Clair and Helen Knightly have a complex mother/daughter relationship. Frustrated with looking after her mother, she ends up crossing a line she never thought possible. She kills her mother. She didn’t plan it but it takes care of an unconscious desire to be free of her. Over the next twenty-four hours, she must confront the freedom she never thought possible.
Ms. Sebold can write such haunting fiction. Her characters want freedom and do whatever it takes to obtain it. There is such power and emotion in each character. Ms. Sebold brings it out in a way that compels you to read on.
Helen had a rough life. She was doing her best to stay afloat. Reaching her limit, she didn’t know what to expect but she wanted change. Clair Knightly hated going outside. Worst of all was losing her husband. She did things to comfort herself while slowly losing her mind.
This book while well written had me questioning the character’s motives. I didn’t agree with all that Helen did but then I’ve never been in her situation. She just stopped thinking and reacted. This book did upset me but then life is never as simple as I would like it to be. This book does make you think. I found the ending too abrupt.
Alice Sebold/Adult Fiction/ Relationships/ 291 pages/ 3 out of 5
Back to a couple of review books and then hopefully get a few of my own. :)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Troubadour's Testament by James Cowan
This is a journey of an anonymous author trying to find the truth about a death roll that was written by a poet named Marcebeau and others. The author had to travel all over to figure out what the meaning lay behind the poems and what made the romance happen between Marcebeau and his lover as well as how it ended. It ends up taking him through many places. But will he be able to find the answers he is looking for.
Mr. Cowan is an intense author who truly gets you to ask questions. I really enjoyed all the poetry involved in this work. This was a book that looked for the true meaning in the ordinary.
The anonymous author has to come to grips with not being able to get the answers he wanted.
This is a difficult book to write about. So much is an inner journey and one that is certainly well done. I have to say I enjoyed the book and I would like to read more by this author.
James Cowan/New Author/ Adult Fiction/ 198 pages/ 4 out of 5
Two more review books and then one of my own again. :)
Mr. Cowan is an intense author who truly gets you to ask questions. I really enjoyed all the poetry involved in this work. This was a book that looked for the true meaning in the ordinary.
The anonymous author has to come to grips with not being able to get the answers he wanted.
This is a difficult book to write about. So much is an inner journey and one that is certainly well done. I have to say I enjoyed the book and I would like to read more by this author.
James Cowan/New Author/ Adult Fiction/ 198 pages/ 4 out of 5
Two more review books and then one of my own again. :)
Points: Women Have Them, Men Need them
I normally like non-fiction books but this one was just odd. Men often do stupid things intentionally or not. Women do stupid things too. But coming up with a points system just rubs me the wrong way.
It also was not horribly written but I think this author went too far in bashing men honestly. I was impressed that it never gave a timeline to see an improvement.
I was looking forward to reading this book and just could not get into it. This was an author that just sounded funny. While some of it was funny, some of it seemed idiotic. I had hoped to like it a lot better and am surprised that this person wrote this stuff. I know he is not a professional but still I expected a lot more from it than what I got.
I. Glebe/ Non-fiction/ Relationships/ 3 out of 5/ 190 pages
I finished this a couple of days ago just never got around to posting it. Right now I am almost done with another non fiction. :)
It also was not horribly written but I think this author went too far in bashing men honestly. I was impressed that it never gave a timeline to see an improvement.
I was looking forward to reading this book and just could not get into it. This was an author that just sounded funny. While some of it was funny, some of it seemed idiotic. I had hoped to like it a lot better and am surprised that this person wrote this stuff. I know he is not a professional but still I expected a lot more from it than what I got.
I. Glebe/ Non-fiction/ Relationships/ 3 out of 5/ 190 pages
I finished this a couple of days ago just never got around to posting it. Right now I am almost done with another non fiction. :)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Candles on Bay Street by K.C. McKinnon
Dee Dee Michaud leaves her home to go out in the world. Leaving behind a broken heart belonging to her best friend Sam Thibodeau. Now fifteen years later, Dee Dee is back and questions arise as to why she is here etc. Sam just is happy to have his friend back even though he is married now. He feels like his life is being turned upside now. While Dee Dee opens up a candle making shop where she makes her own candles. Dee Dee seems to be as enchanting as she was back when they were growing up. She is hiding something but what could it be?
Ms. McKinnon is an amazing author. I was swept up in this heartfelt story. I knew a lot about this story ahead of time but it certainly did not hurt reading it. The story is so emotional and wonderful!
Dee Dee is certainly a woman who has a strong soul. She wants to go back home where she can do her best work. Her son Martin is her life and she wants to raise her where she found comfort. Sam is home with his wife Lydia and they work together side by side. He loves his wife but dealing with the past will be very sentimental.
This book is beautiful and heart wrenching. Though I kind of knew the ending, it was still surprising in how it all played out. This is not just trying to figure how to put things right but as well as how to bring worlds together. Sam did not want his wife to be threatened by his feelings for Dee Dee. He was a total sweetheart and I could not get enough of his character. Definitely want to read more by this author.
K.C. McKinnon/272 pages/ New Author/ Adult Fiction/ Homecoming/ 4 out of 5
Well off to two review books and then a book from my own pile. lol
Ms. McKinnon is an amazing author. I was swept up in this heartfelt story. I knew a lot about this story ahead of time but it certainly did not hurt reading it. The story is so emotional and wonderful!
Dee Dee is certainly a woman who has a strong soul. She wants to go back home where she can do her best work. Her son Martin is her life and she wants to raise her where she found comfort. Sam is home with his wife Lydia and they work together side by side. He loves his wife but dealing with the past will be very sentimental.
This book is beautiful and heart wrenching. Though I kind of knew the ending, it was still surprising in how it all played out. This is not just trying to figure how to put things right but as well as how to bring worlds together. Sam did not want his wife to be threatened by his feelings for Dee Dee. He was a total sweetheart and I could not get enough of his character. Definitely want to read more by this author.
K.C. McKinnon/272 pages/ New Author/ Adult Fiction/ Homecoming/ 4 out of 5
Well off to two review books and then a book from my own pile. lol
Friday, April 04, 2008
Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes
Tess Redding does her best to provide Southern hospitality. She also manages a magazine called Simply Southern. But when bad boy Flynn Garvey shows up in town again, all her plans seem to be going up in smoke! Someone is sending blackmail notes to Tess and her three best friends and she is determined to figure out who it is. But she may just have to the one thing she never wanted, which is ask for help.
Ms. Jones is a fabulous author. I was completely blown away by her realistic portrayals of small town life. Even the little things had me flipping pages! Her characters just want to be loved and accepted no matter what mistakes they made in their past. That is so awesome! I would love to see more stories with these characters. They were just so much fun to read about!
Tess is one headstrong girl and when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders no wonder she wanted to be in control! It seemed to make her feel better since she never really had that control before. Flynn is something else! That man had some rough issues but he always tried to do what he thought best even if it meant hurting the one person he loved. Wylene, Reni, and Jerrianne were three women who I would love to have for my friends. They are truly wonderful people who believe in themselves most of the time. When all four women get together, nothing else matters at all! I loved learning about their friendships and the secrets that they wanted to keep hidden.
This is one author that I would love to read more about. It was a pretty light book but these women had some pretty weird stuff to deal with in my opinion. Yet it was one of the best books I have read so far this year.
Luanne Jones/ New Author/ Romance/ 384 pages/ 4 out of 5
Just started another romance for review French Kissing by Nancy Warren, which comes out this month sometime. After that another reivew book called Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander.
Ms. Jones is a fabulous author. I was completely blown away by her realistic portrayals of small town life. Even the little things had me flipping pages! Her characters just want to be loved and accepted no matter what mistakes they made in their past. That is so awesome! I would love to see more stories with these characters. They were just so much fun to read about!
Tess is one headstrong girl and when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders no wonder she wanted to be in control! It seemed to make her feel better since she never really had that control before. Flynn is something else! That man had some rough issues but he always tried to do what he thought best even if it meant hurting the one person he loved. Wylene, Reni, and Jerrianne were three women who I would love to have for my friends. They are truly wonderful people who believe in themselves most of the time. When all four women get together, nothing else matters at all! I loved learning about their friendships and the secrets that they wanted to keep hidden.
This is one author that I would love to read more about. It was a pretty light book but these women had some pretty weird stuff to deal with in my opinion. Yet it was one of the best books I have read so far this year.
Luanne Jones/ New Author/ Romance/ 384 pages/ 4 out of 5
Just started another romance for review French Kissing by Nancy Warren, which comes out this month sometime. After that another reivew book called Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
March Stuff!
Books I read:
White Out by Vicki Delany A
Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney A+
Winter and Sommers by Lydia Grace A+
The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart A
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig A+
Deadly Enchantments by Kathryn R. Blake A
Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald A+
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth A
Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts A+
Tango’s Edge by Carole Bellacera A
Last Warrior by Karen Kay A
Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas A
Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas A
Mistress of the Revolution by Cathrine Delors A+
More Than Words: Stories of Courage by Susan Wiggs, Sharon Sala, and Emilie Richards A
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich A
Choice Makers by Eleanor Cocreham B
Nailed by Amie Stuart A
Race Against Time by Justine Davis A
Palindrome by Stuart Woods A+
Prelude to Morning by Katrina Farabough A
Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman A
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear A+
The Healer by Sharon Sala A
My Stats:
Total Books Read: 24
New Authors: 18
Fiction: 23Non-Fiction: 1
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 4
Books I reviewed: 16
Romances: 14
Mysteries: 4
From The Stacks: 17
Books I Bought: 1
PBS Sent: 0
PBS Received: 0
Total Pages Read: 7, 434 pages
Already on book 2 for this month. :)
White Out by Vicki Delany A
Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney A+
Winter and Sommers by Lydia Grace A+
The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart A
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig A+
Deadly Enchantments by Kathryn R. Blake A
Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald A+
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth A
Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts A+
Tango’s Edge by Carole Bellacera A
Last Warrior by Karen Kay A
Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas A
Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas A
Mistress of the Revolution by Cathrine Delors A+
More Than Words: Stories of Courage by Susan Wiggs, Sharon Sala, and Emilie Richards A
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich A
Choice Makers by Eleanor Cocreham B
Nailed by Amie Stuart A
Race Against Time by Justine Davis A
Palindrome by Stuart Woods A+
Prelude to Morning by Katrina Farabough A
Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman A
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear A+
The Healer by Sharon Sala A
My Stats:
Total Books Read: 24
New Authors: 18
Fiction: 23Non-Fiction: 1
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 4
Books I reviewed: 16
Romances: 14
Mysteries: 4
From The Stacks: 17
Books I Bought: 1
PBS Sent: 0
PBS Received: 0
Total Pages Read: 7, 434 pages
Already on book 2 for this month. :)
Friday, March 28, 2008
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie is asked by James Compton to look into some things down in a village in Kent. There have been mysterious fires that keep happening and the villagers say that it is all being clumsy. The villagers are prejudiced against the outsiders who come to pick hops as well as the secret that they all cling to about a Zeppelin raid that killed a family. She must use her finely tuned skills to figure out what is going on and get to the bottom of it all.
Ms. Winspear does her best work yet. There were some events in the book I was not happy to read but they were not unexpected. The depth and the richness of the details were so wonderful! I liked that we got to see into more of Maisie’s background with her family. That was so cool! This is one author who truly knows how to delve into the emotions of her characters and make you truly feel along with them.
Maisie is dealing with stuff from the past book as well as trying to figure out what is truly going on in the village in Kent. The villagers are tight lipped and all agree on the same story. Maisie knows something is not right but it will take her awhile to figure it all out. I loved having Billy Beale’s family around again. He works so well with Maisie and his wife Doreen understands what he does. Maisie’s father Frank is such a gentle spirit. He did so much for her and I love seeing their relationship.
This is one series that I hope more come out in because it keeps getting better but not sure what she would write about next due to the events in this book which I cannot share. This was a read that I enjoyed a lot and I hope to see more by this author even if it is not in this series.
Jacqueline Winspear/ Mystery/ Historical/ 336 pages/ 5 out of 5
I just got a bunch of review books but am hoping to sneak in some favorites still. lol
Ms. Winspear does her best work yet. There were some events in the book I was not happy to read but they were not unexpected. The depth and the richness of the details were so wonderful! I liked that we got to see into more of Maisie’s background with her family. That was so cool! This is one author who truly knows how to delve into the emotions of her characters and make you truly feel along with them.
Maisie is dealing with stuff from the past book as well as trying to figure out what is truly going on in the village in Kent. The villagers are tight lipped and all agree on the same story. Maisie knows something is not right but it will take her awhile to figure it all out. I loved having Billy Beale’s family around again. He works so well with Maisie and his wife Doreen understands what he does. Maisie’s father Frank is such a gentle spirit. He did so much for her and I love seeing their relationship.
This is one series that I hope more come out in because it keeps getting better but not sure what she would write about next due to the events in this book which I cannot share. This was a read that I enjoyed a lot and I hope to see more by this author even if it is not in this series.
Jacqueline Winspear/ Mystery/ Historical/ 336 pages/ 5 out of 5
I just got a bunch of review books but am hoping to sneak in some favorites still. lol
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman
It’s crazy to think that books are written about this topic but I was mildly interested to see what this author would have to say. She gave a lot of facts and figures but it all came down to the simple fact that people do cheat on their spouses. Oddly enough, preconceived notions about who does the best or not true at all. Italians and Latin Americans are on the low scale for cheating while Togo and Cameron are the highest. That surprised me a lot; I would have thought it would have been what I had always believed. Though there are some countries that do not talk about sex at all like Russia, there are countries like South Africa where they should not be so much going on but that is the opposite case. With the spread of aids, you’d think that would slow things down but not at all. Then there are men who live double lives in China and the wives would rather not know that it happens. Or in countries where polygamy is accepted, it is not considered cheating.
Ms. Druckerman does her best to get statistics but finds it is not an easy task if morals are not where they should be. Or people just don’t want to admit to what they are doing at all. Now mind you some people feel no guilt at all like in China where there is a village of second wives. Or here in America where truth must be told and things can change. Some people never are able to get over it.
After reading this book, I definitely do not want to cheat. Whether I would feel guilty or not, there is a lot of possibilities, I could get sick or get pregnant and it is sincerely not worth the risk or excitement. I need to learn to do better about enjoying what I have than wanting something I do not. Life has moments where they could be heated up or cooled down; weathering the difference is not easy. That is why I read as many romance novels as I do, so I can appreciate what I do have and maybe learn something from them. I appreciated everything Ms. Druckerman had to say for her complete honesty and wanting to figure out what is truly going on in the world of infidelity.
Pamela Druckerman/ New Author/ Non-fiction/ 304 pages/ 4 out of 5
This is a book I got requested to review. Defintely an eye opening book. Now off to An Incomplete Revenge by Jacueline Winspear.
Ms. Druckerman does her best to get statistics but finds it is not an easy task if morals are not where they should be. Or people just don’t want to admit to what they are doing at all. Now mind you some people feel no guilt at all like in China where there is a village of second wives. Or here in America where truth must be told and things can change. Some people never are able to get over it.
After reading this book, I definitely do not want to cheat. Whether I would feel guilty or not, there is a lot of possibilities, I could get sick or get pregnant and it is sincerely not worth the risk or excitement. I need to learn to do better about enjoying what I have than wanting something I do not. Life has moments where they could be heated up or cooled down; weathering the difference is not easy. That is why I read as many romance novels as I do, so I can appreciate what I do have and maybe learn something from them. I appreciated everything Ms. Druckerman had to say for her complete honesty and wanting to figure out what is truly going on in the world of infidelity.
Pamela Druckerman/ New Author/ Non-fiction/ 304 pages/ 4 out of 5
This is a book I got requested to review. Defintely an eye opening book. Now off to An Incomplete Revenge by Jacueline Winspear.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Palindrome by Stuart Woods
Liz Barwick is tired of her physically abusive football player husband. The last trip to the emergency room has her re-thinking everything. She wants to get away but is not sure how but she does know that she cannot tell anyone where she is going. She retreats to a beautiful island off the coast of Georgia. Yet she knows it may only be a matter of time before he finds her when she hears about the deaths of two people who were the only ones who knew where she was going. She is no longer safe and just hopes it will all be over soon.
Mr. Woods is a fantastic writer and I was pleased with this thrilling work. His characters in this book are complex yet has vulnerability to them. The descriptions were wonderfully done. Though there were a few instances where I did not need descriptions and was pleased that there was not.
Liz has had a difficult life but her desire to rebuild is commendable. She really does wonderful and she feels on top of the world. The people who live on the island are a family who love it. That is what made it so sweet. I loved getting to know the family members as well as the visitors who came to the island. The twins Kier and Hamish were the most intriguing pair. Yet Kier could be so sweet and wanted to help Liz get the best possible pictures of the island. While Hamish kept his distance and saw that was best. Bake Ramsey, the football player, was a horrible man. He let his desire to be the best no matter what overshadow what he could have been. It just proves again that abuse of steroids can cause problems. I know there are healthy ways to use them but in Bake’s case, there was a lot of abuse of them in their ability to make him stronger.
Mr. Woods is someone I definitely want to read more of. I know he has a great series and I would love to delve into that someday. For now I will keep myself reading his stand alones to acquaint myself better with his writing. This was quite the book and the twist at the end shocked me! So he does now how to play his hand well and keep you interested.
Stuart Woods/ AN2R Author of the Month/ 434 pages/ Chunkster/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5
I enjoyed this book immensely. Now I am working on a review book and then a book Lust in Transaltion, mind you it is a review book but it looks interesting.
Mr. Woods is a fantastic writer and I was pleased with this thrilling work. His characters in this book are complex yet has vulnerability to them. The descriptions were wonderfully done. Though there were a few instances where I did not need descriptions and was pleased that there was not.
Liz has had a difficult life but her desire to rebuild is commendable. She really does wonderful and she feels on top of the world. The people who live on the island are a family who love it. That is what made it so sweet. I loved getting to know the family members as well as the visitors who came to the island. The twins Kier and Hamish were the most intriguing pair. Yet Kier could be so sweet and wanted to help Liz get the best possible pictures of the island. While Hamish kept his distance and saw that was best. Bake Ramsey, the football player, was a horrible man. He let his desire to be the best no matter what overshadow what he could have been. It just proves again that abuse of steroids can cause problems. I know there are healthy ways to use them but in Bake’s case, there was a lot of abuse of them in their ability to make him stronger.
Mr. Woods is someone I definitely want to read more of. I know he has a great series and I would love to delve into that someday. For now I will keep myself reading his stand alones to acquaint myself better with his writing. This was quite the book and the twist at the end shocked me! So he does now how to play his hand well and keep you interested.
Stuart Woods/ AN2R Author of the Month/ 434 pages/ Chunkster/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5
I enjoyed this book immensely. Now I am working on a review book and then a book Lust in Transaltion, mind you it is a review book but it looks interesting.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Race Against Time by Justine Davis
Kit Cameron is trying to piece together the book her father wanted. Though she keeps getting distracted by trying to help whomever is breaking into her neighbors’ houses for food. She wants to help him no matter the problem but the question is if he will let her? Race Barkley has known very little kindness in his life and keeps his secrets guarded. Now having met Kit, he wonders if there is something more he can have with her that is if he can just see past today.
Ms. Davis keeps everything so simple that I could just fall in love with the characters. The situation that they were dealing with was certainly not an easy one. The writing style was nothing fancy but her descriptions really made the story come alive. I am a romance buff and this is one author I would definitely want to read more of.
Kit was in for some shocks to come as she worked on unraveling the puzzle of what her father was working on. She kept saying she was better with words than with science and I could see that. If explained she could follow it, but it was not her forte a bit. Race, on the other hand, was a sponge. He seemed to be able to soak up anything except kindness. With his past still haunting him, it took him forever to be able to trust someone and now that person was gone.
This was a light read even though rather suspenseful. There was not a whole lot to it, which made it go by even quicker than usual. As I said before, this is definitely an author I would like to read more by.
Justine Davis/New Author/ Romance/ 256 pages/ 4 out of 5
I am glad to finally get to one of my own pile! lol Now I just started Palindrome by Stuart Woods and then back to review books.
Ms. Davis keeps everything so simple that I could just fall in love with the characters. The situation that they were dealing with was certainly not an easy one. The writing style was nothing fancy but her descriptions really made the story come alive. I am a romance buff and this is one author I would definitely want to read more of.
Kit was in for some shocks to come as she worked on unraveling the puzzle of what her father was working on. She kept saying she was better with words than with science and I could see that. If explained she could follow it, but it was not her forte a bit. Race, on the other hand, was a sponge. He seemed to be able to soak up anything except kindness. With his past still haunting him, it took him forever to be able to trust someone and now that person was gone.
This was a light read even though rather suspenseful. There was not a whole lot to it, which made it go by even quicker than usual. As I said before, this is definitely an author I would like to read more by.
Justine Davis/New Author/ Romance/ 256 pages/ 4 out of 5
I am glad to finally get to one of my own pile! lol Now I just started Palindrome by Stuart Woods and then back to review books.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
IOrish Dreams by Nora Roberts
Irish Rebel
Keeley Grant has had a privileged life. Everything she has ever wanted has been hers. Now her father brings Brian Donnelly to Royal Meadows to help train horses. Keeley is not sure what to think. Brian is taken aback by Keeley, not only is she beautiful but she has talent with teaching children to ride horses. He is not sure what to do with her since her position and her wealth should keep him back. Her innocence is what attracts him and he wonders if he could find a place to stay.
I really liked this story not only for the way Brian talked, which did make me swoon. But for the lovely story of two people overcoming the ideals set for them and to make new ones for themselves. Nora Roberts has a wonderful writing style that pleases my heart time and time again.
I loved all the characters. Keeley is a determined woman and does not always like to ask for help. Brian cannot seem to get past the class distinctions that are stuck in his head from being over in Ireland. But it is Keeley’s mother Adelia who seems to be the one to set everything right. She won my heart because she was compassionate and could keep the men in line.
Sullivan’s Woman
Cassie St. John is struggling not only in her journey to get published but to keep a job in general. So when she is asked to pose for Collin Sullivan, she decides to take the job since she could use the extra pay and then time to work on her second book. Everything seemed to point that her troubles were over but just one look and she knew it could only be the start.
This story was endearing for the simple fact that they were not out to jump each other’s bones right away. There was more to it than that and they had a lot of stuff to work through. This was just as wonderful as Irish Rebel. Nora Roberts can captivate you so much.
Having them deny their love was fun to watch. They knew that there was something between them but Cassie didn’t want to be known as one of Collin’s next thing. Collin wanted to keep things professional. Cassie was so sweet and yet had such a temper. Yet Collin could match her with her temper.
Both stories were really good. I really liked Sullivan’s woman better. Though they both had class distinctions, the last story reversed the situation. This is one book that was immensely good with both stories. I love books like this and hope to read another one by Ms. Roberts soon.
Nora Roberts/ Romance/ Chunkster/ 432 pages/ 5 out of 5
Back off to review books!
Keeley Grant has had a privileged life. Everything she has ever wanted has been hers. Now her father brings Brian Donnelly to Royal Meadows to help train horses. Keeley is not sure what to think. Brian is taken aback by Keeley, not only is she beautiful but she has talent with teaching children to ride horses. He is not sure what to do with her since her position and her wealth should keep him back. Her innocence is what attracts him and he wonders if he could find a place to stay.
I really liked this story not only for the way Brian talked, which did make me swoon. But for the lovely story of two people overcoming the ideals set for them and to make new ones for themselves. Nora Roberts has a wonderful writing style that pleases my heart time and time again.
I loved all the characters. Keeley is a determined woman and does not always like to ask for help. Brian cannot seem to get past the class distinctions that are stuck in his head from being over in Ireland. But it is Keeley’s mother Adelia who seems to be the one to set everything right. She won my heart because she was compassionate and could keep the men in line.
Sullivan’s Woman
Cassie St. John is struggling not only in her journey to get published but to keep a job in general. So when she is asked to pose for Collin Sullivan, she decides to take the job since she could use the extra pay and then time to work on her second book. Everything seemed to point that her troubles were over but just one look and she knew it could only be the start.
This story was endearing for the simple fact that they were not out to jump each other’s bones right away. There was more to it than that and they had a lot of stuff to work through. This was just as wonderful as Irish Rebel. Nora Roberts can captivate you so much.
Having them deny their love was fun to watch. They knew that there was something between them but Cassie didn’t want to be known as one of Collin’s next thing. Collin wanted to keep things professional. Cassie was so sweet and yet had such a temper. Yet Collin could match her with her temper.
Both stories were really good. I really liked Sullivan’s woman better. Though they both had class distinctions, the last story reversed the situation. This is one book that was immensely good with both stories. I love books like this and hope to read another one by Ms. Roberts soon.
Nora Roberts/ Romance/ Chunkster/ 432 pages/ 5 out of 5
Back off to review books!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald
Tamila Soroush is lucky enough to get a visa to come to America. Now with three months to find a husband, she has so much to learn. From her first trip to Victoria’s Secret to her first country line dance, she learns to embrace the freedoms she never got to experience in Iran. Her sister is so determined for her to stay that she does her best to find a suitable husband for her. Tami, on the other hand, finds herself falling in love with just the man her sister warned her about. Tami sees nothing wrong with Ike but her sister won’t agree.
Ms. Fitzgerald writes a novel of the heart. The struggles women face in Iran are very real. I found this book to be realistic but at the same time not over done. Things are just the way they are and Tamila has a difficult time understanding what freedom is like. I found the reactions to the situations in this book very normal. I applaud Ms. Fitzgerald to write this book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Tamila is a woman I could admire. She wanted to enjoy freedoms though it took her awhile to accept them. Her friends in her English Language class certainly helped her in ways I could never imagine. They had been in her same boat in one way or another and so could reach out to her better. Ike was a man who knew what he wanted just had to be patient to get it. Though with a little help from Eva, a girl Tami knew from her class, was a good thing.
I do not want to give this book away but I cannot say enough of how wonderful it was. This author has a way with words that wowed me. Things were so simple that it was fun and light. The issues were not at all of that sort but the book dealt with it in a way that was enough to try to grasp what was going so I could try to emphasize. This is one author that I hope writes more cause it would be interesting to see what she writes next.
Laura Fitzgerald/320 pages/ New Author/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5
I finished this one last night really late. :) But it was well wroth the read in one day! Off to A review books then then one from my pile!
Ms. Fitzgerald writes a novel of the heart. The struggles women face in Iran are very real. I found this book to be realistic but at the same time not over done. Things are just the way they are and Tamila has a difficult time understanding what freedom is like. I found the reactions to the situations in this book very normal. I applaud Ms. Fitzgerald to write this book. I enjoyed it immensely.
Tamila is a woman I could admire. She wanted to enjoy freedoms though it took her awhile to accept them. Her friends in her English Language class certainly helped her in ways I could never imagine. They had been in her same boat in one way or another and so could reach out to her better. Ike was a man who knew what he wanted just had to be patient to get it. Though with a little help from Eva, a girl Tami knew from her class, was a good thing.
I do not want to give this book away but I cannot say enough of how wonderful it was. This author has a way with words that wowed me. Things were so simple that it was fun and light. The issues were not at all of that sort but the book dealt with it in a way that was enough to try to grasp what was going so I could try to emphasize. This is one author that I hope writes more cause it would be interesting to see what she writes next.
Laura Fitzgerald/320 pages/ New Author/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5
I finished this one last night really late. :) But it was well wroth the read in one day! Off to A review books then then one from my pile!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart
Ann Farrell goes back to her old school to teach. She needs to do something to take her mind off things. She finds a horrible threatening note in her desk and is shocked. Then she comes across the body of a student at the bottom of a barranca. She cannot believe that he was the one who wrote the notes but has no proof either way. She decides to ask some questions. Along the way she finds herself attracted to the policeman on case Alonzo Fox. Before she can answer all the questions, she will face a deadly killer.
Ms. Hart has vastly improved between this book and the last one I read. Mind you there was not much of a happy ending but I didn’t feel quite so confused and stunned at the ending. Her writing is getting better and I know these are older books so I am curious to see what her writing looks like now. I’ll get there. I am glad I picked up a second book by this author. It was well worth my time.
Ann is someone who is nosey and I liked that about her. She wanted the truth to be told and clear the student’s name. Alonzo Fox was a sweetheart. It was fun to read about the two of them. The relationship was only in the beginning stages when the book ended but that was okay with me. The other teachers had their issues but then that made it more interesting. The reasons for all the pink notes were intriguing. I felt bad that they might have come out but you’d think people would be more careful.
This was a good mystery and the outcome surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. Definitely a good author and one I want to read more by her. Yeah, there were loose ends but nearly as many as the last book. They just keep getting better thank goodness!
Carolyn G. Hart/Mystery/ 179 pages/ 4 out of 5
I am off to read couple more reivew books and then back to my own pile. lol
Ms. Hart has vastly improved between this book and the last one I read. Mind you there was not much of a happy ending but I didn’t feel quite so confused and stunned at the ending. Her writing is getting better and I know these are older books so I am curious to see what her writing looks like now. I’ll get there. I am glad I picked up a second book by this author. It was well worth my time.
Ann is someone who is nosey and I liked that about her. She wanted the truth to be told and clear the student’s name. Alonzo Fox was a sweetheart. It was fun to read about the two of them. The relationship was only in the beginning stages when the book ended but that was okay with me. The other teachers had their issues but then that made it more interesting. The reasons for all the pink notes were intriguing. I felt bad that they might have come out but you’d think people would be more careful.
This was a good mystery and the outcome surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. Definitely a good author and one I want to read more by her. Yeah, there were loose ends but nearly as many as the last book. They just keep getting better thank goodness!
Carolyn G. Hart/Mystery/ 179 pages/ 4 out of 5
I am off to read couple more reivew books and then back to my own pile. lol
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney
Abby Rose is actually called in to help the police for once. She needs to identify a woman who is lying in a coma after a horrible accident. Cooper has no idea what he has just gotten himself into. The chance that the woman is connected to a prominent family in Texas only raises the stakes on this one. She better learn to watch where she is going or it might hurt her this time.
Ms. Sweeney is a fabulous writer! I felt like I was coming home again to these characters. Repeat performances from my favorites were great to see. Things got really interesting between quite a few of them. The situations that Abby sees herself in are realistic. The woman does her research. I was very pleased with this book but this is one author who would have to do quite a lot to make me upset.
Abby is so sweet and I love her relationship with her boyfriend Jeff. Everything is so genuine and they do their best to include everyone in the family for time together. Jeff realizes how important Kate is to Abby. These men are not stupid and they know how to relate. I love it about them!
This series moved right along in this book. I was proud of Abby since she had to keep things secret. She was not for an easy time but I knew she was doing her best. The situation with the rich family certainly had her on the outs. I could sympthasize with her because I wanted to strangle them too. They thought they had their best interests at heart but always got involved in horrible things. Oh, well, Abby sure set them straight and I like that about her. She did get herself in sticky situations but then was able to work her way through it. This is a great series and I hope there are more to come!
Leann Sweeney/ Mystery/ Texas/ 288 pages/ 4 out of 5
Well off to reading another review book, then it will be The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart and then another review book.
Ms. Sweeney is a fabulous writer! I felt like I was coming home again to these characters. Repeat performances from my favorites were great to see. Things got really interesting between quite a few of them. The situations that Abby sees herself in are realistic. The woman does her research. I was very pleased with this book but this is one author who would have to do quite a lot to make me upset.
Abby is so sweet and I love her relationship with her boyfriend Jeff. Everything is so genuine and they do their best to include everyone in the family for time together. Jeff realizes how important Kate is to Abby. These men are not stupid and they know how to relate. I love it about them!
This series moved right along in this book. I was proud of Abby since she had to keep things secret. She was not for an easy time but I knew she was doing her best. The situation with the rich family certainly had her on the outs. I could sympthasize with her because I wanted to strangle them too. They thought they had their best interests at heart but always got involved in horrible things. Oh, well, Abby sure set them straight and I like that about her. She did get herself in sticky situations but then was able to work her way through it. This is a great series and I hope there are more to come!
Leann Sweeney/ Mystery/ Texas/ 288 pages/ 4 out of 5
Well off to reading another review book, then it will be The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart and then another review book.
Friday, February 29, 2008
February Stats and Reads
Here are the Books I read:
The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber (R C) 02-01-08 through 02-02-08 A+
A Dangerous Dream by Mary Paine (RC) 02-03-08 through 02-04-08 A
Birds of A Feather by Jacqueline Winspear 02-04-08 through 02-06-08 B
White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick (RC) 02-06-08 through 02-07-08 A+
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight (RC) 02-07-08 through 02-11-08 A+
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear 02-11-08 through 02-13-08 A
Highland Stone by Sloan McBride (RC) 2-13-08 through 02-14-08 A
Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 02-14-08 through 02-17-08 A+
Strikes Don’t Matter by Denise Patrick 02-18-08 (RC) A
Lady MacBeth by Susan Fraser King 02-18-08 through 02-19-08 A
Settling of Accounts by Carolyn Hart 02-19-08 through 02-121-08 D
Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottoline 02-21-08 through 2-23-08 A
Crave: The Seduction of Snow White by Cathy Yardley (RC) 02-24-08 through 02-25-08 A
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (RC) 02-25-08 through 02-26-07 A+
Introducing Sonika by Eilis Flynn (RC) 02-26-07 through 02-27-08 C
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (RC) 02-27-08 through 02-28-08 A
The Mistress by Leda Swann (RC) 02-28-07 through 02-29-08 A
Total Books Read: 17
New Authors: 10
Fiction: 17
Non-fiction: 0
TBR: 2
Chunksters: 2
Books I Reviewed: 9
Romances: 11
Mysteries: 6
From the Stacks: 8Books
I Bought: 0
PBS Sent: 4
PBS Received: 1
Total Pages Read: 5,046
I didn't think I'll get this other review book I have done in time. Plus I need to write. I am going to go book shopping tonight so most likely pick up 2. :) I'll update you tomorrow.
The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber (R C) 02-01-08 through 02-02-08 A+
A Dangerous Dream by Mary Paine (RC) 02-03-08 through 02-04-08 A
Birds of A Feather by Jacqueline Winspear 02-04-08 through 02-06-08 B
White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick (RC) 02-06-08 through 02-07-08 A+
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight (RC) 02-07-08 through 02-11-08 A+
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear 02-11-08 through 02-13-08 A
Highland Stone by Sloan McBride (RC) 2-13-08 through 02-14-08 A
Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 02-14-08 through 02-17-08 A+
Strikes Don’t Matter by Denise Patrick 02-18-08 (RC) A
Lady MacBeth by Susan Fraser King 02-18-08 through 02-19-08 A
Settling of Accounts by Carolyn Hart 02-19-08 through 02-121-08 D
Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottoline 02-21-08 through 2-23-08 A
Crave: The Seduction of Snow White by Cathy Yardley (RC) 02-24-08 through 02-25-08 A
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (RC) 02-25-08 through 02-26-07 A+
Introducing Sonika by Eilis Flynn (RC) 02-26-07 through 02-27-08 C
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (RC) 02-27-08 through 02-28-08 A
The Mistress by Leda Swann (RC) 02-28-07 through 02-29-08 A
Total Books Read: 17
New Authors: 10
Fiction: 17
Non-fiction: 0
TBR: 2
Chunksters: 2
Books I Reviewed: 9
Romances: 11
Mysteries: 6
From the Stacks: 8Books
I Bought: 0
PBS Sent: 4
PBS Received: 1
Total Pages Read: 5,046
I didn't think I'll get this other review book I have done in time. Plus I need to write. I am going to go book shopping tonight so most likely pick up 2. :) I'll update you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
Tory Bodeen grew up in a small town in South Carolina. Her best friend Hope was murdered and it was never solved. Her father was extremely hard on her and she had to tiptoe around never to get beaten. Now she is back to Progress to set up her own home-design shop. Rumors seem to float around again but she is not determined to let that stop her. She has been running all her life and refuses to stop now. Getting re-acquainted with Cade Lavelle, her best friend’s older brother may not be a good idea but she’ll just have to take that one-day at a time. Tory might just be willing to open up her heart just a little to try. Being back near the place where it happened brings back memories that could be even worse than she ever imagined since the killer is still out there.
Ms. Roberts has seriously out done herself with this book. I loved seeing the story from Tory’s side, Cade’s side, and Hope’s twin sister’s Faith’s side of things. It really gave me a full rounded feeling that I don’t always find with some books. It is certainly not easy to write. This book had me before I even started it. I could not wait to see how everything played out.
Victoria “Tory” Bodeen is a sweet woman. She had a hard childhood and now is learning to deal with the past. It has followed her ever since she left so she figures it is best to just go back to where it started. She knows ahead of time that it’s going to be difficult but there does not seem to be a way around it. Cade Lavelle has always known who Tory is but never really thought much of her. Now that she has finally grown up, he cannot seem to take his eyes off of her no matter what his mother or sister may think. He knows that Tory had nothing to do with his sister Hope’s death and hopes to prove that to her.
I really liked this story and found it a quick read. I love Southern stories and this one just was added to my favorite books list so far this year. I am a huge fan of Nora and I really like her books. Not all of them are predictable and that is what makes her so much fun. I am definitely keeping this book!
Nora Roberts/Romance/ Romance Challenge/ Chunkster/470 pages/ 4 out of 5
I started the movie and noticed some significant changes right away. We'll see how the rest of it goes before I make a final opinon.
Ms. Roberts has seriously out done herself with this book. I loved seeing the story from Tory’s side, Cade’s side, and Hope’s twin sister’s Faith’s side of things. It really gave me a full rounded feeling that I don’t always find with some books. It is certainly not easy to write. This book had me before I even started it. I could not wait to see how everything played out.
Victoria “Tory” Bodeen is a sweet woman. She had a hard childhood and now is learning to deal with the past. It has followed her ever since she left so she figures it is best to just go back to where it started. She knows ahead of time that it’s going to be difficult but there does not seem to be a way around it. Cade Lavelle has always known who Tory is but never really thought much of her. Now that she has finally grown up, he cannot seem to take his eyes off of her no matter what his mother or sister may think. He knows that Tory had nothing to do with his sister Hope’s death and hopes to prove that to her.
I really liked this story and found it a quick read. I love Southern stories and this one just was added to my favorite books list so far this year. I am a huge fan of Nora and I really like her books. Not all of them are predictable and that is what makes her so much fun. I am definitely keeping this book!
Nora Roberts/Romance/ Romance Challenge/ Chunkster/470 pages/ 4 out of 5
I started the movie and noticed some significant changes right away. We'll see how the rest of it goes before I make a final opinon.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
Letty Alsworthy is determined to set Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe straight when she catches her sister getting ready in the middle of the night. He shouldn’t marry her sister Mary. Letty must save her family name but in doing so gets mistaken for her sister and finds herself in front of Geoffrey being kissed. The scandal caused by this makes them get married and Letty finds herself near a man who hates her. Eloise Kelly is fighting her own battles with trying to find information on The Pink Carnation and The Black Tulip. She has found things that could change the course of history. Dallying with Colin Selwick, the great-nephew of Mrs. Slewick-Alderly, keeper of important hidden documents. She wants a romantic adventure to call her own.
Ms. Willig is a fabulous writer. This is the third book in the series and both story lines running in this book kept it close to me till I was finished. The history of that time in the 1800’s was so different that it compels me to keep reading. The characters are so similar in both time periods sometimes it just makes me laugh.
Eloise doesn’t want to ask for help in proving what she has found. She wants to find something to shove it in Colin’s face. She feels like forever has passed yet cannot think of any reasons to call him. Yet she cannot help feeling like there is something between them every time they meet. Letty feels double-crossed when she finds out that her new husband has left her behind. She is a very stubborn woman yet she is very sensitive. She knows that she is not the most attractive woman in her mind. Geoffrey is furious when he finds out she has followed him. The man still even resents having to marry her. I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes. I loved seeing past characters come back in this book. It just made me smile. No matter what time period, they certainly know how to get themselves in trouble.
This is one series that never disappoints me. It takes me a few pages to get used to the style of writing that Ms. Willig uses but then it becomes like an old friend. I am so glad I have the next one in the series to read. Book 5 in the series cannot come out soon enough for me. The romantic scenes were wonderfully written. The feelings came across as very genuine once they were realized. The characters may have faults but that is what makes me enjoy them so much!
Lauren Willig/ Historical/ Romance/ 387 pages/ Romance Challenge/ 5 out of 5
Off to another review book and then Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. :) Got a lot of review books on my pile.
Ms. Willig is a fabulous writer. This is the third book in the series and both story lines running in this book kept it close to me till I was finished. The history of that time in the 1800’s was so different that it compels me to keep reading. The characters are so similar in both time periods sometimes it just makes me laugh.
Eloise doesn’t want to ask for help in proving what she has found. She wants to find something to shove it in Colin’s face. She feels like forever has passed yet cannot think of any reasons to call him. Yet she cannot help feeling like there is something between them every time they meet. Letty feels double-crossed when she finds out that her new husband has left her behind. She is a very stubborn woman yet she is very sensitive. She knows that she is not the most attractive woman in her mind. Geoffrey is furious when he finds out she has followed him. The man still even resents having to marry her. I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes. I loved seeing past characters come back in this book. It just made me smile. No matter what time period, they certainly know how to get themselves in trouble.
This is one series that never disappoints me. It takes me a few pages to get used to the style of writing that Ms. Willig uses but then it becomes like an old friend. I am so glad I have the next one in the series to read. Book 5 in the series cannot come out soon enough for me. The romantic scenes were wonderfully written. The feelings came across as very genuine once they were realized. The characters may have faults but that is what makes me enjoy them so much!
Lauren Willig/ Historical/ Romance/ 387 pages/ Romance Challenge/ 5 out of 5
Off to another review book and then Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. :) Got a lot of review books on my pile.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Settling of Accounts by Carolyn G. Hart
Kay has to take the place for her partner Melissa when she falls and gets hurt. Kay does not want to go back to London where her past as a secret agent took place during World War 2. Once she arrives, she feels like she is being watched and cannot figure out whom it could be that would do such a thing. But going to the auction is what really sets her on her toes; she sees a face from the past. And there seems to be an account that needs to be settled but what will it take?
Ms. Hart really knows how to keep you in suspense. This book was published in the 1970’s but it falls flat some times. There were some things in this book that didn't make sense even though they were clearly explained. Sometimes the characters just went too far and told everything. Yet the ending was what bothered me the most. I never knew how the last situation turned out. It was very frustrating. I don’t like it when strings are not wrapped up. Well at least not one or two of them because I am not looking for a happily ever after just to understand who survived and who didn’t. Maybe I am asking for too much.
Kay had a privileged life and she didn’t understand that the friendships she made could be harmful for her. Her niece Julie had a better understanding of that and she was the one who came to look for her aunt. I liked the young Angus who was in this book because he understood the extreme situation that Kay and Julie were in. Yet it never seemed to be enough though, the police didn’t want to do anything. That was believable but yet not enough.
I hate giving bad reviews but this book just flopped for me. All the facts presented made sense and they fit together. Yet the ending was what made me so upset. Oh, well. I have another book coming from this author and ironically it was written after this one. So I am hoping it will go better than this one.
Carolyn G. Hart/ New Author/ Author of the Month/ 185 pages/ 2 out of 5
Ms. Hart really knows how to keep you in suspense. This book was published in the 1970’s but it falls flat some times. There were some things in this book that didn't make sense even though they were clearly explained. Sometimes the characters just went too far and told everything. Yet the ending was what bothered me the most. I never knew how the last situation turned out. It was very frustrating. I don’t like it when strings are not wrapped up. Well at least not one or two of them because I am not looking for a happily ever after just to understand who survived and who didn’t. Maybe I am asking for too much.
Kay had a privileged life and she didn’t understand that the friendships she made could be harmful for her. Her niece Julie had a better understanding of that and she was the one who came to look for her aunt. I liked the young Angus who was in this book because he understood the extreme situation that Kay and Julie were in. Yet it never seemed to be enough though, the police didn’t want to do anything. That was believable but yet not enough.
I hate giving bad reviews but this book just flopped for me. All the facts presented made sense and they fit together. Yet the ending was what made me so upset. Oh, well. I have another book coming from this author and ironically it was written after this one. So I am hoping it will go better than this one.
Carolyn G. Hart/ New Author/ Author of the Month/ 185 pages/ 2 out of 5
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie is learning all over again how to use what Maurice taught her. Georgina needs answers to her twin bother Nicholas’ death. So with the advice of Dame Constance, she seeks out Maisie. Struggling to put everything together, Maisie is tested again. She must go to places Nicholas loved and comes across hidden things. Yet while doing her best for Georgina, she becomes pulled away by a different tragedy. She now must get back to the case and figure out how the different things fit together and remain steady at the same time. Yet she wonders if she can do that.
Ms. Winspear weaves a story full of emotions. Her characters know how to truly feel things but not always share them. The doubts that Maisie must face are relevant to even today. The time and place could be anywhere because of the emotions in this story. War seems to be always there even if we are not involved. I admired Ms. Winspear’s blatant honesty and that her characters are flawed.
Maisie is a woman full of doubts, emotion, and not always willing to look inside herself for the answers. She not only has a lot to think about in this particular case but also in how to handle her personal affairs. Georgina’s family is very intriguing not only in the way they express themselves but how they act around each other. I think this is the most demanding case for Maisie. She has to deal with her dreams and what she wants for her life and so soon after falling ill. I was thrilled to see Inspector Stratton back. He is a man who knows how to listen to Maisie and take in everything she says. Even if her may look bad to other people he works with. He is an honorable man and one I hope to see more of in the next book.
This book got to me because we are in a war now. And no matter what your opinion, it is something we need to think about. Not only those affected by what we do in other countries, but how it affects us at home. Ms. Winspear’s books do make you question what you think about life. Though that may not be her intent that has been my experience. I feel truly blessed that I live now and can appreciate the freedoms we have. As alluring as any other time period might be, I’m glad to be here now. I looked forward to the next book in the series to see what Maisie is up to next. This is one character that never disappointed me with all her faults. It reminds me that I have much to learn still and will do my best every day.
Jacqueline Winspear/ 322 pages/ Mystery/ War/ Historical/ 5 out of 5
I finished this one Sunday but have been busy reading review books. Right now I am working on a book for the author of the month for my yahoo group AN2R. :) Well off to bed!
Ms. Winspear weaves a story full of emotions. Her characters know how to truly feel things but not always share them. The doubts that Maisie must face are relevant to even today. The time and place could be anywhere because of the emotions in this story. War seems to be always there even if we are not involved. I admired Ms. Winspear’s blatant honesty and that her characters are flawed.
Maisie is a woman full of doubts, emotion, and not always willing to look inside herself for the answers. She not only has a lot to think about in this particular case but also in how to handle her personal affairs. Georgina’s family is very intriguing not only in the way they express themselves but how they act around each other. I think this is the most demanding case for Maisie. She has to deal with her dreams and what she wants for her life and so soon after falling ill. I was thrilled to see Inspector Stratton back. He is a man who knows how to listen to Maisie and take in everything she says. Even if her may look bad to other people he works with. He is an honorable man and one I hope to see more of in the next book.
This book got to me because we are in a war now. And no matter what your opinion, it is something we need to think about. Not only those affected by what we do in other countries, but how it affects us at home. Ms. Winspear’s books do make you question what you think about life. Though that may not be her intent that has been my experience. I feel truly blessed that I live now and can appreciate the freedoms we have. As alluring as any other time period might be, I’m glad to be here now. I looked forward to the next book in the series to see what Maisie is up to next. This is one character that never disappointed me with all her faults. It reminds me that I have much to learn still and will do my best every day.
Jacqueline Winspear/ 322 pages/ Mystery/ War/ Historical/ 5 out of 5
I finished this one Sunday but have been busy reading review books. Right now I am working on a book for the author of the month for my yahoo group AN2R. :) Well off to bed!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
Maisie is in for the most difficult case of her life. A friend of Lord Compton’s, Cecil Lawton promises his wife on her death bed that he would find out if their son Ralph survived the war or not. So not only does she have to do her best to find out the truth but also Maisie will have to face some of her own past as well. That is not something she has done yet. It will test her strength and her friendship to Maurice Blanche. Her old friend Patricia Evernden asks for help in finding out what happened to her brother as well. The connections found will surprise Maisie and hopefully help her deal with her past.
Ms. Winspear has such emotion in her books. Her characters have a lot to deal with living when they do but that never seems to slow them down for too long. The things that happened in this book were hard to handle at times but I just had to keep reading. A lot of trust was tested but it was going to take awhile to heal. Ms. Winspear does a fabulous job of describing what places look like so I feel that I am right there.
Maisie is such a sweetheart. I felt horrible with the things that happened to her. I had to know who was behind it all. Maisie kept going no matter what she was told because she was being paid to find out the truth. I feel like she would have done it even without the pay but she has to make a living somehow. Maurice really surprised me in this book. The things that he had done and were still involved in shocked me. Old friends reappeared in this book for Maisie and the things she was asked to do was not always good. Things finally caught up with the poor lady and I truly felt for her. She was doing her best at setting things to rest and then new things kept coming up.
I really do enjoy this series. It is something to be cherished. I learned a lot about that time period and cannot wait to pick up the next one. Maisie is a character I can still relate to even though I was never involved in a war. Her job at finding the truth makes me want to seek that out in my own life everyday. Ms. Winspear has a treasure on her hands and it just keeps getting better.
Jacqueline Winspear/342 pages/ Mystery/ Historical/ 4 out of 5
I am now reading a review book and then onto Messenger of Truth, the fourth book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
Ms. Winspear has such emotion in her books. Her characters have a lot to deal with living when they do but that never seems to slow them down for too long. The things that happened in this book were hard to handle at times but I just had to keep reading. A lot of trust was tested but it was going to take awhile to heal. Ms. Winspear does a fabulous job of describing what places look like so I feel that I am right there.
Maisie is such a sweetheart. I felt horrible with the things that happened to her. I had to know who was behind it all. Maisie kept going no matter what she was told because she was being paid to find out the truth. I feel like she would have done it even without the pay but she has to make a living somehow. Maurice really surprised me in this book. The things that he had done and were still involved in shocked me. Old friends reappeared in this book for Maisie and the things she was asked to do was not always good. Things finally caught up with the poor lady and I truly felt for her. She was doing her best at setting things to rest and then new things kept coming up.
I really do enjoy this series. It is something to be cherished. I learned a lot about that time period and cannot wait to pick up the next one. Maisie is a character I can still relate to even though I was never involved in a war. Her job at finding the truth makes me want to seek that out in my own life everyday. Ms. Winspear has a treasure on her hands and it just keeps getting better.
Jacqueline Winspear/342 pages/ Mystery/ Historical/ 4 out of 5
I am now reading a review book and then onto Messenger of Truth, the fourth book in the Maisie Dobbs series.
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