Perfect Winter Escapes: Quick Reviews for Books to Beat the Winter Blues
As you may know from previous posts I hate winter and all the cold and biting winds and snow that come with it so I'm always looking to escape. Since I can't go anywhere tropical right this minute I try to keep in good spirits by picking up a good book. This winter I've read a ton of great books that are set in warm places like the beach, California and other beautiful (and warm) locales. I thought it would be fun to feature them to help you decide what to read to beat those winter blues and fight off the chill. Here are two of my favorites.
Hatteras Girl
by Alice J. Wisler
From the publisher:
Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?
Quick Review: *I liked it*
This book was a terrific story. I first knew I HAD to read it when I saw that it was set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If you are sick of the cold, wintery weather this is the perfect escape especially if you're like me, a person who is familiar with the area. While this was no Nicholas Sparks novel, it's fun to read and gives a glimpse into what life might be like for locals living in a resort/vacation area. From Jackie to Buck I thought each character was terrific except of course, Davis who I thought was a little shady right from the start.
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Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
by Sandra D. Bricker
From the publisher:
Annie Gray has an epiphany: she is not living the life she’s always dreamed of. She
decides to start fresh, drawing inspiration from her favorite classic Hollywood films. First, Annie moves into the picturesque Carmel bungalow belonging to her grandmother—a retired film star. Next up: landing an exciting job as a private investigator’s assistant. But Annie’s new boss is no Humphrey Bogart, and the work isn’t quite what she pictured. Just when everything in Annie’s screen-worthy plan teeters on the brink of disaster, she has another epiphany. Will this one land her in the arms of her own leading man?
Quick Review: *I loved it*
What can I say other than this, it's Sandra Bricker folks, her books are always a blast to read! Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea has the fun and faith that I've come to associate with Ms. Bricker. Annie and Nick are my favorite characters yet and little Sherm the lettuce eating beagle....what a cute critter! If you're a fan of old Hollywood, cute hats and convertibles you will enjoy this book. Did I mention I absolutely love the setting? I've never been to California but through this book I felt as if I could have been there, traversing the streets and shops of Carmel and Monterey! This is a great light read, perfect for a winter escape!
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Fun fact 1: Both Jackie and Annie have a love for hats!
Fun Fact 2: I started this post a few weeks back before the Outer Banks received 6 inches of the white stuff! Oh well I'm not going to let the "s" word ruin this post!
*I received my books from the author and publisher but was not obligated to provide postive reviews.*
Hatteras Girlby Alice J. Wisler
From the publisher:
Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?
Quick Review: *I liked it*
This book was a terrific story. I first knew I HAD to read it when I saw that it was set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. If you are sick of the cold, wintery weather this is the perfect escape especially if you're like me, a person who is familiar with the area. While this was no Nicholas Sparks novel, it's fun to read and gives a glimpse into what life might be like for locals living in a resort/vacation area. From Jackie to Buck I thought each character was terrific except of course, Davis who I thought was a little shady right from the start.
****************************************
Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
by Sandra D. Bricker
From the publisher:
Annie Gray has an epiphany: she is not living the life she’s always dreamed of. She
decides to start fresh, drawing inspiration from her favorite classic Hollywood films. First, Annie moves into the picturesque Carmel bungalow belonging to her grandmother—a retired film star. Next up: landing an exciting job as a private investigator’s assistant. But Annie’s new boss is no Humphrey Bogart, and the work isn’t quite what she pictured. Just when everything in Annie’s screen-worthy plan teeters on the brink of disaster, she has another epiphany. Will this one land her in the arms of her own leading man?Quick Review: *I loved it*
What can I say other than this, it's Sandra Bricker folks, her books are always a blast to read! Love Finds You in Carmel-by-the-Sea has the fun and faith that I've come to associate with Ms. Bricker. Annie and Nick are my favorite characters yet and little Sherm the lettuce eating beagle....what a cute critter! If you're a fan of old Hollywood, cute hats and convertibles you will enjoy this book. Did I mention I absolutely love the setting? I've never been to California but through this book I felt as if I could have been there, traversing the streets and shops of Carmel and Monterey! This is a great light read, perfect for a winter escape!
****************************************
Fun fact 1: Both Jackie and Annie have a love for hats!
Fun Fact 2: I started this post a few weeks back before the Outer Banks received 6 inches of the white stuff! Oh well I'm not going to let the "s" word ruin this post!
*I received my books from the author and publisher but was not obligated to provide postive reviews.*
Ooooo I want to move into a bungalow!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, mini reviews, Renee! I would love to visit the Outer Banks (I enjoy Nicholas Sparks books, which often are set in NC). Glad you liked the Cali book as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to read Hatteras Girl. We're heading to the Outer Banks this summer.
ReplyDeleteLOL Juju right now I'd settle for a tent on the beach! As long as it's warm and there's no snow!!!
ReplyDeleteSuko- I actualy haven't read a Sparks book in a while, have any suggestions for a good one?
Carol- Me too! Maybe we'll see each other LOL
XOXO~ Renee
GO STEELERS!
Great covers! They definitely helped me forget the winter landscape outside my window for a few moments . . .
ReplyDeletelove the reviews, renee!! those 'love finds you' books always draw me in!
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Monterey and worked in Carmel. So I just have to add this book to my list. They both sound like lots of fun - specially as a way to escape all the snow! :o)
ReplyDeleteRenee, I really enjoyed reading A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks. The movie is good, too. I hope you enjoy whichever one you choose.
ReplyDelete