What I READ on my summer vacation...

I had an incredibly wonderful summer! I was able to stay home, take care of my family and had lots of time to read some great books! I can't wait to share the books that I read with you and would also love to hear about the great books you read. Although all of these books are for adults, I did read with my children each and every day and I will share some of their favorite summer reads with you as well! My favorite genre of fiction is mystery (especially with foreign settings), but I also enjoy checking out all sorts of new fiction (anything from easy "beach" reads to more thoughtful and moving stories). I won't go into detail about any of the books I read, but if you would like any more information on any of them, please feel free to become a "friend" on my blog and send me a message! Or just check them out for yourself at your local library or bookstore.

1. Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster
2. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
3. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
4. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
5. The Sunday Philosopher's Club by Alexander McCall Smith
6. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
7. Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart
8. The Finishing Touches by Hester Browne
9. I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
10. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
11. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
12. Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello
13. Swapping Lives by Jane Green
14. How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean
15. The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith

I also began a few books that I didn't quite finish because I just didn't like and couldn't get into the story. Usually, I try to push through and read the entire book before giving up on it, but sometimes you just need to move on (and that's okay!)...

1. Heavenly Date by Alexander McCall Smith
2. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
3. The Little Lady Detective Agency by Hester Browne

I read EVERY night with my son James who is 4 years old. Reading is one is favorite activities and his room is, literally, overflowing with books! James and I also love to go to the library together, as there are so many fun things to do there. We have participated in music classes, storytimes and puppet shows, and James' newest favorite thing to do is to use the computer to find books! We also just love to sit in the castle and read stories or work on puzzles and play in the kids' area. Here are some of his favorites from the summer:

1. There was an old lady swallowed a fly (this was his most favorite!)
2. I Spy books
3. There's a nightmare in my closet
4. And the dish ran away with the spoon
5. lots of non-fiction books about dinosaurs