Category Archives: Books in the Burbs News

Jun3

Book Giveaway Winners!

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I had a blast last week visiting other blogs and reading their posts, through Armchair BEA. Here are my posts for that week!  We also had a day for book giveaways, and who doesn’t love a FREE book?!?

Thanks to everyone that entered!!  The winners were randomly selected and were notified by email. They will have 72 hours to respond back.  Should I not hear back, another winner will be notified.

The winner for: For the Love of Ireland, by Judy Leslie is:

Jennifer @ The Relentless Reader

The winner for: He’s Gone, by Deb Caletti is:

Helen@ My Novel Opinion

Thanks again to all those who entered the drawing!!

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Jun2

Armchair BEA-Wrapping Up the Week!

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I have come across some fantastic books, written by Indie authors!  Because e-books exist now, it has become quite easy for these self-published and/or authors working with small, independent publishing companies to get their books into the hands of readers.  I must admit, I have come across some great books that were free on my Nook and have met great authors requesting book reviews.

Here are some of the books I’ve read from Indie authors:

I came across Heather Wardell’s book a couple of years ago, and loved this book.  It was my first book in the chick-lit genre that I enjoyed!  As a gift to her readers, this book has continued to be free for e-readers and her other books are about .99 cents.  A fantastic buy!!

Judy Leslie is another fantastic writer.  This is her first book, which is Historical fiction.  I absolutely love her writing style, loved the book, and have found her to be a charming and sweet person to get to know.  In my opinion, working with Indie authors, I have been able to get to know the authors on a more personal level and find them more interactive with bloggers.

While I have also met fantastic authors, who aren’t Indie, I do find that I often have to go through their publicist or publishing company.  The authors are just stretched thin with book tours, so that is why I’ve also signed up for more tours this year, too.

This was my first year to ever participate in Armchair BEA.  Thanks to Judy Leslie, author of For the Love of Ireland, for letting me know :D

I think this is the first time I’ve ever posted every day for a week!!  Well, it will be a week tomorrow-when I announce the winners for the book giveaway ;)

I’m actually tired-brain tired, but I’ve enjoyed every moment!  It was a lot of fun meeting bloggers and being introduced to different genres, books I’d never read, and just overall the interactions with everyone!

Here’s my Weekly Wrap-Up:

Day 1:  Weekly Introductions & Classical Literature

Day 2:  Genre Fiction

Day 3:  Book Giveaway! (ends at midnight, today!)

Day 4: Non-fiction

Day 5:  Genre-Picture Books to Young Adults

Thanks to all those that helped with Armchair BEA!! It was quite fun and I hope to be back next year!

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Jun1

Armchair BEA: Genre-Picture Books to Young Adult

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Design credit: Emily of Emily’s Reading Room

One of my first picture books that I remember most impacted me as a young girl, was:

I was so sad for the tree, who love the little boy unconditionally.  I think it had such a profound impact on me because of the tree’s thoughtfulness, self sacrifice, and willing to give to the point of having nothing left.  I think that book stayed with me for a long time.  It’s a great lesson that definitely teaches how selfishness and self-centeredness can hurt the ones that love us, but it also teaches about having compassion and loving unconditionally, too.

I remember reading this book in 4th grade. I had probably checked the book out from my school library, and being a dog lover, picked the book out because of the cover showing the two dogs.  I read that book and cried, literally for days!!! I didn’t have any understanding of death at the point and the red fern growing, didn’t give me any consolation, at all!!!  Nonetheless, it remains one of my favorite children’s books!!

Author, Judy Blume, was my surrogate mother growing up.  Not in person, of course, but through her writing. I learned so much about my emotions, how I wasn’t alone, and tackled real life questions teenage girls have.  While everyone in my 5th grade class was reading The Nancy Drew Diaries, I was reading everything I could get my hands on from Judy Blume.

 These books, and others, were my favorite books!

While I didn’t like Fudge books, I did gravitate towards the books geared for older girls.  I didn’t have an appreciation for Fudge books until my sons were little and we’d listen to the audios on our travels out of town.  Great memories as a mom!!

My sons loved these books!! Listening to them in the family vehicle are priceless memories I have!

I remember being in 6th grade and going to my school library book sale. That was where I discovered these books: Sweet Valley High, and I was hooked!!! I think I bought 2 books that day, and from then on, I bought the books every chance I got. I think this is probably what made 90210 so popular with us 80′s teens.

Probably because of gender, but my younger son loves the whole series of Diary of the Wimpy Kid.  My other son loves anything in trilogy and series sets, like:

With so many different types of books, within each genre, there are so many books that any child and teen can enjoy.  It’s just being patient enough to find what they enjoy and hoping they love reading as much as you do.

What are some of your favorite books?

Don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway! Click here to learn more :D

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May31

Armchair BEA: A True Tale of Non-Fiction

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Today’s topic is exploring the world of Non-Fiction!  I’m currently reading one, right now, and let’s just say- it’s c-r-e-e-p-y!!  Can non-fiction be creepy and true? Can non-fiction still provide some form of entertainment and be engaging? Can any real person have as interesting a life as the fictionalized characters we’ve all fallen in love with?  Yes, yes, and yes!

Memoirs:

I do read memoirs, but am quite picky about the ones I read.  I prefer to read about someone’s experience that is so different and unique from my life, that I can be inspired, learn something, and have a greater appreciation for their plight.  Some of the books I’ve read, which I’ve also reviewed are:

Click on the picture to read my review.

While I am a mom of a child, that was born in my heart (not in my tummy), I loved learning how Nia taught her daughter how to receive love, how Nia established attachment with her little girl, and the ups and downs of being a celebrity mom.

Click on picture to read my review.

I read this book, while I was in Hawaii on vacation. I was in awe of the amount of work and discipline she exuded at such an early age, and was quite intrigued to learn of her sister (given up for adoption) and the abuse she endured by her trainers.

Click on the picture to read my review.

Perhaps because I’m a mom, or because I’m a woman, or because I’m just human…but, I was absolutely ecstatic to hear Jaycee was found alive. What I never imagined, couldn’t imagine, was her harrowing experience as a prisoner, young mom, and growing up with a man that had distorted and bizarre views of God and religion.

True Crime Stories:

Please click on picture to read review.

This book was so creepy, on so many levels.  First of all, the murders took place in a city nearby, where I live. Also, it happened during the time I was going to college (literally a few miles away), and my husband and I had wanted to move into that neighborhood at one time.  Granted, murders happen everywhere, but this was truly eerie!!  This book stayed with me for weeks, I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t get the images out of my head, and my heart ached for the teens killed. I also said lots of prayers for everyone involved, after all, no one sets out to want to be killer….something happens to trigger that.

Click on picture for review.

I was probably the only person in the world who really didn’t know about the Madoff scheme.  I don’t really watch the news ( I read them, go figure), and I didn’t know who Stephanie Madoff was either. So, I read this book without any expectations and was fully surprised at how well written this book was.  Stephanie holds nothing back, uncovers secrets, and definitely lets her voice shine. I think it was important for her own struggles to overcome the pain she felt and for her to move on with some form of dignity and courage that she needed to continue being the brave mom and woman she is.

What I’m currently reading:

I just started reading this book last night.  Wow! I couldn’t put the book down!! There are about 300+pages and I read close to 100 pages last night alone.  It’s sad, it’s c-r-e-e-p-y, and it’s a true story.  It deals with the unsolved murders of young girls, all individually working as prostitutes (escort girls, as they coined themselves), through Craigslist.  I don’t understand how Craigslist continues to allow adult ads to be posted, knowing most are not giving “massages” and that women are being murdered, beat, and possibly tortured.  Of course, girls should know better than to post on those sites anyway, right?  Well, if you are uneducated (didn’t graduate high school and can’t afford college), you have no support from family (or your family is rather messed up,too), and you fall into the dark world of drugs (which happened a lot for these girls living in poverty), they did what they needed to so that money could be earned.  Not wanting to give money to pimps, or give their share to an escort service, they decide to be their own boss. Unfortunately, these girls end up dead and no one stops to think why.  Sadly, the only people that seem to care are those left behind (parents, siblings, children).  The media hasn’t really picked up on it, there hasn’t really been any changes in laws, and the police are no different than the “johns” they meet. Some girls get out of going to jail by doing a sexual act to the officer, one even gets a friend an attorney for free by giving a service.  Insane, right???  So, I’m not finished yet and I will definitely be posting a review for it.  I was quite surprised that only one rating was given on Goodreads (a 2), with no comment.  And, trust me- this is not a 2 star rating book!!

 

Stay tuned!

 

So, I tried posting about books that caused a significant shift in my thinking and taught me something, or even gave me the heebie-jeebies.  I didn’t post all of them, just a glimpse :D

What are some of your favorite non-fiction books?

Don’t forget to sign up for the giveaway of 2 books!!  Click here to sign up!

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May30

Armchair BEA: Book Giveaway!

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Armchair BEA Giveaway!

Today, bloggers participating in Armchair BEA, are having book giveaway and gift cards to purchase books! Simple click on the recliner logo above and you will be directed to the list of giveaways.  But, before you do, don’t forget to check out my giveaways here.  Signing up is rather easy, too.  Just fill out the comment form (no rafflecopters) and one winner per book will be selected.

If you love Historical fiction, based on a real woman, who is incredibly brave in the face of adversity, then you will want to read this book!

Click on the picture and you will be directed to the review I gave not too long ago.

If you love a great read that deals with consequences of infidelity and a little mystery, you will enjoy this book:

Click on the book cover and you will directed to my review, too!

One winner per book will be selected. The winner will be chosen randomly on Sunday, June 2.  Only US entries, please.  Be sure and check your emails so that you can respond and I can mail you your book!

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May29

Armchair BEA-Genre Fiction

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Design Credit: Nina of Nina Reads

What draws you to a specific genre? Do vampires, zombies, or witches float your boat? Or, do you prefer the heat of romance?

If you were to physically see me, you’d be quite surprised that I do love dystopian fiction. I’m a mom, and that already makes me “boring”, at least to my teenage sons. Secondly, I live in Suburbia, which has a connotation of loving chick-lit and romance. Put me in Texas, and I definitely should only be reading Christian fiction….which I DO LOVE! However, Dystopian fiction???

Well, I do. I also love the vampires/werewolves that the Twilight series offers. I first fell in love with vampires-Edward Cullen (to be specific), when a friend had written on her FB post about the last book being out. I didn’t even know there was a first book, that’s how little I knew. I used to stick with Historical fiction and loved reading old books (ie: Valley of the Dolls, The Bell Jar, Pride & Prejudice). So, Twilight was certainly a huge break from my routine.

I loved it from the moment I read the first chapter. I loved Bella and her quirkiness, her not falling into the social politics that comes with being a high school teenage girl, and I loved her awkwardness. From then on, I couldn’t get enough and read that entire series in about a week. I was nursing my husband back to health, with him recovering from surgery, so I’d stay up quite late keeping watch over him. Rather than watch t.v., I’d sit by him and just read. I loved the books, much more than the movies, and Twilight will forever have a special place in my heart :D

I know there are a lot of other vampire books out there, but for me, Twilight set the standard-and anything else just won’t be as good. That’s my opinion, although a few friends swear by the Sookie Stackhouse series.

As for Dystopian, my first taste was when I read a book for review: Salvation City by Sigrid Nunez.

However, it wasn’t until I read Hunger Games!! I’m always buying books for my older son, who loves a great paperback. He loves books so much, that he refuses to convert to an e-reader…and trust me, I’ve tried! The books he loves, he treasures and loves when new covers come out because he collects them.

So, I had bought him the series, not knowing what it was. I had heard they were great books, and thought he’d enjoy them. One night, we were talking “books”, and he mentioned how good that series was. Because I wanted to have something to talk about with him with regards to books (he could care less about chick-lit), I ventured out and read them. I couldn’t stop! I stayed up until 3/4 am, reading the books each night and told everyone I knew about them. From then on, I have an appreciation for Dystopian literature.

What fascinates me most about Dystopian literature is the creativity authors show. To write about something post-apocalyptic, geared towards teens &/or a general population, and keep the reader engaged, is just brilliant to me. I’m currently reading, The Registry by Shannon Stoker, has been rather good and I’m enjoying it so far.

While I do love Historical fiction, Christian fiction, Women’s fiction, and Chick-lit, I do have a soft spot for Dystopian fiction.

I’d love to hear what type of fiction you love! Any Dystopian fiction readers out there? I’d love to hear some book suggestions, for sure!

 

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May28

Armchair BEA 2013-Introductions & Classical Literature

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As the 2013 edition of Book Expo America gets underway in New York City today, the Armchair BEA team welcomes you to our fourth annual virtual conference! We’re glad you’re joining us to for the next few days, here and on Twitter, for networking, conversation about books and blogging, and opportunities to bring home some books–all without leaving your chair. (post by Armchair BEA).

My Thoughts:

Being a rather new book blogger, I’ve never been to BEA, nor have I have ever participated in the Armchair BEA.  I am quite glad and so appreciative to author, Judy Leslie, for sending me the information to participate!  I read her book, For the Love of Ireland, and loved it! Definitely deserved the cupcake with sprinkles, and cherry on top (equivalent to a 5 star)!

So, on to introductions!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

To start, my name is Lisa and I coin myself as a “Texas suburban mom, who loves to read and blog”.  I’m a marriage and family therapist, by profession, but I am currently on sabbatical…enjoying my time at home with my daughter.  I will be married 20 years, this August!  I am also a mom to 2 handsome, smart, and incredibly funny, teenage sons.  They tower over me, too!

I consider myself a fairly new blogger, because I began blogging 3 years ago. I am still learning my way around the blogosphere, and adore the bloggers I’ve met along the way!  Because of them, I’ve since added a FB page, joined Twitter, and recently joined Pinterest, too.

Because of my joy for reading, friends will often ask which books I recommend.  Then, there were times when I didn’t know what to read next, so I would browse the internet to read what bloggers suggested.  From there, the idea of book blogging peaked my interest and the rest is history, so they say.

Where in the world are you blogging from? 

I live in a small town outside of Houston, Texas.  It’s a “suburb” for sure, and I love all the quaint shops nearby. Because I love and value small businesses, I tend to shop primarily at independently owned businesses.  There is even a great little dog shop, called “Gimme a Bark“, where I go to get a little treat for my oversized Chihuahua. She’s big boned, like me ;)   Of course, I also have to stop at Rise Cupcakes, for a treat my daughter can enjoy, too!

 

Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA?  

I’ve never participated in Armchair BEA, but I love the idea that bloggers not attending the actual conference can still enjoy some of the fun, in the comfort of our own homes. I actually think attending BEA in NY would cause my head to explode! With all the books, authors, speakers, and tables, I’d be sooo overwhelmed with where to start!! So, I love being able to participate this year with Armchair BEA!!

What are you currently reading?

I’m tri-reading…like being trilingual ;)   I’m currently reading an advanced copy of The Registry by Shannon Stoker, Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler, and tour book: A Half Forgotten Song by Katherine Webb.  I’m reading one on my Nook, one on my iPad, and the other is a good old fashioned paperback ;)

 

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read? 

I have two.  They are so different, so it was hard to decide which one to pick.  One is a book review…weird, huh? Well, it’s because it’s one of the few books that I have read, where I could actually see it as a movie, with characters. It is mind boggling, and it rarely happens. So, that is why I chose this one as a favorite post:


http://booksintheburbs.com/2013/05/08/review-chocolates-for-breakfast-by-pamela-moore/

The other post is about how much social media has impacted my world of blogging. There are so many formats that a blogger can choose, and I’ve had a hard time trying to keep the different formats separate so as not  inundate readers with the same posts on each site.  This is why I love Pinterest so much! I am able to combine my loves outside of reading, while also including my reading favorites….and the reader can decide which board to follow :D BRILLIANT!  This is why I chose this post as a favorite, too:


http://booksintheburbs.com/2013/05/04/the-sunday-salon-how-social-media-has-compartmentalized-my-life/

Classic Literature:

I am a Jane Austen fanatic, by far!!  I love everything Jane Austen and wish I could have met her! I love her style of writing and it’s so relatable, even in today’s world.  The book I have re-read a lot is Pride and Prejudice. I just love Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy!

Do you have a favorite classical book that you love to re-read? Please sound below!

 

 

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May4

The Sunday Salon: How Social Media Has Compartmentalized My Life

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Having OCD certainly helped me graduate with honors in my graduate program at UHCL.  When the majority of my work consisted of writing papers, which sometimes became mini-books, and doing tons of research, I’d say it should be a requirement to have OCD to survive graduate school…for sure!  However, all this social media has just driven someone like me, with OCD, to a track of madness!  Honestly, I can’t keep up with it all and I don’t really want to.  I do have a life outside the computer screen and I do want to enjoy the small, sweet moments of life with my family.  Having a son, who will be graduating from high school next year, certainly puts life into perspective because it all goes by way too fast!!

So, I’ve compartmentalized social media within my life. It’s a small piece of my life, and I like it that way.  However,within that small area, there is a lot going on.  I started this blog by a series of events that happened in my life. It all started with me staying home with my little girl and not working.  To keep my brain busy, I took up reading and when that wasn’t enough, I joined a book club.  Well, because somehow I carry a sign above my head that reads, “PICK ME!”, I somehow took over the reigns of the book club and became the organizer for it.  During that time, I would look at book blogger sites to get ideas on which books to suggest for a book club pick.  Then, I decided, “well, why don’t I just start a blog, too?”.  I figured it would be a great way to write about my thoughts on books I’d read (that were not book club picks), meet authors and other book bloggers who love the literary world, and recommend books (as I am often asked what I suggest).

I found this whole new world out in cyberspace!!  Book bloggers, moms with similar interests, authors who wanted to be connected with readers, and so much more!  But, I found that I was so overwhelmed with how to keep up with it all.  There was Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and recently Pinterest and Tumbler…among many others I’m sure!  I like to keep my life very private, but I also want to be a part of the blogging world and found that I shared different parts of my life with them, too.  So, it’s been great having different forms of social media to help manage my hobby, joy, and loves of family, reading, and friends.

hello my name is social media

  With different forms of media, it has become quite easy to keep things separated. I don’t like inundating my friends with all my book reviews, giveaways, and other “bloggy” items. I also made a pact with my sons that I would respect their wishes and not blast pictures of them all over the internet, especially on Facebook with my friends and family.  I also like that I don’t bog down those who read my blog with too many personal things going on in my life that are trivial and something only a close friend could appreciate.  I mean, who wants to see countless pictures of my daughter finding little garden critters???  LOL!  After all, people read book blogs and subscribe to them to read about books, find out about soon to be released books, find out a little more about authors, and win a book occasionally.

which door

With Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Library Thing, and now Pinterest, it can be difficult for me to keep everything separate.  So, there are times I share family stories on Twitter, political/social topics I find interesting, and all my celebrity tv I love to watch!  Goodreads and Library Things has my complete book list, and reviews are posted, too.  I love Pinterest because I can merge both my personal and blogging hobby all in one place.  I love all the different boards I have been making and my friends and blog followers can choose which boards to follow, by their choice, and not be inundated with non-important items.  So, Pinterest is my favorite by far!!

tired of social mediaWhew, I get tired just writing about all the different forms of social media!!  So, if you enjoy my blog, but want to know a little more about the happenings outside of books, feel free to follow me on Twitter or Pinterest. I also have a Facebook page that I use solely for listing my blog posts and free books available at Barnes and Noble. So, if that interests you, be sure and follow me there, too!

And, these are the ones I currently use!! I used to be on Instagram and felt it was redundant. I also have no desire to be on Tumbler.  However, I also never thought I’d be on Twitter, Facebook, and certainly not on Pinterest.  So, never say never!!

Confused yet???  Well basically, I use my book blog for just book stuff.  I use Twitter for social/political/celebrity, mixed in with book posts and updates on giveaways.  I use Facebook for listing free books available on Nook, in addition to updates on my blog.  Finally, I use Pinterest to list books I recommend, book quotes, movies I love, and other non-book topics.

social media explained

If you’re a book blogger, I sure would love to know how you’ve used social media to help your life.  If you aren’t a blogger, but use these forms of social media, I’d love to know how it’s helped and /or complicated your life!! I find that I am still learning all this, so any suggestions and ideas you have, I’d love to hear!

Enter the book giveaway! Click here.

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May4

Love Surprises!

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Some of the best surprises I can get are little paperbacks in the mail. These are books I received over the past 2 weeks, and I can’t wait to read and review them! I had started reading , The Tiger Baby Strikes Back, but found there were so many references to ,Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. So, I checked out Amy Chua’s book and just finished it a couple of days ago. I plan on writing a review on both books in one blog post, so keep an eye out!

Another book I’m excited about is Chocolates For Breakfast! That book is mentioned and has a significant part in the book, The House on Hope Street.. So, I can’t wait to read some of the passages that significantly impacted Alba, and why.

20130504-031039.jpg

Yesterday, I visited a local Indie bookstore, nestled in this little small town, between a high school and a realtor’s office. When I first walked in, my OCD kicked in and I immediately wanted to start organizing all the books. It’s a book hoarder’s paradise. However, once I found the children’s section, my daughter and I were hooked! Books galore, cozy atmosphere, very laid back owner, and we just had a blast. It was so much fun finding books that were old, but in great condition. I will definitely be back!

So, have you purchased or received any books lately? I’d love to hear from you!

Have a great Saturday!

May3

Review: The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag

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Book Description:

  • Print Length: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Viking Adult (April 4, 2013)
  • Sold by: Penguin Publishing
  • Genre:  Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A magical debut about an enchanted house that offers refuge to women in their time of need

Distraught that her academic career has stalled, Alba is walking through her hometown of Cambridge, England, when she finds herself in front of a house she’s never seen before, 11 Hope Street. A beautiful older woman named Peggy greets her and invites her to stay, on the house’s usual conditions: she has ninety-nine nights to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in.

She soon discovers that this is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who, after receiving the assistance they needed, hung around to help newcomers—literally, in talking portraits on the wall. As she escapes into this new world, Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds—and maybe even save her life.

Filled with a colorful and unforgettable cast of literary figures, The House at the End of Hope Street is a charming, whimsical novel of hope and feminine wisdom that is sure to appeal to fans of Jasper Forde and especially Sarah Addison Allen.

My Review:

I was drawn to read this book based on some real life people, who make cameos in the book.  Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, Dorothy Parker…just to name a few.  When I first opened the book and started to read the first few pages, I didn’t think I would enjoy the book. It seemed a little hokey, and I don’t read paranormal, sci-fi, or fantasy kind of books.  Okay, with the exception of Twilight…

So, I put the book away and read a few other books before going back to it.  Then, I allowed myself to slip into the whimsical and magic world, where women go to find themselves and uncover past issues that are preventing the person from moving forward.  Once, I let go, I loved it!

The house is quite magical.  Built in 1811, it is managed only by Abbot women, who have a sixth sense.  Peggy welcomes Alba to the home that has mysteriously appears out of nowhere.  Alba is quite surprised to see that someone is up so late at night and is expecting her, without having known herself where she would end up.  You see, the house will only appear to those who are in need of shelter.  It is on that particular evening, Peggy announces she is having a birthday the following day.  At the ripe age of 82, Peggy has seen many women come through that home.  As Alba walks through the home, she sees the faces of many of those: Virginia Woolf, Daphne du Maurier, and Agatha Christie, among others.  Alba has a bit of a sixth sense, which comes in the forms of seeing colors that represent different emotions : anger, hope, sorrow, deception, love, etc.  As Peggy leads her to the guest room, Alba swears she sees the faces move and acknowledge her, almost as if they are also greeting her.

Every guest that stays at the home is granted only 99 days to get their life back on track.  What the guests don’t realize is that the house will be doing some little magic to help create movement, help the guest face some truths, and ultimately help change the path the person is on.  All guests are women, all are lured to the home, and all uncover hidden truths in their own time.

While there are 2 other women living in the home, Alba is the primary character.  Of course, Peggy has her own sort of issues and she has to face some major decisions the house has made on her behalf.  Peggy is an 82 year old woman, but don’t let that age fool you! She has lots of sass, has a lover, and is quite confident about what she wants.  Question is…can she have it?

Alba has her own family secrets that she is not even privy to.  It is through this time that she is at the hope house, where Alba learns about her family history, comes to terms with her own sexuality, and begins a relationship with her father.  In the meantime, the other two guests (Carmen and Greer), also experience some life changes, too.

There is so much that happens in the little story and lots of incidents happen at the house on Hope Street, too.  Pull off your reality hat, kick up your feet, and let yourself go down the rabbit hole to Hope Street.  You won’t be disappointed and you’ll enjoy some of the whimsical things that happen, too!

* This book was provided through Netgalley. No forms of monetary compensation was given.

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