The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe by Mary Simses
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellen Branford, NYC attorney and soon to be married, is on a weekend mission - to deliver her beloved, late grandmother's letter to an old friend in Maine. But what is supposed to be quick trip turns into trouble when Ellen falls through a rotted seaside dock and has to be fished out by a local, handsome carpenter. As Ellen finds out more about her grandmother's young life in the small village, discoveries are made and questions turn into more questions! An enjoyable light read but rather predictable from this first time author.

It is definitely not to be compared, as it was touted, to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a favorite of mine...

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Sweet Salt Air

Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlotte Evans is a freelancing travel writer - she loves her travels around the world and is more than good at her job. Nicole Carlysle, a photoblogger with a huge following, lives on the island of Quinnipeague and blogs about food - delicious, fresh food and herbs. At one time, the two women were almost like sisters on the island, spending all their time together until one huge mistake. Although Nicole has never been aware of the aberration, Charlotte has carried the guilt for ten years - never going back to Quinnipeague until Nicole suggests a collaboration to work on a book of delicious, organic island cooking. What Charlotte doesn't know, is that Nicole carries her own heavy, heartbreaking secret. Can this summer be a time of honesty and truth for the once best friends?

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Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea

Red Ruby Heart in a Cold Blue Sea by Morgan Callan Rogers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twelve years old and on the edge of puberty, Florine is looking forward to her teen years, when her young, lively mother disappears on her annual getaway. Florine and her father are left to flounder along in the small fishing village in Maine. Even with her stalwart Grand across the road with her comforting arms and her small, close knot of friends, Florine becomes more and more depressed - especially when her father's old flame comes around, full of sympathy and toting delicious meals. When another great loss happens, Florine begins to sink beneath the waves of loneliness and depression.

Florine is such a vulnerable character - that you'll fall in love with her and feel her losses and happiness. The other characters, especially Grand, are so real, the setting of coastal Maine described so beautifully, and you'll understand that life is not neat and tidy - and not always tied up with a bow.

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Sea Glass Summer

Sea Glass Summer by Dorothy Cannell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leaving behind a crummy divorce, thanks to her ex and best friend's dalliance, Sarah Draycott is delighted to move to the pretty little town of Sea Glass, Maine. With the coast at her back door and her front door facing the town, Sarah is ready for a do over in a big way. Right away energetic, 90 year old Nellie Armitage, knocks at the front door and makes friends. Then, Sarah makes the acquaintance with 70 something Gwen and her son, Sonny plus little Oliver, an orphan with a huge vocabulary. Sarah finds herself fitting in rather comfortably with the residents of Sea Glass.

I've never read Dorothy Cannell until this book and and found to my surprise that I really enjoyed her writing. I must say she really get detailed and sometimes that can derail your reading but Cannell also has a sense of humor that makes it fun.

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When We Were the Kennedys

When We Were the Kennedys: A Memoir from Mexico, Maine by Monica Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't describe what a wonderful feeling this book gave me - whether it's because I too live in a small town that is kept afloat by a nearby paper-mill (New Page to boot) or the sweet childhood camaraderie of the Wood sisters or that many of my childhood friends were Catholic and we grew up in the 60s... A sweet, exceptional memoir written by Monica Wood, "When We Were the Kennedys" is definitely a worthy read.

From the prologue, you will find the pivoting event that all chapters refer to: Monica's beloved father, only 57, who worked as a foreman at the huge paper-mill and biggest employer in town, the Oxford Paper Company, dies from a massive heart attack as he prepares to enter his car and go to his morning shift at the mill. At home still is Monica, nine, with two young sisters, an older sister who teaches in nearby school, and Mom, who had the three younger girls late in life, and is so distraught over her husband's sudden death that she takes to her bed. Fortunately, Monica has an uncle, Father Bob, who suffers his brother-in-laws death severely as well, but steps in until he too succumbs to despair. At the same time, on the national scene, the handsome, young Catholic leader, President Kennedy, is shot and killed and the Wood family is rallied by his brave widow Jackie O. and small children who are living through similar shock and pain. The book ends on a sweet note with an update of Monica's family and friends.

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