Happy Birthday... to MEEEEEE!

It happens but once a year and while some see it as another date on the calendar, I like to embrace my special day.  A day to spoil myself, a day to eat what I want without the guilt (at least until the next morning) and a day to, well... read!

Being born on the May 2-4 weekend (the kick-off to summer here in Canada), I often find my birthday falling on the long weekend and this year is no different.  My birthday will be celebrated by all of Canada with fireworks and BBQ, camping and cake, family and friends.  While I have finally realized that the fireworks aren't actually for me, they are appreciated nevertheless and I think I will continue to believe they are.  Oh yeah, Happy Birthday to the Queen - or something like that! ;)

Seeing as most people feel this is the unofficial start to summer anyways, I thought I would take this opportunity to show off some of those summer reads that I am looking forward to this year.

Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand

Summary (from chapters.ca):

A warm June evening, a local tradition: the students of Nantucket High have gathered for a bonfire on the beach.  But what begins as a graduation night celebration ends in tragedy after a horrible car crash leaves the driver of the car, Penny Alistair, dead, and her twin brother in a coma.  The other passengers, Penny's boyfriend Jake and her friend Demeter, are physically unhurt - but the emotional damage is overwhelming, and questions linger about what happened before Penny took the wheel.

As summer unfolds, startling truths are revealed about the survivors and their parents - secrets kept, promises broken, hearts betrayed. Elin Hilderbrand explores the power of community, family, and honesty, and proves that even from the ashes of sorrow, new love can still take flight.

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

Summary (from chapters.ca):

What happens when happily ever after…isn't?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book - one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He's a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He's sure there's more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison

Summary (from chapters.ca):

As far as Gemma is concerned, her days of dating are over. In fact, it's her job to cater other peoples' dates, and that's just fine by her. At thirty-seven, she has her own business, working as a private chef, and her life feels full and secure. She's got six steady clients that keep her hands full.

There's Lex, the fussy but fabulous department store owner who loves Oysters Rockefeller and 1950s comfort food; Willa, who needs to lose weight under doctor's orders but still believes butter makes everything better; a colorful family who may or may not be part of the Russian mob; an überwealthy Georgetown family; the picture-perfect Van Houghtens, whose matriarch is "allergic to everything"; and finally, a man she calls "Mr. Tuesday," whom she has never met but who she is strangely drawn to.

For Gemma, cooking is predictable. Recipes are certain. Use good ingredients, follow the directions, and you are assured success. Life, on the other hand, is full of variables. So when Gemma's takes an unexpected turn on a road she always thought was straight and narrow, she must face her past and move on in ways she never would have imagined. Because sometimes in life, all you need is a little hope, a lot of courage, and - oh yes - butter.

Happy Summer and Happy Reading!  I am always looking for the next amazing summer read so please share your favourites!

Until then... eat cake!