Happy Reading!
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.
Thank You For Being a Friend
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I love historical fiction. Historical facts mixed with a splash of fiction is the perfect reading cocktail for me. I have spent many hours of my reading life devouring books set during the Second World War. A time period filled with destruction, terror, and utter devastation has been the backdrop for so many award-winning books.
There is No Place Like Home
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
The second I read the synopsis for the book, Sugar Run by Mesha Maren, I knew I needed to read it and write about it. I came across this shortly after finishing a bunch of light reads and a few memoirs. I was ready for something with a darker vibe that I could really sink my teeth into. Maren’s book did not disappoint. She transported me to a world filled with chaotic characters and complete desperation.
Sei Bellissima!!!!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Winter is still in full force in Maine, with no sign of spring in sight. The ground is covered in a snow-white blanket with skiing, sledding, and ice skating the primary outdoor activities. I decided to warm myself up a bit with Sue Roberts’ new book, My Summer of Love and Limoncello. This story is a dreamy read jam-packed with love and Italian food.
My Fiery Girl
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Love is in the air this Valentine’s week!!!!!! Nothing screams Valentine’s Day more than a romance novel. You know, the paperback ones often found in grocery stores checkouts or on your Kindle for $2.99. Through the years, so many of us have plowed through these romantic delights often referred to as smutty or trashy romance novels. Call them what you will, but know that these books make up a billion-dollar industry.
Whistle While You Work!
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Oh, how I love a good memoir, especially one that I can read in just one sitting. Maid, by Stephanie Land, will have you glued to your seat until the very last page. Land shares her experience as a single mom who lived in poverty while cleaning houses for a living. She is smart, hardworking, and determined to make ends meet for her and her daughter.
I Wish You Enough
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
I am wondering how many people these days use an address book. Not the kind stored on your iPhone or computer. I mean a physical address book. You know, the paper ones with the letter tabs to alphabetize your contacts. What if your address book had every person that was in your life from when you were young? Imagine the story it could tell.
Is That the Blue You’re Using?
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Who is Eve Babitz? I can answer that it one word…Los Angeles. You know, The City of Lights, Tinseltown, La La Land. Eve Babitz was The L.A. Woman of the ’60s and ’70s. Daughter of Sol Babitz (a classical violinist) and Mae Babitz (an artist) and Goddaughter to Igor Stravinsky. She was an artist, a groupie, and a fixture on the L.A. social scene. Most of all though, Eve Babitz was a writer.
What’s Cookin Good Lookin???
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!! I am very much looking forward to all that comes in 2019. Let me first mention how the start of any new year symbolizes fresh starts and new beginnings. What better way to kick off this new year than talking about my new favorite cookbook that not only includes delicious and family-friendly recipes but also promotes clean and healthy eating.
The Greatest Present to Give is the Gift of Being Present
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Fredrik Backman is such a beautiful writer. His work taps into emotions I never knew existed. I can easily laugh out loud, cry into a box of tissues, and ponder into the wee hours of the night after reading any of his books. His novella, The Deal of a Lifetime, is no exception. It was originally printed in Backman’s local newspaper in Sweden before being published as a book. This story is not easy to summarize.