an open mind. There are so many layers that you will be thinking about it long after you finish it. My book club had a very lively discussion and decided that we read the ending in many different ways.  Not trying to spoil it for you, let's just say it is up to the reader. Sunny and Maxon are quite the unique personalities and stand in for all of us pared down to our basic selves. Their lives and choices are our best and worst selves in some of life's difficult situations. 
We were all proud when Sunny threw off her wigs and got back to being herself. 
We, humans, all wear our individual "wigs" in our lives to be what we perceive we should look like and act like. It takes a truly secure person to take their "wig" off and just be themselves. The other parts of this book delve into motherhood, child abuse and relationships. Wow, how do you fit all that in to a 309 page book? Lydia Netzer gives us a lot to think about. 

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Finding time and direction....

Does anyone have full time job and trying to write first novel? How do you budget time? Just trying to write Anytime I can..
but this may take a long time this way!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Patty's Pick #3 (8/22/13) The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe



You will enjoy meeting this lovely lady and end the book with a long list of books to add to your GoodReads account. It is not written in a preachy or maudlin way but in a enjoyable conversational tone. I look forward to more enjoyable books by this author.. 

Sometimes there are books that touch us in a way we know we will always remember! "The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe is such a book! 
This book tells the amazing story of a mother and son's journey thru a very difficult time. As Will's mother, Mary Anne, fights a valiant battle with cancer, the two share time together discussing various books. I started turning down the pages that held some tidbit I wanted to remember - a book or something said. This basically turned into all most every page having my marks. I cherish my books but this one had too much I wanted to remember. 
Mary Anne was a very special person as her son lovingly tells. Knowing from first hand experience that God chooses the best to leave us too soon, Mary Anne definitely qualifies. Her accomplishments are enough to humble Ghandi. But obviously from the superb writing of this novel, she was a very wonderful mother. 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner

This book is an interesting insight into the world of publishing while offering solid advice for all writers. The Forest for the Trees was recommended on GoodReads by another amazing author Will Schwalbe. His book, The End of Your Life Book Club will definitely deserve a long blog post of its own. There are few books about books that will touch your heart and lengthen your reading list like this book. 
Betsy Lerner's book should be a most read for all aspiring and new authors. And probably for many more. Since I definitely want to take advantage of any help out there, this book was quickly added to my reading list. 
The anecdotes about famous writers and the editing process was made fascinating by a gifted editor and agent who is also a gifted writer. The book reads easily and quickly but linger over the good advice and take notes. 
Enjoy! 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Patty's Pick #2 (08/15/13) The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin was one of those richly detailed books that sneaks up on you and you realize you are hooked! Loved the vulnerability of the characters and thought  it appropriate that the subject of human trafficking/bondage was one of the themes flowing thru it. Talmadge was one of those quiet, good men that we are all lucky to know. The steady influence of him on Angelene produced a thoughtful and secure adult. Angelene's thought toward the end of the novel sums it up best - "she opened the cabin door and saw the sky just off the porch. The stars so thick and close you could walk right into them. Those times she thought that if she could remember the stars, she would be all right." I would have loved to know more of what happened to her after Talmadge's death but that was not the purpose of this novel. That, to me, though is a good sign when you want to read more about the characters. The use of the sense of smell was interesting and helped me feel familiar with the setting even though I have never been to the Northeast. Definitely one for your shelves!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen was one funny book!

Just realized that I did not post my thoughts on Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen, which I finished in July for my Book Club. Having lived in Florida for 7 years, there were days I did not think I was in the South even though I consider Carl Hiaasen a southern writer. Basket Case was one of his more entertaining reads. I loved the funny characters. You have to love an obits writer who is obsessed with his own and famous people's deaths. The names that he chooses for his characters always seem to have a double meaning. Jack Tagger, the obituary column writer, who is investigating the death of one of his rock n'rollers death, is goofy and lovable. The Slut Puppies has to be a real band somewhere - that name is just too good to waste.
Carl Hiassen uses the death of printed words in newspapers and magazines as an ongoing theme through this book. He was ahead of his time, as this book was first published in 2002.  That is one of my own pet peeves. I love an actual book and was dismayed this weekend when I actually tried to find some on my Goodreads list and my wonderful bookstore hardly had a one on the shelves. I noticed that they have really cut back on their shelf space. Oh well,  back to Basket Case, a definite read. Very funny! 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Patty's Pick #1 - "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot!

Here it is - my first pick for your bookshelf! 
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"
By Rebecca Skloot. 
I do not usually choose to read a non-fiction book. 
This book was actually recommended to me by a college 
student, of a friend of mine, who was reading this for her summer college reading choice. I had heard of the book 
but cells and blood did not always appeal to me. 
Turns out this book grabbed me most of the read! 
I learned more about how cells came to be grown in
a lab. These HeLa cells have produced major medical
break throughs. It's hard to believe that in the not too distant past 
quality doctors at top hospitals took patient's cells without permission. 
John Hopkins has always had an impeccable reputation. I found out that the hospital actually began as a hospital to serve indigent people. 
HeLa cells, cells from Henrietta Lack's cancerous tumor, have been 
grown over and over again.  They were the first human cells reproduced 
in a lab. And one do the most amazing parts of this book 
is to learn that Henrietta's family had no idea for many years and never received compensation. Just recently they have been allowed to be involved 
in the choice of some research involving HeLa cells via an agreement with 
the National Institute of Health. This book reads like part thriller and part textbook. But the textbook is very easy to understand. Please
Add this book to your list! 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Patty's Picks

Starting every Thursday, I will be sharing a new book choice for you! These will be from all genres - some new and some that have been out for a while! These will be books I have read or are reading currently. Some will even be the choices of my neighborly book club. So check back and you will hopefully find some great books to add to your to-read list! 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Lisa Scottoline's "Don't Go" was a solid read!

Just finished "Don't Go" by Lisa Scottoline. It was a good solid read. There were a few predictable parts but overall it kept my interest the entire book. I usually skip over the bloody parts, but the sections where Dr. Mike was in Afghanistan were very captivating. 
Wish that we, the readers, had known Chloe more but that probably wasn't important to the book. Re-entering normal, everyday life after serving in any capacity in the military must be hard, even without a murder!
Liked the ending and hope that other soldiers can find their way back into everyday life also. Did not see the twist of the murders coming. Definitely did not pick that out! Don't want to spoil it for you. This novel may not be my favorite Lisa Scottoline novel, that would probably be "Save Me" but have enjoyed all that I have read to date. I am looking forward to reading some of her older books in the Rosato & Associates series. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I think I have always been a reader. I was probably reading the books along with my Mom when she was pregnant with me! I love to read all kinds of books and have a book club selection that I read every month. The book club has forced me to read books that I normally would not read. Along the way I have found books and authors I would probably have not found on my own. I have found some terrific books and authors!
Being a North Carolina native, I love North Carolina authors! Margaret Maron and Sarah Addison Allen and of course, Nicholas Sparks are some of my favorites. I was totally blown away by Diane Chamberlain's "The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes!" Our book club is reading Basket Case by Carl Hiassen. I am looking forward to reading this since I have read several of his novels and laughed out loud.