My So-Called Sensory Life

Today’s gift:  the My So-Called Sensory Life “Summer Reading Series.”

Over the course of the next month, we’ll travel to quintessential summer vacation spots — from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the pristine New England island of Nantucket (and we’ll make a few stops in between).  The books I’ll feature will refresh, recharge and hopefully replace your reality for at least a few hours.

I’m kicking off my new reading series today with bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews’ delicious and delightful new book SUMMER RENTAL.

Set in the Outer Banks, SUMMER RENTAL is the perfect vacation escape reading.  In fact, sitting at home I could smell the sea breeze and feel the sand between my toes as I joined best friends Ellis, Julia and Dorie on their month-long vacation.

Mary Kay Andrews is a masterful story-teller — you’ll recognize yourself and your friends in her colorful characters and you’ll long for the surf and sun every time you open the book.  I’ve visited the Outer Banks and MKA effortlessly captures the essence of OBX.

I don’t want to give away any juicy details so I’ll end my review by saying this:  my one criteria for summer escape reading is never wanting to put the book down.  SUMMER RENTAL surprised me until the last page.  It’s easy to see why USA TODAY and PEOPLE magazine included the book on their Summer 2011 Beach Read lists and now you can, too!

I’m giving away one autographed copy of SUMMER RENTAL here on My So-Called Sensory Life.

To enter to win:

Please subscribe to my blog’s RSS feed on the home page and then leave a comment here on this post.

You can enter to win July 29-August 15, 2011.  USA only please. One entry per email only please.  No PO boxes.  I’ll do a random drawing and contact the winner directly.

Good luck!

Learn more about SUMMER RENTAL and Mary Kay Andrews here:

http://marykayandrews.com/the-books/books-by-mary-kay-andrews/summer-rental/

Next stop: Maine.

http://jcourtneysullivan.com/site/maine-2/

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‘Cause it’s more than the green of trees
It’s more than the summer breeze
The smell of rocks and water
Washing over me
It’s more than the orange fire
It’s more than the fishing wire
It’s more than the cabin walls
It’s something you can’t touch
But you can hold so dear

Today’s gift:  my out-of-the-box thinking and mother’s instinct (along with my trademark persistence) landed M a spot at a terrific summer camp.  He’s attending the week-long “typical” camp with his special ed aid and we all have high hopes that he’ll  experience some of the real joys of summer fun for the very first time.

M quietly inquired on the drive this morning,  “Everyone is nervous on the first day right, Mom?” asking this same question about 10 times during our 10 minute drive.

At drop-off, M settled in well and his face reflected excitement, nervousness, curiosity and an innocence that reminded me of the 3 year old M.  He looked so sweet and small and trusting.  My heart beat a little faster as I waved good-bye trying to look calm, cool and confident.  I really wanted to run to him and scoop him up and hug him hard.

I drove away feeling excited, curious, hopeful — silently reassuring myself that everyone is nervous on the first day, most of all  Mom.