I can’t believe I have been doing this Worthy Reads series for 80 weeks!  I have enjoyed highlighting favorite links and reads from around the web every Monday and look forward to continuing.

Today’s first Worthy Read has a personal connection.

Lies and Other Acts of Love

I am excited to share this great book I just finished.  Kristy Woodson Harvey and her mother, Beth Woodson, are the gals who run Design Chic, one of my favorite design blogs.  I have shared many beautiful rooms from their site before.

Kristy is also a writer and earlier this year she invited me to preview her second novel, Lies and Other Acts of Love.

As much as I love to read, I often don’t have time to dig into a novel unless I am on vacation. When Kristy asked me if she could send me an advanced copy, I said yes and looked forward to some down time.   I so enjoyed taking 20 minutes every afternoon for a cup of coffee and digging into Kristy’s novel.

Author Kristy Woodson Harvey

There was so much that I loved about this book.  It was about three generations but the story was told from the view-point of the two main characters – – Lovey, the elegant grandmother and Annabelle, her granddaughter.  I was extremely close to my grandmother so I immediately understood the bond between the two of them.

This southern novel was full of great sayings passed on from one generation to the next.  Again, my family has many of their own sayings so I enjoyed these words of wisdom.

There are unexpected events that are life lessons.  They will make you think of your relationships with those you love – spouses, family and friends.  What will you do for those you love so dearly?   It was a great read and I am pleased to share it with you.

The book is available through Amazon.  I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!  Kudos Kristy and thank you for giving me the honor of previewing your second novel!

Room of the Week

Kristy’s novel takes place at Lovey’s Beach House in North Carolina.  To get you in the right mind-set, don’t think old; think stylish!

Kristy shared on her blog this beach house featured in Atlanta Homes.  It’s exactly how she envisioned Lovey’s home.   Visit Design Chic to tour the rest of this chic beach house.

Recipe of the Week

We all have those days when we just don’t feel like cooking!  When I feel like that I look for something simple to make.  This Spaghetti Aglio, Olio, e Peperoncino from Popsugar fits the bill.

This spaghetti with garlic, oil and chili pepper flakes is so easy to pull together and is quick to get on the table.  And these ingredients are kitchen staples.

My only addition is fresh basil from my Trader Joe’s basil plant.  TJ’s has the most tender basil plants and so inexpensive!

How to Choose Healthy Cooking Oil

I have used olive oil my whole life.  I never knew until a few years ago that only “light” olive oil is good for sautéing.  Extra virgin olive oil does not have a high smoke point.  I also didn’t know that some oils need to be stored in the fridge such as walnut oil.

Visit the Heart Healthy Cooking: Oils 101 article by the Cleveland Clinic for more information.

1010 Park Place

This past week’s post at 1010 Park Place is about Well Deserved Makeovers for Women.  I share a quick-one minute video that shows Ordinary Women in the Hands of a Stylist.  The transformations are amazing.  It’s worth your time if you enjoy seeing before and after pics!

There are so many resources out there to turn to including books, videos, Personal Shoppers, etc. for inspiration.  One of the books in my post features Brenda Coffee, the founder of 1010 Park Place.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week.