Tag: travel

REVIEW: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest

REVIEW: Grave Reservations by Cherie Priest

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

It was bad enough that traffic was going to make Grady run for his flight. But as he’s running, his travel agent, Leda, tells him she changed his ticket – without his permission! She won’t say why. But when he watches the plane he was supposed to be on go up in flames, the Seattle cop has questions.

Leda’s psychic powers have always been sketchy. But she’s learned the hard way not to ignore those feelings. And while she expects Grady to be furious for awhile, she figures he’ll get over it when he realizes what she spared him.

Not only does Grady get over his initial anger. He decides Leda could use her gifts to help him with a cold case. And she says yes, secretly hoping he might in turn help her with an unsolved case of her own.

Review

This was so fun! I’m not sure which I liked more – the twisty mystery or the great characters. I will definitely be watching for more books in this new Booking Agents series.

Leda and Grady are fantastic leads. I loved the little group they have around them at the bar. The psychic pieces added a fun twist to a book that fits many of the features of a cozy mystery, although with more swearing.

I loved how the two mysteries – Grady’s and Leda’s – pulled them together into this fascinating case. I was engaged in figuring things out all the way to the satisfying conclusion.

If you love mysteries with quirky hooks and great characters, you need to pick this one up! (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

REVIEW: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Poppy always dreamed of a life and career centered around travel. She works for a hugely popular travel magazine. She designs and executes dream vacations her readers long for. But lately it all feels empty. She’s gotten everything she thought she wanted. Now, she misses wanting something. She needs a new goal. She longs to feel happy again.

The last time Poppy felt happy was two years ago on her summer vacation with Alex Nilsen.

Alex was Poppy’s best friend. They met during orientation at college when they discovered they were from the same town. They got to know each other when they shared a ride home after freshman year. Then they became inseparable from that point on, even vacationing together every summer. Until two years ago when it fell apart.

But Poppy wants to be happy again. So she reaches out to Alex, and after some texts, they plan another summer trip to coincide with Alex’s brother’s wedding. But a lot has happened in the last two years. And they’ve never worked out what happened on that last trip. They might not be able to pick up where they left off like Poppy hopes. And if not, where does that leave her?

Review

This wasn’t a great match for me. It was fine. I liked Poppy and Alex well enough, but I didn’t love them. The big mystery of what happened two years ago was drawn out through most of the book. And the back and forth through time, back to college and their previous vacations, made the book feel really long, and not in a great way.

I was committed to seeing the story through, and I’m not sad I stuck with this. I liked the college stories for Poppy and Alex, and I got a kick out of the references to and scenes with their siblings. But otherwise this one was just “okay” for me. (Language, sex, LGBTQ+)

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Fine/solid

REVIEW: Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher

REVIEW: Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

When Marin’s sister, Sadie, got home from her assignment in China, she looked worn out and thin. Marin, the caretaker and worrier of the pair, agreed to the getaway for Sadie’s sake. Marin had been taking care of Sadie since their mother died. She could put aside her fear of flying and her homebody nature to take a trip with her only sister.

But Sadie missed the flight. Which means she also missed the turbulence. And the storm that re-routed the plane. Sadie also missed every awful, embarrassing moment between Marin and her good looking seatmate, Lucas Tsai. (And really, all that embarrassment was Sadie’s fault! If she had been there, Marin never would have had to sit by Lucas!)

So now, Marin is alone on a beautiful tropical island while her sister is still at home. Marin has never been the adventurous one. She plays things safe. She’s been strangled by fear since their mother died. And this getaway is about to challenge every bit of her safe, quiet existence.

Review

Wow. I was wrecked by this book in all the best ways for a reader. I was expecting something light and funny – and those moments are there. But there are also these beautiful, ugly-crying moments with this stellar cast of characters. I wasn’t expecting the extremes, but I adored them. This book packs and punch, and I am forever a fan.

The author does a fantastic job of balancing the contemporary story with Marin’s backstory. It’s a great way to explain how Marin gets to the point where she’s settled for whatever life hands her instead of living a life she wants. I was engrossed in watching Marin’s journey, cheering for her along the way.

Yes, there’s a beautiful romantic element to this that’s supremely satisfying. But it’s also so much more. Do not miss this one! It will stick with me for a long time. (Language, TW: grief/loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

BONUS REVIEW: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

BONUS REVIEW: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Chelsea Martin discovers her father is engaged when he asks her to meet him, saying it’s urgent. She finds him at a bridal shop.  Her twice-married younger sister is completely on board. The fact that the couple met through a bachelor auction two weeks ago is only a factor to Chelsea.

Chelsea’s mom died 7 years ago. At the time, Chelsea was spending a gap year in Europe. As soon as she heard her mom was sick, she dropped everything and went home. When her dad announces his sudden engagement, Chelsea realizes everyone else has moved forward after her mother’s death except her.

So Chelsea takes a leave from her job to go back to Europe. Her plan is to look up the men she fell in love with during her gap year and see if reconnecting with them will help her find herself and her happiness again.

Review

This was fun. I loved the travel as well as the premise of Chelsea trying to find herself or find the person she used to be. There were many laugh-out-loud moments in this, too. That levity was a lovely contrast to the world I find myself in these days.

The story isn’t all light, though. Chelsea is a fundraiser for a cancer charity, so there are characters tied to her work, herself included, who have experienced grief and loss. So there are some heavy, emotional moments in this as well.

Chelsea’s co-worker – and nemesis – Jason Knightley – is probably my favorite character in the whole book. I loved the evolution of Jason and Chelsea’s relationship from the start of the book to the end.

The resolution to Chelsea’s quest was satisfying and wrapped up the book nicely. The journey was fun from start to finish.

McKinlay fans, especially of her romance novels like the ones in the Bluff Point series and the Happily Ever After series, including The Christmas Keeper (♥♥♥♥), should be sure to check this one out. Contemporary romance fans and readers who enjoy books with travel aspects (like One to Watch) or personal quests (like A Dozen Second Chances or My Great Ex-Scape) should check this one out, too. (Language, sex, TW: grief/loss, gaslighting/manipulation in relationships)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

REVIEW: The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Coyote and her dad live in an old school bus that they’ve turned into something of a mobile home. They come and go as they please, living life on the road. They have a few rules for their nomadic life. Before they pick up any passengers, they ask them about their favorite book, place and sandwich. Also, Coyote calls her dad “Rodeo,” never “Dad.” And they never talk about the life they had before – before Coyote’s mom and two sisters died in an accident.

After five years on the road together, Coyote’s gotten really good at managing Rodeo. She knows what to say or how or when to say it to convince him to do almost anything. She used these skills to get her kitten, Ivan, for example.

So when Coyote finds out from her grandmother that the park near their old house is about to be dug up, she knows it will take some epic finessing to get her father to leave Florida and get to Washington before the park is destroyed. And she can’t come right out and tell him why they need to go, because it would break the rule of never talking about their loss. But Coyote and her mom and sisters buried a time capsule in that park just days before the accident. Now, Coyote absolutely has to get back to that park and save those last memories before they are destroyed forever.

Review

Oh, this was lovely! Dan Gemeinhart is an amazing writer! I have enjoyed several of his other books. He develops these fantastic characters. And he really knows how to get to the heart and soul of a story. This book is a perfect example of that skill. Coyote and Rodeo are amazing. They have developed an extreme coping strategy for their loss. But as Coyote gets older, and when the park situation comes up, it’s no longer enough for her. But Rodeo won’t give up his coping mechanisms easily. Watching the two of them walk through this challenge was fantastic.

They pick up some awesome passengers along the way. I loved the whole ensemble. Each one was on his or her own journey of identity or self-discovery or a scary new start – and they became something of a family on the journey.

Bring your tissues for this one. I absolutely loved the heart of this. This is an emotionally rich and complex story, which is awesome for middle grade readers. There’s lots to think about and talk about with this one. I could see this being great for a book club or discussion group.

I would steer this one to older middle grade readers. That’s my gut for this one, first because of the emotional intricacies. Some younger readers won’t have the life experience and empathy yet to really “get” Coyote and her story.  There’s also some language which might catch younger readers – or Christian readers – off guard (g-damn, “lord,” etc.). For the older crowd – upper elementary, middle school – this is a story and a character that is not to be missed!! (Language, LGBTQ)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

REVIEW: A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander

REVIEW: A Crime of Passion Fruit by Ellie Alexander

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The cruise ship Amour of the Seas is in desperate need of a temporary pastry chef to get them through until their new hire can arrive. Carlos, back on the ship after his time in Ashland, asks Juliet to step in. The cruise offers her double pay, and Carlos arranges for her mom and the Professor to join the cruise for free. Four glorious days at sea. What could go wrong?

Being back on the ship helps Juliet gain new insights into her marriage, her cooking and her dreams for the future. It also puts her in place to discover a dead body. Even through she’s been away for awhile, Juliet’s knowledge of the ship and crew could help the captain and the Professor figure out who the dead woman is and what happened to her. While Juliet is hunting for a murderer and trying to survive a storm at sea, her friends in Ashland are trying to keep things going at Torte in the midst of a quarrelsome neighbor, a shake up with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival leadership, and major renovations at Torte. There’s never a dull moment in the latest addition to the Bakeshop mystery series.

Review

I really enjoyed this new addition to one of my favorite cozy series. While I missed the usual Torte crew, I liked the change of setting for this book. It added to the ongoing story line of Juliet and Carlos while also shaking up the food, the characters, and the location of the action. And it was all great.

I thoroughly enjoy the core characters of this series. There’s great camaraderie at Torte. And a great balance between the ongoing relationships in Ashland and the new details in each book for the mystery at hand. Good mystery in this one. With an unknown victim (“Jane Dough”), the motive and suspect portions didn’t evolve until later in the book once we knew more about the victim.

Personally, I am “Team Tommy,” and ready for Juliet and Carlos to sort out their relationship. I am looking forward to Another One Bites the Crust (winter 2017/2018) to see what happens next with the Ashland crew and see if the author will finally resolve the Carlos situation.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland

REVIEW: The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Marigold, Zinnia and Lily are sisters living in Los Angeles with their parents. Their dad is a screenwriter, and their mom was a film editor. Both parents get work opportunities at the same time and decide to send the girls to stay with family in Massachusetts for three weeks in the summer.

Marigold is devastated. At 12-years-old, she’s just gotten an agent for her acting career. She is desperate to try out for a part in a movie based on her favorite books. This trip out east is ruining her career plans.

A year younger than Marigold, Zinnia tries to follow in her sister’s footsteps. She tries acting, She begs to go out with Marigold and her friends. And like most big sisters, Marigold is convinced that Zinnia is trying to ruin her life.

Massachusetts will give each of the girls an opportunity to discover themselves a little more as they get to know their Aunt Sunny and their East Coast vacation  home.

Review

This is a great family story! The close age between Marigold and Zinnia makes their relationship prone to highs and lows. At times the girls are the best of friends. Zinnia does her best, both in LA and Massachusetts, to help Marigold achieve her dreams. At the same time, Marigold also longs for some space to do her own thing and be her own person without her sister-shaped shadow.

Zinnia feels out of step with her beautiful older sister and adorable baby sister. While at times she recognizes Marigold’s meanness and attitude, she also wants to be just like her in some ways. The summer trip gives Zinnia a chance to step out from behind Marigold and find her own “voice.”

The author does a good job of making this story about the growth that takes place for both of the girls pretty equally. The rest of the characters fill in nicely around the girls. The adults coach and mentor and correct, but don’t fix things. This is a nice, healthy example of family.

There are three books in this series. Book 2 is The Brightest Stars of Summer, and book 3 is The Silver Moon of Summer and comes out today. I will definitely be adding both of these books to my summer reading TBR!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

REVIEW: The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Lucy and Owen meet in an elevator during a black out. They spend one evening together, touring the city in the dark, talking into the night. They share only small bits of themselves. But a connection is made.

They keep in touch from there, sending postcards across the miles as Lucy moves to Europe and Owen and his dad travel west. A few words scribbled in the small blank space on a postcard keep the connection going. Each of the teens feels a strong connection to the other. But they also question that connection because they spent so little time together. Their relationship seems like it should feel less real – less important – than the relationships right in front of them.

Long distance relationships are hard enough for people who’ve known each other for ages. How can a relationship based on less than 24 hours in something of a crisis situation ever hope to survive?

 

Review

This is the second book I’ve read by Jennifer E Smith. The tone of this one is similar to The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. I like this sort of teen romance because the focus is on the characters and the circumstances that could keep them apart. The reader cheers for the characters to triumph over their situation.

Lucy and Owen are solid characters. Each has things in the past that keep them from making a lot of friends. The blackout draws them into an unusual situation which helps them open up in ways they never have before.

So much of this story is about Lucy and Owen on their own, growing up and maturing through their circumstances and their relationships with their families. The thread that keeps them connected – the postcards – draws the reader through the story to see if the individual changes will help or hurt the relationship started that day in a stuck elevator.

The author just published a new book, Windfall, back in May. I am hoping to read it soon!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Embassy Row series by Ally Carter

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The final book of the Embassy Row series released in December 2016. Here is a summary of all the books in the series.

Book 1 – All Fall Down: Grace arrives at the US Embassy in the country of Adria feeling uncertain and out of place. She’s sure that everyone feels sorry for her, either because her mother is dead or because she is “crazy.” She knows what she saw, though. She knows there was a scarred man there the night her mother died. And she knows she’s seen that same man in Adria!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Book 2 – See How They Run: Reeling from the revelations of All Fall Down, Grace learns more history of Adria as she tries to protect her secrets and her friends, as well as find a killer. But the revelations of book two are just as stunning as book one! I’d love to say more but I don’t want to spoil anything!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

Book 3 – Take the Key and Lock Her Up: Grace is on the run, but the powers that be will not let her stay in hiding. She knows she will have to find secrets long buried – or compromise everything and everyone she cares about – if she wants to survive.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½

Review

This is a great series! I feel like the series improved as it went on. Book one pushes the reader to decide what to think – and what to believe – when it comes to Grace and her past. And Grace can be hard to like at times because you just aren’t sure what to believe. Hang with the story because it is worth it.  Book two broadens the scope, showing Grace’s history in a larger context. This also makes the deeper mysteries more important. Book three puts all the pieces together and runs headlong into the final conflict. A lot happens in this book and the pace is pretty frantic. Take the Key and Lock Her Up is my favorite of the three books.

This is terrific, clean YA – lots of suspense and intrigue with mild romance. I highly recommend it!