Linda Reads: The Beekeeper’s Ball by Susan Wiggs

August 19, 2014July 25, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

The Beekeeper’s Ball by Susan Wiggs is book two of the Bella Vista Chronicles. Book One, The Apple Orchard was previously reviewed here. It is best to read book one first.

Thirty year old Isabel Johansen is a talented chef who had to suddenly leave culinary school under traumatic circumstances. She returned to her beloved home in Archangel to transform the family estate of a beautiful hacienda, apple orchards, gardens, and beehives to a destination cooking school. It’s a huge undertaking, especially since she is also planning her half-sister Tess’s wedding. But a stranger shows up, and Isabel’s carefully ordered plans are put into jeopardy.

Cormac O’Neill is an award winning, world famous journalist. Unbeknown by Isabel, he’s on his way to Bella Vista to meet Isabel’s grandfather, Magnus, to help write Magnus’ life story – a powerful, moving story of the Danish Resistance during World War II, the two women who shared his life, and the friend who helped him go to America and build his apple orchards.

Ms. Wiggs beautifully weaves the two plot lines – Magnus’s prior life, and the present day struggles of Isabel trying to build her cooking school, plan her sister’s wedding and overcome a painful episode that forced her to quit culinary school. A sweet and understated romance blooms between Isabel and Cormac as they both learn to overcome their painful pasts.

Once again, Ms. Wiggs has written a visually appealing, moving story about love, lost, forgiveness and family. Her incredible descriptions bring you right into the middle of World War II and smoothly transition to the lush, fragrant hills of present day California. This book ends with the promise of an exciting story regarding Isabel and Tess’ father’s untimely death in the next installment of Bella Vista.

10 Books We’re Looking Forward to in August

August 12, 2014July 25, 2014 / Louise / Leave a comment

Thrills, history, fantasy, and a bit of romance are all coming to Cheshire Library shelves in August. Just the thing to get us through the lazy, hazy days of summer!

Every month, librarians from around the country pick the top ten new books they’d most like to share with readers. The results are published on LibraryReads.org. One of the goals of LibraryReads is to highlight the important role public libraries play in building buzz for new books and new authors. Click through to read more about what new and upcoming books librarians consider buzzworthy this month. The top ten titles for August are:

One Kick by Chelsea Cain
Lucky Us by Amy Bloom
Heroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Lock In by John Scalzi
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
The Truth about Leo by Katie MacAlister
An Unwilling Accomplice by Charles Todd
The Magician’s Land by Lev Grossman
The Story Hour by Thrity Umrigar

Happy Birthday Paperback Books!

July 29, 2014July 29, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

On July 30, 1935, a new technology was born that provided knowledge, stories, entertainment (with text and pictures, no less) that was convenient and cheap. It was light enough to carry anywhere and you could tag specific areas to re-read at a later date. An early e-reader? Nope – the paperback book! Penquin Publishers, in England, was the first to successfully publish respectable, quality writing without a hard cover. (There were earlier paperback books called penny dreadfuls, yellow-backs, and dime novels that generally featured lurid stories and were printed on cheap pulp paper.)

Partnering with Simon & Schuster, Robert de Graff introduced the first paperbacks in America on June 19, 1939 called Pocket Books. The first American paperback book to be printed in the United States was The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. The cost to purchase these new books – 25 cents versus $2.75 for a hardcover. In order to make a profit on paperbacks, de Graff had to print 100,000 copies at a time. He couldn’t rely on bookstores to sell that many copies so he began using magazine distributors to place Pocket Books in newsstands, subway stations, drugstores and any other outlet to reach suburban and rural populations. He designed bold, colorful, eye-catching book covers to catch people’s eyes. By September 1944, 100 million books were sold in more than 70,000 outlets across the United States. By the end of the 1940’s, the paperback industry began publishing original stories. Previously, the industry only reprinted hardcover titles. There are now more than 20 major publishers producing high quality, original and reprinted paperbacks.

: ROMANCE PAPERBACKS

: ROMANCE PAPERBACKS

: ROMANCE PAPERBACKS

Today, there are many sizes of paperback books and all different prices, but the two major sizes are mass-market and trade. Authors originally wrote stories for publications in magazines, but soon shifted their attention to mass-market paperbacks. They could write longer, more in-depth, entertaining novels that boasted beautiful, bold, color covers and were prominently displayed in all types of venues. They were affordable and easy to carry and proved to be a huge hit. Mass-market paperback readers have a large selection of genres of original stories to choose from, in addition to best-selling hardcovers republished in paperback form. In the beginning, Westerns were the biggest selling genre, followed by Crime and Science Fiction. The most popular genre for mass-market today is Romance. Within this genre you will find many sub-genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, small town romance, and paranormal romance. The Cheshire Library has a separate section dedicated to mass-market Romance Books located towards the front of the library, near the large windows. Another very popular genre for mass-market paperbacks are Cozy Mysteries. The Cheshire Library has a large selection of these interfiled among the hardcovers in the Mystery section of the library. You can also find regular Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy paperbacks in the library’s collection.

COZY MYSTERIES

Some literary authors, critics and bookstore owners turned their noses up at mass market paperbacks. When Doubleday’s Jason Epstein was a college student, he lamented the fact that he and his fellow students couldn’t afford hardcover editions and envisioned a line of upscale paperbacks of hardcover bestsellers and classics. By 1953, Trade paperbacks were introduced. These were larger, more durable, with attractive covers illustrated by fine artists with an appeal to a more intellectual market. They sold for 65 cents to $1.25. The library’s selection of Trade paperbacks are filed among the hardcover books. They also come in a variety of genres, with the most popular genres being erotic romance – with Fifty Shades of Grey topping the charts – and Christian-themed books.

: TRADE PAPERBACKS

: ASSORTED PAPERBACK SIZES

There were many who thought paperbacks would kill the publishing industry, but instead, the books proved to be quite the sensation. As recently as 2010, paperbacks outsold hardcover books. Although the ebook has taken some of the market away from paperbacks, they still continue to be a much beloved tool for readers everywhere. The look, feel, texture, smell, size, and portability makes the paperback book very inviting.

Romantic Beach Reads

July 24, 2014July 16, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

Make sure you have plenty of your favorite cold drink on hand! These books are sizzling!

In The Mood For Love by Beth Ciotta – Sugar Creek, Vermont, is a world away from Los Angeles for high-powered, media-obsessed Harper Day. When she took the job doing publicity for the Cupcake Lovers, she never expected to be won over by the town’s old-fashioned charms. But that was before she moved into the Victorian vacation home of her dreams and fell in with a man whose good looks and irresistible ways are anything but small-town. Sam McCloud is a widowed father of two. He and bossy, big-city Harper appear to have nothing in common… though the attraction they feel toward one another cannot be denied. But will their romance last longer than the day’s headlines?

Betrayed by Rebecca York -Rockfort Security operative Shane Gallagher has been brought into S&D Systems to find a security leak. Confidential information has been stolen, and Shane suspects Elena Reyes, a systems analyst with the access and know-how to pull it off. As he finds excuses to get close to her, their attraction is too strong to ignore, but how can Shane trust the very woman he’s investigating? Elena has spent her life proving herself, but now she’s risking it all: everything she’s worked for, and her growing feelings for Shane. Much as she wants to trust the devastatingly sexy, hard-as-nails investigator, she can’t let herself fall for him…the stakes are too high.

Never Been Kissed by Molly O’Keefe – As the daughter of a wealthy politician, Ashley Montgomery has had enough of her parents’ expectations for her future and is going her own way, volunteering to work at a refugee camp in Africa. But her act of charity turns dangerous when she takes a boat trip and is abducted by Somali pirates. Enter Brody Baxter, who was a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years ago and doesn’t think twice about coming to Ashley’s rescue.

Then Came You by Jill Shalvis – Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship. Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss.

The Longest Night by Kara Braden – Years ago, former Marine Captain Cecily Knight fled her dark past and the nightmares forever haunting her nights. Alone in the remote Canadian wilderness, she survives day to day…until Ian Fairchild comes storming into her life and shatters her protective seclusion. Aloof but intriguing, defensive but undeniable, Ian is everything Cecily shouldn’t want but can’t ignore. He watches her with shrewd blue eyes, as if determined to decipher her secrets…and for the first time in years, she finds herself coming alive beneath the hands of a man with too many scars to count.

Something Sweeter by Candis Terry – Seattle event planner Allison Lane is an expert at delivering the perfect wedding—even if she might not exactly believe in the whole “’til death do us part” thing. When her father decides to tie the knot with a woman he barely knows, Allison heads to Sweet, Texas, to make sure his new honey is the real deal. What she didn’t expect to find at the local honky-tonk was a sexy Southern man as bent on charming her pants off as he is on blowing her “true love doesn’t exist” theory all to hell.Veterinarian, former Marine, and Sweet’s favorite playboy Jesse Wilder takes one look at Allison and knows she’s a handful of trouble he can’t deny. But even after a sizzling kiss and obvious mutual attraction, it seems Allison has no such problem. When Jesse uncovers her sweet side, can he crush his playboy image, melt her cynical heart, and change her mind about taking a trip down the aisle?

The Longest Time by Kendra Leigh Castle – After a perfect storm of events leaves Sam high, dry, and jobless, she has to head home to Harvest Cove to regroup. Growing up, she was the town misfit, and a brief high school romance that resulted in heartbreak made her realize she was never going to fit in. But now with the support of her mother and an unexpected circle of allies, Sam starts to wonder if she’s misjudged the town all these years. Life’s been good to Jake Smith. He transitioned from popular jock to town veterinarian without any trouble. But Sam’s homecoming makes him question his choices. The sharp-tongued beauty was never a good fit for the small community, but he’s never forgotten her—or how good they were together. While she makes it clear she’s not about to repeat the past, Jake’s determined to convince her to give him—and Harvest Cove—a second chance.

On Sunset Beach by Mariah Stewart – Carly Summit’s name couldn’t be more fitting, since in life she always lands on top. She grew up wealthy and privileged in a tony Connecticut town, opened her own gallery in New York City, and is about to make art world history displaying previously unknown works by a prominent twentieth-century painter. No wonder she possesses a can-do attitude that can’t be soured. Ford Sinclair is another story. A military career in war-torn Africa, where he witnessed unspeakable violence and suffering, has left him haunted and deeply cynical. Now he’s looking for a way to forget and a place to belong. He hopes to find both back home in St. Dennis.
The Red Bikini by Lauren Christopher – For the last five years, Giselle McCabe’s life has been about sippy cups and playdates. But when her husband suddenly leaves her, Giselle flees to her sister’s California beach house for a two-week getaway. Out of her element, she’s surprised to receive such a warm welcome—especially from gorgeous celebrity athlete Fin Hensen.

Riding the Wave by Lorelie Brown – With a make-or-break world championship on the line, professional surfer Tanner Wright has come back to the coastal California hometown he left a decade ago, carrying only his board and the painful knowledge of his father’s infidelity. Now that Hank Wright is dead, Tanner intends to keep the secret buried to spare his mother and sister the burden. The last time Avalon Knox saw her best friend’s brother, she was fourteen and he was a twenty-year-old surfer god. She’s never understood or respected the way Tanner distanced himself from the family that has embraced her. But now she has the professional chance of a lifetime: to photograph Tanner for the competition—if he’ll agree.

Where The Horses Run by Kaki Warner – Wounded in body and spirit after a shootout, Rayford Jessup leaves his career as a lawman and uses his gift with damaged horses to bring meaning to his solitary life. Hired by a Scotsman in Heartbreak Creek to purchase thoroughbreds, he travels to England, unaware that a traumatized horse and a beautiful Englishwoman will change his life forever.

On Our Shelf: New Contemporary Romance

July 6, 2014June 23, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

Grab a chair and find a nice, shady place to read these hot, romantic books!

Love With A Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde – Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes . . . and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Spencer. But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, and he has an ulterior motive. As Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed.

The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller – Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying “I do,” when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she’s recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp’s interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father’s ranch. He’s not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend’s little sister. But he’s never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won’t be walking away!

Baby, It’s You by Jane Graves – With only the wedding dress on her back and her honeymoon luggage in the car, Kari Worthington is running away. She escapes to the Texas Hill country and lands on a tall, dark, and gorgeous winery owner’s doorstep. All she needs is a job and a place to live until she can get back on her feet. So why is she fantasizing about losing herself in his powerful arms? For Marc Cordero, freedom is so close he can taste it. He’s devoted his life to managing the family business and being a single dad. Now with his daughter away at college and his brother taking over the winery, Marc is ready to hop on his Harley for parts unknown-until a runaway bride bursts onto the scene. Marc give up his future to take a chance on love?

Take My Breath Away by Christie Ridgway – Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she’s sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he’s just what the handyman ordered. Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady.

Once Tasted by Laura Moore – Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted.

A Man’s Promise by Brenda Jackson – Superstar musician Caden Granger has spent years running from love, commitment and family. Yet despite his fame and fortune, he knows the kind of respect and adoration he needs can only come from one person—the very woman who wants nothing to do with him. Charity volunteer and owner of a wine boutique, Shiloh Timmons finally got her life on track once her relationship with Caden ended, and she’s in no hurry to revisit a romance with the man who believes she left him standing at the altar.

I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force – Almost seven years after losing her husband in Iraq, Hannah Abbott Guthrie isn’t sure she’s ready—or able—to move on, but the attentions of a lifelong friend are making her think about it for the first time. Nolan has loved Hannah for years, but he’d been giving her the space she needed to heal from her devastating loss. Now, when an opportunity arises to show her how he feels, Nolan can’t resist, but he knows earning her love will take more than a kiss.

All I Want Is You by Toni Blake – Christy Knight grew up in Destiny, Ohio, but lately she feels that her future lies elsewhere. Her parents are gone and the beautiful jewelry she creates doesn’t pay the bills. Maybe it’s time for Christy to grow up and find a guy who’s smart, sexy, and solvent. Her rugged handyman neighbor fits the first two categories, but he’s all wrong for her. If only he didn’t have such captivating blue eyes. Wary of trusting others, Jack DuVall hasn’t been entirely honest with Christy. He’s not really a handyman. He’s not really broke. And sharing the long drive to visit her beloved grandpa isn’t just about gallantry—he finds gorgeous, feisty Christy completely irresistible.

The Troublemaker Next Door by Marie Harte -It’s been the day from hell for Maddie. Instead of offering a promotion, her boss made a pass. She quit, then got dumped by her lukewarm boyfriend. As the fiery redhead has a foul-mouthed meltdown, her green-eyed neighbor Flynn McCauley stands in her kitchen…completely captivated. He was just there to fix the sink as a favor. He’s not into relationships. She’s done with idiots. But where there are friends…sometimes there are benefits. And sometimes the boy next door might be just what you need at the end of every day.

Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan – Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the grand opening plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O’Neil is back in town and looking more delectable than ever. Memories of the electrifying night they shared last summer leave Élise very tempted, but she knows all too well that eventually Sean will be leaving…again. Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O’Neil’s worst nightmare. Returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means confronting the guilt he feels about rejecting his family’s lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise is still in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction!

Talking After Midnightby Dakota Cassidy – Marybell Lyman is notorious for two things: Her look. The wicked hairstyle, multiple piercings and practiced sneer that say: “Stay back—I bite.” Her voice. The syrupy lilt that’s her bread and butter at Call Girls, the prim little town’s flourishing phone-sex company. Hunky handyman Taggart Hawthorn is mesmerized. He wants to know more about mysterious Marybell, to hear more of her sexy talk—all for himself.

Christmas in July by Debbie Mason – Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it’d been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort – because Jack has no memory of his family. All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn’t wait to leave town. Now he’s a local hero with a wife and son he doesn’t know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

Also for your reading pleasure: Wedding at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels, The Promise by Robyn Carr, Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne, The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts