The Forgotten Garden

This is the best book that I have read in a few months. It is the absolutely fascinating story of Nell, a little girl who is abandoned on a ship headed for Austrailia. During the journey, Nell has an accident and when the four year old arrives at her destination, she has absolutely no memory of who she is.

On her 21st birthday, Nell finds out that she is not who she has always believed herself to be. This story is the quest for her to find out her true identity. Why are the little white suitcase and the book of fairy tales that she had with her so important?

In spite of being under a mountain of homework, I absolutely could not put this one down. It was a fascinating page turner that keeps you guessing throughout the entire story. It is certainly not predictable and would make an excellent beach read. I highly recommend it!

For any of you that read the Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield and enjoyed it, this book is for you!

A Timely Taste of Summer

This is a story about three women who all have a common bond and who are carry their share of secrets. They got to Nantucket to spend the summer. Their mother always told them there was nothing a little sand in their shoes couldn't fix. So Brenda, Vicki, and Melanie along with Vicki's children, pack up and go to Nantucket for the summer.

Along the way, the meet Josh, a young journalist student with a nose for a good story. He gets more than he bargains for when he becomes involved with the three women.

This is a story about love and loss, families, friendships, and the unexpected changes that life always brings. It isn't intellectually stimulating, but it is highly enjoyable. If you are suffering from the winter blahs like I am ( Mom, so jealous of your beach time!) then this is a great read to take you away from it all. Feel the sun on your face, the sea wind in your hair and hear the gulls chirp and let the story bring you a taste of summer.