Sandra Nachlinger's Blog, page 41

Beach House Memories - The Friday 56 and Book Beginnings on Friday

I'm halfway through Beach House Memories, and I'm enjoying it. The story takes place in 1974 on Isle of Palms in the Low Country of South Carolina. I'm completely immersed in the story of Lovie (married with two children) and the expectations placed on upper-class Southern women who grew up in the 1950s. And I'm also learning a lot about sea turtles! 

This book is the sequel to The Beach House (which is now on my to-read list). The book's beginning reads like a prologue.

Book Beginning:
Lovie Rutledge believed memories were like the tides. Sometimes they rushed in with a pounding roar to topple you over. At other times they gently washed over you, lulling you to complacency and then tugging you back to halcyon days that, with the passing of years, seemed ever sweeter.

Friday 56 (from Page 56 in my trade paperback):
Glancing at her watch, she realized it was not even ten o'clock and the children were asleep. Lowcountry summer days wore them plumb out. In one day's time their skin was as red as a lobster's from overcooking in the sun, and their lackluster expressions were replaced with the bright-eyed enthusiasm she always imagined Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn wore.

Genre: Literary Fiction / Women's Fiction / Environment
Length: 385 Pages
Amazon Link: Beach House Memories
More From This Author: Mary Alice Monroe's Website

Synopsis from Amazon:
      Autumn brings haunting beauty to the sun-soaked dunes on Isle of Palms, where Olivia “Lovie” Rutledge lives in her beloved Primrose Cottage. As the seasons change, Lovie remembers one special summer… 
      In 1974, America is changing, but Charleston remains eternally the same. When Lovie married aristocratic, well-connected businessman Stratton Rutledge, she turned over her fortune and fate to his control. But she refused to relinquish one thing: her family’s old seaside cottage. Precious summers with her children on the barrier island are Lovie’s refuge from social expectations and her overbearing husband’s philandering. Here, she is the “Turtle Lady,” tending the loggerhead turtles that lay their eggs in the warm night sand and then slip back into the sea. 
      Then, in the summer of ’74, biologist Russell Bennett visits to research the loggerheads. Their shared interest brings them together, and soon it blooms into a passionate, profound love—forcing Lovie to face an agonizing decision. Stratton’s influence is far-reaching, and if she dares to dream beyond a summer affair, she risks losing her reputation, her wealth, even her children. 
      This emotional tale of a strong woman torn between duty and desire, between tradition and change, is an empowering journey through the seasons of self-discovery. Until this autumn, this time of winds and tides, of holding on and letting go…


Join RoseCityReader.com every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.





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The Gods of Second Chances - Teaser Tuesday and First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intros

     I enjoy books where the setting is a character, and in THE GODS OF SECOND CHANCES, Alaska plays a huge role. Ray Bancroft lives on remote Yatki Island and earns his living shrimping and crabbing. He's not only battling the harsh conditions of his livelihood, but he is also raising his granddaughter, worrying about his drug-addicted daughter (recently released from jail and heading home), and mourning the death of his wife. I found myself asking what catastrophe would happen next to this caring man! 
     The characters are often gritty with very real true-to-life problems and worries. I wanted them to succeed. The book enthralled me from the first page, and I truly could not put it down. This 5-star story will stay with me for a long time.

Opening Paragraph:
Mud and rain invaded my dreams after Donna's death. In southeast Alaska, where I've lived for half my life, we have precipitation 310 days out of the year. All those nights with the skittle-skattle of wet pelts against the windows, you'd think that rain would have formed the base molecules of my sleep a long time ago. And the mud. It's everywhere up here, omnipresent and brutal.

Teaser (from 39% on my Kindle): 
But who's going to walk through the door--a mature, grown-up daughter, who I haven't yet met, or the junkie I know? I push the letter to the back of the drawer and close it.

Genre: Literary/Adventure / Family Relationships
Length: 298 Pages
Amazon Link: The Gods of Second Chances
Author Website:  Dan Berne

  
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Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please! Here's the link:  Should Be Reading

Labor Day Sale!!

All Romance Ebooks is having a Labor Day Sale, and Bluebonnets for Elly is included. So if you've been thinking of reading my book, now's a good time to buy it.

Here's the link: BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY

Peace Arch - Saturday Snapshots

Peace Arch State Park is a unique 20-acre day-use park that lies on the boundary between the United States and Canada. The 67-foot Peace Arch monument sits on the border of the two nations at the 49th parallel. The arch was constructed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the treaties that were a result of the War of 1812 with Great Britain. This was the first structure in the world to celebrate lasting peace, planned and developed in conjunction with the Canadian Peace Arch Provincial Park. 
- http://www.parks.wa.gov/562/Peace-Arch

Almost a year ago, my nephew and his fiancé held their wedding at the gazebo in Peace Arch Park (on the U.S. side). The foggy day didn't dampen the ceremonies or the beautiful surroundings. Here are some photos I took of this lovely setting. (Click on photos to enlarge.)


The bride's and groom's families sat in chairs.
The rest of the guests gathered around behind them. The officiant stood at the entrance to the gazebo,
and the bride and groom stood at the entrance,
flanked by their attendants. The reception was held in this charming building,
called "The Kitchen" Here's a sample of the surrounding landscaping.
Gorgeous! And here's the Peace Arch.

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, click HERE or on the box below. 

The Mermaid Garden - Teaser Tuesday and First Chapter/First Paragraph

The Mermaid Garden by Santa Montefiore is such an engrossing book! Montefiore tells two stories--one set in Tuscany in 1966, the other in Devon, England, in 2009--and they eventually come together in the end. The author's lovely descriptions make the scenes come alive (you can tell that from the beginning paragraph), and the characters have depth, each one with a unique voice. I believe this is the first book I've read where the author let me inside each character's head, so I had an idea where everyone was coming from. You'd think that would be confusing, but Montefiore handled it well. I recommend this book as a good read for anyone who enjoys a story with substance that spans decades.  


Beginning:
Prologue, Tuscany, 1966
The little girl stood outside the imposing black gates of Villa La Magdalena and peered up the drive. A long avenue of cypresses cut straight through the grounds, climaxing at the end in a tantalizing glimpse of a primrose-yellow palazzo. La Magdalena sat with the dignity and poise of a grand empress. Her tall, shuttered windows were an elegant teal green, her crown a decorative balustrade built along the top of the facade, her walls as resplendent as silk; she belonged to a world as enchanting and inaccessible as fairy tales.

Teaser (from Page 70 of trade paperback):
She was always neatly dressed, with crisp white shirts and slacks, or pretty dresses in summer, never jeans. Being short, she always wore heels to give her height. He felt paternal towards her, a feeling he relished, having never married or fathered children.

Genre: Women's Fiction / Saga
Length: 418 Pages (Trade Paperback)
Amazon Link: The Mermaid Garden
More From Santa Montefiore: Amazon Author Page


  
Share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you are reading. Here's the link:  Bibliophile By The Sea





Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please! Here's the link:  Should Be Reading

Houseboats in Seattle - Saturday Snapshots

Everyone has seen the movie "Sleepless in Seattle," right? But maybe you haven't been to a houseboat neighborhood like the one where Tom Hanks and his on-screen son lived. Several years ago a friend visited me and asked if we could see the houseboats on Lake Union. So off we went! Here are my photos from our adventure.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)



Access to the homes is via ramps like this one or by boat.
Can you imagine walking out your back door and
hopping on a boat to go out to dinner? View of the Lake Union houseboat community from the opposite shore. Taken from a kayak on my one and only kayaking adventure on Lake Union.

    Photo of me, taken by my friend Gina, who took me
kayaking as a thank you for feeding her pets.
The houseboat community is on the east side of the lake, off of Fairview Ave E. -- those little rectangles jutting out into the water on the map.




Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, click HERE or on the box below. 

Thanks, Amazon!

Thank you, mighty Amazon, for featuring BLUEBONNETS FOR ELLY in today's email message. You made my day!

Katie and The Irish Texan - Teaser Tuesday & First Chapter/First Paragraph

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, so when the synopsis for KATIE AND THE IRISH TEXAN said it took place in my hometown, I had to read it. This most recent sweet romance in The Texas Code Series (The McTiernans) is a delight. The characters are likable, believable, and true to the times (1870s), and the plot kept me engaged. I especially enjoyed the author’s reference to names and places familiar to me (the Trinity River, Sanger Brothers, etc.) as well as her inclusion of the sometimes crazy North Texas weather in the story. The author obviously knows her setting well, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.

FIRST CHAPTER/FIRST PARAGRAPH:
Jefferson, Texas, April 1873
Dermot McTiernan downed his shot of whiskey, looked across the poker table at the Yankee Lieutenant, and glanced at his cards one last time. Certain the man was bluffing, he pulled out his pocket watch, his second most prized possession, and set it atop the pile of money. With a nod, he placed his cards on the table face up then met the man's gaze. "Call."

TEASER from 49% on my Kindle:
The sound of the rain was deafening making it impossible to whisper, but Kathleen cupped her hand around her mouth in an attempt to be heard. "Mrs. Benning is asking to see the doctor. Is there anyone we can send to fetch him without alarming her husband?

Genre: Western Romance
Length: 81 Pages (Novella)
Amazon Link: Katie and The Irish Texan
Other Books by Carra Copelin: Amazon Author Page

Synopsis from Amazon:
      Dermot McTiernan is determined to move on with his life after losing his one and only love to another man. He decides to try his hand at ranching in North Central Texas with his friend, Ian Benning. He figures if that doesn't work out, there are many other opportunities in the booming post-war state. When the luscious red-head from County Cork, Ireland shows up in Dallas, can he retain the courage of his convictions and move on without her? 
      Kathleen O'Donnell made a monumental mistake marrying, Kelsey Gilhooley. Her decision for entering the union, no matter how honorable, had made her life a living hell. Even though still married, she holds out hope for finding the man of her dreams. When she comes across her tall, dark-eyed Irishman in Dallas, Texas, will she be able to abandon happiness and walk away a second time? 



  
Share the first paragraph (or a few) from a book you are reading. Here's the link:  Bibliophile By The Sea





Post two sentences from somewhere in a book you're reading. No spoilers, please! Here's the link:  Should Be Reading

Saturday Snapshots - Pianos on Parade

When I received an email from Auburn City Hall, telling about an outdoor "Pianos on Parade" art installation, I grabbed my camera and hit the streets. Here's what I found. (Click on photos to enlarge.)


A tribute to street performers with a tip jar built in! Inspired by a 1920s German silent horror film,
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Inspired by the view of Mount Rainier, the artist made
a torn paper collage to decorate this piano. Share your own melodies by arranging magnetic
laser-cut wood musical notes on a metallic score,
then play what you find. A rain shower put a stop to my photography.There were several other pianos that I didn't see. If you're curious about the other designs or would like to know more, here's a link:  Auburn, Washington, "Pianos on Parade." ******Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, click HERE or on the box below. 

Made for Two - Book Beginnings on Friday and The Friday 56

Made for Two, a novella by Karen Lenfestey, is a quick and delightful read. It's the sweet story of a teacher who returns to her hometown and reconnects with an old boyfriend when her job is in jeopardy. But will events that have occurred since they last saw each other doom their relationship? Although the book is short, the reader gets to know the characters well, and the story is complete with a satisfying ending. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I'll definitely read others. 

Book Beginning:
Diane Solier's stomach churned as she made her way through the crowded Chicago Central student commons. Energy buzzed in the air like a shaken can of pop about to explode.

The Friday 56 (from 56% on my Kindle):
      As Diane crossed through the storefront, Kim stared at her with her arms crossed. "That's why I hate you."
      A lump formed in Diane's throat. She walked into the chilly air and softly closed the door behind her.

Genre: Romance
Length: 62 PagesAmazon Link: Made for TwoOther Books by This Author: Karen Lenfestey Website

Synopsis from Karen Lenfestey's website:
      Diane acted on instinct when she broke up a fight at the inner-city school where she teaches. When the superintendent suspends her, Diane returns to her hometown of Foxworth. Almost immediately she finds herself tracking down her old boyfriend, Tim. Just seeing him rekindles her love and she realizes that her life, just like her tandem bike, was made for two.
      Unfortunately, Tim keeps pushing her away, claiming it will never work out. After all, she still wants to live in the city and he can't imagine leaving his family's bakery. But Diane discovers there's more to it than that. Tim has been hiding in this small town because he has a secret.



Join  RoseCityReader.com  every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.







Visit  FredasVoice.com
Grab a book and turn to Page 56 or 56% on your ereader
Find any sentence (or a few, just no spoilers) and grab them.
Post them and add your URL to the Linky.