Plot Ansley has three daughters who for all different reasons return home to Peachtree Bluff. Ansley herself (mother) has quite a back story and that is all revealed as the story progresses. The story is told from Ansley's and daughter Caroline's point of view. Caroline is deciding what to do as her husband has been unfaithful in a spectacular way. She is very pregnant and has an older daughter of about ten - Viki. Ansley has been dealt a hard card in life but the way she has picked herself up and looked after everyone is outstanding. There is a little plot twist that turns things somewhat as well.
What Appeals to me?
I loved the setting of course and the sisters relationship with each other was a drawcard. Each of the main characters is dealing with difficulties that are definitely quite south of simple! I did like too how Caroline grew as a character. Also that the characters each had their quirks and challenges. I just wish Ansley would think of herself just a little bit more.
And so... I see this is #1 in the Peachtree Bluff series so I am looking forward to catching up with this family in the future.
Why? I wanted a food memoir to read for the Better World reading challenge and I saw a review for this by Katherine over at I Wish I Lived in a Library.
Plot Well there isn't one but there is a wonderful accounting of Edward in his nineties and Isabel who is in an unhappy marriage. Isabel visits Edward once a week and partakes in his delicious meals. No recipes but oh my, makes me want to appreciate and taste such food.
What Appeals to Me? The way Edward lives his life so fully in his nineties and his obvious deep love and devotion to his wife who is now dead. He battles with this loss but it does not diminish too much his participation in life. I liked the way Isabel valued the friendship and grew as a person in the time she was able to experience this special relationship.
And so... Very happy to have read it. As one person also pointed out from It's Monday! What Are You Reading? pointed out there is a great tip for scrambled eggs that she uses to this day. I have yet to try it but I will.
Why? This has sat on my actual TBR shelf for quite a few years! I was wondering about what to read next and saw there is a bit of a romance in this book while the couple are travelling. Perfect for the Better World reading challenge I thought! Besides I have never read Monica McInerney, but seen noted many good things about her books.
Plot. This is a book about a family! A grown up family who are in the Travel business. There are two men, two women - one of whom came to the family when she was eight - Lara. As a travel tour around Cornwall and Devon is to take place centred on an old TV show, Lara goes missing. Harriet is leading the tour and is worried about Lara as is Austin one of the brothers. So there is a little romance, (Harriet and the star of the TV show) a mystery, secrets and family relationships in the mix.
What Appeals to me? I found it a little slow, but the variety of characters was fun, the mystery and secret kept me going and the whole family aspect with its exploration of loss and grief was interesting. Plus how we often make judgements about others that is quite far from the actual truth.
And so... At some point in time I will be happy to venture into reading another Monica McInerney book .
What Appeals to me?
I loved the setting of course and the sisters relationship with each other was a drawcard. Each of the main characters is dealing with difficulties that are definitely quite south of simple! I did like too how Caroline grew as a character. Also that the characters each had their quirks and challenges. I just wish Ansley would think of herself just a little bit more.
And so... I see this is #1 in the Peachtree Bluff series so I am looking forward to catching up with this family in the future.
Plot Well there isn't one but there is a wonderful accounting of Edward in his nineties and Isabel who is in an unhappy marriage. Isabel visits Edward once a week and partakes in his delicious meals. No recipes but oh my, makes me want to appreciate and taste such food.
What Appeals to Me? The way Edward lives his life so fully in his nineties and his obvious deep love and devotion to his wife who is now dead. He battles with this loss but it does not diminish too much his participation in life. I liked the way Isabel valued the friendship and grew as a person in the time she was able to experience this special relationship.
And so... Very happy to have read it. As one person also pointed out from It's Monday! What Are You Reading? pointed out there is a great tip for scrambled eggs that she uses to this day. I have yet to try it but I will.
Plot. This is a book about a family! A grown up family who are in the Travel business. There are two men, two women - one of whom came to the family when she was eight - Lara. As a travel tour around Cornwall and Devon is to take place centred on an old TV show, Lara goes missing. Harriet is leading the tour and is worried about Lara as is Austin one of the brothers. So there is a little romance, (Harriet and the star of the TV show) a mystery, secrets and family relationships in the mix.
What Appeals to me? I found it a little slow, but the variety of characters was fun, the mystery and secret kept me going and the whole family aspect with its exploration of loss and grief was interesting. Plus how we often make judgements about others that is quite far from the actual truth.
And so... At some point in time I will be happy to venture into reading another Monica McInerney book .
I'm curious about the first and last authors. I have the second book on my TBR. It's always fun to learn about new authors from you and Katherine. You two are great book resources.
ReplyDeleteWhy are there always 3 daughters...have u noticed?
ReplyDeleteThey all sound good Kathryn but especially the first and last. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Simply South of Simple...and I'm curious about Family Baggage. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm glad you enjoyed Dinner with Edward! It's a quiet book but one that's packed full in its own way. Slightly South of Simple really appeals to me. Partly because the cover looks so warm and beachy and I'm freezing at the moment!
ReplyDeleteI love your cuppa reviews!
ReplyDeleteThank you so, so much for reading Slightly South of Simple! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. The Secret to Southern Charm will be out April 3--and ARCs should be ready January 5! Woo hoo! I loved Dinner with Edward too!! Thanks for all your support. Much love and happy holidays! Kristy Harvey
ReplyDeleteI loved the setting and characters of Slightly South of Simple and look forward to the second book. There's just something about southern fiction that appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews! I too enjoyed Slightly South of Simple.
ReplyDeleteI like your cuppa tea feature. I'm glad to see Kristy Woodson Harvey doing well. Merry Christmas Kathryn and Happy New Year too!
ReplyDeleteI love Monica Mcinnerney but have never read Family Baggage. I'd highly recommend The Faraday Girls.
ReplyDeleteI'll be participating next week. We're staying home and just hanging around. It's going to be nice and quiet.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy when you post this. THANKS.
ReplyDelete