Spotlight and Giveaway: The Newcomer

Today we are pleased to feature Mary Kay Andrews's latest novel, The Newcomer, which was released earlier this month. Thanks to Tandem Literary, we have one copy to give away!

Mary Kay Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author and Queen of the Beach Reads delivers her next page-turner for the summer with The Newcomer.

In trouble and on the run...

After she discovers her sister Tanya dead on the floor of her fashionable New York City townhouse, Letty Carnahan is certain she knows who did it: Tanya’s ex; sleazy real estate entrepreneur Evan Wingfield. Even in the grip of grief and panic Letty heeds her late sister’s warnings: “If anything bad happens to me―it’s Evan. Promise me you’ll take Maya and run. Promise me.”

With a trunkful of emotional baggage...

So Letty grabs her sister’s Mercedes and hits the road with her wailing four-year-old niece Maya. Letty is determined to out-run Evan and the law, but run to where? Tanya, a woman with a past shrouded in secrets, left behind a “go-bag” of cash and a big honking diamond ring―but only one clue: a faded magazine story about a sleepy mom-and-pop motel in a Florida beach town with the improbable name of Treasure Island. She sheds her old life and checks into an uncertain future at The Murmuring Surf Motel.

The No Vacancy sign is flashing & the sharks are circling...

And that’s the good news. Because The Surf, as the regulars call it, is the winter home of a close-knit flock of retirees and snowbirds who regard this odd-duck newcomer with suspicion and down-right hostility. As Letty settles into the motel’s former storage room, she tries to heal Maya’s heartache and unravel the key to her sister’s shady past, all while dodging the attention of the owner’s dangerously attractive son Joe, who just happens to be a local police detective. Can Letty find romance as well as a room at the inn―or will Joe betray her secrets and put her behind bars? With danger closing in, it’s a race to find the truth and right the wrongs of the past.

"A fast-paced, delightful roller coaster of a ride, The Newcomer takes us from a murder scene in Manhattan to a laid-back beach town on Florida's west coast, as one brave woman tries to save her young niece's life. Filled with colorful characters, rapid-fire plot twists, a simmering romance, and Mary Kay Andrews's signature wit, the latest from the reigning queen of summer will have you flipping pages at breakneck speed as you plunge into a world so well-drawn, you'll feel the sand beneath your toes and hear the murmuring surf just outside." 

-- Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

Mary Kay Andrews is the New York Times bestselling author of The Beach House Cookbook and more than two dozen novels, including Hello, Summer, Sunset Beach, The High Tide Club, The Weekenders, Ladies' Night, Spring Fever, Summer Rental, The Fixer Upper, Deep Dish, Blue Christmas, Savannah Breeze, Hissy Fit, Little Bitty Lies, and Savannah Blues. A former journalist for The Atlanta Journal Constitution, she lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Visit Mary Kay online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Pinterest

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 19th at midnight EST.

Hitting the road with Ann Garvin...plus a book giveaway

 

We're pleased to welcome Ann Garvin to CLC today. Her latest novel, I Thought You Said This Would Work, sounds like a lot of fun and has a vibrant cover with a summer feel to it. Ann has one copy to share with a lucky reader!

Ann Garvin, Ph.D. is the USA Today Bestselling author of  I Like You Just Fine When You’re Not Around, The Dog Year, and On Maggie’s Watch.  She is in the process of writing Falling In Love Is The Easy Part which will launch in 2022.

Ann worked as an RN and after receiving her Ph.D taught Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology Nutrition, Stress Management, and Global Health for thirty years in the University of Wisconsin system. She currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University in their low residency Masters of Fine Arts program and has held positions at Miami University and Southern New Hampshire in their Masters of Fine Arts Creative Writing programs.

Ann is the founder of the multiple award-winning Tall Poppy Writers where she is committed to helping women writers succeed. She is a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health and has taught extensively in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston, and at festivals across the country. (Bio adapted from Ann's website.)

Visit Ann online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
A road trip can drive anyone over the edge—especially two former best friends—in bestselling author Ann Garvin’s funny and poignant novel about broken bonds, messy histories, and the power of forgiveness.

Widowed Samantha Arias hasn’t spoken to Holly Dunfee in forever. It’s for the best. Samantha prefers to avoid conflict. The blisteringly honest Holly craves it. What they still have in common puts them both back on speed dial: a mutual love for Katie, their best friend of twenty-five years, now hospitalized with cancer and needing one little errand from her old college roomies.

It’s simple: travel cross-country together, steal her loathsome ex-husband’s VW camper, find Katie’s diabetic Great Pyrenees at a Utah rescue, and drive him back home to Wisconsin. If it’ll make Katie happy, no favor is too big (one hundred pounds), too daunting (two thousand miles), or too illegal (ish), even when a boho D-list celebrity hitches a ride and drives the road trip in fresh directions.

Samantha and Holly are following every new turn—toward second chances, unexpected romance, and self-discovery—and finally blowing the dust off the secret that broke their friendship. On the open road, they’ll try to put it back together—for themselves, and especially for the love of Katie. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, I Thought You Said This Would Work kept me reaching for tissues—from laughing so hard. This book is a pure delight.” 

—Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of You Were There Too

“Laughter, tears, and an unforgettable cast of characters: I Thought You Said This Would Work has everything I love, so it’s no surprise that I adored this novel. Ann Garvin’s latest, about three unlikely allies on the road trip to end all road trips, is the sort of life-affirming story we all need right now. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” 

—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of This Won’t End Well

“Ann Garvin knows how to find the ooey-gooey center of your emotions to make you laugh, cry, and hoot in appreciation. I Thought You Said This Would Work celebrates female friendship in all its complicated glory. Read immediately, curled up with a furry friend and hot cup of coffee.” 

—Amy E. Reichert, author of The Kindred Spirits Supper Club

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing? 
My favorite compliment is when someone compares my writing to one of my heroes like Nora Ephron or Erma Bombeck. I know I'm nowhere near as talented as either of them, but I'll take even a whiff of the notion that we are similar. 

Who do you relate to more in your novel, Samantha or Holly?
I am more Samantha than Holly. I'm not as timid, nor quite as conflict-avoidant but I know what grief is and I know what it's like to lose a friend and not know why. I love both of their weaknesses and I love that they were willing to grow. 

If I Thought You Said this Would Work was made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
I almost don't dare to think of it, you know? But, I would love it if Tina Fey played Samantha and Amy Pohler played Holly. I think Kirsten Wiig would be so funny as Summer Silva and the wonderful Katie should be played by someone really balanced and lovely. Maybe...Merritt Wever.

What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I'm watching The Handmaid's Tale. I can't look away. Season four is a barn burner. 

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
So much. I learned that I am a solid extrovert who fuels her writing by exposure to people. I learned that I did way too much for wayyyy too long and the Pandemic forced me to quiet down. I learned that I have a lot of anxiety about other people getting ill. I was a nurse and wanted to help. The best I could do what dust off my license and give vaccinations and that was wonderful. 

What is something that always makes you happy?
The sun. A sunny day, no matter what. I am a hot house plant who needs the lemon yellow rays to live. 

Thanks to Ann for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 18th at midnight EST.

Book Review and Giveaway: Local Woman Missing

We are excited to not only feature Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica today, but also to have Jenny from Book Coffee Happy back at CLC to review it, along with Melissa. And thanks to Park Row, we have THREE copies to give away!

In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

People don't just disappear without a trace…

Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they'll find… (Courtesy of Amazon.)

Melissa Amster:

I've been a fan of Mary Kubica ever since I picked up Pretty Baby in 2015. Her books always take me on a wild ride. Local Woman Missing is her best one yet! 

I have been calling this one a "heart-pounder," and for a good reason. My heart was literally pounding the entire time. I was so nervous for the characters, especially Meredith. I felt like I was on a wild goose chase to find the answers, with a lot of game changers along the way. Mary's great use of description and dialogue moved the story along at a quick pace. The plot and all the characters were interesting throughout. I especially liked Leo's narration style with how he was talking to Delilah the whole time. 

This thriller was very hard to put down and I was worried about what would happen when I had to step away for a bit. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR right away!

Movie casting ideas:

Kate: Meredith Hagner

Bea: Karla Souza

Meredith: Caterina Scorsone

Josh: Ben Feldman

Leo: Jaeden Martell

Shelby: Courtney Eaton

Dr. Feingold: Jason Isaacs

Cassandra: Reagan Pasternak

Jenny Share:

Hey Everyone!

I’m Jenny from bookcoffeehappy.com where I discuss books, review books, host book giveaways, etc. I am so excited to be back on Chick Lit Central today with a review of an amaaaazing new psychological thriller.  

Mary Kubica has DONE. IT. AGAIN.

There is a reason that Mary Kubica is one of my absolute favorite authors.  Few others can master the art of a suspenseful buildup and twists and turns from miles away like she can.

When Melissa reached out asking if I would like for her to share a copy of Mary’s newest book with me, I JUMPED at the chance.  The newest book from one of my most favorite authors in one of my most favorite genres FOUR MONTHS before it’s release?  YES PLEASE.  Thank you so much for sharing, Melissa!

When this beautiful book arrived on my doorstep, it took all of my strength not to immediately rip open that package, drop everything, and read this entire book in one sitting.  I couldn’t WAIT to start reading.

When it was finally time for me to open the cover, I assumed I would read a few pages before bed...aaaaaand 70 pages later, I finally forced myself to go to sleep.  This book GRABBED me from the very first page and I was immediately alllllllll in.  That first chapter from Delilah’s point of view was CRAZY and I literally felt my heart thumping as I was reading.  Truly couldn’t put it down. Omg.

I devoured this entire book over the course of 3 days but could easily have read it in one sitting.  It’s THAT good.

I loved the separate storylines told from different characters and learning how those characters and stories all fit together.  I had NO IDEA how all of these storylines were going to conclude and in true Mary Kubica fashion, each story’s ending completely took me by surprise.  How does she think of these amazing twists?!?  Nothing better than a completely out of the blue twist and that twist at the end of this book quite literally knocked me over.  Whaaaaat?!?

I read Local Woman Missing months ago and I still find myself thinking about this book and these characters.  In my opinion, this is what makes a book WONDERFUL! 

Read this story.  Today. 

If you haven’t visited my blog, I would love to have you as a reader!  You can also find me (@bookcoffeehappy) on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

A huge thank you to Mary Kubica for delivering yet another AMAZING psychological thriller.  You are the absolute BEST at creating amazing stories, colorful characters, and  intricate twists.  I absolutely adore you and your talent.

 

Thank you for allowing me to collaborate with you on this book, Melissa!  As always, I loved working with you!  

Xo,

Jenny

Thanks to Park Row for the book in exchange for an honest review and for sharing it with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 18th at midnight EST.

What's in the Mail

Melissa:
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)
Better to Trust by/from Heather Frimmer
Broken by Jenny Lawson from Henry Holt

Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino from Park Row (e-book via NetGalley) 

An Observant Wife by Naomi Ragen from St. Martin's Press  (e-book via NetGalley)

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer from Harlequin (e-book via NetGalley)

Fade Into the Bright by Jessica Koosed Etting and Alyssa Embree Schwartz from Kathleen Carter Communications

Safe from Harm by/from Leah Mercer  (e-book via NetGalley)

Flash Fire by T.J. Klune from Macmillan (e-book via NetGalley)

The Seat Filler by Sariah Wilson from Kaye Publicity

The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

The Spires by Kate Moretti from Thomas and Mercer (e-book via NetGalley)

Everything We Didn't Say by Nicole Baart from Atria (e-book via NetGalley)

The Maid by Nita Prose from Ballantine (e-book via NetGalley)

Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin from Disney Publishing  (e-book via NetGalley)

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan from HarperCollins

Sara:

Jenn Reinvented by Grayson Avery from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)

Bubblegum and Blazers by Isabella May from Rachel's Random Resources (e-book)

East of Manhattan by/from Amanda Johnson (e-book)

Jami:

The Living and Lost by Ellen Feldman from St. Martin's Press (e-book via NetGalley)

My Sweet Girl by Amanda Jayatissa from Berkley (e-book via NetGalley)

Book Review: Life's a Beach

By Sara Steven

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she's known longer than a week - and the fact that his name is Charles doesn't bode well - but who is she to judge?! After all, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn't love a destination wedding...?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs... throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own...? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

Peach is a glutton for punishment, and not by her own choosing! As much as I felt for her while the awkward situations and the cringe-worthy moments piled one on top of the other, it added to the funny, wild ride she finds herself on, and I could see the point where she lets go of trying to control it all and lets the chips fall where they may. But, what else can anyone do when faced with prior ex-boyfriends and one-time love affairs?

Her biggest motivation is in wanting to be her sister Di’s support system at the destination wedding. Peach can handle whatever she needs to, as long as she’s there for Di, and I really appreciated that sisterhood dynamic within Life’s A Beach. It extended out to their cousin, Van, too; she’s a really bold character who added a lot of levity and excitement during the most chaotic moments within the story. With the three of them in tow, it felt like there was nothing that couldn’t be accomplished, but when it comes to matters of the heart, opinions can become muddled and unclear, and it’s hard to know where the truth lies, and what is really going on. 

Peach isn’t sure where her heart lies, that’s for sure. Her story begins in pretty unconventional ways, yet with the potential for a happily-ever-after romance. Then, it’s gone, and she feels like she’s starting over in the love department. But maybe she isn’t? The back and forth helped to add tension to all of that, and I felt like I was right there with Peach, questioning what the right choices are, and ultimately, who the right person is for Peach.

I don’t know if a destination wedding could ever lead to as much drama as what is conjured up in Life’s A Beach, but the story made me want that! And if it meant a trip out to the Italian coastline, so be it. I had a lot of fun with Peach’s crew, making this a definite five-star experience!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK * Amazon US

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real-life experiences.

Visit Portia online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Sign up for Portia's newsletter.

Visit all the stops on Portia's blog tour:

Pam Jenoff is a shining star...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Mindy Schwartz Sorasky

We are thrilled to have Pam Jenoff back at CLC today. Her latest novel, The Woman with the Blue Star, recently published. Melissa couldn't put it down and recently shared her review. Aside from being a great writer, Pam is so kind and wonderful in person. If you get the chance to meet her, either at a book signing or a virtual chat, definitely go for it! In the meantime, check out our interview. You will love the funny story about one of her kids. Thanks to Park Row, we have TWO copies of Pam's latest novel to give away!

Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan's Tale. She holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a master's degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania. Jenoff's novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia, where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school.

Visit Pam online:

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

1942. Sadie Gault is eighteen and living with her parents in the Kraków Ghetto during World War II. When the Nazis liquidate the ghetto, Sadie and her pregnant mother are forced to seek refuge in the perilous tunnels beneath the city. One day Sadie looks up through a grate and sees a girl about her own age buying flowers.

Ella Stepanek is an affluent Polish girl living a life of relative ease with her stepmother, who has developed close alliances with the occupying Germans. While on an errand in the market, she catches a glimpse of something moving beneath a grate in the street. Upon closer inspection, she realizes it’s a girl hiding.

Ella begins to aid Sadie and the two become close, but as the dangers of the war worsen, their lives are set on a collision course that will test them in the face of overwhelming odds. Inspired by incredible true stories, The Woman with the Blue Star is an unforgettable testament to the power of friendship and the extraordinary strength of the human will to survive. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“Pam Jenoff’s meticulously researched account of an unlikely and dangerous friendship during WWII is a timely and compelling account of the lengths we go to for the family we are born with, and the family we make for ourselves. It will leave you gasping at the end.” 

—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways 

“Heartfelt and beautifully written… This emotional novel is filled with twists, turns, and displays of bravery and love that you will never forget, culminating in an ending that manages to be both surprising and uplifting at the same time. This is singular historical fiction that you will not be able to put down.” 

—Lisa Scottoline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eternal

“Once again, Pam Jenoff displays her mastery at illuminating little-known yet remarkably important nuggets of WWII history. I was immediately mesmerized by The Woman with the Blue Star, a haunting tale of enduring bonds, impossible sacrifice, and an inspiring fortitude to survive the darkness—in every sense. Book clubs will assuredly devour this compulsively readable novel that both wrenches and warms the heart.” 

—Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with many readers over the years, virtually and in person.  I don’t have one particular compliment that stands out, but I am always humbled when Holocaust survivors thank me or feel I’ve done justice to their experiences.  I consider the ultimate compliment to be readers that have stayed with me over the years.
 
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Woman with the Blue Star?
One of the biggest challenges for me is always world-building.  I had to understand and describe life in the sewer in a way that was authentic, everything from the size of the pipes to the way in which the people there got water.  Another challenge in this book was building the friendship between Sadie, the girl who is in the sewer, and Ella, who is on the street.  To have them connect and bond in this way really forced me to think about how we connect with one another.
 
The biggest reward has been bringing forth a story about isolation and human interconnection during a year when we have all been struggling with those very same issues due to covid.

What inspired you to choose this particular story angle (a family hiding in a sewer) to talk about the Holocaust?
Almost all of my books have been centered around World War II.  This comes from the years I spent as a diplomat in Poland working on Holocaust issues for the U.S. State Department.  Since then, I have tried to write books that illuminate a little known aspect of the Holocaust through fiction in a way that is respectful of the era and people who lived through it.  I am still amazed that after 25 years of working with this period in history, I still find stories that make me gasp. The story of the Jews who survived in the sewer was one such story.  I was amazed by the circumstances they had to endure, their strength and the ways in which they made human connections.  
 
What TV series are you currently binge watching?
I have not been able to binge watch much. I get up before five a.m. to start writing and my kids are gojng to bed later and later, so often I hop into bed the same time they do, which really cuts down on the adult tv time.  But I have always adored This Is Us. The writing for that show is spectacular.

What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve learned many things, but one that stands out is how important my work is to my well-being.  During the first six months of the pandemic when everyone was home and we were all reeling, I did not work at all and that really hollowed me out.  Then in the fall, the kids were on virtual school, I put the puppy in daycare and was able to work in earnest again. I felt better in every way – physically, mentally, emotionally.  I’ve learned not to apologize for working, which is something that women do far too often.
 
What is something funny that one of your kids has said to you?
The funniest was not something my son said to me, but about me. We were at a park and I saw him sidle up to an older woman.  I was worried that he was talking to a stranger, so I moved closer.  I heard him say, “Have you read any books by Pam Jenoff?”  He didn’t mention that he was my son.  When the woman said no, he proceeded to rattle off the whole backlist, in order. I was very grateful for his attempt at promotion!

Thanks to Pam for visiting with us and to Park Row for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends May 11th at midnight EST.

Sara and Melissa Talk About...Moms in Media

We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. This month, in honor of Mother's Day, we're talking about our favorite stories about moms, whether they're in books, movies, or TV shows. We'd love to hear what your favorites are in any of these categories.

We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.

Sara Steven:

A large chunk of my life has been defined by the designation of “Mother,” or more appropriately, “Mommy,” then “Mom,” and lately, “Bruh.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that my emotional attachments to the wonderfully emotional stories that are written or portrayed about motherhood have taken slight (or heavy) turns into the insanely funny, the comically painful, and the downright truthful and honest representation of what it’s like--not just the pretty, but the ill-favored, too. Media has been an important outlet for me, getting me through the various milestones or passages of time, depending on where my children are at in any given moment, and I’d like to share a few of the movies, television shows, and books that remind me that I’m more than just a “Bruh.” I’m actually somebody’s mother!

Movies:

Stepmom: It’s a tear-jerker. I wasn’t a mother yet when I saw Stepmom for the first time, but it really touched me. Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts were at the heart of the film, and I dare anyone to see them in action and it not bring a tear to your eye!

Bad Moms franchise: Mothers behaving badly--it’s not acceptable. But, Bad Moms made it acceptable to alter conventional responsibilities, to bring store-bought cookies to the bake sale, and to say, “Hey, you know what? You’ll eat those cookies, and you’ll like it.”

Life of the Party: Melissa McCarthy is a stay-at-home mom who ends up going back to college, and while I haven’t personally done most of the shenanigans she finds herself in, I can relate to her need for higher learning, and going back to school after a decades-long hiatus.

Books:

Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby: While thinking of books on motherhood, this was the first book that had come to mind for me. I’d read and reviewed the book for CLC, inspired and pained by the minutiae of motherhood. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: It’s been turned into an award-winning television show, but I first learned about the three mothers from this story after reading Moriarty’s masterpiece. 

The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan: I recently finished The Summer Seekers, and I loved the dynamics between three women who are mothers, grandmothers, and/or feel ruled by motherhood.

TV Shows:

Workin’ Moms: I’m so glad Melissa and I are both interested in Workin’ Moms, and have yet another show we can talk about! Nothing is held back, even when it induces seriously cringeworthy moments.

Mrs. Fletcher:  The miniseries takes a look at one woman’s life after her son goes off to college, finding that many facets awaken in intriguing and unusual ways.

Fuller House: I was a huge fan of Full House, back in the day, and loved how the premise felt like it had come full circle (or, fuller circle) when D.J. became the family matriarch, fitting nicely into her father Danny’s shoes.  

In prior years, the mothers in my life would gather together at an olive mill in Queen Creek, Arizona, celebrating motherhood with family. We’re unable to do that this year for various reasons, but I know we’re all together, in spirit. For those who are celebrating, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

Melissa Amster:

I'm just sharing five books, movies, and TV shows about motherhood that I love. There are so many out there I enjoy. that it was hard to choose!

Books about moms:

The Seven Day Switch by Kelly Harms: It publishes in July and you will definitely want it on your TBR right away. It's a Freaky Friday tale about two very different moms. I'll be reviewing this with Jenny at Book Coffee Happy this summer.

Links are to reviews for the following:

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain: One of my favorite novels of 2018. It's a time travel story about the love of a mother for her daughter. 

Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin: It's a comedic novel about the stresses moms go through. It reminds me of Workin' Moms in some ways.

Versions of Her by Andrea Lochen: Two sisters get to know their mom through a portal into the past. Really well told and heartfelt. If you like this one, you'll also like Faye, Faraway.

No Time to Blink by Dina Silver: This book is perfect for fans of Not Without My Daughter. And although I never read that book or saw the movie, I really liked this story.

Movies about moms:

Where the Heart Is: I've mentioned this movie a few times as one of my all-time favorites. It's about a girl who becomes a mother at a young age and has her baby inside a Walmart. Then it's about how a small town embraces her and her child. So, so, so good!

Troop Beverly Hills: Such a fun, classic eighties movie. I enjoy watching it even more as an adult and seeing it through Phyllis's perspective. And the cookie song is so much fun. 

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead: Technically, Sue Ellen has to take over the role of mom for a summer, but she's right on top of that. 

Freaky Friday (the 2003 version with Jamie Lee Curtis): I always manage to cry from this one. 

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again: I liked it way more than the first movie and enjoyed getting to know Donna when she was younger, as well as seeing Sophie on the brink of motherhood. 

TV shows about moms:

This is Us: I don't think I need to explain this one. I love how they go back and forth in time though. 

Parenthood: I don't need to explain this one either. ;)

Modern Family: I am basically Claire Dunphy, in terms of my parenting style.

Workin' Moms: I just got into this show a few months ago, thanks to a recommendation from Sara, and I can't wait for season five to land on Netflix! More thoughts on it can be found here. 

One Day at a Time: I loved seeing Penelope navigate single motherhood while living with her mom, played by the fabulous Rita Moreno. More thoughts on it can be found here.  

Since Sara shared a picture with the mothers in her life, I would be remiss not to share one that was taken with the mothers in my life. This was taken back in 2005, as everyone lives in separate parts of the country and we don't normally take photos together when we're all in the same place at the same time. I was a new mom in this photo. My mother-in-law is in the middle and my mom is on the right. 

Tell us your favorite books, TV shows, and movies about motherhood. Do we have any in common with you?