Need a Beach Read? Review of “A Familiar Shore”

A long time ago, in a far away land, I used to teach English. I knew words like “Deconstructionism,” and “Anthropomorphism,” and “Euphony.”

If I had written a book review back then, when I had more brain cells, it would be a little different. I’d analyze the characters and search for literary devices and other boring stuff.

The former Mrs. Smartt would undoubtedly scoff at this book review, which, actually, is going to be a story. Here’s the story.

A few weeks ago, I went through something horrible. Physically, emotionally, in every way – not fun.

And this book, A Familiar Shore, was my friend. The best kind of friend, really. For it did what all enjoyable fiction should do, in my (out-of-touch) literary opinion: take you out of your current, less-than-ideal world, to another different, more something-else world.

I actually usually prefer non-fiction. But I was reminded this month how much I enjoy the escape of a pleasurable fiction read.

“A Familiar Shore” was that for me.

Following the recovery time from my ectopic pregnancy and surgery, I couldn’t do much of anything. My brain, my heart, my body… all were mushy, and useless. But I did happen to remember while plopped out on my bed that I hadn’t yet read “A Familiar Shore,” a book actually written by an old friend, Jennifer Fromke, and I began reading the Kindle version I had.

From the beginning, I was hooked. It’s got a clever premise, and is the kind of story you just keep reading, because you’re curious. It centers around a young lawyer, Meg Marks, who gets a really intriguing assignment from a client on his deathbed. It’s mysterious, but not what I think of as a “mystery novel…”

The truth is, I think it’s a great summer read, not just for bed-ridden, depressed, recoverying moms like me, but for any of us who need the escape of a good story.

As I mentioned, I know the author (I wrote the post “A Blink of Time” inspired by her family), and Jennifer has generously donated a copy of her book as part of our Beat the Boredom Summer Giveaway. You can enter here! The ebook is $3.99 on Amazon as well.

And don’t forget to follow our summer series…

• Monday – Free (or almost) Family Fun Ideas!
•  Tuesday – MamaGab shares How to Host a Busy Bag Swap.
• Wednesday – Whitney at Beauty in the Mess shares Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers Also Wednesday, visit Beauty Through Imperfection for Indoor Preschooler Activities!
• Thursday – Stop at Klover House to read about Summer Living in Small Spaces
• Friday – Come back HERE to learn How to Host a Neighborhood Backyard Bible Club.
• Saturday – I can’t wait for the Summer Recipe Roundup from Danielle at Snippets of Inspiration!
• Lastly, on Sunday, stop by here to link up your best summer pins! Or if you don’t blog, come here for great pins to add to your “Summer Fun” board.

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