Read IT: New Summer Reads

Ahhh the lazy days of summer…well not really. When I do have a minute my favorite thing to do is sit outside (preferably on the beach with a margarita) and read a good book. I am a sucker for chick lit and these two new releases are amongst my top picks this summer. – Erika

Here, Home, Hope
By Kaira Rouda
Publisher: Green Leaf Book Group 2011

Description:

Kelly Mills Johnson becomes restless in her thirty-ninth year. An appetite for more forces her to take stock of her ordinary middle-American existence and her neighbors’ seemingly perfect lives. Her marriage to a successful attorney has settled into a comfortable routine, and being the mother of two adorable sons has been rewarding but exhausting. Meanwhile, Kelly’s own passions lie wasted. She eyes with envy the lives of her two best friends, Kathryn and Charlotte, both beautiful, successful businesswomen who seem to have it all. Kelly takes charge of her life, devising a midlife makeover plan.

My Thoughts:

I was so impressed with this debut novel by Kaira Rouda. Kelly Mills struggles with turning 40 and she decides she needs to make a change in her life. While her sons are away at Camp for the summer she makes use of her free time. She helps friends, who she has viewed as having the perfect life, deal with their own problems. Kelly comes to appreciate all she has. This book is a wonderful light read. Kelly is a relatable character that struggles with real feelings that women can relate to. It made me think about what I will do when I actually have a more time for myself! I have recommended this book to my friend’s summer reading lists! I can’t wait for Rouda’s next book! Find out more about the author and Here, Home, Hope on her website.

Silver Girl
By Elin Hilderbrand
Publisheder: Hachette Book Group 2011

Description:

Meredith Martin Delinn just lost everything: her friends, her homes, her social standing – because her husband Freddy cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars.
Desperate and facing homelessness, Meredith receives a call from her old best friend, Constance Flute. Connie’s had recent worries of her own, and the two depart for a summer on Nantucket in an attempt to heal. But the island can’t offer complete escape, and they’re plagued by new and old troubles alike. When Connie’s brother Toby – Meredith’s high school boyfriend – arrives, Meredith must reconcile the differences between the life she is leading and the life she could have had.

Set against the backdrop of a Nantucket summer, Elin Hilderbrand delivers a suspenseful story of the power of friendship, the pull of love, and the beauty of forgiveness.

My Thoughts:

If you have not read any of Elin Hilderbrand’s books then you should.  She is one of my  all time favorite authors. In my opinion, Nantucket makes the perfect setting for a summer read! I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of  her newest book and I was not disapointed. Hilderbrand captures the strength and bonds created during childhood friendships. I am a sucker for books that show the strength of friendships. I am blessed with wonderful best friends and I know that the bond will always be there, even when we don’t talk for awhile. I have already passed this book on to my sister and she has not been able to put it down. Silver Girl is available just in time for summer. Check out Elin Hilderbrand’s website for a full listing of her book.

*We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy did receive copies of Her, Home, Hope from One 2 One Network and  Silver Girl from Hachette Book Group to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.