50 by 50 – Three Awesome Beach Reads

Thanks for joining me again today for one of my 50 by 50 goals – my quest to carve out more time to read, a joyful hobby that enhances each week! My newest reads are 4, 5 and 6 on my goal towards reading a minimum of a dozen more books by the time I turn 50.  Pretty cool that I’m already halfway there, discovering three awesome new beach reads that kept me highly entertained!

My number 3 read was SMALL GREAT THINGS by Jodi Picoult.  I woudn’t class this as a beach read but I will encourage you to add it to your TBR, it’s incredibly thought-provoking, addressing some very tough topics that we need to be having more conversations about.

#ad @RandomHouse // Airport layovers are the perfect excuse for me to read a new book. I started reading #SmallGreatThings by @JodiPicoult and I’m so glad I was on my way home when I did! This is one POWERFUL page-turning book! I couldn’t put it down. I kept reading all the way home and way into the night… next day… and so on until I devoured each thought-provoking page. Small Great Things tugged at every emotion from love and hope to fear and even a cringe or two as Picoult eloquently peels back the layers of prejudice in our world. There are books that will stay with you long after you read them and this is certainly one of them. In fact, I feel like I owe it a second read to fully absorb each revelation. The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls this novel “A courageous and important work.” I couldn’t agree more! Check out the link in my bio for more info. #ReadReflectConnect

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What I do consider a beach read is a book that captures your attention and imagination but is a lighter read, allowing you to put it down and comfortably return to later to enjoy.  They are book with excellent character development and emotion with compelling plots that are very relationship driven.  And generally, they have happy ending… because, really, who wants to be caught crying on the beach?

I picked up THE LYING GAME by Ruth Ware on an airport layover.  It’s the story of four high school friends who share a deep love for each other and secret that binds them for life.  Years later, their secret is coming to the surface and they must all confront the past and how it has shaped their present.

Friendship is at the core of this novel and I enjoyed how each of the women had their own approach to relationships and life.  I also truly enjoyed the air of mystery and suspense throughout the novel.  The ending is unexpected, yet oddly satisfying.

THE HOUSE ON HARBOR HILL by Shelly Stratton is a book that I received as part of my Once Upon A Book Club membership.  Once Upon a Book Club is a cool mail order club that I discovered where they select a novel and then send it along with gifts that are paired to the story.  When you reach a page in the book where the gift is appropriate, you open it.  So it’s like getting little extra surprises along the way of reading that help enhance the story and give you a little tangible treat.

I decided to use this service to inspire my 50 by 50 book goals and it’s definitely working!  I love the selection I was sent THE HOUSE ON HARBOR HILL, and I loved having the incentives of opening gifts while reading.  It definitely had me finding more time to read more often to get to the goodies.

In THE HOUSE ON HARBOR HILL follows the path of a young woman who is estranged from her husband, trying to forge a life of her own.  Along they way she makes new friends in an unusual way and when their lives converge, it presents a set of new challenges for all.  It’s a very heartfelt story of three individuals who think they need very different things, but what they all truly need is a chance to heal.

50 by 50 - Three Awesome Beach Reads

THE OPTIMIST’S GIDE TO LETTING GO by Amy E. Reichert was the focus of a special Mother’s Day-themed box from the Once Upon A Book Club.  I’d heard of the book before and it is one that was on my TBR, so that was an awesome coincidence.  It’s a wonderful novel primarily centered on the complex relationships between mother’s and daughters.

There are secrets, there are sorrows, there are triumphs and there are joys.  It’s a wonderful blend of the moments that define our lives and the memories that can stop us from living.  I will give a slight forewarning that this is one beach read that could evoke a tear or two as you relate to some of the more powerful moments, so maybe better for the privacy backyard than the public beach?

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WIN an Awesome Beach Read Prize Pack!

One (1) Rural Mom reader will win one (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card so that you may purchase a few new beach reads to enjoy!

US entrants only, 18+

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What are you reading this month?  Please share, I’d love to be inspired by your ideas!


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Tags: books, family, new
by
Barb Webb. Founder and Editor of Rural Mom, is an the author of "Getting Laid" and "Getting Baked". A sustainable living expert nesting in Appalachian Kentucky, when she’s not chasing chickens around the farm or engaging in mock Jedi battles, she’s making tea and writing about country living and artisan culture.
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Comments

  1. Reply

    The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go sounds like something I’d like to read.

    • Tracy Shafer
    • June 1, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read the lying game

    • Sam L.
    • June 1, 2018
    Reply

    I’ve heard a lot of good reviews of Small Great Things that I just picked it up to read this week.

    • Serge B
    • June 1, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading the Outsider

    • Ann Fantom
    • June 1, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill

  2. I would like to read the Lying Game.

    • harolde
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I’ve been rereading the Wild Card Series Anthology

  3. Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill.

    • Cynthia Conley
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I just started reading The Crossing by Michael Connelly.

    • AliceC
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    i’m reading The Wanders Meg Howrey

    • Adrienne Gordon
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    The Lying Game looks good.

    • Tari Lawson
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading Einstein’s Beach House.

    • jalapenomamamn
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I am now reading Still Waters by Heather Graham/Karen Harper.
    It’s a good read.
    thank you
    Barbara Montag

    • jalapenomamamn
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    FYI PInterest pics are not working.

    • Karolyn
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    Loved Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin 10. Must read this new one.

    • paige chandler
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading Our Better Angels by Jon Meecham

    • Deborah Wellenstein
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading The Outsider by Stephen King. In fact, I’m almost finished with it!

    • Maureen
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read the Optimist guide to letting go.

    • Cindy Merrill
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading “KINGS OF THE SEA” by J.D. Davies, it’s very educational.

    • Natalie
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read The Vacationers by Emma Straub.

    • David H.
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    Since I am extreme love of film, I would love to read the book on Film Noir. I think it was just released, but I would to own a copy of it.

    • Don D
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    Year One by Nora Roberts

    • Mary Beth Elderton
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I may pick up the Jodi Picoult, Funny seeing it here as someone just mentioned her novels and I have not read any.

    • Amber
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read Small Great Things because I’m ready for a more though-provoking serious book right now. And I love Jodi Picoult!

    • Chrystal D
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading a book about Buddha this month, after that will be one of the Stephen King’s that I haven’t started yet!

    • LAURA SCHRILLO
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I would like the Ruth Ware book

    • beth shepherd
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading Redeeming Love – a great book so far. Thank you

    • Christina Gould
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading The Address by Fiona Davis this month. Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Breanne
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill.

    • Donna L
    • June 2, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading No Man’s Land by David Baldacci

    • Alexandra Y
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I have been reading Gone With the Wind.

    • Tammie Trinh
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I am looking forward to reading it’s your universe!

  4. Reply

    I am reading Marinating in Murder by Linda Wiken

    • Sheila K.
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read the Lying Game!

    • kathy Persons
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    Kate Lloyds starting from Scratch

    • Melissa
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    harry potter books!

    • Azeem Isaahaque
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I have been meaning to read the twilight saga

    • Antoinette M
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.

    • Rebecca C
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading A Gentleman in Moscow for fun and Without You There Is No Us for my book club. Both are interesting but pretty dense, thus far.

    • Kelly D
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read Small Great Things.

    • Cathy Truman
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill

    • Virginia
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I am currently reading Four of a Kind by Kate Kessler.

    • Anne Higgins
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading the kids summer book list so I can ask questions to find out if they read and comprehended these books.

    • Lasonda
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The Optimist’s Guide to Letting Go.

    • jennifer howard
    • June 3, 2018
    Reply

    i would like to read the lying game.

    • April
    • June 4, 2018
    Reply

    I’ve been reading Forever My Girl

    • s. carter
    • June 4, 2018
    Reply

    I have been wanting to reread The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change for a while. It will be next for me.

    • Evelyn
    • June 4, 2018
    Reply

    I’m currently reading Bran New Death

    • Shelby Gil
    • June 4, 2018
    Reply

    Leaving Cloud 9

    • Lisa
    • June 4, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The Lying Game!

  5. Reply

    I would love to read Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

    • Dwayne Berry
    • June 5, 2018
    Reply

    This month I’m reading 2 books, a biography of Son House called Preaching the Blues and This Book is Full of Spiders by David Wong.

    • Amanda L.
    • June 5, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading It Was Me All Along by Andi Mitchell

    • Ashley C
    • June 5, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read the house on harbor hill

    • Michelle Donovan
    • June 6, 2018
    Reply

    I’d like to read the The Lying Game: A Novel. Looks super interesting

    • JASON JENNINGS, Sr.
    • June 6, 2018
    Reply

    any good drama book

    • Kiara Lindstrom
    • June 7, 2018
    Reply

    These look like great summer reads

    • Susan Smith
    • June 7, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill

    • Brandy c
    • June 9, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading the Murderbot diaries.

    • Marianna
    • June 9, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading a biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

    • Iliana R
    • June 10, 2018
    Reply

    I still don’t know what book I am going to read but probably a mystery book!

    • Shirley Emitt
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I like the reviews for The House on Harbor Hill, like to read.

  6. Reply

    I would like to read the optimist guide of letting go.

    • Kim Henrichs
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I’m getting ready to start Heavens on Earth!

    • Nicole C
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer.

    • tat2gurlzrock
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    THE LYING GAME by Ruth Ware sounds like a great read!

  7. I am currently reading a book called Vox.

    • Angelica Dimeo
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read big little lies

    • Debra Francis
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray.

    • Melissa Storms
    • June 11, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read Big Little Lies. I have heard the show is good so I imagine the book is too.

    • heather eg Kaufman
    • June 12, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading The Outlander.

    • Zoey
    • June 12, 2018
    Reply

    I am rereading the Harry Potter series.

    • Tracy Robertson
    • June 13, 2018
    Reply

    I want to read The Lying Game. I really enjoy thrillers that span over the decades and follow the long term ways people are affected by their past.

    • Debra Holloway
    • June 13, 2018
    Reply

    Right now I am reading Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris.

  8. Reply

    I am reading one of the books from The Secret

    • susna smoaks
    • June 14, 2018
    Reply

    right now i am reading born a crime by trevor noah

    • Francine Anchondo
    • June 14, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read the Lying Game

    • Austin Baroudi
    • June 14, 2018
    Reply

    I’m currently finally getting around to reading Stephen King’s It.

    • Amanda lea
    • June 15, 2018
    Reply

    The sorcerers daughters…Taking a while to get into it

    • Daniel M
    • June 15, 2018
    Reply

    tales from known space by larry niven

    • Kyl Neusch
    • June 15, 2018
    Reply

    like to read The House on Harbor Hill.

    • Rosanne
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read Small Great Things

    • Sarah B.
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read all of these. Just finished re-reading all the Harry Potter books.

    • Lisa Romine
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading North and South by John Jakes.

    • Montana
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read the lying game

  9. Sex and the City and Us.

    • Michelle C
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read SMALL GREAT THINGS by Jodi Picoult. I’ve read some of her other books and really enjoyed them.

    • Brenda Elsner
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read The Lying Game and The House on Harbor Hill.

    • Ed
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    “Dream Boy” by Jim Grimsley

    • PATTY NIEDERT
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I just picked up a copy of Rainbow Rowells “landline” today. It’s too hot to do anything outside, so I’ll sit inside and read.

    • Renee Grosskreuz
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read the Optimist guide of letting go.

    • Robin
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to check out The House on Harbor Hill.

    • yana ryjova
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading the annihilation trilogy

    • Kelly G
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I’d like to read the Lying Game

    • Susan Christy
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I’ve been working in my yard so much I haven’t had time to read. I love Jodi Picoult’s books and want to read Small Great Things.

  10. I am really looking forward to reading The House on Harbor Hill! Sounds like I will greatly enjoy it!

    • Lauren Becker
    • June 16, 2018
    Reply

    I’m curious about The Lying Game. I’m about to start A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

  11. Reply

    I’d like to read THE OPTIMIST’S GIDE TO LETTING GO by Amy E. Reichert.
    Thanks for the contest.

  12. Reply

    I’d like to read THE OPTIMIST’S GIDE TO LETTING GO by Amy E. Reichert.

    • SHAYNA BROOKMAN
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read Big Little Lies 🙂

    • clynsg
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    Right now I am working my way through several different light romance series, largely because for some reason I have at least one of them on my shelf, and I seem to be constitutionally unable to read just one! I find it rather fascinating that there can be such a wide variation in the readability and interest grabbing writing in the same series, all by the same author, since some of the books keep my interest all the way through, and others end up being just scanned to get a feel of what the story line is.

    • mami2jcn
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I’d like to read Small Great Things.

    • Hesper Fry
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House On Harbor Hill from your list.

  13. Reply

    I just started reading a book that takes place in Gettysburg “Though War Shall Rise Against Me”.

    • Amy Deeter
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I am going to be reading “The Fault in Our Stars”

    • Joanna Peter
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell.

    • James Coyne
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading the Autobiography of Captain James T Kirk

    • Buddy Garrett
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House On Harbor Hill.

    • Janell G
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The Lying Game

    • kathypease
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading The Widening Circle: A Lyme Disease Pioneer Tells Her Story by Polly Murray

    • Julie Hawkins
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading the English wife right now.

    • Janine
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I just finished “How to Walk Away” and enjoyed it!

    • Laurie Nykaza
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would like to read The House on Harbor Hill sounds like a great read.

    • Seyma Bennett
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading The first Days by Rhiannon Frater. I have read it before just re reading it!

    • Heather smith
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    Unchanged is what I’m reading

  14. Reply

    I don’t have a lot of time for reading but I have about 150 books on my Kindle. I’m a fast reader so I expect to be through all of them by the end of the year. I just finished Cat’s Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown and she is one of my favorite authors.

    • Denise Higgins
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    Would luv to read The Fault in our Stars

    • Philip Lawrence
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I am reading “Johnny Got His Gun” this month.

    • laurie emerson
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I would love to read The House on Harbor Hill.

    • Casey Everidge
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    im reading Pretty Little Liars.

    • Chasmine
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    Reading books by Lisa TerKeurst.

    • DanV
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I’d like to read small great things

    • AEKZ2
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I’m reading The Lying Game. I’m hooked!

    • Sand
    • June 17, 2018
    Reply

    I just started Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella!

  15. Reply

    I would love to read It”s Your Universe: You Have the Power to Make It Happen the most of all items on your great list.

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