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?

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. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Oct 5

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 of October. After a lovely weekend, today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with high temperatures reaching 66 degrees. I plan to head out to the garden to start wrapping things up for the season. 

Reading continues to be a slow process. My mind is spinning lately with so much to accomplish, and I simply haven't felt like reading a lot. 

My review of this book appeared here on Wednesday.

I reviewed this book at my children's book blog Sunday.

I am reading these next two right now.

I will be picking up this one next.

Some new books arrived this week in the mail as well. Hopefully, I will be able to read them soon. 

What are you reading right now? What is one book I should add to my wish list?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Sep 28

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 back to Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend. The weather was pleasant here, but I didn't get a chance to get into the garden. Real estate kept me busy and I baked a few treats--apple crisp, lemon blueberry bread, and applesauce. 

September is drawing to a close and the fall colors are making their way through the trees. This remains my favorite time of year and one of the reasons I love living in New England. The woods behind the house become much more enjoyable when you're not walking through pockets of mosquitoes. 

My review of Charlotte Hubbard's latest novel appeared on the blog last week. You can find it here.

I also read this one. My review will appear at my children's book blog this week.

These two will be reviewed soon.

I started the next book in Karen White's Tradd Street series. 

I downloaded this through Kindle Unlimited this week as well.

What are your plans for the week? What are you reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?- June 29

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.

Happy Monday from the Outer Banks. I hope you had a nice weekend. I am doing my best not to work too much while we are away, but I know several things will command my attention today.

Here is what my reading world looks like:

I posted my review of this book on Sunday. You can read it here.

I am not sure which book I will start next, but it will be one of these.

My vacation time reading is often all over the place. I am dedicated to reading, but if something doesn't capture my attention, I might shift to something else. 

Does your reading change when you're away? Do you prefer different kinds of books or do you feel freer to abandon something that isn't working for you?

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. 

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.

First Chapter Review: The Strangers on Montagu Street by Karen White

I purchased the third book in Karen White's Tradd Street series over a year ago with some gift cards I received. The first two books in this series captivated me, so I was eager to read this one; but I was so far behind in reviews when the book came out, I declined taking it on when the publicist offered it to me for review. This is one of the books I want to read soon, especially since the fourth book in the series, Return to Tradd Street, just came out this month.

BLURB:  Psychic realtor Melanie Middleton is still restoring her Charleston house and doesn't expect to have a new houseguest, a teen girl named Nola. But the girl didn't come alone, and the spirits that accompanied Nola don't seem willing to leave...

COVER: Like all of the books in this series, a house graced with Southern charm and elegance is featured on the cover. And if you know anything about this series, that charm and elegance belies the evil spirits hidden inside. This cover is a bit darker than the others, so it adds to the ominous feel.

FIRST CHAPTER: Melanie is awoken early one morning to find writer Jack Trenholm on the doorstep of her Tradd Street home--the one still being restored and costing her tons of money. He has not come alone, however. His estranged daughter, Nola, is with him. Still working through the challenges of becoming an instant father, he begs Melanie to allow Nola to stay with her over the summer.

KEEP READING: Yes, yes, yes! Why haven't I made room to read this book before now? All the things I love about this series are present from the very first words of The Strangers on Montagu Street. Immediately hooked, the mystery, conflict, and hint of the spirits that will arrive later are all here. White has the uncanny ability to draw you in immediately and not let you go. I'm sure this will be the case again if the story continues along the same vein.

If you love paranormal stories and are captivated by Southern living, you won't want to miss this one.


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


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