Saturday, December 13, 2014

Review: As You Wish Inconceivable Tales From The Making Of The Princess Bride By: Cary Elwes

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess BrideAs You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Princess Bride - the movie with that dashing hero Westley, played by Cary Elwes, who stole my heart that very moment all those years ago. It is in this beautiful memoir that Mr. Elwes has put together the magic of the behind the scenes tales from his perspective mainly but with added bonuses from his director, the writer, his fellow castmates.
I can't imagine anyone else playing Westley and I am sure looking back most people feel the same, but at the time Mr. Elwes didn't have a lot of confidence under his belt and with an very strange but quick meeting with him, Reiner, and Scheinman - the rest as they say, became history. A beautiful tale that had the most wonderful talents gathered together partaking, it was lightening in a bottle, and is still a favorite among favorites.
I love the tone of the book, the little inserts from the others from their point of view, the backstage viewpoint so to speak of such a classic film (it is in most people's viewing libraries). I laughed out loud at some of the stuff and found that I could not wait to view the movie after reading the book, I sat up til 1am looking at all the interesting things pointed out. This is the one to share with your family, your movie buff, your best friend, this is definitely the book meant to be read and shared and appreciated -- just like the film. And Mr. Elwes, anything at all, as you wish.

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Review: An Italian Wife By: Ann Hood

An Italian WifeAn Italian Wife by Ann Hood
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Oh, how I wanted to like this. Coming from a large Sicilian family second generation, I looked forward to such a story as the blurb on the book described - a multi generational tale about Josephine Rimaldi, who married at fourteen in the old country, came to America, had children, and her life - along with their lives, including her children's children. Sounded like the perfect book for someone like me, still ripe with tradition and memories of my great grandparents - unfortunately, it wasn't.
Maybe I had a better family and could not relate as I first wanted to. Instead the pages are filled with a family filled with anger and resentment, with more hate than happiness, more deviance than actual love - the pride of tradition gave away to the shame of their own family, their own matriarch. As I continued the book, I found myself wondering about the author and how could one write such a book, filled with such sadness and brokenness about a family unit. But I digress, this is one I forced myself to finish, I wanted to relate to - yet could not.

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Review: Alex By: Pierre Lemaitre

Alex (Verhœven, #2)Alex by Pierre Lemaitre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful thriller - reminds me of the writing of Stieg Larsson.
Enter the world where the layers between a taken, caged girl may not be the victim, where people are being killed through a painful death of acid eating away their jaw and innards, where the lead detective has returned from a stay at the asylum due to the kidnapping and death of his wife. Time is ticking away in Paris and the dots are not connecting fast enough as the bodies are being found and the mystery deepens.
I could not put this book down. It is a translation, but there is nothing that does not flow easily through the story. I was on the edge of my seat a few times and stayed up wanting to reach the wonderful end. I highly recommend for personal enjoyment and book clubs - there is plenty to discuss here.

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Sunday, December 7, 2014

Review: Seventh Grave and No Body By: Darynda Jones

Seventh Grave and No Body (Charley Davidson, #7)Seventh Grave and No Body by Darynda Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charley, Charley, Charley - what to do... let's see - first things first, if you have not read or gotten with the Charley Davidson series -- What Are You Waiting For? Go to the bookstore and catch up - now! And Don't Read Further!

So, Charley's preggos -yay! The underworld is releasing the 12 - umm, boo! The book begins with Charley working some of the usual strange crimes, body dumpings - but then something strange comes along, information about a file that Thee Vatican has an actual file on her, that's right I said Thee. There are also some suicides of people that are strangely linked together and some spirits that are complaining about empty graves. That isn't part of the issues of going to decaf, having an Archangel upset because you are healing people away from death, there is a psycho chasing your man, your dad is missing, you are being attacked by demons, and you have to pee more often.
I love this series - I love Charley's attitude. This is an exciting supernatural adventure thriller that is like Buffy for adults (um, Reyes is hot and some scenes are super hot). Now I tried to get in touch with my inner Charley while writing this and I hope I did her justice. I can't wait for the next book in the series and want it to keep going.

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Review: The Christmas Light By: Donna VanLiere

The Christmas LightThe Christmas Light by Donna VanLiere
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't know about you - and I don't know how Ms. VanLiere does it - but every time I read one of her books I am struck with something, but there is not one word for it. She has a gift. She creates a town, fills it with amazing characters - those that are filled with heart ache, those that have ice in their veins, those that need to forgive, those that need to heal, those that have the ability to shine, but they are everyday people. She then finds a way to get them to meet, to feel the nudge inside, or to listen to what is being called to do - direct the Nativity play, find a pregnant Mary, a Joseph at the gas station, or be kind to a face that needs it so. And so the book takes life, as do the characters, the lessons held within.
I find that I will laugh and cry, and I will re read every one of Ms. VanLiere's books and this one is no exception. I highly recommend stepping into the town of Grandon, meeting some characters that will jump off the page, root for little Avery to heal after the death of her dad, laugh at the antics of the triplets playing angels (as my grandmother says - it's the horns that hold up the halo), and know that guiding the way is The Christmas Light.

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Review: Mr Miracle By: Debbie Macomber

Mr. Miracle: A Christmas NovelMr. Miracle: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harry Mills has come to earth to work some 'Divine' interventions. This is his first time in human form, but he has studied them, what can go wrong.
Addie Folson has returned home after too many years and too many mistakes adding into too many regrets. She was hoping to spend the holidays with her mother, but just found out the her mother and her widowed friend have made plans to go on a cruise. As fate would have it, Erich Simmons, childhood crush and menace, was injured in a car crash and in order for his mother to go on the cruise and her mother to enjoy enjoy the holiday, Addie has to care for him.
Between her classes with the new professor, Mr. Mills and caring for her old crush Erich, Addie begins to feel the magic of the season. Soon both Addie and Erich find the boy/girl next door has grown up and so have their feelings for each other.
Sweet and filled with holiday spirit as Ms. Macomber delivers another treat for the season. Wonderful secondary characters, especially the quirky Celeste. This book can not help but have you smiling as you read.

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Review: A Christmas Prayer By: Kimberla Lawson Roby

A Christmas PrayerA Christmas Prayer by Kimberla Lawson Roby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexis Fletcher appears to be a woman who has it all, she even is a motivational speaker to help others become more, but Christmas brings nothing but pain and problems. She can't find any spirit within when she is still mourning her mother's death and when she is in constant battle with her future mother in law. To make matters worse, the strained relationship with her sister is leaving her niece at risk of living hungry, cold, and on the street.
One Sunday Reverend Curtis asks the congregation to go home and write a Christmas Prayer. Although Alexis doesn't feel like it or the spirit inside, she writes her prayer. Sometimes it takes time and rough patches but soon the light shows the way and prayers get answered.
A nice Christmas story that isn't afraid to show the imperfections of people or the Grace of God in forgiveness and love.

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Review: An Island Christmas By: Nancy Thayer

An Island ChristmasAn Island Christmas by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jilly Gordon has worked hard for the perfect home, perfect holidays, perfect life - even the perfect daughters, Lauren already married living close enough with the seemingly perfect life and Felicia, the wild one, who wants to get married on Christmas at home to a wild man and live a wild and crazy life. This is a little more than Jilly can handle, so she comes up with a plan involving the perfect boy next door that Felicia once went out with.
Jilly begins the holidays changing her life, with a feral cat entering her life and home, her future son in law destroying her antique chairs, her normally careful husband 'wiping out' on a moped, and it's just the beginning of the chaos. Everything that she once thought perfect soon falls away.
Ms. Thayer has the reader enjoying another beautiful tale set in Nantucket. A gentle reminder what the reason for the season is all about and the gift of family, for all it's character makes the heart even bigger and brighter.

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Review: The Christmas Train By: David Baldacci

The Christmas TrainThe Christmas Train by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tom Langdon finds himself traveling by train because of his ban on airlines - a certain incident with a security wand- part to get to LA to his on again/off again girlfriend and the most important part to finish what his ancestor Mark Twain didn't as his dying request. Meeting so many people the train does come alive and Tom certainly feels like he might get a lot of material.
It comes as a surprise that a Hollywood bigwig Max Powers is on board and wants Tom to work with his writer and secret weapon, Eleanor Carter. Eleanor, the one who got away, no - ran away, with no explanation, the one who haunts him, and if she was honest the same. With a thief, a wedding, an avalanche these two have plenty to work with, hopefully they will work out the past to have a future, and just maybe there is an angel directing it all.
The book also contains two short stories. One that will grab at your heart, another that will peak your need for adventure.
This was a great book. I loved the story, it wasn't contrived and the words, the characters, the landscape came off the pages and enveloped me.

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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Review: One Step Too Far By: Tina Seskis

One Step Too FarOne Step Too Far by Tina Seskis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give this more 3.5 but rounded up.

The book goes back and forth, present and past, presenting a deeper look into the main character, Catherine Emily Brown, and her relationship with those around her and their lives - beginning with her decision to leave. Cat, as she is now being called, doesn't just leave, she removes herself from her husband, Ben Coleman and Simon's life. How could she leave them? Her ring in a sink at some terminal? Making a new life sharing a flat with strangers in London?
Slowly as Cat begins a new life, the old one is revealed. As Cat develops alcohol and drug problem, she climbs the ladder at work, but the spiral downward seems endless - or that is what it appears.
What are the secrets locked up inside of her? Those around? In one moment they all will crash and be revealed.

It's hard to like such a main character or even understand her, but after the revelation I found myself soften a bit, found certain aspects explainable even understandable. The ending was a bit rushed through but it gave everyone and everything a finale. Certain aspects were a bit disjointed, but considering that I read an ARC I am sure this is forgivable.



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Review: The Mistletoe Promise By: Richard Paul Evans

The Mistletoe Promise (The Walk)The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Richard Paul Evans has done it AGAIN! Another Amazing, Beautiful Holiday Treat that spreads the message of Hope, Forgiveness, Redemption, and Love!
Elise Dutton finds herself in a contract with Nicholas Derr over the holidays. They will essentially fill the lonely gap over the upcoming weeks, company parties, obligations, but this is business - nothing deeper than that. Elise hasn't allowed herself any happiness in years finds it a bit disconcerting, she also carries a painful secret that might blow any chance of happiness that might come from the feelings she is developing for Nicholas. She isn't the only one with a secret past, Nicholas has a few of his own, maybe even one that made him search her out for the contract, yet it doesn't stop him from falling for the woman he set out to make feel special.
Hopefully with love and some forgiveness (especially self forgiveness), miracles can and do happen - afterall it is the season for them.

Oh, I love Mr. Evans and his stories. This one is no different. Filled with flawed people yet the golden lining of happiness - I know I will re read this one and share it.

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Review: What A Wallflower Wants By: Maya Rodale

What a Wallflower Wants (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #3)What a Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On her way to a marriage of convenience, Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton, finds her carriage taken by highwaymen and escapes. The 'Wallflower' finds herself in the company of John Roark, aka Viscount Castleton, waiting for the weather to let up and thinking of how she can find a husband for Lady Penelope's Ball.
After four seasons and not being married, Prudence has failed by society's standards, yet she carries a horrible secret about what happened her first season and just why she has avoided marriage and men for that matter as a whole. John has his own secrets that lead him on his way to The Great Expedition and has a few people counting on him. These two soon find that the attraction is great as long as they don't allow the secrets, the past, or other people to destroy what they have just started to build.
Ms. Rodale has taken a subject matter and written a wonderful romance novel with a heroine that comes into her own, a sensitive yet strong hero, and a very enjoyable storyline. I really enjoyed this book.

***** This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads *****

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Review: The 13th Gift A True Story of a Christmas Miracle By: Joanne Huist Smith


Review: The 13th Gift  A True Story of a Christmas Miracle        By: Joanne Huist Smith          4.5/5

Lift Your Spirits and Your Soul

A memoir of a recent widow and her family who receive mysterious gifts during the holiday season. The gifts are small but come in their own form of The Twelve Days of Christmas beginning with on the first day one poinsettia. This story is reminiscent of The Christmas Jars, yet it is a true account, and just as inspirational.





Ms. Smith gives an honest account of the pain of her loss and how the cheerfulness of the holidays infringed upon the grief that she was experiencing. With the little gifts, slowly her brokenhearted family was able to come together - pass the anger, the tears, and onto the other side to find the spirit within.
This is a great book, a great lesson in life, living, and hope - it also is one that makes the reader inspired to take action, to step outside of themselves, give of themselves to those that truly need it.

I received this book from Blogging for Books.


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Review: The Awakening Of The Goddesses The Balance By: Morgan Shores

The Balance: The Awakening of The GoddessesThe Balance: The Awakening of The Goddesses by Morgan Shores
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A legend of two sisters, one the Goddess of Light, one the Goddess of Shadow, separated through time and distance. The story of a betrayal between the soul mate of Goddess of Shadow harming all, twisting all to gain more, even destroying his brother the soul mate the Goddess of Light.
The waiting is over. Lilith Nolan and Sophia Moore have reached their twenty fifth birthdays and they have awakened. So have their soul mates - for good and evil. This is a fight for the balance of the world. So many people, so many light keepers and workers, and so many secrets.
It begins with the reoccurring dream and the introduction of Lilith, a detective on the Galveston Police Force. Something strange is in the air - I am reminded of something wicked this way blows - and soon she is introduced to Sophia. They are brought together a few times and the group they know seems very familiar to each, they both receive a rare amulet passed down in each family as a present as a gift.
At this time Sophia meets and is immediately attracted to Ceron Murray - who has quite a reputation. Shadows and darkness begin to plot and make their moves for time is essential. Some crime scenes are so strange there seems to to immediate cremation of bodies at the scene, bringing Lilith in contact with a Samuel Duffy whom she has a visceral reaction to. All is revealed as the Goddesses are awakened and there is only one that has the power in their hands and has to make the choice - to bring balance back.

I liked this book, I found the tale interesting and the characters well developed. I think I really wanted more - more action, more interactions - but I think I will be getting more with another book in this series. I feel the need to warn some, that like GRRM, Shores does not fear messing with a reader a getting rid of a beloved character, but at least it's not gruesome.

*****This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads*****

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Review: Garden Spells By: Sarah Addison Allen

Garden SpellsGarden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the one that started it all and will make a reader fall in love with Ms. Allen - her writing, her stories, and simply the world that we fall into as we turn page one.
Bascom, North Carolina is a small town with legends of sorts, the Waverley family is the source if quite a few of them, their garden is definitely one of them. Claire Waverley embraced cooking from her garden, learning from her grandmother the messages the herbs and flowers could give. She even has understood the boundary between her and the town, what she doesn't understand is her attractive new neighbor and her sister sudden reappearance with a niece in tow after leaving ten years ago. Sydney Waverley brings with her a lot of wounds that Claire wasn't ready to deal with and some women in town still find her a threat. What Sydney has left behind to come back is even more dangerous than gossip or the apple tree out back and what she is hoping for can scare her even more - a happy life for her and her daughter.
Healing and magic, relationships and growth, all come into the picture. When you enter this book you will be spellbound and not want to leave. Wonderfully written and so enjoyable that you will want to revisit this world and feeling again and again.

*****This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads*****

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Review: Dr Who The Crawling Terror By: Mike Tucker


Keep the Dr Fix Going and The Creepy Crawlies Away

Review: Dr Who The Crawling Terror  By: Mike Tucker                4.5/5









When the TARDIS brings Clara and The Doctor to Wiltshire nothing at first seems out of the ordinary, that is until 1. the strange readings on the ley lines and 2. the giant web with a human body in it. Soon it becomes clear exactly why they are there, giant beetles, mosquitoes, spiders, and ants - all that are acting with some form of military tactics and taking over the town and the town people, turning them zombie like and manipulated.
There is a history to this quiet little town and the Doctor has been here before. A message was received from space and Great Britain and the Nazis were in a race to achieve it's capabilites, not knowing exactly what it was opening. A teleport device to allow the dangerous race of Wyrresters (scorpions) through. Only a few survived.
Unfortunately, one survivor has found another way to make it possible to bring the Wyrresters to Earth, and now only one man can stop him - The Doctor.

I hate creepy crawlies. I have a horrid fear of the weird facts that I eat spiders in my sleep throughout my lifetime. But all these fears did not dissuade me from picking up this book and go through an amazing adventure with The Doctor. It was fast paced, had my heart beating and racing, also held elements that had me wondering about truth in legends - ie Die Glocke, Brad Meltzer Decoded style - which is wonderful. It is time to get a Who fix before the Christmas special, pick up a book, you won't be let down.

I received this book from Blogging for Books.

Friday, October 24, 2014

Review: The Sugar Queen By: Sarah Addison Allen

The Sugar QueenThe Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josey Cirrini has been isolated from the town her deceased father put on the map. She has been caring for her mother, making up for her actions as a child, and hiding away. It comes as a surprise when Della Lee Baker appears in her room and is looking to hide away, in none other than Josey's secret closet (a closet filled with treats and romance novels, secreted away from the world and especially her mother). Reluctantly she agrees and finds a something in Della which leads her to finding out more about herself and gaining some much needed self confidence, she also picks up a friend along the way.
Magic fills the pages as only Ms. Allen can write, creating characters and a storyline that might suspend your disbelief, and have you wrapped and wanting to be embraced into the pages.
There is some twists, a bit of mystery, some romance, and as always hope and magic. This is a sweet (pun and true) novel to lose yourself in, but warning -- you will be dazed afterward, looking for that buzz again.

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Review: Horns By: Joe Hill

HornsHorns by Joe Hill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ignatius Perrish awakes on the anniversary of the murder of his love Merrin with horns.
He knows he went to the site last night and from there things get hazy. There is something strange about them - the fact that people forget that they are there - the fact they tell him their darkest thoughts - or how about the fact people ask him about whether doing dark deeds will be a good idea and ask permission.
This leads Ig on a journey into the darkness within to find out what happened to Merrin, to search for her killer. As he searches, he creeps into the deepest darkest recesses of the people around him and finds things that he wished he never did. The pursuit is on and embracing what he has become and the power that it wields is the only way he can begin to seek out the revenge that is due. There is no turning back.
This is a dark tale of revenge filled with humor and the wanderings of the inner workings of those all around us. I found this book so delicious, I devoured the book in one sitting refusing to put it down.

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Review: Contaminated By: Em Garner

ContaminatedContaminated by Em Garner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is 3.5 stars

Velvet Ellis is surviving, trying to care for her sister Opal and searching for her mother in the containment kennels. An epidemic causing almost zombie behavior arose from drinking a contaminated diet drink called ThinPro. Their father was immediately hit, the anger, the madness, and then one afternoon while he was at work, he became one of the many that attacked and was never seen again.
Velvet held out hope. Her mother never drank that much, protected them when she began to see the symptoms coming on. When Velvet finally finds her mother in a kennel, the government collar has been placed around her neck to help prevent any anger outbursts or attacks. Unfortunately, not many people understand why she would even want her mother back, afterall her mother isn't at all what she used to be, she is a "Connie" or a monster.
Opal, Velvet's sister, is the one that opens the door to all that their mother is capable of. Soon, their mother hums, begins cleaning, even shows signs of worry. Velvet knows that despite what they have been told - their mother is coming back to them. It is at this point that the government has placed an order to destroy all "Connies", even those with the collar, they have become too dangerous. In minutes they will be at the door and the collar will have to come off and her mother will have to speak, something she hasn't done in some time - can she do it?

There is a beginning of a teen romance story within the story the helps add to the storyline and the buildup of the characters. I found the actual story really intense. Within the pages the reader will experience the isolation, abandonment, fear, need to connect, only to then have the bigotry and another fear takes it's place. Velvet is a survivor running on adrenaline fighting for her family. I found the concept of ThinPro very unique and believe that there is a link between them and the government -- but this is the first in a series and I will have to find out.

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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Review: Last Train to Babylon By:Charlee Fam

Last Train to Babylon: A NovelLast Train to Babylon: A Novel by Charlee Fam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Aubrey Glass has returned home to Rachel's funeral. Rachel did it, she committed suicide, even though it is Aubrey that has the nicely composed letters each year filed away, waiting. Even though it was Rachel that helped all those years ago pour salt into a wound that never should have happened, being that she was supposedly Aubrey's best friend.
Aubrey was forced into a situation years ago and now she is being forced into going back home to Rachel's funeral - she is being forced to deal with the past. She has to go back to where it all happened to finally begin to heal.
How complex the relationship between females as we grow, how protective in our minds we can be given some circumstances beyond our control, and how some actions continue a cycle in our lives.
This was an amazingly honest portrayal of a broken human being. I found the story flowed, the character development beautifully raw and engaging. There is something tragically hopeful about it. The internal dialogue and POV - this is the beginning of a very talented author.

Now, I would be remiss if I did not warn you that this book may contain triggers for those that have experienced rape. The author tackles this in a very real way throughout the book.

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Review: Chose the WRONG Guy, Gave Him the Wrong FINGER By: Beth Harbison

Chose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong FingerChose the Wrong Guy, Gave Him the Wrong Finger by Beth Harbison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Quinn Barton was ready to walk down the aisle in minutes, when the groom's brother gave her news of the truth that she just had been ignoring. That evening she took off for a couple days with him. That was ten years ago. That was when they left town and she stayed making wedding dresses for other women.
Fate has brought Burke (her ex) and Frank (his brother) back into town for their grandmother's wedding. And Quinn has found that she can't avoid any of it because she agreed to do the dress.
A beach read, filled with humor, heartbreak, and some insight - "Fairy Tales die hard in the minds and hearts of some girls." But don't look to deep for a third dimension in these characters. Quinn for the most part I didn't even like, except when she was with her friend Glenn - who had more insight than anyone and was a minor character unfortunately.
Want to feel good, have a little laugh and HEA - this is a good read for that fix.

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Review: Dr Who The Blood Cell By: James Goss


Review: Dr Who The Blood Cell                                      4.5/5

By:  James Goss


" RELEASE THE DOCTOR - OR THE KILLING WILL START"

A prison set into an asteroid in far off reaches has found a new prisoner - Prisoner 428. He wants to be called the Doctor. The book is told in the Governor's point of view, which leaves the mystery still unfolding to the very end.
The prison is far from HomeWorld and the TransNet is experiencing major problems. Soon hard decisions will have to be made on whether to release level 7 from the prison itself to allow them a chance to the nearest colony and the rest experience the slow death. The clock is ticking and the outages or increasing. And Prisoner 428 keeps escaping from his cell. He also keeps getting a visitor, Clara, who brings a freshness and fight that can't be denied.

There is something deeper and darker lurking, something that was placed into the prison when it was built - and it is feeding. This is where secrets have to be unearthed before time runs out, because the killing has already begun.

This was quite a thriller Dr Who. It had the wonderful Whovian pieces to it, but it also contained a thriller element that kept you on edge - was this because of the pov, maybe, the storyline, possibly - but this one is a definite must read for any fan.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for a review.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Review: Rooms By:Lauren Oliver

RoomsRooms by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Richard Walker has passed away requiring his family to come together under one roof at his home in Coral River. His Ex wife, Caroline, Daughter, Minnie, Granddaughter, Amy, and Son, Trenton are joined by those that already have had claim to the house long before the Walkers ever walked in. They have their own stories, their own secrets; Sandra, speaks all the time was there in the 70s, before her there always seemed to be Alice.
Living, like the dead, have their own corners they hide in the dark, shadows they keep from each other and at times from themselves. This is so beautifully exposed and demonstrated through the author's writing "it's the same way treed grow around the very vines that are killing them, so they're strangled and sustained all at once." Amazing insight, with different characters as a focus as different rooms are 'explored' or 'exposed'.
There is such a depth in this writing that one could and should re read this. It is haunting and gothic in feel and very enjoyable.

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Review: The Infinite Wave By: Rick Yancey

The Infinite Sea (The Fifth Wave #2)The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second installment of The 5th Wave is not a letdown. This one will have you on the edge and begin to fill in the pieces of what is to come. You will have to read the first book before entering this one.

Cassie and Evan are in this but not as much as Ringer. There is more of a backstory on the group, on Poundcake, Zombie, which gives a dimension to the humans that are left. The 'plan' is slowly being understood for the wiping of the planet.
"If you are human, there is no hope."
I loved this book, Ringer really standing out. Her interactions with Vosch and her above average mind working to understand the incomprehensible. This is the book that sets up the climax, that builds it all up. I can not wait for the next book, I am on edge.

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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Review: The Secret Journal of Ichabod Crane By: Alex Irvine


Review: The Secret Journal of Ichabod Crane  By: Alex Irvine            4/5

Based on the Characters from Fox's Hit TV Show SLEEPY HOLLOW

GO INSIDE THE MIND OF ICHABOD AND THE ADVENTURE OF SLEEPY HOLLOW





Written as a journal in Crane's voice, filled with photos, sketches, news clippings, and more this is a great addition to any fan of the Fox series. It will take you through the season, but only through the inner mind of Crane. You, the reader, will be privy to some new thoughts, to some clues (something up ahead), to some funny observances of our modern culture, and his simple brilliance. You feel the desperation, the frustration, he releases his failure onto the paper and his need to win this battle against evil.
Welcome to the fandom, step right in and grab a book. You will enjoy this, it isn't simply the retelling of stories of the season, it is the opening of the characters mind and heart on paper - and quite frankly, it's that depth that will make the show even more enjoyable for me to watch.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for a review.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Review: Every Little Secret By: Laura Lippman

Every Secret ThingEvery Secret Thing by Laura Lippman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two white girls, Ronnie and Alice, came across a black baby abandoned in a stroller in a upscale neighborhood of Baltimore. It was a decision. Four days later the infant was found dead in a secluded shack in Leakin Park. The girls were sent away to juvenile facilities, the mother of the infant (a Judge's daughter) never forgot and never forgave, and time went on.
That is until seven years later and they were released. Ronnie's parents now living in a new home and Alice back in the same with her single mother. A child has now gone missing. Three years old. Blood has been found with the child's clothing in the garbage. And both the girls are close enough to the proximity to Value City and the Mall where it happened that it is possible that lightning has just struck twice.
A race against time for detectives Nancy (Porter) and Infante that have a missing child case on their lap and the political breath of Cynthia Barnes breathing down their neck with her accusations of 'knowing' that the children that did this to her baby did this again. As they delve deep into the case, what the uncover can send chills even up the spine of the seasoned detective - and really makes the reader question who is the criminal.
This was a really good book. Each page reflected on how on incident flows into another and how many lives it effects and intercepts. Long after I have put this book down, I am even asking myself about who really is the true criminal in this case - who is the one that really deserved the just punishment. A book that makes you think afterwards and want to discuss it - really I think best for book club, and trust me you will be debating this. Enjoy.

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Review: Heroes Are My Weakness By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Heroes Are My WeaknessHeroes Are My Weakness by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annie Hewitt came back to Peregrine Island to fulfill the stipulation of the agreement of the sixty days on the island in order to keep the house and to find out about the cryptic message her mother gave her before her death saying that the legacy could be found there. Doing puppet shows certainly didn't pay for her mother's bills and now drowning in debt, this is the only place she can run to and hopefully find the answers that she has been looking for.
She wasn't expecting the cold winter wind to blow from Harp House the boy from the past, the one that now stood brooding and out of a fantasy and novel. Too bad they have a not too pleasant past of sweet first love, sweet kisses along the beach followed by torture and irrational behavior - under those perfect hooded eyes lies a psychopath - at least that is how Annie remembers it.
Theo Harp needed to hide away, brood in his guilt. Unfortunately for him a woman emerged from the girl he once loved, puppets in hand, strength and too many questions. She brings happiness with her - to others, with him she is cool and frustrating, and makes him feel alive.
A series of break ins and threats occur against Annie, at first she suspects Theo, but after someone takes a shot at her, she has no choice but to trust him. When the two come close the sparks come and the unraveling the the past makes wounds bleed - hopefully, they have enough to heal.
There is also a nice secondary story that comes into play with the puppets and puppet therapy with a small child that won't talk because of the domestic violence that she has witnessed - this story is wonderful, integral also for the character development, but I found, personally, so touching.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a part gothic feel, part mystery/thriller, part romance. The fact that this takes place on an island in winter gives the desolate feel throughout the book, the attacks and who and why lasted all the way (and normally I am very good at picking out the whodunit, everyone I thought I was wrong - pleasantly so), the complication of the characters - their past, the years that have gone by, who they are now, and all the secrets revealed - give a depth to the relationship. This book is great as a personal read, book club read, and everything in between - I really think you will enjoy.

Oh, Annie, Heroes Are My Weakness too - so glad I got to read your story.

*****This is A First Reads, Thank You Goodreads*****

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Friday, September 12, 2014

Review: Just Friends With Benefits By: Meredith Schorr

Just Friends With BenefitsJust Friends With Benefits by Meredith Schorr
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Stephanie Cohen's life has been unfolding slowly in the romance department. She stills hangs out with her college friends, even though the all live in separate states, she still holds a strange crush on 'the one that got away'. As the storyline continues, sooner than later an understanding between Stephanie and 'the one' Craig Hille develops - that it's friends with benefits.
What I don't get is that Stephanie seems like a smart girl afterall she holds a very smart job, why is she still 'hanging' with these people? Why does she subject herself to such abuse, like 'benefits' from the likes of someone that clearly doesn't show much interest in her or the sex part? When she finds a totally awesome wonderful guy,Ryan - why is even a question of what she feels? Her friend Suzanne had more depth than her college friends and her combined - and she had maybe five pages in the book.
I held high hopes for this one based on some reviews and the blurb, unfortunate - it didn't live up to any of it.


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Review: Doctor Who Silhouette By: Justin Richards


Review: Doctor Who  Silhouette   By: Justin Richards                         5/5


A Wonderful Adventure With The New Doctor - A Must Read For A Whovian

A spike has been read and the Tardis has landed near the Frost Fair in Victorian London. The Carnival of Curiosities has brought together not just The Doctor and Clara, but Madame Vestra, Jenny, and Strax all on separate investigations. It seems that some people are being killed in alley ways, being left like dry husks; another death can be linked to origami birds; and the most dangerous has yet to be uncovered.

There is a man behind the curtain, so to speak, Orestes Milton. He is wanted by the Shadow Federation and has a plan to show off the greatest weapons that he has created. Time is ticking against the timelord.

A great novel to lose oneself in. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters were very true to themselves. It is a quick read and a quick fix. I highly recommend this book.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for a review.





Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Review: Thorn Jack By: Katherine Harbour

Thorn Jack (Night and Nothing, #1)Thorn Jack by Katherine Harbour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, if I could give this book more stars I would! This book was amazing, I could not believe that this was the author's first novel. The imagery, the vivid way that she wrote brought the characters, the place of Fair Hollow to life, I was enveloped by this book and I sank in - I did not want to leave. This book is a keeper to explore at least once a year.
There are the stories, those beings, the creatures that come from Nothing and Night. Very few know about them, know where they live, how they behave. Serafina Sullivan has come to Fair Hollow with her father after the loss of her sister to live in her ancestor's home. A new start filled with mystery, filled with the past, filled with a strange guy that is drawn to her as much as she is to him. Jack has no heart, at least he didn't, now he bleeds. There is danger everywhere, even 'family' - they are even more dangerous then anyone's imagination.
Filled with adventure, fantasy, fairy and folk tale/lore, and a splash of romance this is an amazing combination. I loved this book, even found I was dreaming about it. Looking for something to escape in, something perfect for autumn, perfect to crawl into a chair with - this is the book. I hope that the author is working on more, because I can not wait!

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Review: Not Cool By: Greg Gutfeld

Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on YouNot Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on You by Greg Gutfeld
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When did truly bad, wrong behavior become 'cool' and the right things to do become 'not cool'? Gutfeld in his wonderful voice dares you to listen, to question, to pose that question to others, and be the 'not cool'. Come on if you bought his book and read it you are already on that path, and since I am there and reviewing it, might as well and jump in with both feet.
I like the fact that I am not the only one looking around wondering WTF happened, how, and this is ridiculous. One great quote from the book "That may be the ultimate consequence of cool: that a life of obscurity is viewed as somehow inferior to a life of infamy. Being a good person who lives quietly but valiantly on a pretty ruthless planet, but manages to find grace in every day things, no longer means much." Since when did sex, hate mongering, shaming, et al become the 'cool', the norm. No longer are words like illegitimate allowed to be used, yet patriarchal are in the Associated Press- who made these rules up! When did it become so important that when budget cuts happen at University of Tennessee, rather than the importance of scholarships, books, even the health of cafeteria food, an organization protested because of the - oh, so, important Sex Week on campus. Let me get this, children in America are starving, there are homeless, people without jobs, but despite child abuse the real cause is Sex Week on campus to rally for and fight for your right for - no wonder the people out of college are not getting jobs and are living out of mom and dad's basement.
But I digress - for this is only supposed to be a review, and I truly recommend this book! Buy a copy for yourself and one for a friend so that you can talk about it. Trust me - you will want to discuss this one.

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Review: A Paris Apartment By: Michelle Gable

A Paris ApartmentA Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

April Vogt is looking to escape her own place, her own life, the one where her husband has just recently confessed to a one night stand with a co worker, the one where she doesn't have a strong family relationship, the one where the walls are crumbling - when the opportunity comes in the form of work. She is a furniture specialist for Sotheby's and a very special apartment in Paris, seven rooms, locked up for the last forty years, has just become hers to go through.
The moment she walks through the door of the apartment and a Boldini painting awaits her, she knows that the wonders in this horders home is going to wonderous. Especially after finding the owners journal. It is in the journal that April is introduced to Marthe De Florian, an orphan who has risen to demimondaine, one who has a love hate relationship with the artist Boldini and pure hatred for Victor Hugo's granddaughter. No longer are the gilded ostrich eggs an interest to April, this woman is, and the lawyer to the heir to the apartment provides a distraction.
April is an almost vapid and unlikable character, whereas the life of M de Florian flows off the page with vivid bright energy that I almost couldn't absolve the fact that the two were written in the same book yet by the same person. Is it through the journals that April comes alive, that she resolves her life... wouldn't that be too easy, that maybe she is so bland that she finds her own life in that of the diary has has to choose just which man is her Boldini... too easy.
Oh, did I mention, an easy read.

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Review: The Lost City of Z By: David Grann

The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the AmazonThe Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Has history ever been written so well - I don't know when I was last so engrossed in such a tale and mostly in part by the way the author writes this amazing exploration.
The Lost City of Z has claim lives from the time explorer Percy Fawcett first hints at the possibility of it's existence on one of his treks into the Amazon. Like a fever, he must return. Part biography of this complicated man, part history of the amazing time of exploration - especially that of the Amazon begins this book. Somewhere along the way, as the reader, you can understand the 'Fawcett Fever' that has given way to many that long since the original 1925 expedition entered the jungle searching and few have come back. The author included. Mr. Grann immersed himself and thereby you with long ago notes and private letters, with diaries from those that knew these men or the men themselves.
This book is so beautiful and adventurous, so well written and gripping - one would think it was fiction. Fawcett's obsession lead to his disappearance and the disappearance of many after him, but what has been recently found was a greater treasure then I think he even could have imagined. Definitely worth reading!

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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Review: Unwept By: Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman

Unwept (The Nightbirds, #1)Unwept by Tracy Hickman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ellis Harkington finds herself confused with a nurse on a train. She doesn't know where she has come from, where she has been, where she is going. It seems like the nurse is trying to fill her in and that it has already been done before. She is returning home, to Gamin, to be cared for by Uncle Lucian (aka Dr Carmichael), and stay with cousin Jenny at Summersend. Her dreams bring her somewhere else, and bring someone else to her.
There is something strange about Gamin and something off about most of the people - especially Merrick and his home, Ellis knows something that brings her dread. She also knows something about a gate. The people around tiptoe, yet want something from her.
This book in all the spins almost makes you feel a little funhouse in the same way as the main character. At times it is almost like there is too much going on, and the reader should not feel as insane as the main character is left to feel like. But it is good, a great start on a series, a new and original storyline that I know I will enjoy.

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Review: Dear Daughter By: Elizabeth Little

Dear DaughterDear Daughter by Elizabeth Little
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Janie Jenkins has just been released from prison on a technicality. After doing ten years being convicted for killing her mother, I guess it is a good thing that someone in the crime lab was guilty of manipulation of evidence. One problem in all of this, not only was Janie there when her mother died, not only did her mother writer her name in blood as she was dying, but Janie can barely piece that evening together. Janie knows there was someone at the party, someone that threatened her mother, someone that brought up a name of Adeline.
Janie has people hunting her down, with help from her attorney she begins her get away and starts to go underground, but even starts to go into hiding from him - to a place - Adeline. It's a long shot, she knows, but it is all she has to grasp at, especially after ten years.
It is here in a small town that she uncovers secrets that have been long buried and people that would go to every length to keep them that way. She starts to unravel a past that leads her to what once was the mother that she never knew, that no one knew, and the danger is sealed within her.

I didn't put this thriller down. Picked it up and got swept into it and that was it - the ending though, oh, that last little bit on the page -- how could the author do this to me. But I guess that shows how invested I got into the story. A great book to lose yourself in.

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Review: Raising Cubby By: John Elder Robinson A Tale of Father's Love

Raising Cubby   By: John Elder Robinson                   
A Tale of Father's Love                                                                                    4/5






Mr. Robinson has let readers into his world of Asperger's with previous novels, this time he gives us a more 'intimate' glimpse into parenting. He has Asperger's which is a high functioning on the autistic spectrum and so is his son, Cubby.
From the moment Cubby is born, there is no doubt there is a deep love, but there is a deep fear - like drawing a sharpie mark to make sure that the right child will come home with him. After signs begin to develop, Robinson, who lacked an understanding or community of learning took his son from public school and enrolled him into Montessori. He encouraged learning, field trips that often involved getting past security, he understood the obsessive drive that his son developed in learning all there was in chemistry. It is that obsessive drive that lead the ATF and FBI to their home and charges pressed against a teen boy with needs that deemed him dangerous. We go through the trail - which I personally am appalled even occurred, it shows a lack of education in our Judical system and a waste of tax dollars.
Throughout the book a universal story emerges, the story of a father wanting to do what is best for their child, wanting better than they did, hoping it was and that it makes a difference.

Because Mr. Robinson does have Aspberger's his writing can be tedious and weighty, very detailed - overtly so and sometimes you have to take a break from the book - but you want to finish this one, it's worth it.

I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review

Monday, August 25, 2014

Review: Driving With The Top Down By: Beth Harbison

Driving with the Top DownDriving with the Top Down by Beth Harbison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three females find themselves on a trip down 1-95. Colleen Bradley owns a business that restores and refurbishes finds, this is a trip she needs - troubles at home, worries in her marriage, but she finds that she has to care for her troubled niece Tamara on this journey and wonders how this escape is going to go well. Tamara has lost her mother, has a father that isn't interested in her, finds herself making bad choices over and over, and is between spiraling and being lost, how can she remove the walls she built to even let her aunt get to know who she is, when she doesn't. By some strange chance of fate, Colleen bumps into her old best friend from college, Bitty Nolan, who is at the end of her rope, where the reflection of what came to be is not what could have been. As they travel secrets and decisions come out and they soon find out that the best thing is to enjoy life with the top down, experiencing it completely.
Grab your sisters, your girlfriends, cousins, even your book club - this is the one you all are going to have fun reading. This is a girl's book. A beach read. It touches on the the heart of us, the vulnerable side of us, the insecurities, the part the keeps us strong, and has us not just finding a rainbow but making one.

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Review: The Good Girl By: Mary Kubica

The Good GirlThe Good Girl by Mary Kubica
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mia Dennett is missing, rather, she has been taken. She is the victim of an elaborate ransom plan to effect her father, the Honorable Judge Dennett. Through different eyes and flashes of before she was found and after, the story unfolds. Gabe, the detective assigned to the case and where the people involved become very personal, the line he once held he now crosses. Eve, Mia's mother, who knows in her gut and as she crumbles with each passing week, she becomes stronger within herself. Colin, the kidnapper, who has his own story and history, by flipping the script on those that ordered the kidnapping has now put both their lives in danger, but believes he has saved hers. It isn't until the very end that we finally hear Mia's voice.
The mystery of what happened in the cabin in the woods, what happened to Mia - who now calls herself Chloe, and all the lives that changed over one girls disappearance.
Sometimes I felt a bit frustrated with the before and after with it coming from so many voices, bouncing from Eve before to Gabe after and Colin before to Eve after, but after a while it began to paint the picture the author wanted.

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Review: Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose

Dear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary RoseDear Nobody: The True Diary of Mary Rose by Gillian McCain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a diary, the journal of Mary Rose. Through the years of 1996-1999 she chronicles school, boys, drugs. Her entries are raw. You, the reader, will feel the emotions flow off the page ~ be it depression, the pain of rape, the bullying, the need and desperation for love and acceptance, and her anger over fighting death. Mary Rose was fighting cystic fibrosis. Although a teen in the late 90s, her struggles are very familiar and not outdated. This book was edited from the original 600 pages she wrote, but nothing is missing - her life is on these pages.
This is a book to read in a group, with your child, for discussion. It can be heavy and filled with triggers for some with PTSD.

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Review: My Last Kiss By: Bethany Neal

My Last KissMy Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really think it is closer to 3.5 stars but I rounded up

Cassidy Haines finds herself standing outside of her body at what was her seventeenth birthday celebration being thrown at her best friend's, Aimee, place. There is something very wrong, people think she jumped, they think it was a suicide. Things are fuzzy, but the truth is somewhere - she just needs to get to it. One problem, she is dead, no one can see her, except her longtime boyfriend Ethan, whom she did betray.
Part mystery, part coming of age, where bad decisions and lies meet with jealousy and betrayal, as those left to mourn or hide in guilt are exposed, as well as Cassidy coming to terms with her actions leading up to her death and solving the mystery locked in her mind so she can find peace.

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Review: Hexed By: Michelle Krys

Hexed (Hexed, #1)Hexed by Michelle Krys
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Indigo Blackwood finds herself caught in the middle of the ancient feud between The Family (consisting of witches) and The Priory (consisting of sorcerers). Indigo has had the eccentric family- Aunt Penny who clubs and can't hold a job, a mother who owns a wiccan shop The Black Cat, but when the Family Bible aka The Witch Hunter's Bible is stolen from the hidden place, being late for cheer practice is the last of her worries. With the like of "Mr. Wolf" Frederick and "Scarface" Leo hunting her family one by one, it's not so bad to have someone like Bishop, a mysterious warlock that came out of the sky, to help. Great secondaries, especially Paige, Indigo's friend - who will be getting her own book it looks like.
A bit predictable, a very easy read. Some characters are very likable but lack depth. A rainy afternoon read.

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Review: Before I Go To Sleep By: SJ Watson

Before I Go To SleepBefore I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Christine Lucas was attacked in Brighton which leaves her every morning without memory of most events, people, leaving her vulnerable every time she closes her eyes. She has been working secretly with a Dr Nash and keeping a journal to recall her daily memories - those that are resurfacing - and the flood of information that she can gather about herself. It is here, in the journal, where she scribes Do Not Trust Ben (her husband), learns more and more, unraveling the mystery of the years, their relationship, the past, and just what happened all those years ago.
Twisty and chilling. I was lost in the pages and did not want to let go. The most amazing part of the read was how it was written in Christine's voice and how easy it was to step into the fear.

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Review: How To Survive A Sharknado and Other Unnatural Disasters By: Andrew Shaffer -- Just in Time For Sharknado 2 and Shark Week

Just In Time For Sharknado 2 and Shark Week - This is a Fun Read    4/5

April Wexler and Fin Shepard have come together, with Andrew Shaffer, to put together a great survival guide. You will be able to take the information they have gathered, for each entry there is a Study, what to Avoid, and a how to Survive, there is also a wonderful rating system for the understanding - via : The Threat to Humanity, Risk of Encounter, and my personal favorite Fin's WTF (Wow That's Freaky) Factor.


Taking cues from legends and other SyFy films and books from the zombie survival movement, this one will not disappoint. I think this is great in the library of the prepper, Semper paratus (always ready).

I received this from Blogging for Books for an honest review

Monday, July 28, 2014

Review: Mother, Mother By: Koren Zailckas

Mother, Mother: A NovelMother, Mother: A Novel by Koren Zailckas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, my! This is quite a thriller! One that I could not put down, one that I had to devour in one day, that I also found that I had to put down occasionally and pace around the book with the energy that was surging through the pages. And yet I returned over and over unable to any solace until the last page was turned and a night of rest was behind me. This is one to discuss, to have in a book reading group, **not necessarily to be read with family members in mind ** especially if you have some dysfunction.
Joan Crawford maybe took lessons from Josephine Hurst, but couldn't touch the crazy with a capital C. The story is told through two points of view, that of prepubescent youngest son Will and the middle child Violet. The family dynamics are revealed through their eyes - their father- distant, recovering alcoholic; their eldest sister Rose - a runaway, perfect until she went against mom, an actress, the favorite; their mother, Josephine - through Will's eyes she is perfect, she is the moon and stars, although she has certain moments he will always live up to whatever she wants - through Violet's she sees the evil, the vindictiveness, the sneers, the controlling nature and that since she sees she will be labeled and put away.
That is where Violet finds herself, in a mental ward accused of attacking her little brother. She knows this is not true. She also finds that her sister that ran away over a year ago has reached out to her. Will is at home being visited by CPS and trying to explain his seizures and Asperger's and lack of memory of the attack and Josephine is busy making everything perfect and as it should.
This book is a must read. I really loved it.

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Review: Don't Try To Find Me By: Holly Brown

Don't Try to Find MeDon't Try to Find Me by Holly Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book is told in two points of view chronological in nature. From mother, Rachel Willits point of view, her daughter has run away or something worse has happened. What was it that she missed, how was she consumed in herself, what made her run? Now her marriage is not perfect and neither is she, but now that everything is being made public just how much can she keep secret and how much can she let out in order to get her daughter back.
Marley was unhappy and found that moving made her even more isolated. She found someone online, made a plan, and stuck to it. Once there nothing was as it seemed, cracks began to show, lies began to unravel and she found herself in a situation quite possibly worse than she could ever run from. She didn't want to be found, but now maybe no one will find her, including herself.
Ms. Brown has written an intense book about runaways and the family dynamic, the predator online and the predator we sometimes trust in the form of a friend or doctor. She develops the characters in ways where you see others through only certain points of view, which at times are very skewed, and as the filter or cloud is removed and the characters develop into their own - a new insight and new take is given - very nice, shows talent. Worth the read.

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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Review: Landline By: Rainbow Rowell

LandlineLandline by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think that this book can be more 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.

Georgie McCool has made the decision to work through the holiday rather than go with her husband and children to Omaha. That decision begins to unravel what she once thought was a strong marriage and has her reevaluating everything that she has done that has gotten them to this place. Rather than return to her empty home she goes to her mothers, after repeated attempts of calling her husband's cell with no answer she finds an old telephone and calls his mothers landline -- wherein she connects with him, in the past.

What if we could connect with someone in the past, would it have changed anything, what would we tell them, what we want to let them hold on to over the years to come as the truth in their knowledge? With the ups and downs of marriage and how two different personalities came together, will the love they once had be enough to hold them through today and will the lessons of the past teach them a big one about who they are and what they truly want? Suspend your belief for a moment, sometimes the way forward is the way back. Although Georgie is a flawed character, as a reader I appreciated it in some ways because it made her much more realistic.

An easy read, but one that will grab at your heart and have you thinking and wanting to discuss -- so think book club or grab your sister for this one. It also has a nice message to it that keeps long after the last page.

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Review: The Oversight By: Charlie Fletcher

The Oversight (Oversight Trilogy, #1)The Oversight by Charlie Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Oversight watches over the Law of the supranaturals, they are the protectors of the balance for mankind and the order. Their numbers have dwindled and their enemies have multiplied.
A mysterious girl lands on the doorstep of their safe house and the beginning of good versus evil with strategic enemies that will only stop with death and destruction begins.

A wonderful fantasy and thriller wrapped into one. This is a beginning of a series - so be warned, you will be sucked into the amazing world and characters, and you will have to hold your breath for the next book - and, yes, you will want to devour that one as quickly as it is published!

Mr. Fletcher has an amazing writing pen and has opened up a new world in London that few can see. The battle has just begun and the dangerous players are only beginning to show themselves. Within the first few pages I fell into this world and did not find it easy to crawl back out, I think you will experience the same feeling. Enjoy!

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Review: Red Rising By: Pierce Brown

Red Rising (Red Rising Trilogy, #1)Red Rising by Pierce Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*****This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads*****

Darrow is a Helldiver on Mars. He takes risks, questions as he goes, goes against the color system society has labeled (he is a lowly Red). When his wife is killed, he commits a crime and is - but, he doesn't die. Instead, he is taken by rebels, that have shown him the truth of the colony - that the Golds have been living like kings on the backs of Reds that they treat and care for as slaves. Darrow works with the rebels by undergoing painful surgery, having lessons on how to behave, so that he can enter and train at the Academy, where future Gold leaders of the galaxy come from. He passes. The Academy encourages brutality, even as far as the first test for him to kill his friend. Is he losing his true self as he trains or just gathering skills to turn upon his enemy? Is this what he wanted to become?

This is a complicated book and I must say that I had complicated feelings throughout about whether I liked it or not, whether I would recommend it or not...I am still feeling torn.
The sellers likened it to The Hunger Games -- maybe for a more adult audience. They likened it to Ender -- a little, but again, I would think that you would want an reader that was 17 or older. Even at my age (cough, cough) some of the brutality and the themes were very hard. I love a good rebellion, a great revenge novel and this is here -- this is the beginning. Do I want more, yes! Would it have been better without a preconceived idea or comparison of other novels - hell, yeah! I would be aware of themes and open for discussion if you are going to read this with or before your child.

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Friday, July 18, 2014

Review: The Accident By: Chris Pavone *This is A Can't Miss Read For Summer*

I could not put this book down!                                                               5/5

A manuscript has made it's way into the hands of literary agent Isabel Reed, the title The Accident by anonymous and the story has her now looking over her shoulder. It tells the tale of Charles Wolfe, of Wolfe Worldwide Media, his father, the CIA; the story of murder, of cover up, of working to topple governments. There is a clue to who the author could be, but he died, and she finds she is in a race not to join him.

 A perfect spy thriller that takes you from Europe into the publishing world where in one day some learn the truth of a cut throat business and the price to hide the truth comes. 

 There are amazing characters throughout, the build up in the storyline leaves you on edge - you will finish this book in one sitting, great twists, simply wonderfully written, and will leave you craving more from a talented writer. You will thank me for this turning you on this one.

 I did receive this book for a fair and honest review from Blogging for Books

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Review: The Achilles Heel By: Karyn Rae

The Achilles HeelThe Achilles Heel by Karyn Rae
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think that this book is between a 3 and 3.5 star rating.

Annie Whitman finds herself a widow to a man with secrets. From the moment her husband's car and body were consumed by fire in a one man accident to the pre paid arrangements, followed by the reaction of her brother in law at the will reading and mysterious lockbox and keys that lead her to St Criox. Those secrets came with the price of her husband's life and it is possible that it might come to hers before she uncovers everything that was left behind for her to find. The one thing she didn't count on was finding love on the island.
Kessler Carlisle was tired of the music scene and ready to retire. He finds that he wants more from life and heads to a tropical paradise to hide away. There he finds something special, though at first he hides just who he is, and realizes that he wants to make a go at it - but something dangerous is lurking about, hopefully, this won't end before it gets started.

I found at times the book was very intense and thrilling in it's writing style, other times (just a few) it lagged. A great story, had me wanting to reach the end. The love story did happen a little too quickly, but the mystery was well drawn out. I think this is just the book to read on the beach on by the side of the pool this summer.

*****This is a First Reads, Thank You Goodreads*****

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