Beach Reads Archives - Dear Mr. Hemingway, LLC

The Yogi of Wall Street

January 13, 2021 by Kelly Fredericks

Breathe In, Cash Out by Madeleine Henry (Atria Books)

January 12, 2020

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

Let’s talk about a crazy coincidence? I am writing to you in the middle of a global pandemic and you actually know what I am talking about. Covid-19 for me and Spanish flu for you. Wow…who would have thought. Remember the busyness of everyday life? School, work, deadlines, hanging with friends and family (geez…even War for you). The everyday grind has drastically changed, but I got to relive the feeling of being overcommitted and overworked in Madeleine Henry’s book, Breathe In, Cash Out. As I go through my days (Groundhog Day Style), it was refreshing to get a glimpse into the world of ruthless banking on Wall Street (boy I miss NYC), while also getting my zen on with some much needed yoga. Henry delivered a soul searching story that not only enlightened me with wisdom and laughter, but seriously charmed the pants off of me. Let’s take a look, shall we.

Allegra Cobb… a self taught yogi and one time American Yoga National Competition Champion, is also a straight A Princeton grad who works as an analyst at a cut throat, top tiered bank on good old Wall Street. Now that was a mouthful. Biding time until her year end bonus comes in (should be a juicy one), Allegra is seriously contemplating leaving her financially secure job to follow her dreams of becoming a yoga teacher. While she struggles with disappointing her father and battles her innermost demons, she meets up with the ultimate yoga guru (and her yoga idol), Skylar, for some realignment in her life. Skylar has a very successful yoga career and is a superstar on instagram. Allegra desperately begins following her advice on how to integrate more mindfulness and yoga into her life in order to discover her true and authentic self. The more she works with Skylar though, the more she begins to realize that working over a 100 hours a week in a grueling banking job, which basically strips you of your soul, may not be all that different from Skylar’s world of shiny leggings, seven chakras and photo perfect poses for instagram. And of course, just to add a splash of sparkle to her conscience examining days, a bit of romance is lingering in the background. Time is ticking on her mental well being and Allegra needs to figure out which path she should travel next.

Breathe in, Cash Out was a breath of fresh air. It was the perfect distraction to my stay at home days filled with work, Zooms and teenage boys surrounding my every move. I love books (fiction or nonfiction) where someone is pondering a major life change. Even though Allegra’s story is a work of fiction, it still dazzled me and all my dreams. But self exploration aside, Henry’s book is down right hysterical. As I revisited my own days of working a gazillion hours a week and took a hard look at the current state of my downward facing dog (not that pretty these days), I found myself doubled over with laughter. And of course, one of my favorite parts of Henry’s story was the wee bit of romance that kept my heart fluttering. It did not overpower the story one bit, but was equivalent to a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of a fabulous cappuccino……the perfect touch!.

Allegra is a character you want to root for because guess what…there is a bit of her in all of us. During these strange days of more time with our thoughts than ever, it is impossible not to engage in a tad of introspection. Whether switching jobs or shifting our mindsets, change is not always a bad thing and Henry’s main girl is a gentle reminder of that. But of course every leading lady needs a gaggle of characters around her to add some more shine to her story. Mark (Allegra’s boss who she accidentally sleeps with 😮), and Tripp, Chole and Puja who sit in close proximity to her everyday, were an absolute delightful addition to Henry’s story. And of course the lovely Skylar…the spice to this wicked fun tale. I always say that a touch of spice is always quite nice…am I right???

I hope you enjoy this easy breezy and quite frankly, humorous read. It sure added a twinkle and some much needed stretching to my day!

Until next time my friend!

Namaste!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. Madeleine Henry has a new book coming out on February 9, 2021 called The Love Proof! I am reading it now and will be telling you all about it very soon. In the meantime, give it a quick pre-order ❤️❤️❤️.

P.P.S. I alternated between reading Breathe In, Cash Out and listening to it on audio. Both were equally wonderful.

Click on the book pic below to purchase!

Guest Writer

January 8, 2021October 16, 2020 by Kelly Fredericks

Kylie Sebert
Bookstagram Bonanza

October 16, 2020

Dear Book Worms!

TGIF! I am so happy to introduce you to today’s Guest Writer, Kylie Sebert. This fellow Mainer is the creator of the wicked inspirational Bookstagram page, @notsotwentysomething. The beautiful pictures on her account are a testament to her passion for all things books and writing and miles and miles of gorgeous trails to hike. With over 7,000 followers, this book lover is one to follow. In addition to running a highly successful Bookstagram account, Kylie writes a monthly column called Kylie’s Book Nook for a local magazine in Iowa (her hometown ) called Lake Life AND works as an Event Planner/Writer in Portland, Maine.

Kylie lives in Yarmouth, Maine with her boyfriend and newly adopted kitties. I have had the pleasure of meeting Kylie several times and can personally vouch for her fabulousness.

I hope you enjoy her letter to Mr. H. I know I did!

❤️❤️❤️

Kelly

P.S. Kylie has a Master’s Degree of Fine Arts in Writing, with an emphasis in Fiction. She is hoping to start her first novel one of these days. I will be first in line to read it 🥰🥰🥰!

_________________________________

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

It was very difficult to decide which book to recommend to you, especially after reading so many great books this year. Do I recommend a book from my favorite genre, some crazy thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat? Do I recommend a war-time historical fiction novel full of hardship and emotional scenes? No, I think the current state of the world calls for a different type of recommendation. I’m recommending a book from an author I turn to for the ultimate feel-good read. A little contemporary romance for you, Mr. H. Can you get into it? If anyone can get you there, it’s Elin Hilderbrand.

I started reading Elin when I was 19 years old, working in my hometown at a bar on Lake Okoboji in the summertime. My mom gave me The Blue Bistro to read and I fell in love. I’m from a touristy town, and while it’s certainly no Nantucket, I could always relate so much to her characters living for the summers and taking full advantage of every bit of sunshine. While I could recommend every one of her books to you, Mr. H., I will start with 28 Summers. 28 Summers is the story of Mallory and Jake and their “Same Time Next Year” affair based on the classic film. They spend one weekend each year together and escape their real lives/worries. The story flashes back to the summers leading up to the present day, in such an original way of telling this love story that spans so many decades.⠀Each chapter actually starts with “What are we talking about in…” and then preps us on the big events of that particular year. Not only does she mention those events, but then weaves them into the story, adding in a unique historical fiction element to the piece. From 1993 to today, from 9/11 to the Me Too movement, she explores so much history, making this rise above your typical beach read.⠀⠀

I love Elin’s books for so many reasons but her characters are the reason I keep coming back. She dives in deep, especially in this one as you see such a large span of time with them. I loved Mallory’s character, a teacher who inherited her aunt’s house on Nantucket and totally falls in love with the island. She’s so independent and strong, men are her only vice which so many readers can relate to. There are so many other side characters you will love also. This one is full of strong female characters.⠀⠀

Elin writes Island life like no one else. Her books areunique in that once you enter her Nantucket world in her first book, you keep coming back in all subsequent books, meeting new characters, and adding to the charming community. You will see old characters pop up in new novels and it feels like old friends coming for a visit. I’m telling you Mr. H., you need to dive into this Hilderbrand summertime paradise for a little escape! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Sincerely,

Kylie

P.S. Click on the book pic below to purchase!

Batteries Not Included

January 8, 2021July 24, 2020 by Kelly Fredericks

The Roxy Letters Beauty shot with a chicken

The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry (Simon & Schuster)

July 24, 2020

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

As I write to you each week, it never escapes me that you too wrote letters. Whether it was to F. Scott Fitgerald, Ezra Pound, or even James Joyce, you were known to write your letters on anything that resembled a piece of paper. To me, there is something so intimate about writing an actual letter as opposed to an email or text (trust me on this one). Well, Mr. H., I couldn’t help but think of you and even myself when I read Mary Pauline Lowry’s book, The Roxy Letters. Lowry’s twenty-something protagonist named Roxy scribbles letters to her ex-boyfriend/roommate about the state of her life in Austin, Texas. If you are looking for a fall over from laughing, I need to escape my life kind of read, look no further…….The Roxy Letters will do the trick.

Let’s meet our main girl, shall we? Roxy is in her twenties, works as a deli maid at Whole Foods, is an almost vegan trying to save the animals one face cream at a time, and will do everything in her power to boycott the new LuLulemon store (even though their leggings make her backside look incredible) that just opened in her precious Austin. When paying rent becomes too much for her alone, her ex-boyfriend Everett moves in. Because they are essentially two ships passing in the night, Roxy decides to vent her discontent with life to Everett via letters. Her daily correspondences are pretty much a brain dump on paper. Her every thought is there for the taking and she holds NOTHING back. She cleverly writes to him about her struggles to find a long lasting boyfriend, her desperate need for an orgasm that does not require a battery operated object, and her mission to save Austin, Texas from a corporate takeover. With her new eccentric friend Artemis by her side and “Dirty-Steve” (her boss from Whole Foods) lingering nearby, Roxy begins to make changes to her mediocre life.

Take it from me, The Roxy Letters is the PERFECT book to slip in your bag when heading to the beach (or pool, or lake, or front porch). With so many uncertainties in the world, why not escape for a few hours with some much needed laughter and a story that just makes you feel great. I spent so much of my time reading this book giggling, while my cheeks turned uber pink. With a heart of gold and a thirst for all things good, Roxy is one to root for. Lowry’s girl is absolutely delightful and her colorful cast of characters surrounding Roxy help shape her into the woman she longs to be.

Enjoy this breath of fresh air. I hope you get a few chuckles out of it to brighten your day!

Until next time my friend!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. If you are an audio book lover, give The Roxy Letters a go using Libro.Fm and support your local bookstore while listening. Feel free to use my Referral Code here. Happy listening!!

Click on the book pic below to purchase The Roxy Letters

Mother’s Day 2020

January 8, 2021April 27, 2020 by Kelly Fredericks

A Book & A Pairing

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner (Atria Books)

April 27, 2020

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and do I have a sensational book gift for all the mothers out there. Jennifer Weiner’s latest book, Big Summer, is women’s fiction at its finest. This time around, Weiner manages to blend her signature wit and charm with a mystery to be solved. Friendship, family, and tons of drama fill the pages of this highly entertaining read. With a loveable protagonist and a story that aims to please, Big Summer is the perfect springtime read! Here we go!

Daphne Berg and Drue Cavanaugh were best friends growing up. Drue was the sophisticated wealthy one, while Daphne was the scholarship student at their private high school. After a huge fight and humiliating video that went viral, the two girls went their separate ways. Six years later, Daphne is making her mark as a plus-sized Instagram influencer. She is shocked when she receives a phone call from her old friend Drue, begging her to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming society wedding on Cape Cod. After much deliberation, Daphne takes on the role of maid of honor. While the two girls get reacquainted, Daphne reexamines their friendship and how it went awry. The story takes a big turn the night before Drue’s big day. With secrets unraveling and family drama coming to a head, Daphne’s maid of honor duties takes on a whole new meaning.

Weiner’s Big Summer did not disappoint. I really enjoyed how her coming of age drama managed to capture contemporary themes of body shaming, social media, self-love, and forgiveness. Weiner blended these issues into her story in a way that allows readers to not only empathize with the different characters in the book but also relate to them on a personal level. I was pleasantly surprised halfway through her book when she switched gears and threw a mysterious twist into the mix. A chick-lit and mystery combined…who would have thought that this combo of genres would work so well? Guess what…it absolutely did. Throw in an ocean breeze and a warm Cape Cod summer night, and I am a very happy reader. Once again, Weiner’s book had me glued to my couch completely enthralled. I hope you have the same experience.

This May 10th, I wish every mama out there a Happy Mother’s Day.

Until next time Mr. H.

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. For my birthday last year, my dear friend Kate gave me a pair of earrings that I truly adore. They are bookish, whimsical, and classy all at the same time. The best part of these earrings is that they are not only cute, but they are high quality and won’t break the bank (or turn your ears green). They also come from a Woman-Owned Indie Business… Winning!!! These earrings paired with Jennifer Weiner’s Big Summer, make the perfect Mother’s Day Gift this year. Click here to check them out!

Big Summer Comes out May 5, 2020

Click on the book pic below to pre-order this gem.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. My links are not affiliate links. I do not make compensation for my links. Some links may be in collaboration with a book store solely for exposure.

Man on the Moon

January 8, 2021June 25, 2019 by Kelly Fredericks

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

June 25, 2019

Dear Mr. Hemingway,

WHOO-HOO Mr. H., the Queen of summer reading is back with another tale set on her Nantucket Island. Woodstock, man’s first moonwalk, and the Vietnam War were all part of America’s historical summer of 1969. Elin Hilderbrand’s new book, Summer of ‘69 is set during this wild time in our history. Hilderbrand tells the story of the Levin family, whose Nantucket lives are impacted by the highs and lows of this era. Fans of Hilderbrand will fall in love with her new historical fiction novel. Readers will go back in time to a Nantucket that existed in a different century but is still full of that same island charm. So put away your skinny jeans and pull out your bell-bottoms, you are boarding a ferry to Nantucket, circa 1969.

For as long as they can remember, the Levin family spent their summers vacationing on Nantucket at their grandmother’s house. During the summer of 1969, the four Levin siblings were all navigating the ever changing world around them while living a part. Blair is married and pregnant in Boston, Kirby is working on Martha’s Vineyard at an Inn, Tiger is a soldier in the Vietnam war and Jessie, the youngest, is stuck on Nantucket with her grandmother and mother. While her siblings are away living their adult lives, Jessie is left to deal with her overly anxious mother and uptight grandmother. Feeling lonely and neglected, Jessie tries to discover who she really is and what true love is all about. The plot thickens when some of her siblings pop back over to Nantucket unexpectedly. Jessie soon comes across some surprise family secrets that will change their lives forever.

Hilderbrand took a turbulent time in our history and weaved it into the stories of her main characters. Though she used the events that occurred during the summer of 1969 as her backdrop, she still managed to stay true to her roots, using themes of love, family and self discovery in her book. As always, there is family drama, secrets and a whole lot of summer magic to read about. The characters are spirited and lovable with storylines that live up to the time. I loved how Hilderbrand went back in history and wrote about the Civil Rights Movement, the impact of the Vietnam War and the Women’s Movement. For good measure, she even included Ted Kennedy’s Chappaquiddick car accident and the historical Apollo 11 lunar landing that forever changed space exploration.

What Hilderbrand proves over and over again in her new book, is just how timeless Nantucket really is. No matter the century, this small island always shines as a safe haven and a place that brings family back together. The Summer of ‘69 was another Hilderbrand slam dunk for me. Put this beauty in your beach bag and get reading!!!!!

Your Biggest Fan,

Kelly

P.S. David Bowie’s song, Space Oddity debuted five days before the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Though it was inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s movie, A Space Odyssey, it’s overall vibe was perfect for a landing on the moon!!!!!

Click here to purchase Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand

The Roxy Letters by Mary Pauline Lowry (Simon & Schuster)

A Book & A Pairing

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner (Atria Books)

Big Summer Comes out May 5, 2020

Click on the book pic below to pre-order this gem.

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