This is my last Monday of “freedom” haha! Since I went to a professional development day in July, I don’t have to go to school today. That being said, there’s still a few things I need to do to start the year, but at least I can work from home a bit.
It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting the Share Our Lives link up with some of my favorite bloggers.
Well, I’m not really a music buff, so this post will probably be short and sweet.
Travis is the music guru in our house, and of course the kids are on top of the latest songs, but that’s never really been my thing.
That being said, I’m a country music girl…and I’m not sure when that happened. At some point, my car radio just kind of stayed on the local country music channel and then about eight years ago when I got Sirius XM in my car, channel 56 (The Highway) is about the only channel I have on. As a matter of fact, one time my dad was visiting and we were in the car. He said, “Let me get this straight…you pay for Sirius, but you never change the channel?” Basically yes…
That being said, in the morning, I often listen to TODAY show radio, and then the other stations I might switch to are The Bridge, The Blend, and Yacht Rock Radio. I do like listening to the classics too!
In country music, I really like Ella Langley, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Cody Johnson, and Lainey Wilson, so songs by them are faves.
Travis and I have seen Chris Stapleton in concert a couple of times…
Hadley and friends went to see him play in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago…
Trav prefers up and coming artists, and he feels like he has a “knack” for figuring out who will be the next big break through artist.
A couple of years ago, Larry Fleet played at a small venue in Lex. I love many of his songs…Where I Found God and Things I Take for Granted, so that was a fun night out.
While at the concert, he talked about all the years of hearing “no” before hearing “yes,” and he shared some of the songs he wrote including Morgan Wallen’s Man Made a Bar which I thought was really cool.
A couple of years ago, we took the kids to the Bailey Zimmerman concert which was their first concert.
Josh Ross opened for him, and Trav said that his career would take off, and he now is a headliner. I really like so many of his songs.
One of my favorite Instagram follows is Molly Miller, a 4th grade teacher (@mrsmillerteaches4th) and her husband is in the band Deltona. She always shares when they release new music or when they are on tour opening for headliners. It’s been fun following along and seeing them share their music and experiences.
That being said…do you know what’s usually playing in my car? An audiobook (or occasionally a podcast…my newest binge is Open Book with Jenna because she interviews so many of the authors of books I read). I just find that if I have time to listen to something, it’s usually a book.
A popular option on my car ride home from school after a long day…no radio…radio silence! I usually need some time to disassociate.
What about you…What’s your favorite current music?
Well, I’ve almost made it through my first week of school, and I’m definitely feeling TGIF.
It’s been good to get back in a routine and see my friends and colleagues, but those early alarms have been quite the reality.
As always, I’m linking up with Andrea for this week’s Friday Favorites.
Here are some favorites from the week…
I was so busy getting back to school this week that I didn’t realize that Tuesday was my 7th blogiversary for Show Me and Sweet Tea. This is still a fun hobby for me, and I can’t believe I’ve been at it for seven years.
(If you’re somewhat new here or have forgotten, the blog has it’s name due to my Missouri roots in the “Show Me” state and then is there anything more southern than sweet tea which highlights my moving to Kentucky, where Travis was born and raised.)
I don’t know if he misses me, but I already miss my breakfast buddy now that I’m back to school. Homer is my sidekick most of the day in the summer.
Hadley and friends went to the Chris Stapleton concert in Cincinnati on Saturday night. Her outfit is linked in Monday’s Prime Purchasespost.
Despite the rain delay, they had a great time.
There was a strong line of storms, so Stapleton’s 9:00 start time was pushed to past 10:00. She sent me this pic, and said he was worth the wait!
Stapleton is from Kentucky, and Trav and I went to his concert at Kroger Field here in Lexington a few years ago, and he was amazing.
My mom was in town, and one of her specialties is making these cookies and icing, and then the kids decorate them. They had a good time doing so, and the cookies were delish.
I’ve mentioned that Hayden has been coaching a 5th grade basketball team this summer. We all made it to the last game of the season. His team has come a long way as have his coaching skills. I think it’s been a fun summer for all.
At dinner on Sunday, I gave him the “You are Special” red plate to celebrate his first season coaching basketball.
Hadley and I went to Walmart for some school supplies, and then we went to Target. Well, this tumbler “found” me, and it’s perfect for my “to go” iced coffee.
A quiet classroom to get work done is always a favorite. Many of my favorite school supplies are linked in my Amazon Storefront.
Speaking of school supplies, the first thing I did on Tuesday was organize the school supplies that I’d purchased. Then, I took some time to put everything away and label the tubs for my supplies.
I have some secret snack storage in my classroom for my teens, and I told Hadley she had a $50 budget to get us restocked. She sent me this pic from Kroger, and proudly told me she spent $44. I’m not sure why she didn’t get a shopping cart. haha
Favorite Mom Meme:
Wow…this one is so true!
Bonus Fave: Flashback Friday:
With school starting next week, you know I always love a trip down memory lane.
Here the kids are on the first day of kindergarten. Now they will be juniors.
Share Our Lives:
Monday is the second Monday of the month, so we have our Share Our Lives link up. This month’s topic is favorite current music. We’d love to have you join us.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts from the week in case you missed one:
I hope you have a lovely summer weekend. I have to keep reminding myself just because we’re going back to school doesn’t mean all the summer fun has to end!
Y’all, I’m tired. Two days into teacher work days, and I’m exhausted. There’s no tired like back to school teacher tired. haha!
This might sound silly, but one of my “goals” this summer was to get caught up on some of my favorite shows and even watch a few shows and movies that I’ve had on my viewing list. I’m sharing those shows and movies with you today!
Travis and I both watch The Night Agent. Season 3 came out in the winter, but we didn’t watch it until July. I think I’d just forgotten a new season was out and the spring was really busy.
We loved season 1, I thought season 2 was ok, and season 3 was really good.
My brother suggested The Lincoln Lawyer to me. There are four seasons and the fifth and final season will be out next year. In the summer, when I have a bit more time on my hands, I like to watch a series I’ve never seen before. A few years ago, I watched the first few seasons of The Crown before finishing the series as the last few seasons rolled out. I also watched Schitt‘s Creek a couple of years ago. So, the summer is a great time to dive into a series.
I watched a couple episodes of season 1, and Travis asked what I was watching…so this has become a show we’re watching together. We have three episodes left of season 4, and it’s been the best season. I think season 2 was the weakest, but we’ve loved the other seasons. Now we can’t wait for season 5 to come out in 2027.
I suggested the series to my dad who said he’d seen the movie and read the book. I’d forgotten about those options too!
I started watching Love Story when it first came out on Hulu in the winter. I think an episode came out every week. Anyway, I must have gotten distracted in the spring, and I had two episodes left to watch. So, I finished that series this summer too.
I’ve watched every season of The Diplomat…this past season came out in October, but I hadn’t watched it yet, so I watched it in June. It’s such a good, intense, entertaining series.
I’d heard of The Four Seasons, but I didn’t know what platform it was on, and it just wasn’t on my radar. I think it was in May, I was listening to a podcast, and Tina Fey was on it talking about the series. There are only two seasons, and the episodes are short. I knocked this one out quickly, and I loved it.
The movie People We Meet on Vacation came out in January, and I’m sure I saw it as an option on Netflix, but I don’t watch a ton of movies. Anyway, this summer, I realized I hadn’t read the book, so I did that before watching the movie. I enjoyed both so much!
I saw The Woman in Cabin 10 listed on Netflix, and I’d forgotten that it was a movie. I’d read the book, so I added this movie to my list. I watched it one gloomy rainy day, and I thought it was really good. I haven’t seen a movie with Keira Knightley in quite some time, and she was phenomenal.
I was soooo excited about The Five Star Weekend to come out on Peacock, and this series didn’t disappoint. I love anything with Jennifer Garner, and the supporting cast was amazing too. I enjoyed the series as much as I enjoyed the book.
I’ve watched all eight seasons of The Rookie, and it’s truly one of my favorite shows. It’s one I tend to get behind on because new episodes don’t air until January and we just tend to be busy in the spring. So, it’s usually a show I chip away at when I can, and then get caught up in the summer. I love all the cast, and the show is a good one!
I like documentaries, but especially sports documentaries. I truly don’t watch a lot of tennis, but I do tend to watch a lot of the Wimbledon tournament since I’m home in the summer. Anyway, I saw this documentary and was interested. It’s only an hour and a half, so it was an easy one to watch.
Of course, I know of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and even that they played at the same time, but I didn’t realize what good friends they were…but of course they were competitors on the court. I think this documentary was mostly filmed last summer, but I hadn’t realized that both of them were going through cancer at the same time, and they seem to live somewhat close to each other in Florida. It was interesting to watch them relive some of their moments on the court while sharing the bond of their health battle.
I’ve watched all seasons of Full Swing even though I don’t watch a ton of golf. Each season seems to have less and less episodes…this season only had four. It was good but not as good as the other seasons, in my opinion.
I’d added Miracle: The Boys of ’80 to my Netflix list when the Olympics were on this past winter, but I never watched it. One night, I didn’t have much going on, so I was scrolling Netflix and decided to watch it. It was really interesting to hear the guys’ stories, watch them relive the moments on the ice, see the Lake Placid venue, and re-learn what was going on in the world during that time.
Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but I’ve always heard the “Do you believe in miracles?” line, and I knew it was because the US beat Soviet Union, but I’d always thought we’d beat them for the gold medal. So, I guess you could say I learned a lot from this doc.
That being said, in my defense, I was about a month old when this game happened. My mom tells the story of how I was sleeping, and she hoped I’d stay asleep, so she could watch the game. haha
The last two series I watched were pleasant surprises of the summer. I’d read Every Summer After by Carley Fortune a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it. While listening to the Open Book with Jenna podcast episode with Carley, I realized Every Year After was the adaptation of the book. I don’t watch a ton on Prime, so I really don’t know if I would have known about this series had I not listened to the podcast.
I have two episodes left, and it’s been so good! I think Fortune has a few more adaptations of her books in the works too which is exciting.
Little House on the Prairie wasn’t on my radar at all. I saw it pop up on Netflix, but it really wasn’t a show I was going to prioritize. Well, after a couple of people mentioned it, I decided to dive in, and it’s been the surprise of the summer. It’s just so good. I have one episode left, and I really have been holding off watching it because I don’t want it to end. Surely there will be more seasons of this amazing show?!
A highlight of my summer was seeing The Odyssey in the theater; even better was that my family wanted to see it too. I have taught The Odyssey so many times through the years, and it’s one of my favorite texts to teach. My kids remember reading it in their English 1 class, and Travis really wanted to see it. The night before, while at the dinner table, I gave everyone a quick synopsis so they were somewhat prepared. Hayden sat next to me at the movie and had so many questions. It was a great family night for sure, and it’s definitely a movie I’d see again!
Just a reminder to make myself feel better about the TV watching I’ve done, I did read five books in June and seven books in July. (I’ve also already read two books in August!)
Screenshot
What’s the best show or movie you’ve seen this summer?
Well, I did it…I survived the first day back at school. Since we didn’t have meetings, I was able to ease into the day, but today I have professional development all day…tomorrow too. I have a feeling my brain will be tired. Ugh.
It’s been a while since I’ve linked up with Amy for Currently, but I’m excited to do so today!
Savoring:
I’m currently savoring my calm classroom before the chaos begins next week.
Yesterday was a work day, and it wasn’t one I initially had on the calendar. A couple weeks ago while reading an email, I realized we had a classroom work day yesterday. I’m not sure how that wasn’t on my radar. While it’s hard to “rip the Bandaid off,” I did appreciate having some time to catch up with friends and work in my quiet classroom most of the day.
Wrapping up:
Well, you knew this answer was coming…but I’m wrapping up summer break. *sigh*
I think with the school year ending so late, it did make the summer seem to fly by. That being said, it was a good summer break. It was different for me in regards to the kids having more independence and I wasn’t a chauffeur this summer! Thankfully, we had family time, the kids had fun with friends, we went on vacation, had pool time, and I read a lot of books.
I’m also wrapping up the kids’ 3rd through 5th grade (plus a few middle school pages) book. I’ve taken photos of their artwork for those years and uploaded them to Shutterfly. Their K-2nd grade books turned out really cute!
Preparing
One of the best things about summer, besides not having to set an alarm most mornings, is having more freedom for grocery shopping and meal prepping whenever time allows.
Now, I need to get back in the grocery list, grocery order, dinner planning, and lunch prep mode.
I’m also preparing the kids to go back to school. First of all, those early alarms are going to be a shock to their systems. Secondly, how are they entering their junior year?!
Remembering
I’m remembering summers in the past. As I mentioned above, this was an unexpectedly different summer for me. I guess I just hadn’t realized how much time I’d spent driving my kids around these past ten+ years. Truly, it was nice to have slow mornings with my only responsibility being waking the kids up if needed. haha
I guess I’ve “earned” this time back, but it just wasn’t something I’d put much thought into until it was actually happening.
Wasn’t I just taking them to story time at the library?
Weren’t they just playing together on the back porch?
Organizing
One thing I do love about going back to school is buying school supplies. On Monday, Hadley and I went to Walmart and Target. I always replenish some of my classroom supplies, and she needed a few things (Hayden too) as we start back to school.
Yesterday, I organized my class supplies and labeled the tubs. I love doing that kind of stuff!
Well, it’s official…today is my first day back to school for year 25! It’s a work day in our rooms; thankfully, Hadley helped me put my room back together last Monday, so my time spent today can be on getting organized for the start of the year and open house later this week.
Did you catch my post on Saturday? I was just wishing you a great start to a new month!
Yesterday, I meant to share my Amazon purchases for July, but Sunday got away from me. So, I’m doing that today:
Here are my purchases for the month:
Another month, and I’m re-purchasing these eye masks. (I’ve purchased these 19 times!) Anyway, they are cooling, refreshing, and help with my puffy eyes in the morning.
Speaking of “refreshing” and “cooling,” Hadley has used this under eye depuffer, and I purchased a stick for myself. I use it in the morning right when I wake up, and then I apply it again before bed.
This e.l.f facial mist is still a part of my AM and PM skincare routine.
I shared this cute set that Hadley ordered in another post, but it’s so good, that I’m adding it to my monthly Prime post.
It’s been one of her favorite things to wear lately! (and she’s worn each piece separately as well)
Hadley and friends went to the Chris Stapleton concert in Cincinnati this past weekend, and she chose this dress to wear…(the straps are adjustable which came in handy for her petite frame)
…and the outfit turned out so cute! She also wore her Amazon cowboy boots that she got over a year ago. Those things have come in handy.
Again, I shared this lamp in a previous post, but it’s been one of my favorite Amazon purchases to date! I’m not sure what I did without this coziness in bathroom until now.
It’s waterproof, so it can go in the shower or outside, but I have it on my bathroom counter. This lamp is really about to be my BFF soon with early mornings.
Due to lack of storage in my shower, I’ve had this single suction cup soap dish in my shower for over a year. Since I’ve added a couple new shower products, I needed a bit more space, so I now have the double suction soap dish. It’s such a perfect way to utilize my space more effectively. (The “soap savers” fit right in the dish, and they come in handy as well.)
You know I’ve shared my favorite tumbler time and time again…but I wanted a smaller one for around the house. I had a gift card, so I purchased my first ever Hydrojug tumbler. This one is 20 oz, and I’ve used it quite a bit this past month. I still plan on taking my bigger tumbler to school like usual, but this smaller one has been perfect this summer for drinking water while at home or while running errands.
Hayden got a new phone recently, so he needed a new screen protector. This two pack gives him a backup if needed.
Friendly reminder about my Amazon storefront. I will still link items individually in my monthly posts, and then most of what I buy will also be in the storefront.
Have a great Tuesday!
{This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Thanks for supporting my blog.}
As I’ve been doing this year, I’m sharing a few reminders to kickstart a new month:
The first three ideas in the graphic above caught my attention because they can certainly apply as I head back to school. The last one, “Not everything you think is true” is just a good overall reminder.
Cooler temps are coming: Well, not soon enough, but by the end of October maybe I can comfortably wear a sweatshirt. haha
Be mindful of the shifting seasons: While I’m sure this applies to summer shifting to fall, I also have felt a big shifting of seasons personally with the kids…some of which is natural and some have felt a little more abrupt. We’re continuing to adjust.
Now is time for new beginnings: There is something special about the start of a new school year.
Reflect on the close of summer: It’s been a different kind of summer for me, but it’s been a good one.
Take time to rest: Well, August tends to be the opposite of rest for me, but I will rest when I can.
Whatever you’re feeling is ok: Amen.
The point of these reminder posts are to be encouraging, but truly for me, August has always been a difficult month. It feels like a month I have to get through. Get through the back to school prep, get through the PD, get through the meetings, get through the planning, get through all the emails, get through the first days and weeks of school while learning student names, remembering my new hall duty, making copies a few days in advance, becoming familiar with IEPs and 504 plans, writing down meeting dates for the year, so on and so forth.
August is probably my least favorite month of the year, but the reminders above will help me start off on the right foot and get through the month as well.
Well, it’s my last official Friday of summer break. How did we get here so soon?
I will say that after a lengthy school year and a busy June, July did provide some reprieve which I appreciate.
Today, I’m recapping some of our favorite moments in July.
The kids had pool time and cousin time in July. They were able to hang out with their out of town cousins a couple different times this month.
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, and we had a good one. We spent it with some pool time, grilling out, and then watching fireworks to cap off our night.
Of course we celebrated Trav’s birthday. We went out to dinner, and then my brother and his family came over for ice cream cake.
We enjoyed some beautiful sunsets in July.
We also tackled some home updates. I purchased a new rug for under the kitchen table as well as some new dishes…all from Walmart.
While the dishes weren’t on my initial summer “to do” list, I couldn’t resist the cuteness…or the price.
We also got new bar stools from World Market, and they are perfect.
We’ve been enjoying fresh fruit this month. Is there anything better? Peaches, watermelon and cantaloupe are our faves.
Slow mornings have been the best part of my summer. I’ve enjoyed easy breakfasts and coffee most mornings.
Iced coffee is a fave in the summer. Most of the time, I have coffee at home, but sometimes I treat myself to a Dunkin coffee.
While it’s hard to “face the music” in regards to the reality of summer break ending, at least back to school haircuts and cute school supplies help.
I will look back on the month of July as one of my favorite months of reading to date. I read so many great books, and I appreciated having the time to read.
While I did spend a lot of time reading, I also watched some great movies. As a family, we went and saw The Odyssey, and we all loved it. I also read People We Meet on Vacation, and I thought the movie was great too.
Hayden has had a lot of fun coaching a 5th grade basketball team this summer, and I made it to a few of the games.
Fresh flowers are one of my favorite parts of spring and summer. That being said, late July is when the limelights bloom in our yard, and I love snipping a few for the coffee table centerpiece.
Of course, we had pool and lake time too. Hadley went to the lake with friends a couple of weeks ago. I went to the pool quite a bit this summer, and the past two days have been lovely with no humidity.
Wednesday night, the kids went to the UK Alumni game; they played KU alumni, and they had a great time. I know it’s been quite a few months since they’ve gotten their licenses, but it’s still crazy to me the things they do independently. Both kids and a friend drove, went out to dinner before the game, parked, watched the game and got themselves home. This still blows my mind. haha
Anyway, Hayden was extra happy because they sat near some former and current players, and he got some autographs.
I really should be thinking more about school, but I’m going to enjoy the couple days I have left before reality really hits.
Weekly Recap:
Here are my posts this week in case you missed one:
Patty isn’t able to host this month’s Monthly Musings post, but I missed her June one, so I’m going to answer those prompts today.
It’s never too late to celebrate America’s birthday!
1. Are you excited about America 250?
It’s been exciting to see all the “buzz” around this big birthday for America. In June and July, I felt like that was really amped up. Any time we can come together to celebrate our country, it’s a special time for sure.
2. Did you purchase any fun America 250 items?
I didn’t buy any America 250 items, but I did feel very patriotic starting with Memorial Day weekend. I purchased bunting, and we put it on our front porch for Memorial Day and the 4th of July. I plan on putting them out again for Labor Day.
3. Do you make any red, white and blue themed appetizers, sides or desserts?
I don’t typically make anything red, white and blue in those categories, but most years, I serve up red, white and blue waffles for breakfast on the 4th of July.
4. Do you like fireworks?
I love fireworks! Truly, ending the 4th with fireworks is one of my favorite things ever. We have a good spot that we go to in Lexington to view a wonderful display.
5. Do you dress in red, white and blue themes?
I don’t typically dress in red, white and blue themes but I miss the days of the kids doing so. Is there anything cuter?!
6. What are your plans for the 4th of July?
Our plans are usually pretty low-key on the 4th of July. A few years, we’ve been on vacation, but often times, we’re at home. Sometimes, we head downtown in the morning for the Bluegrass 10,000 race. Travis and Hayden have run it through the years.
Then, we’re usually at home, or we’ll go to the pool. We grill out and then go see the local fireworks. After that, the kids sometimes do sparklers and snappers at home.
7. Do you remember the bicentennial in 1976?
These days, I don’t feel like I can say this often, but in 1976 I wasn’t born yet!
8. What is your favorite patriotic song?
America the Beautiful always hits home!
9. Favorite 4th of July memory?
I really can’t think of just one…Growing up, the 4th of July was usually a family affair on my dad’s side, and those memories just kind of set the precedent for it feeling like a family holiday for me. I think we’ve created some good memories for the kids through the years. Besides Thanksgiving, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday.
10. Have you ever participated in a local 4th of July parade or event?
I feel like a party pooper saying no…but not really. Like I said, quite a few years, we end up at the Bluegrass 10,000 race because Trav, Hayden, or my nephew run it. We always bump into people we know which is fun.
Well, better late than never in answering the June Monthly Musing prompts, but since the 4th of July is a fave holiday, I’m glad I got to participate!
Needless to say, one of the best things about summer break is having more time to read. This month, I read seven books, and I enjoyed them all…
Here are the books I read in July…
{As always, book summaries are from Goodreads…}
People We Meet on Vacation:
Summary:
Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.
Poppy and Alex. Alex and Poppy. They have nothing in common. She’s a wild child; he wears khakis. She has insatiable wanderlust; he prefers to stay home with a book. And somehow, ever since a fateful car share home from college many years ago, they are the very best of friends. For most of the year they live far apart — she’s in New York City, and he’s in their small hometown — but every summer, for a decade, they have taken one glorious week of vacation together.
Until two years ago, when they ruined everything. They haven’t spoken since.
Poppy has everything she should want, but she’s stuck in a rut. When someone asks when she was last truly happy, she knows, without a doubt, it was on that ill-fated, final trip with Alex. And so, she decides to convince her best friend to take one more vacation together — lay everything on the table, make it all right. Miraculously, he agrees.
Now she has a week to fix everything. If only she can get around the one big truth that has always stood quietly in the middle of their seemingly perfect relationship. What could possibly go wrong?
Quick Thoughts:
I started this one in June while we were in Florida because I figured it would be a good vacation read. I finished it right at the end of the month, and I really enjoyed it.
I don’t read a ton of romance/fiction, but this one was so cute. Poppy and Alex have their ups and downs, the yearly vacations provide a lot of insight into their relationship, and of course there’s some drama too.
I also watched the movie recently, and thought it paired nicely with the book. It’s a movie I’d watch again!
Rating:
The book is probably 4.5 stars, I think because I also loved the movie so much I will give it five stars. It’s a great summer read.
The Sandy Page Bookshop:
Summary:
After her publishing career and engagement fell apart in Boston, Leah Powell has no choice but to return to her sleepy coastal hometown on Cape Cod. Feeling lost and discouraged, she stumbles upon a once prominent historic sea captain’s home that now looks as dilapidated as she feels. Suddenly inspired, Leah decides to transform it into a bookstore and café she will call The Sandy Page.
Luke Nicholson, a life-long local and contractor, remembers Leah even if she doesn’t remember him. Intrigued by her return and her project, he agrees to help her bring the old captain’s house back to life. As they work together, The Sandy Page slowly becomes the town’s go-to gathering spot for locals, tourists, and anyone who is feeling adrift during this long, sweet summer. It’s a home for second chances. But will it be enough for Leah and Luke?
Quick Thoughts:
I read this book in a few days. It was such a good read. The plot has a sweet premise with the book shop, but heavier topics are covered too – relationships, anxiety, impaired driving, loss of loved ones, financial trouble and more.
It’s more “complex” than your average summer beach read which I think is why I liked it so much.
Rating:
Until Next Summer:
Summary:
Growing up, Jessie and Hillary lived for summer, when they’d be reunited at Camp Chickawah. The best friends vowed to become counselors together someday, but they drifted apart after Hillary broke her promise and only Jessie stuck to their plan, working her way up to become the camp director.
When Jessie learns that the camp will be sold, she decides to plan one last hurrah, inviting past campers—including Hillary—to a nostalgic “adult summer camp” before closing for good. Jessie and Hillary rebuild their friendship as they relive the best time of their lives—only now there are adult beverages, skinny dipping, and romantic entanglements. Straitlaced Hillary agrees to a “no strings attached” summer fling with the camp chef, while outgoing Jessie is drawn to a moody, reclusive writer who’s rented a cabin to work on his novel.
The friends soon realize this doesn’t have to be the last summer. They’ll team up and work together, just like the old days. But if they can’t save their beloved camp, will they be able to take the happiness of this summer away with them?
Quick Thoughts:
I’ve read two other Ali Brady books (by the way – “Ali Brady” is actually the pen name for two BFF authors) through the years – The Beach Trap and The Comeback Summer. I like The Beach Trap better than the other, and I like this book more than The Beach Trap.
First of all, I love a book about summer camp (My fave is Summer of Songbirds) and this one fit the bill. I think I like books centered around summer camp because the (original) Parent Trap is my fave movie.
Anyway, this book had romance, nostalgia , and drama. I liked that the characters, both major and minor, grew and developed along the way.
Like in the other Ali Brady books, there are some R rated scenes….so reader beware…or just skim through those parts.
Rating:
Judge Stone:
Summary:
The most respected citizen in Union Springs, Alabama (population 3,314), is Judge Mary Stone. She holds two responsibilities running her family farm and presiding over her courtroom. It’s there she draws the most controversial case in the history of the South.
Criminally, it’s open-and-shut. Ethically, there is no middle ground. Essentially, it’s a choice between life and death.
No judge can satisfy everyone. It would be dangerous to try. But Judge Stone is willing to fight to bring justice to the people and place she loves.
Quick Thoughts:
A friend gave me this book to read, and I told her I’d read it this summer.
So this book wasn’t on my radar, but I really enjoyed reading it. It was an interesting legal thriller with some mystery.
The chapters were really short, I liked the southern setting and the strong female character in Judge Stone. The trial seems “cut and dry” but it’s more complex than that.
This book was written by James Patterson and Viola Davis which I thought was really neat.
Rating:
Our Perfect Storm:
Summary:
Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.
Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.
Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.
Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.
Quick Thoughts:
Is it even summer if Carly Fortune isn’t putting out a book for us to read? I’ve read a Fortune book every summer since 2022…and this was my favorite book of hers yet.
Per usual, the Canadian setting was amazing. Besides romance, the story includes so much about nature that it’s just so beautifully written. This one really seemed to be more idyllic when describing the landscape. The connection between Frankie’s name and her mother’s work with whales was beautiful and complicated.
So much of the plot was just Frankie and George but the secondary characters were just so meaningful to Frankie as well.
I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end that provided some background and information about Canada and whale research.
Per usual with Fortune books, there’s a some R rated scenes.
I listed to the Open Book podcast where Jenna Bush Hager interviewed Carley Fortune, and it was fun to get her perspective on her writing process. Also from listening to that, I learned that her first book Every Summer After was adapted for TV …Every Year After is on Amazon Prime…I haven’t gotten to watch it yet, but maybe I can squeeze it in before summer ends.
Rating:
Dolly All the Time:
Summary:
Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island, for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home.
So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high-society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and kisses that hit her bloodstream like a ghost pepper, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself—can she really start now?
Quick Thoughts:
So many people shared this book, so I added it to my TBR list. I couldn’t put this book down…and read it in 24 hours…I don’t know the last time I’ve done that.
Dolly and Stewart are so opposite which is why I think I liked them as characters. Of course, with a romance book, you think you know how the book will end, but every relationship is complicated!
Besides being opposites, I appreciated that they both have a strong work ethic and Dolly’s strong family values in regards to her brother, dad, and son made her such a likable character. Dolly is pretty unfazed by Stewart’s wealthy family which made her so endearing.
I thought the plot was somewhat unique, I liked the New England setting and that there was some drama and character growth as well.
Rating:
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Volume 1
Summary:
The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s. Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House
Quick Thoughts:
Well, you know I love historical fiction and I got my fix with this one. I’d never heard of this series, but when Andrea shared the recent books she read, I thought I’d check it out.
I’ve only listened to one other book this this summer, so imagine my surprise when I found volume one audiobook on Libby…and it wasn’t even two hours in length. I almost felt guilty counting this as a book read, but I did see that the other volumes are longer (and longer!), so it counts.
Emma is a hoot…there are some humorous one liners, I love the historical context, the neighborhood of St. Crispian’s and the varying characters…who are characters. haha
I wasn’t looking for a series, but this series found me. I look forward to chipping away at it. I’m already reading volume 2.
Rating:
Summer Reading Update:
Usually I’m heading into August with a couple of books left on my TBR summer list…I can’t say that this summer. I only have one book left to read on my summer reading list…
Read:Our Last Vineyard Summer, Our Italian Summer, Summer State of Mind, The Sandy Page Bookshop, People We Meet on Vacation, Our Perfect Storm, Until Next Summer
How, how,how is it the last Monday in July?! I can’t believe it. Even with back to school on the horizon, I’m still enjoying what’s left of summer break.
The only good thing about it being the last Monday of the month, is it means I’m sharing a few laughs with you today.
Here are some memes that made me LOL this month:
Honestly, this is me most days in the summer…and why when I do go out with a hat on my head, no make-up and wearing a random T-shirt do I run into someone I know?!
Unfortunately, I do have a sweet tooth.
Y’all…this one had me laughing and thinking about it! It’s so true…
I feel like I get so many Apple emails with monthly charges, and unfortunately they seem accurate…but this one rings true:
I really hate being in a big group chat…it overwhelms me!
One of my friends shared this on Instagram, and I LOL’d…because it’s so true. If my hair tie isn’t right, I feel overstimulated.
One thing about being home in the summer, is I am home to receive a few random knocks on the door. I literally act like no one is home, and I am 46…so this one definitely applies to me!
showmeandsweettea.com 