Leap of Faith: Memoris of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor

Not knowing a lot about Jordan, I was taken captive by this book. The beauty of a country not known much about was just part of the book that was captivating. The Queen herself had such ups and downs in her marriage, I kept wondering if something was just going to fall apart. Yes, she had dedicated her life to serve her new country but that didn't mean she never wanted to give up. Though she never did say that anywhere.

The love between her and King Hussein was so beautiful. Each day they made sure that they were near each other though they never held hands in public. They kept all their emotions, feelings, and physical actions in private. Of course, the media ripped apart everything that they could get their hands on, which was very upsetting.

The whole journey that they had shared was amazing through supporting each other and knowing when to debunk rumors and when not to touch them with a ten foot pole. The relationship was so tried and true, it inspired me. I would love to visit their country and see some of the places that were described in this book.

This is one book that I won't soon forget.

Queen Noor/Non-Fiction/ Jordan/ Marriage/ New Author/Chunkster/ 496 pages/ 5 out of 5

I cannot say enough to how much this book impressed me! It was truly helpful!

Monthly Stats and Reads for February

Well my hours went up and down and well other things have started to be dealt with so my reading time wasn't the greatest! But here we go. :)

1.The Messenger by Daniel Silva 01-30-09 through02-04-09 A
2.Darling Daughters by Debbie Macomber 02-05-09 through02-06-09 A+
3.The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark 02-06-09 through 02-12-09 C
4.The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury 02-12-08 through 02-23-09 A
5.Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 02-23-09 through 02-25-09 A+
6.Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight 02-25-09 through02-26-09 B

Stats:
Total Books I read: 6
New Authors: 2
Fiction:6
Non-Fiction:0
Chunksters: 1
Romance: 2
Mystery: 1
From the Stacks: 5
Books for Review: 1
PBS Sent:0
PBS received: 0
Books I Bought:1
Total Pages Read: 2, 464 pages

No non-fiction, I just didn't finish it in time so will have to read a second one this month. :)

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!!

Change Of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Shay Bourne is convicted of killing a cop and his stepdaughter. Once brought to jail on Death Row, or what passes for it, since there hasn't been anyone sentenced to die execution style in a long time. The priest called to be spiritual counsel tries to understand what Shay wants. As well as a new lawyer, Maggie just wants to make sure she does what her client wants. But what he wants is to give his heart to the sister of the victim he killed. It's going to be a long up hill battle for all and it will add depend on June Nealon if she'll accept the heart on her daughter's behalf.

Ms. Picoult knows how to pick them. She takes a topic and truly makes you think. I wished at times to have Shay's perspective but then this book probably wouldn't have been so powerful. The different view points got a lot across and I was so enthralled with this book. It tested the limits of even my beliefs but I realized that is what she wanted to do. She wants to make you think about where you are and have you come to your own conclusion. She never says what is right or wrong and that's why I come back to this author time and again.

Maggie had to deal with the faith she had and a client who really didn't want help. He had things figured out just wanted to go through with them. Father Michael say things that even he wasn't sure were happening. Lucius, the cell mate next to Shay, was shocked by all that he saw. June doing her best to deal with the deaths of her loved ones wasn't sure she could accept the one thing that could keep her life going.

This is one book that will keep you turning pages from every point of view. It does test boundaries but like every other book I have read by her truly makes you think. This is definitely going on my list of favorites for just how open she is with all sides of the issue. I can say I am not for the death penalty but I can see in which instances it might be the only way. Ms. Picoult really does her work and it shows on each and every page.

Jodi Picoult/ Chunkster/ 480 pages/ Adult Fiction/Death Penalty/ Faith/ 5 out of 5

The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury

An army team on a routine mission finds a lab that has horrible experiments taking place. Yet never finding the man who set it up leads to present day. Evelyn is contacted by her old friend that he may have something in his possession that'd she like a lot. But before it's all over, things could get interesting. Lives are at stake!

Mr. Khoury kept the level of suspense up very high. His characters are in depth and I love every minute I have with them. There are surprises around every corner. His writing may be fast paced but still very easy to follow. The jumps back and forth in this book between present and past were so much fun since a lot of things were explained. The idea of a long life has been touched on by other people. But yet it seems to have bad situations since you cannot tell everyone about it.

Evelyn wasn't sure what she was hearing. She wanted to find out what was going on since her dig in Iraq. Mia, her daughter, just wants life to go back to normal but the secrets she will find out will change her opinion. Possibly even the way she looks at life.

This is one book that will pull you in from the beginning. Though on a little bit different level than his last book, Mr. Khoury writes fantastic fiction that is griping. The idea of someone trying the experiments that they did during the time frame given didn't surprise me. It was just the lengths that they went to in order to try. Things weren't too graphic so the squeamish at heart should be okay reading this one.

Raymond Khoury, Thriller, Long Life, 432 pages, 4 out of 5

A lot has been going, and I'll do my best to update my blog as often as I can.

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!

The Messenger by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon is asked for help once more. This time though, lives are truly at stake. His boss Ari Shamron gets into his car only to be attacked by bomb. Gabriel is furious at the events and is determined to figure out who is behind it. The Vatican is under attack as well. There are plots inside that even Gabriel cannot even fathom. There just may be enough time to get people saved this time.

Mr. Silva is an amazing author and his books just keep getting better. The conflict that Gabriel deals with each time he gets asked for help. The research that must be done is incredible. Mr. Silva keeps the plot moving along at a reasonable pace.

Gabriel may finally be getting somewhere. Yet the past still keeps him back at some point. He must finally reconcile the things inside himself so that he can move on. Ari is there to help him but the majority of the healing must be Gabriel's own doing. Julian is also waiting in the wings to help Gabriel any way he can when it comes to art. Sarah is the new girl on the block. With her background, she'll be essential to solving the case.

This is one book that kept me on the edge of my seat. It seemed like every time you turned around someone was getting shot at or there was a plot that was being foiled. Mr. Silva knows how to entertain yet at the same time you learn so much. I was so impressed with the ability of the whole team to work together and salvage things if that is what is called for. I am sad to see this series end in a few books but love how it is progressing along.


Daniel Silva/ Mystery/Thriller/ Spy story/ 400 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a really good book! I'm excited to start a new book tomorrow. :)

January Stats and Reads

1.Glad Tidings by Debbie Macomber 01-01-09 A+
2.Murder with all the Trimmings by Elaine Viets 01-02-09 through 01-04-09 A+
3.Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan 01-04-09 through 01-05-09 A
4.The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky 01-06-09 through 01-07-09 A+
5.The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells 01-07-09 through 01-13-09 A
6.19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult 01-13-09 through01-14-09 A+
7.No Angel by Penny Vincenzi 01-14-09 through 01-19-09 A
8.Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye 01-19-09 through 01-20-09 A
9.Fit To Be Tied by Karen Kendall 01-20-09 B
10.Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons 01-21-09 through 01-24-09 A+
11.A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick 01-24-09 through 01-26-08 A+ (fav this year)
12.If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule 01-26-09 through 01-29-08 B

Total Books I read: 12
New Authors: 5
Fiction: 11
Non-Fiction: 1
Chunksters: 4
Romance: 2
Mystery: 1
From the Stacks: 12
Books for Review:
PBS Sent:
PBS received: 1
Books I bought: 3 (with gift card)
Total Pages Read: 5,255

I didn't finish the book I am reading. :)

If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule

Most people would do anything for love. But would they go to the lengths where they would kill? That is the story of David Alan Brown and his fourteen year old daughter Cinnamon. His wife Linda was shot in her sleep by Cinnamon but first she said she did it, then she didn't remember but could she finally tell the truth. David was a powerful man with his data recovery program. Women fell at his feet. Cinnamon did finally confess and was sentenced to prison for twenty four years. Her world crashed around her and the one person she trusted seemed not so trustworthy anymore. There is more to this story than it first appears.

Ms. Rule truly delves deep into this one. She gives a lot of information that at times didn't seem all that relevant but at the end made sense. Intricate details were given and the pictures truly did help develop the story. She asked questions and got the answers she could. Looking into as many documents she could. I am not sure how much she had access to but with the things she was able to write about, there had to have been a lot.

That is definitely one thing I like about this true crime author, she never leaves a stone unturned. It may mean meeting with the people involved in the case if she is able. Obviously Linda was no longer around and that's so sad. I don't think I will ever understand what went on but I am okay with that. Ms. Rule truly does a wonderful job. This is one author who never disappoints and the after word was truly helpful. I may be noisy but I wish all that were involved that they find peace.

Ann Rule/ Chunkster/ Non-fiction/True Crime/Family/Murder/ 608 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good book and at times pretty creepy. Off to a thriller. :)

A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Evelyn Dixon gets the shock of her life when her husband asks for a divorce. On a whim, she drives to Connecticut to see the fall colors. While walking around town, she veers off the beaten path and finds this little court yard that the shops are mostly gone. But one of them used to be a quilt shop. Not sure what else she can do, she decides this will be the perfect thing to do with her new life! She wants to build a community with this shop most of all and she'll have to work on that one thread at a time.

Ms. Bostwick has enthralled me in this book. Being a quilter myself, I loved this from beginning to end. This is my second book by her and completely different plus a longer story as well. Her character development was really good in this one. I truly felt for the characters.

Evelyn Dixon finally may have her dream come true. But it's going to be a lot of work in the process. And things are just looking up when a challenge comes her way. Liza, Abigail, and Margot may just be the angels in disguise that she needs. As they all help heal each other, a friendship binds them together like no other.

I loved this book from the beginning. The surprises around every corner were nice. The four women had to learn to forgive in their own situations and if they didn't it might just hold them back from something greater. None of them were going to find it easy but once they did forgive, things would unfold in front of them in ways they never thought possible. This is one author who pleases from beginning to end. I cannot wait to get my hands on her other books!

Marie Bostwick, Friends, Quilting, 288 pages, 5 out of 5

This is a book that is heart warming and touching. I couldn't get enough of it! This is definitely my favorite this year!

Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons

Peyton McKenzie doesn't want to share her life with her widowed father with anyone else. That is, until Nora comes to town in her pink Thunderbird, smoking cigarettes, and a red mane of hair. Her father seems to like her while her Aunt Augusta hates her which means she cannot be all that bad. It all changes when Nora takes a teaching position in the first integrated class at the local high school. Peyton feels something isn't right but isn't sure what. When it does come to light, the whole town will be throughly shocked and teach Peyton a lesson she'll never forget.

Ms. Siddons is a fantastic author. One who I'll read again not only for her small town humor, but for the way the characters make you delve into the stories till the last page. Nothing is easy but that makes this one close to life which I found refreshing. Fantasies are nice but real life is what is the most interesting after all.

Peyton had a life of simplicity and repetitiveness. Life had stayed constant even the pain till her cousin Nora came to town. She barely knew anything about and was surprised to even know she had a cousin in some aspect. Her life changed ever day cause of this woman in her life and not just cause what Aunt Augusta tried to do. Her father realized his little girl was growing up and that changed both their attitudes. Nora is a free spirit but is best at running. Once she settles into Lytton, things change and people are shocked by Nora's behavior. Nora just thinks that they need to change never seeing that there had to be some change in herself as well.

This is a book that is definitely coming of age for Peyton. Nora, on the other hand, had to realize her full potential but even that may not be enough to hold her still for long. The small town is in for a rude awakening but can they survive it?

Anne Rivers Siddons/New Author/ Chunkster/ Coming of Age/ 470 pages/ 5 out of 5

I thought I had read this author before but couldn't find it. lol I love this one and definitely will pick up the other one I have by her in my TBR pile. :)

Fit to be Tied by Karen Kendall

Jen feels so happy now that she's engaged to Tom. But things seem to fall apart from there, her parents are getting a divorce, Tom seems to act caged in, and to top it all off his ex wife shows up at the wedding reception. Jen cannot take much more so she decides the marriage is off! But doubting her decision at her every turn certainly is not helping her feel good. But will she lose her mind as well as her husband?

Ms. Kendall knows how to keep the humor going. There were quite a few moments that I thought Jen was going to lose it but she kept calm. The family dynamics in this story would make any sane person question the reason for getting married. Yet Tom trying to be the voice of reason through it all just isn't enough for Jen.

Jen feels like her world is tipped upside down. Things can't get any worse in her mind. Her wedding day will certainly test her but she must keep up appearances. Tom has never told her about his ex wife and that is going to come back and bite him in the butt. Her parents refuse to be civil to each other. And the best man Chase is being a complete jerk. He loves his womanizing ways! At least the honey moon is looking up right?

This is one book that was up and down through out the book. There were times I was getting really frustrated that situations were more down than up. It was pretty depressing. But Jen had to work through her emotions and figure that no matter what you are responsible for your own future regardless of the actions your family members might take. I really came to love this book by the end. The characters were far from perfect but they had to figure out how to work things out. Definitely an author I want to read more by!

Karen Kendall/Family/ New Author/ Romance/ Weddings/336 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a great book! I am off to read another chunkster!!

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Autumn Nicholson has always had issues with her current boyfriend. The man truly is selfish and definitely is not helping her at all when she needs it. L J is a man who knows what he likes but meeting Autumn throws him for a loop. Yet a lot lies ahead for these two, they have to battle their emotions and an ex-boyfriend who just won't quit. Through it all, they'll come to realize their relationship is not other people's business.

Ms. Yaye writes a book that impresses me throughly. There were times I found it difficult to relate to the characters but then I'm not African American. Through it all, I truly loved how she wrote it and how the characters were butting in often where they didn't belong. It was very close to real life and I couldn't get enough of it.

Autumn likes her simple life though her friends might think she's dull. They liked to butt in. L J was a determined man yet kept things in his past a secret. He just never knew how to tell her and it came back to bite him. Even Autumn's parents tried to butt in as well. Things were up and down, I kept hoping things would work out.

This is a fantastic romance! I was swept away on an emotional ride. These characters were easy to relate to and then there were times I wanted to bonk certain ones on the head. I understand weddings are important but don't be such a bridezilla. I definitely want to read more by this author.



Pamela Yaye/288 pages/ Romance/ African American/ 4 out of 5

Off to read another short and then another Chunkster. :)

No Angel by Penny Vincenzi

The Lytton family own the publishing company Lytton's. Celia had her sights on getting Oliver and once she had him, life was sweet! Yet when World War 2 hit, life changed. Celia is bored and wants things to do. She meets Sylvia Miller and helps her with her daughter Barty. But the worst decision of all has to do with Sebastian Brooke. It could cost her so much. From the Edwardian Era to the roaring 20's, this family will go through it all but can they survive?

Ms. Vencenzi writes a family saga that puts you through all the emotions. You get to see the family grow and develop and go through some tough times. The rich plot and characters pull you in even though you may have never experience what they go through. You cheer and root for them and want to see what will happen next. Drama all over the place leads you to find that this family is far from perfect.

Celia wants to fee accepted and loved not only by the company that is part of her life with her husband but by her own family. Her children are not used to seeing her around much but does that make her a bad mom? Oliver wants to keep the company afloat with his older sister's help. He wants to make his dad proud. LM wants just to have a great life but it will throw her a curve ball she isn't expecting. Jack has to find his place in the world but will it be with his own family?

Things are up and down but turning pages won't be a problem. They'll zip faster than you can imagine. There is so much going on but character names aren't difficult to balance and things are fairly easy to follow. Being a first in a trilogy, I definitely want to read the rest! This is a new author that I enjoyed immensely!

Penny Vincenzi/New Author/ Chunkster/ 836 pages/ Family/ England/ 4 out of 5

Off to a couple short stories and hopefully one more chunkster this month!

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

That's all it takes to change the lives of so many people. Peter took a gun to school and shot at the kids who had tormented him all his life. But in the aftermath, Josie Cormier had to face life and try to forget what she saw. But she cannot remember a lot in the first place. Her mother Alex wants to see her taken care of but is there anything she can really do? Is there anything anyone can do?

Ms. Picoult writes a gripping emotional novel that I could not put down for nothing. Seeing things in hind sight in this book, I was upset that things weren't taken care of better. I really liked how you got to see things from all angles. I got a clear picture of what was going on and how things kept getting neglected.

Josie just wanted to fit in and when she got the chance she hung on as hard as she could. Her mother Alex wasn't always there for her but she did her best. But so did Lacy, Peter's mom, but yet she also neglected him in a few ways. High school is never easy to deal with and these kids pick on each other all in the name of “fun”.

Definitely a must read for any parent of a child, this book will grab you from the beginning and won't let you go. It asks a lot of questions but doesn't answer them for you. That is the one thing I like about Ms. Picoult, she gets you to think and wonder but lets you decide. This is one author who never ceases to amaze me.


455 pages/Chunkster/Jodi Picoult/ Family/ School shootings/ Fiction

Great author and just bummed about her not coming to town for a book signing. It happens and I will get over it. :) But definitely recommend this author not only cause she makes you think but she is down to earth person too. :)

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

Siddalee Walker loses her energy for life and decides to go away for awhile. She's not sure how long that will be but life is just seeing her off balance. Between a nasty article that pisses off her mother and trying to put her touches on the play “The Women”, things just don't feel right. Postponing her wedding to Conner, she takes the cabin belonging to an old family friend. There is a journey she must go on but will she come out on the other side?

Ms. Wells tells a wonderful story of four best friends seen through the eyes of one of their daughters. There is tragedy, love, celebrating, and loss told throughout the whole story. These four women find their ways to cope on their own and with each other. Their friendship affect their children as well.

Sidda has a lot to deal with. Things in her past were bugging her and making her wonder if she could really love anyone. Vivi, Sidda's mom, Necie, Teensy, and Caro were great friends growing up. They share so much that the scrap book Vivi puts together is sent to Sidda. Just to help her regroup, it's not till later on that the other Ya-ya's show up that things might finally come into perspective.

This is a wonderful book and now I definitely want to watch the movie. Women have great friendships and depths that sometimes we ourselves don't even understand. I found this characters invigorating!

Rebecca Wells/New Author/ Friendships/ Women/ 383 pages/ 4 out of 5


With hours going up and down, I finally got this one done. Off to read a chunkster. :)

The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky

Going home on a rainy night, Deborah lets her daughter get practice on the drive home. The visibility is nothing but Grace is being a good learner and taking her time. When they hear a thud going down a country road, the car stops. Deborah gets out and finds a man injured who is none other than Grace's teacher. Lying to the cops that she was the one driving is only the beginning of their problems. But can they come out on the other side?

Ms. Delinsky had her hands full with this story line. It's never right to lie no matter the situation and this proves it one more time. It will come out in the end because it hurts. A mother lying for her child is not right either. The conflicts were driving most characters nuts not to mention the other situations in the book. She had to wade her characters through a lot of things and I was curious to see how it would all turn out.

Deborah may be a single mother now but she wanted what she thought was best for her kids. She had a lot of grieving to do as well since she had recently lost her mother and her marriage had fallen apart. Dealing with multiple things at once had clouded her judgment. Grace pulled inside herself not sure how to express and even though her mom was willing to listen, it just didn't seem like it was enough.

This story was heart wrenching but well done. I appreciated what was the situation and how well it was handled at the end. Things were cleaned up for the most part but I felt horrible for the man who was injured because it turned out to be more in the end. You'll have to read it yourself to find out.


Barbara Delinsky/ Family/ Lies/507 pages/ Chunkster/ 5 out of 5

Okay onto The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. :)

Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

The Walsh family has always relied on their faith. Life has been relatively easy and they are enjoying moving to a new home. It's not what they all want at first but realize that they need more space for everyone. Yet slowly, Dana gets sick. It takes her longer to get better and the whole family has to learn to deal with what is going on. But can their faith really hold them together?

Both authors are wonderful writers. This book has you laughing, crying, and praying along with the rest of the family. The story is told through Erin's eyes and what she sees happening to the family. There is a lot of stuff that a young girl shouldn't have to face but it often happens. I cannot imagine how these authors wrote this book but I'm sure they had a way figured out. It was seamless and nothing didn't seem like it wasn't supposed to be there.

Erin gave her thoughts and I appreciated it. It was a little one sided at times but this book would have been much longer if we had seen more insights. Dana voiced hers as well as her parents. Though you only had one main point of view, their actions showed how they were feeling and did an amazing job. There was a lot of people to consider in this story and it never truly like there was a lot to process. You got a good handle on the family life before the conflict hits.

This was a good book though at times hard to read. I kept reading cause I wanted to know if Dana would get better and if Erin would ever accept the wonderful things happening around her in spite of the tragedy.

Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan, Christian Fiction, Family, 300 pages, 4 out of 5

This was a good one and I finished it yesterday but was pretty wiped out. Now off to The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky.

Murder with all the trimmings by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus is not looking forward to the holiday season especially when she is asked to mystery two all year round Christmas stores. Her romance with Mike feels like it is going somewhere but lately his daughter Heather has been needed love. Josie understands but getting Amelia and Heather to get along is hopeless. Plus now Mike's ex is going after Josie, things can only get better right? There are surprises in store that Josie will not see coming.

Ms. Viets did it again! I loved this book. I kept putting it down cause I didn't want to see it end. This is a character I can relate to cause she is a mom. Also it makes me wonder how the mystery shoppers work and how much I work to make our shops at my job go well. It also makes me question some of the answers we get but oh well. I definitely want to see more with this character.

Josie is between a rock and a hard place cause she knows that her daughter comes first. Heather and Amelia really do not want to get along. So she's at her wits end. Finally finding a man who has a good job and cares about her is wonderful! Just need to tie up a few loose ends.

This is one series that I have loved since the first book. I hope there is more coming if not, there is her other series to read! :)

Elaine Viets/ Cozy mystery/ Mystery Shoppers/ 304 pages/ 5 out of 5

This was a great book! I hope there is more to come!