Sorry I have missed the past few weeks. I have had technical difficulties - broken cable, Internet connection issues, computer difficulties. I'm down to sharing a computer with my daughter. What Have I been reading during this time? Some winners and some losers.
If I had written on March 16, these would have been the books I talked about:
Back to U by Kathy Dunnehoff received 2 stars. The premise was really good, but somehow got lost in the story telling. The book was about a woman who was undergoing a divorce and her 18 year old daughter leaving home to go sing in a band. The woman took her daughter's place starting university. What could have been a great book about starting over and chasing old dreams got bogged down in the telling - the main character became someone who whined and complained so by the end I didn't care what happened to her, I was just glad it the book was over.
A Perfect Evil by EC Sheedy received 3 stars. This romantic thriller kept my interest though out, although I did figure out the "who dun it" part about half way through the book. I did enjoy the rest of the journey through the end of the book, even the twist that I figured out maybe three quarters of the way through. Even though it was predictable, the story was well written and the characters were well developed. I would enjoy a second book detailing Hannah's step daughter's Libby's life and recovery from addiction (hopefully it would include some of Hannah's back story as well, the details given in the book made me want to know her more)
My entry for March 23:
The YA book The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah S. Wilson received 4 stars. This was a fun, easy read about a young girl who believes herself to be the ugly stepsister. This was reminiscent of the ugly duckling as Mattie grows to accept who she really is and lets everyone know. (and of course, after her makeover, she is as gorgeous as her stepsister). This was a wonderful book perfect for every teenage girl - although I think the younger teen set, ages 12-14 would be the target audience.
Dead Tease ( A Loon Lake Mystery #12) by Victoria Houston received 3 stars. I enjoyed this mystery. I have not read any other books in the series and had no problem following along. This was a nice mystery that kept me guessing - until just before the end when I figured it out. It did keep me guessing through most of the book. Well written with well developed characters - I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My entry for March 30:
I started Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini. I gave up half way through. I spent a week trying to get that far. The premise seemed like a good one however the book seemed to go on and on and on and on and on without getting anywhere. I'm glad I got it during a free download to my kindle. Gave up and not going back to finish. Not sure where the 4 star rating on Amazon came from.
Shameless (Nashville Nights #1) by Cheryl Douglas received 3 stars. This was a romance that while dealing with some heavy topics - lose of a child, alcoholism and divorce - managed to be an easy read with a happy ending. I enjoyed the book, but not sure if I enjoyed it enough to search out the rest of the series. I did receive it for free for my Kindle and at the time I am writing this it is still free, although the list price is only $0.99 so it's a bargain no matter what.
My next four books this week were by Joanne Fluke and from the Hannah Swenson Series. I read books 13, 14 and 15 and gave all of them 3 stars. The books were Apple Turnover Murder, Devils' Food Cake Murder, and Cinnamon Roll Murder. I find these books to be fun and easy reads and look forward to the next one. I enjoy the recipes as much as the stories.
Hopefully my technical difficulties are over and my update next Saturday will be on time. Until then Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
March 9, 2013
It's been a busy week on the reading front. A few were short stories masquerading as books.
The Pink Rose: Secrets, Love and Betrayal by Alicia Roberts was a Valentine's Day pick that I gave 3 stars too. This was a short story, not a book. It could have been better longer with more developed characters, but I rated it as a short story instead of as a book. The same cliche - boos asks unnoticed employee out, falls in love and settles happy ever after. Needed more character development. Nice easy reading short story, but fell flat as a book.
Valentine Special Delivery by Sharon Kleve received 3 stars. This was another holdover from my Valentine's Day offerings. This was another one that was more like a short story than a book. The premise was good, but I believe the story would have been awesome if it wasn't so short. It felt rushed in places and did not have enough character development. Since it took place over a few months, a longer story would have been justified.
Horses and Heroin by Bev Petterson received 4 stars. I really enjoyed this romance mystery. The books takes place in a school for jockeys, exercise riders and groomers. This was a look into the horsing industry that I know nothing about (a real shame since I grew up less than 30 minutes from Pimloco, home to the second leg of the Triple Crown and in the middle of Baltimore County's horse country). Through in a drug cartel and smuggling and this makes an interesting read. The characters were well developed and the story developed in a believable manner. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any mystery or romance lover.
On Ice by J.D. Faver received 4 stars. It is about a women who takes her kids and runs from her abusive husband. Aided by her sister,Rene arrives in Alaska to start her new life. The story switches from her new life in Alaska to her sister, Maddie - who is now being threatened by the abusive husband she helped her sister escape. Rene is a school teacher in a small Alaska town where she builds a new life for her children and herself. The story is well written, the characters well developed.
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd received 4 stars. A nice story of about a young adult trying to find her way in like - job, apartment, man, religion. I did not realize this was an inspirational book when I got it. It was a focus of the story as Lexie is trying to find her way, professionally, personally and spiritually. The characters were well developed and well written. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
That's the summary for the week. Please comment if you agree or disagree with me - I want to hear from those of you reading.
Happy Reading! See you next week!
The Pink Rose: Secrets, Love and Betrayal by Alicia Roberts was a Valentine's Day pick that I gave 3 stars too. This was a short story, not a book. It could have been better longer with more developed characters, but I rated it as a short story instead of as a book. The same cliche - boos asks unnoticed employee out, falls in love and settles happy ever after. Needed more character development. Nice easy reading short story, but fell flat as a book.
Valentine Special Delivery by Sharon Kleve received 3 stars. This was another holdover from my Valentine's Day offerings. This was another one that was more like a short story than a book. The premise was good, but I believe the story would have been awesome if it wasn't so short. It felt rushed in places and did not have enough character development. Since it took place over a few months, a longer story would have been justified.
Horses and Heroin by Bev Petterson received 4 stars. I really enjoyed this romance mystery. The books takes place in a school for jockeys, exercise riders and groomers. This was a look into the horsing industry that I know nothing about (a real shame since I grew up less than 30 minutes from Pimloco, home to the second leg of the Triple Crown and in the middle of Baltimore County's horse country). Through in a drug cartel and smuggling and this makes an interesting read. The characters were well developed and the story developed in a believable manner. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any mystery or romance lover.
On Ice by J.D. Faver received 4 stars. It is about a women who takes her kids and runs from her abusive husband. Aided by her sister,Rene arrives in Alaska to start her new life. The story switches from her new life in Alaska to her sister, Maddie - who is now being threatened by the abusive husband she helped her sister escape. Rene is a school teacher in a small Alaska town where she builds a new life for her children and herself. The story is well written, the characters well developed.
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd received 4 stars. A nice story of about a young adult trying to find her way in like - job, apartment, man, religion. I did not realize this was an inspirational book when I got it. It was a focus of the story as Lexie is trying to find her way, professionally, personally and spiritually. The characters were well developed and well written. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.
That's the summary for the week. Please comment if you agree or disagree with me - I want to hear from those of you reading.
Happy Reading! See you next week!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
March 2, 2013
Sorry I'm a day late. My daughter had a dance competition this weekend (and yes, I read while in the audience at the competition - I'm not the only parent around reading). When we got home she then had to finish her some schoolwork, using the only intenet connection we have.
Trying to finish some more of those romance novels...
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte received 4 stars. This was a romance mystery. The mystery part of it was well developed and kept me guessing. I kept changing my mind about who did it - and it wasn't until right before the murderer was revealed that I figured it out. And the romance side of it - very well written. The characters were well developed with believable backgrounds, fears and dreams. I look forward to reading more from this series.
The second book I finished this week was Land of My Heart (Heirs of Montana #1) by Tracie Petterson and gave it 3 stars. I enjoyed this book of the struggle to go west. Set during the end of the Civil War, this story traces one family's journey into the West after the father is accidently killed. Death, heartache, love and hope this book. It could be classified as inspirational romance as well as historical romance. At times, the religious part was a little heavy for my tastes. Over all, I would recommend the book and look forward to the rest of the series.
The final book I read this week was A Valentine Surprise by Lisa Paige. I received it as a free download on my Kindle. It was a short and easy read. I think this was more like a short story than a book. I recomend if you are looking for a quick read. Nice characters, sweet ending. 3 Stars!
Until next week - Happy Reading.
Trying to finish some more of those romance novels...
Deadly Valentine by Jenna Harte received 4 stars. This was a romance mystery. The mystery part of it was well developed and kept me guessing. I kept changing my mind about who did it - and it wasn't until right before the murderer was revealed that I figured it out. And the romance side of it - very well written. The characters were well developed with believable backgrounds, fears and dreams. I look forward to reading more from this series.
The second book I finished this week was Land of My Heart (Heirs of Montana #1) by Tracie Petterson and gave it 3 stars. I enjoyed this book of the struggle to go west. Set during the end of the Civil War, this story traces one family's journey into the West after the father is accidently killed. Death, heartache, love and hope this book. It could be classified as inspirational romance as well as historical romance. At times, the religious part was a little heavy for my tastes. Over all, I would recommend the book and look forward to the rest of the series.
The final book I read this week was A Valentine Surprise by Lisa Paige. I received it as a free download on my Kindle. It was a short and easy read. I think this was more like a short story than a book. I recomend if you are looking for a quick read. Nice characters, sweet ending. 3 Stars!
Until next week - Happy Reading.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
February 23, 2013 - a slow week
It's been a slow reading week this week. Been busy running this week - daughter's band concert, work, extra after school pick-ups instead of riding the bus. Not much reading done, but definitely enjoyed the book I read.
It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of Marriage #1) was a limited time free download on my Kindle. (Sorry, it's not free anymore.) I enjoyed this romance/inspirational book very much. The rest of the series made my to read list. The characters were well thought out and well developed. The book showed a realistic struggle between empty nesters as they struggled to define their life and marriage after the kids have gone away. The supporting cast of characters were as well developed as the main. The side plots of the rest of the town was as interesting as the main plot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, and hope it touches on some of the other characters in this charming town as their stories are not finished yet.
Happy Reading!
See you next week!
It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of Marriage #1) was a limited time free download on my Kindle. (Sorry, it's not free anymore.) I enjoyed this romance/inspirational book very much. The rest of the series made my to read list. The characters were well thought out and well developed. The book showed a realistic struggle between empty nesters as they struggled to define their life and marriage after the kids have gone away. The supporting cast of characters were as well developed as the main. The side plots of the rest of the town was as interesting as the main plot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series, and hope it touches on some of the other characters in this charming town as their stories are not finished yet.
Happy Reading!
See you next week!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
February 16, 2013 the week of romance...or not
I had every intention of loosing myself in a ton of romance books this week - I got a stack sitting here and a bunch downloaded to my Kindle, but got derailed by sickness (flu maybe?) I did get some reading in before I got sick.
I finished The Way They Were by Mary Campisi early in the week. I give it 3 stars. It started out with a lot of potential. I totally enjoyed the premise of the book and the start. Part way through it became too predictable - and unreasonable. There was so many different ways the story could have been better, so may ways the characters could have been developed better. It was an average book.
Beyond the Storm (Quilts of Love #1) by Carolyn Zane was the winner of the week I gave it 4 starts - because it made me cry too much. A tornado rips through town, a baby born in the aftermath, death, rebuilding and moving on. This one has a little bit of everything life can throw at you. And while some of the story was predictable and you could see it coming, the writing was excellent and made you feel what the characters were going through. I recommend this one to almost anyone - romance, general, christian - it has something for everyone.
The last book I finished this week was Virtually Mine: a Love Story by Susan Rohrer and rated it 3 stars. It was an OK book. While it was well written, the plot line was generic and predictable. Characters needed to be fleshed out some more, but an OK romance for a quick light read.
I am going to work on that stack of romance books sitting here now. A week of romance just past Valentine's Day.
Happy Reading! See you next week!
I finished The Way They Were by Mary Campisi early in the week. I give it 3 stars. It started out with a lot of potential. I totally enjoyed the premise of the book and the start. Part way through it became too predictable - and unreasonable. There was so many different ways the story could have been better, so may ways the characters could have been developed better. It was an average book.
Beyond the Storm (Quilts of Love #1) by Carolyn Zane was the winner of the week I gave it 4 starts - because it made me cry too much. A tornado rips through town, a baby born in the aftermath, death, rebuilding and moving on. This one has a little bit of everything life can throw at you. And while some of the story was predictable and you could see it coming, the writing was excellent and made you feel what the characters were going through. I recommend this one to almost anyone - romance, general, christian - it has something for everyone.
The last book I finished this week was Virtually Mine: a Love Story by Susan Rohrer and rated it 3 stars. It was an OK book. While it was well written, the plot line was generic and predictable. Characters needed to be fleshed out some more, but an OK romance for a quick light read.
I am going to work on that stack of romance books sitting here now. A week of romance just past Valentine's Day.
Happy Reading! See you next week!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
February 9, 2013
This was a typical reading week - three books completed. None of them really stood out as outstanding. Average books, nothing amazed me.
The first book this week was Get Some by Daniel Birch is supposed to be a gangster revenge thriller. The book had lots of potential, but was hard to read. Switching perspectives and point of view changes caused the book to be hard to read. A great story underneath, but writing style makes it hard to read. Only gave it 2 stars.
The second book this week was The Homework Trap by Kenneth Goldberg. I gave the book 4 stars. It was available as a free download for my Kindle, so I thought I would see what the book had to say as it was written by a psychologist not associated with a school. He told about his troubles with his youngest and how the school system and traditional solutions do not always work. I wish this book had been around when my daughter was in elementary school - I think his ideas would have definitely helped a bad situation. I would definitely recommend this to any parent who has kids struggling with homework and to ALL school teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. I would have paid money for this when my daughter was younger!
The last book I read this week was The Breakup by Brenda Grate and gave it 3 stars. This was a chick-lit romance. It was OK - started strong, but ended fast, almost like the author had to rush to meet deadline. A good story, but had so much more potential than it what it was. I was hoping for a good romance to get ready for Valentine's Day, but not quite what I was looking for. An average book.
Like I said, average week. Here's hoping for a better week next week.
Happy reading!
The first book this week was Get Some by Daniel Birch is supposed to be a gangster revenge thriller. The book had lots of potential, but was hard to read. Switching perspectives and point of view changes caused the book to be hard to read. A great story underneath, but writing style makes it hard to read. Only gave it 2 stars.
The second book this week was The Homework Trap by Kenneth Goldberg. I gave the book 4 stars. It was available as a free download for my Kindle, so I thought I would see what the book had to say as it was written by a psychologist not associated with a school. He told about his troubles with his youngest and how the school system and traditional solutions do not always work. I wish this book had been around when my daughter was in elementary school - I think his ideas would have definitely helped a bad situation. I would definitely recommend this to any parent who has kids struggling with homework and to ALL school teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. I would have paid money for this when my daughter was younger!
The last book I read this week was The Breakup by Brenda Grate and gave it 3 stars. This was a chick-lit romance. It was OK - started strong, but ended fast, almost like the author had to rush to meet deadline. A good story, but had so much more potential than it what it was. I was hoping for a good romance to get ready for Valentine's Day, but not quite what I was looking for. An average book.
Like I said, average week. Here's hoping for a better week next week.
Happy reading!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
January 2013 - Sorry I've been away.
I've been absent from the web lately. 2012 was not a good reading year for me - only completed 67 books all year instead of the 140-145 I usually average. 2013 is starting to look up as I have already read 21 books this year. (Although I do not think I will be able to keep this pace up all year.) My goal is 125 books for the year. I will rate all books this year on a scale of 1 - 5 stars.
I just finished To Love Anew (Sydney Cove #1) by Bonnie Leon. I gave the book 3 stars, meaning I liked it, bit wasn't wowed by it. It is classified as historical christian romance. The writing was OK - it flowed well, but it did seem something was missing throughout the book - not sure what.
Before that I finished Almost Kings by Max Doty and would give it 4 starts. This young adult coming of age story about a high school freshman and the big brother he idolizes. Very well-written - there was one point in the epilogue that blind-sided me and brought me to tears as it was happening, despite being in a busy food court on my lunch break. Recommend this one!
I also read The Husband List by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly, a historical romance and gave it 4 stars. This is not your typical Janet Evanovich book, so fans of Stephanie Plum should be forewarned. A great light easy read!
A fun and easy book called Dear Cupid by Julie Ortolon was given 4 stars. This was a fun and easy light read. Recommend this one for every romance fan!
Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker was also given 4 stars. It was a fun romance. I look forward to finding the rest in the Emma Rae Creations series as this was the first I've read, despite being number 3 in the series
Target: Santa (A Holiday Black Ops Campaign) by Robert A Hoyt received 3 stars, although I really enjoyed this free Kindle book. I laughed while I read this wonderful short parody - and made sure my daughter downloaded it as well. Well written action adventure against a Santa set to rule the world.
Other books I've finished in January and their ratings:
Jacob's Daughter by Samantha Jillian Bayarr 4 stars
A Negotiated Marriage by Noelle Adams 4 stars
Irreparable Harm (Sasha McCandless Legal Thriller #1) by Melissa F Miller 4 stars
The Calling of Emily Evans (Women of the West #1) by Janette Oke 3 stars
Worth the Weight (The Worth # 1) by Mara Jacobs 4 stars
Stealing the Dragon by Tim Maleeny 4 stars
Rapid Recipes for Writers and Other Busy People by Marsha Ward 2 stars (glad it was a free Kindle download!)
Cooking the Books by Bonnie S Callhoun 2 stars
Sweet Masterpieces ( A Samantha Sweet Mysteries #1) by Connie Shelton 3 stars
Summer at Willow Lake (Lakeshore Chronicles #1) by Susan Wiggs 4 stars
Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classical Seasonal Novellas and A Dead Guy in a Pear Tree/Seduced by the Season/Evidence of Desire/Season of Wonder 4 stars
A Christmas to Die For (The Three Sisters Inn #2) by Marta Perry 4 stars
The Knife's Edge by Stephanie Draven 2 stars
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich 3 stars
A Killer Among Us (Women of Justice # 3) by Lynette Eason 4 stars
That sums up my January from the reading front - some mysteries, some thrillers, some young adults, some inspirational/christian, some historical and lots of romance - getting ready for Valentine's Day a little early.
See you next week!
I just finished To Love Anew (Sydney Cove #1) by Bonnie Leon. I gave the book 3 stars, meaning I liked it, bit wasn't wowed by it. It is classified as historical christian romance. The writing was OK - it flowed well, but it did seem something was missing throughout the book - not sure what.
Before that I finished Almost Kings by Max Doty and would give it 4 starts. This young adult coming of age story about a high school freshman and the big brother he idolizes. Very well-written - there was one point in the epilogue that blind-sided me and brought me to tears as it was happening, despite being in a busy food court on my lunch break. Recommend this one!
I also read The Husband List by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly, a historical romance and gave it 4 stars. This is not your typical Janet Evanovich book, so fans of Stephanie Plum should be forewarned. A great light easy read!
A fun and easy book called Dear Cupid by Julie Ortolon was given 4 stars. This was a fun and easy light read. Recommend this one for every romance fan!
Always the Designer, Never the Bride by Sandra Bricker was also given 4 stars. It was a fun romance. I look forward to finding the rest in the Emma Rae Creations series as this was the first I've read, despite being number 3 in the series
Target: Santa (A Holiday Black Ops Campaign) by Robert A Hoyt received 3 stars, although I really enjoyed this free Kindle book. I laughed while I read this wonderful short parody - and made sure my daughter downloaded it as well. Well written action adventure against a Santa set to rule the world.
Other books I've finished in January and their ratings:
Jacob's Daughter by Samantha Jillian Bayarr 4 stars
A Negotiated Marriage by Noelle Adams 4 stars
Irreparable Harm (Sasha McCandless Legal Thriller #1) by Melissa F Miller 4 stars
The Calling of Emily Evans (Women of the West #1) by Janette Oke 3 stars
Worth the Weight (The Worth # 1) by Mara Jacobs 4 stars
Stealing the Dragon by Tim Maleeny 4 stars
Rapid Recipes for Writers and Other Busy People by Marsha Ward 2 stars (glad it was a free Kindle download!)
Cooking the Books by Bonnie S Callhoun 2 stars
Sweet Masterpieces ( A Samantha Sweet Mysteries #1) by Connie Shelton 3 stars
Summer at Willow Lake (Lakeshore Chronicles #1) by Susan Wiggs 4 stars
Harlequin Holiday Collection: Four Classical Seasonal Novellas and A Dead Guy in a Pear Tree/Seduced by the Season/Evidence of Desire/Season of Wonder 4 stars
A Christmas to Die For (The Three Sisters Inn #2) by Marta Perry 4 stars
The Knife's Edge by Stephanie Draven 2 stars
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich 3 stars
A Killer Among Us (Women of Justice # 3) by Lynette Eason 4 stars
That sums up my January from the reading front - some mysteries, some thrillers, some young adults, some inspirational/christian, some historical and lots of romance - getting ready for Valentine's Day a little early.
See you next week!
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