Summer of '69

A historical novel set in Nantucket. 13 year old Jessie is set to spend her summer in Nantucket at her grandmothers home. She has an older sister who is married to an astronaut and pregnant with twins. Her brother serving in Vietnam. A bohemian sister chooses to work on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Her mother is with her and her father visits on weekends. This is a coming of age story for Jessie. Lots happens urge summer of '69. A man walks on the moon, Vietnam war continues and Ted Kennedy drives his car off a bridge. A delightful tale of a blended family.

Surfside Sisters

Keely and Isabelle were life-long friends. They were competitive and both wanted to be writers. Isabelles parents wealthy; Keelys are not. They go to different colleges. Keely has always loved Isabelle's brother. Keely has to drop out of college when her father dies. They are apart for many years. Who will become the successful novelist?  Will they find their own happiness?  I love all of Nancy Thayers' books set in Nantucket.

Lost and Found

Maddie is a divorcee in NYC. She is a famous photographer and has 3 grown children. One weekend she's cleaning out a closet and falls off a ladder breaking her ankle. Even though she is in her 50s her daughter suggests she move to assisted living. She loves living in her converted firehouse in the West Village. She embarks on a 3 week road trip to see 3 former loves in Boston, Chicago and Wyoming. She then visits her children in California with whom she has had a strained relationship. She is injured in a bombing. Will she find love again? Heal her relationship with her children?

The Summer Guests

This book is for the horse lover. A hurricane is bearing down on South Florida. Imagine having to evacuate and having to trailer your horses with you. Several friends had to do just that. They all ended up with Grace and Charles at their home in the Blue Ridge mountains. Relationships change in just a few short days. Horses change hands and life changing decisions are made. As a Hurricane Katrina survivor, the amount of anxiety an impending hurricane creates is far more than what was depicted here.

The Kennedy Debutante

Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was a rebel before her time. When her dad, Joe Kennedy, Sr was ambassador of Great Britain, the family lived in London. Kick made her entry into society and hung out with a crowd that included a Duke. He became the love of her life. Kick was a devote Catholic; he was Protestant. Neither wanted to convert. Can they find a compromise and live happily ever after?
This book gives a glimpse into the life and personality of the oldest son, Joe, Jr. A must read for fans of the Kennedys.

Queen Bee

Holly is 30 years old and lives at home with her demanding mother on Sullivan’s Island. She keeps bees, tends a garden and desires to teach school. In the meantime, she decorates cakes at Publix. She thinks she loves her recently widowed neighbor with 2 adorable boys. But, the neighbor marries a mean woman who doesn’t like kids. She advocates for the kids and he ignores her. A tragedy happens. A strange side story involving a sister and her cross dressing husband. Will Holly find true love?  As always, Dorothea Benton Frank entertains.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Lale was a Slovakian Jew who becomes the tattooist of Auschwitz. His job was to tattoo number on prisoners as they arrived. He falls in love with a fellow prisoner, Gitta. They spent 3 years there and are released to different areas. Will they make their way back to each other and fulfill their life dreams?  I love historical fiction based on fact. 

The Flatshare

Tiffy breaks up with her boyfriend Justin. She responds to an add to rent a flat share from Leon. He has the flat during the day, she has it in the evening, night and weekends. They go about 5 months without meeting. Then his girlfriend breaks up with him. His brother is in jail for a crime he did not commit. Tiffy has a friend who helps free him. She and Leon meet. And you can guess what happens. A little far fetched to me. 

Evie Drake Starts Over

Evie Drake is married to her high school sweetheart. He is a doctor and they live in their hometown in coastal Maine. He is mean, emotionally abusive. Evie has fallen out of love with him. She packs her suitcase to leave that night. The phone rings, her husband was killed in an auto accident. She has to put her life together, grieves little, but has much guilt. She rents a room to a dethroned star baseball pitcher. How will life change, how will she heal?

Ask Again, Yes

In a small town on Long Island, NY, two cops live next door to each other wanting their families to experience small town America, not city living. One has a drinking problem, a wife who is mentally ill, and a son.  The other has a wife and 3 daughters.  A tragedy occurs which changes life as they know it.  2 of the children marry and life is hard as they struggle with the husband’s alcoholism. How much can a family forgive?