From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris (A Sookie Stackhouse Novel)
What was this book about?
Sookie is back! She has this crazy paranormal talent that allows her to read the minds of humans and werewolves alike (and the occasional vampire). With vampires having been “outed” in the mortal world she and everyone else knows all about them. Sookie can’t seem but stay out of the paranormal world.
Her previous lovers Eric and Bill are vampires that are close with the Queen of Louisianna. Sookie has helped her in the past and all of them want to keep her close. Especially Eric who has a blood bond with Sookie.
She is part of the werewolf world as well. Her boyfriend, a werewolf, has disappeared and she doesn’t know if he is just ignoring her or if something has happened to him. The local pack is having problems where many of them are turning up dead. Oh yeah, and it seems the bad guys are after Sookie as well.
Jason, Sookie’s brother is always a handful. His wife Crystal and himself are pregnant again. But things between those two are never easy.
And she even finds out that her great-grandfather is around. His connection to her help explain her mental talents. But he seems to be more then just a loving grandfather and Sookie can’t exactly figure out what he wants from her.
As these million sub stories are going on - Sookie must figure out her place in each of these worlds while not dieing.
What did you like/dislike about the book?
Sookie is just plain fun and the world she lives in interesting. While I don’t know if I could handle it all the time – the possibility of knowing what the people around you really thought of you could be a talent that comes in quite handy!
While this book seemed to have a million stories in one as opposed to one long story that is all connected it was still a fun read.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: B
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
To Wed A Wicked Prince
To Wed A Wicked Prince by Jane Feather (Book 2 Wicked Trilogy)
What was this book about?
Livia and her two friends Cornelia Dagenhan and Aurelia Farnham move to the city to find more from life then they had before. Cornelia is married to a governmental agent and now it is time for Livia and Auerelia to find love.
Livia is more then just the average debutante, she has a house that was left to her by some mysterious benefactor, and she is not just interested in gifts and men. When she meets mysterious Prince Alex Prokov, she is swept off her feet by his grand romantic gestures and their sexual attraction. She can’t help but agree to be his wife, despite knowing little about him.
While Livia is no schoolgirl, Alex is no average Prince. He has come from Russia in order to put his plans in motion. While Livia can’t help but be interested in all the going on’s at their house, he tries to do his best to keep her in the dark, since she is just a means to an end.
What did you like/dislike about the book?
It is always fun to see a light hearted good character like Livia find her way to a strong man. She doesn’t have to give in to her ideals to find love.
The story of the Russian history was a little harder for me to follow. I don’t know if I had started with book 1 if that would have given me a little more background. While interesting it didn’t grab me as well as some other stories have.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance
Overall: B-
What was this book about?
Livia and her two friends Cornelia Dagenhan and Aurelia Farnham move to the city to find more from life then they had before. Cornelia is married to a governmental agent and now it is time for Livia and Auerelia to find love.
Livia is more then just the average debutante, she has a house that was left to her by some mysterious benefactor, and she is not just interested in gifts and men. When she meets mysterious Prince Alex Prokov, she is swept off her feet by his grand romantic gestures and their sexual attraction. She can’t help but agree to be his wife, despite knowing little about him.
While Livia is no schoolgirl, Alex is no average Prince. He has come from Russia in order to put his plans in motion. While Livia can’t help but be interested in all the going on’s at their house, he tries to do his best to keep her in the dark, since she is just a means to an end.
What did you like/dislike about the book?
It is always fun to see a light hearted good character like Livia find her way to a strong man. She doesn’t have to give in to her ideals to find love.
The story of the Russian history was a little harder for me to follow. I don’t know if I had started with book 1 if that would have given me a little more background. While interesting it didn’t grab me as well as some other stories have.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance
Overall: B-
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Guilty
Guilty by Karen Robards
What was this book about?
Kate White has a past – she was one of several teenagers involved in a convenience store hold-up. To make matters worse an off-duty cop on the scene is shot and killed. Kate is forced to run and become a “new” person. She becomes a mother, a lawyer, and a prosecutor. Things are finally starting to work out for her.
Then things blow up in one of her court cases and she is blackmailed by one of the other people involved in the holdup. He is willing to make things up and tell everyone she killed the policeman if she doesn’t do as he asks. Cop, Tom Braga doesn’t believe her made-up stories of how things went down and investigates her. Their attraction cannot be denied.
Unfortunately the bad people who have found Kate will do anything to get her to do what they need her to do. Whether that involves her, Tom, or her son Ben.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The relationship between Ben and Tom is great. Tom can’t help but want to be a friend to the kid and it has nothing to do with his interest in the mom or the case.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I thought I would have a hard time getting past her committing a horrible crime such as was committed. Thankfully the way the story was told – it wasn’t hard to get past it and just think that she was a mom trying to do her best for her kid. (Though I probably would have fessed up to Tom before she did and that was a little frustrating.)
What genre would you consider this?
Contemporary Romance
Overall: B-, generally good but not on the top of my list.
What was this book about?
Kate White has a past – she was one of several teenagers involved in a convenience store hold-up. To make matters worse an off-duty cop on the scene is shot and killed. Kate is forced to run and become a “new” person. She becomes a mother, a lawyer, and a prosecutor. Things are finally starting to work out for her.
Then things blow up in one of her court cases and she is blackmailed by one of the other people involved in the holdup. He is willing to make things up and tell everyone she killed the policeman if she doesn’t do as he asks. Cop, Tom Braga doesn’t believe her made-up stories of how things went down and investigates her. Their attraction cannot be denied.
Unfortunately the bad people who have found Kate will do anything to get her to do what they need her to do. Whether that involves her, Tom, or her son Ben.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The relationship between Ben and Tom is great. Tom can’t help but want to be a friend to the kid and it has nothing to do with his interest in the mom or the case.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I thought I would have a hard time getting past her committing a horrible crime such as was committed. Thankfully the way the story was told – it wasn’t hard to get past it and just think that she was a mom trying to do her best for her kid. (Though I probably would have fessed up to Tom before she did and that was a little frustrating.)
What genre would you consider this?
Contemporary Romance
Overall: B-, generally good but not on the top of my list.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Heart of the Wolf
Heart of the Wolf by Terry Spear
What was this book about?
Bella is a red werewolf, one of only a few. And many other lupus want her to be their mate. She has spent her life being pursued by Volan, but he is evil and not what she wants at all.
Instead she wants her childhood friend Devlyn to be her mate. They are thrown together by her capture by a zoo. She becomes involved in figuring out who has been killing some human women.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The end – the fight, the babies just the end.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
It was slow and just not something I was excited about.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: C-
What was this book about?
Bella is a red werewolf, one of only a few. And many other lupus want her to be their mate. She has spent her life being pursued by Volan, but he is evil and not what she wants at all.
Instead she wants her childhood friend Devlyn to be her mate. They are thrown together by her capture by a zoo. She becomes involved in figuring out who has been killing some human women.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The end – the fight, the babies just the end.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
It was slow and just not something I was excited about.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: C-
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Between the Sheets
Between the Sheets by Robin Wells
What was this book about?
Emma Jamison definitely knows about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She becomes famous when a vice presidential candidate has a deadly heart attack while in the middle of a sexual act. She happens to be the presses idea of who has done it.
It is hard for Emma to survive the fact that everyone believes it is her (even though it isn’t). Then she meets Max Duval when she returns to her small town to get out of the spotlight. Max is everything she could want in a guy- except he is running for public office. Being seen with her will not help his chances.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really enjoyed Max and Emma’s interaction with their grandparents. Their grandparents seem like fun people and it is always nice to know that you can fall in love at any age, no matter what seems to be holding you apart.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Nothing
What genre would you consider this?
Contemporary Romance
Overall: B+
What was this book about?
Emma Jamison definitely knows about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She becomes famous when a vice presidential candidate has a deadly heart attack while in the middle of a sexual act. She happens to be the presses idea of who has done it.
It is hard for Emma to survive the fact that everyone believes it is her (even though it isn’t). Then she meets Max Duval when she returns to her small town to get out of the spotlight. Max is everything she could want in a guy- except he is running for public office. Being seen with her will not help his chances.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really enjoyed Max and Emma’s interaction with their grandparents. Their grandparents seem like fun people and it is always nice to know that you can fall in love at any age, no matter what seems to be holding you apart.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Nothing
What genre would you consider this?
Contemporary Romance
Overall: B+
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Embrace the Night
Embrace the Night by Karen Chance (Cassie Palmer Series)
What was this book about?
Cassandra Palmer is still the Pythia. She has many people who don’t think she belongs in power and others who would just enjoy killing her. As if that isn’t enough to worry about she also has a spell binding her to master vampire Mircea. She must find the Codex Merlini before the spell permanently binds her to him. This spell leaves one in control of the other and neither of them really want to be the slave of the other’s.
Cassie, vampires, fairies, Billy – her ghost familiar and others do their best to stay alive and find this book before everything comes to a traumatic end.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Cassie comes across some kids who have very special powers. They are fun and you know you need to watch out for them because they have an interesting future.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
You would be completely lost with what was going on if you hadn’t read all the books before. Even I who have, though over a period of time sometimes has to think a little too hard to remember who someone was and how they fit in.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: C+
What was this book about?
Cassandra Palmer is still the Pythia. She has many people who don’t think she belongs in power and others who would just enjoy killing her. As if that isn’t enough to worry about she also has a spell binding her to master vampire Mircea. She must find the Codex Merlini before the spell permanently binds her to him. This spell leaves one in control of the other and neither of them really want to be the slave of the other’s.
Cassie, vampires, fairies, Billy – her ghost familiar and others do their best to stay alive and find this book before everything comes to a traumatic end.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Cassie comes across some kids who have very special powers. They are fun and you know you need to watch out for them because they have an interesting future.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
You would be completely lost with what was going on if you hadn’t read all the books before. Even I who have, though over a period of time sometimes has to think a little too hard to remember who someone was and how they fit in.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: C+
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Secrets
Secrets by Jude Deveraux
What was this book about?
Cassie Madden fell in love with Jeff when she was just a girl. When the opportunity arrives for her to reenter his life by being his daughters nanny – she jumps on the chance. She has everything she wants, a life with Jeff, a wonderful little girl, and she even can’t help but love his father. But when Schuyler enters the picture as his girlfriend she knows her time with them is going to be limited.
What Cassie doesn’t know is that Jeff is full of secrets – he (and his family) are not what they seem to be. Neighbor and film start Althea Fairmont knows more about all of them then she lets on and when Cassie starts a friendship with her she begins to crack open the case of Jeff’s family.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Cassie is really sweet and I like her as a character. She is generally a good person who starts to learn more about what is behinds peoples facades. It isn’t always what you think is going on.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
It all seemed a bit disjointed to me. Jumping around from family life and Althea, to the secret job that Jeff has to some mystery that Althea wants solved. It just didn’t flow well to me. I usually love Jude Deveraux’s books – but this one left me a little cold. I would still keep reading them – but probably wouldn’t recommend people go out and get this one.
What genre would you consider this?
Romance
Overall: C
What was this book about?
Cassie Madden fell in love with Jeff when she was just a girl. When the opportunity arrives for her to reenter his life by being his daughters nanny – she jumps on the chance. She has everything she wants, a life with Jeff, a wonderful little girl, and she even can’t help but love his father. But when Schuyler enters the picture as his girlfriend she knows her time with them is going to be limited.
What Cassie doesn’t know is that Jeff is full of secrets – he (and his family) are not what they seem to be. Neighbor and film start Althea Fairmont knows more about all of them then she lets on and when Cassie starts a friendship with her she begins to crack open the case of Jeff’s family.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Cassie is really sweet and I like her as a character. She is generally a good person who starts to learn more about what is behinds peoples facades. It isn’t always what you think is going on.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
It all seemed a bit disjointed to me. Jumping around from family life and Althea, to the secret job that Jeff has to some mystery that Althea wants solved. It just didn’t flow well to me. I usually love Jude Deveraux’s books – but this one left me a little cold. I would still keep reading them – but probably wouldn’t recommend people go out and get this one.
What genre would you consider this?
Romance
Overall: C
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Spare Wife
The Spare Wife by Alex Witchel
What was this book about?
Society is all about who you know and less about what is truly going on with the relationships. This book follows several society women as they find out the secrets about what is going on behind closed doors. Of course they can never show it.
Babette, an aspiring journalist, just wants to make her place in this society. She will do anything to get the connections she needs. Ponce, is a society widow, who has made her place by being generous and kind to everyone. She is both the husbands best friend and the wife’s. No one is threatened by her. But if they knew her big secret, that she was having an affair with a married man – they could turn on her. Shawsie has a gorgeous husband, a great job, and her own place in society. But even she knows it isn’t as good as it looks. Her husband is a classic cheater who doesn’t even try to cover it up. All she wants in life is a baby and she can’t seem to even have that.
Can these society women keep their secrets?
What was your favorite part about this book?
It was interesting to have an inner look at how you know society acts.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Generally it was about secrets – but none of the secrets were really secrets to the reader. Figuring out that the world is manipulative and evil wasn’t something I was all that excited about.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: C
What was this book about?
Society is all about who you know and less about what is truly going on with the relationships. This book follows several society women as they find out the secrets about what is going on behind closed doors. Of course they can never show it.
Babette, an aspiring journalist, just wants to make her place in this society. She will do anything to get the connections she needs. Ponce, is a society widow, who has made her place by being generous and kind to everyone. She is both the husbands best friend and the wife’s. No one is threatened by her. But if they knew her big secret, that she was having an affair with a married man – they could turn on her. Shawsie has a gorgeous husband, a great job, and her own place in society. But even she knows it isn’t as good as it looks. Her husband is a classic cheater who doesn’t even try to cover it up. All she wants in life is a baby and she can’t seem to even have that.
Can these society women keep their secrets?
What was your favorite part about this book?
It was interesting to have an inner look at how you know society acts.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Generally it was about secrets – but none of the secrets were really secrets to the reader. Figuring out that the world is manipulative and evil wasn’t something I was all that excited about.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: C
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Desperately Seeking a Duke
Desperately Seeking a Duke by Celeste Bradley (Heiress Brides Book 1)
What was this book about?
Pheobe Millbury is a vicar’s daughter who has made mistakes in her past. She just wants to move forward in her life. Unfortunately, a family will explains that she (or her cousins) must marry a Duke in order to receive the family wealth. If they don’t marry a Duke then they get next to nothing (oh and no one should know that this is the deal). She meets a man she can’t help but fall for almost immediately after being released into society.
Rafe Marbrook is everything she could want in a man – even though she doesn’t know him that well. When she gets a proposal from a Marbrook she assumes (incorrectly) that it is him. Instead it is his brother. Can she decide who she really wants? How does that affect her family? What about her past?
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really enjoyed the family.I want to read the rest of the books and am hoping (and it looks like I could be right) that Rafe’s brother will get his chance. He is no where as bad as Rafe thinks he is – but being the bastard brother could affect your relationship.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
There were things I didn’t like – the solicitors that are out to stop the marriage, the lack of the heroine’s virginity. But in reality they were just personal preferences and were key plot points to the story.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romancce
Overall: B
What was this book about?
Pheobe Millbury is a vicar’s daughter who has made mistakes in her past. She just wants to move forward in her life. Unfortunately, a family will explains that she (or her cousins) must marry a Duke in order to receive the family wealth. If they don’t marry a Duke then they get next to nothing (oh and no one should know that this is the deal). She meets a man she can’t help but fall for almost immediately after being released into society.
Rafe Marbrook is everything she could want in a man – even though she doesn’t know him that well. When she gets a proposal from a Marbrook she assumes (incorrectly) that it is him. Instead it is his brother. Can she decide who she really wants? How does that affect her family? What about her past?
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really enjoyed the family.I want to read the rest of the books and am hoping (and it looks like I could be right) that Rafe’s brother will get his chance. He is no where as bad as Rafe thinks he is – but being the bastard brother could affect your relationship.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
There were things I didn’t like – the solicitors that are out to stop the marriage, the lack of the heroine’s virginity. But in reality they were just personal preferences and were key plot points to the story.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romancce
Overall: B
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Things I Want My Daughters To Know
Things I Want My Daughters To Know by Elizabeth Noble
What was this book about?
When Barbara figures out that cancer is going to take her away from her loving husband and four daughters she knows she needs to figure out a way to tell them how much she loves them. She has been close with them for a long time and can see the mistakes they are making in life. She knows she won’t be here to protect them from the evil that is out there, the disappointments. So instead she finds a way to tell them everything she wished she could tell them in person – through letters.
What was your favorite part about this book?
This is definitely a tear jerker. I think there is someone in this book that almost everyone can relate to – the teenager who loses her mother to early, the traveler who doesn’t think she is ready to settle down in life, the married woman who wishes she could have children but it just doesn’t seem to happen and it is ruining her marriage, and finally the responsible daughter who can’t get over her own abandonment and commitment issues to settle down with the right man.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Nothing
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B+
What was this book about?
When Barbara figures out that cancer is going to take her away from her loving husband and four daughters she knows she needs to figure out a way to tell them how much she loves them. She has been close with them for a long time and can see the mistakes they are making in life. She knows she won’t be here to protect them from the evil that is out there, the disappointments. So instead she finds a way to tell them everything she wished she could tell them in person – through letters.
What was your favorite part about this book?
This is definitely a tear jerker. I think there is someone in this book that almost everyone can relate to – the teenager who loses her mother to early, the traveler who doesn’t think she is ready to settle down in life, the married woman who wishes she could have children but it just doesn’t seem to happen and it is ruining her marriage, and finally the responsible daughter who can’t get over her own abandonment and commitment issues to settle down with the right man.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Nothing
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B+
Monday, May 19, 2008
Thigh High
Thigh High by Christina Dodd
What was this book about?
Jeremiah MacNaught comes to New Orleans in order to investigate Nessa Dahl, one of his bank employees. He is convinced that she is connected to the annual robbery of his banks. The only way to find out for sure is to go undercover as an insuarance investigator and figure things out.
Jeremiah cannot help but be attracted to Nessa. She is everything he wants in a woman. Her easy to like personality only makes her more trusting. When they falls for each other can they both get over the secrets that they have been keeping
What was your favorite part about this book?
New Orleans is such a fun town. It is great to see a part of it and Mardi Gras that I didn’t even think about existing. This was the perfect stage for this book.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Secrets. I would hate to get involved with a man like that and have the kind of secrets that they both had. It is one thing to be interested, but when things move to the next level you figure that you would hope things like your real name would have been gotten past.
What genre would you consider this?
Contemporary romance
Overall: B
Spoilers: The end where you find out that he is one of several brothers of the same man (and that Gabriel is his half-brother and security head). I didn’t see how they all fit in quite yet – they all have their individual stories and no overlap really.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Shoe Addicts Anonymous
Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison
What was this book about?
Several women brought together by a love of shoes form a weekly support group. They all have issues and problems beyond the obvious and rely on each other to help “fix” their lives. There is socialite Helene Zaharis, a politician’s wife, whose husband’s main goal seems to be controlling her while he can do whatever he wants. Lorna Rafferty, has a low-paying job that in no way helps her when her shopping addiction (mainly for high end shoes) gets out of control. Sandra Vanderslice, is an agoraphobic who also can’t help but buy shoes even if she can’t leave her house to show anyone. Finally Jocely Bowen doesn’t really like shoes but she needs an excuse to get out of her hellish nannying job, even if it is just for one night.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I love books where the women bond together to form a tight knit group who can overcome all odds. Not with money or superpowers, but by relying on those who you consider your friends and letting them help you.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I wanted more – I felt it all ended to quickly for me.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B
Spoilers: The ending with the shoe designer helping them form a business all seemed rushed to me. Things started working out for them all and before you know it it is over. I wanted a little payback for all the hard times, a little more good times.
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Best Book to share with your best friends
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Middle Place
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
What was this book about?
Kelly is a happy mother, a doting daughter, and overall has a life many would wish for. She is in that middle place, of being both a caregiver for her kids, as well as being cared for by her wonderful parents. Then news that she wasn’t expecting comes, she has cancer.
She needs to figure out a way to overcome it both physically and emotionally. But when her father, a larger then life man, also gets cancer and she is unable to care for him because of her own health problems she has to figure out what to do.
What was your favorite part about this book?
This is both an emotional and yet enjoyable read. The story of a woman going through this is something that many people can identify with. Then to have her father also get a relapse of cancer hits home as well. You try to do your best as an adult to care for your children and also your parents. It is many times not as easy as you wish it could be. It is a hard adjustment for both yourself and your parents.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Didn’t really have one.
What genre would you consider this?
Autobiography, but in no way a dry autobiography
Overall: B+
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Another book I would love to give my mother-in-law
What was this book about?
Kelly is a happy mother, a doting daughter, and overall has a life many would wish for. She is in that middle place, of being both a caregiver for her kids, as well as being cared for by her wonderful parents. Then news that she wasn’t expecting comes, she has cancer.
She needs to figure out a way to overcome it both physically and emotionally. But when her father, a larger then life man, also gets cancer and she is unable to care for him because of her own health problems she has to figure out what to do.
What was your favorite part about this book?
This is both an emotional and yet enjoyable read. The story of a woman going through this is something that many people can identify with. Then to have her father also get a relapse of cancer hits home as well. You try to do your best as an adult to care for your children and also your parents. It is many times not as easy as you wish it could be. It is a hard adjustment for both yourself and your parents.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Didn’t really have one.
What genre would you consider this?
Autobiography, but in no way a dry autobiography
Overall: B+
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Another book I would love to give my mother-in-law
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Third Angel
The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman
What was this book about?
This book tells the story of four women whose fates are wound together. Madeline Hunter, who can’t help but be attracted to her sisters fiancé. Is she really that sort of person? Frieda Lewis, a simple small town country doctor’s daughter who meets a musician who wants her to be his muse (and his song writer). Is he the man for her? Bryn Evans a woman who was involved with a man that was not good for her, and has now found someone who loves her and will treat her right. Can she let go of the crazy love she had with her first love?
Then there is little girl Lucy Green, whose fate is entwined with all of these women. She sees a tragedy and can’t help but have that affect her in a special way.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The way this book brings together people you couldn’t see together, and then entwines them in ways that sometimes takes years to observe is interesting. It makes you realize life can be like that.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I think my least favorite part was that the people in this book were realistic. It wasn’t that I didn’t like this book or that they were like that, it just takes a while to get passed humans flawed nature to see the person beneath it all.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B+
What was this book about?
This book tells the story of four women whose fates are wound together. Madeline Hunter, who can’t help but be attracted to her sisters fiancé. Is she really that sort of person? Frieda Lewis, a simple small town country doctor’s daughter who meets a musician who wants her to be his muse (and his song writer). Is he the man for her? Bryn Evans a woman who was involved with a man that was not good for her, and has now found someone who loves her and will treat her right. Can she let go of the crazy love she had with her first love?
Then there is little girl Lucy Green, whose fate is entwined with all of these women. She sees a tragedy and can’t help but have that affect her in a special way.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The way this book brings together people you couldn’t see together, and then entwines them in ways that sometimes takes years to observe is interesting. It makes you realize life can be like that.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I think my least favorite part was that the people in this book were realistic. It wasn’t that I didn’t like this book or that they were like that, it just takes a while to get passed humans flawed nature to see the person beneath it all.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B+
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
City of Bones
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal
Instruments Book 1)
What was this book about?
Clary Fray has led a normal teen life. She spends time with her best friend Simon. Until one night when she starts to see things that she shouldn’t – someone is murdered. But that someone is a demon. When she returns home her mother is acting oddly and wants to leave the city. When Clary leaves in a fit of anger, she returns only to find her mother missing and the life she thought she led a lie.
Clary is special, and the young man she met the night of the murder – Jace is also special. They need to work together to get her mother back and save the world. Jace is part of a special demon fighting supergroup – the Shadowhunters – so if anyone can do it he can.
What was your favorite part about this book?
It is an interesting story - demon hunters that draw ruins on themselves that give them super powers.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
The beginning was a little slow. I was wondering when I was going to find out more about everything and eventually I did realize what the world was that Clary lived in. It just took longer then I wanted.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: B, I am looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
Instruments Book 1)
What was this book about?
Clary Fray has led a normal teen life. She spends time with her best friend Simon. Until one night when she starts to see things that she shouldn’t – someone is murdered. But that someone is a demon. When she returns home her mother is acting oddly and wants to leave the city. When Clary leaves in a fit of anger, she returns only to find her mother missing and the life she thought she led a lie.
Clary is special, and the young man she met the night of the murder – Jace is also special. They need to work together to get her mother back and save the world. Jace is part of a special demon fighting supergroup – the Shadowhunters – so if anyone can do it he can.
What was your favorite part about this book?
It is an interesting story - demon hunters that draw ruins on themselves that give them super powers.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
The beginning was a little slow. I was wondering when I was going to find out more about everything and eventually I did realize what the world was that Clary lived in. It just took longer then I wanted.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: B, I am looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Her Last Death
Her Last Death by Susanna Sonnenberg
What was this book about?
This is a true story about Susanna Sonnenberg told from her point of view. After growing up with a mother that didn’t act at all motherly, she gets a call from her family – her mother has been in an accident and they do not expect her to live. Expectations from her family expect Susanna to immediately drop everything and go to her mother’s side. Only she doesn’t. Instead you find out what drove her to this painful decision.
A life filled with things that children shouldn’t have to go through. A mother that is highly sexed and is convinced that her children are too. A mother who is dependent on drugs and create an atmosphere where her oldest child is afraid that she should take her to the hospital. A mother who you can not trust because most of her life is a lie, and after a time she and all around her begin to believe that the lie is reality.
What was your favorite part about this book?
This book makes me very glad for the mother that I had. The life that I had. It takes a strong women to reject what she grew up in and become a caring mother who doesn’t repeat her own mother’s mistakes.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Sometimes it was hard to read the pain that was went through. You wish no one had to do that.
What genre would you consider this?
Memoir
Overall: B
Monday, May 12, 2008
Spells and Sleeping Bags
Spells and Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski
What was this book about?
Rachel is back and this time she has powers too. After the last year, watching her sister develop her powers, and her mother go back to using her powers Rachel felt a bit left out (not that she didn’t let magic get in the way of her life).
Now her powers have come to fruition just in time for her to go to summer camp with her sister Miri. She is convinced this summer will be spectacular. Her big crush Raf is even going to be there. Unfortunately for Rachel she doesn’t have her powers quite under control, which leads to all sorts of mistakes. And even when she is getting control strange things seem to be happening to her.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I am really glad that Rachel now has her own powers and doesn’t have to pray on her sister.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
None
What genre would you consider this?
Teen Fiction
Overall: B
What was this book about?
Rachel is back and this time she has powers too. After the last year, watching her sister develop her powers, and her mother go back to using her powers Rachel felt a bit left out (not that she didn’t let magic get in the way of her life).
Now her powers have come to fruition just in time for her to go to summer camp with her sister Miri. She is convinced this summer will be spectacular. Her big crush Raf is even going to be there. Unfortunately for Rachel she doesn’t have her powers quite under control, which leads to all sorts of mistakes. And even when she is getting control strange things seem to be happening to her.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I am really glad that Rachel now has her own powers and doesn’t have to pray on her sister.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
None
What genre would you consider this?
Teen Fiction
Overall: B
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tangled Webs
Tangled Webs by Anne Bishop (A Black Jewels Novel)
What was this book about?
The Blood are a race with rules, powers, and a hierarchy. When Queen Janelle and her witch friend Marian decide to open a “haunted house” to scare those that are not Bloods, and feed on their beliefs of what being Blood means, no one thinks it is a good idea. But because it is their Queen when they get an invitation to visit the house they can’t help but give in.
What they do not realize is that Janelle did not send the invitation. The house is a trap. Surreal and Rainier must escape the house that’s only goal is to kill them and the children they brought in with them. The only problem is every time they use their Craft they eliminate an exit, leaving them with the possibility of being trapped in the house forever.
Their family – Daemon and Janelle, Luciver and Marian must rescue them before they are killed.
What was your favorite part about this book?
The haunted house, Craft, and Jewels are an interesting take on the supernatural world. I want to learn more about it.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Since this was my first Black Jewel novel I felt like I was a little bit behind everything else while reading this. It was good at not going to in depth for the people that had read previous books, and it explained well many of the things that had happened before. It just was spread throughout the book and it took me a bit to get it (and keep everything straight with all the other worlds etc.)
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal
Overall: B, Definitely would keep reading series. Going to try to start at the beginning next time though.
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Book That Reminds Me A Little of the Meredith Gentry Series.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Let Sleeping Rogues Lie
Let Sleeping Rogues Lie by Sabrina Jeffries
What was this book about?
Madeline Prescott takes a job as a teacher at Mrs. Harris’s School for Young Ladies. She must provide for herself and her father, while trying to get him out of a deep depression caused by erroneous charges. Viscount Norcourt, Anthony Dalton, has found himself a title, and a charge in her early teens (his niece). He desperately wants to get her out of the nasty clutches of his aunt and uncle. To do this he needs a school like Mrs. Harris’s to tell the courts about how he has changed his lecherous ways.
Madeline comes up with an interesting proposition for Anthony. He can have a position for his niece in the school, and get the recommendation from Mrs. Harris if he teaches the other girls in the school about unscrupulous gentlemen. How they can see through their ways and prevent disaster by encouraging them. The thing is Anthony wants to practice his wiles on Madeline and she can only do so much to resist.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I very much enjoyed Anthony’s classes. Without knowing that he knew as much as he did about how men and women interacted he showed warmth and intelligence in helping them.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
For most of the book I thought his aunt and uncle had possibly done even worse things to them then they had. Anthony had quite the panic when he thought of them. Thankfully it hadn’t been the case.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance
Overall: B+
What was this book about?
Madeline Prescott takes a job as a teacher at Mrs. Harris’s School for Young Ladies. She must provide for herself and her father, while trying to get him out of a deep depression caused by erroneous charges. Viscount Norcourt, Anthony Dalton, has found himself a title, and a charge in her early teens (his niece). He desperately wants to get her out of the nasty clutches of his aunt and uncle. To do this he needs a school like Mrs. Harris’s to tell the courts about how he has changed his lecherous ways.
Madeline comes up with an interesting proposition for Anthony. He can have a position for his niece in the school, and get the recommendation from Mrs. Harris if he teaches the other girls in the school about unscrupulous gentlemen. How they can see through their ways and prevent disaster by encouraging them. The thing is Anthony wants to practice his wiles on Madeline and she can only do so much to resist.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I very much enjoyed Anthony’s classes. Without knowing that he knew as much as he did about how men and women interacted he showed warmth and intelligence in helping them.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
For most of the book I thought his aunt and uncle had possibly done even worse things to them then they had. Anthony had quite the panic when he thought of them. Thankfully it hadn’t been the case.
What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance
Overall: B+
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Killing Fear
Killing Fear by Allison Brennan
What was this book about?
Former stripper Robin McKenna has lived the last few years knowing that her best friends had been killed by Theodore Glenn. He still is out to torture her, sending her notes from prison. When an unforeseen natural occurrence, allows him to escape from jail everyone knows his target is going to be Robin. She was the person that identified him resulting in his jail time.
Meanwhile, Detective Will Hooper has a history with the case, and with Robin. Last time Theodore was free and killing, Will started a romantic relationship with Robin that fizzled when doubt crept in. Theodore is a classic manipulator that is out to get back at both Robin, Will, and anyone else that had a hand in catching him.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Detective Will Hooper’s partner is Carina Kincaid. The Kincaid family has been featured in previous novels by Allison. You have to enjoy the family dynamic as well as how each of them are a part of what solves this case.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
Theodore is a bad guy, and his thoughts and actions featured heavily in the book. I think this would be an accurate description of what happens when a killer is fixated on a victim.
What genre would you consider this?
Mystery
Overall: B
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
The Perfect Wife
The Perfect Wife by Victoria Alexander
What was this book about?
Widow, Sabrina has spent the last years trying to fit in with the ton. She wants to make sure that her daughter will be accepted into their strict regulations of right and wrong. Hidden under her perfect exterior though is a woman with a history of being strong and doing what she has to do – for her daughter and herself. With her daughters impending nuptials she decides to return to her exciting life and partake of an adventure. What she doesn’t realize is the Earl of Wyldewood, Nicholas has found both her wild streak and her “perfection” attractive and isn’t going to let her go alone. Can they find the Egyptian treasure and love?
What was your favorite part about this book?
I like that Sabrina has spirit (and her daughter works on getting some). Life doesn’t always deal you roses and you have to do things you wouldn’t normally do in order to live. She is willing to do that, stand up for her rights. She has a temper but it isn’t taken to an extreme.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I have found in the past that novels that are re-released from author’s early years (before they are popular) tend to not be as good as their current novels. I have to admit that this isn’t the case here, even though I was biased towards it at first.
What genre would you consider this?
Romance
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Strongest Heroine (Who also is old enough to have a full-grown daughter)
What was this book about?
Widow, Sabrina has spent the last years trying to fit in with the ton. She wants to make sure that her daughter will be accepted into their strict regulations of right and wrong. Hidden under her perfect exterior though is a woman with a history of being strong and doing what she has to do – for her daughter and herself. With her daughters impending nuptials she decides to return to her exciting life and partake of an adventure. What she doesn’t realize is the Earl of Wyldewood, Nicholas has found both her wild streak and her “perfection” attractive and isn’t going to let her go alone. Can they find the Egyptian treasure and love?
What was your favorite part about this book?
I like that Sabrina has spirit (and her daughter works on getting some). Life doesn’t always deal you roses and you have to do things you wouldn’t normally do in order to live. She is willing to do that, stand up for her rights. She has a temper but it isn’t taken to an extreme.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I have found in the past that novels that are re-released from author’s early years (before they are popular) tend to not be as good as their current novels. I have to admit that this isn’t the case here, even though I was biased towards it at first.
What genre would you consider this?
Romance
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: Strongest Heroine (Who also is old enough to have a full-grown daughter)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Personal Demon
Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong (Book of the Otherworld)
What was this book about?
Half-demon Hope Adams is called upon by the head of the powerful Cortez Cabal. She owes him a favor. She must infiltrate a gang in the area to find out exactly what is going on and why they are trying to cause trouble with the Cortez’s. Meanwhile Hope must rely on her friends Lucas (whose father is the head of the Cortez Cabal) and witch Paige to help her get out of the sticky situations. Former lover, Karl reappears and brings back the extreme feelings that Hope has had for him. She loves chaos (as she is a chaos demon) and has to figure things out in this situation before things get out of control.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really like Lucas and Paige and wish there was more of them in this book. It was nice to see how Hope fits in to the whole thing by having her own book. Before I liked her, but now I have an even greater affinity for how things work in her world.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
At times I felt things were a little slow and not exactly what I was hoping for. The fact that she has feelings for Jaz at the same time as Karl is understandable but for a love as deep as hers it isn’t ideal. Then again it is likely in real life (which I hadn’t really thought about when reading it) and not everything is all rosy and perfect – which makes it more of a realistic view of how people would respond to a situation. Have feelings, be hurt, learn to move on, sometimes go back to the person who hurt you in the first place.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal – not really all that romance based though.
Overall: B
What was this book about?
Half-demon Hope Adams is called upon by the head of the powerful Cortez Cabal. She owes him a favor. She must infiltrate a gang in the area to find out exactly what is going on and why they are trying to cause trouble with the Cortez’s. Meanwhile Hope must rely on her friends Lucas (whose father is the head of the Cortez Cabal) and witch Paige to help her get out of the sticky situations. Former lover, Karl reappears and brings back the extreme feelings that Hope has had for him. She loves chaos (as she is a chaos demon) and has to figure things out in this situation before things get out of control.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I really like Lucas and Paige and wish there was more of them in this book. It was nice to see how Hope fits in to the whole thing by having her own book. Before I liked her, but now I have an even greater affinity for how things work in her world.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
At times I felt things were a little slow and not exactly what I was hoping for. The fact that she has feelings for Jaz at the same time as Karl is understandable but for a love as deep as hers it isn’t ideal. Then again it is likely in real life (which I hadn’t really thought about when reading it) and not everything is all rosy and perfect – which makes it more of a realistic view of how people would respond to a situation. Have feelings, be hurt, learn to move on, sometimes go back to the person who hurt you in the first place.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal – not really all that romance based though.
Overall: B
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Carpool Diem
Carpool Diem by Nancy Star
What was this book about?
Executive and mother Annie Fleming is a powerhouse in the corporate world while her family life is falling apart. When an unexpected event happens she is able to return to her home life and instead direct her energies toward that. She finds out things were not as she expected them to be – because she wasn’t able to concentrate on her life at home she missed a lot.
Here 12 year old daughter, Charlotte, has an interest in soccer. Annie will do her best to make sure Charlotte gets on the best soccer team. Even if it means forsaking other parents, and finding out what it takes to be on the best team isn’t always what she wanted.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I enjoyed the look at the mother who tries to do everything and ends up only being able to do some things halfway because of it. She figures out what is important in life when given a situation that most people would be down about. This book in no way minimalize mothers that work any more then those that stay at home. It just talks (in a fun way) about how that affects the family dynamic.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I wasn’t big on the soccer memos or the focus of that part of the book – because I found the family dynamic so much more interesting.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B
What was this book about?
Executive and mother Annie Fleming is a powerhouse in the corporate world while her family life is falling apart. When an unexpected event happens she is able to return to her home life and instead direct her energies toward that. She finds out things were not as she expected them to be – because she wasn’t able to concentrate on her life at home she missed a lot.
Here 12 year old daughter, Charlotte, has an interest in soccer. Annie will do her best to make sure Charlotte gets on the best soccer team. Even if it means forsaking other parents, and finding out what it takes to be on the best team isn’t always what she wanted.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I enjoyed the look at the mother who tries to do everything and ends up only being able to do some things halfway because of it. She figures out what is important in life when given a situation that most people would be down about. This book in no way minimalize mothers that work any more then those that stay at home. It just talks (in a fun way) about how that affects the family dynamic.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I wasn’t big on the soccer memos or the focus of that part of the book – because I found the family dynamic so much more interesting.
What genre would you consider this?
Fiction
Overall: B
Friday, May 2, 2008
One Bite Stand
One Bite Stand by Nina Bangs
What was this book about?
Cosmic troublemakers Ganymede and Sparkle Stardust are at it again. They are helping out Thrain and his wife by hiring harpie Daria to run the Woo Woo Inn at night. She is troubled by the traditional definition of harpy and how she fits into that world. She isn’t the traditional ugly, hate-filled, want to drag everyone down to Tartarus kinda harpy. Instead being part daughter of Apollo she wants to help people. Meanwhile, vampire Declan MacKenzie is sent to the Inn to investigate the murder of several council members. They cannot deny their attraction.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Honestly I have never read a book about a harpy before and this one was interesting. You could enjoy her even though she was ugly because she just wanted to fit in.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I felt the whole Ganymede has been bad so now he is going to be punished part of the book was a little off topic. (Spoiler) We all knew how that was going to work out.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: B
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: First Harpy Love Story
What was this book about?
Cosmic troublemakers Ganymede and Sparkle Stardust are at it again. They are helping out Thrain and his wife by hiring harpie Daria to run the Woo Woo Inn at night. She is troubled by the traditional definition of harpy and how she fits into that world. She isn’t the traditional ugly, hate-filled, want to drag everyone down to Tartarus kinda harpy. Instead being part daughter of Apollo she wants to help people. Meanwhile, vampire Declan MacKenzie is sent to the Inn to investigate the murder of several council members. They cannot deny their attraction.
What was your favorite part about this book?
Honestly I have never read a book about a harpy before and this one was interesting. You could enjoy her even though she was ugly because she just wanted to fit in.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
I felt the whole Ganymede has been bad so now he is going to be punished part of the book was a little off topic. (Spoiler) We all knew how that was going to work out.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: B
If I was to nominate this book for an award it would be: First Harpy Love Story
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The Undead Next Door
The Undead Next Door by Kerrelyn Sparks
What was this book about?
Small town girl Heather Westfield always wanted to leave her small town and be part of the fashion industry. Instead she marries, and has a daughter. When a famous designer comes to her town to open a store, she has to attend the opening. She meets the designer Jean-Luc, who is more then she ever imagined. He is attacked and she must save him – not knowing that this action will put her life in danger. He is attracted to her, but even more than that he needs to protect her from his enemies, but can he protect her from his secrets.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I love all the characters in these books – from the baby Constantine. To Ian who wants to look older then the 15 years old that he was when he died and was turned.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
The thoughts that go through my head in that some of the humans have to turn or they will not be able to spend their lives together. And what happens to the children? It isn’t brought up in the books, but the mixing of humans and vampires leave a bit to be desired in forever. And the fact they can’t have children unless someone is alive in the mix.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: B+
What was this book about?
Small town girl Heather Westfield always wanted to leave her small town and be part of the fashion industry. Instead she marries, and has a daughter. When a famous designer comes to her town to open a store, she has to attend the opening. She meets the designer Jean-Luc, who is more then she ever imagined. He is attacked and she must save him – not knowing that this action will put her life in danger. He is attracted to her, but even more than that he needs to protect her from his enemies, but can he protect her from his secrets.
What was your favorite part about this book?
I love all the characters in these books – from the baby Constantine. To Ian who wants to look older then the 15 years old that he was when he died and was turned.
What was your least favorite part about this book?
The thoughts that go through my head in that some of the humans have to turn or they will not be able to spend their lives together. And what happens to the children? It isn’t brought up in the books, but the mixing of humans and vampires leave a bit to be desired in forever. And the fact they can’t have children unless someone is alive in the mix.
What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance
Overall: B+
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