Monthly Archives: December 2013

Flash and Dazzle

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Author:  Lou Aronica                  flash
Publisher: The Story Plant
Pages: 288
Genre:  Fiction
Source:  Joan Schulhafer Publishing

 

 

Goodreads:  What happens when everything you thought was true changes all at once? What happens when each relationship that means anything to you suddenly becomes far more real than you ever thought it would be? What happens when every moment becomes invaluable as all of them pass far too quickly?

Flash and Dazzle is the story of two friends who have known the best of times who develop a true taste for life during the worst of times. It is the story of the friends and lovers who enter their orbit, some for a long time and some only for a moment. It is the story of legacies, burdens, and the kinds of secrets that are only revealed when there’s nothing left to tell.

It is a funny, moving, deeply honest novel that will inspire you to call everyone you care about and thank everyone you know for what they’ve given you.

Ope’s Opinion:  I struggled to get into this book.  About half way through I got hooked.  The ending was awesome! I liked that you sort of know the ending from the start.  I think I would have given it four chairs had it grabbed me from the beginning.

It was great to read about men’s friendships that are so different, yet so similar to female relationships.  The characters were well developed and I did care about them.

Overall, I did enjoy this book.

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

Christmas Books

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What are looking forward to reading during the holidays?

Christmas is my favorite holiday.  Reading is my favorite thing to do.  SInce the holiday season gets so busy, I decided to pick out a book I didn’t want to miss at this time.  

chr train

 

Goodreads:  Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington D.C. to L.A in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people’s essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost. 

The Christmas Train is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief … and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.

Tell me your book that you do not want to miss during this busy season.

Here’s To Friends

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Author:  Melody Carlson                  here's
Publisher:  David C. Cook
Pages:  320
Genre: Christian Fiction
Source:  Purchased

Goodreads:  In the final book in Melody Carlson’s popular series, the four Lindas learn that life doesn’t stop for the holidays and even a cruise can rock your boat.  
Here’s to Friends carries our favorite fifty-somethings through the holidays to a New Year cruise to a romantic hometown wedding with plenty of bumps in between. As they struggle to reinvent themselves at midlife—coping with marital woes, a creative crisis, a financial tsunami, a prodigal child and (scariest of all!) a home remodel—Abby, Janie, Caroline and Marley must all come to terms with the need to give their worries over to God. And they learn once more that in your fifties, friendships aren’t just fun. They’re an absolute necessity!

Ope’s Opinion:  This was the final book in the Four Linda’s series. It was nice to see all the friends move  on with their friendships and other relationships.  

I really liked how Melody Carlson let you know how each character ended up.  It was good to see some real changes.  I also liked that all was not rosey – it was realistic.  Each character had things to deal with and they weren’t all solved at the end, but you did feel like the book came to a good ending.

These friendships are very encouraging.  It is so nice to see supportive female relationships. I am going to miss these characters.

Thanks for the writing Melody Carlson!

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