Gravel on the side of the Road, by Kris Radish Review

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. #SRC2014

Yes, this gem fell out of my Summer reading. But, honestly this is a great book to read this Fall... or anytime of year!

A woman who worries about carrying a .38 special in her purse, nearly drowns in a desert canyon, flies into the war in Bosnia, dances with the FBI, tells Geraldo he shouldn't put guests in hotel rooms with rats and spends time with murderers, has more than a few stories to tell. Gravel on the Side of the Road-True Stories From a Broad Who Has Been There is a daring and revealing adventure itself. Beloved novelist Kris Radish returns to her non-fiction beginnings with her first book of autobiographical essays. Her writing career has spanned four decades and has included award-winning newspaper work, magazine features, a national syndicated column, eleven books and enough stories and adventures to fill up many more. Radish s talent for telling it like it is, sharing the wit and wisdom of a life lived mostly on her own terms and her keen sense of humor are highlighted in these stories some of them previously published, all of them offering a glimpse into worlds many never dare to enter. Kris is definitely a broad who has been there.

Grab your copy on Amazon.com

My Opinion

I think everyone is a sum of all those crazy, exciting and memorable moments in our lives. A good storyteller will be able to recount those times with vivid imagery and brutal honesty. Kris Radish delivered on both accounts. Having a life brimming full of memorable moments she decided to share them with her readers. I applaud her bravery for sharing her autobiographical essays.

What I liked most about this book was that it was easy to grab for a quick read here are there. Don't get me wrong, if you want to knock this out in one afternoon you could, but as a busy Mom building up my own portfolio of memorable moments I enjoyed the bite-sized stories and experiences. It was like seeing a tiny glimpse into the woman and author that Kris Radish is today.

And there is enough in this book to keep you laughing out loud and then chuckling to yourself for weeks! 

I love how her experiences made me think about how I would handle a similar situation. What if I was a night guard at a remote cabin when "Jesus" showed up? Or if I would have choice words with Geraldo or...just stare at his head. 

If you are a fan of Kris Radish, you will love to see some of her real life experiences written down. I think it gives me even greater appreciation for her other writing and great novels. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading her work before, this is not a bad place to start.

About the Author

Kris Radish is the author of nine novels and two works of non-fiction.  A former award-winning journalist, magazine writer, nationally syndicated columnist, waitress, worm picker, university lecturer, lifeguard and Professional Girl Scout—to name just a few of her past lives—Radish is also co-owner of a wine lounge, the Wine Madonna, in downtown St. Petersburg Florida where she hosts books clubs and special literary events with groups from across the globe. Her empowering novels celebrate female friendship, real life, personal empowerment—and naturally, the importance of celebrating life as often as possible. She calls her genre, Broads Who Have Been There, and it takes one to know one.  Her widely popular novels include The Elegant Gathering of White Snows, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral, The Sunday List of Dreams, Searching for Paradise in Parker P.A., The Shortest Distance Between Two Women, Hearts on a String, Tuesday Night Miracles and A Grand Day to Get Lost.  Her twelfth book and third non-fiction work, Gravel on the Side of the Road–True Stories From a Broad Who Has been There and her tenth novel, The Year of Necessary Lies will both be published by SparksPress in 2014.

Be sure to check out her website, http://www.krisradish.com/

Serenade by Emily Kiebel - #SRC2014

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. #SRC2014

Suddenly the voice she prized is now dangerously seductive. 

Lorelei Clark’s only concern was her future as a classically trained soprano, that is, until the day 
her father was tragically killed. Shattered by his death, she hesitantly accepts an invitation from a 
mysterious aunt to visit her lavish oceanside home in Cape Cod. She quickly discovers that her 
aunt and the two women who live with her are harboring a frightening secret – they are sirens, 
terrifying mythical creatures responsible for singing doomed sailors to their deaths. Even more 
astounding, Lorelei is one of them. 

In this new world where water comes alive at her touch and an ancient power pulses beneath the 
tide, the most important rule Lorelei must learn is that a siren never interferes with fate. When 
she breaks this rule by rescuing a handsome sailor who should have died at sea, the sirens vow 
she must finish the job or face grave consequences. Finding herself inexplicably attracted to him, 
she must fight to keep him safe from the others, even if it means risking her own life – and her 
heart – in the process. 

My Opinion

I love a good paranormal story, and this one definitely satisfied my craving. a fascinated YA story, I am sure will appeal to many ages. Yes, it starts out seemingly normal enough, but as you keep reading, more and more is revealed about Lorelei and her family.

Natural singing talent may be something more and we delve into the world of sirens. I haven't had the pleasure to read many paranormal stories about sirens, usually the vampires and werewolves in paranormal writing take center stage. This was a great chance to explore a new character and the myths that surround them.

Kiebel created a great female character in Lorelei. Well written, I think readers will be able to identify with her and a young girl struggling to find out who she is and what she wants to be.

About the Author

Emily Kiebel was raised in Colorado and went on to study classical music and English at Concordia University. She found a love for singing early in life and now sings professionally and directs a local church choir. In her spare time, she can be found exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors 
with her beloved dogs, Ginny and Diggory, cooking for friends and family, traveling or dragging her friends along to obscure historical sites. Serenade is her debut novel. 
Connect with the author: 
on Facebook, her website, and Goodreads

Queen of Hearts, Volume Two: The Wonder, by Colleen Oaks - #SRC2014

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. #SRC2014

Book two in the bestselling Queen of Hearts series! 

Alone in the wilds of Wonderland, Dinah fights for survival. When she meets the Yurkei, natives she was always taught were the enemy, and finds out she had been lied to all along, Dinah plots to reclaim her throne with their help. Filled with vivid imagery and thrilling action, Dinah’s transformation into a fierce warrior is stunning.

My Opinion

Picking up where the first book left off,  The Wonder is just as good as the first. I love the idea of seeing what leads a notorious villain to become who they are.

The same great cast of characters is back, and author Colleen Oaks does a marvelous job of bringing the reader back to Wonder Land. We all know how the story ends, but the journey there is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Dinah is growing up... and we know what kind of villian she is growing into.

Now you will know why...

This is one of my favorite series right now and I can't wait for the third book to be released. You can bet I will share my thoughts on it as soon as it is released.

About the Author

Colleen Oakes is the author of the Elly in Bloom series and the YA fantasy Queen of Hearts Saga, both published via SparkPress, a BookSparks imprint. She lives in North Denver with her husband and son. 

When not writing, Colleen enjoys swimming, traveling, and immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is currently at work on the last Elly novel and her second YA fantasy series, Wendy Darling. 

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1hJGIL6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColleenBlooms 
Website: http://colleenoakes.net 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1jl5CvV

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After I Do, by Taylor Jenkins Reid - #SRC2014

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

You may have noticed that I haven't posted many books lately here, but I am slowly getting back into my Summer reading after a few crazy weeks. I think I should point out that you can join in with the Book Sparks Summer Reading Challenge at any time. There are still fun prizes to be won on the Facebook page and many great books to discover! #SRC2014

When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes.

Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, quickly finding that her friends and family have their own ideas about the meaning of marriage. These influences, as well as her own healing process and the challenges of living apart from Ryan, begin to change Lauren’s ideas about monogamy and marriage. She starts to question: When you can have romance without loyalty and commitment without marriage, when love and lust are no longer tied together, what do you value? What are you willing to fight for?


This is a love story about what happens when the love fades. It’s about staying in love, seizing love, forsaking love, and committing to love with everything you’ve got. And above all, After I Do is the story of a couple caught up in an old game—and searching for a new road to happily ever after.

My Opinion
Emotionally raw, insightful and beautiful all at the same time. After I Do really made me appreciate the love I have and the ongoing relationship I have worked so hard for. As the cover states, falling in love was much easier.

I wasn't really sure what to think when I picked up After I Do. Having been married for 13 years the premise was a little odd to me. I am not sure I would ever choose to live apart from my spouse if we were having trouble. But, I can't say I have ever had the breakdown of communication as Lauren and Ryan did in the book

I love how author Taylor Jenkins Reid set up the story. The reader is shown short but significant snapshots of a relationship changing and then dying. When the whole suggestion of living apart comes up, it makes sense for the characters. A few of the scenes, like the big fight and the morning after, were gut wrenching. It was brutal honesty that I rarely see written.

And though the family of characters may not start out making sense, through how they all deal with the "breakup" and how life moves on, I started to fall in love with all them - even the irresponsible younger brother and quirky Mom. In the end it was a whole family who endured this "breakup" and had to discover a way to heal and appreciate each other all over again.

There were a few times I was brought to tears. There were so many strong emotions tied to how their actions affected the other, even when they didn't realize it. There is a bond of marriage and being connected so deeply to someone that just doesn't go away. I thought the author did an amazing job leading me along that emotional rollercoaster and I really had a hard time leaving the world in the book to come up for air.

This is a book you MUST add to your Summer reading list. Just make sure you arm youself with a box of tissues from the start.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Media Studies. Her first novel, Forever, Interrupted, was named one of the “11 Debuts We Love” by Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. Her forthcoming novel, After I Do, will be published July 1, 2014.

·       Facebook: http://on.fb.me/QCF5T8

·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjenkinsreid

·       Website: http://www.taylorjenkinsreid.com/

·       Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1uZBWfi

Cure for the Common Breakup, by Beth Kendrick - #SRC2014

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. Contains affiliate links.

Another week and another great book and author to introduce you to. This week I read Cure for the Common Breakup, and really I had I hard time putting it down at the end. This was the perfect chic lit guilty pleasure perfect for Summer reading.

Flight attendant Summer Benson lives by two rules: Don’t stay with the same man for too long and 
never stay in one place. She’s about to break rule number one by considering accepting her boyfriend’s 
proposal—then disaster strikes and her world is shattered in an instant. Summer heads to Black Dog 
Bay, where the locals welcome her. Even Hattie Huntington, the town’s oldest, richest, and meanest 
resident, likes her enough to give her a job. Then there’s Dutch Jansen, the rugged, stoic mayor, who’s 
the opposite of her type. She probably shouldn't be kissing him. She definitely shouldn't be falling in 
love. After a lifetime of globe-trotting, Summer has finally found a home. But Hattie has old scores to 
settle and a hidden agenda for her newest employee. Summer finds herself faced with an impossible 
choice: Leave Black Dog Bay behind forever, or stay with the ones she loves and cost them everything... 

Buy the Book:
 Kindle version on Amazon, Paperback on Amazon

My Review:
This was such a fun and quick read. In the first chapter I wasn't sure if I would like the main character, Summer, she was too superficial and silly as a flight attendant in heels with a suitcase full of lingerie. But Summer's world crashed down, for the better. At rock bottom she finds what has been missing in her life, and I think, finds a real purpose for living that isn't just about herself.

Of course the journey has some bumps and author Beth Kendrick kept things light and interesting. How can you not be glued to a book where the beautiful blond gets dumped in her hospital bed?  No fairytale prince charming there... and then takes off to meet her destiny? Ultimately I think Summer turns out to be much stronger than I would be in the same situation.

I imagine in real life there would be more tears and depression, I couldn't even fathom dealing with so much. But this isn't a "boo-hoo" book... this is a light, but engaging read. Summer turns out to be so much more than just a "gorgeous tall blonde."  This one isn't destined long for the Summer book bag, I read mine in one evening sitting.

About the Author:
Beth Kendrick is the author of The Week Before the Wedding, The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service, and
Nearlyweds, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She lives in Arizona with her two
rescue dogs, but she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she goes to Funland, eats
boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed.

Connect with Beth Kendrick
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1hyNbYy
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1gSjj3h 
Website: http://bit.ly/1lQXUwF 
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1hyN7Ie

Kicking off the #SRC2014 with Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan

I received review copies from BookSparks in order to write my book review posts for the 2014 Summer Reading Challenge. All opinions are my own. Contains affiliate links.

Ready, set, read!

It is time to kick off my first book review in the 2014 BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge. I am so excited to introduce you to each an every book on the list for this Summer, but I am thrilled that this year's challenge starts out with a fun book. Check out all the fun on the BookSparks blog.

Can anyone be truly herself--or truly in love--in a language that's not her own?

Sixteen-year-old Josie lives her life in translation. She speaks High School, College, Friends, Boyfriends, Break-ups, and even the language of Beautiful Girls. But none of these is her native tongue--the only people who speak that are her best friend Stu and her sister Kate. So when Kate gets engaged to an epically insufferable guy, how can Josie see it as anything but the mistake of a lifetime? Kate is determined to bend Josie to her will for the wedding; Josie is determined to break Kate and her fiancé up. As battles are waged over secrets and semantics, Josie is forced to examine her feelings for the boyfriend who says he loves her, the sister she loves but doesn't always like, and the best friend who hasn't said a word--at least not in a language Josie understands.

Grab your own copy at Amazon 
Love and Other Foreign Words

My Review:

I had a great time reading Love and Other Foreign Words. I was transported back a little to a time when romance was all encompassing and more importantly, all confusing! A likable character, Josie is young, sharp, and a tad bit eccentric. She is sometimes too logical for her own good. Love rarely ever makes sense, but she hasn't found that out yet.

I loved the backdrop of family in this story. It was a great safe place to explore the themes of of blind love and acceptance. Though Josie is comfortable enough with her neighbors who she considers family, but are not, she has a hard time excepting her sister's fiance and all his quirks even though she is soon to be stuck with him.

The battle is on and Josie has a little growing up to do... and a whole lot to learn about love. Author Erin McCahan takes readers on a fun and memorable journey. Written from a humorous angle, this story is a great way to start the Summer off right. Grab a copy to stash in your beach bag or enjoy it poolside. I recommend diving right into Love and Other Foreign Words.

Erin McCahan is an Ohio-dwelling, unabashedly Styx-loving, full-time writer who enjoys a variety of hobbies, excluding role-playing, sticky things, and karaoke. A former youth minister, she lives Columbus, Ohio, with her husband

Facebook: facebook.com/authorerinmccahan

Twitter: @ ErinMcCahan

Website: erinmccahan.com