Live to Tell is a suspense/mystery novel by Wendi Corsi Staub. I believe that it is part of a series, but that each book can also stand on it's own. There are three stories that run concurrently in this book, each one dealing with families that are dealing with turmoil and secrets.
The first story deals with a family that is struggling through divorce. Lauren Walsh's husband left her for another woman. She is trying to pick up the pieces and assemble some sort of normal life for her three children. But when Lauren's ex-husband makes a simple, albeit careless, mistake, little do they know that they have all been thrown into a conspiracy that could cost the entire Walsh family their lives. And the youngest Walsh is keeping a secret, that could save or destroy the family.
The second story relates to a husband and wife who lost their seven year old son fifteen years ago. Elsa still struggles to find closure. Brett is trying to keep his wife sane and support her, but also move on from the tragedy. Elsa is still trying to figure out what happened to her son, and still has a PI digging into the past. The secrets that he might unravel could alter Else and Brett's lives.
Finally, the Garvey Quinn is running for Governor and has the White House in his sights. His picture perfect family isn't so perfect though. He has a dangerous secret that he needs to keep quiet or his future will be ruined. He is a man that is willing to do whatever it takes, and then wash his hands and move on. He has had one goal for most of his life and will let nothing get in his way.
The reader is pushed through the book wondering how exactly these stories connect. Little by little, the author weaves the web, and lets the reader try to piece it all together. The result is a novel that is fast paced, but sometimes a little confusing. It was a good suspenseful novel though, and while the author moves the story along a little too quickly sometimes, the reader still gets the full story and a satisfying race to the finish.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Safe Harbor
Judith Arnold's novel, Safe Harbor, is a touching, romantic story about two people who have lost so much and end up helping each other heal. This novel was a free book for my nook and I thought it was just going to be another silly romance. But this book had heart.
Kip and Shelley spent their summers together as children. Both of their families owned summer houses on Block Island. They are the best of friends, exploring the island, leaning on one another and above all, always being honest with one another. But one summer, when both are becoming teenagers, something happens to Shelley's family and they disappear, ending their friendship. Kip never sees her on Block Island again. Until he returns there to heal after tragedy strikes his life. Shelley doesn't trust anyone, Kip thinks he can't love again. But when they see each other again, even after so many years, their friendship is just as strong. They lean on each other again, Shelley helps Kip understand and deal with his grief. When Kip leaves the island to return to the real world though, there is a twist that will keep Shelley a part of his life forever. Now they just need to figure out if they are friends or if the love they share is something more.
This novel is pretty equally split between the relationship between Kip and Shelley as children and as adults. It is the kind of romantic tension that reels you in and does not let go. I could not wait to see what was going to happen, I was frustrated when the two characters went astray and cheered when they found their way back to each other. This was a feel good novel and very satisfying.
Happy Reading!
Kip and Shelley spent their summers together as children. Both of their families owned summer houses on Block Island. They are the best of friends, exploring the island, leaning on one another and above all, always being honest with one another. But one summer, when both are becoming teenagers, something happens to Shelley's family and they disappear, ending their friendship. Kip never sees her on Block Island again. Until he returns there to heal after tragedy strikes his life. Shelley doesn't trust anyone, Kip thinks he can't love again. But when they see each other again, even after so many years, their friendship is just as strong. They lean on each other again, Shelley helps Kip understand and deal with his grief. When Kip leaves the island to return to the real world though, there is a twist that will keep Shelley a part of his life forever. Now they just need to figure out if they are friends or if the love they share is something more.
This novel is pretty equally split between the relationship between Kip and Shelley as children and as adults. It is the kind of romantic tension that reels you in and does not let go. I could not wait to see what was going to happen, I was frustrated when the two characters went astray and cheered when they found their way back to each other. This was a feel good novel and very satisfying.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Last Juror
The Last Juror by John Grisham is a novel that takes place in a small town in Mississippi in 1970. True to Grisham's typical themes, this is a novel that focuses on a courtroom drama. However, the narrator is not a lawyer or even one of the members of the trial, and while the trial is the main theme in the book, it does not take over the novel.
Willie Traynor is a guy just out of college, with family money to burn and not much ambition. But when the paper he works for goes bankrupt and the opportunity to buy the paper presents itself, he can't turn down the challenge. 1970 Mississippi is still a place that has lines drawn as far as the color of a person's skin goes. But Willie, being from up north, doesn't believe in those lines. He decides to do a series of interviews for a human interest story about a black woman who's children have all become PhD's (except for her youngest). At the same time, a rape/murder takes place in this small town and a man from a famous outlaw family is arrested for the crime. The paper exploits the crime and the trial to build it's distribution. Willie is able to turn the paper around and begin raking in the dough. But suddenly, he has real interest in this story, the corruption that taints the town and the people affected by the ignorance that is so blatant.
The jury (which has the first black woman to ever sit on a jury in this town - who also happens to be the focus of Willie's human interest series) finds the man guilty, but falls short of giving him the death penalty. Only a few years later, after lining the pockets of some officials, the man is out of prison and the jurors start showing up dead. The race is on to find the man responsible for the killings before too many more jurors die.
There are a few plot twists in this book that keep the reader guessing. The characters are likeable and the reader roots for them. There are times when I was on the edge of my seat with worry for the characters, and I did shed a few tears. However, this was not as much of a thrilling page turner as Grisham's books usually are. It has a slower pace, but that allowed for more character development which makes for a good read nonetheless.
Happy Reading!
Willie Traynor is a guy just out of college, with family money to burn and not much ambition. But when the paper he works for goes bankrupt and the opportunity to buy the paper presents itself, he can't turn down the challenge. 1970 Mississippi is still a place that has lines drawn as far as the color of a person's skin goes. But Willie, being from up north, doesn't believe in those lines. He decides to do a series of interviews for a human interest story about a black woman who's children have all become PhD's (except for her youngest). At the same time, a rape/murder takes place in this small town and a man from a famous outlaw family is arrested for the crime. The paper exploits the crime and the trial to build it's distribution. Willie is able to turn the paper around and begin raking in the dough. But suddenly, he has real interest in this story, the corruption that taints the town and the people affected by the ignorance that is so blatant.
The jury (which has the first black woman to ever sit on a jury in this town - who also happens to be the focus of Willie's human interest series) finds the man guilty, but falls short of giving him the death penalty. Only a few years later, after lining the pockets of some officials, the man is out of prison and the jurors start showing up dead. The race is on to find the man responsible for the killings before too many more jurors die.
There are a few plot twists in this book that keep the reader guessing. The characters are likeable and the reader roots for them. There are times when I was on the edge of my seat with worry for the characters, and I did shed a few tears. However, this was not as much of a thrilling page turner as Grisham's books usually are. It has a slower pace, but that allowed for more character development which makes for a good read nonetheless.
Happy Reading!
Fatal Judgement
Irene Hannon's Fatal Judgement is the first book in the Guardians of Justice series. It is a romantic suspense novel. While not being a religious or Christian novel in it's entirety, the characters are Christians who do not swear and who go to church and pray throughout the novel. It was refreshing to read a book with characters like that, since that isn't typical of the novels that I read.
The main characters are a US Marshall and a judge. The US Marshall, Jake, is just back from a tour in Iraq and he is assigned to protect Liz, a federal judge who's sister has been murdered. Liz just happens to be the widow of Jake's best friend, and there is no love lost between the two. Jake believes that Liz is partially responsible for his friend's death. Liz doesn't know much about Jake, other than what her husband had shared with her.
As Jake and Liz get to know each other, they realize that their initial feelings may have been wrong and an attraction grows. When it is discovered that Liz's sister wasn't the target, that she was, the suspense kicks in as they race to find the killer before he finds Liz.
This book moved very quickly, and I enjoyed it. The mystery/suspense kept me interested and the romance wasn't too over the top. Sometimes the characters are a little inconsistent, but it wasn't enough to alienate me from the storyline. A Free Friday selection that gets a thumbs up, but I don't know that I will seek out the others in the series.
Happy Reading.
The main characters are a US Marshall and a judge. The US Marshall, Jake, is just back from a tour in Iraq and he is assigned to protect Liz, a federal judge who's sister has been murdered. Liz just happens to be the widow of Jake's best friend, and there is no love lost between the two. Jake believes that Liz is partially responsible for his friend's death. Liz doesn't know much about Jake, other than what her husband had shared with her.
As Jake and Liz get to know each other, they realize that their initial feelings may have been wrong and an attraction grows. When it is discovered that Liz's sister wasn't the target, that she was, the suspense kicks in as they race to find the killer before he finds Liz.
This book moved very quickly, and I enjoyed it. The mystery/suspense kept me interested and the romance wasn't too over the top. Sometimes the characters are a little inconsistent, but it wasn't enough to alienate me from the storyline. A Free Friday selection that gets a thumbs up, but I don't know that I will seek out the others in the series.
Happy Reading.
Man Law
Man Law is a romantic suspense novel by Adrienne Giordano. It is one of the "Private Protectors" series. It had some suspense in it, and some romance, but the story was barely held together by these aspects. The author moves the story along quickly and takes liberties with reality in order to fit all the pieces of the story together. It doesn't feel like it has been well researched - although, I guess this kind of book usually isn't. I did find the Man Laws at the beginning of each chapter a little entertaining, even if I did roll my eyes at them.
The main character is a guy that runs a private security firm with his best friend, and the best friend's sister, who also works for the firm. There has been some history between these two, but nothing more than physical. This guy is ex-special ops and still goes on non government sanctioned assignments to rid the world of terrorists, and has no interest in a relationship. The girl is a widow, and is not interested in getting involved with anyone who leads a dangerous lifestyle (her husband was a fire fighter and died in the line of duty). But they can't deny the attraction, and they truly care for one another because they are great friends.
The suspense comes in when the brother of one of the terrorists that this guy went after comes after the girl and her kids. Now, they need 24 hour protection and the security firm needs to work fast to find this terrorist before he gets to the girl and her kids. This is the part of the story that is a little convoluted and unrealistic.
I read this book quickly, didn't really enjoy it and won't bother reading any more in the series. I am glad it was a free book.
Happy Reading!
The main character is a guy that runs a private security firm with his best friend, and the best friend's sister, who also works for the firm. There has been some history between these two, but nothing more than physical. This guy is ex-special ops and still goes on non government sanctioned assignments to rid the world of terrorists, and has no interest in a relationship. The girl is a widow, and is not interested in getting involved with anyone who leads a dangerous lifestyle (her husband was a fire fighter and died in the line of duty). But they can't deny the attraction, and they truly care for one another because they are great friends.
The suspense comes in when the brother of one of the terrorists that this guy went after comes after the girl and her kids. Now, they need 24 hour protection and the security firm needs to work fast to find this terrorist before he gets to the girl and her kids. This is the part of the story that is a little convoluted and unrealistic.
I read this book quickly, didn't really enjoy it and won't bother reading any more in the series. I am glad it was a free book.
Happy Reading!
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Help
Kathryn Stockett's book, The Help, is a wonderful, funny, insightful, entertaining read. This book is an amazing accomplishment. It is an important work, one that everyone should read.
The book is written from the perspective of three different women in Mississippi in 1962. Aibileen, a black maid who has lost her own family, but has spent her years raising white ones. She follows the orders that she is given, but inside, it is starting to leave her bitter and broken. Minny, Aibileen's friend and another of the maids, has never been able to hold back her thoughts and has gone from job to job because of it. And Skeeter, a white woman who has returned from college with a degree in journalism and a desire for a very important story to be told. These three women unite on a journey that they hope will change the landscape of the south in the 60s.
There are other notable characters too - the white socialites these maids work for, and Skeeter is supposed to be a part of, but doesn't really fit in with anymore. These women who think that they are above everyone else, who can have the black maids raise their children and clean their homes, but not use the same bathroom. And one white woman who is from the other side of the tracks but married into the socialite circle, who can't seem to get it right and has a secret to protect.
This book was wonderful from the start. Sometimes it was hard to read, because of the nature of the story being told. I loved some of the characters and hated others. I cheered for them and held my breath waiting to see what would happen. I laughed out loud, seethed at the injustices and cried. This novel will end up a classic. For sure, it will be on my favorites list this year.
Happy Reading!
The book is written from the perspective of three different women in Mississippi in 1962. Aibileen, a black maid who has lost her own family, but has spent her years raising white ones. She follows the orders that she is given, but inside, it is starting to leave her bitter and broken. Minny, Aibileen's friend and another of the maids, has never been able to hold back her thoughts and has gone from job to job because of it. And Skeeter, a white woman who has returned from college with a degree in journalism and a desire for a very important story to be told. These three women unite on a journey that they hope will change the landscape of the south in the 60s.
There are other notable characters too - the white socialites these maids work for, and Skeeter is supposed to be a part of, but doesn't really fit in with anymore. These women who think that they are above everyone else, who can have the black maids raise their children and clean their homes, but not use the same bathroom. And one white woman who is from the other side of the tracks but married into the socialite circle, who can't seem to get it right and has a secret to protect.
This book was wonderful from the start. Sometimes it was hard to read, because of the nature of the story being told. I loved some of the characters and hated others. I cheered for them and held my breath waiting to see what would happen. I laughed out loud, seethed at the injustices and cried. This novel will end up a classic. For sure, it will be on my favorites list this year.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Bright Young Things
Bright Young Things is a novel by Anna Godbersen about the roaring twenties and how three girls take different paths as the come of age. The book is the first in a new series and was a Free Friday download from Barnes & Noble.
Two of the girls escape a small Midwestern town for what they think will be the glamorous life in New York. They both fashion themselves as entertainers and think that when they hit the streets of New York, it will be smooth sailing. They quickly discover that New York is full of girls like them and also full of people who will take advantage of their naivete. One of them is also looking for her father, whom she has never met. One of these girls is thrown into the dark world of showgirls and the other enters a glamorous world she finds thrilling and meets a girl that has it all - money, looks and love.
The three of them navigate this glamorous and not so glamorous life and keep the reader fully engaged. This book was full of mystery and suspense, and even though each of these girls is flawed and one of them isn't very likable on the surface, the reader still ends up rooting for each one of them. A Free Friday selection that introduced me to a book I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise. Thanks B&N!
Happy Reading!
Two of the girls escape a small Midwestern town for what they think will be the glamorous life in New York. They both fashion themselves as entertainers and think that when they hit the streets of New York, it will be smooth sailing. They quickly discover that New York is full of girls like them and also full of people who will take advantage of their naivete. One of them is also looking for her father, whom she has never met. One of these girls is thrown into the dark world of showgirls and the other enters a glamorous world she finds thrilling and meets a girl that has it all - money, looks and love.
The three of them navigate this glamorous and not so glamorous life and keep the reader fully engaged. This book was full of mystery and suspense, and even though each of these girls is flawed and one of them isn't very likable on the surface, the reader still ends up rooting for each one of them. A Free Friday selection that introduced me to a book I probably wouldn't have picked up otherwise. Thanks B&N!
Happy Reading!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Cry Sanctuary
Cry Sanctuary is a paranormal romance by Moira Rogers. It was a free Friday selection from Barnes & Noble. I probably would not have picked this book up from a store shelf if it had not been free, and I am glad that I didn't waste any money on it.
This book is about two feuding werewolf packs. Red Rock is a place where peaceful werewolves can find sanctuary under an alpha that rules with kindness and peace. When Abigail, a very strong female, runs away from the other pack - one that is ruled with fear and violence, she is found and given shelter in Red Rock. She is a new werewolf, and therefore needs a guide. Keith is a strong werewolf, who has been a guide in the past. He is ready to settle down a bit and stop fighting. Keith and Abigail begin this weird guide/student relationship. Of course, the other alpha decides he wants Abigail back and uses her sister to get to her. A battle ensues between the two packs, to bring Abigail and her sister back to safety.
The author has this contrived world of werewolves all made up in her mind, but she never fully explains the rules of the pack or the "guide" relationship. Ms. Rogers just jumps into a story without giving enough background information. This is the first book in a series, so the reader hasn't missed any prior books, but that is what it feels like.
Just re-reading this synopsis, the whole thing sounds awfully silly. Maybe because I am not all that into paranormal romance, but there is a huge market out there for this kind of story. This storyline had potential if it had been done well. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
Happy Reading!
This book is about two feuding werewolf packs. Red Rock is a place where peaceful werewolves can find sanctuary under an alpha that rules with kindness and peace. When Abigail, a very strong female, runs away from the other pack - one that is ruled with fear and violence, she is found and given shelter in Red Rock. She is a new werewolf, and therefore needs a guide. Keith is a strong werewolf, who has been a guide in the past. He is ready to settle down a bit and stop fighting. Keith and Abigail begin this weird guide/student relationship. Of course, the other alpha decides he wants Abigail back and uses her sister to get to her. A battle ensues between the two packs, to bring Abigail and her sister back to safety.
The author has this contrived world of werewolves all made up in her mind, but she never fully explains the rules of the pack or the "guide" relationship. Ms. Rogers just jumps into a story without giving enough background information. This is the first book in a series, so the reader hasn't missed any prior books, but that is what it feels like.
Just re-reading this synopsis, the whole thing sounds awfully silly. Maybe because I am not all that into paranormal romance, but there is a huge market out there for this kind of story. This storyline had potential if it had been done well. Unfortunately, it wasn't.
Happy Reading!
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