Erika Marks

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of LITTLE GALE GUMBO and WOW, am I glad I did! It took me a while to read, not because I’m a slow reader, but because like good home-cooking, (and speaking of which, there are great recipes at the back of it, which I’m definitely going to try) it needed to be savored and rolled on the tongue to get the full effect of its bouquets and textures. This book, about a woman and her two daughters who escape an abusive man and try to make a new life, is show more told in alternate scenes of present day 2002 and various flashbacks that layer this beautifully drawn story of family dynamics, love, heartache, loss and in the end, acceptance. With each chapter, more is revealed about the family and its history and though some of the secrets are shocking, never once does this book become overly dramatic or maudlin. This was an honest story of what really happens in some families and what strong, charismatic people do to not just survive and get by in this life, but to thrive and learn to love, both themselves and others. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book and the subtle way I, as the reader, was taken by the hand and led through the twists and turns of the lives of the three Bergeron women. I think I need to read it again to fully appreciate the layers of the story and how beautifully it is written. I’ll get to that right after I whip up some gumbo and pralines. show less

The Guest House by Erika Marks
I first wanted to read this book after listening to Erika and other authors talk in a Writerspace chat about their latest releases.
Love having the book in my hand-even feels like the canvas that covered the old wooden sling chairs at my grandparents beach house around Sachusett Point back in the 60's.
This book is about a house on Cape Cod and we learn that Mr. Tucker had a thing for Mrs. Wright. We learn as the chapters go back in time to the present that it show more started a family feud.
Now that each of the families have children and they are grown up we get to follow their paths in life. We do find Lexi (Alexandria) has just returned from being overseas and shes an architectural photographer.
Lexi's brother Owen has a daughter Meg who also lives in town as he's a carpenter.
Cooper Moss now is a writer but he is stumped as to what to write about..
Lexi's mom, Edie when she was younger did everything she could to join her dad's building company and now in her 60's she has her own building company.
When she hears from Cooper about photographing their houses for sale but first to be put in the historical society she jumps at the chance for it. She had gone out with his older brother, Hudson. Hud was the one to give her the first real camera she had.
It held other significance as well. Other treasures are found aking the way.
There are other family members that are followed in this book but they are easy to keep track of. I love the fact that so many generations and their related problems are brought up: everything from teens, to over 30 to over 60 groups.
To me that makes a well rounded tale. Surprises for all.
Love the locale, cooking/recipes, people with careers using their hands, descriptions of the seashore, wash-ashores-reminds me of the island I grew up where not many are left but plenty of others, all the tech photography talk, all the little details.

Hope Meg gets her book along with catching up with the families and maybe one of them can buy and move into the Moss house?
Loved this book so much I went and ordered the author's 2 other books. show less

This book was a solid 4 1/2 stars for a couple odd reasons. The story was predictable in itself but written so well you are forgiving of that flaw. The feel that the author creates while walking through the house is uncanny, you have to believe she is into photography, on a professional level,when you read the descriptions of the change that light plays on a hardwood floor, how heat wavers and plays with the light in later day. It makes you remember what a beach house anywhere feels like as show more a kid on a hot, hot summer day. Made a cold rainy Sunday the best choice to read. show less

It Comes in Waves is a good beach read. I read this book in one day. The author brought the characters to life in this story. It was like I was there in Folly Beach. I really liked Claire. I could slowly see the feisty "Pepper" attitude come out of her again as the story moved along. Jill was nice too but because I felt that she took things harder, it took me a little longer to warm up to her. Which surprised me as I thought that I would take a while to warm up to both women as they had show more emotional baggage.

This book was more than just about surfing. It was about friendship, love, loss, second chances, and happy endings. Although, after reading this book the author does make me want to try surf lessons. I have seen it on television and it does look like fun. Something to add to my bucket list. I am sad that Claire did not find her happy ending with Foster but she did have and would always have his heart. It was evident and confirmed by the end of the story. show less