This week the folks at The Broke And The Bookish are focusing on Books Set Outside The United States. To find out all the great books bloggers are recommending, click HERE.
I’m not much of a traveler, but I have loved the places I visited in books! Because there are so many great books set outside of the US, I have included many more than 10, 25 in fact. Divided by geographic location, my list includes books set within the last 100 years so that you can easily see where you are visiting! Have fun exploring the world!
A dying wish alters the course of a young woman’s life.
Life hadn’t been easy for Summer Snow. In acts of selflessness-caring for her ailing parents and running her grandmother’s bookstore-she had forfeited her youth and dreams for the needs of others. And the only tries she had at love… didn’t turn out. She had the bookstore, she had her beloved granny, but she was missing something-or someone.
Opportunity strikes when Granny sends Summer on an unexpected adventure with one Martin Langtree, a kind but gangly young man from Summer’s past. A childhood friendship is rekindled, a romance is sparked, and mysteries are solved in one magical Texas summer. Will Summer strike out on love again, or will things finally go her way?
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
My Impressions:
Summer’s List by Anita Higman is a contemporary romance that reads a bit like a fractured fairy tale, complete with a fairy grandmother, evil step-brothers and an awkward prince! The characters learn to live, love and dream before the happily ever after. This one is a quick and light read for the hopeful romantic.
Summer has been putting others first for so long, she has difficulty living for herself. Faced with loss, she is commanded to go on a quest — a bucket list of sorts — to find out what she wants. Along the way Summer finds herself and the elusive love she has been searching for.
While the premise of Summer’s Listreally appealed to me — learning to live, following dreams — I really could not get into this book. Many of the characters were caricatures, and to me, too unbelievable. I did like Summer’s grandmother and her wisdom in sending Summer on a necessary life quest, but although an integral part of the story, she was not featured enough for me. I guess I would have liked more development and background information for the characters to understand motivations and reactions. The dialog seemed a bit stilted breaking up the flow of the story for me. Even though this was not a favorite of mine, many other reviewers loved it, so please check out other reviews HERE.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to River North and LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
One decision changed both their lives . . . but will love win in the end? Charlotte Rose Hill enjoys a comfortable life serving up country delicacies, uniquely blended teas, and matchmaking advice for her quirky, devoted customers. The only thing lacking is someone to share it with. At eighteen she denied Sam Wilder’s marriage proposal after his family convinced her to walk away from their relationship. They both moved on . . . or so she thought. When Sam walks back into her life more than a decade later, Charlotte is surprised that her heart still quickens. But is it because of his presence? Or because of the presence of Sam’s new fiancée? A second chance at love doesn’t happen often, but their past may keep them apart. Is it too late for Sam and Charlotte?
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
My Impressions:
Anita Higman’s newest book is full of small-town charm and quirky characters. If you are looking for a story in which true love wins, consider A Marriage in Middlebury.
Charlotte, the beloved owner of Rose Hill Tea Room, knows how to treat her customers right. Here specially blended teas, delectable treats and her compassion make her establishment a favorite destination for locals as well as out of towners. But Charlotte’s contented life comes undone when the love of her life returns home . . . with his fiance. There is going to be a marriage in town, but just which couple will be making those vows? Long held secrets and hurts are exposed to the light of day and the truth will set the characters free.
Overall, A Marriage in Middlebury, is a quick, romantic read. A bit predictable, it still will appeal to those who love character driven stories. And while I didn’t really connect with the characters, I think most fans of clean romance will find much to like in Higman’s novel. There are some strong spiritual themes in this book — forgiveness, grace and freedom through truth — that add a lot to the storyline. I suggest that you check out other reviewers in order to decide if A Marriage in Middlebury is right for you — reviews HERE.
(Thanks to LitFuse for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.
Anita is celebrating with a Tea for Two giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th.
One winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire for you AND a friend
A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman (one to keep and one to give away!)
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 12th. Winner will be announced at the “Tea for Two” Facebook Author Chat Party on December 12th. Invite your friends and connect with Anita for an evening of book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Anita’s next book!
So grab your copy of A Marriage in Middlebury and join Anita on the evening of December 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY BY CLICKING JOIN AT THE EVENT PAGE. SPREAD THE WORD — TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY AND PARTY VIA FACEBOOK OR TWITTER. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON 12/12!
Here’s a devotional suited for personal or group study — Where God Finds You by Anita Higman.
In forty devotional tales, Where God Finds You breathes new life into ancient Bible characters. Live with and learn about more than forty Bible men and women, including the wife of Pontius Pilate, Esther, John the Baptist, Delilah, Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene.
Through reflection on Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover a place in each of these lives of vulnerability, tenderness, truth, and love—a place where you can find God . . . and where God finds you.
Where God Finds You is unique among women’s devotional books in that it brings dozens of men and women of the Bible to life through dramatic short stories, connects biblical truths to today’s culture, and offers readers an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned. Each devotion features:
• A dramatic retelling of Scripture that allows the reader to crawl into the pages of the Bible. • The Story from God’s Word: a quote or paraphrase of the applicable Bible passage in a reader-friendly version. • The Story—From Then to Now: a personal reflection from the author to help link the passage to life today. • The Story—Questions to Think About: prompts for personal reflection or group discussion that lead to practical application.
Award-winning author Anita Higman has had over thirty books published for adults and children, including Love Finds You in Humble Texas. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of communication, psychology, and art. Ms. Higman has won two awards for her contribution to literacy and has raised thousands of dollars for literacy with her book I Can Be Anything, while serving on the board of directors of Literacy Advance of Houston. Find out more at www.anitahigman.com.
(I received this book from Standard Publishing.)
To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.
Lily Winter’s wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily’s lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she’d been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.
Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman feels like a coming-of-age story, even though the main character, Lily Winter, is approaching her 40th birthday! This is a book about discovery — of self, family and new love. A fun and sometimes poignant read, I recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction.
Lily Winter gets a huge surprise when she visits her mother after 10 years of estrangement. A recent widow dealing with anger towards her late husband’s infidelity, Lily wants some kind of reconciliation in her life. so when she tries to mend fences with her mother, a long hidden secret is divulged and Lily is sent on a trip to the other side of the world to bring healing to her family. What Lily finds in Melbourne, Australia — her long lost identical twin and a charming man who has his own family issues — brings with it hope and promises of a future.
Winter in Full Bloom has many strengths — a fresh, first person perspective from Lily, themes of reconciliation and forgiveness, and a promise of healing and growth even for those long thought past prime. The characters are complex and varied and sometimes shocking in their brutal views on life. Marcus, especially, is a character that readers will love. Melbourne comes alive and made me want to explore all that it can offer. The only thing I disliked was the pace of the story. The storyline progressed so fast it seemed to strain credibility. But what I think of as weakness, others will love.
Winter in Full Bloom is an honest portrayal of wounded people acting badly, but not beyond the redemptive power of God’s love. And like life, not everything is wrapped up nice and tidy — another thing I actually liked. So if you are in the mood for travel across the globe and a journey of reflection and discovery, pick up Winter in Full Bloom.
Recommended.
To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.
(Thanks to River North and LitFuse for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Anita has teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.
One grand prize winner will receive:
A Kindle Fire HD
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she’ll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.
So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 29TH!
Sometimes I receive books by mistake! But what great mistakes they can be. Check out the following devotional book by Anita Higman.
40 Devotions Bringing Bible Characters to Life
In forty devotional tales, Where God Finds You breathes new life into ancient Bible characters. Live with and learn about more than forty Bible men and women, including the wife of Pontius Pilate, Esther, John the Baptist, Delilah, Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene.
Through reflection on Scripture and prayer, you’ll discover a place in each of these lives of vulnerability, tenderness, truth, and love—a place where you can find God . . . and where God finds you.
Where God Finds You is unique among women’s devotional books in that it brings dozens of men and women of the Bible to life through dramatic short stories, connects biblical truths to today’s culture, and offers readers an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned. Each devotion features:
• A dramatic retelling of Scripture that allows the reader to crawl into the pages of the Bible. • The Story from God’s Word: a quote or paraphrase of the applicable Bible passage in a reader-friendly version. • The Story—From Then to Now: a personal reflection from the author to help link the passage to life today. • The Story—Questions to Think About: prompts for personal reflection or group discussion that lead to practical application.
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
(I received a copy of Where God Finds You from Buoyancy Public Relations.)
Giveaway!
If you would like a copy of Where God Finds You, just leave me comment. Giveaway will run through January 1.
Many of the books I review are provided to me free of charge from publishers, authors, or other groups in return for a review. The opinions expressed in the reviews are mine and mine alone. No monetary consideration is given. This disclaimer is in accordance with FTC rules.
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