The Charleston Book Bag

          Sometimes, the weight of parental expectations can keep you from going after your dreams to the fullest extent. Summer at Lake Haven tells the story of Samantha Fremont. Samantha is finally free of her mother’s expectations and is setting out to start her own fashion design business. A perfect opportunity drops into her lap when she gets the opportunity to design her friend’s wedding dress. Samantha meets Ian, the bride’s charming, English (emphasis mine!) older brother and a friendship slowly grows into more. However, Samantha and Ian both have obstacles to face before they can take their friendship to the next level.  If you enjoy reading Susan Mallery , Debbie Macomber , or Elin Hilderbrand , check out Summer at Lake Haven at the Charleston Public Library. It’s available in regular print and as an ebook on Libby (check out arvrls.com !). The Charleston Public Library is open with limited hours Monday through Friday - from 10 am to 12...

Jo and Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz Review by Hannah Hobbs Little Women has captivated readers for over 150 years - and it is still a popular choice for anyone trying to find a drama that explores family dynamics, coming-of-age stories, and the fluctuations of love throughout life and death. Louisa May Alcott created the dynamic Jo March and her memorable family and neighbor - Theodore Laurence, or Laurie for short. However, Alcott refused to cave to fan demands that Jo and Laurie fall in love in the second volume of her book.  Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz have saved the day. Jo and Laurie is a sweet look at what it might have been like if Jo March and Theodore Laurence had romantically pursued each other. As a lifelong lover of Little Women , I loved the way Jo and Laurie was written - it felt as if I was watching a behind the scenes video and discovering what really happened. Stohl and de la Cruz have created a believable story and they have expand...