Alright this did not want to post the first time around so I am hoping it will go better this time.
John Driscoll is finally moving on with his life until tourists start getting killed all over New York City. Then he is stuck trying to figure out who is doing the killing before the whole city becomes completely panicked. With the city breathing down his neck, he pulls in a team he think will help even though he is unsure of a few of the members. The papers are leaking information and John has to go up against a very powerful man and try to keep the guy quiet. It is not an easy job when someone is one step ahead of you all the time. But somehow John seems to be able to stay focused. He is the man for the job.
Mr. O'Callaghan's second book is surely a hit. It is not nearly as gruesome and I really liked it. It was still just as creepy which made me keep turning the pages. I had to be careful of when I read it or I would get rather jumpy. The details of the crimes were so precise and the information shocked me with how people come up with the ideas due to the things that have happened in the past. Mr. O'Callaghan really gave a new spin on the sins of the father revisits the son complex.
John truly is growing a little bit. He is seeing things they way they are and trying to be as helpful as possible. He struggles with the crimes that happen and is completely baffled because he does not quite understand how they are happening under their watchful eyes. With the help of Cedric Thomlinson, things get to be a bit clearer. Cedric is usual happy go luck self. He knows what he knows and works very hard to prove his theories. He makes me laugh! I was also happy to see Magaret back and to see how she was changing and seeking things out. She is one tough cookie but this case was even driving her nuts. And in my opinion it was rightfully justified, this brother sister team were doing things that I am glad were never truly described in detail but you got the just of what was going on. To be able to write characters like that was pretty darn good. I was impressed even though I hope there is no one close to being like those two out there. I would fear for my life.
This book continued the story from The Bone Thief very well as focused on the case at hand wonderfully. It was a great combination and I can't wait to see what is coming out next year from this author since it appears he is going to continue with the same main character. I give this book a 4/5 because it held my attention and I had to find out what was going to happen. If you can't handle the littlest of details then you probably want to read it just during the day. It is well-written and I can see why it is well recieved by authors. But please make sure to read The Bone Thief first. I know it is not required but it makes a lot more sense if you do.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
Jessie Sullivan is trying to figure out where her life is going. Her marriage to her husband Hugh and taking care of their daughter Dee has been her main focus. But now with Dee off to college, she is wondering what she will do now. Getting a phone call from her mom's best friend Kay, Jessie goes back to Egret Island to take care of her mom. But when she gets there, she is finding out that the death of her father Joe was not as simple as she thought. Along the way she meets a monk by the name of Brother Thomas and finds she has feelings for him. She is getting confused and needs to know what she truly wants for her life. Jessie has some very tough questions ahead of her and wonders if the answer she needs will be found sitting in the Mermaid chair.
Ms. Kidd knows how to express emotions in a way that grips you from the beginning. She never says what is right or wrong but shows you the process that the characters have to go through. I really liked that! Now mind you, her characters express their beliefs but I really felt like she left it up to me to decide what to think. Her descriptions put you right there beside the characters.I was truly impressed with how she worded everything.
Jessie was truly struggling with everything. Going back to the island almost seemed to make it worse. There were a few timesthat I wanted to hit the woman up side the head for not talking to her hubby. But I know so much was going on inside her that she could not think clearly if she tried. I really liked her mom's friends Kat and Hepzibah. Kat ran a gift shop and Hepzibah did Gullah tours. They were both so different from Nelle but the three of them really were great friends! Kate and Hepzibah wanted to see Nelle get out again and try to recover her lost spirit.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to watching the movie that was done on Lifetime since I recorded it. I give this booka 4/5 because it kept me turning pages. I thought it was a very insightful book and I look forward to reading The Secret Life of Bees.
338 pages/TBR Challenge/New Author
Well I have another two books to read and review so off to reading I go. :)
Ms. Kidd knows how to express emotions in a way that grips you from the beginning. She never says what is right or wrong but shows you the process that the characters have to go through. I really liked that! Now mind you, her characters express their beliefs but I really felt like she left it up to me to decide what to think. Her descriptions put you right there beside the characters.I was truly impressed with how she worded everything.
Jessie was truly struggling with everything. Going back to the island almost seemed to make it worse. There were a few timesthat I wanted to hit the woman up side the head for not talking to her hubby. But I know so much was going on inside her that she could not think clearly if she tried. I really liked her mom's friends Kat and Hepzibah. Kat ran a gift shop and Hepzibah did Gullah tours. They were both so different from Nelle but the three of them really were great friends! Kate and Hepzibah wanted to see Nelle get out again and try to recover her lost spirit.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to watching the movie that was done on Lifetime since I recorded it. I give this booka 4/5 because it kept me turning pages. I thought it was a very insightful book and I look forward to reading The Secret Life of Bees.
338 pages/TBR Challenge/New Author
Well I have another two books to read and review so off to reading I go. :)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Krauss
If you are working on reading this book I don't recommend reading it. I also hope I am not giving too much away. :)
Katie Hollis wanted to get the closure she never got with her ex-boyfriend Jake Sharpe. Problem is that he is a famous rock star and she can’t get near him. Until she gets a phone call from her best friend Laura to say he is back in their hometown. So Katie hops on a plane to see him one last time. She has no idea what kind of a circus she will find when she gets there.
Ms. McLaughlin and Ms. Krauss show us that nothing ever turns out like we hope but it is still worth it in the end. Friends are what truly matter because family can’t always be relied upon. These two women authors give us every girl’s dream by showing an ex-boyfriend what he is missing out on.
Katie had this dream life of being with Jake. She was finally seeing the reality of it. She is a sweet person but was always curious about how life would have been with Jake. Jake sold out on his friends, which really made me want to throttle Katie because she never saw it at first. Jake was a sweet guy but got caught up in the fame and popularity not realizing what it would cost him. Laura put up with a lot from Katie but was still a true friend. She really wanted Katie to be happy so that is why she called and told her about Jake being back.
I liked this story. I also appreciated the flashbacks because I got better feel for what was happening in present day life. Ms. McLaughlin and Ms. Krauss are quite the team. I was impressed with how the story flowed. The ending was good because Katie did get a glimpse of real life. It was not easy for her to see but she had to make a decision about what her life was going to be. She was not selfish wanting a real life yet she felt horrible for having to do what she did. I hope to read more by these two because it sounds like they have some great books that they have written and I would love to see more of what they can do.
I give this book a 4/5 because it was well written. The characters drove me nuts but I never threw the book across the room. Jake was not selfish but used to the fame while Katie didn’t know what to do with it. She just wanted quality time and never seemed to get much of that. She wanted to know the feelings ran deep more than just a roll in the hay from the past. I can emphasize with her because I had to deal with some of the same feelings at one time or another. I never had the roll in the hay but wanted to be liked for who I was and my deep feelings about things. Not just to have someone roll his eyes at me and tell me I have completely lost my mind.
278 pages/New Authors/ Chick Lit
Now off to send the review to Simon and Schuster as well as off to bed. Been a long day. :)
Katie Hollis wanted to get the closure she never got with her ex-boyfriend Jake Sharpe. Problem is that he is a famous rock star and she can’t get near him. Until she gets a phone call from her best friend Laura to say he is back in their hometown. So Katie hops on a plane to see him one last time. She has no idea what kind of a circus she will find when she gets there.
Ms. McLaughlin and Ms. Krauss show us that nothing ever turns out like we hope but it is still worth it in the end. Friends are what truly matter because family can’t always be relied upon. These two women authors give us every girl’s dream by showing an ex-boyfriend what he is missing out on.
Katie had this dream life of being with Jake. She was finally seeing the reality of it. She is a sweet person but was always curious about how life would have been with Jake. Jake sold out on his friends, which really made me want to throttle Katie because she never saw it at first. Jake was a sweet guy but got caught up in the fame and popularity not realizing what it would cost him. Laura put up with a lot from Katie but was still a true friend. She really wanted Katie to be happy so that is why she called and told her about Jake being back.
I liked this story. I also appreciated the flashbacks because I got better feel for what was happening in present day life. Ms. McLaughlin and Ms. Krauss are quite the team. I was impressed with how the story flowed. The ending was good because Katie did get a glimpse of real life. It was not easy for her to see but she had to make a decision about what her life was going to be. She was not selfish wanting a real life yet she felt horrible for having to do what she did. I hope to read more by these two because it sounds like they have some great books that they have written and I would love to see more of what they can do.
I give this book a 4/5 because it was well written. The characters drove me nuts but I never threw the book across the room. Jake was not selfish but used to the fame while Katie didn’t know what to do with it. She just wanted quality time and never seemed to get much of that. She wanted to know the feelings ran deep more than just a roll in the hay from the past. I can emphasize with her because I had to deal with some of the same feelings at one time or another. I never had the roll in the hay but wanted to be liked for who I was and my deep feelings about things. Not just to have someone roll his eyes at me and tell me I have completely lost my mind.
278 pages/New Authors/ Chick Lit
Now off to send the review to Simon and Schuster as well as off to bed. Been a long day. :)
Monday, June 11, 2007
The Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Greene
Patricia Bergen has an interesting summer when she turns twelve. The town of Jenkensville, Arkansas becomes the home of a camp for captured German soldiers. And on one of their trips into the store that Patricia’s family owns she meets one of them named Fredrick Anton Reiker. He is the translator for the bunch so that they can buy hats. Little does Patricia know that the time she spends with him that day will not be the last. After he escaped from camp, she hides him in her background and brings him food. He is the only friend she has and that friendship will cost her everything.
The story that Bette Green writes is full of emotions. I could tell it was a dated story but at the same time she wrote the characters very well. The storyline was great and easy to follow. She had a difficult topic to talk about but I found it very interesting. One of my favorite things was that she would write how a person would talk for the colored folks as they were referred to in the book.
Patricia really did not have an easy life. Between the fact that her parents didn’t care for her since they thought she was ugly to being a Jew who wanted to help a German soldier in hiding from the authorities. She always seemed to find herself in some kind of trouble. Her housekeeper Ruth was a sweetie. She really looked out for Patricia while her parents seemed to have more important things in mind. Her sister Sharon was the favored one since she looked so much like her mother and I found that to be rather harsh. Anton was a sweet heart and so civilized. I was completely impressed with him.
This was a great book but again I could see why it would be challenged since it had a lot of foul language as well as repeat use of a slanderous word towards African Americans. I was appalled at how much it was used but that is what it was like during that time. I give this book a 4/5. I was upset with the ending even though I knew it was not going to be happy. I think things should have been different but then again I was not born during that time. I could have had a completely different reaction. But all in all, I was impressed and look forward to reading the sequel, Morning Is A Long Time Coming.
199 pages/Banned/Young Adult/ New Author
Well I was hoping to finish up Dedication today but was not possible. I will most likely finish tomorrow evening and will post my review then and then after that I have 2 romance stories to read and review. :)
The story that Bette Green writes is full of emotions. I could tell it was a dated story but at the same time she wrote the characters very well. The storyline was great and easy to follow. She had a difficult topic to talk about but I found it very interesting. One of my favorite things was that she would write how a person would talk for the colored folks as they were referred to in the book.
Patricia really did not have an easy life. Between the fact that her parents didn’t care for her since they thought she was ugly to being a Jew who wanted to help a German soldier in hiding from the authorities. She always seemed to find herself in some kind of trouble. Her housekeeper Ruth was a sweetie. She really looked out for Patricia while her parents seemed to have more important things in mind. Her sister Sharon was the favored one since she looked so much like her mother and I found that to be rather harsh. Anton was a sweet heart and so civilized. I was completely impressed with him.
This was a great book but again I could see why it would be challenged since it had a lot of foul language as well as repeat use of a slanderous word towards African Americans. I was appalled at how much it was used but that is what it was like during that time. I give this book a 4/5. I was upset with the ending even though I knew it was not going to be happy. I think things should have been different but then again I was not born during that time. I could have had a completely different reaction. But all in all, I was impressed and look forward to reading the sequel, Morning Is A Long Time Coming.
199 pages/Banned/Young Adult/ New Author
Well I was hoping to finish up Dedication today but was not possible. I will most likely finish tomorrow evening and will post my review then and then after that I have 2 romance stories to read and review. :)
Sunday, June 10, 2007
The Terrorist by Caroline B. Cooney
Laura Williams worked on living the most normal life that she could in London. Going to school at London International Academy is not an easy thing to do for her or her brother Billy. They have to keep their opinions to themselves and try to figure out where they fit in the whole world. Billy takes the tube while Laura takes the bus to school. They have had bomb drills all the time but Laura can’t believe what happens when she gets off the bus to meet Billy and he never shows. All she hears is something about a bomb and her world changes in one instant!
Ms. Cooney is a fabulous writer who writes about many things. She takes this topic on with the tenacity that I am familiar with. She never says who is right or wrong but describes the workings of a terrorist. She also lets you get to see how grief can affect a family and what they need to do to move on.
Laura was a sweet girl who should have not had to experience grief so early. She was just trying to be a teenager and adjust to being in a different country. Her parents even went so far as to truly trust her. Though she had never done anything to make them think otherwise. Billy is a sweet boy who just makes people love him no matter how annoying he is at that time. He is an innocent boy with dreams. Even the students of L.I.A. are trying to figure out who they are but completely sheltered because of who their parents are, who their parents support, or if they had to leave their country for some reason or another. It is surprising how well these kids do at all and just want to be kids.
I could see why this book would be challenged since it deals with terrorists. This type of thing has always been a touchy subject to cover and even more so since 9/11. I thought it was well explained and well told. I think this book could teach a lot of kids things like how sheltered we are and how we truly need to give it our all to try to know other people before making irrational judgments. I give this book a 4/5. I love this author and have read other of her books and will continue to do so.
198 pages/Challenged Book/ Young Adult Fiction
Now off to start The Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Green and then after that Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicole Krauss. After that to books to review, I have 6 new ones. :)
Ms. Cooney is a fabulous writer who writes about many things. She takes this topic on with the tenacity that I am familiar with. She never says who is right or wrong but describes the workings of a terrorist. She also lets you get to see how grief can affect a family and what they need to do to move on.
Laura was a sweet girl who should have not had to experience grief so early. She was just trying to be a teenager and adjust to being in a different country. Her parents even went so far as to truly trust her. Though she had never done anything to make them think otherwise. Billy is a sweet boy who just makes people love him no matter how annoying he is at that time. He is an innocent boy with dreams. Even the students of L.I.A. are trying to figure out who they are but completely sheltered because of who their parents are, who their parents support, or if they had to leave their country for some reason or another. It is surprising how well these kids do at all and just want to be kids.
I could see why this book would be challenged since it deals with terrorists. This type of thing has always been a touchy subject to cover and even more so since 9/11. I thought it was well explained and well told. I think this book could teach a lot of kids things like how sheltered we are and how we truly need to give it our all to try to know other people before making irrational judgments. I give this book a 4/5. I love this author and have read other of her books and will continue to do so.
198 pages/Challenged Book/ Young Adult Fiction
Now off to start The Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Green and then after that Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicole Krauss. After that to books to review, I have 6 new ones. :)
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Dean Robilliard’s world gets hit when he sees a woman in a beaver costume. He helps her and then finds her in his house in the country. Finding out who his housekeeper is another surprise he has to deal with. Yet Dean soon finds his heart stolen by Blue Bailey. But she is used to traveling the world and never looking back. She loves to paint but was stifled by her teachers in college. Now she is unsure of her talents and Dean wants to help her out in any way that he can. Blue doubts that he could even love her. Will these two ever realize what they mean to each other?
Ms. Phillips does a great job with this book. There is so much that both characters have to come to grips with. She really shows how family dynamics can or cannot work and how that can affect relationships. She knows how to present real people in her stories. Yes, she created them but I always able to really feel a part of the story.
Dean is a real sweetie if he would just get over the fact that he can be happy with anyone he wants. He kept driving me nuts about that kind of thing. Blue was a sweetie but didn’t want to give her heart away too easily so that she could walk away when she needed to. Both had commitment issues but then looking at both sets of parents, I could completely understand. They seemed to need each other more because of the hurt that they shared. I found myself laughing at the silly things that they would do in order to get what they wanted. I also really liked the character Riley. She was only 11 years old but wise beyond her years. She could be a little stinker but when shown the right way to fuel her energies she was a great girl! She just needed a little encouragement from her dad.
This book held my attention though I should not have waited so long to write this review. A lot of my enthusiasm for the book is gone but I do recommend it highly. Some of the characters from Match Me if You Can are in this book so I recommend reading that one first even though this is not a series. I give this book a 4/5 and look forward to reading more from this author.
Now off to read one more review book and then Terrorist by Caronline Cooney. :)
Ms. Phillips does a great job with this book. There is so much that both characters have to come to grips with. She really shows how family dynamics can or cannot work and how that can affect relationships. She knows how to present real people in her stories. Yes, she created them but I always able to really feel a part of the story.
Dean is a real sweetie if he would just get over the fact that he can be happy with anyone he wants. He kept driving me nuts about that kind of thing. Blue was a sweetie but didn’t want to give her heart away too easily so that she could walk away when she needed to. Both had commitment issues but then looking at both sets of parents, I could completely understand. They seemed to need each other more because of the hurt that they shared. I found myself laughing at the silly things that they would do in order to get what they wanted. I also really liked the character Riley. She was only 11 years old but wise beyond her years. She could be a little stinker but when shown the right way to fuel her energies she was a great girl! She just needed a little encouragement from her dad.
This book held my attention though I should not have waited so long to write this review. A lot of my enthusiasm for the book is gone but I do recommend it highly. Some of the characters from Match Me if You Can are in this book so I recommend reading that one first even though this is not a series. I give this book a 4/5 and look forward to reading more from this author.
Now off to read one more review book and then Terrorist by Caronline Cooney. :)
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Sisters by Danielle Steel
Four sisters finally get together over the Fourth of July weekend or face their mother’s wrath. Candy is a supermodel who goes all over the world. She is young and inexperienced. Though she seems to think she knows it all. Annie is an artist spending time in Florence Italy. She thinks she has finally met someone she can settle down with. Tammy produces a show in L.A. and loves her job most of the time. She has a lot of headaches and feels like she only attracts weird men or divorcees. Sabrina, the oldest, has a loving relationship with her boyfriend Chris. She is a lawyer who mainly focuses on divorces and child custodies. But they will never know how much their lives will change on this trip home. Can they handle what will happen and how will it affect their lives?
Ms. Steel did it again. I found her writing style refreshing. It was a book that had me from the beginning. I don’t know how she does it but she just makes her characters come alive and they show their insecurities somehow through out the book. I think having her daughters probably influenced the book a little.
I felt sorry for Candy. Yeah so she is 21 but I could not believe how sheltered she was. I almost wanted to throttle her myself. Sabrina was the most stubborn but she could take over when things needed to be done. She fought with commitment from day one. Tammy wanted to be loved but never seemed to find the right guy. She wanted children and was willing to go to any lengths. Annie was passionate about her art. It was a true blessing how much her parents supported her in her dream.
This book was wonderful. I give it a 4/5. As much as I really liked it, there were parts of the story that were over done and a little over the top. Now I have never been what those four women went through. I just couldn’t imagine it. I will continue to read Ms. Steel’s novels cause she has a wonderful way with words that keeps me hooked.
341 pages/Fiction
Now I am going to start Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and then I have another romance to review. :)
Ms. Steel did it again. I found her writing style refreshing. It was a book that had me from the beginning. I don’t know how she does it but she just makes her characters come alive and they show their insecurities somehow through out the book. I think having her daughters probably influenced the book a little.
I felt sorry for Candy. Yeah so she is 21 but I could not believe how sheltered she was. I almost wanted to throttle her myself. Sabrina was the most stubborn but she could take over when things needed to be done. She fought with commitment from day one. Tammy wanted to be loved but never seemed to find the right guy. She wanted children and was willing to go to any lengths. Annie was passionate about her art. It was a true blessing how much her parents supported her in her dream.
This book was wonderful. I give it a 4/5. As much as I really liked it, there were parts of the story that were over done and a little over the top. Now I have never been what those four women went through. I just couldn’t imagine it. I will continue to read Ms. Steel’s novels cause she has a wonderful way with words that keeps me hooked.
341 pages/Fiction
Now I am going to start Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and then I have another romance to review. :)
Monday, June 04, 2007
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni
This story is told through the eyes of two women Miriam and Lilia. Miriam is an illegitimate child and is eventually married off to Rasheed who has his own shoe shop. She endures life with him as her mom Nana did on her own with not much help. Miriam and Rasheed take in Lilia after she loses her family. Miriam and Lilia have to figure out their relationship to each other as well as how it will work with Rasheed. With the Taliban starting to take power, the women also need to decide if they feel safe to stay or if they must flee to save their lives.
Mr. Hosseni is a talented and very wonderful writer. His writing got better and it was more emotionally involved. He showed all aspects of his characters extremely well. The depth that he took his writing truly amazed me.
Miriam was my favorite because she endured the most of both. She really had to bounce back from situations multiple times. Yet she never seemed to stay bitter. Lilia was a woman who got thrown into a marriage for no other reason than her reputation. She thought no one was left around to save her or take care of her.
This book took me on a wonderful experience. It taught me more about that culture and what was expected of both men and women. I give it a 5/5. It is difficult to write this review because I am grasping for words to tell you how great it is. I don’t want to give anything away! Please check this book out and if you have not already read Kite Runner they are not linked in any way. Mr. Hosseni is an amazing author and I look forward to his next book.
372 pages/ fiction
I finished this one before I posted The Last Summer. It took me the longest time to write the review for the current book mentioned. Now off to read a romance novel. :)
Mr. Hosseni is a talented and very wonderful writer. His writing got better and it was more emotionally involved. He showed all aspects of his characters extremely well. The depth that he took his writing truly amazed me.
Miriam was my favorite because she endured the most of both. She really had to bounce back from situations multiple times. Yet she never seemed to stay bitter. Lilia was a woman who got thrown into a marriage for no other reason than her reputation. She thought no one was left around to save her or take care of her.
This book took me on a wonderful experience. It taught me more about that culture and what was expected of both men and women. I give it a 5/5. It is difficult to write this review because I am grasping for words to tell you how great it is. I don’t want to give anything away! Please check this book out and if you have not already read Kite Runner they are not linked in any way. Mr. Hosseni is an amazing author and I look forward to his next book.
372 pages/ fiction
I finished this one before I posted The Last Summer. It took me the longest time to write the review for the current book mentioned. Now off to read a romance novel. :)
The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Brashares
Riley and Alice, who have grown up, come back to the island and who shows up but Paul. Paul was best friend with Riley but always seemed to pick more on Alice. Alice realizes what he was really doing and throws out a challenge to Paul. But yet with that comes another realization that their world is not the same anymore. The girls have to deal with feelings that they have for each other, their parents, and Paul. Paul must come to terms with his feelings towards the aforementioned. But will it turn out like a fairy tale or is there more than meets the eye?
Ann Brashares of Sisterhood of Traveling Pants fame decided to write her first adult book. The characters were gripping; emotion filled and had conflict all around them. I enjoyed her expression of all characters and how she could really distinguish between each one. Yet she took her writing to another level by being able to describe things in more depth and have more soul searching in this book. She was really able to step up and write a good book.
Riley and Alice truly had to deal with how things had changed in their world. Alice wanted things to stay the same in some ways yet she also wanted to experience new things. She knew Riley had a difficult time handling change. Riley loved to swim and was best as a lifeguard. She knows something is going on and has secrets of her own.
Paul is just battling with his feelings, his friendships, and even memories of his father who died when he was just a child. It is not so much realizing that the world isn’t what they thought but more of embracing reality. There are sacrifices that are made because of guilt yet it is all part of figuring out what life holds for each one of them.
Ms. Brashares has a talent in writing and really gets emotional with her characters, the situations, and the events happening all around the story. I enjoyed that emotion and it is what kept me turning the pages. I give this book a 5/5 because it kept me finding out whom the romance was going to be with, what the secrets were, and how it was all going to turn out in the end. I found it to be very well written and it expanded on the great stories she had already written.
306 pages/ Fiction
This was a great book! I really enjoyed it! I will post my review of A Thousand Suns later today and then I have 2 romance novels to review. After that, not sure what I am going to read yet.
Ann Brashares of Sisterhood of Traveling Pants fame decided to write her first adult book. The characters were gripping; emotion filled and had conflict all around them. I enjoyed her expression of all characters and how she could really distinguish between each one. Yet she took her writing to another level by being able to describe things in more depth and have more soul searching in this book. She was really able to step up and write a good book.
Riley and Alice truly had to deal with how things had changed in their world. Alice wanted things to stay the same in some ways yet she also wanted to experience new things. She knew Riley had a difficult time handling change. Riley loved to swim and was best as a lifeguard. She knows something is going on and has secrets of her own.
Paul is just battling with his feelings, his friendships, and even memories of his father who died when he was just a child. It is not so much realizing that the world isn’t what they thought but more of embracing reality. There are sacrifices that are made because of guilt yet it is all part of figuring out what life holds for each one of them.
Ms. Brashares has a talent in writing and really gets emotional with her characters, the situations, and the events happening all around the story. I enjoyed that emotion and it is what kept me turning the pages. I give this book a 5/5 because it kept me finding out whom the romance was going to be with, what the secrets were, and how it was all going to turn out in the end. I found it to be very well written and it expanded on the great stories she had already written.
306 pages/ Fiction
This was a great book! I really enjoyed it! I will post my review of A Thousand Suns later today and then I have 2 romance novels to review. After that, not sure what I am going to read yet.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
My May Reads!
Deep Storm by Lincoln Child 4-30-07 through 05-03-07 A
Torc’s Salvation by Melany Logen 5-03-07 A
Blackberry Pie by Bonnie Dee 5-04-07 A
Savage Shores by Emma Wildes 5-04-07 A
Cupid on a mission by Laura Hamby 5-05-07 A
How to lose an ET in 10 Days by Susan Grant 5-05-07 through 5-06-07 A
Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky 5-06-07 through 5-07-07 A
The Innocent Man by John Grisham 5-07-07 through 5-09-07 B
The Gourdfellas by Maggie Bruce 5-09-07 through 5-10-07 A
10. The American Heiress by Diana Bold 5-10-07 through 5-11-07 A
100. Cake, a fairy tale by Dina Keratsis 5-11-07 A
101.Simple Genius by David Baldacci 5-12-07 through 5-14-07 A
102. By the Book by JoAnn Carter 5-14-07 A
103. Don’t Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub 5-14-07 through 5-15-07 A+
104. Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retelling by Lee Borwood 5-15-07 through 5-16-07 B
105. Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian 5-16-07 through 5-18-07 B
106. Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge 5-18-07 A+
107. Paradise Road by Connie Kennan 5-18-07 through 5-19-07 A
108. Alien Seduction by Jenna Leigh et all 5-19-07 through 5-23-07 A
109. Considering Doris Day by Tom Santopietro 5-23-07 through 5-26-07 A
110. The Girl Hunter by Sandee McCain 5-26-07 through 5-27-07 A
111. All Work and No Play by Julie Cohen 5-27-06 A
112. Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy 5-27-07 through 5-30-07 A+
113. Deadly Apprasil by Jane K. Cleland 5-30-05 through 5-31-07 A+
114. Thief of a Goddess Heart by Colleen Love 5-31-07 A
My stats:
May-
Total Books Read: 28
New Authors: 19
Fiction: 26
Non-Fiction: 2
Chunksters: 2
TBR:
Books I bought: 1
Books Sent to me: 6
Total Pages read: 5584
And for fun! I have quite a few reviews up on my page for Coffee Time Romance. :) Here is my link:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Reviewers/Krista.html
I love that group! We are like a family and I get to meet so many cool authors. :)
Torc’s Salvation by Melany Logen 5-03-07 A
Blackberry Pie by Bonnie Dee 5-04-07 A
Savage Shores by Emma Wildes 5-04-07 A
Cupid on a mission by Laura Hamby 5-05-07 A
How to lose an ET in 10 Days by Susan Grant 5-05-07 through 5-06-07 A
Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky 5-06-07 through 5-07-07 A
The Innocent Man by John Grisham 5-07-07 through 5-09-07 B
The Gourdfellas by Maggie Bruce 5-09-07 through 5-10-07 A
10. The American Heiress by Diana Bold 5-10-07 through 5-11-07 A
100. Cake, a fairy tale by Dina Keratsis 5-11-07 A
101.Simple Genius by David Baldacci 5-12-07 through 5-14-07 A
102. By the Book by JoAnn Carter 5-14-07 A
103. Don’t Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub 5-14-07 through 5-15-07 A+
104. Klassic Koalas: Ancient Aboriginal Tales in New Retelling by Lee Borwood 5-15-07 through 5-16-07 B
105. Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian 5-16-07 through 5-18-07 B
106. Step on a crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge 5-18-07 A+
107. Paradise Road by Connie Kennan 5-18-07 through 5-19-07 A
108. Alien Seduction by Jenna Leigh et all 5-19-07 through 5-23-07 A
109. Considering Doris Day by Tom Santopietro 5-23-07 through 5-26-07 A
110. The Girl Hunter by Sandee McCain 5-26-07 through 5-27-07 A
111. All Work and No Play by Julie Cohen 5-27-06 A
112. Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy 5-27-07 through 5-30-07 A+
113. Deadly Apprasil by Jane K. Cleland 5-30-05 through 5-31-07 A+
114. Thief of a Goddess Heart by Colleen Love 5-31-07 A
My stats:
May-
Total Books Read: 28
New Authors: 19
Fiction: 26
Non-Fiction: 2
Chunksters: 2
TBR:
Books I bought: 1
Books Sent to me: 6
Total Pages read: 5584
And for fun! I have quite a few reviews up on my page for Coffee Time Romance. :) Here is my link:
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Reviewers/Krista.html
I love that group! We are like a family and I get to meet so many cool authors. :)
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie
Abby is trying to find her way in the world. She loves the house she owns even though it is not in tiptop shape. She is a psychic who embraces her gift and helps other people. Though more often than not she blurts things out and has no idea where she got them. She gets herself in trouble when describing some ideas she has about a kidnapping case to her date. Her date turns out to be Detective Riches and he does not know what to think of what she does for a living. He is convinced she is making things up or is involved in the kidnapping. Abby does not know why she signed up to help on the case but doubts whether she can help solve it. Though someone else has other ideas.
Victoria Laurie is an amazing author. She also writes from her personal experience since she does readings herself. Since she has probably experienced some of the things that Abby went through first hand, it made the character more realistic and believable. Ms. Laurie really knows her stuff obviously and I was impressed with how she was able to turn that into a character that even I could relate to even though I am not a psychic.
Abby Cooper is a real woman though the only thing that makes her different is the gift she has for seeing the future. She is a woman who doubts herself but when things get her really down she looks to herself for the answers she needs. Someone needs to have confidence in her and that person is Detective Riches. Dutch is a man with a hurt past and needs time to turn things around. I also liked Dutch’s partner Milo. He is hilarious. He is always saying things to Abby behind Dutch’s back and just a regular jester. But when he is needed is someone you can count on for anything.
I give this book a 5/5. I can’t wait to read more in this series. This subject has intrigued me for the longest time. And since Ms. Laurie really writes from experience makes it that more intriguing to me. The characters were real, the conflicts were real, and I recommend this book to anyone who not only likes psychics but a good mystery. The twists got me for a loop. It seemed to get Abby as well before she figured everything out. I hope to read more in this series soon!
434 pages/ Large Print/ New Author
My library, the one that is near by, only had it in large print so I am not counting this as a chunkster. Well off to bed! I am wiped out.
Victoria Laurie is an amazing author. She also writes from her personal experience since she does readings herself. Since she has probably experienced some of the things that Abby went through first hand, it made the character more realistic and believable. Ms. Laurie really knows her stuff obviously and I was impressed with how she was able to turn that into a character that even I could relate to even though I am not a psychic.
Abby Cooper is a real woman though the only thing that makes her different is the gift she has for seeing the future. She is a woman who doubts herself but when things get her really down she looks to herself for the answers she needs. Someone needs to have confidence in her and that person is Detective Riches. Dutch is a man with a hurt past and needs time to turn things around. I also liked Dutch’s partner Milo. He is hilarious. He is always saying things to Abby behind Dutch’s back and just a regular jester. But when he is needed is someone you can count on for anything.
I give this book a 5/5. I can’t wait to read more in this series. This subject has intrigued me for the longest time. And since Ms. Laurie really writes from experience makes it that more intriguing to me. The characters were real, the conflicts were real, and I recommend this book to anyone who not only likes psychics but a good mystery. The twists got me for a loop. It seemed to get Abby as well before she figured everything out. I hope to read more in this series soon!
434 pages/ Large Print/ New Author
My library, the one that is near by, only had it in large print so I am not counting this as a chunkster. Well off to bed! I am wiped out.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Deadly Appraisal by Jane K. Cleland
Josie Prescott is settling into her new life. She loves her business and has great employees. When she offers to do sponsor a Gala event for the Portsmouth Ladies Guild, she has nothing but great hopes for it. That all falls apart when one of the main members, Maisey dies suddenly on the stage before they can announce the winners of the different items auctioned. Josie is looked at as the prime suspect in the murder so she once again has to battle to clear her name. With her only support being her lawyer, she desperately does her best to hang in there. She has little successes throughout with her business but she wonders if she is just trying to do too much on her own.
I enjoyed the second book in the series by Ms. Cleland. She has a wonderful way of portraying the characters that emotions are felt when you are reading it. I was swept up in this book and didn’t want it to end. Boy I hope there is more!
I loved seeing past characters finding their way into the story like Sasha, Gretchen, Eric, and Fred. They are wonderful employees to have and I loved seeing the relationship between them and Josie deepens further. I got really irritated with Detective Rowcliff. I know he was just doing his job. Max put it wonderfully when he said the Detective had a problem of “persistent jerkitis” on page 245. I could not have described it better. Max really came to the top for Josie. He had done so in the last book but I really felt you got a better sense of whom he is. Josie is a sweet person but gets overwhelmed easily but when uncertainty is all around it makes complete sense.
I give this book a 5/5 because it carried the storylines from the previous book very well. I felt like I was coming home and I hope there are more to come. It was wonderfully written and expressed. I loved seeing how things changed and how Josie did get some more confidence. Great series and one I highly recommend but do please read Consigned to Death first.
Now I have a romance story to read and then Pyschic Eye by Abby Cooper. :)
I enjoyed the second book in the series by Ms. Cleland. She has a wonderful way of portraying the characters that emotions are felt when you are reading it. I was swept up in this book and didn’t want it to end. Boy I hope there is more!
I loved seeing past characters finding their way into the story like Sasha, Gretchen, Eric, and Fred. They are wonderful employees to have and I loved seeing the relationship between them and Josie deepens further. I got really irritated with Detective Rowcliff. I know he was just doing his job. Max put it wonderfully when he said the Detective had a problem of “persistent jerkitis” on page 245. I could not have described it better. Max really came to the top for Josie. He had done so in the last book but I really felt you got a better sense of whom he is. Josie is a sweet person but gets overwhelmed easily but when uncertainty is all around it makes complete sense.
I give this book a 5/5 because it carried the storylines from the previous book very well. I felt like I was coming home and I hope there are more to come. It was wonderfully written and expressed. I loved seeing how things changed and how Josie did get some more confidence. Great series and one I highly recommend but do please read Consigned to Death first.
Now I have a romance story to read and then Pyschic Eye by Abby Cooper. :)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
In the small town of Rossmore, Ireland, they are talking about putting in a new road to help direct lorries and trucks. But not everyone is okay with this because the new road not only will end up going through Whitethorn Woods but also right through were the statue of St. Ann and her well are placed. People don’t want the new change because of the St. Ann statue and all the miracles that it brought to the town.
Maeve Binchy does it again! I was very impressed. I normally do not care for short stories but I loved this one. I loved how each story connected to the other. The characters were wonderful because not only were they not perfect but the town had misconceived notions about certain people that were not true. Ms. Binchy weaves such a wonderful story that I had a difficult time putting this book down.
Father Brian Flynn was my favorite. He really was of two minds of what to do about the new road. He didn’t want it to be there but at the same time didn’t see the power in St. Ann. Plus the fact that Rome had never acknowledged what the well and the statue could do. My other favorite character was Neddy Nolan. He was thought to be soft in the head or something like that. The truth was he just let people believe that about him and took his own time at things. He was rather smart. The town made me laugh and cry.
I had not read a book I liked by her in awhile. I was nervous to pick this book up but I had to give it a try. I loved it! The characters were great and everything tied in with every story. You really got a full picture of the town. I give it a 5/5. I hope to go back and read other stories by her.
339 pages/Fiction
Off now to read Deadly Apparaisal by Jane K. Cleland then a romance novel and not sure what after that. I am pretty sick so plan to rest a lot! :)
Maeve Binchy does it again! I was very impressed. I normally do not care for short stories but I loved this one. I loved how each story connected to the other. The characters were wonderful because not only were they not perfect but the town had misconceived notions about certain people that were not true. Ms. Binchy weaves such a wonderful story that I had a difficult time putting this book down.
Father Brian Flynn was my favorite. He really was of two minds of what to do about the new road. He didn’t want it to be there but at the same time didn’t see the power in St. Ann. Plus the fact that Rome had never acknowledged what the well and the statue could do. My other favorite character was Neddy Nolan. He was thought to be soft in the head or something like that. The truth was he just let people believe that about him and took his own time at things. He was rather smart. The town made me laugh and cry.
I had not read a book I liked by her in awhile. I was nervous to pick this book up but I had to give it a try. I loved it! The characters were great and everything tied in with every story. You really got a full picture of the town. I give it a 5/5. I hope to go back and read other stories by her.
339 pages/Fiction
Off now to read Deadly Apparaisal by Jane K. Cleland then a romance novel and not sure what after that. I am pretty sick so plan to rest a lot! :)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Considering Doris Day by Tom Santopietro
Being a big fan of Doris Day, I have always wanted to know more about her. I was impressed with the very professional way that this author took on her life. I found sometimes that he over commented on some of her early movies. But then some of them I liked! I also liked getting more insight into how some movies were done and to learn that she even did a movie with Alfred Hitchcock titled The Man Who Knew Too Much.
I may be a young person by most people’s standards but I was raised to appreciate Doris Day. My mom almost met Doris when they both were in Paris the summer my mom turned 16. My all time favorite movie is Pajama Game and loved the comments that were written about that movie.
There were times that I felt awful for Doris because of choices that were made and contracts that were signed by her manager husband Marty. It was almost too little too late in some aspects but she seemed to take it all in stride. The one thing I never knew about Doris was that she is an animal lover and started her own animal foundation. That really impressed me! I loved seeing how humble she was about her acting career and it was almost to the point of her forgetting it. But I know with all the fan mail she gets that forgetting it is impossible. I am sure she has lovely stories she could tell but after reading this book I know that won’t happen. I also know that there were other books written about her life and I would love to read them. See what someone else has to say. But then there is a point where you can only read so many books about a person.
I give this book a 4/5 because it was truly fascinating. I loved it and enjoyed hearing more about her life in the movies. It was a great book and one I recommend.
383 pages/new author/non-fiction
Well off to read and review two romance novels. I would be more on top of things but feeling a little under the weather.
I may be a young person by most people’s standards but I was raised to appreciate Doris Day. My mom almost met Doris when they both were in Paris the summer my mom turned 16. My all time favorite movie is Pajama Game and loved the comments that were written about that movie.
There were times that I felt awful for Doris because of choices that were made and contracts that were signed by her manager husband Marty. It was almost too little too late in some aspects but she seemed to take it all in stride. The one thing I never knew about Doris was that she is an animal lover and started her own animal foundation. That really impressed me! I loved seeing how humble she was about her acting career and it was almost to the point of her forgetting it. But I know with all the fan mail she gets that forgetting it is impossible. I am sure she has lovely stories she could tell but after reading this book I know that won’t happen. I also know that there were other books written about her life and I would love to read them. See what someone else has to say. But then there is a point where you can only read so many books about a person.
I give this book a 4/5 because it was truly fascinating. I loved it and enjoyed hearing more about her life in the movies. It was a great book and one I recommend.
383 pages/new author/non-fiction
Well off to read and review two romance novels. I would be more on top of things but feeling a little under the weather.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Step On A Crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Michael Bennett is called in to go to the First Lady’s funeral because there has been a hijacking during it. So he must leave his 10 adopted children to help solve the crime and keep people from being killed. He struggles between helping save lives and keeping an eye on his children as his wife is dying from cancer. He gets help from his grandfather Seamus and is giving breaks but it never seems to be enough. Can he pull through it or will it end up being one big mess?
I have always liked James Patterson and most of his novels that I have read. Being that this is the first in a new series really led me to read it. The characterization is phenomenal and you get a really good picture of both sides whether it is the cops or the criminals. I have no idea who wrote what parts but it blended well together and was impressed by the extent of knowledge that had to be known in order to write this story.
Michael Bennett is a troubled soul but he is going through so much at one time. He feels the stress from his job as well as dealing with the death of the love of his life. I could not think of a more understanding woman than his wife. Though it appears that she has always been like that with him. The kids are so wonderful and I loved getting the little glimpses of each one and can’t wait to see how they end up dealing with everything. Seamus was a wonderful old man and he was my favorite character. He was a priest only because his wife died and he could never see himself getting remarried.
I give this book a 5/5 because it kept me turning pages till the very end. I couldn’t believe that I read it in one day but it was that compelling to me. It seemed like it was the first in the series so I hope there is more. I would love to know what happens next and how things are dealt with. I can’t wait to read more by this author and I hope they just keep getting better.
383 pages/Mystery
I didn't mean to finish two books in one day. It just happened. lol Now off to read two romances. :)
I have always liked James Patterson and most of his novels that I have read. Being that this is the first in a new series really led me to read it. The characterization is phenomenal and you get a really good picture of both sides whether it is the cops or the criminals. I have no idea who wrote what parts but it blended well together and was impressed by the extent of knowledge that had to be known in order to write this story.
Michael Bennett is a troubled soul but he is going through so much at one time. He feels the stress from his job as well as dealing with the death of the love of his life. I could not think of a more understanding woman than his wife. Though it appears that she has always been like that with him. The kids are so wonderful and I loved getting the little glimpses of each one and can’t wait to see how they end up dealing with everything. Seamus was a wonderful old man and he was my favorite character. He was a priest only because his wife died and he could never see himself getting remarried.
I give this book a 5/5 because it kept me turning pages till the very end. I couldn’t believe that I read it in one day but it was that compelling to me. It seemed like it was the first in the series so I hope there is more. I would love to know what happens next and how things are dealt with. I can’t wait to read more by this author and I hope they just keep getting better.
383 pages/Mystery
I didn't mean to finish two books in one day. It just happened. lol Now off to read two romances. :)
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Laurel Eastbrook is attacked while a sophomore in college and her life is forever changed. She delves deep into photography and doing her best to help others. But when one of the clients of the center she works for dies, she learns that he was telling the truth that he was a famous photographer. So she works on finding out what led him to come to Vermont. She is afraid someone will take the pictures and keeps them with her all the time.
The story presented by Mr. Bohjalian is off the wall and sometimes odd. I found the descriptions done well and I really felt like I was feeling what Laurel was. He got into depth on a lot of things. The words were well put together. I thought the story was well done until the end shocked me.
Laurel was trying to get to back to her life. She was trying to reclaim it and thought she could if she only she could figure out what the pictures she had represented. She went all over the place and even went to see her assailant in jail. Her roommate, her boyfriend and her boss all tried to help her to comprehend what was really going on.
I give this a 3/5 because the psychiatrist’s notes along the way had me questioning from the beginning of what was going on. The twist at the end truly surprised me. I am not sure I could recommend this book cause it was weird! It was well written but my opinion your mind will change by the end of the book. I think this will be the only book I read by this author and that is not normal for me.
Off to read Step on a Crack by James Patterson than 2 romances.
The story presented by Mr. Bohjalian is off the wall and sometimes odd. I found the descriptions done well and I really felt like I was feeling what Laurel was. He got into depth on a lot of things. The words were well put together. I thought the story was well done until the end shocked me.
Laurel was trying to get to back to her life. She was trying to reclaim it and thought she could if she only she could figure out what the pictures she had represented. She went all over the place and even went to see her assailant in jail. Her roommate, her boyfriend and her boss all tried to help her to comprehend what was really going on.
I give this a 3/5 because the psychiatrist’s notes along the way had me questioning from the beginning of what was going on. The twist at the end truly surprised me. I am not sure I could recommend this book cause it was weird! It was well written but my opinion your mind will change by the end of the book. I think this will be the only book I read by this author and that is not normal for me.
Off to read Step on a Crack by James Patterson than 2 romances.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub
10 years ago, Rachel Lorent died on her birthday with her four closet friends nearby. She had jumped off a cliff and the four girls decided to make a vow to keep it all a secret. Now strange things seem to be happening that start with a birthday card from Rachel. It seems to the now women that someone else knows what happened that night but no one knows who that could be. They all hope and pray that it ends soon without too much more trouble. But they have no idea that before it is over that they all might be dead.
Ms. Staub does it again! I love this author and how creepy she can make the books. The book is so good that I had the most difficult time putting it down. She captures you with her lovely style of writing. I really felt like I was there with the characters. I even started to get a little jumpy myself.
The women came across as very real. Some focused on family while others focused on their careers. I have to say my favorite was Brynn Costello. She had two boys and her hubby was one of her former professors. She was focused on her family and really wanted a third child. She was the one who was the most freaked out by things. All four women really wanted to make sure that they had kept their secret safe since everyone else thought Rachel was dead. They start to question that fact and wonder if she might have made it. That was creepy in itself.
I give it a 5/5 because I just love how this author weaves a story. It kept me spell bound and captivated the entire run. I never lost interest and as I said before found it difficult to put it down. I liked how it was connected to Most Likely To Die but you could read it without the other book. It was well written and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Off to go read a review title and then after that Double Bind by Chris Bojhalian.
Ms. Staub does it again! I love this author and how creepy she can make the books. The book is so good that I had the most difficult time putting it down. She captures you with her lovely style of writing. I really felt like I was there with the characters. I even started to get a little jumpy myself.
The women came across as very real. Some focused on family while others focused on their careers. I have to say my favorite was Brynn Costello. She had two boys and her hubby was one of her former professors. She was focused on her family and really wanted a third child. She was the one who was the most freaked out by things. All four women really wanted to make sure that they had kept their secret safe since everyone else thought Rachel was dead. They start to question that fact and wonder if she might have made it. That was creepy in itself.
I give it a 5/5 because I just love how this author weaves a story. It kept me spell bound and captivated the entire run. I never lost interest and as I said before found it difficult to put it down. I liked how it was connected to Most Likely To Die but you could read it without the other book. It was well written and I can’t wait to read more by her.
Off to go read a review title and then after that Double Bind by Chris Bojhalian.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Simple Genius by David Baldacci
Sean King has to figure out how to make some money fast. His partner Michelle Maxwell is in the hospital after getting in a serious bar fight. She ends up going to a psychiatric hospital to not have to face criminal charges. Meanwhile, Sean gets a great opportunity of looking into a case near Williamsburg, Virginia. He has to figure out whether the genius was murdered or committed suicide and doesn’t seem to be getting much help from the people living in Baggage Town. So he really wishes Michelle were around but knows that is not possible or so he thinks.
David Baldacci does it again! I enjoyed this story even though I know little about the theme covered. I am not a genius and math was my least favorite subject. Everything was explained really well and I followed along wonderfully. I was impressed with how well he keeps you on the edge of your seat but carries the story along as well.
Sean is a hard workingman and stubborn to a fault. Michelle can be reckless at times and not think things through. I also liked the psychiatrist Horatio Barnes. He was quite the guy and very eccentric. It made the story even more enjoyable. Horatio was a very caring guy but would stick to his methods cause he knew that they would work. The other minor characters like Viggie, the autistic daughter and Ian Whitfield were interesting to read about.
The process by which they got things done was new to me. I enjoyed reading along. I give this book a 4/5 because it really kept me going and it was a wonderful read. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
I am off to read another short story romance novel and then after that will be Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub.
David Baldacci does it again! I enjoyed this story even though I know little about the theme covered. I am not a genius and math was my least favorite subject. Everything was explained really well and I followed along wonderfully. I was impressed with how well he keeps you on the edge of your seat but carries the story along as well.
Sean is a hard workingman and stubborn to a fault. Michelle can be reckless at times and not think things through. I also liked the psychiatrist Horatio Barnes. He was quite the guy and very eccentric. It made the story even more enjoyable. Horatio was a very caring guy but would stick to his methods cause he knew that they would work. The other minor characters like Viggie, the autistic daughter and Ian Whitfield were interesting to read about.
The process by which they got things done was new to me. I enjoyed reading along. I give this book a 4/5 because it really kept me going and it was a wonderful read. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
I am off to read another short story romance novel and then after that will be Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Gourdfellas by Maggie Bruce
Lili Marino is starting to settle into the peacefulness of Walden Corners. She is teaching Connie Lovett how to work with gourds. But it all seems to come to a halt when a rifle drops from her bathroom ceiling. Lili becomes a suspect in the murder of Marjorie Mellon, the most out spoken person for the casino to come to town. Now Lili not only has to clear her name but take care of her brother Neill while he recuperates.
Ms. Bruce does it again in the second book in her cozy mystery series. The story line keeps you going and her characters come across as very real. She puts real emotions and real challenges to overcome and I really enjoyed all of them.
Lili is a wonderful person but she also has to figure out whom she really cares about. She wants a new relationship but has a few options. I also liked Elizabeth and Nora. These gals have been friends for a long time and it really shows. Neill was a great brother and a total sweetheart. He really was a big help to her and what a charmer.
I liked this book a lot but was difficult to write a review because I don’t want to give anything away. I give it 4/5. I hope the next one comes out soon. I hope there are more because I am dying to find out what happens next in Lili’s life.
Off to read 2 romances. :)
Ms. Bruce does it again in the second book in her cozy mystery series. The story line keeps you going and her characters come across as very real. She puts real emotions and real challenges to overcome and I really enjoyed all of them.
Lili is a wonderful person but she also has to figure out whom she really cares about. She wants a new relationship but has a few options. I also liked Elizabeth and Nora. These gals have been friends for a long time and it really shows. Neill was a great brother and a total sweetheart. He really was a big help to her and what a charmer.
I liked this book a lot but was difficult to write a review because I don’t want to give anything away. I give it 4/5. I hope the next one comes out soon. I hope there are more because I am dying to find out what happens next in Lili’s life.
Off to read 2 romances. :)
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Innocent Man by John Grisham
The deaths of women are always difficult to deal with. Not more than most but when life is taken in its prime in a small town, life changes for the whole town. And most of all life changed for two men, Ron Williamson and Denis Fritz. They were convicted of a crime that neither committed. The thing that was most mind-boggling was how they couldn’t prove either way of their guilt or not. Too many snitches got involved and it was 15 years later that they both were exonerated. The process taken was long and drawn out but surprising to read.
This is the first book I have ever read by John Grisham. I enjoyed it a lot. It took me awhile cause there was so much information to pass along so that you could understand the undertaking not only of the men to try and prove themselves innocent but the process that they had to follow. Mr. Grisham had a lot of resources after the fact that he could look at to be able to write his book from letters to transcripts to even personal testimony from a lot of people involved. I was pleased how he didn’t bash the wrong doers for what they did yet he made sure to point out where they went wrong in their quest for the truth. I have seen with living in a small town how crime rarely happens of this magnitude but when it does there is serious pressure to get it solved.
I was thoroughly appalled by what happened to the men in this book who were not guilty and not just Ron and Dennis. Other men were mentioned of other cases at the time as side notes and it surprised me that people could get away with so much. I give this book a 4/5 because it seemed a bit slow. But there was so much information that he had to present and I am sure he left quite a bit out to make sure the book was still interesting. It could also be that I have not read Non-Fiction in quite some time. I recommend this to people who think the justice system has no faults. Nothing is perfect and I have come to realize that but when justice is truly served than one can only hope things will get better.
360 pages/ non-fiction
Now off to read Gourdfellas by Maggie Bruce and then two romance novels. LOL Oh joy! :)
This is the first book I have ever read by John Grisham. I enjoyed it a lot. It took me awhile cause there was so much information to pass along so that you could understand the undertaking not only of the men to try and prove themselves innocent but the process that they had to follow. Mr. Grisham had a lot of resources after the fact that he could look at to be able to write his book from letters to transcripts to even personal testimony from a lot of people involved. I was pleased how he didn’t bash the wrong doers for what they did yet he made sure to point out where they went wrong in their quest for the truth. I have seen with living in a small town how crime rarely happens of this magnitude but when it does there is serious pressure to get it solved.
I was thoroughly appalled by what happened to the men in this book who were not guilty and not just Ron and Dennis. Other men were mentioned of other cases at the time as side notes and it surprised me that people could get away with so much. I give this book a 4/5 because it seemed a bit slow. But there was so much information that he had to present and I am sure he left quite a bit out to make sure the book was still interesting. It could also be that I have not read Non-Fiction in quite some time. I recommend this to people who think the justice system has no faults. Nothing is perfect and I have come to realize that but when justice is truly served than one can only hope things will get better.
360 pages/ non-fiction
Now off to read Gourdfellas by Maggie Bruce and then two romance novels. LOL Oh joy! :)
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