The Pirate Queen, by Patricia Hickman

This was the first of Hickman's books that I have read.  The description on the back cover was interesting enough to cause me to pick it up and start reading.

The Pirate Queen opens with a Southern Living party at the magazine-worthy home of Bender and Saphora Warren.  Saphora is in the midst of plotting her escape from the world in which she lives.  Just as she is about to be free, Bender comes home and informs her that he is dying and he wants her to take him to their vacation home to die.

Hickman's story is a tale of love lost and love found, forgiveness, faith discovered, and family.  The plot was strong and engaging.  I was hooked and didn't want to stop reading before I found out how it all ended.  The characters were well formed and realistic.  The dialogue was also realistic and, with few exceptions, flowed smoothly and did not feel forced.  All in all, this is a well-written novel.

Hickman places Saphora in many situations that are similar to life situations most people face frequently.  It's nice to see Saphora struggle with the choices she must make, and to see her deal with outcomes that she did not want.  It's easy to identify with her as we all do the same in our lives.

Ultimately, I liked The Pirate Queen.  I will certainly encourage others to read it and will be loaning my copy to friends.  It's clean and touches on being spiritual.  I would classify it as a vacation book.

Here's where to find it on Barnes and Noble as an ebook, and here's where to find it on Amazon.  I was forwarded a print copy for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. 

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter, by Lisa Patton

As 2011 began, Mom loaned me Lisa Patton's Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter.  Naturally, I read it.  It was funny - laugh-out-loud funny.  Even though the stories are not the same, it reminded me of the movie Hope Floats.  Honestly, I think this is because I envisioned the lead character as being portrayed by Sandra Bullock.

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter, is, as you may have guessed, about a Southern belle who has been transplanted up North where she must survive the winter.  The story follows Leelee as she follows her husband and his dream of owning a bed and breakfast in Vermont.  The environment and culture shock make Leelee want to turn tail and run home to Memphis, but her steel magnolia spirit pushes her to stay the course.  I found myself cheering for her accomplishments and could easily envision just how one would come to such a place in life.

This is certainly a book to loan to a girlfriend.  It deals with heartbreak, finding yourself in the least likely of places, true friendship, and the ability to find the fun and funny no matter what happens.

Barnes and Noble offers this an an ebook or in print; click here to purchase.  Take a copy with you on your next vacation - you won't regret it!


Let me know what you think of Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter!

Allyson

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

One of the first books I read this year was Beth Hoffman's Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.  This is a gem of a novel.  It's a little over 300 pages and very sweet.  It's a Southern coming-home, find-yourself novel.  I loved how real the characters seemed, how familiar the settings were, and how clean the language and scenes were.  This is a book I wouldn't cringe to see my child read.  It's a book I would (and did!) lend to my mother without worrying what she would think.

This falls under the category of "vacation books" in my mind.  It's an easy read, it's lighthearted, and it's fun.  Perfect for a day on the beach, a rainy/snowy day on the couch in front of a fire, or your next flight out of town.  It's definitely worth the read and a great impulse buy at the book store.  This is a book you will want to lend to your friends or put in a care package for a girlfriend.


Click here to buy from Barnes and Noble.


Let me know what you think of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt!

Allyson