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Showing posts with label Robyn Carr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robyn Carr. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
Top Ten Tuesday: Falling for Autumn, Vicariously
Unlike in beautiful New Hampshire (top photo), where I was vacationing last year around this time, or in the stunning Columbia River Gorge (bottom photo), where I was reared, here in the Phoenix area we don't really have Fall. Sure, the temperature will retreat back into two-digit range sometime around November, but the leaves don't really change color, there's no briskness in the air, and the homey sight of smoke drifting out of chimneys into a bright Autumn sky is not something you see here in our desert. I miss real Fall, the kind I adored while growing up in Washington and going to college in Utah. Since I can't experience it without taking a drive, I'll have to do it vicariously through books (like I do a lot of things). That's where this week's Top Ten Tuesday topic—Top Ten Book Covers That Give Off Fall Vibes—comes in. My list is a mix of titles I've read and enjoyed, Fall books I loved as a kid and had fun reading to my own children, and a few that I'm looking forward to reading sometime soon.
If you want to join in the TTT fun, hop on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.
Top Ten Book Covers That Give Off Fall Vibes
Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr—the newest in a series I enjoy but am behind in reading
Bitter River by Julia Keller—My Review
The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny—My Review
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz—Oh, the nostalgia!
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr
Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman, illustrated by S.D. Schindler—one of my kids' favorite seasonal read alouds
Fall Leaves by Loretta Holland, illustrated by Elly MacKay
The Orphan of Cemetery Hill by Hester Fox
Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte—Jana mentioned this sweet romance in her post today and it sounds fun, especially since I love New Hampshire!
There you go, some book covers that really say Autumn to me. What do you think of my picks? Which covers say Fall to you? What is Fall like where you live? I'd truly love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.
Happy TTT!
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Even If Her Newest Isn't My Fave, Carr Holds a Special Place in My Heart
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Twenty years separate sisters Adele Descaro and Justine Somersby. Although they live near each other and have communicated over the years about their parents' declining health, the two have never been close. Now that their mother has died, the women find they have more in common than they ever have before. Both are at a crossroads in their lives, which has left each of them anxious, worried, and emotionally at sea. Having been their mother's primary caregiver for the last eight years, 32-year-old Adele has to decide what to do about a job, the graduate education she abandoned in order to help at home, and the surprising demands of the man who's been her gentle, patient best friend throughout her life. When Justine discovers her husband of 30 years has been cheating on her, she's devastated. Divorcing the only man she's ever loved is heartbreaking, but it's also given her the freedom she never knew she wanted. As she picks up the pieces of her shattered life, Justine finds herself relying more and more on her little sister. While the sisters find their way back to each other and themselves, they experience healing along with new problems. Will their new-found closeness bring them together or tear them even more apart?
I've read a number of books by the prolific Robyn Carr, mostly her small-town romance novels set in Grace Valley and Virgin River. What I love most about Carr is that her warm, genuine nature shines through in both the towns and the characters she creates. Her settings are inviting, her story people authentic, and her writing upbeat, even when discussing tough subjects. Although Carr's newest women's fiction effort, Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, is not my favorite of her many novels, it still showcases the trademarks I just mentioned. While not as developed as Grace Valley and Virgin River, Half Moon Bay comes off as a charming little town full of cheerful, concerned folks. Adele drove me crazy with her flakiness and fickleness, it's true. Still, I enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Justine (whom I found much easier to identify with) evolve in a realistic way. Carr does tackle some difficult subjects in Sunrise on Half Moon Bay, but overall this is an easy, uplifting read with the kind of guaranteed HEA Carr does so well. I didn't love her newest as I have some of her older novels, but Carr has a special place in my heart and I'll always be willing to read whatever she writes.
(Readalikes: Reminds me of other novels by Carr as well as those by Kristan Higgins)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (no F-bombs), violence, disturbing subject matter, and sexual content (only one scene, but it's fairly detailed)
To the FTC, with love: I received an e-ARC of Sunrise on Half Moon Bay from the generous folks at Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Carr's Signature Warmth Shines Through in First of New Series
(Image from Barnes & Noble)
Stress is an everyday part of Maggie Sullivan's high-pressure life as a Denver neurosurgeon. It's so ingrained in her the 36-year-old almost doesn't notice that she's heading straight for a nervous breakdown. Dreading the results of a malpractice lawsuit against her, grieving a recent miscarriage, and trying to find her way after the break-up of a long-term relationship, Maggie's reached the end of her rope. There's only one place that can heal her broken spirit: Sullivan's Crossing.
A family campground near the intersection of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails, Sullivan's Crossing has been in Maggie's family for generations. Now run by her estranged father, the place offers everything she needs—peace, quiet, distraction—even if it comes with a side of cantankerous old man. When Sully suffers a debilitating heart attack, Maggie finds herself sucked into caring for her father, his booming business, and a horde of needy tourists. It's a different kind of stress than she's used to, but it may be just what the doctor ordered for both Maggie and Sully.
Maggie can't turn down help right now, but she's still suspicious of Cal Jones, a handsome vagabond who's staying at the campground. She suspects he's not who he appears to be. She's right. As the two work together to keep the campground running, they discover surprising commonalities between them—and a passion with the potential to turn into more than just a fleeting campground romance. Can a summer fling heal two broken people? At Sullivan's Crossing, anything is possible ...
I'm not big on the genre as a whole, but I am a sucker for a good Robyn Carr romance. Carr is a warm, generous woman and those personality traits come through in a big way in everything she writes. I love her series set in snug little towns filled with good people who cherish their friends, family, and community. Fiery romances blossom continually in these locales—of course—echoing the cozy glow that emanates from the roads and rills of places like Virgin River, Grace Valley, and Thunder Point.
Like its fellows, Sullivan's Crossing is a place of beauty and belonging. The campground has its own personality, though, which makes it a fun setting. Its residents are warm and down-to-earth, characters who are both compelling and likable. Although the romance between Maggie and Cal is inevitable, I like that Carr gives it time to build into something that feels real. Sullivan's Crossing may not have the same place in my heart that Grace Valley and Virgin River do, but I enjoyed What We Find. It's the first book in a new series—I'm excited to see where it goes!
(Readalikes: Other books by Robyn Carr. She's too prolific for me to list all her novels, but you can learn about them on her very informative website.)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language (a few F-bombs, plus milder expletives), sexual content, violence, and references to the consumption of illegal drugs
To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of What We Find from the generous folks at Mira Books via those at Little Bird Publicity. Thank you!
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Top Ten Tuesday: The Finish Line
It's been awhile since I participated in Top Ten Tuesday, my favorite bookish meme. The last few topics haven't really piqued my interest, but I love the one for this week: Top Ten Finished Series I Have Yet to Finish. Although I could seriously list about a million answers, I'll try to restrain myself and keep it to just ten :)
If you want to play along, head over to The Broke and the Bookish. Read the rules, make your Top Ten list, share it with the rest of us, then visit other blogs to see lots of fun answers to the question du jour. Simple. It's an enjoyable little diversion that will put a smile on your face while introducing you to tons of great book blogs. What's not to love?
Here we go with my list. In no particular order, here are the Top Ten Finished Series I Have Yet to Finish:
1. Matched by Ally Condie—I enjoyed the first book in this series, but never moved on to the second. Not sure why. At this point, I'd probably have to re-read Matched before picking up the next installment. One of these days ...
2. Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer—This is a series that was already wrapping up when the author died in 2014. Still, the thought of no additional Jacky Faber stories makes my heart sad. She's such a lively, vivid character that I can't imagine not having her in my reading life. Perhaps that's why I'm stalling instead of finishing up the series? Probably. I've read five of the twelve Bloody Jack novels, so I've still got a lot of ground to cover with this one.
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon—I was totally absorbed by Outlander, but again, I never picked up another book in the series. Why not? Who knows? I need to since I believe it's now complete?
4. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis—The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe stands out in my mind as one of those reads that just swept me away as a child. As much as I loved the book, I don't think I kept on with the series. My memory ain't what it used to be, that's true, but I'm pretty sure I've never read the rest of the Narnia books. I need to remedy that, for sure.
5. Divergent by Veronica Roth—Again, I enjoyed the first book, but didn't progress beyond the series debut. I've heard not great things about Insurgent, thus my hesitation ...
6. The Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter—These books are so dang fun. I love them! And yet, I've only finished two of the six books in the series. They're easy, entertaining reads, so it wouldn't be tough (in fact, it would be quite enjoyable) to binge-read the rest of them.
7. Virgin River by Robyn Carr—When it comes to creating small, cozy towns that teem with so much life and warmth that I want to move in right away, there is simply no one like Robyn Carr. I adored her Grace Falls series. Her newer ones, Virgin River and Thunder Point, are just as engaging. While the latter continues, I believe the former is complete. I've read 6/20 V.R. books and am always excited to open another one and get back "home" to Virgin River.
8. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd—I've read 2/3 of this series in 2015. I'm hoping to finish it this year as well.
9. The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale—I'm halfway through this enjoyable series, but it's been a loooonnnngggg time since I read the first two books (2008 and 2009, respectively). I'll have to re-read them before grabbing the final two.
10. Incarceron by Catherine Fisher—A two-book series should be a cinch to complete, and yet, I'm still only halfway through this one. I proclaimed Incarceron one of my favorite books of 2010. For some reason, though, I never read Sapphique. It's gathering dust on my shelf—methinks it's high-time to re-experience Incarceron and finally get to its sequel.
There you have it, ten of the many, many, many series I've started and never finished. So, where should I start? Which series are your favorite? Which have you left incomplete? Why? Inquiring minds (mine, anyway) really want to know ... I love visiting book blogs, so leave me a comment and I'll gladly return the favor.
Happy TTT!
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
TTT: Where Are They Now?
So, I wasn't planning to participate in Top Ten Tuesday this week because I already posted a review today, plus this week's TTT topic is, well, tough. Some of the topics inspire dozens of answers to pop into my head, others just ... don't. Still, I didn't want to miss out on the fun, so I just twisted the prompt to suit my needs a little better. If you want to liven up your Tuesday a little, click on over to The Broke and the Bookish to get the skinny on how to participate. It's easy! It's fun! It will give you clear skin and firm thighs! Well, maybe not that last bit ...
Anyway, this week's topic is: Top Ten Characters You'd Like to Check In With. Since I could only think of ones I figured would be on everyone's lists (Scout Finch, Scarlett O'Hara, etc.), I decided to focus my list on characters whom I can check in with, but whom I've been neglecting of late.
1. "Bloody" Jacky Faber (Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer)—You've heard me rave on and on about how much I love Jacky. She's a fantastic, larger-than-life heroine who makes me laugh. As much as I adore her, though, I've only read half of the books in the series. I need to pick up My Bonny Light Horseman soon and see what crazy adventure Jacky's on this time!
2. Amelia Peabody (Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters)—Amelia Peabody is more understated than Jacky Faber, but she's also a heroine who has great adventures. Her shocking actions/demeanor make me laugh. I haven't read a Peabody mystery in some time and might have to re-start the series so I can remember who's who and what's what. Or, I might just start where I left off (Book 5? Book 6?).
3. Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan)—Percy Jackson is one of my kids' favorite heroes. I enjoyed The Lightning Thief, but never moved on with the series. I think I need to drop back in and see what the young demi-god is up to these days.
4. Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis)—I loved The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I read it in elementary school. Why I never read the rest of the series, I really don't know. I've regretted it ever since and should really finish it up. I have at least two sets of the books on my shelf, so I have no excuses ...
5. Mel, Jack, Preacher & Co. (Virgin River series by Robyn Carr); Hank Cooper & Co. (Thunder Point series by Robyn Carr)—I love Carr's romance novels with their small-town settings and big-hearted people. I've read over half of the former series, but only the first of the latter. I've got some catching up to do, for sure!
6. Hannah Swensen (Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke)—Yes, I realize these are the silliest murder mysteries in the history of murder mysteries. I blame my friend Tara for turning me on to them. She's right, though, they're useful when you want to read a light, easy mystery that won't turn your stomach or tax your brain. Also, there are the recipes. So, yeah, I definitely need to pop back into this series to see what's going down with the cookie baker turned amateur sleuth.
7. Cammie Morgan & Co. (Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter)—I love this outlandish, warm-hearted series. It's just fun. The girls always have something crazy going on, so visiting them is a guaranteed good time. I need to start Number Three, Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover, soon.
8. Don Tillman & Rosie Jarman (Rosie series by Graeme Simsion)—The Rosie Project made me laugh out loud (many times) and root for this unlikely pair. I'm curious to see what happens to them next. Good thing I'm already on the library's waiting list for The Rosie Effect.
9. Odd Thomas (Odd series by Dean Koontz)—Although I was not happy with the ending of Odd Thomas, the first installment in this popular series, I enjoyed the book. Considering what happened to poor Odd in the first novel, I definitely need to check in with him and see if he's okay.
10. Ruth Galloway (Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths)—Okay, so I just barely left this English archaeologist, but I'm ready for another visit to the salt marshes she loves so much. Especially since the first novel ends not in a cliffhanger, but in an intriguing twist. I definitely want to see where it leads!
So, there you have it. I'm obviously horrendous at completing series. The worst thing is, I feel like I've left all these characters hanging, like they've just been suspended in time until I open their books and release them. When will I stop neglecting these poor story people? Hopefully soon. Which fictional characters have you been ignoring? Which are you still wondering about? Who would you like to catch up with? I'd love to see your TTT list.
Happy reading!
*All book images from Barnes & Noble
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
TTT: Easy, Breezy Summer Readin'
Top Ten Books at the Top of My Summer TBR List
1. The Distance Between Us by Kasie West—I'm reading this contemporary YA romance right now (it comes out on July 2, I believe) and, although it's pretty fluffy, I'm enjoying it. It's a classic rich boy meets poor girl love story, set in a beach town in California. Although it's set during the Fall months, it's the kind of light, fun book that's perfect for summer reading.
2. Bones of the Lost by Kathy Reichs—I always get excited when a new Temperance Brennan novel comes out. This is one of my favorite adult series. Since the book doesn't come out until August, I was thrilled to get an ARC of this one via Edelweiss. I can't wait to see what adventures Tempe has this time around.
3. The Newcomer by Robyn Carr—Adult romances really aren't my thing, so I generally avoid them like the proverbial plague. Unless, of course, they're written by Carr. She's a warm, lovely person whose personality really shines through in the books she writes. They're romances, yes, but they're also stories about communities, families and people who value things like integrity, fidelity and loyalty to one's family, friends and country. Carr's newest series, set on the Oregon Coast, is just as appealing as her Virgin River and Grace Valley books. The Newcomer is the second installment in the series and it looks like a perfect summer read! The novel comes out in about a week, but thanks to the generous Robyn Carr, I already have a copy sitting on my shelf.
4. Matilda by Roald Dahl—Believe it or not, I've never read Matilda. So, when the good folks at Penguin asked if I'd like to review it as part of the celebrations for the book's 25th Anniversary, I could not resist the opportunity. Look for my review soon!
5. World War Z by Max Brooks—Even though it's not really monster season, I love a good zombie yarn. I just got this one from the library and hope to get to it soon.
6. The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr—Zarr's books are kind of hit and miss for me and her newest has gotten mixed reviews, so we'll see what I think of this one.
7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman—I pre-orderd this one from Amazon because, well, it's Neil Gaiman. People are saying it's really weird, though, so know I'm really interested to see what it's all about!
8. Amity & Sorrow by Peggy Riley—I'm not sure why this novel about escaping polygamy sounds so intriguing to me, but it does. It sounds a little heavy for the easy, breezy days of summer and yet, it's one I definitely want to get to soon.
9. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein—I've been seeing this one advertised on Amazon and I think it looks excellent. It's a MG book about a kid who's trapped in a new library created by a genius game master. He has to find clues and solve puzzles to find his way out. It's being billed as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Night at the Museum, which just totally intrigues me. The book comes out on June 25th. I can't wait to see what it's all about.
10. The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver—Deaver's books are pretty hard core, but I enjoy his series about quadriplegic forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme. Rhyme's a brilliant character and his adventures are always fast-paced and compelling. I hope the hold list at the library moves fast because I can't wait to read this one.
7. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman—I pre-orderd this one from Amazon because, well, it's Neil Gaiman. People are saying it's really weird, though, so know I'm really interested to see what it's all about!
8. Amity & Sorrow by Peggy Riley—I'm not sure why this novel about escaping polygamy sounds so intriguing to me, but it does. It sounds a little heavy for the easy, breezy days of summer and yet, it's one I definitely want to get to soon.
9. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein—I've been seeing this one advertised on Amazon and I think it looks excellent. It's a MG book about a kid who's trapped in a new library created by a genius game master. He has to find clues and solve puzzles to find his way out. It's being billed as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Night at the Museum, which just totally intrigues me. The book comes out on June 25th. I can't wait to see what it's all about.
10. The Kill Room by Jeffery Deaver—Deaver's books are pretty hard core, but I enjoy his series about quadriplegic forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme. Rhyme's a brilliant character and his adventures are always fast-paced and compelling. I hope the hold list at the library moves fast because I can't wait to read this one.
Have you read any of these? What did you think? And, what's at the top of your summer reading list?
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