ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L.M. Montgomery

December 14, 2017

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Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition

Yes, it’s that Anne of Green Gables, most recently reimagined as a Gothic nightmare on Netflix as “Anne with an E.” The Montgomery book was one of my favorites in childhood. Then I reread it in my children’s lit class in library school and loved it even more. Gothic nightmare is so not for me, but this book, this original, most certainly is.

The original (and subsequent sequels) are ostensibly children’s books but adults will certainly find much to enjoy as well. I was super excited to see this beautiful new edition from Penguin. It’s a lovely paperback with high quality paper and a cover with flaps – yes, these are things that excite me, I admit it. There is a new forward and included are some additional writings from the author.

Anne Shirley is one of the most beloved characters in literature – and it’s not just me. I recently caught the 1934 movie based on the book and was totally confused when I saw that the main character, Anne Shirley, was portrayed by an actress named…Anne Shirley. So I Googled it, and according to Wikipedia,

The actress Dawn O’Day who played Shirley in the 1934 film adaption of Anne of Green Gables liked the character so much she legally changed her name to Anne Shirley.

If you haven’t read it, this synopsis is from the publisher:

The beloved coming-of-age tale of a spunky heroine named Anne “with an E”, for the first time as a Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition, with a foreword by bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan. 

L. M. Montgomery’s novel Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to a pair of siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help work on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Yet Anne’s quirky personality and good-natured spirit causes the siblings to grow to love her anyway, and soon the entire town falls for the precocious little girl with bright red hair.

Cherished by both children and adults, Anne of Green Gables is a celebration of fierce individualism, and the families we create, rather than the ones we are born into. This Deluxe edition is enhanced with a foreword by bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan, and an introduction and suggestions for further reading by Benjamin Lefebvre, as well as a selection of early writing by L. M. Montgomery about the process of writing Anne.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,800 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

If you want to buy a wonderful book for a child or an adult who might need a beautiful, escapist read, I highly recommend this book. Thank you so much to Penguin Classics for sending me a copy, I will treasure it!

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L.M. Montgomery. Penguin Classics; Deluxe edition (November 14, 2017).  ISBN 978-0143131854.  368p.

 

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DUKE WITH BENEFITS by Manda Collins

December 12, 2017

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Studies in Scandal, Book 2

Due to an illegal marriage, Alexander Westcott finds himself the new Earl of Riverdale. This was not something he coveted, especially when he finds that the previous Earl has let the estate go into disrepair. Alexander didn’t inherit money in addition to his title, so as the gentry is wont to do, he must marry money.

Wren Heyden is a neighbor of the new Earl. She has been a recluse for most of her life. Born with a large strawberry birthmark covering half of her face, she was scorned and abused by her parents until a kindly aunt took her in. The aunt married well, and they adopted Wren, giving her a comfortable life, albeit a lonely one of her own choosing. When her aunt and uncle die, she inherits everything.

The young heiress only wants for one thing; a husband. She invites a few of her unmarried male neighbors to visit, hoping to find a husband in one of them and is quite taken with the Earl. But as much as he needs to marry for money, he isn’t going to rush into anything. They agree to start a courtship, and Wren finds herself in way over her head. He has social obligations, a large family, and wants her to participate in his life. She is very much afraid, but takes small steps to that end, and finds herself falling for Alexander.

Alexander is not looking for great passion, just companionship, and affection. But the relationship deepens, much to their surprise. But Wren has to learn to get past her abusive childhood, and with Alexander’s help, she does.

This is an interesting, lovely romance from Balogh. The sex is more sensual than explicit, but the romance rings true. Another wonderful entry into the Westcott series.

11/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

DUKE WITH BENEFITS by Manda Collins. St. Martin’s Paperbacks (June 27, 2017). ISBN 978-1250109880.  320p.

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SWEET TEA AND SYMPATHY by Molly Harper

December 11, 2017

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Southern Eclectic Series, Book 1

This is a contemporary romance with oodles of charm and laughs. This author is new to me as her previous bookls were paranormal, which I just can’t get into for whatever reason. But this book, the first of a new series, is paranormal free and right in my wheelhouse.

Margot is a top flight party planner in Chicago until disaster strikes. Of course it is all caught on video and goes viral, causing her to lose her job and consequently her home. Margot has lost her mother, and her father took off when she was a toddler, and the only family she has left is her stepfather who adopted her as a child. Then he pulls the rug out from under her, telling her he was never really married to her mother. While she is reeling from that bit of news, she gets a job offer.

Margot’s great Aunt on her father’s side calls to offer her a job at the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop in Lake Sackett, Georgia. Margot has always believed her father, an alcoholic, wanted nothing to do with her but she is definitely curious about him and his family, so off she goes. She is sending out resumes everywhere trying to get a job as a party planner in a city, but then she meets Kyle, the principal of the elementary school, and things start looking up in Georgia.

Lots of small town charm including every Southern stereotype from sweet tea to bless her heart, but who cares when a book is this engaging. The characters are quirky, the setting brought skillfully to life, and there is just enough romance and drama to keep it all interesting. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

SWEET TEA AND SYMPATHY by Molly Harper.  Gallery Books (November 21, 2017). ISBN 978-1501151224. 320p.

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ON SECOND THOUGHT by Kristan Higgins

December 10, 2017

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Kristan Higgins has become one of my favorite authors. I love her writing style, her sense of humor and her characters. (see my review of her Blue Heron series)

This is a stand-alone novel set in New York. Kate finally has everything she’s always wanted and never thought she’d have, especially since she’s pushing 40. But four months into her story book marriage to Nathan, she loses him in a bizarre accident. This is not a spoiler, from the first chapter you know this is going to happen. But it is what happens after that makes this story.

Kate’s younger half-sister, Ainsley, has only ever been with one man and they’ve been together for eleven years. He’s just beaten cancer, and she is waiting for him to finally propose. Instead, he dumps her and blogs about it, and of course it goes viral.

The sisters end up being a support system for each other, and then they meet new men – Daniel the hot firefighter, and Jonathan, Ainsley’s sourpuss boss. The exploration of grief, from death and a breakup is intense and feels so real – as does the guilt that comes with finding joy.

This book brought me to tears more than once, yet also had me laughing out loud. I loved it.

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ON SECOND THOUGHT by Kristan Higgins. HQN Books (January 31, 2017). ISBN 978-0373789252. 480p.

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A DUKE IN SHINING ARMOR by Loretta Chase

December 8, 2017

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Difficult Dukes, Book 1

This first book of a new series from perennial favorite Loretta Chase introduces the three “dis-Graces,” dukes who have been so badly behaved that they are barely welcome in society. But one of the dis-Graces, the Duke of Ashmont, has fallen for Olympia, especially after his uncle pushes him hard into the relationship. But on the morning of their wedding, he is left at the altar. The bride has run away.

The best man, another of the dis-Graces, the Duke of Ripley, takes off after the bride, determined to bring her back to his best friend. Ripley has noticed her over the years but kept his distance as he was and is not ready for marriage. The chase takes them on a road trip of sorts and leads to all kinds of complications, not the least of which is their growing attraction for one another.

Ripley may have a bad reputation, but his sense of honor is strong and he knows he cannot have his best friend’s affianced. Or can he? Olympia knows she needs to marry Ashmont to bring in money that her family desperately needs. Yet she can’t quite bring herself to do it.

Chase brings her trademark wit to this delightful romp. A wonderful start to the new series and I can’t wait for the next installment.

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

A DUKE IN SHINING ARMOR by Loretta Chase. Avon (November 28, 2017). ISBN: 978-0062457387. 400p.

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The Blue Heron Series by Kristan Higgins

December 7, 2017

I’ve been reviewing these books individually but decided to just do a series review at this point. I started reading this series, as I am wont to do, out of order. I actually read book 5, Anything for You, first. Then I sort of forgot about it until my work daughter, Caitlin, told me how much she loved this series and thought I would, too. So I got the first book, The Best Man, and that was it. I was planning on saving the rest to read over my Christmas vacation, but I couldn’t wait. I read them all in a week, and yes, that includes re-reading book 5, reading on my work breaks, reading on my phone in line at the supermarket and at traffic lights, and occasionally (guiltily) during slow times at work.

Here are brief synopses of each of the books, along with links to the reviews I’ve already posted:

The Best Man: After being left at the altar years ago, Faith is ready to return to her family’s winery, but when she finds herself drawn to local police chief Levi, she cannot forget the role he played in breaking up her wedding. Review

The Perfect Match: After Honor Holland agrees to a marriage of convenience to help British professor Tom Barlow stay in the country, she begins to wonder if there isn’t something more between them. Review

Waiting on You: When Lucas Campbell, who broke her heart ten years earlier, returns to town, bar owner Colleen O’Rourke is tempted to give him a second chance, but wary of being hurt again.

In Your Dreams: When she asks Jack Holland to be her escort to her ex-fiancâe’s wedding and they end up in bed together, Emmaline Neal dismisses it as a one-night stand, but Jack is determined to convince her that it could be something more.

Anything for You: When Connor O’Rourke proposes to his long-time on-again, off-again secret girlfriend, Jessica Dunn, and she says no, he gives her an ultimatum–marry him or their relationship is over. Review

 

After reading them semi-out-of-order, I have to say they are best read in order, unlike some other romance series. While each book can and does stand alone, following the relationships as they develop adds something to each book. The setting is a small town in upstate New York with the Blue Heron Winery at its center, and all the characters are inter-related in one way or another.

Higgins strength as a writer, besides her terrific storytelling ability, is her sense of humor, her ability to create strong, believable characters, and enough drama and romance to keep the pages turning. Best of all, she does it all seamlessly. Her books are emotionally satisfying, which I deeply appreciate. She literally makes me laugh and cry in each and every book; the crying is rare and special, and the humor is sometimes surprising and often laugh out loud funny. I actually laughed until I cried reading Waiting on You.

So let’s call this what it is, a love letter to Kristan Higgins. And Caitlin. Let me add she has terrific stand-alone novels as well – On Second Thought was fantastic (review forthcoming,) and I’m saving her upcoming Now That You Mention It for that aforementioned Christmas vacation, along with whichever other titles my library has in digital format. I can’t wait!

 

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RUNNING WILD by J.G. Ballard

December 6, 2017

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A short novel; perhaps even a short story containing the elements Ballard usually included in his writings. There is a new edition (a reprint) scheduled for release inj 2018. In it are Ballard’s undisguised feelings about the ills he feels are inherent in modern society and his disdain for our vaunted civilization; social protest and then some.

The story is about a murder investigation of killings in a very upscale community in London. All the adults are killed. This includes married couples, servants, single people and security personnel, 32 in total. All of the children living in the subdivision, 13 in total are missing with no sign of them, nor any clue about where they were taken.

Dr. Richard Greville is Deputy Psychiatric Adviser to the London Metropolitan Police, and through his forensic diary on the case brings us the details of the investigation into the crime. What the crime entails and what the motivations were of the killers forms the crux of the entire novel and certainly represent J.G. Ballard at his best. It is for the reader to reach conclusions based on the events described and to do so requires a very open mind.

12/17 Paul Lane

RUNNING WILD by J.G. Ballard. Farrar, Straus and Giroux; Reprint edition (April 30, 1999).  ISBN 978-0374525460. 112p.

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ROOMIES by Christina Lauren

December 5, 2017

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Holland Bakker has a crush on a street musician at the subway station she frequents. She’s never actually spoken to him, but is really moved by his guitar. One night a drunk accosts her, and she falls onto the track and the busker saves her – then disappears when the cops show up.

Holland knows music; her uncle is a Broadway composer whose given her a gopher job at the theater and a tiny apartment to live in. Manhattan rents being ridiculously expensive, Holland is most appreciative of these gifts. So when the lead violinist leaves the show, she suggests the guitarist to her uncle as a substitute.

Calvin Mcloughlin gets his audition, but as talented as he is, there is a major hurdle. He is in the US from Ireland illegally, his student visa  long expired. At a staff meeting. Holland’s supervisor jokingly suggests she marry Calvin, thus gaining him residency. She approaches him with this offer, and much to her surprise, he accepts.

Calvin is unaware of her long-harbored crush on him, but he is a genuinely nice guy and his talent makes him a Broadway sensation. They have to pass a marriage test for immigration services and work on learning about each other, and really do fall in love. But no path to happiness is without its bumps, and there are many to get through.

By turns charming, sweet, funny and always emotional, Roomies is a lovely read with warm, interesting characters, and I also loved the inside glimpse into a Broadway production. I highly recommend this fast, fun read, especially to fans like me of Colleen Hoover and Rainbow Rowell.

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ROOMIES by Christina Lauren.  Gallery Books (December 5, 2017). ISBN: 978-1501165832. 368p.

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THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg

December 4, 2017

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I’m not sure when charming stories became a genre, but they really have and this one is terrific.

This is a multi-generational look at loss, from Arthur who has lost his wife, to Maddy, a teenager who has lost her mother, to Lucille, Arthur’s widowed neighbor. Maddy meets Arthur at the cemetery, where he has spent every day having lunch with his dead wife. Maddy’s mom was cremated, so she’s not there but Maddy likes the solitude of the cemetery.

Maddy is having problems at home and at school, and she and Arthur form a friendship. Eventually, Maddy moves in with Arthur, as does Lucille. They are all friends and lean on each other to deal with their loneliness. It’s not as dark as it sounds, there are a lot of laughs and real emotion throughout this book. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.

This was another winner that I found through LibraryReads.org.

The top ten books published each month that librarians across the country love. I get a lot of wonderful recommendations from these lists, and I can honestly say I think there was only one book in the past several years that I didn’t love, so check it out.

12/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE STORY OF ARTHUR TRULUV by Elizabeth Berg. Random House (November 21, 2017). ISBN 978-1400069903. 240p.

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POISON by Galt Niederhoffer

November 21, 2017

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Niederhoffer’s day job is being a very successful producer of award winning films. Her night job is just as successful: writing books and articles which are published. It is therefore no surprise that her latest novel, Poison, is mesmerizing, well written and capable of grabbing the reader and not letting go until the end.

The book is more than a good novel but also geared to deliver an important message. That has been done for centuries in which fiction is used to point out a fault or faults in society and bringing them home to the reader. Witness the impact that Gulliver’s Travels had in illustrating the problems inherent in England at the time of it’s writing.

Cassandra (Cass) and Ryan Connor were married several years before the book begins. Both are successful individuals; Cass a professor at the university level and Ryan a well established architect. Cass had been married previously and had two children when her husband suddenly passed away. Although she thought that she would never marry again, Ryan came into her life and a whirlwind courtship ensued. The couple moved from New York to Seattle in order to get a fresh start and with a baby arriving, cemented what looked like a fairy tale relationship.

Unfortunately small problems that became bigger began to erupt and the result was Cass actually began fearing for her life. Niederhoffer’s point became clear when Cass found no sympathy from friends, authorities and even her own mother. All had the chauvinistic point of view that more often than not women cause most of these problems and the man in the situation is blameless.

Without looking at the point of the novel it still is a fascinating, well written book that will entice the reader to stay with it until finished. It is an excellent crime story with a logical and satisfying ending. Understanding the point that Niederhoffer wants to bring out makes the book doubly interesting and cause for a good deal of reflection on the injustices women may go through in defending themselves legally against a man.

11/17 Paul Lane

POISON by Galt Niederhoffer. St. Martin’s Press (November 21, 2017).  ISBN 978-1250085290. 304p.

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