Sweet Tea at Sunrise

Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sheryl Woods

Newly divorced mom, Sarah, has come back home to Serenity, North Carolina to rebuild her life with her two young children. Emotionally battered by her ex-husband and family, Sarah suffers from an extreme lack of self-confidence. Enter Travis McDonald, a sweet-talking ex-baseball player. Travis has opened a new radio station in Serenity and he wants Sarah to be his morning deejay. As they begin to work together, sparks start to fly, but can Sarah ever believe that she is the woman Travis really wants?

Sweet Tea at Sunrise is #5 in the Sweet Magnolias Series. I would highly recommend reading some of the other books in the series before trying this one. While the romance part of the story stands alone, there were many references to past events that just made no sense to me. Also, there were way too many characters. I had to keep backtracking to figure out who was related or who a person was. I'm sure that if I started with the first book in the series this would have been less confusing.

Sarah suffers from way too much self-doubt. I'm sure that her marriage was hard on her, but not only did she lack self-confidence, but she also lacked any spunk. Instead of facing her problems or doubts head-on, she just kept avoiding them. Instead of acting like a mature adult and having conversations with Travis, she would either argue with him, avoid him, or kiss him senseless. I also didn't like how her friends kept telling her what to do and treating her like she was a child. This was a bit annoying for me. The ending was also a bit abrupt. I did like many of the side characters. I'm interested in reading more of their stories.

Gilmore Girls Reading Challenge

This is the final challenge that I am taking on this year (maybe) and it's a big one.

It is the Gilmore Girls Reading Challenge. Since I'm a big reader, I'm going to try for Rory. I have to read 20 books from at least four of the different categories (there are five categories to choose from). This looks like a great challenge because there is such a large variety of books. the good news is that you can watch movie versions of the books and it will still count!

I think this will be the hardest challenge for me, but I'm really looking forward to it. I'm pumped about trying to read the 80 books needed in order to master this challenge!

War and Peace in 2011

As part of my resolution to read the classics I've missed, I am also reading War and Peace with Jillian at A Room of One's Own. I've always wondered what this book was about and am excited that Jillian has provided this opportunity to read it along with many others.

The goal is to read one chapter a day. Since there are 365 chapters, I will be done at the end of December. So nice to know that I don't have to rush through this huge book. The process is going a bit slow for me (although I'm reading about two chapter a day) because this in an area that I know very little about. Of course, it's fun learning new things, so I've been researching as I read so that I can understand the story better.

There are a LOT of characters in this book. I may have to start a list to keep up with them all. There is a great one on wikipedia, but it is too overwhelming to me at this point since it lists all the characters I haven't even met.

There are many versions of Tolstoy's text out there. The one I am reading was translated by Briggs and I am reading it on my kindle. (Sorry I can't give more info, but the kindle version doesn't give me much)

I'm actually beginning to enjoy the story and looking forward to reading more.

Southern Literature Challenge

Here is another reading challenge that I am taking on for 2011. The Introverted Reader is hosting a Southern Literature Challenge. Since I am from Texas and adore all things Southern (although Texan and Southern are NOT synonomous), I think this will be fun to try.

My goal is to read 4 Southern books and I'm reading my first one right now. Here's to a successful challenge!

Head on over to The Introverted Reader for more information and a list of great books to choose from. I'll post a review once I finish my book.

The Food of Love

The Food of Love by Anthony Capella

This is a mouthwatering book. Laura, an American studying in Rome, meets Tommaso. Tomasso claims to be a chef to impress her and convinces his friend Bruno, who is a chef, to help him with the charade. For Tommaso, this is just another conquest, but for Bruno, this is love. Bruno pours his love into the dishes he creates for Laura and she falls deeper into love with Tommaso, believing that he is the one that is fulfilling her appetite for authentic Italian cuisine.

The descriptions of the food are sumptuous and delectable. It made me want to eat Italian food every night that I was reading it. Unfortunately, it's not easy to get the delicious fare described in the story.

A modern retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, this case of mistaken identity, true love, and finding your passion is a satisfying read. I give this book four out of five stars.

Italy in Books Challenge 2011

It's a whole new year and I've just discovered online reading challenges!! The first challenge that I am going to participate in is "Italy in Books" that is being held by Book After Book.

With this challenge I have to read 12 books that are set in Italy by December 31, 2011. So fun! Since I love Italy (although I have yet to visit there) and I want to broaden my book reading horizons, this seems like a perfect challenge for me.

I've already read my first book, but I'll have to post my review later...