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.

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.