Thursday, October 17, 2013

Review: Little Island by Katherine Britton

Little Island by Katherine Britton

Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 320
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Grace
Flowers
By the water
Have fun!
 


These are Joy’s grandmother’s last words—left behind on a note. A note that Joy’s mother, Grace, has interpreted as instructions for her memorial service. And so, the far-flung clan will gather at their inn on Little Island, Maine, to honor her.

Joy can’t help dreading the weekend. Twenty years ago, a tragedy nearly destroyed the family—and still defines them. Joy, Grace, her father Gar, and twins Roger and Tamar all have their parts to play. And now Joy, facing an empty nest and a nebulous future, feels more vulnerable than ever to the dangerous currents running through her family.

But this time, Joy will discover that there is more than pain and heartbreak that binds them together, when a few simple words lift the fo
g and reveal what truly matters…

Kritters Thoughts:  A generational saga that really proved the point that when you go home you also go back in age.  When children return home, they revert back to the ways and the people they were when they were children in the home.  So in this book, Grace and Gar have their children - Joy, Roger and Tamar returning home for the memorial of Grace's mother.  

Joy is the only character who narrates in first person and I think the author perfectly chose her to guide the story along with the eyes of the story.  The rest of the cast of characters are not left out, but none get to share straight from their point of view.  I think I know why the author did this and once you read the book, I would love to know if you agree (but I can't share or else it would spoil the fun!).  

A fantastic family book that made me laugh, cry and absolutely startled me at a few moments with the things that this family had gone through and was currently going through at the time of the story.  

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Across My Doorstop - Baltimore September 2013


The Book Thing:
Time is a River by Mary Alice Monoroe  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner  (Goodreads  Amazon)
When Light Breaks by Patti Callahan Henry  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Everything She Thought She Wanted by Elizabeth Buchan  (Goodreads  Amazon)
The Air We Breathe by Andrea Barrett  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Flight Lessons by Patricia Gaffney  (Goodreads  Amazon)
The Pact by Jennifer Sturman  (Goodreads  Amazon)
The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory  (Goodreads  Amazon)
More Than You Know by Beth Gutcheon  (Goodreads  Amazon

Ukazoo:
Pain Truth by Jodi Picoult  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain  (Goodreads  Amazon)
Mercy by Jodi Picoult  (Goodreads  Amazon)
The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano  (Goodreads  Amazon)


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Review: Sisters in Bloom by Melissa Foster

Sisters in Bloom by Melissa Foster

Publisher: World Literary Press
Pages: 312
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Kaylie Snow has always been the fun, flirty, pretty sister. Now, her burgeoning baby bump, hormone infused emotions, and faltering singing career are sending her into an unexpected identity crisis. Watching her older sister Danica glide through a major career change and a new relationship with the grace of a ballerina, Kaylie’s insecurities rise to the forefront—and her relationship, with fiancé Chaz Crew, is caught in the crossfire.

Chaz Crew has everything he’s ever wanted: a lovely fiancé, a baby on the way, and soon, the film festival he owns will host its biggest event ever. When he’s called away to woo the festival’s largest sponsor—and the lover he’s never admitted to having—secrets from his past turn his new life upside down.

With her baby shower around the corner, and her fiancé’s big event looming, the pressure is on for Kaylie to pull herself together—and for Chaz to right his wrongs. In a few short weeks, the couple who had it all figured out will learn things about life and love that may change their minds—and their hearts. 


Kritters Thoughts:  The sisters are back and moving forward in life.  They are each in relationships and learning to trust the men in their lives as their father was not the most glowing example when they were kids.  This issue came up in the book time and time again.  

I loved continuing the girls' stories and reading about how each was going to take their life forward.  Although in the first book the men were introduced and played a part, this book took their characters to the next level and I felt as though I really got to know them more and fell in love with them!  The presence of their mom was great, she was a character that I hope to see more of in the next book.  

Just as a warning, this is definitely a romance so there are a few naughty scenes that could make a person blush a little!  Thankfully I was quite excited for these characters and was happy that they were finding love!


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel


Ebook 2013 Challenge: 65 out 50

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Review: Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train
by William Kuhn

Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 374
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  After decades of service and years of watching her family's troubles splashed across the tabloids, Britain's Queen is beginning to feel her age. She needs some proper cheering up. An unexpected opportunity offers her relief: an impromptu visit to a place that holds happy memories—the former royal yacht, Britannia, now moored near Edinburgh. Hidden beneath a skull-emblazoned hoodie, the limber Elizabeth (thank goodness for yoga) walks out of Buckingham Palace into the freedom of a rainy London day and heads for King's Cross to catch a train to Scotland. But a characterful cast of royal attendants has discovered her missing. In uneasy alliance a lady-in-waiting, a butler, an equerry, a girl from the stables, a dresser, and a clerk from the shop that supplies Her Majesty's cheese set out to find her and bring her back before her absence becomes a national scandal.


Kritters Thoughts:  Divided in sections and then within each section, each character has their own parts to tell their story, the past and the present.  The characters varied from all parts of the staff of the Queen, people of London and the Queen herself - I loved the variety, it made the book so much more than just a fictional story about the Queen.

The Queen is finding life to be a day after day experience and wants something else.  Through an interesting use of characters, the author moved the story along while also giving the reader little bits of back story for each character.  I felt as though I was getting to know London and its intricacies while also learning about a little more of what goes on in the Queen's most beautiful home and world.

I loved this book!  I think it was perfect to read with all of the increased attention to London with the royal baby and the new line of royal family.  


Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.



Tuesday, October 8th: A Bookish Way of Life
Wednesday, October 9th: Lavish Bookshelf
Thursday, October 10th: Drey’s Library
Monday, October 14th: Kritters Ramblings
Tuesday, October 15th: Olduvai Reads
Wednesday, October 16th: BookNAround
Thursday, October 17th: Booktalk & More
Friday, October 18th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Monday, October 21st: What She Read …
Tuesday, October 22nd: A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, October 23rd: Kahakai Kitchen
Thursday, October 24th: Walking with Nora
Monday, October 28th: My Bookshelf
Tuesday, October 29th: guiltless reading

Sunday, October 13, 2013

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

Well with my corporate retreat that took a lot of time, effort and energy, I didn't get much reading done, minus two plane rides, so I decided to extend this and do two weeks worth of reading.  I have quite a bit to catch up on!  And with being sick this past week, I was too gosh darned tired to read, so a weak two books in two weeks (granted We Are Water is over 500 pages!!)

A meme hosted by Sheila at BookJourney. 

Finished this past week:
The Joshua Stone by James Barney
We are Water by Wally Lamb

Currently Reading:
Killer Image by Wendy Tyson
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer 
(this one will be here for awhile as I am reading it chapter by chapter with my sister)

Next on the TBR pile:
Elly in Bloom by Colleen Oakes

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Review: The Good Wife by Jane Porter

The Good Wife by Jane Porter

Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 432
Format: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Always considered the beauty of the family, the youngest Brennan sister, Sarah, remains deeply in love with her husband of ten years. Boone Walker, a professional baseball player, travels almost year-round while Sarah stays home and cares for their two children. Her love for her husband is bottomless—so much so that her sisters say it will end up hurting her.

Living apart most of the time makes life difficult, especially since Sarah often wonders whether Boone is sharing his bed with other women on the road, even though he swears he’s been true to her since his infidelity three years ago. While she wants to be happy and move forward in her life, Sarah constantly fears that Boone will break his promise. Now with Boone facing yet another career change, tension rises between the two, adding more stress to an already turbulent marriage. Emotionally exhausted, Sarah can’t cope with yet another storm. Now, she must either break free from the past and forgive Boone completely, or leave him behind and start anew . . .


Kritters Thoughts:  Sarah is the youngest of the Brennan family and she has lived far away from them for a long time.  Living in Tampa, FL due to her husband's professional baseball career, she spends many months as a single parent as he travels playing ball.  This book begins just as the last one left off, the family is all in California for the funeral of the matriarch and are trying to comfort one another.  Sarah stays in California for a bit to help Meg and thankfully is there when Meg's world falls apart.

I was most excited to read a book that concentrated on Sarah and her story.  She had played a role as a minor character in the other two, but I couldn't want to hear more from her.  I felt as though the beginning didn't center on her as much as I had wanted, but mid way and through the end I really felt like Sarah took the center part of the story.      

The third in the trilogy of the Brennan Sisters books and although I loved reading this one, I wish there was just one more.  I am sad that Brenna isn't getting her own story as she is a Brennan or even Cass as a sister in law (maybe a companion novel)!  I also don't feel like I have heard the complete story of this family and just want one more to type up any loose ends.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Booksparks PR.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Review: After the Fire by JA Jance

After the Fire by J A Jance

Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 128
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  That fire can cleanse as well as destroy is no mystery to J. A. Jance. Before she found fame as a best-selling mystery author, Judith Jance wrestled with the personal anguish of being married to an alcoholic. For years she composed poetry in secret and kept it locked away. Finally it was published as After the Fire in 1984, the year before her debut novel. After the Fire chronicled the death of a relationship as Jance's marriage to her first husband gradually collapsed under the weight of his addiction—aided and abetted by her own unwitting denial and co-dependence—while she struggled to find herself. "I will not be the price of your redemption," she wrote then. "I will not pay my life to ransom yours." Now this deeply personal work is available in a new annotated edition. In it, Jance offers unblinking insights into where she was and what was happening when each of these searing poems was written—remaking After the Fire as more than a collection of poetry. Now it is a portrait of addiction and the insidious ways in which it destroys relationships. 


Kritters Thoughts:  Although I don't normally read books written in poetry or prose, I couldn't pass this one up being as it came from an author who I have greatly enjoyed and I love to read about authors.  

For me, a reader who doesn't do poetry much, the added benefit of her telling the story behind the poem, about the time and setting with which it was written was perfect!

It was simple, small and perfect to read in one sitting.  I wouldn't mind reading more of these biographies of authors that I enjoy.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from William Morrow.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Review: Torn by Yolanda Klem

Torn by Yolanda Klem

Publisher: AuthorHouse
Pages: 196
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:   The past two years had been grueling on Maureen; her infant child's sudden death caused incredible strain on her marriage and her mind. A year later, her husband Patrick was missing, presumably dead, when his body was never recovered from a plane crash over the South African Atlantic Ocean. Now a widow, Maureen will have to wait eight years to find out why Patrick left his entire wealth to an undisclosed person and her flat broke in a last minute change to his will a week before his death. With her lawyer, Sally Burton, by her side, Maureen will dig for answers during a faceoff with the formidable Grace Monroe in a court battle that will surely shock them all. 


Kritters Thoughts:  Maureen had an interesting childhood with a mother who switched out romantic partners as often as she was buying a new pair of shoes.  She didn't guide and teach her daughter as mothers are supposed to, and because of that Maureen wasn't quite prepared for adulthood.

There was a twist at the end that were satisfying, but there were definitely a few twists that we weird or just out of left field.  I wanted to love the book more because the synopsis was fantastic with mystery intrigue and a family falling apart, but there were outside characters' stories that took a more prominent place than maybe they should have and an awkward ending that left me a little lost and confused.

Rating: not such a good read


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Review: A Diet to Die For by Sarah Steding

A Diet to Die For by Sarah Steding

Publisher: Pocket Books
Pages: 352
Format: book
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Meet Jen Stevens—a hungry New York City event planner who’s 31 years old, 30 pounds overweight, and flirting with disaster when it comes to sticking to her diet. Working for the food-centric Yummy Channel, it’s hard to resist temptation. But when there’s a crime for Jen to solve, it’s easy as pie. . . 

Baker extraordinaire Bess Brantwood is one of the Yummy Channel’s brightest stars—and biggest divas. Despite the off-camera drama, Jen has to admit that Bess’s chocolate buttercream cupcakes drizzled with caramel are simply to die for—and kill for, as it turns out—when Bess’s body, like a baked good gone bad, is discovered . . . in a Dumpster.

Who iced the cupcake queen? Jen is determined to find out. With the help of her BFFs—fab foodblogger Gabby and lively life coach Elizabeth—she starts sifting for clues. She’s got all the ingredients to solve the perfect crime, including one delectable detective, one divalicious diary, and enough industry rivals for a battle of the network stars. But is Jen prepared to risk her life as well as her waistline? No matter how you slice it, revenge is sweet—and loaded with carbs.



Kritters Thoughts:  Jen is an event planner who struggles with weight issues and works at the equivalent of the Food Channel - maybe not the best work atmosphere!  She works for the three celebrity chefs who have hit shows on the network, except on the night of a huge party celebrating one of the chefs they are found dead.  Who did it?  Who doesn't have a motive?

What a fantastic, light and funny read!  I read this in one day, just enjoying the fun light hearted side of mystery.  I loved that quite a few people had a reason to kill the victim and the author revealed each clue at the right time.  Although I wasn't right about the killer, I still wasn't disappointed by the outcome!  

This is a perfect read for those who love a little mystery, but don't need to be hanging on the edge of their seat!  I hope that this is just beginning for this author!

Rating: perfect beach read (although the beach season may be over)


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Gallery Books.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Review: Leaving Haven by Kathleen McCleary

Leaving Haven by Kathleen McCleary

Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Georgia Bing and Alice Kinnaird have always been there for each other. Eager to help her best friend have another baby after several miscarriages, Alice donates one of her eggs. When Georgia learns she's going to have the baby boy she's always wanted, she's thrilled—until a devastating discovery destroys her dreams.

While Alice is happy to help her friend get pregnant, she also feels a twinge of disappointment that her own life is missing something . . . something she desperately craves. On the surface, Alice has everything—a busy social life, a great job, a faithful husband, an amazing teenage daughter. But her well-ordered world is knocked off its axis when she's tempted by a forbidden passion that threatens the bonds of friendship, marriage, and motherhood that sustain her.

As the safety of their past is shattered, Georgia and Alice must embark on journeys of self-discovery—odysseys filled with surprising challenges that will test them and force them to confront the truth about their lives . . . and the choices they've made.


Kritters Thoughts:  Two women that are best friends and would do anything for each other end up twisted up in drama and controversy, but it is the way this story is told that was unique and special.  Georgia and Alice are both happily married, but Georgia has been trying to have a second child for years and years.  Alice will lend her friend an egg, so Georgia can have the one thing she has been yearning for for years.  

The way this story was told was fantastic.  The first part had Georgia and Alice each telling their stories in their own chapters, but one was going back in time and one started later and was going forward.  They eventually converged on a monumental date and the second part had them both moving forward from that date - it was awesome!  I wouldn't recommend reading this on an ereader because I had to go back a few times just to check my dates.  

There is quite a plot point that isn't in the synopsis (thank goodness) that takes this story to the next level.  All I can say is, I will now read anything that Kathleen McCleary comes out with, without reading the synopsis!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.



Tuesday, October 1st: Sweet Southern Home
Wednesday, October 2nd: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books
Thursday, October 3rd: Kritters Ramblings
Monday, October 7th: Book-alicious Mama
Tuesday, October 8th: Cerebral Girl in a Redneck World
Wednesday, October 9th: BookNAround
Thursday, October 10th: Seaside Book Corner
Monday, October 14th: bookchickdi
Wednesday, October 16th:  A Novel Review
Tuesday, October 22nd: Reading Lark

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Review: Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois

Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois

Publisher: Random House
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When Lily Hayes arrives in Buenos Aires for her semester abroad, she is enchanted by everything she encounters: the colorful buildings, the street food, the handsome, elusive man next door. Her studious roommate Katy is a bit of a bore, but Lily didn’t come to Argentina to hang out with other Americans.
 
Five weeks later, Katy is found brutally murdered in their shared home, and Lily is the prime suspect. But who is Lily Hayes? It depends on who’s asking. As the case takes shape—revealing deceptions, secrets, and suspicious DNA—Lily appears alternately sinister and guileless through the eyes of those around her: the media, her family, the man who loves her and the man who seeks her conviction.



Kritters Thoughts:  At this point in time, 99% of the world has heard about the Amanda Knox case and trial - the student studying abroad who finds her roommate has been murdered.  Cartwheel is a fictional tale based on some of the facts from this case and hearing a fictional tale about this major news story was very interesting.

Lilly is studying abroad in Buenos Aires and just 5 weeks in, her roommate is brutally murdered and from the beginning the focus is on her.  Told through the eyes of her family, the prosecution and her before the incident, this book takes you through the befores and afters of the crime.  I absolutely adored hearing the build up of Lilly and Katy's relationship, but I didn't quite love the parts from Eduardo the prosecutor.  His abnormally large words and language felt out of character and I felt like his personal life was awkwardly used to affect his views of the case.  The other characters and parts greatly outdid his.

My only issue was I didn't know where fiction and fact occurred.  The case is well known, but I know there are misrepresentations in the media coming from both sides, so I was constantly wondering if this was fact or fiction.  I think if this case hadn't been such a media blowout, this book would have entertained me more because I was on the brink of wondering where the stories overlapped.

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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