Happy Reading!
Honor codes, Secret Societies & Traditions.…Oh My!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
What does a prestigious all-girls boarding school with a dead student hanging from the front gates make you think of??? My first thought would be that the cast from Gossip Girl invaded Rory Gilmore’s Chilton High School (not a boarding school, but same idea) and something BIG “goes down”. Well, if you think that makes an interesting combo, you must check out J.T. Ellison’s new book, Good Girls Lie.
Which Way Should I Swipe?
January 3, 2020
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Welcome to 2020! A New year with brand new books! What is not to love? What I choose to read depends on my mood. Sometimes I crave something with twists and turns and utter suspense. While other times, I have a hankering for historical fiction or a fabulous memoir. Most recently though, I have been enjoying cuddling up in bed with a warm and fuzzy read.
The Best Books of 2019!!!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Can you believe that today is the last day of 2019? The last day of this DECADE???? This year has turned out some tremendous reads. Today I am sharing my top nine reads of 2019. Whether I was excited, crying, horrified, or genuinely scared, these nine books delivered the feels!!!!
Eight Days A Week
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Oh, readers…do I have a book for you. Fans of psychological thrillers will consume Tarryn Fisher’s latest book, The Wives at top speed. Her story revolves around Thursday, a married nurse living in Seattle. Thursday’s marriage is unconventional. She only sees her husband Seth, one day a week (Thursday). Why is this you ask?
New Series Coming January 2020
Dear Readers,
I am excited to announce a new series coming to the blog this January. Dear Mr. Hemingway is proud to present a GUEST WRITER SERIES. Series one is titled ~AUTHOR EDITION~ and is premiering January 8, 2020. This edition will run 10 consecutive weeks on Wednesdays. Ten fabulous authors you know and love have committed to this project and are writing their own letter to the famous Mr. Hemingway (or Mr. H.) about one of their favorite books.
Giddy-Up…Get Your Holiday Romance On!
December has arrived and the Holiday season is in full swing. Here in Maine, the ground is covered in snow, the fireplace is roaring and cozy reading is officially the name of the game. I am a sucker for curling up on my couch under a blanket and devouring romance books. Who doesn’t want to end their day (or start it) reading a story filled with an all-consuming passion, earth-shattering desire, and smoking hot chemistry between characters?
I Believe In You
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
A book doesn’t need to be long to tell a full story. Sometimes the greatest things come in the smallest packages. I just recently read, Red At The Bone by Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson’s story revolves around a teen couple’s unplanned pregnancy and how it impacts three generations of their African American families. Don’t be fooled by the length of this book.
I Love You A Bushel & A Peck
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
There is nothing better than kicking back with a good old fashion romance book. A story filled with magical first kisses, romantic tension, and a happy ending is my kind of escape. Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times best-selling author has written countless (and I mean countless) romance novels. Her latest, Meant To Be Yours hits shelves today.
A Chickadee & A Raven Perched In A Tree
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
October is here and it’s time to shift reading gears. Witches, haunted castles, and dark stormy nights are my jam. I am not talking gore with a side of blood and guts. Just good old fashioned spooky that brings out a few goosebumps. Let’s face it, there is something ghostly about autumn on the rocky coast of Maine. I should know, I live here. Icy blue ocean waves and trees covered in autumn leaves are to be expected.
A Small But Mighty Stack
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I cannot for the life of me believe that today is the first day of fall. Here in Maine, we are waking up to crisp mornings, orange leaves on the trees, and pumpkin spice EVERYWHERE! My September reading is off to a great start. From a quintessential Maine novel to a love story that had me at “Hello”, to a sequel 34 years in the making……..my mini book stack is a mighty one. Let’s dive in!
Post Summer Catch Up With Kelly
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
It has been weeks since my last letter to you. Time flies by when you are on vacation, spending time with friends and family, and reading wonderful books! Nevertheless, summer is over 😢😢 and fall is in the air 😁😁. Today, I thought it would be great to recap a bunch of books that I’ve read recently. Now is the time to get everyone’s fall TBR piles stacked and ready to go.
A Book & A Pairing ~ Splurge Edition
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I love reading books that take place in the city that never sleeps. Whether the story takes place in the present or during a different time period, New York City never disappoints. The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis is no exception. This historical fiction novel is centered around the famous Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan during the McCarthy era. It follows two friends on their way to stardom during a very turbulent time in our American history. Get ready to go on a historical journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the darkest of secrets.
HAPPY 120th BIRTHDAY ERNEST Hemingway
Dear Readers,
Happy 120th birthday, Ernest Hemingway! Kind of crazy, right? Born in 1899 and dying at the age of 61 years old, Hemingway was one of America’s greatest novelists and short story writers. He led a very interesting life, not always as fetching as it appeared on the outside. Yes, his life was full of friends, romance, cocktails, and travel, but it was also loaded with war, accidents, major health problems, and let’s face it, drama.
Jackson & Marais ~ Authors To Love
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I have said it before and I will say it again…summer reading is simply the best. Let’s face it, time seems endless on a sweltering hot day. What makes this summer feel so exceptional is that all of the new release books are over the top marvelous. The authors are strong, their writing is spot on and the stories are unique. Today I am going to share two new books I just recently finished for this July that are completely disparate.
Maybe She’s Born With It…
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Makeup…So many of us wear it, adore it, and depend on it as part of our daily routine. The history of our modern cosmetic industry is swanky and unmerciful. Real-life makeup mavens Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein pioneered the beauty industry for women beginning in the early 1920s. Their bitter rivalry for superiority in the industry lasted for more than 50 years.
The Falcon Has Landed
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
As you already know, I am a mom to three boys (13, 11, and 9). Like many kids, they typically ride the bus to and from school every day. Taking the bus decreases school morning traffic, is better for the environment, and is overall a more efficient way to get to school. During the last few weeks of the school year (who am I kidding…the last few months) we have embraced some extra sleep time and a more relaxed morning and opted to drive to school (FYI…bad habit to fall into). Every morning as we pulled into the middle school parking lot my son would shout…“Did you see that Tesla car mom? That is so cool.
Man on the Moon
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.
Fabulously Female
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Women! We are a force to be reckoned with! We have come so far as a gender with more roads to conquer. Jennifer Weiner’s new novel, Mrs. Everything, takes readers back to a time when women were the secondary sex. They earned college degrees in MRS and honorary Phds in Laundry, Cleaning, and Child Rearing. During this time, homosexuality was considered taboo, and sticking with “your own kind” kept you on the right path (whatever that means).
E-I-E-I-O
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
A story overflowing with ideas that spark debate is my kind of read. The Farm by Joanne Ramos does just that. Ramos’ book explores the financial, moral, and ethical aspects of surrogacy. This contemporary work of fiction pairs motherhood and consumerism in a way that leaves readers with more questions than answers.
GIVEAWAY FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I am so excited that The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is coming out TODAY! To celebrate the release of this Funny Romantic Comedy, I have a special giveaway for my wonderful subscribers. The winner and the friend they refer will each receive a brand new copy of this fabulous new release. Can you say BUDDY READ?? How cool is that? Here is how to enter…
The Light of Our Time
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I love reading historical fiction. History infused with a splash of fiction is my cup of tea. Instead of reading a boring straight-up history book, why not read about the past with some added color and a little bit of oomph. Well Mr. H., I just got my fix reading Whitney Scharer’s debut novel, The Age of Light. Her story follows real-life Lee Miller, Vogue model turned renowned photographer/war correspondent.
April Showers Bring More Books and Pairings! Happy May Reading!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Spring is finally in the air. Not only do April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring shiny new books. Today I am sharing four books that will be coming your way this May. I am also including my 2019 May book pairings that will complement and embellish your lovely new reads. Enjoy this special spring post Mr. H. Happy shopping and happy reading!
A Kitchen Table Filled With Love
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I wanted to share with you today, how thrilling I find debut novels. There is not a previous NY Times Bestseller to live up to or a not so successful book looming in the background. A debut is literally its own entity. The perfect start! Well Mr. H., I just finished Dave Patterson’s brand new book, Soon The Light Will Be Perfect, and loved it!
The Loved One
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Oh boy, Mr. H. I had the pleasure of reading such a beautiful book. Not only did this story tug at my heartstrings, but it also introduced me to some loveable characters that have not left my side since I finished their story. Hum if You Don’t Know the Words by Bianca Marais tells the story of two strangers who come into each other’s lives during heartbreaking times.