Monday is Memorial Day and the official start of summer. And nothing says summer to me more than a day at the beach, the lake, or even a lazy Sunday on the front porch with a pitcher of lemonade a stack of good books. Whenever I get a chance to spend such a day, it brings back memories of my childhood when summer seemed endless, there was no schedule to keep, no math homework to worry about, and every day held the promise of new adventures. My two brothers and I , and our next door neighbors camped out under the stars, built a playhouse, went to the movies, made scrapbooks and of course, read books.
My favorite authors back then included Anne Emory, Betty Cavanna, and Rosamond du Jardin. I read some of the Nancy Drew books and dreamed of having a convertible and a boyfriend of my own. I read Cherry Ames, Student Nurse, and briefly entertained the thought of becoming a nurse myself. But then I remembered that I usually faint at the sight of blood and looked around for another career path. I read about flight attendants who in those days were called “stewardesses”. Flying seemed so glamorous. Now that I travel often for business and dread the hassle of flying every single time, I’m glad I didn’t become a “stewardess” either.
To celebrate the glories of summer, I am giving away to one reader in the US a Summer Beach Reads prize which includes an oversized canvas beach tote from Lands End, a fluffy beach towel, plus flip flops, sunscreen, a pair of fun, red-framed sunglasses, an oversized cup for holding your favorite cold summer beverage, and six books. In addition to the complete Hickory Ridge series, I’m giving away Tamera Alexander’s latest historical novel, To Whisper Her Name, and two contemporary novels, Lisa Wingate’s Firefly Island and Beth Webb Hart’s charming Moon Over Edisto, set in South Carolina.
Entering is easy. Just go here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, and Happy Summer!
I love summer, I remember being at the pool and reading when I was in the water.
I want it!
Thank you for SUCH a generous and fun giveaway!!
Thank you for the opportunity! What an awesome giveaway!!!
Definitely – beach and reading for summer fun! Thanks for sharing
I would love to read on the sandy beach of Hawaii. Even though, I live near the beach. The beaches in Hawaii does not compare to the beauty it has than our beaches here in California. The sand is so clean and the water is so crystal blue. Yes, that is where I would like to be for the summer, reading. 🙂
Linda, I know what you mean. I lived in San Diego for several years and loved Coronado beach. Miss it still. Have a great summer!!
oh yeah I would use all this to sit beside the water and read…thanks for the chance…
I love to win!
Please cross your fingers for me.
Susan Snodgrass
Thanks for offering these.
I would love to go to Hawaii and enjoy the beaches there with the lovely water, sun and a great book!
Tamara introduced me to you. I have not read any of your books; but would love to have them in my church’s librar. Roseland Park Baptist Church, Picayune, Ms. 39466 Would love to win your summer contest Thank you.
tamera is such a sweet friend and a wonderful writer. Thanks, Sara, for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Wow! What a wonderful give-a-way! While I was reading everything in the give-a-way, I was overcomed with a sense of peace and contentment. That is the way I feel when I am engrossed in a book. I came across your give-a-way via Tamera Alexandra. I’m looking forward to reading your books. Thank you for the give-a-way! God Bless!
I’m headed to the beach in Sept. and can’t wait! Would love to take these things with me. 🙂
I hope I win the summer giveaway! looks fun!
While I can’t enter the contest because I live in Canada I wanted to leave a comment on your blog . Your mentioned authors like Rosamond du Jardin, and reading Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames books. I read everything Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames book that I could get my hands on . I loved those kind of books .I think I borrowed most of them since our family couldn’t afford to buy very many books. I remember when I was in 8th grade staring longingly at a new book that cost 87 cents,plus and I didn’t have that much in my pocket . I am sure that is why I own such a huge personal library that I have collected over the last 30 years , and why I download any free e-book that is a genre that I prefer to read . I live on an island so I can walk to the beach if I like,but to often take such a pleasure for granted .
Wendy, I used the library a lot in my younger days, too. I won’t ever forget Cherry Ames. thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment. I loved hearing from you.
Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
How exciting to think of summer, beaches and BOOKS!
Thank you for the giveaway! Although I live in San Diego, I don’t take advantage of our beaches as I should (too busy with work) 🙁 One of my favorite spots is when we go to Minnesota and sitting in a hammock on the lake is the best! I especially love that it really doesn’t get dark til really late. My dream spot would be on a beach in Maui or on the Red Sea in Eilat, Israel
Love Tamara Alexander and love to get to know new authors. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
God bless.
This was an especially great fun giveaway! 8) I love your memories, too–you should be featured on my When I Was Just a Kid blog! (http://wheniwasjustakid.blogspot.com) Email me if you would like that. 🙂 (But I understand if you wouldn’t want to. 🙂
Crystal, your blog sounds like a blast! I am buried in line edits and a bunch of other deadlines rigs now, but if the time is ever right, we’ll do it.
I would love to go visit Hawaii and bring my best friend Ayla with me! I would love to win! Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com
N.C.
Would LOVE to win some beach stuff and books — they all sound wonderful!
Great giveaway. Thanks! =^..^= Favorite getaway? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
This is the only way I’ll get to the beach this summer…vicariously.
Thanks for this great giveaway! All the books sound great and the other prizes as well.
I remember reading many of the childhood books you mentioned.
What a fun contest–sign me up. I love Tamera’s books.
I read all the Cherry Ames, student nurse books too!!! I haven’t heard of anyone else who read them until you!! I loved those books! I also read all the Nancy Drew books and also The Boxcar Children.
Sherry,I dont’ know too many other Charry Ames readers, either. I guess we were a select group. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by here.
I would love this prize for sure. Hope to win.
I live in southwest FL near Siesta Key beach, one of the best in the world. We started coming down here for vacation as a family when my grandparents retired to Sarasota. It is a beautiful beach.
Judy, several years ago on a cruise we met a lovely couple from Siesta Key and they talked about how beautiful it is there. Hope you enjoy your summer!