Summer Reads

Books are an escape for me, a vacation, so I like happy, interesting books about people who live somewhere I have never been. Think Under the Tuscan Sun. 

 When I recommend books to read, you must note that I am not picking from the best sellers list. I do not read the disturbing  blood and guts mysteries, nor any vampire or shades of gray types. I don't read biographies of screwed up people. SO, now is the time to quit reading this post if the above are your choices.

Today's books all have a beachy, vacation feel to them. 

Being land locked in Kansas....

(no, it's really not that bad)

I want a fun-filled vacation, get away read. 

I am reading constantly, having 2 books going at once, and maybe an audio book too,  but this last one I read really is staying with me. Do you ever read a book and then keep thinking about the characters, wanting to still be a part of their lives?

Porch Lights takes place on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. Three generations are together in the family home, and little Charlie (10 years) and Glam (Glamorous Grandma) steal the dialogue. Funny, heart wrenching, with lots of descriptions of island life there. I liked all the characters, and although the ending is predictable, it is a good summer read.

In addition, when I travel, I listen to audio books in the car. I picked up Porch Lights, the audio,  at the library for my mom, and I must say the reader is EXCELLENT.  This is the book you want to hear! Let someone tell you this story!

I am also reading The Mermaid Garden by Santa Montefiore.

Set in modern Italy and England, the author provides a lush, tranquil atmosphere and wonderful characters you want to know.  The story is set at a beautiful old estate on the English coast. :You come to know the family who own the hotel, as well as the guests who come and go.  Italy is drawn into the book with a corresponding story that brings all the characters together.

I have read several books by Elin Hilderbrand and Summerland does not disappoint.

Taking place in Nantucket, the author's home, the story follows the lives of three families with teenagers  who all live there year round. In a close-knit island community, a teenage car accident defines and changes the lives of these families. A  more serious summer read, Hilderbrand draws you into each families' dynamics, as she tells the story through several different characters point of view. 

Tell me what you've been reading this summer and if you've read any of these books. 

I am linking to 

Milk Glass and Silver Centerpiece

Hobnail milk glass and silver make a kind  of shabby and chic combination.

I put this centerpiece together for the porch. 

I like the cool, calm greens and white. 

I used Huechera, Boston Fern, Lilly of the Valley, and different Hosta leaves. 

I am joining

and 

 for Tablescape Thursday

and

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness, has never danced in the rain.

.... and I am ready to dance in the rain.

So do we have rain? No, I am still watering. 

  As is most of the country, Kansas is having a bad drought.*** My mom is beginning to talk about the drought of the 1930's in comparison. Eek! We have no water restrictions......yet.

I have given up trying to keep the lawn going, letting it go dormant, however I am keeping the plants alive as best I can. The garden hose has become my nemesis. 

Don't forget to keep the bird baths filled. I put pans of water on the ground to keep the squirrels and opossums from climbing the bird bath and toppling it! 

Except for this bird bath, which leaks, so I planted it. 

View from the screened porch. See how dried up the lawn has become? Boo Hoo. 

I notice the birds are visiting the feeders much more too. I guess many plants dried up before they were able to produce seeds.

*** An added note: Today Kansas is the hottest place in the country. Nice.....

I am joining

A Southern Daydreamer for

and

Note Card Party

I just discovered Vee's Note Card Party. It has some wonderful, beautifully crafted photos that many talented folks have chose to share at a party. What a great idea! SO, here is my humble contribution.

Final Touch Daylily with bad bug!

Doesn't this look good right now?

Or this? Lookout Mountain, Colorado. 

A perfect END, scratch it, if it itches!

I am joining 

Queen Anne's Table

Time for a cool, neutral table, with crisp white napkins, white ironstone and Queen Anne's Lace for a bouquet.

A little secret... I actually like starching and ironing napkins and tablecloths. They look so nice all starchy!

Place mats from Kohl's.

Dinner plates are Gibson, salad plates are Pfaltzgraff  Weave. 

I set my table and then went out to pick the Queen Anne's Lace. It grows along the roads and in the fields.

 I live in the suburbs, encroaching on farm land.

Isn't that sky beautiful?

I am joining Kim at

and
Susan at