Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Set in Places I’d Love to Visit

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.  

Here we are at the first Tuesday of August. I haven't participated in a Top Ten Tuesday post since the end of June. July is vacation time for us, and I just didn't seem to have the right amount of time to visit everyone, so I held off. This month's list of Top Ten Tuesday ideas sounds like fun, so I hope I can keep up.

This week we are talking about the Top Ten Books Set in Places I'd Love to Visit... 

The White Sands Hotel (Anne of Avonlea & Road to Avonlea) ~ Photo credit Sullivan Entertainment. 

White Sands is mentioned in some of the Anne novels, but taking it from memory, the White Sands Hotel was only part of the Anne of Green Gables movie (Anne gave her famous recitation of "The
Highwayman" there) and the Road to Avonlea television series. The building pictured above is an actual resort on Prince Edward Island called Dalvay by the Sea. Sullivan Entertainment used it during filming. You can read more here. I would love to visit this and other PEI sites. 

Charleston, South Carolina ~ Photo credit Getty Images. 

Many novels are set in Charleston, SC. If you spend any time here, you will already know that Karen White's Tradd Street series is set in Charleston, which inspires me to pay it a visit.

Chattahoochee, Florida ~ Photo credit City of Chattahoochee. 

As a life-long New Englander, I had never heard of Chattahoochee, Florida until I read Rhett DeVane's The Madhatter's Guide to Chocolate. One of the main characters, Hattie Davis, lived down the road from Florida's first psychiatric hospital, which was located in Chattahoochee. With trails, the river landing tour, and historic sites, I would enjoy a visit. 

Rodanthe, NC ~ Photo credit OuterBanks.com

This one feels a little bit like a cheat, because we have been going to the Outer Banks for decades. I have to admit, however, we have only ever driven through Rodanthe on the way to other things--like the ferry dock taking us from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island. Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks is set here. Rodanthe is just one of the villages located on Hatteras Island. 

Alaska ~ Photo credit wikidata.org

Our son had the chance to visit Alaska, but we never have. I'm not sure I could tolerate the harsh winters, but a July trip might be nice. The Call of the Wild by Jack London is set in Alaska. 

Mexico ~ Photo credit Bloomberg.com

With its rich culture, a trip to Mexico sounds like an exciting time. This is a photo of the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City. Everyone Knows You Go Home by Natalia Sylvester speaks to the immigrant experience and is set partially in Mexico. 

Bermuda ~ Photo credit BBC.

I visited Bermuda in high school, but I haven't been back since. I recall it being lovely with bright colored houses, few cars, and sparkling blue water. Beyond the Moonlit Sea by Julianne Maclean, which came out in June, is the story of two women whose paths collide when a pilot disappears over the Bermuda Triangle. 

Jamesport, Missouri ~ Photo credit Helpmecovid.com 

Charlotte Hubbard's books feature Missouri Amish communities. I've come to adore the characters, and the descriptions of the countryside makes me yearn to visit. Jamesport has a bed and breakfast and an inn for tourists. 

Rocky Ridge Farm, Mansfield, Missouri ~ Photo credit LIW Historic Home & Museum.

The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder tell the story of a young pioneer girl growing up on the American prairie. The First Four Years, which was published after her death, spoke of the early years of Laura's married life with Almanzo. After numerous attempts at making a living, the Wilders moved to Mansfield, Missouri and worked on a forty-acre farm they called Rocky Ridge Farm. I had a chance to visit many of the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites, but I have not yet made it to Rocky Ridge Farm.

Wilder Homestead, Malone, NY ~ Photo credit visitmalone.com

The second book in the Little House series, Farmer Boy, is about Almanzo's years growing up on a farm in upstate New York. I've never been to the Wilder Homestead, which is so silly because it is the closest site to me. 

So, that's my list. What do you think? Do we share any of the same sites? If you could only choose one from your list, which would it be?

Happy Pub Day, Karen White - The Shop on Royal Street

 

The first in a new spinoff series of Karen White's New York Times bestselling Tradd Street novels.

After a difficult hiccup on her road to adulthood, Nola Trenholm is looking to begin anew in New Orleans, and what better way to start her future than with her first house? But the historic fixer-upper she buys comes with even more work than she anticipated when the house's previous occupants don't seem to be ready to depart. Although she can't communicate with ghosts like her stepmother, luckily Nola knows someone in New Orleans who can--even if he's the last person on earth she wants anything to do with, ever again. Because Beau Ryan comes with his own dark past, a past that involves the disappearance of his sister and parents during Hurricane Katrina, and the unsolved murder of a woman who once lived in the old Creole Cottage Nola is determined to make her own whether or not the resident restless spirits agree...

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 29, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593334582
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593334584
• Purchase here!

Top Ten Tuesday: The Shop on Royal Street

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I usually participate in Top Ten Tuesday, but this week's topic--Most Anticipated Books Releasing In the First Half of 2022--isn't speaking to me. I don't always read new releases when they come out, so it's rare I am tracking release dates. 

That said, I happened to be looking around Karen White's website and spotted this book, which will release on March 29. It is a spinoff from the Tradd Street series, and it features Jack's daughter, Nola Trenholm. I already pre-ordered it.

After a difficult hiccup on her road to adulthood, Nola Trenholm is looking to begin anew in New Orleans, and what better way to start her future than with her first house? But the historic fixer-upper she buys comes with even more work than she anticipated when the house's previous occupants don't seem to be ready to depart. Although she can't communicate with ghosts like her stepmother, luckily Nola knows someone in New Orleans who can--even if he's the last person on earth she wants anything to do with, ever again. Because Beau Ryan comes with his own dark past, a past that involves the disappearance of his sister and parents during Hurricane Katrina, and the unsolved murder of a woman who once lived in the old Creole Cottage Nola is determined to make her own whether or not the resident restless spirits agree...

What books are you looking forward to in the first half of 2022?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday - Nov 29

Welcome to It's Monday! What Are You Reading? and Mailbox Monday.

 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Here we are at the end of November. Has the year flown by as quickly for you as it has for me? I hope everyone who celebrated had a blessed Thanksgiving. Since I didn't have to cook this year, I enjoyed more down time than usual. I watched some Hallmark movies, decorated most of the house, made changes to my Laura's Little Houses blog, and did not show any properties. Every once in a while, you just need to take some time off from the day job. 

I changed the blog background here this morning to make it more seasonal. Even though winter won't officially start until December 21, we had our first flurries over the weekend and may see more snow next week.

The Christmas shopping season has begun. Have you started yet? I made a good dent over the weekend and gave to our charities, but my wallet needs a break for a couple of weeks. 

My virtual book tour for A Christmas Kindness is going well. It has received numerous wonderful reviews. The tour picks up again on December 1. You can find the tour schedule here if you want to follow along. 

I decided to break off from my review duties and read something just for the fun of it. This author is part of my critique group, so I am familiar with the story. It is nice to read it in its finished form.

My review of this poetry collection will appear on December 6.

Next up are these.

Review coming January 26

I might read one of these next, but I am really into watching Hallmark movies right now. I also finished watching all of the Downton Abbey series and the first movie in preparation for the second movie coming out in the spring. 

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I recently received two books I am eager to read.

That's it from me this week. Hope you share what you're reading. Wishing you a wonderful week. 

Book Review: The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White

 

The Tradd Street series continues with this seasonal offering from Karen White. The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street finds Melanie Trenholm overwhelmed with Christmas preparations, Marc Longo's continuing attempts to own her house, the ongoing excavation of the cistern in the garden of her historic home, and the ghosts that have connections to artifacts discovered in the cistern by local students under the direction of Melanie's best friend, Sophie. It sure doesn't sound like their will be much holiday cheer for Melanie and Jack's first Christmas with their twins. 

The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street is another fabulous addition to the Tradd Street series. As Melanie prepares for Christmas and the progressive dinner, which is a beloved holiday tradition in Charleston, she works to help Jack figure out clues that could lead to a fabulous new novel. 

Filled with familiar characters and a few new ones, this is a story where White puts Melanie's relationships to the test. The decision didn't sit well with some readers, but it worked well for me. Here's why:

• Melanie and her parents: Melanie continues to struggle with being abandoned by her mother and being left to care for her alcoholic father. This rings true for me. (SPOILER AHEAD) Just because her parents are back together and both in her life, doesn't mean that all is forgotten. That Melanie still battles those demons is not something that surprises me.
• Melanie and her sister: (SPOILER AHEAD) In the previous book, Melanie learns she has a half-sister named Jayne. While Melanie is still struggling to forgive her parents, she also has to cope with learning she isn't an only child. Sounds easy, right? She shouldn't be jealous of Jayne and how her parents are so welcoming to her, right? Pretty much, Melanie has been lied to, abandoned, and put in a position from a very young age to play the role of parent instead of being able to be a child. She may see how welcoming her parents are to Jayne as another betrayal. 
• Melanie and Rebecca: (SPOILER AHEAD) Melanie couldn't really stand her cousin before, but once Rebecca married Marc Longo, it further strained their relationship. Though Rebecca has said family means everything to her, she is still married to the man who is trying to steal everything that Melanie and Jack hold dear. For Melanie, it again comes down to a matter of trust. 
• Melanie and Jack: Melanie's past taints her relationship with her husband as much as Jack's past presents challenges they deal with now and into the future. Melanie finds it hard to trust anyone or to ask anyone for help. From early on she had to do things herself, so that's how she is comfortable operating. Just because Jack tells her he loves her and she can trust him, won't change that. Jack is clearly defined by his career as a writer. When he experiences writer's block or is having issues with his agent, he is easily depressed. That's understandable, but also leads to more issues between Mellie and Jack. Because Mellie doesn't want to add more stress and worry on his plate, she keeps things to herself and tries to figure them out alone--which often puts her in danger and makes Jack angry. 

There is only one thing that bugged me about this book: the ending. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers to begin with, but one character acted so much unlike himself that I'm disappointed. 

If I had to sum up The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street in one sentence, it would be: this is a story where a past betrayal leads Melanie and Jack on a quest to uncover clues about a treasure that could either save them or end up destroying all they hold dear. 

I'm eager to read the final book in the Tradd Street series tentatively scheduled for late 2021. 

Hardcover : 384 pages

ISBN-13 : 978-0451475244

Publisher : Berkley (October 22, 2019)

I received this book as a gift. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. I whited out information in my review in case readers haven't read earlier books in the series. 

Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5… Books Where Something Went Right

This a new meme for me, but it's not a new meme at all. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. For a list of August topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to Meeghan's blog or leave her a comment on her weekly post.

Top 5… Books Where Something Went Right

This might seem like an odd choice, but hear me out. In the St. Nick of Time is a romantic suspense novel. The final book in The Sullivan Boys series by K.M. Daughters, the main character in this one is the Sullivan's only sister, Kay. A widow with four older kids, she has opted to return to the Chicago Police Department despite the reservations of her entire family. Kay is a woman who knows she wants more out of life than what she's been dealt and, by going after it, she finds herself in love again. The reader gets to see Kay succeed despite several obstacles and her own uncertainty.

On Strike for Christmas is such a fun story. A bunch of local wives feel their husbands don't appreciate the amount of effort they put into making sure their families have a special Christmas. So, these women go on strike. Then the media gets a hold of the story and they find support from all over the place. In the end, families are changed; the efforts of these and other wives is acknowledged; and everyone has a wonderful holiday.

In the first book of this series, The Madhatter's Guide to Chocolate, Jake Witherspoon is the victim of a vicious hate crime that cripples him. It was so nice to see him again in Up the Devil's Belly, where the Witherspoon Mansion is turned into an upscale day spa and Jake finds success. 

Melanie and Jack have been through a lot. Let's just say that Return to Tradd Street made it all worth it. 

This book starts out so sad, but The Santa Letters is such a heartwarming tale of the season that you will want to read it over and again.

After the sudden death of her husband William, Emma Jensen struggles to find hope in her life. Even knowing she must go on for her children is not enough to bring her out of the depths of despair. Then the first Santa letter arrives. The lives of the Jensens are forever changed by these messages from the man in the red suit who helps them find that missing hope they so desperately crave. 

So, what did you think of my list? What are some books you've read where something went right?

Book Review: The Guests on South Battery by Karen White

Melanie, Jack, and their family and friends are back in the fifth installment of Karen White's Tradd Street series, The Guests on South Battery.

Realtor Melanie Trenholm reluctantly returns to work after her maternity leave  ends. She is thrilled, however, when a new client wishes to sell a home she recently inherited on South Battery Street.

Melanie's mother is familiar with the house, which belonged to a long-time friend of hers. The new owner, Jayne Smith, has no family of her own, so she is surprised she inherited the place. From the very first meeting at the house, Melanie knows spirits call the house on South Battery home...and not all of them want their secrets revealed.

Wow! I just finished this book and can't wait to read the next one. White proves she can weave a superb story filled with twists and turns, family secrets, and paranormal elements to keep the reader turning page after page until the very end.

In this story, Melanie's relationships are tested in numerous ways. It's great to see her evolving as a wife and mother, but so many of the things she has struggled with remain. Jack is having issues of his own, and both of them continue to keep an eye out for what Marc Longo is up to. Readers will see more of Melanie's mom, Ginette, in this story, and it is their connection that makes coping with the spirits in the house on South Battery possible. The ending of The Guests on South Battery also sets up the next book nicely. Though this is a stand-alone novel, I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

Readers of southern fiction, paranormal mysteries, and stories involving family secrets will want to pick up this one.

Series: Tradd Street (Book 5)
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Reprint edition (August 28, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399584706
ISBN-13: 978-0399584701

I bought this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Return to Tradd Street by Karen White

Readers return to historical Charleston in Return to Tradd Street by Karen White.

Having refused Jack's marriage proposal, Realtor Melanie Middleton is simply going through the motions of life while she ponders raising her child alone and copes with the never-ending renovations on her historical Tradd Street home.

When Melanie is awakened by the sound of a ghostly infant cry, she does what she does best--ignores it. That is, until the remains of a newborn are discovered hidden in the foundation of her home.

As the hauntings at Tradd Street become more violent, Melanie delves into the nature behind the baby's untimely death. When she finds her claim to ownership threatened, she wonders if she can seek Jack's help without risking her heart. But in revealing the secrets of the past, she also awakens the malevolent presence that has tried to keep the truth hidden for decades.

Though I love this series, I approached Return to Tradd Street with trepidation. Several online reviews didn't care for how Melanie was portrayed in this novel. They found her negativity and stubbornness annoying. I saw her character in a different light.

For reasons I won't reveal in case you haven't read previous books, she turned down Jack's proposal. Now, she finds herself forty, single, and pregnant. Considering what she endured in her early life, how could she not be highly anxious about everything that is going on? Plus, her mother, her best friend, the housekeeper, and even Jack's teenage daughter are determined to make sure she eats nothing but healthy food during her pregnancy. While Melanie should appreciate the sentiment, can you imagine having the food police following you around for 9 months? I would be sneaking donuts or something.

Then, there is, of course, the whole dead baby pulled out of her foundation. Melanie is feeling protective over her own baby growing inside, and the ghosts in her house are getting more dangerous by the day. Toss in a threat to her ownership of her historical home, and should we expect her to be more cheerful? Oh, did I mention, pregnancy is not being kind to her body?

For these reasons, and more, I enjoyed Return to Tradd Street. Even though I had mostly figured out the mystery behind the dead baby in the christening gown and how the threat to her ownership would end before I turned the last page, White continues to create engrossing stories filled with family, friends, and ghosts set in historical Charleston. In this book, perhaps more than any other in the series, she pushes Melanie to her limits.

I read in the reviews that some thought this was the end of the Tradd Street series. I don't recall what was going on back in 2014 when Return to Tradd Street came out, so I can't say...unless it had something to do with the epilogue.

Thankfully, the next two books are in my house. I have already started The Guests on South Battery. I hope we will see more adventures for Melanie, Jack, Sophie, Nora, and the rest of their crew.

Series: Tradd Street (Book 4)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451240596
ISBN-13: 978-0451240590

My family bought me a copy of this book as a Christmas gift. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - June 15

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Hard to believe how quickly June is passing. Only one more Monday to go before we head to North Carolina. I'm not sure what to expect when we get there, but they are more open than we are here.

I am deciding if I should bring my laptop or only my Chromebook. I've never been thrilled about not being able to save things on the Chromebook. A Google Doc just isn't the same as a Word Doc to me. Any advice would be appreciated.

I am trying the new Blogger, but it will take some getting used to. Has anyone else tried it? What do you like better--the new or the legacy version?

Last week turned out to be a good reading and writing week. My sister and I are in the middle of revamping our women's novel of three sisters, and I reviewed two books.

Review here

Review here

I am currently reading the next Tradd Street book by Karen White.

Here are the books I plan to take with me on vacation. I will also bring my Kindle Fire. I'm thinking of replacing my original Kindle Fire. I am thinking of going with the Fire 7. I don't really use it for anything other than reading. Any advice on this would be appreciated. 

How do you feel about planning a vacation this year? What is your favorite vacation spot? If you're not vacationing, what special plans do you have for the summer? 

Book Review: The Strangers on Montagu Street by Karen White

In this third installment of Karen White's Tradd Street series, psychic real estate agent Melanie Middleton faces new challenges from the living and the dead.

The Strangers on Montagu Street finds Melanie Middleton continuing to pour money into her historic home on Tradd Street when Jack Treholm appears on her doorstep with his estranged daughter in tow.

Nola has given the ever chipper and stunningly handsome Jack a real run for his money. He begs Mellie to take her for a bit, and who can resist Jack's charm? Other than Nola, of course.

In an effort to bring them closer together, Jack's mother buys Nola an antique dollhouse. It seems like a great idea to draw the young girl into the family she's never known. But, as night falls, unnerving shadows are cast within its miniature rooms and daylight finds things--including the dollhouse family--in different places from where they are left. Melanie soon realizes a new family has moved in with its own secrets and personal demons, and their past is drawing Nola into their own inescapable darkness.

Wow! I didn't realize how much I missed this series until I sat up reading into the wee hours of the morning. The developing relationships between all the characters is just one fabulous aspect of an engrossing story the reader can't put down. Melanie's parents seem to be rekindling their romance, while Melanie and Jack are growing apart. Melanie's best friend Sophie disappoints her. Melanie's mother wants her to embrace her gift, while she is just wishing it all goes away. After the loss of her mother, the only parent she ever knew, Nola is rebuffing attempts to be drawn into Jack's family and circle of friends. Jack is being ignored by his publisher, which makes him unsure of himself--a feeling very foreign to the over-confident charmer.

Then you have this captivating story of the antique dollhouse and its connection to Charleston. As Melanie's maternal instincts toward Nola kick in, she's determined to uncover the history of the house and its occupants in order to keep her safe.

Karen White is a masterful storyteller who draws you in from the opening line. She weaves a fascinating tale steeped in family secrets and complex relationships taking place in one of the most historical areas of the south. I might have to change my planned reading schedule to grab the next book in this series, Return to Tradd Street. 



Series: Tradd Street (Book 3)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley; 1 edition (November 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451235266
ISBN-13: 978-0451235268

I purchased a copy of this book in 2012. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - June 8

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Here it is Monday again. Did the week pass quickly for anyone else? The real estate market is booming (they warned us of the delayed spring market) and my head is ready to explode. It's great to be working full time again, but things have changed--just like other industries have changed--as a result of the pandemic.

As far as reading goes, I'm almost done this one. Love it so far.

These are next. The last one might have to come to North Carolina with me. We will see how much I can accomplish before then.

What's on your list to read this week? Anything exciting I should be adding to my wish list?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - June 1

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.

Welcome to the first Monday in June. It sure is a crazy time in our world. The pandemic, riots, states trying to re-open their businesses...

Sure makes one want to hide under a rock for a while and come out when things are better.

After a tense month and a half, we are focusing on being kind to ourselves. This week will be a busy one, but I have some writing to accomplish and maybe a bit of editing. Oh, and some reading to catch up on.

I reviewed this one last week. You can find the review here. I felt disappointed when the publisher stopped sending me books from this series (this book was the last one I had), but in fairness to them I wasn't returning reviews fast enough. I'm now six books behind. Yikes!

I opted to switch to Karen White this week because I have all the books in the Tradd Street series and I want to catch up.

Then comes these two.

I need to consider which books I'll bring with me to North Carolina at the end of the month. Maybe I'll contemplate that next week. 

What genres do you like to take on vacation? How do you pack them? Do you bring printed and e-books?