Saturday, December 25, 2010

Review: Real Murders by Charlaine Harris

Real Murders (Aurora Teagarden, #1)Real Murders by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have to admit the fact I read this was not because of Charlaine Harris, but for the fact my daughter's name is that of the main character, Aurora.

Real Murders is a quick mystery that is filled with my twists and turns -the whodoneit is an art form that Ms. Harris has captured. I was guessing throughout the novel and was in for quite a suprise.

The novel explores a small town, a group called the Real Murders (who study and explore past solved and unsolved cases of murder), and a copycat killer that has been unleashed ... is it one of them, the similiarites are too close to home. Everyone becomes a suspect and the game begins and holds you throughout the book.



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Review: if i stay by Gayle Foreman

If I Stay (If I Stay, #1)If I Stay by Gayle Forman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A horrific accident leaves Mia in a coma, standing outside of herself. She explores the past and examines the present as she realizes the decision to stay or go in ultimately hers.

What a terrific story. Mia, her friends, and family jump off the page. The author, Gayle Foreman, gives new voice in YA that many will enjoy. An examination into the human spirit, making it impossible not to reflect after reading of your choices, and what you choose.



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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Review: It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

It's Kind of a Funny Story (Movie Tie-in Edition)It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This novel is raw. It is a real, raw account of the lead character and his demise and rise in a struggle with mental illness. At times the book can be abrasive, but the truth of it breaks forth. The decline is written in such a way that you can experience it with each written word. The story at times feels broken, and the ending leaves more to be desired.





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Review: Indigo Springs by A.M. Dellamonica

Indigo SpringsIndigo Springs by A.M. Dellamonica

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fantasy, Magic, Thriller there is so much wrapped into this novel that you keep the pages turning. As Dellamonica unfolds the characters in a multi-layered story line, you as the reader, get swept into a tale of magic, mystery, and danger. Indigo Springs leaves you ready for the possiblity of another book in a series, and reflecting upon the dangers of using powers for your own gain.



There are so many layers, this book is for those that will want not just an escape, but a bit of a study of human nature thanks to the depths of the characters.



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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Review: The Heroine's Bookshelf: Life Lessons, From Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Heroine's Bookshelf: Life Lessons, from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls WilderThe Heroine's Bookshelf: Life Lessons, from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder by Erin Blakemore

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ms. Blakemore reminds us of the unforgettable inspirational women in fiction and the strong women that created them. I was invited back to my favorite heroines, the novels I re read over the years, with new eyes knowing now the stories of the strengths and weaknesses of the women behind them. Ms. Blakemore takes us on a journey of life lessons that these amazing characters and writers give us. The life lessons inventively are taught as Lizzy Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) teaching Self, Scarlett O'Hara (Gone With The Wind) teaching Fight, to Mary Lennox (The Secret Garden) teaching Magic as examples. Well worn pages of books turned to at certain times in life to find inspiration through the heroine is now an open book in The Heroine's Bookshelf. Guilty of this quite often, The Heroine's Bookshelf is a journey I look forward to embark upon again.



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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Review: Rumors

Rumors (Luxe, #2)Rumors by Anna Godbersen

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Following Luxe the soap opera like drama continues with manipulation of the characters with questionable standards and morals. Elizabeth's relationship with Will in the West is touched upon, Carolina rising from the depth of a maid, Diana's love and loss, and Penelope's schemes. Ending has a twist that builds up to the next novel in the series, but this book seemed lacking the life that the first did.



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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Review: Insatiable

InsatiableInsatiable by Meg Cabot

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The actual Prince of Darkness, his half-brother, a secret organization to fight off evil working for the Vatican, finding out your co-workers are evil, and the world is on the brinks of vampire war that could destroy humanity.... well, what isn't there to like about this book. The beginning is slow, but once the action starts it keeps you turning the page, only to have air wind knock out of your sail in the last 30-40 pages.. making you dream up your own ending. It is filled with some orginality which in vamp books has been lacking, filled with the buildup and intensity, and a great dramatic scene, which I think is worth the read.



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Review: The Luxe

The Luxe (Luxe, #1)The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I was orginally hesitant to pick up this book given it's hype, but was drawn in from the moment I read the Prologue clipping and the funeral setting of one of the leading characters. I was hooked.

You meet a group of socialites at the turn of the century in New York, behaving more like the New York setting of Sex In The City without the grphics but all the drama involved of high society who is sleeping with who who wants what and who will get what they want. You meet what is the "main" focus of the book Elizabeth Holland and her sister Diana, the supporting characters seemed somewhat richer quality and so did that of Diana Holland, than that of Elizabeth - which that book was about. I know that their were characters introduced simply for no reason other than to use in another book later... but I am looking forward to it - a cliffhanger was left for me to want to sink my teeth into.



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Monday, September 27, 2010

RelentlessRelentless by Dean Koontz

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



A writer, his wife, their gifted son, and family dog are the center of a cat and mouse game of good and evil... enter the literary critic. (Funny, I thought this would be the perfect one to start my review on)
Quirky secondary characters appear and hold their own, as what unravels is a mystery far deeper than just murder. Once the hunt begins, you, the reader, start running.

A fast paced novel delievered as only Koontz can. The characters are likeable, their struggle engrossing. Pick up to read - you won't want to put down overnight. The ending left a little more to be desired, but worth the read.



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