Coming Soon….

Posted on August 29, 2013 by opesopinions

… On a Bookshelf Near You !

This is what I am looking forward to in September.
I have read the first two books of this series
The Good Woman, The Good Daughter, and now…

Publication date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade

Goodreads: Is it possible to love someone too much?

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 . .

What is coming soon…. On a bookshelf near you?
Let me know – I am always looking for a good read!

Big Sky Wedding

Posted on August 27, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads: The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, cordially invites you to Parable, Montana-where love awaits. Wedding bells are ringing in Parable, Montana, but Brylee Parrish hasn’t enjoyed the sound since being jilted at the altar by Hutch Carmody. She’s over Hutch now, and running a multimillion-dollar business is challenging enough for this country gal. So she should avoid falling head-over-boot-heels for A-list actor Zane Sutton. He’s come home to his rodeo roots, but Hollywood lured him away once and just might again. Yet everything about him, from his easy charm to his concern for his young half brother, seems too genuine to resist….

Zane didn’t come to Parable for love-but count on a spirited woman to change a jaded cowboy’s mind. Problem is, Brylee’s not convinced he’s here to stay. Good thing he’s determined to prove to her, kiss by kiss, that she’s meant to be his bride.

Ope’s Opinion: I did not realize this book was part of a series until after I read it. I think that is a complement to the author.

The beginning of the book seemed to move at a slow steady pace. Towards the end I felt like Brylee had two personalities – she couldn’t decide if she wanted to be with Zane or not – that part was like whip lash for me. The end all of a sudden wrapped up.

Zane really took care of Nash, the way his mother had taken care of him. It was nice to see a male character nurture another male. You usually read about the female character stepping in and taking care of siblings. I also liked that Zane corrected Nash’s language when he used foul words.

The love scenes at the end of the book could have been left out and the story would have been the same ( or better ). It didn’t add anything for me, so I skimmed over that part.

Rating: Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

The Hero

Posted on August 26, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance
Source: Little Bird Publicity

Goodreads:

http://www.robyncarr.comWith warmth and sensitivity, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr shows readers that falling in love can be the bravest act of all.

In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can’t be worse than what they’ve left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need.

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he’s not looking for anything else. Instead, he’s thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point’s high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he’s gentle and kind…just the kind of man who could heal Devon’s wounded heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it…and sometimes, you find a hero.

Ope’s Opinion: I really do like Robyn Carr’s books. The first two in this series I rated four chairs. This one only got three chairs because I liked the main characters in the first two books better then this book. This book in the series seemed to move a little slower then the other two.

I really do like how we were updated about the other people in Thunder Point. It is fun to watch their relationships grow and change.

This was a good book and I am looking forward to the next one.

Rating: Three Chairs – I like the book enough to suggest it to a friend or two.

FTC – Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one copy of this book free of charge from Little Bird Publicity. 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.

Bout of Books – End of Week Wrap Up!

Posted on August 25, 2013 by opesopinions

It is Sunday night. I hope this week was as wonderful for all the Bout of Book readers as it was for me! Did meet or exceed your goals? Were you encouraged by other readers?

Here are the goals I reached: I did read for many more hours, this week, then I usually do. Bout of Books made me think of times I waste away that I could spend reading. I think I will be more aware of that now.

This weekend, I did not do as well,as I did during the week, but I never do read as much on the weekends. I usually have family around and I do house projects, etc. So, I don’t think weekends will ever be the majority of my reading time.

I would do Bout of Books again!

Please share your experience!

Emma’s Opening

Posted on August 22, 2013 by opesopinions

My granddaughter Emma was at my house when the UPS man brought a package to me. It was a book! I became real excited, so she did too. Now she believes all the packages that the UPS man delivers are books – no matter the size of the box!

I decided she needed to receive a book herself in the mail. The following pictures are enjoyment of that package from me.

This package is for me?

Trying to open.
Rough opening!

SURPRISE!!

The book
Pinkalicous: Fairy House

There will be more of these to come!!

Bout of Books – Midweek Update

Posted on August 21, 2013 by opesopinions

It is Wednesday! Half way through the week of Bout of Books. I thought I would check in and see how everyone is doing! Let me know if this has encouraged you to read more.

Here are the goals I have already reach: I have spent more time reading and less wasted time on my computer. Having my daughter Kristi of Kritters Ramblings doing it at the same time has been very encouraging to me. We talk about our goals and where we are now.

Here is where I hope to be at the end of the week: I hope to spend more time in the morning reading when it is quiet at my house. I also want to look at my schedule on a regular week and see if I can’t fit in more time to read.

I will check back in on Sunday when we are all done.

The Newcomer

Posted on August 19, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Pages: 368
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Kristi of Kritters Ramblings

Goodreads:
With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr looks at letting go of the past-and knowing when you’ve found something worth building your future on

Single dad and Thunder Point’s deputy sheriff “Mac” McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy. Now he’s found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they’re feeling like teenagers themselves-suddenly they can’t get enough of one another.

And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac’s long-lost-and not missed-ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. They’re wondering if their new feelings for each other can withstand the pressure…but they are not going down without a fight.

Step into the world of Thunder Point, a little town on the Oregon coast where newcomers are welcomed, hearts are broken and mended, and the dramas of everyday life keep the locals laughing, crying and falling in love.

Ope’s Opinion: This is the second book in the Thunder Point series. You don’t have to read the first one of the series to enjoy this one, but it does make it better. Knowing all the characters and their relationships make it real easy to get into the story.

As usual Robyn Carr knows how to weave all the story lines together. Each family has issues to deal with, but they handle in such a way you don’t feel burdened while reading. You know all the situations will be worked out – how they will be settled in the end your not sure.

I always feel like I learn something reading her books, but I am lectured to. One character deals with depression from being cyber bullied. It is interesting to learn how they dealt with depression and the signs to look for in someone.
I am looking to the next book set in Thunder Point. I am sure Robyn Carr will deliver as usual.

Rating: Four Chairs – I like this book so much I know several friends to share it with.

Choker

Posted on August 15, 2013 by opesopinions

Author: Elizabeth Woods
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 233
Genre: Young Adult

Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they’re not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her “Choker” after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe’s on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara’s life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she’s getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara’s life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she’s at school. You’re supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

Ope’s Opinion: This is suppose to be a young adult book – it is absolutely not appropriate for young readers. I have two daughters and I would not have wanted them to read this book at a young age.

Where are the parents in this book? MIA? How could they not know what was going on in their own house? Knowing their daughters issues, they just went on with life like nothing was wrong.

This book is creepy, weird and not at all what the synopsis makes you think it is about. The cover does not go with the story line at all. I was extremely disappointed in this read.

I don’t think I would read another book by this author – I don’t trust that the synopsis and cover would represent the story on the inside.

Rating: One Chair – It is likely I will be the only one reading this book.

Kristi’s Birthday!!

Posted on August 13, 2013 by opesopinions

My daughter Kristi of Kritters Ramblings has a big birthday today!! Please go to her website and wish her a great day!

Kristi started me on Goodreads a few years ago to keep track of my books and to start me writing reviews which led to her starting me blogging. We went to BEA in 2012 and had an awesome time in NYC. I met so many wonderful bloggers and enjoyed the connection in the community. During the trip we joked about me starting my own blog and what I would name it.

When we came home, Kristi came and sat with me at my dinning room table and taught me what I need to know to get started. She has been a great support and encouragement when I get discouraged.

So today we celebrate Kristi !!

Bout of Books

Posted on August 12, 2013 by opesopinions

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team.

I am excited about this challenge for myself. My daughter Kristi of Kritters Ramblings and I are going to encourage each other to read more then our usual. I am a slower paced reader, so this challenge is really fun for me. My challenge is going to be to read more hours of each day – not count the pages. That will help me to enjoy my book and still read more!

Ope's Opinions

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Monthly Archives: August 2013