Sloth Goes Places - Pennsylvania

 

Sloth Goes Places is a feature where I share books I have tracked from previous Literary Escapes reading challenge hosted by Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book.

Today we are looking at books set in ....

Pennsylvania

One of my favorite reads last week was The Exception to the Rule which was set in Pennsylvania, so I thought I would highlight books set in that state. I live midway between New York City and Philadelphia, so I have visited the Keystone state often.  There are cities, but I would say I spent more time in the mountains there. I saw some shows at Hershey Park and visited Amish country as well. 

When I think of Pennsylvania, A.S. King comes to mind. I think most of her books are set there. I have been working my way through Sawyer Bennett's Pittsburgh Titians series since last year, and it still seems to be growing strong. I never have trouble checking this state off my challenge, and I have read some amazing books set there. 

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The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
Published by Amazon Original Stories on January 23, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners.

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask…what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute, irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting.

Though the bulk of this story takes place via emails, the characters are in Pennsylvania when they finally meet IRL. I wouldn't say it showcased the state, but I don't care because this one made me so happy! I loved the premise, the emails, the way it all worked out. I cried some happy tears and was simply filled with glee when I finished this little story. 

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A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
Published by Scribner on November 29, 2022
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

From the author of A Little Hope —a Read with Jenna Bonus Pick—comes another “heartwarming, character-driven” ( Booklist ) life-affirming novel about three individuals whose lives intersect in unforeseen ways.

Set in a close-knit suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief.

Chuck Ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to Hilton Head with his wife, Cat—that yearly taste of relaxation they’d become accustomed to after a lifetime of working and raising two children. Now, just months after Cat’s death, Chuck finds that he can’t let go of her belongings—her favorite towel, the sketchbooks in her desk drawer—as he struggles to pack for a trip he can’t imagine taking without her.

Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers and works at a bridal shop to fill her days while she anxiously awaits news—any piece of information—about her missing daughter. Ella adjusts to life in a new apartment and answers every call on her phone, hoping her daughter will reach out.

After the sudden death of her father, Kirsten Bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the steady routine of working at an animal shelter. But as time passes, old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface—and Kirsten finds herself at another crossroads.

In this beautiful and profoundly moving novel, three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways, as each character bravely presses onward, trying to recover something they have lost. Emotionally riveting and infused with hope, “the soothing tone and warm worldview of this grown-up bedtime story will be good for what ails you” ( Kirkus Reviews ).

Joella is a new favorite of mine. I read two of his books last year, and both were solid hits. This story was about all the different ways we grieve, and it was quite touching. I have a soft spot for stories about connection and our humanity, and that was depicted and explored so well in this book. I was left feeling elated and hopeful at the end of this lovely story. 

[review]

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Drake by Sawyer Bennett
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on January 3, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

Sawyer Bennett's hockey romances are always hits for me. Drake was an interesting character. He initially passed on joining the team, and went into retirement following his divorce and the fallout from the lies his ex told about him. I was happy he joined the team because he brought a lot as a veteran player to the team. I adored the scenes where he interacted with his boys. There's something about seeing this gruff hockey player being all tender, and I was over the moon to see a romance bloom between him and Brianne. Talk about night and day, but they were great together. It's always great to visit the Titans world. 

[review] 

Have you read any books set in Pennsylvania?
Let us know in the comments!