Monday, August 6, 2012

Book Review & Giveaway: "The Things I Do For You" by Mary Carter

The Things I Do For You Banner



I am pleased to say that I am taking part in the above blog tour!  You can click on the picture to go find out more details about the book, the author and other tour stops.  I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinions about the book.

Now, my review:

Pump Up Your Book Presents The Things I Do For You Virtual Book Publicity Tour 2012

Title:  "The Things I Do For You"
Author:  Mary Carter
Publisher:  Kensington Books
Publication Date:  7/31/2012
Pages:  352
Buy From Amazon:  HERE

Book Description:

What happens to a marriage when a husband buys a lighthouse behind his wife’s back?

Bailey Jordan has loved her husband, Brad, since they were ten years old. She’s followed him on every adventure–opening a sweater store in Seattle, a café in Colorado, a surf shop in Santa Monica. Each time, she’s picked up the pieces when things fell apart. But now, it’s her turn. Bailey has a successful real estate career in Manhattan, and she’s eager to start a family–until a car crash leaves Brad in a coma and changes their lives forever.

Awakening after his near-death experience, Brad has a new mission. He buys a lighthouse on the Hudson River, planning to turn it into a B&B. Grateful to have Brad alive, Bailey tries to make his dream her own. The lighthouse is beautiful, but the challenges–renovating, bringing in supplies by boat, navigating the locals and guests–are enormous. And then Bailey discovers a secret in Brad’s past that compels her to question her husband, her marriage, and how far she’ll go to keep them both. . .

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Just by reading the description and seeing the cover of this book I was ready fall in love.  And I did!

This book is a roller-coaster ride from the beginning to the end.  Whenever I had to put the book down to take care of "life", I couldn't wait until I would be able to pick it back up.

The mystery involved was driving me crazy trying to figure it out!  But then when it was all over, I was a bit sad.  This is a new author for me, and I really can't wait to check out some of her other books.

My Favorite Character:

My favorite character was most definitely Bailey!  I could really relate to her character.  There were times when I really didn't understand how she could remain so calm and loyal to her husband.  If I were her, I think I would have beaten him over the head with something!  I guess that is what marriage is though.  Her loyalty and patience really made me think about my attitude.

My Favorite Scene:

My favorite scene is actually many scenes together.  It was the remodeling of the lighthouse to make it B&B ready.  I love design shows and I could just picture the details that were going into the lighthouse.  I loved reading about the tile choices and the decorating of the rooms along with all the detail that make a B&B memorable.


My Favorite Sentence/Paragraph:
Just when Bailey thought she had become quite accustomed to the oddities of her guests, she was surprised yet again.  She came into the kitchen one morning to find the bird-watcher sitting naked at the dining room table.  She let out a screech.   (hilarious!  lol)
It Would Have Been Better If:

If the lighthouse was a real place that I could go visit.  I would love that!


I Would Recommend This Book To:

Lighthoue enthusiasts, wives whose husbands drive them insane, those who have had a NDE, renovation lovers, B&B-ers, island dwellers, thirty-somethings, realtors, boaters, beach walkers.


Rating

5/5

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Now, for the giveaway!

This giveaway is for a signed copy of an "Advance Uncorrected Proof" of this book with permission from the author.  Here's how you can enter:

*Mandatory-  Please leave a comment telling me what about this book appeals to you most.

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you do :)

The giveaway will run until August 13, 2012 at 11:59pm.  The winner will be announced on August 14th.

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On to the next book,

7 comments:

  1. I adore lighthouses. I buy calendars with lighthouse photos. Just last night I tried to draw a lighthouse. I also love bed and breakfast places. I would love to read this book. I can't imagine how the wife got through such a hard experience. I have fallen in love with the cover too. I love the way you wrote your review. Thanks for entering me.

    teakettle58(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. Wow, you're a keeper, Colletta! I loved your review and I loved how you presented it, thank you so much!

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  3. I love reading B&B books, and have followed Mary Carter since I read The Pub Across the Pond! Have recommended a number of times.
    Would really enjoy reading her new one!! Sounds like an amazing story, PLUS autographed!
    Thanks for offering the giveaway!

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  4. I have to admit that the thing that appeals to me first about this book is the cover. I saw it in person the other day and my first thought was, "I want that dress."

    Of course, the story line is what made me want to actually read it, but the cover's what drew me to it. I think their relationship sounds interesting and want to see what it turns out to be like.

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  5. I love the cover I also love B&B stories and one in a lighthouse sounds so interesting. I would love to win!!!

    kayswederski at yahoo dot com

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  6. I'm attracted to the cover. I know I am being superficial but I can't help it.
    GFC: wni
    email: xgirl[dot]wni[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

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