Sunrise by Jacquelyn Cook

Here is my second review for the Southern Literature Reading Challenge. Sunrise by Jacquelyn Cook is the story of Anne Tracy Johnston and William Butler Johnston. They are the real life southerners that built the Johnston-Felton-Hay mansion in Macon, Georgia. The story follows Anne and William through their courtship, honeymoon in Europe, and marriage. It covers their lives during the civil war and the outlines the lives of the family and friends that surround them.

While this book had the potential to be very interesting, it ended up being one of the most boring books I've ever read. I got it free on my kindle, which is a good thing. I would have been seriously disappointed if I had paid for this book. The main character Anne, was annoying. She was constantly whining and having fits of temper. Then her entire personality would turn around after a little prayer or a bible verse was given to her. Mr. Johnston could have been an interesting character, but he was kept in the background during much of the story. Not only that, but the plot just read like a timeline of events. There wasn't much storytelling involved. The worst part was when it read like a timeline of deaths. I know this time period wasn't the best for a long life expectancy, but it seems that just about everyone died in this book. It is based on fact, but it felt like there was nothing but death after death througout the book.

I would give this book one out of five stars.

Classics Reading Challenge

Okay - so I have found yet another reading challenge to join. This one is in line with my new year's resolution to read the classics I've missed, so I figured that it would be a great one for me.

Kimberly at Sugar Creek Cottage is hosting a Classics Reading Challenge. The goal is to read at least 8 classics by December 31, 2011. I'm already working on a couple, so we'll see how it goes.

Summer in Tuscany

Summer in Tuscany by Elizabeth Adler

Gemma is an overworked doctor trying to escape from the pain of her past. When her elderly mother, Nonna, receives news that she has received an inheritance, both women, along with Gemma's 14-year-old daughter, head to Bella Piacere. Bella Piacere is where Nonna lived as a until her teenage years, and this trip is a special homecoming for her. The women learn that Nonna has inherited a villa, but there are complications with the inheritance. Apparently, the villa has been bought by the handsome New Yorker Ben Raphael. Sparks fly between Ben and Gemma, a friendship blossoms between their seemingly opposite daughters, and even Nonna gets a shot at romance.

This was a fun book. A bit predictable. Gemma was a bit annoying, but once I learned the truth about her previous relationship, I understood her a little better. The descriptions of Italy made my desire to visit even stronger. Of course, the love of a good man and the beauty of the country help Gemma to find peace and happiness in herself. My favorite character was Nonna. I loved her transformation from Italian widow to Genteel Villa Owner.

I would give this book three out of five stars. I liked it, but it wasn't amazing.