Divergent by Veronica Roth

Synopsis from authors blog:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

I LOVED this book!!! If you liked Hunger Games...you will enjoy this one just as much! I enjoy books with a strong female character and Beatrice "Tris" is a determined girl trying to do the right thing. The 'dystopian' theme is really popular right now I am enjoying reading all the different books out there with this theme. It allows you to envision another world and wonder whether you could survive in such a world! Strong characters, great story and ending that leaves you wanting more!!! Luckily, the next book will be coming out next year called "Insurgent."
Rating: 5/5 stars

Book Review - "What I Thought I Knew" by Alice Eve Cohen

Synopsis (from back cover):

Alice Cohen was happy for the first time in years. After a difficult divorce, she had a new love in her life, she was raising a beloved adopted daughter, and her career was blossoming. Then, she started experiencing mysterious symptoms. After months of tests, X-rays, and inconclusive diagnoses, Alice was sent for an emergency CAT scan that revealed the truth: she was six months pregnant.

At age 44, with no prenatal care and no insurance coverage for a high-risk pregnancy, Alice was besieged by opinions from doctors and friends about what was ethical, what was loving, what as right. With the intimacy of a diary and the suspense of a thriller, What I Thought I Knew is a ruefully funny, wickedly candid take; a story of of hope and renewal that turns all of the 'knowns" upside down.

Review:

This was an engrossing book of a women's life that will bring you to tears of laughter, joy and sadness. The author, Alice Cohen, writes her memoir in a theatrical and almost over the top manner that grabs you from the beginning and keeps a hold of you through her ride of experiences with the healthcare system. Yes, it's a story about how she finds out she is pregnant and not sure if she wants to keep it, but there are so many more other things going on in her life that you are sure to find something you can relate too. Adoption, abortions, age differences, disability, career choices, divorce; these are just a few of the life experience we all may go through. It really tugged at my heart the few times I thought that Michael was going to leave Alice because of her decision, but it was her tough love that helped her get through some of the toughest moments and decisions.

I commend Ms. Cohen for sharing her experience and the choices she made for herself and her family. Everyone might not agree with some of her opinions or choices, but we all have to make our own decisions that we believe are right at the time they occur.

I would highly recommend this book be added to everyone's TBR list!! Take the time to read a well written memoir that will stay with you days after finishing it!!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Author website: Alice Cohen

Thank you to Book Sparks Publishing and Lisa Steinke for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I am in no way compensated for this review.

Book Review - "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Review:

The eagerly anticipated #3 book in the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, was good...just not as good as the first two books. Don't worry, I won't be giving away any spoilers for this much read and loved series. I will say that the story is much more war and political then the first two books, which focused more on the 'games.'

The author kept the 3 main characters away from each other a lot in this book it seemed to me, which I understood, but it made the story go in to lulls sometimes. I loved the contrast in character Katniss expressed in herself as she interacts with Peeta and Gale. She is so much harder in character with Gale, but much more softer with Peeta. I will tell you that the 'who does she choose' gets answered by the end of the book!!

I have mixed feelings ...as much as I love the series, the ending wasn't quite what I was hoping (wanting?)!!! I don't want you to think I didn't like the book because I did...I guess I was wanting something more.

I look forward to seeing how the movie version of "Hunger Games" is made. The subject matter of the games is going to be hard to convey on screen with all the 'killings.' We shall see!!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Part of:

Book Review - Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

Synopsis:

Lucy Valentine is as smart as can be, as single as you can get, and so not qualified to run a matchmaking service. But when her parents temporarily step down from the family business, Valentine, Inc., it’s Lucy’s turn to step up and help out—in the name of love.

Plus, her rent is due.

Here’s the problem: Lucy doesn’t have the knack for matchmaking. According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read “auras” and pair up perfect couples. But not Lucy. Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world? You’d be surprised. In a city like Boston, everyone’s looking for something. So when Lucy locates a missing engagement ring—on a dead body—she asks the sexy private eye who works upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime. And who knows? Maybe she’ll find the perfect love while she’s at it…

Review:

This is a quirky, cozy mystery book that will tickle your fancy and leave you wanting more! You will get a little paranormal romance with the family matchmaking business, some suspense when Lucy gets involved with a missing person case and fun filled humor throughout the book. All the characters are lovable and you are truly wanting romance to blossom...for someone!! It looks like Valetine's Inc. will be going on for a while in future books!!

I would recommend "Truly, Madly" to anyone that wants looking for a fun, cozy mystery book!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Author website: Heather Webber
Next book: Deeply, Desperately August 2010

Book Review - Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis:
"My darling Michael, I know this letter will come as a shock to you…."

On the anniversary of his beloved wife's death, Dr. Michael Everett receives a letter Hannah had written him.

In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request. An impossible request—I want you to marry again. She tells him he shouldn't spend the years he has left grieving her. And to that end she's chosen three women she asks him to consider.

First on Hannah's list is her cousin, Winter Adams, a trained chef who owns a café on Seattle's Blossom Street. The second is Leanne Lancaster, Hannah's oncology nurse. Michael knows them both. But the third name is one he's not familiar with—Macy Roth.

Each of these three women has her own heartache, her own private grief. More than a year earlier, Winter broke off her relationship with another chef. Leanne is divorced from a man who defrauded the hospital for which she works. And Macy lacks family of her own, the family she craves, but she's a rescuer of strays, human and animal. Macy is energetic, artistic, eccentric—and couldn't be more different from Michael.

During the months that follow, he spends time with Winter, Leanne and Macy, learning more about each of them…and about himself. Learning what Hannah already knew. He's a man who needs the completeness only love can offer. And Hannah's list leads him to the woman who can help him find it.

Review:

"Hannah's List" is a fascinating story of one man's struggle to make the step forward of finding love again, while 3 women try and find their own life paths. Debbie Macomber writes an amazing story of personal loss and learning to go on with life around you. The main character, Michael, struggles to understand why his wife choose these 3 women for him to date and possibly marry. I enjoyed the differences between these 3 women and how they interacted differently with Michael. How do you know what you're type is after being with the same person for so long? As the story went along, I kept switching between the women who I thought he would end up with because he seemed to fit with all of them! The side characters were wonderful, especially Macy's neighbor, Harvey, who would be a real hoot to meet in a real life situation. I love people who just speak what is on their mind!

On a personal note, I can relate to a lot of what Michael felt and struggled with in his loss. My husband and I had conversations about the 'what if' situations while he was sick, but he didn't leave me a letter like Hannah did. Will you remarry or not? Do you want me to or not? Do I want to or not? It's a thought you really don't want to think about...at anytime. My answer keeps changing. Before he died..I said maybe..after he died...no way...and now.. 5 years after he passed?? I just take each day and see what happens.

The book is an easy read and hard to put down once you get started. It's a great story of the strength of love that can be had between two people and the hope that maybe it can happen again some day.....

Rating: 5 out of 5

Book Review - A Place for Delta by Melissa Walker

Synopsis:
Joseph can hardly believe what he has been asked to do. His Aunt Kate is waiting for him at a research station and needs help taking care of an orphaned polar bear cub only a few months old. He will leave his friends and family and venture to the farthest northern town in the United States: Barrow, Alaska.

As the adventure unfolds, Joseph and his new found Eskimo friend Ada find mysteries wherever they look. The bear cub, Delta, remains in danger. Who would want a polar bear dead? Joseph will have to look to the North Georgia woods and his family to save Delta.

When his parents were kids, they too embarked on an excursion into the unknown. Their encounters with the wilderness beyond their backyard have molded the future for Joseph and Delta. A Place for Delta is about one family’s journey--a passage born in the Appalachian mountains and leading to the Arctic.

Review:

I really looked forward to reading "A Place for Delta", since it was based in Barrow, Alaska (my uncle lived there for a while). The writing is simple and clear , though repetitive it seemed in a few places in the storyline. This may have been due to the level the book is written for, which is the pre-teen age level (9-13yrs old). I enjoyed the wilderness protection awareness the author, Melissa Walker, surrounds the story with. From Joseph learning about animal protection to the land protection from oilmen, the story mesmerizes you in the rural Alaskan landscape and lifestyle. The author keeps your interest peaked by the adventure Joseph and Ada (the local Alaskan girl Joseph befriends) have in helping solve a mystery. By using secret note taking and 'tailing' a suspect, the two of them are an important assets to tracking down the bad guys!

Now, there were adults in the book too..I don't want to leave them out. I loved how the adult parents let their children explore and find things out for themselves, by being protective, but not overprotective. My feeling is that these days parents don't get their kids outside to explore more! and go with them!!

Overall, this was an enjoyable and fun read that I would really recommend for kids and adults alike! After reading the book, it makes me want to go Alaska more than I already did!!

For more information about the book go to the website: A Place for Delta

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back to the Homeplace - Review

Back to the Homeplace
by William Leverne Smith

Synopsis:

An extended family in crisis following the death of their matriarch must cope with this new environment. The year is 1987. The terms of an unusual will left by their parents bring four grown children, spouses, and other family members, back to the Missouri Ozarks farm where they grew up - the Homeplace. Varied backgrounds and viewpoints ignite controversy and expose long kept secrets as each family member searches for his or her share of the family legacy. While the older family members stake their claims to land and fortunes, the younger ones search for love and acceptance.

Review:

Back to the Homeplace is an amazing journey of family values and individuals trying to find their place in life. Author William Leverne Smith brings together his love of genealogy and family storytelling in his writing of a story that could touch any one's life these days. The description of the Missouri Ozarks, which has numerous kinds of terrain, landscape and buildings, is amazingly accurate. It makes you want to go on a road trip to view the beautiful area!

The plot is well written with a will dividing a family who all want the farm for different reasons. The twist of the will requires them to live on the land for 2 years. Could you up and leave your life and start over with your family somewhere else? You will see in the story how this effects all the families involved as each day goes by and decisions have to be made. From the older generations to the younger kids, all must deal with new issues that arise from the new environment that surrounds them.

This book evolves around the year 1987. At the beginning of each chapter, there are little news clips of what was going on at the time. Many social issues were active at that time and some are covered in the story like the AIDS epidemic.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a great family oriented book that makes you think about the life you lead. The characters will make you think about people in your own family that may act or be like them (I sure found that out.) The writing is easy to read, but my only critique would be a more language use or slang of the area and a little less formal words used. This didn't distract me from the story, but living in the area myself, people speak a little more laid back. Take a trip in to the lives of the Bevins family and see what you may learn about those close to you.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Back to the Homeplace is just the first book in the series! I can't wait to read the next one. Head over to the series blogsite - The Homeplace Series Blog

You can buy the book NOW! In addition to Amazon.com you can get the book at the following location:
Vision to Action

Other genealogy books by William Leverne Smith can be bought at Lulu ... HERE

***********************************

(GIVEAWAY is Now OVER)

BOOK GIVEAWAY
OF
BACK TO THE HOMEPLACE

I will be giving away an autographed copy of "Back to the Homeplace" to a lucky winner!!

Contest rules:

1. Just leave a comment about one of you're favorite memories of the 80's or if you weren't around yet..what you like about that era!! This will get you 1 entry!

You can do the following for extra entries (leave link for blog and tweet postings so I can see that you did them, can be in same comment or different one)

a. Sign up to follow my blog and you get 1 extra entry.

b. Blog about the book giveaway for 1 extra entry.

c. Tweet about the book giveaway for 1 extra entry.

3. Please include your email address so I am able to contact you if you win.

4. You have from Saturday May 01st to Sunday May 09th at 10:00pm CT. to enter!!

5. Winner will be announced on Monday May 10th.


Thank you and good luck!!!

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana

Synopsis:

Julia Cavanaugh has never left New York City. But in 1890, the young woman must head west to ensure that the orphans under her care are settled into good families. After her final stop in Montana, she plans to head straight back east. But upon arriving in the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, Julia learns to her horror that she is also supposed to be delivered—into the hands of an uncouth miner who carries a bill of purchase for his new “bride.” She turns to a respected circuit preacher to protect her from a forced marriage but with no return fare and few friends, Julia’s options are bleak. What is God’s plan for her in the middle of the vast Montana prairie?

**
Review:

This book drew me in from the moment I saw the cover. A woman alone on a prairie with just a bag to her name. Next, I read what the story was about..again..it got me! I love the late 1800's and a storyline that has a strong woman character that has to fight to find her place in life. Julia is an amazing character who draws you in to the struggle women endured to overcome, being mail order brides and baby makers for those living in the 'wild west'. Goyer and Fleiss write from the heart about a woman that wants only to find herself and someone SHE chooses to be her husband. You can see the love and care that Pastor Issac and Julia have for one another, but each must follow their own path and rid themselves of past issues to be able to see clearly the love they have for one another.

The story flowed easily with many characters in the town being involved in the subplots surrounding Julia's decision to stay or go back east. Death, murder, love twists and the search for orphans to find a good home are only a few of the topics the book includes in this journey of a book.

If you are wanting a book to read that warms your heart and has you cheering for love to conquer all...this is the story for you!

Rating: 4 out of 5

More information:

Tricia Goyer
Ocieanna Fleiss




Part of:

"Cowboy Trouble" by Joanne Kennedy

Synopsis:

Fleeing her latest love life disaster, big city journalist Libby Brown's transition to rural living isn't going exactly as planned. Her childhood dream has always been to own a farm--but without the constant help of her charming, sexy cowboy neighbor, she'd never make it through her first Wyoming season.

Handsome rancher Luke Rawlins is impressed by this sassy, independent city girl. But he yearns to do more than help Libby out with her ranch...he's ready for love, and he wants to go the distance...

Then the two get embroiled in their tiny town's one and only crime story, and Libby discovers that their sizzling hot attraction is going to complicate her life in every way possible...

**
Review:

"Cowboy Trouble" is the debut novel for Joanne Kennedy and I am sure there will be many more to come!

This contemporary romance with a twist of suspense held my attention from the first page to the last. I love the idea of the city girl meeting the country boy, but refusing to believe that 'more' can become of their friendship. Libby finds an unsolved crime to fill her time as the new journalist in the small town, but she soon realizes maybe things are better off left alone. This is where the story really starts to take off as the author builds on the 'mystic' of all those small town secrets that try and stay hidden.

The chemistry between Libby and Luke sizzles even when we laugh at the jokes/secrets they keep from one another. One of them being Libby trying to make Luke believe she has a 'ferocious' dog, when it's really a small, harmless dog. The mystery of Luke's parents and friendship with Mike slowly unfolds as the killer gets more brazen in trying to hide the truth of what happened to the missing girl.

Cowboy Trouble will bring smiles, laughs and mystery as you read through the book. So, put the chickens out, bring in the dogs and cuddle up to the fire and enjoy a romantic and suspenseful story that will have you wanting to read the next Joanne Kennedy novel!!

Rating: 4 out of 5


Received this review copy from Danielle at Sourcebooks.com

Elena, Woman of Courage by Linda Weaver Clarke

Elena, Woman of Courage: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

Book Five

Synopsis:
When a woman settles into a strict conservative town as the newest doctor, a slew of problems begin to arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. Elena Yeates, the town's newest doctor, must struggle to prove herself in this western town, while keeping her composure, poise, and femininity. As she fights to prove herself, the town's most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.

With the the 1920's rise of woman's rights, this novel gives you great insight at the struggles women had to go through, all the while watching a young love blossom!!

Review:

This is book 5, the final book, of the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho. I have loved this series from the start and hate to see it end, but I look forward to Linda's new series!

This story centers around John, middle child of Melinda and Gilbert Roberts, and Elena, the new town doctor. The chemistry between these two can be seen throughout the book by all the joking and kidding around they do with one another. Each are afraid to commit to the relationship until they each realize they can't go on without the other.

I enjoyed the time frame in history that the story is told, where women's rights were expanding all over the country. Elena's character was challenged by the men in town to prove herself as a 'real' doctor. Even Gilbert, the patriarch, had to overcome his opinion of being 'uncomfortable' in seeing a woman doctor. Other 'challenging' events occur in the story too (a thief that was stealing 'women's undergarments' and a lost child), where Elena must prove that women have some of the same abilities of men to conquer and accomplish goals. She uses her independence to win over John 'the life long bachelor' of the town. I like seeing the strong parental presence that Melinda and Gilbert have in John's life. They don't crowd or pressure him, but instead work with him to see both sides of any situation.

Linda Weaver Clarke is an amazing author who writes amazingly visual and descriptive books, without the story getting too wordy!! The story is full of daily chores, picnics, dances and dangerous events, which makes the book easy to read (and end way to fast for me!!)

"Elena, Woman of Courage" is an amazing journey of visual reading that will take you to the lands of Idaho and transport you in to the surroundings of the story. You feel you are living the life of the characters, who feel like your own family members, as you get to know each characters flaws and strengths. The love of a man and woman is only as strong as the bond and life they share together!

Read the first chapter HERE

Rating: 5 stars!


****
Read my reviews of the previous 4 books in the series:

Melinda and the Wild West
Edith and the Mysterious Stranger
Jenny's Dream (Still my #1 favorite)
David and the Bear Lake Monster

THEN..go and buy each one and read them!!!!!! It really is a great series!!

***************************

David and the Bear Lake Monster, A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho

Book synopsis:

Deep rooted legends, long family traditions, and a few mysterious events: Bear Lake Valley is a wonderful home to the Roberts Family. Once again the Roberts family is reunited with David trying to solve personal issues and overcome his troubles!! Without meaning to, David quickly becomes one with the town and its folk and finds himself entranced with one very special lady and ends up defending her honor several times. After a few teases, tricks, and mischievous deeds. David begins to overcome his troubles and figures out what he needs to do, but will it be too late for David? Will he lose the one woman he adores?

Review:

The fourth entry in the Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho is just as engaging and fun to read as the last 3 books were!! I love that David returns back to visit with the Roberts Family, after moving away to find himself. He soon realizes that you can find things you're missing in your life without even looking for them.

The author, Linda Weaver Clarke, has a way with showing in her writing the true love and laughter a man and a woman can have for one another. Whether married for years (Melinda and Gilbert) or just meeting one another (David and Sarah), the respect and longing for another person is deep and to the heart in these 2 story-lines. We are introduced us to a strong, educated woman, Sarah, who happens to have a disability. David is smitten with her, but unsure he wants to get involved with someone. The 'romantic friction' between David and Sarah is central to a story that will have you cheering for them to get together!

The fun part of "David and the Bear Lake Monster" is wondering if there is truly a 'monster' in the lake. It makes for an interesting adventure, with a surprising ending to the 'tale' of the monster. I love that the author based the monster on a local folklore of such a monster in that area in Idaho.

"David and the Bear Lake Monster" is heart-warming story of finding that right person to live the rest of your life with. It teaches us that people with disabilities are just like any other person who have dreams for their life. So, if you want to laugh, learn and live in the life of some wonderful characters....read this book and enjoy the journey!!!

Rating: 5/5

Review - "Dust" by Susan Berliner

Book Description:

While unloading groceries in her Rock Haven condo, Karen McKay notices a strange swirl of red, green, and blue dust. The swirl follows her inside, lifts a porcelain ballerina from her wall unit, twirls it in the air, and throws it to the floor, shattering it into pieces.

The following evening, Karen hears her neighbor's dog barking loudly. Upon investigation, she finds her neighbor, Marion, at the bottom of the stairs—dead. At the top of the stairs, a colorful whirlpool of dust circles ominously.

Now the feisty librarian must consider the unthinkable: Could the dust be responsible for her neighbor's death and, if so, would it kill again? Karen turns to her ex-husband, Jerry, for help and together they bravely confront the mysterious dust. But will their daring actions cost them their lives?

Review:

"Dust" is the first novel for writer Susan Berliner of Yorktown Heights, NY.

The story is simply written and has strong characters in Karen and Jerry. The creation of the 'dust' as the antagonist piqued my curiosity. The numerous 'accidents' that the 'dust' creates are inventive at first, but after the fifth one, it seemed a bit monotonous. The interactions between Karen and her ex-husband Jerry added some good humor to the story that I liked. For being a suspense type of book, I didn't feel any real climatic ending that scared or surprised me...it just kind of ended.

Overall, I think as a first novel the outline of the story was good. I just think a bit more intrigue/suspense was needed to really keep me interested in the story.

Give the book a read...see what you think!!

Support first time novelists!!!!

Rating: 3/5

This book is part of the Pump Up the Book Virtual Tour for "Dust"

Thank you to Tracee at Pump Up The Book Promotions and Susan Berliner the author for sending me a review copy of this book to use for the review.

Review - The Treasures of Venice

Description on back of book:

He's a charming Irish Rogue who never met a lock he couldn't pick...

Keirnan Fitzgerald is desperate to locate the missing Jewels of the Madonna. With danger at every corner and time running out, he must use whatever means possible to uncover the stolen jewels in time to save his sister's life....

She's simply in Venice to relax and heal her broken heart...

Samantha Lewis is shocked when a dashing stranger approaches her in a Venecian cafe' pretending to know her. She's ready for something new and exciting in her life, so she throws caution to the wind and accompanies the Irish charmer into his dangerous world of intrigue, theft and betrayal...

As the centuries-old story behind the Jewels' disappearance is revealed, Samantha must decide
whether the man she's so compellingly drawn to is her soul mate from a previous life, or if they are merely pawns in a relentless quest for a priceless treasure....

Review:

By the 'chance' meeting of an American girl and an Irish boy, they work together against the ticking clock of finding the "Jewels of the Madonna" to save someone's life...and maybe their own too!

Loucinda McGary, author of "The Wild Sight" that I reviewed previously, has done it once again in writing an emotional romance that thrives on the thrills of mystery and intrigue. She blends together some of my favorite themes of story writing and makes it come together to make me feel like I am physically there watching the story transpire!

Of course, my favorite is the Irish man character, Kiernan. Ms. McGary describes him in such heartfelt details, you can feel your heart pumping at this man's charisma. Also, I love how the author flips between two time periods in the story without it getting confusing: 15th century Venice with Serifino and Nino and modern Venice with Samantha and Kiernan. You're kept wondering until the end of the book whether these couples have an interlocking relationship through time!

The mysterious dark Venice streets and paranormal aspects of the story keep you turning the pages of this adventure. The descriptions of Venice, old and modern are so well used by the author that I would love the chance to see the city myself someday!!

Even though this is noted as a 'romance book,' I would not shy away from reading it if you're not in to romance. It has just the right balance of mystery, suspense, and paranormal, with a little romance thrown in between the characters (which is more like 'opposites attract' than 'sultry lust' romance).

I would 'highly' recommend this book to read, along with 'The Wild Sight.'


Rated 5/5

Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebook.com for the complementary copy to use for this review!






Glad to be a part of:

Book Review - "Love at First Flight"

Love at First Flight

Book Description:

What if the guy in the airplane seat next to you turned out to be the love of your life?

Juliana isn't looking for Love...When she meets Michael, sitting next to her on the plane, Juliana's been dating Jeremy for ten years. But he's hedging about marriage, and Michael promises to give her everything she's ever wanted in a relationship.

Michael's supposed to be getting married....But he's drawn to Juliana in a way he never was to his beautiful but manipulative fiancee...

When they get off the plane, Michael and Juliana can't tear themselves apart. But with desperate exes who won't let go, love at first sight is tested beyond endurance....


Review:

If you've ever wondered if you could meet and fall for someone you just met at the mall, airport or business meeting...take a few hours to read Marie Force's latest novel "Love at First Flight." I loved reading this story of two very different people meeting under unusual circumstances and overcoming obstacles.

The build-up of the characters Juliana and Michael is so well written and believable, that the story seemed to fly off the pages. The author is really good at mixing romance, suspense and humor to keep you involved throughout the whole book. You really don't know whether the two will stay together of not with the twists in the story!!

The book makes you think at the end about relationships and what truly is a 'normal' relationship? I guess that is what we all have to figure out!!!

I would definitely recommend this book!! Don't get the wrong impression of this book with the bare chest on the cover...it is a lot more than just a 'chick' book...there is much more to learn!!!


Rating: 4 out of 5

Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebooks, Inc. for the reviewer copy of the books. She is the BEST!!

Released June 2009



This review is part of :


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Book Review - Dirkel Smat And the Flying Statue

Book information:
The Explorer's Club is back! Join the gang in another exciting adventure, this time on the back of a flying Pegasus! Join Dirkle Smat and the Explorer’s Club for an unforgettable adventure with The Flying Statue in this chapter book for early readers, ages 6 to 8. Second in the Dirkle Smat series.

Review:

I found this book a fun adventure that young kids would love! Six boys, with very interesting names all belong to the Explorer's Club. Dirkle, his little brother Quid Smat, along with Toonie Oobles, Fiddy Bublob, Lumleyline, and Bean Lumley!! I liked how each kid shows a special quality that makes them unique to the group. Short chapters and simple plot makes this an easy and fast read for a bedtime story for parents. I've always loved having a club as a kid and this would be a good entry in to helping a young kid maybe start one themselves. At the end of the book, there are forms to help start their own club! Imagination and teamwork come together to make an amazing story that kids will enjoy!!

Book 1: Dirkle Smat Inside Mount Flatbottom

Book 3: Dirkle Smat and the Viking Shield

Website: Dirkle Smat



Rating: 4 out of 5


Thank you to the author Lynne D. Garthwaite and Bostick Communications for sending me this book to review!

Miranda's Big Mistake

Synopsis:

Miranda's track record with men is horrible. Her most recent catastrophe is Greg. He seems perfect-- gorgeous, witty, exciting. And he and Miranda are in love...until Miranda discovers he left his wife when he found out she was pregnant.

With the help of her friends, Miranda plans the sweetest and more public revenge a heartbroken girl can get. But will Miranda learn from her mistake, or move on to the next perfect man and ignore the love of her life waiting in the wings...


Review:

I never thought of myself as someone that liked chick-lit, but the books by Jill Mansell may have now turned me around! I first reviewed "An Offer You Can't Refuse" last May and absolutely loved it. Now comes this one and I enjoyed it even more!! Ms.Mansell's books are easy reading books, that pull you in to the lives of the characters and don't let go until you finish the story!

"Miranda's Big Mistake" is about a girl who does not have good luck on her side with her relationships with men. Miranda decides to get Greg back good this time because she is fed up with how men leave her heartbroken. While she decided how to get even, we get to know her quirky friends and their relationship issues. The book was like a train ride with good views from both sides of the windows. The author make me laugh, cry and want the 'revenge' Miranda wanted in getting back at Greg...and boy does she get him back!!! The secondary characters really helped bring the story along and made the ending even better with many story lines to rap up.

I would recommend this to anyone that might have a chick-lit phobia, because Jill Mansell's books will turn you in to a chick -lit reader!!

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to Danielle from Sourcebooks for this book and I do apologize for the delay!





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Make sure and check out Cym Lowell's "Book Review Blog Party"

Book Review: "What Would Jane Austen Do?" by Laurie Brown

Book description:

She goes back in time to save a man's life...
Eleanor travels to England for a Jane Austen festival and is swept back in time to the glittering Regency era to help a pair of ghostly sisters prevent a deathly duel...

But she may have the wrong villain...
Lord Shermont, renowned rake and womanizer, has a Napoleonic spy to capture and a dastadly crime to untangle. The last thing he needs is a scandal too...

Thankfully, Jane Austen's sage advise prevents a fatal mistake...
With Jane Austen's guidance, Eleanor untangles the international intrigue going on before her eyes. But, which of the dueling gentlemen is the spy and which is the man of her dreams?


This book really surprised me in how much I ended up loving this story. I am not a big "Regency" period reader, but I do enjoy Jane Austen and thought I would give it a try. The story is full of ghosts, mystery, time travel and history, which keeps you involved with the characters until the very end! I won't give away some of the twists, but the character of Eleanor was refreshing to read. She was educated and had a passion that woman wish and hope we have in how we lead our lives. Eleanor is put in to a situation where she has to figure out what she needs to do to fix the past for the ghost/real sisters, but fate seems to guide her in a direction she may not be ready to accept. "Jane Austen" comes in to the story when Eleanor has a situation where she doesn't know what to do. So, she thinks about the books Austen wrote to draw on an answer! A variety of secondary characters are filled by the 'handsome' gentleman, the snooty older ladies, and family members that will have you laughing and intrigued by their lives.

Have you ever thought about if you were able to go back to a time period that you enjoy and had a life there...would you return back to your own time? The writing style of the story gives such vivid details of the Regency time period and customs that you feel like your living there with Eleanor. Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, it turned out better! I would tell anyone that enjoys a good book to take a look at this one. The book is like a looking glass to a time period through the eyes of someone who treasures the history of our world's past.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to Danielle at Sourcebooks for the review copy!!



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Part of:

Book Review: Boneman's Daughters

Book description:

They call him BoneMan, a serial killer who's abducted six young women. He's the perfect father looking for the perfect daughter, and when his victims fail to meet his lofty expectations, he kills them by breaking their bones and leaving them to die.

Intelligence officer Ryan Evans, on the other hand, has lost all hope of ever being the perfect father. His daughter and wife have written him out of their lives.

Everything changes when BoneMan takes Ryan's estranged daughter, Bethany, as his seventh victim. Ryan goes after BoneMan on his own.

But the FBI sees it differently. New evidence points to the suspicion that Ryan is BoneMan. Now the hunter is the hunted, and in the end, only one father will stand.



I really had high hopes to reading "Boneman's Daughter," since I love psychological thrillers!! The excitement fizzled by the end of the book. The first half of the story moved really slow for me. It may have been the 'military' driven aspect of Ryan's kidnapping, but it didn't really keep my interest, but I forged on. When the police began to believe Ryan was the suspect of his daughters kidnapping, it got more interesting and you begin to wonder if he really is the Boneman. The ending was flat and anti-climatic with nothing more then good guy wins over bad buy. I was just glad to be done and able to go on to another book!!!

Rating: 2.75/5

Thank you to Miriam at Hachette books for this reviewers copy!

Book Review: An Offer You Can't Refuse

An Offer You Can't Refuse
By Jill Mansell

Book Description from the back of the book:

Young Lola, under duress, accepts a huge bribe to break up with her boyfriend. The worst part is, the bribe is from his mother. Ten years later, when they meet again, her feelings for him are as strong as ever---but how is she going to win him back without telling him why she broke his heart in the first place?


Need a book to put on your summer reading list? This light-hearted, British chick-lit should be near the top of your list. "An Offer You Can't Refuse" was a mixture of laugh-out-loud fun and pull out a hankie emotions that come together for a story that you will not want to stop until you get to the end.

Lola is an endearing character that you might not like at first, after she takes the bribe, but she slowly starts to grow on you. Ten years after the bribe, Lola is a bookstore manager and saves a woman from a mugging. Her life gets turned upside down when the woman is the one that gave her the bribe 10 yrs earlier!! She has to deal with her old emotions with Dougie and finding out a family secret.

The secondary characters of Gabe (neighbor) and Sally (Doug's sister and Gabe's roomate) have an 'opposites' attract relationship that is just hilarious to read. Of course, there is Dougie, the boyfriend that Lola dumped for the money. We really don't learn alot about him, but he is caught in the middle not knowing what truly happened and having a broken heart. When the truth comes out in the end, will they be able to start over again? Does love always endure? You will have to read it to find out!!!

I couldn't put this book down! I love that the author made Lola a manager of a bookstore. She gets to meet a number of 'interesting' customers that are oblivious to what they are looking for in the store, but expect her to know what they need! It's an easy to read book that will have you looking forward to another book written by Jill Mansell.

Rating: 3.5/5

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Danielle for this reviewers copy!

Book Review: Defending Angels

Author Mary Stanton has created an amazing new paranormal/cozy mystery series called “A Beaufort & Company Mystery.” “Defending Angels” is the first book of the series that mixes cozy, mystery and paranormal, which will pull you in to the story from the first chapter and won’t let you go until the last page is read.

Lawyer Brianna Winston-Beaufort comes to Savannah to take over her late uncle’s practice. After finding an office to rent at a low price in a cemetery, she slowly begins to realize her practice isn’t going to be normal. Brianna gets her first phone call from a prospective client, but soon realizes he died ‘before’ she got his call! Strange things begin to happen to her as she begins her investigation in to the ‘murder’ of her client. Brianna’s family history is different then what she thought it was. Organizations, angels, demons and a freaky painting all come in to play for Brianna as she works to solve the murder of the ‘dead’ client.

“Defending Angels” was a truly charming book that had me hooked from the beginning. Mary Stanton’s writing and unique characters are what kept my attention throughout this book. I was initially worried about the ‘southern’ locale which I was afraid I wouldn’t like, but it really gave the story the historical background that was the backbone to the book. With so many ‘cozy mystery’ being published, this one really seemed to have all the pieces of a book that can stand up among the best. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!!

Thank you to RebeccaReads for this review copy!!

Rating: 4/5