Saturday, March 25, 2023
Review - The Paris Daughter
AUTHOR: Kristin Harmel
RATING: ★★★★
RELEASE DATE: June 6th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): From the bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names comes a gripping historical novel about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation.
Paris, 1939: Young mothers Elise and Juliette become fast friends the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. Though there is a shadow of war creeping across Europe, neither woman suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change.
When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life—her young daughter, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl. But nowhere is safe in war, not even a quiet little bookshop like Juliette’s Librairie des Rêves, and, when a bomb falls on their neighborhood, Juliette’s world is destroyed along with it.
More than a year later, with the war finally ending, Elise returns to reunite with her daughter, only to find her friend’s bookstore reduced to rubble—and Juliette nowhere to be found. What happened to her daughter in those last, terrible moments? Juliette has seemingly vanished without a trace, taking all the answers with her. Elise’s desperate search leads her to New York—and to Juliette—one final, fateful time.
REVIEW: One thing I have always admired about Kristin Harmel is the extensive amount of research she puts into her stories. Every time I read one of her books I learn something new, and The Paris Daughter was no different. It’s like getting a history lesson tucked inside a beautiful story. There were so many emotions I went through while reading this book - sadness, happiness, hope, despair - just to name a few. I loved how Harmel gave a nod to The Book of Lost Names, and she blended it all together perfectly. I predicted the ending about halfway through the book, but that didn’t stop me from getting fully immersed in it, and once I started I couldn’t put it down. Historical fiction fans will easily fall in love with The Paris Daughter. I would highly recommend it to everyone.
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Recipe - Strawberry Water
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, to taste (or honey, maple syrup or agave nectar)
- 7 cups (64 ounces) cold water, divided
- Sparkling water, to serve (optional)
DIRECTIONS: Clean the berries. Place the strawberries in a blender with strawberries with 1 cup water, the lime juice and sugar and blend on high until fully combined.
Add the remaining 6 cups cold water. Taste and adjust sugar or lime juice as needed (the flavor mellows over time). Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If desired, serve topped off with sparkling water.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of A Couple Cooks)
Monday, March 20, 2023
Review - Things We Hide From the Light
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Nash Morgan was always known as the good Morgan brother, with a smile and a wink for everyone. But now, this chief of police is recovering from being shot and his Southern charm has been overshadowed by panic attacks and nightmares. He feels like a broody shell of the man he once was. Nash isn’t about to let anyone in his life know he’s struggling. But his new next-door neighbor, smart and sexy Lina, sees his shadows. As a rule, she’s not a fan of physical contact unless she initiates it, but for some reason Nash’s touch is different. He feels it too. The physical connection between them is incendiary, grounding him and making her wonder if exploring it is worth the risk.
Too bad Lina’s got secrets of her own, and if Nash finds out the real reason she’s in town, he’ll never forgive her. Besides, she doesn’t do relationships. Ever. A hot, short-term fling with a local cop? Absolutely. Sign her up. A relationship with a man who expects her to plant roots? No freaking way. Once she gets what she’s after, she has no intention of sticking around. But Knockemout has a way of getting under people’s skin. And once Nash decides to make Lina his, he’s not about to be dissuaded…even if it means facing the danger that nearly killed him.
REVIEW: I didn't think I could possibly adore the second installment of the Knockemout series as much as I did the first one, but Lucy Score proved me wrong. I fell head over heels for Nash in the first book, and being able to dive more deeply into his life was such a treat. Those Morgan men...what can I say? They are sexy as hell, but more importantly there's an underlying sensitivity and vulnerability about them that is SO endearing. Nash is a true hero, and his evolving relationship with Lina was wonderful to read. There are many layers to them individually and as a couple, and as each one was revealed it just made me love them both even more. Lina is a kick ass heroine you can't help but admire. Like I said in my review of the first book, I love every single character in the Knockemout series, from Justice to Liza J. to Waylon and everyone else in between. Lucy Score has done such an amazing job bringing these characters to life in these books, and I will truly miss them when the series is finished. Speaking of...I.CAN'T.WAIT to read Lucien's story! Oh my gosh! Can September hurry up and get here?
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Recipe - Chicken Tostadas
- 5 TBSP neutral oil, divided
- 1 large white onion, one-half finely chopped, one-half thinly sliced
- 1 TSP ground cumin
- 3 TSP kosher salt, divided
- 1 TSP freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 (15.5-oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
- 2 TBSP fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (4-oz.) can diced green chile peppers
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cups chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 pack store-bought tostadas (deep-fried flat corn tortillas)
- 3 cups shredded romaine
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Lime wedges, for serving
DIRECTIONS: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 3 TBSP oil. Add finely chopped onion, cumin, 1 1/2 TSP salt, and 1 TSP black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Add beans and 1 cup broth and cook, stirring occasionally, until most liquid has reduced, about 10 minutes. Continue to cook, using a potato masher or fork to smash beans, until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Meanwhile, in a medium pot over medium heat, heat remaining 2 TBSP oil. Add sliced onion and remaining 1 1/2 TSP salt and 1 TSP black pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions have softened slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno, if using, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in green chiles and remaining 1 cup broth. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chicken and cilantro. Top tostadas with bean mixture, chicken mixture, romaine, avocado, and queso fresco. Garnish with more cilantro. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
(Recipe and photo courtesy of Delish)
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson Now Available
Finally received my copies of Good Morning America’s March book club pick, Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. One copy is in my Little Free Library, so come on and get it if you’d like to read it. If you don’t want to keep it you can return it for others to enjoy.
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Sullivan Book Nook March Update
Added more kids books and two Debbie Macomber books to the Little Free Library. Still haven’t received my copies of the Good Morning America book pick, but I’ll post pictures when I do. If you see something you’d like to have, please come get it.
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Review - Things We Never Got Over
AUTHOR: Lucy Score
RATING: ★★★★★
Summary (from Goodreads): Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.
Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.
Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.
Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.
There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.
At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.
REVIEW: I really love when a story pulls me in from the beginning, and I can’t stop reading until I’ve turned the last page. That’s what happened to me with this book. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a story where I loved every single character, but the author brought these people to life in such a wonderful way that they felt like friends I’ve known my whole life. (Okay, I didn’t care much for Tina…but I digress). I will say that if you’re looking for an ooey-gooey romance with soul-stirring, gentle lovemaking then this probably isn’t the book for you. The hero, Knox, is tough, intense, and brash, with a very foul mouth and every rough edge you can possibly imagine. Some readers (especially of the female persuasion) might find his abrasiveness and possessive personality a turn off and offensive, but I just thought it was sexy as hell. If you’re looking for a story with memorable characters who will tug on your heartstrings and make you feel all kinds of sappy emotions then you should definitely read this book.
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
YAY! Sullivan Book Nook FINALLY On The Map!
Woohoo! Made it on to Good Morning America’s Little Free Library map this time! I haven’t received my copies of the March book pick yet, but they should be here by this weekend. Can’t wait to read it! 
Monday, March 6, 2023
Review - Happy Place
AUTHOR: Emily Henry
RATING: ★★★★
RELEASE DATE: April 25th, 2023
Summary (from Goodreads): Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week… in front of those who know you best?
A couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.
REVIEW: I’ve always enjoyed Emily Henry’s books and Happy Place is no exception. As always, the dialogue is incredible, and I literally laughed out loud numerous times over some of the banter between the characters. The main hero and heroine, Wyn and Harriet, are likeable characters. They both have personality flaws they have to face and overcome for the sake of their relationship, and I believe Emily Henry unraveled that layer by layer in a wonderful way that makes you love Wyn and Harriet - flaws and all. The only real problem I had with this book was the drug use amongst the characters. Now, I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but smoking marijuana and tripping on gummies made me think of them more as teenagers than adults, so it was hard to take them and their “life problems” seriously. The drug use feels strange and out of place in an Emily Henry book, and I don’t understand why it was included, but…anyway…I would still recommend it. (The book, I mean. Not the drugs. LOL) I just hope it doesn’t become a regular thing in her future books. (Fingers crossed!)
(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)
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