Promises to Keep

A Jane Green novel would be a welcome addition to our summer read-a-thon, don't you think? So here we go with Promises to Keep as we make our way into August 2010, because it's a promising book to say the least. Here's a little more about this novel:

Synopsis: A novel about the hard choices we sometimes have to make, what it means to be a grown-up, and mostly, about the enduring nature of love.
- www.janegreen.com

"I really enjoyed this book. I did find it a little slow to get the sisters straight, at first, but as I got into a couple of chapters, I found myself into their lives; the characters developed as real people. I held my 2 year old daughter a little closer after I read it, but I did turn Mickey Mouse on for her,so I could finish the book. Very heartwrenching - as life is - good job writing, Jane."
– Dean41, Barnes & Noble Customer

So? Are you up for the challenge?

Backseat Saints

Here's a late breaking addition to our summer reads called Backseat Saints by another favorite bookclub authors, Joshilyn Jackson. If The Girl Who Stopped Swimming is any indicator of what we should expect this time around, then we are in for a serious treat! And here are some reviews worthy of reading:

"For me, the arrival of a Joshilyn Jackson novel feels like the first perfect day in a favorite season and BACKSEAT SAINTS is no exception. It is enthralling, heartbreaking and surprising in equal measure. I am so very glad that I got to know the girl who was born Rose Mae Lolley -- and, better yet, that she got to know herself as well."
– Laura Lippman, NYT bestselling author of Another Thing to Fall and Life Sentences

"Backseat Saints will pull you in and won't let you out until the last page. Raw, tangy and funny, it is an enthralling peek into the secret sorority of mistreated women. Follow the journey of one courageous, witty woman who decides, I'm not going to take this anymore. I love reading about smart, flawed and ultimately wise women, like Rose Mae."
– Kathryn Stockett, NYT Bestselling author of The Help

Get this one. How can you not?

Heart of the Matter

Our summer reading list just wouldn't be complete without the addition of this latest release by Emily Giffin, a best-selling author raved about worldwide. The book is called Heart of the Matter. Why not take a peek at what others are saying about it?

"Heart of the Matter is a notch above all of Giffin's other books. As good as those books were, this one has a depth of emotion that seems richer in comparison, and Giffin does a fantastic job of mining that depth for some powerful and compelling storytelling. Maybe it's because these characters are established "adults," living married lives with children. Maybe it's just because you get to see the story unfold in dueling perspectives. Maybe it's just because it's just a really good book. Whatever it is, this one really hits home and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Speaking for the male faction, I just want to say how much I enjoyed this book, and will look forward to Giffin's next. Definitely not just 'chick lit.' Go get it."

– Jason Amazon reader from Los Angeles

"This is a wonderful story that is absolute torture to read because you identify so strongly with ALL the characters. As with her earlier novels, I couldn't decide how I wanted it to end because I didn't want any of the characters to end with a broken heart. Emily Giffin takes a subject that seems black and white and shows all the dozens of shades of gray that actually exist. Tessa and Nick and Valerie are all characters worth rooting for, even with their obvious flaws. I could feel the anger, the sadness, the yearning, the denial, the agony of indecision and knowing that no matter what happens, someone is going to get hurt.

The supporting characters are, as usual for Giffin, brilliantly fleshed out so you can see their motivations and reasoning. It was also thrilling to see what Dex and Rachel have been up to.

The worst part of Emily Giffin's book? The fact that is was so riveting that I stayed up til 2 a.m. to finish it, and now it's over and I have a torturous wait until she publishes a new book!"

– Reading Mum Amazon reader from St. Louis

With that, you know what to do... read!