Hi!
I’m still in Mexico, so this is a pre-scheduled post and I really hope it went up and y’all are seeing these cuties in the above photo right now. They are the winery dogs at Pacific Star Winery in Mendocino and have really nothing to do with this post except for the fact that every time I look at this picture, I smile. I hope you are smiling right now, too! What a life.
Anyway, it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve written a book review and I thought this time it might be fun to give an actual book list instead. I’ve done this over the past few summers and it seems that you guys like it…or at least, I hope you guys like it.
These are the current books on my radar—I just finished this one and loved, loved, loved it! I’m about to start the new Jodi Picoult book on my flight home in a few days so I’ll keep y’all updated on how that goes.
And while we’re talking books, I’m also going to shamelessly plug myself here and tell you that my book, White Jacket Required, is now available for pre-order on Amazon. How crazy is that??! Seriously crazy. I can’t believe it’s becoming so real! September 4th can’t come soon enough.
Here ya go! Books are always better read with a margarita, chips and guacamole by your side.
Outside the Lines by Amy Hatvany
Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
The Bungalow by Sarah Jio
The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman
The Baker’s Daughter by Sarah McCoy
Girl Hunter by Georgia Pellegrini
The World We Found by Thrity Umrigar
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew
…happy reading!
Molly
March 10, 2012 at 4:10 amHi Jenna!! I was wondering what your favorite books are that take place in the South. I am from California but have this overwhelming obsession with the South — gorgeous old houses on plantations, hot summers, small towns. I’ve read The Help, The Secret Life of Bees, and To Kill a Mockingbird, and would love to read more. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!!
jenna
March 10, 2012 at 5:42 amWhat about Gone with the Wind?! The book blows the movie out of the water. 🙂 also, dry grass in August is based in the south…it’s sort of like the help. The Outlander series is wonderful too (and very addicting!), and some of the books in the series alternate between modern day and 18th century South Carolina. I def. recommend starting at the beginning of the series though — they are all fabulous. Last one– the kitchen house! Great, great read set on a plantation.
Lauren
March 10, 2012 at 6:17 amBorn and raised in GA, but still love books about the south….I second Jenna’s suggestion of Gone With the Wind. One of my all-time favorites. I was surprised that, although I adore her in the movie, I wanted to strangle Scarlett in parts of the book! Also, Pat Conroy books are based in the South. The first one I read was Beach Music, but I’ve read them all. Warning though, they tend to have a dark, tragic twist to them.
Atti
March 10, 2012 at 6:35 amMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil!
jane
March 10, 2012 at 7:09 amyou should read Pat Conroy’s books. My absolute favorite of his is The Prince of Tides and is a semi autobiography (? well at least I think it is based on his childhood) of life in the South. Amazing writer
Judith
March 10, 2012 at 9:55 amI totally agree with the previous suggestions. I went through a similar phase, and had this burning desire to get to Charleston and Savannah (Xmas or 2010!). Try Anne Rivers Siddons, although her books tend to get a little melodramatic, and Dorothea Benton Frank, whose books are set in the Charleston/Savannah/Hilton Head area; 1 of the reasons that caused my travel binge there.
Rachel @ Balance and Blueberries
March 10, 2012 at 5:11 amI just love your book lists. Almost always, I can count on loving the books that post and review!
Jenn
March 10, 2012 at 5:50 amThanks!!!!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance
March 10, 2012 at 6:29 amI love finding new books to read! Thanks!
Blog is the New Black
March 10, 2012 at 7:03 amLove when you do book suggestions!
jane
March 10, 2012 at 7:07 amseriously smiling-such cute dogs! dogs are just the best. and that scenery!!! anyways, there is a new Jodi Picoult book?! I did not know this (maybe because I am in law school and have no time for anything 🙁 ) but I LOVE her books. please do tell us how it is. I think it was you (or was it a friend..i get confused lol) that recommended Sisters. I just finished it up on my kindle yesterday and LOVED IT!! have fun 🙂
holly
March 10, 2012 at 7:15 amheading to florida in april and this list is going on my kindle now! congrats on your book coming out so soon!
Margarita
March 10, 2012 at 7:37 amThank you for the book suggestions! It’s always good to get a list so I know for sure that someone with similar book taste as me like it and I won’t be disappointed. I read Room last month and loved it.
Kirsten@ My Kitchen in the Rockies
March 10, 2012 at 7:39 amYes, the doggies made me smile, too.
I ordered “The baker’s daughter” and it will be in the mail today. Can’t wait.
Maureen
March 10, 2012 at 7:43 amCongrats on your book! I am sure September seems a lifetime away right now, but it will get here before you know it!
I am a sucker for any book by Jodi Picoult {her books always surprise me at the end}. I have an obsession with the Pacific Northwest, so any Kristin Hannah book makes me love that region even more. 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks
March 10, 2012 at 7:47 amCongrats, Jenna, on your book being released on Sept 4!!!!!!!!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
March 10, 2012 at 7:50 amEek! How exciting Jenna. Congrats. Will def. be placing an order!
Wishing you a fabulous rest of your trip…enjoy the flight -and the book- on your trip home! xo
Urban Wife
March 10, 2012 at 8:06 amAwesome list! I can’t wait to get started on some of these. By the way, I went on a serious Diane Chamberlain kick a while back ago because of your recommendations and I think I’ve pretty much read all of her books now. Thanks and I hope you’re enjoying your time in Mexico! 🙂 Cute pups!
lisa
March 10, 2012 at 9:39 amcongratulations on your book! love the cover!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
March 10, 2012 at 9:53 amYou have awesome taste in books, so I am excited to start these 😀
Judith
March 10, 2012 at 9:58 amJenna, What an accomplishment, you must be SO proud! Of course I will buy your book, BUT when will you be touring and signing??? Let us know when the dates get set.
Laura @ She Eats Well
March 10, 2012 at 10:22 amLove the recommendations. Congratulations on your book! Big big deal!
Tamara
March 10, 2012 at 10:23 amI recently read Home Front and loved it – first Kristin Hannah book for me but won’t be my last. Also read a talked about book called “The Odds – A Love Story” and thought it was not worth the read – just a little strange and a too quick ending – not the page turner it was claimed to be.
Happy reading and soak up some sunshine and enjoy that margarita – I’m officially jealous – the rainy doldrums here in the Pacific Northwest…
*Andrea*
March 10, 2012 at 10:26 amLOVE the recommendations! congrats on the book deal. your blog has been one of my favorites and very first blogs I starting reading back in college! i admire your courage, humility, and passion! hope to buy your book!
liv
March 10, 2012 at 10:38 amBeen reading your blog for years but I don’t usually comment. Just wanted to say that I’m so excited that your book is coming out soon! I’ve been anxiously waiting for it ever since you started talking about it 🙂 I never pre-order for anything but just did for this.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
March 10, 2012 at 11:06 amThanks for the pic of the doggies! I grew up with beagles and they will always have a special place in my heart!
Perfect timing with the book list. I’ve been in search of my next read for this month. I’m a huge Jodi Picoult fan ( gotta support a local author!) so I think I’ll check out Lone Wolf!
sweet road
March 10, 2012 at 12:01 pmOh thank you! I am just in book transition, I’ll have to check out some of these and see if they are a good fit!
Jessie
March 10, 2012 at 3:00 pmHI Jenna,
Love your blog…I check in everyday with my morning coffee in hand! Just wanted to say congrats regarding your book, looking forward to it. And yes, I love the book recommendations. Keep ’em coming! Hope your are having a fabulous vacation.
Natasha
March 10, 2012 at 3:29 pmKind of off topic, but that picture made me miss my puppy so much! 🙂 And it gave me the warm fuzzies (which is good when you live the NE like me)
Brittany @ Brittany Cooks
March 10, 2012 at 5:39 pmI’m new to your site..and LOVE this!!! Thanks! 🙂
Katie R
March 10, 2012 at 6:39 pmOrdered your book!
Excited!
Erica
March 10, 2012 at 7:35 pmJenna,
Please tell me your book will be released for Kindle… I want to pre-order. Best of luck with it, I’m so excited for you!
-Erica
jenna
March 11, 2012 at 6:49 amIt will be available for the kindle! Thank you so much! 🙂
Aileen
March 10, 2012 at 7:45 pmI can’t wait to read your book! Will it be in kindle form too?
jenna
March 11, 2012 at 6:49 amYes it definitely will!
Ammie
March 11, 2012 at 1:22 amHi, I was just wondering if you are still doing to PBS recipe posts???
jenna
March 11, 2012 at 7:45 amI absolutely am! 🙂 I’ve been posting links to my PBS posts on my Facebook page lately so check it out for updates!
Ammie
March 16, 2012 at 12:35 amAlright, thank you so much!
Raewyn (My Spare Oom)
March 11, 2012 at 8:57 amThanks for the reading list, Jenna! I’ve been meaning to try the Baker’s Daughter for some time…and I can’t wait to read your book!!! Hope your vacation is full of margaritas and amazing food. 😉
katryn@rampantcuisine
March 11, 2012 at 10:39 amYay! Thanks for the list! I’ve loved every book you’ve ever suggested!
Aylin @ Glow Kitchen
March 11, 2012 at 1:13 pmCongratulations! I’m pre-ordering asap!
Emily @ Life on Food
March 11, 2012 at 1:41 pmThose puppies are adorable. I am beyond jealous of your Mexican feasting. And I need to get my hands on the Baker’s Daughter. Great list!
Molly @ RDexposed
March 11, 2012 at 5:05 pmCould you hear my beagle squeal all the way in Mexico??
Cara Craves...
March 11, 2012 at 5:09 pmI anticipate reading your book! As a uni graduate who has now turned to chef’s school, I am sure I can relate on some things 🙂
Katie @ Katie Without Restrictions
March 11, 2012 at 8:23 pmWow, I have not read a single one of these books! Although I do have Lone Wolf on my shelf waiting for me ~ Jodi Picoult is one of my very favorite authors!
Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables
March 12, 2012 at 9:16 amThat’s soo exciting about your book! I’m anxious to hear what you think of the new Jodi Picoult–i’ve heard mixed reviews.
Laura
March 12, 2012 at 9:52 amThanks for the suggestions!! I just finished the “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy. Have you read them? I actually really enjoyed them (which really surprised me!)
Luv What You Do
March 13, 2012 at 6:16 pmI miss spring break!
You’ll have to let us know how the new Jodi Picolt book is.
Happy Reading!
Alyssa
March 13, 2012 at 7:00 pmYour book recommendations are the best! I even have my mom checking your site before she heads to the library.
Will your book be available on the Nook? I’ll be leaving on my honeymoon shortly after it’s released, and I’d rather pack another pair of shoes vs. a hardcover book. 🙂
jenna
March 13, 2012 at 7:23 pmindeed it will 🙂
Lori
March 14, 2012 at 5:29 amHome Front by Kristin Hannah was excellent! Just added your book to my Amazon wishlist. 🙂
Kelly @foodiefresh
March 15, 2012 at 1:30 pmPre-ordered! I love how easy it is to buy stuff on Amazon. Click. Click. You’re done! Can’t wait to read it!
March 2012 // Books
April 5, 2012 at 9:32 am[…] so I never picked it up. Then I read the plot synopsis of Sarah Jio’s The Bungalow after reading this post and all of a sudden REALLY wanted to read that book. Unfortunately the hold list at the library was […]