Fiction
I have really been enjoying books by Sarah Strohmeyer lately. The books are filled with quirky and fun characters and are written from the viewpoint of women trying to find themselves or help their friends find themselves. Cinderella Pact was the first one I read of hers and I have been hooked. This is the fifth or sixth book I have read of hers. There is always a misunderstanding and a plot twist that keeps you turning pages.
Penny Pinchers Club is about a middle aged woman who thinks her husband is having an affair with his assistant and is going to leave her when their daughter graduates from high school, so she decides to save up enough money for a divorce. The only problem is she is a complete shopaholic and is terrible with money, so she joins the Penny Pinchers Club. Craziness and silly antics soon ensue! The story is delightful. I love Sarah’s books because although there is usually a little heartache along the way they are written in a light and fun manner, which makes me feel happy when I read them. Also, there is hardly ever a sad ending-which I love. I am a happy ending kind of girl! So pick up one of her fun reads and have a giggle over misunderstandings and craziness.
Where to Go?
Princeton, New Jersey
This story takes place in New Jersey. The book describes New Jersey as “the state that boasts the most malls per capita. ” The lead character Kat describes herself as a “recreational shopper”. Her husband works at Princeton University, so I thought that would be fun place to research.
Princeton, New Jersey is well known due to the fame of Princeton University. The university is located on 1600 acres of beautiful real estate. Tours of the campus are given by students and last about an hour. The campus includes a gothic–style chapel and a University Art Museum. There is also an 18th-century mansion with period furnishings. Visitors can also tour the Princeton Battlefield State Park, a Revolutionary War site. The Clarke House Museum exhibits historic weapons.
Once you are done with Princeton University, you could shop downtown or visit the Howell Living History Farm. This farm is an example of what farming would have been like in the late 1800’2, early 1900’s. They have many old buildings on the farm to explore and animals for kids to meet. Because it is a working farm it is educational along with being fun! If farms aren’t your thing but eating is try our The Jersey Girls food tour. Jersey Girls Food Tours is a company that offers walking, guided food tours that take you through New Jersey’s best local restaurants. They offer tours in Jersey City, Somerville, Red Bank, Rutherford, Hamilton Park and Princeton. Learn the history of the local towns and have fun as you discover the best food in New Jersey! For private tours please contact info@jgfoodtours.com or call 551-233-9553.
Where to Stay?
Princeton Marriot at Forrestal
This luxury hotel is located on 25 acres of woods. The grounds are stunning! This hotel has 302 luxurious guest rooms, boasts one of Princeton’s top day spas and health club, swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, sand volleyball courts. There is also a 24 hour fitness center. There are a couple of restaurants on the property and some with outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This hotel runs between $200 and $300 dollars a night depending on what is happening in the area.
The Peacock Inn
If you want to have a taste of history while in Princeton, try staying at the Peacock Inn. This boutique hotel has been in operation since 1911 and is a renovated 18th century colonial mansion. Some say that Albert Einstein and Scott Fitzgerald were guests at the mansion in their day. It is within walking distance to Princeton University.This is a small hotel, only 16 rooms, but the rooms are beautiful! They also boast an afternoon tea from 2-4 pm. This hotel will run you $400 or up and only got fair reviews on Tripadvisor, but oh it is beautiful!!
Of course, there are the regular hotels like Days Inn, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn in the area. This looks like a fun area to visit, especially if you are in the New York area any way!
Happy reading and traveling! Til next time!
The Traveling Bookworm 