Explosive Eighteen is the latest book in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. This series is laugh out loud funny, and even after eighteen books it has yet to get old. Janet is brilliant at writing simple, fun, humorous books.
In this latest escapade, Stephanie has returned from a not so relaxing trip to Hawaii, and is still juggling two men, who are both as sexy as ever. The bail bonds office that she works for is being rebuilt, the skips she has to find are as outlandish as ever, her sidekick Lula comes so close to stealing the show that the reader wonders if she should have her own series. The big mystery in this book involves Stephanie's nemesis Joyce Barnhardt. Joyce is in trouble and needs Stephanie's help. Stephanie needs Joyce's help, too. Who would have thought these two would ever be able to work together? The result is laugh out loud funny.
By the end of the book, the reader is left wondering if Stephanie is any closer to resolving her man issues. My belief is that Ms. Evanovich is using these last few books to wrap up the series. I hope this is not true, as I could read these books forever. But it feels like she is finally trying to tie together the loose ends that unravel each time with Morelli and Ranger. This book isn't my favorite in the series, but it was still great.
Happy Reading!
Showing posts with label good read. Show all posts
Showing posts with label good read. Show all posts
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Live to Tell
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!
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!
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Voyager
Voyager is the third book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Each one of these books is an epic adventure. Combine them and you have an amazingly detailed, historical fiction story that captivates.
I don't want to give anything away, so this review will be short. More characters are introduced, adventure and suspense abound. Time changes between the 1960s and the 1700s. Suffice it to say that all of your questions from the last book are answered in this one, and yet Ms. Gabaldon leaves us hanging with even more questions. What will happen next? Where will she take us on this unfolding adventure?
I highly recommend this series. Be prepared for a long read (each book is in the neighborhood of 1,000 pages), but don't be put off by it's size. It is well worth the time and you will find yourself totally immersed in Jamie and Claire's world, finishing the book much more quickly that you thought you would.
Happy Reading!
I don't want to give anything away, so this review will be short. More characters are introduced, adventure and suspense abound. Time changes between the 1960s and the 1700s. Suffice it to say that all of your questions from the last book are answered in this one, and yet Ms. Gabaldon leaves us hanging with even more questions. What will happen next? Where will she take us on this unfolding adventure?
I highly recommend this series. Be prepared for a long read (each book is in the neighborhood of 1,000 pages), but don't be put off by it's size. It is well worth the time and you will find yourself totally immersed in Jamie and Claire's world, finishing the book much more quickly that you thought you would.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Kitchen House
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom is a gripping historical fiction novel about a young white girl raised on a plantation. This story is deeply touching, suspenseful, sweet and heartbreaking.
Lavinia arrives in America from Ireland an orphan. Her parents died during the journey and since she has no one to claim her, she and her brother are separated and she is sold to a plantation owner. She is a white girl who is now to live with the slaves on a tobacco plantation as an indentured servant. She lives and works in the kitchen house with the owner's illegitimate daughter as her caretaker. She bonds with her new family and lives life as they live it, but eventually gets accepted into the "big house" to help care for the master's wife who is hiding her own depression and psychological issues with an opium addiction.
As a white girl, who was raised as a slave, she is placed into a difficult position. She loves and misses her "family" from the kitchen house, but also understands the advantages that living in the big house afford her. She is forced to make decisions and choices that put everyone in danger.
This is a riveting book full of characters that the reader cheers for and those that the reader loathes, and some that the reader hopes until the end will somehow redeem themselves. Written from the perspective of Lavinia and Belle (the master's illegitimate daughter) provide the reader with a more full picture of the story. This was a fantastic read that became one of my favorite books. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Lavinia arrives in America from Ireland an orphan. Her parents died during the journey and since she has no one to claim her, she and her brother are separated and she is sold to a plantation owner. She is a white girl who is now to live with the slaves on a tobacco plantation as an indentured servant. She lives and works in the kitchen house with the owner's illegitimate daughter as her caretaker. She bonds with her new family and lives life as they live it, but eventually gets accepted into the "big house" to help care for the master's wife who is hiding her own depression and psychological issues with an opium addiction.
As a white girl, who was raised as a slave, she is placed into a difficult position. She loves and misses her "family" from the kitchen house, but also understands the advantages that living in the big house afford her. She is forced to make decisions and choices that put everyone in danger.
This is a riveting book full of characters that the reader cheers for and those that the reader loathes, and some that the reader hopes until the end will somehow redeem themselves. Written from the perspective of Lavinia and Belle (the master's illegitimate daughter) provide the reader with a more full picture of the story. This was a fantastic read that became one of my favorite books. Highly recommend.
Happy Reading!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Life Expectancy
Dean Koontz delivers a thrilling, yet fun, novel in Life Expectancy. This is a story about the extraordinary events that occur on very specific dates in one man's life, as predicted by his grandfather. Jimmy Tock enters the world at the very same time his grandfather leaves it. Before his death, Jimmy's grandfather predicts five dark days that will occur in his life. The story weaves the reader through these dark days, and as anyone who reads Dean Koontz knows, the story is a page turner.
The best thing about this novel is how loveable the characters are. Jimmy Tock is a great guy. He is funny, smart, loving, loyal...and his family is just as loveable. His grandmother and his parents become very real to the reader. His parents are loving and kind, and his grandmother is a hoot. The family dynamic is wonderful.
I can't say too much about the dark days, because it may give too much away. However, I can say that each event shapes Jimmy's life, and even though they are difficult, scary, dangerous events, somehow Jimmy is better off for having gone through them.
Sometimes Dean Koontz is too wordy and too descriptive and turns off the reader. This book did not do that and I highly recommend it. Light and fun, dark and scary all at the same time, with characters you wish you could meet in person. How did Koontz pull that off? You have to read this book to find out.
Happy Reading!
The best thing about this novel is how loveable the characters are. Jimmy Tock is a great guy. He is funny, smart, loving, loyal...and his family is just as loveable. His grandmother and his parents become very real to the reader. His parents are loving and kind, and his grandmother is a hoot. The family dynamic is wonderful.
I can't say too much about the dark days, because it may give too much away. However, I can say that each event shapes Jimmy's life, and even though they are difficult, scary, dangerous events, somehow Jimmy is better off for having gone through them.
Sometimes Dean Koontz is too wordy and too descriptive and turns off the reader. This book did not do that and I highly recommend it. Light and fun, dark and scary all at the same time, with characters you wish you could meet in person. How did Koontz pull that off? You have to read this book to find out.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Art of Racing in the Rain
This novel by Garth Stein is a heartfelt, touching, sweet and funny story as told from the perspective of the family dog, Enzo. The story is tragic, beautiful, at times humorous, but always real. It is full of hope, love and family and was an enjoyable read from start to finish.
Enzo's human best friend, Denny, is a race car driver. He lives, breathes, eats and sleeps racing and tells Enzo all about it. As a result, Enzo is quite schooled in the art of racing. Enzo is Denny's best companion, but as Denny matures, gets married and eventually has a child, Enzo learns the true meaning of family. He senses things before they happen, but without the proper makings of the human mouth he has no way to tell his family of the upcoming changes they will all face, or to tell his Denny of the people who are working against him. Enzo knows that in his next life, he will become human, for he is so close to being human already.
This book was incredible. Anyone who has ever loved a dog or, for that matter, known anyone else who has ever loved a dog, will love this book. The bond between Enzo and his family is the truest form of love. Enzo is the type of character that will imprint on the reader's soul. Denny's character never gives up, even in the face of despair. This book is rich with humanity and is one that will have the reader thinking of it long after turning the last page. I highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Enzo's human best friend, Denny, is a race car driver. He lives, breathes, eats and sleeps racing and tells Enzo all about it. As a result, Enzo is quite schooled in the art of racing. Enzo is Denny's best companion, but as Denny matures, gets married and eventually has a child, Enzo learns the true meaning of family. He senses things before they happen, but without the proper makings of the human mouth he has no way to tell his family of the upcoming changes they will all face, or to tell his Denny of the people who are working against him. Enzo knows that in his next life, he will become human, for he is so close to being human already.
This book was incredible. Anyone who has ever loved a dog or, for that matter, known anyone else who has ever loved a dog, will love this book. The bond between Enzo and his family is the truest form of love. Enzo is the type of character that will imprint on the reader's soul. Denny's character never gives up, even in the face of despair. This book is rich with humanity and is one that will have the reader thinking of it long after turning the last page. I highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Missing Pieces
Missing Pieces by Joy Fielding is a psychological suspense novel about how far a mother will go to protect her family. This book was a page turner, full of suspense and I could identify with the main character. It was a fast paced, quick and enjoyable read.
Kate Sinclair is a family therapist. But what does a family therapist do when her own family starts to fall apart? Kate has a teenage daughter who is turning into a monster, a husband who instead of helping with the kids when tensions rise, removes himself further into his golf game, a sister who makes one bad choice after another and a mother who is in failing health. She has to handle it all on top of her career. When her sister decides that she is going to marry a convicted serial killer, Kate's family is in real peril.
I immediately identified with Kate, and found it refreshing to read about a middle aged woman facing the issues of raising her family and helping her ailing mother. This book was suspenseful, but at the same time it carried a message about the resiliency of family and specifically the strength that one mother/wife/sister/daughter found within herself to overcome the difficulties and dangers she faced. The reader watches her struggle to make the best decisions, to not walk down the easier path, and to do everything in her power to pull her family back together. The characters were well developed and it truly was a page turner that keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of her seat.
I would recommend this book to those who like thrillers, but also to those who don't because I don't think you have to enjoy that genre to enjoy this book. I think anyone who thinks thrillers are not her cup of tea would be surprised by this book. An satisfying read all the way around.
Happy Reading!
Kate Sinclair is a family therapist. But what does a family therapist do when her own family starts to fall apart? Kate has a teenage daughter who is turning into a monster, a husband who instead of helping with the kids when tensions rise, removes himself further into his golf game, a sister who makes one bad choice after another and a mother who is in failing health. She has to handle it all on top of her career. When her sister decides that she is going to marry a convicted serial killer, Kate's family is in real peril.
I immediately identified with Kate, and found it refreshing to read about a middle aged woman facing the issues of raising her family and helping her ailing mother. This book was suspenseful, but at the same time it carried a message about the resiliency of family and specifically the strength that one mother/wife/sister/daughter found within herself to overcome the difficulties and dangers she faced. The reader watches her struggle to make the best decisions, to not walk down the easier path, and to do everything in her power to pull her family back together. The characters were well developed and it truly was a page turner that keeps the reader guessing and on the edge of her seat.
I would recommend this book to those who like thrillers, but also to those who don't because I don't think you have to enjoy that genre to enjoy this book. I think anyone who thinks thrillers are not her cup of tea would be surprised by this book. An satisfying read all the way around.
Happy Reading!
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Book Thief
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is one of the best books I have ever read. This novel gripped me from the start and has yet to let me go. The characters are unforgettable, and the story is at once heart breaking, humbling, humorous and even life changing.
The book is set in Germany during Hitler's reign. The main character is a little girl named Liesel who has lost her family. On her journey to her new home where she will be cared for by a foster family, she steals her first book. Even though she cannot yet read, she realizes the power of words. The story is told by one of the most interesting narrators I have ever come across, Death. As Death goes about his work, and he is very busy during those years in Germany, he tells Liesel's tale and a bit of his own. Liesel adapts to her new life, learns how to read, continues to steal books and uses those words during times of crisis.
The cast of characters in this book have imprinted on my soul. Rudy, Liesel's best friend, Hans and Rosa, Liesel's foster parents, Max, the Jewish man Liesel's family hides in their basement, and Death himself. They each teach the reader about humanity. There are real heroes in these pages, characters who faced such peril and rose above, characters who put their lives on the line to help another human being. Even Death, who took such care with the souls that were his charge.
The author uses words very powerfully in this book, so fitting for a book about the power of words. It is itself a work of art. The subject matter is so heavy, but there is humor thrown in at just the right moment to lighten that heavy load. Zusak is an artist with the English language. This is a book that everyone should read. I will never forget these characters and this story will remain with me always.
Happy Reading!
The book is set in Germany during Hitler's reign. The main character is a little girl named Liesel who has lost her family. On her journey to her new home where she will be cared for by a foster family, she steals her first book. Even though she cannot yet read, she realizes the power of words. The story is told by one of the most interesting narrators I have ever come across, Death. As Death goes about his work, and he is very busy during those years in Germany, he tells Liesel's tale and a bit of his own. Liesel adapts to her new life, learns how to read, continues to steal books and uses those words during times of crisis.
The cast of characters in this book have imprinted on my soul. Rudy, Liesel's best friend, Hans and Rosa, Liesel's foster parents, Max, the Jewish man Liesel's family hides in their basement, and Death himself. They each teach the reader about humanity. There are real heroes in these pages, characters who faced such peril and rose above, characters who put their lives on the line to help another human being. Even Death, who took such care with the souls that were his charge.
The author uses words very powerfully in this book, so fitting for a book about the power of words. It is itself a work of art. The subject matter is so heavy, but there is humor thrown in at just the right moment to lighten that heavy load. Zusak is an artist with the English language. This is a book that everyone should read. I will never forget these characters and this story will remain with me always.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sizzling Sixteen/Smokin' Seventeen
I placed these two together because I read Sizzling Sixteen last year, but wanted to read it again before diving into Smokin' Seventeen, the latest Stephanie Plum novel from Janet Evanovich. Of course, I loved Sizzling Sixteen, and Smokin' Seventeen did not disappoint! I love love love this series. SPOILER ALERT!! Don't read further if you don't want to know some general things that happen in this book!
For readers of the Stephanie Plum novels, Smokin' Seventeen is definitely smokin'. Stephanie's place of employment is undergoing construction, since in the previous novel it burned to the ground. So the bail bonds office is being run out of an RV owned my Mooner. Lula & Stephanie are off on numerous hilarious adventures to capture skips and try to bring home the bacon. Grandma Mazur is up to her usual coffin lid lifting tricks, and Vinnie is his weasely self. All the while, Stephanie is trying to sort things out in her love life. She and her long time on again off again boyfriend Joe Morrelli are in a strange arrangement that Stephanie gets more and more comfortable with, as she delves into her attraction to Ranger. For fans of the tension between Morrelli & Stephanie and Ranger & Stephanie, this book does not disappoint. However, I think the "Babes" out there will enjoy this one a little more than the "Cupcakes"!
This book did make me a little uncomfortable with where Janet Evanovich took Stephanie's character. It was sort of a little icky how easily Stephanie when from one man to the other, and something that Stephanie was never able to do before. This time she does it with seemingly little guilt. That was not quite true to character for Stephanie. But as a "Babe" myself, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie's guilt free escapades. And although Janet Evanovich claims that she has no intention of wrapping up this series ( at the thought!!), this felt like it was a prelude to an ending. It felt like this was a novel that would set the stage for the beginning of the end. Combine that with the fact that the eighteenth novel in the series comes out this fall, rather than the typical late June release date, and this reader is shaking in her purple pumps that the series might end soon.
For fans of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum this is a MUST read. Not the funniest, but one that furthers Stephanie's relationships a bit and certainly has plenty of action in it.
Happy Reading!
For readers of the Stephanie Plum novels, Smokin' Seventeen is definitely smokin'. Stephanie's place of employment is undergoing construction, since in the previous novel it burned to the ground. So the bail bonds office is being run out of an RV owned my Mooner. Lula & Stephanie are off on numerous hilarious adventures to capture skips and try to bring home the bacon. Grandma Mazur is up to her usual coffin lid lifting tricks, and Vinnie is his weasely self. All the while, Stephanie is trying to sort things out in her love life. She and her long time on again off again boyfriend Joe Morrelli are in a strange arrangement that Stephanie gets more and more comfortable with, as she delves into her attraction to Ranger. For fans of the tension between Morrelli & Stephanie and Ranger & Stephanie, this book does not disappoint. However, I think the "Babes" out there will enjoy this one a little more than the "Cupcakes"!
This book did make me a little uncomfortable with where Janet Evanovich took Stephanie's character. It was sort of a little icky how easily Stephanie when from one man to the other, and something that Stephanie was never able to do before. This time she does it with seemingly little guilt. That was not quite true to character for Stephanie. But as a "Babe" myself, I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed Stephanie's guilt free escapades. And although Janet Evanovich claims that she has no intention of wrapping up this series (
For fans of Janet Evanovich and Stephanie Plum this is a MUST read. Not the funniest, but one that furthers Stephanie's relationships a bit and certainly has plenty of action in it.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dragonfly in Amber
Dragonfly in Amber is the second installment of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. What an epic adventure full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and violence, and rich in history! I am at a loss for a way to write about such an all encompassing tale.
I don't want to spoil anything with this series, so there is very little I can say. Many questions that the reader was left with after the first book are answered here. Once again the story is told from two different times. Jamie and Claire know what lies in the future. In this book, they have very difficult decisions to make about whether they can do anything to alter the course of history. They suffer personal setbacks and heartbreak, make amazing friends, and find courage where there is none to be found. And in the end, make the most difficult decision they have faced yet. But then the reader is left with even more questions. "What will happen next?" being the foremost question in our minds. But more than that, we are left with such detailed questions that another reader of the series assures me will all be answered with the next installment.
These books are each an incredible undertaking and each could easily be separated into three individual books. Because they are epic in scale, as desperately as I want to dive into the next, I must take a break and read some lighter material. I highly recommend this series. It has everything the reader could want and I eagerly await the moment when starting the next one feels right.
Happy Reading!
I don't want to spoil anything with this series, so there is very little I can say. Many questions that the reader was left with after the first book are answered here. Once again the story is told from two different times. Jamie and Claire know what lies in the future. In this book, they have very difficult decisions to make about whether they can do anything to alter the course of history. They suffer personal setbacks and heartbreak, make amazing friends, and find courage where there is none to be found. And in the end, make the most difficult decision they have faced yet. But then the reader is left with even more questions. "What will happen next?" being the foremost question in our minds. But more than that, we are left with such detailed questions that another reader of the series assures me will all be answered with the next installment.
These books are each an incredible undertaking and each could easily be separated into three individual books. Because they are epic in scale, as desperately as I want to dive into the next, I must take a break and read some lighter material. I highly recommend this series. It has everything the reader could want and I eagerly await the moment when starting the next one feels right.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Just Revenge
Just Revenge is a suspenseful legal thriller by Alan Dershowitz. The novel takes an emotional look at the feelings survivors of the Holocaust have related to the perpetrators of that horror, and asks a very difficult question: Are survivors of the Holocaust entitled to revenge on the people who killed their families so long ago?
This is the second novel of Mr. Dershowitz's with Abe Ringel as the main character. However, you don't need to have read the first to read this one. In this novel, Max Menuchen, a friend and fellow scholar of Abe's discovers that the man responsible for killing his entire family is still alive and is living very close by. This man has had a full life, with children and now grandchildren. An opportunity Max's family never got. This enrages Max. At first he tries to enact some semblance of revenge on this man legally, but when the legal channels fail him, Max has to decide if he needs to take things into his own hands. Abe is left with defending Max's actions in the court of law.
Not really being an "eye for an eye" kind of gal, it was hard for me to get behind Max on his crusade for justice. However, this novel really made the reader think. It asked hard questions, and delivered difficult answers. It was a fast, page turner, that was written well. While not a fan of Mr. Dershowitz particularly, I have to give credit to his abilities as a writer. This novel was a thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and at the same time, made me philosophical. Quite an interesting pair. Not wanting to give anything away, I will say that there will be those unsatisfied with the ending. I believe that the ending did serve up the only justice possible, and left the reader with maybe a little hope. I would highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
This is the second novel of Mr. Dershowitz's with Abe Ringel as the main character. However, you don't need to have read the first to read this one. In this novel, Max Menuchen, a friend and fellow scholar of Abe's discovers that the man responsible for killing his entire family is still alive and is living very close by. This man has had a full life, with children and now grandchildren. An opportunity Max's family never got. This enrages Max. At first he tries to enact some semblance of revenge on this man legally, but when the legal channels fail him, Max has to decide if he needs to take things into his own hands. Abe is left with defending Max's actions in the court of law.
Not really being an "eye for an eye" kind of gal, it was hard for me to get behind Max on his crusade for justice. However, this novel really made the reader think. It asked hard questions, and delivered difficult answers. It was a fast, page turner, that was written well. While not a fan of Mr. Dershowitz particularly, I have to give credit to his abilities as a writer. This novel was a thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and at the same time, made me philosophical. Quite an interesting pair. Not wanting to give anything away, I will say that there will be those unsatisfied with the ending. I believe that the ending did serve up the only justice possible, and left the reader with maybe a little hope. I would highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Artichoke's Heart
Suzanne Supplee writes a sweet, delectable, touching novel in Artichoke's Heart. The novel is centered around a young girl who is battling a weight issue. But so much more than that, she is trying to learn to love herself and see that others love her, too.
Rosemary is fat. She is also sweet, smart, loving, and strong. But she doesn't know that. She just sees herself as fat, maybe because her mother and her aunt are always reminding her of that and trying to help her lose weight. She is 15 and has no real friends other than some of the people that work in the beauty shop that her mother owns. When Rosemary finally has enough of being fat, she decides to make a change. The novel follows Rosemary on her courageous journey to shed the pounds and learn to love herself. Through a difficult illness that befalls her mother, through the taunts of the popular girls at school, through all the cravings, she finds a real friend and love, too. But most importantly, she figures out that she is special and that she has a lot of people around her who have loved her all along in spite of her size.
The reader is rooting for Rosemary all the way through this novel. You feel her highs and lows, believe in her even when she doesn't believe in herself and hope beyond hope that the people in her life are really trustworthy. I loved Rosemary and I loved this book. It will most likely make my favorites list this year. I believe it is meant as a juvenile fiction book, but I highly recommend it to any reader.
Happy Reading!
Rosemary is fat. She is also sweet, smart, loving, and strong. But she doesn't know that. She just sees herself as fat, maybe because her mother and her aunt are always reminding her of that and trying to help her lose weight. She is 15 and has no real friends other than some of the people that work in the beauty shop that her mother owns. When Rosemary finally has enough of being fat, she decides to make a change. The novel follows Rosemary on her courageous journey to shed the pounds and learn to love herself. Through a difficult illness that befalls her mother, through the taunts of the popular girls at school, through all the cravings, she finds a real friend and love, too. But most importantly, she figures out that she is special and that she has a lot of people around her who have loved her all along in spite of her size.
The reader is rooting for Rosemary all the way through this novel. You feel her highs and lows, believe in her even when she doesn't believe in herself and hope beyond hope that the people in her life are really trustworthy. I loved Rosemary and I loved this book. It will most likely make my favorites list this year. I believe it is meant as a juvenile fiction book, but I highly recommend it to any reader.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Weight of Water
The Weight of Water is a haunting novel by Anita Shreve. Alternately telling the story of Jean, a photographer, and her family who are on an assignment in the Isles of Shoals off of the coast of Maine, and of the Christensen family from Norway, who eventually emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s. This novel is like two books in one, both stories grabbing hold of the reader until their emotional conclusions. Both stories asking the question, "If you take a woman and push her to the edge, how will she behave?"
The Christensen family (and the Hontvedt family) story ends in a brutal double murder. Jean's assignment is to photograph the island where this murder took place for a magazine article. She and her husband Thomas and their daughter, along with Thomas' brother and his girlfriend set sail together for the island of Smuttynose. As Jean immerses herself in the double murder, she herself begins to tread water emotionally and begins to believe that her husband is having an affair. She examines her marriage and finds that maybe it isn't on solid ground, maybe it never was. Her jealousy begins to cloud her judgement, and that leads to her ultimate downfall, pushing her to her limits, much like her counterparts in the case of the Smuttynose murders.
The author seamlessly weaves these two stories together. Literally from paragraph to paragraph the reader is shifted between these two very different centuries. The harsh reality of life on Smuttynose in the 1860s and 70s to the reality of Jean's current familial struggles. It is not an uplifting book, it is one in which you know all along that there is going to be a horrible conclusion. It is a powerful work, one that begs the question, how far would you go? And how would you ever recover from starting off a series of events that you then have no control over? All of the characters are not necessarily likable, the setting is harsh, but this is a thought provoking book and a tale that will stay with the reader.
Happy Reading!
The Christensen family (and the Hontvedt family) story ends in a brutal double murder. Jean's assignment is to photograph the island where this murder took place for a magazine article. She and her husband Thomas and their daughter, along with Thomas' brother and his girlfriend set sail together for the island of Smuttynose. As Jean immerses herself in the double murder, she herself begins to tread water emotionally and begins to believe that her husband is having an affair. She examines her marriage and finds that maybe it isn't on solid ground, maybe it never was. Her jealousy begins to cloud her judgement, and that leads to her ultimate downfall, pushing her to her limits, much like her counterparts in the case of the Smuttynose murders.
The author seamlessly weaves these two stories together. Literally from paragraph to paragraph the reader is shifted between these two very different centuries. The harsh reality of life on Smuttynose in the 1860s and 70s to the reality of Jean's current familial struggles. It is not an uplifting book, it is one in which you know all along that there is going to be a horrible conclusion. It is a powerful work, one that begs the question, how far would you go? And how would you ever recover from starting off a series of events that you then have no control over? All of the characters are not necessarily likable, the setting is harsh, but this is a thought provoking book and a tale that will stay with the reader.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Garden Spells
Sarah Addison Allen spins a tale with such elegance that you get lost in her charming world and feel as if you have been in a dream when you finally emerge from the pages of her books. Garden Spells was such an enchanting, entertaining, utterly delightful read.
The Waverly's have something special about them. Well really, so does nearly everyone in the town of Bascom, North Carolina. There are family legacies that are passed down from generation to generation; special gifts that certain family names are known for. For the Waverly's it is all in the garden, from the special flowers and herbs that are grown there to the apple tree that asserts itself by tossing apples at inopportune times (or opportune depending on the circumstances). But these special gifts have made the Waverly's outsiders in their home town. Claire Waverly has made the best of her abilities and created a catering business around the special plants that grow in her garden. She likes her life to have structure and stability. Her world is rocked a bit when her free-spirited sister, who fled Bascom as soon as she was old enough, shows up one day looking for some of that safety and stability. Claire has to learn to accept change, and that some changes are for the better. Both sisters have secrets to share, and only when they do will they be able to get past their history and make a family for the future.
This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are quirky and lovable, from the aunt with a knack for giving strange gifts just before the receiver needs them, to the gay shop owner, to the next door neighbor and the family that owns the dairy farm. The story weaves so smoothly and sweetly, yet deals with some heavy issues like abuse, neglect, and fear of abandonment. Only Sarah Addison Allen could weave a story so profound while you are floating along on her mystical cloud. Loved loved loved Garden Spells and highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
The Waverly's have something special about them. Well really, so does nearly everyone in the town of Bascom, North Carolina. There are family legacies that are passed down from generation to generation; special gifts that certain family names are known for. For the Waverly's it is all in the garden, from the special flowers and herbs that are grown there to the apple tree that asserts itself by tossing apples at inopportune times (or opportune depending on the circumstances). But these special gifts have made the Waverly's outsiders in their home town. Claire Waverly has made the best of her abilities and created a catering business around the special plants that grow in her garden. She likes her life to have structure and stability. Her world is rocked a bit when her free-spirited sister, who fled Bascom as soon as she was old enough, shows up one day looking for some of that safety and stability. Claire has to learn to accept change, and that some changes are for the better. Both sisters have secrets to share, and only when they do will they be able to get past their history and make a family for the future.
This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are quirky and lovable, from the aunt with a knack for giving strange gifts just before the receiver needs them, to the gay shop owner, to the next door neighbor and the family that owns the dairy farm. The story weaves so smoothly and sweetly, yet deals with some heavy issues like abuse, neglect, and fear of abandonment. Only Sarah Addison Allen could weave a story so profound while you are floating along on her mystical cloud. Loved loved loved Garden Spells and highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Listen
Listen is a suspenseful mystery by Rene Gutteridge. The small town of Marlo was voted one of the top ten places to raise your child. The last violent crime took place 20 years ago. That is until the residents start to mistrust each other and turn to violence after someone posts their private conversations on a web site. As the police deal with the increased violence, the newspaper tries to find out who is behind the web site, the town begins to fall apart and one family desperately tries to stay together.
This book had me hooked from the beginning and was a page turner. The premise was so fascinating. Someone eavesdropping on private conversations and then posting them for the whole world to read, or even worse, for the people you are talking about to read. The power of our words often escapes us. This book makes you think about it. The plot, while centered around this mystery, does twist off the path of it a few times, keeping the book interesting beyond just the main plot line. There are a few plot twists that wrench the heart, and had tears in my eyes. It was an emotional book for me, as a parent, from start to finish that tackled difficult issues like suicide, bullying, gossip, infidelity and even death.
I would have liked to see a few of the characters developed more. The characters that are well developed are likable. The author also has a tendency to jump very quickly from one thing to another, particularly during dialogue. This was a little confusing and I had to reread a few times to make sure I knew who or what was being referenced. I don't know if this is because the author is not an experienced writer (I know nothing about Gutteridge), or if this is just her style. It was a little annoying, but the story was good enough that I could look past it. Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it.
Happy Reading!
This book had me hooked from the beginning and was a page turner. The premise was so fascinating. Someone eavesdropping on private conversations and then posting them for the whole world to read, or even worse, for the people you are talking about to read. The power of our words often escapes us. This book makes you think about it. The plot, while centered around this mystery, does twist off the path of it a few times, keeping the book interesting beyond just the main plot line. There are a few plot twists that wrench the heart, and had tears in my eyes. It was an emotional book for me, as a parent, from start to finish that tackled difficult issues like suicide, bullying, gossip, infidelity and even death.
I would have liked to see a few of the characters developed more. The characters that are well developed are likable. The author also has a tendency to jump very quickly from one thing to another, particularly during dialogue. This was a little confusing and I had to reread a few times to make sure I knew who or what was being referenced. I don't know if this is because the author is not an experienced writer (I know nothing about Gutteridge), or if this is just her style. It was a little annoying, but the story was good enough that I could look past it. Overall, this was a good read and I would recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Outlander
Outlander is the first book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. This novel was full of adventure, romance, history, and suspense. Meet Claire Randall. She is a combat nurse, back from the war (it is 1945). She and her husband are on a second honeymoon after being reunited. Meet Jamie. Jamie is a Scots clansmen, warrior, nephew to a pair of clan leaders, and living in the Scottish Highlands in the year 1743. When Claire, walks through a stone in an ancient stone circle, she is hurled into the Scottish Highlands and right into Jamie's life.
.
Forced to leave the area of the stones for her own safety, Claire is accepted at the Castle Leoch, where Jamie's uncles rule. No one knows where this strange woman came from, and many are very suspicious of her. She is thrown into a world full of danger, adventure, political unrest and intrigue. When she falls for Jamie, she finds herself torn between two worlds. The husband she left behind and the man she never could have imagined she would become involved with. Through life threatening battles and adventures, Claire learns that she has a lot to give. And eventually has to make a choice: Do I go back to 1945, or do I stay in the 1700s?
This book was highly entertaining. It was a page turner from start to finish. The setting is so well described (without being overly so) that you can smell the forests and hear the hooves of horses bearing down on you. When you read this book, you become so entrenched in the lives of these characters that you forget your own world, begin to think in their dialect, and can't wait to get back to the pages of the story. There were so many different adventures in this novel, that it could have been two or even three separate books. I would highly recommend this novel. I will be seeking out the second book in the series, Dragonfly in Amber.
Happy Reading!
.
Forced to leave the area of the stones for her own safety, Claire is accepted at the Castle Leoch, where Jamie's uncles rule. No one knows where this strange woman came from, and many are very suspicious of her. She is thrown into a world full of danger, adventure, political unrest and intrigue. When she falls for Jamie, she finds herself torn between two worlds. The husband she left behind and the man she never could have imagined she would become involved with. Through life threatening battles and adventures, Claire learns that she has a lot to give. And eventually has to make a choice: Do I go back to 1945, or do I stay in the 1700s?
This book was highly entertaining. It was a page turner from start to finish. The setting is so well described (without being overly so) that you can smell the forests and hear the hooves of horses bearing down on you. When you read this book, you become so entrenched in the lives of these characters that you forget your own world, begin to think in their dialect, and can't wait to get back to the pages of the story. There were so many different adventures in this novel, that it could have been two or even three separate books. I would highly recommend this novel. I will be seeking out the second book in the series, Dragonfly in Amber.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Wicked Appetite
Oh, how delicious this book was! I love Janet Evanovich! In Wicked Appetite she has given Diesel, one of the characters from the Stephanie Plum between the numbers books, his own platform. And boy does he stand on his own.
Diesel is an Unmentionable. He has special abilities and works for an organization that tries to ensure that Unmentionables behave themselves. Elizabeth Tucker is a baker. A very good baker, especially when it comes to cupcakes. Turns out that Lizzy might also be an Unmentionable. She has an ability that Diesel needs to make sure that one of these evil Unmentionables doesn't get his hands on a powerful stone that could give him even more power.
There are seven stones of power, one for each one of the deadly sins, that have been guarded for centuries. They have also been sought by treasure hunters for centuries. Lizzy has the power to sense if an object has a special energy. Gerwulf Grimoire needs her power to find the first stone - gluttony. Diesel needs to make sure that Gerwulf doesn't get his greedy hands on the stone and he needs to protect Lizzy.
Sounds like a good supernatural/sci-fi mystery type book. But when it is written by Janet Evanovich, you can count on laughing out loud as you read. Crazy hijinks ensue with a supporting cast that will not disappoint, including a ninja cat and Carl the Monkey. I loved every page of this book! I was devastated when it was over. It seems like Ms. Evanovich may be setting us up for another series. I sure hope so! I would LOVE to see what Diesel and Lizzy get themselves into next! This one will be on my favorites list for the year. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially if you are an Evanovich fan!
Happy Reading!
Diesel is an Unmentionable. He has special abilities and works for an organization that tries to ensure that Unmentionables behave themselves. Elizabeth Tucker is a baker. A very good baker, especially when it comes to cupcakes. Turns out that Lizzy might also be an Unmentionable. She has an ability that Diesel needs to make sure that one of these evil Unmentionables doesn't get his hands on a powerful stone that could give him even more power.
There are seven stones of power, one for each one of the deadly sins, that have been guarded for centuries. They have also been sought by treasure hunters for centuries. Lizzy has the power to sense if an object has a special energy. Gerwulf Grimoire needs her power to find the first stone - gluttony. Diesel needs to make sure that Gerwulf doesn't get his greedy hands on the stone and he needs to protect Lizzy.
Sounds like a good supernatural/sci-fi mystery type book. But when it is written by Janet Evanovich, you can count on laughing out loud as you read. Crazy hijinks ensue with a supporting cast that will not disappoint, including a ninja cat and Carl the Monkey. I loved every page of this book! I was devastated when it was over. It seems like Ms. Evanovich may be setting us up for another series. I sure hope so! I would LOVE to see what Diesel and Lizzy get themselves into next! This one will be on my favorites list for the year. I highly recommend it to anyone, but especially if you are an Evanovich fan!
Happy Reading!
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