Moving to new blog - JaneYReads

Due to technical issues, I am moving to a new blog - it will make it easier when we move back to the States because my twitter name has Italy in it and this had Belgium in it... I plan to be reading and reviewing for a long, long time and this will be a better fit. So please follow my new blog here at Blogger called "JaneYReads"!

San Francisco, Tuscany, Paris and Wine - who could ask for more?

The Winemakers by Jan Moran is a story of winemakers for sure but it is also a love story that spans generations. It starts in the Napa Valley in a vineyard that began with cherished vines that traveled from France to Italy and then to America. The characters have a depth to them that shows a dedication of the author to tell their stories. Each of the characters have had many challenges in their lives and continue to do so throughout the book. There is beauty, love, frustrations between parent and child, and most of all the warmth of Tuscany depicted in a very realistic manner. Since we had the privilege of visiting there, the words on the pages brought it all back to life for me -- the food, the wine, and the relaxed lifestyle of the Italians but also the fierce loyalty to family that they possess.

Since the book is set in the mid 1950's, you have to remember that life was much different then. Relationships between men and women were more restrained and the strong Catholic faith exhibited by the families caused them to order their lives in a way that would not be an issue now in our world where everything goes and is to be accepted. It was a charming but trying time for those who lived. Having to remember that there was no advanced technology to make their lives "easier" was important while reading!

There are secrets hidden throughout the book and are meant to protect others from harm in many ways. These secrets come back to haunt them and there are dangerous situations that arise as a result. All of these elements make this book a journey not to be missed. You will find yourself, like I did, that things work out for Ava, Rafael, Caterina and Santo. I would definitely read it a second time just to be able to visit with the characters again and to spend more time with them! Pour yourself a nice glass of Italian wine and start reading!

Thank you Net Galley and Jan Moran for providing this book to read!

The Rejected Writers' Book Club (Southlea Bay) - Suzanne Kelman

Quirky people are found in Southlea Bay. A marauding raccoon is causing Janet and her husband frustration every morning when they find that their trash can has been raided and emptied across their yard. Her husband is a fun character that will make you laugh at his round about ways of dealing with situations. Janet meanwhile is pulled into the Rejected Writers' Book Club since she works at the library and they felt she could help them share their failures as part of a 500th rejection letter celebration they are planning. But right after attending their meeting, the worst thing possible happens and the club is aghast. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens! I've smiled, shook my head and laughed at the antics of these characters. I hope you will too!

This book was made available to me through Net Galley which is a great way to discover new authors and favorites!

The Shop on Main - Kay Correll

Something that draws me to books is small town life. I've been living away from my hometown now for 32 years following my husband in his assignments in the military and now with the federal government. The thought of living in a small town where you know most of the people there and little shops and restaurants to visit really appeals to me. That's why I really enjoyed spending time meeting the folks of Comfort Crossing. The name itself makes me sigh and smile. The lives of the characters are much like yours and mine. They are not without conflict or problems. But the one thing that resonates is the fact that they all have each others' backs and want the best for one another.  When you look at the news these days, this sort of thing sure doesn't jump out at you. In fact, that is a really good reason to read this book and many others like it as a way to escape the hardness and sharp tendencies of life today.

I would love to visit Bella's shop and eat at the Magnolia Cafe! The descriptions of these places and the food and friendship were well written.

This book is part of a series but can also be read just by itself and be enjoyed. I look forward to reading more books by Kay Correll!

Broken Homes and Gardens by Rebecca Kelley

I was attracted to this book by its title because I love gardens and I had to find out why the homes were broken. I guess this sounds crazy but it's true. Set in Portland, a place I'd like to visit, Joanna meets Malcolm and a strange and quirky friendship is born. As the story progresses, you really feel sorry for Joanna as she pushes people away from her in fear of getting attached to them. This is a really good story as it doesn't always go in the direction you think it will. I read it on my Kindle and couldn't turn the pages past enough to see how it would all come out in the end. Would Joanna end up happy or alone? Read it to find out yourself!

The Amish Clockmaker

This was a really good look into the life of the Amish plus a side story of one dealing with a handicap and how that affected their outlook on life and how others dealt with them. It is very well written and I think that those who enjoy Amish fiction will definitely want to add this one to their bookshelves! I read this book through Netgalley. It's a great way to have access to many books when you really enjoy reading!

At Water's Edge

What a great adventure! I was intrigued by the description of this book and was hooked from the very first page. The characters are really well developed and you grow to love or hate them accordingly. I was drawn in by the drama of a trek across the ocean during WWII and how difficult that must have been and then the odd trio as they began a search for a mystical monster. It is definitely a well written story and will keep you reading just one more page until you reach the very end and wish you could read some more! I highly recommend this book! I received the free advance galley for it from NetGalley.