Carole Bumpus

If I had to describe this book in one word, I'd use the word "journey".

This incredibly breath-taking tale by Carole Bumpus wow-ed me more than I can say in a few words. When I started reading this book, I just figured it was another Women's Fiction novel that would be a great 'on the side' read to keep my mind off of my homework. Once I got into the book, I was instantly hooked and amazed at how Carole can weave words into the most beautiful and heart breaking tale I've ever read! It's an Oscar-worthy book that is shockingly under-appreciated! Seriously, this is in my Top 10 reads now from how freaking fantastic is was!

A Cup of Redemption follows multiple generations in one family. Sophie's Mother (Marcelle) has just passed and she is asked to investigate her family tree. She goes on this wild adventure about her heritage with her friend Kate, and enlists the help of some of her siblings. Along the way, we learn about the haunting past of her, her mother and her grandmother. These tales are seamlessly written and tie in with one another throughout the story. This book will break your heart, warm your heart, and then make you believe in familial love all over again.

There's a splash of history in this book, since it goes over the World Wars and other historical events that occur behind the scenes (or during the scenes!) of the story. There's a wee bit of romance, a whole lot of drama, and a splash of mystery as well! If you like fiction where the story slowly unfolds and everything comes into view, then you will love this book! The ending isn't right out there, you have to learn through Sophie and the other characters what really happened in the past - and I loved that aspect. I'm glad the ending wasn't obvious like some mystery novels.

I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. Even when Carole is changing back and forth between the decades, she makes these characters lovable and feel real. At times, I could relate way harder to these characters than I ever expected to. That realism is what really sets this book apart from other stories like this. I almost felt like this could be a non-fiction retelling of a woman's life. Seriously, it's that good.

The downfalls of this book are as followed:
1. There's a lot of characters to follow, and if you put down this book a few times like me - you might forget who's who!
2. There are some plot points that don't end up resolved, but they aren't major ones. I would have liked a few more of my questions answered, but the story does come to a close so I guess that's a bit of a positive...
3. This book can be quite...upsetting. There's rape, sexual assault and other dark occurrences in the book that aren't for the light of heart.

By the end of this book, I couldn't put it down! I absolutely loved it! Even with the slow start, it slowly burned a hole into my heart and I absolutely need more by Carole Bumpus! If you haven't picked this book up, seriously, get on it! I'm utterly surprised by how well this book connected with me and I want to make sure more readers are able to connect to books with this much talent in it!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.… (mehr)

A September to Remember is a descriptive, at times humorous, memoir of a couples extended vacation through Italy. heir journey began with confusion and a devastating situation, but then continued with humor, excitement, adventure and a few personal connections.

This book enlightens the reader to the warmth, uniqueness and embracing personalities of the Italian people. After reading this couple's experiences, it would be difficult for the reader not to feel a definite endearment toward Italians. From the first couple of days in Italy, they were rewarded with the opportunity to "live" the Italian experience" rather than just Tour Italy.

I was especially intrigued to learn the unique way Easter is celebrated in Florence. It was interesting to learn that many traditions from the early Christianity era, also entwined the belief of pagan Gods into them.

When inquiring about who the Etruscans were, they discovered the Etruscans have been around since abut 900 BC. yet it is unclear where they came from. There are amazing tombs and astute highways which were built by them. much of the artistic accomplishments and other advancements Rome was credited with, actually were adapted from the Etruscan people.

Florence is very festive and extremely talented in culinary.

In visiting the countryside villages as well as well-known cities, the Bumpus's discovered each community has its individual traditions and specialties. The closeness in communities are like a strong family unit.

From humorous to harrowing experiences, 'A September to Remember' is a delightful story.

*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.… (mehr)

In this time of covid and lockdowns, what a better way to get your travel fix, than to read a delightful travel book! "A September to Remember: Searching for Culinary Pleasures at the Italian Table" is an excellent choice. In this third book in a series of travel and culinary adventures, Carole Bumpus has a winner, with something for every sort of traveller, famous sites, the off beaten path, rentals with friends, a bit of history, and then there's the food! With a chapter of recipes at the end of the book for you to try! Now, where can I find some wild boar?
We read about the unexpected fun adventures of village festivals, literally right on the doorstep, the confusing time of trying to cope with a different shopping culture with respect to opening times and vast varieties of pasta, enough to make your head spin, as well as hilarious times trying to eat outside under an awning as torrential rain strikes. We get good tips on not only what to expect at crowded famous sites, such as the Blue Grotto and the Isle of Capri, but things not to miss, such as the view from the top of the cupola of the Basilica at St. Peter's square.
If you liked Peter Mayle's books on France and "Under the Tuscan Sun" by Frances Mayes, you will enjoy this book.
It's fitting to end with a quote the author chose by Cicero, my favourite line in the book, "A room without books is like a body without a soul."… (mehr)