#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' ~

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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 *



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BOOK LOVER'S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: #COLLABOREADS 29.5.15

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In the interests of Summer Reading resources, here's a tempting summer option.

Hosted by a collaboration of Rachel A Dawson and mrthomasandme

[click either host for full deets]

They're ready for a June start.

From Rachel......
How it's going to look: 

1. Rachel and Amber will pick a random criteria for your book.
   
   
   Here's the JUNE book prompt: 

   " On the NYT Best-sellers List when you start reading it. "

    
2. You find your book. [local used bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, the library, ordered from Book Depository [R sidebar=Free delivery] whatever works for you]
3. Read. [You'll have 1 month per book.]
4. At the end of the month we'll review(ish) our books. [With unique book aspects as posted at Amber and Rachel's who will both have places for readers to share book links in their posts.] Linking to wherever and however works for you - vlog, goodreads, blog, twitter, fb, instagram, pinterest, etc. using #collaboreads hashtag
5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 each month. 
6. ~

My choice from the NYT Bestsellers list ?

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd or..
The Nightingale by Kristin Higgins *A Free download copy available at goodreads HERE Picked up the audio from my local library and it's still awaiting time in my schedule! ~

~ And really liking the host R.E.A.D.S. review suggestions... riveting, elements, associations, design, and stars Check Rachel or Amber's blog for explanations . ~ Checked more NYT categories for bestsellers and chose an entirely different book!
In fact, my library had it available as an audiobook download right from home,
which fit my time limitations, interest and listening availability perfectly.  

~ #6 on the Religion, Spirituality and Faith Bestseller List for June 20th ~ Got it?  Let's go.   Grab your choice of NYT bestseller and meet up Monday, June 29th with your review !
>>My JUNE #COLLABOREADS Review POSTED HERE<<
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Will love to hear from you if you're joining #collaboreads [check for #collaboreads tweets to find updates] 1 book.  1 month.  Your Choice. Repeat.










~*~  Shared With - * Small Victories Sunday * Book Nook *  Literacy Musing Mondays *
* Inspire Me Monday * Thursday Favorite Things * ~*~


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