Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
I read this book because I thought I might want to see the movie, but it looks sad and so I wanted to see just how sad it would be before I committed to going to the movie. And no matter how good looking Channing Tatum is in the movie premires (and it is a lot) I don't think I will be seeing this movie because it is in fact too sad.
And I really should have known because Nicholas Sparks seems to be unable to write a book without tragedy, heartache and loss. I don't like sad movies - and I don't really like sad books. I guess I can lay the blame at Channing Tatum's feet for this one :)
This story is about John - an army sergeant, who meets Savannah - a college student, while home on leave. They fall in love but he has to go right back to Germany to finish his tour. Then, right as he is about to be discharged, September 11th happens and he re-ups. And it goes on from there, I don't want to spoil it anymore than I already have.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
No. 18: Shopaholic Ties the Knot
Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
After my last semi-ranting post about this series I noticed that I had not posted about this book yet. This is the third in the series, out of five.
In this book, Luke proposes to Becky (although I cannot figure out why he would) and she freaks out and has two weddings planned, and cannot tell anyone the truth about either and cannot read contracts that she signs and spends ridiculous amounts of money and fights with Luke. You know, the usual. But it all works out just fine, don't worry!
After my last semi-ranting post about this series I noticed that I had not posted about this book yet. This is the third in the series, out of five.
In this book, Luke proposes to Becky (although I cannot figure out why he would) and she freaks out and has two weddings planned, and cannot tell anyone the truth about either and cannot read contracts that she signs and spends ridiculous amounts of money and fights with Luke. You know, the usual. But it all works out just fine, don't worry!
No. 17: Shopaholic and Sister
Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella
My earlier enthusiasm for the Kinsella Quest is waning. I am sick of Becky Bloomwood and her non-stop lying and craziness. It was amusing at first, but she is completely unable to tell the truth until she is forced to - I think that is less an amusing personality quirk and more a personality disorder. But whatever.
In this book, Becky discovers that she has a long lost sister. Turns out that the sister is the complete opposite of Becky in every way. They obviously do not get along well and their clashing makes up the majority of the story. Although there is quite a bit about Becky's constant lies to her husband and her overall bumbling nature - but of course it all turns out for the best. Even though she doesn't deserve it.
Thankfully there is only one more book in this series and then my quest is complete. Shopaholic and Baby - I can only imagine the ridiculous amounts of unnecesary baby crap she will purchase, then hide purchasing and then later confess and beg for forgiveness. Or maybe not - who knows.
My earlier enthusiasm for the Kinsella Quest is waning. I am sick of Becky Bloomwood and her non-stop lying and craziness. It was amusing at first, but she is completely unable to tell the truth until she is forced to - I think that is less an amusing personality quirk and more a personality disorder. But whatever.
In this book, Becky discovers that she has a long lost sister. Turns out that the sister is the complete opposite of Becky in every way. They obviously do not get along well and their clashing makes up the majority of the story. Although there is quite a bit about Becky's constant lies to her husband and her overall bumbling nature - but of course it all turns out for the best. Even though she doesn't deserve it.
Thankfully there is only one more book in this series and then my quest is complete. Shopaholic and Baby - I can only imagine the ridiculous amounts of unnecesary baby crap she will purchase, then hide purchasing and then later confess and beg for forgiveness. Or maybe not - who knows.
No. 17: Over the Edge
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann
I am reading these books completely out of order, but after reading Breaking Point, where Max and Gina finally get their happy ending I just had to read this one. This is the book where they met. Although it is not a good meeting, the plane Gina is on is hijacked by tourists and it does not go well for her there. But the main storyline in this book is Stan and Teri. And I like it, even though it is not my favorite romance. In this book I almost (almost) like the secondary story lines better because I know they turn out in the end. Max and Gina - happily ever after, Sam and Alyssa - happily ever after. Even though both couples have a difficult time in this book, maybe I just like to see people suffer?
I am reading these books completely out of order, but after reading Breaking Point, where Max and Gina finally get their happy ending I just had to read this one. This is the book where they met. Although it is not a good meeting, the plane Gina is on is hijacked by tourists and it does not go well for her there. But the main storyline in this book is Stan and Teri. And I like it, even though it is not my favorite romance. In this book I almost (almost) like the secondary story lines better because I know they turn out in the end. Max and Gina - happily ever after, Sam and Alyssa - happily ever after. Even though both couples have a difficult time in this book, maybe I just like to see people suffer?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
No. 16: The Elusive Bride
The Elusive Bride by Stephanie Laurens
This is the second in the Black Cobra Quartet. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. I thought it stretched out a little long, too much action - more specifically, too much of the same action. It got very repetitive. But I thought the heroine was interesting and I enjoyed her diary entries, I thought it was a good way to get in some internal dialogue. I am still excited to read the rest of the series though - I wish they would be published sooner.
This is the second in the Black Cobra Quartet. I enjoyed it, but not as much as the first. I thought it stretched out a little long, too much action - more specifically, too much of the same action. It got very repetitive. But I thought the heroine was interesting and I enjoyed her diary entries, I thought it was a good way to get in some internal dialogue. I am still excited to read the rest of the series though - I wish they would be published sooner.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
No. 15: Breaking Point
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
After the last book I read, I was in a Suzanne Brockmann kind of mood, and I wanted more Grady Morant/Dave Jones and Molly so I found this book. And then, once I started I remembered how much I love this book! Max and Gina!!! Finally they get their happy ending, although it was such a long time coming. And Jules being awesome and a hero! I love Jules. I am going to go ahead and read more from this series. Perhaps Sam and Alyssa, or Jules and Robin? At least I have every book Brockmann has written so I have lots of choices :)
After the last book I read, I was in a Suzanne Brockmann kind of mood, and I wanted more Grady Morant/Dave Jones and Molly so I found this book. And then, once I started I remembered how much I love this book! Max and Gina!!! Finally they get their happy ending, although it was such a long time coming. And Jules being awesome and a hero! I love Jules. I am going to go ahead and read more from this series. Perhaps Sam and Alyssa, or Jules and Robin? At least I have every book Brockmann has written so I have lots of choices :)
Friday, January 22, 2010
No. 14: Out of Control
Out of Control by Suzanne Brockmann
I felt like I needed to read a guaranteed awesome book. One I could count on to be wonderful. So I turned to one of my ALL TIME favorite books EVER - Out of Control. This excellent book by an excellent author is the story of Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody and Suzannah Von Hopf. And I love it. It has almost everything that I love - Navy SEALS, not one, not two, but THREE excellent romances with happy endings, spies, secret pasts, appropriate and awesome swearing, trials and tribulations, wacky hijinks, returning characters, a lovable MMC, a relate-able and non annoying FMC, daring rescues - the whole shebang. If she could have somehow thrown in time travel and Scotland it would literally be the most perfect book in the history of the world. But, it is pretty close anyway.
I will never forget the first time I read this book - way back in 2002 when it first came out. I got it in the mail but it came right as I was headed out for an afternoon of classes (this was when I was a good student so I actually went to my classes) and so I brought it along in case I had some time to kill. Lucky me one of my classes was canceled so I had an hour break between sociology and geology. I decided to take my new book to the library to read it between classes. Well, I found a seat and started reading, and I kept reading, and laughing out loud and embarrassing myself, and I never did make it to geology. I actually read the entire book sitting in the library. And then, I went home and read it again. And I think I have read it probably 10 or more times since then. Love this book!!!
I felt like I needed to read a guaranteed awesome book. One I could count on to be wonderful. So I turned to one of my ALL TIME favorite books EVER - Out of Control. This excellent book by an excellent author is the story of Kenny "Wildcard" Karmody and Suzannah Von Hopf. And I love it. It has almost everything that I love - Navy SEALS, not one, not two, but THREE excellent romances with happy endings, spies, secret pasts, appropriate and awesome swearing, trials and tribulations, wacky hijinks, returning characters, a lovable MMC, a relate-able and non annoying FMC, daring rescues - the whole shebang. If she could have somehow thrown in time travel and Scotland it would literally be the most perfect book in the history of the world. But, it is pretty close anyway.
I will never forget the first time I read this book - way back in 2002 when it first came out. I got it in the mail but it came right as I was headed out for an afternoon of classes (this was when I was a good student so I actually went to my classes) and so I brought it along in case I had some time to kill. Lucky me one of my classes was canceled so I had an hour break between sociology and geology. I decided to take my new book to the library to read it between classes. Well, I found a seat and started reading, and I kept reading, and laughing out loud and embarrassing myself, and I never did make it to geology. I actually read the entire book sitting in the library. And then, I went home and read it again. And I think I have read it probably 10 or more times since then. Love this book!!!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
No. 13: All-Americal Girl
All-American Girl by Meg Cabot
I got this book at the thrift store a few months ago and then promptly forgot it existed. Until I found it on my bookshelf this afternoon. My bookshelf is full of books I didn't know I had!
The FMC is Samantha, she is a sophomore and an artist and a semi-rebel. One day, while skipping art class, she prevents the assassination of the President of the United States. She also realizes that the cute boy in her art class is the President's son. Very exciting!
This is technically a young adult book - the author also wrote the Princess Diaries series - so it was a very quick read (about an hour and a half) even though it is about 400 pages long. It was very funny and cute and I am sure I will read more books by this author.
I got this book at the thrift store a few months ago and then promptly forgot it existed. Until I found it on my bookshelf this afternoon. My bookshelf is full of books I didn't know I had!
The FMC is Samantha, she is a sophomore and an artist and a semi-rebel. One day, while skipping art class, she prevents the assassination of the President of the United States. She also realizes that the cute boy in her art class is the President's son. Very exciting!
This is technically a young adult book - the author also wrote the Princess Diaries series - so it was a very quick read (about an hour and a half) even though it is about 400 pages long. It was very funny and cute and I am sure I will read more books by this author.
No. 12: Leaving Whiskey Bend
Leaving Whiskey Bend by Dorothy Garlock
I found this book when I was cleaning out my book shelves. I don't know where it came from, or when I got it, but I am always happy to find a new book to read.
It is a historical western, set in Colorado. The story starts when Hallie (the FMC) and her friend Pearl set out to rescue their friend Mary from her crazy and abusive step brother Chester. The women make their escape and find their way to the ranch of Eli Morgan.
There are really like 4 or 5 plots going on in one book - I think it may have been a little too much for one story, and not a particularly long one at that. There is the mystery of who killed Eli's brother, the Fawn being obsessed with Eli issue, the Seth McCarty hating Eli problem, the Chester after Hallie, Pearl and Mary thing, the romance between Hallie and Eli, the potential romance between Hank and Pearl, the fact that Eli's older brother thinks he is Abraham Lincoln, Eli's mother's injury, Eli and his Mother's extreme dislike of each other, the fact that Abe thinks Mary is really his wife Mary, the fact that Mary is in a coma (or something like a coma) - seriously, a lot going on for one book. At one point in the book, there are so many dramatic climaxes that every character is involved in one and so they cannot really help each other.
But all in all it wasn't bad - just not great. I am sure I have read other books by this author, but it must have been a long time ago - before I started this blog. I don't think I am ready to add Garlock to my list of must read authors, but I would certainly read more of her books if I happened to find them on my bookshelf :)
I found this book when I was cleaning out my book shelves. I don't know where it came from, or when I got it, but I am always happy to find a new book to read.
It is a historical western, set in Colorado. The story starts when Hallie (the FMC) and her friend Pearl set out to rescue their friend Mary from her crazy and abusive step brother Chester. The women make their escape and find their way to the ranch of Eli Morgan.
There are really like 4 or 5 plots going on in one book - I think it may have been a little too much for one story, and not a particularly long one at that. There is the mystery of who killed Eli's brother, the Fawn being obsessed with Eli issue, the Seth McCarty hating Eli problem, the Chester after Hallie, Pearl and Mary thing, the romance between Hallie and Eli, the potential romance between Hank and Pearl, the fact that Eli's older brother thinks he is Abraham Lincoln, Eli's mother's injury, Eli and his Mother's extreme dislike of each other, the fact that Abe thinks Mary is really his wife Mary, the fact that Mary is in a coma (or something like a coma) - seriously, a lot going on for one book. At one point in the book, there are so many dramatic climaxes that every character is involved in one and so they cannot really help each other.
But all in all it wasn't bad - just not great. I am sure I have read other books by this author, but it must have been a long time ago - before I started this blog. I don't think I am ready to add Garlock to my list of must read authors, but I would certainly read more of her books if I happened to find them on my bookshelf :)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
No. 11: Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose
Aaron got the blue ray of this movie for Christmas and we watched it all over a couple of days because it was so good. I thought the book might have even more awesomeness, more back story and more details. And in some respects it did. But in many ways it was less than the movie. The author wasn't apparantly into a lot of descriptions. It was almost like a guy telling you about a research project he did. Not like an author telling a story about amazing people and events. So, in this very very rare case, I actually prefer the movie (or miniseries I guess) to the book.
I did like that the last chapter provided a lot more information about what happened to Easy Company after the war. But they did tell some of that in the movie too. So, my advice is, watch the movie.
Aaron got the blue ray of this movie for Christmas and we watched it all over a couple of days because it was so good. I thought the book might have even more awesomeness, more back story and more details. And in some respects it did. But in many ways it was less than the movie. The author wasn't apparantly into a lot of descriptions. It was almost like a guy telling you about a research project he did. Not like an author telling a story about amazing people and events. So, in this very very rare case, I actually prefer the movie (or miniseries I guess) to the book.
I did like that the last chapter provided a lot more information about what happened to Easy Company after the war. But they did tell some of that in the movie too. So, my advice is, watch the movie.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
No. 10: Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella
The quest continues. I actually liked this book more than the first in the series, I especially liked the ending and how she actually attempted to solve her financial problems rather than just lucking out and not changing anything. Although how much she actually changed is anyone's guess. I am still not in love with Luke - first of all his name is Luke which makes me think about Luke Perry, and second of all, he is a work-a-holic who doesn't make time for her. But I did like him more in this book than the last. There are three more books in this series so presumably by the end I will be really into him :)
The quest continues. I actually liked this book more than the first in the series, I especially liked the ending and how she actually attempted to solve her financial problems rather than just lucking out and not changing anything. Although how much she actually changed is anyone's guess. I am still not in love with Luke - first of all his name is Luke which makes me think about Luke Perry, and second of all, he is a work-a-holic who doesn't make time for her. But I did like him more in this book than the last. There are three more books in this series so presumably by the end I will be really into him :)
No. 9: Crazy for You
Crazy for You by Jennifer Cruise
This book was not at all what I was expecting. When I read the back cover it sounded funny and full of wacky hijinks. But in reality it was kind of strange and creepy and a little bit disturbing. And, I couldn't really get a picture of the characters in my head - except for the coach, and all I got from him was big. But the FMC, everyone kept using the word "round" to describe her, but she wasn't fat so that was confusing. And I didn't get why she liked the dog so much, and her reactions were not normal, they were kind of irrational and crazy. AND the friend, Darla, that whole thing made me crazy.
It is really hit and miss with this author for me, some I have loved but this one did not do it for me at all.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. When I read the back cover it sounded funny and full of wacky hijinks. But in reality it was kind of strange and creepy and a little bit disturbing. And, I couldn't really get a picture of the characters in my head - except for the coach, and all I got from him was big. But the FMC, everyone kept using the word "round" to describe her, but she wasn't fat so that was confusing. And I didn't get why she liked the dog so much, and her reactions were not normal, they were kind of irrational and crazy. AND the friend, Darla, that whole thing made me crazy.
It is really hit and miss with this author for me, some I have loved but this one did not do it for me at all.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
No. 8: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
I was disappointed to find I didn't like this book as much as the others by Kinsella that I have read lately. It was almost too much, too embarassing for the main character - Becky, too realistic about debt and shopping anyways (not that I know anything about that!) And I didn't love the MMC as much as I did in the other books. But there are at least 3 more books in this series, so I imagine I will read them too, and hopefully I will like them more.
I don't know if I can bear to watch the movie of this book, I don't like movies where embarrassing things happen - it makes me very uncomfortable and I can't watch. Weird? Maybe.
I was disappointed to find I didn't like this book as much as the others by Kinsella that I have read lately. It was almost too much, too embarassing for the main character - Becky, too realistic about debt and shopping anyways (not that I know anything about that!) And I didn't love the MMC as much as I did in the other books. But there are at least 3 more books in this series, so I imagine I will read them too, and hopefully I will like them more.
I don't know if I can bear to watch the movie of this book, I don't like movies where embarrassing things happen - it makes me very uncomfortable and I can't watch. Weird? Maybe.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
No. 7: For the Roses
For the Roses by Julie Garwood
I got this book at a used bookstore yesterday. I couldn't resist it, this might just be my favorite Julie Garwood book of all time - especially in conjunction with the rest of the series. The Claybourne family is so awesome! I heard from a friend that she named her son after one of the characters in this book - after I made her read it in college! And she picked a good one too - Cole, which is one of my favorite names!
This book is the first in the series, about Mary Rose - the only female Claybourne and the youngest in the family. She meets Harrison MacDonald when he comes to town looking for a woman who was kidnapped as a baby. As an aside, didn't I just read another book like this? Anyway, they obviously fall in love, and it is wonderful. I am going to search my bookshelves to see if I have the rest of the series, and if not, back to the bookstore!!!
I got this book at a used bookstore yesterday. I couldn't resist it, this might just be my favorite Julie Garwood book of all time - especially in conjunction with the rest of the series. The Claybourne family is so awesome! I heard from a friend that she named her son after one of the characters in this book - after I made her read it in college! And she picked a good one too - Cole, which is one of my favorite names!
This book is the first in the series, about Mary Rose - the only female Claybourne and the youngest in the family. She meets Harrison MacDonald when he comes to town looking for a woman who was kidnapped as a baby. As an aside, didn't I just read another book like this? Anyway, they obviously fall in love, and it is wonderful. I am going to search my bookshelves to see if I have the rest of the series, and if not, back to the bookstore!!!
No 6: The Undomestic Goddess
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
I loved this book! I loved that the FMC was an attorney who had a messy desk and decided she would rather be happy than be a lawyer. I loved the MMC and his mother. I thought the Geigers were funny and probably what a lot of people would be like if they became rich.
My favorite parts were when she was trying to cook and failing miserably. Also the laundry and ironing. Basically I liked the whole thing. My Sophie Kinsella quest is going splendidly. I got another one to read tonight - Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I have already read but remember liking very much. Yeah!!!
I loved this book! I loved that the FMC was an attorney who had a messy desk and decided she would rather be happy than be a lawyer. I loved the MMC and his mother. I thought the Geigers were funny and probably what a lot of people would be like if they became rich.
My favorite parts were when she was trying to cook and failing miserably. Also the laundry and ironing. Basically I liked the whole thing. My Sophie Kinsella quest is going splendidly. I got another one to read tonight - Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I have already read but remember liking very much. Yeah!!!
No. 5: The Templar Legacy
The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
This is one of the first books I ever got on my kindle - because it was FREE - but I have not gotten around to reading it until now. It came recommended to me by both my Dad and Sister-in-law so I thought I should give it a chance.
I have to say that I am not really that into the whole Templar/crazy religious thing anymore. It is always just a little too much for me. And I thought this book was trying a little too hard to be mysterious and tricky. But, that being said, it was pretty good once I got into it. I liked the MMC, Cotton Malone - even though I think the name Cotton is stupid. I also heard that there is another book featuring this character where he looks into the death of his father (who died when his submarine sank) that may involve Nazis. Sounds intriguing, so I might have to check that out.
This is one of the first books I ever got on my kindle - because it was FREE - but I have not gotten around to reading it until now. It came recommended to me by both my Dad and Sister-in-law so I thought I should give it a chance.
I have to say that I am not really that into the whole Templar/crazy religious thing anymore. It is always just a little too much for me. And I thought this book was trying a little too hard to be mysterious and tricky. But, that being said, it was pretty good once I got into it. I liked the MMC, Cotton Malone - even though I think the name Cotton is stupid. I also heard that there is another book featuring this character where he looks into the death of his father (who died when his submarine sank) that may involve Nazis. Sounds intriguing, so I might have to check that out.
No. 4: A Matter of Class
A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh
I love Mary Balogh and I love her new books (her old ones, not so much) This was a good one, a twist on the usual forced into marriage plot. The FMC, from a wealthy titled family, was "ruined" by scandal when she attempted to run off with a coachman. The MMC, from a wealthy but untitled family is in trouble because of his wasteral lifestyle and extravagant ways. The FMC's father, who made his money in coal mining (and we all know how much regcency era nobels hated coal miners) and desperately wanted an entre into society, he thinks he might have a chance now that the neighboring Earl's daughter is disgraced. So he forces his son to propose or he will cut him off.
My only problem with this book is that it is ridicululously short - I finished it in an hour and a half. And it was $9.99 which makes it more expensive than going to the movies for a shorter period of time of entertainment. I would like to make a rule that all books must be at least 350 pages, if not more. I do love a long good book :)
I love Mary Balogh and I love her new books (her old ones, not so much) This was a good one, a twist on the usual forced into marriage plot. The FMC, from a wealthy titled family, was "ruined" by scandal when she attempted to run off with a coachman. The MMC, from a wealthy but untitled family is in trouble because of his wasteral lifestyle and extravagant ways. The FMC's father, who made his money in coal mining (and we all know how much regcency era nobels hated coal miners) and desperately wanted an entre into society, he thinks he might have a chance now that the neighboring Earl's daughter is disgraced. So he forces his son to propose or he will cut him off.
My only problem with this book is that it is ridicululously short - I finished it in an hour and a half. And it was $9.99 which makes it more expensive than going to the movies for a shorter period of time of entertainment. I would like to make a rule that all books must be at least 350 pages, if not more. I do love a long good book :)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
No. 3: Remember Me?
Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
The Great Sophie Kinsella Quest continues! I ordered this book at 10:30 last night and had finished it by 1:00 - it was a really fast read. I like it, maybe not as much as the others I had read, but it was a very interesting story. The FMC - Alexis - wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident with amnesia, she cannot remember the last three years of her life. Which means she does not remember the cosmetic dentistry, her marriage, her promotion or her affair. I really liked Jon, and actually Eric too, not because I liked him but because he was a very vivid character - I could just picture his face when he asked her to pick up her mess! Anyway, I am moving forward with the quest, luckily there are lots more books to read!
The Great Sophie Kinsella Quest continues! I ordered this book at 10:30 last night and had finished it by 1:00 - it was a really fast read. I like it, maybe not as much as the others I had read, but it was a very interesting story. The FMC - Alexis - wakes up in a hospital bed after a car accident with amnesia, she cannot remember the last three years of her life. Which means she does not remember the cosmetic dentistry, her marriage, her promotion or her affair. I really liked Jon, and actually Eric too, not because I liked him but because he was a very vivid character - I could just picture his face when he asked her to pick up her mess! Anyway, I am moving forward with the quest, luckily there are lots more books to read!
Monday, January 4, 2010
No. 3: The Crossroads Cafe
The Crossroads Cafe by Deborah Smith
Another FREE book - I am really on a roll with these free books, I love Amazon and I love my Kindle! And I really liked this book - if you have a Kindle, you should get it. Even if it is not free. The FMC - Catheryn - is a super famous and beautiful movie star - the most beautiful woman in the world. But, on her way home from the launch of her new cosmetics line she is in a car accident and is badly burned on both her face and body. AND the accident and her catching on fire was all videotaped by a malicious paparazzi who did nothing to help her. So the story goes through her recovery and her journey to the small town in Appalachia where her grandmother lived.
The MMC is Thomas, an architect who is living in the small town following the death of his wife and son on 9/11. It is terribly sad and he is pretty much on the verge of killing himself from grief and guilt.
I don't want to give too much away, but it is a good book - if a teeny tiny bit drama filled. Everyone had something tragic in their past, the death of a child or loved one. But not over the line of excessive - just very close. I actually cried 3 or 4 different times while reading it. Which is a good recommendation, I was emotionally invested enough to care what happened to the characters. It doesn't happen as often as you would think.
Another FREE book - I am really on a roll with these free books, I love Amazon and I love my Kindle! And I really liked this book - if you have a Kindle, you should get it. Even if it is not free. The FMC - Catheryn - is a super famous and beautiful movie star - the most beautiful woman in the world. But, on her way home from the launch of her new cosmetics line she is in a car accident and is badly burned on both her face and body. AND the accident and her catching on fire was all videotaped by a malicious paparazzi who did nothing to help her. So the story goes through her recovery and her journey to the small town in Appalachia where her grandmother lived.
The MMC is Thomas, an architect who is living in the small town following the death of his wife and son on 9/11. It is terribly sad and he is pretty much on the verge of killing himself from grief and guilt.
I don't want to give too much away, but it is a good book - if a teeny tiny bit drama filled. Everyone had something tragic in their past, the death of a child or loved one. But not over the line of excessive - just very close. I actually cried 3 or 4 different times while reading it. Which is a good recommendation, I was emotionally invested enough to care what happened to the characters. It doesn't happen as often as you would think.
No. 2: Murder Takes the Cake
Murder Takes the Cake by Gayle Trent
This book was FREE!!! I do love a free book. And unlike many of the free books I have read, it wasn't completely terrible. In fact it was just fine. If you have not read any of the Joanna Fluke series (ie: Blueberry Muffin Murder) you would probably really like it. Unfortunately for me I have read 9 books in that series and got baking/murder/mystery-ed out. I think the genre is "cozy mysteries" where the main characters engage in some kind of domestic activities like knitting or baking. Here, the FMC is a cake baker and decorator. This book is very similar to that series, down to the sister working in real estate and the troubled relationship with her mother. The author's styles are very different though, I much prefer the FMC in this book, not as annoying! And surprisingly she was older than the typical FMC, in her 40's I believe, which is unusual but interesting. So definitely worth a read.
This book was FREE!!! I do love a free book. And unlike many of the free books I have read, it wasn't completely terrible. In fact it was just fine. If you have not read any of the Joanna Fluke series (ie: Blueberry Muffin Murder) you would probably really like it. Unfortunately for me I have read 9 books in that series and got baking/murder/mystery-ed out. I think the genre is "cozy mysteries" where the main characters engage in some kind of domestic activities like knitting or baking. Here, the FMC is a cake baker and decorator. This book is very similar to that series, down to the sister working in real estate and the troubled relationship with her mother. The author's styles are very different though, I much prefer the FMC in this book, not as annoying! And surprisingly she was older than the typical FMC, in her 40's I believe, which is unusual but interesting. So definitely worth a read.
No. 1: Divine Misdemeanors
Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton
This is the 8th book in the Meredith Gentry series, you know, the series that I don't even like but feel compelled to keep reading. The book I was boycotting because it cost $13.00 for my kindle. Well, it finally got down to $9.99 so I bought it. I wish I hadn't!
I had it in my mind that this would be the last book in the series. Wishful thinking perhaps? Maybe it is the last book but I doubt it because there was NO RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER!!! The story did not progress, nothing really happened that was noteworthy. Seriously, at the end of the book the FMC is in exactly the same place she was at the beginning. I think that is weird. Why write another book in a series if it doesn't do anything to move the series forward. Very annoying and very disappointing. If there is another book in the series, I don't know if I will read or not. Right now I am leaning towards not, but time will tell...
This is the 8th book in the Meredith Gentry series, you know, the series that I don't even like but feel compelled to keep reading. The book I was boycotting because it cost $13.00 for my kindle. Well, it finally got down to $9.99 so I bought it. I wish I hadn't!
I had it in my mind that this would be the last book in the series. Wishful thinking perhaps? Maybe it is the last book but I doubt it because there was NO RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER!!! The story did not progress, nothing really happened that was noteworthy. Seriously, at the end of the book the FMC is in exactly the same place she was at the beginning. I think that is weird. Why write another book in a series if it doesn't do anything to move the series forward. Very annoying and very disappointing. If there is another book in the series, I don't know if I will read or not. Right now I am leaning towards not, but time will tell...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Year in Review - 2009
I am very glad I have decided to keep going with this blog. So glad in fact, that I am going to keep going for next year! 2009 was not as good a year for reading as 2008, I read 19 fewer books. So my resolution for 2010 is to read more books than 2009, and hopefully more than 2008. We will see!
This years stats:
Total: 122
Best Month: October - 17 (interestingly my first full month of unemployment and the month I got my Kindle)
Worst Month: September - 4
Most Read Author: Janet Evanovich - 17 (the whole Stephanie Plum numbers series plus 2) a close second is Mary Balogh - 15
Fiction: 117
Non-Fiction:5
Unfinished Books: 1 - Infinite Jest, and I don't know if I will ever finish. I am on page 250 something and I have no desire to keep reading.
This years stats:
Total: 122
Best Month: October - 17 (interestingly my first full month of unemployment and the month I got my Kindle)
Worst Month: September - 4
Most Read Author: Janet Evanovich - 17 (the whole Stephanie Plum numbers series plus 2) a close second is Mary Balogh - 15
Fiction: 117
Non-Fiction:5
Unfinished Books: 1 - Infinite Jest, and I don't know if I will ever finish. I am on page 250 something and I have no desire to keep reading.
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