A Summer In Europe Book Tour

By -
Format: Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Kensington (December 1st 2011)

Book blurb: It's not where you go. It's what you take back with you...

Marilyn Brant, author of the acclaimed ACCORDING TO JANE, transports readers across the pond on a grand journey of self-awakening amidst the classic architecture and stunning vistas of Europe -- and a young woman discovers that the ancient wonders around her are nothing compared to the renaissance unfolding within.

On her 30th birthday, Gwendolyn Reese is given an unusual gift by her eccentric aunt: a summer grand European tour arranged through her aunt's Sudoku and Mahjongg Club. Gwen reluctantly leaves her "almost fiancé" and heads to Europe with her aunt and a collection of offbeat club members.

Abroad, Gwen is slowly but surely transformed. She has conversations she'd never expected, is spellbound by London theater, touches a glacier, races through the Louvre, and shares a passionate kiss with a wild young physics professor. And when her old life comes calling again, she must choose between the practical choices she's always made, and a world open to infinite possibilities...

My review: Birthdays, especially monumental ones like 16th or 30th, can be times of celebration or introspection. For Gwendolyn, her 30th is a wake-up call. She thinks her boyfriend, Richard, will give her a ring, as in engagement ring, but instead she receives... a pair of earrings. Yes, they're pearl and lovely, but--not what she wanted. Lucky for her, Aunt Bea knows what to get her niece, even if her relative doesn't know it at the time. Gwen learns Bea is taking her on a trip to Europe. And there is another 'but' this time. It's not just the two of them, but Bea's Sudoku and Mahjongg group buddies, her S&M group, will also be going. From this opening paragraph, Brant's story has already prepared the reader for a trip with a cast of zany, intriguing and never boring characters.

Gwen doesn't care to go on a trip with a bunch of senior citizens. What fun would that be? But then she remembers how her mom died at forty and she decides to go for it. Leaving home turns out to be the best thing for her. On this trip she meets an amazing cast of others, traverses some great places and discovers who she is and what she wants out of life. Brant really makes you feel as if you're in the moment with Gwen, her way with description is wonderful. 

A Summer in Europe is highly recommended. Lovely locales, interesting people, and a woman who learns about the fragility of time and life. There's also the prospect of romance with two charming brothers and Gwen's need to either return home to her 'safe' life or to take some chances and make life interesting. 

Rating: Highly recommended.

Cover comment: Considering the title, this cover is appropriate.

Book source: From publisher for my honest review during a book tour.

Comments

  1. Catherine LeeDecember 18, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    This sounds like my kind of book! Maybe it's because I had a milestone birthday recently (the big 5-0). It sounds like fun reading.

    Thanks for the review.

    Catherine.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Laurie TDecember 19, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Hi Catherine! Yes, this is fun reading and I think you'll like it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sophia RoseDecember 19, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    I love these travelogue style stories because it is my opportunity to vicariously travel. I also like stories about the main character growing and learning.

    Thanks for the review!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

By -
Image
What time is it? Since it's St. Patrick's Day, it's also time for the 4th Annual   Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop ! This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader and co-hosted by Books Complete Me . The hops runs today, March 17th, through midnight on March 24th. Find the complete listing of all the participating blogs HERE   or below. What are we giving away? Well, since spring is ALMOST here and we know many from around our country are tired of dealing with or seeing snow on the ground (as much as I love snow, this season has been one of the toughest ), we thought we would celebrate Spring . Reader Girls is offering our winner their choice of an upcoming spring release--paperback or hardcover, YA, NA or adult--up to $15. If your choice costs more, we can send you a $15 Amazon gift card which you can apply to purchasing your top spring read. We will share our top  two  most anticipated Spring reads.  They are: Let's celebrate ...
Read more

Spring Fling Giveaway Hop

By -
Image
It's time for another hop! This one is the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop which is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and  Eve’s Fan Garden  and runs from now through midnight on May 7th.  We are giving away one ARC of Thorn Abbey by Nancy Ohlin. Our giveaway is open internationally. Here's the book: Thorn Abbey by Nancy Ohlin YA retelling/paranormal*Hardcover/eBook, 304 pages Expected publication: May 7th 2013 by Simon Pulse Nothing is as it seems in this darkly romantic tale of infatuation and possession, inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. Becca was the perfect girlfriend: smart, gorgeous, and loved by everyone at New England’s premier boarding school, Thorn Abbey. But Becca’s dead. And her boyfriend, Max, can’t get over his loss. Then Tess transfers to Thorn Abbey. She’s shy, insecure, and ordinary—everything that Becca wasn’t. And despite her roommate’s warnings, she falls for brooding Max. Now Max finally has a reason to ...
Read more

The Devouring #2: Soulstice by Simon Holt

By -
Image
Reading level: Young Adult Hardcover: 272 pages Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2009) Book summary: The terrifying, nail-biting, and grossly intriguing sequel to The Devouring.  It's been six months since Reggie first discovered and fought against the Vours, malicious and demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on the eve of the Winter Solstice.  The Vours still haunt Reggie, but only in her dreams-until one night, when an unexpected visitor turns her nightmares into reality. My Review: Soulstice was the first book I finished for the new year. Holt has created a gripping, realistic horroriffic fantasy with likable characters, a female heroine we can root for, and a truly evil protagonist. I realized this is the first YA horror series I've read and totally enjoyed. Reggie is back, wondering what the Vours are doing in the quiet time since the incident with Quinn and her rescue of brother Henry six months earlier. The peaceful break d...
Read more