The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

Calli has not spoken since she was four years old. Watching her mother lose her baby was enough but someone whispered words in her ear. Now her best friend Petra talks for her. But when both girls disappear, questions arise if something more sinister has happened in this small Iowa town. Now it's a race for time to find them and hope that they can catch whomever is behind it all.

Ms. Gudenkauf has a fantastic emotional roller coaster on her hands. Between the emotions and old ties between two of the characters and the desperation felt by the parents, you just cannot put the book down. Ms. Gudenkauf captured small town life so well. I was enthralled with not only the process that they had to follow to do a search but how it was broken. Emotions were running high and all the points of view presented in the book flowed so well.

Between Ben (Calli's brother), Antonia (Calli's mom), Sheriff Louis, Martin (Petra's dad), as well as Calli herself, you got a good glimpse into what was going on. There is a lot of drama going on in this small town. Calli gets swept up into it.

This is one book that captured my attention from the beginning. For being a debut, it was amazing! There were twists and turns that just kept me turning pages. The idea behind it all made me curious to see how it would play out. I was never quite sure who the suspect was from the beginning. Something didn't add up but I wasn't able to figure things out till the end. Definitely cannot wait to see what this author does next!

***

Okay so I am a little behind in posting. I just finished a book this morning so not sure when I'll post the review.

Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde

Thursday will have quite a situation on her hands. Changes must be made or outlanders will no longer read. In the last fourteen years, readership has dropped. Having to hide her what she does, certainly doesn't make things easier than taking up a laying carpet job as a front. Her sixteen year old son would rather sleep than take up his destiny as leader of the Chronoguard. And having to train a new cadet in the book world is only the beginning. She has to face down her worst enemy, herself.

Mr. Fforde has done it again! It has taken me a long time to pick up this book and boy am I glad I have now! There is so much literature stuff involved in this book that it just makes me very happy. The depth of characters and seeing how the world has changed for Thursday has been enjoyable. There were a few times I wasn't sure how Mr. Fforde would wrap things up but old nemeses coming into play shook up this reader's world. The twists and turns in this plot had me flipping pages over and over again. This is one author who certainly knows how to write good fiction!

Thursday has grown up and has more children with Landon. Landon is still trying to write the great novel and not having a whole lot of luck. Thursday does her best to help him but it still seems to fall short. Not to mention that Thursday is battling the book world issues and trying to make her life better at the same time. Her son Friday just wants to play in a band and forget about the chronoguard even though her father was involved in that. Things cannot seem to get any more messy for Thursday.

I won't give away any of my favorite parts but I thank authors who have allowed Mr. Fforde to pop their characters in. It was seriously too much fun for this reader! I cannot wait for the next Thursday Next book and am curious to read the book he has coming out in December. Hopefully this time, it won't take nearly as long to get to it.

Jasper Fforde/ Thursday Next Series/ 384 pages/Literary/ 4 out of 5

Keep an eye open for a fun post in the next couple of days!

Fade Away by Harlan Coben

Myron gets the chance of a lifetime. He gets to play basketball but there is a catch. He needs to find a famous basketball player before it gets out that he's missing. An alleged injury has taken the ball player out for now. But can Myron figure it out in time? Or is there more to this that even he cannot solve?

Mr. Coben does it again in the third book of the series. He moves the plot in a great way. The friendship between Myron and Win still cracks me up. The mystery at times had more questions than answers. Yet Myron never gave up and kept his obligations to the other players. Mr. Coben knows how to make you really believe in what is going on and keep you guessing till the very end. Or he does with me anyways.

I love Myron. He is a great character who I never get tired of reading about. His best friend Win cracks me up at every turn. He is a man you definitely would not want to cross. The man has knowledge that serves him well in any situation. Esperenza is a woman who speaks her mind and doesn't hold back. While sometimes that is good, it often drives Myron bonkers. Yet they find a way to still work together.

This is one series I don't want to see end. Though I know that time will come eventually. Mr. Coben keeps me turning pages and does little to disappoint me. I cannot wait to pick up the next one and plan on it soon!

Harlan Coben/Mystery/ Myron Bolitar series/ 384 pages/4 out of 5

I finished this one awhile ago. But being wiped out, I haven't had a lot of time on my laptop. I am hoping to finish my current book to add to my month's list. We'll see.

Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight

Scotty Templeton loved being a race car driver. But an unexpected ghost threw him for a loop literally. He got injured and had to listen to the ghost or his life would never be the same. Maggie Cooper had her life all mapped out. Yet even her boyfriend felt lacking. When she meets hot headed Scotty, things heat up in more ways than one. The ghost wants something accomplished but Scotty wasn't sure he could keep his hands off Maggie and follow instructions. Each of them is determined who will win?

Ms. McKnight did her research with this one down to the tiniest detail. That impressed me as well as the characters that had me in stitches. From Grammy, Ruby, down to Coop (the ghost) himself. A lot of things were on the line but humor was still there. She played the serious parts very well as making sure that the humor stayed throughout.

Maggie's last desire is to fall in love with a race car driver after all her previous experience hadn't always been so great. Her dad was rarely there or they were on the road with him. Scotty was definitely hot headed but more than anything he wanted that ghost gone. Grammy wanted to see Maggie happy but knew that there was going to be a fight on her hands. Coop wanted to take care of some final things so his family could be set for life.


This book was one fast paced ride! I couldn't get enough of the heat between Scotty and Maggie. Yet I knew there had to be more than just heat to keep the two of them together. Ms. McKnight weaved a story that captured my attention from the beginning. Having chatted with her only made me more intrigued to read this story and am happy to finally take it off my to be read pile. The minor characters have a part to play as well and made the story so much more fun! Definitely an author I want to read more of her work!

Jenna McKnight/ New Author/Romance/ Ghosts/Racing/384 pages/ 4 out of 5

This is a great book and onto my non-fiction for the month!!

The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark

Luciano is taking off the streets by a chef in the house of the most powerful man in Venice. There are rumors of a book that not only has a love potion but a potion to make gold. Those who keep the book a secret may have to fight for it with their lives. Luciano's loyalty to his friends and a girl named Francesca will be tested. On his journey to the truth, it will uncover things beyond his wildest dreams.

Ms. Newmark had a fantastic premise in mind. The research she had to do to keep everything accurate astounded me. She lost me in the middle where you saw the end coming. That upset me to no end! I like twists and turns, a surprise a long the way. Even though you may see the inevitable coming, you don't want it given away.

Luciano has a lot of growing up to do. He must realize that there is more to life than what his friends hold dear. But can he accept what is being shown to him?

This book was up and down and while it engrossed me into the spell it cast. It fell short. The characters were wonderful but knowing the ending just ticked me off. If you like history and not minding knowing how the book ends, this is the book for you.

Elle Newmark/ New author/ 384 pages/ Italy/ Secret books/3 out of 5

I found it so entertaining but that one little thing I cannot let go. Maybe I'm weird.

Darling daughters by Debbie Macomber

Yours and Mine

Joanna Parsons is a single mother who insists that she will not get married again. Her 11 year old daughter Kristen has something else in mind. With her best friend Nicole's help, she wants her mom to get married to Nicole's dad Tanner. These girls are definitely determined but will it be enough?

This is a sweet story of two hearts that were broken and may just have found the right person to heal them. The girls are conniving but even they have stuff to work through. It's a heart warming story and I couldn't get enough.

Lone Star Lovin'

Cattle Rancher Cody Bailman never thought he'd love ever again. His daughter Heather has other ideas. When Sherry Waterman arrived in town early to check out the place, she never knew that she'd fall head over heels in love with a man who didn't know how to love anymore. Yet Heather thinks she is perfect for her dad.

This is another sweet story of two people who need to learn how to love from the heart. Sherry had seen all her friends get married and wanted her own romance. Cody didn't want nothing to do with romance. Sherry wanted to be swept off her feet and wouldn't take marriage lightly.

I loved both of these stories even though at times I wanted to bang the heads of the people who were getting set up by their daughters. I understand being stubborn and not wanting to give up your freedom but sometimes I never thought it'd happen.


Debbie Macomber/ Romance/ Daughters/384 pages/5 out of 5
This was a cute book off to read a review one!

A Nascar Holiday by Kimberly Raye, Roxanne St. Claire, and Debra Webb

Ladies, Start Your Engines by Kimberly Raye

Savannah Calloway wants to prove she is more than just a beautiful face. She has power in her that can make an engine sing. So she asks Mackenzie Briggs to help her, but can they find out what to fix in time? They just might see that love is more important that winning.


I love this story! Ms. Raye had me captivated. I was rooting for Savannah to get her act together. But she had a few battles up ahead of her. What a great christmas story!


Tis the Silly Season by Roxanne St. Claire

Nascar Busch Series driver Clay Walker wants to impress a potential sponser and will do anything to do it! Lisa Mahoney isn't sure how she fits into his plan but to give her sons their first Merry Christmas she is willing to go along with it. Even if that could include a kiss under the mistletoe.

Ms. Claire certainly held up the good things I have heard about her. This story kept me on the edge of my seat since there had to be lies told and children were involved. Enough said!

Unbreakable by Debra Webb
Dr. Maxine Gray didn't mind helping out for a study on a NASCAR racer. But little does she know how this man works. She's done her research but is it enough? Someone is out to hurt Rush Jackson but with Max watching him every second of the day, she's not sure how that could be possible. But can she see how fun it is through it all?

Ms. Webb shows how crazy things in the Nascar world was back then just a few years ago and still is today! Vying for driving positions, sponsors, the whole thing. Some do it because they love it others for the money. This story showed both sides and I really appreciated that. 99.9% is for the fun of it and because it is all they have ever known. Great job!


These four stories were a blast to read. I saw some of the authors had follow ups written with some of the minor characters in other stories and I hope to read those soon!

Kimberly Raye, Roxanne St. Claire, Debra Webb, New Authors, Christmas Romance, Nascar, 384 pages, 5 out of 5

Got this one finished up yesterday but was out with friends. :) Good stories! I am working on another Christmas story. :)

The Friday NIght Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Georgia Walker never thought she would do much with her life. But having her daughter Dakota changed all that. She loves owning her own yarn shop Walker and Daughter. Her friends that help her run the business are fantastic people. They may have faults but know how to be good friends. She looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club, where a lot of fellowship happens but not always so much knitting. It is her one escape that she will not let go.

Ms. Jacobs has a fantastic story on her hands. Empowering woman is always a good thing. I loved watching each character step up in their own way. They certainly were not perfect but it was interesting to watch and a joy as well. It was all these women from all walks of life. Just doing what they do best be friends and to follow their dreams.

Georgia did her best on her own every day. She just hung in there and enjoyed getting help from her friends so she could run her shop. Her daughter Dakota was always the life of the party with the food she created for each Friday night meeting. Anita was a widow who was learning how to start over. How much well you’ll have to read the book. Peri was a woman who wanted to design something. She loved working with yarn and maybe she could find a way to connect the two. There are so many more women from Darwin Chiu, Lucie, and Cathy. They all had a role to play.

This is one series that I hope to pick up the next one soon. And with the third one coming out this month, I am certainly curious with what they are going to do next. The women in this book take you through so many things in their lives that by the end you feel like you’re old friends. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves stories about women whether you like to knit or not.

Kate Jacobs/ Women/ Friends/ Knitting/ 384 pages/ Adult Fiction/ 5 out of 5

I tried knitting but could never sit still. Now I am able to sit if I am reading or writing or sewing. Guess it just was not my cup of tea but this book certainly was. :)

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next works for the literary detection division of Special Operations. In England during the 1980’s, literature was stolen and false books were rampant. Now it seems an archenemy has come around and is determined to create some real problems. Characters are disappearing from books and when Jane is taken from the classic Bronte novel, Thursday has had quite enough. But can she put it all back together without affecting anything?

Mr. Fforde has created a fantastic world of intellect. It was rather smart to set it during 1985. There were times I shook my head but all in all, it was well done. The characters really stood out and I loved how they brought some of them out of the pages. I have not read Jane Eyre so I was bummed at the ending given away but oh well.

At first Thursday drove me bonkers. She is a sweetie but definitely fits in her job. She will risk her life to go after someone. But then that person was really elusive. With the help of her fellow special operatives, she hopes she can put things back where they belong. The one thing that plagues her is her time in the Crimea War and what the results were from that. Landen, her old beau, wants her to get over her fears and start life over. She thinks he is being ridiculous. Landen drove me bonkers because while I understood what happened I think he went about saying what he felt the wrong way. He only seemed to upset Thursday more.

This book was up and down. The book confused me towards the end with how it was written. I was starting to get a little upset. I do have the second one to read and I would like to see if it improves. The ending saved a lot of the book. Thursday has one quirky family but it was fun!

Jasper Fforde/ New Author/ Mystery/ 384 pages/ Literature/ 3 out of 5

Got two review books and then hopefully one from the stacks. :)

Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes

Tess Redding does her best to provide Southern hospitality. She also manages a magazine called Simply Southern. But when bad boy Flynn Garvey shows up in town again, all her plans seem to be going up in smoke! Someone is sending blackmail notes to Tess and her three best friends and she is determined to figure out who it is. But she may just have to the one thing she never wanted, which is ask for help.

Ms. Jones is a fabulous author. I was completely blown away by her realistic portrayals of small town life. Even the little things had me flipping pages! Her characters just want to be loved and accepted no matter what mistakes they made in their past. That is so awesome! I would love to see more stories with these characters. They were just so much fun to read about!

Tess is one headstrong girl and when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders no wonder she wanted to be in control! It seemed to make her feel better since she never really had that control before. Flynn is something else! That man had some rough issues but he always tried to do what he thought best even if it meant hurting the one person he loved. Wylene, Reni, and Jerrianne were three women who I would love to have for my friends. They are truly wonderful people who believe in themselves most of the time. When all four women get together, nothing else matters at all! I loved learning about their friendships and the secrets that they wanted to keep hidden.

This is one author that I would love to read more about. It was a pretty light book but these women had some pretty weird stuff to deal with in my opinion. Yet it was one of the best books I have read so far this year.

Luanne Jones/ New Author/ Romance/ 384 pages/ 4 out of 5

Just started another romance for review French Kissing by Nancy Warren, which comes out this month sometime. After that another reivew book called Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander.

The Seance by Heather Graham

Christina Hardy has always known she had a gift even as a child. But was told to suppress it, but at her house they start talking about the “Interstate Killer” murders that stopped 15 years ago. Then she is asked to bring out her Ouija board, and the spirit of Beau Kidd shows up. He was considered the chief suspect when his partner killed him. Now he has come back to clear his name and only Christina can see him. It seems that the killer is still out there and Christina’s life is hanging in the balance.

Ms. Graham does it again. I cannot get enough of her books. They are creepy, scary, and have great romances in them. Most people would find that combination odd but I love it! This book had me going from the beginning. The characters are full of life and you want to see them do well. The plot is full of twist ands turns and I had no clue who was behind the killings. It threw me for a loop! She is that good at surprises!

I loved Christina and her family. They were a good Irish family. That helped me fall in love with them. I also liked Jed Braden. He wanted to fall in love but had a hard time accepting that things were out there that he could not see. That was completely normal for me and I really got to like his character. Those two really knew how to heat things up!

I loved seeing the Harrison Investigation team again. Jed had to understand what was happening to Christina. It just takes time like any relationship. There was a lot of stuff to figure out cause it is not smart to just point fingers. Jed and Christina had to work with the police so things could be handled in the correct manner. Though I could understand the times that Christina just wanted to jump ahead. This was a good suspenseful book and even though I thought I might know who was behind it all. I never came close to figuring it out.
Heather Graham/Paranormal/384 pages/ 5 out of 5

Quick sidenote, I made it to 3,720 words today. :) Off to reading review books!