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!