Tag: books

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Return to Sullivans Island

There’s something about a Southern story. Maybe it’s the rambling old houses, the weather that always plays a part, or the Southern drawl that’s put in print, but there is definitely something about a Southern story.

I had never heard of Sullivans Island before, but oddly enough, while I was reading this book, the governor of South Carolina went on a little romp, and his wife made a statement….from Sullivans Island.
Return to Sullivans Island is actually a sequal, to, you guessed it, Sullivan’s Island. I’ve not read the first book, but have added it to my reading list. This books stands on it’s own, and I had no problem following the story line or characters.
The story opens with Beth, a recent college grad, coming “home” to Sullivans Island to babysit the rambling old family house. She is a bit resentful to put her life on hold, but does so that her mom can fulfill her own dream of going abroad. It wouldn’t be a summer novel without a little summer romance, and Beth falls for the dashingly handsome Max. She is eager to assert her independence and decision making, and the dashingly handsome Max clouds her judgement a bit. The story moves from there, and Beth matures as her summer develops.
Return to Sullivans Island is a good summer read, peppered with romance, coming of age and enough twists to keep you interested.
Thanks to Mother Talk for sending me a copy of the book for this blog tour!
***Looking for more to read?? Enter my giveaway and win a copy of both A Summer Affair and The Castaways. You have until Saturday, July 11th!
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Summertime=Summer Reading=Giveaway

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR COMMENTING!**
I recently wrote a review of Elin Hilderbrand’s new book, The Castaways. It’s Nantucket setting and interesting cast of characters makes good surf-side reading. It’s actually available for purchase this week, but don’t go to the bookstore yet–enter my giveaway instead!!

What I am giving away:

Little Brown would like to provide three lucky winners with both a copy of The Castaways, and A Summer Affair.



All you have to do is a leave comment here by noon on Saturday, July 11th, telling me a favorite read of yours. Make sure you leave me a way to contact you!

Once you’ve entered once by telling me your favorite read, you can earn extra entries by:

Tweeting this giveaway, and telling me that you did so in a seperate comment.

Blog about this giveaway, and telling me that you did so in a seperate comment.

Facebook this giveaway, and telling me that you did so in a seperate comment.

Good luck and happy summer reading!

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The Castaways

After lamenting that I had nothing to read, I was saved by my UPS man and the people at Little Brown publishing.

Last summer, I was able to read and review A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand, which I really enjoyed. When I was asked if I’d like a copy of Hilderbrand’s newest novel, The Castaways, I said sure! I knew there would be no twenty-something career girls roaming the streets of NYC or London to irritate me.

Elin Hilderbrand lives, breathes and writes Nantucket. A look at any one of her book covers implies that. I was curious about the title, and the story didn’t disappoint.

The Castaways is the name of a group of friends–four couples who aren’t native to Nantucket, but have called the island and each other home for a long while. Each couple has a unique history, and because Nantucket is a small place, a history with each other.

The story opens as one couple, Greg and Tess, have capsized on a sailing trip, dying and leaving their young twins without parents. The rest of the story revolves around finding out more about their rocky relationship (sure, it looked like an accident, but was it?), the couple’s relationships within their groups of friends, and how that tight-knit group handles their grief at such a shocking loss.

As much as the setting is rather somber and depressing, the book is not. The book illustrates friendship that is deep and true, friendship amongst adults that spans years of good times, and friendship that weathers the bad times. It made me think of my group of “couple” friends, and how devastating it would be to suffer a loss like this. Island living, love affairs and excessive drinking/pill taking aside, this could totally be my group of friends.

As with the other Hilderbrand novels I have read, this book begs to be taken along in a beach tote and read at the nearest beach or pool. It’s a perfect summer read that doesn’t disappoint.