Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Summer Reading List

I've read SO many great books this summer. I love getting immersed in a book and am notorious for staying up all night to read something just because I can't put it down (ahem, Twilight Series). I used to be a huge bookworm and am happy I've gotten back into it but my husband is just learning about my reading skillz (yep with a "z"). I can easily read a 900 pg (well that's what it says on my iPad) book in about 4-5 hours. How do I know? Tim likes to time me, I'm pretty sure he is making fun of me but he says he's just impressed...who knows the real story.

I thought I'd share all of the books I've read & enjoyed this summer just because I'm always looking for great recommendations (Thanks Pinterest!). Hopefully this will help some of you & feel free to share any great reads with me as well!


1.       One Day – David Nicholls
   I am actually in the middle of this book right now but like it so far. It had a slow start but is shaping up pretty well. The bad part? Now I can't go see the movie because I'll be too nit-picky.

2.       The Castaways – Elin Hilderbrand
      This was a sad, but good, story. A little confusing about who is who in the story just because there are SO many characters to keep track of with complicated issues & the ending left a little something to be desired although it does parallel with life but overall a good book.

3.       My Name Is Memory – Ann Brashares
     I really enjoyed this book, I was a little frustrated at times that things couldn't just come together but it is a great love story.

4.       Distant Shores – Kristin Hannah
     Such a great story about a woman really coming into her own. The ending is slightly predictable but it doesn't take away from how good the book is.       

5.       The Murderer’s Daughters – Rand Susan Meyers
     This really shows the complication of a sisterly relationship, especially when the two are so different and have grown up under extreme circumstances. 

6.       One Summer – David Baldacci
        This story really shows perseverance & love overcomes all things...even cancer which touches a chord in my own heart.

7.       Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner
     Looking back, its amazing how similar, yet different this is from Distant Shores. Still a great read!

8.       Silver Girl – Elin Hilderbrand
    A great story about the power of a friendship that is damaged but forgiveness allows for healing & repair.

9.       The Island – Elin Hilderbrand
     A beautiful story about the special relationships that exist between mothers, daughters & sisters.

10.   The Pilot’s Wife – Anita Shreve
A GREAT book, one that kept up intrigued from beginning to the satisfying end.

11.   Lies That Chelsea Told Me – Chelsea Handler
This book had me in tears from laughing so hard and that doesn't happen often.

12.   Blue Christmas – Mary Kay Andrews
       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing!

13.   Savannah Blues – Mary Kay Andrews
       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

14.   Savannah Breeze – Mary Kay Andrews
       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

15.   The Fixer Upper – Mary Kay Andrews
       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

16.   Hissy Fit – Mary Kay Andrews
       Just going to do a generic thing for the next few. MK Andrews writes books that are fantastic for keeping you entertained without causing you to have to think through. Very enjoyable and perfect for relaxing! 

17.   Firefly Lane – Kristin Hannah
             This is a great book about women's friendships which will leave you satisfied but will get you teary eyed at points.

18.   Love the One You’re With – Emily Giffin
Another one out of the park by Emily Giffin, her books are always fantastic reads!

19.   Sweet Valley Confidential – Francine Pascal
Yep, I went there. Jess & Liz have really developed some salacious lives!

20.   Return to Sullivan’s Island – Dorothea Benton Frank
This is not Dorothea Benton Frank's best book by far but it was still fairly enjoyable.

21.   The Help – Kathryn Stockett
By far the best book I've read all summer & the movie was pretty fantastic as well!

22.   The Hour I First Believed – Wally Lamb
      This book was strange...not really my thing but the beginning of it that you get in the preview section is really good!

23.   The Way We Were – Paul Burrell
      I actually got this book so I could look at the pictures, yes really, but they didn't include that in the e-book...I was jipped!

24.   The Shack – William P. Young
     I have a confession, I haven't made it through this book yet & it really has not been one of my favorites but I am bound & determined to finish it...someday.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Adams Family

This past weekend we headed down to Charleston & stayed with my old roommate Megan & her boyfriend Cameron (& sweet pup Brady) for my friend Jenny's wedding to Dan. It was such a sweet wedding & had so many personalized touches from friends donating their time & talents to bake cupcakes, sew table linens & the ring pillow & making her hairpiece. I was incredibly honored to be a honorary bridesmaid & even though we got a little rain it was still a beautiful day. Here is to a long & happy life for the new Adams family!


The weekend started at Husk on Friday for the Bridal Luncheon.







It was followed up that evening with the rehearsal dinner at High Cotton with the BEST Maid of Honor speech I have ever seen, don't worry I videoed it & even put it on here. We also went out to Brick for some late night fun after the dinner.

MOH Speech:








Then it was time for the big day! They got married at the First Baptist Church in Downtown Charleston followed by a reception at Founder's Hall.

















A big group of us went back to Megan & Cameron's after the wedding where a little beer pong was played & they all were sweet enough to help Tim ring in his 29th birthday. He decided to faceplant into the cake for reasons unknown although it was a highlight of the night.









Finally I'll leave you all with Jenny's "Wiggin' Out" themed bachelorette party. Unfortunately I had another wedding in NC that weekend and couldn't be there in person but did want to make sure I had a presence so I shipped myself down to Myrtle Beach for the weekend.