#COLLABOREADS: AUGUST "SUMMER'S LIST" by Anita Higman 31.8.15

AUGUST #Collaboreads  Time for posting my review for the month's theme: 'summertime book setting' ~

~

Having loved Anita Higman's stunning novel, 'Winter in Full Bloom', I was definitely open to reading her newest release. I prefer light reading for summer and this plot seemed to be just that for  SUMMER'S LIST .
Here's the publisher's synopsis: ~
"A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow.  In acts of selflessness—caring for her ailing parents and now, her grandmother—she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others.  And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had her grandmother's bookstore to run, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something—or someone.  

Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with Martin Langtree, a kind young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer.
Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way'?
With lovable characters and surprising twists, Summer’s List is a simple delight." ~ For my response I'm using the #collaboreads review acronym of READS... Riveting- What part of the book could you not get enough of? I loved the sense of adventure as Summer sets out to find and reunite with her former childhood friend, discovering the uniqueness of Martin's character, and the uncovering of the secrets of his past after all the intervening years. Elements- How did you relate to/care for the characters?
I was especially drawn to Martin.  The contrast between him and the two brothers of his adoptive family was well portrayed, making him that much more appealing.  The grandmother was well characterized and I liked her individuality and creative thinking. Thoughts on plotline/twists/turns? Very intriguing family secrets created unexpected twists in this story.
It was not the light read I'd anticipated.   Associate- What other books are like this one? None coming to mind
Did it remind you of a movie/tv show themes or characters? Does it serendipitously line up with things going on in your life or in the news right now? The grandmother's end of life journey and impact on Summer inspired reminders of
the loss of my own mom.  Sad for the loss but so glad for her gain! Design- Judging the book by its cover: What did you think of it?  How did it relate to the contents?
Lovely summer sunshine and Summer looking over her shoulder seems to refer to the past which is a main feature of the story. Font and layout of pages?
Mine was kindle reading so no font or page layout to consider. Stars- How many out of 5 did you give this book?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? 3.5 *s  from me and yes, I'd recommend it for uniqueness of plot. ~ Linking up with other collaboreaders for this August read HERE * September's theme?   Read a "Back to School" themed book, then link up your READS review Sept 28th. I look forward to discovering what books you choose ! ~

~*~ Sharing with ~ * Literacy Musing Mondays * Cozy Reading Spot *



~*~ FIND MORE FHC on BOOK DEPOSITORY | PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
Tweet

REVIEW: A MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEBURY by Anita Higman

What happens when the matchmaker finds a match for herself?Charlotte Rose Hill has been serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky but beloved customers for more than 10 years. But for her, marriage seems like an elusive butterfly, always out of reach. At 18, Charlotte fell in love with a young man, Sam Wilder, but his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. She did, and then became engaged to another man, who later died before they were married. Now, more than a decade later, Charlotte finds that she still has feelings for her first love. Initially thrilled to learn that Sam has come home to Middlebury, Texas, Charlotte is devastated to learn that he’s brought someone with him: his fiancée. But all is not lost when the townsfolk decide to get involved. Will Charlotte and Sam find their way back to each other?                                                                 ~goodreads

Length: 302 pgs Kindle 304 PB Published: Nov 5 kindle Nov 1 PB Publisher: Abingdon Press

*
My thoughts? From the welcoming hospitality of the cover to the end of the book,
I loved this story. Having first met author, Anita Higman, via her standout book of 2013, Winter in Full Bloom [my review HERE]
I was quick to snap up  Higman's next novel.
No disappoints. Captivating contemporary storyline -
anytime there's a tearoom involved my interest engages. Imagine having tea blended for your personality! But this was much more than homey. Authenticity in personalizing characters, yes.  Creative characters, yes. And some deeply engaging relationships develop that kept me engaged in these multiple connections.  Fascinating subplot dealing with contemporary issues of parenting  results in multiple complications needing some great resolutions.
Ms Higman handles her story and relationships with a deft hand.
I was keenly aware of the romance of this tale of love lost for a woman past the typical 20s. Not a common story when youth is the prized commodity in novels, but definitely endearing for this reader.  And realistically written. The romance element fulfills on its promise leaving not a few sighs of satisfaction!
Many scenarios that intrigued and inspired me.  As do the characters.
Higman 's style of writing faith is unobtrusive - a natural component of life.
Highly recommended for your reading enjoyment! 
*

Author bio: Anita Higman

CBA best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has twenty-nine books published (several co-authored) for adults and children, and she has seven books coming out in the next two years.  She won a 2011 RWA Readers Choice Award (first place) and has been honored in the past as a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston.  Ms Higman was named a Favourite New Author in the 15th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards, and in the 16th Annual Heartsong Presents Awards her co-authored novel, Castles in the Air, was one of the winners in the Favourite Contemporary Romance category. Anita contributed to an animation script that won a Gold Remi Award.                       Find AnitaHigman online and on twitter @ anitahigman * * My appreciation for an ecopy to read and review without compensation or obligation. * Find and follow FHC online:

@_eHope - Goodreads - Facebook - Pinterest

*

Tweet

Anita Higman’s “WINTER IN FULL BLOOM” Kindle Fire GIVEAWAY and FB Party! {8/29}

Welcome to one of today's tour stops for  Anita Higman's delish NEW novel, * WINTER IN FULL BLOOM by Anita Higman published by River North

*

Lily Winter's wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she can't believe she can fly. 

But Lily's lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-

a woman who also happens to be her mother. 

During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret 

she'd been hiding for decades-

Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption 

when they were just babies.
*
 Without looking back, Lily- with her fear of flying- boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister... 

Half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. 

Unexpectedly befriended by an impudent Aussie, he just might 

prove to be the key to finding her sister. When her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion 

will she also find the one dream she no longer imagined possible?

The chance to fall in love again... 

 *

My thoughts?
*

Enchanting!
A hero I quite fell for and a romance to dream of..

Foreign travel, new locations and relationships, reconnection
A story with depth and increasing complexity.
I found Ms Higman's surprise plot twists reminiscent of Kate Morton's - always another layer to be revealed - 

just when you think you're on sure ground. 

Fascinating.

*
A story of loss, courage, women, sisterhood,and families - their conflicts, struggles, frustrations and ultimately their worth. A story of redemption.
*
Releasing this month - Definitely recommended.

 *

{ MORE ABOUT ANITA }

*

Best-selling and award-winning author, 
Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several co-authored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. 

*
Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, 
[a woman after FHC readers' own hearts!]
and brunch with her friends.

*

Find out more about Anita.

 Follow on facebook and tweet with her

* Anita Higman's latest novel,
Winter in Full Bloom, has just released. *
She's teamed up with her publisher,

River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th. *

*



One grand prize winner will receive:

*

A Kindle Fire HD

Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman

*

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below.
But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th.

*

Winner will be announced August 29th
at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party
on Facebook.
During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat,
talking about family,
announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire,
and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more.
She'll also be giving party goers an exclusive look 

at her next book!

*

So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends.

(If you haven’t read the book,
 

don’t let that stop you from coming!)






DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN;

RSVP TODAY.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29th!

*

Tweet