JANUARY/FEBRUARY BOOKS - TO BE REVIEWED

My list of books to be reviewed in January:

Straight to Hell by Michelle Scott (read/review-pending)
Revolution (Chronicles of Charanthe #2) by Rachel Cotterill
Cracks in the Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby
Never Smile at Strangers by Jennifer Minar-Jaynes
Larkstorm by Dawn Rae Miller
Letters in Cardboard Boxes by Abby Slovin

December Reads

12/27/11 - Lyrics of the Heart by Alexandra Lanc.

I was given the opportunity by the author to read this novella. I must say that I feel like everyone should read it. Here is my summary:

***SPOILERS***

What a powerfully emotional read. It grabbed me from the first sentence and never let go till the end. The story of Kristi and how she dealt with her fathers tragic accident through the poems (lyrics) she wrote versus talking about it. I loved her meetings with Mark and how they never said anything but he was always reading her poems when she came in. There was a magical connection between the two of them. Mark ultimately gave her the strenght and empowered her to move on no matter what the circumstances were and to live her life as he intended to live his and make it a better life than before his tragedy.

This was an emotional roller coaster for me, but it was also spiritually uplifting.

Bravo Alexandra, for another wonderful book.

I especially enjoyed reading the end where you discuss how this book came about and your personal experiences. It was wonderful.

5/5 STARS

12/19/11 - The House On Olive Street by Robyn Carr:

What a departure from Carr's Virgin River series.  In this book, the theme of coming together in a crisis as in the VR books prevails.  This is the story of four women who come together after the tragic death of their friend.  All of the women are writers and/or educators and they have formed a club and all meet at Gabby's house.

There is Elly, who is the matriarch.  She is a spinster who has made a life for herself within the walls
of her own little home.  She is a recovering alcoholic.

Sable, who is a best-selling novelist and who has had to dig deep to find herself after going from foster home to foster home and dealing with a mother that was not there for her.

Barbara Ann is a mother of 4 boys and a loving husband, who suddenly feels very underappreciated and sees her career spiraling out of control.

Beth, a mystery writer has an abusive husband and is very shy.

All of these woman come to live together at The House On Olive Street after the death of Gabby, who was their anchor, and they work together on a collaboration of one of Gabby's novels, an almost biography of Gabby's life she has written over the year, but with false name.  In doing so, all the secrets that these women have kept hidden in their past and present come out of the closet, so to speak and the four of them, together with Gabby's mother, find a way to make a summer into a lifetime friendship and show their strength and conviction for one another.

A great read by one of my favorite authors.
4.5/5 stars

November Reads

Here is what I've read in November:

11/18/11

I just finished The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright:

What a wonderful book. By the end, I was crying my eyes out. The gist of the story is that a couple gets married and the husband (surprisingly, not the wife), writes letters to his wife every Wednesday. There is tragedy, triumph, love, hate, romance, life, death, etc. It is a very heart warming book and very well written. Make sure you have tissues handy!


11/17/11

I just finished Clara Claus by Alexandra Lanc and here is my review:

I hate the star rating system and need 1/2 stars. This book was a definite 4.5 stars for me.

What an extrodinary story of love and hope with Christmas in the mix. I was taken from the start of this book and fell in love with so many of the Characters. Of course, Jack & Clara were my favorite, but what about the others North, Sugar Plum Fairy, St. Nick, Kris (a/k/a Santa), Mrs. Claus.

This is a story about Jack Frost and how he hates Christmas. He meets Clara and starts to see things differently. It is a perfect Christmas read and brings back fond memories of the Holiday movies that will soon be coming to TV.

Sit down with a nice cup of cocoa and enjoy the journey.

October Reads

Here is what I've read in October:

September Reads

Here is what I've read in September:

9/7:

What a joy this book was to read. I absolutely devoured it. Every time I put it down, I couldn't wait to get back to it.

The story of Melanie and Daniel was amazing. The title of the book was right on point, Pulled was exactly how I felt while reading this book. It was an emotional ride with highs and lows and I got so attached to the characters in this book.

It's the book of love at first sight and then tragedy strikes. Can two people that were meant to be together overcome the insurmountable odds that are working against them?

I think I have told everyone I know to read this book. I so thoroughly enjoyed it and felt as if I were "Pulled" into the story and was feeling the emotions as they were happening. I thought this book might be a bit predictable, but found out it was not!

I know that this book will be one of my top 10 reads for 2010!

5 STARS

August Reads

Here is what I've read in August

Happiness Key by Emilie Richards

I just finished reading Happiness Key by Emilie Richards and enjoyed it. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Fortunate Harbour.

I got so involved in the path the 4 woman were taking, I actually forgot the original reason they got together. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Breaking Silence - Just Finished

I finished Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo on June 30th and I have to admit that this was another 5 star read for me.

Currently Reading

I am currently reading Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo. This is the 3rd book in the Kate Burkholder series.