I’ve got the perfect summer read for you! And I couldn’t be happier to tell you that my very long time blog friend , Liz, is the author! I started blogging in May of 2008 and I think I found Liz’s blog about 6 months after that. She blogs at Mabel’s House and you should definitely add her to your blog roll. I was first captured by our mutual love for turquoise. I love everything about her style and use of color in her home.
She is a collector of all things vintage and I’m a wee bit jealous of her delicious pyrex/jadeite filled hutch! And her vintage salt and pepper shaker collection. Let’s just say I’ve loved her from the start.
And I feel like I’ve literally watched her blossom. She just became a mom to beautiful Jane and has written so beautifully and honestly about becoming a mother.
I love little Miss Jane’s nursery!
I could show you pictures of her family and home and you’d never tire of it so after you finish this post, head over to her blog and be inspired.
The reason I’m so excited today is that Liz has written a book. She’s one of those people whose blog you read and then you say to yourself, “She should write a book.”
Well, she did and I couldn’t be happier to tell you about it so you’ll have time to pick it up in time for that beach trip.
One of the things I love about Liz is her love for great literature and classic movies. She’s read everything. She’s watched every classic movie and she has spent her life being inspired by the greats. The influence of those great authors on her life and writing is profound. She has literally sat at the feet of the best and learned the art of writing. And did I mention she’s hilarious? She’s got it all!
Her book, My Not So Storybook Life is about her journey to find faith and friendship and contentment but with just the right amount of hilarity sprinkled throughout. She weaves in her favorite literary heroes in just the perfect way as she opens each chapter with a modern retelling of an old classic. In her effort to achieve domestic perfection and tranquility, she and her husband Matt are a modern day Lucy and Ricky Ricardo as they endure countless home project disasters. In the midst of her plumbing and decorating woes, her dearest friend Angela is diagnosed with cancer and they walk a very dark but sweet road together.
It was so amazing for me to read Liz’s book after reading her blog for four years. What a treat! And I know you’ll love it too. Thank you, dear Liz, for using your gifts and following your passion. We are blessed by your sharing and wish you many happy years and many more books!
You can purchase My (not so) Storybook Life: A Tale of Friendship and Faith or leave a comment to win a copy! Tell us your favorite summer read so far! Both my giveaways will close tonight at midnight.
Kathy says
Sounds like good reading. I’m heading to the blog now to check it out. It continues to amaze me how walking through those dark times brings such maturity. Learning is often really hard, but the blessings so worth it.
LuAnn says
Heading over to check out her blog, but love nothing better than a good book and cozy place to read…hammock is heaven :). I’m reading Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock and I love it! Put on you must read list! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mary Beth says
Not exactly ‘summer’ reading but I just read When You Rise Up by RC Sproul jr- a thought provoking read, for sure. Now, onto Hunger Games!
Lisa Q says
I’m on the hunt for a book for our next book club as I’m the one who gets to pick next month! (oh the pressure!!) This sounds like it might be just perfect! Thanks for the recommendation Edie!
Julie says
Sounds great! I’d like to win!
Carrie says
Right now I’m reading a book by another blogger: “Heaven is Here” by Stephanie Nielson. I’m in the middle of the book and am caught up in her story. This book you’ve mentioned here sounds like it would be captivating also….would love to win it!
Lanie Beth Sinclair says
Just bought the book! Thanks for the recommendation! Love to support our fellow bloggers!
becky says
Book sounds great, where is it available? My favorite summer read is at the beach, sitting by the pool watching grandkids swim, or on the boat looking for dolphins. Really I love to read on my front porch . Just give me a good book and let me be.
Tina B says
I’m heading over to her blog right now…the pictures of her home look family-friendly cozy. I’d love the opportunity to read her book…thank you.
tinab158 at hotmail dot com
the farmer's wife says
I love a good book! Right now, I’m reading several things; however, my classic re-read is “The Great Gatsby” because they’ve remade the movie and it’s coming out in Aug. or Sept. Thanks for hosting a fun giveaway!
Leah Hinds says
I’m reading Wild Things: The art of nurturing boys, by Stephen James and David Thomas. This is a GREAT book for us moms of active, competitive, wild (normal) boys. Written from a biblical perspective by two fathers, it has great practical advice and plenty of hilarious real-life stories. “The truth is, boys don’t need to be tamed – they need to be understood, loved, challenged, and encouraged.” I’d recommend this book to anyone with a son!
alicia @ la famille says
you know, i bought this book for a christmas gift to my blogger friend becky (farmgirl paints) and i’ve wanted a copy for myself ever since! here’s my chance 🙂 i am rereading “to kill a mockingbird” right now and it’s one of my favorites 🙂
Laurie says
We just finished wheat harvest and Monday is last baseball game. So no summer reading as of yet!! I would love to have this be my first book of the summer;)
chelsea says
I would love to win the book! I need a good summer read.
deb says
I’d love to win this!!
Kimber-Leigh says
this book looks wonderful! i’d love to add it to my list for this summer! right now i’m in the midst of rereading the “Anne books”. on anne of avonlea right now!
Deb says
Hands down: The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill. Yep! It’s a kid’s book. Yep! I’m 57! It took me all of two hours…..but the wisdom in teaching was wonderful! My upcoming year of homeschooling will be a tad different this year and it’s because of this little title.
Your description of Liz’s book makes me wonder if she was homeschooled?
Suzelle says
Right now I am reading Tuesday Night Miracles….great read !! I would love to win this too 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity……
Caila says
Wow, that book sounds so fun! I cant wait to read her blog! My favorite summer reason would be almost anything right now if I had the time! (too much sewing) hehe. I’d love to add this one to my list. Thanks for sharing with us about it!
Jen says
I am currently in the middle of Anne of Green Gables (for myself) and Paddington Bear (bedtime story with my 5 year old). This sounds like it would be a great addition to my summer reading!
Mott says
I just finished “Til We Have Faces”. Thanks for the suggestion, Edie. It was wonderful! I’m ready for another good book. Throw my name in the hat and I’m headed over to “Mabel’s House”.
Kelli says
Edie! After reading this I MUST read her book and her blog! You write so beautifully yourself. When is your book coming out? ;o) Thanks so much for telling us about her. Have a great weekend!
AmyG says
Thanks Eddie for sharing this with us. I headed over to Amazon.com and read some of the excerpts from her book, ordered it and can’t wait till it comes – perfect summer read.
Your blog is so awesome and now I going to Mabel’s House and enjoying that too.
Gina says
I can’t wait to check out her blog. 🙂 Sounds like a great book. 🙂 I am still trying to plow my way through One Thousand Gifts. =P
Candace says
Sounds delightful. I love finding new authors to enjoy!!
CharityFaithZ says
I’ve been reading with my kids. God King was a great book. And I just finished Honey for A Child’s Heart. Not a novel, but some wonderful inspiration for reading novels to our kiddos. I think it’s time for me to read a “grown up book”…hers might be a great treat!
Annie in Indiana says
Sounds like a great book! I’ve just started The Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, & Hard Times, and I’m enjoying it. Also, we’re reading the Little House Books out loud to our kiddos.
Kimberly Dial says
I follow Liz too & would love, love, love to win a copy of her book! 🙂
Sharon O says
Oh now that would be a fun book to read, I love a good story and most of all the fact that you as her friend are promoting her and her book. It is wonderful.
Sharon O says
I also can’t figure out how to be a reader to her blog. I don’t do twitter and it has facebook can you help me with that issue or help her get a subscription button?
Alisa says
I’d love to read her book!
Kim B. says
I LOVE to read memoirs & biographies so will definitely be reading this book! I LOVE it when bloggers write as you can continue with them on their journey after the book is finished. I just read Kelle Hampton’s book called, “Bloom.” It’s about the birth of her 2nd daughter & how they were caught off guard to find out she was born with down syndrome. Sooo beautifully written! Her blog can be found here: http://www.kellehampton.com/ I also just read, “The Dirty Life” by Kristin Kimball. Kristin wrote about how she was a Manhattan journalist who interviewed a Pennsylvania farmer, married him, & then they started a farm together in Upstate New York. Her blog is: http://www.kristinkimball.com/ I really LOVED that book as it is my DREAM to flee to city & start a farm of my own 🙂
Susan says
Currently reading “Love in the Time of Cholera,” which is excellent by the way! I’d LOVE to read this book … it sounds wonderful!
Shairee says
My best read so far this summer Has been Mere Christianity!!! So great to see a blogger publish a book!! Awesome!
Deanna says
Just read the pages from the book available on Amazon and I am longing to read the rest! Love the style of her writing. My summer reads so far are the books to renew my vision for home educating my children. My current reads are Climbing the Parnassus and Teaching the Trivium.
Jo says
This sounds wonderful! I just got done reading Close to Shore. Probably not the best summer reading if you plan on swimming at the beach anytime soon, but very entertaining (and true)!
Joanne says
Favorite summer read so far – Forgotten God by Francis Chan! I am re-reading it and loving it as much the second time around! I’d heard abouth this book and would love to win it. I, too, love classic literature and humor – throw the two in together and that’s good stuff!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Lori B. says
I just read “Suite Francaise” by Irene Nemirovsky two weeks ago, and I am still thinking about it. It is set in WWII France and begins just as the French are fleeing Paris ahead of the German invasion. The backstory to this work of fiction is as fascinating as the story itself. Nemirovsky was a French writer of Ukrainian Jewish origin and had achieved success publishing novels and stories before the war. She wrote “Suite Francaise” during the war in tiny handwriting in a leatherbound journal. She imagined a group of five novellas that would work together as a suite. She was only able to finish two of the novellas before she was arrested in 1942 and eventually sent to Auschwitz where she was killed. Her daughters escaped the war – which is a fascinating story in itself – and carried their mother’s notebook in a suitcase for over 50 years, assuming it was a personal diary and too painful to read. In 1998 before sending her mother’s papers to a museum, her daughter opened the book and read it. Realizing what it was, she had the two novellas published as one in 2004.
The book itself does not focus on Irene’s life, but on the lives of several Parisian families during their flight from Paris, and also the lives of villagers under German occupation. It deals with large themes such as war and class, society and customs, and human nature during times of extreme stress. Set during one of the darkest periods of modern history, the book remains warm, passionate, and at times darkly funny. Nemirovky’s characters are flawed, just like the rest of us, and even though some of them appear almost worthless, there is still a flow of grace, sympathy and humanity through this book. Okay, I’ve gone on enough. I’d just love for lots and lots of people out there to read it, so I have someone to discuss it with! Edie, why don’t you do an on-line bookclub discussion about it 😉
Marsha says
My favorite summer read this far has been “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein. It’s a great take on humanity from the viewpoint of a dog. I’m a dog lover, but even non-dog-lovers would like it. I read it in a day on the beach.
Kristi says
I would love to win this! My summer reading consists of lots of parenting books!
Jennifer says
Sounds like a great book! I’m currently reading “Traveling At Home” … 🙂
Glenda Childers says
Thank you for introducing me to a beautiful blog and blogger.
I am reading an old favorite … A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken
Jessica Y says
This looks like a wonderful window into someone’s life! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
I Edie!
I’ve just finished a marathon which concluded with a sprint. In actuality it’s call VBS. It’s all good and I’m all exhausted. When I awake from my long nap, I’ll be looking for a good summer read.
Thanks for the introduction to Liz. I’m on my way now to meet your good friend now.
And thanks for the ‘giveaway.’
wendy says
Ooh, that looks like something I’d love to read!
I haven’t made my own summer reading list yet, but at the moment I’m reading Secret Garden with my youngest… does that count?
Tiffany says
I follow Mabel’s House already and love HER!! My favorite book is anything by C.S. Lewis.
Susan says
I am working on reading some classics. I am reading Little Women at the moment.
Diane H says
The book sounds charming and the friendship wonderful…I have met a few wonderful blog buddies myself and love it…..I would love to read the book and I know someone that “should” read it, that “needs” to read it to know that life is not always “quote”… “a bowl full of cherries”…sounds interesting!!
Tina says
YOU’RE my favourite tead so far this summer! 😃
Tina says
*read (sorry!)😁
Southern Gal says
I’ve seen that book around and am intrigued by the cover art. Love it. Now that I’ve heard what it’s about I’d love to read it.
Lori says
Sounds wonderful! I have really enjoyed Francis Beamer Takes the Bus! I think you would like it, too. Check it out if you get a minute.:) Lori
Jenn A says
My favorite read so far this summer is A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick, but I’m always on the lookout for another great read!
Kari says
The books sounds right up my alley…I would love to win:). btw, I love your blog too!
Julie S. says
I have not yet completed a book to have a favorite summer read. I just started my summer this week and look forward to some opportunity to get a good book in. I am for the first time ever, biegning a “stay-at-home” Mom!
Keri Elkins says
Prayers for Sale was my most recent read. It is by Sandra Dallas and it is a wonderful historical story set in a gold mining camp in Colorado. It revolves around two women forming a friendship despite the big age difference. Great easy summer read….
Deborah says
Would love to win this book but if I don’t I’ll definitely pick it up for my upcoming trip to the beach.
Thanks for sharing.
Julie says
I’m reading the latest of the father tim novels. love them all.
Sheri says
The best book that I have read so far this summer is The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal. It is a great young adult novel that keeps you guessing!
Thanks for a chance at the giveaway! The book sounds great!!
Heidi says
Just finished re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird and am looking forward to starting Dr. Veith’s newie on family vocation.
Marilyn says
My favorite read so far has been The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks…a very well-written account of something that never should have happened.
Esther says
I finished The Midwife’s Confession by Diane Chamberlain last week, and now I’m reading How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue. Both great reads!
Trix says
Well Miss Edie, I am in love with turquoise too. And I swear that color is out there for the taking. I bet a dollar next year’s color of the year is going to be in the turquoise realm. I bought some emerald colored pillows today at WorldMarket on sale. I chatted with the wine gal what she thought. Anyway brought them home and I bet right; perfect. Now to paint the mantle wall Valspar “Day at the jewelers”. It’s a turquoise with a splash of green giving it a lot of hutzpa. 🙂
Thank you for turning me onto Mabel’s blog, lots of fun reading it.
God bless ya Edie.
Ps I thought to myself this morning, I don’t know how you read all those books! Luv ya!! 🙂
Trix says
Oh forgot to share my favorite summer read; that would be currently, “Somethimg More” by Sarah Ban Breathnach. She is such a resource of books and information. 🙂
Terry says
I’m a little slow on getting to this one, but reading The Help is at the top of my list.
Eleanor says
So far my favorite book this summer is “On Folly Beach.”
Amy says
I have not read a single book this summer yet. I know, pathetic. I have 7 children so I have been running the kids to every corner of the city to do everything. Would love a new good read for the summer!
Donna says
I have read My (Not So) Storybook Life. It is wonderful. I enjoyed laughing and crying. Get it. You will not be disappointed.
Jan says
I just read “A Life Without Limits” by Chrissie Wellington. Chrissie is one of our world’s top athletes. Her story is inspiring.
Amy R. says
I have heard about her book before, and would love to read it! I just finished Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews and now I’m reading The Fixer Upper by the same author. Mary Kay Andrews books are great relaxing beach reads!
Jennifer Huber says
I’m looking for a good summer read and this book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
Jody says
I would love a copy!! I’m thinking you should write a book too – all about decorating and clogging 🙂 Right now I’m reading 1000 gifts by Ann Voscamp 🙂
Kellye says
I would love to win this book!!! It seems like a great summer read for my book club!!!!! Right now I am on a Mary Higgins Clark kick so I am putting away some serious suspense thrillers!!!! She is so great!!! I also just finished “Raising Respectful Kids in a Disrespectful World” by Jill Rigby for the 3rd or 4th time and ITS WONDERFUL!!!! I would love to pick this one up next!! Thanks so much for introducing us to Mabel’s blog!!!!
Lisa says
Hi Edie,
I’d love to win the book ~ sounds wonderful and the truth is, I don’t have a ” summer reading” book… hers sounds perfect for a plane ride this summer. xxoo
Kristen Miller says
Sounds like a great book! Right now I’m working on A Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex with my book club…great read!
Kelley says
I read Liz’s book months ago and i could not put it down! It was touching, funny and very meaningful at the same time. Very good:)
Heidi says
I just recently found her blog and really want to read her book! It sounds really good!
Jackie McMahan says
Looks lovely — thank you!
Christy says
Ooh loving your house & decorating style. Sounds like my kind of book.
Christy says
oops forgot to share my summer read., Mine has been Bloom by Kelle Hampton. Luv it!!
Deb Martell says
Always love a book recommendation!! I just finished The Language of Flowers. Heart wrenching, compelling, frustrating and hopeful all at the same time…plus some education on the many meanings of flowers. You’ll never look at a bouquet the same way again 🙂
Rhonda says
Thanks for the chance! If you love her style, I HAVE to check her out.
Oh, and I just read the Midwife’s Confessions.
Haley @ Housegirl Haley says
My favorite summer read so far has been The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I just finished it and loved it! I would love to read Liz’s book. It’s definitely going to be added to my to-read list!
beverly says
Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank is the best book I’ve read so far this summer I hope Liz’s book will be the next one I read.
Vicki says
This sounds like a book I need to read!
Anita says
Sounds like a good book. Thanks for the chance to win.
angie says
Sounds like a great read!! I’m taking an on-line class so all of my reading this summer is purely academic 🙁 I would love to read this book as soon as my class ends.
Flower Patch Farmgirl says
Sign me way up!
Ruth says
I want to read this book. I have it on my Edie recommended must read list. I’m trying to build up our book library again. I’m so sorry I missed the giveaway. Right now I’mreading A Day, A Night, Another Day, Summer.
Need to take some time to read through her blog.
Ruth
Christine says
Sounds like such a great book! I’ve been reading several lately. My Bible study group is reading Radical together and I think I’ll choose that as my favorite read of the summer thus far. I feel like God is revealing some powerful things to me through this book, and I’m taking my time…reading slowly and sometimes reading each chapter twice. The chapter-by-chapter discussions have been wonderful as well 🙂 Thanks for the great giveaway!
Lady Dorothy says
I just love Liz and Mabel’s House! Jane’s a doll, too!
I’m in the middle of reading “Grace for the Good Girl”. Liz’s book is also now on my list!
Johana says
It’s not yet midnight in Alaska! My all time favorite beach vacation/summer read is Anne Morrow Lindberg’s “Gift From The Sea.” I’m anxious to read Jane’s Mama’s book & will pin it as a big hint for my friends to gift it to me for my birthday. ; )
Shanna says
Would love a new summer read!
Laura says
Oooh, I’m on the library waiting list for this book. And this wait is at least a dozen people long. It will take forever.
Carina says
Sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the chance to win. I just finished “The Flight of Gemma Hardy” and really enjoyed it.
Diane Whiting says
I work in a small rural library and I read, read, read. I would hate to have to pick a favorite. They are all my favorites. I love cozy mysteries. I would love to read this book too. Pick me, Pick me. My not-so-storybook life needs a lift. SERIOUSLY. I’m for real here.
Diane
The Library Lady
emma says
would love to win her book! i am a preschool teacher, so most of my summer reads are cadelcott winners!!!! 🙂
Sandra K says
I am completely taken with The Hunger Games trilogy. I’d love to win this book, thank you!
deirdre says
I am reading Tammy Maltby’s Lifegiving….not a novel…but LOVING this life changing book…. the book features sound right up my alley…..put my name in the hat PLEASE!!!
Michelle says
I’d love the book. Summer reading has begun!
Kara says
Thank you for the book AND blog recommendation! 🙂
Penny says
Oh what a beautiful nursery. I cant wait to see her website. Just love a good book with a tall glass of lemonade!
Jeannie says
Would love this book…
Jill P says
Everything here looks fabulous…very intrigued by the book & would love to read it!
Beth says
I favorite has been Memory Keepet’s Daughter! Would love a copy of her book!
Elizabeth T says
sounds like a great book ! Thanks for sharing .
Kim says
My summer read has been- This life is in your hands, -One dream, sixty acres and a family undone- by Melissa Coleman. Would love to win a copy of -My (not so) Storybook Life!
jennybc says
Love a good summer read!
Hayley says
I just finished Angie Smith’s “What Women Fear” and absolutely LOVED it! I’m drawn right now to these books that are so authentic it could literally be your life in print. Would love to read this one! Thanks 🙂
Nikki says
I’ve been reading her blog for about 4 years as well 🙂
Can’t believe I still havn’t read her book! My favorite read no matter what time of year will always be Jane Eyre or The Velvet Room.
Sarah L says
I’ve got this in my cart at Amazon, but I’ve got to finish the 4 or 5 or 8 or is it 9 books (maybe more) on my coffee table that I’ve ordered over the past couple of month. But when I read the preview I knew I have to read this. She spoke to my inner Anne (with an e) and of course Elizabeth Bennett and we all Love Lucy. I can’t wait to settle down with this one.
Tawn says
Liz’s book sounds like it is definitely something I would love to read.
MusiczooMamma says
This book sounds like a much needed summer read!!! Thanks for sharing!
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