#TBT Kimberly’s review of Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

TITLE: Barefoot Season
AUTHOR: Susan Mallery
PUBLICATION DATE:   03/27/12
ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N | Powells

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Michelle Sanderson may appear to be a strong, independent woman, but on the inside, she’s still the wounded girl who fled home years ago. A young army vet, Michelle returns to the quaint Blackberry Island Inn to claim her inheritance and recover from the perils of war. Instead, she finds the owner’s suite occupied by the last person she wants to see.

Carly Williams and Michelle were once inseparable, until a shocking betrayal destroyed their friendship. And now Carly is implicated in the financial disaster lurking behind the inn’s cheerful veneer.

Single mother Carly has weathered rumors, lies and secrets for a lifetime, and is finally starting to move forward with love and life. But if the Blackberry Island Inn goes under, Carly and her daughter will go with it.

To save their livelihoods, Carly and Michelle will undertake a turbulent truce. It’ll take more than a successful season to move beyond their devastating past, but with a little luck and a beautiful summer, they may just rediscover the friendship of a lifetime.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Kimberly Wise            NUMBER OF STARS: 4 Stars

REVIEW:
For those of you that are fans of Susan Mallery’s and have become obsessed with her Fool’s Gold series (like myself) the first thing you realize is this is not the “Land of Happy Endings”.  But Blackberry Island will have you wanting to visit all the same.

Michelle left her home 10 years ago after her life fell apart and she lost everyone she cared about including and probably most importantly her best friend Carly. Now Michelle returns from serving her country batter and bruised in more ways then one. She was shot in the hip and what she wants is a little bit of R&R (rest and recovery) at home on Blackberry Island. She needs a place to heal both physically and emotionally. However as the saying goes “you can never go home again”. When she returns to the Inn that was given to her by her father and was in trust until her mother died a few months ago she finds that everything has been changed and none of it for the good. And the worst part is that Carly has had a hand in all of it.

Carly has been running the inn under the assumption that she would grow into becoming a partner but when Michelle’s mother passes she learns the 10 years she has spent working her tail off was for nothing. Her biggest fear is losing her job and being homeless with her 9 year old daughter. She would do anything for her daughter. Even work beside Michelle, the woman who betrayed her so many years ago.

This book is not about romance but about relationships. The relationship between friends, parents and men and how having them and losing them define who we are. Usually when reading a romance you read both the man and woman point of view but this is about Michelle and Carly. This is their story and while romance is on the horizon it is not the focus of this novel. It is about lifelong friendships and how the decisions we make effect us for the rest of our lives. The book is also a look into the healing of a returning soldier but this time that soldier is a female which is different then so many novels out now. This is an incredible book told about women by a woman and meant to be read by every woman. We have all had that friendship we thought would last a lifetime. But for Carly and Michelle it didn’t.. or did it? Do not miss this book and while you are picking up this book pick up Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series… You will not be disappointed!

Save

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover #72

Hello! Viviana, Enchantress of Books, has found some cool stuff for this week’s Gift Ideas for the Book Lover! Check them out and don’t forget to tell us what you think in the comment section below! 

 

Hi Everyone!! Welcome to this week’s “Gift Idea For The Book Lover”!  Today we have something for the home, something yummy and two things that are fashionable! 
Let me know which one you like! 

 

Large subway wood sign fairy tale sign board
$20.00 (plus S&H)
Once In Awhile,
Right In The Middle
Of An Ordinary Life,
Love,
Gives Us A Fairy Tale
Each of my signs are hand painted and created
at the time an order is placed. I take care to ensure
a quality piece for your home.
Each sign is slightly distressed, antiqued through a
special staining process and then sealed for years
of beautiful display in your home.
Each piece is unique as each piece of wood is unique on its own.
This sign measures 12 X 12.
I have painted it in black with antique cream lettering.
 *****
Storybook Decorated Sugar Cookies – Fairy Tales, Princess Theme, Birthday Party Favors, Wedding, Shower, Personalized, Story Book Cookies
$33.00+ (plus S&H)
Cookies are baked in a facility that also makes use of known allergens! Please read my Policies page for additional information, and note that by placing your order you represent that you have read, understood and agree to the stated Policies!
 *****
Alice In Wonderland Heels Wedding Heels Wedding Shoes Classic Literature Heels Literature Shoes Something Blue John Tenniel Lewis Carroll
$90.00 (plus S&H)
Alice In Wonderland Heels Wedding Heels Wedding Shoes Classic Literature Heels Literature Shoes Something Blue John Tenniel Lewis Carroll
Made-To-Order: Alice In Wonderland Black-And-White Heels. The heels are artfully covered with an arrangement of classic Tenniel illustrations. They are trimmed with a light blue ruched ribbon, which is then overlaid with a second narrow black ribbon. The ribbon meets with an offset, small black bow. Peeping from the bow on each shoe is a silver-toned Wonderland themed charm. The charm on each shoe is different, and will be unique to each pair of shoes. Brides, if you are looking for the perfect “something blue” ~ these shoes would be a lovely finishing touch for your special day. (If you would like your names and wedding date scripted on the sole, I’ll be happy to provide that service for no additional charge.) Due to the hand-made nature of my items, irregularities do occur at times and can be welcomed as part of the creative process. Purchase of this item constitutes your agreement to abide by my shop policies.
***IMPORTANT NOTICE: The blue velvety ribbon pictured is discontinued. All further orders will be made with a more translucent light blue ribbon as per the 2nd listing photo. Please ask any questions concerning this before purchase. No refunds or remakes will be offered for failure to read the listing details and view the photographs.
 *****
Heidi Secret Book Safe and Flask
$40.00 (plus S&H)
Decorative classic novel with unique cover art “Heidi” by Johanna Spyri as a homemade book safe as seen in spy movies. Book comes lined with matching flask. *Buyers should know that book is not laser cut. Everything is cut by hand and has homemade, quirky imperfections. If you would like a different pattern on flask and/or lining, message me with your order number.
If items are no longer available, please contact the seller to request further information. 

Click here to see more gift ideas!!

Visit us every Wednesdays for more awesome gift/present ideas for you or the 
Book Lover in your life!!! 

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover #68

 Check out the goodies Viviana, Enchantress of Books, has found for this week’s Gift Ideas for the Book Lover!  Which one is your favorite? 





William Shakespeare Midsummer’s Night Dream Book Clutch
$66.81 (plus S&H)
The loveliest one-of-kind handmade purse!
 
These sweet little Book Purses are not made with old books covers, I couldn’t bear the thought of strapping a book of its pages. The cover is made from classic book covers and my own book designs, all printed on cotton fabric and binded, as a normal book would be. It’s finished with golden metal corners to embellish and protect the clutch.
 
This listing is for “Midsummer’s Night Dream” cover by William Shakespeare. Ideal for any occasion. A smart-chic idea for a romantic girl or a book lover! The prefect gift!!
 
If you want it with the chain, just purchase it separately and I’ll mount it to your book clutch. Press this link https://www.etsy.com/listing/105539462/purse-chain
 
My book clutches are big enough to carry your cell phone and a money purse. Dimensions: 13.5X19cm or 5.3″x7.5″
Book Club, Keep Calm Read On, Wine Glass Charms, Wine Charms, Reading, read wine charms, Bottlecap wine charm, book lover
$18.00 (plus S&H)
Keep Calm & Read On. The perfect addition to your next book club meeting. Add some flair to your wine glasses with these charms. Wine charms are also a great way for guests to keep track of their glass next time you entertain! Just because something is sensible, doesn’t mean it can’t also be pretty.
For protection the images are covered with 1 inch epoxy stickers – then attached to flattened white bottle caps. Each of the six charms is attached to a 1 inch (25mm) silver colored metal hoop. A small organza bag is included to keep they safe and sound for years to come.
A Perfect Library Pillow Cover- Books, Decor, Bedding, Nursery, Girl’s Room, Jane Austen, Alice in Wonderland, Fairy Tales, Mint, Aqua, Pink
$30.00 (plus S&H)
Pillow Cover made from my original photograph “A Perfect Library,” a fine art photograph of pretty books spines that include Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Anne of Green Gables, Sense and Sensibility, Alice in Wonderland and The Ladies of Grace Adieu. Great decorative pillow for a library or librarian, a teacher, a girl’s room, a nursery or any room in the house of a book lover! Color themes are pink, mint, aqua and cream.
*Made to order*
*This is for the cover only, pillow insert is not included*
Available sizes: 16×16,” “18×18,” or “20×20.” Just select the size from the drop down menu.
* 100% spun polyester poplin fabric
* Individually cut and sewn by hand
* Features a double-sided print
* Finished with a concealed zipper for ease of care
* Spot Clean
Each pillow cover is made to order from a professional printer so please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. International orders may take longer. Sorry but I do not accept returns on merchandise other than photographs.
 
My Weekend is Booked Book Tote Bag, Book Tote, Book Lover Humor
$20+ (plus S&H)
My Weekend is Booked, book lovers’ inspired print on a fantastic heavy canvas book tote bag. Your choice of a Zippered or Non-Zippered Heavy Canvas Tote!!! Check out our color selection of matte and glitter prints, and leave your print color in comments section.
Product Description: Zippered Tote Bag
Heavy canvas Full length top inside zippered pocket.
Long self-fabric handles. Squared-off bottom.
Reinforced at stress points.
Size: 20″W x 15″H x 5″D
Product Description: Non-Zippered Tote Bag
Heavy Canvas Shopper.
Full side and bottom gusset.
Web handles.
Size: 4″W x 15″H x 4″D
This 14 by 15 inch tote bag is made out of heavy canvas material and comes with full side and bottom gusset for support and durability. The carrying handle will hold plenty of weight. Enjoy this book lover inspired tote bag for multiple purposes and daily activities.
Looking for that perfect gift? Canvas tote bags are excellent gifts, so many uses with one great tote bag. Trips to the library and book store of course, but also great beach bags, extra overnight bag. Economical and environment friendly 🙂
♥Looking to personalize the tote bag! We can print a personalized message or customize with name on other side of tote. Contact us for more info. This listing is for Front Print Only.
If items are no longer available, please contact the seller to request further information. 


Click here to see more gift ideas!!

Visit us every Wednesdays for more awesome gift/present ideas for you or the 
Book Lover in your life!!!