Susan Coventry's Blog, page 46

Currently Reading

I'm currently reading The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald.  This is a cute story about a woman from Sweden connecting with a woman in Iowa over their mutual love of books.  Who doesn't love a book about books?!  If I see a book cover that has books, a bookstore or a library on it, I'm drawn in.  Look for a full review coming soon...

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America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

America's First Daughter is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Patsy Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter.  This is a fascinating account of the life of our third president and his family.  When Patsy's mother was dying, she implored Patsy to take good care of her father and requested that Thomas not take a second wife.  Patsy took her role very seriously, so much so, that she gave up her first love to stay by her father's side.  Patsy eventually married and birthed ten children with her second love, Tom Randolph.  For many years she lived with her husband and children at Monticello so she could look after her father and the plantation too.  The Jefferson's suffered a great deal of tragedy over the years but through it all Patsy remained strong for her family.  This book was long (almost 600 pages) and a little slow-moving at times, however, if you have an interest in Thomas Jefferson, it is very insightful.

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On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves

On the Island is one of my favorite romance novels and even though I read it several years ago, I feel compelled to write a review.  Anna is a thirty-year-old teacher who takes a summer job as a tutor for sixteen-year-old T.J.  His wealthy parents send Anna and T.J. on a private plane to a tropical island and disaster strikes.  Their plane crashes, stranding them on a deserted island where they must form a strong bond in order to survive.  As T.J. comes of age, their close relationship turns into love (yes, he's of legal age by this time).  When Anna and T.J. are finally rescued and return home they face a new set of obstacles, but through it all their love stays true.  Tracey Garvis Graves presents this love story between an "older" woman and a "younger" man in a very believable and sensual way.  I would recommend On the Island for romance readers of any age.

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Currently Writing

I am over the halfway point in writing my next book, Starring You and Me.  My second contemporary romance novel follows the theme of sexy neighbors.  Nate Collins, is Hollywood's latest hot commodity and his next movie is being filmed in the historic town of Clarkston, Michigan.  Nicole Branson is a real estate broker who is awarded the coveted job of finding Nate a place to live while he's in town.  It's not her fault that he chose the house right next door to her's!  Having lots of fun writing about Nate & Nikki's flirty romance.  Stay tuned for more details...

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The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

The Accidental Empress is a historical fiction novel about Empress Elizabeth of Austria, affectionately known as Sisi.  In the 1850's, Sisi accompanies her sister Helene to meet her betrothed husband Emperor Franz Joseph.  Franz is instantly drawn to Sisi who is beautiful and charming compared to her meek and mild sister.  Sisi and Franz marry and for awhile their life is idyllic but that all changes after the death of one of their children.  Their relationship becomes strained and at times intolerable to Sisi, who feels trapped in her role as the Emperor's wife.  Sisi eventually finds love again in the arms of the enigmatic Count Andrassy of Hungary even as she remains trapped in her marriage.  A sequel has just been released entitled Sisi, that I definitely plan on reading.  This is the second novel I've read from Allison Pataki and I like her writing style and her attention to historical details.  If you have an interest in royal families and want to learn more about this very popular Empress, this story is for you.

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I read Me Before You a few years ago, however, this review is timely for those of you who may be interested in the movie adaptation that will be released in the summer of 2016.  This is a very unique and touching love story between Will, a young, quadriplegic man, and Louisa, his hired caregiver.  Me Before You takes the reader on an emotional journey as Will and Louisa's love blooms despite all the obstacles they face.  I will say that the ending is a tear-jerker, but the story is a beautiful testimony to true love.  I'm anxious to see how this book translates on the big screen.  For those of you who like to read the book before seeing the movie, I highly recommend it.  Note:  I've already read the sequel entitled After You but will wait to publish my review until after the movie is released.

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House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Jacob is a teenager with Asperger's, who is obsessed with forensic science.  In fact, he often shows up at murder scenes to lend his unsolicited advice to police.  When someone close to Jacob is murdered, he becomes one of the accused, which throws him and his family into a tailspin.  Jodi Picoult has written several books but I've only recently discovered her.  I was reluctant at first because she writes about heavy topics, but she has a way of drawing the reader in and creating empathy for the characters.  More reviews of her books to follow...

Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

This is a long historical fiction novel on the topic of race-related crimes in 1960's Natchez, Mississippi. The "bad guys" in this story are a group of killers who broke away from the KKK to commit their own heinous crimes against blacks.  The "good guys" in this story are Penn Cage, the city mayor, and his father Tom, a beloved doctor in the community.  There is also a white reporter named Henry who has been collecting evidence against the bad guys for years with the intention of bringing them to justice.  This book is over 800 pages and it contains a great deal of violence, so it's not for the faint of heart.  It is, however, well-written and kept my attention throughout.  There's a follow-up novel called The Bone Tree which I may read in the future.

Calendar Girl: Volume 1 by Audrey Carlan

First of all, if you prefer romance novels that are on the softer side, this book is probably not for you.  I picked this one up and put it down at the bookstore several times, before I saw it on the bestseller shelf and decided to buy it.  Mia is a twenty-four year old who lives in Vegas with her father and younger sister. Her father has a gambling addiction and owes someone one million dollars.  Mia joins an escort service in order to pay off her father's debt.  Her services are paid for on a month-to-month basis, thus the title Calendar Girl.  My favorite section of this book was January, where Mia meets Wes, a handsome, successful screen writer.  After that, the story goes downhill for me.  Mia is with a French artist in February and an Italian restaurant owner in March, but she never forgets Wes.  I would have to read three more volumes to find out what happens between her and Wes but I'm not sure that I will.  If you like "wicked hot love stories" (the author's words, not mine) than you may like this book.  If you prefer soft and sweet, steer clear.

Currently Reading

I'm currently reading America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie.  This is a historical fiction book told from the perspective of Thomas Jefferson's eldest daughter, Patsy.  Very engaging and insightful look into the life of our third president.  I'm half way through the book, so look for a full review coming soon.