Book Review: Beach House by Mary Kay Andrews

Please Note: This Post Contains Affiliate and / or Referral Links

 

Beach Town: Mary Kay Andrews

Beach Town: Mary Kay Andrews

It's been some years now since I read my first book by Mary Kay Andrews.  I honestly can't recall if it was Hissy Fit or one of her other books that I first read.  What I do remember was being absolutely captivated and mesmerized by how perfectly she was able to capture the true heart of the south.

Hollywood has long had such skewed preconceived notions of how us southern ladies are, and so to find an author who had truly captured the heart of the south and the spirit of the southern woman was so refreshing.  She nailed it with Hissy Fit and her portrayal of a southern woman scorned.

The last few books have been a little different feeling than the earlier books I had fell in love with, yet they still managed to feel "southern".  Beach Town to me seemed to lack the trademark Mary Kay Andrews "Southern, Sassy woman".

In Beach Town, we are taken to a remote old school southern beach town called Cypress Bay.  Greer Hennesy, a Hollywood location scout, has been tasked with the impossible, finding an uncommercialized beach that has the feel of a remote and almost forgotten beach town.  However, Cypress Bay is just the right location, it has all the qualities that the director is looking for.

Most of the locals are more than thrilled to discover that Hollywood is descending on their little town.  However, the mayor and "Jack of all trades", Eb Thibadeaux is less than impressed by the bright lights and the big name stars.  The mayor is more concerned with how this whole movie situation can have a negative impact on their small community.

When the director and writer of "Beach Town" has inspiration strike and sets his heart on having an explosive ending, the tensions between the Mayor and Greer only escalate.  Seems the crew and Greer have their sites set on a local historic landmark "casino" and they have plans to not only fix it up to feature it in their movie, they also have the casino in mind for their "explosive" ending.

With a cast of characters that are more Hollywood than "Southern charm", this book feels different than Mary Kay Andrews trademark style.  Don't get me wrong this was a good book, but the storyline didn't pull me in and grab my attention.  Generally when reading a Mary Kay Andrews book, it takes me two nights TOPS to finish.  However, this one it took at least a week to finish.

I just didn't find myself really connecting with these characters, I didn't feel any emotional connection to what happened to them.  I wasn't rooting for any of the characters.  It just lacked anything that made me feel immersed in the story.

The last chapter or two, I finally felt invested in the story and it got exciting a bit.  However Beach Town is a long long way from the quirky and lovable imperfect southern characters in Hissy Fit and Savannah Blues and other of Mary Kay Andrews books.

I hope that this is a "one-off" and that Mary Kay Andrews goes back to the types of characters that we have come to expect to find in her books.  For me Beach Town just totally missed the mark and didn't even feel anything like a Mary Kay Andrews book.  I literally felt as if I could have been reading any ol' book by any ol' author.  It just was severly lacking in character and heart.

It literally pains me to have to say anything less than glowing things about Mary Kay Andrews.  Afterall, there's no way that I could do anything near as good as Beach Town, but as an avid reader and lover of Ms. Andrews work, I just have to give my honest opinion.

SassyGalReads Rating:

Writing: 4 Stars

Storyline: 3 Stars

Characters: 2 Stars

 Would I Recommend? I would recommend earlier works by Mary Kay Andrews

**  I was in no way compensated for this review.  I paid for my own book, all the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Vardin Village: A Book Review

Please Note: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links

Vardin Village by Maggie Spence

on Amazon

Resolutions: Read More

Sadly, I think a lot of the younger generation has missed out on one of the best pastimes.  So often these days kids are so into their tech gadgets that to actually sit down and read a book seems "Boring".  Reading books, whether it be non-fiction or fiction is to me and important part of life and helps your brain to be active (IN A GOOD WAY).  I feel sometimes as if it's almost a dying art.

I used to do tons of book reviews, and I have somewhat backed away from doing them.  I think primarily because it kinda  Not that I don't still read, because I read daily.  Reading for me is a necessity and a way to escape the stresses of my own life and for just a brief time become immersed inside a world of fiction.  I highly respect those who have the gift of writing and share that gift with the world.  

Unknown Authors...

One of the brilliant parts of technology is the gift of immediate gratification.  No longer do we have to wait for a package to arrive with books, we can order instantly from Amazon and other Ebook retailers.  I know for myself I've discovered a ton of authors that if it werent' for ebooks, I'd have never heard of nor tried.

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut, or at least I know for myself I do.  There was a long period of time where I didn't want to read anything that wasn't written by UK or Irish authors.  I became obsessed with UK Chick-lit.  Yet, I had just about read all of my favorites and so it was relying on Amazon's recommendations that I was able to discover a ton of new authors and give books I'd have never thought to read a shot!

Vardin Village: An Ebook 

Vardin Village is titled after the Fictional town in which the book is set.  It seems to be set somewhere up north around Massachussets, etc.  (It may have said and I just can't remember).  The story centers around a sixteen year old kid named George and his younger sister Eleanor.  George and his sister are Vardin's, the family that the town takes it's name from.  

The whole story is set around George and his sister and their ancestrial home which was left to the village when his grandfather, George the Sixth died.  George and his sister have a cottage that they live in that is connected to the mansion.  The story begins when his "Uncle Morris", a friend of George's grandfather (George the Sixth) comes to town and discovers that the children have been living in less than ideal conditions.

George's mother has basically left the children to go and be with her current boyfriend.  His father died some years back, and so in a sense it's just himself and his sister.  Despite coming from a long line of a prominent family, George and his sister are pretty much destitute.  There are a wonderful cast of characters that rally together to help George and his sister stay out of the "System" and it brings together people who otherwise likely wouldn't have had any connection.

We also have our needed "Antagonist" in the story by way of Ash Jansen and the Jansen family which includes a former Miss USA and a son who is your stereotypical Rich boy with a superiority complex.  Mrs. Jensen in a lot of ways seems highly delusional and out of touch with reality.  A lot of her bits seemed to be over the top.

My Thoughts...

The Cons..

While the writing isn't the best I've ever read, and it is pretty telling that this is the authors first "rodeo", the story itself is a good one.  When I first started reading it, it seemed very amateur and almost as if it had been written by a teenager.  Some of the language used just doesn't seem to be very realistic and believable.  There are times when the author write sentences in ALL CAPS, kinda how we do on social media to make the point that we are ANGRY.  I've never read a book in which they used All Caps to convey emotion.

The Pros

I really enjoyed the story.  Once I moved passed the second or third chapter, it seemed that the flow was better.  There was one part that discussed depression and drug abuse and I definitely could relate to those issues and it was nice to see how the author handled and felt about those issues.  I read a lot of UK literature and in some ways it felt that this was a UK setting, it had the "Village" feel to it like a lot of UK books I read.

It was a heartwarming story watching a pack of virtual strangers (not exactly strangers, but not bosom buddies either) come together and fight for what's right even if it meant breaking a few rules along the way.  

Overall:

While the writing isn't the best, the story is a good one.  This is one reason why I stopped doing a lot of book reviews, because I know that I am not a great writer and so it feels a little condescending to say that someone's writing isn't great.  However, I feel with a little time Maggie Spence could develop into a great writer.  She defintely had a great story within, it's just I guess tuning her craft.  The fact that I was able to finish this story (there are so many books that I can't finish- from well known and great writers) speaks volumes for how good the STORY is.  

It pulled me in and had me excited to see what unfolded next.  That's the main purpose of any book, is to make you forget the world in which you are living and become a part of the world in which the author has created.  And for myself, Ms. Spence was able to do just that.  While she's not likely to win a Pultizer for this book, she's managed to weave a beautiful story together and capture her audience and provide entertainment.

Purchase on Amazon:

Vardin Village by Maggie Spence

on Amazon

**  I received this product for review purposes.  However, my thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Homemade Decadence by Joy the Baker: Birchbox Book Club (December)

 Birchbox Book Club: December Selection

Please Note:  All Pictures are my own photos of Joy the Baker's Book: Homemade Decadence

Homemade Decadence: Joy the Baker (Blogger & Author)

Please Note:  This Post May Contain Affiliate and/or Referral Links

Birchbox Book Club:

Birchbox is now a well known brand, most well known for catering to the world of beauty lovers.  The brand that started the "Subscription Box" revolution and that has relied heavily on YouTube "How-To" videos and "Word of Mouth" marketing to gain a foothold in the beauty industry, has now dipped it's toes in a variety of areas.  One of the latest items on the Birchbox agenda is their "Book Club".  Birchbox started it's book club in June of this year, debuting with the summer hit from Emily Straub, "The Vacationers".  They have since covered a wide array of book genres including fiction, as well as non-fiction books from celebs turned authors such as: Mindy Kaling, Amy Pohler and now blogger turned author Joy the Baker.

To learn more about Birchbox and their Book Club: 

birchbox.com

Homemade Decadence 

Joy the Baker: A blogger turned Author

Bloggers everywhere are probably giving a big yelp at December's Birchbox Book Club Selection.  Afterall, blogging is one of those "hobbies" that can instantly make you feel a "kindred" spirit with others.  Granted, I'm personally nowhere near as great at blogging as "Joy the Baker" is, but still it's really awesome to see someone find such success in blogging and their other pursuits.

To follow Joy The Baker's Blog:  joythebaker.com

With 145 THOUSAND followers on Facebook, 171 THOUSAND followers on InstaGram, it's safe to say that Joy has "arrived".  She started blogging in 2008 and now her list of accomplishments include weekly podcasts, two cookbooks and a huge ton of fans who follow her every move.  She must be doing something right!

She began her blog out of a love for all things cooking.  She was raised by parents who shared a love of cooking delicious food and it was a love that was passed down to Joy herself.  She's a self-taught cook, following with the likes of Rachel Ray who is also a "Self-Taught" cook.  On her "About Me" page she labels herself:  Author, Photographer, and Donut Enthusiast.  Being a blogger myself, I know that there are many more hats that she wears.

A Baker, I am Not...

I sadly am not a huge baker.  There's something about the Precise measurements that totally throw me off.  I'm a southern girl where we are raised to cook with a "pinch of this" and a "itty bit more of that", I was self-taught from watching those around me cooking and I can tell you measuring cups play almost no role in my own everyday cooking.  Give me a recipe that requires exact measurements and I'll show you how to "Sure Fire Screw it UP"!  

My mother, however, is a Queen at baking.  Growing up friends delighted in her homemade Rice Krispies (That tasted FAR better than Kellogs ever made them), her Rice Krispies recipes varied from butterscotch Rice Krispies to Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies.  So, when I found out what the December Birchbox Book Club Selection was, I knew I had to have it so that my mother could discover some new hits in which to treat her adoring family at family get-together's.

Peeking between the Pages of: Homemade Decadence

Five Delicious Sections:

Joy The Baker has cleverly placed her delicious looking recipes into five easy to navigate sections:

Intro: Table of Contents

• Brunch
• Cookies, Brownies & Bars
• Pies, Crumbles & Cobblers
• Layer Cakes, Cupcakes & Skillet Cakes
• Ice Cream Social

The sections all feature amazing recipes with unique flavor profiles and combinations.  Some of the recipes seem a tad intimidating to a self-proclaimed CRAP BAKER like myself.  However, they all look so amazingly delicious that I may someday be forced to break out of my comfort zone to try a few of these out for myself.

Delicious Recipes, Gorgeous Pictures....

Brunch: Breakfast Nachos p. 52

The mark of a great "Cookbook", in my eyes is a combination of unique recipes with flavors I haven't thought of before mixed with gorgeous photography.  This book definitely has both.  She's taken sometimes ordinary ingredients and the ways in which she combines flavors turns them from simple, everyday recipes to sensational discoveries.

With 125 different recipes, this book is destined to have a recipe or two that everyone can fall in love with.  There's even on recipe inside the Brunch section that I am definitely going to be trying as soon as I can gather all the required ingredients.  It's more "Cooking" than baking and it seems like something I definitely could try!  The recipe, found on page: 52 is called "Roasted- Potato Breakfast Nachos" and while it's labeled as a breakfast item, it seems a delicious treat anytime of day!

A Look Inside the Sections...

Just a peek at some of the type of recipes you'll find in Homemade Decadence.

The Breakfast   which starts out with "Fresh Raspberry-Honey Butter" and features recipes for different flavored scones, Hawaiian sweet pineapple breakfast rolls, Roasted Strawberry & Balsamic Grits, to French Onion Quiche there are a ton of new recipes for you to sink your teeth into! These are definitely recipes that make you get outside of your comfort zone and try new and exciting flavors!

Vanilla Bean Confetti Cookies: Page 88

The Cookies, Brownies & Bars  features recipes: Dark Chocolate, Pistachio & Smoked Sea Salt Cookies, Vanilla Bean Confetti Cookies, Lemon Bars and a sure fire hit with Toasted Marshmallow Squares (These are just a HIGHLIGHT of all the recipes featured, there are so many more delicious recipes)

Chocolate Dipped Cookie-Dough Balls: Pg. 99

Pies, Crumbles & Cobblers

Church Party Peach Cobbler w/
 Orange & Cinammon Dumplings  (Pg 169)

Joy the Baker starts out this section with "How to Make Perfect Buttermilk Pie Crust" With just a handful of ingredients she teaches us how to make our own HOMEMADE pie crust!  She makes it seem fairly simple!

Recipes range from: Happy Birthday Brownie Pie, Chocolate Pudding Pie, Lemon-Blueberry Pie, a Strawberry-Ginger Crumb Cobbler, and ends with an intriguing "Mango-Rose Water Cheesecake".

There are also a few different recipes for different crusts as well.  She seems to be taking it to the basics and teaching us "newbies" how to make magic in the kitchen.  

Layer Cakes, Cupcakes & Skillet Cakes

S'More Cake: Page 193

Much like she did with the pies and teaching how to start with a basic crust, she does the same with the Cakes!  The section begins with a Basic Three-Layer Yellow Cake recipe and features other basic cake recipes.  She's sectioned the cake recipes from the frosting recipes so that they can be easily mixed to your heart's desire.

There's even a "Vegan" cake recipe.  Recipes like Under-Baked Chocolate Chip Skillet Cake, Brown Sugar Cupcakes,S'more Cake, and Almond Angel Food Cake w/ Vanilla Scented Citrus the recipes in this section with leave your mouth watering.

Ice Cream Social:

Lavender-Earl Grey: Pg 238

Last, but certainly not least is the Ice Cream Social.  Probably not for the faint at heart, ice cream recipes require a lot of elbow grease and a ton more dedication.  But, if you are brave enough to withstand, the results I'm sure will be well worth it.  With your standard French Vanilla Bean ice cream to a bit more bold flavors like: Rose Water Ice Cream with Pistachios & White Chocolate this section probably features the most unique flavors out of the whole book.

If I sat here and talked about every yummy recipe in this book, this post would end up being a mile long.  There are truly an outstanding number of unique flavor combinations that Joy the Baker has put together in this cook book.  There are even a number of recipes for unique Drinks that have been included as well.  From Red Snapper Cocktail to Mango-Watermelon Tequila Sunrise (Pg.63-69 showcase some of the drink recipes included in the book) these are definitely some interesting flavorful drinks!

Caramel Swirled Sweet Corn Ice Cream
Pg. 241

Bread & Brown Butter Ice Cream
Pg. 250

Overall: 

Gosh, this is probably the longest book review I've ever done and trust me I've put out some long-winded book reviews in my time!!  Although I'm not necessarily a baker, I do enjoy my food and even more I love to look at delicious food.

The mark of a great cookbook should leave your mouthwatering and you searching for ingredients to see if there is anything you could make RIGHT NOW with the ingredients you have on hand.  If a cookbook doesn't make you want to rush out to the store to pick up strange sounding ingredients, you probably aren't reading the right ones.

This cookbook even has a non-baker like myself wanting to test out and try some new and exciting recipes!  While I may not try all of the recipes, there are definitely a few that are on my "Must Try" list!  I think that the recipes Joy the Baker has produced in this book are truly unique.

Buy The Book:

Homemade Decadence is available on Amazon in either Kindle or Print:

Joy the Baker: Homemade Decadence on Amazon