Book Review: Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes

Monarch Beach by Anita Hughes
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: June 19, 2012
Paperback, 288 pages
ISBN: 9780312643041


My rating: 5.0/5.0




My Review:
Monarch Beach is the perfect beach read of the summer. I spent my Saturday laying out in the sun just enjoying this book. Enjoying the story, enjoying the characters and enjoying the writing. It's just one of those books you read, it's a great diversion for an afternoon yet you still think about it when it's over. Amanda is a character I will remember as well as her mother and her son.

Amanda has found her husband cheating on her and has no idea how to proceed. Her life has fallen apart in the span of just a few minutes. I can't even imagine what that would be like. Now unfortunately I don't have a wealthy mother to take me away for the summer, but just as well I got to escape with Amanda in this book. Ms. Hughes does a wonderful job making the reader feel the emotions that Amanda feels and empathizing with her. Everything she felt I felt. It was really great writing on the author's part. And I didn't even feel jealousy or disbelief that she got to go away for the summer. These things do happen and Amanda and her mother were so likable, that I was pulling for them so it didn't matter that they could escape in this way that most people can't. I wanted them to and I wanted to see what would happen. The characters were amazing. Mostly we see Amanda since the book is about how she deals with this situation. But I also enjoyed her mother, her son, her best friend and the others that were brought into the plot. All were interesting and kept the plot moving.

The plot never waned from the opening scene where Amanda's life breaks in two. At the start she goes back in time, remembering and that really helped in getting to know Amanda and how she got to where she is and how she will get to where she will be as well. Everything that is in the book really has a point and you understand it by the end. I read quickly through the book while enjoying the sun on Saturday afternoon. It seemed the perfect place to enjoy the book. And enjoy it I did. Once I finally could put the time into reading it without interruptions I could not put Monarch Beach down. I wanted to know what would happen next and how Amanda would handle things. I was almost sad when it was over because I was done with Amanda, yet the book came to a very satisfying conclusion for me. But I had been around Amanda for several hours and I was not ready to let her go yet. That to me is a hallmark of a wonderful character and book.

Ms. Hughes has crafted a book that while it seems simple in plot, it's not and the meaning creeps up on you at the end. You feel very satisfied once you have finished it. But the beauty is to get to that satisfaction you have just read a wonderful light, yet not light beach read if that makes sense. While the subject matter is tough, I never felt down. Ms. Hughes manages to handle the subject matter in a way that never belittles it but never makes it completely depressing. How she did that I'm really not sure, but I loved it. It never felt like it was playing down Amanda's troubles but it wasn't playing them to the hilt either. It's really hard to explain without giving away the book. The simplest thing to say is to read it when it comes out tomorrow. It's a fabulous book that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys general fiction or women's fiction. It's a must for your beach bag, pool bag, lake bag or any vacation bag this summer.

About the Book:
Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one woman’s journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life—what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again.

When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life—and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention… and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down. 

About the Author:
Anita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She received a B.A. in English from Bard College and attended UC Berkeley's Masters in English and Creative Writing program. Her debut novel, MONARCH BEACH, will be published by St. Martin's Press in June 2012. A second novel, MARKET STREET, will be released in early 2013.

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***I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Author Interview: Anita Hughes (Monarch Beach)

Today I welcome Anita Hughes, author of Monarch Beach, her debut novel that comes out tomorrow June 19th.  I was contacted by Anita a little over a month ago and she's very nice and personable so I was very eager to read Monarch Beach and have her for an interview.  And I'm glad I did.  I will be posting my review of Monarch Beach later today, which is a wonderful book, but now enjoy learning more about this wonderful new author and her book.

What's the first sentence of Monarch Beach? 

The day my life changed forever started like any other Tuesday.

Do you have a favorite line in Monarch Beach? 

One of my favorite paragraphs is:

I held the butterfly up high and closed my eyes. I blinked and looked down at the golf course that spilled into the Pacific Ocean. The greens and blues blended together like a Monet painting. I didn’t know what to wish for.

I remember that one, I loved how visual it was and how I understood Amanda's feeling so well right then.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer? 

I decided to become a writer when I won a nationwide writing contest in Australia when I was eight years old.

Wow, that is impressive and young!

How would you describe yourself? 

I’m fairly quiet with a good sense of humor.

If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be? 

I love so many books – I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading. One of the first books I remember loving was The City Boy by Herman Wouk.

I'm unfamiliar with that one, so I must go check it out.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love to walk my dog near the beach, read and go to the movies. I love romantic comedies.

If you had to pick a character who really spoke to you in Monarch Beach who would it be? 

I would have to pick Amanda. She thought she had a wonderful life and then she went through so much pain. Her whole life was turned upside down.

Tell us what is Monarch Beach about. 

Monarch Beach is about a young San Francisco heiress who finds her French chef husband wrapped around his female sous chef. She accepts her widowed mother’s invitation to spend the summer in the Presidential Suite of the St. Regis, Monarch Beach.

The opening to Monarch Beach is rather emotional, did you find yourself feeling the emotions right there with Amanda? 

Yes, I am always right there with my characters. I can feel their emotions and hear their voices in my head. I still feel for Amanda.

How did you feel when you finished Monarch Beach?  

Happy because I loved the ending, sad because I hated leaving my characters. 

I understand that feeling completely, that's how I felt when I finished the book as well.

If you could take one trip, no expense spared, where would it be to? 

I think I would choose Capri. I went there when I was young and fell in love with it. I love that there are no cars and the water is such a beautiful green. There are wonderful shops and delicious food; it’s pretty heavenly.

Ooooh, that does sound heavenly, sounds like a new place to add to my must-see places.

What do you have in the works right now?  

A second novel, MARKET STREET will be released next April, and a third, LAKE COMO, later next year. I’m working on a new novel in another gorgeous location. I love novels with great settings because I feel like I’m on vacation when I write.

I can't wait for Market Street, I read the little preview and I'm already excited.  I have to say I am already hooked on your books after Monarch Beach!  

Thank you Anita for joining us today!

Make sure you come back later today for the review of Monarch Beach. 

Anita's website

About Monarch Beach:

Anita Hughes' Monarch Beach is an absorbing debut novel about one woman’s journey back to happiness after an affair splinters her perfect marriage and life—what it means to be loved, betrayed and to love again.

When Amanda Blick, a young mother and kindhearted San Francisco heiress, finds her gorgeous French chef husband wrapped around his sous-chef, she knows she must flee her life in order to rebuild it. The opportunity falls into her lap when her (very lovable) mother suggests Amanda and her young son, Max, spend the summer with her at the St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach. With the waves right outside her windows and nothing more to worry about than finding the next relaxing thing to do, Amanda should be having the time of her life—and escaping the drama. But instead, she finds herself faced with a kind, older divorcee who showers her with attention… and she discovers that the road to healing is never simple. This is the sometimes funny, sometimes bitter, but always moving story about the mistakes and discoveries a woman makes when her perfect world is turned upside down. 

Happy 111th Birthday Anastasia + You can win The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen

Even now in 2012, one of the greatest mysteries has been the fate of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov of Russia, the last of four daughters born to the Tsar Nikolas and his wife Alexandra. After the tragic execution of the Russian Royal family in1918, officials were never able to recover the remains of Anastasia. Tales of her supposed escape from Russia have gripped thousands for decades, fueling speculation that a daughter of Russia’s last sovereign ruler survived the revolution that destroyed her immediate family.

The Giveaway:
So in honor of Anastasia 111th birthday today (June 18th), Sourcebooks is offering a copy of The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen to one reader here at My Reading Room.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below, the only required entry is a free entry, all other entries are optional.  Good luck, open to US and Canada only and the book will mail from the publisher.  Ends 6/25/12.

About the Book:

IN A TIME OF RASPUTIN'S MAGIC AND ROMANOV MYSTERY, A YOUNG GIRL FINDS HERSELF AT THE HEART OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

She was an orphan, ushered into the royal palace on the prayers of her majestry. Yet, decades later, her time spent in the embrace of the Romanovs haunts her still. Is she responsible for those murderous events that changed everything?

If only she can find the heir, maybe she can put together the broken pieces of her own past-maybe she can hold on to the love she found. Bursting to life with the rich and glorious marvels of Imperial Russia, The Last Romanov is a magical tale of second chances and royal blood.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thrillerfest VII tour: Backfire by Catherine Coulter excerpt

 

It's getting near that time of year again, time for ThrillerFest VII.  If you are unfamiliar with it, ThrillerFest is the annual “summer camp for thriller writers and fans”!  The largest gathering of New York Times bestselling authors returns to The Big Apple July 11-14 at the Grand Hyatt and I'm part of a blog tour to help promote the event. 

The experience is sure to satisfy any adrenaline junkie as writers from all over the world come together to share a common interest: the thriller novel. Jack Higgins, the genius behind The Eagle Has Landed is this year’s ThrillerMaster and spotlight authors include Lee Child, Catherine Coulter, John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, and Richard North Patterson. Not to mention, one of my personal favorites, the legendary Ann Rule, author of The Stranger Beside Me is this year’s beneficiary of The True Thriller Award and last year’s ThrillerMaster R.L. Stine will return for the spine-tingling festivities. There’s no denying that this week is going to be jam packed with exhilarating workshops, including:

• “How to Stalk A Serial Killer and Tell the Gruesome Tale” with Ann Rule, who is also the author of 30-New York Times bestsellers, all of which are still in print. 
•  “Kill ‘Em Clean: Writing Sharp, Fast, and Deadly” with Catherine Coulter, author of 67-novels, 62 of which are New York Times bestsellers 
• “Tell, Don’t Show: Why Writing Rules are Mostly Wrong” with Lee Child, author of the bestselling and beloved Jack Reacher series. 
• “The Dynamics of Structure” with David Morrell, author of 28-novels, including First Blood (of Rambo fame). His work has been translated into 26-languages.

As my part of the tour I have an excerpt from Catherine Coulter's newest book, Backfire, so sit back and enjoy.

Excerpt for BACKFIRE by Catherine Coulter



Sea Cliff, San Francisco

Late Thursday night, one week before Thanksgiving

Judge Ramsey Hunt listened to the lapping water break against the rocks below, a sound that always brought him back to himself, and centered him. He stood at this exact spot every night and listened to the waves, as unending and as infinite as he knew he wasn't. Only the sound of the waves, he thought. Otherwise, it was dead silent, not even a distant fog horn blasting from the huge cargo ship that was nearing the Golden Gate through a veil of low lying fog.

There was a light breeze ruffling the tree leaves and putting a light chop on the ocean below. It was chilly tonight. He was glad Molly had tossed him his leather jacket on his way out. A week before Thanksgiving, he thought, a week before he presided over the turkey carving and felt so blessed he'd feel like singing, which, thankfully, he wouldn't.

Ramsey looked up at the low-hanging half moon that seemed cold and alien tonight. His ever-curious son Cal had asked him if he could sink his fingers into the pitted surface. Would it be hard, like his wooden Ford truck, he wondered, or soft like ice cream?

At least his day had ended well. In the late afternoon, he'd met Molly and the twins at Davies Hall to hear Emma rehearse Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the San Francisco Symphony smiling and nodding as they listened. Ramsey had long thought of her as his own daughter since he adopted her five years ago, and here she was, a prodigy, of all things. He nearly burst with pride, Molly always said. Remarkably, Cal and Gage hadn't raised too much of a fuss at having to sit still during the rehearsal. Well, Cal did yell out once, "Emmy, I want you to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!" which had brought warm laughter from the violin section.

They'd enjoyed enchiladas and tacos an hour later at La Barca, the family's favorite Mexican restaurant on Lombard, always an adventure when the three-year-old twins were anywhere near chips and guacamole.

Ramsey rested his elbows on the solid stone fence built when his boys had reached the age of exploration a year and a half ago. Better than nightmares about them tumbling off the sixty foot cliff into the mess of rocks and water below.

He looked out across the entrance to the bay at the Marin Headlands, as stark and barren as the half moon above them. Soon the winter rains would begin to green things up, as green as Ireland in some years, his second favorite place on earth after San Francisco. It was a blessing that this incredible stretch was all a national recreational area so he would never have to look at some guy sipping a nice fruity Chardonnay across from him on a condo balcony. He noticed a lone boat, a Zodiac, sitting anchored below him, nearly as still as a small island in the ocean. There were no other boats around it that he could see. Who would be out so late, anchored in the open water? He saw no one aboard and for a moment he felt alarmed. Had someone fallen overboard? No, whoever motored over in the Zodiac could easily have swum or waded to the narrow beach. But why? Not to get a suntan, that's for sure. He wondered if he should call 911 when he heard Molly open the family room door behind him. "Goodness, it's cold out here. I'm glad you're wearing your jacket. Is your favorite sea lion talking to you again?"

Ramsey smiled. Old Carl, that was the name he'd given this giant of a sea lion that liked to laze about in the water below. He hadn't seen Old Carl in several days now. He called back, "He's probably at Pier 39 stretched out on the barges with his cousins. What's up?"

"Gage had a nightmare. Can you come and tell him the green bean monster isn't lurking in his closet? He doesn't believe me."

He turned to her, grinning. "Be right there --"

Molly heard a shot, cold and sharp as the moon, and saw her husband slammed violently forward by a bullet. Molly's scream pierced the night.

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: One Moment by Kristina McBride

One Moment by Kristina McBride

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Hardcover, 272 pages

Pub Date: June 26, 2012

ISBN:  9781606840863

 

My rating: 5.0/5.0

My Review:
I loved One Moment. It is one of those books that will stand out in my mind for months to come even in the blur of the many books I read each year. The story is tight, enthralling and never loses pace. The characters come to life, feel like people I know in situations I would know as well. It's just one of those books that grabs you and holds you from the first page until the last.

Maggie is the girl we all wanted to be. The girl with the gorgeous boyfriend, all the great friends, but as with any book, and with life, is everything what it seems? One afternoon everything changes when her boyfriend Joey jumps and all goes wrong out at the lake. And the worst thing, Maggie cannot remember what happened in that moment before Joey jumped. That's where the story takes off. That's where the suspense starts and the characters start to develop and build. This is where we get to know Maggie, Joey, Pete, Shannon, Adam and the others. A group of close-knit friends, but a group of close-knit friends with secrets. I liked Maggie, enjoyed watching the story through her eyes even though it was painful at times. Ms. McBride does a marvelous job telling this story. Weaving the story in and out through the characters. Weaving them together with secrets and lies and together through friendship. It's truly the tale of being a teenager with friends. I liked getting to know each of the main characters, I liked some more than others, but by the end I think Ms. McBride lets the reader know the inner intention of each character be known and I really like that. I felt each main character was really well fleshed out and I almost didn't want the story to end even though it came to it's natural conclusion.

The plot is masterful. The suspense of what happened in that one moment drives the whole book and while that doesn't sound exciting on the surface, trust me, Ms. McBride makes it very exciting. I think I read this in one sitting. I had to know what Maggie would remember. I had to know what the secrets were. I had to know what happened. I just had to know about that One Moment. And you will too. This is just one of those books that you cannot put down.

Definitely one of my top-five favorites so far this year. A masterful contemporary YA that has it all friendship, first love, and a gripping what happened type of plot in it. You won't be able to put One Moment down, I couldn't.
  
About One Moment: 
This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

***I received this book through Teen Book Scene for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: Guilty Wives by James Patterson

Guilty Wives by James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publish Date: March 26, 2012
Hardcover, 448 pages
ISBN: 9780316097567

My rating: 3.75/5.0

My Review:

I will freely admit I still read every James Patterson book that comes out. My favorites are the Alex Cross books and the Women's Murder Club, but from time-to-time I really enjoy some of the stand-alones. Guilty Wives was a good book, I enjoyed it and in typical James Patterson fashion when I had the time to read it I raced through it.

Guilty Wives was different from other books I have read by James Patterson and his numerous co-authors. The exploration of what happens on a girls' weekend gone bad and who did it was fascinating. The major twist that comes near the beginning was great. I liked Abbie as a character, she was strong, a good mom and generally not a whiny woman. She was thrown into many situations that were way out of control but she managed with the help of others and by thinking to get out of them. She made a great heroine for the book. The other three wives were interesting but do not play as large a role in the book. Abbie is the star.

The plot was interesting. Great twists and turns and as usual every time I thought I had it figured out they threw me a curve ball. I will say the book lagged a bit right in the middle with some of the prison scenes. I really didn't need the mundane prison life. I honestly thought about putting the book down but I'm glad I didn't because once I got past that part the book sped up again and was quite a thriller right up until the end.

Short chapters make it an easy read. Twists and turns will keep you turning pages. And Abbie as the main character will have you cheering for her to clear her name if she really is innocent. It's typical Patterson fair and it kept me entertained which is all I ask a book to do for me. Oh and it scared me to death too. Not sure I'll take a vacation overseas with my girlfriends any time soon ;)

About Guilty Wives:

No husbands allowed
Only minutes after Abbie Elliot and her three best friends step off of a private helicopter, they enter the most luxurious, sumptuous, sensually pampering hotel they have ever been to. Their lavish presidential suite overlooks Monte Carlo, and they surrender: to the sun and pool, to the sashimi and sake, to the Bruno Paillard champagne. For four days they're free to live someone else's life. As the weekend moves into pulsating discos, high-stakes casinos, and beyond, Abbie is transported to the greatest pleasure and release she has ever known.

What happened last night?

In the morning's harsh light, Abbie awakens on a yacht, surrounded by police. Something awful has happened--something impossible, unthinkable. Abbie, Winnie, Serena, and Bryah are arrested and accused of the foulest crime imaginable. And now the vacation of a lifetime becomes the fight of a lifetime--for survival. GUILTY WIVES is the ultimate indulgence, the kind of nonstop joy-ride of excess, friendship, betrayal, and danger that only James Patterson can create.

***I borrowed this book from my wonderful local library. ***

Book Review: Promise Me by Dee Julian

Promise me by Dee Julian
Kindle edition, 175 pages
Publisher: Dee Julian
Pub Date: March 19, 2012
ASIN: B007B6N5K8


My rating: 4.5/5.0

My Review:
Dee Julian has written another enjoyable historical romance that took me away for a few days with a great plot and interesting characters. Promise me is witty, entertaining and has a wonderful historical romance.

Leah is a great character, she is a woman who wants to do what is right and she is in a pickle that her fiance has left her in. But she continues to do what is right no matter how it makes her look to the public. When the Duke of Chase, her fiance's older brother enters the picture it gets really interesting. Sparks fly, witty repartee ensues and the mystery begins to unravel as Leah, the Duke and those that surround them begin to try and work out what really happened to the Duke's brother and how to get Leah out of the predicament she is in. I liked the Duke too. While he seems that typical Duke-type at first, a little stuffy, you get to know him through the book and he softens, especially towards Leah and he becomes very likable. I felt like both characters had a lot of growth and I got to know them very well which is always important to me.

The plot as mentioned before is excellent. It kept me turning pages to see what would happen next, who was involved and what twist and turn would happen. And of course to see how Leah and the Duke's relationship would evolve as well. The beginning was just a bit slow with having to build the story up but after that it never lagged and Ms. Julian does a marvelous job moving the story along at a perfect pace. I loved it and had a hard time putting it down each night so I could get some sleep.

With great historical aspects, interesting and evolving characters and a great plot, Promise Me is a wonderful book to pick up this summer or any time. If you love romance then this a book for you. If you love a bit of mystery (but it doesn't take away from the romance) this is a book for you. Ms. Julian has added another wonderful book to her collection and she has a dedicated reader in me now. So when is your next book coming out?

About Promise Me:

After a hasty promise to her dying fiancé jeopardizes the future of his illegitimate child, Lady Leah Sheridan vows to make amends for the gentleman’s lack of honor by personally seeing to his son’s financial needs. When the boy’s heartless mother abandons him, Leah finds herself nearing a disastrous scandal. To make matters worse, her fiancé’s older brother returns to England demanding answers she swore never to divulge.

As soon as the Duke of Chase meets the woman his deceased brother had intended to wed, he is unexpectedly captivated by the lady’s beauty, but he quickly suspects she is hiding a secret, making him more determined than ever to seek the truth behind his brother’s fatal accident.

Will Leah break her promise and confide in the only man who can keep her safe?

About the Author:
Dee Julian lives in Memphis, TN with her husband, two children, and four dogs. A typical Virgo, she is passionate about everything she does. 

Visit Dee Julian's webpage.

***I received this book from the author for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***