Good Reads

One of my favorite referrals in life besides a great new wine or DIY project I think I'll get to is a good book. My mom and Kerri did not disappoint this month. I now pass this on to you (besides Kerri and my mom who have read 2/3 or 1/3 of these books, respectively) because it can be overwhelming to declare you want to read something and not know where to start. Plus there are only so many times one can read the Harry Potter series.

The Pioneer Woman: From Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, by Ree Drummond
For those who may not know, The Pioneer Woman is a blogging sensation. I read recently that it's estimated she makes approximately $1 million in sponsor ads on her website. In true Erin form, I don't remember the reference, so just believe me. She is one of the few with a simple story and a way with words (and food-which also translated into a cookbook) which now sounds like a pretty good income next to her husband's cattle ranch.

The book chronicles the love story with her "Marlboro Man" (but I did do research here-I wanted to know his real name. It's Ladd.) up to the point of their wedding and first year of their marriage. It's a lighthearted read, filled with her trademark quips, anecdotes, and recipes.

Kerri is her number one fan and hopes to win one of her contests to go to her ranch someday. I would write her every recommendation letter required, citing her perfectly executed Sloppy Joe's and Proscuitto Pizza.

Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes, by Diane Chamberlain
Suffice to say I devoured this book. I found it completely intriguing and with a story line I had not read before.

From the book itself: "CeeCee Wilkes knows how Genevieve Russell died, because she was there. And she also knows what happened to the missing infant, because two decades ago she made the devastating choice to raise the baby as her own. Now Timothy Gleason is facing the death penalty, and she has another choice to make. Tell the truth, and destroy her family. Or let an innocent man die in order to protect a lifetime of lies…"

It is part mystery, part mistaken identity, and entirely suspenseful.

Winter Garden, by Kristin Hannah
My mom raved about this book. Twice to me. I think she forgot about the first time because she was so excited. It was definitely a good read, but it took about 2/3 of the book to get there. I found the set up entirely too long and repetitive to achieve the time length desired. That aside, once the book got to the point, I really enjoyed the tale and I think I even shed a few tears.

Next up, I'm giving Gone with the Wind a second go. I started a few years ago but was interrupted and it's high time Katie Scarlett and I met again.