Good Reads: Chasing Daylight

Chasing Daylight by Carey Heywood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chasing Daylight is the third book in the Carolina Days contemporary romance series. It is a very well written novel, but the ARC I was sent had a few spelling errors. Since it was an ARC these errors are not reflected in my rating.

This is a love story between two people with traumatic pasts that are understandably reluctant to get involved in relationships. He is a man haunted by his military experiences and she is running away from a bad relationship. This is the story of how they overcome their past mistakes and forge a new life for themselves. Oh, I can't forget the Hero's dog; he is a pivotal and loving character.

I love reading a novel that has intelligent, mature characters. The main characters are well developed, easy to identify with and act like adults. Their relationship overcomes many hurdles due to their maturity and ability to communicate.

CD contains domestic violence, amputation/prosthetics, and PTSD. The author did thorough research before tackling these difficult subjects. Her writing is compassionate and sensitive.

Can you tell that I loved Chasing Daylight? It is a standalone novel, even though it is part of a series. It ends with a satisfying HEA.

ARC provided by the author.

Chasing Daylight will be released September 21st.

Good Reads: Wake-up Call

Wake-Up Call by Amy Avanzino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wake-up Call is a very well written and professionally edited, full length novel.

The heroine wakes up one morning to find herself living a life she doesn't recognize. Due to a head injury she doesn't remember the last five years of her life; she's no longer a fit, executive, but is an overweight, stay at home mother of three. She struggles with adjusting to this life she doesn't remember or want and learning to love her husband and children again.

The plot of this book is refreshingly original. I empathized with the heroine on many levels; including being shocked by her appearance. After raising children many of us don't recognize the reflection in the mirror. I also enjoyed the heroine's intelligence and loving nature as she dealt with readjusting to her new (to her) life.

I highly recommend Wake-up Call. It ends with a satisfying HEA.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

Decorating with Junk

I am not a buyer of new furniture or knick knacks for my home.  Most of our things have been handed down from family or purchased second hand.  I've never wanted to own something so precious that it would be a tragedy for it to become damaged.  I don't want the pressure, nor do I want my family to feel they can't be comfortable.

This doesn't mean that I don't want my environment to be attractive,  but in my search for items for my home I have always overlooked those that are damaged or kitschy.  Recently, while researching American folk art, I've seen some wonderfully eclectic and comfortable homes decorated with what I would consider junk.  Really beautiful and attractive junk.  Junk that is chipped or worn, yet is visually appealing.

One of the best books I have found about using junk to decorate with is "American Junk" by Mary Randolph Carter.  She describes her junk finds, where she bought them, how much it cost, and how she uses them in her home.

I will say that I think some of her junk was overpriced, but I live in the southeast where prices are considerably lower.  Also, we have a large number of retirees that are downsizing their homes and must sell what won't fit in their smaller apartments.

So, now when I'm out scouring the thrift stores for finds, I won't turn my nose up at an attractive, but flawed, piece of junk.

God bless,
Pam