Ash Wednesday is a novel by Ethan Hawke. Yes, that Ethan Hawke. It is a gritty tale of love, fear, and the future for a young couple at the beginning of their lives together. Told from Jimmy's perspective, this story is a roller coaster ride of emotions and cringe worthy moments as these two people make mistakes along the road.
Jimmy and Christy are in love. They are immature, even though they are old enough not to be, seemingly floating through life day to day without very much structure or commitment to anything. Oddly enough, Jimmy is in the Army for the structure it provided in his life. Christy is pregnant and going back home. Her plans do not include Jimmy, until he finds her and makes her see how much she means to him. He goes AWOL and they embark on a road trip from NY to Ohio, New Orleans and Texas, so that they can both face their pasts and try to move forward together.
A bit slow moving at times, this novel does grip the reader. Full of emotion and grit, it is an intense story of this couple's journey trying to find their way and find out if they should try to make this relationship work. This one is worth checking out if you are a fan of Hawke.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Father of the Bride (audiobook)
Barbara Delinsky's Father of the Bride is a mature romance novel. Originally published in 2004, this is a love story about two people who lost each other years ago due to the circumstances of life. Now, 25 years later, they are meeting again and their love for each other still exists as strongly as it did years ago.
Cynthia and Russ had a whirlwind romance when they were in their late teens. When she finds herself pregnant, all dreams get put on hold as the two marry and try to raise their daughter together. Cynthia is from a wealthy family and Russ is not. Cynthia's family disowns her when she marries Russ and the two of them have to try to make it with no help. Financial troubles, though, pull them apart. Russ realizes that if he leaves, Cynthia's family will take her back and his beloved wife and daughter will be better off. So he abandons them, with the best of intentions. Twenty-five years later, their daughter is getting married and wants him to walk her down the aisle. Cynthia and Russ haven't had any contact since he left her. Both have matured and changed, but will they get through the wedding civilly? Can they each put aside their hurt feelings over the past and find a way to move forward together?
I listened to this audiobook and was kept entertained. It was a bit predictable and trite, but still enjoyable. It is short and sweet, and if the reader can get over the idea of Russ leaving his wife and daughter (regardless of intentions, that move is kind of hard to forgive) then I think the reader can root for this couple to find each other again. If you are looking for something quick and sweet to read, this one might leave you satisfied.
Happy Reading!
Cynthia and Russ had a whirlwind romance when they were in their late teens. When she finds herself pregnant, all dreams get put on hold as the two marry and try to raise their daughter together. Cynthia is from a wealthy family and Russ is not. Cynthia's family disowns her when she marries Russ and the two of them have to try to make it with no help. Financial troubles, though, pull them apart. Russ realizes that if he leaves, Cynthia's family will take her back and his beloved wife and daughter will be better off. So he abandons them, with the best of intentions. Twenty-five years later, their daughter is getting married and wants him to walk her down the aisle. Cynthia and Russ haven't had any contact since he left her. Both have matured and changed, but will they get through the wedding civilly? Can they each put aside their hurt feelings over the past and find a way to move forward together?
I listened to this audiobook and was kept entertained. It was a bit predictable and trite, but still enjoyable. It is short and sweet, and if the reader can get over the idea of Russ leaving his wife and daughter (regardless of intentions, that move is kind of hard to forgive) then I think the reader can root for this couple to find each other again. If you are looking for something quick and sweet to read, this one might leave you satisfied.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 7, 2014
A Perfect Day
Richard Paul Evans has a knack for writing great contemporary fiction with mature romance. A Perfect Day fit his niche perfectly. Written about a man who has his lifelong dream come true only to then realize that his success might come at the cost of his family, this novel is a fast, touching read.
Robert Harlen does not have the career of his dreams. He works for a small radio station, in the advertising department. But, he does have a wonderful family, a wife and daughter he adores, and a passion for writing. So he is happy (sort of) living day to day in a job he doesn't love because the rest of his life is pretty perfect. When he loses his job, his wife encourages him to follow his real passion and write the book he has always wanted to write. He gets the novel published and it becomes a huge success. Robert finally has everything he always wanted. Except that the life that this new fame gives him is not exactly the life that his family wanted, and maybe it isn't all it is cracked up to be. The commitment to get his book sold and the appearances he has to make once it gains popularity are putting a strain on his marriage. Through a series of his own decisions, he puts everything he loved about his life before in jeopardy and becomes someone of which he is not proud. A stranger comes along and begins helping him see what he has given up in order to chase his dream. Will he realize it and be able to correct his mistakes before it is too late, before he loses everything?
This was a very fast read (I read it on one lazy Sunday) and quite satisfying. I found myself falling in love with Robert's family, then cringing as he began his downfall with them, and rooting for him to fix it all before his time ran out. The element of the mysterious stranger was a nice twist to the story. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a good contemporary, chick lit type book.
Happy Reading!
Robert Harlen does not have the career of his dreams. He works for a small radio station, in the advertising department. But, he does have a wonderful family, a wife and daughter he adores, and a passion for writing. So he is happy (sort of) living day to day in a job he doesn't love because the rest of his life is pretty perfect. When he loses his job, his wife encourages him to follow his real passion and write the book he has always wanted to write. He gets the novel published and it becomes a huge success. Robert finally has everything he always wanted. Except that the life that this new fame gives him is not exactly the life that his family wanted, and maybe it isn't all it is cracked up to be. The commitment to get his book sold and the appearances he has to make once it gains popularity are putting a strain on his marriage. Through a series of his own decisions, he puts everything he loved about his life before in jeopardy and becomes someone of which he is not proud. A stranger comes along and begins helping him see what he has given up in order to chase his dream. Will he realize it and be able to correct his mistakes before it is too late, before he loses everything?
This was a very fast read (I read it on one lazy Sunday) and quite satisfying. I found myself falling in love with Robert's family, then cringing as he began his downfall with them, and rooting for him to fix it all before his time ran out. The element of the mysterious stranger was a nice twist to the story. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a good contemporary, chick lit type book.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The Tycoon & The Texan
The Tycoon and the Texan by Phyllis Miranda was an awful book. It was a Barnes & Noble Free Fridays download that was a complete waste of my time (not that I don't appreciate the free books B&N offers every Friday - no complaints for them from this happy, voracious reader). This novel was silly, stupid romance with a plot that made very little sense, a back story for the two main characters that made no sense at all and no character consistency. This is one of those romances that makes me believe the author thinks her audience is made up of idiots and makes this reader disgusted with the genre. I am not going to give it any more of my time. Skip this one.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
Monday, March 24, 2014
The Compound
S.A. Bodeen's young adult novel, The Compound, was a fascinating, fun, fast paced realistic fiction novel. This novel was thought provoking and interesting. I read it with my book club. All four of us enjoyed the book and could not wait to get together to discuss it.
Eli Yanakakis and his family escaped a nuclear crisis by running to the Compound, a shelter created by his extremely wealthy father with most of the comforts of home. But his twin brother and his grandmother didn't make it. Wracked with guilt, Eli spends the next six years distancing himself from his parents and his siblings and the things that are happening in the Compound. But a discovery has him questioning his father's motives and whether a nuclear event even happened. With a fascinating look at what it takes to keep a family of 5 alive underground for six years and at the family dynamic when faced with such circumstances, this novel keeps the reader turning the pages. With its dramatic conclusion, the reader is left wondering about the future of this family and there is the perfect set up for the follow up novel, The Fallout.
This was a great read. Sometimes the symbolism is overstated, but one must remember that the audience is a younger one. I found that easy to overlook, as were some of the more unrealistic aspects of the shelter, because the plot was so good and the characters so engaging. Highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Eli Yanakakis and his family escaped a nuclear crisis by running to the Compound, a shelter created by his extremely wealthy father with most of the comforts of home. But his twin brother and his grandmother didn't make it. Wracked with guilt, Eli spends the next six years distancing himself from his parents and his siblings and the things that are happening in the Compound. But a discovery has him questioning his father's motives and whether a nuclear event even happened. With a fascinating look at what it takes to keep a family of 5 alive underground for six years and at the family dynamic when faced with such circumstances, this novel keeps the reader turning the pages. With its dramatic conclusion, the reader is left wondering about the future of this family and there is the perfect set up for the follow up novel, The Fallout.
This was a great read. Sometimes the symbolism is overstated, but one must remember that the audience is a younger one. I found that easy to overlook, as were some of the more unrealistic aspects of the shelter, because the plot was so good and the characters so engaging. Highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Front Porch Prophet
Raymond L. Atkins' The Front Porch Prophet is a compelling story about a group of seemingly misfits in a small town in Georgia. The reader grows to care about and even love the characters, even the unlovable ones. Engaging and affecting, this novel is about a lot more than it initially seems.
A.J. Longstreet and Eugene Purdue have been best friends since childhood. One a trouble maker, rude and obnoxious son of a gun and the other a nice, well meaning and hard working sort. They make an odd couple and an entertaining one. Eugene has pushed away most of the people in his life, including A.J. But now that he has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, he turns to his longtime friend for help and asks him to kill him when the time is right. A.J. is faced with a dilemma, but before he faces that dilemma he helps Eugene make things right with the people he has pushed away.
The two reconnect and take the reader on a journey into the past that shapes for the reader the lives of who these two are today. Joined by a cast of unforgettable characters, this book is funny, smart and heart warming. By the end of the book, this motley crew feels almost like family. This was a great read and one I would absolutely recommend. Thanks Barnes & Noble for this Free Friday pick!
Happy Reading!
A.J. Longstreet and Eugene Purdue have been best friends since childhood. One a trouble maker, rude and obnoxious son of a gun and the other a nice, well meaning and hard working sort. They make an odd couple and an entertaining one. Eugene has pushed away most of the people in his life, including A.J. But now that he has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, he turns to his longtime friend for help and asks him to kill him when the time is right. A.J. is faced with a dilemma, but before he faces that dilemma he helps Eugene make things right with the people he has pushed away.
The two reconnect and take the reader on a journey into the past that shapes for the reader the lives of who these two are today. Joined by a cast of unforgettable characters, this book is funny, smart and heart warming. By the end of the book, this motley crew feels almost like family. This was a great read and one I would absolutely recommend. Thanks Barnes & Noble for this Free Friday pick!
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Snatched
Snatched is a short story, but action packed from beginning to end, by Karin Slaughter. A gripping story about a cop with an instinct and a little girl who looked forlorn, Snatched gives the reader a thrill ride through the Atlanta airport in a very short period of time.
Will Trent is an agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. He has been put on bathroom duty at the Atlanta airport, one of the busiest in the country. He spends his time sitting in a stall listening to other men come and go, hoping to catch someone in an illicit act. Instead, he hears a little girl in the stall next to him say "Please, I want to go home." His gut tells him this isn't right, and that the man she is with is not her father or any other relative or friend. But he isn't sure if he should follow that instinct or not. What follows is a thrill ride through the airport as he tries to figure out what is going on. When he does, will he be in time to fix it?
I recommend this one. I listened to it as an audiobook in just two sittings. Excellently written to grip the reader from the first page, this was a great story. I was unfamiliar with Karin Slaughter. I will absolutely add her as one of my authors to get to know. This particular set of characters may be from a series. I will be looking into that as well, since they were so interesting.
Happy Reading!
Will Trent is an agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. He has been put on bathroom duty at the Atlanta airport, one of the busiest in the country. He spends his time sitting in a stall listening to other men come and go, hoping to catch someone in an illicit act. Instead, he hears a little girl in the stall next to him say "Please, I want to go home." His gut tells him this isn't right, and that the man she is with is not her father or any other relative or friend. But he isn't sure if he should follow that instinct or not. What follows is a thrill ride through the airport as he tries to figure out what is going on. When he does, will he be in time to fix it?
I recommend this one. I listened to it as an audiobook in just two sittings. Excellently written to grip the reader from the first page, this was a great story. I was unfamiliar with Karin Slaughter. I will absolutely add her as one of my authors to get to know. This particular set of characters may be from a series. I will be looking into that as well, since they were so interesting.
Happy Reading!
Monday, February 24, 2014
Prior Bad Acts
Tami Hoag is a bestselling author, but Prior Bad Acts was my first experience with one of her novels. I was not disappointed. This book is a mystery with great character development and a gripping plot, that had enough suspense to keep the reader guessing.
A heinous crime has been committed. The police have their man and everyone wants to see him go to jail. In fact, many think jail is too good for him after what he did to a mother and her two children. But when a judge rules that his prior record is inadmissible, she is attacked and a chain of events occurs that the police can barely contain. The lead detectives on the case are stumped about who could have attacked her, because there are just too many suspects, and the dirt they uncover as they try to follow the clues unravels the judge's personal life. The judge's life seems to be in danger and there appears to be more than one mad man on the loose. Time is running out for those involved to solve this crime.
Quickly paced action and a riveting plot make this novel a page turner. Throw in the character development that has you rooting for the lead detective and sympathetic toward the judge, and this book is a winner. An excellent weekend read. I will seek out other Tami Hoag titles.
Happy Reading!
A heinous crime has been committed. The police have their man and everyone wants to see him go to jail. In fact, many think jail is too good for him after what he did to a mother and her two children. But when a judge rules that his prior record is inadmissible, she is attacked and a chain of events occurs that the police can barely contain. The lead detectives on the case are stumped about who could have attacked her, because there are just too many suspects, and the dirt they uncover as they try to follow the clues unravels the judge's personal life. The judge's life seems to be in danger and there appears to be more than one mad man on the loose. Time is running out for those involved to solve this crime.
Quickly paced action and a riveting plot make this novel a page turner. Throw in the character development that has you rooting for the lead detective and sympathetic toward the judge, and this book is a winner. An excellent weekend read. I will seek out other Tami Hoag titles.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Executive Decision
Executive Decision is a contemporary romance by Bernadette Marie. It was a Free Friday offer from Barnes & Noble for the nook. This novel was pretty much a formulaic romance. It is the first in a series about the romantic lives of the siblings in one family.
Regan Keller has sworn off office relationships because of a very bad one in her past. But then she meets Zachary Benson. As much as she tries to resist, he won't give up and eventually he charms her into a relationship. This story follows the romance formula pretty closely. One character has a closely guarded secret, a few misunderstandings occur, will they find their way back to one another in the end? If you have ever read a formulaic romance, you know the answer to that one.
This novel was interesting and had a good level of tension. Aside from the standard misunderstandings which always bug me because why don't these people ever just talk to one another honestly, there were some other things that bothered me about Regan and Zach enough that it detracted from any enjoyment of the book. I found her insecurities about his other relationships annoying and generally disliked her sometimes weak demeanor. But the biggest annoyance factor was how he behaved upon their first meeting (not offering up his seat on a crowded bus) and then again when she is physically confronted by someone (he doesn't stand up for her when another man is accosts her).
As of this writing, the nook version is still free on B&N. That would be the only price I would recommend paying for this one.
Happy Reading!
Regan Keller has sworn off office relationships because of a very bad one in her past. But then she meets Zachary Benson. As much as she tries to resist, he won't give up and eventually he charms her into a relationship. This story follows the romance formula pretty closely. One character has a closely guarded secret, a few misunderstandings occur, will they find their way back to one another in the end? If you have ever read a formulaic romance, you know the answer to that one.
This novel was interesting and had a good level of tension. Aside from the standard misunderstandings which always bug me because why don't these people ever just talk to one another honestly, there were some other things that bothered me about Regan and Zach enough that it detracted from any enjoyment of the book. I found her insecurities about his other relationships annoying and generally disliked her sometimes weak demeanor. But the biggest annoyance factor was how he behaved upon their first meeting (not offering up his seat on a crowded bus) and then again when she is physically confronted by someone (he doesn't stand up for her when another man is accosts her).
As of this writing, the nook version is still free on B&N. That would be the only price I would recommend paying for this one.
Happy Reading!
Monday, February 17, 2014
A World I Never Made
A World I Never Made by James LePore is an international thriller. Suspense, violence, a bit of romance, terror plots and a large body count make this fast paced book a page turner. Well developed characters keep the reader engaged and running along with them for the ride.
It is a call every parent hopes they never receive. Pat Nolan is called to Paris to identify the body of his daughter, the victim of a suicide. But Pat feels immense relief when he realizes that the body he has been asked to identify is not his daughter's. He quickly determines that she must have faked her own death, and that she needs his help.
This sets the stage for a wild ride. Pat's daughter was involved with some very bad men and Pat and a French police investigator must traverse through Paris and into the Czech Republic in search of answers. Was she involved in a terror plot or was she just a pawn in a very dangerous scheme? Or could it be that she tried to play her own game and got caught? The body count mounts as Pat tries to follow his daughter's clues to find her, and he is racing against a band of terrorists that are bent on finding her first.
The complex relationship between Pat and his daughter makes the novel that much more interesting. A thrill ride, but not one for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of violence in this novel. Definitely worth the read, if you don't mind that sort of thing.
Happy Reading!
It is a call every parent hopes they never receive. Pat Nolan is called to Paris to identify the body of his daughter, the victim of a suicide. But Pat feels immense relief when he realizes that the body he has been asked to identify is not his daughter's. He quickly determines that she must have faked her own death, and that she needs his help.
This sets the stage for a wild ride. Pat's daughter was involved with some very bad men and Pat and a French police investigator must traverse through Paris and into the Czech Republic in search of answers. Was she involved in a terror plot or was she just a pawn in a very dangerous scheme? Or could it be that she tried to play her own game and got caught? The body count mounts as Pat tries to follow his daughter's clues to find her, and he is racing against a band of terrorists that are bent on finding her first.
The complex relationship between Pat and his daughter makes the novel that much more interesting. A thrill ride, but not one for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of violence in this novel. Definitely worth the read, if you don't mind that sort of thing.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Room-mating Season
Rona Jaffe is a critically acclaimed author, but The Room-mating Season was my first exposure to her. This coming of age novel was interesting, sometimes a bit uncomfortable and thought provoking. I believe the author's purpose may have been to give a commentary on society as it unfolded for three women from their early 20s in the 1960s into the new millennium when they are turning 60.
In New York in the 1960s (much like today I would imagine), it was difficult for a young woman to live alone. She needed roommates in order to be able to afford an apartment. Leigh (receptionist with higher aspirations at a talent agency) and Cady (prep school teacher) are college friends that decide they will find two other roommates and rent a one bedroom, one bath brownstone. They place an ad and find Vanessa (stewardess), whom they both agree is perfect. As a last resort, because no one else panned out, they accept Susan to be the fourth girl. Cady, Leigh and Vanessa get along great, but Susan never quite fits in. Eventually, the girls grow and move on except that a tragedy links them forever. The novel follows their paths for 40 years until they are in their 60s, and their lives unfold in different ways based on the choices they made in their 20s.
At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story. The beginning was a bit slow, and these women were a little reminiscent of "mean girls" - a tad bratty, cliquish and shallow. Eventually, enough of their story interested me that I wanted to find out where their lives would lead. It was hard to feel a connection to them though, as each of them made such selfish decisions with no regard to anyone else's feelings. Each of them has affairs with married men, or cheats on their spouse regularly, and that was hard for me to get past. Even so, I found the novel compelling. I wanted to find out the ramifications of these decisions and how the story would play out and I finished it quickly. I still find the characters a bit shallow and selfish, but that doesn't make them dull. It just kept me from rooting for them.
I would give this a recommend for those that have the time and are looking for something a little different to read. This is one that would be fun to have a conversation about, like a bad reality show, but it won't make my favorites list or be a book that I revisit.
Happy Reading!
In New York in the 1960s (much like today I would imagine), it was difficult for a young woman to live alone. She needed roommates in order to be able to afford an apartment. Leigh (receptionist with higher aspirations at a talent agency) and Cady (prep school teacher) are college friends that decide they will find two other roommates and rent a one bedroom, one bath brownstone. They place an ad and find Vanessa (stewardess), whom they both agree is perfect. As a last resort, because no one else panned out, they accept Susan to be the fourth girl. Cady, Leigh and Vanessa get along great, but Susan never quite fits in. Eventually, the girls grow and move on except that a tragedy links them forever. The novel follows their paths for 40 years until they are in their 60s, and their lives unfold in different ways based on the choices they made in their 20s.
At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story. The beginning was a bit slow, and these women were a little reminiscent of "mean girls" - a tad bratty, cliquish and shallow. Eventually, enough of their story interested me that I wanted to find out where their lives would lead. It was hard to feel a connection to them though, as each of them made such selfish decisions with no regard to anyone else's feelings. Each of them has affairs with married men, or cheats on their spouse regularly, and that was hard for me to get past. Even so, I found the novel compelling. I wanted to find out the ramifications of these decisions and how the story would play out and I finished it quickly. I still find the characters a bit shallow and selfish, but that doesn't make them dull. It just kept me from rooting for them.
I would give this a recommend for those that have the time and are looking for something a little different to read. This is one that would be fun to have a conversation about, like a bad reality show, but it won't make my favorites list or be a book that I revisit.
Happy Reading!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Code Blue
Code Blue is the first book in the Prescription for Trouble series by Richard Mabry, M.D. The novel is marketed as a medical thriller, but I found it to be more main stream mystery with a doctor as the main character. Keeping that in mind, the book was satisfying.
After a bad relationship ends, Dr. Cathy Sewell moves back to her home town in Texas to start over and find some peace. But the problem with small towns is that everyone knows your business. Before she even has a chance to get settled, it appears that someone may be out to get her. During this page turning mystery, she reconnects with some old friends, finds herself up against the hospital board and the defendant in a malpractice suit, desperately tries to get a family practice up and running, and discovers things about her family that she didn't know. She doesn't know who or why, but someone is out to get her.
This novel was suspenseful enough to keep me turning the pages and was a fast read. I found the writing to be okay, but nothing fantastic. Sometimes the writing was a bit reminiscent of a bad romance novel, where important plot elements have to be repeated multiple times for the reader just to make sure the point gets across. There was a bit of romance thrown in and the novel could also be considered Christian fiction. Neither of those elements take over the main plot of the story though. Two bits of knowledge the reader should keep in mind if considering this book: it is not a medical thriller (if you are thinking you want something like Robin Cook, this isn't it); and, beware when reading the reviews for the book that some reviewers find the Christian element problematic however, this reader did not feel that it was too much or "too preachy".
Overall it kept me interested, and I am satisfied because it was a free Fridays nook book. I am not sure I will pay money for the other books in the series, especially after realizing that the next book does not contain the same characters.
Happy Reading!
After a bad relationship ends, Dr. Cathy Sewell moves back to her home town in Texas to start over and find some peace. But the problem with small towns is that everyone knows your business. Before she even has a chance to get settled, it appears that someone may be out to get her. During this page turning mystery, she reconnects with some old friends, finds herself up against the hospital board and the defendant in a malpractice suit, desperately tries to get a family practice up and running, and discovers things about her family that she didn't know. She doesn't know who or why, but someone is out to get her.
This novel was suspenseful enough to keep me turning the pages and was a fast read. I found the writing to be okay, but nothing fantastic. Sometimes the writing was a bit reminiscent of a bad romance novel, where important plot elements have to be repeated multiple times for the reader just to make sure the point gets across. There was a bit of romance thrown in and the novel could also be considered Christian fiction. Neither of those elements take over the main plot of the story though. Two bits of knowledge the reader should keep in mind if considering this book: it is not a medical thriller (if you are thinking you want something like Robin Cook, this isn't it); and, beware when reading the reviews for the book that some reviewers find the Christian element problematic however, this reader did not feel that it was too much or "too preachy".
Overall it kept me interested, and I am satisfied because it was a free Fridays nook book. I am not sure I will pay money for the other books in the series, especially after realizing that the next book does not contain the same characters.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
On the Street Where You Live
On the Street Where You Live is a murder/mystery by Mary Higgins Clark. If you are familiar with Higgins Clark's work, you know that she is quite an accomplished mystery author. She is very adept at drawing the reader in and keeping you guessing until the very end. This novel was no different.
Emily is a defense attorney just coming off of a big case, having been the victim of a stalker and out of a nasty divorce. She decides to buy a second home in Spring Lake, NJ, a quaint town on the Jersey shore and spend some time there before beginning a new job. The home she buys was owned by her family a century ago. Her ancestor mysteriously disappeared and shortly after the family sold the home and moved. Emily wants to lovingly restore the home to its original glory. Unfortunately, as the back yard is being excavated for a pool (part of the previous owner's plans) skeletal remains are found. So begins a string of discoveries of murders that seem to tie into several disappearances from 100 years ago, including Emily's ancestor's disappearance.
Early in the book, the reader is introduced to many characters. So many that it can be a bit difficult to keep up. But once the reader gets them all straight, a possible suspect seems to emerge. Except that in the next chapter another suspect emerges, and then another. Higgins Clark is excellent and letting the reader believe that they have figured it out, only to give them another possibility. In addition, there is a subplot that evolves as Emily's stalker seemingly returns...But the police thought they had her stalker locked up.
I have to admit, early on I thought I knew who the madman was. But as the book moved along, I second and third guessed myself. The author easily pulled me along on her twists and turns, had me suspecting everyone and rooting for the police to catch their perp and had me mourning those that got in the way of the murderer. Excellently written to connect the past and the present, this novel was a pleasure to get lost in and a great mystery as you truly do not know "who done it" until the end. My only negative observation is that it felt like Emily's back story (the nasty divorce, stalker and big case) could have been delved into deeper. Her character could have been further developed if more detail was given about her past. We are only given bits and pieces and I honestly thought that maybe her character had been in a previous novel and I was just missing something. From what I can tell though, that is not the case. Even so, if you like mystery I would recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Emily is a defense attorney just coming off of a big case, having been the victim of a stalker and out of a nasty divorce. She decides to buy a second home in Spring Lake, NJ, a quaint town on the Jersey shore and spend some time there before beginning a new job. The home she buys was owned by her family a century ago. Her ancestor mysteriously disappeared and shortly after the family sold the home and moved. Emily wants to lovingly restore the home to its original glory. Unfortunately, as the back yard is being excavated for a pool (part of the previous owner's plans) skeletal remains are found. So begins a string of discoveries of murders that seem to tie into several disappearances from 100 years ago, including Emily's ancestor's disappearance.
Early in the book, the reader is introduced to many characters. So many that it can be a bit difficult to keep up. But once the reader gets them all straight, a possible suspect seems to emerge. Except that in the next chapter another suspect emerges, and then another. Higgins Clark is excellent and letting the reader believe that they have figured it out, only to give them another possibility. In addition, there is a subplot that evolves as Emily's stalker seemingly returns...But the police thought they had her stalker locked up.
I have to admit, early on I thought I knew who the madman was. But as the book moved along, I second and third guessed myself. The author easily pulled me along on her twists and turns, had me suspecting everyone and rooting for the police to catch their perp and had me mourning those that got in the way of the murderer. Excellently written to connect the past and the present, this novel was a pleasure to get lost in and a great mystery as you truly do not know "who done it" until the end. My only negative observation is that it felt like Emily's back story (the nasty divorce, stalker and big case) could have been delved into deeper. Her character could have been further developed if more detail was given about her past. We are only given bits and pieces and I honestly thought that maybe her character had been in a previous novel and I was just missing something. From what I can tell though, that is not the case. Even so, if you like mystery I would recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Monday, January 13, 2014
Lone Wolf
Jodi Piccoult's novels never fail to make the reader think: What would I do? Her novel Lone Wolf is no exception. Heart breaking, captivating, informative and thought provoking, this novel is not one that will leave you quickly.
After a car accident leaves their father in a vegetative state, Edward and Cara must make decisions for their father's care. But they believe he would want two completely different things. Edward has been living in another country for the past six years and has had no contact with his father. Cara has been living with her father, but is only 17 so, legally she doesn't have the right to make decisions for him. They both are keeping secrets that they think will tear them apart. Their situation is pretty unique, as is the man whose medical care is in question, though and the decision on who has the best ability to make medical decisions for Luke Warren is left to the state and a judge.
Luke Warren is an expert in wolf behavior and even left his family for a period of time to live with a wild pack of wolves. Throughout this novel, you are given the story from the perspective of Edward and Cara, but also of their mother Georgie and her husband Joe, and even of Luke Warren. Each of Luke's chapters are a look into the dynamics in a wolf pack and they each relate back to the family that could be torn apart by this tragedy. Expertly written, so that you not only learn quite a bit about wolves but you also find yourself sympathetic with all of the characters regardless of their flaws, this novel hooks you from the beginning. I found myself changing my mind about who I thought was 'right' twice while reading the book, and even ended up feeling sympathy for Luke Warren even if in the beginning of the novel I didn't agree with choices that he had made.
Definitely worth your time, as I have found Jodi Piccoult to be every time I have read one of her novels.
Happy Reading!
After a car accident leaves their father in a vegetative state, Edward and Cara must make decisions for their father's care. But they believe he would want two completely different things. Edward has been living in another country for the past six years and has had no contact with his father. Cara has been living with her father, but is only 17 so, legally she doesn't have the right to make decisions for him. They both are keeping secrets that they think will tear them apart. Their situation is pretty unique, as is the man whose medical care is in question, though and the decision on who has the best ability to make medical decisions for Luke Warren is left to the state and a judge.
Luke Warren is an expert in wolf behavior and even left his family for a period of time to live with a wild pack of wolves. Throughout this novel, you are given the story from the perspective of Edward and Cara, but also of their mother Georgie and her husband Joe, and even of Luke Warren. Each of Luke's chapters are a look into the dynamics in a wolf pack and they each relate back to the family that could be torn apart by this tragedy. Expertly written, so that you not only learn quite a bit about wolves but you also find yourself sympathetic with all of the characters regardless of their flaws, this novel hooks you from the beginning. I found myself changing my mind about who I thought was 'right' twice while reading the book, and even ended up feeling sympathy for Luke Warren even if in the beginning of the novel I didn't agree with choices that he had made.
Definitely worth your time, as I have found Jodi Piccoult to be every time I have read one of her novels.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Exclusively Yours
Exclusively Yours is a contemporary romance by Shannon Stacey. It was a pretty predictable, if not formulaic romance. Enjoyable, with enough sexual tension but not too many gratuitous, cheesy romantic scenes. Beware that this story is one in a series, with all novels being stand alone and each about a different character that appears in the other books.
The main characters were high school sweethearts. But she didn't want to stay in the little New England town that they were from and he couldn't leave his family. So she leaves, attends college and becomes a successful career woman as a journalist for a popular entertainment magazine. He stays and finds quite a bit of success of his own writing best selling thrillers. Her next assignment, the one that could land her a big promotion, is to interview the elusive author that used to be her high school sweetheart. He sees this as a way to get closure. The two of them must navigate the reemergence of old feelings while camping for two weeks with his family, some of whom do not have the most welcoming attitude toward the old flame who broke his heart.
Typical romance? Yes. But there was not the typical 'misunderstanding' plot point that can be quite frustrating in novels of this nature. This was a good escapism book, a fast read and enjoyable. I am not sure that I will seek out the other books related to these characters though.
Another word of caution: This novel is sold as an eBook with the number of pages listed as 700+ however, on my device (nook) each page turn equaled 3 pages. Many of the readers' reviews for the book spoke about what a great deal it was for 700+ pages. Not that it really bothered me, but be warned this book is not that long. It is more like 250 - 300 pages.
Happy Reading!
The main characters were high school sweethearts. But she didn't want to stay in the little New England town that they were from and he couldn't leave his family. So she leaves, attends college and becomes a successful career woman as a journalist for a popular entertainment magazine. He stays and finds quite a bit of success of his own writing best selling thrillers. Her next assignment, the one that could land her a big promotion, is to interview the elusive author that used to be her high school sweetheart. He sees this as a way to get closure. The two of them must navigate the reemergence of old feelings while camping for two weeks with his family, some of whom do not have the most welcoming attitude toward the old flame who broke his heart.
Typical romance? Yes. But there was not the typical 'misunderstanding' plot point that can be quite frustrating in novels of this nature. This was a good escapism book, a fast read and enjoyable. I am not sure that I will seek out the other books related to these characters though.
Another word of caution: This novel is sold as an eBook with the number of pages listed as 700+ however, on my device (nook) each page turn equaled 3 pages. Many of the readers' reviews for the book spoke about what a great deal it was for 700+ pages. Not that it really bothered me, but be warned this book is not that long. It is more like 250 - 300 pages.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Year in Review: 2013
2013 has come to a close, so it is time for a "Year in Review" post. Forty-five books this year! I think that might be a new personal best - an average of 3.75 books per month. I guess with the youngest in first grade and my Dad on the mend and more independent, I have had more time to read this year. Yay me!
Of those 45, several stand out. As always, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series (Notorious Nineteen & Takedown Twenty) top the list. In addition, The Last Noel was one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed the otherworldly vampire huntress series and the spinoffs by Jeanine Frost, which includes 14 books on the list below. The series by Lou Aronica (Blue & Until Again) were also wonderful books. I would also highly recommend the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and her other novels (Sharp Objects & Dark Places) for excellent thriller/mystery reads. Inferno, which was the latest installment in Dan Brown's Robert Langdon (Da Vinci Code) series was also a good mystery read.
As I read over the list below, there are so many that I would recommend that it would actually be easier to list the books I would not recommend. I think that makes 2013 a pretty good year! Happy Reading!
Of those 45, several stand out. As always, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series (Notorious Nineteen & Takedown Twenty) top the list. In addition, The Last Noel was one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed the otherworldly vampire huntress series and the spinoffs by Jeanine Frost, which includes 14 books on the list below. The series by Lou Aronica (Blue & Until Again) were also wonderful books. I would also highly recommend the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and her other novels (Sharp Objects & Dark Places) for excellent thriller/mystery reads. Inferno, which was the latest installment in Dan Brown's Robert Langdon (Da Vinci Code) series was also a good mystery read.
As I read over the list below, there are so many that I would recommend that it would actually be easier to list the books I would not recommend. I think that makes 2013 a pretty good year! Happy Reading!
Books Read in 2013
Deadly Sanctuary
Devil's Cradle
The Last Noel
Cold Mountain (Book Club)
Halfway to the Grave
One Foot in the Grave
Happily Never After
At Grave's End
Devil to Pay
Destined for an Early Grave
Magic Graves
First Drop of Crimson
Eternal Kiss of Darkness
This Side of the Grave
One Grave at a Time
The Bite Before Christmas
Once Burned
The Glass Case
Of Love and Evil
Pets in a Pickle
The Ten Year Nap
Twice Tempted
Caught Up in Us
A Time to Love
Relentless
Spinning
Protector
Gone Girl
Sharp Objects
Dark Places
Shelter Me
Echoes
The Heist
Inferno (Book Club)
Silent Witness
A Texan's Promise
And When She Was Good
Until Again
Blue
The Liberation of Alice Love
Pros & Cons
The Book of Love (Book Club)
The Next Best Thing
Notorious Nineteen
Takedown Twenty
Devil to Pay
Destined for an Early Grave
Magic Graves
First Drop of Crimson
Eternal Kiss of Darkness
This Side of the Grave
One Grave at a Time
The Bite Before Christmas
Once Burned
The Glass Case
Of Love and Evil
Pets in a Pickle
The Ten Year Nap
Twice Tempted
Caught Up in Us
A Time to Love
Relentless
Spinning
Protector
Gone Girl
Sharp Objects
Dark Places
Shelter Me
Echoes
The Heist
Inferno (Book Club)
Silent Witness
A Texan's Promise
And When She Was Good
Until Again
Blue
The Liberation of Alice Love
Pros & Cons
The Book of Love (Book Club)
The Next Best Thing
Notorious Nineteen
Takedown Twenty
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)